will@cvradio.com
Whistle-blowers: A cry for help in face of a silent Europe
Published on November 28, 2017
Story by Pascal Hansens Translation by: Larisa Rusu
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The Clearstream Affair, Luxleaks, Paradise Papers they have revealed the most important scandals of our time, only to end up paying a high price, sometimes as high as their lives. Today, whistle-blowers are sending out a cry for help in face of legal loopholes and a silent EU. Denis Robert and Raphael Halet were the first to do so.
The Clearstream Affair, OffshoreLeaks, SwissLeaks, Luxleaks, the Panama Papers, the Monstanto Papers, Snowdens leaks, and now the Paradise Papers and their 13 million leaked files Over the years, more and more sensational revelations come to light, exposing dishonourable multinationals, politicians and other people in power. These revelations put countries whose fiscal regimes are bending the law in a harsh spotlight. But while the world of politics and media is getting tired of the wait-and-see attitude towards fighting tax evasion and fraud, it is less moved by the fate of whistle-blowers who are thrown into disgrace and crushed by judicial machinery that eventually outruns them.
"I had to realise that life was elsewhere"
In the hysteria of politics and the media that these revelations trigger, its easy to forget that hidden behind every leak (whether massive or modest) there are everyday men and women. Employees, interns, self-employed individuals or simply witnesses who, in order to leak information, put their reputation, careers and sometimes even their lives at risk. The recent assassination of the Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was a brutal reminder of how dangerous whistleblowing can be. Even in Europe, revealing a case or practices that go against the general consensus can cost someone so much as blood.
This analysis is something that Denis Robert, the writer and journalist behind the Clearstream Affair in the early 2000s, can attest to. The story was turned into a film in 2015 (The Clearstream Affair, directed by Vincent Garenq, ed.) that, between two filming sessions, responds with bitterness to the vicissitudes of the time. Firstly, he doesnt consider himself a whistle-blower, a term he thinks is symptomatic of the defeat of journalism. His testimony shows the difficulties endured by what some call the sentinels. 63 [legal] procedures have been launched against me over the span of 10 years. I have been the victim of what Canadians call SLAPP suits, recounts the journalist, referring to legal procedures whose aim is not necessarily to sentence someone, but rather to frighten them and push them to self-censorship. Whats even worse than the relentless legal actions taken against Denis is the shameful reactions of journalists who, when they see me nowadays, hug the walls, he says.
For Denis, this experience has shown that true power does not lie in the ability to disclose information, but rather in that of suppressing it. I had to resist, stand firmly and especially try not to reply to questions one at a time because they were coming from everywhere. At some point it makes you crazy. I had to realise that life was elsewhere During those 10 years, I wrote novels, theatre pieces, I went fishing, to the cinema, on vacation I continued to live. The journalist, nonetheless, having worked for Actuel and Liberation enjoyed a strong reputation: It was rather difficult to get rid of it. But Clearstream partly managed to do that because they had a lawyer and a service that did the job.
Denis Robert has a name that Raphael Halet, along with Antoine Deltour, did not have when they revealed the Luxembourg Leaks, the financial scandal that dismantled the financial tax agreements between large multinationals and Luxembourgs financial administrator. The suffering that the former PricewaterhouseCoopers collaborator felt are not unlike those Denis Robert experienced. In the beginning, I was suffering from the pressure that my ex-employer put on me and my family. He was trying to destroy us, he explains in writing. The indifference shown by the majority of the population was a second blow. 80 billion euros worth of unpaid taxes per year should cause a revolution on the streets and should be the first topic of conversation, concludes Halet, who is still waiting on the court of appeals verdict, which has just been pushed to the 11th of January 2018. He faces paying a 1,000 euro fee. What Im missing is support from mainstream media, he confesses. Media outlets that, according to him, are in the hands of a few millionaires and are the cause of this silence. Luckily there is popular support via social media outlets, in particular luxleaks.fr.
Europe, the only way out
For the two men, the only viable protection for whistle-blowers would be a law on the European level, which would concern all the Member States and all sectors, both in private and public organisations. Foreign journalists could publish stories about France, and French journalists could also intervene in Belgian or German affairs, etc., explains Denis Robert. There is a need for Europe, I would say automatic rather than national, when it comes to these stories, he continues, explaining that revelations on tax evasion and fiscal fraud are by nature borderless.
The journalist suggests several ideas, such as bringing financial and legal support to whistle-blowers. He suggests creating a committee of wise people, that would be in charge of protecting and disseminating the informational revealed through the creation of an online portal. The committee would check the information and ensure a kind of irrefutable label as well as play an intermediary role between whistle-blowers and the media. For Raphael Halet, it is essential to put pressure on the European Commission by using social media and local initiatives, in order to attain the creation of a European law.
The European Commission has finally committed to presenting a law in the coming months. The European Parliament has taken the lead by voting on a resolution that will protect whistle-blowers on a European level. Virginie Roziere, the socialist MP behind the drafting of the text, is getting impatient given the inertia of the situation. If you take Sweden, the protection of whistle-blowers dates back to the 18th century, so its nothing new, she explains from Brussels. For the MP, there are plenty of national examples to draw from. She particularly cites the Netherlands, who even has a house of whistle-blowers. Paradoxically, Luxembourg has a system in place that protects whistle-blowers, but which inspired us less, or rather inspired us in what we shouldnt be doing, she adds, explaining that in Luxembourg, a whistle-blower is only protected the moment they speak to the public.
Just as Denis Robert, the MP wishes to cut the SLAPP suits short and reverse the burden of proof: to organisation that is being denounced should be the ones to prove that the alert baseless. She highlights the importance of giving a whistle-blower the chance directly address the press and the public opinion, and ultimately hopes to create a European committee of wise people, which has also been brought up by Denis Robert. She equally stresses the importance of establishing a fund to support whistle-blowers financially, psychologically or legally.
A whistle-blower is not a superhero
A clear definition as to what makes a whistle-blower is also essential for the MP. In her eyes, it should be as broad as possible in order to cover the most number of cases possible. What matters is to confirm the alert. Its the facts revealed that affect the general interest of the public [] The personality of the whistle-blower isnt an issue.
And yet, each time a new revelation is unveiled, it is hard to separate the facts from the person behind them. Cinema has also seen this pattern and taken advantage of glorifying whistle-blowers by using Benedict Cumberbatch to play Julian Assange in The Fifth Estate, or Joseph Gordon-Levitt to play Edward Snowden in Snowden. Its a cathartic construction that Virginie Roziere refuses to accept: A whistle-blower is not a superhero. They are human beings who are faced with an interior dilemma, stress, doubts, disorientation, not knowing who to speak to and how. For the MP, the Dutch example of a whistle-blower house is a priority: This would already allow for a safe place to speak, to ensure confidentiality and advise, guide and be the sympathetic first contact point for the whistle-blower.
The resolution voted by the European Parliament in October this year contains most of these proposals, with the exception of a European financial fund. The ball is now in the court of the European Commission. However, the institution seems to be playing for time. It committed itself to present a draft law this year, which it has postponed until 2018 due to the complexity of the text. The challenge is whether the text will be examined prior to the 2019 European election campaign, when all the legislative work will be stopped.
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Story by Pascal Hansens
Translated from Le cri d'alarme des lanceurs d'alerte face au silence de l'Europe
| BY Ricki Green |
Straight 8, the APA, and Cinelab London, will hold the straight 8 industry shootout @ ADFEST 2018, where APAC/MENA companies in the advertising industry compete at straight 8 for charity.
straight 8 is the global one-super-8-cartridge-no-editing film competition founded in 1999 in London. straight 8 entrants make a film on one roll of super 8mm cine film, with no second takes, no editing and no post-production. Sound must be original and is delivered blind. straight 8 takes care of processing the films so that the first time even the films makers see their work is at its premiere.
Any companies working in advertising in APAC & MENA can take one of the 20 places available. They will shoot their film, send it to London, and then see it for the first time at ADFEST 2018 on Thursday 22nd March in Thailand. All films will be shown no matter how they come out. The maximum film length for this competition will be 2 minutes 30 seconds.
The entrants will vote for their top three films, not including their own. The winners will donate the prize pot to a charity of their choice.
straight 8 industry shootout has been entered by ad agencies, production companies, service companies, edit and post houses, music companies and more. There is no creative brief and entering companies must source all cameras, crews, props, locations and ideas.
Entry is on a first come, first served basis. The first 20 companies to enter at 8am on Wednesday December 13th will be the competitors. Only registered and approved companies will receive the entry link at that time. Registration is recommended asap. One super 8 cartridge will be sent to each entered company who must film on that cartridge and send the exposed, but un-processed, film back to London by Monday February 19th.
This is a great chance to have some fun, making a film in one of the hardest ways possible, raising money for charity and battling creatively with the rest of the industry.
Companies entering recent straight 8 industry shootouts previously include: adam&eveDDB, BBH, Partizan, Mother, Saatchi, Droga5 (New York), Glassworks Productions, Hogarth Worldwide, Iconoclast, iris Amsterdam, iris London, iris Singapore, String and Tins, WK London, 72andSunny, The Lift (Mexico), Framestore Pictures (Los Angeles), TFC Japan, CZAR (Amsterdam), Radical Media (London) and many more.
Jimmy Lam, President, ADFEST: Some of the worlds most famous agencies have participated in straight 8 industry shootouts now it is time for creative companies in the APAC and MENA regions to have their chance to participate, too. Its not often you get the opportunity to make a film with no brief, in one of the hardest ways possible, while also raising money for charity, so I encourage creative companies to get involved and show off their talents at ADFEST 2018.
Steve Davies, APA Chief Executive: straight 8 is a competition of pure creativity and creates a fantastic screening because no one knows what is coming up even the film makers who have sent their films off to be developed and not seen them since. Its tense and spectacular. The APA is proud to have supported straight 8 since soon after Ed came up with it.
With a female artist nominated in nearly every category and some categories dominated by women, it could have been a night of girl power but in the end it was the men who dominated.
"These routes already have bus lines on them and some of them may have light rail lines in future. We want to be doing it where we know light rail will be running through in close proximity."
The markets were closed for the day but up to three people, believed to be tradesmen, who were in the building at the time left. No injuries have been reported.
She said while she did not believe the declaration was intentionally inaccurate at the time it was signed, the Assembly needed to know that its processes were "not subject to contempt" and could not result in potentially misleading the Governor-General.
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.
Ferraris latest and most advanced track-only toy, the FXX K Evo, will cross the English Channel in less than 2 months to celebrate its UK premiere.
Unveiled at the end of October during the Finali Mondiali event at Mugello, the Ferrari FXX K Evo will be taken to Autosport International, which takes place at the National Exhibition Center (NEC) Birmingham, from January 11 to 14.
In order to become an absolute beast on the track, this hypercar has undergone some extensive revisions made to its aero agenda, which help increase downforce and airflow.
It also gets more carbon fiber than its predecessor, and uses the brands F1 know-how in various fields, while also benefiting from a new steering wheel and digital monitors to display the telemetry, hybrid assist, and rear view.
The Ferrari FXX K Evo is said to produce over 830kg (1,830lbs) of downforce at top speed, a 23 percent increase over the regular FXX K. Meanwhile, its hybrid powertrain continues to deliver in excess of 1,000hp.
As youd expect, the Evo is aimed towards a small number of enthusiasts, either as a complete package, or an upgrade to the current FXX K.
PHOTO GALLERY
A simply breathtaking 1942 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Spider is heading to RM Sothebys Arizona auction on January 18-19.
Set to be offered without a reserve, the classic is expected to sell for between $900,000 and $1.1 million and will be right at home as the centerpiece of any car collection.
Alfa Romeo built the 6C from 1927 to 1954 in a plethora of configurations for both the road and racing purposes. Between 1938 and 1952, the 6C 2500 was the final production 6C built for the road and sold in roughly a dozen different flavors, including the SS Spider we have pictured.
RM Sothebys has yet to provide a detailed history of this particular car but our research suggests it is powered by the same 2.4-liter inline-six cylinder found across the 6C family. In SS Spider configuration, it delivered roughly 110 hp.
While that power figure is outdated by todays standards, the exterior design of the two-seater remains as beautiful as ever. It features two large circular headlights, black wheels, a black and red paint scheme, and a simple interior that appears to be in as-new condition.
PHOTO GALLERY
Hyundai has big plans for its Genesis brand not only a slate of new models, but a completely new dealer network. And its current dealers are hopping mad over the prospect of being excluded.
Genesis models are currently sold out of mainstream Hyundai dealers across America, roughly a third of which (totaling some 352 dealers) have invested in staff and facilities upgrades in order to sell the top-of-the-line G90.
The automaker is preparing, however, to slash that number down to about a hundred dedicated showrooms. This means that most of the dealers already selling Genesis models will be cut out of the loop.
Automotive News reports that the issue came to a head at a conference of Hyundai dealers in Dallas earlier this month, where several dealership owners got up and left en masse ostensibly in order to discuss privately, later rejoining the meeting.
Both the company and the dealers are in complete agreement that this is critical for the success of the Genesis brand and the dealer body, a Hyundai spokesman told Automotive News, declining to comment on the incident. At this particular meeting, during a conversation on the Genesis brand, the dealers asked to have further discussions on the topic, which already are taking place.
The automaker is preparing to roll out the new G70 to slot in below the G80 and G90 sedans, along with a coupe and three new crossovers.
Photo Gallery
Hyundai workers in South Korea have stopped building the Kona SUV as a protest against the company, with the labor union claiming there are plans to lay off people working on the assembly line.
This protest comes a week ahead of Hyundais scheduled U.S. launch, with the union warning the carmaker for a wider strike. Hyundai workers are also in annual talks with the management over pay, Reuters reports.
Hyundai has been negotiating with its labor union since October over Konas production plans. The Korean companys new sub-compact SUV is a key model to their plans to reverse a U.S. sales slump.
The union labor argues that Hyundai wants to add more automation and outsource more of the assembly of key sections. Hyundai on the other hand says that the union is making irrelevant demands, such as adding extra windows in the factory as part of the discussions.
Union leader Ha Boo-young said that the carmakers decision to start production of the Kona on a new assembly line was made without consultation from the union and thats unacceptable. He also added that a wider strike is still on the cards should there be another provocation by the management.
Hyundai Motor president Yoon Kap-han said that it was regrettable that the labor union is disrupting the production of a high-demand model at a time when most of their plants are suffering from the worst sales slowdown.
So far, the assembly line remained closed for two days this week which is equivalent to 1,230 units, according to Hyundai.
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Autonomous driving technology is all the rage these days but Hyundai has been pretty quiet on the subject. Thats about to change as Wards Auto is reporting its Highway Driving Assist technology will soon be coming to the United States.
Currently available on a handful of models in South Korea, the Highway Driving Assist system is a Level 2 semi-autonomous technology that combines adaptive cruise control with a lane keeping assist function. The system has been around since 2015 and it is slated to arrive in America in 2019 on the next-generation Sonata as well as the updated Genesis G90.
The four-year delay is somewhat surprising but Hyundais director of advanced driver assist systems, Woongjung Jang, told the publication this is due to several factors including high demand in South Korea. Jang also noted Theres so much to cover [in the United States] and we need to ensure our information on our map databases are accurate on every highway, so its taking some time to go through and verify all those.
While the Highway Driving Assist technology is a step towards full autonomy, the company is working on more advanced systems and expects them to be launched at the fleet level since mobility providers can offset the costs of the technology by not having to pay a driver. However, prices are expected to come down in the future and Jang believes Hyundai could hit an affordable price level in 2025 or later.
Speaking of fully autonomous vehicles, Jang says the technology is a bad fit for electric vehicles as the power consumption is really huge and can dramatically decrease a vehicles range. Newer technologies will likely reduce the power draw but, in the meantime, Jang believes autonomous driving systems are better suited for hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or hydrogen fuel cell applications.
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Lucid Motors announced its new, bigger headquarters in Newark, California which is twice the size of their existing one.
The EV start-up company says its getting ready for expansion, thats why as of late 2017 theyll begin moving into their new facilities into the Pacific Research Center. The new location also happens to be just a few blocks away from Lucids prototype shop, where the Air was first revealed back in late 2016.
The next two years will be a defining period for Lucid as we prepare the Lucid Air for production and continue development of future products. With the space secured for our expansion, we can now focus our attention on the task at hand, the company said in its blog.
The new HQ features a larger design studio, more lab and office space under a single roof. Lucid showcased the latest version of the Air prototype in Monterey last summer wearing a two-tone paint job.
Lucid plans to launch a production version of the Model S-rivaling Air in 2019 and after securing funds for the first phase of a new $700 million factory in Arizona. This will enable them to build between 8,000 and 10,000 cars per year initially, with the number going up to 130,000 vehicles per year when the factorys construction is complete in 2022.
Once it enters production, the new Lucid Air will cost from $52,500 (including the $7,500 federal tax credit), featuring 400hp and a 240-mile driving range per charge. The company has also announced a special Launch Edition for the first 255 units that will roll off the production line, which will offer a longer, 400-mile range, a 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds, autonomous driving hardware and more. Price for one of the Air Launch Edition models is expected to be over $100,000 according to the company.
VIDEO
Shell has reached an agreement with a host of industry-leading automakers to introduce ultra-fast charging stations along European highways.
The partnership involves Ionity, a joint venture recently established between BMW, Daimler, Ford, and Volkswagen, and will result in the rollout of high-powered charging outlets at 80 different highway sites across the continent in 2019, giving Shell a leg-up on many of its rivals.
In a statement, Shell claims that its fast chargers have a capacity of 350 kW and will be able to charge vehicles in as little as five to eight minutes, Reuters reports.
Customers want to go on long journeys in their electric vehicles and feel confident that there are reliable, comfortable and convenient places to charge them quickly, Shells head of retail Istvan Kapitany said.
The first 80 charging stations will be built in Belgium, Britain, France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and Slovenia. When construction of these locations is finished, 20 additional stations will be built in Germany.
PHOTO GALLERY
This fully-loaded 2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo has been fitted with TopCars Stingray GTR Edition kit, boasting a new custom interior and a hefty 235,000 ($280,000) price tag.
According to the Russian tuner, the car recently returned to Moscow after a brief stint in Marbella, Spain, where it met up with none other than free-skier and car enthusiast Jon Olsson.
Since were discussing its history, we have to point out that this exact car is #3 of a 25 limited run of Stingray GTR Panameras, and its wearing a whole lot of carbon fiber, both outside as well as in the cabin.
For the exterior, you get new front and rear bumpers, custom intakes, redesigned DRLs, new hood, side skirts, rear diffuser and a large rear wing that doesnt retract anymore. As for the interior, theres carbon fiber on the steering wheel, dashboard and door panels, plus plenty of leather and Alcantara.
Put it all together and you could say that spending nearly $300k on this car might be justifiable if moneys not an object and a loaded to the gills with carbon Panamera is your thing .
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It is not yet clear how or even if the Walt Disney Company intends to address the situation, or whether the company is capable of self-policing sexual misconduct at its top executive levels. What is becoming evident though is that many people at Disney had known about and tolerated Lasseters behavior for years.
In one incident, reported by Vanity Fair, Lasseter allegedly French kissed and fondled a female Disney employee against her will, which led to a phone meeting of top Disney execs including Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) and Pixar president Ed Catmull and WDAS production chief Andrew Millstein. The subject of the phone call was, Shit, what are we going to do about John?, a person who was on the call told Vanity Fair. Lasseter is the crazy-horny 13-year-old who you have to keep in check all the time.
Theyve known for a long time, an unidentified source told Variety today. It has gone all the way to the top. I know personally that Bob [Iger, Disney CEO] was aware. Everybody was aware. They just didnt do anything about it.
Many rank-and-file employees at both Disney and Pixar animation studios were also aware of Lasseters behavior, as confirmed by former Disney animation artist Minkyu Lee on Twitter:
Sources have additionally told Cartoon Brew that they believe there has been at least one financial settlement from the Walt Disney Company to a woman, stemming from Lasseters actions.
In the Variety piece, authors Gene Maddaus and Ricardo Lopez point out that, In the absence of an internal investigation of Lasseter, much depends on whether Pixar employees come forward with on-the-record allegations. Either way, the company will have to weigh the risks of hanging on to Lasseter against the benefits of allowing him to continue to shepherd films onto the screen.
For now, a well-fortified wall of silence remains around Lasseter.
The question is: How long will it last?
(Photo: Shutterstock)
With this film I challenged myself to make viewers feel for small, puny objects, Blanchet explains. I love it when people see so much in her as a character, or even as a representative of girl power. When the viewers start to think of a push pin as a person, when theyre at a point where they feel scared, happy, or excited for it, then Ive succeeded.
Throughout the film, Blanchet keeps reminding viewers of the realness of the materials by incorporating many close-ups and making some visual sacrifices. The raw color of the cork isnt really attractive visually, Blanchet acknowledges, but at least people will see its real. Staying true to real materials meant no post-production at all, turning the animation into a time-consuming process. Unfortunately some online viewers couldnt appreciate the effort, commenting things like Get a job or Get a girlfriend. But Blanchet smiles when he reflects: These people only see the work not the imagination.
More often than not, the restrictions the director set up for himself resulted in original inventions. The balloons at the end of the film, for example, are really just a bunch of rubber bands put together. Despite this simplicity, or perhaps because of it, its one of the most fantastical and visually sublime shots. Numerous people told me, This is so simple I couldve thought of it myself, the director recalls. In my mind thats actually the best response I could ask for. I love that Elastika is an idea that everybody can have and make.
War stories told through paper
Womens Letters is a poignant 11-minute short made out of papier-mache. It follows a soldier in World War I delivering his comrades letters from their families. The great amounts of love that the letters express heal the soldiers scars physically, since both the soldiers and the letters are made of paper, but also psychologically. The films metaphor is painful and beautiful.
While the ideas for the story and form of Womens Letters were conceived separately, director Augusto Zanovello couldnt unsee the combination after they connected in his head. The metaphor is a little obvious, the director says. Paper is fragile. You can burn it, you can cut it, you can write memories on it, and you can lose a piece of paper very quickly. For me, the human being is like paper. The soldiers in Womens Letters embody this paradox; the form is the story.
The papier-mache technique also gives the harsh story a certain softness. War is a painful subject matter that quickly becomes shocking in a realistic style, Zanovello says. For this film, I wanted to bring the story into another dimension a more tender one than reality.
Any imperfections that came with the hard to manipulate material were embraced by the director. He zooms in on the soldiers crumpled paper faces quite often, to intensify emotional moments. I love visual imperfections. Similar to papier-mache, life is not very constructed. Imperfection thats us. Its what makes us human.
Cruel tales on bubble wrap
Arthur Metcalfs Fantaisie in Bubblewrap will surely leave you feeling guilty about ever popping one of those plastic sheets of bubbles. A producer friend of mine would do it all the time, Metcalf says. She wouldnt simply pop them though shed put a face on each of them first. I thought it was a great idea and asked her if I could use it for a film.
The films cinematographic quality is low, or shitty in the directors own words, but this imperfection might actually contribute to its humor. Different from the previously discussed films though, for Metcalf it wasnt a conscious choice while making the film he simply never considered a fancier look or technique. I just sort of stumbled onto this technique with my then-really-limited skills out of necessity. Animating it in cg or even using a better camera to record with was never a thing. But I think when theres great jokes, nobody cares about the quality just look at South Park.
Regarding the films success, Metcalf thinks people enjoy the film because basically everybody is guilty of popping bubble wrap: The common sentiment in Youtubes comment section seems to be, I will never look at bubble wrap the same way again. Theres that recognition there. In that sense, I do think the actual material, as opposed to a drawn or cg representation, helps the connection in the end. Some people even said they cried at the end people crying about a bubble-wrap baby. That makes me happy.
This article is inspired by the thematic program Things Have Feelings Too, which was presented at the 2015 KLIK Amsterdam Animation Festival.
I am a Civics 11 student from Summerland Secondary School. We have done a lot of research on the Banks Crescent Development, we have had guest speakers from both sides and we have talked with the mayor and spent many classes researching so we can make an informed decision. Young people are normally disregarded of their voice in a community project as they just don't understand or don't know the facts but we might just know more than most members of our community.
Banks crescent is a development presented by the Lark Group. It was proposed to be a 424 room senior home with multi-levels of care depending on your needs. Summerland needs this development; we need the jobs and the tax dollars that it will bring along with it. Our seniors need places to live where they can receive the care they require and deserve.
Summerland is in desperate need of more jobs for our community. Building this development will bring in jobs for construction workers, doctors, nurses, care aids among lots of minimum wage paying jobs for the youth and students living in town. There is said to be a movie theatre, restaurants, a spa, a pool along with other amenities that will require workers that Summerland can provide.
Do you hate hitting pot holes when you're driving around town? Tax dollars can fix that! As we all know some infrastructure in Summerland need upgrading however, that costs money. Summerland would benefit from the tax dollars this development would bring along with it. Banks Crescent would bring in 600,000 more tax dollars per year. The extra tax dollars could possibly fund to upgrade the roads and/or other amenities for example, the Summerland Fitness and Aquatic Centre.
In Summerland we are lucky to have the oldest fish hatchery in British Columbia. Many residents are concerned about what this development could mean for the hatchery, the main concern is the aquifer under the property as increased vibration could cause dust and clay particles to contaminate Shaughnessy Springs. There have been multiple studies done to confirm the safety of the spring. The developer has also mentioned an enhanced protection program that includes permanent water monitoring wells and water quality testing as soon as possible.
The Baby Boomer population is aging, approximately one thousand Canadian seniors retire every day and we need places for them to live to get the care they need. There are two main seniors housing options in Summerland, Dr. Andrew Pavilion (Interior Health) and the Summerland Seniors Village. Some folks do get in-home private care but for a lot of seniors it is not an option as they need around the clock supervision. Does someone you know have dementia and you want them in town for easy visitation? Having more assisted living facilities can help with that! There is at least a two year waiting list to get into a seniors home in Summerland, with another option it will decrease the lengthiness of these waiting list.
Summerland needs the help this development would provide for all members of the community young or old. It feels like our town is just surviving, we need to grow and change to thrive.
Ava Hart
All it takes for spring water to change course or quality is a crack the size of a pinhole. (Summerlanders for Sensible Development website)
The developers of the Banks Crescent Project are, supposedly, going to drill and dig holes for three underground parking levels, even though it could possibly fracture the bottom of the lot and/or affect the spring water below where they are drilling the holes. Isnt it reasonable for the owners of the trout hatchery to be nervous about having this development approved, considering the fact that the spring underneath the development, Shaughnessy Spring is where they get their water from?
I am a student of Summerland Secondary School, who is currently in a Civics 11 course. My class has had a few people visit our class from both points of view on the Banks Crescent Project; some who support it and some who are against it. Each student in my Civics class have each created a pros and cons table, looked through many newspapers and searched websites as forms of research. My class has also visited Mayor Peter Waterman in council chambers.
The fish hatchery receives one-hundred million dollars per year in the provinces economy. The water that enters the hatchery is already in a sensitive area but if something goes wrong with the project, that could change from bad to worse. Why take such a large risk like this when there is a pretty good chance that the development will affect this one, small fish hatchery in such a large way? I honestly believe that the people of Summerland and the city council should certainly rethink their decision.
The fish hatchery is not the only reason why I believe the Banks Crescent Project should not be approved. In the cold, icy season that we call winter, the roads around the area where they are proposing to build the development are going to be extra icy, plus the road is uphill! There is a much greater chance of people getting into accidents that way. I know they are going to do things to improve the road and make it wider, but I honestly think they should just spare themselves the time and money. It is already going to be lots of money and lots of time to build the actual Banks Crescent Development, but that is going to mean even more money and time spent on improving and rebuilding the road. The developers are going to have to pay one-and-a-half million dollars to redo the roads. Im starting to ask myself if some of the money they are putting towards rebuilding the roads is coming from taxpayers.
I personally think that the people wishing to turn this dream into a reality are making a large mistake. I would not take this many risks, all for just building some seniors development. There is too much money and time that is going to be wasted on this development. They should spare themselves the time and money by not building this project. I believe that the council of Summerland should use the money they want to put towards the development towards something more useful; perhaps something more for the youth part of the town. Think about it; this town already has five seniors homes, but practically nothing for the youth of Summerland to do. If the project does get built, the developers are supposedly going to build an indoor gym for working out, a pool, and a movie theatre. Summerland does already have a pool and a sort-of gym, but we havent even attempted building even a small movie theatre.
If we let this project go through, it would also mean paving over a beautiful vineyard, and possibly blocking the view of the lake for some people. The fact that they would be paving over such a gorgeous place is definitely a big part of why I am against it as well.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that the Banks Crescent Development should not be put through. It could affect the fish hatcherys water and it is, in my opinion, a bad place to build the project because of the view possibly getting blocked and the fact that the road that it would be getting built next to is an uphill road and gets quite icy during winter. I am not asking for you to decline the development just because of just one person or even many people, I am simply asking you to consider the facts and opinions that I have presented for you. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter; it is greatly appreciated.
Amber Fusco
We all long to live happy and valuable lives and we all urgently desire a world of peace. But if that is true, then why has it been an impossible goal to achieve? We have never seen a world of peace, but every human longs to live there. We live in a society where we have increasing drug problems, terrorist bombings, shootings, home invasions and now many of our Hollywood Heroes are being exposed as sexual predators when we have all but worshiped them and longed to be like them!
The Government, the churches, the United Nations, will not solve our problems; if they could have, they would have at least made some progress over the last many decades of untold investment. We spend countless millions of dollars, untold hours of human investment and so much prayer, volunteerism, endless councils, commissions, research, discussion groups, all with no documentable, beneficial results. Our problems are getting worse. Many segments of our society live in fear, squalor and homelessness, and we have been helpless to solve any of these problems.
Isnt it possible, that all of these problems are the result of decaying families in our society? As the family has broken down, society has followed; as the family has continued to decay with broken homes, single parents, relaxed morals and self-centered love, society cannot help but follow just as night follows day. Our society good or otherwise, comes on the foundation established by our families, good or otherwise and likewise will follow our Nation.
The solution to drug overdoses cannot come from extra police, more anti drug education or Naloxone anti drug overdose availability. It can only come when we become committed to healthy families and make more effort to become the best mothers and fathers we can be, who are willing to sacrifice self focused activities, to invest in healthy marriages and healthy families.
The only way we can build a strong, healthy and happy society free from the scourge of drug addiction, suicide, hatred and intolerance, is on the foundation of strong, healthy and happy families. The family is the foundation for good citizens and the foundation of a good society. The family is where we learn to love! The happy family is the only place where we can have hope for our future as individuals, and hope for our society and nation.
The only place where we have any hope of overcoming the problems we face is not in more laws and more arrests and not even in more education. It is in supporting and encouraging families, becoming mentors to those who struggle, encouraging couples to engage in marriage support programs.
As Parents, It is essential that we commit to loving our children and dedicating our lives to them in such a way that they will be inspired and feel loved and be determined to overcome problems in their own families and not just run away or give up when things become difficult. We must become the example as loving parents and spouses. Our children must know they are loved always and no matter what. To build these healthy families each of us need to learn to have an attitude of living for the sake of others, especially in our own family. The choices are ours as individuals.
There is no other way; we have tried them all and failed miserably.
John Abelseth
How will this new system work to make the Okanagan Lake water quality better, more improved and lasting into the future for our children. First, remember this, if you do not have clean, good quality drinking water your population is in great trouble.
Kelowna and IHA want to control the water distribution systems for the central Okanagan. How will they make it better than what is in place before this deal is made? They have taken over SEKID and maintained their staff since they know their system best, this is good. Farmers are now worried about the future availability and price of their irrigation water. Simple enough, install flow meters and charge accordingly not brain surgery. Flow meters will make farmers conserve as much as possible and it is fair, users pay for quantity used. Will the water available from mountain lakes be enough to satisfy the farmers needs into the future? Will this mountain water be in need of treatment i.e. filtering and ultra violet before it is good for irrigation?
With the system as is mountain water is also used for domestic systems as it is today, so treatment will be necessary if IHA has their way. Instead of spending millions on a treatment plant for the mountain water maybe the domestic lines to the area should come from existing Kelowna which comes from Okanagan Lake either at Knox Mountain or Cedar Creek pumping stations. Of course, Cedar Creek is on the down stream of the Kelowna KLO sewer plant outfall so they would be consuming spent sewage which has been through the Kelowna sewage treatment plant. Now we can ask, if this sewage treatment plant outfall is good enough quality water for introduction into the Okanagan Lake for the Cedar Creek pumping station to use for their domestic customers, then we have to assume that this sewage plant outfall is good enough for irrigation as well as domestic water for our customers in the Mission area of Kelowna.
Kelowna can supply 30,000,000 liters per day every day of the year, of treated sewage water (now going into the Okanagan Lake at KLO) and West Kelowna can supply 10,000,000 liters of treated sewage water every day to the west side irrigation systems which will also come under the Kelowna and IHA control in time. Rose Valley water system is in need of a treatment plant if this water is to meet IHA status. Just $42 million proposal. If west side used only Okanagan Lake water for domestic purposes, then this plant is not needed for irrigation water. The $42 million or part of, could be used for the pumping station and ultra violet system instead. Rose Valley water could still be used for irrigation no treatment needed. It seems needless to treat all Rose Valley water for both domestic and irrigation purposes. The 10,000,000 liters per day of sewage treatment out flow now going into Okanagan Lake on the west side could be used to supplement the existing irrigation supply. No need to add this sewage treatment outfall to the lake.
Kelowna could do the same, use the sewage treatment plant out fall to supplement the irrigation supply thus sparing the Okanagan Lake from taking the 30,000,000 liters of sewage treatment outfall every day. So, what is the benefit of this idea? The Okanagan Lake water quality will improve greatly and will be available for domestic consumption. How will this extra irrigation supply affect the mountain lakes? The mountain lakes will thus be able to discharge clean water to the creeks leading into Okanagan Lake improving the water quality of the lake even more.
Kelowna city and the water business should look to the future and not make expensive mistakes that will come back to bite the future generations. Do not be afraid to do something different, make this work, make the new system smart and efficient. This new idea should specify that all Okanagan domestic water consumers drink from the lake, only then will everyone think and appreciate our supply of good drinking water. Have a glass of water on me and think also of the fish.
Please note, City Of Vernon already does this why cant we? Time for change for the better, work into the future.
Jorgen Hansen
Photo: CBSA
A new study says more than half of the illegal guns seized by police in British Columbia over the past three years were purchased, traded or stolen from within Canada.
Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says most people might think illegal weapons come from the United States or other countries, but police data indicates almost 60 per cent of the guns come from domestic sources.
Farnworth released the findings of a government task force report today, which concludes illegal firearms play an expanding role in criminal activity across the province.
In 2015, criminal use of firearms was linked to 2,000 incidents in B.C. ranging from break and enters to homicides.
Farnworth says police seized 3,000 illegal weapons during investigations of those incidents.
He says the government will create a police unit to tackle weapons trafficking.
Photo: West Coast Ferries Forum
A death on board a BC Ferries vessel, Monday, has been deemed not suspicious.
The man's body was found by staff on the Queen of Oak Bay after it docked in Nanaimo at 8 a.m.
Police and the BC Coroners Service were notified, but the death is not considered criminal in nature.
The incident resulted in the cancellation of the 8:30 a.m. sailing from Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay, as well as the ferry's 10:30 a.m. return.
with files from CTV Vancouver Island
Photo: RCMP RCMP are looking for Vernon resident Robert Long who has been missing for weeks.
UPDATE 10:46 a.m.
RCMP have said Robert Long has been found safe and sound.
Vernon RCMP are asking for public help in finding a local man who's been missing for weeks but believed to be in the Vernon area.
Robert Long, 53, was last seen on Nov. 8.
There is nothing to indicate foul play at this time and police believe he was dropped off by a friend in the Vernon area, said Const. Kelly Brett, RCMP spokesperson. Since Roberts disappearance, police have followed up on several leads and possible sightings, however Robert remains missing.
Brett said police were very concerned for Long's health and well-being, and family report that it is out of character for him to be out of contact for this long.
Long is described as a Caucasian male standing five-feet-11-inches tall and weighing 170 lbs, with greying hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Robert Long is urged to contact their local police, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.nokscrimestoppers.com.
Photo: Google Maps Vernon council has approved the sale of the old McMechan Reservoir on 39th Avenue.
Vernon city council has approved the sale of the old McMechan Reservoir at 901 39th Avenue for $6,492,754.
The 19.6 acre portion, situated by Mutrie Road at the far edge of East Hill, has been sold to Vernon Reservoir Developments Ltd. although what it will be used for remains a mystery.
It's very good development property and it makes sense for the community, said Coun. Brian Quiring of the sale.
Speaking to reporters after a council meeting Monday, Quiring said the old reservoir was surplus to the city's infrastructure requirements.
He said there may be some geotechnical issues for the new owners to deal with but he called the land nice property (with) good views of the city.
Mayor Akbal Mund said the new owner wants to rezone the land which will explain what the plans are for the property but pointed out there were many homes in the area.
It's not being used for anything right now, said Mund. I don't have a problem taking property we have, selling it and using that money for some other property.
Mund even suggested money from the sale could be put into social housing closer to the city centre.
There's a lot of stuff we could do with the money and that's something we have to consider.
Photo: The Canadian Press Spills from TransCanada Corp.'s Keystone pipeline that leaked an estimated 210,000 gallons of oil in South Dakota.
TransCanada Corp says it plans to restart operations on its Keystone pipeline on Nov. 28 after making repairs to a leak that spilled about 795,000 litres of crude oil in South Dakota.
The company says U.S. regulators have cleared its restart plans, which include restarting the pipeline at a reduced pressure before gradually increasing the volume of crude oil in the system.
TransCanada says that as of Nov. 24, it had recovered about 168,000 litres of crude oil from the spill in a farmer's field, and that there are no indications of the spill affecting water sources.
The spill on Nov. 16 forced the company to shut the section of the Keystone pipeline system between Hardisty, Alta., and Cushing Okla. and a spur line to Patoka, Ill., while a southern section extending to the Gulf Coast remained in operation.
The leak increased scrutiny of the company's pipeline operations just days before Nebraska regulators voted on whether to allow the company's proposed Keystone XL pipeline project to run through the state.
Regulators gave the go-ahead for the project on Nov. 20, but approved an alternative route to the one preferred by TransCanada.
Photo: Kate Bouey Council has approved big changes to the BC Transit service in Vernon.
Efforts will be made to get a bus stop back onsite at the Village Green mall at the north end of Vernon.
City council on Monday approved a major expansion of the BC Transit service, including the addition of 7,000 annual service hours and a new north-south route that would run through town every 15 minutes during peak periods.
The changes are expected to take effect in April 2018 at a cost of $314,277 for the first nine months. The money will be taken from reserves.
Council has also asked city and transit staff to approach the owner of the mall, Bentall Kennedy, to see if the issue of an onsite bus stop can be resolved.
It's just not conducive to people using it that have mobility challenges or those with all their kids, said Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who made the motion. Last winter, I saw a woman get stuck in her wheelchair in the snow. It's just crazy.
Cunningham is hopeful new negotiations will work, although they failed a year ago, or a bus stop will have to be chosen along 48th Avenue which is the current situation.
Council also heard from Okanagan Landing resident James Kanester who requested a return to 35 minute service in his area of Heritage Drive and Allenby Way, near Bella Vista Road.
Council liked his argument to reroute the number 8 bus, which travels Bella Vista, to pick up passengers at an Allenby Way stop. They voted in favour of that action.
Council has also asked BC Transit to take a look at routes 7 and 8 to see if 35 minute service can be provided to the area.
Meanwhile, council's financial watchdog Bob Spiers questioned the big increase in costs to bussing.
He said the annual transit bill, including the HandyDart, will increase 30 per cent to $1.365 million.
I know we've found a way of using the reserves, which should be done but I don't see an increase in revenue as we were promised, Spiers said.
He pointed out that taxpayers would be footing the whole bill once reserves run out in a few years time.
Photo: City of Vernon Only four city-owned lake access sites will be developed next year, council has decided.
The number of city-owned Okanagan Lake access sites to be developed next year have been halved.
Council on Monday approved four access sites along the lake for development. Four other sites pinpointed by staff will now only have new signs and garbage bins. Some lakeside signage will let kayakers and other boaters know they can stop at that area.
We did go on a tour of the eight that had been recommended by staff and we've decided not to go ahead on four of them, said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. The monies that we might save by not doing the ones that were on the list, we're going to try to put into existing lakeshore lots and try to expedite the development of those.
In March, council supported an ambitious plan to create more public sites where residents and tourists could access Okanagan Lake.
The scaled back plan includes two sites on Tronson Road, one on Lakeshore Road next to Kin Beach and another on Okanagan Avenue.
Mayor Akbal Mund said one site was rejected for conservation reasons while another was just too narrow and steep.
Mund is hopeful some of the money saved could be used to upgrade Camp Hurlburt which is currently in the hands of the North Okanagan Regional District.
Photo: Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
The Trans Canada Highway has completely reopened in both directions east of Chilliwack.
The highway was closed after three mudslides hit near Bridal Falls Thursday morning.
The maintenance contractor continued work this afternoon to rebuild the shoulders of the highway and remove the remainder of debris from the area in order to re-open all four lanes of the highway to traffic.
Single lane closures will be put in place as required to complete any remaining work and to monitor the operation of the culverts.
Photo: Contributed
The Summerland Arts and Cultural Centre is turning to the province for funding from the rural dividend program.
Council unanimously agreed to fully support the grant application Monday night.
To our surprise the fourth intake of rural dividend has become available, said community development coordinator Angelique Wood. The opportunity to apply for economic development funding in relation to the Arts and Cultural Centre development that were undertaking in seems like a big opportunity.
The grant would help fund development and business planning and run workshops and programming at the centre, museum campus, surrounding park and local schools.
The report outlines a premise to apply for funding for the full maximum allowable as an individual applicant, which would be a total of $100,000, Wood said.
The proposed grant would supplement the $250,000 currently budgeted for the Arts and Cultural Centre renovation project.
Last year, Summerland used its $100,000 rural dividend grant on a feasibility study for a large solar array in the community. The rural dividend program is available to communities under 25,000.
Photo: DriveBC Screen grab from Rogers Pass Hwy 1, near Parks Headquarters at Glacier National Park.
Highway 1, between Eagle Pass and Rogers Pass, is about to get a whole lot of snow.
A snowfall warning has been issued by Environment Canada for the Trans-Canada Highway on Monday night.
About 20 centimetres is expected to fall overnight and into Tuesday.
A frontal system will move across the B.C. interior on Tuesday bringing up to 20 cm of snow to the Trans-Canada Highway - Eagle Pass to Rogers Pass by late Tuesday, stated Environment Canada.
The snowfall is expected to ease up by Tuesday evening.
Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions. Visibility may be suddenly reduced at times in heavy snow, stated Environment Canada.
Snowfall warnings are issued when significant snowfall is expected.
For updates on road conditions visit this link.
Photo: Contributed
A pair of Summerland residents were in front of council Monday to express concerns about their AMR electric meter.
The two residents had similar feelings towards the smart meters emitting radiation, with both looking to get rid of their current smart meters for a manual version.
All council members agreed they need more information on everything associated with switching from a smart to manual meter.
In terms of the rates and so on, I think thats something we perhaps need or want a little more information, Mayor Peter Waterman said, adding they should look into what other municipalities do in similar situations.
We need to pursue it a bit more to make sure that we are fair, there is a couple questions we need to get answers to.
Only three households have come forward hoping to switch out their electrical meter for a manual meter, according to Tami Rothery, sustainability and alternative energy coordinator.
A draft policy suggested charging opt out households $100 to replace the meters and $24 per month for manual reading.
The purpose of this report was to bring forward a revenue neutral policy framework for residents wishing to opt out of the electric meters for automated meter reading, said Kris Johnson, director of works and utilities. The District has received a few requests in the past for this, due to perceived concerns of the radiation from electromagnetic frequency from the meters.
Council directed staff to further review the proposed monthly opt out fees and report back to council in the future.
Photo: The Canadian Press
The Bank of Nova Scotia posted a three per cent increase in fourth-quarter net income as it announced a $2.9-billion offer to buy a majority stake in a Chilean bank.
Scotiabank said Tuesday that it has submitted a binding offer to acquire Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria's shares in its Chilean banking operation, BBVA Chile.
"This transaction is in line with Scotiabank's strategy to increase scale within the Chilean banking sector and the Pacific Alliance countries," the bank said in a statement. "It will double Scotiabank's market share in Chile to approximately 14 per cent, and make Scotiabank the third largest non-state owned bank in the country."
The lender added that BBVA is willing to accept the deal if its minority partner, the Said family, does not exercise its right of first refusal under a shareholders agreement.
The proposal came hours before it posted fourth-quarter earnings of $2.07 billion in net income or $1.64 diluted earnings per share for the three months ended Oct. 31, up from $2.01 billion or $1.57 during the same time last year.
The quarter was helped by Scotiabank's Canadian and international banking business segments, which saw net income attributable to shareholders rise by 12 per cent and 11 per cent, to $1.07 billion and $605 million, respectively. However, this was offset by a 15 per cent drop in fourth-quarter net income in its global banking and markets division to $391 million, the bank said.
Photo: RCMP
Kamloops RCMP are investigating reports of shots fired Monday night just before 8 p.m. in the Carson Crescent area of the city's north shore.
Witnesses saw a male on a bike and a dark-coloured pickup truck in the area at the time of the shooting.
No one was injured, but two spent shotgun shell casings were found at the scene.
Police are analyzing the casings, and the investigation is ongoing.
Photo: Elizabeth Kozub Deer head toward 30th Avenue on Monday, Vernon's main street.
A Vernon resident expressed delight and upset over an unusual occurrence in Vernon's downtown area on Monday.
Elizabeth Kozub spotted five deer around lunchtime yesterday cruising down the road, heading to the intersection by Justice Park across from the Nixon Wenger law offices on 30th Avenue.
I was delighted, Kozub said.
But Kozub said after the animals left the park to cross busy 27th Street, cars were driving around them and someone on a motorcycle cut in between the small herd.
A couple of the deer that were separated and left behind were very upset and agitated and I was sure I was going to witness a tragedy. Why cant people take a few minutes from their busy day to stop and allow them all to cross together? Are people really in that much of a hurry?
Photo: Contributed
UPDATE: 3:25 p.m.
The northbound lanes of the Coquihalla Highway are now open, after the highway was closed by a semi truck fire Tuesday morning.
Southbound travel remains closed near Sowaqua Creek.
The truck was hauling phenol formaldehyde resin, a corrosive polymer, which had leaked into a ditch.
UPDATE: 1 p.m.
A semi on fire on the Coquihalla Highway near Sowaqua Creek is hauling phenol formaldehyde resin.
The synthetic polymer is corrosive and is leaking onto the highway and into the ditch, Emergency Management BC reports.
Sand is being used to dam the ditch.
An 800-metre exclusion zone has been set up around the incident.
UPDATE: noon
Two Environmental Emergency Response Officers have been deployed to a tractor trailer fire involving corrosive liquid on the Coquihalla, near Carolin Mines.
An exclusion zone has been created around the semi fire.
The next DriveBC update is expected after 2 p.m.
ORIGINAL: 9:54 a.m.
As if there weren't enough obstacles on the region's highways, Highway 5 is now closed in both directions between Othello and Merritt, for an incident two kilometres West of the Carolin Mines exit.
DriveBC reports semi is on fire, and an assessment is in progress.
No detour is available at this time. Highway 1 or 3 could be used as an alternate route for the time being.
Photo: The Canadian Press Unifor President Jerry Dias
Ottawa is coming under fresh pressure to find a way to save the ailing Canadian newspaper industry, although the Liberals remain steadfast in their argument that the solution lies in the transition to digital platforms and more viable business models.
Torstar Corp. and Postmedia Network Inc. announced Monday they will cut nearly 300 jobs as they plan to shutter more than 30 newspapers across the country, with most of the dailies and community weeklies affected based in Ontario.
"It's absolutely brutal," Canadian union leader Jerry Dias said Monday as he urged federal Heritage Minister Melanie Joly to protect print journalism.
Earlier this year, a major report from the Public Policy Forum called for a sales tax on foreign companies selling digital subscriptions in Canada and a $400-million fund to help finance reliable news and information. The Canadian Press participated in the roundtables and research.
And in June, the House of Commons heritage committee also issued recommendations on how to save the industry, including a five-year tax credit to compensate print outlets for a portion of their digital investments.
But in September, Joly unveiled a cultural strategy that was criticized by industry experts for lacking measures that could have given a boost to struggling newspapers across Canada.
At the time, Joly said Ottawa had no interest in bailing out industry models that are no longer viable, and would instead focus on supporting innovation, experimentation and the transition to digital platforms.
Asked Monday if news of the closures had encouraged her to rethink her approach, Joly reiterated that the government would provide support in the coming months for local media as they continue to shift to web-based models.
"Of course, I'm sad to hear about these local closures, and my thoughts are with the families affected," she said.
She also noted the federal government invests up to $75 million annually in the Canada Periodical Fund, which includes support for local media.
The Liberals believe there is still a strong appetite for local news and that there could be a way for other local media companies to begin filling in the gaps
Joly's office said the Liberal government is looking at modernizing the Canada Periodical Fund in ways that could help local news outlets, such as by moving away from funding based on paid print circulation, which does not account for a digital audience.
Helping print media out of a crisis does not have to be about propping up a failed business model, said Dias, the national president of Unifor and one of several prominent Canadian business leaders who took part in consultations on the future of the industry.
"If the government wants to have a thriving industry, if they want to have freedom of expression, if they want to have journalistic integrity, then we're going to have to find a mechanism to deal with it," Dias said. "You put money into journalism. That's what the issue is."
Photo: Kate Bouey A new parking lot has opened in Vernon's downtown.
It may take a few weeks for downtown workers to notice, but the City of Vernon has opened a new monthly parking lot on 29th Street by 30th Avenue, where the old New Delhi restaurant once stood.
"There is a concern we are losing parking," Coun. Juliette Cunningham said to staff during a council meeting on Monday.
But she was quickly assured the new lot had finally opened for monthly paid parking.
The news may come as a relief for downtown businesses who often complain about a lack of parking for their customers. The 29th Avenue lot is often jammed and the new lot may free up some of those spaces for short-term parkers.
The lot was expected to open some months ago but, during demolition of the buildings on that stretch of road, an underground storage tank was discovered with petrochemical contents and contamination of the surrounding soil.
Those who are interested in purchasing a pass can go to city hall or call 250-545-1361.
Photo: The Canadian Press
Exxon Mobil Corp. says first oil has been produced ahead of schedule from the $14-billion Hebron project in the Jeanne D'Arc Basin about 350 kilometres southeast of St. John's.
It had been expected to begin production in December. At its peak, it is designed to produce 150,000 barrels of oil per day.
The Hebron oilfield off Newfoundland and Labrador was discovered in 1980 and is estimated to contain more than 700 million barrels of recoverable oil.
The project had an estimated cost of $5 billion when announced 10 years ago. It has taken about eight years since official sanctioning to complete engineering, construction and startup of Hebron with about 7,500 people working at the peak of construction phase.
Hebron is operated by ExxonMobil Canada with a 35.5 per cent stake.
Its other partners are Chevron Canada with 29.6 per cent interest, Suncor Energy Inc. with 21 per cent, Statoil Canada with nine per cent and provincial Crown corporation Nalcor Energy with 4.9 per cent.
Photo: Getty Images
Rental prices in Penticton continued to climb last year, while vacancy rates dwindled.
Penticton renters saw their rents go up 6.3 per cent in 2017 on average, according to new data released Tuesday by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The overall vacancy rate in Penticton apartments and rental townhomes dropped slightly to 1.0 per cent, compared to 1.1 per cent the previous year. The vacancy rate for apartment rental units fell to 0.9 per cent.
Rental stock in the city of purpose-built rental units increased to 2,284 21 more units than in 2016.
City of Penticton director of development services Anthony Haddad said the dip in the vacancy rate reflects challenges communities across BC are facing.
We are starting to get a handle on it though, he said, noting another 200 units of rental housing under development or construction at the moment.
A bachelor suite cost renters in Penticton $657 per month, while a one-bedroom suite cost $780, a two-bedroom was $951 and a three-bedroom was $1,285.
In total, the average renter paid $867 in Penticton, compared to $822 in 2016.
In B.C., the average vacancy rate sits at 1.3 per cent, while the average cost of rent is $1,164 per month.
Gustavo Durango, CMHC senior market analyst, said the rental demand can be attributed to international migrants arriving in Canada, improved employment conditions and an ongoing aging of the country's population.
Blood Water: B.C.s Dirty Salmon Farming Secret from Tavish Campbell on Vimeo.
A shocking discovery has been made beneath B.C. coastal waters.
Independent filmmaker and diver Tavish Campbell spent six months documenting effluent from salmon farming processing plants near Campbell River and Tofino. What he found is beyond disturbing.
Raw, infected effluent from farmed salmon is being released into critical wild salmon migration corridors.
This untreated "blood water" is infected with piscine reovirus, according to Campbell, a highly infectious virus that causes heart and skeletal muscle inflammation, a deadly disease for wild salmon.
Campbell had the samples tested and found evidence of reovirus.
A third of B.C.s salmon migrate past the two processing plants in Clayoquot Sound and Discovery Passage.
"We're not trying to vilify these companies. At this point, what they're doing isn't illegal. It's up to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to make the necessary changes to the process," says Campbell.
His video shows a pinkish-red cloud being emitted by a pipe outlet.
The footage was gathered during April, June and October 2017.
Photo: Contributed
A Penticton households effort to prevent theft in their backyard was foiled last week.
Residents of a townhouse complex on Orchard Ave. installed a security light in the parking area of the back lane of the complex, but the light didnt last long.
They had been having some problems there with transients in the area and they discovered their new security light had been stolen off the back fence, said Cpl. Ted Manchulenko.
In an attempt to install a new motion light on a taller pole, the owner put up a small step ladder, he then ran into the house to grab some tools and came back to find his ladder gone.
He got hit twice.
The ladder was stolen on Nov. 23, said police. An investigation continues.
Photo: The Canadian Press Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci
Alberta remains on track to rack up a $10.3-billion deficit this year, but Finance Minister Joe Ceci says there are signs pointing to a continued rebound in the economy.
The second-quarter fiscal update predicts the economy will grow by four per cent in 2017 up from the 2.6 per cent forecast in last spring's budget.
Ceci says more than 70,000 full-time jobs have been added in the last 1 1/2 years, most of them in the private sector.
He also says the government is still committed to belt-tightening and has found $300 million towards its goal of saving $400 million this year through in-house savings.
But the government continues to borrow for operating and building, and this year's debt is forecast to rise above $42 billion.
Ceci and Premier Rachel Notley have promised to get the budget balanced by 2023, but so far haven't offered any details on how that would be achieved.
Photo: CTV
Vancouver Police and the BC Coroners Service are on the scene of what they describe as two suspicious deaths.
The body of a 77-year-old woman and 79-year-old man were discovered inside their residence near Granville Street and West 5th Avenue just before 5 p.m. on Monday.
No further details are being released, but police do not believe the public is at risk.
The investigation is ongoing, and police advise there are no further details to share at this time.
Photo: Castanet Staff Teneycke exiting the Penticton courthouse May 2017
Ronald Teneycke is too sick and old to continue to criminally terrorize the South Okanagan, his lawyer argued Tuesday.
The dangerous offender and sentencing hearing for one of the regions most notorious criminals wrapped in Penticton court today, with Judge Richard Hewson reserving judgement for a later date.
Crown prosecutors are looking to lock Teneycke up indefinitely allowed under dangerous offender legislation for his latest 2015 crime spree that saw him rob a gas station at gunpoint and shoot a man who picked him up hitchhiking.
Defence lawyer Michael Welsh isnt opposing the dangerous offender tag, but said a 10-12 year sentence with 5-7 years of probation is more appropriate. He said the gas station robbery and shooting should be treated as one transaction, allowing him to serve a sentence for them at the same time.
Teneycke has lymphoma, hepatitis C, diabetes and gout, Welsh said, stating the health issues change the circumstances in terms of his physical abilities from what was the situation previously.
Welsh outlined the chaotic upbringing 55-year-old Teneycke had, being a child of incest between his mother and uncle, and removed from his Metis heritage.
Many of Teneyckes 37 convictions are violent, including sexual assault with a weapon, forcible confinement and uttering threats, in connection to the rape of an Okanagan teenager in 1993.
His record dates back to 1981 with convictions in four consecutive decades.
The man shot during the 2015 crime spree told reporters outside the courtroom Tuesday he doesnt believe the pitch Teneycke is too sick to be dangerous.
He had all of those things when he shot me, nothing has changed, Wayne Belleville said. He actually looks healthier now than he did then.
I dont buy that hes less dangerous now because he suffers from gout and depression.
If the Crown fails to convince the judge to lock up Teneycke indefinitely, they are asking for a 24-28 year sentence, which appeased Belleville.
The judicial system has failed the community at large with regards to past sentencing. It should have never even gotten to this point, he said, noting Teneycke was out on an intermittent (weekend-only) sentence when he shot him.
Hes terrorized the South Okanagan for long enough, Belleville said.
Photo: CP/file photo
A lawyer for a retired RCMP inspector accused of sexually assaulting a civilian employee says the complainant consented to a relationship with his client.
David Butcher told provincial court the woman was motivated by financial gain when she said Tim Shields kissed and groped her in a unisex washroom at the department's British Columbia headquarters in 2009.
Shields was previously a sergeant at the Kelowna and Lake Country RCMP detachment. He left the Okanagan in 2008.
Butcher says there is no basis for the Crown's argument that Shields abused his position of authority to coerce the woman, whose name is under a publication ban.
Shields was suspended with pay in May 2015 in the middle of a code of conduct investigation and left the RCMP later that year before being charged with sexual assault in May 2016.
Shields, who was the Mounties' media spokesman in B.C., has pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual assault.
The complainant testified that Shields led her into a unisex washroom she'd never seen before, locked the door and kissed her.
She said he undid her bra, touched her breasts, unbuttoned her pants and put her hand on his genitals.
Photo: naramatebench.com Laughing Stock Vineyard in Naramata.
Naramata-bench winery Laughing Stock Vineyards has been acquired by Arterra Wines Canada a national wine marketing and distribution company the two sides announced today.
Laughing Stock has been owned and operated by David and Cynthia Enns since its inception in 2003.
The two will continue to operate the winery as per usual, according to a news release.
"We made the decision to partner with Arterra Wines Canada because of their commitment to maintaining the integrity and quality of our wines and their solid history in the Okanagan, David and Cynthia Enns said.
AWC is based in Mississauga and owns and distributes more than 100 wines across Canada, including several from wineries in B.C. such as Black Sage Vineyard and See Ya Later Ranch.
Laughing Stock Vineyards has earned the distinct reputation of being a well-respected and recognized premium, boutique winery in the Okanagan," AWC president and CEO Jay Wright said.
Earlier this year, Laughing Stock received funding from the province to help with marketing.
Photo: BC Gov't
Firefighting costs and other financial pressures have forced the B.C. government to revise its financial forecast, but Finance Minister Carole James says the province is still on track for a balanced budget.
The second quarter financial update shows a projected surplus is now $190 million, $56 million lower than what was projected earlier this year.
James says increases in spending to fight wildfires, cost pressures at the Insurance Corporation of B.C., and lower personal and corporate income tax returns are the major reasons behind a $283 million drop in expected revenues.
The minister says the forecast continues to call for strong job and economic growth in B.C. with a 9.3 per cent boost in retail sales and 17.3 per cent growth in exports for the period ending in September.
James says the results reinforce the importance of a focus on stable, sustainable economic growth.
The minority New Democrat government will table its budget in February.
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Developer 3L Real Estate announced it has acquired the former headquarters of Johnson Publishing at 820 South Michigan. 3L plans to transform the 46 year old office building into 150 affordably priced rental apartments. (3L Real Estate)
The former Johnson Publishing headquarters, the longtime home of Ebony and Jet magazines, is getting a new title: apartment building.
Developer 3L Real Estate has paid more than $10 million for the 11-story office building on South Michigan Avenue, with plans to invest about $20 million more converting it into 150 apartments, 3L Real Estate CEO Joe Slezak said. He declined to say the exact price.
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The early 1970s building at 820 S. Michigan Ave., which was recently designated a Chicago landmark, will maintain the iconic Ebony and Jet sign on its top, he said.
Those magazine titles made Johnson Publishing the countrys most influential African-American publisher, before the companys struggles in recent years.
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The project will be the latest example of vintage office buildings in Chicago being converted to new uses, including apartments and hotels.
Other examples involving Chicago media include the former office building at 360 N. Michigan Ave., formerly home to publisher Crain Communications, being redeveloped into the LondonHouse hotel, and, just to the north of the Chicago River, the planned redevelopment of Tribune Tower. Tribune Towers new owners, CIM Group and Golub & Co., have not publicly unveiled their redevelopment plans, which could include the addition of a second tower on a parking lot east of the landmark tower.
The seller of the Johnson Publishing building was Columbia College, which bought it for $10 million in 2010 but never used it. The college considered putting its library there, and later its student center.
But after deciding to build a new student center at Wabash Avenue and Eighth Street, where the college recently broke ground, Columbia instead decided to sell the building. The publisher briefly remained in the building as a tenant of the college but moved out in 2012.
Redevelopment of the Johnson Publishing building will begin by early 2018, with residents expected to move in by summer 2019, Slezak said.
Part of the fun of my job is to look at real estate in great spots and figure out how to bring it back to life with a new use, Slezak said. The history of the building gives it a wonderful story, and its in a great location.
The building will be converted mostly into studio and one-bedroom apartments, with a few two-bedroom units, Slezak said. Rents of about $1,200 to $2,700 per month will be lower than those of higher-end towers that have recently opened or are under construction elsewhere in the South Loop, he said.
The purchase of the Johnson Publishing building, completed Monday, is one of two the Rosemont-based developer is making from Columbia College.
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Slezaks firm also has a preliminary deal to buy the 343-bed student housing building at 731 S. Plymouth Court, which the developer could eventually convert to traditional apartments, he said. Slezak declined to say how much 3L Real Estate has agreed to pay for the student housing building.
Columbia College spokeswoman Cara Birch declined to comment on either propertys sale price.
Crains Chicago Business first reported 3L Real Estates plans to buy the Plymouth Court building from the college.
3L Real Estate is also close to completing 21st Street Lofts, a conversion of a former Yellow Cab warehouse at 57 E. 21st St. into 137 apartments, Slezak said. Previously, the developer bought student housing properties from the University of Chicago.
rori@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @Ryan_Ori
A car with an Uber decals in its window near Ogilvie Transportation Center in Chicago. The city of Chicago and Cook County filed a lawsuit against Uber over a 2016 data breach. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)
The city of Chicago and Cook County on Monday filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies, alleging the ride-hailing companys 2016 data breach harmed tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of area residents.
San Francisco-based Uber disclosed last week that the personal data of 57 million customers and drivers globally were exposed last year, and that it had paid hackers $100,000 to keep quiet about stealing the personal information.
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Uber waited more than a year to disclose the data breach, and that delay, in addition to failing to protect consumers personal information, violates city and state laws, according to the lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court.
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Uber also faces lawsuits filed by consumers over the issue, and attorneys general in several states, including Illinois, are investigating the breach. The company also said last week it was contacted by the Federal Trade Commission.
In August, Uber agreed to adopt a privacy program to settle an earlier FTC complaint that the company improperly protected consumer data. The hackers in last years attack allegedly exploited virtually the same security flaw attackers had used before, the Chicago-Cook County lawsuit states.
Among other requests, the lawsuit asks the court to fine Uber $10,000 for each violation of its ordinance involving a Chicago resident for each day the violation existed.
Uber spokeswoman Molly Spaeth said in a statement that the company takes the matter seriously and will answer regulators questions. We are committed to changing the way we do business, putting integrity at the core of every decision we make, and working hard to regain the trust of consumers, she said.
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Fifth-grade tutor Shontel Miller coaches kids in an after-school class at Beveridge Elementary in Gary. ( Kyle Telechan/Post-Tribune )
Beveridge Elementary fifth-graders sat in small groups on a recent day, listening to teacher Shontel Miller talk about a fictional dog named Boots.
Miller told them Boots could do a variety of tricks, and she spoke expressively to students about the dog.
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Then the drill began.
"I'm looking for the main idea of the paragraph," she said. "Discuss it with your neighbor."
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The story about Boots is similar to many questions that will show up on the state's ISTEP exam in March. It will be an important month for Beveridge, as the school faces state sanctions because of six straight F grades.
The Gary Community School Corp., led by a state-appointed emergency manager, has started an extended day program to reinforce English and math skills at Beveridge and Marquette Elementary, which posted five straight years of F's.
It's part of several initiatives that emergency manager Peggy Hinckley, of Gary Schools Recovery, hopes will change the academic landscape of the district.
The extended day program is offered to students in grades 3 to 5, and they stay after school from 1:40 to 4:40 p.m. three days a week until March.
They are taught by tutors who are paid out of the district's federal Title 1 funds.
While the program is just beginning, officials say attendance is below expectations, but they are increasing their outreach to parents. About 200 children are taking part so far, said Amy Marsh, assistant chief of staff to Hinckley. Any student is eligible, regardless of academic status.
Parents of children who are close to passing are receiving personal phone calls, Marsh said. Parents in both Beveridge and Marquette also have received robocalls.
Beveridge Principal Cheryl Ramsey and Marquette Principal Angela Johnson came up with the extended day plan to improve their students' performance in math and English. Ramsey said teachers are using the Pivot assessment platform which is aligned with state standards to track student achievement and pinpoint their weaknesses.
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"It's new so you'll have your hiccups, but it's a good concept with small groups and targeted skills," said Miller, an 18-year teacher.
The kids spend one hour on reading and one hour on math. In between, they receive a snack in the cafeteria.
"The biggest obstacle is getting them to stay here for the tutoring," said Victoria Hannah, a third-grade teacher.
The teachers say they're already seeing dividends as students who are receiving the extra tutoring are stepping up to assist other students during the regular day.
In a presentation to the State Board of Education last month, Hinckley blamed outdated instructional resources and inadequate development of teachers. She said data wasn't being used to guide instruction and that led to ineffective teaching.
Also, Gary elementary students, on average, have a shorter day than most schools in Northwest Indiana. Hinckley said the time limitations, combined with teacher and student absences, have hindered academic progress.
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Keeping students in school longer and tailoring instruction to their needs should make a difference, officials hope.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
To the non-meat eater, "comforting" and "familiar" aren't often used in the same sentence with "diner food." Most vegetarians I know aren't satisfied with most diners' singular menu option of mushy cherry tomatoes on a bed of wilted iceberg lettuce (hold the bacon bits, please). But The Chicago Diner is all about comfort and familiarity, for the carnivorous and vegetarian alike.
Chicago Diner's husband and wife co-founders Marshall "Mickey" Hornick and Jo Kaucher opened the first location at 3411 N. Halsted St. in 1983. "Meat free since '83," an appropriate slogan, the diner doesn't need much more of an introduction. But "The New Chicago Diner Cookbook: Meat-free Recipes from America's Veggie Diner" (Agate Midway, $19.95), by chef Kaucher with vegan writer/chef Kat Barry and the diner crew, might.
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The cover itself, featuring restaurant favorite The Radical Reuben, is enough to make any Chicago Diner lover salivate, and other popular dishes and classics are just pages away. The book isn't for everyone, but it might be ideal for those home chefs up for a challenge.
Since the '80s, the diner has grown from a small neighborhood establishment to a nationally recognized destination for veggie cuisine, with a second location at 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave. that opened in 2012. The first two decades of menu favorites and classics, like the home-fry potato deluxe and shepherd's pie, were chronicled in the first "Chicago Diner Cookbook," published in 2002.
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This second book offers a slew of mostly new recipes from recent years, like the sweet potato and tofu patty delight that is Buddha's Karma Burger, and "secrets" to re-creating the signature meat substitutes, such as the corned "beef" seitan, which blends perfectly with vegan Thousand Island dressing and sauerkraut between two slices of swirly marble rye.
The book begins with a section on these vegan proteins and fillings, including the diner seitan with various marinades. Throughout the book, most recipes do a good job of recommending specific store-bought brands for alternative meat substitutes.
But having the option to start from scratch is part of the book's attraction. However, be warned, if you're hoping to whip up some seitan for that Reuben or the "bacun"-wrapped dates in 20 minutes, you're going to need more time than that at least an extra day or two.
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Like many recipes in the book, the seitan has a lengthy ingredient list. It makes 2 pounds of the stuff and requires a pot big enough to accommodate a gallon of water and the seitan after it's tripled in size. When it's fully cooked, it must marinate for a day or two in the refrigerator.
The recipes might be time-consuming, but keep in mind this is a restaurant cookbook. "Be creative but keep it simple" is part of the book's mantra, but nowhere on the cover does it say "quick and easy."
There are less-involved dishes like the quinoa chili and the portobello truffle melt, but what makes this book stand out, not unlike the restaurant, are the vegan/vegetarian variations of those American classics we meat-free diners must pass up. The vegan fried "egg" is pretty easy to prepare, and the recipe even gives ideas on using it in other recipes.
Other highlights include a plethora of recipes for dressings, like the Chicago Diner vegan ranch, and condiments, such as raw pumpkin seed mayonnaise. There are also plenty of vegan desserts to try out, such as the raw orange-ginger "cheezecake" or the popular vegan milkshake.
And the "Entertaining" section contains signature cocktail recipes, from the Black Rainbow Unicorn with grenadine and house cherries to the Sir Thomas with Earl Grey simple syrup.
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It's The Chicago Diner's tradition to offer typical American comfort food, with twists. "The New Chicago Diner Cookbook" serves that up and then some.
hschroering@tribune.com
For years, connoisseurs dismissed white chocolate - a confection made with cocoa butter, milk solids and sugar, but with none of the cocoa solids that give darker chocolate its recognizable flavor and color. "White chocolate or white lie?" one online video asks. The host opens with: "If you love white chocolate, I hate to break it to you. You're not eating chocolate."
Besides the absence of cocoa solids, the reputation stems from the fact that white chocolate products often contain such additives as palm oil and other fillers, plus an excess of sweeteners. But a growing number of specialty chocolate companies are now giving the same attention to white chocolate as dark or milk chocolate, and trying to highlight the ways it can showcase flavor.
A cocoa bean is made up of roughly equal parts cocoa butter and cacao nibs. Cocoa butter is what gives chocolate its rich mouthfeel, and the nibs hold most of the distinctive smell and taste. Absent of nibs, "white chocolate is basically just sweet fat," says Clay Gordon, creator of the Chocolate Life website, "with a melt that is unencumbered by the nonfat cocoa solids, or cocoa powder." For a chocolate to be labeled as chocolate, as opposed to candy, the Food and Drug Administration requires that the bar be made up of at least 10 percent cocoa mass (nibs plus the cocoa fat inherent to the bean), with no specifications about cocoa butter. White chocolate, on the other hand, has to have a cocoa butter content of at least 20 percent and does not require the inclusion of nibs. The FDA established these standards in 2004 in response to petitions filed by the Hershey Company and the Chocolate Manufacturers Association (now part of the National Confectioners Association).
Pastry chef and cookbook author David Lebovitz, an avowed white chocolate fan, disputes the idea that it's not really chocolate. "Bickering over the nomenclature becomes tiring," he said in an email. "We still call hamburgers by that name, even though they are not made of ham, and milkshakes actually aren't shaken these days, but blended. So I think it's okay to group white chocolate in with the rest of the variety of things made from cacao beans, since they all have the same base."
The history of white chocolate is largely unclear, but "the general consensus," says Eagranie Yuh, author of "The Chocolate Tasting Kit" (Chronicle, 2014), "is that Nestle was the first to develop white chocolate commercially in 1936 in Switzerland. The story is that it was a way to use up excess milk powder that had been produced for World War I and was no longer in demand."
White chocolate is also a way to use up extra cocoa butter that is extracted from the cocoa bean when making cocoa powder. This fat is the most highly regarded byproduct of chocolate production, valued not only in chocolate but cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Cocoa butter is typically filtered, bleached with clay minerals that absorb color components and deodorized, through steam distillation or solvents that reduce the volatile compounds that contribute to its aroma. It remains stable at room temperature and is rich in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Because of these qualities, the cost of cocoa butter more than doubled between 2005 and 2015, and it's why many large-scale manufacturers substitute a portion of their deodorized cocoa butter with fillers such as vegetable oil that significantly reduce cost.
The rise in price also led some makers to expand their efforts to produce quality white chocolate. "We started manufacturing white chocolate ourselves because there is very little white chocolate on the market that is pure and made only with cocoa butter, milk and sugar," says Denise Castronovo, founder of Florida's Castronovo Chocolate. "For us, it's a chance to educate our consumers about what real white chocolate actually is."
What it is, Yuh says, is a canvas for other flavors, offering "surprising breadth and utility." That's why Castronovo and other specialty chocolate makers are embracing white chocolate as a new frontier for flavor, creating combinations that push the boundaries. This includes white chocolate made with non-deodorized cocoa butter that retains cocoa aromas (popularized by the Venezuelan company El Rey) and chocolates made with goats' milk and nondairy milks, plus a wide variety of spices and other inclusions: Thai curry shrimp from Taiwan's Fu Wan Chocolate; rosemary and sea salt from Forte in Seattle; mango, chile and lime from Toronto's Soma Chocolatemaker; turmeric and pomegranate from the Violet Chocolate Company in the Canadian province of Alberta; and white chocolate infused with Mosaic beer hops from Somerville Chocolate in Massachusetts.
"The hops idea came about because of the glorious, steamy clouds of fruity hops aroma that waft over to my workspace when the brewery [next door] dumps the mash from their tanks," explains Somerville's Eric Parkes. "They use my nibs in their beer, and I wanted to work with something of theirs." Parkes says there's "a little subversive, ironic thrill in making white chocolate at a higher level."
This can also be said of German chocolate maker Georgia Ramon, which features such white chocolate combinations as organic kale with mustard and salted Sicilian almonds with broccoli. "Until our release of vegetable bars, there were no chocolates like them in the market," says co-founder Georg Bernardini. "We wanted to try new things." It works, he adds, because "the taste of most fruits and vegetables are too subtle to combine them with a chocolate that contains [nibs]."
Castronovo, who includes roasted strawberries, raspberries and blueberries in her white chocolate bars, agrees: "White chocolate is a good medium in which you can play creatively with flavors and texture."
So what should curious chocolate lovers look for in the white stuff? First, check the ingredients list, says Yuh, "which should include only sugar, cocoa butter, milk solids or milk powder and, possibly, lecithin and vanilla. If you can, also check the color. If the bar is bright white, it's been bleached and probably deodorized. High-quality white chocolate tends to be slightly yellow because cocoa butter is naturally yellow." Yuh also recommends purchasing chocolates from a specialty grocer or dedicated craft chocolate shop. "Chances are, whoever is buying the dark and milk chocolate will be as discerning with quality when they choose white chocolate."
Penne with wilted escarole and crispy pancetta goes with a variety of wines from light and fresh to smoky and earthy. (Chicago Tribune)
If you had a hunch that Italian wine was a safe bet with pasta, you were right. Here is a white from Sardinia, as well as reds from Campania and Tuscany. Each offers a different way of pairing from light and fresh, to smoky and earthy, to floral and herbal focusing on various aspects of this complex dish.
MAKE THIS
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Penne pasta with wilted escarole
Cook 6 ounces pancetta, cut in 1/4-inch cubes, in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fat is rendered. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil, if needed. Add 2 onions, thinly sliced in half-moons; season with salt. Cook, stirring, until completely soft, 12 minutes. Add 2 cloves minced garlic; cook, 1 minute. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Stir in leaves from 1 head leafy escarole, sliced into wide ribbons; cover. Allow to wilt briefly. Serve tossed with 1 pound cooked penne, sprinkled with grated Romano cheese. Makes: 4 servings
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Recipe by Joe Gray
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DRINK THIS
Pairings by sommelier Alan Beasey of The Purple Pig, as told to Michael Austin:
2016 Cantina Giogantinu Vermentino di Gallura, Sardinia, Italy: This light, fresh and complex white has aromas of white peach, grapefruit and lime zest, plus flavors of pear and peach. Its crisp minerality will enhance the escarole, and its almond finish will complement the cheese. Also, the wines body will stand up to the pasta and pancetta.
2013 La Sibilla Piedirosso, Campi Flegrei, Campania, Italy: This piedirosso grows in volcanic soil near Pompeii, imparting a smoky aroma and flinty minerality. The wine is also light and fruity, with notes of dried cherries, raspberries and sweet herbs. The smoky, earthiness of the wine will accentuate the pancetta and cheese, and the savory herbs will bring out the escarole.
2013 Corte alla Flora Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy: Soft and velvety, this wine has aromas of dried violets and herbs, plus flavors of ripe cherry and blackberry. The aromas will draw in the escarole, and the medium body and tannins will blend well with the pancetta. Also, the sweet mocha finish will pair well with the salty cheese.
food@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @pour_man
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High in Switzerland, the mighty Alps seem to shout the glory of God. Up here, the Christmas season fills a winter wonderland with good cheer. I'll never forget the holiday I spent in the village of Gimmelwald in mountainous central Switzerland, where old traditions remain strong.
In Swiss villages like this, home windows serve as life-size Advent calendars -- and like the paper calendar counterparts, one newly decorated Advent window is lit up every evening in a different house, building excitement as Christmas approaches.
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The debut of an Advent window often comes with a party. Under a cold sky -- brittle stars reflecting off the snow, the moon inside a halo -- the village gathers. Hot mulled wine is ladled from a steaming cauldron over a fire -- serving as a magnet for the gang. Keeping hands warm and conversation flowing, the Gluhwein stokes the party. Local sausages are held like big cigars, or wrapped in fresh bread. Men take logs the size of a four-foot chunk of telephone pole, cut the end into a point, and plant them upright in the snow. Coated with tar, they're set ablaze, torches to light and warm the occasion. In the distance, under flickering torchlight, children ride old-time wooden sleds, going up and down, up and down.
This time of year, kids receive a visit from Samichlaus -- that's Swiss German for St. Nicholas -- and his black-clad henchman, Schmutzli. This traditionally happens on St. Nicholas Day, December 6, but the duo can arrive at any time, traveling through villages on a sure-footed donkey. When Samichlaus knocks on the door, frightened but excited kids answer. Samichlaus consults his big book of sins -- co-authored by village parents -- and does some light-hearted moralizing. Schmutzli stands by as a menacing enforcer, his sack handy so he can take away the naughty children and eat them later. Then Samichlaus asks the kids to earn a little forgiveness by reciting a poem. After the poems and assurances that the children will reform, Samichlaus allows them to reach deep into his bag for a smattering of tangerines, nuts, gingerbread, and other treats.
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Another treat for children is the visit to the forest to find the perfect Christmas tree -- traditionally cut and decorated on December 24. My friends Olle, Maria and their children invite me to go along for the ride. We gather our gear and set out, riding the gondola ski lift high above the village.
From the top of the lift we take off: the children shrieking with glee on their old-time wooden sleds, me shooshing on my snow bike -- gingerly at first but gradually gaining in confidence -- while Olle follows on the big sleigh. Arriving at a rustic one-room hut, we step into a time-warp 1950s world.
While some stay to prepare our meal, those of us on the tree expedition lash on snowshoes and set out dragging the empty sleigh. After a long walk, we begin the search. Olle gives the trunk a good shake. As the snow cascades off, the children debate the tree's merits.
Finally, all agree that we had found our tree. It's cut and lashed to the sleigh and then we trudge triumphantly back to the cabin for our hot and tasty reward. The windows are sweating, the fondue is ready and we gather around the table for a meal that exemplifies good living in the Alps.
For the Swiss, a communal pot of melted-cheese fondue is purely a winter specialty, served with a sprightly Swiss white wine called Fendant. With bellies full, we light our torches and zip down the mountain with our tree back into Gimmelwald.
The tree is decorated with real candles, kept upright by dangling ornamental counterbalances, attached and lit with long tapers. Gimmelwald's pine houses, with open beams, seem ready to go up in flames, but locals are confident. While the candles burn, presents are opened. The tree stays up until after Christmas, as candles are lit all over again on New Year's Eve -- for good luck.
A classic Christmas dinner comes with boiled ham, cheesy scalloped potatoes, walnut cake and finely decorated gingerbread cookies. If the family is religious, they'll often have a Bible that has been in the family for generations.
Tonight in Switzerland, the grandfather completes the celebration by reading the Gospel story: "And while they were there, she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn. And suddenly there was a multitude of angels proclaiming: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace and goodwill to all people.'" Hearing the timeless tale that has brought together so many cultures for so many centuries, I'm struck by the beauty of this remarkably Swiss celebration.
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(Rick Steves (
) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at
and follow his blog on Facebook.)
(c)2017 RICK STEVES DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
The gun was pointed at Anthony Collins' chest. Holding it was a man he knew from the neighborhood who said Collins owed him money.
The gunman pulled the trigger, but the 9mm did not fire. Collins would spend the last moments of his life trying in vain to talk the gunman out of pulling the trigger again, according to court records.
This time the gun fired. "Why did you make me do that?" the gunman yelled as Collins collapsed on the floor in his North Austin home on the afternoon of Nov. 19, the records state.
Collins was taken to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood with a wound to the groin and died there. George Jernigan, 31, was charged Monday with first-degree murder, authorities said.
Assistant State's Attorney Nora Gill said Jernigan is a gang member who barged into Collins' home in the 1600 block of North Mango Avenue around 1:30 p.m. A group of Collins' friends were playing video games on an enclosed front porch when Jernigan walked "up the gangway of the home onto the front porch and then entered the unlocked front door unannounced," Gill said during a bond hearing.
He made small talk with Collins, then pulled a handgun from the pocket of his hoodie, according to Gill. When the gun didn't fire, Jernigan "racked the slide on the gun and put it back in his pocket."
Collins asked the man not to play with guns, Gill said. Jernigan asked Collins to go outside but Collins said no. He kept sitting on the couch on the porch, according to court documents. Jernigan "began to insist" that Collins owed him money and demanded Collins pay him back.
Jernigan allegedly took the gun from his hoodie pocket again and pointed it at Collins. Again, he pulled the trigger. A single bullet struck Collins, officials said.
Collins fell from the couch to the floor, moaning in pain, Gill said in court documents.
Jernigan stood over Collins "with the handgun still drawn and yelled at him, 'Why did you make me do that?' " according to the court documents.
Witness statements and a video confession led to Jernigan's arrest, according to court documents. Jernigan, of the 1800 block of North McVicker Avenue in the Galewood neighborhood, was ordered held without bail.
After serving in Congress since 1993, U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez announced Tuesday he is not seeking re-election in 2018. He was Illinois' first latino U.S. representative in the C-shaped 4th District, a contentious map drawn to bring together Hispanic support and ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Before Congress, Gutierrez served on the Chicago City Council for seven years. Here are key moments in the Chicago native's political rise and career.
1953 Born Dec. 10 in Chicago and raised in Lincoln Park, the first of two children. His father drove a taxi and his mother worked in a factory.
1968 The family moves back to Puerto Rico after Gutierrez's first year of high school. He begins his college education at the University of Puerto Rico.
1970 Transfers to Northeastern Illinois University.
1974 Graduates from Northeastern Illinois University with a degree in English. Returns to Puerto Rico and marries while starting to teach elementary school. He now has two daughters. Gutierrez and Soraida, now his wife, whlie both were students at Northeastern Illinois University.
1978 Moves back to Chicago and works as a social worker with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
1983 Runs unsuccessfully for Democratic committeeman in 32nd Ward. Later is hired by Mayor Harold Washington's office to work on infrastructure. Gutierrez whlle running for committeeman. (Chicago Tribune)
1986 After moving to the 26th Ward and building a political organization, Gutierrez runs for City Council backed by Washington. He wins a close and controversial race, giving Washington control of the council. Gutierrez after state appeals court confirmed his election as Chicago alderman. (Chicago Tribune)
1989 Gutierrez controversially backs Richard M. Daley in run for mayor. Gutierrez and Daley in 1989. (Chicago Tribune)
1991 After a contentious redistricting battle that includes an Illinois Supreme Court ruling, newly drawn congressional districts create the C-shaped 4th District that weaves together Latino voters. Illinois 4th Congressional District 90 Chicago 294 290 57 COOK CO. Illinois 4th Congressional District 90 Chicago 294 290 57 COOK CO. 90 Illinois 4th Congressional District Chicago 290 294 57 COOK CO.
1992 Gutierrez wins the U.S. House seat, the first Hispanic from the Midwest elected to Congress. Gutierrez in Washington, D.C., in 1993. (AP)
1998 After up-and-down rulings, the U.S. Supreme Court rules the 4th District can stand, signaling a willingness to accept some districts carefully drawn to favor minorities.
2001 First elected official to sponsor the DREAM Act for immigrants who came to the U.S. illegally with their parents.
2008 Tribune's "Neighborhoods for Sale" investigation details how Gutierrez received a $200,000 loan from a developer and wrote a letter to Mayor Richard M. Daley on U.S House stationery lobbying for the developer's project. Gutierrez says the loan and the lobbying were unconnected. The developer was later convicted of bribing a West Side alderman.
2009 Gutierrez supports the election of Barack Obama as president but quickly becomes an Obama antagonist by complaining that immigration reform is on the back burner. Obama will fully embrace the issue later in his presidency. Gutierrez at an immigration rally in 2009. (AP)
2011 Gutierrez endorses Gery Chico for mayor, but Rahm Emanuel prevails.
2015 Gutierrez serves as campaign co-chair for Emanuel's re-election bid, opposing Latino candidate Jesus "Chuy" Garcia , who mounts a strong challenge but falls short in a runoff. Gutierrez campaigns for Mayor Rahm Emanuel in late 2014. (Armando Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Ex-Chicago police Detective Joseph Frugoli heads into court in Chicago to be sentenced Nov. 16, 2012, for causing a crash that killed two while he was driving drunk off-duty. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)
Mayor Rahm Emanuels now-famous speech acknowledging a long-standing code of silence within the Chicago Police Department took center stage in a federal courtroom Tuesday in a wrongful death case alleging the code protected former homicide Detective Joseph Frugoli, whose off-duty drunken driving crash killed two young men.
This problem is sometimes referred to as the thin blue line, Emanuel said in the December 2015 speech to the City Council that was played for jurors during opening statements in U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendalls packed courtroom. Other times it is referred to as the code of silence. It is the tendency to ignore. It is the tendency to deny. It is the tendency in some cases to cover up the bad actions of a colleague or colleagues.
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The speech, which began the mayors political comeback from the fallout over the release of the Laquan McDonald shooting video, has become a key piece of evidence in the lawsuit filed by the families of Andrew Cazares and Fausto Manzera, who were killed when Frugoli crashed his Lexus SUV into their disabled vehicle on the Dan Ryan Expressway in April 2009.
Lawyers for the victims alleged the Police Department's code of silence led Frugoli to believe that he could "drink and drive with impunity" because fellow officers had protected him in the past.
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In fact, Frugoli had managed to escape discipline despite being a longtime alcoholic who was suspected of drunken driving a year earlier when he T-boned a squad car while driving home from a casino, attorney Timothy Cavanagh, who represents Cazares family, told the jury in his opening remarks.
Records showed that even though Frugoli appeared to have glassy eyes, he was placed immediately inside a sergeants squad car and never interviewed at the scene or given a sobriety test, Cavanagh said. The sergeant wound up driving Frugoli home, and two tickets issued to him were later dismissed.
If a citizen had run a stop sign, struck a squad car and had glassy eyes, the full weight of the law would have come down on them, Cavanagh told the jury.
In his opening statement, attorney Harry Arger, who represents the city, said the department takes alcohol-related complaints against officers very seriously and that records will show that up to 90 percent of them are sustained and result in some kind of discipline, including suspension and termination.
Arger also discounted Emanuels speech, saying that while it looks good to put the mayor up there on the courtroom monitor, he was not talking specifically about a code of silence involving alcohol-related incidents as is alleged in this case.
Frugoli, who joined the department in 1990, had been drinking for nearly five hours at a Greektown bar when he got behind the wheel of his Lexus, entered the southbound Dan Ryan at a high rate of speed and slammed into the back of the victims' car near Roosevelt Road, where they had pulled over because of a flat tire, records show.
Frugoli was pulled from the wreckage by a good Samaritan and limped away on a ramp, bleeding from the head as the vehicle he'd struck burst into flames. He was found walking near Clinton Street and Roosevelt by Chicago police officers responding to the call of the crash.
On learning Frugoli was a detective, they called for an ambulance and a supervisor but administered no sobriety tests, according to court records. Paramedics who rode with Frugoli in the ambulance, however, noticed he appeared to be drunk, according to court records. His blood alcohol level was later measured at the hospital at 0.328 percent, more than four times the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
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In his opening statement, Arger said the fact that Frugolis fellow police officers were the ones who tracked him down and handed him over to state police which had jurisdiction over the investigation of the expressway crash was proof that he was given no special protection.
If there was truly a code of silence, they wouldve said, Hey Joe! Get in the car, well drive you around till you sober up! Arger said. They didnt do that. They handed him right over to (state police).
Frugoli was convicted in 2012 of aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of a fatal accident and is serving a sentence of eight years in prison. He's expected to testify later in the trial.
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On Tuesday, police practices expert Lou Reiter, a former Los Angeles deputy police chief, testified for the plaintiffs that none of the 43 alcohol-related misconduct cases of Chicago police officers he reviewed involved stops by fellow officers. Instead, either a citizen had lodged a complaint or an outside police agency had notified the Chicago Police Department about an officer being pulled over for DUI in their jurisdiction.
There were none where it was simply an observation by a patrol car in Chicago where they made a stop and it happened to be a Chicago police officer, Reiter testified.
Reiter called it not reasonable for that to never happen in a department with more than 12,000 sworn officers. The only explanation was that officers were covering for one another, he said.
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The code of silence is alive and well in Chicago, Reiter said.
jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @jmetr22b
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Days after Chicago police Officer Dina Markham was found dead in her bathtub, a break-in took place at her Northwest Side home while her family attended her wake, police records obtained by the Chicago Tribune show.
The disclosure of the still-unsolved criminal trespass to the residence June 2 adds to the mystery surrounding Markhams death as well as that of her husband, also a veteran Chicago police officer, whose gunshot death in the couples bedroom 20 months earlier was ruled a suicide.
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The FBI and county authorities were still investigating the shooting of Sgt. Donald Markham in the couples bed when his widows body was discovered in the bathtub at the residence over the Memorial Day weekend.
The Cook County medical examiners office ruled Dina Markham, 47, died May 28 of an accidental drowning after consuming a dangerous mix of alcohol and the powerful anti-anxiety drug alprazolam, commonly sold under the brand name Xanax.
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Police had been called to the home in the Norwood Park neighborhood about 6 p.m. that evening after two of Markhams friends said they discovered her unresponsive in the water-filled bathtub.
According to records made public by the medical examiner, Markham had texted a friend Help. Please ... no kidding a little after 4 a.m. that day.
Five days after Markhams death, a police officer discovered a sliding door open at the back of the house in the 5900 block of North Newark Avenue while conducting a premise check about 10:30 p.m. June 2, according to the records released through the Freedom of Information Act.
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Officers found the door to the master bedroom locked, but no one was found inside when family members later arrived home.
However, the family noticed that the bed as well as two nightstands and a large wooden cabinet had each been moved, the newly released police records show.
They knew the bed was moved because one side of the bed was about an inch off the wall while the other side of the bed was about four inches off the wall, the officers reported. They also stated that (a) nightstand was about an inch off the wall while the second one, on the same side as where the bed was off the wall, was about 10 inches off the wall.
But all the family members present told police they couldnt determine that anything had been stolen, the records show.
The family said that other relatives and at least one neighbor had keys to the house.
Two neighbors told police they didnt notice any activity at the house while the family attended Dina Markhams wake, according to the records.
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Someone the name was blacked out later told a detective that she locked the patio door before leaving for the wake about noon, the records show.
An evidence technician was unable to recover any fingerprints, according to the records.
In July a detective requested that the case be classified as suspended pending any further evidence, the records show.
The Tribune has reported that the FBI and prosecutors with the Cook County states attorneys offices special prosecutions bureau which handles cases of police misconduct were investigating whether Donald Markham's death may have been a homicide and if the crime scene had been tampered with.
Sources familiar with the investigation said authorities were looking into why a bloody mattress had been discarded.
In May, shortly before Dina Markham's death, at least two officers involved in the probe were interviewed at the state's attorney's offices about their roles in the investigation into Donald Markhams death, the Tribune has reported.
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Meanwhile, Joseph Ferguson, the city's inspector general, launched his own probe into how police handled the investigation of Donald Markham's death after he was contacted by the Chicago Police Department's internal affairs division, a spokeswoman for Ferguson's office has said.
A subpoena sent from Ferguson's office to the medical examiner's office in May asked for copies of "any video recordings (inside or outside)" of the intake area at the medical examiner's office on the morning that Donald Markham's body was brought to the morgue, the subpoena showed.
Records show that Dina Markham told police her husband, 51, had locked her out of their home the night of his death in September 2015 after the couple had been out drinking and argued after leaving a bar about 1 a.m.
She said she discovered her husband dead in their bed after one of her children let her in the house, the reports said. She said she then called 911.
In the 911 recordings released by the medical examiners office, a distraught Dina Markham told an emergency dispatcher that her husband was unresponsive and bleeding from his head. She pleaded that an ambulance come to the home.
Please hurry! she said in her first call made at 3:06 a.m. Hes a PO (police officer). Theres blood all over the bed.
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When police arrived at the scene, Donald Markham's pistol was found in his right hand, with five bullets still in the magazine and one in the chamber, according to supplemental police reports.
A spent shell casing was found near the pillows on the bed, and Markham had a "contact" gunshot wound to his right temple, indicating the gun had been pressed to the skin when it was fired, the reports showed.
Crime lab tests also showed Donald Markham had gunshot residue on his hand, indicating he'd either fired a gun or was close to a weapon being discharged at the time of his death, according to police records. The records do not indicate whether Dina Markham's hands were ever tested.
Blood tests confirmed he had been drinking, the medical examiners office said.
The Tribune has previously reported that a Chicago police officer raised questions about Donald Markham's death, raising concern about how evidence was handled at the scene. That led Superintendent Eddie Johnson to contact the FBI.
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On May 28, about a week after the latest round of interviews by investigators looking into Donald Markhams death, his widow was found unresponsive in the bathtub shortly before 6 p.m.
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Jim Bastian, an attorney and close friend of Dina Markham's family, previously told the Tribune that Markham had "heard rumors" of an investigation but had not been contacted for an interview by any law enforcement agency before her death.
One of two friends who discovered her body told police that Dina Markham had called her twice at 3:59 a.m., but the friend didn't answer the phone because she was sleeping, the reports show. Six minutes after the calls, Markham sent the same friend the text asking for help.
The friend told investigators she saw the calls and text message later that morning but did not respond because she was scheduled to see Markham at a gathering that afternoon. The friend also said that "the early morning phone calls from Markham were not unusual, often when she was in an intoxicated state," according to the reports.
The autopsy found that Dina Markhams blood alcohol level was 0.187 percent, more than double the legal limit for driving, the report said.
jgorner@chicagotribune.com
jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
[ Autopsy finds Chicago cop drowned in bathtub, rules death accidental ]
[ 911 calls released in off-duty cop's death: 'Please hurry! There's blood all over the bed' ]
[ Chicago officer dies amid probe of her cop husband's suicide in 2015 ]
[ Criminal probe of Chicago cop's death was underway when widow cop died: sources ]
A man has been charged with stealing a car at gunpoint just a half-mile from where he lived in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side, according to Chicago police.
Aseante Armstrong, 23, pointed a gun at a 46-year-old man and demanded his car in the 5300 block of South Cornell Avenue about 3:40 p.m. on Nov. 20, police said.
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The victim identified Armstrong as the attacker and police tracked down Armstrong about 4 p.m. Monday. He was arrested after he ran off into a store. He was carrying a handgun with a 30-round magazine, police said.
Armstrong, of the 1300 block of East 53rd Street, was charged with two felony counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking and unlawful use of a weapon. He was due in bond court Tuesday.
All votes in the CO-3 election won't be counted until the end of this week
By Alexander Chipman Koty and Vasundhara Rastogi
Hong Kong recently finalized a series of agreements that, taken together, shift Asias trade and investment landscape.
On November 12, Hong Kong and ASEAN signed the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA), and the ASEAN-Hong Kong Investment Agreement (AHKIA). Prior to this, on November 10, Hong Kong and India agreed to a double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA) with India.
The agreements come amid distress in Hong Kong that the city is losing its traditional advantage as the premier location in Asia for trade and financial services.
Businesses that use Hong Kong as a management, trade, and sourcing hub for operations in China, Southeast Asia, and India will benefit greatly from the new agreements, while Hong Kong as a whole stands to gain from freer and more open trade throughout the region.
RELATED: Chinas Free Trade Agreements with South Asia
ASEAN-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement and ASEAN-Hong Kong Investment Agreement
The AHKFTA and the AHKIA include provisions on trade in goods, trade in services, investment, economic and technical cooperation, dispute settlement mechanisms, and other related areas. It represents an opportunity for trade partners and foreign investors operating in Hong Kong, mainland China, and ASEAN to grow and expand their trade and investment.
From January 2018, ASEAN countries will eliminate or reduce customs duties on goods originating from Hong Kong. This will lower operation costs for Hong Kong-based businesses and improve their competitiveness in the international marketplace.
Hong Kongs services sector also stands to gain with benefits specified for professional services, business and telecommunication, and construction and related engineering areas. Further, the investment agreement will provide Hong Kong-based enterprises a fair and equitable opportunity to invest in ASEAN member states, offering agreed compensation in case of loss due to war, armed conflict, or other extraneous events.
Hong Kong serves as a premier gateway into and out of mainland China for international trade and services across Asia and the world, including ASEAN. Currently, there are over 500 companies from ASEAN member states operating in Hong Kong.
The FTA will strengthen Hong Kongs role as a pivot point linking ASEAN countries to mainland China, and help establish foreign investors, as well as small and medium enterprises from ASEAN, who have yet to set a foothold in Hong Kong. Foreign enterprises established in ASEAN can also use the FTA to take advantage from Hong Kongs expertise in the service sector, which includes financial and banking services.
Hong Kong-India Double Tax Avoidance Agreement
After several years of negotiations, India finally gave its approval for a DTAA with Hong Kong earlier this month. The DTAA will have important tax implications on international businesses with operations in both India and Hong Kong when it comes into force. It will also benefit trading companies that do not have a permanent presence in India, but provide services to an India-based entity.
As a general principle, international businesses in Hong Kong are taxed on their territorial income, which is the income generated within the territory of Hong Kong. India, on the other hand, imposes a corporate income tax on the worldwide income of business enterprises that have a permanent presence in India. As a result, India-based multi-national companies deriving income from Hong Kong face the issue of double taxation. That is, they pay tax twice on the same source of earned income.
The DTAA will offer double taxation protection to over 1,500 such Indian companies and businesses that have a presence in Hong Kong. It will provide clarity to businesses regarding tax, as they would be taxed in only one of the signatory regions.
Other benefits of the DTAA that international businesses can take advantage of include lower withholding tax (tax deducted at source), lower dividend distribution tax an additional tax levied on foreign investors besides the corporate income tax and in certain circumstances, credits for taxes paid on the double-taxed income that can be encashed at a later date.
The bilateral agreement will provide legal and fiscal certainty to multinational businesses carrying out international operations, and stimulate the flow of investment, technology, and personnel between the two regions. The detailed provisions of the agreement are yet to be announced.
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Important agreements for Hong Kong
Hong Kongs agreements with India and ASEAN are welcome for international investors in the region particularly those based in Hong Kong.Traditionally, Hong Kong has been the access point for foreign businesses entering China and Asia at large. Hong Kong brands itself as Asias World City, and is well-known for its low tax rates, ease of doing business, and robust financial sector.
In recent years, however, Hong Kong has faced growing competition throughout the region. The average corporate tax rate in Asia has fallen from 29 percent in 2006 to 21 percent in 2017, thereby reducing the comparative benefits of Hong Kongs lower tax rate, which currently stands at 16.5 percent.
The shifting tides of Asias economic landscape is deeply intertwined with Chinas rapid development. During Chinas period of economic reform and opening up, Hong Kong was an ideal location to access the mainland due to its special relationship with the country and its geographic proximity. However, as mainland China has continued to develop and internationalize, Hong Kongs advantages have become less pronounced.
For example, Shanghai has become an international financial hub despite restrictions on foreign participation in the sector, and is developing a Free Trade Port to go along with its existing Free Trade Zone. Just across the border from Hong Kong, Shenzhen has a thriving high tech and startup industry as well as a significant financial sector in its own right and its GDP is set to surpass Hong Kongs in 2018. Hong Kong is also facing more intense competition elsewhere in Asia, particularly with Singapore. As costs in China rise, ASEAN member states such as Vietnam and Indonesia have attracted significant foreign investment for low-cost manufacturing. Just as Hong Kong has traditionally been the entry point to China, Singapore has acted similarly as the gateway to ASEAN.
Further, Singapore has been more active than Hong Kong in signing DTAAs and FTAs. According to the Asian Development Bank, as of May 2017, Singapore had 22 signed FTAs and nine more under negotiation, while Hong Kong only had four signed and three under negotiation. Additionally, Singapore has concluded DTAAs with 82 jurisdictions, while Hong Kong has DTAAs in effect with just 35 jurisdictions.
Finalizing a DTAA with India, a major emerging economy, and an FTA with ASEAN, a vital 10-member bloc for global trade, maintains Hong Kongs competitiveness with both Singapore and mainland China, and boosts its relevance as a managerial and trade hub in Asia. Ironically, before the AHKFTA was signed, mainland China had an FTA with ASEAN but Hong Kong, obviously, did not.
The AHKFTA puts Hong Kong in a stronger position to facilitate trade and investment between mainland China and ASEAN, where before there were incentives to bypass Hong Kong. This factor is particularly important given the popularity of China Plus One strategies, where businesses are opening lower cost locations in ASEAN or India to complement existing operations in China.
The agreements recently concluded by Hong Kong together re-establish the citys importance for doing business in Asia. Chinas economy is becoming more complex and higher value, which makes the bridge with ASEAN and India more important than ever. And with ongoing regulatory uncertainty regarding the pace of economic liberalization in China, Hong Kong offers a stable and convenient location for managing complex pan-Asia businesses.
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An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2017
This Dezan Shira & Associates 2017 China guide provides a comprehensive background and details of all aspects of setting up and operating an American business in China, including due diligence and compliance issues, IP protection, corporate establishment options, calculating tax liabilities, as well as discussing on-going operational issues such as managing bookkeeping, accounts, banking, HR, Payroll, annual license renewals, audit, FCPA compliance and consolidation with US standards and Head Office reporting.
Chinas Investment Landscape: Identifying New Opportunities
Chinas foreign investment landscape has experienced pivotal changes this year. In this issue of China Briefing magazine, we examine how foreign investors can capitalize on Chinas latest FDI reforms. First, we outline new industry liberalizations in both Chinas FTZs and the country at large. We then consider when an FTZ makes sense as an investment location, and what businesses should consider when entering one. Finally, we give an overview of Chinas latest pro-business reforms that streamline a wide range of administrative and regulatory measures.
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Russian Defense Ministry on Monday denied a report that Russian air strikes had killed dozens of civilians in airstrikes against terrorist targets in the village of Al-Shafah in Syria's eastern Deir al-Zour province.
"The aircraft of the Russian air force were not used against the village of Al-Shafah," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the strikes"are applied outside settlements and exclusively against targets of international terrorist groups."
Data on such targets are checked and confirmed in real time via several channels: from the ground and unmanned means of objective control ahead of a strike, the ministry said.
France's AFP news agency said earlier Monday that at least 53 civilians, including 21 children, died early Sunday morning when Russian air strikes hit residential buildings in a village held by the Islamic State (IS) group in eastern Syria.
It quoted the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights as saying the strikes hit the village of Al-Shafah in Deir al-Zour province, on the eastern bank of the Euphrates River.
On Sunday, Russian Defense Ministry said its six long-range TU-22M3 bombers had launched airstrikes on IS targets in the province of Deir al-Zour hitting"terrorists' strongholds and areas with high concentration of militants in the Euphrates valley."
It said Russian warplanes made around 530 sorties in Syria, destroying over 1,320 terrorist facilities in the last seven days.
So far, 98 percent of the Syrian territory have been liberated from IS militants, the ministry said in a separate statement.
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Beijing on Monday ruled out the possibility of arson in an apartment fire that killed 19 people, announcing that it was caused by an electric wire fault.
The fire broke out on the evening of Nov. 18 at a three-story apartment in Xinjian Village in the city's Daxing District.
The public security bureau Daxing branch has detained 20 people allegedly liable for the fire.
An investigation showed that one of the suspects, surnamed Fan, built the 20,000-square-meter apartment bloc between 2002 and 2006 without approval from authorities.
In February this year, Fan started to build an underground cold storage basement, and invited some unqualified workers to equip the freezer with electric wires.
The fire broke out from a wall of the freezer, where electric wires buried in polyurethane insulation material had broken down, according to investigators.
The freezer had not been put into use and was being tested when the fire occurred.
The police are continuing to investigate the case.
A child, named Beiyan Yunyi (loosely translated as north-bound wild goose in the clouds), was denied household registration in 2009 by local public security authorities in Jinan, Shandong province, on the grounds that she was not named after her parents.
The girl was born in 2009. Her parents Lyv Xiaofeng and Zhang Ruizheng were both poetry aficionados.
The father Lyv filed a lawsuit in December 2009 to the Lixia district court of Jinan in the name of his daughter, claiming there should be no interference in her name rights. The case was the country's first administrative case related to name rights. It was later submitted to the Supreme People's Court and the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislature.
According to the Supreme People's Court, a person should be named in line with social ethics and parents should not create family names for children at their will.
Articles in the Marriage Law and the General Provisions of Civil Law stipulate that a person should be named after his parents in principle. Exceptions include situations when one is named after an immediate family member or an adoptive parent, or using another surname other than that of his parents for "justifiable reason which is not against social customs".
Based on this principle, in 2015 the Lixia district court of Jinan rejected the appeal of Beiyan Yunyi to be registered.
It is not the first time that weird names have made headlines in China.
In September, a newborn whose name is Wangzhe Rongyao, or King of Glory, a popular online game, went viral. And a college student in Chongqing became famous because of her name Huangpu Junxiao, or Whampoa Military Academy, the first modern military school in China.
There are thousands of surnames in China. And according to the latest national population census in 2010, the top five most commonly seen family names - Li (), Wang (), Zhang (), Liu () and Chen () - make up nearly one-third of the total population.
A court has sentenced eight people to jail for looting three ancient tombs in Hunan province.
The defendants were sentenced to a maximum of one year and three months, with fines ranging from 3,000 yuan to 10,000 yuan ($450 to $1,500), according to the Youxian County People's Court.
The tombs, located in Wangling village of Youxian, were raided between July and September last year and sustained widespread damage.
The local cultural heritage department believes the tombs date to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC) and Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) and are of historical significance.
Nine items from the tombs - three bronze rings and six pieces of bronzeware - were retrieved.
According to the defendants, they exchanged information and organized themselves through instant-messaging tools. They had local people guide the way and only chose tombs that were not key relics under national protection.
"I know that stealing a cultural relic under State-level protection will lead to a sentence of at least several years. If they were not national relics, the sentence would be less severe if I got caught," one of the defendants told Shanghai news website ThePaper.cn.
Under the Criminal Law, excavation of historical sites under provincial or State protection will lead to sentences of at least 10 years, with a maximum of life imprisonment.
Wang Feng, an official at the cultural heritage bureau in Zhuzhou, told ThePaper that the looted tombs were not on the national cultural heritage list.
Ministries responded to a series of recent public concerns, including updates on the reform of State-owned Enterprises.
SOEs to go through continued reform
China has picked 31 State-owned enterprises for the third round of SOE mixed ownership reform with the aim of attracting more private capital into the State sector.
Meng Wei, spokeswoman for the National Development and Reform Commission, said during a news conference in Beijing that the State Council has chosen 31 State enterprises run by regional authorities or the central government. She said the NDRC is working with the pilot enterprises to come up with implementation plans
Mixed-ownership reform is designed to further diversify the ownership structure of SOEs, going beyond mergers, acquisitions and reorganization, and has helped improve central SOEs' efficiency and competitiveness.
The first two rounds of reform covered 19 SOEs that are implementing their restructuring programs and more than one third of them have completed most of their reforms, including introducing new investors, boosting corporate governance and setting up new internal incentive mechanisms, Meng said.
Financial results of 2,041"zombie companies", all subsidiaries of 81 major central SOEs, improved their business performance by cutting annual losses of 88.5 billion yuan ($13.36 billion) in 2016.
Ministry urges greater kindergarten checks
The Ministry of Education ordered checks in kindergartens across the country Friday following a series of child abuse cases.
The ministry said in a statement that the recent child abuse cases in kindergartens have greatly harmed the victims and their families and resulted in serious consequences. And these incidents have exposed problems in the management of kindergartens, it said.
Local governments must monitor kindergarten staff in the inspections, rectify wrongdoing and investigate any activities that harm children, according to the ministry.
The ministry also urged education authorities nationwide to set up a regular supervision mechanism and improve the accountability system to punish those involved in child abuse.
Graduates rewarded for grassroots work
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, together with five other ministries including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education, has issued a guideline to further encourage graduates who work in grassroots areas across China with favorable policies.
It was made clear in the plan that the government aims to spend approximately 10 years nurturing a large group of young expertise with a good educational background and rich work experiences in grassroots areas in China.
The guideline urged governments at all levels to give career development incentives to grassroots young talent and widen their career path. Other incentives in terms of medical care as well as education for their children are also included.
According to the guideline, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security will select 5,000 university graduates every year as the country's national backup for grassroots talents.
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More than 100 animals have received traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments since a TCM consulting room was established at a veterinary clinic in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, 10 months ago.
The attending physicians are always fully booked, said Zhang Hong, director of the clinic.
"Our TCM clinic primarily treats pets suffering paralysis, nerve damage, diarrhea and some diseases that cannot be cured by Western medicine," Zhang said.
TCM therapies such as electric acupuncture and moxibustion can help animals recover, he added.
Xu Yanqiu, owner of a five-month-old Golden Retriever, brought her dog Moka to the clinic for treatment after the dog's leg was injured in a car accident one month ago.
Xu said Moka had a surgery in a veterinary hospital immediately after the accident, however, the dog became lame and recovered slowly. She decided to give her dog TCM treatment after receiving a recommendation for Zhang's hospital.
Moka's doctor diagnosed waist nerve damage resulting in restricted movement of the left leg. The doctor then treated Moka with silver electric acupuncture and moxibustion, as well as laser therapy.
"After one day of treatment, Moka's left leg can move slightly," said Xu.
TCM has been increasingly applied to pets across the country in recent years. Veterinary hospitals offering TCM treatment in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities have attracted many pet owners.
Guo Yang, a doctor at Veterinary Medicine College of Shenyang Agricultural University, said vets usually recommend surgery for damaged nerves. However, acupuncture can decrease the risk for animals, often even has better success
As the number of pet owners increases in China, TCM should see a prosperous future in the veterinary industry, Guo said.
Some cemeteries in Shanghai yesterday began offering an option that converts cremation ashes into "life crystal."
The technology transforms ashes into particulate matters or "life crystal" under high temperatures.
Residents are encouraged to convert part of the ashes of beloved ones into "life crystal" with a subsidy offered by authorities and pay their respects at home for the dongzhi, or winter solstice, on December 22.
The scheme was launched to reduce the demand for land for burials and to curb the rising prices of tombs because many cemeteries in the city have a shortfall of land.
Winter solstice, like Qingming Festival, is a key time for people to pay their respects to the dead by visiting tombs. The visiting peak times usually start on the weekend about three weeks ahead of the actual day.
The life crystal subsidy marks the latest effort by local civil affairs authorities to prevent traffic congestion for the winter solstice.
The cost of making one "life crystal" is 998 yuan (US$155), and a 400 yuan subsidy is offered as an incentive for families who sign an agreement to visit cemeteries at non-peak times.
"'Life crystal' serves as an indication or permanent reminder which allows people to observe traditional mourning at home," said Wei Chao, deputy director of the Shanghai Funeral and Interment Service Center affiliated to the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau.
"In the past, people didn't have a medium if they wanted to pay tribute to the deceased at home, and by using this practice we hope to encourage them to avoid peak times when they visit cemeteries," said Wei.
"The crystal is equal to cremation ashes as Chinese people don't want to have urns at home."
The service is offered by such cemeteries as Binhaiguyuan, Huilongyuan, Zhuanqiaoqinyuan, Weijiajiaoxiyuan and Xujingxiyuan.
It takes one week to 10 days to make one "life crystal." So far, over 1,000 families have chosen the new burial option in Shanghai, according to the center.
Last year's dongzhi fell on December 21, and nearly a million residents visited 54 Shanghai cemeteries to pay their respects to their ancestors, causing severe traffic jams on some expressways.
A resident surnamed Xie who lost his mother signed an agreement yesterday at Binhaiguyuan Cemetery to convert some of his mother's ashes into a "life crystal" that will be placed at home. "'Life crystal's another kind of company," said Xie.
He added he wants to avoid peak visiting times at the cemeteries.
"On normal days, people are too busy to visit tombs, while on big days like Qingming and dongzhi, all cemeteries are packed with tomb sweepers and paying tribute is like a mere formality.
"But now, we will put flowers by the crystal on big days and I can talk with my mother at home any time I want."
Lee Ming-che from Taiwan was sentenced to five years in prison for "subverting state power," by the Intermediate People's Court of Yueyang City in Hunan Province Tuesday.
Mainland resident Peng Yuhua was sentenced to seven years in prison on the same charge.
The two men were both deprived of their political rights for two years. They said they would not appeal.
Prosecutors accused Peng of recruiting dozens of people, including Lee, to establish an organization aimed at subverting state power and overturning the country's political system, using instant messaging services.
Peng started spreading ideas on subverting state power, and recruiting group members on instant messaging platform QQ in May 2012, the court said. Lee joined the group in September the same year, gradually becoming a key member.
In November that year, after discussing with the others, Peng drafted a plan and established the goal of founding a political party and overthrowing the current political system in China.
They aimed to attract a million members by 2017.
From 2013, Lee and others set up several QQ groups, with membership reaching 2,000. Peng and Lee wrote articles and books, and made videos online to attack the country's political system.
Lee also traveled to other cities on the mainland several times to take part in group gatherings. On March 19, 2017, he was put under coercive measures by the Hunan provincial security organ on suspicion of subverting state power.
In September this year, a spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said the investigation and trial of Lee had been conducted in accordance with the law and due process and the rights of Lee and his family had been fully protected.
A total of 30 people, including the defendants' close relatives, legislators, political advisors, journalists, and members of the public, attended the sentencing.
Videos of the sentence were published on the official Weibo account of the court.
The court allowed the defendants to meet with their families after the sentence, as per family requests.
Nikola Vasilyevich Dusan checks a patient at the Daqing Ophthalmic Hospital in Daqing City, Heilongjiang Province, on November 23. [Photo by Mi Xingang/China.org.cn]
"When you help someone, his or her smile is the biggest reward for you," said Nikola Vasilyevich Dusan, a 70-year-old Russian ophthalmologist who has been working in Daqing City, in China's northeast Heilongjiang Province, for 15 years.
Formerly the director of the Ophthalmology Research Center of the People's Friendship University of Russia, Dusan has served as an expert doctor at the Daqing Ophthalmic Hospital since his retirement in 2002. In that time, he has treated nearly 200,000 people and operated on over 2,000 patients in Daqing.
"That small eyeball under our scalpel represents the patient's hope for their entire life," Dusan reminds the doctors around him. Apart from normal outpatient services at the hospital, Dusan has often held free clinics in rural areas, explaining that "patients there need more care." To date, his footsteps have covered all five districts and four counties of Daqing City. Two weeks ago, he braved chilly weather and slippery roads to complete a free clinic in a village located a four-hour drive from downtown. Dusan saw over 100 patients that day, not even stopping for lunch. "The happiest thing for me is to bring light to patients through my treatment," he expressed. Many of the rural patients gave him vegetables, fruit and home-made tofu as a token of their gratitude.
At the same time, Dusan has nurtured other doctors at the hospital as well. As advanced technologies are increasingly shared around the globe, the Daqing Ophthalmic Hospital has now imported cutting-edge equipment from some of the world's renowned producers, claimed Dusan. "The key element is to foster the talent to make good use of this equipment," he emphasized. He has given twice monthly lectures to the medical staff and mentored seven younger Chinese ophthalmologists, in their 30s and 40s, including thesis writing and clinical supervision. The seven doctors now practice in their own domains and can complete cataract surgery, corneal transplant, and other complex procedures independently.
In 2007, an eye bank was established at the hospital owing to Dusan's efforts, and he was the only doctor at that time who could perform the corneal transplant surgery. Under his tutelage, the hospital now has three qualified Chinese doctors who can do the operation. "Dusan has imparted all of his knowledge to us and paid careful attention to the accumulation of cases," said Fu Yanjiang, a student of Dusan's at the hospital who now can do corneal transplant. Since the beginning of this year, nine people in the area have donated 18 corneas, bringing the gift of sight to 17 patients through transplant surgeries.
Dusan has also promoted pragmatic cooperation between the Daqing Ophthalmic Hospital and the Ophthalmology Center of the People's Friendship University of Russia. A cooperation agreement was signed on June 23 of this year to further academic research, teaching and personnel exchanges between the two entities. The Daqing hospital has committed to become the talent training base for the Russian center based on a supplemental agreement signed this October.
In 2009, Dusan was awarded the Friendship Award by the Chinese government for his significant efforts in medical treatment and education in China. In 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Dusan and 40 other Russian experts who have contributed to China's development, at a series of events in Moscow marking the 70th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Recalling the moment, Dusan's excitement still evident as he alluded to President Xi's urge to absorb more talent and technologies for China's development. "I felt greatly honored to receive the recognition but I gave all the credit to the crew of our hospital," he said. "I am not only an ophthalmologist but also an ambassador of friendship between China and Russia."
Being an old friend of the Chinese people, Dusan paid close attention to the proceedings of the recently concluded 19th CPC National Congress and expressed his confidence in China's future. Dusan suggested that Chinese research teams develop more innovations in medicine, medical equipment and treatment methods, especially in genetics. As for the theme of the congress--remain true to original aspirations and keep the mission firmly in mind--Dusan restated his own original aspiration: to treat more patients and bring sight to blind people.
"Doctor Dusan is like a torch carrier, walking ahead of us in the darkness," said one patient of Dusan at the Daqing Ophthalmic Hospital. "What we see is the burning fire that shows the direction and warms our hearts." A doctor standing aside, one of Dusan's students, nodded her head, saying "Yes, he also blazed the trail for us."
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An express freight train will run regularly between Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province and Moscow, Russia, local authorities said Tuesday.
The train is part of the China-Europe freight train service. In 2016, 460 cargo trains left Chengdu bound for Europe, making up 26 percent of the total freight trains leaving China for Europe.
In 2017, the number of Europe-bound freight trains from Chengdu will exceed 1,000, according to the city's port and logistics office.
The number of China-Europe freight trains reached a new annual record this year since starting operations in 2011, according to China Railway Corporation (CRC).
So far this year, more than 3,000 cargo trains have traveled on 57 lines between cities on the two continents, surpassing the past six years combined, and pushing the aggregate to over 6,000.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel [Xinhua]
When the German election took place approximately two months ago, the result was seen through a double perspective.
The first was the fourth consecutive victory of Chancellor Angela Merkel, making her comparable to leaders such as Konrad Adenauer and Helmut Kohl; and the second was the success of the populist right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) ending the countrys immunity to far-right parties.
However, almost no one could have predicted the subsequent difficulties in the formation of a new government. The possibility of a coalition between the Conservatives the Christian Democrats and the Christian Socialists of Bavaria the Liberals and the Greens, was clearly gaining ground and in some minds almost a fait accompli.
Yet, optimism for the shaping of a so-calledJamaica coalition (based on the party colors) has been proved wrong. The parties failed to come to an agreement before the set deadline. The main reason seems to be the hesitation of the leader of the Liberals, Christian Lindner, to participate in a government that offered a risk of personal and political damage.
Lindner is clearly discouraged by the negative experience of the 2009-2013 period. During that period, his party under a different leadership supported a conservative-led government. Public opinion was disenchanted with its performance and as a result the Liberals failed to enter parliament in the September 2013 election.
In contrast, the Christian Democrats and the Christian Socialists seemed to get on well with the Greens. German media, including the well-informed Bild newspaper, reportedconstructive consultations between their representatives. The two parties alone do not produce the necessary number of votes to form a government, though.
So, where is theJamaica failure leading the country? Three scenarios are discussed for the coming weeks. The first is the formation of a grand coalition between the Conservatives and the Social Democrats, as happened in the last four years. The second is the building of a minority government between the Conservatives and the Greens. Third is the call of a snap election in 2018.
Each of the three scenarios is feasible under current circumstances. However, all of them could be problematic. To start with regard to the possibility of a new grand coalition, Social Democrat leader Martin Schulz has repeatedly excluded it. He believes that the German public opinion wants his party to be in opposition based on its decision to give it a percentage only slightly exceeding 20 percent in the recent federal election.
Practically speaking, he seeks to gain time in order to reorganize the party, elaborate on new policy ideas, forge an effective opposition line and create conditions for a victory in the 2021 election.
Now, Schulz is under pressure. Not only the Conservatives but also some Social Democrats are attempting to convince him to change course.
A minority government is constitutionally permitted (Paragraph 4 of Article 63). Nevertheless, this could entail political risks and has never happened since creation of the German Federal Republic in 1949. And a minority government would hardly be stable.
Chancellor Angela Merkel has publicly said that she prefers a new election rather than to have a government lacking the required parliamentary majority. She places much emphasis onpolitical stability, which is well-founded in German political culture.
As far as early elections are concerned, they will not necessarily function as solution to the problem. Theres no guarantee the Conservatives will receive a mandate to govern alone or in cooperation with the Greens.
The interpretation of the recent election is straightforward. The majority of German citizens wants a coalition government with Merkel as Chancellor, but not as powerful as she used to be in the past.
They will maybe re-send the same message, should they be asked to vote again. The same difficult political dilemmas will then return in the form of an even worse nightmare.
To sum up, Germany is encountering unprecedented political inertia. Obviously, as a well-organized country enjoying efficient governance structures, it has not entered any crisis or unknown adventure yet.
Nonetheless, expected policy initiatives such as the Franco-German dialogue on the future of Europe are postponed and this can only hurt. It remains to be seen whether calls for political responsibility including from President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will generate a compromise tendency and sideline the insistence on disagreements.
George N. Tzogopoulos is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:
http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/GeorgeNTzogopoulos.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Flash
British royal family confirmed Monday that Prince Harry has already been engaged with his girlfriend Meghan Markle earlier this month in London.
Prince Harry (L) and Meghan Markle attend an official photocall to announce their engagement in London, Britain, on Nov. 27, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]
The announcement, issued by Clarence House, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall's official residence, said the wedding will be held in spring next year and details about the wedding day would be "announced in due course".
The fifth in line to the British throne said that he has proposed to the American actress following a one year relationship and she's happily accepted.
The couple will live at Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace in London after married.
In a statement, Prince Charles said he was "delighted to announce" his son's news and that Harry had received the blessing of Markle's parents.
It's believed that Harry would have asked his grandmother The Queen's permission before popping the question.
Harry first confirmed his relationship with Markle in November 2016, in a statement from Kensington Palace attacking the media for subjecting her to a "wave of abuse and harassment". The two made their first public appearance as a couple in September this year.
Markle, who played Rachel Zane in U.S. TV drama Suits, was born on 4 August 1981 and grew up in Los Angeles but now lives in Toronto.
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Flash
A cargo train carrying molten sulfur derailed early Monday in central Florida, the southeastern U.S. state, according to rail operator CSX Corporation.
"Approximately nine rail cars" derailed near Lakeland, Polk County, Florida, said CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle, describing molten sulfur as"a hazardous material used in making rubber, detergent and fertilizers."
The CSX said no injuries have been reported and that it's investigating the cause of the derailment.
Several cars were left "rolled over and mangled," said Polk County Fire Rescue.
The fire rescue agency warned local residents to stay indoors, close their windows and turn off their air conditioning units.
However, "at this time there are no evacuations," said the agency.
The derailment occurred near a residential area along a divided four-lane highway that links suburban and rural neighborhoods to Lakeland, according to a National Public Radio report. The train track runs parallel to the road.
The train, travelling from Waycross, Georgia, to Winston, Florida, was comprised of three locomotives and nearly 200 rail cars, among them 120 loaded and 70 empty, said the operator.
Flash
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Monday rejected a suggestion from former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont that the Catalan region should leave the European Union (EU).
Puigdemont had made the suggestion in an interview on Israeli television from Belgium, where he is currently staying during the legal process to return him to Spain where he faces charges of rebellion, sedition, disobedience, and misuse of public funds, related to the Catalan independence referendum on Oct. 1 and independence declaration on Oct. 27.
Following the lack of support from the EU for the Catalan independence movement, Puigdemont said Catalans should decide if they wanted to remain part of Europe, to which Rajoy responded that the suggestion was"absurd."
What the region needed now, said the Spanish leader in a meeting with the press on Monday, was "to return to tranquility and normality," and that the EU was the region with the"highest level of democracy, freedom, and human rights in the world," as well as "the best" in issues such as health care and the welfare state.
"Puigdemont can say what he believes to be opportune, but it is the people who have to speak now and not him," Rajoy said in reference to the Dec. 21 regional elections for Catalonia which polls suggest will be a very close race between pro-independence and pro-unity parties.
Flash
A Melbourne man has been arrested for allegedly planning a terrorist attack on New Year's Eve celebrations.
Victoria Police confirmed on Tuesday that the 20-year-old man from Werribee, 30 km southwest of Melbourne, was taken into custody by Special Operations Group (SOG) officers on Monday afternoon.
Shane Patton, Victoria police deputy commissioner, confirmed the man was an Australian-born Muslim with Somalian parents.
Patton said police believe the man was trying to acquire a firearm to "shoot and kill as many people as he could" around Federation Square in Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) during New Year's celebrations.
"This is a person who expressed an intention to try and kill as many people as he could through shooting them in Federation Square area on New Year's Eve," Patton told reporters on Tuesday.
"It is a tremendous concern to us that (during) festive season, when people are out enjoying themselves, that there is a potential plot to commit a terrorist act. That is a huge issue for us but that is why we put the resources in."
Police do not expect to make any further arrests relating to the plot, alleging the man was operating alone.
Patton confirmed that the man was in possession of an al-Qaeda guidebook on how to carry out terrorist attacks.
"He is associated with other persons in the Victorian extremists community... it is a very small community of extremists," he said.
Police were interviewing the man on Tuesday morning with charges expected to follow in the afternoon
Flash
Jose Antonio Meade stepped down as Mexico's finance minister on Monday in order to register as a pre-candidate for the 2018 presidential elections, for the ruling Revolutionary Institutional Party (PRI).
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto embraces Finance Minister Jose Antonio Meade during an event where Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto announced the resignation of Finance Minister Jose Antonio Meade, at Los Pinos presidential residence in Mexico City, Mexico November 27, 2017. [Photo/VCG]
The government announced that his post would be replaced by Jose Antonio Gonzalez Anaya, former director general of Mexico's state-owned oil company, Pemex, and the country's social security institute, IMSS.
In a press conference, Meade said that he would register as pre-candidate, with the PRI having set a deadline of Nov. 30 for interested parties to do.
Meade has been a regular figure in the government of President Enrique Pena Nieto, having served as minister of foreign affairs and of social development before his finance role. During the ceremony, Pena Nieto hailed Meade as "a good man, with a vocation of service and a deep love for Mexico."
Local press reports had long expected that Meade would run and he has been widely backed by prominent members of the PRI.
Health Minister Jose Narro and Public Education Minister Aurelio Nuno both expressed their support for Meade as president, despite both having been seen as potential candidates. Another leading figure, Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, currently Minister of the Interior, also ruled himself out of the race on Monday.
Meade has broad experience in other governments. Prior to Pena Nieto's term in office, he served President Felipe Calderon, of the National Action Party (PAN) as energy and finance minister.
Meade has a law degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and an economy degree from the Mexico Autonomous Institute of Technology (ITAM). He has a PhD in economics from Yale and has lectured there and at ITAM.
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Flash
Zimbabwe's new president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, dissolved the cabinet on Monday and said he is in the process of assembling a new team of cabinet ministers.
In a statement, the chief secretary to the president and cabinet Misheck Sibanda said President Mnangagwa had appointed Patrick Chinamasa as acting finance minister and Simbarashe Mumbengegwi as acting foreign minister to allow for uninterrupted services in critical government ministries until a new cabinet is announced.
The two ministers previously occupied the same portfolios before former president Robert Mugabe reshuffled cabinet in October and moved them to new ministries.
Sibanda said Mnangagwa would on Tuesday meet all permanent secretaries for deliberations.
Mnangagwa was sworn in as president last Friday after Mugabe's resignation following military and public pressure.
Bulawayo24 | Nov. 28, 2017
Government is targeting to acquire three more MA60 aircraft for Air Zimbabwe at a cost of $6 million as plans to boost the company's fleet gathers momentum.
Air Zimbabwe's fleet currently comprises of two Boeing 767s, three B737s, three MA60s and two Airbus A320s.
Transport and Infrastructure Development Permanent Secretary Dr Machivenyika Mapuranga, said they are targeting MA60 aircraft for Air Zimbabwe.
"What we are looking for is $6 million to buy MA60 aircraft for Air Zimbabwe of which one MA60 will cost $2 million. This is the aircraft we are targeting for Air Zimbabwe," said Dr Mapuranga.
Air Zimbabwe is one of the critical parastatals that Cabinet wants revived given its central role in economic turnaround, particularly from the perspective of bringing tourists into the country.
Tourism is seen as a low hanging fruit that can help turnaround the economy.
Cabinet has since approved the takeover of Air Zimbabwe's $334 million debt as part of grand efforts to clean its balance sheet and resuscitate its operations.
It is estimated that Air Zimbabwe's passenger numbers have gone down to about 230 000 per annum in the past few years, from a peak of one million in 1996 with travellers looking for alternative airlines across all the domestic destinations.
The national airline is still in the wilderness where it continues to incur losses.
In 2011, Air Zimbabwe's Boeing 737-500 was impounded in South Africa after failing to settle a $500 000 debt owed to Bid Air Services for ground handling services.
The Boeing 767-200 was also seized by American General Supplies in London over a $1,2 million debt in the same year.
It is believed that is the reason why the airline pulled out of flying to London, one of the most lucrative destinations.
Air Zimbabwe was suspended from International Air Transport Association (IATA), a situation which has made it difficult for Air Zimbabwe to fly to international destinations.
IATA is the trade association for the world's airlines, representing some 275 airlines or 83 percent of total air traffic. It supports many areas of aviation activity and helps formulate industry policy on critical aviation issues.
Dr Mapuranga said there was a target that Air Zimbabwe should be re-admitted at IATA by December this year. The target is to make sure Air Zimbabwe begins international flights and boost revenues.
If revived, Air Zimbabwe has a potential to make a meaningful contribution to the economic growth of the country.
Barely two days after the Communist Party of China's top disciplinary body announced the investigation of Lu Wei, former deputy chief of the Party's Publicity Department, Zhang Yang, a former member of the Central Military Commission, who was also under investigation, committed suicide on Thursday.
Lu, the first high-level official, or "tiger", brought down by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection after the Party's 19th National Congress, is under investigation for what are described as serious violations of disciplinary protocols.
Zhang was being investigated for his connections with the disgraced former CMC vice-chairmen Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou, as well as offering and accepting bribes and holding a huge amount of assets whose origin was unclear, in addition to other discipline violations.
The investigations of Lu, who was also head of the Cyberspace Administration of China, and Zhang, who was also the former head of the military's Political Work Department, have come as timely reassurance that the graft-busters are not easing up on their endeavors and, as CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping has vowed, there are no no-go zones.
With the central leadership's demonstrated resolve to make the fight against corruption never ending and a lasting political legacy, it is evident that the graft-busters are determined to leave no stone unturned.
But while pursuing those who seek to escape with impunity for their wrongdoings, it is important at the same time to mend the loose or broken fences that have allowed corruption to breed and spread in the manner it has.
The CPC has made impressive progress in this regard by installing new anti-graft protocols and institutionalizing proven remedies, especially over the past five years. More will be achieved as the anti-graft efforts become more systematic.
A comprehensive review of existing corruption-prevention mechanisms and their subsequent overhaul, such as the establishment of a national supervisory commission system, and the adoption of national anti-corruption legislation, are indispensable for that to happen.
As Xi said in his speech at the 19th CPC National Congress, it takes good blacksmith to make good steel. The efforts to establish the clean, honest, upright working style Xi envisions, and which people are longing for, have to go hand in hand with efforts to rid the People's Liberation Army of the pernicious influence of corruption in order to make it fit for purpose.
Only through strengthening deterrence, creating a cage of institutions, and maintaining constant vigilance against corruption will the military be ready to meet the demands of the day and the political environment be clean and free of corruption.
Premier Li Keqiang addresses an economic forum attended by 16 Central and Eastern European leaders on Monday in Budapest. Hungarian Prime Minister Orban Viktor (center) and Bulgarian Premier Boyko Borisov also spoke. ATTILA KISBENEDEK / AFP
Premier said financing will grow for joint projects with Central, Eastern Europe
Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday that China would increase agricultural imports from Central and Eastern European countries and provide greater financial support to China-CEEC cooperative projects.
He made the announcement during the seventh China-CEEC Economic and Trade Forum, which attracted more than 1,000 business people to Hungary's capital, Budapest.
China wants to import more agricultural goods like meat and dairy products, honey and fruit, Li said.
"Next year, an import exposition will be hosted by China, and I hope CEE nations will take part in it and win Chinese consumers," he said.
Li said that the financing should be expanded. China supports the financing of cooperative projects by commercial financial institutions and supports enterprises from CEE nations issuing panda bonds in China, he said. A panda bond is a renminbi-denominated bond from a non-Chinese issuer. He said renminbi financing will be supported for cooperative projects.
Li also announced the establishment of a China-CEEC bank consortium, to which the China Development Bank will grant loans worth 2 billion euros ($2.4 billion).
Li said a second round of the China-Central and Eastern Europe Investment Cooperation Fund, initiated by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China last year, has been completed to raise $1 billion. The fund will mainly invest in CEE nations.
In the past five years, China-CEEC cooperation has registered achievements that benefit people from both sides, Li said on his arrival on Sunday. As part of China-Europe ties, China-CEEC cooperation has promoted the development of countries in the subregion, balanced development for all of Europe and the continent's process of integration, he said.
The measures were the latest move in financial cooperation. A financial holding company was established in November 2016 to fund projects that promote Chinese-made equipment and products after the fifth Meeting of Heads of Government of China-Central and Eastern European Countries in Riga, Latvia.
Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan said that the first such forum was held in Budapest six years ago and the event has played a vital role in boosting economic ties and promoting cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said at the forum that European countries now need technological and financial support from China and Asia, and the China-CEEC mechanism, also known as "16+1" cooperation, will benefit the EU and all of Europe. Orban said large enterprises in Asia are increasingly participating in the Western market with first-class technologies, which has played a key role in the development of CEE nations.
Wang Yiwei, a professor of international studies at Renmin University of China, said CEE countries are still in the process of changing from socialist economies into market economies and they want to attract more investment from China.
Investing in the area will also provide opportunity for China to enter the West European market, he said. Also, "16+1" cooperation is a highlight in Belt and Road cooperation, and the initiative will promote level and significant "16 + 1" cooperation, he added.
Zhou Jin contributed to this story.
huyongqi@chinadaily.com.cn
A bank clerk shows a social security card at a branch of China Construction Bank (CCB) in Haian county, Nantong city, East China's Jiangsu province, Oct 30 2014.[Photo/IC] Three to five State firms, two central financial institutions in first batch
China's finance ministry will coordinate with other government departments to introduce a policy regime which supervises and evaluates the pilot program that will transfer shares of State-owned enterprises and financial institutions to the country's social security fund.
Starting from next year, different groups of SOEs and financial institutions will be approved stage by stage for share transfer, and the whole process is expected to be finished soon, said the Ministry of Finance.
Experts expect that the regime may include detailed standards for selecting specific enterprises as the targets, and the methods to assess the value of transferred assets.
According to an announcement, which was released on Nov 18 by the country's cabinet, the State Council, 10 percent of the State-owned equity will be transferred to the National Council for Social Security Fund and wholly State-owned enterprises.
By the end of this year, three to five SOEs and two central financial institutions in several provinces are planned to be selected as the first batch to start the program, the State Council's statement said.
A report from The Economic Observer, a local business newspaper, said on Monday that China Resources Group, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and China Construction Bank may be included in the list of the first batch.
It also said that the Ministry of Finance will be in charge of the first round of enterprises' selection, after which it will coordinate with the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and ask for opinion from the enterprises themselves.
The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission didn't respond on this information.
This pilot program is aiming to ease the pressure of pension payments through making up for possible shortfalls as the aging population continues to grow, and it will cut the burden of the working generation by expanding the pension fund scale without raising taxes or pension contribution rates, said the Ministry of Finance.
By the end of last year, the total income of China's social security fund has reached 5.01 trillion yuan ($759.1 billion), up by 8.1 percent from a year earlier, according to the ministry.
The total expenditure of the social security fund was 4.36 trillion yuan, a year-on-year rise of 11.5 percent, marking a surplus of 650.8 billion yuan, as the official data showed.
Su Peike, a researcher with the Public Policy Research Institute at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said that the ratio of the transferred State-owned equity could possibly be continually increased when the pilot program sees effective results, to better offset the large pension gap.
China's bottled water conglomerate, Nongfu Spring, is tapping into the skin care market, the Hangzhou-based company announced on Sunday night.
But instead of using aqua, which tops many skin care product ingredients, the company said "there isn't a single drop of water" in three of its newly launched products, which are facial masks and two types of toners.
Instead, the company has sourced 400 metric tons of natural birch sap from Finland as the base of its products, which are marketed mainly as strong moisturizers and branded as Yoseido.
"It may sound like a crossover for Nongfu Spring, but (it is) actually a back-to-basics approach for my business," said Zhong Shanshan, founder and chairman of Nongfu Spirng.
The 63-year-old journalist-turned-businessman made his first bucket of gold by producing nutritional supplements processed from turtle shells around 1993. Three years later, after discovering a reservoir near his hometown in Zhejiang province, he started the bottled water business and steadily expanded the group, Yang Sheng Tang Group Ltd, into a 10-billion-yuan ($1.51 billion) empire with portfolios in beverage, foods, health products and biopharmacy.
The venture in the skin care category, which kicked off three years ago for research and development, will be a new arm under the YST Group. Its facial masks have been put on the Tmall store of YST for trial sales, at the price of 168 yuan per pack, containing five pieces, close to the offerings of US brand Olay under P&G.
The official time for all of the three products to be put on shelf at departments stores and e-commerce platforms has yet to be decided, according to Zhong.
But he confirmed that the products are likely to be exported to Japan, one of the most competitive markets in the world for beauty industry.
More than that, he is making no bones about his ambition to turn the brand into the top five sellers in domestic skin care category within five years.
"There is no such thing as brand loyalty. It took a little time for all the once die-hard Nokia followers to shift to iPhones when (Steve) Jobs created it," he said, addressing the question of competition against many well-established brands home and abroad.
While China's beauty industry is still dominated by foreign brands, there has been a rising interest among young people to try domestic brands. Statistics from Tmall showed that during the latest Singles Day shopping extravaganza, eight out of the 18 brands that consolidated sales over 10 billion yuan within 24 hours are domestic ones.
Pechoin and Chando are the two bestsellers followed by Western brands such as Lancome and Estee Lauder.
According to consultancy firm Mintel, China's facial skin care and cosmetics industry is likely to exceed $20.5 billion in 2017, up by 12 percent year on year, and far above the 8 percent annual growth rate enjoyed by the general beauty and personal care category.
A girl and her mother experience an artificial intelligence piano produced by Guangzhou Pearl River Piano Group Co Ltd during a recent AI forum held in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.[Photo by Tan Qingju/China Daily]
Guangzhou Pearl River Piano Group Co Ltd, the world's largest piano producer and seller, is banking on growing bilateral cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and the rest of the world to help further expand its market presence.
Yang Weihua, board secretary of Guangzhou Pearl River Piano Group Co Ltd, said Pearl River Piano is planning to participate in a series of international cultural, education and music events and competitions in 2018, in order to help expand exchanges and cooperation with its foreign counterparts and further raise its reputation at home and abroad.
"Such exchanges would certainly help Pearl River Piano increase its overseas sales in the future," he said.
Yang said he believed that Pearl River Piano would be able to tap opportunities in the Belt and Road Initiative-related countries and regions in tandem with China's growing bilateral engagements across the world.
"The Belt and Road Initiative encourages domestic companies to expand their overseas exchanges and such cooperation provides a golden opportunity for Pearl River Piano to go global. We have already produced high quality products that can compete in the global markets," said Yang.
"After the purchase of Germany's largest and most famous piano maker Schimmel last year, Pearl River Piano is now expecting to further expand its cooperation and exchanges with foreign counterparts through a series of culture, education, music events and competitions in 2018."
Pearl River Piano was set up in 1956 and now holds 90 percent of the shares in Schimmel, which has two piano production facilities in Germany and Poland.
"The purchase is a win-win deal for both Pearl River Piano and Schimmel. The German firm has expanded its sales in the mainland while Pearl River Piano is using Schimmel's marketing channels to increase global sales," according to Yang.
Li Jianning, vice-chairman and general manager of Pearl River Piano, said he had met Hannes Schimmel-Vogel, general manager of Schimmel, in Guangzhou recently to explore avenues for further cooperation between the two companies. Pearl River Piano has also promised to help accelerate the construction of Schimmel's facility in Kalisz, Poland.
The Shenzhen Stock Exchange listed company, which produced and sold more than 136,300 pianos last year, earned 1.47 billion yuan ($22.61 million) from its piano sales in 2016.
The company's pianos account for 27.27 percent of the global market and for 38.6 percent of the quantity sold in China. Its products are sold in more than 100 countries and regions around the world.
The City of London's new lord mayor will push for the United Kingdom's main financial district to do more business with China.
Charles Bowman, who became the 690th lord mayor of the City of London on Nov 10, said he would like to leave two "China legacies" during his year in office.
"I'm really keen to grow financial and professional services engagement between China and the UK, and promote London as a natural western hub for the Belt and Road Initiative," Bowman said.
His call follows China's decision to provide foreign financial companies with unprecedented access to its markets.
The lord mayor of London represents the capital's financial district and is also leader of the City of London Corporation. The role differs from the much more powerful mayor of London, who is elected and oversees the whole of Greater London.
Bowman has already felt China's strong presence in the financial district. Three elaborate floats staged by Chinese groups took part in the Lord Mayor's Show on Nov 11 to celebrate the start of his year in office.
And, two days later, Prime Minister Theresa May said during the Lord Mayor's Banquet that she was committed to "maintaining the 'golden era' relationship with China".
The "golden era" was a phrase coined during President Xi Jinping's 2015 state visit to the UK. It describes the fresh impetus for bilateral investment and trade. So far, $18 billion of Chinese investment has gone into non-financial sectors in the UK, which is more than China has invested in any other European country.
Further growth is imminent, especially because many UK banks and asset managers are now making plans to invest in China, in light of announcements by the Chinese government on Nov 10 stating that the country is allowing foreign financial companies to own up to a 51 percent majority stake in financial joint ventures.
Bowman said other areas of tremendous opportunity for UK companies include London's continued growth as an offshore renminbi hub and the growing number of Chinese financial institutions establishing subsidiaries in the City of London.
He traveled to China three times prior to taking up his role as lord mayor. He supported former Lord Mayor Jeffrey Mountevans' visit to Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong last year, and attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing in May, and the China Wealth Forum in June.
"I came back inspired," Bowman said, recalling Xi's talk about his vision for the Belt and Road Initiative.
"I recognized all that we in the UK can do to support that vision," he said, adding that he hopes the City's whole spectrum of financial businesses can get involvedincluding law, finance, engineering consulting, accounting, project management and more.
Bowman, who has built a successful career as a partner at the accounting firm PwC, has witnessed London's financial center change throughout the decades. He said one major change was the fast expansion of Chinese institutions and the emergence of Chinese talents, both playing an important role in the Square Mile's diversity and international engagement.
The City of London now hosts around 30 Chinese companies, including banks, security firms, insurance companies and investment funds. The Bank of China's UK chief executive, Sun Yu, is chairman of the Association of Foreign Banks, which demonstrates the significant role Chinese financial companies play in London, Bowman added.
Major foreign yogurt brands such as Japan's Meiji and France's Yoplait are now popular in China.[Photo/Agencies]
Supermarket shoppers are being enticed by a new range of yogurts as dairy companies tickle their palates.
Sales are expected to jump 18 percent in China to 122 billion yuan ($18.4 billion) this year compared to 2016, data from Euromonitor International highlighted.
To underline the surge in demand, yogurt sales will overtake milk purchases for the first time.
"China's growing middle-class has more money to spend, particularly on high-end, nutritional dairy items," said Song Liang, a senior independent industry analyst.
Apart from domestic products, major foreign brands such as Japan's Meiji and France's Yoplait have rolled out a variety of yogurts here.
Even small Chinese labels, New Hope Group and China Shengmu Organic Milk Ltd, are trying to muscle into a highly competitive market.
At the top of the pyramid are premium products with distinctive flavors and textures, but they carry expensive price tags.
"Now, the growth rate of ordinary temperature milk is slow," Song said. "But low-temperature and ordinary temperature yogurts are proving very popular."
Sales of functional and fortified yogurts in China are expected to rise 23 percent to 43 billion yuan this year compared to 2016.
By 2022, sales are expected to surge 56 percent to 75 billion yuan, according to Euromonitor International.
Functional food products tend to contain biologically active compounds and ingredients, which can improve health or lower the risk of disease.
In contrast, fortified items rarely offer specific health benefits.
As Chinese consumers look for more sophisticated dairy products, a wider range of yogurts are hitting the shelves.
Inner Mongolia Mengniu Dairy (Group) Co Ltd is one of the country's leading dairy producers and has teamed up with Danone to improve its brands.
The French conglomerate holds a 10 percent stake in Mengniu and has helped the company with new yogurt-making technologies.
"Yogurt has become one of the categories with the most significant growth potential as the high-end dairy product market is expanding," Mengniu Dairy stated in its latest half-year report.
Business is so brisk that Mengniu plans to wheel out vending machines to sell yogurts in residential areas.
Mengniu, of course, is not alone in forging an international partnership.
Yili Dairy Group and the Greek Academy of Agricultural Science co-developed Ambrosial yogurt, with sales increasing by 106.7 percent last year compared to 2015.
Ambrosial is also the sponsor of popular domestic TV program Running Man. The variety show has a large number of young fans and this has boosted yogurt sales.
In 2016, Yili spent 2.52 billion yuan on a series of ads for TV, print media and radio.
This exceeded the advertising budgets of rivals Mengniu and Bright Dairy Group, data from international market research firm Nielsen illustrated.
During the past three years, Ambrosial has also launched an array of new products and upgraded existing ones. It also introduced a yellow peach oat flavor brand to cater for the younger generation.
Now, it accounts for 37 percent of the room-temperature yogurt industry in China, ahead of a high-end Mengniu label, a report by China Merchants Securities stated.
Together with Bright Dairy, the three major domestic producers dominate the sector with an 85 percent market share.
Indeed, the yogurt trend has even prompted the world's largest retailer, Walmart Stores Inc, to adjust its structure in China.
"About three to four years ago, through consumer research and sales data analysis, we discovered that Chinese consumers' appetite for yogurt was shifting to nutritional and healthy products," said Laurie Chen, dairy director of hypermarket merchandising at Walmart (China) Investment Co Ltd.
"We promptly adjusted the structure of sales after we found that trend, and we deepened the cooperation with suppliers in new product development and releases," he added. "Based on customer's purchasing habits, we display the products on the shelves of our supermarkets."
Organic yogurts are proving popular for health-conscious office workers and young parents.
Discerning shoppers seem willing to pay that little bit more for the right products as supermarkets start stocking an array of upmarket brands.
Classy Kiss, a yogurt rolled out from Green's Bioengineering (Shenzhen) Co Ltd, posted significant sales growth in third and fourth-tier markets.
It recently launched an organic brand, which sells at around 14 yuan ($2.1), one of the most expensive products from its dairy range. Earlier, it also launched a yogurt designed to help improve the digestive system after a meal.
The company hopes it will be able to cash in on the growing demand for healthy products.
Data showed that China is the second-largest dairy market in the world after the United States, according to Euromonitor International.
By 2022, the country's middle-class is projected to exceed 550 million, so dairy producers are focusing on upgrading their yogurt products.
In the past few decades, China's milk industry has grown rapidly with the emergence of major domestic producers, such as Inner Mongolia-based Mengniu and Yili and Shanghai-based Bright Dairy Group.
But a saturated market is forcing major brands to move upmarket with their dairy products, including high-end yogurts and milk, Southwest Securities stated in a report on the industry.
Zhu Danpeng, a researcher at the China Brand Research Institute specializing in the food and beverage business, predicted that by next year, the top-of-the-range yogurt market would be dominated by three national brands and two regional labels.
"Now it is hard to know which two of the regional brands will end up standing out from the rest," Zhu said. "Maybe it will be Classy Kiss or Yantang Milk. The smaller brands are still doing well in the segmented marketplace, and they still have chance to break through."
GUIYANG - Two Chinese firms that help truck drivers to find goods to transport merged Monday.
Huochebang, China's Uber of the truck industry, and its smaller rival ymm56.com, announced a strategic merger.
Wang Gang, chairman and CEO of the new company, said the two brands will continue to operate independently, but data will be shared to improve efficiency.
The new company also plans to use new energy vehicles and expand overseas.
The two can help people find trucks to transport their goods. Huochebang alone provides information on around 5 million pieces of freight daily.
DUBAI - Chinese and US demand for petrochemicals will drive the global demand for oil next year, expert said on Monday at the three-day Gulf Petrochemical and Chemical Association Forum.
Demand for oil in China and the US is expected to continue to grow next year, Vice President of Refining and Chemicals at research firm Wood Mackenzie Alan Gelder said, "and globally, we see 3.5 percent growth for petrochemical products in 2018."
The growth of oil-related manufacturing like the production of ethane and propane, which are basic materials for plastic, was the main driver for the demand of the "black gold."
A dip in demand for oil as seen in the third quarter of 2017 "was a one-off mostly driven by Hurricane Harvey which hit demand for petrochemicals in the United States," Gelder added.
Harvey lasted from Aug 17 to Sept 3 in the southwest of the United States and was with $200 billion in damage, the costliest storm on record, topping Katrina from 2005.
Gelder also mentioned that the slight slowing down of China's economic growth, saying it "does not mean China's economy is declining, in fact it keeps growing."
Asia's oil demand growth remains strong, and more balanced between gasoline and diesel/gas oil, said the analyst. Earlier in October, the International Monetary Fund raised its forecast for China's economic growth in 2017 and 2018, saying the Chinese economy would climb 6.8 percent this year and 6.5 percent next year, both 0.1 percentage point higher than its previous forecast in July, citing the stronger-than-expected performance in the first half of the year and continuous policy support.
Nevertheless Wood Mackzenzie does not expect the price of oil to rise sharply, but it anticipates Brent to trade at $65 per barrel by 2020, despite the agreement between OEPC and Russia to cap production to lift the price.
"That is because OPEC (the Organization of Oil Exporting Countries) members Libya and Nigeria increase their production levels which mitigate OPEC and Russian production restraints, albeit OPEC adherence to cuts was strong in the first half," Gelder pointed out. Currently, Brent trades around $60 per barrel.
On Nov 30, the 14 OPEC members will gather for their 173rd ordinary meeting and their third OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting at the cartel's headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
On the top of the agenda is the discussion point whether the 14 OPEC member states and the 11 non-OPEC members led by Russia will extend their pact from January this year to cut oil production by a combined 1.8 million barrels per day in order to squeeze oversupplied global stockpiles and thus to lift prices. The agreed production volume of oil was set at 32 million barrels per day since then.
DUISBURG - The city of Duisburg, Germany's biggest inland port, is on one end of the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe rail line, which opened in 2011 from the Chinese southwest city of Chongqing.
In recent years, more and more trains operated by the China Railway Express (CRE) from Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Suzhou, Yiwu and other Chinese cities are arriving here.
It takes only 13 days for goods to arrive in Duisburg from Chongqing by rail, 30 days less than by sea, and at a fifth of the cost of air freight.
According to industry experts, the China-Europe freight train services have been providing solutions for the international logistics industry and promoting international trade ties and economic development along the Belt and Road Initiative countries.
CRE conducts freight transportation between China and Europe. The trains bring unlimited business opportunity and bring Duisburg and China much closer, Mayor of Duisburg Soeren Link told Xinhua in a written interview.
More and more frequently, Duisburg is called as "China City", he added.
Thriving city
In 2014, Link witnessed the arrival of China-Europe trains at the Duisburg Intermodal Terminal (DIT), together with Chinese leaders. At that time, there were three trains operating to and from Duisburg and Chongqing every week. Today, the number has increased to over 25 per week.
Daniel Thomas, of DIT Duisburg Intermodal Terminal, said that among them, 17 trains are westbound (from China to Europe), while another eight are eastbound.
According to data from consultants GFW Duisburg, the number of Chinese businesses has grown steadily since 2014. More than 100 Chinese companies have so far settled here. At the same time, around 50,000 import and export containers were transported by CRE trains in 2016, almost four times of the amount in 2014.
"These numbers show the Belt and Road Initiative has brought many economic development opportunities to Duisburg," Link said.
The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It aims to build a trade, investment and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.
Changing times
As CRE business continues to flourish, DIT management is considering how to improve efficiency as business changes over the years.
Eight years ago, DIT terminal were using waterways and trains much more frequently than trucking. Now with CRE, the company needs more trucking services, Thomas said, adding they need to truck 10 containers per week.
"Our trucking service has to change. We need more drivers who are willing to drive long distance," Thomas continued.
In addition, DIT needs to deal with long-standing empty containers because of the imbalance between eastbound and westbound trains.
Shan Jing, business development manager of Far East Land Bridge Ltd (FELB), said that custom clearance has become more efficient and FELB, as a railway operator, has also received support from local Chinese governments because of the Belt and Road Initiative.
"The Belt and Road Initiative supplies new development opportunities. It improves transit efficiency and helps to enlarge our service portfolio," Shan added.
Improving processes
So far, most CRE trains were mainly to and from Germany via the Polish village of Mataszewicze, which could lead to congestion and further affect the punctuality of the trains.
All sides are trying their best to overcome the logistical challenges, which sometimes impact clients.
Shan advised improving the network and creating direct connections between EU borders and terminals in other countries. He believed this would create new cargo options and reduce congestion in some main terminals.
"The issue should be dealt with a development perspective. CRE is always growing and expanding. There are many possibilities considering the change of requirements from customers and the market. CRE will definitely continue developing its potential," Shan said.
Thomas is also optimistic about the future. "In general, I think there is a bright future for CRE trains as an alternative for deep-sea transport and air freight."
Link said that Chinese investment, and the jobs and economic vitality it brings, are welcome in Duisburg.
"I'm very glad to see that Duisburg is marked on the strategic map of the Belt and Road Initiative. The city will be a model for German-Sino cooperation," Link said.
BEIJING - The People's Bank of China (PBOC), the country's central bank, said Monday it has extended a currency swap agreement with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
The size of the swap line is 400 billion yuan ($60.6 billion) or HK$470 billion, according to a PBOC statement.
The two parties believe the extension will help maintain regional financial stability, support trade and investment between the mainland and Hong Kong, and develop Hong Kong's offshore yuan market, the PBOC said.
The pact is valid for three years and can be extended upon mutual consent.
A currency swap deal allows two institutions to exchange payments in one currency for equivalent amounts in the other to facilitate bilateral trade settlements and provide liquidity support to financial markets.
Volunteers for the fourth World Internet Conference held Dec 3 to 5 in Wuzhen pose in Tongxiang city, East China's Zhejiang province, Nov 27, 2017. [Photo/VCG]
More than 1,200 volunteers will serve the fourth World Internet Conference (Wuzhen Summit) to be held in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province, from Dec 3 to 5.
Most of them are students coming from local colleges in Zhejiang province.
At the launch ceremony for volunteer activities held Monday, the volunteers' uniforms, which feature a bridge as a design element and combine black and blue the colors of Wuzhen with "internet blue", were unveiled.
Compared with the uniforms last year, the new versions are more highly saturated with bright colors.
The volunteers will provide services such as one-to-one language interpretation, reception and guidance.
The summit this year will gather 1,500 guests from around the world, including the heads of international organizations, leading figures in the internet industry, online celebrities and academics, according to Xinhua.
The event will focus on the digital economy, openness and sharing to build an online community of a shared future.
Leading internet companies, such as Alibaba Group Holding, Baidu Inc, Huawei Technologies and Russia's Kaspersky Lab, will display their latest products.
BEIJING Two Chinese State-owned enterprises (SOEs) have merged into an energy conglomerate with total assets worth 1.8 trillion yuan ($272.96 billion).
The new company, China Energy Corporation, has become the world's largest in coal mining, thermal power, renewable energy and coal-to-liquid conversion, according to the founding ceremony held Tuesday.
It was formed by the reorganization of power generator China Guodian Corporation and coal miner Shenhua Group.
"It is the biggest consolidation among central SOEs in recent years," said Xiao Yaqing, chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission.
Xiao expects the deal to improve corporate profitability and help coordinate coal and electricity markets.
The merger is in line with the country's effort to push restructuring in state-owned companies. During the past five years, 34 central SOEs were reorganized to improve competitiveness, according to Xiao.
The total number of central SOEs has halved from 196 in 2003.
Qiao Baoping, chairman of China Energy, said the company would focus on coal mining and power generation, while making more effort to eliminate excess capacity, and speed up its drive to go global.
China Energy signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of West Virginia to cooperate on shale gas exploration at the beginning of the month. The deal, with total investment to reach $83.7 billion in 20 years, will be the largest ever energy cooperation deal between China and the United States.
The Tsuihang New District in Zhongshan of Guangdong province is positioned to become a center of innovative technology, advanced industries and high-tech enterprises for foreign investment, according to the local government.
Approved by the Guangdong Provincial Government in December 2012, Tsuiheng New District was set up to become one of the key development areas in Zhongshan with a concentrated construction area of 35 square kilometers.
Over 21 consulate generals and foreign chambers of commerce representatives from America, Germany, Switzerland, France and other countries visited Tsuiheng New District during a two-day promotional event in early November, organized by the local departments of foreign and overseas Chinese affairs and industry and commerce.
Tsuihang New District is located in the eastern region of Zhongshan as well as in the geographical center of the Pearl River Delta. It is a strategic "bridge" that connects the west and east bank of the Pearl River estuaries.
This district is bordered on the north by Nansha District in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, and on the south by Hengqin Free Trade Zone in Zhuhai, east of Qianhai Area in Shenzhen.
The delegation visited some of the strategic development projects already completed in the District, including the Sino-Swiss Industrial Park.
The park is located in the core region of Tsuiheng New District, covering an area of 7 square kilometers, and positioned to become a Sino-European-American synergetic development platform that is innovation-driven and technology-oriented with high-end industries, cultural integration and ecological demonstrations. By now, the park hosts 24 foreign projects, including from Germany's Fassmer-Marland, Switzerland's SSM and the United States' Poolpak.
By hosting this event, the Zhongshan government aims to attract more foreign investment to the district. According to a Market Entity Development Statistical Report released by Zhongshan Industry and Commerce Administration Bureau for the second quarter of 2017, there are 4,017 foreign investment companies registered in Zhongshan.
The report also shows that in the first half of 2017, Zhongshan has attracted 163 new foreign investment companies to register and set up their businesses in the city with a new foreign investment capital of $24.14 million.
BEIJING - A central bank advisor said Tuesday that China should set a moderate economic growth target next year to give more room to structural reform.
China's economy maintained steady growth and a positive outlook this year, with many bright spots emerging, including markedly improved corporate profits, said Bai Chongen, a Tsinghua University professor and member of the central bank monetary policy committee, at a forum.
While some advocate a higher GDP growth target for 2018, Bai said a slightly lower target is needed to curb inefficient investment and reduce the risk from growing debt.
"Personally I support a slightly lower, moderate growth target, so that we have more room to carry out structural reform," he said during a panel discussion at the Caijing Annual Conference.
The Chinese government targeted GDP growth of around 6.5 percent for 2017. The 2018 growth target is expected to be unveiled during the annual national legislative session in March next year.
"To achieve the official goal of doubling the GDP by 2020 from 2010, the country only needs an average growth rate of 6.3 percent in the coming three years," Bai said.
He spoke of fast expansion in low-efficiency investment and increasing debt ratios at local government financing vehicles.
Pursuing a higher growth target could encourage upstream industries to continue expansion and lead to new excess capacity, Bai warned.
Meanwhile, consumption demand remains subdued, which calls for more measures to increase residents' disposal income and stimulate spending, he said.
China's economy expanded 6.8 percent year on year in the third quarter, down from 6.9 percent in the second quarter. Growth in the first three quarters reached 6.9 percent.
The government is trying to shift to sustainable economic growth driven more by technology and consumption and less by debt-fueled, low-end investment.
Chinese model Liu Wen [Photo/IC]
In the latest release of the Worlds Highest Paid Models of 2017 by Forbes, an American business magazine well-known for its lists and rankings, Chinese model Liu Wen remains at the No. 8 position with an amazing income of 42.94 million yuan ($6.5 million).
Liu was still the only Asian model named on the top 10 list. In 2017, in addition to participating in plenty of fashion parties and shows, she also became the first Chinese model to ever appear on the front cover of American Vogue for its 125th anniversary.
Its worthwhile noticing that, for the first time since 2002, Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen had not crowned the list, coming in second place with a mammoth $17.5 million this year.
The new top-earning model is American Kendall Jenner with $20 million. She has a huge following of 85 million on the social media platform Instagram and was dubbed the "Social Media Model" by Harper's Bazaar.
Now, lets take stock of the top 10 income leaders of 2017.
No.1 Kendall Jenner, $22 million
No.2 Gisele Bundchen,$17.5 million
No.3 Chrissy Teigen, $13.5 million
No.4 Adriana Lima, $10.5 million
No.5 (tie) Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, $9.5 million
No.5 (tie) Gigi Hadid, $9.5 million
No.7 Karlie Kloss, $9 million
No.8 Liu Wen, $6.5 million
No.9 Bella Hadid, $6 million
No.10 Ashley Graham, $5.5 million
People check job postings at a job fair in Xihongmen, Daxing district, in Beijing on Monday. [Zou Hong/China Daily]
Beijing's top Party official said the city will help people affected by a sweeping safety campaign in the wake of a deadly fire with jobs and lodging.
The fire in the city's Daxing district broke out in a building with over 400 residents in the village of Xinjian in Xihongmen township on Nov 18. Nineteen people were killed and eight injured.
After the fire, the city government launched a 40-day citywide campaign aimed primarily at eliminating fire hazards and other safety problems in crowded apartments and warehouses that serve as storage areas, workshops or worker living space.
Cai Qi, Party chief of Beijing, said in a Monday meeting that removing all fire hazards takes time and cannot be accomplished within a short period, Beijing Daily reported. He also said it is necessary to draft a three-year plan to fundamentally solve the problem.
Cai visited the site of the accident three times in recent days, Beijing Daily said. Calling the accident a "lesson paid with blood", he said it is imperative to carry out a campaign to root out safety hazards.
He also visited surrounding companies that were affected, asking them about how workers were resettled.
While speaking with local officials in Xihongmen, Cai urged them to care for people affected and try their best to arrange new jobs and places to stay. Cai urged officials to carry out the campaign with more "patience and humanistic care" and "better methods".
On Monday, a job fair was held in Xihongmen to offer opportunities to people who lost their jobs when their employers were told to shut down unsafe factories or warehouses. Human resources departments will organize more job fairs in Xihongmen to help workers in the area to find new jobs, he said.
Also on Monday, Beijing police announced that the fire was caused by an electrical fault, ruling out arson. Twenty people suspected of having liability for the conditions that led to the fire have been detained, they said.
The two-and three-story building with a basement housed workshops and living spaces and was rife with safety hazards, officials say. A person identified only by the surname Fan began building the structure in 2002. Fan began installing a refrigeration facility in the basement in March, and it was undergoing testing. The blaze was traced to a faulty wire in a wall built with flammable material. Fan was among those detained, police said.
At Monday's fair, over 508 vacancies including driver, guard and cleaner were offered by 27 companies, the township government said.
Many warehouses in Xihongmen failed fire and safety assessments and were closed. The fairs are mainly for those who became unemployed as a result, said Chen Yongqiang, deputy head of the township.
"For migrant workers who have decided not to work in Beijing anymore, we will provide temporary accommodation and train or bus tickets to go home," Chen said.
"We prefer the employers taking part in the job fair provide accommodation for employees," said Li Hualong, deputy head of the Daxing district human resource and social security bureau.
Zhao Chuanxin, 28, who had worked and lived in a small clothing workshop in Xinjian where the fire happened, found a job at the fair. He will start working as a driver soon with meals and accommodation provided.
Experts have called for sex education to be promoted in all schools nationwide, warning that younger generations face serious physical and psychological threats from simple lack of knowledge.
A taboo subject in China for centuries, sex has been in the spotlight in recent years because of school bullying and child sexual assaults.
Speaking on Monday in Beijing at the third National Conference on China Youth Aids Prevention and Education, Zhang Yinjun, director of the AIDS Prevention Education Project for Chinese Youth, said half of China's 13 million annual abortion cases involve women under 25 years old.
It's estimated that the country has about 50 million people with fertility problems, and repeated abortions are one of the reasons, she said.
According to the National Health and Family Planning Commission, HIV/AIDS has expanded among young people in the past five years, with 35 percent annual growth in new cases in the 18-to-25 age group.
Sex education in China is mainly carried out by NGOs and private schools in pilot projectsthe AIDS Prevention Education Project for Chinese Youth, Marie Stopes China and Nurturing Relationships, for example.
"Instead of being just an optional course in pilot schools, sex education should be compulsory for all 300 million students in the country," Zhang said, adding that, apart from public awareness about the importance of sex education, promoting it requires support from education departments to train professionals.
Only two universitiesChengdu University in Sichuan province and Capital Normal University in Beijingoffer sex education as a minor course. Some city governments encourage sex education in schools by purchasing services from NGOs or private enterprises.
In Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, 95 percent of 4,638 HIV/AIDS carriers identified last year were infected through sexual intercourse, according to the Wenzhou Disease Control and Prevention Center.
In cooperation with the AIDS Prevention Education Project for Chinese Youth, the city's Disease Control and Prevention Center has launched sex education training centers in every county, and students are required to take a course at least once a semester. It also introduced the country's first online app to test HIV/AIDS knowledge and collect feedback.
China is taking steps to break its silence on sex. Last year, the Ministry of Education issued a guideline suggesting that higher education institutions should create courses to teach students about sex and reproductive health.
"It has been proved that sex education should start in primary and middle school," said Amakobe Sande, country director and representative for UNAIDS. She said that in many countries, sex education is compulsory and student knowledge is tested.
"Sex education should be comprehensive, evidence-based and designed for children in different age groups," Sande said.
"Young people won't accept it if they feel they are judged or condemned. Making the courses user-friendly and stigma-free is very important. We should listen to the voices of young people and let them be core leaders of the course."
A court has sentenced eight people to jail for looting three ancient tombs in Hunan province.
The defendants were sentenced to a maximum of one year and three months, with fines ranging from 3,000 yuan to 10,000 yuan ($450 to $1,500), according to the Youxian County People's Court.
The tombs, located in Wangling village of Youxian, were raided between July and September last year and sustained widespread damage.
The local cultural heritage department believes the tombs date to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC) and Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) and are of historical significance.
Nine items from the tombs - three bronze rings and six pieces of bronzeware - were retrieved.
According to the defendants, they exchanged information and organized themselves through instant-messaging tools. They had local people guide the way and only chose tombs that were not key relics under national protection.
"I know that stealing a cultural relic under State-level protection will lead to a sentence of at least several years. If they were not national relics, the sentence would be less severe if I got caught," one of the defendants told Shanghai news website ThePaper.cn.
Under the Criminal Law, excavation of historical sites under provincial or State protection will lead to sentences of at least 10 years, with a maximum of life imprisonment.
Wang Feng, an official at the cultural heritage bureau in Zhuzhou, told ThePaper that the looted tombs were not on the national cultural heritage list.
Nurse Tang Jianhong talks to a patient at an eldercare facility in Jiashan, Zhejiang province, earlier this month. [Photo/Xinhua]
HANGZHOU - Lu Yonglin, 79, now has people to help him look after his paralyzed wife, thanks to long-term care insurance introduced in October in Jiashan county, Zhejiang province.
An eldercare provider comes to Lu's home minutes after he calls a service company. A one-hour care package, which includes personal hygiene services and clinical care, costs between 20 yuan ($3) and 80 yuan, and will be covered by his wife's insurance.
Each month, his wife, Zhu Aiying, who receives home-based care, gets 300 yuan in cash plus electronic coupons worth 300 yuan to cover costs.
"We have a low retirement salary. The insurance helps a lot," Lu said.
Lu's wife is one of the first 299 beneficiaries since Jiashan introduced long-term care insurance in October. She has been paralyzed and bedridden since 2011, when she was diagnosed with encephalic angioma, a chronic brain condition. Lu takes care of his wife as their children work in distant cities.
"It is a heavy burden for me to provide daily care to my wife as I am getting older," said Lu.
Jiashan has an aging population, coupled with surging chronic diseases. The county has 108,000 people 60 and older, with at least 4,000 of them partially or fully disabled.
"It is the right time to introduce this new social insurance program as a preemptive approach," said Tao Wenzhou, deputy director of the Jiashan Civil Affairs Bureau.
Currently, China has five social insurance programs: healthcare, unemployment, work injury, maternity and elderly care. They are run by the government, with compulsory premiums paid by the individual and the employer.
Long-term care insurance is expected to become the sixth program.
In 2016, Jiashan became one of the pilot cities in Zhejiang to implement long-term care insurance.
Urban and rural residents who are recipients of healthcare insurance can participate in the long-term care insurance program. Those who have a difficult time living independently because of age, illness and disability and will not recover after six months of medical treatment can become recipients of the long-term care insurance.
Jiashan set up a committee to assess recipients according to various levels of dependency. So far, the committee has completed assessments of 896 people, with 689 of them severely disabled.
The insurance premium is 120 yuan annually for each person, with individuals paying 30 yuan and the Jiashan government providing 90 yuan. Currently, Jiashan has collected more than 52.2 million yuan in insurance premiums.
"Elderly people who choose to receive care services in their homes or in nursing or medical institutions will be given different subsidies," Tao said.
The average age of China's population is rising quickly. By the end of 2016, the country had 230 million people aged 60 or older, with at least 40 million of them partially or fully disabled.
Children without siblings face double pressure in terms of manpower and time to take care of their elderly relatives who need long-term care.
To cope with ever-increasing needs for long-term care, China released a guideline in July 2016 for a long-term care insurance program in 15 pilot cities, including Shanghai and Guangzhou, Guangdong province.
It aims to form a long-term care insurance system adapted to national conditions by 2020.
"The program proved helpful in addressing the long-term care demands of the elderly with disabilities," Lu said. "A future scale-up of the program nationwide is expected."
Xinhua
Cutting costs will give a boost to the real economy, increase competitiveness and raise living standards
Approximately 15 billion yuan ($2.3 billion) in costs will be saved by enterprises as China strives to further reduce fees charged on entities and help increase their competitiveness, according to the State Council, China's cabinet.
The decision was made at a State Council executive meeting, presided over by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday.
As of last week, new measures carried out by the central and local governments this year have saved 175 billion yuan in costs for enterprises as a way of supporting the real economy, according to a statement released after the meeting.
The meeting decided to conduct an inspection on how previous measures have been carried out in cutting fees for enterprises, with no tolerance for any resurgence of unreasonable charges.
All regions and departments were required to issue a list of charging fees by the end of this year. The statement said new items for such fees must be scrutinized.
A nationally integrated network will be accelerated to set guidance over services that are charged in line with government-designated prices, while a more transparent monitoring system will be set up to curb arbitrary charges, the document added.
Wednesday's meeting was the latest move by the central government to reduce burdens on enterprises since 2013 as the economy faced downward pressure in a sluggish world economy.
Early this year, value-added tax officially replaced the business tax, which had been in operation for 30 years, to ease costs for enterprises. Meanwhile, clearing arbitrary fees has been another key task for the government.
The premier pledged to further lower fees on corporate operations by the end of this year when he met with the media in March following the conclusion of the annual session of the National People's Congress, the country's top legislator. Several State Council executive meetings have been convened to fulfill the target.
According to the fourth State Council inspection, the burden on enterprises has been lowered. In the first half of this year, the cost of energy was reduced by 17.6 percent compared with the same period last year.
At the meeting, the premier urged departments and regions to optimize their fiscal expenditures and provide funding supports to public services, which used to rely on charges on enterprises.
"We should expand fiscal expenditures on public services in exchange for further growth of enterprises and improved welfare for the people," Li said.
Feng Qiaobin, a professor of economics at the Chinese Academy of Governance, said there is little space to reduce taxes for enterprises as the value-added tax has replaced the business tax in many sectors.
In this case, unreasonable fees can be a priority if the government wants to relax the burden on enterprises, Feng said. She also said negative sentiments that stemmed from these fees charged without clear regulations should be eliminated to boost the enthusiasm of business startups.
Hu Yijian, a professor at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, said the meeting focused on the problem that has confronted enterprises for decades while the measures, especially the inspection, will have a great impact on reducing costs and boosting profitability.
Wang Huaiyu, a researcher at the Development Research Center of the State Council, said that some fees have been charged randomly because of the unclear boundary of the government's power and therefore the ongoing administrative reform should be further promoted.
Wang suggested an information disclosure system be established as early as possible to fully reveal why and how the fees are charged and how they are spent.
Wednesday's meeting also decided to build a mechanism for information release, complaint submission and investigation based on gov.cn, the State Council's official website.
Hu said a supervision system should also be set up to check and name violators. Punishment should be handed out for arbitrary charges and the people in charge should also be penalized, he said.
huyongqi@chinadaily.com.cn
A teacher cares for children attending a kindergarten in Shanghai's Jing'an district in September last year. [Photo by ZHANG SUOQING/FOR CHINA DAILY]
Shanghai continues to report a severe shortage of preschool teachers despite ongoing efforts to increase education and training in recent years.
About 200 graduates majoring in preschool education from East China Normal University and Shanghai Normal University, the two main universities in the city that offer a preschool education major, have all been hired. Hundreds of vacancies remain to be filled.
According to the Shanghai Education Commission, about 33 kindergartens were newly established in the fall 2017 alone, and those are expected to enroll up to 14,580 preschool children. Based on a benchmark ratio of one teacher for every 15 students, the city needs nearly 1,000 more preschool teachers, it said.
Han Gang, director of the career center at Shanghai Normal University, said more than six job fairs were held at the university in November, but only a few graduates applied to be preschool teachers.
"Some graduates accepted job offers at kindergartens during their internships, before the job fairs," Han said.
The situation is similar at East China Normal University. According to Ruan Pingzhang, director of the university's career center, more than 200 kindergartens came to compete for about 100 graduates last year.
"The competition is even fiercer this year," Ruan said.
Shanghai has long expected a surge in demand for preschool education as migrants have continued to pour into the city. It had about 536,000 preschool students citywide at the end of 2015. About 40 percent of them are not registered residents.
The number of students enrolled in kindergartens is expected to reach 700,000 by the end of 2019, thanks to migration and China's second-child policy, which was applied to all couples in 2016.
According to its Preschool Education Three-Year Action Plan (2015-17), Shanghai plans to build or expand at least 90 kindergartens and recruit an additional 1,700 preschool teachers to meet the increasing demand.
But the supply of qualified preschool teachers remains a challenge. According to Wang Congchun, head of the Shanghai Education Commission, the city has expanded university education and professional training for preschool teachers. The city now has four universities recruiting around 600 preschool education majors, as well as nine vocational colleges and schools offer related training.
The shortage remains partly because some teachers quit or change jobs as they reach a bottleneck in career development, according to insiders. The second-child policy also has an impact on the supply of preschool teachers, as most of the candidates are women of childbearing age. Many reports said teachers are among the most willing to have a second child, resulting in pressure on schools to find enough backup teachers to cover maternity leaves.
As competition for preschool education graduates is fierce, private kindergartens are feeling the pinch.
"Graduates usually prefer jobs at the municipal and district level, or at some key kindergartens," said the director of a private kindergarten in Shanghai who asked not to be named. "So we have narrowed the recruitment range even more."
Nasal pegs, which push out the nostrils to create a wider nose, have become the new secret weapon for Chinese women in search of the perfect face.
But a medical expert at a top Beijing hospital warns that the trend comes with serious health risks.
The pegs - which are thin strips of silicone bent into a "U" shape and placed in the nasal cavity - have become big sellers on Taobao, the online marketplace, where they are advertised as a "miracle" solution for women looking for nonsurgical beauty enhancements.
One merchant who was selling a set with four different sizes for 168 yuan ($25) said the product was from Germany and could be used for up to two years. "It's quite soft, and comfortable to wear," said the vendor, who notches about 1,500 sales per month.
Wu Meng, 25, a kindergarten teacher from Tongliao, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, first tried nasal pegs two years ago.
"It was actually very uncomfortable when I wore them the first time," she said, explaining that she uses them to take "more beautiful selfies".
"Only the smallest size fit my nose, and it slipped a lot when my nose was runny," she added.
Unsatisfied with her "flat" nose, Wu had surgery this year to add a piece of bone to make her nose more straight. She has since gained more than 80,000 followers on Soyoung, a cosmetic surgery social networking app with 20 million users.
"It's not a big deal," Wu said. "More and more young Chinese women have tried hard to pursue beauty every day and not be afraid of pain."
Zhao Hongyi, chief of plastic surgery at Beijing Hospital who has been in the industry for 22 years, said he has noticed the growing popularity of nasal pegs.
"A sense of distinction is necessary for Asian girls, especially those from southern China," he said. "A flat nose needs a complete aesthetic change, but not necessarily to a Western nose."
However, he warned, people should not wear the pegs for long periods - "Five to 10 minutes for a date would be OK for a young girl," he said.
Bi Qingyun, attending doctor at the ear, nose and throat department of China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing, said the use of small pegs carries potential risks, even life-threatening ones, as it's easy for them to fall into the nasal cavity.
"If it were inhaled into the air tube, it could kill the person," Bi said.
She strongly recommended against leaving the pegs inserted when falling asleep. "The long-term compression will cause the bone at the nasal tip to become soft and make the nose more flat," she said.
Inflammation may also occur when using the pegs for a long time, with the number of nasal hairs decreasing.
"The disappearance of nasal hair could affect the nose and eczema might appear," Bi said.
The cosmetic medicine market is booming in China. A report by Zero2ipo in 2016 showed a market size of more than 50 billion yuan and 5,000 aesthetic medicine institutions.
As the needs continue to grow, sales of the nostril products are skyrocketing - in WeChat groups, for example - with no brands or identifiers. The products have been sold for two years in various parts of China.
Nasal pegs got their start two years ago when a popular online talk show from Taiwan introduced the item. In Japan and South Korea, young women began using the devices routinely, in the same way they use color contact lenses to temporarily change the appearance of their eyes.
"It's ultimately just a tool," plastic surgeon Zhao said.
BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping on Monday called for continued efforts to upgrade the country's toilets as part of an ongoing "toilet revolution" campaign.
Why has China started this campaign, and why has China's top leader personally spoken out on this seemingly petty issue? Xi's latest instructions provide some answers.
To understand it better, it is necessary to look into what Chinese toilets were in the past and the far-reaching impact of the toilet renovation.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Although China has become the world's second-largest economy, some toilets in poor rural areas are still little more than makeshift shelters surrounded by bunches of cornstalks, while others are open pits next to pigsties, leading to problems such as contamination and pollution from human waste.
While the living standards in cities have drastically improved with China's stellar economic growth, more attention is needed to improve the living environment for the country's 600 million rural people.
That is why the government has invested big to build new toilets in the poorest parts of the country. From 2004 to 2013, the investment totaled 8.27 billion yuan. By the end of 2015, some 75 percent of rural homes had flush toilets or dry toilets with underground storage tanks that had walls, roofs, doors, windows and were at least two square meters in size.
But obviously it's not enough. China launched a "toilet revolution" nationwide in 2015 to make such facilities cleaner and more regulated.
As toilets are a part of everyday life and affect quality of life of the Chinese people, the Chinese government, which has promised to dedicate itself to the well-being of all citizens, must squarely face the problem.
While visiting rural areas, Xi has asked local residents about the conditions of the toilets they use, and stressed many times that clean toilets for rural residents are important for building a "new countryside."
TOURISM AND ECONOMY
While China has rich tourism resources, unhygienic toilet facilities at the country's tourist sites have long been a big put-off for visitors.
At a time when traditional growth drivers are losing steam, China has pinned hopes on services, including tourism, as a new force to support economic growth, and improving public facilities at tourist sites has become an urgent task.
A three-year "toilet revolution" launched in 2015 saw over 20 billion yuan (about $3 billion) invested in installing or renovating 68,000 toilets at tourist sites, exceeding the target of 57,000 toilets.
For the coming three years, authorities aim to add 47,000 toilets and renovate 17,000, according to a plan released by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).
"Compared with the rapid growth of the tourism industry and people's increasing demand for better lives, the development [of toilets] is unbalanced and inadequate. Another three-year program is urgently needed," said Li Jinzao, head of the CNTA.
China's domestic tourism industry earned about 3.9 trillion yuan in 2016, and the country plans to raise tourism revenue to 7 trillion yuan by 2020.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MADE-IN-CHINA
In recent years, there has a frenzy among middle-class Chinese to buy smart toilets during trips to Japan, even though many of these items are actually made in China.
Hoping to ride the wave of China's "toilet revolution," many Chinese companies are making efforts to manufacture and market high-end products on their own.
According to a report by China Household Electrical Appliances Association, the market size for China's domestic smart toilet sector has grown by 59 percent year on year to reach 3.1 million units in 2016.
But the penetration is as low as 1 percent, meaning there is still an immense potential market in China, according to the report.
The ongoing "toilet revolution," against the backdrop of a broader campaign to upgrade Made-in-China products, will hopefully bring changes that reach beyond the industry.
A village committee in Chengdu, Sichuan province, announced a prize of 100,000 yuan ($15,000) for a centenarian 16 years ago and this year the award finally found its first winner.
A banquet was held at Chongyang Festival on Sunday, to honor Liu Guilin on becoming the first centenarian to win the prize in Langjiaqiao village (now Langjia community), Chengdu Business Daily reported.
Chongyang Festival, which falls on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month each year, is a traditional Chinese festival to pay respect and gratitude to seniors, and this year it was celebrated on Nov 26.
To raise people's awareness of respecting seniors, Langjiaqiao village committee set up prizes for seniors in 2001: 5,000 yuan for people reaching 90 and 100,000 yuan for those reaching 100.
Zhang Lian, head of Langjia community's senior association, said that Liu became the first centenarian in the community to win the award in 16 years, and he hoped some other residents who are in their 90s would reach 100.
James helps adjust a veteran's hat. [Photo/screeshot of CCTV]
A foreign teacher from the UK has spent much time doing charity work, including years of visiting veterans and funding impoverished students in Changde, Central China's Hunan province.
James is from Bristol, UK. He has worked as a foreign teacher at Hunan University of Arts and Science for eight years and is recognized as a "legendary" foreign teacher by students.
Since he was a child, he felt like he had a bond with China. And now he's been working on "serving the people wholeheartedly".
James is concerned with a group of veterans who fought in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-45). He worked as a volunteer in Changde's local aid center for those veterans for over six years.
He often goes together with other volunteers to distant villages to visit veterans. "Charity is a civic duty. Veterans shouldn't be neglected. Society should and must help them. It's our duty," James said.
In September 2014, James won Hunan's seventh Xiaoxiang Friendship Award, an award granted by the People's Government of Hunan province to foreigners having made contributions to Hunan in certain sectors.
James is applying for a Chinese green card. He hopes to be able to become rooted in China and take real actions to achieve his Chinese dream step by step.
"A person might be successful if they have enough food to eat and lots of money. But my dream is to help more people to live a better life."
Li Nan (right), a neurology doctor from Changsha, takes a picture with the Filipino-American passenger whom Li provides first aid to after they land at LAX.[Photo by Cao Xuanxuan for chinadaily.com.cn]
Li Nan, a neurology doctor from Changsha, Hunan province, provided first aid to a Filipino-American passenger on flight CX882 from Hong Kong to Los Angeles on Nov 23, Changsha Evening News reported on Monday.
On hearing noises, Li sensed an emergency and came to the aid of the 60-year-old passenger, who had suffered severe diarrhea and was streaming with sweat.
After inquiry, Li heard that the patient had just returned from a funeral and had lots of watermelon and tomato juice on the plane. After ruling out the possibility of food poison, Li concluded that the patient was in hypotonic dehydration, which resulted from tiredness of long journey, poor emotional and physical condition, and diarrhea.
Although the drugs on the plane were mainly for heart diseases, Li managed to dispense oral rehydration salts with the help of flight attendants. The patient followed the instruction of Li and soon got better. The effectiveness impressed the whole crew members. By the time the patient recovered, they were still more than two hours away from Los Angeles.
A senior Chinese military official committed suicide on Thursday morning after coming under investigation from disciplinary watchdogs over bribery allegations, it was reported on Tuesday.
General Zhang Yang, 66, hanged himself at home while the investigation was ongoing, according to a report by Xinhua News Agency.
Zhang was a member of the Central Military Commission and head of its Political Work Department until he was replaced in September by General Miao Hua. No explanation for the reshuffle was given at the time.
The general is believed to be the first member of the Central Military Commission to have died by suicide, as well as the highest-ranking officer with the People's Liberation Army to take their own life.
Xinhua's report said Zhang was placed under investigation on Aug 28 and was suspected to be involved in cases related to Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou, both former vice-chairmen of the commission found guilty of corruption.
Investigators later determined the general had "severely violated Party regulations and State laws" and had "given and taken bribes", the report said.
Zhang, a native of Hebei province, joined the PLA in 1968. The early part of his career has not been disclosed, but it is known that he became involved in political work for the PLA Ground Force in the mid-1990s.
He was appointed political commissar of the former Guangzhou Military Command in 2007, and later that year was elected to the 17th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
In October 2012, he was named head of the former PLA General Political Department, predecessor of the Political Work Department, and a month later was elected to the 18th CPC Central Committee and given a seat on the Central Military Commission.
Since Xi Jinping was elected as leader of the Party, nation and military in 2012, a sweeping anti-corruption campaign inside the military has brought down more than 100 officers at the rank of major general or higher, according to the military's disciplinary watchdog.
YUEYANG, Hunan -- Lee Ming-che from Taiwan was sentenced to five years in prison for "subverting state power" by the Intermediate People's Court of Yueyang City in Hunan Province Tuesday.
Mainland resident Peng Yuhua was sentenced to seven years in prison on the same charge.
The two men were both deprived of their political rights for two years. They said they would not appeal.
Prosecutors accused Peng of roping in dozens of people, including Lee, to establish an organization aimed at subverting state power and overturning the country's political system, using instant messaging services.
On March 19, 2017, Lee was put under coercive measures by the Hunan provincial security organ on suspicion of subverting state power.
BEIJING -- Nobel laureates Andre K. Geim and James Fraser Stoddart, together with other 14 scientists, have been elected as new foreign academicians at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), one of China's top think tanks.
CAS published the list of 77 newly-elected academicians, 61 Chinese and 16 foreigners, on its website Tuesday.
There are now 800 Chinese academicians and 92 foreign academicians at CAS.
CAS membership is China's highest title in the field of science, and a lifelong honor. New members are recruited every two years.
CAS and the Chinese Academy of Engineering are the country's top two think tanks to advise government and industry on key scientific and technological issues.
The Chinese Academy of Engineering also announced its list of newly-elected academicians Monday, which included Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft.
BEIJING -- China's social insurance fund had a surplus of 650.8 billion yuan (about $99 billion) in 2016, the Ministry of Finance said in a final accounts report Tuesday.
The surplus brought the total balance of the fund to 6.54 trillion yuan at the end of last year.
Total revenue of the fund rose 8.1 percent year on year to 5.01 trillion yuan, while expenditure rose 11.5 percent to 4.36 trillion yuan.
About 73 percent of revenue came from insurance premiums and another 22 percent was from government subsidies. The remainder could come from interest payments, investment returns or donations.
The faster growth of expenditure over revenue reflects the pressure of an aging population. The share of people 60 years old or above stood at 16.7 percent of the total population at the end of last year, and has been rising fast for years.
China's social insurance fund covers basic old-age, basic medical care, work-related injury, unemployment and maternity.
HARBIN -- Chinese artists plan to create a snow sculpture that is nearly 300 meters long at a snow art expo in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province in December.
The sculpture will consist of three parts. The main portion will depict a girl opening her arms, with an arm span of 40 meters, and the sculpture will be 35 meters tall. If completed, it will be the biggest snow sculpture ever created at the expo.
"It will be the longest snow sculpture in the expo's history," said Zhang Ningge, a snow sculpture artist. "Bringing the three parts together as a whole will be difficult."
China will host the 2022 Winter Olympics, and the theme of the sculpture will reflect that, Zhang said.
"Under the radiance of the five rings, the girl opens her arms, and her 'wings' represent the people's dreams," Zhang said.
The International Snow Sculpture Art Expo has been held annually in Harbin, Heilongjiang's capital, since 1989. Each year, top artists from around the world take part in snow sculpture competitions held in the city.
For Zhang and his team, the challenge is not just the length of the sculpture, but also the details. Their design includes pine trees and snow mountains carved in the sculpture, and a slide is also planned for the top.
"It will definitely shock people's minds," Zhang said.
QINGDAO -- Seven people have died and another was injured after a driver fell asleep at the wheel in East China's Qingdao on Sunday, according to local traffic police.
The 54-year-old driver, surnamed Yang, drove onto the pavement around noon, hitting eight pedestrians, five of whom died at the scene. Another two died later in hospital.
All of the victims were workers at a nearby construction site.
The police investigation concluded that Yang had only slept six hours the night before and was driving tired when the accident occurred.
GUANGZHOU -- Police confiscated 10.4 tonnes of drugs during the first 10 months of this year in South China's Guangdong province, a region plagued with rampant drug production and trafficking.
They solved 13,000 drug-related cases and detained more than 16,000 suspects during that period, Zhai Kaixia, head of the provincial drug control bureau, said at a press conference.
In a typical case solved in July, police busted a drug production and sales ring, seizing more than 60 kilograms of methamphetamine as well as guns and bullets.
In an ongoing crackdown on cross-border drug trafficking, they intercepted more than 20 kilograms of heroin from Vietnam in July, with assistance from police in neighboring Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.
The same month, they also captured 14 suspects, mainly Taiwanese, and seized more than 250 kilograms of meth. A delivery driver in the provincial capital Guangzhou received a reward of 300,000 yuan ($45,493) at the press conference for providing key information about the case.
Police have continued to fight drug-related crime in Lufeng city and Huilai county, two notorious meth production bases.
Rich, cultural country offers raft of intoxicating delights
"Liberty and love These two I must have. For my love I'll sacrifice My life. For liberty I'll sacrifice My love."
You may have read or even heard these ringing and stirring sentiments and may even know they were penned by poet Petofi Sandor.
You may not, however, necessarily know where he came from.
Sandor is from a proud and ancient nation which boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage sites and has been inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
It is also a country at the crossroads of Europe, but different to the continent in many ways. It has a wealth of culture and history, complemented by a language so different from its neighbors.
Petofi, in short, is a national hero and poetic giant from Hungary, a country many people only describe in superlatives.
Hungary has 10 million inhabitants within its 93,030-square-kilometer territory. It is landlocked like its neighbors Austria, Slovakia and Serbia.
Nevertheless, it deserves its nickname "land of waters" because it is also home to Central Europe's largest lake, Lake Balaton.
Additionally, the famed river Danube splits its capital city Budapest into Buda on the western side and Pest on the eastern bank.
Centering on the both banks of the Danube, Budapest is a city of full of surprises and wonder, abundant with sightseeing spots and tourist attractions.
Some 50 meters above the Danube in the center of Budapest, sits the unmistakable Buda castle hill. It is actually a district itself and comprises multiple attractions, such as the Fisherman's Bastion, the President's Residence as well as the Royal Palace.
The Royal Palace, an enormous edifice at the southern end of castle hill, was constructed in the 14th century, then rebuilt 400 years later and had major reconstruction after World War II. It now houses the national gallery and the Budapest history museum.
The Fisherman's Bastion is often the first stop for tourists visiting Budapest, the fairy turrets offering an elevated vantage point from which to view the city. The minarets and walls look medieval, but were actually built in 1902 by Frigyes Schulek to complement Matyas Church, a tall and steepled catholic church that is part of the distinctive skyline of Budapest's castle district.
On the eastern bank of the Danube is the world's second-biggest parliament building, a postcard favorite, particularly when reflected in the river beneath it.
Construction of this 96-meter-high structure took 19 years. More than 40 million kilos of gold were used for decoration; inside there are 27 gates and 29 staircases.
Andrassy Avenue, named after the 19th-century prime minister who has did much to make Budapest a true metropolis, is an elegant thoroughfare comparable with Paris's Champs Elysees.
One of the special features of Andrassy Avenue are the iron balustrades leading underground. Europe's first sub-surface railway was built under the road, and the more than 125-year-old subway is still carrying passengers today.
Particularly worth mentioning are the bridges connecting Buda and Pest, the capital's two halves split by the Danube River, running through the city from north to south.
The Chain Bridge is the most popular and oldest one. Its full name is Szechenyi Chain Bridge, referring to Count Istvan Szechenyi, who ordered the building of a permanent bridge on the Danube.
The suspension bridge is 375 meters long. The construction lasted from 1840 to 1849. It is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites and is the No 1 and most used symbol of Budapest.
At night, the old bridge shines brightly like a diamond necklace, with proud guardian lions watching your every step.
Margaret is the second oldest bridge of the capital city. It's 607 meters long and was fully renovated between 2009 and 2011. Between this bridge and Arpad Bridge is Margaret Island, a grass-laden recreational oasis on the Danube which features among other things a musical fountain, a small zoo, jogging tracks, thermal spas and swimming pools.
Petofi Bridge is named after one of the greatest Hungarian poets, Petofi Sandor. It is 378 meters long and was opened to the public in 1937. From this bridge, visitors can catch an amazing view to the Gellert Hill, the Buda Castle and the Elisabeth Bridge.
In sharp contrast to the capital, Lake Balaton is a tranquil destination for tourists to relax and rest.
They can indulge in the smooth waters and fresh wines, sand and surf, splashing and sailing, concerts and clubs, elegant castles and sleepy villages, beautiful landscapes and clean air.
At the western edge of the lake, visitors can not only find a source of health in the largest natural medicinal thermal water lake in the world, but also one of the three greatest baroque palaces in the country, Festetics Palace.
Wine
The southern shores of Lake Balaton lull visitors with their quiet, undemonstrative charm. The small towns, living traditions of arts and crafts, spas and wineries, exquisite castle hotels, complete the visitors' trip to the waters.
The story of wine is inseparable from the history of nations and Hungary is no exception. Wine was introduced to the country by the Romans, and was renowned for its excellent wines until the devastation of World War II.
Today Hungary has 22 designated wine regions. Its Tokaji, famously dubbed the wine of the kings, is one of the world's finest dessert wines with its intense color and distinctive range of flavors.
Benefiting from the Belt and Road Initiative, Hungary has been becoming increasingly popular among the countries involved in the initiative.
According to the data released by Hungarian government, in August 2017, Hungary's hotel accommodation revenue hit 37 billion forint ($139 million), experiencing year-on-year growth of 16 percent.
Total revenue from the catering industry hit 9 billion forint, for year-on-year growth of 13 percent.
Chinese tourists pay a visit to a Hungarian nobelman's sumptuous palace in the township of Pecs.Xinhua
(China Daily 11/28/2017 page18)
Hungary's citizens enjoy reading immensely - so much so that it is universally perceived as a revered activity throughout society.
With an average reading level of 50 books per person annually, Hungary's reading per capita ranks No 2 in the world, next only to the Israelis, who are famous for their fondness of reading.
Hungary has nearly 20,000 libraries. So in a country with a population of only 10 million, 500 people on average can theoretically access a local library.
Naturally, a nation that so advocates reading and learning will reap rich dividends.
To date, the country has celebrated 14 Nobel laureates who are Hungarians or have strong relationships with Hungary. Their fields span physics, chemistry, medicine, economics, literature, peace and many other disciplines - more than enough for a small nation to be proud about.
The country's scientific and technological achievements have won world acclaim. It has been said that a diploma acquired there is recognized internationally because of the superiority and the integrity of the education system.
A landmark law for universal education of all citizens - passed in 1868 by the parliament, two years earlier than Britain - is known locally as the "brilliant" compulsory education system.
Compulsory education in Hungary lasts 12 years, resulting in more than 98 percent of the population finishing basic education, and about 67 percent of the workforce completing specialist technical training or a variety of vocational education.
In addition, many young people have mastered foreign languages including English, German and French.
Due to its high quality of teaching and achievements in the fields of science and technology, Hungary is now one of the most popular EU countries for students for further studies.
The education levels in dentistry, nursing, cardiac surgery and veterinary medicine are world class, and the medical education system in Hungary is also renowned throughout Europe, drawing many foreign students to conduct their studies there.
In addition, engineering and business studies in Hungary have a first-rate reputation.
Moreover, students in Hungary enjoy many opportunities to exchange with EU institutions, which has laid a solid foundation for their future careers.
China and Hungary have had close cooperation in the fields of culture and education for a long time. Early in 1997, the countries signed an agreement on mutual recognition of academic degrees and diplomas.
In 2006, the first Confucius Institute in Hungary - the Confucius Institute at Eotvos Lornd University - was founded. Later, another three Confucius Institutes were established in Hungary.
Among them, the Confucius Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine at Pecs University was the first Confucius school of traditional Chinese medicine in Europe.
Its establishment is widely seen to have strengthened bilateral exchanges and cooperation in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, and helped Hungarians learn Chinese and Chinese culture.
Founded in 1367, Pecs University was the first university in Hungary and it is also one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Bodis Jozsef, president of Pecs University, recently expressed gratitude for the support of the two governments in establishing the Confucius College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hungary.
He said that it would help enhance China's friendship with Hungary and promote the development of bilateral relations.
(China Daily 11/28/2017 page19)
ATHENS - A multimedia exhibition that has been traveling the world has arrived in Athens, giving Greeks the chance to immerse themselves in Vincent van Gogh's world, and leave behind the gloom of the seven-year Greek debt crisis.
Van Gogh Alive is not an ordinary art exhibition, but a "multisensory experience", visitors and organizers said at the Megaron Concert Hall, which is hosting the event from Nov 7 to March 5.
The Greek capital is the 36th city in the world to welcome the exhibition. Visitors can forget about tiptoeing through silent museum galleries. Instead, they are free to dance to the music or touch the floors or the walls that Van Gogh's masterpieces are projected onto.
Chen Guotao smiles during an interview. [Photo by Huang Dequan/China Daily]
Chen Guotao, born in a Miao ethnic family in the mountains of Yaoyang, Southwest China's Chongqing, successfully made her way to the big cities. But the love for the Miao embroidery made her quit the highly paid job at a State-owned bank and returned home to promote the folk art.
"I love Miao embroidery and it is our Miao people's cultural symbol," she said. "Every Miao woman is good at this skill."
Chen learned embroidery from her mother at the age of four and when she was eight years old, she could make a skirt by herself.
The Miao people live mainly in southern China's mountains, such as in Chongqing and the provinces of Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, Hubei and Hunan. Miao embroidery is a very essential part of Miao culture and a treasure of Chinese costume culture. It was named as China's intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
In 2001, Chen returned to Chongqing and started to learn more about the embroidery skills. She paid visits to the Miao villages in Hunan and Guizhou provinces and learned the skills from the masters. She usually worked from six in the morning until 11 in the night.
At the same time, she researched the current situation of the Miao embroidery and collected the traditional patterns in order to keep this art form booming.
In 2012, she finally set up her company to promote and preserve this folk art. Her artworks have been exhibited at home and abroad.
"Every piece of the Miao embroidery is all handmade with all kinds of complicated skills," she said. "A square cloth of one-meter will take at least one year to complete, so it is time-consuming and very hard to make money."
To let more Miao women inherit the skills, Chen partnered with local women's association to set up training camps.
Crime thriller Explosion is based on a true story about a mine blaster in Shanxi province. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Award-winning actor Duan Yihong has recently become a familiar face in crime thrillers.
On the heels of The Looming Storm, which was released on Nov 17, his new crime drama, Explosion, arrived in Chinese theaters on Nov 24.
Directed by Chang Zheng, who shot to fame for the 2010 movie Mawen's Battle, Explosion centers on a miner. After escaping from an explosion in a mine, the protagonist discovers a huge scheme and embarks on a journey to seek justice. Duan stars as the blaster, and actress Yu Nan, known for Tuya's Marriage, plays a restaurant operator and the hero's romantic interest.
The movie is inspired by the true story of a miner in northern China's Shanxi province.
"I adapted the story for the movie and wanted to explore more about humanity," Chang said.
Director Yang Lei with a famous role model in Avatar. [Photo provided to China Daily]
China Filmmaker Summit, a program organized by the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, China's top sectoral regulator, and the Hollywood studio 20th Century Fox, was recently held in the United States where some rising Chinese directors viewed advanced filming technologies.
Directors Wu Jing (Wolf Warrior franchise), Kim-ching Luk (Cold War), Zhao Xiaoding (Once Upon a Time), Zhao Tianyu (Love O2O), Lu Zhengyu (The One), Yang Lei (Legend of the Naga Pearls) and Liu Yulin (Someone to Talk to) participated in the program, which consisted of a four-day tour to many studios and filming sets in Los Angeles.
They interacted with veteran Hollywood filmmakers such as James Cameron, James Mangold, Jennifer Yuh Nelson, Wes Ball and Shane Blake.
"Only with a soul, the movie comes to life," Yang, director of the fantasy movie Legend of the Naga Pearls, says of the interactions where the Hollywood veterans talked about the importance of stories and not just special effects.
One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to the filming set of Avatar 2.
The program has so far organized two batches of Chinese directors' tours to the US.
Last year, ethnic Mongolian director Wuershan, known for the fantasy franchise The Painted Skin, and scriptwriter Yu Baimei who shot to fame for The Breakup Guru, were on the tour.
Models walk down the runway in Mongolian costumes during the 14th Mongolian Costume Arts Festival in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Nov 27. [Photo/VCG]
The 14th Mongolian Costume Arts Festival kicked off in Hohhot, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Nov 27.
Centering on the fashion design competition, the festival provides a chain of support for participating designers, including seminars, costume exhibitions and spot sales.
This year's event highlights the creative designs of school uniforms and projects by university students.
Sweden looks for closer partnership with Zhongguancun in innovation
( chinadaily.com.cn )
Updated: 2017-11-27
The China-Sweden Innovation Center inaugurated at the Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing on Nov 20 provides a pivotal platform for Chinese and Swedish companies to deepen cooperation on innovation.
Oscar Stenstrom, State Secretary for the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led a visit to the Haidian district of Beijing accompanied by Anna Lindstedt, Sweden's ambassador to China. The two sides exchanged ideas on joint construction of an innovation system.
The center will provide comprehensive and integrated services for the exchange of personnel and scientific and technological information between enterprises of the two countries.
The China-Sweden Innovation Center is inaugurated at the Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing on Nov 20. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]
Sweden is a world-renowned innovation hub with leading technology achievements in bio-medicine, new energy and environmental protection, advanced manufacturing and smart cities.
Oscar Stenstrom said that trade volume between China and Sweden increased by 30 percent in 2016 and a closer cooperative relationship has been developed. He hoped to see further cooperation with Haidian district on innovation.
Li Changping, vice-director of Haidian district, said that Zhongguancun welcomes innovative technologies, companies and talents and will continue to improve its innovation ecosystem to provide strong support for international cooperation.
Oscar Stenstrom, State Secretary for the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leads a visit to the Haidian district of Beijing. [Photo/xinhuanet.com]
In addition, the Zhongguancun Street Company signed a strategic cooperation memorandum with China-Sweden Company Accelerator on innovative technology exchanges.
Zhongguancun is one of the most energetic entrepreneurial centers in China, with more than 40 unicorn companies -- newly founded companies with more than one billion dollars' market assessment -- as tenants.
President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Republic of Korea's President Moon Jae-in in Da Nang, Vietnam, Nov 11, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]
Communication between China and the Republic of Korea has gradually improved, leading to their recent agreement to resolve the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system issue.
After the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, China and the ROK experienced a period of cooperation and friendly exchanges which helped them make great achievements in various fields to the benefit of both countries.
But in response to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea testing what it claimed was a "hydrogen bomb" on Jan 6, 2016, the ROK agreed with the United States to deploy THAAD, which soured Beijing-Seoul ties.
However, given their close economic, geographic and cultural connections, Beijing and Seoul made sincere efforts to put bilateral relations back on track, especially after ROK President Moon Jae-in took office. The decision of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China last month to initiate a new era of diplomacy, also helped improve Beijing-Seoul ties.
After Moon was sworn in as ROK president, the two countries sent out positive signals of easing bilateral tensions by strengthening communication. For instance, Seoul and Beijing agreed to renew their currency swap deal worth about $56 billion for another three years on Oct 13. And after the ROK promised that THAAD will not threaten or compromise China's national security, the two countries' militaries discussed how to resolve the prickly issue. The communication between the two militaries will help correct the structural imbalance in China-ROK cooperation.
In addition, ROK Foreign Ministry Kang Kyung-wha said on Oct 30 that Seoul will not be part of the Washington-led missile defense network, allow the trilateral security cooperation among the US, the ROK and Japan to develop into a military alliance, or agree to any additional THAAD deployment. The ROK has even rejected a US-led trilateral military drill with Japan, and ignored Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's "Indo-Pacific" strategy.
These developments helped dissipate the cloud of haze over bilateral ties. But many believe the developments could pose a challenge to US-ROK relations and, as a result, the Moon administration could face pressure from both the US and pro-US forces at home.
China has been more careful than the ROK about bilateral ties, because THAAD has greatly undermined mutual trust, which could take a long time to mend. Although China-ROK relations have improved, they are still fragile.
Moreover, China is paying close attention to what steps the ROK takes to help resolve the sensitive and volatile DPRK nuclear issue. In fact, Beijing and Seoul should use their improving relations to work together to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, and restore permanent peace and deepen cooperation in the region. They should also keep each other's concerns and benefits in mind while trying to resolve the THAAD issue.
And as Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said, the ROK fulfilling its promise will help boost China-ROK relations.
The author is a professor in the Department of International Politics of the School of Public Administration at Jilin University, and a researcher at the Co-Innovation Center for Korean Peninsula Studies.
The 6th meeting of heads of government between China and Central and Eastern European Countries in Budapest is proof that cooperation between China and the 16 CEE countries has grown from strength to strength and matured over the past five years, marked by a number of early harvests in the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure, finance, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. The "16+1" cooperation mechanism has delivered benefits to all the countries involved, highlighting China-Europe cooperation as a whole.
Since I arrived in Brussels, the headquarters of the European Unionin fact, even before thatI have heard some concerns expressed about the "16+1" cooperation mechanism. Some have even misunderstood it as China's "divide and rule" tactics against the EU. However, such concerns and misunderstanding are totally unfounded if one looks at why China chose to initiate the "16+1"cooperation mechanism in the first place and how China has gone about it ever since.
China has always been a supporter of European integration. Its position has been clear-cut and consistent. To divide the EU is not in China's interest. As President Xi Jinping put it, "16+1"cooperation is an important part of and useful complement to the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, and can play a role in promoting China-EU partnerships for peace, growth, reform and civilization.
The"16+1" cooperation mechanism is transparent, open and inclusive. China welcomes the EU and other relevant economies to participate in regional and global development, and has invited the EU to take part in many such activities under the"16+1" framework as an observer.
China respects EU laws and regulations. Also, the EU member states have participated in"16+1" cooperation in accordance with EU laws and policies.
China firmly supports the European integration process, and wants to see a united EU, a prosperous Europe, and a stable euro. In fact, these have been backed by China's concrete actions.
The"16+1" cooperation mechanism and China-Europe cooperation are interconnected. And China-Europe cooperation provides a solid foundation for the"16+1" cooperation mechanism. As China and Europe work together to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative and the Investment Plan for Europe, as well as development strategies of European countries, the CEE countries will play a more prominent role as a hub connecting Asia and Europe.
The"16+1" cooperation mechanism could serve as a new engine of China-Europe cooperation, too. In promoting"16+1"cooperation, we are exploring new areas, approaches and practices in the light of the industrial features and development needs of the CEE countries. In doing so, China-Europe cooperation has been significantly broadened and deepened. Without "16+1"cooperation, China-Europe relations would not have been so productive and successful.
The"16+1" cooperation mechanism is conducted on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. It benefits the CEE countries by diversifying and complementing their existing trade routes and sources of investment and financing. It benefits all the participants by promoting economic development and livelihoods through concrete projects. The past years have seen tangible outcomes of "16+1" cooperationthe Budapest-Belgrade railway, the 16+1 financial holding company, the 16+1 inter-bank consortium, to name just a few. The "16+1" cooperation mechanism also benefits the EU, and Europe as a whole, as faster development in the CEE countries contributes to more balanced development across Europe and boosts European integration.
I am confident that the"16+1"meeting in Budapest will produce even more fruitful results. The "16+1"cooperation mechanism is a creative framework which enables countries in different regions and with different social systems to work together. It goes hand in hand with China-Europe cooperation and constantly injects new vigor into such cooperation. With that, China, the CEE countries and the EU will become better off together.
The author is ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary and head of mission of the People's Republic of China to the European Union.
Zhang Ming, China's new ambassador to the EU, submitted his national credentials to European Council President Donald Tusk on 8 Nov, 2017 in Brussels. [Provided to China Daily]
The European Union is an economic bloc with disparities among its 28 member states. For example, Luxembourg's per capita GDP last year was roughly 12 times more than Bulgaria's. In addition, Western European countries are better off than their Central and Eastern European counterparts.
This is the stark reality that EU policymakers have to keep in mind while trying to find ways to develop a more prosperous and stable economic bloc. In other words, bridging the development and wealth gap among the member states is a pressing task for EU politicians.
The EU has set 2020 as the target for optimum employment, investment in research and development, low-carbon economic growth and social inclusion. But these targets are at risk of being missed. The job market is still tough, and many companies are not yet capable of investing enough in R&D. And 118.7 million people, or 23.7 percent of the population of the 28 member states of the EU, were at risk of poverty or social exclusion at the end of 2015.
These difficulties are mostly faced by the Central and Eastern European countries. To overcome them, many CEE countries' politicians have decided to increase their connectivity and attract foreign investments, just as China did in the early days of reform and opening-up.
Waldemar Pawlak, twice Polish prime minister in the 1990s, was a European pioneer in this regard. In 2009, when Xi Jinping, then vice-president of China, visited Poland, Pawlak, then Poland's deputy prime minister and minister of economy, raised the idea of establishing Poland as a regional hub. This concept was evaluated and developed by Xi. That, according to Pawlak, was the origin of the platform of the 16 CEE countries plus China that we know today as the"16+1" cooperation mechanism. The heads of government of all the 17 countries met in Budapest on Monday for the sixth time, after the first such meeting in Warsaw in 2012.
Apart from various economic exchanges, this framework has also served as a mutually-beneficial platform to learn from each other's governance experiences. European countries want to learn from China's infrastructure development and trade-led economic policy to achieve fast and stable economic growth.
Several CEE countries have also decided to turn their major cities into regional hubs of aviation, finance, industrial development and/or high-tech zones. Under this framework, China has been helping them to turn their ambition into reality. For example, by the middle of next year, six direct flights are scheduled to link China's big cities and Prague, which can help the Czech Republic capital to turn into an aviation hub linking Europe and China.
These are some of the achievements that the EU expects to fulfill as part of its 2020 strategy. But it is still imperative for the EU to remove the regional disparities in order to achieve its 2020 development goals.
China's strategy offers some food for thought in this regard.
Beijing's Westward development is related to its western China development programand the Belt and Road Initiativeto bridge the national development gap. Recently, China announced that cities including Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Chengdu will become its "central mega-cities", or its major economic poles. The southwestern Chinese cities of Chongqing and Chengdu are new entrants to the list, which is an encouraging sign, and the success of this plan will turn China into a better balanced economy.
Does the EU have such a planto turn Athens, Warsaw, Budapest, Prague and other cities into real hubs and make them as important as London, Paris and Frankfurt?
An incremental development strategy is vital to common prosperity. Brussels is set to move two central EU institutions from London after the United Kingdom leaves the bloc, which is fine. But the fact that Central or Eastern Europe doesn't have such an institution is worrying.
The EU has enough reason to learn from some of the economic and development policies of China.
The author is deputy chief of China Daily European Bureau. fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
A COUPLE IN JINAN, capital of Shandong province, wanted to register their daughter with a surname different from that of either of them. The local police rejected their request and a court also later ruled against their request. Hebnews.cn comments:
The Supreme People's Court published the case as a guide to all courts nationwide. The reason it gave was, citizens should follow traditional Chinese culture and ethics when registering a name for their children.
That does not mean a child can only have the surname of either his mother or father. Actually, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the nation's top legislature, issued a judicial explanation in November 2014 that made clear three conditions under which another surname was permitted: First, selecting a surname of another immediate family member, such as the maternal grandmother; second, selecting the name of the adopter in case of adoption; third, other conditions not contrary to traditions.
According to the Supreme People's Court, the move of the parents does not belong to "other conditions". In China, the surname of a person tells which family a person comes from. More importantly, it is deeply associated with the order of the society.
If one's surname could be changed at will, that will not only deal a blow to the family lineage, but also challenge the normal order of the society and the traditional culture.
Some say we live in a different age. True, but that only makes holding on to our traditional culture even more important.
PARIS AND AMSTERDAM will be the respective locations for the European Banking Authority and the European Medicines Agency from April 2019 as a result of the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union. Beijing News commented on Monday:
The departure of the EU's top banking regulator and a key element in the continent's healthcare industry from London deals a hard blow to the post-Brexit UK. That British efforts have failed to keep the two prominent agencies seems to suggest that the Theresa May government is in a disadvantageous position in the ongoing negotiations with the EU.
Even more conspicuous and measurable will be the financial losses the UK will have to bear due to the relocation of the two agencies. The two EU agencies along with pharmaceutical enterprises and lobbyist groups have contributed handsomely to the UK's GDP over the past years.
And the European Banking Authority and the European Medicines Agency are only two of the institutions that are saying goodbye to the UK following its decision to part ways with the EU. More financial institutions and pharmaceutical companies are now considering leaving the UK, once a bridgehead to the European single market. Goldman Sachs is considering employing more staff in its Paris and Frankfurt branches, and other financial companies have hinted they may do likewise.
What is done is done. And despite all the headwinds, the UK will be hoping that the City of London will manage to get by and the negotiating skills of the government team will secure a deal that minimizes the damage. The post-Brexit UK has no good reason to keep the two EU agencies, not least when the May administration has shown its lack of effective negotiation skills. Investors are only trying to avert risks of retreat from the UK market.
JAKARTA/AMED, Indonesia - Indonesia's transportation ministry said on Tuesday it will extend the closure of Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport for a further 24 hours because of ash from the eruption of the island's Mount Agung volcano.
Passengers are seen after Ngurah Rai airport closed their operation due to eruption of Mount Agung in Bali resort island, November 27, 2017 in this photo taken by Antara Foto. [Photo/Agencies]
A report from local aviation navigation authorities showed that "aircraft flight channels are covered with volcanic ash" the ministry said in a statement.
Bali airport, about 60 km (37 miles) from the volcano, will be closed until 7 a.m. local time on November 29, it said.
Ten alternative airports have been prepared for airlines to divert inbound flights, including in neighbouring provinces.
A separate notice showed Lombok airport had been reopened, after an earlier closure overnight due to the eruption.
Agung rises majestically over eastern Bali to a height of just over 3,000 metres (9,800 feet).
On Monday, authorities ordered 100,000 residents living near the volcano to evacuate immediately, warning that the first major eruption in 54 years could be "imminent". An 8-10 km (5-6 miles) exclusion zone has been imposed around the summit.
Agung's last eruption in 1963 killed more than 1,000 people and razed several villages by hurling out pyroclastic material, hot ash, lava and lahar.
Japan's government and businesses should apologize to and compensate all the laborers who were forced to work in Japan during World War II, Chinese survivors of the forced labor and Japanese activists said in Tokyo on Monday.
"We went through thick and thin. The cruelty and brutality at a mine in Fukuoka are unforgettable," Yan Yucheng, 90, a survivor of forced labor, said in a choked voice.
Yan was kidnapped in a village in Hebei province in April 1942 when he was 15. Along with his uncle and 17 other kidnapped Chinese farmers, he was sent by the Japanese military to southwest Japan's Kyushu. He survived the slave-like conditions and went back to China in December 1945. Having no news about him, Yan's mother suffered mental disorders.
Many Chinese laborers did not make it back home.
On Nov 27, 1942, Japanese prime minister Hideki Tojo's cabinet decided to forcibly take Chinese people to Japan and make them work.
According to a report compiled by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1946, 38,935 Chinese ages 11 to 78 were forcibly sent to Japan. They toiled at 35 Japanese companies' 135 mines, construction sites and docks from Hokkaido to Kyushu. The report showed that 6,830 workers - more than one in six - died.
Some Japanese companies have settled with former Chinese forced laborers.
Last year, Mitsubishi Materials apologized to Chinese workers who were forced to work in its predecessor company's mines during WWII and agreed to pay redress to them, including three surviving former laborers.
Yan, one of the three survivors, said Mitsubishi Materials acted wisely and he called on other Japanese companies to follow suit.
"As the wartime cabinet made the decision to forcibly take Chinese laborers, not only companies, but the Japanese government also should apologize and pay compensation to all the forced laborers," Yan said.
Kan Cuihua, daughter of Kan Shun - the 99-year-old former laborer who is now confined to a bed - asked the Japanese government to take responsibility and settle the war-related issue.
Taizo Morita, a Japanese lawyer, recommended that the Japanese government and companies that used Chinese laborers forcibly taken to Japan apologize to the victims and set up a fund of 100 billion yen ($898.5 million) to pay redress to Chinese forced laborers in wartime Japan - survivors and families of those who passed away - and for conducting research and education on the issue. Also, the fund could be used, Morita said, to promote exchanges between Japanese and Chinese youngsters, who will determine the future of the bilateral ties.
caihong@chinadaily.com.cn
By An Baijie and Feng Zhiwei in Changsha | China Daily | Updated: 2017-11-28 07:48
Vice-foreign minister hands over gavel to upcoming leader, S. Africa
BRICS countries should try to implement the outcomes and consensus of September's Xiamen Summit to usher in a second "golden decade" of the bloc of emerging markets and developing countries, a senior diplomat said on Monday.
Li Baodong, vice-foreign minister, made the remark while chairing the fifth BRICS Sherpa Meeting held in Changsha, in Central China's Hunan province. Senior diplomats from BRICS member countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - who are in charge of coordination are called Sherpas.
"Friendship and cooperation with BRICS countries and other developing countries and emerging markets is part of China's overall diplomatic endeavor," Li said. He pledged to make an open and inclusive world while working with other BRICS members.
Calling the BRICS Summit in coastal Xiamen in early September a "complete success", Li said leaders of the five member countries had in-depth discussions and reached consensus on many important issues.
"After 10 years of development, BRICS has turned into an important force in promoting world economic growth, promoting reform of global governance and safeguarding international peace and stability," he said.
Noting that 64 high-quality outcomes of documents were produced from some 100 meetings and events throughout the year, Li said BRICS economic cooperation has been further strengthened during China's presidency this year.
The leaders have "mapped out new blueprints for strengthening the BRICS partnership and deepening practical cooperation in various fields", he said.
Li also introduced the outcomes of the 19th CPC National Congress, which blueprinted China's development in all areas for the next decades.
China will strengthen friendship and cooperation with other countries to forge a new form of international relations and build a community of shared future for mankind "in the new era", he said.
After the meeting, Li hosted a ceremony to hand over a gavel symbolizing the BRICS presidency to Anil Sooklal, deputy director of Asia and the Middle East at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa. South Africa will hold the presidency of BRICS next year.
Wang Xiaolong, China's special envoy to BRICS, said at the meeting that the BRICS agenda for this year has been "successfully accomplished".
At the Xiamen Summit, President Xi Jinping pledged to set aside 500 million yuan ($76.61 million) for economic and technological cooperation and exchanges among BRICS countries.
China also announced at the summit the injection of $4 million into the project preparation fund of the BRICS-led New Development Bank for the bank's operation and long-term development.
Contact the writers at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
SYDNEY - Scientists in Australia have successfully bred baby coral on the Great Barrier Reef, offering hope the World Heritage site can survive in the face of increasing environmental threats.
The Southern Cross University project raises the prospect of restoring damaged coral populations.
Coral eggs and sperm were collected from Heron Island's reef during last November's coral spawning to produce more than a million larvae.
The larvae were returned to the wild and placed on to reef patches in underwater mesh tents, with 100 surviving and growing successfully.
These methods have brought similar success in the Philippines, where the use of explosives to kill schools of fish has destroyed coral.
Peter Harrison, the project's lead researcher and the man who discovered mass coral spawning in the 1980s, described the "results as very promising."
"The success of this new research not only applies to the Great Barrier Reef, but has potential global significance," Harrison said on Monday.
"It may be one of the answers to some of the problems in the Great Barrier Reef. It's a glimmer of hope."
The world's largest coral reef system lies off the coast of Queensland and supports a wide diversity of marine life, but in recent decades it has been threatened by the effects of climate change, water pollution and commercial fishing.
The reef has already been subject to several coral bleaching episodes attributed to climate change, when rises in atmospheric temperatures have been followed by increased sea surface temperatures.
Seasonal floodwaters bring runoff containing chemicals from mining operations, and agricultural fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides from coastal sugar cane and cattle farms.
In June this year, UNESCO expressed serious concern about the impact of coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef.
Anna Marsden, managing director of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, said the results achieved by the Southern Cross team were an important step but should not deflect attention from the need to address climate change and its impact on the reef.
"There is much more to be done, but this is definitely a great leap forward for the reef, and for the restoration and repair of reefs worldwide," she said.
Xinhua
UNICEF says vaccines cargo can't be one-off due to 'immense need'
SANAA, Yemen - The UN child agency said it has flown 1.9 million doses of vaccines to war-torn Yemen, its first delivery of humanitarian aid after 20-day military blockade from Saudi-led coalition.
Regional UNICEF director Geert Cappelaere described Saturday's shipment as a "very small step" at a time of immense need and warned that it must not be a one-off.
The coalition had promised to reopen Yemen's main airport in the capital of Sanaa and the Red Sea port of Hodeida to humanitarian traffic by late last week.
Meanwhile, a ship carrying 5,500 tons of flour docked in Hodeidah on Sunday.
"It's the first commercial ship docked in the port after 20 days of blockade," Houthi official Khalid Jomaey said.
He said "another aid ship carrying wheat from the United Nations World Food Programme is sailing near the port and is set to dock within hours".
The delivery is the first commercial shipment to be allowed by the coalition into the rebel-controlled port.
On Wednesday, the Saudiled coalition fighting Shiite Houthi rebels said it would allow access of humanitarian supply planes to Sanaa and ships carrying aid to Hodeidah.
Jens Laerke, spokesman of the UN humanitarian aid coordination agency OCHA, said on Friday that what really matters is that "we can get the ports in Hodeidah and Saleef open both for humanitarian aid and for commercial imports".
The coalition has been facing escalating criticisms from senior UN officials and humanitarian agencies who expressed mounting concerns over already worsening humanitarian catastrophes in the wartorn Arab country which largely depends on humanitarian aid supplies and food imports.
The coalition, which intervened in the Yemeni conflict in March 2015 to back the Sunni government of the exiled president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, said it is planning to give clearance to aid ships only.
Around 10,000 Yemeni people, mostly civilians, have been killed in the conflict.
In dire need
"We hope all will live up to their promises," Cappelaere said. "These supplies are urgently needed."
More than 11 million children in Yemen are in dire need of aid, and it is estimated that every 10 minutes a child in Yemen dies of a preventable disease, he said.
New alarms were raised by an outbreak of diphtheria, with suspected cases already reported in five governorates, said Cappelaere. Cholera and acute watery diarrhea spread rapidly in recent months, including among children, with close to 1 million suspected cases reported.
"The war in Yemen is sadly a war on children," he said. "Yemen is facing the worst humanitarian crisis I have ever seen in my life."
Cappelaere said the 1.9 million doses are meant to vaccinate 600,000 children across Yemen against diphtheria, meningitis, whopping cough, pneumonia and tuberculosis.
AP - Xinhua - Reuters
JERASH CAMP, Jordan - In a small workshop in a refugee camp in Jordan, Halima al-Ankassuri embroiders traditional patterns onto a blue shawl, destined for sale in an upmarket Paris, London or Dubai boutique.
The 54-year-old mother of seven describes her work as "modern products with shimmering colors, embroidered with Palestinian and Islamic motifs".
"I'm proud to see Europeans wearing what we produce here and to see top fashion magazines take an interest," she said referring to the German online edition of Vogue.
The Jerash camp where she lives, in northern Jordan, was established to host more than 11,000 Palestinians who fled the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Middle East War - hence its alternative name, Gaza Camp.
Half a century on, more than 29,000 refugees live in the camp amid poverty, unemployment and crumbling infrastructure.
In 2013, Roberta Ventura, an Italian with a background in investment banking, decided to set up a social project to help women in the camp after visiting it and seeing their intricate skills close up.
SEP Jordan (SEP stands for social enterprise project) aims to "change lives not only of dozens but over time, hundreds, perhaps thousands of women", she said.
On the workshop's tables lay traditional kaffiyeh checkered headscarves with inscriptions of different colors, along with cashmere shawls and handbags.
"The project started with 10 women and now they are 300," said the program's director, Nawal Aradah. "We make products on request: shawls, handbags, towels, sheets and all kinds of household decor."
Every two months, 11 to 14 cartons containing 190 to 270 kilograms of goods are sent to stores in Paris, London or Dubai.
They are also sold inside the Palestinian territories - in the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem, said the project's regional manager, Mahmoud al-Haj.
In a shop inside a large Amman hotel, prices range from 20 to 300 dinars ($30 to $430), according to Haj, who said "most buyers are foreign tourists".
For women in the workshop, embroidery is an important source of income.
"We all suffer from poverty in this camp," Ankassuri said. "This work helps us to improve our lives, even if we charge for our products individually at low prices, from 15 to 20 dinars."
Own motifs, patterns
More than 2 million Palestinian refugees are registered with the United Nations in Jordan, but about half of the country's 6.6 million population is of Palestinian origin.
Ankassuri and her colleagues learned the art of embroidery from their mothers and grandmothers. Each region of historic Palestine has its own motifs and patterns.
As well as presenting Palestinian history and culture to a new audience, their craftwork "helps promote the cause of our people", Aradah said.
Hiba al-Hudari, who was weaving a blue purse with Islamic inscriptions, said the workshop had become "a second home".
The 37-year-old mother of six said she earns about 150 dinars a month. "With that, I help my husband, who's a mechanic, provide for our household," she said.
Agence France-presse
RIYADH - Saudi Arabia's crown prince on Sunday opened the first high-level meeting of a kingdom-led alliance of Muslim nations against terrorism, vowing to "pursue terrorists until they are wiped from the face of the earth".
"In past years, terrorism has been functioning in all of our countries... with no coordination" among national authorities, said Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also Saudi defense minister, in his keynote address to the gathering in Riyadh.
"This ends today, with this alliance."
The meeting is the first of defense ministers and other senior officials from the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition, which officially counts 41 countries and identifies as a "Pan-Islamic unified front" against extremism.
The alliance was announced in 2015 under the auspices of Prince Mohammed, whose rapid ascent since his appointment as heir to the throne in June has shaken the political scene across the region.
Sunday's meeting came as several military coalitions, including key Saudi ally the United States, battle to push the Islamic State group from its last remaining bastions in Iraq and Syria.
The alliance groups largely, although not exclusively, Sunni-majority or Sunniruled countries.
It excludes Shiite-dominated Iran as well as Syria and Iraq.
Sunday's meeting coincided with an escalation in tensions between Riyadh and Teheran, particularly over wars in Syria and Yemen and the political structure of multi-confessional Lebanon.
"The pillar of this coalition is inclusion," said Saudi General Abdulelah al-Saleh, the alliance's acting secretary general, playing down the exclusion of the three countries.
"Our common enemy is terrorism, not any religion, sect or race."
'Distorted image'
The alliance meeting in Riyadh brings together Muslim or Muslim-majority nations including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Uganda, Somalia, Mauritania, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen and Turkey.
Retired Pakistani general Raheel Sharif, who has been appointed commander-inchief, also insisted that the coalition was not against any religion or state.
The alliance aims to "mobilize and coordinate the use of resources, facilitate the exchange of information and help member countries build their own counterterrorism capacity", Sharif said.
While the alliance officially includes Qatar, which is the target of a six-month boycott led by Saudi Arabia, organizers in Riyadh said no Qatari officials were present at the meeting.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain abruptly cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar in June, accusing the emirate of being too close to Iran and supporting extremism.
Doha denies the allegations.
Egypt, which sent a military official and not its defense minister to Sunday's meeting, is reeling from a Friday attack on a mosque that killed more than 300 people during prayer time.
While IS has not claimed responsibility, Egyptian authorities say the organization is the main suspect as the mosque is associated with followers of the mystical Sufi branch of Sunni Islam, whom IS has branded heretics.
AFP - AP
The "dream" continued for Li Yong on Monday after he was reappointed head of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization.
Having experienced a tough childhood when China still had a planned economy, the director-general, who will serve a four-year term, said his dream was to change the fate of those who share "similar circumstances in my childhood and empower them to join in global poverty-reduction efforts when they grow up", Li said on Monday.
In addition to other leaders, Swiss Federation President Doris Leuthard attended Monday's conference, showcasing her country's support in global poverty reduction and industrial development of the international community.
The rotating President of the UN General Assembly Miroslav Lajcak was also in presence supporting Li's reappointment.
Together with other initiatives, Li has increased his organization's efforts in coping with poverty in Africa in his previous four years in the role and he has pledged to continue the efforts by boosting industrial development in the continent.
The weeklong conference focused on delivering the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the diplomats and experts will spend this week considering the organization's 2021 targets.
China has backed Li's mandate, while various organizations and governments expressed their support at the conference on Monday.
Wang Shouwen, China's vice-minister of commerce, announced that the Chinese government will donate $24 million in the coming four years to support UNIDO's operations.
After congratulating Li on his achievements during his first mandate, Wang said China will continue to share its experiences of industrial development and economic improvement in the coming years in partnership with UNIDO.
A major donor
China has already become a major donor to UNIDO after the United States scrapped its membership years ago due to arrears.
Under President Donald Trump's administration, it is still unclear whether the US will be returning to the organization, though Li has said the agency is open to the idea.
Li, who was former vice-minister of finance in China before he worked as the head of UNIDO, is among a handful of officials who have sat in high positions in international organizations.
Among them are Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and Liu Zhenmin, the UN's Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.
Despite China's growing influence and contribution in the international community, the number of staff in international organizations from China is still at a low level and there are also few who work in high positions.
fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
NEW DELHI - Ivanka Trump, the daughter and adviser of US President Donald Trump, has arrived in India for the annual global entrepreneurship summit, foreign ministry officials said Tuesday.
The summit scheduled to held in the southern city of Hyderabad Tuesday is being co-hosted by India and the United States.
Ivanka accompanied by several top administration officials reached India late Monday night.
The three-day summit, which is being held for the first time in South Asia, will also be attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The theme of this year's summit is "Women First, Prosperity for All" and will include 1,200 young entrepreneurs, mostly women.
"It is a pre-eminent gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, and supporters from around the world," officials said. "Ivanka Trump leading the US contingent will be addressing the inaugural session and take part in two plenary sessions about women empowerment."
Authorities have deployed more than 10,000 security personnel in the city as part of security measures around the high-profile summit.
Reports said during her visit, Ivanka is expected to visit the old city as well as the Charminar, the iconic symbol of Hyderabad city.
YANGON - The Myanmar government and eight signatory armed groups have agreed on seven points with their continued peace process at the 6th Joint Implementation Coordination Meeting (JICM) held in the capital of Nay Pyi Taw.
The JICM meeting agreed to continue implementing a union agreement in accordance with the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA), said a statement released by the State Counselor's Office late Monday.
The meeting decided to hold the third meeting of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference in Nay Pyi Taw in January 2018 as well as 7th JICM in February next year.
Other agreed points included holding an ethnic-based national-level political dialogue led by the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS)/ Shan State Army (SSA) in Shan state, which will represent the voices of the Shan people at the upcoming third Panglong conference.
The meeting agreed to continue efforts to hold national level political dialogue led by Arakan Liberation Party (ALP).
A report by a task force of reviewing implementation of NCA was approved at the meeting and the meeting decided to continue working on political framework, Terms of Reference (ToR) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services Vice Senior General Soe Win and leaders of eight signatory armed groups to the NCA attended the JICM meeting.
Myanmar's previous government and eight armed groups signed the NCA on Oct 15, 2015.
The second China-Africa Investment Forum (CAIF) kicked off Monday at Marrakech in Morocco, bringing together 505 high-level Chinese and African economic decision makers and business leaders.
The two-day event includes conferences and debates on the financial implications for African economies of the new Silk Road and how to capitalize on the new dynamic, aimed at making the continent a true industrial hub.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Moulay Elalamy, the minister of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy in Morocco, said the Belt and Road Initiative is destined to strengthen international exchanges between China and the rest of the world.
"The infrastructure financed by China through the initiative will help African countries to better connect with the rest of the world. The Silk Road initiative should also radically promote participation of African countries to the world exchanges," Elalamy said.
Li Li, the Chinese ambassador to Morocco, said China is committed to supporting Africa's economic growth. "China's new development concept galvanizes the development of Africa through the Belt and Road Initiative," he said.
Marwane Yahmed, the Jeune Afrique publication director, said the China-Africa Investment Forum has opened a new chapter of partnership influenced by the massive attention on the Belt and Road Initiative.
"We are here to build in a practical manner and gain new market share. That is the spirit of CAIF as we are convinced that the private sector is the engine of growth and job creation needed in Africa. We are thus delighted to be organizers of the event in partnership with the Moroccan Ministry of Industry, Investment, Trade and Digital Economy," he said.
Yahmed said CIAF has opened a new chapter influenced by the great potential within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
"In the near future, Chinese companies should play a key role in the development of Africa's key strategic sectors such as agriculture, banking and insurance, housing, information and communication technology, logistics, and transport. This is in addition to the transfer of knowledge and technologies," Yahmed said.
Yahmed noted that Morocco was not a random choice for the event but that the kingdom is a bridge between Africa and Europe. It's also a stable economic and financial center selected by Chinese companies to conduct their investments in the region.
However, he challenged Chinese entrepreneurs to position themselves as key stakeholders in the local economy instead of individual players.
During the event, CIAF is scheduled to be launched as a platform to advance Sino-African business partnerships in sectors of mutual interest to both parties, including industry, infrastructure and renewable energies.
The first CIAF was held Nov 26-27, 2015, in Marrakech and was a great success, judging from the strong engagement of leaders from the biggest Chinese and African companies as well as the quality of the debates and exchanges during the conducted panels and the 500 business-to-business meetings.
An artist's impression of Orthrozanclus elongata. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Archaeologists in China have discovered a fossilized sea creature that they describe as "strange beyond measure", with long spines along its worm-like body and a shell that covers its head, like a helmet.
The 515-million-year-old specimen was unearthed last year by a fossil collector in the hills of the Maotianshan Shales, an archaeological hotspot in Southwest China's Yunnan province.
The collector gave the fossil to Zhao Fangchen, a paleobiologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who studied it, along with researchers from Durham University in the United Kingdom.
"The creature is like a mythical beast," Martin Smith, an assistant professor at Durham, told science news website Live Science.
He said researchers were surprised by the creature's unusual anatomy, which had "cocktail-stick-like spines that emerge from its sides" and a "head covered by a small shell, almost as if it's wearing a bike helmet".
"We don't know much about the animal underneath these mineralized plates whether it had legs or a slug-like foot, and whether it had teeth or tentacles," Smith added.
He said the fossil is "incredibly rare" with only two specimens having been found among the tens of thousands of other creatures seen in the same deposits.
The 2-centimeter-long sea creature, whose scientific name is Orthrozanclus elongata, lived during the Cambrian period, a time before life had colonized dry land. Microscopic plants, microbial mats and invertebrates with exoskeletons, including trilobites and arthropods, were the dominant forms of marine life.
In the study of the creature published in the journal Scientific Reports, authors say Orthrozanclus elongata may provide clues about the evolution of mollusks. The creature, which appeared to be mobile, could be an ancestor to some of today's brachiopods, which live in shells and are largely sedentary.
"Whereas many lineages show evolutionary trends towards greater activity and complexity, brachiopods seem to have settled down to a sedentary existence, like a retiree settling down in a favorite armchair," Smith said.
Chinese oracle-bone inscription. [Photo/UNESCO]
The British Library has unveiled its oldest artifact in an exhibition dedicated to the fictional Harry Potter, and the origins of "magic".
The Chinese oracle bones included in the display are more than 3,000 years old and were used in attempts to foretell the future.
The bones arrived at the British Library along with the Couling-Chalfant Collection, which was put together in China between 1903 and 1908 by two missionaries, Samuel Couling and Frank Chalfant. The pair, one British and the other from the United States, were working in Shandong province.
Questions about crops, the weather, battles, and the ruling family were engraved on the bones and heat was then applied with metal sticks. The heat caused the bones to crack and "diviners" interpreted the patterns of the fractures to determine the answer to the question posed.
One bone records a lunar eclipse that has been dated to Dec 27, 1192 BC. The darkness caused by an eclipse was thought to indicate that an ancestral spirit needed to be pacified.
Harry Potter: A History of Magic runs until Feb 28 in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
The exhibition comprises some of the British Library's greatest treasures, including a celestial globe from 1693, and items on loan from national and international institutions that include broomsticks, wands, and crystal balls.
The exhibition has been structured around subjects taught in the book's Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including Charms, Herbology, Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, and Defense Against the Dark Arts.
Chinese oracle-bone inscriptions were recently included in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.
Oracle-bone inscriptions are the earliest documental evidence found in China, with the oldest found so far excavated from Yin ruins in Anyang city, in Central China's Henan province. They provide records of divinations and prayers from people in the late Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC).
Over time, oracle-bone inscriptions developed into modern-day Chinese characters, helping to show the continuous evolution of Chinese civilization. Oracle bones serve as important materials for the study of Chinese civilization and life in ancient China.
Contact the writer at wangmingjie@mail.chinadailyuk.com
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired a ballistic missile on Wednesday, news agency Yonhap of the Republic of Korea (ROK) reported, citing the ROK's Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The missile flew to the east and the ROK's military is analyzing details of the launch with the US, ROK's joint chiefs said, according to the report.
Two authoritative US government sources said earlier that US government experts believed the DPRK could conduct a new missile test within days in what would be its first launch since it fired a missile over Japan in mid-September.
Reuters
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang attends the sixth meeting of heads of government of China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries in Budapest, Hungary, November 27, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]
BUDAPEST - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday announced the establishment of the second phase of China-Central and Eastern Europe (China-CEE) Investment Cooperation Fund in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.
The second phase of the fund that totaled 1 billion U.S. dollars will be mainly invested in Central and Eastern Europe, Li said in a keynote speech to the seventh China-Central and Eastern European Countries Economic and Trade Forum.
Li arrived in Budapest on Sunday for an official visit to Hungary and will attend the sixth meeting of heads of government of China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries.
BUDAPEST - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Monday that Beijing is ready to work with Warsaw to step up win-win cooperation in various fields.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo in Budapest on Monday.[Photo/Xinhua]
In a meeting here with Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, Li said he hoped that both sides would tap the full potential of the intergovernmental cooperation committee in managing various exchanges and cooperation between the two countries and get more things done.China is willing to enhance communication and coordination on international affairs with Poland, which is elected to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council next year, Li added.Meanwhile, China stands ready to align its development strategies with the Polish side and deepen cooperation in such fields as transportation, logistics and infrastructure, said the Chinese premier.China will open up even wider and create better conditions for the two countries to deepen cooperation in economy, trade and between the enterprises of the two sides, he said.Noting that China will host its first International Import Expo next year, Li said his country welcomes Poland to take it as an opportunity for stronger promotion efforts of its exports to China, and help develop a more balanced two-way trade for win-win results.For her part, Szydlo said Poland attaches great importance to relations with China. Her country hopes to give full play to the intergovernmental cooperation committee, explore cooperation in economy, trade and investment, and strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in infrastructure, logistics and agriculture.The 16+1 cooperation mechanism is a helpful complement to bilateral relations and is beneficial to the development of Poland and other Central and Eastern European countries, she said, vowing to work with the Chinese side to push for greater outcome of the 16+1 cooperation.Li arrived in Budapest Sunday for the sixth meeting of heads of government of China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries and an official visit to Hungary.
BUDAPEST - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis on Monday agreed to jointly strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis in Budapest Monday.[Photo/Xinhua]
The two leaders made the pledge during their meeting on the sidelines of an ongoing annual gathering of heads of government of China and 16 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) scheduled for Nov. 26-29 in Budapest.China is willing to further align the Belt and Road Initiative with Latvia's development strategy, and help Latvia build up its infrastructure, including its ports, so as to revitalize the maritime passage and boost cooperation between China and the Baltic states, as well as the northern European countries, Li said.Noting that China-Latvia people-to-people exchanges enjoy good foundation and positive results, Li said he hopes that the two sides can continue to facilitate personnel exchanges and enhance cooperation in the fields of education, scientific research and sinology.For his part, Kucinskis said the two countries have made progress in logistics and transport cooperation, and have actively conducted third-party cooperation, adding that there are many more ambitious projects for the two sides to cooperate on in the future.Kucinskis said his country will take the advantage of its geographic locations and conduct logistics and freight cooperation with China with an aim to become an important regional gateway for China's exports of goods.Latvia is also willing to work with China to conduct third-party cooperation and promote their cooperation in such areas as education and scientific research, the Latvian prime minister said.
Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday he hopes Central and Eastern European countries will have a bigger share in the huge Chinese market when he met the media with his Hungarian counterpart Orban Viktor and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov in Budapest.
China-CEEC cooperation has seen enormous achievements, beyond expectations, in many areas, Li said. For example, the first three quarters has seen bilateral trade up by 14.1 percent. And over the past five years, Chinese investment in the region has doubled and the number of Chinese tourists to CEE nations has tripled to about 1 million.
The premier said CEE countries achieved an average of 3 percent economic growth annually, making the sub-region an eye-catching part of Europe. The Chinese economy, which increases by about 7 percent annually on average with consumption as a major driver, will still keep growing at a medium and high speed, he said. That indicates the Chinese market has a growing demand for high-quality and customized products, he added. In the next five years, China is estimated to import goods worth $8 trillion and more than 700 million overseas trips will be made, providing huge opportunities for China-CEEC cooperation, he said.
China would like to import more high-quality goods from CEE countries and will encourage the Chinese people to travel to the region, Li added.
Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday that cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries can provide a helpful supplement to China-Europe ties and contribute to the healthy and balanced development of globalization.
The premier made the remarks when meeting the media with his Hungarian counterpart Orban Viktor and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov in Budapest. Bulgaria will host the seventh Meeting of the Heads of Government of China-Central and Eastern European Countries next year.
China-CEEC cooperation, based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits, is beneficial to both sides, the region and global community, because this cross-region cooperative mechanism was born against the backdrop of globalization, Li said.
China-CEEC cooperation will accelerate promoting trade liberalization and investment facilitation, as well as Europe's process of integration, he said.
Li said China always believes that Europe is a vital ingredient to safeguard global peace and development. He said China would like to see a prosperous and stable Europe. China supports some of the CEE countries to join the European Union and respect their joining other international organizations and regional cooperation mechanisms.
Premier Li Keqiang and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (center, right) talk with entrepreneurs after the opening of the seventh China and the Central and Eastern European Countries Economic and Trade Forum in Budapest, Hungary, on Monday. JU PENG / XINHUA
Estonia, Lithuania and Slovenia sign as Li meets with leaders
China has signed memorandums of understanding with Estonia, Lithuania and Slovenia to promote the Belt and Road Initiative, signaling that all 16 Central and Eastern European countries have agreed to align with the initiative.
Last November, Latvia signed such a document during the fifth China-CEEC leader's meeting. Hungary became the first in Europe to sign to participate in the initiative in June 2015.
The initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013, comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It will create a vast network of trade and infrastructure along the ancient Silk Road routes.
The memorandums were among more than 10 agreements signed between China and CEE nations on Monday in Budapest, the Hungarian capital. The signings were witnessed by Premier Li Keqiang and other leaders after the sixth Meeting of Heads of Government of China-Central and Eastern European Countries. The documents covered areas such as connectivity, production capacity cooperation, infrastructure and finance.
At the meeting, the premier called for promoting bilateral trade, connectivity, innovation cooperation, financial cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
Li called on all 17 countries to accelerate the process of key projects on connectivity, promoting links on land, sea, air and via the internet. More measures should be released to facilitate customs clearance, and China would like to see more rail lines and direct flights between China and Europe, Li said. A logistics center will be set up in the CEE region, he said.
Li also suggested innovation cooperation focusing on production capacity, energy, logistics and agriculture and said enterprises from CEE nations are welcome to participate in the Made in China strategy.
According to the General Administration of Customs, bilateral trade between China and CEE nations hit $58.6 billion last year, a year-on-year increase of 4.3 percent. The volume increased to $ 49.1 billion in the first nine months this year, up by 14.1 percent compared with the same period last year.
Chinese investment in CEE nations has exceeded $9 billion, while the 16 CEE countries have invested more than $1.4 billion in China, the world's second-largest economy. Bilateral cooperation has made achievements in transport, energy and production capacity. About 20 projects have been completed or are under construction, with the Hungary-Serbia Railway as the most eye-catching one.
As the chair of this year's China-CEEC meeting, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the 16 CEE nations take cooperation with China as an opportunity and will participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. He said a better environment will be created for Chinese enterprises to make their investments and promote a long-term development of China-CEEC exchanges.
Feng Zhongping, vice-president of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said that all CEE countries are along the route of the Silk Road Economic Belt and their signing of the memorandums marked that the cooperation between the two sides has entered into a new stage and will make more progress.
"China-CEEC cooperation mainly focuses on trade and infrastructure, and financing is a key to solving the problem of funding for infrastructure projects," Feng said. "Central and Eastern Europe can also be a gateway for China to enter the larger market of the European Union."
Zhou Jin contributed to this story.
In Korea, we celebrate Parents Day on May 8th every year, but Americans celebrate Mothers Day and Fathers Day separately. Generally, in the United States, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of every June. The first Father's Day celebration was held in Spokane, Washington, by Sonora Smart Dodd. Her father, a Civil War veteran, William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who raised his six children.
After hearing a sermon about Jarvis' Mother's Day in 1909, Dodd told her pastor that fathers should have a similar holiday honoring them. Although she initially suggested June 5, her father's birthday, the pastors did not have enough time to prepare their sermons, so the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June. The day was made a permanent national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972.
While thinking about Dodds father, the thought struck me: what does Luthers father look like? There is little known about Luthers family because when people think of the Reformation or the Protestant Church, they are only interested in Luther himself. In addition, when some Lutheran scholars describe Luthers father, they like to portray him as a very obstinate father. While is it true that Luthers father has only the image of a strict authoritarian father, this is only a half-truth.
Martin Luthers father, Hans Luther, was born to farmers in Moorgrund, Germany. Hans was an incredible man in his own right, joining the newly emerging German middle-class. Not being able to inherit the family farm, he moved to Eisleben and then later Mansfeld, where he worked in the local copper mines.
He worked his way up and eventually became part owner of at least six mines and two foundries and became a prominent member of the community.
Hans wanted Martin to also be able to move up in the world and sent him to school to be a lawyer. At that time, to be a lawyer was a shortcut to gain money, honor, and a high social standing. In accordance with his father's wishes, Luther prepared to enroll in law school at the University of Erfurt as soon as he graduated from the university.
However, in July 1505, Luther had a life-changing experience that set him on a new course. Caught in a horrific thunderstorm where he feared for his life, Luther cried out to St. Anne, the patron saint of miners, Save me, St. Anne, and Ill become a monk!
The same year on July 17th, Martin Luther entered the Observant Augustinian monastery. Although he was a devout Catholic, Hans was deeply disappointed when Martin left school to join the monastery, as monks were held in very low esteem at that time by many in the laity.
By 1507, he was an ordained priest and offered his first mass. Hans came to see Martins first Mass. After Mass, Hans and Martin Luther sat down to meet together. Martin, as if he were still a little child, turned and asked; Dear father, why were you so contrary to my becoming a monk? And perhaps you are not quite satisfied even now. The life is so quiet and godly. Hans flared up before all the doctors and the masters and the guests, You are a learned scholar. Have you never read in the Bible that you should honor your father and your mother? And here you have left me and your dear mother to look after ourselves in our old age.
Hans had a deep affection for Martin. He presented Martin with the copy of Roman law and addressed him in polite speech. Martin also respected his father very much, but Hans has been vehemently opposite to Luther entry into monastery.
On this account, some Lutheran scholars like to describe Hans as a very obstinate father; it is simply the outcome from the failure to recognize Hans deep heart.
In fact, to celebrate Luthers first mass, he made a handsome contribution to the monastery.
While at first glance, Hans might look like a obstinate father, he traveled to Wittenberg to celebrate his sons marriage to Katie von Bora and celebrated with Martin and Katie from afar when their children Hans, Elisabeth, and Magdalena were born.
Did Martin Luther feel his fathers love? When Martins first son was born in June 7, 1526,. he was named after Martins father, Hans. Even though Luther failed to achieve his fathers wish to be a lawyer, he still loved him.
Nowadays, while a mother is thought of as warm, and the giver of love and devotion in the minds of many, the father is only remembered as stubborn and obstinate.
The negative image of the father, such as one who abuses the mother and is unkind to the children, still remains in many peoples minds.
Although it may seem shallow, the love of father is very deep. It is our father who stays strong for the family, and tries not to show weakness.
Moreover, like Luther, some Christians decided they wanted to be pastor, even though the family disapproved.
Nowadays, Christianity in Korea is not the religion of love and generosity, but rather the subject of dislike and hate. In spite of this recognition for Christianity, some Christians decided to be a pastor against the parents wishes. Although they may be devout Christians, many parents do not want their sons to become a pastor. This is because the pastor held in very low esteem in the modern day.
However, as God called Martin Luther to reform the church and society in the Middle Ages, now God also is calling Christians to reform the church and society. Sometimes, even though it is hard and difficult to live as pastor, and there are many frustrations and failures along the way of following Gods will, the Church will be reformed and recover the lost honor and respect, as long as we hold Gods calling.
Lets give special thanks and love to our father.
Reverend and Doctor Jin O Jeong is an assistant pastor for the Korean congregation at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL. He graduated from Luther University and received a Ph.D from Yonsei University. He was also a Research Fellow at Hebrew University and Visiting Scholar at Yale Divinity School. Tel: 618-920-9311 Email : jjeong@zionbelleville.org
Franken Must Take His Own Medicine
Contact: Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, 212-371-3191, pr@catholicleague.org
NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue (photo) comments on Sen. Al Franken:
Yesterday, Sen. Al Franken broke his silence and did a media tour explaining away his sexual offenses. "I'm looking forward to getting back to work tomorrow," he said. He should instead take some of his own medicine and resign.
Five years ago, Franken co-sponsored a bill, the End Trafficking in Government Contracting Act, to strengthen federal legislation on human trafficking, which includes sexual exploitation. The bill, which was approved by the Senate in December 2012, was necessitated because of the failure of the existing "zero tolerance" policy.
In July 2013, Franken co-sponsored another bill, the Military Justice Improvement Act, to deal with the "epidemic of sexual assault in the military." It was necessitated because of the failure of the existing "zero tolerance" policy.
It was noble of Franken to support going beyond "zero tolerance" to combat sexual abuse by government contractors and subcontractors who operate overseas. Similarly, it was noble of him to support going beyond "zero tolerance" to combat sexual molestation in the armed forces.
It was ignoble of him to go back to work today. Does he think that his support for legislation combating sexual abuse should not extend to him? He has admitted to one act of sexual abuse, and is accused by three other women of violating them.
Ironically, it was the Catholic Church that first instituted a "zero tolerance" policy for abusers. And what did Franken do? He mocked it.
Now that Franken has proven that he has no integrity left, it is up to the Senate to show him the door. He is utterly shameless.
My Catholic Faith Delivered Names Client Solutions Manager Rapidly growing technology company strengthens resources
Contact: Jeremy Foster,
, 866-981-8964
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 28, 2017 /
Ryan has a B.A. in History from Benedictine College, Atchison, KS.
As the Client Solutions Manager, Ryan will further MCFD's recent success in serving dioceses, parishes, and schools throughout the nation. Ryan comments, "This is the perfect position to combine my excitement for passing on the Catholic Faith with my passion for technology support. My goal is to help clients be more successful in their use of the MCFD platform and to have a better user experience. This will include a focus on additional training and value-added partnership support. Ultimately, the end goal is to help our partners and clients in their quest to provide lifelong formation through technology."
Jeremy Foster, Product Manager at MCFD says, "Ryan's unique skill set has already proven to be very useful and made him a great addition to the MCFD family. As more dioceses see the value and need for our platform, we have an increasing need for Catholic professionals to help service this growing number of clients. Ryan has the ability to not only solve client needs, but to anticipate them. His ability to foster relationships, communicate, trouble-shoot, and train even the most self-professed technology beginner is extremely so valuable. I can't overestimate the contribution Ryan will in provide for our Catholic clients."
About My Catholic Faith Delivered
MyCatholicFaithDelivered.com is technology changing the way people learn and grow in the Faith. My Catholic Faith Delivered provides an online system that can reach the widest possible audience. Rich in resources to help coordinate and manage efforts (Catechist Certification Management), dioceses can connect members from virtually any device or any location. Faith formation programs align with desired outcomes unique to each diocese or apostolate and are generally aligned to learning outcomes from the National Directory of Catechesis supported by the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The finished product is a series of customized courses delivered on your branded website, for learners who want to continue to grow in their faith.
www.mycatholicfaithdelivered.com
Share Tweet Contact: Jeremy Foster, My Catholic Faith Delivered , 866-981-8964KANSAS CITY, Mo., Nov. 28, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- My Catholic Faith Delivered announced today that Ryan Johnson has joined the organization as the Client Solutions Manager to further serve national accounts. Ryan brings experience and education in both client service technology and the Catholic faith. Recent experience includes the start-up and creation of a Client Services Desk for the Mission Matters Group. Salesforce Certifications (Admin and Dev).Ryan has a B.A. in History from Benedictine College, Atchison, KS.As the Client Solutions Manager, Ryan will further MCFD's recent success in serving dioceses, parishes, and schools throughout the nation. Ryan comments, "This is the perfect position to combine my excitement for passing on the Catholic Faith with my passion for technology support. My goal is to help clients be more successful in their use of the MCFD platform and to have a better user experience. This will include a focus on additional training and value-added partnership support. Ultimately, the end goal is to help our partners and clients in their quest to provide lifelong formation through technology."Jeremy Foster, Product Manager at MCFD says, "Ryan's unique skill set has already proven to be very useful and made him a great addition to the MCFD family. As more dioceses see the value and need for our platform, we have an increasing need for Catholic professionals to help service this growing number of clients. Ryan has the ability to not only solve client needs, but to anticipate them. His ability to foster relationships, communicate, trouble-shoot, and train even the most self-professed technology beginner is extremely so valuable. I can't overestimate the contribution Ryan will in provide for our Catholic clients."About My Catholic Faith DeliveredMyCatholicFaithDelivered.com is technology changing the way people learn and grow in the Faith. My Catholic Faith Delivered provides an online system that can reach the widest possible audience. Rich in resources to help coordinate and manage efforts (Catechist Certification Management), dioceses can connect members from virtually any device or any location. Faith formation programs align with desired outcomes unique to each diocese or apostolate and are generally aligned to learning outcomes from the National Directory of Catechesis supported by the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The finished product is a series of customized courses delivered on your branded website, for learners who want to continue to grow in their faith.
New York Christian Radio Station, The Bridge 95.1 FM, Takes on Illegal Radio Pirates, and Wins
OLD BRIDGE, N.J., Nov. 28, 2017 /
Unauthorized broadcasters, or "pirates," had co-opted over 80 percent of The Bridge's signal on 95.1FM. As a result, listeners tuning into 95.1, expecting The Bridge's signature Bible teaching, could hear anything but that, including a variety of music formats all illegally broadcasting on the signal.
"We brought the pirate problem to the government's attention," said Lloyd Pulley, CEO of The Bridge and senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, which owns the station.
"We fought hard, and we won. While the pirates continue to encroach on the signal in some areas, we are delighted that The Bridge is now broadcasting clearly in 70 percent of its own coverage area, which covers from the Bronx to Lower Manhattan."
A listener-supported, noncommercial Christian teaching station, The Bridge originally launched in 2004. The station's David v. Goliath battle with radio pirates is not the only unique aspect of the station's expansion into New York. Currently, The Bridge is the ONLY Christian FM radio station broadcasting directly from New York City. The addition of this tower, located near the United Nations Building, makes it possible for The Bridge to reach over four million more potential listeners, in addition to the potentially seven million already reached throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania on the station's other frequencies.
One New York listener notes, "We have waited a long time to hear clear, precise, and doctrinally sound, powerfully relevant Bible teaching for some time, and now we have The Bridge."
The station's expansion into New York enables The Bridge to share its message of hope in Christ to people from every tribe and tongue, including the approximately 600 language groups residing in New York.
As well as being the only Christian FM station broadcasting from Manhattan, The Bridge is also unique in its format. "The Bridge has not followed the trend of many other Christian radio stations to broadcast primarily music, and continues to air some of the finest Bible teaching in the nation," says Rob Taylor, general manager of The Bridge. "With this format, the Word of God is taught without compromise 24 hours a day, 7 days week, 365 days a year."
In addition to its New York frequency, 95.1FM, The Bridge can currently be heard on several frequencies throughout the Tri-state area, including 89.7FM in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in NJ, 91.9FM in Southern Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties in NJ, 103.1FM in Northern NJ, and nationwide via its mobile app or
The Bridge Christian Radio, Bridgelight, LLC is a radio ministry of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, NJ. Learn more about The Bridge 95.1FM by visiting
Share Tweet Contact: Rob Taylor, General Manager, The Bridge Christian Radio Network , 732-588-0861OLD BRIDGE, N.J., Nov. 28, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- When The Bridge Christian Radio Network, based in Old Bridge, NJ, gained authorization to expand its Christian Bible teaching broadcasts into New York City in November 2013, no one could have anticipated the battle that would ensue before the station could actually begin broadcasting on its own frequency, 95.1FM in the heart of Manhattan.Unauthorized broadcasters, or "pirates," had co-opted over 80 percent of The Bridge's signal on 95.1FM. As a result, listeners tuning into 95.1, expecting The Bridge's signature Bible teaching, could hear anything but that, including a variety of music formats all illegally broadcasting on the signal."We brought the pirate problem to the government's attention," said Lloyd Pulley, CEO of The Bridge and senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, which owns the station."We fought hard, and we won. While the pirates continue to encroach on the signal in some areas, we are delighted that The Bridge is now broadcasting clearly in 70 percent of its own coverage area, which covers from the Bronx to Lower Manhattan."A listener-supported, noncommercial Christian teaching station, The Bridge originally launched in 2004. The station's David v. Goliath battle with radio pirates is not the only unique aspect of the station's expansion into New York. Currently, The Bridge is the ONLY Christian FM radio station broadcasting directly from New York City. The addition of this tower, located near the United Nations Building, makes it possible for The Bridge to reach over four million more potential listeners, in addition to the potentially seven million already reached throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania on the station's other frequencies.One New York listener notes, "We have waited a long time to hear clear, precise, and doctrinally sound, powerfully relevant Bible teaching for some time, and now we have The Bridge."The station's expansion into New York enables The Bridge to share its message of hope in Christ to people from every tribe and tongue, including the approximately 600 language groups residing in New York.As well as being the only Christian FM station broadcasting from Manhattan, The Bridge is also unique in its format. "The Bridge has not followed the trend of many other Christian radio stations to broadcast primarily music, and continues to air some of the finest Bible teaching in the nation," says Rob Taylor, general manager of The Bridge. "With this format, the Word of God is taught without compromise 24 hours a day, 7 days week, 365 days a year."In addition to its New York frequency, 95.1FM, The Bridge can currently be heard on several frequencies throughout the Tri-state area, including 89.7FM in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in NJ, 91.9FM in Southern Middlesex and Northern Monmouth Counties in NJ, 103.1FM in Northern NJ, and nationwide via its mobile app or bridgeradio.org The Bridge Christian Radio, Bridgelight, LLC is a radio ministry of Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, NJ. Learn more about The Bridge 95.1FM by visiting bridgeradio.org
home World Pope John Paul II had prophetic vision of Islamic invasion of Europe, says priest
A former confidante of the Pope John Paul II has claimed that the late pontiff had a prophetic vision that Europe will be invaded by Islamists.
Monsignor Mauro Longhi, who often accompanied the John Paul II on hiking trips before his ordination, told a large group at the hermitage of Saints Peter and Paul this past October that the former pope was a mystic who had prophetic visions and "dialogued" with the Virgin Mary.
During his lecture at the hermitage, Longhi recounted a conversation he had with the John Paul II in March 1993, in which the pope warned him about a disturbing vision he had about the future of Europe.
"The Pope told me: 'Tell this to those whom you will meet in the Church of the third millennium. I see the Church afflicted by a mortal wound. More profound, more painful than those of this millennium,' referring to Communism and Nazi totalitarianism. 'It is called Islamism. They will invade Europe. I have seen the hordes come from the West to the East,' and then told to me each country one by one: from Morocco to Libya to Egypt, and so on till the East," Longhi recalled, as reported by The Catholic Herald.
"The Holy Father added: 'They will invade Europe, Europe will be like a basement, old relics, shadows, cobwebs. Family heirlooms. You, the Church of the third millennium, must contain the invasion. Not with armies, armies will not be enough, but with your faith, lived with integrity," the priest added.
Longhi, who was ordained in 1995, told the audience at the hermitage that the late pontiff used to sneak out of Rome in a modest car and stay at an Opus Dei home in the mountains in Abruzzo.
The priest recalled that Cardinal Andrzej Deskur, one of John Paul II's closest friends, had revealed to him that the pontiff had the "gift of visions."
At night, the pope could be found kneeling before the Tabernacle in the chapel of the house and he heard conversing with God or the Virgin Mary, according to the Longhi.
The former pope's visions apparently began during his first Mass on Nov. 2, 1946 in the crypt of St. Leonard in Wawel Cathedral in Krakow, Poland.
In the same lecture, Longhi also recounted the time when the pope castigated former U.S. President George W. Bush for sacrificing "all human dignity" for security after he deployed military forces to Afghanistan sometime after 9/11.
John Paul II, who was born Karol Wojtyla, had been known for promoting inter-faith dialogue between Catholics and Muslims, and he was the first known pope to have set foot inside a mosque in 2001.
The late pontiff had drawn criticism from traditionalists after he was seen in photos kissing the Koran. However, in his 2003 encyclical Ecclesia in Europa, the pope appeared to "beseech" Christians to be trained in "an objective knowledge of Islam." He stressed that Christians should also take into account the "notable gap" between European culture, which he says is rooted in Christianity, and Muslim thought.
Digital gold. The new tulip mania. A virtual currency.
Whatever you want to call it, bitcoin is on an extraordinary run, with the price of a single bitcoin crossing $10,000 on some exchanges for the first time Monday - less than two months after it crossed $5,000 for the first time.
It is a bull market with few precedents in recent investing history.
The price has been pushed up by a flood of new buyers from around the world who think they have spotted a new kind of investment that could ultimately compete with gold as a place to store money outside the control of companies and governments.
Lots of skeptics
The skyrocketing price has brought forth no shortage of skeptics, from Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, to Warren Buffett, who have variously called it a fraud, a bubble and a Ponzi scheme.
The untethered price increase has, to a degree, proved their point, suggesting that this is an investment tied to few real-world fundamentals.
But each time skeptics have come forward, investors have defied them and bought more bitcoins at higher prices. On Sunday, more than $5 billion was traded on bitcoin exchanges, according to the data site Coinmarketcap.com - a greater volume than what many U.S. stock exchanges see on a normal day.
Believers in the bitcoin technology, which is backed by a new kind of computer network, have argued that what we are seeing is the formation of a new asset class that could join stocks, bonds and physical commodities in the investment portfolios of ordinary people.
If this is a new digital gold, today's extraordinary prices still leave the total bitcoin supply in the world at a value that is only one-sixtieth of all the real gold in the world.
But even aficionados have been dumbstruck by just how quickly the price has gone up in recent months. One trending comment on the Reddit social network put it this way: "This is officially madness. I am going to prepare myself for a large correction."
The people who have been pushing up the price have not just been the libertarian-minded programmers who helped bitcoin survive its rocky first seven years, after the mysterious creator Satoshi Nakamoto released it in 2009.
South Korea and Japan
In recent months, trading among ordinary investors has taken off in South Korea and Japan. It was on Korean exchanges where the bitcoin price first hit $10,000 on Monday. On U.S. exchanges, the price was Monday around $9,700.
Hedge funds have also been clamoring to get a piece of the action. More than 100 hedge funds invest only in bitcoin and other virtual currencies.
In many places, this trading is happening on exchanges with little regulatory oversight or transparency. This has given rise to fears that a problem at one of the exchanges could trigger a panicked run on bitcoin, something that is not unlikely given the relative inexperience of many new investors.
Bitcoins are stored and traded on a decentralized network of computers that is not under the control of any government or company. That has been attractive to people in countries, like China and Zimbabwe, where the government has a history of seizing bank accounts and assets.
The growing number of people using it in all these countries, often against the wishes of their governments, has also underscored the degree to which the software that manages Bitcoin has remained impervious to hackers and government control for nearly a decade.
In recent weeks, Bitcoin isn't the only virtual currency that has been moving up. Ether, which lives on the Ethereum network, and Bitcoin Cash, another Bitcoin competitor, have also been rising quickly in value as investors look for anything that might have the same durability and upward mobility as the original.
A coalition of major oil-producing nations on Thursday is expected to extend a pact to keep some crude off the market to support oil prices and curb a worldwide glut created three years ago by U.S. drillers.
At a closely watched gathering in Vienna, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will consider a nine-month extension for a deal with Russia and other nations to trim output by 1.8 million barrels a day through the end of next year.
So far the effort appears on track, analysts say, but even if all goes to plan, OPEC still faces a dilemma: its rivals in West Texas and Oklahoma may still impede the group's efforts and stall the long-anticipated rebalancing of the oil market again if prices rise high enough to tempt U.S. shale producers to abandon their recently adopted mantra of financial discipline.
Now Playing: After nine years in the making, TransCanadas $8 billion Keystone XL pipeline has been given the green light by the Nebraska Public Service Commission. However, the five-member commission rejected TransCanadas preferred route, voting to approve an alternative path that would move the pipeline, which is needed to carry thick crude oil from Albertas tar sands to refineries on Texas gulf coast, further east. The alternative route of the new pipeline, which will transport 830,000 barrels of crude a day, is designed to avoid of Nebraskas delicate Sandhills region. However, the approved route will still cross shallow parts of the Olgalala aquifer, the main source of drinking and irrigation water in Nebraska and much of the Great Plains. Approval for Keystone XL was a cornerstone of Donald Trumps presidential campaign, and the leader is likely to latch on to the pipelines approval and claim it as a key political victory. The decision comes just four days after a rupture in the existing Keystone pipeline leaked an estimated 5,000 barrels of oil in rural South Dakota. Video: Euronews
Even though several major U.S. oil companies have promised investors they plan to throttle back operational growth and focus more on returning profits to shareholders next year with some going so far as to make financial discipline part of executive compensation high oil prices have historically led to land rushes and drilling surges by companies guided not by national fiat, but profits.
This time last year, when OPEC and its partners first announced an agreement to curb supplies, crude prices soared, U.S. oil companies dispatched hundreds of drilling rigs and economic activity surged in Houston for months. But market and industry enthusiasm waned in mid-2017 amid fears a second shale boom would offset OPEC's output reductions and undercut prices.
The latest wrinkle is that U.S. oil companies have said they will only drill as long as they can make returns on the crude they pump. Whether they do could determine if Houston's recovery gains momentum or stalls.
"It's hard to believe they can keep their fingers off the levers," said Bill Gilmer, director of the Institute for Regional Forecasting at the University of Houston. "Someone is going to be tempted, and as soon as one goes for it, they're all going to."
OPEC's production-cut agreement, reached last fall between two dozen countries and renewed over the summer to run through March, has cut deep into bulging crude stockpiles around the world, reducing inventory levels from 338 million barrels above historical norms in January to 138 million barrels in September.
Related: Oil prices tank as OPEC deal on cuts disappoints traders
But in the United States, at $54 a barrel oil, crude production growth in 2018 could double this year's gains, growing at an annual average of 700,000 barrels a day, compared with 365,000 barrels a day this year, said Mike Wittner, an oil-market analyst at French bank Societe Generale. In the first half of next year, the bank believes global oil inventories could rise by 300,000 barrels a day.
U.S. oil prices slid 22 cents in early trading on Tuesday to $57.89 a barrel amid market jitters over whether Russia will play ball with OPEC. But if a deal goes through, as analysts expect, higher crude prices could provide financial cover for U.S. oil companies to drill more.
"For most of these guys, $60 oil means they have cash flow for the first time in many years, after cutting and cutting, when most were planning for oil prices around $50," said R.T. Dukes, an analyst at energy research firm Wood Mackenzie. "Does extra cash flow mean they're going to blow out their balance sheets again? Some will. Growth rates will probably grow higher, but I'm not sure they'll spend at all costs."
Related: Oil prices rise to highest in more than two years
A man has turned himself in to authorities after the shooting death of his boyfriend in Atascocita, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Mario Jerrell Williams, 29, is charged with murder in the shooting of 28-year-old Devon Wade Sunday night at a home in the 17000 block of Crestline.
The George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts is encouraging all schools impacted by Hurricane Harvey from Texas and Louisiana to apply for a chance to receive $2,000 art kits.
The funds will be raised through the re-release of the famous silkscreen print "We Will Rise Again" piece that was first seen post-Katrina.
All money raised through the sale of the silkscreen print art pieces, the George's Art Closet program, and funds contributed from other supporters, the foundation was able to raise enough to donate a number of $2,000 art kits.
"Dad would be proud to have taken part in this effort to help schools affected by Hurricane Harvey," said Jacques Rodrigue, executive director of GRFA.
The kits are geared toward elementary, middle or high school classrooms. Any schools from either Texas or Louisiana are asked to apply through an online form (https://form.jotform.com/72965875069172) to determined which school is in the most need.
"These same communities in Houston and elsewhere in Texas helped us get back on our feet after Katrina and it is our turn to do the same," Rodrigue said.
The foundation has raised millions in for humanitarian efforts and arts organizations right after Hurricane Katrina struck Louisiana in 2005.
The originally Blue Dog print of We Will Rise Again raised $700,000, which the foundation notes were mostly generated by Texans.
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Landry's plans to hire 600 people at The Post Oak, a luxury hotel under construction in Uptown.
Tilman Fertitta's hospitality company is looking to fill management positions such as catering events manager, front desk manager, director of business travel, director of housekeeping, banquet manager and engineering coordinator. Other positions include accountants, front desk agents, food servers and sous chefs.
Employees will receive training from Landry's consultants and benefits. Interested candidates can apply online at ThePostOak.com, or attend career fairs taking place Nov. 27, 28 and 29 at the Downtown Aquarium and Dec. 9 and 10 at Landry's corporate office, 1510 West Loop South.
RELATED: The Post Oak called 'luxury destination'
Now Playing: FOX 26 news reporter Rashi Vats Video: Fox 26 Houston
The Post Oak mixed-use development will feature 250 hotel rooms and suites; 20 residential units; 35,000 square feet of event space; 150,000 square feet of office space; a Mastro's Steakhouse and a Willie G's Seafood restaurants.
The 38-story luxury hotel boasts a "presidential suite," a 5,000-square-foot two-bedroom suite with private elevator access, a media room, exercise room and secluded terrace.
The restaurants are set to open in December, and the hotel is slated to open in early 2018.
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Canadian oil transport company Enbridge announced a timeline Monday for determining the future of twin pipelines beneath the channel where lakes Huron and Michigan converge.
Options include shutting down the lines or routing them through a tunnel beneath the lake bed where they now rest.
The plan calls for reaching a final agreement by Aug. 15 on the pipes beneath the Straits of Mackinac, a 5-mile-long scenic waterway with high value to the tourist industry and Great Lakes environment.
They are part of Enbridge's Line 5, which carries nearly 23 million gallons of oil and liquid natural gas daily across northern Wisconsin and Michigan to refineries in Sarnia, Ontario.
The company has repeatedly insisted the underwater segment installed in 1953 is in good condition and has never leaked. However, state officials and environmental groups have expressed alarm over recent disclosures of gaps in its exterior layer of protective enamel coating and unsupported spaces beneath the pipes.
"Business as usual by Enbridge is not acceptable and we are going to ensure the highest level of environmental safety standards are implemented to protect one of Michigan's most valuable natural resources," Snyder said.
The Republican governor's administration has resisted critics' demands to order the lines decommissioned, but that option "is still on the table," said Valerie Brader, executive director of the Michigan Agency for Energy.
Although the federal government regulates oil pipelines, Michigan owns the lake bottom and granted an easement to the company allowing the pipeline to go there.
Enbridge officials acknowledged an erosion of public confidence in the safety of Line 5 and apologized for what they described as poor communication with the public about their inspections and studies.
Among the steps intended to boost the underwater pipes' safety is a procedure for temporarily halting the flow of oil during storms that produce sustained waves at least 8 feet high for longer than an hour, the level at which Brader said recovery of spilled oil becomes "extraordinarily hard."
Enbridge also agreed to evaluate three options by June for routing the underwater segment through a tunnel or trench, on or beneath the lakebed - using the existing pipes or building a new one.
Brent crude slipped toward $63 a barrel before OPEC and its allies meet this week to discuss prolonging their output cuts beyond March.
Futures dropped as much as 1.2 percent in London, extending Monday's decline. Uncertainty over the outcome of Thursday's meeting is creating the risk of a slide in prices, which have gained on assumptions that the curbs will be prolonged for nine months, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc. OPEC backs such an extension but is still waiting for commitments from Russia, according to people familiar with the matter.
Crude surged earlier this month on signs the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners will prolong cuts aimed at shrinking a global glut. Prices, time spreads and hedge-fund positioning all reflect a high probability the group will follow a Saudi proposal to extend the pact to the end of 2018, Goldman said. Yet Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said Tuesday that it's too early to talk about the duration.
"Optimism has driven prices up quite a bit and now we're seeing some cautiousness being priced in ahead of OPEC," said Hans Van Cleef, senior energy economist at ABN Amro. "Although it's pretty certain that the agreement will be extended, it's more about the details and we know that Russia would prefer to wait a bit longer."
Brent for January settlement declined 59 cents to $63.25 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange at 12:24 p.m. local time, after closing down 2 cents on Monday. The global benchmark crude traded at a premium of $5.61 to West Texas Intermediate.
WTI for January delivery was at $57.63 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, down 48 cents. Total volume traded was about 6 percent above the 100-day average. Prices fell 84 cents to $58.11 on Monday.
See also: Oil Snoozes Through Saudi-Iran Spat and Imminent OPEC Meeting
The path toward market stability "has seen several bumps along the way, and we have suffered occasional setbacks, but our determination and hard work are paying off," OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo said Monday. The oil market is steadily returning to balance, he said.
Oil-market news:
U.S. crude stockpiles probably fell by 3.5 million barrels last week, according to a Bloomberg survey before an Energy Information Administration report Wednesday. Citigroup Inc. said OPEC may either defer its decision on output cuts to the first quarter of 2018 or agree on an extension shorter than nine months. Canadian heavy-crude prices strengthened for the first time in two weeks after TransCanada Corp. said its Keystone pipeline will resume service Tuesday, allaying concerns about rising supplies in Alberta.
WASHINGTON - After proposing to dismantle net neutrality rules, and setting off a firestorm of criticism, Ajit Pai, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, said his family has become the target of harassment.
During an interview Monday on "Fox & Friends," viewers were shown cardboard signs that host Steve Doocy said were put up at Pai's home in suburban Virginia. One sign, appearing to refer to Pai's children, read: "They will come to know the truth. Dad murdered Democracy in cold blood."
Pai said those signs crossed a line, even as he noted the charged debate over net neutrality.
"I understand that people are passionate about policy, but the one thing in America that should remain sacred is that families, wives and kids, should remain out of it. And stop harassing us at our homes," he said.
Last week Pai took aim at the signature Obama-era regulation designed to ensure that all websites are treated equally by internet providers. Under Pai's plan, those rules would be stripped, granting internet providers broad powers to determine what websites and online services their customers see and use. Republicans hold three out of five seats at the FCC. And Pai said he expects the plan to pass at a Dec. 14 meeting on a party-line vote.
Pai has said his proposal would restore a "light-touch" regulatory framework for internet services and would stop the government from micromanaging the internet. Broadband and wireless companies such as Comcast and Verizon applauded Pai's move. But internet companies and activists see the undoing of net neutrality as an invitation for corporate abuse, in which service providers block websites they do not like and charge Web companies for speedier delivery of their content.
Pai suggested that the intense criticism leveled at him for targeting neutrality rules can lead to the type of harassment his family experienced.
"That's one of the things I think is very unfortunate about all the vitriol and hot air that's out there is that if you keep going out there and peddling this misinformation like, 'This is the guy who is going to break the internet and destroy democracy,' it's not surprising that some people get alarmed by it," he said.
A spokesman for the FCC did not respond to a request for comment about the incident.
Craig Aaron, the president of Free Press, an advocacy group that supports diverse media ownership, told the Washington Post: "We condemn any racist comments or harassing messages sent to the chairman of the FCC. We don't think there is any place for that in the debate." Aaron said his group was not involved in the sign-posting incident at Pai's home.
Critics of the Trump-era FCC have scrutinized the agency's handling of public comments submitted to provide feedback on the net neutrality proposal. Some advocates and officials, including New York Attorney Genera Eric Schneiderman, say thousands of fake or automated comments submitted to the FCC have unfairly skewed the policymaking process. The FCC has said that it lacks the resources to review every comment and that automated feedback came from both foes of net neutrality and supporters.
While the criticism over fake comments may not alter the commission's upcoming vote to repeal the rules, some experts say it may benefit supporters of the rules in any legal challenge to the FCC's plan.
Prominent civil rights activist DeRay Mckesson will speak at the University of Houston on Wednesday on the Black Lives Matter movement and its policy platform.
His visit is part of a "social justice solutions" speech series through the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. The series began in 2016 amid discussion of fatal police shootings of black citizens.
AUSTIN - Commissioner George P. Bush recently announced the donation of Carl Flemming's 1844 map of Texas to the Texas General Land Office Archives and Records from Carol and Morris McIntyre of Kerrville.
"I am pleased that Carol and Morris McIntyre have donated this historic map of the Republic of Texas to the Texas General Land Office," said Bush. "Mr. and Mrs. McIntyre have helped us save Texas history by donating this rare map. The GLO Archives will be the permanent home for this map, where it will be conserved, digitized, and made available for study and reproduction. On behalf of the GLO, and the people of Texas, I thank the McIntyre's for their generous donation."
"My donation of the 'Texas' Flemming map to the Texas General Land Office was made with the desire to share it with others and to have the personal assurance that the map would have a safe, protected and permanent home at the GLO. I acquired this map in the liquidation of a large Dallas law firm where I was employed as a paralegal on the liquidation team," said Carol McIntyre. "As a retired Paralegal, I have acquired expertise in oil & gas litigation and corporate/securities regulation. Throughout my business and legal career, I have seen a 'throw-away' mentality to keep up with the fast pace of changing technology. I have learned that historically significant items should be given the highest level of consideration. It is extremely rewarding to put a historical item in a permanent preservation environment where it belongs."
The map shows the northern boundary of Texas extending to the Arkansas River, encompassing territory into the Rocky Mountains and parts of New Mexico, including Santa Fe.
The map appeared both as a separate issue, and in some of Flemming's atlases. Flemming issued his 1842 German edition of the famous 1841 Arrowsmith map on a reduced scale for dissemination among the many potential German immigrants to Texas in the mid-1800s. As a result, the map is sometimes referred to as the "German Arrowsmith" because of the similar cartography.
The Archives of the Texas General Land Office, home to 36 million documents and over 45,000 maps and sketches detailing the history of the public lands of Texas, is one of the premier cartographic resources for Texas. The agency's goal is to develop the most comprehensive historic Texas map collection in the world, and to make it entirely available online. Lacking a significant acquisitions budget, this ambitious objective is reliant upon partnering with history-loving members of the public to grow the collection.
Reproductions of the donated Flemming map of Texas are now available for $20. All funds raised by map reproduction sales are directed toward the conservation of the GLO's archival collection.
If you have a map or a collection that you think would fit within the scope of the GLO's Archives, we invite you to donate it so that future generations of Texans will be able to appreciate it, and to ensure future protection. Donating a map is a great way to show generosity and Texan pride, preserve the document, and to leave a lasting contribution to the advancement of Texas history knowledge. Your donation will be forever recognized in the description of the map whenever it is accessed in the GLO's online map database, and in future exhibitions.
To donate a map, or for more information, contact Archives staff at archives@glo.texas.gov.
It has been a rough couple of weeks for the law enforcement community.
On Sunday, Nov. 5, Harris County Precinct 4 Deputy Constable Justin Gay was shot six times in the legs during a call to a domestic disturbance. Gay was taken to Memorial Hermann Red Duke Trauma Institute and is expected to recover.
"We are thankful for the many prayers and messages he has received in show of support from our citizens we serve," Precinct 4 wrote in a Facebook post.
Constantine Argyrion, 38, has been charged with attempted murder relating to the shooting and is currently jailed under a $250,000 bond.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Damon Allen, 41, died after being shot around 4 p.m. Thanksgiving Day on Interstate 45 near Fairfield in Freestone County by a man later identified by police as Dabrett Black, 32, who then fled the scene. It was apparently a routine traffic stop that resulted in Allen's death.
Black has since been captured and reportedly had served jail time for assaulting a public servant, and was indicted by a grand jury last month for crashing his car into a police vehicle.
On Sunday, an empty DPS patrol unit sat in front of the Freestone County Courthouse, serving as a memorial for Trooper Allen, who is survived by his wife and three children. Flowers, balloons and bows were added to the vehicle as token of respect.
Meanwhile, Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls has found himself embroiled in controversy over First Amendment rights.
It all started when Karen Fonseca allegedly drove around her husband's truck with a large sticker exclaiming "F--- Trump" and a photo posted online went viral. Nehls posted to his personal Facebook account wherein he threatened to bring disorderly conduct charges against the driver of a truck displaying a profane anti-Trump message on its rear window.
Fonseca has since been arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Rosenberg on an unrelated charge. The timing couldn't be any worse.
Ultimately, there isn't much that anyone can do about the whole "F--- Trump" sticker. The U.S. Supreme Court already addressed this in 1971 in Cohen v. California. In short, Paul Robert Cohen wore a jacket emblazoned with the words "F--- The Draft." He was charged with disturbing the peace and the case ended up in front of the Supreme Court.
In a 5-4 decision, the court ruled in Cohen's favor and the epithet, while disturbing to most, is deemed free speech.
This statement of law was: "The First Amendment, as applied through the Fourteenth, prohibits states from making the public display of a single four-letter expletive a criminal offense, without a more specific and compelling reason than a general tendency to disturb the peace."
The whole Nehls-Fonseca controversy will most likely continue for some time as lawyers are now involved.
Law enforcement members are lightning rods for controversy and consternation. They answer calls and step into family disputes, often putting themselves into harm's way, or find themselves in danger by doing something routine. In Nehl's case, depending on who you believe, he stepped into controversy at the behest of people upset by someone else's actions.
In the coming days, members of law enforcement will be more visible as the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear. This is the time of year where bad people find opportunity to do even worse things. For the next month, officers will be kept pretty busy.
Hopefully they have more boring days than busy ones.
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The second of four men accused in a deadly Conroe jewelry store heist pleaded guilty Monday.
Coredarian Javonte Bailey, 22, joins Kadarius Krisshawn Royston, 24, as the only two people convicted in the robbery. Four men, including Bailey and Royston, charged into Jeff's Jewelry in the 4800 block of Texas 105 West on Oct. 3, 2016, demanding jewelry and cash while brandishing firearms in a daring midday robbery where customers and workers were going about their business.
During the robbery, store owner Jeffrey Turner Jr. shot and killed Javian Jackson, 21, as three other robbers fled.
Bailey was set for trial Monday but pleaded to first-degree felony aggravated robbery instead, pledging to provide truthful testimony for prosecutors in the remaining criminal cases against Sedrick Jermaine Townsend, 37, and Santo LaCharles Stephens, 21. Prosecutors believe Townsend and Stephens were the other two accomplices in the botched heist.
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While a first-degree felony charge normally carries a sentencing range of five to 99 years or life in prison, terms of Bailey's plea make him eligible for probation, according to Chief Major Crimes Prosecutor Jim Prewitt. His possible prison sentence also would be capped at 30 years.
He will be sentenced Jan. 26 by 435th state District Court Judge Patty Maginnis.
Royston, who pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated robbery Oct. 23, will be sentenced Jan. 13 by Maginnis as well. He is facing the full first-degree felony punishment range.
Townsend is set to face a jury on a first-degree aggravated robbery charge Monday, while Stephens is facing a jury Jan. 16 on the same charge.
Robbery Gone Wrong
The five men met at Jackson's mother's apartment in Houston on the morning of the robbery before departing to Conroe in two vehicles, according to court documents. After meeting up again at a Conroe gas station, the five allegedly discussed the robbery.
Bailey, Jackson, Stephens and Royston reportedly got into a white Dodge Charger and headed to the Conroe West strip center in the 4800 block of Texas 105 West, which is where Jeff's Jewelry is located. Court records show Townsend stayed behind as the four headed to the store.
Early that Monday afternoon, police believe Jackson, Stephens and Royston entered the jewelry store as Bailey held open the door. Jackson, armed with a gun, went straight to the register and demanded the cashier fill a duffle bag with cash.
As an employee fired shots at the robbers, police say Bailey, Stephens and Royston fled to the Charger parked out front, but Jackson stayed behind waiting for the duffle bag to be filled with cash. Once the bag was full, court records show, Jackson started firing at Turner, who returned fire with his AK-47 rifle.
Jackson died on scene.
Bailey, Stephens and Royston met up with Townsend at the Walgreens at the corner of FM 3083 and Texas 105 immediately after the robbery, according to court records. The four drove around, and as Townsend learned they did not get the money, he left them on the side of the freeway, detectives said.
Townsend made his way back to the crime scene, parking his car at the same Walgreens and walking the roughly 400 feet along Texas 105 to Jeff's Jewelry, according to law enforcement. Conroe police questioned Townsend, who said he knew Jackson was dead before police had identified him.
He reportedly told police a friend in Houston called him and told him of Jackson's death, but was not able to substantiate that claim, court records show. The next day, he reportedly told police he was in Houston at that friend's house buying drugs when he heard of Jackson's death and drove straight to the crime scene.
Police say witnesses told them they saw Townsend at the Walgreens prior to him arriving at the crime scene.
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Katy artists Vanessa Rojas and Samthel Hempel joined Fort Bend County artists Gini Bailey and Farrah Lynch among 200 artists from around the world who came to downtown Houston to participate in through the Houston Via Colori Street Painting Festival.
"I like the smiles it brings to people's faces, especially the children," Bailey said.
Bailey studied graphic design in college before moving to Sugar Land with her husband in 1992. She put aside her career aspirations to focus on raising their two sons but found numerous outlets over the years for her artistic talents. She served as the chair person for the art program at her sons' elementary school and volunteered in the classroom to teach children about art. She also served as president and vice-president for the Art League of Fort Bend. And, for years she's helped raised donations for nonprofit The Center for Hearing and Speech through the Houston Via Colori Street Painting Festival by creating unique and beautiful sidewalk murals.
Now in its 11th year, the theme for the 2017 Houston Via Colori Street Painting Festival was "A Colorful World."
Bailey's artistic talents include photography, drawing and painting and her street murals in years past have been drawn from her original creations. However, her inspiration this year took a different route.
"I knew it needed to be vibrant and colorful," she said. "But, it also needed a historical element as the festival was celebrating the 70-year anniversary of the Center for Hearing and Speech."
Bailey's mural featured vintage and modern images of Mickey Mouse in vivid colors.
"I wanted something nostalgic that people could immediately identify and of course, everybody loves Mickey Mouse," she said. "I was able to incorporate how the design has evolved from its earliest days in black-and-white to energetic, bright colors."
Richmond artist Farrah Lynch has been creating street murals for Via Colori for the last 10 years.
"I really enjoy the back and forth conversations between visitors and artists," Lynch said. "The festival also broadens your scope as an artist because using cement as my canvas is not something I do often and I enjoy that. Overall, I've enjoyed the festival very much every year."
Lynch's creation for the festival featured an African American flapper from the 1920s.
"I've always found the image of the flapper to be mysterious and also tragic," she said. "The wealth of the early 1920s in contrast to the poverty that followed during the Great Depression was interesting to me."
To echo that sense of contrast, Lynch created the mural using black and white pastels tones.
"I also used pops on color in her air to make the image stand out," Lynch said.
Lynch works on her artwork in her garage-studio in Richmond, where she lives with her husband, Jeremiah and their two teenage sons, Jeremiah Jr. and Isaiah. She has exhibited her work in numerous galleries and group shows in Houston and last year she had her first solo exhibit in Houston.
"As an artist, I primarily express myself in abstracts and portraits using oils, acrylics, pastels, spray paint and mixed media," she said. Outside galleries and shows, Lynch sells her artwork through her website at www.arebeleyeart.com.
Each year, organizers say Via Colori raises more than $400,000 to fund health and educational services for area children with hearing loss.
"The Center for Hearing and Speech relies on the generous support from our community to help children with hearing loss learn to listen, speak and read," Renee Davis, executive director of The Center for Hearing and Speech, said in a news release. "We are so grateful to our sponsors, artists, volunteers, entertainers and attendees for making Via Colori possible.
For information about the annual Houston Via Colori Street Painting Festival, visit www.centerhearingandspeech.org/via-colori.
More than $440,000 has been delivered back to the city of Sugar Land thanks to its membership in the state's leading municipal electricity buying group, the Texas Coalition for Affordable Power.
"These rebates really help - especially at the end of the fiscal year," said Sugar Land Assistant City Manager Christopher Steubing, who also serves as a TCAP board director. "Collecting more than $440,000 over time is great news for our city. This is money that we put to good use. It benefits the city of Sugar Land, and by extension our taxpayers."
U.S. Magistrate Judge Miguel Torres denied Monday an unprecedented motion to dismiss criminal charges against four Central American parents and one grandmother for illegally crossing the border and who were separated from their accompanying children as a result.
The Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Texas argued that prosecuting potential asylum seekers and removing their children violates the U.S. Constitution because they are pleading guilty under duress to be reunited with their kids.
The government contended that the separations had nothing to do with the criminal accusation at hand of entering the country without authorization. Dismissing such charges could encourage adults to bring minors simply to avoid such prosecutions, it said.
Immigrant advocates say criminal prosecutions for crossing the border enable President Donald Trump's administration to bypass a landmark 1997 federal settlement, known as the Flores Agreement, that bars the prolonged detention of migrant children even when they are with their parents. Critics say the settlement has led to a practice of arresting and releasing migrants with no consequence, encouraging illegal immigration.
The El Paso judge repeatedly expressed his concern that parents facing such charges are kept in the dark about the whereabouts and well-being of their children, who are put into federal foster care shelters once adults are imprisoned. He worried that such a lack of information about their children could force parents to plead guilty involuntarily.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that immigration consequences can be a critical factor in the nature of a defendant's guilty plea. Torres said parents might similarly think it is in the best interest of their child to plead guilty so that they can more quickly reunite.
"At this point, they don't know if they are going to be deported before, after, or at the same time as their kids," the judge said. "If you were in the defendants' shoes, that would be a considerable factor" in pleading guilty.
The public defender's office is appealing the decision.
A 20-year-old Houston man faces felony charges after police say he threatened parishioners at a Fifth Ward church on Sunday.
A police union leader meanwhile criticized the man's $7,000 bond as too light, citing the recent shooting that killed 26 at a Sutherland Springs church as evidence that the crime should be punished more seriously.
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The Fallen Warriors Memorial in Champions is undergoing a fundraising campaign to add a new installation - two bronze statues of military service dogs.
The life-size bronze sculptures are complete and waiting at a foundry in Bastrop, Texas.
The next step is to prepare the site at the Fallen Warriors Memorial with electricity and then lights. The nonprofit hopes to install the statues at the beginning of 2018.
The two statues represent the thousands of military service dogs and the search and rescue dogs that serve, said Cheryl Whitfield, of the National Memorial Ladies, a volunteer service formed at the Houston National Cemetery.
Military dogs have saved thousands of lives, Whitfield said.
"War dogs contribute so much, plus save lives," she said. In addition, she said, "they bring calm to the soldiers."
There are about 2,500 military dogs currently in service, including about 700 of them serving overseas, Whitfield said.
One of the dogs represented in the statue is Bretagne, a Golden Retriever who was a search and rescue dog with the Texas Task Force One and Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department.
Bretagne was deployed to Ground Zero in New York after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. She died last June.
The other dog represented in the other statue is Eli, a black Labrador that was on deployment in Afghanistan with his handler U.S. Marine Lance corporal Colton Rusk from Orange Grove, Texas. Eli was with Rusk when Rusk was killed in 2010.
In the statue, Eli will be lying down and have his head turned to look over at one of the walls at the monument where his handler is memorialized.
Eli lives in Orange Grove with his Rusk's family.
Architect Michael Murr is designing a wall to be built behind the dog statues to provide information about service dogs and search and rescue dogs and details about Eli and Bretagne.
The service dogs are equivalent to Navy Seals, Whitfield said. There was a war dog with the Navy Seals when they came upon Osama bin Laden, she said.
Northwest Houston residents can pay their respects to those who have served or for those who are currently serving in the military at the Fallen Warriors Memorial.
The Fallen Warriors Memorial is located at 14500 Cutten Road, between FM 1960 and Texas 249, off Cypresswood Drive.
The monument is located at the end of the Cy-champ Park nature path and consists of four large granite walls engraved with the names of 634 fallen soldiers. The memorial was complete in 2012.
The names are listed in chronological order with date, rank and branch of service. National Memorial Ladies member Lynn Ruoff, who researched the soldiers to be added to the wall, said the names are listed from the soldiers who were killed first to the most recent.
To donate or to learn more about the new bronze dog statues, visit http://fallenwarriorstexas.org, or call Cheryl Whitfield at 832-868-9810.
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Holiday food and toy drives are in full swing in northwest Houston.
Area nonprofits are collecting food and toys to give to area families in need this holiday season.
Northwest Assistance Ministries has increased its drive to provide toys and food to 1,000 families in need.
Cypress Assistance Ministries has drives underway to provide toys, food and baking baskets to nearly 1,000 children and their families.
"Making sure each child has toys to open on Christmas morning not only makes Christmas memorable for that child, but relieves so many stressors on the family," said Janet Ryan, director of development at Cypress Assistance Ministries. "Parents don't have to choose whether to pay the electric bill or buy toys. Or pay the rent or buy toys."
The nonprofit relies on the generosity of the community, Ryan said.
"Our community makes it possible for so many kids to actually feel the excitement and joy of opening gifts on Christmas morning, bringing smiles we wish you could see," Ryan said.
The nonprofit also provides a holiday meal to the families, including a turkey or ham and all of the traditional fixings.
Cypress Assistance Ministries additionally provides the families with extra food to help during the two weeks children are out of school on break.
"In addition, we strive to give each family a baking basket, filled with everything they need to bake cookies, brownies, cakes and other sweet treats," Ryan said. "When money is tight, baking with your family is something many families never get to experience."
This "lets families start a tradition of spending great family time together in the kitchen, enjoying the smells and taste of Christmas," Ryan said.
As part of the toy drive, the nonprofit seeks assistance from area churches and businesses to put up an angle tree, with names of different children who are in need.
The number of financially unstable households in northwest Harris County continues to grow along with the population. Many of the families helped during the drives are on the poverty level.
Cypress Assistance Ministries has seen a huge increase in the need for food this year, Ryan said.
"With such a large number of people losing work from Hurricane Harvey, more and more people who've never needed help before find themselves in need now," Ryan said. "And thanks to the kindness of the people in our area, we are able to serve them when they come to CAM."
Northwest Assistance Ministries has also seen an increase in clients registering for their holiday program, said Debbie Peterson, director of NAM's assistance program. The nonprofit registered 800 families for its Thanksgiving food drive.
NAM is seeking the community's support in donations of food and toys, which can be made directly at NAM or by visiting namonline.org. The nonprofit will distribute toys and food on Saturday, Dec. 16, and Monday, Dec. 18. The organization asks that donated toys be unwrapped. The biggest needs are toys for boys and girls ages 8 to 12.
Toys suggestions for that age group includes art and jewelry sets, games such as Uno and Life, Legos, science sets and books including "Diary of a Wimpy Kid."
NAM receives much of its donations from its member churches and area businesses. In addition, the nonprofit receives donations from area school drives, including schools in Spring, Klein and Tomball, along with area organizations such as the Boy Scouts.
NAM seeks volunteers to help distribute the toys and meals.
To donate or help with the holiday drives:
Contact Janet Ryan at Cypress Assistance Ministries at janetk@cypressassistance.org or call 281-955-7684.
Contact Northwest Assistance Ministries at 281-885-3914 or visit holiday@namonline.org or http://namonline.org.
The body of Azerbaijani serviceman that was found near the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been handed over to the Azerbaijani side.
November 28, 2017, 15:28 Armenia hands over body of Azerbaijani serviceman
STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 28, ARTSAKHPRESS:The body was handed over at the presence of the representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross in the direction of Nakhchivan, NEWS.am reported.
Serviceman from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia (RA) detected the dead body of an Azerbaijani soldier at the buffer zone across the combat position at the southwestern sector of the Armenian state border on November 23.
According to the reports, captain Bahruz Jalilbeyli escaped a military unit after committing a crime.
PAUL OATES
Australias attempts to stop Papua New Guinea from awarding a contract to a firm it does not trust in the distribution of the medicines to the health centres has taken a new twist. It has now been reported by media in Australia that Australia has withdrawn funding for a $38 million (about K92.7m) program that supplies medicine to PNG health centres, due to concerns about the way PNG has awarded contracts. Previously, Australias aid agency chose the supplier and distributor for the medicines, but this year that process was handled by PNG PNG Post-Courier, 30 December
PAPUA NEW GUINEA Health Minister Michael Malabag and Health Secretary Pascoe Kase have responded in the PNG media saying that they were unaware that Australia had ceased to fund the countrys pharmaceutical purchase and distribution scheme.
In fact, they claimed that this was a PNG government-funded scheme and therefore didnt involve Australia at all.
Well, that answers that, doesnt it? There isnt a problem at all is there? Never was!
A Republican-aligned group unveiled a new multi-million dollar ad campaign to thank GOP representatives, including four New Yorkers, who voted for the House tax reform bill earlier this month.
American Action Network's $2.5 million campaign will fund digital and television ads in 29 congressional districts. In New York, the ads will target voters in the 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 27 districts.
The four Republicans who represent those New York districts U.S. Reps. Claudia Tenney, Tom Reed, John Katko and Chris Collins voted for the House GOP tax plan.
The ads feature a Wisconsin couple highlighting the benefits of the House tax proposal, which would reduce the number of income tax brackets, double the standard deduction for individuals and families and reduce the corporate tax rate from 35 to 20 percent.
"Too many American families are living paycheck-to-paycheck, struggling to make ends meet," said Corry Bliss, executive director of the American Action Network. "Thankfully, Congress has promised to cut taxes for middle-class families, and as momentum for tax reform continues, relief is on the way."
American Action Network has been a major supporter of the tax reform push in Congress. The group has spent more than $22 million on advertising campaigns urging GOP members of Congress to support the plan. Previous efforts have targeted other members of the New York delegation, including U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik and John Faso.
However, five of New York's nine GOP representatives voted against the tax plan. Faso, R-Kinderhook, and Stefanik, R-Willsboro, opposed the bill. U.S. Reps. Dan Donovan, Peter King and Lee Zeldin also voted against the proposal.
The tax reform push is far from over. While the House has passed its proposal, the Senate is still working on its own. At least two Republican senators have said they oppose the current Senate proposal.
If the Senate passes its tax reform plan, a conference committee will develop a final agreement between the two houses. Once an agreement is reached, the House and Senate must approve the final bill.
A progressive group is targeting U.S. Rep. John Katko after he voted for the House Republicans' tax plan earlier this month.
Not One Penny, a coalition that includes the Indivisible movement, MoveOn.org and the Working Families Party, unveiled a new television ad campaign that criticizes Katko's vote and the tax proposal. The group cites analyses conducted by two nonpartisan think tanks, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy and the Tax Policy Center, that found the wealthiest Americans will receive massive tax breaks and millions of New Yorkers will pay higher taxes if Congress approves the plan.
The group also referred to the Tax Policy Center's analysis of the Senate GOP bill. The think tank estimates that 87 million families earning less than $200,000 a year would pay higher taxes by 2027.
Not One Penny's ad also pans the elimination of several tax credits and deductions, including deductions for medical expenses and state and local taxes. It would also eliminate the ability to deduct student loan interest.
"Congressman John Katko has sold out his constituents in order to line the pockets of millionaires, billionaires and wealthy corporations," said Tim Hogan, a spokesman for Not One Penny. "Working families in New York will see tax increases while wealthy corporations making record profits will see their taxes cut. Simply put, Congressman Katko is rigging the system against his constituents."
The ad is part of a seven-figure campaign funded by Not One Penny. The exact cost of the effort wasn't disclosed.
Katko, R-Camillus, has said he voted for the House tax bill because it would benefit a "vast majority" of his constituents. He reiterated his support for the plan Monday and again said it would benefit most of his constituents, although he couldn't provide exact figures on how many central New Yorkers would receive a tax cut if this bill is adopted.
The House GOP bill passed by a vote of 227 to 205. Katko was one of four New York Republicans who voted for the bill. The others were U.S. Reps. Chris Collins, Tom Reed and Claudia Tenney.
The Senate is drafting its own proposal, but there are at least two GOP senators who oppose the plan. While the two bills have similarities, the Senate legislation would eliminate a key Affordable Care Act provision requiring individuals to purchase health insurance coverage.
If the Senate passes its bill, a joint conference committee will be formed to negotiate a final tax reform measure. Once an agreement is reached, it must be approved by the House and Senate.
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The Air Force failed numerous times to take steps that would have prevented Sutherland Springs shooter Devin Patrick Kelley from purchasing the firearm he used to kill 26 people and wound 20 others, according to a claim filed by the Holcombe family, which lost 9 members in the massacre.
The claim, filed against the U.S. government Tuesday specifically in the death of Bryan Holcombe, could be the first step to an eventual lawsuit if the Air Force denies responsibility.
The family is seeking monetary damages but said they are also hoping to prevent the type of error that allowed Kelley to purchase the tools he needed to carry out the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history.
READ MORE: Air Force admits it failed to send Sutherland Springs gunman's records to feds
Now Playing: Twenty-six people died in the Sunday massacre at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs on November 5, 2017. Video: San Antonio Express-News
"Although the shooter undoubtedly 'pulled the trigger' that resulted in the injuries and death of JB Holcombe and others, failures of the US Air Force, and others, allowed the shooter to purchase, own and/or possess the semiautomatic rifle, ammunition and body armor he used, and it is these failures that were a proximate cause, in whole or in part, of the injuries and death of the decedent," reads the claim.
Remembering Nov. 5
Joe Papa Joe Holcombe joined Houston-based attorney Rob Ammons in downtown San Antonio Tuesday afternoon to discuss his claim and tell the story of his nine family members who lost their lives on Nov. 5.
He said he returned home from teaching Sunday School at the First Baptist Church in Floresville to do what he and his wife always did those days each lunch and watch church services streamed from San Antonio.
The 86-year-old said he noticed his pastor walking up to the house and thought, "What in the world is he doing here?"
It was about an hour after the shooting and the pastor arrived to deliver the terrible news.
"I said, 'How about my family?'" Holcombe recalled. "'Bryan?'"
He's gone, the pastor said.
John?
He was wounded.
Karla?
She's gone.
"How many are gone?" Holcombe finally asked. And then the pastor named them all.
"That's what hit me the hardest," Holcombe said.
RELATED: Handwritten lawsuit on behalf of Devin Kelley's family appears to be work of Ohio inmate
The family's patriarch lost his son Bryan, daughter-in-law Karla, grandson Marc, granddaughter-in-law Crystal, and great-grandchildren Noah, Emily, Gregory, Megan and an unborn child who was to be named Carlin Brite "Billy Bob" Holcombe.
Kelley's history
The Air Force found through an internal investigation that it failed to report Kelley's 2012 conviction for spousal and child abuse to the FBIs National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
If the agency had followed through on its reporting requirement, that conviction would have followed him and prevented him from purchasing firearms. Instead, he bought four in Colorado and Texas between 2014 and 2017, including the rifle used in Sutherland Springs.
Because of his abuse convictions, Kelley received a bad-conduct discharge from the Air Force.
The claim also cites threats Kelley made against his superior officers and his attempts to smuggle guns onto base, which landed him in a mental health facility in New Mexico. He escaped that facility and was later apprehended by law enforcement.
Ammons said Kelley's case and the Air Force's error is not uncommon, citing a February 2015 Air Force which report found 30 percent of servicemen convicted of crimes were not reported to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
RELATED: Apple served with search warrant in Sutherland Springs shooting
By failing to report, the Air Force is basically shredding gigantic holes in the safety net that is there to protect all of us in society, Ammons said. Its time that this ends and its time that this problem is corrected.
The Air Force admits failures
Coincidentally, the Air Force on Tuesday released the results of a review into Kelley's case it launched immediately after the shooting.
They found similar reporting lapses at other locations.
In a statement the Air Force also said it was implementing a number of corrective measures to ensure reporting compliance.
Air Force officials have not yet responded to Holcombe's claim.
Holcombe, a devout Christian, said he believes his lost loved ones are in a better place. And someday soon, hell get to join them.
Theyre just in a much better place now because its never going to happen to em again, he said.
Staff writers Guillermo Contreras, Sig Christenson and John Tedesco contributed to this report. | Kelsey Bradshaw is a digital reporter for mySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| kbradshaw@express-news.net | Twitter: @Kbrad5
AUSTIN -- Houston entrepreneur Andrew White, a conservative Democrat and son of the late former Gov. Mark White, is close to announcing he will become a candidate for Texas governor.
Supporters and allies said Tuesday they expect White, 45, has all but decided to run against Republican Greg Abbott. They said they expect an announcement on his decision in early December.
Reached by phone, White told the Houston Chronicle he "is moving from contemplating to executing and preparing." He said he would discuss further details in coming days.
White has not yet filed. The filing period closes on Dec. 11.
White in October launched a Facebook page and a website AndrewWhite.com as he explored formally filing as a candidate, a move that immediately drew backlash from liberal Democrats like former state Sen. Wendy Davis who said he was too conservative for Democrat's' political base.
White had said he planned to decide by sometime around Thanksgiving.
Even so, on his exploratory Web site, White sounds more like a full-fledged candidate: "I've never been elected to anything. So I thought I'd start with governor."
"I've made a bunch of friends Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, and Independents. I'm running as a Democrat, but I agree with Republicans and Libertarians on some issues, Independents on others, and Democrats on many.
"Let's forget the labels. I'll work everyday with all parties to make real progress. All credit will go to the Legislators who do right and risk consequences. I'll take the blame for failures."
In October, White said he wanted to see if there was enough support for him to launch a formal campaign.
"I don't know what success looks like, but I definitely know what failure looks like -- and that's what we have now," White said at that time. "Our state is being run by a very fringe element of the Republican party."
White would be the first Democrat with at least some street cred to run in a year when Democratic officials have, so far, failed to announce a banner-carrier to run against Abbott.
Two other Democrats have announced -- Dallas gay bar owner Jeffrey Payne and San Antonio businessman Tom Wakely -- but they are both considered long shots with not enough name ID or funding support to win.
White would be a "next gen" candidate, younger than Abbott and most other gubernatorial candidates, with hopes that he could coalesce support from Democrats and moderate Republicans disgusted with the GOP leadership's push to enact a bathroom bill, a ban on sanctuary cities and other controversial proposals that have drawn widespread protests -- even from the business community that traditionally supports Republicans.
Growing up in a political family, White, the president of Houston-based Sweat Equity Partners LP, has said he never considered getting into politics. But after his father died in August, he said "hundreds of people were coming up to me talking about all the things that dad did.
White's father, a lifelong Democrat, served as governor from 1983 to 1987. He previously served as attorney general and secretary of state.
After Texas Monthly in October broke the story of White's possible candidacy, he said he has been inundated with calls of support -- from both Democrats and Republicans. Democratic Party officials reportedly were not enthusiastic ab his candidacy.
Facing a Republican incumbent with well over $40 million in his campaign war chest, White acknowledged that funding a campaign will be a challenge, "but we'll get there . . . I'm going to spend every dollar I raise."
If he runs, White would be the sixth candidate with Houston ties to be running for statewide office in 2018.
Houston energy lawyer Stefano de Stefano is running as a Republican against Ted Cruz, who has a Houston home; Abbott is a former Houston judge who last lived in the Bayou City before coming to Austin as a Texas Supreme Court justice, and Houston accountant Mike Collier is running against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a fellow Houstonian, as a Democrat.
Democrats have not won an election for statewide office in 20 years in Texas.
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
Five things you probably dont know about recovery unless youre in it:
1. Its fun. Really! Sure, there are the withdrawals and other issues related to getting clean you wouldnt shake a stick at, or wish upon your worst enemy, but beyond that: fun. Recovery is a journey of self-growth and empowerment. Learning new skills, developing new hobbies and creating new relationships are just the beginning of having that fun.
2. It's freeing. Step four of Alcoholics Anonymous states, Made a fearless and searching moral inventory. For some this is terrifying, and in many ways it should be. But when this step can be accomplished, it is called the freedom step. Alcoholic.org educates, Alcoholics Anonymous step four requires a clear and frank understanding of one's self. Through the process of discovering the true nature of personal character, a participant learns to understand identify the weaknesses that may have helped contribute to alcoholism. This also leads you to understand personal strengths that may compensate for the weaknesses and focus on those areas that need the most support in order to continue the 12-step program. This step in the process provides a foundation for future steps.
3. Its challenging. Many clients have been told over and over by well-meaning loved ones to just stop using, or get a job and youll get better. If recovery were as easy as abstaining from chemicals, no one would continue to use when theyve faced significant consequences and losses because of it. For most, they continue to use long after getting high was any fun. The disease of addiction/alcoholism is cunning, baffling and powerful (to take a phrase from AA), and it will not go away or be dampened without a fight.
4. It only happens one day at a time. Recovery cannot be rushed, and patience is a virtue. Not one of us can change the past, so focusing on it with guilt and shame is not productive in recovery. Similarly, not one of us can control the future. Focusing on any day except for the one at hand is ripe for distraction and relapse risk. The Rev. Rick Warren said something like this in a sermon I heard via podcast: Today is the tomorrow you were agonizing over yesterday.
5. There isnt only one right way. When an individual has the spiritual awakening described in AA's "The Big Book," they may be prone to evangelizing the path that has brought them so much serenity. While the 12 steps are clear and concise, they dont dictate the every movement of a person in recovery. One person may find recovery through religion, another through secular routes. One person may find recovery through a sponsor, another through holistic approaches. All paths to recovery are valuable and valid.
Recovery is fun, freeing, challenging, gradual and individual. Most of all, recovery is possible.
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CLEVELAND, Ohio - For the second time in two years, University Hospitals has a new chief information officer at the helm.
On Monday, the health system named Robert K. Eardley its new CIO. He currently serves as senior vice president, chief information officer and chief information security officer at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas. Eardley will start his new job in Cleveland on Feb. 19.
Robert Eardley
"The chief information officer role at any organization of our size is clearly a very important role," said Mike Szubski, UH's chief financial officer.
"There's a lot going on in healthcare and especially IT. Based on some of [Eardley's] interviews, he really made a big immediate impression about his philosophy around the future of where IT is going. I think he's a visionary in thinking about the future."
Eardley will be responsible for guiding UH's direction in managing electronic medical records, expanding telehealth services, streamlining the billing system and handling cybersecurity, among other things.
"EMR and everything that it can be is really a top priority for our CIO," Szubski said of electronic medical records.
Eardley worked at UH for five years, from 2006 to 2011. He started out there as the ambulatory and business systems division information officer and later became vice president and associate chief information officer.
"He certainly knows our environment," Szubski said. "He knows our culture. He's familiar with many of the key leaders. I think there's a familiarity that will be an advantage."
University Hospitals conducted a national search, using an external search firm, to identify its new CIO. "Robert rose to the top of that list," Szubski said.
Eardley replaces Joy Grosser, who became chief information officer at UW Medicine in Seattle on Nov. 1. Grosser held UH's top information job for a little more than a year, after working as vice president at UnityPoint Health in Iowa.
Since Grosser left in October, Jennifer Carpenter, UH's vice president of IT clinical systems, has been acting as interim chief information officer.
Eardley has 24 years of experience in healthcare information technology. At Houston Methodist, he led the adoption of an electronic health-record system and oversaw consolidation of clinical imaging, installation of Oracle enterprise resource planning and a redesign of the system's digital presence, according to a news release.
He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and a master's degree in business administration from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.
LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- The body pulled from the Rocky River Sunday afternoon, following an extensive water search was that of a former Cleveland firefighter, officials said.
Terrence P. Hopkins was found about 12:30 p.m. near the boat ramps in the Rocky River Reservation, Cleveland Metroparks spokesman Jeff Tolman told cleveland.com. The Metroparks Rangers Dive Team retrieved the body from the river.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office identified Hopkins Sunday afternoon.
Cleveland fire department spokesman Mike Norman said Hopkins joined the department on April 1, 1997. He retired from the department on Sept. 7, he said.
Hopkins was pulled from the river after a man ran from police Saturday night.
A Rocky River police officer spotted a man, who he knew to be a wanted person, about 9 p.m. Saturday outside of an apartment complex near the corner of Malvern and Wooster roads, a Rocky River police said in a weekend news release.
After briefly interacting with the officer, the man ran and hopped over a fence, escaping police. The man then slid underneath a second fence, which "led directly to a cliff, at the bottom of which is the Rocky River," the news release says.
The body was recovered by crews after a 15-hour search.
To comment on this story, please visit Monday's crime and courts comments page.
ASHTABULA, Ohio - The first two wines produced by Kent State University students in partnership with an Ashtabula County winery will be released next month.
Sunburst, a Grand River riesling, and Sunset, a vinifera blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc, are the result of innovative grape growing and winemaking degree programs at the campus in Ashtabula.
The wines will be available at Laurello Vineyards, which is working with the university to provide students with experience in all aspects of the craft.
Kent State Ashtabula established the state's only wine-degree programs in the fall of 2011. Two year programs are offered in viticulture (the study of vine growing and grape harvesting) and enology (the study of wine and winemaking).
The hybrid study program combines online courses with in-person experience in laboratories, vineyards and wineries. The students have ranged in age from their early 20s to late 50s and include those already working in a winery who want to improve their skills or others looking to break into the field, Kent State officials have said.
Laurello, a boutique winery in the Grand River Valley, was established in 2002 by Kim and Larry Laurello Jr. They operate and maintain 10 acres of estate grown vineyards, the university said.
Under the new agreement, students will actively learn in the vineyards and in the cellar at Laurello's winery in Harpersfield Township, the college said.
Ed Trebets, an award-winning winemaker who serves as director of Kent State's degree programs, will oversee the program.
"This is an exciting partnership for our students for two main reasons," Susan Stocker, dean and chief administrative officer at Kent State Ashtabula, said in a news release. "Most importantly, it helps us provide an atmosphere of a teaching winery where our students can learn and share. And secondly, it will be rewarding for students to see the finished product, a Kent State Ashtabula labeled wine, on store shelves, in people's homes and on tables across the region."
Providing a hands-on learning atmosphere will help the students learn the journey from the "vineyard to the bottle," the Laurellos said in the news release.
For more information about the viticulture and enology programs, visit kent.edu/ashtabula/wine.
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Automatic recounts will be required to decide two Cleveland City Council races, though official tallies in both races left the challengers in the lead, the Cuyahoga County Elections Board reported Tuesday.
The official results, which include scores of late-counted provisional ballots, tightened the races in Cleveland's Ward 1 and Ward 7, where councilmen Terrell Pruitt and TJ Dow are the respective incumbents, according to a board news release.
Recounts also will be required to decide a Brooklyn City School District tax issue, a Lakewood City Council at-large race, Cuyahoga Heights Village Council race and an East Cleveland Board of Education race, the board also reported.
The recounts will be conducted next week.
Unofficial vote tallies from Cleveland showed Pruitt and Dow losing by narrow margins. Former Councilman Joe Jones led Pruitt by nine votes in Ward 1. Activist Basheer Jones led Dow by 19 votes in Ward 7.
Official totals show Joe Jones ahead of Pruitt by just eight votes, and Basheer Jones ahead of Dow by 13 votes.
A hotly contested race in Ward 14 between incumbent Brian Cummins and Jasmin Santana also was close after unofficial vote totals were posted election night. The outcome of that race remained unchanged in the official count.
Santana defeated Cummins to become the first Hispanic woman elected to Cleveland City Council. Official tallies showed she won by 77 votes.
The outcomes in Wards 1 and 7 had remained in doubt because in each case there were scores of provisional ballots to be sorted out.
Provisional ballots are cast when there is a problem with a voter's registration at a polling location. Often that can be because a voter moved or changed their legal name since the last election, but didn't update their registration information. Another common scenario is when people arrive at the polls without a valid form of identification.
Those people can still vote, but their provisional ballots are kept separate to allow elections officials to sort out whether the voters are properly registered. As a result, the provisional ballots are not part of the unofficial count on election night.
Cuyahoga County Elections Director Pat McDonald told cleveland.com after the election that typically about 90 percent of the provisional ballots end up being verified as coming from registered voters and counted in the official count.
In Ward 1 there were 70 provisional ballots. In Ward 7 there were more than 151.
Also added into the official count are absentee ballots that arrive via mail within 10 days after election day. So long as the postmark on the ballot is no later than the Monday before voting, those ballots can be counted.
Ohio law allows for automatic recounts if the margin in an election is less than 0.5 percent. That is the case in both Wards 1 and 7.
BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio -- A corrections officer at the Butler County Jail has been fired and is facing charges after she was accused of having sex with at least one inmate, reports say.
Nakisha Newell, 28, is charged with two third-degree felony counts of sexual battery and two misdemeanor counts of illegal conveyance, according to jail records.
Newell currently is in custody at another jail.
WLWT Channel 5 reports Newell had been working at the jail for the past 18 months.
According to the Dayton Daily News, a sergeant at the jail became suspicious of Newell and notified superiors.
"He had seen some things that he didn't think were right. He did a great job bring the information to us," Sheriff's Department Major Mike Craft tells the Daily News.
Newell was accused of bringing a cell phone and cigarettes into the jail, but a further investigation revealed she had sex with at least one inmate, Sheriff Richard K. Jones said in a news release.
"Being a corrections officer is a noble but tough job," Jones said in the news release. "These men and women work hard and always have to be on their guard.
"My employees take pride in their work and strive to ensure this facility maintains a great reputation. She has tarnished that and I do not want people like that working for me."
Jone said more charges against Newell are likely.
To comment on this story, please visit Monday's crime and courts comments page.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Efforts to give Ohioans more power to pass and enforce local laws that might conflict with state laws gained initial approval Monday.
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine on Monday certified petitions for two proposed amendments to the state constitution: the Ohio Community Rights Amendment and the Initiative and Referendum Amendment for Counties and Townships. DeWine's certification is the first in a long series of steps for the measures to appear on a statewide ballot.
The community rights amendment would establish a constitutional right to local community self-government for the "health, safety and welfare of community members." The county and township amendment would extend Ohio's constitutional right to initiative and referendum on state and city laws to county and township laws.
The amendments were drafted to address what supporters say is growing influence from the Ohio Statehouse on local, community decisions. The amendment is backed by the Ohio Community Rights Network and the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund.
Tish O'Dell, the legal defense fund's Ohio organizer, said communities should be able to pass local laws to regarding the environment, predatory lending, minimum wage, puppy mills and other issues without being preempted by state legislators.
"We believe people locally have the right to certain things," O'Dell said. "Just because it isn't in our federal constitution doesn't mean we don't have the right to expand our rights locally."
Colorado and Oregon have passed community rights measures in recent years, according to amendment backers.
The amendments now go to the Ohio Ballot Board to determine whether each amendment is one or multiple issues. Once approved by the board, the group has to collect at least at least 305,591 signatures of registered Ohio voters, including a certain number in 44 of Ohio's 88 counties, to qualify each measure for a statewide ballot.
NEW YORK (AP) Long before cats became the darlings of Facebook and YouTube, they spread through the ancient human world.
A DNA study reached back thousands of years to track that conquest and found evidence of two major dispersals from the Middle East, in which people evidently took cats with them. Genetic signatures the felines had on those journeys are still seen in most modern-day breeds.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 209 ancient cats as old as 9,000 years from Europe, Africa and Asia, including some ancient Egyptian cat mummies.
"They are direct witnesses of the situation in the past," said Eva-Maria Geigl of the Jacques Monod Institute in Paris. She and colleagues also looked at 28 modern feral cats from Bulgaria and east Africa.
It's the latest glimpse into the complicated story of domesticated cats. They are descendants of wild ancestors that learned to live with people and became relatively tame though some cat owners would say that nowadays, they don't always seem enthusiastic about our company.
The domestication process may have begun around 10,000 years ago when people settled in the Fertile Crescent, the arch-shaped region that includes the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and land around the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. They stored grain, which drew rodents, which in turn attracted wild cats. Animal remains in trash heaps might have attracted them too. Over time, these wild felines adapted to this man-made environment and got used to hanging around people.
Previous study had found a cat buried alongside a human some 9,500 years ago in Cyprus, an island without any native population of felines. That indicates the cat was brought by boat and it had some special relationship to that person, researchers say.
Cats were clearly tame by about 3,500 years ago in Egypt, where paintings often placed them beneath chairs. That shows by that time, "the cat makes its way to the household," said Geigl.
But the overall domestication process has been hard for scientists to track, in part because fossils skeletons don't reveal whether a cat was wild or domesticated.
It's easier to distinguish dogs, our first domesticated animal, from their wolf ancestors. Dogs evolved from wolves that had begun to associate with people even before farming began, perhaps drawn by the food the humans left behind.
The new study tracked the spread of specific cat DNA markers over long distances through time, a sign that people had taken cats with them. Results were released Monday by the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution.
The study "strengthens and refines previous work," said Carlos Driscoll of the Wildlife Institute of India. The extensive sampling of cat DNA going back so far in time is unprecedented, he said.
Researchers also looked for a genetic variant that produces the blotchy coat pattern typical of modern-day domestic cats, rather than the tiger-like stripes seen in their wild cousins. It showed up more often in samples from after the year 1300 than earlier ones, which fits with other evidence that the tabby cat markings became common by the 1700s and that people started breeding cats for their appearance in the 1800s.
That's late in the domestication of cats, in contrast to horses, which were bred for their appearance early on, Geigl said.
Most of the study focused on the ancient dispersals of cats. In the DNA samples analyzed, one genetic signature found first in the Asian portion of Turkey and perhaps once carried by some Fertile Crescent cats showed up more than 6,000 years ago in Bulgaria.
That indicates cats had been taken there by boat with the first farmers colonizing Europe, Geigl said. It also appeared more than 5,000 years ago in Romania, as well as around 3,000 years ago in Greece.
A second genetic signature, first seen in Egypt, had reached Europe between the first and fifth centuries, as shown by a sample from Bulgaria. It was found in a seventh-century sample from a Viking trading port in northern Europe, and an eighth-century sample from Iran.
The dispersal of the cats across the Mediterranean was probably encouraged by their usefulness in controlling rodents and other pests on ships, the researchers said.
___
This Associated Press series was produced in partnership with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Vice president Mike Pence supports Bill Schuette for governor
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has gained support from the vice president in his bid to become the states next governor.
Mike Pence said in a statement that he believes Schuette is the right person for the job.
As a former Midwest governor, (Pence) understands the type of leadership that is needed and believes Schuette can help to continue reviving the Michigan economy, Marc Lotter, spokesman for Pences Great America Committee, told The Detroit News.
Pences newly formed political action committee, the Great America Committee, contributed $6,800 to Schuettes campaign for governor. According to The Detroit News, Pence has donated more than $200,000, within the last week, to Republicans across the country who are supportive of the presidents agenda.
Pence visited with Schuette in late September while in Oakland County touting President Donald Trumps plan for tax reform. Schuette announced his candidacy on Sept. 12 in Midland.
I am grateful for the support of Vice President Mike Pence, said Schuette. He was an outstanding leader as governor of Indiana and is now an outstanding leader for our nation.
According to Schuettes Nov. 6 campaign finance summary, he has $2 million in the bank while Democratic frontrunner Gretchen Whitmer has $1.5 million.
Schuette is endorsed by a host of Republicans from across the state, including Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard and Congressman Dave Trott.
RELATED: Vice President Mike Pence visits Oakland County in September
RELATED: Bouchard and Patterson support Schuette for governor
RELATED: Gubernatorial candidate campaign finance information
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Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Chongqing Science and Technology Commission said that the first domestic whole-stage intelligent-connected autonomous vehicle testing demonstration zone will be built in Chongqing in the year 2019 with an area of 2.67 million square meters.
Different from traditional vehicles, intelligent-connected vehicles should test environmental adaptability, communication reliability and information security between vehicles, vehicles and roads, vehicles and people in closed and open traffic environment, which will not be realized under traditional auto testing technology and conditions. Therefore, it is urgent to build an intelligent internet-connected auto testing zone.
According to introduction, a simulated urban testing area covering 273,000 square meters has been built in Chongqing during phase one. Another comprehensive testing zone with an area of 2.33 million square meters will also be built during phase two to test intelligent-connected vehicles relative performances under closed urban traffic environment and comprehensive traffic environment. An open road testing zone covering urban cities, mountain zones, highways, tunnels and bridges is also planned to be built in 2019 in Chongqing Liangjiang New District and Yubei District. The demonstration testing zone will not only test vehicles performances but also test performances of communication infrastructure and road equipment.
Currently, 4G and LTE-V communication infrastructure is built in the testing zone, which will be updated to 5G communication infrastructure. By the year 2019, Chongqing will build the first domestic whole-phase intelligent-connected auto testing zone covering 90% of road scenes in Western China and 85% of traffic scenes across the nation.
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Brantley GutierrezFoo Fighters have been booked as the musical guest on the December 16 installment of Saturday Night Live, but the band and Dave Grohl have been on so many times that they might as well be regular cast members.
According to NBC, this will be Foo Fighters' seventh time on SNL as a musical guest. The only other rock band that's been on the show more often as a musical guest has been Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.
But the December 16th episode will mark Grohl's 13th appearance overall, according to NBC. That counts his appearances with Foo Fighters, with Nirvana, and as a special guest playing with Mick Jagger and, coincidentally, Tom Petty.
Kevin Hart will host the episode with Foo Fighters.
In other SNL news, U2 is the musical guest for this weekend's edition of the show. It's only their fourth time performing on the show, which is surprising given their long history.
By the way, the music act who's appeared the most on Saturday Night Live is Paul Simon. He's been on 18 times, according to NBC, including hosting, performing and making special cameo appearances. No doubt part of the reason is because he and SNL creator and executive producer, Lorne Michaels, are longtime friends.
Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
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That would be the World Health Organization, and by extension, its International Obesity Task Force, headed up by one Professor Philip James. In 1997, following two years of study, the IOTF lowered the "overweight" cutoff to 25 from its previous value of 27. And do you know who financially backed the IOTF's study? Pharmaceutical companies Hoffmann-La Roche and Abbott Laboratories, producers of the weight loss drugs Xenical and Meridia, respectively. Now, for his part, James maintains that the drug companies didn't push any sort of agenda on him (they merely pushed him lots of checks for $200,000 apiece). Still, there's no denying that by shifting an arbitrary dot on an arbitrary scale, James expanded said companies' markets by millions of instantly overweight people.
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Of course, none of this is saying that it's cool to burst right through the top of the body mass index like some sort of French-fry-powered rocket-person. We're simply saying that as a general rule, anyone attempting to define a human being in two digits or fewer probably has some ill intentions.
Dr. Claudio Buttice, Pharm.D., is a former hospital pharmacist who eventually grew bored being just a doctor and became a freelance medical writer. He's also a screenwriter and journalist who contributed to several magazines, such as The Ring of Fire, Digital Journal, Techopedia, and Business Insider -- and he managed to look cool every time. If you want to offer Dr. Buttice a writing gig or just want to throw money in his general direction, feel free to contact him at tyresia2@gmail.com or on LinkedIn.
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The Overworked Person's Guide to Better Nutrition can help you by starting to sort all this craziness out.
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CRN brings readers coverage of AWS re:Invent 2017, happening this week in Las Vegas.
10 Red-Hot Products From AWS re:Invent 2017
From new integrations for Amazon Web Services environments, to brand-new products and services, Amazon's technology partners and vendors came to AWS re:Invent with a plethora of new offerings. CRN rounds up 10 of the hottest from the conference.
AWS CEO Unleashes Several New AI, Container And Database Services, Including Amazon's First Managed Kubernetes Platform
Andy Jassy's keynote at the re:Invent conference revealed major new products making it easier to scale databases, and make AI accessible to everday developers.
AWS Bare-Metal EC2 Servers Will Help Some Customers Accelerate Solutions Built On Amazon, Others Achieve Greater Cloud Interoperability
AWS never offered direct access to hardware until it struck its deal with VMware. Now other customers have won access to those non-virtualized environments.
Amazon Web Services CEO Jassy On Not Building Technology For The Sake Of Being 'Cool'
Following his re:Invent keynote, Amazon Web Services CEO Andy Jassy talked with reporters about hybrid cloud strategies, emerging technologies, and where the opportunities lie for AWS partners in a private Q&A session. Here's what solution providers should know.
Accenture Boosts AWS Capabilities To Include Applied Intelligence, Data Analytics, Cloud-Native Offerings
The consulting giant is launching applied intelligence, cloud-native development, and data centricity and analytics offerings through its dedicated Accenture AWS Business Group.
AWS Adds New IoT Core Platform Analytics Capabilities, Security Services
AWS announced an array of new IoT services at its re:Invent conference, including AWS IoT Device Management, AWS IoT Analytics and AWS IoT Device Defender.
AWS CEO Jassy: The Most Committed Partners Will Have The Biggest Cloud Opportunities
He also told the audience to pick a side when it comes to working with AWS or Oracle and challenged partners to find customers "using Oracle who are actually happy about it."
10 Red-Hot Products From AWS re:Invent 2017
From new integrations for Amazon Web Services environments, to brand-new products and services, Amazon's technology partners and vendors came to AWS re:Invent with a plethora of new offerings. CRN rounds up 10 of the hottest from the conference.
AWS Rebrands Partner Program, Unveils New Competencies As Cloud Giant Deepens Its Commitment To The Channel
At re:Invent, AWS channel chief Terry Wise revealed brand-new resources, as well as a rebranded reseller partner program that acknowledges the evolution of channel partners who are looking to expand their profitability with Amazon.
As Amazon Approaches $1 Trillion Market Cap, Solution Providers Place Their Bets
A few solution providers want to be the perfect Amazon partner to help companies move to the cloud, but some fear a $1 trillion company doesnt need partners as much as it once did. Will a bigger Amazon be better to the channel?
VMware, AWS Expand Hybrid Cloud Partnership With New Migration, Disaster Recovery Services
The new capabilities and discounts are being introduced just one quarter after VMware Cloud on AWS became available.
AWS re:Invent: Cloud Migration Services A 'Massive' Opportunity For Solution Providers
At its 6th annual AWS re:Invent conference, Amazon told channel partners that businesses need cloud migration services.
AWS Service Broker 'Supercharges' Red Hat, Pivotal Application Platforms
Later this week, AWS will open-source the solution for accessing native AWS services from two popular development platforms, Pivotal Cloud Foundry and Red Hat OpenShift.
Channel programs News
Dell Partners Say The New Mullen-Byrne Channel Duo Is A 'Win-Win' For Partners
Mark Haranas
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Partners are bullish about the future of Dell EMC with the new duo of Joyce Mullen at the global channel helm and John Byrne leading the North America commercial sales charge.
Dan Serpico, CEO of San Francisco-based FusionStorm, ranked No. 46 on the CRN Solution Provider 500 list and one of the ultra-exclusive Dell Titanium Black partners, said he sees the Byrne and Mullen appointments as a "win-win" for partners.
"This is a total win-win for the channel," he said after learning of the executive lineup change. "We now have two strong channel leaders where before we had one. Our Dell business is up double digits, and we are looking forward to another great year working with John and Joyce."
[Related: CRN Exclusive: Dell Global Channels President Byrne Moves To Top North America Sales Job; Dell Veteran Taking Global Channel Chief Post]
CRN was first to report on Monday that Dell EMC President of Global Channel Byrne will now run Dell's North America commercial sales, being replaced by 18-year Dell veteran Mullen (pictured). Mullen, currently senior vice president of OEM and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, will now run the combined EOM, IoT and Global Channels organization.
"I'm excited that we're going to have someone in that commercial position that is channel friendly and understands the value that the channel can bring like John does," said Scott Winslow, president of Winslow Technology Group, a Waltham, Mass. solution provider and Dell Titanium partner. "The commercial segment is a sweet spot for us and for a lot of the partners out there. It's one of the most important divisions at Dell. The partner community believes strongly in John's abilities."
Byrne, who took the global channel job in July 2016, is credited by partners with playing a crucial role in integrating Dell's and EMC's partner programs in the wake of Round Rock, Texas-based Dell's $58 billion acquisition of EMC. Several channel partners said Byrne is a "great friend to partners."
"I can't think of anyone that would be better to run that business than John. He is an excellent sales executive who has been a strong partner advocate and has put together a fantastic channel program with tremendous incentives for partners," said FusionStorm's Serpico.
Partners said the move would boost Dell's commercial sales which some report have not been performing up to par lately. Dell confirmed to CRN that David Schmoock, President of North America Commercial Sales for Dell EMC, left the company earlier this year after replacing sales veteran Bill Rodrigues in April.
"The commercial division is not performing the way they anticipated, and they're looking for new leadership," said one top executive from a solution provider who partners with Dell EMC that did not wish to be identified. "[Dell Technologies CEO] Michael [Dell] is not happy with how the commercial division is running. He's been super impressed in the way John just came in and took command of the channel program, and he's now saying, 'I need John over here in commercial; Let's give him another problem to fix.'"
As for Mullen, partners said she has a proven channel track record as the head of the Dell OEM business.
Bob Venero, CEO of Holbrook, N.Y.-based solution provider Future Tech, one of Dell's top enterprise Fortune 1000 partners, said Mullen had done an "amazing job" in the OEM market working with channel partners like Future Tech.
"Joyce understands Michael Dell's vision and (Dell President and Chief Commercial Officer) Marius Haas' channel sales direction. I am sure she will bring an aggressive approach to helping accomplish their vision and goals as she has done in the OEM space," said Venero. "It will be interesting to see the combined OEM and partner business come together in one organization which should relieve any channel conflict."
Serpico said FusionStorm has a "fantastic OEM business up and down the entire Dell line" thanks to Mullen.
"I love the fact that Joyce is taking the channel job," Serpico said. "We have found her to be a great partner in the OEM business with us. She has enormous integrity. She is the kind of person you can count on as a channel friend. Now Dell has another strong women executive in senior leadership alongside Cheryl Cook and others. Dell is getting more diversity in their senior leadership ranks. That is forward thinking and very compelling and great for Dell."
Mullen has been with Dell since 1999 in various executive positions and had lead the OEM channel partner program that supports thousands of OEM customers since its conception in 2012.
Partners said one of the biggest things on Mullen's plate is shaping the Dell EMC partner program in the next fiscal year, which starts Feb. 2.
"Joyce and the team will now be putting together the program in for next year, so what the rebates look like, what MDF looks like all of that will be in her purview now. That will be a big, huge responsibility. We'll be watching how that evolves," said Winslow.
In a letter sent Monday morning addressed to Dell EMC's global partner community, the company explained the executive change and touted channel growth. Dell said half of Dell EMC's global channel partners are growing year-over-year with 70 percent earning more payout and 33 percent selling more lines of business.
In an interview with CRN, Byrne said one of his top priorities would be aggressively driving partners to grow Dell storage sales, which experienced a mid-single digit decline in orders in the most recent quarter.
"We will aggressively attack the market, gain share, drive improvements and attack services like crazy across all routes to markets. We're going to attack the living daylights out of all things storage from hyper-converged to arrays," said Byrne. "Expect all those foundational things we built in the channel organizations to be a 'rinse and repeat' into the North America organization. It is the biggest region within our partner community. It's the biggest opportunity around the globe."
Data center News
HPE President Neri: OneSphere Will Result In Up To 40 Percent Cost Savings Through Multi-Cloud Management
Steven Burke
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Hewlett Packard Enterprise President Antonio Neri says the company's breakthrough OneSphere multi-cloud management product will result in cost savings of 20 to 40 percent for customers grappling with where to get the biggest bang for their buck from both private and public cloud.
Neri said the Software as a Service (SaaS) platform unveiled at the company's Discover conference Tuesday for the first time brings "financial transparency" to the perennial problem of determining where customers should move workloads to either on-premise private, or off-premise public cloud to get the best performance at the lowest cost.
"We know when we go to an on-prem infrastructure you can save 30 to 40 percent," said Neri, who will take the CEO job effective Feb. 1, succeeding HPE CEO Meg Whitman. "We believe with the full automation of this platform we actually can save customers between 20 to 40 percent depending on what the infrastructure is and what the workload is."
[Related: CRN Exclusive: Incoming HPE CEO Neri On Delivering Public Cloud Economics On-Prem, 'Everything As-A-Service' And Why HPE's 'Channel First' Model Will Never Change]
Neri, who takes the HPE CEO post effective Feb. 1, says the lack of a hybrid IT platform like OneSphere has resulted in customers "over-provisioning" virtual machines in cloud deployments. Through the Software as a Service (SaaS) portal HPE OneSphere will allow customers to optimize workloads based on cost and performance in both on-premise private cloud and public clouds, said Neri.
"One of the things that we know is customers are over-provisioning their infrastructure off-prem, and they are over-provisioning the size of the VM," he said. "Now we can give them the true understanding of what that needs to be, and that adds up to cost benefits they can realize."
HPE said OneSphere which will work with both Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and private clouds brings much-needed analytics to multi-cloud management so customers and partners can optimize on-prem and off-prem workloads. The product works with VMware virtual machines, containers and bare metal servers. OneSphere begins shipping in January.
HPE expects to add artificial intelligence capabilities (AI) to OneSphere in the future, said Neri. "My vision of this platform for the future is you can put artificial intelligence in it, and then you can automate tasks in real time," he said. "For example, if you had under-utilized infrastructure on-prem it would look to run that on-prem versus renting another VM off-prem."
The new platform also opens the door to "business model innovation" for partners to dramatically increase sales and profits in the hybrid IT era, said Neri.
"For us, it is not only making the customer environment simple to manage but making it easy for partners to add their own value and services on top of the platform," said Neri. "This is a SaaS platform. They can add it on the go and continue to add services in the catalog for whatever customer needs they want to meet. This is a game changer of many dimensions for partners. They can be the trusted advisor to create hybrid IT for customers, and they can make more money because they are adding more services on top of the platform."
Neri said the business model innovation of OneSphere combined with the HPE GreenLake pay-per-use workload model opens the door for partners to make money with both on-premise hardware and the subscription-based services, What's more, he said, partners, can even offer their own managed services on the platform.
Partners, for their part, said they see the long-awaited OneSphere as a much needed competitive weapon to drive sales growth as customers grapple with where to put workloads to get the best performance at the lowest cost.
Dan Molina, chief technology officer at Nth Generation Computing, one of HPE's top enterprise partners headquartered in San Diego, No. 359 on the 2017 CRN SP500, said OneSphere is guaranteed to provide better economics in a cloud sprawl world.
"This provides customers a much need management platform to provision on-premise and public clouds and then manage the consumption across all of the multiple cloud vendors," said Molina. "We used to have VM sprawl. Now it is cloud sprawl. What customers are finding is public cloud bills start out reasonable and then grow over time. Customers need a solid way to monitor and to see if a different landing zone whether on-premise or a different public cloud is a better fit for those workloads. I see tremendous benefits with this platform. This is one of the HPE product releases that has got me the most excited."
Molina said he expects OneSphere to help drive significant hybrid IT sales growth for HPE partners. "This is a significant breakthrough," he said. "Customers are looking for a management platform that provides visibility across multiple clouds. It is going to be a very attractive new offering to many of our customers. I expect very strong sales potential."
HPE's ability to provide effective metering of both public and on-premise workloads as a result of its acquisition earlier this year of Cloud Cruiser is a huge competitive advantage for partners, said Molina. "Integrating that software into a comprehensive platform like OneSphere to manage on-premise clouds and public clouds is brilliant," he said. "This is going to help customers make that multi-cloud journey."
Erik Krucker, CTO at Comport Consulting, an HPE Platinum partner and No. 379 on the CRN Solution Provider 500, one of the top health care solution providers in the country, called OneSphere a "big game changer that is going to get a lot of customers to take a second look at HPE."
The Cloud Cruiser capabilities in OneSphere are key to helping customers manage the spend in an era when customers are increasingly finding themselves surprised month to month by public cloud bills, said Krucker.
"This is going to prevent customers from being surprised one month to the next on cloud workload costs," he said. "A lot of customers aren't even thinking about the variable cost of clouds. The reality is there is variable spend in every single one of the public clouds. You can be very easily surprised by your AWS or Azure bill month to month. To be able to control provisioning on-premise private and public cloud has huge implications. This shows customers that HPE is not just an infrastructure company but a company that will help manage IT from soup to nuts on both public and private clouds."
The benefits of the hybrid cloud provisioning in OneSphere are only going to increase with hybrid IT accelerating, said Krucker. "With everything going hybrid these are the kind of tools we need," he said. "I have been looking at a bunch of products that have been doing this for a while and they are good on the public cloud side, but they have no capabilities on the private cloud."
Ric Lewis, senior vice president and general manager of HPEs Software-Defined and Cloud Group, called OneSphere's ability to do multi-cloud management both on premise and off premise public clouds an "industry first."
It is truly groundbreaking in that it covers all kinds of workloads and covers on-prem and off-prem assets like no one else has in the industry to date," said Lewis.
Bryan Jacquot, an HPE architect, said the platform enables customers to roll up multi-cloud usage and cost-based "in any way the users want" based on their custom tags. Customers can look at the "costs on a per line of business basis, by the environment or by a service tier," he said.
In fact, Jacquot said a line-of-business executive could drill down on costs associated with multiple clouds. "They can drill down to understand what is happening and see the actual costs incurred in the various cloud services both on-premises and in public clouds," he said. "Using these insights and analytics customers can identify under-utilized resources and take the appropriate steps to remediate those opportunities to lower costs and increase utilization."
Lewis, for his part, said the OneSphere dashboard provides cost, utilization and performance all in one space for customers and partners. "In the end, they can optimize their ROI (return on investment) in all of their assets not just their public cloud assets but they're on-prem assets and really have no surprises around op-ex (operating expenditure) costs," he said.
A Fortune 100 global manufacturer headquartered in the Midwest is using OneSphere to gain "control of the utilization and spend" of its silos of clouds across multiple geographies, said Lewis. "They can now discover all of those clouds and all that on-prem infrastructure, show it in one common pane of glass with one common language of cost, break down those costs and utilization and manage the disparate systems," said Lewis. "They are really happy with where we are at."
Another OneSphere flagship customer testing the product is using it to do workload deployment in both on-premise private and off-premise public cloud including bare metal, containers and virtual machines - with the ability to "control" costs and do lifecycle management, said Lewis. "The benefits they are already seeing is speed of development through accelerated DevOps," he said.
The customer is seeing increased application portability moving containers back and forth between on-prem and off premise as a result of the multi-cloud cost "insights" gained from OneSphere, said Lewis. "They can move those and see the cost of running here versus there so they can optimize," he said.
That beta tester customer is already "very happy with OneSphere, and we haven't even officially shipped it yet," said Lewis.
Data center News
Michael Dell: New Channel Leader Joyce Mullen Will Be A 'Great Leader' And 'Channel Champion'
Mark Haranas
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Dell Technologies founder and CEO Michael Dell has high praise for the company's new global channel leader Joyce Mullen.
"She is a channel champion," Michael Dell told CRN in an interview at Boston College's Chief Executives Club business forum Tuesday in Boston.
The Round Rock, Texas-based company revealed Monday that Mullen, an 18-year Dell veteran, is taking on the global channel chief job running Dell's $43 billion global channels business, replacing President of Global Channels John Byrne. Byrne is taking a new job as the head of Dell's North America commercial sales.
[Related: CRN Exclusive: 5 Questions For New Dell EMC Global Channel Chief Joyce Mullen]
"She'll be a great leader for the channel. Partners should be excited to have her on their team," said Michael Dell. "She's grown her career [at Dell] and many in the channel already know her because she was running out OEM business."
Mullen is adding the global channels duties to her current role as senior vice president of OEM and Internet of Things solutions.
"Joyce is a great executive. Certainly, our channel continues to be very important to us," he said.
In an interview with CRN Monday, Mullen said partners should expect no change of channel priories as she replaces Byrne.
"We're going to continue to build on the great foundation that John Byrne and his team have built. We need to execute on our priorities that are all trending in the right direction. We're going to figure out how to get in the middle of that and how to understand exactly what we can do to accelerate those trends. We need to finish this year really strong. We dont want to disrupt the momentum going on right now," Mullen said.
Michael Dell was the honorary speaker during Tuesday's event at the Boston Harbor Hotel which hosted more than 150 people, including former EMC CEO Joe Tucci and many other prominent Boston business leaders. Tucci left EMC after the Hopkinton, Mass.-based company merged with Dell in September, 2016.
Michael Dell has been attending a number of events in the Boston area of late, joining New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in his box seats during Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, as well as sitting courtside with Boston Celtics general manager Danny Ainge at a game earlier this month. He also is reportedly under contact to buy a penthouse in Boston's tony Back Bay neighborhood. The real-estate buy would be Dell's second in Boston.
"We've been a little bit more engaged in the community here, and you'll start to see us doing a few more things here," said Dell.
Internet of things News
HPE President Neri: New ABB Global Partnership Deepens HPE's Focus On Industrial IoT
Lindsey O'Donnell
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A new strategic global partnership with industrial digital company ABB will tighten Hewlett Packard Enterprises focus around the Internet of Things in the manufacturing space, said HPE President Antonio Neri.
At the HPE Discover Conference Tuesday, behing held in Madrid, the companies said the partnership will help industrial customers merge operational technology and IT so they can better turn industrial data into insight and automatic action.
We are very proud to partner with ABB on this global alliance because that is a space that is exploding, whether it is predictive maintenance or other types of solutions for environments that require unique expertise, Neri said in an interview with CRN. The power of their expertise and our expertise and IT can deliver on that promise.
[Related: HPE Partners: Neri's Technology Vision, Proven Channel Track Record Make Him 'Perfect Choice' For Next CEO]
At the heart of the partnership is ABBs offering, ABB Ability, which is a set of performance management solutions, remote monitoring services and control solutions for buildings. These solutions are designed to help customers in industrial verticals like utilities, transport and manufacturing.
While ABB has a deep understanding of industrial processes and operational technology, HPE brings its IT software, solutions and platform offerings to the partnership.
For instance, the partnership will enable ABB Ability solutions to run on hybrid platforms like HPE ProLiant for Microsoft Azure Stack so customers have the flexibility to deploy applications on HPE infrastructure in industrial plants, in data centers or in the Azure cloud.
That is a great example of what I call a 'digital industrial solution' in terms of edge to core to cloud, said Neri. [Key is] our focus on hyper-connectivity, industrial IoT with compute storage with analytics and security, our focus on the ability to deliver on critical applications for specific vertical markets at the core. For me ABB is an awesome use case that shows the power of our portfolio coming together and delivering on that digital transformation that customers are looking for.
HPE and ABB will deliver joint offerings for data centers, including data center automation to help control, monitor and optimize data center facilities infrastructure, as well as secure edge data center capabilities.
The two companies said they will also jointly develop industrial offerings to help customers create insight and automatic action from data and manage and control industrial processes across the supply chain.
Jim Gillespie, CEO of Pittsburgh-based GrayMatter, an operational technology-focused solution provider, said that deriving insight from data on the manufacturing floor is critical for industrial customers who invest in IoT.
Industrial IoT is a conversation around the outcomes you have to understand the right questions to ask when youre designing and deploying applications, he said. The first steps are connecting the products and transforming the services this wasnt possible five years ago.
Internet of things News
CRN Exclusive: Siemens Goes On The Channel Offensive With New IoT Mindsphere Partner Program
Lindsey O'Donnell
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Siemens Tuesday launched its Mindsphere partner program as the company ramps up channel efforts around the industrial Internet of Things.
Paul Kaeley, senior vice president of Siemens partner ecosystem, said the program strengthens the Washington, D.C-based company's commitment to IoT and equips partners with the sales, marketing and technical acumen necessary to bring the companys Mindsphere cloud-based IoT platform to market.
Partners are well positioned to drive IoT, he said. IoT is the biggest opportunity right now in terms of whats happening in the industrial space. Our partners are positioned to bring our IoT solutions to existing customers but also to new areas and new use cases.
[Related: The 10 Coolest IoT Startups Of 2017]
The Mindsphere partner program targets a host of partners, said Kaeley including systems integrators, app developers, software companies, consulting companies, operational technology hybrid partners and technology partners.
The program is based on a three-tier model, including Platinum, Gold and Silver levels, and provides partners with sales and technical training, marketing investment and resources, deeper access to developer kits, and a partner portal that will be launched in the future.
Siemens also is giving Gold and Platinum members access to its Business Development Fund, which offers a joint funding pool to invest in digital transformation business plans as an incentive for partners to take Mindsphere to market. A MindSphere partner manager will work with such partners to define a joint business plan to align resources for joint success.
We want to help partners get to production as quickly as possible. IoT is really about the use cases that will drive productions, and we want to identify new opportunities through joint engagement, said Kaeley.
Kaeley said he hopes to grow the program so that 40 percent to 50 percent of Mindsphere revenue is being delivered through partners in the next year.
As part of the program, Kaeley said he has also been aggressively hiring a channel team to spearhead program initiatives and strategies including Dan Smith, a former Hewlett Packard Enterprise director of global partner programs who is now vice president of ecosystem management program development at the Siemens PLM Software business.
We know the industries well we bring our vertical knowledge to the solution, while partners bring their expertise around cloud transformation and IoT solutions, and deploying solutions in manufacturing environments, Kaeley said. The combination is compelling, and our partner program will make it easy for partners to deploy IoT solutions to market.
Ettore Soldi, president and managing director at Siemens partner Hyla Soft, a Chicago-based systems integrator, said the Mindsphere partner program gives his company the opportunity to cover the entire spectrum of Siemens offering and dive deeper into IoT.
A lot of companies can collect the data through IoT, but Siemens has the full vision of using the data because they have PLM and automation, they can leverage that to take advantage of the data, he said. Being able to provide an IoT platform for our customers is key to us we already have expertise in IoT in terms of functionality, and we are now aggressively training and aligning our internal resources to deliver on the Mindsphere platform.
The Solomon Islands held a 'Policy Setting Workshop', organised by the government of the Solomon Islands, CTA, the Pacific Island Private Sector Organisation (PIPSO), the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Pacific Community (SPC), in Honiara, 21-22 November, to establish the main elements for a national agritourism policy. Over 40 representatives discussed the opportunities for linkages between the agriculture, tourism and trade sectors.
The Solomon Islands population depends so much on agriculture for their livelihood and particularly those living in the rural area, said the Minister of Agriculture and Tourism, Honourable Bartholomew Parapolo in his opening remarks. Tourism also has huge potential in the country to enhance rural participation in economic activities."
The two day workshop considered the status of agriculture and tourism in the country, and looked at the priority areas where agriculture and tourism sectors could deliver mutual benefits, notably in terms of local sourcing, value addition, product diversification, and the culinary industry. Speakers from government, the private sector, and experts in agriculture, tourism and trade made contributions highlighting the key factors needed to drive stronger linkages between the sectors.
More funding for agriculture and tourism
Increasing budgetary allocation in favour of agriculture and tourism should be a priority, argued the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Jimi Saelea. Agriculture has relatively less than 2% of the national budget, whilst tourism has less than 1% of the national budget, he pointed out. It is about time that we need to support these two sectors.
Notwithstanding the small funding it receives, tourism in the Solomon Islands is growing at a healthy rate. In 2016, there were over 22,000 visitors to the Solomon Islands, who contributed $233 million in revenues, and visitor number are expected to rise by 9% for 2017. For Saelea, it is important that the agritourism policy is inclusive, and delivers gains for rural communities and farmers.
Big demand for professional chefs
An area of particular interest for the workshop was the role of chefs in linking agriculture and tourism through cuisine. Chef Colin Chung, renowned across the Pacific for his skills and advocacy for local sourcing, spoke about the opportunities for food tourism in the Solomon Islands and highlighted successes in Fiji and across the region. In addition to supporting the diversification of the tourism offering of the country, culinary tourism can also stimulate demand for local foods and products from farmers.
One big challenge that the Solomon Islands will have to address is the capacity gap in the food service industry, as the country currently has just a few professional Chefs. Speaking to the Workshop, Freda Unisi of the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) lamented that tourists want a taste of our local organic foods in their short visits, but with our lack of professional chefs, theres no local set menus to be marketed to our visitors''. She hoped that the Agritourism Policy would take this into account.
CTA, SPTO and PIPSO are supporting capacity development of chefs across the region and promoting the exchange of experiences and best practices through their Chefs for Development platform. We believe that professional chefs can be great promoters of local food and cuisine, and also work with farmers to improve the quality of food needed by hotels and restaurants, says Isolina Boto, Manager at CTA and coordinator of the agritourism project.
Setting the course for agritourism development in the Pacific
Solomon Islands is the third South Pacific Island to organise an Agritourism Policy Setting Workshop, following the successful format developed first in Vanuatu in October 2016 and then advanced by Samoa in November 2016. The region achieved an important milestone last month, when Pacific Ministers of Agriculture and Tourism endorsed recommendations for the development of agritourism throughout the region. Another eagerly anticipated agritourism exchange workshop is expected to take place in Fiji in December, and discussions are underway for similar events in other Pacific islands.
The countries in the Pacific are seeing the benefits of connecting and linking these two important industries with a multi-sectoral approach to ensure the participation of all players in the industries which is quite innovative in the Pacific, says Mereia Volavola, agribusiness expert and former CEO of PIPSO.
CTA continues to mobilise key partnerships supporting innovations in agricultural development through its partnerships in the Pacific and Caribbean and fostering of intra-regional knowledge sharing and experience capitalisation, from which the agritourism policy development agenda has emerged.
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Other versions of The Nutcracker are coming to state theaters this holiday season, but this one deserves special mention.
The 25th North American Anniversary Tour of the Great Russian Nutcracker (celebrating that and other ballets) is marked by a supersized show in Connecticut this weekend, say Moscow Ballet producers Akiva and Dan Talmi.
WASHINGTON Congress faces a jam-packed sprint to Christmas break, including Senate consideration of GOP tax legislation, a fix to keep DACA recipients out of deportation dragnets and reauthorizing the CHIP health insurance program for low-income children.
And if thats not enough, lawmakers and President Donald Trump also must agree on a spending package to keep the government up and running. Absent action by Congress, the government is due to shut down Dec. 8.
Im worried December is going to end up costing my constituents a lot of money, said Sen. Chris Murphy. This could be a pretty apocalyptic December in Connecticut if this goes wrong.
Trump said Monday if approved, the GOP bill would render the biggest tax reduction in the history of our country.
But Connecticut Democrats argue that its elements, including elimination of the state and local tax deduction, would mean higher federal taxes for many in the state.
I think the bill is a disaster, but Republicans have deluded themselves into thinking the answer to the election defeat (earlier this month) is do more unpopular legislation, not less, Murphy said.
On Tuesday, Congressional leaders meet with Trump in the White House in an effort to reach agreement on crucial budgetary details. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and other Democrats are expected to bring up a fix on DACA that will permit young undocumented immigrants brought to this country illegally by their parents to maintain legal status.
The Trump administration rescinded the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in September. Then-President Barack Obama issued the DACA order in 2012 after Congress failed to pass the DREAM Act, a 2001 piece of legislation that would have made Dreamers legal.
Trump has conditioned an extension of DACA on greater investment in border security, including construction of his signature campaign pledge: Construction of a U.S.-Mexico border wall.
DACA advocates in Connecticut remain hopeful an agreement can be reached. But they are not holding their collective breath.
We need Congress to act on a clean DREAM Act by December, said Camila Bortolleto, campaign manager of CT Students for a Dream and herself a Dreamer from Brazil. Our lives are on the line and we can no longer wait.
Murphy and other Connecticut Democrats also are looking for agreement on reinstituting the Child Health Insurance Program CHIP which expired Sept. 30.
CHIP provides health insurance to children from low-income families not already covered by either Medicaid or private insurance.
Connecticuts CHIP/HUSKY B program covers about 17,000 children. It has enough funding to last through January, according to Connecticut Department of Social Services spokesman David Dearborn.
But without Congressional action, Dearborn said, Connecticut stands to lose about $37 million annually in regular CHIP funding, as well as about $40 million annually for SCHIP Fix, which gives extra federal aid for a portion of children who get insurance via Medicaid.
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HARTFORD Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim claims that a 2013 law barring felons from the states public-financing program violates his constitutional rights and creates a competitive disadvantage in his nascent gubernatorial campaign.
If Ganim, 58, fails in his request Wednesday before United States District Court Judge Michael P. Shea, he could possibly blame Ernest E. Newton II, the former state lawmaker - a fellow Bridgeporter - whose pending 2012 campaign-corruption case was cited by state lawmakers in prohibiting corrupt public officials from accessing the voluntary Citizens Election Program (CEP).
Lawyers for Ganim - re-elected mayor in 2015 following a federal prison sentence for public corruption - say that since he served his prison time and has again become a voter and public official, he should have full access to the public financing.
Mr. Ganim believes that the resistance he has met in attempting to obtain political support and endorsements from state and local political figures is due to the uncertainty of whether he will be able to participate in the CEP Program, wrote his attorneys Louis N. George, Raymond M. Hassett and David C. Yale. The CEP has allowed candidates to spend less time raising private contributions and dialing for dollars from wealthy special interests. It has made politicians in the state more accountable to the people they are elected to representtheir constituents.
More Information Joe Ganim File First elected Mayor of Bridgeport in 1991. Served five terms, more than 11 years. Ran for lieutenant governor in 1994. Convicted of multiple federal felonies and setnenced to nine years in prison in 2003. Released from prison in 2010. Three years later his supervised release ends. He fails in battle to regain his law license. Re-elected Bridgeport mayor in 2015. See More Collapse
But Assistant Attorneys General Michael K. Skold and Maura Murphy Osborne, representing the State Elections Enforcement Commission, said in court documents that the funding prohibition does not affect Ganims freedom of speech. The statute also does not limit how much individuals can contribute to Plaintiffs campaign, or how much Plaintiff can spend on his campaign, they wrote.
This restriction impedes Mr. Ganims right to free speech, will artificially enhance Mr. Ganims opponents speech, actually hurts the goals of the Citizens Election Program and fails to serve a compelling government interest, Ganims attorneys countered. Additionally, the restriction fails to protect the Plaintiffs due process rights and deprives Mr. Ganim of equal political opportunity.
But the attorneys general noted that outside the public-funding program, Ganim, a Democrat, can raise unlimited amounts of money.
While the CEP was part of the landmark 2005 state campaign reforms that were written following the 2003 conviction of Ganim and the 2004 guilty plea of John G. Rowland, the disgraced former Republican governor, it did not take effect for top-of-the-ticket races until 2010. Under the program, gubernatorial candidates raising $250,000 in small contributions of $100 or less, are eligible for up to $6.5 million for the general election. The $100 maximum will rise to $250 for the 2018 campaigns for General Assembly and top-of-the-ticket races.
It takes no imagination to realize that if Mr. Ganim runs for Governor without CEP funding against a candidate who is CEP-funded, part of his opponents message will be that CEP funding assures first loyalty to the voters, not high dollar contributors, a message that will only be available because of the States action in denying Mr. Ganim funding, the mayors attorneys contend.
Plaintiff asserts that, by excluding him from the CEP, the State somehow has taken away his right to speak and thereby engaged in censorship and deprived the public of their ability to hear differing viewpoints, the SEEC lawyers replied in court documents. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The Supreme Court and Second Circuit both have held that programs like the CEP are legislative efforts not to abridge, restrict, or censor speech, but rather to use public money to facilitate and enlarge public discussion and participation in the electoral process.
In 2005, Newton pleaded guilty to felonies including extortion. He was released from prison in 2010 and in 2012 was arrested on election-related charges, most of which resulted in a hung jury and a retrial scheduled for mid-June. If found guilty, Newtown could end up back in federal prison for violating his terms of release.
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BRIDGEPORT - A Superior Court judge on Tuesday said she has serious concerns about the way absentee ballots were handled for the special primary for the citys North End council seat.
But Judge Barbara Bellis said she doesnt expect to rule on whether to overturn the results and possible order a third primary for the seat until Friday.
Robert Keeley, who lost the primary on Nov. 14 by 18 votes for the seat in the 133rd district against a Democratic Party-endorsed candidate, is again seeking to have the judge over turn the results.
During the hearing on Monday police officer Paul Nikola testified he was ordered by Police Chief Armando Perez to report to Democratic Party Chairman Mario Testa on the day before the primary. Nikola said Testa introduced him to Michael DeFilippo, who worked for Testa as a bartender and was a candidate for the 133rd seat, who provided Nikola with addresses to go to pick up absentee ballots.
Nikola said he then drove around the citys North End in his police car picking up absentee ballots from those addresses, including from a mailbox.
During arguments Tuesday afternoon, Deputy City Attorney John Bohannon told the judge that what Nikola did was not wrong and was not illegal. He said it is only illegal for a candidate to take the ballot or be there when it is filled out.
The police chief directed the officer to act as an agent of Mr. DeFillippo, there was no opportunity for the town clerk or anyone to find out if they were legitimate absentee ballots here, the judge retorted. There is no evidence in this case there is a legitimacy to it, I didnt hear from Mr. Testa and I didnt hear from Mr. DeFillippo.
Despite a request from the judge neither Testa nor DeFillippo appeared to testify. Keeleys lawyer, M. Leonard Caine III, asked the judge to take an adverse inference from their refusal to testify.
Last month Bellis ordered a new primary and continued the election for the district seat to Dec. 12. Keeley had lost that primary by a single vote which turned out to be in an absentee ballot that turned up during a recount.
During the second primary on Nov. 14, Keeley lost by 18 votes.
Keeley got 212 votes while the endorsed candidates DeFilippo got 240 votes and Jeannette Herron got 230 votes. The top two candidates are the partys nominees.
Caine is basing his case for a new, third primary, on the incident involving Nikola, the fact that 12 absentee ballots that appeared in the city hall mailroom had no post marks despite the claim they came from the post office and the fact that no one voted in the primary from the Northbridge Health Care Facility on Main Street where mandated supervised balloting by the registrars office was supposed to be held.
Democratic Registrar of Voters Santa Ayala testified Monday that voters at Northbridge refused to cast ballots.
Local lawyer Maximino Medina Jr., who had been appointed to monitor the primary by the judge, testified at the hearing that he went to Northbridge on the day of the primary and did not see any signs specifically about the primary vote. He said two members of the registrars office were in a community room at the center but were not approached by any residents.
I am just trying to figure out that if I was in the facility how would I know to vote and who would be responsible for that, the judge said.
But Bohannon argued that Caine had not made his case.
Its not the duty of election officials to disqualify ballots based on speculation, he argued.
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Had Democrats chosen differently at the start of the decade, he would have been the partys nominee for governor. Now, after seven years of biding his time as a pundit and professor, Democrat Ned Lamont is gauging interest in a comeback bid for the states top office.
The wealthy Greenwich cable entrepreneur, who was upset by Malloy in the 2010 gubernatorial primary, confirmed his interest in the race in an interview Tuesday with Hearst Connecticut Media.
Im thinking about it, Lamont said. Ive got a lot vested in this state for a long time. Its a great state and we just dont have a great government.
The Democratic insurgent, who toppled Joe Lieberman in a Senate primary more than a decade ago but was ultimately thwarted by the incumbent in the general election, is expected to hire a pollster to determine his gubernatorial prospects, Hearst has learned.
Given the number of candidates, if you walk into the race with a following even at the 15 percent level, you immediately become a significant contender, said Ronald Schurin, an associate professor of political science at the University of Connecticut. Hes got now what he didnt have in 2006 in the Democratic Party, which is broad name recognition.
Year-end decision
In the 2006 clash, Lieberman resorted to running as an independent petition candidate to save his seat in the Senate and further infuriated the political left with his cameo at John McCains nominating convention against Barack Obama in 2008. Lieberman did not seek re-election in 2012.
There will be people eternally grateful to Ned Lamont for eventually pushing Joe Lieberman out of the Senate after that one term when he won as an independent, Schurin said.
Lamont, 63, said he plans to make a decision on whether to enter the wide open race by years end. Malloy, who was rated the least popular Democratic governor in an October poll by Morning Consult, is not seeking a third term.
I just care about whether I think I can make a difference and get this state back and track, Lamont said. Weve got so many amazing assets. Were just not making the best out of our potential.
A record number of Republicans and Democrats are vying to take over for Malloy, whose job approval ratings have cratered as a result of budget deficits, tax increases and the loss of corporate headquarters such as General Electric and Aetna.
None of the Democrats a group that includes Middletown Mayor Dan Drew, former Consumer Protection Commissioner Jonathan Harris and John Rowland prosecutor Chris Mattei have run for statewide office. Each is participating in the states public campaign financing program, which Lamont opted out of in 2010 against Malloy.
The lone exception is Joe Ganim, who was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor during his first stint as Bridgeport mayor. Ganim, who overcame a corruption scandal that sent him to prison for seven years, is expected to transition from testing the waters to a candidacy for governor in January.
Big spender
Lamont spent $26 million of his cable television fortune on his run for the Senate and for governor. He is the great-grandson of Thomas W. Lamont, the chairman of J.P. Morgan & Co. Publicly funded candidates can get up to $8 million for the primary and general election in Connecticut.
It was in 2006 that Lamont, a former Greenwich selectman, vaulted to national prominence with his primary challenge of Lieberman. The incumbents support of the war in Iraq and closeness to President George W. Bush, who kissed Lieberman on the cheek after his 2005 State of the Union address, became a rallying point for the liberal wing of the party. The beneficiary of that angst was Lamont, who campaigned with the Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.
The manager of Lamonts campaign was Tom Swan, who is the executive director of the Connecticut Citizen Action Group, a good-government organization. Swan said Tuesday that hes heard the rumblings about a Lamont comeback.
I think hes shown a commitment to public service, Swan said. Id be open to hearing more. I think if he gets in, hell be taken seriously by a bunch of people.
Lamont, who is a faculty member at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain and has frequently organized Lincoln-Douglas-style debates on pressing issues facing the state, seems to be warming up to a run. Less than a month ago, he played down the possibility in an interview with Hearst.
Not hell no, but no, Lamont said then.
http://twitter.com/gettinviggy; nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436
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Nightclubs have been the scenes of devastating tragedies time and time again. Whenever large numbers of people pack into confined spaces, the opportunity for catastrophe snowballs.
On the 75th anniversary of the Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire in Boston, we look back at how common such disasters are.
Related: Worst US nightclub fire influences safety codes, burn care
Since April 1928, when an explosion and fire killed 40 people packed into a dance hall in West Plains, Mo., there have been nine major nightclub fires in the United States, including Cocoanut Grove, The Station in Rhode Island in 2003, and most recently, the fire at the Ghost Ship warehouse in Oakland, Calif.
Cocoanut Grove remains the worst nightclub fire in U.S. history, killing 492 people and injuring 166 others in the shadow of WWII.
Now Playing: An estimated 1,000 people were in the building at the time and 492 people perished in the blaze. Video: WCVB
In 1974, 24 people were killed in a fire at Gulliver's, a night club in Port Chester, N.Y., just over the Greenwich border. The fire began in an adjacent bowling alley. The blaze was later determined to be arson, set intentionally to cover up a burglary at the bowling alley.
A pyrotechnics display got out of hand at The Station Nightclub in Warwick, R.I. in the winter of 2003. One hundred people died and over 200 were injured.
Unsafe building conditions played a role in the deadly blaze that broke out during an electronic dance music party at the Ghost Ship warehouse in December 2016 in Oakland. Thirty-six people were killed.
Related: AP Was There Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire kills 492
Fires that can quickly grow out of control are not the only hazards when it comes to packed nightclubs. Twenty-one people were killed at E2 Nightclub in Chicago in 2003 when police used pepper spray to break up a fight, causing panic and a stampede toward the exits.
Two gunmen denied entrance to a nightclub in Fresno, Calif. in May 1993 returned just after closing and opened fire, killing seven people.
The Bataclan, a concert venue in Paris, was the site of a terrorist attack in November 2015. Months later, a man gunned down 49 people at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. in one of the worst terror attacks on American soil since 9/11.
Browse the gallery above for perspective on the dangers at nightclubs.
Note: This article was updated on Dec. 7, 2017 to include details about the fire at Gulliver's night club in Port Chester, N.Y.
Silicon Valley isn't only a place -- it's a mindset.
It's optimistic, it's idealistic and everyone is there to make the world a better place, even if what they are building is just (yet another!) photo filter app.
Related: 5 U.S. Cities Luring Tech Talent Away From Silicon Valley
Even as Silicon Valley is being exposed for its dark sides -- everything from its diversity shortcomings, to its focus on money, to scandals around sexual harassment, ageism and the cost of living -- it's provided a playbook for growth and innovation for the rest of the world.
The key is for entrepreneurs in places like Kansas City and Nashville and Cincinnati to take the right lessons from the Bay Area, by focusing on the mindset: the idea that innovation comes through iteration, that failure should be embraced for what you can learn from it and that every business can be transformed by technology. These concepts can do much to accelerate business cultures everywhere.
Now is the time, when entire traditional industries are suffering and business leaders are under pressure to defend against disruptive forces, to ensure that this mindset is switched on to create prosperity and growth. Technology will continue to reshape economies across America. The question is if Middle America can learn this new game and build a new prosperity in old economy strongholds. I believe we can.
Related: 4 Benefits and 2 Challenges to Running a Tech Startup in the Heartland
The next industrial revolution
Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, argues we are in a great equalizing moment. He popularized the idea of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution," where the true disruption in today's world is about speed, scope and systems as technology is evolving into something that permeates every aspect of our daily lives.
Steve Case sees this time as the "Third Wave" of innovation. The first wave was the creation of the basic infrastructure of the internet to make it navigable by consumers, and the second was building the structures on top of that internet that allow for everything from search to customer relationship management. The third, he believes, is real-world industries becoming entirely transformed.
There remains a lot of market cap located in the middle of the country, and those corporations that are going to survive the next couple of decades are those that are proactive and creative in embracing technology to disrupt themselves. Old economy industry leaders need to learn from the legacy of Silicon Valley, but bring their own strengths and specialized know-how.
Related: The Majority of Startup Tech Companies Should Not Be in the Bay Area
Gartner predicts that "By 2020, five of the top seven digital giants will willfully 'self-disrupt' to create their next leadership opportunity." It cites Amazon organizing itself around AWS Lambda rather than traditional cloud configurations, and pushing Alexa rather than all of the screen based ecommerce they've built for years. If big tech finds it needs to upend its own game to keep up, think about what traditional industries such as mining or transportation should be doing.
Fortunately, Silicon Valley has provided a roadmap:
1. Focus on growth.
The tech industry has taught us the importance of thinking big, as opposed to growing incrementally. When I was involved with DotLoop, the founder, Austin Allison, thought big about changing how we buy and sell homes on our mobile devices, signing up eight of the top 10 real estate companies. Then Zillow swooped in and bought the company. The vision was big enough to matter and big enough to get noticed. Entrepreneurs need to be finding mentors, advisors and investors from Day One who have experience building companies from $0 to $10 million to $100 million-plus.
Related: Starting Up Outside of Silicon Valley May Be Tough, But It Lays the Groundwork for Generations of Entrepreneurs
2. Don't be cheap.
It's no secret that it can be expensive to start a company in the Bay Area. Silicon Valley office space is famously pricey, reaching beyond $120 per square foot, compared to less than $20 in Cincinnati. Entrepreneurs should take advantage of the lower costs of doing business here, but don't take it too far. I've heard from too many tech recruiters that Midwest startups think they can hire great talent away from big companies for a "startup salary." That's not going happen. Venture-backed companies in Silicon Valley pay up for talent, not because they want to but because they know they are worth it. Entrepreneurs can't afford to be cheap. Outside of Silicon Valley the relative cost to operate is low, but you still need top talent and at a startup time is your enemy.
3. Find the experts.
As technology moves beyond silicon and infrastructure, tomorrow's most valuable companies will be innovating within massive verticals like healthcare, finance, manufacturing and logistics. There is a premium for vertical domain knowledge in these industries, which exists in abundance in the middle of the country. Snag the top thinkers in your industry. Create customer advisory boards of the top executives. Leverage your industry insights to exploit new, emerging categories.
Related: No One Can Match Silicon Valley, But Other Cities Benefit From Fostering Startups
4. Create the networks you want.
We have to overcome the geographical barriers that separate cities in the middle of the country, versus the density of startups in Silicon Valley, and to do that we must be intentional about connecting with others. When we were just starting out at Cintrifuse, which is a fund of funds that leads investments in early stage venture funds around the country, we connected with the Renaissance Venture Capital Fund, a Michigan-based fund that supports the growth of venture capital in the state, to compare notes, serve on each other's advisory boards, etc. We didn't see ourselves as competitors; we were both in it together, competing against a global economy. We probably talked a couple of times a week for three years as we were starting up. Entrepreneurs should create networks of partners and friends who are willing to openly share success and failures.
We are facing a truly unique opportunity for corporations and entrepreneurs alike to help the U.S. economy step up and thrive as a leader in the new global economy. We have learned a lot from Silicon Valley's startup culture and I am excited to see those lessons applied to benefit the rest of the country.
Related Video: You Don't Need to Be in Silicon Valley to Grow Your Business
Related:
There's a Lot You Can Learn From Silicon Valley, but Don't Imitate It
4 Benefits and 2 Challenges to Running a Tech Startup in the Heartland
Are we Living The Golden Age of Indian Entrepreneurship?
Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com
You might settle for Christopher Biggins in panto but there's a good chance you will end up with Peter Andre
You Want
A White Christmas.
Youd Settle for
An Off-White Christmas.
You Get
A grey Christmas with slush and black ice, 80mph winds, the TV on the blink and bus replacement services operating on all train lines north of Lands End.
You Want
An office party where everyone bonds.
Youd Settle for
An office party where no one fights.
You Get
Janine from Accounts in tears because Rob from HR has been rude about her bum. Jeff from Production head-butting Steve from R&D, whos now threatening him with legal action. The deputy managers PA, Sue, claiming that her boss has been behaving inappropriately and Glenda from Finance lashing out at the entire office because no ones bothered to talk to her.
You Want
Everyone standing in respectful silence for the Queens Speech.
Youd Settle for
Everyone sitting in respectful silence for the Queens Speech.
You Get
The teenagers switching channels halfway through Her Majestys second sentence because a repeat of TOWIE is about to begin on the other side with Dad saying Show some respect! and Granny saying Thats ruined my Christmas.
You Want
A Luxury Swiss Chocolate Assortment thats beautifully wrapped.
Youd Settle for
Ferrero Rocher in tissue paper.
You Get
A half-chewed Curly Wurly in a Londis carrier bag.
You want a white Christmas, youd settle for an off-white Christmas but you'll get a grey Christmas with slush and black ice
You Want
Fairytale Of New York by The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl.
Youd Settle For
I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day by Wizzard.
You Get
Christmas In Smurfland by Father Abraham and The Smurfs.
You Want
Peace and Goodwill to All Mankind.
Youd Settle for
Peace and Goodwill in this house.
You Get
Sally and Simon falling out over whether you have to build four houses on each property in Monopoly before you can build a hotel and Margaret saying shell never speak to Mike again after what he said about her mother, while on Any Questions four MPs youve never heard of bicker about post-Brexit trade deals.
You want everyone standing in respectful silence for the Queens Speech but you'll be lucky if you get it
You Want
A cracker joke to make you roar with laughter.
Youd Settle For
A cracker joke to make you titter.
You Get
Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side.
You Want
Lily James as Cinderella, James Norton as Buttons, and Simon Russell Beale and Mark Rylance as Ugly Sisters.
If you are unlucky this Christmas your turkey will still be spouting blood at 4.15pm, and the bread sauce will be burnt to a frazzle
Youd Settle for
Michelle Dockery as Cinderella, Ed Sheeran as Buttons and Christopher Biggins and Lionel Blair as Ugly Sisters.
You Get
Jodie Marsh as Cinderella, Peter Andre as Buttons and Neil and Christine Hamilton as Ugly Sisters.
You Want
Champagne.
Youd Settle For
Prosecco.
You Get
A choice of tea or coffee.
You Want
Little Gemma to play the part of The Virgin Mary.
Youd Settle for
Little Gemma playing the part of the Innkeepers Wife.
You Get
Little Gemma as sixth sheep from the left for the third year running.
You Want
The turkey to be cooked by 1pm.
Youd settle for
The turkey cooked by 1.45pm.
You Get
The turkey still spouting blood at 4.15pm, and the bread sauce burnt to a frazzle.
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When building your own home it's easy to be overcome with ideas and create a property packed with clashing aesthetics. But these properties prove that sometimes less really is more.
The houses have all been shortlisted in the minimalist category of the 2017 RIBA House of the Year Award, the country's most prestigious award for a new house or extension.
They are the last crop of contenders to be explored by Kevin McCloud on Channel 4's Grand Designs, before the overall winner of the competition is revealed.
On tonight's episode, McCloud wanders the tiny halls of a house without a single outward facing window, and takes a look inside a stunning geometric brick block that sits on a north London street lined with traditional Edwardian houses.
Here, FEMAIL takes a look inside the properties that are pushing the boundaries of minimalist design...
HIGHGATE HOUSE
The striking design of Highgate House caught the eye of RIBA judges for its use of red brick and minimalist structure and sleek appearance
Inside is a sleek wood and brick finish. The first floor gallery, pictured, leads to five large bedrooms and three bathrooms
Presenter Kevin McCloud gushed over this 'momentous' north London property which he said had reinvented the suburban house.
Judges praised the designers for creating an exterior entirely of brick and keeping features like drain pipes and window frames out of sight.
Kevin, who compared the building to an 'Assyrian temple', entered the home to find it was minimalist and pared back - using warm reddish brick and dark smoked oak as the main palette.
The double height hall leads to a luxurious swimming pool, along with a kitchen and family room and a separate dining room.
The first floor gallery features floor to ceiling wood panelling and leads to five generous bedrooms and three bathrooms.
Kevin was surprised by the lack of a 'family feel', but the owners Paul and Susanna reveal hidden cupboards that contain a television, family photos and plenty of recipe books. 'It's like Narnia isn't it,' Susanna said.
The block-shaped house's only exterior features are perforated brick walls, enormous windows and a gravel drive
The double height hall is at the centre of the property, leading off it are a swimming pool and a kitchen and dining room
WHOLE HOUSE
'Whole House' is built on a 70sqm scrap of land with neighbours tightly packed on every side, meaning there could be no outward-facing windows.
The architect Nick Hayhurst solved the problem of getting light into a house with no windows by building a courtyard in the centre of the property and adding skylights in each corner of the house.
RIBA were impressed with its perfectly executed detailing and its adherence to the 'minimalist mantra of less is more'. There are no skirting boards in view and cupboards are hidden in the walls.
Whole House has no outward facing windows and with just one access point via gate in the side of the wall it proved difficult to build
The only way to bring light in to the small 70sqm property was to create a central courtyard with glass windows that make the house seem more spacious
The house, which developer Ben intends to rent out rather than live in himself, was extremely difficult to build as there was only one small access point.
They had to dig out 100 skips of soil from the ground to create the underground floor which houses an extra bedroom and bathroom and is lit by glass insets from the courtyard floor.
On the first floor the living room and kitchen, bathroom, bedroom all benefit from extra lighting via sky lights.
The courtyard is the only point of light for most of the house which is kept sleek and minimal in design. The stairs (seen left and right) lead down to the second floor, which boasts another bedroom
HIDDEN HOUSE
Hidden House was created from a former caretaker's house tucked away in the grounds of a converted Victorian school in the centre of London.
The single storey home is flooded with light thanks to cleverly placed floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights.
It is just 72sqm but the owners Saleem and Iran, who moved to the city from Istanbul, have managed to squeeze in two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a large living, kitchen, and dining room.
Hidden House, centre, was formerly a caretaker's home located on the grounds of a converted Victorian school
The RIBA judges were impressed with the amount of light that flooded in to the property despite its small size and the enormous buildings that overlooked it
The unique property was praised for the design by RIBA judges for its expert craftsmanship and they remarked that the 'quality of the polished concrete was some of the best theyd ever seen'.
The 'background building' in a crowded corner of London shows off a truly minimal style, as the interior is covered in oak panelling and all necessities of life are carefully hidden away.
And what is quite striking is the 'commitment and coordination' the architects Phil Coffey and Ella Wright have achieved by matching the lines in the concrete floor along to the wooden panelling and to the ceiling.
'If [a] Swiss Army pen knife built a home it would be this,' comments Kevin McCloud.
The lines of the polished concrete floor match perfectly to the wall panels which flows up to the ceiling skylights
PEACOCK HOUSE
The single-storey Peacock House on the Suffolk coast is made up of three separate buildings that are centred around a beautiful hidden courtyard and pond.
The owners of the property, Professor of Medicine Andrew Peacock and artist wife Gila, were inspired by her Iranian heritage and based the design on traditional Iranian homes, which have a water basin at their centre.
But rather than follow the symmetry that is typical of Persian design, the couple choose to keep the water feature off-centre to make room for a table and chairs outdoors.
The house is made up of three separate buildings which are centred around a hidden courtyard, inspired by traditional Iranian houses
The interior decor is kept clean and all white with wooden flooring running throughout with a collection of mismatched furniture dotted about
The largest of the buildings contains an open plan kitchen, living and dining room, as well as a master bedroom, second bedroom and secret snug.
Two other buildings are an artists studio and a garage and study but both can double up as bedrooms should the couple need.
The architect behind the property was their daughter's new boyfriend, with friends and family warning it was 'the worst idea they had ever had'.
But they proved everyone wrong with the end result which they say has worked out to be a dream: 'It hasnt changed our life but it has enriched our life,' the couple said.
Artist owner Gila has her own studio in one of the buildings and her artwork adorns the walls of their home
The exterior of the walls is clad in larch timber - individually burnt which makes it fireproof. The locally sourced flint makes up the rest of the exterior walls
Grand Designs: House of the Year airs tonight at 9pm on Channel 4 when the winner of the RIBA competition will be announced
A YouTube star famed for her nail art tutorials and viral beauty videos has shared her love of the artistic outlet with a rather unlikely budding manicurist: her father.
Cristine Rotenberg, 29, from Richmond Hill, Canada, who is known as Simply Nailogical on YoUTube, put her dad's skills to the test in a hilarious new video which sees him attempting - and failing rather spectacularly - to do some intricate nail art on her long talons.
Sitting down together in their living room, the hilarious video sees Cristine's dad, introduced as 'the holofather', attempt an unusual mani, complete with nail art, despite never painting someone's nails before.
Scroll down for video
Beauty fail: YouTube star Simply Nailogical has filmed her dad attempting intricate nail art and the result is hilariously bad
Rough around the edges: Despite introducing her dad as 'the holofather', the vlogger's dad's efforts aren't the best
Expert: Christine Rotenberg who blogs under the name Simply Nailogical explained to viewers that her dad paints cars for a living so would be able to paint her nails
Posted under the title, 'My Dad Paints My Nails (he doesn't know what YouTube is)', the video first sees Cristine ask her dad if he understands her slang words, and the unlikely duo laugh and joke as she lists a series of phrases.
When she tells him he's the 'OG holosexual', explaining this means the original holosexual, he responds with, 'I thought it was OMG, no?'
Rotenberg previously coined the term 'holosexual' to describe someone who is obsessed with holographic nail polish, and has since created her own line of polishes and merchandise.
Her dad then asks what YouTube is and Cristine starts off by giving her dad a brief synopsis, before sharing with viewers that he has never watched any of her videos, despite the fact she has over four million subscribers to her channel.
A former child actress, Cristine's acting chops come in handy in places as she tries to pretend she's inherited her nail art talent from her dad, but her father jokes that what she really gets from him is her humor and good looks.
As Cristine peels off her existing nail polish, she tells her dad this is known as 'peel porn' and also jokes that someone has uploaded a compilation of her removing her nail polish this way onto a porn website.
Instead of being horrified, her dad jokes that 'a little nail porn never hurt'.
Cristine also tells her dad that because he worked in a body shop painting cars, she feels he has the skills necessary to paint her nails.
Quizzing him on the steps he uses to paint cars, she tells him to follow this formula, starting with a primer.
While he seems equipped to handle primer, calamity ensues when her dad starts reading the names of different polishes from Cristine's own Holo range.
He then clumsily applies polish her nails in alternate shades of deep burgundy and bright red.
Shining star: Christine has over four million subscribers on YouTube and coined the phrase 'holosexual' to describe her love of holographic polish
Abstract: Christine's dad attempted some nail art but couldn't get the hang of it
Finished result: Despite adopting a messy approach, Cristine's dad was happy with the final result, despite his clumsy first attempt
And things go from bad to worse when Mr. Rotenberg attempts intricate nail art using a stencil, gossiping to his daughter that he thinks the Kardashians have 'no talent'.
Gaining confidence in his technique, Cristine's dad then mixes things up, adding oversized dots and glitter stars to her nails, calling his creation 'beautiful' and explaining her nails 'need a little more glamour' as he applies even more polish.
When her mani has been completed, Cristine's boyfriend, Ben, appears on camera to judge the finished result, and Cristine asks her viewers if her dad's attempt is better than a manicure Ben did in a separate video.
However, her dad seems to think he's the clear winner, telling viewers his nail art should be in the 'nail museum of the world'.
Cristine then mocks her dad, playfully telling him in 200 years, people will be watching his work.
When asked how that makes him feel, he shrugs his shoulders and says Ill be dead before the pair erupt into giggles again.
He then says he might start his own YouTube channel giving life advice, and charge people $14.95 to watch it. However, Cristine has to explain that this is not how YouTube works.
The video concludes with a funny blooper reel of her dad trying and failing to complete the outro section where they thank people for watching.
Since being posted on YouTube two days ago, the video has been watched over one million times.
For many people, Christmas is all about traditions - from the food to the family fun, everyone has their preferred way of celebrating the holiday season.
But one fun new festive trend is taking a much-loved tradition and turning it on its head, quite literally.
Enter upside down Christmas trees, a popular new decoration that has taken the world by storm ahead of this year's holiday, with everywhere from hotels and shopping malls to supermarkets and homes being decked with the topsy turvy trees.
Chic Christmas: Designer, Karl Lagerfeld, designed the 2017 upside down Christmas Tree for Claridge's Hotel in London
Stunning: This breathtaking tree hanging from the ceiling in the Westfield San Francisco Centre shopping mall takes the place of a chandelier and is covered in crystals
Even designer Karl Lagerfeld has joined in the fun, creating an incredibly ornate upside down tree that is currently situated in the lobby of London-based hotel Claridge's.
The venue enlists a different designer to create their tree each year, and 84-year-old Karl's version highlights the gnarled trunk and roots, which are covered with a large silver star.
Underneath the topper and trunk, the traditional tree is covered in a variety of lights and tinsel, all of which hang beautifully from the upside down branches.
'Christmas trees are the strongest souvenir of my happy childhood,' the designer said of the festive tradition - giving little else away about why he had chosen to flip the holiday favorite on its head.
'The festive installation is inspired by Lagerfelds childhood memories of Christmas, with a series of inverted spruce Christmas Trees placed around the hotel lobby,' a hotel spokesperson said of the design.
Whimsy Winter! Hotel del Coronado in San Diego has an upside down tree in its lobby
At home: Target released five different styles of artificial upside down trees, with prices ranging from $280 to a whopping $1,000
Deck the halls: Chatsworth House, the home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire located in Baslow, England, has a very elaborate upside down tree
'The centerpiece is a sixteen foot high inverted tree with silver gilded roots topped with a multi-faceted mirrored star which reflects rays of magical light across the art deco lobby.
'Reminiscent of a silver stalactite, the tree is hung with traditional silver lametta decorations, silver butter leather feathers and snowflakes handmade by craftsmen in Germany with tree candles giving a warm, inviting glow.
'Under the tree sit hand sewn white Icelandic sheepskin rugs to reflect a recent snowfall.'
But while Karl's is perhaps the most lavish and celebrated, it is by no means the only inverted tree being decked this holiday season - quite the opposite in fact.
Even Target is offering a range of upside down trees as part of its holiday store this season, selling five different designs, ranging in price from $280 to a whopping $1,000.
Themed Christmas: People are trying out the unique new tree in their homes, flipping their trees upside down and then decorating them with the traditional ornaments
Something a bit different: The upside down trees have much more room at the top, meaning Christmas fans can be a bit more creative with their tree toppers
Describing them as a way to bring an age-old tradition to your living space', the retail giant even went so far to say that they have a lush, lifelike look.
Although the upside down tree has seen a huge rise in popularity this year, undoubtedly due to the ever-increasing demand for quirky social media content, it is certainly not a new notion.
The flipped over tree was actually first created in the Middle Ages as a religious symbol used by the Eastern Europeans to represent the Trinity.
In any case, many have been quick to embrace it as a hot new trend with many clamoring to show off their content-worthy trees all over social media.
Many people are going as far as to flip the whole set-up, putting beautifully-wrapped gifts on top of the tree, while others have opted to keep the decorations slightly more simple in order to better highlight the quirkiness of their tree design.
It is not uncommon in the fashion industry for rare, limited edition pieces to fly off the shelves, selling out quicker than brands would ever be able to produce them.
But the latest must-have sell-out success story involves a much more basic piece: a cardigan.
Despite its very basic design however, the $120 design from French retailer Sezane has racked up a waiting list of more than 30,000 people desperate to get their hands on one of the four available shades - all of which have sold out multiple times.
Shades of gray: A seemingly-simple cardigan from French fashion retailer Sezane's has a waiting list of 30,000 people
Popular piece: The $120 design, which comes in four shades, has sold out multiple times
Available in a variety of neutral colors - light grey marl, ecru, nude and black - and named the Barry Jumper, the only remarkable aspect of the cardigan's design is that it is intended to be worn both frontwards and backwards.
According to the retailer's website, which gives very little detail about the fabrics used to make the cardigan, the 'style is designed to be a relaxed cardigan that can be worn frontwards or backwards'.
It then goes on to warn: 'If worn as a true cardigan frontwards, the cut of the neck is quite low and you may want to wear a tank or camisole underneath.
'If worn backwards, it will appear as a boatneck with the V-cut and buttons in the back adding a touch of intrigue, and can slip off the shoulder for a sexy, tousled look.'
The website description concludes: 'The sides fall in a straight, loose cut, just grazing the hips, but can be tucked in for a bit more polished look.
'This style runs large and is meant to be oversized. Order one size down if you are unsure.'
Basic black: The cardigan is designed to be worn either frontwards (as pictured) or backwards
Despite its rather simple design, the wardrobe staple has quickly become a must-have for the colder winter months, with would-be fashionistas falling over themselves to lay their hands on one (or all) of the four colors - which are available in sizes XS to XL.
It's magic! Disney Parks released these rose gold Minnie Mouse ears in August 2017 for $24.99 before they magically sold out
Indeed, so popular is the style that it has sold out on numerous occasions, despite the Sezane website promising regular restocks.
According to Refinery 29, the next supply of Barry Jumpers will be made available on November 29 - in the ecru and nude - and then again on December 13 - in the black and grey.
But while the Barry Jumper is certainly one of the style world's most sought after pieces at the moment, it is by no means the only popular item to have flown off the shelves in recent months.
Speaking of insane waiting lists and sell outs, how can we ever forget the 30,000 person wait list for the Avon ANEW Reversalist Infinite Effects Night Treatment Cream, before it even hit stores!
Or what about when Disney Parks innocently released a set of $24.99 rose gold Minnie Mouse ears?
Demand for the product was so high that some savvy buyers decided to put theirs on eBay for up to $140 - more than five times the original price.
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The news that millions of people have been waiting for has finally been announced - we are due for another royal wedding.
After the vows have been made and the kiss that everyone waits for with bated breath has been aired on television screens around the world, it will be time for the honeymoon.
It is no secret the royals enjoy coming to Australia, with Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, Diana and Charles and the Queen herself all holidaying here in the past.
FEMAIL takes a look at the hotels and destinations the newly loved up duo could and should stay at if they choose to honeymoon Down Under.
The news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (pictured) are finally engaged has delighted the world after the pair kept tight-lipped about it for a month
Here, FEMAIL takes at the hotels and destinations Down Under the newly loved up duo could and should stay at if they choose to honeymoon in Australia
LONGITUDE 131
Longitude 131 is a luxe tented resort with 15 exclusive pavilions, each with a stunning view of Uluru.
This is where William and Kate stayed in 2014 as they holidayed in Australia, a week before their third wedding anniversary.
The accommodation takes glamping to the next level - incredibly stylish, yet welcoming and relaxed.
Red desert surrounds the location as far as the eye can see, leaving it isolated but magical as the stars light up the sky at night.
During their visit the Duke and Duchess walked around part of Uluru, just as Prince William's parents did 31 years ago.
During their visit the Duke and Duchess walked around part of Uluru, just as Prince William's parents (pictured) did 31 years ago
This is where William and Kate (pictured) stayed in 2014 as they holidayed in Australia, a week before their third wedding anniversary.
Red dessert surrounds the location as far as the eye can see, leaving it isolated but magical as the stars light up the sky at night
Longitude 131 offers an unmatched experience of Australia's outback which would suit Prince Harry and Meghan's shared taste for adventure
The accommodation takes glamping to the next level - incredibly stylish, yet welcoming and relaxed (Pictured is a bird's eye view)
QUALIA
It's a piece of paradise, which has been voted among the best resorts in the world, at number 17 in fact.
Hamilton Island's luxury resort, Qualia, is a unique Australian expression of world class luxury, offering award winning cuisine, some of the best leisure facilities in the world and has the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef at its door.
Australia's elite, including Toni Collette, Miranda Kerr, Jess Hart, Naomi Watts and Cate Blachett have all made a visit to the stunning resort.
Then there's celebrities like talk show queen Oprah, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and even famous British chef Gordon Ramsay indulging at the accommodation for a getaway.
Hamilton Island's luxury resort, Qualia, is a unique Australian expression of world class luxury, offering award winning cuisine, some of the best leisure facilities in the world and has the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef at its door.
Australia's elite, including Toni Collette, Miranda Kerr, Jess Hart, Naomi Watts and Cate Blachett have all made a visit to the stunning resort
Qualia might just be the perfect spot for a royal summer honeymoon - it is secluded, stylish and offers breathtaking views of Australia's most crystal-clear waters
SAL SALIS
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is a beach-side safari camp nestled in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park. Each of the sixteen wilderness tents offers views of the surrounding bush & beach.
It offers the discreet yet luxurious safari vibes which both Prince Harry and Meghan have come to love after their very first trip together in 2016 to Botswana.
Pippa Middleton, the younger sister of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and her billionaire husband James Matthews honeymooned at the five-star Sal Salis resort, which includes eco-luxe wilderness tents.
It is every bit the magical honeymoon destination fit for a Prince and Princess which perfectly encapsulates Australia's ethereal beauty.
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef is a beach-side safari camp nestled in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park. Each of the sixteen wilderness tents offers views of the surrounding bush & beach
Pippa Middleton, the younger sister of Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and her billionaire husband James Matthews honeymooned at the five-star Sal Salis resort, which includes eco-luxe wilderness tents
It is every bit the magical honeymoon destination fit for a Prince and Princess which perfectly encapsulates Australia's ethereal beauty
WOLGAN VALLEY
Wolgan Valley is formed by the Wolgan River in rugged mountainous country west of Sydney.
Nestled in a private corner of the resort, the Wolgan Villa is the ultimate in privacy and privilege.
When it comes to accommodation Prince Harry and Meghan have a few to choose from as each option offers privacy for the new husband and wife.
'With wide open grandeur and a commitment to sustainability, the beauty of Wolgan Valley is enjoyed in magnificent seclusion and splendour,' the website reads.
Wolgan Valley is formed by the Wolgan River in rugged mountainous country west of Sydney - with secluded accommodation which would provide privacy for the royals
When it comes to accommodation Prince Harry and Meghan have a few to choose from as each option offers privacy for the new husband and wife
'With wide open grandeur and a commitment to sustainability, the beauty of Wolgan Valley is enjoyed in magnificent seclusion and splendour,' the website reads
Set in the grounds of the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park, this camping experience is sure to give the couple an intimate getaway
GLAMPING IN KAKADU
Prince Harry whisked Meghan away for a glamorous and spontaneous camping trip in Bostwana only weeks after meeting - so it would only be fitting that the royal coupe choose camping for their Australian honeymoon.
Set in the grounds of the World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park, this upgraded camping experience is sure to give the couple an intimate getaway.
The tents are decked out with double and twin bed, with spring-foam mattresses on pallet bases, quality bed linen, fresh towels, bamboo furniture, toiletries and Armadillo & Co rugs.
All of the tents have power, lighting, and a fan, although the nighttime temperature is much warmer in the north than in Sydney, sitting at 20 degrees Celsius.
It mimics the royal safari vibe adored by the rest of Prince Harry's family.
Even the Queen enjoys a camping holiday - she was staying at a Kenyan Treetops hotel when she learnt her father had passed and she was due to take his place.
All of the tents have power, lighting, and a fan, although the nighttime temperature is much warmer in the north than in Sydney, sitting at 20 degrees Celsius
Bamurru Plains is where Pippa Middleton and James Matthews honeymooned when they were in the Northern Territory earlier this year
PARK HYATT IN SYDNEY
The royal lovers again may follow in the footsteps of Prince Harry's sister-in-law Pippa by opting for the luxurious $19,000-a-night Park Hyatt suite in Sydney.
The Park Hyatt offers rooms so exclusive it does not advertise prices on their site, but instead sends information out to potential guests on request.
Nestled in the historic Rocks of Sydney, the hotel sits in the middle of the world famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House with breathtaking views of both.
The top-class suite boasts a private outdoor terrace with near 360 degree panoramic views of the city.
The master bathroom also features a spa bath, sauna and steam room, while the living room is designed around a central gas fireplace should the royal couple choose to holiday in Winter.
The Park Hyatt offers rooms so exclusive it does not advertise prices on their site, but instead sends information out to potential guests on request
An Australian jewellery designer, much-loved by Meghan Markle, has revealed her priceless engagement ring captures the essence of the American star perfectly.
The designer, Sydney-based Natalie Marie is a firm favourite of Ms Markle.
Ms Markle's engagement ring, reportedly designed by Prince Harry, features three diamonds - one a single solitaire from Botswana and two from his mother Diana's personal collection - set on a yellow gold band.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement at Kensington Palace today
Ms Markle's favourite Australian jeweller, Sydney-based Natalie Marie (pictured)
The ring - created by the royal's preferred jeweller Cleave and Company, Court Jewellers - is estimated to be worth 199,475, close to AUD $350,000.
Natalie Marie, who creates bespoke wedding jewellery from her Sydney-based store and who has personally supplied jewellery to the former Suits star, has some insight and understanding of Ms Markle's taste.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the designer behind NMJ said the Ms Markle's engagement ring 'has an element of story behind it' and taps into current trends for original and unique pieces that are an expression of style and personality.
'An engagement ring is something that really needs to stand the test of time,' she told Daily Mail Australia.
'I believe our generation is full of couples who are in love and just want to celebrate that - and there has been such a strong move a way from the traditional picture of what that needs to look like.'
Ms Markle's engagement ring features a single solitaire from Botswana and is flanked by to heirloom diamonds belonging to Princess Diana
Ms Markle, 36, has been a fan of the brand since last year after she began following the designer on Instagram.
The two forged a connection after the actress reached out to say how much she loved the brand hoped to wear some pieces on Suits for her character Rachel.
'Meghan has been a wonderful support to NMJ. It's invaluable to have someone that truly loves and supports the brand wearing our pieces,' Natalie Marie said.
'I think Meghan's appeal is that she is a very genuine and open individual, who speaks very truthfully and sincerely whether the conversation is around her style choices or her extensive charity work.'
The designer confirmed she sent Ms Markle several pieces, including a morganite and diamond ring in rose gold.
In response, Ms Markle shared several images of herself wearing the jewellery, captioning the post: 'When you get the package of jewelry that makes your heart go pitter pat', adding that the brand was her 'very favorite'.
'When you get the package of jewelry that makes your heart go pitter pat', Ms Markle wrote, adding that the brand was her 'very favorite'
The Australian jewellery designer also sent the Suits star this morganite and diamond ring in rose gold
Natalie Marie, whose brand focuses on creating jewellery which offer an amalgam of modern and classic ideas, offers her clients a bespoke wedding service, should they wish to create the ring of their dreams.
She explained this service, which is booked out for the next six months, helps couples create rings that weave together ideas of connection, sentiment and originality.
After a consultation, the master jeweller, whose background is in fashion and fine arts, and her team can spend close to four months hand-crafting each piece.
The designer, who also creates bespoke wedding rings said there seems to be a trend towards creating individual pieces that feature a range of stones
Similarly to Prince Harry's choice to bring together heirloom stones from Princess Diana's personal collection, Natalie Marie said her clients also want her to work with a range of stones, some of which are a departure from traditional clear diamonds.
'I work increasingly with natural stones; natural grey and black diamonds, local sapphires of all colours as well as an array of semi-precious stones,' she said.
'Clients are keen to experience the process from start to finish rather than picking a product 'off the shelf.'
The ring - created by the royal's preferred jeweller Cleave and Company, Court Jewellers - is estimated to be worth 199,475, close to AUD $350,000
Ms Marie said her bespoke wedding service helps couples create rings that weave together ideas of connection, sentiment and originality
Natalie Marie said brides-to-be considering a bespoke wedding piece should think about several factors from lifestyle through to personal aesthetic.
'When I meet with brides who are designing their own ring, I always advise them to factor in their lifestyle, taste and long term factors.
'Your engagement ring should be perfectly you,' she concluded, 'without influence from outside factors.'
TV adventurer Ben Fogle has the perfect excuse to put up his Christmas tree in November.
Fogle, 44, is spending a month in the Bahamas over Christmas with his wife, Marina, and two children, Iona and Ludo.
'When you're going to be away for Christmas, the tree has to go up a little early,' he captions this snap.
However, most of his social media followers were more excited about his colour-coded bookshelves than his festive decorations...
TV adventurer Ben Fogle , 44, is spending a month in the Bahamas over Christmas with his wife, Marina (left, with Ben), and two children, Iona and Ludo. While he put up his Christmas tree a little early, most of his social media followers were more excited about his colour-coded bookshelves than his festive decorations
Lord Patten blames men's love of white wine for the Westminster sexual harassment scandal.
'It's partly because of testosterone, partly because there are a lot of men who don't understand that white wine is alcoholic.
'Who, given a few drinks, start to grope politicians whom you couldn't refer to as being a safe pair of hands because they were clearly very unsafe pairs of hands.'
Proving what a very modern woman she is, Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow enjoyed Sunday brunch in America with her ex-husband, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, and her current boyfriend, TV producer Brad Falchuk.
She posted this picture on social media of Martin, from whom she 'consciously uncoupled' three years ago, and Brad, 46, whom Gwyneth met on the set of U.S. TV series Glee, posing in front of a jar of Israeli chocolate spread.
'Modern family,' she captions the snap. Since their divorce, she and Chris remain close and have taken holidays together and co-hosted parties for their children Apple, 13, and Moses, 11.
Gwyneth and Brad are said to be on the verge of announcing their engagement. Did she have something to tell her ex?
Proving what a very modern woman she is, Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow enjoyed Sunday brunch in America with her ex-husband, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin (left), and her current boyfriend, TV producer Brad Falchuk (right)
Gwyneth and Brad are said to be on the verge of announcing their engagement, writes Sebastian Shakespeare
ROLY-POLY sex pest Harvey Weinstein's modus operandi was to invite aspiring young actresses to his hotel suite where he would greet them wearing only a dressing gown.
And Eighties heart-throb Nigel Havers has revealed it's not just the men in Hollywood who use that technique.
'A woman did make a pass at me in my 20s,' says the Chariots Of Fire star, 66.
'She was going to interview me, and said: 'Come to my hotel room.' When I got there, she was in a dressing gown and it was like something out of a movie.
'One had a sixth sense it was pretty obvious.' However, he insists: 'Anyway, nothing happened.'
Supermodel Kate Moss, 43, looked out of sorts at the weekend when she attended Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland.
After enjoying a ride on the rollercoaster in a stylish leopard-print fur coat and black beanie hat, she seemed to come over all queasy.
Perhaps Kate, who is dating 30-year-old Nikolai von Bismarck, should stop trying to keep up with the kids.
She's the stunning Miss Universe Australia who was among 92 women vying for the crown in the beauty pageant on the world stage.
But despite missing out on a place in the final of the Miss Universe contest, model Olivia Rogers was all smiles about the end results.
Appearing on The Morning Show, the 25-year-old speech pathologist lifted the lid on what really happened backstage after she was eliminated.
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Miss Universe Australia Olivia Rogers (pictured) lifted the lid on what really happened backstage after she was eliminated
And while she was competing on the world stage, her doting father (pictured right) wore a sash backstage that read 'Father of Miss Universe Australia' as he cheered her on
'There were definitely tears,' she told hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies.
'A lot of the girls after the pick 16 - so when they pick the top 16 - there were a lot of girls who we all expected to make it but didn't, so they were pretty upset.
'But a lot of the rest of us were really happy because we got to go backstage and eat so much food,' Olivia added, prompting laughter from everyone.
The blonde beauty weighed in on the top 16 after she missed out in the final of Miss Universe, which was won by winner South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters.
Despite missing out on a place in the final of the Miss Universe contest, Olivia has walked away with fond memories of the beauty pageant
The blonde beauty weighed in on the top 16 after she missed out in the final of Miss Universe, which was won by winner South Africa's Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters
'I couldn't have guessed that top 16 in a million years, it was quite random. It was nerve-wracking but it was so exciting as well,' Olivia said.
And while she was competing on the world stage, one of her biggest fans - her doting father wore a sash backstage that read 'Father of Miss Universe Australia' as he cheered her on.
'I actually had 13 family members here in the audience and they were in the golden circle, which was right up near the stage,' she said.
'From the beginning, I can see them, so I felt like I was at home with my family the whole time, they were so close to me - doing the Aussie cheer, they had a big sign.
'I've spoken to dad and they were very excited. My step mum said she dropped her champagne glass when it all came on the screen because she was so excited.'
After being eliminated from the competition, Olivia said she got to enjoy eating 'so much food'
Olivia Rogers competing at the Miss Universe Pageant at Planet Hollywood over the weekend
Roomies: The blonde beauty - who shared a room with Miss Ireland during their stay in Las Vegas - spoke fondly of Cailin Toibin after she made it into the final 16 (pictured together)
The blonde beauty - who shared a room with Miss Ireland during their stay in Las Vegas - spoke fondly of Cailin Toibin after she made it into the final 16.
'She was an absolute legend,' Olivia said.
'I was very lucky to be roomed with her. We have really similar sense of humour so there were a lot of laughs in our room constantly... not a lot of sleep.
'But she was so much fun. I was really happy for her when she made top 16.'
Sunscreen today is now mixed with a tantalising blend of ingredients which often smells so good you want to eat it.
And now, you almost can, with a new summer gelato flavour released by Australian ice-cream brand Gelatissimo.
Teaming up with suntan label Reef Oil, Gelatissimo has released its new sweet sorbet named 'Sunkissed Coconut' which has frozen the quintessential sunscreen fragrance and turned it into food.
In partnership with suntan label Reef Oil, Gelatissimo has released its new sweet sorbet named 'Sunkissed Coconut' which has frozen the quintessential sunscreen fragrance and turned it into food
The ice cream product team at Gelatissimo actually based their new flavour off Reef Oil's signature coconut cream scent
The refreshing limited-edition flavour is made from coconut water and is 100 per cent plant-based and vegan.
The ice cream product team at Gelatissimo actually based their new flavour off Reef Oil's signature coconut cream scent.
While it doesn't actually contain tanning oil or sunscreen as an ingredient, the sorbet is the closest to edible sunscreen as you can get.
'Reef Oil Tanning Oil smells so good you want to taste it so we were delighted to have the opportunity to create an edible experience of what summer represents. It's the perfect summer flavour to enjoy outside in the hot weather,' said Gelatissimo's Product Development Manager, Filiz Kaya.
While it doesn't actually contain tanning oil or sunscreen as an ingredient, the sorbet is the closest to edible sunscreen as you can get (Pictured are Gelatissimo flavours)
'Reef Oil Tanning Oil smells so good you want to taste it so we were delighted to have the opportunity to create an edible experience of what summer represents,' said Gelatissimo's Product Development Manager, Filiz Kaya
The refreshing limited-edition flavour is made from coconut water and is 100 per cent plant-based and vegan
The 'Sunkissed Coconut' flavour will be made available on December 2 across the country to celebrate National Gelatissimo Day.
To mark the beginning of summer in Australia, Gelatissimo will also be giving away free scoops in selected food trucks around Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide.
The free ice cream will be given away at Sydney's West Circular Quay, OPT forecourt, from 1-4pm, in Brisbane's Queen Street Mall from 3-5pm and Adelaide's Rundle Street Mall from 1-3pm.
To mark the beginning of summer in Australia, Gelatissimo will also be giving away free scoops in its Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide stores
A kind-hearted woman has given a home to her friend's son, after she lost her battle with ovarian cancer a disease she had also fought and beaten herself 12 years earlier.
Ellen McNulty, 52, used her knowledge of the illness to help fellow mother, Sharon Stokle - whose boy, Lewis Train, 10, was at school with her son - after she was diagnosed, aged 50.
Bridal shop owner Ellen, of Middlesbrough, Teeside, who, with her IT consultant husband, Keith, 53, adopted her two children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said: 'Sharon didn't want to die. She was so worried about Lewis, especially once she knew she would not recover, as he was an only child. She knew that I had had ovarian cancer 12 years ago and she turned to me for advice.'
But the couple, who had already looked after Lewis if Sharon was too ill to cope, or needed hospital treatment, offered to take him in if she passed away, promising to treat him like family.
Ellen McNulty, 52, pictured with husband Keith, took in Lewis Train, 10, who was at school with her son - after his mother died of cancer age 50
The couple had already looked after Lewis if Sharon, right, was too ill to cope, or needed hospital treatment
'I didn't want Sharon to be worried,' Ellen continued. 'Lewis was her world. She had so much to be worried about and I just wanted to allay her fears, so she knew he would be looked after, alongside other children.
'It's not always easy, but I have no regrets, I was with her and Lewis through the illness and they became such a big part of our lives. Lewis is like part of our family now.'
Ellen, who adopted her children three-and-a-half years ago after her own ovarian cancer battle meant she needed a hysterectomy, befriended Sharon after her own son and Lewis joined the same school class and became pals.
Sharon had split up with Lewis' dad, warehouse operative Stewart Train, 43, but they remained great friends.
'As Lewis was an only child, she liked him to have pals over, or to have someone with him on days out, so we soon became friends,' Ellen said. 'Sharon was a lovely, humble woman and a fantastic mum to Lewis and we just enjoyed having a chat while the boys played.'
Clerical assistant Sharon first discovered she was ill in June this year when, after years of saving, she took Lewis on a dream holiday to Florida
Clerical assistant Sharon first discovered she was ill in June this year when, after years of saving, she took Lewis on a dream holiday to Florida. She felt unwell but, not wanting to ruin his holiday, did not seek help while they were there.
'I think she knew it was something serious, but she didn't want Lewis to see her upset, or to spoil the holiday they had waited so long for,' Ellen continued.
But, as soon as they returned to the UK, Sharon went to Middlesbrough's James Cook Hospital, where she was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer.
'She was devastated,' said Ellen. 'Immediately, I told her we would look after Lewis. Initially, it was just while she was in hospital, but it soon became clear her illness was terminal.
'I don't think we realised how quickly she would deteriorate and she never talked about it, but we knew Lewis could live with us for as long as he needed to.
'He may be staying with us, but Stewart is still a great dad to Lewis and sees him regularly. He is helping him hugely to come to terms with losing Sharon.'
Since the family moved to a new house in August, Lewis has been sharing a bedroom, but they are planning to turn their spare room into his own personal space.
Ellen, who also helped care for Sharon, who was back and forth to hospital throughout her illness, recalled: 'Knowing Lewis would be cared for brought a lot of comfort to her.
'She spent the week before she died at home and the day before she passed, I went to see her. She was struggling to breathe, but she grabbed my arm and said, 'Ellen, thank you for everything you have done.' That was really the last thing she said to me. It meant a lot to me.'
When Sharon took her last breath on October 20, she was at home with Lewis and her dad.
Since then, Stewart and Ellen and Keith have all helped the grieving boy to cope with her funeral and with returning to school, without his mum by his side.
Ellen also helped care for Sharon, who was back and forth to hospital throughout her illness
Sharon, left, left him a memory box of stuff she'd kept as Lewis grew up. He has that to look through to remember his mother
Sharon and Lewis are pictured in Florida on their final holiday together before she passed
'It has been hard for him, but he has fitted into our family amazingly,' said Ellen. 'Going from living with Sharon and regularly seeing his dad, to living with two adults and two other children is a big change for him, but I think having people around all the time helps keep him busy at the moment.
'We talk about his mum all the time and she is very much part of his life. He collected the Christmas decorations from their house and we're going to put some of them up at ours.
'Sharon left him a memory box of stuff she'd kept as he grew up, too, and he has that to look through. We've put pictures of her up for him as well.'
To help with the added cost of keeping another child, Ellen has launched a crowdfunding page.
Lewis is now living with Ellen's family but she is crowdfunding to save money to feed an extra head
She said: 'Having another mouth to feed can be stressful and sometimes we do worry about it.
'We want to have some money set aside for Lewis, so set up the GoFundMe page just to have a little bit extra for him. The response has been amazing and Lewis is overwhelmed.
'Lewis will be with us for as long as he wants to be and there will always be a space for him in our home.'
Meanwhile, Stewart is working hard to help him deal with his devastating grief and hopes to provide a home for him in the future.
He said: 'I adore everything about my son and would do anything for him.' To donate to the page, visit https://www.gofundme.com/looking-after-lewis
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The Duchess of Cambridge said she's 'absolutely thrilled' for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as she stepped out in London a day after her brother-in-law's engagement announcement.
The pregnant mother-of-two displayed her neat baby bump in a figure-skimming Kate Spade dress, which she offset with burgundy accessories, as she arrived at the Foundling Museum in London.
Discussing Monday's happy news, the Duchess said: 'William and I are absolutely thrilled. It's such exciting news.
'It's a really happy time for any couple and we wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this happy moment.'
Her appearance comes just hours after Meghan Markle hailed her 'wonderful'. Miss Markle said the Duchess of Cambridge had been 'wonderful' to her, while Harry said both William and Kate had been 'amazing'.
The Duchess of Cambridge displayed her neat baby bump in a Kate Spade dress as she stepped out at an art gallery in London just hours after Meghan Markle hailed her 'amazing'
Kate was in high spirits as she joined in with some arts and crafts during a visit to the Foundling Museum in London
Harry talked about how he kept the relationship secret before introducing Miss Markle to his brother and sister-in-law. 'It was exciting, I mean I've - you know, I'd been seeing her for a period of time when I literally didn't tell anybody at all.
'And then William was longing to meet her and so was Catherine, so you know, being our neighbours, we managed to get that in a couple of, well, quite a few times now, and Catherine has been absolutely amazing, as has William as well, you know, fantastic support.'
'The family together have been absolutely, you know, a solid support, and my grandparents as well have been, have been wonderful throughout this whole process, and they've known for quite some time,' he said.
The Duchess of Cambridge was today at the Foundling Hospital, the UK's first children's charity and first public art gallery where she learned more about the museum's history and the way it continues to focus on its founding principles to use art and creativity as a means to support and engage children and vulnerable families.
During her visit, Kate received a briefing on the history of the hospital and how the museum continues to engage vulnerable and marginalised young people.
The 35-year-old met families and children who have benefited from the museum's education and outreach programmes, including pre-school children from a local nursery who regularly visit the museum and young care leavers who are being trained to run their own creative workshops.
Kate was presented with a posy of flowers by the little ones she met at the Foundling Museum
The Duchess is expecting her third child in the spring and showed off her neat figure in a printed pleat dress
Kate looked radiant as she arrived at the Foundling Museum in London, which explores the history of the Foundling Hospital, the UK's first children's charity and first public art gallery
Kate proved she was a good sport as she got stuck into an arts and craft session at the museum with two youngsters
Kate, who spoke out about how happy she and William were for Prince Harry, was jubilant during her trip to the museum
The Duchess of Cambridge, who is expecting her third child in the spring, helped the little ones with their crafts
Kate, who has been sporting a shorter hairstyle in recent weeks, showcased her glossy locks at the event. She gave the little ones the seal of approval after completing their artwork, right
The Duchess looked chic in a pleated Kate Spade dress, which she offset with burgundy accessories for the occasion
Kate opted for a glossy blow-dry for the occasion and donned vertiginous heels. She was greeted by the charity's founders as she arrived on Tuesday morning
Once inside, Kate met young children who had made their own lanterns and she was keen to hear all about them
Kate looked resplendent as she left the centre armed with a chic collection of flowers from one of her admirers
Kate was in high spirits as she chatted to the young children inside the museum and art gallery
Her visit comes after Harry, 33, and Miss Markle, 36, appeared at a photocall at Kensington Palace in London yesterday
Meghan Markle said 'yes' immediately to Prince Harry after he proposed on one knee while they were cooking dinner, the couple said today in their first joint interview. She also spoke of how amazing Kate and William had been with her
Kate displayed a hint of a baby bump in her designer dress as she arrived at the museum in a chauffeur-driven car
On arriving at the museum, Kate told her hosts that she was 'excited' to be there
Meghan yesterday revealed that it's been great getting to know her future sister-in-law. Harry and Meghan's 16-month whirlwind romance blossomed when they met through mutual friends in London, and the pair have been almost inseparable in recent months
Kate was visiting The Foundling Hospital, which was established in 1739 by the philanthropist Thomas Coram
Kate displayed her flawless skin and signature smokey eye as she stepped out at a charity in central London. The centre was set up to care for babies at risk of abandonment
Discussing Monday's happy news, the Duchess said: 'William and I are absolutely thrilled. It's such exciting news'
The Duchess of Cambridge visited the Foundling Museum where she learned more about the museum's history and the way it continues to focus on its founding principles to use art and creativity as a means to support and engage children and vulnerable families
The Duchess of Cambridge was treated to a tour of the Foundling Museum in London on a chilly Tuesday
The Foundling Museum explores the history of the Foundling Hospital, the UK's first children's charity and first public art gallery
The Foundling Museum explores the history of the Foundling Hospital, the UK's first children's charity and first public art gallery. The Foundling Hospital, which continues today as the children's charity Coram, was established in 1739 by the philanthropist Thomas Coram to care for babies at risk of abandonment.
After 17 years of tireless campaigning, Thomas Coram finally received a Royal Charter from King George II in 1739, enabling him to establish his Foundling Hospital. From 1741 when the first babies were admitted, to 1954 when the last pupil was placed in foster care, the Foundling Hospital cared for and educated around 25,000 children.
Instrumental in helping Coram realise his vision was the artist William Hogarth, who encouraged leading artists of the day to donate work, and George Frideric Handel, who conducted annual benefit concerts in the Hospital's chapel. Their creative generosity set the template for the ways in which the arts can support philanthropy.
Today artists continue to be central to the Foundling Museum's work; through a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events the Museum celebrates the ways in which the arts have helped improve children's lives for over 275 years and aims to inspire everyone to make a positive contribution to society.
Kate showcased her pregnancy glow as she stepped out in London on Tuesday. She wore her hair in its signature bouncy style and added a subtle blush to her cheeks
Her visit comes after Harry, 33, and Miss Markle, 36, appeared at a photocall at Kensington Palace in London yesterday.
Fifth in line to the throne Harry has been dating the American actress - who found fame in the US legal drama Suits - since the summer of last year.
Their 16-month whirlwind romance blossomed when they met through mutual friends in London, and the pair have been almost inseparable in recent months.
The couple will live together in Harry's current home, Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace, and Miss Markle will become an HRH and a senior royal.
She is expected to become a duchess - just like Kate Middleton did when she became the Duchess of Cambridge after saying her vows in 2011.
Miss Markle will most probably become HRH the Duchess of Sussex, if Harry is made the Duke of Sussex by the Queen on the morning of his wedding.
The pair were secretly engaged earlier this month, and Harry took Miss Markle to meet his grandmother the Queen for tea at Buckingham Palace in October.
Their 16-month whirlwind romance blossomed when they met through mutual friends and Meghan said the Duchess had been 'wonderful' to her
The royal looked nervous but happy and his fiancee stroked his arm lovingly as they spoke to reporters, who asked him: 'When did you know she was the one?' and he replied: 'From the very first time we met'
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were the surprise stars of Friday night's Royal Variety Performance show, when Will was cajoled into taking part in a comedy sketch by the show's host, Miranda Hart.
Kate burst into fits of giggles when the Duke gamely took part in a comedy skit, obligingly shouting the catch-phrase 'such fun' whenever Hart requested him to from the stage at the London Palladium.
Sitting in the royal box under a spotlight, the Duke performed his part enthusiastically while the Duchess dissolved into fits of laughter.
Hart said that compelling Prince William to participate in the show was on her to-do list for the Royal Variety duties.
Kate, who is four months pregnant with the couple's third child, looked stunning in a bespoke Jenny Packham crystal-embellished, full-length blue gown.
After their unexpected participation in the show, the couple enjoyed performances by Paloma Faith, The Killers, Louis Tomlinson, Seal and The Script at the London Palladium.
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The world might already be excited for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding next spring, but the British monarchy isn't the only royal family celebrating a love match this week.
Prince Christian of Hanover, 32, the stepson of Princess Caroline of Monaco, tied the knot with fiancee Alessandra de Osma, 25, in a low-key civil ceremony at the Chelsea and Westminster registry office in London on Sunday.
The couple, who will also marry in a more lavish ceremony in Alessandra's native Peru in March next year, were joined by members of Monaco society for the service, which was followed by a wedding breakfast at the Ritz hotel.
Guests included Princess Caroline's daughter, Charlotte Casiraghi, 31, who attended with her film producer boyfriend Dimitri Rassam, and her sons Pierre and Andrea Pierre and Andrea Casiraghil, who were joined by their glamorous wives.
Prince Christian and Alessandra have lived in Madrid for several years but are understood to have selected London for their nuptials as it is where his mother, Chantal Hochuli, is based.
Spliced! Prince Christian of Hanover, 32, stands next to his fashion designer bride Alessandra de Osma after the couple were married in a low-key civil union at the Chelsea and Westminster register office. Guests included Charlotte Casiraghi and her boyfriend Dimitri Rassam (pictured second from far left and far left) Pierre Casiraghi and his wife Beatrice Borromeo (top row, second from left, second row from top, second from left) and Andrea Casiraghi (top row, far right) and his wife Tatiana Santa Domingo (middle row, far right). The groom's mother (middle row, third from left), Chantal Hochuli, was also in attendance, wearing a deep emerald frock coat
Sealed with a kiss: Prince Christian offers a kiss to his new wife as well-wishers - many from Monaco society - look on. Right: It's official! Designer Alessandra looked elegant in a tweed cream coat with pearl buttons. She wore her brunette locks loose
Bridal shoes! Alessandra opted for a beautiful pair of Aquazzura heart breaker suede pumps, priced at 420...and just one day later, Meghan Markle sported a very similar version of the on-point heel as she stood by Prince Harry's side as the couple announced their engagement to the world
Fashion designer and model Alessandra, who first met Prince Christian in 2005 when she was just 14, looked the picture of elegance in a 1950s style cream tweed coat with textured sleeves from Chanel's autumn winter 2017 collection.
On her feet, she opted for a simple pair of Aquazzura heart breaker suede pumps, priced at 420, and carried a spray of delicate white flowers.
Meghan Markle had stepped out just a day later in a very similar pair while announcing her engagement to Prince Harry on the steps of Kensington Palace.
Meanwhile the groom, who is the second son of Ernst of Hanover and his ex-wife Ms Hochuli, 62, wore a navy blue suit with pale blue shirt and a sky-blue tie.
Hochuli, wearing a deep emerald frock coat, smiled as she threw a plume of rose petal confetti over the bride and groom and looked delighted to be celebrating her youngest son's wedding.
The prince's step-brother Pierre Casiraghi, the grandson of Grace Kelly, was in attendance with his wife, royal style icon Beatrice Borromeo.
Charlotte Casiraghi showcased her effortlessly cool style, opting for a masculine suit, oversized navy coat and chunky burgundy brogues for the occasion. She wore her brunette locks in a low-maintenance down do.
While the groom opted for a relaxed fit navy blue suit with pale blue shirt and a mid-blue tie, Alessandra's show-stealing cream Chanel coat was complemented by a pair of nude suede heels with strap detail around the ankle. The South American designer carried a spray of delicate white flowers in a simple bouquet. To the far right of the couple is Princess Alexandra, the only child of Princess Caroline and Prince Ernst August; the 18-year-old wore an eye-catching pair of sparkly gold boots with a grey wool coat
Guests included Charlotte Casiraghi, pictured, the granddaughter of Princess Grace Kelly, and her boyfriend Dimitri Rassam
The couple, who first met when Alessandra was just 14 and acting as Christian's tour guide in Peru in 2005, will celebrate with a lavish religious ceremony in Peru on March 15th next year
Welcome to the family! On a chilly Sunday morning in West London, the couple's guests were wrapped up warm as they gathered to throw confetti on the newlyweds. Wearing an emerald green coat over a cerise dress, Chantal Hochuli, the groom's mother, led the confetti-throwing
Just married: Alessandra has become one of the world's most fashionable members of the royal set in recent years; the designer is a regular on the global couture circuit
Members of the Hanover family look on as the couple pose for images. Right: Chantal Hochuli plumes rose petals over her son and new daughter-in-law
Eighteen-year-old Princess Alexandra, the only child of Princess Caroline and Prince Ernst August, chatted to a male companion outside the Ritz. The teenager looked chic - and warm - in a belted wool grey coat and eye-catching sparkling gold boots with a delicate piece of blue net fascinator covering her eyes.
As the couple posed for photographs on the steps of the register office, other key figures in the Monaco royal family stood by their side including Andrea Casiraghi with his wife Tatiana and Charlotte Casiraghi and her boyfriend Dimitri Rassam.
The couple announced their plans to marry earlier this year after dating for six years; they first met when De Osma was Christian's teenage tour guide on a visit to Peru in 2005.
The Latin beauty has become known for her couture-heavy wardrobe and is regularly seen on the global fashion circuit.
Alessandra has been dubbed 'Princess of the Andes' since she and Prince Christian went public with their relationship six years ago
Prince Ernst-August Junior of Hanover, far left, was seen with his pregnant Czech-raised wife Ekaterina Malysheva, far right. Right: Brothers Pierre and Andrea Casiraghi make their way from the registry office to the Ritz
Time for a sneaky cigarette: Andrea Casiraghi takes the air outside the Ritz: Right: a doorman at the luxury hotel chats with the guests as they arrive for the reception at the Piccadilly hotel
Princess Alexandra, 18, daughter of Princess Caroline of Hanover and Prince Ernst August of Hanover, looked stylish in a warm grey belted coat as she checked her phone outside the Ritz. The young Monaco royal then compared phone screens with her male companion
An American hunter whose nose was ripped off by a bear is having it regrown on his arm in a pioneering new treatment.
Lee Brooke, 60, from Pennsylvania, was on a hunting trip in Wyoming in October 2016 when he was attacked by a bear, who took off both his nose and lips.
His brother-in-law later found his nose and doctors were able to attach it to his arm to keep the cells alive. The nose is now regrowing above his right wrist and will later be reattached to Mr Brooke's face.
Speaking on This Morning today, Mr Brooke spoke of his 'miracle' recovery - and revealed that he has continued to hunt since the accident.
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Lee Brooke, 60, was on a hunting trip in Wyoming in the US in October 2016 when a bear took off his nose. He appeared on This Morning with his wife Martha, pictured, to share his story
Doctors attached Brooke's nose to his arm, pictured, with the help of leeches and it is expected to be reattached to his face in the next couple of years
A tearful Brooke said it was an 'amazing process' to reconstruct his face, admitting he is lucky to be alive.
It will take doctors another couple of years to complete the reconstruction on Brooke's nose.
Medics used leeches to keep the blood in the nose flowing so they could reattach it just above his wrist on his right arm.
The nose will only have one nostril as the left one died when he was left for seven hours without medical assistance.
He said: 'It's an amazing process, they reattached it [my nose] to my arm the next day. The used leeches to keep it alive. It didn't all survive but they have enough to work with. It will take a year or two years to reattach. My lip died so I lost my moustache. My left nostril died. It's going to take a year of surgeries.'
Brooke, who is a keen hunter, before the accident took place with his wife Megan
Holly Willoughby called the treatment 'unbelievable' as his wife Martha admitted he'd had a 'miracle escape'.
Mr Brooke became separated from his hunting group when he an approached an elk he had shot in the mountains of Wyoming.
Suddenly a 420lbs female bear attacked him from behind, ripping off half his face and knocking him unconscious.
He woke to feel her sniffing at his cheek and could even feel her whiskers.
It took seven hours for Brooke to be found before he was rushed to hospital and put in a medically induced coma for one month
Brooke became emotional on This Morning as he admitted he was lucky to be alive
Blinded by blood soaking his eyes, Lee managed to grab a steak knife from his pocket and stab the bear in the head, just inches from her deadly jaws.
She retreated which gave Lee the chance to escape.
Badly mutilated and bleeding heavily, he screamed into the woods for help.
He said that he did not know if he would survive the attack, but was determined to live to see his wife Martha again.
He said it was an 'amazing' process to reconstruct his face as he recounted his story
Brooke said what got him through the ordeal was his determination to see his wife Martha again
He had been separated from his hunting party, but hearing his cries, his brother-in-law George Neal found him.
He also retrieved his severed nose and upper lip before helping him down the mountain where they could find phone reception and called for help.
He was rushed to hospital where he was put in a medically induced coma for one month at the Swedish Burn and Reconstructive Unit in Colorado.
Hours of surgery kept him alive and preserved part of his nose.
The Duchess of Cornwall has expressed her delight over Prince Harry's engagement to her soon-to-be stepdaughter-in-law Meghan Markle saying today 'America's loss is our gain'.
Camilla, 70, joined Prince Charles, 69, on a visit to Stoke-on-Trent on Tuesday where they met with pantomime actors and viewed some of Britain's other cultural treasures.
During a visit to Poundbury on Monday Prince Charles revealed that he was delighted about the upcoming nuptials of his son to the US actress and it seems Camilla shares his sentiment.
Camilla said 'America's loss is our gain' following the announcement American Meghan will be taking British citizenship to become a dual national.
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The Duchess of Cornwall has described her stepdaughter-in-law to be, Meghan Markle as 'a star' during a visit to Stoke-on-Trent on Tuesday
Speaking during a visit with the Prince of Wales to Stoke-on-Trent on Tuesday, Camilla said the royal family was 'absolutely thrilled' by the news, formally unveiled on Monday, of the forthcoming wedding.
She said: 'It's brilliant (news) and as I said, America's loss is our gain. We are all absolutely delighted.
'As you can see, they are so happy.
'Sometimes, you know, in a climate where we are surrounded by a lot of bad news, it's a real joy to have a bit of good news for once. As I said before, we are delighted.'
When asked by the Daily Mail's royal correspondent Rebecca English, about Meghan Markle Prince Harry's stepmother said she was 'a star'.
She tweeted from Stoke: 'Ah, sweet: asked about her new step-daughter-in-law #MeghanMarkle today, the Duchess of Cornwall said: 'She's a star'. How nice!'
English also reported that Camilla was presented with an engagement card by a young girl. She thanked her and assured her 'I'll make sure they get it.'
Camilla joined Prince Charles in the town of Stoke where they were greeted by the Mow Cop Players, who are currently performing Snow White at a nearby theatre
Charles and Camilla were visiting the Potteries Museum to see a project to create a free online bank of pre-1900 watercolours from around the world, and catch a glimpse of recently-uncovered priceless Iron Age relics.
The Duchess of Cornwall looked her elegant best as she wrapped up from the cold in a blue wool coat featuring navy embroidery on the sleeve.
The royal couple, who are both patrons of the Watercolour World, had earlier been greeted by the Mow Cop Players, who are currently performing Snow White at a nearby theatre.
The prince shook hands with 21-year-old actor Cameron Hancock, who is playing the panto's own Prince Charming.
Charles and Camilla also paid a visit to the Potteries Museum to see a project to create a free online bank of pre-1900 watercolours from around the world and admire ancient artefacts
The royal couple, who are both patrons of the Watercolour World, could be seen admiring paintings on display at the musuem
The visit came a day after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle formally announced their engagement, in what has been billed as a real fairytale romance.
They were met at the start of a day of engagements in Stoke by a cheering crowd of about 100 people who had turned out in the bright winter sunshine, as Charles quipped: 'Are you all here to see the pantomime?'
Inside the couple took a closer look at part of the famous Staffordshire Hoard, and donned white gloves to handle the gold Leekfrith torcs, dug up in a field by metal detectorists, with Charles describing the find as 'amazing'.
The Prince of Wales and thee Duchess of Cornwall look at Queen Victoria wedding dress that was used in the TV drama that was also on display at the museum
The royal couple took time to sign a visitors book during their visit to the Potteries museum
They were also shown the First Day Vase, thrown by Josiah Wedgwood in 1769 to mark his founding of the Etruria manufactory, and recently secured for the public and future generations after 485,200 was raised for its purchase.
Afterwards, the royal party split up, as the Duchess headed across town to Stoke City FC stadium where, as patron of the National Literacy Trust, she was meeting more than 200 schoolchildren taking part in reading activities.
Meanwhile, Charles visited the nearby Bethesda Chapel, once known as the Cathedral of Methodism, where restoration of the late 18th century church is ongoing.
Parishioner Doris Askey, 87, told him she had been coming to the church since she was 16, but apologised for being hard of hearing.
Later the royals split up and Camilla headed across town to Stoke City FC stadium where she was meeting more than 200 schoolchildren taking part in reading activities
She said: 'I explained that I was deaf and he said he understood because his great-grandmother was deaf and he used to have to shout at her, to make her hear him.'
Afterwards the Prince listened to a short organ recital of Elgar's Imperial March by chapel organist Michael Rhodes.
Charles, applauding the playing, joked 'good job the organ worked'.
Their visit comes after Harry, 33, and Miss Markle, 36, appeared at a photocall at Kensington Palace in London yesterday.
American Meghan, a protestant who went to a catholic high school, will be baptised and confirmed before the spring church wedding at Windsor Castle and is also said to be taking British citizenship to become a dual national.
Fifth in line to the throne Harry has been dating the actress - who found fame in the US legal drama Suits - since the summer of last year.
Their 16-month whirlwind romance blossomed when they met through mutual friends in London, and the pair have been almost inseparable in recent months.
The couple will live together in Harry's current home, Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace, and Miss Markle will become an HRH and a senior royal.
She is expected to become a duchess - just like Kate Middleton did when she became the Duchess of Cambridge after saying her vows in 2011.
Miss Markle will most probably become HRH the Duchess of Sussex, if Harry is made the Duke of Sussex by the Queen on the morning of his wedding.
The pair were secretly engaged earlier this month, and Harry took Miss Markle to meet his grandmother the Queen for tea at Buckingham Palace in October.
It was Jared Kushner's turn to take on the school run this morning, as he dutifully escorted his children from their home in D.C. while his wife Ivanka Trump was in India speaking at a business summit.
The father-of-three, 36, was seen leaving the family home a little before 7 am today, along with his two eldest children daughter Arabella, six, and Joseph, four.
He walked out of the property, which is in the upscale neighborhood of Kalorama, smiling as he guided his little ones towards a parked Secret Service SUV.
Doting dad: Jared Kushner took his children to school (including Arabella, six, donning an angel costume) this morning while Ivanka Trump traveled to India
Trio: The dad, 36, was seen leaving his home in Washington, D.C. a little before 7 am today with his two eldest childrendaughter Arabella, six, and Joseph, four
Greeting the day: Jared was ready for work as he completed the school run, sticking to his classics in a dark suit and tie with a white shirt
Jared stood by as Arabella, donning an angel costume, hopped inside the vehicle, followed by Joseph.
Arabella at one point looked up at her father, clearly showcasing the angel halo affixed to her head thanks to a headband, which might be related to a performance at school.
Ivanka and Jared's youngest child, one-year-old Theodore, wasn't seen, likely owing to the fact that he hasn't started school yet and thus can afford a later start to his day.
Jared was ready for work as he completed the school run, sticking to his classics in a dark suit and tie with a white shirt.
His fellow senior White House adviser, Ivanka, 36, traveled to Hyderabad, India, today, to give the opening speech at the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which she is headlining.
Family time: The dad walked out of his home in the upscale neighborhood of Kalorama, smiling as he guided his little ones towards a parked Secret Service SUV
A helping hand: Jared rested his hand close to Joseph as the little boy hopped onto the SUV
His turn: With his two little ones having boarded the car safely, Jared stepped inside as well
India rolled out the red carpet ahead of her visit on Tuesday, with thousands of policemen standing on guard in the southern tech hub of Hyderabad, where the summit is taking place.
Billboards with pictures of Ivanka dotted many parts of the city, which is home to major U.S. firms such as Microsoft. The city has also cleared away beggars and filled potholes ahead of the visit.
During her speech, Ivanka urged India to close its yawning gender gap in the job market, telling the summit in her biggest foreign mission yet that this would bring huge economic benefits.
President Donald Trump's eldest daughter urged India to seize the untapped potential in women in a speech before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business leaders in Hyderabad.
India is one of the world's fastest growing major economies but also has one of the lowest rates of female employment, a trend that has worsened over the last decade.
The World Bank has warned that the country must reverse a trend of falling women's participation in jobs if it is to achieve its ambition of double-digit growth.
'Just consider, if India closes the labour force gender gap by half, your economy could grow by over $150 billion dollars in the next three years,' Ivanka told the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.
'I encourage everyone here today to come together, to learn from each other, and to find new ways to lift the barriers in our societies so that women are free to innovate.'
Female participation in India's workforce has declined since 2007, particularly in rural areas.
Duties: Ivanka, 36, traveled to Hyderabad, India, today, to give the opening speech at the 2017 Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which she is headlining
Message: President Donald Trump's eldest daughter urged India to seize the untapped potential in women in a speech before Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business leaders
Women remain in education for longer, but even college-educated women are staying out of the workplacejust 34 per cent of those with a degree are working, the World Bank reported in May.
It said Indias female labour force participation rate was 'uniquely low' for all levels of education.
Ivanka, without directly referring to India, lamented inequitable laws and cultural pressures that in some countries prevent women from working or travelling freely.
The White House adviser is scheduled to attend a gala dinner today with Modi, who referenced ancient Hindu philosophy, high court judges and India's space program when touting the contribution of women to the nation of 1.25 billion.
'Indian women continue to lead in different walks of life,' he told delegates gathering for the three-day summit.
'We have provided for not less than one third of women representation in rural and urban local bodies, ensuring women's participation in grassroot-level decision-making. More than sixty per cent of workers in our agriculture and allied sectors are women.'
More than 1,200 people are expected to attend the three-day conference, although not everyone is thrilled about Ivanka's presence.
'It's now being called Ivanka Trump's summit. It totally overshadows all our work,' said Sangeeta Agarawal, the chief executive of U.S. startup Helpsy Health. 'We feel that's it become more about her.'
Speech: Ivanka, without directly referring to India, lamented inequitable laws and cultural pressures that in some countries prevent women from working or travelling freely
Meeting: The first daughter was photographed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (front) and Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrashekara Rao (left)
And the conference's focus on female entrepreneurs raises questions about some of the commercial decisions made by Ivanka and her famous namesake brand.
Critics have faulted her for failing to use her leadership role to call out labor and human rights abuses, particularly in China, where the bulk of her U.S. merchandise ships from. And they point out that she has failed to take a public stand on alleged abuses in her brand's own supply chain.
Ivanka stepped back from day-to-day management of her brand before taking on an official role as White House adviser, but still retains an ownership interest.
Abigail Klem, president of the Ivanka Trump brand, has called supply chain integrity 'a top priority,' but the brand has not joined the growing number of companies that publicly identify their manufacturers.
A September investigation by The Associated Press showed that Ivanka's supply chain has become more opaque than ever since she took on her White House role, making it impossible to know who her company is doing business with around the world. The brand has said supply chains are the responsibility of its licensees.
Earlier this month, 23 rights groups signed a letter urging Ivanka, her brand and two licensees to publish the names and addresses of suppliers.
They also urged Ivanka and her brand to publicly demand that the Chinese government not prosecute three activists detained this past summer while investigating the brand's supply chain, and allow independent monitoring of factories.
She rarely puts a foot wrong in the sartorial stakes.
And Queen Letizia looked typically chic as she joined husband King Felipe in Caravaca de la Cruz, Murcia, to mark the town's Jubilee Year.
The mother-of-two wrapped up in a sophisticated grey coat featuring voluminous sleeves, which she teamed with a pair of snakeskin print heels.
The Spanish royal, 45, accessorised the look with pear-drop diamond earrings, while adding a touch of colour with a berry lipstick.
Queen Letizia looked typically chic in a grey coat and snakeskin print heels as she joined King Felipe in Caravaca De la Cruz, Murcia
Her husband Felipe, 49, meanwhile looked smart as they attended a ceremony at the Basilica Santuario de la Vera Cruz, where the town's famous Holy Cross relic is kept.
The royal couple took time to shake hands well-wishers who lined the streets in anticipation of their arrival.
Their visit coincides with Caravaca De la Cruz's Jubilee Year, which sees pilgrims making their way to the town in south-west Spain.
The first Jubilee Year was held in 2003, with thousands of visitors now travelling to the town every seven years.
The mother-of-two greeted well-wishers who lined the streets in anticipation for their arrival
The royal couple's visit to the town in south-west Spain coincides with its Jubilee Year
Felipe looked smart in a suit and yellow tie as they visited the Basilica Santuario de la Vera Cruz
Felipe has been forced to cancel a number of engagements in recent months due to the crisis in Catalonia.
However, it has been largely been business as usual for Letizia, who attended a journalism awards ceremony in Madrid on Wednesday.
The royal dazzled in a sparkling 1920s inspired mini dress at the event, which she wore with a black stiletto heels.
The event no doubt brought back some memories for the former journalist, who enjoyed a lengthy career in TV and newspapers before marrying Felipe in 2004.
Letizia was seen taking part in a ceremony at the church, where the town's famous Holy Cross relic is kept
The first Jubilee Year in Caravaca De la Cruz was held in 2003, with thousands of visitors now travelling to the town every seven years
Prince William played the doting grandson as he joined his grandmother to host the President of Germany and his wife at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
The Queen beamed with pride at her eldest grandson as they greeted the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife Elke Budenbender outside the Grand Entrance before a private lunch at Buckingham Palace.
It was little surprise that the Queen, who looked resplendent in a pink suit, was in such high spirits after Prince Harry announced he is engaged to Meghan Markle yesterday.
The Queen beamed with pride as she and William greeted the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and his wife Elke Budenbender at Buckingham Palace
The Queen was all smiles as she beamed at the Duke of Cambridge following news of Prince Harry's engagement
Newly-engaged Meghan yesterday recalled the first meeting she had with the Queen and revealed the love Prince Harry has for his beloved grandmother.
In a touching interview, the 36-year-old actress spoke warmly about Her Majesty - and how she instantly bonded with her famous Corgis.
The American suits star praised the 91-year-old monarch, who she said was 'an incredible woman.'
Ms Markle revealed she had met the Queen 'a couple of times' for tea.
And when she moved one of her dogs over to the UK, it was perhaps the clearest indication that she was serious about Prince Harry.
The actress brought her beagle Guy to live at Kensington Palace as her romance with the royal got serious.
Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Cambridge greeted the President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife
Prince William has stepped in to carry out more engagements with his grandmother after Prince Philip retired
Her second dog, labrador-shepherd Bogart, is currently staying with friends in Canada.
Miss Markle has described the pair, which were rescued from a shelter in Los Angeles, as 'my loves', 'my boys' and said they 'mean the absolute world' to her.
And Prince Harry joked at his annoyance that the Queen's corgis, who have barked at him all his life, took to his fiancee 'straight away.'
She described how when she met the monarch, they 'sweetly lay on my feet during tea, it was very sweet.'
Prince Harry added: 'Just wagging tails and I was just like argh!'
Meghan Markle said 'yes' immediately to Prince Harry after he proposed on one knee while they were cooking dinner, the couple said today in their first joint interview. She also spoke of how amazing Kate and William had been with her
The royal looked nervous but happy and his fiancee stroked his arm lovingly as they spoke to reporters, who asked him: 'When did you know she was the one?' and he replied: 'From the very first time we met'
Meanwhile, across town, the Duchess of Cambridge said she's 'absolutely thrilled' for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as she stepped out in London a day after her brother-in-law's engagement announcement.
The pregnant mother-of-two displayed her neat baby bump in a figure-skimming Kate Spade dress, which she offset with burgundy accessories, as she arrived at the Foundling Museum in London.
Discussing Monday's happy news, the Duchess said: 'William and I are absolutely thrilled. It's such exciting news.
'It's a really happy time for any couple and we wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this happy moment.'
Her appearance comes just hours after Meghan Markle hailed her 'wonderful'. Miss Markle said the Duchess of Cambridge had been 'wonderful' to her, while Harry said both William and Kate had been 'amazing'.
Harry talked about how he kept the relationship secret before introducing Miss Markle to his brother and sister-in-law. 'It was exciting, I mean I've - you know, I'd been seeing her for a period of time when I literally didn't tell anybody at all.
'And then William was longing to meet her and so was Catherine, so you know, being our neighbours, we managed to get that in a couple of, well, quite a few times now, and Catherine has been absolutely amazing, as has William as well, you know, fantastic support.'
The Duchess of Cambridge displayed her neat baby bump in a Kate Spade dress as she stepped out at an art gallery in London just hours after Meghan Markle hailed her 'amazing'
'The family together have been absolutely, you know, a solid support, and my grandparents as well have been, have been wonderful throughout this whole process, and they've known for quite some time,' he said.
Harry, 33, and Miss Markle, 36, appeared at a photocall at Kensington Palace in London yesterday.
Fifth in line to the throne Harry has been dating the American actress - who found fame in the US legal drama Suits - since the summer of last year.
Their 16-month whirlwind romance blossomed when they met through mutual friends in London, and the pair have been almost inseparable in recent months.
Kate was in high spirits as she joined in with some arts and crafts during a visit to the Foundling Museum in London
The couple will live together in Harry's current home, Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace, and Miss Markle will become an HRH and a senior royal.
She is expected to become a duchess - just like Kate Middleton did when she became the Duchess of Cambridge after saying her vows in 2011.
Miss Markle will most probably become HRH the Duchess of Sussex, if Harry is made the Duke of Sussex by the Queen on the morning of his wedding.
The pair were secretly engaged earlier this month, and Harry took Miss Markle to meet his grandmother the Queen for tea at Buckingham Palace in October.
She has been incredibly vocal about how frequently people say her name incorrectly, so you might think Irish actress Saoirse Ronan has made it her business to never mispronounce the name of another celebrity.
But as it turns out, the Oscar nominated actress has just as much of a hard time pronouncing certain A-list names as others do with her moniker, and she isn't afraid to admit it.
Sitting down for an interview with Popsugar, the 23-year-old was asked to try and pronounce other unusual names of her fellow Hollywood stars.
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Say my name: Actress Saoirse Ronan was asked by Popsugar to try and pronounce several unusual celebrity names
Getting it right: The 23-year-old has made it her business to get people to pronounce her Irish name correctly
Mouthful: Saoirse started the video giving the correct pronunciation of her own name and gave examples of how not to say it
She was given cue cards with the names of celebrities written on them and was then asked to read out the names on camera.
Those featured included Wonderwoman star Gal Godot, This Is Us actor, Milo Ventimiglia and Girls actress, Zosia Mamet.
Starting off, Saoirse gives viewers the correct pronunciation of her own name, which is the Irish word for 'freedom'.
'Most people don't know how to pronounce my name,' she says with a smile. 'They'll say "Soarsay", "Sheershay", "Smearshay", you know, all sorts.'
Next up, she is asked to pronounce Gal Godot. Believing she knows the correct way to say it, Saoirse pronounces the last name without the 't', however, she is corrected that Godot is actually pronounced 'Gah-DOTE'.
Saoirse cannot comprehend this and tells the producer who is sitting off camera, 'the people who work with her call her Gal Gah-DOH so they're all wrong.'
However, she does earn some brownie points back when she correctly says Mia Wasikowska's name, emphasizing that phonetically it is pronounced, 'Mee-uh Va-shee-KOV-ska'.
Magic Mike actor Joe Manganiello is the third name on the list, however Saoirse struggles to get her head around the Italian surname, initially saying, 'Joe MAN-jello', before admitting she doesn't know how to say it.
Gal pals: Saoirse thought she could pronounce Gal Gadot but mispronounced her last name
All about Mia: Saoirse got Mia Wasikowska's name in one
Magic Manganiello: Saoirse couldn't wrap her tongue around this Italian surname
Just fine: The Brooklyn star had no problem with this tricky name
The producer then tells her the correct pronunciation is 'MAN-guh-nello'.
Fourth on the list is Games of Thrones actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
While Saoirse nails his first name - 'NEE-ko-ly' - and last name - Waldo - the Coster part gives her trouble as she incorrectly says Coster (as in Kevin) instead of 'Coaster'.
However, when Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson's name pops up, Saoirse confidently pronounces his name with ease, telling the camera, 'Oh, I know this one! DO-nal Gleeson!'
She then tells viewers, 'Not DOM-nell'.
English actor Ralph Fiennes follows and Saoirse knows straight away to pronounce his first name 'RAY-ff', before telling viewers his surname is pronounced, 'FINE-z'.
She also correctly says Zosia Mamet - 'ZAH-sha mamet'.
However her winning streak is quickly over when the name Tea Leoni pops up, not realising Tea is pronounced 'TAY-ah' and not tea which Saoirse says is her 'favourite thing'.
She is also completely thrown by Dancing with the Stars alumni, Maksim Chmerkovskiy but makes a brave attempt, saying, 'MAK-sim Shmer-KOV-sky'.
Luck of the Irish: Saoirse smiled as she pronounced Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson's name
Miles to go: The This Is Us actor's surname was a little bit more difficult to master
Tea time: Saoirse thought Tea was pronounced like tea, her 'favourite thing'
Go with the chlo: While Chloe Sevigny might throw some people, Saoirse knew how to say it
When the producer tells her it is 'Shmer-KOVE-sky', they agree to give her the point as it is so close.
And The Good Wife actor, Matt Czuchry doesn't fare any better with Saoirse admitting straight away, 'I always have trouble with this one'.
Czuchry is pronounced 'ZOO-krie'.
Chloe Sevigny is next on the list and her name rolls off Saoirse's tongue - 'KLOH-ee SE-ven-yee', however Milo Ventimiglia isn't afforded the same honor as Saoirse opts for 'Ven-ti-MIG-lia' instead of 'Ven-tih-MEE-lee-uh'.
She is then told she has answered seven out of 13 names correctly before bursting into laughter.
Saoirse made the headlines in 2016 when she famously wore a sign on the The Ellen Show to help people learn how to pronounce her name. It read: 'Hello, my name is Sur-sha'.
Ryan Gosling also set the record straight for people while presenting the Oscar nominee with the New Hollywood Award at the Hollywood Film Awards in 2016.
Gosling told the audience: 'Its Ser-sha, like inertia'.
Forget fillet steak and pork chops... sales of pigs' trotters are soaring thanks to a revival of old-fashioned cheaper cuts of meat.
The nation's appetite for pork cheeks, shanks and beef brisket has also grown.
Supermarkets have been increasingly stocking ranges of so-called 'forgotten' cuts, while celebrity chefs have encouraged shoppers to think about using recipes that were popular in more austere times.
Cheap and delicious: Waitrose has now seen sales of pigs' trotters, pictured in file image, jump by more than a third - 36 per cent - from last year as the nation rediscovers chepear cuts
Michel Roux Jr and the restaurant Hawksmoor both even have recipes for a whole pig's head.
Trotters which are still popular in France, China and southern US states were commonly eaten in the UK until the 1950s.
But after decades of being out of fashion, Waitrose has now seen sales of trotters jump by more than a third 36 per cent from last year. Sales of pork cheeks and shanks are up by 30 per cent and beef brisket rose by 20 per cent.
The store introduced forgotten meat cuts nine years ago in the wake of the financial crisis.
Since then other supermarkets have brought out their own ranges of cuts, including beef skirt, ox cheek and offal.
Versatile: Trotters are usually simmered for two to three hours in a stock until the meat falls away from the bone. They can also be deep-fried or barbecued. Pictured, braised trotters
Recipe: Sticky Chinese Pig Trotters Ingredients (serves two) 4 pigs trotters 1tbsp Chinese five spice 4tbsp dark soy sauce 2tbsp rice wine vinegar 5 garlic cloves 2 inches of ginger Sticky Chinese Glaze: 2tbsp light soy sauce 1tbsp dark soy sauce 1tbsp honey inch of ginger, grated 1tbsp rice wine vinegar Sprinkle of star anise and cloves (or Chinese five spice) Method 1. Preheat oven at 200C/Gas 6 2. Soak the trotters in cold water for a few hours and pat down dry before cooking 3. Place the trotters in a pan of water and simmer for 2 hours with the other ingredients 4. Carefully remove the trotters and place in a small roasting tray 5. Mix the Chinese glaze ingredients together and add to the pork trotters in the roasting dish 6. Place the roasting dish into the oven and cook for 25 minutes 7. Remove the trotters from the oven and leave to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Source: Field & Flower Advertisement
Trotters are usually simmered for two to three hours in a stock until the meat falls away from the bone. Boiled trotters can be coated in butter and breadcrumbs and then baked for 20 minutes. They can also be deep-fried or barbecued.
They are generally sold from a fresh meat counter at 1.99 per kilo, which means one, typically weighing 440g, would cost 88p.
But they are not just a bargain. Advocates of the revival of 1950s recipes argue the food tastes better. Trotters have even been hailed as a health food as they are rich in collagen, the protein responsible for skin and muscle tone.
Waitrose said a survey found shoppers are increasingly looking for cheaper cuts that don't compromise on taste or quality.
Food trend: Recipes on the Waitrose website for forgotten cuts of meat have also been more popular with searches for Sichuan Smoked Pig Cheeks With Plum Ketchup up by 33 per cent
Recipes on their website for forgotten cuts of meat have also been more popular, with searches for Sichuan Smoked Pig Cheeks With Plum Ketchup up by 33 per cent on last year, Slow-Cooked Pig Cheeks with Pea Tops and Seared Scallops up by 140 per cent and American-style Roast Beef Brisket up by 350 per cent.
Waitrose buyer Andy Boulton said: 'Our customers now buy thousands of these once forgotten cuts each week.
'Many chefs and restaurants are championing the cuts. The growing use of them in the mainstream is giving shoppers more confidence about trying recipes using these cuts at home. We have a policy to buy the whole animal from farmers, so the growing trend is great to ensure we make the best use of every cut.'
Karlie Kloss shared the last-minute beauty tricks she used to make her skin glow for the Victoria's Secret Fashion show.
On Monday, the 25-year-old supermodel shared a video on her YouTube channel with celebrity facialist Georgia Louise, who flew to Shanghai to take care of some of the Angels' skin before the big event.
Gushing that Georgia has 'hands of magic,' she introduced her to share four 'amazing hacks' to improve your skin in just a few minutes.
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Strutting her stuff! Karlie Kloss walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show this year in Shanghai
See it: The show took place on November 20 but airs tonight on CBS
Gorgeous The stunning 25-year-old looked flawless and had glowing skin
Just a few minutes... In a new video, she shares the last-minute skincare tricks she used that morning
Freezing! She starts off by splashing her face with ice water for 20 seconds
Brr! The technique tightens skin and helped wake Karlie up
When the video starts, it is 7:40am on the day of the big show, and Karlie says she has to be in the lobby to get working in 20 minutes so their routine will have to be fast.
Georgia starts by placing a big bowl of ice water on Karlie lap, explaining that submerging one's face in it for 20 seconds can do wonders.
'It may sound really horrible, but trust me, it's gonna tighten and brighten your skin,' she says, demonstrating by holding her face close to the bowl and repeatedly bring the cubes up to rub on her face.
Karlie cringes but follows instructions, proclaiming when she's done: 'I'm up! There's no question about that.'
For the second step, Georgia says that they don't have time to cleanse Karlie's face, and instead will do a mask. She pulls out a bowl with a white cream in it, which she says is brightening and hydrating.
Circulation: Celebrity facialist Georgia Louise appeared in the video to share her tricks, which also including using a face mask and massaging it in
Speedy skin: She demonstrated the tricks that can be used in a hurry
Moisturized: Georgia also likes using a serum after the face mask
Rub it: Finally, she whipped out two metal freeze sticks
Cold: Georgia used them to massage Karlie's face but said spoons kept in the freezer would do
'Any cream mask is a really good choice,' she says, claiming that it is more effective than a cleanser.
Dropping a dime-sized dollop into Karlie's palms, she demonstrates warming the cream between her hands before the two start rubbing it on their faces, massaging it in for a few moments.
Showing off her go-to techniques, she moves her hands over her forehead toward her hair line, then over her brows, and around the bridge of her nose. Finally, she moves over her cheeks and chin.
'We're gonna have a lot of make-up on today for the show, so we want to have a good foundation,' Karlie says.
Georgia, who has worked with skin for 22 years, then shows how to wipe the mask off before moving onto the third step, a hydrating serum.
Ooh-la-la! The video was filmed just hours before Karlie hit the runway
Clean slate: She wanted to get her face ready for the make-up artists to work
Perfect palette: She looked gorgeous at the big event that evening
Working it: Karlie modeled two looks at the show, including this one with floral wings
Sporty: She also wore this more casual ensemble of plaid lingerie
As we age... The star admitted that she always had good skin but recently has been having more trouble with it
Explaining why this is important, she notes that women don't want to put something heavy on their skin before applying make-up, but at the same time Karlie doesn't want to present a cracked, peeling face to make-up artist.
Karlie admits she has been having trouble with her skin lately and is just now learning to take better care of it, saying, 'I really took for granted having good skin.'
With the serum on, they demonstrate tapotment, a Swedish massage technique that stimulates skin. They each dot their fingers all over their faces
Finally, for the last step, Georgia takes out a pair of freeze sticks, metal tools that are kept in the freezer and look like clunky spoons. She says actual metal spoons can work in the absence of these freeze sticks and massages Karlie's face with them.
Clearly, Georgia's tricks work well, as images from the show depict a glowing Karlie on the catwalk.
Sufferer: Kath Sansom was given a vaginal mesh implant, leaving her in terrible pain
For years women have complained about damage caused by the plastic mesh inserted to treat their post childbirth damage complaints that seemed to fall on deaf ears, until now.
For it was reported yesterday that the government healthcare adviser, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), is going to recommend the controversial implant should no longer be routinely used because of serious safety concerns.
A NICE guidance document, due to be published on December 22nd but leaked yesterday, says using the mesh for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) operations, where the material is inserted through the vagina to support the womb, should no longer be offered as a routine op and should be available for research only.
Further guidance is due in 2019, but after pressure from MPs and Sling The Mesh, a group representing 4,400 injured women, it is expected the final guidance will be brought forward and recommend a complete ban.
An estimated 200,000 women across the UK have had the implants since they were introduced in the late Nineties to treat incontinence, or repair damage where ligaments supporting the womb have collapsed.
A large proportion of women given the mesh have not had problems, but as Good Health has highlighted, in some women it has fragmented and migrated, cutting through tissue and causing nerve damage, chronic pain and infection, leaving them unable to walk properly, work or have sex.
The safety admission has opened the floodgates to one of the biggest compensation claims in NHS history. David Golten, a London lawyer representing more than 500 women, believes hundreds more will come forward and the damages could run into billions.
It is the first time any of the medical authorities have admitted this procedure is dangerous, he told Good Health.
Campaining: Kath has now turned her hand to activism and started Sling The Mesh, a group representing 4,400 injured women
For the women affected its a vindication of sorts, says Kath Sansom, who set up Sling The Mesh, and has suffered permanent damage to her coccyx as a result of the procedure. Doctors tried to make us feel we were making a fuss about nothing.
The latest publication in a scientific journal in September, using the NHSs data, showed at least 10 per cent of women implanted with this mesh suffer complications requiring overnight hospital treatment, and we know the real figure is much higher.
Grandmother Jemima Williams, 57, from Barry, South Wales, has had 18 operations to remove fragments of the mesh since 2002, when it was implanted in her to treat post-childbirth incontinence. Jemima, who is married to a GP, suffers chronic pain, walks with a stick and has been told she will need a colostomy bag because of permanent nerve damage.
There are many of us who have been told we cant take legal action because it is too long after surgery, she says. We are going to start pressuring the Government to lift the ten-year bar on litigation.
The claims will centre on whether women were warned of the risks and therefore gave informed consent to the operation, whether the surgeons botched the implants, and, most importantly, whether the mesh was suitable for use in the first place.
Doctors tried to make us feel we were making a fuss about nothing. Lots of women, including those who dont have problems, must now be very worried Kath Sansom
Although the mesh starts off flexible it appears to become brittle once implanted. Once it has broken up and begun to migrate, removal becomes almost impossible without causing further damage.
Jemima has been on a long waiting list to see Sohier Elneil, a consultant urogynaecologist at University College Hospital in London, who has developed a rare expertise in treating women whose meshes have disintegrated.
Removing this material is a real problem and has now become a major part of my clinical practice, Miss Elneil says. These women are suffering terribly.
Carl Heneghan, a professor of evidence-based medicine at Oxford University and a campaigner for better regulation for medical devices, says the use of the tape for pelvic prolapse was accepted by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2005, after what he says was minimal testing of one year.
Why in the first place didnt they say the mesh should only be used in the context of research? he told Good Health. Why has the MHRA spent 12 years ignoring the evidence this mesh is dangerous?
We apparently allowed a device on to the market even though we didnt know what happened to it beyond one year in the human body. It should have been tested for a minimum of five years.
Kath Sansom says there has been no guidance on what women who already have the mesh should now do. Should they be demanding to have it removed or what, she says. We know it can break up more than ten years after its been implanted. Lots of women, including those who dont have problems, must now be very worried.
Meanwhile, women with incontinence or prolapse are in the dark about whether or not they should accept a mesh implant, or insist on being referred to a consultant with the skills to do a native tissue repair. This procedure, which involves complex internal stitching, has fallen out of favour since the introduction of the mesh, which seemed to offer a quicker, cheaper alternative.
Wael Agur, a urogynaecologist surgeon from the university of Glasgow, said this week that there has been a resurgence of interest in the traditional repair technique since the problems of mesh have become widely known.
So far the MHRA and NHS England, which jointly approved the use of the mesh, have declined to comment. Both said they would not make a statement on the leaked draft of the NICE guidance because they have not seen it.
A spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) told us: We are aware that some women experience complications following mesh surgery many years after the procedure.
We are pleased that a learning resource for GPs has been created so that women with mesh complications receive the appropriate support and can be swiftly referred to specialist centres that have a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who can listen, advise and support them.
The RCOG website has a special section to help worried patients. Go to rcog.org.uk and search for mesh information for the public.
Millions more Americans are suffering from arthritis than their doctors realize, a new study reports.
Affecting more than one third of adults, rates of arthritis have even outpaced the obesity epidemic, which may in part be fueling the surge in arthritis symptoms.
Depending on age and gender, between 13 and 20 percent of adults report symptoms of arthritis, but have never been diagnosed by their doctors, according to the new study from Boston University.
The study found that arthritis was 68 percent more common than previous estimates, suggesting that evaluations for the condition may be insufficient.
Arthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints, may be as much as 68 percent more common than previous estimates have suggested, a new study found
Arthritis, in its various forms, most commonly affects adults 65 and older, but can strike anyone.
Doctors diagnose arthritis by assessing joints for swelling, redness and warmth to the touch. They also may examine joints for range of motion, and how painful movement is.
Tests of blood, urine and spinal fluid, accompanied by images of the joints can confirm a diagnosis, but, the new study's findings suggest, many patients may not even get to this stage.
The most common form, osteoarthritis (OA), usually develops slowly over a lifetime, as use wears down the cartilage that coats the ends of bones to keep them from grinding painfully against one another.
Both it and the disease's autoimmune form, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cause joint inflammation that can limit mobility and dexterity.
Injuries, age, infections, being a woman and family history all make us increasingly prone to arthritis, and are out of our control.
But obesity is a significant risk factor, and the rise of arthritis runs tandem to the obesity epidemic in the US.
'Studies have reported a rising rate of surgeries such as total knee replacement that outpaced obesity rates in recent years, especially among younger adults affected by arthritis,' said study co-author Dr S Reza Jafarzadeh.
Between 2012 and 2015, there has been a more than 100 percent increase in joint replacement surgeries, according to data from the American Joint Replacement Registry.
Every pound of body weight exerts an additional four pounds of pressure on the knees, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
The extra force, unsurprisingly, accelerates the process of wear and tear on the joints, making arthritis more likely.
About 36.8 percent of the US population suffers from arthritis, based on the new study's analysis of 2015 National Institutes of Health data. That's only 1.1 percent less than the portion of the country that is obese.
The data suggest that if fewer Americans were obese, fewer would suffer from arthritis, particularly considering that the researchers found that far more adults under 64 are affected by arthritis than previously thought.
'Our findings are important because of underestimated, yet enormous, economic and public health impacts of arthritis including healthcare costs and costs from loss of productivity and disability, including in adults younger than 65 years of age,' said Dr Jafarzadeh.
More than 4,000 babies will be saved by 2025 under major plans to make childbirth safer, Jeremy Hunt has pledged.
The Health Secretary has announced a package of measures to improve the care of pregnant women and ensure healthcare staff learn from mistakes.
These proposals coincide with an in-depth report which found that as many as 80 per cent of the babies who died in childbirth in 2015 could have been saved.
Although the safety of childbirth has improved dramatically since the 1990s, the number of babies who die is still significantly higher than in other Western countries.
More than 4,000 babies will be saved by 2025 under major plans to make childbirth safer, Jeremy Hunt has pledged
There were 3,112 stillbirths in 2016, one in every 224 births, worse than in Norway, Denmark, Germany, Spain, and even Croatia, Poland and Estonia.
NHS maternity wards are struggling to cope with the rising birthrate as well as higher numbers of complex labours due to obesity and an increase in older mothers.
The number of midwives and specialist labour doctors has not kept pace with this demand and many units are very understaffed.
Mr Hunt has set an ambitious target of reducing the number of babies born prematurely who are more likely to die or suffer lifelong complications.
Women at high risk of having a premature birth, including those who are obese, have diabetes or high blood pressure, will be closely monitored throughout their pregnancy.
If necessary they can be offered medication or stitches to stop them going into labour too early.
Mr Hunt wants to train 12 very senior doctors to specialise in caring for women with underlying medical conditions which make childbirth high risk.
These include epilepsy, heart conditions and kidney disease, and these patients would be referred for specialist appointments at a top teaching hospital.
The Health Secretary has announced a package of measures to improve the care of pregnant women and ensure healthcare staff learn from mistakes (file photo)
The Health Secretary will also start recording data for the number of babies who suffer brain injuries during birth, to flag up poorly performing maternity units.
He will announce the measures today at a conference in London hosted by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Mr Hunt also wants to ensure that all baby deaths are investigated by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch so that lessons can be learned to prevent future tragedies.
He is also expected to call for a more honest culture whereby staff are quick to own up to their mistakes, and he will stress the importance of explaining to grieving parents what went wrong with a birth.
Meanwhile a report by Oxford and Leicester universities uncovered preventable errors in 80 per cent of babies who died in childbirth in 2015. Researchers carried out a detailed review of 78 deaths and highlighted unsafe staffing levels, a lack of monitoring of the baby and delays to interventions such as caesareans.
A mother-of-two has been left with a hole the size of a five-cent nickel in her face after dismissing the sign of skin cancer as a 'stubborn spot.'
Keely Jones, 40, was advised by a beautician to get a red blemish on her face seen to.
Yet, Ms Jones, from North Carolina, was convinced the bump on her temple was just a spot as she rarely exposed her skin to the sun.
After eventually seeing a doctor in September, Ms Jones was finally diagnosed with a form of skin cancer, known as basal cell carcinoma, and required more than 20 stitches after the growth was removed on November 21.
Ms Jones, who owns a beauty company, is sharing her story to warn others of the risks of skin cancer.
She said: 'Skin cancer can happen to anyone - I hardly used tanning beds and always avoided the sun, and I still managed to end up with skin cancer.'
Keely Jones dismissed a red blemish on her face as a 'stubborn spot', but actually had cancer
After the growth was removed, the mother had a hole the size of a five-cent nickel on her face
Ms Jones (pictured with her daughter) required 20 stitches and three surgeries on the wound
WHAT IS BASAL CELL CARCINOMA? Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, affecting around 80 percent of sufferers. The most common cause is overexposure to UV rays from sunlight or sunbeds. BCC can occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the face, neck and ears. At-risk people include those who work outdoors, people with a family or personal history of BCC, and those with fair hair or skin. BCC often appears as a red, flat mark that scabs and bleeds without healing. If left for years, the scab can erode into an ulcer. Treatment depends on the size, type, location and penetration of the growth but may include surgery, radiation and topical or oral medications. Source: British Skin Foundation Advertisement
'I had to have over 20 stitches'
Ms Jones said: 'I only ever used tanning beds when I was in my teens and I hardly went in the sun anymore, and when I was in the sun my face would always be covered.
'I'm lucky that I got the lump removed when it did or it's likely that the cancer would've spread across my face.
'Despite the spot being so small I had to have removals three times to make sure all of the cancer was gone.
'I had to have over 20 stitches to close up the hole. Last week I had them taken out, so now I am just left with a small scar.'
'It was unusual for me to get a spot'
Ms Jones visited her dermatologist in September after concerns were raised about her skin.
She said: 'I don't usually have blemishes on my face, so it was unusual for me to get a spot.
'I thought it was just a stubborn one, so I just continued to pick it and every time it would just scab over and bleed.
'After going for a facial I was advised to go and see a dermatologist after the beautician noticed the spot, but it took months to get referred to a clinic.
'After seeing the dermatologist, they decided to do a biopsy on my temple as it looked concerning.
'A week later I received a call and was told that I had cancer.'
Ms Jones had the growth removed on November 21.
She said: 'I had to have three more surgeries to remove the spot from my temple and to get all of the cancer out.
'When it was removed and I saw the massive hole on my temple I was so shocked - the spot was so little, but they needed to remove so much more skin.
'The hole was then stitched together, but luckily I had these stiches removed just last week and it's unlikely that I will need any more surgery.
'I'll still have to go for checkups though because the chance of having another cancerous spot is now higher.'
Ms Jones claims she only occasionally used tanning beds in her teens and is otherwise sun safe
Despite being left with a prominent scar, Ms Jones feels lucky the cancer did not spread
Ms Jones, who normally has clear skin, used to pick at the cancerous scab that never healed
A beautician advised she see a doctor, who performed a biopsy and told her she had cancer
'Skin cancer can happen to anyone'
Ms Jones is using her story to raise awareness of the risks of skin cancer.
She said: 'For the next few weeks I can't exercise, pick up the children or sleep on my right-hand side.
'These photographs of me are more than unflattering and as someone who works in beauty I found it quite hard to share them.
'But hopefully it will help at least one person learn the importance of looking after their skin.
'Skin cancer can happen to anyone - I hardly used tanning beds and always avoided the sun, and I still managed to end up with skin cancer.'
Despite the cancer being small, Ms Jones had a lot of skin removed to ensure it was all gone
She is more at-risk of cancer and needs regular check-ups (pictured with ice on the wound)
As she works in the beauty industry, Ms Jones is struggling to accept her scarred apperance
For the next few weeks, she is unable to pick up her children, exercise or sleep on her side
Hospital staff were astonished after a man was admitted with a metal cup lodged up his bottom.
A 60-year-old Indian farmer apparently agreed to have the 21cm tall object inserted there by local 'quack' doctors as a cure for his stomach ache.
After realising he was still in pain despite the 'treatment' and his family arranged for him to see genuine medics at a private clinic.
They performed an endoscopy and an x-ray and were horrified to find the obstruction high up in his digestive system.
A video shows them removing the object during surgery at Sarthak Hospital in Satna, in the Madhya Pradesh state in India.
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Doctors in India were astonished when this x-ray revealed the cause of a man's stomach ache a metal cup up his backside
The 21cm tall object inserted there by local 'quack' doctors as a cure for his stomach ache
The man, who is now in recovery, said: 'I have learnt the lesson of my life.
'I will never go to a quack doctor again. I was a regular to the village doctors so I still can not imagine as to why they did something like this with me.
'One should never go to a quack. Go to a qualified doctor even if you have a very minor ailment of any kind.. In a bid to save some money, it is not wise to risk your life.'
Months of pain
The poorly man had been suffering months of vomiting and stomach pain before he was sedated by his village doctors, he claims.
Dr Sunil Agarwal, who led the operating team, said: 'The patient came to us with a complaint that he was having pain while passing story.
'We checked his anal cavity and found some solid substance was lodged there. It was then we decided to do an endoscopy on him.
Surgeons operated on the unnamed patient for one and a half hours to remove the obstruction
'Much to our shock and surprise, the report showed a steel glass lodged inside his stomach.
'When we showed the report to the patient and his family members they too couldn't believe what they saw.
'We then decided to operate on him.
'The operation took one and a half hour during which we managed to successfully extract the foreign body from the patient's stomach.'
A woman who suffered third-degree burns on nearly half her face has revolutionized the way to cover up scars, burns and birth marks by tattooing them away.
Basma Hameed, 31, was severely burned with hot oil during a horrific cooking accident when she was a toddler living in Iraq that left her with discolored facial scars and just one eyebrow.
She moved to Toronto where for the next 15 years she received hair transplants, skin graphs and laser treatments that didn't work. So when doctors told her there was nothing more they could do, she experimented by tattooing her own face with pigment.
Now Basma is a certified micro-pigment implantation specialist with clinics that use her procedure to camouflage scars while donating treatments to others who have experienced tragedy.
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Basma Hameed, 31, was burned in a horrific cooking accident when she was a toddler in Iraq (left). Now she is a certified micro-pigment implantation specialist who runs her own clinics
Basma is pictured before and after tattooing her own face to cover the severe burn marks she sustained when she was two
The Basma Hameed Clinic has covered thousands of burns, scars, Vitiligo and has even done nipple reconstruction for those who have had mastectomies from breast cancer.
The procedure is similar to tattooing except for two main distinguishers: she uses a proprietary blend of minerals instead of ink, and goes to the middle layer of skin (dermis) which is shallower than the fatty layer (hypodermis) that tattoo needles penetrate.
Basma sustained third-degree burns on 40 percent of her face when her brother accidentally spilled hot oil on her while cooking
When the skin is damaged with a cut, burn or puncture, it develops scar tissue that may or may not be noticeable.
Scar tissue is thicker than normal skin and as it heals it typically turns white due to melanocytes that have been destroyed making the body unable to produce melanin.
Basma's process re-pigments the skin with natural color to blend in with the rest of the body with a minimum of six treatments.
'Think of black walls trying to paint white- you'll need a couple of coats to change the colors,' said Basma.
She worked with chemists to develop the mineral formula before opening her first clinic ten years ago in Toronto.
Since then, Basma has opened another clinic in Los Angeles and donated at least 15 procedures a year to those who experience low-self esteem due to their marks, including victims of domestic violence and those born with large facial birthmarks.
Basma told Daily Mail Online that this stemmed from her personal tragedy which left a large red scar covering half of her face making her the victim of bullying.
A patient with a port-wine stain (left) underwent Basma's treatment and appears to be without the mark
Basma used her process to re-pigment the skin with natural color to cover one client's forehead scar
At the age of two, Basma suffered third degree burns in a tragic cooking accident when her then seven-year-old brother tripped over her spilling hot oil on her face at their home in Baghdad, Iraq.
HOW MICRO-PIGMENT IMPLANTATION WORKS This process re-pigments the skin with natural color to blend in with the rest of the body that has been damaged with a cut or burn that develops discolored scar tissue. The procedure is similar to tattooing except for two main distinguishers: Basma's technique uses a proprietary blend of minerals instead of ink She uses a series of treatment and goes to the middle layer (dermis) of the skin instead of the deep fatty layer (hypodermis) that tattooing reaches Full results take a minimum of six sessions depending on the size of the area. Basma Hameed says: 'Think of black walls trying to paint white- you'll need a couple of coats to change the colors.' Advertisement
Doctors were able to save her vision, but for the next 15 years she underwent surgeries in an attempt to reconstruct her face.
After moving to Toronto, she began an apprenticeship under a permanent make up artist where she learned how to properly tattoo makeup.
When she had the idea to tattoo over her own scars, doctors told her the scar tissue would not hold the ink. Her mentor at the permanent cosmetic studio was also doubtful and refused to try it on her.
'Everyone was scared to make it worse - for me I had nothing to lose,' she said.
She started practicing on her own face by diluting ink with water and testing out a small area. Basma observed the area everyday and once she saw the pigment surviving in her skin tissue, she said she knew it was going to work.
Basma continued practicing on herself for two years until she perfected the procedure.
She said: 'Permanent make up was not new, but instead of using black and brown I thought ''why not use skin color pigment.'''
Basma shared her procedure with clients who jumped at the opportunity.
She attended a two-year medical aesthetics certificate program to learn more about the skin and how it heals.
The then 21-year-old opened her own clinic and now trains her team on how to properly conduct the treatments.
One woman, Annette White, 52, has been the recipient of Basma's donation for the past three years to camouflage a large port-wine birth mark covering her face.
After nine treatments, physical changes were apparent but what changed the most was Annette's self-esteem.
Annette White, 52, was donated the procedure and said she now has the courage to face the world after the treatment covered her port-wine stain that consumed nearly half her face
A client who underwent surgery due to breast cancer had a large scar on her stomach and underwent at least six treatments to cover them
Annette said: 'Without her help I would still be locking myself away in my house, but with her help I now have the courage to face the world. Now I have something I never had before - hope.'
In the clinic's ten years of operation, tattoo shops have caught wind of the procedure and advertised similar treatments.
But Basma warns that most tattoo artists don't have enough experience and can create problems within the skin including more scarring.
This is due to the techniques used by tattoo artists that are more aggressive causing color to bleed into the skin which can look like a bruise.
She recommends to all of her clients and anyone interested to test out the skin's reaction with just a patch before going all the way.
Depending on the size of the area, Basma's packages of six sessions are priced at $2,000 to $4,000 but more sessions may be needed.
Men seeking Viagra will no longer need a prescription from their GP after health officials reclassified the drug.
For the first time, they will instead be able to buy it over the counter at chemists, as long as a pharmacist approves the little blue pills as safe for them to use.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced that it is reclassifying Viagra Connect tablets following a public consultation.
Manufacturer Pfizer plans to get stocks of the medication into UK pharmacies by spring 2018.
Experts say making the tablets more widely available will help sufferers of erectile dysfunction (ED) who might not feel able to visit their GP.
Officials hope the move will also help steer people away from buying drugs from websites operating illegally and selling unlicensed or counterfeit impotency medicines.
Manufacturer Pfizer plans to get stocks of the medication into UK pharmacies by spring 2018 (stock image)
Pharmacists will be able to determine whether treatment is appropriate for the patient and can give advice on ED, usage of the medicine, potential side effects and assess if further consultation with a GP is required.
But some men, including those with severe heart problems, those at high risk of heart problems, liver failure, kidney failure or those taking certain 'interacting medicines', will still need to be prescribed the drug under the supervision of a doctor.
Tackling counterfeit drugs
Officials hope the move will also help steer people away from buying drugs websites operating illegally.
The MHRA said that ED medicines are a 'popular target' for criminals selling unlicensed and counterfeit medicines.
Over the past five years the agency has seized more than 50 million of unlicensed and counterfeit impotency medicines.
Viagra Connect will be made more widely accessible which experts say will encourage men with ED (stock image)
'This decision is good news for men's health,' said Mick Foy, MHRA's group manager in vigilance and risk management of medicines.
'The move to make Viagra Connect more widely accessible will encourage men to seek help within the healthcare system and increase awareness of erectile dysfunction.
'Erectile dysfunction can be a debilitating condition, so it's important men feel they have fast access to quality and legitimate care, and do not feel they need to turn to counterfeit online supplies which could have potentially serious side effects.'
Protecting men's health
Manufacturer Pfizer said Viagra Connect which contains the ingredient sildenafil at 50mg said the move should protect men by limiting the likelihood of them turning to dodgy websites.
UK medical director Dr Berkeley Phillips said: 'The availability of Viagra Connect in pharmacies from next year will offer men who are eligible for the product a new and convenient way to access sildenafil, a commonly prescribed treatment for erectile dysfunction.
'We understand some men may avoid seeking support and treatment for this condition, so we believe giving them the option to talk to a pharmacist and buy Viagra Connect could be a real step forward in encouraging more men into the healthcare system.
'As erectile dysfunction may be a sign of an underlying condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, there could also be a wider benefit to public health in the long term.
'We hope that this forthcoming new opportunity to purchase a genuine treatment via pharmacy will also reduce the likelihood of men turning to potentially ineffective and dangerous counterfeits from illicit sources.'
Men have unwanted sex with women in order to avoid uncomfortable interactions and to conform to gender expectations, a new study claims.
A New York University sociologist interviewed 39 college men who said social pressure on men to want sex, force them to have unwanted sex with women because they will be deemed 'unmanly'.
Another study published today from Binghamton University in New York also attempted to delve into the 'reasons' behind nonconsensual sex, finding that most men confuse sexual interest with consent because of a 'no means yes' complex.
These studies come in the wake of high-profile sexual harassment scandals which many of the accused men deem a 'confusion' rather than misconduct.
Men have unwanted sex with women to conform to gender expectations and to avoid uncomfortable situations, according to a study from New York University
In the NYU study, the men interviewed explained that their reasoning for unwanted sex was based on their broader ideas about gender which revealed: how they felt men were expected to act; what men were expected to want; and what actions might make men lose respect with their partner or others.
One participant said: 'I think it's an undercurrent to my thought-makingthat guys are supposed to enjoy sexual intercourse under any circumstances.'
While another described that men can't say no to women if she shows any interest.
He said: '(T)here is this social pressure that men like sex a lot and women can choose yes or no. So I guess it makes you unmanly if you don't want to have sex.'
However, the second study reinforced the issue with the idea that women are the only ones who can decide whether or not they want sex.
The results published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence showed most of the 145 college men involved in the study tended to 'confuse sexual interest with consent to sex,' said the researchers.
The NYU study's author, Jessie Ford, said: 'There is also a tendencyone that likely applies to women as well as to menthat once a sexual interaction starts with a partner who seems to want sex, the desire to keep the exchange on an even keel eventually facilitates unwanted sex.'
These studies come in the wake of an onslaught of sexual harassment accusations of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein (left) and actor Kevin Spacey (right)
This adds to the growing concern that women in subordinate roles feel it is 'too late' to say no to men in power who come on to them, as seen in case of Harvey Weinstein who held his victim's career as bait.
In recent months, more women have spoken out against their sexual abusers than ever before, fueling an online campaign where women post the words '#MeToo' to show the vast number that have been victims of sexual misconduct that goes unreported.
Professor Richard Mattson of Binghamton University said sexual victimization of women is a growing concern in all environments of day to day life.
More specifically, instances of sexual violence are higher than any other crimes among college students.
'We found the way in which the woman communicated her sexual intentions, that is verbal refusal versus passive responding, had the largest effect of men's perceptions.' But he added: 'However, there was also evidence of a precedence effect.'
This occurs when men equate past sexual behavior to future consent of intimacy even in the face of direct refusal by the woman.
Ford says: 'Although women experience a higher burden of sexual assault and harassment, heterosexual men also report unwanted sex.'
One out of every six American women has been the victim of sexual violence and one in 33 men have experienced sexual abuse.
And though the study said the sex men have is 'unwanted', it does not refer to it as nonconsensual or forced.
Chalfonte LeNee Queen thought she was dying as she retched for the thousandth time and collapsed in pain.
For almost 20 years, Queen made periodic trips to the emergency room, but none of the doctors that she saw could find a cause for her agony.
Queen suffers from cannabinoid hypermesis syndrome, a condition that affects a small subset of long-term cannabis users.
But even with the paralyzing pain and relentless vomiting, cannabis is the best option for her to treat her pain and anxiety while holding down a job and caring for the youngest of her four children, who suffers from cerebral palsy.
Queen (second from left) says that her CHS cost her time with her children, including (from left to right) Nicole, Jas and Donald. The family is pictured here at Donald's wedding in 2016
'I've had four kids and I would rank it with labor; it's extremely severe. I've screamed out in pain, I've not been myself and calling for dead people who aren't here any more,' she says.
Queen recalls trying to drive herself to the hospital on multiple occasions while her vision was blurred so badly from pain that she 'couldn't even read the street signs.'
The relentless bouts of vomiting caused her to lose weight. 'Being thin does mean more fashion show bookings,' says the former model, 'it's not worth it though.'
'I lost jobs, relationships, money and time with my children,' she says.
Finally, after 17 years of suffering, a San Diego doctor told Queen that she had CHS.
The condition causes intense nausea and abdominal pain, just like Queen experienced, and seems to be best treated with a hot shower.
Cannabinoid hypermesis syndrome (CHS) has only been documented and recognized as a medical condition in recent years as cannabis has become more widely legal and studied, in places like California, where Queen lives.
The first time Queen went to the emergency room, she woke up in a panic. A former nurse, she was horrified to find herself in a familiar place.
'I woke up on the oncology floor! I'm like, what? Why am I in oncology?'
Queen says that after cancer was ruled out, the doctors tried to match a series of other conditions to her symptoms, including acute prophyria, a rare genetic disorder.
Queen, now 48, is able to manage her CHS and lead a normal life by cutting back on her marijuana intake and taking medication for the periodic pain and nausea
She was in the hospital for three days, spending every waking moment retching. Finally, she asked if she could take a shower.
When she got out, Queen felt far better. In fact, her symptoms were so relieved by the apparent curative properties of hot water that she went home later that day.
This is one of the bizarre, distinguishing features of CHS. A German study of the syndrome and a similar one, called cyclical vomiting syndrome, found that about half of those suffering from either 'exhibited compulsive showering.'
'That hot water, it's like it scrambles the message from the brain that's causing the pain in the stomach,' Queen says.
The curious symptoms of CHS were only first documented in an Australian study in 2011.
Little is understood about CHS, which appears to only affect chronic cannabis users, but not necessarily every time or immediately after they use the herbal derivative.
Queen says often she feels fine after smoking marijuana - her preferred way of ingesting - but then will wake up in pain in the middle of the night or start feeling sick one or more days later.
Though explicitly linked to cannabis-users, Queen says that CHS rears its head when she drinks alcohol, gets her period, is stressed, or, it seems, eats certain foods.
'For those past 17 years, it pretty much destroyed my life,' she says.
Queen kept smoking cannabis, and kept making periodic trips to the emergency room.
Chalfonte LeNee Queen (right) suffers from cannabinoid hypermesis syndrome, which means that her long term cannabis use sometimes causes her vomiting and pain. But marijuana still disrupts her ability to work and care for her disabled 24-year-old daughter, Jas (left) less than any prescription drug she has tried
'I went to the ER three times after eating corn cakes at IHOP,' she says. 'My kids were looking at me like "why do we keep eating here?"'
But for the most part, 'there's just no rhyme or reason to when you get an episode,' she says.
'When you see it's a recurring trend, and it happens so haphazardly, you worry maybe you have something so rare, and you don't know what it is.'
Now that she knows what's happening, 'I don't get in that type of panic mode any more. I'm just stuck here in the shower until someone can get me to the ER or call 911.'
After being loyal to marijuana for most of her adult life, she gave it up for more than six months.
'That made a huge difference, my last major episode was October 3 of last year,' she says.
Queen lost weight because of her CHS. She was 109 lbs here, at Christmas last year
But solving one problem just brought back an old one that marijuana helped her with.
'I've always had anxiety and was diagnosed bipolar many years ago. If I feel like if my head is going to explode, a couple of puffs [help], at least in the short term,' she says.
Queen also has sciatica and a herniated disk. She says that doctors have prescribed her various psychiatric and pain medications.
She is a full-time caretaker to her 24-year-old daughter, Jas, who suffers from cerebral palsy, as well as a brand ambassador, and says that other pain and psychiatric medications put her out of commission.
'I took so much Tylenol one time, my stomach started bleeding,' she says.
And for her anxiety and bipolar disorder, 'you're more like a guinea pig...the stuff they prescribe, I feel horrible on it. Once, I couldn't sleep for three days, and I have an adult in a diaper to care for. [On them,] if I wasn't anxious enough, I'm a nutcase now.'
So weed is the lesser evil, and Queen still supports the movement toward widespread legalization.
Now she smokes less, and has prescription medications that help to alleviate her CHS symptoms.
'I dont have a choice to completely abstain, I have to get through this day, and the next one, and the next...and I have to put a roof over my and my daughter's heads,' she says.
She hopes eventually to find another remedy, so relief doesn't come along with CHS.
'I'm trying to find some natural remedies so I don't have to worry about the nut-pills or the weed,' she says. 'Before we had these pharmaceuticals, people dealt with things from the earth, even though marijuana is from the earth, it doesnt work so well for me, I just need to find another way.'
As security personnel prepare to further intensify their operations in the winter to break the backbone of terror infrastructure, forces have received intelligence that alleged 26/11 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed could revive terror activities in the Valley.
Senior Army sources said the next two to three months of harsh winter would be crucial for security agencies because, if they are able to further eliminate the top terror leadership, it would make it difficult for the groups to sustain their operations in the state.
In 2017, after Gen Bipin Rawat took over as Army chief, the Army, local police and other paramilitary forces have killed 202 terrorists, including 25 commanders, some of whom had been in the business of terrorism for over a decade.
The military are preparing for harsh winter in Jammu and Kashmir
'The terrorist leadership is in disarray due to the relentless operations and terror groups that have become almost leaderless due to the kills. We will keep the tempo going in the winter as well to make it difficult for them to survive,' a source said.
Sources said in recent months the number of killings by security forces has been more than the number of recruits taken in by terror groups and most terrorists operating now are relatively new.
Sources said Pakistan-based groups would try to send in more terrorists in Kashmir in the coming months, but their chances of succeeding would be very slim due to snow and extra vigilance along the LoC.
Hafiz Saeed is a designated a global terrorist by the US and who has a $10 million bounty on his head
'The focus of operations would be to eliminate as many terrorists as possible during the winter,' a source said.
Meanwhile, security sources said inputs have been received that very soon, Hafiz Saeed would be in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir to push terrorists into India in view of frequent elimination of terror commanders.
Top security sources said Saeed's release from jail in Pakistan had raised fears that he would rejuvenate terrorism in Kashmir.
Sunday marked the ninth anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in which the iconic Taj Mahal Palace was one of the targets
'Though he has been active in jail as well but now, he will be sent to forward areas in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir to motivate terrorists sitting in launch pads to carry out attacks on security forces,' said the source.
Saeed was in jail for almost eight months but was released last week as Pakistani authorities didn't produce any evidence against him, after which a Pakistani court released him.
In 2017, the number of attacks being carried out by terrorists on security forces has come down drastically since the troops are now going all out for search and destroy operations as could been seen from the recent mission in Hajin of Bandipora district, where they went to the terrorists' hideout and killed them.
About the role of Pakistan in J&K, sources said infiltration attempts were at an all-time high with 291 bids by jihadis to sneak in along the LoC till September 30 against 165 attempts in the corresponding period last year.
The push from Pakistan is far greater than ever as they are getting frustrated in their attempts to change the atmosphere in the Valley which was visited by around 12 lakh domestic tourists this year.
Violation of fundamental, human and legal rights of prisoners, who have alleged they were subjected to severe physical torture at Tihar Jail, on Monday came under the Delhi High Courts scanner as it ordered further enquiry into the matter.
The inmates lodged in Tihars high-risk ward were mercilessly beaten and injured on the night of November 21 - with no provocation by the jail staff, says an inspection committee report.
The body was formed after one of the injured inmates handed over a blood-soaked vest to his counsel that he had used to wipe his wounds - as evidence.
The claims are now under the scanner of Delhi's High Court which ordered a probe into the allegations from prisoners
Based on the petition from the counsel of the inmate, the Delhi High Court on November 23 formed the committee of judicial officers for an immediate inspection.
The incident took place in wards C and F. CCTV footage of these wards show that there was no visible retaliation from the inmates and also that few were beaten selectively.
The committee also found that the jail staff could not justify the violence against the inmates post a routine search.
According to the findings, 18 inmates were injured and only one of them was taken to the hospital.
Based on the committees report, the high court on Monday formed another fact-finding three-member committee to further probe the incident and directed jail authorities to take the inmates to AIIMS for medical examination in batches.
The committee added that the incident has harboured into the inmates a fear of dying inside the jail.
The footage that the CCTV at ward C recorded showed a closed main door with no inmates outside. TSP officials could suddenly be seen throwing three pillows out.
According to the report, as an alarm rings at 9:21pm, followed by which, several TSP personnel can be seen entering the ward and beating inmates mercilessly using batons, buckets and lathis with no resistance from the prisoners.
At 9:36pm they left the inmates bleeding and bruised. In the ward F, some prisoners were seen arguing with the in-charge of search operation. However, nothing was found in the footage that could justify the violence against the prisoners.
According to the report, during the routine searches, the inmates had objected to the removal of the pillow covers.
The routine search had begun around 8:30pm - supervised by the search operation head. After carrying out searches in C-9 ward the team locked the cell from outside.
Fifteen minutes later, sounds were heard that suggested people were being beaten. The inmates told the committee that such an incident had occurred for the first time.
They also informed that for the previous 15-20 days, under the current search operation in charge, staff had been very aggressive in their approach during the routine searches.
The committee found out that the QRT staff had entered their cell with lathis and even used buckets to beat them. Except for one inmate, who was hospitalised, none were even treated inside the jail, it's claimed.
The jail authorities in their replies to judicial officers said that the inmates had abused the jail staff, tried to hinder the search operation, passed incendiary remark and created a mutiny-like situation.
The committee has however, concluded that the reason put forth was baseless and that it was nothing but a blatant effort by the jail authority to conceal the facts.
Mohamad Tahir, a 24-year-old Rohingya Muslim man who left Myanmar's violence-wracked Rakhine province in 2012, considers himself lucky to be living in the backyard of Delhi.
Tahir, his wife and their year-old daughter are in a special camp at Siddiq Nagar in Haryana's Nuh town, about 100km from the city.
They, like hundreds of refugees from the community settled in the National Capital Region, do not want to return to their native country.
There are 40,000 Rohingyas believed to have fled to India through Bangladesh with many more in refugee camps on the border
The Supreme Court will next month hear the plea of two Rohingya refugees who have approached it against the Centre's decision to deport Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar.
'We would not even dream of going back to Myanmar. We are not treated as human in a state ruled by Buddhist people. We did not know what freedom is since childhood. We have experienced it only after reaching the soil of India,' Tahir said.
Hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas have fled from Myanmar following a military crackdown, which the UN has described as ethnic cleansing, with many taking refuge in Bangladesh and some then crossing a porous border into India.
Mohamad Tahir, a 24-year-old Rohingya Muslim man who left Myanmar's violence-wracked Rakhine province in 2012, considers himself lucky to be living in the backyard of Delhi.
Myanmar says its forces are carrying out their legitimate duty to restore order after guerrilla attacks in August on security posts and an army camp in which about a dozen people were killed.
There are 63 families at the Siddiq Nagar camp and all of them echo the same view.
Mohamad Shadik, head of the shelter, said the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar has been simmering for years but it boiled over in 2010 and later.
'The number of people from our community in Bangladesh went up to over 10 lakhs, and many crossed the border to reach Kolkata,' Shadik said.
Mohamad Shadik, head of the shelter, said the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar has been simmering for years
The Centre sees the Rohingya refugees as a security threat, arguing that the illegal migrants are vulnerable to getting recruited by terrorist organisations and are also a burden on the country's limited resources.
According to government data, there are 1,360 Rohingya Muslims, or 400 families, living in Mewat, which is a cultural region that spans Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
The Siddiq Nagar area has two camps: the second one called Nangli 2 or Siddiq Nagar 2 where 100 families live in hutments. Besides, 55 families live in Ferozepur Namak, 60 in Chandni village and 23 families in Punhana area.
Police officials say they cannot allow Rohingyas to live in the camps without a UNHCR card
'Buddhist people along with local police and military (in Myanmar) gang-rape our women and girls, behead youths, torch our houses and madrasas, and throw our children in the fire,' Shadik said.
'The laws of human rights do not apply there, so how can we live in such a situation?' Shadik told Mail Today that members of the community living in Delhi's Uttam Nagar, Faridabad in Haryana and Rajasthan's Jaipur city have also contacted him.
The refugees in Mewat claimed that 15,500 Rohingyas are registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in India and have obtained smart cards. Sources say over 40,000 Rohingyas are living in various parts of India.
'Two hundred thousand Rohingya children are in refugee camps': Pope Francis has said
Taiyab Mohammad, who owns a small grocery shop at the Siddiq Nagar camp, said the Buddhists do not consider the Rohingyas Myanmar nationals.
'I crossed the border (into Bangladesh) alone and sent a message to my family members to come over due to the threat to their lives,' he said.
'My wife, three sons and two daughters crossed the border a day later to reach Chittagong. After living there for four months and earning some money, we were forced by local police to leave Bangladesh too.
'We finally decided to cross into India. Crossing India- Bangladesh border is not easy in daylight and therefore we did it in the night as there is hardly any patrolling of border security personnel then.'
His daughter, Rashida, said they do not have any passport or other documents to be identified as Myanmar nationals. 'We just have the UNHCR card issued from New Delhi,' she said.
Experts say India is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and is therefore not bound by the principle of 'nonrefoulment'.
Non-refoulment, a principle in international law, stops a country from returning refugees to a place where they could be at risk of persecution.
'We are continuously monitoring activities of Rohingyas in the camps of Nuh,' Vipin Kumar, the SHO of Nuh police station, told Mail Today.
'The police personnel along with CID visit camps every 10 to 15 days and check with the camp heads about who left the place and if any new people came in. We cannot allow any Rohingyas to live in the camp without having a UNHCR card.'
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone
Fuming at several reckless statements made by 'people holding public office' about Deepika Padukone-starrer Padmavati, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said it could prejudice the censor board's decision ahead of the movie's release.
'These statements are tantamount to pre-judging the movie which is yet to be certified by the CBFC,' said the apex court.
The bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked additional solicitors general Maninder Singh who represented the central government to convey the court's views that such statements should not be made as they violated the principle of 'Rule of Law'.
Politicians of all hues, including some chief ministers, have recently made public statements, mostly against the film based on the saga of the historic battle of 13th century between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.
Deepika Padukone was upset by the attack on artist Karan and his artwork
'When a matter is pending for consideration before CBFC, how can persons in public authority comment on whether the CBFC should issue certificate or not? It will prejudice the decision of CBFC,' said a bench headed by Misra.
The judges termed as 'misconceived' and dismissed a fresh petition seeking an order to restrain Viacom 18, the maker of the film and others, from releasing it abroad.
The producers informed the court that there was no intention to release the movie abroad on December 1, as alleged.
Hindu right-wing organisations are angry about an alleged romantic scene begin filmed between Padmavati and Allauddin Khilji
The petition had alleged that grave damage will be done to social harmony if the movie is allowed to be released outside India.
The SC said when the courts were not making any observation, keeping in mind that the CBFC has to perform its statutory duty, persons holding high offices should desist from making statements. It asked the CBFC to take the decision on the certification of the movie with utmost objectivity.
In his plea, lawyer ML Sharma had also sought a direction to the CBI to register a case against director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and others for various offences, including defamation and violation of the Cinematography Act.
The bench expressed shock at certain objectionable contents of the petition and termed them unwarranted and scurrilous and ordered their deletion.
It took serious note of the statements made by politicians, holding high public offices, on the movie which also stars Shahid Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, saying these tantamounted to prejudging it which is yet to be certified by the CBFC.
'When the matter is pending and going to be dealt with by the CBFC, no one, who is holding public office, should be saying something which would tantamount to pre-judging and may prejudice the mind of CBFC. It should be borne in mind that we all are governed by the Rule of Law', it said.
A major goal of our foreign policy is to safeguard our security. We are not members of any military alliance, which means that we have to essentially rely on ourselves to deal with day-to-day threats to our security.
This requires us to be as self-reliant as possible for our defence needs. So long as we are dependent on foreign defence suppliers we cannot have full elbow room to conduct an independent foreign policy, despite success in developing our strategic capabilities on our own.
That we are one of the worlds largest arms importers shows how we have mismanaged vital aspects of our defence preparedness. Russia has been our biggest defence partner and has contributed in significant ways to make us more secure, but we have not been able to leverage that relationship to build a genuine domestic defence manufacturing base, one going beyond license manufacturing.
India needs to be 'self reliant' in arms. Pictured is Dassaults Rafale fighter jet at the Dubai Air Show
The almost $15 billion (Rs 96.7 thousand crore) worth of arms we have bought from the US in the last few years has given us tools to defend ourselves better against threats to our security, but this has created another external dependency.
Partner
That we have been declared a major defence partner by the US should ideally mean that we will be assisted to develop an indigenous defence manufacturing base and not merely have easier access to high quality American arms on a par with US allies.
So far, it does not appear that Trumps remark, that India and the US as the worlds largest democracies should also have the strongest militaries, means anything more than expectations that India will buy more US weapons.
We have had a long-standing defence relationship with major European countries such as France, UK and Germany, but this has not resulted in the establishment of our own capacity to produce the weapons we need.
Technology transfer remains a big hurdle, not to mention our own inadequate industrial capacity and R&D as well as lack of skilled manpower. We ourselves are to blame for this highly unsatisfactory state of affairs.
Leaving aside the failure of policy all these years to develop an indigenous defence manufacturing base, even our polices to procure defence equipment from abroad have been in shambles. The many scandals associated with defence acquisitions in the past continue to cast a shadow on new contracts that we enter into.
Since we are one of the largest market in the world for arms, competition among defence equipment suppliers is intense and all means, fair or foul, are used either to win contracts or deny them to rivals.
Controversies are generated around contracts by alleging irregularities in processing them and often the political class is used to channel such accusations which, however motivated they may appear to be, compel the bureaucrats and their political superiors to repeatedly review them, if only to protect themselves from investigations later on for complicity in some form when governments change.
It is already well known how acquisitions of needed equipment have been inordinately delayed because of these infirmities in our defence procurement system.
Controversy
All this is relevant to the controversy being generated around the Rafale deal, which is unfortunate for many reasons. Our Air Force has been clamouring for urgent action to address the issue of its depleting squadron strength which could no longer be ignored.
Dassault had won the tender for 126 combat aircraft, out-competing international rivals on both technology and price counts, but the contract could not be concluded despite prolonged negotiations.
The Modi government had to make the difficult choice of scrapping the contract altogether - at the cost of our strategic partnership with France - and ignoring the distress of the Air Force or meet its urgent requirements partially by purchasing only 36 aircraft off the shelf on condition that the overall terms would be improved and delivery would be accelerated, for which an intergovernmental agreement was signed. These facts are on public record.
If purchases from the US under governmental agreements have avoided controversies over possibly inflated costs, etc, the Rafale contract under a similar agreement with France should preclude any such controversy too.
Private
The involvement of the private sector in fulfiling some aspects of the Rafale contract is consistent with the Modi governments declared policy of involving the private sector in defence manufacturing as part of the Make in India programme.
Broadening the base of defence manufacturing in the country will require reducing the already overloaded public sector units and increasing the participation of the Indian private sector, which is why foreign defence firms are being asked to build partnerships with them.
Lockheed Martin and Boeing have tied up with Indian private firms and so has Airbus to demonstrate their commitment to the Make in India programme. Dassaults tie up with an Indian company is within this policy framework too.
Opposition parties should therefore avoid generating controversies over defence procurement where facts do not justify this, and consider the adverse impact of such politicking on our relations with our strategic partners.
The French have been forced to counter the allegations being made as it affects the countrys reputation, besides unnecessarily affecting potential follow-on orders.
It is also against national security and the commercial interests of foreign companies as well to reveal the details of defence contracts beyond a point.
Our political actors should be cautious in wanting to make electoral capital out of sensitive defence issues
Smoking kills an average 1,200 Americans daily, US tobacco companies admitted Sunday in court-ordered 'corrective statements' published in newspapers.
The ads have begun appearing 11 years after District Judge Gladys Kessler, in a 1,682-page opinion, ruled in 2006 that the companies violated racketeering laws by deceiving the public for decades on the health dangers of smoking.
One such ad shows a graph of smoking-related deaths in the United States between 2005 and 2009.
And television ads are appearing as well. One ad features black text over a white background that lists the dangers of smoking.
US tobacco companies have been ordered to run television and newspapers advertisements to correct lies they told over the course of the 20th century (Pictured, packs of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company cigarette brands Pall Mall, Winston, Camel, Doral, and Kool)
One of the ads shows a graph that charts annual smoking related deaths in the United States between 2005 and 2009. The graph uses data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Kessler ordered them to publish corrective statements on five health topics, but the exact wording of those statements was held up pending tobacco company litigation.
In 2014 the companies and the government reportedly reached agreement that the ads would be published in major Sunday newspapers as well as on prime-time television for a year, and elsewhere including on cigarette packages.
'A Federal Court has ordered R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, Philip Morris USA, Altria and Lorillard to make this statement about the health effects of smoking,' said the full-page Sunday newspaper ad, consisting simply of plain black type on an otherwise bare newspaper page.
'Smoking kills, on average, 1,200 Americans. Every day,' it said.
The ad continued that 'more people die every year from smoking than from murder, AIDS, suicide, drugs, car crashes and alcohol, combined,' with the last word highlighted.
It also listed various diseases and health conditions that 'smoking also causes'.
An advertisement shown on television displays black text describing the dangers of smoking over a plain white background
The tobacco companies will not be required to publish the corrections online or on social media.
Kessler's ruling was part of a government racketeering case against major cigarette companies originally brought in September 1999.
Further court-ordered ads with additional health messages will continue appearing in the newspapers of more than 50 major cities through April, said the American Cancer Society.
Along with other health groups, the Cancer Society intervened in the case and made recommendations about the corrective statements.
Their publication is 'a significant victory for public health,' the Cancer Society said on its website.
'What this case has succeeded in doing is to finally force the tobacco industry to fess up to what it has known and done for the past 50 years,' said Cliff Douglas, director of the Cancer Society's Center for Tobacco Control.
'The industry has deliberately addicted millions of people with a product it knew would kill as many as half of them years before their time.'
In 2015, $8.9billion was spent on advertising and promotion of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco combined.
According to the CDC, more than 16 million Americans are living with a disease caused by smoking and cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the US.
'The tobacco companies' basic strategy for everything, whether it's science or regulation or litigation, is delay,' Stan Glantz, an expert on tobacco company strategy at the University of California, San Francisco, told The Guardian.
'They have used a lot of arguing about what in terms of the real world are trivial issues, to delay having to make these statements for 11 years but it is what the tobacco companies do.
'The problem is the technology has moved on, and the statements are not in social media because it didn't really exist back then. But better late than never.'
A joke about a toy dinosaur got two men beaten up by police and taxpayers handed a $500,000 legal and compensation bill.
NSW Police agreed to pay Rickey Caton and Adam Antram $45,000 each plus their hefty legal fees in a settlement, without admitting liability,.
The pair were charged with resisting arrest and assaulting police after a bizarre December 2013 traffic stop now known as the 'dinosaur incident'.
The protracted case led to the charges being dropped but both officers involved being promoted while their colleague who blew the whistle resigned.
NSW Police agreed to pay Rickey Caton (L) and Adam Antram (R) $45,000 each plus their hefty legal fees in a settlement after they were beaten over a toy dinosaur joke
Officers Todd Finnigan, Patrick Hicks, and Lucie Litchfield pulled their car over in Jerrabomberra, near Canberra on suspicion of being in an armed robbery.
Mr Caton and Mr Antram, along with two friends, were just getting more alcohol for their work Christmas party for a removalist firm.
Police asked if they had any weapons, according to court documents seen by the Canberra Times.
The court heard that Caton jokingly responded: 'No weapons, but I've got a big dinosaur, roar,' and held his daughter's toy dinosaur out the window.
Senior constable Finnigan was then said to have responded by opening the back passenger door where he was sitting, pulling him out of the car, kicking his legs out from under him, smashing his sunglasses and handcuffing him.
Constable Litchfield ordered Mr Antram out of the car and told him to stand next to a retaining wall, before Constable Hicks suddenly tackled him from behind, according to the claim filed in court.
Mr Antram's head collided with a wall, knocking him unconscious, but Constable Hicks claimed he was the one who charged at police, the documents claimed.
The pair only avoided jail when Constable Litchfield testified against her colleagues' version of events and all charges were dropped in October 2015.
They were paid $110,000 for legal costs and immediately sued for malicious prosecution after a magistrate ruled the case should never have been brought.
Constable Litchfield claimed she was forced to resign from the force after a campaign of workplace bullying after she told the truth in court.
'If it wasn't for Lucie we probably would be in jail,' Caton said.
The pair were charged with resisting arrest and assaulting police but charges were thrown out in the Kiama Local Court (pictured) in October 2015
Instead of being reprimanded for their actions, Finnigan and Hicks were promoted to detective and senior constable respectively and cleared by an internal investigation.
'Those two officers remain in the workplace with the full confidence of the commander,' a NSW police spokeswoman said.
Peter Bevan, lawyer for Mr Caton and Mr Antram, complained about the investigation's outcome to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission, which is now reviewing it.
The pair claim Finnigan and Hicks got them fired from their jobs by talking to their boss and harassed him on other occasions.
Mr Antram's partner left him and he moved to Cooma where he still struggles to find work, while Mr Caton ended up as a concreter in Canberra.
They now never return to Queanbeyan after harassment by police who made comments like 'this is the guy who's taking us to court' when they brought sniffer dogs to a pub Mr Antram was at.
'It wasn't even about the money for me, I would have rather seen them lose their jobs,' Mr Caton said.
A Chinese airline boss has flown 186 passengers and 15 crew members from Beijing to Chicago with the help of recycled cooking oil.
Sun Jianfeng, the President of China's largest private air carrier Hainan Airlines, was the captain of the 11-hour flight which flew across the Pacific on November 21.
This is the first time a Chinese airline has conducted an international flight with biofuel.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, powered partially by cooking oil, arrived in Chicago from Beijing
Sun Jianfeng (pictured), the President of Hainan Airlines, was the captain of the 11-hour flight
Biofuel is being added to the aeroplane in Beijing before it took off on November 21
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner took off at the Beijing Capital International Airport at 2:15pm local time on November 21.
After flying 6,100 nautical miles (7,019 miles), it arrived at the Chicago's O'Hare International Airport at 12:12pm local time on the same day.
The unprecedented flight was a part of a cooperation on 'green aviation' between China and the United States. The Beijing-Chicago route is chosen to be one of the 'green air routes' between the two countries.
The aircraft used a type of made-in-China biofuel. The 'No. 1 Biofuel' blended by Sinopec is made with 15 per cent waste cooking oil and 85 per cent normal jet fuel.
A Chinese ground crew member shows cooking oil-blended aviation fuel used during the flight
Chinese scientists from SINOPEC Research Institute of Petroleum Processing (RIPP) check the cooking oil-blended aviation fuel at a research base in Beijing, China, 20 November
A Chinese ground crew member refuels a jet plane Boeing 787 Dreamliner of Hainan Airlines of HNA Group with cooking oil-blended aviation fuel at the Beijing Capital International Airport
A bottle of cooking oil-blended biofuel (right) is place next to two bottles of used cooking fuel
Sun Jianfeng told China Central Television Station that the flight was 'smooth' and 'successful', and that the aircraft reached a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet.
Lv Dapeng, the spokesperson at Sinopec, said cooking oil-based biofuel could not only reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, but also prevent waste cooking oil from being reused by illegal vendors - which has been a serious problem in China.
Compared to traditional aviation fuel, biofuel can cut a plane's carbon footprint by 30 per cent.
China consumes around 30 million tonnes of jet fuel every year, according to Xinhua, and if all of it were replaced by biofuel, 33 million tonnes of carbon dioxide could be saved.
This is the equivalent to planting 300 million trees or pulling 20 million cars off the road for an entire year.
Hainan Airlines, China's biggest private airline, is also the first air carrier in the country to conduct the first domestic flight using biofuel.
In March, 2015, Hainan Airlines flew a biofuel-powered Boeing 737 from Shanghai to Beijing.
A Boeing 787 Dreamliner of Hainan Airlines is checked by a ground crew member after being refueled with cooking oil-blended biofuel at the Beijing Capital International Airport
A flight attendant interacts with a passenger on the biofuel-powered plane bound for Chicago
After flying 6,100 nautical miles (7,019 miles), the Boeing 787 aircraft arrived at the Chicago's O'Hare International Airport at 12:12pm local time on November 21
Biofuels seem to be popular among major air carriers. Several airlines have been operating commercial fights using sustainable aviation diesels in the past few years.
In March 2013, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced it would use cooking oil-based biofuel to power transatlantic flights between New York and Amsterdam for six months.
Finnair flew an Airbus A330 on a nine-hour demonstration flight from Helsinki to New York, also using fuel partially made from cooking oil, in September 2014.
In May this year, Singapore Airlines launched 'green package' flights on its San Francisco-Singapore route with the help of cooking oil as well.
In January, Cathay Pacific, the flagship carrier of Hong Kong, announced it would switch to biofuels made from landfill rubbish on select long haul flights starting in 2019.
John Ibrahim's feared enforcer Semi 'Tongan Sam' Ngata (pictured) has been released from hospital
John Ibrahim's feared enforcer has been released from hospital following a 'brazen and targeted' shooting on the eve of the Ibrahim-Mehajer wedding.
Semi 'Tongan Sam' Ngata was shot at the home of Ibrahim's mother just hours before the Kings Cross identity's nephew married Salim Mehajer's sister at the same address.
The 59-year-old bodyguard was said to be protecting the bride when he was struck by a single bullet at the western Sydney property on November 17.
Ngata is refusing to break the code of silence and has not provided police with any information relating to the shooting, according to previous reports.
Ngata (pictured centre back) was shot at the home of Ibrahim's (centre front) mother on November 17
The shooting unfolded the night before John Ibrahim's nephew Sam Sayour (left) married Salim Mehajer's sister Aisha (right)
Police initially believed he was shot in the back but later discovered the bullet was in his torso.
Investigators are probing whether the attack was related to drug shipments worth $1billion that were intercepted earlier this year, The Daily Telegraph reported.
The seizures and subsequent raids resulted in the arrest of more than a dozen people including John Ibrahim's son, as well as his brothers Fadi and Michael.
The brothers were detained in a dramatic police sting in Dubai and extradited back to Australia over a drug and tobacco syndicate.
Tongan Sam has worked as a bodyguard for nightclub boss John (pictured) for more than a decade
Tongan Sam (left with Fadi Ibrahim and Salim Mehajer) is reportedly still refusing to speak to police
Fadi was released from jail on strict bail conditions after a $2.2million surety was put up.
The Merrylands home belonging to John's mother was searched by police during the raids, and a loaded 9mm handgun was seized from the property.
John Ibrahim's home was also raided as part of the investigation in August - but he was not arrested or charged with any offences.
Daily Mail Australia does not suggest John Ibrahim had any involvement in the shooting or the alleged drug syndicate.
John Ibrahim's home was raided as part of the investigation in August - but he was not arrested or charged with any offences
Sam Sayour and Aisha Mehajer married on Saturday at the same home where John Ibrahim's bodyguard was shot hours earlier
Guests were seen around the house all afternoon as they helped organise the impending wedding
The wedding went ahead as planned less than 24 hours after the attack, with police vehicles patrolling the area for fear of further violence during the nuptials.
Luxury cars lined the streets surrounding the houses during what appeared to be a low-key event.
A photo of the happy couple smiling adoringly was released by Salim Mehajer's sister Kat Sakalaki, as the newlyweds were seen signing their marriage certificate.
Tongan Sam has worked as a bodyguard for nightclub boss John for more than a decade after the pair met in Kings Cross in the 1990s.
Tongan Sam is pictured centre, with Sam Ibrahim, left, and lawyer Stephen Alexander, right, outside court in 2009
A photo of the happy couple smiling adoringly has been released by the former Auburn deputy mayor's sister Kat Sakalaki, as Aisha and Sam sign their marriage certificate
John and his three brothers - Sam, Michael and Fadi - have all been either shot or stabbed over recent years.
Michael - the most recent victim - was gunned down on Macquarie Street in Sydney's CBD in 2015, while Fadi was shot five times as he sat in his Lamborghini.
Sam was also hit in the legs in a 2011 drive-by shooting, and John was stabbed in Kings Cross as a teenager.
Burma's leader Aung San Suu Kyi was last night stripped of her Freedom of Oxford award amid allegations pf genocide.
Councillors on the city council took the 'unprecedented' step amid widespread concern about her lack of action in dealing with the suffering of the Muslim Rohingya population in Burma.
Despite global calls for action, Ms Suu Kyi has denied ethnic cleansing and dismissed claims of brutal treatment by the Burmese armed forces.
Pressure was growing on Ms Suu Kyi as she met Pope Francis today in her most high profile appearance since the crisis began.
Burma's leader Aung San Suu Kyi (pictured today with the Pope in Naypyitaw) was last night stripped of her Freedom of Oxford award amid allegations of genocide
The council vote is the latest snub from Oxford for Ms Suu Kyi after her portrait was removed from her alma mater of St Hugh's College.
She studied in the city for a degree in philosophy, politics and economics between 1964 and 1967.
In a statement following a special council meeting on Monday, councillor Mary Clarkson said: 'When Aung San Suu Kyi was given the Freedom of the City in 1997 it was because she reflected Oxford's values of tolerance and internationalism.
'We celebrated her for her opposition to oppression and military rule in Burma.
'Today we have taken the unprecedented step of stripping her of her city's highest honour because of her inaction in the face of oppression of the minority Rohingya population.
'The burning of their villages has been independently confirmed by satellite images, and the UN has called the situation 'a textbook example of genocide'.
'Yet Aung San Suu Kyi has denied any ethnic cleansing and dismissed numerous claims of sexual violence against Rohingya women as ''fake rape''.
'Oxford has a long tradition of being a diverse and humane city, and our reputation is tarnished by honouring those who turn a blind eye to violence.
'We hope that today we have added our small voice to others calling for human rights and justice for the Rohingya people.'
Oxford's decision comes after Live Aid founder Bob Geldof handed back his freedom of the city of Dublin in protest at the same honour being held by the Burmese leader
Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people have fled to Bangladesh amid reports of atrocities in Rakhine at the hands of the Burmese military.
Earlier this month Prime Minister Theresa May said Burma's treatment of its Rohingya Muslim minority 'looks like ethnic cleansing' and the country's military and governing authorities 'must take full responsibility'.
Her comments came after Live Aid founder Bob Geldof handed back his freedom of the city of Dublin in protest at the same honour being held by the Burmese leader.
A former deputy chief of staff to Rep. John Conyers claimed in an interview published Tuesday that he invited her to his hotel room for sex and groped her twice.
Deanna Maher, who ran a Michigan office for the Democrats' most senior legislator from 1997 to 2005, said she never reported the three incidents because Conyers 'is a powerful man' and she didn't think she would be taken seriously.
She said the first was in 1997 during an event with the Congressional Black Caucus, when she rejected his offer to share his hotel room at the Grand Hyatt in Washington.
'I didn't have a room, and he had me put in his hotel suite,' Maher, 77, told The Detroit News. She rejected his offer of sharing a room and having sex, she said.
A former deputy chief of staff for Rep. John Conyers says the veteran politician made unwanted sexual advances toward her, including groping her on two separate occasions
The other alleged incidents involved unwanted touching in a car in 1998 and unwanted touching of her legs under her dress in 1999.
In the 1998 incident, Maher says, Conyers groped her while he was driving the pair to Detroit's airport.
'He was trying to feel me up with his right hand,' she told the Detroit News. 'I kept pushing his hand away.'
Maher (pictured) said she never blew the whistle on Conyers because she couldn't affors to lose her job in middle age
'Then he put his hand on my neck and started trying to tickle me. We were on I-75, and he was driving erratically. I was saved by the bell because we got pulled over by the police for the way he was driving.'
Conyers' attorney Arnold Reed told the newspaper that he questioned why Maher continued to work for him after the alleged incidents.
Maher said: 'I needed to earn a living, and I was 57. How many people are going to hire you at that age?'
Reed said the allegations are unproven. Conyers, 88, the longest serving member of the House, denies wrongdoing.
'At best, they are uncorroborated. At worst, theyre just not believable,' he said.
'When you consider that theyre flying down I-75, he is driving and has time to do all of that, they get pulled over by a police officer, and she doesnt tell him whats going on?' he asked.
'Any female or male that comes forward and says anybody harasses them, that is serious. Those things are not to be taken lightly. But we have to be able to at least have some corroboration if were going to be saying my client did something wrong.'
Former Detroit Free Press reporter Joel Thurtell said Monday that Maher told him about the alleged misconduct at the time but feared retaliation and didn't want to go on the record. He didn't report her story.
Maher also discussed the incidents with a Detroit News reporter in 2013 but again didn't want to go on the record.
Maher says that during a Congressional Black Caucus event in 1997, she rejected Conyers' offer to share his hotel room at the Grand Hyatt in Washington
She told the newspaper: 'I didn't report the harassment because it was clear nobody wanted to take it seriously.
'John Conyers is a powerful man in Washington, and nobody wanted to cross him.'
The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation of Conyers and he said Sunday he would step aside as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee.
It comes after a report last week that Conyers settled a complaint in 2015 from a female staffer who alleged she was fired because she rejected his sexual advances.
BuzzFeed reported that Conyers' office paid the woman over $27,000 to settle the complaint under a confidentiality agreement.
The website also published affidavits from former staff members who said they had witnessed Conyers touching female staffers inappropriately or requesting sexual favors.
In one particularly serious charge, the woman claims that Conyers asked her to work out of his hotel room, when the Michigan congressman began talking about his sexual desires, according to the report.
Conyers is facing pressure to resign and has already stepped down from his senior position on the House Judiciary Committee
She says Conyers then told her to 'touch it' meaning his penis or find him a woman who would meet his sexual demands, according to Buzzfeed.
The website reported that Conyers' office paid the woman over $27,000 to settle the complaint under a confidentiality agreement, after filing a complaint in 2014.
BuzzFeed also published affidavits from former staff members who said they had witnessed Conyers touching female staffers inappropriately - rubbing their legs and backs - or requesting sex.
Another ex-staffer sued Conyers for harassment but then withdrew the suit after failing to have the case sealed.
A firearms dealer and feral animal killer is set to become One Nation's only Queensland MP.
Pauline Hanson's party has won the central Queensland seat of Mirani, with candidate Stephen Andrew ousting Labor stalwart Jim Pearce.
With over 75 per cent of the vote counted early on Tuesday, Mr Andrew had 54.57 per cent of the first preference vote.
Feral animal killer Stephen Andrew (pictured) is tipped to lead One Nation in Queensland
Pauline Hanson's party has likely won the central Queensland seat of Mirani (pictured: Pauline Hanson)
It means Mr Andrew looms as the only One Nation candidate to win a seat despite pre-election hopes by Senator Hanson that her party could win as many as 10 seats.
Mr Andrew describes himself as a family man and '4th generation South Sea islander/local Mackay person' in his candidate profile on One Nations website,
'The reason I joined One Nation ... is to help restructure what big business and poor government decisions has done to our farmers/graziers, industries and jobs in the Mirani electorate, the suffering needs to stop and growth needs to start,' his profile says.
Mr Andrew is currently a licenced weapons dealer running his own business Western Action Firearms. He also owns CQ Feral - a pest control business and also has a mining services business, the Daily Telegraph reported.
With over 75 per cent of the vote counted early, Mr Andrew had 54.57 per cent
With Labor candidate Cynthia Lui set to win the far north Queensland seat of Cook, Labor has now won 44 of the 47 seats it needs to form a majority government.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk remains confident she will win enough seats to form a majority government, with Labor expected to win 47 or 48 with nine seats remaining in doubt.
The LNP has secured 36 seats and is expected to win a total of 40.
He may be the only One Nation candidate to win a seat despite Hanson's hopes for the state (pictured: Queensland)
Of the seats still in the balance, Rockhampton looks like it'll be won by independent candidate Margaret Strelow meaning two independents will be in parliament following Sandra Bolton's win in the seat of Noosa.
A definitive result could be several days away, with postal and pre-poll votes yet to be counted.
The Queensland Electoral Commission confirmed 800,000 people voted before election day on November 25.
A search has been launched along the south coast of Western Australia for traces of missing flight MH370.
Amateur wreck hunter Blaine Gibson claims he has found almost 20 pieces of debris on the western side of the Indian Ocean from the Boeing 777 that vanished with 239 people aboard three years ago.
Mr Gibson is now working with Charitha Pattiaratchi, a professor at the University of WA, who told about the location of possible debris in Australia.
Amateur wreck hunter Blaine Gibson claims to have found almost 20 pieces of debris on the western side of the Indian Ocean from the Boeing 777
'Professor Pattiaratchi tells me that the current that swept the debris from MH370s probable crash location could bring it back towards the southern coast of Australia because it merges with the southern Indian Ocean current near South Africa,' Mr Gibson told the West Australian.
Mr Gibson said debris should come ashore anywhere from Cape Leeuwin around to Walpole, Denmark and Albany.
'I urge everyone on holidays this Christmas to keep an eye out for debris,' he added.
Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 239 passengers and crew on board.
A Boeing 777 flaperon cut down to match the one from flight MH370 found on Reunion island off the coast of Africa in 2015, is lowered into water to discover its drift characteristics by researchers in Tasmania
French gendarmes and police inspect a large piece of plane debris which was found on the beach in Saint-Andre, on the French Indian Ocean island of La Reunion in July 2015
A piece of debris believed to be an outboard wing flap belonging to missing flight MH370
Scientists potentially narrowed the search area for the missing airliner to three specific locations in the southern Indian Ocean through new satellite and drift analysis of the crash released last month.
Malaysia, China and Australia agreed to suspend the deep-sea sonar search in January after 120,000 square kilometres of seabed were combed without finding any trace of the plane.
But the drift analysis by Australian science agency CSIRO suggests the wreckage is just north of that area.
A 25,000 square kilometre expanse was identified by a panel of experts as the most likely resting place of the Boeing 777 and the 239 people aboard.
Flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014, en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, with 239 people on board. A file photo shows a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200 in July of that year
That expanse adjoins the original search zone far southwest of Australia that was identified through satellite analysis of the final hours of the flight, which apparently ended when the plane ran out of fuel.
The findings will provide the basis of a new search to be conducted by seabed exploration company Ocean Infinity, based in the US, that is due to begin at the start of 2018.
Concerns over whether or not Meghan Markle will bestowed the title of Her Royal Highness were scotched amid speculation surrounding her citizenship.
Royal commentators had suggested that the American actress would not be permitted to use the style of HRH due to her status as a non-British national.
However it is now thought the Queen will give Harry the title of the Duke of Sussex, meaning Miss Markle would become Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Sussex.
She will also automatically become Her Royal Highness, Princess Henry of Wales on the wedding day.
Concerns over whether or not Meghan Markle will bestowed the title of Her Royal Highness were scotched amid speculation surrounding her citizenship
It is likely that the Queen will grant the couple a dukedom and Sussex is a likely title for the pair having not been in the royal family since 1843
Miss Markle, a divorcee, is believed to be visiting Prince Harry in the UK on a tourist visa, and so would eventually need to apply for permanent citizenship.
Those wishing to gain a British passport through marriage are usually required to have lived in the UK for at least three years before applying.
However this could be bypassed by the British Government, which could speed through the process of naturalisation on the request of the Queen.
Former Buckingham Palace press secretary Dickie Arbiter told News Corp said the citizenship issue surrounding Miss Markle was 'an interesting one'.
The Queen is expected to bestow a dukedom on her grandson and his bride on their wedding day. She did this for William and Kate, who became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
As it stands, the children of Prince Harry and Miss Markle would be a lord or lady, not a prince or princess, unless the Queen steps in. She did this for William and Kates children, allowing all of them to have the title HRH
'Meghan can marry Harry but it would be in her interest to become a British citizen,' he said.
'The problem arises when there are people waiting to become British citizens already.
The Queen is expected to bestow a dukedom on her grandson and his bride on their wedding day
'It would hit the royal family and the government if she was fast tracked above everyone else.'
Mr Arbiter added: 'The only way around that is if she has become a Canadian citizen in the five years she has lived and worked there.
'If she has applied to become a Canadian citizen it would be easier for her because Queen Elizabeth is, like Australia, the Queen of Canada.
'It wouldn't be as big a problem as her being a US citizen.'
Miss Markle was last night tipped to become Duchess of Sussex however, she will not receive the official title of Princess Meghan because she is not of royal blood.
The Queen is expected to bestow a dukedom on her grandson and his bride on their wedding day.
She did this for William and Kate, who became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
As it stands, the children of Prince Harry and Miss Markle would be a lord or lady, not a prince or princess, unless the Queen steps in.
She did this for William and Kates children, allowing all of them to have the title HRH not just Prince George, who qualified automatically.
A Canadian school board is making progressive steps by having teachers participate in extensive inclusiveness training, but the title of the session has left some perplexed.
The Canadian Elementary Teachers Federation (ETFO) of Ontario hosted a LGGBDTTTIQQAAPP inclusiveness training session on June 6.
The acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Genderqueer, Bisexual, Demisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Twospirit, Intersex, Queer, Questioning, Asexual, Allies, Pansexual and Polyamorous.
The Canadian Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario hosted a LGGBDTTTIQQAAPP inclusiveness training on June 6
Conducted for the Durham ETFO Executive, Stewards and other interested folks, the session included a presentation from Dr Barb Perry of UOIT & Durham PFLAG.
While inclusivity is generally applauded, some on social media were more than a little baffled by the title. And it attracted plenty of hate from the Right.
One user wrote: 'ETFO is learning about the LGGBDTTTIQQAAPP. I wonder if they feel insignificant or perhaps inadequate with their piddly little acronym?'
Another said: 'LGGBDTTTIQQAAPP just rolls off the tongue.'
While terms like Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Allies, Transgender, Transexual and Questioning may be familiar to the common person, others may seem confusing to those that aren't used to the terms.
A person who identifies as Genderqueer or Nonbinary does not feel like terms such as 'male' or 'female' adequately designate how they identify or choose to present themselves.
Aexuality.org defines a Demisexual as someone who does not experience sexual attraction unless they form a strong emotional connection with someone.
Accounting for Native Peoples, the training also is inclusive of those who identify as Two-Spirit or those who possess both masculine and feminine spirits.
Conducted for the Durham ETFO Executive, stewards and other folks, the session included a presentation from Dr Barb Perry of UOIT & Durham PFLAG. School children are taught inclusiveness in elementary school (pictured) (stock)
Someone who is intersex has been born in the middle of the spectrum for both male and female. An intersex person may be born with genital ambiguity.
Asexuality accounts for those who do not feel any sexual feeling or desire at all.
Pansexual is the open sexuality of another person no matter their sex or gender identify.
And someone who is Polyamorous seeks intimate relationships with more than one partner.
'There are other terms you can use to explain your "unique" situation: you could go back to using #LGBT/#LGBTQ instead of #LGGBDTTTIQQAAPP (silent F?): #nonstraight, #colorfulsnowflake, etc. All I know is that this new acronym is totally killing the purpose of one,' said one user
Another user pointed out how many iterations of the acronym they had heard
The sessions goal was 'to become more familiar with current language, sensitive to current issues, and to share best practices in supporting our LGGBDITTTIQQAAPP peers and students.'
According to the flier, fewer than one per cent of ETFO members were open with their identities, even though half of the public 'secretly identities as LGBT to some extent.
'If we want students to succeed, if we want to educe staff anxiety and stress, we need to create a much more welcoming and accepting environment,' the flier added.
John Profumo had a long-running affair with a glamorous Nazi spy who may have later tried to blackmail him, according to security service files released today.
Long before the high-society sex scandal in the Swinging Sixties which now bears his name, Profumo met Gisela Winegard, a German model, at Oxford in 1930s and got to know her well, the previously top secret dossier reveals.
Diplomats son Profumo was then an undergraduate studying law at Brasenose College.
Gisela, 16 months older and known by her maiden name Klein, made several visits to this country between 1933 the year Adolf Hitler made himself absolute ruler of Germany and 1938.
John Profumo (left) met Gisela Winegard (right), a German model, at Oxford in 1930s
On the first occasion, she went to Oxford, ostensibly to learn English, and professed to be anti-Nazi, the newly declassified documents say.
Photographs of Gisela in the files portray her as a haughty, Teutonic beauty. Intelligence reports described her as a young woman of striking appearance who was known to have made friends with a number of well-known young men in this country.
Whether or not she was working for German intelligence services when Profumo first met her is not clear.
But National Archive files show she was ordered to leave Britain in 1935 and 1936 for working as a model while on non-working visas, and was reported as being on intimate terms with the German Military Attache in Paris in 1938. This led the Home Office to recommend she be barred from entering this country altogether.
She remained in Paris during the occupation of France. There, she was a German intelligence officers mistress, having a child with him, and also became close to a German general.
After the Allies liberated Paris in 1944, Gisela was imprisoned along with other German agents and collaborators.
Photographs of Gisela in the secret files portray her as a haughty, Teutonic beauty
Meanwhile Profumo, who was known as Jack, had been commissioned into the Army in 1939 as a second lieutenant. The following year, while still serving, he was elected Tory MP for Kettering in Northamptonshire at the age of 25 making him the youngest MP at the time. He went on to serve with distinction in the Second World War.
The files show that he remained in touch with Gisela until at least 1950.
In 1942 she wrote to him the letter was intercepted by MI5 from Switzerland, where she had apparently gone for modelling work.
She said: Jack darling, I find it very difficult to write this letter as I cannot get used to the idea that Im free to write to you without a censor.
She was able to do so because Switzerland remained neutral and unoccupied throughout the war.
She added: Though Im not nearly as happy as I used to be at 88 Seymour Street [where she had lived in Oxford].
After her capture during the liberation of Paris she was held in Fresnes Prison but was later transferred to a jail in a basement in Pariss Rue Suchet which Edward Winegard was in charge of. He was an American citizen of German origin serving in the US forces.
The files say he obtained her release and shortly afterwards took her to Hamburg where they married. Sometime in 1947-8, while they were living in the south of France, the Winegards fell foul of the American Intelligence Service for having harboured one of the Chiefs of a German spy ring.
They moved to Tangier in Morocco, where they worked for the Voice of America radio station. But in April 1950, she was dismissed from her filing clerk job when it was discovered that she had worked for the Germans during the war and was 100 per cent pro-German.
Left, Profumo's relationship with dancer Christine Keeler (right) became the centre of a public scandal
The marriage came under stress with Edward stating in September 1950 that his wife had left him because he had discovered that she had been receiving endearing letters from Profumo. These letters were written on House of Commons notepaper, the files, from the National Archives at Kew in South-West London, state.
Profumo had told MI5 about his relationship with Winegard, the archives reveal. A memo states that in 1941 he admitted meeting her in 1936 and got to know her well.
That was information he gave to one Major J J Astor who, in a remarkable coincidence, was the younger brother of William, 3rd Viscount Astor. The Astor family home, Cliveden in Buckinghamshire, was where the Profumo scandal would later play out.
A letter containing information from Major Astor in 1945 said: Gisela Klein is described as exceedingly clever, witty and companionable and notes that she had spent some time in Cairo and Alexandria where she was said to have known every officer in both places.
The Major also said his mother, Lady Astor, expressed the opinion that she [Gisela] was a spy. Profumo lost his seat in the 1945 Labour landslide, but was elected in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1950.
It was in the swimming pool at Cliveden that Profumo first laid eyes on Christine Keeler. Their affair was at the centre of the scandal that took his name. After his affair with dancer Keeler became public, it emerged she was also in a relationship with a Russian military attache.
Profumo lied about the relationship to Parliament but was forced to quit when the truth emerged. The scandal helped the government. The newly released files reveal that at the height of that scandal in 1963, MI6 sent files to MI5 investigations head Arthur Martin about Profumo and Mrs Winegard.
The 1963 letter discusses a rejected 1951 application by Mrs Winegard, by then reunited with her husband, for a UK visa.
At the time, the authorities believed the Winegards had recently engaged in blackmail activities and now think it possible their intended visit to the UK may be connected with this. The papers do not say who the target might be. But the visa application listed Jack Profumo, MP for South Cattering (sic) as a reference.
Yesterday Richard Dunley, of the National Archives, said the revelation that Profumo was involved with a Nazi spy came as a huge surprise, thought it was widely known that he was a bit of a ladies man.
The things that come out most clearly are the extraordinary parallels between this and the later scandal the connections with the Astors and Profumo writing to Gisela on Commons notepaper, he said. In the later scandal, a note written by Profumo to Keeler on Ministry paper was key and there was a big concern about whether he could be blackmailed because of this letter.
After the 1963 scandal, Profumo quit politics and devoted himself to charity work, going on to receive the CBE. He died aged 91 in 2006.
A New Zealand mother who suffocated her newborn son and fed him a button battery will spend more than seven years behind bars.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of six counts of ill-treating a child in September before being sentenced in Auckland's High Court on Tuesday.
The charges relate to incidents involving the woman's son, who was just nine-months-old during one incident, as well as a daughter who was intentionally overdosed on prescription pills to induce ataxia, according to Fairfax.
A New Zealand mother who suffocated her newborn son and fed him a button battery will spend more than seven years behind bars (stock image)
The mother reportedly suffers from factitious disorder imposed on another, which was previously known as Munchausen Syndrome by proxy.
The mental illness causes someone to intentionally harm or make-up non-existent symptoms about someone under their care to receive attention.
The woman is believed to have taken her children to see medical professionals more than 100 times, where they underwent unnecessary invasive procedures including a lumbar puncture.
Police were alerted to the behaviour in October 2015, after the mother suffocated her newborn son and called emergency services when he stopped breathing.
The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found guilty of six counts of ill-treating a child in September before being sentenced in Auckland's High Court (pictured) on Tuesday
The mother reportedly suffers from factitious disorder imposed on another, which was previously known as Munchausen Syndrome by proxy, and also overdosed her daughter on prescription pills (stock image)
The woman was said to have thrived on 'the buzz of the emergency', and had appeared 'cheerful and happy' when taking the children to visit medical staff, the NZ Herald reported.
The offences, which took place over five years, were labelled extremely 'serious' and 'harmful' by the prosecution, who claimed the young boy 'very nearly died' due to the mother's actions.
Justice Mary Peters sentenced the woman to seven years and one month in jail over the 'extremely dangerous' offences and did not impose a minimum period of imprisonment.
She called the offending 'unusual' but was confident the incidents would not have occurred had she not been sick.
The young boy is now believed to be in the care of his father, while the woman's daughter is being looked after by a grandparent.
Horrifying footage of Japanese whalers hunting in an Australian sanctuary has been released, with the government saying they kept quiet about it to maintain international relations.
After a five year battle to have all information disclosed to the public conservation group Sea Shepherd have been handed a video taken by Australian customs officers of a Japanese 'research' vessel slaying minke whales.
The video was shot on January 31, 2008, but wasn't released in fear it would 'harm international relations' with Japan.
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After a five year battle to have all information disclosed to the public conservation group Sea Shepherd
'Back in 2008 the Australian government sent a custom vessel down to document Japan's whaling in Australia's Antarctic territory,' Sea Shepherd's director Jeff Hansen.
The footage is graphic in its detail, showing the exact moment a whale is harpooned, dragged to the side of the ship with a spear in its side and held in place until it dies.
'This was taken in the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary and yet they are being chased by harpoon ships. These whales are swimming away in an attempt to outrun them. But eventually they have to come up - exhausted,' Mr Hansen continued.
The footage is graphic in its detail, showing the exact moment a whale is harpooned, dragged to the side of the ship with a spear in its side and held in place until it dies
Sea Shepherd reports it takes 'a long time for these whales to die' before they are brought onto the ship and 'diced up for the markets in Tokyo'
'They are hit with an explosive harpoon that sends shrapnel through their bodies, while prongs come out so that the whale cannot escape.'
Sea Shepherd reports it takes 'a long time for these whales to die' before they are brought onto the ship and 'diced up for the markets in Tokyo.'
Although the video is from almost a decade ago, these practices are still happening Mr Hansen confirms.
Sea Shepherd said they don't have the resources to send fleets of boats to the area and prevent the killings, so is asking the Australian government to 'step up'
Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg said the government was 'deeply disappointed'
Sea Shepherd said they don't have the resources to send fleets of boats to the area and prevent the killings, so is asking the Australian government to 'step up.'
Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg said the government was 'deeply disappointed that Japan has decided to return to the Southern Ocean this summer to undertake so-called 'scientific' whaling as it is not necessary to kill whales in order to study them', Sydney Morning Herald reports.
'The government will continue to advocate for Japan to comply with its international obligations and the principles set out in the International Court of Justice's judgment,' he said.
The Obama family took a moment on Monday to congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their engagement while President Donald Trump hasn't said anything publicly to the couple.
Former US President Barack Obama tweeted a sweet message to the couple wishing them a 'lifetime of happiness' together.
'Michelle and I are delighted to congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their engagement. We wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness together,' the 56-year-old wrote on the social media site to his more than 97million followers.
His congratulation's tweet comes after it was formally announced earlier Monday that the British prince, whos fifth in line to the throne, was engaged to the actress.
Current US President Donald Trump has yet to publicly congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan on their engagement.
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The Obama family took a moment on Monday to congratulate Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their engagement. Former US President Barack Obama tweeted out a sweet message (above) to the couple wishing them a 'lifetime of happiness' together
Princess wave: Obama's congratulation's tweet comes after it was formally announced earlier Monday that the British prince, whos fifth in line to the throne, was engaged to the actress
The former first family have somewhat frequently appeared alongside Prince Harry.
Just last month, the 33-year-old royal was on hand for the Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago.
Then, in September the father-of-two sat alongside Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto, where Meghan also attended.
It's unclear if the Obamas will be invited to the couple's exclusive spring 2018 wedding as planning is likely to now get fully underway.
Earlier Monday, the newly engaged couple revealed how she immediately said 'yes' to Prince Harry after he proposed on one knee while they were cooking a roast dinner during a 'cosy night' in.
The former first family have somewhat frequently appeared alongside Prince Harry. Just last month, the 33-year-old royal was on hand for the Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago. Then, in September tthe former president sat alongside Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto (above)
In their first joint interview, the 36-year-old actress said she did not even wait for the 33-year-old royal to finish the sentence before she said 'yes' - and it was 'so sweet and natural and very romantic'.
The couple, who had been in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace when the proposal happened, revealed that they first met on a blind date after being set up by a female friend - and have tried to see each other every two weeks.
Prince Harry added: 'I fell in love with Meghan so incredibly quickly... All the stars were aligned - everything was just perfect. It was this beautiful woman just sort of literally tripped and fell into my life - I fell into her life.'
Earlier Monday, the newly engaged couple revealed how she immediately said 'yes' to Prince Harry after he proposed on one knee while they were cooking a roast dinner during a 'cosy night' in
The pair inspect Meghan's engagement ring, which includes a large diamond from Botswana, where they had one of their first dates together camping out under the stars
Four weeks after they met, Harry persuaded her to join him on a five-day break in Botswana. He said: 'We camped out with each other under the stars... which was absolutely fantastic.'
The couple - who spoke to BBC presenter Mishal Husain - said that the actress has already met the Queen 'a couple of times'.
She described the monarch as an 'incredible woman'.
It was also revealed that Prince Harry had sought the permission of both of Meghan's parents, but that he had not yet met her father Thomas, having only spoken to him on the phone.
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From Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Helena Christensen defying age with their stunning looks to worshippers taking part in a Naked Man Festival, these are news agency AFP's pictures of 2017.
Thousands of men brave freezing temperatures to fight for lucky charms thrown by a priest at Japan's annual nude festival in the collection of photos the new provider believes best sum up the past year.
Also pictured are 10,000 male dancers taking part in the rehearsal of a mass Saman dance performance in the Gayo Lues highland district of Indonesia's Sumatra island.
The first year of Donald Trump's US presidency is also charted, as are the conflicts and disasters that have dogged the planet during the past 12 months.
American firefighters are pictured removing their country's flag from a luxury home in California as as flames from a wildfire close in on the property during this year's record-breaking heatwave.
Top models (from left) Carla Bruni, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Helena Christensen pose at the end of the show for fashion house Versace during the Women's Spring/Summer 2018 fashion shows in Milan, on September 22
In this picture taken on February 18, 2017, worshippers wait for the priest to throw the sacred batons during the annual Naked Man Festival or 'Hadaka Matsuri' at Saidaiji Temple in Okayama, western Japan. With only a skimpy loincloth to protect their modesty, thousands of men brave freezing temperatures to fight for lucky charms thrown by a priest at Japan's annual Naked Man Festival
Men take part in a rehearsal of a mass traditional Saman dance performance in the Gayo Lues highland district in Aceh on Indonesia's Sumatra island on August 12
Firefighters remove a US flag as flames from the 'Wall Fire' close in on a luxury home in Oroville, California on July 8
People watch as competitors pass by during the 2017 Dakar Rally Stage 1 between Asuncion and Resistencia, in Argentina, on January 2
US President-elect Donald Trump boards the elevator after escorting Martin Luther King III to the lobby after meetings at Trump Tower in New York City on January 16
A member of the Iraqi special forces' Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) holds a sword while guarding a position at Mosul's university on January 15, 2017, during an ongoing military operation against Islamic State (IS) group jihadists
New York US surfer Balaram Stack wipes out during the 2017 Backdoor Shootout surfing contest at Pipeline on the North shore of Oahu in Hawai on January 13
A picture taken on January 20, 2017, shows a dead body hanging from an electricity post in eastern Mosul during an ongoing military operation against Islamic State
US President Donald Trump takes the cap off a pen to sign an executive order to start the Mexico border wall project at the Department of Homeland Security facility in Washington, DC, on January 25
Tents set up for the participants in the Campus Party Brazil, a technological event that reaches its tenth edition, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on February 1
Palestinians run for cover as smoke rises following an Israeli air strike on a Hamas post, in the northern Gaza Strip on February 6
Elementary school children play outside of their classrooms as mount Sinabung volcano spews thick volcanic ash as seen from Karo, North Sumatra province, on February 10
This aerial picture taken on February 10, 2017 shows a woman cleaning the village square after firecrackers were set off as part of the 'beat the Buddha' celebration in Yuxi village, China
Olive Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) return to the sea after laying their eggs in the sand at Rushikulya Beach, some 140 kilometres (88 miles) south-west of Bhubaneswar, early February 16
A section of the US/Mexico border fence is seen at San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora state, on February 15, 2017 in northwestern Mexico
In a photo taken on February 15, 2017 swimmers perform in a synchronized swimming gala event in Pyongyang. The gala was part of a series of events being held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il
This picture taken on February 16, 2017 in Fangshan village in China's coastal province Fujians, shows Zheng Yinquan performing the 'eating flowers' ritual. Villagers in eastern China have a unique way of washing away the taint of evil spirits -- by bathing in a shower of scorching sparks
A young Syrian man carries a wounded child following reported government airstrike on the rebel-held town of Douma, on the eastern outskirts of the capital Damascus, on February 25
Kellyanne Conway takes a photo as US President Donald Trump and leaders of historically black universities and colleges talk before a group photo in the Oval Office of the White House before a meeting with US Vice President Mike Pence on February 27
A Syrian man waters herbs on the roof of his damaged building in the Syrian rebel-held town of Arbin, in the eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus on March 3
An Iraqi woman lies on the ground as civilians flee Mosul while Iraqi forces advance inside the city during fighting against Islamic State group's fighters on March 8
A Syrian man drives a home-made toy car in the rebel-held town of Beit Naim, in the eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, on March 7
President Donald Trump participates in a roundtable with women small business owners at the White House in Washington, DC, March 27
Mohammed Mohiedin Anis, or Abu Omar, 70, smokes his pipe as he sits in his destroyed bedroom listening to music on his vinyl player, gramophone, in Aleppo's formerly rebel-held al-Shaar neighbourhood
Donald Trump sits in the drivers seat of a semi-truck as he welcomes truckers and CEOs to the White House in Washington DC, March 23
A picture taken on April 3, 2017, shows a man walking amidst wrecked vehicles, some had been previously used as barricades, piled in a junkyard in Western Mosul
A relocated rhino charges a Nepalese forestry and technical team after being released as part of a relocation project in Shuklaphanta National Park, some 510 kms from Kathmandu on April 4
Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers watch a military parade marking the 105th anniversary of the birth of late North Korean leader Kim Il-Sung, in Pyongyang on April 15
Two suspected men sit restrained in a Humvee, awaiting to be interogated on the front line in west Mosul on 21 April
French presidential election candidate for the En Marche ! movement Emmanuel Macron (R) and his wife Brigitte Trogneux pose for the photograph, on April 22, 2017, in Le Touquet, northern France, on the eve of the first round of presidential election
Relatives mourn the death of a family member due to the cholera crisis at the temporary hospital in Mingkaman, a camp for the Internally displaced people (IDPs) on April 26, 2017, in the Eastern Lakes States
French CRS anti-riot police officers are engulfed in flames as they face protesters during a march for the annual May Day workers' rally in Paris on May 1
French president-elect Emmanuel Macron arrives to deliver a speech at the Pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris on May 7, 2017, after the second round of the French presidential election
This photo taken on March 7, 2017, shows the dead body of Valien Mendoza, a suspected drug dealer, gunned down by unidentified assailants in Manila
Iraqi children sit amidst the rubble of a street in Mosul's Nablus neighbourhood infront of a billboard bearing the logo of the Islamic State (IS) group on March 12
A demonstrator catches fire during clashes with riot police within a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3
A Humvee passes over the body of a jihadist in west Mosul on March 10, 2017 as Iraqi forces advance in the city in the ongoing battle to seize it from the jihadists of the Islamic State (IS) group
A recently painted mural by British graffiti artist Banksy, depicting a workman chipping away at one of the stars on a European Union (EU) themed flag, is pictured in Dover, south east England on May 8
A Venezuelan opposition activist receives assistance during a rally against the government of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, on May 18
A man watches the race at Ace Speedway in Alamance County on May 19, 2017 in Altamahaw, North Carolina
ndian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan arrives on May 19, 2017 for the screening of the film 'Okja' at the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France
Opposition activists clash with riot police during a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on May 20
US film producer Harvey Weinstein poses during a photocall as he arrives to attend the De Grisogono Party on the sidelines of the 70th Cannes Film Festival, at the Cap-Eden-Roc hotel in Antibes, near Cannes, southeastern France, on May 23
Venezuelan opposition activists attempt to defilade behind a wall from a National Guard riot policeman shooting rubber bullets at them during clashes in Caracas on May 31
This picture taken on May 29, 2017 shows a man in an excavator digging in the debris of partially demolished houses at the Larung Gar Buddhist Institute in Sertar county in southwest China's Sichuan province
An opposition activist hides behind a shield during clashes with riot police in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 7
Ousted FBI director James Comey is sworn in during a hearing before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence on Capitol Hill June 8
Donald Trump pauses during a press conference with Romania's President Klaus Iohannis in the Rose Garden of the White House June 9, 2017 in Washington
In this picture taken late on June 13, 2017, physiotherapist Masayuki Ozaki takes a bath with his silicone sex doll Mayu at a love hotel in Yachimata
Illegal immigrants are seen at a detention centre in Zawiyah, 45 kilometres west of the Libyan capital Tripoli, on June 17
A wildfire is reflected in a stream at Penela, Coimbra, central Portugal, on June 18
A policeman stands by a dead body of a victim of a wildfire in Pedrogao, on June 18
Iraqis flee from the Old City of Mosul on June 20, 2017, during the ongoing offensive by Iraqi forces to retake the last district still held by the Islamic State
A road meanders amongst burnt forest areas affected by a wildfire in Vale do Cambra, some 30 km to Pedrograo Grande, on June 20, 2017. The huge forest fire that erupted on June 17, 2017 in central Portugal killed at least 64 people and injured 135 more
Devotees wear costumes made of banana leaves as they head to church to attend mass as part of a religious festival, in honor of St. John the Baptist, also known locally as the 'mud people' festival, in Aliaga town, Nueva Ecija province, north of Manila, on June 24
A Libyan coast guardsman stands on a boat during the rescue of 147 illegal immigrants attempting to reach Europe off the coastal town of Zawiyah, 45 kilometres west of the capital Tripoli, on June 27
A picture taken on July 4, 2017 shows a replica of the Eiffel Tower as part of the set for the Chanel 2017-2018 fall/winter Haute Couture collection at the Grand Palais in Paris
An Iraqi woman, carrying an infant, walks by the destroyed Al-Nuri Mosque as she flees from the Old City of Mosul on July 5
A man on his bike looks at a masked protester throwning a stone at riot police using water cannon on July 7
A picture taken on July 9, 2017, shows a general view of the destruction in Mosul's Old City
Police man a security cordon as a huge fire engulfs the Grenfell Tower early June 14
This picture taken with an underwater camera shows Italy's Linda Cerruti and Italy's Costanza Ferro competing in the Women Duet technical final during the synchronised swimming competition at the 2017 FINA World Championships in Budapest, on July 16
An air tanker drops fire retardant on flames as firefighters continue to battle against the Detwiler fire in Mariposa, California on July 19
Italy's Eugenio Amos and his co-driver Sebastien Delaunay of France ride over sand dunes while competing during the Stage 12 of the Silk Way 2017 between Jiayuguan and Alxa Youqi, China on July 20
Riot police arrest an opposition activists during clashes following a march towards the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) in an offensive against President Maduro and his call for Constituent Assembly in Caracas on July 22
In this photo taken on July 29, 2017, people walk up stairs before a propaganda poster showing Korean People's Army (KPA) soldiers at a museum in Sinchon, south of Pyongyang
People enjoy the beach as they look at a forest fire in La Croix-Valmer, near Saint-Tropez, on July 25
Students clean the steps in front of the statues of late North Korean leaders Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il at Mansu hill as the country marks 'Victory Day' in Pyongyang on July 27
US athlete Justin Gatlin kneels in front of Jamaica's Usain Bolt after Gatlin won the final of the men's 100m athletics event at the 2017 IAAF World Championships at the London Stadium in London on August 5
The mother of a man shot in the head allegedly by Kenyan police uses a blanket to cover her son's body in an alley of Mathare slum in Nairobi, on August 9
The mother of a man allegedly shot in the head by a Kenya Administration Police officer in Nairobi, on August 9
A propaganda poster is displayed during a rally in support of North Korea's stance against the US, on Kim Il-Sung square in Pyongyang on August 9
Monaco's freediver Pierre Frolla wearing a prototype of an ''Oceanwings' wetsuit glides through the water on August 13
A woman is received first-aid after a car accident ran into a crowd of protesters in Charlottesville, VA on August 12
People make their way onto an I-610 overpass after being rescued from flooded homes during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey August 27
A lies abandoned after heavy damage when Hurricane Harvey hit Rockport, Texas on August 26
Lights of ultra-trailers competing illuminate the way on September 1
People walk through the flooded waters of Telephone Rd. in Houston on August 27, 2017 as the US fourth city city battles with tropical storm Harvey and resulting floods
A North Korean soldier stands on the bank of the Yalu river near the North Korean town of Sinuiju, opposite the Chinese border city of Dandong, in China's northeast Liaoning province on September 4
A photo taken on September 6, 2017 shows the Hotel Mercure in Marigot, near the Bay of Nettle, on the French Collectivity of Saint Martin, during the passage of Hurricane Irma
oldiers stand guard a few metres away from the Sensacion hotel which collapsed with the powerful earthquake that struck Mexico overnight, in Matias Romero, Oaxaca State, on September 8
This undated picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 16
Palestinian children do their homeworks during a power cut in an impoverished area in Gaza City, on September 11
The car of Ferrari's Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen (R) is seen after a crash as Ferrari's German driver Sebastian Vettel (C) leads during the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix in Singapore on September 17
A picture shows rocks swept by strong waves onto a road in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19
A picture shows rocks swept by strong waves onto a road in Le Carbet, on the French Caribbean island of Martinique, after it was hit by Hurricane Maria, on September 19
Spectators listen to a television news brodcast of a statment by North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, before a public television screen outside the central railway station in Pyongyang on September 22
A man rides his bicycle through a damaged road in Toa Alta, west of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on September 24
Rescuers, firefighters, policemen, soldiers and volunteers desperately remove rubble and debris from a flattened building in search of survivors after a powerful quake in Mexico City on September 19
Kadri Gursel kisses his wife after his release from Silivri prison on September 26, 2017 in Istanbul, following a Turkish court order to free the columnist and editorial director of Turkey's opposition newspaper Cumhuriyet
Dead bodies of Rohingya Muslim refugees lay on the shore of Inani beach, near Cox's Bazar on September 28, 2017. On September 28
A Rohingya Muslim refugee walks by night after crossing the border from Myanmar, on the Bangladeshi shores of the Naf river in Teknaf on September 29
Protestors hold Spanish flags during a demonstration against independence in Catalonia called by the xenophobic far-right party 'Platform for Catalonia' (PXC) in front of the Spanish National Police headquarters in Barcelona, on September 30
A Rohingya refugee girl looks next to newly arrived refugees who fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar in Ukhiya on September 6
A Bangladeshi man helps Rohingya Muslim refugees to disembark from a boat on the Bangladeshi shoreline of the Naf river after crossing the border from Myanmar in Teknaf on September 30
A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) runs to take cover from sniper shots near the central hospital of Raqa on October 1
Solar panel debris is seen scattered in a solar panel field in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Humacao, Puerto Rico on October 2
A man is pulled out of the rubble alive following a quake in Mexico City on September 19
Protester comedian Simon Brodkin (R) gives a piece of paper written as a mock P45 (employee leaving form) to Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May (L) as she was delivering her speech on the final day of the Conservative Party annual conference at the Manchester Central Convention Centre in Manchester, northwest England, on October 4
Boats sail during the 49th Barcolana regatta in the Gulf of Trieste on October 8
Supporters of an independence for Catalonia listen to Catalan president Carles Puigdemont's speech broadcasted on a television screen at the Arc de Triomf (Triumphal Arch) in Barcelona on October 10
A Syrian woman looks back as civilians gather on the western front after fleeing the centre of Raqa on October 12
Fire damage is seen from the air in the Coffey Park neighborhood October 11
A Somali man reacts next to a dead body on the site where a car bomb exploded at the center of Mogadishu, on October 14
Rojda Felat, a Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) commander, waves her group's flag at the iconic Al-Naim square in Raqa on October 17
A woman cries as she looks at her house in Raqa on October 20
A Syrian infant suffering from severe malnutrition is seen at a clinic in the rebel-controlled town of Hamouria, in the eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, on October 21
A woman on a bike gestures with her middle finger as a motorcade with US President Donald Trump departs Trump National Golf Course October 28
Mourners pray for the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej during the procession transferring the relics and his ashes from the Grand Palace to a local temple in Bangkok on October 29
Supporters of National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate Raila Odinga react after the result of re-elections as the incumbent President declared his victory in Kisumu, on October 30
A crowd releases lanterns into the air as they celebrate the Yee Peng festival, also known as the festival of lights, in Chiang Mai on November 3
A man believed to be Carles Puigdemont gestures inside the public prosecutor's office in Brussels, on November 5
A migrant tries to board a boat of the German NGO Sea-Watch in the Mediterranean Sea on November 6
Emirati visitors look at exhibits during the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum on November 11
People hold Catalan pro-independence Estelada flags during a demonstration in Barcelona on November 11
A protester brandishing a machete and a knife prepares to take cover from incoming tear gas canisters during clashes with police forces in Kibera, Nairobi, on October 26
Italy's goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification football match between Italy and Sweden, on November 13
An Iranian man rests as he lies atop salvaged mattresses and items outside damaged buildings in the town of Sarpol-e Zahab in the western Kermanshah province near the border with Iraq, on November 14
Young women walk past an armoured personnel carrier that stations by an intersection as Zimbabwean soldiers regulate traffic in Harare on November 15
A man looks at a television set broadcasting a state address by Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe in Mbare, Harare on November 19
A Zimbabwean soldier sitting in tank gestures as people greet and celebrate after the resignation of President Mugabe in Harare on November 21
Zimbabwe's members of parliament celebrate after Mugabe's resignation on November 21
People remove, from the wall at the International Conference centre, where parliament had their sitting, the portrait of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe after his resignation on November 21
Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian striker Neymar celebrates his second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Glasgow Celtic at Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on November 22
In the past, Mishal Husain has railed against programmes where female presenters are handed lightweight interviews while the male anchors get the meat.
But the BBC's golden girl certainly doesn't have to worry on her own account.
The 44-year-old Today programme host was handpicked by Prince Harry to host what will become a historic interview.
Presumably he was drawn to Miss Husain's ability to combine the gravitas required by this sort of occasion with a very human touch.
BBC insiders speak highly of the married mother-of-three as being down to earth and unstarry.
Forty-four-year-old Today programme host Mishal Husain was handpicked by Prince Harry (pictured with fiancee Meghan Markle) to host what will become a historic interview
Presumably he was drawn to Miss Husain's (pictured) ability to combine the gravitas required by this sort of occasion with a very human touch
BBC insiders speak highly of the married mother-of-three (pictured) as being down to earth and unstarry
Her colleague Justin Webb has also praised her for being highly organised perhaps a necessary attribute for a woman who juggles bringing up three boys including twins with fronting the BBC's highest profile current affairs programme.
Even before Prince Harry's endorsement, Miss Husain had become the Corporation's de facto default presenter for major news events especially those where delicacy is key.
She first became a household name in 2012, as one of the anchors of the BBC's coverage of the London Olympics.
Later, she would go on to moderate one of the key debates in the European referendum, the leaders' debate in the last general election, and front the BBC's coverage on results night.
The Corporation also chose her to grill director general Lord Tony Hall on air at the height of the row over the gender pay gap.
It was a memorable episode not least because the subject was so close to Miss Husain's heart.
She first became a household name in 2012, as one of the anchors of the BBC's coverage of the London Olympics. Later, she would go on to moderate one of the key debates in the European referendum, the leaders' debate in the last general election, and front the BBC's coverage on results night
The television and radio presenter earned between 200,000 and 250,000 last year, whilst her male co-hosts Nick Robinson and John Humphrys were paid up to 300,000 and 650,000 respectively.
The disparity must have been all the more galling for Miss Husain given she beat Mr Robinson to the job when she was first appointed to Today in 2013. He followed some years after.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, Miss Husain was one of the 40 high-profile women presenters who signed an open letter to Lord Hall demanding immediate action.
It was an unusually insubordinate move from a woman who appears to be as skilled at diplomacy behind the scenes of the BBC as she is at prising answers out of people on air.
She was born in Northampton to Pakistani parents, but grew up in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia where her father was a doctor
It was not her first brush with controversy, however. Earlier this year, Tory HQ telephoned BBC News boss James Harding to complain after a particularly prickly interview with Boris Johnson on the Today programme shortly after the London Bridge attack.
Her critics accused her of parroting Jeremy Corbyn's line under the guise of 'setting the record straight', and of rudely silencing Mr Johnson by saying: 'No, no, please stop talking'.
She also raised her head above the parapet in 2014, using her position as the BBC's most prominent Muslim presenter to urge other 'British Muslims' to speak out and condemn the Islamic State terror.
'I would really like to see...scholars taking to social media to refute the awful arguments we see put forward in those videos,' she said.
Miss Husain comes to the subject from an interesting perspective.
After cutting her teeth behind the scenes at Bloomberg, Miss Husain (pictured) quickly moved in front of the camera at the BBC World News - where producers no doubt appreciated her glossy good looks as much as her ability to speak Urdu and a small amount of Arabic
She was born in Northampton to Pakistani parents, but grew up in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia where her father was a doctor.
There her mother a former TV producer turned teacher - was forced to cover herself completely, whilst Miss Husain wore a black, floor-length 'abaya'.
Miss Husain's parents objected to the lack of religious freedom and sent her to the 33,000-a-year Cobham Hall boarding school in Kent from the age of 12.
Later, she read law at Cambridge, choosing a safe, solid subject to please her family before embarking on a more precarious career in broadcasting. Her parents were alarmed at the move but they needn't have been.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are pictured outside Kensington Palace yesterday ahead of their interview with Miss Husain
After cutting her teeth behind the scenes at Bloomberg, Miss Husain quickly moved in front of the camera at the BBC World News - where producers no doubt appreciated her glossy good looks as much as her ability to speak Urdu and a small amount of Arabic.
The shift of world politics towards the East worked in her favour, and she got her lucky break working in New York just after September 11.
She was also on air from Washington the night to that the Iraq war was announced and quickly became one of the key faces of that conflict, before eventually moving to Newsnight and Today.
At the same time as charting an impressive career, she got married to Meekal Hasmi, a lawyer whom she had known as a child.
Their mothers were at college together in Lahore and remained family friends.
Mr Hasmi has joked in the past that it was an arranged marriage - arranged by his wife - but Miss Husain insists that they were never childhood sweethearts and it just panned out that way.
Writer Sir Kingsley Amis was suspected to be a Communist by MI5 who monitored him during the Second World War, declassified files reveal.
MI5 kept a file marked 'Top Secret' which refers to 'Comrade Kingsley Amis' and his 'communist activities' which is released today by the National Archives at Kew, West London.
The father of novelist Martin Amis came under suspicion just days after VE Day, while a lieutenant in the Royal Corps of Signals.
As the war came to an end, intelligence services focused on the threat from former ally the Soviet Union and Communist activity in Britain.
Writer Sir Kingsley Amis (pictured) was suspected to be a Communist by MI5 who monitored him during the Second World War, declassified files reveal.
As a young man, he was a member of the Communist Party while at Oxford and received 'regular supplies' of The Daily Worker, the files noted.
Socialist newspaper the Daily Worker, now the Morning Star, even reviewed a pamphlet he wrote entitled 'Socialism and the Intellectual'.
A memo from May 1945 notes: 'This officer came to notice in 1942 (as) a student at Oxford University when he was reported to be a very promising member of the Oxford Branch of the Communist Party.
'Since being in the Army and in BLA (British Liberation Army) he is known to have been in touch with the Headquarters of (Communist party newspaper) the Daily Worker and it is therefore reasonable to suppose that his political views have not changed in any way.'
In 1942, MI5's Lt Col John Baskervyle-Glegg noted that there was 'little doubt that his Left-wing opinions have not changed to any extent since he first came to notice and I accordingly think that he should remain under observation for the time being'.
He noted that Sir Kingsley's commanding officer described him as taking 'extremist views towards most aspects of life' and making 'extreme and controversial statements'.
MI5 kept a file marked 'Top Secret' which refers to 'Comrade Kingsley Amis' and his 'communist activities' which is released today by the National Archives at Kew, West London
But he noted: 'My own view is that if he tried to there are few people who would take him seriously.'
A letter intercepted by MI5 between Communist Party members described him as 'a very promising new member of the Oxford branch of the Communist Party'.
The file notes that Sir Kingsley was demobilised from the Army the following October.
When he returned to Oxford after the war, he worked as an academic, writing pieces on socialism and unashamed of his Left-wing views.
Because of his activities, he lost a position on a lecture tour in 1955, organised by the German Information department at the Foreign Office, the files reveal.
Despite Sir Kingsley's later insistence that he Communism was an 'ailment' from which he was 'immune', officials worried about his Left-wing views.
In February 1957 he wrote in the Daily Worker that he had 'utterly rejected' Marxism.
When he later applied for a visa to travel to the US, files reveal that there was 'good evidence' that he was an 'enthusiastic new recruit' of the Party while at Oxford in the early 1940s.
'it will be necessary for the Consulate to reinterview Amis with particular reference to his signed affidavit to the effect that he has never been a member of the Communist Party,' one document notes.
Amis came under suspicion just days after VE Day, while a lieutenant in the Royal Corps of Signals
'They will do this on the basis of published press material only - and in particular Amis' denial (in the Daily Worker of 14th February 1957) of Marxist sympathies.'
In a Foreign Office letter, officials noted: 'Amis claimed to have utterly rejected Marxism, and stated that he had felt obliged, after the Hungarian revolution in 1956, to break off contact with those of his friends who were Communists.'
In a letter to the American Embassy in 1957, officials wrote: 'Kingsley Amis was reported, when at his University in 1942, to be a member of the Communist party.
'In 1944, when in the Army, he again attracted notice as a recipient of the Daily Worker. He has not come to adverse notice since 1944.
'On 12 February this year the Daily Worker published a review of his pamphlet on 'Socialism and the Intellectual'.
'Two days later, in his reply to the review, Amis claimed to have rejected Marxism, stating: 'I have experienced the ailment and so am immune. And I have also utterly rejected it.'
While they decided they were grounds to block the visa, they worried that Sir Kingsley would make a public protest.
They allowed him to travel after giving 'assurances about his dissociation from the Party' and considered the matter 'satisfactorily settled'.
The novelist, whose literary breakthrough came in 1954 with Lucky Jim, had a successful career as an academic in Cambridge and Swansea. He was knighted in 1990 and died in 1995 at the age of 73.
These terrifying photos show massive lava flows surging down the rivers surrounding Bali's erupting Mount Agung, as fears grow the volcano is set to blow.
The mountain has been hurling clouds of volcanic ash 3km into the atmosphere since the weekend and red hot lava is welling up in the crater.
Cold lava flows, also known as lahar, have already flooded the rivers and canals of nearby villages, with many locals ignoring warnings to steer clear.
'Watch out for lahar floods around Mt Agung,' agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho wrote on Twitter on Monday.
Terrifying photos show massive cold lava flows surging down rivers surrounding Bali's erupting Mount Agung
Cold lava flows, also known as lahar, have flooded the rivers and canals of villages close to the erupting mountain
People are pictured watching cold lava from Mount Agung eruption flowing at Karangasem
'Lahar floods have already occurred in several places on the slopes,' he added, urging people to avoid nearby river areas.
Extraordinary photos show masses of volcanic sludge surging through riverbeds as locals film the frightening scenes.
Indonesia has raised the volcano to the highest level, as locals are told to flee for their lives and thousands of travellers are left stranded at the airport.
Some locals have ignored warnings to steer clear rivers sorrounding Mt Agung
Australian travellers heading to and from Bali will face another day of disruption on Tuesday as airlines closely monitor the ash cloud.
More than 400 flights to and from Bali were cancelled and nearly 60,000 travellers have been stranded.
The normally bustling airport on the Indonesian resort island of Bali is a near-ghost town, dotted by anxious Australian tourists desperate to get home.
The airport's initial closure was for 24 hours until early Tuesday, but it is expected to stay closed for another day.
On Monday night, tourists settled down for the night on makeshift beds on the airport's dusty floors.
Some were considering making the more than 10-hour journey to Surabaya and catching a series of flights across Indonesia back to Australia.
All are frustrated by what they say is a lack of updated information from their airlines about what happens next.
A general view is pictured of Mount Agung during an eruption seen from Kubu sub-district
Extraordinary photos show masses of volcanic sludge surging through riverbeds as locals film the frightening scenes
Passengers gather at the Gusti Ngurah Rai International airport in Denpasar as all flights were cancelled
The first Janeen McKay heard about flight cancellations was in a text from her brother back in Australia as she was on her way to Bali's airport.
'I had nothing from Jetstar, they had my mobile number,' the West Australian told AAP.
After a 12-hour wait at the airport, she's now been told she won't be able to get home until Saturday at the earliest.
'We had a really nice time in Bali but then we get here and this has just ruined it,' Ms McKay said.
'Why does it take five days to get us out of here? Not very happy.'
Ms McKay, an office manager, is keen to get back to Geraldton, north of Perth, to take over the care of her elderly mother from her sister, a nurse, who's needed back at work on Thursday.
Veronika Naberezhnova is also non-plussed.
'It's a bit annoying,' the Department of Human Services worker said.
'My family's waiting there (in Sydney) as well, they're all waiting, they're all stressed.'
On the other side of Bali, at Sanur beach, the distant crackle of lightning and an afternoon rain shower were the only annoyances for tourists lounging on sun beds and sipping cocktails.
The airport's initial closure was for 24 hours until early Tuesday, but it is expected to stay closed for another day
Mount Agung belched smoke as high as 1,500 metres above its summit, sparking an exodus from settlements near the mountain
Passengers gather at the Gusti Ngurah Rai International airport in Denpasar after flights were cancelled
Jetstar has cancelled all flights to and from Bali and will reassess the situation on Tuesday
For them, the airport's closure means an extended holiday.
'What's to be annoyed about, getting stuck here,' said Simon Allan, whose flight to Perth was cancelled because of the ash cloud.
'We have no control of nature and we'll just go with the moment and see what happens tomorrow,' his partner Deborah Flynn told AAP.
Scientists say Mount Agung's volcanic activity could escalate further over the coming days meaning planes could stay grounded with thousands unable to fly in or out of Bali.
Carriers Jetstar and Virgin Australia will reassess the situation later on Tuesday.
An empty Bali International Airport is seen after volcanic ash forced its closure on Monday
Jetstar has cancelled all flights to and from Bali, as has Virgin Australia.
Jetstar acknowledged 'further disruptions are possible this week depending on weather conditions'.
Affected Jetstar customers have been given the option of flying to destinations including Phuket, Singapore, Fiji or Tokyo at no additional cost.
Other major airlines are all monitoring the situation but are unable to fly until the massive ash cloud dissipates.
Flights from other Indonesian airports were experiencing delays on Monday because Bali's Gusti Ngurah Rai airport is a national hub with many transiting flights.
The airport's initial closure was for 24 hours until early Tuesday, but there could be prolonged or repeated disruptions
More than 400 flights to and from Bali were cancelled and nearly 60,000 travelers have been stranded
Thick clouds hide the volcanic ash billowing out of Mount Agung at Sanur Beach on the island
The travel disruptions will ripple around the globe as the island is one of Asia's top destinations, attracting five million visitors a year. December through the first week of January is one of the island's busy periods.
But the popular tourist areas of Kuta and Seminyak and the airport are about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the volcano and largely safe even with a major eruption though masks and goggles could prove necessary if there's significant ash fall.
Activity at the mountain has ramped up in recent weeks culminating with the cancellation of flights in and out of Bali this week due to a large ash cloud thrown up by the volcano.
Indonesia has raised its alert for Mt Agung to the highest level, warning of the risk of a lava eruption is 'imminent'.
Mount Agung, which sits more than 3,000 metres high over eastern Bali, last erupted in 1963 killing more than 1000 people and razing several villages.
Authorities have ordered up to 150,000 people to leave a danger zone that extends 10 kilometers from the crater in places and tourists shouldn't enter it.
Up to 150,000 people have been urged to evacuate areas within a 10 kilometre radius of Bali's Mt Agung amid the issuing of its highest danger alert on Monday
The area, which includes a much-visited Hindu temple on the slopes of the volcano, will be prone to deadly mudflows and lava.
A danger zone was expanded Monday morning amid issuing of the volcano's highest alert, with heavy rain sending ash and magma towards nearby villages.
As authorities attempt to urge people to evacuate, only 40,000 have chosen to leave with many 'feeling safe' or staying to protect livestock, Bloomberg reports.
Some governments are advising citizens to defer travel to the island.
Malaysia's foreign ministry said all but non-urgent travel should be delayed while Australia, a big source of tourists for Bali, said people should be aware that ash clouds could also close other airports in Indonesia depending on weather conditions.
Heavy rain in Bali sent ash and magma (pictured) surging towards nearby villages
Magma has now reached the surface of the volcano, which threatens to produce a 'strong, explosive eruption,' authorities warned
Travellers are stranded in Bali as authorities issue a 'red alert' warning and Mount Agung continues to erupt. The volcano is pictured on Sunday
Maureen Steele and Jackie Calabretta were scheduled to fly on a Garuda Indonesia flight from Sydney via Bali to Jakarta on Monday for an orangutan tour.
They were up at 4am to travel from Gosford and Wollongong to make the 10am flight which cost $700 return.
'We were on the plane, all strapped in ready for departure, when the cabin crew announced they needed to wait 10 minutes to get clearance,' Ms Steele said at Sydney Airport.
'They told us they didn't get clearance so we all had to get off again.'
As they passed back through customs, Ms Calabretta contacted Malaysia Airlines and booked a new flight costing $600 one-way to Jakarta via Kuala Lumpur.
'We have to go - we've paid hundreds of dollars on the vaccinations and there have been lots of preparations,' Ms Steele said as they settled in for a 10-hour wait.
A massive 22 villagers were affected and at least 100,000 people when Bali's Mount Agung volcano erupted over the weekend
Flight cancellations have forced travellers to sleep at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport
Some of their frustrations were aired on Facebook, with customers either very pleased they had been moved to temporary accommodation or livid they had been left out
All flights were cancelled at 7am local time and the airport will remain closed until further notice
Customers have spent hours lining up for information about their flights. This traveller is seen at Ngurah Rai International Airport on Saturday
A group of eight surfers are hoping they'll be able to fly to Bali on Tuesday.
James Hall, 18, said the Sydney friends had been planning their Sumatra surf trip for more than a year.
'It's frustrating, we've been told we might be able to fly tomorrow, so we just have to wait it out,' Mr Hall told AAP at Sydney's international terminal.
'There's not much we can do - it's a volcano.'
The latest data from Agoda shows Bali is the number one destination for Australians travelling in December.
University of Adelaide geologist Mark Tingay says the eruptions from Mount Agung have sent plumes of ash 3000 metres into the air.
'The volcanic eruption has moved on to the next, more severe, magmatic eruption phase, where highly viscous lava can trap gasses under pressure, potentially leading to an explosion,' he said in a statement.
Balinese Hindus take part in a ceremony on Sunday, where they pray near Mount Agung in hope of preventing a volcanic eruption
The Mount Agung volcano spews hot volcanic ash as a local chops wood in the foreground
On Saturday Jetstar diverted three flights heading to Bali and cancelled six flights ready to leave the island
Jetstar was forced to cancel numerous flights on Saturday and the following morning but was back on schedule by Sunday evening (stock image)
Mount Agung volcano is seen spewing smoke and ash in Bali on Sunday. The ash has thrown holiday plans into disarray
Tourists watch the Mount Agung volcano erupting as they visit a temple in Karangasem, Indonesia
Mt Agung erupted on Saturday evening and three times on Sunday, throwing holiday plans into disarray.
Indonesia's Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation raised its aviation colour code from orange to red, indicating a further eruption with significant emission of volcanic ash into the atmosphere was imminent.
Australia's Bureau of Meteorology's Volanic Ash Advisory Centre in Darwin issued maps showing an ash cloud heading southeast over the neighbouring island of Lombok away from Bali's capital Denpasar, where the international airport is located.
RUMBLES FROM BALI'S MOUNT AGUNG WHERE IS THE VOLCANO? - Mount Agung rises about 3,000m above Bali's Karangasem district, in the holiday island's east - Bali lies within the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic and volcanic activity where thousands of tremors occur each year WHAT IS THE VOLCANO'S HISTORY OF ERUPTIONS? - Its last major eruption in 1963 killed over 1,000 people and razed many villages - More than 50,000 Indonesians were evacuated in September this year when experts warned an eruption was imminent - Some 25,000 people have been unable to return to their homes Advertisement
AirAsia and Virgin Australia flights between Denpasar and Australia remained grounded on Sunday night
'The volcano and movement of ash cloud are highly unpredictable which means we may need to cancel flights at short notice,' Jetstar warned on its website (stick image)
Passengers wait for their flight schedule at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport on Sunday
David Davis (pictured) refused to hand over unredacted papers showing the impact Brexit will have on British industries
David Davis last night provoked a row with MPs after he refused to hand over unredacted papers showing the impact Brexit will have on British industries because of fears they would leak Britains negotiating strategy.
The Brexit Secretary was accused of keeping Parliament in the dark because he would only give edited versions of the reports analysing the effect on 58 sectors of the UK economy.
But in a letter to Brexit committee chairman Hilary Benn, Mr Davis said the papers had been redacted because there was no guarantee the MPs would keep them secret.
He said: Given that we have received no assurances from the committee regarding how any information passed will be used, we have sought not to include commercially, market and negotiation sensitive information.
Delivering a successful outcome to our EU exit negotiations for the whole country requires keeping some information confidential for the purposes of the negotiations.
In the letter, also delivered to Lord Jay, chair of the Lords Brexit committee, Mr Davis called for a meeting before any decision to publish the information.
I am sure you recognise that there are aspects of the analyses which may still be sensitive to the negotiations especially in the context of this particular point in time, he wrote.
I would therefore appreciate the opportunity to discuss these sectoral analyses further before any decision is taken to share the information more widely.
Labour committee member Seema Malhotra, who has led efforts to examine the sectoral papers, said MPs must be given the full documents and nothing less.
Labour MP Seema Malhotra (left) has told Mr Davis (right) MPs must be given the full documents and nothing less
It seems like the Government have already decided what should and should not be seen by editing them before sending the impact studies to the select committee, she said.
British businesses and families deserve better than this. They need certainty for their futures.
The select committee must be given the full analyses which were completed and nothing less. We cannot and should not be short-changed. This will not be in the national interest.
The public and Parliament must no longer be kept in the dark.
The public and Parliament must no longer be kept in the dark Seema Malhotra
Mr Davis agreed to release the documents after Labour won a Commons vote on November 1 on a humble address to the Queen asking for what it termed the impact assessments to be provided to the committee.
Labours motion was passed without a vote earlier this month after ministers indicated the Government would not oppose it.
A spokesman for the Department said: The Government has satisfied the motion, providing the House of Commons Exiting the EU Committee with information covering 58 sectors of the economy.
We have also shared the information with the Lords EU Committee.
We have always been clear that our analysis does not exist in the form Parliament requested.
We have taken time to bring together the analysis we do have in a way that meets Parliaments specific ask.
Our overall programme of work is comprehensive, thorough and is continuously updated.
This sectoral analysis is simply one part of it.
Four masked offenders have broken into a man's home and bashed him with a shovel before stealing his housemate's car.
Two of the men kicked in the front door at the Moorhen Drive home in Yangebup, south of Perth at about 9.30pm on Sunday, as two others hid in the backyard, 7 News reported.
Sam was bashed over the head with a shovel and his housemate Shaun Dalton had his black Holden Commodore stolen.
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Sam needed eight staples in the back of his head after he was belted with a shovel
The men stole a black Holden Commodore with the registration 1ENA 304
'They'd obviously been round the house and seen through the back windows that the keys were hanging right near the door,' Mr Dalton said.
Mr Dalton tried to chase the thugs, but realised he was outnumbered. The men were able to escape with his car.
'There were the three of them herding (housemate) Sam back towards me and when he turned around, I saw he had blood all down his face,' Mr Dalton said.
Sam needed eight staples in the back of his head after he was belted with a shovel.
The men stole a black Holden Commodore with the registration 1ENA 304.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Sam was bashed over the head with a shovel and his housemate Shaun Dalton (pictured) had his black Holden Commodore stolen
Jeremy Piven's CBS TV series Wisdom of the Crowd has been canceled after just 13 episodes.
The network has decided to wrap up Piven's drama series after the original 13 episodes are aired. There are currently four new episodes still to air.
It comes after allegations surfaced that Piven had sexually abused or harassed multiple women, which the Entourage star has denied.
Jeremy Piven's CBS TV series Wisdom of the Crowd has been canceled after just 13 episodes
Piven - who portrays Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur Jeffrey Tanner in the CBS drama - thanked the show's viewers via Twitter on Monday.
'Wanted to thanks all of you guys for supporting us at #WisdomoftheCrowd,' he tweeted.
'Sorry we don't get to continue with this great family we have created. Proud of the work we did and we will Finish out our 13 episodes with full hearts!'
An industry insider told DailyMail.com earlier this month that Piven had been an 'emotional wreck' since the allegations surfaced and that he broke down in tears while filming his series.
He then walked off set in front of stunned production staff, according to the source.
'Jeremy is a mess, he broke down in tears as we were working on a scene and he left the set. Filming was stopped. He has become an emotional wreck within the last week as these allegations mount against him,' the source said.
'Everything appears to be getting on top of him. The set has been increasingly tense.'
The source said Piven has kept 'himself to himself' since the allegations emerged with producers asking production crew to be 'sensitive' when dealing with the actor.
Piven - who portrays Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur Jeffrey Tanner in the CBS drama - thanked the show's viewers via Twitter on Monday
An industry insider said Piven was filming scenes for his new CBS series Wisdom of the Crowd at the TV network's studio in Los Angeles when he broke down in tears earlier this month
Piven was accused on Twitter of sexual harassment and assault by 38-year-old actress Ariane Bellamar at the end of October who claimed the star groped her twice, once in his trailer on the Entourage set and the other at the Playboy mansion.
That was followed by actress Cassidy Freeman who said on her Instagram page that Piven engaged in 'predatory behavior' towards her when she was 'far too young.'
And then two more women have since come forward accusing the Emmy winning actor of sexual assault and harassment.
Washington-based advertising executive Tiffany Bacon Scourby, 39, and Hawaii-based porn star Isis Taylor both say Piven attacked or harassed them.
Anastasia Taneie has also come forward saying she was working as a 23-year-old background actress on Entourage in 2009 when Piven, then 44, cornered her in a darkened corridor and groped her breasts and genitals.
Piven has denied all allegations of sexual assault saying they 'are absolutely false and completely fabricated.'
Actress Ariane Bellamar, (left) 38, accused the actor of groping her breasts on the Entourage set last month. Porn star Isis Taylor (right) said he harassed her in 2011 at a Los Angeles party
William Paul Dodd, 21, who is suspected of shoplifting and pulling a fake gun on a cop
A shoplifting suspect who was shot when he pointed a pellet gun at an officer inside a Dallas-area mall had earlier dialed 911 threatening to kill cops.
An Arlington police spokesman says 21-year-old William Paul Dodd is a known offender who may have been suicidal.
After Dodd made the 911 call, Police Lieutenant Christopher Cook says officers tracked the man inside The Parks at Arlington on Sunday after he was accused of stealing sunglasses at a store inside the mall.
Cook says the man pulled a replica handgun from his waistband and was shot by an officer.
The male suspect was thought to have been stealing sunglasses at the mall in Arlington, Texas, when an officer opened fire, believing the replica gun to be real.
Police said the man fled from security and got on the escalator to the second floor, near the food court, the NYDailyNews reports.
He pulled out what police said was later found to be a fake gun, pointing it at the police officer on the first floor.
A suspected shoplifter was shot by a police officer at an Arlington mall after allegedly reaching for a replica handgun. The male suspect was thought to have been stealing sunglasses at the mall Texas, when an officer opened fire, believing the replica gun to be real
Lieutenant Cook says the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon after a theft was reported at a store inside The Parks at Arlington mall.
The suspect tried to flee from security before going up an escalator toward the food court, police said.
Footage captures the immediate aftermath of the shooting as a police officer stands over the man on a halted escalator.
A separate video caught by a passerby was captioned with: 'Dude got shot right in front of me, I'm done'.
Cook said the male suspect then pulled a replica handgun from his waistband and was shot by an officer who thought the weapon was real.
The male suspect was thought to have been stealing sunglasses at the mall in Arlington, Texas, when an officer opened fire, believing the replica gun to be real
Following the shooting, Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson tweeted: 'It is nearly impossible to determine the authenticity of a real versus fake gun.'
Sharing the photo of the fake weapon, he added: 'There is no training that would allow officers to distinguish between what's real and what's fake in a matter of seconds.
'Replica imitation firearms or BB guns have no place in society when used in criminal endeavors.'
Following the shooting, Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson tweeted: 'It is nearly impossible to determine the authenticity of a real versus fake gun,'
Dodd was taken to an area hospital and has been put under sedation. He is in a critical condition.
Police said no one else was injured. The mall closed early as police evacuated the remaining shoppers.
Pupils at Roman Catholic schools could still be at risk of sexual abuse despite years of efforts to remove predators and improve child safeguarding, an inquiry heard yesterday.
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) has begun examining the prevalence of paedophilia among Benedictine monks and failures to protect young people.
It is focusing on offenders who targeted children at two famous Catholic public schools, Ampleforth in North Yorkshire and Downside in Somerset, over many decades.
The inquiry is focusing on offenders who targeted children at two famous Catholic public schools, including Ampleforth in North Yorkshire (pictured)
But although numerous inquiries have exposed the problem of child abuse within church institutions and a string of offenders have been convicted, safety concerns are said to remain.
Yesterday, counsel to the inquiry Riel Karmy-Jones QC told a hearing in London the recorded allegations go back many years... and they continue into the present day.
She added: In considering the evidence and assessing the extent of abuse, it must be remembered that we have to rely on that which has been reported, and the extent and accuracy with which those reports have been recorded, if at all.
In that time we have moved from scant records, little more than a handwritten notes on scraps of paper being kept, to electronic records. So some of the records that remain are old and illegible, some incomplete, some lost or destroyed.
Miss Karmy-Jones listed some of the notorious offenders to have blighted the two schools. Lawyers for both institutions later apologised to all the victims they failed.
A wide spectrum of behaviour, ranging from rape to voyeuristic beatings, was inflicted on school pupils over many years, the inquiry heard.
There were a number of reasons for cover-ups, including families being pressured not to report assaults, offenders getting shifted to different establishments but not punished, and complaints simply being ignored.
The other high profile Catholic school scrutinised by the probe, is Downside in Somerset
Convicted predators at the two schools include David Lowe, who taught at Ampleforth and was jailed for 10 years in 2015 for 15 indecent assaults on boys aged under 14.
Lowes offences, which were also committed at Westminster Cathedral School, dated back to the 1980s.
Miss Karmy-Jones told the hearing: It may be that during the course of evidence and the submissions to come (that) there is some acceptance of failings, but reliance will be placed on changes that have been made over the years.
But, as you will hear, concerns remain and you are likely to hear evidence that suggests safeguarding problems are still ongoing, in some instances, and with the inevitable result that children may remain at risk.
Lawyers for those who suffered abuse called for turning a blind eye to paedophilia to be made a criminal offence so Church institutions are discouraged from hushing up scandals.
Richard Scorer, who represents 27 victims, said some Catholic Church schools concealed offending out of concerns for their reputation.
Many rely on private school fees to survive and cannot risk exposing misconduct, turning schools into honeypots where multiple offenders operate, he said.
The reputational pressures, the cultural and theological factors which led to abuse being covered up in Catholic institutions have not gone away Richard Scorer
The reputational pressures, the cultural and theological factors which led to abuse being covered up in Catholic institutions have not gone away, he told the hearing. They remain as powerful as ever.
Addressing the inquirys chairwoman, Professor Alexis Jay, Mr Scorer continued: Madam, because we have no mandatory reporting law, that temptation to cover up, in our view, remains undiminished today.
The Catholic Church and the institutions you hear from in these hearings will tell you that things are different now.
But the question you have to ask is this: when all the fuss from this inquiry has died down, can we really rely on these institutions voluntarily to ensure that they never slip back into old habits, even though the old temptations exist today as they surely did before?
Another lawyer acting for victims, David Enright, hinted at the idea of priests being told to break the confidentiality of the confessional - a key tenet of Catholicism - in cases involving child abuse.
Matters revealed in confession, including child abuse, cannot be used in governance. One cant think of a more serious obstacle embedded in the law of the Catholic church to achieving child protection, he said.
The inquirys investigation into the Catholic Church will continue until mid-December. The church is one of 13 strands involved in British public life being scrutinised for child safety failings by IICSA.
Today, the hearing will receive evidence from senior monks, including Dom Richard Yeo, the current head of the Benedictines.
Whatever you think of our Royal Family, you cannot deny that they have a great sense of timing.
With the economic forecasts gloomy, the headlines dominated by the Brexit stalemate and even the weather taking an Arctic turn, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle picked precisely the right moment to give everyone a lift with the news of their engagement.
It is, of course, obligatory among the chattering classes to roll ones eyes at the prospect of a royal wedding. But the great majority of ordinary British people love them. No wonder, then, that on a grey, dreary Monday morning, the news of Prince Harrys engagement felt like such a tonic.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially announced their engagement at Kensington Palace in London, on Monday
And who could argue with his choice? After all, the Royal Familys new recruit could hardly be accused of lacking star quality. A former actress in the U.S. TV series Suits, Ms Markle brings the kind of media-friendly showbiz appeal that should ensure a gigantic worldwide TV audience.
Spectacle
And if that sounds a little cynical, we ought to remember that monarchy is nothing if not a spectacle. Its magic has always resided in a unique blend of domesticity and pageantry, the everyday and the extraordinary which is why weddings capture it better than almost any other occasion.
Indeed, it is only a slight stretch to argue that you could write the history of modern Britain entirely through royal weddings. First there was the marriage of the current Queen then Princess Elizabeth to Prince Philip in November 1947, at a time when a victorious but exhausted nation was struggling with the rigours of post-war austerity.
In a sign of the times, the brides satin white dress had to be paid for with ration coupons. Yet even though the event took place on a freezing, foggy day in November, thousands camped out overnight to ensure ringside seats a sign of the patriotic solidarity that had carried the nation to victory only two years earlier.
Of the three major royal weddings that followed, each coincided with a particularly grim period in Britains fortunes. When Princess Anne married Captain Mark Phillips in November 1973, the mood could hardly have been bleaker. Only days earlier, with the miners preparing to strike, the government had declared a state of emergency, including severe curbs on heating and light.
Similarly, when Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in July 1981, the wedding took place only weeks after the worst inner-city riots in modern British history, with unemployment soaring and the Thatcher government struggling to stay afloat.
When Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer in July 1981, the wedding took place only weeks after the worst inner-city riots in modern British history
Even the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April 2011, which lingers in the memory as a glorious patriotic party, took place against a troubled political and economic background, with Britain struggling out of recession and the coalition government pushing for deep spending cuts to tackle our yawning deficit.
In each case, the circumstances could hardly have been less propitious. In each case, more cynical commentators, especially on the Left, predicted public apathy and a wretched turnout.
And on each occasion, hundreds of thousands, even millions of people defied the forecasts by pouring into Central London. More than 25 million watched William and Kates union on television. So much, then, for the naysayers.
To outside observers, I suppose it must seem odd for a supposedly stoical, serious people to get so carried away about the prospect of a royal wedding. But a nation is, at heart, an extended family, and at the centre of any family is the union between husband and wife.
Prince Harry and Miss Markle's 16-month whirlwind romance blossomed when they met through mutual friends
Miss Markle showed off her sparkling engagement ring, which Harry designed himself, made from two diamonds which belonged to his late beloved mother Diana, Princess of Wales
Even at a time when the traditional family seems so embattled by social and cultural change, it would take extraordinary churlishness not to be moved by the spectacle of two young people committing themselves to a shared future.
And since the monarchy itself is the supreme symbol of our own shared past, present and future, Prince Harrys wedding will be a chance for the United Kingdoms four nations to remember the ties of history and culture that still bind us.
But there is, of course, a very distinctive element to the engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
It is not just the fact that she is an actress, an American and a divorcee all of which would effectively have disbarred her only a few decades ago.
As the child of a white father and black mother, Ms Markle has never been shy of proclaiming her pride in her mixed-race heritage.
Indeed, her background could hardly be more different from the blue-blooded princesses who were once hand-picked from the courts of Europe to marry British princes.
For Ms Markle traces her descent not from dukes or countesses, but from slaves. In fact, one of her ancestors was liberated from his Georgia plantation only in 1865, at the end of the American Civil War, when according to family lore he took the name Wisdom.
Prince Harry and Miss Markle share a tender moment after announcing their engagement
Fusty
As an investigation by the Mail found a few weeks ago, some of Ms Markles forebears worked as maids, janitors, tailors and factory workers, toiling in an atmosphere of poverty and segregation that would have been unimaginable to Prince Harrys forebears.
Given her background, Ms Markle could hardly make a more obviously modern royal bride. And that, I think, makes it all the more striking that she has been accepted so smoothly into the bosom of the British royal establishment.
Satirists often like to present the British court as the quintessence of fusty, reactionary traditionalism.
Yet the fact that the Royal Family has made so little fuss about her background is, I think, immensely revealing.
We live in an age of ludicrous hysteria about racial matters, with even our great universities having been infected with absurd nonsense about decolonising the curriculum to boot off white authors.
Indeed, if the royal household were run by the people in charge of our universities, or indeed by executives at the BBC, then Prince Harrys wedding would probably be the occasion for all sorts of breast-beating about the supposed crimes of the British Empire. Thank goodness it isnt.
As so often, the Queen and her advisers are far more sensible than the high-minded intellectuals who love to sneer at them. Indeed, the monarchy as an institution has always been far more flexible and forward-thinking than its critics realise.
Miss Markle, pictured, with Prince Harry after announcing their engagement, is expected to become a duchess
Tolerance
In this respect, its the overexcited, doom-mongering metropolitan elite that is out of touch.
By contrast, the monarchy, with its quiet tolerance and gentle adaptability, allied to its respect for tradition, is much more in tune with the great majority of the British people.
Still, I expect there will be plenty of whingeing from the chattering classes as Prince Harrys wedding approaches.
No doubt some Guardian columnist will demand that Prince Harry snap his sword in two in repentance for Britains role in Afghanistan.
Most sane, patriotic people, though, will simply get on with enjoying the party. For although historians are often atrociously bad at predicting the future, I think its a safe bet that the big day will see vast flag-waving crowds, massive worldwide coverage, torrents of merchandise and more than a few tears in the spectators eyes.
Nothing rouses the nation like a royal wedding, for we are, at heart, a sentimental, even romantic people.
And despite the hand-wringing of the Left, we remain what we have always been: a phlegmatic country keenly aware of tradition, yet tolerant of outsiders, at ease with the modern world and brought together by the magic of monarchy.
Defence Secretary Williamson, reporting for duty, sah! Gavin Williamson, aged not much more than 30 (so youd think from looking at him), is indeed our new Secretary of State for Defence and made his despatch box debut yesterday.
It was the first time the 41-year old had spoken from the front bench, for in his past governmental duties as David Camerons parliamentary bag-carrier and as Mrs Mays Chief Whip he did not have to answer MPs questions in public.
This was quite a test, in other words. Could he project authority and bottom? Would he be any good?
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson spoke at the front bench for the first time, with echoes of former Tory leader William Hague
He is slender, a hint of pepper-and-salt at the temples of his tight-mown hair, the toecaps of his black shoes shiny.
He stood at the box with a stoop, his shoulders slight. The eyes were steady but the voice was more striking. It was nasal, a Yorkshire monotone, echoes of William Hague or maybe the young Alan Bennett.
He pronounced discuss as discoos, for instance. The accent manifested itself with only a few vowels. More of the time he was Midlands-managerial; yet he is the first Tory Defence Secretary I can recall who pronounces the first letter of HMS as Haitch.
The Queen will no doubt mask her reflexes but we must hope it does not become a Buckingham Palace game to get the new Defence Secretary to say his haitches.
The Commons day began with congratulations for Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan. These were uttered with Heepish unction by Speaker Bercow, juddering his consonants.
The Commons day began with congratulations for Prince Harry and Meghan, who announced their engagement
Labour MPs managed not to join the hear hears which resounded from the Tory benches.
Mr Williamsons first question came from a Scots Nat, Gavin Newlands (Paisley & Renfrewshire N) who is hard to understand because he barely moves his upper lip when talking.
Was he a ventriloquist in earlier life? I did catch the words Russian submarines in his question, so it must have been about the Red Peril.
There is such fever about the Ruskies at present, some media types will no doubt be soon suggesting that Moscows subs are lying off the Pool of London waiting to whisk Agents Gove and Boris to safety, should it all become too hot for em here.
Mr Williamson, in his reply, spoke about the nuclear deterrent. Alan Titchmarsh on next years aspidistras might have sounded more frightening.
He was soon compensating for any shortfall in dramatic delivery by attacking Jeremy Corbyn as a Labour leader who does not believe in the British Army.
Mr Williamson attacked Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, saying he 'does not believe in the British Army'
But does the May Government believe in our Army? Or does it want to reduce its numbers? Conservative backbenchers made plain that they hated that idea.
The likes of James Gray (Con, N Wilts) and Mark Francois (Rayleigh & Wickford) harrumphed impressively on that matter. Sir Hugo Swire (Con, E Devon) suggested taking the nuclear deterrent off the MoDs annual budget, as used to be the case.
Not a bad thought, though of course Trident would still have to be paid for. Perhaps it can be stuck down as an item of expenditure for International Aid. Keeping all those US munitions workers in jobs, etc.
Mr Williamson was noticeably warm towards Conservatives who wanted the Treasury to spend more on Defence.
That will do him no harm until the time the Treasury swings the axe, as it invariably does.
One Defence minister who has reportedly threatened to quit if there are heavy cuts is Tobias Ellwood. He was on the front bench yesterday.
Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood has threatened to quit if there are heavy cuts and appeared on the front bench yesterday
When he and Mr Williamson were beside one another, any untutored outsider might have had trouble telling which of them was the more senior.
Mr Ellwood oozes command. He has the bearing of a military commander. He does not say the word everything with a final k, as Mr Williamson does.
Such things may count for little in Whitehall but they do matter a bit on the Commons parade ground.
Should she perhaps have made Tobias Secretary of State?
A group of former British soldiers who have been freed from an Indian prison for four years wept with joy as they exclaimed: 'We'll be home for Christmas'.
The British ex-servicemen - called the Chennai Six - were arrested in October 2013 while working as mercenaries on an anti-piracy ship.
The men were subsequently jailed on charges of smuggling weapons for terrorists, but will now be freed after being acquitted by judges at the Madras High Court.
The six - Nick Dunn, 31, of Northumberland, Billy Irving, 37, from Argyll and Bute, John Armstrong, 30, of Cumbria, Nicholas Simpson, 47, of North Yorkshire, Ray Tindall, 42, of Chester, and Paul Towers, 54, of East Yorkshire - now believe that they will be back in the UK by the end of December.
Mr Dunn, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, had begged the British government to secure his release. He is pictured with his older sister Lisa, 37
The family of Nick Dunn, 31, a former paratrooper locked up in India for four years,celebrated after learning he would be freed on Monday (pictured from left, brother Paul, mother Margaret, father Jim and sister Lisa)
Former para Nick Dunn told The Sun: 'We want to say a big thank you to everyone who has campaigned for us.
'We are coming home for Christmas and can't wait to be back with loved ones.'
Mr Dunn's family were filmed by the BBC receiving the news as they shared a hug before sobbing with joy.
Sipping champagne his sister, Lisa, said: 'This is the best champagne in the world, it tastes like the best drink.
'The longer it went on, as much as you still have an element of hope, it does dwindle after having so many delays and setbacks.
'But that hasn't happened today and we've had the best news ever.
'It will make all of our Christmases, all of our dreams have come true today.'
Mr Dunn's father, Jim, said: 'Absolutely fantastic, the best news in the world.
'We haven't been a full family for a long time now. Nick won't fully realise it's over until his feet touch down in Newcastle.'
Lisa said that 'all of our dreams have come true' after receiving the news that her brother will be coming home for Christmas
Yvonne MacHugh , fiancee of Billy Irving, said she was 'over the moon' after hearing the news.
'I am just so relieved. I can't believe it. I really didn't think it was going to go our way after everything,' she added.
She now hopes her partner will be home in time for Christmas, to spend it with his son, who has only ever seen him in the Indian prison.
She said: 'It's finally all over. All 35 men have been acquitted of all charges and should be coming home as soon as possible.
'The hope is now they will get home for Christmas. Ideally, I want him home tomorrow. After four years and all the hard work, it's all paid off.
'William is at nursery just now, so as soon as he is finished I am going to get him on Facetime and tell him the good news.
'I just can't wait to get home and give him the biggest hug ever.'
The 29-year-old mother returned from a six-day trip to India on November 19.
A statement on the Chennai 6 Facebook page said: 'The Appeal Court has today found all 35 men NOT GUILTY we now wait to hear as and when the men will be allowed home to their families.
'This may take some time whilst the authorities decide whether they agree with the outcome or wish to appeal.
'If they wish to appeal the men might be released from prison but not allowed back to the UK.
(From left) Mr Simpson, Paul Towers, 52, Mr Tindall and Billy Irving were all working for US marine company AdvanFort when they were arrested in 2013
They were all sentenced to serve five years in Puzhal Central Prison, Chennai, (pictured), where they are said to have to go to the toilet 'in a hole in the ground'
'But the families are understandable delighted that finally common sense and justice has prevailed.'
The Madurai bench of Madras High Court directed the men to apply to the authorities to get back their passports back.
The men were also told they will be entitled to get back fines they have paid so far.
Theresa May's official spokesman said: 'The Government, from the Prime Minister down, has worked hard for over four years to support the men and their families and we share their happiness at the court's decision to give a full acquittal to each of the men.
'We are now working with the Indian authorities to discuss the next steps. We will continue to offer the men and their families consular assistance for as long as it is needed.'
Paul Towers (pictured, in Afghanistan) spent 12 years in the Paras and 20 as a prison officer
Billy Irving, 35, left, and Ray Tindall, 41, were also among the veterans jailed in India
The Indian authorities accused them of 'importing guns for jihadists' although the punishment was branded a 'miscarriage of justice' by their families and politicians in Britain.
Speaking last year, Mr Armstrong's brother, Joanne Thomlinson, said: 'Christmas and birthdays, you would normally be with your family. These days are a bit harder for John and the others to get through. The whole thing is an absolute tragedy.
'It is incredible to think what impact this has had on so many lives. So many parents, children, brothers and sisters, wives - just completely lost while their loved one suffers in prison.'
Indian coastguards first boarded their vessel, the MV Seaman Guard Ohio, and arrested them for bringing weapons into India's territorial waters in October 2013.
The charges were initially quashed when the men argued the weapons were lawfully held for anti-piracy purposes and their paperwork, issued by the UK Government, was in order.
But a lower court reinstated the prosecution and they were sentenced to five years in jail.
John Armstrong (pictured, with his mother Helen and father John) was one of the Chennai Six freed on Monday after being held for four years in India
Nicholas Simpson, 46, pictured with wife Tracy, 45, served in the army for 24 years and had been separated from his two young sons
Their families say the 'Chennai Six' have been held in 'horrendous' conditions, sleeping on concrete floors, in sweltering heat with inadequate water, prison meals of 'curried slop and rice' and poor sanitation, with toilets being a hole in the floor.
The smell 'just hits you' on entering the prison, say relatives who have visited to take supplies including teabags, sweets and toilet paper. None of the men were allowed telephone calls home.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said: 'Since I became Foreign Secretary, this case has been a top priority for everybody at the Foreign Office (FCO) and today's verdict is fantastic news.
'The FCO has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to reunite these men with their families. The importance the UK Government places on their case cannot be understated.
'The men, their families and their supporters, who have campaigned unrelentingly, must be overjoyed.
'I share their delight and I hope they can return home as soon as possible.'
The Washington Post has said it busted a woman offering them fake allegations against Roy Moore as part of an intentional scheme to discredit the newspaper by the conservative group Project Veritas.
The newspaper on Monday revealed hidden-camera video of would-be accuser Jamie Phillips struggling to hold her story together when a Post reporter confronted her last week.
Phillip's dramatic - and unsubstantiated - claim was that Moore, the Republican candidate for Senate in Alabama, impregnated her when she was 15 and pressured her into an abortion.
The web of deceit came crashing down thanks to a major slip-up by Phillips, who left online footprints that tied her to a group working to 'combat the lies' of the 'liberal MSM (mainstream media)'.
Then on Monday morning, the Post spotted Phillips entering the New York offices of Project Veritas, a conservative group that uses bogus identities and hidden cameras to trick and embarrass its targets.
Washington Post reporter Stephanie McCrummen (left) confronts would-be Moore accuser Jaime Phillips (right) after telling her they are being recorded on video
Phillips claimed, without substantiation, that Moore (pictured at a rally Monday) got her pregnant in 1992, when she was 15, and then drove her to get an abortion
Phillips first contacted Post reporter Beth Reinhard by email on November 10, the day after a bombshell report co-authored by Reinhard revealed claims that Moore sexually touched a 14-year-old girl in the 1970s. Other allegations that he preyed on teen girls in his 30s have emerged in the weeks since.
On Monday, Moore lashed out at the allegations as false but would not take questions from reporters following a campaign speech in Alabama.
Post reporter McCrummen co-authored a previous report with allegations against Moore, but did not believe the new accuser
The insurgent candidate said 'dirty politics' are behind the allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
As the controversy first unfolded, Phillip's opening communication to the Post read: 'Roy Moore in Alabama... I might know something but I need to keep myself safe. How do we do this?'
The would-be tipster continued communicating with Reinhard and her colleague reporter Stephanie McCrummen for several days, leading to in-person meetings.
Her wild story was that she met Moore when she was 15 in 1992, the year he became a county judge, through a church group in Talladega, Alabama.
She told the reporters that Moore got her pregnant and then drove her get an abortion.
During interviews, Phillips repeatedly pressed Post reporters to say whether they thought her allegations could derail Moore's campaign and asked for their assurances that her story would prevent his election - a red flag that raised suspicions for them.
James O'Keefe, the founder of Project Veritas, was convicted of a misdemeanor in 2010 for entering a federal building under false pretenses during a previous 'sting'
Project Veritas, which has been criticized for presenting deceptively edited undercover videos to smear its targets, has been on a recent crusade against the so-called liberal mainstream media.
The group has crowed over hidden camera footage of employees at the New York Times and CNN expressing liberal opinions or dislike of President Donald Trump.
As Phillips advanced her teen pregnancy story to the reporters at the Post, the newspaper's team of researchers began to notice inconsistencies.
Her cell phone area code was from Alabama, though the 41-year-old claimed she only lived there briefly as a teenager.
The mortgage company that Phillips claimed to work for told the Post that she had never been an employee there.
Then came the smoking gun: Post researchers discovered a fundraising page made by Phillips seeking financial support for a move to New York.
'I've accepted a job to work in the conservative media movement to combat the lies and deceipt [sic] of the liberal MSM. I'll be using my skills as a researcher and fact-checker to help our movement,' the post from May read.
This fundraising page, which has since been deleted, was the smoking gun that led Post reporters to believe Phillips was part of a Project Veritas sting attempt against them
In a March posting on its Facebook page, New York-based Project Veritas said it was seeking 12 new 'undercover reporters'. The group uses tactics that most journalists consider unethical, including assuming false identities to trick subjects.
James O'Keefe, the founder of Project Veritas, was convicted of a misdemeanor in 2010 for entering a federal building under false pretenses during a previous 'sting'.
Another top official at the group is former television producer Robert J. Halderman, who was sentenced to six months in jail in 2010 after he was accused of trying to blackmail late-night host David Letterman.
O'Keefe declined to comment when confronted outside his office by Post reporters about the latest alleged 'sting' plot.
On Twitter Monday, he appeared to tacitly acknowledge that Project Veritas was behind the failed sting operation, re-tweeting several allies who congratulated him on the attempt.
Armed with their research, Post reporter McCrummen and a video team from the newspaper met with Phillips in an Alexandria, Virginia restaurant on November 22.
Giving Phillips the benefit that Project Veritas does not, McCrummen informed the woman that they were being filmed before producing a print-out of the fundraising page and asking Phillips to explain herself.
Phillips admitted she had created the post and said it was for a job with the Daily Caller that had since fallen through. That publication told the Post it had no knowledge or record of Phillips interviewing for a job there.
Phillips (right) stormed away from the meeting with the Post's McCrummen after the reporter confronted her with evidence of her attempted deception
Phillips denied being in contact with the Moore campaign, and denied recording the meeting with McCrummen before abruptly cutting off the meeting.
'I'm not going to answer any more questions,' she said. 'I think I'm just going to go.'
The newspaper's editors made the extraordinary decision to publish and expose Phillip's off-the-record communications once they were confident she was part of an intentional scam targeting their reporters.
'We always honor "off-the-record" agreements when they're entered into in good faith,' Martin Baron, The Post's executive editor, told his team of reporters that exposed the plot.
'But this so-called off-the-record conversation was the essence of a scheme to deceive and embarrass us. The intent by Project Veritas clearly was to publicize the conversation if we fell for the trap,' Baron continued.
'Because of our customary journalistic rigor, we weren't fooled, and we can't honor an "off-the-record" agreement that was solicited in maliciously bad faith.'
Firms must adapt their workplaces so they can take on more older workers, ministers have said.
The government's long-awaited industrial strategy called on British companies to meet the challenges of an ageing society by helping people work well beyond the traditional retirement age.
And it also called on business to allow people to work more flexibly to enable them to look after elderly relatives.
The industrial strategy, published yesterday, sets out the government's long-term vision on how to tackle the UK's poor productivity, embrace technological change and boost wages.
Business Secretary Greg Clark said that Britain's productivity 'has not been good enough'. The industrial strategy, published yesterday, sets out the government's long-term vision on how to tackle the UK's poor productivity, embrace technological change and boost wages
It includes plans aimed at making the UK the world's most innovative nation by 2030 by investing 725million to 'transform' industries.
The money includes 170million towards building houses that are more affordable and use less energy, and 210million to improve early diagnosis of illnesses and development of 'precision medicine' for patients.
Business Secretary Greg Clark said: 'Any serious strategy should address the weaknesses that stop us achieving our potential, as well as our strengths, and this Industrial Strategy does that.
'Britain's productivity performance has not been good enough, and is holding back our earning power as a country.'
The strategy includes a section on supporting the government to 'adapt to a changing and ageing workforce'.
The white paper said: 'As people lead longer, healthier lives, they will need to save and work for longer to ensure they have a secure retirement.
'With an ageing workforce and fewer people entering the labour market from education and training, employers will need a more flexible labour market that can accommodate older workers.'
The document pointed out that the government has already appointed a business champion for older workers.
'This signals our commitment to work with employers to promote the benefits of older workers to employers across England in terms of their strategic approach and practical advice.
'We will also encourage industries to lead in adapting their workplaces to the requirements of an ageing workforce.
The move aims to build on an announcement by Theresa May last week that the Government's ambition is to boost the level of investment in research and development, rising to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027
'To help realise the potential in the labour market, including amongst women, older workers, carers and disabled people, we will work with business to make flexible working a reality for all employees across Britain and to inform the evaluation of the right to request flexible working regulations.'
To mark the launch of the industrial strategy, US pharmaceutical giant Merck pledged to establish a new hi-tech hub in Britain, creating 950 jobs.
And diagnostics firm Qiagen said it would expand its current operations in Manchester, bringing up to 800 new skilled jobs to the city.
The government said it will press ahead with a series of so-called sector deals covering life sciences, construction, artificial intelligence and automotive.
Ministers said they represented a new strategic and long-term partnership with Government, backed by private sector co-investment.
The move aims to build on an announcement by Theresa May last week that the Government's ambition is to boost the level of investment in research and development, rising to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027.
The Prime Minister said: 'Our modern Industrial Strategy will shape a stronger and fairer economy for decades to come.
'It will help create the conditions where successful businesses can emerge and grow, and support these businesses in seizing the big opportunities of our time, such as artificial intelligence and big data, whilst also making sure our young people have the skills to take on the high-paid, high-skilled jobs this creates.
'As we leave the European Union and forge a new path for ourselves, we need to focus on building a better future for our country and all the people who live in it. With the Budget last week, and our Industrial Strategy in the years ahead, we will build a Britain fit for the future.'
Terry Scuoler, chief executive of the manufacturers' organisation EEF, commented: 'The White Paper acts as a good foundation for a new partnership with industry where Government and business can ensure consistency in policy thinking and implementation to ensure the UK is a world leader in these new technologies.'
An armed driver has led police on a wild high-speed chase through the Gold Coast in a stolen car.
The 21-year-old man will face Southport Court on Tuesday charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and armed robbery, 9 News reported.
The man went to the home of a woman he knew in Pacific Pines armed with a gun, police will allege.
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The 21-year-old man will face Southport Court on Tuesday charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and armed robbery
The man was arrested on the side of the road and police allegedly found a loaded gun in the car
He then stole the woman's car and led officers on a high-speed chase.
But when the car broke down, he allegedly carjacked an 18-year-old's vehicle at Oxenford.
The chase came to an end after about an hour after the man ran over a set of police spikes.
'They were successful at deflating the tyres at the causeway in Upper Coomera,' Queensland police's Brett MacGibbon said.
'The vehicle continued for another few kilometres where it was blocked in.'
The man was arrested on the side of the road and police allegedly found a loaded gun in the car.
An armed driver has led police on a wild high-speed chase through the Gold Coast in a stolen car
An armed driver has led police on a wild high-speed chase through the Gold Coast in a stolen car
Three schools in a small Colorado town were forced to close on Monday after authorities learned of a 'Columbine-style' threat being discussed on Snapchat.
Law enforcement officials learned that the threat on the social media application reportedly involved placing explosives around Telluride High School and shooting students on Monday, ABC News reported.
San Miguel County Sheriff spokesperson Susan Lilly told ABC News that one male student was taken into protective custody for allegedly making a threat to place explosives on the campus at the high school.
In addition, the Telluride Marshal's Department said that at least five other students are being questioned.
'Even though this is a quiet little ski resort we're not immune from threats like this,' Lilly told the Denver Post.
Three schools in Telluride, Colorado were forced to close Monday after authorities learned of a 'Columbine-style' threat being discussed on Snapchat. Telluride law enforcement officials searched the town's high school, junior high school and elementary school Monday (above)
Law enforcement officials learned that the threat reportedly involved placing explosives around Telluride High School and shooting students. Above investigators gather at the high school
The investigation was launched around 3pm on Sunday when a student told a staff member about the possible threat, the Marshal's Department said.
Staff members then contacted authorities and the male student was then taken into protective custody.
The Marshal's Department said that both a handgun and a rifle were recovered from inside the student's home in Telluride, which is located about 330 miles southwest of Denver and has a population of just 2,444 people.
The Telluride superintendent decided to close schools - including Telluride Elementary School, Telluride Middle School and Telluride High School - on Monday 'to allow for a more thorough investigation,' the Marshal's Department said.
Luckily, no explosives were found on Monday. But authorities are reviewing video surveillance and will likely have increased security on campuses when they reopen on Tuesday
Lilly added that roughly 900 students total attend the three schools.
No explosives were found on Monday, Lilly said.
But authorities are reviewing video surveillance and will likely have increased security on campuses when they reopen on Tuesday.
Roughly 18 years ago two students at Columbine High School in Colorado killed 13 people after opening fire on campus.
Any students or parents with information are asked to call the Telluride Marshal's Office at 970-728-3818.
The police aren't happy with five men who did a nudie run through a Newcastle McDonald's, disturbing families dining with young children.
CCTV footage shows the five mates racing into the fast-food restaurant in Newcastle's CBD before 7pm on Friday November 10.
Two of the men covered their genitals, police said, while the other three went free and easy.
Five men did a nudie run through a Newcastle McDonald's, disturbing families with children
The incident may appear amusing to some but there were several families with small children in the restaurant at the time, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Mahon said in a statement on Tuesday.
'Police are investigating this display of offensive behaviour and are seeking assistance from the public to identify the males'.
Anyone with information is urged to contact NSW Police or Crime Stoppers.
CCTV footage shows the five mates racing into the fast-food restaurant in Newcastle's CBD
Two of the men covered their genitals, police said, while the other three went free and easy
A Somali-Australian 'ISIS sympathiser', 20, has been charged with terrorism offences for allegedly planning to shoot 'as many people as he could' in Melbourne's packed Federation Square on New Year's Eve.
The young Muslim has been named as Ali Shire by the Herald Sun, and is due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court before 3pm on Tuesday.
Police allege Shire tried to obtain an automatic rifle to carry out the horrific act, inspired by radical Islamist propaganda produced by terrorist group al-Qaeda.
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Ali Shire, a Muslim Somali-Australian, 20, has been charged with terrorism offences for allegedly planning to shoot 'as many people as he could' in Melbourne on New Year's Eve
The arrest followed raids on his home in Werribee, a relative's house in Meadow Heights and a computer business in nearby Footscray where he worked part-time. Officers returned to the home on Tuesday
Investigators returned to the suburban home in Werribee where Shire lived with his parents and brothers on Tuesday morning and remained there throughout the day
He was arrested by specialist officers at Werribee, in Melbourne's west, on Monday afternoon and taken into police custody for questioning.
The arrest followed raids on his home in Werribee, a relative's house in Meadow Heights and a computer business in nearby Footscray where he worked part-time.
Investigators returned to the suburban home in Werribee where Shire lived with his parents and brothers on Tuesday morning and remained there throughout the day.
Detectives were seen hauling bags of evidence out of the home.
The practising Muslim was born in Australia, is an Australian citizen and his parents were from Somalia, Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said on Tuesday.
'The male is one of our high-risk persons of interest. We have been monitoring him for a very lengthy period of time,' he told reporters on Tuesday.
Shire allegedly accessed a guidebook produced by al-Qaeda containing information on how to commit a terrorist act (Federation Square pictured on New Year's Eve in 2015)
Police allege the young Muslim terror suspect had tried to obtain an automatic rifle to carry out the act and was inspired by radical Islamist group Al-Qaeda (fighters pictured in 2014)
Following the arrest federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the government does not target a specific ethnic group as part of its terror investigations.
'The Muslim community is not being targeted by the government,' he said.
'We'll go after individuals, we don't target a specific community, and we require the Muslim community to work with us.'
Described as an 'ISIL-sympathiser' by Mr Keenan, the alleged terrorist is being interviewed in relation to the offences of preparing to commit a terrorist attack and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist act.
It's alleged the man accessed a guidebook produced by al-Qaeda containing information on how to commit a terrorist act and use firearms, guns and handguns and rifles.
Authorities were keen to stress that no firearm was obtained.
But if the attack had been successful the human cost would have been 'catastrophic ... horrendous', Mr Patton said.
Police said the man was a 'high-risk' person of interest who they had been monitoring since January
He is also believed to be associated with a group of Victorian extremists, and could face a maximum penalty of prison in life when he is formally charged on Tuesday
The practising Muslim was born in Australia, is an Australian citizen and his parents were from Somalia, Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said on Tuesday
WHAT WE KNOW * He's an Australian-born, 20-year-old man. * Allegedly plotted to obtain a firearm to 'shoot and kill as many people as he could' at Melbourne's Federation Square on New Year's Eve. * Lives with his Somalia-born parents in Werribee, is a Muslim but not linked to any specific mosque. * Police said he'd been 'high-risk person of interest' since early 2016 and claimed he would become 'energised' online when learning of overseas terrorist attacks. * Allegedly obtained Al-Qaeda material through the internet and was an Islamic State sympathiser. * Arrested on Monday by Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police and ASIO officers. * Charged on Tuesday with planning to commit a terrorist attack and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist act. Source: Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police Advertisement
Melbourne woman Jessica Karasmanis witnessed the dramatic moment Shire was arrested by police.
Ms Karasmanis told Daily Mail Australia she was stopped at a set of traffic lights when she spotted 'at least five men' dressed in heavy body armour holding down a man.
'They had his hands tied behind his backs and on the ground,' she said.
'They stood him up and placed him behind the building.'
The man is also believed to be associated with a group of Victorian extremists.
'We won't identify who they are. It is a very small community of extremist,' Mr Patton said.
'There is no ongoing threat posed in respect to New Year's Eve, Christmas or any other area.'
AFP Acting Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said the charges laid were 'serious'.
'One of the charges carries a maximum penalty of life in prison,' he said.
Since September 2014, when the national threat terrorism level was raised to 'probable', the AFP has worked with its state and territory partners to thwart a number of plots.
So far, 74 people have been charged as a result of 347 counter-terrorist investigations.
'I would like to reassure the people of Victoria that the teams in Victoria, but also around Australia, are working day and night. They are working 24/7 to keep Australia safe,' Mr McCartney said.
In 2016, more than 500,000 revellers flocked to Melbourne's CBD to ring in the new year as tonnes of fireworks were shot from 22 city buildings.
In 2016, more than 500,000 revellers flocked to Melbourne's CBD to ring in the new year as tonnes of fireworks were shot from 22 city buildings (pictured, 2015 celebrations)
Two children are fighting for life and up to seven other people are injured following a horror head-on crash between two vans at Kemps Creek, an hour west of Sydney.
Three children were involved in the accident, while emergency crews were forced to work for close to an hour to free a man trapped in the wreckage on Mamre Road.
Up to 12 ambulances and two helicopters rushed to the scene, with the injured being transported to Liverpool and Westmead hospitals.
It's understood the two vans - one a commercial vehicle and the other a passenger van - collided around 1.30pm on Tuesday.
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Two children are in a critical condition and up to seven other people injured after a head-on car crash (pictured) at Kemps Creek, an hour west of Sydney, on Tuesday afternoon
All those involved in the accident have now been freed, with police currently setting up a crime scene.
The impact of the crash pushed the passenger van into a roadside ditch, with crews of emergency workers seen dragging a woman from the vehicle.
A NSW Ambulance chaplain was also reportedly at the scene.
Mamre Road, which is a major road in the regional area, is closed in both directions.
More to come
Communications companies are looking to bring the traditional payphone into the 21st century by modernising the outdated technology.
Telco giants Telstra have combined forces with French advertising behemoth JCDecaux to revolutionise the machines by adding services relevant to current societal advancements.
The new outlets will now feature WiFi, USB charging docks, touch screens and public information on digitalised boards.
Telstra and JCDecaux have combined to revolutionalise traditional payphones
The payphones were rolled out across 12 high-pedestrian locations across Perth on Tuesday, and the co-op kiosks are set to be introduced across the country.
Telstra and JCDecaux plan to release 1,800 payphones across five Australian major cities within two years.
Each kiosk features 72-inch digital advertising panels which rotate between as many as six marketers. Westpac, Gucci, H&M and Schweppes are believed to be some of the early clients.
The touchscreens will include local government news and information, community polling, disability services and multilingual help.
New payphone outlets will now feature WiFi, USB charging docks, touch screens and public information on digitalised boards (pictured)
'The new generation Telstra digital kiosks are located in the malls and high pedestrian areas of Perth's CBD, providing advertisers with a very powerful digital solution in the heart of the city,' JCDecaux national sales director Oliver Newton said.
'We will be introducing a brand new format across Australia with unprecedented scale, built for today and primed for the future a network that we believe will become the most sophisticated digital out-of-home ecosystem in Australia.'
The Telstra-JCDecaux venture will form the the largest national digital out-of-home contract in Australia.
Barnaby Joyce has claimed he is being stalked as part of 'dirty' campaign tactics in the final days of the by-election to retain his NSW seat of New England.
The former deputy Prime Minister admitted he became embroiled in a heated clash with an individual Monday night, even knocking the man's hat from his head.
The exchange took place at the Graman Hotel near Inverell when Mr Joyce was confronted with accusations about family matters, according to The Northern Daily Leader.
Barnaby Joyce (pictured) has claimed he is being stalked as part of 'dirty' campaign tactics in the final days of the by-election to retain his NSW seat of New England.
'We had a discussion but I mean, Im not going to go into it because theres a whole lot of issues behind that individual,' Mr Joyce told Fairfax.
'The campaign is becoming dirty and people are sending people around to stalk you.'
He claimed that the pressure was not coming from the Labor party, but from 'other people', with Monday not the only time the man had pursued him.
'Weve had death threats and now weve got stalkers,' Mr Joyce said.
An exchange took place at the Graman Hotel near Inverell (pictured) when Mr Joyce was confronted with accusations about family matters and knocked the man's hat off
The man, who is understood to be linked to a website featuring scandalous material about Mr Joyce, also confronted the Nationals leader in Glenn Innes.
An AFP spokesman told AAP on Tuesday the agency was aware of an incident involving Mr Joyce.
'The AFP is currently evaluating this matter and, as such, it would not be appropriate to comment further,' the spokesman said.
The altercation follows an alarming incident where a note and bullet were sent to the politician's former electorate office in Tamworth.
Mr Joyce (pictured) was also confronted by the man in Glenn Innes, with the matter referred to the Australian Federal Police
The package reportedly came from someone protesting a billion dollar loan the government is looking at granting Adani.
The New England by-election is scheduled to take place Saturday, following a High Court ruling about Mr Joyce's citizenship status.
The former minister was forced to resign from parliament over his dual New Zealand citizenship and told constituents in a letter last month they would hear 'a lot of other people -- many of whom have nothing to do with our electorate -- making all sorts of misleading claims for political purposes'.
'I don't care what they say. My job is to look after you first and foremost,' he wrote.
Alec Baldwin mixed his Emmy-winning impression of President Donald Trump and the advocacy of a serious Democratic activist Monday, headlining a state party banquet in Des Moines.
The actor known lately for his recurring role on Saturday Night Live wowed more than 2,000 party faithful, at times slipping into the Trump spoof but urging them to work harder than they did in 2016, when Trump carried the state.
'Let's make America America again,' he instructed the crowd at one point.
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Actor Alec Baldwin speaks during the Iowa Democratic Party's Fall Gala on Monday, where he utilized his President Trump impression
'Let's make America America again,' Baldwin instructed the crowd attending the Iowa Democratic Party's Fall Gala
The actor wowed more than 2,000 party faithful, at times slipping into the Trump spoof but urging them to work harder than they did in 2016
Alec Baldwin donned his contorted faux-Trump scowl and joked about Democrats' annual Jefferson-Jackson banquets: 'Jefferson Jackson was a great man,' Baldwin blurted
In a nod to Iowa's renewable energy scene, Baldwin's Trump gave a shout out to corn-based fuel additive producers by noting 'all the ethanol miners out there'
Alec Baldwin also got serious, talking abut his Democratic activism including traveling with Sen. Ted Kennedy during his 1994 Senate campaign against Republican Mitt Romney
Actor Alec Baldwin, left, speaks with former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, right, and his wife Christie during the Iowa Democratic Party's Fall Gala
Actor Alec Baldwin waits to speak during the Iowa Democratic Party's Fall Gala
It was much-needed humor for a party, still licking its wounds from the presidential election, and locked out of the governor's mansion and in the legislative minority after controlling both just 10 years ago.
Baldwin donned his contorted faux-Trump scowl and joked about Democrats' annual Jefferson-Jackson banquets, named for past Democratic presidents, but which his character confused.
'Jefferson Jackson was a great man,' Baldwin blurted.
In a nod to Iowa's renewable energy scene, Baldwin's Trump gave a shout out to corn-based fuel additive producers by noting 'all the ethanol miners out there.'
That was after he took the stage, posing first as a professor at the defunct Trump University, touting course listings such as 'political science fiction,' and featuring members of Trump's cabinet as the faculty.
'Jeff Sessions will be teaching a class. He just can't remember which one,' Baldwin quipped, in a reference to Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who testified this month he had forgotten about a Trump campaign meeting where an aide suggested a Trump meeting in Russia.
But Baldwin, a Democratic activist for years behind the scenes, talked about his experience traveling through Massachusetts with Sen. Ted Kennedy during his 1994 Senate campaign against Republican Mitt Romney.
More recently, Baldwin campaigned this fall for winning Virginia governor candidate Ralph Northam ahead of the Nov. 7 election.
Baldwin impersonated former President Bill Clinton, less for laughs than to remind the audience of the former president's advice that the investigation into Russian connections with the Trump campaign is less advisable for the party than persuading voters to support Democrats.
Baldwin called on Iowa Democrats, also still smarting over the bitter 2016 presidential caucus fight between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, to unite after the 2018 gubernatorial primary, now featuring seven candidates.
'I want you to take the pledge right now and come together,' Baldwin said.
With one last joke, he implored Americans to 'send Trump to a retirement home in Moscow where he belongs.'
Baldwin, on book tour for his new tome, 'You Can't Spell America Without Me,' a spoof Trump memoir, has acknowledged that he has an interest in running for public office, but that ambition may never work out.
'To run for office is something that I want to do, but it A. doesn't seem practical with my lifestyle and my children and No. 2 I'm not quite sure that Trump has left it open for non-traditional candidates to [win],' Baldwin said earlier this month at an appearance at George Washington University.
'I think the pendulum may swing the other way and people are going to want real, bona fide credentials the state house, the governor,' he continued.
Baldwin suggested in a post-Trump world, Americans may not want someone who's never held elected office.
'Do I think I'd be a good president?' the actor mused. 'Yeah, I think I'd be a good president.'
The White House is considering a ban on employees using personal cell phones, according to a new report.
The proposal to ban personal devices comes amid cybersecurity concerns, reports Bloomberg, with one official saying that personal phones are not as secure as government-issued devices.
It has not yet been decided whether the proposed ban would apply to all staff in the executive office of President Donald Trump - and the potential effect on Trump's own devices is unclear.
After assuming the presidency, Trump was forced by security officials to hand in his Android phone, and has been issued an iPhone loaded with the Twitter app and nothing else, according to Axios.
A proposed White House ban on personal devices could impact President Donald Trump's favored communication tool - a special iPhone loaded with the Twitter app and nothing else
Kellyanne Conway (left) checks her phone in the Oval Office in an infamous incident in February. The White House is considering banning staff from bringing personal phones
Trump and his top aides all have government-issued phones that are highly secure, of course, but those devices are severely curtailed in their capabilities.
They can't send or receive text messages, for example, prompting concerns that White House staff would be cut off from contact with their families while at work if personal devices are banned.
Making matters worse, the White House computer network blocks devices from accessing certain popular websites such as Gmail.
Some officials have also privately expressed concerns that having only a government-issued phone would mean their personal calls would be logged in accordance with public records requirements, according to Bloomberg.
White House Chief of Staff John Kelly is said to be leading the push for the ban.
Kelly himself was hit by hackers earlier this year, when his personal phone was compromised.
The White House already takes certain precautions with personal devices, requiring that they be left outside of the room when classified material is being discussed.
The actress who greeted Donald Trump after he made the now infamous 'grab them by the p****' remarks on the Access Hollywood tape says it is 'puzzling' how he can now doubt the recording's authenticity.
Arianne Zucker told CNN's Anderson Cooper on Monday that she couldn't see how the 2005 tape could be fake after Trump reportedly told aides that is not an authentic recording.
'I don't know how else that could be fake unless someone's planting words in your mouth,' she said.
'How do you apologize for something and renege on it? It's puzzling to me.'
Actress Arianne Zucker said she couldn't see how the infamous Access Hollywood tape could be fake after Donald Trump reportedly told aides that was not an authentic recording
How do you apologize for something and then renege on it? - Arianne Zucker, who appeared in the "Access Hollywood" tape reacts to reports of Trump questioning its authenticity https://t.co/hXLaGiktCa https://t.co/VARP7ztrbR Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) November 28, 2017
Zucker had been filming the Access Hollywood segment in 2005 with Trump and Billy Bush. The pair had left their mics on when Trump started boasting about grabbing women's genitalia.
'When you're a star, they let you do it. You can do anything... Grab them by the p****. You can do anything,' Trump was recorded saying.
Trump had acknowledged it was him on the tape and apologized for his actions in the hours after it surfaced in October 2016 during the election campaign. He described the comments as 'locker-room talk' between men.
The New York Times reported over the weekend that Trump had suggested to a senator earlier this year the tape was not authentic and repeated the claim to an adviser more recently.
Access Hollywood hosts Natalie Morales and Kit Hoover also spoke out on Monday to insist the Donald Trump tape is real
Zucker greeted Donald Trump and Billy Bush after he made the now infamous 'grab them by the p****' remarks on the Access Hollywood tape in 2005
It prompted Access Hollywood to speak out on Monday to insist the tape is real.
'We wanted to clear something up that has been reported across the media landscape,' host Natalie Morales said on air.
'Let us make this perfectly clear - the tape is very real,' she said.
'Remember his excuse at the time was "locker-room talk." He said every one of those words.'
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders refused to confirm if Trump thought the tape was fake during a press briefing on Monday.
'The president addressed this, this was litigated and certainly answered during the election by the overwhelming support for the president and the fact he's sitting here in the Oval Office today,' Sanders told reporters.
His ultra-controversial views have seen him banned from Twitter, Western Australian government buildings and a string of high-rating television programs.
Now, the Australian Greens have officially requested that Parliament House be added to Milo Yiannopoulos' growing list of exclusion zones.
Yiannopoulos - a British right-wing provocateur whose opponents label a 'white supremacist' and a 'paedophilia apologist' - was invited to speak in Canberra as a guest of Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonjhelm.
Greens leader Richard Di Natale on Tuesday took the rare step of writing to the Presiding Officers of the House of Representatives and the Senate to have the invitation revoked.
Greens leader Richard Di Natale (pictured right) has officially requested Milo Yiannopoulos (left) be banned from speaking at Parliament House
Yiannopoulos was invited to speak in Canberra as a guest of Liberal Democrats Senator David Leyonjhelm
Senator Di Natale posted the letter he wrote to the Presiding Officers of the House of Representatives and the Senate along with this caption on Twitter
Senator Di Natale wrote that Yiannopoulos is 'an individual who has become notorious for his racist, sexist and abusive behaviour'.
'I write with regards to the upcoming visit to Parliament by alt-right figure Milo Yiannopoulos,' the one-page letter began.
'The Australian Greens are concerned that Senator David Leyonjhelm is hosting Milo Yiannopoulos for a conversation and an audience Q&A on Tuesday December 5.
'The global reputation of our National Parliament... is at serious risk if we provide a space for those who preach hate and incite abuse and harassment of women, Jews as well as members of the LGBTIQ and multicultural communities.'
Yiannopoulos is 'an individual who has become notorious for his racist, sexist and abusive behaviour', according to Senator Di Natale
The Australian Greens have officially requested that Parliament House be added to Milo Yiannopoulos' growing list of exclusion zones
'I am requesting that... you revoke permission that has for Mr Yiannopoulos to attend and speak at Parliament House.'
Mr Di Natale accompanied the letter he posted on Twitter with the caption: 'We should not be granting a forum to someone who makes a living by peddling racist, sexist and abusive views.'
The request comes after Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young emailed Senator Leyonjhelm to complain about his invitation to the right-wing firebrand.
'It astounds me that a member of our Parliament would roll out the red carpet to a white supremacist and paedophilia apologist,' she said last week in an exchange obtained by Daily Mail Australia.
'A man who travels the world spreading racist and sexist drivel, who believes there's no such thing as rape culture is not welcome in our safe and respectful house of democracy.'
Yiannoloulos' views have already seen him banned from Twitter, Western Australian government buildings and a string of high-rating television programs
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young previously said Yiannopoulos shoudn't be welcome at Parliament House in Canberra
Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young emailed Senator Leyonjhelm to protest about alt-right author Milo Yiannopoulos getting a platform to speak at Parliament House in Canberra
Senator David Leyonjhelm emailed his Greens colleague to accuse her of censoring views she didn't agree with
Senator Leyonjhelm, a libertarian who lives in Sydney, told his Greens Senate colleague she had little regard for free speech.
'This highlights the difference between you and me... Milo has the same right to speak as you. It's not compulsory for you to listen or to agree. Get over it,' he replied.
The publisher of Australian Penthouse Magazine Damien Costas, who is organising Yiannopoulos' Australian tour, said Senator Hanson-Young demonstrated how the political left censored those who they disagreed with.
'No one's going to put her on a leash and drag her there like a little sun bear at a Russian circus. She doesn't have to go,' he told Daily Mail Australia.
Australian Penthouse Magazine says the political left sought to censor those it disagree with like Milo Yiannopoulos
Yiannopoulos holds a press conference down the street from the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando in 2016
Yiannopoulos has previously likened feminism to cancer, Islam to AIDS and has spoken out against gay rights and the Black Lives Matter movement
'This is the problem with the modern left: If you don't agree with them, you're either a bigot or a Nazi or a hate monger or whatever other delicious word conjured up.'
Mr Costas rejected the notion Yiannopoulos is a white supremacist.
'He's not, he's a Western supremacist,' he said. 'He's not a racist.
'The only thing he speaks out against is extreme Islam and last time I checked, Islam is not a race, it's an ideology.'
Yiannopoulos has previously likened feminism to cancer, Islam to AIDS and has spoken out against gay rights and the Black Lives Matter movement despite being openly homosexual and married to an African American.
The right-wing provocateur will start his first ever speaking tour in Australia this week
Dramatic images have emerged of the moment a tactical counter-terrorism unit apprehend a Somali-Australian 'ISIS sympathiser' who was allegedly planning to execute a major terrorist attack.
The 20-year-old Muslim man can be seen being restrained by officers in front of shocked onlookers outside a restaurant on a busy street moments after his arrest.
The Somali-Australian man, known as Ali Shire but believed to have changed his name to Ali Ali, was allegedly coordinating an attack where he would shoot 'as many people as he could' in Melbourne's packed Federation Square on New Year's Eve.
Police allege Ali tried to obtain an automatic rifle to carry out the horrific act, inspired by radical Islamist propaganda produced by terrorist group al-Qaeda.
The young man is due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court before 3pm on Tuesday.
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Dramatic images have emerged of the moment a tactical counter-terrorism unit apprehend an 'ISIS sympathiser' who was allegedly planning to execute a major terrorist attack
Police allege Ali tried to obtain an automatic rifle to carry out the horrific act, inspired by radical Islamist propaganda produced by terrorist group al-Qaeda
Ali Ali, a Muslim Somali-Australian, 20, has been charged with terrorism offences for allegedly planning to shoot 'as many people as he could' in Melbourne on New Year's Eve
Ali, who reportedly no longer has a formal name, was described by his boss at a local computer business as 'a very quiet guy'.
'It's very sad, it's a shock,' Warsame Hassan told the Herald Sun. 'If I had (noticed suspicious behaviour) then I would have told the police.'
The business has been raided and the computer Ali used has been seized by police.
It is believe they had been monitoring Ali for months, but his alleged radicalism has increased over time and police believe he was seeking out obtaining an automatic weapon.
He had recently dropped out of Swinburne University in Hawthorn, and was a regular visitor at the Virgin Mary mosque near his family home in Melbourne's west.
Members of the mosque described Ali's family as good members of the community.
Ali, who reportedly does no longer have a formal name, was described by his boss at a local computer business as 'a very quiet guy'
The 20-year-old Muslim man can be seen being held down by the officers in front of shocked onlookers and outside a restaurant on a busy street moments after his arrest
It is believe they had been monitoring Ali for months, but his alleged radicalism has increased over time and police believe he was seeking out obtaining an automatic weapon
Melbourne woman Jessica Karasmanis witnessed the dramatic moment Shire was arrested in Werribee, west of the CBD.
Ms Karasmanis told Daily Mail Australia she was stopped at a set of traffic lights when she spotted 'at least five men' dressed in heavy body armour holding down a man.
'They had his hands tied behind his backs and on the ground,' she said.
'They stood him up and placed him behind the building.'
The arrest followed raids on his home in Werribee, a relative's house in Meadow Heights and a computer business in nearby Footscray where he worked part-time. Officers returned to the home on Tuesday
Investigators returned to the suburban home in Werribee where Shire lived with his parents and brothers on Tuesday morning and remained there throughout the day
The arrest followed raids on his home in Werribee, a relative's house in Meadow Heights and a computer business in nearby Footscray where he worked part-time.
Investigators returned to the suburban home in Werribee where Shire lived with his parents and brothers on Tuesday morning and remained there throughout the day.
Detectives were seen hauling bags of evidence out of the home.
The practising Muslim was born in Australia, is an Australian citizen and his parents were from Somalia, Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said on Tuesday.
'The male is one of our high-risk persons of interest. We have been monitoring him for a very lengthy period of time,' he told reporters on Tuesday.
Shire allegedly accessed a guidebook produced by al-Qaeda containing information on how to commit a terrorist act (Federation Square pictured on New Year's Eve in 2015)
Police allege the young Muslim terror suspect had tried to obtain an automatic rifle to carry out the act and was inspired by radical Islamist group Al-Qaeda (fighters pictured in 2014)
Following the arrest federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the government does not target a specific ethnic group as part of its terror investigations.
'The Muslim community is not being targeted by the government,' he said.
'We'll go after individuals, we don't target a specific community, and we require the Muslim community to work with us.'
Described as an 'ISIL-sympathiser' by Mr Keenan, the alleged terrorist is being interviewed in relation to the offences of preparing to commit a terrorist attack and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist act.
It's alleged the man accessed a guidebook produced by al-Qaeda containing information on how to commit a terrorist act and use firearms, guns and handguns and rifles.
Authorities were keen to stress that no firearm was obtained.
But if the attack had been successful the human cost would have been 'catastrophic ... horrendous', Mr Patton said.
The practising Muslim was born in Australia, is an Australian citizen and his parents were from Somalia, Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said on Tuesday
WHAT WE KNOW * He's an Australian-born, 20-year-old man. * Allegedly plotted to obtain a firearm to 'shoot and kill as many people as he could' at Melbourne's Federation Square on New Year's Eve. * Lives with his Somalia-born parents in Werribee, is a Muslim but not linked to any specific mosque. * Police said he'd been 'high-risk person of interest' since early 2016 and claimed he would become 'energised' online when learning of overseas terrorist attacks. * Allegedly obtained Al-Qaeda material through the internet and was an Islamic State sympathiser. * Arrested on Monday by Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police and ASIO officers. * Charged on Tuesday with planning to commit a terrorist attack and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist act. Source: Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police Advertisement
The man is also believed to be associated with a group of Victorian extremists.
'We won't identify who they are. It is a very small community of extremist,' Mr Patton said.
'There is no ongoing threat posed in respect to New Year's Eve, Christmas or any other area.'
AFP Acting Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said the charges laid were 'serious'.
'One of the charges carries a maximum penalty of life in prison,' he said.
Since September 2014, when the national threat terrorism level was raised to 'probable', the AFP has worked with its state and territory partners to thwart a number of plots.
So far, 74 people have been charged as a result of 347 counter-terrorist investigations.
'I would like to reassure the people of Victoria that the teams in Victoria, but also around Australia, are working day and night. They are working 24/7 to keep Australia safe,' Mr McCartney said.
In 2016, more than 500,000 revellers flocked to Melbourne's CBD to ring in the new year as tonnes of fireworks were shot from 22 city buildings.
In 2016, more than 500,000 revellers flocked to Melbourne's CBD to ring in the new year as tonnes of fireworks were shot from 22 city buildings (pictured, 2015 celebrations)
A prominent Chinese general under investigation for corruption has committed suicide, China's state media said on Tuesday.
Zhang Yang, 66, had been investigated by the anti-corruption officers of the Chinese armies since August, the official Xinhua news agency said.
The suicide of the once high-ranking military officer was the latest development in a sweeping anti-graft campaign enforced by President Xi Jinping that has shaken the armed forces in China.
General Zhang Yang committed suicide as he was put under corruption investigation. He was pictured inspecting the paramilitary police force in Beijing, China, in 2014 as the director of the Political Work Department of Chinese People's Liberation Army
In this March 8, 2017, photo, Zhang Yang (left), the then-head of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) political affairs department, and Fang Fenghui (right), the then-chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, attend the China's National People's Congress
The investigation into Zhang, 66, had verified that he 'gravely violated discipline', was 'suspected of giving and taking bribes' and the origin of a huge amount of assets was unclear, Xinhua said.
'On the afternoon of Nov. 23, Zhang Yang hanged himself at home,' the agency said.
Zhang was a former member of the powerful Central Military Commission and a former director at the The Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission.
He was investigated over links to disgraced generals Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou, both of whom had been jailed for corruption.
Xinhua said Xu had been resting at home while being questioned by Central Military Commission for nearly three months.
Overseas-based Chinese media, including NTDTV, reported Zhang killed himself while being visited by the officers from the Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Central Military Commission. The reports also claimed he told the officers he wanted to change his clothes and then committed suicide.
The above accounts have not been confirmed by Chinese official media.
Zhang was investigated over links to disgraced Xu Caihou (file photo), who was expelled from the Communist Party of China and accused of accepting bribes in 2014
Zhang was also thought to be related to Guo Boxiong (file photo) who was sentenced to life in prison for accepting bribes last year
A suicide by an officer who held such a senior post is rare.
However, experts have said the frequency of officials from various levels of government taking their own lives may have increased as a result of the intensity of the corruption crackdown since President Xi Jinping took power five years ago.
A commentary carried on both the Defense Ministry and military's official websites said the Central Military Commission decided on Aug. 28 to investigate Zhang.
The commentary said Zhang had 'lost his moral bottom line' and used suicide as a means to 'escape punishment from the party and country'. It also referred to the suicide as an 'extremely abominable act'.
Generals of Chinese People's Liberation Army (from left to right) Chang Wanquan, Fang Fenghui, Zhang Yang, Zhao Keshi and Zhang Youxia line up to cast their votes into a box during the fifth plenary meeting of the National People's Congress on March 15, 2013 in Beijing
'This former general of high position and great power used this shameful way to end his own life,' the commentary said.
'He would exhort loyalty but be corrupt behind others' backs, a typical 'two-faced person',' it said.
Sources had told Reuters that Zhang, who had served as director of the military's Political Work Department, had been subject to an investigation, but the government had not announced it.
Zhang's downfall was foreshadowed in September when he failed to make a list of 303 military delegates to the ruling Communist Party's key five-yearly congress, along with fellow CMC member Fang Fenghui.
Both men were replaced at the congress, held last month, as part of a sweeping military leadership reshuffle in which Xi install trusted allies in key positions.
A shark warning has been issued for a popular beach on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula after a whale carcass was spotted in nearby waters.
Victoria's fishery authority warned the carcass at Jubilee Point, Sorrento could attract hungry sharks.
The 14m whale is believed to be a young or juvenile male and has washed up into a rock pool as the tide went out.
The whale carcass has washed up on Jubilee Point in Victoria's stunning Mornington Peninsula
Beachgoers are being warned not to swim, especially if they have any bleeding wounds
Beachgoers are being warned not to swim, especially if they have any open wounds.
The carcass itself is still intact but is bleeding from the mouth, possibly from shark scavenging.
DELWP incident spokesperson Dan White said: 'Moving a whale of this size is a complex task and we are weighing up all the available options.'
'An event like this does not happen every day and there has been a lot of interest in the whale with many people attempting to reach the edge of the Point Jubilee cliff to try and catch a glimpse.'
'We have closed the walking track at Point Jubilee and the nearby Diamond Bay beach, to swimmers, to make sure the public is safe. The whale is not actually visible from the cliff.'
'The whale will remain at the base of the cliffs over the next 24 hours while we work with Parks Victoria to manage the situation.
'We have also not yet identified the whale species and are working with Museum Victoria to establish this. We know it is not a Southern right or Humpback whale.'
Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore says 'dirty politics' are behind the allegations of sexual misconduct against him.
While speaking Monday night to a friendly crowd in northeast Alabama, Moore lashed out at the allegations as false but would not take questions from reporters.
Moore has been accused of sexually assaulting or molesting two women decades ago, when he was in his 30s and they were teenagers.
At least five others have said he pursued romantic relationships when they were teenagers.
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Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore said on Monday night at a campaign rally that 'dirty politics' are behind the allegations of sexual misconduct against him
The Republican told his supporters that establishment leaders of both parties oppose him because he is 'hard to manage' or they want to stop his religious-themed politics. Moore said he hopes to one day outlaw abortion.
It comes after President Trump made it known Monday he won't set foot in the state on behalf of Moore, even as he intensified his insistence that voters must never elect his Democratic foe.
In search of safe political ground, Trump is embracing a tried-and-true tactic before the December 12 special election.
Weighing political needs, loyalty to his base supporters and his own struggles against allegations of sexual impropriety, the president is staking out a position that should bring him the least political exposure.
Trump has repeatedly assailed Democratic candidate Doug Jones, has publicly defended Moore against allegations of child molestation and has broken with other GOP leaders calling on Moore to get out of the race.
On the other hand, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday the president has no plans for an in-person appearance on Moore's behalf and in fact is too busy to 'do anything between now and Election Day' for the candidate.
After speaking Monday night to a friendly crowd in northeast Alabama (above), Moore lashed out at the allegations as false but would not take questions from reporters
In addition, the president previously signed off on a decision by the Republican National Committee to cut off support for Moore's campaign.
Still, Trump had held the door open to personal campaigning for Moore last week, when he all but endorsed the pugnacious conservative's candidacy while criticizing Jones. But he's carefully stopping short of that actual endorsement.
For weeks the center state in the Alabama race has been held by accusations that Moore, now 70, sexually molested or initiated sexual contact with two teens, ages 14 and 16 and tried to date several others while he was in his 30s.
Moore has denied the allegations of misconduct and has said he never dated 'underage' women.
The president is determined not to alienate his core supporters - many of whom continue to defend Moore - at a time when his presidential popularity is lagging and his agenda faces headwinds in Congress.
The outcome in Alabama could be crucial in the ongoing GOP fight for a tax overhaul, since a victory by Democrat Jones would narrow the Republicans' Senate majority to a mere two seats.
Donald Trump, pictured returning to the White House Sunday evening with First Lady Melania Trump, will not campaign for embattled Alabama Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore
Trump suggested Democrat Doug Jones would raise 'taxes to the sky' if he won the Alabama Senate seat over embattled Republican Roy Moore
He also reminded Americans that he didn't support Roy Moore in the special election's GOP primary, instead backing Alabama incumbent Sen. Luther Strange
Trump bashed Jones repeatedly on Twitter over the weekend.
'The last thing we need in Alabama and the U.S. Senate is a Schumer/Pelosi puppet who is WEAK on Crime, WEAK on the Border, Bad for our Military and our great Vets, Bad for our 2nd Amendment, AND WANTS TO RAISES TAXES TO THE SKY,' Trump wrote from Florida, referring to Democrats' congressional leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi.
Moore's campaign quickly highlighted Trump's comments on social media and in a fundraising email.
'President Trump calls them like he sees them. And, he's got my opponents in D.C. scrambling,' Moore wrote
Jones, speaking to reporters in Birmingham, shrugged off Trump's criticisms, saying his vote in the Senate would not be a partisan one. He said Alabama residents are focused on issues such as the economy, education and health care.
'My record speaks for itself,' Jones said. 'I think I am very strong on the issues that the people of Alabama care for.'
Earlier in the month, the Republican National Committee pulled roughly a dozen paid staffers out of Alabama as the allegations of sexual misconduct against Moore piled up.
Republicans involved in that decision said Monday they would be angry if Trump ordered the committee to re-engage, although there was no such discussion underway as of Monday afternoon.
A would-be burglar has been stopped in his tracks after a patron took justice into his own hands smacking the assailant in the head with a stool.
Queensland Police are investigating after two men armed with a firearm and a machete barged in to the Lord Stanley Hotel in East Brisbane at 11.30pm on Monday.
CCTV footage captured the dramatic scene as the thieves entered the bar before one of them is hit in the head with a bar stool.
A would-be burglar has been stopped in his tracks after a patron took justice into his own hands smacking the assailant in the head with a stool
Queensland Police are investigating after two men armed with a firearm and a machete barged in to The Lord Stanley Hotel in East Brisbane at 11.30pm on Monday
Video footage shows the man stumbling around after the devastating blow, before the men stagger out of the bar.
One of the men threatened two employees behind the bar, demanding one of them fill up a bag with money from the till.
The second offender, armed with a machete, demanded three patrons move from an outside smoking area into the bar and made them lay on the floor.
A fourth patron then emerged from the gaming area and smacked one of the thieves in head, knocking him to the ground.
The first offender then dropped his bag of cash and the pair took off with a small amount of cash.
No staff or patrons were injured during the incident.
The second offender, armed with a machete, demanded three patrons move from an outside smoking area into the bar and made them lay on the floor
One of the men threatened two employees behind the bar, demanding one of them fill up a bag with money from the till
Hawke's girlfriend had revealed she engaged in a threesome while he was away
Ryan Christopher Hawke, 36, was found guilty of murder for the second time
A West Australian fly-in fly-out worker has been found guilty, for a second time, of murdering a man who had a threesome with his girlfriend while he was away.
Ryan Christopher Hawke, 36, has been on trial in the WA Supreme Court for the past fortnight, accused of repeatedly stabbing Mark Colin Koller, 50, at the Crystal Brook Caravan Park in Orange Grove in April 2014.
The court heard Hawke found out his girlfriend had engaged in a threesome with Mr Koller and his partner.
A bystander filmed the moment Ryan Christopher Hawke, 36, repeatedly stabbed Mark Colin Koller, 50, at the Crystal Brook Caravan Park in Western Australia in 2014
Hawke found out his girlfriend had engaged in a threesome with Mr Koller and his partner before going on a violent rampage
Hawke stabbed the victim six times with a knife during a confrontation outside Mr Koller's caravan.
'He was very annoyed someone had done this with his woman,' Prosecutor Sean O'Sullivan said during his opening address.
Hawke had argued self-defence, with his lawyer Justine Fisher saying some witnesses described Mr Koller as being the aggressor.
It is the second time Hawke has been found guilty of the murder, having previously successfully appealed against his original conviction
The prosecutor said Mr Koller tried to fend Hawke off with a gas bottle but he either dropped it or it was knocked out of his hands, and rejected the suggestion the victim was also swinging a screwdriver.
It is the second time Hawke has been found guilty of the murder, having previously successfully appealed against his original conviction.
He will face a sentencing hearing on March 28.
More than 100 passengers have been rescued from a ferry that ran aground in New York's East River.
Police say the rescue happened Monday evening just off a pier near the South Street Seaport in lower Manhattan.
The U.S. Coast Guard says the ferry was heading to the Rockaways area of Queens when it became stuck.
A ferry bound for the Rockaways area of Queens became stuck on a sandbar near Manhattan's South Street Seaport on Monday evening
The roughly 120 people on board were stranded for about 45 minutes before help came
The boat, called the 'Zelinsky', was rescued by police and fire rescue units
The New York Daily News reports that the boat became stuck on a sandbar.
Police and fire rescue units responded to the scene and rescued the at least 120 people on board.
The boat, called the 'Zelinsky,' was stuck for about 45 minutes before the rescue came.
'We were crowded. We were hungry. It was wonderful. This is New York,' resident Leslie Mahoney told the Daily News.
There are no reports of any injuries, NBC New York reports.
The cause of the grounding remains under investigation.
'There was a slight hole in the hull, nothing major,' FDNY Chief John Sarrocco told CBS Local.
Ferries are expected to run normally on Tuesday, the New York City mayor's office said.
As many as 120,000 tourists have been stranded in Bali by the ongoing eruption of Mount Agung, with some put on flights leaving after Christmas.
The holiday island's airport remains shut for at least another 24 hours due to clouds of ash billowing from the volcano.
Today's extension of the airport closure means more than 900 flights have now been cancelled, leaving tens of thousands of travellers unable to leave Bali.
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As many as 120,000 tourists have been stranded in Bali by the ongoing eruption of Mount Agung (pictured), with some flights rescheduled until after Christmas
The holiday island's airport (pictured) remains shut for at least another 24 hours due to clouds of ash billowing from the volcano
Today's extension of the airport closure means more than 900 flights have now been cancelled, leaving tens of thousands of travellers unable to leave Bali (pictured is Mt Agung)
Qantas passengers are among those stranded, and some reported being told their flights had been rescheduled to December 27, The Australian reported.
'I thought Qantas would be a bit more organised but we can't find them here, they haven't sent one email out,' said Pagan Raston, who was due to fly on on Monday.
'Quite a few people have had their flights rescheduled to December 27.'
A Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia no flights have been rescheduled, but passengers may have been put on other flights, which could be weeks away.
Qantas passengers are among those stranded, and some reported being told their flights had been rescheduled to December 27 (pictured is the ongoing volcanic eruption)
A Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia no flights have been rescheduled, but passengers may have been put on other flights, which could be weeks away (pictured is Mount Agung)
When the Denpasar airport reopens Qantas will put on extra flights, allowing those passengers to leave much earlier, the spokesperson said (pictured is the volcano early on Tuesday morning)
When the Denpasar airport reopens Qantas will put on extra flights, allowing those passengers to leave much earlier, the spokesperson said.
'Any customers on cancelled Bali flights have been proactively moved to our next available scheduled services for now, where there is limited availability over the peak travel period,' they said in a statement.
'As has been the case in previous disruptions of this nature, when it is safe to resume flying, we plan to get our customers moving quickly by operating additional services where possible.'
Passengers on other airlines complained they had been given no information at all, leaving them frustrated.
'My kids are really upset. They've been crying on the phone because they've seen reports on the TV news and are worried about us,' said David Plowman of Perth.
Passengers on other airlines complained they had been given no information at all, leaving them frustrated (pictured are stranded travellers)
With tourists lined up at the airport Bali authorities issued a warning to residents to leave the 10km evacuation zone around the volcano (pictured)
One group of Australians was even considering travelling to Surabaya by bus and ferry in order to get home.
With tourists lined up at the airport Bali authorities issued a warning to residents to leave the 10km evacuation zone around the volcano.
Up to 100,000 locals were told to move into evacuation shelters as a cloud of volcanic ash reached three kilometres into the air.
Up to 100,000 locals were told to move into evacuation shelters as a cloud of volcanic ash (pictured) reached three kilometres into the air
Evacuees stay in a temporary shelter as they evacuate after the Mount Agung volcano spewed hot volcanic ash
Indonesian volcanologist Gede Suantika said lava was building up inside Mount Agung and would spill over when it reached the edge.
That would result in a slow flow of red hot lava, but the volcano's steepness could lead to a more powerful eruption.
The pyroclastic flow from the 1963 eruption killed 1600, and authorities in Bali are preparing for the worst.
Cold lava flows, known as lahar, have already flooded the rivers and canals of nearby villages, but many locals ignoring warnings to leave the area.
Cold lava flows, known as lahar, have already flooded the rivers and canals of nearby villages, but many locals ignoring warnings to leave the area (pictured are evacuees)
A seven-year-old girl died on a trip to another school after suffering a 'medical episode'.
Aiman Abdullah was taken seriously ill during an off-site visit yesterday at North Huddersfield Trust School, West Yorkshire.
The Year Three pupil was taken to hospital, where she later died.
Aiman Abdullah was taken seriously ill during an off-site visit yesterday at North Huddersfield Trust School (pictured), West Yorkshire
Aiman's school, Birkby Junior School in Huddersfield, is closed today 'as a mark of respect'.
A letter written by headteacher Susan Davis and posted on the website of the school, read: 'It is with tremendous sadness that I must inform you that one of our Year 3 pupils, Aiman Abdullah, has passed away.
'Aiman was taken suddenly and seriously ill during an off-site visit.
Headteacher Susan Davis announced the tragic news on the school's website
'She was treated at the scene and transferred to hospital, where she died shortly afterwards.
'We are all, of course, shocked and incredibly saddened by this tragic news..
'The welfare of pupils is our highest priority and we know that many of the children are very upset.
'We will continue to provide support to anyone who needs it and all the children will be able to talk to a trained adult if they wish to do so.
'As a mark of respect to Aiman's family, school will be closed to pupils tomorrow - 28/11/17.
'I'm sure you will understand our reasons for making this decision.
'When the children return to school there will be professional support, for the children, throughout the day.
'Our thoughts are with Aiman's family at this time of tragic loss and I am certain you will join me in offering deepest condolences.
'Aiman will be greatly missed by the whole community.'
Yorkshire Ambulance Service said they were called to the school before lunchtime.
Aiman's school, Birkby Junior School (pictured) in Huddersfield, is closed today 'as a mark of respect'
West Yorkshire Police said: 'We were called to a concern for safety at North Huddersfield Trust School where a seven-year-old girl had suffered a medical episode.
'She was taken to hospital, where she died a short time later.
'The incident was not being treated as suspicious.'
Sociology professor Ted Thornhill will teach the course starting in January 2018
A new course titled White Racism has sparked controversy and debate at a Florida University.
Sociology professor Ted Thornhill will teach the course at Florida Gulf Coast University starting in January, and has defended its premise against critics who say it targets white students.
'Much evidence, both historical and sociological, shows the U.S. has been and remains a white supremacist society,' Thornhill said in a statement regarding the course.
'That is, a racially stratified society where whiteness is more highly valued and therefore associated with greater life chances.'
Thornhill said the course would cover scholarship documenting that state of affairs.
'My White Racism course is not anti-white; it is anti-white racism. Clearly, not all white people are racists; some are even anti-racist,' he said.
The course name has sparked debate at Florida Gulf Coast University, but Thornhill has defended the premise against critics who say it singles out white students for scorn
'However, all people racialized as white derive, in some measure, material and psychological benefits by virtue of being racialized as white.'
Though many students came forward to praise Thornhill as a professor, some were uneasy with the title of the course.
'I would have preferred a name more like 'Systemic Racism' because giving it 'White Racism' as the name of the class I feel like it's intentional that you are trying to make white people look at the class a certain way,' Alex Pilkington, an accounting major who is treasurer for the FGCU College Republicans, told the News Press.
The course is not the first to bear the name - at the University of Connecticut, a White Racism course has been taught since the mid-1990s.
Sociology professor Noel Cazenave, who teaches that course, argues that the name can't be offensive because 'the concept of race is bogus, so there are no white people to offend'.
At the Florida school, Thornhill argued that white students, inasmuch as they exist, stood especially to benefit from his course.
'Too many Americans, especially whites, are cocooned in a bubble of unreality as it concerns racial matters,' he said. 'My job as a sociology professor is, in part, to facilitate students learning toward a data-informed understanding of the social world. And that it the goal of my White Racism course.'
Australia's most senior Catholic archbishop accused of covering up child sexual abuse has failed to turn up to court because he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's on the eve of his trial.
Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson, 67, was meant to be fronting Newcastle Local Court, north of Sydney, on Tuesday.
However, his legal team told Magistrate Caleb Franklin he was still in South Australia because he had a pacemaker fitted six days ago, the ABC reported.
The court heard he was also diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's on Monday.
Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson failed to appear in court because he has Alzheimer's
This was on the eve of his trial for allegedly concealing child sex abuse by paedophile priest James Fletcher, in the Newcastle-Maitland diocese, during the 1970s, the Adelaide Advertiser reported.
Wilson, Australia's most senior Catholic Archbishop accused of covering up historic child sex abuse, was arrested in 2015 and has tried to obtain an permanent stay of the delay legal proceedings three times, without success.
However, Archbishop Wilson's barrister Stephen Odgers told the court his client wanted to answer the charges before a magistrate.
'I'm confident that the advice I've received is that one week is OK and he will be able to fly up here on Wednesday afternoon,' the ABC reported him as saying.
Archbishop Wilson is accused of covering up the activities of paedophile priest James Fletcher
Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson was a no show at Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday
Mr Odgers said the Archbishop's medication could take several months to work, which meant his cognitive abilities would be impaired until then.
'There are serious problems with respect to the defendant participating in the trial with the possibility of him giving evidence,' he said.
Magistrate Franklin is considering an application to delay the trial because of the senior Catholic leader's cognitive state.
The trial is regarded as a landmark test case, following a series of cover-up allegations made at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Islamist terrorists are threatening an attack on London and the Queen in their latest ISIS propaganda posters shared online.
One image, released on encrypted social media channels, shows an ISIS fighter firing an assault rifle next to a burning Union Flag.
An ISIS flag flies from the top of a burning Big Ben, which also has a large crack running across the building.
Threatening: The poster was released on encrypted social media channels and has a clear message of a threat - empty or not - of an attack on London and the UK
Running down the side of the image is a message, reading: 'We will destroy your country, as you destroyed our country'.
The other shows a bloody knife over an image of Queen Elizabeth II, with the message; 'Under observation... soon'.
ISIS appears to be revving up their propaganda machine ahead of the holidays, producing a series of graphic posters threatening attacks on Christmas shoppers in Europe and the United States.
Yesterday, an image was shared showing Santa Claus standing on a low roof next to a box of dynamite looking out over a crowd of shoppers in New York's Times Square.
The poster has the words 'We meet at Christmas in New York... soon,' written across it in black on white.
Another showed a terrorist standing next to a rocket launcher looking down at St Peter's Square in the Vatican.
Warning: The propaganda poster shows Santa Claus looking out over a crowd of shoppers with the words; 'we meet at Christmas in New York... soon'.
Chilling: Another poster shared on encrypted channels show Santa kneeling in front of a terrorist with London's Regent Street in the background
One poster shows a jihadi with a bloody knife looking out over a Christmas market with the Eiffel Tower in the background and the message 'soon in your holidays'
The message warned that 'the crusaders' feast is approaching', alluding to a Christmas attack the Catholic church's holy city.
'Their convoys will crowd itself in front of you prepare and plan for them show them the meaning of terrorism.'
At the weekend, posters of Santa Claus kneeling before an ISIS executioner on London's Regent Street, and a jihadi with a bloody knife looking out over a Paris Christmas market with the Eiffel Tower in the background were shared online.
Both images carried the message 'Soon on your holidays' in English, French, and German.
Further threats: ISIS fanatics have also urged jihadists to attack Rome in an online poster showing a wolf overlooking St Peter's Square
The propaganda images are a chilling reminder of the terror attack on a Berlin Christmas Market last year.
Instructed by ISIS, Tunisian asylum seeker Anis Amri drove a truck into the crowds at the Christmas Market at Breitscheidplatz in Berlin on December 19.
A dozen people died, including the original driver of the truck who was shot by Amri when he hijacked the vehicle, and 56 others were injured.
Christmas markets across Germany are seeing upped security this year, with security staff on hand and concrete barriers to protect shoppers.
Some 2,600 markets, known for their sparkling Christmas trees and wooden stalls serving candied nuts, sausages, mulled wine and handicrafts, opened across Germany on Monday under tighter than usual security.
Tighter security: Armed police forces stand in front of the world's largest Christmas tree, at the Christmas market in Dortmund, Germany
Protection: Workers install concrete barriers at the Christmas Market on Schloss Chartottenburg in Berlin, Germany
In the city of Bochum in Western Germany, organisers decorate concrete bollards, wrapping them up as Christmas presents with bows to make them appear festive.
An interior ministry spokesman said the risk of an attack in Europe and Germany is 'continuously high'.
Organisers and business owners had complained that the government was reluctant to share the cost of extra security measures.
'What could be done was done,' said Berlin's Mayor, Michael Mueller on Monday, noting that those measures still could not guarantee absolute security.
A father-of-two has died days after he was stabbed multiple times in a horrific road rage attack on an Adelaide street.
Troy James McLean, 34, tried to drive himself to hospital while bleeding profusely, but crashed into a parked car just metres before he got there.
The owner of the car he drove into found him slumped behind the wheel when he went to confront him soon after the stabbing at 10.40am on Saturday.
Benjamin Joshua George, 25, allegedly stabbed Troy James McLean to death in a horrific road rage attack on an Adelaide street
McLean tried to drive himself to hospital while bleeding profusely, but crashed into a parked car just metres before he got there
Mr McLean was rushed to Royal Adelaide Hospital in a serious condition and had emergency surgery while clinging to life, but died on Tuesday.
Charges against Benjamin Joshua George who allegedly stabbed him during a roadside argument will be upgraded to murder.
The 25-year-old allegedly stabbed him before driving off and leaving Mr McLean badly injured at a busy intersection.
George begged the victim's family for forgiveness as he appeared in court on Monday, saying 'can I just say I'm sorry to everyone'
Mr McLean's bloodstained car that he tried to drive to the hospital after he was stabbed
He begged the victim's family for forgiveness as he appeared in court on Monday, saying 'can I just say I'm sorry to everyone', according to the Adelaide Advertiser.
George was remanded in custody to face court again in January, causing his family to burst into tears as they watched from the gallery.
Magistrate Yoong Fee Chin said George could apply for bail at a future court date.
This is the shocking moment a woman picks up a pushchair with an eight-month-old baby inside and hurls it into the road during a deadly knife fight with the infant's parents.
Yohanna Pinones Iter, 38, and her husband Jorge Huerta, 40, had started a fight with a kiosk owner in Antofagasta, Chile, accusing him of puncturing their tyres.
CCTV footage shows the owner's infant son is sat in a stroller next to the kiosk, and during the fight, Pinones Iter grabs the buggy and throws it into the road as the baby's mother rushes to save him.
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Shocking: Yohanna Pinones Iter, pictured in pink, is seen throwing a buggy with an eight-month-old baby into the road during a fight with the baby's father
Pinones Iter and Huerta is reported to have had a longstanding feud with the kiosk owner and his wife, and they had turned up at the little stall with their 18-year-old daughter to accuse him of sabotaging their work vehicle.
CCTV footage starts with the the 36-year-old kiosk owner's wife waiting patiently beside their baby son's pushchair while her husband served his last customer before shutting up shop for the night.
Pinones Iter and Huerta and their daughter, as well as a fourth person suddenly appeared on the scene with sticks, approaching the owner.
A woman thought to be the daughter can be seen pulling the baby's mum back by the hair as she tries to protect her husband.
The kiosk owner comes out with a large knife in his hand, appearing to injure Pinones Iter in the chest, before fatally stabbing Huerta during an ensuing brief struggle.
Killed: Jorge Huerta and wife Yohanna Pinones Iter were stabbed to death during the fight with the kiosk owner in Antofagasta, Chile
The CCTV footage shows Pinones Iter reacting to her husband's stabbing by picking up the pushchair with the tot inside and hurling it with all her might onto the road as his horrified mum ran towards her in a failed attempt to stop her.
Pinones Iter, who appears to be knifed again as the baby lay on the ground, then collapses off camera.
Pinones Iter and Huerta both died at the scene before paramedics arrived.
The couple's 18-year-old daughter was also hospitalised after the late-night street battle, just before 11pm local time on Saturday.
There was no immediate news about the baby's condition, although he is not thought to have been seriously hurt.
Last night friends and relatives of the dead couple took to Facebook to pay tribute to them.
Yohanna's sister Aida demanded respect for her family and said people were 'writing rubbish' after viewing the sickening video.
Fight: Pinones Iter, left, and Huerta, in the white t-shirt, arrive at the kiosk to start a fight with the owner as he closes up at around 11pm on Saturday evening
Violent: Huerta lies bleeding in the street as Pinones Iter and their daughter continue to fight with the owner and his wife after she has thrown the buggy into the road
Deaths: The kiosk owner, 36, is thought to be claiming that he acted out of self defence
Her cousin Marisa posted pictures of Margarita and her husband on Facebook under a black ribbon and wrote: 'My soul is sad. My cousin Yohanna Pinones Iter and her husband Jorge Huerta are now in heaven.
'I cannot believe what that man did to them. He left my nephews without their parents and I cannot believe I will never see them again.
'I will always remember you the way you were. Rest in peace my cousin.'
Local Constanza Rozas Morales showed she clearly had no sympathy for the dead woman by claiming on social media: 'Anyone who is capable of throwing a pushchair with a baby inside like that doesn't deserve to live.'
Jose Espejo added: 'What a miracle no cars were passing at the time. They went looking for their own deaths.'
The warring couples are said to have had a long-running rivalry over a debt, although the double homicide is said to have happened after the dead couple discovered the tyres on a vehicle they used for work had been punctured.
Gruesome footage from the scene in Antofagasta city centre showed the two corpses lying in the street under bright orange blankets next to pools of blood and alongside police cars with their sirens flashing.
Police chief Sergio Cornejo confirmed a man and a woman were already dead when officers reached the scene - and said the third person involved in the fracas, their 18-year-old daughter, was in hospital but was not seriously injured.
The alleged killer, who has not been named and is expected to be remanded in custody, is believed to be claiming that he acted out of self-defence.
The British ex-servicemen - known as the Chennai Six - were arrested in October 2013 while working on an anti-piracy ship. Pictured: Billy Irving leaving prison today
Six former British soldiers who were held for four years over weapons charges have finally left their Indian prison.
The British ex-servicemen - known as the Chennai Six - were arrested in October 2013 while working on an anti-piracy ship.
They were then jailed on charges of smuggling weapons for terrorists, but have been freed today after being acquitted by Madras High Court judges.
The group was collected from the prison by British embassy officials and was later seen being driven away.
'Officials from the UK embassy came and took them after completing their paperwork,' Murugesan, deputy inspector general of prisons in the southeastern city of Chennai, said.
The six - Nick Dunn, 31, from Northumberland, Billy Irving, 37, from Argyll and Bute, John Armstrong, 30, of Cumbria, Nicholas Simpson, 47, of North Yorkshire, Ray Tindall, 42, of Chester, and Paul Towers, 54, of East Yorkshire - will now be back in Britain for Christmas.
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The group was collected from the prison by British embassy officials and was later seen being driven away.
British anti-piracy crew member John Armstrong (left) sticks his thumb up next to colleague Nick Simpson (right) as they leave prison in Chennai
The men were among 35 crew on a US-operated anti-piracy ship serving jail terms for illegal weapons possession. Pictured: The former servicemen drive away to freedom - and Christmas with their families in the UK
Freedom: Vehicles carrying the British anti-piracy crew members leave prison in Chennai after a four-year ordeal
Billy Irving leaves Chennai prison after spending four years with his fellow crew members in the jail
The six - Nick Dunn, 31, from Northumberland, Billy Irving, 37, from Argyll and Bute, John Armstrong, 30, of Cumbria, Nicholas Simpson, 47, of North Yorkshire, Ray Tindall, 42, of Chester, and Paul Towers, 54, of East Yorkshire - will now be back in Britain for Christmas
A high court on Monday overturned five-year jail terms passed on the six Britons, three Ukrainians, 14 Estonians and 12 Indians in January 2016. Pictured: Billy Irving and John Armstrong leaving the prison
Picture: The detained foreigners - including the six Britons - are seen leaving Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai after their four-year ordeal
Their families say the Chennai Six have been held in 'horrendous' conditions, sleeping on concrete floors, in sweltering heat with inadequate water, prison meals of 'curried slop and rice' and poor sanitation, with toilets being a hole in the floor. Pictured: Guards near the released prisoners in Chennai
The MV Seaman Guard Ohio was chartered to protect ships crossing the Indian Ocean at a time of increased risk from pirate attacks. Pictured: The crew being released
They were among 35 crew on a US-operated anti-piracy ship serving jail terms for illegal weapons possession.
The men were escorted out of Puzhal Central Prison by British consular officials and were taken by car to the Deputy High Commission.
They were all allowed to make phone calls home and are now dealing with the logistics of where they will be staying.
Yvonne McHugh, partner of Billy Irving from Argyll and Bute, celebrated the release.
Ms McHugh said: 'They were released about two hours ago and are now at the British Embassy with consular staff.
'They will just go to a hotel in Chennai and will be able to sleep in a bed and have a proper shower for the first time in about two years.'
She added: 'Billy called straight away, he couldn't quite believe it had happened.
'He's just over the moon and didn't think they would be released. He took everything that was said with a pinch of salt and didn't believe it.
'We are hoping they could be home in two weeks. If it's less than that it will be a miracle.'
Speaking on the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme on Tuesday, Joanne Tomlinson, sister of Mr Armstrong, said: 'He called me a couple of hours ago from the embassy.
'It was a very quick conversation and he spoke to my mum and dad as well.
'We were talking about where they are going to be staying and how he gets his belongings back which are being held by his friend in India.
'I'm hoping once he gets a proper meal into him we will be able to have a proper conversation.'
(From left) Mr Simpson, Paul Towers, 52, Mr Tindall and Billy Irving were all working for US marine company AdvanFort when they were arrested in 2013
The family of Nick Dunn, 31, a former paratrooper locked up in India for four years, celebrated after learning he would be freed (pictured from left, brother Paul, mother Margaret, father Jim and sister Lisa)
Mr Dunn's family were filmed by the BBC receiving the news of the acquittal yesterday as they shared a hug before sobbing with joy.
Sipping champagne his sister, Lisa, said: 'This is the best champagne in the world, it tastes like the best drink.
'The longer it went on, as much as you still have an element of hope, it does dwindle after having so many delays and setbacks.
'But that hasn't happened today and we've had the best news ever.
'It will make all of our Christmases, all of our dreams have come true today.'
They were all sentenced to serve five years in Puzhal Central Prison, Chennai, (pictured), where they are said to have to go to the toilet 'in a hole in the ground'
Mr Dunn's father, Jim, said: 'Absolutely fantastic, the best news in the world.
'We haven't been a full family for a long time now. Nick won't fully realise it's over until his feet touch down in Newcastle.'
Yvonne MacHugh , fiancee of Billy Irving, said she was 'over the moon' after hearing the news.
'I am just so relieved. I can't believe it. I really didn't think it was going to go our way after everything,' she added.
A high court on Monday overturned five-year jail terms passed on the six Britons, as well as three Ukrainians, 14 Estonians and 12 Indians.
The crew were charged with not having proper paperwork to carry weapons in Indian waters, but India has faced intense diplomatic pressure over the case ever since the sentences were passed in January 2016.
Their families say the Chennai Six have been held in 'horrendous' conditions, sleeping on concrete floors, in sweltering heat with inadequate water, prison meals of 'curried slop and rice' and poor sanitation, with toilets being a hole in the floor.
Lisa said that 'all of our dreams have come true' after receiving the news that her brother will be coming home for Christmas
The smell 'just hits you' on entering the prison, say relatives who have visited to take supplies including teabags, sweets and toilet paper. None of the men was allowed telephone calls home.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said yesterday: 'Since I became Foreign Secretary, this case has been a top priority for everybody at the Foreign Office (FCO) and today's verdict is fantastic news.
'The FCO has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to reunite these men with their families. The importance the UK Government places on their case cannot be understated.
'The men, their families and their supporters, who have campaigned unrelentingly, must be overjoyed.
'I share their delight and I hope they can return home as soon as possible.'
The 23 foreigners were detained in Chennai's Puzhal prison, while the 12 Indians were at Palayamkottai Central Prison in Tirunelveli.
The southern tip of India is close to major trading routes from Asia to Europe.
The MV Seaman Guard Ohio was chartered to protect ships crossing the Indian Ocean at a time of increased risk from pirate attacks.
The six Britons were working as guards on the vessels.
'Officials from [the] Estonian embassy are still inside the prison. Once the process is completed, 14 Estonians and three Ukrainians will also be released,' Murugesan added.
The Indian coast guard intercepted the privately run MV Seaman Guard Ohio off the coast of Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu state in October 2013.
Semi-automatic weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition were found.
Ministers were accused of holding Parliament and the public in contempt today as they refused to release un-redacted copies of Brexit impact assessments.
Brexit Secretary David Davis swerved a summons to the Commons to answer furious MPs' questions about the 58 reports, sending his deputy Robin Walker instead.
Amid furious scenes in the Commons, even leading Brexiteers warned the Government was 'skating on very thin Parliamentary ice' by refusing to publish the papers in full in defiance of a motion passed by MPs.
Commons Speaker John Bercow today warned Mr Davis 'I will do my duty' if a formal complaint of contempt is made to his office over the affair.
Arcane rules that have not been used in centuries outline punishments, including suspension or even being locked in the Big Ben clock tower, that can be imposed on MPs for a contempt of Parliament offence.
In practice, Mr Davis faces the political humiliation of censure by MPs.
Brexit Secretary David Davis (file image in Downing Street) swerved a summons to the Commons to answer furious MPs' questions about the 58 reports
Junior Brexit Minister Robin Walker was sent to face furious MPs in Parliament today (pictured) amid demands for the Government to deliver on a Commons motion
Even leading Brexiteers Jacob Rees-Mogg (left) and Philip Hollobone (right) warned the Government was 'skating on very thin Parliamentary ice' by refusing to publish the papers in full
Parliament voted last month to demand the research be handed to the Brexit Committee after Labour used an arcane Commons motion to trip up the Tory whips.
Last night, Mr Davis infuriated the committee by handing over a heavily edited version of the reports that ran to 850 pages. The Brexit department only made one copy available on paper rather than sending it digitally.
All 'commercially sensitive' content was stripped from the documents in advance so MPs on the committee have no idea what is missing.
Downing Street insisted today the single, edited copy of the reports fulfils the Commons motion despite critics demands.
Mr Walker told MPs the reports do not exist as 58 individual documents, despite Mr Davis itemising them to a Lords select committee and earlier describing them as 'exhaustive'.
Prominent Tory Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, a member of the Brexit Committee, urged the Government to release all the information or seek a new vote in the House of Commons.
He told MPs today: 'To meet this motion it is not at the discretion of the Government to decide what to take out. It is now at the discretion of the select committee.
'I therefore urge the Government either to meet the terms of the motion in full or to seek to put down a new motion.'
Philip Hollobone, Tory MP for Kettering, said it was a 'mistake' by the Government not to amend the original motion.
He said: 'As a result, the Government is now skating on very thin parliamentary ice.'
Earlier, shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer set the stage for the showdown in the Commons on the issue by suggesting Mr Davis could be in contempt of parliament.
Commons Speaker John Bercow (pictured in the Chamber today) warned Mr Davis 'I will do my duty' if a formal complaint of contempt is made to his office over the affair
Brexit Committee chairman Hilary Benn (left today) and veteran Tory Ken Clarke (right today) joined demands for the Government to produce the papers in full
But Mr Davis did not come to the House to answer an urgent question tabled by Labour this afternoon. Instead he sent deputy Robin Walker, having apparently been detained at a Cabinet meeting.
In a letter to Mr Benn last night, Mr Davis said the papers had been redacted because there was no guarantee the MPs would keep them secret.
He said: 'Given that we have received no assurances from the committee regarding how any information passed will be used, we have sought not to include commercially, market and negotiation sensitive information.
'Delivering a successful outcome to our EU exit negotiations for the whole country requires keeping some information confidential for the purposes of the negotiations.'
Speaking to reporters after the committee met this morning, Mr Benn said it needed to consider whether Mr Davis had broken the rules - potentially putting him in contempt of Parliament - by not complying with the Commons decision.
'The committee will need to consider whether this is potentially a breach of privilege but we haven't reached any view on that yet,' he said.
Boris Johnson and Amber Rudd were among the senior ministers gathering for the regular Cabinet meeting in Downing Street today
Environment Secretary Michael Gove was also at the Cabinet meeting this morning
Mr Benn said he had been clear that the material should all be passed to the committee and the MPs would then judge what should be put in the public domain.
He said the committee 'takes its responsibilities very seriously' and would not publish anything that 'undermines the negotiation'.
'But I was also clear the judgment would be for the committee, not for the Government,' he said. 'We need to do our job.'
In the letter, also delivered to Lord Jay, chair of the Lords Brexit committee, Mr Davis called for a meeting before any decision to publish the information.
'I am sure you recognise that there are aspects of the analyses which may still be sensitive to the negotiations especially in the context of this particular point in time,' he wrote.
'I would therefore appreciate the opportunity to discuss these sectoral analyses further before any decision is taken to share the information more widely.'
Labour committee member Seema Malhotra, who has led efforts to examine the sectoral papers, said MPs must be given the full documents 'and nothing less'.
Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer (right) and Labour MP Seema Malhotra (left) have demanded the documents be released in full
'It seems like the Government have already decided what should and should not be seen by editing them before sending the impact studies to the select committee,' she said.
HOW THE EU PROTECT ITS NEGOTIATION DOCUMENTS The EU publishes material about the Brexit negotiations. But it is clear that there must be lines about what can be released to the public. According to the EU's commission's guidelines it wants to 'facilitate effective public scrutiny and provide a steady flow of public information throughout the negotiations'. But it adds that must be done 'whilst preserving the space to form EU positions and negotiate with the UK'. Most documents 'will in principle be marked as "LIMITE"' - meaning that they can only be disclosed publicly by order of the authorities in Brussels. Advertisement
'British businesses and families deserve better than this. They need certainty for their futures.
'The select committee must be given the full analyses which were completed and nothing less. We cannot and should not be short-changed. This will not be in the national interest.
'The public and Parliament must no longer be kept in the dark.'
Mr Davis agreed to release the documents after Labour won a Commons vote on November 1 on an 'humble address' to the Queen asking for what it termed the 'impact assessments' to be provided to the committee.
Labour's motion was passed without a vote earlier this month after ministers indicated the Government would not oppose it.
A spokesman for the Department said: 'The Government has satisfied the motion, providing the House of Commons Exiting the EU Committee with information covering 58 sectors of the economy.
'We have also shared the information with the Lords EU Committee.
'We have always been clear that our analysis does not exist in the form Parliament requested.
'We have taken time to bring together the analysis we do have in a way that meets Parliament's specific ask.
'Our overall programme of work is comprehensive, thorough and is continuously updated.
'This sectoral analysis is simply one part of it.'
Bruno Langley has admitted two sexual assaults after drunkenly groping a series of women on a night out in Manchester
Ex-Coronation Street star Bruno Langley wept as he avoided jail for grabbing women by the breasts, crotch and bottom during a drunken night out.
The actor molested four women at a Manchester music venue last month, but was only charged with sexually assaulting two of them.
He wept in the dock today as he avoided jail after admitting both offences.
Langley was in the Band on the Wall club in the early hours of October 1 when he touched the two women.
Instead of a jail term, the 34-year-old was ordered to complete a 12-month community order and submit to a curfew.
He was also ordered to pay 250 to each of his two victims. He must also sign the sex offenders' register for the next five years.
Langley, who is split from the ex-girlfriend with whom he has a son, apologised to his victims after the case and revealed he is getting help for a drinking problem.
Passing sentence the judge told him: 'On that evening your conduct was quite disgraceful and degrading. Both of the victims would have been extremely shocked and upset as a result of your conduct.
'The fact that you were heavily intoxicated is not mitigation, it is a further aggravating feature.'
The judge said the convictions mean Langley will probably not work in the TV industry again.
Langley was accompanied by his mother and sisters family as he left Manchester Magistrates Court this afternoon
The court heard Langley was 'clearly intoxicated' when the first woman, who was out with her husband, went upstairs to collect their coats from the cloakroom.
The prosecutor said: 'As she walked back towards the stairs Mr Langley grabbed her in the crotch area over her dress.'
Prosecutor Karen Saffman, quoting the victim's statement, said: 'He grabbed me. Properly grabbed me. It was a rough grab. Lots of pressure... even though it was through a dress and tights.'
The prosecutor added: 'She was clearly in shock. She was thinking about hitting him. She said, "Did you do that on purpose?" But he did not reply.'
A friend of Langley's then apologised, the court heard, saying: 'Oh my God, I'm really sorry'.
When the victim then went to go to the toilets she was then approached by another woman who had also been sexually assaulted by Langley.
Ms Saffman said the second woman told the first victim Langley had groped her 'boobs and her bum'.
Actor apologises to groping victims and says he has a drinking problem A statement issued by Langley after today's court hearing said: 'I sincerely apologise to the people involved and affected by my disgraceful behaviour on the evening of 30th September. 'I have absolutely no memory of what happened because of excessive alcohol consumption and it was for this reason that I behaved completely out of character. 'However, I take full responsibility for my actions that night. 'Since this incident I have been dealing with, and confronting, some personal issues that I have never addressed, and I am also getting help for an alcohol problem, so that this does not ever happen again.' Langley (right in 2004) has played Todd Grimshaw in the ITV soap off and on since 2001. He left the soap after an internal investigation into the sex attacks Advertisement
Langley was also seen to go up to another woman, again a complete stranger, and 'grabbed her boobs and bum' and grabbed a fourth woman.
Ms Saffman said he had not been charged with offences against two of the woman but the two incidents were 'indicative of his behaviour' on the night.
Langley, who has no previous convictions, looked down at the floor of the dock, as the case was outlined.
Langley, pictured leaving his home this morning, could face jail when the case comes back before the court
His lawyer, Simon Hancock, told the court: 'Clearly, this is an isolated incident, something that happened on that evening. It is alcohol fuelled.
'The court could see it in isolation, rather than a serial predatory groper.
'The issue being, this is clearly a man who has alcohol issues, his behaviour clearly crosses a barrier where he touches females.
'He did not target these females, and he did not fuel them with alcohol.'
Mr Hancock said Langley was now not employed and may have difficulty finding gainful employment because of the conviction.
Distict Judge Hadfield told him: "The victims were shocked and upset by your conduct.
'You have lost your good name and employment and it may well be difficult to gain employment in the entertainment in future.'
He made his Corrie debut as Todd Grimshaw in 2001. He has also had roles in Doctor Who, Dalziel And Pascoe and in several theatrical productions, including Calendar Girls and The Mousetrap.
The two sexual assaults took place in the Band On The Wall venue in Manchester last month
In a statement released before he was charged, the actor said: 'Sadly, I will no longer be working on Coronation Street. Acting on the show has been the fulfilment of a personal dream.
'Playing the role of Todd Grimshaw since I was 17 years old has been a huge part of my life, and an absolute honour.
'I would like to thank all of my friends who work on the show for their love, friendship and support during this extremely difficult period.'
His contract is understood to have ended on October 26 following an internal inquiry into the assault allegation.
North Korea has fired a ballistic missile powerful enough to hit America, Europe or Australia into Japanese waters.
The Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile was launched eastward from Pyongsong in North Korea's South Pyongan Province at around 3.30am local time (6.30pm GMT).
It flew for around 50 minutes, travelling 1,000km (620 miles), reaching an unprecedented altitude of 2,800 miles, before splashing down in the Sea of Japan.
Hours after the launch President Donald Trump promised 'we will take care of it' and 'it is a situation we will handle'.
The South Korean military says it responded with a missile exercise of its own just minutes after.
This is the first missile launched since one was fired across Japan and into the Pacific Ocean on September 15.
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North Korea has fired another ballistic missile, the US military has confirmed today. Image from September 2017
The missile was launched eastward from Pyongsong in North Korea's South Pyongan Province in the direction of the Sea of Japan at around 3.30am local time (6.30pm GMT)
South Korean television shows the course of the missile fired from North Korea
Pictures released by the South Korean Navy show the country's ship-to-surface missile Haesong-II being fired from the Aegis ship in response to North Korea's missile test
Guam's Homeland Security said the missile launch posed no threat to the US island territory or its mainland.
The Pentagon confirmed the missile 'travelled for around 1,000km (620 miles) before splashing down in the Sea of Japan'.
Its initial assessment was that the 'intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from Sain Ni in Pyongsong and flew 1,000km (620 miles) before landing within Japan's Economic Exclusion Zone - the Sea of Japan'.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted to say President Trump was 'briefed while missile was still in the air, on the situation with North Korea'.
Speaking in a broadcast from the White House Trump said: 'A missile was launched a little while ago from North Korea.
'Let me tell you that we will take care of it. We have had a long discussion on it. It is a situation we will handle.'
Trump's defence secretary Jim Mattis accused North Korea of endangering world peace, regional peace and 'certainly the United States'.
Shortly afterwards the US, Japan and South Korea requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
Speaking hours after the launch, President Donald Trump (pictured) said: 'A missile was launched a little while ago from North Korea. Let me tell you that we will take care of it. We have had a long discussion on it. It is a situation we will handle.'
It comes just days after President Trump added North Korea to America's list of 'state sponsors of terror' and announced further sanctions targeting the country's shipping.
Pyongyang branded the move 'a serious provocation and violent infringement'.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is pictured speaking to reports about the missile that landed in the Sea of Japan
Meanwhile, the international community has strongly condemned the missile launch.
Japan said it would 'never accept North Korea's continuous provocative behaviour', with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe calling for an emergency cabinet meeting.
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson tweeted: 'Another illegal missile launch from DPRK.
'This is not the path to security and prosperity for the North Korean people. DPRK regime must change course.'
The EU branded it a 'further unacceptable violation' of North Korea's international obligations, while Britain's ambassador to the UN called it a 'reckless act'.
Officials in Seoul announced yesterday that a rocket-tracking radar was turned on at a missile base in the North of the region, followed by a large amount of radio chatter, the Yonhap news agency reported.
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson took to Twitter to condemn the missile launch
Guam's Homeland Security confirmed the missile launch but said it posed no threat to the US island territory
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted to say President Donald Trump was 'briefed while missile was still in the air, on the situation with North Korea'
Tokyo and Washington had also placed on alert after radio signals were picked up, with one Japanese official telling the Kyodo news agency that a test could take place 'within the next few days.'
Cho Myoung-gyon, South Korea's unification minister, confirmed the activity at an event in Seoul today as he warned that Kim Jong Un may complete his nuclear programme much sooner than previously thought.
Mr Cho said there had been 'noteworthy activity in the North recently', but said the world would have to 'wait and see whether it leads to an actual missile test'.
Speaking about Kim's efforts to develop a viable long-range nuclear weapon, he added: 'Experts think North Korea will take two to three more years but they are developing their nuclear capabilities faster than expected.
South Korean President Moon Jae-In (pictured second left) is pictured at a meeting of the National Security Council in Seoul
A Japanese television broadcast (pictured) shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in a news report about the missile test
'We cannot rule out the possibility Pyongyang may declare the completion of their nuclear programme in a year.'
Japan said the latest signals from North Korea might have come to nothing, saying they could have been from military exercises which the North routinely carries out each winter.
Cho had said the frequency of North Korean activity tends to decline noticeably during the winter.
'If it launched a provocation, North Korea has to put its military on alert, but most of its troops are needed for manual labour for preparation of winter,' he said.
Other reasons behind the lull could be that Pyongyang simply needs more time to advance its missile programme such as perfecting its re-entry technology, Cho said, or the North Korean leader could be focusing on boosting the economy.
The Pentagon has now confirmed the missile 'travelled for around 1,000km (620 miles) before splashing down in the Sea of Japan'. Pictured: Leader Kim Jong-Un (pictured second right) provides guidance on a nuclear weapons programme
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (second left) is pictured in South Pyongan Province, where the missile was launched from at 3.30am local time today
North Korea has already carried out a record 15 missile tests this year which showed it has developed an ICBM which can likely strike most of mainland America
Kim has already carried out a record 15 missile tests this year, including two which were fired over the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.
The tests also confirmed that North Korea has developed a functioning ICBM, a key step toward creating a nuke that can strike mainland America.
News of another launch would come as a blow to North Korea's opponents who had hoped that increased sanctions were at least slowing the country's progress.
After a flurry of missile tests over the summer, Kim last fired a weapon on September 15, despite widely-anticipated launches in October around Labor Day in the US and the Chinese 19th Party Congress.
Brussels should be told to 's** off' over its Brexit divorce bill demands, former Cabinet minister Priti Patel has said.
The leading Brexiteer urged a tougher line in negotiations as she said the way they had been handled so far was 'not ideal'.
In her most significant intervention since being forced to resign by Theresa May over secret meetings with Israeli politicians, Miss Patel said government had been 'ill equipped' for the challenge and should be more optimistic about the UK's prospects.
Priti Patel, pictured at the Conservative Party conference in September, urged a tough line with the EU on the divorce bill
The comments came at an event in London hosted by The Spectator magazine, following her resignation earlier this month.
Ms Patel said one of the Government's failings had been not setting out the economic opportunities that Brexit presented.
'The Government has been ill-equipped in terms of preparations for the negotiations,' she said.
'It's not an ideal state at all.'
Addressing the issue of the divorce bill offer - which Theresa May is expected to double to around 40billion in the coming weeks - The Tory MP said the figures were 'excessive'.
'My views on money are pretty clear, I don't like spending money so I would have told the EU in particular to s** off with their excessive financial demands,' she said.
She insisted Mrs May was leading in 'very challenging circumstances' and was 'struggling now with a difficult set of cards post the election'.
But she said: 'One of the failings is we have not set out that vision, what is that vision of Britain going to look like post-Brexit?
'What are the economic opportunities for the City of London and for many other businesses and sectors in terms of leading out in the world and potentially trading with countries we have simply not been engaged with for not just years but for decades.
'And also reflecting that the world is changing, the labour market is changing.'
Miss Patel went on: 'We should have had conviction and clarity in terms of our end state and destination and presented that and been pretty forthright about it as well.
The MP, who has been tipped as a potential leadership candidate in any future contest, said the Tory grassroots should be given a greater role in the party, including at the annual conference.
Investors scooped up one of the toniest private streets in San Francisco after wealthy residents didn't pay property taxes for years, a sale homeowners want city leaders to reverse.
By taking up the issue Tuesday, officials sparked criticism that the city is not as fair and equitable as it claims - but a playground for the rich who don't have to play by the same rules as everyone else.
San Francisco has some of the most exorbitant property prices in the country and has become increasingly unaffordable for many people.
Those who live on Presidio Terrace, once home to U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, paid an average of $5.1 million for the sought-after properties.
But as of April 2015, the median value of the homes declined and the private street went up for a city auction after homeowners failed to pay the $14 county property tax for a period of over 30 years.
Those who live on Presidio Terrace say the city should never have sold their street without properly notifying them.
They claim the $14 annual tax bill and auction notice had been sent to an outdated address.
Tina Lam and Michael Cheng (both pictured) bought SF's Presidio Terrace for just $90,100 in 2015 after it was put up for city auction due to $991 in unpaid county taxes
The Presidio Terrace neighborhood in San Francisco is seen above in this snap taken earlier in the fall
The investors, originally from Hong Kong, came across the deal in April 2015 when looking for property bargains in San Francisco, where the median home value is now $1.2 million, according to Zillow
City Treasurer Jose Cisneros says the association representing some three dozen homeowners was responsible for updating its address and should have paid its taxes on time.
He backs investors, Tina Lam and Michael Cheng, who bought the street, sidewalks and common areas for a $90,000 deal in 2015.
Previous residents of the gated neighborhood including Pelosi and Feinstein, wrote a letter that accused the city of bureaucratic bungling.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hear the case and decide whether to rescind the sale or leave it alone.
The issue is unprecedented in San Francisco, although supervisors in other California counties have reversed sales as allowed under state law.
Homeowners learned about the sale earlier this year and petitioned the board for a hearing.
The issue is giving at least one supervisor voting pains. Aaron Peskin said he would side with the new owner in a 'hot second' if he could because of the way the association has behaved.
However, he said that the homeowners make a reasonable argument that government should not take property without better notice.
House minority leader Nancy Pelosi (seen with husband Paul in February) is one notable former resident of the street
Homes on the street cost an average of $5.1m. The homeowner's association didn't pay the taxes because the bills had been sent to an accountant they hadn't used since the 1980s
The cul-de-sac's asphalt, sidewalk and manicured lawns now belong to the couple. Residents only found out this May when they were asked if they wanted to buy it back
Still, he was annoyed by Feinstein's letter.
'That was another damning piece of evidence to vote with the buyer, who bought it fair and square,' Peskin said.
It marks the second time the association has defaulted, but it won back the street in 1985 after paying up.
Amanda Fried, a spokeswoman for the treasurer, said the group has not paid taxes since 2000, which is as far back as records go.
In 2015, the office posted for auction a lot that owed less than $1,000 in back taxes, penalties and other charges.
Fried said the office sent certified notices to nearly 1,500 addresses that properties were being auctioned off and more than half were returned as undeliverable, including for Presidio Terrace.
Homeowners say at that point, the treasurer's office was required to do more to notify them that their property was for sale.
'It's a constitutional issue,' said Matt Dorsey, spokesman for the homeowners association.
Presidio Terrace, the most prestigious street in the city, was for sale because of a mere $994 in back-taxes, fines and interest
The map above shows where the neighborhood is located in San Francisco
Lam and Cheng are now planning to charge for parking on the road, which is upsetting residents. The homeowners are now trying to get control of the street back
'If the process of that sale was constitutionally impermissible, it settles the question. It should not have been sold.'
Michael Kirkpatrick, an attorney with national consumer-rights organization Public Citizen who won a similar case before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2006, supported the homeowners.
The court held that when a notice of a sale is returned undelivered, the government needs to strive further to alert property owners before selling.
'The government has to do more if there are reasonable alternative efforts available, and here, I think there are,' he said.
Shepard Kopp, attorney for the new owner, argued in a scathing court brief that San Francisco should not give politically connected homeowners an out for failing to do what is expected of every other property owner in the city: pay their taxes on time.
He said the Supreme Court case might not apply because it involved a house and not vacant land.
'When people learn that this isn't the first time the homeowners association didn't pay taxes and lost title to the street, there's not a whole lot of sympathy for them after that,' Kopp said.
Reverend Al Sharpton yesterday visited Meek Mill in prison to protest the 'abusive' criminal justice system and demand his release.
The civil rights activist spoke to the rapper for an hour in the low-security prison in Chester, Pennsylvania before addressing reporters outside.
He blamed a broken system for Mill's imprisonment and called for the judge who jailed him for parole violation to reconsider or step aside.
Sharpton said Mill, 30, has become a symbol for the thousands of people who have been 'victimized by abusive probationary and parole systems.'
Reverend Al Sharpton (pictured Monday) visited Meek Mill in prison to protest the 'abusive' criminal justice system and demand his release
The Civil Rights activist (picutred Monday) spoke to the rapper for about an a hour in the low-security prison in Chester, Pennsylvania before addressing reporters outside
He said: 'If you can do this to a successful artist like Meek Mill, you can do this to many around the country.'
'He is representative of far more than his stardom, he is a symbol of the abuse of the system that will violate you over nothing and end up ruining the potential and the ability to move forward in life.'
'He's representative of many people in institutions like this that do little or nothing, they're violated and their lives, their businesses are ruined,' Sharpton said.
Mill - real name Robert Rihmeek Williams - was sentenced this month to two to four years in prison for violating probation on a roughly decade-old gun and drug case.
The ruling came after both Mill's probation officer and a prosecutor recommended that the Philadelphia-native not be jailed.
Before sentencing Mill, Common Pleas Judge Genece Brinkley said he wasted several chances to clean up his act after his original conviction.
Rapper Meek Mill, center, accompanied by his defense attorney, arrives at the criminal justice center in Philadelphia earlier this month
Civil rights activist Al Sharpton and Meek Mill's lawyer Joe Tacopina arriving to a press conference after they visited Meek Mill at Chester State Correctional Institution
She cited a failed drug test, his failure to comply with a court order restricting his travel and two unrelated arrests before giving her ruling.
'You basically thumbed your nose at me,' she said.
The decision to imprison Mill has been criticized as heavy handed and has attracted attention through rallies, newspaper opinion pieces, billboards and buses in Philadelphia carrying the message 'Stand With Meek Mill.'
Mill's legal team has asked for his release and for the judge who sentenced him to be recused from the case.
Sharpton also helped Tupac Shakur get released from solitary confinement in the 1990s after negotiating with the warden at the Clinton Correctional Facility in New York.
Two weeks ago Jay-Z wrote an op-ed piece for The New York Times claiming Mill's jailing comes from a racist criminal justice system.
'For about a decade, (Mill's) been stalked by a system that considers the slightest infraction a justification for locking him back inside,' the 21-time Grammy winner wrote in his piece, titled 'The Criminal Justice System Stalks Black People Like Meek Mill'.
'What's happening to Meek Mill is just one example of how our criminal justice system entraps and harasses hundreds of thousands of black people every day.'
The Philadelphia native was sentenced by Common Pleas Court Judge Genece Brinkley (right) earlier this month to serve between two to four years in prison for a probation violation stemming from a 2008 gun case.
The Brooklyn native noted how Mill, who is currently signed to his management company Roc Nation, was convicted for drug and gun possession when he was 19 years old and served an eight-month prison sentence for the crime.
'Now he's 30, so he has been on probation for basically his entire adult life,' Jay-Z wrote.
'For about a decade, he's been stalked by a system that considers the slightest infraction a justification for locking him back inside.'
The father-of-three rapper then took special aim at the probation system.
'Probation is a trap and we must fight for Meek and everyone else unjustly sent to prison,' Jay-Z wrote.
'It's time we highlight the random ways people trapped in the criminal justice system are punished every day.
'The system treats them as a danger to society, consistently monitors and follows them for any minor infraction with the goal of putting them back in prison.'
He added, 'Instead of a second chance, probation ends up being a land mine, with a random misstep bringing consequences great than the crime.
'A person on probation can end up in jail over a technical violation like missing a curfew.'
The 47-year-old also asserted that Mill's prison sentence is going to cost taxpayers in the City of Brotherly Love without providing them a service.
Rapper Meek Mill attends the Boston Celtics game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 20, 2017
The Rev. Al Sharpton during a news conference after visiting with rapper Meek Mill at the state correctional institution in Chester, Pa
'I bet none of them would tell you his imprisonment is helping to keep them safer,' Jay-Z wrote.
Hundreds of protesters gathered earlier this week outside of Philadelphia's Criminal Justice Center to call for Mill's sentence to be overturned.
Fellow rapper Rick Ross and Philadelphia 76ers legend Julius Erving both were in attendance for the protest.
Mill said he was badly beaten by police when they arrested him in 2008 and used a bloodied mugshot of himself as the cover of his 'DC4' mixtape.
His most recent album, 'Wins and Losses,' went to number three on the US chart earlier this year.
Probation, which dates from English common law, was initially seen as a compassionate way for courts to grant freedom to people who pose little risk.
But a recent survey by The Marshall Project, a non-profit news organization that covers the US judicial system, found that at least 61,250 people and probably far more are in prison across the United States for minor parole violations such as missing appointments, failing drug tests or staying out past curfew.
'The system treats them as a danger to society, consistently monitors and follows them for any minor infraction -- with the goal of putting them back in prison,' Jay-Z wrote.
Of the 4.65 million people on probation, parole or supervised release across the United States in 2015, 30 percent were African American, according to Justice Department figures.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding has only just been announced but already the souvenirs are in production.
British firm Emma Bridgewater revealed details of a commemorative mug celebrating the loved-up couple's engagement.
Within minutes of the impending nuptials being announced, the brand began making the handmade china in its Stoke-on-Trent factory to mark the occasion.
British firm Emma Bridgewater revealed details of a commemorative mug with the words 'Harry & Meghan are engaged' celebrating the loved-up couple's engagement
The half-pint mug features a classic spongeware design applied by hand, with the words 'Harry & Meghan are engaged' in pale blue surrounded by two red scrolls.
The other side of the 19.95 piece displays the engagement announcement date '27th November 2017'. The mug is edged in small pale blue hearts and tiny red dots.
Designer Emma Bridgewater said: 'We have been creating commemorative ware for nearly every royal occasion for the past 30 years.
'Britain has marked its national rites of passage in china for two centuries, mostly made in Stoke-on-Trent.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle had a photocall at Kensington Palace in London yesterday
'We are proud to be part of that tradition and celebrate the most recent happy news.'
The mug is available for pre-order at emmabridgewater.co.uk from December 8.
The much-anticipated news of the engagement was confirmed by the Prince of Wales at 10am, with the wedding expected to take place at a church next spring.
Last night, the newly-engaged pair shared their love story, with Harry declaring the 'the stars were aligned' when he fell for the actress.
This is the hilarious moment that a very impatient dog honked its owner's car horn in a bid to get attention after being locked inside.
The persistent pooch appears unamused as it rests its paw on the steering wheel in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.
But rather than halting his honking, when a passerby approaches the window the hungry dog merely turns around and dispiritedly looks at the camera.
The persistent pooch appears unamused as it rests its paw on the steering wheel
The hilarious video was uploaded to Facebook by Elizabeth Herman who explained that her exasperated husband had to distract the dog in a bid to stop the din.
He can be heard saying 'you've got to be kidding me' as he approaches the car.
Elizabeth explains: 'My husband was leaving the pool and heard a really loud and continuous car horn coming from the parking lot.
The dog's paw can be seen resting on the horn in the hilarious clip which has gone viral
Rather than halting his honking, when a passerby approaches the window the hungry dog merely turns around and dispiritedly looks at the camera
'At first he though there was a person sitting in the front seat of the car leaning on the horn, but as he got closer he realised it was a dog.
'He started filming and as he got closer he could see the dog's paw pushing on the horn.
'He stopped filming and tried to distract the dog to get him to take his paw off the horn, which the dog eventually did.'
The hilarious video was uploaded to Facebook by Elizabeth Herman who explained that her exasperated husband had to distract the dog in a bid to stop the din
The video has racked up tens of thousands of views and has been viewed across the globe.
One commenter said 'he looks like a boss' while another added: 'This is hilarious!'
Another joked that the dog might have been thinking: 'Hurry your a** up Barbara we've got places to go, people to see.'
A high school teacher had to fight back the tears after his students clubbed together to give him a $300 video game.
Nathan Neidigk was left devastated by the loss of his wife a few years ago and recently discovered his two-year-old son is fighting leukemia.
Despite his heartbreaking loss, his 12th-grade Math students at Volcano Vista High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, say that Mr Neidigk still comes into class with a smile on his face every day.
Nathan Neidigk had to fight back the tears after his students clubbed together to give him a $300 video game
And as he is paying thousands of dollars for medical bills, Mr Neidigk was unable to purchase a Nintendo Switch that he had his eye on.
So his generous students decided to club together and purchase it for him.
It was initially planned to be a Christmas present but after revealing the plight of his son, his students handed him the present earlier.
Touching footage posted on Facebook by Rick Sherwood shows the students gathering in a classroom and presenting the teacher with a large box.
While handing over the gift, one of his students says: 'So we're aware of your situation and we really wanted to help you out. So we all got together and we got you this.'
One of the sentences in the card reads: 'You have been our guidance through this unknown land called calculus, you are the strongest man we know! Everything will be OK.'
As he is paying thousands of dollars for medical bills, Mr Neidigk was unable to purchase the console
Mr Neidigk firstly reads the card from his class, which contains a long message.
One of the sentences reads: 'You have been our guidance through this unknown land called calculus, you are the strongest man we know! Everything will be OK.'
He begins opening the package, which is wrapped on the outside and each item is wrapped on the inside as well.
The class all laugh about how well wrapped it is before the teacher realizes what they have bought him.
'I wasn't expecting presents,' he says, 'Oh my God, you did not.'
Mr Neidigk's students then begin to clap as he grins.
'How? Seriously? Oh my word...' the teacher adds.
He begins opening the package, which is wrapped on the outside and each item is wrapped on the inside as well
Blinking back tears, he continues to open further three packages, consisting of two games and a case for his new device
Blinking back tears, he continues to open further three packages, consisting of two games and a case for his new device.
He adds: 'You know I just walk by the Switches at Target every time I'm there?
'Thank you, thank you so much.'
Referring to him using it at the hospital while his son is being treated, Mr Neidigk says: 'There are many more scheduled days and they have plug in TVs so I'll take this.'
Cory Dalton, a Volcano Vista student told Kob4: 'Mr. Neidigk is, like, one of the best teachers I've ever had, He's just a straight up good guy.'
Mr Neidigk also spoke to the news station and said: 'These guys are awesome. Im just incredibly overwhelmed with their generosity and support. Its the guys and gals in my class that are the big reason that keeps me going during tough times.'
To contribute to his medical bills, click here
Ivanka Trump's appearance at an international conference where she'll encourage women to 'Be the Change' they want to see in their workplaces is coming under scrutiny.
The president's 36-year-old daughter is the face of the 350-strong delegation of American business owners in Hyderabad, India this week at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.
An entrepreneur in her own right, Trump will speak on panels on workforce development and leadership and deliver the summit's keynote address early Tuesday evening.
Her visit has been complicated, however, by sex harassment allegations against her father, President Donald Trump, and a Republican politician competing for a seat in the U.S. Senate.
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Ivanka Trump's appearance at an international conference where she'll encourage women to 'Be the Change' they want to see in their workplaces is coming under scrutiny
Ivanka is President Donald Trump's 36-year-old daughter and the face of the 350-strong delegation of American business owners in Hyderabad, India this week
Sangeeta Agarawal, a GES delegate and the developer of the application Helpsy, a California start-up, told DailyMail.com that Ivanka should look no further than 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue if she wants help working women.
'I would have like to see her stand up to her father and manage the message that her father is putting out better,' said Agarawal, a sex assault survivor who has openly talked about the way she was violently raped by one of her own family members.
Allegations that President Trump assaulted more than a dozen women, including some who worked with him, resurfaced this week after the former reality TV star reportedly questioned the authenticity of a hot mic recording that caught him boasting that he could grab women 'by the p****' because he's famous.
The tape emerged last fall at the height of the presidential election. Donald Trump apologized for his language in the Access Hollywood recording but said it was all 'locker room' talk, and he did commit the acts he'd claimed he did.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday that Trump 'hasn't changed his position' and 'addressed this' last year.
Sanders has deflected numerous questions in briefings over the past month about accusations of misconduct from a host of women, including former Apprentice contestant Summer Zervos, who's suing Trump, in the shadow of sexual harassment allegations against other high-profile figures.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, second left, arrived with Ivanka for the opening of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit
The president's 36-year-old daughter is the face of the 350-strong delegation of American business owners in Hyderabad
Ivanka, an entrepreneur herself, delivered a speech at the conference
More recently, President Trump's alleged behavior has come up in the context of Roy Moore, the Alabama Republican who's been accused of inappropriately touching teenagers when he was in his 30s.
The president has refused to disavow Moore, even as Ivanka, a senior adviser in his White House, said she believed the conservative candidate's accusers.
Ivanka Trump pointedly said there's a 'special place in hell for people who prey on children' when she was asked about Moore in an interview.
Agarawal said Ivanka's indirect reference to Moore isn't enough, though. Her father's remark to reporters last week that Moore says he did not do it was met with frustration, as well.
'That's not the way that we hold people accountable,' the Indian-born businesswoman and cancer nurse said.
In her conversation with DailyMail.com, Agarawal spoke of a years-long recovery after her extreme assault and the difficulty that women have proving sexual harassment in the workplace.
'I personally feel quite uncomfortable having to call Donald Trump as my president when he has been accused of these things from so many women, when I know I have been one of those women and those scars still haunt me,' she said.
Trump's daughter has emerged as the premiere purveyor of women's prosperity in her father's administration. She's seen here on a billboard near the conference she's headlining in Hyderabad
The government of Hyderabad pulled out all the stops for Ivanka's visit, painting the medians and planting ornately decorated trees
Ivanka Trump will attend a dinner this evening with India's prime minister at Falaknuma Palace, a royal residence-turned-hotel, before she ends her first day in Hyderabad
Kimberly Moore, CEO of GoTogether, a carpooling application for parents, said that Ivanka has to get tough with her father on the topic of sexual assault.
'She has to talk to him. She has to face that. I feel like everybody makes a decision whether or not they maintain their own integrity or they give it away,' Moore said. 'And I think we can't give it away. She's gotta do that.'
Delegates hailed Ivanka Trump, a mother of three small children, as a success on Tuesday, with entrepreneur Ramon Ray saying she 'more than anyone else' deserved to represent the United States at the conference former U.S. President Barack Obama founded in 2010.
Ray, a New York resident with two businesses to his name, including Smart Hustle magazine, said Trump has earned her place at the head of the conference, having started her own business, in addition to working at the top of the Trump Organization and appearing on 'The Apprentice.'
'I think clearly has her own personal brand, her own style and the way she wants to do things,' Ray told DailyMail.com. 'She's in a box. She's not the president, and I think she has to influence policy as best she can.
'Which is better than nothing,' the self-proclaimed independent added.
Mansoor Syed, a creator of the not-yet-released virtual reality shopping application Window Shopper, said Ivanka Trump was 'the best fit' within the administration to headline GES, drawing on her business background.
But he also said, 'There is an aura of responsibility that when you're coming to the event as the official White House delegate that yes, you will probably have to answer questions on this and you will have to address these issues.'
Syed's sister Unmamah, creator of a separate company, SIY, See It Yourself, a relocation service, agreed that Trump is 'absolutely' responsible for her father's checkered reputation when it comes to women.
'She's coming here representing the White House, so that definitely goes hand in hand,' the 23-year-old resident of California said.
Chiming in on the subject, Mansoor asserted, 'The American people do not stand for such things, at least I'd like to hope not, and I do not stand for such things.'
Trump's daughter has emerged as the premiere purveyor of women's prosperity in her father's administration, having made the elevation of working women the top line of her White House portfolio.
GES is the third international gathering this year she has spoken to about women's empowerment.
In an interview that ran Tuesday in the Times of India, Trump said she wants the conference 'to be a global celebration' of women.
Aside from her keynote today at GES, Trump is appearing on a panel titled 'Be the Change: Womens Entrepreneurial Leadership.'
She'll attend a dinner this evening with India's prime minister at a palace-turned-hotel before she ends her first day in Hyderabad.
Tomorrow she's slated to speak on another panel, 'We Can Do It! Innovations in Workforce Development and Skills Training,' before she participates in a cultural event that a local paper has said is a visit to Golconda Fort.
U.S. officials have not said what she is doing Wednesday after she finishes at the conference, only that she would like to explore the area before her flight leaves.
Australian euthanasia advocate Dr Philip Nitschke has launched the world's first 3D-printed machine for committing suicide.
The machine - named the Sarco - contains a capsule which can then be detached from the base and used as a coffin.
Dr Nitschke, nicknamed 'Dr Death', developed the Sarco with engineer Alexander Bannick in the Netherlands, with the aim of making it available worldwide.
Australian euthanasia advocate Dr Philip Nitschke has launched the world's first 3D-printed machine for committing suicide (pictured)
Exit International has placed the free open-source design of the machine on the internet after unveiling it at a euthanasia conference in Canada in late October.
The Sarco has been designed so it can be 3D-printed and assembled anywhere in the world, and allows users to commit suicide with the press of a button.
Users need to complete an online mental questionnaire in order to get a 4-digit access code for the capsule.
Liquid nitrogen then fills the capsule after the user activates the machine, causing a peaceful death within minutes as oxygen drops.
The machine - named the Sarco - contains a capsule which can then be detached from the base and used as a coffin (pictured is Dr Nitschke)
Dr Nitschke said his ultimate goal is to help rational people around the globe end their lives peacefully and reliably at times of their choosing.
'Sarco does not use any restricted drugs, or require any special expertise such as the insertion of an intravenous needle,' he said.
'Anyone who can pass the entry test, can enter the machine and legally end their life.'
Dr Nitschke, director of Exit International, said the Sarco was developed in response to issues accessing euthanasia drugs, and a growing demand among the elderly.
The machine is made up of a reusable base, and a capsule which doubles as a coffin if the user desires.
Jozef Lakatos, pictured arriving at Manchester Magistrates' Court was caught by police driving with his two children in the front seat, without insurance and without a licence
A migrant caught driving without a licence or insurance and with his two children in the front seat tried dodging a ban by claiming the law was 'not the same' in his country.
Factory worker Jozef Lakatos, 27, from Hungary, was pulled over after a police patrol spotted the youngsters sat in the front passenger seat of his Audi A3 last June near his home in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
Inquiries revealed Lakatos had no driving licence or insurance to drive the car - and had previous convictions for similar matters.
But the father of two urged magistrates in Manchester not to ban him claiming he was 'unsure' of how the driving licence system worked in Britain and insisting he 'did not hit anything or anyone.'
Arguing he would suffer 'exceptional hardship' if he was banned from the roads, Lakatos admitted he would not lose his job if he was disqualified.
But he told the hearing: 'I have been thinking about it and it would be hard for me to carry on as normal if I didn't have the car or my license.
'I am unsure of how the license works because it is not the same as in my country. I don't know exactly how it works.
Lakatos, a Hungarian migrant, appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court where he urged the magistrates not to ban him from the road because he was 'unsure' of UK driving laws
'There was no accident when I was driving, I didn't hit anything or anyone. I was just stopped.
'I have my children and my family I have to look after. I work in a factory and I earn 8.60 an hour. My income depends on my hours. I earn a maximum of 300 a week and 250 minimum.'
He added: 'I am guilty, I know what has happened in this case. My work is 10 miles from me and I was using the car that evening with my children in the car. I usually use a pedal bike to get to work.
'I was in the car with the engine off and then I turned it on and was driving towards my home. I was not far from my home when I was stopped by the police. I won't lose my job if I cannot drive.'
The court heard Lakatos had previously got six points on his licence in February 2016 after he was caught driving without a licence of insruance
Lakatos admitted driving a car without a licence or insurance and also pleaded guilty to driving a car in manner carried likely to cause danger by having two young children travelling in the front passenger seat.
The court heard he had previously got six points on his licence in February 2016 after he was caught driving without a licence or insurance.
Rejecting his plea to carry on driving, JP Sheila Lever told Lakatos: 'Exceptional hardship is not met in this case and it is not going to be granted.
'All three of the offences that you appear before the court for are serious.
'Driving without a licence puts other people at danger, and without insurance too.
'The people at risk of being injured by you could end up in a wheelchair with severe injuries and they would not be able to claim any help for this even if it isn't their fault because you don't have a licence.
'I hope you understand now how serious these matters are. It is also of concern to us that you were driving in this way with two young children in the vehicle. I hope the ramifications that you could cause to somebody are clear to you now.'
Latkos was fined 750 and was banned from the roads for nine months. He will have to re-apply for a provisional licence.
According to an EU website, drivers in Hungary have to pass a theory test, practical driving test and basic first aid test - with the minimum age for driving a car being 18.
Drivers in the UK can be as young as 17 but have to apply for a provisional licence before passing a theory and practical driving test.
Australian music stars on the ARIAs red carpet have slammed Australia Day as 'dumb, stupid and trash', after Triple J moved its annual Hottest 100 countdown from January 26.
The personalities used the annual Australian Recording Industry Association music awards to declare the national day as an affront to indigenous people.
Indigenous hip-hop group A.B. Original's Briggs got stuck into the long-time practice of commemorating the arrival of the British First Fleet in 1788, before being awarded the prize for Best Urban Release.
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Indigenous hip hop group A.B. Original have slammed Australia with Briggs (pictured left) slammed the national day as 'a dumb day, it's stupid' before describing Australia Day as 'trash'
Briggs (left) from hip hop duo A.B. Original said 'Australia Day is trash' at the ARIA awards
'It's a dumb day, it's stupid. Australia Day is trash... You've got 80,000 years of history here and you want to celebrate Australia Day? That's trash,' he told AAP on the red carpet ahead of the Tuesday night gala event.
His rapper duo mate Trials was more diplomatic, praising the ABC youth station Triple-J's decision.
'It's a beautiful tip of the hat and a beautiful baby step towards a very big race, and a very long journey that we're all a part of, and it's beautiful that we've got ears up there that wanna talk and listen and communicate with us,' he said.
With eight nominations, Gang Of Youths frontman David Le'aupepe said the ABC was doing the politically-correct thing.
Gang Of Youths frontman David Le'aupepe praised the ABC's political correctness
'We want to remove the associations with difficult sociopolitical issues away from something that should be about the music. I want to be able to look friends of mine in the eyes and stand by them as a person of colour, I'm Samoan,' he said.
The stars of the Australian music industry are at odds with federal Communications Minister Mitch Fifield, who is pleading with the ABC to reconsider its decision to move the Hottest 100 because 'relatively few people have a problem with it.'
The ABC's youth station announced on Monday they would move their hugely popular countdown from January 26 after a survey revealed 60 percent of listeners supported changing it.
Senator Fifield, a Liberal politician from Melbourne, called the decision 'dumb' and 'an attempt to de-legitimise Australia Day'.
Mitch Fifield (pictured) called the decision 'dumb' and 'an attempt to de-legitimise Australia Day'
Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown has been moved from its January 26th slot following increasing debate around the celebration of Australia Day
'And what Triple J and the ABC have done is to respond to a petition which has said it's not appropriate to have the Hottest 100 on the controversial Australia Day. There's nothing controversial about Australia Day,' he said.
Meanwhile Greens senator Rachel Siewert said the change means 'everyone in Australia can now enjoy the countdown on a date that doesn't cause harm and hurt to our First Peoples'.
The announcement was made by the ABC on Monday, with the musical tradition now taking place on the fourth weekend of January.
Voting will open six weeks before the day.
'It should be an event that everyone can enjoy together for both the musicians whose songs make it in and for everyone listening in Australia and around the world,' the ABC said.
The announcement was made by the ABC on Monday, following a series of surveys stating that as many as 60 per cent of people were in favour of a change in date
It will now be held on the fourth Saturday of January, after careful consideration to the significance of Australia Day to Aboriginal people
Nearly 65,000 people voted in the first survey issued by the station, which showed three in five people preferred a new date.
While a second online poll of 18 to 30-year-old's revealed more than half supported the idea.
The new date was chosen after careful consideration to retain the event's summer history and 'keep all the best bits you love about the Hottest 100'.
Nearly 65,000 people voted in the first survey issued by the station, which showed three in five people preferred a new date
It will also include a second countdown of the 200-101 votes, with those to be aired on the following Sunday.
Despite celebrating on January 26th since 1998, there have been times in the event's history where the date has changed.
The first countdown in 1989 was held at the beginning of March, while January 25th was trialled as an alternate in 2004.
As for Australia Day, special programming and homegrown music will form a large part of the station's scheduled broadcast.
It is unsure whether future Hottest 100 events will be held on the Saturday or Sunday however, with the station asserting it will 'again be on the fourth weekend of January' in 2019, despite Australia Day falling then.
It is unsure whether future Hottest 100 events will be held on the Saturday or Sunday however, with the station asserting it will 'again be on the fourth weekend of January' in 2019, despite Australia Day falling then
People flocked to social media following the announcement, with some slamming the decision to move (top) and others praising the decision to alter the date
People flocked to social media following the announcement, with some slamming the decision to move.
'Damn. Has been a huge tradition to have an Australia day Hottest 100 party. Don't know what to do now,' one person wrote.
While another annoyed user said: 'It's tradition to have #Hottest100 on Australia Day, stop pandering to minorities'.
Others firmly supported the decision and revealed they would continue to celebrate the countdown on its new date.
One person stated: 'So great Triple J is moving #Hottest100. Wish it was done earlier - Aboriginal artists and listeners have been pushing the move for YEARS!'
'It's not about left or right. It's about compassion. If you're proud to be Australian, you cant be proud to celebrate the nation on a day our Indigenous people mourn,' another added.
A second online poll of 18 to 30-year-old's revealed more than half supported the idea of changing the countdown's date
A Vietnamese woman was caught on camera repeatedly hitting an eight-week-old baby girl because she would not stop crying.
Nguyen Thi Han, 51, was working as a maid and babysitter with a family in the city of Phy Ly in northern Vietnam's Ha Nam Province.
Security cameras, installed by the baby's suspicious parents, caught her smacking the baby on her head, face, back and bottom.
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Horrific: CCTV footage shows babysitter Nguyen Thi Han, 51, smacking an eight-month-old baby because it was crying
The shocking footage shows Han grabbing the baby by the neck as well as violently shaking her, while her parents were out.
At one point she is seen roughly throwing the frightened little girl into the air and catching her, again and again, and screaming at her to stop crying.
Han had been hired two months earlier by the family, but the parents had installed the cameras after noticing the baby's face was unusually red and she was sobbing in her sleep.
Ngoc Phuong, the baby's shocked mother, contacted police as soon as she saw the footage and officers arrested Han.
Abuse: Despite the poor quality of the video, the baby can be clearly made out, as can the babysitter raising her hand and repeatedly hitting her all over her small body
Appalling: She is also seen leaning in over the baby and screaming in the baby's face
Arrest: The parents had become suspicious after noticing a redness on their daughter's face and that she was crying at night, and installed the cameras
Lieutenant Colonel Le Duc Tung, chief of police in Phu Ly, confirmed that she was in police custody.
Ms Phuong also uploaded three videos of Ham mistreating her baby on social media where they shocked viewers.
Up to 4,000 Vietnamese children are believed to suffer from abuse or maltreatment every year, according to the humanitarian organisation World Vision Vietnam.
Babysitters are often reported for abusing young children in Vietnam but criminal charges are rarely brought against the culprits.
Disgraced television presenter Don Burke was banned from flying with Qantas during the peak of his career due to his inappropriate conduct.
Burke was banned from flying with the airline during the 1990s due to his behaviour.
Qantas banned him from flying with the airline after he behaved inappropriately towards staff members, which was then reported to management, according to A Current Affair.
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Disgraced television presenter Don Burke was banned from flying with Qantas during the peak of his career due to his inappropriate conduct
Qantas banned him from flying with the airline after he behaved inappropriately towards staff members, which was then reported to management
The ban wasn't permanent, but lasted for a period of time during the 1990s while Burke was at the peak of his career, hosting Burke's Backyard on Channel Nine.
In claims published by the ABC and Fairfax on Monday, dozens of accusers have come forward accusing Burke of sexually harassing, indecently assaulting and bullying female colleagues over a number of years.
Burke has denied all allegations of sexual harassment and indecent assault against him.
Channel Nine reporter Alison Piotrowski worked with Burke at radio station 2UE in the mid to late 2000s.
Ms Piotrowski was working as a producer at the radio station with Burke, and said she was berated by him when she turned up late to an outside broadcast.
'But then half an hour later he came up to me and said that all was forgiven because I had a great a**,' she claimed.
Ms Piotrowski claimed she reported his behaviour to management, and was told she would no longer have to work with Burke.
Channel Nine reporter Alison Piotrowski claimed Burke made an inappropriate comment to her while she was working with him at radio station 2UE
Burke was banned from flying with Qantas during the 1990s due to his behaviour, according to A Current Affair
'I certainly wasn't the only young female producer that was put in a position like this and there were plenty of other girls that went through far more confronting experiences at 2UE compared to what I experienced,' she said.
'A practice actually developed where if you were a young female producer and you didn't feel comfortable working around Don you wouldn't be forced to work with him.'
She claimed she never saw Burke disciplined by station management for his behaviour.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Talking Lifestyle - formerly known as 2UE - for comment.
A two-year-old girl has died from injuries suffered in a horrific van crash which has left eight others in hospital, including one man, 59, fighting for his life.
Two vans - one passenger van carrying nine people and one commercial van with two occupants - were involved in the collision at Kemps Creek in Sydney's west.
Police and emergency services were called to the scene of the crash on Mamre Road near Abbotts Road at 1:30pm on Tuesday.
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A two-year-old girl has died from injuries suffered in a horrific van crash (pictured) which has left eight others in hospital
Emergency crews were forced to work for close to an hour to free a man trapped in the wreckage and up to 12 ambulances and two helicopters attended the scene.
The impact of the crash pushed the passenger van into a roadside ditch, with crews of emergency workers seen dragging a woman from the vehicle.
Among the injured were three children, the two-year-old girl, and two boys aged nine months and three years.
The children were rushed to Westmead hospital but the two-year-old girl died after arrival.
Two vans - one passenger van (pictured) carrying nine people and one commercial van with two occupants - were involved in the collision at Kemps Creek in Sydney's west
The young boys remain in hospital in a stable condition, but a man taken to Liverpool Hospital with critical injuries is still fighting for his life.
They include a 59-year-old man with critical injuries, a 23-year-old woman with leg injuries, and a 20-year-old woman, a 16-year-old boy and two girls aged 16 and 10 who suffered minor injuries.
The two occupants of the commercial van were not injured in the crash.
Officers from the Metropolitan Crash Investigation Unit are investigating and examined the scene on Tuesday afternoon.
Police urge anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward.
China's state broadcaster has revealed video footage of its armies testing the nation's most powerful nuclear missile.
Dongfeng-41, or DF-41, is Beijing's next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile that could strike anywhere in the world with nuclear warheads and is expected to be ready during the first half of next year.
The footage, aired on China Central Television Station on November 26, shows the powerful weapon being transported and launched in disclosed desert-like locations.
A programme on China's state TV appears to show multiple DF-41 missiles being displayed
A Chinese military expert said the missile can be transported across 'complicated terrains'
Reports claimed DF-41 has a range of at least 7,500 miles and could carry up to 10 warheads. An animation released by China's state TV showed the apparent structure inside the missile
DF-41 (pictured), China's next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile, could strike anywhere in the world and is expected to be ready during the first half of next year
DF-41 is said to have the longest range of any ballistic rockets in the world, has undergone its eighth test and is now near completion, according to China's state-run Global Times.
DF-41: WHAT WE KNOW Dongfeng-41 missile, or DF-41, is said to have the longest range of any ballistic rockets in the world. It has undergone its eighth test and is now near completion, according to state-run media. The missile is 16.5 meters (54 feet) long with a diameter of 2.78 meters (9.1 feet). Previous reports have claimed that the missile has a range of at least 7,500 miles (12,000km) and could carry up to 10 nuclear warheads. The warhead is set to be inducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 2018 after first being introduced in 2012, the report from China's state-run Global Times suggests. Reports suggest the missile's most recent test took place this month. State-run media claim the tests took place in its Western desert area but the exact location of these tests has not been revealed. Advertisement
The missile is 16.5 meters (54 feet) long with a diameter of 2.78 meters (9.1 feet).
It's been developed to rival the 6th-generation missiles from the West, such as the American LGM-30 Minuteman and the Russian RT-2PM2, reported People's Daily Online.
The report also claimed that the missile has a range of at least 7,500 miles (12,000km) and its striking accuracy is with 100 metres (328 feet).
It could carry up to 10 nuclear warheads, making it difficult to be intercepted.
The new missile also has a speed of more than Mach 10 (7,672mph) and can use decoy devices to find it way through the enemy's missile defence systems.
Yang Chengjun, a Chinese expert on missile technologies and nuclear warfare strategy, told China Central Television Station during Sunday's programme that the DF-41 missile is reliable, quick and easy to transport.
'The missile can hit every corner of the earth, allowing China to counter a nuclear strike on the country,' Yang said in the programme.
Mr Yang claimed that all of the DF-41 tests have been successful so far while the success rates of similar tests in the United States and Russia are around 90 per cent and 80 per cent respectively.
The missile is said to boast a range of at least 7,500 miles (12,000km), which comfortably puts the US and the UK within range. Its striking accuracy is said to be with 100 metres (328 feet)
One DF-41 is getting read to be launched in the footage revealed by China's state TV this week
DF-41 is said to have the longest range of any ballistic rockets and has undergone eight tests
Super powerful DF-41 has been developed to rival the 6th-generation missiles from the West, such as the American LGM-30 Minuteman (pictured), Chinese media claimed
DF-41 could also rival the RT-2PM2 (pictured), an intercontinental ballistic missiles from Russia
Apparently, DF-41 also requires less soldiers to operate and can be transported across 'a variety of complicated terrains'. It's said to be able to launch from road and rail mobile launcher platforms, as well as silo-based launchers.
Mr Yang also said that it only took China a bit more than 10 years to design and produce the missile from scratch, while it would take the United States and Russia 25 years to complete a similar task.
He finally added that it would be up to the Communist Party of China to decide when to put the missile into service.
According to previous reports, DF-41 would be inducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 2018 after first being introduced in 2012.
'It can carry up to 10 nuclear warheads, each of which can target separately,' Xu Guangyu, a senior adviser of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association told Global Times.
'The missile can hit every corner of the earth, allowing China to counter a nuclear strike on the country,' said Yang Chengjun, a Chinese expert on missile technologies and nuclear warfare
Mr Yang claimed that all of the DF-41 tests have been successful so far while the success rates of similar tests in the United States and Russia are around 90 per cent and 80 per cent
The footage aired on China Central Television Station apparently shows a DF-41 being tested
The missile must have 'matured considerably' if it is to be operational in 2018, Mr Xu said.
'Once the Dongfeng-41 goes into service, China's ability to protect its own safety and to prevent wars would greatly increase', he said.
Reports suggest the missile's most recent test took place this month.
State-run media claim tests took place in its Western desert area but the exact location has not been revealed.
In July, a propaganda video from China claimed that Beijing owns about 2,500 ballistic missiles.
In the video, Dongfeng-41 is highlighted as one of the 'world's top five intercontinental missiles'.
State-run media claim the tests took place in its Western desert area but the exact location of these tests has not been revealed. Pictured is a Dongfeng-31 missile in the Military Museum
The same video, however, also said that other countries shouldn't be afraid of China's 'advanced artillery force' because Beijing wouldn't deploy the weapons unless it's provoked.
The two-minute-long propaganda video described China's astonishing arsenal through cartoon.
It started by explaining why China needs powerful weapons by drawing comparisons to animals living in the wild.
Dongfeng-41 missile, which is said to have the longest range of any ballistic rockets in the world, has undergone its eighth test and is now near completion, according to state-run media. Pictured is a previous missile - Dongfeng-2 - at the Chinese Military Museum in Beijing
The anchor said: 'What would happen if tigers have no fangs and lions have no paws? The probably end up living with no food or even killed.
'That's why living creatures need defenses.'
CHINA'S OTHER MISSILES China's DF-21 missile boasts a firing distance of up to 1,926 miles (3,100km) and has been dubbed 'the killer of aircraft carrier'. The missile is potentially capable of sinking a U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in a single strike, media have claimed. The DF-10 missile, on the other hand, is the best performing long-range cruise missile in the world, according to Chinese news site Sina.com. Sina said the 990-pound (450kg) weapon could strike a maximum distance of 1,242 miles (2,000km) and could reach Japan and Taiwan if it's fired from inland China. Advertisement
The video also claimed that China was the first country in the world to use tubular artillery.
The video then started listing some of the most powerful weapons Beijing has.
The country is said to have around 68 submarines, one home-made aircraft carrier, and the impressive J-20 stealth fighter.
In addition, the J-20 fighter jet is equipped with 'cutting-edge supersonic and stealth technologies', according to the video.
The J-20 jet made its first public flight in November 2016.
Some suggested that the aircraft was built in part from plans of US war planes, obtained by Chinese hackers jailed earlier last year. However, Beijing firmly denied the claims.
Military analysts said it was too early to tell if the jet matches the capabilities of America's F-22, which was thought to be the original model.
The report said Beijing has 270 nuclear warheads as of July 2017.
In comparison, Russia has 7,000, the United States has 6,800 and France has 300.
Pope Francis refrained from mentioning the alleged ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya people in Myanmar during a speech alongside the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi today, despite calls for him to take a stand for the persecuted minority.
Human rights groups had urged the Pope to speak up for the Rohingya, some 620,000 of whom have fled to Bangladesh since August, during his four-day visit to Myanmar.
But the Pope did not address the Rohingya crisis in his speech, instead tip-toeing around the unfolding humanitarian emergency and calling for 'respect for rights and justice of each ethnic group'.
Elephant in the room: Sharing a stage with Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi, Pope Francis steered clear of mentioning the word 'Rohingya' or single out any minority
He said that peace can only be achieved through 'justice and a respect for human rights', he said in a broadly-framed speech that also called for 'respect for each ethnic group and its identity'.
The word 'Rohingya', an incendiary term in a mainly Buddhist country where the Muslim minority are denied citizenship and branded illegal 'Bengali' immigrants, was entirely absent from his speech.
Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been ostracised by a global rights community that once adored her but is now outraged at her tepid response to the plight of the Rohingya.
She spoke of the challenges her country faces as it creeps out of the shadow of five decades of military rule, but also did not reference the Rohingya.
Myanmar's government aimed to build the nation by 'protecting rights, fostering tolerance, ensuring security for all', she said in a short speech, that gave a nod to global concern over the 'situation in the Rakhine.'
United front: Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and Pope Francis arrive to the Myanmar International Convention Center (MICC) in Naypyitaw, Myanmar
Losing friends: The city of Oxford removed Suu Kyi's Freedom of the City award for her 'inaction' in the face of oppression of the Rohingya
No mention: Some 620,000 Rohingya have fled persecution in Myanmar since August
The pope's peace mission is studded with pitfalls in Myanmar, where a monk-led Buddhist nationalist movement has fostered widespread loathing for the Rohingya.
BANGLADESH POLICE KILL JIHADISTS IN RAID BEFORE POPE VISIT Three suspected Islamist extremists were killed in a raid by Bangladesh police just days before the Pope is due to arrive in the country. The suspects opened fire and threw bombs at Rapid Action Battalion police who cordoned off a house where they were hiding near the border with India, officials said. 'We called on them to surrender. But they responded by opening fire and throwing bombs. Moments later we heard loud explosions inside the house,' Major Ashraf, an RAB officer, told AFP. The officer said a search of the tin-roofed house in Chapai Nawabganj district in the northwest of the country was being completed. RAB deputy head Colonel Anwar Latif Khan told AFP that 'three people who were involved in Islamist militancy were killed' in the explosions. RAB officials said the house was raided following a tip-off. Pope Francis arrives in Bangladesh on Thursday for a three-day visit, the first by a Vatican leader in 31 years. Advertisement
Late on Monday the 80-year-old pontiff received a 'courtesy visit' from Myanmar's powerful army chief - whose troops, according to the UN and US, have waged a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya in Rakhine state.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has firmly denied allegations of widespread brutality by his forces, despite the flight of hundreds of thousands of people who have recounted widespread cases of rape, murder and arson.
His office said he told the pope there was 'no discrimination' in Myanmar, and feted his military for maintaining 'the peace and stability of the country'.
Early Tuesday the pontiff met leaders from Buddhist, Muslim, Baptist and Jewish faiths in Yangon.
The conversation centred around themes of unity and diversity, with the pope sharing a prayer and giving a 'very, very beautiful speech', according to Sammy Samuels, a representative from the small Jewish community.
The Lady, as she is fondly known in Myanmar, finally came to power after elections in 2015 but has fallen from grace internationally for not doing more to stand up to the army in defence of the Rohingya - whose name she will not publicly utter.
Rights groups have clamoured for Suu Kyi to be stripped of her peace prize. Oxford, the English city she once called home, on Monday removed her Freedom of the City award for her 'inaction' in the face of oppression of the Rohingya.
Just days before the papal visit, Myanmar and Bangladesh signed a deal to start repatriating Rohingya refugees within two months.
Staying silent: Human rights groups had urged the Pope to speak up for the Rohingya during his four-day visit to Myanmar
But details of the agreement -- including the use of temporary shelters for returnees, many of whose homes have been burned to the ground -- raise questions for Rohingya fearful of returning without guarantees of basic rights.
Francis will travel on to Bangladesh on Thursday.
So far, the pontiff has received a warm welcome in Myanmar, whose Catholic community numbers just over one percent of the country's 51 million people.
But some 200,000 Catholics are pouring into the commercial capital Yangon from all corners of the country ahead of a huge, open-air mass on Wednesday morning.
Zaw Sai, 52, from Kachin state, found space for himself and his family to camp out in a churchyard.
'We feel very pleased because we are from different ethnicities but are one in our religion.'
A mother-of-two who was raped as a teenager was left almost completely paralysed by a rare neurological condition triggered by the trauma of the assault.
Mandi Benson, 36, has Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) - a condition where the brain malfunctions, often caused by repressed trauma.
The 36-year-old from Heywood in Greater Manchester, began suffering ticks, double vision, lost her balance and became convinced she had early onset Parkinson's.
After ruling out other diseases doctors told her she had FND, likely caused by a severe trauma - and she recalled the sexual assault which had haunted her since 1995.
Mandi Benson, 36, has Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) - a condition where the brain malfunctions, often caused by repressed trauma. It was triggered by a sex attack when she was just 14 (right)
Ms Benson, who is now learning to walk again after intensive therapy, said: 'I was raped when I was 14 and I didn't tell a soul about it until I was 31. I kept it locked in a box for many, many years.
'I'd never talk about feelings. I was this hard girl who seemed to have no emotions, but in fact I was very sensitive underneath, it was a pretence.
'I was covering up how upset I was all these years and it's come out in FND.
'There's a warning there to people - deal with things before they affect you. Don't lock anything away.
'You think you are coping with something like that, but I wasn't and I'm disabled now.'
Ms Benson was attacked as a 14-year-old. She had been sitting on a wall with some friends at the time of the attack in 1995 when a group of older boys began chatting to them.
She walked off with one of the boys, who took her to a secluded spot and raped her.
Ms Benson started having eye problems earlier this year, seeing spots and getting vibrating vision.
She was sent to an eye hospital which diagnosed a rare condition, but her symptoms continued to get worse and a day after she came out of the eye hospital, she started losing her balance.
Ms Benson started having eye problems and was sent to an eye hospital which diagnosed a rare condition, but things kept getting worse. A day after she came out of the eye hospital, she started losing her balance
Mandi was attacked as a 14-year-old. She had been sitting on a wall with some friends when a group of older lads began chatting to them. She walked off with one of the boys, who then took her to a secluded spot and raped her. Pictured, Mandi as a teenager
FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS Functional neurological disorders (FND's) is the name given for symptoms in the body which appear to be caused by problems in the nervous system but are not caused by a physical neurological disease. Health professionals sometimes call these disorders medically unexplained, psychosomatic or somatisation. They prefer the term functional which just means that the body is not functioning quite as it should. FNDs are quite common, occurring in about one quarter of the patients we see in our neurology clinics. For most people these symptoms are short-lived, but for others they persist for months or years and are very disabling. Symptoms tend to change with time, and as a result patients may often repeatedly consult their doctors. Many doctors also find these conditions puzzling, and patients may become frustrated by the shortage of information about why these symptoms occur. Source: Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Advertisement
She said: 'I initially thought it was just me being clumsy but as the days progressed I kept going into work and falling.
'It got to a stage where my body started having spasms.
'It felt like I was being punched in the back and I'd fall backwards.
'I went to the doctors and he didn't have a clue what was going on so he referred me to the hospital straight away. I had a CT scan which came back fine.
'Then I had an MRI and that was fine too. I said 'It can't be fine, I keep falling over!
'I had MS, Parkinson's, brain tumours, running through my mind.
'I'd stayed in hospital for tests and the neurologist came to see me and asked me if I'd ever suffered any traumatic events in my life and I thought 'what is he on about?'
'He reeled off a list of things, and then I thought of the rape.'
'I was ashamed of myself so I never told anyone,' said the mother-of-two, who could never bring herself to report it to the police.
'I blamed myself because I knew I shouldn't have gone off with him and I thought I should have fought harder.
'I used to think it was my problem and I was a little tart.
'I just blocked it all out.'
When Ms Benson told the neurologist of her ordeal, he became certain it was FND caused by constant stress and repressed upset.
Mandi with her husband. She now has to have physiotherapy and counselling in which she hopes to finally confront her buried emotions
Some people go completely blind and are permanently paralysed by the disorder. It is believed trauma can affect how the central nervous system functions.
Ms Benson now has to have physiotherapy and counselling in which she hopes to finally confront her buried emotions.
'FND is quite a common thing and I'd never even heard of it before,' she added.
Mandi has now learnt to walk again
'It's amazing the power the mind has over the body. It can be anyone.
'I wish now I'd done things differently when I was younger and tackled those unpleasant memories head on.'
Professor Mark Edwards, Movement Specialist at the Atkinson Morley Regional Neuroscience Centre at St George's Hospital, London, said FND was a 'common and disabling' cause of neurological symptoms.
'Whilst the symptoms may appear similar to neurological diseases including those of Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's and Epilepsy, and can be just as disabling, they are not caused by structural disease of the nervous system, but instead are a problem with the 'functioning' of the nervous system,' he said.
'People with FND appear to lose the ability to control or access their body normally.
'Historically, past trauma was thought to be the only factor that influenced the development of functional neurological symptoms, but research findings indicated this is not the case for everyone with an FND diagnosis.
'It seems that a number of factors, different between different people, can be involved in making people more vulnerable to developing FND and for triggering and maintaining the condition.'
Ms Benson now has to have physiotherapy and counselling in which she hopes to finally confront her buried emotions
A spokeswoman for charity Rape Crisis said sexual assault left serious and long lasting side effects.
She said: 'We're really sorry to hear what Mandi's been through and pleased that she's now receiving support.
'Through our frontline work at Rape Crisis with victims and survivors, we know that rape and other forms of sexual violence can have a wide range of often very serious and long-lasting physical, emotional and mental health impacts.
'Being able to talk about an experience of sexual violence to someone who understands, to be believed, listened to and really heard, can make a genuine, positive and lasting difference to a survivor's life.'
Eight donkey convicts have enjoyed a proud trot to freedom after they were released from prison.
The 'criminals' were jailed for four days after being found guilty of destroying 'very expensive plants' outside a prison in Uttar Pradesh, India.
As they left Orai jail yesterday, their concerned owner Kamlesh - who had been frantically searching for his livestock after they were locked up - was waiting to meet them.
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The criminal herd was jailed for four days after being found guilty of destroying 'very expensive plants' outside a prison in Uttar Pradesh, India. Pictured: The big day the eight donkey cons were freed
As they left Orai jail yesterday, their concerned owner Kamlesh - who had been frantically searching for his livestock after they were locked up - was waiting to meet them
Their bail had been paid by a local politician from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), according to NDTV.
RK Mishra, head of the jail, said: 'These donkeys had destroyed some very expensive plants which our senior officer had arranged for planting inside jail and despite warnings the owner let loose his animals here so we detained the donkeys.'
The plants reportedly cost 60,000 rupees (700).
When Kamlesh found out his donkeys were being held in prison, he pleaded for their release - but was denied.
He then appealed to the politician to intervene on his asses' behalf.
Jail superintendent Sita Ram Sharma, however, revealed that the story was more complex.
RK Mishra, head of the jail, said: 'These donkeys had destroyed some very expensive plants which our senior officer had arranged for planting inside jail and despite warnings the owner let loose his animals here so we detained the donkeys'
He said: 'There is no such law wherein we can arrest donkeys. They were confined for four days to teach a lesson to their owner who did not pay attention to our warnings.
'We let go of the animals on Monday only after Kamlesh gave us a written affidavit that from now on he will not allow his animals to roam in residential areas or places of public importance.'
Sharma also said the animals were well known as mischief-makers in the area, the Times of India reports.
Jeremy Corbyn winning power is a bigger risk to the economy than a bad Brexit deal, a leading investment bank has warned.
Morgan Stanley said the 'double whammy' of a hard-Left Labour PM as the UK struggled to leave the EU could prove devastating.
It said another general election was likely towards the end of next year and raised concerns that Conservative infighting could hand victory to Mr Corbyn.
His programme of mass nationalisation and higher taxes could wreak havoc on values of UK companies, the US bank warned in a report.
Morgan Stanley said the 'double whammy' of Jeremy Corbyn (pictured in Glasgow yesterday) becoming PM as the UK struggled to leave the EU could prove devastating
Water and energy companies were most at risk but postal services, telecommunications and travel companies could also be hit.
Across the board hikes in taxes and in particular an increase in corporation tax to 26 per cent would also be damaging.
'The UK is in the midst of a double whammy of uncertainty in the shape of Brexit and a fragile domestic political situation,' the report said.
'Taken together, these two factors - which are inter-related to some degree - cast a long shadow over the policy backdrop and economic outlook of the UK.
'For the UK market, domestic politics may be perceived as a bigger risk than Brexit,' the bank told clients.
'From a UK investor perspective, we believe that the domestic political situation is at least as significant as Brexit, given the fragile state of the current government and the perceived risks of an incoming Labour administration that could potentially embark on a radical change in policy direction.
'Against this backdrop, even if we see good progress in the Brexit negotiations, the scope for UK sensitive assets to rally may be muted, unless we also see an improvement in the government's position in opinion polls.'
The bank suggested a shift in government investment away from defence and higher benefits would be a risk.
'Higher low-end wage growth could also impact service-oriented companies with low margins, such as retailers,' the report said.
The US bank said the programme of mass nationalisation and higher taxes being proposed by Mr Corbyn (pictured yesterday) could wreak havoc on values of UK companies
The report raised fears that the Tory government led by Theresa May, pictured in Downing Street yesterday, could collapse next year
Morgan Stanley said the situation was different from recent decades, when a shift in government did not mean 'dramatic' upheaval.
'For much of the past 30 years and more, a change of government ultimately had a relatively limited impact on the UK equity market, as policy settings didn't change too dramatically,' the bank said.
'However, this may not be the case if we see a Labour government take power under its current leadership, given its very different policy approach,' the bank told investors.
'It is certainly plausible that the Labour party could ultimately moderate some of its more radical policy ideas; the alternative could be the most significant political shift in the UK since the end of the 1970s.'
Private Geoff Gray, 17, was found with two gunshot wounds to his head at the barracks
The family of a teenage soldier who died at Deepcut barracks today won a High Court action for a fresh inquest.
Private Geoff Gray, 17, of Hackney, East London, was found with two gunshot wounds to his head in September 2001.
A coroner recorded an open verdict, which did not include a narrative conclusion, following an inquest in March 2002.
His family won the right to apply to the High Court for a new inquest after Attorney General Jeremy Wright QC said he was satisfied fresh evidence had come to light.
Lord Justice Bean, Mrs Justice Carr and Judge Mark Lucraft today granted the application at a hearing in London.
His mother Diane Gray, who was at the hearing with her husband Geoffrey, said: 'It's time his country served him and the truth be told.'
Geoffrey and Diane Gray, parents of Pte Gray, stand outside the High Court in London today after winning the right to a fresh inquest into the young soldier's death
The judges ruled it was 'necessary or desirable in the interests of justice' for a fresh inquest to he held. They ordered the quashing of the 2002 inquest 'together with the verdict and findings of that inquest'.
Lord Justice Bean, announcing the decision of the court, said: 'We will order that Her Majesty's senior coroner for Surrey, or such other coroner as the Lord Chief Justice shall appoint at the request of the chief coroner, is to conduct an investigation ... into the death of Private Gray.'
He said: 'The scope of that inquest, and the issue of whether the coroner should, or should not, sit with a jury, should be a matter for the coroner.'
Lord Justice Bean said the coroner had taken no active part in the application, and correspondence indicated that the Ministry of Defence 'do not wish to contest an order for a fresh inquest'.
Mr and Mrs Gray are pictured with a photograph of their son in 2002, following an inquest that saw a coroner record an open verdict that did not include a narrative conclusion
He added that 'nevertheless, we have to be satisfied ourselves that a fresh inquest should take place'.
Three possible grounds for a fresh inquest had been put forward - 'insufficiency of inquiry', procedural irregularity, and 'the fact that a substantial volume of new evidence has become available'.
During the hearing, John Cooper QC, for the parents, told the court there were more than 22,000 pages of fresh evidence, some of which he submitted was 'highly relevant'.
Mrs Gray said afterwards: 'We would like to thank the judges for their consideration and for the verdict we have been waiting on for so long.'
(From left) Yvonne Collinson, Diane Gray, Deveen Clarke, Glasme Davis and Geoffrey Gray (top) hold picture boards of soldiers (from elft) Sean Benton, Pte Gray, Cheryl James and James Collinson who died while serving at Deepcut barracks, in May 2003
With her husband standing next to her she thanked their legal team, led by Mr Cooper, who she said had waded through thousands of pages of evidence 'and pieced together new and compelling evidence to put before the court'.
She said: 'Our son died in Deepcut in 2001 and there was at best a cursory inquest in 2002. This time we hope there will be a full and meaningful inquest into his death.
'He was 17 years old and died serving his country. It's time his country served him and the truth be told.'
Last year a judge gave the go-ahead for a fresh inquest into the death of Private Sean Benton, from Hastings, East Sussex, which is expected to take place at Surrey Coroner's Court in Woking from January 24 next year.
Private Cheryl James (left), 18, from Llangollen, North Wales, shot herself in November 1995, according to an inquest. Following Pte Gray's death in 2001, Private James Collinson (right), 17, from Perth, was found dead with a single gunshot wound through his chin in March 2002.
The 20-year-old was found with five bullet wounds to his chest in June 1995 while undergoing training at the Surrey base.
He was the first of four young soldiers to die of gunshot wounds at the barracks between 1995 and 2002.
Private Cheryl James, 18, from Llangollen, North Wales, shot herself in November 1995, according to a second inquest into her death which concluded in June.
Following Pte Gray's death in 2001, Private James Collinson, 17, from Perth, was found dead with a single gunshot wound through his chin on March 23 2002.
Today, Rhicha Kapila, partner and head of the military department at law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, said: 'Let's hope that the scope of the fresh inquests into the deaths of Pte Geoff Gray and Pte Sean Benton are widened so that we finally get to hear the truth, several years on, and lessons can be learned.'
Don Burke is accused of humiliating a freelance sound recordist by offering him $100,000 to eat dog faeces.
The man, known by the pseudonym 'Steve', told the ABC that the former Burke's Backyard host enjoyed playing mind games with his crew when he worked for him during the late 1990s.
He alleges Burke humiliated him on set at the Nine Network star's home in Sydney's north-west.
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A freelance sound recordist 'Steve' alleges Don Burke offered him $100,000 to eat dog faeces
Don Burke is accused of humiliating a sound recordist on the program set during the 1990s
'He noticed that there was some faeces hanging out of his dog's bottom and he asked me if I would lick that,' Steve told the 7.30 program.
'I was completely gobsmacked that he would say such a thing but he went on for another 10 minutes offering me inducements of $1,000, $10,000 at a time.
'It got up to $100,000 and at that point of time, I just had to try and figure out a way to stop it so I said, "It would have to be US of course, Don".'
Steve said Burke used his answer to further humiliate him.
'He said to everyone, "This guy would lick my dog's a***" and that was just so humiliating,' he said. 'He showed the sort of man he was to me.'
Amanda Pepe alleges Burke demanded sexual favours from her in 1987 when she was a 20-year-old TV journalist at Broken Hill, in outback New South Wales.
Amanda Pepe alleges Don Burke demanded sexual favour from her when she was 20 in 1987
Burke, then a radio host on Sydney's 2UE, was visiting the mining town and told her she could be a presenter on his new television program Burke's Backyard.
She resigned from the local TV station and flew to Sydney, where Burke allegedly demanded sexual favours from her after driving her to a hotel.
'The intent was very clear that he expected to have sex and that he had paid for the room, that I more or less owed it to him,' Ms Pepe told 7.30.
'It was very uncomfortable. I think he tried to more or less tried to guilt me into it, "We've got this far, why wouldn't you finish it off?".
'I was feeling extremely unsure of myself at this stage.'
Ms Pepe didn't consent to any sexual activity.
Burke declined to address the claims made in the ABC story and has so far denied a series of accusations from women about sexual harassment and indecent assault.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Burke's lawyers.
A Somali-Australian accused of planning a New Year's Eve terror attack on Melbourne claimed two years ago that ASIO tried to recruit him as an informant.
Ali Khalif Shire Ali claimed agents offered him $200 for every tip he gave them about extremist activity in his community, but he refused to dob in Muslims.
The 20-year-old was well-connected to Australian jihadist circles including multiple other terror suspects and extremist preacher Junaid Thorne.
Ali Khalif Shire Ali was dramatically arrested on Tuesday for trying to obtain a semi-automatic rifle to gun down New Year's Eve revellers in Federation Square
Two years later he was dramatically arrested and charged with trying to obtain a semi-automatic rifle to gun down revellers in Federation Square.
Ali made his ASIO claims at the Government Intervention in the Muslim Community (GIMC) conference on November 14, 2015.
GIMC is run by fundamentalist Islamist group Hizb Ut Tahrir, which advocates for a global caliphate based on Sharia law and is banned in dozens of countries but not Australia.
Ali said they came to his house multiple times where his sister, who also spoke at the conference, lied and told them he wasn't there.
He said ASIO then called him on the phone and he met with agents twice at a local Nando's where they asked about his friends.
Ali (in blue jacket) two years earlier claimed ASIO offered him $200 for every tip he gave them about extremist activity in his community, but he refused to dob in Muslims
Ali made his ASIO claims at the Government Intervention in the Muslim Community conference on November 14, 2015, run by fundamentalist Islamist group Hizb Ut Tahrir
They were particularly looking for information about Farhad Jabar, 15, who shot dead NSW police worker Curtis Cheng outside the police centre in Parramatta.
'I know their tricks and whatever you say to them they will use as evidence against you,' Ali said.
'They start to get to the real questions, like who are your friends with, what do you think about ISIS, what are your thoughts about those groups.
'I stayed quiet, I didn't want to get my friends in trouble.'
The then-18-year-old told the conference agents followed him to Swinburne University, where he used to study, and he got a text saying 'look to you left'.
'He was standing there a couple of meters away. I thought I was in a 007 movie. He called again and I had to pick up cos he was looking at me,' he said.
Six months later in May 2016, Ali (R) was one of several Muslims led by Junaid Thorne (C) who refused to stand for a magistrate saying they 'stand for no one but Allah'
Ali (back with hood up) was at the hearing for five men accused of trying to flee Australia by boat to fight with terrorists overseas
Ali claimed the agent then told him: 'Ali, we know you are a good guy. We know you have knowledge of things that are happening.
'You know the thing happening in Parramatta... the shooting... and you're friends with certain people. We want you to get out in the community'.
'I knew then they wanted me to be an informant and I said "no, get lost".'
Ali said he told them informing on other Muslims was 'haram', meaning forbidden, and the agents said they would 'stop harassing him'.
ASIO were particularly looking for information about Farhad Jabar, 15, (pictured) who shot dead NSW police worker Curtis Cheng outside the police centre in Parramatta
The teenager claimed he was targeted because ASIO thought he was 'young and naive' and 'this is the new tactic they use for youngsters'.
Six months later in May 2016, Ali was one of several Muslims led by Junaid Thorne who refused to stand for a magistrate saying they 'stand for no one but Allah'.
The hearing was for five men accused of trying to flee Australia by boat to fight with terrorists overseas.
In December 2016 he was caught driving without his L-Plates or a supervising driver and provided a false name to police.
Officers made him empty pockets and found a credit card with his real name, which he initially tried to pass off as his brother's, leading to his arrest.
Magistrate Geraldine Beattie fined him $1,900 and disqualified him from driving for three months in Yass Local Court in March.
Then on Tuesday he was dramatically arrested by counter-terrorism police in tactical gear in front of shocked onlookers outside a restaurant on a busy Melbourne street.
Police allege Ali tried to obtain an automatic rifle to carry out the horrific act, inspired by radical Islamist propaganda produced by terrorist group al-Qaeda.
The 'ISIS sympathiser' is due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court before 3pm on Tuesday.
Police allege Ali tried to obtain an automatic rifle to carry out the horrific act, inspired by radical Islamist propaganda produced by terrorist group al-Qaeda
Ali Ali, a Muslim Somali-Australian, 20, has been charged with terrorism offences for allegedly planning to shoot 'as many people as he could' in Melbourne on New Year's Eve
Ali, who reportedly no longer has a formal name, was described by his boss at a local computer business as 'a very quiet guy'.
'It's very sad, it's a shock,' Warsame Hassan told the Herald Sun. 'If I had (noticed suspicious behaviour) then I would have told the police.'
The business has been raided and the computer Ali used has been seized by police.
It is believe they had been monitoring Ali for months, but his alleged radicalism has increased over time and police believe he was seeking out obtaining an automatic weapon.
He had recently dropped out of Swinburne University in Hawthorn, and was a regular visitor at the Virgin Mary mosque near his family home in Melbourne's west.
Members of the mosque described Ali's family as good members of the community.
Ali, who reportedly does no longer have a formal name, was described by his boss at a local computer business as 'a very quiet guy'
The 20-year-old Muslim man can be seen being held down by the officers in front of shocked onlookers and outside a restaurant on a busy street moments after his arrest
It is believe they had been monitoring Ali for months, but his alleged radicalism has increased over time and police believe he was seeking out obtaining an automatic weapon
Melbourne woman Jessica Karasmanis witnessed the dramatic moment Shire was arrested in Werribee, west of the CBD.
Ms Karasmanis told Daily Mail Australia she was stopped at a set of traffic lights when she spotted 'at least five men' dressed in heavy body armour holding down a man.
'They had his hands tied behind his backs and on the ground,' she said.
'They stood him up and placed him behind the building.'
The arrest followed raids on his home in Werribee, a relative's house in Meadow Heights and a computer business in nearby Footscray where he worked part-time. Officers returned to the home on Tuesday
Investigators returned to the suburban home in Werribee where Shire lived with his parents and brothers on Tuesday morning and remained there throughout the day
The arrest followed raids on his home in Werribee, a relative's house in Meadow Heights and a computer business in nearby Footscray where he worked part-time.
Investigators returned to the suburban home in Werribee where Shire lived with his parents and brothers on Tuesday morning and remained there throughout the day.
Detectives were seen hauling bags of evidence out of the home.
The practising Muslim was born in Australia, is an Australian citizen and his parents were from Somalia, Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said on Tuesday.
'The male is one of our high-risk persons of interest. We have been monitoring him for a very lengthy period of time,' he told reporters on Tuesday.
Shire allegedly accessed a guidebook produced by al-Qaeda containing information on how to commit a terrorist act (Federation Square pictured on New Year's Eve in 2015)
Police allege the young Muslim terror suspect had tried to obtain an automatic rifle to carry out the act and was inspired by radical Islamist group Al-Qaeda (fighters pictured in 2014)
Following the arrest federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the government does not target a specific ethnic group as part of its terror investigations.
'The Muslim community is not being targeted by the government,' he said.
'We'll go after individuals, we don't target a specific community, and we require the Muslim community to work with us.'
Described as an 'ISIL-sympathiser' by Mr Keenan, the alleged terrorist is being interviewed in relation to the offences of preparing to commit a terrorist attack and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist act.
It's alleged the man accessed a guidebook produced by al-Qaeda containing information on how to commit a terrorist act and use firearms, guns and handguns and rifles.
Authorities were keen to stress that no firearm was obtained.
But if the attack had been successful the human cost would have been 'catastrophic ... horrendous', Mr Patton said.
The practising Muslim was born in Australia, is an Australian citizen and his parents were from Somalia, Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said on Tuesday
WHAT WE KNOW * He's an Australian-born, 20-year-old man. * Allegedly plotted to obtain a firearm to 'shoot and kill as many people as he could' at Melbourne's Federation Square on New Year's Eve. * Lives with his Somalia-born parents in Werribee, is a Muslim but not linked to any specific mosque. * Police said he'd been 'high-risk person of interest' since early 2016 and claimed he would become 'energised' online when learning of overseas terrorist attacks. * Allegedly obtained Al-Qaeda material through the internet and was an Islamic State sympathiser. * Arrested on Monday by Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police and ASIO officers. * Charged on Tuesday with planning to commit a terrorist attack and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist act. Source: Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police Advertisement
The man is also believed to be associated with a group of Victorian extremists.
'We won't identify who they are. It is a very small community of extremist,' Mr Patton said.
'There is no ongoing threat posed in respect to New Year's Eve, Christmas or any other area.'
AFP Acting Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said the charges laid were 'serious'.
'One of the charges carries a maximum penalty of life in prison,' he said.
Since September 2014, when the national threat terrorism level was raised to 'probable', the AFP has worked with its state and territory partners to thwart a number of plots.
So far, 74 people have been charged as a result of 347 counter-terrorist investigations.
'I would like to reassure the people of Victoria that the teams in Victoria, but also around Australia, are working day and night. They are working 24/7 to keep Australia safe,' Mr McCartney said.
In 2016, more than 500,000 revellers flocked to Melbourne's CBD to ring in the new year as tonnes of fireworks were shot from 22 city buildings.
In 2016, more than 500,000 revellers flocked to Melbourne's CBD to ring in the new year as tonnes of fireworks were shot from 22 city buildings (pictured, 2015 celebrations)
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It was once the most sophisticated and technologically advanced air force anywhere in the world - and these rare colour images capture the might of the German Luftwaffe at its height.
Six Stuka dive-bombers are shown returning to base in formation following a raid, two Messerschmitt heavy fighters bank in the skies above Sicily and a formation of Focke-Wulf fighters patrol over the Eastern Front.
These are just some of the 400 pictures brought together for a new book which documents the rise and fall of the Luftwaffe from its founding in 1935 until it was disbanded after the Nazis surrendered at the end of the Second World War.
Two Messerschmitt Bf 110 heavy fighters are pictured over the coast of Sicily in 1942. This image is one of 400 brought together for a new book documenting the rise and fall of the Luftwaffe
A squadron of Focke-Wolf 190 fighter aircraft patrol over the Eastern Front in 1943. Though Germany still occupied territory deep inside the Soviet Union, by this point Operation Barbarossa had stalled and the Nazis were on the defensive
Heinkel He 111z bombers are repaired by ground crew at an airfield in Russia (left) while a squadron of Stuka dive-bombers returns to base after a successful run against the Soviets in 1942 (right)
A Messerschmitt Me 323 Gigant shares its landing strip with cows somewhere in Russia in 1942. The Gignat was the largest land-based transport plane used during the war, and designed to carry vehicles during the planned invasion of the UK
A pilot takes a moment to shave as he camps next to his Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter plane, somewhere in Italy, in 1943. It was during this year that the Allies launched their Italian Campaign with the invasion of Sicily
As well as photos which capture the might of the Luftwaffe in the theatre of war, there are images of air crews away from the heat of battle.
One pilot takes advantage of a few minutes quiet time to have a shave with his plane and the Italian mountains in the background.
There is also the bizarre sight of the Luftwaffe having to share a field in Romania with the local farmer's cows.
The Luftwaffe was officially established in 1935 and the Condor Legion was sent to aid General Franco, which they did with devastating effect, in the Spanish Civil War.
By the time the Second World War broke out, they were the most sophisticated, technologically advanced air force in the world.
The Luftwaffe were instrumental in the German victories across Poland and Western Europe in 1939 and 1940 as the countries in their way fell victim to the Blitzkreig.
Adolf Hitler visits an airfield somewhere on the Eastern Front early in 1942. The Nazi leader wanted to boost morale after Operation Barbarossa, the Biltzkreig against the Soviets, was pushed back following the Battle for Stalingrad in 1941
American troops examine a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter plane after it was abandoned near Nuremberg, in Germany, in 1945. The plane formed the backbone of the Luftwaffe's fighting force, and was one of the most advanced of its age
A downed Messerschmitt 262 is discovered by American troops in a forest south east of Munich, date unknown. The Me 262 was the world's first jet-powered fighter aircraft and ushered in a new age of plane design
Hitler greeting Luftwaffe commanders to his Berghof retreat in April 1944. By this point in the war - facing a crippling fuel shortage and a lack of production facilities - the air force had largely been reduced to operating anti-aircraft flak batteries
After the surrender of France, Hitler turned the Luftwaffe against Britain, hoping to destroy the RAF ahead of a German invasion.
But during the the Battle of Britain, outnumbered RAF pilots successfully resisted their German foes. Meanwhile on the other side of Europe, a costly invasion of Russia was also sapping the strength of Hitler's forces.
As a result the Luftwaffe steadily lost air superiority over Europe and by the time of the D-Day invasion, it was losing up to a quarter of its fighter pilots each month.
One last attempt to cripple the Allied air forces, Operation Bodenplate, was launched on New Year's Day in 1945.
But this ended in failure and four months later Germany surrendered, with the Luftwaffe disbanded in 1946.
Author Christophe Cony said: 'The Luftwaffe were the first in the world to use jet engines, therefore ushering in a new era of modern aviation.
'They were a force to be reckoned with during the early years of the Second World War.
'But the British and Americans were able to break the back of their adversary with large, extended raids paralysing Germany's economy and reducing the Luftwaffe's available resources to negligible proportions.
'But its airmen fought on regardless, with a dignified courage that was worthy of their beginnings.'
Luftwaffe in Colour - From Glory to Defeat 1942-1945, by Jean-Louis Roba and Christophe Cony, is published by Casemate and costs 19.99
A notorious Chilean jewellery thief alleged to be involved in a number of armed robberies across Barcelona jewellery stores has been arrested at Heathrow after months on the run.
Catalan Police say the unnamed man is a suspected member of a well-known gang who took part used guns to hold up stores in the Catalonian city.
The gang are said to have targeted jewellery shops specifically around the Christmas period in 2015.
Catalan Police say the unnamed man is a suspected member of a well known Chilean gang who took part in gun-toting jewellery thefts in Barcelona, in Spain
The gang are said to have targeted jewellery shops specifically around the Christmas period in 2015
They wielded guns and used stolen luxury cars to organise their getaways.
One of the attackers, a 38-year-old man, went on the run but earlier this month Catalan Police received a tip off that he was going to be travelling from Santiago de Chile to Heathrow.
They asked for assistance and the man was arrested upon arrival at Heathrow Airport.
They wielded guns and used stolen luxury cars to organise their getaways
One of the attackers, a 38-year-old man, went on the run but in November this year Catalan Police received a tip off that he was going to be travelling from Santiago de Chile to the UK capital
Officers say he has since been extradited to Spain and is currently in custody.
He is the third member of the gang that has been arrested so far, although police say the investigation is still ongoing.
Officers say the latest man and the other arrested suspects had criminal reports in Chile for violent robberies to armoured cars. The case is ongoing.
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Harrowing photographs capture the purgatory endured by disabled people forced to live a life of solitude and hardship in Victorian era Britain.
Rare images show disabled men, women and children posing for the camera in nineteenth century England at a time when the handicapped would be kept segregated from the rest of society.
The photographs, released to mark the beginning of Disability History Month in the UK, show children with Down's syndrome, visually impaired people and individuals in wheelchairs who would often be kept a secret by their families.
John Tremayne, a member of parliament for a number of constituencies in the South West of England, pictured here in 1860. In his teenage years, he contracted a crippling bone disease that left him reliant on crutches for the rest of his life. As convalescence, he was consigned to the care of a Charlestown mariner, with instructions to take him to sea every day, irrespective of the weather
Blind Tom Wiggins, an African American pianist, circa 1880. Mr Wiggins was born blind and into slavery. Although not diagnosed at the time it is thought he was an autistic savant, which gave him an incredible talent for mimicry. He produced numerous original musical compositions in his life
A carte-de-visite portrait of two disabled street musicians. One has a sign that reads: 'Born blind / have been [illegible] for years.' They are posed in a photographer's studio posing as they would when begging on the streets in Yorkshire, in the 1860s
Julia Higinbotham from Oneida, Madison County in New York who is thought to have had polio. She is pictured with her sister Lily Higinbotham (far left standing), and Edith Goodwin Baker (far right standing). Individuals such as Julia are likely to have been hidden by their families, who were often said to be ashamed
It was common for authorities at the time to segregate the disabled and mentally handicapped and many were put away in institutions on the grounds that it was for their own good and the good of society.
In the early 1800s disabled individuals were the responsibility of the workhouse, which became their only refuge.
But by the 1840s, institutions were set up in order to segregate them - including The Royal Earlswood Asylum for Idiots in Redhill, Surrey.
And in 1886, the Idiots Act was passed by Parliament which was intended to give 'facilities for the care, education and training of Idiots and Imbeciles' and make entry into registered asylums easier.
In the latter part of the nineteenth century a growing number of scientists, writers and politicians began to interpret Charles Darwin's theories of evolution and natural selection. Advocates of Eugenics argued that people with impairments, particularly those born with one, would 'weaken the gene pool of the nation'.
A portrait of a blind shoeblack with his dogs, from Yorkshire, circa 1860. It was common for authorities at the time to segregate the disabled and mentally handicapped and many were put away in institutions on the grounds that it was for their own good and the good of society
Three nonagenarians photographed in Lincolnshire, circa 1864. One off the men is in a wheelchair. In the early 1800s disabled individuals were the responsibility of the workhouse, which became their only refuge
An unidentified man in a wheelchair, circa 1870. In 1886, the Idiots Act was passed by Parliament which was intended to give 'facilities for the care, education and training of Idiots and Imbeciles' and make entry into registered asylums easier
A child with Down's syndrome from Sussex in the 1860. The photographs, released to mark the beginning of Disability History Month in the UK, show children with Down's syndrome - many of whom were treated poorly
A young girl with Down's syndrome is photographed in Illinois, USA, in the 1860s
A man in a wooden wheelchair in New York, circa 1885. In the latter part of the nineteenth century a growing number of scientists, writers and politicians began to interpret Charles Darwin's theories of evolution and natural selection. Advocates of Eugenics argued that people with impairments, particularly those born with one, would 'weaken the gene pool of the nation'
A young girl with Down's syndrome, photographed inside an asylum in England in the 1890s. Royal Earlswood Asylum's chief physician John Langdon Down became the first person to describe Down's syndrome - which was named after him
A boy with Down's syndrome in St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, in 1900. John Down believed that people with Down's syndrome were a throwback to a more primitive racial type (which led to them become cruelly known as 'Mongoloids') and it was possible to classify different disabilities by ethnic characteristics
Royal Earlswood Asylum's chief physician John Langdon Down became the first person to describe Down's syndrome - which was named after him. He believed that people with Down's syndrome were a throwback to a more primitive racial type (which led to them become cruelly known as 'Mongoloids') and it was possible to classify different disabilities by ethnic characteristics.
In 1907, the Eugenics Education Society was founded in Britain to campaign for sterilisation and marriage restrictions for the 'weak' to prevent the degeneration of Britain's population.
A year later, Sir James Crichton-Brown, giving evidence before the 1908 Royal Commission on the Care and Control of the Feeble-Minded, recommended the compulsory sterilisation of those with learning disabilities and mental illness - an act which Sir Winston Churchill supported.
Increasingly disabled people were shut away in single-sex institutions for life. In 1913, the Mental Deficiency Act led to around 40,000 men and women being banished to separate special schools or asylums, having been deemed 'feeble-minded' or 'morally defective'. It would be another 46 years until the act was repealed.
UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event creating a platform to focus on the history of the struggle for equality and human rights. Disability History Month runs from 22nd November to 22nd December every year.
London's West End bosses are calling on Tokyo-style loudspeakers after the outbreak of panic at Oxford Circus last week.
A tube gang fight sparked a stampede of shoppers in the British capital on Black Friday, with many fearing a terrorist attack and social media flooded with reports of gunshots.
A full-scale terror response from the police was launched and a huge area around the station and Selfridges was sealed off.
A tube gang fight sparked a stampede of shoppers in the British capital on Black Friday, with many fearing a terrorist attack and social media flooded with reports of gunshots
In Japan, a loudspeaker and text message system, called a J-Alert, is used to warn people of potential danger and was used when North Korea sent a missile strikes over the country this year
Popstar Olly Murs, who has 7.8 million Twitter followers tweeted from Selfridges department store: 'F**k everyone get out of @selfridges now gun shots!! I'm inside.'
But it turned out to be an altercation between two men on the platform.
Now the chief executive of the New West End Company, which represents around 600 shops, restaurants and other businesses, said a public address network would allow authorities to provide advice and information 'in real time' in an emergency.
In Japan, a loudspeaker and text message system, called a J-Alert, is used to warn people of potential danger and was used when North Korea sent a missile strikes over the country this year.
Jace Tyrrell told theEvening Standard he would be raising the idea of a loudspeaker network for the West End in meetings over the next two weeks with Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Sophie Linden and the Metropolitan Police's Borough Commander for Westminster.
Two men who were questioned by British Transport Police following the altercation which sparked chaos in the heart of London's West End.
British Transport Police had earlier released these images of two men after reports of 'gun shots' led to a stampede and several people being injured
Crowds were seen running from Oxford Street after gunfire was reportedly heard in or around the Underground station shortly before 5pm last night
Armed police were seen entering Oxford Circus and shouting out to people passing by as they evacuate the premises
Police quizzed the pair, aged 21 and 40, on Saturday after they voluntarily attended a police station following an appeal by British Transport Police.
Witnesses said two men 'bumped' into each other before 'several punches' were thrown on the westbound platform at Oxford Circus.
It sparked a major panic with gun shots mistakenly reported to police who declared a terror response and stormed the station on the busiest shopping day of the year.
Bali's Mount Agung volcano is set to erupt within hours, with one expert warning of a 'big explosion'.
Indonesian volcanologist Gede Suantika said a tremor which lasted for half an hour earlier today indicated the mountain was filling up with lava.
Bali's Denpasar Airport remains closed, residents living within a 10 kilometre exclusion zone have been urged to leave, and a observatory post may be evacuated.
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Bali's Mount Agung (pictured) volcano is set to erupt within hours, with one expert warning of a 'big explosion'
Indonesian volcanologist Gede Suantika said a tremor which lasted for half an hour earlier today indicated the mountain was filling up with lava (pictured)
Bali's Denpasar Airport remains closed, residents living within a 10 kilometre exclusion zone have been urged to leave, and a observatory post may be evacuated (pictured is Mt Agung)
'There are two possibilities of , how it will come out. First, the magma will fill the crater and flow out or it will come out as an explosion,' he said, The Herald Sun reported.
'Now the magma flow is continuous. I am just scare [sic] that this will happen soon and come out at once in a big explosion.'
Mr Suantika said he expected Mount Agung to erupt within hours rather than days, although he could not be sure.
As many as 120,000 tourists have been stranded in Bali by the ongoing eruption of Mount Agung, with some put on flights leaving after Christmas.
Mr Suantika said he expected Mount Agung (pictured) to erupt within hours rather than days, although he could not be sure
'Now the magma flow is continuous. I am just scare [sic] that this will happen soon and come out at once in a big explosion,' said the volcanologist (pictured is Mt Agung)
'There are two possibilities of , how it will come out. First, the magma will fill the crater and flow out or it will come out as an explosion,' said Mr Suantika (pictured is Mount Agung)
The holiday island's airport will be closed for at least another 24 hours due to clouds of ash billowing from the volcano.
Today's extension of the airport closure means more than 900 flights have now been cancelled, leaving tens of thousands of travellers unable to leave Bali.
Qantas passengers are among those stranded, and some reported being told their flights had been rescheduled to December 27, The Australian reported.
The holiday island's airport (pictured) remains shut for at least another 24 hours due to clouds of ash billowing from the volcano
Today's extension of the airport closure means more than 900 flights have now been cancelled, leaving tens of thousands of travellers unable to leave Bali (pictured is Mt Agung)
'I thought Qantas would be a bit more organised but we can't find them here, they haven't sent one email out,' said Pagan Raston, who was due to fly on on Monday.
'Quite a few people have had their flights rescheduled to December 27.'
A Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia no flights have been rescheduled, but passengers may have been put on other flights, which could be weeks away.
When the Denpasar airport reopens Qantas will put on extra flights, allowing those passengers to leave much earlier, the spokesperson said.
Qantas passengers are among those stranded, and some reported being told their flights had been rescheduled to December 27 (pictured is the ongoing volcanic eruption)
A Qantas spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia no flights have been rescheduled, but passengers may have been put on other flights, which could be weeks away (pictured is Mount Agung)
When the Denpasar airport reopens Qantas will put on extra flights, allowing those passengers to leave much earlier, the spokesperson said (pictured is the volcano early on Tuesday morning)
'Any customers on cancelled Bali flights have been proactively moved to our next available scheduled services for now, where there is limited availability over the peak travel period,' they said in a statement.
'As has been the case in previous disruptions of this nature, when it is safe to resume flying, we plan to get our customers moving quickly by operating additional services where possible.'
Passengers on other airlines complained they had been given no information at all, leaving them frustrated.
'My kids are really upset. They've been crying on the phone because they've seen reports on the TV news and are worried about us,' said David Plowman of Perth.
Passengers on other airlines complained they had been given no information at all, leaving them frustrated (pictured are stranded travellers)
With tourists lined up at the airport Bali authorities issued a warning to residents to leave the 10km evacuation zone around the volcano (pictured)
Indonesian authorities extended the closure of the international airport on the resort island of Bali for a second day over fears of a volcanic eruption
One group of Australians was even considering travelling to Surabaya by bus and ferry in order to get home.
With tourists lined up at the airport Bali authorities issued a warning to residents to leave the 10km evacuation zone around the volcano.
Up to 100,000 locals were told to move into evacuation shelters as a cloud of volcanic ash reached three kilometres into the air.
The Mount Agung volcano spews hot volcanic ash, as seen from Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia
Up to 100,000 locals were told to move into evacuation shelters as a cloud of volcanic ash (pictured) reached three kilometres into the air
Evacuees stay in a temporary shelter as they evacuate after the Mount Agung volcano spewed hot volcanic ash
Indonesian volcanologist Gede Suantika said lava was building up inside Mount Agung and would spill over when it reached the edge.
That would result in a slow flow of red hot lava, but the volcano's steepness could lead to a more powerful eruption.
The pyroclastic flow from the 1963 eruption killed 1600, and authorities in Bali are preparing for the worst.
Cold lava flows, known as lahar, have already flooded the rivers and canals of nearby villages, but many locals ignoring warnings to leave the area.
Cold lava flows, known as lahar, have already flooded the rivers and canals of nearby villages, but many locals ignoring warnings to leave the area (pictured are evacuees)
Frances Fitzgerald has told her Cabinet colleagues she will step down in a last-ditch bid to avoid a Christmas snap election
Ireland's deputy prime minister has today resigned over the handling of a police whistleblower, according to reports.
Frances Fitzgerald has told her Cabinet colleagues she will step down in a last-ditch bid to avoid a Christmas snap election.
She had come under mounting pressure to quit after claims surfaced about her knowledge of an aggressive legal strategy against a respected Garda sergeant during a private inquiry.
Announcing her resignation she said she has decided to 'put the national interest ahead of my own personal reputation'.
The Irish Parliament was tonight due to debate a motion of no confidence in her over the issue.
There were renewed calls today for Mrs Fitzgerald to resign or be sacked over emails dating back to 2015 when she was Justice Secretary.
The messages showed she was aware of the strategy to target Sgt Maurice McCabe at a private judge-led inquiry into his claims of wrongdoing in the force.
The emergence of the cache of emails had knocked efforts by The Irish Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin, leader of opposition party Fianna Fail to reach a compromise.
The scandal had threatened to undermine the confidence and supply deal which is propping Mr Varadkar up in power.
Mr Varadkar has phoned the leader of the opposition, Fianna Fail's Micheal Martin, to confirm the resignation.
And it had raised the spectre that a new snap election would have to be held around Christmas time.
Announcing her resignation today, she said: 'Today I made the decision to tender my resignation to the Taoiseach, stepping-down with immediate effect as Tanaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
'It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve in Government, but I believe it is necessary to take this decision to avoid an unwelcome and potentially destabilising general election at this historically critical time.
'Throughout my career I have always sought to act with integrity and responsibility, and that is why I have decided on this occasion to put the national interest ahead of my own personal reputation.'
She added: 'I decided that my continuation in office risks destabilising that good work, and so I have decided to step-down so that this work may continue and the country can be spared an unnecessary election.'
Leo Varadkar, pictured in the Dail in Dublin today, paid tribute to his outgoing deputy saying a 'good woman is leaving office without getting a full and fair hearing'
The Parliament in Dublin was full to hear the Taoiseach discuss the resignation. Speaking of the scandal, Mr Varadkar said: 'There was a feeding frenzy, and it became impossible for her to get a fair hearing based on the full facts'
The Taoiseach appeared in the Dail parliament in Dublin today where he paid tribute to his outgoing deputy.
He said: 'It's my strong view that a good woman is leaving office without getting a full and fair hearing.
'She always supported whistleblowers and enshrined a code of ethics in An Garda Siochana to protect them,' he said.
'In the past few days a drip-drip of information may have made certain things seem greater than they are.
'There was a feeding frenzy, and it became impossible for her to get a fair hearing based on the full facts. I hope that will change in the period ahead.'
Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald attacked Mrs Fitzgerald over her approach to information about how Sgt McCabe was to be targeted at the private inquiry.
She told RTE Radio: 'What is at play here is an absolute and utter dereliction of duty.
'If she won't go then the Taoiseach needs to measure up and demonstrate some level of leadership and judgment and he needs to relieve her of her duties.'
Mrs Fitzgerald said last week that she only learned in 2016 of the approach being taken by lawyers for the then Garda commissioner.
The fallout from the saga threatened to cast a long shadow over December's key Brexit summit, where the future of the border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland could be determined.
Authorities in North Carolina are desperately searching for a three-year-old girl who was snatched from her bed early Monday morning.
Kristy Woods says the last time she saw her daughter Mariah was at 11pm on Sunday night, when she put the girl to bed.
She says her live-in boyfriend saw the girl about an hour later, when she came out of her room and he told her to go back to bed.
When they went to check on her in the morning, she was gone.
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Police in North Carolina are desperately searching for missing three-year-old Mariah Kay Woods
Video Courtesy WNCT
A statewide Amber Alert was issued for the girl on Monday, but so far there have been no clues as to why she disappeared.
In a tearful address to reporters on Monday, the girl's mother seemed to believe someone had abducted her girl.
'Please, bring her back ... She's my baby, she's my everything,' the mother of three said. 'Just to be able to touch her and hold her and not let her go again. I'd give anything.'
Kristy Woods says that her daughter usually wears orthopedic braces on both of her legs and has trouble walking without them.
On Monday, Mariah's mother Kristy Woods issued a tearful statement to reporters, asking whoever is responsible for her daughter's disappearance to return the girl
Woods' live-in boyfriend Earl Kimrey (left, with Woods) was the last to see the girl alive
Kimrey and Woods are pictured above with Woods' three children (including Mariah, being held by Woods)
She says she calls Mariah 'an angel' because she unexpectedly got pregnant with her after she got her tubes tied.
'This is my world, this is my angel,' said Woods. 'She was sent to me for a reason. This is my everything besides my boys, the love that I have for this girl. The bond that I have ..is my life. please, just don't take that.'
Woods' boyfriend has not been officially identified, but her Facebook profile says she's in a relationship with a man named Earl Kimrey.
A photo on his profile shows him posing with his girlfriend and her children. The profile also says they started dating in July 2015.
On Monday, police searched the woods surrounding the couple's home in a mobile home park.
They say there was no sign of a forced entry, but the back door of the home was left unlocked overnight.
Kristy Woods says she last saw her daughter Sunday night at 11pm, when she tucked her into bed at the home she lives in with her boyfriend and children
Kristy Woods said her boyfriend saw the girl once more, at midnight, when she came out of her room and he told her to go back to bed. Above, search crews on Monday
Mariah was officially reported missing Monday morning around 6am, when her mother went into the room and saw she was gone
Investigators searched the home, the family's car and the woods around the home on Monday. Above, an investigator packages evidence on Monday
Sheriff Hans Miller says it's too soon to know what happened to the girl
Law enforcement officials also searched the home and the family's car for evidence.
They say they found some items of interest in the woods behind the home, but are unsure if it's connected to the girl's disappearance yet.
The FBI is now assisting local and state law enforcement in the case.
Mariah is described as a white female with brown hair and blue eyes. She stands at about two-feet-nine and weighs 30 pounds.
Sheriff Hans Miller said his officers are 'working everything that can be worked to find this little girl.'
'We dont know what happened. Its entirely premature to try to determine what happened,' Sheriff Miller said.
Anyone with information on Mariah's disappearance are being asked to call the Onslow County Sheriff at 910-455-3113 or 911 locally.
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A couple bored of city life built a 28ft trailer and traveled 11,000 miles across America.
Duff Bangs and Ashley Rodgers grew tired of living in Seattle so decided to set about making a house they could move from one place to another.
Architect Duff designed the portable home to include a full size bathtub, a yoga space and loft for sleeping.
Life on the road: A couple bored of city life built a 28-foot trailer (pictured) and traveled 11,000 miles across America
The couple built their first home trailer - the Adventure Wagon 28 - in Spring this year before they set off on their travels
Clever design: Architect Duff designed the portable home to include a full size bathtub, a yoga space and loft for sleeping
The couple say they now plan to build more of the homes and donate some of their profits to housing for the homeless.
Duff, 35, said: 'We were living in Seattle and we grew tired of city life. I am an architect and always wanted to design and build my own home.
'After we built it we went travelling around America. This is just the prototype. We hope to now build more.
'The home has all the utilities that you would need and even has a full sized tub. The home looks likely to set you back around $110,000.
Writing on their website social worker Ashley, 32, said: 'We lived the typical 8-5 lifestyle in a busy city which ultimately drained us of energy.
'It left us questioning how we can live a more simplified existence and a higher quality of life.
The couple say they now plan to build more of the homes and donate some of their profits to housing for the homeless
Duff, 35, said: 'We were living in Seattle and we grew tired of city life. I am an architect and always wanted to design and build my own home.
He added: 'After we built it we went travelling around America. This is just the prototype. We hope to now build more.'
The home has all the utilities that you would need and even has a full sized tub. Pictured: The couple's home under the stars
'We both have the traveling bug journeying and living in the Pacific Northwest.
'After driving From Seattle to Alaska and back summer of 2016 we knew we couldn't go back to our everyday life styles any longer.
'Duff's dream since college has been to build modular, affordable, homes on wheels for the common person.
'My dream has been to help the poorest people in our society to live with dignity and hope.
'So together we created Modern Wagon to offer an alternative lifestyle for people like us to choose a higher quality of life.'
The couple were traveling for three months from June this year.
Harvey Weinstein has terminated his membership in the Director's Guild of America.
A representative for the group announced the news late Monday, revealing that it was Weinstein who chose to resign one month after being informed he was facing possible expulsion from the group.
Weinstein, 65, was previously expelled from both the Producer's Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences after being accused of sexual harassment and assault by multiple women.
Next week will mark two months since Weinstein's predatory ways were exposed by The New York Times and New Yorker, and there are currently more than 100 women who have publicly accused him of sexual misconduct.
Therw will be blood: Harvey Weinstein (above) has stepped down from the Director's Guild of America, where he was facing possible expulsion
Weinstein's decision to step down seems to suggest that he has now accepted the fact that there is no hope of reviving his career in the wake of these allegations.
He is also under criminal investigation in London, Los Angeles and New York, with NYPD officers revealing a few weeks ago that they have put together a solid case for the district attorney to press charges against Weinstein for his alleged rapes of actress Paz de la Huerta in 2010.
At the same time, Weinstein is also now facing his first civil suit.
That claim was filed in a London court by a woman who accuses the Hollywood heavyweight of sexual assault.
Jill Greenfield, who is representing the plaintiff, says her client is seeking damages for 'personal injury' and 'consequential loss' resulting from these alleged assaults.
The complaint was filed at the High Court but no date has been set for a hearing and the plaintiff's identity has not been revealed.
Weinstein was also hit with a lawsuit accusing him of sex trafficking on Monday, filed in US District Court by Kadian Noble.
In a statement (bottom) shared to Instagram on Tuesday, the former TOWIE star (top left), 32, admitted she was the voice in the shocking audio files, but claimed she only recorded them because she feared 'serious harm and in the face of significant threats'. She wrote in full: 'I am aware that people will have a number of questions about the voice messages being put into the public domain and purportedly sent by me. 'I feel I have no choice but to address these (to the extent that I can as there are restrictions on me which I explain below). Most importantly I want to apologise to all the victims of Arthur Collins (inset) abhorrent actions in 2017 that they have to relive that night and the pain that followed because this matter is again in the public domain. In particular I want to apologise to Sophie Hall (top right). I do not believe her to be ugly or stupid. She has been brave beyond belief.' It comes after her fiance Lorri Haines shared a series of cryptic posts with his 170k followers, amid the ongoing conflict surrounding his partner. His posts come following claims that Ferne made derogatory comments about ex-partner Arthur 's acid attack victims in a series of leaked voice notes, claiming to be of her voice.
Dramatic bodycam footage shows the moment an NYPD cop shot a man in the leg after he had charged at him carrying two knives.
Responding to reports of a man trying to kill himself, two police officers were faced with a man carrying two blades who charged at them.
Paris Cummings, 27, stalked the two cops with the knives before one of the officers opened fire, shooting him in the leg.
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Dramatic bodycam footage shows the moment an NYPD cop shot a man in the leg after he charged at him carrying two knives at an apartment block in Harlem, New York. The officer opened fire on Paris Cummings, 27, shooting him in the leg
The New York Police Department had been called to his sixth-floor apartment in Harlem, New York, following reports that he was trying to commit suicide.
Dramatic footage recorded on a body-worn camera at around 5.30pm on October 22 by one of the two officers shows them banging on the door and Cummings opening it.
He then runs back down the hallway as one of the officers exclaims: 'Woah woah woah woah woah, put the knife down, put the f***ing knife down.'
The 33-second clip then shows Cummings pacing towards the officer, who backs out of the apartment and draws his gun.
He then fires off one shot as Cummings runs towards them and he falls to the ground, dropping his weapons.
Cummings was carried out on a stretcher with a single bullet in his leg.
The 33-second clip then shows Cummings pacing towards the officer, who backs out of the apartment and draws his gun. He then fires off one shot as Cummings runs towards them and he falls to the ground, dropping his weapons
He had already stabbed himself in the neck before officers arrived, CBSLocal reports.
He has since been charged with attempted murder of a police officer.
An NYPD spokesman said: ' Two officers initially responded to a call for a male who attempted suicide at 610 West 143 Street, 6th floor at approximately 5:30 PM.
Cummings was carried out on a stretcher with a single bullet in his leg. He has since been charged with attempted murder of a police officer
'During their response to this call, the officers encountered Paris Cummings, a 27 year old male, who was armed with two knives.
'After repeated commands, one officer discharged his firearm one time, striking Mr. Cummings in the leg, who sustained a non-fatal injury.'
Cummings suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was taken to St Luke's Hospital, New York.
The president's daughter opened a U.S. sponsored tech summit on Tuesday afternoon in India with a message of 'greater opportunity for women around the world.'
Speaking at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit near Hyderabad's IT hub, Ivanka Trump charmed an audience of more than 1,200 people.
Trump, 36, delightedly told area attendees, 'In this "City of Pearls" the greatest treasure is you!'
'Now your tech centers may - may - even outshine your world famous biryani,' she said, eliciting laughter as she name-checked a local rice and meat dish.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, second left, arrived with Ivanka for the opening of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit
The president's daughter opened a U.S. sponsored tech summit on Tuesday afternoon in India with a message of 'greater opportunity for women around the world'
Prime Minister Modi and Ivanka shook hands after they pressed the button on a robot
The talks were proceeded by a festive dance performance, where four women were perched atop giant Christmas Tree-shaped installations that broadcast digital scenes while four more women in traditional Indian garb performed on either side of the long stage
The Indian folk dance performers are seen here during the inaugural ceremony of the eighth annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES)
Ivanka Trump is in India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She arrived early Tuesday morning and leaves on Wednesday.
She was a keynote speaker at the conference on Tuesday, giving 20 minutes of remarks before Modi took the stage.
The first daughter also appeared on a panel, where she encouraged women to seek out and mentor other women who would benefit from their knowledge.
Ivanka, who wore a green and floral patterned dress, shared a handshake with Modi on stage at the summit as the plenary session began, coming together to operate a robot that was said to be in control of the room's video display.
Their talks were proceeded by a festive dance performance, where four women were perched atop giant Christmas Tree-shaped installations that broadcast digital scenes while four more women in traditional Indian garb performed a choreographed dance on either side of the long platform.
In her remarks, Ivanka said the conference's location this year is 'a symbol of the strengthened friendship between our two peoples, and the growing economic and security partnership between our two nations.'
'As President Trump said earlier this year: India has a true friend in the White House,' the first daughter stated.
The president's 36-year-old daughter is the face of the 350-strong delegation of American business owners in Hyderabad
Ivanka takes a selfie with an attendee of the summit this afternoon in Hyderabad
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi (L) and Ivanka Trump (R) visit the Virtual Exhibition at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit
They were wowed later during the opening ceremony by Indian dancers
The founder of a fashion company, Ivanka said she has seen 'firsthand that all too often, women must do more than their male counterparts to prove themselves at work, while also disproportionately caring for their families at home.'
'In some countries, women are not allowed to own property, travel freely, or work without the consent of their husbands,' she noted. 'In even more countries, the cultural and family pressure is so great that women do not feel the freedom to work outside the home.'
Trump, a special adviser to the president, referred to her father's government as 'our administration' as she highlighted her work 'advancing policies that enable women to pursue their careers and care for their families.'
Despite complaints in advance of the conference over her company's labor practices in India and concerns in the U.S. about the sexual harassment allegations plaguing her father, Trump was warmly received in Hyderabad, where 52.5 percent of this year's delegates to GES are women.
Twice participants shouted out to Ivanka, causing her to smile and giggle.
Twice participants shouted out to Ivanka, causing her to smile and giggle.
Trump told attendees that she was proud that a majority of the summit's attendees were women for the first time eve
And when she mentioned the 350 American, business owners at the summit, eliciting shouts and woo hoos, Trump when she said they 'represent America's greatest talent,' the first daughter laughed and said, 'I think I found your section!'
Still the owner of her company, although she has stepped away from the day-to-day operations, Trump told GES delegates that like them, she has started her own enterprise.
'After my fathers election, I saw an opportunity to leave my businesses for the privilege of serving our country and empowering all Americans including women to succeed,' she said.
Trump told attendees in her speech that she was proud that a majority of the summit's attendees were women for the first time ever, truly embodying this year's them of 'Women First, Prosperity For All.'
'Only when women are empowered to thrive; will our families, our economies, and our societies reach their fullest potential,' she said.
Gable Tostee is seeking $300,000 in damages over a 2014 arrest during which he claims police arrested him for 'being a d***head'.
Tostee - acquitted of murdering his Tinder date Warriena Wright - is suing the state of Queensland over the arrest, which took place outside the Lucky 7 convenience store in Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise.
In court documents, filed in the District Court, he claims Constable Leigh Hurley and Sergeant Stephen Wright arrested him as he was at the store getting cash to pay a tuktuk driver and buy chocolate bars.
Gable Tostee (pictured) is seeking $300,000 in damages over a 2014 arrest during which he claims police arrested him for 'being a d***head'
Mr Tostee - acquitted of murdering his Tinder date Warriena Wright (pictured) - is suing the state of Queensland over the arrest, which took place outside the Lucky 7 convenience store in Ferny Ave, Surfers Paradise
According to Tostee's District Court claim, Constable Hurley told him he was 'being a d***head' and told him he was being arrested on a charge of 'being a f***wit'.
Tostee claims he was punched, sprayed in the face with capsicum spray and wrestled to the ground by the officers, The Courier Mail reported.
After the arrest he was allegedly held in a watchhouse from 3:10am to 8:14am, which he claims amounted to false imprisonment and deprivation of liberty.
Charges of public nuisance and obstructing a police officer were discontinued after Tostee disputed the charges and police failed to provide evidence.
Tostee (pictured) claims Constable Leigh Hurley and Sergeant Stephen Wright arrested him as he was at the store getting cash to pay a tuktuk driver and buy chocolate bars
In October 2016 a Supreme Court jury in Brisbane found Tostee (pictured, right) not guilty of killing Warriena Wright (pictured, left), who died after falling from his 14th-floor balcony in 2014
He is suing the state, under the name Eric Thomas, for $150,000 for personal injuries and aggravated damages of $150,000, plus costs.
Tostee claims he suffered injuries including a fractured toe, jaw, wrist, neck and thumb damage, and dental injuries.
He claims he suffered mild to moderate post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as humiliation, indignity, distress and discomfort.
Tostee also alleges loss of income and earning capacity, and claims to require ongoing treatment due to injuries suffered during the arrest.
The claim was filed on November 23, but the state of Queensland is yet to respond.
In October 2016 a Supreme Court jury in Brisbane found Tostee not guilty of killing Warriena Wright, who died after falling from his 14th-floor balcony in 2014.
Sun Tamang, from Aldershot, faces jail after she killed Man Limbu (pictured) and attacked his 48-year-old wife Gayatri on March 10
A 50-year-old woman has been convicted of strangling an elderly ex-Gurkha to death before assaulting his wife with a traditional Nepalese knife and a rolling pin.
Sun Tamang, from Aldershot, faces jail after she killed Man Limbu and attacked his 48-year-old wife Gayatri on March 10 this year.
Tamang was convicted of manslaughter after a court heard she used Mr Limbu's snood to strangle him following a dispute at her flat.
While he lay dying on her floor, she went to Mr Limbu's home armed with a traditional machete-like Nepalese kukri knife and a rolling pin, and let herself in with his keys.
When Mr Limbu's wife, Gayatri Devi Limbu, returned home, she attacked her with the weapons and bit her on the cheek.
Tamang denied murdering Mr Limbu, who served with the British Gurkhas as part of the 7th Gurkha Rifles.
She was cleared of the charge but convicted of manslaughter following a trial at Winchester Crown Court.
She was also convicted of assault causing actual bodily harm against Mr Limbu's wife.
The trial was told Mr Limbu was found dead by Tamang's children on the kitchen floor of their home after their mother had killed him.
Stephen Harvey QC, prosecuting, told the jury: 'Precisely why she did so may never become absolutely clear, that she did so is beyond any doubt.
'He was found there, where she left him, on the kitchen floor by her daughter and son when they arrived home from work.'
Their mother had left a note which said in Nepalese: 'This person came to the door, knocked on the door and this person attacked me and then I retaliated. My children are not to be blamed.'
Mr Harvey added: 'What is clear, however, from documents served by her solicitors is, firstly, she accepts that Mr Limbu died as a result of strangulation and, secondly, no other person was involved in his death.'
He said that any other motive for the killing was unknown as Tamang answered 'no comment' in police interview.
Mr Harvey QC added: 'What happened after the killing was the defendant left home and went to see the dead man's wife in a nearby road.
'In doing so, her intentions appear clear because she took with her a khukuri knife - a Nepalese traditional knife. She also took a rolling pin.
'When she arrived at Gayatri's flat, she was out and the flat was empty. She was able to let herself in through the front door because she had taken Mr Limbu's keys.
Tamang denied murdering Mr Limbu, who served with the British Gurkhas as part of the 7th Gurkha Rifles. She was cleared of the charge but convicted of manslaughter following a trial at Winchester Crown Court (pictured)
'Mrs Limbu went in and was grabbed by the neck from behind. Initially, she could not see who it was and she was pulled by her hair into the kitchen.
'Tamang pulled the khukuri knife and pointed it at her. Very bravely, she grabbed her hands and managed to disarm her.
'She then took the rolling pin and hit Gayatri with it. She managed to disarm her again.
'Mrs Limbu was repeatedly threatened with a knife. When she tried to shout for help, Tamang covered her mouth to silence her.
'She pushed her to the floor, hit her and repeatedly threatened she was going to kill her. She said she would bite her to death. She then did bite her on the cheek.'
Mr Harvey QC said police had initially visited the address to inform Mrs Limbu of her husband's death, but arrested Tamang when she answered the door.
Giving evidence in court, Tamang said Mr Limbu 'grabbed her hair' following a row over her children and she was able to reach out and grab his snood.
She said: 'He got angry and he grabbed my hair with his right hand.
'It hurt very much and I had to bend down. I kept on saying 'release me' and I asked him to let go of me. He heard me say that, but he did not let go.
'First, I reached for his face and he avoided it. When he avoided it, my hand landed on his neck and his neck warmer.
'I had asked him to let go of me, but he didn't, so I moved my hand to the left and to the right. I was in serious pain.'
The jury acquitted Tamang of an allegation that she had then falsely imprisoned Mrs Limbu in her own home until police arrived.
She was remanded in custody until she is sentenced on December 21 and the judge, Mr Justice Lavender, ordered reports to be prepared on her.
Primary school children were delighted after they sent a cut out of their favourite book character to the Palace and received a touching response from Prince Harry.
The boys and girls of Leybourne School sent their class mascot, Flat Stanley, to the Royal household.
But the youngsters at the Kent school were thrilled to receive a letter back from the recently-engaged prince, who detailed all the beloved children's character's adventures.
The note said Flat Stanley he stayed at Kensington Palace and met both the newly engaged Prince as well as the Duke of Cambridge.
Year 2 pupils at Leybourne Primary School in Kent were over the moon to see that newly-engaged Prince Harry had responded thanking them for sending Flat Stanley on the trip to Kensington Palace
Whilst Flat Stanley was staying with newly-engaged Prince Harry (pictured with his fiance Meghan Markle yesterday), he got the chance to visit His Royal Highness's brother, The Duke of Cambridge
During his stay earlier this month the hand sized character played with Prince George (left) and Princess Charlotte (right), according to a letter from Kensington Palace
Flat Harry also met Prince George and Princess Charlotte's adorable spaniel, Lupa, pictured cooling off this summer with some of the young prince's ice cream
During his stay earlier this month the hand sized character played with Prince George and Princess Charlotte as well as their dog Lupo, according to a letter from Kensington Palace.
Flat Stanley is a fictional boy who travels the world after a bulletin board fell on him and left him an inch thick.
The letter from Claudia Spens, head of correspondence at the palace, said: 'It was so kind of you to take the trouble to write as you did.
'His Royal Highness has taken care of Flat Stanley and has now asked me to return him to you.
'I thought you might be interested to learn a bit about Flat Stanley's visit to London.
'Flat Stanley stayed at Kensington Palace, where Prince Harry lives when he is in London.
'Kensington Palace is not far from Buckingham Palace where His Royal Highness's Grandparents, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, live.
Year two pupils at the Leybourne School in West Malling, Kent, has sent the character around the world to see where he may end up
'I thought you might be interested to learn a bit about Flat Stanley's visit to London.
'Flat Stanley stayed at Kensington Palace, where Prince Harry lives when he is in London.
'Kensington Palace is not far from Buckingham Palace where His Royal Highness's Grandparents, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, live.
'Whilst Flat Stanley was staying with Prince Harry, he got the chance to visit His Royal Highness's brother, The Duke of Cambridge and even got to play with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and their pet dog Lupo too.
'Prince Harry was immensely touched that you should take the trouble to write as you did.
'It really was most thoughtful of you and His Royal Highness has asked me to send you all his warmest thanks and best wishes.'
Year two pupils at the Leybourne School in West Malling, Kent, has sent the character around the world to see where he may end up.
Previously the paper character has been photographed visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris, has met Sir Michael Gambon and former prima ballerina and now Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell.
Stephen Port was jailed for life for the murders of four men he drugged at his flat after meeting them on a gay hook-up app
Fresh inquests will be held into the deaths of two of serial killer Stephen Port's victims after police were slammed over the investigation into his murders.
Serial rapist Port, 42, was convicted of the murders of Anthony Walgate, 25, Gabriel Kovari, 22, Daniel Whitworth, 21, and Jack Taylor 25. He drugged them so he could have sex with them before they died.
Open verdicts were returned following inquests into two of his victims, Mr Kovari and Mr Whitworth, before Port eventually caught and his crimes uncovered.
A senior judge today said it was 'surprising' that initial police inquiries did not uncover evidence of murder or put Port in the frame.
High Court judges Lord Justice Holroyde and Mr Justice Green today quashed the original inquest conclusions, paving the way for all four victims to have their inquests heard at the same time.
Following Port's conviction, Scotland Yard admitted it had 'potentially missed opportunities' to catch the killer and investigators failed to notice 'striking similarities' between the deaths.
The inquests into the deaths of Daniel Whitworth and Gabriel Kovari have been reopened after a lack of evidence they had been killed was put before the coroner
Mandy Pearson, step-mother of Daniel Whitworth, said after the ruling: 'This is an important start to getting some of the many wrongs concerning Daniel's death corrected.
'The very least we can do for Daniel is to get the facts about his death recorded correctly and, with a new inquest we are hopeful we can do that for him and for Gabriel, Anthony and Jack.'
Mr Walgate, a fashion student originally from Hull, died at Port's hands in June 2014. Port told police he had found him collapsed outside his flat.
He was later prosecuted for perverting the course of justice, but police did not believe Mr Walgate's death was suspicious.
Between August and September 2014, Port murdered his three other victims with both Mr Kovari's and Mr Whitworth's bodies found in the grounds of St Mary's Church, Barking.
Discovered on Mr Whitworth's body was a note, penned by Port, which suggested that he had killed Mr Kovari before taking his own life.
Jack Taylor (left) and Anthony Walgate (right) were also victims of the serial killer. The inquests into the deaths of all four victims will now be held together
At an inquest, a coroner was told that Mr Whitworth's family had indentified his handwriting, although his family deny having done so.
An open verdict was returned on Mr Kovari by an east London coroner after his cause of death was given as a drugs overdose.
And, after high concentrations of GHB were found in Mr Whitworth's system, an open verdict was also recorded in his case.
The coroner, however, expressed concern about the case and 'was not satisfied that he had taken his own life', said the judge.
Overturning the open verdicts in the cases of Mr Whitworth and Mr Kovari, the High Court judge said it was 'necessary and desirable' to hold fresh inquests.
The lack of evidence at the original inquests meant there had been 'insufficient inquiries' into the circumstances of their deaths.
The judge said it was 'surprising' that evidence of foul play had not been uncovered by police until after the inquests.
But he emphasised that he was expressing no views about the case and the scope of the fresh inquest would be a matter for the coroner.
Inquests into the deaths of Mr Taylor and Mr Walgate had been adjourned pending the murder trial verdict.
And Lord Justice Holroyde said it was now planned, 'eminently sensibly', to hold a consolidated inquest into all four deaths.
No date was set for the inquest, at which the judge said the full facts behind the murders would now be heard.
Sioux Blair-Jordan, 61, was taken to A&E after collapsing during the BBC's Question Time programme following an asthma attack
An episode of the BBC's Question Time was cut short after an audience member suffered an asthma attack brought on by pungent aftershave, it emerged today.
The show was airing live from Colchester Town Hall in Essex when host David Dimbleby suddenly announced it was finishing early after an audience member collapsed and could not be moved.
The BBC Two programme last Thursday was cut 20 minutes short - instead of running to an hour as normal - as an ambulance was called to the studio.
Now the audience member who suffered the collapse has revealed she suffered an asthma attack, which she claimed was brought on by a reaction to the aftershave of the man sat next to her.
Sioux Blair-Jordan said: 'My friend did not like sitting in the front row, so the man behind her swapped.
'Unfortunately the aftershave he was wearing affected my asthma - my airways just closed off. The aftershave was quite pungent, to me.
'It depends how it is chemically made as it is the chemicals that set me off. I don't know what he was wearing but it must have had the chemicals that upset me.
'I actually said to him "oh, I feel faint" and then the next thing I knew I was screaming in pain.'
Ms Blair-Jordan, pictured on set of the show, has revealed she suffered an asthma attack, which she claimed was brought on by a reaction to the aftershave of the man sat next to her
Ms Blair-Jordan, who suffers from a degenerative spinal disease, revealed her back had been damaged during efforts to give her first aid at the venue.
She said: 'From what I understand from other people, I was not moved in the correct way - I don't know who did it.
'I am grateful for their efforts to save my life but by not doing it correctly they actually have damaged my spine - I have soft tissue damage and I ended up in A&E all night.'
She does not know the name of the aftershave wearer, but understands he was a former serviceman. He said: 'The man wearing the aftershave was not to know.
'It was quite pungent. I don't know what aftershave it was. All I know is the chap was ex-RAF, he was quite chatty and quite pleasant. I'd never met him before.
'I am thankful for everybody for what they did, particularly the ambulance people who were amazing.'
Ms Blair-Jordan, who is unable to work due to her disability, had been sat in the front row when the drama unfolded.
'Some people thought it was a conspiracy to halt the show because it was more pro-Labour than normal but it was not manufactured, it was absolutely genuine.
'If anyone else had sat next to me who had not got perfume or an aftershave on, it would not have happened.'
The mother-of-two, who lives in Colchester, said she had been looking forward to quizzing the panel about the issue of Universal Credit before her collapse.
Question Time was airing live on BBC Two from Colchester Town Hall in Essex when host David Dimbleby (pictured) suddenly announced it was finishing early
Ms Blair-Jordan thanked the ambulance workers for helping get her to Colchester General Hospital from the venue, which normally hosts Colchester council meetings.
She previously hit the headlines when she told members at the Labour party conference disabled people might as well 'walk into the gas chamber' if the Government was to bring in a British Bill of Rights.
The party activist said during her 2015 speech on the main conference stage, she said: 'Not all health issues are visible. I am sick of being demonised. I am sick of being blamed for all that is wrong with this country.
'We need the disabled and the sick to be seen as human beings - we have our right to have our rights upheld and we need the NHS.
'We also need the EU to uphold our human rights because if Cameron does his Bill of Rights we might as well walk into the gas chamber today.'
Ms Blair-Jordan previously met Mr Corbyn when he visited the University of Essex during the leadership election campaign.
Explaining the early finish, Mr Dimbleby apologised, saying: 'I am afraid at this point we have to curtail this edition of Question Time.
'A member of the audience was taken ill and couldn't safely be moved, so we had to bring the programme to a close.'
Business Secretary Greg Clark, Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott, former Metropolitan Police chief Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, former Marks and Spencer boss Lord Stuart Rose and crime writer Dreda Say Mitchell made up the panel.
Andrew Neil's political show This Week, which was scheduled to begin at 11.45pm, was moved forward to fill the gap in the schedules.
Texas Rep. Al Green has released a bizarre, unprompted statement, to get ahead of his decade-old sexual misconduct allegations.
The congressman was accused of assaulting Lucinda Daniels, his onetime district director, in 2007.
He filed a lawsuit against her the following year, arguing they'd had a consensual 'romantic encounter' and she was simply trying to shake him down for $1.8 million with the false allegations.
Green then withdrew his lawsuit after Daniels dropped her claims he assaulted her.
Texas Rep. Al Green has released a bizarre, unprompted statement, to get ahead of his decade-old sexual misconduct allegations
They released a joint statement in 2008, which said that they had resolved the issue 'without payment, promise or receipt of any money' and stated 'they regret any circumstances that created this dispute,' the Houston Chronicle reported.
But as the #MeToo campaign unearths allegations of sexual misconduct by celebrities and high profile politicians, including Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) and Republican Senate nominee Roy Moore, Green has decided to release a joint statement with Daniels to address those old allegations.
'In the present climate, we wish to jointly quiet any curious minds about our former and present relationship with one another,' the statement read.
Green released a joint statement with Daniels saying that the issue had been resolved
He also repeatedly referred to Daniels as a 'friend', adding that they were 'consenting friends' at the time of the alleged incident
'At an unfortunate time in our lives, when both of our feelings were hurt, we hastily made allegations and charges against one another that have been absolutely resolved,' continued the statement, which repeatedly insists that Daniels and Green are 'friends.'
'As consenting friends, we both regret our former claims and have since maintained our respectful friendship. We are friends.'
Once again, the statement makes clear the issue was resolved 'without payment of any money or transfer of any consideration of any kind by either of us to the other. As friends, we have both agreed that we see no need to make further statements regarding this absolutely resolved matter.'
The trouble between the pair began after their 'romantic encounter' in May 2007, according to court documents filed by Green, an outspoken Donald Trump critic who has called for his impeachment, in 2008.
The lawsuit claims that 'Daniels has threatened to go public with her complaints if the Congressman does not per her money. Green has done nothing wrong and refuses to pay 'hush money' just for political expediency.
'Green will not be extorted or blackmailed by Daniels.'
It goes onto say Green is suing Daniels for 'declaratory judgment relief relating to her workplace allegations and her quest for money.'
Green's statement comes amid the #MeToo campaign which has unearthed allegations of sexual misconduct by celebrities and high profile politicians, including Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) (left) and Republican Senate nominee Roy Moore (right)
Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore said on Monday night at a campaign rally that 'dirty politics' are behind the allegations of sexual misconduct against him
It also brings up allegations that Daniels was reportedly taking cocaine and Green submitted a voicemail, which Daniels appeared to have sent accidentally, which recorded her asking whether it was 'cut' with some other substance and being assured that it was 'straight off the ki[lo].'
A short time after the recording Green had confronted Daniels about the alleged drug use and suggested she seek treatment, according to court documents.
Meanwhile, Daniels claimed she suffered a hostile work environment 'because she refused additional romantic requests.'
Her then-lawyer Chip Lewis told the Chronicle at the time that Green had forced his client to have sex and had only filed the lawsuit because he didn't want to pay to keep her quiet.
Bill Miller, a spokesman for the congressman, said the claim of sexual assault was 'desperate and totally false'.
Daniels agreed to drop the allegations and Green withdrew the lawsuit in December 2008, two months after it was filed.
The case, while covered by local press at the time, appears to have gone largely forgotten by the wider public until his new statement this week.
President Donald Trump mocked Democratic leaders Charles Schumer and Nancy Pelosi by addressing reporters while seated next to two empty chairs after the Democrats skipped a White House meeting with him.
Trump staged a photo-opportunity designed to humiliate the Democratic leadership after they snubbed a White House meeting where a looming government shutdown was on the table.
The two leaders announced they would skip it after Trump went after them in a morning tweet.
Trump then met with Republican leaders Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan. When he spoke to the press afterward, the president was seated between two large, leather chairs each in front of a nameplate of the Democratic leader to signify their absence.
'We are very far apart,' he said at one point.
'So they decided not to show up. Theyve been all talk and theyve been no action ... Now its not even talk.'
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President Donald Trump, surrounded by empty chairs marked for U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who chose not to meet with Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), speaks with reporters at the White House in Washington
The president then tore into the no-show Democrats. 'Im not really that surprised,' he said.
'I'm not really that surprised, we have a lot of differences. They are weak on crime, they're weak on illegal immigration, they want the illegal folks to come pouring into a border and a lot of problems are being caused, although we've stopped it to a large extent without the wall, which we're going to get,' Trump said.
He repeatedly stressed national security, and brought up a Tuesday missile launch by North Korea.
'They, before this meeting and before this missile launch, have been weak on military in terms of spending. They're very hard to get for military. They want it for a lot of other things, but the military is always secondary to them,' Trump said.
'And the other thing, they want tax increases and we want major tax decreases. So they decided not to show up. They've been all talk and they've been no action. And now it's even worse. And now it's not even talk. So they're not showing up for the meeting.
'I will say this, in light of the missile launch, probably they'll be here fairly quickly, or at least discussions will start taking place fairly quickly,' Trump added, without explanation.
'We have a lot of differences. Theyre weak on crime, theyre weak on illegal immigration,' Trump said.
'Theyve been weak on military in terms of spending,' Trump said.
The two top Democrats in Congress abruptly canceled a planned White House meeting with Donald Trump on Tuesday in response to the president's angry tweet expressing pessimism about their willingness to cut a deal that would keep the government running.
YOU NEVER VISIT: Trump blasted the Democratic leaders for snubbing a White House meeting
IT'S NOT THE SAME WITHOUT YOU: Trump glances at an empty chair marked 'Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi'
EVERYONE ELSE CAME: The meeting included staff aides to McConnell and Ryan
YOU COULD HAVE BEEN MY RIGHT HAND: Donald Trump looks at the empty chair of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (L), D-New York, after Schumer cancelled their meeting at
UNCOMFORTABLE: Schumer and Pelosi skipped the meeting after Trump called them 'weak on Crime'
THERE WAS GOOD COMPANY, GLASSES OF WATER ... The lawmakers skipped the meeting after Trump went after them in a morning tweet
President Donald Trump, center, escorted by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, left, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., right, arrives at the Capitol to meet with GOP lawmakers about moving his agenda and passing the Republican tax bill, in Washington
Trump threw shade at Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi hours earlier, calling them tax-hikers who are 'weak' on crime and favor the 'unchecked' admission of illegal immigrants into the United States.
And he wrote that he doesn't 'see a deal' in the making.
Pelosi and Schumer effectively cut the president out of the conversation late on Tuesday morning, saying in a joint statement that '[g]iven that the President doesn't see a deal between Democrats and the White House, we believe the best path forward is to continue negotiating with our Republican counterparts in Congress instead.'
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi abruptly canceled a budget- and tax-related meeting with Donald Trump on Tuesday, saying she won't go to the White House after the president tweeted that he was pessimistic about cutting a deal across the aisle
Chuck Schumer (center), the Senate's leading Democrat, is also boycotting Trump, essentially cutting the president out of buget negotiations
'Rather than going to the White House for a show meeting that won't result in an agreement, we've asked Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan to meet this afternoon. We don't have any time to waste in addressing the issues that confront us, so we're going to continue to negotiate with Republican leaders who may be interested in reaching a bipartisan agreement.'
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell who has also been on the receiving end of Trump twitter attacks and House Speaker Paul Ryan hit back with their own statement bashing the 'new excuses' not to meet with the administration.
'We have important work to do, and Democratic leaders have continually found new excuses not to meet with the administration to discuss these issues,' the two leaders said. 'Democrats are putting government operations, particularly resources for our men and women on the battlefield, at great risk by pulling these antics. There is a meeting at the White House this afternoon, and if Democrats want to reach an agreement, they will be there.'
President Donald Trump shouts to reporters as he leaves the weekly Senate Republican Policy Committee luncheon in the U.S. Capitol November 28, 2017 in Washington
The back-and-forth on the budget came as Trump visited Republican senators as they rush to take up a $1.4 trillion tax cut bill.
The Senate Budget Committee reported the legislation on a party-line vote of 12 to 11. It included the votes of two Republicans who had raised doubts, Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, who raised concerns about the bill's effect on the debt, and Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, who complained about the impact on smaller businesses.
As the bill heads toward the floor, leaders are continuing to adopt changes to lock down votes.
President Trump tweeted about an upcoming meeting with Sen. Charles Schumer and House minority leader Nancy Pelosi
'It's a challenging exercise,' admitted McConnell. 'I think I'm sitting there with a Rubik's cube trying to get 50 [votes]. We have a few members who have concerns and we are trying to address them. We know we are not able to go forward until we get 50 people satisfied, he said.
Maine Sen. Susan Collins blasted the inclusion of the repeal of Obamacare's individual mandate.
'I continue to believe that it was a big mistake to combine that provision with tax reform,' she said, but indicated her concerns had been met through the guarantee that Trump would sign legislation to prop up the market before any final tax bill conference report comes to a vote.
'A lot of my concerns, it appears, are going to be addressed,' she said.
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) said he raised concerns about debt issues during the meeting with Trump, which he said was mostly questions and answers from the president.
'The challenge is the what-if. If you have other situations come in you've got to be able to also prepare for the future,' he said.
Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) indicated that his desire to have a 'trigger' put in place to hold back tax cuts if they don't cause the desired economic growth.
'I think we've gotten a commitment that puts us in a pretty good place,' he said, TalkingPointsMemo reported, citing a 'verbal agreement' he said he got from the president.
The White House told reporters late on Monday that Trump would meet with congressional leadership at 3:00 p.m.
On Tuesday afternoon press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that [i]t's disappointing that Senator Schumer and Leader Pelosi are refusing to come to the table and discuss urgent issues.'
'The President's invitation to the Democrat leaders still stands and he encourages them to put aside their pettiness, stop the political grandstanding, show up and get to work. These issues are too important,' Sanders said.
'The meeting will proceed as scheduled with Speaker Ryan, Leader McConnell and administration officials who are committed to getting things done,' Sanders added. 'If the Democrats believe the American people deserve action on these critical year-end issues as we do, they should attend.'
NO THANKS: Pelosi tweeted that she and Schumer plan to 'continue negotiating with our Republican counterparts in Congress'
Trump is also scheduled to speak with the Republican Senate Caucus at lunchtime.
Republicans have unified control of government, but leaders may need to rely on some Democratic votes to get a funding resolution passed.
Some Democrats are demanding a fix to help DREAMers who came to the U.S. illegally as immigrant children. The president rescinded their status but set a six-month deadline that ends in March to find a solution.
'Meeting with 'Chuck and Nancy' today about keeping government open and working,' Trump tweeted. 'Problem is they want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I don't see a deal!'
Pelosi wrote that she and Schumer will negotiate 'in good faith'
Trump may need help from 'Chuck and Nancy,' as he calls them, to bring a spending bill across the finish line and avoid a government shutdown for which Republicans would likely catch most of the blame
Schumer responded on the Senate floor Monday. 'Instead of leading, the president tweeted a blatantly inaccurate statement and then concluded: I don't see a deal,' Schumer said.
Trump used a similar attack on Doug Jones, the Alabama Senate candidate who is a former prosecutor and who helped put away two Ku Klux Klansmen who were charged with blowing up a Birmingham Baptist church in 1963.
'The last thing we need in Alabama and the U.S. Senate is a Schumer/Pelosi puppet who is WEAK on Crime, WEAK on the Border, Bad for our Military and our great Vets, Bad for our 2nd Amendment, AND WANTS TO RAISES TAXES TO THE SKY. Jones would be a disaster!' Trump tweeted this past weekend.
'I don't see a deal!' with Democrats to keep the government running, President Donald Trump tweeted
Typically in recent years, even as government funding deadlines approach, presidents reassure financial markets and investors that the U.S. government will ultimately remain open and running.
The president may be trying to use the threat of a shutdown to try to gain negotiating leverage, although usually it is a minority party seeking concessions from the White House who is able to threaten to hold up government funding, rather than the head of the government.
Neither Pelosi nor Schumer are calling for tax hikes, though Democrats are resisting the $1.4 trillion tax cut that Trump called 'tremendous' on Monday.
Not happening again: Pelosi sat in the Oval Office in September as the White House negotiated hurricane relief funds and a hike in the nation's borrowing limit
Republican leaders trying to reach majority support for their tax cut must contend with another conservative who is raising objections, after Montana Sen. Steve Daines raised concerns about how it would affect 'Main Street.'
With just a 52 seat majority, they can only afford three defections from their ranks.
Trump heads to the Capitol Tuesday afternoon to meet with the Republican conference about the tax cut, which could come to the floor for a vote as soon as Thursday.
One Republican senator, Ron Johnson of Ohio, has already said he is a 'no' on the bill because of the way it advantages corporations over so-called 'pass-throughs,' business who file as individuals and miss off on some of the savings in the bill.
Trump has promised to 'give the American people a huge tax cut for Christmas' but the politics are getting tough on Capitol Hill as Republicans defect
NOT THERE YET: Conservative Sen. Steve Daines has voiced concerns about the bill
Senate Finance Committee chairman Orrin Hatch (center-right) told reporters that he 'hopes' to have a tax relief plan on Trump's desk by Christmas, and that he's confident the GOP can find 50 votes to pass it
'Sen. Daines has concerns with how the tax bill looks at main street versus large corporations,' an aide to the senator said, The Hill reported. 'The Senator wants changes to the tax cut bill that ensure main street businesses are not put at a competitive disadvantage against large corporations.'
Daines, a Budget Committee member, linked his support to the issue. 'Before I can support this bill, this improvement needs to be made.'
A new Congressional Budget Office score estimates that '(t)he number of people with health insurance would decrease by 4 million in 2019 and 13 million in 2027' under the bill due to its removal of an Obamacare individual mandate.
That provision has drawn criticism from Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, although it could get removed if needed to lock down enough votes.
Trump hailed the bill as 'a tremendous tax cut' and 'the biggest tax reduction in the history of our country' on Monday.
'I think we're going to have great receptivity. We've had great spirit,' the president said.
'And I can tell you, the Republican senators who are up, if we win we are going to get some Democratic senators who are joining us. If we don't win they wont be joining us,' he predicted.
Hashem Ramezanpour, 40 (pictured), is wanted for sexually assaulting a 77-year-old woman he drove home from church for Uber last month
Police in the Dallas-Forth Worth area are searching for an Uber driver who allegedly sexually assaulted a 77-year-old passenger during a ride last month.
The incident happened in the early evening of October 22, when 40-year-old driver Hashem Ramezanpour picked up a 77-year-old woman at a church in Dallas and drove her home to North Fort Worth.
About five to 10 minutes from the woman's home, she says the driver stopped the car in a dark-wooded area, ordered her to get out, and then sexually assaulted her.
He then got back in the car and drove her to her final destination.
Lab work confirmed that Ramezanpour was the assailant in the crime.
However, police have not been able to track down the suspect, and believe he may have fled the country.
He faces a charge of aggravated sexual assault of an elderly victim.
While police have not specified which ride-hailing app Ramezanpour worked for, he Star-Telegram reports that it was Uber.
An Uber spokesman said that Ramezanpour's access to the app has been 'immediately removed' and he is now permanently banned.
They also explained that drivers have to pass a criminal background test before being allowed to drive for the company.
'What has been described and reported to police is a violent act no person should ever have to go through. We are working with law enforcement officials to fully support their investigation. This former driver's access was immediately removed from the app and he has been permanently banned,' the spokesman said.
Ramezanpour was driving a white 2016 Honda Civic during the assault with the Texas license plate number JBY 3214.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is being asked to call the Fort Worth Police's sex crimes unit at 817-392-4350 or 817-392-4350.
Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers which is offering a $1,000 reward.
Crime Stoppers can be reached at 817-469-TIPS or www.469tips.com.
A female postal worker was shot and killed on Monday evening after sustaining a gunshot wound to her head near Atlanta, Georgia.
Postal inspectors and federal law enforcement have opened an investigation into the Monday night shooting, U.S. Postal Service spokesman Rick Badie told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The incident occurred behind a DeKalb County post office branch located at the intersection of Wesley Chapel and Snapfinger roads near the docking area.
The incident occurred behind a DeKalb County post office branch (pictured) located at the intersection of Wesley Chapel and Snapfinger roads near the docking area
An eyewitness told Channel 2 Action News that he saw a man lingering around a nearby laundromat before approaching the victim and opening fire.
Eyewitness Michael Grogan (pictured) said he saw a man loitering around a laundromat before the shooting
'It's hard to understand,' said the eyewitness Michael Grogan . 'He turned around and came back. Then two shots went off, then two more.'
Investigators said that the motive for the shooting remains unclear and are searching for a suspect.
'It's terrible, it's very terrible. She's young, her career trying to do something for herself at the post office,' Grogan said.
The female postal worker, whose identity has not yet been released, was a new employee and had worked at the Wesley Chapel for only a month before Monday's shooting.
The victim's Wesley Chapel post office colleagues described her as a sweet, young woman and were grief stricken over her killing, CBS affiliate WGCL reported.
Armed police officers will be present in shopping centres, supermarkets and festivals in Victoria in order to stop terrorist attacks.
Protective Services Officers will be deployed in popular places in the state in a bid to foil terrorism, according to the Herald Sun.
The move comes after a man was arrested and accused of planning a New Year's Eve terror attack in Melbourne.
Ali Khalif Shire Ali is accused of planning a terror attack on New Year's Eve in Melbourne (Federation Square pictured in 2015)
Mr Shire faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with preparing to commit a terrorist attack and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist attack
Victoria and Australian Federal Police tracked Ali Khalif Shire Ali and said he planned to shoot 'as many people as he could' in an attack in Melbourne's CBD.
Mr Shire faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with preparing to commit a terrorist attack and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist attack.
According to charge sheets Mr Shire acted 'in preparation for, or planning a terrorist act' between March 31 and April 6.
He was dramatically arrested on Tuesday and charged with trying to obtain a semi-automatic rifle to gun down revellers in Federation Square.
The 20-year-old was allegedly connected to Australian jihadist circles including other terror suspects and extremist preacher Junaid Thorne.
Stunning footage of what looks like three suns appearing in the sky has stunned people in China.
Two small coloured patches, or 'phantom suns', can be seen positioned at the left and right side of the actual sun in the sky.
Such phenomenon is known as 'sun dog' and is an optical illusion.
Footage uploaded shows natural phenomenon known as 'sun dog' appearing in China
Sun dog happens when a luminous halo ring appears around the sun and when light interacts with ice crystals in the atmosphere.
The footage was taken in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, on November 28.
A man who filmed the video can be heard saying: 'Look, there are three suns' in the background.
Residents in Yakeshi, Hulunbuir, reported seeing the phenomenon twice on the day, and the occurrence in the morning lasted for about two hours, according to Pear Video.
Zhao Kexin, who works at the Hulunbuir Meteorological Station, said 'sun dog' occurs often in Hulunbuir in winter.
Sun dog creates two light patches around the sun. The phenomenon happens when a luminous halo ring appears around the sun and when light interacts with ice crystals in the atmosphere
The phenomenon is more visible when the sun is lower on the horizon during certain months
According to Nasa, sun dogs are like a new form of ice halos and are formed by plate-shaped ice crystals drifting down from the sky like leaves fluttering from trees.An article from
LiveScience stated that sun dog can occur at any time of the year and from any place, although they are most visible when the sun is lower on the horizon in January, April, August and October.
It also occurs when ice crystals in the atmosphere are more common, but can be seen whenever and wherever there are cirrus clouds.
A high school English teacher has been charged a week after her students filmed her snorting what appeared to be cocaine in her classroom.
Samantha Cox of Lake Central in St. John, Indiana, was slapped with felony drug possession and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia after the teens caught her in the act last Wednesday.
The 24-year-old was arrested after students secretly filmed her through the locked door cutting up the white, powdery substance on a binder at around 10:20 a.m. during a break in between classes.
In the video, Cox is shown turning her back to the door, leaning over, and seemingly snorting the substance.
Aside from posting the video to social media, the teens showed the footage to staff members, who called police.
When St. John police arrived, they requested assistance from Dyer police and their detection dog, CBS reported.
The detection dog sniffed the leftover substance and paraphernalia stashed in her locked desk drawer.
During questioning, Cox told police she fell early that morning before she purchased the 'dope cocaine' for $160 from a dealer.
The teacher told authorities she had been using drugs since she first started college.
Cox was released from Lake County Jail the same day after posting $1,000 bond.
Samantha Cox (seen above in her mugshot) was charged with felony drug possession after telling police she purchased the 'dope cocaine' after falling ill early morning last Wednesday
Cox is shown cutting up a white powdery substance on what appears to be a binder then standing up to lean over it as if to snort it as students film her through the window of her classroom at Lake Central High School in St. John, Indiana
It is not clear how long she had been working at the school when the video was filmed last week. Some students were outraged by the display.
'She tried to hide herself. She wasn't at her desk where we could see her.
'She was all the way in the corner where she thought we can't see her,' John Rogers told CBS.
He is one of Cox's students.
Others were more concerned about her well-being.
'It is like a serious thing. A lot of people can get addicted to a lot of things, and something like this is, it's very heartbreaking,' student Michael Sanchez said.
The school said it was grateful for the students who brought the video to their attention.
It is not known when Cox is next due in court.
Cox was handcuffed and marched out of the school by police officers shortly after the video was taken
A father killed his son by chopping off his penis with an axe to rid his house of 'evil spirits'.
Ram Gopal Patel, 39, castrated his 13-year-old son Rupesh before leaving him to bleed to death in their home in Baloda Bazaar, central India on Saturday.
He claimed witch doctor Rajesh Yadav, 19, had told him to sacrifice the teenager.
Ram Gopal Patel (pictured), 39, castrated his 13-year-old son Rupesh before leaving him to bleed to death in their home in Baloda Bazaar, central India on Saturday
The father and the witch doctor hit the boy on the head before castrating him.
When the boy's 35-year-old mother Sunita returned from working in the fields, she found her son lying on the floor and began screaming as neighbours rushed to help.
Neighbours said the family had been complaining of evil spirits in the house for some time before consulting the local witch doctor.
Local inspector Ram Gopal Soni said: 'The accused Ram Gopal Patel and Rajesh Yadav sacrificed 13-year-old Rupesh Patel before he bled to death.
'They hit Rupesh hard on his head and then chopped off his genitals with an axe and left him lying on the floor in a pool of blood.
'The mother reached home and found Rupesh lying on the floor. She reported the incident and we arrested both men yesterday.
'The father has since confessed his crime but is in a state of shock and probably repenting for his acts.
He claimed Rajesh told him that in order to get rid of the evil spirits, he had to sacrifice his son, and all his problems would be solved once he sacrifices his son.
He claimed witch doctor Rajesh Yadav (pictured), 19, had told him to sacrifice the teenager
He added that strange things had been happening in the house for some time such as utensils buzzing and windows making noise.
The boy's father said he was desperate to get rid of the evil. The mother said her husband might have been possessed by evil spirits before he killed his own son.
Both men accused have been arrested for murder, conspiracy and covering up evidence and will remain in custody until their trial.
Witch doctors in India are rife in rural areas and among the illiterate communities.
India continues to see a rise in witch doctor crimes nationwide, mostly in remote tribal pockets.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 135 people were killed for practising witchcraft in 2015, the equivalent of one person every three days.
But few witnesses come forward, so many crimes go unreported.
A council paid 43,000 in compensation after a child got a splinter from sitting on a park bench.
Croydon Council made the big payout after the youngster got injured on a playground bench in one its parks in south London.
The child needed surgery after the incident and the local authority paid out the whopping sum.
Croydon Council made the big payout after the youngster got injured on a playground bench in one its parks in south London. File photo
The claim is one of 1,600 made against Croydon Council since 2014, and according figures obtained by the London Evening Standard, total 6million.
The largest payout in compensation was 181,000 to someone who tripped on a pavement which was damaged during council improvement works.
The local authority also dished out 81,000 to a man who jumped over gates of a car park because he thought they were locked - and broke his leg.
The list of compensation pay-outs was released under the Freedom of Information Act.
Legal fees for the council and claimant were included in the overall total for each case.
A spokeswoman for Croydon Council told the newspaper: 'Where appropriate the council will robustly defend claims against it.
'In this case (of the child's splinter) it was deemed by the court the claimant should receive damages of 2,760, and we abided by this decision.'
A Columbia PhD student has been killed by his boyfriend who shot him in the head after an argument.
Devon Wade, a promising 28-year-old student whose mentors said he would 'change the world', died after being shot at his home in Houston, Texas, on Sunday night.
His boyfriend Mario Jerrell Williams, 29, turned himself in to police shortly afterwards and admitted shooting him.
Williams is being held on $100,000 bond and is charged with first degree murder.
On Sunday night, he went to the home which Wade shared with twin brother but was asked to leave.
Devon Wade, 28, (left) died on Sunday after being shot in the head by 29-year-old Mario Jerrell Williams, 29, (right) who told police he was his boyfriend when he turned himself in for his killing
He says he returned a short time afterwards and began fighting with Wade, who he said punched him in the face and chased him downstairs.
Once downstairs, he shot him and then fled. When he turned himself in to police later, he said he was his boyfriend, Click 2 Houston reports.
Wade's twin brother, who was asleep upstairs, then found his brother lying on the ground bleeding.
He said he saw Williams fleeing the scene on security cameras installed around the home. It is not clear what the pair were arguing about or how long they had been together.
Wade was known locally for his community efforts and had already been praised for overcoming a difficult start in life to pursue academia.
The shooting happened at Wade's home in Houston, Texas, on Sunday night
Wade, 29, had already graduated from the Louisiana State University and had almost completed his PhD when he died. He was a well known member of the community who was passionate about charity and youth programs (seen right running a triathlon recently)
He was in the middle of a PhD in sociology at Columbia University in New York and had already graduated from Louisiana State University after being given a scholarship from a local law firm in Houston.
He had not long returned to Houston to complete his dissertation on the poverty and incarceration among the black community.
As news of his death spread on Tuesday, friends took to social media to eulogize him in disbelief.
'Great inspiration and a bright light now dimmed with sadness.
'To some he initially seemed destined for failure, however beat all odds and made outstanding accomplishments,' said one friend.
Devon's twin brother Stevon (right) was at the home on Sunday night when he died. He said he woke up to the sound if gunshots and then found his brother on the floor downstairs bleeding
'Statistically, Devon wasnt expected to graduate high school. Devons parents were incarcerated [but] he overcame his unfortunate circumstances, graduated with Honors from LSU with a degree in Criminology, and was completing a PhD program at Columbia University.
'Devon dedicated his life to serving and encouraging others.
'He was committed to making society and the justice system better,' said another friend.
Devon and his brother were raised by his grandparents in Houston.
Columbia University said it will award him his doctorate posthumously.
A New York grandmother was stabbed and killed during a random attack in broad daylight while on her way home.
Geetha Howie, 63, was leaving a bank at around 2.15pm on Monday in Staten Island when she was attacked about two blocks away from her home.
She was stabbed more than a dozen times in the face and chest.
The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Dantey Moore, then stabbed neighbor Mark Long, 56, in the arm as he ran to help after he heard screaming.
By the time police and paramedics arrived at the scene, Moore had dropped his knife and was cradling the victim in his arms, investigators said.
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Grandmother Geetha Howie, 63 (pictured), was leaving a bank around 2.15pm on Monday in Staten Island, New York, when she was attacked about two blocks away from her home
The suspect, Dantey Moore, 27 (pictured), stabbed Howie more than a dozen times in the face and chest. He's been arrested and faces charges of murder, criminal possession of a weapon and four counts of assault, police said
Howie's screams drew 56-year-old neighbor Mark Long, who didn't know Howie, out of his house. He confronted Moore in an attempt to get him to drop the knife (Pictured, Howie's home)
Relatives believe the stabbing may have started as a robbery that went wrong.
Howie's screams drew Mark Long, who didn't know Howie, out of his house.
'His hand was holding a knife and that's when I realized he's stabbing and I said: "Hey, stop!"' Long told the New York Daily News.
'The guy stood up, he lunged at me, swung his knife out. He scored me in the arm.'
Long and the attacker backed up and faced each other. The father-of-one said he focused on trying to get Moore to drop his knife.
'All I could think about is keeping his attention away from the woman. I just kept asking him: "What's going on? What are you doing? Why are you hurting her?"' Long said.
'He didn't really say anything to me at first and finally he said: "She cheated, she cheated with everyone" and I didn't really know what that meant.'
That's when Moore dropped his knife and fell to the ground, and began to cradle Howie.
Paramedics took Howie to Richmond University Medical Center, where she died about an hour later.
Moore slashed Long (pictured) in the arm, causing a laceration. Long was finally able to talk Moore down and get him to drop the knife
By the time police arrived at the scene, Moore had dropped his knife and was cradling Howie (pictured) in his arms, investigators said. She died at Richmond University Medical Center an hour later
Howie's son-in-law, Daniel Fazzina, said she had been at the bank to withdraw money to travel to Sri Lanka for a relatives wedding, and believes the attack may have been a robbery gone wrong (Pictured, crime scene)
Her son-in-law, Daniel Fazzina, said she had been at the bank to withdraw money to travel to Sri Lanka for a relatives wedding, and that she was very loved.
'She loved her family. We have a three-year-old daughter, her granddaughter, who she absolutely loved,' Fazzina told CBS 2. 'They were inseparable. This is a senseless tragedy.'
Fazzina added that he later visited Long to thank him for his help.
Moore, who didn't know Howie, was arrested, and faces charges of murder, criminal possession of a weapon and four counts of assault, police said.
His motive remains unclear, but sources say they are investigating attempted robbery, and if he was on drugs.
One of Moore's two sisters, Cynthia Toye, 23, told the Daily News that her brother suffered from bouts of rage and that he had been hospitalized for abusing the drug angel dust (Pictured, crime scene)
Moore's motive remains unclear, but sources say they are investigating attempted robbery, and if he was on drug (Pictured, crime scene)
Prior to this incident, Moore had 34 arrests since 2007 for a wide range of alleged offenses including burglary, robbery, assault, criminal possession of drugs, criminal mischief and resisting arrest (Pictured, crime scene)
One of his two sisters, Cynthia Toye, 23, told the Daily News that her brother suffered from bouts of rage and that he had been hospitalized for abusing the drug angel dust
'His anger was just building, building,' she said, adding that recently hed been fighting with his girlfriend.
Prior to this incident, Moore had 34 arrests since 2007 for a wide range of alleged offenses including burglary, robbery, assault, criminal possession of drugs, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.
A retired NYPD detective who lived next door to Howie told News 4 that Moore is a known nuisance and drug user in the neighborhood, and has broken into cars to try and get money.
A Somali refugee who raped two Utah women when he was 14, has been spared adult prison - despite pleas from one of his victims.
Mohammed Ali Mohammed, 20, has spent almost six years at a Salt Lake Valley juvenile detention center after pleading guilty rape, sexual assault and kidnapping charges in 2012, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.
He was due to age out of the juvenile system when he turns 21 next month, leaving Judge Vernice Trease with a choice; sentence him to serve time in an adult prison for his crimes, or release him on five year's probation. She chose the latter.
The sentence comes as a bitter blow to his victims and prosecutors who sought to keep him behind bars.
Mohammed Ali Mohammed, 20, has spent almost six years at the Salt Lake Valley Detention Center (pictured) after pleading guilty rape, sexual assault and kidnapping charges in 2012
One woman, who was attacked and raped in her own Salt Lake City home by Mohammed, who then forced her at knife point to take money out at the ATM, said she is 'terrified' at the thought her rapist will be free to walk the streets where she lives.
Breaking down in tears in court, she told the judge: 'He did adult crimes and should have an adult sentence to match what he did.'
She says she still lives with the flashbacks and fear from that day and had asked for the strictest sentence for Mohammed.
His other victim, who he grabbed outside her home and raped her with a four-inch switchblade to her throat, was not in court but prosecutors said her life had fallen apart shortly after the assault.
Then a promising college student in 2011, prosecutor Coral Sanchez-Rose said she fell into drug use and got in trouble with the law after the assault.
'We just lost track of her,' Sanchez-Rose said. 'I don't know if she's homeless, I don't know where she's staying at; we're unable to contact her. Clearly, this has had a great impact in her life.'
But in 2012, when he was sentenced to juvenile detention, she told the court he was 'getting away with less than he deserves.'
'I want him in prison. ... I want to have him feel what I felt.'
His mother, Zahra Mohammed, (pictured in 2012 ) refused to believe the crimes he'd pleaded guilty to and even blamed his victims, saying her son was set up or taken advantage of by older women
Mohammed moved to the US in 2010 with his family. Less than 12 months later he committed the first heinous rape.
On August 14, 2011, then then-14-year-old came up behind a woman, who was outside her home with her dog and put a knife to her throat, threatening it to cut it if she screamed. He then raped her behind her own house.
The next night, he broke into a second woman's home, and went through her belongings before raping her, court documents show. He then forced her to go to an ATM and withdraw $400 which he later told prosecutors was for him to buy new clothes for the first day of ninth grade school.
It was the ATM camera that allowed police to track down and arrest the teen.
But on Monday, the Salt Lake City court heard how Mohammed had turned his life around during the past six years and was now repentant for his crimes.
'I was a monster,' he told Judge Trease, adding he did 'very, very horrible things' six years ago.
'There is nothing that I could say or do that could restore what I did to them,' he said. 'The only way I can show them I've changed is how I live my life.'
Volunteers at Wasatch Youth Center also claimed he'd changed, and was a kind person and a leader to his unit.
The court also heard about Mohammed's troubled childhood, where he was born in a 'lawless' Somali refugee camp in Yemen (file image of the refugee camp in Yemen in 2006)
While in the camp, his brother was murdered before his eyes, his defense attorney Andrea Martinez-Griffin said (file image of the Somali refugee camp in Yemen)
The court also heard about Mohammed's troubled childhood.
Born in a 'lawless' Somali refugee camp in Yemen, his brother was murdered before his eyes, his defense attorney Andrea Martinez-Griffin said.
He also witnessed his mother's friend get raped and was himself, sexually abused, he added.
His mother, Zahra Mohammed, told the Salt Lake Tribune in 2012 she refused to believe the crimes he'd pleaded guilty to and even blamed his victims, saying her son was set up or taken advantage of by older women.
She claimed he'd pleaded guilty because he believed it would be easier for him in the long run.
On Monday, he was sentenced to five years of strict probation which includes wearing an ankle monitor bracelet, weekly check-ins with the court and his probation office, and more.
And he puts a toe out of line, he'll be back in court and off to jail to serve a lengthy sentence.
'I won't let you down,' Mohammed replied.
A furious wife has dumped her husband after spotting the view from her bedroom window among the Instagram pictures of another woman.
Yulia Agranovych, from Russia, discovered the familiar sight among images uploaded to the social media app by Vlada Abramovich.
When she began going through Vlada's other pictures she also discovered images of her husband, Nazar Grynko, and decided to confront him.
Yulia Agranovych (left), from St Petersburg, is divorcing husband Nazar Grynko after discovering he was having an affair with Vlada Abramovich
Yulia discovered the infidelity after spotting this image, taken from her bedroom window, on the Instagram account of Abramovich
'I wasn't searching for anything, it was a normal morning,' said Yulia, from St Petersburg, who worked as a model before qualifying as an orthodontist and children's dentist.
'Like any other person in the 21st century I began my day browsing through my Instagram timeline, and suddenly I saw this photograph.
'It turned out that this woman and I have a large number of the same subscribers.
'Having visited her account, I found many other interesting photographs, including those of my husband.'
The distressed wife, in her late 20s, immediately challenged both her husband and the woman.
'Beautiful view from my husband's bedroom,' she posted to Vlada.
Grynko denied the affair but Yulia discovered that Abramovich (right) had been bragging about it elsewhere on social media
Yulia says she will now been divorcing her unfaithful husband, saying she is glad she found out about his cheating ways before the pair started a family
At first her husband denied anything was going on, telling her that when she was away he invited some friends over for a drink before they went to the cinema.
Vlada was not his mistress but the girlfriend of his friend, he claimed.
'When the guests came, they would have headed to the kitchen to drink tea - not to the bedroom,' she told him.
Vlada closed her account after being confronted by the angry wife but later openly admitted on another social media to sleeping with Yulia's husband.
Asked if she had qualms about having sex with a married man she was unapologetic saying: 'She is his wife, not mine, what's the problem?
'Is he just a vegetable without free will? Don't make me laugh.'
She said her critics were 'living in the 18th century', adding: 'If I want to have sex, I'll have it.'
Yulia's husband later acknowledged having had several lovers when they were apart but claimed 'he was never mentally unfaithful to me - and told every girl he was married', she said.
'I loved this phrase about being mentally faithful.'
Having uncovered multiple other women, Yulia began contacting them.
Yulia is now encouraging other women to ditch their unfaithful husbands after talking to a Russian TV network about her experience
In the course of her investigation, Yulia said she uncovered multiple other women who Grynko had slept with, including several who did not know he was married
'The other girls were much more pleasant, one even crying on the phone to me, saying she had no idea he was married. So he was successful in his sorcery, ' she said.
Yulia eventually took her discoveries to Russian news station Ren-TV, which led to other women saying they have suffered the same way.
'Many women supported me, posting that they were proud of my bravery, that I openly discussed it with irony and sarcasm, so now they are ready to get rid of their unfaithful men too.'
She said that for her 'it will be divorce'.
'I hope to do it quickly...such people never change. If he finds a woman who is ready to be with him, and to accept it, let them be happy together.
'I'm so glad I got to know about it now and not when I became pregnant, for example, because we were planning to have a family.
'Or when I was 40 and we have three kids.'
She posted: 'Thank you, Vlada Abramovich - you are an experienced woman who taught me a good lesson.'
Her husband has not so far responded to requests to comment on Yulia's claims.
The late Labour MP Jo Cox has had a street named after her in a town in central France in honour of her work.
The town of Avallon in the Burgundy region asked the permission of Cox's family earlier this year before unveiling 'rue Jo Cox' in a working-class area that has been redeveloped by the council.
The 41-year-old MP and mother-of-two was murdered by a far-Right activist in the run up to the Brexit referendum in 2016 for her pro-EU beliefs.
In memoriam: The street sign for Rue Jo Cox, named in honour of the murdered British MP, reads: 'murdered for her convictions'
Deputy mayor Gerard Delorme said that Cox's views in defence of the European Union - 'which weren't always appreciated by her compatriots' - had played a role in the town's choice.
'We needed to find a name for the street. We wanted it to be a woman and she stood for values which we share as well,' the deputy mayor said.
Cox's name was proposed along with several others but quickly won unanimous backing on the council, which is headed by mayor Jean-Yves Caullet, a member of President Emmanuel Macron's Republic on the Move (LREM) party.
Announced with little fanfare in May and largely unnoticed until a photo began circulating on social media.
The street name is inscribed on a typical dark blue sign which explains that Cox was a British MP 'murdered for her convictions'.
Inspirational: The 41-year-old MP and mother-of-two was murdered by a far-Right activist in the run up to the Brexit referendum in 2016 for her pro-EU beliefs
Honoured: The town of Avallon in the Burgundy region asked the permission of the late Labour MP's family earlier this year, before unveiling 'rue Jo Cox'
France's streets are used to honour deceased personalities and important figures, mostly men from French history but with a few notable exceptions.
Paris hosts an Avenue Winston Churchill in tribute to the British war-time leader and there are numerous streets countrywide named after famed English scientist Isaac Newton.
In December last year, eurosceptic councillors in the town of Beaucaire in southern France voted to name a street after Britain's decision to leave the 28-member bloc.
Critics mocked the decision afterwards, noting that 'Rue de Brexit' was a dead-end.
The US has slammed what it described as an unsafe intercept on one of its next-generation planes after a Russian fighter jet came within a mere 15 metres of it.
The Pentagon reported one of its Boeing P-8 Poseidon patrol aircraft was flying low above the Black Sea on Saturday.
The American plane has been described as a next-generation long-range maritime patrol aircraft, and it's understood it was in the area on an evidence gathering mission on Vladimir Putin's new submarines.
The Pentagon reported one of its Boeing P-8 Poseidon (pictured) patrol aircraft was flying low above the Black Sea on Saturday
The US has slammed what it described as an unsafe intercept on one of its next-generation planes after a Russian Su-30 fighter jet came within a mere 15m of it
Lieutenant Colonel Michelle Baldanza, a spokeswoman for the Pentagon described the Russian jet's maneuver as unsafe and she told the Defence Blog it came as close as 50 feet from the US aircraft in international airspace.
The plane is designed to improve anti-submarine warfare and it also has anti-surface missile capabilities.
It is described as an anti-submarine warfare, anti-shipping, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft and was intercepted by a Russian Su-30 fighter jet.
It is not clear what it was doing over the Black Sea, but experts believe it might have been on an intelligence-gathering mission to gather intelligence on the new Russian Varshavyanka submarines.
The new subs - called Project 636.3 - is an improved version of the country's Kilo-class vessels.
Commissioned in late December 2014, the submarine is deemed to be one of the quietest in the world.
The stealth submarine is so advanced it is dubbed the 'black hole' because it is so hard to detect.
It has the capability to strike land, surface and underwater targets and Vladimir Putin has already constructed six of them.
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A U.S. destroyer that was significantly damaged in a fatal collision with a merchant vessel off the coast of Japan this summer has suffered a further blow.
After the initial accident, the USS Fitzgerald, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, was taken to its home port in Yokosuka, Japan to be patched up so that it could be hauled to Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi for extensive repairs.
Those repairs were recently completed and the plan was to load the Fitzgerald onto a heavy lift vessel that would transport it to Mississippi.
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The USS Fitzgerald suffered two more punctures to its hull on Sunday as it was being loaded onto the heavy lift vessel Transshelf (the Fitzgerald pictured on the Transshelf on Monday)
The Fitzgerald was taken back to Yokosuka after the incident so that it could undergo more temporary repairs. After those are done, Transshelf will take the Fitzgerald to Mississippi for extensive repairs
A U.S. destroyer was significantly damaged in a fatal collision with a merchant vessel off the coast of Japan this summer. Above, the USS Fitzgerald in port at Yokosuka, Japan on July 11, about a month after the first incident
Seven sailors died and three others were injured when the Fitzgerald was struck by a merchant vessel off the coast of Japan on June 17 (above the damage seen on June 18)
The 8,315-ton ship was towed out to deep water on Friday to start the loading process, which typically takes several days.
The loading process involved the heavy-lift vessel Transshelf partially submerging its hull so that its cargo rests above it. The hull is then slowly raised so that its cargo is no longer sitting in water.
But during the process on Sunday, the Transshelf's steel support structure punctured two holes in Fitzgerald's hull.
That damage meant Fitzgerald needed to be taken back to Yokosuka for yet even more temporary repairs.
Those repairs are only expected to delay its journey back to the U.S. by a few days, but it's another embarrassing blow to the U.S. Navy, which has suffered multiple expensive and deadly mishaps this year.
The Fitzgerald accident was the first of two collisions involving U.S. Navy destroyers in Asian waters this summer.
It happened on June 17, when the Philippine-flagged ACX Crystal plowed into the starboard side of the Fitzgerald near Japan's Izu Peninsula, resulting in the death of seven sailors.
A combination photo of the dead sailors identified by the U.S. Navy in the collision incident between U.S. Navy destroyer USS Fitzgerald and Philippine-flagged merchant vessel south of Tokyo Bay on June 17, 2017. Top row (L-R) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Carlos Victor Ganzon Sibayan, 23, from Chula Vista, CA; Gunner's Mate Seaman Dakota Kyle Rigsby, 19, from Palmyra, VA; Sonar Technician 3rd Class Ngoc T Truong Huynh, 25, from Oakville, CT; and Yeoman 3rd Class Shingo Alexander Douglass, 25, from San Diego, CA. Bottom row (L-R) Fire Controlman 1st Class Gary Leo Rehm Jr., from Elyria, OH; Personnel Specialist 1st Class Xavier Alec Martin, 24, from Halethorpe, MD; and Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, 26, from Weslaco, TX.
The collision between the Fitzgerald and the Philippine vessel happened early in the morning on June 17
The collision happened off the coast of Japan's Izu Penninsula, as seen in the map above
Seen above is the minimal damage sustained by the ACX Crystal in the collision with the Fitzgerald
The Fitzgerald is seen the morning of November 24, as it was being tugged out to deep water to be loaded onto the Transshelf
The Fitzgerald is seen being loaded onto Transshelf in deep waters on November 24
Just two moths later, a similar incident happened off Singapore, and 10 sailors on the USS John McCain were killed.
In the wake of the two accidents, the commanders of both ships were fired, in addition to other high-ranking officers blamed for the mishaps.
As of Monday, the John McCain was on a heavy lift vessel of its own, on its way from the Philippines to Yokosuka to undergo repairs.
USNI reports that the Navy is set to pay $367million to fix the damage to the Fitzgerald.
The Navy's initial report on the two collisions said that crew on long deployments in Asia were not getting the training they needed because of demands on the ship.
The world-famous paleontologist who died unexpectedly in September had a social history of cigarette smoking, using vapor pens, social drinking and marijuana use, DailyMail.com can reveal.
Although friends said at the time of his death that he had no bad habits, an autopsy revealed Mike Getty died of a heart attack and listed those as contributing factors.
Outwardly fit and healthy, Getty was working on a dinosaur dig in Thornton, Colorado, on September 11 when he complained of feeling unwell and collapsed unexpectedly.
The 50-year-old was rushed to nearby Westminster Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at around 3pm the same day.
In the wake of his death, a number of bizarre explanations were put forward, including that he succumbed to an ancient virus hidden in the fossils he was working on.
But the autopsy report, exclusively obtained by DailyMail.com, shows that the real cause of Getty's early death was an 'acute myocardial infarction' or heart attack.
World-renowned paleontologist Mike Getty (pictured) died suddenly while working in an excavation site after he had complained about feeling ill on September 11
Getty's autopsy has revealed he died of a heart attack. His sudden death prompted a slew of bizarre theories including one suggestion that he succumbed to an ancient virus hidden in the fossils he was working on
According to the document, which was put together by the Adams County Coroner, the heart attack occurred due to underlying coronary artery disease.
Typical symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain, although for many, the first indication that the disease is present comes when the patient suffers a heart attack in Getty's case, fatally.
Along with hypertension, the report notes that Getty had a 'social history' of 'cigarette smoking, use of vapor pens, social drinking, and marijuana use' which also contributed to his death.
He was also found to have sustained cracked ribs while being given CPR, as medics battled to save his life.
Getty, who was the chief fossil preparator at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science at the time of his death, was born in Canada but spent most of his adult life in Arizona and Utah.
While still living in Canada, he worked for the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller, Alberta, and led expeditions into the Dinosaur Provincial Park where he helped uncover the remains of huge herds of Centrosaur dinosaurs a member of the horned Triceratops family.
Later, he moved to US to take up a position at the Natural History Museum of Utah where he spent 13 years running the fossil lab and had an entire species of dinosaur named after him the Utahceratops gettyi.
Getty was the chief preparator at Denver Museum of Nature and Science at the time of his death and previously spent spent 13 years running the fossil lab and had an entire species of dinosaur named after him the Utahceratops gettyi
The Utahcertops: Getty discovered this specimen during a dig at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in 2010. It was believed to measure up to 25ft long
The herbivorous animals, whose name means 'horned face from Utah', occupied the southern part of the state during the Late Cretaceous Period, roughly 76.4 to 75.5 million years ago.
Utahceratops, which are a relation of the more famous Triceratops, had skulls that measured up to 7ft in length and, in total, were up to 25ft long.
Getty discovered the holotype or initial specimen during a dig at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in 2010.
The discovery was his second major find, having unearthed a new species of oviraptorosaur a parrot-beaked omnivorous dinosaur in the same area in 2002.
Named the Hagryphus giganteus, the feathered beast lived in Utah during the Late Cretaceous Period, walked on two legs and could weigh up to 110lb.
In 2013, Getty took up a new position at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where he was still working at the time of his death.
On the day of his demise, he was overseeing a dig in the Denver suburb of Thornton; located on a building site where the remains of a triceratops dinosaur were uncovered late last August.
This is the excavation site in Thornton, Colorado, where Getty died during a dinosaur dig
Discoveries so far include most of the skull, as well as a rib, shoulder blade and vertebrae. A tooth, thought to be from a scavenging Tyrannosaurus Rex, has also been found.
According to close friend Lisa Holowinski, 37, who was at the hospital when Getty passed away, the paleontologist had complained of feeling unwell at around 2.30pm that day.
Colleagues initially thought that the 50-year-old was suffering from heat exhaustion but 15 minutes later, he collapsed and was pronounced dead at 3pm just 30 minutes after first becoming ill.
'He basically just stopped in his tracks,' Holowinski told DailyMail.com in September. 'His co-worker who is a lab assistant [and who was also at the hospital], she just said during the dig on Monday, Mike had come up to her and said he wasn't feeling well.
'So she said 'why don't you go sit in the truck, turn on the engine and turn on the air conditioning and you'll be better off'.
'She thought maybe it was getting too hot outside and he was suffering from heat exhaustion. She turned around and Mike had sat down on the cooler but then shortly after, he slumped over and he was unconscious.
'By the time the EMT arrived, he had no pulse and so he went very, very quickly. He said he wasn't feeling well and the next thing you know, he was dead.'
Retired mechanical engineer Bob Buck, 71, was volunteering at the dig on the day and said Getty had been lifting heavy equipment shortly before he collapsed but noted that was not unusual.
Getty's close friend Lisa Holowinski (right) 37, was at the hospital when Getty passed away. She initially believed he was suffering from heat exhaustion
Friends described the fossil hunter as a man with a 'quirky'personality' and as an energetic excavator also traversed the world doing what he loved
Fellow paleontologists were also quick to shut down some of the more outlandish theories put forward in the wake of his death, such as Getty being exposed to ancient bacteria present at the site
He added: 'Maybe he didn't know anything until the last moment. It was just one of those things I guess.
'He had just finished helping lifting some heavy things which Mike always does and he just sat down and said he didn't feel very good. The only good thing is Mike died doing what he loved.'
Fellow paleontologists were also quick to rubbish some of the more outlandish theories put forward in the wake of his death; claims now borne out by the autopsy report.
Discussing that Getty could have died as a result of being exposed to ancient bacteria present at the site, fossil preparator Hillary McLean, 26, said:
'There is no bacteria out there that would be able to last that long, that would still be viable.'
A construction accident was ruled out immediately after Getty died by his final employer, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
On the autopsy report, the paleontologist's death was officially recorded as being the result of natural causes.
The Museum is now hoping to construct an art wall in Getty's memory which will be housed inside the Volunteer Engagement Center in downtown Denver.
To be named the Volunteer Inspiration Art Wall, the installation will eventually include 205 unique images of fossils and other artifacts, along with an inscription honoring the late paleontologist.
An Italian man imprisoned a Romanian woman in a sex dungeon for a decade where she was tortured, raped, and forced to give birth to two of his children, police say.
Aloisio Francesco Rosario Giordano, 52, was arrested at the weekend and accused of kidnapping the 29-year-old woman before carrying out a sick campaign of abuse.
Incredibly it is not the first time Giordano has been accused of such crimes, as he was jailed in 1995 for kidnapping, raping and torturing another woman.
Aloisio Francesco Rosario Giordano, 52, was arrested in southern Italy at the weekend after discovering a dungeon where police say he kept a 29-year-old Romanian woman prisoner
Officers discovered the squalid basement after Giordano was stopped for a traffic violation before they noticed the disheveled condition of his son and demanded to see the boy's mother
On that occasion he was locked up for just five years before being released early in 1999 for good behaviour.
After regaining his freedom returned home to care for his terminally ill wife and two children, recruiting the help of a then-19-year-old Romanian who would become his second victim.
When his wife passed away police say Giordano offered the carer support and a place to stay - before locking her in a basement under a shed.
Giordano was jailed in 1995 for kidnap, torture and rape but was released in 1999 on good behaviour
There she spent the next 10 years chained to a metal bar in a filthy, rat and insect-infested room without running water or electricity.
All the while she was beaten, tortured, and repeatedly raped, she said.
During that time she gave birth to two children by Giordano, a boy now aged nine and a girl now aged three.
The children were forced to watch as Giordano abused their mother, police said, with the young boy made to participate in torturing her - or face a beating himself.
Police footage of the place where the woman was held show a dark and filthy basemen made of corrugated iron, wood and cardboard boxes.
The toilet is a plastic bucket placed underneath a wooden chair. The woman, together with her two children, had to sleep on beds made of cardboard.
Next to the bed is a metal bar that the woman was constantly chained to.
The police found wounds all over here body, including to her breasts and crotch, many of which were treated by Giordano himself.
Officers said he attempted to close some of the deeper wounds with fishing wire.
Video from inside the basement where the woman was kept show it has no running water or electricity and was covered with filth. The toilet was little more than a bucket in the corner
Police say the woman was forced to give birth to two children, a boy now aged eight and a girl now aged three, during her time in this basement
All of this took place in the tiny village of Gizzeria, in southern Italy, but went entirely unnoticed until police discovered the house of horrors by accident.
Police picked Giordano up during a routine traffic stop because of the bad condition of his vehicle, when they noticed the nine-year-old boy in his back seat.
The disheveled appearance of the boy, who was described as dirty and malnourished, raised their suspicions and they demanded to see Giordano's home and speak with the boy's mother.
When they arrived they discovered the woman, who was also filthy, holding a second malnourished child and decided to investigate.
It was only then that they discovered the conditions she had been kept in.
Footage also shows a bin in one corner where it appears the woman's food was kept which is covered with flies
One officer can be seen lifting a rotting package of cheese from the container which has a long-expired date on the back
The woman declared to the police she hadn't had any contact with the outside world and that she hasnt washed herself for a year.
She has subsequently been taken to a secret location along with her children, and is not being named for her protection.
Giordano was arrested on charges of aggravated sexual abuse and mistreatment.
In 1995 Giordano was arrested in a shockingly similar case when he kidnapped, tortured and repeatedly raped 23-year-old Maria Rosa.
According to newspaper articles from the time he held Maria hostage in similar conditions, and also made her pregnant twice.
But on that occasion he decided to abort the children himself - the first by kicking her in the stomach and the second time using rudimentary scalpel and a spoon.
After the arrest in 1995, the police found the scalpel used in the second abortion and a wooden stick with which he apparently sodomized Maria.
When an officer pries at the ceiling with a crowbar a large section crumbles away. Police said the basement was filled with insects and rats
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Meghan Markle has finally found her Prince Charming - but it has come at a huge cost, with the American actress forced to give up on many of her passions.
Prince Harry's fiancee had to make the heartbreaking decision to leave behind her dog Bogart after moving to the UK to start her new life, as the pet is thought to be too old to fly overseas.
The 36-year-old has also given up on her career as an actress so she can take up full royal commitments in Britain, bringing an end to her run as Rachel Zane in the hit series Suits, the show which brought her to prominence.
While set in New York, Suits was filmed in Toronto and it is believed Miss Markle was finding it hard to juggle her relationship with Harry and her demanding schedule on the show.
Kensington Palace confirmed that Miss Markle's new role would also force her to give up her charity work with the United Nations, plus her role as patron at organisations including World Vision Canada and One Young World.
She has already moved out of her two-bedroom home in Toronto according to reports, as she prepares to settle down with Prince Harry in his Nottingham Cottage, within the grounds of Kensington Palace.
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Meghan Markle is separating from one of her beloved rescue dogs after Kensington Palace confirmed Labrador-shepherd cross Bogart, pictured top, would not be coming to the UK
It was revealed that Miss Markle (right) will have to become a British citizen when she marries Prince Harry (left), meaning she will lose her status as simply a US national
Kensington Palace confirmed that Miss Markle's new role would also force her to give up her charity work with the United Nations, plus her role as patron at organisations including World Vision Canada (pictured) and One Young World
Miss Markle has already moved out of her two-bedroom home (centre) in Toronto according to reports, as she prepares to settle down with Prince Harry in his Nottingham Cottage, within the grounds of Kensington Palace
A spokesman said Miss Markle remains fond of both dogs and the decision was 'complex'
It comes after it was revealed that Miss Markle will have to become a British citizen when she marries Prince Harry, meaning she will lose her status as simply a US national.
She will go through the lengthy application process just like a normal citizen, despite plans to marry Harry, 33, in May at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Royal Sources are keen for the application process to be done 'properly and officially', meaning that she will not be able to cut corners.
Harry's communication's secretary Jason Knauf said Ms Markle, who has relocated to London from her home in Toronto, would be 'compliant with immigration requirements at all times'.
He added: 'I can also say she intends to become a UK citizen and will go through the process of that, which some of you may know takes a number of years.
'She will retain her US citizenship through that process.'
Mr Knauf would not comment on whether Ms Markle would retain her US citizenship and become a dual national in the future.
Since 2014, the American actress has helped put a global spotlight on the need for equality between women and men as an 'Advocate for Political Participation and Leadership' for the women's agency of the United Nations.
In her role for UN Women, Markle spent time at the World Bank and with the team of then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton learning more about the issue.
She also visited Rwanda, which has the highest percentage of women in parliament and where she also met with female refugees.
The 36-year-old has also given up on her career as an actress so she can take up full royal commitments in Britain, bringing an end to her run as Rachel Zane in the hit series Suits, the show which brought her to prominence
Since 2014, the American actress has helped put a global spotlight on the need for equality between women and men as an 'Advocate for Political Participation and Leadership' for the women's agency of the United Nations
The pair inspect Meghan's engagement ring, which includes a large diamond from Botswana, where they had one of their first dates together camping out under the stars
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding will take place at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in May because it is a place 'close to the couple's hearts', as is their charity work (right)
While set in New York, Suits was filmed in Toronto and it is believed Miss Markle was finding it hard to juggle her relationship with Harry and her demanding schedule on the show
The American actress has two rescue dogs - a beagle, Guy, and a Labrador-shepherd cross, Bogart - who she would keep in touch with via FaceTime during her long stints away.
Kensington Palace confirmed Guy has come to the UK and has legal permission to stay here, but Bogart has been left behind.
It has prompted speculation from fans on social media that Bogart may have been left behind because he is 'too big or too old' to fly to the UK.
Many animal lovers have expressed their sadness online at the pet being separated from Miss Markle.
The Prince's communication secretary Jason Knauf said: 'Bogart is now living with friends.'
The Palace refused to speculate as to why Bogart was not brought to the UK and added the decision 'would have lots of complexity to it' while confirming Miss Markle remains 'fond of her dogs'.
To be able to come to the UK, Guy had to be subjected to several vaccinations and bloodtests, as well as being microchipped.
It is understood he is 'living very happily' at Kensington Palace with the couple.
Speaking yesterday in the couple's first interview following their engagement, Miss Markle told told the BBC's Mishal Husain: 'I have two dogs that I've had for quite a long time, both my rescue pups.
'And one is now staying with very close friends and my other little guy is, yes he's in the UK, he's been here for a while. I think he's doing just fine.'
The palace confirmed Bogart would be staying in Canada 'with friends' of Miss Markle while beagle Guy, bottom, would come to stay with the newly-engaged couple
The decision to leave Bogart at home has prompted an outcry of sadness on social media with some speculating whether he is too old or big to travel
Miss Markle has frequently featured her dogs on social media over the years, pictured
She even dressed up Guy the beagle in a Union Jack dog jumper after she started dating the Prince
Miss Markle is a keen advocate of adopting dogs and has been vocal on social media about the issue
Ms Markle has said the pair 'mean the absolute world' to her and she refers to them as 'my loves' and 'my boys'.
Guy and Bogart have regularly featured on her Instagram account, with Guy even appearing in a patriotic knitted union flag jumper.
It was American comedian and chat show host Ellen DeGeneres who convinced Ms Markle to adopt Bogart, her first pet, after she bumped into her in a shelter.
'She turns around and comes and taps on the window glass and she yells 'take the dog!' And so I brought him home. Because Ellen told me to,' she said.
Meanwhile Prince Harry has revealed the Queen's corgi and dorgis took to his fiancee 'straight away'.
The prince revealed the dog loving Suits star had charmed his grandmother's pets far easier than even he had ever managed.
In their first interview since announcing their engagement, Harry said: 'And the corgis took to you straight away.'
'I've spent the last 33 years being barked at; this one walks in, absolutely nothing ...'
Describing the moment, Ms Markle, who has two rescue dogs, a beagle named Guy and a labrador-shepherd mix called Bogart, said: 'Just laying on my feet during tea, it was very sweet.'
And Prince Harry added: '... just wagging tails and I was just like argh.'
The couple are to marry in May at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Kensington Palace has announced.
The American actress, who will become a senior HRH on marrying into the royals, also intends to become a British citizen.
As the couple make preparations for their big day, Ms Markle, a protestant who went to a catholic high school, will be both baptised and confirmed, ready for the religious ceremony.
The royal family will pay for the wedding, including the church service, the music, the flowers and the reception, the palace said.
A speeding driver has been jailed for killing his girlfriend when he crashed and flipped his car at 110mph.
Nick Tay, 25, was speeding down a dual-carriageway in south west London at more than double the limit when he veered across two lanes, hit the central reservation and flew off towards a verge.
The crash, which happened on the A3 near Tolworth, killed his 24-year-old girlfriend Maria Jimenez Montero.
Shocking video shows the moment the car skidded out of control on the two-lane road and slams into crash barrier.
CCTV footage shows the moment a young driver skidded off the A3, killing his girlfriend
Maria was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from the Peugeot 206 when Tay crashed it in the early hours of March 22.
Witnesses told police that the Peugeot had driven past them at high speed before the collision.
Tay, from Guildford, Surrey, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by driving an uninsured vehicle.
Nick Tay was jailed for five years for causing death by dangerous driving
He was jailed for five years and disqualified from driving for four and a half years.
He will need to take an extended re-test at Kingston Crown Court on Monday.
Sergeant Eddie Ryan from Surrey Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: 'This was a tragic collision that has left a family without their daughter and was an incident that was entirely preventable.
'Nick Tay chose to drive at a catastrophically dangerous speed that was more than twice the limit for that area of the road.
'Evidence gathered by officers also show that sadly Ms Montero wasn't wearing a seatbelt which is likely to have led to her being thrown from the vehicle as it rolled.
'The driver was wearing his seatbelt and was able to crawl out of the car with only a scratch.
'Speed limits are exactly that, limits. They are not a target to overcome and the measures in place on roads are there for a reason - to keep motorists and those around them safe.'
Russia is launching an investigation into whether Tsar Nicholas II and his family were killed by Jews as part of a 'ritual murder' in a move that has infuriated anti-Semitism campaigners.
Father Tikhon Shevkunov, the Orthodox bishop heading an investigatory panel, is among hardcore members of the church who claim the final Russian emperor was murdered in a Jewish ritual.
Tsar Nicholas was shot with his wife and five children by Communist Bolsheviks in 1918 after Vladimir Lenin came to power, and wild rumours about the circumstances surrounding his death have circulated ever since.
Russia is launching an investigation into whether Tsar Nicholas II and his family (pictured) were killed by Jews in a 'ritual murder'
The country's final emperor was shot with his wife and five children by Communist revolutionaries in 1918 after Vladimir Lenin came to power. Pictured: Romanov family in Tobolsk
Boruch Gorin, a spokesman for the Federation of Jewish Communities, Russia's largest Jewish group, expressed a strong concern about the claims, which he described as a 'throwback to the darkest ages'.
Some Christians in medieval Europe believed Jews murdered Christians to use their blood for ritual purposes, something which historians say has no basis in Jewish religious law or historical fact.
The tsar and his family were executed by a Bolshevik firing squad on July 17, 1918, in a basement room of a merchant's house where they were held in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg. The Russian Orthodox Church made them saints in 2000.
Conspiracy theories blaming the Jews for spearheading the Bolshevik revolution were popular among the post-revolution Russian emigres and the Russian Orthodox Church abroad, and were later picked up by some hard-line nationalists.
Mr Gorin said his group was shocked and angered by the statements from both the bishop and the Investigative Committee, which he said sounded like a revival of the century-old 'anti-Semitic myth' about the killing of the imperial family.
Discussing the Tsar's murder, Father Shevkunov claimed the 'Bolsheviks and their allies engaged in the most unexpected and diverse ritual symbolism'.
This is the room where the tsar was shot. Nicholas and his family were canonised as passion bearers, a title commemorating believers who face death in a Christ-like manner, by the Russian Orthodox Church in 2000
How claims of 'ritual murder' are just the latest slur against Jews in Russia Jews in Russia have long struggled against anti-Semitism both before, during and after the days of the Soviet Union. Under the Tsars, the country's five million Jews mostly lived in poverty and were confined to a Pale of Settlement in the west of the empire. They faced discriminatory laws and were often the victims of anti-Jewish riots known as Pogroms, which were often organised by the royal family. After the 1917 Russian Revolution, the new Bolshevik government abolished all restrictions on Jews and proclaimed their opposition to all forms of anti-Semitism. Yet persecution soon began afresh, with synagogues and other Jewish properties confiscated by the state in 1919 under anti-religion laws. Stalin, who took power in 1924, was known for his anti-Jewish outbursts, and used anti-Semitic tropes in his power struggle with Trotsky, who was of Jewish heritage. By the 1940s, Soviet campaigns against 'rootless cosmopolitans' - which many took as a supposed euphemism for Jews - led to the deaths of several leading Jewish intellectuals. After the Second World War, Nazi persecution of the Jews on Soviet soil was denied, and people of Jewish heritage accused of kowtowing to the Americans and influencing policy in Washington. Thousands of Jews have emigrated to Israel over concerns about anti-Semitism in a phenomenon that has continued under the Putin regime. Advertisement
He claimed that 'quite a few people involved in the execution - in Moscow or Yekaterinburg - saw the killing of the deposed Russian emperor as a special ritual of revenge'.
And he alleged that Yakov Yurovsky, the organizer of the execution who was Jewish, later boasted about his 'sacral historic mission.'
He put forward as evidence the claim that a bullet was assigned to eat royal but the majority of the bullets hit the tsar because 'everybody wanted to be part of the regicide' and 'it was a special ritual for many'.
The 'ritual' claims were dismissed by the Prosecutor General's Office in the 1990s but will be explored again as part of a new criminal investigation into the killing.
But Bishop Tikhon's said his panel were taking the claims 'very seriously'.
His claims carry particular weight given his reported close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and influence within the church.
An investigative committee has now launched a 'psychological and historical evaluation' into the matter as part of the on-going criminal case into the slaying of the Romanovs.
Marina Molodtsova, a senior Investigative Committee official, said the probe would 'resolve issues of whether the Romanov family murder had a possible ritual component'.
Key members of a church commission linked to the criminal investigation 'do not have any doubts' the shooting was 'ritualistic', he said.
A staunchly pro-Putin MP, Natalia Poklonskaya, 37, has also claimed the tsar's killing had 'evil' religious motives.
'They murdered the entire royal family, they killed the children in front of their father, they killed the mother in front of the children,' said the politician, formerly the chief prosecutor in Crimea. This is a crime, a frightening ritual murder.'
The 'ritual' claims were dismissed by the Prosecutor General's Office in the 1990s but will be explored again as part of a new criminal investigation into the killing
Left: Empress Alexandra with son Alexei. Right: Yakov Yurovsky who executed the Romanovs
'Many people are afraid to talk about it - but everyone understands that it happened. It is evil.'
Top Bolshevik Yakov Sverdlov - who specifically ordered the killing of the last tsar - was also Jewish, say supporters of this theory.
Alexander Boroda, president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, said the accusations - tantamount to a conspiracy theory - were plainly aimed at Jews, and risked stirring up hatred.
'Accusing Jews of a ritual murder is one of the most ancient anti-Semitist slanders,' he said.
'It repeatedly causes persecutions resulting in deaths of hundreds and thousands of people.
'But each time those accusations were considered by people free of anti-Semitic prejudices, it emerged that this slander is false.'
Alexander Boroda, president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia, said the accusations - tantamount to a conspiracy theory - were plainly aimed at Jews, and risked stirring up hatred. Pictured: Romanov family in Tobolsk
Top Bolshevik Yakov Sverdlov - who specifically ordered the killing of the last tsar - was also Jewish, say supporters of the theory. Pictured: Romanov family in Tobolsk
'It's regrettable that it is being advanced again, presenting libelous slander as a theory worthy of an inquiry,' he said.
Judaism was the first religion to abolish human sacrifices and does not know the concept of a 'ritual murder', he said.
Tikhon is widely seen as Putin's personal confessor and spiritual adviser.
The ultra-conservative churchman once said: 'You can believe those rumours if you want, but they certainly are not spread by me.'
The pair were introduced to one another by exiled Russian banker Sergei Pugachev, estranged lover of British socialite and former BBC Horse People presenter, Alexandra Tolstoy.
Bishop Tikhon demanded that the claims of a ritual killing of the imperial family should be 'substantiated and proven'. Pictured: Nicholas and Alexei in Tobolsk exile
British mother Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has post-traumatic stress disorder, doctors in the Iranian jail where she is being held have confirmed.
The mother of one - being held on spying charges - was assessed by medics at the prison this week.
She told doctors she has uncontrollable moods, particularly panic and anger, her repeated insomnia, and bouts of severe depression. She mentioned having periods of feeling suicidal and having panic attacks.
British mother Nazanin Ratcliffe has post traumatic stress disorder, doctors in the Iranian jail where she is being held have confirmed
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe (pictured with husband Richard Ratcliffe) told doctors that she suffers uncontrollable moods, particularly panic and anger, insomnia, and severe depression
The prison doctor also noted that she had a PTSD attack on Thursday following the latest TV broadcast when Iranian television aired pictures of a BBC pay stub and an email from 2010 showing she once worked to train Iranian journalists.
The report was intended to increase pressure on the British government which is working to secure her release, her husband said.
She had to be taken to the prison clinic with shock when she saw the report, which also included close-ups of an April 2010 pay stub from her previous employer, the BBC World Service Trust.
After watching the report, she told her husband: 'After 20 months they put out these false stories why are they doing this to me and my family? I dont watch the news, or read the papers anymore. I cant stand it anymore.
I sometimes wonder if I will ever be normal again. I wonder how far can they go? How far can their stupidity and injustice stretch? They have ruined my life. Why these stories now? Why after all this time? Why are they torturing me?
'If they want to pick a fight with the government, they should just pick a fight with the government. I am just a normal human being and mother. Why do I pay the price when this is a fight between two governments?
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe admitted having periods of feeling suicidal and panic attacks. She said the way that she is being shown on TV had induced particular agitation
A prison doctor who assessed Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe (pictured with her husband) noted that she had a PTSD attack on Thursday after a TV broadcast when Iranian television aired pictures of a BBC pay stub and an email from 2010 showing she once worked to train Iranian journalists
When Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe (pictured) saw the claims while sitting with the other women prisoners watching the evening news, she fell off her chair, she told her husband this weekend
'I was so worried about my mum and whether she had seen it I kept calling out.'
She went on: 'I felt like I am drowning, deep in the sea, and no one can help me. I cannot see the light. My pot of waiting is full.'
'I have worked so hard not to be damaged when I speak to Gabriella each time after I saw her I used to cry so much at what I was missing. It used to break my heart. I am trying to think positive thoughts, and to distract myself. But they keep pushing these stories.'
'I have paid a huge price. I have been deprived of my life for what they say I have done. What they say is ridiculous. They have turned it all round to make me into a dangerous person.'
'I was calm yesterday, but I am really angry inside, and I worry because the scars are so deep. Life will never be as normal as before. I worry about what Gabriella will remember. No one knows.'
The case of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe has gained momentum in recent weeks as British Foreign Minister Boris Johnson faces tremendous criticism at home over his handling of it. She now faces new charges that could add 16 years to her prison term.
Actor Emma Thompson and Richard Ratcliffe pose for cameras in London before a march in support of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, the British-Iranian mother who is in jail in Iran
A programme aired by state TV in Iran focused on Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe (pictured), who is serving a five-year jail term for allegedly planning the 'soft toppling' of Iran's government
When she saw the claims while sitting with the other women prisoners watching the evening news, she fell off her chair, she told her husband this weekend.
She collapsed onto one of the prisoners beds, eyes closed. She started to sob, but she could not. No sound came out. It took her more than a minute before she was able to breathe properly and cry. She lay completely white, coughing as she couldnt call out.
Both her husband and her employer Thomson Reuters repeatedly have stressed she was not training journalists or involved in any work regarding Iran while there.
Belgian former SAS pilot Rudi Sels has been jailed for 14 years
A Belgian former SAS pilot who threw barrels loaded with 2.5million worth of cocaine over a Kent airfield has been jailed for 14 years.
Rudi Sels, 65, piloted a light aircraft from Belgium before dropping the Class A drugs stuffed into barrels wrapped in black duct tape last June.
Waiting on the ground were Jonathan Hart, 61, Michael Mealing, 42, and Andrew Barrett, 42, who used a map to plan landing and drop-off sites for the packages.
But the gang were being watched by detectives from the National Crime Agency.
Hart, Barrett and Mealing admitted their parts in the operation and were jailed for a total of 38 years in January.
The packets of cocaine had a purity of between 62 and 84 per cent, and Sels was to be paid 500 euros per kilo - which would have earned him about 16,000 euros or 14,500.
He was arrested on October 20 this year at his home in Balen, near Antwerp in Belgium and extradited to the UK on October 31.
At the Old Bailey today Sels admitted conspiracy to import Class A drugs, and was jailed for 14 years.
Judge Mark Dennis told Sels: 'You plainly played a central role in the importation of 31 kilos of cocaine.
The plane that Sels piloted a light aircraft from Belgium before dropping the Class A drugs over Kent
The National Crime Agency also found the trio's ordinance survey map they used to plot the drop-off points
'This was a very sophisticated importation, carried out with obviously considerable planning and care, and also carried out swiftly and very efficiently from the point of view of the drug traffickers.
'This would have been a wholly successful importation releasing in truth far more than 31kg of powder, given the purity and the street level cutting that takes place.
'And doing so for considerable gain for the drug traffickers involved. The estimated street value is somewhere around 2.5million.'
He added: 'There was an expectation of substantial financial gain for you, as would be on the face of it inevitable given the nature of your contribution to this importation.
'You should be regarded as having a leading role.
'It's very sad to read your character references, which speak so well of you otherwise, and obviously harm done to those people, in particular immediate family.
'This was a sophisticated, carefully planned importation on a commercial scale.'
Detectives from the National Crime Agency watched as they saw Sels fly low over one of the sites, an airfield near Faversham, Kent.
The Class A drugs had been stuffed into drums wrapped in black duct tape before being dropped from the plane
Mealing and Barrett were seen driving away in a Land Rover and were followed to a builder's site where they were arrested.
In the boot of the 4x4 were three large fuel containers which had been packaged with heavy-duty tape so it could withstand the impact of a drop from the air.
They contained 31kg of high-purity cocaine with an estimated street value of 2.5million.
They also found the trio's ordinance survey map they used to plot the drop-off points.
Barrett was later arrested at the wheel of a white transit van as he left an address in Watford and a bag containing 18kg of cocaine, nearly 1kg of MDMA, and 15kg of cannabis was found.
Together these drugs had a wholesale value of 650,000, and a street value of more than 1.5million.
Waiting on the ground were (left to right) Jonathan Hart, 61, Michael Mealing, 42, and Andrew Barrett, 42, who used a map to plan landing and drop-off sites for the packages
Barrett, Mealing and Hart admitted importing cocaine, while Barrett also admitted possessing cocaine, MDMA and cannabis and money laundering.
Mealing also pleaded guilty to money laundering 7,000 in cash.
Barrett, Cheddington, Bedfordshire, was jailed for 16 years, Mealing, of Corsham, Wiltshire, for 12-and-a-half years, and Hart, of no fixed abode, for ten years and nine months.
Adrian Flasher, from the CPS, said: 'Three men are already serving significant prison sentences for their roles in this international conspiracy to import cocaine into the UK.
'The CPS worked closely with the Belgian authorities and the National Crime Agency in order to extradite Rudi Sels back to this country to face justice for his role in the scheme.
'Faced with the compelling evidence gathered by the prosecution and investigators, Sels has today admitted his guilt and received a significant prison sentence.'
Prince Miteb was one of the many senior figures who were rounded up in a corruption inquiry aimed at strengthening the power of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, a former leader of the National Guard who was once seen as a contender to the throne, has been freed after more than three weeks in detention, according to family members.
Miteb was among dozens of royal family members, ministers and current and former senior officials who were rounded up in a corruption inquiry at least partly aimed at strengthening the power of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The prince is believed to have been one of the men imprisoned inside the five-star Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh.
It was not immediately possible to confirm the reports of his release and Saudi officials had no immediate comment.
'Almighty, thanks be to you ...' wrote Abeer bint Khaled bin Abdullah, a royal family member, in a posting on her Twitter account.
Posting an apparent file photo of Prince Miteb, she added: 'May God give you long life, long life full of health, and keep you for us.'
Writing on his Twitter account, Moaid Mahjoob, who identifies himself as director of external relations for Princess Jawahar Al-Saud, another Saudi royal family member, said Prince Miteb 'had been released and that he was at his home in Riyadh'.
Another royal family member, Princess Nouf bint Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud, also posted a similar message on Twitter, writing over a photo of Prince Miteb: 'May you be safe for us, Abu Abdullah.'
The posting of a photo and thanksgiving to God indicates the author of the Tweet believes Miteb has been freed.
It was not immediately clear how his release had come about but sources familiar with the matter have said that Saudi authorities were striking agreements with some of those in detention asking them to hand over assets and cash in return for their freedom.
In an interview with the New York Times published last week, Prince Mohammed bin Salman was quoted as saying that the vast majority of about 200 businessmen and officials implicated in crackdown are agreeing to settlements under which they hand over assets to the government.
Prince Miteb is believed to have been one of the men imprisoned inside the five-star Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh
As the Sandhurst-trained preferred son of the late King Abdullah, Miteb was once thought to be a leading contender for the throne.
Before he was sacked by a royal decree on Nov. 4, he headed the Saudi National Guard, an elite internal security force originally based on traditional tribal units that was run by his father for five decades.
He was also the last remaining member of Abdullah's Shammar branch of the family to retain a key position at the top of the Saudi power structure, after brothers Mishaal and Turki were relieved of their posts as governors in 2015.
A model and former pop star was given a suspended prison sentence today for framing an innocent motorist when she was caught speeding.
Glamorous Hannah Lewis, who previously toured the UK as a model and had three top 20 singles in the band POP!, was caught doing 82mph in a 70 zone.
But after getting notice of the conviction she nominated another driver - using a real person's name but falsifying the address.
Glamorous Hannah Lewis was caught doing 82mph in a 70 zone. She is pictured with her mother outside Truro Magistrates' Court today
As a result an innocent motorist called Anna Amos, 38, was convicted of the speeding in her absence and given penalty points by magistrates in Bodmin, Cornwall.
Lewis, 38, who is also a former MTV presenter, was eventually identified as the driver when mobile phone records put her at the speeding scene on the A30 in Cornwall.
She admitted perverting the course of justice and was given a suspended sentence at Truro Crown Court plus penalty points.
It was not revealed in court why Lewis, of Windsor, Berkshire picked on Ms Amos, who lives in Whitstable, Kent.
Lewis, who is pregnant, refused to comment and Ms Amos refused to say whether the two women knew each other or why her name was used.
After the case Ms Amos said: 'I don't want to talk to anyone about that.'
Lewis, who has also appeared on many TV as well as featuring in adverts, magazine shoots and music videos during her 15-year career, had a clean licence at the time.
Prosecuting, Philip Lee said she was finally brought to justice when Ms Amos received a letter notifying her of her punishment.
Judge Simon Carr said the circumstances of the offence 'are as mystifying as they are depressing' and it is not known why Lewis decided to blame Ms Amos
He said the letter left her 'in complete shock' and she had never driven the vehicle in question.
Mr Lee said: 'Police contacted the defendant and at first she maintained that her partner had borrowed the car for an employee but her partner was unable to assist officers with their enquiries.
'Further enquiries showed the defendant had a connection to Cornwall, with her mother having an address in Newquay and her phone's location placed her at the speeding offence at the relevant time.
Lewis, 38, who is also a former MTV presenter, was eventually identified as the driver when mobile phone records put her at the speeding scene on the A30 in Cornwall
'When confronted with the phone evidence she said 'it must have been me'.
'It was persistent deception and she was still lying more than a year later until confronted with the evidence.
'Miss Lewis' actions resulted in the prosecution and imposition of penalty points on an innocent person.'
In defence it was heard that Lewis was a working mum and a sole carer of her 10-year-old son, with another child on the way due in February.
Judge Simon Carr said the circumstances of the offence 'are as mystifying as they are depressing'.
He said: 'You were caught, as many drivers are, by a speed camera and notified of the plans to prosecute you.
'You had the opportunity to plead guilty and accept a small fine but instead tried to frame someone who was completely innocent.
'You took some care to do so and selected someone who was a real person but created an address that wouldn't come up.
'It was partly by chance that you were caught when the person found out about a motoring offence they had nothing to do with. You then attempted to lie your way out of it.
Lewis is pictured second from right with Jamie Tinkler, Glenn Ball and Jade McGuire
'I accept you have shown genuine remorse but any offence where an innocent person is convicted strikes at the very base of the justice system.'
Judge Carr went onto note how Lewis was heavily pregnant and effectively the sole carer of her son, describing the circumstances as exceptional.
Lewis was handed an eight month prison sentence, suspended for two years and told to pay Ms Amos 500 plus 500 court costs.
Viewers have criticised ITV's This Morning after it shelved an interview with mental health campaigners to instead focus on royal engagement coverage.
Brian Wilkie, 48, and his 19-year-old daughter Ellie had travelled down to London from Prestonpans near Edinburgh to appear on the programme yesterday.
They were due to tell the daytime show how he recovered from depression and a suicide attempt earlier this year to become a recovery support worker.
Ellie Wilkie's post about the ITV interview with her father being cancelled has now gone viral
The 19-year-old had previously tweeted about being in London with her father Brian, 48
They were due to tell the programme how he recovered from depression and a suicide attempt
Miss Wilkie had previously tweeted of her excitement at being in London for the interview
But producers had to postpone the segment after news of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's engagement was revealed by Clarence House at 10am.
They offered Mr Wilkie and his daughter a hotel stay overnight and the chance to go on the show today instead, but they could not due to prior commitments.
Miss Wilkie tweeted: 'Unfortunately today was not the day for our story to be heard. Due to breaking news our story was cut off live TV.
'The royal wedding will go ahead however mental health issues will always remain. Until next time, dad. #breakthestigma.'
The decision to cancel the segment left many viewers angered, with some pointing out how Harry has become a mental health campaigner himself in recent months.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Harry have been spearheading a new campaign called Heads Together to end stigma around mental health.
The decision to cancel the segment left many viewers angered, with some pointing out how Harry has become a mental health campaigner himself in recent months
Hayley Blakelock tweeted: 'Mental health is affecting so many people in this country and so many need help, yet people get their story cut short because Prince Harry got engaged.
'Royal family will never care about working class people, so why are people buzzing about an engagement? Should be ashamed, This Morning.'
Leanne Neil added: 'Absolutely disgusting, This Morning get two people who cancelled two days' plans to travel to London from Scotland as youse wanted to hear their story.
'The whole show didn't need to be about the engagement - surely mental health is more important. #breakthestigma, it's okay not to be okay.'
Another viewer tweeted: 'Did you get your priorities wrong and cancelled a very important mental health feature over an engagement?'
And a further viewer said: 'And yet mental health is so important to Prince Harry. This morning should be ashamed.'
Other viewers added how they were unimpressed by the decision from ITV's This Morning
Miss Wilkie's post about the segment being cancelled has gone viral since being posted at about 2pm yesterday, with more than 20,000 retweets and 63,000 likes.
She had initially posted about her father on November 22, saying: 'This year began with my dad mentally suffering depression and suicide attempt.
'Today he ends the year starting his new career in becoming a recovery support worker. Words can't describe how proud we are. #breakthestigma.'
Four days later she wrote: 'Me and my dad have now arrived in London. Ready to tell our story tomorrow on This Morning, eek! My heart beams with pride.'
Miss Wilkie also posted a photo of her with her father outside Harrods yesterday. But the trip to London ended in disappointment when the interview was cancelled.
A This Morning spokesman tweeted today: 'Unfortunately due to yesterday's breaking news, we had to reschedule some of our planned features.
Harry and Miss Markle have a photocall at Kensington Palace in London today after their engagement was announced
This Morning presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on the ITV show yesterday
'Ellie and Brian had prior commitments this week, but we have extended an open invitation so they can share their story with us when they next become available.'
And a spokesman added: 'The guests in question have been given an open invitation to come back on the show and tell their story.
'They were offered a hotel stay overnight and asked if they would like to be on today's show, but couldn't make it due to prior commitments.
'We are keeping in contact throughout this week in a bid to find another date. Mental health matters are an issue This Morning take very seriously.
'It's one of the reasons we were nominated in the Mind Mental Health Award earlier this year.'
A Flybe captain left his passengers laughing out loud with a bizarre pre-flight speech that was full of jokes.
David-Joe Williams from Ilfracombe, Devon, was returning from Jersey to Exeter when the pilot's amusing announcement began.
He captured the speech on his phone which had passengers on the plane laughing out loud.
David-Joe Williams, who recorded the video, described the speech as the 'best pilot announcement ever' and said he 'really enjoyed it'
The pilot said: 'We've been looking at the maps, we think we've got them the right way round. We think we should head right after take off.
'Hopefully somewhere along that route there will be an airport called Exeter.
'Luckily for you lot I've done my flying for the day. It wasn't pretty so I'm going to refrain from that for the rest of the evening.'
Before handing over to his co-pilot, the captain went on to announce: 'At Flybe we pride ourselves in employing some of the very finest cabin crew this industry has to offer, but I'm sorry to say they're all on annual leave.'
David-Joe described it as the 'best pilot announcement ever' and said he 'really enjoyed it'.
The passenger added: 'I think all announcements should be like that. It's makes the pilot human and helps anyone on the flight who has had a bad day to feel better.'
Amanda Spielman, the chief inspector, has said she wants to ensure that children at religious schools are prepared for 'life in modern Britain'
Library books claiming hell is mostly full of women because they are 'ungrateful to their husbands' have been found in Islamic schools, it has emerged.
Ofsted has put together a file of the worst examples of discrimination and sexism its inspectors found in schools.
Among the library books they found was one titled 'women who deserve to go hell' which claimed it was wrong for wives to show 'ingratitude to their husband' or have 'tall ambitions'.
And it advises pupils: 'In the beginning of the 20th century, a movement for the freedom of women was launched with the basic objective of driving women towards aberrant ways.'
The book was written by Egyptian preacher Mansoor Abdul Hakim.
Other books said in a Muslim marriage 'the wife is not allowed to refuse sex to her husband' or 'leave the house where she lives without his permission' while boys and girls were taught the 'man by way of correction can also beat her'.
One school Ofsted visited encouraged children to read a text that contrasted the 'noble women of the East' with the 'internally torn woman of the West'.
It claimed western women attract men and hang around aimlessly in cinemas and cafes.
The materials came from state-funded schools as well as private faith schools and those running illegally as under-the-radar madrassas without registering with the government.
Inspectors also claimed teachers said that women had a responsibility 'only to bear children and bring them up as Muslims', The Times reported.
In a box entitled 'daily life and relationships', a pupil had written that men are 'physically stronger' and women are 'emotionally weaker'.
The worksheet was covered in approving red ticks from the teacher.
Ofsted insiders said the discovery of the books made for 'uncomfortable reading'.
There are 177 Muslim schools in England, of which 148 are independent, and the rest state-funded.
The Department for Education has been contacted for comment.
The findings comes as Muslims girls wearing the hijab in primary schools will be quizzed as to why by inspectors.
The findings by Ofsted comes as Muslims girls wearing the hijab in primary schools will be quizzed as to why by inspectors (file picture)
Head of Ofsted Amanda Spielman said creating an environment where Muslim children are expected to wear the headscarf 'could be interpreted as sexualisation of young girls'.
It comes after it was revealed a fifth of 800 primary schools now list the headscarf in their uniform policy.
This is despite the fact a hijab is usually only worn by young women after puberty and in front of men for modesty reasons - not by primary school children.
Campaigners have said it should be 'fiercely resisted' and claimed it could 'sexualise' young children.
Aisha Ali-Khan, a Muslim feminist campaigner and a teacher for 13 years, told MailOnline: 'The hijab should be banned from primary schools but local authorities are afraid of causing offence to the Muslim community and afraid of being branded as racist.
'A headscarf or hijab, is usually worn by girls who have reached puberty, to prevent unwanted sexual advances from men.
'How can a four or five year old child make an informed choice? It's not allowed in Islam so why is it being allowed in schools? You should only do something if you want to and understand the concept behind it.
'But the local authorities are too scared to go back and our government has allowed this to be part of the school policy and that's wrong. They are allowing decisions to be made by schools and local authorities which is worrying and they are trying to wash their hands of all responsibility.'
Gina Khan, a children's rights campaigner in Birmingham, added: 'Schools are allowing it because they are afraid of being called Islamophobic and they have been told that this is a religious garment - but they need to support Muslim girls to have free choices, not to be set apart from other children.'
But the Muslim Council of Britain said Ofsted's policy was 'deeply worrying'.
Secretary general Harun Khan said: 'It is deeply worrying that Ofsted has announced it will be specifically targeting and quizzing young Muslim girls who choose to wear the headscarf.
'It sends a clear message to all British women who adopt this that they are second-class citizens, that while they are free to wear the headscarf, the establishment would prefer that they do not.'
He added that many British Muslims who wear the headscarf have done 'extremely well' in education.
Hillary Clinton pointedly undermined President Donald Trump's approach to North Korea on Monday during a videoconferenced speech to a conference in Beijing.
During her hour-long appearance, the 2016 Democratic nominee for president blasted both the White House and the Chinese government for their increasingly hard-line plan of attack as Pyongyang tries to complete a long-range nuclear missile.
She said Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping need to soften their posture instead of relying on 'bluster' and 'personal taunts' to motivate North Korean despot Kim Jong-Un, according to Bloomberg.
In her keynote remarks during Caijing magazine's annual conference, Clinton warned of the possibility of all-out nuclear war if the U.S. doesn't pursue gentler diplomacy.
Hillary Clinton, pictured during a Nov.e 9 speech in Washington, told a Chinese audience on Monday that the Trump administration should go easier on North Korea and practice more patient diplomacy
President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have both adopted hard-line strategies to derail North Korea's nuclear weapons ambitions
'Beijing should remember that inaction is a choice,' she said.
The Trump administration has said repeatedly that 'the era of strategic patience is over.'
Trump has mocked Kim as 'Little Rocket Man' and warned him during a speech this month to South Korea's National Assembly that he shouldn't 'try' or 'underestimate' the United States.
Kim in September labeled Trump a 'mentally deranged U.S. dotard.'
Days later the president tweeted that '[b]eing nice to Rocket Man hasn't worked in 25 years, why would it work now? Clinton failed, Bush failed, and Obama failed. I won't fail.'
Both Trump and Xi have avoided direct talks with Pyongyang, instead tightening a noose of economic sanctions designed to force Kim's dictatorship to come to heel.
Clinton said she hopes Beijing won't follow the path Trump has set out, replacing subtle diplomatic pressure with ultimatums.
And she wants to see the resumption of denuclearization talks among six-nations China, Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Korea and the U.S. discussions that were shelved as she took over the State Department under President Barack Obama.
'The Trump administration came in and retreated from diplomacy,' she said.
'It appears they have withdrawn their global responsibility and leadership, which has raised question about stability in Asia-Pacific as well as the state power of the U.S.'
Donald Trump has staked his foreign policy on the idea of brow-beating Kim Jong-Un into submission
Trump blasted Kim in October and said his predecessors had failed to contain him
Clinton also complained about China's aggressive stance regionally as Xi has consolidated his power at the top of the Communist Party structure.
Xi's elevation to the same status of Mao Zedong in China's historical pantheon hsa created 'anxiety about a more assertive Beijing,' she said, 'and worries your neighbors as well as the U.S.'
'The path to legitimacy and leadership runs through responsible cooperation, not through secret military build-ups on contested islands or bullying smaller neighbors,' Clinton added.
That's a reference to China's effort to build artificial islands in South China Sea waters that are claimed by multiple other nations.
Overall the Democrat framed her losing battle with Trump as a clash between fact and fiction.
'I was the candidate of reality,' she said. It just wasn't as entertaining as the reality TV candidate.'
Twitter has gone into meltdown over the White House's 'creepy' Christmas decorations which many say would not look out of place in a horror movie.
Melania Trump was said so have 'personally selected' most of the Christmas decor for this year's 'time honored traditions' theme, according to Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
But while most rooms featured, warm and welcoming displays, one room looked more frightening than festive.
The eerie, twig-lined hallway has been compared to everything from The Shining to the Adam's Family after Stephanie Grisham, one of White House communications team for Melania, shared a photo of the room on Sunday.
Now hundreds of people have flocked social media to mock the first lady's unusual artistic choice.
Twitter is mocking Melania over her 'creepy' Christmas White House decorations after White House communications director Stephanie Grisham shared this image
Twitter has gone into meltdown over Melania's 'creepy' Christmas decorations
'This year's theme: A Blair Witch Christmas,' one Twitter user wrote under a picture of the hallway.
'It looks straight out of a scene from "The Shining" very creepy!!!' another added.
While Barbara Wortman joked it reminded her of The Adams Family, tweeting lyrics from the theme song: 'Theyre creepy and theyre cooky(sic). #MelaniasWorld.'
Others pointed out the eerie hall looked better suited to Narnia's evil White Witch.
'Make Narnia Great Again,' one Twitter user wrote, echoing the president's Make America Great Again slogan, with pictures of Melania and Tilda Swinton's White Witch alongside the picture of the hallway.
The eerie, twig-lined hallway has been compared to everything from The Shining to the Blair Witch Project
'The White House at Christmas, or the entry to the Evil Queens castle? Creepy AF,' one Twitter user wrote.
'Not saying the White House Christmas decorations are creepy, but if an evil queen turns up in a sleigh and offers you Turkish Delight, you should politely and firmly decline,' Alistair Coleman added.
The 'creepy' decor has even led some to ask whether Melania has got her holidays mixed up.
'Bunches of leafless branches in plain boxes , casting creepy shadows, 'Irene Morris tweeted.
'It's Christmas not Halloween.'
The style choice is even more baffling as Donald Trump has made a point of saying he plans to return to more traditional festive celebrations and even declared he was going to 'end the war on Christmas'
Unfortunately, it seems Melania may have missed the memo.
'And they say its the liberals that have a war on Christmas?!?' one Twitter user wrote.
'Jeez.. Apparently @FLOTUS wants the whole holiday dead and buried... in a creepy Romanian graveyard. I guess those with dark hearts prefer dark decor.'
The long chamber was decorated with a line of white twig bundles on either side, lit from the bottom, to create shadowy 'forests' above. A lonely Christmas tree sits in the distance, under the arch of a doorway.
Grisham shared the photo of the hallway on Sunday, adding that Melania was 'seeing to every detail'
First lady Melania Trump walked through the twig forest - which does look less terrifying by day - during the White House Christmas decor reveal on Monday
The decor in the White House Grand Foyer was simple and natural, with a forest of Christmas trees looking like they had just been covered by a winter snow
Of course, Melania has something of a history when it comes to choosing non-traditional Christmas displays and in the past has posted photos of a Christmas dinosaur and a Gothic fireplace to wish her followers a Merry Christmas.
And the more creative Twitter users have been making their own little additions to the photo, with characters they think would feel right at home. The include It's Pennywise, the creepy twins from The Shining and the White Witch.
Others joked it reminded them of Tim Burton's A Nightmare Before Christmas, the White Walkers of Game of Thrones and the creepy Upside Down from Stranger Things.
Michal Story added that even 'Christ wouldve fled this scene.'
Of course, Melania has something of a history when it comes to choosing non-traditional Christmas displays and in the past has posted photos of a Christmas dinosaur and a Gothic fireplace to wish her followers a Merry Christmas.
John McCain attacked Donald Trump's use of the slur 'Pocahontas' an 'insult to genuine American heroes' Tuesday as its target, Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren, said it was 'a disgusting low'.
The Arizona Republican tweeted - without mentioning the president - after Trump used a reception on Monday for surviving Navajo code-talkers to insult Warren over her
Trump hailed the strength and bravery of World War II Navajo 'code-talkers' at the White House where he also mocked Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren as 'Pocahontas.'
Trump regularly ripped Warren, a leading liberal adversary, as 'Pocahontas' on the campaign trail for having previously claimed Native American ancestry.
On Monday, the president decided to air the attack one more time alongside aging Native American veterans who helped fight fascism, in a White House ceremony attended by White House chief of staff John Kelly and other officials.
'You were here long before any of us were here,' Trump told the honorees. 'Although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas,' Trump said.
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President Trump hailed World War II Navajo code-talkers in the Oval Office on Monday in front of a portrait of Sen. Andrew Jackson, led violent campaigns against Native Americans
Intervention: John McCain, seen on Capitol Hill on Monday evening, used his twitter account to attack the president
During his remarks, Trump recalled a time when Kelly asked him: 'How good were these code talkers?'
'He said sir, you have no idea. You have no idea what they've done for this country. And the strength and the bravery and the love that they have for the country. That was the ultimate statement from General Kelly on the importance.'
The president spoke as code-talkers stood by him at a podium, while another was seated in a wheelchair.
McCain waited until Tuesday morning to deliver his condemnation on Twitter.
'Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to the Navajo Code Talkers, whose bravery, skill & tenacity helped secure our decisive victory over tyranny & oppression during WWII. Politicizing these genuine American heroes is an insult to their sacrifice,' said the senator, who is chairman of the Armed Services Committee.
His intervention came after the Russell Begaye, president of the Navajo Nation rebuked Trump, telling CNN: 'This was a day to honor them, and to insert something like that, the word Pocahontas as a jab to a senator, you know, that belongs on the campaign trail.
'That doesnt belong in the room when our war heroes are being honored.
Warren herself appeared on a series of television shows to respond to Trump and used her Facebook account to call it 'a disgusting low'.
Shortly before midnight on Monday she posted: 'This afternoon, in the Oval Office, Donald Trump was supposed to be honoring Navajo code talkers American heroes who helped save the world from fascism and hate during World War II.
'Instead, Trump stood right next to those Native American war heroes and came after me with another racist slur. He did this because he thinks that he can bully me and shut me up. He thinks he can bully and silence anybody he wants.
'Just to be clear: I learned about my familys heritage the same way everyone else does from my parents and grandparents. I never asked for and never got any benefit from it.
Whether she 'got any benefit' has been the subject of political controversy with some Republicans claiming
Harvard Law listed Warren as Native American after she listed herself as a minority in a Association of American Law Schools directory.
It became a campaign issue in her 2012 Senate race when opponent Scott Brown accused her of falsely claiming to be Native American.
Peter MacDonald, a WWII veteran and former chairman of the Navajo tribe, gave introductory remarks by going through the history of the code talkers in the Pacific theater, including at the battles at Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima.
Warren immediately shot back at the president for making a 'racial slur.'
President Donald Trump reacts as he honours Navajo Code Talkers for their contributions during World War Two at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 27, 2017
President Donald Trump greets Navajo Code Talkers as he honours their contributions during World War Two as they take part in an event at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 27, 2017
President Donald Trump mocked Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) as 'Pocahontas' at a ceremony honoring Native Americans
Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts shot back on Twitter.
'What @RealDonaldTrump said about my partner @SenWarren is a slur. It disparages the Native American war heroes, standing right beside the President, who risked their lives to protect his right to make such a disgusting comment,' Markey wrote.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, asked why Trump felt the need to make the point at the ceremony, said: 'I think what most people find offensive is Sen. Warren lying about her heritage to advance her career.'
She said Trump had an 'extreme amount of value and respect for these individuals.'
'I don't think that it is' a racial slur to use the term Pocahontas, she said.
The remark got met with silence when the president made it.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren blasted Trump for using a 'racial slur,' something his press secretary said he didn't do
During the war, the code-talkers radioed messages using a code derived from their native language. They used words for war chief, braided hair, and hummingbird that was the only unbroken military code in history, the Associated Press reported.
Warren also told MSNBC: 'This was supposed to be an event to honor heroes. People who put it all on the line for our country. And people who because of their incredible work saved the lives of countless Americans and our allies. It is deeply unfortunate that the president of the United States cannot make it through a ceremony honoring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur.'
She added: 'Donald Trump does this over and over thinking somehow he's going to shut me up with it, it hadn't worked in the past it is not going to work in the future.'
Attending the event were Marine code talkers Fleming Begay Sr., who is designated an honorary chair of Native Americans for Trump, Thomas H. Begay, Roy Hawthorne, Samuel Holiday, and Alfred Newman.
The countrys highest-paid university chief announced last night that she will retire following months of calls for her to resign.
Dame Glynis Breakwell said she will leave her 468,000-a-year post in February 2019 but the last six months will be spent on paid sabbatical.
As she will take her full salary until retiring, this means she will pocket 234,000 after stepping down from her official duties.
Dame Glynis Breakwell's resignation came after it was revealed that she was earning 450,000 a year and living rent-free in a 1.6million townhouse
Dame Glynis announced she will step down from her position at the University of Bath (pictured) in August after 17 years
The vice chancellor who earns three times more than the Prime Minister was accused of milking the University of Bath by ex-Labour education minister Lord Adonis.
Dame Glynis will also have a 31,489 car loan written off by the university she has headed for 17 years.
She lives in a 2million grace-and-favour townhouse and last year claimed 20,000 in expenses.
Critics have said it is wrong to enjoy such largesse when student fees have risen again to 9,250 a year and staff wages have been stagnant.
Lord Adonis said: Right to the very end, she is milking the University of Bath for everything she can.
The arrangements for her departure are scandalous and demonstrate the underlying problem of greed and lack of governance at Bath University.
It is absolutely unacceptable that the vice chancellor should be paid for six months for doing nothing after her retirement.
She should leave immediately and not hang around for another nine months during which the university will be able to make no reforms and do nothing to restore its reputation.
Last week Dame Glynis, pictured with Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, in 2013, narrowly survived a no confidence vote, in a secret ballot of the university's senate, which oversees the institution's academic work
Dame Glynis will step down as vice chancellor at the end of next August and further her academic research during her sabbatical, the university said.
She will move out of her university-funded home for her sabbatical and formally retire in February 2019 in a deal agreed by the council of trustees.
The higher education funding watchdog HEFCE has previously criticised Bath over its handling of complaints over her pay. It also emerged two weeks ago that Dame Glynis was given a pay rise of 18,000 this year, taking her salary to 468,000.
On top of her salary, Dame Glynis also claimed more than 18,000 in expenses over the last year, including 8,000 on laundry and housekeeping
Last week she narrowly survived a no confidence vote by the universitys senate. There have been student protests and four MPs quit a university advisory board over the scandal.
In a statement, Dame Glynis said: I have served the university to the best of my ability and will continue to do so until the day I leave office. Since 2001, the university has changed dramatically. It has almost tripled in size and is now among the top universities in the UK.
Tory MP Andrew Murrison, one of those who quit the advisory board, said: The decision is the correct one. It had the whiff of inevitability about it but I am pleased nevertheless.
I hope the structure that is put in place at Bath University going forward is independent and capable of exercising restraint in remuneration of the senior leadership team. Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union of lecturers, said: The vice chancellors position had become untenable.
This whole episode has shone an important light on the murky world of senior pay in our universities and it would be wrong to think a change at the top of one institution solves that problem.
There must be much more transparency surrounding senior pay and perks.
As many as 2,500 staff are being made redundant by Britain's largest tobacco supplier just four weeks before Christmas after the firm went into administration.
Palmer & Harvey is preparing itself for collapse after last-ditch talks to save the company failed.
The firm employ a total of 3,400 people and supply more than 90,000 shops, including all Tesco stores and several Sainsbury's with tobacco.
Administrators PwC have confirmed 2,500 jobs will be lost with immediate effect and takeover talks with private equity firm Carlyle have fallen through.
Only 450 jobs are being kept to ensure an 'orderly closure', but November salaries will be paid to all staff, PwC has said.
The collapse could mean chaos for the UK retail industry with the crucial Christmas trading period getting underway in the coming days.
Palmer & Harvey is preparing itself for collapse after last-ditch talks to save the company failed
A spokesman for the P&H Group told the BBC: 'Unfortunately been necessary to make about 2,500 immediate redundancies at head office and the branch network.
'The remaining employees will assist the joint administrators in managing the activities of the business to an orderly closure.
'Currently 450 employees have been retained within the wholesale business.'
Joint administrator Matthew Callaghan described it as a 'devastating blow for everyone involved in the business'.
Palmer & Harvey is the UK's fifth-largest privately-owned firm and supplies 12,000 products from 63 depots across the country.
It was founded in 1925 as a tobacco and confectionery supplier.
'Access Hollywood' is adamant that a recording of Donald Trump boasting about grabbing women by the genitals is real after the President reportedly expressed doubts over the tape's authenticity.
'Let us make this perfectly clear. The tape is very real,' host Natalie Morales said alongside Kit Hoover on the show Monday.
'Remember his excuse at the time was 'locker-room talk.' He said every one of those words.'
Natalie Morales (left) said alongside Kit Hoover that the infamous Access Hollywood tape is authentic
The comments were in response to reported denials by the President that it was not him on the tape (Pictured: President Trump November 21, 2017)
The response came after The New York Times reported over the weekend that Trump told a senator earlier this year that the voice on the infamous 2005 recording wasn't his and repeated the claim to an adviser more recently.
Just weeks before the 2016 election, an audio recording of Trump surfaced where he is heard telling 'Access Hollywood' host Billy Bush: 'When you're a star ... you can do anything ... grab them by the p***y.'
Trump admitted to making the crude comments after the surfaced shortly before the 2016 presidential election (Pictured: Billy Bush February 11, 2016)
Trump had acknowledged it was him on the tape and apologized for his actions in the hours after the comments were made public in October 2016 during the election campaign. He described the comments as 'locker-room talk' between men.
Meanwhile, the actress who greeted Donald Trump after he made the now infamous remarks said it is 'puzzling' how he can now doubt the recording's authenticity.
Arianne Zucker told CNN's Anderson Cooper on Monday that she couldn't see how the 2005 tape could be fake after Trump reportedly told aides that is not an authentic recording.
'I don't know how else that could be fake unless someone's planting words in your mouth,' she said.
'How do you apologize for something and renege on it? It's puzzling to me.'
Zucker had been filming the Access Hollywood segment in 2005 with Trump and Billy Bush. The pair had left their mics on when Trump started boasting about sexually assaulting women.
The White House clarified Monday that Trump isn't contesting the authenticity of the 'Access Hollywood' tape, saying 'The president hasn't changed his position.'
'The president addressed this, this was litigated and certainly answered during the election by the overwhelming support for the president and the fact he's sitting here in the Oval Office today,' White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters.
Arianne Zucker, who greeted Donald Trump after he made the now infamous remarks, was 'puzzled how he can now doubt the recording's authenticity (pictured: September 10, 2017)
Theresa Mays Brexit bill gamble appeared to have paid off last night as EU sources indicated they were ready to strike a deal over money.
The Prime Ministers Brexit war cabinet agreed to raise the UKs divorce offer last week in a bid to break the deadlock preventing the start of trade talks next month.
The markets rallied following the news last night as sterling bounced back.
Theresa May is welcomed by European Union Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker before their meeting at the European Union Commission headquarter in Brussels, on October 21
Mrs Mays divorce offer was controversial, with some Conservative MPs urging Mrs May to walk away rather than pay a bill that could top 40 billion.
But last night Brussels sources hinted that the offer would be enough to persuade the EU to sanction the start of trade talks at a crunch summit next month, provided agreement is also reached on citizens rights and the Northern Ireland border. The deal on the money is there, said one source.
Reports last night claimed there had been an agreement in principle on the divorce bill following a private presentation on the Cabinet agreement by the UKs top Brexit official Oliver Robbins last week.
Government sources denied a deal on the money had been struck and stressed that no figures had been discussed with Brussels.
David Davis (pictured tonight in Downing Street) has been working to secure agreement from Brussels that 'sufficient progress' has been made on striking a divorce deal
The UKs improved offer is also contingent on the EU agreeing to a comprehensive trade deal. A final cash settlement will only be agreed at the end of the process when both sides can see the shape of the future relationship.
Mrs May is hoping the offer will trigger a breakthrough next month when EU leaders gather in Brussels to decide whether sufficient progress has been made on divorce issues to allow talks to turn to trade.
Sleaze probe as Green stands in at PMQs Damian Green will stand in for Theresa May at Prime Ministers Questions today despite an ongoing sleaze inquiry. No 10 last night confirmed the First Secretary of State, effectively Mrs Mays deputy, will take her place as she tours Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The move will raise eyebrows as Mr Green remains the subject of a Cabinet Office inquiry after he was accused of making unwanted advances towards Tory activist Kate Maltby a claim he denies. He is also being investigated over claims pornography was found on a computer in his office nine years ago which he says he has no knowledge of. Mrs May said last night: He is First Secretary of State. He has done PMQs before and Im sure hell do a good job. Advertisement
But ministers remain concerned about progress on what will happen to the border in Ireland, where Dublin is making increasingly belligerent demands.
A breakthrough on trade talks would ease Tory concern about the size of the divorce bill.
Former international development secretary Priti Patel this week said the PM should have told Brussels to s** off rather than pay up.
But former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith, who was also critical of increasing the offer, last night struck a conciliatory tone, saying: I would be very happy if they get to a point where they have agreed and can get on to trade negotiations.
Speaking in Australia yesterday, the International Trade Secretary Liam Fox also struck an upbeat note, saying: We believe that weve gone far enough to be able to get into this second stage.
The apparent breakthrough follows a lengthy stalemate in negotiations. EU sources last night claimed the UK had agreed to a formula that could see the final bill hit 53 billion. But British sources suggested the settlement could be below 40 billion.
A final offer on the payment will be presented by the PM during a key lunch with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker next week.
It was claimed tonight that the 'agreement in principle' had been struck following intensive work by Ollie Robbins (left with Brexit Secretary David Davis), a senior civil servant and Britain's lead negotiator
After Mr Juncker and the EUs chief negotiator Michel Barnier consider the offer, EU leaders will then decide whether to give the green light to trade talks at a summit in Brussels on December 14.
Mr Barnier hinted at the breakthrough earlier this week when he said: The moment of truth is approaching. In an attempt to obscure the exact size of the bill, British officials are understood to have presented a complex payment method that will ensure the money is not paid off in one large sum.
Although the agreed methodology does not produce a specific figure, British sources last night said that it could result in a final payment in line with the 40billion (45billion) offer that has been signed off by the Cabinet.
Priti Patel, pictured at the Conservative Party conference in September, urged a tough line with the EU on the divorce bill
Responding to the move, one EU diplomat said: As long as they agree to pay it, it does not matter whether there is a figure attached. Another told the Financial Times: They have promised to cover it all, we dont care what they say their estimate is.
But a UK source close to the negotiations insisted that nothing has been agreed even though the UK team had presented their proposals. They said: These talks are ongoing and the idea that there is a number or an agreement is not right.
Intense under-the-radar talks will continue between UK and EU officials over the coming days.
Soon after the breakthrough was announced, the pound recovered on currency markets.
Sterling spiked $1.33 against the dollar as traders piled into the currency. It also closed above 1.12 against the euro.
An off-duty Arizona cop pleaded not guilty on Monday to sexually assaulting a woman who was 'too drunk' to consent to sex.
Jared Elkins, 33, was arrested on September 14 while he was in San Diego after the San Diego Police Department responded to an emergency call from the victim's mother 4.23am that morning.
The woman's mother called 911 and reported that the off-duty officer had forcibly raped her daughter at a home in the Kensington neigborhood, according to ABC 10.
Off-duty Arizona cop, Jared Elkins (pictured), 33, pleaded not guilty on Monday to sexually assaulting a woman while he was in San Diego. Officials said the woman was 'too drunk' to consent
The woman's mother called San Diego police and reported that the off-duty officer had forcibly raped her daughter. Elkins is pictured on the night of his arrest
According to court documents the victim was intoxicated and Elkins should have known she was not able to give sexual consent.
Elkins was charged with forcible rape, rape of an intoxicated person, two counts each of forcible oral copulation and oral copulation of an intoxicated person, forcible sexual penetration and sexual penetration of an intoxicated person.
He is a seven-year veteran with the Yuma Police Department and has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the trial.
Authorities have not released information regarding the relationship between the victim and Elkins, who married his wife in 2013. A criminal protective order was issued for the victim.
Elkins posted $250,000 bail, but faces 16 years in prison if convicted, Deputy District Attorney Lisa Fox told KUSI.
He will return to court in March for a readiness conference and a preliminary hearing.
According to court documents the victim was intoxicated and Elkins should have known she was not able to give sexual consent. Elkins is pictured in the back of a San Diego police car on the night of his arrest
As a college student, Holly K Dunn survived a savage attack by a rail-riding serial killer who left her for dead after her boyfriend was beaten to death.
Twenty years later, Dunn is a wife, mother and author of a book retelling her tragedy in hopes of inspiring resilience in others.
Dunn's life changed forever in August 1997 when Dunn, then 20 years old, and her then-boyfriend Chris Maier were attacked by Angel Maturino Resendiz - the notorious 'Railroad Killer' linked to at least 15 murders and executed in Texas in 2006.
Dunn and Maier were students at the University of Kentucky and the two were on walking along railroad tracks their way home from a party in Lexington, Kentucky.
Holly K Dunn (pictured now) survived a savage attack by a rail-riding serial killer who left her for dead after her boyfriend was beaten to death. On the twentieth anniversary of her survival she has written a book retelling her tragedy in hopes of inspiring resilience in others
In August 1997, Dunn, then 20 years old (left), and her then-boyfriend Chris Maier (right) - students at the University of Kentucky - were attacked by Angel Maturino Resendiz - the notorious 'Railroad Killer'. Maier was killed with a rock while Dunn was raped, stabbed and left for dead
Although Dunn said she shut down after the attack, she overcame and became an advocate for victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes. Dunn said even she forgave her attacker (pictured, January 2006). 'I did that for myself. So I let all those bad feelings go with him'
Resendiz tied up the couple, picked up a rock and smashed it against Maier's skull, killing him.
He then raped Dunn and bludgeoned her with a wooden board, breaking her jaw and eye socket, and left her for dead. But she managed to survive.
After the attack, Dunn spent five days in the hospital. Although her physical ailments healed, the emotional healing took much longer.
'For a long time, I avoided railroad tracks any way I could,' she said. 'And anytime I heard the sound of a train, I just kind of shut down.'
Dunn overcame the attack to graduate from University of Kentucky in 2000, but instead of joining her family's hotel business, she became an advocate for victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes.
Now her story of survival and healing is recounted in 'Sole Survivor'. Dunn said the book's title has special meaning since she's the only known survivor of an attack by Resendiz.
Now her story of survival and healing is recounted in 'Sole Survivor'. Dunn, now 40, said the book's title has special meaning since she's the only known survivor of an attack by Resendiz
Her message to other victims: 'Don't let this destroy you. You can get through this, and there can be life after it does. You can have a happy life. But it does take work.'
Dunn, now 40, is in Kentucky this week to promote the book and talk about how she overcame the trauma of being stabbed and raped and having her boyfriend murdered.
'I hope it's inspirational to them,' Dunn told The Associated Press on Tuesday. 'Everybody's been through something. Yes, my story is very unique. But everybody's been through brokenness.
'If you know that you can go through that brokenness but you can be OK and you can live a happy life, that's what my book's trying to tell them. If you're happy in your life, then you've survived, you've thrived.'
Dunn, the mother of two boys, ages one and five, said she reached 'an emotional point' where she was able to write the book with Heather Ebert, a friend and writer. But there were many tears along the way, she said.
As part of her healing, she sought out books from survivors of attacks. Dunn wanted to do the same for other victims by telling her own story.
'When I was going through my healing, I needed to know that I was normal,' she said. 'I needed to hear that everything you're going through is OK. It's OK to feel that way.'
In July 1999, aware the authorities were closing in on him, Resendiz (pictured, May 2000) surrendered to Texas police. Most of the murders he confessed to happened near train tracks. Resendiz was convicted of killing a physician and put to death by lethal injection in June 2006
Dunn became a motivational speaker and activist. She co-founded Holly's House, an advocacy center for victims in her hometown of Evansville, Indiana.
In July 1999, aware the authorities were closing in on him, Resendiz surrendered to Texas police. Most of the murders he confessed to happened near train tracks.
He went on trial for the slaying of a physician during the deadly spree that earned him a spot on the FBI's Most Wanted list.
Resendiz was convicted and put to death by lethal injection in June 2006.
Dunn said she forgave her attacker. 'I did that for myself. So I let all those bad feelings go with him,' she said.
Two brothers from Georgia were killed when a wrong-way driver crashed head on into their car early Sunday,
Jack 'Deacon' Harris, 20, and his brother, Garrett, 18, were heading east on Interstate 16 in Laurens County around 1.15am when a Toyota Avalon driving in the wrong direction smashed into their Saturn L200.
According to Georgia State Patrol, 'the Saturn was engulfed in flames' and both brothers died at the scene.
Brothers Jack 'Deacon' Harris, 20 (right), and his brother, Garrett, 18 (left), were killed when a wrong-way driver crashed head on into their car early Sunday
Deacon and Garrett were heading east on Interstate 16 in Laurens County around 1.15am when a Toyota Avalon driving in the wrong direction smashed into their Saturn L200. (Pictured, right, Dennis Piecuch hugs Garrett at his Allatoona High School graduation and, left, Deacon and Piecuch pose)
According to Georgia State Patrol, 'the Saturn was engulfed in flames' and both brothers died at the scene. The brothers, both students at Georgia Southern University, were returning to campus after having spent Thanksgiving break at their home in metro Atlanta
The brothers, both students at Georgia Southern University, were returning to campus after having spent Thanksgiving break at their home in metro Atlanta.
'They had a little bit of homework to finish up [and] wanted to spend time with their friends before classes started Monday,' their father, Jack Harris, told the student newspaper The George-Anne.
'So they left to drive at night thinking traffic would be better and this accident happened.'
Deacon was a junior at Georgia Southern, the university newspaper reported. Garrett was a freshman.
The university released a statement following the fatal crash that read:
'The Georgia Southern University community is saddened to learn of the accident that resulted in the loss of two of our students, Garrett Harris and Jack Deacon Harris.
GSP officials said the driver of the Toyota, Jared Adler, 27 (pictured), of Sandy Springs, was taken to Navicent Health Medical Center in Macon with injuries
Adlier's (pictured) condition is unknown at this time. Authorities have not yet released details on how the wrong-way driver ended up on the wrong side of the highway
'Our deepest sympathies go out to their family and friends and our thoughts are with them during this time. Counseling is available for our students as we all grieve this tragedy.
GSP officials said the driver of the Toyota, Jared Adler, 27, of Sandy Springs, was taken to Navicent Health Medical Center in Macon with injuries.
His condition is unknown at this time. Authorities have not yet released details on how the wrong-way driver ended up on the wrong side of the highway.
A GoFundMe account has been created by friends of the family to help for the funeral arrangements. So far, $17,668 has been reaised out of $24,000 goal
The progress that Yellowstone National Park is making in removing lake trout from Yellowstone Lake in order to protect native Yellowstone cutthroat trout will be the topic of a talk by Dave Sweet at the Dec. 5 meeting of Billings' Magic City Fly Fishers.
Sweet is the Yellowstone Lake project manager for the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited. When he first met with Magic City Fly Fishers the long-term viability of cutthroat trout in Yellowstone Lake was in question. Sweet will explain the progress made in recent years resulting in a viable and growing Yellowstone cutthroat fishery.
Sweet was awarded the 2013 Field and Stream magazine "Conservationist of the Year" for his work on protecting Yellowstone cutthroat trout. His presentation starts at 7 p.m. at the Billings Rod and Gun Club, west of the airport. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will wed in May at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle - but the American actress might have to brush up on her knowledge of British culture before then.
The 36-year-old floundered when she was quizzed on 'Britishisms' last year by TV Channel Dave, answering just four out of 15 questions correctly.
After the test the star said: 'I think I lost. I think I was the worst at this game.'
Meghan Markle, who announced her engagement to Prince Harry on Monday, floundered when she was quizzed on 'Britishisms' last year by TV Channel Dave
She answered just four out of 15 questions correctly. After the test the star said: 'I think I lost. I think I was the worst at this game'
The test started on a positive note with the actress correctly picking out the name of an obscure real ale - but went downhill soon after
The clip was filmed for TV channel Dave while Miss Markle was in Britain promoting Suits last year before her romance with Prince Harry became public.
The test started on a positive note with the actress correctly picking out the name of an obscure real ale - but went downhill soon after.
Miss Markle wrongly chose Vegemite over Marmite and couldn't translate 'apples and pears' from Cockney rhyming slang.
The actress also couldn't name the national animal of England, even though the lion appears on the royal coat of arms.
On learning the unicorn is the national animal of Scotland, Miss Markle declared 'we should all move' north of the border.
Asked to give the British versions of Americanisms, Miss Markle said she didn't know another word for 'sidewalk' or 'highway' - but she did know that 'pants' are known as 'trousers' on this side of the Atlantic.
Miss Markle wrongly chose Vegemite over Marmite and couldn't translate 'apples and pears' from Cockney rhyming slang. She was also asked about the names of British places
Asked to give the British versions of Americanisms, Miss Markle said she didn't know another word for 'sidewalk' or 'highway' - but she did know that 'pants' are known as 'trousers' on this side of the Atlantic
The video was filmed last year, before Miss Markle's relationship with Prince Harry was public
The video re-emerged online just hours Miss Markle and Prince Harry announced their engagement on Monday.
The couple have decided to hold their wedded at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in May because it is a place 'close to the couple's hearts', it was revealed on Tuesday.
The couple chose the 'very special' venue because the prince and his fiancee spent time there together during their 16-month romance and Harry was based in the town with his Army regiment, the Blues and Royals.
They have not given the date for their 'fun and joyful' wedding, which is likely to be on TV, but thanked millions of people around the world 'celebrating with them' since their engagement was announced yesterday.
Divorcee Miss Markle, a protestant who went to a catholic high school, will be baptised and confirmed before the spring ceremony to comply with the royal family's beliefs that they should all join the Church of England.
The clip was filmed for TV channel Dave while Miss Markle was in Britain promoting Suits (pictured) last year before her romance with Prince Harry became public
Miss Markle who has relocated from her home in Toronto, Canada, will also be taking British citizenship to become a dual national before May, a process that usually takes years.
It is not clear whether the actress will retain her US citizenship and become a dual national in the future.
The couple have shunned a larger wedding at Westminster Abbey or St Paul's for a more intimate church service at St George's, where his father Charles had a blessing after marrying Camilla in the nearby Guildhall in 2005.
It also means Queen and Prince Philip can easily travel to the wedding of the year as it was revealed that the royal family will pay for the event, the music, the flowers and the reception.
The actress' divorced parents Thomas Markle and Doria Ragland will both be there but it's not known if her father will walk her down the aisle.
It has also emerged today Meghan will not be continuing her work with the UN or other organisations, but instead will starting her charity work as a full-time royal afresh and begin touring the country with Harry.
The couple's first public engagement will be on Friday at the National Justice Museum in Nottingham.
Illinois Democratic Rep. Luis Guttierez, who just before Thanksgiving filed articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, is ending his own career in Congress.
Guttierez, who represents part of Chicago, was set to address supporters at a restaurant there Tuesday.
He plans to resign after more spending 25 years in Congress, the Chicago Sun-Times and Politico reported, citing Democratic sources.
Just before the holiday, Guttierez was one of five Democrats filing the impeachment articles.
'It is clear to us that he is unfit to be president of the United States of America,' he said.
Gittierez has also been an outspoken advocate for addressing the legal status of DREAMers brought to the country illegally as children.
Rep. Luis Guttierez, who just before Thanksgiving filed articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump, is ending his own career in Congress
Representative Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) warms up the crowd for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel at an election night rally February 24, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. Sources told the Chicago Sun-Times he is retiring
Cook County Commissioner Jesus Chuy Garcia, is expected to run to succeed him.
He filed papers to run for reelection again just Monday.
Garcia, who forced Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel into a runoff in 2015, would run for the congressional seat and no longer run again for mayor, Politico reported.
Meghan Markle's mother Doria Ragland said Tuesday that news of her 36-year-old daughter's engagement to Prince Harry had made her 'very happy'.
She spoke out as she headed to work at a low-income apartment complex in Marina del Rey, California.
The mother-of-one had spent Monday at her Windsor Hills bungalow as the world learned of her daughter's joyful engagement.
But on Tuesday Ragland went back to work as a wellness counselor for Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services a Los Angeles-based organization specializing in treating substance abuse - heading for a low-income housing complex in Marina del Ray.
Dressed in a loose black dress, a patterned headscarf and stacked wedge heels, the therapist strode past waiting photographers with her head down but did briefly say that she was pleased with the engagement news.
Ragland had spent time with the couple before they were engaged, appearing in public at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Toronto at the end of September.
SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO
So happy: Doria Ragland got back to work as the joyful news of her daughter's engagement
Very happy: Doria Ragland made public what she feels about her daughter's engagement to Prince Harry as she got back to work in Los Angeles
Back to business: Doria Ragland spent time at a low-income housing complex as she got back to work after her daughter's engagement
Watchful eye: Meghan's mother is being accompanied by security - just like her daughter who now has a Scotland Yard bodyguard
Work as usual: The wellness counselor, who is also a yoga teacher, went back to her normal life as her family prepares for what iwll be the most high-profile wedding of 2018
Back to the old routine: Doria Ragland confirmed her normal routine will be unaffected by becoming mother-in-law to a royal as she got back to work in Los Angeles on Tuesday
Back to normal: Doria Ragland got ready to head for work in Los Angeles the day after her daughter Meghan Markle revealed her joyful engagement to Prince Harry
The pair inspect Meghan's engagement ring, which includes a large diamond from Botswana, during their first TV interview last night
Choosing Windsor Castle means the Queen and Prince Philip can easily travel to the wedding of the year and the royal family will pay for it
They will shun a large wedding at Westminster Abbey or St Paul's for a more intimate church service at St George's where his father married Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, in 2005, and Prince Edward married bride Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999 (pictured)
On Tuesday, Doria was seen paying a home visit to a low-income apartment complex in Marina del Rey, accompanied by her security officer and a co-worker.
Dressed in a loose black dress, a patterned headscarf and stacked wedge heels, the therapist refused to comment on her daughter's engagement and strode past waiting photographers with her head down.
Doria has never commented publicly on her daughter's relationship with Prince Harry but was photographed with the newly engaged couple at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in Toronto at the end of September.
On Monday, she released a statement along with ex-husband Thomas Markle Sr, 73, declaring herself 'incredibly happy for Meghan and Harry'.
It continued: 'Our daughter has always been a kind and loving person. To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for both parents.
'We wish them a lifetime of happiness and are very excited for their future.'
Kensington palace confirmed that both Meghan Markle's parents will be present at the wedding, but will not have to pay for the costly affair.
It is unclear of Thomas Markle will walk his daughter down the aisle.
Part of the family: Prince Harry asked Doria Ragland for permission to marry her daughter and the three are clearly at ease together as was demonstrated at the Invictus Games closing ceremony in Toronto in September
So proud: Meghan Markle used her instagram account to show her and her mother as Doria Ragland graduated with a master's degree in social work
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding will take place at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in May because it is a place 'close to the couple's hearts'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding will take place at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in May because it is a place 'close to the couple's hearts'
'It's such exciting news!': Pregnant Kate reveals her joy at royal engagement The Duchess of Cambridge displayed her neat baby bump in a Kate Spade dress as she stepped out at an art gallery in London just hours after Meghan Markle hailed her 'amazing' The Duchess of Cambridge said she's 'absolutely thrilled' for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as she stepped out in London a day after her brother-in-law's engagement announcement. The pregnant mother-of-two displayed her neat baby bump in a figure-skimming Kate Spade dress, which she offset with burgundy accessories, as she arrived at the Foundling Museum in London. Discussing Monday's happy news, the Duchess said: 'William and I are absolutely thrilled. It's such exciting news. 'It's a really happy time for any couple and we wish them all the best and hope they enjoy this happy moment.' Her appearance comes just hours after Meghan Markle hailed her 'wonderful'. Miss Markle said the Duchess of Cambridge had been 'wonderful' to her, while Harry said both William and Kate had been 'amazing'. Advertisement
The mother-of-one spent most of Monday inside her home, with a friend arriving around midday to walk her dog, Sam.
Meghan is the only child of Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle, although the latter has two older children with his first wife Roslyn Loveless, now 72: Samantha Grant, 53, and Thomas Jr, 51.
Tom Jr is yet to comment on news of his sister's engagement but in September told DailyMailTV that his sister is a 'hot commodity' and that Harry needed to hurry up and propose advice he appears to have heeded.
The 51-year-old also extended an invitation to his own upcoming wedding to Darlene Blount, 37, to Meghan and Harry and has previously offered to throw the royal a bachelor party in Las Vegas.
His mother Roslyn has also reacted to the news, telling DailyMail.com that she thinks the engagement is 'absolutely wonderful news.'
She added: 'I'm really happy for them and I hope they'll be happy together and have a great life.'
Asked how she thinks Meghan will cope with the transition from actress to princess, the mother-of-two added: 'You and I both know that Meghan is very well educated.
'She's worked in a professional, public life forever. She's been in the TV industry forever. She's very well educated and she's had a lot of exposure to the public. She's going to be just fine.'
Her daughter Samantha has also opened up on the engagement, speaking to Good Morning Britain from her Florida home and telling them the news is 'lovely'.
Of her father, Tom Sr's reaction, she said: 'I can say that he's excited and very proud and naturally, as you can imagine, very happy because doesn't every father want his daughter's happiness?
'He knows that she's happy and moving forward I can say that he's elated, as we all are. We really want her to be happy and we are.'
Eight Eton teachers set seven public exams for the elite school's own pupils, headmaster Simon Henderson told Parliament's education select committee today.
Mr Henderson admitted that out of the 10 papers his staff set, seven were for boys attending the institution, as he attended the inquiry into exam integrity in Westminster.
His admission comes months after a member of staff left the school, after it emerged pupils were able to access material which would later come up in their exams.
Cambridge graduate Mo Tanweer, the college's head of Economics and Politics, was a principal examiner, who sent 'practice questions' to three colleagues for a revision programme and some boys received them 'inadvertently' according to a letter sent to the pupils.
Eight teachers at Eton set seven public exams for pupils at their own school, a select committee heard today
The exam watchdog for England, Ofqual, told the scrutiny meeting it may begin cracking down on classroom teachers setting public exams (such as GCSEs) in subjects they teach, according to the Guardian.
The potential crack down follows concerns that tests may be manipulated by examiners.
Pupils at the Berkshire school joined those who attend Winchester in having their marks annulled in economics and art history exams this summer. Teachers who leaked material to the school pupils left.
The papers were sat at Pre-U level, which is an alternative to the A-level also favoured by Charterhouse, Westminster and Marlborough colleges.
The controversy raised fears that Pre-U results are open to being easily distorted by examiners, due to it only being a small group of private schools that take the exams in significant numbers.
Mo Tanweer left Eton in the summer after he was found to have leaked exam questions to pupils at the elite school
Conservative MP Robert Halfron, who chairs the select committee, asked Mr Henderson whether this summer's incidents were a one-off, as the headmaster made his most significant public appearance since the affair.
Mr Henderson said some of his own staff has exposed the leaking in the economics Pre-U, adding: 'We have no evidence that this was going on previously.
'In this particular case it was our own teachers in the economics department who had concerns about the activity, the behaviour, of their head of department.
'They reported it to me. I reported it to the examination board. It had been dealt with, the teacher had been dealt with and dismissed three weeks before the matter hit the public domain.'
Eton teachers are now prohibited from telling pupils if they are examiners, but their colleagues are informed for greater transparency.
Mr Henderson added that students and staff are urged to report exam malpractice.
Mr Henderson told the select committee that his own staff reported the cheating to him when they found out
Ofqual's executive director Michelle Meadows told MPs the regulator had conducted a consultation on whether active teachers should remain involved in exam preparation.
She said 'virtually everybody' who responded backed them remaining involved in the process.
'One possibility, of course, is that teachers continue but they are not allowed to teach the specification for which they are writing [exams],' she said.
'We havent ruled that out but there are some really thorny issues associated with that which would need working through.
'Much more likely, we might consult on the proposition that teachers can continue to be involved and teach the specification they are writing papers for.
'But they wont know with certainty when the questions or papers they have been working on will come up.'
The Pre-U exams was created by Cambridge Assessment International Education, which also hires the examiners.
Its chief executive, Michael OSullivan, told the committee that the type of cheating that had been seen this summer at Eton was rare.
'We are currently taking steps to further strengthen the supervision and training of any examiner who has this conflict of interest,' he said.
He reported recent years had seen a spike in the number of exam malpractice cases involving his exam board. In 2013 there were 269 cases, but this year it rose to 719.
Mr OSullivan said the rise might be due to better policing and the encouragement of whistle-blowing.
His board is part of Cambridge University, as is the OCR, which is one of the four main exam boards to offer GCSEs and A-levels in England.
Oxford University's department of education director, Professor Jo-Anne Baird, told the committee England's exam system was on the most robust of its king in the world, saying it has stronger oversight than those of other nations.
A young Somali-Australian accused of plotting an ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve attack on Melbourne was reportedly targeted by ASIO because of his links to a radicalised 15-year-old boy who killed Curtis Cheng.
Ali Khalif Shire Ali was dramatically arrested on Monday and charged with trying to obtain a semi-automatic rifle to gun down revellers in Federation Square.
The 20-year-old was well-connected to Australian jihadist circles including multiple other terror suspects and extremist preacher Junaid Thorne.
Ali was also friends with Farhad Jabar, 15, who shot dead NSW police accountant Curtis Cheng outside the police centre in Parramatta in 2015.
He once boasted to a group of Islamic extremists about how he had refused to speak to ASIO agents who offered him money for information about his links to Jabar.
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Ali Khalif Shire Ali (right) is accused of planning a New Year's Eve terror attack in Melbourne. He was targeted by police after boasting about his friendship with Farhad Jabar, 15, (left) who shot dead NSW police worker Curtis Cheng in Parramatta in 2015
Ali was dramatically arrested on Monday for trying to obtain a semi-automatic rifle to gun down New Year's Eve revellers in Federation Square
Ali (in blue jacket) two years earlier claimed ASIO offered him $200 for every tip he gave them about extremist activity in his community, but he refused to dob in Muslims
Ali claimed agents offered him $200 for every tip he gave them about extremist activity in his community, but he refused to dob in Muslims because it was 'haram'.
'I know their tricks and whatever you say to them they will use as evidence against you,' Ali said.
'They start to get to the real questions, like who are your friends with, what do you think about ISIS, what are your thoughts about those groups.
'I stayed quiet, I didn't want to get my friends in trouble.'
Ali made his ASIO claims at the Government Intervention in the Muslim Community (GIMC) conference on November 14, 2015.
GIMC is run by fundamentalist Islamist group Hizb Ut Tahrir, which advocates for a global caliphate based on Sharia law and is banned in dozens of countries but not Australia.
Ali made his ASIO claims at the Government Intervention in the Muslim Community conference on November 14, 2015, run by fundamentalist Islamist group Hizb Ut Tahrir
Ali (back with hood up) was at the hearing for five men accused of trying to flee Australia by boat to fight with terrorists overseas
Ali said they came to his house multiple times where his sister, who also spoke at the conference, lied and told them he wasn't there.
He said ASIO then called him on the phone and he met with agents twice at a local Nando's where they asked about his friends.
The then-18-year-old told the conference agents followed him to Swinburne University, where he used to study, and he got a text saying 'look to you left'.
'He was standing there a couple of meters away. I thought I was in a 007 movie. He called again and I had to pick up cos he was looking at me,' he said.
Ali claimed the agent then told him: 'Ali, we know you are a good guy. We know you have knowledge of things that are happening.
'You know the thing happening in Parramatta... the shooting... and you're friends with certain people. We want you to get out in the community'.
'I knew then they wanted me to be an informant and I said 'no, get lost'.'
Ali said he told them informing on other Muslims was 'haram', meaning forbidden, and the agents said they would 'stop harassing him'.
The teenager claimed he was targeted because ASIO thought he was 'young and naive' and 'this is the new tactic they use for youngsters'.
Police allege Ali tried to obtain an automatic rifle to carry out the horrific act, inspired by radical Islamist propaganda produced by terrorist group al-Qaeda
The 20-year-old was charged with terrorism offences for allegedly planning to shoot 'as many people as he could' in Melbourne on New Year's Eve
Six months later in May 2016, Ali was one of several Muslims led by Junaid Thorne who refused to stand for a magistrate saying they 'stand for no one but Allah'.
The hearing was for five men accused of trying to flee Australia by boat to fight with terrorists overseas.
In December 2016 he was caught driving without his L-Plates or a supervising driver and provided a false name to police.
Officers made him empty pockets and found a credit card with his real name, which he initially tried to pass off as his brother's, leading to his arrest.
Magistrate Geraldine Beattie fined him $1,900 and disqualified him from driving for three months in Yass Local Court in March.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Ali is also believed to be friends with the son of convicted Islamic State terrorist Abdul Nacer Benbrika, as well as having links to the friends of teen terrorist Numan Haider.
Haider was killed with a single shot to the head after pulling a knife from his jacket and started stabbing two counter-terrorist police officers in a Melbourne station.
On Tuesday, Ali was dramatically arrested by counter-terrorism police in tactical gear in front of shocked onlookers outside a restaurant on a busy Melbourne street.
Police allege Ali tried to obtain an automatic rifle to carry out the horrific act, inspired by radical Islamist propaganda produced by terrorist group al-Qaeda.
The 'ISIS sympathiser' did not enter a bail when he appeared briefly in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Ali, who reportedly no longer has a formal name, was described by his boss at a local computer business as 'a very quiet guy'
The 20-year-old Muslim man can be seen being held down by the officers in front of shocked onlookers and outside a restaurant on a busy street moments after his arrest
Ali, who reportedly no longer has a formal name, was described by his boss at a local computer business as 'a very quiet guy'.
'It's very sad, it's a shock,' Warsame Hassan told the Herald Sun. 'If I had (noticed suspicious behaviour) then I would have told the police.'
The business has been raided and the computer Ali used has been seized by police.
It is believe they had been monitoring Ali for months, but his alleged radicalism has increased over time and police believe he was seeking out obtaining an automatic weapon.
He had recently dropped out of Swinburne University in Hawthorn, and was a regular visitor at the Virgin Mary mosque near his family home in Melbourne's west.
Members of the mosque described Ali's family as good members of the community.
It is believe they had been monitoring Ali for months, but his alleged radicalism has increased over time and police believe he was seeking out obtaining an automatic weapon
The arrest followed raids on his home in Werribee, a relative's house in Meadow Heights and a computer business in nearby Footscray where he worked part-time. Officers returned to the home on Tuesday
Melbourne woman Jessica Karasmanis witnessed the dramatic moment Shire was arrested in Werribee, west of the CBD.
Ms Karasmanis told Daily Mail Australia she was stopped at a set of traffic lights when she spotted 'at least five men' dressed in heavy body armour holding down a man.
'They had his hands tied behind his backs and on the ground,' she said.
'They stood him up and placed him behind the building.'
Investigators returned to the suburban home in Werribee where Shire lived with his parents and brothers on Tuesday morning and remained there throughout the day
The arrest followed raids on his home in Werribee, a relative's house in Meadow Heights and a computer business in nearby Footscray where he worked part-time.
Investigators returned to the suburban home in Werribee where Shire lived with his parents and brothers on Tuesday morning and remained there throughout the day.
Detectives were seen hauling bags of evidence out of the home.
The practising Muslim was born in Australia, is an Australian citizen and his parents were from Somalia, Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said on Tuesday.
'The male is one of our high-risk persons of interest. We have been monitoring him for a very lengthy period of time,' he told reporters on Tuesday.
Shire allegedly accessed a guidebook produced by al-Qaeda containing information on how to commit a terrorist act (Federation Square pictured on New Year's Eve in 2015)
Police allege the young Muslim terror suspect had tried to obtain an automatic rifle to carry out the act and was inspired by radical Islamist group Al-Qaeda (fighters pictured in 2014)
Following the arrest federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the government does not target a specific ethnic group as part of its terror investigations.
'The Muslim community is not being targeted by the government,' he said.
'We'll go after individuals, we don't target a specific community, and we require the Muslim community to work with us.'
Described as an 'ISIL-sympathiser' by Mr Keenan, the alleged terrorist is being interviewed in relation to the offences of preparing to commit a terrorist attack and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist act.
It's alleged the man accessed a guidebook produced by al-Qaeda containing information on how to commit a terrorist act and use firearms, guns and handguns and rifles.
Authorities were keen to stress that no firearm was obtained.
But if the attack had been successful the human cost would have been 'catastrophic ... horrendous', Mr Patton said.
The practising Muslim was born in Australia, is an Australian citizen and his parents were from Somalia, Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said on Tuesday
WHAT WE KNOW * He's an Australian-born, 20-year-old man. * Allegedly plotted to obtain a firearm to 'shoot and kill as many people as he could' at Melbourne's Federation Square on New Year's Eve. * Lives with his Somalia-born parents in Werribee, is a Muslim but not linked to any specific mosque. * Police said he'd been 'high-risk person of interest' since early 2016 and claimed he would become 'energised' online when learning of overseas terrorist attacks. * Allegedly obtained Al-Qaeda material through the internet and was an Islamic State sympathiser. * Arrested on Monday by Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police and ASIO officers. * Charged on Tuesday with planning to commit a terrorist attack and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist act. Source: Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police Advertisement
The man is also believed to be associated with a group of Victorian extremists.
'We won't identify who they are. It is a very small community of extremist,' Mr Patton said.
'There is no ongoing threat posed in respect to New Year's Eve, Christmas or any other area.'
AFP Acting Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said the charges laid were 'serious'.
'One of the charges carries a maximum penalty of life in prison,' he said.
Since September 2014, when the national threat terrorism level was raised to 'probable', the AFP has worked with its state and territory partners to thwart a number of plots.
So far, 74 people have been charged as a result of 347 counter-terrorist investigations.
'I would like to reassure the people of Victoria that the teams in Victoria, but also around Australia, are working day and night. They are working 24/7 to keep Australia safe,' Mr McCartney said.
In 2016, more than 500,000 revellers flocked to Melbourne's CBD to ring in the new year as tonnes of fireworks were shot from 22 city buildings.
In 2016, more than 500,000 revellers flocked to Melbourne's CBD to ring in the new year as tonnes of fireworks were shot from 22 city buildings (pictured, 2015 celebrations)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding will take place at St George's Chapel
Speculation is rife over the date of the royal wedding after it was revealed that it will take place in May.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding will take place at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle next spring, according to Kensington Palace.
They have not given the date for their 'fun and joyful' wedding, which is likely to be on TV, forcing royal commentators to try and work out when it will be held.
It comes after Theresa May announced that there would not be an additional bank holiday to commemorate the wedding.
This has led some to suggest that the ceremony could be held on one of the two scheduled bank holiday dates in May.
The early May bank holiday falls on May 7, while the spring bank holiday is set for May 28.
The later bank holiday is thought to be the preferred option for the royals, with May 7 falling closer to the Duchess of Cambridge's due date in April.
She and the Duke of Cambridge are expecting their third child at some point during that month, potentially ruling out early May as a suitable date for the wedding.
A Bank Holiday was declared throughout the UK in 2011 for the wedding day of Harrys older brother Prince William to Kate Middleton, and the nation was also given a day off for the Prince of Waless marriage to Diana Spencer in 1981.
But Theresa Mays official spokesman said: There are no plans for a Bank Holiday. There isnt a precedent in this area.
Kate displayed a hint of a baby bump in her designer dress as she arrived at the museum in a chauffeur-driven car
The spokesman pointed out that there was no Bank Holiday to mark the weddings of Prince Andrew in 1986 or Prince Edward in 1999.
However, a Bank Holiday was held for the wedding of Princess Anne in 1973, suggesting that the move has not always been restricted only to those who are in the direct line of succession to the throne.
Social media was awash with comments from British workers hoping there will be a bank holiday on the day, but this was always down to the Prime Minister to decide.
One was ordered for when Prince William married Kate Middleton in 2011 but he is a future king and Harry will be sixth in line once their third child is born next year.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding will take place at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in May because it is a place 'close to the couple's hearts'
But Harry is considered too far down the line of succession to warrant one, especially as his brother's children are also above him.
Reacting to the news today workers were already getting excited about the possibility of an extra day's holiday in 2018.
Ellis King tweeted: 'Yaaas Prince Harry engaged so another Bank Holiday on the calendar next year oooh ya belter.
Kevin Ashcroft wrote: 'Prince Harry getting married... perhaps an extra Bank Holiday????'
Cristina Rodriguez said: 'So if Prince Harry is getting married, does that mean we get a bank holiday? Cos I could totally do with a bank holiday'.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has bragged that his country has achieved full nuclear statehood after successfully testing a new missile capable of hitting virtually anywhere in the world.
The country ended a 10-week pause in its weapons testing on Tuesday when it fired off a Hwasong-15 rocket - its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile yet which the regime claimed could be fitted with a 'super heavy nuclear warhead'.
It poses a new challenge for President Donald Trump who has vowed not to let North Korea develop nuclear missiles that can hit the US mainland.
After watching the launch, Kim Jong-un boasted about its success, according to state television presenter Ri Chun-Hee.
'Kim Jong-un declared with pride that now we have finally realized the great historic cause of completing the state nuclear force, the cause of building a rocket power,' the presenter said.
'The great success in the test-fire of ICBM Hwasong-15 is a priceless victory won by the great and heroic people of the DPRK,' she added, using the abbreviated name for North Korea.
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned on Tuesday that North Korea now has the ability to hit 'everywhere in the world' and that the latest missile test went 'higher, frankly, than any previous shot they have taken.'
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North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un is pictured above signing what is said to be a document authorizing the intercontinental ballistic missile test
President Trump vowed 'we will take care of it' following the launch, but gave no further details of his plan and said the test will not prompt a change of strategy in the region
Pyongyang residents react at the Pyongyang Railway Station after the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile
One physicist said that the missile appeared to have a realistic range of just over 8,000 miles, which means Washington D.C. is now in range of Kim's attacks
A map showing the estimated maximum range of North Korea's new Hwasong-15 ICBM which is capable of hitting virtually anywhere in the world with the exception of South America and parts of southern Africa
Today's DPRK Missile test, launched out of Pyongsong and according to these numbers: https://t.co/1iTF0qfAnJ
Note: impact location, acceleration, speed, etc. are all notional and for demonstrative purposes only. dat apogee doe pic.twitter.com/2Imcp7BLQm Scott LaFoy (@wslafoy) November 28, 2017
An animation of the Hwasong-15 missile path. It reached ten times the height of the International Space Station before falling back to Earth
The Pentagon said the test missile traveled about 620 miles and landed within 200 nautical miles of Japan's coast.
In a broadcast on state TV, North Korea said the missile reached an altitude of around 2,780 miles - more than 10 times the height of the international space station - and flew 600 miles during its 53 minute flight.
North Korea deliberately fires its missile on a near-vertical trajectory to artificially limit the range.
If the Hwasong-15 had been fired on a typical trajectory, analysts believe it would have a maximum range of around 8,000 miles (13,000km) - leaving only South America and a small part of Africa beyond it's reach.
President Trump vowed on Tuesday to 'handle the situation' in a brief interview with reporters, but gave no further details.
'A missile was launched a little while ago from North Korea. I will only tell you that we will take care of it,' Trump told reporters in the Roosevelt Room of the White House a few hours after the missile streaked across Korean and Japanese skies at 745 miles per hour.
Asked if Tuesday's provocation by despot Kim Jong-un had changed his strategy in the region, he said: 'Nothing changed. We have a very serious approach and nothing changed. We take it very seriously.'
China expressed 'grave concern' over the new test, with foreign ministry spokesman calling on the US to suspend military drills in the region in return for North Korea freezing its missile programme.
Washington has previously rejected that approach.
China hopes all sides will work on the 'peaceful settlement' of the issue as a military option is not the solution to resolve the crisis, Geng told a regular news briefing.
North Korean state television brought out Ri Chun-Hee, a senior broadcaster who only appears for significant developments, to announce the landmark missile launch
North Koreans were spotted celebrating on the street after hearing the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile
People cheer as they watch the news broadcast announcing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's order to test-fire the newly developed intercontinental ballisti
President Trump said on Tuesday that an ballistic missile launch by North Korea 'is a situation that we will handle' before Kim Jong-un bragged that his country achieved nuclear statehood
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned on Tuesday that North Korea now has the ability to hit 'everywhere in the world' and that the latest missile test went 'higher, frankly, than any previous shot they have taken'
North Korea has already carried out a record 15 missile tests this year which showed it has developed an ICBM that can likely strike most of mainland America
Beijing 'strongly urges' North Korea to observe UN resolutions and 'stop actions that heighten tensions on the Korean peninsula,' Geng said.
'At the same time we also hope the relevant parties will act cautiously to work together for the peace and stability of this region.'
Meanwhile the Kremlin also described the launch as a 'provocative action' and called for calm on all sides.
North Korea's immediate neighbors were less restrained with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe calling the test an intolerable and 'violent' act and South Korean President Moon Jae-In condemning Pyongyang's 'reckless' behavior.
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson also condemned the launch, tweeting: 'Another illegal missile launch from DPRK. This is not the path to security and prosperity for the North Korean people. DPRK regime must change course.'
The EU branded it a 'further unacceptable violation' of North Korea's international obligations, while Britain's ambassador to the UN called it a 'reckless act'.
The White House said Trump was notified immediately after the missile was fired, suggesting that the news interrupted a meeting with Republican senators on Capitol Hill.
'@POTUS was briefed, while missile was still in the air, on the situation in North Korea,' press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a tweet.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and her counterparts from Japan and South Korea will hold an emergency Security Council meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
Trump, in the midst of tense budget negotiations with Congress, stressed the need for improved military readiness - tying Tuesday's missile launch to his request for more defense spending.
The missile was launched eastward from Pyongsong in North Korea's South Pyongan Province at around 3:30 a.m local time before landing in the Sea of Japan
A South Korean Navy destroyer launching a missile at South Korea's east sea during a precision-strike missile exercise aimed to counter North Korea's missile test
'A lot of things have happened, even over the last two hours, with respect to the missile launch. We want our military funded, and we want it funded now,' he said.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is pictured speaking to reports about the missile that landed in the Sea of Japan
It comes as Hawaii has begun renewed tests of its a Cold War-era nuclear early-warning system.
The warning tone is set to be tested on the first business day of every month starting from December.
The missile was launched eastward from Pyongsong in North Korea's South Pyongan Province in the middle of the night local time, according to a statement issued by the South Korean Military's joint chiefs of staff.
Pentagon Spokesman Col. Robert Manning said in a statement that the launch, at about 1.17pm, was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), according to the Defense Department's initial analysis.
'The missile was launched from Sain Ni, North Korea, and traveled about 1000 km before splashing down in the Sea of Japan, within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone,' Maness said.
UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson took to Twitter to condemn the missile launch
Trump had said earlier on Capitol Hill that he would talk 'soon' about the launch, which occurred while he was meeting with senators about tax-cut and budget proposals
The missile launch was dictator Kim Jong-Un's first such provocation since September 15
TRUMP'S HANDWRITTEN NORTH KOREA NOTES: President Donald Trump had handwritten notes in black marker and all capital letters in front of him on Tuesday when he revealed news of North Korea's latest missile launch. The piece of paper was spotted on the table in front of Trump as he addressed reporters in the Roosevelt Room of the White House a few hours after the missile streaked across Korean and Japanese skies. 'MISSILE WAS LAUNCHED FROM NORTH KOREA - WILL TAKE CARE OF IT,' the note read. Not straying far from his notes, Trump then told reporters: 'A missile was launched a little while ago from North Korea. I will only tell you that we will take care of it. It is a situation that we will handle.' The piece of paper was spotted on the table in front of Trump as he addressed reporters in the Roosevelt Room of the White House a few hours after the missile launch Advertisement
'The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, our territories or our allies,' he added.
South Korea and the US worked together to determine the missile's trajectory and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered an emergency cabinet meeting.
Officials in Seoul said a rocket-tracking radar was turned on at a missile base in the North of the region yesterday followed by a large amount of radio chatter, the Yonhap news agency reported.
Tokyo and Washington were also placed on alert after radio signals were picked up, with one Japanese official telling the Kyodo news agency that a test could take place 'within the next few days.'
Cho Myoung-gyon, South Korea's unification minister, confirmed the activity at an event in Seoul as he warned that Kim might complete his nuclear program much sooner than previously thought.
Cho said there had been 'noteworthy activity in the North recently', but said the world would have to 'wait and see whether it leads to an actual missile test'.
Speaking about Kim's efforts to develop a viable long-range nuclear weapon, he added: 'Experts think North Korea will take two to three more years but they are developing their nuclear capabilities faster than expected.
'We cannot rule out the possibility Pyongyang may declare the completion of their nuclear program in a year.'
Trump was flanked by empty chairs on Tuesday afternoon, trolling Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi, two key congressional Democrats who refused to negotiate on spending with him
Japan said the latest signals from North Korea might have come to nothing, saying they could have been from military exercises which the North routinely carries out each winter.
Cho said the frequency of North Korean activity tends to decline noticeably during the winter.
'If it launched a provocation, North Korea has to put its military on alert, but most of its troops are needed for manual labour for preparation of winter,' he said.
Other reasons behind the lull could be that Pyongyang simply needs more time to advance its missile program such as perfecting its re-entry technology, Cho said, or the North Korean leader could be focusing on boosting the economy.
Kim has already carried out a record 15 missile tests this year, including two which were fired over the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido.
The tests also confirmed that North Korea has developed a functioning ICBM, a key step toward creating a nuke that can strike mainland America.
News of another launch would come as a blow to North Korea's opponents who had hoped that increased sanctions were at least slowing the country's progress.
After a flurry of missile tests over the summer, Kim last fired a weapon on September 15, despite widely-anticipated launches in October around Labor Day in the US and the Chinese 19th Party Congress.
A Southern California woman convicted of conspiring to kill her identical twin sister in the 1990s has been recommended for parole after spending nearly two decades in prison, according to a report published Tuesday.
In a case that made international headlines, Jeen 'Gina' Han dubbed the 'evil twin' by police was sentenced to 26 years to life in May 1998.
Han and two others were found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, burglary and false imprisonment.
Jeen 'Gina' Han in Orange County Superior Court break down after being sentenced to 26 years to life for plotting the murder of her twin sister Sunny (pictured: May 8, 1998)
Jeen Young Han is photographed at her arraignment at Harbor Municipal Court in Newport Beach on charges she conspired to kill her twin sister (pictured 1998)
John Sararath and Archie Bryant were found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder on Sunny Han in November of 1998 following a separate trial.
'Gina' Han was also found guilty of burglary and false imprisonment along with two conspirators
Prosecutors said the trio conspired in a failed plan to murder Sunny Han, who was bound and gagged along with her roommate before police rescued them.
The Korean-born twins were co-valedictorians at their San Diego County high school, were once close but had a history of fighting, authorities have said. Their relationship deteriorated after Sunny Han accused her sister of stealing her BMW.
The state Board of Parole recommended the release of Gina Han, now 43, after a hearing on Oct. 31, the Orange County Register reported.
Under California law, the decision includes a 120-day review period so Gov. Jerry Brown can decide whether to approve or reject the parole recommendation.
Sunny Han, then 22, leaves Harbor Municipal Court for a break after giving testimony in the case against her twin sister Jeen Young Han in 1998
John Sararath (L) and Archie Bryant hang their heads after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder on Sunny Han
The Orange County District Attorney's Office in a letter Monday asked Brown to reject the parole recommendation, saying that Gina Han failed to address her alleged mental disorder and still poses a risk to society.
'At the parole hearing, Gina Han at first blush appeared to have attempted introspection; however, she is very intelligent and still manipulative,' Deputy District Attorney Nikki Chambers wrote in the letter to Brown.
California Gov. Jerry Brown (pictured) can decide whether to approve or reject the parole recommendation
Chambers said Gina Han, as an example of her plans for parole, gave the board letters from a men with whom she is corresponding.
Her pen pals from abroad and across the country have offered her money, jobs and lodging, including a man from Britain who gave her money after corresponding for a year, the prosecutor said.
'This manipulative ability is not surprising, given her extreme intelligence coupled with an untreated personality disorder,' Chambers wrote.
'The fact remains that she is still flexing the manipulation muscles that she used when she recruited two young men to murder her sister, and they appear to be as keen as they were in 1996,' Chambers wrote.
Gina Han maintained she never intended to kill her sister.
Meghan Markle will be baptised into the Church of England to please the Queen, despite her Catholic schooling and 'Jewish first wedding'
Meghan Markle will be baptised into the Church of England to please the Queen, despite her Catholic schooling and 'Jewish first wedding'.
Miss Markle, from Los Angeles, will be both baptised and confirmed as she prepares for her church wedding with Prince Harry, in May.
The bride-to-be is Christian, a member of the Protestant faith who went to a Catholic high school.
Her mother Doria Ragland is Protestant while her father Thomas Markle is Episcopalian.
However, her first husband, US TV producer Trevor Engelson, was Jewish and the couple tied the knot in a Bohemian ceremony at the Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
The wedding lasted four days and in keeping with Jewish traditions, the couple were lifted on chairs as the guests danced in celebration at their reception.
However, their marriage ended in divorce two years later with the couple citing 'irreconcilable differences'.
Before Miss Markle walks down the aisle with Prince Harry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, she must become a member of the Church of England, of which the Queen is head.
A person wishing to marry in a church is not required to be christened or confirmed but will usually have a link to that church in some way.
Miss Markle with her ex husband US TV producer Trevor Engleson, during their wedding in Jamaica, during 2011
Miss Markle and her husband are lifted in the air on chairs as loved ones dance in celebration at their wedding reception
In the case of St George's Chapel, this is where Harry was christened.
The decision for Ms Markle to be baptised and confirmed before the wedding will be seen as a nod to the Queen's strong faith and traditions within the monarchy.
Shortly before her wedding, the Duchess of Cambridge was confirmed.
Kate's husband the Duke of Cambridge, as a future king, will one day be Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
Both baptism and confirmation are important parts of the 'journey of faith', according to the church's website.
St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, is often at the heart of royal events, with the Royal family gathering there each year for Easter services
While many people brought up in the faith are baptised as children, adults can undergo the religious ceremony too.
'You are never too old to take this step, and being baptised as an adult is a wonderful experience,' the church's website states.
During the ceremony water is usually either poured on the person's head at the font or they may be fully immersed in a special pool within the church.
The service of confirmation can only take place if a person has been baptised, and is about confirming the promises about their faith that were made at the baptism.
Ms Markle could be baptised and confirmed in the same ceremony.
A man who skipped out on a court hearing on a hate crime charge in August 2012 has been rearrested in Oregon after disappearing for five years.
The East Oregonian reported Tuesday that 28-year-old Joshua Edward Teel has been in the Umatilla County Jail since last month on $100,000 bail.
The newspaper says Teel was part of a white supremacist group in Pendleton and was facing hate crime charges for assaulting a black man at a park.
Joshua Edward Teel, 28 (left in 2017 and right in 2012), who skipped out on a court hearing on a hate crime charge in August 2012 has been rearrested in Oregon after disappearing for five years. Teel was allegedly part of a white supremacist group in Pendleton and was facing hate crime charges for assaulting a black man at a park
Authorities said Teel (pictured) was involved with the European Kindred, a hate group formed by two Oregon inmates in 1988. Teel had pleaded not guilty to charges of intimidation, harassment, robbery, tampering with evidence, criminal mischief and riot in the case
Authorities said Teel was involved with the European Kindred, a hate group formed by two Oregon inmates in 1988.
They are affiliated with the white supremacist groups the Aryan Brotherhood and the Ku Klux Klan.
Members see themselves as Viking warriors with freedom to pillage, according to the Portland Tribune.
Teel had pleaded not guilty to charges of intimidation, harassment, robbery, tampering with evidence, criminal mischief and riot in the case, where authorities allege the group harassed and assaulted an African-American man.
According to Umatilla County Circuirt Court records, Teel did appear at a hearing for that case in December 2012, and Circuit Judge Christopher Brauer issued a warrant for his arrest.
Pendleton Police Chief Stuart Roberts said Teel was 'living/imprisoned' in Florida.
'Recently, we received information that Teel was in route to Oregon,' Roberts told The East Oregonian. 'We followed up on information provided, located, arrested and lodged Teel.'
According to Teel's Facebook page, the 28-year-old was living in Jacksonville, Florida, and was in a relationship with a woman and has two young boys (pictured)
Many of his posts espouse his white supremacists beliefs including referring to his children as 'my little Vikings' and leaving comments such as 'Hailsa!' - an Old Norse verb meaning to hail or greet (Pictured, Teel, second from the right, with friends)
According to Teel's Facebook page, the 28-year-old was living in Jacksonville, Florida, and was in a relationship with a woman and has two young boys.
Many of his posts espouse his white supremacists beliefs including referring to his children as 'my little Vikings' and leaving comments such as 'Hailsa!' - an Old Norse verb meaning to hail or greet.
Pictures also show swastika tattoos on the front and back of his neck, as well as on his elbow.
Teel has been in the Umatilla County Jail, Pendleton, since October 26. His next court appearance is on December 4.
HELENA The Montana State Fund board of directors is scheduled to meet Wednesday to inform two new board members about a lawsuit the state fund filed against the state the same day the new board members were appointed, fund president and CEO Laurence Hubbard said Monday.
The lawsuit, filed on Nov. 17, argues a measure that allows the Montana Board of Investments to charge a temporary 3 percent management fee on state fund assets above $1 billion is unconstitutional. The bill, which would raise about $15 million over two years, was among several passed during the recent special session of the legislature to address a projected $227 million state budget deficit.
The state fund, which sells workers' compensation insurance, has about $1.5 billion in assets.
Board chairman Lance Zanto requested Wednesday's special meeting, Hubbard said. An attorney will be available to answer questions about the lawsuit. If the board decided to reconsider the lawsuit, that's their prerogative, Hubbard said.
The board voted 6-0 on Nov. 10 in favor of lobbying against the legislation and to take any legal action necessary to prevent the transfer of state fund assets, Hubbard said. One member attending via phone call was not on the line when the vote took place.
The board also will take public comment at Wednesday's meeting. Hubbard said they anticipate hearing from a number of people "encouraging the board to continue with the action."
The day the lawsuit was filed, Gov. Steve Bullock appointed two new members to the seven-member board - former Democratic Sen. Cliff Larsen of Missoula and Jim Molloy, a former senior policy adviser to Bullock. They replace Bruce Mihelish and Richard Miltenberger, whose terms had expired in April.
The governor's spokeswoman, Ronja Abel, said Monday the governor's office was not aware of the lawsuit when the appointments were made. She acknowledged representatives of the governor's office have been talking with state fund officials about their concerns with the complaint.
Bullock on Monday pointed out he did hold over two previous board appointments.
"I have the discretion to appoint board members," he said. "I think that both the new members as well as the reappointed (members) will work to fulfill their responsibility as board members and follow the law."
The complaint argues state law requires premiums collected by the state fund and the interest and dividends on investments to only be used for the operations and obligations of the state fund. Supporters of the legislation argued asset management fees are a normal cost of doing business.
District Judge Mike McMahon has denied the state fund's request for a temporary restraining order to prevent assessment of the management fees and McMahon also questioned whether the state fund "has established a legitimate cause of action or that it is likely to succeed on the merits of its claims."
McMahon set a Dec. 4 hearing on the state fund's request for a preliminary restraining order.
Reporter Holly Michels contributed to this story.
Same-sex marriage legislation is closing in on passing the Senate after conservative MPs slapped down a range of amendments to the bill.
The upper house will continue to consider changes to a bill to legalise same-sex marriage on Wednesday after all proposed amendments were comprehensively defeated as parliament sat late on Tuesday.
Attorney-General George Brandis, who made an impassioned speech about the historic bill, co-authored an amendment with same-sex marriage opponent Matt Canavan which was voted down.
Same-sex marriage legislation is closing in on passing the Senate after conservative MPs slapped down a range of amendments to the bill on Tuesday in Canberra (pictured is Senator George Brandis)
The upper house will continue to consider changes to a bill to legalise same-sex marriage on Wednesday after all proposed amendments were comprehensively defeated as parliament sat late on Tuesday
Their proposal would have protected religious freedoms and allowed marriage celebrants to refuse to marry gay couples on religious grounds.
Senator Brandis is confident the bill will pass the Senate on Wednesday.
Amendments from Liberal Democrats senator David Leyonhjelm, Pauline Hanson's One Nation and the Greens are still to be debated.
One Nation's amendments also cover celebrants, as do Senator Leyonhjelm's.
He also wants to give businesses the right to refuse to service same-sex weddings.
The Greens amendments, set to be opposed by Labor, include a provision to ensure state and territory anti-discrimination laws will be limited, as well as make it harder for civil celebrants to refuse to marry same-sex couples.
On Tuesday, the upper house blocked a move to create two definitions of marriage - one between a man and a woman and the other as between two people.
That was included in one of five amendments proposed by conservative Liberal senators James Paterson and David Fawcett, which were comfortably defeated.
An amendment allowing marriage celebrants to refuse to marry gay couples, which was co-authored by Attorney-General George Brandis (pictured with Coalition Senator Dean Smith) and same-sex marriage opponent Matt Canavan, was voted down
The upper house blocked a move to create two definitions of marriage - one between a man and a woman and the other as between two people (pictured is conservative Liberal MP James Paterson who proposed the move)
Other measures they proposed sought to:
* Allow parents to pull their children from classes if they don't agree with their teachings on marriage
* Protect 'relevant beliefs' around marriage
* Prevent governments and agencies from taking action against people with a traditional view of marriage.
* Allow chaplains and authorised officers in the defence force to refuse to marry same-sex couples.
Senators Paterson and Fawcett also tried to ensure charities retain their existing tax and government funding status even if they oppose same-sex marriage.
But the bill's author, Liberal senator Dean Smith, tabled advice from the tax office and charities commissioner which said those fears were baseless.
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Authorities have said Bali's Mount Agung volcano could erupt again within hours as Australian travellers face another day of disruptions because of it.
Officials extended the closure of Bali's international airport for another 24 hours due to concerns that jet engines could choke on the thick volcanic ash, which was moving across the island, leaving 120,000 stranded visitors in need of shelter.
Senior Indonesian volcanologist Gede Swantika said a NASA satellite detected a thermal anomaly at the crater.
That means a pathway from the storage chamber in the volcano's crust has opened, giving magma easier access to the surface.
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Indonesian authorities have said Bali's Mount Agung volcano (pictured) could erupt again within hours, not days
Mount Agung is seen erupting from the Kubu sub-district in Karangasem Regency on Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Monday
A villager leads his cows to a filed with Mount Agung volcano erupting in the background in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia
He said the activity of the volcano is entering a critical phase for a bigger eruption, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Asked when it would happen, he said: 'Soon I cannot be sure.
'But maybe in hours, not days, because it's already erupting. We are just waiting for the big one.'
Meanwhile, Wednesday's Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin flights to and from Bali have been cancelled due to an ash cloud created by the volcano, which scientists have predicted could become more active over coming days.
Passengers have been given the option of flying to other destinations including Phuket, Singapore, Fiji or Tokyo.
Other airlines are monitoring the situation.
Brits Sarah Murphy (left) and her friend Tina Lucke (right) were due to leave on Monday but their Emirates flight was cancelled
A flight information board shows cancelled flights at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia, on Tuesday
Passengers are seen waiting for flight information following the eruption of Mount Agung volcano at Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali
Passengers talk to ground crew as their flights are cancelled at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia, on Tuesday
Stranded passengers gather at the Gusti Ngurah Rai International airport in Denpasar, Bali, on Monday
Lahar, a type of mudflow produced from a volcanic eruption, flows down the Yeh Sah River in the Karangasem Regency of Bali
Airport spokesman Ari Ahsanurrohim said more than 440 flights were canceled Tuesday, affecting nearly 60,000 passengers, about the same as Monday.
Without aircraft, getting in or out of Bali requires traveling hours by land and boat to an airport on another island.
Australian travel insurance companies have also warned customers would only be covered if they bought policies up to nine weeks ago - before warnings were issued by the Indonesian government.
Authorities have raised the alert for Mount Agung to the highest level and told 100,000 people to leave an area extending 10 kilometers (6 miles) from its crater as it belches grey and white plumes into the sky.
Mount Agung's last major eruption in 1963 killed about 1,100 people.
Balinese Hindus take part in a ceremony, where they pray near Mount Agung in hope of preventing an eruption, on Sunday
Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency says the airport on the island of Bali remains closed due to the threat from volcanic ash
Mount Agung volcano spews smoke and ash in Karangasem, Bali. The volcano erupted for the first time in more than half a century, forcing closure of the tourist island's busy airport
Experts said a larger, explosive eruption is possible or Agung could stay at its current level of activity for weeks.
'If it got much worse, it would be really hard to think of. You've got a huge population center, nearly a million people in Denpasar and surroundings, and it's very difficult to envision moving those people further away,' said Richard Arculus, a volcano expert at Australian National University.
He added that an eruption in 1843 was even more explosive than the one in 1963.
'There are many examples in history where you have this kind of seismic buildup - steam ejections of a little bit of ash, growing eruptions of ash to a full-scale stratosphere-reaching column of ash, which can presage a major volcanic event,' he said.
A tourist poses for a photo with Mount Agung volcano erupting as they visit a temple in Karangasem, Indonesia
Villagers sit on a truck during an evacuation following the eruption of Mount Agung, seen in the background, in Karangasem
School children ride on the back of a truck on their way to school as Mount Agung volcano erupts in the background
Balinese people ride on an open car past Mount Agung erupting, seen from the Kubu sub-district on the Indonesian island
People watch as muddy waters flow down a river near Mount Agung, in Bali, Indonesia, on Monday
Indonesian officials first raised the highest alert two months ago when a rash of seismic activity was detected at the mountain.
More than 100,000 people living near the volcano fled their homes, many abandoning their livestock or selling them for a fraction of the normal price.
The seismic activity decreased by the end of October, causing authorities to lower the alert level.
But tremors increased again last week and officials upped the alert and ordered another large-scale evacuation, with nearly 40,000 people now staying in 225 shelters, according to the Disaster Mitigation Agency in Karangasem.
The Indonesian national board for disaster management raised the alert for the Mount Agung volcano to the highest status
However, tens of thousands of villagers have remained in their homes because they feel safe or don't want to abandon their farms and livestock.
Wayan Lanus, who fled his village in Buana Giri with his wife and daughter, said: 'Ash has covered my house on the floor, walls, banana trees outside, everywhere.'
Flows of volcanic mud have been spotted on Agung's slopes, and Arculus warned more are possible since it's the rainy season on Bali.
'They're not making a lot of noise. It's just suddenly coming like a flash flood out of nowhere,' he said. 'You do not want to be near them. Stay out of the valleys.'
Indonesia sits on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' and has more than 120 active volcanoes.
A biology teacher pleaded no contest on Monday to an alleged six-month sexual relationship with a teen student.
Gabrielle Bauman, 25, was arrested in August after being accused of having sexual relations with one of her students between November 2016 and May 2017.
The Hiawatha Police Department conducted an investigation after a report was made to school administrators in mid-June.
Gabrielle Bauman, 25 (pictured), pleaded no contest on Monday to an alleged six-month sexual relationship with a teen student
Bauman, 25, was arrested in August after being accused of having sexual relations with one of her students between Nov 2016 and May 2017. (Pictured, left, Bauman with former science teacher Chris Vitt)
Brown County Attorney Kevin Hill told Hiawatha World Online that the criminal complaint alleges the conduct occurred while Bauman was employed as a high school teacher at Hiawatha High School.
The criminal complaint indicates that the alleged victim was a 'person 16 years or older who was a student enrolled at Hiawatha High School where the offender was employed'.
According to WIBW, Bauman resigned in July after teaching anatomy and biology at Hiawatha High School in Hiawatha, Kansas, for just one year.
Hill said that by entering her plea, she will potentially have to register as a sex offender for a period of 25 years. Bauman was freed on a $5,000 surety bond. She'll return to court for sentencing on January 22.
She was a student teacher for one semester and then was hired by the district as an instructor for the 2016-2017 school year.
Bauman was arrested on August 29 on charges of one count of unlawful sexual relations, a level 5 person felony.
The school board accepted Bauman's (pictured, center, in green) resignation at the regular July board meeting
Mika is mad as hell, and she is not taking it any more.
The Morning Joe host erupted with a mix of rage, contempt and disbelief on Tuesday as she responded to White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders' defending her boss' decision to refer to Senator Elizabeth Warren as Pocahontas the previous day.
'When is there going to be a moment when she actually says the president misspoke? Whats wrong with her? Why does she do that job?' asked an animated Brzezinski.
'How can she look in the mirror every day and say I am doing the right thing for the American people? You are not.'
Then, in a move that very clearly conveyed how incensed she was, Brzezinski compared Sanders to her least favorite member of the Trump administration.
'This is Kellyanne Conway territory. This is horrible. Im not sorry. Go ahead Joe.'
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Mika-ing me crazy: Mika Brzezinski (above) took aim at Sarah Sanders on Tuesday while discussing the White House Press Secretary's response to Trump's Pocahontas remark
Her co-host and companion Joe Scarborough, who had remained silent but smiling during Brzezinski's diatribe, then tried to start speaking but was cut off before he could get out a word.
'That is unbelievable. This is our president and that is the spokesperson for the president of the United States, sitting there defending his racism, his bigoted language, his stupidity This is where we are,' declared Brzezinski.
Scarborough, who seemed to be agreement with Brzezisnki, was red in the face by that point and unable to control his laughter.
Brzezinski was still not done however, and next took things a step further by stating: 'Sick. Its sick. The whole thing is sick. The whole relationship is sick. Shes taken the oath.'
To close out she added: 'I dont know how you do it. Youre raising three children. Stop.'
President Trump has made a habit of doing this countless times in the past, but it was different on Monday as he made the remark during a ceremony honoring three elderly 'code talkers' from the Navajo tribe.
The men, and many other Native Americans, played a vital role in keeping allied communications secret during World War II.
In honor of that accomplishment President Trump honored them at a White House ceremony where he elected to focus more on one of his many trivial feuds rather than the accomplishments of these three war heroes.
'You were here long before any of us were here,' said President Trump during his remarks, lighting up as he neared his punch line.
'Although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas.'
The three honorees showed no emotion, but President Trump made a point of guffawing at his remark, which was later deemed as both racist and bigoted by Native American groups.
That in turn led to the press questioning Sanders about the remark.
Hucka-beat: The Morning Joe host asked: ''How can she look in the mirror every day and say I am doing the right thing for the American people? You are not' (Sanders above on Monday)
No laughing matter: Her fiance and co-host Joe Scarborough was silent but in near hysterics as he listened to Brzezinski's very passionate diatribe
When asked why President Trump found it necessary to say 'something offensive to many people while honoring the Navajo Code Talkers,' Sanders responded: 'I think what most people find offensive is Senator Warren lying about her heritage to advance her career.'
When pressed on the fact that it was a racial slur and asked what her response was, a disinterested Sanders muttered: 'I think that's a ridiculous response.'
She then moved on to the next questions, which again had to do with why President Trump and his 'decency' in using this phrase in front of Native American war heroes.
'Look, I think the President certainly finds an extreme amount of value and respect for these individuals, which is why he brought them and invited them to come to the White House and spend time with them, recognizing them, and honoring them today,' said Sanders.
'So I think he is constantly showing ways to honor those individuals, and he invited them here at the White House today to meet with them and to also remind everybody about what the historic role that they played many years ago.'
She then found herself backed into a corner however when Kristen Welker of NBC News quickly got out one more question despite Sanders' desperate attempt to move on, asking: 'Why is it appropriate for the President to use a racial slur in any context?'
Sanders began to stammer a bit as she stated: 'I don't believe that it is appropriate for him to make a racial slur or anybody else.'
Trumped: On Monday, President Trump used a ceremony honoring three Navajo code breakers (above) to poke fun at Senator Elizabeth Warren
Welker then followed that up, saying: 'Well, a lot of people feel as though this is a racial slur. So why is it appropriate for him to use that?'
Sanders responded: 'Like I said, I don't think that it is, and I don't think that was -- certainly not the President's intent - I think, like I said, I think the more offensive -- the most offensive thing...'
Welker then cut her off to ask: 'Does he see political value in calling people out racially?'
Sanders, in a last ditch effort to try and flip the script, said: 'Look, I think that Senator Warren was very offensive when she lied about something specifically to advance her career. I don't understand why no one is asking about that question and why that isn't constantly covered.'
Senator Warren was attacked when she ran for Senate back in 2012 after it was discovered that the then-Harvard Law professor had listed her ethnicity as Native American in the director for the American Association of Law Schools.
She later explained that she only did this to try and meet others who might have native backgrounds, claiming she had been told that she was a descendant of members from both the Cherokee and Delaware tribes as a child.
Pocahantas was a member of the Powhatan tribe.
The Archdiocese of Washington, DC filed a lawsuit against the city's Metro system on Tuesday, after their Christmas ads were banned.
The church planned to roll out a series of ads on the sides of buses and on bus kiosks promoting Christmas mass schedules and ways to help the needy during the holiday season.
The graphics for the ads show the silhouette of what appear to be the Three Wise Men and a couple of sheep, staring up at the star announcing Christ's birth.
The ads were rejected by Metro for being religious in nature.
The Archdiocese of Washington, DC says their Christmas ad campaign (pictured above) was denied by the city's Metro system for being religious
The Archdiocese is now suing Metro over the banning. They planned to plaster buses and bus kiosks with the ad campaign (above, a picture of a Metro bus)
'The rejected ad conveys a simple message of hope, and an invitation to participate in the Christmas season. Yet citing its guidelines, WMATA's legal counsel said the ad "depicts a religious scene and thus seeks to promote religion,"' said Ed McFadden, secretary for communications for the Archdiocese of Washington, said in a statement.
'To borrow from a favorite Christmas story, under WMATA's guidelines, if the ads are about packages, boxes or bags if Christmas comes from a store -- then it seems WMATA approves. But if Christmas means a little bit more, WMATA plays Grinch,' he added.
A Metro spokesman says that religious advertisements have been banned since 2015.
'In 2015, WMATA changed its advertising policy to prohibit issue-oriented advertising, including political, religious and advocacy advertising. The ad in question was declined because it is prohibited by WMATA's current advertising guidelines,' said Sherri Ly, manager of media relations.
But the church says that Metro has been inconsistent in the way it enforces the rule, such as allowing the Salvation Army, a Christian group, to advertise and allowing Christmas advertisements that play into the commercial side of the holiday.
They also say that the imagery on their ad isn't even very religious - since it doesn't show Jesus, the manger or a cross.
By refusing to run the ads, the church says their Constitutional rights to free speech and freedom to practice religion are being infringed.
'WMATA's rejection of the Archdiocese's speech amounts to a violation of the First Amendment, plain and simple. We are bringing this complaint to vindicate the basic principle that the government may not allow a wide variety of speech in a forum and then turn around and deny the Archdiocese access because of the religious nature of its speech,' attorney Paul Clement of Kirkland & Ellis LLP said.
They aren't the first to sue Metro over the rule, which was put in place after an anti-Islam campaign meant to infuriate Muslims by showing depictions of the prophet Muhammad.
A women's health clinic, the controversial former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals have all had their ads banned by the third party who sells Metro's ads. All three have joined an ACLU lawsuit against the transportation bureau.
Former Intelligence Community Inspector General Charles McCullough III said his job security had been threatened after he exposed Hillary Clinton for having 'Top Secret' emails on her unsecured server.
'I was told that we would be the first two to be fired with her administration,' McCullough said of himself and a colleague to Fox News, in an interview that aired Monday. 'That, that was definitely doing to happen.'
McCullough, an Obama appointee, had told Republican leadership of both the Senate Intelligence and Foreign Affairs committees that some of Clinton's messages had surpassed the 'Top Secret' distinction and in January 2016, as Democratic primary voting was beginning, he faced an escalating backlash.
Former Intelligence Community Inspector General Charles McCullough III said his job security had been threatened after he exposed Hillary Clinton for having 'Top Secret' emails on her unsecured server
'I was told that we would be the first two to be fired with her administration,' Ex-Intelligence Community Inspector General Charles McCullough told Fox News Channel in an interview that aired Monday night
Photographed in April 2013, National Intelligence Community Inspector General Charles McCullough said there was an effort by Hillary Clinton's campaign to 'mislead people into thinking there is nothing to see here' when it came to her secret server and emails
'All of a sudden I became a shill of the right. I was told by members of Congress, "Be careful, you're losing your credibility. There are people out to get you,"' McCullough recalled.
As the inspector general, McCullough was charged with overseeing 17 agencies and worked under then Director of National Intelligence James Clapper.
Clapper, McCullough told Fox, had seen the information and was also very concerned with Clinton's careless manner of handling government secrets.
'He read through these affidavits very thoroughly and he said, "This is extremely reckless," and he mentioned something about the campaign will have heartburn about that, or something,' McCullough recalled, stating the meeting occurred in either late December of 2015 or the early weeks of 2016.
'He was put-off as the rest of us were,' McCullough added.
After meeting with the DNI chief, McCullough said his team was marginalized, Fox reported.
'I was totally alone and I was told by senior official, keep the director out of it,' McCullough said.
Meanwhile, the Clinton campaign's strategy was to say there was nothing classified on her private server. And later, when classified emails were revealed, that they had been retroactively classified and weren't designated as such when they passed through her server.
'There was an effort, certainly, on the part of the campaign to mislead people into thinking there is nothing to see here,' McCullough charged.
He saw it as a 'coordinated strategy' as Democrats on the Hill questioned the impartiality of the email review, while the Obama White House muddied the waters.
'Frankly the thing that disappointed me the most was the president saying, "There's classified and then there's classified,"' McCullough said quoting former President Obama.
Obama made the remark in April 2016, as Clinton was two months away from winning the Democratic nomination.
'Theres stuff that is really top-secret, top-secret, and theres stuff that is being presented to the president or the secretary of state, that you might not want on the transom, or going out over the wire, but is basically stuff that you could get in open-source,' Obama told Fox News at the time.
McCullough noted how 'a lot of people in the intel community spend a lot of time keeping secrets, secret.'
'And to sort of inject that sense of confusion into people I don't think was, was altogether responsible,' he said.
Having seen the content, McCullough also disagreed with the ex-president's assessment.
'I've heard people say this is overblown. I've heard people say this is much ado about nothing. Had the information been released it would have been harm to national security,' McCullough told Fox.
When Herridge asked if lives would have been put at risk, McCullough said yes.
'Absolutely,' he responded. 'Sources and methods. Lives, operations.'
McCullough told Fox that he felt he had played the role of 'whistleblower' in this situation and, 'all of the sudden I was the enemy.'
'There was personal blowback,' he said. 'To me, to my family, to my office.'
Asked by Herridge what would have happened to him if he would have done the same thing as Clinton, the ex-inspector general gave a frank response.
'I'd be sitting in Leavenworth right now,' the former official stated.
American embassy workers in Uzbekistan were targeted in sonic attack similar to the one in Cuba, sources have claimed.
An officer for the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, who is based in the US Embassy in the capital of Tashkent reported that he and his wife were experiencing a suspected acoustic attack, sources told CBS News.
The incident has raised suspicions that Russia may be behind it - and could have been involved in the bizarre attacks on Cuba that has left 22 with hearing loss and brain injuries.
American embassy workers in Uzbekistan were targeted in sonic attack similar to Cuba incident, sources claim
The source said two people, thought to be the officer and his wife, suffering similar symptoms were flown out of Tashkent by the State Department for testing and treatment.
But the State Department denies that anyone on its U.S. staff reported symptoms similar to those in the Cuban attack.
'We can confirm that there was no incident in Uzbekistan and that no personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan have been diagnosed with the conditions that have been observed in Cuba,' State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.
USAID, which provides foreign assistance in more than 100 countries, declined to comment.
The State Department denies that anyone on its U.S. staff reported symptoms similar to those in the Cuban attack
However, U.S. security sources insist the September incident in Tashkent occurred, and said it raises concerns Russia may be involved in the attack as the two countries have strong ties.
They suggest Russia could also have had a hand in the Cuban attacks on US diplomats, as Cuba is another ally.
'The Russians have been rebuilding their relationshipit deteriorated dramatically after the end of the Cold War,' according to William Leogrande, a foreign policy professor at American University. 'They have a strong presence in Cuba and an historic relationship with Cuban intelligence that might give them the kind of freedom to operate that would provide an opportunity.'
Russia has denied any role in the attacks.
In December 2016, a number of US Embassy staff and one Canadian diplomat in Havana, Cuba, began to complain of symptoms such as hearing loss, severe headaches, loss of balance, and other forms of cognitive impairment.
The issue was thought to have died down in the spring when no new incidents were reported. In August, however, a new incident came to light.
One diplomat in Cuba described being jolted awake in a Havana hotel room by a grinding, blaring cacophony. When he moved a few feet across the room, the noise stopped (stock photo)
At least 22 American diplomats have now reported the symptoms, which has been blamed by a mysterious sonic device to which they were exposed.
One diplomat in Cuba described being jolted awake in a Havana hotel room by a grinding, blaring cacophony. When he moved a few feet across the room, the noise stopped.
The US government in August first officially confirmed they were investigating the incidents which also affected several Canadians.
Some of those had returned home for testing and treatment, the US official said, while others had been tested in Cuba, where the embassy has a full-time medical officer.
Investigations by Cuba, the United States and Canada have yet to come up with any answers.
Experts agree it is hard to see how any attacks could have been carried out or what the motivation could be.
The Associated Press released a recording of what some U.S. Embassy workers heard in Havana, part of the series of unnerving incidents later deemed to be deliberate attacks. Above, the U.S. Embassy in Havana on August 14, 2015
Theories abound, from surveillance technology gone awry to a sophisticated acoustic weapon in the hands of Cuban-American exiles or third-party state actors such as Russia, Iran or North Korea, but most flounder.
Audiologists for example have raised doubt over the possibility of whether any sonic weapon exists that can be used covertly to bring about the range of symptoms mentioned by diplomats.
The Associated Press released a recording of what some U.S. Embassy workers heard in Havana in October , part of the series of unnerving incidents later deemed to be deliberate attacks.
In September, the US State Department removed its non-emergency staff from the US embassy, and warned US citizens not to travel to Cuba.
President Trump laid the blame at the feet of Cuba.
'I do believe Cuba's responsible. I do believe that,' he said in October. 'And it's a very unusual attack, as you know. But I do believe Cuba is responsible.'
Australia Federal Police raided up to nine homes in Sydney's west early on Wednesday morning.
Officers have not confirmed why they searched properties, including homes in Guilford and Blacktown, but it comes just a day after a young Solami-Australian man was arrested for allegedly plotting an ISIS-inspired New Year's Eve attack.
Ali Khalif Shire Ali was dramatically arrested on Monday and charged with trying to obtain a semi-automatic rifle to gun down revellers in Melbourne's Federation Square.
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Australia Federal Police raided up to nine homes in Sydney's west early on Wednesday morning
Officers have not confirmed why they searched properties, including homes in Guilford and Blacktown
It is understood the raids in Sydney are not terror related but are in connection to identity theft and fraud, according to 9News.
A woman was arrested by Australian Federal Police at the Blacktown property.
Ali, 20, was reportedly targeted by ASIO because of his links to a radicalised 15-year-old boy who killed Curtis Cheng.
He was well-connected to Australian jihadist circles including multiple other terror suspects and extremist preacher Junaid Thorne.
Ali was also friends with Farhad Jabar, 15, who shot dead NSW police accountant Curtis Cheng outside the police centre in Parramatta in 2015.
A woman was arrested by Australian Federal Police at a Blacktown property
It is understood the raids in Sydney are not terror related but are in connection to identity theft and fraud
Police are seen taking evidence from the Guilford property during the raid
NSW Police and the Australian Federal Police carried out the raids
He once boasted to a group of Islamic extremists about how he had refused to speak to ASIO agents who offered him money for information about his links to Jabar.
Ali claimed agents offered him $200 for every tip he gave them about extremist activity in his community, but he refused to dob in Muslims because it was 'haram'.
'I know their tricks and whatever you say to them they will use as evidence against you,' Ali said.
'They start to get to the real questions, like who are your friends with, what do you think about ISIS, what are your thoughts about those groups.
A jury on Tuesday acquitted a Libyan militant of murder charges in connection with a 2012 attack on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya which left four Americans dead.
Ahmed Abu Khatallah was accused of being a ringleader in the September 11, 2012 attack which killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other US nationals.
He was charged with 18 counts ranging from murder and conspiring to provide material support to terrorists, and maliciously damaging and destroying U.S. property.
He was facing multiple death penalty charges for the 2012 attack.
Ahmed Abu Khatalla (left, on his arrest, and right) was acquitted on the most serious charges in connection with a 2012 attack on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya
But on Tuesday he was acquitted on all but four of those charges, according to media reports.
He still faces up to 60 years in prison after being found guilty of terrorism charges including conspiracy to provide material support for terrorism, he was not found responsible for the deaths of Ambassador Chris Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty.
Khatalla, 46, was captured by US special forces in June 2014 and shipped to the US on a naval vessel, where he was held in Alexandra, Virginia.
According to prosecutors, Khattala drove to the diplomatic mission with other militants and a group of about 20 breached the main gate and later launched an attack with assault rifles, grenades and other weapons.
Ahmed Abu Khatallah was accused of being a ringleader in the September 11, 2012 attack which killed Ambassador Chris Stevens (pictured) and three other US nationals.
A courtroom sketch depicts Ahmed Abu Khattala listening to a interpreter through earphones during the opening statement by assistant U.S. attorney John Crabb, second from left, at his trial in October
That initial attack killed Stevens and communications specialist Sean Smith and set the mission ablaze.
Prosecutors say Khattala supervised the plunder of sensitive information from that building, then returned to a camp in Benghazi where a large group began assembling for an attack on a second building known as the annex.
The attack on that facility, including a precision mortar barrage, resulted in the deaths of security officers Tyrone Snowden Woods and Glen Anthony Doherty, authorities say.
During his trial over the past two months, the government introduced evidence, from phone records showing that the defendant made calls to his associates right before they were captured on grainy videos participating in the attack, to testimony from a variety of witnesses.
One witness who testified was a man identified by the pseudonym Ali Majrisi.
Majrisi was paid $7 million by the government to befriend Khatallah, gather evidence against him and eventually lure him to the place where he was captured by U.S. forces.
An armed man waves his rifle as buildings and cars are engulfed in flames after being set on fire inside the US consulate compound in Benghazi late on September 11, 2012
Ahmed Abu Khatallah faced the death penalty and 18 charges for the attack. Pictured, a vehicle sits smoldering in flames after being set on fire inside the US consulate compound in Benghazi late on September 11, 2012
The jury at the trial in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia also heard emotional testimony from State Department and CIA officials, who spoke in detail about how Stevens and the other three Americans died.
'You have not heard that he lit the match,' prosecutor Michael DiLorenzo said Thursday. 'You have not heard that he fired the mortars.'
But he is 'equally as guilty,' he said, because a co-conspirator is liable for any crimes deemed to be a 'reasonable, foreseeable consequence' of a conspiracy.
Khatallah's lawyer, Michelle Peterson, told jury members on Thursday that the government was trying to play on their emotions to win a conviction, when in fact the evidence of the case did not prove his guilt. She suggested that the witnesses paid by the government with a 'bag of cash' were not credible.
'They want you to hate him,' she said. 'Mr. Abu Khatallah is not guilty of these charges.'
In the attack's immediate aftermath, then-president Barack Obama and his administration officials, said initially that the attack was a spontaneous protest against an anti-Muslim video that had surfaced in the United States.
Evidence later emerged that U.S. agencies had been warning for months about weak security and possible attacks against U.S. facilities in Libya. Evidence also emerged that soon after the attack, the United States had strong reason to believe that organized militant groups had been involved.
In media interviews before his capture by U.S. forces, Khatallah denied involvement in the attacks against a compound used by the State Department as a consular office and a nearby compound used by the CIA as its Benghazi base.
The new U.S. indictment alleges Khatallah had been the commander of an militant Islamist militia called Ubaydah bin Jarrah. That group later merged with another Libyan group called Ansar al Sharia, and Khatallah became one of its Benghazi-based leaders, U.S. authorities said.
A couple whose son was among eight members of one family killed in a Texas church shooting has filed a legal claim with the US Air Force, saying the military branch is partly to blame.
Joe Holcombe and his wife Claryce say the Air Force's failure to report the gunman's criminal history to an FBI database used to check backgrounds of gun buyers helped cause the November 5 shooting in Sutherland Springs that left more than two dozen dead.
They filed the claim Tuesday in their 60-year-old son Bryan Holcombe's death. It could lead to a lawsuit if the Air Force denies it was at fault.
Joe Holcombe says the Air Force made a 'very serious mistake' and he doesn't want it to happen again.
An Air Force spokeswoman didn't immediately reply to an email seeking comment.
Joe Holcombe (left) says the Air Force's failure to report gunman Devin Patrick Kelley's (right) criminal history to an FBI database used to check backgrounds of gun buyers helped cause the November 5 shooting in Sutherland Springs that left more than two dozen dead
Joe Holcombe and his wife Claryce filed a legal claim against the Air Force on Tuesday. Their son, Bryan (seen left), and his wife, Karla (right), were also gunned down in the church. Bryan had been standing in for pastor for Frank Pomeroy, and witnesses say he was the first victim to be struck by the shooter's gunfire
Bryan and Karla's daughter-in-law, Crystal Holcombe (center), who was eight months pregnant, died in the church shooting alongside her son Greg (far left), daughters Emily and Megan. Her husband, John (far right) survived alongside two of their children.
Sisters Emily (left) and Megan (right) enjoyed baking fun treats with their mother. Crystal recently posted on Facebook about how her girls won a baking contest. Megan is pictured right being presented with the certificate for the contest
Greg (right) seemingly loved participating in karate, and his mother and sister Emily also joined him in the activity
Bryan and Karla's other son, and Crystal's brother-in-law, Marc Daniel 'Danny' Holcombe (above), died with his infant daughter Noah Holcombe
Devin Patrick Kelley, the gunman, had a history of domestic violence: He was given a bad conduct discharge from the Air Force after pleading guilty to assaulting his first wife and stepson.
Under federal law, anyone convicted of domestic violence cannot purchase a firearm.
But the Air Force failed to inform federal law enforcement authorities that Kelley had been court-martialed.
When he tried to buy guns after his release from a military prison, his conviction was not in the database used to conduct background checks, and the purchases went through.
On November 15, three thousand people mourned the eight members of the Holcombe family who were among the more than two dozen killed in the shooting before the funeral procession headed to a cemetery near the site of the massacre.
Surrounding the multicolored caskets, mourners released light pink and blue balloons at a graveside service for the Holcombe family in rural Wilson County.
Church member and survivor John Holcombe had invited the public to attend the funeral of his pregnant wife, Crystal, 36, and three of her children from a previous marriage, Greg Hill, 13, Emily Hill, 11, and Megan Hill, 9; his parents, 60-year-old Bryan and Karla Holcombe, 58; a brother, 36-year-old Marc Holcombe, and Marc's 18-month-old daughter, Noah.
Fire marshals had to turn hundreds more people away from the services at an events center in Floresville, Texas, about 12 miles from the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, where the November 5 shooting occurred.
News reporters were barred from entering the event center and were being held in a pen with two trucks obscuring the view inside.
The gunman, Devin Patrick Kelley, began firing into First Baptist Church (above) of Sutherland Springs as Bryan Holcombe, an assistant pastor, ascended to the pulpit. Walking up and down the center aisle, Kelley killed 25 people at the church, including crying babies at point-blank range, according to witness accounts
In an earlier Facebook post, John Holcombe thanked friends and well-wishers for their support, adding: 'Please continue to pray for us.'
Kelley began firing into First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs as Bryan Holcombe, an assistant pastor, ascended to the pulpit.
Walking up and down the center aisle, Kelley killed 25 people at the church, including crying babies at point-blank range, according to witness accounts.
Balloons are released at a graveside service on November 15 for members of the Holcombe family who were killed in the Sutherland Springs Baptist Church shooting
Authorities have put the official toll at 26, because Crystal Holcombe was pregnant.
John Holcombe was managing the church's audio-visual operations at the back of the building when gunfire erupted.
He and Crystal's 7-year-old daughter Evelyn escaped the barrage. Crystal's eldest child, 14-year-old Philip, had stayed home from church services that day.
After his rampage, Kelley fled in a vehicle parked near the church, pursued by a barefoot observer with an AR assault rifle and another man in a pick-up truck.
The man with the rifle shot and struck Kelley but authorities say the gunman died of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators have said the attack appeared to stem from a domestic dispute Kelley was having with his mother-in-law, a member of the church who wasn't present that day.
However, among the victims was Lula White, the gunman's wife's 71-year-old grandmother.
In addition to those killed, another 20 people were injured in the shooting.
School District 2 trustees decided to work toward signing a contract with the same national search firm Helena's school board is using to hire a new superintendent.
Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates is based in Illinois but has worked with large and small school districts across the nation. Trustees moved to set a $27,500 cap on basic services and advertising and pursue additional information before officially signing on with the firm.
Trustees also considered a proposal from Northwest Leadership Associates, a regional firm that primarily works in Washington and Oregon.
Only board chairwoman Greta Besch Moen was a trustee during current superintendent Terry Bouck's hiring in 2012, and she was not a part of hiring Keith Beeman in 2010. Beeman's tenure was controversial and short-lived.
Trustee Russ Hall suggested tapping district administrators' knowledge of that search.
"I realize it didn't got well with the previous (superintendent)," he said. "How did that search go?"
Trustees emphasized a thorough vetting of finalists, opting to pursue background checks that include online and social media searches.
Board chairwoman Greta Besch Moen cited the 2012 search that ended with Bouck's hiring, when the Gazette uncovered criticism of the fiscal management skills of a different candidate at a previous job.
Trustees also wanted a firm that would identify and pursue candidates selected as a good fit for Billings, whether they were looking for a job or not.
"That's really what Northwest hangs their hat on," said executive director of human resources Katie Nordstrom.
Trustees added a note to ask HYA about aggressive recruiting before signing a deal.
They also mentioned prioritizing candidates from larger school districts; Besch Moen cited the selection of two finalists from small school districts in 2012 as unsatisfactory.
Bouck had previously been an assistant superintendent in the 29,000-student Tacoma school district.
Trustees also debated search costs, charging Nordstrom with trying to find wiggle room in HYA search options to mininimize the bill.
"I want to get the best group," said trustee Gordon Klasna, "but I want to get them as cheap as possible."
Both groups had base prices of about $23,000, but HYA's advertising pricing included add-on costs. HYA's background check would also be more expensive, but included online sleuthing that Northwest's didn't appear to.
HYA also provided more thorough pre-finalist services.
"By the time the applicants came to us, we would be seeing the cream of the crop," Nordstrom said.
Neither firm has deep Montana roots, but HYA's president worked in Billings for about 20 years as a teacher and administrator.
The timeline for both firms' proposals end with a new superintendent's first day on the job in July.
An American academic has been 'held hostage' in the Middle Eastern city state of Dubai over an unpaid debt for more than a year and suffered a stroke while behind bars, his family revealed Tuesday.
David Oliver, 62, from Cincinnati, Ohio, was stripped of his passport and thrown in a prison cell by airport guards who allegedly bragged: 'Look, we got an American.'
The creative writing lecturer had been living in Dubai with his ex-wife, working at the American University in the emirate.
But after 20 years in the region he was locked up when he lost his job and failed to repay a $70,000 debt. The country criminalizes debt and banks and landlords can send someone to jail with a document showing a check bounced.
Oliver's nightmare stemmed from a $70,000 debt he incurred when living in Dubai with his then wife.
He took a loan out with the Sharjah Islamic Bank in 2014, but after he lost his job following a dispute with an Emirati co-worker and his then-wife, who is originally from Iran, flew back to the U.S.
David Oliver, 62, has been 'held hostage' in Dubai for more than a year stemming from an unpaid debt of $70,000 for a house
Oliver was thrown in the notorious Sharjah Jail for two months (pictured), where he suffered a stroke. He was put in the care of a mental hospital for the next seven months
Shortly after they were back on U.S. soil she asked for a divorce so he boarded a plane back to the Middle East to seek work in Bahrain.
But he was detained during a layover in Dubai as he flew from Bahrain to Kathmandu and ordered to repay the debt which has now reached $100,000 thanks to charges - immediately.
Oliver claims he thought his ex-wife had been paying it off through their joint bank account, but says she had stopped.
He is banned from leaving the country until he repays the loan but has been stripped of his passport and visa so he can't get a job.
The professor was put behind bars for two months at the notorious Sharjah Jail, where he suffered a mini stroke. He was freed to a mental hospital where he lived for seven months.
Oliver was previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has suffered from depression. His family say that he is desperately in need of healthcare and is not getting help from the U.S. government, they told DailyMail.com
His sister Beverly Thornton, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, told DailyMail.com: 'David has already been jailed for two months, then held for another seven months in a primitive mental hospital.'
The creative writing lecturer had his passport stripped away and was jailed. Oliver had been living in Dubai with his ex-wife, working at the American University in the emirate
When Oliver lost his job at the university, he was unable to pay the debt, which has since swelled to 100,000
Oliver was previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has suffered from depression. His family say that he is desperately in need of healthcare and is not getting help from the U.S. government
Oliver's sister said: 'During the time in prison he was subjected to awful violence. Another prisoner even stole his front teeth implants.
'He is mentally ill anyway and now trying to deal with the effects of a stroke.
'He has been told he cannot return to the USA until his debt is paid. With the crazy interest and collection agency fees, the amount claimed has risen to USD $100,000.
'Our family doesn't have anything like that kind of money and we have been told David will soon be sent back to prison and stay there for good, or until the debt is paid in full.
'We miss him terribly. This is a death sentence for a mentally ill man and stroke victim.
'I just wish our government would do something to help, but all the embassy has done is give contact details for lawyers we can't afford.
'It's as though the US government was more interested in trade deals than the safety of its citizens in Dubai.'
The family has set up a Go Fund Me in the hope of being able to help.
She added: 'He was doing very well. He was married, working hard in a good job. But the stress of all these misfortunes at once has hit him hard.
'David has tried to take his own life before and he sounds so down that I fear for his safety again.'
According to criminal justice campaigners Oliver has had three court hearings and each time was ordered to, 'pay the banks or go to jail.'
Radha Stirling, CEO of the British-based NGO Detained In Dubai who is representing Oliver, called for the UAE to reform its financial laws.
She said Oliver has 'zero chance' of repaying his loan, adding: 'He took the loan in good faith, but his circumstances changed beyond his control.
'If the UAE had operational bankruptcy laws, David would likely be home already.
'While there has been a lot of discussion over the past few years about implementing modern bankruptcy regulations, movement so far has been ineffective.
'Unfortunately we have many similar cases in the UAE with people who can neither pay their debts nor leave Dubai to seek employment elsewhere.'
Stirling continued: 'We are dealing with a number of people who are looking at spending the remainder of their lives in prison.
'Even the people currently outside of prison are not allowed to work and when whatever money they had runs out, they are forced to beg for food or rely on charity.
'Holding a debtor hostage in the hope they have a wealthy relative to bail them out is both immoral and unfair.'
She added: 'When I spoke to David, he had clearly been emotionally damaged by the time in prison and the separation from his family.
'He could not see any way out but holds hope that he will be reunited with his family again soon.'
The US embassy in the UAE is yet to respond to requests for a comment.
Armed police officers have arrested two men in London and Birmingham who are suspected of being part of an ongoing terror plot.
Officers from the Met Police's Counter Terrorism Command, supported by officers from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit and the Met Police Firearms Command, arrested the men in two separate raids.
At 2.50pm a 20-year-old man from London was arrested followed by the arrest of a 21-year-old man in south-east Birmingham at 4.30pm.
Armed police have arrested two men following anti-terror raids in London and Birmingham
The men are being detained under the Terrorism Act in an unidentified police station in the south-east of London.
Officers are continuing to search addresses in south-east Birmingham and north London.
The two men were arrested on suspicion of being involved 'in the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorism'.
More to follow.
A TV reporter has come forward with claims of inappropriate behaviour by Don Burke when they worked together at a radio station.
A Current Affair journalist Alison Piotrowski worked with Burke at 2UE in Sydney in the mid to late 2000s.
Ms Piotrowski said she was working on a shift with Burke and was berated by him for turning up late to an outside broadcast because she was caught up by security.
'But then half an hour later he came up to me and said that all was forgiven because I had a great a***,' she told Tracy Grimshaw on Tuesday night.
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Channel Nine journalist Alison Piotrowski claimed Burke made an inappropriate comment to her while she was working with him at radio station 2UE
Ms Piotrowski said she was berated by him when she turned up late to an outside broadcast
Ms Piotrowski claimed she reported his behaviour to management, and was told she would no longer have to work with Burke.
'I certainly wasn't the only young female producer that was put in a position like this and there were plenty of other girls that went through far more confronting experiences at 2UE compared to what I experienced,' she said.
'A practice actually developed where if you were a young female producer and you didn't feel comfortable working around Don you wouldn't be forced to work with him.'
She claimed she never saw Burke disciplined by station management for his behaviour.
Ms Piotrowski claimed she reported his behaviour to management, and was told she would no longer have to work with Burke
Disgraced television presenter Don Burke was banned from flying with Qantas during the peak of his career due to his inappropriate conduct
'I later reported it to management and was told I didn't have to work with him anymore,' she said.
She added that since the allegations against Burke made headlines this week, she's been in touch with a number of her former female colleagues.
'We were all young, in our early to mid 20s, and for most of us it was our first workplace,' she wrote.
Ms Piotrowski said the former workers were angry.
'Anger that during a vulnerable stage of their career they were put in a position of having to navigate this, with no real guidance,' she explained.
Qantas banned him from flying with the airline after he behaved inappropriately towards staff members, which was then reported to management
Daily Mail Australia has contacted 2UE, now known as Talking Lifestyle, for comment.
In claims published by the ABC and Fairfax on Monday, dozens of accusers came alleging Burke sexually harassed, indecently assaulted and bullied female colleagues over a number of years.
Burke has denied all allegations of sexual harassment and indecent assault against him.
Burke was banned from flying with Qantas during the 1990s due to his behaviour, according to A Current Affair
A Current Affair also alleged the disgraced television presenter was banned from flying with Qantas during the peak of his career in the 1990s due to his inappropriate conduct.
The program said Qantas banned him from flying with the airline after he behaved inappropriately towards staff members, which was then reported to management.
The ban wasn't permanent, but lasted for a period of time during the 1990s while Burke was at the peak of his career, hosting Burke's Backyard on Channel Nine.
Penguins on beach in Melbourne are under threat from tourists with selfie sticks, trying to get the perfect picture.
Wildlife officers have started a summer of controls at St Kilda's pier to try and protect a colony of Little Penguins from thoughtless tourists who harass the creatures.
Some have even been killed by snap-happy visitors willing to go to extreme lengths for their Instagram feeds.
Little penguins are under threat from tourists taking photographs at St Kilda pier (pictured)
Tourists pack out the pier (pictured) and some use selfie sticks to reach over to the pengiuns
The department of Environment, Land, Planning and Water (DELWP) officer Suriya Vij told the Herald Sun: 'While the vast majority of visitors are well behaved and respect the Little penguins, unfortunately some people try to pick up the birds or put selfie sticks into their burrows.
'Sadly, last year two penguins were fatally injured when picked up.
'We are educating the public that it is illegal to disturb, harm or harass wildlife under the Wildlife Act, which includes touching them or picking up the penguins,' she said.
Some penguins (pictured) have been killed after tourists tried to pick them up for photographs
The small colony of penguins at St Kilda live in a breakwater built at the end of the pier.
Parks Victoria staff are carrying out the patrols as it's expected around 4000 visitors will head to see them on weekends during the summer, and even 2000 on a weekday.
Parks Victoria West Port Phillip area chief ranger Stephen McPhee told the publication: 'We encourage visitors to do the right thing and watch the penguins from the human side of the fence.
'It's such a privilege to have these Little penguins in St Kilda and it's really important that we protect them.'
The DELWP and Parks Victoria patrols will run until just after summer - March 2018 - and may run longer if their efforts are deemed a success.
A maximum-security prison is in lockdown and staff have been evacuated after a huge fire ripped through the facility.
Up to 25 staff were evacuated from Port Phillip Prison, the largest jail in Victoria, after a blaze broke out in the control room.
Fire crews spotted smoke and flames from a distance and called for additional help including an aerial appliance.
Over fifty firefighters worked for two-and-a-half hours to control the blaze, which started at about 1.30am on Wednesday and continued till daylight.
Port Phillip maximum-security prison (pictured) is in lockdown and staff have been evacuated after a huge fire ripped through the facility
Port Phillip Prison is widely considered to be one of Australia's toughest jails
Firefighters are still at the prison dealing with the aftermath of the fire.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said they were not treating the fire as suspicious.
Port Phillip Prison is widely considered to be one of Australia's toughest jails, able to accommodate over 1,000 prisoners and housing a number of notorious criminals.
Mass murderer Julian Knight, who shot dead 7 people and injured 19 more in 1987, is currently serving out seven concurrent life sentences at the prison.
Jason Roberts, one of two men responsible for gunning down two police officers who were staking out a Chinese restaurant in Moorabbin in 1998, is also serving out a life sentence at the prison.
A woman has slammed Hungry Jack's after she was served a chicken burger without any meat.
Kellie Taeiloa ordered a Chicken Royale burger from Hungry Jack's Marketplace in Campbelltown, south-west of Sydney on Tuesday.
But she was shocked to find only a thick layer of mayonnaise and a few lettuce leaves in a bun.
A woman was shocked to find only a thick layer of mayonnaise and a few lettuce leaves in a bun
The image quickly attracted a number of comments
One person thought Hungry Jack's may be heading in a different direction
Ms Taeiloa posted an image of the half-finished burger to Facebook.
'Good one Hungry Jack's Marketplace Campbelltown,' she wrote.
The image quickly attracted a number of comments.
One social media user wrote: 'A bun with a bit of lettuce and mayo how much did they charge for that?'
'The chicken is gone lol,' said another.
One person thought Hungry Jack's may be heading in a different direction.
'Maybe Hungry Jack's has gone vegan,' they said.
Hungry Jack's has been contacted for comment.
A federal judge ruled in favor of President Trump on Tuesday in his effort to appoint an acting head of the nation's top financial watchdog agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In a ruling from the bench, Judge Timothy Kelly declined to stop on an emergency basis the president from putting in place Mick Mulvaney, currently the White House's budget director, as the acting director of the CFPB.
In doing so, Kelly ruled against Leandra English, the CFPB's deputy director, who had requested an emergency restraining order to stop Mulvaney from becoming the acting director.
The leadership of the bureau had been thrown into chaos over the weekend after its permanent director, Richard Cordray, resigned and appointed English as his successor. Both Mulvaney and English claimed to be the rightful acting director, with each citing different federal laws.
Mick Mulvaney speaks during a news conference after his first day as acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in Washington, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017
'The Administration applauds the Court's decision, which provides further support for the President's rightful authority to designate Director Mulvaney as Acting Director of the CFPB,' White House spokesman Raj Shah said in a statement.
'Its time for the Democrats to stop enabling this brazen political stunt by a rogue employee and allow Acting Director Mulvaney to continue the Bureaus smooth transition into an agency that truly serves to help consumers,' Shah said.
Kelly was nominated by President Trump and was confirmed by the Senate just a couple months ago in September.
An ugly row over who leads the agency lurched towards farce on Monday as Trump's pick for the job turned up with a donut-fueled charm offensive, while his rival went to court to claim she was in charge.
Mulvaney, the White House's budget director, went early to the office of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in Washington D.C. after he was named acting director by the president last week.
He brought donuts and sent an email to all its staff to tell them to come get them.
But at the same time its deputy director, Obama-appointee, Leandra English, filed a suit saying she is the one with the authority to run the bureau until the Senate confirms a temperament director.
The farce played out in D.C. on Monday morning because the previous director Richard Cordray quit on Friday, and named English deputy director on his way out the door of the agency, which has been a target for Republican ire since it was established under Obama and labeled 'a joke' by Trump.
The law setting up the watchdog says that would make her interim director, but Trump quickly named Mulvaney as interim director.
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It's in the bag: Mick Mulvaney arrived with donuts for the staff as he appeared to be winning the bizarre battle over who runs the CFPB
Making a point: Mulvaney's communications director tweeted this image before 8am, but shortly after the rival director filed her lawsuit
I'm in charge: Mick Mulvaney left for the White House after telling staff to ignore any instructions from his rival, the agency's Obama-appointed chief of staff
Off to see the senator: Leandra English went for talks with Elizabeth Warren, the ultra-liberal senator who was a champion of creating the CFPB
The office of CFPB General Counsel Mary McLeod has prepared a memo concurring with the opinion of the U.S. Justice Department that Trump has the power to appoint Mulvaney, according to Reuters.
English sent an email in which she welcomed staff back from the Thanksgiving holiday and signed off as 'acting director,' according to a source.
But Mulvaney quickly installed himself in Cordray's former office and stood his ground, writing in a staff email an hour later:
'Please disregard any instructions you receive from Ms. English in her presumed capacity as Acting Director,' he said in a memo seen by Reuters. 'If you receive additional communications from her today ... please inform the General Counsel.'
Mulvaney also signed off as 'acting director' and invited staff to pop by his office on the fourth floor to 'grab a donut.'
The Republican Trump campaigned for president saying Wall Street 'gets away with murder,' but at the same time promised to defang or abolish the CFPB, the brainchild of progressive U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren that was championed by President Barack Obama.
The day before the suit was filed, Trump himself unsurprisingly took to Twitter to criticize the bureau.
'The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, has been a total disaster as run by the previous Administrations pick. Financial Institutions have been devastated and unable to properly serve the public. We will bring it back to life!'
Mulvaney's communications director tweeted a picture of him 'hard at work as acting director' with the bureau's transition briefing handbook on his desk.
It was not clear if English was in the building. She was due to meet later on Monday with Warren, an aide to the lawmaker said.
As Mulvaney was getting settled in, the source told Reuters, CFPB general counsel Mary McLeod sent a memo to the CFPB's legal division agreeing with the U.S. Justice Department that Trump had the power to appoint Mulvaney as temporary leader of the watchdog.
The suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia asked for a declaratory judgment and a temporary restraining order to block Mulvaney from taking over the bureau. It was not clear when the court would rule.
English was chief of staff to bureau director Richard Cordray when he named her deputy director as he prepared to resign last Friday.
Cordray was appointed to the position by President Barack Obama and has been long criticized by congressional Republicans as overzealous.
Mulvaney, a former congressman, has called the agency an example of bureaucracy run amok, and is expected to dismantle much of what the bureau has done.
English cited the Dodd-Frank Act, which created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, saying that as deputy director, she became the acting director under the law.
She argues that the federal law the White House contends supports Trump's appointment of Mulvaney doesn't apply when another statute designates a successor.
The White House, with the support of an opinion issued Saturday by the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, maintained that the president has the power to appoint an acting director.
Steven A. Engel, newly confirmed head of the office, wrote that, while the deputy director may serve as acting director under the statute, the president still has authority under the Vacancies Reform Act.
The White House maintained that President Trump has the power to appoint an acting director
A new director must be confirmed by the Senate. Earlier Sunday, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the third-ranking GOP leader, pledged swift action whenever Trump nominates a successor to Cordray.
WHAT IS THE CFPB? The U.S. consumer watchdog agency, was proposed by now-Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., in her previous job at Harvard Law School, and it was created as part of the laws passed following the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recession. It was given a broad mandate to be a watchdog for consumers when they deal with banks and credit card, student loan and mortgage companies, as well as debt collectors and payday lenders. The idea was to prevent financial companies, such as mortgage servicers, from exploiting consumers. Critics had said those kinds of companies had been subject to weak oversight before the financial crisis. Under the leadership of its first director, Richard Cordray, the CFPB implemented or proposed a myriad of new rules and regulations for the banking industry. Nearly every American who deals with banks or a credit card company or has a mortgage has been affected by rules the agency put in place. The agency has also taken legal action against banks, mortgage companies, credit card issuers, payday lenders, debt collectors and others, and extracted billions of dollars in settlements. When Wells Fargo was found to have opened millions of phony accounts for its customers, the CFPB fined the bank $100 million, the agency's largest penalty to date. The banking industry has viewed CFPB as a thorn in its side, and accused it of overreaching in its regulation of consumer financial activities. Cordray lost some notable battles, such as when the GOP-led Congress overturned a regulation that would have ensured that customers could band together to sue their banks in a class action. Advertisement
Meanwhile, Thune said he expected that Mulvaney 'will be on the job and he'll be calling the shots over there,' but acknowledged the issue could end up in court.
Beyond the fight over who's in charge is the future direction of the bureau, created after the 2008 financial crisis and given a broad mandate as a watchdog for consumers when they deal with banks and credit card, student loan and mortgage companies, as well as debt collectors and payday lenders.
'All Americans should be deeply concerned about the White House's cynical decision to flout the law and attempt to put the ringleader of its dangerous, anti-consumer protection policies in charge,' House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California said in a statement issued before the lawsuit was filed.
Taking aim at Mulvaney, she said the public deserves 'a champion that protects them from predatory bankers and lenders, not the leadership of a Wall Street pawn who denigrates consumer protection as a 'sick, sad joke.''
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer joined Pelosi in arguing that English was the rightful acting director. He accused Trump of ignoring the law 'in order to put a fox in charge of a hen house.'
Thune said he hoped eventually to see 'reforms to that agency, which has essentially very little accountability to the Congress or anybody else.'
Another Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, said he thinks Trump was on 'good ground' to pick Mulvaney for the job and hopes Mulvaney 'will ride herd on these folks.'
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, said putting Mulvaney in charge was part of an effort to destroy the bureau.
'Wall Street hates it like the devil hates holy water,' Durbin said. 'And they're trying to put an end to it with ... Mulvaney stepping into Cordray's spot. But the statute is specific, it's clear, and it says that the deputy shall take over.'
Thune appeared on 'Fox News Sunday' while Durbin and Graham spoke on CNN's 'State of the Union.'
Before he was nine years old, Charles Dickens had experienced six white Christmases. So its no surprise that the man credited with inventing some of the festive periods best-loved traditions most famously in A Christmas Carol did so against a backdrop of snowy landscapes, frosted window panes and frozen lakes.
The winters of Dickenss boyhood in the early 19th century were indeed exceptionally cold which meteorologists speculate was due to the periodic global weather phenomenon we now know as La Nina.
Earlier this month, forecasters said that following an unusually warm October, Novembers cold weather some parts of the country had their first snowfall weeks ago could lead to a full La Nina event over the next few months.
Sheep in the snow along the Newby Head pass in Gearstones this morning after a night of snow fall in the Yorkshire Dales
As a result, bookies are reporting an avalanche of bets on a white Christmas.
Now, there would appear to be further evidence of the La Nina influence, with some areas of Britain facing up to 4in of snow and temperatures as low as -8c this week as a precursor of a month-long cold snap.
So what, you may ask, is a full La Nina event and, after a succession of grey, mild, wet winters, will it really bring with it the Dickensian wonderland of our childhood dreams?
The answer is . . . maybe.
We have all heard of the weather phenomenon known as El Nino, which describes the irregular but periodic warming of the surface waters of the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean.
El Nino Spanish for the little boy was first noted several centuries ago. South American fishermen observed that warmer coastal waters occurring around the end or start of the year led to an explosion in the growth of plankton, and in the marine life fish and shellfish feeding on it. In gratitude, they christened this El Nino because it coincided with festivities marking the birth of Jesus.
The northern most parts of the UK are already being hit by snow, as Ladbrokes cuts odds on a white Christmas for Glasgow
As so often in Nature, the pendulum swings both ways: El Ninos warm currents are balanced by periods when the waters of the eastern Pacific are abnormally cold a counter-phenomenon christened La Nina (the little girl) by scientists.
Over the decades, experts have monitored the impact of these fluctuating oceanic temperatures on weather patterns and have attributed to them periods of drought, plunging temperatures, heavy rainfall and powerful storms in various parts of the globe.
British winters are usually quite mild because of the relatively warm seas around us and south-westerly winds bringing warm air from the south.
El Nino tends to bring wetter conditions to our shores, more violent storms and higher than average seasonal temperatures.
However, when La Nina is brewing as is the case now these warmer winds are blocked. As a result, bitter northerlies can come blasting in, bringing the kind of weather expected this week. They also create the potential for it to get a lot colder.
La Nina was blamed for the big freeze of winter 2010 and the coldest December on record, with lows of -13c, snow on the ground for weeks and blizzards that deposited 2ft drifts, bringing parts of the country to a standstill.
Compared with other countries, Britain got off lightly.
The north west is also earmarked for a snowy season this Christmas, as Manchester could follow the lead of Cumbria
There was disastrous flooding in Australia, with an inland tsunami that forced hundreds of thousands of people living in Brisbane on the east coast to leave their homes. La Nina had pushed tropical rain that normally falls in the Pacific eastwards over Australia.
Meanwhile, storms wreaked havoc in the American Midwest. An unprecedented 875 tornadoes had already torn across the country before a monster twister in Missouri killed 116 people, making it the deadliest tornado since records began in 1950.
American weather experts blamed La Nina for pushing the jet stream a river of cool air high in the atmosphere northwards out of its customary seasonal position. This pulled warm, humid air up from the ground in the Midwest, enabling huge thunderstorms to form.
The shifted jet stream made it unseasonably warm in the northern U.S. and Alaska, accelerating the melting of glaciers, while southern American states baked in unusually hot and dry conditions.
Elsewhere, there were killer droughts in Peru and Ecuador, and parts of the Horn of Africa experienced their driest periods in 60 years, with ten million people needing food aid.
La Nina is not just about the weather but also its unexpected consequences.
The flu can originate in pugs, as well as poultry and birds, rapidly mutating into the form that affects humans
Most worryingly, it is feared that low winter temperatures may result in the development of a particularly powerful strain of flu virus or worse, a flu pandemic that could wreak havoc among the elderly and those of all ages with existing health problems.
The flu virus originates in animals poultry, pigs and birds, for example and can rapidly mutate into a form that infects humans.
A change in weather patterns may force migrating birds to alter their routes, flying over land rather than open water. If they rest near populated areas, the birds may come into contact with livestock that harbour their own flu viruses.
The mingling of wild and farm-animal flu viruses increases the chances of the microbes swapping parts of their DNA (a process called recombination) to create lethal new flu strains that could infect millions of us worldwide.
Climatologists at Columbia University in New York concluded that the last four global flu pandemics all occurred after periods of similar weather patterns to those caused by La Nina.
In 1918, so-called Spanish Flu killed an estimated 25 million people globally in its first six months and up to 100 million by December 1920; the Asian Flu of 1957 claimed one to two million lives; the Hong Kong Flu of 1968, one million; and swine flu, in 2009, more than half a million.
These pandemics proved particularly deadly because they all involved novel strains of the virus to which people had little inbuilt immunity.
Scientists also fear that the warmer, wetter conditions La Nina causes in parts of the world such as southern Africa, South-East Asia and northern South America will encourage mosquitoes to thrive and, along with them, lethal infections such as Zika and the West Nile virus.
Adding to scientists concern is the fact that while El Nino rarely lasts longer than a year, La Nina can persist for two years or more.
The record is 33 months between 1973 and 1976, when Australia again bore the brunt, with floods hitting coastal areas of Queensland and New South Wales in January 1974. That year remains the wettest in Australian records.
Before the flu turns into the form that affects humans, it can originate in livestock including poultry
Of course, La Nina is not the only driver of our weather. There are competing influences, such as strong winter winds, that will contend with it.
These are determined by other factors, too. High-altitude winds in the faraway tropics particularly influence the pattern of high and low-pressure areas in the Atlantic. In turn, these can bring us mild but stormy weather in winter, rather than icy cold snaps.
Professor Adam Scaife, at the Met Office, says La Nina on its own is not enough to make a very skilful forecast (though that may just be a weatherman wary of over-committing himself in what is still a notoriously inexact science).
For their part, bookmakers feel more confident about La Ninas power to affect our lives. Responding to recent forecasts, Ladbrokes has cut the odds on a white Christmas to 2/1 for Glasgow, 3/1 for Newcastle, 5/1 for Manchester and 6/1 for London.
In the meantime, all we can do is turn up the central heating, pull on a thicker jumper and wait to see whether the Ice Girl cometh.
A unique collection of Iron Age metal artefacts has shed new light on the feasting rituals of prehistoric communities near Leicester around 2,300 years ago.
Experts uncovered a trove of ancient buried treasures during excavation works for a warehouse development project.
Rare objects, including cauldrons, pins, a brooch and a copper 'horn-cap' which may have been used in a ceremonial staff, suggest the importance of ceremony at the site.
Researchers believe the wide range of dates for the burial of the items hint at repeated use of the village to host lavish gatherings.
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A unique collection of Iron Age metal artefacts has shed new light on the feasting rituals of prehistoric communities in the UK around 2,300 years ago. Experts uncovered a trove of ancient treasures, including this rare cooking cauldron
FEASTING RITUALS Cauldrons are an iconic, if poorly understood class of artefact, according to the British Museum. They are substantial vessels capable of containing large quantities of food or liquid and it is probable that they were not used for everyday purposes. Instead, they were likely used for boiling meat or heating alcoholic drinks, such as beer or mead, in communal feasting ceremonies. In the Iron Age, feasts were extremely important social events, used to celebrate religious festivals, mark rites of passage or even just to show off. Communal drinking and feasting, particularly the regulated distribution of alcoholic beverages, were central to establishing and maintaining social relationships. Sharing food and drink simultaneously communicated messages of membership and exclusion and served to rank individuals in relation to one another. The cauldrons found had been placed in either upright or inverted positions, before the ditch was filled in, suggesting that they were buried to mark the cessation of activities associated with this part of the site. Advertisement
A team of scientists from the University of Leicester's Archaeological Services (ULAS) made the discovery, at a site called Glenfield Park, on the outskirts of Leicester.
Early settlement of the village took place from around the 5th and 4th century BC, and radiocarbon dating shows that, by the 4th or 3rd century BC, the settlement underwent striking changes in character.
Individual roundhouses became enclosed and settlers began deliberately burying metallic items in a ritualistic fashion.
The cauldrons and other finds at Glenfield Park are the result of a series of events that took place over a considerable length of time, resulting in multiple burials across the history of the settlement.
These repeated acts mark the site out as a potential ritual and ceremonial centre that played host to large feasts.
John Thomas, director of the excavation and Project Officer for ULAS, said: 'Glenfield Park is an exceptional archaeological site, with a fantastic array of finds that highlight this as one of the more important discoveries of recent years.
'It is the metalwork assemblage that really sets this settlement apart.
'The quantity and quality of the finds far outshines most of the other contemporary assemblages from the area, and its composition is almost unparalleled.
Most of the cauldrons appear to have been deliberately laid in a large circular enclosure ditch that surrounded a building. They are made from several separate parts, comprising iron rims (pictured) and upper bands, hemispherical copper alloy bowls and two iron ring handles
IRON AGE CAULDRONS Most of the cauldrons appear to have been deliberately laid in a large circular enclosure ditch that surrounded a building. They had been placed in either upright or inverted positions, before the ditch was filled in, suggesting that they were buried to mark the cessation of activities associated with this part of the site. Other cauldrons were found buried across the site, suggesting that significant events were being marked over a long period of time as the settlement developed. The cauldrons are made from several separate parts, comprising iron rims and upper bands, hemispherical copper alloy bowls and two iron ring handles attached to the upper band. They appear to have been a variety of sizes, with rims ranging between 14 inches (360mm) and 22 inches (560mm) in diameter. The total capacity of all of the cauldrons is approximately 120 gallons (550 litres). This illustrates their potential to provide for large groups of people that may have gathered at the settlement from the wider Iron Age community of the area. Advertisement
'The cauldron assemblage in particular makes this a nationally important discovery.
'They represent the most northerly discovery of such objects on mainland Britain and the only find of this type of cauldron in the East Midlands.'
Most of the cauldrons appear to have been deliberately laid in a large circular enclosure ditch that surrounded a building.
CT scans (pictured) revealed exceptionally rare evidence for decoration from the period, further highlighting the significance of the site
The cauldrons appear to have been a variety of sizes, with rims ranging between 14 inches (360mm) and 22 inches (560mm) in diameter. The total capacity of all of the cauldrons is approximately 120 gallons (550 litres)
CT SCANS OF THE CAULDRONS The cauldrons are extremely fragile and were lifted from site in soil blocks for later analysis. They were initially investigated at Paul Strickland Scanner Centre in Middlesex, a leading medical imaging centre specialising in cancer which had CT-scanning equipment large enough to accommodate the soil blocks. The scans provided useful information in terms of the cauldron orientation, approximate dimensions and profiles, as well as tantalising glimpses of manufacturing methods. Most excitingly the scans also revealed exceptionally rare evidence for decoration from the period, further highlighting the significance of the site. One example is on a complete cauldron, which has raised stem and leaf motifs on the vessels iron band, close to the handle locations, which are similar to the so-called 'Vegetal Style' of Celtic art, generally dated to the 4th century BC. Another example of decoration has been identified on a small copper alloy bowl fragment, which has a domed rivet or raised boss decoration, suggesting that some of the bowls carried decoration too. Advertisement
They had been placed in either upright or inverted positions, before the ditch was filled in, suggesting that they were buried to mark the cessation of activities associated with this part of the site.
Other cauldrons were found buried across the site, suggesting that significant events were being marked over a long period of time as the settlement developed.
The cauldrons are made from several separate parts, comprising iron rims and upper bands, hemispherical copper alloy bowls and two iron ring handles attached to the upper band.
They appear to have been a variety of sizes, with rims ranging between 14 inches (360mm) and 22 inches (560mm) in diameter.
The total capacity of all of the cauldrons is approximately 120 gallons (550 litres).
This illustrates their potential to provide for large groups of people that may have gathered at the settlement from the wider Iron Age community of the area.
Dr Thomas added: 'Due to their large capacity it is thought that Iron Age cauldrons were reserved for special occasions and would have been important social objects, forming the centrepiece of major feasts, perhaps in association with large gatherings and events.
'The importance of cauldrons as symbolic objects is reflected in their frequent appearance in early medieval Irish and Welsh literature, which has been drawn upon in studies of Iron Age society.
'They are rarely found in large numbers and, with the exception of a discovery in Chiseldon, where 17 cauldrons were found in a pit, there have been few excavated examples in recent years.'
The cauldrons are extremely fragile and were lifted from site in soil blocks for later analysis.
The cauldrons and other finds at Glenfield Park are the result of a series of events that took place over a considerable length of time, resulting in multiple burials across the history of the settlement. This image shows an iron spearhead just after it was discovered
The repeated burial acts mark the site out as a potential ritual and ceremonial centre that played host to large feasts. This image shows a copper alloy horn-cap, which may have been part of a ceremonial staff
Experts say the quantity and quality of the finds far outshines most of the other sites dating from the time in the area. This images shows a complex iron brooch
The finds also represent the most northerly discovery of the type of objects uncovered on mainland Britain and the only find of this type of cauldron in the East Midlands. This image shows a copper alloy ring-headed dress pin
They were initially investigated at Paul Strickland Scanner Centre in Middlesex, a leading medical imaging centre specialising in cancer which had CT-scanning equipment large enough to accommodate the soil blocks.
The scans provided useful information in terms of the cauldron orientation, approximate dimensions and profiles, as well as tantalising glimpses of manufacturing methods.
Most excitingly, the scans also revealed exceptionally rare evidence for decoration from the period, further highlighting the significance of the site.
One example is on a complete cauldron, which has raised stem and leaf motifs on the vessels iron band, close to the handle locations, which are similar to the so-called 'Vegetal Style' of Celtic art, generally dated to the 4th century BC.
The cauldrons are extremely fragile and were lifted from site in soil blocks for later analysis at Paul Strickland Scanner Centre in Middlesex
This image shows another CT scan taken at the leading medical imaging centre, which specialises in cancer and had CT-scanning equipment large enough to accommodate the soil blocks containing the cauldrons
Further detail from the cauldrons will only be possible from excavation and conservation, which is being undertaken by Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA). This image shows a circular repair patch on the base of a cauldron revealed during conservation by MOLA
Another example of decoration has been identified on a small copper alloy bowl fragment, which has a domed rivet or raised boss decoration, suggesting that some of the bowls carried decoration too.
Further detail from the cauldrons will only be possible from excavation and conservation, which is being undertaken by Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA).
Liz Barham, Senior Conservator at MOLA said: 'Already we have been able to uncover glimpses of the detailed histories of these cauldrons through CT scanning, including evidence of their manufacture and repair, and have identified sooty residues still clinging to the base of one of the cauldrons from the last time it was suspended over a fire.
'During the upcoming conservation we hope to discover much more about the entire assemblage.
'If we're lucky, we may even find food residues from the last time they were used , over 2,000 years ago.'
A team of scientists from the University of Leicester's Archaeological Services made the discovery on the outskirts of Leicester
In the hopes of staying ahead of the enemy, the US army is testing a futuristic exoskeleton that gives soldiers superhuman abilities.
The exoskeleton uses artificial intelligence to provide additional power and mobility to soldiers, and allows them to carry heavier loads.
Early tests show that the exoskeleton has increased productivity anywhere from two to 27 times.
It is unclear when, or if, the US Army plans to roll out the exoskeletons to all soldiers.
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The US army is testing a futuristic exoskeleton that gives soldiers superhuman abilities. The frame fits around the soldier's legs (shown on the left leg on this soldier) and is attached to a belt worn around the waist
THE EXOSKELETON The frame fits around the soldier's legs, and is attached to a belt worn around the waist. The belt connects to flexible hip sensors, which tell a computer where the soldier is in space, as well as the speed and direction of the movements. It uses independent actuators, motors and lightweight structures, powered by a three pound rechargeable lithium ion battery. During initial tests, engineers reported that Fortis reduced the amount of energy needed to perform a task by nine per cent, using AI to learn the gait of each soldier. Mr Maxwell explained: 'It knows what you are trying to do when you are trying to do it. 'It locks and gives you a forward torque-twist that causes the lower leg to move toward the back, then it reverses direction to bring your leg forward.' Advertisement
The exoskeleton, called Fortis, has been developed by experts at Lockheed Martin, was tested with soldiers at Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia.
The frame uses independent actuators, motors and lightweight structures, powered by a three pound rechargeable lithium ion battery.
This allows soldiers to carry 180 pounds (82 kg) up five flights of stairs, using minimal energy.
Keith Maxwell, senior programme manager of exoskeleton technology at Lockheed Martin, said: 'We've had this on some of the Army's elite forces, and they were able to run with high agility carrying full loads.'
Fortis could prove particularly useful in urban combat, because it enhances soldier mobility, power and speed, according to the engineers.
The frame fits round the soldier's legs, and is attached to a belt worn around the waist.
The belt connects to flexible hip sensors, which tell a computer where the soldier is in space, as well as the speed and direction of the movements.
The 'superhero suit' uses independent actuators, motors and lightweight structures, powered by a three pound rechargeable lithium ion battery. To put Fortis to the test, researchers recently tested soldiers' fatigue when walking and climbing stairs
PUTTING FORTIS TO THE TEST To put Fortis to the test, researchers recently tested soldiers' fatigue when walking and climbing stairs, both with and without the exoskeleton. In the study, four soldiers wore the exoskeleton and carried a 40 pound (18 kg) backpack, while walking at various speed on a treadmill inclined to 15 degrees. Results showed that all four participants were less fatigued when wearing the exoskeleton. Advertisement
Mr Maxwell explained: 'We were showing a decrease in the metabolic cost of transport, the measure of how much energy is required to climb uphill.'
During initial tests, engineers reported that Fortis reduced the amount of energy needed to perform a task by nine per cent, using AI to learn the gait of each soldier.
An earlier test by the US Navy found The Fortis exoskeleton increased productivity anywhere from two to 27 times, depending on the task.
The team measured the amount of time a worker could hold a 16-pound grinder overhead without having to rest his arms.
The longest operators could work continuously without a break was three minutes.
Using the Fortis, operators could work for longer the 30 minutes.
Mr Maxwell explained: 'It knows what you are trying to do when you are trying to do it.
'It locks and gives you a forward torque-twist that causes the lower leg to move toward the back, then it reverses direction to bring your leg forward.'
To put Fortis to the test, researchers from the University of Michigan recently tested people's fatigue when walking and climbing stairs, both with and without the exoskeleton.
The belt connects to flexible hip sensors, which tell a computer where the soldier is in space, as well as the speed and direction of the movements. Shown here is a solider testing the device
Fortis could prove particularly uses in urban combat, because it enhances soldier mobility, power and speed, according to the engineers
In the study, four participants wore the exoskeleton and carried a 40 pound (18 kg) backpack, while walking at various speed on a treadmill inclined to 15 degrees.
Results showed that all four participants were less fatigued when wearing the exoskeleton.
Mr Maxwell said: 'By reducing the effort in walking and climbing, there's less fatigue.
'This technology can literally help our fighting men and women go the extra mile while carrying mission-essential equipment.'
Six-year-old Elijah Salley is an aspiring artist who loves math, enjoys putting together Legos or playing Minecraft, is outgoing and has a great sense of humor.
But for the past eight months, much of the Billings boy's focus has been on cancer. Diagnosed in early March with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Elijah and his mother, Tara Salley, who live in Billings, flew to Children's Hospital Colorado for his initial treatment.
Since then, however, he has undergone subsequent rounds of inpatient chemotherapy at Billings Clinic. Elijah is the first pediatric patient to receive the inpatient treatment at the Billings hospital, thanks to a care alliance agreement signed in February with CHC.
Through the formal alliance, the Aurora, Colorado-based hospital provides training to the medical professionals at the Billings Clinic, as well as support, expert advice and ongoing coordination in cases like Elijahs.
CHC physicians and others visit Billings quarterly for case reviews, for updating protocols and for training. It also includes collaboration via telemedicine.
And when a more specialized type of care is needed, the alliance can streamline coordination between the two hospitals.
It accelerated our ability of achieving the goal of doing inpatient chemo, Billings Clinic pediatric nurse Tammy Johnson said. It would have been more challenging than without it.
There has been an informal arrangement between the two hospitals for years, said Dr. Jack Staddon, pediatric oncologist/hematologist at the Billings hospital.
The care alliance was a formalization and deepening of longstanding relationships between pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists at Childrens Hospital Colorado and those here in Billings, he said.
That has made all the difference for the Salley family. Tara, a physician assistant, and her husband, Gabriel, a real estate broker, have three children, Elijah; Alexis, 17; and Robert, 20.
On Feb. 27, after the family had returned from a vacation, Gabriel noticed a lump in Elijahs groin and thought maybe it was a hernia.
We took him to a walk-in clinic to see, and they discovered it was a very large lymph node and he had enlarged lymph nodes everywhere, Tara Salley said.
A day later, Staddon examined him, and by March 1 Elijah was diagnosed with leukemia. Salley and her son flew to Denver the next day to start treatment at CHC.
They stayed in Denver for about six weeks, with Elijah in the hospital for 11 days during that time.
Were fortunate enough that our closest friends live in Golden, so we were able to live with them when we were down there, which lifted a big financial burden, Salley said. But not every family is that lucky.
Elijah responded well to treatment, Staddon said.
He went into remission and has done actually very, very well in his treatment course, he said.
In the meantime, Johnson said, the wheels were set in motion for pediatric patients to receive inpatient chemotherapy at Billings Clinic.
When our floor opened in January 2016, our goal was to do inpatient pediatric chemotherapy within 18 months, she said.
Two certified pediatric hematology/oncology nurses from CHC traveled to Billings for two days in April to teach pediatric charge nurses how to deliver chemotherapy. The staff did some further hands-on training in the clinics adult infusion center and the pediatric outpatient infusion center.
Then Johnson spent a week at CHC to learn hands-on processes, such as charting, and safety measures. It also included working with nurses at the bedside to see how they interact with patients and administer the chemotherapy, as well as time at the outpatient clinic.
Our goal was to have everybody ready to go by June first, she said.
By the time Elijah was ready for his first inpatient chemotherapy session in Billings in mid-June, the clinic was ready for him. Most of his treatment will be outpatient, Staddon said, but Elijah will require two months of inpatient chemotherapy clustered into in three- to four-day stays.
Expected complications, including fever and low white and red blood cell and platelet counts, have also required additional hospital stays. Throughout the entire process, Staddon has worked closely with the physician team in Denver so their experience is able to inform our care.
Its helpful to dip into the experience of a large center that has several cases like Elijahs instead of just the one, he said.
Hes really been able to get the best of both worlds, Staddon said. He gets subspecialized care and knowledge from Denver and the individualized care Ive been able to do here as more of a general pediatric oncologist and hematologist.
Salley also has been grateful to stay close to home for the extended treatment. It allows her to work, keeps her close to her husband and other children and lets family and friends visit Elijah.
Childrens Hospital Colorado is an amazing facility, but its very big, she said.
It was difficult to get to know the large staff of nurses and doctors. Here, she knows all of the nurses by name, and Elijah has bonded with Staddon.
This is much more personalized, and it just feels more like family, Salley said.
Academics from an anti-Brexit university have portrayed people who voted to leave the EU as 'narcissists' who dislike foreigners.
The Goldsmiths College researchers suggested the 17 million people who voted Leave were motivated by xenophobia and were similar to Donald Trump supporters.
The findings were based on just 161 leave voters and 345 remain voters paid to participate in an online survey.
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Academics from an anti-Brexit university have portrayed people who voted to leave the EU as 'narcissists' who dislike foreigners. Pictured is a member of the English Defence League (EDL)
WHAT DID THE STUDY FIND? Researchers from Goldsmiths University, London, measured the effect of xenophobia - the belief that immigrants to the UK threaten the country - on voting behaviour. The researchers then tried to establish what kind of people believe that immigrants threaten the UK. They found three distinct groups. Firstly, authoritarians - those who fear other groups will threaten the traditional status quo in their country. Next, people high in social dominance orientation, who compete for their group's dominance over immigrants. And finally, collective narcissists, who believe the UK is so great it is entitled to privileged treatment but complain this 'true importance and value' is not recognised by other countries. Previous studies have linked right wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation with voting for radical right-wing parties. But this study is the first to link collective narcissism with this voting behaviour. Advertisement
Goldsmith's College lecturers made the claims in a research paper investigating the roots of prejudice.
Goldsmiths' most recent annual report declares that Britain's EU departure is a 'significant risk' to the university's funds which could cost it millions of pounds and lead to reduced student numbers.
'The vote to leave the EU represents one of the biggest changes to Britain in a generation and as such will inevitably be a considerable focus of research', a spokesperson from Goldsmiths said.
'This work shows that our academics are prepared to engage with such important issues to help further robust debate and critical thinking - while upholding the right to freedom of speech.'
The college said in the 2015/16 report: 'The UK's decision to leave the European Union and the related tightening of UK immigration policy (with no sign of any leniency for international students) together present a significant risk to Goldsmiths.'
The university in south London's edgy New Cross area gets 10 per cent of its funding - 10million ($13m) - from some 1,200 EU students and 2.3 million ($3.5m) in EU research group income.
Around 300 of the university's 1,100 academic staff are also EU citizens from outside of Britain.
However, critics said Goldsmiths anti-Brexit stance as an institution and the research it produced was 'denigrating good people'.
Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real Education said he was not surprised that Goldsmiths college had produced research critical of Brexit as universities were all about making money by having the highest number of students.
He said: 'Universities in the UK are a racket. They have a vested interest of universities to preserve the status quo and to maximise student numbers.
'They are denigrating good people. There is an institutional bias against Brexit. It's incredible to them. They are very happy to impose restraints on freedom of speech - universities are no-go areas for freedom of speech if your views don't coincide with Remain.
Fear of immigrants and foreigners is associated with support for Brexit, according to studies from a team of international researchers
'There's a form of fascism on campus people aren't able to speak freely. Ninety per cent of university lecturers are pro remain, and they are trying to obliterate this country's national identity', he said.
Mr McGovern claimed schools are brain washing people into thinking the only future we can have is in the European Union with unelected bureaucrats in Brussels.
In the study, funded by the Portuguese government Lead researcher Dr Agnieszka Golec de Zavala, from Goldsmiths and colleagues investigated the role of xenophobia in the referendum.
They found 'predictors of prejudice' were linked to a tendency to back Brexit and be happy with the referendum's outcome, regardless of age, gender or education.
The study shows that xenophobia, or a fear of other groups, was a strong predictor of a Brexit vote regardless of people's age, gender or education
ONLY A THIRD OF AMERICANS HAVE A MIX OF CONSERVATIVE AND LIBERAL VIEWS A recent Pew Research Center study found that Americans are now less likely to hold a mix of conservative and liberal views than they were in the past. Overall, 32% of Americans now take a roughly equal number of conservative and liberal viewpoints on a scale based on 10 questions asked together in seven surveys since 1994. In 2015, 38% of Americans had mixed values, and in 1994 and 2004, 49% did. Reflecting growing partisan gaps, Republicans and Democrats are further apart ideologically than any point in the last two decades. Advertisement
A further assessment of personality types showed people who felt threatened by immigrants fell into three distinct groups.
Some were 'authoritarian' or 'socially dominant' while others were described as 'collective narcissists' people who believe that the UK's 'unique greatness'.
Dr Golec de Zavala said: 'Collective narcissism is not a good attitude to have. We should study how this becomes a group norm and find ways of preventing it from happening and spreading.
'From Brexit, Trump and support for Vladimir Putin in Russia to the nationalist, ultra-conservative government in Poland, studies from ours and other labs show that collective narcissism systematically predicts prejudice, aggression and a tendency to interpret innocent behaviours as provocation to the national group.'
Writing in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, the authors said the Brexit vote was motivated by different concerns instigating prejudice.'
Goldsmiths attracted controversy recently when the Student's Union's diversity officer, Mustafa Bahar tweeted 'kill all white men' in 2015 although race hate charges against her were later dropped and that white people and all men were banned from attending a political meeting.
A chameleon breeder in South Africa has shared an incredible video showing the moment a female chameleon gave birth to her tiny babies on his hand.
The tiny lizards, which are just a centimetre long, can be seen calmly crawling down Aldo Kleyn's palm just seconds after their mother has given birth.
These Knysna Dwarf chameleon babies form part of a giant litter of 26 lizards with their mum taking a grand total of just one hour and 13 minutes to pop them all out.
A chameleon breeder in South Africa has shared an incredible video showing the moment a female chameleon gave birth to her tiny babies on his hand
WHY DID SHE GIVE BIRTH ON HIS HAND? Mr Kleyn, says the female chameleon was keen to give birth on his hand, away from hungry males. He said: 'When the females give birth, the males will try to eat some of the young ones. They are quite ferocious. 'This female was reaching out to me and I realised she didn't want to give birth on the tree with the males. 'To begin with I put her on another plant and she gave birth to three babies, but she wanted to get back on my hand.' Advertisement
Mr Kleyn, 54, says the female chameleon was keen to give birth on his hand, away from hungry males.
He said: 'I was completely blown away. Lots of people have been asking me questions about the video and asking why did I have her giving birth on my hand and not on a plant.
'When the females give birth, the males will try to eat some of the young ones. They are quite ferocious.
'This female was reaching out to me and I realised she didn't want to give birth on the tree with the males.
'To begin with I put her on another plant and she gave birth to three babies, but she wanted to get back on my hand.
'It's amazing to see that. The babies are perfectly formed when they come out. Some people have asked how does she feed them all, but the babies fend for themselves from the moment of birth.
These Knysna Dwarf chameleon babies form part of a giant litter of 26 lizards with their mum taking a grand total of just one hour and 13 minutes to pop them all out
The tiny lizards, which are just a centimetre long, can be seen calmly crawling down Aldo Kleyn's palm just seconds after their mother has given birth
'I'm not sure what kind of pain she would have experienced. The females have babies once a year.'
Mr Kleyn says he has a special incubator set aside for the babies from the moment they are born.
The babies can shoot out their famous tongues, which he says are three times the length of the chameleon's body, and feed on fruit and tiny flies within minutes after birth.
The babies can shoot out their famous tongues, which are three times the length of the chameleon's body, and feed on fruit and tiny flies within minutes after birth
Mr Kleyn says he has bred and cared for chameleons ever since he witnessed a chameleon being crushed by a vehicle 12 years ago
CHAMELEON'S BALLISTIC TONGUE Researchers at the University of Oxford focusing on how the chameleon strikes out at its lunch have broken the process into the three parts. The chameleon's tongue is made up of the sticky pad at the end, accelerator muscles which launch it, and the retractor muscles with the structure coiled around a small horn of bone in the mouth called the hyoid, like a sock. In the resting state, the concentric circles of muscle are coiled around the hyoid, on top of layers of elastic collagen tissue called the intralingual sheaths. When the accelerator muscles contract, the tongue is launched off the bone. According to the team, the whole firing mechanism involves the fine balance between how the sheaths and muscles are organised, how collagen fibres are orientated, and the mechanics of the contraction and extension of the tongue itself. Their mathematical modelling revealed that tweaking the angle of the fibres, or the width of the sheaths can alter the force of the firing mechanism. Advertisement
Mr Kleyn said: 'I'd say within three minutes they can start feeding. They are very fragile for the first month especially. You have to be really careful with them.
'When they are born they are a black-brown colour, then they are a beige colour for five to six months.
'From six or seven months, they show they can change colour. Then you start to see shots of green, a little bit of orange. They get their full colour at about a year.'
Mr Kleyn says he has bred and cared for chameleons ever since he witnessed a chameleon being crushed by a vehicle 12 years ago.
The quirky lizards live in trees at his home with one male able to partner with up to 100 females at a time.
The birth of this particularly large litter holds a special meaning for Mr Kleyn, who lost his home in the devastating fires that hit Kynsna in the Cape Storm in June this year.
The tragedy took scores of his beloved chameleons who were unable to be rescued from the flames.
Mr Kleyn said: 'I still wake up and think about them in the flames, I feel terrible about it. I managed to rescue one of the males, he had been with me for nine years.
Mr Kleyn says he has a special incubator set aside for the babies from the moment they are born
The quirky lizards live in trees at Mr Kleyn's home with one male able to partner with up to 100 females at a time
'It was too dangerous to save them all because we had to get out.
'With this one having so many babies, I must have done something right. I was really surprised to see so many.
'You have to really take care of them 24/7. It's a full-time job.'
Mr Kleyn says these little babies (one pictured on its mother's back) are destined for a life in the wild, hidden away from humans
Mr Kleyn said: 'When the females give birth, the males will try to eat some of the young ones. They are quite ferocious'
And Mr Kleyn says these little babies are destined for a life in the wild, hidden away from humans.
Mr Kleyn said: 'I take them out into the forest when they are old enough and set them free. So far I have released 360 chameleons that I've bred out into the forest.
'I do it with a great passion and love. I'm happy that people can learn about them. I've had people get in touch with me to say they have found one and asking what to do.
'It's just a great thing to make people more aware about them and of how to take care of them. It's a really good feeling.'
Mr Kleyn said: 'This female was reaching out to me and I realised she didn't want to give birth on the tree with the males'
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Believers say it is the tomb where Jesus was buried and resurrected.
Now, for the first time, experts appear to have confirmed at least one element of the Christian narrative of its history.
Researchers sampled mortar taken from between the original limestone surface of the burial bed, where religious followers say Christ was laid to rest, and a marble slab that covers it.
They believe the marble dates to around 345 AD, which ties in to historical accounts that the first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine, ordered the tomb be enshrined in a new church.
Constantine took this decision after his envoys discovered the tomb beneath an older temple, dedicated to the goddess Venus, in around 326 AD.
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Believers say it is the tomb where Jesus was buried and resurrected. Now, for the first time, experts appear to have confirmed at least one element of the Christian narrative of its history. Researchers sampled mortar from the burial bed, where religious followers say Christ was laid to rest, and found it dates to around 345 AD
DATING THE TOMB Scientists dated the age of the tomb using two brick samples taken from the structure. Mortar samples from remains of the cave's southern wall were dated to 335 and 1570 AD. Researchers used a technique known as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) to make their finding. The method allows scientists to date ancient stone by measuring when sediment was most recently exposed to light. When sediments are buried or blocked from sunlight, natural background radiation results in energy being stored in minerals such as quartz. If the mineral grains are not exposed to light the energy builds up and represents the amount of time since their burial. Scientists can then measure the stored energy in the laboratory and pinpoint when the layers of mortar last saw sunlight. Advertisement
The discovery was made by researchers from the National Technical University of Athens who worked to restore the Edicule shrine, which houses the tomb, at Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Experts took samples of mortar from various locations within the Edicule back in 2016 with the results, as first reported by National Geographic, only now becoming public.
The earliest architectural evidence found in and around the tomb complex until now dates to the era of the Crusades.
This would make it no older than 1,000 years, aligning with the church's total destruction and subsequent rebuilding in 1009 AD.
But the Athens' teams dating suggests that the Edicule is a much older structure.
Speaking to National Geographic, Antonia Moropoulou, who directed the Edicule restoration project, said: 'It is interesting how [these] mortars not only provide evidence for the earliest shrine on the site, but also confirm the historical construction sequence of the Edicule.'
When the first Holy Roman Emperor Constantine sent representatives of the church to Jerusalem to locate the tomb in around 325 AD, they were directed by people in the region to a Roman temple built 200 years previously.
This was destroyed and the tomb was discovered beneath, carved into a limestone cave.
Constantine ordered that the interior of the tomb be revealed and the Edicule was built around it.
The tomb itself features a long shelf, or burial bed, which Christian tradition says is where Jesus was laid to rest, following his crucifixion.
This is surrounded by a marble covering, thought to have been installed at a much later date, potentially as late as 1555 AD.
The finding ties in to historical accounts that the first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine, ordered the tomb be enshrined in a new church. Constantine took this decision after his envoys discovered the tomb beneath an older temple, dedicated to the goddess Venus, in around 326 AD. This image shows worshippers at the church
The tomb is surrounded by a marble covering, thought to have been installed at a much later date, potentially as late as 1555 AD. When the marble cladding was opened on October 26, 2016, an older slab of marble was found resting on top of the original limestone surface of the burial bed (pictured)
The mortar tested was taken from between this limestone surface and the slab of marble on top of it, which is marked with a cross cut into it. Experts determined that this older marble was installed around the 4th Century AD, lending credence to the Christian timeline of events
But when the marble cladding was opened on October 26, 2016, during restoration work to the Edicule, an older slab of marble was found resting on top of the original limestone surface of the burial bed.
The mortar tested was taken from between this limestone surface and the slab of marble on top of it, which is marked with a cross cut into it.
Experts determined that this older marble was installed around the 4th Century AD, lending credence to the Christian timeline of events.
DOES THIS PROVE THE TOMB BELONGED TO JESUS? The new dating of the mortar does tie in with Christian accounts of the discovery of the tomb by representatives of the first Holy Roman Emperor Constantine It is impossible to tell from dating methods alone whether the tomb contained the body of the Jewish man known as Jesus of Nazareth. The presence of a burial bed does fit with the funeral traditions of wealthy Jews in Jerusalem during the 1st Century AD. The New Testament places the death of Jesus around 30 to 33 AD. The new dating of the mortar does tie in with Christian accounts of the discovery of the tomb by representatives of the first Holy Roman Emperor Constantine. Mortar found between the burial bed and its marble slab covering being aged to the 4th Century matches up with this timeframe. Removing the cover from the burial bed could theoretically provide more clues as to its occupant, but this would be seen as sacrilegious by many Christians. The New Testament also states that the body of Jesus disappeared from its final resting place, resurrected to heaven to be by God's side. Women who came to anoint his body three days after the burial reported that no remains were present. Advertisement
Scientists also dated the surrounding limestone tomb using two brick samples taken from the structure.
Mortar samples from remains of the cave's southern wall were dated to 335 and 1570 AD.
Researchers used a technique known as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) to make their finding.
The method allows scientists to date ancient stone by measuring when sediment was most recently exposed to light.
Some believed the tomb was no older than 1,000 years, aligning with the church's total destruction and subsequent rebuilding in 1009 AD. But the Athens' teams dating suggests that the Edicule is a much older structure. A Greek priest stands inside the renovated Edicule on Monday, Mar 20, 2017
Scientists also dated the surrounding limestone tomb using two brick samples taken from the structure. Mortar samples from remains of the cave's southern wall were dated to 335 and 1570 AD. A Greek priest stands by a window into the burial chamber of Jesus' tomb for pilgrims to see what is believed to be the original stone wall of the burial cave
Researchers used a technique known as optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) to make their finding. The method allows scientists to date ancient stone by measuring when sediment was most recently exposed to light. The faithful visit the renovated Edicule
When sediments are buried or blocked from sunlight, natural background radiation results in energy being stored in minerals such as quartz.
If the mineral grains are not exposed to light the energy builds up and represents the amount of time since their burial.
Scientists can then measure the stored energy in the laboratory and pinpoint when the layers of mortar last saw sunlight.
The full findings will be explored in the documentary Secrets of Christs Tomb, which will be shown on the National Geographic Channel in the UK on December 25th at 9pm.
Earlier this year, further work was undertaken to restore the historic site.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE Christian tradition says Christ's body was laid on a slab cut from a limestone cave after his crucifixion by the Romans more than two thousand years ago, shown in this painting by Friedrich Overbeck Christian tradition says Christ's body was laid on a slab cut from a limestone cave after his crucifixion by the Romans. The burial slab was enclosed in a structure known as the Edicule a word derived from the Latin term aedicule meaning 'little house'. An ornate structure with hanging oil lamps, columns and oversize candlesticks, the Edicule was erected above the spot where Christian tradition says Jesus' body was anointed, wrapped in cloth and buried before his resurrection. Jewish tradition forbade burial within the walls of a city, and the Gospels specify that Jesus was buried outside of Jerusalem, near the site of his crucifixion on Golgotha, also known as 'the place of skulls'. However, soon after the burial, the walls of Jerusalem were expanded, putting Golgotha and the nearby tomb within the city itself. According to Eusebius of Caesarea, the Roman emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD built a temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite in order to bury the cave in which Jesus had been buried, and assert the dominance of Roman state religion. The first Christian emperor, Constantine the Great, ordered in 325 that the temple be replaced by a church. When his representatives arrived in Jerusalem to attempt to locate the tomb, they were sent to the temple built by Hadrian 200 years earlier. The Roman temple was razed and excavations beneath it revealed a rock-cut tomb. The top of the cave was sheared off to expose the interior, and a church was built around it to enclose the tomb. During the building of the Church, Constantine's mother Helena claimed to have rediscovered the 'true cross'. It is claimed that she found three crosses she tested each by having it held over a corpse and when the corpse rose up under one, that was the true cross. The church was then completely destroyed by in 1009 by the Fatmid Caliph Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah, known as the 'mad Caliph' or 'Nero of Islam' in a bid to destroy Christian sites. What and where: A floor plan of Jerusalem's Church of the Holy Sepulchre, with the Edicule chamber marked in red on the left It was then rebuilt once again in the mid-11th century, when an agreement was reached between the Fatimids and the Byzantine Empire in 10278. The rebuilding was finally completed with the financing at a huge expense by Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos and Patriarch Nicephorus of Constantinople in 1048. The rebuilt church site consisted of 'a court open to the sky, with five small chapels attached to it'. A 12th-century restoration by the Crusaders gave the Holy Sepulchre its current appearance, while in 1808 a fire all but destroyed the Edicule. In 1852, the Ottoman authorities then governing the Holy Land provided a framework for resolving disputes inside the church. This picture shows workers removing the top of the tomb of Jesus Christ in the Church of Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem. The burial slab was enclosed in a structure known as the Edicule a word derived from the Latin term aedicule meaning 'little house This picture shows the restored tomb after renovation work was completed It was last reconstructed in the early 19th century after a fire destroyed it but repairs are long overdue as the structure was damaged in an earthquake in 1927. Excavations inside of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during the 20th century revealed remains of what is believed to be Hadrian's temple and walls from Constantine's original church. Archaeologists also found an ancient limestone quarry and at least half a dozen other rock-cut tombs, some of which can be seen today. Advertisement
Just in time for Easter, a Greek team completed a renovation of the Edicule.
Restorers cut a small window from the shrine's marble walls for pilgrims to see - for the first time - the bare stone of the ancient burial cave.
Gone was the unsightly iron cage built around the shrine by British authorities in 1947 to shore up the walls and the black soot on the shrine's stone facade from decades of pilgrims lighting candles.
And gone were fears about the stability of the old shrine, which hadn't been restored in more than 200 years.
'If this intervention hadn't happened now, there is a very great risk that there could have been a collapse,' Bonnie Burnham of the World Monuments Fund said.
'This is a complete transformation of the monument.'
The fund provided an initial $1.4 million (1 million) for the $4 million (3 million) restoration, thanks to a donation by the widow of the founder of Atlantic Records.
The discovery was made by researchers from the National Technical University of Athens who worked to restore the Edicule shrine, which houses the tomb, gazed at here by worshippers
Christian tradition says Christ's body was laid on a slab cut from a limestone cave after his crucifixion by the Romans. The burial slab was enclosed in a structure known as the Edicule a word derived from the Latin term aedicule meaning 'little house'. This image shows the church packed for an Easter Orthodox ceremony on April 15, 2017
Christian pilgrims pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalems Old City during the Good Friday celebrations on April 14, 2017
Scaffolding inside the Edicule of the TombRestoration Of The Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel in an image capture in 2016
Construction materials date to Roman times, suggesting the original holy site's legacy has survived despite its destruction 1,000 years ago
Speaking to National Geographic, Antonia Moropoulou, who directed the Edicule restoration project, said: 'It is interesting how [these] mortars not only provide evidence for the earliest shrine on the site, but also confirm the historical construction sequence of the Edicule'
The Romans are said to have torn down a temple in Jerusalem where they found the cave that they believed to be his burial site. They then built a shrine (pictured are images inside the shrine)
Scientists dated the age of the tomb using two brick samples taken from the structure. Shown here are builders restoring the site
The Today show went inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The tomb is the size of a coat closet, and was open for just 60 hours while restoration work was also carried out
The shrine that is believed to house the burial place of Jesus Christ underwent restoration inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
To date the tomb, from the National Technical University of Athens looked at radioactive elements in the architectural glue that fit it together. Shown hereis scaffolding inside the Edicule of the Tomb Restoration Of The Holy Sepulchre
Shown here is scaffolding inside the Edicule of the TombRestoration Of The Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, Israel in 2016. The limestone and marble structure stands at the centre of the Church
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also chipped in about 150,000 euros (135,000 / $178,000) each, along with other private and church donations.
The limestone and marble structure stands at the centre of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, one of the world's oldest churches - a 12th-century building standing on 4th-century remains.
The shrine needed urgent attention after years of exposure to environmental factors like water, humidity and candle smoke.
Three main Christian denominations jealously guard separate sections of the church, but they put aside their longstanding religious rivalries to give their blessing for the restoration.
In 2015, Israeli police briefly shut down the building after Israel's Antiquities Authority deemed it unsafe, and repairs began in June 2016.
A restoration team from the National Technical University of Athens stripped the stone slabs from the shrine's facade and patched up the internal masonry of the shrine, injecting it with tubes of grout for reinforcement.
THE BURIAL SLAB WHERE CHRIST'S BODY WAS LAID Christian tradition says Christ's body was laid on a slab cut from a limestone cave after his crucifixion by the Romans more than two thousand years ago. The burial slab was enclosed in a structure known as the Edicule a word derived from the Latin term aedicule meaning 'little house.' The burial slab (pictured being revealed from its marble case) many Christians believe once held the body of Jesus Christ has been uncovered by scientists for the first time in centuries. The original surface, partially shown in this picture, was exposed during restoration work at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City of Jerusalem An ornate structure with hanging oil lamps, columns and oversize candlesticks, the Edicule was erected above the spot where Christian tradition says Jesus' body was anointed, wrapped in cloth and buried before his resurrection. It stands a few hundred yards from the site of Jesus' crucifixion. With its stone staircases, gilded ornamentation and many dark chambers, the church is one of Christianity's holiest shrines. Advertisement
Each stone slab was cleaned of candle soot and pigeon droppings, then put back in place.
Titanium bolts were inserted into the structure for reinforcement, and frescos and the shrine's painted dome were given a face-lift.
The restorers also made some discoveries.
On October 26, the team entered the inner sanctum of the shrine, the burial chamber of Jesus, and temporarily slid open an old marble layer covering the bedrock where Jesus' body is said to have been placed.
Below the outer marble layer was a white rose marble slab engraved with a cross, which the team dated to the late Crusader period of the 14th century.
Beneath that marble slab was an even older, grey marble slab protecting the bedrock, and mortar on the slab dates to the 4th century, when Roman Emperor Constantine ordered the Church of the Holy Sepulcher built.
The restorers cut a small window from the shrine's marble walls for pilgrims to see - for the first time - the bare stone of the ancient burial cave.
'It seems we are in front of levels of history that are validated,' said Antonia Moropoulou, who supervised the renovation.
The shrine needed urgent attention after years of exposure to environmental factors like water, humidity and candle smoke. Three main Christian denominations jealously guard separate sections of the church, but they put aside their longstanding religious rivalries to give their blessing for the restoration.
The renovated Edicule is seen in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, traditionally believed to be the site of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, in Jerusalem's old city Monday, Mar. 20, 2017. A Greek restoration team has completed a historic renovation of the Edicule
Concern for the church's stability brought Christian denominations together, and Moropoulou hopes it ushers in a 'new era' of cooperation.
She hopes the communities will make some changes in longstanding customs inside the church, like pilgrims smashing their lit candles onto the Edicule's stone wall, so the structure is not compromised.
Now, money is being raised for another round of restorations - consolidating drainage and sewage pipes underground, around the tomb, to stabilize its foundations - so renovations won't be needed for years to come.
'Here is a monument that has been worshipped through the centuries, and will be worshipped forever,' said Moropoulou.
Researchers have discovered a previously unrecognized genus of extinct horses that roamed North America during the last ice age.
The study on the thin-limbed, lightly built horses was based on an analysis of ancient DNA from fossils.
Before the study, the researchers thought the horse was related to the Asiatic wild ass, or another separate species belonging to the same genus as horses
However, the new results reveal that these horses were not closely related to any living population of horses.
The study on the thin-limbed, lightly built horses was based on an analysis of ancient DNA from fossils. This illustration depicts a family of stilt-legged horses (Haringtonhippus francisci) in Yukon, Canada, during the last ice age
THE STILT-LEGGED HORSE - NOT REALLY A HORSE AFTER ALL The extinct stilt-legged horse was first described by paleontologist Richard Harrington in the early 1970s. The species, recently named Haringtonhippus francisci, was thin-limbed, lightly built and had narrow hooves. Researchers thought the horse was related to the Asiatic wild ass, or another separate species belonging to the same genus as horses. However, a new study revealed that these horses were not closely related to any living population of horses. An analysis of ancient DNA from Haringtonhippus francisci fossils showed that the stilt-legged horses were much more distinct than previously thought and don't belong to the genus Equus, so a new genus was named for it - Haringtonhippus. Advertisement
The study, conducted by an international team of researchers, involved analyzing the DNA from fossils of the 'New World stilt-legged horse.'
The fossils were excavated from sites including the Natural Trap Cave in Wyoming, Gypsum Cave in Nevada, and the Klondlike goldfields of Canada's Yukon territory.
The stilt-legged horses were though to be a species within the genus Equus, which includes living horses, asses, and zebras.
The new study however showed that these extinct horses with narrow hooves, named Haringtonhippus francisci, are not closely related to any horses living today.
The researchers say that the extinct North American horse seems to have diverged from the main trunk of the family tree leading to the Equus genus some 4 to 6 million years ago.
'The horse family, thanks to its rich and deep fossil record, has been a model system for understanding and teaching evolution,' said first author of the study Peter Heintzman, who led the study as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
'Now ancient DNA has rewritten the evolutionary history of this iconic group,'
'The evolutionary distance between the extinct stilt-legged horses and all living horses took us by surprise, but it presented us with an exciting opportunity to name a new genus of horse,' said senior author Beth Shapiro, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at UC Santa Cruz.
Two skulls of the new genus Haringtonhippus from Nevada (upper) and Texas (lower). Coauthor Eric Scott, a paleontologist at California State University San Bernardino, said that morphologically, the fossils of Haringtonhippus are not all that different from those of Equus
Coauthor Eric Scott, a paleontologist at California State University San Bernardino, said that morphologically, the fossils of Haringtonhippus are not all that different from those of Equus.
'But the DNA tells a fascinatingly different story altogether' he said.
'That's what is so impressive about these findings.
'It took getting down to the molecular level to discern this new genus.'
The findings show that the species was widespread and successful throughout much of North America, living alongside populations of Equus, but not interbreeding with them.
In the North of Canada, Haringtonhippus survived until about 17,000 years ago - more than 19,000 years later than previously thought for this region.
The geographic distribution of Haringtonhippus francisci. Blue circles are east Beringian localities. Red circles are contiguous USA localities. Orange circles are localities with tentatively assigned Haringtonhippus specimens only. The green-star-labeled HT is the locality of the francisci holotype - a single specimen upon which the description of a species is based - in Wharton County, Texas, USA
At the end of the last ice age, both horse groups became extinct in Northern America, along with other large animals like woolly mammoths and saber-toothed cats.
Although the Equus survived in Eurasia after the last ice age which eventually led to domestic horses, the stilt-legged Haringtonhippus was an evolutionary dead end.
The research team named the horse after Richard Harrington, emeritus curator of Quaternary Paleontology at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa.
Harrington, who was not involved with the study, studied the ice age fossils of Canada's North and first described the stilt-legged horses in the early 1970s.
'I had been curious for many years concerning the identity of two horse metatarsal bones I collected, one from Klondike, Yukon, and the other from Lock Chicken Creek, Alaska,' said Harrington.
Before the study, the researchers thought the horse was related to the Asiatic wild ass, or another separate species belonging to the same genus as horses. However, the new results reveal that these horses were not closely related to any living population of horses
'They looked like those of modern Asiatic kiangs (wild ass), but thanks to the research of my esteemed colleagues they are now known to belong to a new genus.
'I am delighted to have this new genus named after me.'
'We are very pleased to name this new horse genus after our friend and colleague Dick Harington,' said coauthor Grant Zazula, a Government of Yukon paleontologist.
'There is no other scientist who has had greater impact in the field of ice age paleontology in Canada than Dick.
'Our research on fossils such as these horses would not be possible without Dick's life-long dedication to working closely with the Klondike gold miners and local First Nations communities in Canada's North.'
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ESA is looking to harness new high-altitude aircraft that bridge the gap between drones and satellites, to observe Earth from miles above the surface without leaving our atmosphere.
These pseudo-satellites could maintain their position for weeks on end, allowing for continuous coverage from above the cloud tops.
Aerospace firms are working on diverse concepts to bring the idea to life, including Airbuss solar-powered Zephyr craft, which broke world records after a 14-day flight in 2010, and Thales Alenia Spaces blimp-like Stratobus.
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ESA is looking to harness new high-altitude aircraft that bridge the gap between drones and satellites, to observe Earth from miles above the surface without leaving our atmosphere. These pseudo-satellites could maintain their position for weeks on end. A concept photo is pictured
AIRBUS' ZEPHYR-S The Zephyr S has been built by Airbus Defence and Space engineers. It is powered by the sun during the day, which also recharges its lithium-sulphur batteries to power it by night. Its huge 22.5m wingspan means it can be launched by four military personnel on their shoulders. The psuedo-satellite can fly at more than 70,000ft twice the altitude of a commercial airliner. British military forces will use the high-tech aircraft to monitor targets on the ground from anywhere in the world. Advertisement
High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) would work best at an altitude of roughly 20 km (12.4 miles).
This region is about 10 km above where commercial airliners fly, and leaves clouds and jet streams below, and out of the way.
According to ESA, the craft could monitor the surface from the ground to the horizon 500 km away.
As they would not be subjected to high wind speeds, the HAPS could maintain their position for weeks or months at a time.
For Earth observation, they could provide prolonged high-resolution coverage for priority regions, while for navigation and telecoms they could shrink blind spots in coverage and combine wide bandwidth with negligible signal delay, said future-systems specialist Antonio Ciccolella.
ESA is looking into how these various domains can be best brought together.
Several European companies have been working on their own HAPS systems.
High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS) would work best at an altitude of roughly 20 km (12.4 miles). Airbus Zephyr-S could carry small payloads for three months at a time, while the larger Zephyr-T could carry bigger payloads. The firm broke a record in 2010 after the Zephyr achieved 14-day continuous flight
Aerospace firms are working on diverse concepts to bring the idea to life, including Airbuss solar-powered Zephyr craft and Thales Alenia Spaces blimp-like Stratobus (pictured above, in an artist's impression)
And, ESA is working to investigate the potential of these types of craft.
Airbus Zephyr-S could carry small payloads for three months at a time, while the larger Zephyr-T could carry bigger payloads.
Thales Alenia Spaces Stratobus, which is set to take its first flight in 2021, can carry payloads up to 250 kg, and uses electric engines to fly against the breeze.
Just last month, over 200 HAPS experts met in Europe to discuss the technology.
As they would not be subjected to high wind speeds, ESA says the HAPS could maintain their position for weeks or months at a time. The record-breaking Zephyr is pictured
Weve been looking into the concept for the last 20 years but now finally its becoming, said Earth observation specialist Thorsten Fehr.
Thats come about through the maturing of key technologies: miniaturized avionics, high-performance solar cells, lightweight batteries and harness, miniaturization of Earth observation sensors and high-bandwidth communication links that can deliver competitively priced services.
The craft could be used for precise monitoring and even surveillance, according to ESA.
Theres obvious potential for emergency response, said navigation engineer Roberto Prieto Cerderia.
Thales Alenia Spaces Stratobus, which is set to take its first flight in 2021, can carry payloads up to 250 kg, and uses electric engines to fly against the breeze
'STRATOBUS,' THE DRONE-SATELLITE HYBRID Thales recently announced the kick-off of its Stratobus researcher and development project, in which they received 17 million euros to cover a 24-development phase Called Stratobus, this 100-meter-long autonomous blimp is describes as a mix 'between a drone and a satellite'. Thales Alenia Space is designing this ship for both civil and military applications, with a focus on surveillance and environmental management. Solar panels are spread over the top of this high-tech autonomous blimp, which generate power for the electric propulsion system, reports RT.com. This system will allow the ship to maintain a stable position in wind gusts up to 90 km/h, in which it uses two electric motors on either side to keep it in position. Stratobus can hover 20 kilometres in the air, which allows for a view range of about 500 kilometres, over its theater of operations and in the lower layer of the stratosphere, which offers sufficient density to provide lift for the balloon. It will also soar high into the stratosphere, reaching altitudes of 20,000 meters. The plan is for this ship to carry out arrange of missions including surveillance of borders or high-value sites, on land or at sea, security, environmental monitoring and telecommunications. Stratobus has an operational lifespan of five-years and only needs ground maintenance just a few days a year. The ship can hold up into a 40-foot container for easy storage and transportation. Advertisement
They could also be employed semi-permanently, perhaps extending satnav coverage into high, narrow valleys and cities.
HAPS could work in support of existing satellites, and pave the way for other space technologies through high-altitude flight tests.
Once demonstrated, the experts say they could be efficient and cost effective.
We have to fly them, said Alvaro Rodriguez of the EUs Satellite Center.
The technology is there, all the ingredients are there, now its time to mix them into a nice recipe.
From Day of the Dead celebrations to everyday experiences, this is the Mexico you don't see on TV
Sweet Dreams is an insightful new photobook from the London photography collective Tripod City
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A toddler in a wrestling mask. A dog in a skeleton outfit. A scary demon.
It would be easy to dismiss Mexican photobook Sweet Dreams as just another look at the Day of the Dead festival. But the images, taken by a trio of photographers, cut a lot deeper than just people in funny costumes.
They capture the everyday experiences, love and death of regular people living and working in Mexico with sensitivity and style.
A woman in Guadalajara takes time out to make a phone call and is captured by Chris Lee of Tripod City
Tripod City captured both the everyday and the extraordinary in their month long shoot in Mexico. On the left, a man stops for a portrait shot in Mexico City. On the right, a more traditional Day of the Dead celebration in the village of Soledad Etla in Oaxaca
British photographers Charlie Kwai, Chris Lee and Paul Storrie are otherwise known as Tripod City, a trio who travel the world to document different cultures. Their work explores the difference between cultural stereotypes and reality.
After projects in Asia and India, the photographers headed to Mexico to explore beyond the preconceptions that many have about the country.
Charlie Kwai said: 'We found Mexico to be a truly welcoming, charismatic and passionate country, based on the people we met and photographed. Any place weve visited has almost certainly been different to what was expected.
'There is no amount of research or planning that can be done to preempt this experience of a place. Our work is about challenging this, which is why we try to visit a place without preconceived ideas.'
The trio, who are all based in London, spent most of their time in Mexico City in the lead up to the Day of the Dead ceremony in October 2016.
This Mexican City street shot could almost be a scene posed for a modern day painting
The photographers struck up conversations with people they stopped for portraits in Mexico City. On the right is a stunning monument to the Day of the Dead celebration
This scene is Chris Lee's favourite shot of the shoot. He said: 'For me it encapsulates the passing on of tradition and Mexican identity'
Batman waits with his child during San Andres Mixquic's Day of the Dead celebrations
The trio focused on love and death in the city, snapping intimate moments between couples and parents and children as everyday life swirled around them.
Kwai said: 'Street photography is spontaneous and unexpected, all about embracing the moment as and when it presents itself. We focus on photographing people across as much of the country as we can, capturing an honest, diverse representation of daily life.
'Sweet Dreams explores themes of love, life and death, inspired by the warmth and compassion that we experienced everywhere we went. We purposefully wanted a title that left things open to the imagination, but for us, Sweet Dreams represents affection, desire and sentimentality.'
The photography trio captured everyday moments on the streets of Xalapa in Mexico
Young love: Sweet Dreams is about love as well as death in Mexico and the team saw no shortage of tender moments on their travels
Love is in the air everywhere in Mexico City. These ladies stopped for a quick pose for Sweet Dreams
Kwai said: 'I get up close and personal to capture fleeting moments with energy and drama'
Everyone gets in on the dressing up in Mexico City
Tripod City mix shots captured on the fly with careful portrait shots. Each of the photographers shoots in a different style.
Kwai said: 'I get up close and personal to capture fleeting moments with energy and drama. Chris keeps a distance between himself and his subjects, framing people in their natural environment, like characters on a stage.
'Paul engages directly with people, composing portraits that give his subjects a platform to present themselves to the camera.'
Kwai and his partners found no end of willing subjects in their travels.
He said: 'People were generally very relaxed and easy-going about having their picture taken. The candid moments either went unnoticed or sparked up interesting conversations about who we were and why we were in Mexico.'
After spending time in Mexico City, the trio headed out to smaller villages to capture a more rural side of Mexico.
Kwai said: 'We were initially in Mexico City in the lead up to Day of the Dead festival and regularly visited the Zocalo where festivities were brewing.
'On the the day itself, there was a huge parade, where hundreds of people were dressed up in some really inventive costumes. It was clear to us at the time that Mexico takes dressing up to a whole new level, however this was apparently their first ever major parade in the centre of Mexico City, which we assumed had been happening for years.
'Following that, we went to a village called San Andres Mixquic where in contrast we got to witness more of the traditional, sentimental and sombre side to Day of the Dead, visiting the local cemetery and people's homes to see their private altars or "Ofrendas" that commemorate the deceased.
'In another village called Soledad Etla in Oaxaca we happened to arrive at a time when there was a big party that evening where the whole village dress up in some crazy outfits and parade around town with a big brass band.'
This skeleton dog shot from Mexico City is Charlie Kwai's favourite shot. He said: 'The skeleton dog embodies everything that is Sweet Dreams for me. Hes dead and alive at the same time and clearly living the dream doing it'
The photographers kept an eye out for stunning street style across the country to challenge preconceived ideas about Mexicans. Storrie found this snappily dressed gentleman on the streets of Mexico City (left). On the right is an example of colourful street fashion on the streets of Guadalajara
Monsters Inc: Dressing up takes all forms as Mexico City celebrated the Day of the Dead on October 2016
Sticking to the streets and taking in the variety of life around you is certainly Tripod City's magic formula when it comes to captivating shoots and Kwai recommends doing the same as a tourist
Here Tripod City has captured two love-struck youngsters by a tree - with a young woman nearby looking across at them
Paul Storrie 'engages directly with people, composing portraits that give his subjects a platform to present themselves to the camera'. The book, says Tripod City, is an 'optimistic fairy tale'
The month long shoot certainly threw up plenty for the team to photograph.
Kwai said: 'Sweet Dreams is an optimistic fairy tale that embraces love and death simultaneously. The skeleton dog embodies everything that is Sweet Dreams for me. Hes dead and alive at the same time and clearly living the dream doing it. Photographs that leave enough room to wonder why is what I love the most. I think this one does that.'
His partner Chris Lee said: 'My favourite photograph is of the little girl dressed as a skeleton in a pink dress surround by her family. It was taken on Day of the Dead at the main Zocalo in Mexico City, and for me it encapsulates the passing on of tradition and Mexican identity. I was particularly attracted to how the truck behind them removes context from the situation, focusing on the people and what they are doing.'
Sticking to the streets and taking in the variety of life around you is certainly Tripod City's magic formula when it comes to captivating shoots and Kwai recommends doing the same as a tourist.
He said: 'Immerse yourself in the culture, learn a bit of Spanish and experience life among the locals on the streets. There is so much to see and experience beyond the usual tourist attractions.'
Sweet Dreams by Tripod City will be available to buy from the end of the year. It costs 40 (+P&P) and is available to pre-order at www.tripodcity.co.uk .
Tripod City mix street scenes with posed shots to reveal a multifaceted Mexico full of character. In Soledad Etla in Oaxaca the team found that the whole village dressed up for the annual celebration of death (right)
The photography team captured the first big Day of the Dead parade in Mexico City
Outside of the capital, Tripod City captured an older way of life. In San Andres Mixquic Charlie Kwai shot some of the Ofrendas that commemorate the deceased
A colourful shrine in Veracruz City was shot by Tripod City's Chris Lee
Getting it to go: Mexico City was full of beautiful fleeting moments for Charlie Kwai
A man stares down the London team's camera in Guanajuato, Mexico
Tripod City spot everyday scenes that make stunning photographs. This woman was snapped by Chris Lee in Mexico City
Pretty in pink: This young girl was discovered in Oaxaca City by the Sweet Dreams team
Once the doors are shut and the aircraft takes off, airline passengers have no option - obviously - but to stay on the plane until it lands at its destination.
And for most people, the destination where they land is exactly the place they were hoping to travel to.
But sometimes technical errors, not listening to airport announcements and even being plagued with jetlag can lead to passengers boarding the wrong plane. And internet users have been revealing the horrifying moment they realised they had got on a flight to the wrong destination - with some noticing with just minutes to spare, while others had to take a massive detour.
Air passengers have been revealing in a thread on Quora the moment they realised they were on the wrong flight
The revelations came after a thread was started on Quora asking frequent flyers if they had ever boarded the wrong plane.
And one man replying to the discussion revealed how he only realised he was on the wrong flight when the aircraft started descending earlier than was expected.
Christopher Willis wrote: 'I'm not hard of hearing but just don't understand words too well.
'They were boarding two United regional jets at the same time from the same gate in O'Hare. I handed my pass to the gate agent on the tarmac and he pointed to the left plane.
'I got onboard and promptly zoned out- it was my fourth transcontinental in five days. I never understand what the flight attendants say on the overhead announcements and didn't realise anything was wrong until we began descending WAY too early.
'Instead of Greensboro, North Carolina, I landed in Moline, Illinois'
While another passenger Mikkel Duif revealed he only discovered something was amiss when he ended up at the wrong destination.
He wanted to go to Bahrain, but ended up in Kuwait.
He said: 'After a bit of confusion when suddenly landing in Kuwait, I found out that I actually boarded the right plane, it just went to the wrong destination!
'Ten hours later I was at my correct destination in Bahrain. But missed my connection.'
While Jonathan Lamberton revealed a gate mix-up meant he ended up at the wrong destination.
Some passengers were able to realise their error and grab their bags before the plane took off (file picture)
He wrote: 'Happened to me! Boarded the wrong flight at St Louis airport.
'This was in the commuter flights area where there were A and B gates at each gate. I ended up in Iowa instead of Alabama.'
But luckily for the other passengers replying to the thread, they realised their mistake before the plane doors were closed.
Nicholas Corwin nearly ended up communist Russia rather than London on a flight from Athens.
He explained: 'We boarded the plane and took our seats. My mother, who had been quarreling badly with my father, was rather upset and distracted and hence didnt have any situational awareness.
'While she busied herself with a book, I was looking around, and since even at this tender age I was already a fairly experienced air traveler, I soon noticed that a number of details were amiss.
'Finally, I caught the attention of one of the flight attendants. In very broken English, she managed to convey that the plane was most definitely not flying to England, but rather to some communist bloc destination.
'She hustled us off the plane right before the doors closed. The correct flight was a couple of gates away.'
A mix-up with the name of the destination, meanwhile, meant that Jeff Coveney almost ended up in Austin rather than Boston.
Even pilots replied to the thread, with one admitting he only realised he was on the wrong plane during pre-flight checks
He said: 'A few years ago, I was taking a red eye United flight from Las Vegas to Boston via Newark. Upon arrival in Newark about 6am, I was a little foggy and walked to the area with the flight leaving to Boston and boarded.
'About 10 or 15 minutes later, I was woken up by the the flight attendant calling me by name. She said the flight I was on was going to Austin not Boston.
'I got off the plane just in time but had missed my connection. I had to wait another few hours to catch another flight to Boston but at least I didnt have to take a trip across the country and back again.'
But it's not just passengers who have made the mistake. Pilots have done it, too.
Pilot Jimmy K. Walton admitted boarding the wrong flight several times.
He said: 'I had done the preflight and sat down to fly somewhere when I noticed the flight plan had a different tail number than the aircraft.
'But the most embarrassing one was when I got my flight plan paperwork (its all iPad now), strolled passed the gate agents, into the plane, passed the number one flight attendant into the cockpit to see two other pilots looking back at me from the pilot seats.
'My flight was one gate over well, you know, they all look the same from the outside!'
Some destinations have so much hype around them, that you can be convinced that you will enjoy the place - before you even get there.
However, dozens of tourists have taken to a forum to complain about the times when the hype, for them, was not justified. In the slightest.
One has described Los Angeles as a 'pit', another said Paris is a 'dirty tourist trap' and Stone Henge, considered by some to be one of the world's most archaeologically important structures, was simply 'just some rocks' for one visitor.
The view over downtown Los Angeles, which has been described by one traveller as a 'pit'
The discussion came after Reddit user ILikeNiceDiscussions posted on the forum asking: 'Travellers of Reddit, what place did NOT live up to the hype?'
And the question got hundreds of responses from disappointed people who had bad travelling experiences.
One of the first places mentioned was Jamaica, with cyborgratchet saying the resort of Montego Bay did not live up to the hype.
They wrote: 'Everything looked like it was about to fall apart, and there was garbage everywhere.
One traveller said that The Bahamas, pictured, was dirty and that everyone 'just got drunk'
'People who say they enjoy Jamaica only do so because they stay in a resort. I drove by one of those resorts and it looks like a military compound from the outside.'
The Bahamas was also panned by travellers, especially catching_signals, who said the islands weren't what he was expecting when he visited on a cruise.
He wrote: 'When I visited, they dropped us off in an industrial area where there were just some shops and the beach was dirty. Everyone just goes to the Senor Frog's and gets drunk.
'You're pressured to buy trinkets and s** you don't want. There are a lot of con artists looking for money from cruise passengers; we had one follow us around asking for a "donation for the school" which was surely bulls***.'
Los Angeles also got a bad rap from travellers with Mace55555 branding it a 'f***ing pit'.
Some tourists were left unimpressed by French capital Paris, with one calling it a 'tourist trap'
While another traveller added: 'Los Angeles is like someone took a can of New York City and shook it up and dumped it out all over a shag rug.
'In New York you'd just hop in the can and be surrounded by awesome. In Los Angeles you have to pick the fun out of the rug and piece it together.'
Fellow US city Memphis also rated badly, with good_at_life saying his visit left him wondering about the hype.
He wrote: 'I went for the blues music and southern food. Crime ridden, s*** hole of a city. It was very disappointing.'
For many, meanwhile, Fiji is the ultimate paradise - but dingu-malingu did not agree.
He told the forum: 'I'm not a resort kind of person, I like hostels and restaurants that actually feature the local food. This was a huge mistake in Fiji.'
A visitor to Stonehenge was left distinctly unimpressed and could only describe it as 'some rocks in a field'
And in Europe, Paris was slated by many travellers, including NotRlyMrD, who was left unimpressed by the French capital.
They explained: 'It's a tourist trap, overpriced, overlightened, dirty, and not safe. Not to mention I got there straight from Amsterdam and that was amazing.'
But it wasn't just countries and cities that were mentioned in the thread, with some tourist attractions also criticised.
ActuallyJack wrote: 'The White House is honestly just really underwhelming.'
While Jlapp added: 'Stonehenge - It's just some rocks in a field. Even the audio tour was a lot of "we don't really know much about this but here it is".
'Don't bother, just look at a picture on the Internet and you've accomplished everything you can seeing it in real life.'
Many a drunken reveller has fallen asleep on the train forcing them into a lengthy and expensive journey home after missing their stop.
But help is at hand. For those who live in Tokyo, anyway.
Transport bosses there have decided to help party-goers who nod off by chartering buses to take worse-for-wear passengers who find themselves stranded at the end of a train line back towards the city.
The 'oversleeping rescue bus' that will take drunken revellers who have missed their train stop back into the city
For the fourth year running, the 'oversleeping rescue bus' is being organised by Nishi Tokyo Bus to coincide with the height of end-of-year drinking parties in Japan.
The bus will be waiting at the end of the JR Chuo train line, which connects the centre of the Japanese capital with the western suburbs, for those who have snoozed on the last train.
That's because the station at the end of the line is Takao, which is in the foothills of a mountainous region, and has few transport links.
There, the rescue bus will pick up sleepy passengers and take them to Hachioji, a more developed neighbourhood, with places where workers can pay for a hotel until morning, according to Rocket News.
The bus is set to run in the early hours of December 9, 16 and 23 and costs passengers 880 yen (6).
Passengers wait for trains at a Tokyo station. It is coming up to the height of Japan's end-of-year drinking parties
Last year, the bus carried a total of 75 passengers on its three days in operation and even took 32 people back to Hachioji on its busiest night.
But one thing is for sure, anybody wanting to catch the rescue bus can pretty much guarantee it will leave on time - as Japan is renowned for its punctuality.
Earlier this month, a Japanese railway operator issued a deep apology for the 'tremendous nuisance' caused by a train departing 20 seconds late - despite having received no complaints.
She was formerly known as a Strictly siren - but Ola Jordan hasn't lost any of her sizzling star quality.
The professional dancer turns up the heat for a new topless beach picture that certainly sets the tone for the rest of her 2018 calendar.
Dressed in little more than a wet vest, the 35-year-old highlights her sensationally slender dancer's frame as she smolders into the distance on a picturesque beach.
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Sizzling! Ola Jordan, 35, highlighted her sensationally slender dancer's frame for a revealing ensemble in her 2018 calendar shoot
The scantily-clad dance professional showcased her ample chest in a see-through tank vest, which is wrapped against her midsection - showing off her taut abs.
While Ola's leggy pins were hidden in an ocean, she appeared to display her natural beauty in minimal makeup - merely enhanced with sultry lashes and a hint of bronzer.
This image joins a host of sexy images taken from the calendar - which will undoubtedly prove to be a fan favourite.
Ola has always been candid about showing off her body, as well as discussing her figure and her sex life with fellow former Strictly star husband James Jordan.
In her element: In another image, released last month from her 2018 calendar, the blonde bombshell poses completely naked
The images were released shortly before the star prepares for her dance tour with husband James, 39, set to take place from March until April next year.
The tour, James And Ola: Uncensored, will centre on their romantic story, as they celebrate 18 years as dance partners.
Due to kick off in Blackpool, the couple will hit the stage in a number of cities, including Birmingham, Manchester and London, before ending their tour in Liverpool the following month.
Loved-up: Ola is soon to go on tour with an 'uncensored' show with her husband James Jordan (right)
When it comes to keeping the spark alive James and Ola previously explained brutal honesty is the best policy - revealing the truth has provided their marriage with a solid foundation for success.
Speaking to new! magazine, the former Strictly professional explained the secret to her happy relationship was simple, saying: 'We're not afraid to say things to each other. We're honest.'
And the honesty that Ola and her husband abide by appears to have helped them no end - even with the prickly subject of weight.
Hot: Speaking to new! magazine, the former Strictly professional explained the secret to her happy relationship was simple, saying: 'We're not afraid to say things to each other. We're honest'
Following her exit from Strictly and a nasty accident on series two of The Jump, Ola was forced to rest and recuperate, but had to dismiss pregnancy rumours after piling on the pounds.
But following ten years on Strictly, putting her body firmly in the limelight, the dancer admitted she was used to the 'criticism' over her looks.
Speaking of the attention her fuller figure recevied, Ola explained: 'I had to tell people I wasn't pregnant, I was fat!'
Smouldering: Following her exit from Strictly and a nasty accident on series two of The Jump, Ola was forced to rest and recuperate, but had to dismiss pregnancy rumours after piling on the pounds
However she admitted although she's used to her weight and looks coming under scrutiny, she found it difficult to to deal with the scrutiny following her accident.
And James was no exception, as he explained he was the first to encourage his wife to lose weight before her last appearance on Strictly - with the outspoken dancer referring to Ola as a 'chunky monkey'.
However the pokes and prods about her extra pounds came from a good place, as Ola explained her husband knows she is always happier when she cuts a 'trimmer' figure.
Strictly siren: Ola was always best known for her time on Strictly Come Dancing (seen here winning the competition with Chris Hollins in 2009)
MetraPark will be holding a reception to celebrate 30 years of service by retiring assistant manager Sue DeVries.
General Manager Bill Dutcher said the reception will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the Montana Pavilion.
Sue has been an integral part of the operation of MetraPark for many years, Dutcher said. We wanted to let all the community wish her well as she moves to this next chapter in her life."
The public event is being sponsored by the MetraPark Advisory Board and the Billings Exchange Club. No RSVP is required.
They teased Doctor Who fans earlier this month with a sneak preview of the upcoming Christmas special.
And with less than a month until the Twice Upon A Time episode, BBC bosses have revealed more about Peter Capaldi's final adventure.
The show will feature Calpadi's much-anticipated regeneration into the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker), who was spotted for the first time filming scenes for the hit show last week.
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Christmas special: With less than a month until the Twice Upon A Time episode, BBC bosses have revealed more about Peter Capaldi's final adventure
The 59-year-old will embark on his last chapter of the Twelfth Doctor's journey for the Christmas special, teaming up with David Bradley, who portrays William Hartnell's First Doctor.
The pair are stranded in an Artic snowscape, attempting to ward off impending regenerations, as they come face-to-face in the minimalist but sizable TARDIS.
The two Doctors will have to face enchanted glass people, stealing their victims from frozen time as well as encountering a World War One soldier (played by Sherlock's Mark Gatiss).
The Doctor will see you now! The show will feature Calpadi's much-anticipated regeneration into the Thirteenth Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker
In first-look images of the up-coming episode, the Scotsman looked cautious to find himself in the snowy surroundings, with Bradley and Bill Potts (Pearl Mackie) also sporting shocked expressions.
Dressed in his signature black tailcoat and waistcoat, Capaldi looked well kitted out as he negotiated the chilly Artic landscape.
Meanwhile, the Time Lord's companion Bill, looked effortlessly modern in a stripy top and black bomber jacket as she made a brief return for the Doctor's final goodbye.
End of an era: The 59-year-old will embark on his last chapter of the Twelfth Doctor's journey for the Christmas special as he teams up with the First Doctor, David Bradley (far right) and Mark Gatiss (left)
In another shot, Capaldi was joined by the First Doctor and The Captain as he stared directly into the camera with his supersonic screwdriver.
Speaking about the upcoming Christmas special, the BBC said: 'An uplifting new tale about the power of hope in humanitys darkest hours, Twice Upon A Time marks the end of an era.
'But as the Doctor must face his past to decide his future, his journey is only just beginning...'
The Christmas special will make history as it Peter Capaldis Doctor regenerates into the first female Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker.
First look: Jodie is due to take over the role in 2018
New look: Here in Broadchurch, anticipation is growing for how the Yorkshire beauty will tackle the role
Just last week, the 35-year-old was pictured for the first time filming alongside her co-star Bradley Walsh, who plays her new sidekick Graham.
The Broadchurch actress was spotted taking her new role as the Doctor in her stride as she climbed her way through a narrow hole in a fence which surrounded an industrial yard.
Anticipation is growing for how the Yorkshire beauty will tackle the role, with the BBC recently unveiling a teaser image of the new Time Lord strutting out of the famous TARDIS.
The image shows Jodie stepping across a meadow of flowers, the time machine in the backdrop, with the sun rising slowly from the hills in the background.
Guess who's back: Peter is once again joined by his assistant Pearl Mackie
The acclaimed actress looks edgy in The Doctor's trademark trench coat, sporting an ensemble beneath seemingly inspired by past Doctors Colin Baker and Tom Baker.
Jodie - who has starred in recent years in ITV's Broadchurch as grieving mother Beth Latimer and the BBC's unnerving medical drama Trust Me - is the 13th incarnation of the Time Lord.
The news that Jodie had been cast in the role, was announced in July - which she remarked was 'overwhelming, as a feminist'.
She said: 'It's more than an honour to play the Doctor. It means remembering everyone I used to be, while stepping forward to embrace everything the Doctor stands for: hope.'
She will be joined in the cast by Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill and Sharon D Clarke when the new season airs next autumn.
Shock jock Kyle Sandilands put his foot in it as he discussed the royal engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Tuesday.
Discussing the occasion on his KIIS FM Kyle & Jackie O Show, the subject of Meghan's background came up.
In the awkward segment, the 46-year-old denied that the US actress was part African-American, insisting that both her parents were Caucasian.
'They're both white': In an awkward segment on KIIS FM's Kyle & Jackie O Show on Tuesday, Kyle Sandilands (left) refused to believe that Meghan Markle's heritage
When one of Kyle's colleagues informed him that 'one of her parents is black', the radio star denied this was the case.
'No they're not, I've looked at her parents, they're both white,' Kyle responded.
There also seemed to be some confusion identifying the difference between Meghan's real-life father, Tom, and Wendall Pierce, who plays the star's dad on Suits, with another of Kyle's co-workers stating, 'I think her dad is black.'
This comment prompted Kyle to double-down on his earlier statements, saying: 'I saw a picture of her father, he looks white.'
He added: 'I can't tell the difference. In real life, her parents are white.'
Mix-up: One of Kyle's colleagues seemingly confused Meghan's real-life father with her Suits co-star Wendall Pierce (pictured)
However, co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson clarified.
'The producers are saying her mother is African-American and her dad is German, Dutch and Scottish,' she said.
Speaking with the BBC after the couple announced their engagement this week, Meghan opened up about being targeted by trolls due to her ethnicity.
Real-life mother: Jackie 'O' Henderson clarified the reality, explaining: 'The producers are saying her mother is African-American' (Pictured: Meghan with her mother Doria Radlan)
Meghan's father is German, Dutch and Scottish (Pictured: Meghan with her father Tom Markle)
'Of course it's disheartening. It's a shame that that is the climate in this world, to focus that much on that, to be discriminatory in that sense,' she said.
'I think, you know, at the end of the day, I'm really just proud of who I am and where I've come from and we have never put any focus on that. We've just focused on who we are as a couple. And so when you take all those extra layers away and all of that noise, I think it makes it really easy to just enjoy being together.'
On A Current Affair Monday, Tracy Grimshaw grilled Don Burke on sexual assault and harassment allegations spanning his 20-year TV career.
But it's what the 70-year-old said, and how he acted while the cameras were off that's truly stuck in Tracy's memory.
Speaking to KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show on Tuesday, the journalist spoke candidly of the awkward, private exchange she had with her former colleague.
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'He was shell-shocked': Tracy Grimshaw has revealed what Don Burke told her when the cameras were off, following their A Current Affair interview on his sexual assault allegations
'At the end, you sort of let it hang there, and Don just looked kind of uncomfortable - how did it finish when the cameras stopped rolling?' Jackie O Henderson asked.
'Look. It was polite, we were polite with each other all the way through,' Tracy said.
'[But] I just think he was a bit shell-shocked.'
The journalist has worked in the same circles as the Burke's Backyard host for years, citing their working relationship as his reason for agreeing to the interview.
Face-to-face: Speaking to KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O Show on Tuesday, the journalist spoke candidly of the awkward, private exchange she had with her former colleague
After the tense interview wrapped, and they sat there awkwardly, Tracy revealed: 'I think he probably thought [the interview] would have been more sympathetic.'
'I think he probably would have expected that... But it couldn't be more sympathetic. We had to go to the core of unpleasantries.'
No sympathy: 'I just think he was a bit shell-shocked,' Tracy admitted, 'I think he probably thought [the interview] would have been more sympathetic'
'He would have expected that': 'I think he probably would have expected that... But it couldn't be more sympathetic. We had to go to the core of unpleasantries,' she insisted
It's clear Tracy's conviction and commitment to getting the truth came as a bit of a surprise to Don.
'You know, that's just what we had to do and I think he's enough of a realist that he should have understood that,' Tracy insisted.
And when the cameras turned off: 'there wasn't a lot to see that didn't go to air, although he did speak to me privately,' she revealed.
'He should have understood that': 'You know, that's just what we had to do and I think he's enough of a realist that he should have understood that,' she added
'He alluded to grudges [in the interview] and he did give me more information privately about the alleged 'grudges'.'
'And I said to him: 'Don, if you have a defense [against these claims] you need to mount your defence now, now's the opportunity to do it.'
'And he said no, no I won't do it publicly, and because he won't do it publicly, all that stuff stayed off the record.'
Grudges: When the cameras were off: 'He alluded to grudges [in the interview] and he did give me more information privately about the alleged 'grudges''
'You need to mount your defense': 'And I said to him: 'Don, if you have a defense [against these claims] you need to mount your defense now, now's the opportunity to do it' - but he declined
She concluded: 'You can read into that what you will, really.'
In Monday's interview, Don admitted to an extraordinary list of personal failings but denied numerous sexual harassment allegations against him.
'You can read into that what you will, really': She concluded: 'And he said no, no I won't do it publicly, and because he won't do it publicly, all that stuff stayed off the record'
The former host of Burke's Backyard is accused by dozens of women of indecent assault and making lewd comments over his program's 17-year run.
The 70-year-old admitted he was a terrifying boss, had multiple affairs, and claimed to suffer from Asperger's.
However, he strenuously denied 'all that sleazy sexual stuff' and described his accusers as 'malcontents' who 'bear grudges against me'.
Accusations: The former host of Burke's Backyard is accused by dozens of women of indecent assault and making lewd comments over his program's 17-year run
Suits star Meghan Markle proudly flashed her engagement ring to the world on Monday, afterPrince Harry proposed during a 'cosy night' in.
And with a glamorous wedding no doubt set for the happy couple next year, speculation has turned to who will accessorise the bride-to-be on her special day.
Among the top contenders is Sydney-based jewellery designer Natalie Marie, who Meghan, 36, has praised as being her 'very favourite' in the past.
Will she design the wedding jewels? Meghan Markle's favourite jewellery designer from Australia could be set for royal acclaim as the Suits star begins planning her nuptials to Prince Harry
Prince Harry said today he is 'thrilled' to be marrying Meghan, who showed the world her engagement ring designed by the Royal himself, containing two diamonds from Princess Diana's own personal collection and set in a gold band.
Meghan revealed how she said 'yes' immediately to Prince Harry after he got down on one knee while they were cooking a roast chicken dinner during a 'cosy night' in.
In their first joint interview, Meghan said she did not even wait for the 33-year-old royal to finish the sentence before she said 'yes' - and it was 'so sweet and natural and very romantic'.
The couple, who had been in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace when the proposal happened, revealed that they first met on a blind date after being set up by a female friend - and have tried to see each other every two weeks.
Stunning! Prince Harry said today he is 'thrilled' to be marrying Meghan, who showed the world her engagement ring designed by the Royal himself, containing two diamonds from Princess Diana's own personal collection and set in a gold band
Meghan has loved the jewellery designer's work before she met Prince Harry at the Invictus Games last year.
The Hollywood actress gushed about the label via an Instagram selfie showing off an elegant necklace and rings.
She captioned the shot: 'When you get the package of jewelry that makes your heart go pitter pat', adding that the brand was her 'very favorite'.
'Very favourite': Meghan has loved the jewellery designer's work before she met Prince Harry at the Invictus Games last year, taking to social media to show off her wears
'I always encourage brides to opt for stones and materials that complement their skin tone and aesthetic': Natalie Marie previously opened up to Vogue on how exciting it was to have a potential princess see value in her collections, that include bespoke options for discerning brides
The designer previously opened up to Vogue on how exciting it was to have a potential princess see value in her collections: 'Its invaluable to have someone that truly loves and supports the brand wearing our pieces.'
Natalie Marie's line including bespoke options for discerning brides, including delicate rings, modern earrings and a simply chic design with stones and glittering jewels.
'I always encourage brides to opt for stones and materials that complement their skin tone and aesthetic, rather than selecting something thats particularly on trend,' she added.
It was three years ago to the date that actress Zoe Saldana and husband Marco Perego welcomed premature twin boys into the world.
On Monday the actress of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent shared the joy that Bowie and Cy have brought into their lives via a special message on her official Instagram.
In the message she posted to her nearly two million followers, the Guardians of the Galaxy star touched on the complications she endured when becoming a first-time mom.
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Her guys: It was three years ago to the date that actress Zoe Saldana and husband Marco Perego welcomed premature twin boys into the world
Glad: On Monday the actress of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent shared the joy that Bowie and Cy have brought into their lives via a special message on her official Instagram. Here she is seen with her husband on Thursday
'Happy Birthday Bowie and Cy! Today, November 27th will always be the happiest and scariest day of our lives,' Saldana said.
'On a day like today, three years ago our lives changed forever.
'We went from being two to four in just 2 minutes.
Cool look: 'Happy Birthday Bowie and Cy! Today, November 27th will always be the happiest and scariest day of our lives,' Saldana said
'Even though your arrival was early and with a couple of scary hiccups you have been the light of our lives ever since we learned of your presence within us.'
The star further commemorated her twins in the post by telling her followers just how much it has meant to her to get to know these young lives and to help shape them.
'Thank You for choosing us to guide you through the first stages of your purposeful path in life,' she continued.
'You are both meant for greatness and by the grace of God your father and I will make sure you grow up to be exceptional men that will bring healing , wisdom, happiness, and change into this world. We have a big task ahead us, and that is to raise healthy, empathetic and selfless men.
At work: She wore green to shoot scenes for Guardians Of The Galaxy
First one: She starred in the 2014 film with Chris Pratt and Vin Diesel
'We hope to never let you down. And please continue to teach us how you need to be loved, seen, spoken to, taught, encouraged, protected- all the things you need to thrive and make your life meaningful.'
Saldana opened up to Allure Magazine about the emergency cesarean section she underwent when she was just 32 weeks pregnant.
'The boys came at 32 weeks, she explained to the publication.
'They found protein in my urine,' my platelets crashed. I didn't qualify for an epidural, so I delivered under general anesthetic. I didn't even meet them until a day later.'
The Avatar star shares photos of her growing boys via the social media app often, although she rarely ever shows much of their faces.
Zoe and Marco became parents to another son, Zen, born February of this year.
She previously admitted to concealing Oliver Curtis' imprisonment from their two small children.
But Roxy Jacenko has revealed she is now gearing up to tell daughter Pixie after the six-year-old was 'confronted' at school over Oliver's 12 month jail sentence.
'Someone had said that her father had broken out of jail,' Roxy told Studio 10 on Tuesday.
'Someone had said that her father had broken out of jail': Roxy Jacenko reveals daughter Pixie, six, was 'confronted' at school over Oliver Curtis' imprisonment
In 2016, Oliver was sentenced to a 12 month prison sentence for insider trading and was released from Cooma Correctional Facility in June of this year.
During his imprisonment, Roxy revealed she had lied to Pixie and son Hunter, three, telling them Oliver was in China on business.
Speaking to Studio 10 on Tuesday, Roxy revealed Pixie had been told at school about Oliver's imprisonment.
Convicted: Oliver was sentenced to a 12 month prison sentence for insider trading and was released from Cooma Correctional Facility in June of this year
'Pixie has been confronted': Speaking to Studio 10 on Tuesday, Roxy revealed Pixie had been told at school about Oliver's imprisonment
'Pixie has been confronted by someone at school,' Roxy revealed.
'She was upset when she got home and someone had said that her father had broken out of jail.'
But Roxy was holding off on telling Pixie until she had completely settled into normal life with Oliver out of prison.
'The reality is, we will tell her. I don't believe I can keep it a secret forever but for now she is young,' Roxy said.
Protecting them: Roxy revealed how she had told Hunter and Pixie that Oliver was on a business trip when he was in fact behind bars
'She is getting into the groove of having her father home and it is not something that needs to come up': Roxy was holding off on telling Pixie until she had completely settled into normal life
'She is getting into the groove of having her father home and it is not something that needs to come up.'
In a 2016 interview with 60 Minutes, Roxy revealed how she had told Hunter and Pixie that Oliver was on a business trip when he was in fact behind bars.
'If you watch a cartoon these days, the baddie always goes to jail. And I don't want them to think that of their father. I don't want that to be instilled in their mind,' she explained.
'I've said he's in China. I think there's certain things you choose to tell a child.'
Though the sun is still shining brightly in Los Angeles, Alessandra Ambrosio was more than ready to get into the Christmas spirit Monday.
The mommy/model, 36, was spotted searching for the perfect Yule tree besides partner Jamie Mazur, also 36, their two darling kids in Los Angeles.
The Brazilian bombshell paraded her long, toned legs in a pair of cut-off jean shorts and a drapey white top during the holly-jolly family outing.
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Tis the season! While LA was still sunny and warm Alessandra Ambrosio was more than ready to get into the Christmas spirit while hunting down a tree on Monday in SoCal
The veteran Victoria's Secret Angel, who will officially retire her wings after this year's show, matched her simple layers with charcoal colored kicks.
Ale glitzed up her simple outfit with two exquisite necklaces with precious metals and multi-carat stones.
The statuesque stunner pulled her warm brown locks into a slick ponytail as she focused on finding the perfect tree.
Besides the model her partner-of-nine-years was dressed to match, sporting a pair of dark denim trousers with a well-fitted white tee shirt.
Holiday spirit! The 36-year-old beauty searched for the perfect holiday tree along with partner Jamie Mazur and their two kids
Short and sweet! The Brazilian bombshell paraded her long, toned legs in a pair of cut-off jean shorts and a drapey white top during the holly-jolly family outing
Jamie let a hearty amount of stubble grace his chisled chin while covering his feet with well-worn white Nikes.
The couple's younger child Noah, five, frolicked around the tree-lot donning yellow swim trunks with a graphic dog design.
Daughter Anja, nine, already appeared to be taking after her picture-perfect mom, seen wearing jean shorts, a ringer tee and Adidas Superstar sneakers.
A perfect match! Besides the model her partner-of-nine-years was dressed to match, sporting a pair of dark denim trousers with a well-fitted white tee shirt
Grande finale! Last week the Brazilian-born bombshell walked her final Victoria's Secret show; the annual event took place in Shanghai, China, seen stunning above
Last week, the Brazilian-born bombshell walked her final Victoria's Secret show; the annual event took place in Shanghai, China.
After strutting down the runway, the model announced that after doing 17 shows for the brand, she is retiring from Victoria's Secret.
She wrote a lengthy note on Instagram about her experience with the company: 'Last night was so emotional to say goodbye to my #angel sisters but we put on the biggest and best show ever.'
The 2017 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show will be broadcast Tuesday, November 28 at 10pm/9(c) on CBS.
Last hurrah! Last week, the Brazilian-born bombshell (above with daughter Anja) walked her final Victoria's Secret show; the annual event took place in Shanghai, China
Alessandra continued to flaunt her incredibly toned physique on Monday as she was spotted indulging in some tacos after a morning workout.
Heading to her car at the Brentwood Country Mart, the star flashed a hint of her toned abs in a cropped white hoodie, teaming it with diamante studded hum leggings.
Keeping her look comfy and easy, the fashion star rocked round-framed sunglasses as she jumped into her car.
Fitness Queen: Alessandra continued to flaunt her incredible physique, indulging in some tacos after a morning workout on Monday
Former Australian Idol star Paulini Curuenavuli faces up to seven years in prison for bribing an RMS official $850 for an unrestricted licence after pleading guilty.
An on Monday, the embattled star didn't quite see the funny side on Have You Been Paying Attention? and looked visibly awkward as hosts roasted her on the ongoing saga.
'That's so not cool,' she gasped, as comedians poked fun at her alleged bribery, and charges of speeding and driving on a cancelled licence.
'That's so not cool!': Paulini Curuenavuli went bright red after Have You Been Paying Attention hosts ROASTED her 'bribing an RMS official' allegations that could see her face jail time
In a September sentencing hearing, Paulini pleaded guilty to the charges, and is currently awaiting sentencing.
And before the songstress had finished walking over to her podium, comedian Sam Pang slammed his buzzer and joked: 'I wanted to say - thanks for the lift in!'
When host Tom Gleisner attempted to establish a bit of calm, admitting the star was having a 'troubled year,' Urzila Carlson chimed-in: 'but she's still really driven!'
'Guilty': Former Australian Idol star Paulini Curuenavuli faces up to seven years in prison for allegedly bribing an RMS official $850 for an unrestricted licence - she's pleaded guilty
To make matters worse, Tom was merely feigning sympathy to set up his own grilling, confirming with Paulini that she was currently learning to drive.
'We've got some footage of you arriving tonight' he said with an excited grin.
He then cheekily played a recent viral video of a 96-year-old driver's airborne, out-of-control car, as it crashed into a private hospital in Melbourne.
'Thanks for the lift!': And before the songstress had finished walking over to her podium, comedian Sam Pang slammed his buzzer and joked: 'I wanted to say - thanks for the lift in!'
'She's driven': When host Tom Gleisner attempted to establish a bit of calm, admitting the star was having a 'troubled year,' Urzila Carlson chimed-in: 'but she's still really driven!'
Despite her ongoing legal battle, Paulini managed to smile awkwardly as the studio audience burst into rapturous laughter.
'That's so not cool! she said with a smile, going bright red with embarrassment.
Police alleged Paulini entered Mt Druitt Roads and Maritime Services offices in July 2016 and lied on a form claiming she had a US driver's licence.
'We've got some footage of you arriving tonight': Host Tom Gleisner went the furthest, claiming he had footage of Paulini 'arriving at the studio' that night
Out of control! He then played a recent viral video of a 96-year-old driver's airborne, out-of-control car, as it crashed into a private hospital in Melbourne (pictured)
She allegedly posed for a photograph and was handed an unrestricted NSW driver's licence.
It is then alleged she put $800 into the account of 27-year-old Faletausala Vaifale, who was given a one-year home detention sentence for her role.
'Not cool!' 'That's so not cool! she said with a smile, going bright red with embarrassment
Last Monday they hit the runway at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai.
But by this Monday, Martha Hunt and Josephine Skriver - both of whom are Angels for the brand - were oozing chic stateside.
The pair were photographed stepping out in New York City, 28-year-old Martha hinting at her cleavage in a plunging black top.
Gals on the go: This Monday, Martha Hunt and Josephine Skriver - both of whom are Victoria's Secret Angels - were oozing chic in New York City
She matched the blouse with a sleek overcoat and glinting trousers, which were cut high enough to give a full view of her precipitous ankle-strap heels.
Accentuating her model features with makeup, Martha - who hails from North Carolina and became an Angel in 2015 - wore her wavy blonde hair down.
Meanwhile, Josephine, a 24-year-old from Copenhagen, had slipped into a gleaming silver top that fell open over a bit of lace-trimmed corsetry.
Aglow: The pair were photographed stepping out in New York, 28-year-old Martha hinting at her cleavage in a plunging black top
She draped her enviably taut legs in a pair of high-waisted powder pink trousers, warding off the northeastern chill with a fuzzy white coat.
Josephine has officially been a Victoria's Secret Angel since last year.
Monday was the first time the much-vaunted annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was held in Shanghai, or indeed anywhere in China.
Swank: Meanwhile, Josephine, a 24-year-old from Copenhagen, had slipped into a gleaming silver top that fell open over a bit of lace-trimmed corsetry
Its past locations have included such cities as New York, Paris, London, Cannes, Miami, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
After the show last week, Josephine joined some other fellow Angels - Jasmine Tookes, Sara Sampaio and Lais Ribeiro - on holiday in Thailand.
They were joined by male pals including Josephine's Bohnes frontman boyfriend Alexander DeLeon and Jasmine's beau John David Borrero, who works at Snapchat.
Angel abroad: Last Monday they hit the runway at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai; Martha is pictured during the much-vaunted extravaganza
Their secret friendship was revealed last year after Meghan Markle gushed over soap star Pia Miller in an Instagram post.
And on Tuesday, the former Home And Away star returned the favour, offering nothing but love for her actress pal and her new fiance Prince Harry.
Taking to her Instagram Story, the 34-year-old shared a photo of the royal couple, alongside a love heart graphic.
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Nothing but love! Pia Miller, 34, gushed over newly-engaged royal couple Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, in a sweet Instagram post on Tuesday, after their 'secret friendship' was revealed
The image of Meghan, 36, and Prince Harry, 33, was taken from their televised engagement announcement on Monday.
Meghan stunned in a chic sleeveless black frock, beaming for the cameras as she held tightly onto Harry's hand, also displaying her sparkling ring.
Prince Harry looked dapper in a crisp white dress shirt, tailored suit and narrow black tie.
Pia, who is also newly-engaged, captioned the graphic with a love heart graphic.
Sweet gesture: The image of Meghan, 36, and Prince Harry, 33, was taken from their televised engagement announcement on Monday. Meghan stunned in a chic sleeveless black frock, beaming for the cameras as she held tightly onto Harry's hand, also displaying her sparkling ring
The brunette beauty, who confirmed her departure from Channel Seven soap Home And Away, received high praise from Meghan in a gushing Instagram post, last year.
And Pia's secret friendship with the American actress could score her an invite to Meghan's royal wedding with Prince Harry next year.
The Suits star previously hailed mother-of-two Pia as 'impressive' and 'entertaining' in a heartfelt post, ultimately revealing her secret friendship with the model.
Wedding bells! Prince Harry and Meghan announced their engagement on Monday and fans have begun speculating who will attend their royal wedding
'When @piamiller sends you some #foodforthought. Brilliant one, my friend - thanks for sharing. You are both entertaining and impressive. Xx,' Meghan captioned alongside the words: 'Beauty is entertaiing. Depth is impressive.'
No doubt flattered by Meghan's words, Pia swiftly replied: 'word' alongside a heart emoji.
The Logie award-nominee, who recently travelled to Meghan's native Los Angeles, previously collaborated with the Hollywood beauty on The Tig - a former lifestyle website founded by Meghan.
The Aussie connection: Meghan previously hailed actress Pia as 'impressive' in a gushing Instagram post
Secret friends: No doubt flattered by Meghan's words, Pia, who also announced her own engagement to Tyson Mullane this month, swiftly replied: 'word' alongside a heart emoji
On Monday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement after 18 months of dating and the highly-anticipated royal wedding is set to take place early next year.
Pia is not the only Australian connection to the future royal couple, with Hollywood starlet Margot Robbie previously revealing she knows Prince Harry.
The Wold of Wall Street star, who was once pictured partying with the fifth-in-line to the British throne, once told E! News that she met him through British model Cara Delevingne and they've exchanged text messages.
She said 'yes'! On Monday, Prince Harry and Meghan announced their engagement after 18 months of dating and the highly-anticipated royal wedding is set to take place early next year
'He's pretty quick on text actually,' she said.
'Unlike meI write back four days later, weeks later sometimes.'
Last year, Margot attended Suki Waterhouse's Ciroc vodka bash along with Prince Harry and admitted that she initially didn't realise who he was.
'I didn't know it was him for about half an hour talking to him,' she told ET.
Will she be invited? Pia is not the only Australian connection to the future royal couple, with Hollywood starlet Margot Robbie previously revealing she knows Prince Harry
'Suki was having a housewarming party. I was like, 'I'll pop in for 10 minutes.' About six hours later the photo booth happened.'
Prince Harry and Meghan are expected to wed in the spring of 2018.
In a statement released by Kensington Palace, Prince Charles said he was 'delighted' for his son and his future bride.
Star-studded bach: Last year, Margot (centre) attended Suki Waterhouse's Ciroc vodka bash along with Prince Harry (bottom-left) and admitted that she initially didn't realise who he was. Also pictured Princess Beatrice (L), Sienna Miller (2-L), Cara Delevingne (R)
'His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle,' the statement read.
'His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month.
It continued: 'Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty the Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle's parents.'
Prince Harry and Meghan's royal titles are expected to become the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Mischa Bartons ex-boyfriend Adam Spaw has agreed not to release an alleged sex tape of the actress...if he has one.
Spaw has also agreed to a five-year restraining order in which the former couple will stay 100 yards away from one another, according to court documents cited by The Blast on Monday.
As part of the agreement, signed on November 19, 'Adam agrees not to directly or indirectly, or through any agent, sell, distribute, show, give away or assign in any way any intimate photos or videos of Mischa Barton.
Settled: Mischa Bartons ex-boyfriend Adam Spaw has agreed not to release an alleged sex tape of the actress (the actress pictured in NYC in early November)
'He further agrees that he has not to date done so nor attempted to do any of the foregoing.'
However, the documents also state that 'signing this agreement is not an admission by [Spaw] that he possesses or attempted to sell any intimate photos or videos of Mischa.'
The actress, 31, says the sex videos were recorded by a different ex-boyfriend, Jon Zacharias, without her consent.
She went public with her revenge porn case back in March after she learned from a British tabloid that someone was trying to sell intimate videos for a reported $500,000.
Meanwhile: Mischa has been finding comfort in the arms of her new beau Australian model James Abercrombie
In May, DailyMail.com revealed that the former OC star had been granted an extension to restraining orders against both men.
The footage was allegedly being touted to online porn companies, with a number of industry giants considering the offer.
Meanwhile, Mischa has been finding comfort in the arms of her new beau Australian model James Abercrombie.
The hunk is the son of Australia's richest businessman Andrew Abercrombie, who this year was reported to be worth $574m according to the AFR Rich List.
The couple reportedly met at a party in Los Angeles in May and have been constant companions ever since.
He was told by doctors in August to kick his unhealthy booze and cigarette habits, after falling ill with pneumonia.
But Jeremy Clarkson seems to have defied medical advice to give up alcohol for good.
The 57-year-old Grand Tour host spent six days in hospital after being diagnosed with the inflammatory condition in the midst of his summer getaway to the Balearic island of Majorca.
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Fan of the booze: Jeremy Clarkson has defied medical advice to give up alcohol for good after the host spent six days in hospital with pneumonia in summer
Reflecting on the health scare, Jeremy told Radio Times this week: 'I was just cross because I only get two weeks' holiday a year and I had to spend 10 days of that in hospital well, six days.
'And then my daughter came out to make sure I didn't drink or smoke. They said, "You must never smoke again." And she went, "What about drinking?"
'When we're filming we don't actually get trollied. We used to on Top Gear Live I don't remember any of that.
'We might have a glass of wine with dinner but you have your mind on the job.
Fatally ill: The Grand Tour host was advised to overhaul his lifestyle by doctors after he nearly died from the inflammatory condition
Old habits die hard: Jeremy (seen here with girlfriend Lisa Hogan, right, in September) has not curbed his habit just yet
Healthier lifestyle: Jeremy quit smoking after spending 43 years of his life addicted to cigarettes but after his health scare his daughter told him to stop immediately
'However, when filming is over and on the plane on the way home, we may have a few buckets of wine.'
The former Top Gear presenter gave up cigarettes for good this summer after revealing he smoked nearly 630,000 cigarettes over a 43-year period.
'I was told, by everyone, that I had to stop. Immediately,' he wrote in his Sunday Times column earlier this year.
Lavish lifestyle: The father-of-three has previously painted himself as a man unable to shy away from indulgence
Celebrations: Clarkson said when filming is over both he, Richard Hammond (left) and James May (far right) have a 'few buckets of wine' on the plane home
Read the full interview in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on newsstands now
'I had no choice at the time because the blood poisoning was so bad and I was so racked with the resultant rigors that I couldnt work a cigarette lighter.'
He advised others trying to quit to go places where it's near-impossible to smoke, like the cinema, or Australia, where cigarettes are highly priced and banned in many public spaces.
He said that it's helpful to have a friend willing to quit with you, and the key to staying away from the cigarettes is 'willpower'.
He added: 'So now it's been a month. I've pushed it. I've got drunk. I've stayed up late. I've been to bars with smokers and sat outside in a cloud of their exhalations.
'And so far I haven't cracked.'
After his bout of pneumonia, Clarkson said lung tests showed he still had 96 per cent capacity for a person his age and he could 'breathe out harder and for longer than a non-smoking 40-year-old'.
'In short, getting on for three-quarters of a million fags have not harmed me in any way. I have quite literally defied medical science,' he wrote.
Read the full interview in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on newsstands now.
They're record makers, all too familiar with the red carpet.
And Jessica Mauboy and Samantha Jade brought their A-game as they prepared for their glamorous arrivals at Tuesday's ARIA Awards in Sydney.
Both singers were pictured getting attended to by celebrity makeup artists.
In profile: Songstress Jessica Mauboy, 28, was pictured getting her makeup done by celebrity artist Rae Morris, ahead of the ARIA Awards, in a snap shared to her Instagram Story on Tuesday
Jessica, 28, was pictured getting her makeup done by celebrity artist Rae Morris.
Dressed casually in a zip-up jacket and skinny-leg jeans, the Pop A Bottle record maker looked primped to perfection with a flawless complexion, a false set of lashes and winged liner.
Samantha, 30, also shared the process of getting ready to her Instagram Story.
Makeup palettes were splayed over a large table while in the background stylist Jules Sebastian was seen flashing the peace sign for the camera.
Primped: The Pop A Bottle record maker dressed casually in a zip-up jacket and skinny-leg jeans, looked primped to perfection with a flawless complexion, a false set of lashes and winged liner
Familiar face: Samantha Jade, 30, also shared the process of getting ready to her Instagram Story. Pictured at last year's ARIA Awards
Method in the madness: Makeup palettes were splayed over a large table, while in the background stylist Jules Sebastian was seen flashing the peace sign for the camera
Taking to her Instagram Story, Mel Greig, 35, meanwhile appeared carefree and relaxed in her chauffeur-driven car.
Clutching onto a glass of champagne, the bubbly blonde drew attention to her curves in a very low-cut black jumpsuit that also highlighted her toned legs.
Mel accessorised with a black faux-fur vest, aviator sunglasses strategically hooked onto the neckline of her attire and statement jewels.
The columnist's long blonde locks were styled in soft waves and her makeup palette consisted of a matte complexion, defined brows, kohl-rimmed eyes and a glossy nude lip.
Ready for her close-up! Mel Greig, 35, showed off her assets, as she prepared for her red carpet arrival, at the ARIA Awards in Sydney on Tuesday
Making a statement: Prince Christian opted to go as Cher Horowitz from the film Clueless
Red carpet regular: Christian (pictured) is no stranger to red carpet appearances
High spirits: Actress Olympia Valance, 24, was certainly in a jovial mood as she had her makeup applied by artist to the stars, Max May
Meanwhile, Olympia Valance was certainly in a jovial mood as she had her makeup applied by artist to the stars, Max May.
The 24-year-old Neighbours actress pulled a number of animated expressions in a series of snaps shared to her Instagram Story.
Max opted for a dewy complexion, bold brows and a bronze smoky eye for the soap star.
Close-up: Max opted for a dewy complexion, bold brows and a bronze smoky eye
Dapper: Comedian Joel Creasey, 27, looked his polished best on the red carpet prior to the Awards ceremony
Pulling out all the stops: Cody Simpson's younger sister Alli, 19, drew attention to a sleek hairstyle, a false set of lashes, a metallic eye shadow and gloss over her plump pout
She's not shy: While E! Australia host Ksenija Lukich, 27, drew attention to her cleavage in a plunging frock with frill detailing
Svelte: The presenter also drew the eye to her long and lean legs in another clip shared to her Instagram Story
Prince Christian Wilkins, 21, opted to channel Cher Horowitz from the film Clueless.
A snap shared to his Instagram Story saw the fashionista seated on a wooden floor, wearing a kilt-like skirt similar to the signature yellow plaid mini Cher wore in the movie.
Comedian Joel Creasey, 27, looked dapper in a tailored black suit, crisp white dress shirt, black bow tie, statement sunglasses and embellished loafers.
International talent: American singer-songwriter Julia Michaels, 24, gave a close-up look at her glamorous complexion
Cody Simpson's younger sister Alli, 19, drew attention to a sleek hairstyle, a false set of lashes, a metallic eye shadow and a glossy colour over her plump pout.
While E! Australia host Ksenija Lukich, 27, drew attention to her cleavage in a plunging frock with frill detailing.
Banter: Pop duo Polish Club hilariously captioned a photo, explaining they were simply attending the ARIA Awards for the free booze
Humble: Rock band Dune Rats, pictured sipping beverages on the back seat of a car, remained humble, stating in their Instagram caption: 'Arias awards today! Probably not gonna win but we gonna have a blast'
She's liking her look! Sydney-based singer-songwriter Vera Blue, 23, made a statement in white-rimmed sunglasses and pearl drop earrings as she left a hair salon
She has exposed her enviable figure in a number of revealing bathing suits while in the Australian jungle.
And Georgia Toffolo has continued to showcase her toned physique in a blue swimsuit, adorned with a multi-coloured striped belt in scenes set to air on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here on Tuesday.
While in the jungle, the Made In Chelsea star is blissfully unaware that her ex Sam Prince has come forward to say he is 'not proud' of how he treated the 23-year-old while they were in a relationship.
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Jungle babe: Georgia Toffolo, 23, has continued to showcase her toned physique in a blue swimsuit, adorned with a multi-coloured striped belt while in I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here
In new jungle scenes, Georgia shows off her natural beauty in a one piece, which is set to give viewers a peek at her lithe legs.
Adhering to the effortlessly relaxed appearance, the reality TV personality looks fresh-faced as her lengthy golden locks run along her back.
This follows an interview with her former MIC flame Sam Prince, who revealed he is disappointed about how he treated Georgia during their short-lived fling.
Former flames: MIC's Sam Prince revealed on Tuesday that he is disappointed about how he treated Georgia during their short-lived fling (pictured together on the show)
Slender: Adhering to the effortlessly relaxed appearance, the reality TV personality looks fresh-faced as her lengthy golden locks run along her back
Relaxed: In scenes set to appear on Tuesday's show, Georgia shows off her natural beauty in the complementing number, which is set to give viewers a peek at her leggy pins
The 19-year-old previously slept with another love interest in Georgia's holiday bed in Ibiza while they were dating.
In this week's OK! magazine, he said: 'Im not proud of how I treated Toff. It probably wasnt my finest moment. It wasnt the best thing to do.'
Out now: Out now: The full interview with Gemma Collins in OK! Magazine is out now
Despite their rocky past, he insists that the pair are now on good terms: 'At the minute were just friends, but shes one of my closest friends. We spend a lot of time together and we always have fun.'
He made known his support for the law graduate in the jungle: She is the same person on TV shes always happy, smiley and bubbly.'
'She brings light and happiness. Shes never down I love that. People are going to fall in love with her.
The blonde bombshell recently came under fire when fans accused the naturally beautiful reality star of smuggling make-up into the jungle.
A source told MailOnline that she was granted permission to bring concealer on the show.
The insider said: 'Georgia has always had problems with her skin, but her treatment is sun sensitive so she's unable to use it in the jungle. She's been allowed access to concealer on medical grounds.'
Toff has been branching out from Made In Chelsea, as she made a recent appearance on Celebs Go Dating but failed to find love.
However, the Chelsea born beauty has since confessed she has been dating James Middleton in secret for a string of months.
A source now tells The Sun that friends consider the pair to still be together and she plans to go public with James after her stint in the jungle, after which he may also join her reality show Made In Chelsea.
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They became friends after working together on HBO's Big Little Lies, alongside Laura Dern, Zoe Kravitz and Shailene Woodley.
And Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman proved their close bond once again on Monday, as they made a glamorous joint arrival at the IFP's 27th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards.
The 41-year-old American, who stands at 5ft1, was dwarfed by the 50-year-old Australian (5ft11) as they beamed widely for cameras at the red carpet event in New York City.
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BFFs! Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman proved their close bond once again on Monday, as they made a glamorous joint arrival at the IFP's 27th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards in NYC
The Legally Blonde actress was sophisticated chic as she rocked a simple yet elegant black mini dress, which pulled into a simple round neck and fell to just above her knee.
Just in time for the holidays however, a cavalcade of gold sequins cascaded over her right shoulder - adding a subtle amount of bling to the simple ensemble.
Keeping co-ordinated from head to toe, she paired the dress with matching gold high heels and a pair of dangling metallic earrings that sparkled under the lights as she posed.
Throwing caution to the wind, the petite beauty went virtually makeup free, with just mascara and a dab of nude lip, to draw attention to her enviably radiant complexion.
History: They became fast friends after working on HBO's Big Little Lies, alongside Laura Dern, Zoe Kravitz and Shailene Woodley
Sweet: The pair shared a warm hug as they greeted each other on the carpet
Chic: The Legally Blonde actress was sophisticated chic as she rocked a simple yet elegant black mini dress, which pulled into a simple round neck and fell to just above her knee
Finishing touches: Keeping co-ordinated from head to toe, she paired the dress with matching gold high heels and a pair of dangling metallic earrings
Meanwhile Nicole looked every inch the glamorous movie star in a plunging silver gown, embellished with sequins all over as she posed.
Her enviable figure took centre stage in the frock, which plunged into a daring V neckline to tease at her cleavage, before tightly skimming her svelte frame to its demure knee-length hem.
Daring to impress, the midi number then cut into a saucy split on one side, to give a glimpse of her long legs underneath - which she elongated further with strappy black stilettos.
The wife of Keith Urban proved her youthful and glowing complexion with a sweeping of blusher, as well as a thick slick of eyeliner and hot pink lip for added drama.
Sterling effort: Meanwhile Nicole looked every inch the glamorous movie star in a plunging silver gown, embellished with sequins all over as she posed
Slinky: Her enviable figure took centre stage in the frock, which plunged into a daring V neckline to tease at her cleavage, before tightly skimming her svelte frame to its demure knee-length hem
Leggy lady: Daring to impress, the midi number then cut into a saucy split on one side, to give a glimpse of her long legs underneath - which she elongated further with strappy black stilettos
Stunning: The wife of Keith Urban proved her youthful and glowing complexion with a sweeping of blusher, as well as a thick slick of eyeliner and hot pink lip for added drama
Not holding back on the glitz however, Nicole tied her look together with a long beaded necklace, and a pair of bejeweled earrings as she posed effortlessly for cameras.
The IFA - hosted by the Independent Filmmaker Project and emceed by John Cameron Mitchell - brought a bevy of celebrities.
Actors Dustin Hoffman and Nicole Kidman, director Sofia Coppola, producer Jason Blum, cinematographer Ed Lachman and politician/environmentalist Al Gore all received tribute awards at the bash.
Margot Robbie also attended the event - matching Nicole and Reese in an all-over sequin black gown, which pulled into one chic ruched shoulder.
Hint of glitz: Not holding back on the glitz however, Nicole tied her look together with a long beaded necklace, and a pair of bejeweled earrings as she posed effortlessly for cameras
Having a ball: Reese and Nicole happily caught up once inside, and were seen laughing and joking with actor James Franco
The Australian actress showed off her famously toned figure in the frock, which cinched in at her slim waist and fell into a shorter hemline on one side, to flash of her pins underneath.
She offset the dress' glamour with simple black heeled sandals, and accessorised with a burgundy velvet handbag and matching lipstick, in Gothic finishing touches.
Maintaining the vixen feel throughout, she styled her hair into loose, tousled waves and sported a perfectly contoured make-up look as she smouldered for cameras.
Meanwhile, Carla Gugino stunned in a black sleeveless jumpsuit, which skimmed her slender figure from head to toe, and was adorned with glitzy silver lining.
All black everything: Margot Robbie also attended the event - matching Nicole and Reese in an all-over sequin black gown, which pulled into one chic ruched shoulder
Flash of skin: The Australian actress showed off her famously toned figure in the frock, which cinched in at her slim waist and fell into a shorter hemline on one side, to flash of her pins underneath
Vampy: She offset the dress' glamour with simple black heeled sandals, and accessorised with a burgundy velvet handbag and matching lipstick, in Gothic finishing touches
Carey Mulligan showed off her impressive post-baby body in a form-fitting charcoal grey lace gown, styled with simply curls and a girly pink lip.
Alia Shawcat and Bria Vinaite co-ordinated in purple - with the former slipping into a slinky shirt dress and chunky leather boots, while the latter stood out in a black shift dress, embellished with sequins and gems.
Orange Is The New Black's Alysia Reiner looked fierce in a stunning black dress, which followed a classic A-line shape but was made more striking by semi-sheer mesh sleeves.
Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon looked as besotted as ever as they cosied up for cameras, in matching velvet ensembles.
Oh mama: Carey Mulligan showed off her impressive post-baby body in a form-fitting charcoal grey lace gown, styled with simply curls and a girly pink lip
Chic: Carla Gugino (left) stunned in a black sleeveless jumpsuit lined with glittering silver, while Alia Shawcat (centre) and Bria Vinaite (right) co-ordinated in purple
All eyes on me: Orange Is The New Black's Alysia Reiner looked fierce in a stunning black dress, which followed a classic A-line shape but was made more striking by semi-sheer mesh sleeves
Direct this: Sofia Coppola looked adorable as ever
Loved up: Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon made an adorable couple
Daring duo: And Cynthia Nixon made a dramatic entrance as Al Gore wore a youthful glow
Fierce and fabulous: Actress Rachel Weisz flaunted her trim physique in a stylish diamante studded velvet dress as she posed on the red carpet, styling her brunette tresses into relaxed waves
Stunning: Rachel's also wowed inside the ceremony as she presented the biggest award of the night, Best Feature
The Big One: Rachel appeared delighted to be presenting the award to Call Me By Your Name, beating out rivals Get Out and I, Tonya
Delighted: Rachel posed with the direction and cast of the film backstage after they accepted their award, as the film gathers awards momentum ahead of the Oscars in March
Cynthia Nixon next made a dramatic entrance in a bold black ribbed gown, while Al Gore cut a youthful figure in a classic suit, layered atop a comfortable blue jumper.
Lady Bird's Saoirse Ronan dazzled in a Rodarte gown for the special event, formed of delicate white lace and embroidered with black and pink flowers.
Mary J Blige stood out from the crowds in a simple black gown jazzed up by the embellishment of a gold snake across the front, while newcomer Zoe Kazan was effortlessly feminine in a red frilled mini dress.
The annual event celebrated the best in independent film and television - with Get Out receiving the most nominations of the evening.
Lace dream: Lady Bird's Saoirse Ronan dazzled in a Rodarte gown for the special event, formed of delicate white lace and embroidered with black and pink flowers
Leading ladies: Mary J Blige stood out from the crowds in a simple black gown jazzed up by the embellishment of a gold snake across the front, while newcomer Zoe Kazan was effortlessly feminine in a red frilled mini dress
Hunks: Robert Pattinson, James Franco and John Leguizamo all looked dapper in their suits (L-R)
Get Out was Jordan Peele's feature film directing debut - which he also wrote - and took home trophies for Best Director and Screenplay and the Audience Award.
Call Me By Your Name also topped the nominations list and took home the coveted award for Best Feature.
Special honours were also given to the cast of Mudbound as well as Nicole Kidman, Dustin Hoffman, Sofia Coppola, Jason Blum and Al Gore.
Up-and-coming actor Timothee Chalamet won a gong for his role in Call Me By Your Name, while Saoirse Ronan walked away with the trophy for Best Actress for her role in Lady Bird.
Bosses: Garrett Hedlund and Adam Sandler were also in attendance
Together: Dustin and Lisa Hoffman made a cute couple as they cuddled up on the red carpet
All that glitters: Rachel Weisz truly dazzled in a sequin studded mini dress and leather court shoes
Get in! Get Out co-stars Allison and Daniel Kaluuya sweetly posed together for cameras
Famous friends: Ben Stiller posed with Dustin Hoffman once inside (L) as well as Adam Sandler (R)
Bubbly: Reese beamed widely at the podium as she addressed the star-studded crowds
Besties: Reese presented best pal Nicole with her special honour
Animated: Nicole Kidman put on a playful display during her speech
Girl power: The two friends dined next to each other
Say cheese! The duo later posed together after the ceremony
Winners: Zoe and Timothe Chalamet (L) and John and horror maestro Jason Blum posed together (R) after the event
Remember HER name: Saoirse took home the Best Actress award, which she was presented by Armie Hammer
Irish eyes: Saoirse was ebullient to win her award
What a pair: Lucy Lui congratulated James on his big win for Best Actor
Talking legends: Ed Lachman and David Byrne smiled on the red carpet
Old school: Ethan Hawke and Elizabeth Marvel presented at the event as well
She is an wildly successful actress who is known for her glamorous and dazzling ensembles.
But Margot Robbie turned heads for an altogether different reason as she made an animated entrance into the 27th IFP Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on Monday.
The Wolf of Wall Street star, 27, looked impossibly glamorous as she arrived in a dark green glittery one-shoulder gown and vertiginous stiletto heels, but appeared to lose her balance as she was greeting fans, causing one toned leg to buckle awkwardly.
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Turning heads: Margot Robbie turned heads for an altogether different reason as she appeared to lose her balance on her way into the 27th IFP Gotham Awards at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on Monday
Pulling a shocked expression as she felt herself falling backwards, the blonde beauty seemed to call out in horror.
Recovering her balance, Margot pulled a downcast expression as she covered her face with her hand and quickly walked into the venue.
The Suicide Squad star could at least take comfort in the fact that her ensemble for the evening was undoubtedly a style hit.
Her glittery gown hugged her trim physique while a daring thigh-high split showed off her toned legs.
Oh no: Recovering her balance, Margot pulled a downcast expression as she covered her face with her hand and quickly walked into the venue
Tottering: The Suicide Squad star could at least take comfort in the fact that her ensemble for the evening was undoubtedly a style hit
Careful steps: Margot kept her eyes firmly fixed on the pavement as she negotiated her way in
Sparkling: Her glittery gown hugged her trim physique while a daring thigh-high split showed off her toned legs
Margot's sparkling dress showed off her slender midriff and was cinched at the waist by a skinny black belt.
The Goodbye, Christopher Robin star opted for gothic glam, choosing a bold burgundy lip to complement her attire.
She kept the rest of her makeup palette relatively subtle, with a swipe of mascara and natural tone for her eyeshadow.
Racy:Margot's sparkling dress showed off her slender midriff and was cinched at the waist by a skinny black belt
Slender star:The Goodbye, Christopher Robin star opted for gothic glam, choosing a bold burgundy lip to complement her attire
Gothic glam:She kept the rest of her makeup palette relatively subtle, with a swipe of mascara and natural tone for her eyeshadow
Accessorising the look, Margot went for strappy black heels and a black clutch with a gold chain.
Her signature blonde locks were styled in a messy loose waves and parted down the middle.
Posing on the red carpet of the event, Margot showed off her stunning style, happily laughing in some images and sporting a more subdued expression in others.
Glamorous: Accessorising the look, Margot opted for strappy black heels and a black clutch with a gold chain as she posed on the red carpet
Earlier this month, the actress opened up to Vogue Australia about her relationship with British film director husband Tom Ackerley.
'That's the thing, we were best friends and roommates before and now we're like best friends and roommates still, so nothing's really changed at all,' she told the publication.
Referring to her wedding ring she added: 'Other than the fact that I get to wear this on the weekends. I can't obviously wear it during the week when I'm working I don't want to lose it on set.'
Carey Mulligan looked lovely in a high-neck black embellished gown at the Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York on Monday night.
The British actress, 32, stepped out to support her Netflix film Mudbound that earned her co-star Mary J. Blige a Breakthrough Actor award.
She and the rest of the cast will also be presented with a special Gotham Jury Award for ensemble performance.
Stunner: Carey Mulligan, 32, looked lovely in a high-neck black embellished gown at the Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York on Monday night.
Carey's dress with ruffled collar was sleeveless and featured extensive brocade patterns from top to toe.
The full-length number was cinched slightly at the waist and the very bottom of the hem was see-through.
The mother-of-two, who is married to musician Marcus Mumford, wore her golden blonde hair loose and wavy.
She wore black mascara, rosy pink blush and fuschia lip color to complete her look.
Lovely look: The mother-of-two, who is married to musician Marcus Mumford, wore her golden blonde hair loose and wavy with the high-neck number
Star power: Carey's dress was sleeveless and featured extensive brocade patterns from top to toe. The full-length number was cinched slightly at the waist
Glamorous: The pretty star wore black mascara, rosy pink blush and fuschia lip color to complete her look
Blige, 46, put on quite a show for her big night.
The actress and recording artist dared to bare in a black Temraza dress slit to the hip and embroidered with a dramatic gold snake.
The long-sleeved black gown had a high gold collar and she wore her blonde hair up in a high bun.
Blige added smoky eye shadow and dark pink lipstick and accessorized with chandelier diamond earrings.
Headturner: Blige, 46, put on quite a show, daring to bare in a black dress slit to the hip and decorated with a large gold embroidered snake
Made-up: The long-sleeved black gown had a high gold collar and she wore her blonde hair up in a high bun with smoky eye shadow and dark pink lipstick
Bella Hadid and Hailey Baldwin both had bruises on their legs as they stepped out in Miami on Monday.
Just one day earlier, Hailey took to Snapchat to share a video of herself playing around on a friend's bike before accidentally falling, though it's not certain if the scrape led to her bruise.
Bella, 21, had marks on both her left and right leg, which could clearly be seen as she stepped out for some shopping that day.
Ouch! Bella Hadid and Hailey Baldwin both had bruises on their legs as they stepped out in Miami on Monday
Wound: Hailey, meanwhile, wore a playful pink mini dress that also displayed the marking as she stepped out
The model tugged at her beige mini dress as she strolled by some shops after setting sail off the coast of Florida.
Bella's bruise could also be seen as she stepped onto the yacht.
The cause of the bruises remain a mystery.
Hailey, meanwhile, wore a playful pink mini dress that also displayed the marking.
Oh no! Just one day earlier, Hailey took to Snapchat to share a video of herself playing around on a friend's bike before accidentally falling, though it's not certain if the scrape led to her bruise
Stepping up: One of Baldwin's bruises could be clearly seen as she headed onto the yacht
The model posted a video of herself on Monday as she headed to the doctor's office, though she didn't specify the reason for her visit.
Hailey was taken to the doctor by nightclub owner David Grutman, who she referred to as 'dad.'
'Dad Grutman is taking me to the doctor,' she wrote. 'Thanks @davegrutman.'
Birthday girl: The ladies have just returned from the Bahamas as part of Hailey's 21st birthday
Support: Hailey was taken to the doctor by nightclub owner David Grutman, who she referred to as 'dad'
Taking a look: Baldwin gazed down towards her leg
Birthday girl Hailey just turned 21, and had a girls getaway with Bella and Kendall Jenner to the Bahamas to celebrate.
From relaxing on the beach to boating along the crystal clear waters, the girls had plenty of fun in the sun these last few days.
The chance to catch some rays was a much needed one for Bella, who last week walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai, China.
Mending: The model posted a video of herself on Monday as she headed to the doctor's office, though she didn't specify the reason for her visit
Kicking back! From relaxing on the beach to boating along the crystal clear waters, the girls had plenty of fun in the sun these last few days
Interesting: Hailey later showed off her toned legs in a pair of quirky fringed orange joggers as she arrived at the airport
Everywhere's a runway: Hailey appeared to go make-up free for the occasion and partially covered her face beneath a baseball cap
Trendy: Hailey rocked a cropped slate grey bomber jacket and cream and white trainers
Tamra Judge and Vicki Gunvalson after an extremely protracted and bitter breakup were 'back' with BBF bracelets and 'friendship cake'.
The tearful reconciliation took place on Monday night during the second and final part of The Real Housewives of Orange County Reunion.
Tamra, 50, initially was furious with Vicki for spreading rumors about her husband Eddie being gay.
Making up: Tamra Judge had a final confrontation with Vicki Gunvalson before they made up on Monday during the second and final part of The Real Housewives Of Orange County reunion
Vicki meanwhile remained incensed that Tamra thought she was complicit in her ex-boyfriend's 'cancer scam'.
'You lied, I got conned!' yelled the self-declared 'OG of the OC' who was also cross because Tamra had accused her of being 'homophobic'.
'Liar, liar, liar, liar,' chanted Tamra.
Vicki warned Tamra that her behavior was not a good look.
Getting emotional: Vicki and Tambra both got emotional before deciding to be friends again
Together again: Andy Cohen hosted the reunion featuring Peggy Sulahian, Lydia McLaughlin, Kelly Dodd, Vicki, Tamra, Shannon Beador and Meghan King Edmonds
'Nothing looks good on you,' Tamra retorted.
Vicki, 55, then stormed off the set, saying: 'I'm out, I'm off the show. I'm not going back out there'.
Lydia McLaughlin tried to comfort Vicki, and persuaded her to reenter the fray.
Early exit: Vicki left the set after being insulted by Tamra
'Why can't you just apologize and mean it,' sobbed Tamra.
'I'm sorry, I won't talk about it ever again, as God as my witness,' said Vicki.
Tamra then vowed to never again imply that Vicki was a 'con artist' and agreed to stop saying that she was in on the cancer scam with her ex Brooks Ayers.
Apology offered: Vicki finally gave Tamra a sincere apology and promised to never talk about the gay rumor she spread about Tamra's husband Eddie
Unbelievably they hugged, with Shannon Beador also joining in for a group embrace.
'Vicki and I are good together, and that's the truth,' cried Tamra, who symbolically invited Vicki to sit on the same couch as her and Shannon.
'We haven't sat on the same couch for, like, two years,' Tamra sobbed.
Same side: Tamra and Shannon eventually welcomed Vicki to their side and the same couch
They even shared some 'friendship cake' and dug out their old BFF bracelets.
'Are we back?' asked Vicki backstage.
'We're back!' exclaimed Tamra.
Big hug: Vicki and Tamra hugged it out as they resumed their friendship
Meghan King Edmonds earlier in the show announced that she was just 'one month' pregnant with her second child.
'I'm so happy,' she squealed.
The former model also demanded an apology from Peggy Sulahian, for 'clipping' her lips shut with her fingers 'three times'.
Second child: Meghan announced that she was 'one month' pregnant with her second child
'Don't you think you needed your lips clipped?' asked Peggy nonchalantly.
Shannon endured a stormy season due to the breakdown of her marriage to David.
She accused Lydia of repeatedly goading her to 'get a reaction'.
Stormy season: Shannon accused Lydia of goading her to 'get a reaction' in a desperate bid to stay relevant on the show
'Make yourself relevant Lydia, mission accomplished,' barked the 53-year-old.
'She didn't want to admit that her marriage was falling apart,' commented Tamra.
Meghan and Kelly Dodd then feuded about how Kelly had questioned Meghan's mothering skills.
Bravo honcho: Andy is an executive producer of The Real Housewives franchise
'Why are you so damaged?' asked Meghan bitterly.
'I'm not damaged,' snapped Kelly, who had previously admitted she was wrong to say those things.
Kelly also asked if Meghan's husband Jim had been having affairs.
Damaged goods: Meghan accused Kelly of being damaged but she refuted it
'I got information,' she insisted.
Peggy, aka 'resting b**** face', according to host Andy Cohen, was confronted about her relationship with her husband Diko.
She said Diko seemed 'controlling' at first, but later she decided it was 'protection'.
Relationship question: Peggy said her husband Diko was more protective than controlling
Peggy then started crying about her health and her father's recent death.
'I didn't want sympathyI was in denial that I had cancer,' she claimed.
Kelly then admitted that she gave Adderall and Xanax to Vicki while they were in Iceland during the trip where Vicki went to hospital with heart palpitations.
Iceland trip: The ladies recounted their arguments during the Iceland trip
'Then somebody gave me a NyQuil,' said Vicki.
'Now we know what was wrong!' exclaimed Andy.
Adding: 'You were high'.
On drugs: Vicki admitted taking Xanax and Adderall from Kelly while in Iceland
They discussed the blow-up during the last night in Iceland.
Peggy left the vacation early after a row with Meghan and Kelly.
She said she was 'in pain' from the breast expanders she was wearing at the time.
'Can you imagine opening up your robe and not seeing breasts there?' she asked tearfully.
The reunion ended with the RHOC cast and Andy doing a group shot together.
In pain: Peggy revealed that she was 'in pain' during the Iceland trip from her breast expanders
She stars in the film, Lady Bird, which became Rotten Tomatoes' most universally well-reviewed film in the site's history.
And hours after the achievement was announced, Saoirse Ronan stepped out in a floral Rodarte gown for IFP's 27th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York City.
The 23-year-old actress wowed in her lacy cream dress, which featuring bold flowers emblazoned along the torso and skirt.
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Star power: Saoirse Ronan stepped out in a floral gown for IFP's 27th Annual Gotham Independent Film Awards in New York City on Monday
The New York-born star's frock was slightly see-through, with a mermaid skirt, v-neckline and poofy sleeves.
Saoirse's dress had black and white flowers with just a handful featuring pink ones.
The screen star rocked Tiffany & Company earrings for a pop of sparkle.
The actress, who grew up in Ireland, styled her blonde locks pulled back into a bun, opting for a deep side part.
Stunning: The 23-year-old actress wowed in her lacy cream dress, which featuring bold flowers emblazoned along the torso and skirt
Fancy: The New York-born star's frock was slightly see-through, with a mermaid skirt, v-neckline and poofy sleeves
Saoirse painted her lips a nude pink hue, adding smoky eye makeup beneath her defined brows.
The blonde movie star is nominated for Best Actress for her work in the movie, Lady Bird, at this year's Gotham Independent Awards.
The film's director, Greta Gerwig, is nominated for both Best Screenplay and Best Director.
Making a statement: Saoirse's dress had black and white flowers with just a handful featuring pink tones
A visionary: The film's director, Greta Gerwig (pictured), is nominated for both Best Screenplay and Best Director; she slipped on a Gucci gown
As of Monday, Greta and Saoirse's film Lady Bird had a 100% 'tomatometer' score on Rotten Tomatoes.
It is now the most universally well-received film in the history of the website after receiving 170 fresh reviews.
It surpassed Toy Story 2's record of 163 fresh reviews, which it received after it debuted in 1999.
Lady Bird is a comedy about high schooler Christine 'Lady Bird' McPherson, played by Saoirse.
An attorney for the reporter who was assaulted by Rep. Greg Gianforte on the eve of his election last May has sent a cease-and-desist letter to the congressman and his spokesman asking them to stop falsely saying the reporter initiated the physical attack.
Gianforte admitted in court in June to assaulting Ben Jacobs, a reporter for The Guardian, when Jacobs tried to ask Gianforte his views about a health care bill before Congress. When pleading guilty to the misdemeanor assault in Gallatin County District Court, Gianforte said Jacobs "did not initiate any physical contact with me." He also wrote a letter to Jacobs saying the reporter did not start the physical altercation.
A press release sent out by Gianforte's campaign in the hours after the assault falsely blamed the attack on Jacobs, saying the reporter grabbed the candidate's wrists.
Gianforte apologized to Jacobs and as a part of his sentence performed community service, completed anger management and paid a fine and restitution. He also donated $50,000 to the Committee to Protect Journalists to avoid a civil case.
Earlier this month, Gallatin County District Court released hundreds of pages of records of the investigation into the assault. The records show Gianforte misled investigators, saying it was an attempt by the "liberal media" that was "trying to make a story" of what happened.
In the letter posted online by the Independent Journalism Review, Geoffrey Genth, Jacobs' attorney, asked Gianforte and his spokesman Travis Hall to "immediately cease and desist from making any further false and defamatory statements about Mr. Jacobs."
Genth wrote that the letter was prompted by recent news quoting a statement from Hall that "no one was misled, and anyone who says otherwise was mistaken." That statement was in response to coverage of the documents released by the Bozeman court.
"It is unacceptable and actionable for Rep. Gianforte, Mr. Hall, or any other persons working for or affiliated with Rep. Gianforte or his campaign to make false and defamatory statements about the May 24 assault," Genth wrote.
The letter was sent to Bill Mercer of Holland and Hart, the Billings law firm that represented Gianforte in the assault case. Mercer and Hall were contacted for comment and to confirm they have received the letter, but did not otherwise respond.
Gianforte has announced he will run to keep his seat in Congress in 2018. Six Democrats have announced they will run in the primary for that race.
In 2016, when Gianforte was running for governor, he sent cease-and-desist letters to television stations around the state saying they broadcast false advertising that claimed he is a "millionaire from New Jersey."
The letter said Gianforte had lived in Montana two decades. It also disputed the ad's claim that "Gianforte sued to eliminate a popular access spot."
Ariel Winter kept it casual while running errands on Monday in Los Angeles.
The 19-year-old actress wore a short beige dress while out and about in the Sherman Oaks area.
The Modern Family star covered up with a faded denim jacket and completed her outfit with maroon platform boots.
TV star: Ariel Winter was spotted out and about on Monday in Los Angeles in a beige dress and denim jacket
Ariel had her jet-black hair parted down the middle and straight down around her shoulders.
She stepped out with just a hint of makeup and large round glasses.
Ariel and her boyfriend Levi Meaden, 30, earlier this month celebrated their one-year dating anniversary.
They were spotted looking loved-up on Sunday as they headed out hand-in-hand to a friend's birthday party in Los Angeles.
Casual chic: The 19-year-old Modern Family star also wore maroon platform boots
The Canadian actor and Ariel celebrated their anniversary earlier this month on November 11.
The couple have been nearly inseparable and live together at Ariel's home in Los Angeles.
Levi can be seen next year in the highly anticipated sci-fi sequel Pacific Rim: Uprising.
Going strong: Ariel and 30-year-old boyfriend Levi Meaden, shown earlier this month in Los Angeles, celebrated their one-year dating anniversary on November 11
He portrays offbeat cadet Ilya in the sequel directed by Steven S. DeKnight who also co-wrote the screenplay.
Pacific Rim: Uprising starring John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Jing Tian and Charlie Day is scheduled for release on March 23, 2018.
Ariel also has been providing the voice of Sofia in the Disney Channel series Sofia The First since its premiere in November 2012.
She's the busy mother who juggles raising four kids with her burgeoning radio career.
And on Tuesday, Rebecca Judd found time for another project, launching new brand Spray Aus in Melbourne.
The 34-year-old showed off her slender frame in a form-fitting jumpsuit as she posed for photos alongside pal Nadia Bartel.
A wonder in white! Rebecca Judd shows off her slender frame in a form- fitting jumpsuit as she attends Spray Aus launch with Nadia Bartel
In photos shared to social media, Bec wore an eye-catching white jumpsuit which showed off her endless legs.
The halterneck style also featured a keyhole cutout over her chest and flaunted her golden tan.
Wearing her brunette locks out in tousled waves, Bec sported smoky eye makeup and pink lipstick.
The AFL WAG posed for photos alongside her friend Nadia, who had also worn white to the spray tanning event
All white! Matching Bec, Nadia also wore a breezy all white ensemble
The AFL WAG posed for photos alongside her friend Nadia, who had also worn white to the spray tanning event.
The blogger flashed her midriff in a cropped blouse and matching high waisted pants.
Bec's appearance at the event comes as she says there is 'no way' she will have more kids.
Parents of four: The model shares four children with her husband Chris Judd - six-year-old son Oscar, three-year-old daughter Billie and one-year-old twin sons Tom and Darcy
The model shares four children with her husband Chris Judd - six-year-old son Oscar, three-year-old daughter Billie and one-year-old twin sons Tom and Darcy.
Bec told Daily Mail Australia earlier this month that the secret to raising her large brood was always being prepared.
'It's just about having a balance and being organised. I'm really organised,' Bec said.
'My kids are amazing and I'm very much a routine mum. I have been on a routine from day one, so that's how I do it.'
They just returned from a romantic weekend in Mexico.
And Emmy Rossum and husband Sam Esmail looked every inch the loved up couple as they were spotted at LAX on Monday.
The 31-year-old actress rocked a bohemian chic vibe as the Mr. Robot creator, 40, cut a casual figure.
Loved up: Emmy Rossum, 31, and husband Sam Esmail, 40, looked every inch the loved up couple as they were spotted at LAX on Monday
The Shameless star covered her enviable figure in a loose grey shirt and baggy navy leggings that left all to the imagination.
With a light denim coat and patterned scarf, the brunette beauty looked comfy returning from her quick Los Cabo get-a-way.
She paired the simple look with a pair of orange slice loafers and retro sunglasses as she went virtually makeup free.
Her husband donned a dark ensemble replete with black hoodie, denim pants, and dark Adidas sneakers.
Casual: The actress rocked a bohemian chic vibe as the Mr. Robot creator cut a casual figure
Covered up: The Shameless star covered her enviable figure in a loose grey shirt and baggy navy leggings that left all to the imagination
Emmy married her first husband, music executive Justin Siegel, in 2008, but he filed for divorce the next year. Their split was legally finalized in 2010.
Mr. Robot creator Sam had never been married before he and Emmy went down the aisle this May - she wearing a custom-made Carolina Herrera dress.
Emmy, Sam and The Hollywood Reporter are creating a mini-series about Angelyne, with Emmy playing the title role, THR reported.
Angelyne - she of the massive blonde hairdo and pink Cadillac - gained attention in the 1980s when billboards of her appeared around Los Angeles.
Dark attire: Her husband donned a dark ensemble replete with black hoodie, denim pants, and dark Adidas sneakers
She promoted herself to fame for its own sake, but guarded the secret of her real identity - until The Hollywood Reporter writer Gary Baum exposed it this August.
According to his report, her given name is Renee Goldberg and she immigrated to America from Poland with her parents, who survived the Holocaust.
Emmy gave a statement reading: 'I have always been fascinated by the enigma that is Angelyne. At a young age, I can vividly remember staring up at her on a billboard above me and wondering: "Who is that woman?"
'Gary Baum's investigative journalism has finally unearthed the true, complex identity of the infamous woman who has fascinated Los Angeles for over 30 years.
'From the moment I read Gary's recent piece, I knew I had to tell this story. It's a poignant and bizarre tale about the hunger for fame, the sexualization of women and the erasing of past traumas.'
They've been dating for the last few months after revealing their romance at Lisa Wilkinson's vow renewal ceremony in October.
And Today show's Richard Wilkins and his new girlfriend Virginia Burmeister looked as smitten as ever as they attended the ARIA Awards in Sydney on Tuesday evening.
Virginia, who is the estranged wife of wealthy Morgan Stanley investment banker Mark Burmeister, turned heads in a very sheer gown, which showed off her pert derriere.
No wonder his smitten! Richard Wilkins' new girlfriend Virginia Burmeister shows off her pert derriere in a VERY risque sheer at the ARIAs
Bottoms up! Virginia, who is the estranged wife of wealthy Morgan Stanley investment banker Mark Burmeister, turned heads in a very sheer gown, which showed off her pert derriere
The dress featured strategically placed lace detail that just managed to conceal her modesty.
The fabric also had a floral motif throughout while the halterneck design flaunted her toned back.
Meanwhile, Dickie looked dapper in a black tuxedo and a pair of polished dress shoes.
Strategic! The dress featured strategically placed lace detail that just managed to conceal her modesty
Deep in conversation: The pair appeared deep in conversation as they hit the red carpet
The pair's relationship had been rumoured for some time, but was confirmed earlier in the year.
They were pictured cuddling and holding hands throughout the night, which celebrated Lisa's 25-year marriage to Peter FitzSimons.
Richard is said to be 'head over heels' for Virginia, who was a dancer at Le Lido Paris in the 1980s.
Virginia, a mother of three young children, has previously interacted with Richard on Twitter, with message exchanges dating back as far as February.
Beth Chapman is not just fighting for her life, but the lives of others.
The 50-year-old wife of Duane Dog Chapman, of Dog the Bounty Hunter fame, spoke candidly about why she's hoping her valiant fight against stage two throat cancer will shed light on the disease and prompt others to take preventative action, in an interview with TooFab on Monday
The blonde beauty's health battle was chronicled in the two-hour A&E special Dog and Beth: Fight of Their Lives, with cameras rolling for her numerous trips to the doctor's office, and during a 13-hour operation she underwent in hopes of removing the tumor.
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Courageous: Beth Chapman, the 50-year-old wife of Dog 'The Bounty Hunter' Chapman, says she's been open about her battle with cancer to help educate her fans on preventative tactics and shed light on the disease
'It was a real reality check for me,' Beth told the website, adding that she sacrificed her own privacy for the sake - and safety - of viewers.
'I felt like to be an honest person, I'm going to share this with my fans as honestly as I can,' Beth said. 'Hopefully, one or two people will go and get early detection and their lives will be saved because of us.'
The mother-of-four said that the fight of her life has also had her feeling thankful for the good fortune she's experienced as a reality TV star, and the impact her show had on others during their own trying times.
'It puts a real reality on you that your life could be gone in an instant,' Beth said. 'You come to a place where you start to appreciate all of these fans that are watching your show while they're sitting there being pumped full of chemo, hoping for you to make them laugh, if only for a second.'
Happy couple: The reality star said: 'I felt like to be an honest person, I'm going to share this with my fans as honestly as I can,' Beth said. 'Hopefully, one or two people will go and get early detection and their lives will be saved because of us' (pictured with loving husband Dog in November)
Inspiration:The mother-of-four said that the fight of her life has also had her feeling thankful for the good fortune she's experienced as a reality TV star, and the impact her show had on others during their own trying times
Dog, 64, said his wife had a selfless reaction upon receiving her diagnosis, immediately seeking to use her treatment journey as a vehicle to help and educate others.
'At the very beginning, once they told us, she was devastated, we all were, but she went, "Honey, we're gonna film this and we're gonna show everybody how to beat this,"' the TV bounty hunter said, noting that 'a lot of her fans have gone through this.'
Beth gave an example of such, referencing a visit she had with an eight-year-old girl battling leukemia.
Celebrity glitz:Dog, 64, said his wife had a selfless reaction upon receiving her diagnosis, immediately seeking to use her treatment journey as a vehicle to help and educate others
'For her, it was encouraging to see someone like me,' she said. 'Not only did she see me on TV, but then she saw me show up on her doorstep when she was clearly at her sickest.
'It just means to much to people. You have to take a breath, you have to stop and smell the roses because life is precious and you can't mess around with your health.'
Dog added that Beth's visit gave the little girl confidence and determination that she would beat leukaemia, saying the child 'looked up at Beth, and Beth showed her battle wound and she said, "Beth you made it, I'm gonna make it."'
Kendall Jenner was spotted in Miami on Monday after enjoying a Bahamas getaway with her pals Hailey Baldwin and Bella Hadid.
But the 22-year-old, whom Forbes recently listed as the highest paid model of 2017, looked all partied out after her girls' trip.
The reality star, whose Keeping Up With The Kardashians payments helped catapult her to the top of the Forbes list, couldn't hide her breakout as she stepped out in the city.
All partied out: Kendall Jenner went make-up free as she stepped out in Miami, Flordia, on Monday after her girls' trip to the Bahamas with gal pals Bella Hadid and Hailey Baldwin
Kendall was snapped chatting on her phone in the Florida resort town and appeared to be without make-up.
The younger half-sister of Kim Kardashian wore her dark hair tied back into a ponytail.
She was dressed in a black t-shirt and black leggings with white trainers and walked with one hand tucked into the waistband of her skintight pants.
Fresh-faced: The supermodel was snapped chatting on her phone in the Florida resort town and appeared to be without make-up
Odd: The 22-year-old walked with one hand tucked into the waistband of her skintight pants
Au naturel: The reality star was dressed in a black t-shirt and black leggings with white trainers
Not so model perfect: Kendall looked a far cry from the catwalk queen image she likes to project
Kendall had been in The Bahamas to celebrate Hailey's 21st birthday.
They were joined by their mutual BFF Bella.
The gals shared pictures of themselves partying in bikinis on social media.
Last year, Kendall and Bella were involved in promoting the ultimately doomed Fyre Festival scheduled to take place on a Bahamas island.
But the fiasco that unfolded clearly hasn't dampened their enthusiasm for the Caribbean destination.
She's the Instagram glamour model with a penchant for shocking fans with her boundary-pushing style.
And Imogen Anthony, 26, was up to her old tricks again as she attended the ARIA Awards in Sydney on the arm of her boyfriend Kyle Sandilands, 46, this Tuesday.
Donning an ice-bonde wig for the occasion, Imogen made every effort to steal the spotlight by slipping her slender frame into a netted maxi dress by Sarah Joseph Couture.
Imogen Anthony, 26, was up to her old tricks again as she attended the ARIA Awards in Sydney on the arm of her boyfriend Kyle Sandilands, 46, this Tuesday
The racy gown left little to the imagination, with Imogen's modesty strategically covered by sprawling applique detailing.
Imogen also opted for a makeup-heavy look with very dark eye-shadowing and a nude lip.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia on the red carpet, Imogen took the opportunity to boast about her extremely expensive diamond choker necklace by House Of K'Dor.
Roll on down! At one stage, the eccentrically-clad Instagram star was spotted rolling down the red carpet on a skateboard while being held steady by a male assistant
Striking: Donning an ice-bonde wig for the occasion, Imogen made every effort to steal the spotlight by slipping her slender frame into a netted maxi dress by Sarah Joseph Couture
Careful! Kyle, who was dressed to impress in a blue suit jacket, black T-shirt and matching jeans, decided to take the skateboard for a spin but appeared to momentarily lose his balance
'Two million dollars worth of diamonds on my neck. Oh yeah, there's a guard around somewhere with a gun, so we're good,' she beamed.
At one stage, the eccentrically-clad Instagram star was spotted rolling down the red carpet on a skateboard while being held steady by a male assistant.
Kyle, who was dressed to impress in a blue suit jacket, black T-shirt and matching jeans, decided to take the skateboard for a spin but appeared to momentarily lose his balance.
Stealing the spotlight! The racy gown left little to the imagination, with Imogen's modesty strategically covered by sprawling applique detailing
After swanning down the media wall for photos alongside her beau, Imogen spoke to Daily Mail Australia about rumours that she and Kyle are planning a wedding.
'I don't think it's too far off,' said the social media star.
However, Imogen insisted that wedding or not, she and Kyle are more than happy to live as an unmarried couple.
'We're happy as we are,' she explained. 'We don't need that bit of paper to say we're in love.'
He attended the ARIA Awards in a wheelchair last year following a series of health scares.
But Molly Meldrum, 74, was back on his feet again briefly as he mingled at this year's award ceremony on Tuesday.
Clad in his usual cowboy hat and a purple-and-black tuxedo, the music legend was seen ordering a drink ahead of the official ceremony.
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Cheers to good health! Molly Meldrum, 74, went without his wheelchair at the ARIA Awards this Tuesday as he mingled with guests and ordered a drink at the bar
Smiling from ear-to-ear, Molly appeared to be in good spirits as he mingled with fellow industry professionals.
Earlier in the evening, he was seen arriving at the event in his wheelchair.
Later, he was spotted sitting in the audience with a champagne flute in hand.
Just months earlier, Molly left fans concerned after he delivered a rambling speech at the 2017 Logies.
Kicking back: At one stage, the music icon was spotted sitting in the audience with a champagne flute in hand
This time last year: Molly was spotted at the ARIA Awards in a wheelchair last year following a series of health scares (pictured)
The former Countdown host appeared on stage when Samuel Johnson was awarded the Gold Logie, before interrupting the winner's speech and providing his own address.
His drawn-out speech was expletive-laden and at many times he was incoherent, leading viewers to take to social media saying they need 'subtitles' to understand what he was talking about.
Molly has been involved in a series of serious falls in recent years.
Sparking concern: Just months earlier, Molly left fans concerned after he delivered a rambling speech at the 2017 Logies
In December 2011, he suffered life-threatening injuries after he fell from a ladder at his home in Richmond, inner Melbourne.
He fractured his skull, punctured his lungs and broke his ribs in the shocking accident.
Then in January 2016 while in Bangkok, Thailand, he fell outside a hotel and dislodged a vertebrae, requiring emergency surgery.
Six months later, he was taken to hospital after attending a birthday cruise for trucking magnate Lindsay Fox after the injuries he suffered in Bangkok flared up.
Robin Williams' daughter Zelda Williams, 28, has paid tribute to her late father in a sweet Twitter post marking the 25th anniversary of Disney movie Aladdin.
The actor, who passed away in August 2014, had voiced the character of Genie in the much-loved animation and sharing a GIF of Genie playfully interacting with Aladdin, Zelda appeared to pay reference to her father's death.
She tweeted alongside her post: 'Genie turned 25 yesterday. Little brother turns 26 today. Life is full of reminders that time passes so very fast.'
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Heartfelt: Robin Williams' daughter Zelda Williams, 28, has paid tribute to her late father in a sweet Twitter post marking the 25th anniversary of Disney movie Aladdin
Ensuring to keep her tribute light-hearted, however, Zelda then added: 'Now, excuse me while I go reenact this with my baby brothers face.'
Her post sparked a slew of well-wishes from fans, with many paying their own respects to Robin. One follower penned: 'There will always be one genie forever <3,' while another said: 'Boy I miss Robin Williams!'
Others, meanwhile, penned: 'Happy Birthday to your little brother! You are right time goes too fast. Miss your dad very much.
Remembered: Robin (pictured above in 2011) had passed away in August 2014, after committing suicide at his home in Califronia
Sweet: The actor had voiced the character of Genie in the much-loved animation and sharing a GIF of Genie playfully interacting with Aladdin, Zelda appeared to pay reference to her father's death
'This movie is the main reason for my love of your father. Easily.
'I cannot believe it's been 25 years , god how time flys when ur having fun!!! Aladdin was such a magical film I loved every single minute of it and still do till this day (31 almost 32 now!!! Arrgh##!!! Ur dad will always be as one of a kind beautiful souls that ever lived. (sic)
'This movie reminds me of your dad everyday and I know how much we still miss our hero. Hes one of the best! HBd to your little bro. Happy anniversary #Aladdin25
'What a wonderful Genie he is too x Robin was just magical.
Good Will Hunting star Robin had passed away in August 2014. He had committed suicide at his home and was pronounced dead shortly after officials had responded to an emergency call.
Milestone: Aladdin was first released 25 years ago on 25 November 1992
Paying their respects: Zelda's post prompted many fans to share their own tributes to her dad
His publicist had revealed he had been battling 'severe depression' at the time. Robin's wife Susan Schneider later revealed the star had been suffering with a brain disease called Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB).
In an interview with People magazine, Susan explained that her husband Williams had been suffering with the disease a year before his death, with his symptoms worsening in the months prior to his passing.
Speaking about her husband in an interview with Good Morning America, an emotional Susan said: 'Its the best love I ever dreamed of.'
She released a statement at the time of his death that read: 'This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the wold lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken.
Family man: Robin's last tweet before his passing had been a heart-felt post about his daughter Zelda to mark her 25th birthday, as he penned on social media: 'Quarter of a century old today but always my baby girl'
'On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during out time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions.'
Zelda, meanwhile, had remembered her father on Twitter following his death. She shared a moving quote that read: 'You - you along will have the stars as no one else has them... in one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night... You - only you - will have stars that can laugh.'
She added the tweet: 'I love you. I miss you. I'll try to keep looking up. Z.'
Robin's last tweet before his passing had been a heart-felt post about his daughter Zelda to mark her 25th birthday. He shared an old black and white photo of the pair together, along with the caption: '#tbt and Happy Birthday to Ms. Zelda Rae Williams. Quarter of a century old today but always my baby girl. Happy Birthday @zeldawilliams Love you!'
Doting dad: Robin is also father to two other children; son Zachary Williams from his first marriage to Valerie Velardi in June 1978 and Cody Alan Williams, Zelda's younger brother
Love: Robin went on to marry third wife Susan Schneider in 2011 - Susan had said in a statement that she was 'utterly heartbroken' following his death
Robin is also father to two other children; son Zachary Williams from his first marriage to Valerie Velardi in June 1978 and Cody Alan Williams, Zelda's younger brother.
He shares Cody and Zelda with Marsha Garces, his second wife. They had split in 2008 and their divorce was finalised in 2010. Robin went on to marry third wife Susan in 2011.
Speaking of his children, the Hollywood movie talent had said: 'My children give me a great sense of wonder. Just to see them develop into these extraordinary human beings.'
He was famed for his work in a number of films, including the likes of Mrs Doubtfire, Flubber, Good Morning, Vietnam, Hook, Jumanji and Hook.
Throughout his career, Robin had won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Good Will Hunting, seven Golden Globes and four Grammy Awards.
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.
She's an aspiring model who has been carving herself a career in the fashion industry with her sister Delilah, with comparisons already being drawn to model siblings Bella and Gigi Hadid.
But Amelia Grey Hamlin took some time out from her busy schedule to enjoy a trip to the salon in Beverly Hills on Monday, rocking an equally casual ensemble.
The 16-year-old fashion star rocked a Junk Food Clothing crop top and leggings combo as she headed out and about in the 90210 area.
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Fabulous: Model Amelia Grey Hamlin, 16, kept it casual on Monday as she headed to a salon in Beverly Hills for a spot of pampering
Amelia donned the Coca Cola logo t-shirt with classic black leggings for a simple and relaxed look, and finished the ensemble with a Balenciaga cap and Yeezy trainers.
Carrying her essentials in a leather backpack, the IMG Model covered her eyes from the California sunshine in oversized sunglasses.
The Dennis Basso runway star has been carving herself a career in the fashion industry, and she certainly has strong genes as the daughter of actors Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin.
Style Queen: The aspiring fashion star rocked a Junk Food Clothing crop top and leggings combo as she headed out and about in the 90210
On point: Amelia accessorised her look with a Balenciaga cap and Yeezy trainers, keeping her essentials in a leather backpack
The fashion star was recently left star-struck over meeting a Hollywood superstar, when Jennifer Lawrence met and her mother Lisa.
But despite her Oscar-winning pedigree, it was Jennifer who appeared to be in awe of Lisa, fangirling excitedly in photos posted to Amelia's Instagram.
Amelia captioned one of the snaps: 'This is iconic. Jennifer Lawrence looks like she's seen a ghost. I'm Done. Goodnight. Tuck. Me. In.'
Meet your heroes: Amelia was left starstruck when actress Jennifer Lawrence met her and mother Lisa Rinna, posting the hilarious encounter on Instagram
Model siblings: Amelia has been on the rise in the fashion industry as a model with sister Delilah, 18, and the pair are already being compared to Bella and Gigi Hadid
Despite Amelia and her sister Delilah being compared to model sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid, the duo recently revealed they don't find any rivalry with them for modelling contracts.
Speaking to The New York Post, Amelia said: 'We really respect and look up to [Gigi and Bella] they're such hard workers.'
Amelia's modelling dreams came true in September, when she conquered New York Fashion Week and walked the catwalk for the first time at the Dennis Basso show.
Family ties: Amelia is the daughter of Real Housewives star Lisa Rinna and actor Harry Hamlin
Rebel Wilson took to the stage on Tuesday night alongside Ruby Rose to present Harry Styles the Best International Artist.
Rebel stunned in a sparkly gold frock as she stood alongside Ruby to make a short speech, joking she was accepting the award rather than presenting it to Harry.
'I'm so excited to be here to accept the award for Best International Act,' she began.
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Pitch perfect! Rebel Wilson makes a statement in a sparkly gold frock at the ARIA awards... after slamming critics who say she doesn't deserve $4.5 million defamation settlement
'I've never won an award in Australia before,' she continued, before she was told she hadn't won an award.
'What do you mean we flew from Los Angeles. I ate plane food for this!' Rebel joked to a chorus of laughter from the audience.
She later presented Harry with the statuette.
'Hello, thank you ... everyone here has always been so wonderful to me,' Harry told the crowd.
'Thank you for having me here and having me back. I obviously wouldn't be here [if it wasn't] for the fans who voted.'
Castmates: Rebel appeared on stage with her Pitch Perfect castmates Ruby Rose, Brittany Snow and Anna Camp
'I've never won an award in Australia before,' she continued before she was told she hadn't won an award.
Meanwhile, it's certainly been a busy time of late for The Bridesmaids star.
Rebel, who was born Melanie Elizabeth Bownds, secured a hefty $4.5million settlement after she was accused of being a serial liar in a series of articles published by Bauer Media.
Rebel, who was born Melanie Elizabeth Bownds, secured a hefty $4.5million settlement after she was accused of being a serial liar in a series of articles published by Bauer Media
Rebel made history in September when Victorian Supreme Court justice John Dixon awarded her damages against Bauer Media, the German publisher of Woman's Day, Australian Women's Weekly, OK! and NW magazine.
An all-female jury in June reached a unanimous verdict that Woman's Day, Australian Women's Weekly, OK! and NW magazine publisher defamed her in eight articles published in May 2015.
The articles claimed she was a serial liar about her real name, age and childhood so she could make it in Hollywood.
Rebel won $650,000 in general damages and $3,917,472 in special damages for opportunities in movie roles she lost because of the articles.
Rebel won $650,000 in general damages and $3,917,472 in special damages for opportunities in movie roles she lost because of the articles.
She described that verdict in Melbourne as 'awesome'.
'It was so, so satisfying that the jury voted with me. It was such an overwhelming, comprehensive victory that it was just amazing,' she said.
It became a pop culture sensation, spawning catchphrases such as 'grenade' and 'gym, tan, laundry'.
And Jersey Shore fans can now rejoice at the news that MTV is bringing back the popular reality show in 2018, announcing a 'family vacation' reunion series.
The main castmates from the fly-on-the-wall series, which aired from 2009 to 2012, will all be returning - with the exception of Sammi 'Sweetheart' Giancola.
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Reunion: Jersey Shore fans can now rejoice at the news that MTV is bringing back the popular reality show in 2018, announcing a 'family vacation' reunion series
Paul 'Pauly D' Delvecchio, Jenni 'JWOWW' Farley, Vinny Guadagnino, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi, and Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino and Deena Nicole Cortese are all confirmed.
Little is known about what the new series of Jersey Shore Family Vacation will entail, but viewers can expect plenty of alcohol-fuelled parties and bust-ups, despite several members of the cast starting families and getting married.
The original MTV reality series - which lasted six series - surrounded hard-partying roommates sharing a New Jersey beach house as well as the mantra 'gym, tan, laundry.'
The gang teased their excitement on social media, with Vinny sharing: 'Hide yo wife, hide yo kids.. Did someone say theres a new #JerseyShore series coming out in 2018 on @mtv ?!
Missing out: Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino, Jenni 'JWOWW' Farley, Paul 'Pauly D' Delvecchio, Deena Nicole Cortese, Vinny Guadagnino, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro (from left to right) and Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi (far left) are all confirmed - but Sammi 'Sweetheart' Giancola (second from right) isn't returning
Lasted six seasons (2009-2012): The original MTV reality series surrounded hard-partying roommates sharing a New Jersey beach house as well as the mantra 'gym, tan, laundry'
'The people have spoken and We finna #MakeRealityTvGreatAgain. 'Cant wait to be back on your tv screen wit my roomates!!!!!'
JWOWW shared, 'Gotta teach these young ones', while Snooki filmed the promo announcement airing on MTV.
The news comes shortly after Deena married her boyfriend Christopher Buckner in October, which reunited the gang.
The brunette beauty is yet to address the reasons for not taking part, but it seems her new relationship could be the reason.
Moving on: Sammi, who was in an off/off, dysfunctional relationship with co-star Ronnie for years, has found love again and her social media account is filled with couple snaps
Sammi, who was in an off/off, dysfunctional relationship with co-star Ronnie for years, has found love again and her social media account is filled with couple snaps.
Jersey Shore spawned a legion of copycat series, including the UK's long-running series Geordie Shore, set in Newcastle.
News of a reunion series has been teased for months. This summer, Snooki confirmed that her Jersey Shore castmates were definitely 'down to' do a full season together.
'We want to do reunion, a full season of it, and I feel the fans want it too,' the 29-year-old reality star told Extra.
'I feel the fans want it too': Following E!'s 30-minute Reunion Road Trip this summer, Snooki confirmed her Jersey Shore castmates were definitely 'down to' do a full season
The 29-year-old reality star told Extra: 'We really miss each other...I think it was nice to look back and say we were hot messes and then we were doing shots to us being hot messes, so we are still hot messes'
'We really miss each other...I think it was nice to look back and say we were hot messes and then we were doing shots to us being hot messes, so we are still hot messes.'
'It's literally like shots! "Let's go out, have fun!"' the married mother-of-two said of the reunion.
'The fact that we all got together six years later and we're still the same roomies and people... that's dangerous.'
Snooki continued: 'We realize when we were all together, we didnt skip a beat. I have two kids; Im a mom. Im married. That's a big difference.'
The married mother-of-two said of the reunion: 'It's literally like shots! "Let's go out, have fun!" The fact that we all got together six years later and we're still the same roomies and people... that's dangerous'
Snooki continued: 'We realize when we were all together, we didnt skip a beat. I have two kids; Im a mom. Im married. That's a big difference'
In the hot seat: Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino has remained sober despite facing 'decades' in prison for 'tax evasion and structuring/falsifying records to avoid detection of assets'
Polizzi gushed: 'We were so proud of Mike (R) being sober that we did a shot to him being sober. Does that make sense?'
Mike has remained sober despite facing 'decades' in prison for 'tax evasion and structuring/falsifying records to avoid detection of assets' - according toTMZ.
Polizzi gushed: 'We were so proud of Mike being sober that we did a shot to him being sober. Does that make sense?'
Regardless if there's more Jersey Shore, the New Celebrity Apprentice star and her BFF JWoww will soon join forces with Mob Wives' Drita D'Avanzo for VH1's Celebrity Shore.
'If u don't know...now u know!' the 41-year-old married mother-of-two confirmed on Instagram on Tuesday.
More to come! Regardless if there's more Jersey Shore, the New Celebrity Apprentice star and her BFF Jenni 'JWoww' Farley (R) will soon join forces with Mob Wives' Drita D'Avanzo for VH1's Celebrity Shore
The 41-year-old married mother-of-two confirmed on Instagram on Tuesday: 'If u don't know...now u know! Heading back home to @vh1 @snooki @jwoww can't wait! #epic'
Inseparable: Following the 2015 cancellation of their MTV reality spin-off, Snooki and 31-year-old JWoww have remained busy on their weekly Awestruck webseries Moms With Attitude
'Heading back home to @vh1 @snooki @jwoww can't wait! #epic.'
Following the 2015 cancellation of their MTV reality spin-off, Snooki and 31-year-old JWoww have remained busy on their weekly Awestruck webseries Moms With Attitude.
The Chile-born podcaster also told Extra that she and husband Jionni LaValle plan on giving siblings to their son Lorenzo (turning 5 on Saturday), and daughter Giovanna, 2.
'I love to do a lot of strength workouts, because I want to be strong to hold all of the babies I got, and I want more,' Polizzi revealed. 'I want two more kids.'
Birthday boy: The Chile-born podcaster also told Extra that she and husband Jionni LaValle plan on giving siblings to their son Lorenzo (turning 5 on Saturday), and daughter Giovanna, 2
Her world was turned upside down when she was framed by murderous Pat Phelan for pushing Seb Franklin off a ladder.
And Coronation Street's Anna Windass is set for more heartbreak when she finds out her beloved son Gary has been killed in an explosion in Ukraine, causing her to collapse in prison.
Gary's girlfriend Sarah Platt receives the devastating news that her love has died but refuses to believe he could be dead, until his St Christopher necklace is found in the rubble.
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Grief-stricken: Coronation Street's Anna Windass is set for more heartbreak when she finds out her beloved son Gary has been killed in an explosion in Ukraine, causing her to collapse in prison
Heartbreak: Gary's girlfriend Sarah Platt receives the devastating news that her love has died but refuses to believe he could be dead, until his St Christopher necklace is found in the rubble
A distraught Sarah (Tina O'Brien), joined by Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) goes to tell Anna (Debbie Rush) who is currently behind bars due to Pat's devious actions
As the news of her son's death is broken to her Anna breaks down with grief and is restrained by two prison guards.
Sarah's suspicious brother David Platt (Jack P Shepherd) notices Pat's reaction to Gary's death and follows him to daughter Nicola's house. Nicola is pregnant with Gary's baby.
As he watches Pat from inside his car he is confused when he sees Nicola become emotional by what Pat tells her.
Pain: A distraught Sarah (Tina O'Brien), joined by Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) goes to tell Anna (Debbie Rush) who is currently behind bars due to Pat's devious actions, with Anna breaking down as she is told
Shock: Sarah's suspicious brother David (Jack P Shepherd) notices Pat's reaction to Gary's death and follows him to daughter Nicola's house. Nicola is pregnant with Gary's baby. As he watches Pat from inside his car he is confused when he sees Nicola become emotional by what Pat tells her
After Pat leaves, David confronts Nicola and she admits to the one-night with Gary (Mikey North) but when he spots pregnancy tablets, she also confesses she is expecting his baby.
Fans will be glued to their screens as they wonder whether David will tell his grief-stricken sister or keep the jaw-dropping revelation a secret.
As Sarah is so consumed with grief, David has to decide whether to keep the shocking revelation to himself - or tell his sister.
Debbie Rush, who has played Anna for nearly a decade, is leaving the show
'I have had an amazing nine years on Coronation Street and the decision to leave was not made lightly,' she said.
What to do? After Pat leaves, David confronts Nicola and she admits to the one-night with Gary (Mikey North) but when he spots pregnancy tablets, she also confesses she is expecting his baby
'I love playing Anna and will miss working with the fantastic cast and crew.
"I don't know what the future holds but I am excited to explore what other acting opportunities are out there.
'I am very grateful for all the brilliant story lines I have been given during my time on Coronation Street and am very much looking forward to what is in store for Anna in the run up to my departure next year.'
A representative for the show said: 'Debbie will leave Coronation Street at the end of the year.
Shock exit: Mikey North who plays Gary, joined Coronation Street in 2008
On-screen family: Debbie Rush, who has played Anna for nearly a decade, is leaving the show 'I have had an amazing nine years on Coronation Street and the decision to leave was not made lightly,' she said
'Anna Windass will be on-screen until early 2018, with plenty more drama and twists in the tale before she leaves Weatherfield. We wish Debbie every success for the future.'
Producer Kate Oates said: 'It's always sad when a huge talent like Debbie Rush decides to move to pastures new.
'But Debbie's decision to pursue other roles will allow us to play an exciting exit story for Anna, which will see her fighting for her family and tackling old enemies head-on.'
It was meant to be the Australian music industry's night of nights.
But the ARIA Awards proved to be a lacklustre affair for many fans, with disgruntled viewers taking to Twitter to slam the ceremony for being 'boring' and flooded with unknown artists.
'No thank you to watching the mind-numbingly boring ARIAs... the night reads like a stint down at the local watering hole,' one disgruntled viewer Tweeted on Tuesday night during the ceremony.
Past it's used-by date? The ARIA Awards proved to be a lacklustre affair for many fans, with disgruntled viewers taking to Twitter to slam the ceremony for being 'boring' and flooded with unknown artists (A.B Original accepting the ARIA for Best Urban band)
Not interested: 'No thank you to watching the mind-numbingly boring ARIAs... the night reads like a stint down at the local watering hole,' one disgruntled viewer Tweeted on Tuesday night during the ceremony
Other fans complained that they felt 'old' because they couldn't recognise any of the so-called stars that were swarming the red carpet.
'The ARIAs is such a load of s**t. You don't hear any of these 'musicians' and then all of a sudden they're winning awards?!' Tweeted one fan.
Another concurred: 'So I listen to a LOT of music. But every year I have no clue who half the artists are at the ARIAs (and I'm not even old!!).'
Mature taste? Daryl Braithwaite delivered a speech after being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame
And the award goes to...who? 'The ARIAs is such a load of s**t. You don't hear any of these 'musicians' and then all of a sudden they're winning awards?!' Tweeted one fan
Confused: One fan appeared to suffer an existential crisis during the proceedings
Need a facelift? Fans complained that they felt 'old' because they couldn't recognise any of the so-called stars that were swarming the red carpet
Not up to speed? 'Feeling so out of touch watching the ARIAs2017 #whoareallthesepeople #whendidigetsoold', agreed another
'Feeling so out of touch watching the ARIAs2017 #whoareallthesepeople #whendidigetsoold', agreed another.
Meanwhile, one fan decided to summarise the premise of the awards ceremony rather harshly.
'ARIAs: where a bunch of people you've never heard of, award another bunch of people you've never heard of a bunch of awards for a bunch of s**t you've never heard,' they Tweeted.
Ouch! eanwhile, one fan decided to summarise the premise of the awards ceremony rather harshly
Finally familiar faces! The likes of Australian A-listers Ruby Rose and Rebel Wilson both made an appearance, while British crooner Harry Styles rounded out the evening with a performance of his latest tunes
Despite the negative feedback, the ARIAs did deliver in terms of bringing big names to the red carpet this year.
The likes of Australian A-listers Ruby Rose and Rebel Wilson both made an appearance, while British crooner Harry Styles rounded out the evening with a performance of his latest tunes.
New Zealand songstress Lorde also graced the stage for an electric performance and dance routine.
She's a successful businesswoman, actress, recording artist, designer, perfumer, author, reality star, and the world's highest-paid female DJ.
So it was no surprise to see Paris Hilton behaving like the A-list star that she is as she arrived in Sydney, Australia on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old pop culture icon gave a twirl for the cameras at Sydney's Airport, before striking several glamorous poses.
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Work it! Paris Hilton soaked up the spotlight as she arrived in Australia on Tuesday to a throng of fans and photographers
Paris looked fun and flirty in a chiffon fairy dress with a blue cardigan on top, no doubt to keep her warm from the airplane's air-conditioning.
The Stars Are Blind hitmaker wore her blonde locks in girlish pigtails.
The musician was joined at the airport by her model boyfriend Chris Zylka, who recently had Paris' name tattooed on his forearm in Disney font.
Yass queen! The 36-year-old pop culture icon gave a twirl for the cameras at Sydney's Airport, before striking several glamorous poses
Can I get a photo? Paris was mobbed by fans at the airport, some of whom serenaded her by singing her hits 'Good Time' and 'Stars Are Blind' on the spot
Say cheese! Paris worked the cell phone cameras like an absolute professional
Paris was mobbed by fans at the airport, some of whom serenaded her by singing her hits 'Good Time' and 'Stars Are Blind' on the spot.
Paris is currently Down Under to launch her 23rd fragrance, Rose Rush.
The launch event will be held at Chemist Warehouse, and will also double as a meet-and-greet where fans will get the chance to meet the legendary star in the flesh.
Lovers: The musician was joined at the airport by her model boyfriend Chris Zylka, who recently had Paris' name tattooed on his forearm in Disney font
Smelling good! Paris is currently Down Under to launch her 23rd fragrance, Rose Rush
This is my good side! Paris twirled around and flashed her legendary smile for the cameras
Launching back in 2004 with the signature self-titled scent, Hilton's fragrance empire is now one of the world's longest-running and most successful celebrity perfume lines.
In 2013, it was valued at $1.5 billion.
Speaking about her first fragrance to The Cut last month, Paris said: 'When that first came out I was so excited, and so proud and its still one of our number one sellers to this day.
'Girls have it in their purse, little mini ones that they carry around. So many people wear that around the world, I always get compliments on it.'
It's the music industry's night of nights.
And at the ARIA Awards on Tuesday, Guy Sebastian admitted he gets 'loose' at award nights.
The 36-year-old recalled getting 'drunk' at the ARIAs two years ago, before calling some of his peers 'massive d**ks.'
'I'm a terrible drunk!' Guy Sebastian admits to getting 'loose' at award ceremonies and calls some of his peers 'massive d**ks' as he attends the ARIA Awards
'I have been pretty loose at the ARIAs in the past especially at the Sony afterparty,' Guy told The Daily Telegraph.
Speaking about the awards two years ago, he added: 'I most definitely would have spewed that night. I am a terrible drunk.'
At the ARIAs on Tuesday, Guy and wife Jules showcased their incredible body transformations.
Looking good: At the ARIAs on Tuesday, Guy and wife Jules showcased their incredible body transformations
Jules flaunted her weight loss in a silver sheer mini dress.
Guy meanwhile, looked stylish in a velvet suit jacket.
In September, the father-of-two debuted his ripped new body in Men's Health.
The Like a Drum hit maker told Fitzy and Wippa shortly after how he and Jules have embraced a healthier lifestyle.
Back in the day: The couple are seen in 2004
Shaping up! In September, the father-of-two debuted his ripped new body in Men's Health
He said he shaped up in a matter of months for Men's Health.
'Mate, it was brutal. I literally went cold turkey on carbs, didn't have a grain of rice. No pasta, no bread, no booze - I didn't get on that for 10 weeks,' he explained.
Guy also described his fitness routine with husband-and-wife trainers Chief Brabon and Em Brabon-Hame as 'full-on'.
'The trainers taught me how to train, I didn't realise how lazy I was in the gym. Now I want to get in and get out, and go hard,' he said.
She's known for her love of all creatures great and small.
So it was no surprise to see Elsa Pataky enjoying an afternoon of horseback riding with some friends in the bush near Byron Bay on Tuesday.
The blonde beauty was riding her new horse, Dolly, whom she called a 'new member of the family' in a post on Instagram.
Hello Dolly! Elsa Pataky introduced fans to her new horse Dolly through an Instagram post on Tuesday
The 41-year-old actress lives in Byron Bay with her husband Chris Hemsworth and their three children.
Earlier this month, Chris and Elsa shared a sweet pre-workout selfie to social media.
The Spanish actress uploaded the happy snap with her husband to Instagram as they prepared to work up a sweat together.
Friends: The blonde beauty enjoyed a horseback ride with a friend in Byron Bay
The golden couple appeared to be in high spirits as they posed in their activewear in front of World Gym.
Chris, who is known for playing superstar Thor, showed off his bulging biceps in a black singlet as he leaned in for the photo.
Elsa, who wore a green camouflage hooded jacket, captioned the sweet post: 'Morning training session, like old times!'
'Like old times': Elsa and husband Chris Hemsworth looked loved-up as they head to training session at gym together in Byron Bay earlier this month
The star looked stunning makeup-free as she smiled for the camera, with her husband Chris quick to 'heart' the post.
Other fans gushed over the duo's display, writing: 'Y'all are too cute!', 'beautiful couple' and 'relationship goals!'
As a mother of three young children, users also praised Elsa's dedication to staying fit: 'Amazing. Very proud of you', 'Awesome! Nothing better than morning workouts', 'Whip him good, you're the boss...' and 'Good job. You've motivated me.'
'Whip him good, you're the boss': Elsa's fans gushed over Chris' large muscular arms in the selfie, but praised the mother of three for her motivation towards keeping fit (PICTURED 2015)
The former Home And Away actor started dating Spanish actress Elsa in early 2010, and they tied the knot in low-key ceremony in December that year.
Two years after their wedding, Elsa gave birth to the couples first child, a daughter called India - who is now five years old before welcoming twins boys Sasha and Tristan (now three years old) in 2014.
The loved-up couple are often traveling between the US and Australia for work, with the family residing in a lavish beach abode in Byron Bay
Loose Women viewers have lashed out at Saira Khan for referring to Meghan Markle as a 'brown princess' live on air.
On Tuesday's episode, the 47-year-old claimed the actress' engagement to Prince Harry was 'fantastic news for diversity', and proceeded to sing: 'There's a brown girl in da house!' to her fellow panelists.
However, viewers immediately took to Twitter to blast the TV presenter - and question why it was 'acceptable' for her to refer to Meghan's race at all.
'Unacceptable': Loose Women viewers have lashed out at Saira Khan for referring to Meghan Markle as a 'brown princess' live on Loose Women
Engaged: The 47-year-old claimed the actress' engagement to Prince Harry (pictured together this week) was 'fantastic for diversity', and went on to sing: 'There's a brown girl in da house!'
Saira, alongside Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter and Jane Moore, had been addressing the recent royal engagement when the incident occurred.
After discussing how in love Harry and Meghan had looked during their first interview, Saira went on to confess her delight at the fact there was going to be a mixed race member of the Royal family.
Referring to Meghan, she kicked things off by singing: 'There's a brown girl in da house, la la la la!'
Royal engagement: Saira, alongside Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter and Jane Moore, had been addressing the recent royal engagement when the incident occurred
Controversial: Saira confessed her delight at the fact there was going to be a mixed race member of the Royal family by singing: 'There's a brown girl in da house, la la la la!'
Met with laughter from the audience, she then elaborated: 'You know what, for me and my little girl, there's going to a brown princess going into Buckingham Palace.
'For me, I think this is just fantastic news for diversity, and will show people that love sees no religion.'
However, her comments were met with huge backlash from viewers - who took to Twitter to question why Saira had mentioned Meghan's race at all.
Proud: She then elaborated: 'There's going to a brown princess in Buckingham Palace. For me, I think this is just fantastic news for diversity, and will show people that love sees no religion'
Furious: However, her comments were met with huge backlash from viewers - who took to Twitter to question why Saira had mentioned Meghan's race at all
One disgruntled fan began: 'Why did that stupid woman have to mention race? If anyone else resorted to that behaviour it wouldn't be seen as acceptable. Horrible woman who seems to think it's the Saira Show'
As others agreed: 'Saira is vile...tbh I never even registered that Meghan was of mixed race...perhaps programmes like this should stop trying to make an issue out of nothing....'
And: 'The only person bringing up racism is you Saira Khan! Nobody has mentioned Meghans skin colour except you. Because no one is bothered! Theyre in love.'
Further fans claimed her comments would be deemed unacceptable if said by a white host, adding: 'Saira should not of noticed Meghan isn't white, if a white person would of sang brown girl in the house, they would have been fired' (sic)
Clash: Yet, Janet Street Porter soon disagreed - acknowledging the Duchess of Cambridge had been deemed as 'working class' upon her engagement but is now considered a Royal
Here here: Many viewers agreed with Janet's view (above)
'You're a woman of colour so you say Saira. But you would go off like a rocket if someone referred to you as coloured' and 'Why the hell did saira have to make it all about race its pathetic.'
One viewer even called for the TV presenter to be punished, writing: 'Why is that OK Saira? I sincerely hope you are taken to task by your bosses for that little ditty.'
However, Janet Street Porter soon opposed her comments herself - acknowledging the Duchess of Cambridge had been deemed as 'working class' upon her engagement to Prince William, but is now considered part of the Royal family.
Many viewers agreed with Janet's view, writing: 'Saira is the one living in the dark ages, there's absolutely no need to emphasise she's a 'brown woman'!' and 'Totally agree with Janet!! We have ignored it Saira so no reason to make the engagement about race.'
Animated: The hosts discussed the royal engagement at length on the show
Difference of opinion: The two hosts both voiced their opinions about the engagement on the show
Different viewpoints: Some viewers were a little more defensive about Saira's choice of song
MailOnline has contacted Saira's representatives for comment.
Prince Harry, 33, and Meghan, 36, confirmed their engagement on Monday morning, and their first interview as a couple was aired later that evening.
It was revealed on Tuesday afternoon that the pair would marry at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in May, because it is a place 'close to the couple's hearts'.
Fifth in line to the throne Harry has been dating the American actress, who found fame in the US legal drama Suits, since the summer of last year.
She's thrown herself into work since breaking her silence against disgraced Harvey Weinstein last week.
And Uma Thurman shared a poignant black and white Instagram image as she applied her make-up backstage at the Hudson Theater in New York on Monday evening.
The actress, 47, thanked fans 'for hearing me' ahead of her Broadway performance of The Parisian Woman and said it is 'so much better not to sit alone'.
'It's so much better not to sit alone': Uma Thurman shared a poignant black and white image as she applied her make-up backstage at the Hudson Theater in New York on Monday evening
The post came just days after Thurman shared a somber post on social media speaking out against the shamed producer, who is accused of sexual harassment by scores of women in the industry.
In the new shot, the Pulp Fiction star sat in front of a large mirror with make-up strewn about the counter of her dressing room.
'Sitting alone in the hudson theater, painting my face,' Thurman captioned the simple photo.
'Thank you for hearing me, it's so much better not to sit alone. a new feeling. I am so grateful.'
Strong: The actress, 47, thanked fans 'for hearing me' ahead of her Broadway performance of The Parisian Woman and said it is 'so much better not to sit alone'
The mother-of-three had been relatively quiet about the allegations against the infamous producer during the last few months, until she showed her cards in a brave Thanksgiving Day post.
'I am grateful today, to be alive, for all those I love, and for all those who have the courage to stand up for others,' she wrote underneath a black-and-white image of herself portraying The Bride in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill: Vol. 1.
'I said I was angry recently, and I have a few reasons, #metoo, in case you couldnt tell by the look on my face.'
'I am grateful today, to be alive': Thurman shared a lengthy post on Thanksgiving with a dig at shamed Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein at the end
Love lost: Harvey and Uma worked on many movies together, including a host of Quentin Tarantino films (pictured in New York in February 2016)
She then wrote: 'I feel its important to take your time, be fair, be exact, so... Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! (Except you Harvey, and all your wicked conspirators - Im glad its going slowly - you dont deserve a bullet)'
The actress then signed off by telling everyone to 'stay tuned.'
Thurman has worked alongside Tarantino and Weinstein in at least three of their films - Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Kill Bill: Vol. 2 and Pulp Fiction.
That film starred another woman who came forward to revealed she was a victim of Weinstein, Daryl Hannah.
Just days before Thurman's post went live, Deadline reported that the actress had parted ways with Creative Artists Agency after two years with the firm.
Trouble: Kill Bill starred another woman who came forward to revealed she was a victim of Weinstein, Daryl Hannah (Thurman and Weinstein pictured in Los Angeles in 2004)
Star power: Uma portrayed a sword-wielding assassin, The Bride, in Quentin Tarantino's 2003 film Kill Bill: Vol. 1, which was produced by Harvey Weinstein's Miramax
No reason was given for the actress' unceremonious split, and Thurman has yet to sign with another agency.
Darryl Hannah noted that it was while promoting Kill Bill Vol. 2 that the alleged misconduct occurred with Weinstein, saying when she refused his advances while they were in Rome she was booted from the press trip as the cast traveled to Cannes.
Hannah said that Weinstein at one point burst into her hotel room in Rome, telling the New Yorker in an interview: 'And I know with every fibre of my being that if my male makeup artist was not in that room, things would not have gone well.
'It was scary.'
Later that night he asked to feel or at least see one of her breasts, which she refused over and over again claims Hannah.
The next morning she said she found out she had been kicked off the trip, and said she called Tarantino personally to complain.
Tarantino has since said he regrets not speaking out earlier about Weinstein, adding that while he did not know the full extent of his offenses that is no excuse.
Meghan Markle is now a fur parent because Ellen DeGeneres told her to become one year ago.
That is what the talk-show host pointed out on Monday on Ellen Tube with an old clip soon after it was announced that the Suits actress had become engaged to Prince Harry.
The LA born beauty, 36, is now the mother to two canines: Bogart, a Lab/Shepherd mix, and Guy, a Beagle. She has already moved her animals to London where she will reside with her fiance.
The couple will wed in May at Windsor Castle in front of the Queen, it was revealed on Tuesday.
Hollywood influence: Meghan Markle is now a fur parent because Ellen DeGeneres told to become one; here she is seen with Prince Harry on Monday
What's old is new: In an old video posted to her Ellen Tube channel she said, 'She adopted a dog because I told her to! Thats amazing!' Ellen is seen here in early November
In an old video posted to her Ellen Tube channel the funny lady said, 'She adopted a dog because I told her to! Thats amazing!'
The incident occurred several years ago in LA.
Meghan had already confessed in Best Health magazine that Ellen pushed her to adopt a pooch she was looking at.
The one: The first dog the LA born beauty, 36, adopted is Bogart, a Lab/Shepherd mix
Another: She also adopted this Beagle named Guy so Bogart could have a friend
Meghan said she was at an animal shelter at the same time as Ellen and Portia when the comedienne offered her two cents.
'Ellen goes "Is that your dog?" And I said, "No," and shes like, "You have to take that dog." And I said, "Well, Im deciding." And shes like, "Rescue the dog!" the beauty recounted.
Ellen also told Meghan, 'You're taking that dog home' and asked if she had a name yet.
'And so I brought him home! Because Ellen told me to.'
Her guys: Here the TV star is seen with Bogart and Guy in a shot shared to Instagram
At home with her fur kids: The beauty often shared touching images of the dogs; here she is holding Guy as Bogart sleeps in the background
The dog Meghan is referring to is her first rescue, Bogart, who was found in the Southern California neighborhood of Downey when he was still a puppy.
After she had Bogart she felt like he needed a 'buddy' so she then rescues Guy.
Meghan has often featured her dogs on her Instagram account with the hashtags #puppylove #adoptdontshop and #reducereuserecycle.
This comes just before it was announced on Tuesday that Meghan and Harry will wed at Windsor Castle in May and that the royal family will pay for the ceremony.
She was there too: Markle said that Ellen was with Portia during their meeting at an animal shelter in LA; pictured in January
It was also added that the Queen will attend the nuptials.
The couple announced their engagement on Monday as the star flashed a diamond ring designed by Harry. It included stones that once belonged to Harry's mother Princess Diana.
And on Monday evening the two were seen in their first joint TV interview.
Markle revealed how she said 'yes' immediately to Harry after he proposed on one knee while they were cooking a roast dinner during a 'cozy night' in.
Markle said she did not even wait for the 33-year-old royal to finish the sentence before she said 'yes' - and it was 'so sweet and natural and very romantic.'
This will be his first marriage and her second.
Mad about dogs: The funny lady has several pups wit her wife
The couple, who had been in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace when the proposal happened, revealed that they first met on a blind date after being set up by a female friend - and have tried to see each other every two weeks.
Harry added: 'I fell in love with Meghan so incredibly quickly... All the stars were aligned - everything was just perfect. It was this beautiful woman just sort of literally tripped and fell into my life - I fell into her life.'
Four weeks after they met, Harry persuaded Markle to join him on a five-day break in Botswana. He said: 'We camped out with each other under the stars... which was absolutely fantastic.'
The couple - who spoke to BBC presenter Mishal Husain - said that Miss Markle has already met the Queen 'a couple of times', and the actress described the monarch as an 'incredible woman'.
It was also revealed that Prince Harry had sought the permission of both of Miss Markle's parents, but that he had not yet met her father Thomas, having only spoken to him on the phone.
Their first joint interview: The couple - who spoke to BBC presenter Mishal Husain - said that Miss Markle has already met the Queen 'a couple of times', and the actress described the monarch as an 'incredible woman'
They talked about their 16-month relationship and how they never went more than two weeks without seeing one another.
Miss Markle said: 'I don't think that I would call it a whirlwind in terms of our relationship, obviously there have been layers attached to how public it has become after we had a good five, six months almost with just privacy, which was amazing.
'But no, I think we were able to really have so much time just to connect and we never went longer than two weeks without seeing each other, even though we were obviously doing a long distance relationship. So it's - we made it work.'
The pair said they were introduced by a mutual female friend in July 2016, but declined to reveal her name.
It was also claimed on Tuesday that Meghan will now be retiring from acting. She has already left her show Suits after seven years.
The Natrona County High School educator who allegedly hit a 14-year-old autistic student is no longer employed with the district.
It's unclear whether Mark Brattis, an assistant teacher at NCHS, left voluntarily or was fired. A personnel report shows only that he no longer worked for the Natrona County School District as of Nov. 13, two weeks after the alleged incident.
"The person is no longer employed with the Natrona County School District," spokeswoman Tanya Southerland wrote in a statement to the Star-Tribune. "As this is a personnel matter, I cannot provide further details."
She did not immediately respond to follow-up questions about whether the district is still investigating or if the incident has prompted any changes.
Marisol Villescas told the Star-Tribune in late October that her 14-year-old brother, Gabriel, had gotten out of the NC building on Oct. 30 and had fallen off of some construction equipment when staff found him. They tried to help him up, at which point the student began throwing rocks at them, Villescas said.
After Gabriel was taken back inside, he apparently hit Brattis, who then open-hand smacked the teen in the face, the sister said.
Brattis, who did not respond to an email seeking comment at the time, was suspended after the incident. Other teachers saw what happened, Villescas said, and they -- with Brattis -- went to tell high school administrators what happened.
Villescas did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. But she told the Star-Tribune in October that her family planned to file a police report once the district had completed its investigation.
Disgraced social media sensation Jack Maynard has come under fire for making light about sexual assault in a series of deleted tweets.
The 23-year-old YouTube star was axed from I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! earlier this month amid claims of inappropriate behaviour towards an underage girl when he was 16-years old.
Now adding to the furore, it has been reported by The Sun that Jack posted on Twitter in 2011 that he would 'rape' anyone who helped him grow his online audience on the micro-blogging site.
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Disgraced: Disgraced social media sensation Jack Maynard has come under fire for making light about sexual assault in a series of deleted tweets
Shared when the vlogger was 16 on November 11 2001, the post read: 'If you get me to 1500 followers by tomorrow I will kiss you. Most likely rape you though.'
Earlier the same year, the younger brother of singer Conor Maynard posted another tweet which referenced sexual assault again when he replied to a fan with: 'I raped her... haha.'
MailOnline have contacted Jack Maynard's rep for comment.
According to the publication, Jack - who boasts more than 1.2million subscribers on his YouTube channel - only deleted the upsetting posts after an eight-year-old messaged him.
An insider said: 'These tweets really are unforgivable from Jack. To joke about such a serious subject shows a real lack of awareness from him, particularly given the fact so many of his fans are impressionable young girls.
Former flames? It comes after it was reported that Jack's romance with Danielle Seller is already over, amid claims the blogger 'didn't see his as girlfriend material'
Shocking: Now adding to the furore, it has been reported by The Sun that Jack posted on Twitter in 2011 that he would 'rape' anyone who helped him grow his online audience on the micro-blogging site
'He cannot use age as an excuse either. It doesnt matter how old you are when it comes to joking about rape.
The sourced added: 'He only deleted the tweets after a young girl, who was aged just eight at the time, messaged her hero asking him to take them down.'
Jack Maynard's latest statement in full I have taken some time to reflect on the comments, tweets and ultimately my behaviour in the past, including a tweet sent in 2011 that is the subject of a story today. I was young, naive and stupid but as I said previously, age is no excuse. My immaturity meant that I didn't stop for a second to think whether these comments would hurt or harm anyone - something I have learnt is entirely wrong. If I had just thought for a moment, about how stupid they were, then I would never have sent them. Nothing can justify the language I used, there is no defence I am truly sorry. My childish attitude back then is not a representation of my thoughts and feelings now. I take full responsibility and regret my mistakes. As an adult, I understand the effect my words have on people, whether I have a big or small platform to speak from. Again, I am so sorry to anyone I have offended or disappointed. Advertisement
Since hitting the headlines again, Jack released another statement about his latest Twitter furore and insisted that 'nothing can justify the language' he used.
He added that his 'childish attitude back then' isn't a reflection of his thoughts now.
He told MailOnline: 'I have taken some time to reflect on the comments, tweets and ultimately my behaviour in the past, including a tweet sent in 2011 that is the subject of a story today.
'I was young, naive and stupid but as I said previously, age is no excuse. My immaturity meant that I didn't stop for a second to think whether these comments would hurt or harm anyone - something I have learnt is entirely wrong.
Adding: 'If I had just thought for a moment, about how stupid they were, then I would never have sent them. Nothing can justify the language I used, there is no defence I am truly sorry.
'My childish attitude back then is not a representation of my thoughts and feelings now. I take full responsibility and regret my mistakes. As an adult, I understand the effect my words have on people, whether I have a big or small platform to speak from.
Apologies: Since hitting the headlines again, Jack released another statement about his latest Twitter furore and insisted that 'nothing can justify the language' he used
'Again, I am so sorry to anyone I have offended or disappointed.'
Jack was sent home to the UK from Australia last week, after being pulled out of the show when his online history came back to haunt him.
Boasting an online following of 1,195,687, Jack was found to have sent out a string of offensive messages on Twitter - featuring the use of homophobic and racist language - between 2011-2013.
He was subsequently accused of sending inappropriate messages to a 14-year-old girl when he was 16, persistently asking her to send pictures in her bra.
Tearful: The YouTuber then became emotional as he said, 'Im so gutted and Im embarrassed, Im so embarrassed that all of this has happened now'
The younger brother of popstar Conor Maynard apologised for the 'disgusting things' he had done on Thursday in a new YouTube video, and said he felt 'ashamed'.
Jack's agent made the decision to pull him out of the show this week after a number of tweets posted online five years ago containing racist remarks resurfaced.
It has now been claimed by The Sun that Jack could lose up to 20,000 a month in lucrative sponsored deals from high street brands.
Big companies including The Body Shop, Walkers and Snickers are said to be cutting off support for the viral star, while his contracts with Cadbury, Puma, Nike, Schwarzkopf and LG are reported to be under threat.
A spokesperson previously explained in a statement: 'In the last few days Jack has been the subject of a succession of media stories which, given his position as a contestant on I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here - filmed in the Australian jungle, with no contact with the outside world, he has been unable to respond to.
Controversial: Shamed social media sensation Jack faced further criticism after video footage of the star attempting to guess the age of a teenage girl resurfaced
'Since it is only fair that everyone should be aware of any allegations made against them and should also have the right to defend themselves, it was agreed that it would be better to bring him out of the show.
'Jack agrees with this decision which was made by his representatives and ITV and thanks everyone who has supported him in the show this far.'
The social media star faced further criticism after video footage of the star attempting to guess the age of a teenage girl resurfaced.
The viral clip, filmed for his YouTube channel in September shortly before his short-lived appearance on Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! captures Jack as he engages in the guessing game with pop star brother Conor, 25, and fellow vlogger Mikey Pearce.
YouTube challenge: The viral clip captures the 23-year old as he engages in the guessing game with pop star brother Conor, 25, and fellow vlogger Mikey Pearce
Guessing game: After checking a photo of a young female fan, all three attempt to guess her age, with Mikey playing the game for laughs by telling the brothers shes six, before Conor opts for 15
After checking a photo of a young female fan, all three attempt to guess her age, with Mikey playing the game for laughs by telling the brothers shes six, before Conor opts for 15.
But it is Jack, whose appearance on the ITV reality show been cut short amid claims of inappropriate behaviour towards a young girl, who guesses correctly, telling the group: I think shes literally 14-years old.
Upon hearing he has won the game, the social media star raises his arm in triumph before they move on to another girl's picture.
Jack - who has an online following of 1,195,687 - faces claims he called a 14-year-old Facebook user an 'an ugly freak' when she repeatedly declined, in 2011.
Winner: But it is Jack, whose appearance on the ITV reality show been cut short amid claims of inappropriate behaviour towards a young girl, who guesses correctly
The accusations have been made by The Mirror on Wednesday, one day after he was ejected from the Australian jungle and sent back to the UK without a televised goodbye, or his 25,000 fee - where he is said to have 'sneaked back home on his 23rd birthday' after going into 'hiding' - The Sun reports.
Screengrabs from the private messaging service published by the newspaper appear to show online sensation Jack hounding the teen - whose age may not have been known to the YouTuber at the time.
A representative for Jack Maynard has been contacted for clarification.
Jack, who has since deleted his Facebook account, is accused of writing to the girl: 'Your boobs are so nice! would look good in a bra shot! ever taken one?'
Online following: Following his surprise removal from I'm A Celebrity, YouTube sensation Jack Maynard has been accused of asking a 14-year-old fan for pictures in her bra in a resurfaced messaging exchange from when he was 17 years old
She responds: 'Secrets are kept secrets...' but he persists, saying: 'You can tell me babe...'
He tries to convince the user that he works as a 'stylist', but when she refuses twice more, he replies: 'You're a bore'.
She then seemed to insult the vlogger by saying: 'You're like... A guy's brother from YouTube'. Closing the conversation, jilted Jack is seen to reply: 'Who the f*** even are you? You're an ugly freak.'
The first suggestion of 'inappropriate messages' Jack sent to a fan were revealed on Tuesday, just hours after his immediate exit from the ITV show was confirmed.
Pictured: An illustration (above) shows the conversation believed to have been shared between Jack and the Facebook user
Persistent: The Mirror published screengrabs of the messages they claim originally came from Jack (as illustrated above) and show him persistently asking for private pictures
The woman, who wants to remain unidentified and is now aged 20, has spoken out about the messages she exchanged with Jack and claimed the star had been 'harmlessly flirting' with her, but she found his persistence 'rude and annoying'.
The woman, who wants to remain unidentified and is now aged 20, has spoken out about the messages she exchanged with Jack and claimed the star had been 'harmlessly flirting' with her, but she found his persistence 'rude and annoying'.
She told the publication: 'I saw it as relatively harmless flirting given the small age gap. He was very immature then, very rude.
'I don't think he was aware I was younger than him. He was just a bit of a d**khead back then... The thing that most upset me about the messages was when he turned on me - I didn't see any need for that at all. I'm glad I didn't send anything.'
Shame: Jack (centre) previously apologised for repeatedly using the n-word and homophobic slurs in historic tweets (pictured above on I'm A Celebrity)
News of their romance broke shortly after his abrupt exit from the jungle, amid reports he had sent inappropriate messages to a female fan.
But according to reports Jack Maynard's romance with Danielle Seller is already over, amid claims the blogger 'didn't see his as girlfriend material'.
The brief I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Outta Here contestant, 23, and the former Love Island star, were said to be quietly dating over the last seven months, although this was not something Jack made common knowledge.
A source told The Sun: 'Jack and Danielle are no longer together, he said he didn't see her as girlfriend material and never introduced her to his parents.
Three's a crowd: The duo are believed to have attended many parties together over the summer (pictured together in September)
Explaining that they did not part on bad terms, the source added: 'He only saw her as casual and he was just enjoying his time with her. Danielle wanted more and told everyone, but Jack didn't realise, and when he did he told her that they couldn't continue.
Last week reports surfaced claiming that axed I'm A Celebrity star Jack and one-time Love Island contestant Danielle had been in a secret relationship throughout, with their last sighting together being just weeks before Jack entered the jungle.
The reports came despite Jack giving the impression that he was single on the ITV reality show, from which he was removed last Tuesday for misconduct online.
Sent packing: Jack was removed from this year's I'm A Celebrity (pictured) after three days when it was discovered that he had sent inappropriate and offensive messages online
In pictures obtained by MailOnline, Jack and Danielle were seen on a cosy night out London's Radio Rooftop bar in September.
'Jack and Danielle have spent a lot of time together over the past seven months,' a source disclosed.
'They'd quietly attended industry events together and made no secret among pals of how close they were.
'Jack has been making it sound like he's single since he's been on the show but he's been saying different things around Danielle.'
A representative for Jack Maynard and Danielle Sellers was been contacted by MailOnline for comment.
Gone too soon: Similarly, beauty Danielle was booted off Love Island this summer after a mere few days
Smash hit: Here with Love Island contestants Chyna, Jonny Mitchell and Dom Lever, Danielle said she was 'so gutted' to have been 'dumped' from the show too soon
Racy: Aside from her raunchy modelling work, Danielle is best known for her fleeting reality TV appearance
Jack is believed to have met model Danielle through his older brother Conor.
Aside from her raunchy modelling work, Danielle enjoyed her 'five minutes' on this summer's smash hit reality show Love Island.
She was similarly 'dumped' from the show in the early stages, saying she 'so gutted to be home so soon'.
Despite claims of a relationship with Jack, Danielle went into the dating show as a single lady.
She briefly dated contestant Nathan Joseph and it was believed that they would continue to see each other after their time on the show.
Close bond: Jack is the younger brother of pop sensation Conor Maynard - who also began his career online
She rose to fame as the scrappy scavenger-turned-Resistance hero Rey in the Star Wars reboot The Force Awakens.
But Daisy Ridley appeared polished-as-can-be as she arrived for an appearance on Good Morning America in New York in an ultra chic pantsuit on Tuesday.
The actress, 25, turned heads in plunging plaid double-breasted blazer worn without an undershirt as she strutted into at the show's Times Square studios.
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Suits you! Star Wars' Daisy Ridley appeared polished-as-can-be as she arrived for an appearance on Good Morning America in New York in an ultra chic pantsuit on Tuesday
The powder blue number, designed by Gabriela Hears, cinched at the center to exaggerate Daisy's slim waist while matching trousers were cut in a flare style.
The beautiful brunette teamed her look with royal blue silk shoes with pointed toes.
Daisy styled her warm brown bob in textured waves, while accentuating her English rose beauty with a bright pink pout.
Before heading inside, the sci-fi ingenue chatted with fans and signed autographs.
Rad in plaid! The actress, 25, turned heads in plunging plaid double-breasted blazer worn without an undershirt as she strutted into at the show's Times Square studios
Dressed to impress: The powder blue number, design by Gabriela Hears, cinched at the center to exaggerate Daisy's slim waist while matching trousers were cut in a flare style
Promotional trail: The star was later seen at The Tonight Show for another interview
The London-born starlet was animated as she rubbed elbows with the frantic crowd, patiently visiting as many people as possible before being whisked away.
The starlet sat down to talk about Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which hits theaters Friday December 15.
During her chat, Daisy revealed that she's much more confident in her light-saber skills since shooting her first film, The Force Awakens, in 2015.
'I never really trained before the first one and the second one I was training for like [a] year. So I had more stamina and I felt really strong,' the actress said.
Feeling the force! Daisy donned a set of headphones to play a lip reading game
Having a ball: The actress goofed around with jokester Jimmy Fallon
English rose: Daisy styled her warm brown bob in textured waves, while accentuating her English rose beauty with a bright pink pout
Meet and greet: Before heading inside, the sci-fi ingenue chatted with fans and signed autographs outside the studios
Daisy also explained that the film reveals much more about her mysterious character Rey.
She explained: 'Rey is trying to find out about herself and about the universe and those questions don't entirely fall to the good nor do they fall entirely to the bad.'
'She's trying to do her own personal growth,' Ridley said.
In high demand! The London-born star was animated as she rubbed elbows with the frantic crowd, patiently visiting as many people as possible before being whisked away
Back in action! In addition to Daisy's character, The Last Jedi sees the return of Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron and Adam Driver as Kylo Ren
Star Wars: The Last Jedi will see the return of Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron and Adam Driver as Kylo Ren while Laura Dern joins the cast as Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo.
Series veterans Mark Hamil reprises his role as Jedi Luke Skywalker and the film also includes scenes of Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia which were shot before her death late 2016.
The franchise's eighth episode hits theaters December 15 in the US, with advance screenings in select locations.
She's expecting her third child in a mere matter of weeks.
But Jessica Alba proved she isn't slowing down her hectic schedule as she headed to a business meeting in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning.
The pregnant actress, 36, covered up her baby bump in a loose black dress, teamed with a black and red plaid flowing shirt.
Baby on board: Jessica Alba proved she isn't slowing down her hectic schedule as she headed to a business meeting in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning
The Sin City star teamed her punky ensemble with a pair of rock chick-style black leather Doc Marten boots for her busy day at work.
Jessica kept the winter chill at bay with black opaque tights, and slung a large leather satchel bag over one shoulder.
The mother-of-two wore her caramel locks loose and opted for minimal make-up to showcase her naturally beautiful features.
In addition to a small coffee cup carried in one hand, the Honest Company entrepreneur perfectly positioned a plastic mug in one arm which had 'Very Busy' plastered across the front.
Bump about town: The pregnant actress, 36, covered up her baby bump in a loose black dress, teamed with a black and red plaid flowing shirt
Working mom: The Sin City star teamed her punky ensemble with a pair of rock chick-style black leather Doc Marten boots for her busy day at work
Busy bee: Jessica kept the winter chill at bay with black opaque tights, and slung a large leather satchel bag over one shoulder
The co-founder of consumer goods business The Honest Company took to social media on Sunday to show husband Cash Warren, 38, decorating their Christmas tree.
The producer - who is the son of actor Michael Warren - was seen tinkering with the already decorated tree in his wife's Instagram story.
Jessica captioned the post: 'Kids will def cry if they see him rearranging their work'.
In another image, the starlet wrote: 'This guy w his damn 'fashion' story- I can't.'
'Tis the season: Jessica took to social media on Sunday to show husband Cash Warren, 38, decorating their Christmas tree
Traditions! he producer - who is the son of actor Michael Warren - was seen tinkering with the already decorated tree in his wife's Instagram story
Jessica and Cash enlisted the help of their two daughters, Honor, nine, and Haven, six, to reveal they were expecting their first son last month.
With a shower of blue streamers and balloons raining down on them in an adorable Instagram video, Jessica announced: '@cash_warren and I couldnt be more thrilled to announce #officiallyoutnumbered #babyboy#cantwaittospoilhim #hugsandkissesforlife#soontobemamaofthree.'
The couple met in 2004 on the set of Fantastic Four, and married four years later in Los Angeles in May 2008 - before welcoming Honor one month later.
Amanda Seyfried was looking fresh faced during her arrival into Los Angeles.
The 31-year-old was with her mom Ann and daughter, whose name has never been officially released.
The Mean Girls vet, who married Life In Pieces star Thomas Sadoski in March, has been extremely busy as of late with the shooting of Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again in full swing since August.
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Happy to be home! Amanda Seyfried was spotted at LAX on Monday looking fresh-faced and make-up free
Hands-free: Seyfried was helped throughout the flight by her mother Ann, who was spotted pushing the baby stroller though arrivals
As a new mom, it must have been of great comfort to have her mother on the flight to assist with the eight-month-old.
Especially if it was a long-haul flight from Croatia, where Mamma Mia has been shooting for months.
Ann gladly helped push her granddaughter as the trio headed through arrivals.
The Twin Peaks beauty kept her look casual for the flight wearing a baggy black jacket, T-shirt and black jeans which she paired with black boots.
Easy style: The Twin Peaks beauty kept her look casual for the flight wearing a baggy black jacket, t-shirt and black jeans which she paired with black boots
She later threw on a bright green backpack that gave her monochromatic look a nice pop of color.
Both the Pennsylvania native and her husband agreed to keep their daughter's name private, with only family and friends let in on the secret.
'Im a parent now and I appreciate things in a way I never have,' Amanda said during an interview on Dr Berlin's Informed pregnancy podcast in July.
'I wouldnt want you to ask me what her name is, because I wouldnt tell you. Its about us as a family.
'Our friends [know] and you know what that caused? A lot of embroidery. A lot of embroidered towels.'
A long flight won't mess with her golden locks! The 31-year-old beauty kept her hair free during flight
She has baggage: Amanda's bright green backpack provides her monochromatic ensemble a pop of color
Amanda is set to celebrate her 32nd birthday on December 3, though there's no word as to whether she will do so in Los Angeles or somewhere more rural like her farm in upstate New York.
The low-key couple enjoys spending time away from the big city, so there's no telling what they could have planned for her special day.
Oh baby: Amanda seen with husband Thomas Sadoski while pregnant in March
Fans are thrilled she is doing Mamma Mia 2.
The highly anticipated sequel to the 2008 musical will welcome back many of the talented cast from the original film as well as add on many new faces.
Downton Abbey's Lily James was among the cast spotted shooting scenes on the island of Vis alongside co-star Jeremy Irvine in October.
Many others, including Seyfried's ex-boyfriend Dominic Cooper, Christine Baranski, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgard, have been spotted shooting in candid photographs in exotic locations since filming starting in August.
The film will step back in time giving us a look at younger versions of many fan favorite characters including Meryl Streep's Donna (played by James), Pierce Brosnan's Sam (played by Irvine), Colin Firth's Harry (played by Hugh Skinner) and Julie Walters' Rosie (played by Alexa Davies).
Turn on TV: The new mom got close to co-star Caleb Landry Jones on the set of Twin Peaks
She made 'fierce' a household phrase while hosting her hit America's Next Top Model.
And Tyra Banks looked sexy and strong as she transformed into a smoldering tiger for a sizzling new shoot with PAPER magazine's Break The Internet Issue, released on Tuesday.
The statuesque beauty, 43, looked almost unrecognizable as she slipped into an ultra-sheer leotard, while painting her face and body with wildcat stripes.
Positively purr-fect! yra Banks looked sexy and strong as she transformed into a tiger for a sizzling new shoot with PAPER magazine's Break The Internet Issue, released on Tuesday
The model turned TV presenter went all out for the look, even adding a prosthetic nose to make her look as feline as possible in the shots snapped by photographer Vijat Mohindra.
Ty-gra, as she was calling her inner animal, let a long, blonde mane from from her crown while wearing a solid gold collar around her neck.
The America's Got Talent host embraced her natural instincts a going bare save for, an ornate gold thong covering her essentials, while a nude bra blended with her striped-adorned figure.
Black patent leather boots climbed up the starlet's long legs to add another level of sex appeal to Tyra's wild look, styled by B. Akerlund.
The cat's miaow! The statuesque beauty, 43, looked almost unrecognizable as she slipped into an ultra-sheer leotard, while painting her face and body with wildcat stripes
The mane event! Ty-gra, as she was calling her inner animal, let a long, blonde mane from from her crown while wearing a solid gold collar around her neck
Sharp as can be gold claws made it clear that Ty-gra was not to be trifled with.
The Life Size actress looked more like herself in another look where she sported a hardware heavy bodysuit that showcased her ample cleavage.
Instead of realistic ears, Tyra donned a shiny cat-ear headband while keeping on the same kitty-collar seen in the other looks.
Her striking green eyes were framed with sharp feline-inspired shadow with a jewel-toned glimmer along her lashes.
Nude ambition: The model turned TV presenter went all out for the look, even adding a prosthetic nose to make her look as feline as possible
Tyra's hair was done by Kim Kimble, while her make-up look came from Valente Frazier and her manicure was perfected by Yoko Sakurakura.
In the accompanying interview, Tyra discussed leaving her role on America's Next Top Model and subsequently returning.
She said: 'I stepped away, but social media was calling my name in my sleep, screaming they were p****d off at me that I deserted [the show].
'I needed to bring my butt back, so I did. One thing I know is from studying business, they say your brand is not what you say it is, it's what they say it is.
'I thought Top Model would be fine without me hosting, but the social media sphere let me know that was not the case.'
The 911 call that Naya Rivera's husband Ryan Dorsey placed on Saturday before she was was arrested and charged with domestic battery in West Virginia has been released.
TMZ shared an audio copy of the call on Tuesday. Ryan sounds frightened of his spouse as he says, 'There's a domestic dispute. I just need a police officer. My wife's out of control. She's getting physical.'
The 34-year-old actor - who wed the TV beauty, 30, over two years ago - was out of breath on the call and came off as frantic before telling police she had been drinking and they were fighting over their son, Josey, when she hit him twice causing his lip to tear.
Also on Tuesday Ryan broke his silence as he tweeted a statement telling fans this was 'not some reality show' and that deserve 'kindness, respect, without judgment.'
Public information: The 911 call that Naya Rivera's husband Ryan Dorsey placed on Saturday before she was was arrested and charged with domestic battery in West Virginia has been released. Seen in January 2016
Her mugshot: TMZ shared an audio copy of the call on Tuesday. Ryan sounds frightened of his spouse as he details how she hit him in the face causing his lip to split
His full statement read: 'This is a difficult time for everyone in the family especially for Naya and I.
'This isnt some reality show, this is our life, and I ask that everyone especially "the media" please respect our privacy and treat us/this situation how you would want a loved one to be treated.
'Perhaps with kindness, respect, without judgement, and as negative a situation like this is, with positivity and love. Thanks.'
His 911 call was alarming.
Sad situation: The actor - who wed the TV beauty, 30, over two years ago - added that she had been drinking and they were fighting over their son, Josey. Seen in May 2016
RYAN'S STATEMENT 'This is a difficult time for everyone in the family especially for Naya and I,' he began his tweet. 'This isnt some reality show, this is our life, and I ask that everyone especially "the media" please respect our privacy and treat us/this situation how you would want a loved one to be treated. 'Perhaps with kindness, respect, without judgement, and as negative a situation like this is, with positivity and love. Thanks.' Advertisement
He sounded like he was out of breath and panicked as he asked for police to come help him.
Dorsey told the Chesapeake dispatcher that there were no weapons in the house and that he was able to get away from her temporarily.
It was added his father was there but Ryan said his dad was not attacked. He does not mention their child Josey, aged two, even though the officer asks if there were children on the scene.
The call ends before the operator can get more information, the site added.
She was arraigned and released on $1,000 bond. Ryan did not require medical attention.
Her mugshot was release over the weekend. The makeup-free star does not look at the camera.
The Kanawha County Sheriff's Office tweeted Sunday that Rivera was arrested overnight for domestic battery.
Trouble: A sheriff's office statement says Dorsey told a deputy that Rivera struck him in the head and face with subsequent minor injuries; seen in December 2015
A sheriff's office statement says Dorsey told a deputy that Rivera struck him in the head and face with subsequent minor injuries, and showed deputies a video that supported his account of the incident.
Agency spokesman Sgt Brian Humphreys said the two were arguing over their child and Dorsey didn't require medical attention. He declined to release further details.
Deputy T Dubiel was dispatched to an address in Chesapeake, WV for a domestic violence complaint around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday evening.
Upon arrival, he spoke with Dorsey who said his wife struck him in the head and face.
The Deputy saw minor injuries consistent with his statement and was then shown a video made during the incident, which also supported Mr Dorseys account of the incident.
Booked: Deputy T Dubiel was dispatched to an address in Chesapeake, WV for a domestic violence complaint around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday evening.
Handcuffed: Naya was arrested and charged with domestic battery, and then taken to Kanawha County Magistrate Court where she was arraigned and a bond was set
Naya was arrested and charged with domestic battery, and then taken to Kanawha County Magistrate Court where she was arraigned and a bond was set.
She was then released from custody.
After being released on a $1,000 bond, local TV reporter Jatara McGee said on Twitter that her father-in-law had been the one to pick her up.
Argument: Agency spokesman Sgt Brian Humphreys said the two were arguing over their child and Dorsey didn't require medical attention. He declined to release further details
Rivera filed for divorce from Dorsey in 2016 after two years of marriage. She then allegedly went on to date comedian David Spade.
But in October she ended legal proceedings with Dorsey.
The couple share a two-year-old son, Josey.
She is known for playing Santana Lopez on Glee. Dorsey is also an actor and has appeared on shows including Pitch and Nashville.
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They are all well-known for their sizzling curves and never fail to display their ample physiques.
So curvaceous queens Demi Rose, Lauren Goodger and Jess Shears were a force to be reckoned with on Tuesday evening as they each dared to bare in super saucy ensembles while leading the stars at the OK! Magazine Beauty Awards 2017 at the Pavilion in the Tower of London - as they joined a sea of sexy red carpet looks.
The 22-year-old rumoured ex-girlfriend of Tyga opted for out-and-out glamour in a Jessica Rabbit-style gown which displayed her eye-popping assets to perfection while the former TOWIE beauty sizzled in a sheer look and Jess opted to leave her bra at home for the affair.
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Hot stuff! Demi Rose (centre), Lauren Goodger and Jess Shears (left-right) were a force to be reckoned with on Tuesday evening as they each dared to bare in super saucy ensembles while leading the stars at the OK! Magazine Beauty Awards 2017
Demi was smouldering in a satin gown with a deeply plunging neckline and a sexy thigh split a she shunned the cardinal legs-or-cleavage rule in favour of pure sex appeal.
She boosted her height with staggering diamante heels while adding a quirky edge to the look with the addition of a sky-high bun which gave her chestnut tresses the perfect frame for her dewy make-up look.
Lauren joined the stunners at the event as she went extremely risque in a saucy sheer gown under which she sported a black body. As a beauty entrepreneur - thanks to her tanning and make-up empire - the former TOWIE star was keen to show off her cosmetic prowess as she ensured her make-up and hair were flawless.
Rubbing shoulders with a host of her former co-stars, Lauren was sure to stand out in the dress under which the thong body displayed the entirety of her peachy posterior at the event which was sponsored by Gancia Leggero Prosecco and Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka.
Oh my! The 22-year-old ex-girlfriend of Tyga opted for out and out glamour in a Jessica Rabbit-style ensemble which displayed her eye-popping assets to perfection while the former TOWIE beauty sizzled in a sheer gown and Jess opted to leave her bra at home for the affair
Eye-popping: Curvaceous queen Demi was smouldering in a satin gown with a deeply plunging neckline and a sexy thigh split a she shunned the cardinal legs-or-cleavage rule in favour of pure sex appeal
Meeting the fans: The stunner obligingly posed with a fan when she left the event - while holding on to his crutches
Eye-popping: Lauren joined the stunners at the event as she went extremely risque in a saucy sheer gown under which she sported a black body. As a beauty entrepreneur - thanks to her tanning and make-up empire - the former TOWIE star was keen to show off her cosmetic prowess as she ensured her make-up and hair were flawless
Sheer delight: The stunning star was looking chic in her gown which made the most of her eye-popping curves
Jess was sure not to be beaten as she opted for a similarly sexy - albeit slightly less saucy - take on the incredibly glamorous ballgown. The brunette beauty could not resist her fiance Dom Lever, who she met on the ITV2 show earlier this year, as they put on a loved-up display on the red carpet.
Flying the flag for the talent shows was Amanda Holden who opted for a Gothic all-black ensemble with a billowing skirt and extremely fine straps which made the most of her toned frame. Turning her back on her usual tried-and-tested styles, she scraped her hair into a severe ponytail with deep black eyeshadow.
Megan McKenna was sizzling in a dramatic Bardot gown with a deeply plunging neckline and a sexy split while she rocked an untied chignon with loose curls tumbling over her shoulders.
Sexy stuff: Rubbing shoulders with a host of her former co-stars, Lauren was sure to stand out in the dress under which the thong body displayed the entirety of her peachy posterior
Posing up a storm: Jess was sure not to be beaten as she opted for a similar - albeit slightly less saucy - take on the incredibly glamorous ballgown. While Danielle's romantic fortunes have been less than fruitful, her one-time co-star is still in the throes of love
Bethrothed: The brunette beauty could not resist her fiance Dom Lever, who she met on the ITV2 show earlier this year, as they put on a loved-up display on the red carpet
A vision... in black: Flying the flag for the talent shows was Amanda Holden who opted for a Gothic all-black ensemble with a billowing skirt and extremely fine straps which made the most of her toned frame
Blonde beauty: Turning her back on her usual tried-and-tested styles, she scraped her hair into a severe ponytail with deep black eyeshadow
Elegant: Megan McKenna was sizzling in a dramatic Bardot gown with a deeply plunging neckline and a sexy split
Chic: Megan also rocked an untied chignon with loose curls tumbling over her shoulders
Silver sensation: Girls Aloud star and Big Brother favourite Sarah Harding hit the red carpet in a risque grey gown which featured a raunchy sheer top and a dazzling skirt to up the glam factor to full
Girls Aloud star and Big Brother favourite Sarah Harding hit the red carpet in a risque grey gown which featured a raunchy sheer top and a dazzling skirt to up the glam factor to full.
Yet more Love Island stars came in the form of last year's stars Olivia Buckland and her fiance Alex Bowen who looked sensational while taking a break from moving into their first home to hit the bash. Their co-star Kady McDermott joined them at the event - as she opted for an over-the-top ball gown.
This year's winner, Amber Davies, left beau Kem Cetinay at home as she dazzled in a super scanty white mini-dress with racy sheer panels to make the most of her petite frame. Her co-star Georgia Harrison borrowed from her look although she went for a full-length version of the chic style.
Golden girl: Yet more Love Island stars came in the form of last year's stars Olivia Buckland and her fiance Alex Bowen who looked sensational while taking a break from moving into their first home to hit the bash
Dolled up: Their co-star Kady McDermott joined them at the event - as she opted for an over-the-top ball gown
Brunette beauty: Reigning Love Island champion Amber Davies ensured her hair and make-up were perfect
Looking as loved-up as ever, was Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville who were putting on a playful display as she sported a scanty sequinned shirt dress and he opted for a slick tuxedo.
Just hours before, it was claimed Peter Andre had been left furious after Rebekah Vardys disparaging comments about his manhood re-emerged following her appearance on Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!
Yet he left his troubles behind as he hit the red carpet with his doctor wife Emily MacDonagh, where the couple looked unfazed by the headlines. The 42-year old Mysterious Girl hitmaker looked dashing in a tuxedo as he joined his stunning spouse, 28, who was cutting a chic figure in a skin-tight gown with a demure midi hemline.
Who's who? Amber (left-right), left beau Kem Cetinay at home as she dazzled in a super scanty white mini-dress with racy sheer panels to make the most of her petite frame. Her co-star Georgia Harrison (centre) borrowed from her look although she went for a full-length version of the chic style
Sparkling sensation: Looking as loved-up as ever, was Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville who were putting on a playful display as she sported a scanty sequinned shirt dress and he opted for a slick tuxedo
The happy couple: Peter Andre left his troubles behind as he hit the red carpet with his doctor wife Emily MacDonagh at Tuesday evening's glitzy OK! Magazine Beauty Awards 2017, where the couple looked unfazed by the headlines
Sharp: The 42-year old Mysterious Girl hitmaker looked dashing in a tuxedo as he joined his stunning spouse, 28, who was cutting a chic figure in a skin-tight gown with a demure midi hemline and staggering heels
A velvet dream: Slipping into her skin-tight midi, the stunning brunette smouldered as the midnight blue shade of the gown made the most of her glowing good looks
Hold me close: As they departed the bash, Emily and Pete got up close and personal
Busty babe: Busty Helen Flanagan looked incredibly sexy in a plunging black jumpsuit paired with an Yves Saint Laurent handbag and a flawlessly styled hair and make-up look
Brave face: Stephanie Pratt stepped out amid her split from Love Island's Jonny Mitchell
Striking: Stephanie looked glam even when departing the event and heading to the after party
Worrying claims: It has emerged that Stephanie 'called the police' on Monday night
Cool characters! Vanessa Feltz was joined by her dashing partner Ben Ofoedu who opted to sport glasses inside
Changing faces Fresh from hinting she has undergone a nose job, Georgia Kousoulou headed out among her fellow reality beauties
Confident: The 25-year-old TOWIE star looked sensational in a busty ensemble comprising of a bra-flashing blazer paired with a scanty mini while she kept her make-up flawless with a red lip and strong brow to round out the chic getup
Kristina Rihanoff was looking sensational in a sizzling crimson ensemble which made the most of every inch of her dancer's physique. Her bold blonde locks were worn in Hollywood-worthy waves.
Busty Helen Flanagan looked incredibly sexy in a plunging black jumpsuit paired with an Yves Saint Laurent handbag and a flawlessly styled hair and make-up look.
TOWIE rivals Danielle Armstrong and Yzmin Oukhellou looked equally sensational yet were undoubtedly keen to avoid one another following their long-standing beef over shared love interest James Lock.
Lady in red: Kristina Rihanoff was looking sensational in a sizzling crimson ensemble which made the most of every inch of her dancer's physique
Blonde bombshell: Her bold blonde locks were worn in Hollywood-worthy waves
Stunning: Courtney Green looked stunning in all-black as she flaunted her svelte frame while adding in a designer Gucci belt
Fresh from hinting she had a nose job, Georgia Kousoulou headed out on Tuesday among her fellow reality beauties. The 25-year-old TOWIE star looked sensational in a busty ensemble comprising of a bra-flashing blazer paired with a scanty mini.
Flying the flag for the TOWIE boys both past and present was Joey Essex and James 'Diags' Bennewith who put on a playful display as they hit the red carpet and later the after party together.
Just hours before the event, it was claimed Danielle Sellers had split from disgraced YouTuber and I'm A Celebrity star Jack Maynard. Yet the fleeting Love Island star put her love woes behind her as she joined the star-studded attendees during which she let her body rather than love life do the talking.
The stunner opted to go lingerie free beneath a sizzling gown with a deeply slashed side and perilously high-cut top as she left little to the imagination in the sizzling gown under which she went lingerie-free.
Glam girls: Courtney was joined by her best pals and co-stars Chloe Meadows and Chloe Lewis
Hot stuff: TOWIE rivals Danielle Armstrong and Yzmin Oukhellou looked equally sensational yet were undoubtedly keen to avoid one another following their long-standing beef over shared love interest James Lock
Sexy stuff: Just hours before the event, it was claimed Danielle Sellers had split from disgraced YouTuber and I'm A Celebrity star Jack Maynard. Yet the fleeting Love Island star put her love woes behind her as she joined the star-studded attendees during which she let her body rather than love life do the talking
Lost love: Just hours before the event, it was claimed she has split from disgraced YouTuber and I'm A Celebrity star Jack Maynard (pictured together in September)
Looking good: Elliott Wright and his new wife Sadie looked smitten as they posed on the red carpet
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They're back stateside after parading their pins on the catwalk during the famous Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Shanghai, China.
Romee Strijd, Adriana Lima, Josephine Skriver and Jasmine Tookes showed off their killer curves during a press day for the famed lingerie house in New York on Monday afternoon.
The stunning Angels dressed to impress in a series of flirty fashions and shared their favorite looks from the runway for the VS x BALMAIN event at Saks Fifth Avenue ahead of the premier of the show airing tonight at 10 p.m. on CBS.
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Gorgeous: Romee Strijd dressed to impress and shared favorite looks from the runway for the VS x BALMAIN event at Saks Fifth Avenue on Monday
Legs for days: Romee looked gorgeous in a red and black plaid bralette with a thick black elastic band which showed off her toned tummy.
Romee looked gorgeous in a red and black plaid bralette with a thick black elastic band which showed off her toned tummy.
Her sexy ensemble included a tiny black leather skirt which showed off her endlessly long legs.
She added a black blazer to cover her shoulders and pointy black heels with straps around her ankles.
Lovely: Romee Strijd, Adriana Lima, Josephine Skriver and Jasmine Tookes showed off their killer curves during a press day for the famed lingerie house in New York on Monday afternoon
Hanging out! The exclusive VS x BALMAIN capsule collection features looks from the runway and will be carried in select Victorias Secret stores and on VictoriasSecret.com, beginning November 29
Lovely ladies: The Angels made sure to play around the showroom inspired by their favorite looks from the show
Her long blonde hair was worn in loose waves and cascaded past her shoulders with just a hint of makeup on her face.
Adriana Lima's chiseled stomach was on display as she donned a black bra with mesh paneling covering her chest.
She added a pair of tight shiny black pants to her long and lean legs in addition to black leather pointy-toed booties.
Lima covered her shoulders with a fabulous silver coat embellished with studs, metallic feathers and rhinestones.
Ripped! Adriana Lima's chiseled stomach was on display as she donned a black bra with mesh paneling covering her chest
Wow! Lima covered her shoulders with a fabulous silver coat embellished with studs, metallic feathers and rhinestones
Skin was definitely in as Josephine Skriver wore a small black bustier encrusted with silver rhinestones over her ample assets.
She showed off her slender waistline in a pair of black denim pants as her golden locks slid down her shoulders.
Skriver tried to keep her look a bit more subdued as she wrapped a long black coat around her arms.
Bling: Skin was definitely in as Josephine Skriver wore a small black bustier encrusted with silver rhinestones over her ample assets
Dark angel: She showed off her slender waistline in a pair of black denim pants as her golden locks slid down her shoulders
Jasmine Tookes pulled out all the stops in a skin-tight leather pencil skirt with a golden chain belt wrapped around her tiny waist.
She showed off her muscular arms in a sleeveless white shirt with black graphics spray painted across the front.
The Angels made sure to play around the showroom inspired by their favorite looks from the show.
The exclusive VS x BALMAIN capsule collection features looks from the runway and will be carried in select Victorias Secret stores and on VictoriasSecret.com, beginning November 29.
The world was sent into overdrive when Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle announced their engagement this week.
A little closer to home, Australian star Rebel Wilson had her eyes set on a star who shared the prince's namesake.
Taking to her Instagram on Tuesday, the actress shared a photo of herself with Harry Styles in Sydney, joking that the pair could be about to tie the knot.
'One Harry got engaged today and now maybe two??' On Tuesday, Rebel Wilson (left) took to Instagram to joke she and pop star Harry Styles (right) were heading down the aisle
The photo, taken on-stage at the 2017 ARIAs, showed Rebel about to be embraced by the One Direction heartthrob.
'One Harry got engaged today and now maybe two??' The Pitch Perfect star captioned the photo.
The tongue-in-cheek comment appeared to draw laughs from her followers, with some congratulating the 'couple' in jest.
Wedding bells? Rebel made the joke that she was marrying Harry Styles (pictured) after Prince Harry's engagement to Meghan Markle was announced
At the awards ceremony, Rebel was joined by her Pitch Perfect co-stars Ruby Rose, Brittany Snow and Anna Camp to present Harry with the Best International Act accolade.
In her trademark hilarious style, Rebel joked that she thought it was her who had nabbed the coveted gong.
'I'm so excited to be here to accept the award for Best International Act,' she began in a short speech.
'I've never won an award in Australia before,' she continued, before she was told she hadn't actually scored anything.
'I've never won an award in Australia before': Rebel, who was joined by her Pitch Perfect co-stars Anna Camp, Ruby Rose and Brittany Snow (pictured from left), joked that she was the one winning the award
'What do you mean we flew from Los Angeles. I ate plane food for this!' Rebel joked to a chorus of laughter from the audience.
She later presented Harry with the statuette.
'Hello, thank you ... everyone here has always been so wonderful to me,' Harry told the crowd.
'Thank you for having me here and having me back. I obviously wouldn't be here [if it wasn't] for the fans who voted.'
She's been enjoying a new lease of life after striking up a romance with her ex-boyfriend Jamie Laing's arch rival Harry Baron on the latest series of Made In Chelsea.
And Frankie Gaff certainly seemed in high spirits at the launch of Madison Makeup in Dublin on Monday.
The 23-year-old showed off her toned pins in a metallic silver mini-dress as she posed outside the City Hall.
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Leggy: Made In Chelsea's Frankie Gaff certainly seemed to be in high spirits at the launch of Madison Makeup in Dublin on Monday
The reality starlet made quite the entrance in the stunning ensemble, which featured billowing sleeves and a plunging neckline.
Frankie accentuated her long limbs with pale pink platforms and opted for minimal jewellery with just a pair of hoop earrings, showcasing the statement of the metallic dress.
She styled her long blonde tresses into tousled waves and showed off her glowing complexion with a soft brown smoky eye and raspberry pink lip.
Stunner: The 23-year-old showed off her lean legs in a metallic silver mini-dress as she posed outside the venue
In the party season: The reality starlet made quite the entrance in the stunning dress, which featured billowing sleeves and a plunging neckline
Whistle-stop tour: The blonde beauty wasn't in the Irish capital for long, attending the make-up launch before catching a flight to London just four hours later
The blonde beauty was in the Irish capital for a whistle-stop tour, attending the make-up launch before catching a flight to London just four hours later.
Frankie has been enjoying single life, much to the disappointment of her ex-boyfriend Jamie.
The 23-year-old was whisked off on a romantic date with Jamie's arch-rival Harry while holidaying in Tuscany before embarking on a double date with the star on Made In Chelsea.
The demise of Jamie and Frankie's relationship came to a bitter end earlier this year, after endless arguments between the pair began over her flirty behaviour towards club promoter Harry in the summer.
The blonde beauty at the time insisted there was nothing going on between them.
Mingling: Frankie posed with Madison Make-up founder Paul Mooney at the bash
Relationship woes: The demise of Jamie and Frankie's relationship came to a bitter end earlier this year
However, it was revealed earlier this year that Frankie had slept with someone else, while Jamie had been 'inappropriate' with another girl, putting a heavy strain on their relationship.
In April, Frankie discussed the problems the couple were experiencing in an interview with Heat magazine.
'Things with Jamie aren't great,' she explained. 'Everything is up and down with us at the moment. But we're together for now.'
Moving on: Frankie has been enjoying single life, much to the displeasure of her ex-boyfriend Jamie Laing
Glam: She styled her long blonde tresses into tousled waves and showed off her glowing complexion with a soft brown smoky eye and raspberry pink lip
Happier times: Despite breaking it off with Frankie, the McVitie's heir told the reality starlet he 'still loved her' in the latest series of the hit E4 show
She's one of the hottest names in Hollywood, set to star in the highly anticipated biopic I, Tonya.
But being an A list star means Margot Robbie spends more and more time away from her home town of Australia, a 'bittersweet' reality she has been forced to accept.
'I miss everyone so much,' the 27-year-old told Variety's Actors on Actors issue.
'I miss everyone so much': Margot Robbie reflects on 'bittersweet' reality of living away from family and friends in Australia as she graces cover of Variety magazine
Margot appears alongside Jake Gyllenhaal on a special front cover of Variety magazine.
In an accompanying interview, Margot opened up about how her acting career has impacted her personal life.
'Its bittersweet living outside of Australia, because I miss everyone so much, but the fact that they are so removed from it helps me keep my life and my work separate even though they are intrinsically linked, because all I want to do is work all the time,' she told Variety.
'Its bittersweet living outside of Australia': Margot opened up about how her acting career has impacted her personal life
'But becoming famous at [Tonyas] age without a support network around her, and without a clear distinction, I think would have been incredibly difficult.'
Playing Tonya Harding on the big screen, Margot purposefully avoided meeting infamous American ice skater in real life.
'I actually wanted to keep a bit of distance. I knew that if I met her and liked her, I would never play this character properly. I would be sugarcoating her flaws; Id be trying to justify the bad things that she may do or say in a situation,' Margot said.
'I knew that if I met her and liked her, I would never play this character properly': Tonya Harding on the big screen, Margot purposefully avoided meeting infamous American ice skater in real life
Tied the knot: Margot returned to Australia last December to marry her longtime English partner Tom Ackerley
Born and raised on the Gold Coast, Margot returned to Australia last December to marry her longtime English partner Tom Ackerley.
Speaking to The Project in 2016, the blonde beauty said she planned to return Down Under to raise her children.
'Yes, yes, the kids will be in Australia,' Margot said.
Revealing Tom shares her feelings about starting a family Down Under, she added: 'He loves Australia. He's like, "I don't know why anyone leaves Australia!"'
Show fans were surprised when Farrah Abraham revealed she had been fired from Teen Mom OG last month.
And it appears the reality persona, 26, was just as shocked as anyone, as a new teaser for the series, released on Tuesday, captured her explosive reaction to being let go.
The mother-of-one fumes at one of the show's producers, telling the behind-the-scenes pro: 'Shoot me for being who I am!' after being given the choice between staying on the show or continuing to make adult films.
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Emotional: A new teaser for Teen Mom OG captures Farrah Abraham's explosive reaction to being fired from the MTV reality show
Teen Mom OG's executive producer explained that they would have to cut ties with Farrah if she continued down her X-rated career path.
'If you choose to work in the adult industry, we cant continue to film,' Morgan J Freeman told the scarlet-tressed TV personality.
Farrah seethed at MTV's ultimatum, telling the producer: 'Who are you to tell someone to choose one thing?'
Things got even more heated as the starlet curses and yells: 'Shoot me for being who I am!'
Gotta choose: The reality star, 26, was let go from the show after being given the choice between filming or continuing to work in the adult industry
On or the other: Teen Mom OG's executive producer explained 'If you choose to work in the adult industry, we cant continue to film'
Don't tell me what to do! Farrah seethed at MTV's ultimatum, telling Teen Mom OG's executive producer 'Who are you to tell someone to choose one thing?'
Farrah's firing came after she made two appearances on the adult webcam site Camsoda.
The star is the mother of Sophia, aged eight, whose father died in a car accident in 2008.
She first made her mark in the reality world during the first season of 16 And Pregnant, all the way back in 2009.
News of her firing went public after the Nebraska native opened up about incident on Facebook at the end of October but later claimed that she was only 'fake fired' for the sake of the show drama.
Not gonna change: The scene got got even more heated as the starlet cursed and yelled 'Shoot me for being who I am!'
Doting mom: The star first made her mark in the reality world during the first season of 16 And Pregnant in 2009 and is now a single mother to daughter Sophia, eight (pictured in August)
Back on Halloween, the TV star wrote a lengthy Facebook post where she said it's a shame MTV lost its 'biggest talent' because of her ties to the adult film industry.
It was days after the star had released a pornographic Halloween-themed web cam show.
During her October announcement, Farrah explained MTV 'let me go because as a Business Mogul I act like an adult and part take in adult promotions and activities that other adults do for FREE or in private!'
The starlet then sang her own praises, dissing co-stars Maci Bookout and Amber Portwood while calling herself the show's 'biggest talent.'
A lot of words: The mother-of-one went on for several paragraphs, clearly upset, when she revealed she had been fired from the show in October
'Sad such a phenomenal show will no longer have its biggest talent on the show because of women hating, sex shaming, hate crimes, selfish, Weinstein company power trip behavior against a professional hard working, honest mother,' she said.
The trailer also show Farrah exchanging tense words with her mom.
'I wish that you would not date somebody that is so narrow-minded and horrible,' the cosmetically enhanced celeb told mom Debra Danielsen, continuing: 'So when we're not at your wedding, you know why.'
Teen Mom OG returns next Monday, December 4 at 9pm on MTV.
She went public with her romance to American model and actor Chris Zylka in February.
And on Wednesday's the Today show, Paris Hilton revealed that the couple are almost inseparable.
'We're together every second,' the 36-year-old said on-air.
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'We're together every second': Paris Hilton, 36, revealed on Wednesday's the Today show that she never spends more than 'three hours apart' from boyfriend Chris Zylka, 32
Gushing over her partner, Paris told presenters Deborah Knight and Sylvia Jeffreys: 'We've actually have not spent more than three hours apart.
'We're together every second. He's so supportive and amazing.'
'I feel like God sent me an angel,' the entrepreneur and former reality star added of Chris.
Smitten: Gushing over her partner, the entrepreneur told presenters Deborah Knight and Sylvia Jeffreys: 'We've actually have not spent more than three hours apart. We're together every second'
Paris added of Chris: 'He's so supportive and amazing. I feel like God sent me an angel'
The comments come shortly after Chris got Paris' name inked on his arm in Disney font.
Proudly taking to Instagram on Sunday, the blonde beauty couldn't contain her excitement over her fairy tale romance, declaring the inking a 'dedication' to her and showing that 'true love really does exist.'
The close-up snap showcased the tattoo, which read 'Paris' and was inscribed in the iconic typography on the inside of his arm.
'Now this is what I call real love & dedication! I love you so much baby! Thank you for showing me that true love really does exist!' the DJ captioned the photo, alongside the hash-tags #Goals, #BrandedbyPH and #Mine.
Tatt's nice: The comments come shortly after Chris got Paris' name inked on his arm in Disney font. The close-up snap showcased the tattoo, which read 'Paris' and was inscribed in the iconic typography on the inside of his arm
Forever: Paris, who went public with her romance in February revealed in April that she knew Chris was 'The One'. She told E! News at the time: 'I've never been surer of anything in my life. He's so incredible in every way'
Paris, who went public with her romance in February revealed in April that she knew Chris was 'The One'.
She told E! News at the time: 'I've never been surer of anything in my life. He's so incredible in every way.
'We've actually been friends for a really long time, like the past six years. We just now started being serious in the past few months and it's really just changed my life in so many ways and brought so much happiness to my life.'
Paris is currently in Australia to launch her 23rd fragrance, Rose Rush.
She reportedly split from her new beau Harry Eden earlier this week, after a fleeting romance.
But Megan McKenna put her heartbreak aside as she smouldered in a deep crimson gown at the Ok! Magazine Beauty Awards on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old sizzled in the off-the-shoulder dress, which featured a daring thigh-split as she posed on the red carpet ahead of fellow TOWIE babes.
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Glam: Megan McKenna put her heartbreak aside as she smoldered in a deep crimson gown at the Ok! Magazine Beauty Awards on Tuesday
In keeping with her glamorous style, the reality starlet opted to forego the legs-or-cleavage rule, in favour of highlighting both in the stunning satin gown.
The High Heeled shoes hitmaker paired the ensemble with her favourite nude Louboutin heels and completed the look with a simple gold watch.
Megan, who has a hair extension line and beauty range, showed off her cosmetic prowess with a plum smoky eye and pink glossy lip.
Flaunting her figure: In keeping with her glamorous style, the reality starlet opted to forego the legs or cleavage rule, in favour of highlighting both in the stunning satin gown
Stunner: Danielle Armstrong joined Megan McKenna on the red carpet and wowed in a red velvet mini-dress
She swept her balayage tresses to the side in a loosely tousled bun, allowing the statement of the dress to shine through.
Megan's appearance at the star-studded bash comes after she 'cooled off her relationship' with 27-year-old Harry Eden.
The couple first sparked rumours of a split when they unfollowed each other on social media earlier this week, with Megan's rep later telling The Sun newspaper: 'Megan is single.'
The reality star will no doubt be supported by a host of TOWIE stars who turned out to the star-studded bash.
Split? Megan and her on/off flame Harry Eden are said to have called time on their relationship this week
Gorgeous: Megan's frock skimmed over her slender frame, nipping in at the waist
Playful! Megan made sure to ham it up for the cameras on her arrival to the bash
Megan was joined by former TOWIE star Danielle Armstrong, who put on a leggy display in a red velvet mini-dress.
The ensemble featured a risque thigh-spit and cinched in the 29-year-old's slim waist with a thick belt.
She accessorized the look with pointed pumps and a black shoulder bag and wore her blonde locks in her signature straight style.
Stunning: She sported a glamorous make-up look with her tresses pulled into a voluminous side style
Striking: The ensemble was intricately detailed with a floral applique design which showed off her hourglass figure to perfection
Strike a pose: James Lock's girlfriend Yazmin Oukhellou was also spotted at the event and cut a fashionable figure in a navy lace dress
Meanwhile, Amber Turner from the hit ITVBe show also turned out for the occasion in a striking red gown.
The reality starlet, who has had an on-off relationship with TOWIE's Dan Edgar, flaunted her killer curves in the fishtail dress.
The ensemble was intricately detailed with a floral applique design which showed off her hourglass figure to perfection.
She opted for dramatic make-up with fluttery eyelashes and a glossy pink lip for the beauty event and sported Hollywood glam with her voluminous hairstyle.
Star-studded: Both Yazmin and Danielle have been seen in each others presence in recent weeks, having both been spotted at Faces Nightclub in Essex
High spirits: Amber and Yazmin were seen tending to their locks as they arrived at the bash
Glam duo! The girls clutched onto each other's hands as they strutted along in their heels
Beaming: Both Yazmin and her co-star Amber Dowding (L) flashed huge smiles as they later left the awards party
James Lock's girlfriend Yazmin Oukhellou was also spotted at the event and cut a fashionable figure in a navy lace dress.
The brunette beauty showed off her ample assets in the figure-hugging gown.
Both Yazmin and Danielle have been seen in each others presence in recent weeks, having both been spotted at Faces Nightclub in Essex last week.
It appears the duo have smoothed things over after their talk at TOWIE's Halloween bash, after months of rowing over Lockie.
Leggy: Danielle made sure to flaunt her pins as she arrived in her velvet mini dress
Perfectly poised: Megan looked like a dream as she stopped for a snap outside the venue
She was recently dismissed as a 'liar' by fans, after boldly claiming she and Britney Spears invented selfies.
And Paris Hilton, 36, has now backtracked on her controversial comments during an appearance on the Today show on Wednesday.
The self-described 'selfie queen' claimed she was 'just joking' in a recent tweet that claimed she, along with pop star Britney, invented selfies '11 years ago.'
Just joking: Paris Hilton, 36, has now backtracked on recent comments about inventing the selfie, during an appearance on the Today show on Wednesday
'I didn't mean I invented it,' she said.
'When I say things, I'm very tongue in cheek. I love to joke around and have fun with it. But that's one of the first selfies I took, yeah.
She said of a throwback photo she shared with Britney: 'We were in Las Vegas and at the Palms Hotel at the Playboy Club and we had bunny ears on and we thought, 'Let's take a selfie.''
Throwback: Paris sparked an uproar this month after tweeting:'11 years ago today, Me & Britney invented the selfie!'
Earlier this month, the reality TV star-turned-entrepreneur sparked an uproar after tweeting:'11 years ago today, Me & Britney invented the selfie!'
Fans flocked to social media to refute her claims by sharing a series of hilarious memes.
One Twitter user shared a dated black and white image of a man taking a mirror selfie and it was captioned: '1910 one of the first mirror selfies.'
Hilarious: One Twitter user shared a dated black and white image of a man taking a mirror selfie and it was captioned: '1910 one of the first mirror selfies'
Sabrina's selfie: Another tweet showed Sabrina the Teenage Witch star, Melissa Joan Hart, taking a selfie back in the nineties: 'Sabrina the teenage witch joins the craze in 96'
'Liar': One fan called the celebrity DJ a 'liar' while sharing an old photo of Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon taking a selfie in the 1991 film Thema & Louise
Another tweet showed Sabrina the Teenage Witch star, Melissa Joan Hart, taking a selfie back in the nineties: 'Sabrina the teenage witch joins the craze in 96.'
One fan called the celebrity DJ a 'liar' while sharing an old photo of Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon taking a selfie in the 1991 film Thema & Louise.
Since her rise into reality TV stardom in 1997, the former Simple Life star has built a beauty empire, said to be worth nearly $2billion.
Her celebrity fragrance is said to be the second largest in the world behind the late Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor.
Jodie Sweetin is fighting her ex-husband's request for more child support in on-going legal battle since their 2013 split.
The 35-year-old actress is taking on her third husband Morty Coyle in court once again according to documents obtained by People magazine on Tuesday.
The weekly reports that the Fuller House actress filed an income and expense declaration earlier this month at the Superior Court of Los Angeles.
Tough times: Jodie Sweetin is taking on her ex-husband Morty Coyle in court once again due to his request for more child support according to documents obtained by People magazine on Tuesday, as they are pictured together in April 2011
Sweetin and Coyle share a seven-year-old daughter named Beatrix as the father had petitioned a judge to force Sweetin to pay more for childcare.
According to People, the documents detailed her finances which showed that she earned a little more than $40K a month.
Coyle had claimed that she makes $700K a year, however, according to the filing Sweetin's adjusted gross income in 2016 was just over $437K.
According to the records, Sweetin averages a monthly income of $43,614 including $12K in wages and $31,614 in income from self-employment.
Making it clear: According to People, the documents detailed her finances which showed that the 35-year-old actress earned a little more than $40K a month
The actress had listed her monthly expenses totaling $15, 262 which leaves $28,352 according to People.
The Los Angeles judge has not ruled on Coyle's plea for more child support as the November 16 hearing was postponed until December 15.
In September 2016, the former couple's divorce had been finalized as DailyMail.com had exclusively obtained the court documents.
Signature role: She is best known for starring as Stephanie Tanner in Full House and the recently revived Fuller House (pictured here)
Through the records it was revealed that the exes will be sharing joint custody of daughter Beatrix.
Additionally, Sweetin will have to pay Coyle $10,000 as part of a division of shared property debts.
Sweetin filed for legal separation from Coyle in June 2013 citing 'irreconcilable differences', after only being married for one year. She is starring as Stephanie Tanner in the sequel to the long-running series Full House.
The Full House star also has a nine-year-old daughter named Zoie with ex Cody Herpin.
Dispute: Sweetin and Coyle share a seven-year-old daughter named Beatrix as the father had petitioned a judge to force Sweetin to pay more for childcare, the family is pictured in February 2011
It seems to have been quite a tumultuous time in Jodie's life as she had split from fiance Justin Hodak in March following a massive argument during which Hodak knocked over a seven foot shelving unit in a first of rage.
He was then arrested three times within a nine-day period.
On May 5 a judge handed Hodak a suspended sentence of six years, eight months in prison - a devastating blow.
He was ordered to serve 120 days in L.A. County Jail, complete a 52 week domestic violence course, and stay away from Sweetin for five years as part of a plea deal.
Hodak, 40, was released from prison on May 22 after being charged with illegal possession of a gun and falsifying evidence by threatening a witness.
In the two months following Rebel Wilson's defamation court case victory over Bauer media, her fortunes have already 'turned drastically around.'
But the 37-year-old has insisted the taxing one month experience was one of the worst of her life.
Speaking to Sunrise on Wednesday, the Pitch Perfect star said: '[It] was just horrific, I wouldn't wish it on anybody.'
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'Horrific': Rebel Wilson's fortunes have turned 'drastically' following her court case win against Bauer, but speaking to Sunrise on Wednesday, the actress insisted 'it was just horrific'
Despite having a powerful legal team and the support of her adoring fans, Rebel revealed she still often felt as if it was her versus the world.
'It was really scary,' the actress claimed. 'For me it often felt like it was just me going against an entire company of German billionaires.'
'But all the public support was really amazing.'
Bauer have appealed the case, with their argument to be heard back in Melbourne shortly - luckily, it's not expected to drag on.
'Scary': 'It was really scary,' the actress claimed, 'for me it often felt like it was just me going against an entire company of German billionaires'
'It's really different,' Rebel explained. 'It's just a one day thing where they give a legal rationale.'
'Obviously, the case is concluded and we won comprehensively.'
Rebel insists she's already reaping the benefits from the victory over Bauer, who were found to have damaged her career by falsely claiming she lied about her age.
On the up and up! Rebel insists she's already reaping the benefits from the victory over Bauer, who were found to have damaged her career by falsely claiming she lied about her age
'To suddenly have my fortunes turn drastically around - I've just done two other feature films following the court case.'
Sitting alongside her, fellow Australian and Pitch Perfect 3 star Ruby Rose couldn't hold back her praise, exclaiming: 'not all superheroes wear capes.'
She then complimented her co-star on the glamorous outfits she was often seen in when leaving the courthouse back in September.
'I've just done two other films': 'To suddenly have my fortunes turn drastically around - I've just done two other feature films following the court case,' she revealed
Rebel quipped back: '[It's called] Court couture, that will be my new fashion line coming out,' the studio suddenly bursting into laughter.
'If you're working a court case, I got you covered!'
In September, Rebel proved to an all-female jury in June that the Woman's Day, Australian Women's Weekly, OK! and NW magazine publisher defamed her in eight articles published in May 2015.
A Victorian Supreme Court judge awarded her more than $4.5million, which she previously said she will give to charity.
No objections here! After Pitch Perfect 3 co-star Ruby Rose complimented her on her glamorous outfits during the case, Rebel joked she had a new fashion line on the way
She's staring as the titular character in the highly-anticipated biopic, I, Tonya.
And Margot Robbie took the time to greet her fans as she arrived at The Crosby Hotel in New York City ahead of the movie's premier on Tuesday evening.
The actress, 27, looked leggy as she sported a unique navy blue plaid blazer with matching shorts while signing autographs on her way back to her hotel.
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Leggy lady: Margot Robbie put on a chic display as she arrived at The Crosby Hotel in New York City ahead of the premier of her new movie I, Tonya on Tuesday evening
The Wolf of Wall Street starlet showed off her golden tan in a pair of tailored shorts that hugged her svelte waistline.
A long-sleeved white and red plaid shirt was tucked into her waistband, with cuffs peeking through the sleeves of her smart blazer.
The Australian bombshell's blonde hair was worn in loose waves, and she injected a bolt of color to her look with bright red lipstick.
Margot kept her eyes shielded from the afternoon glow in a pair of dark Jimmy Choo sunglasses and she slipped on delicate black flats.
Plaid's the way to do it: The actress, 27, looked leggy as she sported a unique navy blue plaid blazer with matching shorts while signing autographs on her way back to her hotel
Sign here! A long-sleeved white and red plaid shirt was tucked into her waistband, with cuffs peeking through the sleeves of her smart blazer as she signed autographs
In an interview with the Actors On Actors issue Variety, released on Tuesday, the talented actress discussed the 'bittersweet' reality of living away from her friends and family in Australia.
Speaking to Jake Gyllenhaal, she explained: 'Its bittersweet living outside of Australia, because I miss everyone so much.
'But the fact that they are so removed from it helps me keep my life and my work separate - even though they are intrinsically linked, because all I want to do is work all the time.'
Natural beauty: The Australian bombshell's blonde hair was worn in loose waves, and she injected a bolt of color to her look with bright red lipstick
Girl about town: Margot kept her eyes shielded from the afternoon glow in a pair of dark sunglasses and she slipped on delicate black flats
Latest role: Playing Tonya Harding on the big screen in I, Tonya, Margot revealed she purposefully avoided meeting infamous American ice skater in real life
Playing Tonya Harding on the big screen, Margot purposefully avoided meeting infamous American ice skater in real life.
She said: 'I actually wanted to keep a bit of distance. I knew that if I met her and liked her, I would never play this character properly.
'I would be sugarcoating her flaws; Id be trying to justify the bad things that she may do or say in a situation.'
Born and raised on the Gold Coast, Margot returned to Australia in December 2016 to marry her longtime English partner Tom Ackerley.
She's the stunning Australian model who's made a living out of her good looks.
And on Wednesday, Megan Gale spoke candidly about the physical marks on her body from being pregnant with two-month-old daughter Rosie May Dee.
In a refreshing post shared to Instagram, the 42-year-old said she was 'sad' to lose the black lines (linea nigra) on her stomach.
'I love this little badge of honour': On Wednesday, Megan Gale (pictured) revealed she was sad about losing her pregnancy body marks after giving birth to daughter Rosie May Dee
'I'm a bit sad my linea nigra (Latin for black line) on my tummy is almost gone,' she wrote alongside an image of herself showing off the marks while dressed in a bikini.
'I love this little badge of honour as it's one of my last little physical reminders of my pregnancy with Rosie,' the star explained.
'I LOVE that she's out and with us but I'm missing being pregnant as well'
'It's one of my last little physical reminders of my pregnancy with Rosie': Megan explained she was happy Rosie was now in the world but also missed being pregnant
Megan looked stunning in the snap, which featured the Mad Max: Fury Road actress relaxing poolside while holidaying in Fiji.
The white two-piece accentuated her stunning post-pregnancy body while Megan's round-framed sunglasses and patterned bandana added a casual-chic touch.
Little Rosie isn't the only child belonging to the brunette beauty - she also shares three-year-old son River Alan with her AFL star fiance Shaun Hampson, 29.
Cute: Megan has shared a number of intimate snaps documenting her motherhood journey
Megan has shared a number of images of her adorable bundle of joy to Instagram.
On Tuesday, she posted an intimate image of Rosie taken seconds after she breastfed the baby while en-route to Fiji.
'This little star did pretty well too, fed and slept the entire flight,' Megan captioned the snap.
She's riding high after her recent big win with boyfriend Josh Barker on The Block.
And Elyse Knowles was luminous as she stepped out to attend the Spray Australia VIP luncheon at the Ripponlea Estate on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old, who recently revealed filming the Channel Nine reality show with Josh left them both 'mentally drained', was all smiles at the ladies-only event.
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Glowing: Elyse Knowles was luminous as she stepped out to attend the Spray Australia VIP luncheon at the Ripponlea Estate on Tuesday
The stunning model dazzled in a blush-pink, off-shoulder dress that cinched in her tiny waist.
She wore her straight blonde locks with a middle part and accentuated her natural beauty with a neutral makeup palette.
The petite knockout was joined by her fellow socialites to celebrate Spray Australia's new range of products, which include a Face Tan Mist and Tanning Mousse.
Knockout: The stunning model dazzled in a blush-pink, off-shoulder dress that cinched in her tiny waist
VIP: The petite knockout was joined by her fellow socialites to celebrate Spray Australia's new range of products, which include a Face Tan Mist and Tanning Mousse
Elyse recently told The Daily Telegraph taping The Block wasn't all smooth sailing for her and Josh.
'We do have to try and separate work away from home, which is pretty hard when you're living in your renovation and that was a struggle for us,' she explained.
'If we were stuck in the house for too long, we would get mentally drained. That's what The Block does because you're there 24/7. You can never escape,'she added.
Dazzling: Elyse was joined by co-host Bec Judd, who was aglow in a white mini-dress and was paired with media personality Zoe Foster-Blake for a snap during the daytime event
Booming business: Bec Judd and her fellow WAG Nadia Bartel are co-owners of the burgeoning tanning line, alongside Emily McKay and Ellie Pearson
Elyse was joined by co-host Bec Judd, who was aglow in a white mini-dress and was paired with media personality Zoe Foster-Blake for a snap during the daytime event.
Bec, 34, and her fellow WAG Nadia Bartel are co-owners of the burgeoning tanning line, alongside Emily McKay and Ellie Pearson.
The event theme and design was from Creating Beautiful, while guests dined at a sit-down lunch with cocktails by Mr. Miyagi (frose) and Nectar & Stone.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos saw his fortune swell to over $100 billion thanks to an online holiday shopping spree
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was a $100-billion man on Monday as the online retail colossus raked in cash from the holiday weekend's cyber shopping spree.
Forbes magazine's real-time ranking of the richest people had Bezos on top, with a personal net worth of $100.3 billion.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates saw his net worth climb to a dizzying $89.4 billion but was relegated to being the second most affluent person on the planet.
Bezos owns almost 17 percent of Amazon, which he founded in a Seattle garage in 1994 after quitting a hedge fund job to sell books online.
Amazon shares finished the official trading day up just shy of a percent, and inched up a bit more in after-market trades to top $1,200.
Based on the share price, Seattle-based Amazon had a market value of some $576.3 billion.
Market tracker Adobe Digital Insights data showed that online shopping was at a record-setting pace from Black Friday into Cyber Monday.
More than 1,500 US troops are deployed in Syria, new figures show
The Pentagon pledged Monday to be as transparent as possible about how many troops are deployed overseas, after an agency published figures that diverge significantly from official counts.
According to a quarterly report from the Pentagon's Defense Manpower Data Center, as of September 30 the US military had 15,298 troops in Afghanistan, 8,892 in Iraq and 1,720 in Syria.
The numbers -- especially for Iraq and Syria -- are sharply at odds with what the Pentagon has been saying for months.
Officially, the US military only has 503 troops in Syria and 5,262 in Iraq.
Those figures reflect what the military calls the "force management level" -- a legacy of the era of Barack Obama, who set strict limits on how many troops were on the ground in the Middle East.
The Pentagon found creative ways to stay within those notional limits -- even when troop deployments were clearly ramping up -- by not counting some short-term assignments and excluding certain categories of personnel.
When asked about the discrepancies, Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said: "We are not at a point where we can make an announcement (on troop numbers) that differs from what we have previously stated."
However, he pledged openness going forward on how many troops are deployed, echoing a similar pledge Defense Secretary Jim Mattis made this year.
"We are going to be as transparent as we can possibly be without telegraphing or silhouetting ourselves to the enemy and showcasing our capabilities to the bad guys," Manning said.
Under President Donald Trump, battlefield commanders have been given greater flexibility to flow troops across the region, making it harder to track figures.
In Afghanistan, officials had previously said about 14,000 US troops were deployed in the war-torn nation.
Syria's six-year war has killed more than 340,000 people and left the country in ruin
Talks aimed at ending the war in Syria restarted Tuesday with the government enforcing its will, warning the United Nations it would not tolerate any discussion of President Bashar al-Assad's ouster from power.
Assad's negotiators skipped the opening of the UN-backed talks, delivering another blow to negotiations that have achieved little through seven previous rounds.
Opposition representatives, united in one delegation for the first time, met UN mediator Staffan de Mistura on Tuesday.
After arriving in Geneva late Monday, rebel delegation chief Nasr al-Hariri told reporters that his camp was still insisting on Assad's removal as part of any peace deal, defying calls for moderation.
Damascus had initially refused to confirm it would attend the talks with the opposition maintaining its hardline stance on the president, but the UN announced that government representatives will arrive on Wednesday.
But before agreeing to come, Assad's envoys secured key concessions from de Mistura.
"During intense discussions over the last two days, de Mistura pledged to the government delegation that there would not be any... discussion of the Riyadh statement", an opposition text that references Assad's ouster, a source close to the government told AFP.
Keeping the Assad issue off the table may also suit de Mistura, who has said he wants this round to focus on a new constitution for Syria and UN-supervised elections.
Deaths in Syria since 2011
Hours before the talks officially started, government-ally Russia informed de Mistura that Syrian forces had agreed to a ceasefire in rebel-held Eastern Ghouta, following days of heavy bombardment.
Eastern Ghouta, under siege by government forces since 2013, is one of the last remaining rebel strongholds in Syria and violence there has increased significantly in recent days.
- Same old deadlock? -
De Mistura had voiced hope the coming round would mark the first "real negotiation" on a possible deal to end the six-year war which has claimed more than 340,000 lives and left Syria in ruin.
Eastern Ghouta, under siege by government forces since 2013, is one of the last remaining rebel strongholds in Syria and violence there has increased significantly in recent days
He has also warned the opposition that intransigence on the Assad issue might no longer be tenable.
In September, he said the opposition needed to be "realistic" and accept that "they didn't win the war", a statement supported by facts on the ground.
Backed by Russia's military support, Assad's government has regained control of 55 percent of the country, including major cities including Damascus, Aleppo, Homs and Hama.
The rest is carved up between rebel factions, jihadists and Kurdish forces.
The decision last week by Syrian opposition groups to send a single delegation to Geneva raised hopes of a possible breakthrough.
The new rebel negotiating team includes members of the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee (HNC), which insists on Assad's departure, as well as representatives of groups based in Moscow and Cairo that have a more moderate stance on the president.
Despite Hariri's firm public position on the Assad stalemate, a European diplomat said the situation was fluid.
UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura (L) has overseen several previous rounds of peace talks in Geneva
"We expect (the opposition) will be pragmatic and flexible", the diplomat said, requesting anonymity.
- UN overshadowed -
A flexible opposition will likely help the UN's peace push, which has been overshadowed by negotiations spearheaded by Moscow.
Russia and its fellow ally Iran, along with rebel-backer Turkey, have hosted negotiations in the Kazakh capital of Astana that led to the creation of four "de-escalation zones" which produced a drop in violence, though deadly air strikes and battles continue in some areas.
Western powers are concerned that Russia is seeking to take a leading role in the peace process and will carve out a settlement that will largely favour Assad.
But experts and officials have noted that Moscow cannot forge a solution alone and needs the UN to legitimise any peace deal.
"I think (the Russians) have some really strong cards, but I don't think they hold all the cards," the European diplomat said.
"That is why Geneva is such a significant, important process, because only Geneva has the legitimacy to bring together all of those constituent parts and only Geneva will unlock the significant international aid that is required to put Syria back on its feet", the diplomat said.
Venezuela is pumping less oil, giving other producers breathing space
With oil prices nudging steadily higher, market expectations are for crude-pumping countries to prolong their deal to curb output at a meeting at OPEC headquarters in Vienna on Thursday.
Markets could be disappointed, however, with Russia reportedly not yet fully on board about signing up to extending the agreement, due to expire on March 31, until the end of 2018, experts say.
The deal by 24 producers reduced production by 1.8 million barrels per day, first struck a year ago, has already been given more time once.
It has borne fruit, helping reduce a global glut that sent oil prices to a less than $30 a barrel in early 2016, a level which helped consumers but blew a hole in producers' finances.
Brent Crude is now nearing $65 per barrel, while fellow benchmark West Texas Intermediate has been heading for $60, with inventories approaching more normal levels.
The price has also been helped by growing optimism about the global economy and its effect on buoying oil demand, not least from China.
It's time to decide on any extension of oil output cuts
"We have accomplished what naysayers thought would be impossible," Mohammad Sanusi Barkindo, OPEC secretary general, said on Monday.
"The current market conditions, the returning level of confidence and optimism in the industry are all evidence of the outcome of our joint efforts," he said.
- Venezuela -
For one of OPEC's founder members however, things are far from rosy. Venezuela, whose oil reserves are the world's biggest, is a whisker away from an all-out debt default.
Just as the South American country needs foreign currency more than ever, oil output is forecast to fall for a seventh successive year in 2018 to the lowest level since 1989.
As a result, Venezuela is producing even less than it vowed to under the output agreement, further reducing the global glut and giving others extra breathing space.
Venezuela "is significantly below the target level and shows no sign of being able to turn that around in the near term or even over 2018," Richard Mallinson from Energy Aspects told AFP.
- Outline deal -
Members of the OPEC cartel and Russia have crafted the outline of an agreement to extend the curbs to the end of 2018, according to Bloomberg News.
Saudi Arabia is thought to be particularly keen since higher oil prices would help boost the value of national oil company Saudi Aramco, some of which it wants to sell next year.
OPEC and Russia are still hammering out crucial details, however, Bloomberg reported. Russian oil companies are reported to be particularly reluctant.
In September, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak suggested it was premature to discuss an extension, saying he wanted to wait until January for further data.
A further possible complication could be the dramatic recent deterioration of relations between regional rival Saudi Arabia and Iran, both of which are members of OPEC.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week called Iran's supreme leader "the new Hitler of the Middle East".
Iran, following the lifting of sanctions under the 2015 nuclear deal, was allowed a moderate increase in oil production under the producers' accord.
But Mallinson said that, like in the past such as during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-88), the rivals should still be able to work together at OPEC, albeit through gritted teeth.
"So that shouldn't be too much of a concern for the oil market," he said.
Star power: Burkina Faso may have no oil or gas, but has sunshine in abundance
West Africa's biggest solar power plant goes onstream on Wednesday as Burkina Faso, one of the world's poorest countries, inaugurates a novel scheme to boost renewables and cut energy dependence on its neighbours.
The 55-hectare (135-acre) plant at Zagtouli on the outskirts of the capital Ouagadougou will be able to churn out 33 megawatts -- enough to power tens of thousands of homes.
Presiding over the opening ceremony will be Burkinabe President Roch Marc Christian Kabore and his visiting French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, whose country partially funded construction of the facility.
"For the past six weeks the plant has been in a test phase with production of 14 MW, and will reach a peak of 33 MW during December, sufficient sunshine permitting," said the site's construction manager, Stephane Nosserau.
"This is west Africa's largest plant in terms of installed capacity," added construction overseer Saidou Nana.
The plant's 129,600 260-watt solar panels are capable of annually pumping out 56 gigawatts -- equivalent to five percent of current production -- into the network of national power firm Sonabel, he said.
"We import energy from Ivory Coast and there have been difficulties obtaining supplies at times," said Nana.
"That is why we decided with financial backers to provide Sonabel with a source of energy from photovoltaic panels to respond to the public's needs, which are growing at an annualised 13 percent," he explained.
The added power will help reduce power shortages, said Nana, which greatly hamper the economy.
Burkina Faso produces only about 60 percent of the electricity it consumes -- and just 20 percent of the overall population is hooked up to the grid. Many people use wood or butane gas bottles.
- Solar boon -
Different regions of Burkina Faso have experimented with solar panel energy for more than a decade
The 47.5-million-euro cost of the plant ($56.7 million) has been funded via 25 million in donations from the European Union and a loan of 22.5 million from France's development agency.
Cegelec, part of the French firm Vinci Energies, built the facility, designed to be a pilot scheme.
"With the financing terms that we have, the price per kilowatt-hour is considerably cheaper than for thermal production, which will allow us to reduce operating costs within Sonabel," Nana said.
Energy produced by the Zagtouli plant will cost some 45 CFA francs (seven euro cents; 8.4 US cents) per kilowatt-hour.
That is around a third of the 145 CFA francs per kilowatt-hour it costs to produce electricity at fossil-fuel plants, according Sonabel's operations manager, Daniel Serme.
Zagouli's capacity is dwarfed by some of the behemoths emerging in the fast-growing sector of sun-powered energy.
The world's biggest solar plant is a 648-MW facility in Kamuthi, in India's Tamil Nadu state. A 40-MW solar plant on a lake over a collapsed coal mine in Huainan, China, is the largest floating solar-powered generator globally.
Despite such comparisons, Burkina Faso has big ambitions.
Located in the Sahel belt on the rim of the Sahara, the country has sunshine aplenty.
It hopes to meet 30 percent of its electricity needs from photovoltaic solar panels by 2030, and -- maybe one day -- become self-sufficient in electricity production.
Ghana, as well as Ivory Coast, export electricity to the landlocked country to meet its needs.
A 17 MW extension is already being planned at the Zagtouli site to take overall production capacity to 50 MW.
Other schemes in the pipeline include two solar plants, one further west at Koudougou (of 20 MW) and a 10 MW version at Kaya, northeast of the capital, Nana said.
A picture taken on October 24, 2017, shows MBC TV personality Dawood Shirian during an interview with AFP at the MBC headquaters in Riyadh
With a furrowed brow and wagging finger, Dawood Shirian for years skewered top officials on Saudi television, but now the firebrand host is taking over the country's state broadcaster.
Deploying a pull-no-punches style rarely tolerated in Saudi Arabia's tightly controlled media landscape, Shirian spent nearly six years as the host of "Al Thamina" (Eight O'Clock) on satellite broadcaster MBC.
Shirian -- nicknamed "matchstick" for his combustible personality -- was allowed to champion issues that are a potential lightning rod for public discontent, from joblessness to extremism.
His career took on a new trajectory on Monday with his appointment as the head of the Saudi Broadcasting Corporation, as his legions of admirers called for his return to Al Thamina.
His intentions as the new chief are unclear. But if his past is any indication, Shirian may be about to shake up the country's traditionally sedate state television and radio channels.
The primetime show garnered an avid following with its host's hard-hitting style of demanding accountability from officials, often berating them and sometimes chivvying them into action.
In a recent episode, Shirian, 63, fumed over rising unemployment among Saudi engineers, airing testimonies from some with the highest grades forced to work as waiters, car washers and fish sellers.
"Does the job market have no place for Saudi engineers?" Shirian asked angrily, waving printouts from a government jobs website.
"Where are the authorities?" he demanded.
Within minutes, the hashtag "Saudi engineers treated unfairly" started gaining traction on social media. Behind the scenes, the show's producers were inundated with hundreds of WhatsApp messages pouring in from people venting fury.
A labour ministry official, caught like a deer in the headlights, sought to explain on the show that policy reforms were in the works to create jobs.
"When?" Shirian interjected with a scowl. "The people are getting angry."
- 'Valve for frustration' -
MBC said Al Thamina, which enjoys a mass following in Saudi Arabia -- consistently registering top ratings typically seen by lifestyle shows -- will continue to air after Shirian's departure.
To get a full measure of its success it is crucial to understand where it is broadcast.
Saudi Arabia this year dropped three places to 168th out of 180 countries in an index ranking freedom of the media, prepared annually by Reporters Without Borders.
A recent government crackdown on the elite, ostensibly to fight corruption, ignited new concerns that it could further tighten control. The detained included media moguls such as the owner of MBC Waleed al-Ibrahim.
But the tolerance for public criticism of officialdom appears to have expanded after the so-called Arab Spring -- which saw pent-up public anger spilling onto the street across the Middle East.
A picture taken on October 24, 2017, shows MBC TV personality Dawood Shirian during an interview with AFP at the MBC headquaters in Riyadh
"A show like that (Al Thamina) is definitely tolerated by Saudi authorities," Najat Al-Saied, author of "Screens of Influence: Arab Satellite Television and Social Development", told AFP.
"In fact, the authorities are increasing the scope of freedom in this show... to release the valve for public frustration."
In an interview with AFP ahead of his appointment, Shirian said Saudi Arabia offers "more freedom than you think" to push boundaries.
"Yes, there are red lines such as religion and national interest issues," said Shirian, one of only a few Saudi journalists to interview powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
"For all other matters I am colour blind."
- 'He's a painkiller' -
Shirian's new job as SBC chief could be at odds with his image of bashing officials on live television.
"In the Middle East, talk show hosts say 'your highness this, your excellency that.' I go on a first name or last name basis," he said.
"We are the voice of the people."
A portrait of Oprah Winfrey hangs in a waiting room beside his studio -- the American talk show queen who was clearly not the inspiration for his show.
One official waited in nervous anticipation, doodling his thoughts on a paper napkin.
In an otherwise sober media scene, Shirian was entertaining even when he treated officials as a punching bag, often taking questions and cues from live callers on the programme.
"I feel a sense of relief watching him," a Saudi businessman said in a Riyadh cafe, with Al Thamina playing on a hanging television. "He's like a painkiller."
Shirian also did not shy away from offending hardline clerics.
"You are the reason our sons are jihadists, they are in Afghanistan," he said in one episode, blasting two clerics with millions of social media followers.
"You talk about going to heaven if you die in jihad. Make your sons go to heaven. Leave us alone!"
Many officials refused to appear on the programme and some demanded to know his questions in advance. An empty chair was often planted on the show to symbolise an absentee official unwilling to answer impromptu questions.
"For people I may be a painkiller," Shirian said. "For officials, I am painful."
A video grab from footage on the website of Yueyang Intermediate People's Court shows activist Lee Ming-cheh, the first Taiwanese person to be convicted of subverting government power under China's criminal code
A Chinese court sentenced Taiwanese democracy activist Lee Ming-cheh to five years in prison on Tuesday on charges of attempting to subvert state power, further souring cross-strait ties.
Lee sat nervously as the three-judge panel read the sentence at the Yueyang intermediate people's court in central Hunan province, according to a video posted on the tribunal's social media account.
Taiwan and human rights groups immediately denounced the ruling as "unacceptable" and "politically motivated".
Lee -- an NGO worker who was arrested during a trip to the Chinese mainland in March -- is the first Taiwanese person to be convicted in China on the political charge, according to Taiwan's Judicial Reform Foundation.
A Chinese co-defendant named Peng Yuhua was sentenced to seven years in prison.
The court said both men stated that they would not appeal their sentences.
President Xi Jinping, who consolidated power at a Communist Party congress last month, has cracked down on dissent and tightened control on civil society since taking office in 2012.
Lee had confessed to the charges during his trial in September, stating that he had written and distributed online articles that criticised China's ruling Communist Party and promoted democracy among other topics.
His wife, Lee Ching-yu, who attended the sentencing, said her husband had "paid the price" for his ideals.
"Fighting for human rights for the disadvantaged is a commitment that must be made to push for the enhancement of human civilisation... I want to express again that I am proud of his dedication," she said in a statement.
Amnesty International East Asia research director Roseann Rife called for Lee to be "immediately and unconditionally released", saying he had committed no crime.
"Lee Ming-cheh is the victim of a politically motivated prosecution... He is the latest to suffer under the Chinese authorities' relentless attack against human rights and democracy activists," Rife said.
Taiwan's presidential office and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) called the verdict "unacceptable".
"We urged the Beijing authorities to release Lee and allow him to return to Taiwan soon. We regret that Lee's case seriously damaged cross-strait relations," the presidential office said in a statement.
China sees self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory waiting to be reunified.
- 'Political show' -
Former DPP lawmaker Wang Li-ping tried to go to the court with Lee's wife, but Wang was expelled from mainland China upon arrival at Changsha airport.
Lee has long supported civil society organisations and activists in China, according to Amnesty International, and was said to have frequently travelled between the mainland and Taiwan.
He had shared "Taiwan's democratic experiences" with his Chinese friends online for many years and often mailed books to them, said the Taiwan Association for Human Rights.
After Lee went missing, Chinese authorities confirmed he was being investigated for suspected activities "endangering national security".
In the lead-up to the trial, Beijing repeatedly ignored Taipei's requests for information on Lee's whereabouts and details of the allegations against him.
His wife had called his trial a "political show".
When he pleaded guilty in September, Lee told the court: "I know that my behaviour definitely violated Chinese law".
Lee's wife, a friend and two officials from Taiwan's semi-official Strait Exchange Foundation were allowed in.
"A Taiwanese who has valid documents and the reason for her visit to China is clear, it's just to accompany the family of a man on trial and to stay for two nights with return ticket already booked but she can be expelled anytime for no reason? I am speechless," Lee Ching-yu said in an earlier statement.
Relations between Beijing and Taipei have worsened since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen took office in May last year, with China cutting off all official communications with the island.
Beijing wants Tsai to acknowledge the island is part of "One China", which she has refused to do.
Macron, at a press conference in Ouagadougou, vowed to declassify files on Sankara's assassination for Burkinabe investigators
President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday kicked off his maiden African tour by vowing to declassify secret French files on Burkina Faso's assassinated leader, Thomas Sankara, hailed as a revolutionary hero in many parts of the continent.
The threat of terrorism has cast a shadow over Macron's swing through West Africa, with three civilians being wounded in an attempted grenade attack on French troops in Ouagadougou, the Burkinabe capital, shortly before his arrival late Monday.
"Two hooded individuals on a motorcycle threw a grenade towards a French army vehicle" as it made its way to a barracks housing French special forces, a security source told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The three-day trip aims to boost France's influence in West Africa, taking him from Burkina Faso -- bearing the brunt of jihadist attacks in the Sahel -- to a European-African summit in Ivory Coast and finally to Ghana, a former British colony.
After meeting Burkinabe President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Macron touched on one of the country's greatest traumas -- the killing of its revered leader Sankara, 30 years ago.
All French files on the event will be made available for Burkinabe investigators, Macron said.
- 'Africa's Che Guevara' -
"At present, except for documents which are classified and categorised as secret, the files are available and open to Burkinabe justice," Macron said.
"I have made a clear undertaking and I have just told President Kabore: these documents will now be declassified for Burkinabe justice, which will have access to all the documents on the Sankara affair."
Sankara, a charismatic young army captain dubbed "Africa's Che Guevara", was cut down in a hail of bullets on October 15, 1987 on his way to a special cabinet meeting.
The putsch -- which many Burkinabe today suspect had a French role -- brought Sankara's close friend Blaise Compaore to power.
Compaore himself ruled Burkina Faso with a rod of iron until October 2014, when he was ousted by a popular uprising.
About a dozen people have been charged in connection with Sankara's assassination including soldiers from the presidential security unit.
Compaore, who is in exile in Ivory Coast, is the subject of an international arrest warrant over the killing.
Macron's schedule Tuesday including an address to university students, a visit to a school and a meeting with members of the French community in Ouagadougou.
On Wednesday, he will attend the inauguration of a major solar power plant on the outskirts of Ouagadougou that has been built by a French company and partially funded by a French development agency.
Leftwing demonstrators erected a barricade and burned tyres on a road leading to the university ahead of Macron's speech there, as riot police were deployed.
- Migration and security -
Macron's advisers say his main message in the tour will be to stress a partnership of equals with Africa, based on education and entrepreneurship.
In his university speech, Macron notably spoke of the scars of the colonial period.
"There were mistakes and crimes, great things and happy stories... (but) the crimes of European colonisation are indisputable," Macron said, describing it as "a past which has to pass."
But regional security concerns will also be discussed, especially at a summit of the European Union and African Union on Wednesday and Thursday, which will bring together more than 80 leaders from the two continents.
European leaders are desperate to find ways to stem the flow of African migrants across the Mediterranean without leaving them to the mercy of traffickers in transit countries such as Libya, where they face torture, rape, and -- as a CNN report showed recently -- being sold into slavery.
Macron, seen here with President Kabore, is campaigning for funding for a five-country anti-terrorism force in the Sahel -- one of the world's poorest regions
Macron will also seek international backing for a new, five-nation African counter-terrorism force, which France hopes can eventually take over the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel region.
Ouagadougou has suffered two recent Islamist terror attacks -- a shooting spree in January 2016 that left 20 dead and a similar assault by gunmen in August that killed 19.
French special forces have been present in the country since 2010 to help regional governments tackle jihadist violence in the Sahel, particularly in neighbouring Mali.
The disturbances near the university came after criticism of Macron in chatrooms on local social media.
Common criticisms include the lucrative contracts French companies sweep up in the region as well as Paris' historical support for African autocrats.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio signed the repeal of legislation from 1926 during Prohibition which technically banned dancing in thousands of bars, clubs and restaurants in the city
New York's mayor on Monday signed into law the repeal of a 91-year-old piece of legislation that had technically banned dancing in thousands of bars, clubs and restaurants in the city.
The city council voted overwhelmingly on October 31 to axe the law, which had come into effect in 1926 during Prohibition and which campaigners decried as racist, saying it was used initially to crack down on Harlem's jazz clubs, where blacks and whites mixed.
Campaigners say it was also used historically to target Hispanics and members of the LGBT community. In the 1990s, mayor Rudy Giuliani used the law to get tough on clubs in his fight against crime.
"It's 2017 and this law just didn't make sense. Nightlife is part of the New York melting pot that brings people together," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
"We want to be a city where people can work hard, and enjoy their city's nightlife without arcane bans on dancing."
Although the law was rarely enforced in recent years, it required public spaces that sell food and drink to acquire near impossible-to-obtain permits to authorize dancing indoors or risk a fine.
Yet only around 100 of New York's more than 22,000 bars, restaurants and clubs had the elusive permit.
Brooklyn Democratic councilman Rafael Espinal led the charge to repeal the law, saying it unfairly discriminated against small businesses.
"Artist, musicians, businesses owners, workers and everyday New Yorkers looking to let loose will no longer have to fear the dance police will shut down their favorite venues," he said Monday.
A search is also now on for a "nightlife mayor" who can liaise between city hall, residents and the city's multi-billion-dollar nightlife industry, in order to support a safe nightlife scene that supports 300,000 jobs and attracts tourists far and wide.
While venues will not need a special dancing permit, the city will still require security guards and surveillance cameras in many venues.
Thousands of Myanmar's Catholics have arrived in Yangon in the hope of getting a glimpse of the Pope
As dawn breaks, Zaw Ba stirs from a night's sleep tucked among tombstones in a Yangon churchyard -- the only place left to camp as Catholics stream in from Myanmar's frontiers for a chance to see Pope Francis.
Thin rattan mats edge up against marble graves of former priests, forming a makeshift open-air dormitary at the St.Francis of Assisi Church in Yangon.
With the first ever papal visit to Myanmar under way, the unlikely digs at the red-brick church have not spooked Zaw Ba or the other 1,000 Catholics crammed into the compound.
"It's okay for us, we're happy to have a place to sleep," said Zaw Ba, 52, who like many others has made the two-day train journey south from Kachin State.
"And there's a lot of people here so we are not afraid," he added.
Nuns in light-grey habits clustered around an electric keyboard to sing hymns as pilgrims washed or ate, the early morning light on Tuesday catching their bright clothes.
Around 700,000 of Myanmar's 51 million people are Catholic
Francis's visit, which on Tuesday will see him meet Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a small Catholic minority dispersed across Myanmar.
Many hail from remote, mountainous areas such as Kachin where wars between ethnic minority rebels and Myanmar troops rumble on far from international attention.
While the still burning Muslim Rohingya refugee crisis to the west has formed a dark, tense backdrop to the Popes visit, Myanmar's diverse flock of Christians hope the pontiff's message of peace ameliorates their lives.
"The Myanmar army is still launching attacks in Kachin state," said Zaw Ba, a jade miner.
"I want the Pope to ask Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to do her best to bring peace," he added, acknowledging that The Lady, as she is known, is straitjacketed by a still powerful army.
Tens of thousands of Kachin -- a group that is predominantly Baptist -- remain displaced in camps in the region, including some Catholics who made the journey to Yangon to see the Pope lead a mass on Wednesday.
- Betel nut, longyi and prayer -
Myanmar's Catholics -- who come from ethnic Kachin, Karen, Chin, Akha and other minority groups -- number only 700,000, a fraction of the country's 51 million population.
Hundreds of people bedded down in the graveyard at the church of St Francis of Assisi
But the flock is growing, Father Jacob, an ethnic Karen priest at St. Francis's Church, told AFP, especially in northernmost Myanmar where entire villages are known to convert en masse.
"They are very obedient to their leaders. If the leader (of a village) becomes a Catholic, everybody becomes," explained the affable priest, wearing a longyi, smoking Burmese cigarettes and gnawing on betel nut.
Syncretic practices have seeped into their worship, the Father explained, with traditional dances still held as offerings to God ahead of church ceremonies.
Seeded in Myanmar by Portuguese missionaries in the 1500s, Catholicism took root in remote hill-tribe villages far from the reach of the Buddhist-dominated state.
But it was suppressed under the ultra-nationalist junta that seized power in the mid-20th century and held on for five decades.
Christianity arrived in Myanmar in the 1500s, brought by Portuguese missionaries, and took root among the hill tribes far from the reach of the Buddhist-dominated centre
Freedoms have inched back in recent years as the country transitions into democracy, with Myanmar receiving its first Cardinal in 2015 and establishing formal ties with the Vatican earlier this year.
The pope's visit is a celebration of the Church's emergence.
But it is also clouded by the plight of Muslim Rohingya, with rights groups hoping the pontiff will speak up for a minority reviled by many in Myanmar.
"He will say in a short sentence, to love them all as brothers and sisters," speculated Father Jacob.
The third annual Interfaith Christmas Concert will be held 7 p.m. Saturday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse, 1500 Country W. Road in Bismarck. All are invited and admission is free.
Instrumental and choral pieces, intermixed with scriptural readings focused around the theme, Let Earth Receive Her King, aim to uplift and encourage all in attendance to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Soloists and small performing groups from the Lutheran Church of the Cross, First Presbyterian Church and from as far as Dickinson will provide musical numbers.
Pope Francis arrived in Myanmar on Monday to a warm welcome from the country's small but enthusiastic Catholic population
Pope Francis will hold talks with Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday, a key moment of a tour aimed at alleviating religious and ethnic hatreds that have driven huge numbers of Muslim Rohingya from the country.
Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been ostracised by a global rights community that once adored her but is now outraged at her tepid reaction to the plight of the Rohingya.
After the talks in the capital Naypyidaw, the pontiff will address Suu Kyi and diplomats there -- his first opportunity to speak publicly about the conflict that looms over his trip.
The 80-year-old pontiff late Monday received a "courtesy visit" from the powerful army chief Min Aung Hlaing -- whose troops, according to the UN and US, have waged a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya from Rakhine state.
General Min Aung Hlaing has firmly denied allegations of widespread brutality by his forces, despite the flight to Bangladesh since late August of 620,000 Rohingya who have recounted widespread cases of rape, murder and arson.
His office said he told the pope there was "no discrimination" in Myanmar, and praised his military for maintaining "the peace and stability of the country".
The pope has repeatedly spoken out from afar about the crisis, standing up for what he has called his Rohingya "brothers and sisters".
A similar approach in Myanmar is fraught with danger -- using the term "Rohingya" is unacceptable in a mainly Buddhist country where the Muslim minority are denied citizenship and branded illegal "Bengali" immigrants.
The country is listening closely to see if Francis will use the word "Rohingya" on Myanmar soil, and risk provoking the outrage of Buddhist nationalists.
Early Tuesday, day two of his four-day visit, the pontiff met leaders from Buddhist, Muslim, Baptist and Jewish faiths in Yangon.
The conversation centred around themes of unity in diversity, with the pope sharing a prayer and giving a "very, very beautiful speech", according to Sammy Samuels, a representative from the small Jewish community.
Francis flies up to Naypyidaw Tuesday afternoon to meet Aung San Suu Kyi.
The Lady, as she is fondly known in Myanmar, finally came to power after elections in 2015 but has fallen from grace internationally for not doing more to stand up to the army in defence of the Rohingya -- whose name she will not publicly utter.
Rights groups have clamoured for Suu Kyi to be stripped of her peace prize. Oxford, the English city she once called home, on Monday removed her Freedom of the City award for her "inaction" in the face of oppression of the Rohingya.
- Catholics congregate -
So far, the pontiff has received a warm welcome to the majority Buddhist nation.
Myanmar's Catholic community numbers just over one percent of the country's 51 million people.
But some 200,000 Catholics are pouring into the commercial capital Yangon from all corners of the country ahead of a huge, open-air mass on Wednesday.
Zaw Sai, 52, from Kachin state, found space for himself and his family to camp out in a churchyard.
"We feel very pleased because we are from different ethnicities but are one in our religion," he told AFP.
Just days before the papal visit, Myanmar and Bangladesh signed a deal to start repatriating Rohingya refugees within two months.
But details of the agreement -- including the use of temporary shelters for returnees, many of whose homes have been burned to the ground -- raise questions for Rohingya fearful of returning without guarantees of basic rights.
Francis will travel on to Bangladesh on Thursday.
burs-ssm/apj/sm
Indian personnel stand on the deck of the Seaman Guard Ohio after detaining it in October 2013
All 35 crewmen on an anti-piracy ship -- from Britain, Estonia, Ukraine and India -- were freed Tuesday after winning a prolonged court battle against prison terms for illegally carrying weapons.
The six British crew members gave thumbs-up signs before being driven away from Puzhal prison in the southern Indian city of Chennai by British diplomats.
Fourteen Estonians and three Ukrainians later left the same prison. The 12 Indian members of the crew were freed from another jail, officials said.
It was not immediately known, however, when the foreigners could leave India, even though a high court on Monday overturned the five-year prison sentences passed on them in January 2016.
Indian authorities can still appeal against the latest ruling in the four-year legal rollercoaster.
The men were on the MV Seaman Guard Ohio, operated by a US company to guide ships through pirate-infested Indian Ocean and Red Sea shipping lanes.
The six Britons, all former soldiers, were serving as guards on the vessel when it was intercepted by the Indian coast guard off Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu state in October 2013.
Semi-automatic weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition were found, and the crew was charged with not having proper paperwork to carry weapons in Indian waters.
US maritime security firm AdvanFort, which owns the Seaman Guard Ohio, repeatedly denied the charges, saying all firearms on board were legally purchased and properly documented.
The crew's case was that the vessel only strayed into Indian waters because they became stranded after running out of fuel.
The 35, except the Ukrainian captain and one Briton, were released on bail in 2014 on condition that they stayed in Chennai.
An Indian court quashed the charges against the crew in July 2014. But the country's Supreme Court overturned that ruling the following year, setting up the trial in 2016 at which they were all jailed.
The families of the crew had lobbied hard for a new hearing, and the Indian government faced pressure from Britain and Estonia over the case.
The Estonian government summoned the Indian ambassador last week to protest over legal delays.
Britain's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson welcomed the release of the British nationals and said his ministry "has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to reunite these men with their families. The importance the UK government places on their case cannot be understated."
R Arumuga Ram, one of the lawyers for the crew, told AFP the Indian crew members were welcomed by their families outside the prison in the southern city of Tirunelveli.
Harjith Singh, one of the Indians, told Ram that "it was a very painful experience inside the prison."
Kenyatta took the oath of office and vowed to unite the country behind him -- but political chaos and division remain deep
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in Tuesday for a second term, but his vow to heal the country's divisions was overshadowed by bloody protests and a pledge from his rival to stage his own inauguration.
Kenya's schisms after a gruelling election period were on full display on the very first day of Kenyatta's second five-year term.
The pomp of his inauguration ceremony contrasted with clouds of teargas fired at opposition leader Raila Odinga and his supporters as they attempted to rally elsewhere in Nairobi. At least two people were shot dead in clashes with police.
Throwing down the gauntlet, Odinga rejected Kenyatta's inauguration and vowed to hold his own swearing-in on December 12, the day the country marks its independence from Britain.
"I will be sworn in because I am the legitimate president," he said.
Odinga's supporters engaged in running battles with police all morning as they attempted to gather for a "memorial rally" to honour nearly 60 people killed, mostly by police, in over four months of political upheaval.
A senior police officer who earlier reported one fatality said: "We are aware there is another person dead and it has been said that he was also shot dead."
Another policeman said six people had been injured by gunfire.
Odinga spoke to a crowd of hundreds from atop his car briefly before police lobbed teargas at the convoy, forcing them to disperse.
Chaos erupted at the Kasarani stadium in Nairobi as supporters of President Uhuru Kenyatta tried to get into the venue to attend his inauguration
Meanwhile at the 60,000-seat Kasarani stadium, military parades, a 21-gun salute, traditional dancing and drumming accompanied Kenyatta's vows to heal the wounded nation.
"I will devote my time and energy to build bridges, to unite and bring prosperity," he said as he started his second term faced with a large portion of the population that rejects his election outright.
- 'No one eats politics' -
Kenyatta urged the nation to focus on building the economy rather than dwell on divisive politics.
"No one eats politics. For the last 50 years, we have watched as the Asian economies have risen to wealth, while much of Africa has stagnated. The difference is that they used politics to create vibrant economies for their people," he said.
"In our case, we have pursued politics as an end in itself, rather than as a means to economic prosperity. This must end."
Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto took the oaths of office before several African heads of state, including from South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Somalia, Gabon, Botswana and Ethiopia.
Prime ministers, foreign ministers and special envoys represented other African nations, as well as Qatar, Serbia, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while placed on top of the Kenyan government's guest list, did not attend the ceremony, but had a number of meetings with African leaders scheduled during his visit.
The swearing-in ceremony also got a large dose of teargas as crowds tried to force their way into the packed stadium, with police on horseback struggling to keep them under control.
- 'Despotic coronation' -
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta's swearing in for a second term may not draw a line under the country's political crisis
The inauguration came after the Supreme Court validated Kenyatta's victory in last month's rerun poll.
But analysts say the swearing-in may not draw a line under the country's political crisis, given Odinga's vow to fight on.
The NASA coalition has described the inauguration as a "despotic coronation".
The electoral strife goes back to an August 8 poll that was annulled in September by the Supreme Court, citing "irregularities and illegalities".
The court ordered a rerun in October that was boycotted by the opposition, handing Kenyatta a landslide of 98 percent of votes cast by just 39 percent of the electorate.
The disputed election season has split the country along ethnic and regional lines.
However the deaths of some 58 people -- mostly at the hands of police -- has not reached the scale of the bloody aftermath of elections in 2007, when 1,100 were killed in politically-motivated tribal violence.
Troops rehearsed the inauguration ceremony ahead of Kenyatta's swearing-in
Odinga, 72, finds himself denied the presidency for the fourth and likely last time in his long career.
His calls for protests and economic boycotts have now turned to plans to swear himself in, comparing himself to Zimbabwe's Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was sworn in after Robert Mugabe was forced out.
The current crisis draws on a deep well of social, ethnic and geographic grievances in the country of 48 million people.
Profile of Uhuru Kenyatta
In areas loyal to Odinga, an ethnic Luo, there is a sense of having been ground down and discriminated against since independence, not least by Kenyatta's Kikuyu group, which has given Kenya three of its four presidents.
Months of disruption and unrest, plus the holding of two separate elections, have badly affected the economy, hitting the poorest hardest while leaving the wealthy political elites relatively unharmed.
Indian police detain members of the Rajput community during a protest against forthcoming Bollywood film 'Padmavati' in Hyderabad
India's top court Tuesday rejected a legal attempt to block the global release of a Bollywood film that has sparked violent protests, warning against pre-judging the controversial historical epic.
Caste-based groups have been staging violent demonstrations against "Padmavati" amid rumours that it will depict a romance between a Hindu queen and a Muslim ruler.
The epic was scheduled for release in India on December 1 but delayed indefinitely after the censor board refused to certify it.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a legal petition to delay its release abroad, saying nobody should pre-judge the censors before the film is classified.
"Responsible people in power and public office say certain things, and make comments on certain aspects, that violate the rule of law," declared the bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra.
"We are sure they will be guided by the basic premise under the rule of law and not venture outside."
A number of officials, including state leaders from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party, had vowed to ban screenings of the film in their jurisdictions unless controversial sections were removed.
The leader of a caste-related group also offered 50 million rupees ($769,000) to anyone who "beheaded" lead actress Deepika Padukone or director Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
In January protesters belonging to the Rajput Karni Sena caste-based group attacked Bhansali and vandalised the set during filming in Jaipur in Rajasthan.
Speculation that the film will include a romantic liaison between Rajput queen Padmavati, also known as Rani Padmini, and the 13th and 14th century Muslim ruler Alauddin Khilji, had enraged activists from the historically Hindu warrior caste.
Rajput Karni Sena accuse the film's makers of distorting historical facts. But some historians say the queen is a mythical character and there is no clear evidence that she even existed.
Protesters attacked another set near Mumbai in March, burning costumes and other props.
Lawyer ML Sharma, who brought the petition before the Supreme Court, had previously failed to prevent the film's release in India.
Harish Salve, representing the film's director and producer, said there was no intention of releasing the film abroad until it had received classification at home.
Members of Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion, pictured in March, have staged a raid in which three suspected Islamic extremists were killed
Three alleged Islamist extremists were killed Tuesday in a raid by Bangladesh police as security was stepped up before Pope Francis's landmark visit to the Muslim-majority nation, officials said.
Police said the trio died in suspected suicide blasts after they opened fire and threw bombs at anti-terror officers who cordoned off a house where they were hiding near the Indian border.
Rapid Action Battalion police surrounded the home following a tip-off and urged those holed up inside to surrender but they opened fire instead, the force's local commander Mahbubul Alam told AFP.
"Moments later there were several loud explosions and the house caught on fire. Later we found three mangled bodies, one of them with a severed head," he said.
He said the three were active members of Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) -- a homegrown militant group blamed for a string of deadly attacks on foreigners, atheist bloggers, rights activists and religious minorities in recent years.
Since 2015 at least three Christians including two converts from Islam have been hacked to death in attacks blamed on the JMB.
Hand grenades, pistols, explosives and chemicals to make bombs were found at the home.
Pope Francis arrives in Bangladesh on Thursday for a three-day visit, the first by a Vatican leader in 31 years.
The trip will be dominated by the plight of more than 620,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled ethnic unrest in Myanmar and taken refuge in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh authorities have tightened security in the capital, with police patrolling around Christian churches and places where Francis will visit.
"There will be the highest security measures for the pope," Dhaka police spokesman Masudur Rahman told AFP.
"We have taken the measures in consultations with the Christian community here," he added.
The pope will meet a group of Rohingya refugees in Dhaka and conduct a mass at Suhrawardi Udyan, a colonial-era park in the capital, with at least 80,000 people expected to attend.
Christians make up less than 0.5 percent of Bangladesh's population and the minority has in recent years faced attacks by Islamist radicals.
In July last year militants stormed a Dhaka cafe and massacred 22 hostages including 18 foreigners in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.
However, the government has denied the international militants' involvement and security forces have killed more than 70 alleged militants since the cafe attack.
Xi Jinping is cracking down on corruption
A Chinese general has killed himself in his Beijing home after becoming the latest top official ensnared by President Xi Jinping's sweeping anti-corruption campaign, state media said Tuesday.
Zhang Yang, a member of the state's Central Military Commission, was being investigated over connections to two graft-tainted former senior military officers when he hanged himself on November 23, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
Xi promised during last month's Communist Party congress to intensify graft crackdowns which have already brought down 1.5 million party officials of various levels -- including top military brass -- since 2012.
Zhang, 66, was previously head of the state military commission's political work department. Before the congress, he was also part of the Communist Party's Central Military Commission. Members of the two bodies overlap.
According to Xinhua, which cited a commission statement, Zhang "gravely violated disciplinary protocols and broke the law, was suspected of bribery as well as taking bribes, and holding valuable assets whose origins are unclear."
A posting on a social media account managed by the People's Liberation Army Daily, the military's official newspaper, accused Zhang of "escaping responsibility" via suicide.
"The once-high-and-mighty general has ended his life in this disgraceful way," the post said Tuesday, calling Zhang a "two-faced" person who "shouted loyalty from his mouth while committing corruption behind his back".
"The army holds the barrel of a gun -- we cannot allow any corrupt elements to hide behind it."
Xinhua reported that the state military commission decided to hold "talks" with Zhang on August 28 about his links to Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou, top army officials who were expelled from the communist party.
Guo, a vice-chairman of the commission, became the most senior People's Liberation Army (PLA) official to be convicted of corruption in half a century when he was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2016.
Xu, also a vice-chairman, died of cancer in 2015 while under investigation for graft.
Ni Lexiong, a professor at the Shanghai National Defense Strategy Institute, told AFP that Zhang was in charge of human resources as the director of the state military commission's political work department.
"He had a lot of power," Ni said. "Over these 20-plus years, how many high- and low-ranking military officials bought their way into their positions? I'm afraid the total would be quite scary if it's comprehensively investigated: likely every level (of the military) was impacted."
- Tigers and flies -
Critics of Xi's anti-corruption campaign, which has promised to take down both high-level "tigers" and low-level "flies", claim it is a front for removing his political enemies.
In the past, graft-fighting efforts have relied heavily on a shadowy extralegal internal justice system known as "shuanggui".
But Xi announced during last month's national congress that this would be phased out and replaced with a new legal mechanism.
Chinese courts have a near-perfect conviction rate of 99.92 percent.
Xi has sought to enhance his control over the two-million-strong military, the world's largest, reshuffling its leadership and vowing to make it "world-class" by 2050.
The military was ordered earlier this month to pledge to be "absolutely loyal, honest and reliable to Xi" in new guidelines released by the Central Military Commission.
Though China's military budget remains a third that of the United States, its spending has grown steadily for 30 years, with purchases or construction of fighter jets, ships and hi-tech weaponry.
Pakistani activists stage a protest in 2016 against the murder of social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch by her own brother
Pakistani police have exhumed the bodies of a couple believed to have been murdered and hastily buried by their families after they eloped, in the country's latest "honour killing" case.
Authorities in the port city of Karachi have arrested at least nine people connected to the double homicide, including the father of the male victim, but admitted that several family members sought in the case were still on the run.
The couple were reported missing when the owner of the house they rented in western Karachi entered the property after they gone missing for three days and discovered bloodstains around the home.
"The autopsy report says that the couple were killed by strangulation," Dr Rohina Hasan of the government-run Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, told AFP Tuesday.
Police believe the couple were murdered by family members, including male relatives of both victims, after they eloped without their consent.
Authorities later began rounding up relatives of the missing pair, who confirmed they had been killed by their families and buried in unmarked graves at a cemetery.
"Both were killed in the name of honour," said police officer Qasim Hameed on Monday.
Police said the bodies had been stuffed into gunny sacks and dumped in separate graves.
"We are investigating whether the execution was decreed by a jirga (traditional council)," Abid Baloch, a senior police officer, told the media.
Around a thousand Pakistan women fall victim to so-called honour killings each year -- in which the victim, normally a woman, is murdered by a relative for bringing shame on the family.
Perpetrators have often walked free because of a legal loophole that allowed them to seek forgiveness for the crime from another family member. But the government has since passed a law that mandates life imprisonment even if the attacker escapes capital punishment through a relative's pardon.
The blast hit a crumbling light-industrial area in Ningbo in China's eastern Zhejiang province
A deadly blast that rocked China's port city of Ningbo at the weekend was caused by the mishandling of illegal explosives, police said Tuesday.
Sunday's blast hit a crumbling light-industrial area after a fugitive wanted for manufacturing and selling illegal explosives had asked relatives to dispose of the material, Ningbo police said in a statement.
The explosion killed two people and injured at least 19 in the city, which is just south of Shanghai and one of China's largest ports. Two others were reported missing.
The 33-year-old suspect surnamed Shan, who had been wanted by police in the northeastern province of Liaoning since late October, was arrested on Monday night. He had been hiding in the central province of Hubei, police said.
They did not indicate why the suspect had been making explosives, which were shipped from Liaoning to Ningbo and contained aluminium powder and barium nitrate.
The explosion happened after his relatives took the material to the site on Saturday, the statement said.
They began to dismantle the explosives that same night and continued on Sunday morning, when the material blew up. The police statement did not say how many people were involved or what happened to them.
The local government had said Monday that a septic tank in a vacant lot was at the epicentre of the blast.
"Investigation showed the careless handling process could have caused the explosion and excluded the possibilities of any intentionally man-made blast," police said.
The local government and state media variously described the site as a vacant lot or an abandoned factory.
The force of the explosion shattered windows in nearby apartments, mangled cars and reduced small buildings to rubble, though locals said the structures were already in poor shape and slated for demolition.
The explosion was so powerful that it was heard several kilometres away.
Residents said some people from outside Ningbo had been squatting at the site, but others disputed that.
In addition to the fatalities, four people were severely injured and 15 others slightly hurt.
Kenyatta's supporters celebrated his win in October -- but the election's outcome only deepened Kenya's division
Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in as president of Kenya on Tuesday following two disputed polls and waves of deadly protests.
Here are the key developments in the divisive election drama:
- Tensions on voting day -
Voters turn out in large numbers on August 8 after a tight race between Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, his longtime rival.
Many fear a repeat of the violence that after the 2007 election left more than 1,100 people dead.
Early results give Kenyatta a comfortable lead but are immediately rejected by Odinga, who claims hackers broke into the electoral commission database and manipulated the results.
The official results, published on August 11, give Kenyatta 54.27 percent to Odinga's 44.74 percent.
Violent protests erupt in Odinga strongholds. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights says 37 people are killed, most of them by police.
- Historic annulment -
Odinga files a complaint to the Supreme Court. In a shock announcement on September 1, judges declare the results of the poll "invalid, null and void" and order a re-run within 60 days.
The annulment is a first for Africa.
The date for a new election is later set as October 17.
- New vote postponed -
After the Supreme Court releases a detailed judgement lambasting the handling of the vote, the election commission on September 21 pushes back the re-run to October 26.
Kenya's chief prosecutor on September 23 orders an investigation into the commission.
Late September the ruling Jubilee Party introduces a bill seeking to resolve "ambiguity" in the electoral law.
The opposition condemns the move as an effort to render legal some of the "irregularities and illegalities" cited in the Supreme Court's cancellation of the vote.
- Odinga pulls out -
Chaos erupted at the Nairobi stadium ahead of Kenyatta's swearing-in ceremony
Protests erupt in early October as Odinga calls on his supporters to pressure the government to overhaul the election commission.
At least three people are killed in the violence that follows.
On October 10 Odinga withdraws from the re-run, saying the election panel has failed to make needed reforms.
He also says this does not mean his battle is over.
- Commissioner quits -
One of Kenya's seven election commissioners, Roselyn Akombe, announces on October 18 that she has quit and fled the country.
The commission chief Wafula Chebukati also casts doubt on his organisation's ability to hold a credible vote, accusing both major parties of interference.
Odinga tells a rally of thousands of supporters the same day that there will be "no election" and calls for nationwide demonstrations on polling day.
- Kenyatta wins again -
A fresh election is held on October 26, with Kenyatta winning 98 percent of the vote as Odinga's call for a boycott is held.
Kenyatta hails his crushing win as vindication of his August victory. Odinga meanwhile says Kenya is moving towards "outright dictatorship".
On November 20, the Supreme Court dismisses two petitions to overturn the October election, upholding the result.
More than 50 people have been killed in violence during opposition protests, mostly by police
On Tuesday, crowds pour into a Nairobi stadium for Kenyatta's swearing-in ceremony.
Opposition supporters attempt to hold a rally for the more than 50 killed in four months of upheaval, but are met by volleys of tear gas and running battles with police.
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Bangladesh has signed an agreement to repatriate to Myanmar the Rohingya refugees languishing in overburdened camps along its border
Bangladesh approved a controversial $280 million project to transform a desolate island off its southern coast into a temporary camp for 100,000 Rohingya refugees on Tuesday, despite warnings the site is uninhabitable.
The announcement comes just days after Bangladesh signed an agreement to repatriate to Myanmar the Rohingya refugees languishing in overburdened camps along its border.
A government economic council chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave the greenlight to the planned redevelopment of Bhashan Char island, a project that has attracted fierce criticism since being first proposed in 2015.
Planning Secretary Ziaul Islam said it was hoped the island would be ready from May to accommodate some of the more than 620,000 Rohingya Muslims that have crossed the border in the past three months.
"Approximately one lakh (100,000) people will be shifted there for the time being. We hope the project work will be completed by 2018," he told AFP.
"The navy has been given the task in an effort to expedite the (project) work."
Apart from building shelters, low-lying areas of the island must be filled in and embankments erected around the entire perimeter to ensure it can resist tidal flooding, monsoon storms and seasonal cyclones.
The silty strip of land only emerged from the Bay of Bengal in 2006, and lies one hour's boat journey from the nearest inhabited island.
Bangladesh, a low-lying riverine country at risk from rising sea levels, shelved plans last year to turn the island into a way station for refugees amid warnings it could be completely inundated by floods.
But the scheme was revived in late August as unprecedented numbers of new Rohingya arrivals poured into Bangladesh's southernmost Cox's Bazar district, placing enormous strain on limited resources and makeshift camps in the border region.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.H Mahmood Ali in September appealed for international assistance to transport Rohingya to the island.
But leaders for the persecuted Muslim minority remain opposed to the idea and a UN agency official warned any attempt at a forced relocation would be "very complex and controversial".
The navy has built two helipads and a small road on the island in recent months but concerns persist over its suitability for human habitation, with experts warning it could be swallowed by tides and rising seas.
The owner of a Watford City accounting firm has been indicted on federal charges connected to the oilfield venture of a Spokane businessman and the man who ordered his murder.
A grand jury indicted Rene L. Johnson in September on counts of mail fraud, wire fraud and material false statements to a federal agent. Her three-day trial is set to begin March 27 in Bismarck after continuance for additional discovery by the defense.
Court documents allege she offered doubled returns for investors on a short-term, high-risk loan of $400,000 for Kingdom Dynamics Enterprise Inc., an oilfield development outfit. The loan was reportedly for the purchase of Bakken mineral rights.
According to Johnson's indictment, the investors declined to finance the loan but subsequently contributed funds to Johnson's investment business, RLJ Factoring LLC, at her request, including $100,000 by mail from one investor.
From there, Johnson allegedly funneled $400,000 from three investors to a Kingdom Dynamics bank account in April 2013.
She was unavailable for comments Monday. A woman who answered the phone at her office said Johnson is out until next week. Johnson did not return email or phone messages.
Doug Carlile and James Henrikson were oilfield associates and had dealings through Kingdom Dynamics, which Carlile created in 2012.
Henrikson was convicted last year at the center of multiple murder-for-hire plots, including the murders of Carlile and KC Clarke, an employee of Henriksons Blackstone trucking company.
Johnsons indictment states her firm at the time was Kingdom Dynamics' registered agent. Court documents also name her as an independent accountant in other businesses of Henrikson's, including Blackstone.
Johnson now runs her own practice in Watford City after about a decade as a partner at her previous firm there.
The North Dakota State Board of Accountancy lists Johnsons CPA license in good standing. If convicted, she could lose her license under the boards regulations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Delorme, who is prosecuting Johnson, said there are no other defendants in connection to the case or Kingdom Dynamics.
Egyptians carry victims on stretchers following an attack on the Rawda mosque in the Sinai Peninsula on November 24, 2017, that killed more than 300 people
Egypt's years-long military campaign against a jihadist insurgency in the north of the Sinai Peninsula is under increasing scrutiny following a devastating mosque attack last week.
More than 300 people were killed in Friday's bomb and gun assault -- the deadliest in the country's recent history -- highlighting the insurgents' ability to carry out spectacular attacks despite the deployment of tens of thousands of troops.
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi vowed to respond with "brutal force", and the army announced it had destroyed several of the vehicles used in the attack and killed their occupants.
But for some analysts, the army's muscular reprisals are not enough.
"I think (the Sinai) needs (a) smarter military presence," said Zack Gold, an analyst at the Atlantic Council's Rafik Hariri Center.
"The job of the military is not to protect the military," he said. "The job of the military is to protect the population and to secure the territory".
He said currently soldiers were usually confined to checkpoints on the region's roads instead of securing the population centres, where the insurgency has crippled the economy.
- 'Easier to recruit' -
Timothy Kaldas, a non-resident fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, said multiple foreign diplomats had told him that when they urge Egyptian officials to change tactics, "they get a lot of pushback".
"They are basically told 'not to interfere in Egypt's affairs'," he said.
He said discussion of security strategy took place within a "small circle" and that the public was "not allowed to participate in that conversation to discuss what is problematic and what could be better".
Egyptian soldiers stand guard outside a hospital in Ismailia on November 25, 2017 where the victims of a deadly mosque attack are receiving treatment
Egypt's Western allies acknowledge the army has made some headway in containing the insurgency and forcing IS to change its tactics.
Large-scale attacks on the military have grown less frequent, as IS has increasingly turned to a war of attrition involving roadside bombings and sniper attacks, inflicting fewer casualties on the army.
The military has also succeeded in hitting some of the group's top commanders, including overall leader Abu Duaa al-Ansari who was killed in an air strike last year.
It has largely ended the once-lucrative smuggling trade with the Gaza Strip by destroying tunnels under the border with the Palestinian territory and razing parts of the divided frontier town of Rafah to create a buffer zone.
But the home demolitions have stoked further resentment in a region that has felt marginalised for decades.
Kaldas said that situation "makes it easier for ISIS (IS) to recruit, it makes people less interested in supporting the government."
IS too has sparked some antagonism with its tactics.
The jihadists have alienated the region's largest tribe, the Tarabin, by executing dozens of its members for allegedly cooperating with the army.
Some Tarabin have formed militias to fight IS.
- Increased military presence -
Sisi came to power after leading the military overthrow of his Islamist predecessor Mohamed Morsi in 2013 promising to restore security following the chaos of the Arab Spring uprising that toppled longtime dictator Hosni Mubarak.
But four years on, the situation in Sinai is far from stable.
In November 2014, shortly after Sisi's election as president, Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, a Sinai-based jihadist group previously linked to Al-Qaeda, swore allegiance to IS.
Egyptian soldiers pray as they are deployed to the North Sinai provincial capital of El-Arish on July 16, 2013
Friday's attack was carried out by some 30 armed men carrying flags similar to the black banner of IS, although the jihadist organisation has not formally claimed it.
The emergence of IS in Sinai strengthened the jihadist insurgency that began in 2013, with the Sinai militants drawing from the expertise of IS jihadists elsewhere.
The Sinai Peninsula had long been demilitarised under the terms of the 1979 peace treaty between Egypt and Israel but as the violence intensified the government responded by ramping up its military presence, with the tacit approval of Israel.
The region's biggest army was able to prevent IS repeating its successes in Iraq, where it seized a third of the country, including major urban centres, before declaring its "caliphate" in 2014.
One attempt by IS in July 2015 to seize the town of Sheikh Zuweid prompted the military to unleash F-16 jets, forcing the jihadists to withdraw.
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Cancelled flights, missed connections and expiring visas have turned Bali into a nightmare for thousands of tourists scrambling to leave, as a volcano on the Indonesian vacation paradise threatens a major eruption.
Hundreds of flights have been grounded as the main international airport was shuttered for a second day on Tuesday, leaving 120,000 stranded visitors in need of shelter -- or an exit plan.
Hundreds joined the mad rush to board buses headed to an international airport in Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya -- 13 hours' drive and a ferry ride away -- as torrential rains dampened spirits even more in one the world's top tourist draws.
The imminent eruption of Mount Agung may mean more five-star hotel living for some well-heeled visitors who are happy to sit out the minor inconvenience, but Mukesh Kumar Gupta and two-dozen members of his family aren't going to be staying at the Four Seasons.
"We are practically helpless -- how can we get back to India?" said the Chennai-based member of the heaving 26-member clan.
Gupta's family -- 23 adults and three kids -- arrived in Bali 10 days ago from different Indian cities.
They were all supposed to fly back Tuesday but now they say they are stuck, and nearly broke, as chaos ensued at the airport with frustrated travellers and overwhelmed staff.
"The refund money (from the airline) won't be enough to buy us new tickets," another family member, Navin Saraf from Kolkata, told AFP at Bali's main airport.
What happens in a volcanic eruption
"We booked everything online beforehand, so we don't have much cash right now," he added.
Towering columns of thick grey smoke have been rising from Agung since last week, and in the last few days the volcano has begun shooting smoke and ash into the sky, forcing all flights to be grounded until at least Wednesday morning.
Ash is dangerous for planes as it makes runways slippery and can be sucked into their engines.
- 'Nobody's fault'-
Agung is 75 kilometres (47 miles) from the beach-and-sandal tourist hub of Kuta, but that wasn't making German student Alex Thamm feel much better.
"We are supposed to go back to Germany via Singapore on (Friday) but the situation seems not good," he said nervously.
"Is it dangerous here? Do you think [the volcano] will explode?"
The delays weren't putting a smile on Juan Gajun's face either, after he missed a connecting flight Monday.
"We have to leave the island and we can't. We were planning to go to Singapore but we have to stay here for I don't know, maybe two or three days more," said the 30-year-old Argentine.
Colin Cavy, a French dive master who has been in Indonesia for a couple of months, had other problems.
A flight information board shows the list of delayed flights due to the volcano at the Ngurah Rai International airport in Denpasar, Bali on November 28, 2017
"I've just come to Bali two days ago to leave the country," he told AFP.
"My visa has expired...I need to go to the immigration office."
Meanwhile, cash-strapped Gupta and his bulging brood were weighing their options, which he lamented would not include help from India's consulate in Bali.
"No one can beat nature, but at least people can help," said Gupta's relative Abhisek Garg, who lives in Delhi.
They might want to call inn operator I Wayan Yastina Joni, who is among the few hoteliers willing to take up an appeal by Bali's governor and tourism agency to supply free rooms to out-of-luck visitors.
"I don't mind giving free accommodation for tourists I already know," said the owner of the Pondok Denayu Homestay.
"This is nobody's fault. It's a natural disaster that no one expected."
The Picasso in Baghdad exhibition allows Iraqis to experience fine art at first hand
Picasso, Dali, Miro, Chagall... names that are instantly recognisable in the international art world. Now works by these masters are being exhibited in Baghdad thanks to an anonymous Iraqi collector.
The exhibition at the Hiwar gallery -- one of the last to remain open in the city -- includes 24 Picasso lithographs.
For gallery owner Qassem Sabti, "this exhibition is a historic chance" for Iraqis to feast their eyes on artworks of such a high standard, in a first for the capital.
"It is presented by an Iraqi person who prefers not to disclose his identity due to the circumstances in Baghdad," Sabti said.
There are 42 works in all being shown: in addition to those by Pablo Picasso, there is work by Salvador Dali, Joan Miro and Marc Chagall.
They "belong to an Iraqi who lives in the United Arab Emirates who wanted to open a museum dedicated to Picasso in Baghdad or Karbala, where he's from," said Sabti.
Iraqi artist Qassem Sabti: the owner of the artworks "prefers not to disclose his identity due to the circumstances in Baghdad"
"But he wasn't able to do so as he couldn't secure the necessary guarantees to protect the artworks," added the gallery owner, who also heads the Iraqi Plastic Artists Society.
"The works on display are very valuable and have been collected over 30 years... some date from the 1950s and 1960s."
Priced at between $15,000 (12,600 euros) and $25,000 (21,000 euros), there is little chance of them being snapped up by local buyers.
Instead, the main aim of the show is to let them be seen by students and those who appreciate the fine arts.
For painter Mohammed Shawqi, "this exhibition reflects a return to stability in the country.
"Who would have dared mount a show of such valuable works just a few years ago?"
After the US-led invasion of 2003 that toppled now executed dictator Saddam Hussein, Iraq descended into a lengthy period of violence that saw waves of sectarian killings and culminated in the Islamic State group offensive of 2014.
The exhibition was a breath of fresh air for 30-year-old engineer Zinah Sulaiman, who heard about it on Facebook.
It was the first time she had been able to see works by Picasso, "and I hope I will see more of this".
"It's important that art be supported here, especially since we are a people of culture and history."
Parts of the THAAD system arrive in South Korea in March: the deployment sparked Chinese economic retaliation
China is resuming limited tour group travel to South Korea, a sign of warming relations which were strained by Seoul's installation of a US missile defence system.
Tour group operators in Beijing said Tuesday the city's tourism bureau had told them they could resume booking group visits to South Korea.
China halted group travel to the South in March after the country began deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which Seoul and Washington say is intended to combat missile threats from nuclear-armed North Korea.
China sees it as a threat to its own military capabilities and slapped a series of restrictions on South Korea in moves seen as economic retaliation.
In addition to the travel curbs it imposed a series of measures on South Korean firms operating in China.
The undeclared sanctions have taken a toll on South Korea's economy, with its economic growth slowing this summer amid shrinking exports.
"We just received the notice today," said Zhang, an employee at Huanyu Yuntong International Travel Agency, who said the tourism bureau would allow them to resume sending groups to South Korea.
"At present, according to the tourism bureau's rules, we still can't cooperate with websites," she said, noting they would resume selling to over-the-counter travel agents.
The end of the ban appeared restricted to a few areas. Tour operators in other major Chinese cities told AFP they still could not book group visits to South Korea.
Both countries late last month took steps to improve relations, saying they had agreed to address China's concerns over THAAD through future discussions.
Eearlier this month Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South Korean counterpart Moon Jae-in held talks on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit.
China has consistently denied putting in place any sanctions on travel to South Korea. Foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said he had no knowledge of the travel ban when asked about it at a press briefing on Tuesday.
"We hope the two sides will create a enabling environment and conditions for our friendly exchange," Geng said.
South Korea's Moon is expected to visit Beijing in December.
A demonstrator gestures in front of Moroccan security forces during a march in the northern Moroccan city of Al-Hoceima on July 20, 2017 in defiance of a government ban
Human rights group Amnesty International urged Moroccan authorities on Tuesday to release more than 400 people detained over protests in the neglected north of the kingdom over the past year.
Its call came as the Casablanca Court of Appeal held a new hearing in the trial of protest leader Nasser Zefzafi and 53 others, some of them charged with state security offences that can carry prison terms of up to 20 years.
Amnesty said that children and several journalists were among at least 410 people arrested since May over the largely peaceful protests that have gripped the Rif region since October last year.
"The crackdown on Rif protesters in recent months has been relentless," said Amnesty's North Africa research director Heba Morayef.
"The authorities must free Nasser Zefzafi and others detained for protesting peacefully or covering demonstrations online."
Amnesty said Zefzafi had been held in solitary confinement for 176 days, while journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui had spent several weeks in solitary.
It said that most of the defendants in the Casablanca trial faced accusations of "inciting", "participating" or being "complicit" in unrest without any evidence being provided of their individual criminal responsibility for any act of violence.
It said most of the charges were inconsistent with Morocco's human rights obligations since they criminalised the peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression.
The Rif has historically had a tense relationship with central authorities in Rabat, and it was at the heart of Morocco's Arab Spring-inspired protests in February 2011.
The latest protests erupted after a fishmonger in the port of Al-Hoceima was crushed to death in a rubbish truck as he tried to retrieve swordfish dumped by authorities because they were caught out of season.
The pope's trip to Myanmar has so far avoided explicit mention of the country's Rohingya Muslim minority
Pope Francis urged respect for rights and justice in a keenly-watched address in Myanmar on Tuesday, but refrained from any mention of the Rohingya or the alleged ethnic cleansing that has driven huge numbers of the Muslim minority from the country.
Sharing a stage with Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the capital Naypyidaw, the pontiff tip-toed around the humanitarian emergency of the Rohingya.
Peace can only be achieved through "justice and a respect for human rights", he said in a broadly-framed speech that also called for "respect for each ethnic group and its identity".
The word "Rohingya", an incendiary term in a mainly Buddhist country where the minority are denied citizenship and branded illegal "Bengali" immigrants, was entirely absent from his speech.
Francis has repeatedly defended the group, 620,000 of whom have fled from Myanmar's Rakhine state to Bangladesh since August.
Rights groups had urged him during his four-day visit to confront Myanmar about its actions, but the local Catholic Church cautioned him against straying into the Rohingya issue.
Also on Tuesday, the UN Human Rights Council announced it will hold a special session next week to discuss the situation facing the Rohingya and other minorities in Rakhine.
The December 5 session "is being convened per an official request submitted today by Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia" that has been supported by 73 states, the rights council said in a statement.
- Widespread loathing -
Rohingya refugees react as police and officials attempt to control a surging crowd as they wait for rice, water, and cooking oil in a relief centre at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar on November 28, 2017
Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been ostracised by a global rights community that once adored her but is now outraged at her tepid response to the crisis.
She spoke of the challenges her country faces as it creeps out of the shadow of five decades of military rule, but also did not reference the Rohingya.
The government aimed to build the nation by "protecting rights, fostering tolerance, ensuring security for all", she said in a short speech, that gave a nod to the "situation in the Rakhine."
The pope's peace mission is strewn with pitfalls in Myanmar, where a monk-led Buddhist nationalist movement has fostered widespread loathing for the Rohingya.
In recognition of those tensions his public speech was "very carefully worded", Myanmar-based political analyst Richard Horsey told AFP, speculating "he is likely to have been more forthright in private meetings with Myanmar's leaders."
But the pontiff's words were of little comfort to Rohingya stuck in dire conditions in Bangladesh.
"We are very much disappointed that he did not mention the Rohingya crisis," said activist Mohammad Zubair from Kutupalong refugee camp, speaking of a religious leader who previously "even held prayers for the Rohingya".
- The Pope, The Lady and a General -
Late on Monday the 80-year-old pontiff received a "courtesy visit" from Myanmar's powerful army chief -- whose troops, according to the UN and US, have waged a campaign of ethnic cleansing in Rakhine.
This handout picture taken and released by the Vatican press office (Osservatore Romano) on November 28, 2017 shows Pope Francis (L) and Myanmar's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi during a meeting in Naypyidaw
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has firmly denied allegations of widespread brutality by his forces, despite the flight of hundreds of thousands who have recounted rape, murder and arson.
His office said the general told the pope there was "no discrimination" in Myanmar, and he praised his military for maintaining "the peace and stability of the country".
Known fondly as The Lady, in Myanmar, Suu Kyi finally came to power after elections in 2015 but has fallen from grace abroad for not doing more to stand up to the army in defence of the Rohingya.
Rights groups have clamoured for Suu Kyi to be stripped of her Nobel prize. Oxford, the English city she once called home, on Monday removed her Freedom of the City award for "inaction" in the face of oppression of the Rohingya.
Just days before the papal visit, Myanmar and Bangladesh signed a deal to start repatriating Rohingya refugees within two months.
But details of the agreement -- including the use of temporary shelters for returnees, many of whose homes have been burned to the ground -- raise questions for Rohingya fearful of returning without guarantees of basic rights.
The pontiff has received a warm welcome in Myanmar, whose Catholic community numbers just over one percent of a 51 million population.
But around 200,000 Catholics from all corners of the country are pouring into the commercial capital Yangon ahead of a huge, open-air mass on Wednesday morning.
Francis will travel on to Bangladesh on Thursday.
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Boko Haram founder Muhammad Yusuf was arrested and killed in police custody in 2009
The home of Boko Haram's founder is to be turned into a museum as part of plans to chart the deadly Islamist insurgency in northeast Nigeria, a government official said on Tuesday.
Muhammad Yusuf, a charismatic Muslim preacher, founded the group in 2001 from his base in the Railway suburb of the Borno state capital, Maiduguri.
His followers at the time were disgruntled young people, who met at Yusuf's "Markaz" (centre in Arabic), which comprised a mosque and his living quarters.
Yusuf conducted fiery sermons from the mosque calling for jihad (holy war) against what he perceived to be a corrupt, secular government.
The Borno state information commissioner, Muhammad Bulama, said converting the building into a museum would be a way of "documenting, preserving and archiving our history".
"The Boko Haram insurgency is a turning point in the history of Borno state and the northeast. Our history cannot be written without reference to Boko Haram," he told AFP.
The building used by Boko Haram's founder Muhammad Yusuf in the Nigerian city of Maiduguri was destroyed in a 2009 military crackdown
"We want to document it for posterity to have a clear and correct picture of what happened."
The rebuilt "Markaz" would house "all objects related to the insurgency", he added, rejecting the possibility that it would immortalise Yusuf.
- 'Global practice' -
The building has been in ruins since it was reduced to a pile of rubble in the July 2009 military crackdown against the group that is taken as the start of the insurgency.
Yusuf was arrested and killed in police custody after six days of violent clashes between Boko Haram supporters and the military in Maiduguri.
Some 800 people were killed, most of them members of the groups.
Since Yusuf's deputy, Abubakar Shekau, took over, Boko Haram has developed into one of the world's deadliest jihadist groups.
At least 20,000 people have been killed and more than 2.6 million others made homeless in its quest to establish a hardline Islamic state in northeast Nigeria.
It achieved global notoriety when fighters kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in April 2014.
Bulama said it was "global practice" to set up museums "wherever violent upheavals" have taken place and it would not be the first such building in Borno state.
A fort built by Rabe, a tyrannical Sudanese raider who conquered the former Kanem-Borno empire in 1893, was turned into a national monument, he added.
It is situated in the town of Dikwa, some 90 kilometres (nearly 60 miles) from Maiduguri. "Rabe was just like Muhammad Yusuf," said Bulama.
Last December, Borno state governor Kashim Shettima, announced plans to convert Boko Haram's "Camp Zairo" enclave in the Sambisa Forest into a museum.
Nigerian soldiers overran the base after months of fighting. Shettima said December 22 would be a public holiday in the state to mark the victory.
There have since been indications that Boko Haram fighters have returned to the camp, despite denials from the military.
Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz added two red bands to the country's flag to mark a series of constitutional changes passed by referendum in August
A new national flag for Mauritania flew for the first time on Tuesday, the country's independence day, following a contested constitutional referendum that prompted a senator's arrest and hunger strike.
Two red bands were added to the old green-and-yellow standard, meant to signify the blood spilled in the fight for freedom from France, its colonial master, but the adoption of the design has been fraught with dramatic twists.
The new national symbol was part of a package of measures passed by referendum in August, including a new national anthem, that required a constitutional amendment -- one that also abolished the country's senate.
Senators from the ruling party of President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz joined opposition parties in seeking to block the measures, and the flag's detractors made their anger clear on Tuesday.
The National Forum for Democracy and Unity, a coalition of opposition groups, called the flag "the illegitimate child of the rape of the constitution", and said independence day was being "desecrated".
Senator Mohamed Ould Ghadda, a main opponent of the president's changes, was arrested on charges of "corruption" in August, prompting him to go on a hunger strike that lasted several days.
Aziz had accused senators of "treason" for failing to vote for the abolition of their chamber and for the new national anthem and flag.
Syrian men run through an alley in the rebel-controlled town of Mesraba, in the eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, on November 27, 2017
Syria's government agreed on Tuesday to a ceasefire in rebel-held Eastern Ghouta, following days of heavy bombardment, the United Nations envoy to the war-ravaged country said.
"I was just informed by the Russians... today at the P5 meeting that Russia has proposed and the government has accepted a ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta," Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva.
He was speaking after a meeting of ambassadors from Security Council permanent representatives -- Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States -- earlier on Tuesday.
Eastern Ghouta is one of the last remaining rebel strongholds in Syria, and is part of one of four so-called "de-escalation zones" in place across the country to reduce violence.
It has been under siege since 2013 but in recent weeks violence has increased considerably, with government air strikes and artillery fire across the region, and rebel fire from the area into Damascus.
The town of Hammuriyeh in Eastern Ghouta was hit with airstrikes on Tuesday morning, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
It said four people, two of them children, were killed Tuesday in Eastern Ghouta, where food is in short supply.
The enclave east of the Syrian capital is home to around 400,000 people and humanitarian organisations have voiced fears that conditions there could yet get worse.
The implementation of the "de-escalation" zone, agreed earlier this year between government allies Russia and Iran and rebel backer Turkey, had initially reduced the violence in Eastern Ghouta.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in for a second term at Kasarani Stadium
Uhuru Kenyatta, who was sworn in Tuesday for a second and final term after a bruising election season, is the son of Kenya's founding president and a man who epitomises the country's elite.
The 56-year-old US-educated multi-millionaire, whose family owns an array of businesses, properties and land, followed in his father's footsteps when he defeated his rival Raila Odinga to become president in 2013.
However, securing a second term required an acrimonious and drawn-out process that has split the nation, handing him the tricky task of trying to heal deep tribal and political schisms.
At his inauguration in front of a capacity crowd at the 60,000-seat Kasarani stadium, he said: "I will devote my time and energy to build bridges, to unite and bring prosperity."
He also acknowledged the damage done by Kenya's costly politics, exemplified during the disruptive months of unrest that led to his swearing-in.
"We have pursued politics as an end in itself, rather than as a means to economic prosperity. This must end," he said.
Odinga and Kenyatta's rematch -- billed as their final showdown -- was in August won by Kenyatta, with 54 percent of the vote, but the Supreme Court annulled the results due to "irregularities" and ordered a re-run.
An angry Kenyatta called the judges "crooks" and threatened to "fix" the courts. However, he accepted the ruling and went on to win the second poll with 98 percent after Odinga refused to take part, claiming it would not be free and fair.
The Supreme Court was again asked to dismiss the result, but this time upheld Kenyatta's victory.
- Privilege and wealth -
Kenyatta's first term was defined by big spending on eye-catching infrastructure and impressive economic growth in a tough climate.
Kenyatta ran a successful election campaign in 2013 to claim his first presidency
But this has gone hand-in-hand with spiralling debt and widening inequality.
Terrorism has also been a consistent threat, with Kenyatta forced to address the nation in doleful terms after bloody attacks in 2013 and 2015.
The former finance minister and deputy prime minister was born in 1961, shortly after his father Jomo Kenyatta was released from nearly a decade in British jails and before becoming Kenya's first president in 1964.
His first name means "freedom" in Kiswahili.
Educated at a private school in Nairobi and at Amherst College in the United States, Kenyatta is regarded as a leader of the Kikuyu people, the country's single largest ethnic group.
He is married with three children and regularly attends Catholic church.
In 2011 Forbes magazine estimated Kenyatta's wealth at $500 million (423 million euros).
Despite his elite background, Kenyatta has a common touch. He easily mixes it up with ordinary Kenyans, eagerly gets down on the dance floor, joshes in the local youth slang and, in his younger years, earned a persistent reputation for partying hard.
- Dynastic politics -
Kenyatta's political career is a case study in pragmatism.
Kenyatta unsuccesfully ran for the presidency in 2002
In the 1990s, he joined with the sons of other independence heroes to call for democratic reforms but then became a close ally of autocratic former president Daniel arap Moi who had him nominated as the ruling party's candidate for the presidency in 2002.
Kenyatta lost to fellow Kikuyu politician Mwai Kibaki but then backed Kibaki's successful re-election bid in 2007, against Odinga who at the time was allied with William Ruto, now Kenyatta's deputy and running mate.
The violent fallout from the disputed result led to the deaths of over 1,100 people and, eventually, to a power-sharing government in which Kibaki was president, Odinga prime minister and Kenyatta one of his deputies.
Kenyatta and Ruto were indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their alleged roles in orchestrating the violence.
But in 2014 the court dropped charges against Kenyatta -- and later Ruto -- citing the disappearance of witnesses and lack of evidence.
Despite, or perhaps because of the ICC indictment, Kenyatta and Ruto won the 2013 election, campaigning on a platform of nationalism, sovereignty and confronting imperialism in the form of the foreign court.
Kenyatta beat Odinga in the first round with a wafer-thin margin of 50.03 percent -- a result Odinga disputed, unsuccessfully, in court.
Kenyatta in 2015 welcomed the then US President Barack Obama, who toured his father's homeland
The 2017 election season is seen as the final act in a multi-generational political rivalry stretching back half a century to when Jomo Kenyatta and Odinga's father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, vied for control of the nation.
Kenyatta must stand down after one more term and, at 72, Odinga is regarded as too old to make another bid for the presidency in five years time. Both men's children are, for now, inexperienced in politics.
The UAE is a key member of the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the Iran-backed Huthi rebels since 2015 after they captured the capital Sanaa and vast areas of northern Yemen
The United Arab Emirates on Tuesday accused Gulf rival Qatar of being behind a call for the International Criminal Court to investigate allegations of war crimes by the UAE in Yemen.
A group calling itself the Arab Organisation for Human Rights in the UK said on Monday it was taking the UAE to the ICC over "indiscriminate attacks on civilians" in Yemen.
The UAE is part of a Saudi-led coalition battling Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen.
UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash accused Qatar of being responsible.
"The Arab Organisation for Human Rights with its address in Qatar has filed a media complaint against the UAE to the International Criminal Court," Gargash wrote on his Twitter account.
"People with knowledge are aware that this move aims to create noise, which is Qatars favourite game," he said.
The group, which says it is based in London, says the complaint was filed on Monday and also charges that the UAE has used banned cluster bombs and hired mercenaries to carry out torture and executions.
Officials at the Hague-based ICC could not be reached to confirm whether the complaint had been filed. Such complaints are common, with some 10,000 received received since the court opened in 2002.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt in June severed diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed economic sanctions on the tiny gas-rich country.
The UAE is a key member of the Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the Iran-backed Huthi rebels since 2015 after they captured the capital Sanaa and vast areas of northern Yemen.
The war has killed some 8,600 people, while a further 2,000 have died of cholera.
Some 40 percent of Angola's population of 28 million own a mobile phone
Angola is to allow a fourth mobile operator to enter its profitable telecommunications sector in a move which could impact business interests linked to former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
"The government is to issue a tender for a fourth telecoms operator which will include land line, mobile and television subscriptions," said Telecoms Minister Jose Carvalho da Rocha.
"We are increasing competition to improve the service, and will work on pricing and quality of service," he told reporters.
The mobile phone sector is currently shared between two private firms, Movicel and Unitel, the country's leading operator.
Isabel dos Santos, the former president's oldest daughter who is believed to be the richest woman in Africa, holds a controlling stake in Unitel while her half-sister, Welwitschia dos Santos, holds a stake in Movicel.
The minister also announced moves to privatise 45 percent of the capital of state-owned Angola Telecom, which runs the fixed line market, although it is now also operating in the mobile sector.
The move to open up the market is part of efforts by President Joao Lourenco, who took over in September, "to fight against monopolies," da Rocha said.
Some 40 percent of Angola's population of 28 million own a mobile phone, ministry figures show.
Earlier this month, Lourenco sacked Dos Santos's daughter Isabel as head of the state-run oil company Sonangol and has set about dismantling the former president's business empire.
Lourenco swept to power in August elections after pledging to clean up Angola's endemic graft, tackle nepotism and revive its listless economy.
Oil provides 70 percent of Angola's revenues and almost all of its hard currency, but many of the country's citizens are mired in poverty.
The UN Security Council insists the Democratic Republic of Congo holds its elections of December 23, a year after the mandate of incumbent Joseph Kabila (L) expired but he refused to step down
The UN Security Council on Tuesday warned that the Democratic Republic of Congo must stick to a December 2018 date for holding elections and ensure there are no more delays.
In a unanimous statement, the council gave its response to the decision of the election commission in Kinshasa to hold presidential, legislative, regional and local elections on December 23, 2018.
"Now that the 23 December 2018 has been set as the date for elections, the members of the Security Council emphasized the critical importance of ensuring the elections are not postponed further," said the statement.
The council has been pressing Congolese authorities to announce a timetable for the elections, which could pave the way for the first peaceful transition of power in the vast resource-rich country.
Elections were scheduled to be held by the end of 2017, under a political deal with the opposition aimed at avoiding bloodshed after President Joseph Kabila refused to step down when his second mandate ended last December.
Council members called on Congolese authorities to "take all the necessary measures without delay to ensure that this new calendar is scrupulously adhered to".
They called on all political sides to refrain from violence and threatened "to act accordingly" against those who impede the elections, a veiled reference to possible sanctions.
The elections must be organized "with the requisite conditions of transparency, credibility and inclusivity, and lead to a peaceful transfer of power," the statement said.
US Ambassador Nikki Haley traveled to the DR Congo in October to press for a timetable for elections and the commission released the date shortly afterwards.
In power since 2001 when he took over from his assassinated father Laurent, Kabila refused to step down at the end of his second and final term in office in December 2016.
Kabila may be facing unpopularity at home and pressure abroad, but his position does not seem in immediate threat.
Opposition stalwart Gilchrist Olympio wants President Gnassingbe, pictured, to accept a return to the 1992 constitution, which sets a 10-year limit for presidents, and therefore to refrain from standing in 2020
Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe was on Tuesday urged not to seek re-election in 2020 to guarantee his place in history as the man who ushered in peaceful political change.
Gnassingbe, who has been in power since the death of his father in 2005, has been the target of a wave of protests since late August calling on him to quit.
Three more opposition marches are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Opposition stalwart Gilchrist Olympio said Gnassingbe and his government should accept a return to the 1992 constitution, which sets a 10-year limit for presidents.
"Faure Gnassingbe must then accept the principle of not running in the presidential elections of 2020, to leave the field clear for democratic consultation," he told reporters.
"The chance is being offered... to go down in history by creating the conditions for the peaceful change of power," he added.
Olympio also called on the opposition to be united and plot a way forward, as well as announcing his retirement from politics.
The 80-year-old's father Sylvanus, was Togo's first president after independence from French colonial rule in 1960.
He was killed in a military coup in 1963 in which President Gnassingbe's father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, took part.
Gilchrist opposed the general for years after he seized power in 1967 but in May 2010 signed an agreement that brought his UFC party into government.
A coalition of 14 opposition parties want the re-introduction of a two-term limit for presidents plus a two-round voting system at elections.
At least 16 people have been killed in a series of protests, which have seen hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets across Togo.
The opposition has rejected a government proposal for two-term limits because it is not retroactive, which potentially means Gnassingbe could stand at the 2020 and 2025 elections.
Mediators such as Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo and Guinea's Alpha Conde are trying to open up talks between the two sides.
Egyptians attend the November 26, 2017 funeral of Fethy Ismail, the muezzin of Rawda mosque, who was killed in the massacre
A Sufi leader associated with a mosque where suspected Islamic State group gunmen massacred hundreds of worshippers in Egypt said Tuesday the jihadists had visited the mosque to warn against holding Sufi rituals there.
Friday's massacre during prayers in the North Sinai town of Rawda killed at least 300 people when suspected IS gunmen surrounded the mosque and opened fire.
IS, which views some practices of the Sufi sect as heretical, had previously targeted the mystics by kidnapping one of their leaders and beheading him.
In one of their propaganda outlets, they had also vowed to fight the Sufis in Sinai, singling out the Jariri Sufi order associated with the mosque.
Sheikh Mohamed al-Jawish, deputy head of the Jariri order, said that less than a month ago jihadists visited Rawda mosque and spoke to the muezzin, Fethy Ismail, who issued the call to prayer five times a day.
"They entered the mosque. They were unknown" to the congregants, he told AFP.
He said they told the muezzin, who later died in the massacre: "Don't celebrate the Mawlid. Don't hold Sufi prayer circles."
Mawlids mark the Prophet Mohammed's birthday, and those of Muslim saints. IS follows the puritan Salafi theology and views the practice as an unlawful innovation in Islam.
Jawish said that followers of his order had already stopped such gatherings in the North Sinai capital of El-Arish, where IS has deadly underground cells that often carry out assassinations and bombings.
Despite the warning, Jawish said no one expected IS would return and actually carry out a massacre which shocked even supporters of the jihadist group.
"No one expected this. They thought the issue ended with the warning not to hold the Sufi prayer circles," Jawish said in a phone interview.
IS has claimed attacks that have killed dozens of Sufis, most notably in Pakistan.
If the mosque was attacked because of its Sufi connections, the massacre would be in line with IS in Egypt increasingly focusing on civilian targets as it makes little headway in its Sinai insurgency.
IS has killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers in the Sinai, as well as civilians accused of working with the authorities, since the July 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.
Several teachers have been arrested and two teenage protesters killed since the teacher walkout was called on November 13 over salary increases, and last week saw thousands of Guinean schoolchildren take to the streets in support
More than 40 radio stations in Guinea suspended programming for 24 hours in protest at the shutdown of a regional broadcaster for attempting to interview the leader of a teachers' strike.
The silent act of solidarity began at 12 pm (1200 GMT) on Tuesday following three hours of broadcasts earlier in the day devoted to the topic of press freedom.
The URTELGUI media union told members it expected "strict respect" of the blackout in a statement late Monday, while presenting excuses to the Guinean people for any "inconvenience".
Radio is the primary source of news in the West African nation, where the majority of the population is illiterate.
The protest relates to the temporary shutdown of the BTA FM radio station in Guinea's second city, Labe, where broadcasting was interrupted by the authorities on Monday morning just as an interview began with key teachers' union official Aboubacar Soumah.
Several teachers have been arrested and two teenage protesters killed since the walkout was called on November 13 over salary increases, with President Alpha Conde taking a hard line this weekend on media he described as aiding an "illegal" strike movement, adding "accomplices" would be "shut down".
Guinea's media watchdog reminded officials on Monday it had the sole authority to suspend broadcasts from radio stations, but warned journalists not to "endanger national unity or create problems in society."
Meanwhile, there was a marked increase in attendance by teachers and pupils at schools on Tuesday in the capital, the education ministry said in a statement, despite the continued absence of many children whose families fear a repeat of violent street battles with police.
This file picture shows Latin Catholic clergymen circling the edicule during mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City on April 13, 2017
Scientific testing at what is believed to be Jesus's tomb dates material there to the fourth century, supporting traditional beliefs surrounding the site, an expert involved in the study said Tuesday.
The study offers no further evidence whether or not Jesus was actually buried at the site in Jerusalem, but was consistent with the historical belief that the Romans built a monument there some 300 years after his death.
It is the first time such testing has been carried out at the site, located at what is now the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and encased in an elaborate shrine, or edicule.
The tests on mortar at the site were done in connection with recent restoration work, which saw the cave where Jesus is believed to have been buried opened for the first time in centuries.
Antonia Moropoulou, chief scientific coordinator of the restoration works, said the testing was consistent with historical beliefs that the Romans built a monument at the presumed tomb during the era of Constantine the Great, circa 326.
"This is a very important finding because it confirms that it was, as historically evidenced, Constantine the Great responsible for cladding bedrock of the tomb of Christ with the marble slabs in the edicule," said Moropoulou, a specialist in preservation from the National Technical University of Athens.
The dating of the mortar shows historical continuity at the site, stretching through the Byzantine era, the Crusades, the Renaissance period and beyond, she said.
Tradition holds that Constantine had the monument to Jesus built on what was thought to be the site of his burial as he began the Roman empire's transition to Christianity in the fourth century AD.
Other monuments were built over it in later years.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre houses the shrine today, along with the nearby presumed site of Jesus's crucifixion -- the holiest sites in Christianity.
In March, the newly restored shrine surrounding the tomb was unveiled following months of delicate work.
A 19th-century edicule surrounds the tomb with an onion-shaped dome above.
In October 2016, perhaps the most dramatic moment in the renovation occurred when the cave thought to be the tomb of Jesus was opened for the first time in centuries.
The Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic denominations share custody of the church, but disputes between the three had led to renovations being delayed for decades.
President Emmanuel Macron is on a three-day trip to boost France's standing in West Africa, which began with talks in Burkina Faso with President Roch Marc Christian Kabore
President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his maiden African tour Tuesday by vowing to declassify secret French files on Burkina Faso's assassinated leader and announcing a billion-euro fund for African businesses.
The terror threat has cast a shadow over Macron's swing through West Africa, with three civilians wounded in an attempted grenade attack on French troops in Ouagadougou, the Burkinabe capital, shortly before his arrival late Monday.
"Two hooded individuals on a motorcycle threw a grenade towards a French army vehicle" as it made its way to a barracks housing French special forces, a security source told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The three-day trip aims to boost France's influence in West Africa, taking Macron from Burkina Faso -- bearing the brunt of jihadist attacks in the Sahel -- to a European-African summit in Ivory Coast and finally to Ghana, a former British colony.
After meeting Burkinabe President Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Macron touched on one of the country's greatest traumas -- the killing 30 years ago of its revered leader Thomas Sankara, hailed as a hero in much of the continent.
- 'Africa's Che Guevara' -
"At present, except for documents which are classified and categorised as secret, the files are available and open to Burkinabe justice," Macron said.
"I have made a clear undertaking and I have just told President Kabore: these documents will now be declassified for Burkinabe justice, which will have access to all the documents on the Sankara affair."
Sankara, a charismatic young army captain dubbed "Africa's Che Guevara", was cut down in a hail of bullets on October 15, 1987 on his way to a special cabinet meeting.
Many Burkinabe today suspect that France played a role in the putsch which brought Sankara's close friend Blaise Compaore to power.
Compaore went on to rule Burkina Faso with an iron fist until October 2014, when he was ousted by a popular uprising.
About a dozen people have been charged in connection with Sankara's assassination including soldiers from the presidential security unit.
Compaore, who is in exile in Ivory Coast, is the subject of an international arrest warrant over the killing.
- Colonial crimes 'indisputable' -
But the French leader's visit has stirred up some protest, with demonstrators erecting a barricade and burning tyres on a road leading to Ougadougou University where Macron was to give a speech, prompting the deployment of riot police.
Macron's visit has sparked criticism on social media in this former French colony, notably over the lucrative contracts French companies sweep up in the region as well as of Paris' historical support for African autocrats.
In his speech, Macron was quick to address the scars of the colonial period, saying "the crimes of European colonisation are indisputable," but insisting it was "a past which has to pass."
But he also looked to the future, saying Africa was facing a challenge "that we cannot escape, that of demography", he said.
"When you have demographic growth which consistently outpaces economic growth, you will never manage to fight poverty," he said. "Not talking about this is irresponsible."
Several months ago, Macron came under fire over a speech on demographic, democratic and security challenges in Africa in which he said the continent had "civilisational" problems in which he flagged the fact that women had "seven or eight children".
- Migration and security -
Speaking in Ouagadougou, Macron promised to declassify files on Sankara's assassination for Burkinabe investigators
Macron's advisers say his main message is to stress a partnership of equals with Africa, based on education and entrepreneurship.
On Tuesday Macron announced that Paris was setting up a billion-euro ($1.2 billion) fund for small- and medium-sized African businesses.
The money will be provided by France's Public Investment Bank, which offers firms tailored funding, and the French Development Agency.
The move is linked to regional security concerns which will feature heavily at a summit of the European Union and African Union on Wednesday and Thursday that will bring together over 80 leaders from the two continents.
Europe is keen to stem the flow of African migrants across the Mediterranean without leaving them at the mercy of traffickers in transit countries such as Libya, where they face torture, rape and being sold into slavery.
"Our collective responsibility is to enable Africa to succeed as our fates are linked," Macron said after announcing the fund. "If Africa fails we all lose together as Europe will be overwhelmed by a wave of migration."
Macron will also seek international backing for a five-nation African counter-terror force which France hopes can eventually take over the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel region.
Ouagadougou has suffered two recent Islamist terror attacks -- a shooting spree in January 2016 that left 20 dead and a similar assault by gunmen in August that killed 19.
US Vice President Mike Pence, speaking at an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the UN vote that led to the creation of Israel, said the US was still considering moving its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
US President Donald Trump is "actively considering when and how" to move the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, his vice president said Tuesday, evoking a campaign promise that the administration had sidelined.
Mike Pence made the remarks in a keynote address at an event in New York commemorating the 70th anniversary of the UN vote for partition of Palestine, which led to the creation of the state of Israel.
"President Donald Trump is actively considering when and how to move the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," Pence told the gathering of UN ambassadors, diplomats and Jewish leaders.
On June 1, Trump shied away from what was a major campaign promise by signing a legal waiver that keeps the embassy in Tel Aviv. The next six-month waiver is due to be signed this week.
"It's a question of when, not if," a US official said on June 1.
During his campaign for the White House, Trump expressed support for moving the embassy but did not renew the call -- which would anger Palestinians and Arab states -- when he visited Jerusalem this year.
In 1995, Congress passed a law making it US policy to move the embassy to Jerusalem, symbolically endorsing Israel's claim on the city as its capital.
But the law contains a clause that has allowed each president since to issue and renew a six-month waiver on carrying out the move.
Pence, who is to visit Jerusalem next month, said he would address the Israeli parliament during the trip and "bring a message of resolve and commitment to draw the United States and Israel even closer together, and to stand together in defense of all that we hold dear."
He said the United Nations had "too often" become "a forum for invective in the form of anti-Semitism and hatred" but vowed "the days of Israel-bashing at the United Nations are over."
"I'm pleased to report today that America's support for Israel's security is at a record level today," he said.
The administration was "committed" to bringing peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he said. Trump would "never compromise the safety and security of the Jewish State of Israel," he added.
Pence on Tuesday attended a symbolic re-enactment of the November 29, 1947 UN General Assembly vote, on the eve of its 70th anniversary.
The event was held at the Queens Museum, where the General Assembly partition vote took place. The main building of the museum served as the temporary home of the UN shortly after its founding, from 1946 to 1950.
Swedish-Chilean national Zaida Catalan and her American colleague Michael Sharp were investigating reports of mass graves in central DR Congo when they were shot dead
A Canadian prosecutor arrived in Democratic Republic of Congo Tuesday following a request by the UN chief that he lead a team to help the inquiry into the murder of two UN experts.
Robert Petit arrived in Kananga, the main city in the restive central Kasai province, where he met with regional governor Justin Milonga, an AFP correspondent said.
In a letter to the Security Council dated October 31, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he had named Petit as head of a team set up "to assist with the national investigation into the killing of Ms. Catalan, Mr. Sharp and the four Congolese nationals accompanying them".
Zaida Catalan, a Swedish-Chilean national and American Michael Sharp were killed in March while investigating reports of more than 40 mass graves in the war-torn Kasai region.
Their bodies were found 16 days later. Catalan had been decapitated. A UN report released in June described their murder as a "premeditated setup" in which state security may have been involved.
Guterres said the team would include four technical experts and support staff, and that Petit would travel "regularly" to DR Congo "to liaise with the relevant Congolese authorities and other parties and to oversee the work of the technical experts".
The four experts would be based in Kanaga where they would be "embedded with the team of investigators appointed by the national authorities responsible for the investigations", said the letter, a copy of which was seen by AFP.
The Congolese authorities have said the pair were killed by militia members, with four suspects put on trial before a military tribunal on June 5.
But the proceedings were suspended in October ahead of the arrival of the UN team, defence lawyer Serge Miseka told AFP on Tuesday.
US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont visiting hurricane-hit Puerto Rico with San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulin in October 2017
Democratic senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren proposed a bill Tuesday earmarking $146 billion for the reconstruction of the hurricane-hit US territories of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Sanders told journalists at the Senate that the situation in the US Caribbean territories was "not acceptable" two months after the islands were devastated by hurricanes Irma and Maria.
"More than two months after hurricanes Irma and Maria struck Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, half of the people there -- American citizens all -- still have no electricity," Sanders said.
"Many are struggling to get clean drinking water, and more than 100,000 people have left Puerto Rico alone. This is not acceptable," said Sanders, who campaigned unsuccessfully against Hillary Clinton to become his party's candidate in the 2016 presidential elections.
The 169-page bill does not propose simply repairing damage caused by the hurricanes, but sets out a total reconstruction of the islands' infrastructure, already in poor shape even before the double pounding of the storms.
It would include rebuilding the islands' power and water grids, as well as fixing health services and preparing shelters for future natural disasters, without forcing the territories foot the bill.
"We cannot simply rebuild Puerto Rico the way it was," said Sanders. "We must go forward to create a strong, sustainable economy and energy system in Puerto Rico."
The bill faces a difficult passage through Congress, where both houses are controlled by a Republican party opposed to any substantial reconstruction program for the territories.
Ricardo Rossello, the governor of Puerto Rico, asked Congress at the beginning of November for a $94-billion package to bail out the island, while the administration of Donald Trump has drawn up a bill earmarking $29 billion for Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, which were all hit during the last hurricane season. Only a fraction of that money would go to Puerto Rico.
US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley at the UN Protection of Civilians site in Juba, South Sudan, in October 2017
The United States on Tuesday threatened to take unspecified measures against South Sudan's government unless it moves to end the nearly four-year war and stop harassing UN peacekeepers and aid workers.
US Ambassador Nikki Haley put the onus squarely on President Salva Kiir to take action, telling the Security Council that "words are no longer sufficient."
"The United States is prepared to pursue additional measures against the government - or any party, for that matter - if they do not act to end the violence and ease the suffering in South Sudan," Haley said.
She did not provide details of the measures, but the United States unsuccessfully pushed last year for an arms embargo on South Sudan and international sanctions on senior officials.
"Going forward the United States will judge President Kiir and his government by their actions, not their words," she said.
Kiir must uphold ceasefires, join a new regional peace initiative, stop placing restrictions on UN peacekeepers and allow access for aid groups.
A report released Tuesday by UN sanctions monitors accused the government of using food aid as a weapon of war during its campaign against opposition rebels in the northwestern city of Wau.
After aid finally reached civilians in August, the first time in a year, humanitarian workers "witnessed significantly high levels of malnutrition, with high rates of severe acute malnutrition," the report said.
Between January and September, 164 young children and elderly persons died from hunger and disease in that area, it said.
Haley traveled to South Sudan in October and held talks with Kiir, becoming the highest level US administration official to visit Juba.
The United States is South Sudan's biggest aid provider and a key supporter of its 2011 independence from Sudan.
South Sudan descended into war in December 2013 when Kiir accused Riek Machar, his former deputy, of plotting a coup.
Tens of thousands have died in the fighting and nearly four million have been driven from their homes.
"The timing is not precise, but we think our troops will go to Central Africa by March or April," Brazilian General Ajax Porto Pinheiro (R) told AFP
Brazil is ready to send at least 750 peacekeepers to join a United Nations force patrolling the Central African Republic, a Brazilian general said Tuesday.
General Ajax Porto Pinheiro, who headed Brazil's former UN mission in Haiti, known as MINUSTAH, said the army was ready to respond to a UN request for reinforcements in the impoverished African country.
"The timing is not precise, but we think our troops will go to Central Africa by March or April," he told AFP.
This would first require government and congressional approval, he added.
The United Nations voted this month to boost its struggling MINUSCA mission in the Central African Republic by 900 troops.
The Security Council set a new ceiling for troops at 11,650, up from 10,750. An additional 2,080 police are authorized to serve as peacekeepers.
Pinheiro said Brazil had been looking for a new peacekeeping role ever since its 13-year Haiti operation ended in September.
"The possibility of intervening in Central Africa has been studied in depth since May," he said.
However, the new mission will be "more challenging," he warned.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has warned of a risk of ethnic cleansing in the Central African Republic, pushed for a beefed up MINUSCA force, saying it has reached its limits in coping with growing violence.
It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, with billions of creatures living in harmony among over a thousand miles of colourful coral.
But Australia's Great Barrier Reef is in danger of being wiped out by climate change and widespread coral bleaching.
Scientists have now suggested that all is not lost for the World Heritage site, as a small portion of its reefs may be resilient enough to keep much of the rest alive.
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Scientists have suggested that all is not lost for Australia's Great Barrier Reef, as a small portion of it may be resilient enough to disease, climate change and coral bleaching to keep much of the rest of the reef alive
THE RESILIENT REEFS Unlike many other parts of the Great Barrier Reef, the 100 resilient reefs are not being eaten up by crown-of-thorns starfish predators. They are also located in areas that enable them to send coral larvae along ocean currents, reaching a large number of other reefs. 'The presence of these well-connected reefs on the Great Barrier Reef means that the whole system of coral reefs possesses a level of resilience that may help it bounce back from disturbances,' said study coauthor Dr Karlo Hock. 'Unfortunately, these findings by no means suggest that the Great Barrier Reef corals are safe and in great condition, and that there are no reasons for concern,' he added. Advertisement
About three per cent of the site's 3,800 coral reefs have so far emerged relatively unscathed from a host of threats, from warming waters to pollution, bleaching and disease.
If protected, these cool-water reefs could supply larvae to nearly half of the entire ecosystem in a single year, report scientists from the University of Queensland.
'Finding these 100 reefs is a little like revealing the cardiovascular system of the Great Barrier Reef,' said the study's lead author Professor Peter Mumby.
Unlike many other parts of the reef, these 100 are not being eaten up by crown-of-thorns starfish predators.
They are also located in areas that enable them to send coral larvae along ocean currents, reaching a large number of other reefs.
'The presence of these well-connected reefs on the Great Barrier Reef means that the whole system of coral reefs possesses a level of resilience that may help it bounce back from disturbances,' said study coauthor Karlo Hock.
'Unfortunately, these findings by no means suggest that the Great Barrier Reef corals are safe and in great condition, and that there are no reasons for concern,' he added.
'Indeed, the fact that the study only identified around a hundred of these reefs across the entire 1,400 mile (2,300 kilometer) length of the massive Great Barrier Reef emphasises the need for both effective local protection of critical locations and reduction of carbon emissions in order to support this majestic ecosystem.'
The Great Barrier Reef has undergone unprecedented bleaching over the past two years, devastating more than two-thirds of the reef, experts say.
Unlike many other parts of the Great Barrier Reef, the 100 resilient reefs (black dots) are not being eaten up by crown-of-thorns starfish predators. They are also located in areas that enable them to send coral larvae along ocean currents, reaching a large number of other reefs
Australia's Great Barrier Reef is in great danger of being wiped out by climate change and widespread coral bleaching. The reef has undergone unprecedented bleaching for the past two years, devastating more than two-thirds of the reef, experts say
Many efforts are underway to save the iconic reefs, including one project to transplant larvae into damaged areas where the natural supply of coral larvae has been reduced or erased.
Scientists announced this approach has shown some success in growing new juvenile coral, eight months after it began.
Corals may look like plants or rocks but they are actually animals.
They feed on algae, and 'bleach' - turning bone-white - when they are stressed by environmental changes, such as ocean warming or pollution.
Coral reefs make up less than one per cent of Earth's marine environment, but are home to an estimated 25 per cent of ocean life, acting as nurseries for many species of fish.
The White House has denied that President Donald Trump's attack on Elizabeth Warren constituted a racial slur -- instead accusing the senator of 'lying' about her heritage
Native American leaders Tuesday accused President Donald Trump of insulting their heritage, after he dubbed a political rival "Pocahontas" during a White House event intended to honor Navajo veterans.
Welcoming three aging "code talkers," Native Americans who helped keep allied operations secret during World War II, Trump threw etiquette out the window on Monday to attack Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren.
"You were here long before any of us were here," Trump said to one of the group of veterans in the Oval Office Monday.
"Although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas," he continued, resurrecting his favored nickname for the outspoken senator whose Native American ancestry has been called into question by US conservatives.
Further fuelling controversy, Trump and the veterans stood during the ceremony beneath a portrait of controversial president Andrew Jackson -- who ordered the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral land, causing thousands to die.
The White House denied after the meeting that Trump's comment constituted a racial slur -- instead accusing Warren of "lying" about her heritage, and describing that as "very offensive."
But several Native American groups issued strongly-worded protests in the wake of the incident.
The Alliance of Colonial Era Tribes (ACET) said it considered Trump's remark to be a slur.
"American Indian names, whether they be historic or contemporary, are not meant to be used as insults. To do so is to reduce them to racial slurs," it said in a statement.
Likewise, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) regretted in a statement that "the president's use of the name Pocahontas as a slur to insult a political adversary is overshadowing the true purpose of (Monday's) White House ceremony."
NCAI president Jefferson Keel emphasized that the real-life Pocahontas, the daughter of a 17th-century Native American chief whose story has been retold countless times including in a hit Disney movie, was "a hero to her people, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe in Virginia."
"Once again, we call upon the president to refrain from using her name in a way that denigrates her legacy," he said.
- 'Deep-seated ignorance' -
The NCAI had reacted once before, in April, to Trump calling Warren "Pocahontas" -- saying it hoped the incident was "but a momentary slip-up."
Amber Kanazbah Crotty, a Navajo Nation Council Delegate, argued meanwhile that Trump's "careless" comment represented "systemic, deep-seated ignorance of Native Americans and our intrinsic right to exist and practice our ways of life."
Pocahontas' story entered the cultural mainstream thanks to the 1995 Disney animation, which painted a romanticized image of her meeting with Englishman John Smith, chief of the first colony established in Jamestown in 1607.
Later taken captive by the English, she converted to Christianity, took the name Rebecca and would eventually marry another Englishman, John Rolfe, with whom she travelled to England. She died soon thereafter, supposedly aged just 21.
Trump has repeatedly used the sobriquet "Pocahontas" to deride Warren, who asserts that her mother's ancestors were members of the Cherokee and Delaware tribes, based on "family lore."
Warren, a former Harvard Law School Professor, came under fire during her 2012 Senate race when conservatives accused her of exaggerating her heritage in order to advance her career -- pinpointing the fact she had listed herself in a legal directory as Native American rather than white.
Academic officials from several universities where she worked said at the time that Warren's lineage had not been a factor in hiring her.
Nigerian migrants wait to be repatriated by plane from Libya on 28 November, 2017
Libya's UN-backed authorities said Tuesday that flights repatriating stranded migrants will be stepped up, as the International Organization for Migration called on Tripoli to empty its detention centres.
The plight of migrants in Libya has garnered fresh attention after an outcry over reports of slave auctions in the country, an enormous transit hub for sub-Saharan Africans seeking to reach Europe.
Human-trafficking networks have flourished in the chaos that followed a NATO-backed uprising which toppled long-time Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.
In a joint operation involving the internationally recognised authorities and UN migration agency, the IOM, 140 Nigerian migrants were jetted out of Libya on Tuesday in the latest in a string of flights carrying migrants out of the country.
At the Tarik al-Sikka detention centre in downtown Tripoli the migrants received their temporary travel documents, clothing and food before being bussed to the airport.
Nigerian migrants wait to be repatriated by plane from Libya on 28 November, 2017
Hosni Abou Ayana, spokesman for the authorities' anti-human trafficking office, said the "voluntary repatriation" involved 70 women and 28 children and that the plane was provided by the IOM.
Flights would increase from two to four times a week in agreement with the UN agency, he said, adding that some 9,700 people had been repatriated from Tarik al-Sikka so far this year.
The latest repatriation came as the head of the IOM called on the authorities in Tripoli to agree to shut down 30 detention centres holding 15,000 migrants.
"We need from the Libyans the agreement that we can empty these centres, and I think they will agree to that," William Lacy Swing told a meeting of the UN Security Council.
The detention of the migrants, most of whom are fleeing poverty, has become a pressing issue since CNN aired video footage of an apparent auction of African men in Libya that sparked global outrage.
Libya's UN envoy rejected the report of the slave auctions as a campaign to portray the country as racist and accused African governments of failing to take responsibility for the well-being of their citizens.
Since the ouster of Kadhafi in 2011, the North African country has been ripped apart by conflicts between multiple militias and two rival governments.
North Korean missiles
North Korea fired a ballistic missile early Wednesday, South Korean military officials said, the first such launch in two months and just a week after the US slapped fresh sanctions on the hermit state and declared it a state sponsor of terrorism.
The North has stoked international alarm over its banned nuclear missile programme but before Wednesday had not staged a missile test since September 15, raising hopes that ramped-up sanctions were having an impact.
The missile flew east from South Pyongan Province, the military Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.
The US Pentagon said it had detected a "probable missile launch" from North Korea.
South Korea's military staged a "precision strike" missile exercise in response, Yonhap news agency said, also quoting the JCS.
Seoul's unification minister had on Tuesday said signs of unusual activity had been detected in North Korea, hinting at a possible missile test.
The US last week unveiled new sanctions targeting North Korean shipping, raising pressure on Pyongyang to abandon it's atomic weapons programme.
Pyongyang condemned the move as a "serious provocation" and warned that sanctions would never succeed.
In September the North conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test and staged an intermediate-range missile launch over Japan.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson spoke in Washington on the importance of US alliances in Europe ahead of meetings next week at NATO and the OSCE
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson re-committed the United States to opposing Moscow's "aggression" against its neighbors Tuesday and vowed to help Europe wean itself off Russian oil and gas.
Next week Washington's top diplomat will attend ministerial meetings of the NATO alliance in Brussels and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna.
At both sets of talks Russia's intervention in Ukraine will top the agenda and US allies in Europe will be looking for reassurance that President Donald Trump's administration has their back.
Trump came to office this year seeking warmer ties with Moscow and has sometimes called into question the value of US alliances, but relations with President Vladimir Putin's Kremlin quickly soured.
Now, Tillerson is heading to Europe with a tough message that the Western allies stand shoulder to shoulder to oppose "the enemies that threaten our security and oppose our way of life."
In a major speech on US relations with Europe under Trump's "America First" foreign policy, Tillerson pledged that sanctions against Russia will remain in place until it helps restore peace in Ukraine.
And he argued that attempts by two previous US administrations to thaw ties with Moscow had only led to Putin seizing the opportunity to invade Georgia in August 2008 and Ukraine in 2014.
"Any resolution to the war that does not entail a fully independent, sovereign territorially whole Ukraine is unacceptable," Tillerson told an audience of policy-makers, scholars and reporters.
"Russia chose to violate the sovereignty of the largest country in Europe... Our trans-Atlantic unity is meant to convey to the Russian government that we will not stand by this flagrant violation of international norms," he said.
And Tillerson warned that the US and European Union economic sanctions which Moscow has lobbied so hard to overturn "will remain in place until Russia reverses the actions that triggered them."
Before coming to office as Trump's secretary of state, Tillerson was chairman of US oil giant ExxonMobil, pursuing major investments in Russia, and an influential opponent of economic sanctions.
But once in government he was confronted by Putin's intransigence over Ukraine and the Kremlin's determined military support for Syria's brutal strongman Bashar al-Assad and his Iranian allies.
US intelligence has also concluded that Russian agencies attempted to interfere in the American presidential election to tilt it in his favor over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.
Trump furiously denies any collusion with Kremlin agents, but Congress and a special prosecutor are investigating meetings between figures in his campaign and Russians lobbying against sanctions.
Moscow is also suspected of meddling in politics in several European countries, and authorities are investigating alleged links to populist movements and support for Brexit and Catalan separatism.
- Gas terminals -
In addition to stepping up US spending on military readiness in eastern Europe, including in Ukraine, Tillerson said Washington would help reduce Europe's need for Russian oil and gas.
Speaking at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, he said US money and know how would help Croatia and Poland build liquefied natural gas terminals and Greece and Bulgaria lay a pipeline.
"The Ukraine crisis also made clear how energy supplies can be wielded as a political weapon," he warned, vowing to help prevent big suppliers like Russia from "extorting" clients in Europe.
And he spoke out against the Nord Stream 2 project to pipe Russian gas westwards under the Baltic and the parallel Turkstream plan in southeast Europe, both funded by Russian energy giant Gazprom.
These pipelines, said Tillerson -- who once ran ExxonMobil's Russian subsidiary Exxon Neftegas and has a medal of friendship from the Kremlin -- are "unwise, as they only increase market dominance from a single supplier to Europe."
The NATO foreign ministers meeting will be held in Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday next week, and the 24th OSCE Ministerial Council on Thursday and Friday in Vienna.
"The mission condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any instance of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse committed by UN personnel in the Darfur region," mission chief Jeremiah Mamabolo said in a statement
A Sudanese civilian employee of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in war-torn Darfur has been arrested and charged with sexually abusing a minor, the mission said Tuesday.
It said the Sudanese police had informed it that the suspect was arrested on Sunday.
Both the accused and the alleged victim of the incident in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, are Sudanese nationals, it said.
"The mission condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any instance of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse committed by UN personnel in the Darfur region," mission chief Jeremiah Mamabolo said in a statement.
"We are guided by a zero tolerant policy on such abhorrent incidents and will not tolerate or condone the perpetration of such acts."
Being a civilian employee and a Sudanese national, the suspect does not have the full immunity enjoyed by expatriates working for the UN mission.
Sudanese officials claim that the conflict in Darfur has ended, but UN rights experts have regularly highlighted cases of rights abuses including rapes in camps for people displaced by the conflict.
War erupted in Darfur in 2003 when ethnic minority rebels mounted an insurgency against the Arab-dominated government of President Omar al-Bashir, which they accused of economic and political discrimination.
The UN says the conflict has killed 300,000 people and displaced more than 2.5 million.
The joint African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur, also called UNAMID, was deployed in Darfur in 2007 to rein in the conflict.
It is currently undergoing a major downsizing of its peacekeeping force.
Prince Miteb bin Abdul Aziz, pictured in 2008, was among more than 200 high-profile political and business figures held in what Saudi authorities dubbed an anti-corruption swoop
Saudi authorities on Tuesday freed Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, once seen as a contender to the throne, more than three weeks after he was detained in a sweeping royal purge, a source told AFP.
Prince Miteb, a former National Guard chief, was among more than 200 high-profile political and business figures held on November 4 in what Saudi authorities dubbed an anti-corruption swoop.
"Yes, Prince Miteb was released this morning," a source close to the government told AFP, without revealing any other details. The prince was not reachable for comment.
Saudi information ministry officials reached by AFP could not confirm the development.
Separately, Nouf bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud, a royal family member, posted a picture of Prince Miteb on a verified Twitter account with the message: "Praise be to Allah. Peace be upon you, Abu Abdullah".
The tweet did not confirm whether the prince had been released.
Prince Miteb was the most politically influential royal detained in the crackdown, which swept up other royal family members, ministers and business tycoons.
Before his arrest the 64-year-old son of the late king Abdullah was sacked as the head of the Saudi National Guard.
The internal security force has long been seen as a locus of tribal power and a stronghold of king Abdullah's family.
With the purge, which analysts describe as a bold but risky power play, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has centralised power to a degree that is unprecedented in recent Saudi history.
DEVILS LAKE A former provider who claims a youth care facility fired her for reporting cruel conduct toward at-risk children has dropped her federal defamation case against a Devils Lake Public Schools employee.
Katherine Gray, an ex-direct care provider for Harmony House in Devils Lake, reached a settlement in North Dakotas U.S. District Court that would dismiss any allegations against Devils Lake teacher Catherine Miller, according to court documents filed in mid-November. The order did not disclose the terms of the settlement other than to say it was with prejudice, meaning the allegations cannot be brought back to court.
The claims come from a lawsuit filed in March against multiple defendants, including Devils Lake Public Schools and the Lake Region Special Education, because the two entities jointly operate Harmony House, which educates at-risk children. Gray claims facility Director Barry Sundeen covered up and protected the actions of co-worker David Kosmatka, who, according to Grays allegations, belittled children, yelled at them in a threatening manner and walked in on them while they were changing clothes, according to court documents.
Gray said she told Sundeen she would report the incidents to police, according to the lawsuit. She was fired shortly after. Sundeen said her employment was not working out.
Gray was employed at Harmony House from October 2014 to June 27, 2016.
The lawsuit also names Sundeen and other defendants: Ramsey County District Court, Ramsey County States Attorney Kari Agotness, North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and board members of Devils Lake Public Schools. All defendants have asked the case to be dismissed for various reasons.
Its unclear what progress, if any, has been made on further settlements. Attorneys for Gray and Devils Lake Public Schools did not reply to requests for comment.
A jury trial is set for Feb. 26, 2019.
Less than three weeks after US President Donald Trump met in Beijing with China's President Xi Jinping, the US launched a new trade investigation into possible dumping and subsidies for imports of aluminum sheet from China
The United States on Tuesday stepped up its trade confrontation with China, ordering an investigation into imports of aluminum sheet worth hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
For the first time since 1991, the Commerce Department said launched the investigation on its own initiative, rather than responding to a request from a US company.
The department said it opened the probe into possible dumping and inappropriate subsidies of "common alloy aluminum sheet" from China, which may be harming US industry.
"President Trump made it clear from day one that unfair trade practices will not be tolerated under this administration, and today we take one more step in fulfilling that promise," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement.
"We are self-initiating the first trade case in over a quarter century, showing once again that we stand in constant vigilance in support of free, fair, and reciprocal trade."
The US imported over $600 million of the aluminum sheet from China last year. The product, used in building and construction, transportation and making appliances, may benefit from subsidies and may be sold in the US market below cost, the statement said.
Washington's aggressive use of the rare tactic capped a series of adversarial recent maneuvers on trade with China and followed President Donald Trump's two-week trip to Asia this month, which included a stop in Beijing.
Among the steps it has taken, the Trump administration in April launched a national security investigation into Chinese aluminum production, warning that it threatened to undermine producers crucial to US defense needs, and has slapped punitive duties on imports of Chinese aluminum foil.
Pope Francis's visit to Myanmar has been framed so far by his public sidestepping of the Rohingya crisis
A sea of worshippers crowded into a football field early Wednesday for an open-air mass by Pope Francis, who is making the first ever papal visit to Myanmar, in a trip framed so far by his public sidestepping of the Rohingya crisis.
Ranks of Myanmar nuns in habits sang in Latin, backed by organ music as Francis began the mass.
Earlier he smiled and waved as he snaked through the estimated 200,000 faithful in his "popemobile", many of the worshippers holding Myanmar flags and wearing colourful clothes from the country's myriad ethnic groups.
Myanmar's Catholics number around 700,000, a tiny fraction of the country's 51 million population -- most of whom are Buddhists.
"I never dreamed I would see him (the pope) in my lifetime," said Meo, an 81-year-old from the Akha minority who travelled from Shan state.
Like many others at the mass she is from one of Myanmar's conflict-riddled borderlands, and travelled far to reach the commercial capital for the landmark visit.
"This is the most Catholics I have ever seen," added Gregory Than Zaw, 40, an ethnic Karen who made the five-hour bus journey to Yangon with 90 people from his village.
Pope Francis (C) smiled and waved as he snaked through the estimated 200,000 faithful in his "popemobile", many of the worshippers holding Myanmar flags and wearing colourful clothes from the country's myriad ethnic groups
But the visit has so far been dominated by political rather than religious concerns.
Francis has held private talks with both civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the powerful army chief Min Aung Hlaing.
He arrived on Monday in a country on the defensive after outcry from the international community over the plight of its unwanted Rohingya Muslim population, who have been driven out to Bangladesh in huge numbers.
The Rohingya are denied citizenship, and even mention of their name is unacceptable to many among the majority-Buddhist population.
- 'Respect for rights' -
The pope avoided mentioning the crisis -- or the Rohingya -- directly at his only public speech so far in the country's capital on Tuesday, where he took the stage with Suu Kyi.
He called simply for "respect for rights and justice" while Suu Kyi stated that Myanmar's aims were "protecting rights, fostering tolerance, ensuring security for all."
A military crackdown has forced more than 620,000 Rohingya over the last three months to flee their homes in northern Rakhine state to what is now the biggest refugee camp in the world in neighbouring Bangladesh.
The army has justified the campaign as a proportionate retaliation for attacks by hardline Rohingya militants in August.
Pope Francis (L), on his first ever visit to Myanmar, has held private talks with civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi
But the UN and the US have labelled it ethnic cleansing and rights groups accuse the military of crimes against humanity, with refugees recounting consistent reports of murder, rape and arson.
There have been Catholics in Myanmar for over 500 years and they generally enjoy good relations with the Buddhist majority.
In the last three years, the Vatican has canonised Myanmar's first saint and named its first cardinal before full diplomatic ties were established in May this year.
Pilgrims arriving in Yangon for Wednesday's mass have been bedding down wherever they can -- even the graveyards of churches have turned into massive dormitories.
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Federal Communication Commission chairman Ajit Pai argues that internet platforms like Twitter represent a threat to online freedom of speech
A top US regulator, defending an effort to roll back so-called "net neutrality" rules, said Tuesday that large internet platforms represent the biggest threat to online freedom because they routinely block "content they don't like."
Federal Communications Commission chairman Ajit Pai delivered remarks days after unveiling a proposal to reverse a hotly contested 2015 rule requiring broadband firms to treat all online traffic equally.
Pai said internet platforms -- he singled out Twitter -- play a more significant role than broadband operators in determining what internet users see.
"Despite all the talk about the fear that broadband providers could decide what internet content consumers can see, recent experience shows that so-called edge providers are in fact deciding what content they see," Pai said.
"These providers routinely block or discriminate against content they don't like."
The blunt remarks appeared to confirm a tougher atmosphere in Washington for Silicon Valley firms after years of close ties.
Pai, appointed by President Donald Trump, offered an example of Twitter's decision to block a video by a Republican candidate "because it featured a pro-life message," referring to the politician's claim of the "sale of baby body parts."
He said Twitter "appears to have a double standard when it comes to suspending or de-verifying conservative users' accounts as opposed to those of liberal users," Pai said.
"This conduct is many things, but it isn't fighting for an open internet."
Pai said online platforms are "secretly editing certain users' comments" and "caving to repressive foreign governments' demands to block certain speech" which would be considered "repugnant" in the United States.
"In this way, edge providers are a much bigger actual threat to an open internet than broadband providers, especially when it comes to discrimination on the basis of viewpoint," Pai said.
The dispute over net neutrality has been the subject of several court battles, with backers arguing strong rules are needed to guard against powerful broadband firms like Comcast and AT&T acting as "gatekeepers" that can punish rivals.
Pai said the debate on "net neutrality" appears driven by Silicon Valley firms' business interests.
"These companies want to place much tougher regulations on broadband providers than they are willing to have placed upon themselves," he said.
"They might cloak their advocacy in the public interest, but the real interest of these Internet giants is in using the regulatory process to cement their dominance in the internet economy."
Sayfullo Saipov is shown in this handout photograph courtesy of the St. Charles County Department of Corrections in the midwestern US state of Missouri
A man accused of killing eight people in a truck rampage in New York on Halloween pleaded innocent Tuesday to murder and other charges.
Sayfullo Saipov was present in court before US District Judge Vernon Broderick but his lawyer David Patton spoke on his behalf.
Saipov, 29 and originally from Uzbekistan, has said he acted in the name of the Islamic State group.
He faced a 22-count indictment that includes charges of murder and provision of material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization.
He appeared in court wearing a dark blue prison uniform. His feet were chained together, but not his hands.
He appeared to have recovered from the shot he took in the abdomen from the police officer who arrested him after the attack.
Saipov allegedly drove a rented pickup truck down a mile-long (1.6-kilometer) stretch of bike path in lower Manhattan, where children and their parents were preparing to celebrate Halloween.
Of the eight people killed, five were friends from Argentina celebrating 30 years since their high school graduation. Twelve other people were hurt.
President Donald Trump has called for Saipov to be executed, but a capital punishment case would be extremely rare in New York, which has abolished the death penalty at the state level.
The October 31 attack was the worst in the US financial capital since the September 11, 2001 Al-Qaeda plane hijackings that brought down the Twin Towers.
Devin Kelley, the shooter in the November 5 attack at a rural Texas church, was convicted by court-martial in 2012 of two charges of domestic assault
The US Air Force said Tuesday it has found several dozen cases where it failed to report military convictions to civilian police, meaning some airmen could have illegally bought guns.
Air Force investigators are wading through some 60,000 military criminal files dating back to 2002 as part of a probe into how a former airman who carried out a mass shooting was able to buy firearms, even though he had a domestic violence conviction.
In the US military, officials are supposed to notify civilian federal authorities about court-martial convictions and dishonorable discharges.
This information is then placed on federal databases which theoretically should stop convicts buying guns.
Devin Kelley, the shooter in the November 5 attack at a Texas church that killed 26 people and wounded 20 more, was convicted by court-martial in 2012 of two charges of domestic assault against his wife and stepson.
The fact his conviction failed to reach a key federal database prompted the Air Force and other services to look through old cases.
Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said that so far, "several dozen" cases had been found that needed fixing and reporting.
She noted that investigators were only at the beginning of the review of 60,000 cases, so many more overlooked files are likely to turn up.
"The review also found the error in the Kelley case was not an isolated incident and similar reporting lapses occurred at other locations," she said in a statement.
"Although policies and procedures requiring reporting were in place, training and compliance measures were lacking."
Despite America's lax gun laws, convicted felons are generally speaking not allowed to own guns.
Licensed sellers are supposed to check national databases under the 1993 Brady Act, aimed at reducing handgun violence.
But even this basic requirement can be flouted by private sellers, who do not have to conduct background checks.
"We will maximise our pressure," on Pyongyang, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters
Japan's prime minister said Wednesday that the latest North Korean missile launch was a "violent act" that "can never be tolerated" after the ICBM splashed down in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
"We will never yield to any provocative act. We will maximise our pressure" on Pyongyang, Shinzo Abe told reporters.
The defence minister said earlier the missile was thought to have landed within Japan's EEZ. The Pentagon said it flew about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) before splashing down in the Sea of Japan.
Japan had "completely tracked" the missile, Abe told reporters.
"We have made a strong complaint," he added.
By launching the missile, North Korea has ignored the international community's "united, strong will toward a peaceful solution," the prime minister said.
"The international community needs to perfectly implement sanctions, in unison."
Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera later told reporters that the missile had flown for 53 minutes "at an altitude far above 4,000 kilometres."
"We have not received any reports of damage to airplanes or vessels operating near the area," said the minister, adding that the missile was fired "at a lofted trajectory."
Speaking later in parliament, Abe said he had reaffirmed the importance of China in the crisis during a call with US President Donald Trump and praised Beijing for upholding sanctions on North Korea.
"The government welcomes the fact that China is taking concrete steps such as an embargo on imports of North Korea's coal, marine products, textile products, among others," Abe told a parliamentary committee.
"Frankly speaking, I feel that China is playing its role" over the UN-agreed sanctions, he said.
A vehicle sits smoldering in flames inside the US consulate compound in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012 after an attack that killed four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens
A Libyan man accused of masterminding the 2012 Benghazi attack that killed a US ambassador and three others was acquitted Tuesday of murder but convicted on lesser terrorism charges.
After a seven-week trial in a civilian court in Washington, a jury cleared Ahmed Abu Khattala -- the first person tried over the fiery raid on the US complex in the Libyan coastal city -- of the most serious of the charges he faced.
Prosecutors were apparently unable to prove to the jury that Khattala, leader of a militant group who had been photographed watching the attack on September 11, 2012, was directly to blame for the deaths of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens, a second state department official, and two CIA contractor guards at the consulate and a CIA annex.
He was convicted of only four of 18 charges he faced: supporting terrorists, conspiracy to provide support to terrorists, carrying a semi-automatic weapon during a violent crime, and damaging US property.
That was far weaker than the picture prosecutors had presented of Khattala as the person who plotted and directed the deadly assault.
His trial was seen as a test case for foreign terror suspects forcibly brought to the United States and placed before civilian courts.
The 2012 attack, undertaken on the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, was carried out by some 20 men armed with grenades and heavy weapons.
Stevens and the second State Department official, Sean Smith, died of smoke inhalation after the consulate caught fire, while the two CIA contractors, Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods, were killed in the firefight.
The death of Stevens stunned Americans and became the focus of a politically charged investigation by congressional Republicans of then-secretary of state Hillary Clinton, who was accused of not protecting the diplomats.
Khattala was captured in 2014 in a raid by US special forces, who then placed him aboard a navy ship where he was interrogated for a week before being delivered to the United States.
The raid and the legal case were based in part on a Libyan informant, an associate of Khattala, who was eventually paid a $7 million reward and granted asylum in the United States.
Khattala faces a total of 60 years in prison for the four offenses. No date for sentencing was set.
There was no immediate reaction from the White House.
CIA Director Mike Pompeo released a statement saying: "Today, a small measure of justice was meted out."
"We lost two of our own that night -- Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods -- who ran to the sound of the guns and bravely fought to protect Americans and the two US facilities that were attacked."
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May will hold talks on issues including Qatar and Yemen with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, before heading to Jordan for meetings with King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Hani Mulki
Prime Minister Theresa May left London late Tuesday for a three-day visit to the Middle East, where she will meet Saudi and Jordanian leaders in a bid to bolster regional ties.
The British leader will hold talks on issues including Qatar and Yemen with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, before heading to Jordan for meetings with King Abdullah II and Prime Minister Hani Mulki.
"This visit demonstrates that as the UK leaves the EU we are determined to forge a bold, confident future for ourselves in the world, a spokesman for May said.
"It is clearly in the UK's security interests to support Jordan and Saudi Arabia in tackling regional challenges to create a more stable region, and in delivering their ambitious reform programmes to ensure their own stability," he added.
May, embattled domestically after losing her parliamentary majority in a snap election over the summer and facing division over Brexit, visited both countries in April.
In Saudi Arabia, she is expected to reiterate her support for the kingdom's fledgling social reform programme, which saw an end to the infamous ban on women driving last September.
Britain's largest trading partner in the Middle East, London has signed off on more than 3.3 billion (EUR3.7 billion, $4.4 billion) worth of arms sales to Riyadh since March 2015. During that time Saudi Arabia has embarked on a bombing campaign in Yemen that has been condemned for contributing to a humanitarian disaster.
The UN estimates that seven million Yemenis are on the verge of starvation.
May is expected to discuss the crisis during her meetings.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reached an agreement with his ultra-Orthodox allies to avert a potential coalition crisis following the resignation of his health minister over a scandal tied to railway infrastructure work on the Sabbath.
Netanyahu met with his ultra-Orthodox party allies on Sunday and agreed to a series of measures to limit labor on the Jewish Sabbath and preserve the religious status quo in exchange for their continued allegiance.
Ultra-Orthodox Health Minister Yaakov Litzman resigned Sunday over the railway uproar, saying it was a "desecration" that contradicted Jewish values. The move threatened Netanyahu's coalition by paving way for other religious parties to push for concessions.
Israeli Health Minister Yaakov Litzman, who is also chairman of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, speaks to journalists after handing in his resignation to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. Litzman resigned on Sunday after the country's railways carried out maintenance work on the Sabbath, when all labor is strictly prohibited by Jewish law. (Gali Tibbon/Pool Photo via AP)
Netanyahu also agreed to advance a bill allowing Litzman to serve as deputy health minister, despite a court order barring the practice.
LONDON (AP) - Two major drugs companies will set up new research facilities in Britain that will bring 1,750 jobs, the government said Monday as it unveiled plans to boost the country's sagging productivity after Brexit.
U.S. drug-maker Merck, known internationally as MSD, will open a research hub in London, creating 950 jobs, the government said. The company said it was aiming for a 2020 opening date for the site, which will be home to 150 research scientists and 800 other staff.
The government also said German life sciences firm Qiagen was planning a genomics and diagnostics campus in Manchester, northwest England, creating as many as 800 skilled jobs.
FILE - This Thursday, Dec. 18, 2014, file photograph, shows a sign at the Merck company facilities in Kenilworth, New Jersey. Britain said Monday Nov. 27, 2017, that two major drugs companies plan new research facilities that will bring 1,750 jobs to Britain, part of plans to boost the country's sagging productivity after Brexit. U.S. drug-maker Merck, known internationally as MSD, will open a research hub in London, creating 950 jobs, and German life sciences firm Qiagen is planning a genomics and diagnostics campus in Manchester, northwest England, creating as many as 800 skilled jobs. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)
The announcements were much-needed economic good news for Britain's Conservative government. The U.K.'s budget watchdog has sharply downgraded growth forecasts for the coming years amid uncertainty over the economic impact of Britain's exit from the European Union.
Many scientists fear Brexit will harm Britain's technology and science sectors by hindering access to European funding, markets and scientists.
Last week, the EU announced that the European Medicines Agency will move from London to Amsterdam after the U.K. quits the bloc in 2019, taking 900 jobs with it, in what some economists say is a taste of a Brexit brain drain to come.
The government fought back Monday by announcing details of a new industrial strategy. It aims to boost Britain's productivity, which lags behind other major European economies such as Germany and France.
"Britain's productivity performance has not been good enough, and is holding back our earning power as a country," Business Secretary Greg Clark said.
The government said it will invest 725 million pounds ($968 million) in areas including artificial intelligence, driverless cars and the life sciences, "with the aim of making the U.K. the world's most innovative nation by 2030."
That comes on top of a previously announced 1 billion pounds in spending on innovative industrial projects.
Britain aims to increase spending on research and development from the current 1.7 percent to 2.4 percent of GDP within a decade.
Sen. Erin Oban, D-Bismarck, announced her intentions Tuesday to seek re-election in 2018 to the North Dakota Senate in District 35.
At a time when our politics have become so divided, the relationships and respect Ive worked to build with my colleagues of both parties is especially necessary in moving North Dakota forward, Oban said. The challenges and opportunities our state faces in the coming years will require thoughtful, open-minded and accessible leaders in elected office. I hope to continue to be that leader for my neighbors here in Bismarck.
Oban, who was elected to the state Senate in 2014, has worked to recruit and retain teachers, worked to study and streamline the adoption process, helped pass legislation to increase access to speech and language therapies and to strengthen state employee family and sick leave policies. She also introduced an incentive for businesses that assist employees in accessing quality child care.
My focus as a legislator has been and will continue to be on putting North Dakota children and families first, said Oban, the sole Democrat in the state Legislature from Bismarck.
During her two legislative sessions, Oban served on the Education, Energy and Natural Resources and Agriculture committees. She was elected to the Legislative Management Committee and earned the chairmanship position of the Education Policy Committee during the 2017-18 interim session. She also serves during the interim on the Education Funding and Workers Compensation Review committees as well as the Initiated and Referred Measures Study Commission.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The FBI deviated from its own policy on notifying victims of computer hacking when it left many U.S. officials and other Americans in the dark about Kremlin-aligned attempts to break into their personal Gmail accounts, The Associated Press has learned.
FBI policy calls for notifying victims, whether individuals or groups, to help thwart both ongoing and future hacking attempts. The policy , which was released in a lawsuit filed earlier this year against the FBI by the nonprofit Electronic Privacy Information Center, says that notification should be considered "even when it may interfere with another investigation or (intelligence) operation."
The AP interviewed almost 80 Americans, including senior policymakers, and found only two who said they learned of the efforts to hack into their Gmail accounts from the FBI.
FILE - This Feb. 3, 2012, file photo shows FBI headquarters in Washington. Many U.S. diplomatic, military and government figures were not told about Russia-linked attempts to hack into their emails, even though the FBI knew they were in the Kremlin's crosshairs, The Associated Press has learned. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
"It's just remarkable to me that the Bureau did not do what it was supposed to do," said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center.
The FBI did not immediately respond to requests for comment on this story. Late last week, the agency declined to discuss its investigation into the spying campaign and said in a statement: "The FBI routinely notifies individuals and organizations of potential threat information."
However, three people familiar with the matter - including a current and a former government official - said the FBI has known for more than a year the details of the hacking attempts by a Russian government-aligned hacking group known as Fancy Bear.
A senior FBI official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the hacking operation because of its sensitivity, said the Bureau was overwhelmed by the sheer number of attempted hacks. "It's a matter of triaging to the best of our ability the volume of the targets who are out there," he said.
The lapse prompted Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu to call for an FBI briefing to Congress on FBI notification policy.
"The FBI's response to this advanced persistent threat appeared to have been deficient and demands further attention," he wrote in a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray Tuesday.
In the face of a tidal wave of malicious phishing attempts, the FBI sometimes passes on information about the attacks to service providers and companies, who can then relay information to clients or employees, he added.
The AP, which acquired a list of about 4,700 targeted email accounts, has reported in recent weeks on the global reach of the hacking operation and strategy used to break into emails of the Democratic Party and presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton. Tens of thousands of those emails were leaked online in advance of the November election. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Fancy Bear works for the Russian government and meant to push the election in favor of Donald Trump. The Russian government has denied interfering.
In previous AP reports, some targets of the hacking attempts indicated that they were befuddled and upset over the failure of the FBI to alert them. "It's utterly confounding," said Philip Reiner, a former senior director at the National Security Council, who was notified by the AP that he was targeted in 2015. "You've got to tell your people. You've got to protect your people."
The hacking data, which came from the Secureworks cyber security company, showed malicious links crafted for email accounts - but not the account holders. The AP was able to identify more than 500 of the U.S-based people and groups that were targeted. Among high-ranking former officials who never heard from the FBI were heads of the Defense Intelligence Agency and Air Force Intelligence, a defense undersecretary, a director of cybersecurity for the Air Force, and a director of military support at the Geospatial Intelligence Agency, which employs spy satellites.
Many who went uninformed were long-retired, but some were still in government or held security clearances at the time they were targeted. It's not clear how many may have given up their email passwords or what the hackers may have acquired in stolen email.
However, some accounts held emails dating back years, when even many of the retired officials still occupied sensitive posts. And intelligence experts say Russian spies can use personal correspondence as a springboard for further hacking, recruitment or even blackmail.
"The onus is on the FBI right now to explain why they didn't follow their policies, as we are reading them," said Elizabeth Hempowicz, director of public policy at the Project on Government Oversight.
Other government watchdogs said that the government agents who respond to such foreign hacking operations need more oversight as they respond to this ballooning problem - and public accountability.
"There should be a public report about how widespread this activity is, so that every American will know about it - and that didn't happen here," said Louis Clark, CEO of the Government Accountability Project.
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Donn reported from Plymouth, Massachusetts. Raphael Satter reported from London.
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Read the FBI policy: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/4311379-FBIPolicyGuide.html
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Satter, Donn and Butler can be reached at:
http://raphaelsatter.com , https://twitter.com/jadonn7 and https://twitter.com/desmondbutler
WASHINGTON (AP) - The FBI failed to notify scores of U.S. officials that Russian hackers were trying to break into their personal Gmail accounts despite having evidence for at least a year that the targets were in the Kremlin's crosshairs, The Associated Press has found.
Nearly 80 interviews with Americans targeted by Fancy Bear, a Russian government-aligned cyberespionage group, turned up only two cases in which the FBI had provided a heads-up. Even senior policymakers discovered they were targets only when the AP told them, a situation some described as bizarre and dispiriting.
"It's utterly confounding," said Philip Reiner, a former senior director at the National Security Council, who was notified by the AP that he was targeted in 2015. "You've got to tell your people. You've got to protect your people."
Traffic along Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington streaks past the Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters building Wednesday night, Nov. 1, 2017. Scores of U.S. diplomatic, military and government figures were not told about attempts to hack into their emails even though the FBI knew they were in the Kremlin's crosshairs, The Associated Press has learned. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)
FBI policy calls for notifying victims, whether individuals or groups, to help thwart both ongoing and future hacking attempts. The policy, which was disclosed in a lawsuit filed earlier this year against the FBI by the nonprofit Electronic Privacy Information Center, says that notification should be considered "even when it may interfere with another investigation or (intelligence) operation."
Last week, the FBI declined to discuss its investigation into Fancy Bear's spying campaign, but did provide a statement that said in part: "The FBI routinely notifies individuals and organizations of potential threat information."
Three people familiar with the matter - including a current and a former government official - said the FBI has known for more than a year the details of Fancy Bear's attempts to break into Gmail inboxes. A senior FBI official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the hacking operation because of its sensitivity, declined to comment on when it received the target list, but said that the bureau was overwhelmed by the sheer number of attempted hacks.
"It's a matter of triaging to the best of our ability the volume of the targets who are out there," he said.
In the face of a tidal wave of malicious phishing attempts, the FBI sometimes passes on information about the attacks to service providers and companies, who can then relay information to clients or employees, he added.
The AP did its own triage, dedicating two months and a small team of reporters to go through a hit list of Fancy Bear targets provided by the cybersecurity firm Secureworks.
Previous AP investigations based on the list have shown how Fancy Bear worked in close alignment with the Kremlin's interests to steal tens of thousands of emails from the Democratic Party . The hacking campaign disrupted the 2016 U.S. election and cast a shadow over the presidency of Donald Trump, whom U.S. intelligence agencies say the hackers were trying to help . The Russian government has denied interfering in the American election.
The Secureworks list comprises 19,000 lines of targeting data . Going through it, the AP identified more than 500 U.S.-based people or groups and reached out to more than 190 of them, interviewing nearly 80 about their experiences.
Many were long-retired, but about one-quarter were still in government or held security clearances at the time they were targeted. Only two told the AP they learned of the hacking attempts on their personal Gmail accounts from the FBI. A few more were contacted by the FBI after their emails were published in the torrent of leaks that coursed through last year's electoral contest. But to this day, some leak victims have not heard from the bureau at all.
Charles Sowell, who previously worked as a senior administrator in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and was targeted by Fancy Bear two years ago, said there was no reason the FBI couldn't do the same work the AP did.
"It's absolutely not OK for them to use an excuse that there's too much data," Sowell said. "Would that hold water if there were a serial killer investigation, and people were calling in tips left and right, and they were holding up their hands and saying, 'It's too much'? That's ridiculous."
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"IT'S CURIOUS"
The AP found few traces of the bureau's inquiry as it launched its own investigation two months ago.
In October, two AP journalists visited THCServers.com , a brightly lit, family-run internet company on the former grounds of a communist-era chicken farm outside the Romanian city of Craiova. That's where someone registered DCLeaks.com, the first of three websites to publish caches of emails belonging to Democrats and other U.S. officials in mid-2016.
DCLeaks was clearly linked to Fancy Bear. Previous AP reporting found that all but one of the site's victims had been targeted by the hacking group before their emails were dumped online.
Yet THC founder Catalin Florica said he was never approached by law enforcement.
"It's curious," Florica said. "You are the first ones that contact us."
THC merely registered the site, a simple process that typically takes only a few minutes. But the reaction was similar at the Kuala Lumpur offices of the Malaysian web company Shinjiru Technology , which hosted DCLeaks' stolen files for the duration of the electoral campaign.
The company's chief executive, Terence Choong, said he had never heard of DCLeaks until the AP contacted him.
"What is the issue with it?" he asked.
Questions over the FBI's handling of Fancy Bear's broad hacking sweep date to March 2016, when agents arrived unannounced at Hillary Clinton's headquarters in Brooklyn to warn her campaign about a surge of rogue, password-stealing emails.
The agents offered little more than generic security tips the campaign had already put into practice and refused to say who they thought was behind the attempted intrusions, according to a person who was there and spoke on condition of anonymity because the conversation was meant to be confidential.
Questions emerged again after it was revealed that the FBI never took custody of the Democratic National Committee's computer server after it was penetrated by Fancy Bear in April 2016. Former FBI Director James Comey testified this year that the FBI worked off a copy of the server, which he described as an "appropriate substitute."
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"MAKES ME SAD"
Retired Maj. James Phillips was one of the first people to have the contents of his inbox published by DCLeaks when the website made its June 2016 debut.
But the Army veteran said he didn't realize his personal emails were "flapping in the breeze" until a journalist phoned him two months later.
"The fact that a reporter told me about DCLeaks kind of makes me sad," he said. "I wish it had been a government source."
Phillips' story would be repeated again and again as the AP spoke to officials from the National Defense University in Washington to the North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado.
Among them: a former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, retired Lt. Gen. Patrick Hughes; a former head of Air Force Intelligence, retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula; a former defense undersecretary, Eric Edelman; and a former director of cybersecurity for the Air Force, retired Lt. Gen. Mark Schissler.
Retired Maj. Gen. Brian Keller, a former director of military support at the Geospatial Intelligence Agency, was not informed, even after DCLeaks posted his emails to the internet. In a telephone call with AP, Keller said he still wasn't clear on what had happened, who had hacked him or whether his data was still at risk.
"Should I be worried or alarmed or anything?" asked Keller, who left the spy satellite agency in 2010 and now works in private industry.
Not all the interviewees felt the FBI had a responsibility to alert them.
"Perhaps optimistically, I have to conclude that a risk analysis was done and I was not considered a high enough risk to justify making contact," said a former Air Force chief of staff, retired Gen. Norton Schwartz, who was targeted by Fancy Bear in 2015.
Others argued that the FBI may have wanted to avoid tipping the hackers off or that there were too many people to notify.
"The expectation that the government is going to protect everyone and go back to everyone is false," said Nicholas Eftimiades, a retired senior technical officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency who teaches homeland security at Pennsylvania State University in Harrisburg and was himself among the targets.
But the government is supposed to try, said Michael Daniel, who served as President Barack Obama's White House cybersecurity coordinator.
Daniel wouldn't comment directly on why so many Fancy Bear targets weren't warned in this case, but he said the issue of how and when to notify people "frankly still needs more work."
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"CLOAK-AND-DAGGER"
In the absence of any official warning, some of those contacted by AP brushed off the idea that they were taken in by a foreign power's intelligence service.
"I don't open anything I don't recognize," said Joseph Barnard, who headed the personnel recovery branch of the Air Force's Air Combat Command.
That may well be true of Barnard; Secureworks' data suggests he never clicked the malicious link sent to him in June 2015. But it isn't true of everyone.
An AP analysis of the data suggests that out of 312 U.S. military and government figures targeted by Fancy Bear, 131 clicked the links sent to them. That could mean that as many as 2 in 5 came perilously close to handing over their passwords.
It's not clear how many gave up their credentials in the end or what the hackers may have acquired.
Some of those accounts hold emails that go back years, when even many of the retired officials still occupied sensitive posts.
Overwhelmingly, interviewees told AP they kept classified material out of their Gmail inboxes, but intelligence experts said Russian spies could use personal correspondence as a springboard for further hacking, recruitment or even blackmail.
"You start to have information you might be able to leverage against that person," said Sina Beaghley, a researcher at the RAND Corp. who served on the NSC until 2014.
In the few cases where the FBI did warn targets, they were sometimes left little wiser about what was going on or what to do.
Rob "Butch" Bracknell, a 20-year military veteran who now works in Norfolk, Virginia, said an FBI agent visited him about a year ago to examine his emails and warn him that a "foreign actor" was trying to break into his account.
"He was real cloak-and-dagger about it," Bracknell said. "He came here to my work, wrote in his little notebook and away he went."
Left to fend for themselves, some targets have been improvising their cybersecurity.
Retired Gen. Roger A. Brady, who was responsible for American nuclear weapons in Europe as part of his past role as commander of the U.S. Air Force there, turned to Apple support this year when he noticed something suspicious on his computer. Hughes, a former DIA head, said he had his hard drive replaced by the "Geek Squad" at a Best Buy in Florida after his machine began behaving strangely. Keller, the former senior spy satellite official, said it was his son who told him his emails had been posted to the web after getting a Google alert in June 2016.
A former U.S. ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul, who like many others was repeatedly targeted by Fancy Bear but has yet to receive any warning from the FBI, said the lackluster response risked something worse than last year's parade of leaks.
"Our government needs to be taking greater responsibility to defend its citizens in both the physical and cyber worlds, now, before a cyberattack produces an even more catastrophic outcome than we have already experienced," McFaul said.
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Donn reported from Plymouth, Massachusetts. Associated Press writers Vadim Ghirda in Carcea, Romania, Chad Day in Washington, Frank Bajak in Houston, Justin Myers in Chicago and Lori Hinnant in Paris contributed to this report.
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Satter, Donn and Butler can be reached at:
http://raphaelsatter.com , https://twitter.com/jadonn7 and https://twitter.com/desmondbutler
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EDITOR'S NOTE - Raphael Satter's father, David Satter, is an author and Russia specialist who has been critical of the Kremlin. His emails were published last year by hackers and his account is on Secureworks' list of Fancy Bear targets. He was not notified by the FBI.
This image shows a portion of a phishing email sent to a Washington area-based military analyst on Nov. 9, 2017. Scores of U.S. diplomatic, military and government figures were not told about attempts to hack into their emails even though the FBI knew they were in the Kremlin's crosshairs, The Associated Press has learned. (AP Photo)
FILE - This Feb. 3, 2012, file photo shows FBI headquarters in Washington. Many U.S. diplomatic, military and government figures were not told about Russia-linked attempts to hack into their emails, even though the FBI knew they were in the Kremlin's crosshairs, The Associated Press has learned. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)
In this image made from video, seen though an interior window, employees work in the offices of Secureworks in Atlanta on Oct. 4, 2017. Working off a list supplied by the cybersecurity firm, The Associated Press found that scores of U.S. diplomatic, military and government figures were not told about attempts to hack into their emails even though the FBI knew they were in the Kremlin's crosshairs. (AP Photo/Marina Hutchinson)
Catalin Florica, who launched THCServers.com in 2013, poses for a portrait during an interview at the company's headquarters, outside Craiova, southern Romania, Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017. The company based in a remote part of the Eastern European country was used to register the website DCLeaks, which U.S. intelligence has accused of being a front for Russian spies. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2004 file photo, Lt. Gen. Patrick Hughes of the Department of Homeland Security appears before the Senate Government Affairs Committee on Capitol Hill. Hughes, a former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, was one of scores of U.S. diplomatic, military and government figures who were not told about attempts to hack into their emails even though the FBI knew they were in the Kremlin's crosshairs, The Associated Press has learned. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook, File)
FILE - This Sept. 29, 2017 photo shows the Kremlin in Moscow. Scores of U.S. diplomatic, military and government figures were not told about Russia-linked attempts to hack into their emails, even though the FBI knew they were in Moscow's crosshairs, The Associated Press has learned. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, File)
FILE - In this May 15, 2013 file photo, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul leaves the Foreign Ministry in Moscow, Russia. McFaul, who served as ambassador from 2012 to 2014, was angry to learn that he was sent a phishing email in 2015 - and was told nothing about it by the FBI. "Our government needs to be taking greater responsibility to defend its citizens in both the physical and cyber worlds, now, before a cyberattack produces an even more catastrophic outcome than we have already experienced," he said. (AP Photo/Misha Japaridze, File)
BEIJING (AP) - China sentenced a Taiwanese activist to five years in prison Tuesday for holding online political lectures and helping the families of jailed dissidents in a conviction demonstrating how Beijing's harshest crackdown on human rights in decades has extended beyond the Chinese mainland.
The trial of Lee Ming-che was also China's first known criminal prosecution of a nonprofit group worker since Beijing passed a law last year tightening controls over foreign nongovernmental organizations.
The Yueyang City Intermediate People's Court in central China handed down the sentence against Lee after finding him guilty of subversion of state power. Lee had confessed during his trial in September, which his wife, Lee Ching-yu, dismissed as "a political show."
In this image taken from video released on Nov. 28, 2017, by the Intermediate People's Court of Yueyang, Taiwanese activist Lee Ming-che sits during a court session at the Intermediate People's Court of Yueyang in Yueyang in central China's Hunan Province, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. China sentenced Lee to five years along with his co-defendant Peng Yuhua, from mainland China, to seven years in prison Tuesday for holding online political lectures and helping the families of jailed dissidents in a conviction demonstrating how Beijing's harshest crackdown on human rights in decades has extended beyond the Chinese mainland. (Intermediate People's Court of Yueyang via AP Video)
Lee's co-defendant, Peng Yuhua, who is from mainland China, was sentenced to seven years in prison. Peng had also pleaded guilty, saying he had founded an organization called Palm Flower Co. to pressure China to accept a multiparty political system and that Lee was his deputy in charge of education.
Lee's wife attended the sentencing. "A price must be paid in the pursuit of an ideal," she said in a statement issued through her supporters. "Striving for human rights for the underprivileged is a necessary dedication to promoting the progress of human civilization."
Supporters say that since the trial ended, Lee Ching-yu has been prevented from leaving her hotel room or meeting with anyone. Calls to her cellphone rang unanswered.
"Lee Ming-che took the risk despite knowing the dangers," she said, adding that she was proud of him.
Subversion of state power is a vaguely defined charge often used by Chinese authorities to muzzle dissent and imprison critics. Both men said they would not appeal.
Taiwan, a self-governing island Beijing regards as part of Chinese territory, swiftly condemned the sentence.
"The spread of democratic ideas is innocent!" Alex Huang, the spokesman for Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, said in a statement. Huang urged Beijing to release Lee as soon as possible and allow him to return to Taiwan.
"We cannot accept that Lee Ming-che has been convicted of 'state subversion' for sharing ideas of freedom and democracy out of concern for the development of mainland China's civil society and democracy," the statement said.
Taiwan's Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement that it would not accept the verdict and that the government would continue working to secure Lee's release from China.
Lee Ming-che, 42, cleared immigration in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory of Macau on March 19 and never showed up for a planned meeting later that day with a friend in the mainland Chinese city of Zhuhai.
He had previously conducted online lectures on Taiwan's democratization and managed a fund for families of political prisoners in China.
Lee's sentence was "incredibly harsh," given the accusations against him and the lack of evidence, said Maya Wang, Human Rights Watch's Hong Kong-based researcher.
"It's probably designed as a warning to activists based outside China, particularly those in Hong Kong and Taiwan," as Chinese President Xi Jinping's crackdown on dissent radiates beyond its borders, Wang said in an email.
In Taiwan, Lee's sentence was met with condemnation and worries about China's cross-border reach.
"This tells all Taiwanese people that this is China's threat. This is also a threat from China to all NGO workers in the world," said Cheng Hsiu-chuan, principal of Taipei Wenshan Community College, where Lee worked as an administrator.
"China is warning us that even if you are not within Chinese territory, it can incriminate you if you go to China," Cheng said.
Lisa Lin, a 20-year-old university student, said the case displays the contrast between China's repressive system and Taiwan's democratic freedoms.
"I think this is not very good because everyone should have the right to express their opinions," Lin said.
China's wide-ranging crackdown on civil society has featured a string of televised "confessions" - believed to have been coerced - from human rights activists accused of plotting to overthrow the political system.
The new law passed in April 2016 says foreign nongovernmental organizations must not endanger China's national security and ethnic unity, and places nonprofit groups under close police supervision. It is seen as an attempt to clamp down on perceived threats to the ruling Communist Party's control.
Relations between Taiwan and China have been near an all-time low since the election of Tsai, whose party has advocated Taiwan's formal independence. China cut off contacts with Taiwan's government in June of last year, five months after Tsai was elected.
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Associated Press video journalist Johnson Lai contributed to this story from Taipei, Taiwan.
In this image taken from video released on Nov. 28, 2017, by the Intermediate People's Court of Yueyang, Taiwanese activist Lee Ming-che, left, and his fellow defendant Peng Yuhua of China stand during a court session at the Intermediate People's Court of Yueyang in Yueyang in central China's Hunan Province, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. China sentenced Lee to five years and Peng to seven years in prison Tuesday for holding online political lectures and helping the families of jailed dissidents in a conviction demonstrating how Beijing's harshest crackdown on human rights in decades has extended beyond the Chinese mainland. (Intermediate People's Court of Yueyang via AP Video)
FILE - In this Sept. 11, 2017, file photo, a protester raises a picture of Taiwanese activist Lee Ming-che during a demonstration outside the Chinese liaison office in Hong Kong. A Chinese court on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, has sentenced to five years in prison the Taiwanese activist who conducted online lectures on Taiwan's democratization and managed a fund for families of political prisoners in China. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, File)
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) - Bangladesh's High Court has upheld a verdict by a trial court sentencing 139 border guards to death for their actions in a 2009 mutiny in which 74 people, including 57 military commanders, were killed.
The trial court sentenced 152 people to death in 2013, but in response to an appeal, the High Court commuted the sentences for eight of them to life in prison and acquitted four others. Another man died during the 370 days of proceedings before Monday's High Court verdict. A total of 846 people, mostly border guards, are facing trial.
The border guard mutiny on Feb. 25-26, 2009, took place two months after the prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, took office. Hasina returned to power in 2014.
In this Feb. 25, 2009 file photo, Bangladesh army soldiers take positions near the headquarters of Bangladesh Rifles in Dhaka. In 2013, a trial court sentenced 152 people to death, but in response to an appeal, the High Court commuted the sentences for eight of them to life in prison and acquitted four others. Another man died during the 370 days of proceedings before Monday's verdict. A total of 846 people, mostly border guards, are facing trial. (AP Photo/Pavel Rahman, File)
A three-member panel of High Court judges said in issuing its verdict that the border guards were "most brutal" and "cold-blooded" murderers.
Attorney General Mahbubey Alam said after the verdict that the defendants can appeal to the Supreme Court.
Defense lawyer Aminul Islam said he would advise his clients on whether to appeal after seeing the full text of the judgment.
The mutiny was an acid test for Hasina's then-government, with the influential military unhappy over the government's decision not to make a counter-assault in fear of more casualties. The border guard headquarters were closely surrounded by homes and businesses in the capital, Dhaka.
Hasina had offered an amnesty to quell the revolt, but rescinded the offer when dozens of bodies were found in sewers and mass graves.
The amnesty offer and the government's overall handling of the case strained the military's relationship with Hasina, but she vowed to punish those responsible.
Human rights groups earlier criticized Bangladesh for the mass trial, saying it would not aid justice. New York-based Human Rights Watch has said at least 47 suspects have died in custody. It also has said the suspects have had limited access to lawyers, and little knowledge of the charges and evidence against them. Bangladeshi authorities have denied the allegations.
MANSOURA, Egypt (AP) - A prison-themed restaurant in Egypt? It might seem distasteful in a country where thousands of people, mostly Islamists but also secular pro-democracy activists, are languishing in jail on what right groups say are trumped-up charges.
Yet, the restaurant in the coastal city of Mansoura called "Food Crime" is doing good business because of its novelty, according to patrons. Props like handcuffs, inmate number plaques, a prisoners' cage and even an electric chair are served up as welcome selfie-fodder.
"It's a catchy idea and I did not want to do something that is traditional," said the restaurant's owner, Waleed Naeem, 37. "Our prices are competitive - our most expensive sandwich on the menu is just 15 pounds (84 U.S. cents)."
In this Nov. 22, 2017 photo, customer Amr El Gohary, right, and his friend pose for a photograph with plastic plaques that translate to inmates with numbers, as they wait for their food, at prison-themed restaurant 'Food Crime' in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, 110 kilometers (70 miles) north of Cairo, Egypt. The motif has even drawn policemen like Gohary, impressed by "amazing decor" and amenities like handcuffs and a metal cage that allow him a role reversal. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)
Naeem is irked by anyone who tries to link the restaurant's theme to the large-scale crackdown on dissent since the military ousted an Islamist president in 2013.
"The people of Mansoura really like this restaurant and think it's a great idea. But others are making a huge deal out of this on social media," said Naeem, who has refused to give media interviews to news outlets that want him to speak about what his eatery symbolizes.
"My restaurant is not political," said Naeem, who maintains that the idea of Food Crime was inspired by similar establishments in South Korea, China and Italy. "I don't think it has anything to do with real prisons and those inside them."
The restaurant's unusual decor attracts many in Mansoura, like Yasmeen Khouly.
"The idea is crazy, but it's all about trying something new and seeing what's out there, she said after eating there with a friend.
"Obviously seeing handcuffs and an electric chair is strange."
Engineer Ahmed Atef, however, said the environment reminded him of his days in the army, and "the prisons I used to see when I served."
The motif has even drawn in policemen like Amr El Gohary, who said he was impressed by features of the "amazing decor," like the handcuffs and a metal cage that allowed him to engage in some role reversal.
"Obviously it made me love this place. The experience of eating in the cage was interesting because being a policeman, I'm the one who puts people in handcuffs and prisons."
In this Nov. 22, 2017 photo, a waiter takes out the trash at prison-themed restaurant 'Food Crime,' in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, 110 kilometers (70 miles) north of Cairo, Egypt. A prison-themed restaurant in Egypt? It might seem distasteful in a country where, according to rights groups, thousands of people, mostly Islamists but also secular pro-democracy activists, are languishing in jail on trumped-up charges. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)
In this Nov. 22, 2017 photo, owner of prison-themed restaurant 'Food Crime' Waleed Naeem, poses for a photograph inside his restaurant, in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, 110 kilometers (70 miles) north of Cairo, Egypt. Naeem is annoyed with anyone who tries to link the restaurant's theme to the large-scale crackdown on dissent since the military removed an Islamist president in 2013. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)
In this Nov. 22, 2017 photo, a beggar sits on a side-walk outside of prison-themed restaurant 'Food Crime' as food sits on a table inside the restaurant, in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, 110 kilometers (70 miles) north of Cairo, Egypt. A prison-themed restaurant in Egypt? It might seem distasteful in a country where, according to rights groups, thousands of people, mostly Islamists but also secular pro-democracy activists, are languishing in jail on trumped-up charges. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)
In this Nov. 22, 2017 photo, a woman walks past recently opened restaurant 'Food Crime,' in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, 110 kilometers (70 miles) north of Cairo, Egypt. A prison-themed restaurant in Egypt? It might seem distasteful in a country where, according to rights groups, thousands of people, mostly Islamists but also secular pro-democracy activists, are languishing in jail on trumped-up charges. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)
In this Nov. 22, 2017 photo, a waiter waits for customers at prison-themed restaurant 'Food Crime,' in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, 110 kilometers (70 miles) north of Cairo, Egypt. A prison-themed restaurant in Egypt? It might seem distasteful in a country where, according to rights groups, thousands of people, mostly Islamists but also secular pro-democracy activists, are languishing in jail on trumped-up charges. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)
In this Nov. 22, 2017 photo, a boy waits for his food in prison-themed restaurant 'Food Crime,' in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, 110 kilometers (70 miles) north of Cairo, Egypt. A prison-themed restaurant in Egypt? It might seem distasteful in a country where, according to rights groups, thousands of people, mostly Islamists but also secular pro-democracy activists, are languishing in jail on trumped-up charges. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)
This Nov. 22, 2017 photo shows, a plastic plaque with Arabic that reads, "inmate number 7433" and handcuffs part of the decor of prison-themed restaurant 'Food Crime' in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, 110 kilometers (70 miles) north of Cairo, Egypt. It might seem distasteful in a country where, according to rights groups, thousands of people, mostly Islamists but also secular pro-democracy activists, are languishing in jail on trumped-up charges. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)
In this Nov. 22, 2017 photo, a customer waits for her food at prison-themed restaurant 'Food Crime' in the Nile Delta city of Mansoura, 110 kilometers (70 miles) north of Cairo, Egypt. A prison-themed restaurant in Egypt? It might seem distasteful in a country where, according to rights groups, thousands of people, mostly Islamists but also secular pro-democracy activists, are languishing in jail on trumped-up charges. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty)
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) - The Latest on Pope Francis's trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh (all times local):
6 p.m.
Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims and human rights groups say they're disappointed Pope Francis didn't use the term "Rohingya" in his speech to Myanmar's leadership.
Pope Francis meets with Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. (Max Rossi/Pool Photo via AP)
Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division, said the pope missed an opportunity Tuesday since he had previously used the term that affirms the rights of Rohingya to self-identity. He said, "The Rohingya have been stripped of so many things but their name should never be one of them and we hope that the pope will use the word Rohingya in his Mass (Wednesday)."
Kyaw Naing, a Rohingya Muslim who lives in a confined camp in Rakhine state, said he was sad Francis didn't use the term.
He said: "We were very happy and hopeful on his visit. But since the pope is not allowed to call out the name 'Rohingya,' we wonder how bad the human rights situation is in Myanmar. He is the holiest man in the world but it's so sad to see that even the holiest man cannot call our identity."
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5:30 p.m.
Pope Francis is insisting that Myanmar's future depends on respecting the rights of "each ethnic group," an indirect show of support for Rohingya Muslims who have been subject to decades of state-supported discrimination and recently a violent military crackdown.
Francis didn't cite the crackdown or even utter the contested word "Rohingya" in his speech to Myanmar's civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and other authorities Tuesday. But he lamented how Myanmar's people have suffered "and continue to suffer from civil conflict and hostilities" and insisted that everyone who calls Myanmar home deserves to have their basic rights guaranteed.
Francis said Myanmar's future must be peace based on "respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity."
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5:15 p.m.
Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi is thanking Pope Francis for his support for what she says are the many "challenges" the country is facing, taking his visit to Myanmar as a sign of encouragement as she faces international criticism for the military's brutal crackdown on Rohingya Muslims.
In a speech to Francis before Myanmar authorities and diplomats Tuesday, Suu Kyi didn't refer to the more than 620,000 Rohingya who have been driven out of Rakhine to Bangladesh after the military began what it called "clearance operations" following militant attacks in August.
She said she appreciated those who are supporting the government as it address long-standing social, economic and political issues "that have eroded trust and understanding, harmony and cooperation."
She said the government's aim is to protect rights, foster tolerance and ensure security for all.
Suu Kyi's international image has been damaged by state-led violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority that has created Asia's worst refugee crisis in decades.
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1 p.m.
The Oxford City Council has stripped the Freedom of the City Award it gave 20 years ago to Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, saying those who turn a blind eye to violence tarnish its own reputation.
The council motion was supported unanimously Monday evening and cited Suu Kyi's inaction as Rohingya Muslims are subjected to a crackdown being described by the U.N. and others as textbook ethnic cleansing.
Suu Kyi was under house arrest for 15 years during Myanmar's long military dictatorship and Oxford said the award was given to her originally because her advocacy for democracy in her country reflected Oxford's values of tolerance and internationalism.
Oxford Councillor Mary Clarkson said in a statement, "We celebrated her for her opposition to oppression and military rule in Burma."
Suu Kyi is to meet Pope Francis on Tuesday in the country's capital, Naypyitaw.
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11:45 a.m.
Pope Francis has met with a Myanmar Buddhist leader who's been criticized for using ethnic slurs against Muslims.
Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said Tuesday that Francis met briefly with Buddhist leader Sitagu Sayadaw separately from an interfaith meeting with other religious leaders at the Catholic archbishop's residence in Yangon.
Burke said the encounter was "always in an effort to encourage peace and fraternal coexistence as the only way ahead."
Sitagu has been criticized for using slurs against Muslims, particularly the Rohingya, who are denied citizenship in Myanmar and the target of a much-criticized military crackdown.
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11:30 a.m.
The Vatican says the pope stressed a message of "unity in diversity" in a 40-minute meeting with Myanmar's Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders.
Spokesman Greg Burke said Francis told the local religious leaders they should work together to rebuild the country and that if they argue, they should argue like brothers, who reconcile afterward.
He arrived in the country on Monday and is scheduled to meet later with the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the capital.
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10 a.m.
Pope Francis will be meeting with leaders of Myanmar's different religious communities at the Catholic archbishop's residence in Yangon.
He arrived in the country on Monday and is scheduled to meet separately Tuesday with the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the capital.
Myanmar is predominantly Buddhist with small Muslim, Hindu and Christian populations.
The country's most revered and prominent Buddhist leader Sitagu is not among the religious leaders expected to meet the pope on Tuesday though the monk met with Francis's predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.
Sitagu has been criticized for using ethnic slurs against Muslims, particularly the Rohingya, who are denied citizenship in Myanmar and the target of a much-criticized military crackdown.
Earlier this year, Sitagu was awarded the title 'Honorable, Excellent, and Great Teacher of Country and State' by the country's civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
9 a.m.
Pope Francis begins his first full day in Myanmar traveling to the country's capital to meet with the civilian leader, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, a day after hosting the military general in charge of the crackdown on the country's Rohingya Muslim minority.
Francis' speech Tuesday to Suu Kyi, other Myanmar authorities and the diplomatic corps in Naypyitaw is the most anticipated of his visit, given the outcry over the crackdown, which the U.S. and U.N. have described as a campaign of "ethnic cleansing" to drive out the Rohingya.
Myanmar's Catholic leaders have stressed that Suu Kyi has no voice to speak out against the military, and have urged support for her efforts to move Myanmar toward a more democratic future that includes all its religious minorities, Christians included.
Pope Francis and Myanmar's President Htin Kyaw stand during a welcome ceremony at Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw, Myanmar Nov. 28, 2017. The pontiff is in Myanmar for the first stage of a week-long visit that will also take him to neighboring Bangladesh. (Soe Zeya Tun/Pool Photo via AP)
Pope Francis waves from the car as he travels Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, in Yangon, Myanmar. The Pope begins his first full day in Myanmar traveling to the capital to meet with the country's leader Aung San Suu Kyi a day after a meeting the military general in charge of the crackdown on Rohingya Muslims. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
In this image provided by L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis arrives in Yangon, Myanmar, on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. The pontiff is in Myanmar for the first stage of a week-long visit that will also take him to neighboring Bangladesh. (L'Osservatore Romano via AP)
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Families of Native American war veterans and politicians of both major parties are criticizing President Donald Trump for using a White House event honoring Navajo Code Talkers to take a political jab at a Democratic senator he has nicknamed "Pocahontas."
The Republican president on Monday turned to the name he often deployed for Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren during the 2016 presidential campaign to mock her claims about being part Native American. He told the three Navajo Code Talkers on stage that he had affection for them that he doesn't have for her.
"It was uncalled for," said Marty Thompson, whose great-uncle was a Navajo Code Talker. "He can say what he wants when he's out doing his presidential business among his people, but when it comes to honoring veterans or any kind of people, he needs to grow up and quit saying things like that."
President Donald Trump, right, meets with Navajo Code Talkers Peter MacDonald, center, and Thomas Begay, left, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Pocahontas is well-known as a Disney princess but less so for the sacrifices she made to save her people from British forces in the 1600s in present-day Virginia, descendants of her tribal community say. Whether Trump's remark constitutes a racial slur depends on who you ask, but most critics agree it was inappropriate.
Warren said Trump's repeated references to her as "Pocahontas" will not keep her from speaking out.
"Now he seems to think that that's somehow going to shut me up, maybe keep me from talking about the consumer agency today," Warren said Tuesday after a protest outside the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. "Or keep me from talking about the tax bill that would favor giant corporations instead of working families."
"He's wrong. It's not going to make any difference," Warren said.
All he "had to do was make it through the ceremony," she said. "But that wasn't possible for Donald Trump. He had to throw in a racial slur."
White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders, said Monday that she didn't believe the remark was a racial slur and that "was certainly not the president's intent."
Trump made the comment as he stood near a portrait of President Andrew Jackson, which he hung in the Oval Office in January. Trump admires Jackson's populism. But Jackson is an unpopular figure in Indian Country because he oversaw the forced removal of American Indians from their southern homelands.
The Navajo Nation suggested Trump's remark was an example of "cultural insensitivity," and they resolved to stay out of the "ongoing feud between the senator and President Trump."
"All tribal nations still battle insensitive references to our people. The prejudice that Native American people face is an unfortunate historical legacy," Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said in a statement.
Still, Begaye and relatives of Navajo Code Talkers said they're honored the story of the men recruited from the vast Southwest reservation to become Marines could be told on a national stage. Peter MacDonald, a former Navajo chairman and trained Code Talker, who stood beside Trump, also took the opportunity to ask for support for a Navajo Code Talker museum. Trump obliged.
Michael Smith, a Marine whose father was a Code Talker, said most of the Code Talkers would be skeptical about going to the White House because it could be construed to mean they support a political cause.
"So, why did they go? Why were they there? He's putting them in the Oval Office to say 'You did a good job, and say hi to Pocahontas?'" Smith said. "They should be taken care of as heroes, not as pawns."
Michael Nez, whose father helped develop the code based on the Navajo language, said his father would have been upset to hear Trump's "Pocahontas" comment. But, as other Code Talker relatives said, his father was taught to respect the president as the commander in chief.
"It's too bad he does put his foot in his mouth," Nez said. "Why he does it? I don't know."
The president has long feuded with Warren, an outspoken Wall Street critic who leveled blistering attacks on Trump during the campaign. Trump seized on questions about Warren's heritage, which surfaced during her 2012 Senate race challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Scott Brown.
Warren says her parents told her of the Native American connection and she listed herself with that heritage in law school directories to meet others with similar backgrounds.
"Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to the Navajo Code Talkers, whose bravery, skill & tenacity helped secure our decisive victory over tyranny & oppression during WWII," Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, tweeted Tuesday. "Politicizing these genuine American heroes is an insult to their sacrifice."
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Kellman reported from Washington, D.C. Associated Press writers Catherine Lucey and Jill Colvin in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.
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Fonseca is a member of The Associated Press' Race and Ethnicity team. Follow her on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/FonsecaAP . Follow Kellman on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/APLaurieKellman .
President Donald Trump, right, meets with Navajo Code Talkers Peter MacDonald, center, and Thomas Begay, left, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
President Donald Trump, right, meets with Navajo Code Talkers Peter MacDonald, center, and Thomas Begay, left, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., speaks at a rally outside the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau headquarters in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. The group was protesting President Donald Trump's appointment of Mick Mulvaney as Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's acting director. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) - Romania's coastguard says it has rescued 60 migrants aboard a Turkish ship on the Black Sea that sent out a distress signal.
A statement said the ship was detected some 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the Black Sea cost early Tuesday after asking Romanian authorities and a commercial ship in the area for help.
The coastguard dispatched two ships to the area and escorted the vessel toward the Black Sea port of Constanta.
It said the migrants would be identified and given medical treatment if necessary. There was no immediate information about the ship's crew or the nationalities of the migrants.
Border police will investigate the incident.
Migration to Romania has increased this year as other routes into Europe have closed.
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greek counter-terrorism police detained nine Turks in Athens on Tuesday in an investigation into Turkish leftist militant groups, ahead of a scheduled visit next month by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
A police statement said the Turkish nationals - eight men and a woman - were detained in the central Athens areas of Neos Kosmos and Kallithea earlier Tuesday.
The operation was not connected with suspected Islamist terrorism, police said. The detainees are suspected of links with the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front, or DHKP-C, deemed a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.
A Greek police expert stands at the door of house after an operation in Athens, Tuesday, Nov. 28. 2017. Greek counter-terrorism police detained nine Turks in Athens early Tuesday in an investigation connected with Turkish leftist militant groups, ahead of a scheduled visit by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Police said that searches of three homes where the Turks were detained produced detonators and materials "available on the market that could potentially be used to make explosives."
Erdogan's visit, announced Tuesday, is set for Dec. 7-8.
In 2014, four Turkish men were arrested in Athens on terrorism-related offences in connection with DHKP-C, after a raid on an Athens apartment that uncovered weapons, explosives and detonators. The operation followed the arrests of five Turks and three Greeks over a speedboat carrying arms that was intercepted in the Aegean Sea.
Originally founded in the late 1970s as Dev Sol, the Marxist-Leninist DHKP-C is believed responsible for a string of assassinations and bombings in Turkey, including a 2013 suicide bomb attack on the U.S. Embassy in Ankara.
A Greek police expert investigates a house as his colleagues secure the area after an operation in Athens, Tuesday, Nov. 28. 2017. Greek counter-terrorism police detained nine Turks in Athens early Tuesday in an investigation connected with Turkish leftist militant groups, ahead of a scheduled visit by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
A Greek police expert investigates a house after an operation in Athens, Tuesday, Nov. 28. 2017. Greek counter-terrorism police detained nine Turks in Athens early Tuesday in an investigation connected with Turkish leftist militant groups, ahead of a scheduled visit by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
PARIS (AP) - The world economy is growing faster than it has in seven years and more and more people are working - but the high growth isn't expected to last long, and wages remain stubbornly stagnant.
That's according to forecasts Tuesday from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, which urged governments to do more to ensure longer-term growth and better living standards across the board.
The group, which recommends policies for leading economies, predicts sustained growth in the U.S. this year and next and a sharper-than-expected increase in the countries that use the euro currency.
Construction workers walk on scaffolding at a construction site Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
For 2019, however, the OECD forecasts "a tempering of growth rather than continued strengthening."
Chief Economist Catherine Mann urged faster re-training of workers amid drastic technological changes, extending retirement ages, investing in renewable energy and simplified tax rules to reduce risks of a new downturn.
"We've got wind under the wings but we're flying low," she said at the OECD headquarters in Paris.
The agency slightly raised its global growth forecast to 3.6 percent this year - the highest since the post-crisis upturn in 2010 - thanks to rising industrial production, trade and technology spending.
But that "remains modest by past standards," the OECD said.
Globally, it forecasts 3.7 percent growth next year with a slight drop to 3.6 percent in 2019.
In the United States, the OECD inched up its outlook, predicting 2.2 percent growth this year and 2.5 percent in 2018 thanks to "buoyant asset prices and strong business and consumer confidence." It expects U.S. growth to fall back to 2.1 percent in 2019.
The OECD cautioned that its forecasts are clouded by uncertainty over President Donald Trump's tax policies and risks of protectionist trade moves. Trump campaigned to protect manufacturing jobs in the U.S. and renegotiate international trade deals he sees as unfair.
The long-troubled eurozone enjoyed another boost as the OECD became the latest group to raise its forecasts for the 19-country region. Tuesday's report foresees 2.4 percent growth this year and 2.1 percent for next year, but predicted growth will sink back below 2 percent in 2019.
The main trouble spot is Britain, whose economy will continue to be hobbled by uncertainty surrounding its exit from the European Union. Economic growth "will continue to weaken" and be just above 1 percent in 2018 and 2019, it said.
Another big concern of the OECD: employment is rising across most rich economies, but people's wages aren't.
"It's against intuition, it's against basic principles of economics, and normally it should have been otherwise," OECD chief Angel Gurria said. "Clearly growth has to be made more inclusive."
"The ongoing digital revolution should be unlocking efficiencies and allowing workers to produce more," he said. But "nobody will be able to produce more if they don't have the skills to get the most out of the machine."
The report also warned of the risks of high corporate debt in China and spiking housing prices in some U.S. cities and rising household debt.
LONDON (AP) - It will be a spring wedding on the glorious grounds of Windsor Castle for love-struck Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Royal officials - thrilled with the international response to news of the couple's engagement, and the positive reaction to their first ever TV appearance - revealed a few key details Tuesday but kept mum on others, such as who will be Harry's best man?
The wedding will be in May, but the date has not been chosen, Harry's communications secretary, Jason Knauf, told a packed briefing at Buckingham Palace.
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for the media in the grounds of Kensington Palace in London, Monday Nov. 27, 2017. It was announced Monday that Prince Harry, fifth in line for the British throne, will marry American actress Meghan Markle in the spring, confirming months of rumors. (Eddie Mulholland/Pool via AP)
"In a happy moment in their lives, it means a great deal to them that so many people throughout the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world are celebrating with them," he said before fielding questions about things like how many of Markle's rescue dogs would move to Britain with her.
Knauf said Harry's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, had given permission for the couple to wed at St. George's Chapel, the historic church on the Windsor Castle grounds that has long been a touchstone for royal rites of passage. He said the 91-year-old monarch will attend the wedding.
Windsor Castle, west of London, is one of the queen's favorite residences. St. George's, the 15th-century chapel where the couple will wed, is more intimate than Westminster Abbey, where Harry's older brother, William, married Kate Middleton in 2011.
Knauf said Windsor "is a very special place for Prince Harry," and that he and Markle have regularly spent time there since they began dating about a year and a half ago.
He said the wedding "will be a moment of fun and joy that will reflect the characters of the bride and groom."
The image-conscious royals also made clear in a statement that the royal family, not British taxpayers, will foot the bill for what is expected to be a grand extravaganza. The family will pay for the church service, the music, the flowers, the decorations and the reception that follows.
Harry's press team is keeping some details private for the moment - perhaps because final decisions have not been made.
It's also not clear who will be Harry's best man, though older brother William would seem to be a strong contender.
Knauf also would not say whether Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will preside over the service. And as for what titles will be given to Harry and Markle, that will be decided by the queen and revealed at a later date.
The palace was ready to answer some delicate questions about the 36-year-old Markle's move to Britain and her taking up a senior role in the royal family, sometimes called "the firm."
Knauf said she will comply with all immigration requirements and will become a British citizen, a process that may take several years, and will retain her U.S. citizenship throughout the process.
He did not say whether she would drop her U.S. citizenship at some point.
Asked about her religion, Knauf said Markle is a Protestant who will be baptized in the Church of England, which is headed by the queen in a largely ceremonial role.
Markle's personal belongings are being shipped from Canada, where she has lived for seven years while performing in the TV legal drama "Suits," to Nottingham Cottage, where she and Harry will live. The cottage is located on the grounds of Kensington Palace in central London.
She has already brought one of her two rescue pups, Guy, but the other - Bogart - is being left behind and will reside permanently with "good friends," Knauf said.
The union of the 33-year-old prince and Markle, an accomplished TV actress in her own right, represents a blending of Hollywood and royalty that is expected to draw an international audience - officials said it is a safe assumption that the service will be televised.
The couple will carry out their first official engagement on Friday, visiting a youth charity and a World AIDS Day event in Nottingham in central England. For Markle, it will be a first taste of life as a working royal.
Markle's divorced status would once have barred her from marrying the prince in church. Harry's father Prince Charles, who is heir to the British throne, married his wife Camilla in a low-key civil ceremony in 2005 because both bride and groom were divorced.
Camilla said Tuesday she was "delighted" her stepson was marrying the U.S. actress.
"America's loss is our gain," she said.
Newspapers hailed news of the engagement as a breath of fresh air and symbol of a modernizing monarchy.
The Daily Telegraph said in an editorial: "A divorced, mixed-race Hollywood actress who attended a Roman Catholic school is to marry the son of the next king. Such a sentence could simply not have been written a generation ago."
A view of a selection of British national papers on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, showing the coverage of the engagement of Britain's Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. The announcement and press photo call took place at Kensington Palace Monday. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant
In this photo taken from video Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle talk about their engagement during an interview in London, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. It was announced Monday that Prince Harry, fifth in line for the British throne, will marry American actress Meghan Markle in the spring, confirming months of rumors. (Pool via AP)
In this photo taken from video Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle talk about their engagement during an interview in London, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. It was announced Monday that Prince Harry, fifth in line for the British throne, will marry American actress Meghan Markle in the spring, confirming months of rumors. (Pool via AP)
Meghan Markle wears her engagement ring as she poses with Britain's Prince Harry for the media in the grounds of Kensington Palace in London, Monday Nov. 27, 2017. It was announced Monday that Prince Harry, fifth in line for the British throne, will marry American actress Meghan Markle in the spring, confirming months of rumors. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle smile as they pose for the media in the grounds of Kensington Palace in London, Monday Nov. 27, 2017. It was announced Monday that Prince Harry, fifth in line for the British throne, will marry American actress Meghan Markle in the spring, confirming months of rumors. (Dominic Lipinski/PA via AP)
TOKYO (AP) - Japan is stepping up patrols and urging local authorities and fishermen to be on the alert after several boats thought to be from North Korea, some carrying dead bodies, were found on its northern coast.
"The coast guard and police have to cooperate to step up sea patrols around Japan," the chief government spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, said Tuesday when asked about reports that a boat carrying eight dead bodies was found on the coast of Akita prefecture, which faces North Korea across the Sea of Japan.
"The government intends to improve this to ensure we can guard against suspicious boats or people arriving in Japan," Suga said.
In this Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, photo, an unidentified boat is pictured in Oga, Akita prefecture, northern Japan after being washed ashore. Japan is urging local authorities and fishermen to be on the alert after several boats thought to be from North Korea were found on its northern coast. (Kantaro Saki/Kyodo News via AP)
He said local authorities, fishermen and residents should report if they spot any questionable boats or people.
Last week, police rescued eight people thought to be North Korean fishermen who ended up stranded along with their squid catch.
A week earlier, the coast guard rescued three North Korean men from a capsized fishing boat off Japan's northern coast. They were transferred hours later to another North Korean vessel that was to return them home. The coast guard later found three bodies of missing crew members from that boat, then four more bodies in another capsized boat believed to be North Korean. They were thought to have drowned.
It is unclear if the people aboard the several dozen North Korean boats that drift near Japanese shores each year are intending to defect or simply unable to make their way back aboard their unseaworthy wooden boats.
The boat recovered Monday was spotted on Saturday, but seas were too rough at the time for rescuers to approach it. It was unflagged and was reported to be "nationality unclear."
However, a coast guard official reached by phone in Akita said one of the bodies was holding a 1,000 won North Korean note, suggesting the boat was from there.
Six bodies were found inside a storage room near the bow of the boat, below deck, and another two near the stern. All were men and partially decomposed, the official said. She spoke on condition of anonymity, following coast guard policy.
The crude vessel with its very low gunwale had lost its propeller and rudder, and was similar to other poorly equipped boats often seen operating from North Korea.
Autopsies of the dead men were underway.
LONDON (AP) - Ireland's deputy prime minister has agreed to resign to avert a parliamentary vote that would have collapsed the government and triggered a snap election at a crunch time for Brexit negotiations, Irish media reported Tuesday.
Irish lawmakers had been due to vote later on a no-confidence motion targeting deputy premier Frances Fitzgerald, filed by opposition party Fianna Fail.
Fianna Fail wanted Fitzgerald ousted over her involvement in a long-running police scandal. Opposition leaders accuse a previous government, in which Fitzgerald was justice minister, of failing to defend a whistleblower exposing corruption in Ireland's police force.
Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Frances Fitzgerald arrives at Government Buildings in Dublin ahead of a vote of no confidence in the government Tuesday Nov. 28, 2017. Ireland's governing party and main opposition are holding last-minute talks to avoid the government collapsing just as it faces a crunch time in Brexit negotiations. Irish lawmakers are due to vote on a no-confidence motion in the deputy prime minister filed by opposition party Fianna Fail .(Brian Lawless/PA via AP)
They say newly disclosed emails show Fitzgerald knew about attempts by senior officers to discredit the whistleblower earlier than she had previously acknowledged.
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's Fine Gael party have backed Fitzgerald. But Irish broadcaster RTE and other outlets said Tuesday he has accepted her resignation, heading off a vote that the minority government would likely have lost.
The crisis comes at a crucial time for Varadkar's five-month-old government. EU leaders will decide at a Dec. 14-15 summit whether there has been enough progress to start discussions over Britain's future relations with the bloc.
A key barrier to progress is the Irish border. Varadkar is pressing the U.K. to spell out how it can keep the currently invisible Ireland-Northern Ireland frontier free of customs posts and other barriers when the U.K. leaves the EU while Ireland remains a member.
The 310-mile (500-kilometer) frontier will be the U.K.'s only land border with an EU country. Any hurdles to the movement of people or goods could have serious implications for the economies on both sides, and for Northern Ireland's peace process.
GENEVA (AP) - The Latest on Syria developments (all times local):
3:45 p.m.
U.S. and British officials have expressed support for the Syrian opposition ahead of peace talks in Geneva.
UN Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, 2nd left, and Deputy UN Special Envoy for Syria Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, left, arrive for a meeting with Head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission, SNC, during the Intra Syria talks, in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)
Alastair Burt, the British minister of state for the Middle East, said after meeting the Syrian opposition delegation chief Nasr Hariri that Geneva talks need "to lead toward the inclusive political transition necessary to end this conflict."
Burt welcomed the opposition's achievement at a meeting last week in Saudi Arabia to further unify and broaden its membership.
Hariri also met on Tuesday with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Satterfield who expressed U.S. support for a credible political transition process under U.N. auspices, making clear that any process outside of Geneva had no legitimacy.
In reference to the government team's expected late arrival in Geneva, Hariri said that the "regime was once again undermining the negotiations with its refusal to join the start of the talks."
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1:40 p.m.
A senior Syrian Kurdish official says the Americans would undermine the fight against Islamic State militants in the region if they "turn their back" on their only ally in Syria - the Syrian Kurds.
The remarks by Ilham Ahmed, a member of the political arm of the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, were in response to the U.S. administration suggesting that military aid to the Kurdish-led forces may be halted.
Ahmed spoke late on Monday.
Over the weekend, the White House and the Pentagon said there will be "pending adjustments to the military support" to the SDF, though there was no specific confirmation the arms flow would stop altogether.
Ahmed says such "vague" phrasing appears aimed at appeasing Turkey, which sees the Kurdish fighters as an extension of its own insurgent group it labels "terrorists."
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12:20 p.m.
The U.N. envoy for Syria is hailing a "useful" meeting with diplomats from the five permanent Security Council members, while calling on the rival sides in the war-torn country to get down to "business."
Staffan de Mistura spoke to The Associated Press after briefing envoys from world powers about the eighth round of U.N.-mediated peace talks under his guidance, which begins later Tuesday in Geneva.
He was to meet later Tuesday with opposition leaders, and said he expected a delegation from the government of President Bashar Assad to arrive Wednesday.
The meeting included Brett McGurk, the U.S. envoy for the fight against the Islamic State group, and the French Foreign Ministry's political and security affairs director Nicolas de Riviere.
Russia's ambassador in Geneva Alexey Borodavkin said Russia appreciated the "opportunity," but "at the same time, we have some doubts about this kind of format, and do not consider it an established one."
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10:25 a.m.
A Syrian foreign ministry official says a government delegation will arrive in Geneva to take part in direct peace talks with the opposition.
The official said in Damascus that the delegation will take part in talks starting Wednesday afternoon and the delegation will be headed by Bashar Ja'afari, Syria's representative at the United Nations.
The Geneva talks are scheduled to begin Tuesday and the unified opposition delegation has already arrived.
In Geneva, three diplomats said representatives of the five permanent U.N. Security Council members were meeting to discuss the talks that were set to begin later Tuesday with a meeting between U.N. Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and the opposition.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly to the media.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - A Florida teen being detained in New York denies any involvement in the death of his 53-year-old grandmother.
The 15-year-old boy was apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents on Friday near the Canadian border. Police said he was driving a 2015 Dodge Dart, which was believed taken from his grandmother in Florida.
The two were reported missing the day before Thanksgiving when they failed to pick up the boy's father at the airport. The grandmother had been watching the teen while the father was on vacation. When the father got home, he found his house ransacked and his mother's body was found in a shallow grave out back.
Attorney Dominic Saraceno tells the Florida Times-Union an extradition hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday in Erie County, New York.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - The Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions is getting a new resident. Point Given is retiring from stud duty and joining the Horse Park in the spring.
Point Given is the fifth Horse of the Year to occupy the spot. He won the 2001 Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes and is a 19-year-old son of Thunder Gulch.
Point Given won $3.9 million with nine wins and three second-place finishes from 13 starts. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2010.
He retired from racing in September 2001 to stand at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway and was relocated to Calumet Farm in 2013.
Point Given will be available for viewing in April, as the park celebrates its 40th anniversary season.
LONDON (AP) - The Latest on the political situation in Ireland (all times local):
12:20 p.m.
Irish media say the country's deputy prime minister has agreed to resign to avert a parliamentary vote that would have collapsed the government and triggered a snap election.
FILE - This is a Friday, Nov. 17, 2017. file photo of Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, as he speaks with the press as he arrives for an EU summit in Goteborg, Sweden. Ireland's governing party and main opposition are on Tuesday Nov. 28, 2017, holding last-minute talks to avoid the government collapsing just as it faces a crunch time in Brexit negotiations. Irish lawmakers are due to vote on a no-confidence motion in the deputy prime minister filed by opposition party Fianna Fail.(AP Photo/File, Virginia Mayo)
Irish lawmakers were due to vote Tuesday on a no-confidence motion targeting deputy premier Frances Fitzgerald, filed by opposition party Fianna Fail.
Fianna Fail wanted Fitzgerald ousted over her involvement in a long-running police scandal.
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's Fine Gael party backed Fitzgerald. Irish broadcaster RTE and other outlets say she will quit, heading off a vote that the minority government would likely have lost.
The crisis comes at a crucial time for Varadkar's five-month-old government. A key EU summit looms Dec. 14-15, and Ireland is pressing Britain to spell out how it can maintain the open Ireland-Northern Ireland border after Brexit.
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11:30 a.m.
Ireland's governing party and main opposition are holding last-minute talks to avoid the government collapsing just as it faces a crunch time in Brexit negotiations.
Irish lawmakers are due to vote on a no-confidence motion targeting the deputy prime minister filed by opposition party Fianna Fail.
Fianna Fail wants Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's deputy, Frances Fitzgerald, ousted over her involvement in a long-running police scandal.
Varadkar's Fine Gael party is backing Fitzgerald, but if his minority government loses the vote, Ireland faces a snap election.
Varadkar and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin are due to hold talks Tuesday.
A key EU summit looms Dec. 14-15, and Ireland is pressing Britain to spell out how it can keep the Ireland-Northern Ireland border free of customs posts and other barriers after Brexit.
GENEVA (AP) - The eighth round of Syria peace talks got under way on Tuesday with a revamped and expanded opposition team meeting with the U.N. envoy in Geneva, but President Bashar Assad's government was conspicuously absent and Russia bemoaned back-channel diplomacy among key world powers.
The government in Damascus said its team would show up on Wednesday.
The meeting marks the latest and perhaps most-promising attempt by U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura to jolt new life into the so-far largely ineffective U.N.-mediated talks. The Syrian civil war, now in its seventh year, has left over 400,000 dead, driven at least 11 million people from their homes, and turned into a proxy war for regional and world powers.
UN Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Syria Staffan de Mistura briefs to the media after his meeting with Head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission, SNC, during the Intra Syria talks, in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)
Speaking after he briefed key envoys from the five U.N Security Council member countries behind closed doors, de Mistura confirmed to The Associated Press that the Syrian government had agreed to come Wednesday - after Damascus had reportedly delayed its initial participation.
The pro-government newspaper Al-Watan on Monday reported that Damascus would postpone its arrival, citing the opposition's position that Assad must leave at the start of any political transition - something that is sought under a key U.N. Security Council resolution underpinning the Geneva talks.
De Mistura justified the discreet "P5" meeting by saying it was needed to keep Britain, China France, Russia and the United States informed about his agenda and reinforce the U.N.-mediated peace process, which has come under a challenge from a separate, Russian initiative.
"Now we need to go into business," de Mistura told the AP. "We need P5 support because the two delegations obviously listen to members of the P5."
The meeting included Brett McGurk, the U.S. envoy for the battle against the Islamic State group, and French Foreign Ministry political and security affairs director Nicolas de Riviere - among the highest-level Western envoys on hand so far during Geneva talks.
Russia's ambassador in Geneva, Alexey Borodavkin, was less positive about the back-channel briefing. He said Russia appreciated the "opportunity," but "at the same time, we have some doubts about this kind of format, and do not consider it an established one."
Moscow has sought to take the lead in resolving Syria's conflict by organizing parallel talks between the two sides in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. But those efforts have sputtered as Western powers and de Mistura insist Geneva must remain the primary track for any negotiations.
The Syrian government, with pivotal military support from by Russian and Iranian forces, has made key gains on the ground over the last year.
One of the major questions is whether Assad's envoys will finally sit down face-to-face with the opposition and negotiate.
The unexplained tardiness of Assad's delegation in Geneva appeared to reflect the government's displeasure with the opposition's insistence that Assad must step down at the start of an eventual transitional period in Syria. The opposition says it has no preconditions to the talks, but at the same time says its goal remains to push the longtime leader aside.
As in previous rounds of the U.N.-sponsored talks, discussing Assad's future will likely be the main obstacle to any progress in Geneva. Damascus has refused to negotiate Assad's future with the opposition and says it wants instead to focus on defeating "terrorism" - the government's byword for armed opponents of the Syrian president.
The chief of the opposition's delegation, Nasr Hariri, told reporters Monday that the opposition was "ready to negotiate," and accused the government of stalling.
"The thing the regime is most afraid of is political negotiations," Hariri said.
The opposition had said it would enter into talks "without preconditions" but maintained its position that Assad would need to go at the start of any transitional period for any settlement to the civil war to succeed.
The opposition delegation was expanded last week under Saudi Arabian auspices to include groups seen by Damascus as more palatable for negotiations, including the so-called "Moscow group" which has resisted calling for Assad's departure.
Hariri said the reformulation of the opposition team in Geneva removed any excuse for the government and its chief diplomatic backer, Russia, to circumvent the U.N. talks.
De Mistura stressed he would "not accept any preconditions by any party", and said the talks would be guided by a 2015 Security Council resolution mandating a political transition for Syria. He wants an "inclusive process" that can ultimately draft and ratify a new constitution.
U.S. and British officials expressed support for the Syrian opposition ahead of the talks Tuesday.
Alastair Burt, the British minister of state for the Middle East, said after meeting Hariri that the talks need "to lead toward the inclusive political transition necessary to end this conflict." Hariri also met with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Satterfield, who offered similar support.
A Syrian foreign ministry official, who was not identified under Syrian government regulations, said its delegation will part starting Wednesday afternoon. The Damascus team will again be headed by Bashar Ja'afari, Syria's representative at the United Nations in New York, the official said.
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Aji reported from Damascus, Syria. Associated Press Writer Philip Issa in Beirut contributed to this report.
Nasr al-Hariri, Head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission, SNC, arrives to take part in a round of negotiations with UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria Staffan de Mistura during the Intra Syria talks, at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)
UN Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Syria Staffan de Mistura briefs the media after his meeting with Head of the Syrian Negotiation Commission, SNC, during the Intra Syria talks, in Geneva, Switzerland, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)
FILE -- In this Sept. 8, 2014 file photo, members of the Syrian Coalition (SNC), Syria's main political opposition group, Haitham al-Maleh, right, Hadi Bahra, the head of the coalition, second right, and Nasr al-Hariri, Secretary-General of the SNC, meet with Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby at the league's headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. Syria's opposition is gathering in Saudi Arabia hoping to close ranks ahead of new negotiations starting Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017, but they are a house divided in ways that enhance Syrian President Bashar Assad's upper hand. Hours before the meeting, a dozen opposition figures resigned. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)
BRUSSELS (AP) - A European Union official said Tuesday night that EU and British negotiators were making progress toward a breakthrough in Brexit talks amid media reports that a tentative deal on a financial settlement had been found.
With a mid-December deadline drawing close for a decision by EU leaders on whether "sufficient progress" has been made in order for the negotiations with Britain to be expanded to include future trade relations, diplomats are in a furious last stretch to find major progress on three issues, including how much Britain will have to pay the bloc for its departure.
British media reports said late Tuesday that both sides had agreed on a British payment of roughly around 50 billion euros.
FILE- In this Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 file photo, British Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis speaks during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels. British lawmakers are taking the government to task over its reluctance to disclose a series of studies it commissioned on the likely economic impact of Brexit, it was said on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)
The EU official, who insisted on not being quoted by name because the negotiations were still going, said talks had been making progress over the past few days and were "heading toward" a breakthrough, although he could not confirm such a deal had already been secured.
Even if there would be enough progress on the financial settlement, both sides still need to overcome differences over the future rights of their citizens in each other's nations and the transparency of the border between the U.K.'s Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland. Talks on the border have proved extremely complicated, officials have said.
The EU Commission refused to comment on the British media reports. It said EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will lunch with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday and the Commission would assess progress in the talks Dec. 6.
One week later the 28 leaders convene for their year-end summit, which will center on the Brexit negotiations.
Britain has been feverishly working to get the "sufficient progress" acknowledgement to move to its future relations with the bloc once it leaves on March 29, 2019. The business and finance community has been increasingly restless because of the lack of clear progress in the convoluted talks and the political unrest within May's government.
Earlier Tuesday, British lawmakers lambasted the government over its reluctance to disclose a series of studies it commissioned on the likely economic impact of Brexit.
Earlier this month, the House of Commons passed a motion by the opposition Labour Party calling for the analyses of 58 sectors of the economy to be released. Commons Speaker John Bercow said the government could be found in contempt of Parliament if it refused to comply.
Government ministers argued that making the assessments public would undermine its divorce negotiations with the European Union. Pro-EU lawmakers suspect the documents reveal that Brexit could have a serious negative effect on the economy.
On Tuesday the government said it had sent some 850 pages of the documents to Parliament's Exiting the EU Committee, but with "commercially, market and negotiation sensitive information" withheld.
The committee said that was not good enough, and summoned Brexit Secretary David Davis to explain himself. The date of his appearance has not yet been set.
Opposition Labour Party Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer accused Davis of "treating Parliament with contempt" by failing to release the documents in full.
Scottish National Party lawmaker, Pete Wishart, said he had written to Bercow formally complaining that the government has held Parliament in contempt.
Lawmakers found in contempt of Parliament can be suspended or expelled, or even incarcerated in the Big Ben clock tower, although that punishment hasn't been used since the 19th century.
Leaders of the Yellowstone Gateway Coalition held a press conference last week to call on Montanas congressional delegation to work together to get a Paradise Valley land provision in a larger must-pass bill before Christmas. The coalition of Park County businesses and local government leaders wants 30,370 acres of public forest withdrawn from potential development while two mining companies are seeking permits to start exploration.
Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester, and Rep. Greg Gianforte have said they want to protect Paradise Valley as area residents have been asking for years. But only Tester has done more than talk. Testers proposed Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act had a hearing earlier this year in a Senate committee Daines chairs. Daines told The Billings Gazette in July that Testers bill wont pass the GOP-controlled Senate.
In a telephone interview in July, Daines said he would introduce his own legislation to halt mineral development on public land at Emigrant Gulch and Crevice Mountain. Back in July, Daines said he hoped to introduce his bill this fall.
The Gazette contacted Daines office again last week and received an emailed response from a Daines spokeswoman: "The last conservation measure passed by Congress advocated for the protection of the North Fork Protection Act, which was championed by the senator only to become law as part of a large public lands package that had support from a diverse group of stake holders. If this is to become law before years end, a similar coalition needs to be developed. It will likely take more time before that develops, however, the senator is working hard to find a path towards that end.
Later, Daines himself phoned to say that he is working to get the Paradise Valley withdrawal paired with release of about 500,000 acres of Montana Wilderness Study Areas "that aren't suitable for wilderness." He plans to introduce his WSA release bill by year's end, but acknowledged that it's more likely to pass a year from now than to pass next month. Daines envisions getting support for Paradise Valley land protection from Republicans by releasing WSAs. He declined to say which WSAs will be in his bill.
"A lot of House members don't like mineral withdrawals," Daines said. "I think this is a reasonable thing to do in Montana."
Daines Montana constituents are pushing for a mineral development withdrawal on 30,370 acres of Custer National Forest. They built a coalition of more than 400 businesses and organizations in a county with a population of 16,000. The coalition includes the bipartisan county commission, city and rural residents, people in agriculture and people whose livelihood depends on tourism, hunting and fishing. Arent they important enough for Daines to champion their cause without getting an otherwise unrelated and much bigger land deal in return?
Paradise Valley needs a clean bill that simply and permanently withdraws federal public lands from mining at Emigrant Gulch along the Upper Yellowstone River and around Crevice Mountain at Yellowstone Parks northern border.
Both Daines and Gianforte live in Bozeman, less than an hours drive from the beautiful river valley they are being asked to preserve. They must spearhead its protection. Tester has done what he can as a minority lawmaker. If the Yellowstone Gateway is a priority for Daines, he can protect it legislatively this year or next without marrying it to another land deal. Gianforte should help.
Billings (Mont.) Gazette
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on President Trump's discussions with lawmakers on taxes and the budget (all times local):
5 p.m.
The top House Democrat is lashing out at President Donald Trump for his "verbal abuse" in a Twitter attack.
President Donald Trump, left, speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, during a meeting with congressional leaders, including House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis., second from left. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi responded to Trump on his favorite social media platform, Twitter, late Tuesday. Earlier in the day, the president had criticized Congress' top Democrats.
They responded by backing out of a planned White House meeting. Congress' top Republicans attended the session in which two empty chairs were reserved for Pelosi and top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer.
Pelosi tweeted: "@realDonaldTrump now knows that his verbal abuse will no longer be tolerated. His empty chair photo opp showed he's more interested in stunts than in addressing the needs of the American people. Poor Ryan and McConnell relegated to props. Sad!"
"Sad" is a Trump favorite quip.
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4:15 p.m.
President Donald Trump says he "would absolutely blame the Democrats" if there is a government shutdown next week.
Trump says as he meets with top Republican leaders that "If it happens, it's going to be over illegals pouring into the country, crime pouring into the country, no border wall, which everyone wants."
The Republican president had been scheduled to meet Tuesday with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the House's top Democrat, Nancy Pelosi, to discuss averting a potential end-of-year shutdown.
But Schumer and Pelosi canceled after a dismissive Trump tweet.
Republicans control both the House and Senate, as well as the White House.
A temporary spending bill expires Dec. 8 and another is needed to prevent a government shutdown.
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4:05 p.m.
President Donald Trump says Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi have been "all talk" and "no action."
Congress' top Democratic leaders abruptly pulled out of a planned meeting with Trump and Republican leaders at the White House on Tuesday after Trump attacked them on Twitter.
Trump said as he meets with Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan and Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell that Schumer and Pelosi are weak on crime and combating illegal immigration and want to increase taxes.
Ryan says it's "regrettable" the Democratic leaders didn't show up. McConnell says he can't recall turning down an opportunity to visit White House.
Of course, former President Barack Obama never railed against McConnell on Twitter like Trump did earlier Tuesday.
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4 p.m.
President Donald Trump is predicting passage of the Senate tax plan as he accuses Democratic leaders of being "all talk" and "no action."
The Republican president told reporters Tuesday that they were in a "very good position" after the Senate Budget Committee's passage of the GOP tax plan.
Trump was joined by top Republican leaders from Congress at the White House. Democrats backed out of a planned meeting after Trump attacked them on Twitter.
Trump also went to the Capitol on Tuesday to meet with Senate Republicans to rally support for a sweeping tax bill. With no major legislative achievement, Trump is pushing hard for the GOP to deliver a tax cut bill to him by the end of the year.
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2:50 p.m.
President Donald Trump plans to deliver remarks from the White House shortly.
The White House says Trump will speak from the Roosevelt Room in the West Wing on Tuesday afternoon.
Trump's comments will come hours after North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile.
They also follow his meeting with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill and come as House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are set to visit the White House for a meeting on the year-end legislative agenda.
Democratic leaders had been invited to attend but pulled out earlier Tuesday following a tweeted insult by the president.
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2:35 p.m.
The top Republican in the Senate says the GOP is still trying to round up the votes for the tax bill, calling the process a "challenging exercise."
Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told reporters Tuesday, "I'm sitting here with a Rubik's cube trying to get to 50" votes. He made the comments after President Donald Trump met with Senate Republicans at their weekly luncheon.
McConnell also complained about the top Democrats who have backed out of a White House meeting after Trump attacked them on Twitter. McConnell said he struck him as a "lack of seriousness."
McConnell and Speaker Paul Ryan were heading to the White House to meet with Trump and discuss averting a government shutdown next week and dealing with several other end-of-year issues.
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2:25 p.m.
President Donald Trump has left the Capitol after meeting with Senate Republicans to rally support for a sweeping tax bill.
Applause could be heard from the closed-door session on Tuesday as the meeting wrapped up. With no major legislative achievement, Trump is pushing hard for the GOP to deliver a tax cut bill to him by the end of the year.
Republicans face divisions within their ranks over the tax bill, with some GOP lawmakers fearful of adding to the nation's $20 trillion debt and others worrying about the impact on small businesses.
Trump was scheduled to meet later at the White House with top Republican leaders from Congress. Democrats backed out of the session after Trump's attack on Twitter.
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12:40 p.m.
The White House says it is "disappointing" that congressional Democratic leaders are pulling out of a meeting with President Donald Trump following his Twitter attack on them.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders says Trump's invitation for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi to join Republican leaders at the White House on Tuesday still stands.
Sanders says the president "encourages them to put aside their pettiness, stop the political grandstanding, show up and get to work."
Trump's meeting with Republican leaders will go on as scheduled, as they discuss critical year end issues like funding the government, immigration policy, and tax reform.
Says Sanders: "If the Democrats believe the American people deserve action on these critical year-end issues as we do, they should attend."
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12:35 p.m.
President Donald Trump has arrived on Capitol Hill for a meeting with Senate Republicans to promote his tax plan.
Trump's address to a Senate GOP luncheon comes shortly after Democratic leaders pulled out of a planned meeting later in the day with Trump at the White House.
Trump had been expected to discuss upcoming congressional deadlines to fund the government with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.
But the president tweeted earlier in the day that he didn't "see a deal" with the Democratic leaders. Schumer and Pelosi said they wouldn't attend the meeting so as to not waste time.
Trump is searching for a win in Congress on his tax bill, which is expected to face a Senate vote later this week.
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12:35 p.m.
The top Republicans in Congress say they're heading to the White House Tuesday afternoon to meet with President Donald Trump even though top Democrats have backed out of the meeting.
House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a joint statement that Democrats are "putting government operations, particularly resources for our men and women on the battlefield, at great risk by pulling these antics."
Ryan and McConnell said that if Democrats want to reach an agreement, they will attend the White House meeting.
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi pulled out of the meeting hours after Trump attacked them on Twitter, accusing them of being soft on crime and declaring "I don't see a deal!" Schumer and Pelosi said they didn't want to waste time.
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11:30 a.m.
Top Democratic leaders in Congress have abruptly pulled out of a planned meeting with President Donald Trump after he attacked them on Twitter.
Trump tweeted early Tuesday that "I don't see a deal!" with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer and top House Democrat Nancy Pelosi.
Schumer and Pelosi are shooting back with a statement asking for talks with top GOP leaders in Congress.
They said, "given that the president doesn't see a deal between Democrats and the White House, we believe the best path forward is to continue negotiating with our Republican counterparts in Congress instead."
Congress faces a Dec. 8 deadline to pass stopgap legislation to keep the government open.
They added, "we don't have any time to waste."
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9:45 a.m.
President Donald Trump is casting doubt on whether he and congressional leaders can agree to keep the government funded.
Trump is meeting with Democratic and Republican congressional leaders at the White House on Tuesday to discuss budget and immigration issues.
But, in a tweet, Trump cast doubt on whether they can agree to fund the government beyond a Dec. 8 deadline.
Says Trump: "I don't see a deal!"
Trump says Democrats "want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes."
Trump also portrays the meeting as being with Democrats "Chuck and Nancy." Those are Trump's nicknames for Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi. Republican leaders - House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell - are also attending the meeting.
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3:15 a.m.
President Donald Trump is heading to Capitol Hill to rally Senate Republicans on taxes. Then he'll pivot to negotiations with Democrats pressing for victories of their own in a separate, high-stakes showdown over the budget and immigration.
After 10 months in office, Trump is still seeking his first marquee win in Congress, but the White House and GOP leaders have work to do to get their tax bill in shape for a vote later this week. Party deficit hawks pressed for a "backstop" mechanism to limit the risk of a spiral in the deficit.
On a separate track is a multi-layered negotiation over a huge Pentagon budget increase sought by Trump and Republicans and increases for domestic programs demanded by Democrats.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., center, speaks with the media accompanied by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., left, Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, after Senate Republicans met with President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., walks to the microphone to talk with the media after Senate Republicans met with President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, talks with the media after Senate Republicans met with President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer of N.Y., listens during a news conference with Senate Democratic leadership, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., left, speaks with the media accompanied by Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., speaks on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, talks with the media after Senate Republicans met with President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., talks with the media after Senate Republicans met with President Donald Trump on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - The Latest on Zimbabwe's political transition (all times local):
6:10 p.m.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa says his new Cabinet will be leaner and more efficient.
According to the state-controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, Mnangagwa met with top civil servants Tuesday and told them his new Cabinet will be smaller and will concentrate on achieving economic growth. He did not say when he will announce the new Cabinet, although he has dissolved the outgoing Cabinet of resigned President Robert Mugabe.
"Our people have endured economic hardships for over two decades, and now expect this new government to turn things around, within the shortest time possible. Let us take advantage of the positive optimism among our people, ushered in by this current dispensation, and do our best," said Mnangagwa.
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4:55 p.m.
Zimbabwe's new president says those who illegally shifted money outside the country should repatriate it within three months or face arrest.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who took over last week after Robert Mugabe's resignation, describes the move as a "first step towards the recovery of the illegally externalized funds."
Mnangagwa does not say how much money was moved abroad. But the governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe last year said $1.8 billion had been "externalized" in 2015.
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3 p.m.
The wife of a missing Zimbabwean activist who was abducted by suspected state agents in 2015 after urging then-President Robert Mugabe to resign says she hopes the country's new leader will shed light on what happened to her husband.
Sheffra Dzamara said Tuesday that she still hopes her husband, Itai Dzamara, is alive and that those who kidnapped him will return his body if it turns out that he is dead.
Dzamara's brother, Patson, says new President Emmerson Mnangagwa was justice minister at the time of his brother's disappearance and was complicit with human rights abuses and other wrongdoing during Mugabe's rule.
Since becoming president, Mnangagwa has called for national reconciliation but has not addressed allegations of human rights violations while he was a top official in Mugabe's government.
MANAUS, Brazil (AP) - The warning from our guide made clear that this "forest walk" would be anything but a leisurely stroll.
"Look before grabbing any branches because the ants bite. You will be in pain for 24 hours," said Jackson Edirley da Silva, wearing a bright yellow shirt and rubber boots. "And watch where you step. You don't want to get bitten by a snake."
Our group, about a dozen tourists, got quiet.
In this Oct.12, 2017 photo, a sunset in the Amazon rain forest is seen from a tributary of the Rio Negro outside Manaus, Brazil. Boat travel is common throughout the Amazon basin, both for forest dwellers and tourists. (AP Photo/Peter Prengaman)
"Don't worry," I whispered to our sons, ages 6 and 7. "We will be careful where we step."
My wife and I had flown with our kids from Rio de Janeiro to Manaus, a major jumping-off point for Brazil's Amazon rain forest. From there, we took a boat for an hour ride up a tributary of the Rio Negro, or Black River, and then walked 15 minutes to an "eco lodge" in the middle of a forest.
Even at the edge of the forest, the sounds made a strong impression. Monkeys screeched, birds bellowed and bugs buzzed, a cacophony that felt both terrifying and calming. Ironically, we would learn that it's rare to actually see most of the animals. You are in their house, and they know how to hide.
Our cabin was sparse but had some essentials: a small refrigerator for bottled water, mosquito screens on the windows and an air-conditioning unit that combated the oppressive humidity that would cling to us upon walking outside.
Despite its worldwide fame, not to mention increasing importance as climate change becomes a global issue, the Amazon is not visited in great numbers. Amazonas, Brazil's largest and heavily forested state, which includes Manaus, was visited by just under 1.2 million foreign and Brazilian tourists in 2014, the most recent year for available statistics. By comparison, the Eiffel Tower in Paris gets roughly 7 million visitors a year.
For those who get here, it's hard to imagine disappointment. Over the course of a week, we swam with fresh water dolphins, gawked at alligators wrestled from river banks by scrappy guides, fished for piranhas and stood in awe at "the meeting" of the Negro and Solimoes Rivers (called the Amazon River in Manaus and eastward), where a difference in density and temperature means that for miles black and yellow waters flow side by side.
The food also has unique tastes. Massive tucunare fish get chopped into fillets that taste like chicken with an extra dose of zest, potato-like manioc roots are prepared with forest spices that most people have never heard of and acai berries are ubiquitous - the kids particularly enjoyed sucking on acai popsicles during the afternoon heat.
The Amazon basin, which spans several countries in South America and is nearly as large as the continental United States, has always been central to Brazilian identity, even if most Brazilians will never visit. Conspiracy theories periodically erupt about other countries' alleged attempts to take the territory or plunder its myriad resources, and pressure from international organizations to stop deforestation often draws the ire of politicians.
Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva, president between 2003 and 2010 and poll leader for next year's race, once famously said: "I don't want any gringo coming here asking us to let an Amazon dweller die of hunger under a tree."
Te Batista, a boat operator who we hired two days to take us to several areas of the Rio Negro, told me tourists always ask him about conservation.
"Foreigners are afraid about the future of the forest," said Batista, who added flatly that he was not. "They worry that the cutting here will mean they die in their countries" because of global warming.
At the heart of conservation discussions are indigenous tribes, who provide windows into life in the Amazon both before the arrival of Portuguese colonists in the 16th century and today. While there are still scores of "uncontacted" tribes in the Amazon, most are at least partially connected to Brazilian society and live in ways that combine their traditions with aspects of modern-day life.
One day we visited a small village of about 100 people belonging to the Dessana tribe.
As they have for centuries, the women wore hay skirts and were topless. The men wore small woven cloths on their hips, though noticeably with tight black briefs underneath. They all had red face paint and many wore feathers on their heads and necklaces made with alligator and jaguar teeth. Recently caught fish cooked over a fire and a pottery bowl of large baked black ants were available to snack on.
Speaking limited Portuguese, a young man named Bohoka told me the tribe lived as they always had - in little huts without electricity, running water or cellphones - but with a few modern twists that included allowing tourists to visit.
"Tourism allows us to maintain our way of life," said Bohoka, 24, who showed us necklaces and other handcrafts for sale.
The village was only about a 90-minute boat trip from Manaus but worlds away. The gritty port city of over 2 million people is an eclectic mix of a colonial architecture, urban sprawl and hustle from hardscrabble touts trying to eke out a living. It reached its splendor in the 19th century when growing global demand for rubber brought throngs to the area to cut and gather sap from rubber trees. A beautiful opera house built during that time, which today hosts several shows each year, is the city's main tourist attraction.
As I chatted with Bohoka, a small boat pulled up on the riverbank. About a dozen members of the tribe, all dressed in slacks and T-shirts, got off carrying plastic bags. They disappeared into their huts and remerged a few minutes later wearing traditional clothes.
Bohoka explained they had gone to "the city," or Manaus, to buy sewing materials.
"Why couldn't they just wear traditional clothing there?" I asked, somewhat jokingly.
Bohoka laughed. "Impossible," he said. "Indians' home is the forest."
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Peter Prengaman is The Associated Press news director in Brazil. Follow him at: twitter.com/peterprengaman
In this Oct.11, 2017 photo, a member of the Dessena tribe poses for a picture in her village outside of Manaus, Brazil. The 100 people in the village live as they have for centuries, in small huts without electricity, running water or cellular photos. One modern twist is allowing tourists to visit and buy crafts. (AP Photo/Peter Prengaman)
In this Oct.9, 2017 photo, a view of the outskirts of Manaus, Brazil, from a boat on the Rio Negro, or Black River. Boat travel is common in all of the Amazon basin, both for forest dwellers and tourists. (AP Photo/Peter Prengaman)
In this Oct.13, 2017 photo, tourists touch the shell of a large turtle seen during a forest walk in the Amazon rain forest outside of Manaus, Brazil. Guided forest walks are a popular tourist activity in the Amazon rain forest. (AP Photo/Peter Prengaman)
In this Oct.9, 2017 photo, tourists take a picture of the so-called "meeting of the rivers", outside of Manaus, Brazil. In this area, the Rio Negro and the Rio Solimoes combine, keeping their own colors for miles (kilometers) because of differences in temperature, density and speed. In Manaus and beyond going east, the Rio Solimoes' name changes to Rio Amazonas, or Amazon River. (AP Photo/Peter Prengaman)
In this Oct.11, 2017 photo, young tourists look on as a man feeds fish to pink dolphins in the Rio Negro outside of Manaus, Brazil. The dolphins, called "botos," live in the wild in many areas of the Amazon basin and are a popular tourist attraction. (AP Photo/Peter Prengaman).
In this Oct. 9, 2017 photo, a guide holds a small piranha caught by a tourist from a dock on the Rio Negro outside of Manaus, Brazil. Fishing for piranhas is a popular activity for tourists in the Amazon basin. (AP Photo/Peter Prengaman)
In this Oct.11, 2017 photo, Amazon dwellers and tourists enjoy a waterfall on a tributary of the Rio Negro outside of Manaus. Many people live along the hundreds of large tributaries that feed into the main rivers in the Amazon basin. (AP Photo/Peter Prengaman)
TEXARKANA, Texas (AP) - A former nurse who refused medical treatment to a Texas jail inmate last year has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor negligent homicide.
The Texarkana Gazette reports that 27-year-old Brittany Danae Johnson pleaded guilty Monday in connection with the July 2016 death of 20-year-old Morgan Angerbauer at a jail in Texarkana, along the Arkansas border.
An autopsy report says Angerbauer died of diabetic ketoacidosis, a condition that results from blood sugar reaching severely high levels.
Court records allege Angerbauer asked Johnson to check her blood sugar, but Johnson refused. Angerbauer was found unconscious in her cell early the next morning. She was dead by the time paramedics arrived.
Records with the Texas Nursing Board show Johnson's nursing license has been suspended. She will serve about three months in the Miller County jail.
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Information from: Texarkana Gazette, http://www.texarkanagazette.com
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - An appeals court has told a Philadelphia judge to act "without further delay" on Meek Mill's nearly 2-week-old request to be freed.
The state Superior Court issued the order Tuesday as it rejected a request from the rapper's lawyers that it grant him bail, leaving that to the sentencing judge to decide.
Mill's attorneys contend the sentencing judge has refused to respond to their appeals.
This November 2017 photo provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections shows rapper Meek Mill, whose real name is Robert Williams, sentenced to serve two to four years in prison for violating probation in a nearly decade-old gun and drug case. A lawyer for Meek Mill asked Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge Genece Brinkley to recuse herself from the case Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, before the rapper appeals his prison sentence. (Pennsylvania Department of Corrections via AP)
The 30-year-old Philadelphia native was sentenced this month to two to four years in prison for violating probation on a roughly decade-old gun and drug case. Mill's probation officer and a prosecutor had recommended that he not be jailed.
The judge cited a failed drug test, his failure to comply with court-ordered travel restrictions and two unrelated arrests in ordering him locked up.
ROME (AP) - Roma captain Daniele De Rossi has been given a two-match ban for slapping Gianluca Lapadula in the Serie A draw with Genoa at the weekend.
The league disciplinary body handed him the suspension on Tuesday, two days after the "serious unsporting behavior."
Roma was 1-0 up and seemingly in control of the match when, in the 69th minute, De Rossi was sent off for slapping Lapadula in the face.
Referee Piero Giacomelli shows Roma's Daniele De Ross a red card, during the Serie A soccer match between Genoa and Roma, at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium in Genoa, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017. (Simone Arveda/ANSA via AP)
The resulting penalty was converted by Lapadula.
De Rossi will miss Roma's home match against Spal on Friday and its trip to Chievo Verona the following week.
Roma is fourth in Serie A, seven points behind leader Napoli, although it has played a match less than the three teams above it.
MOSCOW (AP) - The head of a Russian Orthodox Church panel looking into the 1918 killing of Russia's last czar and his family said it is investigating whether it was a ritual murder - a statement that has angered Jewish groups.
Father Tikhon Shevkunov, the Orthodox bishop heading the panel, said after Monday's session that "a large share of the church commission members have no doubts that the murder was ritual."
A representative of the Investigative Committee, Russia's top state investigative agency, also said that it will conduct its own probe into the theory.
FILE In this file photo taken on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, a visitor walks past a photo showing Russia's last Czar Nicholas II with his family at the 1914-1945 Russia history exhibition in Moscow, Russia . Father Tikhon Shevkunov, the Russian Orthodox Church bishop is heading the church's panel investigating the circumstances of the 1918 killing of Russian last czar and his family. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko, File)
Boruch Gorin, a spokesman for the Federation of Jewish Communities, Russia's largest Jewish group, expressed a strong concern Tuesday about the claims that he described as a "throwback to the darkest ages."
Some Christians in medieval Europe believed that Jews murdered Christians to use their blood for ritual purposes, something which historians say has no basis in Jewish religious law or historical fact and instead reflected anti-Jewish hostility in Christian Europe.
Nicholas II, his wife and their five children were executed by a Bolshevik firing squad on July 17, 1918, in a basement room of a merchant's house where they were held in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg. The Russian Orthodox Church made them saints in 2000.
The speculation that the czar and his family were killed by the Jews for ritual purposes long has been promoted by fringe anti-Semitic groups.
Gorin said his group was shocked and angered by the statements from both the bishop and the Investigative Committee, which he said sounded like a revival of the century-old "anti-Semitic myth" about the killing of the imperial family.
Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill attended Monday's meeting of the church panel investigating the killing of the czar and his family. He didn't address the issue of whether the killing was ritual, but emphasized that the church needs to find answers to all outstanding questions and "doesn't have the right for mistakes."
Bishop Tikhon's words carried particular weight given his reported close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin and influence within the church.
The bishop elaborated on his statement Tuesday, telling the state RIA Novosti news agency that the "Bolsheviks and their allies engaged in the most unexpected and diverse ritual symbolism." He claimed that "quite a few people involved in the execution - in Moscow or Yekaterinburg - saw the killing of the deposed Russian emperor as a special ritual of revenge" and added that Yakov Yurovsky, the organizer of the execution who was Jewish, later boasted about his "sacral historic mission."
The conspiracy theories blaming the Jews for spearheading the Bolshevik revolution were popular among the post-revolution Russian emigres and the Russian Orthodox Church abroad, and were later picked up by some hard-line nationalists after the Soviet collapse.
While Tikhon steered clear of singling out Jews as those responsible for the killing, Gorin said that the use of the term coined by anti-Semites of all stripes was "extremely alarming."
"Bishop Tikhon's invectives undoubtedly cast a shadow over the Russian Orthodox Church," he said. "And a representative of the Investigative Committee talking about the same theory yesterday casts a shadow on the government as a whole."
Gorin said he expects both the church leadership and Russian government officials to provide explanation.
Lyudmila Narusova, a member of the Russian upper house of parliament and the widow of St. Petersburg's mayor, Anatoly Sobchak, also criticized the panel's talk about the ritual murder of the czar's family, saying that it was fomenting ethnic strife, according to the Interfax news agency.
Putin, who served as Sobchak's deputy in the 1990s and maintained contacts with his family, is set to attend a meeting of top Russian Orthodox Church's hierarchs later this week.
Under Putin's rule, Russia's Jewish community has enjoyed a revival after a wave of emigration to Israel and other countries before and after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.
FILE In this file photo taken on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, Russian Orthodox Church bishop Tikhon stands in front of a big photo showing Russia's last Czar Nicholas II with his family at a news conference on the issue of the remains of Russia's last Czar in Moscow, Russia .Father Tikhon Shevkunov, the Russian Orthodox Church bishop is heading the church's panel investigating the circumstances of the 1918 killing of Russian last czar and his family. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, File)
FILE In this file photo, Russia's last Czar Nicholas II, seated second from left, Czarina Alexandra, center rear, and their family are shown in this undated 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. A Russian Orthodox Church panel looking into the 1918 killing of Russia's last czar and his family said it's investigating whether it was a ritual murder _ a statement that has angered Jewish groups. (AP Photo, File)
FILE In this file photo taken on Thursday, May 25, 2017, Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, center right and Bishop Tikhon of Yegoryevsk, left, walk in front of the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ and the New Martyrs and Confessors of the Russian Church as he visits the Sretensky Monastery in Moscow, Russia. Father Tikhon Shevkunov, the Russian Orthodox Church bishop is heading the church's panel investigating the circumstances of the 1918 killing of Russian last czar and his family. (Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)
FILE In this file photo taken on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015, Russian Orthodox Church bishop Tikhon speaks at a news conference on the issue of the remains of Russia's last Czar in Moscow, Russia. Father Tikhon Shevkunov, the Russian Orthodox Church bishop is heading the church's panel investigating the circumstances of the 1918 killing of Russian last czar and his family. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev, File)
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - The Latest on President Donald Trump's "Pocahontas" political jab at an event honoring Navajo Code Talkers (all times local):
9:55 a.m.
Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona is tweeting that President Donald Trump's "politicizing" of a ceremony honoring Native American veterans was "an insult to their sacrifice."
President Donald Trump, right, meets with Navajo Code Talkers Peter MacDonald, center, and Thomas Begay, left, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
McCain doesn't cite the president by name in his tweet Tuesday. He says the nation owes a debt of gratitude to the Navajo Code Talkers for helping secure victory over tyranny and oppression during World War II.
He then adds: "Politicizing these genuine American heroes is an insult to their sacrifice."
During a White House event Monday, Trump revived past mocking comments he's made about Sen. Elizabeth Warren for claims she made about being part Native American.
Trump said: "We have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas. But you know what, I like you."
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1:05 a.m.
Families of Navajo war veterans say they're dumbfounded that President Donald Trump took a political jab at a U.S. senator at an event honoring Navajo Code Talkers.
Trump praised the Code Talkers at the White House on Monday. He also turned to a nickname he's often deployed for Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts: Pocahontas.
Relatives of the Code Talkers say the comment was inappropriate and distracted from the men's work that helped the U.S. win World War II.
Pocahontas is a well-known historical figure who bridged her own Pamunkey Tribe in present-day Virginia with the British in the 1600s.
The largest organization representing American Indians says Trump wrongly turned the name into a derogatory term.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders says the president didn't intend it as a racial slur.
President Donald Trump, right, meets with Navajo Code Talkers Peter MacDonald, center, and Thomas Begay, left, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sought Tuesday to reassure Europe that the United States remains fully committed to European security, particularly in combating threats from Russia.
Ahead of a trip next week to several European capitals, Tillerson said the U.S. would be the first to respond to any attack on a European ally under NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause. His comments in a speech to the Wilson Center, a Washington think tank, were intended to dispel widespread unease that the Trump administration is pulling back from the alliance by demanding that European members spend more on their own defenses.
"Our security relationships with Europe are ironclad," Tillerson said.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson participates in a conversation with Wilson Center President and CEO Jane Harman at the Wilson Center in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/Sait Serkan Gurbuz)
"Alliances are meaningless if their members are unable or unwilling to meet their commitments," he said, describing NATO's mutual defense obligation as the "best mechanism we have to deter aggression."
President Donald Trump was criticized for repeatedly demanding European NATO members meet a pledge to spend 2 percent of their federal budgets on defense, which only a handful currently do. Trump even suggested the U.S. might be less willing to defend them if they did not.
Tillerson said the U.S. "will be the first to honor the commitment we have made" in the event of an attack on any ally, noting that the mutual defense clause was invoked for the first time ever after 9/11. He stressed that "nations of Europe must accept greater responsible for their own security challenges."
Tillerson said Trump's point was the U.S. cannot afford to pay for Europe's defense itself. He said that since Trump visited Europe, more countries have stepped up defense spending to meet the target.
Tillerson, the former Exxon Mobil CEO who was awarded the "Order of Friendship" by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2013, took a tough line on Moscow. He notably criticized its military interventions in Georgia and Ukraine and interference in European elections and politics. He said such actions were unacceptable and not worthy of a responsible member of the international community.
He lamented that attempts to improve relations with Russia by convincing it to change behavior have thus far "proved elusive." He said Russia "continues aggressive behavior" toward its neighbors.
But Tillerson said the United States and Europe agree that relations with Russia will not get better until those actions cease. He referred specifically to U.S. and European sanctions imposed on Russia over Ukraine, where Moscow is accused of backing separatist rebels in the country's east.
"Our trans-Atlantic unity is meant to convey to the Russian government that we will not stand for this flagrant violation of international norms," he said.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Phil Jacobs was just a teenager when his parents bought a scenic Kentucky farm with hayfields, forests, creeks, trails and a view of the Ohio River. Decades later, he still spent time there, maintaining the property as a second job and using its campsite for family getaways.
The Lawrenceburg, Indiana, anesthesiologist was removing dying ash trees in June 2015 when his tractor overturned as he was pulling a tree up a hill. He died instantly, at age 62. The tractor, which dated to the early 1960s, had no rollover protections.
"The farm was a very important part of my husband's life," said Jacobs' widow, Joyce. "If he had any time off, we went to the farm."
In this Feb. 25, 2014, photo, Little Falls, Minn., resident Jamie Houdek, with his wife, Lisa, at his side, talks about his recovery after he lost his right hand to a corn picker in November 2013 on the 60-acre hobby farm where he raises beef cattle. The nation's growing embrace of small-scale production of local and organic crops is leading to more farm injuries and deaths among amateur growers. Experts say some novices have little appreciation of the occupation's dangers. (Kimm Anderson /St. Cloud Times via AP)
The risk of serious injury or death has always been a part of farming. But the nation's growing embrace of small-scale production of local and organic crops is drawing more amateurs into the field, and inexperienced growers are increasingly getting maimed and even killed, often by old, unsafe machinery. Experts say some novices have little appreciation of the occupation's dangers.
Up to a quarter of Indiana's 115 farm fatalities over the past four years have been on small operations that include so-called hobby or lifestyle farms, which are often run by people who entered farming from other lines of work, according to research by Purdue University farm-safety expert Bill Field, who has tracked farm fatalities for nearly four decades.
Those deaths - nearly 30 between 2013 and 2016 - represent a disproportionately high percentage of Indiana's total farming deaths, given the state's widespread commercial farming operations, Field said.
Over the years, Field has served as an expert witness in more than 100 lawsuits that included the deaths of a surgeon, an FBI agent, a lawyer and several other professionals who traded white-collar careers for farming. Many were rookie farmers killed in accidents that people raised on farms and mindful of farming dangers would likely have avoided.
That includes the death of a man who entered retirement with dreams of starting a Christmas tree farm in the Northeast. He bought a brand-new tractor and began clearing land, seemingly oblivious to the dangers posed by farm equipment. Two months into retirement, the man was killed in a grisly accident when he was pulled into the tractor's power takeoff shaft - a rapidly spinning device at the rear end of the tractor that sends power to attachments.
"He retired on Sept. 30 from a government job and was dead by Thanksgiving. I don't think he had a clue what he was doing with that equipment," said Field, who investigated the death as part of a lawsuit filed by the man's widow. He declined to disclose the man's name.
Chris Holman moved to Wisconsin from Oregon nearly a decade ago to pursue a Ph.D. in world languages. He ended up ditching academia for the farming life even though neither he nor his then-girlfriend, Maria, had any agricultural experience.
The couple, now married with a young daughter, bought 41 acres and founded Nami Moon Farms, which specializes in pasture-raised hogs and chickens, as well as eggs, honey and vegetables.
They knew full well that agriculture can be dangerous, so Holman repeatedly screened farm-safety videos. But he still nearly had a serious accident the first time he tilled a field.
As his tractor was rolling along, the tiller trailing behind it snagged on a boulder hidden in the soil. The tractor's front end immediately began rising off the ground and came a split-second away from flipping over onto the cab where he was seated.
"Maybe it was just dumb luck, but right in the heat of the moment, I hit the clutch and had just enough time to bring the front end back down," recalled Holman, 40.
His tractor had some protections - a rollover bar and a reinforced cab. But hobby farms are among the only places in the U.S. where cheaper, older tractors without such safety features are still in use, said Frank Gasperini, executive vice president of the National Council of Agricultural Employers.
Jacobs' tractor was one example. He had researched buying a new, safer machine, his widow said.
Tractor rollovers are the leading cause of death on smaller farms, Gasperini said, and some beginning farmers who buy older tractors have little or no safety training. They often toil alone at odd hours - sometimes while weary from working at off-farm jobs.
Gasperini warned in a July article in the Journal of Agromedicine that "very small, subsistence, part-time, non-traditional and hobby farms will continue to pose significant challenges" to the safety of U.S. agriculture.
The total number of farms in the U.S. has been declining for decades as large commercial farms keep getting bigger. But small farms are on the rise, buoyed by the popularity of locally grown produce and meats, farmers' markets, organic foods and farm-to-table production.
The 2012 farm census showed that farms covering less than 50 acres grew nearly 10 percent between 2002 and 2012, when there were more than 813,000 such farms nationwide.
Many new retirees are drawn to small-scale farming by the allure of a bucolic life and the independence of setting their own schedule, said Roger Sipe, editor for Hobby Farms, a national magazine that documents the trend.
Even seasoned farmers sometimes make mistakes in a moment of haste.
That was the case for Jamie Houdek, who lost his right hand to a corn picker on the 60-acre hobby farm where he works part-time raising beef cattle in Little Falls, Minnesota.
The father of three was harvesting corn for cattle feed in November 2013 when he stopped his tractor and climbed down from the puttering machine to make sure the corn picker it was pulling was functioning properly.
Houdek then reached to grab a dried ear of corn from the still-operating machine to check its moisture content. His gloved right hand was swiftly pulled inside, crushed to the wrist by metal rollers and eventually shorn off. His left hand suffered nerve damage when it also became entangled in the picker.
He was trapped in the machine's grip for nearly an hour before a neighbor rescued him.
"I was born and raised on farms, so I knew better," said Houdek, 36. But he was hurrying and trying to take advantage of good weather. "I just thought I would jump off real quick, check on stuff and jump back on and keep going."
WASHINGTON (AP) - Vice President Mike Pence said Tuesday that President Donald Trump is "actively considering when and how" to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a decision fiercely opposed by the Palestinians.
Pence spoke at a New York City event to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations vote that led to the founding of the state of Israel.
Trump in June backed off a campaign pledge on the embassy move as his Mideast envoy sought to reinvigorate peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. The White House said at the time that the president was only delaying - not abandoning - his campaign pledge to relocate the embassy.
With the Trump administration facing a deadline within days on whether to move the embassy, Pence's comments suggested the administration may be closer to agreeing to a key Israeli wish.
"While, for the past 20 years, Congress and successive administrations have expressed a willingness to move our embassy, as we speak, President Donald Trump is actively considering when and how to move the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," Pence said.
The vice president is traveling to Israel next month and noted that he would deliver an address at the Knesset and visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial during his visit.
Trump has set an ambitious goal of brokering Mideast peace and tapped his son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner to help lay the groundwork for direct negotiations. Kushner and other top Trump aides have traveled to the region to meet with Palestinians, Israelis and officials from Arab nations.
"As the president has made clear, our administration is also committed to finally bringing peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," Pence said. "As President Trump has said, in his words, 'We want Israel to have peace.' And in the recent months, we've made valuable progress toward achieving that noble goal."
WASHINGTON (AP) - Jim Robbins' seven years of service at the Supreme Court was not enough to keep him from the being the second lawyer this year who was mistakenly suspended from the court's prestigious bar.
"They suspended me?" a surprised Robbins asked with a chuckle Tuesday from his home outside San Francisco.
They did, but they didn't mean to.
The court acknowledged Monday that it had confused another James A. Robbins, a New York lawyer who tried to cover up his loss of a client's will, with the former Supreme Court employee.
In May, the court mixed up a lawyer who was convicted of drunken driving with the incoming president of the Massachusetts state bar.
Anyone who argues in front of the Supreme Court must be a member of its bar, but few of the nearly 4,000 lawyers on average who join the bar each year ever argue a case there. Bar members get a certificate suitable for framing, a credential for their resume and the chance to join a shorter line for lawyers who want to see Supreme Court arguments.
The court has a process for verifying whether lawyers who commit crimes or are disciplined where they work also are members of the Supreme Court bar.
But the process is not error-proof, even at an institution that has the final word on matters of law in the U.S.
The Supreme Court receives discipline notices from courts around the country and compares those lists with the roster of lawyers who can practice in front of the justices. When there's a match, the court initiates its own disbarment proceeding, which begins with a suspension and an order to explain why the lawyer should not be kicked out of the Supreme Court bar.
The court clerk's office belatedly discovered that the New York Robbins was not a Supreme Court bar member, court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said.
The California Robbins recalled his admission to the high court bar in 1981, at the request of then Solicitor General Wade McCree Jr. He served on the business side of the court in the early 1980s, when Warren Burger was chief justice, and has never argued a high court case.
But neither has Robbins been entirely forgotten at the Supreme Court.
"He hired me," Arberg said, after a reporter told her that the unsuspended Robbins once worked at the court.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, claiming a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile that some observers believe could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range.
The North said in a special televised announcement hours after the launch that it had successfully fired what it called the Hwasong-15, a new nuclear-capable ICBM that's "significantly more" powerful than the North's previously tested long-range weapon. Outside governments and analysts backed up the North's claim to a jump in missile capability.
A resumption of Pyongyang's torrid testing pace in pursuit of its goal of a viable arsenal of nuclear-tipped missiles that can hit the U.S. mainland had been widely expected, but the apparent power and suddenness of the new test still jolted the Korean Peninsula and Washington. The launch at 3:17 a.m. local time and midday in the U.S. capital indicated an effort to perfect the element of surprise and to obtain maximum attention in the United States.
A woman walks past a TV screen broadcasting news of North Korea's missile launch, in Tokyo, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, a presumed intercontinental ballistic missile that could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. The letters on top read " Live. North Korean ballistic missile launch. The latest information from Seoul." (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
The firing is a clear message of defiance aimed at the Trump administration, which had just restored the North to a U.S. list of terror sponsors. It also ruins nascent diplomatic efforts, raises fears of war or a pre-emptive U.S. strike and casts a deeper shadow over the security of the Winter Olympics early next year in South Korea.
A rattled Seoul responded by almost immediately launching three of its own missiles in a show of force. The South's president, Moon Jae-in, expressed worry that North Korea's growing missile threat could force the United States to attack the North before it masters a nuclear-tipped long-range missile, something experts say may be imminent.
"If North Korea completes a ballistic missile that could reach from one continent to another, the situation can spiral out of control," Moon said at an emergency meeting in Seoul, according to his office. "We must stop a situation where North Korea miscalculates and threatens us with nuclear weapons or where the United States considers a pre-emptive strike."
Moon, a liberal who has been forced into a more hawkish stance by a stream of North Korean weapons tests, has repeatedly declared that there can be no U.S. attack on the North without Seoul's approval, but many here worry that Washington may act without South Korean input.
The launch is North Korea's first since it fired an intermediate-range missile over Japan on Sept. 15, and may have broken any efforts at diplomacy meant to end the North's nuclear ambitions. U.S. officials have sporadically floated the idea of direct talks with North Korea if it maintained restraint.
The missile also appears to improve on North Korea's past launches.
If flown on a standard trajectory, instead of Wednesday's lofted angle, the missile would have a range of more than 13,000 kilometers (8,100 miles), said U.S. scientist David Wright, a physicist who closely tracks North Korea's missile and nuclear programs. "Such a missile would have more than enough range to reach Washington, D.C., and in fact any part of the continental United States," Wright wrote in a blog post for the Union for Concerned Scientists.
Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said the missile landed inside of Japan's special economic zone in the Sea of Japan, about 250 kilometers 155 miles) west of Aomori, which is on the northern part of Japan's main island of Honshu.
A big unknown, however, is the missile's payload. If, as expected, it carried a light mock warhead, then its effective range would have been shorter, analysts said.
An intercontinental ballistic missile test is considered particularly provocative, and indications that it flew higher than past launches suggest progress by Pyongyang in developing a weapon of mass destruction that could strike the U.S. mainland. President Donald Trump has vowed to prevent North Korea from having that capability - using military force if necessary.
In response to the launch, Trump said the United States will "take care of it." He told reporters after the launch: "It is a situation that we will handle." He did not elaborate.
Pentagon spokesman Col. Rob Manning said the missile was launched from Sain Ni, North Korea, and traveled about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan within 370 nautical kilometers (200 nautical miles) of Japan's coast. It flew for 53 minutes, Japan's defense minister said.
South Korea's responding missile tests included one with a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) range, to mimic striking the North Korea launch site, which is not far from the North Korean capital.
The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday afternoon at the request of Japan, the U.S. and South Korea.
Italy's U.N. Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, the current Security Council president, told reporters late Tuesday that "it's certainly very worrying. Everybody was hoping that there would be restraint from the regime."
He said the latest and toughest sanctions resolutions against North Korea "are working, having an effect on the situation ... on the capacity of the regime to obtain hard currency because to go along with the military programs or missile or nuclear (programs) you need money, and that's the objective."
"There is still room for new measures, but for the moment ... we don't know what the council decision will be," he said.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the missile flew higher than previous projectiles.
"It went higher, frankly, than any previous shot they've taken," he told reporters at the White House. "It's a research and development effort on their part to continue building ballistic missiles that can threaten everywhere in the world."
A week ago, the Trump administration declared North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism, further straining ties between governments that are still technically at war. Washington also imposed new sanctions on North Korean shipping firms and Chinese trading companies dealing with the North.
North Korea called the terror designation a "serious provocation" that justifies its development of nuclear weapons.
Kim Dong-yub, a former South Korean military official who is now an analyst at Seoul's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said the North is likely trying to further evaluate the weapon's performance, including the warhead's ability to survive atmospheric re-entry and strike the intended target, before it attempts a test that shows the full range of the missile.
South Koreans are famously nonchalant about North Korea's military moves, but there is worry about what the North's weapons tests might mean for next year's Winter Olympics in the South. President Moon told his officials to closely review whether the launch could in anyway hurt South Korea's efforts to successfully host the games in Pyeongchang, which begin Feb. 9.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who spoke with Trump, said Japan will not back down against any provocation and would maximize pressure on the North in its strong alliance with the U.S.
Trump has ramped up economic and diplomatic pressure on the North to prevent its nuclear and missile development. So far, the pressure has failed to get North Korea's government, which views a nuclear arsenal as key to its survival, to return to long-stalled international negotiations on its nuclear program.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement that North Korea was "indiscriminately threatening its neighbors, the region and global stability." He urged the international community to not only implement existing U.N. sanctions on North Korea but also to consider additional measures for interdicting maritime traffic transporting goods to and from the country.
"Diplomatic options remain viable and open, for now," Tillerson said, adding the U.S. remains committed to "finding a peaceful path to denuclearization and to ending belligerent actions by North Korea."
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Associated Press writers Matthew Pennington, Lolita C. Baldor and Robert Burns in Washington, Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
Defense Secretary James Mattis attends a meeting with President Donald Trump in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017, with Republican congressional leaders. Mattis says North Korea is continuing to build missiles that can "threaten everywhere in the world." Mattis says a missile that North Korea launched early Wednesday local time flew higher than its previous projectiles. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
South Korean President Moon Jae-in, second from left, speaks as he presides over a meeting of the National Security Council at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. Moon has called North Korea's latest missile test a "serious threat" to global peace and stressed the need for stronger sanctions and pressure against Pyongyang to discourage its nuclear ambitions. (Yonhap via AP)
South Korean President Moon Jae-in, center, presides over a meeting of the National Security Council at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. Moon has called North Korea's latest missile test a "serious threat" to global peace and stressed the need for stronger sanctions and pressure against Pyongyang to discourage its nuclear ambitions. (Yonhap via AP)
South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks as he presides over a meeting of the National Security Council at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. Moon has called North Korea's latest missile test a "serious threat" to global peace and stressed the need for stronger sanctions and pressure against Pyongyang to discourage its nuclear ambitions. (Yonhap via AP)
A man walks past a TV screen broadcasting news of North Korea's missile launch, in Tokyo, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, a presumed intercontinental ballistic missile that could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
A man walks past a TV screen broadcasting news of North Korea's missile launch, in Tokyo, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, a presumed intercontinental ballistic missile that could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. The letters at bottom read "It is a situation that we will handle." (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
A man looks at a TV screen broadcasting news of North Korea's missile launch, in Tokyo, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, a presumed intercontinental ballistic missile that could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
A South Korean army soldier mans a K-55 self-propelled howitzer during a military exercises in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, a presumed intercontinental ballistic missile that could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
In this photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, a 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) range ship-to-surface missile is launched from the South Korean Navy's Aegis destroyer in waters off South Korea's east coast in South Korea, during a military drill Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, a presumed intercontinental ballistic missile that could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP)
South Korean army's K-55 self-propelled howitzers move during a military exercises in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, a presumed intercontinental ballistic missile that could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
South Korean army's K-55 self-propelled howitzers move during a military exercises in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, a presumed intercontinental ballistic missile that could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
South Korean army's K-55 self-propelled howitzers take positions during a military exercises in Paju, South Korea, near the border with North Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, a presumed intercontinental ballistic missile that could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says Saudi Arabia's revamped enmity toward Tehran is a cover-up for the kingdom's domestic and regional failures.
Rouhani claimed in a live TV interview Tuesday that the kingdom has two main problems - regional issues, such as the war it's waging in Yemen, and also major domestic problems.
Tensions have spiked between the mostly Sunni kingdom and the Shiite power Iran after Yemen's Iran-backed rebels, known as Houthis, fired a missile that was intercepted outside Riyadh.
Along with proxy wars in Syria and Iran, the two rivals have also fought a war of words with increasing vitriol.
Rouhani says "Saudi Arabia seeks to solve two problems through enmity with Iran; first it wants to cover-up its failures in the region ... and second, its domestic problems."
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Police have released the identity of a teenage boy in Virginia who was fatally shot by an off-duty officer in what authorities say was an attempted robbery of a man during the sale of an Xbox.
Police said 15-year-old Jacob Baumgart of Chesterfield pulled out a pistol and tried to rob the man early Monday in a shopping center parking lot in that Richmond-area suburb.
Authorities said Richmond Officer Robert Misegades, who was with the man selling the video game system, exchanged gunfire with Baumgart. The boy died at the scene. Misegades also was shot but is expected to make a full recovery.
Misegades, a 4-year veteran of the Richmond police force, was off-duty and not wearing his uniform.
Police are continuing to investigate.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a tearful apology Tuesday to members of the LGBTQ community for actions taken by the government against thousands of workers in the military and public service during the Cold War.
Trudeau said in an emotional speech to Parliament that from the 1950s to the early 1990s, the federal government employed a campaign of oppression against members and suspected members of the LGBTQ communities.
The thinking of the day, he said, was that all non-heterosexual Canadians would automatically be at an increased risk of blackmail by Canada's adversaries.
'This is the devastating story of people who were branded criminals by the government - people who lost their livelihoods, and in some cases, their lives,' Trudeau said.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wipes away tears while delivering an apology to members of the LGBT community who were discriminated against by federal legislation and policies, in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Tuesday
Tearful apology: Trudeau said in an emotional speech to Parliament that from the 1950s to the early 1990s, the federal government employed a campaign of oppression against LGBT people
Trudeau could not hold back tears, saying from the podium: 'for state-sponsored, systemic oppression and rejection, we are sorry'
Past sins: Trudeau said the public service, the military, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police spied on their own people suspected of being gay
'These aren't distant practices of governments long forgotten. This happened systematically, in Canada, with a timeline more recent than any of us would like to admit.'
Trudeau said the public service, the military, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police spied on their own people, inside and outside of the workplaces.
He said Canadians were monitored for anything that could be construed as homosexual behavior, with community groups, bars, parks, and even people's homes constantly under watch. He said when the government felt that enough evidence had accumulated, some suspects were taken to secret locations in the dark of night to be interrogated.
He said those who admitted they were gay were fired, discharged, or intimidated into resignation. The prime minister called it a witch hunt and a 'collective shame.'
Awe-inspiring setting: Trudeau delivered his apology in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa
On their feet: The Prime Minister got a standing ovation after issuing his heartfelt apology
Embrace: Trudeau hugs Veteran's Affairs Minister Seamus O'Regan (left) and Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on LGBTQ2 issues (right) after the speech
'It is with shame and sorrow and deep regret for the things we have done that I stand here today and say: We were wrong. We apologize. I am sorry. We are sorry,' Trudeau said to a standing ovation.
'For state-sponsored, systemic oppression and rejection, we are sorry.'
The government also introduced legislation that would allow people to apply to have their criminal convictions for consensual sexual activity between same-sex partners erased from public record.
It has also earmarked more than $100million Canadian (US $78million) to compensate members of the military and other federal agencies whose careers were sidelined or ended due to their sexual orientation, part of a class-action settlement with employees who were investigated, sanctioned and sometimes fired as part of the so-called 'gay purge.'
'Those arrested and charged were purposefully and vindictively shamed. Their names appeared in newspapers in order to humiliate them, and their families. Lives were destroyed. And tragically, lives were lost,' Trudeau said.
Trudeau is no stranger to public displays of emotion. Last week, the prime minister broke down in tears apologizing for abuses and cultural losses to indigenous children at residential schools in Newfoundland and Labrador.
NEW YORK (AP) - Steven Spielberg's newspaper drama "The Post" has been named the year's best film by the National Board of Review, which also lavished its top acting honors on the film's stars, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks.
The group announced its picks Tuesday on Twitter. Though the organization spread its awards around, it reserved three of its top slots for Spielberg's upcoming period film about The Washington Post's publishing of the Pentagon Papers.
Jordan Peele's horror sensation "Get Out" took an award for best ensemble, as well as best directorial debut. Greta Gerwig's "Lady Bird" landed two awards: best director and best supporting actress for Laurie Metcalf.
This image released by 20th Century Fox shows actress Meryl Streep, from left, director Steven Spielberg, and actor Tom Hanks on the set of "The Post." Spielberg's newspaper drama has been named the year's best film by the National Board of Review, which also lavished its top acting honors on the film's stars, Streep and Hanks. (Niko Tavernise/20th Century Fox via AP)
The awards will be handed out in a January 9 gala hosted by Willie Geist.
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This story has been corrected to show the gala will be held Jan. 9.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - An Air Force Academy office that was supposed to help sexual assault victims was crippled by infighting, poor management, rumors and shoddy record-keeping, an internal investigation found.
The investigation concluded that the office was derelict in its duties and that the director should be fired, but she resigned, The Colorado Springs Gazette reported Sunday. The Gazette obtained a copy of the report under open records laws.
The report said former director Teresa Beasley spread rumors about personnel and failed to manage the office effectively. It said under Beasley's leadership, the office wasn't competent to advocate for victims.
No working phone number could be found for Beasley, and she didn't immediately respond to a message left by The Associated Press through social media. The Air Force report said Beasley told investigators that for years she did not lead or manage the office well.
"I admit that during my first seven years on the job, I wasn't a leader or a manager at all," the report quoted her as saying.
Beasley ran the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office at the school outside Colorado Springs starting in 2007. The office was created after a 2003 scandal in which dozens of female cadets said their reports of sexual assault were mishandled or ignored.
The office is responsible for overseeing rape prevention programs, making advocates available to victims, providing information to victims and accompanying them to appointments and court proceedings.
The former academy superintendent, Lt. Gen. Michelle Johnson, ordered an internal inquiry called a commander-initiated investigation in May, although it was not immediately clear what prompted her to do so.
Johnson has since retired.
The report concluded the office was overwhelmed by internal problems, and witnesses told investigators that some sexual assault victims got inadequate support, or none at all.
"The amount of evidence demonstrating a lack of competency and ability in delivering professional victim care is overwhelming," the 560-page report said. "It wouldn't be feasible to try to rehash - or even summarize - all the issues and concerns borne out by witness testimony."
Witnesses, whose names were redacted, told investigators that the office did not return phone calls, did not respond to new reports of sexual assault and did not always send an advocate to a hospital to support a victim who was undergoing a forensic examination for sexual assault.
Witnesses claimed Beasley passed along a rumor that an officer at the academy was having an extramarital affair and that she once suggested a victim's advocate in the office was having sex with an assault victim.
"No fewer than eight witnesses testified under oath that they had knowledge of Ms. Beasley spreading rumors," the report said.
The report called into question the accuracy of the academy's statistics on sexual assault, which are closely watched by the Pentagon and Congress. Beasley's office was responsible for keeping those records.
Witnesses claimed Beasley submitted hand-written and poorly documented statistical reports to the Pentagon.
"I need accurate data to do my job and yet I have no confidence in the data the office produces," one witness told investigators. "I'm not sure I can trust USAFA data for the past decade."
Academy officials said they suspended problem employees in the office and appointed an interim director. There was no interruption in care for sexual assault victims, academy spokesman Lt. Col. Allen Herritage said.
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Information from: The Gazette, http://www.gazette.com
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - The public was to get its first detailed look at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's $1.7 billion plan to extend PATH train service to Newark Liberty International Airport, a project that has engendered debate inside the agency over whether it should be shelved in favor of other initiatives.
The public comment session scheduled Tuesday night was to be the first of two in New Jersey's largest city, signaling the beginning of a mandatory environmental permitting process expected to take about 18 months. After that, construction is expected to take several more years.
Currently, PATH trains from lower Manhattan, where the World Trade Center is located, terminate at Newark's Penn Station and airport travelers switch to New Jersey Transit trains. That has prompted some officials at the Port Authority to criticize the project as redundant and unnecessary.
A year ago, then-Port Authority board member Kenneth Lipper called the PATH extension and a proposed rail system feeding LaGuardia Airport in Queens "the rails that will serve no one," a play on Alaska's infamous "bridge to nowhere." Lipper claimed the train to Newark would carry only between 1,000 and 3,000 passengers daily.
A Port Authority spokesman said Tuesday the agency, which runs the region's transit hubs and owns the World Trade Center site, doesn't have an accurate ridership estimate for the Newark route but expects to have one by early next year.
The rail project is competing for dollars along with a smorgasbord of large-scale Port Authority projects, including a proposed new bus terminal in midtown Manhattan and new rail tunnels under the Hudson River. The bus terminal project, estimated to cost between $7 billion and $10 billion, has been mired in political squabbling between New York and New Jersey officials.
Supporters of the PATH-to-Newark project include Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who has touted the proposed new station, which would sit west of the airport in Newark's South Ward, as a potential engine for revitalizing the neighborhood. He said it would have "an enormous impact on Newark's economy and that of the region" by spurring housing and economic development.
The new station also could be used by commuters to travel directly into Jersey City or lower Manhattan, potentially easing crowding at Newark's Penn Station and in downtown Newark. That would necessitate acquiring land around the proposed station, currently inhabited by warehouses and other light industry, for parking.
Tom Wright, the president of the Regional Plan Association, an urban planning think tank, said extending the PATH to Newark would provide "an opportunity for redevelopment and for taking cars off downtown streets in Newark."
"We would like to see it combined with local planning so it benefits the South Ward and local residents," Wright said. "It doesn't work just as a benefit for investment bankers from lower Manhattan going out to Newark Airport."
FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) - A man who was shot by U.S. Park Police after a short chase in northern Virginia has died, his family said Tuesday.
The family of 25-year-old Bijan Ghaisar of McLean, Virginia, said in a statement that he died Monday night at Inova Fairfax Hospital, 10 days after the shooting. Ghaisar was born at the same hospital, the statement said.
An FBI spokeswoman confirmed Ghaisar's death on Tuesday, The Washington Post reported . The FBI is investigating the shooting.
Park Police previously said that the chase began on Nov. 17 after a vehicle fled a crash scene on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The chase continued several miles from Alexandria into Fairfax County before Ghaisar crashed at an intersection.
Park Police said it was unclear whether the suspect was shot before or after he crashed.
Ghaisar's family said he was unarmed and shot three times in the head. He was an "American-born citizen of Iranian heritage," according to the statement.
Ghaisar was a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, and he worked an accountant for his father's CPA firm, the family said.
Information about the officers involved in the shooting has not been released. Authorities also have not said what prompted the shooting.
The family said they hoped that the FBI investigation "will uncover what happened and permit justice for our son."
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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com
If there is one thing young people believe in collectively, it is their individuality. No two people are alike, the refrain goes. But in the age of Common Core, educational systems too often treat all students alike, glossing over their unique skills and abilities. A top-down, cookie-cutter curriculum and the decline of vocational education have left too many children, on both sides of the Atlantic, without an ability to exercise their gifts.
Erik Lidstrom, who has written extensively on educational policies in Europe, charts the process in a new essay on the Religion & Liberty Transatlantic website. In The sad death of vocational education, he looks at how new educational policies effectively locked talented young people out of the workforce. In a sweeping historical narrative he notes that in his native Sweden, as in the United States literacy antedated the federal governments intervention in curricula:
Sweden began implementing government schools for the general population from 1842 onwards. Children started school at age seven, and schooling was compulsory for six years. The schools employed traditional teaching methods, and by the time students were 12 or 13 years old, they knew more, in total than those who today finish high school (albeit in different subjects). On average they knew how to read and write, in addition to algebra, history, and civics all arguably better than their modern, 19-year-old counterparts.
In the 1950s, though, experts began de-emphasizing vocational education, adding years of abstract and theoretical education. The changes caused those students who are more interested in technical fields to tune out and to disrupt the studies of their college-bound classmates. Everyone suffered, Lidstrom wrote:
In contrast [to the pre-Fifties era], lecturers at Uppsala University wrote that, in 2013, Among the students who come to us right from high school, a majority has problems with the language. Elsewhere, half of those who begin high school do not master the mathematics they were supposed to learn between the ages of 10 and 12.
Under the new experts, technical jobs were presented as less prestigious, valuable, and fulfilling than intellectual jobs in the professions. Readers will see the same phenomenon at work in the United States. Mike Rowe once said such jobs are practically considered vocational consolation prizes.
Because of the destructive policies of experts and politicians, it has become exceedingly difficult to become a good tradesman, Lidstrom writes.
Yet those professions have lifted generations out of poverty and that is itself sometimes the genesis of the opposition. In 1831, when Reverend Simeon S. Jocelyn tried to open a vocational college for blacks in New Haven, Connecticut town residents, including Yale University, shut him down. The infamous post-Reconstruction Black Codes existed in no small part to restrict competition from black laborers in the process raising white wages (and consumers costs).
Modern antipathy to technical work was not shared by Martin Luther King Jr., who said, All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance. Lidstrom agrees, writing:
There are no higher and lower vocations in life. The academic may enjoy a higher social status in some circles. But that person has not achieved a more praiseworthy function than the plumber or the carpenter. In any modern economy, there are tens of thousands of different jobs to be done. All are necessary, and if done right, all praiseworthy. Finding our niche in life, our vocation, is never easy, and some achieve this more perfectly than others. But our work creates mutually beneficial relationships with others. We continuously adjust to their desires, they to ours, and gradually we all more-or-less find our ways.
The new transatlantic emphasis on apprenticeships may begin to correct course and and help more young people find out how to serve others in their own unique, individual way.
Read his full article here.
(Photo credit: Public domain.)
A 21-year-old Pennsylvania woman had told authorities that her ex-boyfriend threatened her and installed a tracking device on her car in the weeks before he apparently killed her and her mother the day after Thanksgiving.
Court records obtained Tuesday show that Victoria Schultz talked to police and testified in court that she had feared Cody Bush might harm her. The records also say that at one point he threatened to blow up her car and sent text messages to her and his mother threatening to kill himself.
After she discovered the tracking device, Schultz told police that she had been trying to end her 3 -year relationship with Bush, "but he is being very obsessive and is making the split very difficult," the state trooper wrote in his report. Schultz told him "she is in fear of what Bush might do once he knows the police are involved."
Last Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, state police issued a news release that they had charged an unidentified 26-year-old man - presumably Bush - who went to Schultz's address and threatened harm to an unidentified "victim and her family." But no charges were filed, according to court officials, and Bush remained free.
On Friday morning, Bush went to Schultz's house in Osceola Mills, about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northeast of Pittsburgh, and fatally shot Schultz and her mother, Beth Schultz, before fleeing and killing himself a short while later, according to authorities.
Cody also shot Schultz's older sister, Jessica, 25, who was hospitalized, police said. Police did not say where Bush got the firearm, or respond to questions about last Wednesday's threats.
It was not clear whether Schultz had secured a protection-from-abuse order against Bush, which allows a judge to order a stalker to hand over his guns while it is in effect. Clearfield County Court officials said they do not release information about protection-from-abuse orders.
Bush had been charged by state police with stalking and harassment stemming from the tracking device incident.
The existence of the device first came to light Oct. 29 when Bush sent Facebook messages about it to a friend, who then took screenshots of the messages and told Schultz, according to the police report. They located the device in a case attached by magnets to the undercarriage of Schultz's car, according to court records. Bush later admitted putting it there, police said.
Bush promptly went free after posting a $25,000 bail bond and remained free, even though the conditions of his bail required him not to contact Schultz and to remain free of criminal activity, including intimidating or retaliating against witnesses or victims.
In a Nov. 8 hearing on Bush's charges, Schultz testified that she was scared of what else Bush was capable of if he put a device on her car, according to the judge's notes of testimony.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North Korea on Wednesday ended its longest pause in missile tests this year with its most powerful version yet of an intercontinental ballistic missile meant to target the United States.
It was North Korea's 20th launch of a ballistic missile this year and third successful test of an ICBM following two launches in July. The launch adds to fears that the North will soon have a military arsenal that can viably target the U.S. mainland.
A look at some of the significant nuclear and missile tests by North Korea this year:
South Korean soldiers walk by a TV screen showing the live broadcast about North Korea's missile launch, at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, claiming a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile that some observers believe could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. The letters on TV read: "North, Important announcement." (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
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FEB. 12
North Korea conducts its first known test of a new midrange ballistic missile it calls the Pukguksong (Polaris)-2, a land-based variant of an earlier developed submarine-launched missile. The missile uses solid fuel, which makes it easier to move and launch on short notice compared to weapons using liquid fuel.
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MAY 14
North Korea premiers a newly developed intermediate-range missile, Hwasong-12, which it says is designed to carry a heavy nuclear warhead. The flight test is conducted at a highly lofted angle to reduce range and avoid other countries. The North says the missile traveled 787 kilometers (489 miles) and reached a maximum altitude of 2,111 kilometers (1,310 miles).
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MAY 21
North Korea conducts another test launch of the Pukguksong-2 and later declares the missile ready for mass production and operational deployment. The missile flew about 500 kilometers (310 miles) and reached a height of 560 kilometers (350 miles) before crashing into the sea.
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JULY 4
North Korea conducts its first flight test of an ICBM, the Hwasong-14, launching it in a highly lofted trajectory. North Korea says the supposedly nuclear-capable missile reached a height of 2,802 kilometers (1,740 miles) and flew 933 kilometers (580 miles) for 39 minutes before falling into the sea. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expresses delight at the successful test, saying that the United States would be displeased by the North's "package of gifts" delivered on the U.S. Independence Day.
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JULY 28
North Korea conducts its second test of the Hwasong-14 ICBM, which it says reached a maximum height of 3,725 kilometers (2,314 miles) and traveled 998 kilometers (620 miles) before accurately landing in waters off Japan. The North says the test was aimed at confirming the maximum range and other technical aspects of a missile capable of delivering a "large-sized, heavy nuclear warhead." Kim says the nighttime launch displayed the country's ability to fire at "random regions and locations at random times" with the "entire" U.S. mainland now within range.
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AUG. 29
North Korea fires a Hwasong-12 intermediate range missile from its capital, Pyongyang. It flew over Japan before plunging into the northern Pacific Ocean, a change from North Korea's pattern of firing missiles at highly lofted angles. South Korea's military says the missile traveled around 2,700 kilometers (1,677 miles) and reached a maximum height of 550 kilometers (341 miles). The launch came weeks after North Korea threatened to launch a salvo of Hwasong-12s that would surround Guam with "enveloping" missile fire. Kim calls the launch a "meaningful prelude" to containing Guam and called for his military to conduct more tests targeting the Pacific Ocean.
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SEPT. 3
North Korea carries out its sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date, claiming it was a hydrogen bomb designed for use on ICBMs. It says the test was a "perfect success" and a further step in the development of weapons capable of striking anywhere in the United States.
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SEPT. 15
North Korea fires another Hwasong-12 missile over Japan into the Pacific. The missile flies about 3,700 kilometers (2,300 miles), marking it the country's longest missile flight. Kim says his country is nearing its goal of "equilibrium" in military force with the United States.
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NOV. 29
South Korea's military said the latest missile fired from an area near Pyongyang traveled 960 kilometers (596 miles) and reached a height of 4,500 kilometers (2,796 miles). This demonstrates a potential operational range of 13,000 kilometer (8,100 miles), which would put Washington, D.C., and all other parts of the continental United States comfortably within reach, according to U.S. analyst David Wright. North Korea later releases similar flight data for what it described as a newer and more powerful ICBM called Hwasong-15. The North says the missile could be armed with a "super-large heavy" nuclear warhead.
A man stands in front of a huge screen showing TV news program reporting North Korea's missile launch, in Tokyo, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, claiming a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile that some observers believe could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. The Japanese letters on top reads: "Missile luanch." (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
In this photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, a 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) range ship-to-surface missile is launched from the South Korean Navy's Aegis destroyer in waters off South Korea's east coast in South Korea, during a military drill Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. After 2 months of relative peace, North Korea launched its most powerful weapon yet early Wednesday, a presumed intercontinental ballistic missile that could put Washington and the entire eastern U.S. seaboard within range. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP)
Prince Harry is getting married. But who is his bride to be?
Who is Meghan Markle?
Meghan Markle is an American actress, best known for her role in the hit US legal drama series Suits, in which she plays paralegal turned lawyer Rachel Zane.
What else has she appeared in?
Markle had parts in CSI: Miami, sci-fi show Fringe and movies such as Get Him To The Greek, Remember Me and Horrible Bosses. She was also briefcase girl one of the models who hold the suitcases full of cash on the US version of Deal or No Deal.
And her charity work?
As well as being a global ambassador for World Vision Canada, she is committed to gender equality through her work as a womens advocate for the UN.
What about her lifestyle blog?
Markle ran her own blog thetig.com promoting self-empowerment and messages of positivity, in which she opened up about her life, loves, her favourite foods and places, and even her celebrity hairdresser.
But she closed the site down nine months after she started dating Harry, leaving fans the message: Dont ever forget your worth as Ive told you time and time again: you, my sweet friend, you are enough.
What is Markles background?
She was born on August 4 1981, to clinical therapist mother Doria and TV lighting director Thomas Markle, and grew up in Los Angeles.
She studied at a girls Roman Catholic college, but was not brought up a Catholic. Her parents divorced when she was six, but she remained close to both of them.
Markle has written about her mixed heritage her father is Caucasian and of Dutch and Irish descent and her mother is African-American and how it created a grey area surrounding my self-identification but how she has embraced it to become a strong confident mixed-race woman.
When did she meet Harry?
They met through friends in London in the summer of 2016. They have been dating since then, flying between Meghans home in Toronto, Canada, where Suits is filmed, and Harrys at Kensington Palace, London.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hand in hand at the Invictus Games in Toronto (Danny Lawson/PA)
Will she become Princess Meghan?
No she will not be a princess in her own right, only through marriage. She could become Princess Henry of Wales or if Harry is given a dukedom by the Queen on his wedding day, a Duchess most likely the Duchess of Sussex.
And shes a divorcee?
Markle married producer Trevor Engelson in September 2011 after dating him for six years. The couple split in May 2013. Her first wedding took place in Jamaica and was celebrated with a barbecue on the beach.
Is the fact she has been married before a problem?
No. Much has changed since Edward VIII gave up the throne to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson, and since the Queens sister Princess Margaret chose duty over love instead of marrying divorcee Group Captain Peter Townsend.
Heir to throne the Prince of Wales divorced Diana, Princess of Wales and in 2005 married divorcee Camilla Parker Bowles, now the Duchess of Cornwall.
The nuptials of Prince Harry and his American fiancee Meghan Markle will undoubtedly be seen as strengthening the bond between Britain and the US.
The Windsors have long been held in affection by the American public and none more so than Diana, Princess of Wales who enchanted her royal fans across the pond in the 1980s.
More than 30 years ago, a young Diana, in a striking off-the-shoulder midnight blue velvet dress and sapphire and diamond choker, took to the floor with Saturday Night Fever star John Travolta at a glitzy White House dinner in 1985.
Now the Princesss youngest son Harry is marrying an American, and the love story of a prince falling for an actress is set to spark royal fever Stateside.
Barack Obama and Prince Harry watch wheelchair basketball at the Invictus Games in Toronto in 2017 (Danny Lawson/PA Images)
Harry is already a popular figure, having staged his Invictus Games for wounded servicemen and women in Orlando, Florida.
He also struck up a friendship with former US president Barack Obama and ex-First Lady Michelle Obama through his charity work.
The Queen too developed a close connection with the Obamas, with Mr Obama describing her as truly one of my favourite people.
It was in America, however, that embarrassing photographs of a naked Harry letting off steam were taken during a holiday in 2012.
The two pictures, which went viral online, included one of the prince and a woman both naked as they played strip billiards in a Las Vegas hotel suite before Harrys deployment to Afghanistan.
Tours by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have gone down well in the US, and their wedding attracted huge interest from the American media.
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in Buckingham Palace in 2011 (Chris Jackson/PA Images)
Sarah, Duchess of York the ex-wife of the Duke of York, has gushed over how the country gave her a second chance following a spate of controversies, adding: They have given me my life back, the American people.
The UKs so called special relationship with the US has been called into question since the arrival of President Donald Trump at the White House.
After his shock election triumph, the billionaire rang a slew of other leaders before Prime Minister Theresa May a move which served as a wake-up call for Downing Street.
Mrs May later offered Mr Trump an early invite for a state visit, but the decision proved controversial with polls suggesting up to two million people would take to the streets in protests should the trip go ahead. No date has yet been confirmed.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were welcomed warmly on a trip to LA (Arthur Edwards/PA Images)
Should Mr Trump travel to the UK for a state visit, it would be expected that newly royal Meghan Markle as a fellow American would meet him and join guests at the state banquet.
But the actress has previously been critical, branding him misogynistic.
Markle, who backed Hillary Clinton for president, suggested in a television interview in 2016 that she would leave America and stay in Canada if Mr Trump won, saying: We film Suits in Toronto and I might just stay in Canada. I mean come on, if thats reality we are talking about, come on, that is a game changer in terms of how we move in the world here.
She told Larry Wilmores Nightly Show in the US: Yes of course Trump is divisive.
Think about just female voters alone. I think it was in 2012, the Republican Party lost the female vote by 12 points. Thats a huge number and with as misogynistic as Trump is and so vocal about it, thats a huge chunk of it.
The Duchess of Cambridge married into the royal family and has barely put a foot wrong since becoming an HRH.
Now Meghan Markle is about to wed Prince Harry.
Here are some nuggets of advice that Kate might offer her future sister-in-law as she prepares to embark on a life with the Windsors:
Get to know Granny
The Queen, with her many years of experience, has much to teach royal newbies.
Shes also The Boss what she says goes. This could be everything from the uniform Harry must wear on his wedding day and how royal children should behave on the Buckingham Palace balcony to etiquette for official engagements.
Kate has forged a strong bond with the Queen (John Stillwell/PA)
As the Duke of Cambridge once said: You dont mess with your grandmother.
Watch out for the long lenses
Kate was snapped sunbathing topless by photographers while enjoying a break in the south of France in 2012.
William was furious at the intrusion and a costly legal fight and court case ensued, with William and Kate being awarded more than 100,000 euros in damages.
Make sure you have a trusted circle of friends and staff
Discretion is key for William and Kate. Within Kates close circle of confidantes, long-term friend Sophie Carter was rewarded for her loyalty by being asked to be Princess Charlottes godmother.
Meghan will need to be able to rely on friends not to blab to the media about her life with Harry.
Staff are also vital for ensuring the smooth running of royal life. William and Kate have a nanny, a housekeeper, an orderly, as well as their bodyguards.
Kate also has a private secretary, a PA and stylist, and a press team, and when she is on tour, her hairdresser goes too.
The Duchesss stylist Natasha Archer and nanny Maria Borrallo (Jane Barlow/PA)
Get a house in the country
Anmer Hall, a wedding gift from the Queen, has given Kate, William and their children, sanctuary and privacy away from London.
The 10-bedroom country retreat, which is a short drive from Sandringham House in Norfolk, underwent a major refurbishment overseen by the Cambridges.
Do not worry about buying your own tiara
The Queen often loans priceless jewellery to family members, meaning there is no need for Meghan to head to Cartier to begin her own collection.
Kate borrowed one from the monarch for her wedding.
The Duchess borrowed the Cartier Halo Tiara from the monarch for her wedding (Fiona Hanson/PA)
Focus on your interests
Kate has been careful to support charities which reflect her passions such the arts, tackling bullying and improving the mental health of children.
She is likely to guide Meghan into doing research and taking her time before picking patronages many of which she will be committing herself to for decades.
Protect your children at all costs
For William and Kate, protecting their children from the limelight and intrusion is paramount.
In 2015, Kensington Palace accused paparazzi photographers of harassing Prince George, saying the royal youngster had become their number one target and accusing them of going to extreme lengths to get pictures of him.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte are usually kept out of the limelight (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
George and Charlotte are rarely seen in public, except on overseas tours and at the occasional UK appearance, and the Duke and Duchess release a number of photos throughout the year in an attempt to keep the public and press happy.
If there is one thing likely to make sure Meghan Markle settles in well with the royal family, it will be her love of dogs.
The actress has two rescue dogs, a beagle named Guy and a Labrador-shepherd mix called Bogart.
Ms Markle said the pair mean the absolute world to her and she refers to them as my loves and my boys.
Guy and Bogart have regularly featured on her Instagram account, with Guy even appearing in a patriotic knitted union flag jumper.
It was American comedian and chat show host Ellen DeGeneres who convinced Ms Markle to adopt Bogart her first pet after she bumped into her in a shelter.
She turns around and comes and taps on the window glass and she yells Take the dog! And so I brought him home. Because Ellen told me to, Ms Markle said.
Speculation that a royal engagement was imminent intensified when it was reported Ms Markle was putting arrangements in place to move the animals from her home in Toronto to London.
Prince Harrys grandmother the Queen is the royal best known for her love of dogs.
She has owned more than 30 corgis, many of them direct descendants of Susan, who was so loved she accompanied the then Princess Elizabeth on her honeymoon.
Queen Elizabeth II with some of her corgis at the Windsor Horse Trials (PA)
Now she has only one corgi left, Willow, and two dorgis, Candy and Vulcan.
She introduced the new breed of dog known as the dorgi when her corgi Tiny mated with a dachshund sausage dog called Pipkin which belonged to Princess Margaret.
Bogart might turn out to be a favourite with the Queen.
Labradors are bred and kept at Sandringham and the Queen has a close bond with the animals, which are working gundogs more than pets.
Ms Markle is a keen advocate of adopting dogs, often using the #adoptdontshop hashtag in her posts, which will go down well with Harrys stepmother the Duchess of Cornwall.
Camilla is patron of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, and adopted her two adored Jack Russells, Beth and Bluebell, from the shelter.
The Duchess of Cornwall holding her two dogs Bluebell and Beth at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (Adrian Dennis/PA)
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also have a cocker spaniel called Lupo, a wedding present from Kates brother James Middleton.
Harry grew up surrounded by dogs. His father the Prince of Wales had a Jack Russell called Tigga, who featured on some of the Princes Christmas cards along with William and Harry.
Kate, William and baby Prince George with Lupo the cocker spaniel and Tilly the Middleton familys retriever (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge)
But not all royals dogs are well behaved.
In 2003, as the family was gathering for Christmas at Sandringham in Norfolk, Pharos, one of the Queens oldest corgis, was savaged by Florence, the Princess Royals English bull terrier, and had to be put down.
The Princess Royal with her bull terriers (PA)
The year before, Anne was fined 500 and ordered to pay 500 compensation when another of her bull terriers, Dottie, attacked two children in Windsor Great Park.
Coroners could investigate full-term stillbirths for the first time under plans unveiled by the Health Secretary.
Jeremy Hunt said he would work with the Ministry of Justice to look closely at enabling inquests for such deaths, as he announced every case of stillbirth and brain injury would be investigated independently.
Mr Hunt said the measures meant the Government would bring forward the date by which they are trying to halve neonatal deaths, maternal deaths, injuries and stillbirths from 2030 to 2025.
Jeremy Hunt
76% of baby deaths potentially avoidable according to RCOG. My blog on how the NHS is improving maternity safety https://t.co/z9x7MQhcqa Jeremy Hunt (@Jeremy_Hunt) July 21, 2017
Addressing the Commons, he told MPs: Following concerns that some neonatal deaths are being wrongly classified as stillbirths, which means a coroners inquest cannot take place, I will work with the Ministry of Justice to look closely into enabling for the first time full-term stillbirths to be covered by coronial law, giving due consideration to the impact on the devolved administration in Wales.
Currently, coroners can only investigate the deaths of babies who show signs of life after being born, and not the deaths of full-term babies who died before or during birth.
All proposals to change the law would be subject to public consultation, the Department of Health said.
Some changes in #pregnancy are normal - some may mean you need a check up. Get advice at https://t.co/nF0pYt8TPY #women #health #birth Sands - baby loss charity (@SandsUK) October 27, 2017
Mr Hunt said the NHS was still not good enough at sharing best practice, adding: From next year every case of a stillbirth, neonatal death, suspected brain injury or maternal death that is notified to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Each Baby Counts programme so thats about 1,000 incidents annually will be investigated, not by the trust at which the incident happened, but independently with a thorough, learning-focused investigation conducted by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch.
The Department of Health said the NHS safety investigator, led by experts, will standardise investigations of cases of unexplained severe brain injury, intrapartum stillbirths, early neonatal deaths and maternal deaths in England, sharing findings to prevent future tragedies.
Mr Hunt said the Government would improve training of maternity staff, and provide new funding to train health practitioners to deliver evidence-based smoking cessation.
He said trusts who improve their maternity safety would be saving the NHS money, allowing more funding to be made available for frontline care.
.@JonAshworth promises Labour will support any legislation in Parliament to ensure law can change to allow coroners to investigate stillbirths.
A rare cross party consensus for maternity safety Shaun Lintern (@ShaunLintern) November 28, 2017
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: This is a welcome set of announcements overall from the Secretary of State which can help the NHS provide the best quality of care for all mothers and their babies.
We look forward on this side of the House to working constructively with the Secretary of State and the Government, but I hope he can reassure us today that the Government will provide the resources NHS midwives and their colleagues need to deliver on these ambitions.
A volcano gushing towering columns of ash has closed the airport on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali for a second day, disrupting travel for tens of thousands of people.
Authorities have also renewed their warnings for villagers to evacuate, as Mount Agung continues hurling clouds of white and dark grey ash about 3,000 metres (9,800 feet) above its cone.
Lava is welling in the crater, sometimes reflected as an orange-red glow in the ash plumes. Its explosions can be heard about seven-and-a-half miles away.
Graphic locates Mount Agung on Bali
The local airport authority said on Tuesday that the closure for another 24 hours was required for safety reasons.
Volcanic ash poses a deadly threat to aircraft, and ash from Agung is moving south-southwest towards the airport. Ash has reached a height of about 30,000 feet as it drifts across the island.
I dont know, we cant change it, said stranded German tourist Gina Camp, sitting on a bench at the airport. Its the nature and we have to wait until its over.
She decided to look on the bright side, saying she planned to go back outside to enjoy another day on the island.
Indonesias National Disaster Mitigation Agency raised the volcanos alert to the highest level on Monday and expanded an exclusion zone to six miles from the crater in places.
#Indonesia the FCO advise against all travel to within 10km of Mt Agung; volcanic activity may increase in the coming days; if youre elsewhere in East Bali, continue to follow advice of local authorities and monitor local media and our travel advice: https://t.co/4CUK0LfYe7 pic.twitter.com/vAf2ZQnocT FCDO Travel Advice (@FCDOtravelGovUK) November 27, 2017
It said a larger eruption is possible, but a top government volcanologist has also said the volcano could continue for weeks at its current level of activity and not erupt explosively.
Agungs last major eruption in 1963 killed about 1,100 people.
Authorities have told 100,000 people to leave homes that are in close proximity to the volcano, but as of Monday tens of thousands had stayed because they felt safe or did not want to abandon livestock.
They have also warned people of the danger of mudflows from the volcano as it is now rainy season in Bali.
Volcanologist Erik Klemetti at Dennison University in Ohio said Agungs 1963 eruption was big enough to cool the earth slightly but it is unclear whether this time it will have a similar major eruption or simmer for a prolonged period.
A lot of what will happen depends on the magma underneath and what it is doing now, he said.
The closure of the airport has stranded tens of thousands of travellers, affecting tourists already on Bali and people who were ready to fly to the island from abroad or within Indonesia.
Airport spokesman Ari Ahsanurrohim said more than 440 inward and outward flights were cancelled on Tuesday and about 59,500 travellers were affected, similar numbers to Monday.
Indonesias Directorate General of Land Transportation said 100 buses were deployed to the airport and to ferry terminals to help travellers stranded by the eruption.
The agencys chief, Budi, said major ferry crossing points have been advised to prepare for a surge in passengers and vehicles. Stranded tourists could leave Bali by taking a ferry to Java and then travelling by land to the nearest airports.
The mayor of a small German town says he is happy to be alive after being attacked with a knife by a man who confronted him over his welcoming stance towards refugees, before slashing his neck.
The knife attack on Andreas Hollstein, the 54-year-old mayor of Altena in western Germany, prompted widespread shock and condemnation from officials including Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Authorities said the incident on Monday night was probably politically motivated.
Im shocked by the knife attack on mayor Andreas Hollstein - and very relieved that he is back with his family, Mrs Merkel said. Thanks also to those who helped him.
Mayor of Altena Andreas Holstein. (Bernd Thissen/AP/PA)
The attacker was identified only as a 56-year-old German man and was described as drunk by local media.
Mr Hollstein, a father of four and a member of Mrs Merkels conservative party, appeared shaken as he answered reporters questions the day after the attack.
I feared for my life, he said adding that it appeared the man had intentionally chosen him as a victim.
If you ask me whether that knife in his pocket was for me, Id answer with a yes, he said.
"Ich habe zupackende Menschen an meiner Seite gehabt und bin froh dass ich noch lebe", so eine erste Reaktion des Burgermeisters von Altena Andreas Hollstein gegenuber Lokalstimme.de. @Hollstein63 wurde bei einem Messerangriff in einer Doner-Bude verletzt. https://t.co/f1Ch9LXajA Lokalstimme.de (@lokalstimme) November 28, 2017
The mayor said he was at a local kebab restaurant when the attacker approached him, held a knife to his throat and took him to task over his policies towards refugees.
It was only with the help of the restaurants owner and his son that the man was overpowered, and police later made an arrest
Mr Hollstein was taken to hospital but discharged later on Monday. He said he had a 6in cut on the left side of his neck.
The mayor became known nationally for voluntarily taking in more asylum seekers than Altena was obliged to since the height of the refugee crisis two years ago.
He said his attacker had probably been incited by the poisoned atmosphere fuelled by parties such as the nationalist Alternative for Germany, which has campaigned against migrants and their supporters.
But Mr Hollstein said the attack would not deter him from continuing to stand up for refugees and others who needed his support.
Six former British soldiers have been released from an Indian prison four years after they were charged with weapons offences.
The so-called Chennai Six, who had been guards on a ship to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean, won an appeal against their convictions on Monday.
They were jailed in October 2013 after being charged with smuggling weapons and ammunition.
(Stefan Rousseau/PA)
"The men, their families and their supporters, who have campaigned unrelentingly, must be overjoyed."@BorisJohnson statement following the Chennai Six verdict.https://t.co/iqECakJEL3 pic.twitter.com/bj57cfb6Um Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) November 27, 2017
Yvonne MacHugh, partner of Billy Irving from Argyll and Bute, said the men had been released on Tuesday.
Ms MacHugh said: They were released about two hours ago and are now at the British Embassy with consular staff.
They will just go to a hotel in Chennai and will be able to sleep in a bed and have a proper shower for the first time in about two years.
The men are Mr Irving, 37, from Argyll and Bute, Nick Dunn, 31 from Northumberland, John Armstrong, 30, of Wigton, Cumbria, Nicholas Simpson, 47, of Catterick, North Yorkshire, Ray Tindall, 42, of Chester, and Paul Towers, 54, of Pocklington, East Yorkshire.
They could now face a wait of possibly several weeks before documentation comes through which will allow them to return to the UK.
Once Mr Irving was freed, he was able to speak to Ms MacHugh on the embassys phone and update her on their situation.
Ms MacHugh said: Billy called straight away, he couldnt quite believe it had happened.
Hes just over the moon and didnt think they would be released. He took everything that was said with a pinch of salt and didnt believe it.
We are hoping they could be home in two weeks. If its less than that it will be a miracle.
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November 27, 2017
Official Palestinian Media: U.S. and Israel Are Responsible for ISIS Attack
An Op-Ed in Al-Hayat al-Jadida, an official Palestinian Authority (PA) daily newspaper, blamed the United States and Israel for a Nov. 24, 2017 terrorist attack in which 305 Muslim worshippers were murdered in Sinai, Egypt by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
A report by Palestinian Media Watch (PMW), an organization that monitors Arab media in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), the Gaza Strip and eastern Jerusalem, highlighted the Al-Hayat al-Jadida Nov. 26, 2017 commentary by Palestinian Omar Hilmi Al-Ghoul.
PMW noted that Al-Ghoul claimed that the U.S. and Israel are worried about a strong Egypt, and therefore used pawns? to carry out an attack to weaken? the Egyptian state. It was, the commentator claimed, part of an American-Israeli decisionwhich is being implemented by their pawnsto continue weakening Egypt, at least, particularly because the main goal of their plan is to tear unified Egypt into small and scattered states.?
This is not the first time that official Palestinian media has conspiratorially claimed that ISISan offshoot of al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI)was created by the U.S. and the Jewish state.
As PMW pointed out: An Oct. 17, 2017 Al-Hayat al-Jadida report pushed allegations by Palestine Liberation Organization political bureau member Muhammad Al-Soudi that the Zionist enemy? was responsible for an ISIS terror attack that month, in which six Egyptian soldiers were murdered.
Al-Hayat al-Jadida is the Palestinian Authoritys daily newspaper? and its work parallels the official line of the government of Mahmoud Abbas and his political party, Fatah,? according to a Nov. 4, 2015 Washington Post dispatch.
That same Post article detailed an Al-Hayat al-Jadida cartoonist, Mohammad Sabaaneh, whose work promotes anti-Jewish violence. The Postwhile citing PMW evidencenonetheless minimized the incitement as merely claims? by Israeli media watchdogs (Meet the Palestinian Cartoonist Israelis Accuse of Incitement?).
Posted by SD at November 27, 2017 05:40 PM
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The Duchess of Cambridges uncle has been fined 5,000 and given a community order after admitting assaulting his wife in a drunken argument in which she accused him of taking drugs.
Gary Goldsmith, 52, knocked Julie-Ann Goldsmith to the ground outside their home in Wimpole Street, central London, at around 1.20am on October 13 this year.
He was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates Court on Tuesday, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing to one count of assault by beating.
Gary Goldsmith with his daughter Tallulah. (Justin Tallis/PA)
Sentencing him, Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot described him as being a nasty drunk, adding: You were making your way by taxi.
Both had been drinking and the taxi driver listened as you argued. Your wife accused you of taking drugs and leaving her alone for most of the evening.
You called her a nothing and whore.
Goldsmith was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 20 sessions of a rehabilitation order requirement.
He was also fined 5,000 and ordered to pay a 170 victim surcharge, and 85 towards prosecution costs.
He attended both Pippa and Kate's weddings. (Adam Davy/PA)
Previously prosecutor Kate Shilton told the court Mrs Goldsmith was knocked to the ground after her husband threw what was described by their taxi driver, Daniel Shepherd, as a left hook.
In a victim impact statement, Mrs Goldsmith said she had been left feeling extremely anxious and very stressed, and suffering panic attacks.
The court heard that she has also lost her confidence, and only leaves the house to walk the dogs and to go to work and food shopping.
Goldsmith is the younger brother of the Duchess of Cambridges mother, Carole Middleton, and attended the weddings of both Kate and her sister Pippa.
North Korea has abruptly ended a 10-week pause in its weapons testing by launching what the Pentagon said was an intercontinental ballistic missile, possibly its longest-range test yet, a move that will escalate already high tensions with Washington.
Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said the missile was launched from Sain Ni, North Korea, and travelled about 620 miles before landing in the Sea of Japan within 200 nautical miles of Japans coast. It flew for 53 minutes, Japans defence minister said.
South Korea, a key US ally separated from the North by a highly militarised border, responded with shorter-range missile tests of its own to mimic striking the North Korea launch site, which it said lies not far from the North Korean capital.
Kim Jong Un
The launch is North Koreas first since it fired an intermediate range missile over Japan on September 15, and it appeared to shatter chances that the hiatus could lead to renewed diplomacy over the reclusive countrys nuclear programme.
US officials have sporadically floated the idea of direct talks with North Korea if it maintained restraint.
An intercontinental ballistic missile test is considered particularly provocative.
It would signal further progress by Pyongyang in developing a weapon of mass destruction that could strike the US mainland, which President Donald Trump has vowed to prevent, using military force if necessary.
In response to the launch, Mr Trump said the United States will take care of it. He told reporters: It is a situation that we will handle. He did not elaborate.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted that Mr Trump was briefed on the situation while missile was still in the air.
.@POTUS was briefed, while missile was still in the air, on the situation in North Korea. Kayleigh McEnany 45 Archived (@PressSec45) November 28, 2017
Col Manning, the Pentagon spokesman, said the North American Aerospace Defence Command, known as Norad, determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, our territories or our allies.
US scientist David Wright said that based on initial reports on the altitude and duration of the test, it appeared to be North Koreas longest-range test yet.
If flown on a standard trajectory rather than at a lofted angle, the missile would have a range of more than 8,100 miles, said Mr Wright, a physicist at the Union for Concerned Scientists.
A week ago, the Trump administration declared North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism, further straining ties between governments that are still technically at war.
Washington also imposed new sanctions on North Korean shipping firms and Chinese trading companies dealing with the North.
Secretary Tillerson: The United States strongly condemns #NorthKoreas launch of what is likely an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan, indiscriminately threatening its neighbors, the region and global stability. https://t.co/gFxCUWCO7k #DPRK pic.twitter.com/TdjO8QifFH Department of State (@StateDept) November 28, 2017
North Korea called the terror designation a serious provocation that justifies its development of nuclear weapons.
Echoing the initial US assessment, Japans defence minister Itsunori Onodera said the missile was likely an intercontinental ballistic missile.
He said it was launched on highly lofted trajectory and reached a high point exceeding 2,400 miles, exceeding the height of previous missile tests. He said it flew for about 53 minutes.
We can assume it was ICBM-class, Mr Onodera said.
Seouls Joint Chiefs of Staff said the US and South Korean militaries were analysing the launch data from the missile.
BREAKING: Ambassador Nikki Haley & her counterparts from Japan & the Republic of Korea have requested an emergency @UN Security Council meeting to be held in the open chamber in response to #NorthKoreas latest #ICBM test. The Council will meet tomorrow around 4:30pm EST. U.S. Mission to the UN (@USUN) November 28, 2017
They said it travelled a distance of 600 miles and estimated the apogee at 2,796 miles.
In response to the North Korean test, it said South Korea conducted a precision-strike drill, firing three missiles, including one with a 620-mile range, to accurately hit a target that stood for the North Korean launch site.
South Koreas presidential office said it was holding a National Security Council meeting on Wednesday morning local time to discuss the launch.
Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
He said Japan will not back down against any provocation and would maximise pressure on the North in its strong alliance with the US.
We will not tolerate North Koreas reckless action, he told reporters.
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has called on North Korea to change course, after the secretive state launched what the US said was an intercontinental ballistic missile.
The launch of what may be Pyongyangs longest-range missile so far brought an end to a 10-week pause in North Koreas programme of weapons testing, in a move likely to escalate tensions which are already running high.
Responding to the launch, US President Donald Trump said the United States will take care of it, telling reporters: It is a situation that we will handle.
Boris Johnson
Another illegal missile launch from DPRK. This is not the path to security and prosperity for the North Korean people. DPRK regime must change course Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) November 28, 2017
Mr Johnson said: Another illegal missile launch from DPRK (Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea).
This is not the path to security and prosperity for the North Korean people. DPRK regime must change course.
In Washington, a Pentagon spokesman said the missile travelled about 620 miles before landing in the sea less than 200 nautical miles from the coast of Japan.
Japan said the flight took some 53 minutes.
South Korea responded with shorter-range missile tests of its own.
By Sophie Sassard
LONDON, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Germany's Delivery Hero reported a 60 percent jump in third-quarter revenue on Monday, showing no let up in pace of growth of takeaway food apps.
UK rival Just Eat is poised to join Britain's prestigious FTSE 100 stock index, with its market value overtaking that of supermarket group Sainsbury's and highlighting how new internet firms are disrupting traditional businesses.
For the first nine months of the year, Delivery Hero's revenue was up 64 percent to 384.4 million euros ($458.6 million). Third-quarter revenue totalled 137.9 million euros.
The loss-making company, backed by German tech investor Rocket Internet and South African e-commerce giant Naspers , said it now expected full-year revenues to be at the top end of its guidance range of 530-540 million euros.
It reiterated a goal to break even in terms of adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) in 2018 and make a profit on that basis in 2019.
Delivery Hero, whose competitors also include Deliveroo, UberEATS and Amazon, has grown into a global company thanks to a string of deals.
Delivery Hero shares floated in June at 25.50 euros apiece. At 1110 GMT, the stock was up 1.4 percent at 38.67 euros.
($1 = 0.8382 euros)
($1 = 0.7493 pounds) (Gdynia Newsroom; Editing by MarkPotter)
By Kanupriya Kapoor and Slamet Kurniawan
KARANGASEM, Indonesia, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Indonesia kept the airport on Bali closed on Tuesday as ash from an erupting volcano swept the holiday island, leaving thousands of tourists stranded, and authorities tried to persuade villagers living near the crater to leave their homes.
A total of 443 flights, both domestic and international, were affected by the closure of the airport, about 60 km (37 miles) from Mount Agung which is spewing smoke and ash high into the sky.
"Aircraft flight channels are covered with volcanic ash," the transport ministry said in a statement, citing aviation navigation authorities.
The airport - the second-biggest in Indonesia - will be closed at least until 7 a.m. on Wednesday (2300 GMT on Tuesday), the ministry said.
Frustration at the airport was starting to boil over, with an estimated 2,000 people attempting to get refunds and reschedule tickets.
"There are thousands of people stranded here at the airport," said Nitin Sheth, a tourist from India. "They have to go to some other airport and they are trying to do that, but the government or authorities here are not helping."
Others were more relaxed.
"No, theres not a lot of information ... very little. (But) its all right. Were on holidays so it doesnt matter. We dont know whats going to happen but we can get back to the bar and have another drink," said Matthew Radix from Perth.
The airport operator said 201 international flights and 242 domestic ones had been hit.
Ten alternative airports had been prepared for airlines to divert inbound flights, including in neighbouring provinces, the operator said, adding it was helping people make alternative bookings and helping stranded travellers.
The airport on Lombok island, to the east of Bali, had reopened, authorities said, as wind blew ash westward, towards the southern coast of Java island.
PRAYERS
Agung towers over eastern Bali to a height of just over 3,000 metres (9,800 feet). Its last eruption in 1963 killed more than 1,000 people and razed several villages.
On Tuesday, however, life went on largely as normal in surrounding villages, with residents offering prayers as the volcano sent huge billows of ash and smoke into the sky.
Some villagers who fled in September, when the alert was last raised to the highest level, have gone home despite government warnings.
On Monday, authorities said 100,000 residents living near the volcano had been ordered to get out of an 8-10 km (5-6 mile) exclusion zone, warning a larger eruption was "imminent".
While the population in the area has been estimated at anywhere between 63,000 and 140,000, just over 29,000 people were registered at emergency centres, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the Disaster Mitigation Agency.
"Not all people in the danger zone are prepared to take refuge," he said.
"There are still a lot of residents staying in their homes."
Indonesia's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre has warned that an eruption of a size similar to that seen in 1963 could send rocks bigger than a fist flying a distance of up to 8 km (5 miles), and volcanic gas a distance of 10 km (6 miles) within three minutes.
Monitoring has shown the northeastern part of Agung's peak had swollen in recent weeks "indicating there is fairly strong pressure toward the surface", the centre said.
(Reporting by Kanupriya Kapoor, Slamet Kurniawan, Nyimas Laula and Reuters Bali stringer in BALI, and; Bernadette Christina Munthe, Cindy Silviana and Fransiska Nangoy in JAKARTA; Additional reporting by Angie Teo and Ed Davies; Writing by Fergus Jensen; Editing by Michael Perry, Robert Birsel)
By Andy Home
LONDON, Nov 27 (Reuters) - The International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) last month made a significant revision to its outlook for the lead market this year.
The market is now expected to be in a supply deficit of around 125,000 tonnes ahead of another 48,000-tonne deficit next year.
When the Group's statistical committee last convened in April, it forecast a balanced market this year.
What has happened to change its collective mind?
Two things, it turns out.
Firstly, China has been importing refined lead in quantities not seen since 2009. Indeed, lead has been something of a surprise bull stand-out in China's base metals import picture this year.
But China's pull on units from the rest of the world is currently being eclipsed by an even bigger flow of lead to the United States.
The causes of both are rooted in the secondary part of the lead supply chain, which is where things get very opaque indeed.
That is why lead can spring surprises on even the statistical experts.
Graphic on China's trade in refined lead:
http://tmsnrt.rs/2A8QmoN
CHINA IMPORTING LIKE ITS 2009
China imported 75,700 tonnes of refined lead in the first 10 months of this year after being a net exporter over the previous four years.
Most of it has come from Australia (39,000 tonnes) and Kazakhstan (25,000 tonnes), although October also brought 2,432 tonnes from Italy, the first significant imports from that country since 2009.
That year, one of collapsing Western demand and Chinese stimulus, is the only historical benchmark for this magnitude of import appetite. Total imports in 2009 were 157,000 tonnes. Cumulative exports in the last four years, by contrast, have totalled 119,000 tonnes.
This dramatic shift in trade flow seems strange, given the ILZSG's figures show China's domestic lead production rising by over 12 percent so far this year.
The Group's partial explanation for such a sudden jump in imports is rising use of three-wheeled e-trikes, which still use a lead-acid battery. That, it suggests, has offset a loss of market share to lithium-ion batteries in the e-bike market.
But there is almost certainly a piece missing from the Chinese lead jigsaw.
What the official figures can't capture is the closure of "illegal" capacity in China because it was never officially counted in the first place.
China's lead supply chain has seen periodic environmental clampdowns in recent years but this year's inspections, according to state metals researcher Antaike, have been the "most severe (...) in history".
Official supply chains have been disrupted. Unofficial supply chains, particularly those secondary operators using scrap as feed, have been closed.
The same theme has been playing out across the industrial metals spectrum in China, often with counterintuitive statistical outcomes.
The steel sector, for example, has seen millions of tonnes of capacity closures but with no apparent impact on official production, which has actually grown.
This statistical quirk is down to official production expanding to fill the gap left by the closure of unofficial production, which operated off Beijing's statistical radar.
Something similar could well be at work with China's lead production figures.
It remains to be seen how long this import trend continues. Since no-one really saw it coming, there's no consensus on how long it might last.
Visible stocks registered with the Shanghai Futures Exchange (ShFE) have been rising since the middle of September but at 34,442 tonnes are still low in outright terms. There were over 80,000 tonnes in exchange warehouses as recently as May this year.
Meanwhile, all imports of lead concentrates from North Korea have now been halted as part of China's commitment to international sanctions.
The country was China's fourth largest supplier of lead raw materials last year and its loss will prove difficult to replace in an already tight concentrates sector.
U.S. IMPORTS UP, PRODUCTION DOWN
U.S. imports of refined lead surged by over 100,000 tonnes to 458,000 tonnes in the first eight months of this year from 351,000 tonnes in the same period of 2016, according to the ILZSG.
Here there is greater statistical clarity as to what is going on.
A cut in production at a secondary producer called Quemetco in California has seen national output slide by 72,000 tonnes over the January-September period, according to ILZSG figures.
The Group is forecasting U.S. refined lead production to fall by 11 percent this year with a resulting increase in imports "in particular from Mexico and the Republic of Korea".
Except who knew Quemetco had partially closed its 120,000-tonne per year City of Industry plant?
It's a recycler of lead-acid batteries and part of the privately-owned ECOBAT group of companies, meaning no public disclosure requirements and therefore no news flow.
Had the ILZSG not explicitly referenced Quemetco's loss of production in its latest forecast, the plant's operating status would have been unknown outside of the small exclusive club that is the lead scrap market.
NO TIGHTNESS IN LONDON?
Lead's opacity as a market is in large part down to the high proportion of it sourced from secondary materials, a notoriously dark part of all metals supply chains.
These two drivers of the ILZSG's new deficit forecast have been building momentum in the shadows.
In the light that is the London Metal Exchange (LME), recent arrivals of lead at official warehouses have undermined any narrative of market tightness.
But it's worth noting that headline stocks have been steadily edging lower and at 145,100 tonnes are down by 50,000 tonnes on the start of the year and the lowest they've been since December 2015.
Moreover, on-warrant stocks of 99,100 tonnes are closely held, one entity controlling between 40 and 50 percent, according to exchange data <0#LME-WHL>.
So far the LME lead market appears relaxed.
Time-spreads are trading in small contango, while the outright price is currently doing little more than shuffling sideways in a $2,450-2,500 range.
Nothing very much appears to be happening.
But that's often the way with lead.
Key fundamental shifts tend to be obscured in the physical, particularly scrap, market shadows. When they do manifest themselves in a lit trading venue such as the LME, they often come as a surprise because no-one saw them coming.
This year is shaping up to be a year of double surprise, but has anyone actually told the LME lead market yet?
(Editing by David Evans)
BEIJING, Nov 28 (Reuters) - A Chinese court on Tuesday sentenced Taiwanese rights activist Li Ming-che to five years in prison for subverting state power, according to the court's official social media account.
Li, a community college lecturer and an activist at a human rights non-governmental organisation in Taiwan, went missing while on a trip to China in March. Chinese authorities later charged him with subverting state power.
In the first hearing of Li's case in September, he confessed to subversion, according to videos of the hearing, though his wife refused to recognise the court's authority.
A verdict of five years imprisonment was handed to Li by the court for subversion of state power, according to a video of his proceedings released on social media by the Yueyang City Intermediate Peoples Court in central Hunan province.
A mainland Chinese rights activist Peng Yuhua, who was also tried alongside Li, was handed at seven year sentence for the same crime.
Peng had been the instigator of subversion and Li had been an active participant, the court authorities said in the video.
Both Li and Peng said that they accepted the ruling and would not appeal the ruling, according to the video. (Reporting by Christian Shepherd; Editing by Michael Perry)
SOFIA, Nov 28 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Tuesday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
-- Bulgaria will host the seventh Summit of Heads of governments of China and Central and Eastern European countries next year. (Capital Daily, Monitor, Standart, Trud, 24 Chasa)
-- Bulgaria and Turkey are likely to restart the trade with live animals as of next year, the agriculture ministers of the two neighbouring countries said. The trade was stopped five years ago due to administrative hurdles. (Capital Daily, Monitor, Standart, Trud)
-- Canada will lift tourist visa restrictions for Bulgarians from next month. (Capital Daily, Monitor, Telegraph)
-- The government has proposed a moratorium on opening of new hospitals as the country struggles to reform ailing healthcare sector, Finance Minister Vladislav Goranov said. (Standart, Sega)
ANKARA, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday his talks with U.S. President Donald Trump last Friday were the first occasion in a long time the two NATO allies were "on the same wavelength" and the communication would continue in the coming days.
In a speech to deputies from his ruling AK Party in parliament, Erdogan said discussions would continue on the issues of Syrian Kurdish forces, defence industry cooperation and the fight against the network of a U.S.-based cleric whom Ankara accuses of orchestrating last year's failed coup in Turkey.
(Reporting by Ece Toksabay and Tuvan Gumrukcu,; Writing by Daren Butler)
BEIRUT, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Shelling hit the last major rebel stronghold near Damascus on Tuesday but it was less intense than in recent days, a war monitor and witness said, the same day Russia had proposed a ceasefire for the area.
Russia on Monday proposed a ceasefire in the besieged rebel-held Eastern Ghouta area on Nov. 28-29. Neither rebels nor the government have said whether they agreed to the ceasefire.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the war monitor, said no deaths had been reported in Tuesday's shelling.
A Syrian official said the situation on Tuesday was calm.
Over the weekend, government air strikes and shelling on Ghouta intensified, killing at least 43 people on Sunday and Monday, the Observatory said. Syrian state media said 13 shells hit government-held areas of Damascus on Monday.
Eastern Ghouta is one of several "de-escalation" zones across western Syria where Russia has brokered ceasefire deals between rebels and President Bashar al-Assad's government. But fighting has continued there.
U.N.-backed peace talks in Geneva are set to begin on Tuesday, although the Syrian government delegation has not yet confirmed that it will attend.
Medecins Sans Frontieres, the international medical humanitarian organisation, said on Monday hundreds of people had been wounded in intense bombing and shelling of the Eastern Ghouta in the last two weeks.
It said five MSF-supported field hospitals in East Ghouta had treated 576 wounded patients and recorded 69 deaths, with a quarter of the wounded women or children under the age of 15.
In a statement, MSF said its figures did not account for the total numbers killed in the area as there are other medical facilities it does not support regularly. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington and Tom Perry; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
Official Palestinian Media: U.S. and Israel Are Responsible for ISIS Attack | Main
November 28, 2017
International Business Times Peddles Fake News About Mossad's Gal Gadot
A screen shot from Lebanon's Al Liwaa, which had erroneously used Gal Gadot's photograph to illustrate a story on alleged Mossad agent Collette Vianfi. Al Liwaa apologized, but The International Business Times lags far behind (Image via Times of Israel)
Starring as "Wonder Woman," Israel's Gal Gadot has grossed more than any other super-hero origin film, capturing the imagination of untold numbers of fans. She has also captured the imagination of an International Business Times reporter, who, based on an embarrassing photographic error on the part of a Lebanese newspaper, spun her own fantasy tale about the Israeli actress.
Leaving the facts behind, Lauren Dubois wrote yesterday ("Lebanese Newspaper Claims To Reveal Gal Gadots Alleged Alternate Identity As Mossad Agent"):
However, at least according to a Lebanese newspaper, Israeli actress Gal Gadot also has another secret identityas a Mossad agent. The paper, a daily known as Al Liwaa, published an image of Gadot on their front page Monday, claiming in an unsubstantiated report (via The Times of Israel), that she was actually Collette Vianfi, an agent from Israels international spy agency who was allegedly recruited to work with Lebanese actor and playwright Ziad Itani, who was arrested on Friday on charges of collaborating with Israel and gathering information about political figures. The report included an image of Gadot from 2011s Fast Five movie, and the report allegedly claimed the photo of her had circulated on social media, and hours before the report was published, the image had been shared online with some claiming that Gadot was Vianfi, who was reportedly meant to visit Itani in Beirut this week, before canceling the trip after his arrest.
But Al Liwaa never claimed that Gal Gadot was an Israeli agent or that her alter ego is someone called Collette Vianfi. Rather, it accidentally used a picture of Gadot to illustrate a story covering purported Israeli agent Vianfi. As The Arab News reports:
Israeli Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot was pictured as a Mossad agent on the front page of a Lebanese newspaper yesterday. Beirut-based Al Liwaa newspaper used a picture of the actress to illustrate a story about Colette Vianfi, an alleged Israeli Mossad officer accused of recruiting Lebanese comedian and playwright Ziad Itani as a spy. A senior newspaper executive described the incident as embarrassing in a telephone interview with Arab News. Tareq Damlaj, one of the managing editors at the newspaper, said: People were spreading the photo of actress Gal Gadot on social media, especially through WhatsApp, believing it was a photo of the Israeli officer. But after receiving a phone call today from cinema enthusiasts, and not security services, we learned this was the photo of an Israeli actress.
Furthermore, an editor's note yesterday on the very Times of Israel story to which Dubois linked spelled out that the Lebanese paper didn't accuse Gadot of being a spy, but rather misused her photograph ("Lebanese paper uses photo of Gal Gadot for tale of 'Mossad agent,' apologizes").
Meanwhile, not only does The International Business Times falsely claim that Lebanon's Al Liwaa supposedly accused Gadot of being a Mossad agent, it also egregiously fails to inform readers that the paper has already apologized about the "embarrassing" misuse of Gadot's picture. Al Liwaa apologized. Will The International Business Times?
Posted by TS at November 28, 2017 07:29 AM
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ANKARA, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday his talks with U.S. President Donald Trump last week were the first occasion in a long time the two NATO allies were "on the same wavelength" and they would speak against this week.
Diplomatic ties between Ankara and Washington have been strained by several disagreements, particularly over the United States' support for the YPG Syrian Kurdish militia, which Ankara regards as a terrorist group.
"The telephone call which we had with Trump on Friday was the first in a long time in which we got on the same wavelength," Erdogan said in a speech to deputies from his ruling AK Party in parliament.
He said discussions would continue in the coming days on the issues of the YPG, defence industry cooperation and the fight against the network of a U.S.-based cleric whom Ankara accuses of orchestrating last year's failed coup in Turkey.
According to Turkey's foreign minister, Trump on Friday told Erdogan he had issued instructions that weapons should not be provided to the Syrian Kurdish YPG.
However, the Pentagon said on Monday it was reviewing "adjustments" in arms for Syrian Kurdish forces, but it stopped short of halting weapons transfers, suggesting such decisions would be based on battlefield requirements.
Speaking to reporters in parliament after his speech, Erdogan said the Pentagon statement would be discussed at Turkey's National Security Council (MGK) meeting later on Tuesday.
He also said that Trump indicated that another call may happen this week.
"If he doesn't call, I'll call," Erdogan said.
The YPG spearheads the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias fighting Islamic State with the help of a U.S.-led coalition.
Turkey regards the YPG as an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has fought a decades-long insurgency in Turkey and is designated a terrorist group by Ankara, the United States and European Union. (Reporting by Ercan Gurses, Ece Toksabay and Tuvan Gumrukcu,; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by DAvid Dolan)
By Ethan Lou and Alastair Sharp
Calgary, Alberta/TORONTO, Nov 28 (Reuters) - TransCanada Corp has started engaging landowners on a new route for its Keystone XL pipeline approved by the state of Nebraska, the company said on Tuesday, exploring the costlier path as it mulls a final decision on the expansion project mooted nearly a decade ago.
Nebraska last week approved the $8 billion pipeline from Alberta to the state, but denied TransCanada its preferred route in favor of a slightly longer one. The decision opened the door to potential delays and emboldened activists who said they would try to kill the project through protests.
"The alternate route would involve a number of new landowners for us, and as always, were striving to understand their perspectives on the project," Dean Patry, TransCanada's senior vice president of liquids, told investors in Toronto.
The company is expected to make a final investment decision in December on Keystone XL, a project rejected by the previous U.S. administration and thought dead until the rise last year of President Donald Trump.
Since its 2015 rejection the importance of Keystone XL has somewhat diminished for TransCanada, which further diversified and bought Columbia Pipeline Group for $10.2 billion to form one of North Americas largest gas transmission businesses.
Almost all of the company's current three-year capital expenditure plan of C$22 billion ($17.2 billion) is on gas pipelines.
Still, while TransCanada would not suffer much if Keystone XL does not go ahead, the pipeline, if built, would be a "very important" positive development for the both the company and Canadian crude producers, said Matthew Miller, an analyst with CFRA.
At 800,000 barrels per day, Keystone XL will add nearly a quarter to Canada's current pipeline capacity and provide critical infrastructure that is required to ship the country's vast but landlocked oil sand reserves. Canadian producers could likely command around $2 more per barrel, analysts and investors have said, as it is cheaper to ship crude via pipe than by rail.
Chief Executive Russ Girling said the company has been "very encouraged" with the discussions with potential shippers for the past week and expects to "conclude sufficient binding shipping commitments to advance the project."
Securing enough shipper commitment is crucial for TransCanada to justify the expansion.
Girling said the company has no plan to sell stakes in the project to partners, but was not ruling out that possibility.
TransCanada Chief Financial Officer Don Marchand said the company was in good financial shape and would try to avoid issuing equity to fund Keystone XL if it proceeds.
In a statement before the Toronto event, TransCanada said it expected comparable earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to grow at an average annual rate of about 10 percent through 2020.
On Tuesday, the company restarted the Keystone crude oil pipeline, which is separate from Keystone XL, at reduced pressure, nearly two weeks after closing the line after it leaked 5,000 barrels of crude in rural South Dakota.
A company spokesman said on Tuesday there was no timeline on when U.S. authorities would allow it to return to full capacity. ($1 = 1.2809 Canadian dollars) (Additional reporting by Ahmed Farhatha in Bengaluru; and Nia Williams in Calgary, Alberta; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Diane Craft)
By Rina Chandran and Tom Gardner
MUMBAI/ADDIS ABABA, Nov 28 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - L arge-scale land deals by investors in Africa are coming under greater scrutiny after an Indian firm demanded compensation for the cancellation of its lease by Ethiopia, with analysts saying they are hurting local communities and damaging ecosystems.
Karuturi Global, one of the largest investors in Ethiopia's commercial farming industry, said the cancellation of its lease for 100,000 hectares (247,105 acres) in the western Gambella region broke the terms of its agreement with the government.
Ethiopian officials, who have earmarked some 11.5 million hectares of land for overseas firms to invest in agriculture, say Karuturi failed to make adequate progress on the land allotted for growing and exporting sugarcane, rice and palm oil.
Critics say neither side addresses the more controversial issue of millions of indigenous people and small farmers being forcefully removed from their ancestral land with little consultation or compensation.
"These large-scale plantations and farms are displacing people who have lived there for generations, without creating jobs for the locals or enhancing food security," said Anuradha Mittal, executive director of California-based advocacy group Oakland Institute, which has studied these deals.
"It is a horrific abuse of rights," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation over the phone.
Across Africa, more than 117 large-scale land deals totalling about 22 million hectares, an area the size of the U.S. state of Utah, have been recorded in the last 12 years, according to data from the United Nations' Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
Millions of small farmers and herders in Ethiopia have been moved from the land offered to investors and relocated under "villagisation" programmes, often with threats and assaults, according to rights groups, including GRAIN and the Oakland Institute.
The new villages where they are resettled often lack basic resources including adequate food, agricultural support, and health and education facilities, according to activists.
LAND IS CHEAP
Ethiopian officials have denied people are being displaced, or that villagisation takes place where overseas investments are planned. The programme provides better infrastructure for rural populations, they say.
"We have never replaced farmers, we have never replaced pastoralists in favour of mechanised farming," said Fitsum Arega, director of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, a government body.
"There is lots of vacant land available that is not taken by any farmers. We believe in encouraging private investors with the capacity to develop large amounts of land," he said.
Agribusinesses, investment funds and government agencies piled into developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, when oil prices peaked in 2007-08, leading to a surge in prices of food.
Cheap land to grow food crops and bio-fuels to enhance food and energy security has become essential as populations expand.
There is plenty of land in Africa, with only 5 percent of an estimated 550 million hectares of arable land in central Africa being cultivated, according to the FAO.
Prices were lower than in other developing countries, the terms were favourable, including no import duties on machinery, and full repatriation of products and profits.
But most deals were cloaked in secrecy, and jobs for locals were often only low-paying manual work, activists say.
Most deals also encompass fertile lands which are inhabited, rather than marginal or infertile land as promised by officials.
"This is the land where indigenous communities have farmed and grazed their animals, and depended on for their livelihoods. This is the land where their ancestors lie," Mittal said.
There is "irrefutable evidence that the locals have been forcibly evicted from their homes and lands. They have been intimidated, beaten, and even arrested for demanding their right to their land," she said.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
Most of these deals have also failed to achieve the objectives of enhancing food and energy supply and stimulating development in the local communities, activists say.
The FAO confirmed these observations in a recent report, saying "there is little or no monitoring of the land use in terms of sustainability and social responsibility of the investors".
In Ethiopia, where all land is state-owned, traditional tenure systems exist alongside modern systems. Several regions, including Gambella, where Karuturi had leased land, have no formal tenure and boundaries are agreed by local customs.
In regions where villagisation took place, none of the inhabitants had legal titles, said a Human Rights Watch report.
The relocations may have "life-threatening consequences", with shifting cultivators - who move from one location to another - made to plant crops in a single location, and pastoralists abandoning their cattle-based livelihoods, it said.
Karuturi told Human Rights Watch it did not cause any displacements for the project.
Karuturi's 2010 lease for land in Gambella - a remote region near the Sudan border - was cancelled December 2015.
The company only developed 1,200 hectares of a total 100,000 hectares in two years, Arega of the Ethiopian Investment Commission said. The company was to get 200,000 hectares eventually.
"They were supposed to fully develop the land or hand it over - they didn't do either. They really cost the country a lot in terms of bad publicity," he said.
CULTURALLY CORRECT
Karuturi, one of the first foreign firms to lease land in Ethiopia, has disputed Ethiopia's findings and demanded "adequate and appropriate" compensation after its land was nationalised.
"It is not uncommon to encounter political, social or cultural resistance when an emotive issue such as foreign direct investment in agricultural land is considered," Managing Director Sai Ramakrishna Karuturi said.
The governments of India and Ethiopia are working to "amicably resolve outstanding Karuturi issues", he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an e-mail.
Arega defended large land deals, saying "not all were bad", and that a few have succeeded.
Others have taken more action: Tanzania has imposed caps on the size of land given to investors, and last year began a programme to seize land left undeveloped by investors and return it to poor farmers, in a bid to quell conflicts.
Stalled or failed deals have a greater impact on locals who have to deal with the loss of livelihood and environmental damage, according to a report this month from Swedish campaign group Swedwatch.
The FAO suggests adoption of its voluntary guidelines for land deals to be "socially, culturally and politically correct, environmentally friendly, and economically mutually profitable".
Investors have an equal responsibility in ensuring rights are upheld, said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
"They need to be conscious that they are not becoming party to rights violations ... (and) ensure that the host government meets its obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill the economic and social rights of its people," she said.
But Mittal said African nations must scrap these deals entirely to protect the rights of local communities.
It is "wishful thinking ... that large-scale land deals can be beneficial to local communities if done properly," she said.
"We have looked at hundreds of land deals all across Africa - and have yet to see the benefits accrue for the local populations impacted, or even for national economies. This is a failed development paradigm," she said. (Reporting by Rina Chandran @rinachandran in Mumbai and Tom Gardner in Addis Ababa. Editing by Astrid Zweynert. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights, climate change and resilience. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories.)
By Khalil al-Ashawi and Sarah Dadouch
MAREA, Syria/BEIRUT, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Shaven-headed former jihadists filled a classroom in northern Syria as a Muslim cleric taught them a more moderate form of Islam than the version they had imposed in Islamic State's self-proclaimed caliphate.
Their class was in a new rehabilitation centre for Islamic State members set up in the town of Marea, north of Aleppo, in an area controlled by Syrian rebel groups backed by Turkey.
The centre, set up in October, is meant to address a problem emerging across swathes of Syria and Iraq - how to handle thousands of people living there who joined Islamic State as it enforced its brutal rule.
Islamic State used public killings and torture to enforce its draconian religious code, sexually enslaved captive women and slaughtered prisoners of war and members of enemy tribes.
Its self-styled caliphate is now on the verge of defeat, having lost large tracts of its territory and most of its major towns and cities in both Syria and Iraq.
Although some IS members came from abroad out of conviction, many others were local people who joined the group to protect themselves or earn money, according to an official at the centre.
There are 25 ex-members now at the centre where they take classes in religious doctrine and law. Psychological counseling is mandatory; some get individual sessions to help wean them off extremist ideology. The centre is funded by the director as well as small donations, and its staff are all volunteers.
Marea was besieged, but never captured, by IS. Last year, rebels backed by the Turkish army drove IS out of nearby areas.
Judges in rebel-held areas have tried Islamic State members who were captured or defected, and their sentences have included time at the centre, guarded by a security team.
The centre evaluates former jihadists each month and shares its views with local authorities, which base their release decisions on the centre's recommendations.
INFORMANTS
Dressed in long-sleeved orange shirts and black vests, the ex-jihadists listened to lecturer Sheikh Mohammad al-Mahmoud, who asked them questions about Islamic rulings. No one answered.
"Why did you join Islamic State and force Islam on people if you don't even know these answers?" he asked.
Civilians across Syria and Iraq often reject former IS militants, holding them responsible for killing people from the area and destroying the towns and cities they entered.
But not all former IS members at the centre were armed insurgents, the centre's lawyer said.
"In the brutal administrative areas where Islamic State was, the overwhelming majority (joined) to protect itself or to have the bare minimum to live," Ibrahim Najjar said. Some people joined just to obtain a canister of cooking gas, he added.
IS militants also tended to marry locals' daughters, he said, initially targeting the daughters of influential families and in later years marrying daughters of small families, calling on family ties to recruit fathers and brothers as informants.
HEAVEN AND FREEDOM
In an interview with Reuters at the centre, former IS member Khalil Abdul-Ghafur spoke in formal Arabic - Islamic State's preferred version of the language - until the centre director reminded him to switch back to Syrian dialect.
The 14-year-old from a village near Aleppo said he joined the jihadist group after insurgents arrived. He took lessons in sharia (Islamic law) and trained to use both light and heavy weapons, before IS dispatched him to al-Bab, near Marea.
He was wounded twice, both times returning to the militant ranks after he recovered. He only left IS when he found out rebels had detained his father over his membership of the group.
Asked why he joined Islamic State, Abdul-Ghafur was at first silent. "I don't know what to tell you. They used to show us video clips," he eventually said. "And they talk to us about heaven and freedom and all that."
He did not elaborate on life after Islamic State, only saying the centre has good food, clothes and lessons. But he intends to go back to school when he is released, having not completed his education because his school was bombed.
Ersin Khizri, 22, left his home in Ukraine and travelled to Syria with his wife and baby daughter to join IS ranks, in which he fought in Iraq. He left the group in January because he found it unjust, he said, turning himself in to rebels in Syria.
"It's over: there is no more Daesh left," he said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. "I don't know what the outside situation is like."
The men in the centre watch movies and play chess in their spare time, smoking the cigarettes that were banned under IS.
They are divided into three categories: those who did not commit crimes against civilians, those who did, and foreign members.
Housed in a former school, the centre holds ex-jihadists from the Caucasus, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Tunisia, Iraq and other countries.
Hussein Naser, the centre's director, said the men will stay there for no more than a year, mainly because it does not have the capabilities to hold them longer.
"The goals of the centre are to defeat the extremist ideology of the IS members that we have, ensuring their safety when they leave the centre and that they can live with civilians," Naser said. (Writing by Sarah Dadouch; Editing by Angus McDowall and Mark Heinrich)
BEIRUT, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Shelling killed three people in the last major rebel stronghold near Damascus on Tuesday, a war monitor said, shortly before the UN Syria envoy said the government had agreed a ceasefire there.
Russia had on Monday proposed a ceasefire in the besieged Eastern Ghouta area on Nov. 28-29. U.N. Syria envoy Staffan De Mistura later said Russia had told him that the Syrian government had accepted the idea, but he added "we have to see if it happens".
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, the war monitor, said there were three deaths and 15 injuries from Tuesday's shelling, but that it was less intense than in previous days. A witness in the area said that while the shelling was lighter earlier in the day, it had intensified later.
A Syrian official said the situation on Tuesday was calm.
The UN's humanitarian agency OCHA said in a Tweet that relief teams had entered Eastern Ghouta with food and health supplies for 7,200 people, entering through Nashabiyeh on the opposite side of the pocket from where the fighting was.
Over the weekend, government air strikes and shelling on Ghouta intensified, killing at least 43 people on Sunday and Monday, the Observatory said. Syrian state media said 13 shells hit government-held areas of Damascus on Monday.
Eastern Ghouta is one of several "de-escalation" zones across western Syria where Russia has brokered ceasefire deals between rebels and President Bashar al-Assad's government. But fighting has continued there.
U.N.-backed peace talks in Geneva are set to begin on Tuesday. The government delegation will arrive on Wednesday to attend the talks, state news agency SANA reported.
The opposition delegation, the Syrian Negotiation Commission, called for direct negotiations with the government instead of the previous model of each side speaking only to UN mediators.
Medecins Sans Frontieres, the international medical humanitarian organisation, said on Monday hundreds of people had been wounded in intense bombing and shelling of the Eastern Ghouta in the last two weeks.
It said five MSF-supported field hospitals in East Ghouta had treated 576 wounded patients and recorded 69 deaths, with a quarter of the wounded women or children under the age of 15.
In a statement, MSF said its figures did not account for the total numbers killed in the area as there are other medical facilities it does not support regularly. (Reporting by Lisa Barrington and Tom Perry in Beirut and Tom Miles in Geneva; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky and Richard Balmforth)
By Lefteris Karagiannopoulos
OSLO, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Denmark, Norway and Sweden are pressing ahead with plans for a new system to balance electricity supply and demand in the region, leaving out Finland after negotiations with their neighbour broke down.
Finland and the three Scandinavian countries trade power on the Nordic power market but, when there is an imbalance between booked supply and demand, the grids must currently agree unanimously how to smooth out the flows.
Earlier this year, Scandinavian grid operators proposed taking decisions by majority vote, a change they say will ensure the future reliability of supply as demand grows.
Finland opposed the idea, saying it is illegal under European Union rules. Five months of negotiations failed to find a solution.
Stripped of a veto, Finland is concerned it may have no say on who produces the balancing power, possibly favouring Scandinavian power plants, as Finnish ones tend to be costlier.
If the Scandinavian plan wins EU approval, it could make it more difficult for Finland to deal with short-term fluctuations in demand.
The Swedish grid operator announced the decision on Tuesday to press ahead without Finland.
"In the new Scandinavian balancing model... Svenska Kraftnat and (Norwegian grid operator) Statnett will maintain the current coordinating role for operation of the power system," Svenska Kraftnat said in a statement.
"We regret that Fingrid has decided not to join the new cooperation... the Scandinavian TSOs (transmission system operators) aim for collaboration, not isolation," it added.
Fingrid will submit its own proposal that suggests keeping the current Nordic system unchanged for some time, its senior vice president Asta Sihvonen-Punkka told Reuters on Tuesday.
Finland imports up to a fifth of its electricity consumption at times of peak winter demand, and being alone could create uncertainty for its security of power supply, crucial for its energy-hungry industrial sector.
To make matters worse, Finland will soon see many of its combined heat and power plants, that produce about one third of its electricity and shielded the country from blackouts during cold winters, reaching their end of life.
Having two competing proposals means Nordic regulators will not be able to decide on the matter and will have to escalate the decision to the European Union's Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER), which would act as mediator.
If that fails, it could ask for the European Commission's help to break the deadlock.
The deadline for making a common single proposal between the Nordic grid operators is Jan. 14 and Fingrid hopes there might still be room for a deal before then.
"It is still possible to find a way in the meanwhile, our proposal is a starting point, we are ready to explore other options," said Sihvonen-Punkka.
If the Scandinavian bloc's proposal prevails, Fingrid will still seek some form of international cooperation to balance its power, she added. "We will not be isolated. There will be contracts and agreements." (Editing by Terje Solsvik and Adrian Croft)
By Gus Trompiz and Naveen Thukral
PARIS/SINGAPORE, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Chicago wheat futures were little changed on Tuesday, steadying after a two-day slide to contract lows.
Signs of fresh demand from wheat importers helped the market find a footing but offers in a tender by Egypt confirmed stiff competition from Black Sea suppliers like Russia.
Soybean prices edged lower after climbing on Monday to their highest since Nov. 9, with forecasts calling for some rain in Argentina tempering concerns about dry weather in the South American exporting country.
Corn also ticked lower.
The Chicago Board of Trade most-active wheat contract was 0.1 percent higher by the end of the overnight session at $4.28-3/4 a bushel, holding above Monday's contract low of $4.27-1/2.
"We have had two pretty miserable days for wheat trading," said Phin Ziebell, an agribusiness economist at National Australia Bank.
"Fundamentally nothing has changed, every year production is hitting record highs. We are not going to see higher prices in such an environment."
The price drop since Friday spurred importers like Algeria and Egypt to issue tenders but any demand boost to U.S. wheat was limited by cheaper competition from Russian wheat.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Monday reported weekly wheat export inspections of 344,721 tonnes, in line with estimates for 200,000 tonnes to 400,000 tonnes.
U.S. wheat export inspections are down 5.9 percent so far in this marketing year compared with 2016/17.
CBOT soybeans eased 0.5 percent to $9.91-1/4 a bushel after failing to reach the $10 threshold, while corn gave up 0.3 percent to $3.50-3/4 a bushel.
Below-average rain in the first two weeks of December will complicate planting of late-sown corn and soybeans in most of Argentina's central grains belt, meteorologists told Reuters on Monday.
Forecasts called for scattered rain in parts of Argentina in the week ahead, although models differed as to the amount and there was a risk of moisture declining again next week, the Commodity Weather Group said in a note. (Reporting by Naveen Thukral in Singapore and Gus Trompiz in Paris; Editing by Joseph Radford and Mark Potter)
By Jussi Rosendahl
HELSINKI, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Finland's biggest retailer S Group, which put its Russian growth plans on hold after the Ukraine crisis in 2014, is now back in expansion mode, a company executive said on Tuesday.
The cooperative group, which accounts for more than 40 percent of Finland's grocery sales, operates 16 Prisma hypermarkets and stores in St Petersburg.
Several Finnish companies, including retailers Stockmann and Kesko, have pulled back from Russia in recent years following an economic slowdown there and a slide in the rouble currency.
But with the economy now picking up, S Group is planning to double its number of hypermarkets and supermarkets in St Petersburg in the next five years, possibly starting from 2018, said Executive Vice President Jorma Vehvilainen, who is in charge of the retail business.
"Our Russian operations as a whole are starting to show positive cash flow. The St Petersburg region is developing well already, it is a huge market with a lot of growth potential," he told Reuters by phone.
"This kind of market business requires a certain critical volume to become profitable."
S Group's retail business in St Petersburg, which covers about 4 percent of the city's overall market, is currently loss-making, Vehvilainen said. Prisma's rivals there include X5 and Lenta.
Vehvilainen said the company was also looking to open smaller convenience stores, as well as new hotels on top of the three it already has in the city.
"St Petersburg is easily reachable from Finland, logistically," he said, adding the retailer was not looking to expand elsewhere in Russia.
Moscow in 2014 imposed an embargo on products including meat and dairy from the European Union and other countries in retaliation for Western economic sanctions over Russia's involvement in the Ukraine crisis.
S Group sees the quality of Finnish food as a major competitive advantage. However, Vehvilainen said the embargo had not affected Prisma's selection much.
"The bigger worry has been the weak purchasing power. The consumer behaviour correlates very much to the exchange rate."
S Group's operations in Finland, the Baltics and Russia include groceries, hypermarkets, hotels, restaurants and a bank. Last year it had total sales of about 11 billion euros. (Reporting by Jussi Rosendahl; Editing by Mark Potter)
BERLIN, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Germany is best suited to host a new NATO military logistics command, the top U.S. Army general in Europe said on Tuesday.
NATO allies this month backed plans for two new military headquarters - an Atlantic command and a logistics command - to help protect Europe in the event of a future conflict.
Lieutenant General Ben Hodges told the Berlin Security Conference that Germany - already host to many U.S. troops - was well-placed to take on the logistics role given its geographical location in the heart of Europe, and its existing capabilities.
"I can't imagine any other country being better suited than Germany to take on that responsibility, from a geographical standpoint, a capability standpoint," Hodges said.
Diplomats have said that Germany is eager to host the logistics command but no decisions have been made.
Hodges, who is due to retire next month, has repeatedly pushed for increased focus on improving the ability to move troops and equipment across Europe in the event of a future conflict.
NATO began beefing up its defences after the 2014 annexation by Russia of Ukraines Crimea peninsula, deploying troops to the Baltic states and Poland, strengthening its presence in the Black Sea and starting to modernising its forces.
The Kremlin, which denies harboring any aggressive intentions toward Europe, has condemned the moves as an attempt to encircle Russia. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Writing by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Alison Williams)
MOSCOW, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Moscow's ambassador to the United States will inspect the Russian consulate in San Francisco, from which staff has been expelled, on a visit to California later this month, the Russian embassy to the United States said on Tuesday, according to the news agency RIA.
Russian staff left the consulate in September after Washington ordered Moscow to vacate some of its diplomatic properties, part of a series of tit-for-tat actions as relations soured between the two countries.
U.S. officials have since occupied administrative parts of the compound, and Russia has threatened retaliation over what it has said are illegal and disrespectful acts.
"From Nov. 29 to Dec. 3, Ambassador (Anatoly) Antonov will visit the state of California," RIA quoted the embassy as saying.
The embassy said the trip will also include meetings with experts and business people, RIA reported.
(Reporting by Jack Stubbs; Editing by Larry King)
Official Palestinian Media: U.S. and Israel Are Responsible for ISIS Attack | Main | Israeli Peace Offers Go Missing in Politico
November 28, 2017
International Business Times Peddles Fake News About Mossad's Gal Gadot
A screen shot from Lebanon's Al Liwaa, which had erroneously used Gal Gadot's photograph to illustrate a story on alleged Mossad agent Collette Vianfi. Al Liwaa apologized, but The International Business Times lags far behind (Image via Times of Israel)
Update: After communication from CAMERA staff, the International Business Times corrected its article and added a notice explaining that the story "has been updated to reflect that Al Liwaa apologized for using Gal Gadots photo to illustrate a story about an alleged Mossad agent."
Starring as "Wonder Woman," Israel's Gal Gadot has grossed more than any other super-hero origin film, capturing the imagination of untold numbers of fans. She has also captured the imagination of an International Business Times reporter, who, based on an embarrassing photographic error on the part of a Lebanese newspaper, spun her own fantasy tale about the Israeli actress.
Leaving the facts behind, Lauren Dubois wrote yesterday ("Lebanese Newspaper Claims To Reveal Gal Gadots Alleged Alternate Identity As Mossad Agent"):
However, at least according to a Lebanese newspaper, Israeli actress Gal Gadot also has another secret identityas a Mossad agent. The paper, a daily known as Al Liwaa, published an image of Gadot on their front page Monday, claiming in an unsubstantiated report (via The Times of Israel), that she was actually Collette Vianfi, an agent from Israels international spy agency who was allegedly recruited to work with Lebanese actor and playwright Ziad Itani, who was arrested on Friday on charges of collaborating? with Israel and gathering information about political figures. The report included an image of Gadot from 2011s Fast Five? movie, and the report allegedly claimed the photo of her had circulated? on social media, and hours before the report was published, the image had been shared online with some claiming that Gadot was Vianfi, who was reportedly meant to visit Itani in Beirut this week, before canceling the trip after his arrest.
But Al Liwaa never claimed that Gal Gadot was an Israeli agent or that her alter ego is someone called Collette Vianfi. Rather, it accidentally used a picture of Gadot to illustrate a story covering purported Israeli agent Vianfi. As The Arab News reports:
Israeli Wonder Woman star Gal Gadot was pictured as a Mossad agent on the front page of a Lebanese newspaper yesterday. Beirut-based Al Liwaa newspaper used a picture of the actress to illustrate a story about Colette Vianfi, an alleged Israeli Mossad officer accused of recruiting Lebanese comedian and playwright Ziad Itani as a spy. A senior newspaper executive described the incident as embarrassing? in a telephone interview with Arab News. Tareq Damlaj, one of the managing editors at the newspaper, said: People were spreading the photo of actress Gal Gadot on social media, especially through WhatsApp, believing it was a photo of the Israeli officer. But after receiving a phone call today from cinema enthusiasts, and not security services, we learned this was the photo of an Israeli actress.?
Furthermore, an editor's note yesterday on the very Times of Israel story to which Dubois linked spelled out that the Lebanese paper didn't accuse Gadot of being a spy, but rather misused her photograph ("Lebanese paper uses photo of Gal Gadot for tale of 'Mossad agent,' apologizes").
Meanwhile, not only does The International Business Times falsely claim that Lebanon's Al Liwaa supposedly accused Gadot of being a Mossad agent, it also egregiously fails to inform readers that the paper has already apologized about the "embarrassing" misuse of Gadot's picture. Al Liwaa apologized. Will The International Business Times?
Posted by TS at November 28, 2017 07:29 AM
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ISTANBUL, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Turkey said on Tuesday it could expand its military mission in Syria to two other provinces, potentially bringing its forces into confrontation with U.S.-backed Kurdish fighters that Ankara considers its enemies.
Turkish troops have operated an "observation mission" in rebel-held territory in Syria's northwestern Idlib province, under a deal with Damascus allies Russia and Iran to help reduce fighting between insurgents and government forces.
"It's been considered that the observation mission of the Turkish armed forces in the Idlib de-escalation zone is continuing successfully, and such a mission being performed near Western Aleppo and Afrin would provide a real environment of peace and safety," Turkey's National Security Council said in a statement.
Ankara, which has long backed rebels fighting to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad, has toned down its demands that Assad leave power. It now says its main concerns in Syria are combating both Islamist militants and Kurdish fighters it considers allies of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which has fought a decades-long insurgency in southeastern Turkey.
Earlier this month, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey needed to clear the Afrin region of northwest Syria of Kurdish YPG militia fighters as the military operation in Idlib province is largely complete.
The Kurdish YPG is the main element in a U.S.-backed force that Washington has assisted with training, weapons, air support and help from ground advisers in the battle against Islamic State. Washington's support for the YPG is a bone of contention between the United States and Turkey, which are allies in NATO. (Reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun; Editing by Peter Graff)
SEOUL, Nov 29 (Reuters) - North Korea fired one ballistic missile from Pyongsong, a city in South Pyongan Province, at around 1817 GMT over the sea between South Korea and Japan, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Wednesday.
South Korea and the United States are currently analysing what type of missile North Korea was fired, the military said in a text.
Minutes after the North fired the missile, South Korea's military conducted a missile-firing test in response to the provocation, the South Korean military added.
(Reporting by Christine Kim, editing by Larry King)
By Michael Hirtzer
CHICAGO, Nov 28 (Reuters) - U.S. ethanol producers, looking to relieve a growing domestic glut, are hunting for new international fuel markets to replace China and Brazil after trade disputes slashed exports to those top buyers.
Without new markets, U.S. producers may have to pare output after spending hundreds of millions of dollars on biofuel production plants in recent years. Currently, the most promising potential destinations for U.S. fuel exports appear to be Mexico and India, industry executives said.
China and Brazil accounted for 41 percent of the 1.17 billion gallons the United States exported last year. Shipments to the two shriveled in September, making U.S. exports for that month the smallest in more than a year.
"There are only so many times you can replace your top market," said Tom Sleight, president of the U.S. Grains Council, which officials said has been calling on potential buyers in Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria.
China's demand plummeted by more than 100 million gallons this year after it removed a preferential tariff rate. Brazil's imports tumbled after it put a quota on imports in September to protect its domestic producers.
To drum up new customers, Illinois-based ethanol producer Marquis Energy has sent executives to India, China, Thailand and the Philippines, promoting the corn-based fuel additive as a smog and oil-import fighter.
"I've had a lot of people over there almost nonstop over the last three months," the company's chief executive Mark Marquis said of the hunt for buyers in Asia. Archer Daniels Midland Co and Flint Hills Resources also have stepped up efforts to sell into Mexico, traders said.
U.S. ethanol prices have slid to nearly a two-year low as daily domestic production last week hit a record 45.1 million gallons, making the search for new export markets more urgent. Output this year could reach about 16 billion gallons, nearly triple that of 2007.
U.S. exports fell since hitting 2.5 million gallons per day in the first eight months this year. Shipments to Brazil sank to 19 million gallons in September, the smallest monthly volume in more than a year. Exports to China through September were just 60,880 gallons, a precipitous drop from 198 million gallons a year earlier, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.
The marketing effort could pay off in Mexico, whose energy regulatory commission (CRE) is to vote soon to ease the flow of fuel imports through state-run Pemex facilities to several Mexican states bordering the United States.
If approved, significant new volumes of gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol could begin flowing in 2018 into Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas states, CRE Commissioner Luis Guillermo Pineda told Reuters.
"The largest supplier is logically the United States, but it can be from anywhere," Pineda said of the ethanol blend.
Ray Young, ADM's finance chief, last month told analysts Mexico could be importing 200 million gallons annually by 2019. U.S. ethanol exports to Mexico last year totaled about 30 million gallons.
U.S. inventories reached 920 million gallons in the week ended Nov. 17, up 16 percent from a year earlier, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said. Ethanol futures have fallen to $1.36 per gallon on the Chicago Board of Trade, down 20 percent from their 2017 high in April.
U.S. producers are pitching China and India on ethanol's smog-fighting potential. This month, United Airlines canceled flights to India's capital, New Delhi, citing heavy smog as a public health emergency. China ordered Beijing and more than two dozen other cities to start meeting limits on airborne pollution starting this month.
Ted McKinney, a USDA official interviewed during a biofuel-promotion trip to India, expressed optimism that country could import much more U.S. ethanol for cars and trucks. But others were not so sure.
India's government wants to promote biofuel production using its own agricultural waste, said Jai Asundi, research coordinator at Bengaluru-based think tank Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP).
"There is a potential for producing ethanol from locally available sources without depending on imports," Asundi said. (Additional reporting by David Alire Garcia in MEXICO CITY, Mayank Bhardwaj in NEW DELHI and Yashaswini Swamynathan in BANGALORE; Editing by Gary McWilliams and David Gregorio)
By Daniel DePetris
Nov 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. National Security Council is reported to be on the verge of recommending the export of $47 million worth of defensive arms to Ukraine. The package will reportedly include a cache of Javelin anti-tank missiles, weapons that would reliably and efficiently disable the hundreds of tanks that the Russian-supported separatists in the countrys east have acquired since the conflict began.
To advocates who believe that sending weapons to the Ukrainian government will bloody Russias nose and send President Vladimir Putin a message, this pending decision couldnt have come soon enough. Arming Kiev is a popular prescription supported by top military officers and many lawmakers in both parties.
Popular, however, doesnt mean smart. Opening up Americas stockpile to Ukraine is not in Washingtons national security interest. In fact, it is bound to make a conflict that is mostly frozen into a more deadly one and it complicates any reasonable chance of a diplomatic resolution.
While it may be uncomfortable to admit, the political orientation of Ukraine and how Ukrainians choose to manage (or mismanage) their economy and political system doesnt directly affect the United States. As Rajan Menon and William Ruger wrote in Foreign Affairs magazine last month, "Ukraine matters more to Russia than it does to the United States."
To Washington, Ukraine is a post-Soviet state whose oligarchic politics and systemic corruption have severely handicapped the countrys economic outlook. U.S. security interests in Europe are not wedded to whether Kiev succeeds in establishing a more democratic and accountable form of government. At best, Ukraine is a peripheral country that the United States doesnt have a treaty obligation to defend if its territory is invaded.
To Putin, however, Ukraine is an integral puzzle in his grand strategy of making Russia as relevant a global player as it was during the Cold War. A wholesale Westernization of Ukrainian politics, from associations with the European Union (EU) to a possible membership in NATO, would destroy that ambition and ruin a significant portion of Putins political legacy. Indeed, the possibility of Ukraine increasing its trade relationship and political direction with the United States and Europe was enough of a national security threat to Putin that he was willing to deploy Russian soldiers, paratroopers, and special forces on Ukrainian territory to carve out a zone of influence there. Putins belief that a Russian-friendly Ukraine is a national security imperative for Moscow wont be changed by a couple dozen anti-tank missiles from the United States.
The second concern for the Trump administration is how Putin might respond to any escalation. As former National Security Council official Charles Kupchan argued in the Washington Post: "The notion that Russian President Vladimir Putin would give up his hold on Donbass [Eastern Ukraine] if a few more Russians come home in body bags is to dramatically misread the Kremlin." Yet this false assumption is what undergirds the arguments from proponents of lethal assistance to the Ukrainians.
Its impossible to understand why some U.S. legislators are so confident that Moscow will react in the way they expect. The three-and-a-half year long war has shown that Russia is ruthless in escalating its involvement and investment in the conflict to prevent a military victory for Kiev. In fact, to expect that Moscow would respond to more Russian casualties by suing for a peace settlement is to ignore completely how Putin has behaved since Russias 2014 invasion of Ukraine.
When separatist units in Donetsk and Luhansk were losing ground to pro-Kiev forces early in the war, Russia came to their rescue. In the summer of 2014, when pro-Ukrainian troops were retaking towns that Kiev previously lost, columns of Russian tanks, artillery, heavy weapons, and soldiers crossed the border into Ukraine to ensure that there were no more Ukrainian territorial advances in strategic areas. When the stalemated battle in the city of Ilovaisk was slowly moving Kievs way, conventional Russian soldiers and weapons were fast-tracked to the frontline in what would turn out to be one of the deadliest days for Ukrainian troops in the war.
Months later, when the separatists were in jeopardy of retreating from the strategic town of Delbatseve, Russian tanks were deployed and quickly forced an undermanned, disorganized, demoralized, and tired contingent of Kiev forces to withdraw. Theres no reason to think that Putin would respond less violently now if Washington sent defense shipments to Ukraine.
The most negative impact of additional U.S. involvement is that it will likely spoil Moscows willingness to cooperate on a Ukrainian peacekeeping proposal. While Moscow has insisted that the 2014 and 2015 Minsk protocols are the only way the war in Ukraine can end peacefully, Putin has openly acknowledged that there may need to be greater international involvement if that peace is to be sustainable. He broached the subject of deploying U.N. troops along the contact line this September and even agreed to explore greater access to peacekeepers in separatist-controlled territory after a call with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The concept is now being discussed within the Trump administration and between the U.S. and Russian special envoys to the conflict, suggesting sincerity on the Russian side.
A White House authorization to send equipment to Kiev could stop that dialogue. Its difficult to understand why the United States would escalate the war when there may finally be an opening to explore a U.N.-enforced cessation of hostilities that could lead to a political settlement to the conflict.
The Russians could respond to increased U.S. involvement in Ukraine in other ways too. Moscow could, for example, use its veto power in the U.N. Security Council to block U.S.-led efforts to stop North Koreas nuclear program. Putin could expand military and intelligence cooperation with Iran to undermine the Trump administrations policy of containing Iranian expansionism.
The costs to the U.S. of turning Ukraine into a proxy war against Russia overshadow the benefit of increasing Moscows casualty count. Sending arms to Kiev will do very little to help resolve the conflict. Sometimes the best course of action for the White House is not to get more involved on issues peripheral to American grand strategy. (Reporting by Ben Adler)
Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era in a historic redefinition of Chinas current situation. This new era means more than Chinas great leap from standing up to becoming rich and strong in the global and domestic scene. It implies that China has already taken world centre stage, contributing Chinese wisdom and Chinese approaches to the worlds development based on its success in socialism with Chinese characteristics in terms of theory, system, culture and of course her enormous power in each and every field.
China has become the worlds largest manufacturer, the largest exporter, a major source of global economic growth and a stabilizer of the world economy.
Chinas foreign reserves are a mammoth 3.11 trillion or US4 3,110 billion in October in comparison to Sri Lankas US$ 6.2 billion.
Anyone visiting China could witness the widespread multifaceted development taking place in all parts of the country. Construction of skyscrapers, high ways and expressways are common sights in any part of China. What most is significant is the extra efforts taken to preserve and protect the environment.
Sustainable and continual economic growth in China makes the country play an increasingly important role as a stabilizer of the world economy, since the 80s.
The recently concluded 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China aptly symbolizes this new chapter of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).
Recent years have witnessed China playing an increasingly important role in global economic governance, as proved by the proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative, the convening of the G20 Summit in Hangzhou in 2016, the establishment of the BRICS New Development Bank, the operation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the raising of the concept of a community of shared future for mankind, which has been written into United Nations documents.
Chinas rapid development and its stature as a responsible power win it worldwide recognition, as it takes a place in the centre of the world stage.
Today, Chinas economic aggregate is the worlds second-largest, contributing more than 30 percent of global economic growth. China is now a strong engine for world economic development and one of the worlds manufacturing centres, It has realized global allocation of resources and energies, which amplifies Chinas influence in the World
The Chinese economy is getting increasingly integrated with the global economy by forging partnerships with many economies, in terms of trade and investment, which are gradually becoming part of each other. Its not a stretch to say that every economic policy initiated by China exerts a certain impact on the global economy.
As it becomes stronger and more powerful, China is actively getting involved in global governance, producing a series of initiatives and approaches in global politics, economy, and security.
China is now an indispensable driving force for the evolution of international relationships and also a steadfast advocate for world peace and economic globalization. China has always stuck to justice and peaceful solutions to regional conflicts and bilateral disputes. This adds to Chinas international influence, magnetism and shaping power.
In this era of dramatic changes and rapid development, peace and development remain the theme of the times. China will continue to uphold the banner of peace, development and win-win cooperation, try to make more contributions to human society and press ahead with construction of the community of shared future for mankind.
With its progress in industrialization, China has been providing finished products to people around the world and made-in-China covers markets worldwide, remarkably improving the wellbeing of the world.
No matter how uneven the road ahead is, it is firmly believed that as a key power on the world stage, China will make greater contributions to the worlds peace, security, and development.
Chinas status in the world economic system is based on the progress of industrialization. After World War II, almost all the emerging countries freed from colonial and semi-colonial status set the goal of industrialization, but only a few of them succeeded, while China is among the most successful.
Nearly a decade ago, China became the worlds largest manufacturer, with remarkable advantages in traditional labour-intensive manufacturing industries.
With its progress in industrialization, China has been providing finished products to people around the world and made-in-China covers markets worldwide, remarkably improving the wellbeing of the world.
Made-in-China has played an even more significant role in improving peoples livelihoods in developing countries.
In the tide of mobile telecom development, people across almost the entire African continent rely on Chinese-made telecom equipment and affordable cell phones to enter the era of mobile payment, despite a lack of access to fixed phones and poor bank facilities.
Similarly, a great leap forward to mobile payment also occurred in India and some other countries. Besides, relying on cheap Chinese-made goods, wholesale and logistics businesses have also prospered in Africa and Latin America.
Sustainable and continuoal economic growth in China makes the country play an increasingly important role as a stabiliser of the world economy. Since the 1 980s, China has been serving as a stabilizer in the regional economy of East Asia, and after the Asian financial crisis in 1997, its role of stabiliser in the East Asian economy became increasingly prominent.
Entering the 21st century, China has upgraded from East Asian economic stabiliser to world economic stabilizer and engine.
A few statistics will show what China has achieved in the last decade from 2006 to 2016 in comparison to Sri Lankas extremely poor performance.
In 2016, Sri Lankas GDP was US$ 32.35 billion and the Per Capita Income was US$ 1,448. By 2016, Sri Lankas GDP has risen to US$ 81.32 billion and the Per Capita Income to US$ 3,835 while China has recorded a Per Capita Income of US$ 8,123 in 2016 from US$ 5,870 in 2006. Chinas GDP in 2016 was unbelievable US$ 21.37 trillion, an increase from US$ 7.699 trillion 2006.
Chinas foreign reserves are a mammoth US$ 3.11 trillion or US$ 3,110 billion in October 2017 in comparison to Sri Lankas US$ 6.2 billion.
According to official estimation, by 2020 when China fully becomes a moderately prosperous society, its GDP will approximate 100 trillion Yuan ($15 trillion), and its annual per-capita GDP will reach $11,000. Meanwhile, all people will have risen out of poverty.
Permanent urban residents will account for more than 60 percent of Chinas population. Annual per-capita disposable income will range between 30,000 Yuan ($4,523) and 35,000 Yuan ($5,277).
Chinas GDP will still rank second in the world, yet the gap between China and the United States, the largest economy in the world, will further narrow. China will remain among the upper-middle-income countries, but it will come to be one of the top countries in this rank.
This will be the foundation for China to build on in order to overtake the United States to become the worlds largest economy and a high-income country after 2020.
To address major challenges and problems facing global governance, Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed a series of new concepts-including ideas on global governance, security, development, and globalization-with the aim of building a more rational, balanced and fairer global governance system that benefits all.
China upholds the concepts of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and promotes the long-term goal of creating a community of shared future for mankind through practical actions.
Over the four years since it was launched, the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative has evolved from a proposal into concrete action, from an idea into fruitful results. It has become an open and inclusive platform for international cooperation and a widely welcomed global public good for the global community. More than 100 countries and international organizations show support for and actively participate in the construction of the Belt and Road.
The initiative has been incorporated into important resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), the UN Security Council and the UN Human Rights Council. Construction of the Belt and Road has already been given credit for preliminary achievements, with a handful of landmark projects already paying off.
China has aligned its development strategy with those of many other countries, and infrastructure connectivity has been remarkably improved. In May, China successfully hosted the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which produced fruitful results and greater momentum for joint endeavours under the initiative.
China upholds the concepts of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and promotes the long-term goal of creating a community of shared future for mankind through practical actions.
Chinas rapid and unbelievable progress in the last few decades is more significant as she has not plundered, invaded or exploited any foreign country to achieve her phenomenal success in the economy.
Anyone visiting China could witness the widespread multifaceted development taking place in all parts of the country. Construction of skyscrapers, high ways and expressways are common sights in any part of China. What is most significant is the extra efforts taken to preserve and protect the environment.
The only setback I witnessed was the low knowledge of a foreign language among Chinese people. Though English is taught from the kindergarten level since late, even the young Chinese are poor in English though they have been fully westernized beyond recognition from their older generation.
The Meteorology Department of Sri Lanka yesterday advised the people not to panic over foreign reports forecasting a storm or flood threats in the country.
Met Department Director Forecaster Anusha Warnasooriya told the Daily Mirror the people have begun to panic due to several foreign news reports of a storm that would likely hit Sri Lanka followed by a flood threat, however so far the Meteorology department data doesnt have evidence to confirm such reports.
She said the Meteorology Department was observing a low level atmospheric disturbance in the Bay of Bengal however it would travel over Sri Lanka towards India.
Further she said different regions of the world are using various numerical models to collect data and forecast on the weather but all those models are not suitable for Sri Lanka therefore most foreign reports are not reliable.
She also said the build up of a storm could be identified early and the Met Department would know if there was such a threat..
A major storm hit the country last in 2000.
Meanwhile, the Met Department said that rainfall exceeding 75 mm could be expected during the next 36 hours in some places particularly in the Central, Eastern, Uva, Southern and Sabaragamuwa provinces.
It also said Misty conditions could be expected at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces during the mornings with winds over 50 kmph. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)
There are pros and cons of both Ayurvedic and Western medicinal practices. Many assume that the Ayurvedic system is unique to Sri Lanka. Simply the reality is that the existing Sri Lankan Ayurvedic system was influenced by the Indian Ayurvedic system. Before the Ayurvedic system spread, a traditional and indigenous medical practice existed in Sri Lanka. This purely Sri Lankan medical practice isnt a descendant of Indian Ayurvedic system, traditional medical practitioner Dampe Weda Mahaththaya told the Daily Mirror.
This Ayurvedic doctor, from Madapatha, Dampe, said that the traditional indigenous medical practice is deep-rooted in the Sri Lankan history.
Prefers treating serious patients
Speaking about the specialized areas in Ayurveda he said, I am dedicated towards curing the poorest of patients who are suffering from diseases which have been termed incurable. Among them are patients who have been told to undergo bypass operations. I prefer to treat patients who have serious ailments since any doctor can cure simple illnesses likes coughs and influenza. I am interested in curing patients with Diabetics, Arthritis, High/low blood pressure, cholesterol and wheezing, said Dampe Weda Mahaththaya. Answering the question as to how he entered the field of medicine, the weda mahaththaya said, Well, I am hailing from an ancient weda (Medicinal) generation whose roots are in Anuradhapura. We have been familiar with medicine and treatments since childhood. As children, we would go searching for medicine in the forest with our elders.
Later I met an elderly weda mahaththaya from Ratnapura, who had no predecessor to pass on his vast knowledge to. He taught me the art of pulse reading known as Naadi Wedakama. Therefore I am skilled in a medicinal practice known as Sanyoga Wedakama which I inherited from the family. This method of treatment has pulse reading incorporated into it. Pulse reading is based on temperature and the activeness of the patient, the weda mahattaya said. According to him in latter years his family had moved to Madapatha. After settling down, we were treating the villagers and soon patients came in numbers and formed queues at our residence. Our home was always filled with patients, he reminisced.
Every plant contains poisons within. The indigenous medical practitioner, also known as weda mahaththya, has the ability to mix the poison in safer quantities so that it cures the patient
Lack of herbs and plants
Making medicine from plants and herbs at present is a difficult task for Ayurvedic doctors like him due to lack of material. He explained how he is overcoming such difficulties. I can identify any medicinal plant just by biting into a dried-up part of a tree, which grows in this country. Now the forests are degrading fast, and its difficult to find herbs needed for medicine. Mahogany, Teak and other invasive plant species are destroying our indigenous trees and plants and also disturbing the pollination process. The bees, a critical part of pollination and the forest life cycle, are going extinct. Thousands of trees are facing the threat of extinction. is how he described the present precarious situation.
We usually obtain herbs from Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Mulathivu, and Polonnaruwa. We obtain them especially from the dry zone. We have helping hands everywhere in the country. They collect and bring the medicinal herbs which we combine carefully to produce the medicines, ourselves. My family members support us in all these endeavours. he noted.
Every plant contains poisons within. The indigenous medical practitioner, also known as weda mahaththya, has the ability to mix the poison in safer quantities so that it cures the patient, he specified.
He said that a doctor is responsible in prescribing the right medication for a patient. He added that regardless of whether the ailment was simple or complicated prescribing any medicine should be done with a great understanding of the patients condition. Its essential that the doctor has a clear sense of the three ailments afflicting a patient which are identified in Ayruveda as Thridosha, (waatha, pitha, and sema), he said.
Bypass
We asked the weda mahaththaya why he started treating patients who have been recommended to undergo bypass surgery. Well, I had the idea to make medicines for patients who have been told to do a bypass surgery. I started experimenting with medicines which can be used to cure such ailments. This was early as in 2001. My experiments produced successful results by 2005. As a result, we are able to cure any patient who has been told to undergo bypass surgery within two and half months, he said.
Many people think that indigenous medicine and Ayurvedic medicine are the same. Dampe Weda Mahaththaya explained the differences between those two medicinal practices. The Ayurvedic system came to Sri Lanka from India and later mixed with traditional indigenous medicine that was existing. Consequently, the Ayurvedic medical practice surpassed the practice of traditional indigenous medicine. Concoctions, dry balls, arishta (syrup) and other medications are given to the patient in the Ayurvedic system. However, in traditional indigenous medicine practice, we give only the dry version of medicines taking into account convenience and practicality. Both medical practices have transparent differences he said.
However, in traditional indigenous medicine, almost all plants and leaves are used to make medicine. We combine the barks, leaves, fruits, roots and other natural substances and use our knowledge to experiment with new medicines and treatment. Thats the most obvious difference between the two systems. They (Ayurvedic) cant find solutions for new diseases, but we (Traditionalists) can,he emphasised.
The wonder of this traditional indigenous medical practice is that there are treatments for every disease and we can find treatment for newly originated diseases, even for plagues. It is possible to make medicines by experimenting
No miracle oils
Airing his opinion on quack doctors or so-called weda mahaththayas and the harm done by them to this practice known as wedakama he said, Nowadays, there are hundreds of Sinhala medicinal products manufactured for the sole purpose of marketing. There are no common medicines in the traditional indigenous medical practice that can be given to everyone except for herbs like Kottamalli, Aralu, Bulu, and Nelli etc. Those various oils, that promise miracles and cures, are mere consumer products since no genuine weda mahaththaya can make cure-all oils.
The first thing a general physician does is to reveal the bitter truth about a serious illness to the patient. This causes a major mental break down in the patient. As doctors, we should cultivate a friendship with the patient and utter words of encouragement. Not only the body, but also the mind of the patient needs care. he said underscoring how the traditional indigenous medical practice is bound not only with the physical self, but also with the spiritual self of a patient.
Asked what the taboo foods are from a traditional indigenous medicine perspective, he said, It depends on the disease and the condition of the patient. Pineapples, tomatoes, fish and meat are considered taboo in Sinhala wedakama. I advise my patients to avoid these food and ask them to consider avoiding foods that raise the heat in the body. Fish contains formalin and are months old and meat also includes certain hormones that are detrimental to my mode of treatment. Speaking about the diseases, Dampe Weda Mahaththaya said that the traditional indigenous medicine is a vast subject. The wonder of this traditional indigenous medical practice is that there are treatments for every disease and we can find treatment for newly originated diseases, even for plagues. It is possible to make medicines by experimenting, he said.
(Dampe Weda Mahaththaya can be visited at 79/1/A, Dampe, Madapatha)
Victimization, vindication and compensation to Naomi Coleman
When Naomi Coleman says that she was overwhelmed by the Supreme Court Decision vindicating her rights and compensating her to the tune of Rs.800,000, one is hardly surprised. When foreigners, specially Brits visit Sri Lanka, they do not expect a religious police a la Saudi Arabian Mutaween, to pounce on them at the Airport. To make things worse and quite shameful, one hardly expects a Magistrate, a judicial officer, to remand her and then issue a deportation order, ultra vires, condemning her as a common criminal.
Just like the Rohingyas did at Mount Lavinia, Ms. Coleman too has tasted a bowlful of Theravada Buddhism in its current and popular packaging. One might ironically say that she has received what she was searching for in her quest in countries such as Thailand and Nepal, that too, beyond all her expectations, in this beautiful isle. Her quest was fulfilled to the hilt when she was reported on media as saying that she would never visit Sri Lanka again.
I really wish that my engagement with the Criminal Justice system in this column would cease soon, allowing me to dwell on more cheerful facets of our lives; but it does not. In fact, it becomes more and more imperative to address these issues as hardly a few days go by without fingers being pointed at one or more of the institutions that comprise our Criminal Justice System. The Vidya gang rape and Ruggerite Thajudeens case are two among many where the whole system came under severe criticism for its opaqueness, arbitrariness and lack of integrity.
Indictment against the Criminal Justice System
A criminal justice system is not merely the courts or the criminal law; it engulfs state institutions such as the Police, Prisons, Probation Department as well as concepts like victim and witness protection, access to law, the legal profession and so on, making it an umbrella where a person who comes into contact with the criminal branch of the law could seek refuge, as accused, victim or witness. We have this system handed down to us from the colonialists, Brits in particular, well oiled and time tested, albeit not without shortcomings and weaknesses; a thing that even exists in highly developed jurisdictions too.
Yet the disturbing development of late is the extent to which the integrity of these institutions is being compromised; a situation engendered by corruption, nepotism, political influence, bribery, inefficiency and incompetence.
As the Coleman case reveals the entire institutional structure showed how putrid and defecated it was. From a Police OIC, who blindly allowed himself to be led by, eh, a tuk tuk driver, in detaining her without knowing the offence she had committed, to the Magistrate who thought it was his fifteen minutes of glory to show the whites how reverent and disciplined we were viz a viz these tattoo-sporting and skin-baring white tribal savages. From the prison guard making lewd remarks and gestures while she was in his custody to the female guard who tried to steal her mobile phone. For a person who is used to the foolproof and efficient systems of criminal justice in Britain, this might have been a nightmare, obviously. But even for natives like us, who are peddlers of corruption, nepotism, bigotry, fraud in our own humble and individual ways, this is disturbing.
Disturbing questions
Are the Police officers, especially those in charge of Police stations, such buffoons not to inquire as to under what law a person, let alone a British National, is being detained? Is the Magistrate, so ignorant in law as not to realize that deportation of foreigners is a prerogative of the Subject Minister and not his by a long stretch? Furthermore, was he even vaguely conscious of what the criminal element inherent in the act that she was supposedly charged of by the Brilliant Buddhist Crusader in khaki uniform? Do not male prison guards have any fear of acting in sexually suggestive manner to a foreign female, whose case has the potential of attracting international attention? Are female prison guards thieves of mobile phones and other belongings of those under their charge?
More disturbingly, is the Supreme Court the only place and none nearer to ground zero, where a person could get his rights vindicated? Coleman could afford it; can an ordinary man or woman invoke the jurisdiction of this apex court of the land?
All these questions beg answering; answers, all of which, beget more questions. None of the answers would inspire confidence either in the rule of law or the institutions affiliated to it.
Why the archaic notion of crime and punishment has been replaced by the modern concept of criminal justice is to ensure that not only the victims but even delinquents are dealt humanely, scientifically and therapeutically so that instead of retributory dictates, correctional methods are given priority. But when completely innocent and law abiding citizens, or even non-citizens, as in this case, themselves are relegated to the common criminal who deserves the dungeon, in a country which calls itself, a Socialist Democratic Republic, in terms of the mode of governance and a repository of Theravada Buddhism, in terms of its social outlook, one is rendered speechless.
More disturbingly, is the SC the only place and none nearer to ground zero, where a person could get his rights vindicated?
Vindicator or licensed violator of rights?
Internationally the integrity of our justice system has been questioned in areas of transitional justice, fundamental rights, rights of political prisoners etc. prompting for calls for foreign judges and tribunals. As much as we deplore such encroachments upon the sovereign governance of our affairs by foreigners, even in such, grey areas of dispute adjudication, what about these glaring showcasing of incompetence, ignorance and bigotry in more plainer plateaus such as ordinary criminal proceedings? If this is the competence level at the ordinary and the mundane, what about the extraordinary and the complicated?
The space for dissent and an alternative mode of life, including practices which are not in conformity with the religious views of the majority, is narrowing so fast. Religious and racial bigotry is assuming proportions of downright physical violence, abuse, assault and intimidation. The law enforcing authorities such as lower courts, police stations, prisons need to remain aloof of these biases and if possible, act to reverse these trends by vindicating victims of such bigotries.
Yet unfortunately, they are fast becoming, legitimate versions of carrying out such discriminatory and hegemonic practices, thus encouraging the miscreants and consequently, perpetuating the culture of intolerance and impunity. Or else, they turn a blind eye and mind their own business.
The Last Camel in the caravan
The Supreme Court says in its judgement that the treatment Ms. Coleman received was scandalous and horrifying. The Supreme Court should not be the last camel in the caravan having to carry all the burdens dropped by the preceding ones, as it has turned out in Sri Lanka. The lower courts as well as other State institutions of the criminal justice system should act in a manner that puts to effect the theory of Social Contract as proponed by John Locke into practice. That citizens have surrendered their sovereignty to the State, not as a means of forfeiting their personal liberties; but hoping that it will be the legitimate protector and vindicator of such rights and liberties and not the official violator of those sacrosanct rights.
Berlin (dpa) 27 Nov 2017 - Leaders from German Chancellor Angela Merkels Christian Democrat (CDU) party met for over four hours in Berlin on Sunday, unanimously agreeing to pursue a so-called grand coalition with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) to break the political deadlock in the country.
Lawmakers were attempting to hash out a way forward after exploratory talks for an untried coalition with the Greens and the pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) collapsed last week.
The failure of the talks last weekend placed the SPD under growing pressure to rejoin the CDU and their Bavaria-based sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), in a grand coalition.
SPD leader Martin Schulz had previously ruled out another coalition - which would be the third CDU/CSU/SPD coalition under Merkel - after the party received a record low level of support in the September 24 election, but has indicated a softening of this stance in recent days.
The postal voting applications for the 93 local government bodies to which elections had been declared elections will be closed at 12.00 midnight on December 15 and under no circumstances will it be extended, the Elections Commission said today.
It said public officials on election duty -- school principals, teachers, SLTB officials, postal workers, railway officials, police and armed forces personnel and Civil Defense Force cadres who are registered as voters of any of the LG bodies where elections are being held, will be entitled to cast their votes by post.
The EC said those who apply for postal voting must have been registered in the 2017 electoral list.
The certifying officers of postal votes must personally ensure the identity of the voter and send the applications promptly to the returning officer of the district where the voter has been registered on or before December 15.
"Incomplete applications and those received after the said date will not be accepted. Therefore, it is advisable that the applications be handed over by the certifying officers to the Returning Officer of the district," the EC said.
For the convenience of voters the district electoral registers have been on display at all District Election offices, Divisional Secretariats, Local Government bodies, Grama Niladari offices and at the Public Administration Ministry, Police Headquarters, Labour Secretariat, Postal Headquarters, Sri Lanka Railway Head Office, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry, Education Ministry, Registrar Generals Office, the NHDA and Department of Registration of Persons.
Voters can also check their registration on the website: elections.gov.lk. and obtain any information on the elections and the method of voting.
A special programme is in place to facilitate armed forces personnel to cast their votes by post, after consulting the relevant commanders of the three forces.
The Anglo-Irish physician Sir Hans Sloane (1660-1753) rose in his profession to serve the royal family and became both President of the Royal Society and President of the Royal College of Physicians. Yet, most notably, Sloane was a collector of books, manuscripts and specimens ranging from medicine and natural history to religious tracts and beyond. This immense collection formed the foundation of the British Museum, from which the British Library and the Natural History Museum were later born. An illustrious man of science notwithstanding, these three institutions of knowledge and learning are his greatest legacy.
Sloanes collection is vast. It contains at least 45,000 printed items, which the British Librarys Sloane Printed Books Catalogue has been meticulously cataloguing in a dedicated online open access database. The physician did not limit his remit to his field, but stretched well beyond it, reflecting the breadth of his interests. Sloane was a keen traveller albeit largely of the armchair variety.
Having spent a formative educational period in France which also served to polish his command of the language, in 1687 Sloane secured the lucrative opportunity to serve as the personal physician to the newly appointed governor of Jamaica, the 2nd Duke of Albemarle. The two years spent in Jamaica, along with the period spent in France, were the extent of the Sloanes travels abroad. Yet these limited experiences would nonetheless spark an insatiable interest in travel and the wider world that was expressed in his vast collection.
Some Observations made upon the Molucco Nutts, imported from the Indies, 546.g.18.(1.)
In both diversity of language and topic, Sloanes Printed Books Collection is a treasure trove of literature on the far reaches of the world. They include medical literature on herbs from distant lands, including a work on Molucco Nuts [546.g.18.(1.)] from the East Indies shewing their admirable virtues in curing the Collick and a work on Brazilian Root [778.e.41.(12.)] from South America that possesses wonderful virtue against vomiting and loosness.
Some Observations made upon the Brasillian Root, called Ipepocoanha: imported from the Indies, 778.e.41.(12.)
A Full and True Relation of the great and wonderful Revolution that hapned lately in the Kingdom of Siam, in the East-Indies, 582.e.39.
But such medically related works in his travel collection are in fact sparse in comparison to material on trade and beyond. Sloanes collection contains numerous works on the East India Company and its forays, including a swashbuckling narrative detailing A Full and True Relation of the great and wonderful Revolution that hapned lately in the Kingdom of Siam, in the East-Indies ... And of the expulsion of the Jesuits ... and Soldiers of the French Nation out of that Kingdom [582.e.39.]. A curiosity about religions abroad also emerges from Sloanes catalogue, with a work on religious sects of India described as A Display of two forraigne sects in the East Indies, vizt: the sect of the Banians, the ancient natives of India and the sect of the Persees the ancient inhabitants of Persia [696.c.11.(1.)] as well as a work on the Present State of Christianity in China [489.g.14.(1.)].
A Display of two forraigne sects in the East Indies, vizt: the sect of the Banians, the ancient natives of India and the sect of the Persees the ancient inhabitants of Persia, 696.c.11.(1.)
A True Account of the Present State of Christianity in China, 489.g.14.(1.)
The colourful collage of Sloanes interests was so diverse that many a readers taste is catered for. Perhaps you too might like to explore and see what you find to interest you in the Sloane Printed Books Catalogue the database for the original collection, today held largely at the British Library.
Lubaaba Al-Azami
Sloane Printed Books Catalogue
Los Angeles (dpa), 27 Nov 2017 -
A senior Democratic lawmaker in the US House of Representatives stepped down from the Judiciary Committee on Sunday amid allegations of sexual harassment.
Congressman John Conyers is facing an ethics investigation following a media report that said he allegedly settled a 27,000-dollar sexual harassment claim by a former female employee. After careful consideration and in light of the attention drawn by recent allegations made against me, I have notified the Democratic Leader of my request to step aside, Conyers posted on Twitter.
In an interview with Daily Mirror, United National Party (UNP) MP for the Puttalam district Hector Appuhamy speaks about the current status of the government and allegations against him about the Bond scam. He shared the following:
UNP backbenchers criticism is a spontaneous reaction to what they see as unreasonable
We are worried whether our party is subjected to political discomfiture in the country
UNP only elected him to office
Yet, those who humiliated him enjoy perks today
Nobody has been found guilty of Bond Scam
My telephone calls with Arjun Aloysius not related to COPE inquiries
I am a newcomer, and only learnt at COPE
There is nothing Arjun Aloysius can get from me as a newcomer
Q The UNP MPs take on President Maithripala Sirisena openly. How will it affect the future of the unity government?
We all should read the mandate given to us at the 2015 elections. We should understand why people elected President Sirisena to office and gave us a mandate subsequently at the parliamentary election. There is a lot of work remaining to be done. Yet, the problems arose only because of some steps taken which were contradictory to the mandate.
As citizens, we are duty-bound to address burning issues of the country regardless of our political differences.
We expected the President to give leadership to achieve the intended objectives. He is the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). If he works for the unity of the SLFP, we will not be opposed to it. It is his right. We recognize it. Be that as it may, we, as the UNP backbenchers, are worried whether our party is subjected to political discomfiture in the country.
The Bond Commission did not make any allegation against anyone. Mud-slinging took place only through the media. The COPE is a committee carrying out investigations into financial matters of the public enterprises based on reports compiled by the Auditor General
Q You mentioned about steps taken in contrast to the mandate. What are they?
The UNP ensured the Presidents victory at the elections in 2015. The UNP, backed by the SLFP, did an arduous task to get him elected to office. Our party men endured harassment in the task. In fact, they sustained physical harassment and arson attacks on their houses. They were even put behind bars. That was how the UNPers made sacrifices. Nevertheless, some SLFP members, who not only worked against the President but also insulted him as Hitan, Hutan, enjoy ministerial perks in the government today. The conduct of these members only has created a clashing and contradictory situation. For the UNP backbenchers, it is an unhealthy development. That is what I see as steps contradictory to the mandate.
As a government, we were assigned the responsibility to clear the name of Sri Lanka in the international arena. That has to be done in engagement with the UN and the international community. We could not find a solution to the problem here through military means. We only crushed the terrorist group. Yet, their political course remains intact. We should have defeated it ideologically. We have to bring about economic revival.
Q Is this a general criticism of the UNP as a party or that of backbenchers?
You cannot take it as the position of the UNP as a party. Also, you cannot see this as individual criticism of the backbenchers. The UNP backbenchers have begun to feel why we are treated like this. This criticism originates from that feeling. Otherwise, this cannot be viewed as a general criticism of the UNP as a party.
As a party, we always protect the President. We elected this President, not anyone else. People gave us a mandate to live up to their aspirations. We are aware of what we are supposed to do. We get upset when our leader or the party is subjected to scathing criticism by the SLFP MPs while enjoying governmental perks. It is the spontaneous reaction of some of our MPs to such criticism. Otherwise, the party leadership is not party to what we do.
By the time I got elected to the current Parliament, the controversial Bond transaction had taken place. When I sat as a member of the COPE as a newcomer, I had a lot to learn
Q If you present your criticism as a party, it would be more result-oriented. Why dont you do so?
As I said earlier, there is a duty cast upon us. We have compromised a lot for it. Today, those, who victimized the UNPers by subjecting them to various forms of harassments, work as the secretaries to the ministers and enjoy perks such as vehicles.
We compassionately bear with it. This is a sacrifice being made in view of the future of the country. Our party men have become helpless despite their hard work for the partys victory. Is this what we get for our hard work? That is the question being put to us by our party supporters. We only ask them to be patient for a while.
If we want to act with political interests, we know what needs to be done. We know how to turn around everything. The UNP, as a party, is endowed with the capacity to do what is required to consolidate political power. We do not opt for it, though.
We know how to trust our political clout. The UNP is known for it. Yet, we have a vision for the good of nation.
Q When you say the UNP knows how to thrust its political power, is it through violent means?
It does not mean violence. One cannot bend the UNP to suit ones interests. We cannot be trampled upon. We are flexible as we see. It does not mean thrusting our power through violent means.
Q However, criticism targeting the President started only after the appointment of the Bond Commission and some revelations made about it. You also represented the COPE committee. What is your response to these allegations?
The Bond Commission did not make any allegation against anyone. Mud-slinging took place only through the media. The COPE is a committee carrying out investigations into financial matters of the public enterprises based on reports compiled by the Auditor General. We make inquiries from officials attached to these public enterprises. Otherwise, the COPE has no mandate to inquire into the activities of a private venture. Yet, the COPE can deal with some nominal matters exceptionally when a public enterprise has transacted with a private firm or venture. That is it.
By the time I got elected to the current Parliament, the controversial Bond transaction had taken place. When I sat as a member of the COPE as a newcomer, I had a lot to learn. I only learn. I did no try to cross examine anyone. I observed and listened more. We, the COPE, only asked for the appointment of this Bond Commission. So, the Bond Commission is ours. There is nothing to be questioned about from us.
Q Yet, the COPE in its report legitimized allegations about a financial fraud in the bond issue. But, you are saying there are no allegations against anyone. Doesnt it look paradoxical?
Nobody can be considered guilty until proven in a court of law. Everybody is entitled to presumption of innocence until a court decides otherwise. So far, no one has been convicted by a court of law. Unless there is any dereliction of duty on the part of the Central Bank officials, how can another get involved in any wrongdoing in this regard?
If an outsider robs the Central Bank of its money in safes, it will be something different. In this instance of the bond issue, the Central Bank is the first accused.
We should have been held guilty if we had blocked the COPE report on investigations into the bond issue. It did not happen that way. We only made this report. We have acted properly. Then, what is wrong with us having telephone conversations?
Q How legitimate are these allegations on the bond scam?
The COPE of the seventh Parliament made a report on the bond issue. We, in the eighth Parliament, had nothing much to do. We noticed that investigations are being confined to bond issues within a certain period only. The COPE focused on bond transactions that took place after the President assumed office in January, 2015. We had doubts whether this was done to bring the UNP to disrepute. We sought to investigate such transactions starting from 2008. That is what we asked for in footnotes. It did not happen for some unknown reason. Therefore, the UNP team of the COPE was earmarked separately.
Nobody thought about where the actual fault lies. There are those who would have done business with the officials for a period. There was no inquiry into all these matters. We regret it.
Q You mentioned that the COPE could not inquire into matters related to the private companies. Do you mean to say that Perpetual Treasuries cannot be touched by the COPE in its investigations?
We have to inquire into what the Central Bank officials did. We have to do it first and go for the next step. The COPE is mandated to watch on financial activities of the Public Enterprises.
The COPE has not made anyone guilty. But, we are branded as fraudsters today. If we are not allowed to talk to anyone, we cannot talk to Central Bank officials even during investigations.
As a government, we were assigned the responsibility to clear the name of Sri Lanka in the international arena. That has to be done in engagement with the UN and the international community
Q Your name is among those who had telephone conversations with Perpetual Treasuries owner Arjun Aloysius. What is your response?
These telephone conversations were not linked to COPE inquiries at all. We should have been held guilty if we had blocked the COPE report on investigations into the bond issue. It did not happen that way. We only made this report. We have acted properly. Then, what is wrong with us having telephone conversations?
This person in question has had links with the leaders of this country for a long time. What is there for him to contact us and get any help? Who are we for him to contact?
We are newcomers. We still learn COPE affairs. It is a joke if someone says we were contacted for help. We assert that those responsible for the scam should be penalized through legal means. There is no second word about it. We, as COPE members, are happy about it.
I feel sad that my name was dragged into an unnecessary problem. I get frustrated about politics when I see my name is associated with these allegations. Some bankrupt politicians in my district make use of this to tarnish my image in the tussle for preferential votes in future.
Looking at why, for the sustenance of the current administration, a solid and firm understanding and empathetic dynamic between Ranil and Maithri is a prerequisite
Maithripala Sirisena did his job. His job was not to win the Presidential Elections in January 2015. His was to leave his Party and its leader and the Executive President of the country at the time and challenge him at the elections.
There is only one thing worse than fighting with allies, and that is fighting without them
~Winston S. Churchill
Maithri, as he is fondly called by his friends and foes, made an enormously decisive move, which is rarely embarked on by politicians.
A corrupt set of political vultures, who flourished under the Rajapaksa regime managed to secure some Cabinet portfolios and are now trying to steer the ship as if it was they who elected Maithripala Sirisena to power.
An intimation of being let down was audible and being at the receiving end of woeful ungratefulness was the greatly felt sentiment.
Ranil and Maithri must be now realising the fundamental error that they committed -the absence of a comprehensive code of conduct for MPs of both parties
That decision was a momentous one. It was a daring move only either the most stupid or the most courageous would take, whichever way one looks at it.
The scorn that was hurled at him and the vituperative verbiage that was aimed at him recognised no boundaries. Maithripala Sirisenas decision was momentous because his decision entailed, among others, bidding adieu to a long-winded political life in the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). By deserting his Party and challenging the Pseudo war-hero Mahinda Rajapaksa, withstanding the contempt of the Rajapaksas as a traitor to the cause of the common man and succeeding at the last Presidential Election, Maithri, as he is fondly called by his friends and foes, made an enormously decisive move, which is rarely embarked on by politicians.
How the nomination of Maithripala Sirisena as a common candidate of the then Opposition came about, the writer is not privy to discuss. But in the shadows of Maithripalas desertion of his SLFP, lurked another strategic sacrifice. That was Ranil Wickremesinghes.
Ranil Wickremesinghe was the Leader of the Opposition; he was the undisputed leader of his Party, the United National Party (UNP) which had been at the losing end at the electoral level for a span of twenty plus grueling years.
The starvation of political power on the part of the UNP stalwarts and its lower level supporters had reached insufferable dimensions.
Good Governance is not a slogan. It is not an illusion and nor is it a utopian dream. Good Governance or Yahapalanaya is a real, dynamic and living organism. Its survival is very much dependent upon the commitment on the part of the partners of the coalition.
The 18th Amendment had buttressed the Rajapaksas well beyond all expectations; it lent a delusional satisfaction to its authors and framers that their power was forever. But that was to anticipate events to come.
In order to accommodate the nomination of a common candidate against Mahinda Rajapaksa, Ranil, the leader of the UNP, had to make a specific sacrifice. The prevailing belief at the time was that Ranil Wickremesinghe was never destined to be the President of the country. Yet the elections held just prior to the declaration of the Presidential Elections for the Uva Provincial Council signalled a strong indication that the UNP was on an upward swing. The United Peoples Freedom Alliances (UPFA) domination of Sri Lankan elections continued as expected.
It retained control of the Uva Provincial Council. However, the UPFA recorded a loss of votes in the province, after the Presidential Election in 2015 a number of UPFA councillors crossed over to UNP to back Harin Fernando which enabled him to secure the position of Chief Minister and toppling the UPFA rule in Uva Province.
A sizeable erosion of the Sinhalese-Buddhist voting bloc from the Rajapaksa-led UPFA at the Provincial Council elections to the anti-Mahinda Rajapaksa candidate (Maithripala Sirisena) is very much close to the swing that was visible in the 2014 PC elections.
In other words, even if the candidate was Ranil Wickremesinghe, the UNP leader would have had more than a fighting chance of securing a victory at the Presidential Election.
The point Im trying to make is that Ranil Wickremesinghe and the UNP made a huge sacrifice in conceding the nomination to Maithripala Sirisena. It was the UNP, Tamils, and Muslims who placed Sirisena at the seat of power, not the SLFP-led UPFA voters.
There is a nagging constant in Presidential Election in Sri Lanka. It is that no candidate can secure a victory at the elections if he or she cannot ensure the majority of the Tamil and Muslim votes.
The only exception was in 2009 and it was due to the prevailing conditions in the country in the immediate aftermath of the war-victory. In 2005, Mahinda Rajapaksa managed to win because the Tamils in the North were prevented from voting at the behest of Velupillai Prabhakaran. Who was primarily responsible for Prabhakarans decision is no secret anymore.
Maithripala Sirisena did his job by deserting his party, SLFP and consenting to run as the anti-Rajapaksa candidate. Ranil Wickremesinghe did his job by securing 100% of the UNP voting bloc for Sirisena.
It is utterly futile to debate as to which job was greater or which one smaller. Later, the SLFP Ministers and other Parliamentarians were accommodated in the present Government because it was provided for in an agreement between the two leaders, Ranil and Maithri. Even after the General elections later in 2015, the UNP could have formed a Government without the aid of the SLFP had the UNP decided to form one with the help of the TNA and the Muslim Congress.
A corrupt set of political vultures, who flourished under the Rajapaksa regime managed to secure some Cabinet portfolios and are now trying to steer the ship as if it was they who elected Maithripala Sirisena to power.
During the last couple of weeks, I had the occasion to speak to some UNP Cabinet members as well as a number of MPs on the current crisis which the Joint Opposition is wanting to make real.
An intimation of being let down was audible and being at the receiving end of woeful ungratefulness was the greatly felt sentiment. It is not good.
For the sustenance of the current administration, a solid and firm understanding and empathetic dynamic between the two leaders, Ranil and Maithri as well as the second and third-tier leaders of the two parties, UNP and SLFP, is a prerequisite.
Without that mutual understanding, the breakdown of the anti-Rajapaksa forces is inevitable.
It is not rocket science. Ranil Wickremesinghes hands must be strengthened and it must be done now, not tomorrow or the day after.
Those who delivered the elections to Maithripala Sirisena cannot be discarded like karapincha. That was the treatment that was meted out to the Rajapaksa loyalists. The strength of the current government is nothing but the strength of the UNP, no more, no less. Criticism of either party by any leader, whatever layer he or she comes from, must stop forthwith. Ranil Wickremesinghes personal commitment is visible but he must ask his party members to do so too.
Chasing newspaper headlines is childish and would not serve any short, mid or long-term interests of the country. Maithripala Sirisena has an enormous responsibility to get his party people to do the same. Ingratitude is no worthy badge to wear.
Both Ranil and Maithri must be now realising the fundamental error that they committed at the very outset of forming the new Government in 2015. The absence of a comprehensive code of conduct for Members of Parliament of both parties is a grave omission.
Lack of discipline could kill a political alliance in no time, whether the alliance did look solid and unbreakable at the beginning. The worst part of the new coalition between Maithripala Sirisena and Ranil Wickremesinghe must in every nook and cranny look better than the best part of the Rajapaksa regime.
That is a very tall order. Then only the people at large would accept the current administration.
Good Governance is not a slogan. It is not an illusion and nor is it a utopian dream. Good Governance or Yahapalanaya is a real, dynamic and living organism. Its survival is very much dependent upon the commitment on the part of the partners of the coalition.
Supporters of both parties, the UNP and the SLFP, might well be advised to grasp the wisdom of the following quotation by Sun Tzu who wrote thus:
Do not engage an enemy more powerful than you. And if it is unavoidable and you do have to engage, then make sure you engage it on your terms, not on your enemys terms.
If mutual defeat is to be avoided, it is not only the party leaders of the coalition, the lower-level supporters too need to be disciplined and well-guarded against the vagaries of political winds.
Dont let the victories of January 2015 go waste; dont let your elongated egos override the simple logic of survival and sustenance.
In the current and immediate context, safeguarding and protecting Ranil Wickremesinghe is of utmost validity; its significance cannot be overstated. Even a hint of a Rajapaksa-return is not an option. That is why Ranil could be the last hope for Sri Lankas failing good governance.
The writer can be contacted at vishwamithra1984@gmail.com
Removing barriers to womens paid work will encourage more Sri Lankan women to participate in the workforce, finds a new World Bank report.
Safe childcare and transportation, early orientation to career development to better prepare girls to enter and remain in the workforce and implementing gender equal labour laws and practices are among recommendations of the report.
The report Getting to Work: Unlocking Womens Potential in Sri Lankas Labour Force notes that despite steady economic growth, the number of women participating in Sri Lankas workforce has declined to 36 percent in 2016 from 41 percent in 2010. Sri Lankan women, especially younger ones, do not sufficiently acquire marketable skills, face higher unemployment rates, and can expect to receive lower wages than men.
Getting women to work is not just about supporting human rights; its about smart economics, said Idah Pswarayi-Riddihough, the World Bank Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Lifting the barriers to womens participation in the workforce will not only help Sri Lanka realize its economic potential and build on its several achievements, it will also increase the equitable sharing of the development benefits.
Getting to Work points to three factors that impede womens participation in the paid workforce.
First, marriage, childrearing, and related household chores that fall disproportionately on women deter their participation in labor markets. Marriage drastically lowers womens oddsby 26 percentage pointsof becoming a paid employee, while for men it slightly increases the odds, by 2.5 percentage points. Second, women are not entering educational fields or acquiring the skills that are sought by employers, particularly in the private sector. Third, gender discrimination in job search, hiring, and promotion keeps women from obtaining high-skill and management jobs, where men continue to dominate.
Going forward, the report recommends multi-pronged strategies to help women gain employment and then continue to thrive in
the workplace.
Brussels bears a bad memory of the last summit which brought together the so-called 16 + 1 on European soil. It was a year ago, in Latvia. From that meeting came a project that now analyze the competition authorities with magnifying glass. The result of his contacts with Beijing, Hungary one of the EU's most fractious partners awarded two Chinese state-owned companies the construction of a fast railway stretch between Budapest and Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. He did so without publicity and without meeting the basic rules of public bidding in Europe. The case illustrates well the threat posed to Community institutions by this partnership between China and Eastern European states, including 11 from the EU. The link, which dates back to 2001, functions as a kind of backdoor by which the Xi Jinping regime circumvents Brussels to gain influence and contracts in a much-needed investment territory. It is, in the words of the Spokesman of the European Commission, a forum that brings together "China and its friends". On paper, everything is friendly. The EU even sends an observer to ensure that nothing that is agreed in Budapest is turned back to the European institutions. But the practice is more complex. "Trade, investment and infrastructure projects can only give full results within the EU framework, with the support of all the Member States," a spokesperson for the Community diplomatic service was on Monday. Beyond the detriment to the external relationship between the EU and an inconvenient partner like China, that framework also poses a clear challenge to internal cohesion. The 16 + 1 format brings together Beijing with some of the states that are most facing Brussels for issues such as refugee reception. China exploits this discontent to scale up positions and the new Europe countries the one that emerged after the great enlargement to the East show their old partners that they are not unconditional. By the way, the Chinese regime is attracted to the Balkan states, forced to comply with certain rules in the case of EU candidates for receiving Community funds, but increasingly skeptical of the lack of accession prospects coming from Brussels. America's isolation under Donald Trump's mandate propels Europe to closer ties with China. But the last bilateral summit, in which Beijing refused to sign a climate pact already closed with the EU in protest at the lack of progress in other chapters, revealed the precariousness of that alliance. The parties are now prepared for another potential disencounter. Europe is studying to create a mechanism that assesses in advance whether foreign investment meets community standards. To materialize, that decision would limit the rain of millions of Chinese in the old continent.
The top Democrat on education issues in the Senate says Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has approved state education plans that dont comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act.
In a Tuesday hearing before the Senate education committee about federal financial aid for college, Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., took the opportunity in her opening remarks to say that not every states ESSA plan meets the laws requirements for schools with struggling student subgroups.
Addressing Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the committee chairman, Murray said, If the department is today ignoring the agreement we made in the law and just choosing to implement whatever it feels likewhich I believe they are in their approval of state plans so farthen this committee needs to hear from the secretary directly about how she intends to follow the laws that Congress agrees to.
This isnt a brand-new criticism from Murray, but rather a somewhat fleshed-out version of a previous complaint.
In a confirmation hearing for several Education Department nominees earlier this month, Murray made a general allusion to this concern. On Tuesday, Murray was a little more specific in her concerns about ESSA plans and how the law handles school improvement. But she didnt single out the state or states she was worried about.
However, heres a possible example of what Murray doesnt like: A few ESSA observers have made the case to us that Delawares plan initially didnt square with the law when it comes to identifying schools needing improvement. The law says that among other schools, states must flag those where:
a student subgroup (think students of color or English-language learners) performs as poorly as the lowest-peforming 5 percent of schools statewide; a student subgroup is consistently underperforming.
Murray highlighted these requirements in her Tuesday remarks. Alexander indicated his general agreement with Murrays point about the importance of following the law, and noted that the law prohibits the secretary from taking certain actions, but didnt respond to her specific criticisms in more detail.
In the plan DeVos initially approved for Delaware, the definition of consistently underperforming in requirement number 2 was the same as in number 1. But that flouts the law, critics of Delawares plan argued. Its important to note that Delaware amended its plan on this score after it got DeVos stamp of approval . However, its not clear that the revision (which was approved by the department) would truly change the substance of Delawares plan thats irritated some ESSA analysts.
Colorado is still seeking approval for its plan, which doesnt count children who dont take mandated tests when it comes to school accountability. That seems to directly contradict ESSA, which says students who opt out of those exams must be scored as not proficient. It remains to be seen whether Colorado or DeVos team blinks first on that score.
The secretary has consistently stated that she wants states to take advantage of all the flexibility ESSA offers them. That matches what Alexander wants from states as well, although ironically enough in July the senator pushed back publicly on criticisms DeVos department had about Delawares initial ESSA submission.
Murray has also previously criticized how DeVos team talked with states about their proposed ESSA plans, and about the enforcement of ESSAs equity-focused provisions. The latter include disaggregation of data by student subgroups, and the emphasis on individual subgroup performance.
Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
UPDATED U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced Tuesday that students will soon be able to use their mobile phones to apply for financial aid for college.
The move is the latest in a series of stepsstretching back into the Barack Obama administrationto simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, the form students fill out to apply for federal college loans and grants. DeVos made the announcement today at a training conference for financial-aid professionals .
Research shows that reducing barriers in applying for financial aid increases the chances that students will go to college . The Obama administration took a series of steps to simplify the FAFSA, including reducing the number of questions, letting students automatically import tax data info it, making it available earlier, adding skip logic, which automatically skips certain questions depending on students answers, and allowing students to use tax information from an earlier year .
In her prepared remarks , DeVos cast the move to a mobile app as an improvement not just for students, but for financial-aid professionals. She said that the current approach puts paperwork ahead of people and robs them of time to do whats really important: counsel students about ways to arrange college financing.
Noting in her speech that people can get home mortgages on their mobile phones now, DeVos said, Why cant it be that way for students? The answer is, it can!
You can order food, get a ride home, check your bank account, send money to a friend, or, as Im told, even find your soulmate on your phone! The FAFSA shouldat minimumkeep pace with these commonplace activities!
DeVos said that she wants students to be able to complete the FAFSA on the phone, in one sitting. Her prepared remarks didnt include a timeline for moving to the mobile FAFSA.
But she did say that the administration recognized that improved security would have to accompany that shift so students data are protected. Just a few months ago, the government announced new security measures in the wake of an attempted hack of the financial aid system .
The secretary also made a pitch for streamlining the maze of loan-servicers students have to deal with over the life of their loans, but she didnt lay out details of what that would look like.
UPDATED Justin Draeger, the president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, welcomed the news of a mobile app for the FAFSA.
It would be a very positive development, he said. Most people today are accessing the internet not via computer, but via mobile device. This has a lot of promise. Im interested to see what the details are.
Draeger said it would be great if, down the road, the FAFSA app could be expanded to serve as the main portal students could use to access all their financial-aid information. Right now, that information is scattered in various places online, he said, and much of it isnt mobile-accessible.
UPDATED Federal lawmakers waded into the issue of FAFSA simplification on Capitol Hill today, too. The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions is discussing changes to the FAFSA as it opens discussions about reauthorizing the Higher Education Act.
Senator Patty Murray of Washington state, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said in her opening remarks that simplifying the FAFSA is a must. But she said lawmakers must take a comprehensive approach to reworking the Higher Education Act, and that must include the rising cost of college, holding schools accountable for student success, ensuring safe learning spaces, and knocking down college barriers for working families, students of color, and students who are the first in their families to attend college.
DeVos was also scheduled to talk about simplifying the FAFSA when she visits Georgia State University today.
For more stories on financial aid, see:
Photo: Getty Images
In an ongoing effort to close a huge budget hole, Oklahoma politicians are debating again how to increase teacher pay and consolidate school districts.
The state will soon enter its third special session this year in order to close an estimated $215 million midyear budget deficit that has already sent a wave of cuts down to state agencies and local school districts.
Republican Gov. Mary Fallin last week signed an executive order for the states board of education to parse out districts administrative costs and instructional costs, something that deeply offended some local school officials, according to local reports . Fallin said she would like to see consolidated or annexed by the state with its neighbors those districts that spend less than 60 percent of their costs on overhead.
And a proposal by a state legislator last week would have generated more than $430 million by increasing taxes on motor fuel, tobacco, alcohol, and energy production. It would have also provided each of the states teachers with a $3,000 pay raise. But it failed to garner the 76 votes needed in the House, according to local reports.
Teacher pay and district consolidation have long been controversial issues in the state. Teachers have complained that their pay hasnt increased for years, causing a teacher shortage thats left many classrooms manned by substitute teachers.
State politicians have complained that district officials mispend the money theyre given on frivolous administrative costs and swag such as pens and coffee mugs. Conservative politicians have argued that concolidating the states more rural districts will save money by reducing overhead. Similar efforts in other states have produced mixed results in saving money.
Every state in the coming months will have to determine what school costs versus what administrative costs are as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act. The federal law requires state departments of education to report local, state and federal spending of its schools.
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Looking at the world through the eyes of the Web
Hyderabad: Sihah Waris, a female entrepreneur from Pakistan, says that she wants to collaborate with Indian start-ups as the culture of India is similar to that of Pakistan.
Ms Waris is among the six entrepreneurs from Pakistan who are participating in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) being held in Hyderabad. The six-member contingent has three women, each of whom runs her own start-up. One of them is part of a start-up ecosystem as well.
In the recent past, individuals have been encouraging the development of start-ups in Pakistan. Entrepreneurs who have had experience in working with start-ups have started a programme called IGNITE, under which they collect funds to help entrepreneurs in their country.
Ms Waris, who was one of the first entrepreneurs from her college, runs a start-up called Rise Mom which helps working women connect with their children via live video feeds. Many organisations are working for the empowerment of women. But as soon as women have children, they leave their jobs. Working mothers in India face the same problems as those in Pakistan when it comes to children, she says.
This is Ms Waris first trip to India and she is looking forward to meeting, and possibly collaborating with, some inspiring women, especially in the tech industry. She says that like India, Pakistan is also focussing on innovation and ideas driven by social impact.
New Delhi: N K Singh, the newly appointed Chairman of the 15th Finance Commission, on Monday said it is imperative for such a panel to examine implications of GST on finance of the Centre and states.
"The fact that GST was propelled through several constitutional amendments which included the states being participants in these constitutional amendments enjoins upon any Finance Commission the need to examine implications of GST in terms of finances of both the Centre and states because this is about the fiscal issue of the general government," he said.
Soon after the appointment, he said it comes as no surprise that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is included in terms of reference. Earlier, the government appointed the former Planning Commission Member as head of the 15th Finance Commission.
Other members of the commission, which is required to submit its report by October 2019, are former economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das, former chief economic advisor Ashok Lahiri, Niti Aayog Member Ramesh Chand and Georgetown University professor Anoop Singh.
The commission will review the current status of the finance, deficit, debt levels, cash balances and fiscal discipline efforts of the Union and the states. It will also recommend a fiscal consolidation road map for sound fiscal management.
As per Article 280 of the Constitution, the commission is required to make recommendations on the distribution of the net proceeds of taxes between the Centre and the states.
The new Finance Commission will cover five-year period commencing April 1, 2020. The 14th Finance Commission was set up on January 2, 2013. Its recommendations cover the period from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2020.
Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday strongly defended plans to build the Rs 2.7 lakh crore oil refinery on the west coast by 2022 despite the push for electric vehicle. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Tuesday strongly defended plans to build the Rs 2.7 lakh crore oil refinery on the west coast by 2022 despite the push for electric vehicles, saying that India needs multi-source fuels to meet its fast-growing energy needs.
The plan to build the 60 million tonnes (MT) a year capacity refinery in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra has come in for questioning after Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that only electric cars would be produced in the country after 2030.
Besides, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has said that diesel locomotives will be phased out by 2022.
"India consumes just 6 per cent of the global primary energy at present but it will account for 25 per cent of incremental growth," Pradhan said at a KPMG Energy Summit here.
In order to meet the vast growing energy needs, India needs "multi-source fuels," he said, adding that there is a requirement for conventional fuels, coal, renewable sources as well as nuclear.
India has a capacity to refine 232.066 MT of crude oil into fuel a year, which exceeded the demand of 194.2 MT in 2016-17 fiscal.
According to the International Energy Agency (EA), this demand is expected to reach 458 MT by 2040.
Pradhan said India's per capita petrochemical consumption is just 10 kg as against the global average of 30 kg. And the nation is import dependent to meet its petrochemical needs.
"So if the petrochemical demand grows with the expanding economy, we would need domestic production," he said.
The planned Rs 2.7 lakh crore project in Ratanagiri district of Maharashtra will have a 10-12 MT petrochemical complex.
Petrochemicals which form the building blocks for products used in the manufacture of wide range of items, from plastics to cosmetics, is derived from refining crude oil or natural gas.
Refineries world over are looking at value addition to produce petrochemicals.
Pradhan said that just a couple of days ago Saudi Aramco and Saudi Arabia's chemicals company SABIC announced plans to develop a fully-integrated crude oil to chemicals (COTC) complex.
The USD 20 billion project is planned to process 400,000 barrels per day (20 MT) of crude oil and produce some 9 MT of chemicals and base oils per year by 2025.
Saudi Aramco has also shown interest in taking an equity stake in the Maharashtra project, which is being jointly put up by Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp and Hindustan Petroleum Corp.
"Given the market size we have and consumption pattern, we need multiple sources of energy," Pradhan said, adding that the planned refinery is to meet the incremental demand in India for fuel and energy.
If the proposals are accepted, the Internet service providers (ISPs) will not be able to block or throttle any web traffic, be it on computers, laptops or mobile phones, and offer fast lanes for content providers who pay for the privilege. (Representational)
New Delhi: The telecom regulator Trai on Tuesday backed net neutrality in the country by recommending that telecom operators or internet service providers cannot provide preferential treatment in terms of either increasing or slowing down internet speed while giving access to any website or its application.
This means a consumer will get same internet speed irrespective of which website or service he or she is browsing.
The discriminatory treatment in the context of treatment of content would include any form of discrimination, restriction or interference in the treatment of content, including practices like blocking, degrading, slowing down or granting preferential speed or treatment to any content, said Trai. It said that service providers should be restricted from entering into any agreement or a contract that leads to discriminatory treatment.
The recommendations come against the backdrop of fear that big companies with deep pockets can give money to internet service providers so that consumers get fast or free access to their websites or services and thereby killing the start-up ecosystem in the country.
In 2016, Trai had by prohibited discriminatory tariffs for data, which barred companies to provide a subsidy for data when a consumer accessed select services on the internet. Like Amazon or Google and even Indias own Flipkart have started small from rented rooms or garage underlining the importance of maintaining level playing field between big firms and start-ups.
No one owns Internet... So, it should be open and accessible to everyone, said Trai chairman R.S. Sharma. He said that Internet is an important platform for the country, especially in the context of innovation, startups, online transactions, various government applications, and the Digital India programme.
So, it is important that the platform is kept open and free and not cannibalised, Mr Sharma said. Trai chief observed that networks should be neutral to the content being accessed. Networks should not prefer one content over other... should not block or offer fast lane (to certain content), he added.
Last week, US federal communications commission chairman Ajit Pai, unveiled plans to rescind so-called net neutrality rules.
Mr Sharma would be assisted by four senior officials of the rank of joint secretary and above, who have been appointed as technical members in the authority.
New Delhi: In an immediate follow up action of last weeks Cabinet approval for creation of the posts of chairman of the National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAPA) under GST, Centre on Tuesday issued orders appointing officer B.N. Sharma, as the first chairman of the apex authority.
He will have the rank of a secretary. Mr Sharma, an IAS officer of 1985 batch belonging to Rajasthan cadre, is currently posted as additional secretary in the department of revenue, which comes under ministry of finance. He has been closely associated with the formulation of GST and its implementation.
Mr Sharma would be assisted by four senior officials of the rank of joint secretary and above, who have been appointed as technical members in the authority.
NAPA is mandated to ensure that the benefits of input credit and the reduction in GST rates on goods or services are passed on to the consumers by way of a commensurate reduction in prices. With the chairman and technical members now having been appointed, the Authority becomes functional thereby reassuring consumers of governments commitment that GST would result in lower prices of goods and services, said finance ministry.
Hyderabad: Ivanka Trump, the adviser to the US President, on Tuesday expressed concern for lower percentage of US women as she observed it would increase gender gap in employment.
Today, virtually every sector is linked to technology. The fact is that, in 2017, nearly every industry is a tech industry, she observed while participating in a panel discussion after the inauguration of GES 2017.
However, she said that only 22 per cent of US women have studied or studing technical courses, though women comprised 47 per cent of the countrys workforce.
If women dont enrol themselves for computer sciences, they would lose out on the future jobs. Instead of bridging the gender, it would lead to a negative impact on women, she explained.
As part of the US administrations efforts to encourage computer science, Ms Trump said $200 million has been provided to the US education department to offer high-quality STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) ducation to children, with a focus on computer science.
281117 Official hand over takeover of Export License
By Theresa Baranangko
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville has once again witnessed a significant and historical event which is the official handover ceremony of Exploration Licenses between two joint venture companies.
Under the framework of the Ministry for Economic Development and through commitment and effort of the Economic Ministries Committee it was a delight for both the ABG delegates and Landowner Association to witness the official hand over of the export license operations 3 and 4 from Toremana Resources Limited to Kalia Investment Limited, a foreign company who will carry out the operations.
The Minister for Economic Development and Member for Tsitalato Constituency in North Bougainville congratulate the people of Tinputz District for the initiative to conduct Mining operations.
He says Bougainvilles political journey has been set and a date agreed by the two Governments, the National Government and ABG government, for the people of Bougainville to decide on the political status of Bougainville will be guided by a stable economy.
He says that for the people of Bougainville to decide on this important decision, they must make important economic decisions or investment decisions to make sure that after voting for Referendum, Bougainvilles Political future in terms of economic development can be secured.
In supporting to the statement by Acting Vice President, Hon. Raymond Masono, Hon Fidelis Semoso says that it is important to catch the pig before sharing the pieces.
Ends//
Mumbai: After Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh decided to join the fracas surrounding Padmavati, the Bihar government has now decided to ban the film in its state. CM Nitish Kumar issued a statement saying that the film will not be released in Bihar, until the concerned parties issue adequate clarification.
The Supreme Court, whilst dismissing a plea to ban the overseas release of the film, also rebuked state governments for their respective bans on the film.
When matter is pending for CBFCs consideration, how can persons holding public offices comment on whether CBFC should issue certificate or not? Itll prejudice decision making of CBFCAll concerned people, holding responsible posts must be guided by rule of law and shouldnt venture into passing comments on films which havent been cleared by CBFC. Itll prejudice minds of board members while taking a decision, Indian Express quoted the Apex court as saying.
Read Also: SC dismisses plea to stop 'Padmavati' release outside India
Earlier, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had said that the film was hurting sentiments and would not be screened in the poll bound state till issues were resolved.
'Padmavati,' helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has been controversy-ridden, ever since fringe group Karni Sena took offence to the film's purported distortion of Rajput history. It stars Deepika Padukone as the eponymous queen, Shahid Kapoor as Maharawal Ratan Singh, and Ranveer Singh as Alauddin Khilji.
Fringe groups had also declared bounties for Sanjay Leela Bhansali and lead actor Deepika Padukone. Initially slated for a December 02 release, the film has now been indefinitely postponed, after a run-in with the CBFC.
Priyanka Chopra saying on 'The Wendy Williams Show' that Meghan Markle is not just Prince Harry's girlfriend had made headlines.
New Delhi: Following the announcement of Meghan Markle's engagement to Prince Harry, global star Priyanka Chopra sent her best wishes to the royal couple.
The 'Quantico' star took to Instagram to express her delight and congratulate her close friend 'Meg'.
"Congratulations to my girl @meghanmarkle and Prince Harry!! I'm so happy for you Meg! You deserve the best always..keep smiling that infectious smile. Xoxo," wrote the 'Baywatch' star.
Priyanka has been touted as a potential bridesmaid when Markle ties the knot with Prince Harry next spring.
The two first met at a party in Toronto, Canada, where Meghan filmed 'Suits' - two years ago.
SC said high public offices should refrain from commenting on the film as it will prejudice Censor Board.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea seeking a ban on the release of controversial film Padmavati in the UK on December 1 and warned politicians and those holding public offices not to make adverse comments, issue threats or pre-judge the movie before it is cleared by the Censor Board.
A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, said, When the matter is pending for CBFCs consideration, how can persons in power or holding responsible public offices comment on whether CBFC should issue a certificate or not? It will prejudice the decision-making of CBFC. Such an act is a clear breach of law
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that Padmavati cannot be released in Bihar till government receives proper clarification from the makers of the film.
Such statements violate the principle of rule of law as the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is yet to certify the film, it said, asking the board to take a decision on the certification of the movie with utmost objectivity.
Dismissing a PIL filed by advocate M.L. Sharma as misconceived, the bench, also comprising Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud, said that when even courts do not pre-judge an issue, surely those in high public offices should refrain from making such comments.
Last week, the bench had dismissed a similar PIL from Mr Sharma against the release of the film in India.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the movie director and producer, said the film will not be released abroad until it receives a CBFC certificate.
There is no intention to do so, as of now, he said, informing the court that it would harm the movies business interest if it is screened abroad before release in India.
The bench expressed shock at certain objectionable contents of the petition and termed them unwarranted and scurrilous and ordered their deletion.
Shekhar Kapur has spent over 40 years in the film industry, growing as a filmmaker and a creative individual. However, there is nothing he would like more than to go back to the naivete of his Masoom days.
When I was making Masoom, I did not know the very basics of filmmaking, but people still tell me that it was my best work. Sometimes, I truly wish to get back some of that naivete that I had as a filmmaker because I didnt know. So, anything was possible, he said, while speaking at a masterclass at The International Film Festival of Goa.
It is this unknowing state of mind that the filmmaker spoke of when Sushant Singh Rajput, who was introducing him asked him a rather convoluted question, Do you know what it is you are doing, when you do what you do?
Shekhar promptly answered that he doesnt know. Asked about his process as a director, he said that it is a process of panic. I constantly try to bring myself to a state of panic. Because it is only in these moments of panic that you truly gain creative inspiration, he mused. So, when I am making a film, I always ask the actor what they would want to do with the scene. It also creates a chance for the actors point of view to challenge my own, and it is when I am challenging myself that I am creating, he explains.
Each profession has its own riyaz. Asked what the riyaz can be for a filmmaker, Shekhar responds that its in the storytelling. We are all constantly telling stories. For a filmmaker, however, those stories have to have conflict. Any contradiction or conflict is a story. An artiste creates harmony in that conflict. For me personally, the story of an individual also has to tell the story of society at large, he explains.
Speaking about patterns in storytelling, Shekhar says that each individual on a set tells a different story. For instance, when I was working with Pyarelalji for Mr India, there is a scene where Anil Kapoor is helping those kids wash up and brush their teeth. Its a funny scene, so I asked him to make some funny music.
Instead, he composed an emotional, heart-wrenching score for that part. The reasoning was that it was a foreshadowing of the fact that Mr India loses them in the end. Thats what I look for in a music director, Shekhar said, excitedly.
Though he had to fight for years for the release of his movie Bandit Queen, the director still believes in the power of the system. Although I had to go through years of struggle on different levels for Bandit Queen to release, I still believe that a certain censorship is needed for films. And ultimately, it is the intent behind the scene that matters. Our own Constitution says that. Our Constitution saved the movie, he grins, winningly, before he is bombarded with the next volley of questions.
After 26 years, two of the iconic superstars of the south Rajinikanth and Mammootty are coming together, not for a Tamil or Malayalam flick, but for a Marathi film titled Pasaayadan. Earlier, the duo shared screen space in Mani Ratnams movie Thalapathy, which was loosely based on the friendship, shared by Duryodhana and Karna in Mahabharat.
If reports are to be believed, both Rajini and Mammootty will be making their debut in a Marathi flick, which is bankrolled by producer-politician Balkrishna Surve the one who got Rajinikanth on board the project. The film will be helmed by debutant Deepak Bhave who had worked as a co-writer on the Marathi film Idak, which was premiered at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) this year in Goa. The film is expected to go on floors in February.
One may recall when they collaborated for the first time in 1991 for Thalapathy, how it turned out to be blockbuster and gained a cult status later. Considering the huge fan following of Rajinikanth in Tamil Nadu and Mammootty in Kerala, it was said that Mani had to shoot two climaxes for the film.
Meanwhile, there are also speculations that Mammootty might appear in a cameo of BR Ambedkar in Rajinis next Kaala. Produced by Rajinis son-in-law Dhanush under his home banner Wunderbar Films and directed by Kabali fame Pa. Ranjith, the film stars Rajini as a Mumbai-based don. The film also has Eswari Rao, Huma Qureshi and Sakshi Agarwal as part of the star cast.
The youngster started coding when he was in his third standard and is now studying in the seventh. (Photo: Naveena Ghanate)
The centre of attraction in the ocean of entrepreneurs at Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) being held at Hyderabad is a 13-year old Hamish Finlayson from Australia.
The youngest entrepreneur at the summit has developed five apps and is working on rolling out his sixth app.
Im working on creating a virtual reality app to help people with Autism, said Hamish. This will have information about disorder along with tips for the patients he added.
The 13-year-old represents the startup Moonshot Industries global Pvt Ltd and is from Queensland. He has attended the GES previously and expressed enthusiasm to be part of the summit again.
Speaking to this paper Hamish said, At GES I am planning to meet a lot of people and will be looking for partnerships.
Hamish also added that he wants to show the apps he developed to the participants at GES and get to know their product.
The youngster started coding when he was in his third standard and is now studying in the seventh.
I used to play video games a lot and wanted to know more. I found coding to be interesting, he said, adding, I learnt basics from class and lot from the Internet.
Hamish says there is a lot of traction for his trivia app from China.
This is not the first time "Star vs The Forces of Evil" has taken Hollywood's call for inclusion forward. (Photo: Pixabay)
In an inclusive move, Disney has presented the first-ever male princess in one of its television shows.
Disney XD channel's "Star vs The Forces of Evil" is chronicling the adventures of an interdimensional princess, called Star Butterfly (voiced by Eden Sher) and her human teenage roommate Marco Diaz (Adam McArthur), reported The Independent.
In a recent episode, the viewers witnessed Marco dress up as Princess Turdina to salvage the life of students at St Olga's Reform School for Wayward Princesses from the wicked headmistress, Heinous.
But just as Marco is about to reveal his real self, Heinous turns up to out him on her own, by pulling down his shirt to reveal a strand of chest hair.
And that is when one princess shouts, "That doesn't prove anything. Princesses can be hairy."
"Yeah, we believe in you, Turdina," another royalty shouts in support. A fellow princess points out, "Why does it matter if he's a boy? Nothing he said was wrong". Whereas another adds, "He can be a princess if he wants to!" and with other exclaiming, "Turdina is a state of mind."
This is not the first time "Star vs The Forces of Evil" has taken Hollywood's call for inclusion forward.
In February, the show was the pioneer to feature same-sex kisses in an episode.
The series was created by executive producer Daron Nefcy, the second woman to lead her own animated show on Disney.
A heard of eight donkeys walked out of a jail in Uttar Pradesh after four days. (Photo: ANI)
In a bizarre incident that took place in Uttar Pradeshs Jalaun district, a herd of eight donkeys were allowed to walk free after four days on confinement. The incident happened at the Urail jail, were the eight donkeys had been in lock-up for four days.
The herd of donkeys was locked up in the jail for destroying expensive plants which the senior officer of the jail had arranged for planting inside the jail.
While the four-legged animals were bailed out after a local politician intervened and insisted on their release, twitterati could soon be seen tweeting their minds on the microblogging site.
Here are a few reactions:
Donkey gets arrested in Jalaun in UP for grazing over someone else's land. May i know what were the sections levied against the donkey? #viewpoint bhupendra chaubey (@bhupendrachaube) November 27, 2017
Another person gave a sarcastic reply,
Donkeys ! They deserved this for being born the wrong animal, that too in UP. #HolyCow https://t.co/RHdySHAeoV T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) November 27, 2017
Rajavommangi police is yet to register a case as no complaint was lodged so far on the incident. (Representational image)
Rajahmundry: A man, under the influence of liquor, tried to kill his elderly parents on Saturday night by setting their thatched house on fire as they refused to give him money he asked to have liquor at Komarapuram village of Rajavom-mangi mandal in East Godavari.
According to villagers, the couple Nukaraju and Nukalamma were living in a thatched house at Komarapuram village for some time. The man, Tatarao, addicted to liquor, troubled his family for money but on Saturday, his wife did not give him money. He reached his home in Komarapuram and asked his parents, Nukaraju and Nukalamma for money. However, they too refused.
Angered at this, the man allegedly locked the door to his parents house from outside and set it on fire while they were fast asleep in their thatched house. Villagers came to the rescue of the couple and shifted them to safety. Their hut was completely gutted. Rajavommangi police is yet to register a case as no complaint was lodged so far on the incident.
Kochi: A man in the illegal narcotics trade to find money to produce his own movie for which he had written a script has been held by the Excise Special squad sleuths. The accused was identified as Libumon Balakrishnan(37), a native of Puthuvype, and was arrested from Vytilla on Sunday. According to the cops, the youth harboured a dream from his college days to produce his own film and even prepared three scripts on the Mumbai Underworld and was on the lookout for some quick money to finance his dream project.
He had shifted to Bengaluru where he was living for over a year. He used to occasionally go to Palani and get ganja and other narcotics from there at cheap rates before selling them off at Kochi, a senior Excise department official said. The Excise sleuths got a tip-off that the accused was arriving at Kochi to sell off a consignment and laid a trap. He had brought 4.5 kg ganja and even sold a part of the consignment to a party at Trippunithura. We finally managed to catch him when he was waiting for another customer and seized 2.2 kg of the narcotics, the officer said.
Upon interrogation, the accused admitted that he used to visit Palani twice a week to procure ganja and sold them at Kochi. He used to get Rs 40,000 for each such trip. A further probe revealed that he had many customers from the film field. We are probing to find more persons connected with the illegal smuggling and trade. Besides ganja, he used to sell banned narcotic drugs, the officer said. The accused told police that he would take the ganja to Coimbatore by bus and further smuggle it to Kochi via train.
281117PNG ELECTRORAL COMMISSION DISTANCES ITSELF FROM ITS OFFICERS
By Aloysius Laukai
The PNG Electoral Commission has distanced itself from its Returning Officers and Returning Officers who made commitments on its behalf in the 2017 National Elections.
AND service Providers on Bougainville have been denied payments saying that they were not authorized to make commitments.
Transport owners in South Bougainville will not be paid for providing transport to the counting centres as only three cars were approved for payment for the ten-days counting in Buin, South Bougainville.
According to the Bougainville Electoral Manager, DESMOND TIMIYASO South Bougainville alone which had counters from TOROKINA,BANA, SIWAI and BUIN were only allowed to hire three cars.
And all the rest service providers will not be paid because they were not approved and authorized.
This really dropped the credibility of this office which is yet to pay of THREE MILLION KINA still outstanding from the 2012 National Elections.
A meeting held by the PNG EC before the 2017 NATIONAL ELECTIONS with business houses wanted 35 vehicles to be used during the polling in South Bougainville.
The service providers are now calling on the PNG Electoral Commission to let the people of PNG if it will settle all service providers in Bougainville and those who are still to be paid in PNG.
Ends
Bengaluru: A woman has accused Assistant Commissioner of Police, Yeshwanthpur subdivision, Raviprasad, of misbehaving with her and threatening the witnesses in a case filed by her. She has filed a complaint with City Police Commissioner T. Suneel Kumar, seeking action against the ACP and an inquiry has been ordered.
Divya (name changed), a resident of Hesaraghatta and a private firm employee, had complained that two men, Hanumantharayappa and Ravi, allegedly barged into her house on September 17, assaulted her and made derogatory remarks about her caste as she was joining a trust, which was opposed by the duo. The two had also allegedly touched her private parts and assaulted her. She was admitted to a hospital, where Soladevanahalli police had recorded her statement, and they had also told her that a complaint had been registered.
Despite the complaint, there was no action taken against the accused and they continued to come to my house and threaten me. I went to the Soladevanahalli police station to enquire about the complaint on November 14, but learnt that the police had not filed any case. The next day, I met the DCP (North) and explained to him the details of the case. On his direction, the Soladevanahalli police registered the case. For the next three days, the police called me to the station and made me sit there till 9 pm, saying that the ACP will come and look into my case, she alleged. On November 18, ACP Raviprasad enquired me about the case. He asked me to repeat the words the accused used against me, and I did. Then he asked me to show how they touched my private parts and I was shocked. He asked me to remove my clothes and show how the incident happened. When I objected, Soladevanahalli Inspector Venkategowda told me that the ACP is a senior officer and I have to do whatever he says. He also chided me for filing a complaint when I cannot explain what happened. I was hurt and started crying. Later, they asked me to leave, the woman stated in the complaint.
Again on November 21, some policemen contacted me over phone and asked me to go to the station within 30 minutes along with witnesses. When I went there, the ACP told me that he would come to the spot. After sometime, the ACP and a few policemen came near my house and enquired with the neighbours whether anyone had seen the incident on September 17. Manjunath and Shashi came up to him and told him that they saw it. But the ACP scolded them and left. Now, the eyewitnesses are reluctant to help me, she said.
Additional Commissioner of Police (West) Malini Krishnamoorty has ordered an inquiry against the ACP and Inspector. DCP (North) Chethan Singh Rathor will look into the case. Meanwhile, the investigation of the complaint filed by the woman against Hanumantharayappa and Ravi has been entrusted to another ACP.
Vijayawada: The exceptional results in energy efficiency(EE) and conservation activities of Andhra Pradesh made the state grab the limelight once again. The state was invited for the international symposium on energy efficiency INSPIRE (International Symposium to Promote Innovation and Research In Energy Efficiency) to be held in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
In the backdrop of the global recognition, in the form of invitation received by the Chief Secretary to the symposium, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasised the need for the energy department to make use of the above global symposium for studying the best practices in EE for enhancing the standards. He suggested that the officials develop constructive networking that can lead to global partnerships of energy utilities in the state.
INSPIRE-2017 is an international conference showcasing innovation and implementation of best practices in energy efficiency technologies, policies and financing, the principal secretary opined. He has also directed APSEEDCO to prepare PowerPoint presentation on the proposed programmes regarding energy efficiency in Amaravati to be implemented by the APCRDA.
The CM, on Sunday, held a teleconference with energy minister Kala Venkatrao, chief secretary Dinesh Kumar and other officials. The Chief Minister said: Energy efficiency is a key factor in economic development and welfare. It is necessary to supply energy efficient electrical appliances to every consumer thus preventing energy wastage, which in turn reduces their electricity bills."
Bengaluru: Despite manual scavenging being banned for the last 24 years, the dehumanising act appears to be still prevalent, even in Bengaluru.
In fact, this year, manual scavenging has been reported from areas like Yeshwanthpur, Doddaballapura and Byapanahalli. In the case of Byappanahalli, first arrests were made.
The Prohibition of Employment of Manual Scavengers and Rehabilitation Act, 2013 prohibits any individual from hiring the services of manual scavengers. But many online home service providers advertise the services of manual scavengers.
A quick surf through these websites will put you in contact with professionals who offer to clean drains and septic tanks with their bare hands.
I requested the services of a private firm to clean my drain. I was shocked to see that these so-called professionals intended to climb right into the chamber and scoop out the faecal matter without using any protective gear, said Reagan Henry, a resident of HAL.
Unfortunately, cases like these are far too many in Bengaluru and while Reagan was sensible enough to refuse the service, a lot of residents are ignorant that hiring such services is illegal. It is disgusting that these websites are advertising manual scavenging, said Mr Clifton DRozario, an advocate working for the welfare of manual scavengers and pourakarmikas.
Manual scavengers are considered as untouchables by some castes. Such advertisements on websites not only violate the Prohibition of Employment of Manual Scavengers Act, 2013 but also the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, he said.
More often than not, manual scavengers are more easily accessible compared to authorised professionals and are comparatively cheap. One such laborer said that manual scavenging is his best option. What choice do I have? My only other option is working at construction sites, but the pay is so low that I cant even afford two square meals. But if I clean a septic tank, the work only lasts a couple of hours and it pays me well, he said.
Bengaluru has seen 18 deaths of manual scavengers since 2013. With no enforcement of the law and internet home-services providers advertising the services of these people, it is likely that that number will only increase.
BENGALURU: The issue of a fire breaking out at Bellandur Lake came up before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday. While hearing the case, the bench, headed by Justice Kumar rejected the request of Bangalore Apartments Federation (BAF) to stay all the notices being served on apartments by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board for installation of sewage treatment plants, until the arguments in the case were heard and disposed.
Justice Kumar enquired about the status of the case. Mr Sajan Poovayya, counsel for Namma Bengaluru Foundation (NBF), said that the foundation has already filed their objections to the state governments report and the matter is to be heard for directions.
The NGT had asked the government to file a report on the action plan to rejuvenate the lakes by the end of this year. The report filed by the regulatory agencies in September said that the rejuvenation can only be done by December 2020 and not by December 2017. The tribunal listed the case for final arguments on December 15.
Bengaluru: The newly-constructed, two-storeyed nurses hostel on the National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (Nimhans) campus is empty. Close to 70 students passed out of Nimhans four-year BSc Nursing, but none of them wanted to intern at the Institute of National Importance even for a year.
After the course, students told authorities that they dont want to intern at Nimhans. This came as a rude shock to us as the hostel, which can accommodate 80 nurses, was constructed keeping their needs in mind. We were expecting them to intern at the Institute," said Dr B.N. Gangadhar, Director, Nimhans.
Earlier, the institute had 70 nurses working as interns on one-year contract, but in August, the batch which should have started work, decided not to join. We tried to sort out their issues, but they decided not to work. We also assured students that based on their marks, they would be placed at a place of their choice," he said.
The institute, which is already suffering from a shortage of nurses has made alternative arrangements. He said, Despite the short notice, we advertised for nursing graduate freshers and have already received some 135 applications. By Thursday, we will select 70 students, who will get a monthly stipend of Rs 12,000.
He said, We don't know what the trigger was, but we had told them that some of their grievances, including accommodation, would be met."
The hostel has security, access-controlled entrance and lift, but is empty. Had we known that these nursing graduates were not turning up, we would have made arrangements well in advance. Now, we have to make do with those who have applied," he said.
Recently, nurses at the institute protested against a shortage of 197 nurses and increased workload on them.
According to an RPF source, RPF bomb squad had checked a train that arrived from Mumbai Chennai Central, on Monday evening.
Chennai: During an anti-sabotage check-up on a train at Chennai Central railway station, Railway Protection Force (RPF) found smuggled red sanders worth Rs 10,000.
According to an RPF source, RPF bomb squad had checked a train that arrived from Mumbai Chennai Central, on Monday evening. During the check, RPF head constable T.K. Ajaykumar found an unclaimed bag in one of the lavatories of the train.
On examining the bag, Ajaykumar came to know that the bag contained 4 pieces of red sanders weighing about 9kg.
The recovered red sanders were handed over to the forest department. A senior RPF official said that the miscreants would leave the smuggled goods unclaimed and wait for the RPF check-up to complete, then they would take the bags if not found by police.
Talasani Srinivas Yadav said only 15 per cent of the work was completed in the two years that the Congress was in power after the Metro Rail project was finalised. (Representational Image | PTI)
Hyderabad: Taking serious objections to the Congress presentation on Sunday claiming credit for the Metro Rail project, minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav on Monday said only 15 per cent of the work was completed during the tenure of the Congress governments.
He said the TRS government had resolved pending litigations and completed the rest of the work. Speaking to mediapersons here, the minister objected to former Union minister S. Jaipal Reddys comment that the then UPA government had gone out of its way to favour the Hyderabad Metro. He said the Congress leader must explain what he meant by out of the way in approving a project.
Mr Yadav said only 15 per cent of the work was completed in the two years that the Congress was in power after the Metro Rail project was finalised, and that too in areas where there was no litigation. After coming to power, the TRS government completed the remaining 85 per cent of the work by resolving litigations including acquisition of land at 1,200 places to facilitate construction of Metro Rail, Mr Yadav said.
He said the Miyapur and Nagole Metro depots were constructed, permission obtained for eight rail over bridges. Are these not achievements of the TRS government, the minister asked. Replying to the charge of the Congress that not a single party leader had been invited for the project inaugural, Mr Yadav said, There is not a single Congress MLA or MLC elected from the city, whom can we invite.
College Principal G Kannan says Hadiya will be treated as one of the inmates of the hostel and that no special treatment will be accorded to her. (Photo: DC)
Salem: Hadiya will continue to pursue her studies under her previous name Akhila Ashokan, principal of the college said on Tuesday.
Amidst tight security, Hadiya arrived in Coimbatore from New Delhi to proceed to Salem to resume her education at the college as directed by the Supreme Court Monday.
She was not permitted to speak to the media at the airport in Coimbatore.
Accompanied by Kerala Police, she later left by road to the Sivaraj Medical College in Salem to undergo an 11-month internship in Homeopathy.
A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had given the direction Monday after interacting with her.
Meanwhile, college Principal G Kannan said Hadiya will be treated as one of the inmates of the hostel and that no special treatment will be accorded to her.
She will be registered under her Hindu name Akhila Ashokan in the college, he told reporters in Salem.
The apex court has appointed the dean of the college as Hadiya's guardian and granted him liberty to approach it in case of any problem. She was earlier staying at her parental home in Kochi for several weeks.
The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, had directed the college and the university to re-admit Hadiya and grant her hostel facilities.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police Subbbulakshmi, who held a meeting with college authorities in Salem, told reporters that adequate protection will be given to the woman.
During the court hearing, Hadiya said she wanted to go with her husband Shafin Jahan and that he will take care of her education expenses.
Jahan had on September 20 approached the apex court seeking recall of its order directing the NIA to investigate the controversial case of conversion and marriage of Hadiya, originally a Hindu woman who converted to Islam.
The Kerala High Court had annulled the marriage terming it as an instance of 'love jihad', following which Jahan approached the Supreme court.
The top court had on August 16 directed the NIA to probe the incident under the supervision of retired apex court judge, Justice R V Raveendran.
The woman, a Hindu, had converted to Islam and later married Jahan. It was alleged that the woman was recruited by Islamic State's mission in Syria and Jahan was only a stooge.
Hadiya was in the custody of her parents for almost six months after the Kerala High Court had on May 29 anulled her 'nikah' with Jahan.
Ashokan K M, the father of the woman, has alleged that there was a "well-oiled systematic mechanism" for conversion and Islamic radicalisation.
Earlier today, Ashokan welcomed the SC decision allowing his daughter to pursue her studies.
"Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after converting to Islam... I cannot have a terrorist in the family," he added.
Ashokan also said he was sad that his daughter had to undergo such "unpleasant experiences because of which her studies were interrupted."
"But now I am happy as the court has allowed her to study further," he told reporters in Delhi.
Ashokan said he was not worried about Hadiya's security in Salem, as she was now under the protection and observation of the apex court.
Ivanka Trump will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session, along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo: Twitter | @USAmbIndia)
Hyderabad: Ivanka Trump, the daughter of US President Donald Trump and his advisor, arrived in Hyderabad on Tuesday for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) co-hosted by India and the US.
Ivanka and her team landed at the Shamshabad (Hyderabad) Airport around 3.15 am.
After reaching Hyderabad, Ivanka Trump thanked people for the warm welcome and said she was excited to be in the city for the GES.
Thank you for the warm welcome. Im excited to be in Hyderabad, India for #GES2017. https://t.co/1U08h5L9Rm Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) November 28, 2017
Ivanka Trump was invited for the summit earlier in 2017 by Prime Minister Modi during his visit to the US.
Ivanka Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening addressed the annual summit being held for the first time in South Asia. PM Modi arrived in Hyderabad a little after 1 pm. First on his agenda on Tuesday was the inauguration of the Hyderabad metro rail service.
Addressed party cadres at the airport, Modi said: Today, the attention of the world is on Hyderabad. This city is hosting a prestigious international summit where industry leaders from the world are joining.
He added on a political note: In the southern part of the country, the BJP has not got many opportunities to serve in government. Yet, our karyakartas are always working on the ground with the people. We are proud of the family of BJP karyakartas.
We believe in cooperative federalism. There is no question of discriminating against states where we are not in power. We are committed for the overall development of our country, Modi said.
Though Ivanka has been to India before, this time she is in the country as US President Donald Trump's advisor. The visit is also her maiden solo outing on the international stage.
Ivanka Trump arrives in Hyderabad. (Photo: Twitter | @MEAIndia)
The theme for the three-day summit beginning later on Tuesday is "Women First, Prosperity for All".
This will be the first GES in which women are expected to be majority (52.5 per cent) of the participants. The theme of this year's summit demonstrates the commitment of the US and the Indian government to the principle that when women are economically empowered, their communities and countries thrive, NITI Ayog CEO Amitabh Kant has said.
Ivanka Trump's 350-member delegation includes top administration officials and a large number of Indian-Americans. The summit will also feature 1,200 young entrepreneurs, mostly women. The youngest person attending the meet is 13, say officials.
Ivanka Trump delivered the keynote address at the inaugural session, along with Narendra Modi. She is also scheduled to speak at another session on Wednesday.
The summit will primarily focus on four thematic sectors -- energy and infrastructure; healthcare and life sciences; financial technology and digital economy; and media and entertainment sectors, according to Amitabh Kant.
After the inauguration, Ivanka and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are slated to participate in a panel discussion on opening up of opportunities for women entrepreneurs, Kant had earlier said.
On Tuesday evening, the Prime Minister hosted a dinner for the US President's daughter at Hyderabad's Falaknuma Palace, which has been decked up for the event.
More than 10,000 security personnel have been deployed as part of the security arrangement. The security arrangement is being reviewed by the Special Protection Group as well as the US Secret Service.
Police have announced traffic restrictions that have forced many schools to declare a holiday.
On Ivanka Trump's itinerary was the old city as well as the Charminar, the iconic symbol of Hyderabad. She also wanted to shop at the Laad Bazaar or Choodi Bazaar, which is famous for its bangles, semi-precious stones, pearls, jewellery and silverware.
Hadiyas father KM Ashokan also refuted the allegations that he abused his daughter. (Photo: ANI)
New Delhi: In the alleged case of love jihad in Kerala, the father of Hadiya on Tuesday expressed happiness over the Supreme Court direction that his daughter should resume her studies.
"We never abused her. I am happy with the Supreme Court. I was worried about her education and wanted her to study. Now I am happy," Hadiyas father KM Ashokan told the media.
Asked about his stance on inter-caste marriages, Ashokan said he believed in one religion and one god but could not have a terrorist in the family.
Hadiya had converted to Islam and married a Muslim, Shafin Jahan. Ashokan alleges that his daughter was forcibly converted and Jahan was linked to the Islamic State group, which is active in Syria and Iraq.
"Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after getting converted to Islam," Ashokan said. "I cannot have a terrorist in the family," he added.
On Monday, the Supreme Court said that Hadiya should return to her college in Salem, Tamil Nadu, to complete her medical course. Hadiya had joined Sivaraj Homoeopathic Medical College in Salem, but could not complete her studies as she was put under house arrest in May.
The apex court said the college should allow the hostel facility to Hadiya and also appointed the college dean as her local guardian.
The 25-year-old has been in the headlines after she became a Muslim following her marriage to Jahan.
Hadiya said she had married Jahan out of her own will and not forcibly. The top court will now hear the matter next in third week of January.
Earlier, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had submitted a status report in a sealed cover to the top court in connection with the case.
The apex court has been hearing Hadiya's case after Jahan approached the top court following the Kerala High Court annulling his marriage with Hadiya.
While Hadiya's parents have been alleging that her marriage was a case of 'love jihad' and that she was converted to Islam forcibly, Hadiya has refuted these claims so far.
Mitra, a robot manufactured by Bengaluru-based Invento Robotics, interacted with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and White House advisor Ivanka Trump at the summit. (Photo: Twitter/NITI Ayog)
Hyderabad: At the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and White House advisor Ivanka Trump were greeted by Made in India robot, named Mitra.
Mitra, a robot manufactured by Bengaluru-based Invento Robotics, interacted with Modi and Ivanka at the summit.
CEO of Invento Robotics, Balaji Viswanathan, and his team of 14 members deployed two bots at the event, but it was Mitra that welcomed the Prime Minister and daughter of US President Donald Trump on the stage at the summit.
It was Mitra, who announced the inauguration of the summit, after Modi and Ivanka pressed a button on the robot.
A branch of Canara Bank in Bengaluru had been using the services of Mitra.
Also read: At Hyderabad global meet, Modi and Ivanka extol the 'shakti' of women
Ivanka is in India to attend the eighth edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. Modi, who earlier on Tuesday launched the Hyderabad metro rail services, inaugurated the summit, a three-day event, at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre along with Ivanka.
Chennai: Sunday night showers brought low-lying areas of north Chennai under water on Monday and normalcy was affected in several parts of coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.
Flight operations in Chennai were also disrupted due to bad weather and several international flights landed with delay.
Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Chennai received fresh spells of rains on Monday.
An international flight from Frankfurt was also diverted to Bangalore on Monday morning. The arrival and departure of about 30 flights were delayed but the operations became normal before noon, airport sources said.
In Chennai, the poll bound RK Nagar saw attention from civic authorities, while the adjacent areas witnessed sewer overflows and water-logging. Ramana nagar, Thiruvi Ka Nagar, Vysarpadi, Pattalam, Pulianthope and Choolai suffered water logging and there were drainage block complaints from the residents in these areas. However schools remained open as rains stopped Monday morning only to resume by noon. Corporation commissioner D. Karthikeyan also conducted a meeting with civic officials to discuss motor pumps positioning at low-lying areas and subways.
Unchecked battered roads with water logging delays the journey time between Chennai and Vellore and road condition near the Sriperumbudur toll is badly maintained, said J. Karthick, a travel agent based in Koyambedu. Motorists also suffered traffic snarls at arterial locations including Chennai Central, Koyambedu and Vadapalani.
Meanwhile, rumours that a cyclone was on its way towards the Nagapattinam coast also went viral. However the district administration authorities clarified that there were no cyclone warning alerts from weather department.
Tambaram residents protest against civic bodies
Residents of Tambaram on Monday staged a demonstration protesting against local bodies in south Chennai not attending to monsoon related complaints.
About 500 residents, agitated with Tambaram revenue authorities for not clearing water logging, blocked traffic along the arterial camp road connecting Velachery and Tambaram. Peak hour traffic came to a standstill and the police had a tough time pacifying the agitators.
After police tried to clear the demonstrators more residents from Agaranthen, Sainagar, Thiruvanchery and Paduvanchery joined the protest creating tension in the locality. At one stage, the public also warned police that they would block the traffic in the adjacent roads if they were forcibly removed. It was only after Kancheepuram Collector, P. Ponniah, visited the site that residents withdrew their agitation. The collector subsequently ordered authorities to use earth movers and motor pumps to drain the water.
Taking children to school is a nightmare and the authorities fail to understand the publics sufferings, fumed V. Kalyani, who resides in Paduvanchery near Tambaram.
According to police sources, the district collector was scheduled to attend a function at Tambaram and when he came to know about the demonstration, rushed to the spot along with local revenue officials. After hearing public grievances, the collector conducted a review meeting and pulled up the local government staff for not redressing public complaints.
Every time the residents approached government departments they are forced to walk from pillar to post. The fresh spell of rain on Sunday has added to water-logging and mosquito menace, M. Murugan of Sainagar Residents Welfare Association, said.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a fresh plea seeking to stall the release of 'Padmavati' outside India. (Photo: File)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a fresh plea seeking to stall the release of 'Padmavati' outside India.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra dismissed the petition filed by a lawyer, Manohar Lal Sharma, who sought stay on the release of the film.
On the threats given by various groups to director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and actor Deepika Padukone, who plays the role of Rani Padmini, the apex court said, These kind of statements are violative of the principle of Rule of Law as Censor Board is yet to certify the movie.
The top court also took serious note of statements made by people holding power or high office about the movie and said it was tantamount to pre-judging it.
Lawyer ML Sharma had also sought a direction to the CBI to register a case against director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and others for various offences including defamation and violation of the Cinematography Act.
The bench which also comprised Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud termed as "misconceived", the prayers sought by Sharma in his fresh petition and said that the court cannot pre-judge a movie which is yet to be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
The irked bench, however, did not impose cost on Sharma keeping in view the fact that he has been a practising lawyer of the apex court.
With inputs from PTI.
Software engineer Ragupathy Kandasamy, who was back home in Tamil Nadus Coimbatore form US to meet his prospective bride, died on Saturday morning after he reportedly crashed his bike into a temporary illegal wooden hoarding set up on a road by the ruling AIADMK for its MGR centenary celebrations. (Photo: Facebook | ragupathy.kandasamy)
Chennai: 32-year-old software engineer Ragupathy Kandasamy, who was back home in Tamil Nadus Coimbatore form US to meet his prospective bride, died on Saturday morning after he reportedly crashed his bike into a temporary illegal wooden hoarding set up on a road by the ruling AIADMK for its MGR centenary celebrations. As Ragupathys bike hit the structure and he fell from his bike, a truck ran him over.
The engineer, who was to return to the US over the weekend, was not wearing a helmet at the time of the incident. He planned to park his bike at a bus stand and take a bus to a temple.
Hours after his death, a massive outrage triggered on social media with angry users criticising the government with the hashtag, WhoKilledRagu.
Someone painted "Who Killed Ragu?" in large, white lettering at the spot where Ragupathy was killed.
Ragupathys death has triggered a big political blame game in Tamil Nadu.
The Tamil Nadu government has shrugged off responsibility, claiming that the techie died after being hit by a truck and not because of the wooden arch that was erected by the AIADMK.
Tamil Nadu minister SP Velumani has blamed the DMK for diverting the issue by blaming the government.
The DMK meanwhile has lashed out at the AIADMK, holding them responsible for the engineers death.
DMK Working President MK Stalin tweeted that he condemns the lawless government in strong terms.
Under the pretext of #MGRcentenary, the AIADMK govt. continues to blatantly violate the High Court's order on obstructive & dangerous hoardings - now resulting in the death of Raghu, a promising young engineer in Coimbatore. I condemn this lawless govt. in the strongest terms. pic.twitter.com/tkbm9NDlHk M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) November 26, 2017
A local legislator, Krishnan K, from the DMK has filed a petition in the high court asking judges to order the removal of all hoardings in Coimbatore and wants action against government officials.
He has also demanded that Ragupathy's family be given compensation.
Another opposition party, PMK has demanded that a case be filed against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palanisamy over the dead of the young engineer.
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan who has been sharply critical of the state government and recently discussed his plans to enter politics with fans also attacked AIADMK after the incident.
Any government that regards power and fame even at the cost of life will fall. A government that doesn't respect pedestrians won't go too long on palankeen. Banner 'Jis' should realise those who pave way for accidents abet murder," Haasan tweeted.
. . . Banner"" Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) November 26, 2017
The structure that Ragupathy crashed into took up space on both sides and police investigators said he was thrown off his bike when it hit a portion that jutted well on to the road.
Activists have alleged that the hoarding on Coimbatore's Avinashi road covered about 30 per cent of motorable area.
On Saturday, the Commissioner of the Coimbatore Corporation ordered the removal of hoardings, which had no permission, calling them illegal.
The state government and the AIADMK are celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of the party's founder and former chief minister MG Ramachandran or MGR on December 3.
The police said that the BSF jawan Chandar Bhan, a resident of Kurukshetra, Haryana, was targeted by his colleague inside a camp of the paramilitary forces at Mader in Bandipora. (Representational Image)
Srinagar: In an apparent act of fratricide, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was shot dead by a colleague in Jammu and Kashmirs northern district of Bandipore on Monday night.
The police said that the BSF jawan Chandar Bhan, a resident of Kurukshetra, Haryana, was targeted by his colleague inside a camp of the paramilitary forces at Mader in Bandipora. The incident occurred following altercation between the two on some issue, the police said adding that it has registered a case under relevant provisions of the law including Section 302 and taken up investigations.
The BSF which is probing the incident separately said that the shootout took place inside the camp at around 11 pm on Monday. Head constable Chander Bhan was critically injured after he was fired upon allegedly by a colleague. He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared brought dead, said a BSF official.
Salem: Hadiya, the 24-year-old girl whose conversion to Islam has drawn the attention of the nation, on Tuesday returned to the Sivaraj Homeopathy College near here to complete her house surgeon duties amid tight police security. The institution authorities said she will be registered under her original name of Akhila Ashokan.
The young BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) student, who was forced to discontinue her studies at the institute after a major row erupted over her conversion to Islam and marriage to a Muslim youth, arrived at the Coimbatore Airport from New Delhi on Tuesday evening and was taken directly to the college located 35 kms from Salem by the Kerala Police.
As she arrived at the Sivaraj Homeopathy College, Tamil Nadu police cordoned off the entire area and restricted access to everyone till Hadiya aka Akhila was taken into the principal's room after which she was escorted to the college hostel in Sooramangalam where she will stay like any other student without any special facilities.
At the principal's room, Hadiya completed all formalities to rejoin the college. A thick blanket of security was thrown around the institution to ensure that there was no untoward incident although a group did manage to shout slogans in Hadiya's favour.
"Hadiya will be treated as one of the inmates of the hostel and no special treatment will be accorded to her. She will be registered under her Hindu name Akhila Ashokan in the college", G Kannan, Principal of the college, told reporters.
The Supreme Court had asked the dean of the college to take care of Hadiya and granted him liberty to approach it in case of any problem.
She will stay at the hostel for the next 11 months to complete her house surgeon duties to secure the degree. Following the SC order, college principal G Kannan wrote to Salem Police Commissioner K Shankar seeking police protection for her. We will discuss with the college authorities and provide security to the woman, Shankar told DC.
Hadiya returned to the college following the Supreme Court direction on Monday to the dean of the institution to ensure that she completes her course by staying at the hostel. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had given the direction Monday after interacting with Hadiya, who expressed interest to complete her studies.
Though she was disallowed to speak to the media, Hadiya spoke to reporters at the New Delhi airport briefly, reiterating that she wanted to go with her husband Shafin Jahan, who is being accused by right-wing groups of forcing her to convert to Islam feigning love.
Hadiya had completed the four-and-half-year theoretical part of the course, before she had left the college in 2015 without attending the one-year practical part of the course.
Earlier on Tuesday, Ashokan welcomed the SC decision allowing his daughter to pursue her studies. Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after converting to Islam... I cannot have a terrorist in the family, he added. Ashokan also said he was sad that his daughter had to undergo such unpleasant experiences because of which her studies were interrupted.
But now I am happy as the court has allowed her to study further, he told reporters in Delhi. Ashokan said he was not worried about Hadiyas security in Salem, as she was now under the protection and observation of SC.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, daughter of and advisor to US President Donald Trump Ivanka Trump at the 8th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit on Tuesday. (Photo: P. Surendra)
Hyderabad: Entrepreneurs find opportunity in adversity, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and advised them to focus on their work regardless of the reaction.
Swami Vivekananda said that each work has to pass through three stages ridicule, opposition, and then acceptance. Those who think ahead of their time are sure to be misunderstood. Most entrepreneurs would be familiar with this, Mr Modi said on Tuesday in his address to 1,500 delegates from 45 countries at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017.
He said essential qualities that set entrepreneurs apart are their patience and determination. The power to think differently and ahead of the times for the betterment of mankind is what sets entrepreneurs apart. I see that power in Indias young generation today.
Dwelling on the theme of GES 2017, Women First, Prosperity for All, Mr Modi said that in Indian mythology woman is an incarnation of Shakti. We believe womens empowerment is vital to our development.
He gave examples of successful women in India Hyderabad-based sportswomen Saina Nehwal, P.V. Sindhu, and Sania Mirza. Positioning India as an innovation-driven and entrepreneurial country, Mr Modi took the delegates through key achievements of Indians in different fields Charaka for Ayurveda, Aryabhatta for the invention of zero, Kautilya for Arthashastra.
Inviting entrepreneurs from across the world to set up their facilities in India, Mr Modi said India has improved its rank from 54 in 2014 to 35 in 2016 on the World Bank's Logistics Performance Index.
This signifies the relative ease and efficiency with which products can be moved into and from a country, he said.
NEW DELHI/ SALEM: More anxious days are in store for Hadiya alias Akhila whom the Supreme Court has sent to Sivaraj Homoeopathic Medical College and Research Institute, Salem, to continue her studies. While Shafin Jehan, her husband, said that the court had not stopped him from meeting her, college principal Dr G. Kannan asserted that he would not allow such a meeting. Her father K.M. Ashokan also said that he would fight legally against Jehan meeting Hadiya.
Dr Kannan told an English TV channel, We wont allow Hadiyas husband to meet her. Her parents admitted her here and only they can meet her, he said. She cant go anywhere alone and can do nothing without prior permission from the college, he said. Though Hadiya expressed her interest to go with her husband, he was not spotted on the college premises where she was brought by Kerala police on Tuesday evening. Her parents did not accompany her to the college.
Shafin Jehan, 27, told reporters in New Delhi that the SC had not said anything against him. The National Investigation Agencys allegation that I have connections with the IS terrorist organisation is baseless. There were eight reports on my alleged connections with IS in the High Court. I hope that the SC will eventually unite us as a couple," he said. Hadiya maintained that she would meet Jehan at Salem. Her father challenged it and said he would not allow him to meet her though he had no more control on his daughter. Hadiyas mother Ponnamma wept while talking to reporters minutes before they left Kerala House for Indira Gandhi International Airport on their way to Coimbatore and later by road to Salem.
The police took Hadiya and her parents to the airport only 10 minutes before the flight took off to Coimbatore. He mother said that Hadiya was forcibly converted to Islam by two of her former classmates, Jazeena and Fazeena. We can't imagine our daughter getting married to a terrorist. Our daughters classmates fathers converted her to Islam which we were not aware of initially," she said. Let her complete her studies and have a bright future. We gave her good education with my husband's paltry earnings. We never expected her classmates to cheat us," she added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says his government has scrapped over 1,200 outdated laws, eased 87 rules for foreign investment in 21 sectors, and taken several processes online. (Photo: Twitter/NITI Ayog)
Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Centre would not discriminate against any state on political grounds, and that the BJP was committed to competitive cooperative federalism.
The Prime Minister was indirectly replying to Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Raos charge in the State Assembly recently that the much-hyped cooperative federalism remained a mere slogan.
The Prime Minister appears to have taken note of the comment, particularly since it was followed by DMK leader M.K. Stalin deciding to extend support to Mr Chandrasekhar Raos fight against the Centre to demand that a free hand be given to the states on issues such as providing reservations to backward communities.
Addressing BJP cadres at Begumpet airport on his arrival in the city on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Modi said: The Central Government will extend its full support to the developmental programmes taken up by the Telangana state government, there will be no politics in developmental issues, be it Telangana or Andhra Pradesh or Tamil Nadu, we are committed to competitive cooperative federalism, Mr Modi affirmed.
He said the Centre would provide all possible support to new projects and developmental activities taken up by all states in the country.
Showering praises on Hyderabad city, the Prime Minister said the whole world is looking towards Hyderabad as the city gets ready to host entrepreneurs from across the world for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.
The strike by nurses demanding job permanency, enhanced pay and eight hours work shifts, entered its second day on Tuesday. Over 2,500 nurses were on indefinite strike at the Directorate of Medical Services campus in Chennai since Monday and their agitation affected health services in several government hospitals and primary health centres (PHCs) in rural areas across TN. (Photo: DC)
Chennai: More than 2,000 staff nurses, recruited through the Medical Recruitment Board Tamil Nadu from across the state, called off their two-day long protest after talks with Health Minister C. Vijayabhaskar who assured that their services will be regularized gradually.
Though the strike continued for the second day, services in the government hospitals and public health centres in the city remained unaffected as the doctors and the staff on duty worked double shifts on Monday and Tuesday to prevent disruptions in the discharge of services.
The nurses also presented the formal notice directed to the Director of Medical Services regarding the protest a month ago after officials alleged that there was no formal communication about the strike.
After two-hour long talks with the minister, the nurses called off their protest a little before 9 pm and announced that they will resume work on Wednesday. We had placed our demands in front of the authorities more than a month ago regarding the regularization of services with a time-scale pay on an 8-hour shift basis, S Aishwarya, joint secretary, MRB Nurses Empowerment Association, said.
After the protest on Monday, Director of Medical Education Dr A Edwin Joe, Director of Medical Services Dr M R Enbasekaran and Director of Public Health Dr K Kolandaswamy called on the association representative for talks. Around ten members from the association discussed the issue with the directors. Officials said the nurses were appointed based on the same regulations as it is done across the country and nurses would be eligible for a permanent post only after two years of service. After two years of service, the services of nurses are regularised based on the availability of vacancies and seniority. The sudden demands of all nurses to be given increment in the salary and permanency in the post have been communicated to the government. However, the pay and service regularization is as per the regulations, said Dr M R Enbasekaran.
Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan also called on around 20 representatives from the association to discuss their demands. The meeting continued till the filing of the report and nurses had not called off the agitation. However, a section of protesting nurses said they would continue with their agitation till their demands are met. They said they don't agree with the other section who have announced that they would call of the protests.
Min assures nurses to consider demands
The Health minister addressed the press on Tuesday regarding the nurses protest stating that the State Health Department would regularise them as per procedure. Nurses are being given the pay and regularisation is done according to the regulations set by the Government of India, he said.
The nurses are recruited by the Medical Recruitment Board after an entrance test and based on the consolidated marks, the appointment is decided. The contract based appointment is being done for all the nurses all over the India. All the nurses who were appointed through Medical Recruitment Board are given regularisation after two years of service based on seniority and vacancy available, he said.
Around 6,000 nurses who were recruited in 2015 have been regularised, whereas for the rest 200 of them, the services will be made regular within this week, Health Minister said.
Claiming that government is taking all measures to provide for the demands of all the personnel working under the State Health department, the minister assured the nurses that the demands will be considered and the nurses should see that such actions do not affect the services to the patients at the government hospitals.
News / National
by Staff reporter
New cabinet to be announced next week, please ingore all "sources" and speculation. The announcement will be made, it will not influenced by hype, rumors or pressure from external lobby groups. #Zimcabinet ZANU PF (@zanu_pf) November 26, 2017
There are unconfirmed reports that the Executive chairman and founder of Econet and Zimbabwe's richest man might be named in President Emmerson Mnangagwa's economic advisory board.Mnangagwa is expected to introduce technocrats from commerce and this is expected to send out a signal of sorts to the international community.Besides Masiyiwa, Nkosana Moyo and James Makamba's names are also being punted. The argument being that Moyo has links with the international financial institution which will make the re-engagement process easier for Zimbabwe.Zanu-PF on its Twitter handle said, "New cabinet to be announced next week, please ignore all "sources" and speculation. The announcement will be made, it will not be influenced by hype, rumours or pressure from external lobby groups."Mnangagwa is expected to form a new cabinet this week, with all eyes on whether he breaks with the past and names a broad-based government or selects old guard figures from Robert Mugabe's era.Of particular interest is his choice of finance minister to replace Ignatius Chombo, who was among members of a group allied to Mugabe and his wife, Grace, who were detained and expelled from the ruling party. Chombo is facing corruption charges and is due to appear in court for a bail hearing on Monday. The pool of capable Zimbabwean in the finance and economic field is unlimited, however, Mnangagwa might be handicapped by the limited number of none constituency members that can serve in the cabinet.After being sworn in as president last Friday, Mnangagwa vowed to rebuild Zimbabwe's ravaged economy and serve all citizens. But behind the rhetoric, some Zimbabweans wonder whether a man who loyally served Mugabe for decades can bring change to a ruling establishment accused of systematic human rights abuses and disastrous economic policies."The composition of the new government will show a clear path whether we continue with the status quo or the clear break with the past that we need to build a sustainable state. It's a simple choice," said former finance minister and opposition leader Tendai Biti.The opposition Movement for Democratic Change has called for an inclusive "transitional authority" to mark a break with Mugabe's 37-year rule and enact reforms to allow for credible and free elections due next year."Zimbabwe needs all hands on deck...We cannot continue reproducing these cycles of instability," Biti told Reuters.Some economic and political analysts say Mnangagwa's choices may be limited after Cyber Security Minister and close ally Patrick Chinamasa said last week he saw no need for a coalition, as ZANU-PF had a parliamentary majority.And with Mnangagwa saying on Friday elections would go ahead next year as scheduled, the opposition would have little to gain from participating in a coalition just eight months before the vote, Professor Anthony Hawkins, a business studies professor, said."If I were an opposition politician I would say: what's in it for me? Unless I'm convinced I'm going to lose the election, I won't participate," Hawkins told Reuters."He (Mnangagwa) might introduce technocrats from commerce and that will send out a signal of sorts... As far as the international community is concerned legitimacy is important. It's a very delicate situation and he has very little room for manoeuvre."The Standard newspaper, which has been critical of Mugabe and his government over the years, said Mnangagwa would be judged on how he delivers on the bold commitments he made at his inauguration. It said he must "walk the talk on graft" that has exacerbated the country's economic decline.Mugabe's fall after 37 years in power was spurred by a battle to succeed him that pitted Mnangagwa, his former deputy who had stood by him for 52 years, and Mugabe's wife, Grace, 52, who has been at the couple's "Blue House" mansion in Harare and hasn't been seen in public since.
THISSUR: Two natural rivulets originating from the reserved forest in Dhoni forest range near Malampuzha dam here have been diverted to a private quarry and crusher unit for the commercial use of washing M-sand. The violation by the 'Royal Crusher' unit has been unearthed by environmental organisation Paristhithi Aikya Vedi. This comes at a time when other environmental violations have been reported in the state, including by MLA P.V. Anwar in Koodaranji panchayat in Kozhikode for a water park and the alleged encroachment by Mr Joyce George MP at Kottakamboor in Idukki.
Vedi's member and green activist Boban Mattumanth, who filed a complaint with the chief minister, revenue and forest ministers and the district collector on Saturday, said that a team from his organization had visited the crusher unit lying adjacent to the Dhoni forest here on Monday and collected the details of the illegal activity along with its photographs. "Both the rivulets named 'Vilavakundu thodu' and 'Karippali thodu' have been diverted by building a huge tank near the forest inside a land which the crusher owner claims to hold. The tank water is then diverted through penstock pipes which are laid by filling the rivulets. By filling the laid pipes with soil, one of the rivulets has been fully reclaimed," Mr Boban told DC.
The penstock pipes extend to nearly 1.5 km and there is another tank built near the crusher to collect the diverted water, he added. Vedi activists told DC that after they raised the issue, political leaders were calling them over phone to play down the issue. "The crusher is functioning in Akathethara panchayat ruled by the CPM and the party has not taken any action in the matter," Mr Boban said. Due to diversion of the rivulet, a total of 125 acres of paddyland in Dhoni is not getting water and the farmers have stopped cultivation. Meanwhile, officials at the Royal Crusher claim that they have dumped the soil from the crusher near the rivulets and the pipes were laid to prevent the water body from getting filled up with this waste.
KOZHIKODE: The footwear industry of the Malabar region registered a jump over the years with the annual cumulative turnover of the Kozhikode-based footwear companies alone crossing Rs 1,500 crore, according to the Kerala State Small Scale Industries Association. With 150 manufacturing units supported by 300 ancillary units and providing direct employment to 25,000 workers, the footwear sector has been a breadwinner for thousands of families. With many popular brands including VKC, Paragon, Lunar, Mark, Odyssia, Cubiz, Fisher, Hawalker and Jogger, the footwear sector of the state is strong and most of the players have their origins in Kozhikode, it was pointed out.
Confederation of Indian Footwear Industry vice-president V. Naushad, who is also the managing director of VKC group, told DC that Kozhikode is contributing a lion's share of the state's footwear production. "Unified efforts of the industry players helped in making significant growth over the years", he said, adding that India could pose a challenge to China, the global footwear market leader, in a few years.
"The entrepreneurs here have been getting exposure to world class technologies and changing trends during the International Footwear Exhibitions that is organized often which attracts several players to the footwear industry", he added. Started in the 1980s, the footwear industry in the region is growing with new units emerging every year. The flagship footwear company of the region is the VKC group with an annual turnover of Rs 1,500 crore (approx.).
Chennai: The migration has begun. In a body blow to the rebel TTV Dhinakaran camp five days after Two Leaves symbol was allotted to the EPS-OPS headed AIADMK, three Rajya Sabha MPs met Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and declared that they have returned to the parent party.
The MPs A. Navaneethakrishnan, who was considered quite close to the V. K. Sasikala family and had represented Ilavarasi in the disproportionate assets (DA) case -- Gokulakrishnan and Vijila Sathyanand met Palaniswami at his residence here, in what is seen just as the beginning of the migration from the beleaguered TTV camp.
However, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and his supporters were conspicuous by their absence. Navaneethakrishnan's support to Palaniswami is being seen as a shot in the arm for the unified AIADMK since he holds the crucial post of the party's floor leader in Rajya Sabha. Sources said talks began on Wednesday, a day before the EC recognised the EPS-OPS faction as the AIADMK and allotted Two Leaves symbol to them.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many who are waiting to jump the ship and it will happen quite soon. Most of the MPs and MLAs owing allegiance to Dhinakaran are in touch with us. They will meet the Chief Minister in groups by jumping the ship, a senior leader said, adding that Two Leaves did the magic since many leaders feel the party is where the symbol is.
Sources who are aware of the talks said barring a few MLAs and two or three MPs, all of them would be associating themselves with EPS-OPS in the next couple of days. Forest Minister Dindigul C. Srinivasan said all those supporting Dhinakaran should reform them and return to the parent party to work under Palaniswami and Panneerselvam.
While Navaneethakrishnan was not available for comments, Gokulakrishnan and Sathyanand said they came back because the Two Leaves symbol was now with the EPS and OPS.
Two Leaves is the symbol of AIADMK and we are true AIADMK loyalists and workers. So, since the symbol is with the CM and deputy CM, we have met Palaniswami and expressed our willingness to work for the party,
Gokulakrishnan said. Echoing similar sentiments, Sathyanand said the party is where the Two Leaves symbol is and hence she decided to associate herself with the new leadership.
Claiming victory, AIADMK governing council member Tamil Magan Hussain said the support of three MPs would strengthen the party further and appealed to all those aligned with Dhinakaran to return immediately.
After a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, on Monday interacted with Hadiya, the 24-year-old Kerala Hindu woman Akhila who converted to Islam and married a Muslim man, who is being accused by the National Investigation Agency of playing a part for a criminal ring to convert Hindu women to Islam through love jihad, she was permitted by the court to return to Tamil Nadu to complete her homeopathic medicine course there. This is a major step. Hadiyas father K.M. Asokans case rested on the argument that his daughter wasnt mature enough to take a decision as far-reaching as changing her faith and marrying a man of the new faith. On this ground he sought his daughters custody and annulment of her marriage to a Muslim. The Kerala high court granted both. Instead of going with her husband Shafin Jehan, Hadiya had to go to her fathers home. This Kerala high court order was challenged in the Supreme Court by Mr Jehan. At first, the apex court ordered a NIA probe into the love jihad angle with then CJI Justice J.S. Khehar presiding.
The order appeared to give precedence to the security angle above personal liberty and the prerogative of an individual of marrying someone of ones own free will, instead of separating the two and examining the security-related allegation on its merits. On attaining adulthood, parental permission is not a legal requirement for marriage. On this ground alone, legally speaking, the conversion and marriage of a Hindu woman to a Muslim (or vice versa) cant be objected to. Upon Justice Khehars retirement, his successor Justice Mishra had Akhila/Hadiya summoned to the court to examine and ascertain if she was sound of mind and capable of making well-considered decisions. The court permitting the young woman to return to pursue her studies and leave her fathers home, to which she was confined for the past 11 months, is revealing. It suggests her mental faculties are deemed to be in order.
The issue of the validity of her marriage with Mr Jehan, the court said, will be taken up in January. Under the law, the court cannot disallow the marriage. The RSS-BJP has been carrying on a social and political campaign on the love jihad issue. We hope judicial wisdom will prevail. Since the NIA believes, whether under RSS pressure or otherwise, that the conversion and marriage of Akhila/Hadiya is a farce as Mr Jehan is involved in criminality, the court has quite rightly permitted the investigation into love jihad to continue. Whatever it may turn up, in principle, a person cant be punished for falling in love and marrying a criminal. In this case, Mr Jehan must be punished if a criminal nexus around love jihad is proved. But the marriage can only be dissolved through formal court proceedings.
Hyderabad: Five out-of-the-box thinkers were picked by NITI Aayog and given slots to display their innovative products at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad.
One of those chosen is Ashwin Srisailam, a monk for 17 years, who worked as an emotional intelligence adviser to the late Michael Jackson and currently works with noted musician AR Rahman.
Mr Srisailam has developed a visual reality headset especially meant for critically stressed and depressed individuals. He told Deccan Chronicle, Ahhaa (the name of his startup) works on a different platform to deliver mind education and relaxation. We have an app where people can log in and view, read content in connection to their situation, a personal space (experts will be available to help as per the individual) and a visual reality headset, where people will be shown serene location to help reduce stress. The music in the video has been given by Mr AR Rahman. The content will transform and positively impact the person. Looking at the global market, the world has 3.2 billion workers who are unwell in mind, body and soul.
Another of the innovative thinkers chosen is Hussain Harianawala, co-founder of Hyperloop India, a multi-stake holder comprising 60 students.
The Hyperloop (three-wheeled wholly covered vehicle) is a new way to move people or things anywhere quickly, safely, on-demand and with minimal impact to the environment.
The system accelerates a passenger or cargo at airline speed. Hyperloop India is the first and only team from India, and one of the two from Asia that has been selected to build and race their Hyperloop pod on the Spacex track.
The other three selected are Tarun Mehta of Ather Energy, a Bengaluru based firm that developed the first ever smart electric connected scooter, and Kaushik Mudda and Naveen Jain, for their 5 access hybrid manufacturing machine.
All five were selected on the basis of the global acceptance of their product. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ms Ivanka Trump were introduced to the five innovators before they addressed the GES.
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Google promises that official release in December will roll out to all supported Pixel and Nexus devices worldwide.
Google has started rolling out an update to the Android 8.1 developer preview, the last before the official launch to consumers in December. Android 8.1 adds targeted enhancements to the Oreo platform, including optimisations for Android Go (for devices with 1GB or less of memory) and a Neural Networks API to accelerate on-device machine intelligence. It also includes a few smaller enhancements to Oreo in response to user and developer feedback.
If you have a device enrolled in the Android Beta Program, you'll receive the update over the next few days. If you haven't enrolled yet, just visit the Android Beta site to enrol and get the update.
The preview update includes near-final Android 8.1 system images for Pixel and Nexus devices, with official APIs (API level 27), the latest optimizations and bug fixes, and the November 2017 security patch updates.
The Neural Networks API provides accelerated computation and inference for on-device machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow Lite -- Google's cross-platform ML library for mobile -- as well as Caffe2 and others. TensorFlow Lite is now available to developers, TensorFlow Lite works with the Neural Networks API to run models like MobileNets, Inception v3, and Smart Reply efficiently on your mobile device.
Developers will be also be able to fully utilise the Pixel Visual Core to offer HDR+ shots on their apps, using the Android Camera API. This means that third-party apps would be able to deliver an experience close to the default camera app on the Pixel 2 models.
Google promises that official release in December will roll out to all supported Pixel and Nexus devices worldwide -- including Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P.
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Doctors at the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi had almost given up on Bharmappa (name changed), a 48-year-old forest watcher at the Kali Tiger Reserve, who was attacked by a female sloth bear. His lower jaw was ripped apart and his face had several cuts. But six months later, Bharmappa was back to work, doing what he does the best: patrolling the thick forests of Western Ghats and warning the passing tourists not to smoke or litter the forest.
In February 2017, when 28-year-old Murigeppa Tammangol, a forest guard at Kalkere range of Bandipur National Park, got a call from his higher officers regarding the forest fire that had already engulfed 500 hectares of forest area, he rushed to the spot without a second thought and tried to extinguish the fire using weeds. Alas, he did not succeed, and lost his life on duty.
A day in their life
Call it compulsion or passion, every day, around 5,850 frontline forest staff - deputy forest range officers, forest guards and forest watchers - of Karnataka make sure that whatever forest left is protected.
The Forest Department also hires daily wage workers for various conservation works.
Both experts and forest officials agree that it is impossible to protect the rich forests of Karnataka without the yeomen service of these frontline guards. However, many times, their service and sacrifice
go unnoticed. "Forest protection cannot be done single-handedly. It is actually these foot soldiers on field who save the forests," says Ravi Chellam, a wildlife
biologist.
Life isn't easy for these foot soldiers, whose primary duty is not only to check the forest wealth from being plundered, but also to ensure that the green cover increases and the animals live in a better condition. Until 2015, more than 31 frontline guards have lost their lives while on duty, majority of them being attacked by wild animals. However, this risk does not deter them from performing their duty promptly.
A typical day of a watcher or a guard begins at the break of dawn. With a GPS installed mobile, they have to walk a set number of kilometres inside the forest area (10 to 15 km), holding just a stick and small knife monitoring the health of forest and its dwellers. Any incident of animal death, tree cutting and other alarming incidents will be reported to higher officials.
On alternative days, they walk through the main path and forest trails. But the real challenge awaits them at night, when they can't use light, while patrolling the area to prevent poaching or tree smuggling. "We walk through the forest at night without light to ensure that our movements are not noticed, particularly when are trying to nab suspected poachers," says forest guard Nagaraj of Udboor anti-poaching camp in the Nagarhole range. The five-member team at the camp also row in Kabini River to make sure trees are not smuggled via the river.
However, what worries them the most is the forest fire, which can take away with it everything precious that they guard. "Summer brings worse with it as there is an increase in the number of forest fires. It is a threat to both the forest as well as the guardians," said Mahesh, a forest watcher in Bandipur, which saw highest number of forest fire cases this year. He adds that non-availability of water makes dousing the fire difficult.
For better facilities
Surprisingly, these guards do not fear the animals in the forest, but are concerned about the suspicious human activities in the forests. Many times, in a bid to save the forest, the guards enter into altercations with them. Except for the few forest guards under the Tiger project, majority of them are not trained to handle human-animal conflicts. "In my 35 years of service, I never received training to mitigate
human-animal conflicts. This summer, I was asked to rescue the mighty crocodiles of Krishna River in the Bilagi range of Bagalkot
district," says Deputy Range Forest Officer B Yadavad. During summer, he rescued more than eight crocodiles.
Officials concede that it is one area where the department has to work upon. While officials claim that there has been improvement in facilities provided to these frontline guards, experts say that much more can be done. Ravi Chellam says, "By just increasing the boots on the ground, we can achieve greater success in the protection of forest wealth. There should be proper patrolling inside the forest, and the frontline guards must be strengthened in mitigating issues with the tribal people and other forest dwellers. The governments should frame a long-term policy for better conservation efforts."
Dr Ravi Ralph, former principal chief conservator of forests, says, "Karnataka is among one of the best states when it comes to providing facilities to the frontline guards. For instance, it was the first State to give guards 'slide action guns' that can fire five rounds. Anti-poaching camps at critical places make sure that all the illegal activities inside the forests are also stopped. These measures have started showing results, as there has been a drastic fall in the number of forest offence
cases."
The department provides ration and health kits to the frontline guards. Non-profit organisations and doctors volunteer to conduct health check-up camps for them but these facilities are not much when compared to the risks they encounter.
Staying in jungles, many times away from human habitation, these guards find their future insecure due to their meagre salary. Even after 35 years as a watcher, Rachappa finds it difficult to send his son to an engineering college and his daughter to a degree college.
Despite these challenges, the forest guards strive hard to ensure that the forests are well protected.
Retired DGP (Prisons) H N Sathyanarayan Rao has filed a defamation suit against DIGP D Roopa, the Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety, seeking Rs 20 crore as damage and compensation for maligning his professional reputation.
The original suit (OS) was filed at the Bengaluru City Civil Court and the court had issued a notice to Roopa and posted the matter to December 16 for the next hearing. Rao has also made an English newspaper and a vernacular television channel party along with Roopa in his suit.
It may be recalled that Roopa while serving as DIG Prisons submitted a report to the government on prison irregularities. She also alleged that senior police officials had taken Rs 2 crore bribe to provide special privileges to high profile prisoners like Sasikala and Telgi.
Later the government sent Rao on leave before his retirement while transferring Roopa as commissioner for road safety and traffic.
DH News Service
The much-awaited visitor Ivanka Trump has arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport here during the wee hours of Tuesday. The flight of the advisor to the US President has landed at the airport at 3 am and she immediately left for Hotel Trident near HICC the venue for the eighth edition of Global Entrepreneurship Summit-2017.
At the Airport she was given a warm and simple reception by the hotel staff, Telangana government and the US Embassy. Ambassador Kenneth I.Juster and his wife, Telangana IT Principal secretary Jayesh Ranjan were there to receive her. Ivanka shook hands and spoke with almost everyone who was present there to receive her.
Ivanka will be staying put at the Trident hotel which is out of bounds to anyone, until 3 pm. From the hotel, she will be going to HICC by the road where she will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and participate in the inaugural of the three-day summit. After briefly refreshing at the Trident she will also have dinner hosted by Government of India at the Falaknuma Palace.
Around 10 pm she will be back at the hotel. Sources say that Ivanka will be meeting selected few including peoples representatives while she is in the Trident. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be meeting Ivanka at Trident on Tuesday. Owing to security reasons, details of Ivankas minute to minute programme have been kept as a secret. Ivanka will leave for Dubai from Hyderabad on Wednesday night after participating in a Panel discussion at 9 am on Wednesday.
While many private schools have announced holiday due to traffic diversions in the IT and Financial district, police allowed shops and establishments to run normally. Many IT companies have allowed their staff to work from home on Tuesday. The Hotel Trident and surroundings are under heavy security and are out of bounds.
India issued medical visas to five Pakistani nationals and their families in the last two days, continuing its role as a good Samaritan.
According to details shared by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Twitter, two children and their family members are among those who received a visa for urgent medical treatment at Indian hospitals.
One of them is nine-year-old Maria Danish, who will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant at the Artemis hospital in Gurugram. The second child is five-year-old Nabeeha Rashid, who will be undergoing an open heart surgery at the Jaypee Hospital in Noida.
Two of the three other cases are for a liver transplant, while the third person would be visiting her hospital to address a bile duct complication post a liver transplant.
All of these cases were decided in the last two days on the advice of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan.
On yet another request made through Twitter, Sushma said the High Commission would have to scrutinise the papers to take a decision.
Earlier, Pakistan had accused India of "politicising" humanitarian issues by selectively issuing medical visa to its citizens. "It was not a gesture of compassion but cold-blooded politicking," a Pakistani official had stated.
News / National
by Staff reporter
ZIMBABWE National Army (ZNA) commander Lieutenant General Philip Valerio Sibanda has urged Zimbabweans to preserve their culture, saying social media is posing a serious threat to the identity of most Africans.Lt Gen Sibanda said social media has become a dominant phenomenon that has seriously affected the promotion of different cultures in the developing world.The army commander was speaking yesterday at the inaugural Culture Day hosted by more than 1 000 ZNA recruits at Lookout Masuku Barracks in Bulawayo under the theme, "Instilling patriotism through culture".The recruits are graduating today after completing their training. "A people without a culture are indeed a people without a soul. The contemporary trends in which social media has become a dominant phenomenon is posing a threat of loss of identity for people in the developing world."Cultures of the powerful nations have been marketed through western owned media platforms whilst the people of the third world countries become inevitable consumers of these marketed products. Consequently Africans have to some extent become carbon copies of our erstwhile former colonisers," said Lt Gen Sibanda.He said it was sad that some dehumanising practices such as homosexuality, which were once a taboo in most African communities, have gained a foothold in African countries including Zimbabwe."Such practices are brought into our communities in the name of civilisation, which is a shame to our people. We should all guard against foreign domination of our minds so as to effectively defend our norms and values."Our culture is an embodiment of people's lives. It's through organising culture days like this one that people especially the younger generation get educated on the importance of upholding cultural values," said Lt Gen Sibanda.He said the ZNA has decided that each and every course will have culture packaged in it. "The inclusion of culture will help underscore the importance we attach to culture studies. This also goes to compliment the introduction of culture studies in primary and secondary schools as per the new curriculum.The culture day also affords the military the opportunity to interact with the civil community. As soldiers we come from the people and it's through programmes like these that we show respect and reconnect with the custodians of our culture," said Lt Gen Sibanda.He emphasised the need for soldiers to be conversant and knowledgeable about the country's different cultures to enhance appreciation of other people's culture as there is culture in diversity.Lt Gen Sibanda said he was impressed by the way the recruits exhibited the lifestyles and cultures of Zimbabwean people from different tribes through song and dance as well as artefacts they use in their daily lives.Chief Sigola and other traditional leaders, government officials, businesspeople and ordinary people attended the event.
Pakistani troops opened fire at Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district in violation of the ceasefire, police said.
"Pakistani troops resorted to firing in Jhangar forward area from 1845 hours to 1900 hours," a senior police officer said yesterday, adding that further details were awaited.
Last night's violation of the ceasefire came after a lull of over a week in firing by Pakistani troops at Indian posts.
Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire for three consecutive days between November 15 and November 17 in Jammu and Poonch districts. An Army jawan was injured in the exchange of fire in Poonch.
On November 2, a BSF jawan was killed when Pakistan Rangers attacked a patrol party along the International Border in Samba district.
A girl was injured when Pakistani troops opened fire from small arms along the LoC in Karmara belt of Poonch district on October 31.
On October 18, eight civilians, including a two-year-old child, were injured in heavy Pakistani shelling in Poonch.
Pope Francis begins his first full day in Myanmar travelling to the country's capital today to meet with the civilian leader, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, a day after hosting the military general in charge of the crackdown on the country's Muslim Rohingya minority.
Francis' speech to Suu Kyi, other Myanmar authorities and the diplomatic corps in Naypyitaw is the most anticipated of his visit, given the outcry over the crackdown, which the U.S. and U.N. have described as a campaign of "ethnic cleansing" to drive out the Rohingya from northern Rakhine state.
The operation, launched in August after Rohingya militants attacked security posts, has sent more than 620,000 Rohingya into neighbouring Bangladesh, where they have reported entire villages were burned and looted, and women and girls were raped.
Myanmar's Catholic leaders have stressed that Suu Kyi has no voice to speak out against the military over the operation, and have urged continued support for her efforts to move Myanmar toward a more democratic future that includes all its religious minorities, Christians in particular.
How Francis bridges the local Catholic concerns with his legacy of speaking out for oppressed minorities is the key to watch in his speech in Naypyitaw.
Francis dove into the crisis hours after arriving yesterday by meeting with the commander responsible for the crackdown, Gen Min Aung Hlaing, and three members of the bureau of special operations.
The Vatican didn't provide details of the contents of the 15-minute "courtesy visit," only to say that "They spoke of the great responsibility of the authorities of the country in this moment of transition."
Gen Min Aung Hlaing's office said in a statement on Facebook that he is willing to have "interfaith peace, unity and justice." The general added that there was no religious or ethnic persecution or discrimination in Myanmar and that the government allowed different faith groups to have freedom of worship.
Rohingya Muslims have long faced state-supported discrimination in the predominantly Buddhist country and were stripped of citizenship in 1982, denying them almost all rights and rendering them stateless.
They cannot travel freely, practice their religion, or work as teachers or doctors, and they have little access to medical care, food or education.
Myanmar's Catholic Church has publicly urged Francis to avoid saying "Rohingya," a term shunned by many here because the ethnic group is not a recognized minority in the country. And they have urged him to toe a delicate line in condemning the violence, given the potential for blowback against Myanmar's tiny Catholic community.
Francis previously has prayed for "our Rohingya brothers and sisters," lamented their suffering and called for them to enjoy full rights. As a result, much of the debate before his trip focused on whether he would again express solidarity with the Rohingya.
Any decision to avoid the term and shy away from the conflict could be viewed as a capitulation to Myanmar's military and a stain on his legacy of standing up for the most oppressed and marginalized of society, no matter how impolitic.
Burke didn't say if Francis used the term in his meeting with the general, which ended with an exchange of gifts: Francis gave him a medallion of the trip, while the general gave the pope a harp in the shape of a boat, and an ornate rice bowl.
The papal trip was planned before the latest spasm of violence erupted in August, when Myanmar security forces responded to militant attacks with a scorched-earth campaign that has sent many Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday found no illegality in the appointment of Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as special director of the CBI on October 22.
"We cannot question the decision taken by the selection committee which is unanimous and before taking the decision, the director, CBI, had participated in the discussions and it is based on relevant materials and considerations," a bench of Justices R K Agrawal and Abhay Manohar Sapre said.
The court also reiterated that once there is consultation, it is beyond the scope of judicial review, though lack of effective consultation could be examined.
The court dismissed a PIL filed by NGO Common Cause through advocate Prashant Bhushan, which contended that Asthana, a 1984-batch officer, had reportedly been named in a secret diary recovered from the Income Tax raid in a Surat-based firm for having regularly received bribes.
His son was claimed to have worked with M/s Sterling Biotech, the firm under the investigation of the CBI. It was also claimed that his daughter's marriage cocktail party was organised at a farmhouse of M/s Sandesaran Group of companies.
Rejecting the arguments, the court said in the FIR filed by the CBI on August 30, 2017, Asthana's name has not been mentioned at all. "Thus, lodging of FIR will not come in the way of considering Asthana for the post of special director, after taking into consideration his service record and work and experience," it said.
After going through the minutes of the selection committee meetings provided by Attorney General K K Venugopal, the court also found the news reports as factually incorrect which stated that no meeting had taken place on the appointment of special director on October 21.
The court noted that the selection committee has even discussed the secret and an unsigned note was produced by the CBI director. The committee found that it was not clear if the note was about the same Asthana and further there was nothing about the veracity of its content, the court said.
Venugopal defended the decision saying the CBI itself had on July 6 recommended Asthana as a suitable candidate to hold the post of special director, in view of his vast experience in the supervision of functions of 11 zones, investigations and trials in cases like the Augusta Westland, ambulance scam, Kingfisher, Hassan Ali Khan, Moin Qureshi, and coal scam among others.
A cab driver was arrested for allegedly trying to abduct a woman judge, police said today.
The judge, in her complaint, told the police that instead of taking her to the Karkardooma Court, the driver started driving towards Hapur on the NH-24 yesterday, they added.
She informed the police and also alerted her colleague, the police said.
After driving for some distance, the driver took a U-turn towards Delhi, they said, adding he was intercepted at the Ghazipur toll plaza and arrested.
The driver is associated with a private company that is being probed, the police said.
The United Nations reopened its Syria peace talks on Tuesday but the Damascus government's last-minute announcement that it may not come to Geneva delivered a blow to the already faltering negotiations.
The eighth round of talks was seen as a chance for the UN to revitalise its push to end the six-year war, which has killed more than 3,40,000 people and left Syria in ruins.
UN envoy Staffan de Mistura has stressed the urgent need for progress towards a political solution and had been bolstered by the fractured Opposition's decision to form a unified negotiation team for the first time.
But on the eve of the talks reopening, de Mistura told the Security Council that President Bashar al-Assad's government had not yet committed to show up.
"The government did not yet confirm its participation in Geneva but indicated that we would be hearing from them soon", he said.
Regime negotiators did not travel to Geneva on Monday, all but assuring they will be absent for the opening of the talks.
The UN envoy recalled Assad's pledge to Russian President Vladimir Putin last week that he was "ready for dialogue."
"Naturally we know and indeed expect that the government will be on its way shortly, particularly in light of President Assad's commitment to President Putin," he added.
De Mistura had voiced hope the upcoming round will mark the first "real negotiation" on a possible peace deal.
For that to happen rival sides will need to overcome the hurdle that has derailed past discussions: Assad's fate.
De Mistura has told the Opposition that its long-standing demand for Assad's ouster may no longer be tenable.
In September, he said the Opposition it needed to be "realistic" and realise "they didn't win the war", a statement supported by facts on the ground.
Backed by Russia's decisive military support, Assad's government has regained control of 55% of the country, including major cities Damascus, Aleppo, Homs and Hama.
The rest is carved up between rebel factions, jihadists and Kurdish forces. The decision last week by Syrian Opposition groups to send a single delegation to Geneva raised hopes of a possible breakthrough.
The new rebel negotiating team includes members of the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee (HNC), which insists on Assad's ouster, as well as representatives of groups based in Moscow and Cairo that have a more moderate stance on the president.
Speaking to reporters shortly after landing in Geneva, Opposition delegation chief Nasr al-Hariri said his camp was united on the need to put an "inclusive" transitional government in place ahead of elections UN-supervised.
"That means that Bashar Assad will not be in power from the beginning... of the transition", he said, in a sign that the talks may remain deadlocked over the president's future.
That could spell more trouble for the UN's peace push, which has been overshadowed by deals spearheaded by Moscow.
Russia, fellow regime ally Iran and rebel-backer Turkey have hosted negotiations in the Kazakh capital that led to the creation of four "de-escalation zones" which produced a drop in violence, though deadly air strikes and battles continue in some areas.
Western powers are concerned that Russia is seeking to take a leading role in the peace process and will carve out a settlement that will largely favour Assad.
"The UN must be front and centre" in the Syrian peace process, said French Ambassador Francois Delattre.
A Chinese court sentenced Taiwanese democracy activist Lee Ming-cheh to five years in prison on Tuesday on charges of attempting to subvert state power, further souring cross-strait ties.
Lee sat nervously as the three-judge panel read the sentence at the Yueyang intermediate people's court in central Hunan province, according to a video posted on the tribunal's social media account.
Taiwan and human rights groups immediately denounced the ruling "unacceptable" and "politically motivated".
Lee, an NGO worker who was arrested during a trip to the Chinese mainland in March, is the first Taiwanese person to be convicted in China on the political charge, according to Taiwan's Judicial Reform Foundation.
A Chinese co-defendant named Peng Yuhua was sentenced to seven years in prison. The court said both men stated that they would not appeal their sentences.
President Xi Jinping, who consolidated power at a Communist Party Congress last month, has cracked down on dissent and tightened control on civil society since taking office in 2012.
Lee had confessed to the charges during his trial in September, stating that he had written and distributed online articles that criticised China's ruling Communist Party and promoted democracy among other topics.
His wife, Lee Ching-yu, who attended the sentencing, said her husband had "paid the price" for his ideals.
"Fighting for human rights for the disadvantaged is a commitment that must be made to push for the enhancement of human civilisation... I want to express again that I am proud of his dedication," she said in a statement.
Amnesty International East Asia research director Roseann Rife called for Lee to be "immediately and unconditionally released", saying he had committed no crime.
"Lee Ming-cheh is the victim of a politically motivated prosecution... He is the latest to suffer under the Chinese authorities' relentless attack against human rights and democracy activists," Rife said.
Taiwan's presidential office and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) called the verdict "unacceptable".
"We urged the Beijing authorities to release Lee and allow him to return to Taiwan soon. We regret that Lee's case seriously damaged cross-strait relations," the presidential office said in a statement.
China sees self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory waiting to be reunified.
According to Amnesty International, Lee has long supported civil society organisations and activists in China, and was said to have frequently travelled between the mainland and Taiwan.
He had shared "Taiwan's democratic experiences" with his Chinese friends online for many years and often mailed books to them, said the Taiwan Association for Human Rights.
After Lee went missing, Chinese authorities confirmed he was being investigated for suspected activities "endangering national security".
In the lead-up to the trial, Beijing repeatedly ignored Taipei's requests for information on Lee's whereabouts and details of the allegations against him.
His wife had called his trial a "political show". When he pleaded guilty in September, Lee told the court, "I know that my behaviour definitely violated Chinese law".
Lee's wife, a friend and two officials from Taiwan's semi-official Strait Exchange Foundation were allowed in.
"A Taiwanese who has valid documents and the reason for her visit to China is clear, it's just to accompany the family of a man on trial and to stay for two nights with return ticket already booked but she can be expelled anytime for no reason? I am speechless," Lee Ching-yu said in an earlier statement.
Relations between Beijing and Taipei have worsened since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen took office in May last year, with China cutting off all official communications with the island.
Beijing wants Tsai to acknowledge the island is part of "One China", which she has refused to do.
The Mekedatu Horata Samiti members staged a roadblock protest in front of the excise department on Tuesday demanding the immediate implementation of the Mekedatu project.
As a result of the roadblock, the traffic on Bangalore-Mysore road was affected for some time and vehicles piled up into a jam. The farmers sat on either side of the road blocking traffic.
The farmers warned that the government that if the project is not implemented immediately, they will intensify their protests and march to Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru.
Speculation is rife in the ruling Congress on whether actor-turned-politician Ramya will contest from the Mandya assembly constituency in the 2018 Karnataka Assembly polls. This will mark her return to state politics.
Ramya, a former MP from Mandya, presently heads the party's social media outreach. She was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Mandya seat in the 2013 bypolls, but lost in 2014.
"The people of Mandya want Ramya to contest," Bengaluru Rural MP D K Suresh told reporters. "Ramya is active in both state and national politics. The party will make the best use of her. But the final decision will be taken by the party high command," he said.
Incumbent Mandya MLA M H Ambareesh, also an actor-turned-politician, expressed uncertainty about his own electoral prospects. "I will contest if the high command asks me to. But I welcome Ramya's candidature in Mandya," the former minister said.
CM hits out at Yogeshwar
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday hit out at Channapatna legislator C P Yogeshwara, who quit the Congress and joined the BJP recently. "I thank party workers who have stayed on even after Yogeshwar left. Channapatna has always been a Congress fortress. Yogeshwara hasn't made Channapatna a heaven," he said.
Yogeshwar, who was elected on a Samajwadi Party ticket in the 2013 Assembly polls, joined Congress during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. In October this year, he quit Congress citing differences with the party leadership. He formally joined the BJP early November.
News / National
by Staff reporter
FORMER Finance minister Ignatius Chombo and Zanu PF national youth secretary, Kudzai Chipanga will on Tuesday approach the High Court for bail, NewZimbabwe.com reported.This comes after both were refused bail by Harare magistrates on Monday.Briefing the media after the bail ruling, defence lawyer Lovemore Madhuku said; "It is clear that the ruling both magistrates' delivered was planned."They both didn't consider our submissions. The state said the accused would abscond, we said they will surrender their passports, title deeds and stay at their homes but they didn't look at that."Tomorrow (Tuesday) we will appeal against both rulings at the High Court and we expect our cases to be heard within 48 hours as stipulated by the constitution."Chombo appeared before magistrate Elisha Singano who Chombo's life would be at risk if he was released on bail.Meanwhile, Chipanga appeared before magistrate Josephine Sande who also denied him bail for same reasons.The two former Zanu PF officials were picked after the military embarked on an operation to allegedly root out criminals around former President Robert Mugabe two weeks ago.Chipanga is accused of publishing false statements denigrating defence forces commander General Constantino Chiwenga.For his part, Chombo faces fraud and corruption charges over offences allegedly committed between 1997 and 2005.The two were remanded in custody to December 8.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Begumpet airport here on Tuesday to inaugurate the first phase of the Hyderabad Metro Rail and also the eighth round of Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017.
The prime minister was given a cordial welcome by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, state Governor ESL Narasimhaan and the entire Telangana state Cabinet and members of Parliament at the airport.
Modi will be taking a chopper ride to Miyapur where he will be unveiling a pylon marking the inaugural of the 30-km stretch of the metro rail.
The prime minister is also expected to take a ride on the elevated metro along with the Rao. He will then reach HICC to participate in the GES.
Modi will inaugurate the summit and also is expected to meet few high profile investors at the summit. After the summit, he will dine with Ivanka Trump at the Falaknuma Palace.
He will be leaving for New Delhi after dinner.
Disgruntled with the negligence of government agencies, many multi-national companies across the city have planned to include pothole repair in their Company Social Responsibility (CSR) activity agenda.
Even after several protests by citizens and warnings by ministers, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials are yet to fix over 10,000 potholes across the city.
After few of their employees met with accidents due to potholes while commuting to office, the managements have decided to address the issue. They contacted the "Pothole Raja" a.k.a Prathap Bhimasena Rao, who had already gained a name for fixing hundreds of potholes across the city.
"There have been deaths due to potholes in the city. It is becoming worse. So our management decided to include pothole fixing in our CSR activity. When we got to know about Pothole Raja and his initiative, we decided to give it a try and have him fix the potholes in the roads to our office," said Sanjay, Chief Technology Officer of Qwikcilver.
Pothole Raja and team fixed a stretch near Koramangala, that was connecting Qwikcilver office. Along with volunteers, the employees of the company had also joined in the campaign.
Realising the importance of the initiative, other IT parks and multi-national companies like Electronic City, Biocon, White Field, Kalyani Magnum and others have started adopting this model and have fixed more than 500 potholes in their surroundings.
"It costs Rs 2,500 to fix a pothole of 1sqmtr size and 50 mm depth. As there are deadlier potholes across the city, we expect some citizen's organisations to take up the initiative and sponsor a few potholes as well," Prathap hoped.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will begin consultations with various stakeholders from next week as he prepares to present the last full budget of the Modi government on February 1.
The pre-budget consultations will begin from next Tuesday with the finance minister meeting representatives from the agriculture sector and trade unions.
"His first meeting would be with representatives of different agriculture groups followed by representatives of trade unions," a finance ministry statement said.
This would be the first budget after the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax and the same will be reflected in the revenue statement.
While a new classification for revenues to be accrued from the GST will be included in the budget for the next financial year, for the current year two sets of accounting may be presented - one for actual accruals during April-June for excise, customs and service tax, and the other for July-March period for GST and customs duty.
This will be Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's fifth Budget in a row. As per practice, a vote-on-account or approval for essential government spending for a limited period is taken in the election year and a full-fledged budget is presented by the new government.
Denouncing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that the Congress was levelling baseless allegations against "the son of Gujarat", the opposition party today said he was making emotional statements to run away from discussions on failed promises.
If he was strong, he should have called the winter session of Parliament and faced questions, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said.
"Why cannot we challenge the prime minister in Gujarat, just because he is from Gujarat?" Sharma sought to know.
"He (Modi) visits Uttar Pradesh and abuses (Samajwadi Party leader) Akhilesh Yadav, goes to Bihar and abuses (RJD chief) Lalu Yadav, insults Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in Uttar Pradesh," he alleged while talking to reporters.
"We are not insulting you but should we also not ask any questions?" Sharma said.
Modi, during a rally in Gujarat yesterday attacked the Congress, saying the opposition party leaders were hurling baseless allegations at the "son of Gujarat".
Sharma claimed that Modi had "no tolerance and democratic mindset", which is why he said so.
"Your (Modi's) big promises have turned out to be a lie and you are running away from discussions and only making false emotional statements," the Congress leader charged.
He claimed that Modi "hates truth, he often lies. He is loud, but not strong. If he was strong, he should have called the winter session of Parliament and faced questions".
Sharma also said that today he sent a book to the prime minister, titled 'Journey of the Nation', which details the 125 years of history of the Congress so that Modi could put history in perspective.
In response to Modi's allegations that the Congress insulted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he said the 'Iron Man' was among the country's great leaders and freedom fighters.
He was a Congress leader and the deputy prime minister. "Both Pandit (Jawaharlal) Nehru and Sardar admired each other," he said.
"When Modiji sets up the Statue of Unity, I would request him to put a copper plate with a letter from Sardar Patel, dated February 4, 1939, which he wrote to RSS chief M S Golwalkar on Mahatma Gandhi's murder," he said.
The Gujarat High Court today rejected a petition by 'The Wire' challenging a gag order passed by a lower court in a civil defamation case filed by BJP chief Amit Shah's son Jay Shah over an article published by the news portal.
Justice Paresh Upadhyay asked the petitioners, including the author of the article Rohini Singh and founding editors of the news portal, to move the trial court to challenge the gag order.
The HC also directed the trial court to decide the matter within 30 days.
"These appeals arising from an ex-parte ad-interim impugned order of the trial court are not entertained. It would be open to the defendants to file their counter to the suit, or at least to the application for interim injunction before the trial court, if they so choose," the court said.
"The trial court is directed to finally decide the injunction within 30 days from today, after hearing both the sides," the high court said.
The HC also said that if any of the parties is aggrieved by the final order that may be passed by the trial court on the injunction application, it would be open to him to challenge it before an appropriate forum in accordance with law.
The petitioners had sought that the interim order of the trial court be quashed and set aside as it was passed without issuing notices to the defendants, and claimed the facts did not warrant an ex-parte order.
They submitted that the trial court had not considered any of the "parameters like prima facie case, balance of convenience, irreparable loss" before passing the order and hence, it was unsustainable.
An Ahmedabad court had last month issued an ex-parte injunction against the news portal, prohibiting it from publishing, broadcasting or printing "in any manner" programmes in any language on the basis of the article published by the website about Jay Shah "directly or indirectly" till the defamation suit has been disposed of.
Jay Shah had submitted before the high court that the appeal against the ex-parte interim order was not maintainable and deserves to be dismissed.
He also said the applicant has not given any justification for the plea.
The petition was filed challenging the injunction ordered by a civil court on October 12 on the story carried by The Wire titled 'The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah'.
The lower court had issued the order against the news portal in response to a civil defamation suit of Rs 100 crore filed by Jay Shah against the reporters, editors and the company over the article which claimed that his firm's turnover rose 16,000 times in one year after the NDA came to power.
The company, according to the article, saw a huge rise in its turnover after the BJP came to power in 2014, and its revenue rose from Rs 50,000 to over Rs 80 crore in a year.
It triggered a political firestorm, with the Congress demanding an inquiry into the matter, while the BJP termed it as "slanderous".
Jay Shah also filed a criminal defamation suit against the author of the article Rohini Singh, founding editors of the news portal Siddharth Varadarajan, Siddharth Bhatia and M K Venu, managing editor Monobina Gupta, public editor Pamela Philipose and the Foundation for Independent Journalism.
In his suit, he termed the article as "scandalous, frivolous, misleading, derogatory, libellous and consisting of several defamatory statements."
Aspirants of the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main suffering from diabetes will not be stopped from carrying necessary eatables and drinking water with them into the examination hall.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made a specific provision in its examination guidelines for JEE-Main 2018, stipulating that a diabetic student can carry eatables like sugar tablets, fruits and "a transparent" water bottle into the examination hall
"Candidates (suffering from diabetes) are not allowed to carry packed foods like chocolate/candy/ sandwich in the examination hall," the board, however, clarified in the information brochure of the JEE Main 2018.
The board has made this provision part of the examination guidelines for the 2018 test so that diabetic students do not face any difficulty and waste their time in negotiating with the invigilators for carrying their necessary food items into the examination halls with them.
"The eatables along with water bottles will be kept with the invigilators at the examination centres. They will make these items available to the diabetic candidates as and when they ask for it," a board official said.
Earlier this year, the CBSE had allowed only Class X and Class XII board students, who were suffering from Type-I diabetes, to carry eatables and a 500 ml water bottle into the examination halls.
Internet firms today lauded Trai's recommendations on Net neutrality, which calls for unhindered access to content and services over the web, while telecom operators said that the regulator has applied a 'narrow definition' to the topic.
They said Trai did not address the issues related to connecting the unconnected in India and licensing of apps or websites providing calls and messaging services such as Whatsapp, Skype, Viber and Google Duo.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today recommended barring telecom operators from imposing any restriction, like reducing Net speed or blocking the access of any content or service available on the Internet, except in special cases like court orders and government directions.
"We had proposed broad approach on Net neutrality covering national priority of connecting the next 1 billion unconnected people in India and licensing for over-the-top players," telecom operators body COAI Director General Rajan S Mathews told PTI.
All this should have been included in the Trai proposals, he said, adding that the Net neutrality framework in India should be in accordance with the needs of the nation.
Trai has recommended a narrow definition of Net neutrality, he said. "In narrow definition, we agree with it in-principle. We are still studying the recommendations and will update our views as we will note key points."
Mathews said the recommendations to set-up a committee to decide on violation of rules is an unnecessary and bureaucratic move.
Industry body representing Internet firms IAMAI lauded the recommendations, calling them progressive and pragmatic, which recognise the requirements of expansion of digital services in the country.
The Internet in India, unlike possibly in the US or China, is going to be 'free and open' upholding the democratic principles, it said.
"However, the government needs to act with speed on these recommendations. The Trai position on differential pricing had a sunset clause of 2 years which is fast coming to an end," said the Internet and Mobile Association of India.
Trai had in February last year barred telecom operators from imposing any sort of discrimination in content and services available on the Internet on the basis of pricing.
An Edelweiss report said that recommendations to exclude content delivery networks (CDNs) from Net neutrality restrictions will give integrated operators like Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio an upper hand versus pure play connectivity providers.
"We expect Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to be key beneficiaries as they already have presence in content platforms," the report said.
Law Firm Khaitan & Co, Associate Partner, Harsh Walia said that all Internet of Things (IoT) services are not excluded from the principle of non-discrimination, but only those that fall within the ambit of specialised services to the satisfaction of the Department of Telecom.
"The IoT players not providing critical services may find it onerous, if DoT accepts this recommendation," he said.
Trai has excluded CDNs from the purview of restrictions on non-discriminatory treatment and have targeted only Internet access service providers at the moment, he said.
"While this provides a considerable relief to providers of CDN services, it puts TSPs in a precarious position, if this recommendation is accepted by DoT," Walia said.
Global think tank on issues of trade, competition and economic regulation CUTS said Trai's recommendations are perfectly synced with consumer's interest.
"An open and free Internet has till date promoted inclusive growth and with these recommendations, it is envisaged to go a long way," CUTS said.
A Delhi court today sent an alleged Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, arrested along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir recently, to ten-day custody of the National Investigation Agency.
The accused, identified as Mohammed Amir Awan, was arrested by the Army on November 24 from Handwara area of North Kashmir during an intensive search launched after an encounter in the area on November 21 that had left three alleged Lashkar militants dead. One soldier was also killed during the encounter.
The accused was produced by the NIA before District Judge Poonam A Bamba and the agency sought his custodial interrogation till December 8, which was allowed by the court.
The matter was transferred to the NIA which registered a case on November 26 and took custody of the alleged terrorist.
During initial interrogation, he identified himself as Mohammed Amir Awan whose code in the Lashkar terror group was Abu Haamaz, the NIA said.
The accused told his interrogators that he hailed from Bardiya town near the port city of Karachi and was recruited and trained by the terror group.
He was pushed into the Kashmir valley from Pakistan- occupied-Kashmir for carrying out attacks on various important installations in the Valley, the agency said.
Singapore Defence Minister, Ng Eng Hen, on Tuesday became the first foreign dignitary to fly in the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft that is being inducted by the Indian Air Force.
The half an hour sortie in a two-seater trainer version of the LCA took place at Kalaikunda air base where Air Vice Marshal A P Singh, project director for flight testing, at the Aeronautical Development Agency, took to the skies with the visiting minister.
Earlier Jayant Sinha, minister of state for civil aviation went for a spin in a Tejas.
Reacting to his LCA flying experience, Hen said it was a smooth flight and Tejas was an excellent aircraft. "Privileged to be flown on the Tejas, India's own designed and manufactured fighter aircraft. A very good plane," Hen tweeted.
Hen is scheduled to have an official meeting with his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman here on Wednesday.
At the delegation level meeting, Singapore is likely to sign pacts with India to allow Singapore Navy practice live firing in the Andaman and to seek logistics support.
India and Singapore signed two agreements in October 2007 and August 2008 for utilisation of Indian facilities by Singapore Air Force and Singapore Army respectively.
In 2013 another agreement was signed to permit training of Singapore Army personnel in two additional Indian Army establishments.
Being one of the smallest countries of the world - 704 sq km comprising 60 tiny islands and the big city - Singapore does not have adequate training establishments. It is the only country to which India offers this military training facilities.
Singapore uses IAF's Kalaikunda base to train Royal Singapore Air Force pilots on combat skills using their own F-16D fighter planes. The practice is in place since 2007 and would continue as the agreement for training and exercises of Singapore Air Force in India had been extended up to October 2017.
IAF is in the process of raising its first LCA squadron. Five tejas aircraft have so far been inducted in the 45 Squadron and more are coming.
The Tejas flight by a foreign defence minister comes at a time when there are reports in a section of the media on the need to buy foreign-origin single engine fighter planes due to "multiple deficiencies" in the home grown fighter jet.
News / National
by Staff reporter
The ruling Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial leadership has endorsed party leader and President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the party's presidential candidate for the 2018 harmonized elections.This was after provincial secretary for administration Simbarashe Ziyambi had proposed that the province endorses President Mnangagwa as the party's president ahead of the December Congress during the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting held yesterday at party provincial offices in Chinhoyi.
Haryana police on Tuesday charged Honeypreet Insan, the "adopted" daughter of rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, as the main accused in the violence that consumed 40 lives in Panchkula and other parts of the state on August 25.
Widespread violence broke out soon after the sect chief was held guilty of raping two women by a special CBI court in Panchkula.
Honeypreet was booked by the Panchkula police on charges of inciting violence, sedition among others.
A 1,200 page charge-sheet was filed against Honeypreet and other accused in a Panchkula court on Tuesday.
The police charged Honeypreet of planning the violence and distributing money for the purpose. The police, sources said, have maintained that the violence was pre-meditated and Honeypreet was the main conspirator.
Honeypreet is currently lodged in Ambala central jail.
As many as 15 others have been chargesheeted. Honeypreet joined the court proceedings through video-conferencing this afternoon.
The bail application of another accused in the case, Surender Dhiman, was rejected by the court of the chief judicial magistrate.
Honeypreet had been on the run for several weeks after the violence broke out. She eventually surrendered at a location close to capital city Chandigarh. Another main accused in the case, Dr Aditya Insan, is still on the run. Aditya's close aide, Pawan Insan, who was arrested last week, has reportedly disclosed various locations to the police to nab Aditya.
India and the UK will sign a pact soon for cooperation in policy planning, technology transfer and institutional organisation in the urban transport sector, the government said today.
Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari met UK's Transport Secretary Chris Grayling in London yesterday and discussed a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said in a statement today.
The draft MoU seeks to facilitate cooperation in the transport sector and enable the sharing of expertise and latest technology to promote efficient mobility solutions.
The statement said it is also expected to usher in policy reforms that can transform the transport sector through improved customer service/data analysis and better use of IT systems.
The pact will also help in promoting digital transactions and induction of high capacity diesel/electric vehicles in India, it said adding, this MOU will also establish the terms on which such assistance can be provided.
The decision to sign the MoU follows Gadkari's last visit to London in May this year, during which he had finalised bilateral cooperation arrangements between Transport for London (TFL) and Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to cover a wide range of transport mobility solutions and associated activities in urban environment.
During his visit to London Gadkari will also address a session of the International Maritime Organization. He also addressed Indian business leaders in UK, urging them to cooperate in the Namami Gange project of the government.
Senior IAS officer K Ratna Prabha was on Tuesday appointed as the new chief secretary, making her the third woman to hold the top post.
Ratna Prabha, a 1981-batch cadre, will replace Subhash Chandra Khuntia as the state's seniormost IAS officer. Khuntia will retire on November 30.
With about four months left for retirement, Ratna Prabha pipped IAS officers Latha Krishna Rau and S K Pattanayak, who were in the race for the post. Karnataka has had two women chief secretaries in the past - Theresa Bhattacharya and Malati Das. Ratna Prabha will also be the state's first Dalit woman chief secretary.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated Ratna Prabha on Twitter. "Karnataka's administration (civil and police) is now headed by two women," Siddaramaiah tweeted, referring to state police chief Neelamani N Raju, who was appointed earlier this month.
Ratna Prabha hails from a family of IAS officers and doctors. While her father was an IAS officer, her mother was a doctor. Her oldest brother is a plastic surgeon, while her second brother, Pradeep Chandra, retired recently as Telangana chief secretary.
She spent the first 14 years in the Karnataka cadre, in which time she became the first woman district collector at Raichur and Bidar. She became synonymous with women empowerment when she distributed irrigated land to rehabilitate devadasis in Raichur.
She also had a stint in Andhra Pradesh on an inter-state deputation. She anchored Andhra Pradesh's IT policy in 2005.
Ratna Prabha was considered for the post twice earlier, but Arvind Jadhav and Khuntia were appointed instead. BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa had publicly demanded Ratna Prabha be made the chief secretary.
Ratna Prabha is penning a book on her journey as an IAS officer.
Kick starting the eighth edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), an Indo-American partnership three-day event here on Tuesday Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that his government is keen on getting India into global 50 of ease of doing business.
He said that India is not content with the 100 rank in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business index.
"The upward movement from 142 to 100 rank in three years is a result of our initiatives to simplify the procedures. This process is ongoing. The aim is to reach top 50," Modi said in his inaugural address.
Outlining various measures taken by his government to improve the investment climate, including scrapping of over 1,200 redundant laws, easing the norms in 21 sectors to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and making clearances online, he called upon global entrepreneurs to investment and become partners in India's growth story.
Referring to India's impressive show of jumping 30 positions in the index that ranks 190 nations, the PM said that a wide range of multi-sectoral reforms, particularly in the areas of taxation, licensing, bankruptcy laws and protection of small investors, had resulted in the upsurge in ranking.
He said his government would continue the reforms to make the systems more transparent and responsive. He also referred to the credit rating company Moody's recent decision to upgrade India's sovereign rating and said it had come after a gap of 14 years.
Stating that women had been the major beneficiaries of his government's initiatives like direct benefit transfer scheme and Jan Dhan Yojana, the Prime Minister made a strong pitch for utilizing the business potential that the rapidly penetrating smart phones offer.
"Smart Phones are expected to reach 500 million by 2018. This offers an immense potential for growth of any venture in terms of outreach and for job creation," he said.
"We believe women empowerment is vital to our development. Our history has references to women of enormous talent in various walks of life," Modi said.
The "Startup India" programme, he said, was a comprehensive plan to foster entrepreneurship and innovation. "It aims to minimize regulatory burden and support start ups," the Prime Minister said.
Ivanka refers to Modi's Tea selling Days
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Ivanka Trump, Advisor to US President Donald Trump paid rich tributes to the entrepreneurial skills of Indian women. "If India closes the labor-force gender gap by half, your economy could grow by over $150 billion in the next 3 years," she said.
Making a reference to Modi's political journey, she said, "From selling tea to becoming PM, you have proved transformational change is possible. And now, you are bringing that promise to hundreds of millions of people across your country."
On India's achievements in different fields, she said, "The people of India have lifted more than 130 million citizens out of poverty through their own enterprise, entrepreneurship, and hard work."You have opened new universities across the country. Your doctors and scientists are discovering medical cures and life-saving technologies. Your engineers and architects have built modern wonders that grace your skies. And Indian spacecraft have traveled to the Moon and to Mars", she said.
Over 1,500 delegates from 150 countries, half of them women entrepreneurs and investors are participating in the summit being held in South Asia for the first time.
Ivanka is leading a 350-member strong American contingent. With the theme "Women First, Prosperity for all", the summit is being co-hosted by NITI Aayog and the United States Government.
The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman are also participating in the deliberations. Later, the Prime Minister hosted dinner for Ivanka Trump and other delegates at the Taj Falaknuma Palace.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday decided to determine if there could be a distinction between properties owned by a municipal body and the state government for the purposes of computation of limitation for filing a suit, claiming the title on adverse possession.
It asked the state government to respond to the issue.
"As the issue involved and the answer thereto may have wide ramifications so far as the municipal bodies in the state of Karnataka are concerned and also may affect the state government, we are of the view that notice should go to the state of Karnataka to arrange for its representation before the court," a bench of Justices Ranjan Gogoi and R Banumathi said.
The court issued a notice to the state government after noting that municipal committees had so far not appeared before it. The government was, however, not a party to the pending matter.
The matter pertained to a special leave petition filed by Basavaneppa, who sought a declaration of title to urban property measuring 59-39 square metres at Ramdurg in Belagavi district on the ground of adverse possession. He challenged the Karnataka High Court's judgement of June 25, 2014.
The petitioner contended that a municipal body was a distinct identity created under the Constitution. It could not be called as government, so the 30-year period as stipulated under the Limitation Act would not apply to claim the title by way of adverse possession. The HC had relied upon the Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964, to hold that it is not correct to say the properties belonging to municipalities are not government properties. The municipalities hold the properties only as trustees of the government, it had concluded.
Urging the Indian government to bring in more women into its workforce for boosting the economy, Ivanka, daughter and advisor to US President Donald Trump, paid rich tributes to the entrepreneurial skills of Indian women.
"If India closes the labour-force gender gap by half, your economy could grow by over $150 billion in the next 3 years," Ivanka said at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) here on Tuesday.
Referring to Modi's political journey, Ivanka said, "From selling tea to becoming PM, you have proved transformational change is possible. And now, you are bringing that promise to hundreds of millions of people across your country."
On India's achievements in various fields, she said, "The people of India have lifted more than 130 million citizens out of poverty through their own enterprise, entrepreneurship and hard work."
Ivanka said that India hosting GES is a symbol of friendship between people of both the countries. "As President Trump earlier this year said, India has a true friend in the White House," Ivanka said to a round of applause.
"Fueling the growth of a women-led business isn't simply good for society, its good for our economy. A study showed that closing gender entrepreneurship gap worldwide could grow our global GDP by as much as 2%," she said.
Calling upon women entrepreneurs around the world to innovate to succeed, she introduced Dara Dotz of San Francisco who founded 3-D printing for life-saving supplies, Rajalakshmi Bortakur of Bengaluru who invented Smart Glove that predicts diseases with the help of Artificial Intelligence and 15-year-old Reyhan Kamalova of Azerbaijan who founded a company for harvesting rainwater.
Ivanka later participated in a panel discussion on "Be the change: Women's entrepreneurial leadership," moderated by John Chambers, chairman emeritus Cisco.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, MD of SRS Aviation Sibongile Sambo and chairman of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken Marcus Wallenberg were the other panellists.
Hadiya, a woman from Kerala who is at the centre of a 'love jihad' case, will resume her homoeopathy studies under her previous Hindu name.
Accompanied by the Kerala Police, Hadiya (25) flew to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu from Delhi and headed to Salem by road to resume her studies at Sivaraj Medical College, as directed by the apex court on Monday.
She will undergo an 11-month internship in homoeopathy.
A Hindu by birth, named Akhila Ashokan, she had converted to Islam several months before her marriage.
A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had given its direction after interacting with Hadiya, even as she pleaded that she should be allowed to join her husband Shafin Jahan.
The principal of Sivaraj Medical College, G Kannan, said no special treatment will be given to Hadiya.
Hadiya will be registered under her Hindu name Akhila Ashokan. Her admission process has commenced and she will begin attending classes on Wednesday, Kannan told reporters.
Hadiya was with her parents for almost six months after the Kerala High Court annulled her 'nikah' with Shafin.
The apex court has appointed the dean of the college as Hadiya's guardian and granted him liberty to approach it in case of any problem.
The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, had directed the college and the university to re-admit Hadiya and grant her hostel facilities.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Subbbulakshmi, who held a meeting with college authorities in Salem, told reporters that adequate protection will be given to Hadiya.
Relieved father
Hadiya's father welcomed the apex court decision allowing her to continue her studies and said he did not want a terrorist in the family
Ashokan said, "Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after converting to Islam. I cannot have a terrorist in the family."
Ashokan said he was sad that his daughter had to suffer a lot because of which her studies were interrupted.
"But now I am happy as the court has allowed her to study," Ashokan told reporters in Delhi.
He denied allegations that she had been kept under house arrest and added, "She was fully surrounded by the police, inside and outside the house."
Ashokan said he was not worried about her security in Salem as she was now under the protection and observation of the apex court.
"I accept the Supreme Court's decision. She is under the protection of the Supreme Court as it is monitoring the case and so I am not worried about her security," he said.
Ashokan also said he would go to Salem and meet her as and when necessary as the court had allowed him to do so.
'Want to meet husband'
Hadiya was whisked away to the managing director's office soon after her arrival at the college campus.
Emerging from the office about half-an-hour later, Hadiya said she has sought permission to meet her husband. "I think they will allow," she told reporters.
Replying to a question, she said security was not necessary for her. But at least for two days, security will be there, she added.
Later, she was taken in a police vehicle to the college hostel.
A CBI special court has convicted a former Assistant Grade-I officer of Food Corporation of India for misappropriation and causing loss to the government exchequer.
The convict is K S Srinivasaiah, who worked at food storage depot at Maddur in Mandya district.
While working as shed in charge of the depot, Srinivasaiah abused his official position and sent out 350 bags of grade-A raw rice worth Rs 4.81 lakh into the black market. He had tampered the entries in the office records and misappropriated the rice meant for public distribution system (PDS). A charge sheet was filed in September 2015.
The special court sentenced Srinivasaiah to undergo five years simple imprisonment and also slapped a fine of Rs two lakh.
News / National
by Staff reporter
The triumphant Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) is not rushing to withdraw all its forces from the streets in the wake of isolated acts of vengeance targeting allies of former president Robert Mugabe even as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) assumes its full responsibilities.In a joint statement issued yesterday, the two security arms of government disclosed that while the ZRP has now resumed its duties after being inactive for nearly two weeks, it will be shadowed by the military.Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has now resumed its duties as required by the Constitution following the inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week.President Mnangagwa was appointed President following "Operation Restore Legacy" that was launched by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to weed out corrupt elements that were causing social and political instability in the country.In a joint statement by the ZDF and other security services, ZRP spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba said the appointment of the President Mnangagwa had set a new trajectory for the country.
The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Shahjahanpur has imposed a fine of Rs 45 lakh on Nestle while three distributors were fined Rs 17 lakh.
A source said that the District Food Department had collected Maggi samples from seven places in the district on different dates.
"The products were found to be sub-standard," a senior official said. The officials said that the sample had been tested in the government laboratory.
The department had filed a complaint with the ADM who heard the parties concerned and pronounced the order.
"Since the product in question is quite popular among children, no compromise with quality can be allowed...any violation of the standard must be sternly punished," the official said.
In 2016, samples of Maggi were found to be sub-standard after lab tests in Barabanki district.
The company had rejected the charges. The lab tests had then found that the ash content was higher than the permissible limit.
Senior IAS officer Pradeep Singh Kharola was on Tuesday appointed the chairman and managing director of Air India.
Kharola is the present chief of Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited and is credited for the turnaround of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC).
Kharola (56), a Karnataka cadre officer of the 1985-batch, who won the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2013, will take over from Rajiv Bansal.
Bansal has been serving as interim chief of the national carrier for the past three months after the then incumbent Ashwani Lohani was shifted as Railway Board Chairman.
A PhD in public transport systems from IIT-Delhi, Kharola will head Air India at a time when the government is moving ahead on its strategic disinvestment.
Kharola, who completed MTech in Industrial Engineering from IIT-Delhi, will now steer the airline from being a state-controlled airline as the government is likely to finalise the contours of strategic disinvestment within a couple of months.
Kharola comes with his expertise of turning around BMTC from being a loss-making unit to be a profit-making entity in 2000.
Kharola, who is from Dehradun, is also credited with successfully steering the completion of the first phase of Bengaluru Metro that runs through 42 km of the city.
The new appointment has come at a time when he is working on finishing the 72-km second phase by 2020.
While he began his stint as assistant commissioner, Haveri, he has also held the post of principal secretary to the then chief minister Jagadish Shettar.
News / National
by Simbarashe Sithole
Matthew 26:52 New International Version (NIV) 52 " Put your sword back in its place ," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.
Former Minister of Higher and Education professor Jonathan Moyo has come under attack on social media following his biblical tweet Matthew 26:52.Moyo shared a Bible verse Matthew 26:52, and did not just end there he added a little comment: "No comment on this biblical truism!."One user, Bla B tweeted responded saying "Prof Moyo, if it was true that thosevwho draw the sword will die by the sword; you'd have died a long time ago.You've always had a sword out of its holster.Remember when MDC supporters were assassinated in 2003 ; you defended arguing Zanu PF's right to defend its territory?"A number of commenters quoted President Emmerson Mnangagwa's slogans to show him that he was no longer powerful as before."Ukadzingwa muZanu pf muka ubike doro nekuti mudzimu yakurasha " tweeted God's favourite."Pasi nekuisa musangano muhomwe dzavo"" pasi nemanduuuuu," tweeted Thabi Joy.Meanwhile, others mocked him for turning to God in his hard times."Mazoriverenga bhaibheri riye gwendo gwuno....well come to the bible study group..tawanda....invite your the other cabals ...also tiwande," tweeted Collin Gwesu."My Jonathan, you used that other Mphoko verses to mock and it backfired on us.Thou shalt not misuse the Gospel for selfish ends for it will backfire again."Karnma knows your address ,totem and colour of your underwear.Its time to stop now! "tweeted one user identified as President R.G Mugabe.Apparently, Moyo is in exile after he was set free by the Military who had previously captured him saying they were after criminals around former President Robert Mugabe.
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Delta showcases IIoT solutions for smart manufacturing in Nuremberg
Taiwan-based Delta Group, a supplier of power, thermal management and automation solutions, is showcasing its latest integrated solutions and framework for smart manufacturing at the SPS/IPC/Drives/Nuremberg 2017 (SPS 2017) exhibition in Germany.
This framework covers new automation technologies and products, including a cloud-based IIoT platform as well as data transmission, industrial control, drive devices and motion systems, and flexible production solutions that create a path toward smart manufacturing, the company said.
Delta is also highlighting its EtherCAT motion controller AH10EMC for smart machines. This new motion controller facilitates motion control system with up to 32 axes of motion drives synchronously, while controlling other devices and transmitting equipment data onto a management platform via EtherNet/IP network for remote monitoring.
"Delta seeks to provide 'new' smart manufacturing models with our strong capabilities in the industrial automation field," said Andy Liu, general manager of Delta's Industrial Automation Business Group. "With our two decades of experience in this industry, Delta has successfully assisted many customers build highly automated machines and factories with our complete range of automation products, software, and solutions. Now, we think it's time to take it to a higher level on which flexible, smart, green manufacturing can be implemented to enhance customer competitiveness while solving the issue of worldwide labor shortages. For example, Delta's Smart Manufacturing Model Production Line for power supplies in Wujiang plant, China consists of six robot workstations with 30 SCARA robots for a complete operation that enhances quality, flexibility, and production efficiency, achieving up to 60% manpower replacement."
The highlights at Delta's booth include: The Smart Factory Monitoring Solution which features the DIACloud platform and data transmission devices (e.g. routers, Ethernet switches) for equipment data collection and analysis to achieve real-time monitoring of the facility and production process. If users add the DIAView SCADA System into the solution, they can acquire detailed machine operation information and analysis to achieve live monitoring and management of all facilities, production lines and factories, according to Delta.
Delta's Multi-Angle Insertion Robot Workstation integrates the articulated robot DRV90L series and robot controller DCV series for multi-angle insertion operation, as well as the machine vision system DMV 2000 series for work piece detection. The DMV2000 series is equipped with four lenses for various inspection tasks (e.g. appearance and color); it can quickly identify the size, color and position of each workpiece, and enable the robot controller to command the robot to execute precise and accurate pick-and-place and insertion operation, said Delta.
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SEATTLE The Bravo Apartments at 1212-1220 E. Remington Ct. have sold for $7.6 million, according to King County records.
The seller was Court of Remington LLC, associated with Legacy Group Capital, which acquired the three properties in 2013 for $1.1 million.
. . .
News / National
by Staff reporter
Ex-Zanu-PF party women's boss Oppah Muchinguri has spilt the beans, saying she feared being killed after she was pressured by a lot of people to give up the powerful women's league position to former first lady Grace Mugabe, says a report.According to New Zimbabwe.com, speaking at a Zanu-PF provincial co-ordinating committee meeting in Mutare, Machinguri claimed that she gave up the post after she realised that the ex-first lady unleashed "thugs" on her.Muchinguri - a President Emmerson Mnangagwa ally - said that Grace also obtained a dubious PhD in preparation for her new role.Said Muchinguri: "Let me tell you something that you did not know as Zanu-PF supporters. I was forced to step down from my position as women's league secretary after Grace sent some mujibhas namely Pupurai Togarepi and the late Shuvai Mahofa. I stood my ground but later she hired Mavis Madzongwe then I realised that I was going to die for this post and then I gave up."Muchinguri also claimed that ex-president Robert Mugabe was responsible for his own downfall after allowing his wife to be involved in politics and taking government decisions, said the state owned Herald newspaper.Muchinguri said that the veteran leader's fall should serve as a lesson to coming party and government leaders not to involve their spouses in politics." I relinquished the post because the pressure was just too much and little did we know that we were creating problems for the party. This was a well-orchestrated move by the G40 (Generation 40) because they knew that if Grace Mugabe becomes part of their cabal, it was easy to deal with Cde Mugabe because of his advanced age," Muchinguri was quoted as saying.
Italian architecture has inspired students from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) during a culturally enriching week-long trip.
DMU students Zainab and Dilshod sketching at Pompeii
The visit to Salerno and Naples enabled first-year Architecture MArch and final-year Architecture BA (Hons) students to explore a range of historic sites and collaborate with students from Italy, Argentina, Columbia, Mozambique, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Nigeria, Turkey, Russia and India.
DMU students visited archaeological sites such as Pompeii, Paestum, Herculaneum, the National Archaeological Museum and Naples Underground, and explored the Amalfi coast, the island of Capri, Sorrento and Positano in smaller, self-organised groups.
One group, which included MArch student Carl Dusu and BA students Dilshod Perkins and Zainab Mohammed, went on to take part in a four-day workshop with students and professors from the University of Salerno.
Exploring the theme of urban erosion, the group visited different sites across Naples, including The Jolly Hotel, an ageing monolith in the city centre, and Palace of the Veterans, a uniquely-laid building complex in a poorer side of town with narrow streets on a steep gradient.
Students hard at work during their workshop
Working in different teams, the students flexed their digital map-based photogrammetry and sketching skills and created collages and architectural models illustrating their ideas to revitalise the sites. Each team then presented its work under timed conditions.
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Londoner Carl said: Getting to work with both architecture and engineering students in Italy was really interesting. It gave us a completely different perspective, as the way they work is less conceptual and more mathematical.
It was a challenging way of thinking and I feel that it gave me an insight into what it will be like working with other peoples ideas in the real world.
The experience will now form the basis of the BA students final major studio projects back at DMU.
DMU's Carl and Dilshod worked as a team with two Italian and two Argentinian students
Dilshod, who was born in Uzbekistan, has taken advantage of a number of opportunities while at university, including an internship in China and winning the Presidents Prize in the annual Rutland Society of Architects competition for his groups proposals to revamp Leicester.
He said: The trip to Italy was a great way of building on our established ideas and I definitely feel like we now have a head-start on our final-year projects.
It was also a good opportunity to work closely with MArch students and learn from their experiences.
The trip was organised by Leicester School of Architecture Senior Lecturer George Epolito and University of Salerno Associate Professor Alessandra Como, together with #DMUglobal, DMUs international experience programme.
For Nigerian student Zainab, #DMUglobal was a deciding factor in choosing to study at DMU.
She said: Not many universities give you the chance to enhance your studies with trips abroad every single year.
Even though I had offers from other universities too, I picked DMU because Architecture students get to choose between visiting iconic places like Venice, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona and New York.
Sheephaven divers experienced the full temperature variation last week between 26 degrees in the Red Sea and a raw 10 degrees Celsius in home waters.
Three Sheephaven Red Sea divers - Kevin Boylan, Peter Druce and David Mc Gloin - were guests on the live-aboard MV Legends run by Tekdeep, sailing out from Hurghada on the Egyptian side of the Red Sea.
From there they steamed northwards to the tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Red Sea divides into Gulf of Suez to the west and the Gulf of Aqaba to the east.
At this junction lie a number of wreck sites, including the Gainis D, the Dunraven, the Rosile Muller and the most iconic of them all the Thistlegorm.
The Sheephaven Red Sea divers - Kevin Boylan, Peter Druce and David McGloin.
In addition to these wonderful wrecks the crystal clear water visibility also allows divers to experience reef diving in semi-tropical waters, where they can observe hard and soft corals, Long Spinned Sea Urchins, Octopus and a wide variety of fish.
The fish vary from the small Clown Fish like Nemo to large Napoleon Wrasse and the majestic Moray Eels. But the best of the lot is meeting a Turtle, Manta Ray or Oceanic White Tip shark - any of which are magic and makes the dive trip complete.
The flight to Hurghada is from Dublin to Istanbul in Turkey, where there is a significant layover and from there, a second shorter flight to Hurghada airport.
The return journey is similar and allows the diver to experience three continents in one day, starting with breakfast in Africa, lunch in Asia and tea in Europe.
The boat is specially kitted out for divers, with air compressors for filling dive bottles and Zodiacs to transfer the divers as close as possible to the dive sites that the live-aboard cannot access.
In addition to open circuit Scuba divers MV Legend also caters for technical divers, who use Rebreathers and can remain dived for much longer and consequently access deeper wrecks.
On this trip the Rebreather divers of which Donald Cullen, Mevagh Dive Centre was one got to dive on the wreck of Gulf Fleet 31, an American offshore supply vessel, possibly sunk in 1985.
The wreck is 55m long, 12m wide and had a draft of over 4m; she was powered by twin diesel engines and shafts and had a speed of 12 knots.
Today she lies at a depth of 105 metres, lies upright and the wheelhouse can be penetrated - definitely one for the tech divers.
In sharp contrast to the warmth of a November Egyptian sun, the Sheephaven divers who remained at home were restricted to snorkelling in Portnablagh, due to the ongoing northerly winds that have whipped up a significant swell out to sea.
Nonetheless the divers who got out on Sunday morning enjoyed the exercise of snorkelling in the harbour, despite water temperature barely rising above 10 degrees Celsius, which was enough to encourage them to get out and go for breakfast in Lizzies.
Finally as we head into December it's time to consider next year's diving and to ensure that there is no lapse in dive insurance, club members are reminded they can pay their fees to the club Treasurer Damien Kelly anytime from here on.
On the Sheephaven snorkel at Portnablagh.
Deputy Joe McHugh has warmly welcomed the announcement that the A5 has been given the go-ahead by the Northern Ireland authorities.
The Department of Infrastructure in the north has also made the vesting order for phase one of the road project.
This is a brilliant day for Donegal. This Government has steadfastly supported the A5 financially and in every other way and today is a significant day for the county," the Government Chief Whip McHugh said.
According to the deputy, the Department of Infrastructure Northern Ireland has announced the publication of the Departmental Statement and Notice of Intention to Proceed; the making of the Direction Order which covers the entire route from Newbuildings in Derry to Ballygawley in County Tryone and the making of the Vesting Order for Phase 1a from Newbuildings to north of Strabane.
The Orders would become operative in January 2018 and are among the final measures needed to allow work on the A5 to begin next year. The connection of Donegal to Dublin via a new A5 dual carriageway will attract more investment to our county, allowing Donegal to have a connection denied for decades," he said.
He added that he and the department of An Taoiseach have also made submissions to the British government seeking an extension of Phase 1a to beyond Sion Mills.
"This is strategically important for our Government and for Donegal as the link bridge to the new Lifford to Letterkenny road will be positioned south of Sion Mills. I am confident that this can also be delivered. This is a hugely important day for the people of Donegal and for the people of Derry and Tyrone at a time when we are working better together than ever before, he said.
Following a musical performance on campus last Friday, Nov. 17, guests gathered in The Baptist College of Floridas Heritage Village for the annual Holiday Heritage Festival.
The sidewalks and historic buildings were filled with treasures as artisans came to display their handiwork and creative skills while enjoying the sweet aroma of sugar cane brewing.
The Plath Family performed musical selections throughout the afternoon and BCF students in the Teacher Education Division were dressed in period attire greeting elementary school students explaining the significance of maintaining their heritage, understanding historic value and lessons learned from the past.
The event was complete with homemade chili, chicken perlu, hotdogs, and goodies baked by the faculty and staff spouses. Those raising over $1,600 for the scholarship fund.
News / National
by Staff reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been in office for less than a week, and online publications are already reporting on a "controversial" chrome deal he apparently helped facilitate with South African businessman Zunaid Moti, News24 reported.Moti has business interests in Zimbabwe through a mining company called Africa Chrome Fields (Pvt) Ltd, which is a subsidiary of South African mining company Fanshawe Mining Holdings.Africa Chrome Fields (ACF) has invested in a large chrome mining and smelting project in Zimbabwe which, according to Zimbabwean media, was facilitated by Mnangagwa while he was the country's deputy president.Moti is a business tycoon who is no stranger to controversy.In August, The Times reported that he was listed by Interpol as an international fugitive after he and three other businessmen were accused of defrauding an allegedly disgruntled business partner out of R6.6m in an apparent bogus mining deal which allegedly took place in Lebanon in 2013.Moti, his father Abbas Aboo Baker Moti, Ashruf Kaka and Sallim Bobat challenged their original arrest warrants in Lebanese courts and made submissions to Interpol in France to have the red notices overturned.Moti is also known for his fast cars and quick property deals, including the controversial transfer of 33 tracts of prime land owned by the City of Johannesburg a few years ago.Allegations that Mnangagwa paved the way for the business for his own gain were made in an article titled "Did Mnangagwa mortgage Zimbabwe to Muslim businessmen for political gain?"The article was published on a site called PaZimbabwe, - which describes itself as "vision driven leaders in investigative reporting, unbiased and enlightening Zimbabwe news" - and it contains a number of stories on Zimbabwean politics. There is no indication who is behind the site.'Dodgy South African investors'The article suggests that Mnangagwa's rise to power in the past month was financed by "Muslim investors with interests in Zimbabwe".They then specifically name Moti.The story claims that, in 2014, the Zimbabwe Defence Force entered a joint venture with African Chrome Fields, which was mining chrome deposits in Central Zimbabwe.In a picture published is the Defence Force Commander General Chiwenga, Mnangagwa, Moti and Muslim cleric Ismail Ibn Musa Menk.The story said that former higher education minister Jonathan Moyo, who appears to have fled the country after the fall of Robert Mugabe, had earlier this year accused Mnangagwa of deceiving cabinet into lifting an export ban on raw chrome in 2015.He claimed that tons of chrome "were smuggled out of the country, with Mnangagwa's business partners making $49m".This was not the first time these claims were made.In August, The Independent in Zimbabwe reported that Mnangagwa was involved in a multi-million-dollar chrome deal, "involving dodgy South African investors illegally granted permission to import fuel duty-free under the guise they are running a project with national status".The story indicates that ACF was granted a duty-free fuel importation certificate by the Ministry of Transport, which was said to have raised eyebrows as only equipment for national projects - and not fuel - could be imported duty-free in Zimbabwe.Mnangagwa's dealings with the mining company were allegedly debated in a politburo meeting, with Moyo accusing Mnangagwa of deceiving the cabinet when he lifted the chrome export ban.'I'm proud to be associated with your country'ACF director Ashruf Kaka was quoted, in other media reports, as saying that the company had been granted the certificate to import fuel because their mining sites were remote, had no electricity, and were dependent on diesel-generated power.Kaka said they were in the business of mining and would leave politics to the politicians.After Mnangagwa was announced as president of Zimbabwe, ACF released a video of Moti congratulating him.The video showed Mnangagwa's previous visits to the mine, arriving in a helicopter and giving speeches.In the video, Moti - who is ACF's executive chairperson - addresses "our honourable president", saying it had been an "absolute privilege working in your country with you"."I remember the day we met in Kwekwe and the insight and vision you had given and shared with me and the advice, and today is such an important day as it marks the start of a new Zimbabwe," Moti said."The message I have for you is to remain the father as well as the gentle man that you are and who I have come to know over the last 1 000 days plus."If you are able to make a difference in other people's lives as you have come to make in African Chrome Fields and myself, all I can say to the world is that Zimbabwe under your leadership will be a completely different Zimbabwe, and I'm proud to be associated with your country and I'm so happy to be here today."Moti then congratulates Mnangagwa, offering him best wishes as he starts on a path to bring economic prosperity to Zimbabwe.'We are not playing politics'News24 heard separate reports that, when Mnangagwa was in South Africa, he was sponsored by Moti and stayed in an apartment at the Michelangelo Hotel in Sandton as his guest.But Moti has denied this.He said his company was apolitical and not affiliated to any parties."We are not playing politics. We are a business," he said.Moti said they had had no interaction with Mnangagwa when he was in South Africa and did not "look after him"."Those reports are rubbish," he said. "We are trying to establish who wrote that story, but [we] are struggling (PaZimbabwe). It's not mainstream media and it seems to have originated in the UK."There have been a lot of strange reports in Zimbabwe in the last few weeks. There was even one story that claimed Mugabe's son had been poisoned?"Moti said his only connection to Mnangagwa was through their business dealings in Zimbabwe.Zanu-PF chairperson Simon Khaya-Moyo said the reports were "hogwash".
The accused in a Louth double murder trial has admitted that he is the man in CCTV footage that the State played for the jury a number of weeks ago.
The 34-year-old Dubliner made the admission to the Central Criminal Court through his barrister today.
Jason ODriscoll, with an address at Richmond Avenue, Fairview, has pleaded not guilty to murdering 31-year-old Anthony Burnett and 25-year-old Joseph Redmond at Ravensdale in Co Louth on March 7th, 2012.
The trial has heard that firefighters were called to a burning car in Ravensdale Forest Park shortly before 11 o'clock that night. The bodies of the two Dublin car thieves were discovered inside, with gunshot wounds to their heads.
The jury spent hours watching CCTV footage a number of weeks ago. It was recorded on both sides of the border in the hours and days around the double killing.
One piece of footage showed a man entering a Newry hotel through a rear door and going to a part of the hotel not covered by cameras around 7.45pm on the day of the killings. The same man was seen leaving that area and exiting the hotel a few minutes later.
Its the States case that phone calls were made to one of the deceased from a payphone in that area of the hotel around this time.
Mr ODriscolls senior counsel, Sean Guerin, today admitted that his client was the man in the hotel footage. He explained that he was making the admissions on behalf of the accused under Section 22 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
It means the prosecution dont have to prove those things, he said.
Mr Guerin then moved onto footage showing two men entering a chip shop/off licence in Meigh, just north of the border, after 11 oclock that night.
Its the States case that the alleged getaway car was found abandoned nearby the following morning, having been involved in a high-speed police chase in Newry shortly before the chip shop footage was recorded.
The gentleman in the blue jacket inside Murphys in Meigh is the accused man, said Mr Guerin yesterday.
The jury also saw footage recorded in a Eurospar shop in Newry on March 1st, 2nd 8th and 9th that year. Its the States case that mobile phones of interest were topped up there during the times covered.
Mr Guerin admitted that the man in the shop footage on those days was also his client.
Alexander Owens SC then closed the case on behalf of the prosecution and the judge sent the jury away while he dealt with a legal issue.
Legal issues often, if not always, arise at this stage of the trial, he told the eight men and four women, asking them to return on Wednesday morning.
Irish Water is aware that some customers have received emails purporting to be from Irish Water with the subject line Your Irish Water Account Action required. Irish Water is advising anyone who receives these emails to delete them immediately.
Irish Water will never ask customers to update personal banking information in this way and customers should always delete emails requesting this information. Do not reply or click on the link provided. Do not provide personal or financial details.
Irish Water has asked domestic customers who have moved property to contact us by phone on 1850 448 448 to update their details. Changes to customers personal details can only be updated by phone.
Irish Water has investigated this email and has requested that this fraudulent site be shut down. Irish Water is aware that during the refund process in particular that attempts may be made to deceive customers with phishing emails. We have put additional resources in place in attempt to mitigate against these phishing campaigns.
If you suspect that you've responded to a phishing email with personal information from this or any email, take the following steps to minimise any potential damage:
- Change the information you've revealed e.g. Change any passwords or PINs on the account or service that you think might have been compromised
- Contact your bank or the service provider directly
- Routinely review your bank and credit card statements for unexplained charges or enquiries that you didn't initiate
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- Irish Water wishes to reassure customers that there has been no breach of Irish Water security systems. Customer details on Irish Water's database are secure and have not been compromised.
There is more advice on how to identify phishing emails and what to do next on Irish Waters website https://www.water.ie/support/fraudulent-email-advice/
What does culture in a corporate context really mean anyway? We all throw the term around with the assumption there is a common understanding of what it actually means, but I feel in its over use its lost its meaning and worth defining to set the scene.
Most people would agree corporate or organisational culture refers to the beliefs and behaviours that inform how a company and its employees behave to the outside world and within the organisation. It is often intangible, and implied rather than expressed. It is something that is developed over time and driven by the leaders of the company as well as the corporate company they keep in the form of customers, suppliers, partners and other collaborators.
Once upon a time, culture developed without much thought, it was an organic output of an organisations values spoken or unspoken. More recently, it has been left in the hands of a companys human resources department and often not much more than an afterthought, viewed by executive teams as the fluffy stuff and always on the cutting board when it comes to efficiencies.
In the PR and communications industry, culture has notoriously revolved around drinking and then debriefing about the fallout from Friday night, on Monday morning. I wont mention the Harvey Weinstein inspired behaviour, or the insane working hours. Ill avoid the unsustainable client and agency relationships and steer clear of the work them as hard as you can and pay them as little as possible cliche. Seriously, whats not to love about the communication and advertising industries?
Dont worry, its not all doom and gloom. Change is afoot, and as a certified B Corporation and a company that sells people power, we feel it is the effort put into our culture that defines our success. How so you say? Theres some new thinking emerging and many are starting to move on from an outdated way of working, they have begun to see that if they put a greater emphasis on setting values people care about, it ultimately drives positive outcomes. Yes, being good is good for business.
So how does one redefine success via culture?
First of all, to attract people who share your belief system, its important to have a system. An organisation needs to articulate what it stands for. This starts at the top a series of corporate epiphanies need to manifest, and it goes something like this
companies who truly put their people front and center are the ones who will endure. They will do this by attracting and retaining the best talent, and their workplace experience will go from obligation to inspiration. A new sense of pride and enthusiasm will emerge and a culture worth cultivating will lead the way
So how in a sea of old school devil wears Prada behaviour, have we managed to invent a new way of being in the workplace, establish a sense of community and create initiatives and practices that build a strong and enduring culture .?
By dissolving people silos and creating dynamic, bespoke teams based on skills and personal interests Understanding our team members and creating a wellbeing program that adds value to their life beyond work no obligatory fruit bowls and bike racks Using new language its not staff its team members Demonstrating a deep understanding of the issues team members are facing as humans and providing real solutions stress and anxiety = learn to meditate course, meditation room and team meditation every Monday Listening and providing an environment where the team shapes their own workplace voting on team activities and training Identifying and calling out unsustainable behaviour by clients. We call them courageous conversations and were not afraid to have them By being prepared to risk the ship and stand firm on our beliefs, the value we place on our services and our own sanity this may mean exiting unsustainable relationships Dont just say it, be it. Nurturing new leaders who share the desire to do things differently by setting an example, everyday
Over the top of these initiatives and practices sits an unwavering belief that exceptional service to our clients depends on the high morale of our team. Yes, it costs more to come from a place where you truly put people first. Yes, there is more time involved in developing a unique program or rethinking what HR means in your business and yes, it most definitely requires some new thinking.
Business in general does have a problem. We need to admit it. We need to clearly identify what it is about working that is not making us all happy.
Albert Einstein put it so eloquently We cannot solve the problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. So, lets all get creative and find a new way of being in business.
About the author
Skye Tipler-Rosenberg founded Mkt. Communications in 2006 with a vision to create an agency underpinned by her guiding business principles respect, collaboration, creativity and service. Skye is a highly accomplished marketing professional with broad experience gained in some of Melbournes most respected advertising and communications agencies.
She is responsible for crafting and managing successful campaigns, delivering tangible results for many Australian and international brands. Skye has a unique approach to her work with an emphasis on strategy and creative ideas that deliver to a clients broader business agenda. Intrinsically passionate about people and the planet, Mkt. Communications has grown and so has its relationships with like-minded organisations.
Skye is a member of the Australian Marketing Institute (AMI), the Australian Institute of Management (AIM) and she is a Certified Practising Marketer.
The legendary unicorn, frequently depicted as horse with a horn protruding from its forehead, has captured imaginations since antiquity. In 2013, the term was appropriated by venture capitalist Aileen Lee to refer to a statistical rarity namely, a startup with a market valuation of at least $1 billion. Since then, the ranks of the coveted Unicorn Club have swelled by nearly 500%, signalling a bold new era of ambitious businesses, where not even the skys the limit.
Seeking to reach $1 billion in valuation is a Big, Hairy Audacious Goal but is it a righteous undertaking for a startup? Thats the question we put to more than a dozen industry experts, this week, for our exclusive Lets Talk feature looking at growth. The consensus was that whiles theres nothing inherently wrong with aspiring to be a unicorn (with one commentator stating, we need more ambition, not less in a nation rife with tall poppies), founders mustnt let the pursuit of this milestone distract them from building sustainable, innovative and customer-centric companies.
One commentator pointed out the irony of there being a dearth of female-led unicorns despite the term being coined by a woman, before adding that more startups would earn themselves a glittery horn if they focused on the new female economy and female-driven innovation. Another suggested that unicorns valuations have been inflated and that the financial bubble is bound to burst.
Read on for further insights from this weeks line-up of Lets Talk commentators.
Is there anything wrong with aspiring to be a unicorn?
Mark Gustowski, Acting CEA, QUT Creative Enterprise Australia (CEA): Reaching a billion-dollar valuation or the unicorn milestone is absolutely a cracking goal for startups to strive to reach as it means they were thinking global from day one. There are currently more than 260 unicorns running the world and each of them needed to perfect their startup concoction before they sold it. Your startup should focus on hand-picking the most brilliant minds for your team; once youve perfected that collective consciousness, the pathway to creating your startup prodigy will become clear.
Make sure you dedicate due time and thought to shaping your business lifecycle to include a combination of investment and grants. You always want to demonstrate to investors that youve laid the financial foundations which will in turn give them confidence in your ability to handle any injections.
Rather than wanting to be a unicorn that struck it rich, think like a prodigy; how will your startup cause change? Be the company that redefines the world not the billion-dollar unicorn stamp.
Gerard Healy, Co-founder & Managing Director, Titlexchange: Theres nothing wrong with aspiring to be a unicorn and Australia should do better at fostering dreaming big. However, Australia suffers terribly from tall poppy syndrome and too often those who talk about desiring to be a unicorn get stared at like theyre a leper.
Unfortunately, this attitude often trickles down from investors. Founders are told to be more realistic, which is essentially code for scaling back their ambitions. Imagine if people like Henry Ford, Walt Disney and Elon Musk had suspended belief in their bold plans to appease investors. As a nation what we need is more ambition, not less.
Sean Senvirtne, Founder & CEO, MyDeal: The Get Big Fast maxim has been around for a long time. Aspiring to get big fast is good as it can enable a business the critical mass it needs to grow and capture its market share and compete with established brands and businesses. Fast growth comes with its own unique challenges. Fledging but rapidly expanding businesses can lose sight of the very innovation and efficiencies that got them off the ground in the first place. Its important to stay focused on the business objectives and stay true to your value proposition.
Bec Brideson, Founder, Venus Comms & author (Blind Spots): Despite the fact that the term unicorn was coined by a woman, female-led ventures aiming to be unicorns are a rarity (as are unicorns with women on their boards) and we absolutely need more. Yet theres an even bigger reason why we need more men and women aspiring towards being a unicorn, despite the lottery-like probability. The intense tech-focused climate and bro-lensed system for accessing unicorn status in Silicon Valley overlooks a giant opportunity namely the $28T global female market.
Whether female- or male-led, using gender intelligence to fill the yawning gap that is needed by new products and services that better serve womens modern demands, provides a prospect that is greater than the economies of China and India combined. Yes, its rare to reach unicorn status, and its even rarer to reach unicorn status as a female lead but all entrepreneurs may find a higher likelihood of claiming a glittery horn and ergo high-growth and rapid commercial gains, by laser focusing on the new female economy and female-driven innovation.
Tanya Titman, Accountant & Founder, Acceler8: We need to see a convergence of the startup and SME mindset. Historically, SMEs havent been challenged to aspire to be unicorns and startups have always been focused on lofty goals. They are selling a dream, they dream big but they dont always make it. SMEs are realists, they tend to take a more conservative approach often because they have more to lose, like staff who depend on their employment and equity from their home that has been invested in their business.
Where does this mindset come from? Often small business owners start a company because, as an employee, they excelled in their industry and decide to branch out on their own. Startups have a new idea designed to disrupt the status quo, one that could be a million-dollar business, their mindset is not limited by existing industries practices or benchmarks. We need a cultural change in this area within Australian business. We should aim for startups to take a more realistic approach and SMEs should aspire to bigger growth goals.
Amanda Watts, Co-founder, Girl Geek Academy: Having seen first-hand how technology has changed the way we communicate, and how we can reach new markets and scale businesses fast, there has never been a better time to build a $1 billion business.
Barriers to entry such as startup costs are so much lower than they used to be. Technology is getting cheaper and we have many more tools at our disposal to track if our marketing efforts are working. Technology is fun, not scary, and its a lot easier than you think to get setup. In my experience you can build your business at a third of the cost compared to five years ago, and there is no reason why we shouldnt take advantage of this.
Theres nothing wrong with aspiring to be a unicorn, just as long as you are setting yourself up to win. Is your customer base fundamentally large enough to be able to get you to the $1B mark? Is the problem you are solving big enough and will people pay good money for you to solve it? To put yourself in the best position to achieve unicorn status its key to charge more for your solutions sooner. Get money in your hand as soon as you can, from a customer. Even if that amount is small at the start it allows you to see your value, dont give it away for free.
As Australians we are isolated from the rest of the world (and the assumed unicorn headquarters of Silicon Valley), however this should not deter anyone as we have some great support networks and events all around Australia. On a personal note, I am especially keen to see more females aspiring to unicorn status. In order to achieve this, I think its about visibility. We need to physically see more female role models in unicorns and fast growing companies being profiled. When we are deciding on a career, we are often influenced by popular culture; it would be great to see more movies, stories and books depicting women starting and growing businesses. I dream of ringing the bell at the ASX and so can you!
Mick Spencer, Founder & CEO, ONTHEGO: There is nothing wrong with having a really ambitious business goal that everyone in the team is motivated by and working towards. This should not just be monetary however as the goal needs to resonate with everyone in the business. The aspiration to be a unicorn is more of an achievement for the founders and executives of a company and it needs to be broken down into realistic smaller chunks or tasks, so they can measure their progress consistently. Otherwise, its just blue-sky dreams. Fundamentally, entrepreneurship is flawed if founders get caught up talking about wanting to be the next unicorn at the expense of perfecting their product for their customer or strengthening the foundations of their company. Becoming a unicorn is the by-product of creating something that changes the world. The change should be the goal, not the status.
Dr Marcus Tan, CEO & Medical Director, HealthEngine: No, I welcome the challenge. From day one, HealthEngines goal has been to improve the way Australians access healthcare and empower them to better manage their health through consumer-friendly technology the more resources we have at our disposal ultimately brings us closer to achieving this goal and improving the overall healthcare of our nation.
Successfully scaling comes down to your mentality its not so much how fast you grow but how you grow that will determine whether you reach unicorn-status. This means having a clear mission from the get go and hiring the right talent that share your vision, not shying away from technology (this is at the heart of everything we do at HealthEngine, facilitating everything from our products, services and operations to managing our internal communications and company culture), and most importantly, knowing if youre ready to grow understanding whether your current infrastructure, business model, employees and product is equipped to handle new growth is key.
Over the last 12 months HealthEngine has undergone rapid growth raising $26.7 million in our Series C funding round in April, doubling our workforce from 70 to 140 nationally, launching several new products and features on the platform which has paved the way for our continued growth in 2018 and beyond.
Chris Chang, Program Manager, Techstars Adelaide: Speaking to investors, many will say that theres something wrong in NOT aspiring to grow a billion-dollar startup. Im not sure I would be 100% in agreement, but I would definitely say theres nothing wrong with aspiring to have your company become a unicorn. But it shouldnt be seen as the only measure of success. The best founders Ive met are far more focused on getting their businesses to solve a problem than just having a massive valuation. If the problem is big enough, when you start helping more and more customers solve it on a global scale, reaching unicorn status will be the by-product of building a great company.
Atomic 212 Chief Strategy Officer, Ben Taylor: On one hand, I feel that Unicorns are much needed in todays short-term, ROI-based business culture where considered, safety-first management is paramount. Against this backdrop, the anythings possible, entrepreneurial culture of unicorns like Vice, Hulu, Blippar and DocuSign, which are creating products and services for tomorrows opportunities, really captures ones imagination.
Another part of me worries that weve created yet another buzzword for something that has always existed and that weve now run out of sight of all financial sensibility (I.e. the basics, valueshow money systems operate). Uber, at $60bn+ valuation, sometimes has losses 100% more than revenue, according to reports. Looking at the sheer number of Unicorn companies (as shown here) and the valuation against current return rates, it feels like every financial bubble-bursting reality that weve never learnt from. The number of Unicorns has grown from 46 in 2013, when Aileen Lee coined the Unicorn term, to 267 today. It seems unicorns arent the statistical rarity they once represented.
So, should your startup aspire to be a unicorn? I think you should always aspire to the irresistible momentum of start-ups due to the fact that the world shifts daily around new opportunities. Looking at the number of established blue chips on the Unicorn investor list alongside the large VC funds would suggest that big businesses cant do everything internally and need to acquire or invest externally to grow. In essence, we can see blue chip businesses investing in unicorns as a catalyst for innovation that would not occur within mature businesses. But you should temper this with financial responsibility. Most importantly, ask yourself not only whether you should you aspire to be a unicorn, but whether you can facilitate the environment, focus and purpose these companies build around themselves.
Patrick Garrett, CEO, Six Park: Ambition is a prerequisite for a start-up most people wouldnt put themselves through the blood, sweat and tears otherwise.
The question is, do you aim to be a billion-dollar company for the sake of it, or do you aim to solve a problem and achieve success as a result? Six Parks mission is to make sure all Australians can get professional, low-cost investment advice if we become a unicorn in the process that would obviously be fantastic, but its not the end goal.
Were a really motivated team and we know that the way were going to be successful is by making sure we have happy, loyal customers who love what were doing as much as we do. Six Park helps people grow their wealth so they can spend less time worrying about money and more time enjoying life. Thats something everyone would like to be able to do, really, and we want that for both our clients and for our company.
Kerry Boulton, CEO, The Exit Strategy Group & Author (Million Dollar Pay Day): There is a great saying shoot for the stars and if you do, you might reach the moon! Thats my personal take on aspiring to be a unicorn. If you have a technology, or have developed a really potent, successful brand you could licence globally (akin to Virgin), unicorn status should be in your sights!
Anthony Sochan, Partner, Think and Grow: There is nothing wrong with aspiring to be a unicorn, in fact we encourage all our customers to reach for the stars and be as ambitious as they can possibly be. Our role is to help enable those ambitions. However, you do need to be aware of the market opportunity, size of that market and the pathway you would need to travel to get there, its not for everyone. First and foremost we encourage others to build great businesses that they can be proud of, everyone defines great in a different way and as a community we should be comfortable with that.
Heidi Holmes, co-founder & COO, Mentorloop: I dont think there is anything inherently wrong with aspiring to be a unicorn, it just shouldnt be your primary focus. Starting and growing a business is incredibly hard and weve learnt first-hand that blind optimism only gets you so far. Instead time, energy and resources would be better spent focussing on delivering a product or service that delights your customers. Being 100% customer centric and building a company that people want to work for is key to ensuring that you build at a minimum a sustainable, profitable business and we believe that approach only makes you more attractive to customers and investors.
About Lets Talk
This exciting new, weekly initiative provides entrepreneurs and industry experts with a forum to share rapid-fire views on a range of issues that matter to start-ups and SMEs. Every Wednesday, we pose a themed question to a line-up of knowledgable industry figures, with a view to picking their brains for valuable insights to share with you, our readers.
The brains behind mentoring software startup Mentorloop have closed an oversubscribed seed round, raising $725,000 from Blackbird Ventures, Rampersand and Tempus Partners to bring their total funding to more than $1 million.
Launched in 2015 by Heidi Holmes (COO) and Lucy Lloyd (CEO), Mentorloop is a cloud-based, mobile-first platform that assists corporates, universities, not-for-profits and government with introducing and delivering a mentor program or enhancing an existing one. Last year, the founding duo raised $300,000 for their startup from private investors including angel investor groups Innovation Bay and Melbourne Angels as well as former StartupAUS director, Glenn Smith.
[Related story: Companies underestimate the demand for it internally: former Adage MD on mentoring]
Holmes, a KPMG alumni and the former MD of mature age jobs board Adage, spoke to Dynamic Business about the plans she and Lloyd have for the seed capital, the value their new investors are already generating for Mentorloop, and how her startup is optimising the mentoring process.
DB: How much did you set out to raise and for what purpose?
Holmes: We emerged from the Startmate accelerator, earlier this year, with new learnings and more than 30% month on month growth, so it made sense for us to keep that momentum going and roll into a seed round.
With consistent monthly revenue, we set out to raise $500,000 to fund investment in the business and the team so that we could better service existing and new clients as we continued to grow.
Not only did the round come together quite quickly, we raised a little bit more than we expected. Plus, were so rapt with the VCs and individual investors that have come on board its a quality ensemble.
DB: What criteria did you apply when seeking out investors?
Holmes: For us it has always been about more than the money. We know first-hand how critical mentors are to ensuring personal development and business success. Not only in providing timely and relevant advice, but also to challenge ideas and assumptions to ensure you are always striving to be the best. There is no doubt that our investors bring an immense amount of mental capital to the table that weve already benefited from and will continue to draw on in this next exciting phase of the business.
DB: How did you go about attracting the right investors?
Holmes: We set about building relationships with our investors before we needed the money. It doesnt matter how much or from who, taking investment from someone comes with huge responsibility. Not only are they investing in the business, they are also investing in us the founders so it was important to us that we were 100% transparent as well as patient throughout the process.
DB: What success have Mentorloop and its clients had in 2017?
Holmes: This year weve seen over 500% growth in revenue and we now boast a suite of 28 clients across the US, Australia, the UK, Canada and Asia from corporates through to industry bodies and universities, including RACV, Institute of Public Accountants, TAL Insurance, the Australian Olympic Committee and Monash University.
Weve helped all our clients tap into the latent demand for mentoring (giving people what they actually want), with programs being oversubscribed by up to 80%. Fortunately, oversubscription is a good thing, because demand has been easily met through the use of efficient software.
Were also enabling our clients to improve knowledge sharing within their business, foster a greater sense of community and connectivity, as well as open senior leaders eyes up to the benefits of reverse mentoring. 92% of participants involved in Mentorloop facilitated mentoring programs, saying they want to continue mentoring so its working.
Mentoring is also a very human and personal thing. While there are many tangible benefits we can report on, sometimes the true value lies in the personal anecdotes of how these connections have resulted in a promotion or even changed a life. This happens a lot.
DB: Regarding your client base, what organisations do you target?
Holmes: We work with clients of any size and complexity but our real sweet spot is organisations with 500+ employees. These organisations are looking for people-focussed initiatives to attract and retain the best and brightest talent. They are looking for ways to increase the bottom line while maintaining or improving employee satisfaction. With Mentorloop, they can do that.
DB: How is your platform optimising the mentoring process?
Holmes: Mentorloop provides a framework in which unique mentoring relationships can flourish at scale within and across organisations. For too long, effective mentoring programs have been impossible to run with spreadsheets and email, and theyve been viewed by organisations as a nice to have. We now know from decades of research, however, that mentoring is critical for organisational success, delivering significant retention rates amongst people engaged in a mentoring program; namely, 69% for mentors and 72% for mentees.
Employee development plays a crucial role in businesses seeking a competitive edge; however, its becoming less about organisations sending people on training courses and more about giving employees permission to self-drive their own learning outcomes. Personal analytics have been trending for the last decade, with things like the fitbit and apps like Sleepcycle; were all tracking and optimising ourselves. But there hasnt been much optimisation in professional development, which hampers career progress and organisational productivity everywhere. Relevantly, Mentorloop helps people identify their goals within a professional context, and matches them with the most relevant mentor who can help them achieve them. Once these matches are made, Mentorloop then creates a drumbeat of forward progress for the mentoring relationships through the software itself as well as helpful resources and support.
For companies interested in a modern, dynamic approach to mentoring, Mentorloop acts as an internal CRM called My Match, allowing staff to browse and connect with relevant support and advice from any other person within their organisation, on-demand. I would have loved to have access to something like this when I was at KPMG.
DB: Having completed a seed capital raise, whats next for Mentorloop?
Holmes: We will now look to build out our team and product so that we can continue to fulfil our vision of delivering quality mentoring outcomes at scale. The raise also means that we will continue to take effective mentoring to other parts of the world.
Weve already seen a 300% increase in qualified international enquiries over the past seven months, so we are looking forward to expanding our market penetration further into the US and the UK in particular.
News / Press Release
by PDP
One of the world's biggest victories is that of the abolishment of slave trade, it is sad to see a resurgence of the scourge.The developments in Libya where migrants are captured and sold in what has developed into an infamous slave market are not welcome in the 21st century as they were not welcome in the 11th century.The People's Democratic Party not only condemns the barbaric acts of those who capture desperate migrants but the so called buyers of our African brothers and sisters who are turned into slaves.We appreciate the efforts by the French government to have an urgent convening of the United Nations Security Council meeting on Libya; the Libyan crisis is demonstrating that it affects not only the Libyans but the region and ultimately the entire globe.We have always argued as we do now that one crisis in a country can easily spill over to the next one therefore the need for regional bodies to look at developments in member countries with keen interest.Whenever there is a crisis whether political or economic the region must collectively pay the price during the early stages, failure to do so will result in paying a bigger price in the future, the Libyan crisis validates this point.In a speech presented at the 2016 Senior Leaders Summit organised by Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, President Biti warned that the failure by African states to grow inclusive economies which absorb the working people is one of the major security threats on the continent.The PDP associates with the views expressed by our leader at this forum, he stated that as security precautions, evolving states need to manage what happens on the sovereign internal dimension; issues to do with the rule of law, corruption, contested elections, religious radicalisation, kamikaze bombings, inequality, ineffective states, state failure and fragility.In his speech President Biti addressed the issue around regional challenges emanating from the interconnectedness of the regions where "implosions and explosions affect the interconnected nation states'"When there is a disturbance in Burkina Faso, it affects the region, when there is a contested election in Ivory Coast it affects the region, so regional developments become part of the multiplier players on the evolving African state."The People's Democratic Party notes with concern that the further the issues happen away from our national boundaries the more the African policy maker has limited capacity to deal with the problem. It is this fact which makes it very important for regional blocs to play the watch dog role on activities in the member states, the world must rely on the blocs as a point of primary resort.The growing young population of highly connected youths who are however unemployed poses a bigger threat to the security of the continent and globe more than what is manifesting in Libya.In 2016, more than 50 Zimbabwean young ladies were trafficked to Kuwait where they were abused, the ones who managed to come back home are still struggling with rehabilitation.The People's Democratic Party recommends the idea of building fiscal buffers to protect our countries against economic security threats which expose our people. This includes a departure from the extractive economic models in many African states.We also recommend adherence to democratic practices including the idea of free and fair elections to avoid a temptation by citizens who might seek unconstitutional means of redress, a point which has gotten Libya where it is today.We also suggest the revival of international law which is now on retreat; the missions of the United Nations deployed on the African continent must be reformed and strengthened.The slave trade crisis in Libya is reminder to build functional states with strong institutions, anchored on transformational democratic development states. It is also a call to create shared economies which ensure our people do not resort to dangerous ways of migration in search of greener pastures.Jacob MafumePDP Spokesperson
Opinion / Columnist
It finally had to come to this. Kudos to the generals some are saying. I say not so fast wait until someone else who is not ZANU wins the next year elections, but in the short term open your eyes wide, focus and concentrate on the next 100 days, and don't dare even blink if you can help it. We witnessed an unprecedented scary situation unfolding in a slow-motion like kind of movement, right in front of our eyes. The generals finally intervened in the politics of a political party and hand pick their chosen one after a tumultuous, tension filled three weeks in the politics of Zimbabwe. Something head to break, and breaking it did and someone came landing on the ground with a heavy thud. There was the subsequent ululating and jubilation on the streets of Zimbabwe by the masses, and everywhere else around the world where the millions of Zimbos are scattered for greener pastures. This followed by an otherwise expected but long-awaited graduation, otherwise described as the swearing in of a once loyal cadre and right-hand man of the ousted President. Good bye and good riddance to the Old, figuratively and literally. However during all this, I wasn't fooled nor moved like many. I took a step back and tried to absorb the enormity of what has just happened and what the future is likely to be. Amongst many questions, I keep asking myself how have people allowed political party matters to be intertwined with the state issues and how did the masses get duped into trying to help ZANU rebrand itself. That remains a discussion for another day.What I am looking at today is the first 100 days of the new President Emmerson Munangagwa and what I think should happen if he wishes to rescue his credibility to show that he is his own man, win the trust of the people and hopefully improve the lives of the people of Zimbabwe. I said to some of my friends, as a start he had to include the following in his inauguration speech. He had to come out strongly about the Gukurahundi in which reportedly over 20000 innocent people were massacred, issue and just apologise and state categorically that he would open the discussion with a view to compensating all those who were affected, he had to say that Zimbabwe would welcome the Chinese, Indians and the West to come and invest but in Zimbabwe's terms, but their investment will be protected, he had to say people will be allowed to peacefully protest for poor service delivery or any other issue without fear of being victimised. He will have to open the freedom of the press, the right to mock and criticise those in power, he will have to emphasise the fact that the government ministers work for us, not the opposite. He had to acknowledge everybody who participated in the liberation war regardless of party and emphasise that it was not ZANU only, but ZAPU and ZIPRA were there, he had to mention that he would stop cadre deployments to parastatals and employ qualified personnel on merit. He had to mention about sourcing funding for the agriculture sector and helping small scale farmers to boost that sector.As it turns out, he briefly mentioned some of these things albeit in his own words. He scratched the surface as anyone would under those time limiting circumstances. Some people thought it was an amazing speech, full of hope and optimism. But some of us haven't forgotten, it is precisely the same reconciliatory speech given by his predecessor 37 years ago. We all know what happened after that. Thirty-seven years of thievery, pillage, mass killings, corruption, decimation of families, the economy, health sector, everything you name it.It is in this vain that the new President Munangangwa should in the first 100 DAYS emphatically, with clarity, no ambiguity and with tangible action come out to address what I believe will define his presidency in one way or the other, the following issues.- The Gukurahundi issue will never die, that I can assure the New President. The people of Matabeleland deserve to be heard. Their loved ones lying all over the country in mine shafts still need to be relocated to be given decent burials in their respective homesteads. Munangagwa, then as a Minister of State Security was at the centre of these genocidal mass killings from about 1982 to 1985. On the 4th of April 1983, he was quoted as saying "Blessed are they who will follow the path of the Government laws, for their days on earth will be increased. But woe unto those who will choose the path of collaboration with dissidents for we will certainly shorten their stay on earth" he went on to say the Matabeleland people were cockroaches, and the following day it is believed 55 people were killed in one village. He has already mentioned the possibility of compensation for the white farmers, yet the very people he brutalised haven't been put in the discussion yet. They will have to be in the discussion, in the first 100 days.- ZANU PF government messed the economy to the extent that people even struggle to withdraw their salaries. What are the practical steps he is going to take to rescue the situation.- When are they going to stop creating fictitious money through bond notes and Treasury Bills which has contributed to pushing Zimbabwe's debt to above USD7billion.- You have decimated our health services as a result when you fall ill, you are airlifted to neighbouring South Africa, what about the ordinary guy on the streets. Right now, the Joshua Mqabuko Medical Centre is still not open in Bulawayo when it was completed in 2014, no one seems to have an idea about what is happening with this facility.- President Munangangwa should explain the Billions that disappeared in Marange as he was at the heart of it. You need to come clean on the USD754 million which was owed by the Reserved Bank and eventually assumed by Government through the Reserve Bank Debt Assumption Act, meaning really that the tax payers will pay for it.- When there was a GNU (government of national unity) the economic conditions improved but things seemed to go on a downward spiral when ZANU PF government went it alone in this current term, what was the reason.- People would like to know where the 2.2 million jobs that were promised by Zim Asset went, what is the practical plan moving forward of creating those jobs.- Regarding the constitution, why are more than 200 Acts are yet to be aligned to the Constitution when we know that the Constitution was adopted in 2013. Munangangwa has been the Justice minister during this period, so the answers are expected to be on his fingertips.- The new President mentioned dealing with corruption, but why do they hold multiple farms when in fact they are doing nothing in most of the farms. Besides arresting the former minister of finance what other practical steps have been put in place in the first 100 days to fight this cancer called corruption.- I have already mentioned the distorted history which gives the impression that it was only ZANU PF that fought in the liberation struggle, the president needs to come out clear about this, ZAPU and ZIPRA were at the fore front as well, figuratively and literally.- Finally there will be elections next year, the President should come out and be clear about reforming the electoral system, attending the voters role to get rid of allegedly millions of ghost voters, announce that all participants will be allowed to campaign in any part of the country they so wish without fear or favour and all shall be covered by the ZBC Broadcasting services.I know that politics is a conversation of power, but people want to see improvements in their lives i.e. access to health., education, food, jobs, etc. so President Munangagwa should deal with these if he wants to redeem himself as well as the issues highlighted above. There must be a clear direction in the first 100 days of where he will go with these issues to define his own legacy and Presidency, otherwise he is doomed to fail.Opposition should get organised if they want our votes. We don't owe them anything. they can begin by forming a formidable alliance rather than the Mickey Mouse games they are playing. The President on the other hand can do anything, politicians do anything. That's why we should never trust any of them. Our job is to resist, to demand, to question, our job is to fight every day, regardless of who is in power. when politicians do good things well and fine that's exactly what they should do and we will remember that, but we won't stop knocking.Despite the optimism from everybody else about the new guy, I am still not sure whether to say, "welcome and good luck". My first feelings were that I hoped this wasn't just a snake shading its old skin for the new one. The Zimbabwean populace hope Munangangwa will deal with the socio-economic issues thoroughly and effectively with immediate effect and without fear or favour. Not only in rhetoric but practical actions. However, the current crop around him, which is is largely composed of war vets and old guys is not at all encouraging, if anything it is depressing. Their narrative that only war vets should take over is essentially exclusionist. There is no sign of progressive young talent. But we shall keep our fingers crossed, because the only certainty in Zimbabwe is uncertainty! So, let's see what happens in the next 100 days.
Opinion / Columnist
As journalists and a veritable army of newfound Zimbabwe "experts" join the bun rush to describe the history of Robert Mugabe's replacement, Emmerson Mnangagwa, there has been much talk about his role in the Gukurahundi killings of the 1980s. Some have said his part in the massacres is "shrouded in mystery", others that he was the "architect" or "mastermind". Still others seem to have bought Mnangagwa's line that his participation is a myth - or that it has, at least, been wildly exaggerated. All of them are wrong, Writes Stuart Doran for the Daily Maverick In January 1983, when the North Korean-trained Fifth Brigade (5 Brigade) of the army was deployed in Matabeleland North, Mnangagwa was Mugabe's minister of state security. That portfolio brought with it control over the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), a Rhodesian institution that was partly reconfigured in 1980 when Mugabe took power at independence.Structurally, the main changes to the CIO had been the formal incorporation of the domestic security and intelligence function - previously informally controlled by the organisation through the Special Branch of the Rhodesian police - and the drafting of personnel from Zanu's department of security into the organisation.Culturally, the well-earned reputation for brutality of Zanu's security apparatus - which had been superintended by Mnangagwa during the party's exile in Mozambique - melded with the Special Branch affinity for torture that had become a stock-in-trade as the war against the nationalists had intensified in the 1970s. These elements magnified one another and, predictably, Zimbabwe's CIO soon became known for its extreme interrogation techniques.The CIO may have developed an unpleasant name in Zimbabwe, but that proves nothing in relation to the Gukurahundi, as Mnangagwa has himself suggested. Rarely given to interviews with journalists, in 2016 he commented on allegations surrounding his involvement in the massacres in what was clearly a bid to sanitise his image ahead of a tilt at the presidency. Speaking to the New Statesman, he retorted: "How do I become the enforcer during Gukurahundi? We had the president, the minister of defence, the commander of the army, and I was none of that. My own enemies attack me left and right and that is what you are buying."This seems likely to become his stock defence. In effect, he claims that he was in charge of internal security, not military matters - and that the CIO had nothing to do with the Gukurahundi. It's a weak defence that has no prospect of surviving closer scrutiny. But it does contain two grains of truth.The first is that the CIO was not the lead agency in the killings. The vast majority of civilian deaths were perpetrated by 5 Brigade. In the main, CIO officers were engaged in apprehending and interrogating alleged "dissidents", armed bandits who were operating in Matabeleland and who were, according to Zanu (PF), coordinating an incipient rebellion against the government. Moreover, a significant segment of the CIO's staff was physically excluded from 5 Brigade's area of operations.The second grain of truth in Mnangagwa's statement is that he (unintentionally) put his finger on the fact that the orchestration of the Gukurahundi was not overseen by one man. It was much broader than that. In this sense, the notion that Mnangagwa was the architect or mastermind of the killings is, indeed, false and thoroughly ahistorical.Yet that is where the factual basis of Mnangagwa's defence ends. On a bureaucratic level, the CIO may not have been at the forefront of the killings, but it most certainly played a critical part in the Gukurahundi. It is important to remember that the Gukurahundi was a lengthy campaign, not a single event. Equally, it involved a number of different angles and an array of targets that went beyond the civilian population in Matabeleland. The broad objective of the campaign was political - to attain a one-party state, which in turn necessitated the obliteration of the rival nationalist party, Zapu. Many "dissidents" arrested, tortured and murdered by the CIO were not rebels but were specifically targeted because they were Zapu office bearers or members of its former military wing, Zipra. The intention was to demolish Zapu structures, while 5 Brigade's indiscriminate violence against civilians was meant to wipe out Zapu's grass roots base. CIO officers such as Menard Muzariri were at the forefront of the more focused violence committed during the Gukurahundi.The CIO also provided operational intelligence to 5 Brigade and other arms of government. Zipra personnel files held by the CIO formed the basis of lists used by 5 Brigade to hunt down ex-Zipras and Zapu officials in the rural areas. Further, intelligence garnered by CIO surveillance teams was used by the army to target individuals - the most prominent example being the attempt to assassinate Zapu leader Joshua Nkomo in March 1983.Thus, there was significant cooperation across agencies, and the CIO was an important cog in the wheel. This reality has been obscured by the entrenched perception that 5 Brigade and the Gukurahundi period are synonymous; in other words, that the brigade and its activities define the Gukurahundi in its totality.And there is another aspect of the Gukurahundi's choreography that has been poorly understood. This relates to the way in which the campaign was managed in practical terms. Coordination between agencies was handled through ethnic and political channels that often bypassed formal bureaucratic structures. It was established relationships between members of Zanu and its former military wing, Zanla, that provided the pathways along which the Gukurahundi ran. Within both the CIO and military, groups that did not fit these parameters - namely, whites and Ndebele speakers - were usually excluded from Gukurahundi-specific operations. There was, therefore, a coterie inside different organisations that was working independently from the rest and conducting what were more or less secret operations.At senior levels, these organic linkages meant that political leaders and ex-Zanla army commanders were heavily engaged in cooperative planning and were often involved in decisions and actions that went beyond the confines of their formal responsibilities. Hence, Constantine Chiwenga, then brigadier of an army unit in Bulawayo that was operating separately from 5 Brigade, nevertheless organised logistics for the latter and had regular informal discussions with 5 Brigade commander Perence Shiri.Mnangagwa, as Mugabe's point man on security-related matters - a role that incorporated strategy, implementation, and a range of portfolios - likewise frequently met with army commanders, transmitting decisions made by the political leadership and discussing operational questions. The notion that he was restricted within the narrow vertical margins of the CIO's official intelligence function is sheer falsehood. Along with Mugabe and the minister responsible for defence, Sydney Sekeramayi, none of the Zanu politicians was more embroiled in the Gukurahundi than Mnangagwa. He was not the architect, but he was one of them. Of that there is no doubt.An illustration of the tight collaboration among the Zanu-ex-Zanla elite has been provided by Kevin Woods, a white CIO officer based in Matabeleland in 1983. During a security briefing at Chiwenga's joint operations command (JOC) in Bulawayo - one attended by Mugabe, Mnangagwa and Shiri - Woods expressed concern about the "international repercussions" that might result from the atrocities in Matabeleland North. Amid "great mirth", he was told by Edson Shirihuru, the CIO's deputy director of political affairs and a longtime sidekick of Mnangagwa's, to "stick to basic intelligence work" associated with dissident activity and to "stay out of their war".Woods was exposed as a South African agent in 1988, an incident that prompted Mugabe to fire Mnangagwa as minister of state security, and his testimony would probably be vehemently denied by Mnangagwa. But black officials - members of Zanu who were stationed in Matabeleland during the period and who attended JOC meetings - paint precisely the same picture, as do Zanu politicians who were in the mix at the time.This underlines the problem that will confront Mnangagwa if he attempts to maintain what amounts to a lame defence. His role is not "shrouded in mystery" for those who were there - and many pieces of extraneous evidence also exist. Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa has called on him to come clean and "apologise". Chances that he will do so in a manner that admits personal culpability seem slim - even though a mere confession falls well short of what is demanded by many relatives of the dead. But one thing is clear: whether he denies or stonewalls, this issue will not go away. DM
On January 20th, 2009, scientists (and anyone who values science) in the USA breathed a collective sigh of relief. After eight years of President George W. Bush, a Democratic president Barack Obama was taking over and science once again took its rightful place in American society as a force for good and an asset to policy making. Its not that corporate America didnt fight them tooth and nail to stop protections for our air, earth, water, food, and medicine. They did. But they at least had a champion in the White House who valued science again.
Then came Trump.
Donald Trump quickly installed Scott Pruitt at the helm of the Environmental Protection Agency. Pruitt was a man who maligned the EPA throughout his career as an impediment to the massive accumulation of corporate and personal wealth that all corporatists dream about. He even sued the EPA. Not once. Not twice. Not [fill in the blanks between 3 and 13]. He sued the EPA FOURTEEN TIMES!
Now he runs the joint.
Last month in a not-widely reported move, Pruitt issued a new directive that prevents any person who works for a college or university and who receives grant funding from the EPA from serving on three important advisory boards:
Scientific Advisory Board, a panel of approximately 45 scientists, examines key scientific issues related to EPA regulations, and produces reports telling EPA what the current state of the science is.
The Board of Scientific Counselors, with an executive committee of about 20 people, works more intimately with agency scientists, advising the agencys Office of Research and Development on its research programs.
The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee which provides technical guidance specifically related to air pollution standards, such as questions about the potential health effects of different pollution levels. [Descriptions courtesy of ScienceMag.org]
Why did he do this? The reason he is giving is that it ensures that these advisory boards are independent and free from any real, apparent, or potential interference with their ability to objectively serve as a committee member. Here are his specific justifications:
The directive focuses on the importance of the following areas pertaining to EPA FACs: Strengthen Member Independence: Members shall be independent from EPA, which shall include a requirement that no member of an EPA federal advisory committee be currently in receipt of EPA grants, either as principal investigator or co-investigator, or in a position that otherwise would reap substantial direct benefit from an EPA grant. This principle shall not apply to state, tribal or local government agency recipients of EPA grants. Increase State, Tribal and Local Government Participation: In the spirit of cooperative federalism and recognition of the unique experience of state, tribal and local government officials, committee balance should reflect prominent participation from state, tribal and local governments. Such participation should be appropriate for the committees purpose and function. Enhance Geographic Diversity: Given the range of environmental and public health considerations across the country, membership should be balanced with individuals from different states and EPA regions. Emphasis should be given to individuals from historically unrepresented or underrepresented states and regions. Promote Fresh Perspectives: To encourage and promote the inclusion of new candidates with fresh perspectives and to avoid prolonged and continuous service, membership should be rotated regularly.
The presumption here is that these scientists are somehow personally and financially benefiting from the grant funding. The reality, of course, is that the funding pays for salaries, supplies, equipment, and other expenses needed to do science, not to fatten the wallets of the scientists themselves.
What this directive does NOT do is prevent industry scientists from continuing to serve on the advisory commissions, scientists who work for corporations that DO stand to directly benefit if the EPA loosens protections allowing them to pollute more or avoid other protections that reduce their corporate profits. Its not a far stretch to imagine corporate scientific advisers being highly incentivized to advise in ways that help their employers.
Heres how chief scientist for Environmental Defense Fund in Washington, D.C. and former EPA Science Advisory Board member Steven Hamburg, put it:
Pruitts actions today are the height of hypocrisy. He is trying to gaslight Americans into believing that industry-funded scientists can offer EPA impartial advice, while those with EPA research grants are biased.
So, yeah, things sucked bad under George W. Bush and his administration. But, when it comes to handing over the keys to the kingdom to corporate America, Donald Trump and HIS administration are taking things to a new and terrifying level.
Oh, one more thing: When Scott Pruitt announced his decision, he couched it in biblical terms. Im not kidding:
We want to ensure that theres integrity in the process and that the scientists that are advising us are doing so without any type of appearance of conflict of interest, EPA head Scott Pruitt said at a press conference announcing the directive. Pruitt used a story from the Book of Joshua to help explain the new policy. On the journey to the promised land, Joshua says to the people of Israel: choose this day whom you are going to serve, Pruitt said. This is sort of like the Joshua principle that as it relates to grants from this agency, you are going to have to choose either service on the committee to provide counsel to us in an independent fashion or chose the grant. But you cant do both. Thats the fair and great thing to do.
#WASF
United States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. JORGE ECHEMENDIA, Petitioner-Appellant, v. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS, ATTORNEY GENERAL, STATE OF FLORIDA, Respondents-Appellees. No. 16-14808 Decided: November 27, 2017
Before ED CARNES, Chief Judge, JULIE CARNES, and JILL PRYOR, Circuit Judges.
Jorge Echemendia, a Florida prisoner proceeding pro se, appeals the district court's dismissal of his purported Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(b) motion. The district court construed that motion as an unauthorized successive 28 U.S.C. 2254 petition and dismissed it for lack of jurisdiction.
In 1996 Echemendia was charged with first-degree murder. A jury found him guilty. The Florida circuit court sentenced him to life imprisonment, and the Florida appellate court affirmed his conviction and sentence. He filed a state petition for writ of habeas corpus alleging ineffective assistance of appellate counsel, which was denied; moved for postconviction relief based on an alleged Brady violation, which was denied; and appealed the denial of that motion for postconviction relief, which was affirmed.
In 2007 Echemendia filed a 2254 petition raising 15 claims, three of which are relevant to this appeal: (1) that the prosecutor failed to disclose a plea agreement between the State and its key witness; (2) that the trial court improperly admitted a deputy's testimony without determining his unavailability, and trial counsel was ineffective in failing to object to that testimony; and (3) that counsel was ineffective in failing to object to a detective's testimony. The district court dismissed that petition and we denied Echemendia's motion for a certificate of appealability.
In 2016 Echemendia filed a pro se motion styled as a Motion for Relief from Judgment under Rule 60(b)(3), (6). That motion raised essentially the same three grounds for relief as his 2254 petition: (1) that the prosecutor's failure to disclose a plea deal between the State and its key witness worked a fraud on the federal habeas court; (2) that the state court deprived him of due process by denying relief without a hearing as to his claim that counsel failed to object to the admission of the deputy's former testimony; and (3) that the state court erred in denying relief without an evidentiary hearing as to his claim that counsel's failure to object to the detective's testimony was ineffective assistance. The district court construed his motion as an unauthorized successive 2254 petition and dismissed it for lack of jurisdiction. This is Echemendia's appeal.
We review de novo questions of the district court's jurisdiction, including whether a Rule 60(b) motion is a successive habeas petition. See Zakrzewski v. McDonough, 490 F.3d 1264, 1267 (11th Cir. 2007). We liberally construe filings by pro se litigants. See Albra v. Advan, Inc., 490 F.3d 826, 829 (11th Cir. 2007). A Rule 60(b) motion provides a limited basis for a party to seek relief from a final judgment in a habeas case. Williams v. Chatman, 510 F.3d 1290, 1293 (11th Cir. 2007). A Rule 60(b) motion may be used to challenge only a defect in the integrity of the federal habeas proceedings not the resolution of a claim on the merits. Gonzalez v. Crosby, 545 U.S. 524, 532, S. Ct. 2641, 2648 (2005).
Echemendia contends that his motion is a true 60(b) motion because it raises claims of fraud on the federal habeas court based on the prosecutor's earlier alleged fraud on the state trial court as well as claims that the absence of an evidentiary hearing affected the integrity of his 2254 proceedings. The district court properly construed Echemendia's nominal Rule 60(b) motion as a successive 2254 petition because his motion essentially repackages three claims from his previous 2254 petition into a Rule 60(b) motion. See id. (holding that a nominal Rule 60(b) motion is a successive 2254 petition where it attacks the substance of the federal court's resolution of a claim on the merits instead of some defect in the integrity of the federal habeas proceedings).
Echemendia raised both of his ineffective assistance claims in his 2254 petition. The district court explained that no evidentiary hearing was necessary because, even if counsel's failures to object were erroneous, Echemendia could not show prejudice under Strickland because other testimony corroborated the officers' testimony. Echemendia's argument that the court erred by denying his ineffective assistance claims without an evidentiary hearing is nothing more than an attack on the habeas court's judgment and, as a result, impermissibly attempts to relitigate the merits. See Felker v. Turpin, 101 F.3d 657, 661 (11th Cir. 1996) (Rule 60(b) cannot be used to circumvent restraints on successive habeas petitions.).
Echemendia's remaining claim that the prosecutor's failure to disclose a plea deal between the State and its key witness worked a fraud on the federal habeas court fails for the same reason. He raised an essentially identical claim in his 2254 petition, and as a result, the purported Rule 60(b) motion is an attack on the court's resolution of his habeas claim. See Crosby, 545 U.S. at 532, 125 S. Ct. at 2648; Spitznas v. Boone, 464 F.3d 1213, 1216 (10th Cir. 2006) ([I]f the fraud on the habeas court includes (or necessarily implies) related fraud on the state court then the motion will ordinarily be considered a second or successive petition because any ruling would inextricably challenge the underlying conviction proceeding.).
Because the district court properly construed Echemendia's motion as a successive 2254 petition, and because he failed to obtain our permission to file that petition as required under 28 U.S.C. 2244(b)(3)(A), the court properly dismissed the motion for want of jurisdiction.
AFFIRMED.
FOOTNOTES
. Alternatively, even if we construed the motion as a Rule 60(b) motion, it would be untimely. Claims for relief under Rule 60(b)(3) must be made within a year after the entry of judgment or order or the date of the proceeding. Fed. R. Civ. P. 60(c)(1). The deadline for a Rule 60(b)(3) motion in the 2254 proceedings was December 15, 2009. Echemendia filed his motion 2,211 days after that date. Although Echemendia argues that he could not bring his fraud claim earlier because of newly discovered evidence, namely, an undisclosed plea agreement, petitioners must bring claims based on newly discovered evidence in a precertified successive habeas petition not a Rule 60(b) motion. See 28 U.S.C. 2244(b)(2)(B); Crosby, 545 U.S. at 532, 125 S. Ct. at 2648 (holding that Rule 60(b) is an improper vehicle to present new evidence in support of a claim raised in a habeas proceeding because it would impermissibly circumvent the requirement that a successive habeas petition be precertified by the court of appeals as falling within an exception to the successive-petition bar).
PER CURIAM:
(Photo: Royal Commission)Judge Peter McClennan and Commissioner Robert Fitzgerald arrive for a hearing of the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Sydney on September 19, 2014.
The Baptist Church in Australia's national body has formally apologized to victims of domestic violence who it says have been let down by churches' "ignorance" and "failure" to care for abused congregants.
Women have been publicly telling their stories of domestic abuse for the first time and Baptist leaders have called for recognition "that we have a serious problem with domestic and sexual violence in churches," ABC online reported Nov. 27.
The Australian national broadcaster reported that momentum is growing for significant cultural change across Australian denominations.
The Baptist church is the fourth Australian church to apologize to victims of domestic violence in the past four months, behind the General Anglican Synod of Australia, the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, and the Sydney Anglican Synod.
Common Grace, a group of 35,000 Australian Christians from different denominations, published an educational resource, called Safer, calling on the church to "collectively and loudly cry 'no more.'"
They wrote in it, "In recent years, the Australian media has shone a spotlight on violence within the home. Communities have rallied to the cause.
"But many church members have not yet been able to wrestle with the idea that they are likely to have victims - and abusers - sitting next to them in Sunday services."
The ABC said the apology was made in a week where women around the world have been sharing personal stories of harassment and abuse in Christian communities.
RESPONSES TO FAMILY VIOLENCE
They have been using the hashtag #ChurchToo, marking the launch of the Baptist-led 'No Place for Violence Here' campaign to improve churches' awareness of and responses to family violence.
The report said that women married to abusive priests have revealed experiences of sexual assault, control and fear.
An ABC News investigation had revealed that some Australian women have suffered domestic abuse by their clergy husbands, and that churches of all denominations have too often ignored their reports, hidden the abuse, and failed to provide adequate care.
"Some Baptist churches and agencies have been working to support family abuse survivors for some time," the Australian Baptist Ministries National Council said in a statement on Nov. 26.
"Despite these efforts, it is with sadness of heart that we acknowledge that in our history we have often failed people living in abusive relationships.
"We failed to recognize the existence of violence and abuse in our homes, and when we did recognize it, all too often we didn't do what was necessary to protect those who were being abused.
"To those people we failed, we are sorry. Sorry for letting you down when you sought our help; sorry for ignoring your pain and suffering; sorry for failing to make your safety and wellbeing our priority."
(Photo: REUTERS / Soe Zeya Tun)Rohingya Muslims attend a wrestling festival at Kyaukpannu village in Maungdaw, northern Rakhine state, June 6, 2014. Since international aid groups were forced out of the Rakhine area in February and March, members of the minority Muslim Rohingya community who relied on them say basic health care services have all but disappeared. Worst affected are those in Northern Rakhine State (NRS), home to most of Myanmar's 1.3 million Rohingya who are stalked by sickness and malnourishment and as yet untouched by reforms under a semi-civilian government which took power in 2011.
Pope Francis has told Myanmar's leaders in the capital Naypyidaw to leave conflict behind and work for peace by promoting justice and respect for the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
"The arduous process of peace-building and national reconciliation can only advance through a commitment to justice and respect for human rights," the Pope told Myanmar civil authorities Nov. 28, Catholic News Agency reports.
Francis called for respect for rights and justice, but refrained from any mention of the Rohingya, or allegations of ethnic cleansing that has driven huge numbers of the Muslim minority from the country, AFP reported.
Pope Francis did not openly challenge the Myanmar authorities on the atrocities that have taken place in their predominantly Buddhist country against the Muslim minority Rohingyas from the Northern Rakhine state.
The pontiff is visiting Myanmar and Bangladesh and in choosing his words he would have been considering the implications they might have for the future of the tiny Catholic minority in the country.
He will be in Myanmar Nov. 27-30, and will visit two cities before moving on to Dhaka, Bangladesh, where he will stay Nov. 30-Dec. 2.
There are 400,000 Catholics in Bangladesh out of a population of 163 million, while in Myanmar there are 700,000 Catholics in a population of 53 million.
In Bangladesh the Pope is expected to meet some Rohingya refugees.
Pope Francis began his first full day in Myanmar an unscheduled encounter at the Archbishop's House, meeting with a group of 17 leaders from the different religious traditions present in the country.
When he shared the stage with Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi in Naypyidaw, he did not address the Rohingya crisis head-on, instead tip-toeing around the unfolding humanitarian emergency.
SUU KYI
Suu Kyi also did not refer to the Rohingya's in her speech, but said the Pope's blessing will be shared by everyone in Burma as they seek to spread "goodwill and joy" throughout the nation, CAN reported.
Myanmar's leaders "will strive to discharge our duties with probity and humility," she said.
She noted, "We wish to leave to the future a people united and at peace, secure in their capacity to grow and prosper in a changing world; a compassionate and generous people, always ready to hold out a helping hand to those in need; a people strong in skills and whole in spirit."
"The road ahead is long," she said, "but we will walk it with confidence, trusting in the power of peace, love and joy."
Vatican Radio reported that in her words to the Pope, Suu Kyi talked directly of the challenges in Rakhine state, which has been the focus of such intense criticism from the international community and from which 624,000 Rohingyas have fled since Aug. 25.
She said the government is seeking to address the many social, economic and political problems there, highlighting the need to rebuilt trust and cooperation.
Among the Muslim leaders, whom the Pope met at the earlier interreligious encounter in Yangon, was a member of the advisory commission for the Rakhine, chaired by former U.N. secretary general Kofi Annan.
But it's not just the Muslins fleeing across the northern border into Bangladesh, who have suffered from violent repression, reported Vatican Radio.
During a visit to the predominantly Christian Kachin state, ahead of the pope's arrival, the Vatican Radio reporter met Catholic families in one of the many camps for internally displaced people, whose villages were destroyed and who survive on aid from international organizations.
The church runs education and health programs, trying to improve the desperate living conditions, but all agree there can be no real development without peace between the warring parties.
Philippine fisheries output declines almost 4% in Q3
The Philippines' total volume of production for fisheries in the third quarter was estimated at 971,000 tonnes, or 3.89% less than in the same quarter last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The decline was slightly worse than the 3.8% cut recorded in the same period last year.
The PSA said decreases were noted on commercial and municipal fisheries while the aquaculture subsector displayed increment. It added that the species that contributed to the fisheries production decline were roundscad (-3.94%), milkfish (-0.73%) and tilapia (-0.23%).
Fisheries output in the nine months through September decreased nearly 2%.
Commercial fisheries output dropped 14.27% during the reviewed quarter, partly because of the numerous weather disturbances that prevailed in the country during that period.
Municipal fisheries production also declined 0.68% during the quarter. The PSA said weather disturbances and strict implementation of fishery laws slowed down the growth of production, particularly in Western Visayas region.
Harvests from aquaculture in the third quarter were recorded at 456,000 tonnes, a slight increase of 0.32%. Seaweed output grew 18.52% in Tawi-Tawi due to increase in area planted as a result of favorable weather conditions. In Bicol Region, dispersal of seaweed planting materials by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources was reported.
Aquaculture's performance was a turnaround from the 3.67% decline recorded in the third quarter last year.
First lady Melania Trump hosted children to the White House Monday as she walked through a fully-decorated executive mansion, unveiling her vision of a Trump Christmas simple, yet elegant, with elements of Americana and nature.
'She's beautiful, like an angel!' one young boy remarked, as the first lady whose cream-colored belted dress with bell sleeves could have been worn by a tree topper walked into the East Room to help a group of kids make garland. 'Are you the first lady?' another youngster asked.
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United States Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Plaintiff - Appellee, v. ALIMAMY BARRIE, Defendant - Appellant. No. 17-6782 Decided: November 27, 2017
Before WYNN and THACKER, Circuit Judges, and HAMILTON, Senior Circuit Judge. Alimamy Barrie, Appellant Pro Se. Daniel Charles Gardner, Assistant United States Attorney, Baltimore, Maryland; Kelly O. Hayes, OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY, Greenbelt, Maryland, for Appellee.
Alimamy Barrie seeks to appeal the district court's order denying relief on his 28 U.S.C. 2255 (2012) motion. The order is not appealable unless a circuit justice or judge issues a certificate of appealability. 28 U.S.C. 2253(c)(1)(B) (2012). A certificate of appealability will not issue absent a substantial showing of the denial of a constitutional right. 28 U.S.C. 2253(c)(2) (2012). When the district court denies relief on the merits, a prisoner satisfies this standard by demonstrating that reasonable jurists would find that the district court's assessment of the constitutional claims is debatable or wrong. Slack v. McDaniel, 529 U.S. 473, 484 (2000); see Miller-El v. Cockrell, 537 U.S. 322, 336-38 (2003). When the district court denies relief on procedural grounds, the prisoner must demonstrate both that the dispositive procedural ruling is debatable, and that the motion states a debatable claim of the denial of a constitutional right. Slack, 529 U.S. at 484-85.
We have independently reviewed the record and conclude that Barrie has not made the requisite showing. Accordingly, we deny a certificate of appealability and dismiss the appeal. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.
DISMISSED
PER CURIAM:
Khloe Kardashian and Kendall Jenner's boyfriends, Tristan Thompson and Blake Griffin, may soon be playing alongside each other.
While Thompson has been playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers since 2011, rumors are swirling about a possible trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, which is the same team Griffin plays for.
Tristan Thompson may get an early Christmas present and move to LA, a source told Hollywood Life on Nov. 26. The Clippers are trying to put together a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers that would involve money, picks and DeAndre Jordan.
Kardashian and Thompson began dating last summer and are reportedly expecting a child together sometime next year.
They are working on making the trade within the next week, the source continued. The team is also looking for a third team to make the deal complete but it looks like Tristan is LA bound in the next month.
Last month, a source said that despite Thompson's busy schedule with the Cavaliers, he has been doing everything he can to make sure his girlfriend feels pampered throughout her alleged pregnancy.
Tristan knows how hard it is for Khloe to be in Cleveland, away from family and friends in California, an insider told Hollywood Life. But Khloe is handling it with grace and style. She is never down and never feels sorry for herself. Instead Khloe is busier than ever, she has lots of projects she is focused on and she has her own empire she is still building.
The source went on to reveal that while Kardashian is quite strong and independent, Thompson loves to spoil her especially now that she is reportedly expecting his second child (the first for Kardashian). Among the things Thompson has reportedly arranged for Kardashian are romantic massages, flowers, and other sweet gifts.
Kardashian doesn't have any children of her own but Thompson is already dad to a young son, whom he welcomed with ex-girlfriend Jordan Craig after their split late last year. As fans may recall, Kardashian and Thompson were dating at the time he welcomed his baby boy and remained together throughout Craig's pregnancy.
To see more of Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and their sisters, Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, and Kylie Jenner, tune into Keeping Up With the Kardashians season 14 on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on E!.
Jackie Walters of Married to Medicine has received mixed reactions from fans after her husband, Curtis Berry, was caught having an affair with another woman.
Interestingly enough, Walters co-star, Toya Bush-Harris, has spoken out and confessed she believes Walters played a part in Berry seeking love outside of their marriage.
Toya Bush-Harris Goes Off On Jackie Walters' Husband Infidelity
Bush-Harris got candid and said that Berrys infidelity should not have been a surprise to fans or even Walters. She pointed out that Berry never shied away from expressing marital woes in previous seasons of the popular show.
Every season he would go on national TV crying and begging for her attention and personal time, said Bush-Harris during an interview with The Grio recently. At the end of the day if you made a vow to this man, youre supposed to be there. You know what it takes to nourish your marriage.
According to Bush-Harris, Walters was more concerned with traveling to Paris, France without Berry. She called out Walters for taking trips solo and said Walters should have been more guarded when it came to her union with Berry. Bush-Harris also said Walters status as a famous physician should not have played a part in whether she catered to her husband.
Toya Bush-Harris Runs Down Her Opinion Of Jackie Walters' Wifely Duties
Jackie is a woman of God. Lets be clear. In the Bible, it doesnt say anything about who makes the most money. It talks about the man being the head and pretty much we are the neck.
She said that Walters should have set her marriage as the top priority on her list of things to do, not her job or ability to bring in the big bucks as a doctor. Bush-Harris said Walters refused to hear her husbands needs and cries, thus, he went outside of the marriage to another woman.
Interestingly enough, Bush-Harris also said that despite Walters inability to see her husbands alleged needs, that doesnt give Berry an excuse to be unfaithful. Instead, she said Walters could have done things differently to prevent it in the first place.
Its not clear what Walters plans are in moving forward with the marriage. But she did file for divorce three days after photos of Berry and the other woman getting extremely close hit the Internet. Still, she said on the show that the papers are sitting at the courthouse until she decides if she really wants to end her marriage.
Married to Medicine airs on Bravo Fridays at 8 p.m. Eastern or 7 p.m. Central time.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have just been engaged and the couple's wedding has been scheduled next spring.
Following the palace's announcement on Monday, Nov. 27, there have been countless predictions on what the Suits actress will wear, who they will invite to their special day, and where the ceremony will be held.
Where Will It Be Held?
Initially, there were speculations that Markle and Prince Harry's wedding won't be held in a church. However, even though Markle is a divorcee, there's no royal rule requiring her to hold her nuptials at another venue.
There are also predictions that the spring wedding will take place at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle in England. However, nothing has been finalized as of yet.
The Bride's Wedding Dress
Markle's wedding dress designer will also be named in the coming weeks and British bridal designer Suzanne Neville has some idea what it would look like.
"I think Meghan will choose an effortlessly chic gown with clean lines and minimal detail. I think the dress will be elegant and traditional, but with a modern twist," Neville told People.
The bridal designer also thinks that Markle could opt for a more fitted gown, but since she will have a royal wedding, she may wear a dress that looks similar to what Kate Middleton wore.
Meanwhile, royal correspondent Victoria Arbiter also weighed in on Markle's wedding gown. She said that there shouldn't be any issue if the actress goes for a white-colored dress. "She was married before, it didn't work out. I don't think anyone would begrudge her a white dress," said Arbiter.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's Entourage
Markle, who has worked as an actress for the past couple of years, is also expected to come up with a guest list for her and Prince Harry's wedding. However, Arbiter thinks that the actress won't follow in Middleton's footsteps where she and Prince William invited 2,000 people to their nuptials.
Arbiter stressed the fact that the couple's wedding isn't a red carpet event or a celebrity wedding. As such, Markle and Prince Harry are expected to minimize the fuss.
Prince Harry's immediate family members will also play a key role at his wedding to Markle. Prince William will most likely serve as his best man. His nephew, Prince George, will walk down the aisle behind him as his page boy while his niece, Princess Charlotte, will serve as their flower girl.
Markle will also be given the chance to choose her bridesmaids, and these are her closest friends and family members.
As for the actual date of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, it may fall on the same month, but not on the same date as Prince William and Kate Middleton's Apr. 29, 2011 wedding ceremony.
Surgeons in India were surprised when they discovered coins, nails, and other foreign objects inside a man who went to the hospital complaining of a stomach ache.
Maksud Khan, 35 years old, was admitted to the Sanjay Gandhi Medical College and Hospital with abdominal pains. When doctors checked on him to determine what could be causing his condition, they found hundreds of coins, more than 3 lbs of nails, shards of glass, shaving blades, and a six-inch rusted iron shackle in his stomach.
"We come across such a case for the first time in our career," said Dr. Priyank Sharma, the surgical team lead.
Depression And Abnormal Eating Habits
Three-wheeler driver Khan had been complaining of stomach pains for the past three months. He had fallen into depression and got hooked on eating metal objects as a result. The coins inside him were from his customers. A family member said when he got the urge to eat a coin, he took it with water.
His parents were unaware of what was happening until Khan started complaining of stomach pains and they observed his abdomen was swelling. It was then that they decided to bring him to the hospital.
According to Dr. APS Geharwar, HoD-surgery, Khan had been consuming metal for a year. People usually begin eating abnormally when dealing with psychological conditions and there shouldn't be a problem until foreign objects ingested start blocking the intestines.
The pain was never an issue initially for Khan but the nails he had eaten had been lodged, piercing his stomach. He was bleeding on the inside and the operation was done just in time to keep him from further harm.
"He cannot be said to be out of danger yet, but he is stable," said Geharwar.
In total, more than 15 lbs of foreign objects were removed from Khan. He had about Rs 2,000 ($31) worth of coins inside him.
Other Cases
In 2015, another man in India was reported to have consumed coins, nails, nuts, bolts, and batteries. Like Khan, he developed the habit of consuming foreign objects after falling into depression.
Another case in 2016 saw another Indian man swallow 40 knives. According to the patient, he felt an "addiction" to the behavior. Additionally, he may have had an eating disorder called pica, where people eat non-food items for at least a month.
Just last month, a man in France was found with over 100 pieces of metal inside him. However, he was diagnosed with psychosis, not depression.
In November and December, the ESRF welcomed four student-scientist pairs from Mexico, Senegal and Cyprus within the frame of the Lightsources for Africa, the Americas and Middle East Project (LAAMP).
These faculty-student (FAST) teams were awardees of the 1st LAAMP call for projects in 2017. The project aims to enhance advanced light sources (AdLS) and crystallographic sciences in Africa, the Middle East, Mexico and the Caribbean. By enhancing AdLS and crystallographic sciences, major challenges facing these regions can be addressed through the wide range of research carried out at light sources. For example, through a better understanding of how viruses work, scientists can help tackle the devastation caused by Zika, Ebola and HIV. By studying energy producing or energy storage systems, materials research can help develop modern energy systems. X-ray techniques will also offer the non-destructive exploration of important archaeological and palaeontological treasures of these regions.
Dr Diouma Kobor and PhD student Ndeye Coumba Yande Fall have travelled from the University Assane Seck of Ziguinchor in Senegal. They are learning the techniques available on the ESRFs ID12 and ID13 beamlines with ESRF scientists Manfred Burghammer and Fabrice Wilhelm to help further their research into the nano structure of silicon and the electromagnetic properties of perovskites.
Im studying photo sensitive materials for my PhD and hope to improve their performances and develop new materials in this field, says Ndeye Coumba Yande. Its my first experience in a synchrotron and the first time for me in France. The ESRF offers amazing opportunities in all areas of science. One day Id like to work in the African Light Source so its important for me to learn as much as possible now about how these instruments work.
Its Dioumas second visit to the ESRF. The first time was for the First African Light Source (AFLS) Conference and Workshop hosted by the ESRF in 2015. He says: This project is the logical follow-on from the AFLS workshop. To build and run a light source we also need a good network of people with the knowledge on how to use synchrotron radiation and the different techniques available. We need to prepare and train these people before the AFLS is up and running. Here, the ESRF is helping us to train Africas future scientists. We acknowledge ICTP, ESRF, AfLS and their partners for this excellent and innovative joint project that is LAAMP.
FAST-teams and hosts in the entrance hall of the ESRF. Left to right, back row: Marine Cotte, Hiram Castillo (ESRF), Ndeye Coumba Yande Fall (Senegal), Fabrice Wilhelm, Jean Susini (ESRF), Diouma Kobor (Senegal), Kirsi Lorentz (Cyprus), Ed Mitchell (ESRF). Front row: Ibrahim Serroukh, Marco Garduno, Julio Cesar Lerma Hernandez, Maria Elena Fuentes (Mexico), Grigoria Ioannou (Cyprus), Alberto Bravin (ESRF). C. Argoud.
Ibrahim Serroukh is a professor and lecturer at the University of Queretaro in Mexico. He is also a board member of the Mexican synchrotron radiation source project. With PhD student, Marco Garduno Ramon he is working with ESRFs Alberto Bravin on ID17 beamline on applied medical research into first stage diagnosis and therapy in breast cancer. Weve been learning about using phase contrast techniques for imaging and mammography. Im very impressed by the very high level of science and technology and also by the organisation of the ESRF. Its amazing to see how the ESRF has made it easy for people from all over the world to work together despite the diversity of their cultures and backgrounds. The ESRF is definitely the right place for us to pursue our research. Its just a shame its 9000 kms away from Mexico.
Dr Kirsi Lorentz, Assistant Professor, and her 2nd year PhD student, Grigoria Ioannou, from The Cyprus Institutes (CyI) Science and Technology in Archaeology Research Centre (STARC) are both bioarchaeologists who study ancient human remains to understand more about life in the past. Their work focuses on the ancient Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
In collaboration with Marine Cotte and Wout de Nolf on ID21, weve been able to map metal element localisation in 5000-year-old human hair samples, says Kirsi. This information helps to distinguish between the different processes that led the metal elements to be integrated on or within the hair, such as environmental pollution, craft activities or taphonomic contamination. It is not possible to map metal element localisation with conventional laboratory based methods at the required level of detail, and therefore synchrotron light is crucial to our research.
For example, weve been able to detect elevated levels of copper within our 10 m thick hair cross sections, and map copper localisation. We will be submitting a proposal for beamtime to further explore these research questions at the ESRF.
Their two months at the ESRF have also included discussions with beamline scientists at several other ESRF beamlines to explore further research directions, as well as training in different sample preparation techniques, and lab-based methods of analysis.
Concerning her first impressions of the ESRF, Grigoria says she is captivated by the sense of a united research community: Im impressed by the wide range of disciplines coming together at ESRF for one purpose, that of research. Despite all the different cultures, we are a community with a similar mindset, one that is focused on producing high quality research.
One of the FAST-teams from Mexico with ESRF staff on the ID17 beamline. From left to right: Caterina Amendola (Master's student from Politecnico Milano), Herwig Requardt, Alberto Bravin, Alberto Mittone (ESRF), Ibrahim Serroukh and Marco Garduno (University of Queretaro, Mexico). ESRF/C. Argoud
Im from Chihuahua, a state in northern Mexico. We grow a lot of apples there and thats one of the reasons why I chose my research topic, says Julio Cesar Lerma Hernandez. He is in the first year of a PhD in chemical science at the University of Chihuahua. He studies the structure of polyphenols to better understand which molecules are responsible for the antioxidant activities in apples and their derivatives. Hes come to the ESRF with tutors Erika Salas Munoz and Maria Elena Fuentes to learn about X-ray diffraction and small angle X-ray scattering techniques.
Maria Elena Fuentes admits to having been a fan of synchrotron radiation for many years. There are so many synchrotron techniques and its better to know a few if you want to work in a synchrotron. Im a crystallographer and Im here to work on organic compounds with XRD, she explains. You cant beat synchrotron techniques when you are looking into the atomic and electronic structures of active molecules, she adds.
The LAAMP project will continue in 2018 and the ESRF expects to welcome more FAST teams in the future. Many of the 2017 awardees have applied for LAAMP continuing grants to pursue the work started during their recent placements at the ESRF.
About LAAMP
LAAMP is an IUPAP-IUCr (International Union of Pure and Applied Physics International Union of Crystallography) project approved and funded under the 2016-2019 International Council for Science (ICSU) Grants Programme.
The ESRF is one of the ten advanced light sources (AdLS) that are collaborative partners of LAAMP. For the first call for applications for faculty-student (FAST) teams, seven teams were awarded two-month placements within the structures of the collaborative partners. Four of the seven teams were welcomed by the ESRF between October and December 2017.
Visit the LAAMP official website.
Text by Kirstin Colvin
The European Investment Banks (EIB) supported the Eastern Partnership with almost 8 billion euros in a loan deal that was signed earlier this week, with a special focus on Ukraines crucial agriculture sector. In a run-up to the fifth Eastern Partnership Summit that took place in Brussels last week (23 November), the EIB signed financing worth 37 million euros to Astarta-Kyiv holding which will support the modernization and innovation of Ukraines agricultural sector, the main source of the countrys exports.
EIB Vice President Vazil Hudak confirmed that the support for Eastern Partnership remains a key priority for the bank. We are working towards strengthening their economic competitiveness, increasing the quality of life of their citizens and targeting policy reforms, in line with EU priorities. The new financing will contribute to the upgrading of Ukraines agricultural infrastructure, in support of a strategic economic sector of the country which generates about a fifth of the countrys gross domestic product and is a key source of employment for 14 million Ukrainians living in rural areas.
The EIB loan will specifically finance new storage capacities for grain and sugar for Ukraines leading sugar exporter, Astarta. In this context, the new financial loan also marks the first time in Ukraine that the EIB will make financing available from its InnovFin EU Finance for Innovator instrument under the European Unions Horizon 2020. The EIB will use InnovFin to help Astarta develop agribusiness management software, which will cover the entire agricultural value chain. Modern storage facilities will help reduce post-harvest losses and mitigate adverse weather. In this way, the banks loan will also contribute to its Climate Action objective.
The European Commission has launched a new regional program to support womens rights in the South East Asian labor market. The initiative focuses on making migration safe and work conditions fair for all women migrants in the region. The 500-million euro package also aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
The new labor program Safe and Fair that will be specifically supported by more than 25 million euros, will contribute to improving the labor migration conditions for women in the ASEAN region. The EU will cooperate with regional governments but also with UN Women and the International Labor Organization (ILO) to improve labor laws and access to information and services to ultimately prevent and put an end to violence and human trafficking. The program also aims at improving data and knowledge on the rights and contributions of women migrant workers.
Violence against women and girls is one of the greatest obstacles to the fulfillment of womens and girls human rights as well as achieving gender equality and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The problem occurs across the world with around a third of all women having experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Furthermore, women and girls account for almost two thirds of all victims of human trafficking globally.
To put an end to these violations, a major EU-UN Joint Spotlight Initiative worth 500 million was launched. The program will especially focus on the remote areas of partner countries and the so-called forgotten crises, which is essentially crises that have not been sufficiently covered in international media. The Safe and Fair program, launched in Bangkok, is also part of and the first deliverable under the Spotlight Initiative in Asia. It is estimated that of the 20.2 million migrants globally that originate from ASEAN as many as 10 million are women.
The Joy of Erlang; Or, How To Ride A Toruk
By Evan Miller
March 24, 2011
He rode this? Jake Sully, Avatar (2009)
In the movie Avatar, theres this big badass bird-brained pterodactyl thing called a Toruk that the main character must learn to ride in order to regain the trust of the blue people. As a general rule, Toruks do not like to be ridden, but if you fight one, subdue it, and then link your Blue Man ponytail to the Toruks ptero-tail, you get to own the thing for life. Owning a Toruk is awesome; its like owning a flying car you can control with your mind, which comes in handy when battling large chemical companies, impressing future colleagues, or delivering a pizza. But learning to ride a Toruk is dangerous, and very few people succeed.
I like to think of the Erlang programming language as a Toruk. Most people are frightened of Erlang. Legends of its abilities abound. In order to master it, you have to fight it, subdue it, and (finally) link your mind to it. But assuming you survive, you then get to control the worlds most advanced server platform, usually without even having to think. And let me tell you: riding a Toruk is great fun.
This guide is designed to teach you the Erlang state of mind, so that you are not afraid to go off and commandeer a Toruk of your own. I am going to introduce only a handful of Erlang language features, but were going to use them to solve a host of practical problems. The purpose is to give you the desire and confidence to go out and master the rest of the language yourself.
You are welcome to type the examples into your own Erlang shell and play around with them, but examples are foremost designed to be read. I recommend printing this document out and perusing it in a comfortable chair, away from email, compilers, 3-D movies, and other distractions.
Table of Contents
1. Defining Functions: A Simple Boolean Logic Library
In Erlang, functions consist of one or more clauses. The last clause in a function must end with a period ("."), and all other clauses must end with a semicolon (";"). When a function is called, the first clause that matches the provided argument list is executed. You might think of functions as what would happen if Cs switch statement were exposed to toxic sludge and became a superhero.
In the simplest case, a function has one clause. Here is a function noop that simply returns its argument, the variable A (variables are always capitalized):
noop(A) -> A.
Notice that there is no "return" statement in Erlang. A function always returns the result of the last expression. Since every expression has a result, and every function clause has at least one expression, every function always has a return value.
Now suppose we wish to implement a Boolean not function that takes either true or false as its single argument. A not function would need two clauses:
not(true) -> false; not(false) -> true.
Each time not is executed, Erlang first tests whether the argument is true (and if so, executes the first clause), then tests whether the argument is false (and if so, executes the second clause). Matching the provided arguments against the function definition is called pattern-matching. Pattern-matching makes it easy to write complicated functions without the use of internal control structures.
We can use pattern-matching to see whether the same variable appears more than once in the argument list. For example, this function implements an equality operator:
equals(A, A) -> true; equals(A, B) -> false.
If the two provided arguments are the same, the function returns true ; otherwise, the function returns false .
Note that the clause order here is important. This would be incorrect:
equals(A, B) -> false; % WRONG equals(A, A) -> true.
Why is this incorrect? Erlang first attempts to match against the first clause. But if the two arguments are the same, a match still occurs; A and B are simply assigned identical values. The second clause is never reached. Using different variable names in the variable list does not require different values assigned to those variables.
We are now equipped to implement some more Boolean logic. Here is an implementation of and :
% AND: true if both arguments are true, false otherwise and(true, true) -> true; and(false, true) -> false; and(true, false) -> false; and(false, false) -> false.
You might think all of these truth-table clauses are tedious. They are. We can use a special anonymous variable in order to reduce the last three clauses to a single clause:
% AND: true if both arguments are true, false otherwise and(true, true) -> true; and(_, _) -> false.
The anonymous variable ( _ ) matches anything, always. It is not assigned a value, so as we see in the second clause above, two or more underscore variables in the argument list do not have to match identical terms. The anonymous variable is often used to throw away parts of a pattern that we dont care about.
Now that we have regular variables and the underscore variable at our disposal, the rest of our Boolean logic library is a cinch to write. Take a moment to understand why each of the following functions works as advertised.
% OR: true if either or both arguments are true, false otherwise or(false, false) -> false; or(_, _) -> true. % XOR: true if one argument is true and the other false; otherwise, false xor(A, A) -> false; xor(_, _) -> true. % NAND: false if both arguments are true, true otherwise nand(true, true) -> false; nand(_, _) -> true. % NOR: true if both arguments are false, false otherwise nor(false, false) -> true; nor(_, _) -> false.
As you can see, pattern-matching gives Erlang functions tremendous expressive power. In the next section, we will combine pattern-matching with recursion to build an arithmetic library from almost nothing. In most languages, recursion is usually a measure of last resort, and only employed to implement complex algorithms. In Erlang, recursion is often the simplest and most efficient way to do something mundane.
2. Calling Functions Recursively: A Simple Arithmetic Library
Erlang has a rich set of arithmetical operators. But in this section, we are not going to use any of them. Instead we are going to build our own complete arithmetic library, using only what we have learned so far about functions.
The task in this section is admittedly contrived, and recursion is definitely not the simplest way to solve it in the real world. However, the exercise will be a good way to practice recursive thinking in preparation for Section 3, where recursion will the best way to go about our problem.
Recall that recursive functions have at least two parts: they must first test for some kind of base case (where the algorithm terminates), and if the base case is not satisfied, the recursive function must perform some logic, and then issue a call to itself. In Erlang, recursive functions usually have at least two clauses: a base case clause, and an all other cases clause.
This will all become clear in a minute. To get things moving, I am going to provide two functions off of which the rest of the library will be built: incr and decr . Assume that incr increments the provided argument, and that decr decrements the provided argument, like this:
incr(A) -> A + 1. decr(A) -> A - 1.
Can we use these two functions to add any two positive integers together?
Indeed we can!
% Add two positive integers add(A, 0) -> A. add(A, B) -> add(incr(A), decr(B)).
Sometimes its easiest to read recursive functions from bottom to top. So look at the second clause first: it says that adding up A and B is the same as adding up (A+1) and (B-1), which is obviously true. So the function keeps adding 1 to A, and subtracting 1 from B, until B reaches zero, in which case it terminates (first clause). By that point, add has been recursively called B times, which means that A has been incremented B times, so that the result is, indeed, A + B.
Well that was a bit of fun, now wasnt it? Lets implement subtraction:
% Subtract B (positive) from A sub(A, 0) -> A. sub(A, B) -> sub(decr(A), decr(B)).
Its the same idea. From the second clause, we see that (A - B) is the same as ((A - 1) - (B - 1)), which is obviously true. The recursive call is made until B hits 0, in which case A has been decremented B times, giving the result A - B.
Neither of these functions work when B is negative. We can modify add to accommodate negative integers very simply:
% Add any two integers add(A, 0) -> A; add(A, B) when B < 0 -> add(decr(A), incr(B)); add(A, B) -> add(incr(A), decr(B)).
Notice the use of an Erlang guard in the second clause ( when B < 0 ). We can impose conditions on the argument list with the when keyword followed by an expression. There are many types of guards allowed, but for now, well just make integer comparisons.
The modified form of sub is similar:
% Subtract any B from A sub(A, 0) -> A; sub(A, B) when B < 0 -> sub(incr(A), incr(B)); sub(A, B) -> sub(decr(A), decr(B)).
With addition and subtraction taken care of, its easy to tackle multiplication. Just as we implemented addition as a series of increments, we will implement multiplication as a series of additions, again using recursion. We use the fact that A B = A + A (B - 1).
% Multipy A by B (positive) multiply(A, 0) -> 0; multiply(A, B) -> add(A, multiply(A, decr(B))).
Adding support for negative numbers is easy, because A (B + 1) - A = A B:
% Multipy A by any B multiply(A, 0) -> 0; multiply(A, B) when B < 0 -> sub(multiply(A, incr(B)), A); multiply(A, B) -> add(A, multiply(A, decr(B))).
Division? Not a problem. With integer division, we really care about two operations: finding the quotient, and finding the remainder. In both cases, we want to subtract the divisor from the dividend until we hit zero. The remainder operation is the easier of the two:
% Find the remainder of A / B remainder(A, B) when A < B -> A; remainder(A, B) -> remainder(sub(A, B), B).
For the quotient function, we will use a common pattern in Erlang, which is to have an internal recursive function that is distinct from the main interface. The internal function takes an extra argument, which keeps track of the number of times we have subtracted the divisor.
% Find the quotient of A / B quotient(A, B) -> quotient(A, B, 0). % Internal function includes an accumulator quotient(A, B, Answer) when A < B -> Answer; quotient(A, B, Answer) -> quotient(sub(A, B), B, incr(Answer)).
With divide and multiply in our toolchest, the world is our problem set. Lets implement a power function, for instance. We use the exact same idea as before, recognizing that raising a number to an exponent is really just a series of calls to multiply. In other words, AB = A AB-1.
% Raise A to the B power (positive) pow(A, 0) -> 1; pow(A, B) -> multiply(A, pow(A, decr(B))).
In practice, all of these functions are terribly inefficient, since they reduce everything to a series of increments or decrements. But this recursive frame of mind is absolutely essential to getting the most out of Erlang, as well see in the string-processing library we are about to build.
3. Lists of Integers: Basic String-Processing
In Erlang, strings are represented as lists of integers. These integers are either ASCII character codes or Unicode code points. For example, the ASCII string "dog" is represented as the list of the integers 100 ("d"), 111 ("o"), 103 ("g"). The literal representation of an Erlang list is surrounded by square brackets, so "dog" can be written [100, 111, 103] if you so desire. To represent the integer for a particular character, simply precede it with a dollar sign ("$"). So [$d, $o, $g] is the same as [100, 111, 103] is the same as "dog".
Every list is divided into two parts: a head and a tail. The head is the first item, and the tail is everything else. Lists are recursive data structures. The tail of a list is a list; it has its own head and its own tail. And so on.
The empty list is represented as " [] ". It has no head and no tail.
In Erlang, to push an item to the head of the list, use the " | " operator (a pipe character):
NewList = [NewItem | OldList]
The | operator can also be used in pattern-matching to pull an item from the head of a list:
some_function([FirstItem | RestOfList]) -> ... do something with FirstItem ...
To reverse a list, use the function lists:reverse() . Reversing a list may seem like an obscure operation, but as well see, it is used all the time in implementing list algorithms in Erlang.
We now know enough about strings to get started with an example. Lets write a function that capitalizes the first letter of the input.
The basic idea of this function will be simple. We examine the first character (head) of the input to see whether its a lowercase ASCII character. If so, we convert it to uppercase (by adding the difference between uppercase ASCII characters and their lowercase equivalents), and push it back on to the tail. If not, we simply return the unadulterated input:
capfirst([Head | Tail]) when Head >= $a, Head =< $z -> [Head + ($A - $a) | Tail]; capfirst(Other) -> Other.
Here we have used a few new mathematical operators, the meaning of which you can probably figure out. Also note that a comma is used to separate multiple guards on the same clause.
If you thought that was fun, just wait until you try converting an entire string to uppercase. In a world without for-loops, how does one process every element of a string? Its time to revisit our old friend, recursion:
% public uppercase(String) -> uppercase(String, []). % internal uppercase([], Output) -> lists:reverse(Output); uppercase([Char | Rest], Output) when Char >= $a, Char =< $z -> uppercase(Rest, [Char + ($A - $a) | Output]); uppercase([Char | Rest], Output) -> uppercase(Rest, [Char | Output]).
As with the quotient function we wrote in Section 2, this function has a public interface and an internal recursive function that includes an extra argument. The extra argument is known as the accumulator, which starts out as an empty list. The general strategy is to pop an item from the head of the input, convert it, and push it onto the head of the accumulator. When we run out of input, the answer we want will be stored in the accumulator but in reversed form. We therefore call lists:reverse and return the result to the public function.
Lets examine the internal function clause-by-clause to see how this strategy is implemented.
In the base case, there is no more input. We therefore reverse the accumulator:
uppercase([], Output) -> lists:reverse(Output);
If there is still input, and the next character is a lowercase ASCII letter between "a" and "z", we convert it to an uppercase ASCII letter, push it onto the accumulator, then recursively call uppercase on the remaining input:
uppercase([Char | Rest], Output) when Char >= $a, Char =< $z -> uppercase(Rest, [Char + ($A - $a) | Output]);
The last clause matches when the next character is not a lowercase ASCII character. In that case, we simply move the character from the input to the accumulator untouched:
uppercase([Char | Rest], Output) -> uppercase(Rest, [Char | Output]).
And thats the end of our algorithm. Writing a lowercase function is left as an exercise for the reader.
Now its time to get fancy. Getting fancy, of course, entails Capitalizing The First Letter Of Every Word rather than EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER. Well call this function titlecase .
titlecase(String) -> titlecase(String, []). titlecase([], Output) -> lists:reverse(Output); titlecase([Char | Rest], [] = Output) when Char >= $a, Char =< $z -> titlecase(Rest, [Char + ($A - $a) | Output]); titlecase([Char | Rest], [$\ |_] = Output) when Char >= $a, Char =< $z -> titlecase(Rest, [Char + ($A - $a) | Output]); titlecase([Char | Rest], Output) -> titlecase(Rest, [Char | Output]).
The only difference between titlecase and uppercase is that we use pattern-matching to peek at the accumulator before deciding what to do. If the accumulator is empty (second clause), that means we are at the beginning of the input and want to capitalize the next character. If the accumulator has a space character at its head (third clause), that means we are at the beginning of a word and want to capitalize the next character. Note that the integer representation of a space character is dollar-slash-space (" $\ "). Here we have also used the match operator (" = "), which lets combine pattern-matching with variable assignment right in the argument list.
As you can see, recursion, accumulators, and pattern-matching are a powerful combination. We can write context-dependent algorithms without state variables or regular expressions. More importantly, we can express the solutions to problems clearly, and have confidence in the correctness of our algorithms. The joy of Erlang is to write code without fear of forgetting something.
4. Fun With Erlang Algorithms
So now were ready to have some fun. Since you know the basics of Erlang now, I wont spend too much time explaining the following algorithms. Theyre just meant for you to ponder and enjoy.
A classic interview question is converting a string to an integer ( atoi in C). Heres how to do that in Erlang:
% public atoi([$- | String]) -> % negative -1 * atoi(String, 0); atoi(String) -> % non-negative atoi(String, 0). % internal atoi([], Acc) -> Acc; atoi([C | Rest], Acc) when C >= $0, C =< $9 -> atoi(Rest, 10 * Acc + (C - $0)).
Note that the accumulator here is an integer, rather than a string like weve been using so far. In principle, of course, an accumulator can be anything.
Now suppose we want to do the opposite: convert an integer to a string. Heres how:
% public to_string(0) -> [$0]; to_string(Integer) when Integer < 0 -> % negative [$-|to_string(-1 * Integer, [])]; to_string(Integer) -> % positive to_string(Integer, []). % internal to_string(0, Acc) -> Acc; to_string(Integer, Acc) -> to_string(Integer div 10, [(Integer rem 10) + $0 | Acc]).
Note that here Ive used two integer operators: div is integer divison, and rem is integer modulo (usually represented as % in C-style languages).
Lets pretend were writing a productivity suite in Erlang and need to convert positive integer column numbers to the string representation used by most spreadsheets ("A" through "Z", followed by "AA" through "ZZ", etc.). Heres how:
% public num2excel(Number) -> num2excel((Number-1) div 26, (Number-1) rem 26, []). % internal num2excel(0, Remainder, Acc) -> [(Remainder + $A)|Acc]; num2excel(Quotient, Remainder, Acc) -> num2excel((Quotient-1) div 26, (Quotient-1) rem 26, [(Remainder + $A)|Acc]).
Or maybe the word-processor in our productivity suite needs a word-count function. Piece of cake:
% public wordcount(Input) -> wordcount(Input, 0). % internal wordcount([], Count) -> Count; % End of the input. Count the last word, if we didn't already wordcount([C1], Count) when C1 =/= $\ -> Count+1; % End of a word. Count it. wordcount([C1, C2|Rest], Count) when C1 =/= $\ , C2 =:= $\ -> wordcount([C2|Rest], Count + 1); % Not the end of a word. Don't count it. wordcount([_|Rest], Count) -> wordcount(Rest, Count).
Here weve used a couple of new operators: =:= is the equality operator in Erlang, and =/= is the not-equality operator. Now you know.
Of course, if we plan to build a competitor to Microsoft FrontPage, well need a way to escape HTML special characters. No sweat:
% public escape(String) -> escape(String, []). % internal escape([], Acc) -> lists:reverse(Acc); escape([$< | Rest], Acc) -> escape(Rest, lists:reverse("<", Acc)); escape([$> | Rest], Acc) -> escape(Rest, lists:reverse(">", Acc)); escape([$& | Rest], Acc) -> escape(Rest, lists:reverse("&", Acc)); escape([C | Rest], Acc) -> escape(Rest, [C | Acc]).
Theres something new in the above code: the two-argument form of lists:reverse() . It reverses the first argument, and then appends the second argument. Its handy for code like this where we are building up an accumulator in reverse (which is often the case in string-processing).
Outlook Express had better watch out, because we now have the tools to write a killer email client. Lets wrap words at 80 characters for outgoing email. As we scan input, well have a word accumulator and an output accumulator, and decide when to push the accumulated word onto the output, and when to insert newlines. Theres a new operator for you in here: ++ concatenates two lists.
% public wordwrap(Input) -> wordwrap(Input, [], [], 0, 80). % internal % No more input, we're done wordwrap([], Acc, WordAcc, LineLength, WrapAt) -> lists:reverse(WordAcc ++ Acc); % Premature newline wordwrap([$
| Rest], Acc, WordAcc, LineLength, WrapAt) -> wordwrap(Rest, [$
| WordAcc ++ Acc], [], 0, WrapAt); % Hit the wrap length at a space character. Add a newline wordwrap([$\ | Rest], Acc, WordAcc, WrapAt, WrapAt) -> wordwrap(Rest, [$
| WordAcc ++ Acc], [], 0, WrapAt); % Hit a space character before the wrap length. Keep going wordwrap([$\ | Rest], Acc, WordAcc, LineLength, WrapAt) -> wordwrap(Rest, [$\ | WordAcc ++ Acc], [], LineLength + 1 + length(WordAcc), WrapAt); % Overflowed the current line while building a word wordwrap([C | Rest], Acc, WordAcc, 0, WrapAt) when erlang:length(WordAcc) > WrapAt -> wordwrap(Rest, Acc, [C | WordAcc], 0, WrapAt); wordwrap([C | Rest], Acc, WordAcc, LineLength, WrapAt) when erlang:length(WordAcc) + LineLength > WrapAt -> wordwrap(Rest, [$
| Acc], [C | WordAcc], 0, WrapAt); % Just building a word... wordwrap([C | Rest], Acc, WordAcc, LineLength, WrapAt) -> wordwrap(Rest, Acc, [C | WordAcc], LineLength, WrapAt).
And thats a wrap!
5. Next Steps
Erlang is a rich language that you come to appreciate more as you dig deeper into it. In order to get straight to the algorithms in this guide, I have deliberately avoided covering Erlangs major data structures, its libraries, and its built-in functions. But if youve enjoyed thinking about problems with an Erlang frame of mind, I encourage you to go out, learn the rest of the language, and start putting Erlang to work. Erlang has an active, growing, and friendly developer community, exciting potential applications, and many interesting and useful open-source projects.
Admittedly, learning to ride a bird-brained pterodactyl can be tough business, but once you master it, youll wonder how you ever got along before.
6. Source Code
Download the source code that appears in this guide
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More Australian tourists and visitors are arriving in New Zealand to boost the nations overall visitor numbers to record levels, the latest official figures show.Overall there were a record 3.69 million visitors to New Zealand in the year to October 2017, a rise of 8% and surpassing the previous peak of 3.67 million in the year to September 2017.Over the past five years, annual visitor arrivals have regularly hit record highs, and have risen by over one million, or 40%, since the upward trend began in 2013, said population statistics senior manager Peter Dolan.A breakdown of the figures show that there were 590,700 holidaymakers from Australia in the October 2017 year, up 6.7% percent from the October 2016 year. Arrivals from Australia to visit friends and family were 563,900, up 3.7% and the total number of visitors from Australia rose 5.3% to 1.46 million in the October 2017 year.Holidaymakers from the United States also increased, up 19% to 207,600 in the October 2017 year.The figures also reveal that people living in New Zealand took a record 2.83 million overseas trips in the October 2017 year, up 11% on the October 2016 year. Annual resident departures have been at record highs since the year ended September 2014 and Australia was the top spot for overseas travel, with 1.21 million trips there in the October 2017 year.In terms of people moving to live in New Zealand there was a net gain of 70,700 migrants for the year ended October 2017, with 131,600 migrant arrivals and 61,000 migrant departures. It means that net migration remained high by historical standards but was lower than the peak of 72,400 in the July 2017 year.Non-New Zealand citizen migrant arrivals continued to drive the high net migration levels. The fall in annual net migration from the peak in the July 2017 year was mainly caused by an increase in non-New Zealand citizen migrant departures, Dolan explained.A record 27,400 non-New Zealand citizen migrants departed in the October 2017 year, up 1.6% from the September 2017 year and up 22% from the October 2016 year.Often, travellers stated intentions do not match with what they actually do in terms of staying in New Zealand. For example, people classified as overseas visitors by the PLT measure will be classified as migrants by the outcomes-based measure if they stay in New Zealand longer than they originally intended for more than 12 out of the next 16 months.Using an outcomes-based measure of defining migrants gives a clearer picture of the migration patterns in New Zealand. The data this month is the first release to include the regular outcomes based migration series, Dolan pointed out.
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Hi all,
We are American retired citizens moving to France in two years. Meanwhile, we are attempting to set up a resonable budget for living in France. We will NOT be working in France nor drawing any other income other than our pensions, Social Security (SS), and some distributions from our Traditional IRA accounts.
We know we will continue to file & pay the American IRS as usual. The IRS treats our IRA distributions as ordinary income since the income taxes on the contributions were deferred many years ago - time to pay up now . We are also aware that the French CFE will not tax our pensions or SS. But, does anyone know the CFE views distributions from American Traditional IRA accounts? Are they taxable? If so how?
Some countries say that since your name is exlicitly on the account, they are strictly investment accounts and any distribution is taxable as such (capital gains, for example). Other countries recognize them for what they are - retirement accounts. Anyone know how the French CFE treats these American style retirement accounts?
Thanks for your reply!
A couple of ideas for you.. I'm sure there will be more.
If this is a relatively small amount < $1000 at a time (since you said it was on a regular basis) you could simply open an account online in the US (would need an address and someone to froward an ATM card to you) with someone like CapitalOne360. They have zero fees for ATM withdraws in any currency, you can then just walk into your French bank plug your card in the ATM, take out $1000 euro walk over to the teller and hand it to them. The only cost would be the $2-3 you pay in ATM fees to that bank.
Another out there extreme idea (not trying to start a discussion). Sign up with two coin exchanges of choice one US based one EU based.. Buy bitcoin/ether etc in the US, send it to yourself at the other exchange in EU, cash it out and transfer. Keep in mind though ACH deposits for US exchanges usually take 1 week to clear before you can buy coins and/or withdraw/transfer them so that may not fit in your timeline. If you used ether your fees are pretty low might cost you like $10-15 per $1000 transferred/sent. There is a small chance that the whole thing goes belly up in the 1-2 hours it takes to settle/transfer coin based transactions and there are price movements and relative exchange rates that could ultimately effect how much you get out (+ or -).
My long term plan once we get there would be to just do the first idea I gave you, but we already have those accounts setup.
Edit: Some exchanges do deal with both USD and EURO currencies. I am not sure if you can setup bank accounts for both and I think you would still have to purchase BTC or ETH in USD and then immediately sell into EURO to be able to then withdraw EURO. But using the same one would save fees and time. Once funds are cleared via ACH you could literally do the whole thing in a couple of minutes.
Here is an update on our visa process with respect to the medical insurance requirement and Tricare for Life...
After looking at a handful of commercial policies and thinking that they were all just too much money to pay for something I don't really need, I wrote a letter to my regional French consulate. I explained what Tricare for Life is and what it covers. I explained that the U.S. government is not going to write a letter, and I asked them explicitly what, exactly, they need from me in order to grant a long-stay visa.
They replied: "a document." That's it, a document.
So, I am going to give them a document.
My document will be a cover letter (from me) that "connects the dots." And the dots will be notarized, certified-to-be-true copies of various things related to my Tricare for Life status (to included a page from the American Hospital in Paris stating that they treat stuff under Tricare for Life).
Additionally, my wife and I each opened "named" savings accounts at our bank. By "named" I mean that on our bank statements they have names as well as account numbers. The accounts are named: "Health and Medical Emergencies". We are each putting in very hefty sums from the recent sale of our house. In my letter I will state that theses funds are available for hospitalization, medical emergencies, and medical repatriation.
So that's Plan A.
If that doesn't work, we have a Plan B.
Plan B is that we'll go to Paris anyway for 90 days at the end of June. We have a one-year lease lined up -- contingent on us getting a long-stay visa -- but we actually need to vacate it for two weeks at just about the 90 day mark (end of September) so the owner can use it.
If we did not get the long-stay visa on the first go around, then we will by this point have decided on an insurance company and a plan. We'll return to the U.S. during this period and go through the process again with a bona fide health insurance plan (and letter) that meets the requirements.
The owner of the apartment we'll be leasing is an American who's been living in France and Italy for something like 60 years now, and she's been very, very sympathetic to what we're dealing with. She's delighted that we're willing to sign a one-year lease, and more than willing to work with us on the various contingencies.
So that's where we are. I will keep you informed as to what happens when we actually apply.
Rick Jones
Hi guys, first post here - I did have a hunt for this info and couldn't find it elsewhere so any help would be greatly appreciated!I am planning on a move to SA in the second half of next year. I have an immigration agency that are going to help me applying for a CSV. My experience is in call centre / customer service management.Does anyone have any experience completing the skills assessment with the CCMG? I have to do the online test soon and I have no idea what to expect, so any advice here would be greatly appreciated!Second question is more general and relating to the one year initial visa granted. My understanding is when approved you have one year to find employment to gain the visa extensions. Does anyone know if that one year begins from the date that the visa is approved, or the date that you enter SA? As I may be getting the visa approved up to a few months before actually being ready to relocation, I am wondering if it's better to wait.Thanks for any input or advice!ray2:
The AT&T Foundation has given local advocacy group Tech Bloc a $95,000 grant to help launch a mentoring program at San Antonios new CAST Tech High School.
Quality mentoring greatly increases a students chance of success and, here in San Antonio, opens their eyes to the wide range of opportunities in our local community, said U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Helotes in the announcement.
Hurd joined leaders from AT&T and Tech Bloc to officially launch the program Monday morning at the Centers for Applied Science and Technology high school. The program will give students access quality mentors in the local tech community, Tech Bloc CEO David Heard said in the announcement.
The curriculum at CAST Tech is built around teaching students about coding, business, cybersecurity, gaming and entrepreneurship.
We hope to extend learning outside of the classroom and give students the opportunity to connect with tech leaders across our community and gain real-world experiences in IT, he said.
The 80/20 Foundation, which is chaired by former Rackspace Hosting co-founder Graham Weston, awarded the high school a grant of $650,000, bringing its total donated the school to $1.25 million.
The San Antonio Independent School District said its received $300,000 in donations and pledges from other local tech leaders, including Scaleworks co-founder Lew Moorman, Rackspace co-founders Pat Condon and Dirk Elmendorf, Javier Uribe from Mobius Partners and Brett Piatt of Jungle Disk.
San Antonio-based Jungle Disk, which was spun out from Rackspace as a separate company almost two years ago, also recently announced it was donating up to $250,000 for CAST Techs capital campaign through the SAISD Foundation. It will give $100 for every customer that signs up for its services, but if the company hits 1,000 new customers by Jan. 1, each donation will increase to $250.
Its early days for the high school, so during the mentorship programs first year, and probably next year, the focus will be on mentoring, Heard said in an interview in advance of the announcement.
As the school adds more students and this class matriculates into its sophomore, junior and senior year, then theres potential and hope that this program would grow to include things like job shadowing and internship capabilities, Heard said.
Tech Bloc will also be hiring a mentor coordinator position to run the program, according to the announcement. That person will make sure that every ninth grade student is paired with a professional, the announcement says.
Thats the bulk of the initiative, is getting this person in place who will run the program, build out all of the connections, the contacts, the infrastructure, pull mentors together and build all the programs that support it, Heard said.
But local tech industry professionals are already poised to help out the new students. Tech Bloc has already signed up more than 150 potential mentors, according to the announcement.
Exact details for the program havent been worked out yet, as thats the job of the coordinator, but the goal is to give students a chance to create real connections and real experience with tech leaders and tech jobs, Heard said.
It is industry-supported and what better way to engage students outside the classroom than with industry mentors? Melissa Alcala, CAST Tech principal, said in the announcement.
sehlinger@express-news.net | Twitter: @samehlinger
Stephen Spillman /For the San Antonio Express-News
AUSTIN Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday he will appoint his offices general counsel, Jimmy Blacklock, to succeed Don Willett on the Texas Supreme Court.
President Donald Trump recently nominated Willett to serve on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, though he has yet to come up for a confirmation vote in the Republican majority U.S. Senate. Abbott said he expects the vote to come as early as next month.
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EDINBURG A former priest accused of killing a McAllen beauty queen 57 years ago will stand trial this week in one of the most highly anticipated and sensational cases in South Texas history.
It was April 16, 1960, and Irene Garza, a 25-year-old elementary school teacher and former beauty queen, had gone to confession at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen. John Feit, then a 27-year-old visiting priest at the church, was the last person to see her alive, prosecutors allege.
The young womans disappearance prompted a massive search, including mounted Hidalgo County sheriffs deputies, Border Patrol planes and a boat. Two days before her body was found, officers discovered her shoe and purse in what was described at the time as a pattern.
It appeared someone was either trying to lead us to something or away from something, an officer said in an Associated Press report published in the San Antonio Express-News on April 20, 1960.
By then, Chief Deputy Tom Wingert, who was directing the search, was quoted in the front-page story as saying, We are looking for a body.
Garza was found in a canal April 21, in a burlap bag tied with rope. An autopsy found that she had been beaten, raped while unconscious and then asphyxiated.
Feit, now 84, immediately came under scrutiny. Just two weeks before Garza disappeared, he attacked a woman in a nearby Edinburg church. He was charged with assault and attempted rape in that case, which ended in a mistrial. But he later pleaded no contest to aggravated assault and was fined $500.
Evidence in Garzas case pointed to Feit, including the discovery of a portable photographic slide viewer near her body that Feit later identified as his.
But local Catholic church officials persuaded authorities to end their investigation of Feit, and the priest was eventually ruled out as a suspect. After his time in McAllen, Feit was moved to Assumption Abbey, a Trappist monastery in southwestern Missouri. Eventually, he left the priesthood and married.
Publicly, Feit has maintained his innocence. Nevertheless, speculation continued to swirl about Feit long after the case went cold.
In 2002, Texas Rangers secured testimony from two former priests who told investigators that Feit had confessed to the killing. Still, a grand jury investigation in 2004 found insufficient evidence to charge him.
Rene Guerra, the district attorney of Hidalgo County at the time, came under fire from Garzas family for his handling of the homicide investigation. In 2014, Ricardo Rodriguez, who campaigned on a promise to revisit the unsolved case, was elected district attorney, defeating Guerra.
The death of Garza, Miss All South Texas Sweetheart in 1958 and a former prom and homecoming queen at what was then Pan American College, shocked this South Texas community and became the subject of national media attention.
The district attorneys office investigated the case along with McAllen police and the Texas Rangers, presenting new evidence to a grand jury in the decades-old killing, according to Rodriguez.
Feit was arrested at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, in February 2016, then extradited to Texas, where he was booked into Hidalgo County Jail. He remains under 24-hour medical watch because of various ailments.
Jury selection begins today, with opening arguments set for Thursday morning.
anelsen@express-news.net | Twitter: @amnelsen
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A man shot and killed his wife, then himself on Monday at a home on San Antonio's North Side while the couple's three children were at school, officials said.
Officers responded to the house in the 13800 block of Possum Tree just before 11 a.m. after the man, who hasn't been officially identified, called police and said he was going to kill his wife and himself, authorities said.
Responding officers heard one gunshot soon after they arrived at the home. Moments later, another shot rang out.
Then, "everything went quite," said San Antonio Police Sgt. Tobe Whitley.
RELATED: Blood trail leads police to body of man who was fatally shot on East Side
Now Playing: Dozens of officers, many with rifles at the ready, respond to a home in the 13000 block of Possum Tree on San Antonio's north side on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. Video: San Antonio Express-News
All the doors to the home were locked, the shades were drawn and security cameras lined the home so police requested help from a SWAT unit.
After about two hours, police shot tear gas into the home and breached the door.
They found the couple dead in a room upstairs, officials said. Police said the man apparently used a handgun.
Neighbors helped capture the family's dogs, Mindy and Vegas, after they ran out of the tear gas-filled home.
"We had no sign in the past that this was imminent, other than the phone call this morning," said San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
Investigators have since learned the female victim recently filed for divorce.
McManus did not say how old the three children who lived at the house were but said they were "young." They were at school during the shooting and will be placed in the care of family members.
Check back to mySA.com for updates to this developing story.
Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com
Caleb Downs is a crime reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdowns
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RIO HONDO Facing one of the worst cattle fever tick infestations in decades, authorities in South Texas first started culling the big-game antelope known as nilgai on federal refuge lands.
It wasnt enough.
The infestation that is killing cattle continues to spread, and experts say the nilgai herds are a big reason why. Researchers now believe that the key to slowing the northward march of this resilient tick, and to its eventual eradication, is a parasitic worm.
Its a native, locally occurring parasitic nematode worm, said John Goolsby, research entomologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I think we can say that this nilgai aspect is the most critical problem for the eradication program right now.
The experimental process uses a water jet frothing system to spray live nematode specimens on the nilgai, and within hours the worms begin to feed internally on the tick.
Nilgai cant be rounded up like cattle or horses, so Goolsby set up sensor-activated sprayers around the areas called latrines where the animals instinctively return every evening to relieve themselves.
So far, just three spray stations are in use on a ranch near this small town north of Brownsville. U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela Jr., D-Brownsville, who has fought to raise awareness about the tick problem, inspected one of the Goolsbys spray stations on a rainy afternoon this month.
The cattle community is trying to come to grips with how to control this epidemic, Vela said. As we work toward the next farm bill, hopefully, we will be able to address fever tick.
The tick has wreaked havoc in Velas district, where the pest is easily spread among multiple hosts, including white-tail deer. The disease attacks and destroys the animals red blood cells, causing acute anemia, high fever and enlargement of the spleen and liver, ultimately resulting in death for up to 90 percent of susceptible cattle. It can take between eight and 12 days for the animals fever to spike.
An outbreak of infected ticks could cause as much as 90 percent loss of susceptible cattle and losses up to $1.2 billion if the problem reaches beyond Texas, according to experts.
Cattle ranchers attempts to beat back the spread of the cattle fever tick among their herds have been complicated by wild game, which they say are responsible for spreading a pest that was eradicated by 1943 in all the U.S., except for a sliver of South Texas.
The nilgai, an Asian import, was introduced to South Texas in the 1920s and now numbers around 30,000, roaming a vast swath of Texas coastal plains. The Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, near the Mexican border, is seen as ground zero.
The refuge came under quarantine after the tick was found in 2014 on the carcass of hunted game. A controversial aerial culling followed, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service killing hundreds of nilgai, sparking outrage among ranchers who depend on hunting leases. A trophy hunt of the popular big-game animal can fetch up to $5,000 on some ranches.
Nilgai arent just the quarry of hunters. The flavorful meat is touted as a healthy alternative to beef and is featured on the menus of some high-end restaurants, including some in San Antonio.
While the USDAs Agricultural Research Service had been working on a way to treat nilgai, a critical issue for the eradication program, theres an effort on another front with the same goal. Las Huellas Association, an organization that advocates for South Texas wildlife managers and landowners, provided $120,000 to Texas A&M University-Kingsville to fund a graduate student to study the ecology of nilgai latrines.
Sometimes the problem the USDA has is getting funding for some of these projects, said Ricardo Adobbati, a Brownsville attorney and member of Las Huellas board of directors. We can help fund some of these studies without (going) through all the red tape of government.
anelsen@express-news.net | Twitter: @amnelsen
The explosion burst across the field, spreading a dust cloud toward Justin Bernal and Anthony Cumpian. The two combat veterans toted rifles as they inspected the blast site they had set up for a morning of gunplay at a South Texas shooting range.
After the target shooting and pyrotechnics, conversation turned to war stories, and from there to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Bernal and Cumpian, who are Hispanic, said their upbringing affected how they viewed mental health. For Bernal, who said he has struggled with PTSD, the lack of Hispanic psychiatrists is one barrier to getting help. Another barrier, said Cumpian, a Purple Heart recipient, is that he, like other Hispanic vets, learned early on to bottle up his emotions.
A persons background may have a larger effect on minority veterans and their mental health than once thought. Two studies published this year reveal how African-American and Hispanic veterans face unique challenges with mental health.
Service members from diverse cultures, ethnicities and racial groups may experience or cope with war-related events differently and thus may be at greater risk for PTSD, Brittany Hall-Clark, an assistant professor of psychiatry at UT Health San Antonio, wrote in an article published this year.
Not only do minority veterans tend to have greater PTSD symptoms, they also face those unique mental health challenges. Internal barriers include learned machismo and fear of weakness. External barriers include distrust of institutions, racism and difficulty accessing treatment, Hall-Clark said.
In another study published this year, ones race and ethnicity were found to be among the biggest predictors of whether a combat veteran will be diagnosed with PTSD. The research by the NYU Langone Medical Center followed 699 Vietnam veterans over 25 years.
Minorities are a growing segment of the veteran population, making up 22 percent as of 2014. In 2040, around a third of all vets will be minorities, according to the National Center of Veterans Analysis and Statistics.
In a nation that has been at war since 9/11, taking care of all veterans may mean acknowledging differences in how people view mental health.
Its essential to think about cultural competence, Hall-Clark said. We need to be mindful of how people see their world.
Internal barriers
Cumpian, a cavalry scout, was serving in Paktia province in Afghanistan in December 2012 when he was shot. He recalled one day burning some feces and eating half a ration before helping a fellow soldier wall up their base. A gunman waiting in the bushes must have spotted him, Cumpian said.
The shot of an SPG 9 recoil-less rifle, normally used against tanks, burst 60 feet or so away. Cumpian saw one fragment whistle by his head. Another fragment hit his left arm.
He didnt think the wound was a big deal. Then on the operating table, he saw his doctors eye through the hole in his arm. After getting patched up, he was back on patrol clearing mines two days later. He cried tears of pain, which he hid behind dark glasses as he gritted through the mission. He learned this while growing up: Grin and bear it.
Cumpian said he learned this lesson during a rough childhood: a parent in prison, foster care until his grandparents adopted him. Emotions stayed hidden. He recalled that his grandparents brought him to a funeral in Mexico, and he bit his tongue, holding back tears, because like many other Hispanic men, he was told men dont cry.
The Army taught the same mindset. In fact, it encouraged it. Then, once he was wounded, people all of a sudden began asking him to open up and share his feelings. Youre introducing a new concept to people, said Cumpian, who now works at a mental health clinic.
Avoidance of traumatic thoughts can lead to self-destructive and dangerous behaviors. Blanca Torres, a Hispanic female veteran of the Iraq and Afghan wars, described how the need to be seen as tough and unemotional in the face of PTSD led to problems self-medicating with alcohol. You didnt want to be a crybaby, Torres said.
Hall-Clark studied active-duty service members at Fort Hood as part of the STRONG STAR Multidisciplinary PTSD Research Consortium. She found that minority active-duty soldiers had more negative thoughts about themselves, more self-blame and more numbing when compared with their Anglo peers. A multitude of social, economic and other factors can contribute to mental health, and the stigma against asking for help among minorities may actually worsen the symptoms of PTSD.
Machismo and the importance of being strong and not showing emotions, that can prevent people from accessing their emotions in the process of healing, Hall-Clark said.
Of all the symptoms of PTSD, numbing and avoidance of traumatic thoughts are seen to be the most tied to culture. Researchers believe that the more a given culture teaches avoidance of emotion, the higher the levels of PTSD symptoms. In 2006, researchers at a California Department of Veterans Affairs Center tested this prediction in a study of 668 police officers.
The paper explored why Hispanic police officers tended to have higher rates of PTSD. The researchers found that Hispanic officers had similar levels of trauma in the line of duty to other officers. What was different was that they were more likely to suppress their emotions during the moment of trauma and they were more likely to blame themselves afterward.
Hispanic service members similarly suffered at higher rates than their peers. A National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study found that among male combatants, 28 percent of Hispanic vets had PTSD, compared with 21 percent of African-American vets and 14 percent of Anglo vets.
Cumpian said that when he began referring fellow soldiers to mental health resources, the stigma of asking for mental health applied to everybody, but especially for minority soldiers. Cumpian has not been diagnosed with PTSD and does not think he has it. Still, he said he believes that many combat vets come home damaged in some way.
You see a lot of people who grew up without a support system, who should be jumping at the chance to get help, (but) dont, Cumpian said.
External barriers
Disparities in health care arent just in mental health, but across the medical field overall, said Cynthia Macri, who serves on the Japanese American Veterans Association and while in the Navy assisted senior leaders on diversity issues.
There is now an abundance of research highlighting disparities in treatment and, indeed, in death/survival rates among majority and minority patients who present for care in emergency rooms for any disease or condition, Macri said.
The Veterans Health Administration chartered a health care equality work group in 2011. Veterans provide a unique window into differences among races and ethnicities in health. The VA system eliminates many of the financial factors present in the civilian marketplace, yet in its latest report, the work group found greater proportions of minority vets reporting barriers to care.
While there may be a variety of reasons, Marci said one of the biggest barriers is when there is a mismatch in the way patients and providers perceive each other. Cultural barriers, or the fear of them, can prevent minority soldiers from seeking doctors or psychiatrists.
For Bernal, a Marine vet, going to the hospital was not seen as an option when he grew up. Like Cumpian, he had an upbringing that taught him to be strong and stoic in the face of wounds both physical and mental.
Bernal said deploying to Afghanistan as a combat engineer meant weeks of clearing routes and waking up to mortar rounds and mayhem. He recalled how he once saw a good friend blown up, but there was no time to think about feelings then. Only the mission.
When he did want to talk about his experience, Bernal said he found it difficult to connect to his non-Hispanic squad members. They would ask touchy-feely questions tangential to what he cared about, and he said he spent a lot of time explaining himself.
His Hispanic friends, however, understood what was important to him. It wasnt just that his friends could speak Spanish, but that they had grown up the same way he did. Because he was around people who had similar childhood experiences, Bernal said, he didnt have to waste time explaining what he meant.
He could say the words, You know how it is. And they did. His non-Hispanic friends always asked about bullets and bombs, and although those issues mattered somewhat, Bernal said, his Hispanic friends knew that family troubles back home mattered just as much, if not more.
Family is really important to me. Other guys, Id have to explain it, but Hispanic guys I wouldnt have to explain it, I could go to the next point, Bernal said.
After his deployment, Bernal said he was ushered before an older Anglo doctor for a checkup. Rote questions from someone he didnt relate to led to rote answers. He decided that going at that point to psychiatrists would be pointless, a choice he would uphold even as he struggled with PTSD back home. If there were more Hispanic doctors, he said, he might have reconsidered.
If I go to a white doctor, he wouldnt understand, Bernal said. Why would I talk to someone who wouldnt understand?
Minority vets are more likely to drop out of mental health treatment early, according to a 2017 report on views of VA mental health care. The National Center for PTSD report found that minority vets were more likely to have lower-quality relationships with their primarily white mental health care providers, with less communication, more emotional distance and shorter appointments.
People of color are less likely to seek and receive mental health care, said Lindsay Bira, assistant professor of psychiatry at UT Health San Antonio. Part of that might be cultural, distrust of services, some may be less access to care. It can be hard to get someone in the door if they feel the therapist isnt a good match.
The field of psychiatry is predominantly Anglo and male, which leads to difficulties serving minority veterans, psychiatrist Mrudula Rao said. Rao runs a PTSD clinic in San Antonio and has treated veterans for PTSD. She said therapists should tailor treatment to a persons specific cultural values and beliefs, which may mean including a patients family or faith.
Theres such a stigma to pursue mental health, Rao said. And then when you come across a clinician whos not aware of your cultural needs, then thats another step back.
Talking about whats going inside ones brain can be a frustrating and sensitive process. Eddie Bell, an African-American veteran, said he served in Vietnam and was assigned to a morgue. Decades later, Bell said, he found himself in front of an Anglo VA doctor, talking about how he was feeling and wondering why he and the doctor seemed to be talking past each other.
For Bell, there seemed to be a disconnect between his doctor and him, but he couldnt deduce a reason. Was it because of differences in race, or in age or experience? The racism he faced growing up in the Jim Crow-era South was blatant. Now, racism is more subtle, Bell said, and he retains the wariness he learned years ago, on whether he can trust another person not to judge him unfairly.
Are you really hearing me? Youre trying to figure it out, Bell said.
Hispanic veteran Albert Mireles felt the same way when he first went to therapy which notably was the first time he stormed out of therapy at the VA. When you seek help, its anything that turns you off. If the person doesnt show much concern or much interest, said Mireles, who served as commander of VFW 76 and now directs veterans to seek help.
People may vary in how much they identify with one identity over another as well, researcher Hall-Clark said. Not all studies consistently found that race and ethnicity had significant effects on PTSD.
Kat Cole, an Asian-American vet, is now director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Family Endeavors. Cultural barriers and stigma against mental health are real, Cole said.
What is needed is not special treatment but consideration for veterans of all backgrounds.
Its very important for practitioners, nurses, doctors to be very culturally competent with their clients, so they can build rapport, Cole said, so they can identify any kind of resistance or barriers.
jlawrence@express-news.net
State Reps. Diana Arevalo and Ina Minjarez would seem to make natural allies.
Both are Democrats from San Antonio elected to the Texas House last year as rookie legislators, and both enjoy the support of Annies List, an Austin-based organization that supports progressive women running for office in this state.
But as Arevalo prepares to fend off former state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, who is expected to announce on Saturday that he wants his old seat back, she shouldnt expect to win her fellow lawmakers support. On Monday, Minjarez said she would not endorse anyone for that seat in the Democratic primary.
Its for the voters of that district to decide, she told me.
Theres a reason for her reticence.
According to sources, Arevalo recruited a political novice, Sergio Contreras, to run against Minjarez in the Democratic primary last year, even as Arevalo was serving as secretary of the Bexar County Democratic Party and running her own race in District 116. She reportedly did so in concert with BCDP Chairman Manuel Medina.
Its pretty common knowledge that people within the party have in the past tried to recruit folks to run for office, said Robert Vargas, a local Democratic consultant. My understanding was that Diana did recruit Sergio Contreras to run against Ina at the time, and my understanding is that hes considering a run against Ina again.
Vargas said he knows this because Contreras himself said so at a recent straw poll held by the BCDP.
That was something Sergio had mentioned to me at the straw poll, Vargas said. He said, Theyre asking me to run again. They asked me to run last time. They were encouraging him to run a second time. He said specifically that Diana said she would be supporting him.
Contreras did not return a message on Monday seeking comment. On his Facebook page, he wrote that he intends to run against Minjarez again in 2018. (Contreras earned less than 30 percent of the vote in 2016 after entering the primary at the last minute.)
On Monday, Arevalo denied Vargas assertion that she ever recruited Contreras to run against Minjarez.
Absolutely not, she said. I fully support Ina.
As chairman of the local party, Medina has been known to throw his weight around in a Democratic primary. He did so by choosing Martinez Fischer over Jose Menendez in a 2015 race for the state Senate that opened up seats for both Arevalo and Minjarez. (Martinez Fischer lost, setting up his coming clash with Arevalo for his old seat.)
Medina, however, denied that he or Arevalo encouraged Contreras to run against Minjarez.
I have no reason to believe that happened, he said.
Minjarez, meanwhile, doesnt quite know what to believe.
That was a rumor I heard, she told me, adding, I am so focused on the district, and thats where my focus is. I work every day as though I am running for office, even in the offseason.
Her focus is admirable.
This summer, Texas Monthly named Minjarez the Legislatures Rookie of the Year, noting that she offered more than two dozen substantive amendments to major legislation, including foster care reform bills, and that her words had power.
Arevalo could use the support of such a respected colleague in her looming battle with the formidable Martinez Fischer, who is likely to pick up endorsements from at least a few of his former colleagues.
Minjarezs integrity, however, might have been exactly what turned Arevalo against her in 2016.
Its no secret that (Minjarez) doesnt go with the flow, Vargas said. She really works and fights for the best interests of her constituents. And she doesnt necessarily play nice when it comes to party politics.
I can only imagine that it puts a sour taste in your mouth when people from your own party are working against you, he added. And when I say people from your own party, I mean party leadership.
bchasnoff@express-news.net
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Its a mystery big enough for the Guinness Book of World Records.
The Federal Aviation Administration received a request from a developer last month to perform an aeronautical study to build the worlds largest Ferris wheel 900 feet high on property owned by CPS Energy just south of the Lone Star Brewery, according to the agencys website.
The request was anonymous. No one in San Antonio seems to know anything about the Ferris wheel, including local politicians, neighborhood leaders and even CPS. The utility put the property up for sale this year but has since pulled it off the market, spokesman Jonathan Tijerina said. CPS doesnt have plans to sell it now and doesnt know who is behind the Ferris wheel, he said.
CPS spokeswoman Nora Castro said: Were not in talks with anybody. We havent been approached about the property,
The Ferris wheels height is not a typo, FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford confirmed it really would be 900 feet tall. The agency studies construction thats tall enough to interfere with local airspace. If the plans are real and it gets built, it would be the tallest building in San Antonio and the tallest Ferris wheel in the world by far towering over the current record-holder, the 550-foot High Roller in Las Vegas.
It would even put to shame Dubai, the Middle Eastern emirate known for its outsize architecture, where a 669-foot-tall Ferris wheel is under construction.
It would dominate San Antonios skyline. The proposed Ferris wheel would loom 150 feet above San Antonios tallest building, the Tower of the Americas, which is 750 feet tall, counting its spire.
A 900-foot Ferris wheel? Compared to other cities that have done the Ferris wheel, 900 feet is - well - a lot. Seattle (175 ft) London (443 ft) Las Vegas (550 ft) Dubai (689 ft) San Antonio (900 ft) Graphic: Annie Millerbernd Icon made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com
Only two local radio towers would be taller, according to SkyScraperPage, a website that keeps track of tall structures.
That would definitely take over the horizon of San Antonio, South Side resident Brady Alexander said. Im sure some people would swear at it, others would swear by it.
Lunsford declined to say who requested the aeronautical study. Its not unusual for a development company to ask the FAA to do a study before buying a property, to make sure it can build as high as it plans to, he said.
The location of the proposed Ferris wheel is across the San Antonio River from where CPS is building its EPIcenter innovation center. The utility uses it for storage and as a base of operations for employees, Tijerina said.
Chris Price, president of the King William Association, thinks he might have a clue about the developer of the proposed Ferris wheel. About three years ago, he recalls, a man was pitching the idea of building a giant Ferris wheel as part of the redevelopment of the Lone Star Brewery. Price couldnt remember the mans name.
It was 900 feet or some kind of crazy number, Price said. He described it as being like the London Eye but 10 times bigger. It was just sort of like, You gotta be kidding me. An OK, good luck sort of thing. The London Eye Ferris wheel is 443 feet tall.
South Side residents said they have mixed feelings about the possibility of getting an entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.
When first asked about the Ferris wheel, Lone Star Neighborhood Association President Susan Powers said she couldnt envision it being there and had trouble believing that it would make money. But after thinking about it, and discussing the news with her neighbors, she became more positive.
It would bring economic development to our neighborhood. It would create jobs. It would definitely be an improvement to the neighborhood over whats there now, she said.
The Ferris wheel would complement the potential redevelopment of the Lone Star Brewery, Powers said. But a $300 million project to rehabilitate the brewery derailed this year and hasnt shown any sign of getting back on track.
The industrial-zoned property would not be cheap it was assessed at $6.3 million last year by the Bexar Appraisal District.
Bexar County Commissioner Sergio Chico Rodriguez said hes concerned that such a large structure could interfere with the operation of Stinson Municipal Airport, about 4 miles south of the property. He questioned whether it would be appropriate for an area of San Antonio with so much history.
We want businesses and we want communities and we want development, but I dont think it would be something Id be interested in, Rodriguez said.
If it were built, the Ferris wheel would unseat the Texas Star at the state fairgrounds in Dallas as Texas largest Ferris wheel. San Antonio is already home to a few Ferris wheels, including the 90-foot Crows Nest at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and the wheelchair-accessible Whirling Wonder at Morgans Wonderland.
rwebner@express-news.net | Twitter: @RWebner
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On Oct. 9, 1920, men dressed in long, white robes and hoods with eyeholes walked or rode on horses in a parade held in Houston during the annual meeting of the United Confederate Veterans.
Riding in a car in the parade was William Joseph Simmons of Atlanta, founder in 1915 of the Invisible Empire, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.
Their participation was a not-so-subtle message to Houston, San Antonio and the rest of Texas that the KKK, made up of men who considered themselves superpatriots, was back.
Founded by a group of Confederate veterans in 1865, the original Ku Klux Klan was found primarily in the South. Prior to its demise in the early 1870s, the Klan used violence and terror to counter Reconstruction.
For the first five years after Simmons revived it in 1915, the KKK operated only in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida and Mississippi. Texas was a much larger prize for the secret fraternal order whose members had to be native-born, Anglo, Protestant and 18 or older.
Simmons was in Houston to participate in a ceremony welcoming the new klavern, or chapter, Sam Houston Klan No. 1, to the secret organization that reviled Catholics, Jews, Blacks, racial mixing and immorality.
A few weeks after the parade in Houston, the San Antonio Klan received charter No. 31.
San Antonians were not reluctant about joining. At one time, there were as many as 1,500 members in the Alamo City chapter, said Charles C. Alexander, author of Crusade for Conformity: The Ku Klux Klan in Texas, 1920-1930 and The Ku Klux Klan in the Southwest.
Membership rosters are extremely difficult to find but if I had to make a guess, there were 1,500 or so members of the Klan in the 1920s in San Antonio, Alexander said by phone.
Many were civic leaders, church pastors, elected officials or businessmen who thought they were serving a good purpose, Alexander added. If you were a tradesman, the Klan would help you and if you were a politician, there was a voting bloc behind you.
Prominent Texans who joined the Klan included Houston Mayor Oscar F. Holcombe, an Alabama native who grew up in San Antonio and held office 11 times.
After attending just one Klan meeting, however, Holcombe left and later became an ardent foe of the KKK.
In San Antonio, members of the KKK included attorney Marvin A. Childers, former county judge of San Patricio County; and C.T. Gilliam, a 1916 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis.
Also a member from San Antonio was Charles K. Diggs, publisher of the weekly Klan paper American Forum, who purchased Colonel Mayfields Weekly from Houstonian Billie Mayfield, a veteran of World War I and the Spanish-American War.
Another member was the Rev. L.P. Bloodworth, a Methodist minister who served as pastor of Methodist churches in San Antonio and other states. Bloodworth at one time was grand dragon of the Texas KKK and a Klan chaplain, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Childers, who served as San Patricio County judge from 1914-18 and a judge of that countys 36th District Court from 1918-22, also was a Texas grand dragon, which was reported in several Texas newspapers, including the Dallas Morning News. He moved to San Antonio in 1922 and practiced law. He died on Christmas Day 1965.
Childers was a past grand master of the Masons; a prominent layman in the Methodist Church he was a member of the churchs judicial council and listed in Whos Who in America.
Texans were drawn to the KKK because they saw it as a way of restoring law and order as well as moral and social reform after World War I, Alexander said.
These two emotions a quest for law and order and a desire for reform account for the preoccupation of Texas Klansmen with vigilante activities and the extremely violent nature of the orders early history in the state, Alexander wrote in Crusade for Conformity.
Men were tarred and feathered, beaten and attacked. One especially vicious attack occurred in Dallas when an African-American bellhop at the Adolphus Hotel was branded with the initials KKK across his forehead with acid. That attack was widely reported in Texas newspapers of the day, including the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Reform to the Texas Klansmen meant strict enforcement of state and national prohibition laws, preservation of stern Victorian moral standards and punishment of anyone who violated these standards, Alexander wrote in his book.
The San Antonio Klansmen didnt just skulk around. Alexander describes an initiation ceremony held in September 1923 at the San Antonio Speedway with several other chapters from South Texas.
Immediately preceding the formal naturalization rites, an airplane with an electric cross attached to its underside circled and dived in the night sky, Alexander wrote.
At 10 p.m., the Klansmen, all in their white robes, joined hands while standing in the middle of a square.
Several dozen men in street clothes knelt in the middle of the square formed by the Klansmen and took the vows and oath of allegiance before a burning cross and altar.
Except for San Antonio and Galveston, the Klan controlled nearly every major city in the state by 1924, numerous scholars have reported. They were a force in the Texas House of Representatives and the Democratic Party in Texas and may have even elected the first Klansman to the U.S. Senate.
Charges that Earle B. Mayfield Jr. was elected to the Senate through intimidation of voters by the KKK were rejected by the Senate after an investigation.
The end for the KKK came after Ma Ferguson was elected governor of Texas in 1924 by defeating a Klan-backed candidate, 443,000 to 345,000 votes.
Alexander said there always will be disaffected, disenchanted people who will be drawn to organizations like the KKK.
Indeed, in 2017, there exist at least 55 hate groups in Texas, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks these organizations.
While there are several variations of the KKK operating in the state, it does not appear any are in San Antonio, which does count Black separatist, anti-Muslim and neo-Nazi groups.
The first meeting of the directors of the newly-formed National Energy Group has been held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017, marking its official establishment through the merger of power provider China Guodian Corporation and coal producer Shenhua Group.
The first meeting of the National Energy Group's directors is held on November 28, 2017, in Beijing. [Photo: People's Daily]
With 1.8 trillion yuan assets (270 billion USD), 330 thousand staff and eight research centers, the National Energy Group is listed as the world largest coal supplier and thermal power generator.
The new company will be active in the coal, thermal power generation, new energy, transport and energy saving industries.
The merger between the two massive state-run companies is part of the Chinese government's broader plans to reduce overcapacity in the coal and power sectors through restructuring state-owned enterprises, analysts said.
The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission has been actively restructuring SOEs this year in a bid to improve their efficiency, with the number of central SOEs falling to 98, down sharply from the 196 that were operational in 2003.
We want to bring the women together because the benefit of Muresk is getting people to the site, they share a meal together at night, they socialise, they network and students will get the benefit of that expertise.
Grower Group Alliance chairwoman Kelly Manton-Pearce said she had a lot of fun with a great group of people on the tour and was impressed mainly with the new technologies that would be available for producers in the future, including new satellite radar with high resolution telemetric sensors, soil moisture probes, and hyperspectral imaging.
People check job postings at a job fair in Xihongmen township, Daxing district, Beijing, on November 27, 2017. [Photo: Chinanews.com]
Beijing's top Party official said the city will help people affected by a sweeping safety campaign in the wake of a deadly fire with jobs and lodging.
The fire in the city's Daxing district broke out in a building with over 400 residents in the village of Xinjian in Xihongmen township on Nov 18. Nineteen people were killed and eight injured.
After the fire, the city government launched a 40-day citywide campaign aimed primarily at eliminating fire hazards and other safety problems in crowded apartments and warehouses that serve as storage areas, workshops or worker living space.
Cai Qi, Party chief of Beijing, said in a Monday meeting that removing all fire hazards takes time and cannot be accomplished within a short period, Beijing Daily reported. He also said it is necessary to draft a three-year plan to fundamentally solve the problem.
Cai visited the site of the accident three times in recent days, Beijing Daily said. Calling the accident a "lesson paid with blood", he said it is imperative to carry out a campaign to root out safety hazards.
He also visited surrounding companies that were affected, asking them about how workers were resettled.
While speaking with local officials in Xihongmen, Cai urged them to care for people affected and try their best to arrange new jobs and places to stay. Cai urged officials to carry out the campaign with more "patience and humanistic care" and "better methods".
On Monday, a job fair was held in Xihongmen to offer opportunities to people who lost their jobs when their employers were told to shut down unsafe factories or warehouses. Human resources departments will organize more job fairs in Xihongmen to help workers in the area to find new jobs, he said.
A job fair is held in Xihongmen township, Daxing district, Beijing, on November 27, 2017. [Photo: Chinanews.com]
Also on Monday, Beijing police announced that the fire was caused by an electrical fault, ruling out arson. Twenty people suspected of having liability for the conditions that led to the fire have been detained, they said.
The two-and three-story building with a basement housed workshops and living spaces and was rife with safety hazards, officials say. A person identified only by the surname Fan began building the structure in 2002. Fan began installing a refrigeration facility in the basement in March, and it was undergoing testing. The blaze was traced to a faulty wire in a wall built with flammable material. Fan was among those detained, police said.
At Monday's fair, over 508 vacancies including driver, guard and cleaner were offered by 27 companies, the township government said.
Many warehouses in Xihongmen failed fire and safety assessments and were closed. The fairs are mainly for those who became unemployed as a result, said Chen Yongqiang, deputy head of the township.
"For migrant workers who have decided not to work in Beijing anymore, we will provide temporary accommodation and train or bus tickets to go home," Chen said.
"We prefer the employers taking part in the job fair provide accommodation for employees," said Li Hualong, deputy head of the Daxing district human resource and social security bureau.
Zhao Chuanxin, 28, who had worked and lived in a small clothing workshop in Xinjian where the fire happened, found a job at the fair. He will start working as a driver soon with meals and accommodation provided.
The Duchess of Cornwall is "absolutely delighted" Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged.
Duchess Camilla
Harry, 33, and his 36-year-old fiancee confirmed the news they are tying the knot next year on Monday (27.11.17), and Duchess Camilla - who is married to Harry's father the Prince Charles - thinks it is "brilliant" news that the couple are taking their romance to the next step, and the 'Suits' actress will soon be her stepdaughter-in-law.
Speaking to the MailOnline about the addition to the royal family during a visit to Stoke on Trent - where Camilla and Prince Charles met with the local pantomime actors - the 70-year-old royal said: "It's brilliant and as I said, America's loss is our gain. We are all absolutely delighted."
And Camilla - who was previously married to Andrew Parker-Bowles for over 20 years before their split in 1995 - continued to gush about the soon to be husband and wife, who she believes look "so happy" together.
She continued: "As you can see, they are so happy."
Camilla is pleased for the pair, and she believes it is a "real joy" to hear "good news for once".
She said: "Sometimes, you know, in a climate where we are surrounded by a lot of bad news, it's a real joy to have some good news for once."
But Camilla is not the only royal who has sent her well wishes to the newly engaged duo, as her 69-year-old spouse is "thrilled" for his son and future daughter-in-law.
Speaking previously, Charles - who was married to the late Princess Diana for 15 years, which was one year prior to her tragic death - said: "We're thrilled. We're both thrilled. We hope they'll be very happy indeed."
Harry's older brother, Prince William, 35, and his wife Duchess Catherine, also 35, are "very excited" by the news as they get on so well with the 36-year-old actress.
They said in a statement: "We are very excited for Harry and Meghan. It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together."
Harry's grandparents Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are also "delighted" for them both.
A message on the Royal Family Twitter account read: "The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness.(sic)."
Kezia Dugdale has reportedly disappointed 'I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!' bosses.
Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly
The 36-year-old politician recently joined fellow contestants in the Australian outback , but it is believed ITV producers are not impressed with her performance in the jungle, especially after they are believed to have forked out a whopping six-figure sum to secure the star.
Speaking to The Sun Online, a source said: "Kezia has been a massive letdown."
And it is believed the reason contributing to her unimpressive performance is the fact she has not "bonded" well with anyone on the show, which is helmed by comedy duo Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, and because it is rumoured the production team think she has been acting as if she is "superior" to her fellow camp mates.
The insider added: "She hasn't bonded particularly well with other campmates and doesn't see herself as part of that showbiz world, she has been acting superior.
"Far from coming out of her shell, she hasn't broken from her politician mode once or shown a softer side, letting her personality come through."
The entire camp were recently split into boys and girls when they all took part in a major Bushtucker trial in a bid to win a feast.
During the trial Kez was pitted against fellow newbie Iain Lee to down two smoothies; one made from bull's penis, and one made from anus, which she gave up on.
The source continued: "Bosses were also ticked off with the live trial - they thought she was a bad sport."
by Charlotte Hough for www.femalefirst.co.uk
Mischa Barton's ex-boyfriend has been handed a five-year restraining order after he allegedly tried to sell sex tapes of the actress.
Mischa Barton
The 'OC' star had been embroiled in a revenge porn court case with her former partner Adam Spaw after he allegedly tried to redistribute tapes of the beauty.
And on Monday (27.11.17), their legal battle came to an end, with Adam agreeing to stay 100 yards away from his former flame for the next five years, as well as insisting he will not "give away or assign in any way" any photos or videos of Mischa.
Court documents obtained by The Blast state that both Mischa and Adam "shall stay 100 or more yards away from each other, their residences, pets, vehicles, and places of employment, and shall have no contact directly or indirectly with each other through telephone, social media, texts and e-mails."
The legal papers add that Adam has agreed "not to directly or indirectly, or through any agent, sell, distribute, show, give away or assign in any way any intimate photos or videos of Mischa Barton. He further agrees that he has not to date done so nor attempted to do any of the foregoing."
However, the documents also state that whilst Adam has agreed not to sell any media, the signing of the papers is not "an admission" to being in possession of any media involving the 31-year-old actress.
The documents claim: "The signing of this agreement is not an admission by Adam that he possesses or attempted to sell any intimate photos or videos of Mischa Barton."
It comes after the blonde beauty previously insisted she wanted to see "real justice" in her case.
She said in September: "I'm going to see this case through to the end. I am very happy with what the judge has decided today. I don't think it's possible at this point to have seen it through long enough.
"I think that's important that we see real justice happen here with this case so I'm more happy that the judge seems to understand this type of case."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will get married next year at Windsor Castle.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The 33-year-old royal will tie the knot with the American actress at St George's Chapel - the same venue Prince Charles and Camilla married on April 9, 2005 - at the royal residence in Berkshire in the spring time in 2018.
Kensington Palace announced the news on Tuesday (28.11.17) in a statement: "The marriage of His Royal Highness Prince Harry of Wales and Ms. Meghan Markle will take place at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle in May 2018.
"Her Majesty The Queen has granted permission for the wedding to take place at the Chapel. The Royal Family will pay for the wedding.
"Further details about the wedding will be announced in due course."
Meghan and Harry's engagement was announced in a statement by the prince's father, Prince Charles, on Monday (27.11.17) - a few weeks after the flame-haired hunk popped the question to the 36-year-old actress.
It stated: "His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle.
"The wedding will take place in Spring 2018. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course. His Royal Highness and Ms. Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed The Queen and other close members of The Royal Family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms. Markle's parents.
"The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace."
Speaking previously, Charles said on behalf of him and his wife Duchess Camilla: "We're thrilled. We're both thrilled. We hope they'll be very happy indeed."
Harry's older brother, Prince William, 35, and his wife Duchess Catherine, also 35, are "very excited" by the news as they get on so well with Meghan.
They said in a statement: "We are very excited for Harry and Meghan. It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together."
Harry's grandparents Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are also "delighted" for them both.
A message on the Royal Family Twitter account read: "The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness.(sic)."
Nicki Minaj wants people to feel the "holiday magic" from her H&M Christmas campaign.
Nicki Minaj
The 34-year-old rapper portrays a mother in the brand's festive commercial, and she hopes the clip will encourage "everyone in the world" to get into the festive spirit.
Speaking to Look magazine, she said: "I wish that everyone in the world could feel the same holiday magic that we created for this shoot."
But for the 'Anaconda' hitmaker the best part of starring in the advert was working with photographer Tim Walker, who she has praised for having an "incredible vision" for the campaign.
Asked about her highlight when working on the project, she said: "It has to be working with the amazing photographer Tim Walker. He had such an incredible vision for the whole campaign - there's always magic in the air during the holidays and he really brought it to life."
Nicki also enjoyed acting alongside 36-year-old 'Grey's Anatomy' actor Jesse Williams in the advert, who she has described as an "inspiring" figure because he is "so professional and natural" in front of the camera.
The 'The Other Woman' star continued: "He was so professional and natural that it didn't feel like he was acting at all. This made him so inspiring to work with, and made the experience so much easier for me."
And while Nicki wants audiences to enjoy her fantasy advert, she believes her own career resembles a fairytale too.
Speaking previously, she said: "If I had to describe [the past ten years], I would say 'blessed'. Blessed and highly favoured, because the things that have happened to me have been once in a lifetime.
"I feel like it's been a Cinderella story. Getting plucked out of Southside, Jamaica, Queens by the prince, Lil Wayne, and whisked away on a freaking magic pumpkin. I'm still in the magic pumpkin! I have to say it's been magical. It's been tough. It's been emotional. I've had to deal with it all, negative and positive.
"But I know there are so many girls who would kill to have what I've experienced, so I have to take the good with the bad and be grateful. No matter what's gone on the past ten years, I'm still here. I'm still here!"
Little Mix have announced a 'Summer Hits Tour' for 2018.
Little Mix
Britain's hottest girl group - Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall - will be back strutting around in their sexy outfits and singing their biggest hits again as they head out on a 15-date run next July.
Announcing the exciting news, the girls wrote on Twitter: "The #GloryDaysTour might be over but we're SO excited to announce that the Little Mix Summer Hits Tour 2018 is COMINGGG to the UK! Tickets are out THIS Thursday at 9:30AM GMT, so get ready...get set... X the girls (sic)"
The 'Power' hitmakers have just completed an extensive run in support of their LP 'Glory Days', which began on May 21, 2017, in Birkenhead, North England, and wrapped up at London's The O2 arena on Sunday night (26.11.17).
Leigh-Anne said yesterday (27.11.17) that she's "ready for a break" after completing their 'Glory Days Tour'.
The 26-year-old beauty also thanked their fans - known as Mixers - for giving them such an "incredible" time night after night, and gushed about how "proud" she is of her bandmates for all the hard work carried out to ensure the gigs were spectacular.
In a heartfelt note posted on her personal Instagram account, and shared on the 'Shout Out To My Ex' group's official Twitter page, Leigh-Anne wrote: "I can not believe the glory days tour is officially OVER... I mean we're all knackered and fully ready for a break, but I can't help but feel sad what an incredible year of achievement we have had.. we have worked so so hard this year it's been non stop, but I got to travel the world I got to see soooo many incredible fans and I got to do it all with this lovely lot... my family! I am so proud of us... and so so proud and blessed to be in Little Mix and get to experience this and live it everyday... and be with 3 girls who I could never ever now live without! I love you! And to the fans that got us here we owe it ALL to you.. you are without a doubt the best fans anyone could ask for! And I can't wait to see you all again soon! (sic)"
The girls won't be resting for long, as they previously said they plan on hitting the studio in December to work on their fifth album.
Asked when to expect new music, Jade told BANG Showbiz recently:"Actually going to be writing in December when the tour is finished because we have been really busy. But yeah going it be doing some new material in December and hopefully have a new album out next year."
Tickets for the 2018 shows are on sale now.
Little Mix's 2018 UK tour dates are as follows:
Friday 6 July The 1st Central County Ground, Hove
Saturday 7 July Liberty Stadium, Swansea
Sunday 8 July Weston Homes Community Stadium, Colchester
Thursday 12 July County Ground, Northampton
Friday 13 July KCOM Craven Park, Hull
Saturday 14 July Macron Stadium, Bolton
Sunday 15 July John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield
Thursday 19 July The 3aaa County Ground, Derby
Friday 20 July Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln
Saturday 21 July Earlham Park, Norwich
Sunday 22 July Kent Event Centre, Maidstone
Thursday 26 July International Stadium, Gateshead
Friday 27 July Falkirk Stadium, Stirlingshire
Saturday 28 July Outdoors at AECC, Aberdeen
Sunday 29 July Bught Park, Inverness
Meghan Markle is expected to be given the title of the Duchess of Sussex after she marries Prince Harry.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The 36-year-old star is set to marry the British royal in spring 2018 and, as is traditional in the UK, Prince Harry is expected to be handed a new title on his wedding day, with the Duke of Sussex regarded as the most likely choice.
Theoretically, alternative titles include the likes of Clarence, Connaught, Windsor, Albany, and Cumberland.
However, many of those names have an inauspicious history, meaning Sussex is now rumoured to be the favoured option.
Charles Kidd, editor of Debrett's Peerage & Baronetage, told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "They're quite limited in the titles that are available. The Duke of Sussex is the front-runner without any doubt."
But in the unlikely event that Prince Harry opts to decline the offer of a title, Meghan would be known as HRH Princess Henry of Wales.
Meanwhile, during their first TV interview as a couple, Meghan revealed the details behind her engagement to the British royal.
Of the magic moment, the former 'Suits' actress recalled: "It was a cosy night, we were roasting chicken ... and it was an amazing surprise. It was so sweet and natural and very romantic. He got on one knee."
And quizzed about her response to the proposal, Meghan said: "Yes! As a matter of fact, I could barely let [Harry] finish proposing."
Prince Harry added: "She didn't even let me finish. She said 'Can I say yes'. Then there were hugs and I had the ring in my finger. I was like, 'Can I give you the ring?' It was a really nice moment. Just the two of us."
Bruno Langley has pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault.
Bruno Langley
The former 'Coronation Street' star - who was sacked from the soap after the shocking allegations came to light last month - has admitted to molesting two women - one in her 30s and another in her 20s - at the music event Band on the Wall in Manchester's Northern Quarter on October 1 as he appeared at the city's Magistrates Court this morning (28.11.17).
The 34-year-old actor - who has also had a role in 'Doctor Who' - appeared in the doc to confirm his name, date of birth and his UK nationality before he entered his guilty pleas.
His pleas came after the judge heard how he grabbed his first victim by her crotch - without her consent - after she collected her coat from the cloakroom at around 1am.
The victim told police that she thought about hitting the actor after he groped her over her clothes but she was too "shocked and angry" to act on her emotions and, in turn, just asked Bruno whether he "did that on purpose?", before reporting the incident to police.
Prosecutor Karen Saffman told the court that Bruno was "clearly intoxicated."
The second victim told police that she too had been "forcefully touched" in an "intimate place" by the star "for a couple of seconds" before she managed to push him off.
Bruno's defence solicitor Mr Hancock told the court that Bruno has no previous convictions and had been "of good character" before he admitted to the sex charges.
He described it as an "isolated incident" which was "alcohol-fuelled" and assured the judge that his client was not a "serial groper" and was "clearly a man who has health issues."
The judge was debating whether to send the case to the crown court but they've since argued that it's suitable for sentencing in the Magistrates' court.
However, District Judge Mark Hadfield said he wanted to hear from the probation service before he decided whether to sentence Bruno immediately or send him to the crown court.
The hearing was "stood down" for the probation service to speak to Bruno.
The case is due to resume shortly.
This not only looks and tastes amazing- it is totally, vegan, sugar and gluten free - taking Christmas Puddings to a whole new level!
Multi Coloured Raw Christmas Pudding
This pudding is my super vegan, sugar and wheat free dessert. No cokking needed and with amazing toppings that are brightly coloured with just fruits and vegetables.
Raw Christmas Pudding
100g sultanas
100g dates chopped
100g dried figs chopped
150ml apple juice
tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp mixed spice
1 tsp cinnamon
100g cashews
100g coconut oil
100g maple syrup
Add the juice to the dried fruit and add the spices. Mix well and soak for at least 2 hours.
Place the cashews, coconut oil and syrup in a vitamix or nutribullet type blender. Add 100g of the soaked dried fruit and blend to a puree.
Stir in to the soaked fruit and mix well. Place into a pudding bowl and freeze overnight.
Toppings
Raw Red as a Beetroot Topping
80g Raw Beetroot, peeled and sliced thinly
80g Coconut oil
80g 100% fruit raspberry jam
80g cashews
Put the sliced raw beetroot, coconut oil, sugar free jam and cashews in a blender. It needs to be a strong one like a Ninja or NutriBullet. Grind to a smooth paste.
Raw Green as Grass Topping
80g Raw spinach
80g Coconut oil
1 kiwi
50g agave syrup
80g cashews
Put the spinach, kiwi, coconut oil, agave syrup and cashews in a blender. It needs to be a strong one like a Ninja or NutriBullet. Grind to a smooth paste.
Raw Orange Topping
80g Raw carrot, peeled and sliced thinly
80g Coconut oil
80g 100% fruit apricot jam
80g cashews
Put the sliced raw carrot, coconut oil, sugar free jam and cashews in a blender. It needs to be a strong one like a Ninja or NutriBullet. Grind to a smooth paste.
Raw Snow White Topping
30g Desiccated Coconut
80g Coconut oil
3tbsp Almond milk
50g agave syrup
80g cashews
Put the desiccated coconut, almond milk, coconut oil, agave syrup and cashews in a blender. It needs to be a strong one like a Ninja or NutriBullet. Grind to a smooth paste.
Recipe courtesy of Keith Squires.
Keiths passion for feeding people began with home-baking at the age of 9. He was soon bringing to school cakes, breads and pasties. His schoolmates joined in and before long they were swapping cakes during the lunch breaks, raiding mums cookery books in the evenings and even growing their own vegetables in the school grounds.
Keith now combines his background in nutrition, Ayurveda, herbalism and cookery with over 30 years of experience as a vegetarian chef.
He travels widely, teaching in workshops, retreats and courses around the world. His events are hugely entertaining as well being full of practical knowledge on how to live a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. He is an experienced UK media presenter, and has made TV appearances in countries as far afield as Greece and India. His popular blog, keithonfood.com, has become a one-stop destination for online inspiration and resources.
Some authors are great chefs, others will tell you all about different foods and their nutritional benefits. Many of them are great story-tellers and inspirational writers. There are books that are funny and at times truly meaningful.
Keith crams all those qualities into a single volume, His new book Cooking with Love which he hopes you wont be able to put down. And not just because your fingers are sticky from making the recipes.
https://keithonfood.com
https://twitter.com/keithonfood
Taiwanese firms are eyeing investment opportunities in the Binh Duong province of Vietnam, according to Guo You Ting, head of the Association of Taiwanese Enterprises, who recently met the provinces Peoples Committee and praised the improved local investment climate. Taiwan is the provinces biggest investor, with 772 projects worth more than $5.5 billion.Construction of a Taiwanese factory producing polyester will start this month on nearly 200 hectares in Bau Bang Industrial Park, Tran Thanh Liem, vice chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee said after the meeting, according to a news agency report.
Taiwanese firms are eyeing investment opportunities in the Binh Duong province of Vietnam, according to Guo You Ting, head of the Association of Taiwanese Enterprises, who recently met the province's People's Committee and praised the improved local investment climate. Taiwan is the province's biggest investor, with 772 projects worth more than $5.5 billion.#
Taiwan is willing to work with the locality in implementing projects using official development assistance on flood prevention and waste treatment, Liang Guang Zhong, head of the Taipei Economic and Culture Office in Ho Chi Minh City, said.Polytex Far Eastern Vietnam Company, a subsidiary of Taiwan based Far Eastern Group, will set up its second textile dyeing and chemical fibre factory in Vietnam. The company will invest $760 million in the new project, which will come up in Bau Bang in Binh Duong province. While the first phase production is expected to begin next year, the factory will become fully operational in 2020. (DS)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
China and Pakistan agreed to a material transfer pact between the two countries in the next two years and transfer of Chinese genetic engineering and functional genomics technologies to fight cotton pests to the latter at the first Sino-Pak international conference on Innovations in cotton, breeding and biotechnology in Multan recently.The three-day conference was hosted by the Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture in Multan, according to Pakistani media reports. The conference will be held every year now.
China and Pakistan agreed to a material transfer pact between the two countries in the next two years and transfer of Chinese genetic engineering and functional genomics technologies to fight cotton pests to the latter at the first Sino-Pak international conference on 'Innovations in cotton, breeding and biotechnology' in Multan recently.#
Director of agriculture research in the Punjab province Abid Mehmood said Chinese and Pakistani scientists will jointly work to improve cotton crop and providing hybrid seed to farmers.Chinese scientist Zhang Rui said China is ready to transfer more than 200 BT cotton varieties cultivated there to Pakistan. (DS)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
Tex Styles Ghana Limited, the producer of GTP and other woodin fabrics, has launched a new brand campaign for GTP with a purpose of reinforcing the brand promise of GTP, which is expressed as Timeless Grace. The purpose is also to strengthen its position as a leading textile manufacturer in Ghana. GTP is Africas leading textile and printing brand.
For well over 50 years, GTP has been consistent in its promise of offering consumers premium quality fabrics, timeless designs, and strong heritage that make them look and feel beautiful, proud, confident and to stay in tune with the culture. We can confidently say that GTP has become the second skin of Ghanaians, commented Rev Badu, marketing director of GTP, at an event held in the companys premises.
Considering the point of view of consumers, the reinforcement of unique value proposition is being done in order to stay true to the GTP brand, added Badu.
Tex Styles Ghana Limited, the producer of GTP and other woodin fabrics, has launched a new brand campaign for GTP with a purpose of reinforcing the brand promise of GTP, which is expressed as 'Timeless Grace'. The purpose is also to strengthen its position as a leading textile manufacturer in Ghana. GTP is Africa's leading textile and printing brand.#
The company will embark on the new campaign by utilising cultural attributes and courtesies associated with Ghanaians to demonstrate to the rest of the world the sociable and hospitable nature of Ghanaians and by so doing inspire others to do the same, he further said. We know Ghanaians are quite gracious by virtue of the cultural upbringing. Through this campaign, we want to encourage Ghanaians to teach more, share more, innovate more, celebrate more and love more. All these virtues inspire positive change and growth.
GTP brand is a joint venture of Tex Styles Ghana Limited and Premium African Textiles Company Limited. These companies are responsible for the creation of designs, printing, distribution and marketing of the GTP brand. (VM)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
Technology Industry veteran joins company as EVP, Business Development and Marketing
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2017) - VitalHub (TSXV: VHI), an innovative and leading provider of mobile and electronic health record solutions, today announces the appointment of Niels Tofting as EVP, Business Development and Marketing. Focusing on growth through a streamlined portfolio of health IT solutions, VitalHub is able to support the needs of various healthcare providers, including long term care, mental health, community care, specialty clinics and acute care organizations.
"Supporting our clients' focus on quality and improved healthcare outcomes for the populations that they manage is the mission of VitalHub and it's exciting to be a member of a collaborative team that's focused on designing innovative solutions that support our customers' objectives", Tofting said.
"Niels has enjoyed many years of successful management experience supporting sales and marketing operations during his career. He has led new business development, account management and partner management functions with a number of diverse technology companies and done so internationally. We are very pleased to have him join our team" said Dan Matlow, President and CEO.
"I'm excited to be joining VitalHub at such a pivotal time in the company's history, as it focuses on mobile application development and strategic acquisitions in health technology. The VitalHub team and portfolio of solutions are well positioned to ensure that the company excels through its next phase of growth," Niels Tofting commented.
Prior to joining VitalHub, Niels held management roles with public and private companies, including Medworxx, Open Text and Logibec.
Mr. Tofting received a BES from the University of Waterloo.
In addition VitalHub has granted 1,250,000 stock options to an employee and management (the "Options") pursuant to the terms of Vitalhub's incentive stock option plan. Each Option is exercisable for one common share of Vitalhub at an exercise price of $0.165 per share and expires on the date that is five years from the date of grant. The Options vest over three years.
Vitalhub also granted 950,000 stock options to board members (the "Options") pursuant to the terms of Vitalhub's incentive stock option plan. Each Option is exercisable for one common share of Vitalhub at an exercise price of $0.165 per share and expires on the date that is five years from the date of grant. The Options vest over one year.
Read this press release on SEDAR (http://www.sedar.com/DisplayCompanyDocuments.do?lang=EN&issuerNo=00037094)
About VitalHub
VitalHub delivers an innovate platform for the creation of mobile health applications that increases productivity within healthcare settings. The VitalHub platform provides the ability to integrate existing individual healthcare applications while maintaining the control, security and privacy essential in healthcare. VitalHub's applications are focused on the fast-growing mental health and long term care markets and the company plans to strategically acquire and grow business in these areas. Currently over 50 healthcare institutions across Canada use products from VitalHub and its subsidiaries.
VitalHub is based in Toronto, ON, and publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange: VHI
Visit www.vitalhub.com
Contact:
Dan Matlow, VitalHub
CEO & President
Dan.Matlow@VitalHub.com
Cautionary Statements
The TSX Venture Exchange has in no way passed upon the merits of the transactions and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the timing and completion of the transactions, the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Acquisition, the projected cash flows of the Company post-Acquisition, and the future plans and - 3 - objectives of the Company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the failure to effectively integrate B Sharp Technologies into the Company and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. As a result, the Company cannot guarantee that transactions described herein, will be completed on the terms and within the time disclosed herein or at all. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law.
Will partner with South Africa's leading telecommunications services provider, Internet Solutions
Internet Solutions of South Africa, the leading pan-African telecommunications services provider, which is a subsidiary of NTT Group's Dimension Data and NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within the NTT Group (TOKYO:9432) announced today that they have concluded a partnership, in order to deliver NTT Com's Nexcenter data center service in the African continent. The partnership was signed in South Africa on November 27.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171127005300/en/
DC Image (Graphic: Business Wire)
As a result of this partnership, the enterprise customers in Asia, Europe and the United States, expanding their business into South Africa will be able to utilize high quality data center services, and South African enterprise customers heading their business globally will be able to utilize NTT Com's over 140 data centers delivered over 20 countries/regions worldwide.
The colocation market in South Africa has recently experienced average growth of 12% per year as a result of increasing demand by government agencies and content service providers. As a result of this partnership, NTT Com and Internet Solutions will launch colocation services in December of this year under the Nexcenter brand at Internet Solutions' Parklands data center in Johannesburg. The data center will deliver globally-standardized Nexcenter service meeting more than 300 standards governing facilities and operations.
The Nexcenter certified "Parklands Data Center" is located in the heart of Johannesburg's main business district, around 30 minutes by car from O.R. Tambo International Airport. The building houses approximately 1,900 square meters of server room facilities over four floors, and provides 1.3 MW of standby battery power. Emergency generators provide power redundancy to a 2N level, and have a fuel capacity that allows for 45 hours of uninterrupted operation. The air conditioning facilities offer cooling system redundancy to N+1 level, and the building's network topology incorporates an internet exchange (IX) point, improving routing efficiency and fault tolerance. The facility is built to meet TIA942 Tier 3, SOC2 Type2, Type1 and ISO27001 standards. It is planned to expand the building through the addition of a new tower wholly designed by the facility standards of Nexcenter to provide 570 high density racks with 2.2 MW power in July 2018.
Saki Missaikos, Managing Director of Internet Solutions, says "Internet Solutions is pleased to join this international network of top-standard data centres. As the first Nexcenter location in Africa, we present attractive service and technological capability to multinational companies looking to expand into the region."
In addition to continuing to build its own data centers, NTT Com will further expand the geographical availability of Nexcenter through collaboration with its worldwide partners, allowing it to continue supporting its customers' global business expansion.
About NTT Communications Corporation
NTT Communications provides consultancy, architecture, security and cloud services to optimize the information and communications technology (ICT) environments of enterprises. These offerings are backed by the company's worldwide infrastructure, including the leading global tier-1 IP network, the Arcstar Universal One VPN network reaching 196 countries/regions, and over 140 secure data centers worldwide. NTT Communications' solutions leverage the global resources of NTT Group companies including Dimension Data, NTT DOCOMO and NTT DATA.
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About Internet Solutions
Internet Solutions (IS) is a pan-African telecoms service provider to public and private sector organisations that has been providing innovative end-to-end telco solutions and related services for more than 20 years. At the forefront of Internet Protocol-based technologies, IS builds solutions and services tailored to the increasingly complex demands of organisations across the enterprise, public sector, global carrier and growing small-to-medium business sectors. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Dimension Data Group and part of NTT, IS leverages its infrastructure and global footprint to support organisations with the rapid deployment of emerging technologies. More information at www.is.co.za.
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OAKVILLE, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Giyani Metals Corp. (TSX VENTURE: WDG) ("Giyani") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Robin Birchall as CEO and Director with immediate effect.
Mr. Birchall brings more than eighteen years of experience in the financing and management of resource companies. He was most recently the Executive Chairman of Silver Bear Resources. Previous roles include CEO of a private oil and gas E&P company as well as V.P. Investment and Corporate Banking with BMO Capital Markets ("BMO"), where he completed a variety of high profile transactions for resource companies. Prior to BMO, Mr. Birchall was V.P. Corporate Finance at Canaccord Adams Ltd. Mr. Birchall earned an MBA from the University of Cape Town, a MSc in European and International Politics from Edinburgh University, a Premiere Degre en Langues Literature et Civilisation, from Stendahl Universite and a BA from Queens University.
In his capacity as CEO of the Company, Mr. Birchall is looking forward to advancing the Company's Kanye Manganese Project in Botswana and accelerating it towards becoming a leading supplier of high-grade manganese for the battery industry. Mr. Birchall said, "Through my extensive experience in financing and managing resources companies in Southern Africa I am looking forward to leveraging all my contacts in the industry to help propel Giyani towards becoming a significant player in the high-grade manganese space. I am immensely pleased to be joining the Giyani team who have a reputation for excellence in the industry."
"Robin brings much needed continuous European managerial presence to Giyani as we strive to grow our African manganese raw materials production strategy. His invaluable experience fits well with our current management and Board who are dedicated to delivering shareholder value from our efforts," states Duane Parnham, Chairman.
In connection with the above appointment, subject to exchange approval, Giyani has granted 750,000 options exercisable at a price of $0.30 cents per share in accordance with the Company's stock option plan. The options have a five year term and vest immediately.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Giyani Metals Corp.
Duane Parnham, Chairman
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Giyani believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Giyani's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Giyani undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
Contacts:
Duane Parnham
Chairman
Giyani Metals Corp.
Tel: 1.289.837.0066
Email: duane@parnham.ca
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2017) - Silver One Resources Inc. (TSXV: SVE) (OTC Pink: SLVRF) (FSE: BRK1) ("Silver One") is pleased to announce the commencement of drilling scheduled to begin November 28th, 2017 at its Candelaria silver project in Nevada. The proposed drill program will consist of approximately 1,000 metres of sonic drilling on the historic heap leach pads and stockpiled material left over from previous operations. Samples will be sent for metallurgical testing to evaluate silver-gold recoveries and potential extraction methods.
Boart Longyear, a highly qualified and experienced international drilling company, will conduct the drilling with a track mounted drill rig. Permits are in place to drill within 10 feet of the base liner and includes a contingency plan to correct the accidental piercing of the liner.
Silver One's President and CEO, Greg Crowe commented, "We look forward to receiving the results of this drilling phase which could represent a prime business opportunity moving forward. Past records indicate that the leach pads and stockpiles contain a historic resource of over 37 million tons and 4 million tons with silver grades of 1.29 ounces per ton (40 g/t Ag) and 0.75 ounces per ton (23 g/t Ag) respectively. Assays of preliminary samples show that significant amounts of silver are cyanide-soluble. Candelaria's historic silver grades in leach pads and stockpiles are significantly higher than the 17 g/t silver cutoff grades of the Rochester mine held by Coeur Mining located 220 kilometres north of Candelaria."
Candelaria was historically the highest-grade silver producer in the state of Nevada, averaging over 1,250 g/t silver from high-grade vein mining between the mid-1800s and the mid-1900s. Open pit mining operations were undertaken in the 1970s through 1998 by several companies, including Nerco and Kinross. Kinross closed the open pit and leach operation in 1998 due to low silver prices. Leaching of the historic pads was not completed leaving a substantial amount of silver unprocessed. It is estimated that the property has produced over 68 million ounces of silver.
Preliminary Assays and Metallurgical Testing
Silver One geologists have collected eight samples from the heap leach pads and 107 samples from the stockpiles. Samples from the leach pads were collected from pits that were pre-dug to a depth of 40 centimetres and submitted for assays and bottle roll tests to confirm grades and estimate silver recoveries.
Gold assays from the heap leach pads ranged from 0.1 to 0.3 g/mt (0.14 g/mt average) while silver assays varied from 13 to 67 g/mt (47 g/mt average). The cyanide soluble gold ranged from 0% to 35% (17% average) of the assayed gold. The cyanide soluble silver ranged from 28% to 54% (42% average) of the assayed silver. Bottle roll tests on composites are currently in progress with results expected December 2017.
The gold assays from the stockpiles ranged from 0.05 to 0.55 g/mt (0.14 g/mt average) and the silver assays ranged from 9 to 138 g/mt and average 34 g/mt. No preliminary bottle roll tests are planned for the stockpile material. Metallurgical testing of stockpiles and leach pads will be conducted on sonic drill samples.
Historical Resource Estimate - Candelaria Project
SSR Mining Inc. (formerly, Silver Standard Resources Inc.) acquired the Candelaria Project in 2001 and reported in a technical report titled "Candelaria Project Technical Report" dated May 24, 2001 (filed on SEDAR on June 20, 2002), prepared by Pincock Allen & Holt, the historical mineral resource estimate shown in the table below. The qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. Silver One is not treating this historical estimate as current mineral resources.
Candelaria Mine Project Historical Resource Estimate Area/Type Classification Tons Factored Ag Grade (optAg total ) Sol. Au Grade (opt Au soluble ) AqEq Grade (opt AgEq total ) Ag Ounces
(Ag total ) Aq Equiv.
Ounces
(AqEq total ) Mount Diablo Measured 3,391,000 4.44 0.004 4.67 15,054,000 15,838,000 Indicated 10,231,185 2.84 0.003 3.01 29,005,000 30,796,000 Subtotal,
Measured +
Indicated 13,623,000 3.23 0.003 3.42 44,060,000 46,633,000
Mount
Diablo Inferred 5,191,000 2.12 0.003 2.30 11,015,000 11,939,000 Northern
Belle 9,162,000 2.26 0.002 2.37 20,661,000 21,714,000 Leach
Pads 37,328,000 1.29 --- 1.29 48,153,000 48,153,000 L.G.
Stockpiles 4,000,000 0.75 --- 0.75 3,000,000 3,000,000
Subtotal.
Inferred 55,681,000 1.49 0.002 1.52 82,829,000 84,806,000
Notes
1) Lode resources tabulated at a 0.5 opt Ag soluble cutoff grades, with only Ag total shown in this table.
2) Leach pads and low grade stockpile resources tabulated for entire accumulation of material.
3) Total silver grades factored from soluble silver grades using regression formulas developed by Snowden.
4) Silver equivalent grade includes the contribution from the gold grade (soluble) using an Ag:Au equivalency ratio of 57.8:1.
5) Tonnages are short tons of 2,000 pounds. Precious metals are in troy ounces (oz) or troy ounces per short ton (opt)
The historical mineral resource estimate used "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource", which are categories set out in NI 43-101. Accordingly, Silver One considers these historical estimates reliable as well as relevant as it represents key targets for exploration work by Silver One. The data base for the historical resource estimate
(1) on the Mount Diablo Deposit consisted of 538 drill holes by previous owners and 10 drill holes by Silver Standard Resources Inc. For drill holes that were twinned, the author used the lower of the two values assigned to the original holes. The mineral resource estimate used a kriging estimation method to establish mineralized zones with a cut-off grade of 0.5 opt Ag. Ordinary kriging was used to interpolate grades in the block model. The block models were set up with block dimensions of 25 feet by 25 feet in plan and 10 feet in height. The maximum search range used in the higher-grade zone was 235 feet, in the lower grade zone it was 1,000 feet and in the background zone it was 350 feet. Block models more than 300 feet from the nearest composite only constituted 3 percent of the total number of estimated blocks and were assigned to an inferred category,
(2) on the Northern Belle Deposit consisted of 226 drill holes by previous owners, of which a portion of these holes were duplicated for the Mount Diablo Deposit database. The mineral resource estimate used a kriging estimation method to establish mineralized zones with a cut-off grade of 0.5 opt Ag. The mineral resource estimate used multiple indicator kriging to interpolate grades in the block model. Block models were set up with block dimensions of 50 feet by 50 feet in plan and 20 feet in height. The maximum search range used in the higher-grade zone was 85 feet, in the intermediate-grade zone was 120 feet and the lower-grade zone was 140 feet and in the lower undifferentiated material below the current pit topography was 260 feet. Block models more than 300 feet from the nearest composite only constituted 3 percent of the total number of estimated blocks and were assigned to an inferred category;
(3) on the Leach Pads consisted of 24,633,000 tons located on Leach Pad 1 and 12,695,000 on Leach Pad 2. The estimate for Leach Pad 1 is based on the fact that silver production indicates 51.5% of total silver was recovered by heap leaching operation, while 81.2% of the soluble silver contact was recovered. Further, the estimate for Leach Pad 2 is based on the fact that silver production indicates 42.4% of total silver was recovered by heap leaching operation, while 71.3% of the soluble silver content was recovered;
(4) on the Low-Grade Stockpile is based on limited and incomplete data and documentation. Material placed on the on the stock piles ranged from 0.5 to 0.65 opt Ag,
Qualified Person
The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Greg Crowe, P.Geo, President and CEO of Silver One, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
About Silver One
Silver One is a silver focused exploration company that holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the past producing Candelaria Silver Project, located in Nevada, from SSR Mining Inc. (formerly, Silver Standard Resources Inc.) and holds a 100% interest in three significant silver assets located in Mexico: Penasco Quemado in the State of Sonora, La Frazada in the State of Nayarit, and Pluton in the State of Durango. The Mexican mining assets were acquired from First Mining Financing, which became a key shareholder resulting from the transaction.
For more information, please contact:
Silver One Resources Inc.
Monica Hamm
VP, Investor Relations
Phone: (604) 974-5274
Email: mhamm@silverone.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Silver One cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Silver One's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Silver One's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration and development objectives on the Candelaria Project, obtaining the necessary permits to carry out its activities and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Silver One undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.
GUILDFORD, SURREY -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Angle PLC (AIM: AGL) (OTCQX: ANPCY)
For immediate release 28 November 2017
AIM:AGL OTCQX:ANPCY
ANGLE plc ("the Company")
PARSORTIX SYSTEM ENABLES MOLECULAR DETECTION AND CHARACTERISATION OF CIRCULATING TUMOUR CELLS WHERE OTHER APPROACHES FAIL
Results demonstrate that harvested CTCs can be analysed without further purification steps
Study published in eighth peer reviewed paper detailing Parsortix use
ANGLE plc (AIM: AGL) (OTCQX: ANPCY), a world-leading liquid biopsy company, today announces that its Parsortix system is the subject of a further peer-reviewed publication in the journal Oncotarget, detailing work undertaken by Prof. Robert Zeillinger's Molecular Oncology Group at the Medical University of Vienna (Vienna). Prof. Zeillinger is a key opinion leader in the field of liquid biopsies use in oncology.
Prof Zeillinger's group developed and tested protocols to allow the molecular characterisation of the circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and residual blood cells harvested by the Parsortix system without the need to separate out the CTCs. This was only possible because the Parsortix system provides high purity cells with very efficient removal of white blood cells. With alternative approaches for CTC enrichment such as density gradient centrifugation, this has not been possible, as high levels of contaminating white blood cells remain with the CTCs captured.
Vienna had identified specific genes which were expressed preferentially on CTCs earlier and, evaluating a panel of such genes, were able to get positive results in 95% of primary (i.e. localised disease that has not spread) gynaecological cancer patient samples, 100% of recurrent gynaecological cancer patient samples and 92% metastatic breast cancer patient samples.
This workflow established by Prof. Zeillinger's group provides the opportunity not only for use in detection of cancer but also the molecular characterisation of CTCs for the purpose of assessing which drugs may be most effective for a patient during their disease progression.
The publication is available at https://angleplc.com/library/publications/
Professor Robert Zeillinger, Head of the Molecular Oncology Group at the Medical University of Vienna, commented:
"In the study we have demonstrated that ANGLE's Parsortix system addresses key limitations of other approaches for CTC liquid biopsy through the combination of its sensitivity in isolating circulating cancer cells in blood and the high purity of the harvested cells enabling their direct molecular analysis."
ANGLE Founder and Chief Executive, Andrew Newland, commented:
"This published study further demonstrates that the Parsortix system outperforms other approaches for harvesting circulating tumour cells from the blood of cancer patients in the fast emerging liquid biopsy market. The capability to harvest cancer cells with high purity to allow direct molecular analysis of the cells strongly differentiates our system, which should facilitate adoption in clinical practice."
For further information ANGLE: ANGLE plc +44 (0) 1483 343434 Andrew Newland, Chief Executive Ian Griffiths, Finance Director finnCap Ltd (NOMAD and Joint Broker) +44 (0)20 7220 0500 Corporate Finance - Adrian Hargrave, Simon Hicks, Kate Bannatyne Corporate Broking - Alice Lane, Nikita Jain WG Partners (Joint Broker) +44 (0) 203 705 9330 Nigel Barnes, Nigel Birks, Andrew Craig, Chris Lee FTI Consulting Simon Conway, Mo Noonan, Stephanie Cuthbert +44 (0) 203 727 1000 Kimberly Ha (US) +1 212 850 5612
For Frequently Used Terms, please see the Company's website on http://www.angleplc.com/the-parsortix-system/glossary/
Notes for editors
About ANGLE plc www.angleplc.com
ANGLE is a world leading liquid biopsy company with sample to answer solutions. ANGLE's proven patent protected platforms include an epitope-independent circulating tumor cell (CTC) harvesting technology and a downstream analysis system for cost effective, highly multiplexed analysis of nucleic acids and proteins.
ANGLE's cell separation technology is called the Parsortix system and it enables a liquid biopsy (simple blood test) to be used to provide the cells of interest. Parsortix is the subject of granted patents in Europe, the United States, Canada, India, China, Japan and Australia and three extensive families of patents are being progressed worldwide. The system is based on a microfluidic device that captures live cells based on a combination of their size and compressibility. Parsortix has a CE Mark for Europe and FDA authorisation is in process for the United States.
ANGLE's analysis technology for proteins and nucleic acids of all types is based on a patented flow through array technology. It provides for highly multiplexed, rapid and sensitive capture of targets from a wide variety of sample types. A proprietary chemistry allows for the capture and amplification of over 100 biomarkers simultaneously in a single reaction. These technologies can be combined to provide fully automated, sample to answer results in both centralized laboratory and point of use cartridge formats. It is ideal for measuring gene expression and other markers directly from Parsortix harvests.
ANGLE has established formal collaborations with world-class cancer centres. These Key Opinion Leaders are working to identify applications with medical utility (clear benefit to patients), and to secure clinical data that demonstrates that utility in patient studies. Details are available here http://www.angleplc.com/the-company/collaborators/
The analysis of the cells that can be harvested from patient blood with ANGLE's Parsortix system has the potential to help deliver personalised cancer care offering profound improvements in clinical and health economic outcomes in the treatment and diagnosis of various forms of cancer.
The global increase in cancer to a 1 in 3 lifetime incidence is set to drive a multi-billion dollar clinical market. The Parsortix system is designed to be compatible with existing major medtech analytical platforms and to act as a companion diagnostic for major pharma in helping to identify patients that will benefit from a particular drug and then monitoring the drug's effectiveness.
As well as cancer, the Parsortix technology has the potential for deployment with several other important cell types in the future. ANGLE biomarker analysis platforms are adaptable to measure protein and nucleic acid biomarkers across the full spectrum of disease applications.
ANGLE stock trades on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AGL and in New York on the OTC-QX under the ticker symbol ANPCY. For further information please visit: www.angleplc.com
Contact:
RNS
Customer Services
0044-207797-4400
rns@londonstockexchange.com
http://www.rns.com
The 2021-22 Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District (CFAUSD) and schools report cards were released publicly by Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) on Tuesday.
Out of nine schools, one school received the designation of Significantly Exceeding Expectations, three schools received Exceeds Expectations, and four schools received Meets Expectations.
SEOUL, KOREA, Nov 28, 2017 - (ACN Newswire) - Suprema ID., a leading global provider of biometrics and ID solutions, today announced that the company will reveal its ground-breaking fingerprint authentication scanner featuring ultra-slim sensor and wireless technology at Trustech 2017 on November 28.The new FAP20-compliant BioMini Slim 2S fingerprint scanner provides a number of industry-leading features under its sleek design. Featuring range-leading powerful 1.0GHz CPU, BioMini Slim 2S provides high-speed extraction and matching of fingerprints on the scanner. To improve user convenience, BioMini Slim 2S now supports true plug-n-play by featuring HID (human interface device) protocol. HID protocol enables users to scan fingers immediately after physical connection of USB plug without any set-up or installation steps. BioMini Slim 2S also provides enhanced versatility with pre-loaded web-server hence enables users to operate web-based applications from their mobile devices or PCs regardless of their OS type.Continued from its predecessors, BioMini Slim 2S also provides rugged IP65-rated dust and waterproof structure and equipped with latest 500dpi slim optical sensor featuring Suprema's advanced LFD (Live Fingerprint Detection) technology to prevent spoofing frauds. Moreover BioMini Slim 2S maintains the highest standards by complying FBI PIV/FIPS201 and mobile ID FAP20 certifications and even enables users to capture fingerprints under harsh environmental conditions as well as direct sunlight up to 100,000 LUX."In developing BioMini Slim 2S, we have seen an unprecedentedly huge demand on a smart and compact type of a stand-alone fingerprint scanner connected to a variety of applications based on Plug-and-Play communication," said Bogun Park, president of ID Solutions Business at Suprema.Suprema will make an exclusive showcase of BioMini Slim 2S scanner with a Smart Motion Activated Candy Dispenser at Trustech 2017 for visitor's pleasant experience. To experience more on BioMini Slim 2S, please book a demo at below link or visit Suprema stand (Riviera 01 H014) at Trustech 2017. For online registration, please visit https://goo.gl/E2BtJ7About Suprema Inc.Suprema is a leading global provider of biometrics and ID solutions. By combining world renowned biometric algorithms with superior engineering, Suprema continually designs and develops industry-leading products and solutions. Suprema's extensive range of portfolio includes biometric access control systems, time & attendance solutions, fingerprint live scanners, mobile authentication solutions and embedded fingerprint modules. Suprema has worldwide sales network in over 130 countries and is one of the world's Top 50 security company in its turnover (ranked in A&S's Security 50, 2010-2015). For more information, please visit www.supremainc.com.Source: Suprema Inc.Contact:Copyright 2017 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
MELBOURNE (dpa-AFX) - Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP Billiton plc (BHP.AX, BLT.L, BBL, BHP) Tuesday announced its plans to lower unit costs in BHP Minerals Australia unit by a further 10 percent over the medium-term. The company also projects Australian mining operations to deliver $1.6 billion of additional productivity gains over the next two years.
The company also projects a sharp recovery in steel prices and raw materials prices before February next year.
Speaking to investors and analysts, BHP Minerals Australia President, Mike Henry, outlined plans to grow value and improve returns on capital across the Company's Australian operations.
Henry stated that BHP's large, long-life, low-cost Australian assets underpin current margins and future optionality.
The company said it could substantially reduce unit costs at Australian mining operations over the last five years by sharing knowledge and replicating best practice across global portfolio.
'But we have further to go,' he said.
In the investor call, Vice President of Marketing Vicky Binns stated that while steel production in China will fall in the short term due to the mandated winter cuts, this would result in short term demand for iron ore and met coal.
Further, China's belt and road initiative is expected to drive an extra 150 million tonnes of steel demand, driven by $1.3 trillion of infrastructure development.
Talking about the Brownfield Expansion option or BFX at Olympic Dam, Henry said it is a project with the potential to deliver sustainable returns to shareholders, government and the local community.
Olympic Dam Asset President Jacqui McGill, added that the BFX option could provide a capital efficient path to increased capacity through accelerated development into the Southern Mine Area.
In the Southern Mine Area, the copper grade is expected increase to 3 percent by financial year 2023, which would coincide with a structural deficit in the copper market.
If approved, the BFX option is expected to lift production capacity to 330 ktpa. McGill also outlined longer-term development options that had the potential to significantly increase the volume of copper produced, including the use of heap leach technology.
Combined, these plans create significant value and support improved returns both at Olympic Dam and across BHP's minerals operations in Australia, the company noted.
In Australia, BHP shares dropped 2 percent to settle at A$27.38.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
VIENNA, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
In a new series of online articles launched by the Eurozine network of cultural journals, 13 cultural journalists and academics from across Europe, plus U.S. writers, examine in-depth the phenomena of fake news, post-truth and disinformation.
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/611359/Eurozine.jpg )
Eurozine's focal point 'Disinformation and Democracy' combines empirical studies at national levels with theoretical discussion of the politics of post-truth; analyses of contemporary developments with intellectual and conceptual histories; and investigations of the political fringes, asking: what now constitutes democratic 'normality'?
It's impossible to ignore Russia's role in these phenomena. Markus Wehner gives an overview of the strategy and techniques of Russian 'infowar'; Anton Shekhovtsov traces how far-right groups across Europe and the U.S. use Russian web-hosting to spread anti-western propaganda; and Daniel Leisegang assesses the effectiveness of Germany's new law on online hate speech and fake news, given the virtual migration to the Runet. Shifting the focus to eastern Europe, Milena Iakimova and Dimitar Vatsov explore how, in Bulgaria, Russian propaganda has co-opted western grassroots criticism of liberalism and globalization since 2013. They note:
'[W]e were... amazed when we started hearing the talking points identified by our study now coming from the mouth of the new U.S. President, Donald Trump.'
From dialectical materialism to neoliberalism, any politics that lays claims to the truth is both illusory and dangerous, argues Jean-Claude Monod. Political scientist Joseph Uscinski explores the relationship between conspiracy theorizing and partisanship in the U.S., pointing out:
'[I]f one wants to challenge mainstream wisdom, conspiracy theories are an excellent rhetorical device for doing so.'
Providing historical perspective, Marci Shore compares western intellectuals' response to the disappointment of 'real-existing communism' with that of the dissidents who lived under it: can a radical concept of truth counter the threat of 'post-modern dictatorships'? And Valentin Groebner traces a thread of fakery in 'news' right back to the Middle Ages.
All the focal point texts are available in English in Eurozine: http://www.eurozine.com/focal-points/disinformation-and-democracy/
This editorial collaboration within the Eurozine network continued via a series of panel discussions at the 28th European Meeting of Cultural Journals in Tartu, Estonia in October 2017.
The discussions can be viewed on YouTube: http://bit.ly/2ADE5tg
SYDNEY, Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Australian consumer lending fintech, MoneyMe, has finalised an AU$120 million asset-backed wholesale securitization facility led by $100 million from global investment manager, Fortress Investment Group, and joined with $20 million of bonds issued by corporate advisory, Evans & Partners.
The funding places the fintech in an ideal position to continue capturing an even greater share of the digitally-savvy millennial consumer market over the next 3 to 5 years through an expanded product range, and additional delivery channels.
"A capital investment of this magnitude is recognition of the strength and depth of our value proposition, and an indication of the strong potential for Australian fintechs to capture serious wholesale market funding," said Clayton Howes, CEO and Co-Founder of MoneyMe.
"A securitization warehouse structure and our institutional-grade treasury function akin to the major banks-- combined with advanced automation and personalization capabilities, data-driven product integrity, cutting-edge technology for scalability, and a relatable brand personality-- is a sure-fire way for Australian fintechs to attract the interest of global investors.
"This type of validation by a global investment management company, Fortress Investment Group, affirms a funding path that will now allow us to capitalise on growth and market share opportunities where bank branch models are not a natural fit in this digital age.
"As we further increase our independence and position as a mainstay in the improved distribution of consumer finance, we see this validation as a win for Australian fintech as a whole," continued Clayton Howes.
Evans & Partners, the corporate advisory firm that led the bond issuance, has raised over $1.5 billion since 2008. The bond issued in this transaction is a publicly-tradable security, which investors are attracted to for the stability, yield, and track record of performance in this emerging sector.
The substantial capital injection will be used to fund continued loan book growth and facilitate both the expansion of MoneyMe's distribution channels, and the launch of a series of niche loan products targeting the lucrative millennial market.
"As the millennial generation ages and gains even greater consumer power with their increasing incomes, their credit needs will also change and mature with them," continued Clayton Howes.
"Our aim is to be there throughout their credit lifecycle journey, seamlessly delivering real-time finance solutions in the locations and format that allow focus to remain on the consumption experience and not the transaction itself," concluded Clayton Howes.
For more information on MoneyMe: www.moneyme.com.au
For more information on Fortress Investment Group LLC (NYSE: FIG): www.fortress.com
For more information on Evans & Partners: www.evansandpartners.com.au
About MoneyMe
MoneyMe (www.moneyme.com.au) is a fintech business developing cutting edge technology to revolutionise lending to the millennial market in Australia. Its CEO and co-founder, Clayton Howes, has over 15 years' experience delivering investment strategies, restructuring operations, and launching start-ups across corporate, merger, and new business structures. Clayton is an enthusiastic ambassador for brand and people leadership, and is passionate about leveraging innovation and designing technology that democratizes financial solutions for consumers.
Clayton Howes is available for interview-- contact Hannah Moreno (+61-452-523-117) to arrange.
Media Contact:
Hannah Moreno
+61-452-523-117
hannah@thirdhemisphere.com.au
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View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fintech-moneyme-secures-120-million-capital-facility-led-by-fortress-investment-group-300561719.html
LONDON, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
This Insight is the fourth in a series of five that look at China's capacity reduction programme and its key implications. In this Insight, we examine the impact of improved Chinese capacity utilisation on EAF production elsewhere in the world, particularly South East Asia, and on scrap market dynamics and prices. We find that, given a stronger steel price environment and lower availability of both finished and semi-finished steel in China, EAF-based production elsewhere is higher. Furthermore, higher billet prices and stronger scrap demand are supportive of higher scrap prices. Margins for EAF-based producers will decline from current levels, but not to the lows of a few years back.
(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/536199/CRU_Logo.jpg )
Better times to remain for EAF producers in Asia
CRU forecasts ongoing increases in Chinese crude steel capacity utilisation as spare capacity is cut further. Our domestic steel price forecasts have been upgraded, and with them, expectations of industry profitability. Likewise, our outlook for Chinese steel export volumes, both finished and semi-finished, have been reduced.
Lower availability and higher prices of billet are expected to lift EAF-based steel output elsewhere as steel producers that had, in recent years, reduced primary steel output in favour of importing lower cost billet, will be more able to produce. Scrap and billet prices represent an arbitrage opportunity for EAF-based steelmakers, something that has played out strongly since 2014. Higher finished steel and billet prices will lift scrap demand and prices as EAF-based output increase. Because scrap prices are expected to rise in line with steel prices, and domestic premiums are unlikely to rise, margins for EAF-based production are not expected to lift substantially because of higher scrap use. That said, the spread between finished steel and billet prices is expected to remain in place, which will support margins, but at a slightly lower level than in this past year. Note: for simplicity was have excluded any potential impact from a shortage graphite electrodes and higher conversion costs in this analysis; please contact us for a recent article on this topic if of interest.
Read the full story: http://bit.ly/China-Steel-production-EAF-producers
Read more about CRU: http://bit.ly/About_CRU
About CRU
CRU offers unrivalled business intelligence on the global metals, mining and fertilizer industries through market analysis, price assessments, consultancy and events.
Since our foundation in 1969, we have consistently invested in primary research and robust methodologies, and developed expert teams in key locations worldwide, including in hard-to-reach markets such as China. CRU employs over 250 experts and has more than 10 offices around the world, in Europe, the Americas, China, Asia and Australia - our office in Beijing opened in 2004.
When facing critical business decisions, you can rely on this first-hand knowledge to give you a complete view on a commodity market. And you can engage with our experts directly, for the full picture and a personalised response.
CRU - big enough to deliver a high quality service, small enough to care about all of our customers.
OXFORD, England, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
NASA to evaluate the use of Isansys' physiological monitoring tools to learn how to monitor explorers as they travel into space
A NASA exploration scientist set off on his mission to Antarctica being monitored by the Patient Status Engine, a physiological data collection platform which provides monitoring of individuals wirelessly and in real-time.
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/610929/Isansys_Lifecare.jpg )
Dr Erik Antonsen, the Exploration Medical Capability Element Scientist, is performing a range of experiments including the evaluation of the Isansys monitoring system in extreme and remote environments.
The Patient Status Engine is automatically capturing Dr Antonsen's physiological data through a suite of wireless wearable sensors which make up part of the Patient Status Engine. Two teams also equipped with the Patient Status Engine are monitoring his progress to view his healthcare status at all times.
Dr Peter Lee, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at The Ohio State University, who helped initiate this demonstration, said: "Convenient, accurate, and versatile wireless medical monitoring is the future of physiological monitoring, whether it's in the hospital, home, or extreme environments.
"Testing the Patient Status Engine and its sensors by NASA is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to its potential applications and capabilities."
Throughout Dr Antonsen's voyage, the data, including his heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and temperature, is being collected and analysed by the Patient Status Engine. This data is then being relayed back to Dr Lee's team in America, via satellite phone, where they are assessing its accuracy, validity, and acquisition. Communication links and integration with prototype medical data systems are also being assessed.
The data collected will help NASA learn the best ways to monitor the physiology of future explorers, which is critical for its work to send humans beyond Low Earth Orbit, to the Moon, and eventually to Mars.
Joe Swantack, CEO of STARK Industries which is working with Isansys to install the Patient Status Engine in extreme environments, said: "We're completely immersing the Patient Status Engine in the world's most extreme cold-weather environment, -40 to -50F; conditions that closely approximate a 'surface' EVA on a manned-mission to the red planet."
Liz Swantack, Co-Director of Development and Nurse Consultant said: "We'll be wirelessly monitoring Dr Antonsen in the same way we're monitoring patients in hospital and healthcare communities. The physiological responses created beneath the cold-weather gear, monitored in real-time, will generate high-definition digitized data sets for further analysis."
Follow Dr Antonsen's mission via his blog: https://erikantarctica.wordpress.com/
Isansys Lifecare
Georgina Horton
PR & Marketing Executive
T: 01235 436225
M: 07852181898
Email: georgina.horton@isansys.com
New strategic alliances with KPMG and PSA Consulting will extend Deltek's delivery capabilities in Norway Oslo, Norway, 2017-11-28 10:00 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Deltek, the leading global provider of enterprise software and solutions for project-based businesses, recently announced new partnerships with KPMG and PSA Consulting to extend its consulting and implementation services in the Norwegian market. Established as leading practices within the professional services sector, both KPMG and PSA Consulting will complement and extend Deltek's own consulting expertise in the delivery of it's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Talent Management solutions, which are purpose-built for project-centric organizations. The partnerships will enhance the level of service and expertise that Deltek clients experience during and after systems implementation. KPMG and PSA Consulting will provide complementary advisory services in areas such as digital transformation leadership, change management, integration and business consulting to assist with the implementation and operation of Deltek Maconomy ERP and Deltek Talent Management. This will provide a new level of service and scalability giving Deltek clients a quicker path to return on investment. "Our team has vast experience with Deltek Maconomy and working with leading project-based businesses across the Nordics," said Martin Flatset, Managing Director, PSA Consulting. "We therefore look forward to continuing our close work with Deltek's clients to help them get even more value out from their ERP solutions." "Deltek is a very successful global vendor in the highly competitive ERP space, specializing exclusively in solutions for project-centric organizations. This focus means Deltek, like KPMG, truly understand clients and offer proven solutions and expertise that deliver value. KPMG looks forward to working together with more Deltek clients to support its digital transformation projects and future growth," said Rune Skjelvan, Head of Advisory, KPMG. "Enhancing the level of service and expertise delivered to our growing customer base has always been a priority for Deltek, to ensure maximum return on their investment in ERP and Talent Management, and that the solutions are ready to meet the demands of their business now and in the future. Therefore, I am very pleased to announce these strategic alliances with KPMG and PSA Consulting. These partnerships will guarantee our clients receive the utmost level of consulting services as they face a rapidly transforming industry, changing demands from their own clients, margin pressures, and an increasingly digital agenda," said Stefan Grahn, VP Nordics, Deltek. About KPMG KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG operate in 152 countries and have more than 189,000 people working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. KPMG Norway have 1,000 highly skilled and engaged employees in 24 offices across Norway. More info: www.kmpg.no About PSA Consulting PSA Consulting, based in Oslo, Norway, delivers expert level advisory, consulting and solutions to leading project and competence based companies in the Nordics. More info: www.psaconsulting.com/ About Deltek Deltek is the leading global provider of enterprise software and information solutions for government contractors, professional services firms and other project-based businesses. For decades, we have delivered actionable insight that empowers our customers to unlock their business potential. 22,000 organizations and millions of users in over 80 countries around the world rely on Deltek to research and identify opportunities, win new business, recruit and develop talent, optimize resources, streamline operations and deliver more profitable projects. Deltek - Know more. Do more. www.deltek.com Attachments: A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eff08860-98b3-4024-9d87-9dc9b af22169 Lauran Cacciatori Deltek 773-610-0806 LauranCacciatori@Deltek.com
LONDON, Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent interview with the Local Manager of the Prudent Investment Fund's Brazilian operation, Giovanni Cataldi, we had a chance to discuss some of the key elements leading up to Prudent Group's (Prudent) success.
Prudent focuses on short-term corporate lending in Brazil. Through financing a broad range of businesses, mainly in non-cyclical segments of the economy, the firm aim to create long-term mutually beneficial relationships with its borrowers and, furthermore, strive to protect the investments with credit insurance when possible.
Giovanni describes what services the firm offers specifically within the hedge fund space, and how he and the team tailor its services and solutions around the needs of each individual client.
"Regarding some of the services that we provide, Prudent offers international investors the possibility of significant investment returns in our Brazilian short-term corporate credit business, we run regulated funds in both Luxembourg and Brazil to achieve this end. However, Prudent is not a hedge fund in the traditional sense as we solely invest in self-generated short-term corporate receivables through an operational business active in the Brazilian credit market."
"...the goal for Prudent is to identify and effectuate highly scalable, repeatable, and defensible transactions while utilizing downside risk mitigation strategies, such as insurance, overcollateralization, and extensive client monitoring."
After talking about some of the services that Prudent provides, this leads us on to the resulting success of the company itself. Giovanni explains how it feels to have been selected as the Most Outstanding Hedge Fund Manager - 2017, and how it can benefit the company in the long term.
"Here at Prudent, the Prudent Family humbly accepts this award as a token of recognition of all the hard work put into creating a ground-breaking vehicle for international investors to invest in the highly lucrative Brazilian Capital Markets. Personally, I hope that the award will be recognized by the AI community and attract potential investors considering committing some Prudent investment capital."
Part of this continuing success is that Prudent has been able to differentiate itself from similar firms within the industry, guaranteeing its clients and borrowers that they are the best option in which to commit to some capital. Giovanni alludes to the long-term relationships that the firm has built with man of its borrowers, and this is a sure sign of its success.
"Prudent's borrowers are very pleased with our offerings, execution, and appreciate the long-term approach we take in building our relationships. Many of the borrowers have formed business alliances with our staff members dating back some 10-20 years, which makes Prudent "their first call". Additionally, as Prudent has grown, we have been lucky enough to acquire talented and seasoned veterans with a deep understanding of the market dynamics and the competition. Through leveraging the talent that has been brought aboard, Prudent will continue to improve our offerings with a goal of becoming a staple in the Brazilian short-term lending market."
Working within such a fast-paced industry, Giovanni and his team must ensure that Prudent remains on the cutting edge of any new developments, and he explains how the company are always in the best position to match and answer clients' needs.
"In order to stay ahead of other asset managers and exogenous economic and political variables, Prudent is constantly evaluating our current positions, investment processes, and assessing new strategies that fit our investor's needs. For example, in less than six months Prudent has managed to enter the extremely profitable Brazilian credit card receivables business and created our own echo-system of card terminals, processing, and receivables discounting in which we are creating a possibility for the merchants to get rid of their banks. The business is run through a separately regulated FIDC, in which the Luxembourg SICAV SIF, the Prudent Investment Fund, is the sole investor. This is a good example of how Prudent strives to innovate and create diversified value for investors through multiple strategies.
Throughout the company, the team believes that by expanding its geographic footprint in Brazil, both Prudent and its borrowers can benefit from a local presence and close culture. Currently, the firm has local Sales Teams in three main locations, two in Sao Paulo and one in Porto Alegre, as well as representatives in multiple other locations.
Within the local institutional market, Prudent offers services and solutions that are able to cater to a variety of different needs, and an assortment of clients. Giovanni is keen to highlight the experience of the firm's customer service team, showcasing the team's ability to service the market in a professional manner.
"At Prudent, we have found that there is nothing more important than to receive the approval from the large local institutional investors for our efforts. Our local Sales Teams targeting Brazilian institutional investors is set up in coordination with CM Capital Markets, led by Fernando Barroso. Through this extremely well established and experienced client service team, we have the ability to service the local institutional market in the outmost professional manner."
As with any industry, there always challenges specific to the market which every company has to overcome in order to be successful. Giovanni explains the specific challenges and outside influences which have affected Prudent and the investment fund industry within Luxembourg and Brazil.
"Fundamentally, the bureaucratic red tape is increasingly stifling and costly. Furthermore, investor's flight to the largest money managers is creating a highly concentrated competitive landscape. At Prudent, we are hoping that investment excellence soon again will be determining allocations, rather than the sheer size of the manager's AUM."
Overall, the company has a mission which every member of staff is working towards, and in his concluding comments, Giovanni comments on Prudent's mission, and what steps the team have set in place in order to achieve this.
"Moving forward, the goal for Prudent is to identify and effectuate highly scalable, repeatable, and defensible transactions while utilizing downside risk mitigation strategies, such as insurance, overcollateralization, and extensive client monitoring.
"Needless to say, our colleagues and partners are the key to our success. Lending is a tricky business, and we have had the good fortune of being able to utilize the Brazilian economic slump to lure over highly seasoned professionals when building out the Prudent team. Most of our Senior Associates have more than 30 years of industry experience and bring a wealth of knowledge, endless contact networks, and a good eye for sensible business transactions for us to pursue. Additionally, Prudent strive to build close and strong co-operations with many of its service providers such as CM Capital Markets, which has proven valuable in our efforts to streamline our administrative processes and ensure maximal efficiency."
Contact:
AltaGroup
55 51 9 9274 6580
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/609931/AltaGroup_and_Prudent_Group.jpg
GENEVA, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
iOnctura SA, a recently founded late stage preclinical immuno-oncology company, announced today the formation of an international Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).
iOnctura is developing a pipeline of selected assets with novel biology that target and modulate mechanisms that drive immunosuppression in the tumour microenvironment (TME) to boost efficacy and maximize the therapeutic potential of checkpoint inhibitors. Such immune-suppression is thought to be one of the main reasons why a considerable number of patients do not respond to first generation checkpoint inhibitors. The company's lead program, a potentially first in class highly selective PI3K delta inhibitor, is scheduled to enter clinical development in 2018.
The Scientific Advisory Board will closely work with iOnctura's management team to maximise the potential of iOnctura's pipeline and rapidly progress its assets through pre-clinical and clinical proof of concept, guided by strong scientific rationale and translational science.
The SAB includes some of the world's leading experts in tumor immunology and checkpoint inhibitor therapy:
Dr Sergio A. Quezada , Head of Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Research Group at University College London
, Head of Immune Regulation and Tumour Immunotherapy Research Group at University College London Dr James Larkin , Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden, Vice Chair of the Cancer Research UK Clinical Research Committee and Lead of the Uncommon Cancers Theme at The Royal Marsden/The Institute of Cancer Research NIHR Biomedical Research Centre
, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden, Vice Chair of the Cancer Research UK Clinical Research Committee and Lead of the Uncommon Cancers Theme at The Royal Marsden/The Institute of Cancer Research NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Professor Stuart Farrow , Director of Biology, Cancer Research UK's Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories.
, Director of Biology, Cancer Research UK's Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories. Dr Joern-Peter Halle , Head of External Innovation & Translational Innovation Platform Immuno-Oncology at the biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
iOnctura, has already built a pipeline of promising programs through its alliances with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany - which operates its biopharma business as EMD Serono in the US and Canada - and Cancer Research UK, and has entered into a research collaboration with Cancer Research UK's Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories.
On welcoming the members to the SAB, Catherine Pickering, CEO and co-founder of iOnctura, said: "We are delighted to have attracted this prestigious group of experts to our Scientific Advisory Board. Comprised of world renowned scientists and clinicians, their knowledge and experience in the field of cancer immunology will be invaluable as we rapidly progress our pipeline through pre-clinical development and clinical proof of concept, and will support our goal to maximize the therapeutic potential of checkpoint inhibitors for patients."
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD
Dr Sergio A.Quezada
Dr Quezada earned anundergraduate degree in biochemistry from the P. Universidad Catolica de Chile and a Ph.D. from Dartmouth Medical School in the US, where his research focused on themechanisms for the induction of transplantation tolerance.Working with Prof Randy Noelle at Dartmouth,Dr. Quezada developed a model to study anti-CD154 graft tolerance and madeseveral fundamental contributions to the understanding of the immune regulationand mechanisms of transplantation rejection and tolerance.
In 2004, Dr Quezada joined thelaboratory of Dr James Allison at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center,where he has carried out postdoctoral research aimed at understanding themechanisms governing anti-tumor T-cell immunity and how these mechanisms can bemanipulated for the generation of potent anti-tumor immune responses.In November 2011, Dr Quezada joined theUniversity College London Cancer Institute in the United Kingdom as Head of theImmune Regulation and Tumor Immunotherapy group. His research group at UCL focuses in the study of the mechanism of action of anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1 and other immune-modulatory antibodies targeting co-inhibitory and co-stimulatory pathways (including ICOS, 4-1BB, OX-40) and used as novel anticancer therapies. In the last years, through a number of clinical collaborations, his team gained significant expertise in the characterisation and interrogation of immune reactivity and function within the microenvironment of different human cancers including melanoma, lung and kidney cancers.
Dr Quezada was a Cancer Research Institute Fellow from 2005 to 2008 and has been the recipient of Dartmouth's John W. Strohbern Medal for excellence in biomedical research, the Cancer Research Institute (USA) New Investigator Award and a Cancer Research UK Career Development Fellowship. Most recently he was awarded with a Cancer Research UK Senior Cancer Research Fellowship.
DrJames Larkin
Dr James Larkin is a Consultant Medical Oncologist specialising in the treatment of melanoma and cancers of the kidney. Dr Larkin took a first in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and undertook clinical training at Oxford University, qualifying in 1996. He underwent general medical training in London and in 2001 won a Medical Research Council Fellowship for a Clinician, carrying out laboratory research at The Institute of Cancer Research which led to the award of a PhD. He completed specialist training at The Royal Marsden and was appointed a Consultant in 2008.
His research interests involve trying to understand cancer and its consequences better as well as developing improved treatments, particularly with targeted therapies and immunotherapies. He is Chair of the Cancer Research UK Clinical Research Monitoring Panel, a medical advisor to the patient advocacy group Melanoma UK, a trustee of the Kidney Cancer Support Network and the only non-US member of the Board of Directors of the Kidney Cancer Association. He is a past NIHR National Specialty Lead for Early Phase Oncology Trials as well past Chair of both the NCRI Renal Cancer Clinical Studies Group and The Royal Marsden/ICR Committee for Clinical Research. He is currently Vice Chair of the Cancer Research UK Clinical Research Committee and Lead of the Uncommon Cancers Theme at the Royal Marsden/ICR Biomedical Research Centre for Cancer.
Professor Stuart Farrow
Professor Stuart Farrow joined Cancer Research UK's Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories (then Cancer Research Technology Discovery Laboratories) as Director of Biology in April 2015, where he leads the discovery team responsible for oncology target validation and disease positioning. He has a particular focus on discovery of new therapeutic opportunities in immuno-oncology. Before joining Cancer Research UK's Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories he spent more than 20 years in drug discovery and leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Most recently he was based at the University of Manchester, where he directed the establishment of the Manchester centre for collaborative research in inflammation and immunology (MCCIR), a 15M initiative funded by GSK, AstraZeneca and the University of Manchester. He has also served as a translational biology expert on the UK MRC Infection and Immunity Board. Stuart has worked in several therapeutic areas, leading discovery programmes from early discovery through to commercial launch, and has also directed major translational research initiatives. He has an extensive publication record with particular emphasis on immunology and inflammation.
DrJoern-Peter Halle
Dr Joern-Peter Halle is leading the External Innovation and Translational Innovation Platform Immuno-Oncology functionat the biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Most recently, he was Head of the President's Office and of Strategy and Business operations at the biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Prior to this, he was responsible for the program leaders of the oncology portfolio, part of the cross-functional oncology leadership team, and Head of Early Stage Licensing of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. He started his career in Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany 12 years ago as a member of the corporate development team and was member of the Serono acquisition and integration team. Prior to joining Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, he co-founded a biotech company focusing on R&D in dermatology where he served as a Chief Business Officer. Peter holds a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Konstanz and began his career as a postdoc in biochemistry at the Gene Center Munich.
About iOnctura
iOnctura is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on novel therapeutics to modulate key culprits of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. iOnctura aims to improve current immune checkpoint therapies by developing novel drugs with potential first or best-in-class safety and efficacy profiles that when combined with checkpoint inhibition have the potential to optimize clinical outcomes. Through its partnerships with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and Cancer Research UK, iOnctura has established a pipeline of pre-clinical molecules to advance towards the clinic in combination with first generation checkpoint inhibitors. iOnctura, supported by a world renowned scientific advisory board and, with its access to Cancer Research UK's Therapeutic Discovery Laboratories and network of academic collaborators, is well-positioned to rapidly establish novel combination therapies in the field of cancer immunology. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, iOnctura was founded by Merck Ventures, the strategic venture investment arm of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in June 2017. Hakan Goker, Senior Investment Director at Merck Ventures, and Keno Gutierrez represent Merck Ventures on iOnctura's board of directors.
For more information contact:
Optimum Strategic Communications
Mary Clark, Supriya Mathur, Hollie Vile
Email: ionctura@optimumcomms.com
Tel: +44(0)203-714-1787
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French shares rose on Tuesday as German political concerns eased and investors looked for signs of progress from the Senate debate on U.S. tax reform. The benchmark CAC 40 was up 18 points or 0.34 percent at 5,378 in late opening deals after losing 0.6 percent on Monday. Lender Societe Generale rose about 1 percent after announcing plans to cut 900 jobs as part of a restructuring exercise. Pharmaceutical company Carmat climbed 3 percent. The company announced the first implantation of its bioprosthetic artificial heart in the Czech Republic as part of its clinical trials in humans. Casino advanced 1.7 percent after it signed an agreement with Ocado Group to develop the Ocado Smart Platform ecommerce grocery service in France. In economic releases, French consumer confidence improved more-than-expected in November, after weakening in the previous four months, survey data from statistical office Insee showed. The consumer sentiment index climbed to 102 from 100 in October. Economists had expected the index to increase to 101. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
BEIRUT, Lebanon, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Aspiring Social Media influencers can now be a part of the biggest digital influencer competition and series in the region. With applications opening on December 1st, 'Sadeem' will take candidates on an exciting journey of discovery, creativity, and digital growth that inspires them to achieve their dreams and positively influence the world.
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/611388/Sadeem_Social_Media.jpg )
Through a competitive yet entertaining experience that is the first of its kind, Sadeem is incubating future content creators in the Arab world and giving them the chance to connect with digital experts who will help them become the next generation of Arab influencers - ones that entertain, while presenting their virtual communities with inspiring and meaningful content.
Meanwhile, Sadeem's audience will get to watch their favorite contestants go from zero to hero, through an exciting online reality series (broadcasted on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and Instagram) that will culminate in the crowning of the Arab world's digital super star.
All-star panel of judges
To make that dream come true, the region's biggest established influencers have come together to host, mentor and judge Sadeem's participants as they compete in a series of challenges where they will learn to improve their digital content creation skills, unleash their creative expression, and develop affinity to digital growth and branded content strategies.
During its special launch in Beirut in the presence of a number of distinguished local and regional media representatives and social influencers, Sadeem revealed the competition's panel of judges that includes Kuwait's Youtube sensation Shuaib Rashed, Egypt's rising motivational speaker Kareem Esmail, Algeria's popular online satirist Youcef Zarouta, and Kuwait's influential fashion blogger Ascia Al Faraj. The two superstar influencers hosting the show's are Jordanian actress and Youtube celebrity Tima Shomali, and Lebanon's king of velfies Issam Merheb.
Five phases to achieve
Sadeem will run throughfive phases.
During the 1st phase, thousands of applicants from every corner in the Arab world will submit their own engaging self-introductory video via http://sadeem.com .
The 2nd phase will have judges filtering submissions down to a hundred auditions. Following a second video submission, Sadeem's judges will choose the top 20 applicants based on their charisma and digital potential.
The 20 will then fly into phase 3, the Final Qualifiers, where they will go through a thorough range of team-building activities, leading up to the selection of the 9 finalists who will be a part of the 4th and main phase of the competition.
The 4th phase, titled "The Hub", will be the most intense phase thus far. 9 finalists will fly to Doha where the contestants will attend a series of professional workshops conducted by Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube!
In the 5th and final stage of the series, 3 top finalists will fly home to film their "epic challenge video". The finale will be held on May 12th 2018 to announce Sadeem's winner.
Exciting prizes
Sadeem's finalists will take home two million riyals worth of prizes, with the first winner walking away with the Grand Prize of 1 Million Riyals in cash and a trip to San Francisco to visit the headquarters of the major digital companies in the world. The top 9 influencers will win a contract with Sadeem and will have the opportunity to take their new found knowledge and fame to the next level.
CALGARY, AB--(Marketwired - November 28, 2017) - Texas is once again the most attractive jurisdiction in the world for oil and gas investment, reclaiming the top spot from Oklahoma in an annual global survey of petroleum-sector executives released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan, Canadian public policy think-tank.
After Texas, Oklahoma ranked 2 nd worldwide.
"Texas and Oklahoma have, for years, been seen as the most attractive jurisdictions in the world for oil and gas investors -- proof that sound regulatory policies and stable environmental protections help attract scarce investment dollars even when commodity prices are down," said Kenneth Green, the Fraser Institute's senior director of natural resource studies and co-author of the 2017 Global Petroleum Survey.
The 2017 survey ranks 97 jurisdictions worldwide based on their barriers to investment (e.g. taxation, costly regulatory obligations and uncertainty over environmental regulations) and on the size of oil and gas reserves.
This year, U.S. states comprise six of the top 10 jurisdictions around the world: Texas (1 st ), Oklahoma (2 nd ), North Dakota (3 rd ), West Virginia (5 th ), Kansas (6 th ) and Wyoming (9 th ).
The 10 least attractive jurisdictions for oil and gas investment are Yemen, France, Cambodia, California, Indonesia, Ecuador, Iraq, Libya, Bolivia and, lastly, Venezuela.
Among the 15 jurisdictions with the largest petroleum reserves worldwide, Texas is number one, followed by United Arab Emirates, Alberta (Canada), Kuwait and Egypt.
Among regions, Europe finished second to the United States, followed by Canada and Australia. Globally, every region except Africa, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean experienced declines in investment attractiveness, according to the survey.
"With oil and gas investors losing confidence around the world, it's crucial for policymakers to pursue sound regulatory and tax regimes -- and perhaps most importantly stable environmental protections -- that attract, not deter, petroleum investments," Green said.
The Global Petroleum Survey is administered each year to petroleum industry executives to help measure and rank barriers to investment of oil- and gas-producing regions. A total of 333 individuals completed the survey this year, providing sufficient data to evaluate 97 jurisdictions.
Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook
The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institute's independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kenneth P. Green
Senior Director, Natural Resource Studies
Fraser Institute
To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:
Bryn Weese
Media Relations Specialist, Fraser Institute
Tel: (604) 688-0221 Ext. 589
E-mail: bryn.weese@fraserinstitute.org
LONDON, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Hyperconverged Micro Data Centres deliver a fast and resilient solution for edge and cloud computing requirements
Popular vote recognises the value of dedicated, resilient and secure infrastructure for on-premise applications as more services are migrated to cloud
Alliance Partnerships are key to delivering resilient, Hyperconverged Micro Data Centre Solutions
Schneider Electric , the global specialist in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has won the 'Hyperconverged Innovation of the Year' Category at the Storage, Virtualization and Cloud (SVC) Awards 2017. The award, decided by popular vote, demonstrates the company's commitment to innovating technologies that support the adoption of both Edge and Cloud Computing, as well as meeting the challenges of Big Data and the IoT.
"We are thrilled to have been recognized with this accolade for Schneider Electric innovation in the cloud and hyperconvergence space," said Yakov Danilevski, Strategic Marketing, Schneider Electric IT Division, UK. "As the IT landscape evolves and more services are outsourced, Schneider Electric Micro Data Centres provide essential infrastructure to ensure the availability of business critical applications that are kept on-premise."
Schneider Electric's Micro Data Centre solutions enable the on-premise element of hybrid IT and edge data centre architectures to be deployed securely and scalably in any environment. They can be customised to fit specific space constraints, and also built to withstand the specific environmental considerations of individual end-user applications.
They are available in a variety of standardised formats, all pre-tested and pre-configured at factory level, before being delivered to customers as a ready-to-deploy solution, containing integrated power, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), power distribution, management software (DCIM), cooling, rack security, environmental monitoring and fire suppression.
Throughout 2017 Schneider Electric announced a number of key Alliance Partnerships with industry-leading vendors, which have become instrumental to their micro data centre and hyperconvergence capabilities . Customers within this space will often determine which products comprise the stack and need to be reassured that the technology will work immediately as promised, without interruption to service or downtime.
Micro Data Centres form a key part of Schneider Electric's recently announced EcoStruxure' architecture; an open, interoperable, IoT-enabled system architecture delivering enhanced value around safety, reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity for customers.
EcoStruxure leverages technologies in IoT, mobility, sensing, cloud, analytics, and cybersecurity to deliver Innovation at Every Level including Connected Products, Edge Control, and Apps, Analytics & Services. EcoStruxure has been deployed in 450,000+ installations, with the support of 9,000 system integrators, connecting over 1 billion devices.
For more information on Schneider Electric's Hyperconverged Micro Data Centre solutions, please contact your local Schneider Electric representative or click here to visit the website .
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TSX: JAG
TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Jaguar Mining Inc. ("Jaguar" or the "Company") (TSX: JAG) today announced initial results from the first 18 underground drill holes (5,454m) from the Company's Growth Exploration Program at Turmalina Gold Mine ("Turmalina") in Minas Gerais, Brazil, targeting the down-plunge continuity of the principal mineralized Orebodies A and C (see press release September 20, 2017). Results reported are for the first 14 holes (4,368m) on Orebody A, as well as 4 holes (1,068m) on Orebody C, and represent approximately 50% completion of an overall exploration program of 11,355m. Three diamond drill rigs are currently focused on completing the remaining 50% of this program. Further results will be released over the coming months with an upgraded mineral resource expected to be published during 2018.
Highlights and Key Intercepts
Drilling results include multiple intercepts with wide and high-grade mineralization and confirm significant depth extensions to principal Orebodies A and C that remain open for expansion.
Orebody A key intercepts: 17.72g/t Au over 13.7m (ETW 10.2m) including 40.81g/t over 5.2m (ETW 3.87m) , 4.46g/t Au over 19.05m (ETW 11m) including 16.37g/t Au over 2.2m (ETW 1.27m) and 6.39g/t Au over 5.65m (ETW 5m) (see Table 1 and Appendix 1).
, and (see Table 1 and Appendix 1). Orebody C key intercepts: 29.15g/t Au over 1.75m (ETW 1.65m) , 3.51g/t Au over 4.10m (ETW 3.95m) and 4.57g/t Au over 3.85m (ETW 3.46m) , which is the deepest intercept on this orebody to-date close to level 9, or 300 m below current operational infrastructure on level 3. (see Table 2 and Appendix 2).
, and , which is the deepest intercept on this orebody to-date close to level 9, or 300 m below current operational infrastructure on level 3. (see Table 2 and Appendix 2). Orebody A drill results demonstrate continuity of high-grade gold mineralization to below level 15 approximately 300m below the current deepest operations on level 11.
Deepest intercept reported to date is on level 16 with 3.80g/t Au over 11.05m (ETW 4.30m) including 5.25g/t Au over 3.55m (ETW 1.38m) .
including . The downward extension of Orebody C is ideally positioned approximately 250 meters away from the principal ramp infrastructure of Orebody A (see Figures 2 and 3).
Definitions: ETW - estimated true width g/t Au - grams per tonne gold m - metres
Rodney Lamond, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Mining commented "We are very pleased to announce these positive results and the successful start of our growth exploration drilling program at Turmalina. Drilling from the first 18 holes focused on targeting down-plunge extensions to the high-grade Orebody A at depth, while also targeting extensions of Orebody C at shallower depths. These results confirm significant wide, high-grade gold mineralization within the primary orebodies at Turmalina. The multiple high-grade intercepts validate the geological model and confirm significant upside potential to grow the resource base at Turmalina. To date in 2017, we have successfully completed more than 20,000 meters of a targeted diamond drilling exploration and growth program across of our core assets. Our priority was to focus on upgrading and converting our resources and on growth drilling to increase and add new resources. We look forward to reporting updated mineral resources and mineral reserves in early 2018 that will reflect the excellent results we have achieved throughout this year."
Growth Exploration Program Key Highlights
Drilling completed to date has successfully intersected both Orebody A and Orebody C between Levels 11 to 15 and levels 5 to 9 respectively.
Results from initial step out holes on Orebody A include several wide, high-grade gold intercepts representing the thickened central portion of Orebody A, as well as quality intercepts from contiguous narrower parts of the Orebody A structure. In addition, the first four holes targeting depth extensions to Orebody C have demonstrated orebody continuity to level 9, approximately 300m below the current operational infrastructure on level 3. These positive results validate the projected mineralization plunge and grade envelopes well beyond current mine production infrastructure on both principal orebodies.
Importantly, these intercepts were achieved from both targets in their respective predicted down-plunge projected positions up to 300m below current operational infrastructure and resource limits, and at grades and thicknesses consistent with historical production and resource grades. Grade, tonnage and ounces-per-vertical-metre are expected to be maintained at historical levels (see Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4).
Intercept widths and grades vary, as expected, according to the location of the pierce points along the targeted structures that host Orebody A. The wider, higher-grade zones reflect a drill intersection cutting an area where the separate host shear structures that define this orebody merge. This consistent, wide, high-grade zone extends some 40m along strike, can attain widths in excess of 12m and has a plunge of 50 degrees to the northeast. This wider zone (payshoot) is reflected above 30 GT (grade x thickness) on the GT plot (see Figure 1).
Narrower intersections with more variable grades occur where pierce points are intersecting either one or two of the host shears, which may be separated by low grade mineralization or waste where these segments of the overall mineralized structure are manifested as distinct separate structures (see Figures 1 and 2).
Growth exploration drilling is initially targeting the down-plunge depth extensions to higher grades associated with the narrower southeast and thicker central portions of Orebody C identified for the first time earlier in 2017 (see press release February 8, 2017 ). Production development and infill drilling completed this year centred on levels 3 and 4 confirmed and enhanced the drilled widths and grades on these levels.
). Production development and infill drilling completed this year centred on levels 3 and 4 confirmed and enhanced the drilled widths and grades on these levels. To guide the growth exploration drilling, intersections from infill and production-grade control drilling conducted by Jaguar during 2017 were used to prepare grade thickness models in conjunction with initial structural work to project this orebody to depth down plunge 300m vertically below level 3. The intercepts used to prepare the grade thickness plots on Figure4 are tabulated in Appendix 3.
Jon Hill, Senior Expert Advisor (Geology and Exploration) to the Jaguar Mining Management Committee commented: "Today's excellent results demonstrate material extensions to both principal Orebodies A and C, clearly underpin the long-term future of Turmalina, and support the value of sustained investment in exploration. The results from Orebody C are particularly encouraging as only four holes have been completed to date, and these have sampled a relatively small portion of the known potential strike length of the mineralized horizon as observed closer to surface. We continue to explore this horizon going forward."
Drill Results and Intercepts -Turmalina
Drill results reported below and in Appendices 1 and 2 provide the potential to add substantial new mineral resources at Turmalina and include the following key intercepts:
Orebody A
FTS1434 intercepted 4.71g/t Au over 9.80m (ETW 8.5m)
FTS1435 intercepted 6.39g/t Au over 5.65m (ETW 5.0m)
FTS1436 intercepted 5.27g/t Au over 6.75m (ETW 6.11m)
FTS1440 intercepted 17.72g/t Au over 13.70m (ETW 10.2m)
(Including 40.81g/t Au over 5.2m (ETW 3.87m)
FTS1444 intercepted 4.46g/t Au over 19.05m (ETW 11.2m)
(Including 16.37g/t over 2.2m (ETW 1.27m)
Orebody C
FTS1470 intercepted 1.38g/t Au over 3.85m (ETW 3.85m)
FTS1471 intercepted 3.51g/t Au over 4.10m (ETW 3.95m)
FTS1472 intercepted 29.15g/t Au over 1.75m (ETW 1.65m)
FTS1473 intercepted 4.57g/t Au over 3.85m (ETW 3.46m)
(Including 7.75g/t over 2.1m (ETW 1.89m)
Please see Tables 1 and 2, Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, and Appendices 1 and 2 for more details.
Drilling is being undertaken from a hanging wall development drive specifically prepared and completed for this program on Level 10-1. Drilling targeting Orebody A is designed to intersect this orebody between Levels 12 to 16, up to 300m vertically below the current development (see Figures 1 and 2).
At shallower levels, drilling is targeting projected down-plunge extensions to Orebody C, which, once confirmed, will allow access for mining from existing infrastructure between Levels 4 and 10(see Figures 3 and 4).
Regular updates on progress with results will be released over the coming months prior to reporting updated Mineral Resources in 2018.
Qualified Person
Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, BSc (Hons) (Economic Geology - UCT), Senior Expert Advisor Geology and Exploration to the Jaguar Mining Management Committee, who is also an employee of Jaguar Mining Inc., and is a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").
Quality Control
Jaguar continues to use a quality-control program that includes insertion of blanks and commercial standards in order to ensure best practice in sampling and analysis.
HQ, NQ, and BQ size drill core is sawn in half with a diamond saw. Samples are selected for analysis in standard intervals according to geological characteristics such as lithology and hydrothermal alteration. All diamond drill hole collars are accurately surveyed using a Total Station instrument and down-hole deviations are surveyed using non-magnetic equipment (SPT Stockholm Precision Tools with GyroMaster' Solid State North Seeker).
Mean grades are calculated using a variable lower grade cut-off (generally 0.5 g/t Au). No upper gold grade cut has been applied to the data. However, the requirement for assay top cutting will be assessed during future resource work.
Half of the sawed sample is forwarded to the analytical laboratory for analysis while the remaining half of the core is stored in a secure location. The drill core samples are transported in securely sealed bags and sent for physical preparation to the independent ALS Brasil (subsidiary of ALS Global) laboratory located in Vespasiano, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The analysis is conducted at ALS Global's respective facilities (fire assay are conducted by ALS Global in Lima, Peru, and multi-elementary analysis are conducted by ALS Global in Vancouver, Canada). ALS has accreditation in a global management system that meets all requirements of international standards ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and ISO 9001:2015. All major ALS geochemistry analytical laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for specific analytical procedures.
For a complete description of Jaguar's sample preparation, analytical methods and QA/QC procedures, please refer to the "Technical Report on the Roca Grande and Pilar Operations, Minas Gerais State, Brazil", a copy of which is available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.
The Iron Quadrangle
The Iron Quadrangle has been an area of mineral exploration dating back to the 16th century. The discovery in 1699-1701 of gold contaminated with iron and platinum-group metals in the southeastern corner of the Iron Quadrangle gave rise to the name of the town Ouro Preto (Black Gold). The Iron Quadrangle contains world-class multi-million-ounce gold deposits such as Morro Velho, Cuiaba, and Sao Bento. Jaguar holds the second largest gold land position in the Iron Quadrangle with just over 25,000 hectares.
About Jaguar Mining Inc.
Jaguar Mining Inc. is a Canadian-listed junior gold mining, development, and exploration company operating in Brazil with three gold mining complexes, and a large land package with significant upside exploration potential from mineral claims covering an area of approximately 64,000 hectares. The Company's principal operating assets are located in the Iron Quadrangle, a prolific greenstone belt in the state of Minas Gerais and include the Turmalina Gold Mine Complex and Caete Gold Mine Complex. The Company also owns the Paciencia Gold Mine Complex, which has been on care and maintenance since 2012. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.jaguarmining.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. All of the forward-looking information set forth in this news release is qualified by the cautionary statements below and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators in Canada. Forward-looking information contained in forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "are expected", "is forecast", "is targeted," "approximately," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "continue," "estimate," "believe," or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might," or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, may be considered to be or include forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and the dates of technical reports, as applicable. This news release contains forward-looking information regarding potential and, among other things, expected future mineral resources, potential mineral production opportunities, geological and mineral exploration statistics, ore grades, current and expected future assay results, and definition/delineation/exploration drilling at the Pilar Gold Mine and the Turmalina Gold Mine in Brazil, as well as forward-looking information regarding costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of projects and new deposits, success of exploration, development and mining activities, capital requirements, project studies, mine life extensions, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Company has made numerous assumptions with respect to forward-looking information contained herein, including, among other things, assumptions about the estimated timeline and for the development of the drill program at the Pilar Gold Mine (and its expanded exploration footprint) and the Turmalina Gold Mine; its mineral properties; the supply and demand for, and the level and volatility of the price of, gold; the accuracy of reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions on which the reserve and resource estimates are based; the receipt of necessary permits; market competition; ongoing relations with employees and impacted communities; and political and legal developments in any jurisdiction in which the Company operates being consistent with its current expectations including, without limitation, the impact of any potential power rationing, tailings facility regulation, exploration and mine operating licenses and permits being obtained and renewed and/or there being adverse amendments to mining or other laws in Brazil and any changes to general business and economic conditions. Forward-looking information involves a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including among others: the risk of Jaguar not meeting its plans regarding its operations and financial performance; uncertainties with respect to the price of gold, labor disruptions, mechanical failures, increase in costs, environmental compliance and change in environmental legislation and regulation, weather delays and increased costs or production delays due to natural disasters, power disruptions, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies to the operations; uncertainties inherent to capital markets in general (including the sometimes volatile valuation of securities and an uncertain ability to raise new capital) and other risks inherent to the gold exploration, development and production industry, which, if incorrect, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described herein. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of gold exploration, development, mining and production, including without limitation environmental hazards, tailings dam failures, industrial accidents and workplace safety problems, unusual or unexpected geological formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding, chemical spills, and gold bullion thefts and losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks). Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
Table 1
Tabulation of selected drilling results with Grade x Thickness (GT) values greater than 10 from Orebody A Growth Exploration Program. Full results reported to date are tabulated in Appendices 1 and 2.
Please note assay results reported were analyzed at ALS.
Turmalina Gold Mine
Drill Results - Orebody A Hole ID From
(m) To
(m) DownHole
Interval (m) Estimated True
Width (m) Gold Grade (g/t) GT
(Grade x
Thickness) FTS1430 295.15 299.25 4.10 2.11 5.82 12.29 FTS1434 235.9 245.7 9.80 8.50 4.71 40.02 Including 243.6 245.7 2.10 1.82 9.25 16.85 FTS1435 234.75 240.4 5.65 5.00 6.39 31.94 Including 234.75 237.25 2.50 2.21 12.98 28.72 FTS1436 245.05 251.8 6.75 6.11 5.27 32.23 Including 249.55 250.75 1.20 1.09 15.55 16.89 FTS1437 279.95 281.95 2.00 1.40 14.82 20.75 299.05 302.7 3.65 2.58 79.27 204.19 Including 301.4 302.7 1.10 0.78 254.00 197.18 FTS1437 350.1 352.2 2.10 1.48 11.96 17.72 FTS1440 156.85 170.55 13.70 10.20 17.72 180.76 Including 156.85 162.05 5.20 3.87 40.81 158.00 Including 156.85 159.2 2.35 1.75 49.56 86.72 Including 160.25 162.05 1.80 1.35 51.14 69.05 FTS1444 256.2 275.25 19.05 11.00 4.46 49.06 Including 257.35 259.55 2.20 1.27 16.37 20.79 Including 270.8 271.9 1.10 0.64 16.95 10.77 FTS1445 434.9 445.95 11.05 4.30 3.80 16.34
Table 2
Tabulation of drilling results received to date from the Orebody C Growth Exploration Program.
Please note assay results reported were analyzed at ALS.
Turmalina Gold Mine
Drill Results - Orebody C Hole ID From
(m) To
(m) DownHole
Interval (m) Estimated True
Width (m) Gold Grade
(g/t) GT
(Grade x
Thickness) FTS1470 212.9 216.75 3.85 3.85 1.38 5.33 223.4 224.55 1.15 1.15 2.58 2.97 FTS1471 41.6 45.7 4.10 3.95 3.51 13.86 Including 43.5 44.65 1.15 1.11 6.33 7.01 FTS1471 211.8 214.85 3.05 2.90 2.30 6.66 244.75 248.1 3.35 3.11 2.47 7.69 Including 245.8 246.95 1.15 1.07 4.07 4.35 FTS1472 29.15 30.95 1.80 1.61 2.18 3.51 170.95 173.05 2.10 1.90 4.39 8.34 FTS1472 198.05 199.8 1.75 1.65 29.15 48.10 Including 198.05 198.90 0.85 0.80 39.90 31.98 FTS1473 237 240.85 3.85 3.46 4.57 15.82 Including 237.8 239.9 2.10 1.89 7.75 14.66
Figure 1
Figure 1 shows the location of growth exploration diamond drill holes reported to date relative to the current mine infrastructure and the projected down-plunge position of Orebody A. The ongoing program is targeting mineralization between Levels 11 to 16 on Orebody A up to 300m vertically below current development. Grade thickness (GT) contours based on drilling results received to date and representative horizontal sections showing the positions of reported drill intersections relative to the projected orebody wireframe positions are also presented (see Figure 2).
Figure 2
Figure 2 shows representative horizontal sections on levels 10, 12 and 15, highlighting the positions of reported drill intersections relative to the projected Orebody A wireframe positions.
Figure 3
Figure 3 shows the location of growth exploration diamond drill holes reported relative to the current mine infrastructure and the projected down-plunge position of Orebody C. The program targeted mineralization between Levels 5 to9 on Orebody Cup to 300m vertically below current development. Grade thickness (GT) contours are based on drilling results received to date as well as historical drilling from operational areas on levels 3 and 4. Horizontal sections showing the positions of reported drill intersections relative to the projected orebody wireframe positions are presented in Figure 4 and Appendices 3 and 4.
Figure 4
Figure 4 shows representative horizontal sections on levels 4, 5 and 9, highlighting the positions of reported drill intersections relative to the projected Orebody C wireframe positions. For further details on level 4, see Appendix 4.
Appendix 1
Orebody A Consolidated Drill Results - Please note assay results reported were analyzed at ALS.
Turmalina Gold Mine
Drill Results Hole ID From
(m) To
(m) Down Hole
Interval (m) Estimated True
Width (m) Gold Grade
(g/t) GT
(Grade x
Thickness) FTS1430 195 198.25 3.25 1.62 2.91 4.71 224.4 225.85 1.45 0.72 13.13 9.45 259.8 261.7 1.90 0.95 2.03 1.92 295.15 299.25 4.10 2.11 5.82 12.29 FTS1431 184.05 185 0.95 0.60 3.92 2.35 FTS1432 166.85 170.65 3.80 2.95 2.61 7.70 FTS1433 202.5 204.6 2.10 1.95 1.48 2.89 FTS1434 235.9 245.7 9.80 8.50 4.71 40.02 Including 243.6 245.7 2.10 1.82 9.25 16.85 FTS1435 234.75 240.4 5.65 5.00 6.39 31.94 Including 234.75 237.25 2.50 2.21 12.98 28.72 FTS1435 244.1 246.55 2.45 2.10 2.46 5.17 FTS1436 237.1 239.35 2.25 1.20 4.24 5.09 245.05 251.8 6.75 6.11 5.27 32.23 Including 249.55 250.75 1.20 1.09 15.55 16.89 FTS1437 279.95 281.95 2.00 1.40 14.82 20.75 286.6 290.1 3.50 2.47 1.48 3.66 299.05 302.7 3.65 2.58 79.27 204.19 Including 301.4 302.7 1.10 0.78 254.00 197.18 FTS1437 313.15 316.7 3.55 2.51 2.23 5.58 350.1 352.2 2.10 1.48 11.96 17.72 FTS1440 156.85 170.55 13.70 10.20 17.72 180.76 Including 156.85 162.05 5.20 3.87 40.81 158.00 Including 156.85 159.2 2.35 1.75 49.56 86.72 Including 160.25 162.05 1.80 1.35 51.14 69.05 FTS1441 275.75 278.4 Intercept Granite (DDH length 275m) around elevation -300m (bottom level 13) in SE region FTS1442 185.00 203.8 Intercept Granite (DDH length 185m) around elevation -200m (middle of level 12) in SE region FTS1443 386.85 387.85 1.00 1.00 1.45 1.45 FTS1444 256.2 275.25 19.05 11.00 4.46 49.06 Including 257.35 259.55 2.20 1.27 16.37 20.79 Including 270.8 271.9 1.10 0.64 16.95 10.77 FTS1445 434.9 445.95 11.05 4.30 3.80 16.34 Including 436.8 440.35 3.55 1.38 5.25 7.25 Including 442.7 445.95 3.25 1.26 5.22 6.60
Appendix 2
Orebody C Consolidated Drill Results - Please note assay results reported were analyzed at ALS.
Turmalina Gold Mine
Drill Results Hole ID From
(m) To
(m) Down Hole
Interval (m) Estimated True
Width (m) Gold Grade
(g/t) GT
(Grade x
Thickness) FTS1470 212.9 216.75 3.85 3.85 1.38 5.33 223.4 224.55 1.15 1.15 2.58 2.97 FTS1471 41.6 45.7 4.10 3.95 3.51 13.86 Including 43.5 44.65 1.15 1.11 6.33 7.01 FTS1471 211.8 214.85 3.05 2.90 2.30 6.66 244.75 248.1 3.35 3.11 2.47 7.69 Including 245.8 246.95 1.15 1.07 4.07 4.35 FTS1472 29.15 30.95 1.80 1.61 2.18 3.51 170.95 173.05 2.10 1.90 4.39 8.34 FTS1472 198.05 199.8 1.75 1.65 29.15 48.10 Including 198.05 198.90 0.85 0.80 39.90 31.98 FTS1473 237 240.85 3.85 3.46 4.57 15.82 Including 237.8 239.9 2.10 1.89 7.75 14.66
Appendix 3
Tabulation of drill hole location data for the initial 18 holes from the Turmalina Growth Exploration Program
Hole ID Easting
(m) Northing
(m) Elevation
(m) Total
Depth
(m) Collar
Azimuth () Collar
Dip () Date Orebody FTS1430 513603.52 7817443.21 -70.06 311.70 93.62 -63.16 3/8/2017 Orebody A FTS1431 513600.15 7817443.12 -70.06 240.15 265.00 -73.39 14/08/2017 Orebody A FTS1432 513602.85 7817442.29 -70.14 208.15 131.55 -80.57 24/08/2017 Orebody A FTS1433 513601.42 7817444.75 -70.07 251.95 322.90 -87.17 11/9/2017 Orebody A FTS1434 513603.26 7817443.82 -70.04 305.60 70.56 -73.40 27/09/2017 Orebody A FTS1435 513603.28 7817443.46 -69.96 290.00 85.35 -72.52 25/09/2017 Orebody A FTS1436 513603.49 7817443.50 -70.14 329.85 83.31 -67.39 17/10/2017 Orebody A FTS1437 513603.59 7817443.65 -70.13 413.90 79.94 -62.27 31/10/2017 Orebody A FTS1440 513627.40 7817435.93 -69.56 250.00 115.79 -71.91 16/08/2017 Orebody A FTS1441 513627.66 7817436.54 -69.39 278.40 92.61 -58.42 30/08/2017 Orebody A FTS1442 513628.14 7817436.44 -69.50 203.80 95.71 -46.01 14/09/2017 Orebody A FTS1443 513627.41 7817437.39 -69.58 433.00 60.18 -62.75 4/10/2017 Orebody A FTS1444 513627.28 7817437.44 -69.56 347.60 60.81 -72.94 10/10/2017 Orebody A FTS1445 513627.24 7817437.92 -69.61 503.85 46.10 -63.98 31/10/2017 Orebody A FTS1470 513130.88 7817114.31 342.24 254.55 218.50 14.20 6/9/2017 Orebody C FTS1471 513130.78 7817114.86 341.99 278.45 244.03 8.27 19/09/2017 Orebody C FTS1472 513130.66 7817114.80 341.01 242.35 244.03 -13.47 29/09/2017 Orebody C FTS1473 513305.42 7817190.51 65.30 311.25 250.03 14.52 19/10/2017 Orebody C
Appendix 4
Turmalina Historical Drill Hole Data used to prepare grade thickness (GT) plots for Orebody C presented in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4
Please note assay results reported in the tabulation below were analyzed at Jaguar's Caete Laboratory.
Turmalina Gold Mine
Orebody C interceptions by Jaguar's Laboratory Results 2017 Hole ID From
(m) To
(m) Down Hole
Interval (m) Estimated True
Width (m) Gold Grade
(g/t) GT
(Grade x
Thickness) FTS1326 134.52 151.08 16.56 15.80 2.89 45.66 Including 147.26 151.08 3.82 3.60 9.27 33.37 FTS1337 145.03 153.69 8.66 8.66 0.88 7.60 FTS1338 133.13 143.4 10.27 10.10 3.93 39.70 Including 133.13 135.96 2.83 2.70 7.04 19.01 FTS1339 153.3 164.76 11.46 9.60 2.14 20.55 FTS1340 136.65 157.5 20.85 18.20 1.61 29.30 FTS1341 140.79 147.2 6.41 5.90 2.96 17.47 FTS1343 148.9 154.56 5.66 4.10 0.87 3.56 FTS1355 132.1 147.37 15.27 14.90 3.65 54.35 Including 140.32 146.45 6.13 6.00 6.39 38.34 FTS1356 124.75 140.13 15.38 14.10 2.26 31.85 FTS1357 125.98 135.63 9.65 9.50 3.17 30.15 FTS1358 121.59 135.38 13.79 13.70 2.92 39.96 FTS1369 140.08 155.27 15.19 14.50 3.40 49.30 FTS1370 131.87 141.4 9.53 9.10 6.78 61.69 FTS1371 147.57 157.28 9.71 7.30 1.52 11.06 FTS1372 156.26 168.59 12.33 5.60 3.41 19.11
Appendix 5
Grade thickness (GT) plots for Orebody C presented in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4
Please note assay results reported were analyzed at Jaguar's Internal Caete Laboratory.
For further information: Rodney Lamond, President & Chief Executive Officer, Jaguar Mining Inc., rodney.lamond@jaguarmining.com, 416-847-1854; Hashim Ahmed, Chief Financial Officer, Jaguar Mining Inc., hashim.ahmed@jaguarmining.com, 416-847-1854
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- News Release - TransCanada Corporation (TSX: TRP) (NYSE: TRP) (TransCanada) will host its annual Investor Day in Toronto today where it will provide a financial update and review strategic plans for its natural gas pipelines, liquids pipelines and energy businesses.
"Today, our $86 billion high-quality portfolio of energy infrastructure assets is performing very well," said Russ Girling, TransCanada's president and chief executive officer. "Looking forward, we are advancing $24 billion in commercially secured near-term growth projects that will expand and extend our asset footprint across North America."
As those projects enter service, TransCanada expects comparable earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) to grow at an average annual rate of approximately 10 per cent between 2015 and 2020. Significantly, over 95 per cent of the Company's EBITDA is expected to come from regulated businesses or long-term contracted assets.
At the same time, the company continues to advance a series of additional opportunities that are expected to result in further growth in EBITDA beyond 2020. The portfolio is comprised of more than $20 billion in projects in development including Keystone XL, the Bruce Power life extension program and Coastal GasLink as well as numerous other organic growth projects that are expected to emanate from TransCanada's natural gas pipelines, liquids pipelines and energy businesses in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
"Based on the confidence we have in our business plans, today we are reaffirming that we expect to grow our common share dividend at an average annual rate at the upper end of an eight to 10 per cent range through 2020," added Girling. "We are also extending our outlook to 2021 when we expect the common share dividend to grow by an additional eight to 10 per cent. Notably, our dividend outlook is supported by expected growth in earnings and cash flow with strong dividend coverage ratios, providing us the financial flexibility to prudently fund our significant capital program."
On November 9, 2017, TransCanada announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.625 per common share for the quarter ending December 31, 2017. The quarterly amount equates to $2.50 per common share on an annualized basis and represents a 10 per cent increase over the amount declared in 2016. TransCanada's Board of Directors has increased the common share dividend in each of the last seventeen years, from $0.80 per common share in 2000 to $2.50 per common share in 2017.
Today's investor event will be webcast beginning at 8 a.m. EST (6 a.m. MST). Interested parties may participate in the webcast available on TransCanada's website in the Investors section at https://www.transcanada.com/en/investors/events/. A copy of the presentation and the webcast, which will be archived and accessible for replay, will be available on the website.
With more than 65 years' experience, TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure including natural gas and liquids pipelines, power generation and gas storage facilities. TransCanada operates one of the largest natural gas transmission networks that extends more than 91,500 kilometres (56,900 miles), tapping into virtually all major gas supply basins in North America. TransCanada is the continent's leading provider of gas storage and related services with 653 billion cubic feet of storage capacity. A large independent power producer, TransCanada currently owns or has interests in approximately 6,200 megawatts of power generation in Canada and the United States. TransCanada is also the developer and operator of one of North America's leading liquids pipeline systems that extends approximately 4,800 kilometres (3,000 miles), connecting growing continental oil supplies to key markets and refineries. TransCanada's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. Visit TransCanada.com to learn more, or connect with us on social media and 3BL Media.
Forward Looking Information
This release contains certain information that is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties (such statements are usually accompanied by words such as "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "may", "will", "should", "estimate", "intend" or other similar words). Forward-looking statements in this document are intended to provide TransCanada security holders and potential investors with information regarding TransCanada and its subsidiaries, including management's assessment of TransCanada's and its subsidiaries' future plans and financial outlook. All forward-looking statements reflect TransCanada's beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made and as such are not guarantees of future performance. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this news release, and not to use future-oriented information or financial outlooks for anything other than their intended purpose. TransCanada undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information except as required by law. For additional information on the assumptions made, and the risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to the Quarterly Report to Shareholders dated November 8, 2017 and the 2016 Annual Report to shareholders filed under TransCanada's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.
Non-GAAP Measures
This news release refers to EBITDA, a financial measure which does not have a standardized meaning as prescribed by U.S. GAAP and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. EBITDA is calculated on a consistent basis from period to period and is adjusted for specific items in each period, as applicable. For more information on Non-GAAP measures, including a reconciliation to the most closely related GAAP measures, refer to TransCanada's Quarterly Report to Shareholders dated November 8, 2017.
Contacts:
Media Enquiries:
Mark Cooper / Grady Semmens
403.920.7859 or 800.608.7859
TransCanada Investor & Analyst Enquiries:
David Moneta / Stuart Kampel
403.920.7911 or 800.361.6522
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2017 / Tasca Resources Ltd. ("Tasca," "TAC," or the "Company") (OTC PINK: ECMXF) (TSX-V: TAC) (FRA: 3TA) is pleased to announce that, further to its November 17, 2017 news release, the Company has received TSX Venture Exchange approval for its Option Agreement to Purchase the Poplar Property. The Poplar Property is contiguous and to the south of Tasca's newly acquired Nadina claim blocks announced on November 6, 2017. The Poplar Property also contains the Poplar Copper deposit within its claim boundaries.
About Tasca Resources
Tasca Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: TAC) is a Canadian-based mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. Our objective is to build shareholder value through exploration and potential development or acquisition of existing projects with significant upside.
For additional information regarding the above-noted Property and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.tascaresources.com
Qualified Person
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry, P.Geo. an independent consulting geologist who is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101").
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
" Clive Massey "
Clive H. Massey
President & CEO
For further information, please contact:
Tasca Investor Relations
Phone: (604) 644-6794
Email: tascaresources@gmail.com
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Tasca Resources Ltd. believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates, and opinions of Tasca Resources Ltd. management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Tasca Resources Ltd. undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
SOURCE: Tasca Resources Ltd.
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - November 28, 2017) - Columbus Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: CGT) (OTCQX: CBGDF) announces further to its news release of November 7, 2017, the results of its Special General Meeting held November 27, 2017. In this regard a special resolution approving the Arrangement with Allegiant Gold Ltd. ("ALLEGIANT") and ordinary resolutions approving the accompanying private placement of subscription receipts of ALLEGIANT and the adoption of the ALLEGIANT stock option plan, all as detailed in Columbus' information circular dated October 27, 2017, as filed on SEDAR, were each passed with votes in favour representing in excess of 95% of the shares represented at the Special General Meeting.
ALLEGIANT owns 14 drill-ready projects in the United States, 11 of which are located in mining-friendly Nevada, and is led by Andy Wallace, who has discovered a number of multi-million-ounce gold mines in Nevada. ALLEGIANT has announced plans to drill 10 projects in 2018, including its flagship projects, Eastside and Bolo. At Eastside, the Original Zone hosts a pit-constrained Inferred resource of 721,000 gold equivalent ounces (35,780,000 tonnes grading 0.63g/t gold equivalent per tonne) 1 and remains open to depth, and to the south and west, and possibly to the north and east. A 14-hole reverse circulation drill program, totaling 2,806 metres, was recently completed at the Bolo gold project; assay results are pending.
Qualified person
Andy Wallace is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) with the American Institute of Professional Geologists and is the Qualified Person under NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, who has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release.
1: See the NI 43-101 technical report for the Eastside project filed on SEDAR on December 7, 2016.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,
Robert F. Giustra
President, CEO, and Director
This release contains forwarding looking information and statements as defined by law including, without limitation, Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("forward--looking statements"), respecting Columbus' plans to spin-out its subsidiary Allegiant Gold Ltd. which is intended to be listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and Allegiant's plans to conduct a drill program on its properties. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements including that the spin-out may not be completed as planned or at all due to failure to obtain regulatory approval to the spin-out, the inability to raise sufficient capital to adequately fund Allegiant or a decision of the board of Columbus not to proceed with the spin-out, which decision can be made at any time prior to closing. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including, without limitation, assumptions about general business and economic conditions, the timing and receipt of required approval and continued availability of capital and financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and Columbus undertakes no obligation to update any of the foregoing except as required by law.
For more information contact:
Investor Relations
604-634-0970
1-888-818-1364
info@columbusgold.com
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Canadian dollar slipped against its major counterparts in early European deals on Tuesday amid falling oil prices, as Keystone pipeline resumed operation and investors awaited OPEC meeting in Vienna to discuss the extension of cartel's oil production cuts.
Crude for January delivery fell $0.51 to $57.60 per barrel.
Oil shipments through Keystone pipeline began today, after an outage for nearly two weeks. The pipeline will resume operations at a reduced pressure 'to ensure a safe and gradual increase in the volume of crude oil moving through the system, the company said in a statement.
OPEC/non-OPEC members are scheduled to meet in Vienna on Thursday, at which they discuss whether to extend last year's landmark production deal beyond its expiry next March.
The American Petroleum Institute releases its crude inventory data later in the day, while the Energy Information Administration will publish its official data on Wednesday.
Investors also awaited developments on U.S. tax reform bills ahead of a crucial Senate vote and the confirmation hearing for incoming Federal Reserve Governor Jerome Powel.
The loonie held steady against its major rivals in the Asian session, with the exception of the yen.
The loonie retreated to a 3-month low of 86.91 versus the Japanese yen, from a high of 87.24 hit at 8:45 pm ET. The loonie is seen finding support around the 85.00 mark.
The loonie weakened to a 1-week low of 1.2794 against the greenback and a 5-1/2-month low of 1.5230 against the euro, off its early highs of 1.2754 and 1.5176, respectively. If the loonie falls further, it may target support around 1.29 against the greenback and 1.54 against the euro.
Reversing from an early high of 0.9700 against the aussie, the loonie dropped to a 2-week low of 0.9726. Continuation of the loonie's downtrend may see it challenging support around the 0.99 area.
Weekly survey compiled by the ANZ bank and Roy Morgan Research showed that Australia's consumer confidence eased during the weak ended November 28, after strengthening in the previous two weeks.
The consumer confidence index dropped to 115.0 from 116.4 in the preceding month.
Looking ahead, German GfK consumer sentiment for December is due shortly.
In the New York session, Canada industrial product and raw materials price indices for October, U.S. wholesale inventories for October, S&P Case/Shiller home price index and FHFA's house price index for September and consumer confidence index for November are set for release.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 --
-- Approx. C$12.4 million in combined revenue(1) -- Purchase includes a globally recognized and award-winning cannabis brand(2) -- Plus, a wholly-owned distributor with an extensive California dispensary network
CannaRoyalty Corp. (CSE: CRZ)(CSE: CRZ.UN)(CNSX: CRZ)(OTCQX: CNNRF) ("CannaRoyalty" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has executed a binding term sheet to acquire Kaya Management Inc. ("Kaya") which is the exclusive manufacturer and license holder of rights for Bhang brand vaporizer products in California. The Company has concurrently signed a binding term sheet to acquire Alta Supply Inc. ("Alta") (together, the "Acquisitions"), which is a distributor of Bhang vaporizer and Bhang chocolate products, as well as products for over a dozen other well-known third-party cannabis companies throughout California. Richard Sellers, majority owner of Kaya and Alta and an accomplished entrepreneur within the California cannabis market has agreed to join the CannaRoyalty executive team following closing of the Acquisitions.
"These Acquisitions are transformative for CannaRoyalty, and will provide the Company with foundational assets to execute on our California expansion strategy. Consolidated sales from Kaya and Alta over the past 12 months were approximately C$12.4 million(1) and once this transaction is completed it will increase the Company's existing revenue run rate significantly," said Marc Lustig, CEO of CannaRoyalty. "With the advent of a full recreational market in California in January 2018, we believe Kaya and Alta are well-positioned to drive further revenue growth. The Acquisitions will also give us the right to produce and market one of the most awarded brands in the global cannabis space as well as access to an extensive network of California dispensaries.(2) The acquisition of Bhang vaporizer products in California will further strengthen our market position in the vape/cartridge sector and provide a strong complement to our recently announced launch of GreenRock Botanicals. CannaRoyalty is one of the only avenues for public market investors to gain exposure to the largest cannabis market in the world(3). Our primary focus over the next 12 months will be to continue to build, support and grow our product and brand portfolio in California, while actively pursuing opportunities to license our broader portfolio into other key jurisdictions such as Canada."
Richard Sellers, CEO of Kaya and Alta, added, "I look forward to working with the CannaRoyalty team and contributing to the Company's strategy to become a leading player in the California market. Under my leadership, Kaya and Alta have successfully built the market presence of Bhang vape products in California, and attracted other marquee brands in their distribution channels. I have been operating in this industry for over a decade and have first-hand experience with the changing cannabis market dynamics. The most noteworthy expected change being, effective July 1st, 2018, that all sales of cannabis products will be required to be distributed through a licensed distributor, like Alta. CannaRoyalty truly understands that having great products and a comprehensive distribution strategy will be the key drivers of success in the California marketplace. With the adult-use market opening up just around the corner, California is the market to be a part of in 2018. Thanks to a growing portfolio of premium products and brands, CannaRoyalty is poised to capitalize on this opportunity."
"I am excited about this acquisition, which includes Bhang vape products in California," reported Dave Vautrin, President of CR Brands. "The Bhang brand is well-established and has impressive breadth and depth in both Northern and Southern California. Alta's distribution business adds over two hundred new dispensaries to our reach in the California marketplace, which is essential for any brand to scale and win in a rapidly growing geography and sector. Beyond the inherent value-add to CR Brands, we also see this as a great opportunity to contribute to the Bhang franchise with our consumer product and distribution expertise. Finally, this transaction will provide us the ability to further leverage our recently leased manufacturing facility in Santa Rosa."
The Company will provide an overview of the Acquisitions on its third quarter 2017 conference call, which will take place at 8:30 a.m. ET this morning. The conference call will include a slide presentation and webcast. A link to the slide presentation and webcast is below, and slides will also be available 30 minutes prior to the call in the Investors section of CannaRoyalty's website at: cannaroyalty.com.
California is the largest cannabis market in the world with annual sales of approximately US$2.8 billion in 2016,(3)(6) which only includes sales of products in the medical marijuana market. In consideration of the legalization of a full, adult recreational cannabis market in California in January 2018, sales are forecast to grow to over US$6.8 billion by 2021 and vaporizer products are expected to account for 15% or over one billion dollars of the total. This represents a compound annual growth rate of 54% between 2017 and 2021(4)(6).
The aggregate consideration for the Acquisitions will be in cash and shares of CannaRoyalty and will be issued over an 18-month period, comprised of: (i) 0.5x the historical consolidated revenue of Alta and Kaya for the twelve months ending October 31, 2017, (ii) 0.5x the future consolidated revenue of Alta and Kaya for the twelve months ending December 31, 2018 and (iii) additional consideration of approximately US$1 million, subject to net working capital adjustments. All consideration will be issued in on a 50% cash, 50% CannaRoyalty shares basis (priced based on the 10-day trailing VWAP immediately prior to issuance). Of the foregoing consideration, approximately US$1 million in cash and approximately 1.3 million shares will be transferred on closing (such shares have been issued into escrow today).
The Company intends to assume the Oakland facility of Alta for distribution in the San Francisco Bay Area, and consolidate Kaya's Bhang vape operations to the CR Brands facility in Santa Rosa. Further details regarding the Acquisitions will be provided on closing, which is expected to take place prior to the end of 2017. Closing is subject to conditions, including receipt of any required approvals and satisfactory completion of due diligence.
Conference Call Details
Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. ET.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Participant Dial-in Webcast Reference Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Conference Call 647-427-7450; or http://bit.ly/2xYBDJQ 1-888-231-8191 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Replay 416-849-0833; 613- 97386572 (available for 2 667-0035; weeks) or 1-855-859-2056 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
About CannaRoyalty
CannaRoyalty is an active investor and operator in the legal cannabis sector. Our focus is building and supporting a diversified portfolio of growth-ready assets in high-value segments of the cannabis sector, including research, consumer brands, devices and intellectual property. Our management team combines a hands-on understanding of the cannabis industry with seasoned financial know-how, assembling a platform of holdings via royalty agreements, equity interests, secured convertible debt, licensing agreements and its own branded portfolio.
Forward Looking Statements
Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in CannaRoyalty's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will, could, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, potential, believe, should," and similar expressions, are forward- looking statements.
Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Acquisitions, the execution of the Company's strategy, new opportunities, future growth and other statements.
Although CannaRoyalty has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, including, but not limited to: dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; investing in target companies or projects that are engaged in activities currently considered illegal under US federal law; changes in laws; limited operating history; reliance on management; requirements for additional financing; competition; hindering market growth and state adoption due to inconsistent public opinion and perception of the medical-use and adult-use marijuana industry and; regulatory or political change.
There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward-looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events.
Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this release. CannaRoyalty disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law, and CannaRoyalty does not assume any liability for disclosure relating to any other company mentioned herein.
1. Last twelve months' ("LTM") revenues to October 31st, 2017, based on unaudited financial statements, which may be subject to further verification and adjustment prior to closing. This figure represents a consolidation of the LTM revenues for Kaya and Alta. Converted at 1.2735 USD/CAD based on November 27, 2017 Bank of Canada noon rate. 2. Bhang Corporation website 3. According to New Frontier Data, California has the world's largest cannabis market with annual sales in 2016 of $2.8 billion. 4. Brightfield Group. 5. Bureau of Cannabis Control California, http://www.bcc.ca.gov/ 6. Note that California market-related information provided in this press release is indicative only. Because of the historically illicit nature of the recreational market, data is difficult to obtain and verify.
Contacts:
CannaRoyalty Corp.
Marc Lustig
CEO
1-844-556-5070
info@cannaroyalty.com
www.cannaroyalty.com
LodeRock Advisors Inc.
Jonathan Ross
CFA
416-283-0178
jon.ross@loderockadvisors.com
Application is based on results from the Phase 3 CheckMate -214 study
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) today announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) validated its type II variation application, which seeks to expand the current indications for Opdivo (nivolumab) plus Yervoy (ipilimumab) to include the treatment of intermediate- and poor-risk patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Validation of the application confirms the submission is complete and begins the EMA's centralized review process.
"Renal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 100,000 deaths worldwide each year, and for untreated patients who have an advanced form of the disease, there are few treatment options available in the European Union," said Murdo Gordon, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. "The validation of this application for the Opdivo plus Yervoy combination attests to our commitment to bring Immuno-Oncology treatment to as many patients as possible, especially those with a great unmet need, including patients with RCC."
The application is based on data from the phase 3 CheckMate -214 study, which was stopped early based on the recommendation of an independent Data Monitoring Committee following a planned interim analysis of overall survival. The results of the study were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2017 Congress.
About CheckMate -214
CheckMate -214 is a phase 3, randomized, open-label study evaluating the combination of Opdivo plus Yervoy versus sunitinib in patients with previously untreated advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Patients in the combination group received Opdivo 3 mg/kg plus Yervoy 1 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 4 doses followed by Opdivo 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Patients in the comparator group received sunitinib 50 mg once daily for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks off before continuation of treatment. Patients were treated until progression or unacceptable toxic effects. The primary endpoints of the trial are overall survival, progression-free survival and objective response rate in an intermediate- to poor-risk patient population (approximately 75% of patients). Safety is a secondary endpoint. The study met the co-primary endpoints of improved overall survival and objective response rate compared to sunitinib in intermediate- and poor-risk patients. While the combination demonstrated an improvement in progression-free survival relative to sunitinib, another co-primary endpoint, it did not reach statistical significance.
Adverse events (AEs) leading to discontinuation were reported in 22% of patients (547) in the combination group, compared with 12% of patients in the sunitinib group (535). The most common grade 3/4 AEs in the combination group were fatigue (4%), diarrhea (4%), rash (2%), nausea (2%), and, in less than 1% each, pruritus, hypothyroidism, vomiting and hypertension. In the sunitinib group, the most common grade 3/4 AEs were hypertension (16%), fatigue (9%), Palmar-plantar erythrodysaesthesia syndrome (9%), stomatitis (3%), mucosal inflammation (3%), vomiting (2%), nausea (1%), decreased appetite (1%), hypothyroidism (<1%) and dysgeusia (<1%). There were seven treatment-related deaths in the combination group and four in the sunitinib group.
About Renal Cell Carcinoma
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, accounting for more than 100,000 deaths worldwide each year. Clear-cell RCC is the most prevalent type of RCC and constitutes 80% to 90% of all patients. RCC is approximately twice as common in men as in women, with the highest rates of the disease in North America and Europe. Globally, the five-year survival rate for those diagnosed with metastatic, or advanced, kidney cancer is 12.1%.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Immuno-Oncology: Advancing Oncology Research
At Bristol-Myers Squibb, patients are at the center of everything we do. Our vision for the future of cancer care is focused on researching and developing transformational Immuno-Oncology (I-O) medicines for hard-to-treat cancers that could potentially improve outcomes for these patients.
We are leading the scientific understanding of I-O through our extensive portfolio of investigational compounds and approved agents. Our differentiated clinical development program is studying broad patient populations across more than 50 types of cancers with 14 clinical-stage molecules designed to target different immune system pathways. Our deep expertise and innovative clinical trial designs position us to advance I-O/I-O, I-O/chemotherapy, I-O/targeted therapies and I-O radiation therapies across multiple tumors and potentially deliver the next wave of therapies with a sense of urgency. We also continue to pioneer research that will help facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of immune biomarkers and how patients' tumor biology can be used as a guide for treatment decisions throughout their journey.
We understand making the promise of I-O a reality for the many patients who may benefit from these therapies requires not only innovation on our part but also close collaboration with leading experts in the field. Our partnerships with academia, government, advocacy and biotech companies support our collective goal of providing new treatment options to advance the standards of clinical practice.
About Opdivo
Opdivo is a programmed death-1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor that is designed to uniquely harness the body's own immune system to help restore anti-tumor immune response. By harnessing the body's own immune system to fight cancer, Opdivo has become an important treatment option across multiple cancers.
Opdivo's leading global development program is based on Bristol-Myers Squibb's scientific expertise in the field of Immuno-Oncology and includes a broad range of clinical trials across all phases, including Phase 3, in a variety of tumor types. To date, the Opdivo clinical development program has enrolled more than 25,000 patients. The Opdivo trials have contributed to gaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of biomarkers in patient care, particularly regarding how patients may benefit from Opdivo across the continuum of PD-L1 expression.
In July 2014, Opdivo was the first PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor to receive regulatory approval anywhere in the world. Opdivo is currently approved in more than 60 countries, including the United States, the European Union and Japan. In October 2015, the company's Opdivo and Yervoy combination regimen was the first Immuno-Oncology combination to receive regulatory approval for the treatment of metastatic melanoma and is currently approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States and the European Union.
U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR OPDIVO
OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 mutation-positive unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO (nivolumab) as a single agent is indicated for the treatment of patients with BRAF V600 wild-type unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
OPDIVO (nivolumab), in combination with YERVOY (ipilimumab), is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on progression-free survival. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO.
OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy.
OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) that has relapsed or progressed after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin or after 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) with disease progression on or after platinum-based therapy.
OPDIVO (nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO(nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
OPDIVO(nivolumab) is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have been previously treated with sorafenib. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.
U.S. FDA-APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR YERVOY
YERVOY (ipilimumab) is indicated for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adults and pediatric patients (12 years and older).
YERVOY (ipilimumab) is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with cutaneous melanoma with pathologic involvement of regional lymph nodes of more than 1 mm who have undergone complete resection, including total lymphadenectomy.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS
YERVOY can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system; however, the most common severe immune-mediated adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. The majority of these immune-mediated reactions initially manifested during treatment; however, a minority occurred weeks to months after discontinuation of YERVOY.
Assess patients for signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy and evaluate clinical chemistries including liver function tests (LFTs), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and thyroid function tests at baseline and before each dose.
Permanently discontinue YERVOY and initiate systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe immune-mediated reactions.
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis
OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. Fatal cases have been reported. Monitor patients for signs with radiographic imaging and for symptoms of pneumonitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or more severe pneumonitis. Permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 and withhold until resolution for Grade 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, fatal cases of immune-mediated pneumonitis have occurred. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 3.1% (61/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 6% (25/407) of patients.
In Checkmate 205 and 039, pneumonitis, including interstitial lung disease, occurred in 6.0% (16/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO. Immune-mediated pneumonitis occurred in 4.9% (13/266) of patients receiving OPDIVO: Grade 3 (n=1) and Grade 2 (n=12).
Immune-Mediated Colitis
OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated colitis. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 (of more than 5 days duration), 3, or 4 colitis. Withhold OPDIVO monotherapy for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 or recurrent colitis upon re-initiation of OPDIVO. When administered with YERVOY, withhold OPDIVO and YERVOY for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 or recurrent colitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 2.9% (58/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated colitis occurred in 26% (107/407) of patients including three fatal cases.
In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal (diarrhea of =7 stools above baseline, fever, ileus, peritoneal signs; Grade 3-5) immune-mediated enterocolitis occurred in 34 (7%) patients. Across all YERVOY-treated patients in that study (n=511), 5 (1%) developed intestinal perforation, 4 (0.8%) died as a result of complications, and 26 (5%) were hospitalized for severe enterocolitis.
Immune-Mediated Hepatitis
OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hepatitis. Monitor patients for abnormal liver tests prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater transaminase elevations. For patients without HCC, withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for Grade 3 or 4. For patients with HCC, withhold OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST/ALT is within normal limits at baseline and increases to >3 and up to 5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), if AST/ALT is >1 and up to 3 times ULN at baseline and increases to >5 and up to 10 times the ULN, and if AST/ALT is >3 and up to 5 times ULN at baseline and increases to >8 and up to 10 times the ULN. Permanently discontinue OPDIVO and administer corticosteroids if AST or ALT increases to >10 times the ULN or total bilirubin increases >3 times the ULN. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 1.8% (35/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in 13% (51/407) of patients.
In Checkmate 040, immune-mediated hepatitis requiring systemic corticosteroids occurred in 5% (8/154) of patients receiving OPDIVO.
In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal hepatotoxicity (AST or ALT elevations >5x the ULN or total bilirubin elevations >3x the ULN; Grade 3-5) occurred in 8 (2%) patients with fatal hepatic failure in 0.2% and hospitalization in 0.4%.
Immune-Mediated Neuropathies
In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, 1 case of fatal Guillain-Barre syndrome and 1 case of severe (Grade 3) peripheral motor neuropathy were reported.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies
OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis, immune-mediated adrenal insufficiency, autoimmune thyroid disorders, and Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hypophysitis, signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, thyroid function prior to and periodically during treatment, and hyperglycemia. Administer hormone replacement as clinically indicated and corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater hypophysitis. Withhold for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hypophysitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Withhold for Grade 2 and permanently discontinue for Grade 3 or 4 adrenal insufficiency. Administer hormone-replacement therapy for hypothyroidism. Initiate medical management for control of hyperthyroidism. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 hyperglycemia.
In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypophysitis occurred in 0.6% (12/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypophysitis occurred in 9% (36/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 1% (20/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, adrenal insufficiency occurred in 5% (21/407) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 2.7% (54/1994) of patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, hypothyroidism or thyroiditis resulting in hypothyroidism occurred in 22% (89/407) of patients. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 8% (34/407) of patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, diabetes occurred in 0.9% (17/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, diabetes occurred in 1.5% (6/407) of patients.
In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe to life-threatening immune-mediated endocrinopathies (requiring hospitalization, urgent medical intervention, or interfering with activities of daily living; Grade 3-4) occurred in 9 (1.8%) patients. All 9 patients had hypopituitarism, and some had additional concomitant endocrinopathies such as adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism, and hypothyroidism. 6 of the 9 patients were hospitalized for severe endocrinopathies.
Immune-Mediated Nephritis and Renal Dysfunction
OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated nephritis. Monitor patients for elevated serum creatinine prior to and periodically during treatment. Administer corticosteroids for Grades 2-4 increased serum creatinine. Withhold OPDIVO for Grade 2 or 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 increased serum creatinine. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 1.2% (23/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction occurred in 2.2% (9/407) of patients.
Immune-Mediated Skin Adverse Reactions and Dermatitis
OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated rash, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), some cases with fatal outcome. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 3 or 4 rash. Withhold for Grade 3 and permanently discontinue for Grade 4 rash. For symptoms or signs of SJS or TEN, withhold OPDIVO and refer the patient for specialized care for assessment and treatment; if confirmed, permanently discontinue. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, immune-mediated rash occurred in 9% (171/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, immune-mediated rash occurred in 22.6% (92/407) of patients.
In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, severe, life-threatening, or fatal immune-mediated dermatitis (eg, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, or rash complicated by full thickness dermal ulceration, or necrotic, bullous, or hemorrhagic manifestations; Grade 3-5) occurred in 13 (2.5%) patients. 1 (0.2%) patient died as a result of toxic epidermal necrolysis. 1 additional patient required hospitalization for severe dermatitis.
Immune-Mediated Encephalitis
OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated encephalitis. Evaluation of patients with neurologic symptoms may include, but not be limited to, consultation with a neurologist, brain MRI, and lumbar puncture. Withhold OPDIVO in patients with new-onset moderate to severe neurologic signs or symptoms and evaluate to rule out other causes. If other etiologies are ruled out, administer corticosteroids and permanently discontinue OPDIVO for immune-mediated encephalitis. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, encephalitis occurred in 0.2% (3/1994) of patients. Fatal limbic encephalitis occurred in one patient after 7.2 months of exposure despite discontinuation of OPDIVO and administration of corticosteroids. Encephalitis occurred in one patient receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY (0.2%) after 1.7 months of exposure.
Other Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions
Based on the severity of the adverse reaction, permanently discontinue or withhold OPDIVO, administer high-dose corticosteroids, and, if appropriate, initiate hormone-replacement therapy. Across clinical trials of OPDIVO monotherapy or in combination with YERVOY, the following clinically significant immune-mediated adverse reactions, some with fatal outcome, occurred in <1.0% of patients receiving OPDIVO: myocarditis, rhabdomyolysis, myositis, uveitis, iritis, pancreatitis, facial and abducens nerve paresis, demyelination, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune neuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, hypopituitarism, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, gastritis, duodenitis, sarcoidosis, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi lymphadenitis), motor dysfunction, vasculitis, and myasthenic syndrome.
Infusion Reactions
OPDIVO can cause severe infusion reactions, which have been reported in<1.0% of patients in clinical trials. Discontinue OPDIVO in patients with Grade 3 or 4 infusion reactions. Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion in patients with Grade 1 or 2. In patients receiving OPDIVO monotherapy, infusion-related reactions occurred in 6.4% (127/1994) of patients. In patients receiving OPDIVO with YERVOY, infusion-related reactions occurred in 2.5% (10/407) of patients.
Complications of Allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO
Complications, including fatal events, occurred in patients who received allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Outcomes were evaluated in 17 patients from Checkmate 205 and 039, who underwent allogeneic HSCT after discontinuing OPDIVO (15 with reduced-intensity conditioning, 2 with myeloablative conditioning). Thirty-five percent (6/17) of patients died from complications of allogeneic HSCT after OPDIVO. Five deaths occurred in the setting of severe or refractory GVHD. Grade 3 or higher acute GVHD was reported in 29% (5/17) of patients. Hyperacute GVHD was reported in 20% (n=2) of patients. A steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, without an identified infectious cause, was reported in 35% (n=6) of patients. Two cases of encephalitis were reported: Grade 3 (n=1) lymphocytic encephalitis without an identified infectious cause, and Grade 3 (n=1) suspected viral encephalitis. Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD) occurred in one patient, who received reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT and died of GVHD and multi-organ failure. Other cases of hepatic VOD after reduced-intensity conditioned allogeneic HSCT have also been reported in patients with lymphoma who received a PD-1 receptor blocking antibody before transplantation. Cases of fatal hyperacute GVHD have also been reported. These complications may occur despite intervening therapy between PD-1 blockade and allogeneic HSCT.
Follow patients closely for early evidence of transplant-related complications such as hyperacute GVHD, severe (Grade 3 to 4) acute GVHD, steroid-requiring febrile syndrome, hepatic VOD, and other immune-mediated adverse reactions, and intervene promptly.
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity
Based on their mechanisms of action, OPDIVO and YERVOY can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with an OPDIVO- or YERVOY- containing regimen and for at least 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO.
Lactation
It is not known whether OPDIVO or YERVOY is present in human milk. Because many drugs, including antibodies, are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from an OPDIVO-containing regimen, advise women to discontinue breastfeeding during treatment. Advise women to discontinue nursing during treatment with YERVOY and for 3 months following the final dose.
Serious Adverse Reactions
In Checkmate 037, serious adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=268). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 42% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse drug reactions reported in 2% to <5% of patients receiving OPDIVO were abdominal pain, hyponatremia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and increased lipase. In Checkmate 066, serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=206). Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions occurred in 41% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent Grade 3 and 4 adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were gamma-glutamyltransferase increase (3.9%) and diarrhea (3.4%). In Checkmate 067, serious adverse reactions (73% and 37%), adverse reactions leading to permanent discontinuation (43% and 14%) or to dosing delays (55% and 28%), and Grade 3 or 4 adverse reactions (72% and 44%) all occurred more frequently in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) relative to the OPDIVO arm (n=313). The most frequent (=10%) serious adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm and the OPDIVO arm, respectively, were diarrhea (13% and 2.6%), colitis (10% and 1.6%), and pyrexia (10% and 0.6%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, serious adverse reactions occurred in 46% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, dyspnea, pyrexia, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and respiratory failure. In Checkmate 025, serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =2% of patients were acute kidney injury, pleural effusion, pneumonia, diarrhea, and hypercalcemia. In Checkmate 205 and 039, adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 7% and dose delays due to adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients (n=266). Serious adverse reactions occurred in 26% of patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in =1% of patients were pneumonia, infusion-related reaction, pyrexia, colitis or diarrhea, pleural effusion, pneumonitis, and rash. Eleven patients died from causes other than disease progression: 3 from adverse reactions within 30 days of the last OPDIVO dose, 2 from infection 8 to 9 months after completing OPDIVO, and 6 from complications of allogeneic HSCT. In Checkmate 141, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients receiving OPDIVO. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were pneumonia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, respiratory tract infection, and sepsis. In Checkmate 275, serious adverse reactions occurred in 54% of patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients receiving OPDIVO were urinary tract infection, sepsis, diarrhea, small intestine obstruction, and general physical health deterioration. In Checkmate 040, serious adverse reactions occurred in 49% of patients (n=154). The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of patients were pyrexia, ascites, back pain, general physical health deterioration, abdominal pain, and pneumonia.
Common Adverse Reactions
In Checkmate 037, the most common adverse reaction (=20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=268) was rash (21%). In Checkmate 066, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported with OPDIVO (n=206) vs dacarbazine (n=205) were fatigue (49% vs 39%), musculoskeletal pain (32% vs 25%), rash (28% vs 12%), and pruritus (23% vs 12%). In Checkmate 067, the most common (=20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO plus YERVOY arm (n=313) were fatigue (59%), rash (53%), diarrhea (52%), nausea (40%), pyrexia (37%), vomiting (28%), and dyspnea (20%). The most common (=20%) adverse reactions in the OPDIVO (n=313) arm were fatigue (53%), rash (40%), diarrhea (31%), and nausea (28%). In Checkmate 017 and 057, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=418) were fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, cough, dyspnea, and decreased appetite. In Checkmate 025, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=406) vs everolimus (n=397) were asthenic conditions (56% vs 57%), cough (34% vs 38%), nausea (28% vs 29%), rash (28% vs 36%), dyspnea (27% vs 31%), diarrhea (25% vs 32%), constipation (23% vs 18%), decreased appetite (23% vs 30%), back pain (21% vs 16%), and arthralgia (20% vs 14%). In Checkmate 205 and 039, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=266) were upper respiratory tract infection (44%), fatigue (39%), cough (36%), diarrhea (33%), pyrexia (29%), musculoskeletal pain (26%), rash (24%), nausea (20%) and pruritus (20%). In Checkmate 141, the most common adverse reactions (=10%) in patients receiving OPDIVO were cough and dyspnea at a higher incidence than investigator's choice. In Checkmate 275, the most common adverse reactions (= 20%) reported in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=270) were fatigue (46%), musculoskeletal pain (30%), nausea (22%), and decreased appetite (22%).. In Checkmate 040, the most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients receiving OPDIVO (n=154) were fatigue (38%), musculoskeletal pain (36%), abdominal pain (34%), pruritus (27%), diarrhea (27%), rash (26%), cough (23%), and decreased appetite (22%). The most common adverse reactions (=20%) in patients who received OPDIVO as a single agent were fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, and pyrexia.
In a separate Phase 3 study of YERVOY 3 mg/kg, the most common adverse reactions (=5%) in patients who received YERVOY at 3 mg/kg were fatigue (41%), diarrhea (32%), pruritus (31%), rash (29%), and colitis (8%).
Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information for OPDIVO and YERVOY, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated adverse reactions for YERVOY.
Checkmate Trials and Patient Populations
Checkmate 067 advanced melanoma alone or in combination with YERVOY; Checkmate 037 and 066 advanced melanoma; Checkmate 017 squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); Checkmate 057 - non-squamous NSCLC; Checkmate 025 renal cell carcinoma; Checkmate 205/039 - classical Hodgkin lymphoma; Checkmate 141 squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; Checkmate 275 - urothelial carcinoma; Checkmate 040 hepatocellular carcinoma.
About the Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Collaboration
In 2011, through a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (Ono), Bristol-Myers Squibb expanded its territorial rights to develop and commercialize Opdivo globally except in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where Ono had retained all rights to the compound at the time. On July 23, 2014, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Ono further expanded the companies' strategic collaboration agreement to jointly develop and commercialize multiple immunotherapies as single agents and combination regimens for patients with cancer in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
About Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the research, development and commercialization of pharmaceutical products. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Among other risks, there can be no guarantee that Opdivo and Yervoy will receive regulatory approval for an additional indication. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Bristol-Myers Squibb's business, particularly those identified in the cautionary factors discussion in Bristol-Myers Squibb's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. Bristol-Myers Squibb undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005742/en/
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Bristol-Myers Squibb
Media:
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audrey.abernathy@bms.com
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DE SOTO It was the first time Bob Again had set hoof on the ASAP ranch, and yet it was a homecoming of sorts for the statuesque Standardbred, whose path took a devastating detour just weeks ago.
Bob Again was 10 years old when he joined the American Standardbred Adoption Program in 2009, donated by owner Dirk Simpson after a four-year, 27-race career that culminated in 2003.
ASAP was founded in 1993 by Sue Wellman, a special education teacher who lives on a 50-acre farm in De Soto, in an effort to match former race horses with healthy, happy retirement homes. Racehorse owners from across the country donate their horses to the program in exchange for a tax credit, and from there the horses are placed in foster homes in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio and Illinois. The program is sustained entirely through donations and adoption fees, and staffed by community volunteers.
Since 2014, ASAP has placed more than 1,000 equines from across the country with carefully screened owners, for an adoption fee of around $400. Adopters must provide references and sign a contract stipulating the adopted horse can never be sold, given away or transferred, other than back to ASAP.
But with Bob Again, that contract was broken.
On Oct. 6, Wellman was stunned to receive a call from Amanda Keyes, a woman in Massachusetts who is one of thousands of equine lovers who spend hours scouring through the Bastrop Louisiana Ship Pen Facebook page, determined to save the some 100,000 horses headed to slaughter each year. Bob Again was in a kill lot in Bastrop, days from being transported to Mexico for butchering, when Keyes spotted him online Oct. 5.
(Wellman) was completely shocked after thinking she had placed him in a forever home, said Keyes, who is a volunteer with SOSS Save Our Standardbreds from Slaughter, a watchdog group that records the freeze brand numbers on horses posted by Bastrop and tracks them back to their original owners through the United States Trotting Association Database. So far this year we have saved a little over 400 horses from the kill pen. There are times where we have grateful owners that take back these horses after thinking that they placed them in a great retirement home.
Wellman was under the assumption Bob Again was still living in Missouri with the woman who adopted him in 2010. She had last heard from the owner, whose name ASAPs attorney at Hale Skemp Law Office has advised against releasing while they pursue replevin action, in 2014, when she was considering returning the horse but quickly changed her mind.
Where hes been since 2014, I have no idea, said Wellman, who said ASAP had never been in this situation before and postulates the owner sold Bob Again, unaware he was destined for slaughter.
Bastrop sells horses to Canada and Mexico for kill before the meat is shipped to countries including Japan and France, and charges $950 to reclaim a horse an amount that exceeds the proceeds from slaughter, making for a lucrative business.
Moneymaker, isnt it? Wellman said. They like to get their hands on as many Standardbreds as they can.
Horse retirement/rescue operation reels from flooding DE SOTO The extensive flooding that caused two deaths and left millions in damages in its
Wellman immediately started soliciting donations to pay for Bob Agains release from Bastrop, collecting nearly $1,000 within a month, and then raised another $800 for his quarantine in Shreveport, La., where spouses Grayson and Melody Daniels have been taking in rescues for the past 18 months. The couple house up to 10 horses at a time, and Bob Again was their fourth kill lot rescue.
Sometimes the horses are stolen, neglected, or sometimes people dont want them anymore ... and they end up in that situation, Grayson said. In Mexico, (the slaughter) is a pretty brutal process.
The Danielses had Bob Again, who was underweight from stress but very gentle, screened by a vet and monitored for communicable diseases for four weeks. Once cleared, Grayson personally drove him to De Soto, pulling up to ASAP at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday evening to a crowd of neighbors, volunteers and an antsy Wellman.
Theres a lot of satisfaction once you get there ... someones always anxious to see them, Grayson said. The (horse) is coming from a bad environment, and you dont know what to expect. (Bob Again) came out excited, a little anxious, but excited to be there. He got in his stall and he just looked like he belonged.
I thought I was going to be extremely emotional when he got out of the trailer, but having all the people who care about him here ... it was more joyful, said Wellman, who never met Bob Again before he was placed in his initial foster home in Madison, and relieved, knowing he was just a few days away (from death).
Wellman says she is hesitant to place Bob Again up for adoption and would only consider a local family. For now, the friendly, curious and energetic horse is content to frolic among the other 22 horses on her property, dining on premium senior food until he reaches a healthy weight.
While Keyes will likely never meet Bob Again, she is contented to have played a role in his rescue.
I am part of a amazing team that puts in endless hours to save these horses, Keyes said. Its truly a amazing feeling ... we wouldnt be able to do it without our wonderful supporters that help week after week to help save these sweet, tired horses.
For more information on ASAP, or to volunteer, visit www.4thehorses.com.
BANGKOK, Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Thailand is well position to connect investors to new opportunities arising from the increasing border trade and the region's rapid economic growth. With its strategic location in the center of ASEAN with emerging markets, including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia and southern China, on its border.
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In the first nine months of 2017, statistics from Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade showed that value of border trade (Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia) and goods crossing the borders (from Singapore-southern China and Vietnam) totaled 971.42 billion baht, an increase of 9.68% from 885.71 billion baht in the same period in the previous year. Out of this, border trade value was 800.52 billion baht while value of goods crossing the border was 170.90 billion baht, a significant increase of 25.5%.
Benefiting from the strong trend are businesses and investors running business in the "Special Economic Zones (SEZ)" in 10 provinces around Thailand, including Tak, Mukdahan, Sa Kaeo, Trat, Songkhla, Chiang Rai, Nong Khai, Nakorn Phanom, Kanchanaburi, and Narathiwat.
The SEZ policy was first launched in 2015 based on the government's belief in the strong potential of the 10 areas to connect with the neighboring countries in terms of trade, economy and investment. With their proximity to neighboring countries, SEZ enjoy the benefit from the large pool of labor in the nearby area. The Thai government has also relaxed the rules on foreign labors to support SEZs. In addition, specific target industries for each SEZ have been clearly identified based on unique geographical strength and locally available resources. Most of the target industries are labor-intensive ones, including garment, agricultural and agricultural processing, fishery, furniture, logistics distribution center, bonded warehouses and tourism.
Since then, growing investment flow into these SEZs. In 2015, total investment in SEZ was 280.1 million baht before it jumped to 8.31 billion baht in 2016. Most of the businesses investing in SEZ are garment and garment and textile manufacturing, coconut oil production, plastic bottles and bags, animal feed, ready mixed concrete, plastic fiber for fishing net production, rubber gloves, palm oil and metal parts, for example.
More benefits for investors
Like other investment packages offered to investors, the government offers both tax and non-tax incentives. Tax incentives for those investing in SEZs include an up to 8-year corporate tax exemption plus 50% tax holiday for another 5 years. In addition, entrepreneurs will enjoy double deduction for transportation, electricity, and water utility cost, up to 25% deduction for utility construction costs, import duty exemption for machinery, import duty exemption for raw materials used for export, permission to use no-skilled labor and others like foreign ownership of land and foreign expert employment.
Easily connected
Each of SEZ has a clear infrastructure development plan, ranging from roads to dual-track rails, airports, public utilities (water, electricity), and customs services. This has provided investors with greater confidence and convenience for efficient goods and people transport. In addition to infrastructure and utilities, the government has promoted private sector's participation in development of those areas by renting land plots in SEZs to private companies for industrial parks or facilities development to support investors.
In addition, some of the existing infrastructure projects are R9 route (East-West Economic Corridor: EWEC) connecting Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos, R3A route (North-South Economic Corridor: NSEC) connecting Thailand, Laos and China, and R1 route (Southern Economic Corridor) connecting Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Looking beyond the CLMV, connectivity to other ASEAN countries is also convenient. It takes only 1-4 hours by air within ASEAN countries and 4-5 hours to China and India. The proximity to one of the world's fastest growing regions also provide investors with an easy access to 600 million ASEAN consumers and 3 billion Asian consumers.
New opportunities for SMEs
According to Ms. Duangjai Asawachintachit, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), BOI intends to attract more investment projects. BOI board has approved a new measure to encourage investors to build Trading and Product Development Center within SEZ at the November 2017 BOI Board meeting.
Under this scheme, the center located in any SEZ will be eligible for eight years of corporate income tax (CIT) exemption, with 100 per cent cap of investment capital, excluding land and revolving capital plus 50 per cent tax reduction for another five years at the end of the CIT exemption period. In case the investors establish a Trading and Product Development Center outside SEZs, the investors must also invest at least one project in SEZ in parallel. In this case, the BOI will provide up to five years of CIT exemption (with 100 per cent cap of investment capital of the investment in SEZ, excluding land and revolving capital). The condition is designed to encourage large investors to work with and help SMEs grow their businesses.
The new measure will allow SMEs to increase distribution channels and expand their marketing activities utilizing strategic location of each SEZ. At the same time, other businesses, especially SMEs outside SEZ, will also reap the benefits from this measure.
"SMEs and large investors are equally important. SEZ promotion is among many measures we initiated to provide SMEs with greater opportunity to connect with new markets, distribution channels and new business opportunities. With supporting environment for both large and small investors, we are building stronger economy with inclusive growth," said Ms. Duangjai.
For more information, please contact:
Thailand Board of Investment
Email: thailandinvestmentyear@gmail.com
Tel. +66 (0) 2553 8111
Website: www.boi.go.th
Thomson Reuters to Redeem US$1 Billion of Debt Securities
TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomson Reuters (TSX / NYSE: TRI) today announced it will exercise its right to redeem all of the company's US$1 billion principal amount of 6.50% notes due on July 15, 2018 (CUSIP No. 884903 BB0).
The redemption price will include an early repayment premium, as well as accrued and unpaid interest through the redemption date (which is expected to be on or about December 28, 2017). When available, Thomson Reuters will provide the specific total redemption price and redemption date in the "Investor Relations" section of its website, www.thomsonreuters.com.
Beneficial holders with any questions about the redemption should contact their respective brokerage firm or financial institution which holds interests in the notes on their behalf.
This news release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to buy any securities of Thomson Reuters.
Thomson Reuters
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
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PISCATAWAY, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Opengear (www.opengear.com), a leading provider of solutions that deliver secure, resilient network access and automation to critical IT infrastructure, today announced the appointment of William Levering as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Levering brings more than three decades of financial management experience to Opengear, including 17 years serving as CFO within several publicly-traded and privately-held technology companies. At Opengear, Levering is responsible for managing all components of the company's financial operations, and will provide the strategic financial leadership to support Opengear's continued worldwide growth.
"William Levering is a highly-experienced financial manager with deep technology industry acumen, all of which is especially relevant as we navigate aggressive growth and complex transactions," said Gary Marks, CEO, Opengear. "His knowledge will help ensure that our financial operations continue to support the delivery of a best-in-class product line to our customers and reseller partners."
Prior to joining Opengear, Levering served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at FAST, LLC, a life insurance and annuity software provider where he managed all aspects of finance, legal, and human resources. Levering had previously held similar positions at NextDocs Corporation, Voxware, Princeton Softech (acquired by IBM), and AXS-One, developing a stellar track record as a driver of financial growth within technology companies. Levering is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and was named the New Jersey Technology Council "CFO of the Year - Best Deal" while at Voxware.
Levering comes to Opengear as the company celebrates its recent recognition in Deloitte's Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the fastest growing technology companies in North America. Opengear earned the distinction by achieving 169% revenue growth over the past three years -- attributable to customer-driven innovation and a continued focus on highly-responsive support for enterprises and partners. Opengear's solutions also continue to set the bar for managing critical IT infrastructure, most recently through September's successful launch of Lighthouse 5, which introduced a fully redesigned version of Opengear's centralized platform for secure out-of-band management. As a function of the rising demand, Opengear is moving into larger office spaces at both its New Jersey headquarters and its Silicon Valley-based R&D facility. The moves will help accommodate the expansion of Opengear's software development, product management, and sales operations teams.
About Opengear
Opengear delivers secure, resilient access and automation to critical IT infrastructure, even when the network is down. Provisioning, orchestration and remote management of network devices, through innovative software and appliances, enable technical staff to manage their data centers and remote network locations reliably and efficiently. Opengear's business continuity solutions are trusted by global organizations across financial, digital communications, retail and manufacturing industries. The company is headquartered in New Jersey, with R&D centers in Silicon Valley and Brisbane Australia. For more information please visit www.opengear.com
OTTAWA, ON -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Validian Corporation (OTCQB: VLDI) ("Validian" or the "Company"), a leading innovator in cyber security technology, is pleased to announce that Validian's technology has been recommended by renowned cyber security expert, Rafael Gorgal, for securing and enhancing mobile and web messaging and social media apps.
There is a growing understanding that similar to the individual Internet of Things (IoT) components used in a myriad of computer controlled products throughout the world, mobile messaging apps and social media apps may not always be the actual target of a cyber attack. Instead they increasingly are being used as the gateway to the network to which they are connected, with the real targets being the valuable enterprise assets on that network -- the data. Recently, some of the mainstream mobile messaging and social media apps, even those using the TLS 1.1 crypto protocol and sophisticated filter based, cyber security products, have been exploited successfully for this purpose.
"We are very impressed with our testing of installations of the Validian Protect Platform and Module as well as the usage and testing of the Validian-enabled Ganthet Mobile Messaging App, which have superior cyber security and also enhanced features and capabilities, such as large message support and control over the usage of data," stated Rafael Gorgal, Co-Founder of G-C Partners, LLC. "We believe that integrating Validian's technology into existing or new mobile and web messaging and social media apps will solve a number of outstanding cyber security issues that have been exploited in successful cyber attacks."
"We are excited that noted information security professionals are now recommending Validian Protect as the cyber security solution of choice," commented Bruce Benn, Validian's CEO. "Some of the large corporations currently in discussions with Validian regarding strategic partnership agreements are interested in using Validian's technology to secure and enhance their mobile and web messaging and social media apps. Nearly every mobile and web messaging app and social media app in the market today has significant cyber security issues as well as similar features and capabilities. We believe that Validian's superior cyber security will greatly reduce those threats and in tandem with Validian's differentiating features enable these apps to drive viral adoption in regional and global enterprise and consumer market sectors."
About Rafael Gorgal
Rafael Gorgal is a Partner with the firm of G-C Partners LLC, a digital forensics and information security consultancy, and is the three term past President of the Southwest Chapter, High Technology Crime Investigations Association. He is a recognized expert in data security for a number of multinational companies and U.S. government departments and agencies as well as a frequent speaker on cyber security to a number of industry conferences.
More information on G-C Partners LLC and Rafael Gorgal can be found at www.g-cpartners.com/assets/cv_gorgal.pdf and www.g-cpartners.com.
About Validian Corporation
Validian Corporation (OTCQB: VLDI) is a leading innovator in cybersecurity technology that encompasses and seamlessly protects applications and the complete life cycle of data within its virtual closed systems, providing secure access, retrieval, transfer, receipt, storage and usage of digital information on all devices, operating systems and technology platforms regardless of any type of known or unknown cyber attack or vulnerability or if the host device or network has been hacked or improperly accessed, infected with viruses or malware, or otherwise compromised. Validian technology enables the next generation of secure Mobile Messaging and Communications, Cloud Computing, Cloud Storage, Distributed Computing and Web Application and WebPortal Access and Usage, Software Defined Networking, the Internet of Things and SCADA, for computers, servers, data bases, intelligent sensors, tablets and SmartPhones on wired, wireless and mobile networks.
The Company provides solutions that can be customized to the client's business process to ensure end-to-end authenticity, integrity and custody of high value digital assets. Validian is a U.S. public company with offices in the U.S. and Canada. Visit www.Validian.com for more information on its digital asset solutions.
Safe Harbor Statement
Investors should carefully consider the information contained in this news release before making an investment in the shares of the company. Information contained in this news release contains "forward looking statements", which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," expects," "may," "should," or "anticipates" or negative thereof or given that the future results covered by such forward -looking statements will be achieved. The preceding matters constitute cautionary statements identifying important factors with respect to such forward-looking statements, including certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from the future statements. Other factors could also cause actual results to vary materially from the future results covered in such forward-looking statements.
Contact:
Validian Corporation
Bruce Benn
CEO and President
mail to: bbenn@validian.com
613.224.3535
G-C Partners LLC
Raphael Gorgal
Partner
mail to: rgorgal@g-cpartners.com
TORONTO, ON -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Easton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC: EAPH), is pleased to announce it is days away from its first equipment delivery to commence operations on its aggregate business with partner 1124123 Ontario Limited (o/a - Alliance Group) following its final payment which completed its $1.3 Million CDN JV agreement towards a 50% property ownership interest and various businesses including a lucrative aggregate business and the cultivation of medical / recreational marijuana for national Canadian market. Acquires construction quotes towards the building of a facility towards medical / recreational marijuana for Canadian market.
After completing all terms of an agreement and advancing its final payment on a total of $1.3 Million CDN to 1124123 Ontario Limited (o/a - Alliance Group) which provides Easton with an ownership interest in a 135 acre property and a 20% to 70% ownership interest in various businesses operating on the land located in the township of Georgina in the Municipality of North York, Ontario, Easton has been notified that operations on the aggregate business of the property from its previously announced $6,000,000 CDN contract with a well known local construction company is days away from commencing operations and the receipt of its first payment. The property located at 6017 Smith Blvd., Georgina Township, has 90 acres zoned M3 industrial with the remaining 45 acres zoned as agricultural. Several millions of dollars in equipment have been ordered and are expected to be delivered to the property within days. Once delivered, operations will commence which should then allow for additional contracts currently under negotiations to close. Easton and its partner Alliance Group anticipate contracts to generate over $6,000,000 in revenues during its first year of operations and expected to grow to $20,000,000 in gross revenues in its second year. However, with negotiations underway for other contracts, these revenue projections could double. The Easton / Alliance property has received an independent valuation of over $8,000,000 CDN. Easton and partner Alliance are receiving quotes towards the construction of a facility for the cultivation and growing of recreational marijuana, expected to commence in the second to third quarter of 2018.
In other news, Easton / BMV have officially closed on a sub-distribution agreement for a third product launch with a second European based, very large, internationally recognized, multi-national pharmaceutical company, initially for the Mexico market. A press release is awaiting approval along with delivery of an upfront cash payment to Easton from its head office in Switzerland. A formal announcement is expected sometime next month. This product launch would join its other two previously launched woman's diagnostic / treatment products (Gynofit, AmnioSense) with multi-national Gedeon Richter and with Windsor Pharmaceuticals for Central America.
In other news, Easton previously executed a closing agreement with iBliss Inc. of Toronto to acquire 100% of its vaporizer business which was generating approximately $15,000,000 CDN in revenues 3 years ago. Due to the fact Easton made the decision to first close and allocate funds towards the acquisition and agreement with Alliance Group, Easton has not consolidated its financial statements with that of iBliss and their revenues until a required cash payment has been advanced. However, Easton is now putting its efforts on iBliss and this acquisition, which includes a restructuring of the agreement. Both companies are working towards a consolidation of iBliss's revenues which may coincide with the acquisition of another vaporizer company based out of England that currently generates approximately $6,000,000 Euros with healthy profit margins. Details to be shortly announced.
About Easton Pharmaceuticals
Easton Pharmaceuticals is a diversified specialty pharmaceutical company involved in various pharmaceutical sectors and other growing industries. The Company previously developed and owned an FDA-approved wound-healing drug and currently owns topically delivered drugs to treat cancer and other therapeutic products to treat various conditions that are all in various stages of development and approval. Easton has partnered with BMV Medica SA de C.V. and together, own the exclusive distribution rights in Mexico and Latin America for patented women's diagnostic and preventative care products from CommonSense of Israel and other companies, along with two generic cancer drugs, Paclitaxel and Docetaxel from BioLyse Pharma of St. Catherine's, Ontario, Canada. Easton has recently closed on an agreement with Alliance Group for property and various businesses including the cultivation of medical / recreational marijuana for the country of Canada on an acquisition to acquire 100% of iBliss Inc., a revenue generating e-vaporizing company with increased international presence.
For More Information on Easton and Affiliated Company's Visit:
http://www.eastonpharmaceuticalsinc.com
http://www.bmvmedica.net
http://iblissvapor.com
http://finance.yahoo.com/q's=eaph
https://twitter.com/eastonpharma
Safe Harbor
This news release may contain forward-looking statements or expressions within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (The "Act"). In particular, when certain words or phrases such as "hope", "positive", "anticipate," "pleased," "plan," "confident that," "believe," "expect," "possible" or "intent to" and similar conditional expressions are expressed, they are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any of the forward-looking statements. Any investment made into Easton Pharmaceuticals would be classified as speculative and may contain risks. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, general acceptance of the company's products and technologies, competitive factors, the ability to successfully complete additional or adequate financing, government approvals or changes to proposed laws and other risks and uncertainties further stated in the company's financial reports and filings.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Evan Karras / CEO / President
Tel: +1(416) 619-0291
Tel: +1(347) 284-0192
Email: info@eastonpharmaceuticalsinc.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Artificial Intelligence company, AnalytixInsight Inc. (the "Company" or "AnalytixInsight") (TSX VENTURE: ALY)(OTCQB: ATIXF) today reported record revenues and the Company's first operating profit for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017.
2017 Third Quarter Financial Highlights:
-- The Company's revenue for the third quarter (excluding Marketwall) was the highest in the Company's history at $1,716,119, a six-fold increase compared with the same period in the previous year of $281,106, and a 77% increase over Q2 2017 revenues of $967,946. -- The Company's revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $3,018,483 compared to $778,193 for the same period in the previous year. -- The Company achieved operating profit during the quarter, reporting net income of $320,607 compared to net loss of $(377,235) for the same period in the previous year. -- Basic earnings per share for the third quarter was $0.01, compared to a loss of $(0.01) for the same period in the previous year. -- Marketwall's revenue for the third quarter was $854,588, which compares to $452,281 during the same period in the previous year. AnalytixInsight owns 49% of Marketwall, which is considered an associated company as its financial results are not consolidated with the Company's financial results. -- Marketwall's revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $3,482,977 compared to $1,031,512 for the same period in the previous year. -- Recently acquired Euclides Technologies Inc. ("Euclides") currently has an order backlog of approximately $3.5 million. -- During the third quarter, the Company entered into content partnership agreements with Thomson Reuters and Africa Investor to distribute the Company's high quality financial research. -- The Company continues to advance its recently announced Blockchain initiatives related to developments in its distributed ledger platform for CapitalCube and Marketwall.
Selected Financial Information
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ Canadian (unaudited) Three months ended Nine months ended September 30 September 30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- AnalytixInsight Revenue 1,716,119 281,106 3,018,483 778,193 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marketwall Revenue (Associated company, 49% owned, non-consolidated) 854,588 452,281 3,482,977 1,031,512 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
AnalytixInsight
The Company achieved record financial results during the third quarter, including operating profitability - the first in the Company's history. During the quarter, the Company added Thomson Reuters and Africa Investor as new content distribution partners. They join the Company's growing network of content partnerships which also includes Euronext NV, Yahoo Finance and The Wall Street Journal. The Company works with its content partners to deliver value added financial analysis and content, and to market and sell CapitalCube's subscription licenses to various investors, brokers and financial institutions. The Company's finance portal CapitalCube.com continued to average approximately 2 million user sessions per month through various distribution channels. The Company's Euclides operating division continued to win new contracts during the quarter, and has a current order backlog of approximately $3.5 million.
Marketwall
Marketwall's revenue for the third quarter was $854,588 compared to $452,281 in the same period in the previous year. AnalytixInsight owns 49% of Marketwall which is considered an associated company as its financial results are not consolidated with the Company's financial results. The Company and Intesa Sanpaolo expect to spin-out Marketwall following the completion of Marketwall's product integration within Intesa Sanpaolo's mobile platform. The completion of this integration is expected during the first half of 2018, and is expected to result in the migration of over eight million retail banking customers of Intesa Sanpaolo to Marketwall.
Blockchain
Further to the Company's announcement on November 14, 2017, the Company has initiated discussions with Marketwall regarding its Blockchain initiatives to reduce transaction costs and trade settlement times for Marketwall through the development of a distributed ledger platform. This initiative is expected to benefit Marketwall's partners including MarketHub and Samsung. MarketHub is Intesa Sanpaolo's established trading platform whose 2016 trading volume exceeded EUR119 Billion on an average of 26,000 daily transactions.
Management Commentary
Prakash Hariharan, President & CEO, commented: "This is a milestone quarter for Company as we achieved record financial results and operating profitability. We are very pleased with the performance of the recently acquired Euclides Technologies and are pleased to have added new CapitalCube content partners during the quarter. We are actively pursuing our Blockchain initiatives with our partners and we are very encouraged with the potential of these projects."
ABOUT ANALYTIXINSIGHT INC. (www.AnalytixInsight.com)
AnalytixInsight Inc.'s artificial intelligence platform transforms data into narratives. AnalytixInsight's online portal CapitalCube (www.capitalcube.com) algorithmically analyzes market price data and regulatory filings to create insightful, actionable narratives and research on approximately 50,000 global companies and ETFs, providing high-quality financial research and content for investors, information providers, finance portals and media. AnalytixInsight holds a 49% interest in Marketwall, a mobile platform for banking and stock trading (www.marketwallcorporate.com). AnalytixInsight owns Euclides Technologies Inc. (www.euclidestech.com), a workflow analytics systems integrator.
Regulatory Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's ability to apply its platform to different business verticals, the growth of the Company's business operations, the licensing revenue stream to be received by the Company, the use of the Company's content by various parties, Marketwall's ability to integrate with Intesa Sanpaolo, the ability to spin-out Marketwall, the Company' s ability to execute the backlog of orders, the impact of the deconsolidation of Marketwall, the Company's licensing partnerships, the Company's ability to develop and execute on its blockchain initiatives, and the use by certain parties of CapitalCube and Marketwall App. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of AnalytixInsight Inc., as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical and social uncertainties; the Company's technology and revenue generation; risks associated with operation in the technology sector; ability to successfully integrate new technology and employees; foreign operations risks; and other risks inherent in the technology industry. Although AnalytixInsight has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. AnalytixInsight does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
Contacts:
AnalytixInsight Inc.
Scott Urquhart
VP Corporate Development
(416) 522-3975
Scott.Urquhart@AnalytixInsight.com
www.AnalytixInsight.com
Infiniti Research, a global competitive intelligence solutions provider, has announced the release of their recent market opportunity assessment on the petroleum industry. A renowned client in the petroleum industry wanted to understand the market requirements and the barriers to entry. The client wanted to identify the potential market trends and drivers and profile the key competitors in the petroleum sector.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005740/en/
Market Opportunity Study Assists a Renowned Client in the Petroleum Industry Enhance their Market Presence. (Photo: Business Wire)
According to the market opportunity assessment experts at Infiniti, "With the demand for non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, nearing its saturation, suppliers in the petroleum industry are leveraging market opportunity assessments to identify new ways to stay competitive and relevant in today's market space."
In this resource-driven environment, energy plays a pivotal role in the sustenance of any organization, and for the same, organizations are shifting toward non-renewable sources of energy such as petroleum. The petroleum industry is one of the most powerful contributors to the world economy and to stay competitive and relevant in today's market, major organizations are adopting market opportunity solutions.
Request a free brochure to see how Infiniti Research's solutions can help you.
The solution offered by Infiniti helped the client to identify new opportunities and barriers to market entry. The client was also able to unravel enterprise demand and competitive maneuverings and expand across niche market segments. Additionally, the client was able to identify the high potential growth opportunities and benchmark their offerings.
This market opportunity assessment solution provided benefits that helped the client to:
Understand the market scenario and profile the potential customers
Assess the current price levels and evaluate the needs, requirements, and preferences in each segment
To know more, request a free proposal
This market opportunity assessment solution offered predictive insights on:
Enhancing their value proposition
Identifying opportunities to capture more value
To know more, request a free proposal
View the full market opportunity assessment here:
https://www.infinitiresearch.com/casestudy/petroleum-industry-market-opportunity
About Infiniti Research
Established in 2003, Infiniti Research is a leading market intelligence company providing smart solutions to address your business challenges. Infiniti Research studies markets in more than 100 countries to help analyze competitive activity, see beyond market disruptions, and develop intelligent business strategies.
With 14+ years of experience and offices across three continents, Infiniti Research has been instrumental in providing a complete range of competitive intelligence, strategy, and research services for over 550 companies across the globe.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005740/en/
Contacts:
Infiniti Research
Anirban Choudhury
Marketing Consultant
US: +1 844 778 0600
UK: +44 203 893 3400
hello@infinitiresearch.com
https://www.infinitiresearch.com/contact-us
Stuart Wood joins as Operations Director and Jason McClounan as Finance Manager and Company Secretary
Sales Managers, Application Scientists and Service Engineer appointed across Europe and North America
Applied Photophysics, a leading provider of systems for biophysical characterization of biomolecules, today announced that it has appointed Stuart Wood as Operations Director and Jason McClounan as Finance Manager and Company Secretary. The Company has also expanded its sales and scientific support teams across the US, UK and Germany with the addition of four Sales Managers and two more Application Scientists. A US-based Service Engineer joins the global service team.
The appointments demonstrate Applied Photophysics' commitment to expanding its position in the biophysical characterization market. The company's current portfolio includes the Chirascan platform, which uses circular dichroism (CD) to detect changes in the higher order structure and stability of proteins, and its SX-range of stopped-flow spectrometers for kinetic studies.
Stuart Wood has over 20 years of experience in a variety of senior operations roles, consultancy, production and engineering. He was previously Head of Business Excellence at Oxford Instruments where he led the development and implementation of a continuous improvement programme throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Stuart was also recognized in the 'Lean Top 25' report, which celebrates outstanding individuals in lean and continuous improvement.
Jason McClounan brings over 15 years' experience, from transactional accounting to leading a team of accountants within an operational finance function. He has a wealth of knowledge of working within PLCs and LTD companies during mergers, acquisitions and other periods of substantial growth.
In the US, Keith R. Solomon, PhD,joins as Application Scientist. Keith previously held senior appointments at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, and the Proteomics Center at BCH. Deb Litman and Jeff Club join as East- and West-Coast Sales Manager, respectively. Deb brings more than 15 years of experience in capital equipment sales and applications support roles. Jeff joins Applied Photophysics from Molecular Devices (a Danaher company) and brings over a decade of diverse experience from both the clinical and research arms of life science. Eric Beauregard,an experienced electrician, joins the Company as Service Engineer, having recently graduated from the University of Hartford with a B.S. in Chemistry.
In Europe and the UK, Martin Textor, PhD joins as Application Scientist. A molecular biologist by training, Martin specializes in biophysics with a focus on membrane protein research and has used CD on a regular basis during his work. Tony Lester and Sven Langner join Applied Photophysics as UK- and German-based Sales Manager, respectively. Tony brings over 25 years of experience in consultative sales. Sven joins the Company from his role as Account Manager with Bio-Rad Clinical Diagnostics.
Commenting on the appointments, Louise Madden, CEO, said: "We have ambitious plans for Applied Photophysics and as we look to grow significantly over the next few years, we have started by expanding operations and scaling up the business. Welcoming such a talented group of individuals, we are now able to offer unprecedented levels of service and scientific support to our customers across North America and Europe."
For more information about Applied Photophysics, visit https://www.photophysics.com/
ENDS
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005801/en/
Contacts:
Notes for Editors:
For high-resolution images please contact:
Zyme Communications
Lorna Cuddon
Tel: +44 (0)7811 996 942
Email: lorna.cuddon@zymecommunications.com
NEW YORK, Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --The Institute for Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence (IRPA AI) has announced that Google, IBM, EY, PwC and EdgeVerve will lead its agenda and lineup of major automation and AI industry speakers, for the fourth annual Automation Innovation Conference to be held in New York City on December 5-6, 2017, and London on December 13, 2017. The New York event is now sold out for its third year in a row.
This year's conference, "2017: Exploiting the Second Wave," focuses on taking the lessons learned in the last three years and applying them to harness the power of RPA, cognitive computing, and artificial intelligence today. "The software is smarter and so are we," said Frank Casale, Founder and CEO of IRPA AI. "The automation industry is at a tipping point where there is no turning back; the first wave of early adopters has put the technology to the test and is now embarking on the second wave that takes lessons learned and goes beyond the first's implementations. This year's conference provides the foundation for those who are beginning their investment in automation, enabling them to learn from the successes and challenges learned during the first wave and second-wavers will benefit from more challenging and thoughtful content that addresses key issues such as scaling up and developing centers of excellence."
Keynotes in New York include sessions by George Kaczmarskyj, Financial Services RPA Leader for the Americas at EY, Google's Matz Lukmani on "Machine Learning to the Rescue! - A Google Perspective," IBM's Gene Chao, Global VP of Cognitive Enterprise Automation on "Automation and Artificial Intelligence Across the Enterprise," Steve Power of Cisco and Naresh Kothari of EdgeVerve (an Infosys company) on "How to Define and Ensure Success of an Automation Implementation," and Anand Rao, Partner and Global AI Lead for PwC's US Advisory Practice, "Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Computing: A Vision for the Future."
"Machine learning is the core of major innovations in the world. It is based on improving standards of automation, resulting in greater room to bring human creativity to the forefront of our projects," said Matz Lukmani, Attribution Product Lead, Google. "IRPA AI provides an instrumental bench for AI professionals and practitioners from across industries and verticals to come together and share ideas on how to better learn and improve on each other's achievements and challenges."
The London keynotes also include Matz Lukmani of Google and executives from IBM, along with Sebastian Zeiss, Deutsche Telekom, on "Robotics and Cognitive Computing: Game-Changer in Fostering Digitisation and Business Innovation," Robin George, EdgeVerve and Chris Gibbons from Royal Philips on "How to Define and Ensure Success of an Automation Implementation?" and a session by Chris Lamberton, EMEIA Robotic Process Automation Lead at EY.
"Move beyond automation into augmentation," said Anand Rao of PwC. "Artificial intelligence - especially augmented intelligence - is already helping enterprises make better decisions at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. This augmentation is happening at the physical, cognitive, and creative areas that enterprises are involved in."
Other key sponsors include UiPath, Blue Prism, Wipro, Sutherland, WorkFusion, Automation Anywhere, NICE, and Kryon Systems, along with dozens of other sponsors and exhibitors from across the industry.
The NY conference will take place at Bohemian National Hall, 321 East 73rd Street, New York, NY and the London event at etc. Venues, St. Paul's - 200 Aldersgate, London, UK EC1A 4HD. Conference admission is complimentary for buyers of automation and AI. For providers and influencers, the fee for the London event is 880. Visit http://irpaai.com/events/automation-innovation-conference-2017-london/ to register for London.
About IRPA AI
Founded in 2013, the Institute for Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence (IRPA AI) is an independent professional association and knowledge forum for the buyers, sellers, influencers and analysts of robotic process automation, cognitive computing and artificial intelligence. Our global network and advisory services offer leading-edge market intelligence, industry research, sourcing assistance, and events as well as opportunities to learn and network with stakeholders across service industry functions. To learn more please visit www.irpaai.com
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VANCOUVER, BC -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Glance Technologies Inc. (CSE: GET)(CSE: GET.CN)(CNSX: GET)(OTCQB: GLNNF)(FRANKFURT: GJT) (the "Company") has today entered into an agreement with Echelon Wealth Partners and PI Financial Corp., (collectively the "Underwriters") pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase on a bought deal basis 3,350,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$3.00 per Unit, representing total gross proceeds of $10,050,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one common share ("Unit Share") and one unit purchase warrant ("Unit Warrant"). Each Unit Purchase Warrant is exercisable into one unit ("Subsequent Unit") at a price of $3.84 per Subsequent Unit, for a period of 12 months following the Closing Date of the Offering. Each Subsequent Unit consists of one common share ("Subsequent Unit Share") and one common share purchase warrant ("Share Warrant") exercisable at $5.00 per common share ("Common Share"), for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date of the Offering. Both the Unit Warrants and the Share Warrants will be transferable. Management and insiders will be participating for up to approximately $2 million of the Units on the same terms and conditions as the Offering.
The Company has agreed to grant the Underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Units at the Issue Price at any time and from time to time on or prior to the date that is 30 days following the closing of the Offering. The Over-Allotment Option may be exercised in whole or in part to purchase Shares, Warrants or Units as determined by the Co-lead Underwriters upon written notice to the Company at any time up to 30 days following the Closing Date. If this option is exercised in full, an additional $1,507,500 in gross proceeds will be raised pursuant to the Offering, for aggregate gross proceeds of $11,557,500.
The Units will be offered by way of a short form prospectus to be filed in B.C., Alberta and Ontario, and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such other jurisdictions as may be agreed upon by the Company and the Underwriters.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general corporate purposes, to fund growth and to provide for possible future acquisitions. The Offering is expected to close on or about December 20th, 2017 (or such other date as the Underwriter and the Company may agree) and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and stock exchange approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange and the applicable securities regulatory authorities.
This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements.
About Glance Technologies Inc.
Glance Technologies owns and operates Glance Pay, a streamlined payment system that revolutionizes how smartphone users choose where to dine, order goods and services, make payments, access digital receipts, redeem digital deals, earn great rewards & interact with merchants. Glance is building a valuable network of merchants and consumers, and offers targeted in-app marketing, geo targeted digital coupons, social media marketing, customer feedback, in-merchant messaging and custom rewards programs. The Glance Pay mobile payment system consists of proprietary technology, which includes user apps available for free downloads in IOS (Apple) and Android formats, merchant manager apps, a large scale technology hosting environment with sophisticated anti-fraud technology and lightning fast payment processing.
Glance Pay has entered into significant licensing agreements to access the cannabis, fitness and wellness, foreign student and tourist markets through Cannapay Financial Inc., Active Pay Distribution Inc. and Euro Asia Pay Holdings Inc. Glance Pay is building a network of international advisors and developing a cryptocurrency which will offer reward elements for use on its platform.
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward- looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward- looking information is typically identified by words such as: "will" "may" "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Glance cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Glance is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Glance's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. In particular, Glance may not be successful in building its planned cryptocurrency or there may not be sufficient support for the cryptocurrency to make it a success.
For more information about Glance, please go to www.glance.tech or contact:
Christina Rao
Vice President
Investor Relations
(604) 723-7480
investors@glancepay.com
Two Saturdays ago at 3 a.m., my family was awoken by somebody howling, literally howling, on our porch.
Then the man began pounding on our front door. Again and again and again, hitting the iron knocker against the wood as hard as he could, and, when that didnt do the trick, hurling his body against the door.
While the rest of my family hid, I called 911, and told them someone was attempting to break into our home. The operator asked me a question: What color was the man on my porch?
The pounding grew fiercer. Three times, I had to call 911. Finally, after 20 minutes two police cars pulled up, sirens on, and through the door I heard a policeman ask our visitor what he was doing.
He was, he slowly slurred, trying to get into his girlfriends house. But she doesnt live here, they told him, as I opened the door. This family does, and you scared them very much. You need to apologize.
The young man, clearly bombed out his mind, quietly muttered, Im sorry.
The officers made him sit on the curb across the street from our house, asked him to call his parents which he refused to do and finally let him phone a friend to pick him up. He was, they told me, simply drunk out of his skull. He just needed to sleep it off.
Having written about the criminal justice system, among other topics, for 20-plus years, I was in no hurry to ruin another persons life by insisting that the police press charges. On the other hand, as I lay in bed that dawn, sleepless, a number of things began bothering me about the whole interaction. They have been bothering me ever since.
So, in case our unbidden visitor is reading this:
Dear anonymous intruder,
You have, I suspect, no idea how lucky you are. In your idiotic drunken stupor, you tried to break into a house. You succeeded in terrifying a family of four.
In many states, legislation such as Stand Your Ground laws would have given a homeowner on the other side of the door the right to shoot you, and your death would have been ruled self-defense.
Even absent a trigger-happy homeowner, however, you were the beneficiary that night of three pieces of extraordinary luck.
The first was that you encountered two courteous and sensitive police officers willing and able to empathize with you. Instead of simply seeing a threatening perp, they saw a kid, likely a college student, who had had a few drinks, a few pills too many, a vulnerable and foolish human being who simply needed to sleep it off. They used both their discretion and their common sense in not escalating the situation, in not coming in guns blazing, ready to hurt you, to arrest you, to start processing you through the criminal justice system.
The second thing is that you happened to try to break down the door of somebody who has written about the crisis of mass incarceration for decades, who has interviewed hundreds of crime victims, criminals, attorneys and prisoners, and who believes from the bottom of his heart in not seeing the worst in people; who believes in second chances and in not needlessly amping up legal proceedings against individuals who are not genuine threats to society. When I saw what sort of pitiful state you were in, you reminded me of many of the incarcerated young men and women I have interviewed who did something stupid oftentimes far less stupid than what you did and faced with unforgiving police, and scared victims, and DAs looking for easy convictions, ended up serving years and sometimes decades in prison.
And when, at 4 a.m., I asked the police officers, after they had sent you home with a friend, their take on what had happened, and they said that in their honest-to-goodness opinion you were just out on a bender, I took their word at face value. I didnt want your life to be ruined by a needless criminal prosecution, and, after asking my wife, I told the police that we did not want to pursue charges.
But perhaps the thing that made you luckiest was the color of your skin, that vital identifying characteristic the emergency operator had been so quick to ask me about.
Its certainly possible that those two humane police officers would have been just as kind, considerate and empathetic to an African-American male in the same situation. I hope, and want to believe, they would have been.
Yet, in those circumstances had they treated an African-American suspect so gently and so calmly, they would have been bucking a very powerful trend, for, in many, many instances in recent years, a very different saga has emerged to that of your get-out-of-jail-free story.
In July 2009, the Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates, an African-American, was arrested by the police at his own home, after he returned from a trip overseas, realized he had lost his keys, and broke open his own door. He was arrested despite showing the police his Harvard ID and his drivers license which had his address on it and showed very clearly that the home he was breaking into was his own.
In September 2015, an African-American woman in Santa Monica hired a locksmith to help her get into her house after she had locked herself out. A neighbor called the police, and 19 officers arrived, several of them with guns drawn, and arrested her.
And the list goes on.
You benefited from the kindness of myriad strangers that night, and you may very well have benefited from the color of your skin. Let me finish with some advice: If you want to make good for scaring four people half to death, perhaps you could do some volunteer work at a criminal justice reform organization, or a drug treatment center, or a racial justice group.
It might turn your good fortune into something from which the broader community can benefit.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Editors Note: There are two photos associated with this press release.
Manitou Gold Inc. (TSX VENTURE: MTU) (the "Company" or "Manitou") today announced that it has encountered several remarkable visible gold containing specimens from blasted rock samples collected at its Kenwest property, located approximately 50 km south of Dryden Ontario.
The samples were pulled from a recently completed surface bulk sampling program at the Kenwest property. While the permitting process for a larger underground bulk sample is ongoing, the Company elected to proceed with the collection of an initial 10 tonne bulk sample taken from surface in the vicinity of the very high-grade gold intersections that the Company drilled in 2011. At that time, the Company drilled a section of core that returned an assay of 53,700 g/t Au over 0.55m (see Company press release dated Feb 28, 2011). This intersection occurred at a depth of approximately 25m below surface.
Gold mineralization at the Kenwest property is orogenic in nature and is largely confined to distinct northeast to southwest trending shear zones that have been filled with quartz veining and related alteration. Historic mining dating back to the early 1900s on the property has focused on the #1 and #2 shear zones. All of the Company's recent activity has targeted the #2 shear zone. The recent blasting was done along strike of the vein over a length of approximately 30 meters, beginning directly above the intersection in KW-11-26 and extending towards the northeast at depths of between 8-12 feet and 1.5 meters in width creating a small trench.
A total of approximately 235 tons were blasted. During excavation of the blasted rock, the Company's contractors filled 40 steel drums (having capacity of 45 gallons each) with material from the vein and shear zone, resulting in the collection of approximately 10 tonnes of material sent for laboratory analysis.
The Company's contractors observed conspicuous amounts of visible gold from near surface in a part of the vein located approximately 20 meters northeast of the section where drill hole KW 11-26 had encountered the above-mentioned high-grade intersection. Geological mapping, sampling and structural measurements undertaken during the sampling process will be incorporated into the existing geologic model for the zone in order to add to the Company's understanding on the controls of the high-grade gold zones, and to understand the relationship amongst the multiple areas of concentrated visible gold and cohosted minerals. Photographs of the bulk sample work and some of the visible gold specimens can be found on the Company's website at Kenwest bulk sample photos.
The blasted rock was not washed or sorted and was simply directly deposited into barrels as excavation progressed. The total representative sample of approximately 10 tonnes has been transported to SGS Laboratories in Sudbury and will be processed both there and at SGS Lakefield location, in order to provide a more definitive estimate of the vein system grade, as well as facilitate initial assessment of best procedures for mineral extraction. The remaining material has been stockpiled on site to allow for expedient access and further metallurgical testing.
"This initial surface bulk sample is a big step towards establishing expected grade of the future underground bulk sample," stated Richard Murphy, CEO of Manitou Gold. "I am very optimistic about the pending results. The original high-grade discovery in hole KW-11-26 confirms that this area can host some spectacular grade gold material and I am anxious to see if this first bulk sample supports this potential on a larger scale. The results of this test work, once available, will provide inputs into how we proceed with work on site in advance of the planned underground bulk sample. Possibilities for the next stages of exploration at Kenwest include expanding on the surface drilling and blasting in order to produce a larger tonnage sample to test at a commercial mill, as well as diamond drilling to test our new understanding about the controls of the higher grade gold zones." The Company anticipates being able to release the assay results of this initial surface bulk sample in January.
The Kenwest Property is comprised of patented property owned 100% by Manitou. The Property covers 5 km of strike length of the deformation zone that controls the gold mineralization. There are no royalties payable on the property, with the exception of a onetime payment of $2,000,000 in favour of Goldcorp Inc. upon commencement of commercial production. Manitou's 100% owned Canamerica property covers an additional 2.5 km of the deformation zone adjacent to the Kenwest patented property. Manitou filed a draft closure plan with the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development and Mines on October 2nd, 2017 as part of the bulk sampling permitting process.
Richard Murphy, P.Geo., CEO of the Company is the Qualified Person who prepared the scientific and technical disclosure herein. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward Looking Statements - Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, statements with respect to the prospective nature of any of Manitou's property interests. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the timing and amount of future exploration, the availability of necessary financing, the progress of exploration activities, the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Manitou, including, but not limited to the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, risks inherent in exploration and development activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined, mineral prices, competition, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks, capitalization and financing risks, risks related to disputes concerning property titles and interest, and environmental risks. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links:
http://www.marketwire.com/library/20171128-GK_MANITOUGOLD_WEB_sRGB_0024_lrg.jpg
http://www.marketwire.com/library/20171128-GK_MANITOUGOLD_WEB_sRGB_0006_lrg.jpg
Contacts:
Manitou Gold Inc.
Richard Murphy
CEO
1 (705) 698-1962
Manitou Gold Inc.
Pat Dubreuil
President
1 (705) 626-0666
info@manitougold.com
Christian Lacroix to launch online marketplace platform to sell direct-to-consumers on christian-lacroix.com
Mirakl, the leading marketplace platform provider, today announced a partnership with Christian Lacroix to launch an innovative Brand Platform to sell menswear, women's accessories and lifestyle collection on christian-lacroix.com.
The Brand Platform marks the first time the brand will sell directly to customers online, and showcases the universe of Christian Lacroix unique collection of products. Nicolas Topiol, Chief Executive Officer, Christian Lacroix, selected the Mirakl Marketplace Platform for its focus on operating innovative marketplaces. The digital project integrates leading technology from Mirakl, Magento, HiPay and Borderlinx, and is being implemented by the Digital Agency Colorz.
"Christian Lacroix is an iconic luxury brand famous for its initial disruption of the 80s-fashion scene bringing vibrant colors and a mix and match of fabrics, patterns and inspirations in a then monochrome fashion world," said Topiol. "Since then the House of Christian Lacroix has evolved into a lifestyle brand touching its aficionados with a wide offering of product categories from fashion accessories, to menswear and art de vivre collections. With the launch of our digital commerce platform, we are looking to expand our distribution and be in direct contact with our customers worldwide. Our 30th Anniversary and its celebration provide the perfect opportunity to launch our direct to consumer initiative."
"We're tremendously excited to be working with Nicolas Topiol and the Christian Lacroix team," said Philippe Corrot, co-founder and CEO, Mirakl. "We have a uniquely shared vision. Mirakl believes the future of commerce is in the platform revolution where retailers and brands need to become platform operators to embrace the future of commerce. The Christian Lacroix Brand Platform perfectly exemplifies this vision with the team creating an online network to sell their multiple product categories and to provide the full universe of products to Christian Lacroix brand aficionados. Our platform is perfectly designed to launch this new business model, our team of experts is here to help them capitalize on the platform revolution with the marketplace model."
About Christian Lacroix
Since the creation of the fashion house in 1987 by LVMH, the House of Christian Lacroix lays the foundation for a colorful, exuberant and unique style. The Hispanic inspirations, colors, innovative forms make a sensation and are a breath of freshness in the fashion circles.
The brand is sold worldwide, with collections of products as varied as men's ready-to-wear, women's accessories and Home decor.
The Christian Lacroix brand subsists through timeless values. The result is a fabulously richly entwined universe, which can be continually reinterpreted, re-mixed and illuminated. The Christian Lacroix brand is fundamentally contemporary and dynamic.
About Mirakl
Mirakl gives retailers and brands a fast path to increase customer value by launching an online marketplace. The increased value exceeds customer expectations by providing more products, at better prices, with superior service. The Mirakl Marketplace Platform automates the hard things: Seller onboarding, product data management, service quality control, and order distribution; on an API-based solution that's modular and easy to integrate. Over 140 customers operating marketplaces in 40 countries trust Mirakl's proven expertise and technology including Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Best Buy Canada, Carrefour, Darty, Galeries Lafayette and Halfords. Founded in 2012, Mirakl helps companies provide a better customer experience as part of their omni-channel strategy. For more information: www.mirakl.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005227/en/
Contacts:
Ketner Group PR Marketing (for Mirakl)
Adrienne Newcomb/Greg Earl, 512-794-8876
miraklpr@ketnergroup.com
RIMOUSKI, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Puma Exploration inc. (the "Company" or "Puma") (TSX VENTURE: PUM)(SSE: PUMA) is pleased to announce that by mutual agreement, Votorantim Metals Canada Inc. ("Votorantim") and Puma have agreed to modify the terms of the amended and restated Asset Purchase Agreement signed October 5th, 2016 to facilitate and accelerate the final closing of the acquisition of the Murray Brook Property which include the transfer of the mining claims to Puma.
To satisfy the new requirements as set in the amended agreement signed November 27th 2017, Puma will proceed with the $2M cash consideration on February 28th, 2018 as previously agreed. The date at which the Environmental Bond will be assumed by Puma has been postponed to December 31st, 2018, the date of the final cash consideration payment. Once the final cash consideration payment is done and that Puma has assumed the Environmental bond, the mining claims will be transferred to Puma.
"We are very pleased with this new mutual agreement that provides Puma with more flexibility in achieving our shared objective in finalizing the acquisition of the Murray Brook Property. The delay of the release of the Environmental Bond will let us focus on exploring and developing the Murray Brook Deposit" notes Marcel Robillard, President of Puma.
Except as specifically modified pursuant to the present release, no other changes or modifications to the Asset Purchase Agreement are intended or implied or have otherwise been agreed between the Parties. The present modifications have to be reviewed by the usual regulatory agencies.
Current Exploration Program
The second phase of the 2017 exploration program has begun on prospective new areas on both sides of the Murray Brook Deposit and initially consists of trenching. Puma's geologists have defined several new high priority targets based on their stratigraphic location, their proximity to the Deposit and along the best geophysical anomalies.
So far, 11 trenches have been completed for a total of 803 meters. Along the Western side of the Murray Brook Deposit, altered black shales units were discovered and contain disseminated sulphides and also small veinlets of sulphide. The mineralized rocks, visually similar to the Murray Brook Deposit footwall sediments, were found over a strong chargeability and gravity anomalies. This trenching program was also aimed at defining several high priority targets that will be tested in the coming drilling program.
Corporate Matter
An insider of the Company has participated in the recent September 15th, 2017 flow through private placement for an amount of $1,000.00 (representing 1% of the total placement). This insider subscribed to the units on the same terms as the other investors. The participation of an insider is exempt of the standard regulatory acceptance as well as of the approval of the shareholders of the Company according to sections 5.5 (a) and 5.7 (a) of the Regulation 61-101 "Regulation 61-101 " concerning the protection of minor shareholders in a special transaction. This exemption is based on the fact that the market value of the placement or the amount paid by each of the total insiders does not represent more than 25% of the market value of the Company.
Qualified Persons and QC/AC
The content of this press release was prepared by Marcel Robillard, P.Geo., President and Dominique Gagne, P.Geo., Vice President Exploration of Puma Exploration, qualified persons as defined by NI 43-101, who supervised the preparation and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Mr. Robillard and Mr. Gagne are not independent of the Company, as both are officers and shareholders thereof. The samples were prepared, sent, processed at ALS Val D'Or, Quebec and ALS Sudbury, Ontario. All samples were assayed by ME-ICP41 method and gold was assayed by AU-AA26 method. QA/QC are monitored by the analysis of blanks, reference material and replicate samples at a frequency of one (1) of each per 30 samples.
About the Murray Brook Project
The Murray Brook Project consists of three (3) distinct contiguous areas that cover more than 18 kilometers of the favorable rocks that host the operating Caribou Mine (Trevali Mining Corp.), the Murray Brook Deposit and the past operating Restigouche Mine (Trevali Mining Corp.). From east to west, the project comprises the Murray Brook East Property (4925), the Murray Brook Mining Lease (# 252) and the Murray Brook West Property (7846) (refer to website).
The Murray Brook East and Murray Brook West Properties have been subject to various degrees of exploration and share the same potential of increasing the mineral resources defined at the Murray Brook Deposit. The Company has defined several future priority targets on these properties.
The Murray Brook deposit has a currently defined measured and indicated mineral resources of 5.28 million tonnes averaging 5.24% zinc, 1.80% lead, 0.46% copper, 68.9 g/t silver and 0.65 g/t gold. The core of the mineral resource occurs in the West Zone which is 200 meters wide, extending from surface to 300 meters vertical and the true thickness of the massive sulphide body varies from 75 meters to 100 meters. The East Zone (Copper-Gold) is 100 meters wide, also extending from surface to 300 vertical meters and is mainly mineralized with gold and copper. On February 20th 2017, a NI 43-101 report was accepted and filed on SEDAR.
About Puma Exploration Inc.
Puma Exploration is a Canadian mineral exploration company with advanced precious and base metals projects in Canada. The Company's major assets consist of an option to acquire 100% beneficial interest in the Murray Brook Property, the Turgeon Zinc-Copper Project and the Nicholas-Denys Project located in New Brunswick as well as an equity interest in BWR Resources, Manitoba. Puma's objective for the coming year is to focus its exploration efforts in New Brunswick.
You can visit us on Facebook and Twitter.
Learn more by consulting www.pumaexploration.com for further information on Puma Exploration Inc.
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Puma Exploration Inc. to be materially different from actual future results and achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma Exploration undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are described in the quarterly and annual reports and in the documents submitted to the securities administration.
Contacts:
Puma Exploration Inc.
Marcel Robillard
President
(418) 724-0901
president@explorationpuma.com
www.pumaexploration.com
Regulatory News:
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TechnipFMC plc ("TechnipFMC") (NYSE: FTI) (Paris: FTI) (ISIN: GB00BDSFG982) announces the availability of its Analyst Day Presentations in connection with its 2017 Analyst Day on 28 November 2017.
The general presentation session will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Houston time, and will be available via a live audio webcast. The corresponding presentation slides for the general presentation session are filed with this regulatory release and will be available through the Investor Relations link on TechnipFMC's website at www.technipfmc.com. The archived replay of the webcast will be available on the website for 90 days.
The presentation includes the following additional outlook items provided by the Company that supplements the guidance provided in the Company's earnings release related to the quarter ended 30 September 2017:
the value of integrated Subsea awards, iEPCI, is expected to more than double from 2017 and could represent up to 25% of total Subsea inbound orders in 2018;
sales in subsea services are expected to increase by at least a 12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2020; and
an increase of the Company's total exit run-rate merger synergies target from $400 million to $450 million, with incremental savings of $50 million to be realized by the end of 2019.
About TechnipFMC
TechnipFMC is a global leader in subsea, onshore/offshore, and surface projects. With our proprietary technologies and production systems, integrated expertise, and comprehensive solutions, we are transforming our clients' project economics.
We are uniquely positioned to deliver greater efficiency across project lifecycles from concept to project delivery and beyond. Through innovative technologies and improved efficiencies, our offering unlocks new possibilities for our clients in developing their oil and gas resources.
Each of our more than 40,000 employees is driven by a steady commitment to clients and a culture of purposeful innovation, challenging industry conventions, and rethinking how the best results are achieved.
To learn more about us and how we are enhancing the performance of the world's energy industry, go to TechnipFMC.com and follow us on Twitter @TechnipFMC.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005614/en/
Contacts:
Investor relations
Matt Seinsheimer
Vice President Investor Relations
Tel: +1 281 260 3665
Email: Matt Seinsheimer
or
James Davis
Senior Manager Investor Relations
Tel: +1 281 260 3665
Email: James Davis
or
Media relations
Christophe Belorgeot
Vice President Corporate Communications
Tel: +33 1 47 78 39 92
Email: Christophe Belorgeot
or
Delphine Nayral
Manager Public Relations
Tel: +33 1 47 78 34 83
Email: Delphine Nayral
or
Lisa Adams
Senior Manager Digital Communications
Tel: +1 281 405 4659
Email: Lisa Adams
Drill Hole DDH P17002 assayed 90.35 g/t (2.91 oz/t) silver from surface to 34.5 m (113 ft) including an 18 m (59 ft) portion averaging 120.58 g/t (3.88 oz/t)
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2017) - Viscount Mining Corp. (TSXV: VML) (OTCQB: VLMGF) ("Viscount" or "the Company"), is pleased to announce the first assay results from the Phase 2 HQ core drilling program at their Silver Cliff property in the Hardscrabble Silver District of Custer County, Colorado (the "Property"). The 2017 program commenced in mid-October has as its primary objective the verification of historical drill results for current mineral resource estimation on one of the Silver Cliff deposits known as the Kate Silver Resource (the "KSR"). A second objective is to test the potential for deeper silver mineralization. This release is reporting values from DDH P17002, the first of ten holes.
Vertical hole (-90) P17002 penetrated to a depth of 197.1 m (646.7 ft) and assays of continuous 1.5 m (4.92 ft) sample intervals only to a depth 36 m (118.1 ft) have been received from ALS Canada Ltd. Of this portion of the hole, the first 34.5 m (113.2 ft) from surface averaged 90.35 parts per million (ppm, i.e. g/t or 2.91 oz/t), including an 18 m (59 ft) portion from 12 to 30 m (39.4 to 98.4 ft ) averaging 120.58 g/t (3.88 oz/t). Historical hole 79_5_CC drilled in 1979 and twinned by P17002 was reported to have only an 18.3 m (60 ft) interval averaging more than 31.1 g/t (1.0 oz/t), namely, from 15.2 m to 33.5 m (50 to 110 ft) with 105.43 g/t (3.39oz/t). Although results from more drill holes will be required to determine true thickness, historical geological records and Viscount's 2016 drilling profiles indicate that the mineralized rhyolite tuff beds are nearly horizontal with apparent variations from the horizontal due to vertical displacement by faults.
Kaare Foy, Viscount Chairman stated: "We are very encouraged with the results of our first hole of Phase 2 drilling at Silver Cliff. The results show the twinned hole multiple ounce mineralization to be almost double in length. This was also indicated in some of the 9 twinned holes drilled in 2016 where 5 out of 9 holes had noticeably thicker silver-rich sections."
Dr. Howard Lahti, VP of Exploration commented: "Viscount is continuing the drill program to see if there are other locations within the Kate deposit with much thicker or multiple zones which would offer the potential for increasing the historic silver resource potentially mineable by open pit. The high silver values from our last drill campaign and the most recent result continues toward addressing our primary goal which is to verify the historical mineral resource. Our goal also is to enlarge the historic resource by extending the drill program outside the perimeter of the area encompassed by the Tenneco PEA. We look forward to reporting further assays from this program as they become available."
Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") Measures, Chain of Custody
The Company has implemented a QA/QC program using best industry practices at the Silver Cliff Property. Drill core samples are sawn in half lengthwise and one half transported in securely-sealed bags to the ALS laboratory in Reno, Nevada, for sample preparation and subsequent analysis at ALS Canada Ltd. in Vancouver. Prior to transport, individual samples are labeled, placed in plastic sample bags and sealed. One certified standard for each 20 samples is included. Groups of samples are then placed into durable rice bags that are then shipped. The sample pulps and rejects will be retrieved from ALS. For the 1.5 m (4.92 ft) interval samples that are the subject of this report of DDH P17002 results, the ALS method with code ME-GRA21 was utilized for determining both gold and silver. It consists of fire assay and gravimetric finish (30g nominal sample weight). Five certified standards were included with this shipment.
Qualified Persons
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dallas W. Davis, P.Eng, FEC, an independent consulting geologist who is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").
About Viscount Mining (TSXV: VML) (OTCQB: VLMGF)
Viscount Mining is a project generator and an exploration company with a portfolio of silver and gold properties in the Western United States, including Silver Cliff in Colorado and Cherry Creek in Nevada.
The Silver Cliff property in Colorado lies within the historic Hardscrabble Silver District in the Wet Mountain Valley, Custer County, south-central Colorado. It is located 44 miles WSW of Pueblo, Colorado, and has year-around access by paved road. The property consists of 2,029 acres where high grade silver, gold and base metal production came from numerous mines during the period 1878 to the early 1900's. The property underwent substantial exploration between 1967 and 1984.
The property is interpreted to encompass a portion of a large caldera and highly altered sequence of Tertiary rhyolitic flows and fragmental units which offers potential to host deposits with both precious and base metals. This has been demonstrated in the mineralization historically extracted from the numerous underground and surface mining operations. Drilling in the 1980s by Tenneco resulted in a historical pre-feasibility study on which basis it was planned to bring the property to production. The plan was abandoned following take over by another company.
The Cherry Creek Property is focused on exploration in the immediate vicinity of an area commonly known as the Cherry Creek Mining District, located approximately 30 miles north of the town of Ely, in White Pine County, Nevada. Cherry Creek consists of over 400 unpatented and patented claims as well as mill rights, and is comprised of more than 8,000 acres. Cherry Creek includes more than 20 past producing mines.
For additional information regarding the above noted property and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at www.viscountmining.com
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
"Jim MacKenzie"
President, CEO and Director
For further information, please contact:
Viscount Investor Relations
Phone: 1 844 863 3622
Email: info@viscountmining.com
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Viscount Mining Corp. believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Viscount Mining Corp. management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Viscount Mining Corp. undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
Bloom Properties, a Bloom Holding business specializing in the development of integrated and sustainable communities, is set to showcase its extensive portfolio of real estate projects at the Dubai Property Roadshow, London.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171201005269/en/
Bloom Towers (Photo: AETOSWire)
Set to run on December 3rd and 4th, 2017 at the Shangri-La, at the Shard, in London, Bloom Properties will highlight a selection of sought-after real estate projects from its wide portfolio ranging from premium properties on Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi to mid-market developments in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) to suit diverse investor needs. At this event, potential investors can learn more about Bloom Towers and Bloom Heights in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) in Dubai as well as Soho Square and Park View mixed-use developments on Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi.
Organized by the Dubai Land Department, the Dubai Property Roadshow, London will convene some of the most prominent real estate developers in the UAE under one roof and highlight the benefits of investing in the Dubai property market for London's affluent investors. Some of these benefits include 100% freehold ownership in designated foreign investment areas of Dubai, no rental income tax and capital gain tax and 100% repatriation of funds
Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of Bloom Holding, said: "The Dubai Property Roadshow, London offers us an ideal platform to meet with high-net worth investors and cater to the increasing demand from British investors for high quality real estate in Dubai. Through its participation in leading property events abroad including Dubai Property Events in Mumbai and now in London, Bloom Properties seeks to attract more investors from high-priority growth markets. In bringing our projects to London, we are confident that we will attract the same level of investor response as we did in Mumbai by offering investors strong rental yields and high capital appreciation potential."
Located in Jumeirah Village Circle, one of the fastest growing communities in Dubai and scheduled for completion in Q4 2020, Bloom Towers is a development consisting of three towers offering a total of 944 residential units consisting of contemporary studios and one-bedroom apartments featuring a timeless and elegant design.
Meanwhile, Bloom Heights will feature 686 units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments. Slated for completion in Q2 2019, the two-tower high-rise development will provide easy access to all major roads and Dubai's main business districts and leisure attractions.
Located in the University neighborhood of Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, Park View will consist of a residential and a hotel apartment building designed to the highest standards of upscale urban living. The residential building will offer 207 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom apartments, while the hospitality component includes 217 furnished and serviced hotel apartments comprising studios as well as one- and two-bedroom executive apartments.
Soho Square, another Bloom Properties project in Saadiyat will include 302 upscale residences ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments, townhouses and a penthouse. Both Park View and Soho Square offer proximity to the New York University Abu Dhabi campus and major tourist attractions including the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum which is now open to the public.
Bloom Properties specializes in the development of integrated and sustainable communities that offer an enriching lifestyle and enhanced quality of life. In collaboration with best-in-class designers and architects, the company builds a range of residential, commercial and mixed-use projects in prime locations across the MENA region. Bloom Properties also provides customized leasing and property management solutions that exceed the tenants' expectations.
*Source: AETOSWire
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171201005269/en/
Contacts:
APCO Worldwide
Salam Shehady, +97124917525, +971553584520
sshehady@apcoworldwide.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2017) - Gunpowder Capital Corp., (CSE: GPC), (CSE: GPC.PR.A), (OTCQB: GNPWF), (FSE: YS6N), ("Gunpowder" or the "Corporation"), released today a summary of its financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30th, 2017. Key highlights include:
The Corporation posted its first ever quarterly profit which amounted to $128,132 CDN. This result was heavily driven by the successful completion of one of our go public mandates and while we continue to build out recurring revenues these large gains tied to go public work are expected to continue and add large quarterly spikes in revenue and profit when completed.
Q3 2017 Revenues increased to $680,501 from $ 45,336 in Q3 2016, representing a 1,401% increase.
Q3 2017 Revenues increased to $680,501 from $255,184 in Q2 2017, representing a 167% increase for the three month period.
First nine months (YTD) 2017 Revenues were $1,029,876 vs. $79,725 for the first nine months (YTD) 2016 representing an 1,192% increase.
Q3 2017 Fully Diluted EPS improved to $0.00 vs. ($0.03) Fully Diluted EPS loss recorded for the same time period last year.
Total Assets increased to $7,739,972 in Q3 2017 from $2,838,587 As At Dec 31st 2016 representing 173% increase.
The Corporation's Interim Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 have been posted both on the Corporation's SEDAR profile page which can be viewed by visiting www.sedar.com and on the Corporation's website which can be viewed by visiting www.gunpowdercapitalcorp.com.
Mr. Paul Haber stated: "Our business model has both demonstrated and as shown continued momentum in Q3 2017, and we expect the momentum in our business to continue. Despite the fact that our business model is still in its infancy, the Corporation recorded year to date revenues of $1,029,876 which is a corporate record. Furthermore, I am very pleased that the Corporation posted its first ever quarterly profit. I, and the rest of the business development team, remain focused in sourcing revenue generating assets to acquire and seeking out profitable business deals that the Corporation can enter into."
Mr. Frank Kordy stated: "I'm extremely pleased by the very strong performance that occurred in Q3. As I previously stated at our AGM, since making key operational and structural changes to the Corporation, we have gained substantial momentum in our business model throughout fiscal 2016 and thus far, throughout fiscal 2017. This momentum is reflected in the dramatic increase in the Corporation's 'Total Assets' ledger and can easily be seen by the Corporation's rapidly increasing revenue streams. The Management team will continue to work hard in advancing the Corporation forward and we will remain focused on increasing the Corporation's asset pool and incoming revenue streams."
About Gunpowder Capital Corp.
Gunpowder Capital Corp., is a merchant bank and advisory services firm based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Gunpowder invests in both publicly traded and private businesses that have successful management teams and attractive economic models. Gunpowder partners with these businesses to support their growth initiatives with its proven methodology of appropriate financing and structured exits. Gunpowder offers debt financing, including mezzanine and bridge loans, equity financing and advisory services. Gunpowder is also building a portfolio of companies in which it takes a long term position and view. For more information please visit www.gunpowdercapitalcorp.com.
For further information please contact:
Mr. Frank Kordy
CEO & Director
Gunpowder Capital Corp.
T: (647) 466-4037
E: frank.kordy@gunpowdercapitalcorp.com
Mr. Paul Haber
CFO
Gunpowder Capital Corp.
T: (416) 363-3833
E: paul.haber@gunpowdercapitalcorp.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release may involve forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. Although Management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. Neither CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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Vilnius, Lithuania, 2017-11-28 15:25 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the initiative and decision of the Company's Management Board the Ordinary General Shareholders Meeting of Vilniaus baldai AB (identification code 121922783, address Savanoriu ave. 178B, Vilnius, LT-03154) is to be held on 20 December, 2017 at 10:00 a. m. in Savanoriu ave. 178B, Vilnius. Registration of the shareholders will start at 9:30 a. m. Only the persons who are the shareholders of the Company at the end of the accounting day of the Ordinary General Shareholders Meeting (13 December, 2017) are entitled to participate and to vote at the General Shareholders meeting. Shareholders' rights accounting day - 08 January, 2018. Agenda includes: 1. Consolidated annual report. 2. Company's Auditor's report. 3. Approval of the Consolidated and Company's financial statements for the year 2017 ended 31 August, 2017 4. Distribution of Company's profit. The Management Board of Vilniaus baldai AB approved the Company's draft resolutions of the Annual General Shareholders meeting that will take place on the 20th of December 2017: 1. Consolidated annual report. Shareholders of the public joint-stock company Vilniaus baldai AB are presented with the consolidated annual report of Vilniaus baldai for 2017 (There is no voting on this issue of agenda). 2. Independent auditor's report. Shareholders of the public joint-stock company Vilniaus baldai AB are presented with the independent auditor's report on the financial statements of Vilniaus baldai for 2017 (There is no voting on this issue of agenda). 3. Approval of the Consolidated and Company's financial statements for the year 2017 ended 31 August 2017. To approve Consolidated and Company's financial statements for the year 2017 ended 31 August 2017. 4. Approval of the Company's profit distribution for the year 2017 ended 31 August 2017: To approve Company's profit distribution: Undistributed retained earnings, brought forward 5 233 266 EUR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net result for the current year 4 422 779 EUR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit (loss) not recognized in the income statement of the (21 479) reporting financial year EUR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Distributable result 9 634 566 EUR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transfers to the obligatory reserves - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transfers to other reserves - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To be paid as dividends* 1 049 292 EUR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To be paid as annual payments (bonus) to the Board members - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Undistributed retained earnings, carried forward 8 585 274 EUR -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * 0.27 EUR of dividends per one ordinary share. The documents related to the agenda, draft resolutions on every item of agenda, documents what have to be submitted to the General Shareholders Meeting and other information related to realization of shareholders rights are available at the office of Vilniaus baldai (Savanoriu ave 178 B, Vilnius) during working hours. The shareholders are entitled: (i) to propose to supplement the agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting submitting draft resolution on every additional item of agenda or, than there is no need to make a decision - explanation of the shareholder (this right is granted to shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes). Proposal to supplement the agenda is submitted in writing by registered mail or delivered in person against signature. The agenda is supplemented if the proposal is received no later than 14 before the General Shareholders Meeting; (ii) to propose draft resolutions on the issues already included or to be included in the agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting at any time prior to the date of the General Shareholders meeting (in writing, by registered mail or delivered in person against signature) or in writing during the General Shareholders Meeting (this right is granted to shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes); (iii) to submit questions to the Company related to the issues of agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting in advance but no later than 3 business days prior to the General Shareholders Meeting in writing by registered mail or delivered in person against signature. Shareholder participating at the General Shareholders Meeting and having the right to vote must submit documents confirming personal identity. Each shareholder may authorize either a natural or a legal person to participate and to vote on the shareholder's behalf at the General Shareholders Meeting. The representative has the same rights as his represented shareholder at the General Shareholders Meeting. The authorized persons must have documents confirming their personal identity and power of attorney approved in the manner specified by law which must be submitted to the Company no later than before the commencement of registration for the General Shareholders Meeting. Shareholder is entitled to issue power of attorney by means of electronic communications for legal or natural persons to participate and to vote on its behalf at the General Shareholders Meeting. The shareholders must inform the Company about power of attorney issued by means of electronic communications no later than before the commencement of registration for the General Shareholders Meeting. The shareholders must inform the Company about power of attorney issued by means of electronic communications no later than before the commencement of registration for the General Shareholders Meeting. The power of attorney issued by means of electronic communications and notice about it must be written and submitted to the Company by means of electronic communications. Shareholder or its representative may vote in writing by filling general voting bulletin, in such a case the requirement to deliver a personal identity document does not apply. The form of general voting bulletin is presented at the Company's webpage. If shareholder requests, the Company shall send the general voting bulletin to the requesting shareholder by registered mail or shall deliver it in person against signature no later than 10 days prior to the General Shareholders Meeting free of charge. The filled general voting bulletin must be signed by the shareholder or its authorized representative. Document confirming the right to vote must be added to the general voting bulletin if authorized person is voting. The filled general voting bulletin must be delivered to Vilniaus baldai, AB by registered mail (address Savanoriu ave. 178B, LT 03154 Vilnius, Lithuania) or in person against signature no later than before the day of the General Shareholders Meeting. Information related with the convened General Shareholders Meeting (notice on convocation of General Shareholders Meeting, information about Company's shares, draft resolution, etc.) are available at Vilniaus baldai AB webpage http://www.vilniausbaldai.lt. For further information please contact + 370 5 2525700. Additional information: Head of Finance Jonas Krutinis Phone No.: +370 (5) 252 57 00 Attachment: https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=654921
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - November 28, 2017) - The independent and objective New York-based Luxury Institute today released its 2018 Global Hotels Luxury Brand Status Index, featuring annual rankings and ratings of 40 global luxury hotel brands by affluent consumers from the world's richest countries. The Luxury Institute surveyed 3,900 consumers from seven countries who represent the top 10% of households by annual income. The survey is conducted in China, Japan, U.K., Germany, France, Italy and the U.S.A. A special Mexico survey was also conducted.
Respondents rated each hotel brand on quality, exclusivity, social status, and the ability to make guests feel special. In addition, affluent travelers weighed in on whether they were willing to recommend specific brands to friends and family, whether a hotel brand is worth the premium pricing, and which hotels they are most likely to choose for upcoming travel.
The Ritz-Carlton, with an LBSI score of 7.95, earns the highest overall rating. LBSI scores range from 0-10, and are an average of respondents' degree of agreement with each of the following statements:
"This hotel delivers consistently superior quality."
"This hotel is truly unique and exclusive."
"This hotel is visited by people who are admired and respected."
"This hotel makes guests feel special across the full customer experience."
Affluent consumers from the seven countries surveyed spend an average of 17 nights per year in hotels, with 76% reporting at least one luxury hotel stay during the past twelve months. Those who stay at luxury hotels stay an average of 11 nights per year. Affluent travelers from China (88%), Italy (83%) and the United Kingdom (81%) are most likely to report staying at a luxury hotel in the past year.
A vast majority (82%) of affluent luxury hotel guests cite leisure as the reason for their stay, while one-third (33%) report having some business purpose for their luxury hotel visit. Two-thirds (66%) report traveling with a spouse or partner, while only 9% report traveling with business colleagues. Solo travelers comprise 14% of luxury hotel guests.
"Today, top-rated brands in the luxury hotel category are those that are able to ensure consistent execution on the four pillars of value: quality, exclusivity, social status, and making guests feel truly special," says Luxury Institute CEO Milton Pedraza. "When you are dealing with a global hotel brand that has dozens of worldwide locations, success is the result of intensive training and education of people in mastering Emotional Intelligence, complemented by the smart application of technology to run the business more efficiently and to market itself to consumers more effectively. Compelling and unique brick and mortar today are table stakes."
In addition to Ritz-Carlton, other luxury hotel brands under consideration were, in alphabetical order: Aman Resorts, Armani Hotels, Banyan Tree, Club Med, Como Hotels and Resorts, Conrad Hotels and Resorts, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Firmdale Hotels, Four Seasons, Grand Hyatt, InterContinental, JW Marriott, Jumeirah, Kempinski Hotels, Langham, Le Meridien, Leading Hotels of the World, Loews Hotels, The Luxury Collection, Mandarin Oriental, Maybourne Hotels, Oberoi, Orient-Express Hotels, Pan Pacific, Park Hyatt, The Peninsula Hotels, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels and Resorts, Regent, The Rocco Forte Collection, Rosewood, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Sofitel, St. Regis, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, Trump International Hotels, W Hotels and Resorts, and Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts.
The complete 2018 Global Luxury Hotel Luxury Brand Status Index, which includes a special Mexico report on global hotel brands, is available for purchase. For complete rankings and ratings, with additional insights from the Luxury Brand Status Index survey, visit www.LuxuryInstitute.com, or contact Luxury Institute CEO Milton Pedraza (mpedraza@luxuryinstitute.com).
Katherine Sousa
ksousa@luxuryinstitute.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Galane Gold Ltd. ("Galane Gold" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: GG) is pleased to announce that as a result of it repaying in full the secured facility provided by Samsung C&T U.K. Limited that the associated security on its Mupane property has been discharged.
Galane Gold CEO, Nick Brodie commented: "The funding provided by Samsung for the development of the Tau underground has transformed Mupane with improvements in production, extension of its mine life and reduced operating costs.
The repayment of the Samsung facility, the only secured debt issued by Galane, and the discharge of the security held on the Mupane property will provide us with the opportunity to leverage the Mupane operations to assist us in the funding of the Galaxy project. With the intention to recommence the Galaxy operations at a sustainable production level of over 25,000 ounces of gold per annum at a cost per ounce of less than $800."(1)(2)(3)
About Galane Gold
Galane Gold is an un-hedged gold producer and explorer with mining operations and exploration tenements in Botswana and South Africa. Galane Gold is a public company and its shares are quoted on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "GG". Galane Gold's management team is comprised of senior mining professionals with extensive experience in managing mining and processing operations and large-scale exploration programmes. Galane Gold is committed to operating at world-class standards and is focused on the safety of its employees, respecting the environment, and contributing to the communities in which it operates.
Notes:
(1) This is forward-looking information and is based on a number of assumptions. See "Cautionary Notes". (2) The updated mine plan prepared by the Company in respect of the Tau property is based on internal reporting by the Company and not based on an independent feasibility study or pre-feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. (3) The updated mine plan prepared by the Company in respect of the Galaxy property is based on internal reporting by the Company and not based on an independent feasibility study or pre-feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability.
Cautionary Notes
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those regarding the Company's future financial position and results of operations, strategy, proposed acquisitions, plans, objectives, goals and targets, and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believe", "expect", "aim", "intend", "plan", "continue", "will", "may", "would", "anticipate", "estimate", "forecast", "predict", "project", "seek", "should" or similar expressions or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.
Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially include, but are not limited to: the Company's dependence on two mineral projects; gold price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Botswana and South Africa; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to the Company's exploration, development and mining activities being situated in Botswana and South Africa; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks arising from the Company's fair value estimates with respect to the carrying amount of mineral interests; mining tax regimes; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; the Company's need to replace reserves depleted by production; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; lack of infrastructure; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; health risks in Africa; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners;
the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; risks related to restarting production; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; development of the Company's exploration properties into commercially viable mines; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; risks related to the market perception of junior gold companies; and litigation risk.Management provides forward-looking statements because it believes they provide useful information to investors when considering their investment objectives and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.
Information of a technical and scientific nature that forms the basis of the disclosure in the press release has been approved by Charles Byron Pr. Sci. Nat., MAusIMM., MGSSA and Chief Geologist for Galane Gold, and a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Nick Brodie
CEO, Galane Gold Ltd.
+ 44 7905089878
Nick.Brodie@GalaneGold.com
www.GalaneGold.com
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Garda World Security Corporation ("GardaWorld"), one of the world's largest privately owned security and cash services providers, has entered, as of November 28, 2017, into an amending agreement to its Credit Agreement dated as of May 26, 2017, repricing its US$857.3 million Term B Loan due May 2024 from L + 400 to L + 350 and repricing its CA$99.5 million Term B Canadian Loan from CDOR + 475 to CDOR + 425.
About GardaWorld
GardaWorld is one of the world's largest privately owned security services providers, offering a range of highly focused business solutions including cash services, protective services and aviation services. GardaWorld's more than 62,000 highly trained, dedicated professionals serve clients throughout North America, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. GardaWorld works across a broad range of sectors, including financial services, infrastructure, natural resources and retail, and services Fortune 500 companies, governments and humanitarian relief organizations. For more information, visit www.garda.com.
Contacts:
Garda World Security Corporation
Media Relations
media@garda.com
ATLANTA, GA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Denise Hines, DHA, PMP, FHIMSS, CEO of eHealth Services Group and Executive Director of Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN), has received the 2017 Women of the Year in Technology - Small Enterprise Award, from Women in Technology (WIT). The WIT Women in Technology winners were announced on November 16, 2017, at a ceremony at the Georgia Aquarium.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/DeniseHines.jpg
The Women in Technology Awards honor female leaders of Georgia-based science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) companies whose accomplishments have not only furthered their organizations and industries, but have also made a difference in their local communities. Four award categories are presented - Small, Medium, Large/Enterprise and Nonprofit - plus recognition of a Girl of the Year (GOTY) for her participation in the WIT GIRLS program.
"I am so honored to be part of this illustrious group of women who are true thought leaders in the technology industry," said Dr. Hines. "WIT helps to support diversity and equality in technology, showing girls and women examples of women who have succeeded in the STEAM field. I am so proud to be able to serve as an example of how women can succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field."
Dr. Hines heads eHealth Services Group, a health IT consultancy, and also serves as the Executive Director of Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN). GaHIN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a healthier Georgia by facilitating the use and secure exchange of electronic health information so providers have the information they need at the point of care. The result is improved quality of care, better health outcomes and reductions in cost.
As Executive Director of GaHIN, Dr. Hines has led the initiative to connect the state health information exchange (HIE) to two national networks for information exchange, made Georgia one of the first state HIEs to connect directly to other states, created connections with five state agencies and spurred participation in the HIE by Grady, CHOA, Emory and numerous other state hospitals and healthcare providers.
Dr. Hines is also Chair of the North America Board of the Health Information & Management Systems Society (HIMSS).
Dr. Hines has more than two decades of healthcare experience in a variety of settings, including health systems, physician offices, home health, technology vendors, consulting, state government and revenue management. She is renowned for building service and results-oriented organizations and she possesses a passion for the widespread integration of technology and healthcare.
Read more about Denise Hines and her award.
Read more about WIT and the award recipients.
About Women In Technology
The mission of Women In Technology (WIT) is to serve as passionate advocates for women of all ages in Georgia's STEAM community. WIT passionately supports women at every stage of their STEAM careers-from the classroom to the boardroom. We do this by telling the stories of successful women and by helping more women write their own. This takes place in a wide variety of formats-from educating middle and high school girls about the opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM), to providing networking and education for professionals. With over 2,500 professionals attending our programs and events, over 500 students, and over 250 volunteers, WIT has become the largest, most active organization of its kind in the region. For more information, visit www.mywit.org.
About Georgia Health Information Network
Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a healthier Georgia by facilitating the use and secure exchange of electronic health information so providers have the information they need at the point of care. The result is improved quality of care, better health outcomes and reductions in cost. GaHIN's two products, GeorgiaDirect (powered by Medicity) and Georgia ConnectedCare (powered by Truven Health Analytics) connect providers statewide and nationally and are free for credentialed, authorized Georgia users. www.gahin.org
Contacts:
GaHIN media contact:
Lynn Hood
lhood@gahin.org
678-427-5040
STAMFORD, Connecticut and LUCCA, Italy, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
CCH Tagetik, part of Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting and a leader in global performance management software solutions, today announced that it will host the live webinar, "Modernize Your Consolidation Today!," from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. GMT/10:00 to 10:45 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, December 5.
(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/492891/Tagetik_Logo.jpg )
During the webinar, Mark Pennington, group controller for Tarsus Group, will discuss the company's transition from Oracle Hyperion Enterprise to CCH Tagetik's cloud-based CPM solution. Tarsus Group is an international business-to-business media company with interests in exhibitions, conferences, education, publishing, and online media. The company has 80 legal entities operating in multiple currencies.
"Our business had long outgrown the Hyperion system," said Pennington. "We specifically decided to focus our search for a replacement solution on cloud solutions for several reasons. We wanted a solution that could be easily used by our local teams and easily maintained without IT support. We also wanted to avoid performance lags, particularly in remote locations.
"In addition to modernizing our consolidation function, CCH Tagetik has dramatically reduced manual processing, allows for easy integration with our ERP systems, and automates the modeling of foreign exchange rate fluctuations," continued Pennington. "With CCH Tagetik's Collaborative Office, we also now have the ability to perform accurate, comparative reporting for events - a critical requirement since these events are our core revenue. CCH Tagetik's multidimensional capabilities lets us report on events by product group, industry, region, or other critical criteria." The CCH Tagetik solution has now been live at Tarsus Group for more than a year.
"Tarsus Group's experience demonstrates that a move to the cloud is a practical option for any company, no matter its complexity or unique requirements," said Nick Nesbitt, general manager for CCH Tagetik UK and Ireland. "Our UK team worked with Tarsus to implement the solution in 75 working days, and today, a self-sufficient Tarsus system administrator provides the minimal support required."
The webinar will feature a live demonstration of CCH Tagetik's consolidation functionality, including:
The benefits of unifying consolidation, budgeting, forecasting, disclosure reporting, and analysis on a unified platform.
Features that foster collaboration among business stakeholders.
How audit trails, diagnostic checks, and automated validation ensure data accuracy from source to final reporting.
Workflow management functionality that allows activities to be performed simultaneously, distributing accountability and expediting processes.
For more information and to register for the complementary webinar, click here.
About Wolters Kluwer
Wolters Kluwer (AEX: WKL) is a global leader in professional information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services.
Wolters Kluwer reported 2016 annual revenues of 4.3 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide.
Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting is a leading provider of software solutions and local expertise that helps tax, accounting and audit professionals research and navigate complex regulations, comply with legislation, manage their businesses and advise clients with speed, accuracy and efficiency. CCH Tagetik, a part of the Tax and Accounting division, provides solutions to CFOs for Corporate Performance Management.
For more information about our solutions and organization, visit www.wolterskluwer.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Media Contacts:
Greta Bartoli
CCH Tagetik
+39-058-396-811 office
gretabartoli@tagetik.com
Linda Galloway
insidHR Communications
+1-303-863-8620 office
+1-203-733-7446 mobile
lgalloway@insidhr.com
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
ATLANTA, GA -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Luvu Brands, Inc., (OTCQB: LUVU), a manufacturer and marketer of premium consumer brands in the categories of sexual wellness, comfort top-of-bed accessories and lifestyle fashion furniture, today announced an exclusive wholesale distribution agreement for Liberator Bedroom Adventure Gear with South Korean marketer MSJL Co., Ltd.
"The demand for quality sex products is growing in Asia and we're excited to be part of this transition," says Brett Richardson, Luvu Brands International Sales Manager. "This exclusive distribution agreement will definitely raise the profile of Liberator branded products within the region."
MSJL Co., Ltd. is an internationally known manufacturer and distributor of intimate pleasure products. The company was established in 2003 and now operates a wide network of wholesale distribution channels as well as retail businesses in South Korea.
"We value our relationship with Luvu Brands," says a representative for MSJL. "Our company is one of the leaders in marketing intimate adult pleasure products in South Korea. We look forward to developing a community of loyal and enthusiastic customers who will appreciate the Liberator products."
MSLJ, Co., Ltd. will serve as the Luvu Brands' primary wholesale representative with plans to distribute and market a number of core Liberator sexual positioning products and erotic bedroom accessories in South Korea which includes the best-selling Wedge/Ramp Combo, tantric sex chairs and loungers, and the brand's popular series of sex toy mounts.
"It is a pleasure working alongside our South Korean distributor MSLJ, and we are looking forward to a very successful venture," says Richardson. The company also states that MSLJ will be providing additional marketing support for Liberator.
Liberator Bedroom Adventure Gear is now selling their products internationally throughout Canada, Europe, China, and Australia and has plans on expanding the brand into other countries including Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
About Luvu Brands
Luvu Brands, Inc. is an Atlanta, Georgia based designer, manufacturer and brand based marketer of consumer products that offers a growing number of product categories including: Liberator sexual positioning furniture, Avana top-of-bed comfort pillows and Jaxx casual fashion furniture, child, teen and adult beanbags, outdoor loungers, loveseats and daybeds. These products are sold through the Company's websites, concept factory store, online mass merchants and retail stores worldwide. Many of our products are offered flat-packed and vacuum compressed to save on shipping and reduce our carbon footprint.
The Company is headquartered in a 140,000 square foot vertically-integrated manufacturing facility that employs over 160 people. Bringing sewn products manufacturing back to the USA and creating innovative vacuum-compressed consumer products are core to the Company's operating principles. As the majority of the Company's products are constructed of polyurethane foam, sustainable manufacturing practices are used including re-purposing of foam trim into beanbag fill to reduce our overall carbon footprint.
Luvu Brands promotes its products globally in a variety of distribution channels including mass market web retailers, catalogers and specialty retail stores. The Company's brand sites include: liberator.com, jaxxliving.com, avanacomfort.com plus other global e-commerce sites. For more information about Luvu Brands, please visit luvubrands.com.
Company Contact:
Luvu Brands, Inc.
Ronald Scott
Chief Financial Officer
770-246-6426
ron@LuvuBrands.com
NEW DELHI (dpa-AFX) - US president Donald Trump's daughter and senior adviser Ivanka Trump has highlighted the support of US administration to India, and said the South Asian country has a true friend in the White House. Ivanka was delivering keynote address after jointly opening the 8th edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) with Indian Prime Minster Narendra Modi in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad Tuesday. The First Daughter is leading the US delegation to the three-day annual summit of entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem supporters from across the world. Ivanka Trump, a woman entrepreneur herself, spoke of women's empowerment and the importance of the growth of women-led-business. More than 11 million women in the US are entrepreneurs, she noted. She said the Trump administration's policies are aimed at 'helping women and removing barriers for them'. 'Create a climate that enables us to compete so each of us can find another person who can benefit from our knowledge.' India can grow by over $150 billion if labor gender gap is closed, according to Ivanka. In his remarks after the inauguration, Narendra Modi spoke about the vitality of enterprise and invited global entrepreneurs to invest in India. The Indian Prime Minster said he sees 800 million potential entrepreneurs in India 'who can make our world a better place'. Earlier, Modi held a meeting with Ivanka, and termed it as 'wonderful.' Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also spoke at the inaugural session. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
TORONTO, ON -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- NextSource Materials Inc. (TSX: NEXT) (OTCQB: NSRC) ("NextSource" or the "Company") would like to remind stockholders to vote their respective shares and support its intention to move the corporate domicile of the Company to Canada (the "Redomicile"), under the Canada Business Corporations Act ("CBCA"). The Company is currently incorporated under the laws of Minnesota.
Redomiciling to Canada from Minnesota will provide the Company certain cost savings related to reduced administrative, legal and accounts matters, as well as logically aligning our corporate domicile to where the head office and executive management reside.
The Company will continue to conduct the same business as the Company conducted prior to the Redomicile and will continue to be traded on the TSX under the symbol "NEXT" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "NSRC".
MAJORITY STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL REQUIRED
In order for the Company to complete its proposed corporate Redomicile to Canada, it is required to obtain majority approval (50-percent plus one) from existing stockholders.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. VOTE TODAY.
Board of Directors and Management UNANIMOUSLY recommend that Shareholders vote IN FAVOUR of the Redomicile.
A Proxy Statement was mailed to all stockholders on or about November 13, 2017 ahead of its upcoming 2017 Annual and Special Meeting (the "AGM") of stockholders.
Your vote is important regardless of the number of shares you own. If any stockholders have not yet voted their respective shares, the Company encourages them to do so.
If any stockholders have not received the Proxy Statement by mail, please contact the Company's Senior Vice President, Brent Nykoliation directly by email at brent@nextsourcematerials.com.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote "FOR" this proposal and support the Company's continuing efforts to operate in the most efficient manner and reduce operating expenses wherever possible.
HOW TO VOTE
Due to essence of time, shareholders are encouraged to vote today using the internet, telephone or facsimile.
Stockholders can access and download an electronic copy of the Proxy Statement and Prospectus from NextSource's website at www.nextsourcematerials.com by navigating to the "Investors" tab, then "AGM Data/ 2017 Proxy Statement and Prospectus" or directly at this link: http://nextsourcematerials.com/investors/agm-data/. It will also be available under NextSource's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov.
Registered Shareholders of NextSource
Registered shareholders (those who hold physical stock certificates) may vote by:
Internet: Send completed proxy card to info@nextsourcematerials.com
Telephone: 1-416-364-4911 extension 305
Facsimile: Fax completed proxy card to 1-416-364-2753
By mail or attending the meeting in person: 145 Wellington St. West, Suite 1001, Toronto, ON
If You Hold Shares with a Bank or Broker (Non-registered shareholders)
Shareholders who hold shares of NextSource through a bank or other intermediary will, in most cases, receive a voting instruction form as part of the meeting materials. Non-registered shareholders are encouraged to carefully follow the instructions found therein, on how to submit their votes.
The proxy cut-off date for shares to be voted in advance of the Meeting will be on December 1, 2017.
STOCKHOLDERS QUESTIONS
Stockholders of NextSource who have questions regarding the Redomicile may contact the Company's Senior Vice President directly by email at brent@nextsourcematerials.com.
Stockholders who may require assistance with voting may contact TSX Trust Company by telephone or email as set forth below.
TSX Trust Company
By telephone at: 1-866-600-5869. By email at: TMXEInvestorServices@tmx.com
ABOUT NEXTSOURCE MATERIALS INC.
NextSource Materials Inc. is a mine development company based in Toronto, Canada, that is developing its 100%-owned Molo Graphite Project in southern Madagascar to expected production in 2018. The Molo Graphite Project is a feasibility-stage, shovel-ready project and ranks as one of the largest-known and highest quality flake graphite deposits in the world and the only project with SuperFlake graphite.
Safe Harbour: This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release relates to the anticipated benefits of the Redomicile, the approval of the Redomicile by our stockholders, the holding of the AGM, trading of our shares on the TSX and OTCQB, and the continued conduct of our business. These are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Readers are encouraged to review the Company's 10-K as well as the Proxy Statement, especially the risk factors contained therein. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive there from. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.
This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy our securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval. In connection with the proposed Redomicile, on October 30, 2017, the Company filed with the SEC an amendment to its registration statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-220899) that includes a preliminary prospectus/preliminary proxy statement of the Company, which registration statement was declared effective on November 1, 2017. The Company filed the definitive proxy statement/prospectus with the SEC on November 2, 2017, which is being mailed to shareholders of the Company on or about November 13, 2017. INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING ALL AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) CAREFULLY AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS IF AND WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN AND WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED REDOMICILE AND THE COMPANY. Investors may obtain a free copy of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents (when available) filed and to be filed with the SEC from the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov or at the Company's web site at www.nextsourcematerials.com. Investors will also be able to obtain, without charge, a copy of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents (when available) by directing a request by mail or telephone to Investor Relations, NextSource Materials Inc., 145 Wellington Street West, Suite 1001,Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 1H8, telephone 1.416.364.4911 ext. 305 or by email at info@nextsourcematerials.com. The Company and its directors and officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company's shareholders in connection with the proposed Redomicile. Information about these persons is set forth in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and in documents subsequently filed by its directors and officers under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such persons, which may be different from those of the Company's shareholders generally, by reading the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents regarding the proposed redomicile transaction filed and to be filed with the SEC.
For further information contact:
+1.416.364.4911
Brent Nykoliation
Senior Vice President, Corporate Development
brent@nextsourcematerials.com
Craig Scherba
President and CEO
craig@nextsourcematerials.com
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTC PINK: TAUG) ("Tauriga" or the "Company") today announced that it has reached an agreement (the "Agreement") with Group 10 Holdings LLC ("Group 10") to fully extinguish the $348,000 assessed liquidated damage total. The consideration to be paid by Tauriga to Group 10 is as follows: one-time cash payment of $60,000 due on or before December 10, 2017 and one-time issuance of 25,000,000 shares of Tauriga's common stock (collectively, the "Settlement Consideration").
The shares of common stock issued under the Agreement will be "restricted securities" as defined by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This $348,000 liquidated damage assessment was derived from the $96,000 12% Convertible Debenture issued to Group 10 by Tauriga on July 14, 2015.
With the resolution of this final outstanding issue, Tauriga has officially extinguished all further obligations to Group 10. There will be no further cash payments, share issuances, or share conversions owed to or delivered to Group 10 under any previous agreements entered into between the Company and Group 10 (except for the 10,000,000 conditional deferred issuance to Group 10 previously disclosed by Tauriga in its October 11, 2017 press release).
Once the Settlement Consideration is fully satisfied, the Company will remove this $348,000 liability from the balance sheet, which is currently listed as an accrued expense. Additionally, the Company commits to its shareholders that it will continue to focus its efforts on both strengthening and improving its balance sheet.
Tauriga's CEO Seth M. Shaw commented, "The Company is pleased to have resolved this critical issue at terms that it believes are materially beneficial to the shareholders. The Company believes that it can substantially strengthen its balance by the end of its current third fiscal operating quarter, December 31, 2017 and management is squarely focused on that corporate goal. Lastly, the Company wishes to express its appreciation to Group 10 Holdings for its support over the past 2 1/2 years."
ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES, INC.
Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTC Pink Current: TAUG) is engaged in building life sciences company through the development, marketing, distribution and potential licensing of a broad array of products and technologies. The Company is presently focused on its upcoming contemplated launch of a Cupacu Butter based lip balm product branded under the name: Herman. The Company believes that one of its most important strengths is its access to and relationships with potentially substantial distribution systems and networks. The Company intends to capitalize on distribution opportunities and will continually update shareholders on such developments. Please visit the Corporate Website at www.tauriga.com
NON SOLICITATION:
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale is not permitted. Any securities offered or issued in connection with the above-referenced merger and/or investment have not been registered, and will be offered pursuant to an exemption from registration.
DISCLAIMER:
Forward-Looking Statements: Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation: expectations, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, beliefs, plans and objectives regarding the development, use and marketability of products as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones (i.e. SEC Periodic Filings, Filing of Proxies, etc.). Such forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on Tauriga's predictions with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences and timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from the events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Readers should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed in documents filed from time to time by Tauriga with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact Info:
Mr. Seth M. Shaw
Chief Executive Officer
Tauriga Sciences Inc.
Cell # 917-796-9926
Email: sshaw@tauriga.com
Website: www.tauriga.com
NEW YORK, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
BANKEX, the decentralized Bank-as-a-Service (BaaS) Enterprise, has announced the launch of its Public Token Sale, commencing today at 12pm EST and concluding December 28, 2017. Using proprietary fintech solutions, BANKEX aims to bridge the gap between the emerging blockchain sector and traditional finance. Deploying smart contracts and enabling tokenization, the platform powers off-balance sheet crowdfunding, chain finance and leverages external infrastructure to create efficient and time effective solutions. BANKEX will issue BKX tokens on the Ethereum blockchain.
The BANKEX Token Sale will be capped at 400,000,000 BKX, with BANKEX previously collecting over $20,000,000 in its presale. The Token Sale will provide BKX tokens at a rate of 1 ETH = 500 BKX. 80,000,000 BKX will be available in the public crowdsale and 140,000,000 BKX will be reserved for institutional investors. The minimum purchase is 0.1 ETH. BKX Tokens are ERC-20 compliant.
Participants in the BANKEX Token Sale are welcome to use ETH, BTC, LTC, SALT and TIME to participate in the sale.
Token Sale proceeds have been earmarked primarily for software R&D and software development needed to realize the BANKEX Proof-of-Asset protocol (45%), company growth (15%), promotion of the PoA protocol and B2B marketing (10%), and other critical uses which are detailed on the company's website.
BANKEX has also become a member of the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance, a nonprofit alliance dedicated to supporting and promoting technologies and standards based on Ethereum. EEA members include financial and technology companies and funds such as JP Morgan, UBS, MasterCard, Microsoft, Intel and consulting companies such as Accenture. BANKEX is meanwhile honored to count Balanc3, ConsenSys formation, as advisors.
"BANKEX is building an operating system for decentralised capital markets. The ultimate goal for our blockchain framework is to enable the realization of new types of asset classes that institutional investors have never considered because of the highly non-heterogeneous nature of these assets, their wide decentralisation and the high cost of financial and legal due diligence. The BANKEX protocol radically decreases these costs and connects traditional capital markets with historically non-fungible assets such as movie/music financing, private shares, local municipal debt and financing for stand alone real estate objects. All proceeds secured through our Token Sale will be used to help make this vision a reality and to ensure the success of all stakeholders involved in the BANKEX project," said BANKEX CEO and Founder, Igor Khmel.
With its Head Office in New York, business development office in Singapore, strategic partnership in Tokyo and engineering team in Moscow, BANKEX offers innovative fintech products and services with far-reaching implications, including applications within the traditional finance and investment sectors, micro-financing, real estate as well as access to historically illiquid assets, natural resources, and futures markets.
BANKEX has already announced a collaboration with MovieCoin LLC. Led by film financier Christopher Woodrow, MovieCoin LLC is aiming to raise $100 million during 2018 to produce a portfolio of movie projects. By utilizing smart contracts and BANKEX's proprietary Proof-of-Asset protocol (PoA), MovieCoin LLC will allow institutional and individual investors to invest in the motion picture industry.
The BANKEX advisory board includes a number of noted tech innovators and renowned academics including Chris Skinner, Chairman at the Financial Services Club; Griffin Anderson, Founder of Balance3, a ConsenSys formation; Peg Reed, COO of Forex Development Corporation; Sergey Sergienko, Founder and CEO of Chronobank; Makoto Takemiya, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Soramitsu; Gabriele Columbro, Executive Director of Symphony Software Foundation; and Peter Crampton, Professor of Economics at the University of Maryland.
BANKEX has also formed a number of strategic partnerships with prominent industry players including Microsoft; Group-IB, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions; Symphony Software Foundation; Soramitsu; the Entrust Group; Chronobank; and the Moscow Exchange (MICEX).
"We believe that collaboration between traditional financial institutions and fintech innovators is the way forward for both sectors. The current banking system is slow and stifled by legacy issues, while at the same time the emerging fintech industry lacks scalability. Combining the strengths of traditional finance and fintech solutions will lay the foundation for a new global economy defined by diversity, security, and previously unknown dimensions of efficiency and transparency," concluded Khmel.
For more information visit www.bankex.com
BANKEX representatives are available for comments - contact BANKEX
About BANKEX:
BANKEX uses standardized fintech solutions within its decentralized Bank-as-a-Service enterprise with the aim of bridging the gap between the emerging blockchain sector and traditional finance. Deploying smart contracts and enabling tokenization, the platform powers off-balance sheet crowdfunding, chain finance and leverages external infrastructure to create efficient and time effective solutions. BANKEX offers innovative fintech products and services with far-reaching implications, including applications within the traditional finance and investment sectors, micro-financing, real estate as well as access to historically illiquid assets, natural resources, and futures markets.
Media Contact:
Liam Murphy
Account Supervisor // Wachsman PR
liam@wachsmanpr.com // +353-87-119-2107
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - November 28, 2017) - Newrange Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: NRG) (OTC PINK: CMBPF) (FRANKFURT: X6C) ("Newrange" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company's property wide magnetic, radiometric and gravity geophysical surveys have identified multiple new gold targets, in addition to expanding known zones of gold mineralization. On the western side of the Property, the geophysical data suggests that the Pamlico Ridge mineralized trend is likely more extensive than previous mapping had outlined, and may be up to 4 kilometers long. The final report on the surveys, titled "Interpretation of Airborne Magnetic, Radiometric and Gravity Data for the Pamlico Project, Mineral County, Nevada", by EGC Inc., describes multiple skarn and sediment hosted gold targets indicated by the integration of the magnetic, radiometric (potassium) and gravity data with geologic mapping. All maps and sections referred to in this news release may be viewed on the Company's website at: www.newrangegold.com or by following this link.
Description of the Geophysical Surveys
The three geophysical surveys conducted at Pamlico by the Company include airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys, as well as a ground based gravity survey. These surveys measure various physical properties that can be used to help locate mineralized targets:
Airborne magnetics measures variations in the earth's magnetic field caused by various rock packages extending from the surface to depths of a kilometer or more, and provides a basis for constructing 3-D models of potentially important host rocks, their related structures and the presence of magnetic minerals. When combined with geology, this magnetics mapping helps to delineate larger intrusive bodies, more localized dikes and sills, and marker beds in both the sedimentary and volcanic units. Alteration that has related magnetic minerals, such as magnetite and pyrrhotite, can be an important indicator of skarn zones that may have related precious and base metal mineralization as at Newmont's Phoenix Mine at Battle Mountain, Nevada. Locally, skarn alteration of limestones has been mapped on the Property. Certain rock formations develop characteristic "signatures" of magnetic response that indicate their positions in the subsurface that can be used to help guide exploration for buried mineralization.
The airborne radiometric data is used primarily to map alteration and rock types based on gamma emissions within the top four centimeters of the surface. At Pamlico, the Company is primarily interested in mapping the distribution of potassium, as this element is commonly enriched in and around both precious and base metal systems (K. Freeman, 1996).
Ground based gravity data can help differentiate slight differences in rock density. At Pamlico, this can help determine the depth to bedrock in pediment covered areas, dense "highs" indicating possible intrusives or unaltered limestones, while the less dense "lows" can indicate possible altered areas in the limestones and volcanics.
Discussion of Significant Findings in the Report
Pamlico Ridge and the Current Drill Area (areas 1, 2 and 3 on maps)
A moderate magnetic and strong potassium high has expanded the overall length and width of the Pamlico Ridge Target Area, which includes the: 1) Merritt/Pamlico Ridge, 2) E-W, and 3) Gold Box drill targets as labeled on the geophysical maps. Importantly, a magnetics high correlates with a mapped fold known as the Pamlico Anticline. This fold brings the preferred host rocks to the near surface at Pamlico. Detailed modeling of the magnetic survey indicates the favorable host rocks then dip moderately to the north and south as shown on Section A - A'.
Alteration of host rocks in gold systems commonly contains potassium rich minerals that can be detected with radiometric data (K. Freeman, 1996). In the area of Pamlico Ridge, potassium forms a strong anomaly generally coincident with, and surrounding known mineralization. Radiometric data shows a potassium anomaly extending more than one kilometer to the northwest of the Company's drill area and 3 kilometers to the southeast that gradually curves to become more easterly, while generally paralleling a coincident anomaly in the magnetic data. Similar coincident patterns are associated with other target areas, including the Gold Box and E-W targets.
Pediment Target Area (area 4 on maps)
Magnetic and radiometric data support the possible extension of structures and host rocks known to be mineralized in the Pamlico Ridge and Gold Box areas into the Pediment Target area. Magnetic data indicates that highly favorable host rocks lie beneath shallow alluvial gravels that cover the Pediment area as shown by Section A-A' here. Importantly, the gravity data indicates that this target area is only covered by a thin veneer of alluvial gravel. Mapping by the Company shows the Pediment area to be generally surrounded by highly altered rocks, and two saw cut channel samples of the single outcrop in the Pediment Target Area yielded 1.5 meters assaying 1.25 g/T Au with a second sample assaying 4.79 g/T Au over 0.5 meters (sample length represents true widths as seen in outcrop).
Sediment Hosted (Carlin) Gold Potential (area 5 and 6 on maps)
Within highly altered carbonate sediments in the East Zone, two separate gravity lows with coincident potassium highs indicate potential decalcification and mineralization of the limestones. Decalcification of carbonate sequences in Carlin deposits (J. Rota, 1996) is commonly associated with magnetic and gravity lows (J. Wright, 1996a).
Skarn Hosted Gold Potential (area 7 and 8 on maps)
Outcropping, highly altered and bleached limestone is associated with coincident gravity, potassium and magnetic highs, which, together with the observed alteration, indicate possible skarn development in the sedimentary carbonate rocks. Re-crystallization of carbonate rocks adjacent to intrusive rocks commonly produce gravity highs (J. Wright, 1996b) associated with magnetic anomalies caused by magnetic minerals (pyrrhotite, magnetite) common to skarn alteration (R. B. Ellis, 2017) and potassium is commonly enriched in and around both precious and base metal systems (K. Freeman, 1996).
Key Highlights of Geophysical Surveys
Indicates larger Pamlico Ridge target area than previously outlined.
Indicates Pediment target area is highly prospective and covered by a thin layer of gravel. The Company's sampling confirms the presence of gold in sparse outcrop at the Pediment target.
May indicate alteration known to be associated with sediment hosted (Carlin style) gold in East and East Zone South areas.
Identifies potential for skarn type mineralization in multiple locations on the property.
Pamlico Work Programs
The Company is awaiting final assay results for the last eight exploration holes of its second phase drilling program.
Newrange personnel are currently expanding the mapping, rock and soil geochemical programs to focus on the important target areas discussed herein. Where accessible, historic underground mine workings will also be mapped and sampled. Reverse circulation and core drilling programs will then evaluate the potential of these targets going forward.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
All Pamlico sampling was supervised by professional geologists. The samples were diamond saw cut channel samples that were maintained with a strict chain of custody and delivered by the Company to American Assay Laboratories of Sparks, Nevada. All assays are 1 assay ton fire assay with an ICP finish. Standards, blanks and duplicates were incorporated at a rate of not less than 1 in 20.
Mr. Robert G. Carrington, P. Geo, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, the President and CEO of the Company, has reviewed, verified and approved for disclosure the technical information contained in this news release.
References
Freeman, Kevin, 1996, Gold Quarry In-Pit Geophysical Studies, Geophysical Field Trip Guide, Carlin Trend, Nevada, November 17, 1996, Post Conference Field Trip, Society of Exploration Geophysicists. 66 th Annual Meeting.
Rota, Joseph, 1996, Geology and Related Studies at the Gold Quarry Deposit, Geophysical Field Trip Guide, Carlin Trend, Nevada, November 17, 1996, Post Conference Field Trip, Society of Exploration Geophysicists. 66 th Annual Meeting.
Wright, Jim, 1996a, Section V, Rain In Pit Void Detection, Geophysical Field Trip Guide, Carlin Trend, Nevada, November 17, 1996, Post Conference Field Trip, Society of Exploration Geophysicists. 66 th Annual Meeting.
Wright, Jim, 1996b, Section VIII, North Area Data Review, Geophysical Field Trip Guide, Carlin Trend, Nevada, November 17, 1996, Post Conference Field Trip, Society of Exploration Geophysicists. 66 th Annual Meeting.
Ellis, Robert B, 2017, Interpretation of Airborne Magnetic, Radiometric and Gravity Data for the Pamlico Project, Mineral County, Nevada, received November 2017, unpublished report for Newrange Gold Corporation.
About Pamlico
Located 12 miles southeast of Hawthorne, Nevada, along US Highway 95, the project has excellent access and infrastructure, a mild, year-round operating climate and strong political support from Mineral County, one of the most pro-mining counties in the pro-mining state of Nevada. The Pamlico project covers the historic Pamlico mining district and includes the historic Pamlico group of mines as well as the Good Hope, Gold Bar, Sunset and other historic mines. Since acquiring the project the Company has increased the property by roughly 160% through staking.
Discovered in 1884, Pamlico rapidly gained a reputation as being one of Nevada's highest grade gold districts. Held by private interests for most of its history, the property remains underexplored in terms of modern exploration.
About Newrange Gold Corp.
Newrange is an aggressive exploration and development company focused on near to intermediate term production opportunities in favorable jurisdictions, including Nevada, Colorado and Colombia. Focused on developing shareholder value through exploration and development of key projects, the Company is committed to building sustainable value for all stakeholders. Further information can be found on our website at www.newrangegold.com.
Signed: "Robert G. Carrington"
President & CEO
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statement:
Some of the statements in this news release contain forward-looking information that involves inherent risk and uncertainty affecting the business of Newrange Gold Corp. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sharon Hebgin
Corporate Communications
Phone: 760-898-9129
Email: info@newrangegold.com
Dave Cross
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
Phone: 604-669-0868
Email: dcross@crossdavis.com
Website: www.newrangegold.com
iBiopsy is a groundbreaking investigational imaging platform developed by Median, enabling the combination between imaging biomarkers and Phenomics
The collaboration supports the expansion of Median's iBiopsy to prostate cancer management
Regulatory News:
Median Technologies, The Imaging Phenomics Company (Paris:ALMDT) announces today that the company has signed a collaboration agreement with the New York City based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). Memorial Sloan Kettering is the world's oldest and largest private cancer center committed to exceptional patient care, leading edge research, and superb educational programs.
The collaboration between MSK and Median deals with the use of iBiopsy for a retrospective study of MRI images of 200 patients who were diagnosed with prostate cancer and underwent radical prostatectomy, and for whom histological slides and analyses are available. The study will explore the use of automated texture analysis and machine learning provided by Median iBiopsy to classify lesions on MRI in terms of aggressiveness, i.e., to establish classifications between aggressive and indolent prostate cancer. Use of noninvasive imaging biomarkers derived from diagnostic MRI could eventually have a significant impact on clinical decision-making, treatment option selection, and prediction of patient outcomes.
"We are delighted to be collaborating with Median Technologies in exploring potential applications of machine learning for the detection and classification of disease, with a particular focus on prostate cancer," said Dr. Hedvig Hricak, Chair of the Department of Radiology at MSK. "We believe that machine learning and artificial intelligence could ultimately provide precise tools that will augment our ability not only to diagnose prostate cancer but to potentially characterize it biologically and predict its behavior," she said.
"We are very pleased to have this collaboration agreement signed with Memorial Sloan Kettering, one of the most renowned cancer centers in the world and one of the top cancer treatment centers and research institutions in the US", said Fredrik Brag, CEO at Median. "Our investigational iBiopsy platform combines noninvasive imaging biomarkers and phenomics to identify associations that may help to predict a patient's response to treatment, thereby enhancing personalized medicine. Through the collaboration with MSK, we are expanding the range of indications covered by our imaging platform and targeting a cancer that poses one of the most significant burdens of mortality and morbidity on society," he added.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) GLOBOCAN study, prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer of men worldwide. In 2012, GLOBOCAN estimated that 1.1 million people were affected by prostate cancer, accounting for 15% of all new cancer cases worldwide and an estimated 307,000 deaths, making it the fifth leading cause of death from cancer in men.1
About Median Technologies: Median Technologies provides innovative imaging solutions and services to advance healthcare for everyone. We leverage the power of Imaging Phenomics to provide insights into novel therapies and treatment strategies. Our unique solutions, MediScan for Patient Care, Lesion Management Solution (LMS) for image management in clinical trials and iBiopsy for imaging phenotyping, together with our global team of experts, are advancing the development of new drugs and diagnostic tools to monitor disease and assess response to therapy. Median Technologies supports biopharmaceutical sponsors and healthcare professionals around the world to quickly and precisely bring new treatments to patients in need, with an eye on reducing overall care costs. This is how we are helping to create a healthier world.
Founded in 2002, based in Sophia-Antipolis, France, with a US subsidiary in Boston, Median has received the label "Innovative company" by the BPI and is listed on Euronext Growth market (ISIN: FR0011049824, ticker: ALMDT). The company is eligible for the PEA-PME SME equity savings plan setup and has received the label Pass French Tech Promotion 2016-2017. Median Technologies has been awarded the 2017 Tech 40 Label and has joined the EnterNext Tech 40 Index. Median is a member of the Bpifrance Excellence Network. For more information: www.mediantechnologies.com
1 Source http://globocan.iarc.fr/old/FactSheets/cancers/prostate-new.asp
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005107/en/
Contacts:
Median Technologies
Bill Broderick, +1 202 279 0375
VP, Global Head Business Support and Market Services
william.broderick@mediantechnologies.com
or
Press - ALIZE RP
Caroline Carmagnol Wendy Rigal
+ 33 1 44 54 36 66
median@alizerp.com
or
Investors - ACTIFIN
Ghislaine Gasparetto, +33 1 56 88 11 11
ggasparetto@actifin.fr
This week at the Cryptocurrency World Expo in Warsaw, Selfllery is demonstrating its cryptocurrency-based photo sharing social platform, which rewards contributors for posting their visual content, and is opening the whitelist registration for its SLM token
Selfllery (https://selfllery.com), the decentralized photo sharing platform, is demonstrating the functionality and benefits of its product, this week at the Cryptocurrency World Expo in Warsaw. The company is also offering registration for the whitelist for its SLM token starting December 1.
At this time, SLM tokens are offered only to whitelisted buyers, who can purchase the tokens at a special discount. At the Cryptocurrency World Expo in Warsaw, which opens December 1, Selfllery is offering registration for the whitelist for its SLM token. 1 SLM 0.001 ETH, with a minimum purchase amount of 0.1 ETH. Selfllery's minimum goal is 10,000 ETH (soft cap), and its maximum goal is 55,000 ETH (hard cap).
Attendees of the Cryptocurrency World Expo are invited to visit Selfllery at Booth #3 to speak with the founder of Selfllery, Vadim Onishchenko, and experience the platform for themselves.
About Selfllery:
Founded in 2016, Selfllery is a social platform that allows users to post photos and other visual content, and receive rewards in cryptocurrency for their contributions to the platform. Selfllery was founded by Vadim Onishchenko, a professional photographer with experience in over 200 successful for-profit and non-profit photo projects.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128006115/en/
Contacts:
Company Media Contact:
Molly Winik, +972 58-4433219 (Cell)
Blonde 2.0 for Selfllery
molly@blonde20.com
DUBLIN, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
The "Global Caprylic Acid Market 2017-2021" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.
The global caprylic acid market to grow at a CAGR of 6.50% during the period 2017-2021.
Global Caprylic Acid Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.
One trend in the market is growing demand in food and drug segment. Caprylic acid is approved by many food and drug administrative agencies such as the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Union. These approvals allow the industry to boost its application as a food additive and nutrition supplement. As the modern generation is becoming more health and nutrition conscious, approvals like these accelerate the demand.
According to the report, one driver in the market is increasing promotion by governments. The rising number of incentive plans by the government encourages and increases the production of natural and ecofriendly fatty acids. For instance, the US Food and Drug Administration is promoting caprylic acid as it liberates fatty acids and has nutritional values. Governments are compelling companies for using natural resources to produce caprylic acid. These initiatives have come from the growing benefits of caprylic acid in terms of health gain and the growing concerns among consumers regarding the use of naturally aspirated products that are safe to consume.
Further, the report states that one challenge in the market is uncertainty about long-term effects of caprylic acid. There are little known facts about the long-term use of caprylic acid. It may lead to side effects such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion. Caprylic acid may interact with blood pressure medications and lower the blood pressure. It is also harmful to people suffering from medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency as it leads to the inability to break down caprylic acid, resulting in an acid buildup in the blood. This can ultimately lead to coma. All these health concerns relate to the use of caprylic acid affect its adoption, which in turn, will hinder the market growth during the forecast period.
Key vendors
Forchem Oyj
IOI Corporation
Kuala Lumpur Kepong
Oleon
Wilmar International
Other prominent vendors
Acme Chem
Ecogreen Oleochemicals
Hallstar
Pacific Oleochemicals
P&G Chemicals
Solazyme
VVF
Key Topics Covered:
Part 01: Executive Summary
Part 02: Scope Of The Report
Part 03: Research Methodology
Part 04: Introduction
Part 05: Market Landscape
Part 06: Market Segmentation By Application
Part 07: Regional Landscape
Part 08: Decision Framework
Part 09: Drivers And Challenges
Part 10: Market Trends
Part 11: Vendor Landscape
Part 12: Key Vendor Analysis
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/29562d/global_caprylic
Media Contact:
Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470
For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630
For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced Tuesday they will not attend a meeting at the White House after President Donald Trump suggested lawmakers will not be able to reach an agreement to avoid a government shutdown. Pelosi and Schumer said in a statement they believe the best path forward is to negotiate with House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ken., rather than Trump. 'Rather than going to the White House for a show meeting that won't result in an agreement, we've asked Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan to meet this afternoon,' Pelosi and Schumer said. They added, 'We don't have any time to waste in addressing the issues that confront us, so we're going to continue to negotiate with Republican leaders who may be interested in reaching a bipartisan agreement.' Trump sought to put the blame for a potential government shutdown on Pelosi and Schumer in a post on Twitter earlier in the day. 'Meeting with 'Chuck and Nancy' today about keeping government open and working,' Trump tweeted. 'Problem is they want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I don't see a deal!' Trump had been scheduled to meet with Pelosi, Schumer, Ryan, and McConnell at the White House at 3 pm ET. Last week, White House Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters said the meeting would focus on 'end-of-year legislative issues,' as Congress is facing a December 8th deadline to fund the government and prevent a shutdown. Trump's comment about illegal immigration may reflect the fact that some Democrats are demanding a spending bill include protections for immigrants brought to the country illegally as children. The administration rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program in September and Democrats are calling for a fix to protect the immigrants known as Dreamers before the end of the year. Trump has previously indicated a willingness to allow a government shutdown in order to secure funding for his proposed wall on the Mexican border. Reports have suggested lawmakers will look to pass another short-term spending bill in order to provide more time to negotiate a longer-term funding deal. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
TAMPA, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- Mad Mobile, a recognized leader in Unified Commerce, has announced the completion of a seven-figure revenue-based financing transaction with Decathlon Capital Partners.
The investment will enable Mad Mobile to expand the reach of its award-winning Concierge solution, an innovative mobile application that generates increased sales for retailers by providing store associates with mobile access to product and customer information as well as tools to deliver a personalized shopping experience.
Major retailers such as Talbots, Helzberg Diamonds, Books-A-Million, Ashley Furniture, Timberland, The North Face, and Vans have deployed Concierge on a large scale.
The powerful cloud-based platform behind Concierge enables major retailers to quickly surface real-time data from enterprise systems to launch new customer journeys that meet the needs of the modern shopper such as Clienteling, BOPIS, Endless Aisle, and MPOS.
"Mad Mobile is transforming the retail experience via a mobile-first platform that empowers store associates with valuable information to enhance the customer experience and lift store sales," said Bruce Bennett, CEO of Mad Mobile. "The commitment from Decathlon Capital will provide the resources we need to continue empowering retailers with the advantages of cutting-edge mobile technology."
"Retailers are prioritizing unified commerce solutions which bring commerce, inventory, customer, and transaction data together into a single, easy-to-use application like Concierge," said Steven Grant, Mad Mobile's Chief Financial Officer. "Working with Decathlon means we will be able to scale globally, develop our sales and marketing channels, and further build market awareness of the advantages we offer."
"Mad Mobile is a great example of the companies we like to finance," added Decathlon Capital's John Borchers. "Innovative, well-managed, and growing, Mad Mobile required a flexible capital solution that avoided equity dilution or loss of control. It's a great fit for us, and we're looking forward to a long-term relationship with the company."
About Decathlon Capital Partners
Decathlon Capital Partners provides growth capital for companies seeking alternatives to traditional equity investment. Through the use of highly customized revenue-based financing solutions, Decathlon provides long-term growth capital without the dilution, loss of control and operational overhead that often comes with equity-based funding. With offices in Palo Alto and Park City, Decathlon is the largest revenue-based funding investor in the U.S. and is active across a wide range of sectors. Learn more at www.decathloncapital.com.
About Mad Mobile
Founded in 2010, Mad Mobile is a recognized leader in Unified Commerce with a proven platform that rapidly integrates and orchestrates real-time data from enterprise systems into a single, mobile application for store associates. The company's Concierge application enables store associates to conduct Clienteling, Assisted Selling, BOPIS, and MPOS on any mobile device. For more information, visit www.madmobile.com or follow us at @MadMobile.
Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3182848
Media Contact:
Greg Schmitzer
Email: gschmitzer@madmobile.com
Phone: 813.400.1966
Fax: 813.444.6920
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Another former staffer for Congressman John Conyers, D-Mich., has accused the longtime lawmaker of sexual harassment.
Deanna Maher, who ran a Michigan office for Conyers from 1997 to 2005, told the Detroit News the congressman made three unwanted sexual advances toward her, including inappropriate touching.
Maher said the first instance of harassment happened in September of 1997, when she rejected Conyers' offer to share his room at the Grand Hyatt in Washington and have sex.
The other incidents involved unwanted touching in a car in 1998 and another unwanted touching of her legs under her dress in 1999, Maher told the Detroit News.
Conyers' attorney Arnold Reed argued Maher's allegations are uncorroborated and questioned why she would continue to work for the congressman for so many years after the alleged incidents.
'At the end of the day, he's confident that he will be exonerated because he maintains that he has not done anything wrong,' Reed said.
Maher told the Detroit News her need for employment and Conyers' status as a powerful Democratic lawmaker explains why she stayed on the job.
Conyers announced Sunday he was stepping down as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee amid an investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations that a former employee was fired because she would not succumb to his sexual advances.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - North Korea fired a ballistic missile early Wednesday local time in the first missile launch by the reclusive communist nation since September. A statement from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea launched the unidentified ballistic missile eastward from the vicinity of Pyongsong in the western part of the country. U.S. officials confirmed the launch, with a Pentagon spokesman saying the Defense Department is in the process of assessing the situation. The launch was also confirmed by the Japanese prime minister's office, which said the missile appears to have landed within Japan's exclusive economic zone. An exclusive economic zone is a sea zone over which a country has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production. In a post on Twitter, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said President Donald Trump was briefed on the situation in North Korea while the missile was still in the air. Trump has been critical of previous missile tests by North Korea, mockingly referring to leader Kim Jong-un as 'rocket man' in a speech to the United Nations in September. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2017 / San Francisco-based startup Hint Health, a pioneer in workflow automation for Direct Primary Care (DPC) physicians, has released a comprehensive report on operational trends within the growing Direct Primary Care industry. Hint's 2017 Direct Primary Care Trends Report offers insightful, ground-level data on all aspects of the DPC industry including nationwide growth trends, pricing trends, payment trends and key demographic information.
Hint Health's complete "2017 Direct Primary Care Trends Report" may be viewed HERE.
"Besides being a snapshot into the exploding Direct Patient Care movement, Hint's 2017 Direct Primary Care Trends Report provides valuable insights for any physician currently running or considering a DPC model," said Hint's CEO Zak Holdsworth. "Most importantly, the report sheds light on some of the back office administration details which become a greater concern for DPC doctors. The report will help any physician to benefit from the accumulated experiences and data gathered from hundreds of other doctors successfully running their own DPC practices around the country."
Hint launched in 2013 with one mission - to provide the tools for direct care doctors to automate their back office operations and DPC administration. Hint's advanced SaaS platform includes all the software engines for robust plan management, patient onboarding, billing & collections, eligibility management and even inventory control necessary to streamline a direct primary care practice. Practices using Hint average more than $29,000 in recovered revenue annually which would have been lost due to billing issues, simultaneously saving 25 employee hours each month. Hint's services allow a DPC practice to rapidly scale-up and effectively serve many more patients.
The direct primary care model is typically structured as a monthly subscription, with patients paying their doctor anywhere from $25 to $100 per month for service which typically includes all routine visits, same-day or next-day appointments and even medications and lab tests purchased at a wholesale price. Hint has found that less than 2% of DPC practices charge more than $175 per month.
The model of direct primary care, while still relatively small, has been growing nationally at an impressive rate. According to Hint Health, the fastest-growing states see panel sizes expanding at an astounding 2,084% per year, with even the lowest-growth states reporting an average of 67% increase over the past year.
Doctors and other health providers interested in viewing the complete "2017 Direct Primary Care Trends Report" can download it here.
About Hint Health
Founded with an exclusive focus on the direct care movement, Hint has been working with trail blazing physicians to automate their administration workflows since 2013, making it easy to operate and scale-up this new practice model while efficiently managing overhead costs.
CONTACT:
Paul Lacey
(661) 332-8096
press@hint.com
SOURCE: Hint Health
Regulatory News:
Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (NA:PSH) today announces that it has purchased, through PSH's agent, Jefferies International Limited ("Jefferies"), the following number of PSH's ordinary shares of no par value (ISIN Code: GG00BPFJTF46) (the "Shares"):
Trading Venue: London Stock Exchange Date of purchase: 28 November 2017 Number of Shares purchased: 16,162 Shares Highest price paid per Share: 1,015 pence 13.43 USD Lowest price paid per Share: 1,009 pence 13.35 USD Average price paid per Share: 1,011.56 pence 13.38 USD
Trading Venue: Euronext Amsterdam Date of purchase: 28 November 2017 Number of Shares purchased: 51,369 Shares Highest price paid per Share: 13.50 USD Lowest price paid per Share: 13.36 USD Average price paid per Share: 13.42 USD
PSH intends to cancel these Shares. The net asset value per Share related to this Share buyback is USD 17.32 GBP 13.09 which was calculated as of 21 November 2017. After giving effect to the above Share buyback, PSH has outstanding 236,249,997 Shares. The prices per share in USD were calculated by Jefferies.
The number of PSH Management Shares and the 1 special voting share (held by PS Holdings Independent Voting Company Limited) has not been affected.
About Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd.:
Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. (LN:PSH) (NA:PSH) is an investment holding company structured as a closed-ended fund that makes concentrated investments principally in North American companies.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128006320/en/
Contacts:
Media:
Maitland
James Devas, +44 20 7379 5151
Media-pershingsquareholdings1@maitland.co.uk
CALGARY, AB / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2017 / GEA Technologies Ltd., dba International Cannabrands (CNSX: JUJU.A) (the "Company"), an Alberta corporation listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange is pleased to announce that it has changed its name to International Cannabrands Inc. The Company's stock symbol will remain the same and no other changes were made to the Company's share capital. The Company is expected to commence trading under its new name at the opening of trading on November 30, 2017.
The name change was approved by the shareholders of the Company at an annual and special meeting held on November 16, 2017, and a certificate of amendment was filed on November 22, 2017. Certificates representing common or preferred shares of the Company will not need to be exchanged as a result of the name change.
About International Cannabrands
International Cannabrands acquired the exclusive rights to Julian Marley's JuJu Royal brand to educate people about the natural connection between Julian Marley, Rastafarian culture, reggae music, and marijuana. International Cannabrands generates revenue from licensing brands to growers, edible manufacturers, oil extractors, producers of ancillary products and apparel in the United States where cannabis has been legalized at the state level, as well as products containing CBD in the US and internationally. Select JuJu Royal products are available in California, Washington, Colorado and Puerto Rico with CBD-only products available in the U.K., the birthplace of Julian Marley. The Company is looking to expand JuJu Royal into Nevada in the near future. The company was founded in 2014 and is based out of Denver, Colorado. The Company believes as the market becomes saturated with products varying in potency and quality, that the branded products will rise to the top and the Company intends to exploit all opportunities available to realize the full value of the Julian Marley brand and to attract other brands.
About JuJu Royal
Julian Marley conveys his message of legalization, freedom, and love through the JuJu Royal brand, a line of naturally produced medicinal herbs using the best solventless technology. One percent of proceeds are distributed for the benefit of veterans using cannabis through the Weed for Warriors Project. More information about the brand and various products can be obtained at www.jujuroyal.net. International Cannabrands is continuing to work with Julian Marley to identify and develop future strains of marijuana that meet Julian's exacting standards. The Company is continuing to conduct research and development with certain origin genetics to produce additional signature Julian Marley strains for the JuJu Royal Premium Marijuana collection. The intent is to make these strains available to dispensaries and caregivers on a worldwide basis where it is legal.
International Cannabrands Contact:
Jeffrey Britz
Chairman & CEO
1045 Lincoln Street, #106 Salar Media Group
201-394-7882 or jeffrey@jujuroyal.net
Denver, Colorado 80203
Media Inquiries:
Cynthia Salarizadeh
cynthia@salarmediagroup.com
(856) 425-6160
SOURCE: GEA Technologies Ltd.
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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2017 / Dougherty's Pharmacy, Inc. (OTCQB: MYDP), a value-oriented investment firm focused on successfully acquiring, managing and growing community-based pharmacies in the Southwest Region of the United States, announced today that it will be presenting at the 10th Annual LD Micro Main Event on Tuesday, December 5th at 5:30 PM PST at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.
Jim Leslie, Chairman of the Board, and Mark Heil, President and Chief Financial Officer will be presenting, as well as meeting with investors. Dougherty's will post its investor presentation on the "Investor Relations" page of the Dougherty's Pharmacy website, located at http://www.doughertys.com.
The LD Micro Main Event is the largest independent conference for small/micro-cap companies and will feature 250 names presenting to an audience of over 1,000 attendees. In addition, there will be a variety of speakers/panelists discussing topics of interest to investors and issuers, along with coordinate evening events.
View Dougherty's Pharmacy, Inc. profile here: http://www.ldmicro.com/profile/MYDP
News Compliments of ACCESSWIRE
About Dougherty's Pharmacy, Inc.
Dougherty's Pharmacy, Inc. is a value-oriented investment firm focused on successfully acquiring, managing and growing community-based pharmacies in the Southwest Region. Dougherty's currently has approximately $48 million in net operating loss carryforwards which can be used to shelter future income, thus enhancing free cash flow or debt service capabilities. Interested investors can access financials and stock trading information for Dougherty's at OTCMarkets.com or at www.doughertys.com.
About LD Micro
LD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space. What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into several influential conferences annually.
In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector.
For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at david@ldmicro.com or visit www.ldmicro.com/events for more information.
Contacts:
Mark S. Heil
President and CFO
972-250-0945
Geralyn DeBusk or Tom Carey
Halliburton Investor Relations
972-458-8000
SOURCE: Dougherty's Pharmacy, Inc.
OTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 28, 2017 / Plaintree Systems Inc. ('Plaintree') (CSE: NPT; OTC PINK: PTEEF).
Plaintree announced today that it has released its un-audited consolidated financial statements and related management discussions and analysis for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017.
During the first six months of fiscal 2018, Plaintree realized revenues of $8,026,654 up from $6,976,076 for the same period of fiscal 2017 with positive earnings of $929,079 compared to a net loss of $(476,148) in the respective prior period. Net income (losses) from continuing operations during the first six months of fiscal 2018 and 2017 were $677,877 and $(418,384) respectively, before income (loss) from discontinued operations.
David Watson, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer commented by stating, After 2 years of depressed sales in almost all of the Company's divisions, we are pleased to see the strong results so far this year. This is due partially to the improved markets for our products around the world as well as our continued investment in Sales, Marketing and R&D despite the losses we faced. In particular, the largest subsidiary in Plaintree is the Triodetic business and one of its main product lines is the engineering and manufacture of domes for mining. Buoyancy in several mining sectors over the past year has resulted in a dramatic increase in activity for this market.'
The notes to the financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis for the period ended September 30, 2017 contain comments from management regarding the ability of Plaintree to continue as a going concern if certain risk factors come to be (see Section 2(d) of the notes to the financial statements and the section entitled 'Outlook - Going Concern' in the Management Discussion and Analysis).
Plaintree also announced that Mr. William (Bill) Watson retired as Chairman and as a Director after more than a decade in the role and Mr. Jerry Vickers has been appointed by the board to be Chairman. In addition, Mr Sean Watson has joined the Board of Plaintree. Plaintree wishes to thank Bill for all of his hard work and guidance.
For more information on these results, please refer to Plaintree's annual 2017 financial statements together with the related Management's Discussion and Analysis report, copies of which can be obtained from the Company's website at www.plaintree.com and/or under Plaintree's name at www.sedar.com.
About Plaintree Systems
Plaintree has two diversified product lines consisting of Specialty Structures and Electronics.
The Specialty Structures Division includes the former Triodetic Group with over 40 years of experience, is a design/build manufacturer of steel, aluminum and stainless steel specialty structures such as commercial domes, free form structures, barrel vaults, space frames and industrial dome coverings, Spotton Corporation, a design and manufacturer of high end custom hydraulic and pneumatic valves and cylinders and Madawaska Doors, a design and manufacturer of premium solid wood doors.
The Electronics Division includes the legacy Hypernetics and Summit Aerospace USA Inc. businesses. Hypernetics was established in 1972 and is a manufacturer of avionic components for various applications including aircraft antiskid braking, aircraft instrument indicators, solenoids, high purity valves and permanent magnet alternators. Summit Aerospace USA Inc. provides high precision machining to the aerospace and defense markets. Our facility includes 5 axis CNC precision machining of complex castings and large ring parts such as turbine and assembly shrouds as well as assembly & pressure seals. Summit will support requirements from concept, prototype and throughout production.
Plaintree's shares are traded under the symbol 'NPT.' Shareholders and Investors can access Company information on CSE's website and receive full Company disclosure monthly. For more information on Plaintree or to receive stock quotes, complete with trading summaries, bid size and ask price, brokerage house participation, insider reports, news releases, disclosure information, and CSE and SEDAR filings, visit the CSE website at www.cnsx.ca or the Company's website at www.plaintree.com.
Plaintree is publicly traded in Canada on the CSE (NPT) with 12,925,253 common shares and 18,325 class A preferred shares outstanding.
This press release may include statements that are forward-looking and based on current expectations. The actual results of the company may differ materially from current expectations. The business of the company is subject to many risks and uncertainties, including changes in markets for the company's products, delays in product development and introduction to manufacturing and intense competition. For a more detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties related to the company's business, please refer to documents filed by the company with the Canadian regulatory authorities, including the annual report of the Company for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017 and related management discussion and analysis.
Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.
For further information: (613) 623-3434 x2261
SOURCE: Plaintree Systems Inc.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 11/28/17 -- United Hunter Oil and Gas Corp. (TSX VENTURE: UHO)(FRANKFURT: 18U) ("UHO" or the "Corporation") announces a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of up to 10,000,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.10 per Common Share for gross proceeds of up to $1 million.
Private Placement
The Private Placement of up to 10,000,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.10 per Common Share for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 will be non-brokered, however, the Company may pay finder's fees in accordance with the rules and policies of the TSXV. It is expected that the Common Shares offered under the Private Placement will be eligible under all usual statutes including RRSPs and TFSAs. The first tranche will be for $70,000 and the Corporation will be issuing 700,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.10 per Common Share.
The Private Placement is subject to certain customary conditions, including, but not limited to, the execution of definitive subscription agreements with subscribers, and the receipt of any and all necessary regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. Closing of additional tranches and of the full Private Placement are anticipated to occur within thirty days or as long as the Corporation deems necessary. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation.
The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for expenses associated with due diligence and legal expenses investigating several new projects, general working capital and repayment of debt.
About the Issuer
United Hunter Oil & Gas Corp. (www.unitedhunteroil.com) is a Canadian based corporation with management very experienced in the oil and gas industry with projects in the United States. United Hunter Oil & Gas Corp. is publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX VENTURE: UHO) and Frankfurt Exchange (FRANKFURT: 18U). The Corporation's public filings may be found at www.sedar.com.
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable Canadian and US securities laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based upon forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.
Forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and the Corporation undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements and if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
United Hunter Oil & Gas Corp.
Timothy Turner
CEO
(832) 487-0813
info@unitedhunteroil.com
www.unitedhunteroil.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 28, 2017) - China Minerals Mining Corporation (TSXV: CMV) (OTC Pink: HWTHF) ("China Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered, private placement (the "Offering") of up to 7,270,000 units (the "Units") of the Company at a price of $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of $1,454,000 if the entire Offering is sold. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable into a common share (a "Warrant Share") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.30 per Warrant Share up to 5:00 pm (Vancouver time) on the second anniversary of the date of issuance of the Units. Finder's fees may be paid in conjunction with the Offering. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for general working capital.
The Company anticipates that certain directors and officers of the Company will participate in the Offering and, as such, the Offering will be a related party transaction as such term is defined in TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Ontario Securities Commission Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI61-101"). Wenhong Jin, President of the Company, intends to subscribe for 300,000 Units (2.02% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares on closing). Ke Feng Yuan, CFO of the Company, intends to subscribe for 220,000 Units (1.48% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares on closing). Zheng Zhou, director of the Company, intends to subscribe for 1,500,000 Units. Mr. Zhou is the sole shareholder of both Sky Ocean Venture Investment Limited ("SkyOcean") and China Mineral Holdings Limited ("CMH"). Prior to closing of the Offering, SkyOcean and CMH collectively hold 44.22% of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of the Company making Mr. Zhou the Company's Control Person. After giving effect to the Offering, Mr. Zhou will hold, directly and indirectly, 32.68% of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of the Company.
The Offering is exempt from the requirements for a formal valuation set out in Section 5.4 of MI61-101 since the transaction is a distribution of securities for cash and neither the Company neither, to the knowledge of the Company after reasonable inquiry, Mr. Zhou, Mr. Jin, nor Ms. Yuan has knowledge of any material information concerning the Company or its securities that has not been generally publically disclosed. The Offering has been approved by the Company's disinterested directors. The Offering is exempt from the requirements in Section 5.7 of MI61-101 for approval by its minority shareholders since the fair market value of the transaction is less than $2,500,000.
About China Minerals Mining Corporation
China Minerals Mining Corporation is a Canadian based exploration and development company with offices located in Vancouver, B.C. and Beijing, China. China Minerals' goal is to build an international mining company.
For more information on China Minerals, please contact the Company at (604) 694-2344, or visit the Company's website at www.chinamineralsmining.com.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
"signed by Ling Zhu"
Ling Zhu
Executive Chairman
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information
Statements in this news release that are forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties concerning the specific factors disclosed here and elsewhere in China Minerals' periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. When used in this news release, words such as "will", "could", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "potential", "appear", "should," and similar expressions, are forward-looking statements.
Although China Minerals has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there can be other factors that cause results, performance or achievements not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate or that management's expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, the results or events predicted in these forward looking statements may differ materially from actual results or events.
Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and China Minerals disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise such information, except as required by applicable law.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, 2017-11-28 23:47 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leaders of Bermuda's global business sector highlighted the breadth, advantages and significant economic impact of the island's financial market during an awareness-raising cross-industry forum held in London today by the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA). Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2bcaa95b-e3ca-44c9-899a-cb70e eb4cf10 http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bdeef31-44cc-4e6d-9984-f08a6 cd6bfe7 http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/edb31e57-95aa-4327-8abb-47277 d9619a2 Premier the Hon David Burt officially opened the day-long forum after meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May. The Premier is in the city for the BDA event as well as annual Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meetings and various Parliamentary events, followed by planned visits to Paris and Berlin later in the week. "Our government supports events like this BDA forum, because it's important to engage people from around the world to help accomplish our goals growing Bermuda's economy," said the Premier. "Bermuda has a very powerful story to tell as a well-regarded international financial centre known for robust regulation and leadership on transparency and compliance. We believe this is an excellent platform to talk about Bermuda's role in supporting global economies. It's important, because we trade on that reputation." The forum attracted close to 250 delegates, encompassing a wide range of industries, to ME London Hotel in the city's West End. Featuring top regulatory and industry representatives in discussion panels, the agenda covered hot-button topics such as Brexit and the recent theft of "Paradise Papers" law-firm data, while emphasising the many elements that differentiate Bermuda-from the island's world-respected regulator and access to capital to its deep pool of valuable industry expertise. Speakers also examined the varied sectors that make Bermuda a centre of excellence, including re/insurance, captive insurance and insurance-linked securities, to asset management, family offices, and trust and private-client business. "The forum has provided us with an opportunity to tell the Bermuda story at a critical juncture when the European spotlight is on international financial centres," said BDA CEO Ross Webber. "Our jurisdiction has a compelling message, and people are beginning to understand that Bermuda really is different." Forum panels in the morning covered risk-industry topics-from insurance trends and the outlook for 2018 to why Bermuda remains "the World's Risk Capital." Afternoon sessions focused on the rapidly-growing convergence of re/insurance and asset management, then moved to examine high-net-worth services, family governance and charitable trust structuring. The day's line-up featured 25 Bermuda executives, including Bermuda Monetary Authority CEO Jeremy Cox; Bermuda Stock Exchange CEO Greg Wojciechowski; Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers President Brad Kading; Grainne Richmond, President of the Bermuda Insurance Management Association (BIMA); and Keith Robinson, Chairman of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) Bermuda. Keynote speaker, Deputy Chair of Lloyd's and Hiscox Chair Robert Childs, described Bermuda's speed to market and detailed the many advantages Bermuda had lent to Hiscox. "The forum gathered government, industry and regulatory experience to give attendees an opportunity to be exposed to the Bermuda market," said BMA CEO Jeremy Cox. "That kind of collaboration is part of what has made Bermuda successful. Certainly, given the times we're in, that's important-because there's been a lot of misinformation in the media about our jurisdiction. This has given us an opportunity to set the record straight." Other Bermuda-based executive participants included Mark Allitt of KPMG Bermuda; Sarah Demerling of Estera; BDA former chair and Hiscox Director Caroline Foulger; David Gibbons of PwC Bermuda; Ed Granski for Meritus Trust; Randall Krebs of Harbour International Trust Company; BDA Board member Jessel Mendes, of EY Bermuda; Michael Neff of Butterfield Bank; Michael Parrish of Marsh Bermuda; Peter Pearman of Conyers Dill & Pearman; Brian Quinn of Granite Management; Fozeia Rana-Fahy of MJM; Aon CEO Joe Rego; Andrew Smith of Qatar Re; Ariane West of Taylors in association with Walkers; Arthur Wightman of PwC Bermuda; Kim Willey of ASW Law; and Akilah Wilson of the BMA. "We were very impressed by the support not just from Bermuda industry but from friends of Bermuda here in the UK," Webber added. "We had over 20 different companies represented at our forum; that's a marvellous endorsement of the work of the BDA, and a great reflection of the collaboration of the Bermuda market. It's very rewarding to see Bermuda so well represented and supported." Overseas presenters included Richard Hay of Stikeman Elliott, London; Sian Hill of KPMG UK; and Samantha Morgan of RMW Law. "It's about working relationships with the right people - we're not just marketing the jurisdiction," said Jessel Mendes, a BDA Board member and Partner at EY Bermuda. "We're really selling, and I think that's critical. It's about working the relationships with the right people to bring business back to Bermuda. Today, the focus is on the relationship, on business development, and on sales. That's a new mindshift and I believe credit for it goes to the BDA." Tomorrow, a second industry event-"Beyond Convergence"-will also take place at the hotel, focusing solely on insurance-linked securities. Organised by ILS Bermuda to dovetail with today's forum, it will provide a more detailed look at Bermuda's success in attracting capital, expertise and clients to the sphere of alternative reinsurance. Featured speakers will include some of the same industry executives, including the BSX's Wojciechowski, the BMA's Cox, ABIR's Kading, and BDA's Webber. MEDIA CONTACT: Rosemary Jones Head of Communications & Marketing rosemary@bda.bm 441 278-6558 441 337-4696 CONNECTING BUSINESS The BDA encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions. Our goal? To make doing business in Bermuda smooth and beneficial.
Envisagenics, Inc., a New York, NY-based early drug discovery company, raised $2.25m in seed funding.
The round was led by Dynamk Capital with participation from other investors including Third Kind Venture Capital (3KVC), Cosine, LLC (NYC biotech investors), Dolby Family Ventures, NY Empire State Development (ESD), and SV Angel.
Led by Dr. Maria Luisa Pineda, co-founder and CEO, Envisagenics is a life science company that applies artificial intelligence to the genetic sequence of patients to discover new therapies. Its proprietary cloud-based discovery platform SpliceCore uses machine learning to prioritize new drug target candidates from patients RNA.
The company focuses on RNA splicing, a cellular process occurring in every cell, that edits RNA to produce functional proteins required for our body to work.
Envisagenics was founded in 2014 as a spinout of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
FinSMEs
28/11/2017
Kickstarting the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded women's contribution to India's history. The holding of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit for the first time in India reflects the growing security and economic partnership between America and India, Ivanka Trump, the daughter of US President Donald Trump and his Advisor, said on Tuesday.
Picking it up from where Ivanka left it off, the prime minister hoped that the summit would encourage more women to become entrepreneurs. Giving examples of historical characters like Rani Lakshmibai and Ahilyabai Holkar, Modi said that the "power to think differently and ahead of the time for the betterment of mankind is what sets entrepreneurs apart."
The prime minister also highlighted the various initiatives taken by his government such as Swachch Bharat, Aadhaar, Banking Regulation Act among others that made the environment conducive for business. He said that though India was ranked 100th in ease of doing business, the government wasn't happy with it and was aiming to be in the top 50, he said.
Here are a few of the top quotes from the prime minister's speech in Hyderabad.
.@narendramodi:The power to think differently & ahead of the time for the betterment of mankind is what sets entrepreneurs apart. #GES2017pic.twitter.com/Gyq6ZiO0ju GES2017 (@GES2017) November 28, 2017
Indian women continue to lead in all walks of life, said the prime minister.
Indian women continue to lead in different walks of life: PM @narendramodi at #GES2017 pic.twitter.com/D89BElLFGo NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) November 28, 2017
India and the United States share commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship & innovation.
PM @narendramodi:#GES2017 represents the United States' and India's shared commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship & innovation. pic.twitter.com/XYs4kFmReT GES2017 (@GES2017) November 28, 2017
Prime minister said, "Each of you young Indian entrepreneurs have the ability to create a New India 2022. You are the nation's wealth.
Each of you young Indian entrepreneurs have the ability to create a New India 2022. You are the nation's wealth: PM @narendramodi NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) November 28, 2017
Indian women continue to lead in different walks of life: PM @narendramodi at #GES2017 pic.twitter.com/D89BElLFGo NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) November 28, 2017
Amaravati: At the much-hyped Global Entrepreneurship Summit, White House adviser Ivanka Trump will be Telangana's pride, but Andhra Pradesh's envy.
As Telangana readies to host the 2017 edition of the summit on Tuesday, strenuous efforts made by Andhra Pradesh to invite US President Donald Trump's daughter have failed to bring results.
The United States authorities turned down requests made by the Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra government to have Ivanka visit the 'sunrise' state, highly-placed sources said.
AP's Economic Development Board (EDB) chief executive J Krishna Kishore pursued the issue with US authorities on behalf of the state government, but to no avail, they said.
The Andhra government, as part of its "brand building" efforts, had felt that a visit by Ivanka Trump would bolster the southern state's image internationally.
It also wanted to line up several US companies for investments in Andhra Pradesh, the sources said.
The state government had informed the US Consulate that they were ready to organise the event either in Amaravati or Visakhapatnam, and had sought Ivanka's time.
"But we were told that she would not be attending any other programme, apart from the GES and those in New Delhi. So, we did not get a chance to host her," a senior official involved in the entire process said.
The EDB CEO could not be reached for comment. The Global Entrepreneurship Summit-2017 will be inaugurated by Prime Minster Narendra Modi. Ivanka will lead a delegation from her country at the event.
Over 1,500 delegates, including entrepreneurs and investors and CEOs of major knowledge-based companies, are expected to attend the summit.
The 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) being held in Hyderabad is starting today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump's adviser and daughter Ivanka Trump will inaugurate the three-day event themed around "Women First, Prosperity for All". Ivanka will lead a delegation from the US at the three- day event.
The summit is taking place at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) in Hitec City, the information technology hub. The event will bring together 1,500 emerging entrepreneurs and investors, and ecosystem supporters from 150 countries for training and mentoring sessions, networking and investment matchmaking.
Union ministers Sushma Swaraj, Nirmala Sitharaman and Suresh Prabhu will be attending the summit, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant on Monday told reporters at a joint press conference with the US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster on Monday.
After the inauguration, Ivanka and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be participating in a panel discussion on opening up of opportunities for women entrepreneurs, Kant said. The discussion will be moderated by John Chambers, Chairman Emeritus CISCO. The closing session will bring together key influencers who support, promote and fund women entrepreneurs, Kant said.
The closing session will be moderated by commerce minister Suresh Prabhu and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj will also participate in the GES, he added.
The GES is having the majority of women participation for the first time. The GES website tweeted about this happy occurrence:
GES by the numbers: Women will represent a majority - 52.5 percent - of entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem supporters at GES 2017! #GES2017 pic.twitter.com/9IsfL04CbK GES2017 (@GES2017) November 22, 2017
GES extended a traditional Indian greeting 'Swagatham' while welcoming Ivanka Trump:
The GES has led to much cheer in India with tweets from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to NITI Aayog, Kenneth Juster - US Ambassador to India and others talking about it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet mentioned about the GES summit and the inauguration of the Hyderabad metro today:
Will be in Hyderabad today, where I inaugurate the Hyderabad Metro and take part in the @GES2017. The Summit, which is jointly hosted with USA celebrates entrepreneurship. This year we are focussing on the theme 'Women First, Prosperity for All. https://t.co/oCPJCen96T Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2017
More than 10 countries will be represented by an all-female delegation, including from Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The PMO mentioned about it in a tweet:
More than 10 countries will be represented by an all-female delegation, including from Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Israel. A number of leading female voices will speak at various plenaries, breakout sessions, master classes and workshops. @GES2017 PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 27, 2017
Kenneth Juster, US Ambassador welcomed US President Donald Trump's daughter in a tweet stating: Welcome to Incredible India.
US Secretary Rex Tillerson said this year's Global Entrepreneurship Summit is a clear example of how President Trump and #Indias Prime Minister Modi are promoting #innovation and expanding job opportunities.
Secretary Tillerson: This year's Global Entrepreneurship Summit is a clear example of how President Trump and #Indias Prime Minister Modi are promoting #innovation and expanding job opportunities. #GES2017 #USIndia70 #USIndiaDosti pic.twitter.com/XgolqL1xiL GES2017 (@GES2017) November 27, 2017
The event was termed as the mother of all entpreneurship events by the GES hastagging it as USDosti
New Delhi: A nudge and a wink is all it takes for businesses in India to get the message, with the government rarely resorting to harsher measures to get its point across. A recent instance, which was a departure from the usual practice, was the government invoking threat of the anti-profiteering authority cracking down on FMCG companies when the hapless manufacturers said they would reduce prices from December, not immediately, after GST rate corrections.
Strongly worded, individual communications sent from North Block to each manufacturer ensured that the companies hastened to cut prices mid-November, never mind that the actual deadline was further ahead and even when it was next to impossible to get the new price labels in place. It seems a similar sort of mindset is plaguing the government yet again, since it has now warned airlines against high cancellation charges.
No, mercifully there has been no official communication yet from Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan which houses the ministry of civil aviation, regarding a reduction of these charges. Of course, let us at the outset declare that this move, if it does get implemented, would be quite consumer friendly as frequent flyers would rejoice at having to pay significantly less for booking airline tickets but then having to cancel these due to unavoidable circumstances.
It hurts especially if the passenger is re-booking with the same airline and perhaps merely looking for a different time or for a flight with the same airline the next day. Those who need to fly for a family emergency are anyway not impacted because such tickets are usually bought at the last minute. It is frequent flyers and deal fiends those who perennially look for lucrative deals to book tickets who will benefit the most.
Minister of state for civil aviation Jayant Sinha, told The Times of India, "We believe cancellation charges are on the high side and onerous for passengers. The Rs 3,000 fee is in many cases more than the price of the ticket itself. Our UDAN (subsidised regional flying) scheme has capped fares at Rs 2,500 per hour of flying. These cancellation charges need to be brought back into balance."
So while passengers may (rightfully so) rejoice at any move to trim cancellation charges, what Sinhas diktat doesnt explain is the continued stand of the government on airline pricing in general. It has repeatedly said that airlines are free to price tickets any way they like, as long as the steepest fare does not cross that displayed on its website. Continued pleas in this regard from passenger associations and even Members of Parliament (MPs) have fallen on deaf ears. When exorbitant last-minute ticket prices are not the business of the government, why should cancellation charges and any increase be its headache, unless all this is being done for populist gains?
The government often quotes Rule 135 of Aircraft Rules 1937 to say that airlines are free to determine fares and the government cannot interfere in ticket pricing. Sub-rule (1) of rule 135 states that every air transport undertaking engaged in scheduled air services shall establish tariff having regard to all relevant factors, including the cost of operation, characteristics of service, reasonable profit and the generally prevailing tariff.
So the government should now perhaps make up its mind: will it regulate fares or not? If it does want to regulate fares, first up should be exorbitant last minute fares which make it next to impossible for those experiencing genuine emergencies to fly. Apart from this, what about "convenience fee which flyers have to pay for making online bookings? And the extra luggage fees which many passengers complain against? The entire gamut of pricing decisions on air fares then needs a relook.
In this circular last year, aviation regulator DGCA had allowed unbundling of service by airlines which meant they could charge extra for services like seat selection, meal bookings, preferential boarding etc but should not make it compulsory on the passenger. Even here, the DGCA had only insisted on allowing the passenger an opt-out option, not what can be charged for such services.
Besides, airline industry veterans say there is large-scale cancellation of tickets booked in advance well over 50% of all bookings as people usually book earlier to get low fares but are unable to fly on the given date. The fares a month out or even three weeks in advance are obviously lucrative and far cheaper than fares closer to the flight date. Besides, the Indian market has seen a flurry of fire sales and limited period offers in the last few years, specially from LCCs, which stimulate the market for a limited number of seats regularly.
This entire booking algorithm works on the premise that pre-booking gets the passenger good deals, later bookings are expensive and cancellation is heavy on the pocket.
Besides, perhaps the government also needs to ponder over the economics of airlines. An airline executive said it would be counter-productive if cancellation charges were to be brought down to zero, since multiple cost heads are involved when a passenger makes the booking payment gateways, call centres etc. If the cancellation fee were to be waived off completely, it would mean additional cost burden for airlines.
Why not slash it significantly? Well, in a market where high taxes of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) make it extremely tough for airlines to make money, ancillary revenues are the only bright spot. Ancillary services include a wide range of things such as preferred seats and pre-booking meals besides cancellation charges. By some accounts, low-cost carriers charge much lower fees for cancelling tickets than the Full Service airlines.
The bottomline is that there should be clear thinking on air fares. Let the government decide once-and-for-all if it wants to regulate fares or not. If yes, then it should go the whole hog. If not, then it should stop this occasional meddling.
WHY DONT YOU READ THESE?
A Firstpost investigation ( read here) into the details of Maharashtra governments Rs 34,000 crore farm loan waiver programme has revealed serious irregularities on the part of banks, mainly furnishing wrong beneficiary details to the government.
For instance, out of the loan details of about 11 lakh farmers submitted by the State Bank of India (SBI), about three lakh entries had serious errors, according to the reports findings. In just one form submitted by SBI, more than 11,000 farmers were assigned one single Aadhaar number.
The story is largely the same for data furnished by other major banks including HDFC, ICICI, Canara Bank, Central Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Bank of Baroda. The major goof-up has irked even the Opposition parties with former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan demanding investigation against the banks that committed the fraud.
One possible excuse from banks is that many farm loans that are eligible for the loan waiver scheme were disbursed years before Aaadhar scheme became popular and even now many beneficiaries may not be having Aadhar numbers, which government agencies have insisted from eligible borrowers. But, none of this offers an excuse to banks for furnishing wrong data, which might have either denied or delayed the benefit of farm loan waivers to the originally intended needy farmers.
The farm loan waiver was originally announced on 24 June, the government set 18 October for kicking off the disbursal. But, as the story says, till date no single waiver certificate has been given out except some token disbursals at the launch ceremony.
Remember, this failure is not due to shortage of funds to implement the loan waiver but on account of sheer inefficiency or fraud on part of banks while compiling the list of loan waiver beneficiaries. This needs to be investigated. In fact, this isnt the first time a farm loan waiver scheme has run into a major roadblock.
Take the Rs 36,000 crore scheme implemented in Uttar Pradesh. Many farmers complained that they didn't get what they were promised. Some farmers said they got loan waivers as minuscule as 35 paise .
Even during the rollout of the Rs 70,000 crore loan waiver scheme sponsored by the Congress-led UPA regime in 2008, there were reports of needy farmers not benefiting from the programme.
How does a loan waiver work typically? When a government announces a loan waiver, the State Level Banking Committees (SLBCs), a lobby of banks, are tasked to collect the details of eligible farmers from individual banks. Depending on the waiver structure, these lenders may or may not include cooperative banks.
In the case of Maharashtra, the list of lenders included cooperative banks as well and some middlemen were also tasked to compile data. Once the SLBC gets this list, the same is passed on to the state government for final assessment and allocation of the loan waiver amount.
In the case of Maharashtra waiver, this process was followed and the list with fake names (or erroneous ones) was passed on to the government without the facts being checked, either intentionally with the connivance of bank officers or due to sheer laxity on their part. The only difference here is that farmers also had an option to make their entries online. Here, the banks claimed that these entries did not match with their data. But, the data submitted by these banks itself was full of errors.
The very merit of the loan waiver schemes and its impact on farmers itself is a matter of debate. However, after committing to the farmer monetary relief, the government is unable to deliver the promise on account of the mess created by banks while preparing the list. This raises serious questions on the systems and processes in the banks and the KYC follow-up. The bigger concern is, if banks can mess up data of their own clients to this extent in the loan waiver case, the processes can go wrong elsewhere as well.
Last year, Firstpost had reported a series of stories on how state-run Bank of Baroda wrongly identified people as board directors of failed airline Kingfisher and put a lid on their bank accounts. Such instances keep repeating. It is now the job of the Reserve Bank of India to dig into the details of how banks ended up furnishing wrong details of lakhs of farmers in the loan waiver list. At least now, the regulator should come into the picture and wake up the sleepwalking banks.
New Delhi: The government has appointed yet another career bureaucrat to head the ailing Air India, never mind its own attempts at disinvesting from the airline and handing it over to private parties. Senior IAS officer Pradeep Singh Kharola is the successor to Rajiv Bansal, who held the post for a mere three months and had been granted an extension just days back. Bansal was brought in after Ashwani Lohani was suddenly appointed the Chairman of the Railway Board following a series of derailments which scalped the incumbent chairman. This game of quick succession, which is being played in the shadows of the disinvestment process and where there seems to be absence of any particular thought in appointing the person to head Air India, makes little sense. Why not continue with one person till the fate of the airline is clear?
Anyway, as of now, there is no clarity on modalities of the disinvestment process by when it will be initiated, when does it get completed, will the airline be offered as a whole or broken up into parts, will foreign airlines/other investors be allowed to participate in the process and whether the government intends to exit completely or will it continue to hold a deciding stake in the airline?
With so many questions and few answers, what will the appointment of yet another bureaucrat do? Wont his hands be tied to the eventual fate of the disinvestment process, hindering day-to-day decision making? As someone familiar with the process of initiating a new CMD said, another round of presentations for Kharola will take up the next few months.
To his credit though, Kharola seems to be more qualified than some of his predecessors at the job. He is currently the Managing Director of Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation and this leads us to believe he has some experience of managing public transport. Then, Kharola holds a PhD in Public Transport Systems from IIT Delhi. A 1985 batch Karnataka cadre officer, Kharola was earlier Principal Secretary to Chief Minister of Karnataka and has held various other bureaucratic posts within the state as well as outside.
But coming back to the Air India muddle, the timeline for the disinvestment process to begin is getting stretched.
This piece in Moneycontrol.com says the process could take 6-8 months and therefore obviously cannot be completed this fiscal. A source said that the government has been sounding out potential investors but has not received a favourable response from at least two such investors. The Tata group which was the first potential bidder that the government approached informally when it initially announced its intention to disinvest from Air India has been lukewarm to the outreach. And sources say its airline partner Singapore Airlines has also not shown a keen interest in Air India till date.
This leaves IndiGo, the domestic market leader, which has expressed an interest but preferably only in the international operations of Air India. And some ground handling agencies which are keen on only the ground handling arm of Air India. Where does this leave the disinvestment, remains to be seen.
A person close to developments said that perhaps Kharola has been brought in to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning of the airline without getting into the nitty gritty of the disinvestment process, which could even get derailed completely. His logic: the process has already been pushed back to the end of the next calendar year, by when the Centre will be in full poll mode. Will it make political sense to go ahead with the disinvestment then?
This piece in LiveMint says SBI Caps has been roped in to advise the government on the future course of disinvestment and the airline has already constituted five teams to work on various aspects of the stake sale process. SBI Caps would help the carrier with disinvestment matters, including preparing business plans for subsidiaries that would be divested. One team has been constituted for finance, human resources and P&F (properties & facilities) department. Secretarial and procedural matters, including formalisation of relationship with subsidiary companies and future business plan of subsidiary companies would be taken care of by another team. There would also be a team for bilateral slots, commercial arrangements and issues. SBI Caps will also prepare a 3-5 year business plans for subsidiary companies to be divested, help obtain approvals from the consortium of banks for the transfer of real estate properties and other security.
Besides, it would assist Air India on other divestment matters. The airline is staying afloat on taxpayers money and the airline has a debt of close to Rs 50,000 crore. On 28 June, the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) had given its in-principle for strategic disinvestment of Air India and five of its subsidiaries.
There has been speculation on whether there will be any significant write off of the debt which Air India is saddled with; whether certain assets will be hived off into a shell company and whether profit making subsdiaries will be sold separately.
Malayalam film actor Dileep, facing charge of conspiracy in the abduction and sexual assault of a south Indian actress, moved the court on 27 November alleging the police leaked the copy of the supplementary charge sheet to media before submitting it to the court.
In his petition filed at the judicial magistrate's court in nearby Angamaly, the actor submitted that an explanation should be sought from the investigating officer of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case.
Dileeps counsel submitted that the contents of the charge sheet were reported by the media before it was submitted in the court.
The SIT had on 22 November filed a nearly 1500-page supplementary charge sheet against five people, including Dileep.
It had earlier filed a charge sheet against seven others including prime accused Pulsar Suni.
Dileep, who faces different charges including that of conspiracy, has been named the eighth accused. Four other people have also been arraigned in the charge sheet, taking the number of accused in the case to 12.
Dileep's former wife and Malayalam actress Manju Warrier, whose statement was recorded by the police in connection with case, is a witness.
The actor was granted bail by the high court on October 3 with stringent conditions, 85 days after his arrest.
The police have charged Dileep with hatching the conspiracy with other accused to abduct and assault the actress in a moving car and film the act.
The actress, who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly sexually assaulted inside her car for two hours by Pulsar Suni and his accomplice, who had forced their way into the vehicle on 17 February night and later escaped.
As welcome a relief as it may be for the filmmakers, the Supreme Courts (SC) decision to dismiss a plea against the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Padmavati outside India is not surprising. While rejecting the plea filed by advocate ML Sharma, who had felt that grave damage will be done to social harmony if the movie is allowed to be released outside India, the SC also reportedly chided persons in public offices for their comments on the film. As per reports, the chief ministers of the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab had said that they would not allow the film to release and while the chief minister for Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh later supposedly backtracked, the SC is believed to have said that those in public offices shouldnt comment on the Central Board of Film Certifications (CBFC) workings.
In a way, the manner in which the Padmavati episode has played out reminds one of the manner in which Da Vinci Code was greeted in India. The film was cleared by the CBFC but pressure from the Christian community, as well as the Muslim community in some places, saw seven Indian states banning the film. The states that included Goa, Kerala, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab felt that movie was blasphemous and offensive and might hurt the emotions of the people of the minority community. The reason cited for the ban was that content of the film could disturb the peace and tranquility of the State and the films release was delayed in a few states where the SCs judgment to show Da Vinci Code was being challenged.
The manner in which the SC has responded to Padmavati mirrors the stance it took during Da Vinci Code. Rejecting a writ petition filed by the All India Christians Welfare Association, the court found no point of objection when the CBFC had given the film its nod. In fact, the SC also held that no predominantly Christian country had banned Da Vinci Code and underscored that there was no definite reason forwarded by the petitioners to ban the movie. Furthermore, the state High Courts of the states that had banned the film on their own also imposed costs on state governments. Here, too, the SC bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra reiterated that it was the CBFCs prerogative to review the film and make a decision on whether it is suitable for screening.
As the system as well as the law both take their course in the context of Padmavati there is still some way to go before the film sees the light of the day. The new release date of the film (previously 1 December) is yet to be updated but with regards to the threats to the film's team, there has been some official action. The Uttar Pradesh police have booked Thakur Abhishek Som of Kshatriya Samaj and an active member of the Samajwadi Party, who offered a reward of Rs 5 crore to anyone beheading films director, Bhansali and Deepika Padukone who plays the titular character and the BJP had served a show cause notice to its party member, Surajpal Amu for his Rs 10 crore bounty for Bhansali and Padukone.
So, what next for Padmavati?
For intent and purposes, it seems like the ball is back in Bhansalis court; the film will finally need to be submitted to the CBFC for anything to happen. The court has been very clear that the remarks from high offices against the film tantamount to pre-judging a film that is not yet certified by the Censor Board. The film has not been submitted to the CBFC, which previously sent it back owing to incomplete paperwork. Although the UK Censor has cleared Padmavati without any cuts, the producers have categorically refused to release the film anywhere until the CBFC clears it.
Its interesting that while the Constitution of India protects freedom of speech, it also very clearly places certain restrictions on content, with a view towards maintaining communal and religious harmony. According to the Supreme Court of India: Film censorship becomes necessary because a film motivates thought and action and assures a high degree of attention and retention as compared to the printed word. The combination of act and speech, sight and sound in semi darkness of the theatre with elimination of all distracting ideas will have a strong impact on the minds of the viewers and can affect emotions. Therefore, it has as much potential for evil as it has for good and has an equal potential to instill or cultivate violent or bad behavior. It cannot be equated with other modes of communication. Censorship by prior restraint is, therefore, not only desirable but also necessary.
The SC is probably not going to, for the want of a better term, give into activism but would rather look at deciphering if any rule was violated. The court rested the decision with the CBFC and while it underscored that comments of people in public office whether CBFC should issue certificate or not could prejudice the decision, the manner in which the SC looks at censorship, as mentioned above, could also come into play in laffarie Padmavati as days go by. Irrespective of how things play out at the CBFC, for Padmavati the SC would always be an option for the filmmakers. Unfortunate as the situation might be, there could also be a silver lining herein. Perhaps this is yet another call to re-examine the archaic The Cinematograph Act, 1952 that governs film certification, and in a way, film censorship in India and bring it up to date.
The Supreme Court's decision to dismiss ML Sharma's plea seeking a ban on Padmavati hasn't gone down well with the politicians in Bihar. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced that he will not let Padmavati release in the state, according to News18. Kumar's statement comes after the Supreme Court categorically told politicians and those holding positions in public offices, to not comment on the film without watching it, as this had created an 'air of prejudice' around Padmavati.
According to India Today, protests are being staged outside Bihar legislative assembly, with several politicians of the BJP protesting against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial film.
Interestingly, the film has not been cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification. The SC, in a hearing on 28 November, said that the final authority to make any decisions about the film lies with the CBFC, sending out a strong message to politicians making remarks on the film. The remarks have led to the creation of an "air of prejudice" as per the Supreme Court.
After the court's disapproval of the countless pleas which are being filed against the release of the film, it looked like things were looking up for Bhansali and team. However, Kumar's announcement has again left the film in a pool of uncertainty.
Previously, ministers for Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh announced they wouldn't let the film release in their respective states.
Jaipur: The Rajput Karni Sena, an organisation of the Rajput community, urged a nationwide ban on Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati on 28 November.
"Six states have already announced that they will not release the film in their states. We welcome it. Till the new release dates are announced, we want at least 20 CMs to do it. A nationwide ban is in the jurisdiction of the government of India as per a section in the Cinematography Act. The Centre can ban a film even before or after clearance by the censor board," Lokendra Singh Kalvi, founder-patron of the Rajput Karni Sena, said at a press conference in Jaipur.
"We request the Prime Minister to intervene and ban the film," he said.
Kalvi also demanded a high-powered and thorough probe into the death of Chetan Saini, whose body was found hanging on the outer walls of the Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur on the morning of 24 November, with messages against the film Padmavati scribbled on nearby rocks.
"Whether it was a suicide or a murder, I am not interfering into that. But it was very sad. I want to point out two more points. Who wants to disturb communal harmony of Jaipur and second, a direct threat to Karni Sena that "hum putle nahin jalate, latkate hain" (We don't burn effigies, we hang them). All this seems to be an attempt to divert attention from the Padmavati issue," he said.
"We want detailed and thorough probe into it. Who wants to disturb communal harmony and who has given threat to Karni Sena," he said, stressing that "the role of the SLB group in Nahargarh Fort issue should be probed," he said.
Bhansali's Padmavati has been mired in controversy since its shooting started. Activists of the Karni Sena, besides other groups have been protesting against the movie, claiming the film "distorts" historical facts.
The release of the movie, earlier scheduled for 1 December, has been deferred.
The Supreme Court, while hearing the plea filed by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film Padmavati, pulled up politicians for commenting on the movie without seeing it. As per India Today, the court categorically reminded the politicians that the film has not been cleared by the Central Board of Certification and the onus for whether or not the film should be passed lies with the board, and no one else.
The Chief Justice of India mentioned that 'people sitting on high posts in public offices' were commenting on the film, which is unacceptable, News18 reported.
#NewsAlert - People who are in public office and hold public post should refrain from commenting on how movies certification is done: Supreme Court News18 (@CNNnews18) November 28, 2017
The SC sent out a strong message with its comments on the Padmavati PIL, by making it clear that although debate is healthy, politicians must refrain from making comments about a film which is yet be given clearance. "The remarks on the film have created an air of prejudice," the court said. The petition filed by Sharma against the film now stands dismissed. The court also said that pleas like these are a misuse of the right to file PILs and that such petitions should not be filed in the future. The CBFC now has the final say, as the SC has refused to intervene in the matter.
#BREAKING - Supreme Court dismisses the petition by ML Sharma seeking a stay on the release #Padmavati, says censor board has the final authority. pic.twitter.com/meF0yKletn News18 (@CNNnews18) November 28, 2017
Advocate Harish Salve, who is representing Sanjay Leela Bhansali in court, also revealed that the makers will not release the film in the UK or any other part of the world before getting CBFC clearance in India.
The Supreme Court's dismissal of the petition is likely to bring relief to Pamavati's beleaguered team, who have faced multiple threats from several fringe groups in the recent past, amid calls to ban the film.
After a series of flip-flops, it seems Malayalam film S Durga (originally known as Sexy Durga) will not be screened at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2017 after all.
The film was selected for screening in the Indian panorama section of IFFI by the jury, but was dropped from the programming by the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) ministry (one of the festival's co-organisers). The ministry's decision led to quite a row, and the director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan filed a petition in court against it.
The Kerala High Court then directed the IFFI organisers to screen S Durga, reiterating its ruling after an appeal by the I&B ministry. The court further said that the decision of the jury would be final.
Finally, the IFFI jury met on Monday (27 November) night to watch the film again, and cleared it for screening at the fest by voting 7:4 in favour of S Durga. However, with IFFI due to end the very next day, it was unclear if the film would actually be screened despite the jury's go ahead.
It now emerges that the film will most certainly not be screened over Tuesday, 28 November the last day of IFFI.
A letter sent from the Thiruvananthapuram regional office of the Central Board of Film Certification, dated 28 November 2017, states that S Durga cannot be screened at IFFI, or any other public event/venue, as it flouts Rule 33 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983. In the letter, Dr Patibha A, regional officer of the CBFC in Thiruvananthapuram, says that the U/A certificate was given to S Durga after the makers agreed to certain changes requested by the board, including the deletion of specific offensive words and a change of the film's title from the original, Sexy Durga.
The letter says that the officials of the CBFC were informed by the IFFI jury that the film's title card displays an 'S' followed by four oblong marks meant to obscure the 'exy' and then 'Durga'. This, the board argued, "has totally different implications" and "effectively undermines and defeats... the very purpose of title registration and changes effected thereby". Director Sana Kumar Sasidharan has been cautioned not to exhibit the film publicly until the CBFC reexamines the film.
Here's the full text of the letter from the CBFC to S Durga's makers:
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Japans SoftBank Group Corp (9984.T) is offering to purchase shares of Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] at a valuation of $48 billion, a 30 percent discount to its most recent valuation of $68.5 billion, a person familiar with the matter said on Monday. The logo of SoftBank Group Corp is displayed at SoftBank World 2017 conference in Tokyo, Japan, July 20, 2017. REUTERS/Issei KatoA second person said the amount was in line with what investors had been expecting. SoftBank is also expected to make a separate $1 billion investment in the company at the $68.5 billion valuation. Bloomberg reported the offer price earlier on Monday.
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) - The Keystone crude oil pipeline will restart at reduced pressure on Tuesday, TransCanada Corp (TRP.TO) said, nearly two weeks after closing the line after it leaked 5,000 barrels of crude in rural South Dakota. FILE PHOTO - A TransCanada Keystone Pipeline pump station operates outside Steele City, Nebraska, U.S. on March 10, 2014. REUTERS/Lane Hickenbottom/File PhotoCalgary-based TransCanada shut down the 590,000 barrel-per-day pipeline, one of Canadas main crude export routes linking Albertas oil fields to U.S. refineries, on Nov. 16. The company is still cleaning up the spill and investigating the cause. TransCanada said on Monday the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) reviewed its repair and restart plans. It said it will start operating the pipeline at reduced pressure, and gradually boost the volume of crude moving through. TransCanada did not specify what the reduced pressure would be or when the pipeline would return to full capacity. PHMSA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. We are communicating plans to our customers and will continue working closely with them as we begin to return to normal operating conditions, TransCanada said in a statement. In its most recent update, TransCanada said it has so far cleaned up 1,065 barrels of oil. The cleanup is going as fast as we would hope, they are working 24 hours a day, said Brian Walsh, environmental scientist manager with the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Keystone has leaked substantially more oil, and more often, in the United States than the company indicated to regulators in risk assessments before operations began in 2010, according to documents reviewed by Reuters. The Keystone outage roiled crude oil prices on both sides of the border as market players anticipated a glut of crude building up in Alberta while inventories fell in the U.S. futures trading hub of Cushing, Oklahoma. The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prompt spread CLc1-CLc2 widened to a session low of negative 10 cents on news of the pipeline returning to service. Traders see the spread as an indicator for supply at Cushing. The discount on Western Canada Select heavy blend crude for December delivery in Hardisty, Alberta, narrowed in thin trade to $17.90 a barrel below U.S. crude, according to Shorcan Energy brokers. On Friday December WCS settled at $21.50 a barrel under the U.S. benchmark. The Keystone spill in South Dakota came days before neighbouring Nebraska approved a route for TransCanadas planned Keystone XL pipeline, but the approved route differed from the companys preferred path. TransCanada has asked the state to reconsider, according to a filing posted on the Nebraska Public Service Commission website on Monday. A company spokesman said TransCanada is seeking a clarification on the Nov. 20 decision, but did not provide further details. On Saturday, landowners opposed to the pipeline responded to TransCanadas request with their own motion seeking oral arguments on the issue. A PSC spokesperson said the body has 60 days to respond to TransCanadas motion.
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and the administrations top trade official met with the chief executives of General Motors (GM.N) and Fiat Chrysler (FCHA.MI), and a senior manager from Ford (F.N), on Monday to discuss trade and the renegotiation of NAFTA. FILE PHOTO: U.S. Vice President Mike Pence speaks as he meets with members of the Venezuelan exile community, recent Venezuelan migrants, other local leaders and officials about the continuing devastation and unrest in Venezuela at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Doral, Florida, August 23, 2017. REUTERS/Joe SkipperThe meeting was held to cover trade, commerce and manufacturing policy and how it impacts their business and was scheduled to include National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Pences office said. Automakers have found themselves at the center of disputes over renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the United States, Canada and Mexico as the administration of President Donald Trump pushes for more rules on auto imports that the American manufacturers have opposed. Automakers have been lobbying the administration to abandon proposals that would require more parts for automobiles be made in one of the three countries so as to avoid hefty tariffs. We view the modernization of NAFTA as an important opportunity to update the 23-year-old agreement and set the stage for an expansion of U.S. auto exports, Matt Blunt, the president of the American Automotive Policy Council, said after the meeting. Blunt said that the automakers appreciated the opportunity to directly address the industrys concerns with the administrations rule of origin proposal. General Motors chief executive Mary Barra and Fiat Chrysler chief executive Sergio Marchionne were expected to attend the meeting, while Fords Americas President Joe Hinrichs was set to attend. Lighthizer is overseeing the renegotiation of NAFTA on behalf of the Trump administration. The latest round of negotiations ended last week with little progress. Mexico and Canada rejected the U.S. proposal to raise the minimum threshold for autos to 85 percent North American content from 62.5 percent as well as to require half of vehicle content to be from the United States.
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
New Delhi: About 32,000 personnel of the central armed forces such as the CRPF and the BSF along with nearly 60,000 from the state police are likely to be deployed for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections, officials said.
Around 320 companies of central armed police forces are being made available to the Election Commission for deployment in election duties in Gujarat.
The security personnel will reach Gujarat in batches and all will be deployed as per the recommendations of the poll panel, a home ministry official said on condition of anonymity.
A company of central armed police comprises 100 personnel. In addition to the central police personnel, nearly 60,000 state police personnel are also expected to be deployed in Gujarat.
Elections to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly will be held on 9 and 14 December.
Click here for detailed coverage of Gujarat Assembly Election 2017
Jalaun: Two horses and two donkeys were rounded up and kept in the district jail in Jalaun for almost three days for allegedly damaging saplings in the prison premises.
Jail superintendent Tulsi Ram Sharma said, "Various types of saplings were planted in the district jail premises for beautification."
"Those were damaged by the horses and donkeys. Hence, I rounded them up," he said.
The owner of the animals, Kamlesh, said the horses and donkey were released this evening.
"For two days, I could not find my horses and donkeys. When I came to know that they are in jail, I sought the help from local BJP leaders. with their intervention the animals were released," he said.
Guwahati: Syed Abdul Rehman Zakaria, 36, an employee with a private firm in Noida, hails from Assam. Like many others trying to make ends meet in our urban sprawls, he yearns to have his family around. However, not having an Aadhaar number blocks his way. All the schools he approaches in the area require parents to submit copies of their Aadhaar cards, since 'the child is a minor', they tell Zakaria and his wife. Both of them do not have Aadhaar cards.
For people of Assam living in other states, this is a common problem.
"I don't have Aadhaar, so while making a rental agreement outside the state, I face a lot of problems. Without Aadhaar, one can't opt for the online process, which is less time-consuming. One has to go through the old method, buy stamp paper, meet an advocate and waste at least two hours and shell out a lot of money. It is a major problem for students like me," said Pune-based student Akashdeep Baruah.
In fact, only 23.7 lakh people out of 3.39 crore in Assam had enrolled with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to get an Aadhaar number until 31 April. According to the numbers put up on the UIDAI website, detailing the state/UT-wise Aadhaar saturation until 31 October, Assam is at the last position in the list, with 7.1 percent saturation. Aadhaar saturation is based on the projected population as on 2015.
Currently, the Assam government is in the middle of updating its National Register of Citizens (NRC) to identify the state's native people and weed out illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. After Aadhaar was launched, enrolment had begun taking place in three districts in Assam Golaghat, Nagaon and Sonitpur as a pilot project. However, the state government was wary that the illegal residents might get an Aadhaar, which could defeat the purpose of updating the NRC. Hence, it applied brakes on Aadhaar enrolment this March.
Much like Zakaria and Baruah, thousands of people from Assam are facing problems since they live outside the state, where Aadhaar is mandatory. The Centre has been aggressively pushing Aadhaar, making it mandatory for a host of essential services. Be it for availing of government subsidy for LPG or ration, for filing Income Tax returns or even studying in CBSE schools, Aadhaar is a must-have in other states.
Assamese students who wanted to appear for the Joint Entrance Examination for admission into the Indian Institutes of Technology were baffled when the applicants were required to furnish Aadhaar numbers in their application forms last year. After much anxiety, students of the north-eastern state were exempted from this requirement. Permanent Account Number, bank account, government healthcare and social welfare schemes are some of the other areas for which Aadhaar has become compulsory.
Now, Assam government has decided to restart the collection of biometric data for Aadhaar from December. This has reignited apprehensions that illegal immigrants might get hold of Aadhaar as the process of updating the NRC is yet to be finished.
Driving illegal immigrants out of the state was the BJP's primary poll promise. It is with this agenda that Assam, along with neighbouring Meghalaya and Jammu & Kashmir, was exempted from the 'mandatory Aadhaar' regime. The Supreme Court (SC) is monitoring the process of updating the NRC in Assam.
Poll plank
Senior SC advocate and Prabajan Virodhi Manch leader Upamanyu Hazarika, who was leading the fact-finding commission appointed by the apex court to report the ground situation along the India-Bangladesh border in Assam, worries the verification process could be pushed ahead to keep the issue burning among the indigenous people till the next election.
"The government earlier said the work for the draft NRC will be completed by 31 December, 2017. It has now sought time until 31 July, 2018, which will leave the indigenous people of the state anxious and concerned, as they have lived in fear of a Bangladeshi takeover for years. Is this being done to keep the issue burning till the next election? A prolonged verification process could be an attempt to polarise votes in Assam," he says.
Come December, Aadhaar enrolment will resume in Assam. The stage of submission of documents for NRC is over and verification is underway. Meanwhile, the Centre has made it clear that Aadhaar cannot be considered a proof of citizenship. But there is still a catch that the BJP-led government in Assam will have to work its way around. Since the time for the NRC update has been extended till July 2018, many who will not stand a chance to figure in the NRC would get an opportunity to avail Aadhaar and substantiate their claims of residency.
Congress MLA and leader of Opposition in Assam legislative assembly Debabrata Saikia said the BJP government took up NRC as its top priority, creating more confusion in the process and widening the monetary gap between the state and the Centre.
He said he suspects that the BJP wants to identify immigrants as Indian citizens so that they can reciprocate the favour by voting for them.
A strong anti-Aadhaar movement has been brewing in the neighbouring Meghalaya as well. More than a 1,000 people who had got enrolled under Aadhaar in Meghalaya now want their biometric data withdrawn from the database.
Meghalaya Peoples Committee on Aadhaar, a student body and a civil society group, has launched a campaign to opt out of Aadhaar. People of the state who have obtained Aadhaar allege that they were misguided into enrolling for it. They say they were told they would lose their rights as a citizen if they didn't get an Aadhaar number.
Read Part 1: State's methods of identifying foreigners on shaky ground as locals complain of harassment
The author is a Guwahati-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters.
Jammu: The BJP in Jammu and Kashmir said the state is an integral part of India and those who do not accept it will have to take refugee in Pakistan.
Party spokesperson Virender Gupta made the remarks after National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah dared the Centre to hoist the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar before unfurling it in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Gupta also asked Abdullah not to make "anti-national and unrealistic statements".
"Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and those who challenge it will have to take refuge in Pakistan," he said.
Abdullah had on Monday said, "They (Centre and BJP) are talking about raising the flag in PoK. I ask them first you go and raise the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. They cannot even do that here and they are talking about PoK." He had also defended his earlier comment that PoK did not belong to India.
Lucknow: After contesting the Uttar Pradesh civic election separately, BJP's alliance partner, the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), is now planning to put up its candidates for 12 seats in three districts of Gujarat for the Assembly election.
"Our alliance with BJP is not at the national level. We also want to contest Assembly election for some seats in Gujarat with BJP. A message was sent to BJP president Amit Shah a fortnight back but we did not get any reply. Our party will contest on 12 seats in Vadodara, Vapi, and Surat," SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar told PTI.
He said that in these 12 constituencies, there are people from eastern Uttar Pradesh.
If Amit Shah gives us some seats we will agree otherwise we will contest, Rajbhar, a cabinet minister in the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh, said.
"We are following the alliance in Uttar Pradesh but in the civic polls, as there was no agreement, both of us are contesting," he said.
Rajbhar had on 6 November announced contesting civic election stating that as his party did not get a "positive response" from the BJP, he had to take the decision to go alone.
He had said that "time will tell" whether contesting the urban local body elections separately will affect his party's ties with the BJP.
Rajbhar has also said that his party may contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections separately "if the BJP persists with such an attitude".
The SBSP has four MLAs in Uttar Pradesh.
In the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, the BJP along with its allies, Apna Dal(S) and SBSP bagged an overwhelming 325 seats in the 403-member Legislative Assembly.
The BJP had won 312 Assembly seats (out of 384 it contested), while Apna Dal(S) won nine seats out of 11 it had contested. The SBSP grabbed four seats out of eight it contested.
Click here for detailed coverage of Gujarat Assembly Election 2017
New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the process of publication of National Register of Citizens (NRC) could cause unrest in Assam as lakhs of people may lose their citizenship in the exercise.
It said that the deadline fixed by the apex court for updating the draft NRC was 31 December, 2017, and its publication may result in serious law and order problem in the state.
Attorney General KK Venugopal made the submission while arguing in another case relating to fixing of accountability for damage to life and property during protests.
"Large scale work is going on in updating the NRC in Assam. Lakhs of people will be included in the NRC while lakhs of people may lose citizenship. Government of India is apprehensive about large scale agitation on publication of the updated list," he told a bench of Justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and UU Lalit.
The AG said the Centre was mobilising forces to check any untoward incident in the state as the date of publication of draft NRC was nearing.
The apex court was told that as on 22 November, a total of 3.29 crore claims have been made for inclusion in the NRC, which is being prepared to identify illegal migrants.
The NRC of 1951 is being updated for Assam in accordance with the tripartite agreement between the state and central governments and All Assam Students Union (AASU) arrived at in 2005 to implement the 1985 Assam Accord.
A separate bench of apex court is already supervising the process of updating the draft NRC as per the Assam Accord.
Weeks after cartoonist G Bala's arrest over the controversial caricature of Tamil Nadu chief minister E Palaniswamy, the police registered a fresh FIR against him and the office-bearers of the Chennai Press Club for staging protest on 6 November, according to several media reports.
Chennai: Another FIR registered against Cartoonist Bala and journalists protesting against the arrest of Bala. The cartoonist was arrested for drawing a cartoon criticizing TN CM ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2017
Chennai police registers a fresh FIR against Cartoonist Bala and office bearers of ChennaiPressClub for protesting in support of Bala who was arrested for a cartoon criticised TN CM, Nellai CoP Collector.Irony is Bala was not in Chennai when the protest happened. #cartoonistbala pic.twitter.com/kLmlPnp9Ew MUGILAN CHANDRAKUMAR (@Journo_Mugilan) November 28, 2017
Following Bala's arrest on 5 November, the Chennai Press Club held a demonstration the next day by displaying two large banners of the the controversial cartoon. Although Bala had been granted bail early on 6 November, he reportedly did not attend the protest.
Chennai police FIR says - the giant banner of @cartoonistbala work that was displayed on top of a building caused inconvenience to the public who were using pavement & caused traffic issues it seems... #WhoWroteThisFIR #MediaThreatened pic.twitter.com/aGBCiofoxa Shabbir Ahmed (@Ahmedshabbir20) November 28, 2017
Bala was arrested for a caricature of Palaniswamy, the Tirunelveli police commissioner and the collector and for criticising the Tamil Nadu government for its purported inability to prevent a family from committing suicide in Tirunelveli.
Bala posted the cartoon on his social media pages on 24 October, which soon went viral, prompting Tiruneveli district collector Sandeep Nanduri to report the matter.
The 36-year-old cartoonist was then arrested in Chennai by a special Tirunelveli district crime branch police team.
Bala was booked under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act and Section 501 of the Indian Penal Code (printing or engraving matter known to be defamatory), News18 reported.
DMK leader Manu Sundaram slammed the arrest and called it an attempt to quash free speech and silence critics.
New Delhi: The Delhi government cannot have "exclusive" executive powers as it would be against national interests, the Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court.
Referring to the report of a committee and several apex court judgements, the Centre submitted before a five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that a union territory (UT) cannot be raised to the level of a state under the Constitution and it has to be administered by the President of India.
"Designation does not change status. A union territory (Delhi) remains a union territory and it is not equivalent to a state. The Lieutenant Governor is not equivalent to Governors of states," Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, arguing for the Centre, told the bench which also included Justices AK Sikri, AM Khanwilkar, DY Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan.
The top court is hearing a clutch of appeals filed by the AAP government challenging Delhi High Court's verdict holding LG as the administrative head of the national capital.
Singh said every Union territory was to be governed by the President and the power of the President does not diminish with regard to Delhi.
"No exclusive executive power is with the Delhi government and granting exclusive power would not be in the national interest," the law officer said while referring to the report of a panel that had dealt with the powers which can be conferred to the local government of the national capital.
The bench then referred to the constitutional provision and said that neither the Lieutenant Governor, nor the council of minister can take decisions on their own.
Citing various judgements to buttress his submissions, Singh said unlike states, the LG was not bound by the aid and advice of council of ministers and the ultimate authority lied with the President.
"The arguments from the other side (AAP government) has been that though I am a UT, but raise my level to the status of a state. This cannot be done," he said.
The advancing of arguments remained inconclusive and would resume on Wednesday.
Earlier, the central government had said the Constitution did not provide "vertical division" of powers between the Centre and Delhi which enjoys a special status among all UTs.
It had referred to the Constitution, the 1991 Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act and the Transaction of Business of the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Rules to drive home the point that the President, the union government and the LG had supremacy over the city dispensation in administering the national capital.
The Centre had maintained that the national capital belonged to all Indians and not just to those residing in Delhi, while also arguing that Article 239AA of Constitution, which deals with power and status of Delhi, was a "complete code" in itself.
Parliament has made it clear that Delhi was a union territory and there was no doubt about it and the city government was empowered to take care of daily utilities of the national capital but the real administrative powers were vested with the Centre and the President, it had said.
On the other hand, the Delhi government had accused the LG of making a "mockery of democracy", saying he was either taking decisions of an elected government or substituting them without having any power.
Srinagar: Centre's special envoy on Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma today visited Anantnag, considered to be the epicentre of last year's unrest in the Valley, and met college students who asked him to ensure that peace is restored in the area.
Sharma, who is on his second visit to the state in about three weeks, met around 15 delegations in Anantnag, which saw widespread protests last year following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant group's poster boy Burhan Wani. The 61-year-old former Director of Intelligence Bureau was flooded with requests ranging from alleged police excesses, providing security, complaint against news channels, lack of development, employment and opportunities, officials in Srinagar said.
Students of various colleges made an emotional plea to Sharma, urging him to rid the area of violence. Female students requested Sharma to create an atmosphere where the gun culture would come to an end and peace becomes the order of the day, the officials said. Some of them even suggested to Sharma that talks should be held with the separatist groups so that the longest spell of violence can be ended.
The students also highlighted that the national media, especially the electronic media, was portraying the Valley in bad light and urged him to ensure an immediate end to the "biased" coverage.
They pointed out how the residents of Anantnag had come forward and extended all help to Amarnath pilgrims when they were attacked by militants. The students also highlighted the incident in which the locals helped the Army and security forces when their vehicles had an accident. The Anantnag visit was Sharma's second trip to south Kashmir. He had earlier this week visited Pulwama district, which was also among the worst hit by militancy.
Anantnag and Pulwama were the epicentres of unrest following the killing of Wani last year. They earned the notorious distinction of being the nerve centres of militancy with anti-insurgency operations being launched on a war footing in the area.
Sharma was appointed as the Centre's special representative on 23 October to hold talks with all stakeholders in an effort to find lasting peace in Kashmir.
After his first visit to the Kashmir Valley, Sharma suggested that cases against 4,500 youths involved in stone pelting for the first time be dropped in a bid to win hearts.
Over 11,500 cases against stone pelters have been registered since July last year following Wani's death. Of these, over 4,500 youths were first-time offenders.
In a bid to resolve the Valley's electricity crisis, especially during winters, Sharma also took the initiative of providing additional 300 MW energy to Kashmir this year.
He had arrived for his second visit to the state on 24 November. For the first two days, he visited various migrant camps in Jammu and later flew to Srinagar on 26 November. He will be returning on Wednesday.
Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan has courted controversy by allegedly wielding a pistol while accompanying a search team looking for a leopard, which is believed to have killed a woman in Jalgaon district.
As the purported video of the minister's gun-wielding act went viral, he said his intention was not to harm the feline but to scare it away.
Mahajan had on Monday visited the house of Dipali Jagtap, who was killed by the leopard in Chalisgaon Tehsil in Jalgaon district, located over 400 kms from Mumbai.
While the senior BJP leader was returning after offering condolences to the family, an information reached him that a leopard was sighted near Navegaon locality of Warkhede village.
In the video, which has been widely circulated and also being played by several television news channels, the state medical education minister is purportedly seen participating in the search operation with the pistol in his hand.
Mahajan said the leopard was sighted around 400 feet from his convoy and that he joined the forest department officials and police personnel in the search.
"My intention was not to kill the leopard but to fire in the air if needed. I took out the gun for which I have a license," he said in reaction to the controversy.
The team, however, could not trace the animal.
"We were told that Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar had permitted shooting of the animal at sight for killing people," Mahajan said.
The leopard has killed five people in the district in the past one-and-a-half months, the minister said.
"On Monday, I visited the families of the people killed by the leopard. On my way, the forest officials sighted the leopard, so we decided to chase it," he said.
"Till date, I have not even killed a sparrow," Mahajan said.
Meanwhile, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said Mahajan should be sacked and an offence should be registered against him for allegedly flouting forest and wildlife laws.
This is not the first time the gun-toting minister has courted controversy.
In March 2015, Mahajan was seen at a school function armed with a gun. He later clarified that he carried the weapon for "self-defence" and that he had not been involved in any kind of violence.
Mahajan had tucked the gun at his waist when he arrived at the function attended by differently-abled school children in Jalgaon.
The BJP leader did not have police protection at that time, but there were several police officers from the district with him on the dais.
"It was my licensed gun and I have been carrying it for the last 20 years. I regularly renew my licence," he had said.
By Taruni Kumar
In 2013, Ivanka Trumps fashion brand devised a marketing campaign around the slogan Women Who Work with the aim to better sell their highly-priced products. The slogan also became the title of her book Women Who Work: Rewriting the Rules for Success. The NPRs review of the book was headlined, Many Working Women Wont See Themselves in Women Who Work.
Yet, the political advisor and daughter of US president Donald Trump has been actively marketing the image of a womens rights proponent and an active voice for women entrepreneurs. And now Ivanka has arrived in Hyderabad to attend the three-day-long Global Entrepreneurship Summit and to promote womens entrepreneurship and economic power in India.
According to NDTV, Ivanka Trumps advocacy for women on an international stage has become a key element of her political profile and personal image. In an interview with The Times of India, Ivanka said, I aim for GES 2017 to be a global celebration that elevates the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs. When women do better, communities and countries thrive.
No arguments there, Ivanka.
And far be it from us to argue that women entrepreneurs in India have it easy. India ranked among the lowest on the Women Business Ownership index. The country came in at 49 out of 54 countries.
India has vast contradictions in terms of women and womens issues. On the one hand, Indias politicians make regressive remarks about how women have no business being out late at night and on the other they laud the Indian winner of Miss World for bringing honour to the country. An issue as universal as harassment on the streets is euphemistically called eve-teasing in India to make sure nobody mistakes it for a real problem like corruption or climate change. Not that theres consensus on that last one either, especially not from Ivankas father.
In a situation like this, a supporter of womens economic rights and entrepreneurship like Ivanka sounds ideal. But, thats where the trouble creeps in. Ivanka's brand of support for women seems superficial, clueless and occasionally sinister.
Lets begin with her business ethics. Some of the manufacturing units for Ivankas clothing line are based in India. Her brand has declined to identify the factories or the wages or working conditions of the employees. The garment industry in India is primarily women who are paid meagre wages for heavy workloads and long hours: women who work very hard. Do Ivankas workers have a better time? Hard to tell, as a report in The Washington Post points out, which factories produce the goods remains a mystery.
If Ivanka were to practice what she preached, these women should have all the facilities and privileges that she promised to work towards when her father came to power in the United States of America. After all, before loving thy South Asian neighbours, it makes sense to change the way ones own business empire functions, right? Well, The Guardian spoke to women who work in one of the Indonesia factories of the label six months ago. These women claimed that they were paid so little, they couldnt afford to live with their children and were subjected to verbal abuse as well. Permanent employees of at least one of the factories received a monthly bonus if they didnt take a day off for menstruation. So, women who needed that day off were indirectly penalised.
All this leads one to wonder which women Ivanka speaks in support of in terms of their economic rights. Her book sheds some light on the subject. The New Yorker called it a painfully oblivious book for basically no one, and Vox said it was a pink-tinted sea of innocuous blandness. Most reviews agree that parts of the book are akin to typing in inspirational quotes on a Google search and skimming through the first few listings. The book is aimed for an audience that is nowhere close to the garment workers that Ivankas company employs. Its aimed at an audience that Ivanka believes will connect with her when she says paying bills and buying groceries is not enormously impactful. For most womenand menin the world, these activities arent optional. Not everybody has the privilege to structure their lives in a manner that the mundane housework or the basic mechanics of running ones life are handled entirely by those hired for the job.
Passion combined with perseverance, is a great equaliser, more important than education or experience in achieving your version of success, she writes in the book. Whether theyre passionate or not about their work, perseverance is something the women working in Ivankas garment factories dont seem to be short on. But, its safe to say that their version of success probably isnt a job with minimum wage and low privileges.
Then theres the complication of blaming Ivanka for her fathers sins. Even if you dont want to, she remains complicit. This last being a word that has taken on a whole new charge in the Trump era, because beti Trump also has baap Trumps ability to mutate meaning of familiar words.
In August 2017, Ivanka supported the Trump administrations decision to get rid of a policy that would have made it necessary for employers to share their workers pay, gender and race information with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in the US. Though she is a publicly staunch supporter of equal pay for women, Ivanka saw no contradiction in the decision to roll back a policy that helped identify gender gaps in wages.
Despite the many accusations of sexual harassment and assault against her father, she has repeatedly defended him. She has even gone as far as to call her father a proponent of gender equality when hes repeatedly proved otherwise through his actions, words and, most prolifically, tweets. Perhaps, it would be more sensible for Ivanka to focus on cleaning up her own house before taking her advocacy for women to the world.
At a time when Indian women are struggling to recapture their rightful place in society and the workplace, the contradictory feminism of Ivanka is vastly unwelcome. Its difficult enough to explain the idea of womens autonomy, freedom of choice, right to work and the need for economic independence to the layperson without a role model like Ivanka getting in the way.
It could be said that Ivanka is at best a hypocrite and at worst oblivious. But, the dilemma of which of the two is more damaging refuses to resolve itself.
The Ladies Finger (TLF) is a leading online womens magazine delivering fresh and witty perspectives on politics, culture, health, sex, work and everything in between.
Lucknow: Exuding confidence that a grand Ram temple will be constructed in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Tuesday said it will fulfil the aspirations of devotees of Lord Rama.
Maurya also said that Ayodhya has never been a political issue but a matter of faith.
"Every Ram bhakt (devotee of Lord Rama) wants to see that Lord Rama does not languish in "taat" (makeshift tent), but resides in "thaat" (grandeur)," he said.
"...Lord Rama is still in the same shape, as he was before the disputed structure fell...Everyday he is worshipped as per traditions and rituals. But, he is being worshipped under a taat (tent). Every Rama bhakt (for whom Lord Rama is a symbol of faith and devotion) wants that Lord Rama should not live under a taat. Rather he should live in thaat," he said.
Hence a grand Ram temple must be built there, Maurya told PTI in an interview.
His remarks come days after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat made a strong pitch for building the Ram Temple at the disputed site at Ayodhya, saying only the mandir would come up there and not any other structure.
Maurya said, "Daily court hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case will begin on December 5. And, I am confident that after the hearing, the judgement will come soon. In place of tirpal (tent), a grand Ram temple will be built using stones on which carvings have been made by the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, where devotees will get an opportunity to offer prayers".
Maurya asserted that a once a grand Ram temple is built, it will be a "true tribute" to VHP stalwart Ashok Singhal, Mahant Sri Ramchandra Das Paramhans (former head of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas in Ayodhya) and karsewaks who sacrificed their lives.
"...But, since the matter is in court, as a government, we can say that till the time the court delivers its judgment or there is an agreement among the parties (in the case), construction of Ram temple cannot commence. However, the day Supreme Court gives the judgment or an agreement is reached among the parties, the construction work for the Ram temple will start without any delay," he said.
On the initiative by Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to find a solution to the Ayodhya dispute, Maurya said, "...If there is any initiative by anyone, then from the government there is no opposition to it. Whether he is a party in the case or whether he could bring an agreement among parties...Those who have started the initiative must be having a roadmap."
"But at the level of the government, we are waiting for agreement among the parties or a judgement of the Supreme Court. And we believe that it will be a favourable one."
Attacking Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav, the UP deputy chief minister said, "He is trying to reopen the wounds of Ram bhakts and rake up old memories. No Ram bhakt can ever forget the firing on karsewaks done during the regime of Mulayam Singh Yadav."
His reference was to the SP patriarch's remarks in which he justified his order to open fire on kar sevaks marching towards Ayodhya in 1990, saying if even more people were required to be killed for the country's unity and integrity, the security forces would have done it.
Maurya observed that Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama and a "symbol of faith" for crores of Hindus.
"Our religious scriptures prove that Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama and not a symbol of faith for Muslims. When the Mughal invaders came here, they in order to insult Hindus, destroyed many temples," he said.
On comments made by Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son Akhilesh Yadav comparing Lord Rama with Lord Krishna, Maurya said, "They have definitely made some temporary gains by dividing society. Hence, now they are eyeing some gains by dividing Gods. However, they can divide society, but not Gods. And, now they have proved they were unsuccessful even in dividing society, as their true colours are now known."
"For us, Ayodhya has never been a political issue and it will never so in future. It is a matter of faith. And it is the SP, BSP and Congress to link politics with matter of faith," he said.
Taking a dig at Akhilesh Yadav, Maurya said, "My direct question to him is why is he not going to campaign for his party in the urban local bodies polls...There is not even an iota of interest among public vis-a-vis Akhilesh."
"In the presen times, he has assumed the role of 'bayaanbeer' (one who only makes statement), as he has no issues against the Centre or state government," he said.
For some, death begins at birth. In Purvi Patti, the eastern tribal belt of Gujarat, that stretches from Ambaji in Banaskantha district in the north to Ahwa in Dang district in the south, the National Health Mission has mapped the prevalence of at least 9,00,000 sickle cell traits and 70,000 sickle cell disease patients.
As per an Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) survey, among the primitive tribes of Kolcha, Kotwadia and Kathodi, 30 percent of the children inflicted with sickle cell disease die before the age of 14 and the remaining 70 percent die by 50.
Firstpost drove into the depths of the Narmada district to find out how the public health system is protecting a population of 89.12 lakh against this deadly disease. In here is a tiny town, Rajpipla, where Dr Shantikar runs a 20-bed hospital. Less than 30 kilometres away from the Sardar Sarovar Dam, where Sardar Patel's statue is rising pillar over pillar to touch the skies, there's not a single Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Rajpipla.
"In fact, there is no ICU in the entire Narmada district. I have seen many people die of sickle cell anaemia. Five years ago, when I was at the Civil Hospital, three girls in their early 20s died shortly after delivery because they developed antenatal pulmonary embolism, a complication sickle cell patients are susceptible to," he said, adding that along with the primitive tribes, the disease is also prevalent among all major Gujarati tribes like the Dhodias, Gavits, Chaudharys, Halpatis, Dublas, Kuknas, Varlis and Koknis.
Sickle cell disease describes a group of inherited red blood cell disorders; the patient inherits two abnormal haemoglobin genes, one from each parent, which causes the person's body to make Haemoglobin S. In this condition, red blood cells have a crescent or sickle-like structure that causes them to break down quickly and clog blood vessels. People who inherit one sickle cell gene and one normal gene have "sickle cell trait", which is not life threatening, and these people don't exhibit any of the symptoms of the sickle cell disease. But they do stand the risk of passing on the trait on to their children if they marry a partner with the same trait.
On his visit to Kyoto University in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought help from Japan on finding a cure to the deadly disease that was also claiming the lives of tribals in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal.
He had discussed the issue with Shina Yamanaka, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2012 for the discovery that mature cells can be converted to stem cells.
In 2006, when Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat, the Sickle Cell Anaemia Control Program (SCACP) was started in five districts of south Gujarat on a public-private partnership, and in 2011, a Gujarat Sickle Cell Anaemia Control Society was formed to integrate efforts of different departments. Finally, in 2012, a five-year screening campaign was launched.
"The screening programme is now in the fifth year, but the problem is that the government merely diagnoses, hands out folic acid tablets and moves on. There are nearly 2,000 patients in tribal areas who are living without medication. And when they're serious, there's no facility where they can go and be treated," explained Dr Pradip Garasia, who heads the Samast Adivasi Samaj in Gujarat and has been raising such concerns with different government departments since two decades.
Garasia confirmed that even in Anaval village in Mahuva tehsil, there isn't an ICU. He stressed on the need for central-line oxygen, infusion pumps, blood warmers, syringe pumps and trained medical attendants. "Currently, emergency cases are sent to bigger hospitals in Surat and Vadodara, even Ahmedabad (320 kms away from Anaval)," he said.
Sickle Cell Awareness Mission
With an aim to reorient the energy of doctors in the tribal belt towards sickle cell anaemia, Dr Dexter Patel started the Sickle Cell Awareness Mission in 2013 from Bharuch district of Gujarat.
Nearly 200 doctors who are part of this network conduct regular screening and awareness camps across districts in the tribal belt. What makes this group special is that these are clinicians and therapists who trace their roots to the tribal belt. The problem is that these people aren't consulted and agencies from outside are hired to visit.
Local doctors ask why aren't they integrated into the government's mission, at least in an advisory role. "Right now, we function as a small social service group, when we can do much more for our Adivasi samaj. It's not just our group, there are also doctors from different Adivasi groups, like the Chaudharys, Dodhias, Gamits, etc. Another problem with the government's mass screening programme is that the reports and explanations of its implications aren't shared with patients," he said.
Dr Patel explained that cards are handed out to patients: A white card for those who test negative, a white and yellow card for those with sickle cell traits, and a yellow one for those who test positive for sickle cell disease. "The private agencies working with the government on these projects need to ensure that everybody not only gets a card because those with the disease are entitled to free blood at the government blood banks. If they spend from their own pocket, a unit of blood can cost between Rs 800 to Rs 1,200," Dr Patel said.
As per data available with the government of Gujarat, 55,10,494 tribals have been screened under this programme, out of which 5,20,770 have been found to have sickle cell trait and 29,584 have been detected with sickle cell disease.
Another problem he pointed out is the lack of software testing life cycle (STLC) facilities. "In the civil hospitals at Narmada and Bharuch, there are no STLC machines. Such machines are far away, in Navsari, Valsad and Bardoli," he said, further recommending that the equipment to conduct the critical Haemoglobin Electrophoresis test be placed in every district.
"Walk into villages like Dediyapada, Sadbara, Rajpipla, Kevadia (which is right next to the Sardar Sarovar dam) and start screening the villagers, and you'll find that hundreds were born with this condition and others inherit this disease due to consanguineous marriages in tribal communities," Dr Patel said.
He said that it was unfortunate that the entire Adivasi samaj is fighting a fatal disease that isn't talked about half as much as dengue and swine flu which urban Indians experience. The life expectancy of those affected by the disease was about 35 earlier, and it's about 40 now, say the doctors associated with the sickle cell awareness mission. Sickle cell F affects life expectancy in newborns, who start showing signs after six months.
Running a 15-bed general hospital in Vyaara district is Dr Suresh Chaudhary. "The mortality is higher in those with acute chest syndrome. If patients aren't given oxygen on time, they slip into hypoxia, a state of deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. By this time, red blood cells are ruptured. If these people are given supportive treatment at earlier stages, many lives can be saved," he said.
Dr Chaudhary revealed that almost 60 percent don't even hit adulthood. "In the Tapi district alone, from what I've seen, about 10 to 15 people die each year," he said, adding that he'd seen families with three to four cases.
No format to measure vulnerability
Dr Kiran Patel, district health officer, Narmada district, told Firstpost that there's no format to measure which group should be considered vulnerable. "There should be at least one ICMR centre in Gujarat," he said.
He explained that doctors can only discuss and debate what is clinically preventable, but to back claims and conjectures about the origin and eradication, research is essential. What the people here need is intensive and sustained counselling; families don't come out since it affects marriage propects. There are 12 counsellors in the district and the focus group is pregnant women.
In the remotest of villages, the State makes its presence felt through police posts. Professor Praful Vasava is contesting from Vaghodia from Chotubhai Vasava, on a Bharatiya Tribal Party ticket.
Vasaya holds a PhD in mental health and occupational stress of the police employees from Gujarat University. "Every police department should have a psychologist. If the image of the police changes to that of a positive agent of change, then people won't fear reaching out to them for help," he said, adding that once the police is freed from political pressures, it will be able to focus on community development activities.
The Mukhyamantri Amrutum Yojana, and its extended version Maa Vatsalya Yojana, launched during chief minister Anandiben Patel's tenure, guarantees those below the poverty line free medical treatment. This covers 544 medical procedures. But unless the beneficiaries are aware of the disease, it is unlikely that they'll be searching around for treatment options available to them.
To win over the trust of the tribal belt, where 16 out of 27 seats belong to the Congress, the ruling party will have to ensure better implementation of healthcare policies in order to meet its goal of 'no childbirth with sickle cell disease by 2020'.
New Delhi: Kerala woman Hadiya's father welcomed the Supreme Court decision allowing her to continue her studies.
Asked about his stance on inter-caste marriages, KM Ashokan said he believed in one religion and one god but could not have a terrorist in the family.
"Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after getting converted to Islam," Ashokan said. "I cannot have a terrorist in the family," he added.
The Supreme Court yesterday freed Hadiya, alleged to be a victim of 'love jihad', from the custody of her parents and sent her to college to pursue her studies, even as she pleaded that she should be allowed to go with her husband.
Terror organisation Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed's petition to the United Nations seeking the removal of his name from the list of "designated terrorists" has understandably added to India's outrage quotient. If New Delhi had been angered at Pakistan's move to release the Mumbai 26/11 mastermind from "house arrest", it is likely to interpret this latest development as further proof of Pakistan's perfidy.
As if a freed Saeed isn't bad enough, the prospect of the Lashkar-e-Taiba chief getting access to previously inaccessible funds through a successful appeal against the "designated terrorist" tag will deepen India's worries. It isn't comforting to note that most such cases since 2010 have reportedly been successful.
However, Saeed is only one part of India's worries on the north-western front. A chain of recent events point to an increasing volatility in Pakistan politics in the run up to the 2018 elections. The rise in volatility and democratic instability has been compounded by a commensurate rise in religious extremism with very real fears gaining ground of jihadists marching into the Pakistani Parliament.
On Monday, Pakistan's civilian government under pressure from the army was forced to sack law minister Zahid Hamid and cut a deal with radical Islamist protestors who had held the entire country to ransom through violent clashes for three weeks over some imagined insult to Prophet Muhammad.
To pacify the little-known Sunni extremist group called Tehreek Labaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLY) headed by its abuse-spewing leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the civilian government agreed to, nearly, all its demands including firing the beleaguered minister, releasing all workers and members who had been arrested for violence, quashing the cases and paying up for the damaged public properties.
The formal agreement signed between the PML-N government and Rizvi's TLY also bears the signatures of Pakistan's COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa and ISI chief Major General Faiz Hameed indicating the extent to which the army has been influential in brokering the deal.
The "agreement" also requires the government to ensure that "no difficulty will be faced in registering blasphemy cases; no leniency will be given to those convicted by courts for blasphemy; no ban will be imposed on the use of loudspeakers" and two TLY representatives will sit in the panel to decide on changes in the school syllabus.
The fact that the "agreement" in its letter praises the role of the army (which had been watching from the sidelines as the civilian government was brought to its knees) was interpreted as proof of Rawalpindi's role behind the uprising. Video clip showing a purported Pakistani general distributing money in sealed envelopes to protestors and pledging the army's support added to the debate.
Not seeing nearly enough blame for the Pakistan Army over its role in Islamabad dharna. They backed these guys, they wanted to 'mainstream' them and they refused to act against them. With 'protectors' like these, who needs aggressors? (1/2) Zeb Aslam (@ZebAslam) November 27, 2017
In an editorial titled Capitulation, Pakistan-based newspaper Dawn wrote: "Whether a decision made out of desperation or fear, the upshot is that the state has accepted that mobs and zealots have a right to issue religious edicts that can endanger lives and upend public order Something profound changed in the country yesterday and the reverberations will be felt for a long time. How has such catastrophe befallen the nation?"
These developments are sure to have a deleterious effect on bilateral relationship with a concomitant rise in security concerns. We are likely looking at an upsurge in cross-border terrorism and protracted trouble in Kashmir even during the winter months.
The onset of this current crisis has links with the upstaging of Nawaz Sharif, who was deposed as the prime minister through a judicial decree in July. The former Pakistan prime minister who had hedged his bets on an improved relationship with India and tried to take on the military-intelligence establishment over controlling the tools of jihadist violence was considered by the army as too much of his own man.
In trying to establish the primacy of civilian authority in Pakistan's power structure, Sharif paid the price. His removal was a signal that the Pakistani 'establishment' which Husain Haqqani describes as the "unique and permanent power structure" consisting of "the army, ISI, foreign office bureaucracy, and lately also the judiciary" was getting impatient with "democracy".
Haqqani, director of Washington-based think tank Hudson Institute and the former Pakistan ambassador to the US, wrote in ThePrint, "Under Pakistans viceregal system, the purpose of elections is merely to identify intermediaries between the people and a permanent state establishment Pakistans chequered history shows that Pakistans Military-Judicial-Bureaucratic Elite has inherited a fear of democracy."
It is this "fear of democracy" that might be spurring the army to act behind the scenes, again, to further erode the authority of civilian government.
In Pakistan which has been witness to several instances of coup d'etat in its short history as a nation-state the military periodically asserts its supremacy over politicians. It is believed that General Bajwa is in favour of non-interventionism but if the goal of undermining the political authority of an elected government can be achieved through a few tools, why take the trouble of another coup d'etat and invite international censure?
We should look at these two churns in Pakistan the release of Hafiz Saeed and cutting of a deal with religious extremists not in isolation but as signs of a larger trend to mainstream the jihadist elements in Pakistani politics. This mainstreaming is done by the army which wants to curb the political influence of Sharif's PML-N and eventually render the former prime minister powerless. The provocation seems to be the assessment that Sharif has refused to walk into the sunset after being deposed and plans to contest the 2018 elections with renewed vigour.
Now, if the jihadist elements such as TLY or Saeed's Mili Muslim League are fielded into the political ring, they may eat into the right-wing voter base of Sharif's party. This has the double benefit of diminishing PML-N's influence over the polity and installing extremists in Pakistani Parliament who can well serve the army's strategic interests.
Kunwar Khuldune Rashid, The Diplomat, argued that "in the NA-120 by-election in September, Mili Muslim candidate Yaqoob Sheikh won 5,822 votes, which was instrumental in the 14,000 vote drop the ruling PML-N saw in its electoral hub." Both these parties, he added, "have witnessed immediate electoral success in two high profile by-elections."
This arc is complete with the release of Saeed who will now be able to simultaneously keep the Kashmir agenda alive as well as cut Sharif into size through active participation in politics. It is to be noted that in an YouTube video just after his release, the Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief had identified both India and Sharif as his enemies.
There could be increased heat from India and the US as Rawalpindi GHq implements its devious plan, but as Firstpost argued in this column, American influence has dwindled rapidly over Pakistan to the extent that Washington now needs Islamabad more than the other way round, as Ayesha Siddiqa of SOAS South Asia Institute has noted in The Indian Express.
In the new power equation between US and Pakistan, the latter (boosted by the Chinese insurance) can afford to cock a snook at Washington and absorb the jibes because it knows the barks from Trump administration will be devoid of any teeth. This gives the Pakistan army a free hand in devising its policy of using terror to achieve territorial goals, putting Indian borders at greater risk than before.
New Delhi: The ICSE board has reduced the minimum passing percentage for Class X and XII examinations from 2018-19 academic session in order to bring parity with the marking scheme of other boards.
The pass percentage for Class X has been lowered from 35 to 33 percent and for Class XII from 40 to 35 percent, a senior board official said.
The Human Resources Development (HRD) ministry had in May constituted an Inter-Board Working Group (IBWG) to deliberate upon multiple examination-related issues, including scrapping of moderation policy.
Among several recommendations made by IBWG was having same pass percentage by different boards.
"In view of the panel's recommendations, the Council for Indian School Certificate Examination (CICSE) has decided to lower its pass percentage for Class X from 35 to 33 percent and for Class XII from 40 to 35 percent," the official said.
"The objective of the change is to bring a close uniformity with other boards in the country. The change will be implemented from next academic session," he added.
Amaravati: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said that the universities in the country should become centres of excellence and produce multi-skilled students of tomorrow.
He rued that none of the universities in the country is world-class in terms of excellence and said India has good varsities but it needs excellent ones.
"It is very painful to note that not one of our 760 universities is world-class with that excellence. There are good universities in the country but we need excellent universities," Naidu said here.
The vice-president was addressing a meeting after inaugurating the Andhra Pradesh campus of the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) at Inavolu village.
"There is every need for institutes of higher learning to raise standards, improve pedagogy, enhance research activities and form greater linkages with the industry so that students are well-equipped to face the challenges of a globalised world,"
"Digital technologies are playing a lead role in the world now and universities must produce multi-skilled students of tomorrow," he added.
Naidu appealed to the universities, both public and private, to focus on enhancing skills, knowledge and raising the standards and then compete at the world-level.
"With proper infrastructure, facilities and opportunities, our universities can excel," he said. The vice-president expressed hope that once the Indian economy strengthens, the government will spend more funds on education and higher learning.
"The Centre and the states are not able to rise to the expectations of spending six percent of the Gross domestic product (GDP) on education because of competing requests and aspirations from every section of the society,"
"There is so much pressure for housing, roads, trains, airports, ports, metros... prime minister is doing his best," he said.
"India is going for a great transformation and we must all look to the future. I am sure once the economy strengthens, definitely the governments will be able to spend more on education and higher education also," Naidu said. The focus should not only be on education for all but quality education, the vice-president said.
"India is emerging as a powerful nation. Everyone will soon have access to quality healthcare and quality education." "Education should become a powerful tool for the social, economic and cultural transformation of the country with strong moral and ethical values," the vice-president remarked.
Observing that a 'guru' (teacher) has a special place in the society and the life of a student, Naidu quipped, "Google can never replace guru. Google is important and informative but even to Google something you need a guru."
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and VIT Chancellor G Viswanathan, among others, attended the event.
DUBLIN (Reuters) - Irelands scandal-hit deputy prime minister resigned on Tuesday, averting a government collapse and potential snap election that had threatened to complicate Brexit talks next month between Britain and the European Union. Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland (Tanaiste) Frances Fitzgerald speaks to the media at Government buildings in Dublin, Ireland, May 8, 2014. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne/FilesOpposition parties had demanded Frances Fitzgerald step down after the release of fresh documents about her disputed handling of a police whistleblower who alleged corruption in the force. Fianna Fail, the main opposition party, which props up Fine Gael Prime Minister Leo Varadkars minority government, said her resignation meant a December election would be avoided. It had warned it might force a snap poll if Fitzgerald refused to quit. Today I made the decision to tender my resignation to the Taoiseach (prime minister), stepping down with immediate effect, Fitzgerald said in a statement. I have decided on this occasion to put the national interest ahead of my own personal reputation. I believe it is necessary to take this decision to avoid an unwelcome and potentially destabilising general election at this historically critical time. Irelands political crisis exploded in the run-up to a key Brexit summit next month at which Varadkar is set to play a major role. He must tell fellow EU leaders whether he believes sufficient progress has been made on the future of the border between Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland. The border -- the only land frontier between Britain and the EU -- is one of three issues Brussels wants broadly resolved before it decides whether to move talks on Britains divorce from the EU onto a second phase about trade, as Britain wants. While Varadkar has likely avoided the prospect of having to travel to Brussels in a caretaker capacity, his handling of the crisis has badly damaged him, his governing Fine Gael party and relations with its Fianna Fail opponents. LOST THE DRESSING ROOM FILE PHOTO: The Leader of Ireland's opposition Fianna Fail party, Micheal Martin is seen in the grounds of Government Buildings in Dublin, Ireland November 24, 2017. REUTERS/Clodagh KilcoyneWhile Fitzgeralds ministerial colleagues continued to back her in public ahead of the cabinet meeting at which she stood down, Tuesdays newspaper front pages were full of quotes from unnamed Fine Gael lawmakers and ministers saying she had to go. Some Fine Gael members who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said they were furious with Varadkar and Fitzgeralds handling of the crisis, having been forced to spend four days strongly defending the deputy prime minister since it broke. Members of the opposition Labour and Sinn Fein parties and political analysts said as Fitzgerald resigned that an election was still likely to follow in the next three or four months. Whatever happens today, the timeline of this administration is very much foreshortened by the events of the last two weeks, Labour leader Brendan Howlin told national broadcaster RTE. I think right now he (Varadkar) has probably lost the dressing room, you can see that in todays newspapers, and hes done some damage to himself and the stability of the government too, added Howlin, a former cabinet colleague of Varadkar. The crisis was the first major test of the 38-year-old prime minister who succeeded Enda Kenny in June. With a reputation as a straight-talker, he has been likened to French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by colleagues excited at the prospect of a generational shift. While an opinion poll on Saturday gave Fine Gael a one-point lead over Fianna Fail, bookmaker Paddy Power said on Tuesday that it made Fianna Fail slight favourites to win the most seats at the next election. The two centre-right parties are fierce rivals but disagree little on policy. A three-year confidence and supply agreement between them is due to run until this time next year. I think there is damage (but) nobody is enhanced by this debacle. I dont think either party comes out of it particularly well, said Theresa Reidy, a politics lecturer at University College Cork, referring to Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. But Fine Gael are in government so they are more damaged by it.
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Hyderabad: US president Donald Trump's daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump arrived in India early on Tuesday to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), beginning in Hyderabad later in the day.
#WATCH Ivanka Trump arrived in Hyderabad, late last night; will be attending Global Entrepreneurship Summit #GES2017 pic.twitter.com/3FozL12bF4 ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2017
US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster, India's Ambassador to the US Navteej Sarna, and senior officials of the central and Telangana governments welcomed her at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad around 3 am.
"Warm welcome to a special guest. Advisor to the President of USA@IvankaTrump arrives in Hyderabad," tweeted Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.
Warm welcome to a special guest. Advisor to the President of the USA @IvankaTrump arrives in Hyderabad. She is leading the US delegation to the eighth edition of Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 pic.twitter.com/HNh29RNAfg Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) November 27, 2017
She later drove to Trident Hotel in Hitec City, about two kilometres from Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), the venue of GES.
State government officials had earlier said that she will stay in Westin Hotel in the same area.
Ivanka, who is leading the US delegation, will be attending the inaugural session in the evening along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The three-day event being co-hosted by the US and India will be attended by 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors and eco-system supporters from 159 countries.
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir minister Asiea Naqash on Tuesday termed the appointment of Centre's special representative Dineshwar Sharma as a "step forward" towards resolving the problems of Jammu and Kashmir.
She also dismissed the controversial statements made by National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah including that Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan saying he always raked up issues when he is out of power.
It is the "best initiative" that Sharma is reaching out to people at the ground unlike in the past, she said.
"The appointment of interlocutor in J&K and addressing the agenda of holding talks with all stakeholders is a step forward", Minister of State for Health Naqash told reporters on Tuesday.
She claimed that the withdrawal of FIRs against first time stone-pelters was a positive step, she said.
"This step of withdrawal of FIRs against the youth and students is the best step to start with. They might have got misled or done this in emotional outbursts and come to streets and roads. But the cases brings problems for students and educated youth as they cannot get character certificates", she said.
We have decided to withdraw all cases during the 2010 unrest, she said adding that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had announced it in the Assembly.
She appreciated Sharma reaching out the people on ground level and talking to all stake holders. "It is the best initiative that Sharma is reaching out the people on the ground.
Recently he visited to south Kashmir and met them, she said adding that Sharma had also reached out to displaced Kashmiri Pandits.
Hitting out at former Chief Minister Abdullah for his controversial statements, she said he always rakes up issues when he is out of power.
Jammu: Pakistani troops opened fire at Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Monday night in violation of the ceasefire, police said.
"Pakistani troops resorted to firing in Jhangar forward area from 18.45 hours to 19.00 hours," a senior police officer said, adding that further details were awaited.
Monday's violation of the ceasefire came after a lull of over a week in firing by Pakistani troops at Indian posts.
Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire for three consecutive days between 15 and 17 November in Jammu and Poonch districts. An Army jawan was injured in the exchange of fire in Poonch.
On 2 November, a BSF jawan was killed when Pakistan Rangers attacked a patrol party along the International Border in Samba district.
A girl was injured when Pakistani troops opened fire from small arms along the LoC in Karmara belt of Poonch district on October 31.
On 18 October, eight civilians, including a two-year-old child, were injured in heavy Pakistani shelling in Poonch.
Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Tuesday it has rescued a 15-year-old girl from neighbouring Punjab who was kidnapped from Baramulla district over a week back.
A police spokesman told IANS in Jammu: "A complaint was received from Javaid Ahmed, a resident of Tangmarg area that his niece was kidnapped by one Arjun Singh, a resident of Punjab on November 18."
Investigations revealed that the accused had kidnapped the girl with the help of her maternal aunt.
"A state police team was sent to Punjab and with the help of the Punjab Police the kidnapped girl was rescued," he said.
She has been handed over to her parents following her medical examination and other legal formalities.
"Besides the main accused, the maternal aunt of the girl has also been booked for abetting a crime under relevant sections of law," the official said.
Srinagar: Three alleged "associates" of Hizbul Mujahideen militants were arrested from the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, the police claimed on Tuesday.
Three associates of Hizb militants were arrested by police in Kulgam, a senior police official said.
He said "the arrested persons have been identified as Mudasir Ahmed Bhat of Awantipora in Pulwama district, Iqbal Lone, resident of Srinagar and Mohammad Amin Bhat of Kapran in the Kulgam district".
Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Tuesday rejected a petition by 'The Wire' challenging a gag order passed by a lower court in a civil defamation case filed by BJP chief Amit Shah's son Jay Shah over an article published by the news portal.
Justice Paresh Upadhyay asked the petitioners, including the author of the article Rohini Singh and founding editors of the news portal, to move the trial court to challenge the gag order.
The HC also directed the trial court to decide the matter within 30 days.
"These appeals arising from an ex-parte ad-interim impugned order of the trial court are not entertained. It would be open to the defendants to file their counter to the suit, or at least to the application for an interim injunction before the trial court if they so choose," the court said.
"The trial court is directed to finally decide the injunction within 30 days from today, after hearing both the sides," the high court said.
The HC also said that if any of the parties is aggrieved by the final order that may be passed by the trial court on the injunction application, it would be open to him to challenge it before an appropriate forum in accordance with law.
The petitioners had sought that the interim order of the trial court be quashed and set aside as it was passed without issuing notices to the defendants and claimed the facts did not warrant an ex-parte order.
They submitted that the trial court had not considered any of the "parameters like prima facie case, balance of convenience, irreparable loss" before passing the order and hence, it was unsustainable.
An Ahmedabad court had last month issued an ex-parte injunction against the news portal, prohibiting it from publishing, broadcasting or printing "in any manner" programmes in any language on the basis of the article published by the website about Jay Shah "directly or indirectly" till the defamation suit has been disposed of.
Jay Shah had submitted before the high court that the appeal against the ex-parte interim order was not maintainable and deserves to be dismissed.
He also said the applicant has not given any justification for the plea.
The petition was filed challenging the injunction ordered by a civil court on 12 October on the story carried by The Wire titled 'The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah'.
The lower court had issued the order against the news portal in response to a civil defamation suit of Rs 100 crore filed by Jay Shah against the reporters, editors and the company over the article which claimed that his firm's turnover rose 16,000 times in one year after the NDA came to power.
The company, according to the article, saw a huge rise in its turnover after the BJP came to power in 2014, and its revenue rose from Rs 50,000 to over Rs 80 crore in a year.
It triggered a political firestorm, with the Congress demanding an inquiry into the matter, while the BJP termed it as "slanderous".
Jay Shah also filed a criminal defamation suit against the author of the article Rohini Singh, founding editors of the news portal Siddharth Varadarajan, Siddharth Bhatia and MK Venu, managing editor Monobina Gupta, public editor Pamela Philipose and the Foundation for Independent Journalism.
In his suit, he termed the article as "scandalous, frivolous, misleading, derogatory, libellous and consisting of several defamatory statements."
Coimbatore/Salem: A Kerala woman, who is at the centre of an alleged love jihad case, will continue to pursue her studies under Hindu name Akhila Ashokan, principal of the college said on Tuesday.
Amidst tight security Hadiya (her Muslim name) arrived from New Delhi to proceed to Salem to resume her education at the college as directed by the Supreme Court on Monday.
She was not permitted to speak to the media at the airport in Coimbatore.
Accompanied by Kerala police, she later left by road to the Sivaraj Medical College in Salem to undergo an 11 month internship in Homeopathy.
A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had given the direction on Monday after interacting with her. Meanwhile, college Principal G Kannan said Hadiya will be treated as one of the inmates of the hostel and that no special treatment will be accorded to her.
She will be registered under her Hindu name Akhila Ashokan in the college, he told reporters in Salem.
The apex court has appointed the dean of the college as Hadiya's guardian and granted him liberty to approach it in case of any problem. She was earlier staying at her parental home in Kochi for several weeks.
The bench, also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud, had directed the college and the university to re-admit Hadiya and grant her hostel facilities.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police Subbbulakshmi, who held a meeting with college authorities in Salem, told reporters that adequate protection will be given to the woman. During the court hearing, Hadiya said she wanted to go with her husband Shafin Jahan and that he will take care of her education expenses.
Jahan had on 20 September approached the apex court seeking recall of its order directing the NIA to investigate the controversial case of conversion and marriage of Hadiya, originally a Hindu woman who converted to Islam.
The Kerala High Court had annulled the marriage terming it as an instance of 'love jihad', following which Jahan approached the Supreme court.
The top court had on 16 August directed the NIA to probe the incident under the supervision of retired apex court judge, Justice RV Raveendran.
The woman, a Hindu, had converted to Islam and later married Jahan. It was alleged that the woman was recruited by Islamic State's mission in Syria and Jahan was only a stooge.
Hadiya was in the custody of her parents for almost six months after the Kerala High Court had on 29 May anulled her 'nikah' with Jahan.
Ashokan KM, the father of the woman, has alleged that there was a "well-oiled systematic mechanism" for conversion and Islamic radicalisation.
Earlier on Tuesday, Ashokan welcomed the Supreme Court decision allowing his daughter to pursue her studies.
"Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after converting to Islam... I cannot have a terrorist in the family," he added.
Ashokan also said he was sad that his daughter had to undergo such "unpleasant experiences because of which her studies were interrupted."
"But now I am happy as the court has allowed her to study further," he told reporters in Delhi.
Ashokan said he was not worried about Hadiya's security in Salem, as she was now under the protection and observation of the apex court.
The Supreme Court's interim order releasing Akhila alias Hadiya from her parents custody to continue her education has come as a big relief to the 24-year-old woman, but the forces that whipped up communal frenzy over her conversion and marriage to a Muslim man are not ready to let her live in peace.
While the Sangh Parivar has asserted it will continue to stand by Hadiyas father Ashokan who suspects a sinister plan behind the conversion and marriage of his daughter to Shefin Jehan to take her to join the Islamic State, various Muslim organisations, especially the Popular Front of India (PFI), have reiterated their support to the couple.
The apex courts decision to recognise her marriage to Jehan that was annulled by the Kerala High Court on 24 May has left the field open for the mutually acrimonious forces to continue their communal sparring. The Sangh Parivar is relying on the findings of National Investigation Agency (NIA) that is probing the interfaith marriages dubbed as love jihad to lend their support to Ashokan.
The full details of the report NIA submitted to the Supreme Court are not known. However, Additional Solicitor-General Maninder Singh, appearing for the NIA, termed the findings of the agency very serious. He said that the NIA had observed a pattern of Hindu women being indoctrinated and induced into conversion and marriage by radical organisations like the PFI and extremists linked to the Islamic State.
Although the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led state government had opposed the NIA probe into the so-called 'love jihad' cases, government counsel V Giri had sought to lend credence to the NIA report by asking the Supreme Court to look into the materials produced by the NIA and then take a decision on Hadiyas marriage to Jehan.
"The Supreme Courts rejection of Hadiyas plea to allow her go with her husband is a clear indication that the apex court has taken the NIA findings seriously. The NIA has upheld what Ashokan has suspected. We share his concern of a father for his daughter. If this is wrong, we like to be on the side of the wrong," said JR Padmakumar, BJP spokesman.
He said that the Hadiya case cannot be considered merely on the basis of individual liberty as made out by human rights activists. It involves national security and integrity, Padmakumar said adding that personal liberty can only come second to the national security.
"The Hadiya case cannot be viewed in isolation. It has to be considered in conjunction with the cases of three neo-converts, who left the country along with their husbands to join the IS. We dont know whether they are alive or dead now. Should we allow Akhila to meet their fate?" asked the BJP leader.
The PFI is not ready to equate Akhilas case with that of Nimisha aka Fathima, Merlin aka Mariam and Sonia aka Ayisha as the former had embraced Islam much before her marriage. While the three two of them Christians and one Hindu are believed to have been radicalised, Hadiya was attracted to Islam while she was sharing a house with two Muslim girls who were her classmates in the college where she pursued her studies in homoeopathy.
She embraced Islam after studying the religion at Sathya Sarani, a centre for Islamic learning in the Muslim-dominated Malappuram district run by the womens wing of the PFI. Akhila, who took the name of Hadiya after the conversion, found Shefin Jehan through a matrimonial site much later.
PFI state president Nazrudeen Elamaram said that the NIA had clubbed Akhilas case with love jihad cases to suit the political interests of the ruling party. He told the Firstpost that the Sangh Parivar was raising the love jihad bogey for communal polarisation in favour of the BJP.
The CPM has also shared this view. Party MP MB Rajesh said that the NIA was showing excessive interest in love jihad to serve the political interest of the BJP. The agency is acting like a 'caged parrot', Rajesh told Firstpost.
"The NIA is trying to dub all inter-faith marriages as love jihad. This is not at all correct. Inter-faith marriages have been going in the state for a long time now. They are not forced marriages. Any attempt to portray them as love jihad will hurt the secular fabric of the state," Rajesh said.
He pointed out that the Kerala High Court itself had affirmed this while considering the complaint of a girl who married a man from a different faith. The high court let the girl go with her husband after she made her position clear.
Rajesh said that the term 'love jihad' was coined by the Sangh Parivar to create communal division in the state, which is known for its rich secular traditions. The NIA and some other national agencies under the Narendra Modi government are parroting the Sangh Parivar slogans.
The BJP had last month organised a state-wide roadshow against the "Red and Jihadi Terror" alleging a nexus between the ruling communists and the so-called Islamist extremists.
The PFI leader said that NIA was trying to implicate his organisation in love jihad cases because they have been resisting the Hindutva agenda of the Sangh Parivar. They are trying to unite the Hindus on an anti-Muslim platform. Terming this very dangerous, Nazrudeen said that the PFI will oppose this tooth and nail.
The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which did not take an open stand in the Hadiya case, has also questioned the credibility of the NIA. Party MP ET Mohammed Basheer said the NIA investigation in the love jihad case was not in accordance with the Supreme Court's direction.
"The apex court had asked the NIA to probe the love jihad cases under the supervision of a retired Supreme Court judge. However, the agency is continuing the investigation even after former SC judge RV Raveendran expressed his inability to supervise the probe," the Muslim League MP said expressing doubt how the court could accept the findings of such an investigation.
He has pointed out that the SC decision to allow Hadiya to continue her education was itself proof that the court had not taken the claims of NIA and Ashokan about the mental stability of Hadiya. If the court had found any substance in the claims, it would not have referred her to a psychiatrist.
Hindu activist Rahul Eshwar, who was one of the few who interacted with Hadiya at the height of the controversy, said the woman had become a tool in the hands of the vested interests. He said Hadiya was normal and urged the forces who are trying to create a communal frenzy over her conversion and marriage, to leave her alone.
However, Ashraf Kadakkal, a lecturer of Islamic Studies in the University of Kerala, doubts whether the communal forces will spare Hadiya. Even if they do so, the communal divide created by the case will continue to haunt Kerala for a long time.
Hadiya is 24 years old. She isn't 16 or 14, she isn't a minor who has been abducted. She is an adult.
It does not matter whether she was born a Hindu or Christian, or that she has now changed her faith. In the eyes of the Indian law, she is no different from an AR Rahman or a Kamala Das. What matters is that she is an adult who now happens to follow the Islam faith.
You may not like it but love is a many splendoured thing and who is anyone to question it? In fact, Hadiya is not under the protection of her parents by any legal fiat and there is no reason why she should not go live with her husband if she so wants. Why all this search and rescue grandstanding?
In fact, not only should she have the freedom of not living with her parents, they should also be placed on notice with a restraining order, or be charged with intimidation.
But ironically, the National Council for Women, which until last week was hissing its indignation over a silly little tweet by Shashi Tharoor playing on the name of Miss World Manushi Chillar, has now done very little to protest the shrieking male chauvinism behind the rage over Hadiya's right to convert her religion, or her right to marry and live with the man she loves.
The Supreme Court has done the right thing in pulling her out of her parents' house, but the only person who has the right to protect, defend and support her is her husband Shafin Jahan, and it is the couple's decision, not the law's, whether she should study for medicine or not.
What if she decides, before her course is over, to stop studying? Is she going against the apex court? Can a court of law supersede the rights of a husband?
There is also confusion about their status as a couple, with Hadiya's father's lawyer claiming there is no marriage. This assertion creates three options: Married, annulled, unmarried. Why was this status not given clarity is inexplicable.
If she says she is married to this man and he says she is his wife, how is it anyone else's business to refute it? Besides, how difficult is it to prove her marital status?
Also, while it sounds salutary to pack her off to hostel with cautions to the college dean and cops to offer her security, one can only hope that it's not exchanging one captivity for another. From being confined to the home of her parents to being under "guard" on campus does not seem like a great blow for freedom.
Then we come to all this witch doctor stuff, and the involvement of hypnotism in her conversion, which is actually why this modern and bizarre spinoff of Romeo and Juliet is making front page news. Since the National Intelligence Agency has come into the mix and suspects a terror link through indoctrination and mindgames, this "transfer" to college is a smart way to keep an eye on the lady.
The latest 100-page report indicates, according to NIA sources, that "there are trained people who use hypnosis to influence vulnerable women". These non-Muslim women are then "drifted off to an altered state of mind where they are made to believe in doing what the counsellors wish".
Is this alteration permanent or does it wear off? Surely, some deeper expertise on this issue is called for but must, ipso facto, be delinked from her marital state? Surely, hypnotism would have been severely dented in the months she was confined to her parents' home, only to be replaced by rage and defiance.
If not for that, all this commotion is unnecessary. She has made a decision and she must live with it. Who is a threat to her? Her parents? Just read them the riot act, there are laws for this in India. Stay away or get locked up. Her husband? He loves her and is walking through hellfire for her so discount him. Her in-laws? Probably wondering who needs this publicity, and if their son couldn't have found himself a nice Muslim girl.
What about some nascent misguided terror group who might want to shut her up so she is not de-hypnotised and spills the beans on the methodology? Or the dean, who has been made responsible for her safety and must be thinking if there isn't any other medical college in India. Some angry Hindutva group who sees this as a blot on their honour? Or some angry Muslim group who sees this as a blot on their honour?
But whatever the threat, the operative sentiment is that Hadiya is in a college room and "ensuring her safety" in this environment is scarcely failsafe. Actually, it is as porous as a slice of Swiss cheese.
In 2017, the Indian judiciarys tryst with womens rights has been outrageous. From being reluctant to adjudicate on marital rape to upending the concept of consent in the Farooqui case to victim-blaming a rape survivor in the Jindal Law School case, the judiciarys observations, this year, have been replete with patriarchal undertones. It is most unsettling that when it comes to womens issues, the judiciary puts patriarchal structures above constitutional freedoms. Perhaps the most bizarre case of the year has been the Hadiya case.
Hadiya, previously known as Akhila, is a 24-year-old woman who left her house, converted to Islam and got married to Shafin Jahan. Her father, Ashokan, filed a habeas corpus petition to bring her back home. The case is simple and straightforward the courts should have dismissed the petition, on the grounds that Hadiya is an adult of sound mind, who can make her own decisions. However, the court annulled an inter-religious marriage, and decided in favour of her father. Why? Because according to the Kerala High Court She has no idea as to what she wants in life. She appears to be under the control of someone else. It is evident that she has been indoctrinated and influenced by persons whose identities have not been ascertained. The judiciary exercised its parens patriate (protective role where citizens do not have the capacity to protect themselves) jurisdiction over the matter.
The Supreme Courts intervention, during Shafins appeal, in the case came with security concerns; according to the apex court, Hadiya was forcibly indoctrinated, and that there was a pattern of forced conversions in India. A National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe was ordered, Hadiyas father became her court-appointed custodian, there was an alleged involvement of Islamic State and the whole affair was just love-jihad.
Finally, after four months, numerous hearings later, Hadiya was produced before the apex court. Hadiyas request to thein court was that she be able to continue her studies. She wanted to be left alone with her husband, Shafin Jahan. Her appeal was simple and direct I want freedomI want to remain true to my faith. The Court ordered that she continue her course at Salem college, but refused to comment on the marriage or her reunion with Shafin, which is the pivot of the case. By doing this, the Supreme Court has failed Hadiya in every way.
The case, right from the beginning, has been about Hadiyas personal liberty, and her human rights as an adult woman with agency.
Yet for the judiciary, this case has been about everything except Hadiyas agency as a woman. Clearly, the Supreme Court is undecided about Hadiyas freedom and what it means in the present circumstances. And yet, the courts steer clear of the constitutional framework in this case.
Hadiyas case has been, from the very outset, a violation of Hadiyas freedoms. In declaring her marriage of no consequence in the eye of the law, in keeping her on house arrest, in separating her from her partner Shafin, and in subjecting her to the torture by her father, the judiciary has violated her personal liberty again and again, each time, causing more disruption in her life. There has been a blatant violation of Hadiyas constitutional freedoms under Article 14 (equality before law), Article 19 (1) (d) (freedom to move freely), Article 21 (right to life and dignity) and Article 25 (right to freedom of religion). Not once, not even yesterday when she was produced in court, did the judiciary treat her as an independent, self-sufficient woman. Not once has the judiciary been able to come to terms with the fact that Hadiya converted to Islam, fell in love and married a man of her own volition. Because identifying this would mean recognising that women have the autonomy to decide for themselves.
Moreover, is it Hadiyas freedom if she is allowed to pursue her studies but not allowed to go back to her husband, Shafin?
And according to the order, while she continues her studies, the NIA probe will continue. The judiciary has, throughout the case, infantilised an adult woman who can consent to her own marriage and is aware of her rights. And such judicial infantilisation is anything but a protection of rights. The judiciary has tried to protect Hadiyas interests in many ways by keeping her away from Shafin, by ordering NIA probe, by appointing her father as custodian and now by allowing her to continue her studies. But does such protection mean the protection of rights?
In my opinion, no, Hadiya has become an object of the judiciary she has been so dehumanised that her own opinions and interests mean nothing to the courts. They are trying to build a narrative of protection of women, and Hadiyas freedom wont be allowed to change this narrative. Monday's order was about the apex court deconstructing Hadiyas freedom and oversimplifying the facts. It was about the judiciarys inability to understand concepts of personal liberty, autonomy and freedom.
Frankly, there is nothing left in this case anymore. Hadiya has spoken about what she wants, not once but several times but Monday was the first time that the Supreme Court decided to hear her. After eight hearings, even now, the apex court refuses to apply constitutional principles in a way that protects the rights of the person concerned.
In many ways, it is a system failure. The Kerala High Court made a mistake in delivering a sound judgment and instead of quashing it, the Supreme Court is out to cover it up. The topmost court in the country cannot adjudicate on the basis of issues, instead of rights and freedoms. Hadiya has ceased to be a person in the eyes of the judiciary, she has become the poster-child for judiciarys blunders. In years to come, we will analyze this case to understand when courts should not exercise judicial activism.
The next hearing of the case is on 12 January. We hope that until then the apex court deconstructs the constitutional document to redeem itself and to do justice to Hadiyas freedom.
New Delhi: The CBI on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that they were vetting the files in order to challenge the lower court's order discharging Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung in the Madan Tamang murder case.
Madan Tamang, who was the All India Gorkha League (AIGL) president, was hacked to death in Darjeeling in broad daylight on 21 May, 2010 when he was overseeing preparations for a public meeting.
A trial court in Kolkata had in August this year discharged Gurung in the case while rejecting the CBI's claim that he was involved in the conspiracy to murder Tamang, who was one of his political opponents in the Darjeeling hills.
The issue cropped up before the apex court on Tuesday when it was hearing an application filed by Bharati Tamang, wife of Madan Tamang, seeking setting up of a special investigation team (SIT) to conduct a court-monitored probe into certain aspects of the case.
Her counsel alleged that Gurung was one of the prime conspirators, but the CBI has not yet challenged the trial court's order discharging him in the matter.
"Files are being vetted by CBI. Appropriate steps will be taken on order of discharge. It will take a reasonable time to challenge the discharge order," the counsel for CBI told a bench of Justices Kurian Joseph and Amitava Roy.
To this, the petitioner's counsel said they have already challenged the trial court's order in the Calcutta High Court which has admitted their plea that would come up for hearing in the second week of December.
CBI's counsel said their probe into the case was complete and 54 accused have been chargesheeted, of which two were absconding, three had expired and the rest were on bail.
The bench also issued notices to CBI seeking its response within 10 days on separate applications filed by Bharati seeking a stay on the trial proceedings in the case before the lower court and grant of anticipatory bail to other accused in the case.
Referring to telephonic interceptions, her lawyer alleged in the court that Gurung was in touch with the other accused who had attacked Tamang.
Seeking a stay on proceedings before the trial court, her counsel said the other accused, including several GJM leaders, would also seek a discharge in the case since Gurung has already been discharged by the court.
The CBI's counsel opposed the contention seeking a stay on the trial proceedings.
The bench, however, said the CBI would have to file a response to the applications and posted the matter for hearing on 12 December.
The apex court had in October 2013 directed transfer of hearing in the case from a Darjeeling court to the Kolkata sessions court on a petition by Tamang's widow.
The senior bureaucrat who became the first victim over the bungling of the Maharashtra government's farm loan waiver scheme has been transferred, sources told Firstpost.
VK Gautam, who was sent on leave after criticism over the implementation of the scheme, has been shunted out of the Information Technology department and named Principal Secretary Finance (Ac&T). The order from the General Administration Department, a copy of which is with Firstpost, shows Gautam being transferred. Interestingly, the order does not list Gautam's current position.
SVR Srinivas, who was in charge of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, took over as Principal Secretary (Information Technology) after Gautam's departure.
Technical errors have plagued the scheme since its roll out, with farmers suffering because of glitches ranging from duplication of names in lists to incorrect Aadhaar details.
Before he was sent on leave, Gautam had been making frantic efforts to rectify the errors in the disbursal of the farm loan waiver amounts. A senior IAS officer said Gautam was staying in his MahaOnline office at Lower Parel in south Mumbai around the clock and had not been home for three days.
Gautam earlier told Firstpost, "I have gone to my native place to see my ailing father, who is 93 years old."
On Saturday, speaking exclusively to Firstpost over the telphone from Karad in western Maharashtra, former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan demanded the government file a criminal case against banks or the chief minister speak up about the mess.
The waiver was announced by the Maharashtra government five months ago.
But there has been inaction on the part of different agenciesincluding district cooperative central and nationalised banks, the government's information technology department, cooperation departmentdue to which confusion and uncertainty over the scheme persists.
Further, the state has not released the details of banks, districts and district-wise breakdown of farmers' names.
The confusion over the implementation of the scheme prompted the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to seek a report from senior bureaucrats on the fiasco, as Firstpost reported on 27 October.
Gautam was one of the officers from whom an explanation was sought, apart from the additional chief secretary (agriculture) and additional chief secretary (co-operation).
Opposition parties lambasted the Maharashtra government, contending that if the government had released the waiver money to banks without insisting on verification of beneficiary accounts with Aadhaar numbers, the disbursement would have been completed faster.
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the alleged harassment and physical torture of Kashmiri prisoners at the Tihar Central Jail in New Delhi.
Official sources said the chief minister spoke to Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba on telephone.
"The chief minister sought the Home Secretary's intervention into the alleged harassment and manhandling of Kashmiris in Tihar Jail.
"The home secretary promised a thorough probe into the alleged incidents and punishment to those found guilty," an official said.
Among those allegedly tortured inside the Tihar Jail on 21 November was Shahid Yusuf, son of Muzaffarabad-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin.
New Delhi: As Indonesia raised Bali volcano alert to the highest level, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Monday that she was monitoring the situation closely and that the Indian mission there would provide assistance to Indians requiring help.
The Indian Consulate in Bali has opened a help desk at the city airport to provide any assistance to the Indians stuck in the city.
"Indians in Bali Pls do not worry. Pradeep Rawat Indian Ambassador in Jakarta @IndianEmbJkt and Sunil Babu Consul General @cgibali are on the job and I am monitoring this personally(sic)," she said on Twitter.
Indians in Bali - Pls do not worry. Pradeep Rawat Indian Ambassador in Jakarta @IndianEmbJkt and Sunil Babu Consul General @cgibali are on the job and I am monitoring this personally. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 27, 2017
Consulate General of India, Bali has a helpdesk at Bali airport to assist Indian nationals in Bali affected by Mt. Agung eruption. It's operational from 9 am & is on 2nd floor of International terminal. Please approach us for assistance. @IndianDiplomacy @MEAIndia @IndianEmbJkt. India in Bali (@cgibali) November 27, 2017
Massive columns of thick grey smoke that have been belching from Mount Agung since last week have now begun shooting more than three kilometres into the sky, forcing flights to be grounded.
The airport in Bali's capital Denpasar, a top holiday destination that attracts millions of foreign tourists every year, has been closed, a move expected to affect tens of thousands of passengers.
Kolkata: Ratna Chatterjee, the wife of West Bengal minister and Kolkata Municipal Corporation mayor Sovan Chatterjee, was interrogated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday as a part of Narada sting footage probe.
"She appeared before investigating officers in the morning and was interrogated in the Narada sting case," an ED official said, adding she had skipped interrogation earlier citing "health reasons".
While leaving the ED office in Kolkata after the interrogation, Ratna said, "I have given my answers. If they are not satisfied with my answer and if they call me, I will come again."
Incidentally, her husband and Trinamool Congress legislator was also quizzed by both the agencies, the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in the Narada sting case.
A dozen Trinamool leaders were caught on video purportedly receiving money in exchange for a promise to dole out favours to a fictitious company.
The clipping was uploaded to the Narada news portal in March last year ahead of Assembly elections.
The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate have so far quizzed most of the accused Trinamool legislators and Members of Parliament.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Hyderabad Metro on Tuesday. The prime minister is next expected to address the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which will also be attended by Donald Trump's advisor Ivanka Trump.
Speaking at the city airport, Modi promised the state government of all possible support in developing Telangana, adding that the government is committed to "competitive, co-operative federalism."
"I assure the Telangana government that the BJP-led government at the Centre does not differentiate between states on the basis of politics. We believe in cooperative federalism to help states develop," he said.
Modi added that his government will work "shoulder to shoulder" with the K Chandrasekhar Rao government for the economic development of Telangana.
"Telangana is a new state. There is still a lot of work to be done," Modi said.
Modi also hailed the city for hosting the 2017 edition of the GES.
Today, the attention of the world is on Hyderabad. This city is hosting a prestigious international summit where industry leaders from the world are joining: PM Narendra Modi at Hyderabad Airport #GES2017 ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2017
Modi also said that BJP and its local workers have always strived for people's welfare in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, despite the fact that the party has never been in power in these states.
"Whatever we are today, it is due to the generations of BJP workers who sacrificed their lives for the welfare of mother India. it is due to then that BJP is the largest democratic party in the world," Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Ivanka Trump, will inaugurate the three-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit on Tuesday. The summit, themed 'Women First, Prosperity for All', will take place in Hyderabad, and will focus on women entrepreneurs.
GES, a personal initiative of former US president Barack Obama to bring entrepreneurs from across the globe on one platform, started in 2010 in Washington, and thereafter it has been hosted by Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Morocco and Kenya.
Before inaugurating the GES, Modi will throw open the 30-kilometre stretch of the Hyderabad Metro from Nagole to Miyapur.
The prime minister is scheduled to arrive at Hyderabad's Begumpet airport at 1.10 pm, and will then take a helicopter ride to reach Miyapur at 2.15 pm for the inauguration of the Metro Rail project, the news agency PTI reported.
After he unveils the inaugural plaza at Miyapur, he will travel in the Metro from Miyapur to Kukatpally. He will leave for the GES at 2.50 pm.
Modi is expected to reach the GES venue in Madhapur at 3.25 pm and will stay there till 7.25 pm, a report on Telengana Today said.
Apart from inaugurating the GES and making remarks at the summit, he will also visit an exhibition on 'The Indian Edge' and 'Indian Entrepreneurship through the Ages' at the venue.
The report further added that Modi will head to the Taj Falaknuma Palace for a dinner hosted by the Centre for GES delegates where he will witness a programme showcasing fabrics and crafts of India and a live show on the cultural heritage of India.
He will then leave for Rajkot from the city's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport by 10.30 pm.
With inputs from agencies
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Maharashtra government and the defence secretary over reports of alleged sexual assault on a school girl by an army man.
The Commission has taken cognizance of media reports on Tuesday that claimed that the 15-year-old girl was expelled from school in Latur district as she had approached the police with a complaint against the army man alleging that he had raped her after a false promise of marriage.
"Reportedly, the local police also harassed the victim and her family demanding Rs 50,000 to get the FIR registered in the case, which was, eventually, registered only after they approached the police superintendent," the statement said.
The Commission has issued a notice to the chief secretary, director general of police, Maharashtra and the collector and district magistrate of Latur calling for factual reports within four weeks.
The Commission has also sent a copy of the proceedings along with the related media reports to the defence secretary to inform about the departmental action taken against the guilty army official. The response is expected within four weeks.
The Commission observed that going by the contents of the media reports, the attitude of the local police authorities and the school administration appears to be "highly sadistic and unethical".
The Commission by way of its proceedings while considering such complaints and during its other activities has strongly expressed that the victims of sexual assault are to be dealt with utmost care in a sensible manner with an approach to help them overcome the trauma.
"The police officer concerned has acted in a heartless manner. The school authorities, instead of taking steps to counsel and support the victim, have decided to expel her from the school in the name of the reputation of the institution. This is a case of grave violation of human rights of the victim," the statement stated.
Jammu: Pakistan Army on Tuesday again violated the ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Tuesday, leading to a heavy exchange of fire, an official said.
"Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked shelling and firing at Indian positions on the LoC in Rajouri district. They used mortars, automatics and small arms to target Indian positions.
"Pakistani firing was strongly and effectively retaliated after which the firing exchanges stopped," a police officer said.
"The two sides traded fire for nearly half an hour."
Tuesday's ceasefire violation by Pakistan on the LoC has occurred after over a week's lull.
Kolkata: President Ram Nath Kovind will arrive in Kolkata on Tuesday on his four-day maiden visit to West Bengal, Mizoram and Nagaland after assuming office.
After his arrival in Kolkata, the President would be given a civic reception by the West Bengal government and Kolkata Municipal Corporation at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Mayor Sovan Chatterjee would be present.
The president is also scheduled to interact with the scientific community on 'Vigyan Chintan Scientific Ecosystem' at the Council Hall of the Raj Bhavan.
On 29 November, Kovind would visit the birthplace of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore at Jorasanko and Netaji Bhavan, the residence of nationalist leader Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
He would then attend the closing ceremony of centenary celebrations of Bose Institute, a premier research institute established by Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose.
The president would visit the global headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission and Math at Belur Math on the same day before leaving for Mizoram's capital city Aizawl.
Kovind is slated to inaugurate housing complexes for economically weaker sections under the 'Basic Services to Urban Poor Scheme' at Aizawl Raj Bhavan, on that day.
On 30 November, the president would address a special session of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly. He would later that day interact with various prominent citizens and NGOs in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.
On 1 December, the concluding day of his visit, the president is scheduled to inaugurate the Hornbill Festival and State Formation Day celebrations of Nagaland, before leaving for Delhi.
In a bid to to evoke a spirit of patriotism among the children, Rajasthan government has issued a directive asking students in government hostels to recite the National Anthem at 7 am every day along with the assembly prayers, according to media reports.
The notice issued by state's Social Justice and Empowerment department (SJE) has ordered all hostels for OBC, SC and ST students to ensure that all students gather to sing the National Anthem along with morning prayers, according to The Times of India.
Although residential schools have already been reciting the National Anthem, this tradition has now been extended to include government-run and government-aided hostels. The Social Justice and Empowerment Department believes that the practice will help kindle a spirit of patriotism in students, reported DNA.
Department's director Samit Sharma said that although singing the National Anthem was already a part of daily routine, the practice was not followed on a regular basis due to shortage of staff, The Times Of India reported.
The department has 789 hostels across the state with 40,000 students, and 22 residential schools, according to Scroll.
On 8 November, the Rajasthan Youth Board had organised a 'Vande Mataram' event where over 50,000 people recited the national song to celebrate the anniversary of demonetisation. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje was the chief guest at the event, News18 reported.
This directive comes a month after Jaipur Municipal Corporation was asked to begin the day with the National Anthem and end it off by singing the national song (Vande Mataram).
"This will help in developing a positive culture, positive energy and instill nationalism among staffers," Jaipur mayor Ashok Lahoti had said.
Lahoti added that anyone not willing to sing or opposing the singing of the National Anthem "can go to Pakistan."
According to Zee News, the state education department had made 'surya namaskar' compulsory in schools last year, although later it was made optional.
While in Madhya Pradesh, school education minister Vijay Shah has announced that from now onwards, the students will have to answer their roll-call with "Jai Hind" instead of "yes sir" and "yes ma'am".
He said this would be enforced in all 1.22 lakh government schools, and an advisory in this regard would also be issued to all private schools.
With inputs from IANS
Bengaluru: A retired top police official has filed a Rs 20 crore defamation suit against senior police officer D Roopa for bringing him under a cloud of bribery allegations over "preferential" treatment given to jailed AIADMK leader VK Sasikala in the central prison.
In a report submitted in July to the then DGP (Prisons) HN Sathyanarayana Rao, Roopa as Deputy Inspector of General (Prisons) had said there was "a talk" that Rs two crore had exchanged hands to give "preferential treatment" for Sasikala and that there were bribery allegations against him also.
Rao had rubbished the charge by Roopa, terming it "absolutely false, baseless and wild", and said he would take legal recourse against his junior.
Video footage too had surfaced purportedly showing the embattled AIADMK leader walking inside the corridors of the Parappana Agrahara Central jail sporting a salwar suit instead of the prisoner's dress, as is mandated for every jail inmate.
Puttige Ramesh, advocate, for Rao, told PTI that the suit was filed on Monday on various counts in a court.
The suit is also against a leading Kannada TV channel and a prominent English newspaper.
He said Roopa did not issue any notice to her superior and directly accused him of wrongdoing, which was a violation of the rules.
She also leaked the information to the media, he said.
"The report was submitted on 11 July this year, but a day later, which means on 12 July, the report was published in the media. It is very clear that the officer leaked the information to the media even before she submitted it to her superior (Rao)," said the lawyer.
The third accusation in the defamation suit is that she was after publicity.
"We came to know that a movie on Roopa is in the making. In order to gain publicity for the movie, she prepared the defamatory report on my client (Satyanarayana Rao)," he said.
He said Rao had specially appointed a woman officer to keep an eye on Sasikala's activities inside the jail.
"The woman officer used to regularly monitor and prepare a note sheet to ensure Sasikala does not indulge in any wrongdoing. Despite a strong measure taken by Rao to check corruption, such a defamatory report was prepared," he said.
The advocate said it was initially planned to file a Rs 50 crore defamation suit, but the requisite deposit amount of Rs 30 lakh was not available.
Hence the defamation amount was brought down to Rs 20 crore.
Rao was not reachable for his comments. Meanwhile, Roopa said she has not received any defamation notice.
"I have not received any defamation notice. If I receive, I will answer in the court. As it is, there is no defamation made out that is the first thing," she said.
She also said she was given to understand that a probe ordered by the Karnataka government into her charges had confirmed that irregularities, including the special facilities to Sasikala, did happen.
Roopa said it was for Rao to explain why these irregularities happened under his nose.
The two officers were locked in a public spat over the bribery charge, which led to the state government asking Rao to go on leave and Roopa being transferred.
Sasikala is lodged in prison since her conviction in February in the disproportionate assets case, along with her two relatives VN Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, all serving a four-year jail term.
Mumbai: In a U-turn, Sheena Bora murder case prime accused Indrani Mukerjea on Tuesday told a special CBI court in Mumbai that she wasn't levelling any allegations against her husband and co-accused Peter Mukerjea, days after she said he may have played a role in her daughter's disappearance.
"We are not making any accusations against Peter. Some words are inadvertently written as there is emotional stress," her lawyer Sudeep Pasbola told CBI judge JC Jagdale.
A few days ago, Indrani Mukerjea had demanded call data records of her husband, alleging that he may have played a role in the disappearance of Sheena, her daughter from an earlier relationship, and now framed her.
"The contents of the application are speaking other language...," the judge said.
Pasbola said he wanted to dispel any notion that the application had been filed with mala fide intentions, malice or ulterior motives. Accused persons make such applications from time to time, the lawyer added.
"All fingers are pointed at Indrani and it was said she acted with other accused persons, to show the connection (between the accused)...the CDR is called," he said.
The defence lawyer sought to refute the CBI's contention that Indrani Mukerjea made the application to divert the concentration of (accused-turned-approver) Shyamvar Rai.
"Rai's concentration should not get diverted unless Rai has not come out with complete truth," he said.
The judge, at this point, said, "You are saying no accusations, but we are conducting a criminal trial and we have to decide the criminal liability."
Pasbola said he himself doesn't support the accusations. The court should take into consideration the essence of the application and exclude allegations, he said.
"Indrani wants justice for her daughter, she may be under emotional stress," he said.
CBI lawyers Bharat Badami and Kavita Patil said the court may not pass any order on Indrani Mukerjea's allegations at this stage, but the request for CDR may be decided on merit.
The judge asked the defence lawyer if an accused can seek to bring any evidence, which may be against a co-accused, on record. Pasbola said there is no bar to such a plea as long as the evidence is meant for getting justice.
The court is likely to pass an order on Indrani Mukerjea's application of 5 December.
On 15 November, Indrani Mukerjea filed a plea, in person, saying her husband and former media baron Peter Mukerjea might have caused her daughter's disappearance out of "greed and ill-will".
Indrani also alleged that Peter and others might have manipulated the circumstances to frame her for the crime.
She sought the CDR of Peter Mukerjea for the period between January 2012 and December 2012, and from January 2015 to December 2015.
The alleged murder of Sheena Bora came to light in August 2015 after Shyamvar Rai, Mukerjeas' former driver, spilled the beans when arrested in another case.
Kalaikunda: Singapore defence minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday hailed India's indigenously-built multi-role light combat aircraft Tejas as "excellent and very impressive".
As the first civilian foreigner, Hen took a half-an-hour flight in Tejas at the Kalaikunda airbase.
"It is an excellent aircraft and it is very impressive," Hen told reporters.
He praised Air Vice Marshal AP Singh, the pilot who flew the Tejas, saying he felt as if he was riding a car and not flying in a fighter aircraft.
Asked whether Singapore is interested in buying the Tejas fighter aircraft, Ng said he is not a pilot and it is for the technical people to take a call on it.
Indian defence sources said Singapore has evinced interest in Tejas.
During the Bahrain air show where Tejas aircraft was showcased, some countries in West Asia had also shown interest, the defence sources said.
Two Tejas aircraft were flown in here from Bangalore for displaying them to the Singapore defence minister.
Air Vice Marshal Singh who flew Ng is the project director of the National Flight Test Centre-Aeronautical Development Agency.
Tejas aircraft was designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force and the Navy.
The Singapore defence minister is scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi on Wednesday. "Bilateral defence ties between our two countries are strong and it is getting stronger," Ng said.
Singapore Air Force is holding joint military training with their Indian counterpart at the Kalaikunda airbase. Asked about the joint military training, Ng said, "I hope this will continue for long".
The first joint military training between Indian Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) was held at the Gwalior air force station in 2004.
Such an exercise was first held in Kalaikunda in 2007 and since then regular joint training has been held at the air force station.
Chandigarh: The business advisory committee of the Punjab Assembly on Monday decided to curtail the number of remaining sittings of the ongoing winter session from three to two, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition parties.
Under the new schedule, the Assembly will have one session each on Tuesday and Wednesday. Earlier, there were supposed to be two sittings Tuesday and one sitting on 29 November.
The business advisory committee (BAC), chaired by Speaker Rana KP Singh, took the decision at a meeting after the opening day's session in Chandigarh on Monday. "There will now be a single sitting on 28 November," said Punjab Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra, who is also a part of the BAC.
He said that there was no additional legislative work to be taken up during one more sitting of the session. He added the session could be extended if need arose. "The timing of the morning session tomorrow can be extended if need arises," he said.
The decision of the BAC came amid growing demand from the opposition parties for a longer session for taking up the burning issues of Punjab.
The Congress-led government had come under fire from the opposition parties for holding a three-day winter session of the Assembly. Lashing out at the Congress government, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and leader of opposition in the House Sukhpal Khaira said the government was trying to "suppress the voice of opposition which wanted to take up several issues concerning the people in the House". "There are several issues such as farmer suicides, law and order problem, illegal mining which can be discussed in the House," Khaira said.
Khaira, who is also a member of the BAC, said he recorded his dissenting note and walked out of the meeting.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday said the decision to further curtail the sittings of the ongoing session proved that the government was trying to "run away" from the debate. In a statement, the SAD president said it was shocking that legislative business in the ongoing session had been curtailed. "The SAD had submitted a memorandum to the Speaker demanding the session be extended to discuss emergent issues. The Speaker assured to look into the demand," he said.
However, the business advisory committee reduced the number of sittings, he said. "This proves that the government does not want to discuss any of the people's issues listed by the SAD including a discussion on the crisis in the farm sector, breakdown of law and order, withdrawal of all social welfare facilities and non-fulfilment of all promises made to farmers, youths and unemployed," he claimed.
The SAD president claimed the SAD-BJP alliance was not even consulted on the matter. "Former minister Ajit Singh Kohar was only invited as a special invitee in the business advisory committee meeting which decided to reduce the sittings in an arbitrary and dictatorial manner," he claimed.
London: The families of six former British soldiers lodged in a Tamil Nadu jail expressed "sheer relief" after an Indian court acquitted them over an illegal weapons charge on Monday, a decision the UK described as "fantastic news".
The so-called "Chennai Six" had been arrested in October 2013 and sentenced for carrying arms on a commercial US ship.
They were held while working for an anti-piracy security company protecting commercial ships off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean and have pleaded their innocence ever since.
"This case has been top priority for everybody at the Foreign Office and today's verdict is fantastic news," UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said in a statement.
Johnson, who had been criticised by the families of the ex-soldiers over a perceived lack of diplomatic efforts made to secure the release of the six British citizens, stressed that the UK Foreign Office had "worked tirelessly behind the scenes to reunite these men with their families".
"The importance the UK government places on their case cannot be understated. The men, their families and their supporters, who have campaigned unrelentingly, must be overjoyed. I share their delight and I hope they can return home as soon as possible," he added.
The Indian High Commission in London also welcomed the ruling, stressing that it highlights India's reputation as a democratic nation with a free and fair judiciary.
"We are very happy with the court decision. India is a democracy where the due process of law is followed and this decision upholds the rule of law," said a spokesperson.
Yvonne MacHugh, the fiancee of Billy Irving one of the men who was caught up in the controversy, expressed her relief that her partner would be able to connect with his son William, whose birth he had missed while in prison.
"I just feel sheer relief finally we are getting our family back together," said MacHugh.
"Finally all the men are going to be home with their families. They have been acquitted of all charges, so they have done no wrongdoing and finally we have proven that," she said.
The Madras High Court today ruled that all charges against the six men and 29 others arrested with them be dropped with immediate effect, and the fines they were ordered to pay be refunded.
The Madurai bench directed that all crew members of the ship MV Seaman Guard Ohio can apply to the Indian authorities to get back their passports after which they will be able to travel home to the UK.
"They still need to get police clearance before they can come home, so there are steps being taken to try to ensure that everything's in place," said Joanne Tomlinson, the sister of John Armstrong, another of the ex-soldiers.
Tomlinson was among friends and family members who had led a campaign in the UK, including lobbying ministers and Downing Street, to secure the release of the men.
Besides Armstrong and Irving, the other former British soldiers who have been in a Chennai jail for four years include - Nick Dunn, Ray Tindall, Paul Towers, and Nicholas Simpson.
In October 2013, Coast Guard personnel boarded their vessel and arrested them along with 29 other crew members for taking weapons into India's territorial waters.
The charges were initially quashed when the men argued the weapons were lawfully held for anti-piracy purposes and their paperwork, issued by the UK government, was in order.
But a lower court reinstated the prosecution and they were convicted in January last year and sentenced to five years in jail.
Since then there have been a series of appeals, including by British Prime Minister Theresa May who raised the matter with her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi during her visit to India in November 2016 as well as Britain's High Commissioner in India, Dominic Asquith, visiting the men in jail in Chennai.
The sailors were aboard the American-owned ship which reportedly offered armed protection to vessels sailing through an area known as "Pirates' Alley" between the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
US firm 'AdvanFort International', which owns the ship, has maintained that the vessel was involved in anti-piracy operations and had not strayed into Indian waters.
Customs officials and police found 35 guns, including semi-automatic weapons, and almost 6,000 rounds of ammunition on board the ship, which allegedly did not have permission to be in Indian waters.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a plea challenging appointment of senior Gujarat cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana as a special director of the CBI.
A bench of Justices RK Agrawal and AM Sapre said "the writ petition is dismissed".
The apex court had on 24 November reserved the order in the matter.
The Centre had opposed the plea, saying Asthana had an outstanding career and had supervised over 40 high-profile cases like coal scam, AugustaWestland scam, black money and money laundering cases.
Common Cause, the petitioner NGO, had opposed Asthana's appointment, saying it was illegal as his name had surfaced in a diary recovered during a raid conducted by the Income Tax department at the offices and other premises of company Sterling Biotech Ltd.
The Centre, however, had claimed that Asthana, who was earlier an additional director in CBI, was looking after its eleven zones.
Chennai: In a setback to sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran, three party Rajya Sabha MPs who were supporting him switched sides to the ruling camp headed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam.
Days after the Election Commission allotted the party's 'two-leaves' symbol to the Palaniswami-Panneerselvam group, the trio met the chief minister at his residence, marking their joining the ruling camp ranks.
The three MPs are A Navaneethakrishnan, Vijila Satyanand and N Gokulakrishnan (Puducherry). The switch over is seen as a morale booster to the ruling AIADMK camp, which has sidelined jailed party leader VK Sasikala and Dhinakaran.
"Wherever the two-leaves symbol is there, that is AIADMK, and I will only be there," Navaneethakrishnan told PTI. He said despite "groupism" he used to meet Palaniswami in the Secretariat for the welfare of the state and added the Chief Minister "is being kind with me and I am respectful towards him."
Gokulakrishnan too echoed Navaneethakrishnan saying he was in the camp "that has the two-leaves symbol." "We had taken a different stand so far and now with the EC verdict, it is courtesy to meet him (Palaniswami), we are sitting MPs and were elected as AIADMK nominees," he said.
Both Navaneethakrishnan and Gokulakrishnan said Vijila Satyanand too was present when they met Palaniswami.
AIADMK released a picture of the three MPs meeting Palaniswami.
The party has a total strength of 13 MPs (12 Tamil Nadu and one Puducherry) in the upper house of Parliament. The three MPs have sided with Dhinkaran when Palaniswami-led group revolted against him. The factions led by the chief minister and Panneerselvam merged in August.
The 23 November EC order on the symbol case said the Palaniswami camp had the backing of eight Rajya Sabha members and Dhinakaran three. (There was no reference to the remaining two MPs). Now, with three more joining the establishment ranks, the number of Rajya Sabha MPs supporting the ruling camp has gone up to 11.
Palaniswami camp also has the support of 34 Lok Sabha MPs and 111 MLAs in Tamil Nadu, according to the EC order.
Agartala: The Tripura and West Bengal governments on Tuesday offered government jobs, educational help and financial aid to the kin of a slain Tripura journalist, who was gunned down by a security personnel last week.
Journalist Sudip Datta Bhowmik, 50, was shot by a Tripura State Rifle (TSR) rifleman in Radha Kishore Nagar, 25 kilometres from Agartala, on 21 November.
"The Council of Ministers in a weekly meeting on Tuesday has decided to give Rs 10 lakh to Bhowmik's family. The cost of his teenaged daughter's education would be borne by the state government," Tripura Information and Finance Minister Bhanulal Saha told the media.
Chief Minister Manik Sarkar presided over the Cabinet meeting.
On the other hand, Trinamool Congress (TMC)'s West Bengal Assembly member Sabyasachi Dutta accompanied by state party leaders on Tuesday visited the home of the slain journalist.
Datta later told the media that TMC supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee talked to Bhowmik's mother Putul Rani Datta Bhowmik over the phone and assured her that the West Bengal government would provide a government job to the deceased's son Samik, who is now studying engineering in an Odisha institute.
"Mamata Banerjee also assured to take the educational responsibility (by her government) of Bhowmik's daughter Samridhi (who is studying in Class VIII in a Tripura school)," said Sabyasachi Dutta, who is also the Mayor of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation.
According to police, TSR second battalion rifleman Nandu Kumar Reang, following an altercation, shot dead Sudip Datta Bhowmik at the battalion headquarters in Radha Kishore Nagar.
Reang was the bodyguard of battalion Commandant Tapan Debbarma, who is a senior Tripura Police Service (TPS) officer (1998 batch) and waiting for IPS nomination. The slain journalist had gone to meet Debbarma at the battalion headquarters.
To probe the sensational killing, the state government earlier constituted a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Deputy Inspector General of police Arindam Nath.
The SIT has so far arrested four TSR personnel, including Debbarma, and his bodyguard.
"More TSR officials are likely to be arrested in connection with the journalist's killing," an SIT member said.
The Press Council of India (PCI) has taken suo motu cognizance of the killing and sought a report from the Tripura government.
Demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident, several journalist organisations under a newly-formed platformForum for Protection of Journalists (FFPJ)are continuing their agitation.
FFPJ Convener Pranab Sarkar said a memorandum would be sent to President Ram Nath Kovind demanding a CBI probe into the killing of the journalist and protection to media persons.
Bhowmik, who was a reporter with Syandan Patrika and local cable television channel Vanguarda, is survived by his wife, a government teacher, and two children.
Earlier, 28-year-old TV reporter Shantanu Bhowmik was hacked to death while covering an event of a tribal party in Mandai in western Tripura on 20 September.
The Congress has demanded a high-level inquiry into the murder. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded a CBI probe and resignation of Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, who also holds the Home portfolio. Both parties observed a state-wide shutdown last week (on Thursday) to protest the killing.
The ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has criticised the BJP for politicising the journalist's killing.
"State government is on the right track in probing the unfortunate killing," CPM central committee member Gautam Das told the media.
New Delhi: Tourism and tnformation and technology minister Alphons Kannanthanam has cut out his Y-category security, choosing to travel with a personal security officer (PSO) in his car instead.
According to sources in the minister's office, Alphons said he did not require additional security and it was an unnecessary waste of resources. "The minister is very particular about these things. He does not avail business class travel, he does not stay anywhere except in government guest houses while travelling. He also does not use his official vehicle during private visits," a source close to the minister said. "He has even forgone his Y-category security that he is eligible for," said an official close to the minister.
Even when Alphons' official bungalow was under repair, the minister did not avail the government-owned Ashoka hotel, choosing to stay in Kerala House instead.
On 25 November, when the minister visited his ministry at Transport Bhavan in central Delhi, he was driving his private car which was not allowed entry into the building guarded by CISF personnel.
Officials also said Alphons, who took oath as Rajya Sabha MP on Monday, also does not call his staff to work when he works on Sundays.
During his recent visit to Kerala, the minister sneaked out for private work by auto giving instructions to his staff not to bother the security personnel who were provided to him by the Kerala government.
In major embarrassment for his officers a few months ago, Alphons was found travelling economy, while his senior officials travelled business class.
Later, the minister said that his officers were "entitled" to it, but it was his "choice" to travel economy.
Maharajganj: The 84 km-long Indo-Nepal border has been sealed ahead of the third phase of civic polls on Wednesday.
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is enforcing the sealing of the border, District Magistrate and Electoral Officer Virendra Kumar Singh told reporters.
"Only emergency vehicles will be allowed across the border during this period," he said.
The threat of Maoists and the porous Indo-Nepal border are the two biggest challenges during the third phase of municipal polls in Maharajganj and the International Border has been sealed to tackle this, the official said.
Cameras have been installed on trade and transit points along India's border with Nepal to prevent illegal movement of people.
Security along the borders has been stepped up in the wake of reports that anti-social elements could infiltrate into the country and disrupt the polling, according to a top official in Maharajganj.
The third phase of polling will be held in 26 districts across the state.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh minister Mohsin Raza suffered dislocation of his shoulder when his vehicle skidded off a road in Sitapur after an animal suddenly jumped on the it on Monday evening. Three other persons were also in the vehicle.
According to the minister, the incident took place while he was returning from an election meeting in Dhaurahra.
"All of a sudden an animal jumped on the vehicle. Following this the vehicle skidded off the road and come to a halt at a side. We were safe. It was a very narrow escape for all of us," Raza told PTI.
The Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Science and Technology, Electronics, Information Technology, Muslim Waqf and Haj said, "I was not supposed to address the rally. Minister Anupama Jaiswal was to attend it. But, due to some last moment changes, I had to go there." Jaiswal is Uttar Pradesh Minister of State (Independent Charge) Basic Education, Child Development and Nutrition.
Mumbai: Four workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) were seriously injured in a clash with shopkeepers in suburban Vikhroli over not displaying Marathi signboards, the police said on Monday.
Six persons, including two workers of the Congress and four activists of MNS, were arrested in connection with the Monday incident.
The incident occurred in Kannamwar area of the suburb on Sunday night when the MNS workers were distributing pamphlets for installing Marathi signboards at their shops when a scuffle broke out between them and some shopkeepers, a police official said.
"Shopkeepers assaulted the MNS workers in which three of them were grievously injured, while one worker sustained a skull fracture," the official said.
A case of rioting and attempt to murder has been registered against 20-25 persons, the official said, adding that further investigation is on.
New Delhi: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung on Tuesday claimed in the Supreme Court that the West Bengal Police had lodged false cases against its members to pressurise them and suppress their movement for a separate Gorkhaland state.
However, the state police maintained that Gurung was absconding, not cooperating in the probe of cases lodged against him and playing "blatant politics".
A bench comprising justices AK Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said the court cannot go into the matter politically and has to look into the legal aspects of the case.
"We cannot go into it politically. We have to see legal issues," the bench observed, adding "we cannot say anything on the issue which he (Gurung) has raised politically".
Senior counsel AM Singhvi, representing the police, told the bench that Gurung was facing trial in 23 cases and several other criminal cases were also registered against him.
He claimed that various serious incidents had taken place under Gurung's leadership and a 26-year-old police official was also killed during the recent Gorkhaland agitation.
"His defence is that these cases are false and sham. There are so many cases. 53 FIRs cannot be sham," he said.
Senior advocate PS Patwalia, appearing for Gurung, countered the submissions and said 104 FIRs have been lodged against Gurung and other GJM members by the West Bengal Police and the state government had made him a fugitive.
"He fears for his life. The West Bengal government has made him a fugitive," he claimed and added that Gurung was seeking transfer of probe in these cases to other independent agencies like the CBI or the NIA.
Referring to the application by police seeking vacation of the apex court's 20 November order restraining it from taking any coercive step against Gurung, he claimed that incorrect statements have been made in the plea.
"Gurung was accorded cabinet status and was provided police secutiry. Can a person having a cabinet status do all this violence and abscond," Patwalia said, adding that the GJM had opposed the state government's move to make Bengali language mandatory in schools in West Bengal.
He alleged that false cases were lodged without there being any complainants against Gurung and other GJM members to "pressurise and threaten" them and this was done to "quell the movement."
Patwalia also argued that arms were planted during the raids conducted by the police at Gurung's residence and false case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was also registered.
At the end of hearing, Attorney General KK Venugopal told the bench that the Centre would follow the order passed by the apex court in the matter.
The court has posted the case for hearing on 30 November.
The GJM leader had earlier claimed in the apex court that he was being politically persecuted by state government and sought a probe by the NIA or CBI in the killings of several Gorkhaland activists during the recent agitation for a separate state.
West Bengal Police had told the court that its order restraining it from taking any coercive steps against Gurung should be vacated, as the morale of the entire force was down since there were several cases of serious nature against him.
The GJM central committee had recently suspended Gurung for six months and appointed Binay Tamang as the party's new president.
Gurung has approached the top court seeking independent probe into the alleged killings of Gorkhaland supporters during the recent protests.
Pune: Harshvardhan Kadam, quite like the locality in Pune where his art studio 'Inkbrushnme' is located, is quiet. He casually inquires how our trip from Mumbai to Pune was, and offers us tea, before explaining how he had used our visit as an excuse to cancel a trip to Mumbai and stay home.
He likes 'quiet' Pune, he says.
He is Pune. A city where he has spent most of his life. A place that continues to play muse to his art works.
"To understand the voice of the people, it is very important to understand the context in which you are creating an art work. Since I know the city, I know what the people will react to and what the people will not react to," says Kadam.
A little into the conversation, it becomes clear that beneath the calm exterior is the mind of an insatiable artist, constantly exploring new ways to tell his stories.
"The more I explore, the more I know about myself. The more I explore, the more I know about people and what it is exactly like to be a human being," he says.
The word 'explore' resonates. Kadam's repertoire is vast and diverse. He has illustrated books for kids. He is in the final stages of completing a work on erotica. He loves painting murals on large walls. But there is a feeling he wants to do more.
"What I observed as I was growing up was the art of sequential story telling which is the language of graphic novels. I used that to shape up my understanding, my voice and my style. So there is a whole range or a spectrum of projects I like to do. The reason why I do that is because I don't want to be tied to a particular identity," he says.
"The idea that I could use walls as my canvas first struck me during a visit to Varanasi. That thought of having access in a public space... creating something that can communicate... made me realise I could extend (my) skill set to a bigger space," he adds.
The latest work in his street art project is a 300m-long mural on the walls of the Yerwada Jail in Pune. The art work, titled 'Songs of the City', is India's largest mural, and is Kadam and his team's attempt at telling the story of Pune in a chronological order.
"The mural is the story of the city from the river's (Mula-Mutha) point of view. The river has been here for years and has seen all the changes that the city has undergone. The length is so magnanimous that we had to create it in sections [sic]. Just to imagine and conceptualise, we divided the progression in parts," explains Kadam.
Though Pune is central to his work, Kadam plans to continue travelling across the country and paint walls. The idea, he reiterates, is to continuously expand his canvas.
The ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival, which has often been described as the greatest literary show on earth and the Kumbh Mela of literature, has hosted nearly 2,000 speakers and welcomed over a million book lovers over the past decade, evolving into a global literary phenomenon.
The 11th edition of the celebrated lit fest will take place from 25-29 January 2018, once again at the historic Diggi Palace Hotel in Jaipur, as announced on 28 November, 2017.
The festival will welcome over 250 writers, thinkers, politicians, journalists and popular cultural icons from over 35 different nationalities. It will feature a spectacular line-up of speakers representing the major awards including the Nobel, Man Booker, Pulitzer, Padma Vibhusan and the Sahitya Akademi Award. The first list of 60 speakers released today include Akhil Sharma, Amy Tan, Anurag Kashyap, BN Goswamy, Hamid Karzai, Helen Fielding, Michael Ondaatje, Michael Rezendes, Mridula Garg, Muhammad Yunus, Pico Iyer, Rupi Kaur, Sonal Mansingh, Sudha Murty, Tom Stoppard and Zakir Hussain, among others.
The discussions at the Festival will feature around works spanning both Indian and the international literary landscapes; translations will be under the spotlight too in a bid to reinforce a diverse and flavourful cultural matrix. The 2018 edition expects to welcome speakers representing over 15 Indian and more than 20 international languages.
As in previous years, the forthcoming edition of the Festival will partner with major Indian and global brands and host the highest calibre of speakers and curate an enviable depth in programming for its ever increasing and discerning audiences.
The ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival sets literary conversations, debates and dialogue against the backdrop of built and cultural heritage including curated art installations, world music performances at the Music Stage and cultural evenings at heritage venues like the Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal.
The ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival is a flagship event of Teamwork Arts, which produces it along with over 25 highly acclaimed performing arts, visual arts and literary festivals across more than 40 cities globally.
Sanjoy K Roy, managing mirector of Teamwork Arts, which produces the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival, says, As we wait to celebrate yet another milestone year of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival in 2018, we look forward to the infectious energy of intellectual debate and the dynamism that charges the Festival's atmosphere and comes from a mingling of celebrated minds, diverse perspectives, and heightened cultural experiences. What is heartening is that this incredible global phenomenon that the Festival has evolved into is still deeply rooted in its core identity as a completely accessible and democratic platform.
For more details on the Zee Jaipur Literature Festival, click here.
Kolkata: Trinamool Congress MP and Chief Minister's Mamata Banerjee's nephew Abhishek Banerjee filed a criminal defamation suit against BJP leader Mukul Roy at a city court for commenting that 'Biswa Bangla' is not a government entity but a company owned by him.
Roy had made the remark at a public meeting earlier this month. "I have filed a defamation case. The matter is sub-judice. Please wait for the verdict. I have full faith in the judiciary. People of Bengal have already given them a befitting reply in the ballot box, now wait for the court to do the same," Banerjee, who is also Trinamool Congress' youth wing chief, told reporters.
Abhishek moved the City Sessions Court, a day after a court in Alipurduar district showcaused Roy, who recently switched over to the BJP, for allegedly violating an order passed by it. "This is an attempt to destroy my goodwill with lies. If any allegations are proved correct, I will quit politics. Else Mukul Roy should leave the state," Banerjee said inside the court.
Last month, the court had restrained Roy from making comments against the West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew regarding two organisations: Biswa Bangla Marketing Corporation Limited and Jago Bangla Media Private Limited.
New Delhi: The ABVP said it has won eight seats in the election for the 11-member executive committee of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) held on Monday.
After DUSU elections, polls are held for the unions' executive committee. The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) had won the top two posts in DUSU central panel polls which was held in September.
In a statement, the ABVP said eight of its candidates were elected to the committee.
Besides the eight ABVP candidates, Yogesh Sarwan of Law Centre III, Nisha of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College and Rahul Yadav of Law Centre I were elected to the panel.
As per the DUSU Constitution, the committee should have 11 members and not less than two of these members should be women.
Meanwhile, DUSU president Rocky Tuseed of the NSUI alleged rigging in the polls saying one of the voters, Gaurav Sharma, Central Councillor of SGND Khalsa College, was not allowed to vote as the list showed that he had already cast his ballot.
"When I appeared to cast my vote, I wasn't permitted. The signatures on the attendance sheet doesn't match my signatures," Sharma complained to the election officer and requested postponement of declaration of results till he was allowed to vote.
Election officer Rajeev Gupta said, "Our records showed that he had already cast his vote. We have checked photo IDs and verified all records. We have submitted his complaint to grievance redressal committee which will look into the issue."
New Delhi: The Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, today demanded that the AAP government presented a "white paper" on the status of school education in the national capital, saying that its data pointed towards various shortcomings in it.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government must come out with a "white paper" on the status of school education in Delhi, in view of the latest comprehensive data released by its education department, he said at a press conference.
The data revealed a "sharp decline" in the number of students appearing as well as the pass percentage in the 10th and 12th board exams, the BJP leader claimed.
"This is contrary to the claims of Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister Manish Sisodia, who talks about a revolutionary progress in the field of education," Gupta said.
Referring to the data, he further alleged that school education was "suffering" because of the "27,000 vacant posts of teachers" and deployment of "82 principles and teachers" in the education department on "administrative" work.
Pune: Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Dilip Kamble on Wednesday said senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal is a "fighter" and he may come out of the jail in the near future as the Supreme Court has recently cancelled a section under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Minister of State for Social Justice also said that it is important that a man like Bhujbal should be out in the society as he fights for the poor people.
Bhujbal, former Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, is currently lodged in Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai in connection with an alleged money laundering case.
Kamble was speaking on the death anniversary of social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule at Phule Wada here. The event which was attended by NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Upendra Kushwaha, was orgnaised by Akhil Bhartiya Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Samata Parishad, founded by Bhujbal.
"Bhujbalji is fighter leader, who fights for the poor people in the society and it is important that a person like him should be out in the society," Kamble said.
The minister added that he is hopeful that Bhujbal will win the legal battle and come out soon. "On the legal points, the case will get investigated, but as a worker I feel that a fighter person like Bhujbal, who is in the jail, fighting the legal battle, should be out in the society.
"I will pray to God that since a section, which was preventing him from getting bail for last two years, has been cancelled by the Supreme Court, he may come out soon," he said.
Kushwaha, who is the chief of Rashtriya Lok Samata Party, too, lamented Bhujbal's absence on the dais and said that he should have been here today.
"He is going through a tough phase and I pray that he will be with us soon," he said. The Union minister lauded Samata Parishad's efforts in the spread of thoughts and teachings of Jyotiba Phule, and praised Bhujbal for his contribution. "Now, people outside Maharashtra not only know Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule's work, but they have started adopting their thoughts," Kushwaha added. "And I think because Bhujbal chose to team up with people who work for social jutice, he faced the present condition," he said.
Kushwaha also claimed that OBC, SC and ST have "negligible representation" in judiciary and media. "This was rued by none other than the President of India and till the OBCs, STs, SCs don't get representation in such fields, the social justice of Jyotiba Phule is not possible," he added.
Kushwaha also demanded reservation in private sector saying that jobs in the public sector are dwindling. Pawar, in his speech, lauded the contribution of Bhujbal and said that through Samata Parishad and its work, he successfully spread the thoughts of Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule across the country.
The NCP supremo said that he is ready to host a meeting in Delhi of MPs from OBC and other categories, where issues related to education, jobs and others faced by the people from these categories can be discussed. "Through such forum, we can go to the Prime Minister and present the issues before him," Pawar said.
Ahmedabad: With the Gujarat polls less than two weeks away, the BJP on Tuesday raked up the issue of an old US diplomatic cable which allegedly quoted Rahul Gandhi as saying that "Hindu terror is a bigger threat" in India than the Pakistan-based LeT, and sought his explanation.
Prasad said Gandhi should be "ashamed of linking" Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was then the chief minister of Gujarat, when he spoke about "polarising figures in the BJP" during his purported conversation with a US diplomat.
"In 2010, two years after the (26/11) Mumbai terror attack, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was on India tour. At the lunch organised for then prime minister Manmohan Singh, US Ambassador Timothy Roemer was sitting next to Rahul Gandhi and asked the Congress leader what he thinks about the LeT," Prasad said.
"In his response, Rahul told Roemer that forget LeT, it is the Hindu terror of this country which is a bigger threat. The US envoy Roemer sent this conversation as a cable to his country. Later, that cable was leaked and published by London-based The Guardian newspaper," the minister said.
Referring to the purported communication, Prasad said, the US envoy even wrote that the Congress General Secretary (Rahul Gandhi) was referring to the tensions created by some of the more polarising figures in the BJP such as Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.
"This is the level of the Congress and Rahul. It was indeed shameful that he tried to link Modi with it. We demand an explanation from Rahul on this. He should be ashamed of himself as he thinks that LeT is less dangerous that Hindu saffron terror. And now, he is visiting temples in Gujarat," the BJP leader said.
Prasad's diatribe came a day after the prime minister accused the Congress vice president of applauding the release of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan, and asked why he hugged the Chinese ambassador during the Doka La standoff.
He also lashed out at the Congress over a joint statement issued by India and Pakistan in Sharm el-Sheikh in July 2009.
Prasad alleged that Manmohan Singh had accepted his Pakistani counterpart Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani's charge that India was interfering in Pakistan's restive Balochistan region.
"During the talks between both the PMs (in Sharm el-Sheikh), Pakistan had said that they are worried about Balochistan as India is interfering in it (the region). Surprisingly, Manmohan Singh accepted Pakistan's worry about Balochistan, which was also mentioned in the joint statement," the minister said.
Prasad said the instance of Manmohan Singh "agreeing to Pakistan's concerns on Balochistan", at a time when the neighbouring country was spreading terror in Kashmir, amounted to "bigger compromise with national interests".
"On one side, Pakistan is spreading terror in PoK and Kashmir, while on the other side Indian PM (Singh) agrees to Pakistan's concerns in Balochistan and that too just a few months after the 26/11 attack. There cannot be any bigger compromise with nation's interests than this one," he added.
Commenting on former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah's challenge to the Centre to hoist the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar before talking about unfurling it in PoK, Prasad said the tricolour is already flying high across the state.
"Abdullah had also said that PoK should be given to Pakistan...Our tricolour is already flying high in the state and Pak-sponsored terrorism is losing its ground," he said. Responding to a query, Prasad said repealing Article 370 of the Constitution that gives autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir was indeed a part of the BJP's election manifesto.
He said the situation in Kashmir has been improving gradually during the last two years.
When asked about the statement of Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap following withdrawal of NSG security to the RJD supremo that he will get the prime minister "skinned", Prasad said, Rahul Gandhi should also speak on this as RJD is an ally of the Congress.
Ahmedabad: Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad accused the Congress of misguiding the Patidar community over the issue of reservation and asked the party to reveal the roadmap under which it has promised a quota to them over and above the 50 percent cap set by the Supreme Court.
Prasad, while referring to seven different Supreme Court judgments, including a landmark judgement in 1992, alleged that the Congress' reservation talk is "height of political opportunism" aimed only at getting Patidar votes during the next month's Gujarat Assembly polls.
"Congress is now talking about reservation to Patidars. This is height of political opportunism. I want Congress to reveal their roadmap as to how they would breach the 50 percent cap set by the SC," the law minister said. "Is it a mere eyewash or cheating? If it is being done for getting votes, then it must stop," Prasad told reporters.
"There are seven different judgments about reservation, including the 1992 Indra Sawhney judgement, which clearly says that we can't cross the 50 percent cap," the minister said. The Supreme Court had also made it clear that any law about reservation does not become immune to judicial review just by putting it into the 9th schedule of the Constitution, he said.
Last week, Patidar leader Hardik Patel announced his support to the Congress for the upcoming Gujarat polls, stating that the party has promised to give reservation under Article 31(C) of the Constitution, if voted to power. Hardik had said that reservation formula given by the Congress for his community will be over and above the present 50 percent quota and opined that the 50 per cent cap set by the Supreme Court was just a "suggestion" and can be breached if the state government wants.
On this, Prasad said Article 31(C) was introduced in 1971, while all the reservation-related judgements were delivered only after that. "Now, Congress is trying to open the doors through Article 31(C), which was introduced in 1971. Since all the judgements came after that, it is clear that the SC must have considered all the provisions of 31(C) while giving verdicts. I request the Congress not to cheat Patidars for getting their votes," he said.
New Delhi: The Congress and the BJP on Monday demanded a probe into the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) funding after the ruling party in Delhi was issued a notice of Rs 30 crore by the Income Tax department over the donations received by it.
At a press conference, Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken said the centre should order a thorough probe into the funding of the Aam Aadmi Party.
"The Centre should order a probe instead of doing a lip service and going soft on the AAP," he said.
It is strange that the AAP, which professed to change politics by being transparent in its fund collection has been issued a notice for Rs 30.7 crore by the I-T department for recovery of taxes, he said.
Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said instead of indulging in blame game, the AAP should satisfy the authorities over the issue of the notice served to them by the I-T department.
"Right from its formation, the AAP's financial issues have been under suspicion and today's notice comes after a long hearing at the Income Tax department. So the party has no reason to claim innocence," he said.
The Aam Aadmi Party was on Monday served a notice of Rs 30 crore by the Income Tax department over the donations received by it, a move Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal dubbed as the "height of political vendetta".
Income Tax Department sources said the notice was issued by the assessing officer under section 156 (notice of demand). They said it was issued in the "normal course", where ITRs are picked up for scrutiny by the assessing officer.
Vadodara: Congress MP Rajeev Shukla on Tuesday accused Narendra Modi government of "repackaging" as many as 23 welfare schemes which were conceived and introduced by the erstwhile UPA government.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repackaged and renamed 23 welfare schemes which were launched by the previous dispensation, and is fooling the people," Shukla said in Vadodara.
He said the BJP had criticised the Congress government's Aadhaar and MGNREGA schemes when in opposition, but is now implementing them.
"Barring demonetisation, which caused hardship to the common people, the Modi government has not conceived anything new. The NDA government inherited 23 schemes on a platter which were already at various stages of implementation, but the government has failed to implement them," Shukla said.
He termed as "examples of glaring failures" the schemes like 'Make in India', 'Skill India', affordable housing for the poor etc.
"Congress' schemes like 'Indira Awas Yojna' and 'Rajiv Awas Yojna' were renamed as 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna' and 'Sardar Patel National Urban Hosing Mission' by the Modi government.
"The nomenclature of National Project on Management of Soil Health and Fertility was changed to 'Soil Health Card Scheme', whereas no-frills accounts 'Swabhimaan' was renamed as 'Jan Dhan Yojana', 'Swalambhan' scheme' as 'Atal Pension Yojna', and Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Vidyutikaran Yojna' as 'Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojna'," he claimed.
Shukla further claimed the government has renamed the National Manufacturing Policy as 'Make in India', JNNURM as 'AMRUT' and 'Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan' as 'Swachh Bharat Mission'.
He said the GST was initially conceived by the Congress, but the BJP bungled in its implementation.
He criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for labelling Gandhis as "anti-Gujarat".
"I want to ask why there is no Cabinet rank Gujarati minister in the Modi government? Gujaratis in his council of ministers are all ministers of state," he claimed.
Shukla said the next month's polls are not a battle of dynasty as being claimed by Modi, but is a fight for "exposing failures" of Modi government.
"Modi is raising only emotional issues in Gujarat during campaigning," he said.
Battling disgruntled ticket aspirants, notes of discords from within, and some last minute defectors, the ruling BJP and the Congress finally released their final list of candidates on Monday the last day of filing nominations for the second phase of Gujarat polls.
Congress, BJP drop out nine sitting MLAs
While the Congress has dropped four of its sitting MLAs, the BJP left out five of its sitting MLAs with former chief minister Anandiben Patel among them. Anandiben, the legislator from Ghatlodia seat of Ahmedabad city and also a minister in the outgoing Cabinet, had earlier announced that she would not contest the polls this year.
Apart from Anandiben, the BJP has dropped minister Rohit Patel from Anand seat. The other MLAs who have not been given tickets are Nagarji Thakor, RM Patel and Vinchhia Bhuria, PTI reported.
In Congress, the sitting MLAs who have not been given tickets are Dharshi Khanpura, Hira Patel, Joitabhai Patel and Natvarsinh Thakor. For Mahudha seat, held by Natvarsinh Thakor since long, the party has chosen his son Indrajitsinh Thakor.
Congress backs Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani
The main Opposition Congress, while releasing its final list of 14 candidates, left two seats for allies and backed Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani who is contesting as an Independent. The party did not field its nominee in Vadgam seat of Banaskantha a seat reserved for Scheduled Caste candidates in support of Mevani, who led the Dalit stir against the BJP government in Gujarat.
This election, community over religion
It is no coincidence that nobody is talking about the Muslim vote bank this election season. The BJP is never known to explicitly woo the minority community; the Muslim voter has looked at the Congress as its only support. However, the Congress, this season adapted a different strategy prioritising winnability over anything else.
And caste-based movements across Gujarat in the recent past the Dalit protests after the Una flogging incident and the Patidar agitation have sent the Muslims to the sidelines. And poll math only warrants a change in strategy.
Muslim leaders in the Congress, too, are aware of the change in strategy as they cautiously defend the choice. According to The Indian Express, Congress' Muslim leaders said that it is part of its electoral strategy to avoid being projected as overtly pro-Muslim. This is being seen as a preventive move lest BJP tries to exploit such an image to mobilise the Hindu vote.
A Firstpost report also suggested that the insecurity amid Muslims is on the rise. According to India Today, Gujarat has at least 20 constituencies which have a sizeable Muslim population which can influence the electoral outcomes.
The BJP has not given a ticket to any Muslim, while the Congress has fielded six candidates from the community.
Muslims account for 9.6 percent of the states population, as per 2011 Census data, however, they have a sizeable population in at least 66 assembly constituencies, with the Muslim population varying from 10 percent to over 60 percent, as per The Times of India report which extrapolated the Census data.
Congress has fielded OBC leader Alpesh Zala (Thakor), popularly known as Alpesh Thakor, in Radhanpur constituency. Radhanpur is a bastion of the Thakor community and is currently held by the BJP. Thakor recently joined the Congress in the presence of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.
The Congress has been wooing community leaders like Hardik Patel of the Patidar quota agitation, Mevani and Thakor to dislodge the BJP, which has been in power in the state for over two decades.
Payoff time for Chotubhai Vasava
The Congress has not fielded any of its candidates for five seats, including four reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) under the seat-sharing agreement with its ally Bharatiya Tribal Party headed by former JD(U) MLA Chhotubhai Vasava. Vasava was the man who had pulled out Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Ahmed Patel from the jaws of defeat as the ruling BJP threw all its might ensure Ahmed's loss.
Sources close to him had suggested that Vasava was flexing muscles to have a larger share of the cake as a payoff for ensuring Ahmed's win. He had actually asked for 19 seats and was adamant on getting at least 15 seats. Vasava's party is contesting five seats in the two-phase polls.
For the first phase, the Congress has fielded its candidates for 86 out of the 89 seats, leaving out Jhaghadia, Dediapada and Mangrol seats all reserved for Scheduled Tribe for Vasava's party.
For the second phase, the Congress gave two constituenices Morvahadaf (ST) of Panchmahal and Waghodia seat of Vadodara to Vasava's party. Both are currently held by the BJP.
The 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat region are going to polls in the first phase while the remaining 93 seats, in central and northern region, will figure in the second phase. The polling for the 182-member Assembly will take place on 9 and 14 December and the votes will be counted on 18 December.
Former Gujarat Congress president Siddharth Patel has been nominated for Dabhoi seat of Vadodara district while senior high court lawyer and party leader Babu Mangukia, who had fought Hardik's sedition case initially, has been chosen for the Thakkar Nagar seat in Ahmedabad city.
BJP rewards defectors with tickets
The ruling BJP has given tickets to Tejashariben Patel, the former Congress MLA who joined the saffron party earlier this year, and Kanu Makvana, the son of former Congress MLA Karamshi Makvana, who had crossed over to the BJP during the Rajya Sabha elections. The BJP has also made space for another Congress defector Amitbhai Chaudhary, who had defeated a BJP candidate from Mansa constituency in the previous Assembly election, according to Hindustan Times.
Other Congress defectors who have found place on BJP candidate list include Raghavji Patel, Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, CK Raolji, Mansinh Chauhan and Ramsinh Parmar.
In its sixth and final list, the party has given tickets to 12 sitting MLAs.
The party has set to rest speculations and renominated Chief Minister Vijay Rupani from Rajkot (West), his deputy Nitin Patel from Mehsana and state party chief Jitu Vaghani from Bhavnagar (West).
The BJP has fielded Bhupendra Patel from Ghatlodia, represented by Anandiben, while senior leader Kaushik Patel has been given the ticket from Naranpura, which was earlier represented by party president Amit Shah. Shah had resigned as MLA after his election to the Rajya Sabha. Former minister and BJP spokesperson Jaynarayan Vyas will be contesting from Siddhpur, from where he had lost in the 2012 polls and the party has fielded Gujarati film actor Hiteshbhai Kanodiya, son of former BJP MLA Naresh Kanodiya, from Ider constituency in Sabarkantha district. Kanodiya too had lost the previous elections from Kadi constituency.
With inputs from agencies
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Vasram Sarvaiya of Mota Samadhiyala village in Una still shudders when he thinks about what had happened over a year ago. That day, 11 July, 2016 proved to be the darkest day of his entire life.
Vasram, who belongs to the Dalit community, received a call at 7 am that a lion had killed a cow. Along with his three brothers, Vasram reached the spot and started removing the dead cow's skin. Later, about 40-50 cow vigilantes came and started thrashing them. Regarding the incident, he said, "all his brothers were taken about 25 kilometres from the village and brutally beaten up."
Their condition was so bad that they had to be admitted to Una civil hospital and later, they were taken to Rajkot for better treatment. As soon as the incident was taken up by news channels, the cow vigilantes were arrested. Their case is presently underway. Nine of the gau rakshaks are still in jail but the rest are out on bail.
Victimised Dalits of Una are upset
The unhappiness and pain of Vasram, who was a victim in the incident, is apparent. While talking to Firstpost, he said, "we have not got justice till now."
His resentment is also with those political leaders who came to the village after the unfortunate incident and gave assurances. He said, "Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal came to the village to meet us following the incident. After the Opposition starting creating pressure, then Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel also made a visit. Despite these visits, nothing changed."
Vasram complains that Anandiben assured him land and employment but, nothing has happened till now.
Forced to go out in search of employment
The Sarvaiya family is forced to go to other places to seek employment. Ramesh, Vasram's younger brother, was also a victim in the incident and at present, he is learning sewing in Ahmedabad. We sent him to the city because he could not find any work in the village, Vasram said.
Vasram's other two brothers, Ashok and Bechar, are forced to work with their father in the field to earn their livelihood.
His father Balu Sarvaiya said, "even Rahul Gandhi came here and vowed to bring us justice. However, nothing of the sort has happened yet." They think they never got justice under the BJP government. Atrocities on Dalits happened at a number of places but, no action has ever been taken against the perpetrators.
The Dalit community feels injustice has been done to them and since the government never bothered to listen to them, they are determined to make sure that they are heard this time.
Govind Sarvaiya, who lives in the same village, said, "the Dalits of Una have stood with the BJP for last 15 years but we feel injustice has been done to us."
The resentment within the Dalit community against the BJP was apparent and they seem to be supporting the Congress this time.
Hasmukh Sarvaiya told Firstpost, "we will vote for the Congress this time." Sana Sarvaiya also said, "we will vote for change this time."
The total population of the village is about 3,000 and there are 1,200 eligible voters.
That incident about a year ago has changed everything within the Dalit community. They said that if the promises made by the government to them are not fulfilled, they will organise protests.
Jignesh Mevani is an icon for Una Dalits
Jignesh Mevani, who emerged after the incident, is considered a hero among the Dalits here. They are talking about organising protests for their rights and justice. The Dalits only form about eight percent of the voters in Gujarat, while they make up 16 percent in the country. They are not much influential in the poll-bound state.
The Dalit factor has emerged in this year's Assembly election primarily because of the Dalit movement after the Una incident. Under the leadership of Mevani, the Dalits have come closer to the Congress.
The Sangh has repeatedly tried to sway the Dalits towards the BJP but, they still stand with the Congress. Dalit icons like Mevani are raising questions about the atrocities on the community.
Will the Dalits support BJP in the name of development?
Dalits are now more educated and they want to connect to the society to move forward. They are changing and thinking differently. Jayesh Davera told Firstpost, "Narendra Modi is doing a better work. Every sector in Gujarat and the country, including education, has progressed. He gave us the bullet train. His relations with other countries and also better. We will vote for development."
Through the Una incident and Mevani, the Congress is trying to counter the BJP in this election.
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Gandhinagar: Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Tuesday lashed out at Narendra Modi for "spreading lies and telling untruths", and said the prime minister has "stooped to his lowest".
Sharma said the prime minister during his visit to his home state Gujarat was being emotional in front of the public in order to "run away from real issues" the state was facing. He also said Modi was playing the caste card by always saying he was born in backward caste.
Addressing the media, the former minister said, "When he says that Congress is clapping at the release of Hafiz Saeed, he is saying a lie. If the prime minister can stoop to such a low level, it is shameful for the country. The prime minister should not be speaking lies."
"It is because the BJP doesn't have any real leader of their own to showcase, they try and grab sometimes Subhas Chandra Bose and sometimes Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Sardar Patel was very much a Congressman and the title of Sardar was given by Mahatma Gandhi," Sharma added.
Asked about the BJP and Modi saying the Congress was playing caste politics, Sharma said, "It is the prime minister who is doing that. India has never seen any prime minister who goes around saying that he was born in backward caste. In the history of the country, no other prime minister has stooped to such a low level."
He said, "He always speaks untruth and distorts history. Modi hates the truth. By raising his voice and speaking lies, he tries to show bravado. If he is so brave, why does he run away from the Parliament? Modi has tarnished the image of the country. Whenever he goes abroad, he speaks badly about India. No other prime minister could have stooped to such a low."
Sharma claimed that Modi had "no tolerance and democratic mindset".
"Your (Modi's) big promises have turned out to be a lie and you are running away from discussions and only making false emotional statements," the Congress leader charged.
On Modi's speeches in the poll-bound state, Sharma said: "The prime minister is being emotional just to run away from real issues. Why doesn't he speak about real issues than of 'being a son' and all that? Everybody knows he is from Gujarat. Nobody is denying that. But why go on repeating that instead of talking about development if it has really been carried out in the state."
With inputs from PTI and IANS
Ellsworth Toohey: "Mr. Roark, we're alone here. Why don't you tell me what you think of me? In any words you wish. No one will hear us."
Howard Roark: "But I don't think of you.
In Ayn Rand's iconic novel The Fountainhead, Roark is the author's version of an ideal man. He is fiercely independent, believes in his abilities and ideas, has the courage to stand up for his principles, and doesn't care about the opinion of others. His life is, essentially, devoted to his own thinking, judgement and action.
On the campaign trail ahead of Gujarat Assembly election, it is evident such idealism doesn't exist in Indian politics. The archetypical Indian politician, like an anti-thesis to Rand's philosophy, exists only to think about their rivals, criticise them and devote their lives only to the judgement and actions of others. To understand this rival-fixation, let us look at the campaigns run by Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi and his rival Congress president-in waiting Rahul Gandhi.
Listening to the prime minister address his karyakartas and voters in Bhuj, it seemed he had found a time machine to transport Gujarat back to 2001-02. Under Modi's leadership, it had time-travelled to an era where an earthquake was still the talking point, where the Congress was still a tour de force and where the prime minister was still under siege, under attack from the marauding forces of the Opposition.
Election hoardings put up by the BJP all across Gujarat claim Modi is Mr Development (Hoon chhu vikas), creating the impression that Modi would keep his campaign centred on his achievements and progress card. But, in his rallies, the prime minister spent most of the time attacking the Congress with his trademark mix of facts and slogans, indicating that flaying the rival would be a better idea than blowing the vikas trumpet.
In each of his rallies, he appeared in different headgears and jackets of varying shades, perhaps to reflect his knowledge of the local sartorial preferences. While the attire changed, the crux of his attack remained the same: The Congress is anti-development; soft on terrorism he even went to the extent of claiming Congress "clapped" when Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed was released; lacks spine to counter Pakistan; it is anti-Gujarat; anti-Patels, and, of course, anti-Modi.
The prime minister's fierce attack on the Congress points at the failure of his mission of making India Congress-mukt. Three years after winning the Lok Sabha election with a huge majority, vanquishing the Opposition in almost every election for state assemblies, panchayats and municipalities, if the prime minister has to still devote most of his energy to Congress bashing, it shows the grand old party is still alive and kicking. That it is still on Modi's mind as rival number one and a potential threat.
It also shows he finds it safer to steer the discourse away from two of his biggest gambits demonetisation and GST. Yes, he does mention them in his speeches, but only as a stick to beat the Congress or argue how the party and its corrupt leaders had suffered because of his overnight ban on old currency notes. How the government and voters have gained from the two reforms, is left largely unsaid. In the end, his call to arms to voters is for keeping the Congress away and fighting for his own and the honour of Gujaratis, both living and dead.
A part of the prime minister's offensive is, of course, a reaction to the Opposition's strategy of keeping the narrative focussed on anti-Modism, reflected in Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's recent "anybody but BJP" appeal to voters. Election speeches of Rahul, Patidar leader Hardik Patel, and Dalit activist Jignesh Mewani too have largely targetted Modi. With their vote-out-Modi theme, they have turned the Gujarat election a referendum on the prime minister.
Like Modi, Rahul has said barely anything other than attacking Modi for alleged crony-capitalism, being silent on corruption, wasting money on misadventures like the Nano project and policy adventurism manifest in demonetisation and GST rollout. Instead of sharing his own vision of Gujarat, Rahul has just found flaws with Modi's model, talking about the same things, cracking the same jokes, unleashing the same one-liners ad nauseam at every gathering.
The Congress has relied so much on its anti-Modi rhetoric that it has blithely ignored the bigger questions in the voter's mind: Who would lead the government in case it is voted back to power after almost 22 years? How it will accommodate the conflicting demands of Patidars and OBCs for quota benefits? How is its model different from Modi's? For it, anti-Modi-ism has been a Harry Potter type invisibility cloak that seeks to hide its own flaws and ideological inadequacies.
The losers in this campaign focussed on the other, instead of the Roark-ian ideal of talking about your own ideas and beliefs, are, of course, Gujarati voters. Amidst this mudslinging, finger-pointing and tear-jerking, they are essentially being asked to vote negatively, stamp the ballot to reject one of the two parties. In the end, the whole election shebang is about choosing the lesser of the two evils.
Ahmedabad: Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday accused PAAS leader Hardik Patel of betraying his Patidar community and claimed that the Congress will pay heavily in the Assembly elections for portraying Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "chaiwala" on social media.
"The Patidar fight is no more for a community. It has become a private affair. The Patidars and the BJP are two sides of the same coin, they will vote for us," Rupani said at a conclave of India TV.
Rupani, who took over as chief minister in August last year, said the Patidars are well aware that Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel supports the Congress.
"Hardik Patel has betrayed the Patidar community and they have come to know about it now. People are aware of the 'anti-Patidar' attitude of the Congress," the BJP leader said.
He said the Congress had also made fun of the poor by portraying the Prime Minister as a "chaiwala".
"The party has made fun of all tea-sellers and it has denigrated India in the eyes of the world. They will have to pay a heavy price (in the elections)," Rupani said.
"This act exposes the Congress mentality that the Prime Minister should be from the Gandhi-Nehru family only. A poor man cannot become the prime minister. A 'chaiwala' cannot become the prime minister. The party president should also be from the family," he added.
Rupani was reacting to a Youth Congress magazine which published a meme on Modi.
When reminded that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also hailed from a poor family, Rupani said, "They were forced to do it (make Manmohan Singh the prime minister). Sonia Gandhi was going to become the prime minister but she could not even though the party wanted her to be."
Rupani ridiculed as "baseless" Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's charge that much of the Narmada river water was given to industrialists.
"Around 78 percent of the Narmada water is given to nearly 9,000 villages and 167 municipalities. We have given 20 percent water for irrigation and only two percent water to industries. Our first priority is drinking water, second priority is irrigation and the third priority is industries," he said.
The chief minister claimed he had camped in Banaskantha for five days to carry out relief work during this year's floods while Congress MLAs were enjoying themselves at a five-star resort in Bengaluru.
He said the BJP government had done much for the state's farmers and trading community and all issues relating to the Goods and Services Tax are being addressed.
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Amreli: He walked the time tested walk, talked the best practiced talk, but can Narendra Modi turn it around? The very question might look out of place when it comes to Gujarat, but the answer may well put things in perspective.
The winter of 2017 is not the same as the winter of 2002. The winds are noticeably stronger and colder for the BJP. On his first whirlwind campaign tour on Monday, the first after elections were announced in Gujarat, Modi played the victim as well as the saviour but the crowds were not swaying to his beat unlike in 2002.
This reporter heard a conversation between people walking out of a Modi rally on Dhari Chalala Road in Amreli district: "When a prime minister comes, there should not be an inch to breathe. Here more than half of the ground was empty."
Amreli district is a Patidar-dominated region and also has severe distress among cotton and groundnut farmers.
This rally, by no standards, was a one-off situation though it was the worst among the four that Modi addressed on Monday. Looking at the region he is visiting Wednesday, the numbers are likely to be the same or only a little better.
In 2002, Modi set out on his Gujarat Gaurav Yatra in the backdrop of serious allegations of state-sponsored communal violence after the Godhra train attack where he played the same victim- hood card converting all criticism against him and his government as an insult to the Gujarati pride. And it worked. Similarly, the condemnation of state-sponsored violence established him as a veritable Hindu Hriday Samrat who had taught the Muslims a lesson.
It is also a key element of the BJP's campaign this time, reminding people that the days of riots and curfew are things of the past, ever since Modi came on the scene. Any reminder that riots don't happen because the BJP no longer needs them helps, with the implied message that the Muslims or the Congress incite riots first.
Modi is applying the same Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde formula where he alternates between being a son-of-the-soil victim and a saviour. "I will sell tea, I"ll never sell the nation" he says while reminding the people that the Congress always disliked Gujarat and Gujaratis, beginning with Sardar Patel, to underscore the hurt Gujarati pride and in the same breath plays the saviour with the this-is-Modi roar ("aa Modi chhey").
But there is only one problem. The crowds who fell over one another in circa 2002 to see him, are not very enthused this time round.
Severe farmer distress, twin blows of GST and demonetisation, visible unemployment, Patidar, Dalit-disaffection and difficult-to-handle OBCs are making the BJP sweat this winter.
From the evidence of Monday, it seems like this time the rhetoric might not be enough to sweep these issues under the carpet.
On Wednesday, Modi begins his second leg with Morbi, which is the hub of the ceramic industry adversely hit by GST and demonetisation given that it is largely a small-scale sector. In the same region between Morbi and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani's home town Rajkot are the automobile parts and engineering goods units, largest in Gujarat, also in the SSI and medium scale sector. They are also still reeling under duel reform impact.
This is also the region where the Patidar movement of Hardik Patel has had a visible impact especially in the rural and semi-urban areas. By design or by default, the Patidar youngster will hold a rally in Rajkot on Wednesday.
Narendra Modi, and so Gujarat BJP, sure have a challenge of sorts. The winter of 2017 is not a cakewalk like 2002, but a sweaty walkathon.
New Delhi: Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday hit out at the prime minister and said the elections were not about "Modi, the individual" but the promised "achhe din" that had not arrived even after 42 months.
In a series of posts on Twitter, the former finance minister also asked if Modi had forgotten he was prime minister.
"Mr Modi's campaign is about himself, his past and the alleged disdain of Gujarat and Gujaratis. Has he forgotten he is Prime Minister of India?
"The Gujarat election is not about Mr Modi, the individual. It is about the promised achhe din that has not come in 42 months," he tweeted.
Mr Modi's campaign is about himself, his past and the alleged disdain of Gujarat and Gujaratis. Has he forgotten he is Prime Minister of India? P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 28, 2017
Continuing his attack, Chidambaram said the prime minister does not talk about issues like joblessness, lack of investment, collapse of SMEs, stagnant exports and price rise because he has no answers to the "hard reality".
According to him, Modi had forgotten that Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian and the son of Gujarat.
"Gandhiji was, and is, revered as Father of the Nation; and Gandhiji's chosen instrument to lead the freedom struggle was the Congress party," Chidambaram asserted.
Mr Modi has forgotten that Gandhiji was an Indian and son of Gujarat; Gandhiji was, and is, revered as Father of the Nation; and Gandhiji's chosen instrument to lead the freedom struggle was the Congress party. P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) November 28, 2017
The prime minister and the BJP, he added, may now "desperately embrace" Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, "but the redoubtable Sardar had rejected the BJP's parent RSS and its divisive ideology".
Launching a fierce attack against the Congress, Modi said in Gujarat on Monday that the Opposition party was "disconnected from the aspirations of people of India and involved only in misleading people and creating an atmosphere of pessimism".
Pitching the elections as a contest between trust on development and dynastic politics, he said Congress had never liked Gujarat and liked to see it lag behind others.
"Gujarat is my Atma, Bharat is my Parmatma. This land of Gujarat has cared for me, Gujarat has given me strength," he said.
He addressed four rallies in the state, which goes to the polls on 9 and 14 December.
Patna: Acrimonious exchanges were on Tuesday witnessed inside the Bihar Legislative Assembly between Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav over the issues of corruption under the present regime and benami property allegedly amassed by the latter.
As soon as Speaker Vijay Kumar Choudhary rejected a notice for adjournment motion on various scams served by Opposition members, Tejashwi stood up and said "this is a very important matter. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was earlier known for good governance, is now regarded as 'Bhishma Pitamah' of corruption".
"Not a day passes when people in Bihar do not open newspapers or switch on TV expecting news of a new scam", Tejashwi, younger son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, alleged.
Sushil Modi reacted angrily to this, saying that Yadav should "tell the house about benami property worth about Rs 1,000 crore amassed by him into which CBI was inquiring. At the age of 28, he has become owner of so many properties".
Tejashwi retorted, "at times I am told that I am a child (a reference to a recent remark by the chief minister ) and at the same time I am also accused of corrupt deals".
"I was the deputy chief minister for a considerable period of time. I want to know whether I was guilty of any corrupt deal during the period. On the other hand, the name of the chief minister has figured in a murder case and even a fine has been slapped on him by a court in that connection," Tejashwi alleged.
Sushil Modi sarcastically replied that had he (Tejashwi) explained his position earlier, he would have been sitting even now on the deputy chief minister's chair".
The senior BJP leader was referring to collapse of Grand Alliance comprising JD(U), RJD and Congress over the issue of graft charge on Yadav.
Earlier, proceedings of the House commenced in a surcharged atmosphere with some CPI(ML) MLAs carrying placards and shouting slogans demanding a stop on violence against dalits. This evoked angry outbursts from the ruling side.
Later, RJD member Abdul Bari Siddiqui told the Chair that "members of the ruling side are behaving in a manner in which the Opposition has been known to behave".
State minister Nand Kishore Yadav reacted angrily saying the ruling side "will not allow the Opposition to manipulate the proceedings in an arbitrary manner".
Later, as members were dispersing after the Speaker announcement adjournment of the House before lunch, Bhai Virendra of the RJD and Virendra Singh of the JD(U) nearly came to blows inside the house over allegations and counter allegations in the trade of sand and stone chips.
Bhai Virendra was heard saying: "I only said that people from the ruling side are known to have mafia-like interest in sand and stone chips trade, but to this Virendra Singh reacted in an abusive manner".
As angry exchanges continued between them, some members tried to pacify the two MLAs.
Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav later told reporters "our party has lodged a complaint against the use of abusive language by the JD(U) MLA and the Speaker has promised that he will look into it".
He also alleged that Sushil Modi has "tutored his MLAs to provoke us to resort to violence so that they could later defame us before the media".
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday heaped praise on President Ram Nath Kovind for maintaining a low profile while serving in the highest office in the country, saying that the post is above all politics.
"The president's post is the highest post in the country. It is above all politics. Everyone in the country respects this position. And our President is such a person who always maintains a low profile," she said during a civic reception in Kolkata on the occasion of Kovind's maiden visit to the state after taking over as president.
"I did not know earlier that he has served as a member of Rajya Sabha for a long time. When I worked as a Lok Sabha member, he used work as a Rajya Sabha Member. We did not realise that we have worked together because he always maintained such a low profile," Banerjee said.
During the event, Kovind also expressed his gratitude to Bengal for the "warm welcome" and thanked the chief minister for gifting him one of her own paintings.
Congratulating Kovind for his ascendancy to the "number one position in the country", the Trinamool Congress supremo appealed to the president to stay the way he is, so that his cordial relationship with the commoners remains the same.
"Sir, I wish you stay this simple, I wish you keep maintaining such low profile while working in the number one position in the country. I hope you stay like this so that your relation with the commoners stay the same and brings you success," Banerjee added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fond of recollecting his tea-seller days and, often, employs it to his advantage to make emotional appeals in his political rallies. Ever since Modi rose to the national scene in the summer of 2014, the tea-seller tag has been deployed, repeatedly, by him to defend, attack or re-connect with his voters, depending on what the situation demands.
After three-and-a-half years in power at the Centre, Modi has proved himself as a leader who can act; someone who can take bold, politically risky steps. There are political analysts who would call him as the most powerful prime minister in India's history after Indira Gandhi. Modi is no longer that old tea-seller, but a powerful politician and the head of the world's largest democracy.
But, every time Modi flashes his tea seller tag, it works wonders for him without fail. It did the job during the 2014 General Elections and in every major state-election that followed. This time again, the Congress handed over an opportunity to Modi to revive the magic of the tea-seller tag when its Youth Congress magazine Yuva Desh, tweeted out a meme mocking Modi.
The meme, which was subsequently deleted after a social media backlash, showed Modi with United States president Donald Trump and British prime minister Theresa May, whereby he mispronounces the word 'meme', leading to Trump correcting his pronunciation and May suggesting that Modi should stick to selling tea.
Modi didn't miss the political opportunity. In Gujarat on Monday, he said that the Congress party is ridiculing him citing his humble beginnings. Some high drama filled remarks followed, such as Modi saying that while he did indeed sell tea, the Congress party had sold the nation.
Further, Modi went on to play the 'son of the soil' card. "I have come here as your son. You (people) have brought me up like a son. And how dare you (Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi) come to Gujarat and abuse her son?" Modi had said.
Clearly, Modi was given yet another opportunity by Gandhi and team to make an emotional connect with the people of Gujarat, which is likely to cost the Congress party dearly a big mistake to do in the rival's home state.
And as far as political statures go, Modi is far ahead of his principal opponent, Rahul. Except for his lineage and recently acquired political charm on social media, Gandhi doesn't have much to show on his political scorecard, yet. His stewardship hasn't won any major elections for his party, nor has he done anything radically different as a political leader in the Opposition.
Gandhi, who has launched endless attacks against Modi on the latter's economic policies, such as demonetisation and the flawed implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), doesn't even have a good economic plan to counter Modi except for the verbal battles and constant chanting about the poor being ignored.
Modi, on the other hand, is an achiever. Someone who rose to the highest echelons of power from humble beginnings, first to the office of Gujarat chief minister and later to that of prime minister.
No one disputes Modi's administrative skills and political will to bring about change. Each time critics predicted the imminence of his invincible status, Modi proved them wrong in his own style. The big outcome in this year's Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections serves as a fine example.
By making fun of his origins, Congress was actually helping Modi. Like this writer had said in an earlier Firstpost column, Gujarat takes immense pride in Modi's rise to power from poverty; his clean image and ability as an efficient administrator, making him an invincible challenger to the Congress. In Gujarat as well, Modi might just pull off another major win, decimating his fractured rivals. If that happens, the 'tea-seller' tag can surely claim a part in that victory.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address four rallies on November 29 in different parts of south Gujarat, where polling for the first phase of Assembly polls will be held on 9 December.
On the morning of 29 November, Modi will address people in Morbi district, which was one of the worst affected districts in the floods that ravaged the state of Gujarat earlier this year. The seat has been held by BJP since 1995 and the party has chosen to field its sitting MLA Kantibhai Amrutiya against Congress' Brijesh A Merja.
Later, the prime minister will address rallies in Prachi town in Junagadh district, Palitana in Bhavnagar district, and Navsari town in Surat district.
Navsari is considered a BJP bastion as the party has retained the seat since 1990. However, this time around, Rahul Gandhi pulled a considerable crowd at his rally in the town.
The BJP also faced some friction as BJP workers took out a huge rally in Navsari demanding that party leadership announce a new face the constituency, The Times of India reported. The party has, however, chosen to field the sitting MLA Piyush Desai.
"Each rally has been organised in such a way that people from five to six surrounding constituencies can also attend it," Gujarat BJP in-charge Bhupender Yadav Yadav told PTI.
The polling for the two-phase elections in the state, having total 182 Assembly seats, will take place on 9 and 14 December and votes will be counted on 18 December.
While 89 seats of Saurashtra and South Gujarat region will go to polls in the first phase, the election in the remaining 93 constituencies in central and northern regions will be held in the second phase.
Modi, who started his high voltage campaign with rallies in Bhuj in Kutch district, Jasdan in Rajkot, Chalala in Amreli and Kadodara near Surat on 27 November, took on the Opposition Congress on issues related to China, Lashkar-e-Taiba's Hafiz Saeed, the surgical strike as well as corruption.
With inputs from PTI
Click here for detailed coverage of Gujarat Assembly Election 2017
Patna: Taking a dig at RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav over his outburst following downgrading of his security cover, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar said on Tuesday it is the characteristic of a "brave personality" to impress people with the help of hundreds of security personnel.
"Despite the Z-plus security and Special Security Group cover provided by the state government, having hundreds of securitymen from the NSG and CRPF to impress people is the characteristic of a brave personality," Kumar said in a sarcastic tweet in Hindi.
The chief minister's comment came a day after Lalu Prasad accused the Modi government of hatching a "conspiracy" to frighten him so that he gives up his "relentless fight for preserving communal harmony and social justice".
His two sons were more livid.
The RJD boss' elder son Tej Pratap Yadav, a sitting MLA and former minister, went to the extent of threatening to "skin" the prime minister if something unfortunate were to happen to his father following the security downgrade.
Reacting to Nitish's tweet, Lalu's younger son and leader of the opposition in the state Assembly Tejashwi Yadav said on Tuesday that even people of little consequence who were close to the ruling establishment were provided security by the government.
"Lalu ji had not obtained the security for himself. It is the prerogative of the Centre and the state to decide whom to provide with what type of security cover. Does a person not have even the right to question such a sudden change in decision?" he told reporters.
"If I am asked whether Lalu ji faces any threat to his life, the answer would definitely be, yes. Therefore, Lalu ji was right in saying that if something unfortunate happens to him the Nitish Kumar government in the state and the Modi government at the Centre shall be jointly responsible," he said.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will be addressing campaign rallies in Gujarat on Wednesday and Thursday (29-30 November) to address election rallies, his sixth visit to the state since the Assembly elections dates were announced on 24 October.
The first leg of Rahul's two-day campaign will begin on 29 November, where he will visit the Gir, Somnath, Junagadh and Amreli.
He will land at Diu airport around 12:30 pm and will travel to Somnath via a chopper. He will attend two meetings at Somnath and Talala, following which he will have a roadshow and a corner meeting at Visavadar city in Junagadh. Rahul is also slated to visit the Somnath temple. In the past, as Firstpost reported, Rahul's visit to temples, which have been seen as a soft Hindutva pitch, was ineffective on the voters.
Rahul is also expected to visit Visavadar and Dhari. After a corner meeting in Savarkundla, Rahul will conclude the first day of campaigning with a public meeting in Amreli. On Wednesday, the Congress vice-president and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be simultaneously campaigning for the upcoming Assembly election in the state. Modi will be in South Gujarat.
On the second day of campaigning, Rahul will commence his rallies with a public meeting in Lathi. He is also expected to visit the cities of Dhasa, Gadhada, Barvala and Vallabhipur. Rahul will have another public meeting Botad and he will complete his campaign with a sabha in Nari Chokdi in Bhavnagar.
In his past rallies on 24 and 25 November, Rahul had trained guns at the Modi-led government over the Rafale fighter aircraft deal, demonetisation and alleged corruption charges against BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay Shah.
Rahul will be on the two-day tour of poll-bound Gujarat to lead his party's election campaign ahead of the first phase of polling for 89 seats next month.
Polling for the two-phase elections in the state, which has a total of 182 seats, will take place on 9 and 14 December. The votes for Gujarat Assembly elections will be counted on 18 December. Eighty-nine seats of Saurashtra and south Gujarat region are going to polls in the first phase, while the remaining 93 seats in the central and northern region would vote in the second phase.
With inputs from agencies
Click here for detailed coverage of Gujarat Assembly Election 2017
Patna: Union minister and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) chief Ram Vilas Paswan on Tuesday said "power to the poor" was the motto of the NDA government at the Centre, which enjoyed an unblemished record even after being in power for more than three years.
"Three-and-a-half years have passed since the formation of the Narendra Modi government. Not a single corruption scandal has emerged. Nobody has come forward with complaints of irregularities of even a single paisa," he told the LJP workers on the party's foundation day.
"The Modi government works with the aim of providing power to the poor. This approach is reflected in all the centrally-sponsored schemes as well as the bold steps such as the note ban, which deprived those in possession of black money of their ill-gotten wealth at one go," Paswan said.
The LJP is an ally of the BJP in the NDA coalition at the Centre as well in Bihar.
"The GST (Goods and Services Tax) is yet another important step, which has brought about a uniform tax regime across the country. The prime minister's style of functioning has led to a huge improvement in the country's image across the world," the Union minister for consumer affairs, food and public distribution said.
Paswan also came down heavily on Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Lalu Prasad, saying, "He is making a big fuss over the downgrading of his security cover. I never complained when my security was scaled down."
The RJD chief's security cover was downgraded from the "Z+" to "Z" category by the Centre on Monday.
Claiming that Prasad would "learn his lessons" in the next election, Paswan said, "He has forgotten that he tasted power after 2015 because he then used to enjoy the support of Nitish Kumar, who is known for good governance. The RJD supremo should remember that in the last Lok Sabha polls (2014), he could not even ensure the victory of his wife Rabri Devi and daughter Misa Bharti."
Stating that the people of the country were no longer ready to tolerate corrupt leaders, the LJP chief said, "Our party has been a part of the ruling dispensation so many times. Yet, nobody has ever levelled any allegation of corruption against us."
Besides Paswan, the LJP's foundation day celebrations were attended by the party's parliamentary board chairman, Chirag Paswan, MP Ramchandra Paswan and Bihar minister Pashupati Kumar Paras among others.
Despite rumours that BJP may field former chief minister Narayan Rane for the Legislative Council bypoll slated for 7 December, the saffron party on Monday announced its Maharashtra unit vice-president Prasad Lad as its candidate.
Soon after his candidature was announced, Lad, who joined BJP last year, filed his nomination papers at Vidhan Bhawan.
The bypoll is being held for the seat vacated by Rane who quit Congress in September. On 1 October, Rane had formed a new political party called Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha, saying he would support the BJP-led NDA.
The candidature of Lad, said to be close to Fadnavis, has come as a disappointment for some in the BJP who felt the party's state unit chief spokesperson Madhav Bhandari deserved the Council bypoll nomination.
Lad is a former NCP leader who had defected to the BJP last year. The businessmn-turned-politician is said to have wide-ranging contacts and has deep pockets, according to DNA.
In December 2015, Lad had contested as an independent to the state council and lost to Congress nominee Bhai Jagtap.
On the other hand, Congress has fielded former legislator from Solapur Dilip Mane to take on Lad.
The winner will need votes of at least 145 MLAs in the 288-member Lower House.
In the Assembly, the BJP has 122 members, followed by Shiv Sena (63), Congress (42), and NCP (41).
Though the Congress-NCP alliance is behind the ruling combine in the Assembly in terms of number of members, MPCC chief Ashok Chavan had told reporters that Mane will emerge victorious due to an 'invisible arrow'. The bow and arrow is the symbol of Shiv Sena.
"Sena is unhappy over issues like farmers loan waiver. It recently repeated its threat to pull out of the government. Going by the political situation, the 'invisible arrow' will help Congress win the poll," Chavan had said.
With inputs from PTI
Kolkata: The West Bengal assembly on Monday passed the Biswa Bangla Biswabidyalay Bill amidst protests by the Left Front and Congress MLAs opposing the title of the legislation.
The Bill was tabled by Education minister Partha Chatterjee who in his reply said that it was surprising to see the Opposition Left Front and Congress members objecting to the use of the word Biswa Bangla.
The LF and Congress members wanted the Bill to be referred to the select committee which was declined by the Speaker Biman Banerjee.
Chatterjee said the Biswa Bangla name got nothing to do with the `Biswa Bangla' logo.
He said that now they are opposing the words Biswa Bangla, later they might oppose the usage of 'Biswa' or 'Bangla'.
The minister said the state was having now 20 state-run and nine private universities.
The government was also contemplating to set up a university in the name of Sister Nivedita to commemorate 150 years of her birth.
Banerjee said that the logo 'Biswa Bangla' in the Bill is unrelated to the logo in the same name and the rule of sub-judice did not apply here.
The legislators were supreme and sovereign and they are unfettered even when the subject matter was under sub-judice.
The proposed university would be located at Bolpur in Santiniketan.
Anirudh Regidi
Naysayers and doomsday heralds arent in short supply in this world and are largely ignored by the saner populace. Unfortunately, when one of the said heralds turns out to be of the likes of Tony Stark-esque Elon Musk, its in our best interest to at least pay attention.
Musk has been vocal about his fear of artificial intelligence (AI), stating in no uncertain terms that AI is humanitys biggest existential threat. He uses every opportunity that comes his way to decry the state of AI policy and call for regulation of this threat.
Only recently, a passing comment on a video of Boston Dynamics back-flipping robot sparked yet again a debate on Musks views and rogue (or benevolent) future AI. At last count, his tweet had received 245,500 likes, 80,800 retweets and over 5,300 comments, with many coming out in support of Musk and his views.
This is nothing. In a few years, that bot will move so fast youll need a strobe light to see it. Sweet dreams https://t.co/0MYNixQXMw Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 26, 2017
But what really is Musks stand towards AI? Why is this man, who clearly is skeptical about AI, investing so heavily in the development of AI? Why is he excited when an AI funded by him defeats the best human players in DOTA 2? More importantly, how do you trust this mans word when AI is increasingly becoming the cornerstone of his business? Is he just a hypocrite who is, as some seem to think, using fear to better his ends?
How irrational is Elon Musks fear of AI?
Without understanding Musks perspective on AI, its easy to see why such questions are relevant. In truth, Musks stance on AI stems from his perception of the dangers that unregulated AI development can pose. Whether you agree with his views or not, he makes some compelling points.
Musks investments in DeepMind now owned by Google and in OpenAI an open-source AI research initiative, were not made for purely scientific and research purposes. As Musk explains in an interview with Vanity Fair, the investment in DeepMind was for keeping an eye on the state of AI development. The investment in OpenAI is for an even more noble cause, which well explain in more detail when you have more context for it.
AI is inevitable
When it comes to super AI, its advent is inevitable, the question is only about when itll arrive.
Musk believes that companies like Google, which are investing heavily in AI, might have the best intentions, but that scientists will be so engrossed in their work that they wont realise what theyre creating.
To prevent such an eventuality, Musk has called for regulation of AI. Public risks require public oversight, he says.
Got to regulate AI/robotics like we do food, drugs, aircraft & cars. Public risks require public oversight. Getting rid of the FAA wdnt make flying safer. Theyre there for good reason.https://t.co/6OXZC3UdMW Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 26, 2017
People like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg have rubbished Musks claims. Zuckerberg goes so far as to label them as hysterical and argues that AI is in too nascent a stage of development to merit regulation and oversight. Musk argues that AI is developing at too rapid a rate for such regulation to be ignored. If one can argue that Musk is just "buffing his brand", one can also argue that Zuckerberg's secret plans of world domination will be hampered by AI regulation.
Another notable tech figure whos worried about AI is Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates. Gates is worried about what the advent of AI means for humanity, but isnt as worried about regulation as Musk. When The Wall Street Journal asked Gates about Musks views, Gates said, The so-called control problem that Elon is worried about isnt something that people should feel is imminent.
AI is powerful
AI is a powerful tool. Our current implementations of AI arent particularly intelligent. AI today is really good at improving the efficiency of repetitive tasks and working within a set of predefined rules.
The AI that defeated the worlds best Go player or the OpenAI project that trounced DOTA 2s best players in a controlled environment are big achievements, yes, but AlphaGo can't play any other game and that DOTA bot can't even play the full game. Other AI like Google Assistant, Siri and Alexa are also quite primitive, incapable of holding conversations are doing anything beyond the simplest of tasks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U4-wvhgx0w
These are just examples of AI that we can see. Those complicated ad-engines that practically print money for Facebook and Google are using AI, AI is helping scientists discover new proteins, AI is helping engineers come up with better designs, AI is heralding the self-driving car revolution, etc.
AI is useful and not very intelligent, but that still doesnt mean that the AI of today cant be dangerous. Right now, Google and Facebook, both leaders in AI tech, appear to be using AI for noble causes and the slightly less noble pursuit of padding the respective companys bottom lines. AI is filtering out harmful content from search results, targeting advertisements, helping to translate languages and more.
However, this very same AI can be used to wreak havoc and destroy the world as we know it. Take the US elections, for instance, where state-sponsored Russian trolls allegedly rigged the elections with a targeted ad campaign. Now imagine if Facebook decided to do the same thing or Google. With their vast resources and absolute control over their domain, these companies have the power to do this and all itll take will be a modification to the algorithm that powers said AI. In other words, Google and Facebook can use AI to sway the opinion of the masses, and we wouldnt even know about it.
Its not just malicious intent, however. Take the example of Tay, Microsofts short-lived AI experiment. The chatbot started out as an innocent enough project wherein it was to learn through interaction with the internet. Within hours, Tay was spouting racist, anti-semitic comments. Who is to say that we won't condition even the most innocent of self-learning AI to evil?
In an earlier interview, Intels Artificial Intelligence Product Group (AIPG) head Amir Khosrowshahi told us, The problems that are of immediate concern and are difficult to address are building AI models which have an inherent bias in them. If you are trying to build a model to solve a problem then you need to ensure that your data set is vast, to avoid any inset of bias, as that could lead to some bad things.
And when youre talking about large data sets, the problem of privacy comes in, which is another matter altogether.
Again, the problem, in Musk's view, is that AI is being developed in isolation, with no regulation and no oversight.
Embracing AI
In Musks mind, the future of humanity is a brain-computer interface that will keep us permanently connected to the cloud. In his Vanity Fair interview, Musk explains that were already partway there, that our phones are already an extension of ourselves. The only shortcoming on that front is that voice and text input is very slow.
Zuckerberg has a different opinion entirely. He wants everyone to choose hope over fear and that AI is not as big a threat as disease or violence or fear. Popular culture is quick to paint AI as sentient, human-hating entities that will decide to wipe out humanity the moment they become self-aware. One need only mention Terminator for our minds to fill up with images of unstoppable, implacable, red-eyed killing machines systematically wiping out the last dregs of humanity. But then again, there are those rare works, such as Arthur C Clarkes A Time Odyssey, Small Wonder or even Star Wars that show another possible side to AI.
The Singularity
AI need not be evil, and Musk is not saying that it is evil. All he seems to be asking for is regulation and policy that ensures over the creation and use of AI technology and on its development. In fact, he doesnt even talk about malicious AI. What if AI just gets so incontrovertibly advanced that humans are irrelevant, maybe not even playthings? How much thought do you give to that army of ants industriously tunnelling through the walls of your home?
At a Vox Media Code Conference, Musk claimed that AI will be so much more intelligent than us that Robots will use humans as pets once they achieve a subset of artificial intelligence known as superintelligence.
AI today is created by a technique called machine learning. Algorithms learn from large datasets. Oversimplifying the process, these algorithms are designed to analyse data and identify patterns. They then use these patterns to perform tasks. Suppose you want to train an image recognition AI to identify cats in photos. You give the algorithm a large collection of photos, some with cats and some without. Usually, images with cats will be flagged as such, and the algorithm identifies cat patterns in these images. It will note things like the shape of the animal, its eyes, the shape of the ears, etc. The algorithm can then look for these parameters in unlabelled images and determine if theres a cat in them or not. A training regime with these images will improve the algorithm to the point that it becomes "intelligent" enough to recognise a cat in almost any image.
The more the data and the longer the training period, the better the AI.
In learning to play a game like Go, for example, DeepMind engineers designed an algorithm to learn from playing and watching games of Go. Once the algorithm learned to play Go, it spent endless hours of virtual time playing Go against itself and other players and improving to the point where it could defeat any human Go player in existence. Googles Waymo self-driving car project employs the same technique, but these vehicles drive on virtual roads.
The point were trying to make here is that these algorithms (which eventually become AI) reached a point where human input was unnecessary. The speed of learning increased exponentially. In fact, the goal of AI creators is to create even more efficient algorithms that learn even faster, even more efficiently, and by themselves. The ultimate self-learning algorithm.
With such a process, well eventually reach a technological singularity, an event where a super-intelligent AI will enter a runaway reaction of self-improvement cycles. An intelligence explosion, if you will. At this point, this super-intelligence will outstrip human intelligence and usher in an era of technological change unlike any other.
Musk has clearly accepted the fact that AI is inevitable, as is the singularity, but he also believes, and rightly so, that the power of AI, in the wrong hands, can wreak havoc on the world. Rather than concentrate that power into the hands of a few corporations and governments, maybe he seems to think that the best way to fight this is to create a super AI first and then hand it over to everyone. His investment in OpenAI will further that goal.
Musk does not fear the robot, he fears the unregulated algorithm. The Terminators did not destroy humanity, Skynet did.
Whatever else we may think of Musk, his plans and his fears, this is a man who knows more about AI than the average human being and his argument for AI regulation makes a lot of sense. It would do us well to at least heed his warnings.
PTI
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Ajit Pai has come under a blistering attack from several Indian-American lawmakers for his proposal to repeal the Obama-era net neutrality policy.
Pai is facing backlash for his proposal which seeks to reverse Obama-era net neutrality, which meant that all websites are treated equally by Internet providers.
Pais proposal would end that net neutrality and give big Internet providers like Comcast and Verizon broad powers to determine what website should reach out to subscribers faster than others.
The controversial proposal triggered a war of words between Pai (44) and first-term Indian-American Congressman from Silicon Valley Ro Khanna.
Khanna in a tweet said, "We need stronger net neutrality laws that ban most forms of zero rating instead of weakening these laws!", as he retweeted an article from the Los Angeles Times according to which "in Portugal, with no net neutrality, Internet providers are starting to split the net into packages".
He said The FCC is giving major corporations "even more control over the media, paving the way for megamergers like Sinclair-Tribune".
"We have to fight for less consolidation to save our democracy," he added.
Pai reacted sharply, saying that Khanna was making a false accusation.
"In addition to making the false assertion that Portugal has no net neutrality, Congressman Khanna is pointing to an example that has nothing to do with net neutrality," he said.
Senator Kamala Harris said more than 7,00,000 Californians and more than 8 million Americans have already submitted comments in response to the FCCs "misguided" proposal.
"Our message has been clear: broadband providers must not be allowed to tilt the playing field by blocking or throttling their competitors, prioritising their offerings, or otherwise unreasonably interfering with lawful content," she said.
The FCC, Harris alleged, wants to do is empower broadband service providers the gatekeepers of the Internet to potentially distort the online marketplace and set up a pay- for-play system.
"This would be a terrible mistake that would hurt the most vulnerable and voiceless among us. It will imperil our economy while reducing innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity," she said in an email to her supporters.
Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker, alleged that Pai and the FCC were rewarding "pay-to-play politics", ensuring that those with money have a seat at the table and shutting out everyone else.
"Net neutrality protections ensure that the Internet remains open, fair, and equal for everyone. By dismantling these protections, we turn our backs on the most fundamental First Amendment rights of our students, entrepreneurs, innovators, small businesses, and working families, and all who rely on an open Internet to level the playing field of opportunity," she said.
"The FCC must fulfill their responsibility to all Americans, not just big Internet Service Providers (ISPs)," Gabbard said.
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said with dismantling of net neutrality rules, the competition among new streaming services and content providers will be severely damaged.
"If these rules are repealed, your ISP will be able to charge you more to access certain content. Those with more money will get faster Internet service, or be able to access more of the Internet.
Competition among new streaming services and content providers will be severely damaged. And we, the consumers, will pay for it," she said.
Jayapal said, "The large corporations will have a freehand to charge discriminatory rates to benefit themselves, and limit the free speech and access of their consumers."
Pais proposal to dismantle net neutrality is scheduled to come out to vote before the FCC on 14 December.
This is expected to pass as the Republicans have five votes as against three from the Democratic Party.
Reuters
US prosecutors have charged three Chinese nationals affiliated with a cybersecurity company in China with hacking into Siemens AG, Trimble Inc and Moodys Analytics to steal business secrets.
An indictment unsealed on Monday in federal court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, charged the three with launching coordinated and unauthorized cyber attacks between 2011 and 2017.
The defendants were identified as Wu Yingzhuo, Dong Hao and Xia Lei. The indictment said they were owners, employees and associates of Guangzhou Bo Yu Information Technology Company Ltd, a firm located in Guangzhou, in southern China, that offers cybersecurity services.
Two US government officials told Reuters that Guangzhou Bo Yu, also known as Boyusec, is affiliated with Chinas Peoples Liberation Army Unit 61398 and that most if not all its hacking operations are state-sponsored and directed.
US prosecutors in Pittsburgh in May 2014 indicted five officers from the secretive unit 61398 with hacking into US nuclear, metal and solar firms to steal trade secrets. The indictments prompted warnings from Beijing that it would retaliate if Washington followed through with the charges.
The acting US attorney for Western Pennsylvania, Soo C. Song, said arrest warrants had been issued for the three men, but the case was not being prosecuted as state-sponsored hacking.
It is not an element or subject of this indictment that there is state sponsorship, Song said. However, the Justice Departments National Security Division participated in the case, according to the indictment.
The hackers monitored email correspondence of an unidentified Moodys economist; stole data from transportation, technology and energy units at Siemens; and targeted Trimble as it developed a new and more precise global navigation satellite system, the indictment said.
Siemens, based in Munich, Germany, is a technology company with interests in electrification, automation and digitalization. Trimble, based in Sunnyvale, California, provides technology for a range of industries.
Moodys Analytics, part of New York-based Moodys Corp, provides products and services for financial analysis and risk management.
VALUABLE INTELLIGENCE
Trimbles advances in geolocation and Siemens work in guidance and navigation are of interest to the Chinese for internal security and military purposes, as well as commercial, ones, according to one of the officials, who declined to be named because some details of the case remain classified.
Gleaning precise locations from mobile phones and other devices is valuable to the Ministry of State Security for monitoring dissidents as well as foreigners, the official said. Overseas, it can be valuable to keep track of where your own people are going, as well as keeping track of foreigners movements, whether theyre government or commercial.
The official said that data collected by Moodys could be used to help identify businesses and people that might be vulnerable to commercial or government exploitation, blackmail or bribery.
Representatives for the three defendants and the Chinese company could not immediately be identified to seek comment on the charges.
The indictment was filed in September, and the Chinese government has been aware of it, prosecutors said.
In 2015, then-US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached an agreement prohibiting both countries from stealing intellectual property for the benefit of domestic firms. The US officials said classified intelligence indicates that Chinese hackers recently have begun violating the deal more frequently.
The hacking group described in the indictment has been active since 2007, said Adam Meyers, a researcher with cyber firm CrowdStrike.
The group, known to some cyber researchers as Gothic Panda, was active as of September, Meyers said. It has targeted aerospace and defence, chemical, energy, financial, healthcare, industrial and transportation firms in Britain, France, Hong Kong, the United States and other western nations, he said.
Trimble said no client data was breached in the hack.
Trimble responded to the incident and concluded that there is no meaningful impact on its business, the company said in a statement.
A Siemens representative declined comment on the details of the hack, saying the company does not discuss internal security matters.
A Moodys spokesman said the firm worked closely with investigators, and to our knowledge, no confidential customer data or other personal employee information was compromised.
tech2 News Staff
The three-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) has come to India for the first time and is set to begin in Hyderabad today. The summit, which is set to unite as many as 1,500 emerging entrepreneurs and supporters from more than 150 countries will also feature the India-built robot called Mitra.
But what exactly will a robot do at an entrepreneurship summit? According to a report by the Times of India, Mitra will use its ability to converse to speak to the Prime Minister and Ivanka Trump while the two are on the dais. "They can then press a button which will prompt Mitra to sing that the summit has been declared open," adds Balaji Viswanathan, part of the 14-member team that created Mitra.
According to the report, Vishwananthan and his team will deploy two robots at the venue. One will take care of conversing with the dignitaries and another will communicate with the crowd at the International Convention Centre in Hyderabad.
Mitra, who has had a limited life in terms of development so far, is a product of hours of effort put in by Bengaluru-based robotics startup Invento. Vishwanathan, the CEO and founder of the company told ToI that Mitra is trained to process over 1,000-1,500 phrases, which will be on display outside the main arena.
Based on an earlier report by India Today, we learn that Mitra is about five-feet tall and comprises of software which has been completely designed in India. "The software is all from India, which is around 80 percent, but the hardware had to be good enough so we turned to China," Vishwanathan tells the publication.
The company is also looking to market this robot in China.
IANS
India plans to have at least one rocket launch every month in 2018 from its spaceport at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh to deploy satellites in orbit, said a top space official on Tuesday.
"We are planning to have at least one launch mission a month in 2018 to deploy satellites in the earth's orbit for various applications," said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar.
"For 2018-19 and 2019-20 financial years, we are looking to receive increased budgets from the country in view of the missions," he told media on the sidelines of the inauguration of a Gallery on Space Technology at the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum here.
ISRO was given a budget of about Rs 9,000 crore for 2017-18.
The first of the missions ahead is likely to be the launch of Cartosat-2E remote-sensing spacecraft along with 28 nano and micro-satellites in early January if delayed from December end.
On Chandrayan-2 mission, Kiran Kumar said the work on realising the satellite was in full swing. The launch is likely to take place by the first quarter of 2018.
Meanwhile, the state-run ISRO is also expected to fly 600 kg spacecraft designed by TeamIndus on its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) before March 31, 2018, for the city-based firm to win the Google Lunar XPRIZE.
"There are still a lot of discussions that are going on with TeamIndus regarding the launch," the ISRO chief said.
TeamIndus is the only Indian team among the five finalists competing for the $30Amillion Google Lunar XPRIZE, a competition is meant to challenge and inspire engineers and entrepreneurs from around the world to develop low-cost methods of robotic space exploration.
Adressing a gathering of students at the opening of the space technology gallery, Kiran Kumar said: "You're at the prime moment where India as a country is surging ahead. India has got every potential to be the number one in the world, for which each of you must put in your best efforts."
Astrosat, the country's first space observatory, was one of the the best satellites in the category providing Indian scientists with access to data about the edge of the universe, he said.
"It is never too late to do anything in science and technology. We can always make a mark. When we put in our best efforts, no one can beat us," the ISRO head asserted.
Former ISRO Chairman and National Education Policy Committee Chairman K. Kasturirangan, and National Council for Science Museums Director General A.S. Manekar were also present at the event.
Reuters
Uber executives are traveling the globe to reassure regulators that the company is changing the way it does business, after a massive data breach became the latest controversy to hurt the ride-service firms reputation.
Uber Technologies Inc is also continuing talks with Japans SoftBank Group Corp (9984.T) over an investment, Brooks Entwistle, Ubers recently appointed chief business officer for Asia Pacific, told Reuters on Monday.
Uber disclosed last week that it covered up an October 2016 data breach involving 57 million customers and about 600,000 drivers. The company said it paid two hackers $100,000 to destroy the stolen data and keep the matter a secret.
The revelation, made by Ubers new Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi in a blog post, prompted governments in countries including Britain, the United States, Mexico, Australia and the Philippines to launch probes into the breach and Ubers handling of the matter.
The global backlash will test Ubers new collaborative approach to regulators, a stark change from the rule-breaking culture created by former CEO Travis Kalanick.
We have changed tacks in so many ways in dealing with regulators, dealing with governments, Entwistle said in an interview in Tokyo, where he is meeting Japanese officials and potential business partners.
Nevertheless, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Kimberly Foxx, the public prosecutor for Cook County, Illinois, said on Monday they filed a consumer fraud lawsuit against Uber for its failure to protect the data of its customers and drivers, accusing the company of violating local laws by failing to promptly disclose the breach.
We are committed to changing the way we do business, putting integrity at the core of every decision we make, and working hard to regain the trust of consumers, Uber said in a statement.
Also on Monday, fresh questions came from US lawmakers demanding an explanation for the companys handling of the breach. Republican senators John Thune, Orrin Hatch, Jerry Moran and Bill Cassidy sent a letter to Khosrowshahi seeking answers about the data theft and cover-up, which they called a serious incident that merits further scrutiny. The senators requested a response from Uber by 11 December.
Hatch chairs the Senate Committee on Finance and Thune chairs the Commerce Science and Transportation Committee.
In a separate letter sent Monday, Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat and advocate of the technology industry including the on-demand sector that includes Uber, sent a letter to Khosrowshahi with detailed questions about Ubers security systems and rationale for covering up the breach.
SOFTBANK DEAL
The disclosure of the 2016 data breach at a time when Uber is trying to bring in SoftBank as an investor has spurred speculation about the price of the deal.
SoftBank and Dragoneer Investment Group agreed on 12 November to lead a group that would invest as much as $10 billion in Uber, people familiar with the deal previously told Reuters. The group plans to directly invest $1 billion to $1.25 billion at Ubers current $69 billion valuation and also buy at a lower valuation shares held by existing investors and employees. The goal is to take a 14 percent to 17 percent stake.
Uber has plans to disclose the pricing of the SoftBank deal in formal tender offers to existing investors early this week, sources told Reuters. It will likely take a few weeks for investors to decide whether to take the offer.
The transaction is still underway and its an extraordinary validation that an investor like SoftBank would look at Uber, Entwistle said.
Uber said on Friday it had informed SoftBank about the data breach prior to informing the public. However, our information at the time was preliminary and incomplete, a spokesman said. We also made clear that our forensic investigation was ongoing.
A person familiar with the matter said SoftBank had already factored any negative impact from the breach into its negotiations with Uber and did not expect the hack to have a significant impact on price.
However, a separate source familiar with the matter said SoftBank could still use Ubers situation as leverage to secure better terms for the investment. The person said SoftBank has not yet made a final decision on whether to renegotiate.
A SoftBank spokesman declined to comment.
REGIONAL PLANS
SoftBank has become a prolific investor in ride-hailing firms across Asia, including Southeast Asias Grab, Chinas DiDi Chuxing and Indias Ola, leading to expectations it could drive consolidation in the region.
While Uber sold its business in China to DiDi last year, it remains committed to operating in the broader region for years to come, said Entwistle, who joined the company in August.
The firm has not given up on the Japanese market, which has barred non-professional drivers from offering taxi services, and is working on partnering with traditional taxi firms, he said.
Uber hopes the 2020 Tokyo Olympics could provide a venue to demonstrate the value of ride-sharing firms in a potentially lucrative market, he said.
We are innovating and in some markets that will take longer and we realize that, Entwistle said.
Reuters
Alphabets Waymo self-driving car unit asked a US judge on Monday to postpone an upcoming trade secrets trial against Uber Technologies Inc, so Waymo could investigate whether Uber withheld important evidence in the case.
The trial is currently scheduled to begin on 4 December in San Francisco federal court. Waymo said it learned of new evidence last week after the US Department of Justice shared it with the judge overseeing the case.
tech2 News Staff
Chinese smartphone maker and electronics giant Xiaomi has emerged as the top market share holder in top 50 cities in India in Q3 according to the report by IDC.
IDC released the India Monthly City-Level Smartphone Tracker for Q3 to track the percentage of smartphone sales in Q3. According to the report, Top 50 cities account for about the 50 percent smartphone sales in comparison to 23 percent in Q2.
Metro cities of India including Delhi and Mumbai amount for about 1/4th of the sale while Tier I cities continue to be the key volume driver of sales with 29 percent sequential growth. IDC stated that Jaipur, Bhopal, and Gurgaon from the Tier II cities came out as the fastest growing cities with each city observing a bump of more than 40 percent in terms of sales as compared to the previous quarter.
The report noted that the primary reason for the growth in the sales in Tier I and Tier II cities is because of the availability of affordable mobile data plans and increasing 4G penetration across the country.
Himanshu Jain, Market analyst with IDC India stated, Mega-online sale(s) by prominent e-tailers acted as a catalyst for the robust growth across city tiers with e-tailers now contributing around 40 percent of the market in top 50 cities of India.
. @IDC has just declared @XiaomiIndia as the UNDISPUTED #1 Smartphone Brand across top 50 cities in India! With an exponential growth of ~120% we are way ahead of the rest! #1SmartphoneBrandXiaomi #NoMiWithoutYou pic.twitter.com/5gZlstKrEr Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) November 28, 2017
IDC confirmed that the companies are pursuing aggressive expansion of their offline channels to ensure that they can keep up with the demand while matching the retail spends and distribution strength of players like Samsung, Vivo and Oppo. The report details the growth and decline of all the major smartphone players in the top 50 cities.
According to the report, Xiaomi grew 120 percent in Q3 with Redmi Note 4 contributing to about 40 percent of total sales for the company. Redmi Note 4 was also the highest selling model within the top 50 cities of India. IDC highlighted that Xiaomis efforts at expanding its offline reach with the help of Mi Stores and Preferred Partner programmes have helped the company grow.
Samsung slipped to the second spot despite observing 15 percent quarterly growth. The company continued to rule a number of cities because of its reach and penetration with Galaxy J2, J7 Max, J7 Prime and J7 Nxt account for about 50 percent of sales.
Lenovo maintained its third spot with 8 percent quarterly growth as New Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai accounting for 40 percent of the total sale. Moto E4, Lenovo K6 Power and K6 Note drove the majority of the sales for the company along with Motorola sub-brand. Other players like Oppo and Vivo came at fourth and fifth spot respectively. Oppo moved up as an increasing number of customers chose F3 and F3 Plus as their smartphones with recently launched A71 gaining momentum.Vivo slipped to the fifth spot because of reduced channel spends.
While last year saw the launch of the Pixel brand, this year, saw Google try to make the Pixel 2 look special. After many rumours and leaks, the smartphones were finally announced at the Made by Google event, which also saw the launch of the brands other hardware products including some new smart speakers and the Pixel Buds, new headphones range by Google.
However, all eyes were on the Google Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL. The smartphones featured the latest hardware and the latest software from Google as well. But if theres one detail that stood out from everything, it had to be those thick bezels.
Through 2017, Android fans were treated, launch after launch by bezel-less designs. Samsung made three (S8, S8+ and Note 8), LG announced the V30 (coming to India next month) and even Xiaomi launched its Mi Mix 2 with an almost edge-to-edge appearance. So despite the leaks, it was hard to believe that Google would actually launch an anti-iPhone X, a smartphone that literally challenges the edge-to-edge approach of the iPhone, with a smartphone thats loaded with more bezel than all the flagships in 2017 combined. And thats just the Pixel 2!
Then came the Pixel 2 XL with its own set of display issues, which was not received too well by the media.
So when I received both the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL for review, I kind of knew what to expect overpriced Android smartphones, that literally make no sense because they look outdated. But then I turned on Googles secret weapon, the camera. And believe me, it changed my opinion about the Pixel 2, if not the Pixel 2 XL.
Build and Design
Pixel 2: 7.5/10
Pixel 2 XL: 7/10
Starting off with the smaller Pixel 2, it looks like the older Pixel model. The design seems like an evolution of the Pixel which graduates from a rounded look to one with sharper edges around the display and less rounded corners around the back. Quality of the body is top notch. No complaints here.
The overall design reminds me a lot of the Nokia 6 with the prominent speaker grille at the top and the bottom and shiny bevelled edges around the bezel.
Flip it on its back and its easy to notice the smartphones resemblance to the Pixel family. The unmistakable glass window has now grown shorter and takes up only a quarter of the back as compared to the older model.
Moving to the bigger Pixel 2 XL, with a 6-inch display. I found it too large and unwieldy for one-handed usage, but not as massive as the mammoth Xiaomi Mi Mix 2. Again, like the Pixel 2, the smartphone display is surrounded by thick bezels and it does not qualify as a bezel-less display or an edge to edge one. Its just a taller 18:9 ratio unit sporting a QHD+ resolution.
The front face of the 2 XL is a bit different and more iPhone-like with a curved (almost 3D) slab of glass. While I appreciate the design effort by Google here, that beautiful slab of glass loses its charm because of the boring design of the metal chassis that surrounds it. Had Google (or LG) given it a pebble-like appearance with rounded sides, it would have looked pretty cool. But it did not, so it does not.
While the design is best described as boring, I did appreciate the new coating that Google has applied to both smartphones. It feels like the evolution of OnePlus One sandstone finish, but a lot smoother (you cannot use this one as a nail file). It does not catch any fingerprints and it is quite resistant to the usual scratches. The coating kind of reminds of the tough liner material applied on the bed of pick-up truck. The same coating also managed to hide the antenna lines, ones that are non-existent on the 2 XL and barely visible on the shiny edge surrounding the thick bezels of the Pixel 2.
Average design aside, there were some other problems that I faced after using the phones for two weeks. Both smartphones seemed to lack any sort of oleophobic coating. While the Pixel 2 XL being an already used review unit, it was a smudgy mess. Not something one would expect from a smartphone that is priced at Rs 73,000.
This applies to both the front screen and the rear glass window and seems to be the faulty application of the oleophobic coating at best. The coating usually takes years to come off on iPhones so it is surprising that with less than a month of usage, it's already off and turns the glass bits of the smartphone into a smudge-laden mess. I did not face a similar issue with the smaller Pixel 2.
Another problem with the Pixel 2 XL was how easily the matte coating on the metal caught fingerprints and smudges. To make things worse, it was very hard (almost impossible) to wipe them off. Again, not something you would expect from a smartphone that costs Rs 73,000. To make things worse, the Pixel 2s coating was just fine and resisted any smudges and fingerprints really well.
While I would love to complain about how the new Apple iPhone 8 models look dated this year, Google could have done a lot better in this department instead of going for the plain jane look; one that just cannot stand up against the beautiful Samsung Galaxy S8, the Note 8 or even the shiny HTC U11.
Features
Pixel 2: 8/10
Pixel 2 XL: 8/10
Unlike last year, this years Google Pixel 2 siblings may look a bit different on the outside, but pack in almost the same hardware on the inside. The Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL differ only when it comes to the display size and battery capacity.
On the front, you get a 5.0-inch Full HD AMOLED display (made by Samsung) on the Pixel 2, while the Pixel 2 XL gets an LG-made P-OLED QHD+ unit with a taller 18:9 display ratio.
Inside, both smartphones get a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC with 4 GB RAM along with 64 GB and 128 GB internal storage options.
Theres an 8 MP camera with an f/2.4 aperture on the front and a 12 MP camera with an f/1.8 aperture on the rear. The rear camera features optical image stabilisation (OIS) and electronic image stabilisation (EIS) along with dual pixel technology. Theres also some machine learning bits that I will emphasise on in the camera section of this review.
Connectivity options include an E-SIM and a single nano-SIM slot that lets you latch on to 4G LTE radios. Then theres the usual flagship options like Dual-Band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth v5.0 with LE, NFC, GPS and USB 2.0 Type-C port with a reversible connector.
The fingerprint reader sits on the back and both devices also include an Active Edge that lets you squeeze the bottom half of phone to launch the Google Assistant.
The Pixel 2 features a 2,700 mAh battery while the Pixel 2 XL packs in a larger 3,520 mAh unit, which is pretty large given its thin 7.9 mm waistline. Both units are IP67 certified dust and water resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Display
Pixel 2: 8/10
Pixel 2 XL: 7/10
To be frank, I have no issues with the display on the Pixel 2. The Samsung-made AMOLED display showcased the most accurate colours possible with a hint of saturation. In fact, many assumed that it wasnt an AMOLED unit to begin with because it did not strongly showcase the typical colour-shifting that we are used to seeing on the premium flagships from Samsung. Theres no noticeable red-tinge or blue tinge here either and it almost gives you the impression that you are looking at an LCD display. Its bright too, and I had no problems using it in direct sunlight.
While Samsungs Galaxy Note 8 may showcase punchier colours, the Pixel 2 has the more natural and accurate tones. Sharpness was not a problem with a pixel density of 441 ppi. If you dont like the natural colours then you can change the same in the colour settings to Saturated for vivid colours.
Indeed, the displays only competitor is the iPhone 8s TrueTone LCD display and of course the iPhone Xs Super Retina OLED unit, that is pretty much unbeatable at the moment.
Moving to the Pixel 2 XL, it does not even come close. One look at the display off axis and you will be convinced that it belongs to some mid-range device, rather than a premium Rs 73,000 flagship.
While the levels of sharpness are spot on, LGs P-OLED unit is quite messed up in the sense that it does not showcase accurate colours to begin with, despite Googles advertised 100 percent DCI-P3 coverage. The colours look burnt out and showcase a brown tinge, which you begin to notice as soon as you power up the smartphone and stare at the boot screen. There is a strong blue tinge when you view the display a few degrees off axis.
Another problem with XLs display is that its just not bright enough. With Adaptive brightness turned on, I had to max out the brightness to get make the display look bright so that the colours look decent and usable when showing photos to friends and family. Again, the brightness levels only helped when viewed dead centre.
In short, the Pixel 2 XLs P-OLED display just not up to the mark and certainly cannot hold its own even against the slightly lower priced Samsung Galaxy Note 8.
OS and Software
Pixel 2: 8/10
Pixel 2 XL: 7.5/10
The Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL come with the latest and most updated software from Google, Android 8.0 Oreo. Both smartphones recently received a patch that added a couple of improvements including a new display colour settings, that now lets you choose between Boosted, Natural and Saturated.
Indeed, this is the purest form of Android one can possibly get on a smartphone. There are the notification dots that let you swipe away per app notifications and also showcase tiny dots (or badges) on app icons that basically tell you that there is a notification from that particular app. Long-pressing on the icons with the notification badges will reveal a small menu called a notification preview. The preview basically relays all the notifications from that app (unless a developer chooses to channel specific ones) in the form of tiny glanceable previews, which are in reality a bit too short to reveal anything but the sender of the message.
The feature will soon see a wider rollout as Oreo gradually becomes popular and should see other smartphone manufacturers adopt the new notification options in their respective skinned versions of Android. But for now, its only available on the Pixel 2 smartphones and surprisingly not on the Sony Xperia XZ1 that comes with Android Oreo out of the box thanks to Sonys customisations.
While I was happy to see notification dots natively supported on a smartphone, the feature is not as useful as I expected it to be and I eventually learned to ignore it, considering that the one single place for all your notifications has always been the notifications tray. More importantly, you really cannot reply or respond to any of those notification dot widgets like in the tray. All you can do is swipe them away.
The notifications tray has also seen some subtle changes with Android Oreo. Stacks of notifications icons from different apps will pile up at the bottom of the tray as you scroll through them, which is a good UI move. Another cool trick in the Pixel launcher is that the theme changes from white to black (this applies to notification dot previews as well) depending on the wallpaper selection.
Pixel Lens
Another feature unique to the Pixels this year is Pixel Lens. Its a sort of replacement for Googles Goggles, but a lot smarter as it can pull out details from images, that can be used to identify the object or even use those details in your smartphone, like pulling out contact details from a business card.
To use it, you simply have to click a picture of the object, product, monument or whatever you see and want to know more about. Once clicked, open the photo and tap on the Pixel Lens icon (third from the left after the Share extension and Edit icons). Upon tapping it, it will turn on some fancy animations to show you that its analysing the image at hand. And then depending on whether it gets any results (chances are it may not) it will show you details on a card below the image.
This is a new feature from Google, so it is yet to reach its full potential to be used in the manner it was intended to. At the moment it does not and reminds me of Samsungs Bixby, which is far too incomplete for show time.
I tried Pixels Lens on books (worked just fine), products (gave similar but nothing close to accurate results) and even some fancy hotel buildings. It does not work as intended but was more than useful when it came to pulling details from a business card, which is where I used it the most. It lets you save details from a business card straight to your contacts, but the unfortunate bit is that it lets you save just one field at a time. So again, a great idea, but badly implemented.
Lens is currently available only by clicking a photo but is making its way to the Google Assistant app. This means that you no longer need to open the camera, click a photo and then get results, but simply tap on the Pixels Lens icon from the Assistant app directly. The move definitely makes Lens more accessible. During my testing, the feature did not make it to the app, but from what we know, it rolling out gradually as a server-side update.
Of taller displays
While most apps adapted well to the no-frills, almost Nexus-like experience of the Pixel 2 (its one of the reason why I like it). The Pixel 2 XL was a good example of how fragmented Googles Android ecosystem really is. While main popular apps do support taller displays and will stretch to top and bottom ends, there were many others (from lazy developers) that dont. This being a stock Android experience meant, that there are no customisations like on the Samsung Note 8 or the Xiaomi Mi Mix 2, which lets you manually set apps to fit the taller displays thanks to their custom software skins. So if your app does not support taller displays, you will be treated to black bars at the top and bottom of the app.
As for everything else, the software works buttery smooth. There was no hint of lag or stutter. Except for one annoying problem, app crashes.
From the Pixel launcher to Google search, to the Photos app and several third-party apps, there are plenty of crashes. These however stopped occurring over time and I have barely seen any when I was penning this review.
With the Pixel 2 XL, I also encountered some instances when the smartphone hung up and froze. This happened about two times, but a restart helped with solving the issue. Lucky for the Pixel 2, it comes from the makers of Android, which is Google. So heres hoping that future software updates fix the same.
Performance
Pixel 2: 8.5/10
Pixel 2: 9/10
With Googles own latest and greatest operating system on board, its hard to go wrong with the performance. You also need to remember that most games and apps out there are first designed for Googles Pixel, now that the developer-friendly Nexus devices no longer exist.
With that said, performance on both smartphones was top notch and the best you can possibly get from an Android device. Despite, having less RAM than what most manufacturers have on offer (usually 6 GB), the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL played every single game I could install from the Play Store without breaking a sweat or heating up. Multi-tasking was a breeze and apps launches were super quick. Scrolling was buttery smooth and things almost felt iOS-like.
Coming to audio, both smartphones delivered great sounding audio with well-defined bass and treble notes while listening to music through connected headphones. With Android 8.0 Oreo onboard I would have loved to try out the new high-definition Bluetooth audio formats, but Google for some reason did not send across any Bluetooth headphones for us to test them out with.
Moving to the speakers, both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL feature a dual speaker setup. The Pixel 2 sounded great for its size and was loud enough for me to stream Netflix or YouTube, without the need to plug in my headphones, but this was only from a close distance. In short, it wasnt loud enough to blast music inside a small room. Audio quality was pretty clear but could have done with better bass notes, as it did sound a bit empty despite the clarity. The Pixel 2 XL was definitely the better of two here. The dual speakers were loud enough to fill a room, and while they did jar a bit at the max volume, the audio was surprisingly clear and loud. To compare, the audio quality of the Pixel 2s speakers was better than the iPhone 8, but Pixel 2 XL, fell a bit short of the iPhone 8 Plus. But there was this design flaw that really annoyed me a the both Pixel 2s. I ended up missing quite a few calls because both the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XLs speakers would get covered when in my jeans pocket. Since I have the habit of facing the phone towards my body when sliding into my pocket, the speakers get blocked and the audio gets muffled to the extent that you can barely hear the ringer on a crowded street. The solution, place you phone the other way around! Camera Pixel 2: 9.5/10 Pixel 2: 9.5/10 If you love clicking photos with your smartphone, this is the smartphone to buy! The humble-looking single camera setup on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL beats the pants off any single or dual camera offering on any Android smartphone. The photos I clicked using the Google Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL were stunning, both in terms of detail and clarity. The camera is quick to launch and start up and there is zero shutter lag when clicking photos, something that most cameras claim but can hardly impress when you see the results.
Think of the Pixel 2s 12 MP camera as your typical flagships smartphone camera on steroids. It is wide awake and firing on all cylinders all the time! It is almost as if the software behind the camera knows where to place the luminance noise and where to get rid of it, so as to deliver a clean image every single time, be in standard shooting mode or the highly-acclaimed Portrait mode. Check out the samples of the Google Pixel 2 below. Noise was clearly under control at all times, except for extremely dimly lit landscape shooting scenarios where there was barely any light in the scene. Still then Google HDR+ tech knew exactly where to place the noise (in the completely dark areas) and avoid it in the areas lit up by street lights below. Its almost as if the camera understood the science behind clicking great photographs. Check out the samples of the Google Pixel 2 XL below.
Focusing was really quick, no matter what the lighting condition and the scenario, in fact the Google Pixel 2 is the only smartphone that could keep up with my overtly active nephew and produced DSLR-like portrait photos of him even in dim lighting.
The Portrait mode works accurately even in low light and party shots, and captured moments instantaneously at the tap of the virtual shutter button. This is all thanks to Googles engineering and software smarts ones that let it use that f/1.8 aperture, OIS, EIS, PDAF and laser autofocus systems to deliver class-leading clarity in photos.
The science behind it
And all of the above just does not apply to the primary camera, but the front-facing one as well.
Yes! The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL can shoot some amazing portrait shots (with a bokeh effect) using just a single camera, both with the front and rear cameras. And Google went to the extremes to achieve these shallow depth of field photos by using a single camera, when everyone else, including Apple, needed two.
Google explains the software and hardware magic in detail out here, but simply put, it uses the machine learning, HDR+ photos and dual pixels from a single camera sensor to produce a depth map.
Yes, Googles engineers went down to smallest differences (distance between the pixels on the PDAF or Phase Detection Autofocus system to give them two viewpoints to the same image that are less than 1 mm apart (thats really close). This gave them the ability to basically get two images with a minute difference in perspective, one that was enough to compute and produce a depth map.
So the camera first clicks the perfect HDR image using HDR+, then applies its machine learning-based knowledge to separate the subject from the foreground and instead of going ahead with that data (a mask) adds the data coming from the PDAF system delivering some class-leading selfies, that make every smartphone with a front-facing selfie camera including the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X seem to be lacking in som parts. Id wager that Google will come up with a Face ID replacement using the same camera tech next year.
About the Pixel Visual Core
So the Pixel 2s cameras are quick at capturing photos, but tap on the thumbnail preview and you will notice a processing ring showing up until a slightly blurry image takes about two seconds to clear up. This is because the Pixel 2 clicks the photos and processes them later.
The cameras are what I would call the first smart cameras on any smartphone. At the moment, Google currently uses Qualcomms built-in ISP to deliver its software smarts that lead to these stunning images in all types of lighting conditions.
But Google (being Google) has something better in-store, a monster of an Image Processing Unit (IPU) called the Pixel Visual Core just waiting to be awakened.
The Pixel Visual Core is currently a dormant custom-made IPU with a low-power Cortex A53 CPU handling the eight IPU cores. When combined, these are capable of performing more than 3 trillion operations per second, keeping in mind that it resides on a mobile device.
Unfortunately, Visual Core will not be of much use to owners even when its activated, despite those mind-boggling numbers I just told you about. As per the Google blog, the sole purpose of its existence is to provide HDR+ processing capabilities for third-party photo apps. And thats about it.
Moving on, on the video side of things, the details are right about the best we have seen but there is a bit of focus hunting when your subject is too close. But Apples 4K 60 fps on the iPhone 8 and iPhone X takes the top spot here despite Googles complicated approach to video using both OIS and EIS for some excellently stabilised videos.
If you are looking to compare Apple to errr Pixels, well Google Pixel wins in clarity and detail and there is clearly no competition, not even the mighty (and expensive) iPhone X in the low light photography department. Photos from the Pixel 2 / 2 XL do not tent do overdo the colour reproduction despite the always on HDR+. But when it comes to colour accuracy, the iPhone X is a lot closer to the real scene. But again, thats just about all the iPhone X gets right. For everything else, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, does everything better by a mile.
Battery
Pixel 2: 8/10
Pixel 2 XL: 8.5/10
As with most of the flagship Android smartphones, we have seen this year, battery life has not been much of a problem, despite the shrinking battery capacities on some units. The 10 nm manufacturing process brings about some great battery savings and luckily we have not seen any more senseless 4K displays being announced by any smartphone manufacturer after Sony.
With that, both the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL faired really well. With casual usage, which is sending plenty of WhatsApp, Telegram messages, checking Slack, 3 email accounts on sync, calls and a lot of photography, I never found myself searching for a charging point at the end of a long day.
With the Pixel 2 and its 2,700 mAh battery, the smartphone would easily get me until the end of the day with about 10-15 percent charge left. And even with that, I had plenty of confidence that it would linger till the next morning without plugging the device in.
With the Pixel 2 XL and its 3,520 mAh battery, battery life was never a concern. I needed to charge the device once in one and half day. Yes, it was that good. But there is a small problem with the taller Pixel 2 sibling, charging speeds.
While the smaller Pixel 2 charged up quickly in a span of a little over an hour, the Pixel 2 XL did not. The battery inside the Pixel 2 XL takes easily over 2 hours to charge which is a shame because the OnePlus 5Ts 3,300 mAh battery charges up as quickly as the smaller Pixel 2. Still then, once it is charged up, the battery life last pretty long.
Verdict and Pricing in India
As I explained in my first impressions, the Pixel 2s biggest enemy is its design. Its hard to believe that a customer would pick one off a shelf with other bezel-less smartphones on the same display. This also means that a Pixel 2 customer would know what he/she wants or is looking for in a flagship smartphone. A good performer with an understated look, that is more practical and performance oriented than fancy.
Back in the Nexus days, Android purists would wait for the next Nexus device. The focus back then was not the camera, but the quick updates.
After Google introduced its Pixel brand, (they have headphones now as well) it was clear that Google wanted to lead the way, to show everyone how you build an Android smartphone and what a premium Android smartphone experience feels like.
With the Pixel 2, Google simply reiterates all of this but adds something more. Google tells us that it is serious about building good hardware and the software to match. Stuff that until now, only iPhones were made of.
And this year, it is surprising to see how much effort went into the Pixel 2 devices with Google milking every drop of performance with lesser hardware thanks to tricks like machine learning.
While last year was only the beginning, Pixel is now a brand that is neck and neck with Apples iPhones, and better in some areas. Although the design could have certainly been better.
So who should buy one?
Nexus users who have been waiting (and saving up) for the next best thing from Google can now look at the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL for the best Android user experience.
Those not too happy about their iPhones can also look at the Pixel 2 smartphones, now that Google has clearly proved its superior imaging skills. Its the one feature that a lot of people look for in a smartphone, and Google just delivers the goods when compared to every other smartphone manufacturer in existence with its machine learning smarts with not just the rear, but the front camera as well.
Flagship Android smartphone owners from the Samsung, HTC and LG club can also give the Pixel a long hard look. It may not look all that flashy, but it has got the best smartphone camera on the block, one that is not afraid of the dark. As for those who own a Samsung Galaxy Note 8, well, you can stick with it, the Pixel 2 XL, is not exactly a better package overall.
Which Pixel should you buy?
At Rs 61,000 the Pixel 2 is my favourite and I would recommend it because barring the design there are few flaws.
At Rs 73,000 the Pixel 2 XL will be the perfect Android smartphone for those looking for great battery life and performance, provided they are ready to settle with the problematic display and its dull colours. In short, there are a lot of compromises here for the asking price.
Between the two, the Pixel 2 takes the cake as it is a no frills Android smartphone, which offers the basics and does them really well, while its at it. Theres no tap to adapt for third-party apps because theres no nonsensical taller display, you dont have to pinch to zoom every time you play a video either. The bezels are thin, but the grip and usability is excellent. In short, it just works! And does everything brilliantly, be it the camera, battery, display and the software.
Heres a question I would ask you: Why would you buy any other premium Android smartphone right now?
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Karangasem: Evacuation centres and hotels in Bali filled up on Tuesday with thousands seeking refuge as a volcano on the Indonesian resort island threatened to explode in a major eruption, forcing the airport to close for the second day.
Stranded tourists hunted for accommodation while frightened villagers living in Mount Agung's shadow made their way to more than 200 evacuation centres as the mountain belched smoke and ash.
The rumbling volcano which last erupted in 1963, killing around 1,600 people forced authorities to close Bali's airport again on Tuesday as experts raised the alert level to maximum.
Towering columns of thick grey smoke have been rising from the crater since last week, and in the last few days have begun shooting as high as four kilometres (2.5 miles), forcing all flights to be grounded until at least on Wednesday.
Ash is dangerous for planes as it makes runways slippery and can be sucked into their engines.
The volcano, which looms over one of the world's top holiday spots, could produce a thunderous eruption at any moment, officials have warned.
"The potential is there because magma is at the surface," said Kasbani, the head of the country's volcanology centre, who like many Indonesians goes by one name.
Some 40,000 people have abandoned their homes in the danger zone but as many as many as 100,000 will likely be forced to leave, disaster agency officials have said.
There is a 10-kilometre exclusion zone around Agung, which is 75 kilometres from the beachside tourist hub of Kuta.
As of Tuesday around 440 flights had been canceled, affecting more than 120,000 passengers in Bali, which attracts millions of foreign tourists every year.
"We are supposed to go back to Germany via Singapore on (Friday) but the situation seems not good," said marooned student Alex Thamm.
"Is it dangerous here? Do you think [the volcano] will explode?"
Nobody's fault
Inn operator I Wayan Yastina Joni was among the few hoteliers willing to answer an appeal by Bali's governor and tourism agency to supply free rooms to out-of-luck visitors, though some offered discounts.
"This is nobody's fault," said the owner of the Pondok Denayu Homestay. "It's a natural disaster that no one expected."
Hundreds of visitors joined the mad rush to board buses headed to an international airport in Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya, 13 hours' drive and a ferry ride away as torrential rain dampened spirits in the beach paradise.
The airport on nearby Lombok island also a popular tourist destination has opened and closed several times in the past few days.
Mount Agung's last eruption in the early sixties was one of the deadliest of the 20th century in a country with nearly 130 active volcanoes.
"I am very worried because I have experienced this before," 67-year-old evacuee Dewa Gede Subagia told AFP.
"I hope this time I won't have to evacuate for too long. In 1963 I left for four months."
Roadside signs that read "Volcanic danger zone. No entry!" underscored the potential risks of staying behind, although some evacuees had their doubts.
"The situation has forced us to be here," said I Nyoman Taman.
"I don't want to be here...because no matter how bad it is at home, it's still better than at the evacuation centre."
Experts said Agung's recent activity matches the build-up to the earlier disaster, which ejected enough debris, about a billion tonnes to lower global average temperatures by 0.2 - 0.3 degrees Celsius for about a year.
"What we are seeing at the moment are small explosions, throwing out hot gases and fragments of molten rock, or ash," said David Pyle, a volcano expert at Oxford University.
"The probability of a large eruption is high, but this may take some days or weeks to unfold."
'Ring of Fire'
Agung rumbled back to life in September, forcing the evacuation of 140,000 people living nearby. Its activity decreased in late October and many returned to their homes.
However, on Saturday the mountain sent smoke up into the air for the second time in a week in what volcanologists call a phreatic eruption caused by the heating and expansion of groundwater.
So-called cold lava flows have also appeared similar to mud-flows and often a prelude to the blazing orange lava of popular imagination.
Indonesia, the world's most active volcanic region, lies on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent volcanic and seismic activities.
DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh approved a $280 million project on Tuesday to develop an isolated and flood-prone island in the Bay of Bengal to temporarily house 100,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in neighboring Myanmar. Rohingya refugees line up to receive blankets outside Kutupalong refugee settlement near Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, November 24, 2017. REUTERS/Susana Vera The decision came just days after Bangladesh sealed a deal aiming to start returning Rohingya to Myanmar within two months to reduce pressure in refugee camps. A Bangladeshi government committee headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved the plan to develop Bhashan Char island, also known as Thenger Char, despite criticism from humanitarian workers who have said the island is all but uninhabitable. Planning Minister Mustafa Kamal said it would take time to repatriate the refugees, and in the meantime Bangladesh needed a place to house them. The project to house 100,000 refugees on the island would be complete by 2019, he said. Many people are living in dire conditions, he said, describing the influx of refugees as a threat to both security and the environment. Rohingya refugees carry their belongings after arriving on an improvised raft to the banks of the Naf river in Teknaf, Bangladesh, November 27, 2017. REUTERS/Susana VeraMore than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims have sought sanctuary in Bangladesh after the military in mostly Buddhist Myanmar launched a harsh counter-insurgency operation in their villages across the northern parts of Rakhine State, following attacks by Rohingya militants on an army base and police posts on Aug. 25. Slideshow (2 Images)Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali appealed in September for international support to transport Rohingya to the island. Bangladesh, one of the worlds poorest and most crowded nations, plans to develop the island, which emerged from the silt off Bangladeshs delta coast only 11 years ago and is two hours by boat from the nearest settlement. It regularly floods during June-September monsoons. When seas are calm, pirates roam the nearby waters to kidnap fishermen for ransom. A plan to develop the island and use it to house refugees was first proposed in 2015 and revived last year. Despite criticism of the conditions on the island, Bangladesh says it has the right to decide where to shelter the growing numbers of refugees.
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LONDON (Reuters) - Britain and the EU have reached agreement on a Brexit divorce bill of between 45 and 55 billion euros, the Daily Telegraph newspaper reported on Tuesday, citing unidentified sources. Anti-Brexit protesters wave EU and Union flags outside the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls If they have agreed on the bill, it would signal that they are moving much closer to a deal at a Dec. 14-15 summit that would allow them to move onto discussions of post-Brexit trade. The newspaper said that an agreement in principle has now been reached over the EUs demand for a 60 billion euro ($71 billion) financial settlement. It said the final Brexit bill, which is deliberately being left open to interpretation, will be between 45 and 55 billion euros. The European Commission declined to comment on the report but a British government official said he did not recognise the newspapers account. Sterling GBP= rallied around 1 percent against the U.S. dollar on the Telegraph report, but pared gains after the official said he did not recognise the report. The two sides already believe they are quite close on agreeing the scope of rights for expatriate citizens in Britain and on the continent. The third key criterion for moving to Phase Two, an outline agreement on how to avoid the new EU-UK land border disrupting the peace in Northern Ireland, remains a potential stumbling block. British Prime Minister Theresa May is due to meet President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and European Union Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday. The EU says any British move needs to come by around that date if leaders meeting at the Dec. 14-15 summit are to be able to endorse a move to a new phase of talks, to include future trade relations.
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ABIDJAN (Reuters) - European leaders under pressure from a far-right revival at home hope to avoid a difficult debate about immigration when they meet their African counterparts in Ivory Coast from Wednesday. Abdoulaye Dosso, an Ivorian migrant who voluntarily returned from Libya, talks with friends at his area in Abidjan, Ivory Coast November 25, 2017. Picture taken November 25, 2017. REUTERS/Luc GnagoReports this month of abuses against African migrants in Libya have sparked anger across the continent however, threatening to drive migration to the top of the summit agenda and shine a spotlight on an issue fraught with political risk. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macro, who head the Franco-German axis at the heart of the European Union, will have its next major political test in mind when they sit down with African Union heads of state. Italy, on the frontline of the campaign to slow illegal migration to Europe, holds elections early next year and the populist 5-Star Movement is leading opinion polls. The anti-immigrant, eurosceptic Northern League is also gaining support. We all have our own interests in not turning this into a migration conference, one EU official said ahead of the meeting to be held in Ivory Coasts commercial capital Abidjan. The summit is meant to focus on development, long the cornerstone of EU policy in Africa and tangentially related to migration. The theme of investing in youth, though, is a nod to the rampant unemployment and poverty that drives many young Africans to leave home in search of a better life. But it now looks increasingly unlikely the EU leaders can avoid hard questions from their African counterparts. Soon after CNN aired grainy images from Libya this month appearing to show migrants being sold as slaves, African governments began recalling diplomats from Tripoli. Protests erupted in France, Senegal and Benin. Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara called for Libyan slave traders to be prosecuted by the International Criminal Court. Libyan authorities have promised to investigate the slavery allegations. But the European Union too has been the target of anger and frustration. Theyre the ones who blocked the way and left us in the hands of these Libyans, said Cherifou Sahindou, sitting at a make-shift tea stand by a muddy, rubbish-strewn track near a mosque in Abidjans Yopougon neighbourhood. Sahindou and some of the other men around the tea stand said they made it to Libya, but no further. All had heard about the slave markets and all knew someone who had stayed in the water - the local euphemism for death on the migrant trail. IMMIGRATION BACKLASH Like many African leaders, Ouattara has called for Europe to broaden the legal avenues for migration from the continent using mechanisms such as student and temporary work visas. Europe and Europeans ... should not be afraid, because Africa and the African youth can bring a lot to Europe, he said in an interview with the France 24 news channel this week. But in the current political climate any proposal for more Africans to enter Europe is a non-starter for many EU leaders. Ivorian migrants returning from Libya arrive at the Felix Houphouet Boigny International airport in Abidjan, Ivory Coast November 22, 2017. Pictures taken November 22, 2017. REUTERS/Luc GnagoMerkel herself is the most high-profile victim of an anti-immigration backlash. At the peak of the migrant influx into Europe in 2015 she declared an open door policy for refugees and asylum seekers, allowing in more than a million migrants. The anti-immigrant far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party campaigned hard against the policy and won some 13 percent of the vote in a September election - complicating Merkels efforts to form a coalition government and weakening her position as the leading EU advocate within Europe. In an indication of how heated things have become, the mayor of a small town in Germany, who won an award from Merkel for his liberal migrant policies, was stabbed in the neck on Monday in an attack believed to be politically motivated. Other European leaders firmly behind the 28-member bloc are also wary of falling foul to such an explosive issue. If you say, Ive got a right to total access without conditions ... I cant explain that to my middle class, whove worked, who pay their taxes, Macron said during a rowdy exchange with students in Burkina Faso on Tuesday. Slideshow (4 Images)What do I tell them? TOO MANY DEATHS It is those kinds of political calculations that are hindering much-needed policy solutions, said William Swing, head of the International Organization for Migration. The heart of the problem is the very toxic atmosphere thats been fairly widespread for some years now ... Thats not just in Europe, he told Reuters. The drivers (of migration) are there and theyre not going away. So clearly our policies need to change. European delegates at the summit, however, are expected to pledge aid, repeating often voiced calls for a Marshall Plan for Africa that would create jobs and lift incomes to give would-be migrants a reason to stay at home. The African security sectors charged with clamping down on migrant flows will also get their share of European money. EU support for the Libyan authorities, including Italian assistance for its coastguard, has helped halve the number of migrants arriving in Europe via the Mediterranean this year. Though lauded in Italy, the programme, which has led to massive detention centres being created in Libya to hold intercepted migrants, was denounced by the United Nations human rights chief Zeid Raad Al Hussein. Abdoulaye Dosso, another man at the tea stand in Yopougon, said he crossed the Sahara desert, played dead to survive as rebels shot other migrants, and then spent weeks in one such camp awaiting repatriation to Ivory Coast. There have been too many deaths, he said. There must be a change.
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Thinkstock/Stockbyte via Getty Images(ATLANTA) --Federal authorities in Georgia are investigating the death of a female postal worker who was shot and killed while on duty Monday evening.
The woman, whose identity was withheld, was shot in the head near a post office in Decatur, Georgia -- about 20 minutes northeast of Atlanta, ABC affiliate WSB-TV reported. The suspect reportedly fled the scene.
DeKalb County police and U.S. postal inspectors were still at the scene at 10:30 p.m., nearly four hours after the shooting occurred, WSB-TV reported.
Federal authorities, who are now leading the investigation, told WSB-TV that the motive behind the shooting is still unclear. One witness said they heard at least four shots rang out near the back docking area of the post office.
The womans co-workers and witnesses described her as a sweet young person who was trying to make a successful career for herself. They did not provide any details about the woman's identity, but they said she had recently started working at Decatur location where she was killed.
Its hard to understand, Michael Grogan, who witnessed the shooting, told WSB-TV. He turned around and came back. Then two shots went off, then two more.
"Its terrible, its very terrible, he added.
Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germanys Christmas markets opened on Monday at the start of the holiday season, with security staff on hand and concrete barriers to protect shoppers, nearly a year after an Islamist militant killed 12 people by driving a truck into crowds. A concrete barricade with a graffiti treading "Thank you Merkel" blocks the entrance to the Christmas market prior to its official opening in Frankfurt, Germany, November 27, 2017. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach?Some 2,600 markets, known for their sparkling Christmas trees and wooden stalls serving candied nuts, sausages, mulled wine and handicrafts, opened across Germany under tighter than usual security. The markets are beloved by Germans and a major tourist attraction for visitors this time of year. In the city of Bochum in Western Germany, organisers decorate concrete bollards, wrapping them up as Christmas presents with bows to make them appear festive. In Berlin, Petra Henne, who had been at the market in December last year just half an hour before Tunisian militant Anis Amri drove a hijacked truck into the crowd, came out for the opening this year to enjoy the festivities. The extra security was a bit oppressive, she said. And it is awful, this violence that you cant do anything about. But Berliners are on good form and they carry on anyway. What else can one do? An interior ministry spokesman said the risk of an attack in Europe and Germany is continuously high. Visitors are seen under an emergency sign exit during the official opening of the traditional Christmas market in Frankfurt, Germany, November 27, 2017. REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachOrganisers and business owners had complained that the government was reluctant to share the cost of extra security measures. What could be done was done, said Berlins Mayor, Michael Mueller on Monday, noting that those measures still could not guarantee absolute security. Slideshow (6 Images)The Alternative for Germany (AfD) far-right party asked members of the public to share pictures showing extra security measures at their local markets and post them on social media in protest against Chancellor Angela Merkels decision in 2015 to open Germanys borders to more than a million asylum seekers. The AfD blames Merkels immigration policy for what it says is a rise in crime and Islamist attacks. Klaus Schultheis, an expert in German Christmas markets who collects annual national data on the subject, said he knew of only two markets that were cancelled over security concerns. Christmas markets are a piece of the German culture that shouldnt disappear no matter what, he said. It goes on.
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Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: Three civilians were wounded in Burkina Faso on Monday after a grenade was thrown at French troops shortly before President Emmanuel Macron touched down for the start of his first Africa tour.
The French president is embarking on a three-day trip of western Africa aimed at boosting France's regional influence, stemming the continent's migrant exodus and bolstering the fight against violent Islamist militancy in the Sahel.
The visit was marred by an attempted attack on French troops in the capital Ouagadougou just hours before Macron's arrival.
"Two hooded individuals on a motorcycle threw a grenade towards a French army vehicle" as it made its way to a barracks housing French special forces, a security source told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Three residents were wounded, one seriously, in the attack which took place at 8.00 pm (2000 GMT), the source added. "The attackers' target was the French army vehicle, which was not hit," the source said.
An AFP reporter at the scene of the attack witnessed a small hole in the tarmac where the grenade detonated and a damaged civilian vehicle.
Macron flew into Ouagadougou three hours later for a trip that will take in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast two former French colonies that deposed strongmen leaders in recent years as well as to Ghana. His advisers say his primary message will be to stress a partnership of equals with Africa, based on education and entrepreneurship.
Security concerns
But regional security concerns will also dominate.
European leaders are desperate to find ways to stem the flow of African migrants across the Mediterranean without leaving them to the mercy of traffickers in transit countries like Libya, where they face torture, rape, and as a CNN report showed recently being sold into slavery.
And Macron will also be seeking international backing for a new, five-nation African counter-terrorism force, which France hopes to see eventually take over the fight against jihadist groups in the Sahel region.
Ouagadougou has suffered two recent terror attacks carried out by Islamist militants a shooting spree in January 2016 that left 20 dead and a similar assault by gunmen in August that killed 19. French special forces have been present in the country since 2010 to help regional governments tackle jihadist violence in the Sahel, particularly in neighbouring Mali.
Shortly after meeting his Burkinese counterpart Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Macron told reporters his trip hailed "a new stage for our relationship with your country and the whole continent". He praised his host country for shaking off the 27-year authoritarian rule of former President Blaise Compaore in a 2014 popular uprising in which large numbers of youths participated.
Burkina "is an emblem of the democratic aspirations of Africa's youth", he said. "I wanted to pay tribute to all this by making Ouagadougou the first step of my African tour," he added.
After talks with Kabore, Macron will deliver a speech to 800 students at the University of Ougadougou followed by an "unfiltered" question and answer session with his young audience.
On Wednesday he will visit a giant solar power plant in Burkina Faso, the largest in West Africa, before departing for the Ivorian capital Abidjan where the fifth Europe-Africa summit will bring together more than 80 leaders from the two continents. He will also inaugurate the city's colossal metro project, funded by a 1.4-billion-euro ($1.6-billion) French loan before heading to Ghana, a former British colony.
Just days after his 10 month-long house arrest came to an end, Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief and 26/11 attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed has petitioned the United Nations to remove his name from its global terrorist list, The Times of India reported on Tuesday.
According to Hindustan Times, Saeed's petition was routed through Mirza and Mirza, a Lahore-based law firm. I cannot give details of the petition. I dont have the permission of my client to speak on this, Barrister Haider Rasul Mirza, who is Saeed's counsel at the UN told Hindustan Times.
Saeed's UN petition comes after the Pakistan government decided against detaining him further in any other terror-related case. Punjab province's Judicial Review Board comprising judges of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday unanimously ordered Saeed's release after he completed his detention period.
Since 31 January, Saeed had been under house arrest along with his four close aides Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and the Fourth Schedule of Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.
While the initial detention was only for a period of 90 days, the government continued to extend the detention period under the 'public safety law'.
The UN had designated Saeed a terrorist after the 26 Novermber 2008 attacks in Mumbai, which killed 166 people. The organisation had designated him a terrorist under UNSC resolution 1267, while the United States Department of the Treasury designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224 in May 2008.
What is Hafiz Saeed listed for?
The UNSC designated Saeed a terrorist for his collaboration with the Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which he founded in the 1990s. Notably, the LeT, the group behind the 26/11 attacks was designated a terrorist outfit under UNSC resolution 1267 in May 2005.
Jamaat-ud-Dawah, which is headed by Saeed, has often been accused of being a front organisation of the LeT.
In the words of the United Nations Security Council:
"Hafiz Muhammad Saeed was listed on 10 December, 2008 pursuant to paragraphs one and two of resolution 1822 (2008) as being associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Al Qaida for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts of activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf or in support of both entities."
Resolution 1822, which the security council statement referred to a resolution adopted in 2008, which denounced terrorism and reaffirmed the various sanctions on the individuals and organisations in the terror list.
Who can delist themselves and how?
Any member-state of the United Nations is eligible to send a request to seek delisting of individuals or entities in the terror list. Additionally, the proscribed individual and institution can also send a request directly or through a representative.
The individual or organisation has to appeal to the office of ombudsman at the UNSC. According to the UNSC, any request must state why the delisitng will not work. The applicant also needs to reveal his or her present work profile as well as other information such as assets.
According to Hindustan Times, it may take at least six months for the application to be adjudicated.
"If the Committee approves a delisting request, the Secretariat shall notify the Permanent Mission of the State or States where the individual or entity is believed to be located and, in the case of individuals, the country of which the person is a national or resident," the UNSC website states.
If the delisting process has been routed through the ombudsman, then it will remove the name after a "fixed period of time" unless there is opposition from any member of the 15-member Al Qaeda sanctions committee, or if the matter is taken to the five-member UNSC.
Here is a list of people who have been delisted earlier
There have been 79 applications for delisting of proscribed individuals or organisations since 2010.
According to the ombudsman, 78 applications have either been accepted or awaiting final approval, while one case, filed on 27 March 2017, is still in the fact finding phase.
Since 2010, most of the requests for delisting have been approved by the ombudsman 56 out of 78. Only 17 requests have been denied so far.
In September 2010, Safet Ekrem Durguti, a Bosnian national, who headed the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation became the first to be removed from the UN terror list. The Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation was accussed by the UN of collecting funds for Al-Qaeda and other Islamist groups.
Another individual involved with the foundation, Tunisian national Shafiq ben Mohamed ben Mohamed Al-Ayadi was delisted in 2011 after he submitted a request to the ombudsman.
The last successful application was that of Adil Muhammad Mahmud Abd al-Khaliq, a Bahrainian national, who was arrested in the UAE for alleged terror financing links. He applied for delisting in November 2016, which was granted in August this year.
India, US react to Saeed's release
The day Pakistan's judicial board released Saeed from house arrest, the US had asked the Islamabad government to make sure that Saeed is re-arrested and charged for his crimes.
"The United States is deeply concerned that Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader Hafiz Saeed has been released from house arrest in Pakistan. LeT is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organisation responsible for the death of hundreds of innocent civilians in terrorist attacks, including a number of American citizens," state department spokesperson Heather Nauert said.
"The Pakistani government should make sure that he is arrested and charged for his crimes," Nauert said in a statement after the release of the Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief.
Ministry of External Affairs said Saeed's release confirmed once again the lack of seriousness by the Pakistan government in bringing to justice perpetrators of terrorism, including individuals and entities designated by the UN.
"It also appears to be an attempt by the Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists. Pakistan has not changed its policy of shielding and supporting non-state actors and its true face is visible for all to see," MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said and further added, "His release confirms once again the lack of seriousness on the part of the Pakistan government. It seems to be an attempt by the Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists."
With inputs from PTI
At the upcoming World Trade Organisation's (WTO) ministerial conference at Buenos Aires next month, India is unlikely to insist on the food security clause, a major climbdown from its earlier stated position that the government's procurement of foodgrains under the national Food Security Act shouldn't be subject to WTO regulations.
In an interview with Livemint, Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu said India already has an "indefinite interim solution" in place, and insisting on a permanent solution in this situation is a "mistake". "But if something better comes up, we will be more than happy to have it. This is something on the agenda. But what we have already got is a very good solution," Prabhu said.
This will be the first time India will be expressing these sentiments. Prabhu's predecessor at the commerce ministry, Nirmala Sitharaman, and even the previous UPA regime, had all been fighting the WTO tooth-and-nail on the issue. The Livemint report said that New Delhi had even managed to secure an assurance from the WTO at the 2013 ministerial conference in Bali that a permanent solution would be found in four years' time.
Under existing WTO rules, developing countries like India need to limit the procurement of foodgrain such as wheat and rice to within 10 percent of the crop's value. Disallowing such special support by governments to their domestic producers is to ensure there are no additional impediments to international free trade.
However, after India enacted the Food Security Act in 2013, it promised to provide subsidised foodgrains to two-thirds of its 1.3 billion population. The demand for public procurement of foodgrain increased exponentially after this.
Even earlier this year, the commerce ministry of Nirmala Sitharaman had said India would "increase pressure" on the WTO to expedite negotiations. "All issues related to food security were ignored at the last ministerial meet in Nairobi two years ago with the excuse that members held divergent positions. We will have to see to it that in the next Ministerial the same excuse cant be used," a commerce ministry official was quoted as saying by The Hindu Business Line.
Even before the NDA took charge of the central government, however, New Delhi's position on the topic was the same. As reported by Hindustan Times in 2014, Anand Sharma had argued that India be allowed to exceed the AMS on the grounds that the present system of government procurement and distribution ensures food security to the poor in India.
He was just back from addressing a WTO conference in late 2013, where he had described the issue as being "non-negotiable".
"Agriculture sustains millions of subsistence farmers. Their interests must be secured. Food security is essential for over four billion people of the world. For India, food security is non-negotiable. Need of public stock-holding of foodgrains to ensure food security must be respected. Dated WTO rules need to be corrected," he said.
Whether it is the change in regime in New Delhi, or if other factors are at work will be something that only the commerce ministry may be able to answer. But India's position vis-a-vis the WTO and its food security provisions are set to undergo a volte-face.
JAKARTA/AMED, Indonesia (Reuters) - Indonesias transportation ministry said on Tuesday it will extend the closure of Balis I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport for a further 24 hours because of ash from the eruption of the islands Mount Agung volcano. Glowing light of hot lava is seen during the eruption of Mount Agung as seen from Amed in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia, November 27, 2017. REUTERS/Johannes P. Christo A report from local aviation navigation authorities showed that aircraft flight channels are covered with volcanic ash the ministry said in a statement. Bali airport, about 60 km (37 miles) from the volcano, will be closed until 7 a.m. local time on November 29, it said. (For an interactive package on Agung eruptions click tmsnrt.rs/2hYdHiq) Ten alternative airports have been prepared for airlines to divert inbound flights, including in neighboring provinces. A separate notice showed Lombok airport had been reopened, after an earlier closure overnight due to the eruption. Agung rises majestically over eastern Bali to a height of just over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). A villager walks as Mount Agung volcano erupts in the background in Kubu, Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia on November 27, 2017. REUTERS/Johannes P. Christo On Monday, authorities ordered 100,000 residents living near the volcano to evacuate immediately, warning that the first major eruption in 54 years could be imminent. An 8-10 km (5-6 miles) exclusion zone has been imposed around the summit. Agungs last eruption in 1963 killed more than 1,000 people and razed several villages by hurling out pyroclastic material, hot ash, lava and lahar. On Tuesday, life continued largely as normal in villages surrounding Agung, with residents setting up traditional markets and offering prayers as the volcano continued to spew tall columns of ash and smoke from its crater. Many residents evacuated in September when the alert was last raised to the highest level have returned to their homes and farms due to worries over their livelihood and livestock. Indonesias Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre (PVMBG), which is using drones, satellite imagery and other equipment, said predictions were difficult in the absence of instrumental recordings from the last eruption 54 years ago. It warned that if a similar eruption occurred, it could send rocks bigger than fist-size up to 8 km (5 miles) from the summit and volcanic gas a distance of 10 km (6 miles) within three minutes. Recordings now show the northeast area of Agungs peak has swollen in recent weeks indicating there is fairly strong pressure toward the surface, PVMBG said.
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JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesias transportation ministry said on Tuesday it will extend the closure of Balis I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport for a further 24 hours because of ash from the eruption of the islands Mount Agung volcano. Glowing light of hot lava is seen during the eruption of Mount Agung as seen from Amed in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia, November 27, 2017. REUTERS/Johannes P. Christo A report from local aviation navigation authorities showed that aircraft flight channels are covered with volcanic ash the ministry said in a statement. The closure is due to end 7 am local time on November 29. A separate notice showed Lombok airport had been reopened, after an earlier closure overnight due to the eruption.
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Baghdad: Two suicide bombers blew themselves up at a market on Baghdad's outskirts on Monday, leaving 11 people dead, a security official said, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.
"Five suicide bombers attacked a market and shops in the Nahrawan area" east of the Iraqi capital, a police captain told AFP.
"The police killed three of them but the other two blew themselves up" killing 11 civilians and wounding 31, he said.
He added that the blasts also wounded two security personnel in the district, 35 kilometres east of the Iraqi capital.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack in a message on its Amaq propaganda channel.
Islamic State said the assault had targeted members of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary alliance and claimed it had killed 35 people.
The mostly Shiite Hashed fighters are at the forefront of the battle against the Sunni jihadists.
Islamic State has suffered a string of military defeats in both Syria and Iraq, where in 2014 it proclaimed a "caliphate" after seizing territories the size of Italy.
Last week, it lost control of the last town it had held in Iraq.
DUBLIN (Reuters) - Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he and opposition leader Micheal Martin will do all they can on Monday to find a compromise that would avoid a snap election with implications for a Brexit summit next month. Ireland's Prime Minister (Taoiseach) Leo Varadkar arrives at the launch of the FemFest conference in Dublin, Ireland, November 25, 2017. REUTERS/Clodagh KilcoyneVaradkar and the head of the main opposition party propping up his minority government have 24 hours to resolve a domestic political dispute, and one minister said she expected the parties would avoid an election, for now. Ireland will play a major role at the summit, telling EU leaders whether it believes sufficient progress has been made on the future of the border between EU-member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland. The border is one of three issues Brussels wants broadly resolved before it decides whether to move Brexit talks on to a second phase about trade, as Britain wants. The Irish political crisis is over Deputy Prime Minister Frances Fitzgeralds handling of a legal case involving a police whistleblower. Martin, the leader of Fianna Fail, plans to move a motion of no confidence in her on Tuesday at 2000 GMT. Varadkar has said that if the motion was not withdrawn, he will be forced to hold an election before Christmas, a prospect EU officials say would complicate the EU Brexit summit on Dec. 14-15. I think we all know an election is coming but it just isnt right for the country to have that election right now and I do expect us to come back from the brink, Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty told the Newstalk radio station. Local media reported that the leaders were looking at whether passing the issue to a judge-led tribunal, restructuring the justice department and an apology from Fitzgerald could break the deadlock. While positions softened noticeably as members of both parties reported an overwhelming desire among voters not to go to the polls, a compromise that would see Fitzgerald stay in her role remains difficult for Fianna Fail, a party source told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. In public, some senior Fianna Fail MPs were less definitive when asked if Fitzgerald would have to quit. Foreign Minister Simon Coveney of Fine Gael also struck a more conciliatory tone, accepting his opponents had genuine concerns. Varadkar reiterated that there was no question of Fitzgerald being asked to step down and she was quoted by the Sunday Independent newspaper as saying she would not bow to summary justice. At the weekend it looked almost certain and now it has receded somewhat to probably a 50-50 chance. It seems like Fianna Fail are trying to come to some sort of an agreement where they can avoid an election, said Eoin OMalley, politics lecturer at Dublin City University. OMalley predicted, however, that there would be a snap election in the near future and that the government would be lucky to survive six months. Martin and Varadkar would have to put any compromise to their respective parties early on Tuesday, a high stakes approach just hours ahead of the confidence vote. UTTERLY IRRESPONSIBLE Coveney also reiterated on Monday that not enough progress had been made on the border issue and that he had the full backing of the EUs chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier. Concerns over how the Irish political crisis would impact the talks steadied sterling on Monday, after it posted its biggest weekly rise in more than a month. [nL3N1NX4H8] The next couple of months are crucial for the future of Ireland, and provoking an election right now would be utterly irresponsible, said Kevin ORourke, Professor of Economic History at Oxford University, who has written extensively on Irelands role in the Brexit talks. Irelands main parties broadly back Varadkars position on Brexit and an opinion poll on Saturday suggested an election would lead to little change with another minority administration the most likely outcome. Certainly I dont want there to be an election, I dont think it would change anything or achieve anything, particularly at such an important time for the country, Varadkar said ahead of talks between the two leaders due late on Monday.
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PARIS (Reuters) - During his rapid rise to the presidency, Frances Emmanuel Macron was sometimes referred to as a lucky general -- a leader with the right skills for the job but also a generous dose of the good fortune needed to win the day. French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech at Ouagadougou University, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, November 28, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe WojazerThe 39-year-old certainly took advantage of a string of lucky breaks, especially a corruption scandal that derailed the campaign of front-running, centre-right rival Francois Fillon. But six months into his occupation of the Elysee Palace, there are niggling signs Macrons luck could be starting to turn. In particular, the uncertain political picture in Germany has complicated his ambition to reform Europes single currency zone, something he has put at the heart of his presidency and that stands or falls on Franco-German cooperation. And while changes he introduced early on to Frances employment rules provoked less unrest than expected, the impact on the economy has so far been muted. His plans to amend the pensions and benefits system may not be so readily accepted. From a fiscal point of view, one of his main objectives is to bring the national deficit below 3 percent of gross domestic product for the first time in a decade. Yet current indications are that he will struggle with that goal, leaving France at odds with the EUs executive Commission. And within his own party -- En Marche, formed as a grassroots movement a little over a year ago -- there is unease among some members about a top-down structure that goes against the ethos that propelled him to a five-year term in May. Some breaks continue to fall in Macrons favour. France last week won the right to host the European Banking Agency in a lucky dip against Dublin, and domestically he faces little serious opposition from either the left or right. But his biggest ambitions rely on a deep and sustained relationship with Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose position after 12 years as Germanys leader has been weakened over two months of so-far fruitless talks to form a governing coalition. We are naturally paying close attention to everything that might help stabilise the political situation (in Germany), Benjamin Griveaux, a close Macron ally who was recently named the governments new spokesman, said on Monday. Without a strong partner it will obviously be more difficult to carry out the presidents ambitious European project. RISKS AND REWARDS At one level, the fact that Merkel is now talking to Germanys Social Democrats (SPD) about a grand coalition, after overtures to the Liberals and Greens failed, is positive for Macron since the SPD is more avowedly pro-EU. But theres no guarantee the SPD will sign up to Macrons agenda, even if its leader, Martin Schulz, is a former European Parliament president who is committed to the project. Schulz has only gone as far as to say Macrons ideas need to be discussed in coalition talks with Merkel, while other SPD officials say domestic reforms to health insurance and pensions are a more pressing consideration. Europe is not a theme where we can simply push things through, said Johannes Kahrs, a budget expert for the SPD in parliament and leader of the partys conservative wing. Macrons ideas for overhauling the euro zone, including the creation of a region-wide budget, finance minister and separate parliament, may be just too ambitious for Germany to swallow. It would be nice if the conservatives went along with the idea of a budget for the euro zone, but they need to want it, said Kahrs. It would make no sense to try to bully them. Even as he focuses on his grand ambitions, Macron and his finance minister, Bruno Le Maire, must battle to get the states historically overstretched finances in order, while hoping that Frances currently steady growth rate doesnt falter. The budget deficit has been falling and should dip just below 3 percent next year, but from the European Commissions point of view that is insufficient. It wants more done on the structural deficit, which strips out the business cycle. If Macron and Le Maire are to achieve more, it will likely mean cutting deeper into regional budgets, where planned reductions have already provoked anger among mayors. Unemployment figures show job creation is at a record high but the jobless rate still ticked higher in the third quarter, rising to 9.7 percent. While it is forecast to decline again, the French rate remains way above Germanys of 5.6 percent. Jean Pisani-Ferry, a leading economist and former adviser to Macron, believes perhaps the biggest risk Macron faces is ensuring his European strategy pays off, because his domestic agenda will in large part be influenced by it in turn. Yet that depends a lot on Germany, and the wider EU. Hes making a huge political investment (in Europe), said Pisani-Ferry, a professor of economics and public management at Sciences Po university. And if youre making a huge political investment, you want at some point some pay-off. If there is no pay-off whatsoever, then obviously there will be domestic political consequences. It will be a setback for him.
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Islamabad: When hardline Pakistani Islamists signed an agreement with the government on Monday to end a crippling blockade of the nation's capital, the text of their deal concluded by thanking the army chief who it said had saved the nation from a big catastrophe.
The effusive praise for General Qamar Javed Bajwas role as a mediator has triggered some concern among moderate politicians and criticism from a judge in Islamabad, where 36 hours earlier the civilian government had called in the army to restore order after police clashed with the entrenched Islamists.
Seven people had been killed and nearly 200 wounded in an unsuccessful police-led operation to clear the Islamist protesters, who accused a government minister of blasphemy.
Instead of sending in troops, General Bajwa requested a meeting with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Sunday. The next day, the government capitulated and met most of the Islamists demands, including the resignation of Law Minister Zahid Hamid, who stood down.
A high court judge issued an order on Monday demanding the government explain why the military had helped negotiate the deal. Judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui said the army appeared to be overstepping its constitutional role, which requires it to act in aid of civilian government when called upon to do so.
Critics worry the military may be meddling in politics always a concern in a country where the army has repeatedly seized power rather than simply following the orders of the civilian administration.
The job of the military is to be subservient to the governments orders, said political analyst Zahid Hussain. The militarys role as facilitator has raised many questions.
A ruling party spokesman said the army and government had acted in consultation and said the army did not balk at government orders. No evidence has emerged to contradict that account. The military itself did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Zahid said he was resigning to take the country out of a crisis-like situation, according to state-run news channel PTV.
"Alarming"
Tehreek-e-Labaik, a recently formed ultra-religious party that has made punishing blasphemy its main campaign rallying cry, had blocked main roads into Islamabad for nearly three weeks, demanding Hamids removal.
It blamed the minister for a tweak in the wording in an electoral law that changed a religious oath proclaiming Mohammad the last prophet of Islam to the words I believe, a change the party says amounts to blasphemy. The government put the issue down to a clerical error and swiftly changed the language back.
Insulting Islams prophet is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and blasphemy accusations stir such emotions that they are almost impossible to defend against.
Last week, the Islamabad High Court had ordered the government to remove the protesters, but not to use firearms.
A clearing operation on Saturday quickly descended into chaos, with protesters armed with iron rods and stones battling police to a standstill and scores on each side hospitalised, after which the government called in the army.
In an order made at a follow-up hearing on Monday, Judge Siddiqui said it appeared that the role assumed the top leadership of the army is besides the constitution and beyond its mandate.
The judge said it was alarming that Hameed had signed the agreement as a mediator. Hameed is a senior member of the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence agency, in charge of counter-terrorism, two senior military officials confirmed.
Ruling party official Jan Achakzai confirmed that Abbasi and army chief General Bajwa had met on Sunday, but said the process was consultative and it did not constitute the military questioning orders.
The army ... suggested the government resolve it through negotiations, Achakzai said, adding that the government, after deliberations, directed the interior ministry to meet the protesters demands to avert further violence.
It was affecting the whole country, he said, adding the government had yielded in the larger interest of peace and maintaining law and order.
Rizvi gave his account of the armys role in ending the stand-off at a news conference on Monday.
So the general took a personal interest and sent his team, saying we will become the guarantors, and have your demands fulfilled, Rizvi said. So we said, All right. That is what we want.
The militarys press department did not respond to questions about Rizvis account.
Tensions between the military and the ruling party led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have occasionally broken out into the open.
Sharif had last year rejected a plan put forward by the army to mainstream some hardline Islamist groups into politics, government sources have previously told Reuters, including a forerunner of Tehreek-e-Labaik.
The Islamist party has denied it has any links to the army and the military declined at the time to comment on the report.
MADRID (Reuters) - Imprisoned former vice-president of Catalonia Oriol Junqueras and three other jailed members of his ERC party will abide by a ruling giving Madrid control over the region, their defence lawyer said on Tuesday. Dismissed Catalan vice president Oriol Junqueras arrives to Spain's High Court after being summoned to testify on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for defying the central government by holding a referendum on secession and proclaiming independence, in Madrid, Spain, November 2, 2017. REUTERS/Javier BarbanchoJunqueras and seven other former members of the Catalonia regional cabinet were jailed on Nov. 2 pending trial, accused of sedition, rebellion and misappropriation of funds after the local government declared independence from Spain. Catalonias secession drive has tipped Spain into its worst political crisis in decades and prompted Madrid to sack the Catalan government, led by Carles Puigdemont, and call a regional election for Dec. 21. The acceptance of Madrids rule over the region could prompt the Supreme Court to overrule the decision to hold the defendants in custody while they await trial, and release them in time to campaign for the election. All four jailed ERC members - Junqueras, former foreign affairs chief Raul Romeva, justice affairs head Carles Mundo and work chief Dolors Bassa - have been named as candidates in the election. The defendants did not agree with the application of Article 155, which stripped the regional government of its power after the secessionist ruling, but accepted it, their lawyer said in a statement to the Supreme Court. My charges accepted, and accept, the application of 155 ... but have done so from a position of deep political and judicial discrepancy, the lawyer said. The lawyer added that the statement does not mean that they renounce their political convictions. Former leader of Catalonia Puigdemont, who has been in self-imposed exile in Belgium since declaring independence, said on Saturday the election would be most important in the regions history. Turnout for the election is expected to reach a record 80 percent as the deeply divisive issue of the regions secession prompts participation from both sides. Less than a quarter of Catalans want to continue with a plan to claim independence from Spain, according to a poll published in El Pais newspaper on Monday. However, the same poll showed the vote evenly split between pro- and anti-independence parties in the upcoming regional election.
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Tokyo: Japan has detected radio signals suggesting North Korea may be preparing for another ballistic missile launch, although such signals are not unusual and satellite images did not show fresh activity, a Japanese government source said on Tuesday.
After firing missiles at a pace of about two or three a month since April, North Korean missile launches paused in September, after Pyongyang fired a rocket that passed over Japans northern Hokkaido island.
"This is not enough to determine (if a launch is likely soon)," the source told Reuters.
Japans Kyodo news agency reported late on Monday that the Japanese government was on alert after catching such radio signals, suggesting a launch could come in a few days. The report also said the signals might be related to winter military training by the North Korean military.
South Koreas Yonhap news agency, citing a South Korean government source, also reported that intelligence officials of the United States, South Korea and Japan had recently detected signs of a possible missile launch and have been on higher alert.
Asked about the media reports, Pentagon spokesman Colonel Robert Manning told reporters the United States continued to watch North Korea very closely.
"This is a diplomatically led effort at this point, supported by military options," he said.
"The Republic of Korea and US alliance remains strong and capable of countering any North Korean provocations or attacks."
Two US government sources familiar with official assessments of North Korean capabilities and activities said that while they were not immediately familiar with recent intelligence suggesting that North Korea was preparing to launch a new missile test, the US government would not be surprised if such a test were to take place in the very near future.
Other US intelligence officials noted North Korea has previously sent deliberately misleading signs of preparations for missile and nuclear tests, in part to mask real preparations, and in part to test US and allied intelligence on its activities.
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenyas political divisions looked set to deepen on Tuesday as security forces patrolled the capital in preparation for President Uhuru Kenyattas inauguration and opposition leaders urged supporters to attend a rival rally. REFILE - CORRECTING MONTH Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta delivers a speech during a ceremony at the All Saints Anglican Church in Nairobi, Kenya November 5, 2017. REUTERS/Baz RatnerKenyatta won a second five-year term on Oct. 26 in a repeat presidential election boycotted by opposition leader Raila Odinga, who said it would not be free and fair. The Supreme Court nullified the first presidential election, in August, over irregularities. The extended election season has divided Kenya, a Western ally in a volatile region, and blunted growth in East Africas richest economy. Supporters of Kenyatta -- who won with 98 percent of the vote after Odingas boycott -- are urging the opposition to engage in talks and move on. Our responsibility after the political competition is to come together and work to build the nation, Kenyatta told a church service on Sunday. But Odinga supporters say they will not forgive the ruling party, accusing it of stealing the election, rampant corruption, directing abuse by the security forces and neglecting vast swathes of the country, including Odingas heartland in the west. Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga (C) of the National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition attends a news conference in Machakos County, Kenya November 25, 2017. REUTERS/Baz RatnerA return to the political backwardness of our past is more than unacceptable. It is intolerable...This divide cannot be bridged by dialogue and compromise, Odingas National Super Alliance opposition alliance said in a statement. The opposition plans to hold a prayer meeting in the capital on Tuesday, saying it wants to commemorate the lives of Odinga supporters killed during confrontations with the security forces over the election period. More than 70 people have been killed in political violence this election season, mostly by the police. But it was unclear if authorities would allow the rally. Nairobi County police commander Japheth Koome told Capital FM radio on Saturday the police had not been notified about the rally as required by law. Whoever thinks he has intentions to do that (hold a rally, and), he does not involve police, wants to break the law, he said. Why dont you tell that person that the law will deal with such a situation firmly? The interior ministry and police spokesmen refused to comment on Monday when called seeking comment on whether the rally could go ahead.
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SANTIAGO (Reuters) - A large iceberg broke off the Grey glacier in southern Chile, authorities said on Tuesday, adding that the cause of the rupture was unclear. Chiles CONAF forestry service shared photos on social media of the enormous block of blue-white ice, which measured 350 meters (1,148 feet) long by 380 meters (1,247 feet) wide, as it floated free in waters of a glacial lagoon near the southern tip of the South American continent. Park officials at Chiles Torres del Paine National Park, home to the glacier, said such ruptures were rare and had not occurred since the early 1990s. Torres del Paine is one of Chiles most popular tourist attractions, famous for its mountain views and visited by more than 115,000 tourists annually, according to CONAF.
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New Delhi: India is monitoring the situation in Bali where a volcano has erupted in Mount Agung, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Tuesday.
The minister tweeted that she had spoken to Pradeep Rawat, the Indian Ambassador in Jakarta.
I have just spoken to Pradeep Rawat Indian Ambassador in Jakarta @IndianEmbJkt. We have set up a facilitation centre at the airport and are providing assistance to the stranded Indian nationals there. I am in constant touch with our mission. @cgibali Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 28, 2017
Indonesian authorities on Tuesday extended the closure of Bali's main airport until Wednesday.
Indonesian officials say Agung continues to erupt and spew water vapour and ash between 2,000 and 3,400 metres high above the crater. There is also seismic activity in the area.
The Bali airport on Monday cancelled 445 domestic and international flights, leaving at least 59,000 passengers stranded. Bali is the main tourist draw in Indonesia, with an annual influx of around 5.4 million foreign tourists, according to official data.
At least 22 towns near the mountain have been affected by the ash and authorities have recommended the use of protective masks for the population. Located in the east of the island, in Karangasem district, Mount Agung is far from most tourist attractions.
North Korea abruptly ended a 10-week pause in its weapons testing Tuesday by launching what the Pentagon said was an intercontinental ballistic missile possibly its longest-range test yet a move that will escalate already high tensions with Washington.
Pentagon spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said the missile was launched from Sain Ni, North Korea, and traveled about 1,000 kilometers before landing in the Sea of Japan within 370 nautical kilometers of Japan's coast. It flew for 53 minutes, Japan's defense minister said.
South Korea, a key US ally separated from the North by a highly militarized border, responded with shorter-range missile tests of its own to mimic striking the North Korea launch site, which it said lies not far from the North Korean capital.
The launch is North Korea's first since it fired an intermediate range missile over Japan on 15 September, and it appeared to shatter chances that the hiatus could lead to renewed diplomacy over the reclusive country's nuclear program. US officials have sporadically floated the idea of direct talks with North Korea if it maintained restraint.
An intercontinental ballistic missile test is considered particularly provocative. It would signal further progress by Pyongyang in developing a weapon of mass destruction that could strike the US mainland, which President Donald Trump has vowed to prevent using military force if necessary.
In response to the launch, Trump said the United States will "take care of it." He told reporters: "It is a situation that we will handle." He did not elaborate.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted that Trump was briefed on the situation "while missile was still in the air."
Manning, the Pentagon spokesman, said the North American Aerospace Defense Command, known as NORAD, "determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, our territories or our allies."
US scientist David Wright said that based on initial reports on the altitude and duration of the test, it appeared to be North Korea's longest-range test yet. If flown on a standard trajectory rather than at a lofted angle, the missile would have a range of more than 13,000 kilometers (8,100 miles), said Wright, a physicist at the Union for Concerned Scientists.
A week ago, the Trump administration declared North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism, further straining ties between governments that are still technically at war. Washington also imposed new sanctions on North Korean shipping firms and Chinese trading companies dealing with the North.
North Korea called the terror designation a "serious provocation" that justifies its development of nuclear weapons.
Echoing the initial US assessment, Japan's Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said the missile was likely an intercontinental ballistic missile. He said it was launched on highly lofted trajectory and reached a high point exceeding 4,000 kilometers exceeding the height of previous missile tests. He said it flew for about 53 minutes.
"We can assume it was ICBM-class," Onodera said.
Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the U.S. and South Korean militaries were analyzing the launch data from the missile. It said it traveled a distance of 960 kilometers and estimated the apogee at 4,500 kilometers.
In response to the North Korean test, it said South Korea conducted a "precision-strike" drill, firing three missiles, including one with a 1000-kilometer range, to accurately hit a target that stood for the North Korean launch site. South Korea's presidential office said it was holding a National Security Council meeting Wednesday morning local time to discuss the launch.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. He said Japan will not back down against any provocation and would maximize pressure on the North in its strong alliance with the US.
"We will not tolerate North Korea's reckless action," he told reporters.
The test is likely to trigger moves by the US and its allies to condemn North Korea's latest test as a violation of Security Council resolutions that prohibit its use of ballistic missile technology and possibly seek more sanctions.
Trump has ramped up economic and diplomatic pressure on the North to prevent its development of a nuclear-tipped missile that could strike the U.S. mainland. Thus far, the pressure has failed to get North Korea's totalitarian government, which views a nuclear arsenal as key to its survival, to return to long-stalled international negotiations on its nuclear program.
UN Security Council President Sebastiano Cardi said he was scheduled to brief the council Wednesday.
Tuesday's launch came as the U.S. discussed with South Korea next steps on North Korea. The South's top nuclear negotiator, Lee Do-hoon, was in Washington for talks with Joseph Yun, the US envoy for North Korea policy.
London: Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been stripped of the honorific freedom of Oxford, the British city where she studied and raised her children, over her "inaction" in the Rohingya crisis.
"When Aung San Suu Kyi was given the Freedom of the City in 1997 it was because she reflected Oxford's values of tolerance and internationalism," the city council said in a statement issued late Monday.
"Today we have taken the unprecedented step of stripping her of the city's highest honour because of her inaction in the face of the oppression of the minority Rohingya population," added the release, which was published after a unanimous vote.
"Our reputation is tarnished by honouring those who turn a blind eye to violence."
Oxford's world-renowned university removed portraits of Suu Kyi, a former student, from its walls in September.
Suu Kyi's late husband Michael Aris was a lecturer in Asian history at the university, and the couple lived and raised their two sons in the city.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner has come under fire for failing to speak up in defence of the minority Muslim community.
The United Nations says more than 620,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since August and now live in squalor in the world's largest refugee camp after a military crackdown in Myanmar that the UN and Washington have said clearly constitutes "ethnic cleansing".
Yangon: Pope Francis begins his first full day in Myanmar traveling to the country's capital on Tuesday to meet with the civilian leader, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, a day after hosting the military general in charge of the crackdown on the country's Muslim Rohingya minority.
Francis' speech to Suu Kyi, other Myanmar authorities and the diplomatic corps in Naypyitaw is the most anticipated of his visit, given the outcry over the crackdown, which the US and UN have described as a campaign of "ethnic cleansing" to drive out the Rohingya from northern Rakhine state.
The operation, launched in August after Rohingya militants attacked security posts, has sent more than 620,000 Rohingya into neighboring Bangladesh, where they have reported entire villages were burned and looted, and women and girls were raped.
Myanmar's Catholic leaders have stressed that Suu Kyi has no voice to speak out against the military over the operation, and have urged continued support for her efforts to move Myanmar toward a more democratic future that includes all its religious minorities, Christians in particular. How Francis bridges the local Catholic concerns with his legacy of speaking out for oppressed minorities is the key to watch in his speech in Naypyitaw.
Francis dove into the crisis hours after arriving on Monday by meeting with the commander responsible for the crackdown, General Min Aung Hlaing, and three members of the bureau of special operations. The Vatican didn't provide details of the contents of the 15-minute "courtesy visit," only to say that "They spoke of the great responsibility of the authorities of the country in this moment of transition."
General Min Aung Hlaing's office said in a statement on Facebook that he is willing to have "interfaith peace, unity and justice." The general added that there was no religious or ethnic persecution or discrimination in Myanmar, and that the government allowed different faith groups to have freedom of worship.
Rohingya Muslims have long faced state-supported discrimination in the predominantly Buddhist country and were stripped of citizenship in 1982, denying them almost all rights and rendering them stateless. They cannot travel freely, practice their religion, or work as teachers or doctors, and they have little access to medical care, food or education.
Myanmar's Catholic Church has publicly urged Francis to avoid saying "Rohingya," a term shunned by many here because the ethnic group is not a recognized minority in the country. And they have urged him to toe a delicate line in condemning the violence, given the potential for blowback against Myanmar's tiny Catholic community.
Francis previously has prayed for "our Rohingya brothers and sisters," lamented their suffering and called for them to enjoy full rights. As a result, much of the debate before his trip focused on whether he would again express solidarity with the Rohingya. Any decision to avoid the term and shy away from the conflict could be viewed as a capitulation to Myanmar's military and a stain on his legacy of standing up for the most oppressed and marginalized of society, no matter how impolitic.
Burke didn't say if Francis used the term in his meeting with the general, which ended with an exchange of gifts: Francis gave him a medallion of the trip, while the general gave the pope a harp in the shape of a boat, and an ornate rice bowl.
The papal trip was planned before the latest spasm of violence erupted in August, when Myanmar security forces responded to militant attacks with a scorched-earth campaign that has sent many Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh.
In the Kutupalong refugee camp in southern Bangladesh, Senu Ara, 35, welcomed Francis' arrival for what he might be able to do for the refugees.
"He might help us get the peace that we are desperately searching for," she said. "Even if we stay here he will make our situation better. If he decides to send us back, he will do so in a peaceful way."
But in Myanmar, the sentiment was different. The government and most of the Buddhist majority consider the Rohingya Bengali migrants from Bangladesh living illegally in the country, though Rohingya have been here for generations.
"Being a religious leader Catholic leader means that he is well-regarded, but of course there is this worry if he says something, people might say, 'OK, he just came to meddle,'" said Burmese analyst Khin Zaw Win, a former political prisoner. "So, I think a lot of diplomacy is needed, in addition to the public relations."
Upon his arrival in Yangon, the pope was greeted by local Catholic officials and his motorcade passed by thousands of Myanmar's Catholics, who lined the roads, wearing traditional attire and playing music.
Children greeted him as he drove in a simple blue sedan, chanting "Viva il papa!" (Long live the pope) and waving small plastic Myanmar and Holy See flags. Posters wishing Francis "a heartiest of welcome" lined the route into town.
NAYPYITAW (Reuters) - Pope Francis said on Tuesday that Myanmar is suffering from civil conflict and hostilities that have lasted all too long and created deep divisions, but in a speech in the countrys capital he did not refer to the minority Rohingya Muslims. Pope Francis and Myanmars State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi attend a meeting with members of the civil society and diplomatic corps in Naypyitaw, Myanmar November 28, 2017. REUTERS/Max RossiThe arduous process of peacebuilding and national reconciliation can only advance through a commitment to justice and respect for human rights, he said, speaking after Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi had made an address. Religious differences need not be a source of division and distrust, but rather a force for unity, forgiveness, tolerance and wise nationbuilding, the pope added. The popes visit to Myanmar comes after an exodus of more than 620,000 Rohingya from Rakhine state to the southern tip of Bangladesh following a military crackdown that the United States last week branded ethnic cleansing. His trip is so delicate that some papal advisers warned him against even saying the word Rohingya, lest he set off a diplomatic incident that could turn the countrys military and government against minority Christians. Myanmar does not recognise the Rohingya as citizens nor as members of a distinct ethnic group with their own identity, and it rejects the term Rohingya and its use. Pope Francis did not use the word in his speech.
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Moscow: Russia will assist India in setting up a national crisis management centre in the country to handle disaster and other emergency situations.
This was agreed during a meeting between Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian minister for emergency situations Vladimir Puchkov on Tuesday.
Both sides agreed that EMERCOM of Russia would cooperate with India in the establishment of the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in India, an official statement said.
Singh held detailed discussions with Puchkov on cooperation in disaster management. They reviewed the progress made on the agreement on disaster management signed in 2010. They also agreed on a programme of training of specialists and sharing of each other's experiences as well as best practices in the field of Disaster Management, the statement said.
The two leaders later signed a joint implementation plan for 2018-19 for cooperation in disaster management. Singh also met Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Security Council of Russian Federation, on Monday.
During the meeting, both sides reinforced their determination to further strengthen their cooperation in the sectors of security and counter-terrorism.
They also reviewed the implementation of the agreement on information security signed in October 2016. Both sides have welcomed the ongoing cooperation and the regular exchange of visits between the two national security councils.
During his three-day visit to Russia, Singh will visit the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation and hold talks with director Alexander Bortnikov. Later, he will attend a reception organised by the Indian community.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia presents Iran as an enemy because it wants to cover up its defeats in the region. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani delivers remarks at a news conference during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, U.S. September 20, 2017. REUTERS/Stephanie Keith Saudi Arabia was unsuccessful in Qatar, was unsuccessful in Iraq, in Syria and recently in Lebanon. In all of these areas they were unsuccessful, Rouhani said in the interview live on state television. So they want to cover up their defeats. The Sunni Muslim kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran back rival sides in the wars and political crises throughout the region. Saudi Arabias powerful Crown Prince called the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the new Hitler of the Middle East in an interview with the New York Times published last week, escalating the war of words between the arch-rivals. Tensions soared this month when Lebanons Saudi-allied Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned in a television broadcast from Riyadh, citing the influence of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and risks to his life. Hezbollah called the move an act of war engineered by Saudi authorities, an accusation they denied. Hariri returned to Lebanon last week and suspended his resignation but has continued his criticism of Hezbollah. Iran, Iraq, Syria and Russia form a line of resistance in the region which has worked toward stability and achieved big accomplishments, Rouhani said in the interview, which was reviewing his first 100 days in office in his second term.
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LONDON (Reuters) - One in 10 drugs sold in developing countries is fake or substandard, leading to tens of thousands of deaths, many of them of African children given ineffective treatments for pneumonia and malaria, health officials said on Tuesday. The headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO) is pictured in Geneva, Switzerland, March 22, 2016. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/FilesIn a major review of the problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that bogus drugs are a growing threat as increased pharmaceutical trade, including Internet sales, open the door to sometimes toxic products. Some pharmacists in Africa, for example, say that they are compelled to buy from the cheapest but not necessarily the safest suppliers to compete with illegal street traders. Fake drugs could contain incorrect doses, wrong ingredients or no active ingredients at all. At the same time, a worrying number of authorised medicines fail to meet quality standards because of improper storage and other issues. The scale of the problem is hard to quantify precisely, but a WHO pooled analysis of 100 studies from 2007 to 2016, covering more than 48,000 samples, showed 10.5 percent of drugs in low and middle-income countries to be fake or substandard. With pharmaceutical sales in such countries running at nearly $300 billion a year, this implies that trade in fake medicines is a $30 billion business. The human toll is enormous, according to a team from the University of Edinburgh, which was commissioned by the WHO to study the impact of fake drugs. They calculated that up to 72,000 deaths from childhood pneumonia could be attributed to the use of antibiotics with reduced activity, increasing to 169,000 deaths if drugs had no activity. Poor-quality drugs also add to the danger of antibiotic resistance, threatening to undermine the power of life-saving medicines in future. Another group from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimated that 116,000 additional deaths from malaria could be caused each year by bad antimalarials in sub-Saharan Africa. Substandard and falsified medicines particularly affect the most vulnerable communities, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. This is unacceptable. Since 2013 the WHO has received 1,500 reports of fake and low-quality products, with antimalarials and antibiotics the most commonly reported categories. However, the problem extends to everything from cancer drugs to contraceptive pills. Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 42 percent of all the reports. There was no global reporting of this data before 2013.
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GENEVA (Reuters) - A United Nations womens rights panel called on Myanmar on Tuesday to report within six months on rapes and sexual violence against Rohingya women and girls by its security forces in northern Rakhine state. Rohingya refugees sail on an improvised raft across the Naf River to reach Bangladesh, in Teknaf, Bangladesh November 27, 2017. REUTERS/Susana VeraThe U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) also asked authorities to provide details on women and girls killed in the violence since the army crackdown began in late August. The campaign, which followed attacks on police posts by Rohingya insurgents, has driven more than 600,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh and left their villages burned to the ground. The rare request for an exceptional report from a country was only the panels fourth since 1982. Pope Francis met leaders of several faiths in majority-Buddhist Myanmar on Tuesday, stressing the importance of unity in diversity but making no mention of the minority Muslim Rohingya on his first day of a visit. He later said in a speech that civil conflict and hostilities there had lasted all too long and created deep divisions, but again did not refer to the Rohingya. The U.N. watchdog panel, composed of 23 independent experts, set a six-month deadline for the government to submit the report to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. A Rohingya refugee stands outside her makeshift shelter at Hakim Para refugee settlement near Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, November 21, 2017. REUTERS/Susana Vera The Committee requested information concerning cases of sexual violence, including rape, against Rohingya women and girls by State security forces; and to provide details on the number of women and girls who have been killed or have died due to other non-natural causes during the latest outbreak of violence, it said in a statement. The experts requested information on investigations, arrests, prosecutions, convictions and sentences or disciplinary measures imposed on perpetrators, including members of the armed forces, found guilty of such crimes. Specifically, they sought information on the battalions that have undertaken the clearance operations in northern Rakhine state since August 25 and under whose command. They asked whether instructions have been given or are being issued to all branches of state security forces that torture, sexual violence and expulsions are banned and that those responsible will be prosecuted and punished. The panel said it wanted to know how many Rohingya women and girls are being detained by security forces. Reuters reported on Monday that the U.N. Human Rights Council is expected to hold a special session in Geneva on December 5 on killings, rapes and other crimes committed against Rohingya in Myanmar. The watchdog panel said it had also requested information on investigations, arrests, prosecutions, convictions and sentences or disciplinary measures imposed on perpetrators, including members of the armed forces, found guilty of such crimes.
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. general in Afghanistan said on Tuesday that he had not seen a change in Pakistans support for militants so far, despite President Donald Trump taking a tougher line against Islamabad. U.S. Army General John Nicholson, Commander of Resolute Support forces and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, speaks during a news conference in Kabul, Afghanistan November 20, 2017. REUTERS/Mohammad IsmailU.S. officials have long been frustrated by what they see as Pakistans reluctance to act against groups such as the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network that they believe exploit safe haven on Pakistani soil to launch attacks on neighboring Afghanistan. In August, Trump outlined a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan, chastising Pakistan over its alleged support for Afghan militants. He accused Pakistan of harboring agents of chaos and providing safe havens to militant groups waging an insurgency against a U.S.-backed government in Kabul. U.S. official expressed hope that relations between the two countries could improve after a kidnapped U.S.-Canadian couple and their three children were freed in Pakistan in October, after the couple was abducted in neighboring Afghanistan. We have been very direct and very clear with the Pakistanis... we have not seen those changes implemented yet, General John Nicholson told reporters. We are hoping to see those changes, we are hoping to work together with the Pakistanis going forward to eliminate terrorists who are crossing the border, Nicholson said. He added that he believed that senior Taliban leaders were based in Pakistan, while the lower level leadership was in Afghanistan. Pakistan says it has done a great deal to help the United States in tracking down terrorists.
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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. general in Afghanistan said on Tuesday that he had not seen a change in Pakistans support for militants so far, despite President Donald Trump taking a tougher line against Islamabad. U.S. Army General John Nicholson, Commander of Resolute Support forces and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, speaks during a news conference in Kabul, Afghanistan November 20, 2017. REUTERS/Mohammad IsmailU.S. officials have long been frustrated by what they see as Pakistans reluctance to act against groups such as the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network that they believe exploit safe haven on Pakistani soil to launch attacks on neighbouring Afghanistan. In August, Trump outlined a new strategy for the war in Afghanistan, chastising Pakistan over its alleged support for Afghan militants. He accused Pakistan of harbouring agents of chaos and providing safe havens to militant groups waging an insurgency against a U.S.-backed government in Kabul. U.S. official expressed hope that relations between the two countries could improve after a kidnapped U.S.-Canadian couple and their three children were freed in Pakistan in October. The couple was abducted in neighbouring Afghanistan. We have been very direct and very clear with the Pakistanis... we have not seen those changes implemented yet, General John Nicholson told reporters. We are hoping to see those changes, we are hoping to work together with the Pakistanis going forward to eliminate terrorists who are crossing the border, Nicholson said. He said that he believed that senior Taliban leaders were based in Pakistan, while the lower-level leadership was in Afghanistan. Nicholson added that he agreed with other senior U.S. officials that Pakistans main spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) directorate, had ties to the Haqqani network militant group. The United States in 2012 designated the Pakistan-based Haqqani network as a terrorist organization. Pakistan says it has done a great deal to help the United States in tracking down terrorists. The four-star general said he had seen evidence of relations between Iran and the Taliban in western Afghanistan and was closely tracking it. The United States has sent more than 3,000 additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan as a part of Trumps South Asia strategy. Nicholson said over 1,000 troops would be advising Afghan troops at the battalion level, putting them closer to the fighting and at greater risk. Nicholson gave an optimistic view of the situation, saying he believed we are on our way to a win. U.S. officials have made similar statements during the course of the 16-year-old war, but the situation according to many U.S. officials remains in a stalemate. According to a recent report by a U.S. government watchdog, the Taliban had increased the amount of territory it has influence over or controls in Afghanistan in the past six months. The figures are a sign of the deteriorating security situation in the war-torn country, even as the United States has committed more troops.
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Washington: Three Chinese nationals have been indicted by the US Justice Department for allegedly hacking and stealing sensitive internal documents of American corporations like Moody's Analytics and Siemens for nearly six years.
The indictment, which was unsealed Monday, charged that the three defendants and others participated in "coordinated and unauthorised" cyber attacks in order to steal confidential business information and intentionally cause damage to those computer systems.
The three defendants have been identified as Wu Yingzhuo, Dong Hao and Xia Lei. Moody's Analytics, Siemens AG and Trimble were the American corporations that were hacked by the trio. According to the indictment, Wu, Dong and Xia were owners, employees and associates of Guangzhou Bo Yu Information Technology Company, a firm in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou that offers cyber security services.
For one victim, information that the defendants targeted and stole trade secrets between December 2015 and March 2016, the US Department of Justice said. "Defendants Wu, Dong and Xia launched coordinated and targeted cyber intrusions against businesses operating in the US, including here in the Western District of Pennsylvania, in order to steal confidential business information," said Acting US Attorney Soo C Song for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
He said, "These conspirators masked their criminal conspiracy by exploiting unwitting computers, called 'hop points', conducting 'spearphish' email campaigns to gain unauthorised access to corporate computers, and deploying malicious code to infiltrate the victim computer networks". The conspiracy began as early as 2011 and continued to May, 2017.
Washington: The US is working on a new approach with India and Pakistan for promoting stability and reconciliation in Afghanistan, the State Department has said.
The State Department's annual report on its financial priorities for the new fiscal year highlighted this as a key ingredient of Washington's strategy for South Asia that President Donald Trump announced on 21 August.
"Our approach to South Asia and specifically Afghanistan means new approaches with India and Pakistan to deny safe havens to terrorist organisations," State Department Inspector General Steve A Linick said.
The main purpose behind this new approach was to "create the conditions for reconciliation with the Taliban and a process that supports the Afghan government in providing security for their own people", Linick added.
The report identified the most serious management and performance challenges facing the State Department and assessed the Department's progress in addressing those challenges, Dawn online reported. This year's report detailed ongoing difficulties in monitoring and overseeing the anti-terrorism assistance programme in Pakistan. The report pointed out that the State Department has no staff in Pakistan for verifying satisfactory contractor performance or monitoring whether required reports were submitted.
Furthermore, the bureau had not adopted a meaningful way to measure progress towards programme goals.
The report noted that difficulties in obtaining Pakistani visa was a contributing factor in the State Department's flawed oversight and monitoring of the anti-terrorism assistance programme there.
It also underlined the measures the State Department could take to improve oversight, including developing and implementing procedures to verify compliance with contract reporting requirements.
The report also identified ways the State Department's own practices contributed to problems, notwithstanding the fact that oversight personnel could not be located in Pakistan.
It also noted that the US mission's security policies restricting staff travel in the country made it difficult to meet Pakistani contacts and audiences, impeding operations or programme implementation.
Facebook has announced an upgrade to its suicide prevention AI in order to respond and report about the users who are expressing thoughts of suicide either via posts or live videos. The company has always tried to connect a person in distress with people who can support them in an effort to build a community that is safe on and off Facebook.
Facebook uses pattern recognition to detect posts or live videos where a user might be expressing thoughts of suicide in order to report and respond and has also improved on how to identify appropriate first responders. The company is expanding the dedicated reviewers from the Community operations team to review reports of suicide or self-harm.
Facebook says that over the last one month, the company has worked with the first responders on over 100 wellness checks based on reports that it received via the proactive detection efforts in addition to the reports that it received from people in the Facebook community. The pattern recognition accelerates the most concerning reports and these reports after being signed for immediate attention are being escalated to local authorities twice as quickly as other reports.
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Facebook has said that it is rolling out the A.I outside of the US and will be eventually available worldwide, except the EU. It said that it would work on this technology to increase accuracy and avoid false positives before the actual team reviews the reports. As for the first responders, Facebook says that the Operations team includes thousands of people around the world who review reports about content on Facebook. The team consists of a dedicated group of specialists who have specific training in suicide and self-harm.
The company is already providing support options, such as the option to reach out to a friend and even offer suggested text templates. The company has been working on the suicidal prevention program for the past 10 years and has collaborated with mental health organizations such as Save.org, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and Forefront Suicide Prevention.
Source
Home-furnishings brand Pier 1 has become the latest U.S. store to succumb to the retail apocalypse after revealing Monday it would file Chapter 11 bankruptcy and pursue a sale.
The company cited the bankruptcy filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Richmond, Virginia, due to slowing sales, and added that it would complete the closure of up to 450 store locations, including all its stores in Canada, that it announced earlier this year.
In recent months, we have taken significant steps forward in our business transformation and cost-reduction initiatives, Robert Riesbeck, Pier 1s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer said in the statement. Todays actions are intended to provide Pier 1 with additional time and financial flexibility to unlock additional value for our stakeholders through a sale. We are moving ahead in this process with the support of our lenders and are pleased with the initial interest as we engage in discussions with potential buyers.
To date, the brand has closed or launched store-closing sales at more than 400 locations.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % PIR n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. AMZN AMAZON.COM INC. 3,049.44 +26.60 +0.88%
Pier 1 is just one of a growing number of retailers closing their doors as consumers lean away from traditional brick-and-mortar shopping in favor of buying online. The rise of e-commerce outlets like Amazon has made it harder for physical retailers to attract customers and forced companies to change or adopt new strategies.
FOX Business breaks down which brands closed stores or filed bankruptcy in recent months.
Abercrombie & Fitch
The chain has closed hundreds of store locations over the last few years while placing an increased emphasis on online sales and smaller retail formats. In May, Abercrombie & Fitch said it would close three flagship store locations, including one in New York, and redesign 85 others.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % ANF ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. 31.67 -4.18 -11.66%
Aerosoles
The New Jersey-based womens footwear company filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and announced plans to move forward with a significant reduction of its retail locations. While its unclear how many of Aerosoles 88 locations will be affected, the chain said it plans to keep four flagship stores in New York and New Jersey operational, NJ.com reported.
American Apparel
A fashion brand known for its edgy offerings, American Apparel shuttered all of its 110 U.S. locations in 2017 after filing for bankruptcy. The brand has since been acquired by Canada-based Gildan Activewear, which bought its intellectual property in an $88 million deal.
BCBG
The Los Angeles-based brand listed liabilities of more than $500 million when it filed for bankruptcy in February 2017. The chain closed 118 store locations nationwide that year, though more than 300 remained in operation under a company-wide reorganization.
Bon-Ton Stores Inc.
The struggling department store filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to court papers filed in February. The chain, which operates 256 stores in 23 states, also announced it planned to close 42 stores in 2018 as part of a restructuring plan.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % BONTQ BON TON STORES 0.0001 +0.00 +4,900.00%
The Childrens Place
A fixture at shopping malls, the childrens clothing retail said it will close hundreds of store locations by 2020 as part of a shift toward digital commerce.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % PLCE THE CHILDREN'S PLACE INC. 64.78 +5.88 +9.98%
CVS
The pharmacy retailer said it would close 70 store locations in 2017 as part of a bid to cut costs and streamline its business. CVS still operates thousands of stores nationwide.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % CVS CVS HEALTH CORP. 104.50 +2.46 +2.42%
Dressbarn
Dressbarn said it would close all of its approximately 650 store locations in the coming weeks, acknowledging that the chain "has not been operating at an acceptable level of profitability in today's retail environment."
Ticker Security Last Change Change % ASNA n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.
Dollar Tree
The discount retail chain said it would close as many as 390 of its Family Dollar stores around the country and convert roughly 200 others to Dollar Tree locations. The Family Dollar brand has struggled since it was acquired for roughly $9 billion in 2015.
Fred's
The discount retail chain said it plans to close an additional 104 stores by the end of June citing the move is a necessary step to restructuring.
Foot Locker
After reporting fourth-quarter earnings that were far better than expected, the sports retailer said it would close 165 stores in 2019 and invest to upgrade its remaining locations in a bid to boost margins and improve customer experience.
Forever 21
Retailer Forever 21 became the latest retailer to file for bankruptcy protection. The seller of womens, mens and kids clothing and accessories made the announcement September 29. As part of its restructuring strategy, the Company plans to exit most of its international locations in Asia and Europe but will continue operations in Mexico and Latin America., according to a company statement.
According to a court filing, Forever 21 has listed assets and liabilities in the range of $1 billion to $10 billion. This was an important and necessary step to secure the future of our Company, which will enable us to reorganize our business and reposition Forever 21, said Linda Chang, Executive Vice President of Forever 21, Inc."
The Company also announced that its Canadian subsidiary filed for and was granted protection through the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto.
Gap
At first parent, Gap said it would spin off its more successful Old Navy brand into its own company while closing about 230 Gap stores around the world, or roughly 50 percent. Fast forward to January 2019 and those plans have been scrapped. Old Navy will stay put under the Gap umbrella. In a statement, the retailer said that while the purpose of the spinoff was for "value creation" it no longer made sense to the board of directors, who determined the "cost and complexity of splitting into two companies, combined with softer business performance, limited our ability to create appropriate value from separation," said Robert Fisher, Gap Inc. interim president and chief executive officer.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % GPS GAP INC. 14.56 +0.74 +5.39%
Guess
Guess announced plans to close 60 of its struggling U.S. store locations in 2017 as part of a plan to refocus on international markets.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % GES GUESS? INC. 21.89 +1.50 +7.38%
Gymboree
The children's clothing retailer was expected to file for bankruptcy for the second time in two years, The Wall Street Journal reported this week. The company will shutter 900 stores and seek a potential sale of its other brands.
Hhgregg
The electronics retailer said it would close all of its 220 stores and lay off thousands of employees when it failed to find a buyer after bankruptcy proceedings.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % HGGGQ HHGREGG 0.002 +0.00 +199,900.00%
J.C. Penney
The department store chain closed 138 stores in 2017 while restructuring its business to meet shifting consumer tastes. The retailer also announced plans to open toy shops in all of its remaining brick-and-mortar locations. J.C. Penney plans to close 24 more stores in 2019.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % JCP n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.
The Limited
After a brutal holiday season in 2016, the clothing chain closed all 250 of its physical stores in January 2017 as part of a bid to focus on ecommerce. The closures reportedly resulted in the loss of about 4,000 jobs.
Macys
At the start of the new year, Macy's announced it would close 28 stores. Before the doors could even shut on those locations, the retailer announced plans to close 125 department stores over the next three years as part of an effort to streamline its business and adjust to a difficult sales environment.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % M MACY'S INC. 26.11 +1.57 +6.42%
Michael Kors
With same-store sales plunging, the upscale fashion retailer said it would close as many as 125 stores to adapt to a difficult, promotional sales environment.
Payless
The discount shoe retailer will file for bankruptcy for the second time in two years later this month and close all of its approximately 2,300 stores in the U.S., Reuters reported, citing sources with knowledge of the situation. The company previously filed for bankruptcy in April 2017.
RadioShack
The once-prominent electronics outlet shut down more than 1,000 store locations in 2017. The brand now operates just 70 stores nationwide, down from a peak of several thousand.
Sears, Kmart
Sears Holdings is one of the most prominent traditional retailers to suffer in a challenging sales environment. The brand filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Oct. 15, 2018, and said it would close more than 140 of its 700 remaining stores as part of its bid to restructure its debt. The company is set to hold an auction in January to determine whether it will be sold to its former CEO, Eddie Lampert, or liquidate its remaining stores.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % SHLDQ SEARS HOLDINGS CORP. 0.02 +0.00 +12.68%
Signet Jewelers
The parent company of Kay Jewelers and Zales said it would close more than 150 stores locations in fiscal 2020 amid declining store traffic. Signet also closed 262 stores in fiscal 2019 as it looks to refocus its business on e-commerce.
Ticker Security Last Change Change % SIG SIGNET JEWELERS LTD. 71.92 +5.00 +7.47%
Shopko
The Wisconsin-based retailer cited a sizable debt load and "competitive pressures" in its decision to file for bankruptcy. The chain will close 38 stores and sell off its pharmacy business as part of a restructuring plan.
Topshop
The British retailer will close all 11 of its U.S. stores after its parent company, Arcadia Group, filed for bankruptcy.
Toys R Us
The venerable toy outlet filed for bankruptcy in September 2017 amid mounting debt and pressure from wary suppliers and was forced to liquidate its remaining stores and inventories in 2018. The company is currently out of business, though rumors of a comeback persist.
Victoria's Secret
Parent company L Brands announced in late February that it would shutter 53 Victoria's Secret store locations amid sagging sales, after closing 30 stores in 2018. The venerable brand is contending with shifting fashion tastes as rivals embrace inclusive and comfortable styles.
Wet Seal
The teen fashion brand shuttered its 171 stores in 2017 after previously filing for bankruptcy in 2015. Declining foot traffic at malls and pressure from competitors like Zara and H&M contributed to Wet Seals demise.
FOX Business' Thomas Barrabi and Shawn M. Carter contributed to this report.
An estimated one in 10 drugs sold in low- and middle-income countries are fake or substandard, causing tens of thousands of deaths, according a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO).
Since 2013, WHO said it has received 1,500 reports of bogus drug cases, with antimalarials and antibiotics being the most commonly reported. However, the problem extends to everything from cancer drugs to contraceptive pills.
Many of these products, like antibiotics, are vital for peoples survival and wellbeing, Mariangela Simao, WHOs assistant director-general for access to medicines, vaccines and pharmaceuticals, said. Substandard or falsified medicines not only have a tragic impact on individual patients and their families, but also are a threat to antimicrobial resistance, adding to the worrying trend of medicines losing their power to treat.
The hardest hit regions include Africa (42%), Americas (21%) and Europe (21%), but Michael Deats, who led the study for WHO, told FOX Business that Americans are also at risk.
All countries are at risk from substandard and falsified medical products, Deats said. Consumers in the U.S. are more exposed to the risk from souring medicines from unregulated websites.
While the scale of the problem is hard to quantify precisely, WHO pooled analysis of 100 studies from 2007 to 2016, covering more than 48,000 samples, and found that 10.5% of drugs in developed countries were either fake or substandard.
Prior to 2013, there was no global reporting of this information but since then, WHO has trained more than 500 regulators from 141 countries to detect and respond to this issue.
The bottom line is that this is a global problem, Simao added. Countries need to assess the extent of the problem at home and cooperate regionally and globally to prevent the traffic of these products and improve detection and response.
According to Reuters, pharmaceutical sales in such countries are running at nearly $300 billion a year, which is generating around $30 billion for fake medicine manufacturers.
Deats said its important for all customers to look for some sort of official certification when ordering any medication online as well as checking to see if there is a physical store location linked to the pharmacys website.
Additionally, he adds that major pharmaceutical manufacturers need to step in and help curve the growing problem.
[They] need to report any Substandard and Falsified medical products to the National Regulatory Authorities in which those products are found immediately and work with regulatory authorities to minimize the risks to patients, Deats said.
Two sisters have found a way to transform civilian-military perceptions into fashionable accessories.
Emily Nunez Cavness, a former U.S. Army captain, and her sister Betsy Nunez created Sword & Plough, a company that creates stylish handbags by repurposing military surplus material. The business employs veterans throughout each stagefrom design, to sewing, to management, sales and modelingand hopes the company is able to bridge the civil-military gap.
We started out working with one veteran-owned manufacturer here in America and now weve growth to work with five veteran-owned manufacturers, Emily told FOX Business Maria Bartiromo on Mornings with Maria. And with that, weve helped support 65 veteran jobs and through all of these bags, weve repurposed over 30,000 pounds of military surplus.
Cavness said she came up with the idea after joining the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program at Middlebury College.
It was there where I realized certain challenges like veteran unemployment, the civil military divide and the need to reduce waste, she said. And one day I had this a-ha moment and I thought how incredible would it be to come with a company that could repurpose military surplus material into stylish bags that anyone would want to wear that would employ veterans at every single stage of our business.
According to the most recent data released by the Department of Labor, the veteran unemployment rate was at 2.7% in October, the lowest monthly veteran unemployment rate since 2000.
The former army captain said her time spent in the military helped prepare her for her career as a small business owner.
It really trained me to know how to perform under stress, how to lead a team, how to have really good time management skills and I think the best thing it taught me is to never give up, she added. And I think that determination has really helped us get to where we are today.
Former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci resigned from the Board of Advisors at Tufts Universitys Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy on Tuesday after getting into a spat with the schools newspaper.
In a statement to FOX Business, Adm. James Stavridis, dean of the school, said, This morning, Anthony Scaramucci informed The Fletcher School that he is resigning his position on the schools Board of Advisors, effective immediately. We thank Mr. Scaramucci for his past service to Tufts and wish him well.
Scaramuccis resignation comes after the former Trump aide threatened to sue a student at the university for penning two critical editorials on why he shouldnt be on the board. The editorial pieces later turned into a weeks-long squabble with multiple students on campus who wanted him ousted, arguing that he didnt belong on the board after making vulgar comments about another White House official.
Scaramucci, who served just 10 days in his White House role, held the Tufts board position since June 2016.
One in 10 drugs sold in developing countries is fake or substandard, leading to tens of thousands of deaths, many of them of African children given ineffective treatments for pneumonia and malaria, health officials said on Tuesday.
In a major review of the problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that bogus drugs are a growing threat as increased pharmaceutical trade, including Internet sales, open the door to sometimes toxic products.
Some pharmacists in Africa, for example, say that they are compelled to buy from the cheapest but not necessarily the safest suppliers to compete with illegal street traders.
Fake drugs could contain incorrect doses, wrong ingredients or no active ingredients at all. At the same time, a worrying number of authorised medicines fail to meet quality standards because of improper storage and other issues.
The scale of the problem is hard to quantify precisely, but a WHO pooled analysis of 100 studies from 2007 to 2016, covering more than 48,000 samples, showed 10.5 percent of drugs in low and middle-income countries to be fake or substandard.
With pharmaceutical sales in such countries running at nearly $300 billion a year, this implies that trade in fake medicines is a $30 billion business.
The human toll is enormous, according to a team from the University of Edinburgh, which was commissioned by the WHO to study the impact of fake drugs.
They calculated that up to 72,000 deaths from childhood pneumonia could be attributed to the use of antibiotics with reduced activity, increasing to 169,000 deaths if drugs had no activity.
Poor-quality drugs also add to the danger of antibiotic resistance, threatening to undermine the power of life-saving medicines in future.
Another group from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimated that 116,000 additional deaths from malaria could be caused each year by bad antimalarials in sub-Saharan Africa.
Substandard and falsified medicines particularly affect the most vulnerable communities, said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. This is unacceptable.
Since 2013 the WHO has received 1,500 reports of fake and low-quality products, with antimalarials and antibiotics the most commonly reported categories. However, the problem extends to everything from cancer drugs to contraceptive pills.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 42 percent of all the reports. There was no global reporting of this data before 2013.
A coffee shop targeted by protesters after a message about gentrification struck a nerve in a rapidly changing city remained closed Monday despite an apology and plans to reopen after the holiday weekend.
Last week, Ink! Coffee displayed a sidewalk sign that said "Happily Gentrifying the Neighborhood Since 2014" outside a store in a historically diverse neighborhood near downtown Denver. Outrage over the message, fueled by anger over a city being dramatically transformed by an influx of newcomers, quickly spread on social media. A window was broken at the shop and "White Coffee" painted on the building and about 200 people protested there Saturday.
The Colorado chain initially called the sign a bad joke but later founder Keith Herbert explained it was part of an advertising campaign. In a statement, he said he saw the campaign as a way to take pride in being part of a "dynamic, evolving community" that is inclusive but was now embarrassed to say that he did not "fully appreciate the very real and troubling issue of gentrification."
"I recognize that we had a blind spot to other legitimate interpretations. I sincerely apologize - absolutely and unequivocally," said Herbert, who promised to educate himself and his colleagues about the issue and show ways to express his contrition.
A sign posted on the door of the shop said it would reopen Monday. No one answered the phone at the shop or company's office and an email seeking an explanation was not returned.
The shop is located near Five Points, a once largely black neighborhood, in a former industrial area that has become one of Denver's trendiest neighborhoods filled with breweries, restaurants and apartments, driving up rent and forcing many longtime residents to move.
Herbert also wrote a letter this weekend to Denver Mayor Michael Hancock apologizing. Hancock's office released a copy on Monday.
"I am embarrassed that we failed our local community and for the anger, frustration and disappointment many of our neighbors are feeling," Herbert wrote.
City councilman Albus Brooks, who represents the area, said he was angered by the sign but urged residents to focus on patronizing businesses that support their values and resisting the urge to retaliate against the shop. He said he planned to ask Ink to have its workers undergo "cultural competency training" by a member of the community.
Merriam-Webster tweeted that searches for "gentrification" and "gentrify" on its online dictionary rose 2,500 percent Monday following media coverage of the controversy.
Three people affiliated with a Chinese cyber security firm hacked into the networks of Siemens AG, Trimble Inc and Moody's Analytics to steal business secrets, U.S. prosecutors said on Monday.
An indictment unsealed in federal court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, charged the three for launching "coordinated and unauthorized" cyber attacks with others between 2011 and this year.
The hackers monitored email correspondence of an unidentified Moody's economist, stole data from transportation, technology and energy units at Siemens, and targeted Trimble as it developed a new global navigation satellite system, the indictment said.
The three Chinese citizens were not in custody and were charged as individuals, not as state-sponsored hackers, U.S. prosecutors in the western Pennsylvania city said. The three sent "spearphishing" emails to computers in western Pennsylvania and around the world, according to the indictment.
Representatives for the three defendants and the Chinese company could not immediately be identified to seek comment on the charges.
The indictment was filed in September and the Chinese government has been aware of it, prosecutors said.
Trimble said no client was breached in the hack. "Trimble responded to the incident and concluded that there is no meaningful impact on its business," the company said in a statement.
A Siemens representative could not immediately be reached for comment.
A Moody's spokesman said the firm worked closely with investigators and "to our knowledge, no confidential customer data or other personal employee information was compromised."
The defendants were identified as Wu Yingzhuo, Dong Hao and Xia Lei. The indictment said they were owners, employees and associates of Guangzhou Bo Yu Information Technology Company Ltd, a firm in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou that offers cyber security services.
U.S. Special Attorney in Pittsburgh Soo C. Song said arrest warrants had been issued for the three accused.
"It is not an element or subject of this indictment that there is state sponsorship," Song said.
The indictment refers to activities of a Chinese hacking group known as "Gothic Panda" with advanced technical capabilities has been active since 2007, said Adam Meyers, a researcher with cyber firm CrowdStrike.
The group, which was active as of September, has targeted aerospace and defense, chemical, energy, financial, healthcare, industrial and transportation firms in Britain, France, Hong Kong, the United States and other western nations, Meyers said.
The three people named in the identified were accused of exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems and using malware to gain access to confidential business and commercial information, work product, and sensitive employee information including user names and passwords.
(Reporting Nick Keppler in Pittsburgh and Karen Freifeld in New York; Additional reporting by David Alexander in Washington, Georgina Prodhan in London; Writing by Jim Finkle in Toronto; editing by Grant McCool)
Chevron Corporation should be at the top of any dividend investor's short list right now, considering that it pays its investors an enviable 3.7% yield. But as good as that is, the oil and gas company isn't the only stock that's pushing the boundaries of dividend yields.
GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK), Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (NYSE: BIP), and AT&T (NYSE: T) all cut bigger checks than Chevron, and each have a compelling reason for dividend investors to give them serious consideration. Let's take a closer look.
A top pharma stock worth considering
George Budwell (GlaxoSmithKline): With a current yield of 5.75%, British pharma stalwart GlaxoSmithKline easily offers one of the richest payouts within its large-cap peer group. And Glaxo's sky-high yield even exceeds that of that the dividend aristocrat Chevron at present.
Glaxo's monstrous yield does come with a big catch, though. The pharma titan's high yield, after all, directly stems from the company's inability to restock its aging product portfolio with new high-value growth products -- especially in the pharmaceutical space, where its top-selling asthma medication, Advair, has been gradually on decline for some time now.
As a result, Glaxo's shares have now shed nearly a quarter of their value over the past three years, and this downward trend has only been accelerating heading into 2018. In fact, Glaxo's recent talk of doling out up to $10 billion for Pfizer's consumer healthcare unit stoked fears among investors that the drugmaker may be forced to suspend its top flight dividend altogether.
The good news is that Glaxo does have a number of green shoots, so to speak, on the pharma and vaccine sides of its business that could save its dividend, and perhaps usher in a new era of strong top-line growth. As a prime example, the company just grabbed a key regulatory approval for its two-drug HIV therapy known as Juluca that appears primed to be a big winner from a sales standpoint. And its newly approved shingles vaccine, Shingrix, should also eventually achieve blockbuster status as well.
All told, Glaxo's rather enticing dividend could indeed evaporate if the company's newly installed management does expand deeper into the consumer healthcare space. But there are some compelling reasons to believe this exceptional yield may be spared from the chopping block as well.
A dividend champion in the making
Neha Chamaria (Brookfield Infrastructure Partners): As a Dividend Aristocrat, Chevron's popularity among income investors isn't unwarranted. However, there are other stocks that are not only cutting higher yields than Chevron but also giving income investors encouraging dividend goals to look forward to.
Consider Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, an asset managing company that acquires high-quality, distressed assets across key sectors like utilities, transport, energy, and communications, and turns them around profitably.
Now, Brookfield doesn't boast a dividend track record like Chevron since the company was established as late as 2008. Brookfield's dividend yield of 4% is also only slightly higher than that of Chevron's, but you just have to see the following chart to understand how the stock has trumped the oil giant in the past decade, thanks to its rapidly growing dividends.
Brookfield has done a tremendous job in the past decade, growing its funds from operations more than ten-fold. I consider Brookfield a gold mine for income investors: It has grown its dividends at a compounded average rate of 12% since 2009 and has a long-term goal of 5% to 9% annual dividend growth. It's difficult to get such visibility from Chevron's dividends.
That means as a Brookfield shareholder, you can not only expect high dividend yields of around 4%, but also watch your dividends grow year after year. When you factor in the relative resilience of its business compared to Chevron's, Brookfield's dividend checks could easily be much bigger in the long run.
The telecom Dividend Aristocrat
Chris Neiger (AT&T): Dividend investors should be absolutely in love with AT&T's 5.5% dividend yield, not to mention the fact that the company has increased its dividend for 32 consecutive years.
The telecom gian has built out a connectivity empire that includes its core wireless business, DirectTV services, and its wireline services that all brought in a total of $39.7 billion in the third quarter 2017. AT&T has managed to keep pace with wireless rival Verizon and hold its own as the nation's second-largest carrier. AT&T is also looking ahead to the coming demand for 5G wireless; it has already conducted tests of the technology and plans on launching a commercial 5G network by 2020 or 2021.
AT&T has more opportunities outside of wireless as well. The company's $108 billion bid for Time Warner would give the company HBO, CNN, and all of Warner Bros.'s content -- and allow AT&T to keep pace with Verizon as it focuses its attention on more content offerings as well.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is fighting that deal right now on concerns that AT&T could have too much pricing power when it controls bundled content and how that content is delivered to customers.
But even if the DOJ ends up stopping AT&T's purchase of Time Warner (or restricts part of the deal), the carrier is already so firmly established in its wireless business and its other home connectivity services that investors have little to worry about. The company's current wireless position and future opportunities in 5G, as well as its expanding customer base with DirecTV (it added 300,000 net customer additions in the third quarter), should be enough for investors to give AT&T strong consideration. Add to all of that the fact that AT&T's shares are trading at less than 12 times the company's forward earnings, and AT&T looks like a solid bet for dividend investors -- and with an enviable yield to boot.
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Chris Neiger has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. George Budwell owns shares of Pfizer. Neha Chamaria has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and Time Warner. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Donald Trump paid $1.375 million in 1998 to settle a class action lawsuit involving Polish laborers who demolished a building at the site of Trump Tower, according to a settlement unsealed by a judge.
The New York Times reported Manhattan federal Judge Loretta Preska unsealed the settlement this month in response to a motion filed in 2016 by Time Inc. and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
Laborers had filed the lawsuit in 1983 over the demolition of the Bonwit Teller building, where more than 200 Polish immigrants in the U.S. illegally worked 12-hour shifts starting in January 1980 for less than half of union wages and sometimes weren't paid. The work included taking apart concrete floors and removing wiring and pipes. The laborers performed those jobs without gear including gloves or masks.
Trump replaced the building, which was near Central Park and St. Patrick's Cathedral, with Trump Tower, his main residence before he became president.
Trump, a Republican who defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in the election last year, has said he had no knowledge of what the project contractor was doing. When the lawsuit went to court, he said he had hired a subcontractor and didn't know about who was being employed and under what conditions.
The legal process dragged on for several years, with Trump appealing a judge's decision and then deciding to settle. The settlement included $500,000 for a union benefits fund, along with lawyers' fees and expenses. The settlement was sealed and the documents put away in storage until they were uncovered in 2016.
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Information from: The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com
President Donald Trump's pick for health secretary is a former pharmaceutical company executive who already has drawn heat from Democrats over his ties to the pharmaceutical industry. But as Alex Azar faces his first nomination hearing, even some of those critics see signs he could shift the health care debate away from partisan confrontation.
"He's certainly given me the assurances that that's his intention," said former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, a Democrat who met with Azar recently and has known him for years. "While there may be disagreements on policy, I do think he's willing to hear people out."
"He's the best choice we have, given the current political situation," said Kavita Patel, a health care expert with the Brookings Institution, who worked in President Barack Obama's administration and, before that, for Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass.
All sides agree that Azar is headed for Senate confirmation, which would be his third after earlier appointments to senior positions at the Department of Health and Human Services. Nevertheless, he faces some tough questioning at his hearing Wednesday, given the Senate's hyperpartisan atmosphere, which has sunk or battered other nominees.
Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, has tweeted her intent to ask Azar if he would be a toady for Trump's "extreme, politically driven & harmful agenda." Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., said she has "concerns" about whether Azar would carry out Trump's promise to deliver "better health care and lower drug prices."
The Senate Finance Committee will hold its own hearing on Azar soon and decide whether to send the nomination to the full Senate.
If confirmed, Azar would be Trump's second HHS secretary, replacing Tom Price, who resigned under pressure after using private charter flights at taxpayer expense.
Azar's career could prove a challenge given Trump's vow to "drain the swamp" of Washington.
Atop the list of questions likely to face Azar, 50, is whether he would work to lower drug prices given his lucrative, decadelong stint as an executive with Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. On Azar's watch, Eli Lilly drew criticism from patient advocacy groups for price increases to one of its biggest products: insulin.
In speeches while at Eli Lilly, Azar questioned whether the government's regulatory machinery has kept up with the pace of scientific change, and he warned that price controls could stifle innovation.
"Will he carry pharma's water? I don't think so, based on my interactions with him," said former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, a Republican from Tennessee. Like Daschle, he is active in the Bipartisan Policy Center, a Washington think tank.
In the decade before resigning from Eli Lilly earlier this year, Azar built a financial portfolio now worth $9.5 million to $20.6 million, according to disclosure records filed with the Office of Government Ethics. He also was paid nearly $2 million in his final year at the company, received a $1.6 million severance and sold off more than $3.4 million in Eli Lilly stock. He also declared $100,000 to $1 million in capital gains from the sales, along with millions more in stock and bond holdings.
Before his pharmaceutical career, Azar was an Ivy League-educated lawyer with conservative credentials. He built connections in Republican circles he clerked for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, worked under Kenneth Starr during the Whitewater probe of President Bill Clinton's land deals and raised campaign cash for GOP presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush.
His posts at HHS allowed him to build relationships with Democrats, too. Daschle said he worked most closely with Azar in 2001, when Daschle was a South Dakota senator and anthrax was found in his office. Azar was then the HHS general counsel. Four years later, he was confirmed as deputy secretary of the agency.
Back home in Indiana home of Vice President Mike Pence Azar also built a reputation as a pragmatist.
"In terms of raw brain power, he was well over and above the average board member by a long shot," said Kelly Flynn, a Democrat who served as a member of the Indianapolis Airport Authority board with Azar.
Dan Mendelson, president of the consulting firm Avalere and a Clinton administration veteran, said Azar's credibility comes from an understanding of federal programs and HHS divisions like Medicare, Medicaid and the Food and Drug Administration.
"He has policy wonk credentials," said Mendelson, a Democrat who has known Azar for about 20 years and considers him a friend. "I can't think of a better person to tackle the opioids crisis, for example, because he understands all the different levers."
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Associated Press writers Tom Murphy and Brian Slodysko in Indianapolis and Stephen Braun in Washington contributed to this report.
The Latest on the Iran sanctions trial of a Turkish banker (all times local):
3:30 p.m.
Court papers show Turkish gold trader Reza Zarra pleaded guilty last month to bank fraud, money laundering and other charges as part of a deal to testify at a New York trial.
The papers were unsealed on Tuesday after U.S. prosecutors revealed the deal.
They say Zarrab met in 2012 with Turkish and Iranian government and banking officials to discuss transferring Iranian oil proceeds to a Turkish bank. They also say he discussed bribing the general manager of a Turkish bank as part of a money laundering scheme.
Zarrab is expected to testify as early as Wednesday at the trial of a Turkish banker charged in the conspiracy.
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10:45 a.m.
A U.S. prosecutor says Turkish gold trader Reza Zarrab has pleaded guilty to charges and will reveal at a New York trial how he helped Iran evade U.S. sanctions in an "economic jihad."
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Denton said Tuesday that Zarrab will be a key witness against Turkish banker Mehmet Hakan Atilla. The prosecutor said the scheme to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran since 2011 enabled billions of dollars to be moved and threatened U.S. security.
Defense attorney Victor Rocco attacked Zarrab's credibility in his opening statement, saying the case was really about Zarrab's crimes.
He said Zarrab made a deal to get out of jail free, possibly joining the U.S. witness protection program so he and his family can live in the United States.
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10:20 a.m.
A senior Turkish official says the U.S. trial of a Turkish banker on charges of violating economic sanctions against Iran is a "play" staged with the help of a U.S.-based cleric.
Mahir Unal, a deputy chairman of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, on Tuesday also described the case as a "political" one lacking legal basis.
Unal renewed a Turkish government claim that U.S. judicial officials were cooperating with cleric Fethullah Gulen's network against Turkey. He said: "We know who staged this play and what its aim is."
Gulen has been living in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania for nearly two decades.
Turkey accuses him of orchestrating last year's failed coup. It also says his movement concocted corruption allegations against the government in 2013, some of which were allegedly being used in the case against the banker.
Gulen denies the accusations.
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10:15 a.m.
A prosecutor began opening statements at a trial in New York City by saying that the lies of a Turkish banker blew a billion-dollar hole in the U.S. economic sanctions against Iran.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Denton said banker Mehmet Hakan Atilla told lies that gave Iran access to U.S. banks and threatened U.S. national security.
He spoke shortly after lawyers revealed that co-defendant Reza Zarrab would testify against Atilla in a plea deal. The arrest of the gold trader in 2016 has strained relations between the U.S. and Turkey.
Denton said Atilla and Zarrab were part of a conspiracy that involved top officials in the Iranian and Turkish governments.
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9:18 a.m.
Lawyers say Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab will testify at the U.S. trial of a Turkish banker on charges the two of them violated economic sanctions against Iran.
The revelation came Tuesday as defense lawyer Robert Fettweis asked for a two-week delay of the trial of Mehmet Hakan Atilla, deputy CEO of Halkbank, in New York City. He said he needed time to prepare for the testimony. Judge Richard Berman rejected a postponement.
A prosecutor confirmed that Zarrab will testify, saying he would take the stand Wednesday.
Zarrab, a businessman and gold trader, had stopped appearing in court weeks ago, prompting speculation he was cooperating with the U.S.
Recently, Turkey's deputy prime minister said Zarrab was a "hostage" being forced to testify against Turkey's government. On Tuesday, a Turkish prosecutor issued warrants for the detention of two citizens for cooperating with U.S. prosecutors.
Uber Technologies Inc withheld evidence in a high-profile lawsuit filed by Alphabet Inc's (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Waymo, a U.S. judge said on Tuesday, dealing a new blow to the most valuable U.S. private company as it tries to complete a multibillion-dollar stock sale.
U.S. District Judge William Alsup agreed to Waymo's request to delay the trial scheduled for next week, saying in San Francisco federal court that it would be a "huge injustice" to force Waymo to go to trial as planned, given the new evidence.
The judge heard testimony from a former Uber security employee, who said Uber deliberately researched competitors and used technology to avoid leaving a paper trail.
Waymo has estimated damages in the case at about $1.9 billion and wants to curtail Uber's self-driving car program, which Waymo says uses its technology.
Uber has denied using Waymo trade secrets and rejects the financial damages claim, but has fired the leader of its autonomous vehicle division.
The case has threatened Uber's reputation as a new chief executive has taken the helm, preparing for a 2019 initial public offering and backing a major stock sale this month to an important new investor, Japan's SoftBank Group Corp.
An Uber representative on Tuesday referred to an earlier company statement, which said Uber "has been waiting for its day in court for quite some time now" and was keen to have a jury hear the merits of the case.
Waymo has accused Uber of concealing a letter from the former Uber security analyst's lawyer to an Uber in-house lawyer, saying the note contained important facts about the case, according to a court filing on Monday.
Alsup ordered the former Uber security analyst, Richard Jacobs, to appear in court.
At the hearing on Tuesday, Jacobs testified that his letter contained allegations that Uber's markets analytics group "exists expressly for the purpose for acquiring trade secrets, code base and competitive intelligence."
Jacobs said he learned of this activity through discussions at Uber with his manager and other colleagues.
Uber employees researching rivals were given training with the purpose to "impede, obstruct or influence any lawsuit against Uber," Jacobs said, including a communication strategy "to ensure we didn't create a paper trail that came back to haunt the company in any potential civil or criminal litigation."
The court hearing was still ongoing on Tuesday.
Waymo sued Uber in February, claiming that former Waymo executive Anthony Levandowski downloaded more than 14,000 confidential files before leaving to set up a self-driving truck company, called Otto, which Uber acquired soon after.
Uber denied using any of Waymo's trade secrets. Levandowski has declined to answer questions about the allegations, citing constitutional protections against self-incrimination.
The trial had been scheduled to begin on Dec. 4. Waymo said it learned of the new evidence last week after the U.S. Department of Justice shared it with Alsup.
A group of Chinese investors is suing Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe over his past work for a troubled electric car maker that relied heavily on foreign money from people trying to obtain residency in the United States.
The investors filed a lawsuit in Fairfax County last week against GreenTech Automotive, McAuliffe, Hillary Clinton's brother Anthony Rodham, company CEO Charles Wang, and various related companies. The lawsuit accuses McAuliffe, Rodham and Wang of milking political connections and lying to investors to perpetuate a $120 million scam. The investors are asking for at least $17.9 million in repayment.
The Virginia lawsuit comes after Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood sued GreenTech in state court in Jackson earlier this month. Hood, a Democrat, is demanding the company repay $5 million plus interest on money the state and Tunica County borrowed to buy land and construct a car factory plus $2 million in punitive damages.
Pitched nearly a decade ago as a revolutionary company that would use foreign investments to build a successful new line of energy-efficient cars that would create jobs in the impoverished Mississippi Delta, GreenTech has failed to live up to those promises and has been a magnet for controversy.
A 2015 report found a senior official in the Department of Homeland Security broke ethics rules when he intervened in visa proceedings for GreenTech. The company has also faced an investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the status of which is not clear.
The lawsuits were first reported by Politico. The Virginia suit alleges that the governor and his associates "exploited" investors desire to become permanent residents with an implicit message of: "invest $500,000 in our electric car company and will leverage our political connections to ensure your immigration papers will get to the top of the pile."
The governor's spokeswoman, Crystal Carson, dismissed the lawsuit as meritless and politically motivated. McAuliffe, a Democrat, is set to leave office in January and is often mentioned as a potential presidential candidate.
McAuliffe served as chairman of GreenTech before leaving the company in 2012 to run for governor. Rodham helped run an associated fund designed to attract foreign money from investors looking to win green cards. Rodham declined to comment. A GreenTech representative did not immediately return an email seeking comment.
In Hood's lawsuit, the state also wants a judge to block GreenTech from removing anything from its building in Robinsonville, to foreclose on the building and order it be sold to cover the company's debts, and to grant the state a claim on any future revenue GreenTech might generate.
In July, Mississippi state Auditor Stacey Pickering, a Republican, found that the company couldn't prove that it had met any of the requirements of its 2011 incentive deal with the state, including investing $60 million or creating 350 jobs. Pickering found the company only created 143 jobs, and was down to 10 by February. Hood's lawsuit said the company "has removed its operations outside the state of Mississippi." Pickering demanded immediate repayment of everything GreenTech owed, setting the stage for Hood's civil lawsuit.
Pickering's audit stated that the GreenTech company provided written documents saying it had raised $43 million from 86 investors who each put in $500,000 through a federal program that allows people to obtain U.S. residency by investing that amount and creating 10 jobs. Documents obtained by The Associated Press show the Department of Homeland Security decided to reject a number of visa requests made through Rodham's fund because GreenTech created so few jobs.
___
Amy reported from Jackson, Mississippi.
Growing up in Cookeville, Tennessee, a university town about 80 miles east of Nashville, Hayley Furcean was determined to be the first college graduate in her family.
"I've always been the smart kid," she says.
After graduating from high school in 2008, she earned a full academic scholarship for her first year at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville and began studying early childhood education. But things took a turn the summer after freshman year, when her grandmother died.
Furcean began questioning whether teaching preschool was what she wanted to do with her life. She moved out of her parents' home, which meant picking up more shifts at work to pay rent and bills. She suffered from depression and often skipped class.
"My grades went from A's to F's," Furcean says. "It was really tough at that time to prioritize school when I felt like everything else was falling apart."
After sophomore year, she left school.
Furcean's story is personal, but her situation is common. In 2016, 36 million people ages 25 and over had earned some college credit but no degree, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Students' reasons for stopping short of a diploma are wide-ranging: poor grades, strained finances, negative college experiences, programs that weren't the right fit.
Without a degree, it can be impossible to qualify for many jobs. By 2020, 65 percent of all U.S. jobs will require some kind of higher education, according to estimates by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. It's also challenging for people with no diploma to earn enough to repay student debt. College dropouts who started school in 2003-04 were more likely to have defaulted on their school loans by 2015 than students who had completed an associate or bachelor's degree, according to National Center for Education Statistics data.
To help students, colleges should do more to identify those at risk for dropping out and help them avoid doing so, says Hadass Sheffer, president of The Graduate! Network, an organization working to increase the number of adults who complete college. For instance, institutions could unintrusively track students' attendance and whether they turn in assignments, and intervene with those who show signs of trouble, Sheffer says.
"The path to giving up is the path of least resistance," Sheffer says. "What if you had to jump through hoops to quit?"
A SECOND CHANCE
In January, Furcean returned to Tennessee Tech University for her second go at a bachelor's degree. She's taking classes at night and online in workplace leadership and business management, and works full time as a preschool teacher.
Her schedule is demanding, but Furcean, now 27, has extra support. She works with an adviser at her local branch of Tennessee Reconnect, an organization that offers free services for adults going back to college. These resources are crucial because many returning students struggle with understanding how to re-enroll in college and pay for it, Sheffer says.
Programs like Tennessee Reconnect are available in more than 20 communities across 13 states students can find one near them through The Graduate! Network's website. Those who don't have access to free help can navigate the process independently by following these tips:
Contact your original school's admissions, advising or registrar's office to find out what you need to do to finish your degree.
Consider other schools, particularly if you had a bad experience at your previous institution. If you need a more flexible class schedule, explore options including online or hybrid programs, which mix online and in-person classes.
Look for a college that offers a prior learning assessment program if you plan to study in a field you've already worked in, says Lexi Anderson, a policy analyst at Education Commission of the States, a Denver-based organization focused on state-level education policy. You may be able to earn college credit for experience and skills you already have.
Apply for grants and federal student loans, which come with flexible repayment options, by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or the FAFSA . Contrary to what some believe, adult students are eligible for financial aid , including Pell Grants. Additionally, search for scholarships designated for adult learners.
Teddy Nykiel is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: teddy@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @teddynykiel.
RELATED LINKS:
NerdWallet: FAFSA Guide
https://nerd.me/fafsa-guide
The Graduate! Network
http://graduate-network.org/communities-2/
U.S. Department of Education: Federal Student Aid for Adult Students
https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/federal-student-aid-for-adult-students.pdf
As President Donald Trump works with Congress to push his tax reform bill through, his daughter and special adviser Ivanka is headed to India to promote entrepreneurship among women.
India is hosting the eighth annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), and Ivanka is leading the U.S.s delegation. The summit will focus on womens entrepreneurship and prosperity for all this year, and is expected to include discussions about how promoting women in the workplace could lead to higher overall economic growth.
In her role with the White House, Ivanka has pushed workforce development and innovation efforts in the U.S., alongside women and family rights. Her campaign to expand the childcare tax credit has been included in both the House and Senate tax reform proposals, and she has championed an initiative to introduce more young girls to the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been advertising Trumps presence at the summit for months. He will host a dinner at Hyderabad's Falaknuma Palace, which claims to be the largest dining hall in the world, for guests on Tuesday evening.
Earlier this year, President Trump met with Modi and the pair signed a $2 billion defense deal. Additionally, hordes of U.S. business heads visited with Modi as well, including Apples (NASDAQ:AAPL) Tim Cook and Amazons (NASDAQ:AMZN) Jeff Bezos, as India remains a prime market for expansion for many major U.S. companies.
According to multiple media reports, law enforcement officials in Hyderabad, India, the site of the summit, are working to round up and relocate the citys homeless ahead of the meeting, which is expected to feature 1,500 business leaders from 150 countries.
The summit is co-sponsored by both the U.S. and Indian governments.
President Donald Trump is preparing for a meeting on Tuesday with congressional leadership with the hope they have a acome to Jesusa moment on a spending bill that would determine next yearas budget. But Republicans in both chambers are already preparing to resist any increase in spending from Democrats, FOX Business has learned.
Going into a pivotal week for Congress, Democrats have indicated they are prepared to go down the path of most resistance, as leadership within their party get set to push for continued protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) participants, also known as Dreamers, more spending on the Childrenas Health Insurance Program (CHIP) as well as continued funding for community health centers, according to congressional aides familiar with the matter.
Republican lawmakers, however, have other ideas and are already giving a visceral reaction to the Democratsa goals of increasing spending in 2018, leaving open the possibility that Congress could miss the Dec. 8 deadline and begin a government shutdown before Christmas.
Alexei Woltornist, spokesman for the House Republican Study Committee, a caucus of over 150 conservative House Republicans and chaired by Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.), told FOX Business that the group would not be in support of the Democratsa goals, specifically their hope to continue former President Obamaas DACA program, which protects young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, eventually becoming eligible for a work permit.
aThe problem with the Dreamers is we need to make sure we arenat in the same position we are in a few years from now. We need to come up with solutions including border enforcement and ending sanctuary cities,a Woltornist said.
When Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) was told about the Democratsa demands and asked if he thinks a budget bill with those legislative items would pass, he replied bluntly via text message to FOX Business: aIt sounds like theyare the Dreamers. Itas hard to think [the budget] would [pass].a
Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) gave FOX Business insight into the budget negotiations, explaining that more border security, a compromise on ObamaCare cost sharing reduction (CSR) payments, a debate on defense spending levels and CHIP funding are all on the docket for Congress when they return from their Thanksgiving break. He insisted, though, that it looks like the final spending agreement is going to be avery big and ugly.a
CHIP provides health insurance to eligible children from low-income families either through Medicaid or separate CHIP programs, which is funded by the states and the federal government. If Congress cannot come to an agreement on funding the program, it could leave millions of children without insurance, including those living in Arizona, California, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon and the District of Columbia who run of out of CHIP funding by Dec. 31, according to Georgetown Universityas Center on Children and Families. President Trumpas 2018 budget proposal includes cutting billions from CHIP over two years and limiting eligibility for federal matching funds.
The path for the Senate doesnat look much easier for passing a budget by the December deadline. Conn Carroll, a spokesman for conservative Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), told FOX Business his boss would follow House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellas (R-Ky.) lead on not renewing the DACA program, calling it a form of amnesty.
aRyan and McConnell have both said no amnesty in the budget proposal. We agree. That is their position and ours,a Carroll said.
Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) also seemed skeptical about passing a budget bill that reflected a heavy increase in spending when he tweeted on Nov. 16: aWeare $20 trillion in debt and itas a party like thereas no tomorrow time in Washington.a
A spokesman for McConnell, David Popp, declined to comment on the negotiations except to say, aThe Leader consistently says there will not be a government shutdown.a
A spokeswoman for Ryan did not return emails for comment when asked for an update on where things stand on the budget.
Spokesmen for House Minority Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also did not return emails for comment.
For Pelosi and Schumer, they brought their fight to protect Dreamers to a dinner with Trump at the White House in September and claimed they and the president agreed to asupport enshrining DACA protections into law, and encourage the House and Senate to act,a according to a press release.
In that same press release, they gave a preview on the border security debate that could lead to a battle within Congress and force the government to shut down.
aWhat remains to be negotiated are the details of border security, with a mutual goal of finalizing all details as soon as possible. While both sides agreed that the wall would not be any part of this agreement, the president made clear he intends to pursue it at a later time, and we made clear we would continue to oppose it,a Schumer and Pelosi then said.
The meeting on Tuesday between lawmakers from both sides of aisle and the president was confirmed by sources who spoke to Fox News on the condition of anonymity.
A 40-pound wild bobcat traveled more than 50 miles stuck to the grille of a car that hit her on a Virginia road.
The young bobcat suffered only a small scrape on her back after the harrowing ride on Thanksgiving morning.
We just couldnt believe it, Richmond Animal Care and Rescue director Christie Chipps Peters told Fox News Monday. It was so crazy. Its just so great that it ended well.
The woman who hit the animal knew she hit something after leaving her house in Gloucester County in eastern Virginia. She found out what it was an hour later when she reached her job at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
Peters, who confirmed the bobcat was a female, responded to the scene with an animal control officer.
The woman who hit the animal was driving a Prius, WTVR reported.
We got on scene and it really was true. Its really a bobcat stuck in the front of a Prius grille, Peters told the station. When we walked by, (s)he hissed at us, so (s)hes alive and may be OK, which was so crazy since (the woman) drove from Gloucester to VCU.
The bobcat was freed after being sedated.
Peters said the bobcat was taken to the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro and eventually will be released back into the wild near the crossroads where she was hit.
The White Rabbit was right: Sometimes the hurrier you go the behinder you get.
A Wisconsin man who said he was late for work led police on a high speed chase that resulted in a wrecked car and a felony count against him.
Zachary Ryan Aschenbach was spotted speeding along highway 43 near Sheboygan last week and pursued through two counties by Sheboygan County officers, whose patrol car reached 125 mph as Aschenbach pulled away from it, according to the Sheboygan Press.
After losing him, the officers came upon 215 feet of skid marks leading onto an exit ramp and the crashed car with the keys still in it, but no driver in sight.
Aschenbach was soon apprehended on foot and charged with attempting to flee or elude a traffic officer. He later told investigators that he was worried hed lose his job if he showed up late at his job, which has not been indentified.
As of Monday he remained in custody and his employment status is unknown.
Actor Denzel Washington stressed the prison system was not to blame for crime in black communities, stressing the importance of properly raising children at home, during his tour promoting his new movie at an advanced screening last week.
It starts in the home, the two-time Oscar-winner told The Grio. If the father is not in the home, the boy will find a father in the streets. I saw it in my generation and every generation before me, and every one since.
If the streets raise you, then the judge becomes your mother and prison becomes your home, 62-year-old Washington added.
ARRESTS MADE OVER SHOOTING ON THE SET OF A DENZEL WASHINGTON MOVIE
In his new movie, Roman J. Israel, Esq., Washington plays a criminal defense lawyer who works to address social injustice.
Elaborating on what he meant to The New York Daily News, Washington said that positive changes for the black community begins with how children are raised.
It starts with how you raise your children. If a young man doesnt have a father figure, hell go find a father figure, the actor said.
So you know I cant blame the system, he continued. Its unfortunate that we make such easy work for them.
The famed actor said he became optimistic about change by young people in the 1990s.
DENZEL WASHINGTON: MAINSTREAM MEDIA IS SELLING BS
I remember when I was doing the movie Malcolm X, and we were doing a speech up at Columbia, we had a bunch of students from Columbia University, Washington told The Grio. In between takes, we were talking about things and how tough the world is, and I was like, With everything were talking about, does it make you want to give up?
And theyre like, Oh, no no, were gonna change it, Washington said. I was like, Oh, Im the cynic.
So I pray that young people never lose that fire, I dont think they will. And needless to say theres a lot for them to work on, he added.
What appeared to be a far-left feminism magazine has shut down after its creator revealed that the entire project was a joke filled with over-the-top satire packaged as liberal talking points designed to mock legitimate feminists and their supporters.
Medusa Magazine has been cited by several major sources but, It has always been and will always be satire, the sites anonymous creator posted in a blog explaining why the site would shut down.
Medusas unnamed creator continued: We are shutting down our rather hilarious project because we can no longer compete with our competition. We have come to realize that our competition is not other satirical websites, but rather the people we are trying to satirize.
The creator wrote, I dont blame anyone for thinking the site was legitimate and wanted to keep our readers in constant doubt and even posted a Facebook message from last May to prove the entire thing was a joke. It was dubbed the ultimate Social Experiment and Facebook followers were told it was to see how long actual feminists would take to realize it was a joke.
A recent series of high-profile allegations of sexual harassment resulted in the site publishing a spoof article headlined, Why we should believe women who accuse right wingers of rape more than those who accuse liberals.
The sites creator called the story a total caricature intended to be as ridiculous as possible but quickly realized mainstream news organizations, such as the Washington Post, published stories utilizing the same rationale as the mock column.
I am shutting down this website because recent events have proven to us that it is no longer possible to satirize the Feminist left. Medusa Magazine founder
We thought no one in the world could possibly hold views as ridiculous as that, so we wrote it as satire and published it, the creator wrote.
The sites headlines include theatrical headlines such as Trump Initiates Gay Holocaust, Dont Gender your Pets, Heres how you can start paying Reparations and Feminists need to start supporting Transracial People. According to the site, Info Wars, The Federalist, The Gateway Pundit and a popular Russian news organization all have fallen for the elaborate gag.
Medusa will be shut down because there is no point in operating a caricature website of Feminism anymore when real life Feminists are now more insane than any caricature we could ever dream up, according to the creator.
This has been fun, but all good things have to come to an end, Medusas creator continued. I am shutting down this website because recent events have proven to us that it is no longer possible to satirize the Feminist left.
The creator claimed the purpose was to create a website to satirize the far left and the so-called Social Justice Warriors who infect it. Medusa's creator encouraged fans simply to start reading actual feminist content, as the messages are typically the same as the hoax site.
Harvey Weinstein was slapped with a civil lawsuit Monday charging him with sex trafficking tied to an alleged assault in Cannes, France.
Aspiring actress Kadian Nobles lawsuit claims Weinstein first groomed her for the alleged assault in London, when he told her that he had a role in mind for her and that it will be good for you.'
They met again in February 2014 in Cannes, where the troubled movie producer asked her to come to the Le Majestic Hotel where he would review her reel and discuss her future.
Once she was inside his hotel room, Weinstein began massaging Kadian and then gripped her shoulders, the Manhattan federal lawsuit claimed. He informed her that she needed to relax, and if she did, his people would have all of her details and would take care of everything for her.
Weinstein also asked Kadian to walk up and down the room for him as part of an audition, the lawsuit said.
Kadian claims that Weinstein then called an unnamed Weinstein Company producer in the US, who told Kadian that she needed to be a good girl and do whatever he wished, and if she did, then they would work with her further.
Thats when Weinstein pulled Kadian closer and groped her breasts, the lawsuit said.
She resisted but also felt compelled to comply because of the tangible and intangible benefits the producer could offer, the lawsuit said.
Weinstein pulled Kadian into the bathroom, where he forced himself on her, the lawsuit alleges.
She told him to stop and attempted to leave the bathroom, but (he) blocked her exit, the filing reads.
The lawsuit then describes the alleged assault, including Weinstein pulling down the actress shirt, revealing her breasts, while unbuckling his pants and belt.
Kadian also is suing Weinsteins brother, Bob, and their company The Weinstein Company, claiming that they were aware that Harvey had a reputation for forcing or coercing aspiring young actresses to engage in sexual activity.
This article originally appeared in Page Six.
Meghan Markles life and career will transform dramatically in light of her engagement to Prince Harry.
Markle, 36, has starred in the legal drama Suits since 2011, but the future member of the royal family confirmed she will retire from acting when she marries Prince Harry.
Markle told the BBC she will be "transitioning" out of her acting career, confirming she will not be returning to the eighth season of "Suits."
The couple announced their engagement on Monday.
Experts told us it is expected that Markle will follow in the footsteps of Grace Kelly, who had a successful acting career but gave it up to become to Princess of Monaco when she married Prince Rainier III in 1956.
Grant Harrold, an etiquette expert who served as a butler to members of the royal family including Princes William and Harry said Markle will be too busy with her duties as a royal to pursue an acting career.
Royal duties do take up a lot of time with royals working for weeks at a time with very little time off especially with overseas tours, he told Fox News.
However, Harrold said the decision to give up acting is ultimately Markle and her now-fiance Prince Harry's choice.0
The royal family would not judge anyone's career as many members of the royal family [have] followed their own career paths, therefore this would be a personal decision, he insisted.
William Hanson, a British etiquette consultant and longtime royal watcher, told Fox News that Markle could return to acting down the line.
If she ever goes back they would probably be conservative roles not like her last role in Suits. She will probably focus more on her charitable interests, humanitarian interests, said Hanson. Her role when she gets married will be the Duchess of Sussex.
Markle and Prince Harry revealed on Monday that they became engaged earlier this month in London. The two posed for photos on Monday, and she told the press she was so happy as she clutched Harrys arm on the grounds of Kensington Palace.
Ronan Farrow continued his NBC embarrassment tour on Sunday, appearing on CBS Sunday Moring to throw even more shade at the network that refused to run his report that would have outed now-disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein as a sexual predator months before he was exposed by more courageous publications.
Farrow told the CBS morning program that he never considered giving up on the Weinstein assignment and owed it to the women who came forward to publish the story despite embattled NBC News President Noah Oppenheim declaring it wasnt good enough for his network.
It would have been impossible to live with myself if I had stopped, Farrow said.
New Yorker editor David Remnick told CBS that Farrows reporting was ready as soon as he walked through the publications doors. His magazine ran the story and a series of follow-ups have resulted in a variety of women coming forward with allegations against other powerful men.
Oppenheim moonlights as a Hollywood screenwriter and industry insiders feel that his side gig influenced his decision to spike Farrows Weinstein report, while other insiders feel NBC News Andy Lack is ultimately responsible for passing on one of the most important scoops of the year.
NBC has been under fire for weeks since it spiked Farrows initial Weinstein bombshell. The network has constantly declined to comment on Farrows status at NBC News, although Twitter bio still says he works as an investigative reporter for NBCs Today show, which is locked in a ferocious ratings battle with Good Morning America.
Last week, he appeared on arch-rival GMA to discuss another Weinstein bombshell, which details secret settlements the disgraced mogul used to hide harassment claims.
The celebrity scions employment contract with NBC has reportedly expired, though he continues to identify himself as an NBC reporter. He is reportedly freelance now and no longer exclusive to NBC, meaning is he free to pop up on rival networks to promote his Weinstein scoop.
"Thankful for the women and men who have come forward with painful stories and helped to chip away at a culture of silence" Ronan Farrow
Over the past few months, NBC has shown little interest in showcasing Farrows reporting which is getting Pulitzer buzz. NBC has rarely booked him on its programs even as hes appeared on Good Morning America twice this month.
Farrow recently published a still photo from an interview he conducted with Weinstein accuser Rose McGowan that never aired on NBC.
Thankful for the women and men who have come forward with painful stories and helped to chip away at a culture of silence. When I sat down for this interview almost a year ago, the world was a different place, Farrow wrote to caption his Instagram post.
An NBC News insider told Fox News the photo is the first frame of any of Farrows sit-down interviews with Weinstein accusers that has been seen publicly. Last month, the HuffPost reported that NBC tried to put a stop to an interview with a woman accusing Weinstein of rape so the celebrity scion wound up paying out of his own pocket for a camera crew to film an interview.
Terry Crews is not happy about whats become of his sexual assault allegations.
After reports surfaced that the man he named as his assailant in a 2016 incident has been allowed to return to work, the Brooklyn Nine-Nine star isnt pulling any punches in saying he believes the Hollywood agent got a pass.
The Hollywood Reporter first confirmed the news that Adam Venit had returned to the talent agency WME after serving a one-month unpaid suspension for his alleged actions against Crews.
SOMEONE GOT A PASS, Crews tweeted along with the outlets reporting of the news.
Its worth mentioning that Venit is not returning to his usual position at the company. In addition to his suspension, hes been demoted from his position as the head of the motion picture department.
Upon his return, he reportedly gave a tearful apology to staff at his first morning meeting back. Venit reps several high-profile clients in showbusiness including Steve Martin, Adam Sandler, Shawn Levy, Sylvester Stallone, Diane Keaton, Eddie Murphy and Vince Vaughn.
As previously reported, Crews became inspired by the outpouring of women coming forward to share their experiences of victimization from high-powered men in Hollywood. He shared his story in a series of tweets in which he said an unnamed power-player grabbed his crotch at a party in February 2016.
Later, he named Venit as the person in question and filed a report with the L.A.P.D. Soon after, Venit was suspended pending an investigation. The agencys investigation allegedly found that it was an isolated incident of groping and, apparently, concluded a suspension and demotion are enough for him to move forward with the company.
Billy Baldwin on Tuesday slammed President Trumps hypocrisy on addressing allegations of sexual misconduct and talked about his claim that Trump flirted with his wife at a New York City hotel.
Baldwin tweeted he wasnt pissed that Trump flirted with his wife and that his friends thought it was a riot at the time.
Everybody flirts I got no problem with that, Baldwin wrote. I resent the hypocrisy of Trump pointing the finger at Al Franken while 16 women have accused HIM of sexual assault.
Baldwin added, Trump challenged the authenticity of the 'Access Hollywood' audio today cuz he's worried Mueller has something on him so, as a preemptive strike, he wants to cast doubt on the authenticity of any audio/video they may try to use against him. He wants MAGA to think he's being set up.
The actor was referencing the Access Hollywood tape where Trump was caught on a hot mic using lewd language when discussing women. The then-Republican presidential candidate dismissed it as locker room talk.
Baldwin first claimed Trump hit on Chynna Phillips, who he has been married since 1995, while replying to Donald Trump Jr. on Twitter. The presidents eldest son tweeted a link to a story about Franken with the caption: Talk amongst yourselves: Two more women accuse Sen Al Franken of inappropriate touching.
The 54-year-old actor then replied: Your Dad is a 5th degree black belt when it comes to sexual impropriety allegations. In fact I once had a party at the Plaza Hotel your father showed up uninvited & hit on my wife invited her on his helicopter to Atlantic City.
She showed his fat ass the door, Baldwin said.
CNN wants to ban the term "fake news?"
In an opinion piece on the cable news network's website Sunday, writers Hossein Derakhshan and Claire Wardle called for scrapping the term President Trump has made synonymous with CNN. The duo wrote that use of the term fake news is not only self-defeating, it oversimplifies a very complex problem and it devalues the expression that has become meaningless over the past year.
The phrase is now used to describe any piece of information that someone else didn't like and has been has become weaponized by politician, Derakhshan and Wardle wrote, adding the term should be used when referring to clearly false content such as the viral photo of a shark swimming up a Texas highway during Hurricane Harvey (spoiler alert: the photo wasnt real).
Derakhshan and Wardle recently co-authored a report, "Information Disorder," which was commissioned by the Council of Europe. They claim the problem exists all over the world, but most Americans likely associate fake news with CNN, thanks to President Trump's relentless branding.
CNN Worldwide President Jeff Zucker has implemented an anti-Trump programming strategy at the network that was once known for Ted Turner's bare bones "just-the-facts" approach to journalism. As a result, Trump refers to CNN as fake news on a regular basis and mocked the network on Twitter as recently as Monday.
Establishment press outlets have spent the past year disseminating fake news while working feverishly, through their bogus and highly selective fact-checkers, to discredit legitimate center-right voices. Newsbusters contributing editor Tom Blumer
Wardle recently appeared on CNNs Reliable Sources, where she told host Brian Stelter the term is being used as a weapon against the news industry and said Americans have to be much more careful about the language that is used to describe content.
Derakhshan and Wardle focus on three different terms that can be used to replace fake news, which are misinformation, disinformation and malinformation., claiming each one can be a replacement in various situations. The duo blames social media for adding an entirely new dimension to the phenomenon of fake news, but many media watchdogs would simply blame CNN and how it covers the White House.
Wardle may not like the term, but Stelter's November 2016 segment is just one of so many genuine textbook examples of fake news the network has shamelessly promoted, Newsbusters contributing editor Tom Blumer wrote. Establishment press outlets have spent the past year disseminating fake news while working feverishly, through their bogus and highly selective fact-checkers, to discredit legitimate center-right voices.
CNN Senior White House Correspondent Jim Acosta has emerged as one of the faces of anti-Trump liberal media, regularly interrupting press briefings with grandstanding and providing personal opinions about the administration on a consistent basis. During a press conference earlier this year, Trump literally pointed at Acosta and said, Youre fake news.
The networks primetime programming is littered with large panel discussions, often featuring numerous liberal analysts against a single quasi-Trump supporter. CNN also airs documentary-style specials aimed to criticize Trump and has several anchors, such as Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon, which have become household names simply for attacking the president on a regular basis.
Trump recently suggested that Americans should have a contest between ABC, NBC, CBS and CNN to determine which news organization is the most dishonest, with the winner receiving a fake news trophy.
Trump took to Twitter earlier this month to slam Zuckers network, saying he was forced to watch it while on an overseas trip to Asia and the experience reminded him why he dislikes the content with such passion.
While in the Philippines I was forced to watch @CNN, which I have not done in months, and again realized how bad, and FAKE, it is, Trump wrote. Loser!
It wasnt clear who Trump was referring to when he ended his tweet with loser, but it shouldnt be a tough case to crack. Zuckers anti-Trump game plan has helped both TV ratings and digital traffic at the liberal CNN, but its not the first time Trump has enhanced Zuckers livelihood.
He was in charge of NBC when Trumps The Apprentice became a hit for the network. At one point, when NBC's prime time lineup was flailing, "The Apprentice" was NBC's most successful show and Trump its biggest star. Meanwhile, Trump claims he's helped Zuckers career (something Zucker gently refutes) and the president has been absolutely clear that he resents CNN's constant attacks on him.
The CNN editorial that calls for a ban on the term fake news doesnt mention Trump by name, but it will be interesting to see if the president responds. Perhaps Trump will remind Americans that CNN recently mislead viewers by editing a video to make it appear that he botched an old tradition of feeding carp at a Koi pond in Tokyo -- something that surely would have secured the "fake news trophy."
Mischa Bartons ex-boyfriend agreed to not release a sex tape of the actress but still won't admit he has an intimate video and photos of her, court documents stated on Monday.
Adam Spaw, the actress ex-boyfriend, agreed to a five-year restraining order that requires Spaw and Barton stay 100 or more yards away from each other. The order outlines that there can be "no contact directly or indirectly between the two, including through email, phone calls and text messages, court documents obtained by E! News revealed.
Spaw also stated he wont directly or indirectly, or through any agent, sell, distribute, show, give away or assign in any way any intimate photos or videos of Mischa Barton. However, Spaw did not admit he has the alleged sex tape and intimate photos of the actress, according to the documents.
Barton, best known for her role as Marissa Cooper in the TV series The O.C., claimed Spaw made copies of a sex tape and explicit photos that were taken by her other ex-boyfriend, Jon Zacharias, the New York Daily News reported.
Lisa Bloom, celebrity lawyer representing Barton, said in a statement to E! News she was pleased to block [the] sale or distribution of the explicit images.
I am pleased that we were able to block sale or distribution of the explicit images of Ms. Barton that were shopped around earlier this year, Bloom said in a statement. After months of litigation, we have reached a settlement that gives us everything we wanted: stay away orders and a promise not to distribute or post the images, ever.
President Trump sent the mainstream media into a tizzy on Monday when he referred to Sen. Elizabeth Warren as Pocahontas, but liberal broadcasters rarely explained the background of falsehoods that resulted in the Massachusetts Democrat's nickname.
Pundits and reporters were quick to label Trumps comment a racial slur. Warren herself called it unfortunate and others questioned the president using the term during an Oval Office event to honor the work of Navajo code talkers during World War II.
CBS Evening News, ABCs World News Tonight and NBC Nightly News barely mentioned why Trump uses the term in the first place but the origin of the nickname -- Warren's dubious claims of Native American heritage -- is newsworthy when trying to determine if its an offensive slur or a well-earned moniker.
The media don't want to explain that Sen. Elizabeth Warren built her entire career on the laughable claim that she was part Native-American." Dan Gainor, Media Research Center
The harshest criticism of Warrens misleading past came from ABC and NBC, which both used the same term and simply said she came under fire for claiming Native American heritage. Newsbusters Nicholas Fondacaro wrote that the three networks failed to do their due diligence and fully cover the origin of Trumps criticism and were more eager to slam their favorite punching bag, President Trump, when given the low-hanging fruit.
The truth is, Warren is probably not Native American but claimed she was to advance her academic career, which eventually landed her a gig at the prestigious Harvard Law School. The university even promoted Warren as a Native American faculty member back in 1996 in a Harvard Crimson piece on diversity on campus. The Boston Herald eventually revealed that Warren claimed to be Native American in 2012 when she was in the midst of a Senate race and it became a subject of great controversy. Warren regularly dodged questions about the subject at the time.
Since then, various reports found that Warren had been describing herself as a minority since the 1980s and she simply chalked it up to family lore that has been passed down but which she couldnt prove with actual documentation. The liberal Washington Post even gave up on trying to prove Warrens heritage, telling "readers to look into it on their own and decide whether Trump's attacks over Warren's background have merit."
Media Research Center Vice President Dan Gainor said Trumps comment is the media's replacement for Pie-gate and it's about as useful, referring to recent controversy over whether or not White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders baked a pecan pie for Thanksgiving.
The media don't want to explain that Sen. Elizabeth Warren built her entire career on the laughable claim that she was part Native American. Rather than using an ethnic slur, Trump is actually defending Native Americans against Warren's disgusting abuse of affirmative action, Gainor told Fox News.
Warren claims that she never furthered her career by using her heritage as an advantage, but many critics disagree with the potential 2020 Democratic presidential candidate. She has offered ridiculous excuses such as listing herself as a Native American in order to get invited to a luncheon and because her grandfather had high cheek bones.
"I think what most people find offensive is Senator Warren lying about her heritage to advance her career, Sanders said during Mondays press briefing when ABCs Jonathan Karl asked about Trumps use of the offensive term.
Eric Trump chimed in on Twitter, noting that Disneys ABC News has made a ton of money from the movie titled Pocahontas, so Karl shouldnt be so offended by the word.
The irony of an ABC reporter (whose parent company Disney has profited nearly half a billion dollars on the movie Pocahontas) inferring that the name is offensive is truly staggering to me, he tweeted.
Pocahontas is the title of a classic Disney movie, but it is also the name of a real-life Native American chiefs daughter who is considered a hero in many circles.
Meanwhile, Gainor would prefer Fauxcahontas if Trump wants to give Warren a nickname.
Because it makes it clear that the attack is not on an ethnic group, but on a left-wing politician and the media who refuse to out her for her actions, he said.
Cornell University law professor and conservative blogger William Jacobson said that Trump using the term during a ceremony honoring Native Americans and Warren claiming it was racist are both cringeworthy, but feels irreparable damage has been done to Warrens brand.
If Elizabeth Warren wants to rebrand herself, an apology for what she did would be a good start, Jacobson wrote. But I dont expect that to happen. Shes in too deep a state of denial.
The countdown to Prince Harry and Meghan Markles royal wedding has officially begun.
Prince Harry and the former actress will be married in May 2018 at Windsor Castles St. Georges Chapel, Kensington Palace announced on Tuesday. Queen Elizabeth II granted permission for the couples wedding to take place there.
The Royal Family will pay for the wedding, the palace said in a statement.
Windsor Castle, west of London, is one of Queen Elizabeth II's main residences. The 15th-century chapel is as historic but more intimate than Westminster Abbey, where Harry's older brother William married Kate Middleton in 2011.
Harrys communications secretary Jason Knauf said the castle is a very special place for the couple, as they have spent time there during their 16-month romance, according to the BBC.
Markle will also become a United Kingdom citizen.
St. George's Chapel was also where the service of prayer and dedication was held after Harry's father, Prince Charles, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, got married in 2005. Their wedding took place at the Windsor. Harrys cousin Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly also wed at the Windsor Castle's chapel in 2008.
The palace also said the prince and the soon-to-be duchess will appear at their first official event together at a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair in Nottingham on Friday.
"Prince Harry is looking forward to introducing Ms. Markle to a community that has become very special to him," the palace tweeted.
The couple dominated news on Monday after they announced their engagement. They made their first appearance as an engaged couple later in the day, with Markle sporting a ring, designed by Harry, that included two diamonds from the late Princess Dianas jewelry collection. The main stone was sourced from Botswana.
In their first interview since the engagement news broke, Markle, 36, said they were having an ordinary night and trying to roast chicken when Harry got down on one knee
"It was just an amazing surprise," Markle told the BBC. "It was so sweet and natural and very romantic, he got on one knee."
Harry, 33, added, "She didn't even let me finish.
They detailed their romance, from being set up on a blind date by a mutual friend in July 2016, to camping in Botswana that led to the proposal earlier this month. Harry said he fell in love with the actress so incredibly quickly and felt like the stars were aligned.
This beautiful woman just tripped and fell into my life, I fell into her life. I know that she will be unbelievably good at the job part of it as well, Harry said.
Markle also revealed she is retiring from acting, confirming she wont return for the eighth season of Suits. She added she will be transitioning into the role of being part of the royal family and is excited to be working with organizations and engaging with the community.
"I'm excited to really get to know more about the different communities here and smaller organizations that are working on the same causes that I've always been passionate about, Markle said. "I don't see it as giving anything up. I see it as a change. It's a new chapter."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An actor and filmmaker thats appeared in many popular movie and TV projects throughout the years has revealed that hes an undocumented immigrant. Bambadjan Bamba says hes stepping forward now in an effort to show that not all undocumented people are criminals.
Bamba has played parts in high-profile film projects such as Suicide Squad and Black Panther. Hes also done a lot of work on TV series such as SEAL Team, The Good Place, The Following, The Sopranos and many more. Now, hes come forward to The Los Angeles Times to spread awareness in the wake of the Trump administration looking to end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which president Obamas administration created in 2012.
Immigrants are not criminals," Bamba told the outlet (via the NY Daily News). "We're not here to take away your jobs. We're here to give back. We're not just Mexicans or Latino. We're black, too."
Were from the Middle East, from Asia, too, he continued. Were your neighbors, your doctors, the teachers of your children, and sometimes were on TV in your home, characters that you love. Were just one of you.
In a video he recorded for the outlet, Bamba explains that he was brought to the U.S. by his family when he was 10 years old to escape political turmoil in his home country of Cote d'Ivoire in Africa. After moving to New York City without any grasp of the English language in 1993, he turned to pop culture, TV and films to help him learn the language and assimilate into American society. He's now expressing his fears that an end of DACA could mean that hell be separated from his daughter and forced to return, despite learning English and finding work.
Bamba can be seen next in Marvel's upcoming film "Black Panther."
A hungry Burger King customer in Ohio got an earful of expletives last Wednesday after the restaurants manager cussed her out for taking too long to order.
Lizzie Ramsey, of Newark, Ohio, said that she and her husband Cody along with his co-worker and his 11- and 12-year-old brothers had pulled up to the drive-thru of a nearby Burger King at around 8 a.m. to place their breakfast order. But every time Ramsey had finished ordering for one of the people in the car, the manager interrupted with the total price, and later told her to hurry up, despite Ramseys car being the only one in the drive-thru lane, WSYX reported.
MCDONALD'S MANAGER REPORTEDLY ATTACKED OVER NUGGETS ORDER
Ramsey, who is 25-weeks pregnant, proceeded to park the car and enter the restaurant in order to complain. We wanted to let the manager know how the lady on the microphone was acting, she said.
Upon entering, however, Ramseys and her family were shocked to discover the manager and the drive-thru operator were the same person and she was not happy to see them.
WARNING: Footage contains strong language.
In footage Ramsey recorded of the incident, the Burger King employee presumably the manager can be seen screaming that Ramsey shouldve ordered faster and that she shouldve came in here and looked at the menu instead of studying the menu at the drive-thru.
Ramsey also threatens to call the corporate office while the Burger King manager repeatedly tells her to Get the f--- out of the restaurant.
WENDY'S BLASTS MCDONALD'S OVER BLACK FRIDAY TWEET
Ramsey later uploaded the footage to Facebook, where it has been viewed more than 330,000 times. Some of the locals who commented claimed that they, too, had experienced the exact same thing at the exact same Burger King, according to Ramseys husband.
When we uploaded the video, people saw it and said 'we had the same experience with the same person at the same store,'" Cody told WSYX.
Ramsey said the corporate office has since apologized and sent along a gift card, WSYX reported. A representative for the Ocedon Restaurant Group, which manages the Burger King, told Ramsey that the situation had been handled, though its unclear if the offending employee had been terminated, the Newark Advocate added.
"I believe she should be fired, Ramsey told WSYX. You don't treat customers like that.
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Health officials are urging anyone who has consumed raw milk within the last six months to seek medical attention after a New Jersey woman was infected with a rare bacteria earlier this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued their warning after the New Jersey Department of Health ordered Udder Milk to stop selling raw milk products in the state.
Udder Milk, which operates in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island, is described as a co-op on wheels that makes deliveries. The company has not revealed its dairy source, and does not list which farms provide its milk which makes it difficult to pinpoint the source of infection.
As a result, the CDC warned that anyone who has consumed the companys raw milk product may have been infected with Brucella abortus RB51, a rare germ that requires antibiotics.
CONFUSED VA FAILED TO REPORT POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOCTORS, MAY HAVE PUT LIVES AT RISK, WATCHDOG SAYS
The bacteria is used to vaccinate young female cattle against B. abortus, but can cause fever, muscle pain, lasting fatigue, joint pain, and swelling of the testicles in humans, according to Live Science. If left untreated it could lead to arthritis, heart problems, enlargement of the liver or spleen, meningitis or miscarriage.
Because health officials have no direct way to let people know they may have drunk contaminated milk, everyone who consumed milk from Udder Milk in the past 6 months should receive antibiotics now to avoid having long-term health effects from the bacteria, Dr. William Bower, the leader of the CDC division that investigates brucellosis, said, according to Live Science.
Authorities are currently investigating Udder Milks supplier.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Utah mother said doctors told her family members there was a 96 percent chance she would be a quadriplegic or dead after they discovered her C-1 vertebrae fractured in four separate places.
They say usually one fracture will leave you paralyzed, Brooke Baker told Fox 13 Now. The fact that I had four of them and I was still moving my arms, they were amazed. They said I was a miracle.
The trauma unfolded while Baker was at a bounce house with her son and boyfriend, and noticed a group doing gymnastics off to the side. She went to join them and began doing back handsprings, but something went wrong on the last one.
MASSACHUSETTS BABY GETS LIFE-SAVING LIVER TRANSPLANT FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE OFFICER
I started with one back handspring, then two, three, four, five, and once I got to the sixth one, I felt my feet hit the very edge, she told Fox 13 Now.
Baker said all of her weight landed on her neck, and she couldnt feel her toes, legs or fingers. She was rushed to University of Utah and underwent several surgeries, including having four screws drilled into her skull, and faces a long recovery.
Still, she feels lucky to have been able to walk out of the hospital after enduring such a severe injury.
I hope you know youre super lucky because you should have been dead or paraplegic, Baker said doctors told her.
Relatives have set up a GoFundMe page to help her cover medical costs while shes out from work.
A local radio contest is helping to bring cheer to one Indiana family whose 11-year-old sibling is battling stage four brain cancer. Anadalay Juarez, who has been receiving treatment at Riley Hospital for Children, is one of Christina Juarezs three children, Fox 59 reported.
One of Anadalays younger siblings attends IPS Francis Bellamy Preschool Center 102, and the staff has been helping to deliver meals and support Juarez, who is a single mother. The schools social worker, Ashley Reed, entered the family into the WZPL Twelve Trees of Christmas Giveaway, and they were recently chosen as winners, Fox 59 reported.
MASSACHUSETTS BABY GETS LIFE-SAVING LIVER TRANSPLANT FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE POLICE OFFICER
Included with the prize is a $500 gift card, a Christmas tree and decorations. Juarez said Anadalay had asked for a tree this year, but that they were previously unable to afford it. Now with the prize, the family will have a tree, plus a gift or two to unwarp on Christmas morning, Fox 59 reported.
My father, a black minister, taught me when I was growing up in Georgia that I should look at people as individuals, not through a racial lens. Just as it was wrong for white racists to hate black people, it was wrong for us to hate white people, he said.
And as a minister, my father spread the words of Jesus Christ, who taught: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. All neighbors.
In the 1990s, my father co-hosted a local Christian television program in North Carolina called The Gospel in Black and White, where he and a white pastor preached a message of racial reconciliation. They believed that America could experience true racial healing only if hearts were changed. They wanted everyone to follow the advice of Dr. Martin Luther and judge people by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin.
Until recently, I never found my fathers teaching to be radical. But in todays society, it is being rejected far too often by folks on both sides of the color line neo-Nazis and other white supremacists boldly marching and spewing poisonous hatred of blacks and Jews on one side, and some black folks becoming a horrifying mirror image by preaching hatred of white people.
Racism is racism, no matter what color the racist is voicing the ugly words.
This repulsive gospel of hate is wrong and un-American, and all people of good will have a responsibility to condemn it. Racism is racism, no matter what color the racist is voicing the ugly words.
Just a few days ago, black nurse Taiyesha Baker lost her job with an Indiana hospital system after she sparked outrage for her now-viral tweet: Every white woman raises a detriment to society when they raise a son. Someone with the HIGHEST propensity to be a terrorist, rapist, racist, killer, and domestic violence all star. Historically every son you had should be sacrificed to the wolves ."
Speaking of wolves, Baker isnt a lone one. She is just the latest example of a growing number of individuals who apparently believe that prejudice is acceptable, so long as it is directed toward whites.
Just a few weeks ago, the New York Times published an opinion piece headlined: Can My Children Be Friends With White People? The author, Ekow N. Yankah a law professor at Yeshiva University explained how he intends to raise his children:
I will teach them to be cautious, I will teach them suspicion, and I will teach them distrust, Yankah writes. Much sooner than I thought I would, I will have to discuss with my boys whether they can truly be friends with white people.
Before that, Professor Jessie Daniels of the City University of New York tweeted that the white-nuclear family is one of the most powerful forces supporting white supremacy and that families producing white children are part of the problem perpetuating white supremacy.
And there was the Democratic National Committee staffer who is looking to hire new talent so long as they arent straight white males.
These folks some of whom are white themselves seem to believe that demonizing an entire group of people will somehow uplift blacks and other minorities. But racial progress doesnt work that way. Their flawed logic fans the flames of racial tension at a time when our country desperately needs less generalizations and more common understanding.
And perhaps worst of all, this practice plays into the hand of actual white supremacists. If all white people are called racists, the charge means nothing when legitimate racists deserve to be called out. It gives white supremacists the luxury of just being one of the masses, instead of receiving the direct condemnation they deserve.
Over half a century ago, Dr. King famously remarked that you cant drive out hate with hate. He acknowledged the historical fact of white racism against black people from the sin of slavery to the racism he fought in his time until he was murdered by a white man but understood that we must look ahead to move forward, not stare into the rearview mirror.
Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for battling white racism in South Africa, preached the same message of forgiveness, reconciliation and brotherhood when he was finally freed and became president of that nation in 1994.
Race relations in our country will never improve if Americans answer prejudice against minorities with prejudice against whites. Instead, we should strive to see all Americans as they are not through a preconceived lens.
Today I am proud to serve as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, where racism is banned and where I serve with patriots of every color and ethnic background, united as brothers and sisters and comrades in arms. When wounded in defense of our country, we all bleed red. We support each other and have each others backs. This is how it should be in the rest of society.
It seems my fathers message of reconciliation is needed now more than ever. As Americans struggle to find common ground, well need to start by discarding our own prejudices about each other. Maybe then we can move toward that radical idea of racial healing that so many of us seek.
Editor's note: The following column is adapted from a post which originally appeared on AEIdeas.org, the blog of the American Enterprise Institute.
The Washington Post reports that North Korea has carried out its first ballistic missile test in more than two months:
North Korea launched a missile early Wednesday morning, South Koreas joint chiefs of staff said. . . Wednesdays missile was launched from Pyongan province and fired to the east, South Koreas joint chiefs said, according to the Yonhap News Agency. The military was still working to ascertain what kind of missile it was.
North Korea last fired a missile on Sept. 15, sending it over the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. It was the second launch over Japan in less than three weeks and came less than two weeks after North Korea exploded what was widely believed to be a hydrogen bomb.
In a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations at the end of last month, Joseph Yun, the State Departments special representative for North Korea policy, said that if North Korea went 60 days without testing a missile or a nuclear weapon, it could be a sign that Pyongyang was open to dialogue.
Apparently they are not so open to dialogue after all. Indeed, the North Korean launch is a finger in the eye to China, which had just sent a high level envoy to Pyongyang at President Trumps request. Trump tweeted hopefully about the Chinese visit: China is sending an Envoy and Delegation to North Korea A big move, well see what happens! What happened was a big middle finger to Beijing and Washington from Little Rocket Man.
Here is how Trump should respond: Take out the test site from which the North Koreans launched the missile toward Japan just like he struck the military base in Syria from which the Assad regime had launched a chemical weapons attack on innocent civilians.
Then, as I recently suggested in the Washington Post, Trump should declare North Korea a ballistic missile no-fly zone and a nuclear weapons no-test zone. He should warn the North Koreans that any further attempts to launch a ballistic missile will be met with a targeted military strike either taking out the missile on the launch pad or blowing it up in the air using missile defense technology. And any further attempt to test a nuclear weapon will be met with a targeted strike taking out the test site and other related nuclear facilities.
So long as North Korea does not retaliate, Trump should assure Pyongyang that he will take no further military action against the regime. However, if North Korea does retaliate, then the United States reserves the right to, as Trump put it to the UN General Assembly, totally destroy North Korea.
The bottom line is that there is no negotiating with North Korea. There is no diplomatic solution that is possible with Kim Jong Un in office. And so long as Pyongyang can launch missiles and test nuclear devices with impunity, they hold the initiative and are running the show on the Korean Peninsula. Trump should take control of the situation away from Pyongyang by unilaterally ending their nuclear and ballistic missile testing program. As he does so, he can continue to tighten sanctions, which are starting to hurt, and encourage those around Kim to overthrow him with promises that Trump will negotiate an end to North Koreas isolation if Kims successors are willing to verifiably disarm and dismantle their nuclear program.
But we cannot allow North Korea to continue to act with impunity. They will not stop unless they are forced to do so. Trump has the power to stop them. He should use it.
North Koreas launch Wednesday (Tuesday in the U.S.) of an intercontinental ballistic missile should focus our attention on the threat of the rogue nation launching an electromagnetic pulse attack that could wipe out the electric power grid serving millions of people in the U.S. and Canada.
Such an attack has been downplayed by some and made the subject of fear-mongering by others over the years. But while it sounds like the plot of a science fiction movie, an electromagnetic pulse attack has become a larger issue in the past few months due to North Koreas missile tests and stated goal of developing the capability to mount such a devastating strike.
An electromagnetic pulse is a side effect of an atmospheric nuclear detonation that could potentially damage or destroy all electrical devices and the electric grid within the line of sight of the blast. The higher the explosion, the wider the effect. A North Korean missile carrying a nuclear weapon exploding over the U.S. could cause an electromagnetic pulse.
The result of an electromagnetic pulse wouldnt just mean no iPhones for a few hours. If enough electric power transformer stations are affected, it would mean no power to millions of people for weeks or even many months.
The result of an electromagnetic pulse wouldnt just mean no iPhones for a few hours. If enough electric power transformer stations are affected, it would mean no power to millions of people for weeks or even many months. Such an attack on a densely populated area like New York City or Los Angeles would dwarf the power shortages in Puerto Rico caused when Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck in September.
It all starts to sound very post-apocalyptic when you realize this means no lights or other electric-powered devices in homes and businesses, no water filtration, no regional food hubs, no transportation grid none of the things we take for granted in modern civilization.
For awhile, the concerns that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un would launch an electromagnetic pulse attack were mostly tangential and hypothetical. There werent that many signs the North was planning such a strike. That changed in September, when Kims regime launched its sixth and most powerful nuclear test to date.
News accounts at the time focused on how large the nuclear blast was and how close in time the launch was to the previous one, both signs that the North was more serious than ever before.
But most reporters missed a key threat that appeared at the bottom of Kims public statement, when he bragged that North Korea had harnessed a multi-functional thermonuclear nuke with great destructive power which can be detonated at high altitudes for super-powerful EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack according to strategic goals.
So now we know. Launching an electromagnetic pulse attacks against its enemies is one of North Koreas strategic goals. And for North Korea, the United States is the top enemy.
This was the first time Kim had ever publicly threatened such a strike. Will he order it? And can North Korea even pull it off? How successfully would it be? We dont know the answers to these critically important questions.
Hopefully, North Korea will never try launching an electromagnetic pulse attack against the U.S. or any other nation. And if the North tried it, we all hope it would fail. But while you hope for the best, you have to prepare for the worst.
Unfortunately, the United States isnt preparing. On Sept. 30, the Congressional Commission to Assess the Threat of Electromagnetic Pulse to the United States of America shut its doors after a failure to secure funding from Congress.
The good news is utility companies in the U.S. are at least trying to gauge the threat.
They are more than a year into a three-year programme, funded by about 60 electricity firms, to understand the potential impact of (an electromagnetic pulse) attack on the generation and transmission of electricity, and to find ways to shield the network, noted The Economist, after North Koreas September test.
These sorts of studies are exactly what we need. There are those out there who are adamant that they know what will happen if theres an electromagnetic pulse attack against the United States people who range from alarmist to naysayer and everything in between. Dont take their word for it. The truth is that nobody knows for sure.
There are large engineering firms with patents for electromagnetic pulse protective devices. The U.S. military has hardened a number of its assets. Various utility companies say theyve got it under control.
But none of this means the problem is solved. There are no best practices. There are no industry standards. There aren't the proper regulations in place.
The studies out there are few. Is our technology more or less vulnerable to an electromagnetic pulse attack than the technology of the 1960s? We just dont know. And thats a great cause for concern.
Both the United States and the Soviet Union experienced a small version of the impact of an electromagnetic pulse firsthand during their atmospheric nuclear tests in the 1960s, with the latter even testing it over Kazakhstan and temporarily knocking out the grid for millions of people.
These days, worries about a U.S. war with Russia have greatly diminished. And while some Russian military doctrines still include electromagnetic pulse strikes in the litany of available offensive strikes, the weapon was effectively banned when both countries signed the Partial Test Ban Treaty of 1963, along with over 100 other nations.
A handful of countries never signed the deal, however, including North Korea.
Given North Koreas continued testing of missiles and nuclear weapons, we need to do more to be ready for an electromagnetic pulse attack from the North, even if there is only a small chance Kim would be reckless enough to launch it.
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A middle-aged man going through a divorce begins dating a woman he met online. The relationship becomes torrid and eventually the man sends his girlfriend lewd texts and nude photographs of himself.
Several years later the two break up and, in revenge, the woman shares their private correspondence with other people. Nude pictures of the man wind up on the Internet and ultimately in the media. He is ridiculed and humiliated.
So who is the victim here? If you guessed the 68-year-old man whose five grandchildren can now find naked pictures of him online, you obviously haven't been reading The Washington Post lately. The man in question is Republican Congressman Joe Barton of Texas. And, according to the The Washington Post, he deserves to be ashamed of his "secret sex life."
Keep in mind that nobody has accused Barton of abuse or even abuse of power. The relationship was consensual. If anything, it is Barton's former girlfriend who may be guilty of a crime; so-called revenge porn is illegal in many places and ought to be. And yet for reasons never explained, The Washington Post and many other media outlets treated Barton like the heir to Harvey Weinstein, even offering anonymity to the woman who overturned his life and humiliated him.
Sex abuse stories have dominated the news for the past six weeks beginning with Weinstein, predators in Hollywood, the media, and politics have been exposed and they have been punished. And that is good news because justice is always good news and we'll continue to bring you updates on those stories as we get them and we're sure we will. But going forward, we should also be careful that the noble effort to end sexual harassment does not degenerate into a witch hunt. It can happen. As the Washington Post just proved.
So with that in mind, two things to remember. First, anonymous accusations always lead to abuses. The right to face your accusers is the cornerstone of justice and has been since ancient Rome. That's why it's enshrined in the Sixth Amendment in the Constitution. That's why we ban star chambers. We don't allow people to accuse others of armed robbery or murder from behind the shield of anonymity. Why do media outlets allow it in cases of sexual harassment?
If you are going to name the accused, you ought to name the accuser, assuming it's an adult.
News organizations are not courts. They shouldn't take a side when guilt and innocence are in dispute. It's too easy to get it wrong and they often do.
Second, not everyone accused of a sex offense is guilty. Not every accuser is telling the truth. I learned this the hard way a number of years ago when I was accused of felony rape by a woman I had literally never even seen.
"If you are going to name the accused, you ought to name the accuser . . ."
She was a certified public accountant in Indiana, upstanding member of her community and also apparently delusional. Her claims were grotesque, but they were highly specific. The assault she said took place in the back room of a restaurant in Louisville on a specific day at around 10:30 p.m. She included loads of graphic and horrifying detail. It was stomach-turning.
And, yet, none of it, none of it was true. I spent the next two months trying to stay out of jail.
I couldn't tell my children because I knew they would be ashamed. I couldn't tell my employer because I knew I would be fired immediately.
I spoke only to lawyers and I paid them a fortune. I took a polygraph exam from the former head polygrapher at the FBI.
I never stopped worrying that the charges would become public and destroy my life.
Everyone accused of sex offense did something wrong. Everybody knows that. And I knew no one would believe otherwise. This isn't a defense of sexual harassment or misbehavior, obviously. It is just a reminder that real life is complicated. More complicated than sermonizing on Twitter.
Sometimes the mob is wrong. Sometimes the innocent are crushed. That's always a tragedy, no matter what the charge is.
Of course, crushing the innocent also may be the point of the exercise and we are seeing that.
Last week a feminist called Emily Lindin announced on Twitter that she was, "not at all concerned about innocent men losing their jobs in the search for perpetrators of sexual harassment. If some innocent men's reputation have to take a hit in the process of undoing the patriarchy, that is a price I'm absolutely willing to pay."
Lindin not surprisingly is a columnist at Teen Vogue. We asked her to come on our show to talk about her views, but she refused.
Adapted from Tucker Carlson's, Tucker's Thoughts on Monday, November 27, 2017.
I admit, I laughed out loud when I read that President Trump had called out Pocahontas, aka Senator Elizabeth Warren, in the midst of his celebration of Navajo Code Talkers.
It was just so outrageous, so Trumpian and unprovoked. It looked like the president ran dry of things to say about the Native American World War II heroes, so inserted his little joke before lauding them for their bravery and service.
The allusion to liberal firebrand Warren appeared to have sailed over the veterans heads; the same could not be said of the liberal press.
I laughed in part because out of nowhere -- yet another hum-drum White House ceremony -- Trump had again set the world on fire, and in part because I could predict with 100 percent certainty what was about to rain down upon his totally welcoming head.
Almost immediately the ever-outraged Elizabeth Warren complained to CNN's Anderson Cooper that President Trump couldn't even make it through a ceremony to honor these men without throwing in a racial slur. That line was picked up in critical articles in the New York Times and Washington Post; the liberal intelligentsia was simply appalled.
What is rich, of course, is that the fury unleashed on Trump for referencing Warrens pretense to Native American heritage is mountains more intense than the criticism leveled at the Massachusetts senator for making the claim in the first place.
In this era, when people are called out for cultural appropriation if they wear sombreros or Viking helmets for Halloween, how can we ignore the fiction that Warren apparently created and that she is accused of using to advance her career?
It was during Warrens 2012 senate race that the issue of her Native American claims first surfaced. During the course of that campaign, her opponent Scott Brown revealed that in both her applications to Harvard and Penn, she checked the box claiming she was a Native American and criticized her for pretending to be a person of color.
A reporter asked Warren about a 1998 story in the Harvard Crimson quoting a university spokesman who defended Harvards lack of diversity by claiming that Warren was Native American.
Overnight the senator was accused of having won her post by pretending to be something she was not.
She pushed back, saying that her mothers family, coming from what Warren calls Indian Territory and the rest of us call Oklahoma, had long told stories about their Cherokee ancestry.
She never could document that heritage, nor could reporters who dug deep into her background. Even the Washington Post, running an exhaustive review of the claims and counter-claims, finally gave up and refused to rate Warrens story.
Nonetheless, she continues to maintain that the affiliation was family lore, and she believes it. She also says that former employers, including Harvard, hired her for her talent, and not her heritage, even as they took advantage of it. According to CNN, They singled her out, Warren later acknowledged, because she had listed herself as a minority in an Association of American Law Schools directory.
Whether the Massachusetts senators claims are true or not, Donald Trump has effectively latched onto what he considers a vulnerability, as he so often does. Why would he have chosen to ruffle Warrens feathers Monday? Perhaps because she was about to become the most vocal advocate for the rogue Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB), which the Trump administration wants to emasculate.
The CFPB was the brainchild of Elizabeth Warren, who is as passionate in her hatred of banks as she is about her Cherokee heritage.
Having spent much of her childhood terrified that her fathers serial business failures might cost them their mortgaged home, Warren grew up with an intense hostility towards the financial sector. (This is true, and is generously documented in her autobiography "A Fighting Chance.") Her suspicions and dislike of bankers multiplied throughout the financial crisis, which she (erroneously) pinned on a lack of regulation.
Hence, she saw the CFPB as a vital new weapon against the misbehavior that caused the financial meltdown. Because of her distrust of the power and reach of banks, she insisted the new agency be totally independent of Congress and the White House. As such, it is without oversight or accountability and, we now know, prone to abuse.
The Trump administration has installed OMB head Mick Mulvaney as acting chair in the wake of former head Richard Cordrays surprise resignation. The move is being challenged by Leandra English, appointed by Cordray. As a court battle brews, we will be relitigating the value and structure of the CFPB. Warren will take the lead in that discussion.
What better way to undermine Warrens passionate defense of the CFPB than by reminding voters of her questionable claims of Native American blood, which sound somewhat silly. Consider this pearl, extracted from a 2012 NPR interview, I am very proud of my heritage. These are my family stories. This is what my brothers and I were told by my mom and my dad, my mammaw and my pappaw.
One wag posted on Twitter, Trump and Elizabeth Warren should bury the hatchet. Thats not going to happen anytime soon this is too much fun for Trump, and much too useful.
Vice presidents dont often get a chance to change history, unless they become close advisors to the man in the Oval Office (Al Gore, Dick Cheney), or succeed him following death or resignation (Andrew Johnson, Gerald Ford), or get elected to the presidency themselves (George H.W. Bush).
But Vice President Mike Pence may be in a position to be not only the most important person in the Trump administration but very possibly the most important man in America right now.
Mike Pence stands at the confluence of two major trends in American history, the decline of the Old Politics symbolized by Washington D.C., and the rise of the New Politics symbolized and dominated by Donald Trump.
How President Trump decides to utilize this unique human asset to bridge the transition will determine whether his presidency is a success or failure.
The Old Politics is what Trump calls the Swamp: an amalgam of bureaucrats, lobbying groups and associations, power brokers, and professional politicians buttressed by a punditocracy and mainstream media who act as their echo chamber, along with pollsters who conjure up public opinion in order to sway office-holders in one direction or another.
The election of Donald Trump was a political earthquake. What we all need now is someone who can sift through the rubble, give comfort to the survivors, but also prepare the way for reconstruction on new more solid foundations.
The New Politics is driven by visceral distrust and hatred of the Old Politics. It thrust Donald Trump into office against all expectations; it may do the same with Judge Roy Moore. Its home is not Washington but the nation at large, and what drives it is social media and their attendant apps.
That power should not be underestimated. Right now we have seen social medias power to polarize and inflame. But over the long haul its real impact will be empowering individuals to connect and act together to address issues of genuine national concern, not just the ones that appear on the front page of the New York Times. In that sense, Trumps Tweets are actually the wave of the future as social media becomes a tool for taking away the mainstream medias ability to define the national agenda, whether its kneeling during the national anthem or the deep states reluctance to prosecute wrongdoing when its a Democrat or one of their own.
Eventually there will even be apps for voting in elections including presidential elections, that will use voice and facial recognition and 3-D fingerprint analysis to authenticate voters.
Freedom will be an app we literally hold in our hand. The New Politics based on the sovereign individual, and crowdsourcing the sovereignty of the people, will spell the end of Old Politics as we know it, and the birth of a new America.
But for now the Old Politics still holds sway. Its practitioners see Trump as an existential threat, because they sense he represents a future that must eventually sweep them away. They can no longer control the agenda, but they can at least obstructwhich is what theyve done with the effort to repeal ObamaCare, and which they now threaten to do with tax reform.
No doubt Trump imagined his formal status as president would be enough to overcome their opposition, especially within his party. It hasnt happened. Instead, Trump needs a spokesman who has the trust of both the Old and the New Politics, and who can negotiate the dark dangerous currents that run between them.
That man is Mike Pence. We know Pence is comfortable with, and loyal to, President Trump. But he is also trusted and respected by New Politics avatars like Steve Bannon and Old Politics stalwarts like Mitch McConnell. In fact, NeverTrumpers in the GOP camp make no secret of their hope that the impeachment of Trump will leave them with the happy result of Pence as Chief Executiveor even that he might lead a coup detat to topple the hated Donald.
In their dreams. But the fact remains that Trump needs to make full use of this unique resource sitting in the vice presidential mansion. The election of Donald Trump was a political earthquake. What we all need now is someone who can sift through the rubble, give comfort to the survivors, but also prepare the way for reconstruction on new more solid foundations. Not many of us have a destiny; Mike Pence may be one who does.
A government watchdog who played a central role in the Hillary Clinton email investigation during the Obama administration told Fox News that he, his family and his staffers faced an intense backlash at the time from Clinton allies and that the campaign even put out word that it planned to fire him if the Democratic presidential nominee won the 2016 election.
There was personal blowback. Personal blowback to me, to my family, to my office, former Intelligence Community Inspector General Charles McCullough III said.
The Obama appointee discussed his role in the Clinton email probe for the first time on television, during an exclusive interview with Fox News aired on "Tucker Carlson Tonight." McCullough who came to the inspector general position with more than two decades of experience at the FBI, Treasury and intelligence community shed light on how quickly the probe was politicized and his office was marginalized by Democrats.
In January 2016, after McCullough told the Republican leadership on the Senate intelligence and foreign affairs committees that emails beyond the Top Secret level passed through the former secretary of state's unsecured personal server, the backlash intensified.
All of a sudden I became a shill of the right, McCullough recalled. And I was told by members of Congress, Be careful. You're losing your credibility. You need to be careful. There are people out to get you.
But the former inspector general, with responsibility for the 17 intelligence agencies, said the executive who recommended him to the Obama administration for the job then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper was also disturbed by the independent Clinton email findings.
[Clapper] said, This is extremely reckless. And he mentioned something about -- the campaign will have heartburn about that, McCullough said.
He said Clapper's Clinton email comments came during an in-person meeting about a year before the presidential election in late December 2015 or early 2016. [Clapper] was as off-put as the rest of us were.
After the Clapper meeting, McCullough said his team was marginalized. I was told by senior officials to keep [Clapper] out of it, he said, while acknowledging he tried to keep his boss in the loop.
As one of the few people who viewed the 22 top secret Clinton emails deemed too classified to release under any circumstances, the former IG said, There was a very good reason to withhold those emails ... there would have been harm to national security. McCullough went further, telling Fox News that sources and methods, lives and operations could be put at risk.
Some of those email exchanges contained Special Access Program (SAP) information characterized by intel experts as above top secret.
I was told by members of Congress, Be careful. You're losing your credibility. You need to be careful. There are people out to get you. Former Intelligence Community Inspector General Charles McCullough III
WikiLeaks documents show the campaign was formulating talking points as the review of 30,000 Clinton emails was ongoing.
The campaign team wrote in August 2015 that Clinton only used her account for unclassified email. When information is reviewed for public release, it is common for information previously unclassified to be upgraded to classified.
McCullough was critical of the campaigns response, as the classified review had barely begun. There was an effort certainly on the part of the campaign, to mislead people into thinking that there was nothing to see here, McCullough said.
In March 2016, seven senior Democrats sent a letter to McCullough and his State Department counterpart, saying they had serious questions about the impartiality of the Clinton email review. However, McCullough was not making the decisions on what material in Clintons emails was classified -- he was passing along the findings of the individual agencies who got the intelligence and have final say on classification.
I think there was certainly a coordinated strategy, McCullough said.
McCullough described one confrontation with Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office just six weeks before the election, amid pressure to respond to the letter which Feinstein had co-signed.
I thought that any response to that letter would just hyper-politicize the situation, McCullough said. I recall even offering to resign, to the staff director. I said, Tell [Feinstein] I'll resign tonight. I'd be happy to go. I'm not going to respond to that letter. It's just that simple.
As Election Day approached, McCullough said the threats went further, singling out him and another senior government investigator on the email case.
It was told in no uncertain terms, by a source directly from the campaign, that we would be the first two to be fired -- with [Clintons] administration. That that was definitely going to happen, he said.
McCullough said he was just trying to do his job, which requires independence. "I was, in this context, a whistleblower. I was explaining to Congress -- I was doing exactly what they had expected me to do. Exactly what I promised them I would do during my confirmation hearing, he said. ... This was a political matter, and all of a sudden I was the enemy."
He said pressures also increased early on from Clintons former team at the State Department, especially top official Patrick Kennedy.
"State Department management didn't want us there, McCullough said. We knew we had had a security problem at this point. We had a possible compromise."
Speaking about the case more than a year after the FBI probe concluded, McCullough in his interview also addressed the possibility that a more cooperative State Department and Clinton campaign might have precluded the FBIs involvement from the start.
Had they come in with the server willingly, without having us to refer this to the bureau maybe we could have worked with the State Department, he said.
More than 2,100 classified emails passed through Clinton's personal server, which was used exclusively for government business. No one has been charged.
Asked what would have happened to him if he had done such a thing, McCullough said: I'd be sitting in Leavenworth right now.
Fox News asked a Clinton campaign spokesman, Feinsteins office and Clapper for comment. There was no immediate response.
A conservative watchdog group filed a suit on Monday in an attempt to oust special counsel Robert Mueller as he oversees the probe to determine if the Trump campaign colluded with the Kremlin in the 2016 election.
Larry Klayman, founder of FreedomWatch, filed a complaint in a U.S. district court that attempts to require the Justice Department to examine leaks from Mueller and the obvious conflicts of interest among staff.
Robert Mueller is not a man of integrity as the Washington, D.C., Democrat and Republican political establishment like to spin, Klayman said in a statement. He is just another pol who is representing his establishment benefactors in both political parties who want to see the presidency of Donald Trump destroyed.
Klayman asserts Muellers team has leaked stories about those involved in the Russia probe to the media and Mueller is too close to James Comey, former FBI director. Additionally, the complaint claims Mueller has hired Democrats to work for him and that the probe is politicized as a result.
Read more at WashingtonExaminer.com
Theres a new candidate in the hotly contested Alabama Senate race before the Dec. 12 special election.
Retired Col. Lee Busby who spent 31 years in the Marine Corps and on his last tour of duty was vice chief of staff to then-Gen. John Kelly, who is now White House chief of staff is entering the race with a long-shot bid against embattled Republican Roy Moore.
Moore, 70, is facing allegations that he molested or initiated sexual contact with two teens, ages 14 and 16 and tried to date several others while he was in his 30s. Moore has denied the allegations of misconduct and has said he never dated underage women.
According to The Daily Beast, when Busby read it was too late for a write-in candidate for the race, he said, Hold my beer, we will just see about that.
Busby told The Daily Beast: I have no idea if the allegations against him are true or not, but I dont see anything within his experience as a judge that qualifies him for the job.
Referring to Moores race against Democrat Doug Jones, he added, Alabama is not happy with the two choices we have down here. They are not appealing.
Since his retirement from the Marines, the University of Alabama graduate has been the CEO of his own business and worked as a defense consultant and investment banker.
Busby is also an artist who sculpts Alabamian troops who have been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan, Fox News previously reported.
The outcome in Alabama could be crucial in the ongoing GOP fight for a tax overhaul, since a victory by Democrat Doug Jones would narrow the Republicans Senate majority to a mere two seats.
President Donald Trump bashed Jones repeatedly on Twitter over the weekend. The last thing we need in Alabama and the U.S. Senate is a Schumer/Pelosi puppet who is WEAK on Crime, WEAK on the Border, Bad for our Military and our great Vets, Bad for our 2nd Amendment, AND WANTS TO RAISES TAXES TO THE SKY, Trump wrote from Florida, referring to Democrats congressional leaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A federal jury found Ahmed Abu Khattala guilty Tuesday on just four of 18 charges related to the deadly 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, precluding him from facing the death penalty.
Khattala, 46, was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, one count of maliciously destroying U.S. property and placing lives in danger, and one count of using and carrying a semiautomatic weapon during the attack. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison for the firearms offense and could still receive a life sentence.
In a statement, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana Boente said Khattala's arrest and conviction "were critical steps in our efforts to identify and hold accountable those who were responsible for the terrorist attacks on our facilities in Benghazi, Libya.
"Our work is not done," Boente added. "We will not rest in our pursuit of the others who attacked our facilities and killed the four courageous Americans who perished that day."
The verdict brought an end to one of the most significant terrorism prosecutions in recent years in a U.S. civilian court, even though the Trump administration had argued such suspects are better sent to the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
CIA Director Mike Pompeo called the verdict "a small measure of justice" for the attacks, which became a political lightning rod as Republicans accused President Barack Obama's administration of intentionally misleading the public and stonewalling congressional investigators. An investigation into the attack led to the disclosure of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's private email server.
"It took intelligence to find him, soldiers to assist in capturing him, law enforcement to interview him, and a legal team to put him away," Pompeo said in a statement. "Khatallah's [sic] sentencing is to follow; but no term in prison will bring our people back."
The initial attack killed at the U.S. mission killed Chris Stevens, the American ambassador to Libya, and Sean Patrick Smith, a State Department information management officer. Nearly eight hours later at a CIA complex nearby, two more Americans, contract security officers Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, died in a mortar attack.
"I am not surprised. I am not happy," Sean Smith's mother, Pat, said in a statement responding to the verdict. "My son died a horrible death ... I think the people who bear responsibility -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton -- aren't even touched."
Charles Woods, the father of Tyrone Woods, called the verdict "outrageous" and "a miscarriage of justice."
"I am very bothered by the fact the U.S. government gave constitutional rights and due process rights to a foreign national who allegedly killed Americans outside the U.S," Woods said. "This is what bothered me from the very beginning."
Rather than being sent to Guantanamo, Khattala was brought to the U.S. in 2014 and questioned over 13 days aboard a Navy transport ship. He was interrogated for days to obtain national security intelligence before being advised of his rights. A new team of FBI investigators then pressed him some more, this time to produce evidence prosecutors could present at trial.
Defense attorneys argued the interrogation tactic was illegal, but Khattala did identify other members of the Islamic extremist militia group blamed for the Benghazi attack. Among the men he pegged was Mustafa al-Imam, who was captured last month and faces trial in the same federal courthouse in Washington.
Prosecutors had claimed that Khattala had planned the ambush for at least a year and served as the "on-scene commander" for a band of armed men who stormed the complex with the aim of killing American personnel and plundering maps, documents and other property from the post.
"He viewed the United States, which promoted freedom, as the cause of all the world's problems," Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. DiLorenzo told the jury in closing arguments earlier this month. "He was there to kill Americans, and that is exactly what he and his men did."
Defense attorney Michelle Peterson described Khattala as a "Libyan patriot" who fought on America's side in the war against the late Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi. She described Khattala as a deeply religious man who believes in conservative sharia law as outlined in the Koran, which "is not the same thing as terrorism," she said.
Peterson also cast doubt on the government's witnesses, in particular an informant who was paid $7 million to befriend Khattala, help the government gather information on him and arrange his capture. The informant helped link Khattala to the attackers, and prosecutors said they were seen on grainy surveillance video milling about the complex with guns.
Fox News' Jake Gibson and Catherine Herridge contributed to this report. The Associated Press also contributed to this report.
Congress returns Tuesday from Thanksgiving recess, giving Capitol Hill roughly 15 days before leaving town until January to get a string of key legislative items, most notably tax reform, to President Donald Trumps desk by the end of the year.
Senate Republicans are considering a trigger that would automatically increase taxes if their sweeping legislation fails to generate as much revenue as they expect. Its an effort to gain support from deficit hawks who worry that tax cuts for businesses and individuals would add to the nations already mounting debt.
The effort comes as a second Republican senator, Steve Daines of Montana, announced Monday that he opposes the tax bill in its current form. Previously, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said he opposed the bill, leaving Senate Republicans no room for error as they aim to vote on the bill this week.
Both senators complained that the tax bill favors large corporations over small businesses.
In a Monday morning tweet, the president wrote, With just a few changes, some mathematical, the middle class and job producers can get even more in actual dollars and savings.
Trump has suggested he'd be open to making unspecified changes to the way millions of pass-through businesses are taxed, a sticking point for some lawmakers.
Republicans have only two votes to spare in the Senate, where they hold a 52-48 edge and anticipate Vice President Mike Pence breaking a tie, if needed.
Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch said Senate Republicans intend to get to 50 votes in the chamber. After meeting with Trump on Monday, Hatch called for Senate Democrats to get off their duffs and work with Republicans on the bill.
Trump is set to meet Tuesday with top Republican and Democratic congressional leaders, which could edge the government closer to a year-end bipartisan fiscal deal or a federal shutdown.
Trump will meet with House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., to discuss short-term plans as government funding is scheduled to dry up on Dec. 8.
Fights over immigration and health care also are crowding the agenda, as The Hill points out.
At present, Congress may spend no more than $549 billion for defense programs and $516 billion for non-defense programs next year, a cut from current levels, The Washington Post reports. The Trump administration is looking to increase defense spending to more than $600 billion, while Democrats are demanding a dollar-for-dollar increase in non-defense spending.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Tax reform won Senate approval in a 51-49 vote shortly before 2 a.m. ET on Saturday, Dec. 2.
The White House and Senate GOP leaders announced before the vote that they believed they had enough votes to pass their sweeping tax overhaul plan.
In order to get enough support, GOP lawmakers considered different measures to include with the bill.
Republicans only had two votes to spare in the Senate, where they held a 52-to-48 edge. Vice President Mike Pence would've broken the tie, if needed.
Heres a look at some key Republicans who needed to be persuaded to get on board with the plan.
Steve Daines
Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., had some concerns about the tax reform legislation, but his spokesperson told Fox News Friday morning that he now supports the measure.
Daines previously said he was optimistic that the improvements could be made to the bill before its time to vote. And he said Wednesday he'd vote yes to move the motion.
Ron Johnson
Wisconsins Sen. Ron Johnson originally wasn't too big of a supporter of the tax bill, but after meeting with Senate leadership and Trump, he voted it through the Budget Committee.
He told Fox News that Trump promised to fix some of the problems he had with the measure and would work with them as the bill moves to the full Senate. Johnson's spokesperson said the senator would vote for the bill because of concessions made on pass through taxes.
Susan Collins
When it came to Republicans efforts to overhaul the health care system, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was not on board. Now Republicans are looking to see if shell join them on taxes.
Collins has reportedly said there are things she is trying to change regarding the current legislation. But after meeting with the president Tuesday, Collins said she was feeling "optimistic" about tax reform.
Bob Corker
Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., was the only Republican who joined Democrats in voting against the proposal.
Previously, Corker's stance on the bill was vague -- at least publically. He has said hes concerned about how the legislation will impact the national debt, but he did vote it through the Senate Budget Committee Tuesday.
Corker wants to include a backstop or trigger in the legislation that would increase revenues even if the plan falls short.
After Trump's meeting with Senate Republicans, Corker said, "I think we're getting to a very good place on the deficit issue."
While we are still working to finalize the details, I am encouraged by our discussions.
Jeff Flake
Like Sen. Bob Corker, Jeff Flake has been publicly at odds with the Trump administration especially since he announced his impending retirement from the Senate.
But Flake, R-Ariz., said Friday that he would vote for the Senate's tax reform plan.
Jerry Moran
At a town hall event last week, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., refused to commit to the current tax legislation but did say that he is for some tax bill.
Can we find taxes to cut that grow the economy? We dont want to increase the debt and deficit as a result of tax cuts, Moran said, according to the Topeka Capital-Journal. My goal is to find out which taxes you cut can actually help create more jobs, better jobs, higher-paying jobs and which ones dont do that. Not all of them do that.
Marco Rubio
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., told WFOR-TV that when it comes to tax reform, hes looking for two components: a proposal that will make the U.S. more competitive and take care of workers.
SENATE REPUBLICANS CONSIDER TAX BILL FIGHT, EYE LIGHTER TRIM TO CORPORATE TAX RATE
Rubio has pushed for an expansion of the child tax credit and wants to make it fully refundable against payroll taxes. He introduced an amendment to the bill along with Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, that would raise the proposed corporate tax rate to offset costs by strengthening the child tax credit.
John McCain
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said Thursday that he would support the tax plan.
"I believe this legislation, though far from perfect, would enhance American competitiveness, boost the economy, and provide long overdue tax relief for middle class families," he said in a statement.
Like others, McCain is also considered a deficit hawk when it comes to the tax bill and was worried about its impact on the federal deficit.
Finally, I take seriously the concerns some of my Senate colleagues have raised about the impact of this bill on the deficit. However, its clear this bills net effect on our economy would be positive. This is not a perfect bill, but it is one that would deliver much-needed reform to our tax code, grow the economy, and help Americans keep more of their hard-earned money.
James Lankford
Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., wants to make sure the legislation doesnt increase the federal deficit but finally said Tuesday he was "on board with" the plan.
"Yes, I am on board with this bill because I want to see the good economic growth that's coming with it," Lankford told CBS News.
He had previously been seen as someone whose support was uncertain.
Lisa Murkowski
A more moderate Republican, Sen. Lisa Murkowski put speculation regarding her feelings on the tax measure to rest as she tweeted that she would support the bill due to certain provisions that she said will benefit her state of Alaska.
We still have work to do on this legislation and I look forward to debate on the Senate floor and my colleagues ideas to further improve it, Murkowski said.
The bill before us has a number of features that are very attractive to Alaskans. It lowers tax rates, doubles the child tax credit, and provides tax relief for many families by doubling the standard deduction, she said.
Murkowski also praised the tax bill as it comes with a provision that would allow drilling in Alaskas Arctic National Wildlife Refuge something that shes long pushed for.
Fox News Peter Doocy and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Hillary Clinton used a conference in Beijing to blast both President Trump and the Chinese over their stance toward North Korea saying it needs to soften up soon before things get out of hand and nuclear war breaks out.
Serving as the keynote speaker at Caijing Magazines three-day annual conference on Tuesday, the former secretary of state called on Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to avoid bluster and personal taunts when dealing with Pyongyang, according to Bloomberg.
She reportedly criticized the Trump administration for retreating from diplomacy in recent months and said she hoped that China wouldnt follow suit.
While Clinton focused much of her sentiment on the US stance toward North Korea, she took most of her jabs at the Chinese claiming they, too, were taking the wrong approach to the situation and making things worse with their "secret" military buildups.
Beijing should remember that inaction is a choice as well, Clinton said.
Like the Trump administration, the Chinese have chosen to avoid diplomatic talks with the North Koreans as tensions continue to escalate in the region.
Click for more from The New York Post
In one instance, at least, the war on the media has backfired spectacularly.
An effort to entrap the Washington Post into publishing bogus allegations against Roy Moore instead wound up highlighting the papers careful reportingand the willingness of a conservative activist to use lies about statutory rape and abortion.
Post reporters turned the tables on Project Veritas, headed by James OKeefe, by refusing to fall for its latest sting, which involved having a woman pose as someone who had been sexually victimized by Moore, the Republican Senate nominee in Alabama. The woman, Jaime T. Phillips, claimed in a series of interviews that she had a sexual relationship with the former judge when she was 15, that he impregnated her, and that he drove her to have an abortion.
During the interviews, the paper said in a story posted last night, she repeatedly pressed Post reporters to give their opinions on the effects that her claims could have on Moores candidacy if she went public. This, of course, was an effort to surreptitiously videotape politically biased comments, which is OKeefes trademark.
One interesting twist is that the Post decided to breach its off-the-record agreement with Phillips after confirming that she had lied.
We always honor off-the-record agreements when theyre entered into in good faith, Executive Editor Martin Baron was quoted as saying. But this so-called off-the-record conversation was the essence of a scheme to deceive and embarrass us. The intent by Project Veritas clearly was to publicize the conversation if we fell for the trap. Because of our customary journalistic rigor, we werent fooled, and we cant honor an off-the-record agreement that was solicited in maliciously bad faith.
Media executives and experts generally agree that a person who lies forfeits the protection of an off-the-record agreement.
It was the Post which first interviewed four women, on the record, who say that Moore made unwanted advances when they were teenagers nearly four decades agoincluding one, Leigh Corfman, who said Moore sexually accosted her when she was 14.
Moore has vehemently denied the allegations by those women and five others, and he and his campaign have repeatedly targeted the Post and liberal media lapdogs. Two of the accusers spoke to Alabama reporters, and another held a news conference.
An unknown supporter of Moore recently tried to discredit the paper by making a robocall in which someone falsely claiming to be Post reporter Bernie Bernstein offers cash in exchange for dirt on the candidate. The paper, like most news organizations, has a strict policy against paying for information.
Phillips repeatedly asked Post reporter Beth Reinhard to guarantee that Moore would lose the Senate race if her story was published, but Reinhard said she could not predict the impact. Reinhard wrote to her that Im so sorry but I want to be straight with you about the fact-checking process and the fact that we cant guarantee what will happen as a result of another story.
The Post, while asking Phillips for documents and corroboration, uncovered discrepancies in her account, including a GoFundMe page in which she said would be joining the conservative media movement. Phillips agreed to meet with another of the papers reporters, Stephanie McCrummen, who told her she was being videotaped and brought up the page she had posted.
It says that youre moving to New York, and youve accepted a job to work in the conservative media movement to combat the lies and deceit of the liberal MSM, McCrummen said.
I was looking to take a job last summer and to be in New York, but it fell through, Phillips replied. She then claimed she had interviewed for a job with the Daily Caller, but the website said no one there had talked to her.
On Monday morning, Post reporters saw Phillips walk into the New York offices of Project Veritas. OKeefe declined to answer questions, telling them: I am not doing an interview right now, so Im not going to say a word.
In the end, OKeefes organization wound up showing that the Post was cautious in dealing with an orchestrated attempt to peddle lies about a candidate.
Project Veritas responded today by posting an undercover video of Post national security reporter Dan Lamothe. He said the paper doesnt like President Trump but made this distinction:
Theres the news side thats just trying to critically call bullwhen theres bullbut also give him credit when theres credit, you know? When something is good, and hes doing some things bad, but hes doing some of the things good. He distinguished the newsrooms efforts from the editorials, the papers institutional voice, which he said have become quite critical.
One day after filing paperwork for re-election, Illinois Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez - a longtime immigration advocate - announced he will retire from Congress.
Today Im announcing I wont be seeking re-election, Gutierrez said Tuesday afternoon, but added he wasnt retiring from his efforts to reform immigration.
He also shot down speculation that he would run for governor of Puerto Rico, where his family is from, and said he would not make a mayoral bid for Chicago.
Gutierrez made a name for himself advocating for comprehensive immigration reform and has openly criticized the Trump administration, most recently over its handling of storm-ravaged Puerto Rico.
The 63-year-old congressman has served his Chicago district since 1993 and is a senior member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
Gutierrez also was among the harshest critics of former President Barack Obama, whom he called the deporter in chief for ordering immigration agencies to deport hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants.
He disagreed with Obamas then-chief of staff Rahm Emanuels decision to push for healthcare reform instead of focusing on immigration-related issues.
Gutierrez endorsed Cook County Commissioner Jesus Chuy Garcia to take his seat in the solidly Democratic district. Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, a former Gutierrez staffer, is also planning to run for the seat.
Gutierrezs decision to retire gives potential replacements less than a week to collect the 1,000 signatures needed to get on the ballot in Illinois.
Gutierrez has privately hinted to colleagues for the past several years that he wanted to retire.
Earlier this year, he signaled that he felt comfortable doing so now that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has more than 30 members, including several younger, more ambitious colleagues in safe districts who are likely to be in Congress for several years to come.
Also leaving next year is Florida Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the most senior Hispanic female Republican in Congress.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Although specifics werent provided, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un joined his counterpart to the south in promising to rid the Korean Peninsula of nuclear weapons.
The vow to create a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization came during the Koreas historic summit between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in late April, and just before a much-anticipated meeting between Kim and U.S. President Trump.
I feel like Im firing a flare at the starting line in the moment of (the two Koreas) writing a new history in North-South relations, peace and prosperity, Kim told Moon.
Kim is the first known member of his familys dynasty to set foot on South Korean soil since 1953. There, at least in front of cameras, his rhetoric drastically changed since he engaged in a war of words with Trump throughout the first year of the U.S. presidents time in the White House. (Kim called Trump a dotard; Trump called the North Korean leader short and fat.)
Since Kim took over North Korea in 2011, the regime rapidly expanded and tested its missile arsenal with weapons capable of striking the U.S. mainland. His end goal, he once said, was to "establish the equilibrium of real force with the U.S. and make the U.S. rulers dare not talk about military options for the North.
Read on for a brief look at how North Koreas nuclear weapons program has grown throughout the regimes in the past century.
Kim Il Sung, leader from 1948-1994
Kim Il Sung can be credited with founding North Korea and propelling the nations nuclear program forward but he did not live to see his country conduct its first nuclear test.
It was under the first Kim that North Korea began to build up its nuclear reactors. And it was under his leadership that the nation began the Korean War surely a catalyst that led the leader to believe his nation needed nuclear weapons, Dr. Sung-Yoon Lee, the Kim Koo-Korea Foundation Professor of Korean Studies at the Fletcher School at Tufts University, told Fox News in an interview.
TRUMPS COMMENTS ON NORTH KOREA, FROM FIRE AND FURY TO BLAMING CHINA
The seeds of nuclear aspirations were sown in the Korean War, Lee said.
The Korean War pitted North Korea and its ally China two nations that did not have nuclear capabilities at the time against a nuclear-armed U.S., making it clear to the first Kim that nuclear weapons are very powerful, a powerful deterrent, Lee said.
Kim Jong Il, leader from 1994-2011
When the second leader of the Kim dynasty died in 2011, Kim Jong Il was remembered as the dictator who turned North Korea into a nuclear state, in his New York Times obituary.
And its Kim Jong Il that really gets the credit of taking the country down the nuclear path," Lee said.
In the beginning of his reign he was North Koreas supreme leader from 1994 to 2011 North Korea denied that it had a nuclear weapons program.
TIMELINE OF NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCHES IN 2017
However, in 2003, Pyongyang announced that North Korea was withdrawing from the 1968 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which barred the nation from making nuclear weapons.
By 2005, North Korea confirmed that it had its own nuclear weapons. It tested its first nuclear device in 2006.
Kim Jong Un, leader from 2011-present
Kim Jong Un is credited with accelerating North Koreas push for nuclear weapons, and under the Obama administration, many of the worlds attitudes toward the East Asian nations nuclear capabilities became less blase than in the past, Lee said.
Kim Jong Un also crossed a major threshold for his country in the summer of 2017 the ability to credibly threaten the U.S. with an intercontinental ballistic missile.
In 2017, North Korea successfully tested its longest-ever flight of a ballistic missile. The intermediate-range weapon traveled 3,700 miles and passed over Japan before it landed in the Pacific. The country also tested its most powerful nuclear test to date this year.
After the missile test, Kim Jong Un said North Korea is nearing equilibrium with the U.S. in terms of its military force.
The increasingly frequent and aggressive tests added to outside fears that North Korea is closer than ever to building a military arsenal that could viably target the mainland of the U.S. or its allies in Asia.
Calling Kim Jong Un Rocket Man, Trump said in 2017 the dictator is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime.
The United States has great strength and patience, Trump said. But if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.
But 2018 brought a dramatic turn of events after he declared in a stark New Years address that a nuclear launch button is always on my table. Kim Jong Un offered to meet with Trump and became the first known member of his familys dynasty to set foot in South Korea since 1953. At the historic summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, both leaders pushed for peace and would work toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.
However, neither leader provided any specific measures or seemed to forge a potential breakthrough on the issue that has captivated and terrified many, especially since last year.
Before Trump canceled a much-anticipated meeting with Kim Jong Un, North Korea said it demolished what it claimed to be its nuclear test site, setting off several explosions over the course of a few hours in the presence of foreign journalists.
The planned closing of the Punggye-ri site was previously announced, but it's unclear if another facility could be used to continue the country's nuclear weapons program. Yongbyon nuclear complex, located about 64 miles north of Pyongyang, has a new reactor that could produce weapons-grade plutonium. Pyongyang insists is being used to produce electricity for its citizens.
Trump ultimately rejected Kim Jong Un's invitation to a June meeting in Singapore, citing North Korea's "open hostility."
Fox News Edmund DeMarche, Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Campaign staffers for Senate candidate Roy Moore late Monday night got into a scuffle with two Fox News camera crews prior to a rally in the town of Henagar, Ala.
Organizers told the media that Moore was expected to use the front entrance at the Henagar Community Center and the cameras were stationed outside, Fox News Jonathan Serrie reported. Moore instead used a side entrance.
Camera crews and reporters attempted to see the candidate as he made his way into the building. And that point, two men decided to push the cameras back and physically manhandle two Fox News photographers, Serrie told Shannon Bream, host of Fox News @ Night.
A Fox News producer stepped in and told the two staffers not to touch the cameras.
Its not unusual for people to get bumped around a bit in the media scrum, Serrie said. This was not a scrum though. It is highly unusual for members of a political campaign to physically engage in this manner with members of the press, he said.
It was unclear if Moore witnessed the scuffle that one cameraman said lasted about 30 seconds.
Bill Armistead, Moores campaign chairman, told Fox News he has not seen the video, but the campaign does not approve such behavior.
Our campaign certainly doesnt condone any pushing or shoving of anyone, certainly not reporters or anyone else, he said.
Armistead accused the media of inappropriate behavior and trying to stampede us in a lot of different situations and running down hallways, chasing after, shouting things that are inappropriate.
For weeks, accusations that Moore, now 70, sexually molested or assaulted two teens, ages 14 and 16 -- and tried to date several others -- while he was in his 30s have taken center stage in the heated Alabama race. Moore denied the allegations of misconduct and said he never dated "underage" women.
Were not going to be open to taking questions until theyre (the media) ready to talk about issues, Armistead said. And thats what we want to talk about.
President Trump has declined to follow the path of other mainstream Republican leaders, who have called on Moore to step aside. Republican lawmakers are considering expelling Moore should he win the seat.
Serrie pointed out that the scuffle occurred on public property and Fox News had RSVPd for the event.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
COLUMBUS A 30-year-old Columbus woman pleaded guilty Monday to attempted possession of a deadly weapon in connection with an Aug. 16 armed robbery at a downtown bar.
Platte County District Court Judge Robert Steinke scheduled Honea for sentencing Jan. 5 on the Class II felony, which is punishable by up to 50 years imprisonment and a minimum of one year behind bars.
In exchange for her guilty plea, the prosecution dismissed charges of robbery and possession of methamphetamine. Honea was scheduled for a Dec. 4 jury trial before Monday's plea change.
Her accomplice in the robbery at Avenue Bar, 21-year-old Devin Piper of Columbus, already pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting robbery in the case.
Piper will be sentenced Jan. 5 on the Class 2A felony, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.
According to Columbus Police, the robbery began with Piper walking into the 26th Avenue bar, asking about the lunch special, then leaving to wait outside in the getaway car.
A short time later, Honea entered the business with a handgun and told the bartender, who was seated at the bar eating lunch, to put down her phone, according to police.
(Honea) racked the slide on the firearm then walked behind the bar and opened a cash register, Sgt. Bret Strecker wrote in his probable cause arrest statement. Honea then told the bartender that she had to do this, and that she would kill if she had to do so.
Police officers arrested Honea and Piper, who had a Glock .40-caliber pistol hidden in his waistband, two days after the robbery.
During questioning, Strecker wrote, Piper admitted he went into the bar to see if the bartender was alone. The defendant admitted knowing Honea was going inside to steal money, according to the report, but said he wasnt aware she had a handgun.
Many national Republican leaders pulled their support for Roy Moore, the Alabama Senate candidate, in the wake of allegations claiming he had inappropriate sexual contact with teenage girls.
The Washington Post reported that four women accused Moore of initiating sexual contact with them in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when he was an assistant district attorney in his early 30s. One of the women, Leigh Corfman, told the newspaper that Moore had sexual contact with her when she was 14. The age of consent in Alabama is 16.
Several additional women have since come forward to accuse Moore of sexually inappropriate behavior.
Moore denied the allegations, saying in a statement obtained by Fox News that the allegations are "based on a lie supported by innuendo."
"It seems that in the political arena, to say that something is not true is simply not good enough. So let me be clear. I have never provided alcohol to minors, and I have never engaged in sexual misconduct," he said.
Multiple Republican lawmakers called on Moore to step aside from the Dec. 12 special election. However, President Trump offered his endorsement for the embattled politician, and the Republican National Committee began supporting Moore after having previously cut its fundraising ties to him.
The White House
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president had no plans for an in-person appearance on Moore's behalf.
In addition, the president previously signed off on a decision by the Republican National Committee to cut off support for Moore's campaign.
But publicly, Trump unleashed his criticism on Democratic candidate Doug Jones instead of Moore.
The last thing we need in Alabama and the U.S. Senate is a Schumer/Pelosi puppet who is weak on crime, weak on the border, bad for our military and our great vets, bad for our 2nd Amendment, and wants to [raise] taxes to the sky. Jones would be a disaster, Trump tweeted on Nov. 26.
And just over one week before the election, Trump said he needed Moores vote in the Senate when it comes to certain issues, such as immigration, gun rights and judicial appointments.
Trump also encouraged his Twitter followers to vote for Moore on the morning of the election as he contended that Moore "will always vote with us."
Vice President Mike Pence found the allegations in the story disturbing and believes, if true, this would disqualify anyone from serving in office, his press secretary, Alyssa Farah, has told reporters.
Sen. Mitch McConnell
While speaking to reporters, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he believes the women quoted in the Washington Post story. He urged Moore to step aside in light of the allegations.
Previously, McConnell said Moore should step aside if "these allegations are true."
Sen. Cory Gardner
Cory Gardner, the National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman, said he believes the women who have alleged Moore's misconduct. In a statement, he encouraged the Senate to "vote to expel" Moore should he win the election next month.
"He does not meet the ethical and moral requirements of the United States Senate," Gardner, R-Colo., said.
Sen. Mike Lee
A former backer of Moore, Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, pulled his endorsement from Moore after the allegations came to light.
"Having read the detailed description of the incidents, as well as the response from Judge Moore and his campaign, I can no longer endorse his candidacy for the US Senate," Lee said in a tweet.
He had also requested that Moore's campaign no longer use his image.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski
Im horrified and if its true, he should step down immediately, Murkowski told reporters.
She reportedly also urged Sen. Luther Strange, who was appointed to fill Jeff Sessions seat when he was tapped to become attorney general, to launch a write-in campaign. The deadline to take Moore off the ballot has passed.
Sen. Mike Rounds
If they are true, then he should seriously think about stepping aside," Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., said.
Sen. John Cornyn
I find it deeply distrusting and troubling. Its up to the governor and the folks of Alabama to make that decision as far as what the next steps are," Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, said. He later withdrew his endorsement of Moore.
Sen. Tim Scott
If theyre accurate, he absolutely should [step aside]," Tim Scott, of South Carolina, said.
Sen. Susan Collins
In a tweet, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, called for Moore to "withdraw from the Senate race in Alabama."
Collins wrote that she listened to Moore deny the allegations in a recent radio interview, but "did not find his denials to be convincing."
Collins' most recent statement comes after she previously tweeted: "If there is any truth at all to these horrific allegations, Roy Moore should immediately step aside as Senate candidate."
Sen. Steve Daines
"I am pulling my endorsement and support for Roy Moore for U.S. Senate," said Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.
Sen. John McCain
"The allegations against Roy Moore are deeply disturbing and disqualifying. He should immediately step aside and allow the people of Alabama to elect a candidate they can be proud of," Arizona Sen. John McCain said.
Sen. Richard Shelby
Its a devastating nasty story, Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby told reporters. If its true, I dont believe thered be a place for him in the U.S. Senate.
He said that he did not vote for Moore when he sent in his absentee ballot but voted instead for a "distinguished Republican write-in."
Sen. Jeff Flake
Like other Republicans, Flake called on Moore to step aside from the election.
"Just to be clear. If the choice is between Roy Moore and a Democrat, I would run to the polling place to vote for the Democrat," Flake tweeted.
Hes said that Republicans to support Roy Moore over Doug Jones is political tribalism at its worst.
Flake also tweeted a photo of a check made out to Jones for $100 with "Country over Party" written in the memo line.
Sen. Luther Strange
Alabama Sen. Luther Strange, who lost the special election primary to Roy Moore, called the allegations disturbing.
It is too late to take Moore off the ballot, but Strange has been encouraged to launch a write-in campaign.
Sen. Rob Portman
I think if what we read is true, and people are on the record so I assume it is, then he should step aside, Ohio Sen. Rob Portman said.
Sen. Ben Sasse
Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., called the Washington Posts story "heartbreaking."
Sasse also slammed the Republican National Committee for providing funds to Moores race.
This is a bad decision and very sad day. I believe the women and the RNC previously did too. Whats changed? Or is the party just indifferent? Sasse said on Twitter. This sends a terrible message to victims its not that the party wont believe you if you come forward. It might. But just doesnt care.
The senator than warned that if the National Republican Senatorial Committee decided to contribute to Moore, he would no longer be a donor to or fund-raiser for it.
Sen. Ted Cruz
"These are serious and troubling allegations," Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who previously endorsed Moore, said in a statement. "If they are true, Judge Moore should immediately withdraw. However, we need to know the truth, and Judge Moore has the right to respond to these accusations."
Sen. Bill Cassidy
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., officially withdrew his support from the candidate.
"Based on the allegations against Roy Moore, his response and what is known, I withdraw support," he said.
Sen. Orrin Hatch
"I stand with the Majority Leader on this. These are serious and disturbing accusations, and while the decision is now in the hands of the people of Alabama, I believe Luther Strange is an excellent alternative," Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, tweeted.
But a week before the election, Hatch said Trump didnt have another choice but to endorse Moore, Bloomberg reported. He also said that many of the things he allegedly did are decades ago. So its hard to thats a decision that has to be made by the people in that state.
If they make that decision, who are we to question them? Hatch said.
Sen. Pat Toomey
We'll probably never know for sure exactly what happened," Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said on NBC's "Meet the Press."
"But I think the accusations have more credibility than the denial. I think it would be best if Roy would just step aside.
Sen. Lindsey Graham
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham took to Twitter to say Moore should step aside in the Alabama Senate race.
"In light of the most recent allegations and the cumulative effect of others, I believe [Moore] would be doing himself, the state, the GOP, and the country a service by stepping aside," Graham said. "If he continues this will not end well for Mr. Moore."
He has also bemoaned Trumps attempt to throw a lifeline to Moore.
Rep. Paul Ryan
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said if the allegations are true, they would disqualify Moore from the special election.
These allegations are disqualifying if true. Anyone who would do this to a child has no place in public office, let alone the United States Senate, Ryan said in a statement.
Rep. Peter King
"I would say unless he can prove his innocence, the burden is now on him within the next day or so, I believe he has to step down. He owes it to himself, he owes it to the state and and he owes it to the U.S. Senate," New York Rep. Peter King said after the allegations came out.
Rep. Lee Zeldin
In a tweet, Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., called for that "creepy Roy Moore dude" to step aside from the campaign.
"It's about that time for that creepy Roy Moore dude to exit stage left. He should step aside & let someone take his spot on the ballot who doesn't prey upon young teenage girls as a grown man," he said.
Gov. John Kasich
Ohio Gov. John Kasich said on Twitter that hes long opposed Moore and called on him to step aside from the race as well.
Ive long opposed Roy Moore [and] his divisive viewpoints. The actions described make him unfit for office. The GOP must not support him. He should step aside, Kasich said.
Former Gov. Mitt Romney
Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, slammed Moore on Twitter.
Innocent until proven guilty is for criminal convictions, not elections. I believe Leigh Corfman, the former governor said. Her account is too serous to ignore. Moore is unfit for office and should step aside.
"Roy Moore in the US Senate would be a stain on the GOP and on the nation. Leigh Corfman and other victims are courageous heroes. No vote, no majority is worth losing our honor, our integrity," Romney said in another tweet on Dec. 4.
Former Gov. Jeb Bush
Former Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said Moore should step down in light of the allegations.
"This is not a question of innocence or guilt like in a criminal proceeding; this is a question of whats right and whats wrong. Acknowledging that youre dating teenagers when youre 32 years old as assistant state attorney is wrong. Its just plain wrong," he told CNBC, adding that he agreed with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said earlier Monday that Moore should "step aside."
"We need to stand for basic principles, and decency has to be one of those," Bush added. "In the really poisonous political environment we have right now, one of the rules I think has to apply is that when you attack somebody on the other party, and the other team for doing something wrong, when it happens on your team, you have an obligation I think to speak out as well."
Ivanka Trump
The president's daughter had some harsh words for Moore.
"There's a special place in hell for people who prey on children. I've yet to see a valid explanation, and I have no reason to doubt the victims' accounts," Ivanka Trump told the Associated Press.
Condoleezza Rice
While she didnt name Moore, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who is from Alabama encouraged voters to take a stand for our core principles and for what is right.
These critical times require us to come together to reject bigotry, sexism and intolerance, Rice said in a statement to AL.com.
"It is imperative for Americans to remain focused on our priorities and not give way to side shows and antics. I know that Alabamans need an independent voice in Washington. But we must also insist that our representatives are dignified, decent, and respectful of the values we hold dear, she said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Senate Republicans advanced their tax reform plan in a key committee vote Tuesday, as President Trump confidently predicted passage -- after visiting Capitol Hill in a bid to win support from GOP holdouts.
"I think we're going to get it passed," Trump told reporters.
The Senate Budget Committee moments earlier voted 12-11 to advance the plan to the full Senate, paving the way for a possible floor vote later this week.
"The momentum driving our shared priorities of job growth, economic competiveness, and fiscal responsibility through tax reform is undeniable," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, Trump joined fellow Republicans at their weekly Senate luncheon to talk taxes. He described the meeting as "phenomenal" and "somewhat of a lovefest."
Trump needs nearly all 52 of them to help pass the reform legislation with a simple, 51-vote majority.
However, a handful of GOP senators still appeared undecided, including Susan Collins of Maine, Bob Corker of Tennessee, Jeff Flake and John McCain of Arizona, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Rand Paul of Kentucky and most recently Steve Daines of Montana.
But both Corker and Johnson backed the legislation in the committee vote Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell didnt talk about what was discussed in the Trump meeting but addressed the effort to round up votes.
Its a challenging exercise. Think of sitting there with a Rubiks Cube and trying to get 50 votes, the Kentucky Republican said.
Several sticking points have emerged since the Senate began working on its version in early fall -- the latest being whether small businesses will get their fair share of tax relief.
Senators such as Johnson and Daines want lower taxes for the small businesses including so-called pass-through entities -- companies whose profits go to the owners, who report the income on individual tax returns.
We need to take care of Main Street businesses, Daines said. Smaller states tend to have more Main Street businesses.
However, fiscal hawks like Corker and Flake are raising concerns about whether more cuts -- and miscalculations about already proposed cuts -- will add to the federal deficit and debt.
One analysis projects the entire GOP plan will increase the federal deficit by $1.4 trillion over the next 10 years.
Corker and others want the GOP plan to include a trigger or backstop that could revamp or reverse tax cuts if they don't spur the projected economic growth or if they increase the deficit beyond projections.
Were working on that right now, Corker said Tuesday morning on Fox News Fox & Friends. Hopefully, its going to be successful.
Collins, Corker, Daines and Johnson on Monday talked with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.
Earlier concerns among GOP senators included whether the corporate tax rate will drop from 35 percent to 20 percent and if middle-class Americans would still get to deduct their state and local taxes.
The House earlier this fall passed its tax reform bill. If the Senate passes its version, GOP lawmakers from the respective chambers would meet to negotiate a compromise plan, which Trump would sign for his first major legislative victory since taking office in late January.
No Democrats thus far support the GOP tax plan.
Trump also had been scheduled on Tuesday to hold a White House meeting with the top bipartisan congressional leaders, covering negotiations over a temporary spending bill and other issues.
However, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer pulled out after Trump tweeted that there might not be a deal with them.
Meeting with Chuck and Nancy today about keeping government open and working, Trump tweeted Tuesday. Problem is they want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I dont see a deal!
Some Democrats want the budget measure to include legislative protections for young illegal immigrants known as "Dreamers," amid opposition to the idea from conservative Republicans.
Trump hasn't engaged much with Pelosi and Schumer since a September meeting that produced an agreement on a short-term increase in the government's so-called debt limit and a temporary spending bill that is now keeping the government running.
McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., were still attending the White House meeting with Trump.
I have never refused to go to a bipartisan meeting that a president has called, McConnell said after Trump left Capitol Hill.
Schumer and Pelosi issued a joint statement saying they will try to negotiate the spending bill and other end-of-the-year issues alone with GOP congressional leaders.
Fox News' Chad Pergram and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A female aide on Capitol Hill was paid nearly $50,000 in a taxpayer-funded settlement in 2015 after complaining about the drinking and office environment of a Democratic member of Congress, according to a new report.
The Washington Times reported this week that an unnamed former congressional aide threatened a lawsuit against Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva two years ago by accusing him of being frequently drunk and fostering a hostile work environment.
The House Employment Counsel negotiated a $48,395 severance the equivalent of five months additional salary for the aide, the report said. The accuser, who worked for Grijalva for three months, dropped her complaint after the settlement, the newspaper said.
In a statement on Tuesday, Grijalva acknowledged a settlement had been paid to a former employee but did not discuss the details of what led to it.
The fact is that an employee and I, working with the House Employment Counsel, mutually agreed on terms for a severance package, including an agreement that neither of us would talk about it publicly," Grijalva said. "The terms were consistent with House Ethics Committee guidance."
Grijalva, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said the severance funds came out of his "committee operating budget."
"Every step of the process was handled ethically and appropriately," he said.
But critics say the Grijalva payout is another example of lawmakers being able to deal with complaints lodged against them by aides through secret settlements.
It seems like all of these House bodies are designed to help cover for members of Congress, Melanie Sloan, the former leader of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington organization, told the outlet. A large part of the problem is that each member of Congress can treat their staff as their own fiefdom and also know that it will remain silent.
CONGRESS HAS PAID NEARLY $1 MILLION IN SETTLEMENTS AFTER WORKPLACE COMPLAINTS THIS YEAR
The revelation of the payout comes as the Office of Compliance in Congress released numbers this month indicating the government has paid more than $17 million in settlements to congressional employees on Capitol Hill since 1997.
A large part of the problem is that each member of Congress can treat their staff as their own fiefdom and also know that it will remain silent. Melanie Sloan, former leader of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington
These settlements were in response to claims of sexual harassment, overtime pay disputes and other workplace violations filed by employees of Congress.
But Grijalva said his aide's severance payout was not related to any sexual harrassment allegations.
The severance did not involve the Office of Compliance and at no time was any allegation of sexual harassment made, and no sexual harassment occurred, he told the Washington Times.
President Trump on Tuesday vowed to take care of it after North Korea fired its highest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile.
A missile was launched a little while ago from North Korea, the president told reporters at the White House, alongside the Republican leaders in Congress. I will only tell you that we will take care of it.
The president said he had a long discussion with Defense Secretary James Mattis, who also joined him for the press statement, on the threat and said it is a situation that we will handle.
We have a very serious approach. We take it very seriously, Trump said.
Later Tuesday night, the president pointed to the missile launch as support for avoiding a potential government shutdown. "After North Korea missile launch, it's more important than ever to fund our gov't & military," Trump tweeted. "Dems shouldn't hold troop funding hostage for amnesty & illegal immigration. I ran on stopping illegal immigration and won big. They can't now threaten a shutdown to get their demands."
Tuesdays missile launch is the first since the country fired an intermediate range missile in September. The latest missile flew 1,000 miles higher than during the first intercontinental ballistic missile launch in July.
North Korea has now test-launched three intercontinental ballistic missiles in its history.
It went higher, frankly, than any previous shot they've taken, Mattis told reporters in the Roosevelt Room.
Mattis said that in response, the South Koreans have fired some pinpoint missiles out into the water to make certain North Korea understands that they could be taken under fire.
The missile was launched from Sain Ni in North Korea and flew roughly 620 miles before landing in the Sea of Japan.
The U.S. Department of Defense detected and tracked a single North Korea missile launch today at about 1:17 p.m. EDT, Pentagon spokesman Col. Robert Manning said in a statement. Initial assessment indicates that this missile was an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
NORTH KOREA FIRES ICBM INTO JAPANESE WATERS
South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, which first reported the launch, said the missile launch happened around 3 a.m. in North Korea. South Koreas military had reportedly staged a precision strike missile exercise in response.
North Korea has been working hard to perfect re-entry technology to one day have a warhead be able to survive re-entry into Earths atmosphere.
Fox News Lucas Tomlinson, Katherine Lam and Nicole Darrah contributed to this report.
President Trump is known for giving his political opponents and critics nicknames, especially on social media.
Read on for a list of Trump's most iconic nicknames.
Wacky Omarosa
Omarosa Manigault-Newman lasted one year in the White House, and her departure has been anything from cordial.
In particular, Manigault-Newman has been under fire from the Trump administration for secretly recording the chief of staff John Kelly in the Situation Room, raising national security concerns. She's since released some of the tapes.
Trump, in a series of tweets, called Manigault-Newman "wacky" and a "lowlife."
"Wacky Omarosa, who got fired 3 times on the Apprentice, now got fired for the last time. She never made it, never will. She begged me for a job, tears in her eyes, I said OK," Trump said. "People in the White House hated her. She was vicious, but not smart. I would rarely see her but heard really bad things."
"Nasty to people & would constantly miss meetings & work. When Gen. Kelly came on board he told me she was a loser & nothing but problems. I told him to try working it out, if possible, because she only said great things about me - until she got fired!" Trump said.
"While I know it's 'not presidential' to take on a lowlife like Omarosa, and while I would rather not be doing so, this is a modern day form of communication and I know the Fake News Media will be working overtime to make even Wacky Omarosa look legitimate as possible. Sorry!" he continued.
Slippery James Comey
Trump dubbed former FBI Director James Comey the "worst" in history while blasting his new tell-all book, "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership." In a series of tweets, Trump also nicknamed the former FBI chief "Slippery James Comey."
Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far! Trump tweeted.
Trump fired Comey in May 2017, citing the ex-director's handling of the FBIs investigation into Hillary Clintons email practices.
Trump also called Comey a slimeball and suggested the former FBI director deserved jail time for mishandling the Clinton email probe.
Animal Assad
In the aftermath of a suspected chemical attack in Syria, Trump blasted Syrian President Bashar Assad and warned that those responsible would pay a big price. Trump also nicknamed the Syrian president Animal Assad.
Many dead, including women and children, in mindless CHEMICAL attack in Syria. Area of atrocity is in lockdown and encircled by Syrian Army, making it completely inaccessible to outside world, Trump alleged in a tweet. President Putin, Russia and Iran are responsible for backing Animal Assad. Big price to pay. Open area immediately for medical help and verification. Another humanitarian disaster for no reason whatsoever. SICK!
Trump also blamed former President Barack Obamas foreign policy decisions for Animal Assad.
And in a later tweet, Trump warned Russia against shooting down any missiles the U.S. would fire at Syria in retaliation for the purported attack, saying the country shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!
Little Rocket Man
Trump has never really had kind things to say about North Korea leader Kim Jong Un referring to him on Twitter as a maniac a whack job" and "rocket man" which is a President Trump original," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told Fox News.
Trump tried out the "rocket man" nickname at the 2017 United Nations General Assembly.
He's also tried out the moniker on Twitter.
"The Chinese Envoy, who just returned from North Korea, seems to have had no impact on Little Rocket Man. Hard to believe his people, and the military, put up with living in such horrible conditions. Russia and China condemned the launch," he tweeted.
In addition, Trump has called the North Korean leader a "sick puppy."
Lamb the Sham
Ahead of a tight special House election in Pennsylvania, Trump visited the Keystone state to stump for Republican Rick Saccone and hit Democrat Conor Lamb.
Trump accused Lamb of saying nice things in order to get elected in Trump country, but promised those at a rally that the Democrat is not going to vote for us if elected. And the president dubbed the 33-year-old Marine Lamb the Sham.
Lamb the Sham. Lamb the Sham. He is trying to act like a Republican. He won't give me one vote, Trump said.
Trump also said he is better looking than Lamb.
Sloppy Steve
Steve Bannon used to be in the presidents good graces, but the pair has had a very public falling out. Bannon, the former White House chief strategist and ex-Breitbart executive, was quoted in a blistering tell-all book, painting the presidents son in a negative light.
Trump heavily rebuked Bannon in a public statement, saying Bannon lost his mind after he was fired from the White House.
Steve was rarely in a one-on-one meeting with me and only pretends to have had influence to fool a few people with no access and no clue, whom he helped write phony books, Trump said.
Ahead of the release of the controversial book by Michael Wolff, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, Trump slammed both the author and Bannon on social media giving Bannon his nickname.
Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve, Trump warned.
Trump reiterated the Sloppy Steve nickname in other tweets, including one which he praised the Mercer family wealthy conservative mega-donors for having dropped the leaker known as Sloppy Steve Bannon.
Pocahontas
The president reused one of his favorite nicknames for Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., while he honored Navajo code talkers at the White House in November. At the event held to honor the Native Americans who used their native language during World Wars I and II to help the U.S. Trump mocked Warren as Pocahontas.
Trump has often criticized Warren, specifically over her claim to be of Native American heritage.
Shes got about as much Indian blood as I have. Her whole life was based on a fraud, Trump told The New York Times in May 2016.
Warrens potential Native American heritage was first questioned during her 2012 Senate run.
Trump also calls Warren goofy.
Dicky Durbin
Trump made waves when he referred to Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., as Dicky Durbin online.
Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our military, said Trump in a tweet.
Durbin was part of a group of lawmakers who visited Trump at the White House in January to discuss immigration reform. After reports surfaced that Trump referred to certain nations as s---hole countries at the bilateral meeting, Durbin accused the president of saying things that were hate-filled, vile and racist.
Trump has admitted to using tough language at the meeting but denied certain remarks attributed to him.
Sneaky Dianne Feinstein
A transcript of a Fusion GPS official's August interview with the Senate Judiciary Committee was unilaterally released by the committees ranking member, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.
The release of the bombshell interview drew ire from some Republicans, including the president and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.
In a tweet following the release, Trump blasted the 84-year-old senator and called her Sneaky Dianne Feinstein.
The fact that Sneaky Dianne Feinstein, who has on numerous occasions stated that collusion between Trump/Russia has not been found, would release testimony in such an underhanded and possibly illegal way, totally without authorization, is a disgrace, Trump tweeted. Must have tough Primary!
Jeff Flakey
Like Trump and Sen. Bob Corker, Trump and Republican Sen. Jeff Flake have been feuding for quite some time. In announcing his retirement from the Senate, Flake slammed both the Republican Party and Trump.
Flake was also caught on a hot mic saying if the GOP becomes the party of Roy Moore and Donald Trump, were toast. That comment gave Trump the opportunity to dub the Arizona senator Jeff Flakey.
Sen. Jeff Flake(y), who is unelectable in the Great State of Arizona (quit race, anemic polls) was caught (purposely) on mike saying bad things about your favorite President. Hell be a NO on tax cuts because his political career anyway is toast, Trump tweeted.
Al 'Frankenstien'
After Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., was accused of kissing and groping Los Angeles radio host Leeann Tweeden during a USO tour in 2006, Trump blasted the lawmaker on Twitter.
"The Al Frankenstien picture is really bad, speaks a thousand words. Where do his hands go in pictures 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 while she sleeps?" Trump wrote, including an apparent misspelling of "Frankenstein." "And to think that just last week he was lecturing anyone who would listen about sexual harassment and respect for women. Lesley Stahl tape?"
Liddle' Bob Corker
The feud between Trump and Sen. Bob Corker has been going on for some time, but the Tennessee senator finally got a nickname.
The Failing [New York Times] set Liddle Bob Corker up by recording his conversation. Was made to sound a fool, and thats what I am dealing with! Trump tweeted on Oct. 10.
Corker slammed Trump in an interview with the newspaper and said the president is so reckless that he might be on the path to World War III. A transcript from the interview revealed that Corker acknowledged the conversation was on the record.
Wacky Congresswoman Wilson
Trump and Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., became locked in a public feud involving a Gold Star family earning the Florida congresswoman her nickname.
The Fake News is going crazy with wacky Congresswoman Wilson (D), who was SECRETELY on a very personal call, and gave a total lie on content! Trump tweeted.
Wilson accused Trump of making insensitive remarks to the pregnant widow of one of the four American soldiers killed during an attack in Niger. The White House, including chief of staff John Kelly, has ardently defended the presidents comments.
Jerry Moonbeam Brown
Trump hasn't seen eye-to-eye with California Gov. Jerry Brown, a Democrat, throughout much of his time in office but the president was especially critical after Brown pardoned 56 convicted felons, including five ex-convicts facing deportation.
Trump blasted the pardoning on Twitter, calling the governor Jerry Moonbeam Brown.
Is this really what the great people of California want? Trump said.
Trump cant take full credit for Browns nickname. The Moonbeam moniker was given to the governor first in the 1970s by a columnist who said Brown was garnering the "moonbeam vote," or the younger, more idealistic voters in his gubernatorial campaign, according to The New York Times. The nickname continued as Brown pressed for California's space programs.
Crazy Joe Biden
It all started when former Vice President Joe Biden addressed an anti-sexual assault rally in Florida and cited lewd comments Trump made about women in the infamous Access Hollywood tape more than a decade ago.
Biden, who has crusaded against sexual assault and harassment, said, If we were in high school, Id take him behind the gym and beat the hell out of him.
A few days later, Trump lashed out on Twitter, nicknaming the former senator Crazy Joe Biden.
Crazy Joe Biden is trying to act like a tough guy. Actually, he is weak, both mentally and physically, and yet he threatens me, for the second time, with physical assault, Trump said on March 22. He doesnt know me, but he would go down fast and hard, crying all the way. Dont threaten people Joe!
In the past, Trump has referred to Biden on social media as our not very bright vice president.
Little Adam Schiff
Trump accused Rep. Adam Schiff of leaking confidential information from closed committee hearings and called for him to be stopped. The president also referred to the Democrat from California as Little Adam Schiff.
Little Adam Schiff, who is desperate to run for higher office, is one of the biggest liars and leakers in Washington, Trump said in a tweet, comparing him to former FBI Director James Comey, former National Intelligence Director James Clapper and former CIA Director John Brennan. Adam leaves closed committee hearings to illegally leak confidential information. Must be stopped!
Schiff is the ranking minority member on the House Intelligence Committee which released a controversial memo that detailed alleged improper surveillance techniques used in the Russia investigation. Schiff was critical of the memos public release supported by Republicans calling it misleading and undermining of the probe.
Crooked Hillary
Throughout the presidential campaign, Trump would often hit his opponent, Hillary Clinton, with criticisms on social media. Trump gave her the nickname Crooked Hillary, usually when he mentioned her use of a private email server during her tenure as secretary of state.
The first time Trump tweeted about Crooked Hillary was in April 2016.
Sometimes Trump switched it up and would call the former first lady Lyin Hillary.
Wild Bill Clinton
While criticizing former FBI Director James Comey's memoir, Trump referenced the now-infamous meeting between former President Bill Clinton and Loretta Lynch on a Phoenix airport tarmac in June 2016. The meeting was questioned because the then-attorney general was leading the investigation into Hillary Clintons email scandal.
Comey throws AG Lynch under the bus! Why cant we all find out what happened on the tarmac in the back of the plane with Wild Bill and Lynch? Trump said. Was she promised a Supreme Court seat, or AG, in order to lay off Hillary. No golf and grandkids talk (give us all a break)!
Lynch has said she and Clinton discussed only innocuous things on the tarmac but acknowledged that her speaking to the former president raised concerns in peoples minds about whether or not there was going to be any impact on the email investigation.
Cheatin Obama
Trump praised his own approval ratings on social media while taking a jab at former President Barack Obama.
The president said the honest polling of Rasmussen shows his approval rating at 50 percent, which is higher than Cheatin Obama at the same time in his Administration.
The April 2 Rasmussen poll showed 50 percent of likely U.S. voters approved of Trump. However, 49 percent disapproved.
Little Marco
The rhetoric among the Republican presidential contenders hit a different kind of low as Florida Sen. Marco Rubio went after Trump for having small hands and Trump started to call the senator Little Marco. The two also discussed the size of Trumps hands and other things during a GOP debate in March 2016.
Trump first tweeted the Little Marco nickname in February 2016.
Lyin Ted
Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Trump didnt start out as enemies during the 2016 campaign, but the two Republican contenders were soon at each others throats. Trump dubbed Cruz Lyin Ted when he went after him for his immigration policies in a campaign ad in March 2016.
Low Energy Jeb
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush also got a Trump nickname when he was a 2016 Republican presidential contender Low energy Jeb Bush.
Despite the exclamation point in Bushs campaign logo, Trump started to use the nickname to criticize his opponent during the campaign. Trump told Business Insider that there wasnt a backstory to the nickname, he just seemed like a low energy person to Trump.
1 for 38
When Ohio Gov. John Kasich attempted to team up with Cruz during the Republican primary to deny Trump the partys nomination, Trump took to Twitter to dole out a new nickname. And Kasich became 1 for 38.
Trump assigned Kasich the name because he won only one state in the primary and lost the others, Trump said in a statement in August 2016. Eventually Kasich would also be referred to as 1 for 42 by the eventual president.
Crazy Bernie
Sen. Bernie Sanders, the white-haired Independent socialist who became a progressive icon during the 2016 election, earned himself the nickname Crazy Bernie from Trump.
Trump first tweeted about Crazy Bernie in May 2016 when he criticized Crooked Hillary for looking very bad against Sanders.
Crying Chuck
After Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, N.Y., criticized Trump for firing F.B.I. Director James Comey, Trump hit him right back with an original nickname.
Cryin Chuck Schumer stated recently, I do not have confidence in him (James Comey) any longer. Then acts so indignant, he tweeted on May 9, 2017.
Schumer shed some tears when he discussed Trumps immigration ban earlier in 2017.
But Schumer wasnt crying after Trump agreed to the Democrats short-term debt-limit increase and Hurricane Harvey aid.
Crazy Jim Acosta
Trump had a surprising tweet of gratitude Tuesday morning for CNNs White House correspondent, Jim Acosta while also bestowing a nickname on his media adversary.
Even Crazy Jim Acosta of Fake News CNN agrees: Trump World and WH sources dancing in end zone: Trump wins againSchumer and Dems cavedgambled and lost. Thank you for your honesty Jim! Trump tweeted.
Trumps tweet referenced Acostas earlier social media post.
The president and his administration has often slammed Acosta and CNN for coverage they deem unfair or fake news. Trump has also kicked Acosta out of the Oval Office.
Sleepy Eyes
Trump has thought NBC reporter Chuck Todd has looked sleepy long before the election or campaign. He first dubbed Todd sleepy in a 2001 tweet, but upgraded his nickname to Sleepy Eyes by 2012.
And in 2018, at a campaign rally for a Republican congressional candidate, Trump slammed the NBC anchor as a son of a b-----.
Trump mentioned a 1999 "Meet the Press" appearance when he discussed North Korea.
Its 1999, Im on 'Meet the Press,' a show now headed by sleepy-eyes Chuck Todd, Trump said. Hes a sleeping son of a b----, Ill tell you.
Dumb as a Rock Mika
From writer Toure to National Review, Trump has called many things dumb as a rock. But Mika Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBCs Morning Joe earned the nickname in July after she and Joe Scarborough criticized the president.
Crazy Joe Scarborough and dumb as a rock Mika are not bad people, but their low rated show is dominated by their NBC bosses, he tweeted. Too bad!
His attack on the news anchor continued, as he called her low I.Q. Crazy Mika and said she was bleeding badly from a face-lift when she came to Mar-a-Lago around New Years Eve.
Psycho Joe
In a Twitter rant about his dislike of MSNBCs Morning Joe program, Trump dubbed host Joe Scarborough Psycho Joe.
Crazy Megyn
Trumps comments about then-Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly were often criticized and deemed misogynistic by critics. During their feud, Trump took to calling Kelly Crazy Megyn.
Little Jeff Zucker
Trump criticized CNN in an April tweet and called its president Little Jeff Zucker.
Check out the fact that you cant get a job at ratings challenged [CNN] unless you state that you are totally anti-Trump, the president alleged on social media. Little Jeff Zucker, whose job is in jeopardy, is not having much fun lately. They should clean up and strengthen CNN and get back to honest reporting.
Fox News' Matt Richardson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The White House on Tuesday shot back at the top congressional Democrats -- Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi -- for pulling out of a White House meeting with President Trump, saying the president wants them to put aside their pettiness and get to work.
Schumer, the Senate minority leader, and Pelosi, the House minority leader, cancelled their meeting with Trump and top congressional Republicans after the president hinted that any attempt to reach a bipartisan deal to avoid a government shutdown would be thwarted by Democrats desire to include immigration reform and tax increases.
Its disappointing that Senator Schumer and Leader Pelosi are refusing to come to the table and discuss urgent issues, said White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders. The presidents invitation to the Democrat leaders still stands and he encourages them to put aside their pettiness, stop the political grandstanding, show up and get to work. These issues are too important.
The White House response followed a joint statement from Schumer and Pelosi after Trumps tweet, in which they said theyd rather negotiate alone with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan.
Given that the president doesnt see a deal between Democrats and the White House, we believe the best path forward is to continue negotiating with our Republican counterparts in Congress instead, Schumer, of New York, and Pelosi, of California, said in the statement.
Minutes later, Schumer suggested on the Senate floor that Trump had decided before the meeting that no bipartisan deal could be reached.
If the president, who already earlier this year said Our county needs a good shutdown isnt interested in addressing the end-of-the-year agenda, well work with those who are interested in funding the government, he also said.
McConnell, of Kentucky, and Ryan, of Wisconsin, said in a joint statement that they would still attend the meeting.
"We have important work to do, and Democratic leaders have continually found new excuses not to meet with the administration to discuss these issues, they said in the statement. There is a meeting at the White House this afternoon, and if Democrats want to reach an agreement, they will be there."
McConnell also tweeted: "I look forward to discussing with @POTUS this afternoon our shared goals as we continue collaborating to pass legislation, including #TaxReform, and send it to his desk for signature.
Congress has until Dec. 8 to pass stopgap legislation to keep the government open, and Tuesday's protest from Pelosi and Schumer points to new problems ahead.
Meeting with 'Chuck and Nancy' today about keeping government open and working. Problem is they want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I dont see a deal! Trump said in the tweet that started the standoff.
Schumer and Pelosi also said in the statement: Rather than going to the White House for a show meeting that wont result in an agreement, weve asked Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan to meet this afternoon."
Trump hasn't engaged much with Pelosi and Schumer since a September meeting that produced an agreement on a short-term increase in the government's so-called debt limit and a temporary spending bill that is now keeping the government running.
Trump reveled in the bipartisan deal for a time and generated excitement among Democrats when he told then he would sign legislation to protect from deportation immigrants who were brought to the country illegally as children.
Trump in September reversed an executive order by former President Barack Obama that gave protections to the so-called Dreamers, many of whom have little or no connection to their home country.
Shortly afterward, he told Pelosi and Schumer he would sign legislation protecting those immigrants, provided Democrats made concessions of their own on border security.
"Hopefully, we can make progress on an agreement that covers those time-sensitive issues and keeps the government running and working for the American people," Schumer said before Trumps tweet.
His and Pelosis statement also said: We look forward to continuing to work in good faith, as we have been for the last month, with our Republican colleagues in Congress to do just that.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
At the bottom of the world, in a frigid Antarctic desert, sits a weird pond only a few inches deep that is so salty, it stays liquid even at temperatures of minus 58 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 50 degrees Celsius).
The source of the pond's unusually heavy and pure load of salt has been a geochemical mystery since it was discovered during a 1961 expedition. Scientists had generally assumed that Don Juan Pond a play on the names of the expedition's helicopter pilots was fed by deep groundwater, but a widely publicized 2013 paper suggested the salts came from a shallower source.
In the new study, published Sept. 15 in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters, researchers used computer models of the pond's chemistry to dispute that finding.
Because the area is one of the closest terrestrial analogues to Mars, understanding how water flows through the pond and the surrounding area could help scientists understand the behavior of similar features on the Red Planet. [The 7 Most Mars-Like Places on Earth]
The salt in Don Juan Pond isn't the same as the stuff that gets sprinkled on food. Instead, it is 95 percent calcium chloride, which significantly lowers the freezing point of water, helping the pond stay liquid even into the bitter Antarctic winter.
It's rare for nature to produce a water solution so pure, said study co-author Jonathan Toner, a geochemist at the University of Washington. From a chemistry perspective, "it's kind of like walking into the room and seeing a pink elephant," he told Live Science.
All that salt makes the water denser and more viscous than the water that pours from taps or laps up on beaches, giving it the consistency of a thin syrup, Toner said.
The pond is so salty (about 40 percent by weight) because of a combination of two factors: the high evaporation rate in the extremely dry environment of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, where it is located, and the ability of calcium chloride to form much more concentrated solutions than plain table salt (sodium chloride).
But where that salt comes from and why the pond is so chemically pure have been long-standing mysteries. And they're difficult to answer because the pond was designated a protected area to prevent any contamination so there are restrictions on sampling and studying the area.
The 2013 study used time-lapse photography to monitor the flow of water around the pond. The authors concluded that calcium chloride in the surrounding soil was sucking up water from the atmosphere whenever the humidity peaked a process called deliquescence. That water was visible as streaks of darkened earth on the slopes near the pond. The authors think that periodic snowmelt then washed the salts into the pond. [Photographic Proof of Climate Change: Time-Lapse Images of Retreating Glaciers]
"But we totally disagreed" with the study authors' conclusions, Toner said. "I think they really didn't consider the past evidence for a deep groundwater source."
He and his colleagues compared the two possible sources of the salt deep groundwater and the process described in the 2013 paper with a chemistry model that compared the makeup of the pond water with what would be expected to evolve through evaporation from those two different sources.
They found that the deep groundwater source "matches it exactly, to uncanny accuracy, while the shallower source "is just nowhere near" it, Toner said.
The study still leaves open the question of where the deep groundwater ultimately comes from. Toner and his colleagues think salty water percolates down through the frozen soils and interacts with surrounding minerals in a way that produces purified plumes of calcium chloride (which they have detected by drilling into the soil), Toner said. But this process happens much more slowly than the 2013 study proposed, from thousands to tens of thousands of years.
Jay Dickson, one of the authors of the 2013 paper and a planetary scientist at Caltech, doesn't think the new study refutes his own because it doesn't address the question of the ultimate source of the salt. He thinks the processes described in each paper may be connected, though Toner disagrees.
The new study also shows that the pond is being continuously flushed out, Toner said, suggesting it is connected to an extensive groundwater system that is also feeding another lake in the valley that is rich in calcium chloride, though not as pure. He also thinks the surface streaks of water could be another manifestation of the groundwater system. [See Photos of Antarctica's Subglacial Lake Whillans]
Understanding that system, as well as the surface streaks of water sucked up by the salty soils, could help reveal more about similar features on the surface of Mars. It is virtually impossible, though, for Mars to have an extensive groundwater system because it simply gets too cold, Dickson said.
"If they're right that it's a deep groundwater source [then] that is not happening on Mars today, he told Live Science.
Toner will be part of a team that will explore and sample the area around Don Juan Pond in December to find more evidence for the source of the salts and the potential connections to a larger groundwater system.
Original article on Live Science.
Mars' magnetic field stands apart in the solar system because it gets twisted by interactions with solar particles, a NASA spacecraft discovered. What's more, the Red Planet also could have lost its atmosphere through the same process.
Mars today has a thin carbon dioxide atmosphere, and the pressure on the surface is too low for water to flow. But the planet's environment was different in the ancient past: Rovers and spacecraft have seen extensive evidence of rivers, ancient stream beds and possible oceans.
While researchers are still trying to understand why Mars lost its atmosphere, a leading theory is that particles streaming from the sun pushed the lighter molecules out from the atmosphere during the Red Planet's 4.5-billion-year-old history. That's what NASA's MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) spacecraft has been tracking since it began its primary science mission in November 2014. This week, scientists announced MAVEN found a twisted magnetic tail trailing behind Mars. [How NASA's MAVEN Mars Orbiter Works (Infographic)]
"We found that Mars' magnetic tail, or magnetotail, is unique in the solar system," Gina DiBraccio, a research astrophysicist at NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, said in a statement.
"Its not like the magnetotail found at Venus, a planet with no magnetic field of its own, nor is it like Earth's, which is surrounded by its own internally generated magnetic field. Instead, it is a hybrid between the two," added DiBraccio, who is also a project scientist for MAVEN.
Unlike Earth, Mars does not have a global magnetic field. Instead, the Red Planet has "fossil" magnetic fields in certain regions of its surface, which are left behind from the global magnetic field Mars lost billions of years ago.
MAVEN's measurements suggest that Mars' magnetotail occurs due to interactions with magnetic fields in the solar wind, which is the constant stream of particles emanating from the sun. If the magnetic field in the solar wind is opposite to the magnetic field in a Martian region, the two fields join in a process called magnetic reconnection and create the Martian magnetotail. The process would also twist the tail, NASA officials stated.
The connecting fields could also hurl some electrically charged particles (or ions) from Mars' upper atmosphere into empty space. Since ions flow along magnetic field lines, the magnetotail provides a pathway for them to flow out of the atmosphere. The process of magnetic reconnection also releases energy, which could give the Martian atmospheric ions a boost into space.
This process is just one example of the complexity of the Red Planet's magnetic fields. MAVEN has spent its mission tracking the changes in the field, which includes the spacecraft changing its orientation with respect to the sun. The spacecraft's different positions in space provide a more complete map of the magnetotail and how it changes after interactions with the solar wind.
"Our model predicted that magnetic reconnection will cause the Martian magnetotail to twist 45 degrees from whats expected based on the direction of the magnetic field carried by the solar wind," DiBraccio said. "When we compared those predictions to MAVEN data on the directions of the Martian and solar wind magnetic fields, they were in very good agreement."
MAVEN tracked the magnetic fields using its magnetometer instrument. The team plans to look at the data from other instruments on the spacecraft to see where escaping particles go. The aim is to confirm the escaping particles follow the connected magnetic fields, which would show that the fields contribute to the process of atmospheric loss, NASA officials said in the statement.
MAVEN scientists want to know how much atmosphere is lost through magnetic reconnection, as well as how the magnetic tail changes as Mars and its surface magnetic regions rotate. "Mars is really complicated, but really interesting at the same time," said DiBraccio.
DiBraccio will present the research Thursday (Oct. 19) at the annual meeting of the American Astronomical Society's Division for Planetary Sciences in Provo, Utah.
Original article on Space.com.
Scientific tests have offered fascinating new insight into the tomb in Jerusalems Church of the Holy Sepulchre venerated as the resting place of Jesus Christ.
National Geographic reports that construction materials used on the tomb have been dated to the Roman era. The results of tests provided to the publication confirm that the remains of a limestone cave enshrined in the famous church are the remnants of a tomb found by the Romans 1,700 years ago.
Experts analyzed mortar from the original limestone surface of the tomb and a marble slab that covers it, which they dated to around 345 A.D. Historical accounts indicate that the tomb, which is a limestone shelf or burial bed hewn from the wall of a cave, was discovered by the Romans and enshrined around 326 A.D., according to National Geographic.
CHRIST'S TOMB UNCOVERED: THIS IS WHAT EXPERTS DISCOVERED
The mortar was analyzed at two independent labs using a technique called Optically Stimulated Luminescence, which analyzes when quartz sediment was last exposed to light.
The findings are significant because, up until now, the earliest architectural evidence around the cave complex dated it to the Crusader period, which would make it about 1,000 years old.
Last year, researchers uncovered a stone slab and examined the interior of the tomb. The slab, which has been covered by marble cladding since at least 1555 A.D., was exposed as part of a major restoration project at the church. The original limestone rock surface, or burial bed, was found to be intact. Experts also found a broken slab marble incised with a cross resting on the rock surface.
The broken slab provided a key clue to archaeologists, who now believe that it was mortared into place during the fourth-century A.D. This corresponds with the churchs construction by the Roman Emperor Constantine on a site venerated as Christs burial place by the local Christian community. Constantine demolished a Roman Temple built by the Emperor Hadrian on the site some 200 years earlier and excavated the rock beneath it to expose the loculus, or burial niche, identified as Christs tomb.
CHRIST'S BURIAL SLAB UNCOVERED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN CENTURIES
"Obviously that date is spot-on for whatever Constantine did," says archaeologist Martin Biddle, author of The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, told National Geographic. "That's very remarkable."
The Church built by Constantine was destroyed by the Fatimid Caliphate in 1009 and rebuilt in the middle of the 11th century, according to National Geographic.
The burial bed was hewn from the side of a limestone cave following Christs crucifixion, according to Christian tradition. Christs resurrection from the dead is a core tenet of Christian belief the Gospels say that the tomb was found to be empty by those who visited it a few days after the crucifixion.
LOST ROMAN CITY THAT WAS HOME TO JESUS' APOSTLES FOUND, SAY ARCHAEOLOGISTS
The Gospels say that Jesus was buried outside Jerusalems city walls, which was in keeping with Jewish tradition, and near Golgotha, the site of his crucifixion. Jerusalems walls were later expanded to place Golgotha and the tomb within the city.
During the renovation project by the National Technical University of Athens, experts also confirmed the existence of the original limestone cave walls inside the Edicule, the early 19th-century structure within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre that houses the tomb.
Chief Scientific Supervisor Antonia Moropoulou, who led the restoration, took a number of mortar samples from different parts of the Edicule. Mortar samples taken from the southern wall of the cave, for example, were dated to 335 and 1570, according to National Geographic, indicating construction work began during the Roman era and was later restored. Mortar from the tombs entrance was dated to the 11th century, corresponding with reconstruction after its destruction by the Fatimids.
EXPERTS HUNT FOR BIBLICAL TABERNACLE THAT HOUSED THE ARK OF THE COVENANT
Fredrik Hiebert, archaeologist-in-residence at the National Geographic Society, told Fox News that the latest findings shed important light on the famous site. "This discovery is significant for two important reasons: first, its fourth century date suggests that Christians from around the world have revered this exact site as the location of the resurrection for more than 1700 years; but just as significant, is the fact that this lower marble slab is a unique piece of intact architecture from the original church and withstood the vicissitudes of destruction and reconstruction of the shrine over many centuries," he explained, via email.
Hiebert is also curator of the new exhibition, "Tomb of Christ: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre Experience," at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C.
Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers
Several US senators are troubled with Uber's belated reporting of a 2016 data breach and demanding answers.
On Monday, four Republican senators sent a letter to the ride-hailing company, asking for additional details surrounding the breach, which affected 57 million users, but was only disclosed last week.
In the letter, the senatorsJohn Thune, Orrin Hatch, Jerry Moran and Bill Cassidycalled the breach a "serious incident that merits further scrutiny."
Also today, Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia sent a separate letter to Uber, which said he had "grave concerns" with how the company handled the breach.
Both letters pointed to media reports, which claim Uber paid the hackers behind the breach $100,000 to stay quiet and delete the stolen data. The ride-hailing company then remained silent on the matter for a whole year until its new CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, learned of the incident, and decided to make it public.
"Uber's conduct raises serious questions about the company's compliance with relevant state and federal regulations," Warner said.
Most states have laws that demand businesses disclose data breaches when they affect local residents. Why Uber decided to stay mum on the incident isn't clear, but its previous CEO, Travis Kalanick, was notorious for trying to buck the rules.
In a statement, an Uber spokesperson said: "We have been in contact with members of Congress and the relevant committees to inform them of the situation. We are working to respond to their inquiries and address their concerns."
Both letters include a list of questions, including whether the company sought to deliberately cover up the breach, if so why, and who authorized the $100,000 payment to the hackers.
The FTC and UK regulators are also investigating Uber's handling of the breach.
The data stolen included names, email addresses and mobile phone numbers from Uber riders. Another 600,000 Uber drivers had their driver's license numbers exposed. Uber hasn't detected any misused tied to the affected accounts, but the company has been monitoring them with extra fraud protection. It also fired the two employees who led Uber's response to the breach.
This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
One of the biggest stories of 2017 has been the surge in the price of bitcoin, the cryptocurrency touted as an alternative to gold and other investments. For years, many have wondered who the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of bitcoin, is, to no avail.
One person it's not? Elon Musk.
In a tweet on Monday night, Musk denied being the creator of the cryptocurrency after a blog post by a former SpaceX intern claimed that the Tesla and SpaceX chief may be the creator of Bitcoin.
NORTH KOREAN HACKERS TARGETING BITCOINS TO FUND KIM JONG UN, REPORT SAYS
"Not true," Musk wrote. "A friend sent me part of a BTC [bitcoin] a few years, but I dont know where it is."
The blog post noted that the source code for the cryptocurrency was written in C++, a computer programming language, a knowledge which Musk has.
Musk did however acknowledge knowing C++ in a subsequent tweet.
Who is the creator?
For years, the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto has been speculated upon. In 2016, Australian entrepreneur Craig Wright told the BBC that he was the creator.
Wright also wrote a subsequent blog post further detailing his role in creating bitcoin.
"Be assured, just as you have worked, I have not been idle during these many years," Wright wrote in the post. "Since those early days, after distancing myself from the public persona that was Satoshi, I have poured every measure of myself into research. I have been silent, but I have not been absent. I have been engaged with an exceptional group and look forward to sharing our remarkable work when they are ready."
The blog post has since been taken down, though others, including early bitcoin programmer Gavin Andresen, believe Wright is the creator.
In 2014, Newsweek wrote a story that it had identified Nakamoto as a then 64-year-old Japanese-American named Dorian Prentice Satoshi Nakamoto. After the story ran, there was a message posted on the P2P website by a person identifying themselves as Satoshi Nakamoto claiming that he was not Dorian Nakamoto.
Newsweek later issued a statement after it received hefty amounts of criticism surrounding its story, saying it stood by the reporter and the story.
Bitcoin's worth
According to the 2016 BBC report, Satoshi Nakamoto was estimated to have amassed one million Bitcoins (there are only 21 million in total). At today's prices, that would be roughly $10 billion in worth.
There are approximately 16.4 million Bitcoins already in circulation, of which an estimated 3.7 million may be lost forever, worth an estimated $30 billion, according to a recent report in Digital Trends.
Follow Chris Ciaccia on Twitter @Chris_Ciaccia
This story has been updated to reflect the price of one Bitcoin has surpassed $10,000.
The U.K.s election watchdog has asked Google for information related to Russias alleged meddling in Brexit.
As the United Kingdom continues its probe into fake news and its impact on Brexit, tech giants like Google, Facebook and Twitter have found themselves under intense scrutiny.
In response to an Oct. 19 letter requesting information about Russian interference allegations from Damian Collins, chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee in Parliament, Facebook said they were aware of a similar letter having been sent to Google.
FACEBOOK IS USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO HELP PREVENT SUICIDES
The tech giants U.K. policy chief Simon Milner wrote: We have also been contacted by the Electoral Commission's Head of Regulation as they carry out their work looking at possible Russian interference in the Brexit referendum. We understand that similar letters have been sent to relevant officers in Google and Twitter.
According to the letter sent by Collins, Facebook is working to respond to his request, as well as the Electoral Commissions letter, by the second week of December.
The committees letter, sent to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, requested examples of advertisements and pages set up by Russia-linked accounts and statistic denoting how often they were viewed by users.
Collins committee also asked Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey on Nov. 3 for a list of accounts linked to the Internet Research Agency and any other Russian linked accounts that it has removed and examples of any posts from these accounts that are linked to the United Kingdom.
Twitters public policy chief in the U.K., Nick Pickles, defended the beleaguered firm in his response to Collinswriting that Twitters systems catch more than 3.2 million suspicious accounts globally per week and that they have new techniques to catch about 450,000 suspicious logins per week.
GOOGLE FOUND A WAY TO STOP PHONE CREEPERS
It is important to note that not all automated accounts are bad, whether posting air quality sensor readings or posting details of Wikipedia edits, while not all high activity accounts are bots, Pickles wrote, adding that the company is undertaking its own investigations and would share its findings in the coming weeks.
The British requests come shortly after the Independent reports that Google has already discovered through its own internal investigation that tens of thousands of dollars were spent on ads by Russian agents who aimed to spread disinformation across Googles many products, which include YouTube, as well as advertising associated with Google search, Gmail, and the companys DoubleClick ad network.
The tech companies are taking heat for their role in enabling Russias political meddling on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Facebook confirmed that 150 of the Russia-linked ads from the 2016 U.S. election appeared on Instagram, the photo-sharing platform it owns. And the tech giant turned over 3,000 Russia-linked ads to Congress in October that were seen by an estimated 10 million people. Twitter, meanwhile, revealed in early November that it had shuttered 3,000 accounts linked to Moscow firm known to engage in influence campaigns overseas.
Tens of thousands of travelers are still stuck on the Indonesian island of Bali after authorities extended the closure of Bali's international airport due to nearby volcanic activity.
Airport officials have announced that Ngurah Rai International Airport will remain closed for another 24 hours for safety reasons, as volcanic ash from Mount Agung which has reached heights of 30,000 feet continues to pose a threat to outgoing flights.
Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, shared the news early on Tuesday morning, though he stated that the nearby Lombok International Airport, on the neighboring island of Lombok, had reopened.
MORE THAN 40 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA FOUND IN LUGGAGE AT NASHVILLE AIRPORT
Tourists, meanwhile, are still at a loss for what to do. "I don't know, we can't change it," German tourist Gina Camp told the Associated Press from a bench at the airport. "It's the nature and we have to wait until it's over."
Balis Mount Agung has been spewing smoke and ash since Saturday, the AP reports, and lava has been welling up in the crater. A potentially dangerous mudflow known as lahar which is made up of volcanic debris mixed with water has already begun to flow down the mountain, and Indonesias National Disaster Mitigation Agency believes that its only a matter of time before lava spills over the slopes as well.
Indonesias volcanology center had since issued a red alert to all airlines, warning of excessive amounts of ash in the atmosphere for miles around, Sky News reports. And on Monday morning, officials closed the Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport) in Bali for 24 hours. A nearby airport on the Indonesian island of Lombok had already closed as of Sunday, The Telegraph adds.
Multiple airlines, too, had confirmed as of Sunday that flights out of Bali would be canceled. Garuda Indonesia, the countrys national airline, further responded to a concerned traveler via Twitter with news that Denpasar would be closed at least until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
Airport officials are said to be reviewing their decision every six hours, according to Buzzfeed News. As of Monday afternoon local time, at least 445 flights were canceled and 59 thousand travelers affected. An airport spokesman confirmed those numbers on Tuesday, AP reports.
AIRPORT PASSENGERS BREAK OUT ACCORDION AFTER FLIGHT DELAY IS ANNOUNCED
Hundreds of hopeful tourists, meanwhile, have reportedly been waiting at Ngurah Rai since Monday, according to photos taken at the airport.
One stranded passenger who spoke with Sky News said that she, like other tourists, were aware of the risks involved with traveling to Bali.
"Yeah I had knowledge and, like with everything, there's a risk," said Chelsea Van De Ven. "I took that risk and got stranded but, hopefully, we will get through.
Another woman claimed on Twitter that she had checked out of her hotel and headed to the airport, only to return and re-check into the hotel, as there was no other way to learn when or if the airport had reopened. She says she will likely do the same thing again tomorrow.
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency says that the volcanos danger zone encompasses 22 villages and some 90,000-100,000 people. Authorities are trying to move them to the islands evacuation centers, which were already housing about 25,000 other evacuees who had moved in following tremors in September.
Mount Agungs last major eruption occurred in 1963, and claimed the lives of around 1,100 people.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A man in California was arrested on Thanksgiving when he couldnt explain why he had a human skull in his trunk.
Joshua Davis, 41, was a passenger in a car that was pulled over in Angels Camp in Northern California before midnight last Thursday after the driver ran past a stop sign, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Angels Camp police reportedly recognized Davis from when he had driven the car earlier and asked him for identification, which he initially refused. Police found Davis didnt have a valid drivers license.
Upon searching the car, law enforcement found methamphetamine behind the cars fuel tank door, in addition to a human skull that Fox 40 reported looked like it was recently unearthed.
Police said that Davis invoked his Miranda rights and refused to explain how he came to be in possession of the human skull.
The 41-year-old was reportedly arrested on charges of suspicion of violating his probation, driving with a suspended license, possessing methamphetamines and disturbing human remains.
The Calaveras County Coroners Office will work to identify the human skull.
A Georgia mom said she was heartbroken when no one showed up at her autistic sons 7th birthday.
He kept saying his friends were just getting ready, going to get presents, thats why they were late, Amanda Bridges told Fox News, adding that her son invited everyone in his class.
When Holden realized none of his classmates showed up to his party, he started crying. So his father did the first thing he could think of he flagged down a passing fire truck and asked Ware County firefighters if they could stop by the party.
'VEGAS STRONG' F-15 FIGHTER JET DEBUTS AT NEVADA AIR SHOW
The firefighters ended up showing up in a fire truck, along with several EMTs, two ambulances and several police officers. They brought Holden presents, a firemans hat and a badge.
He was super excited, Ware County Fire Lt. Drew Mccarthy told Fox News. His daddy said he always wanted to be a firefighter, so that made it special.
Now, Holden also wants to be a police officer and EMT.
They let him blow the horn, which is big for him because he doesnt like loud sounds all the time, Amanda Bridges said.
'VEGAS STRONG' F-15 FIGHTER JET DEBUTS AT NEVADA AIR SHOW
She said what could have been a lonely birthday for Holden became one of his most memorable.
We were all crying, it was very emotional for all of us, Amanda said. My son has always been my hero, but they are our new heroes.
In a Facebook post, Amanda thanked all the emergency personnel who showed up at her sons birthday party. The post has been liked and shared thousands of times.
They didnt do it for any rewards or recognition, she said, they did it out of the kindness of their hearts.
The Air Force said Tuesday that in addition to failing to alert the FBI to the criminal history of the former airman who massacred 26 people at a Texas church on Nov. 5, it has discovered "several dozen" other such reporting omissions.
This was the most specific acknowledgement by the Air Force that its failure to report Devin P. Kelley's criminal history was part of a pattern of reporting lapses.
The several dozen cases that were not reported have since been presented to the FBI to update its database, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said. She had no information on the time period covered by those cases. The Air Force Inspector General is reviewing compliance with reporting requirements in 60,000 cases involving serious offenses dating to 2002.
In a written statement on progress in its investigation, the Air Force blamed gaps in "training and compliance measures" for the lapse involving Kelley, who had been convicted of assaulting his then-wife and stepson in 2012. The fingerprint card and the report on the outcome of his court martial were not submitted to the FBI by Air Force personnel at Kelley's base in New Mexico. If reported, this information should have stopped him from buying weapons.
Kelley was sentenced to 12 months in confinement and given a bad conduct discharge. He left the Air Force in 2014.
The Air Force inspector general is undertaking an in-depth review of the service's compliance with long-standing requirements to report certain criminal history information to the FBI for inclusion in databases used to conduct background checks of gun buyers. It is part of a broader Pentagon-wide review of compliance with these requirements.
Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson has previously acknowledged that Kelley's criminal history should have been reported to the FBI but was not.
In its statement Tuesday, the Air Force said its review found that the reporting failure in the Kelley case was by Office of Special Investigation officials and Air Force security force personnel at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.
"The review also found the error in the Kelley case was not an isolated incident and similar reporting lapses occurred at other locations," it said. "Although policies and procedures requiring reporting were in place, training and compliance measures were lacking."
In a related development, a family that lost eight relatives in the church killings filed an administrative claim with the Air Force alleging that the Air Force's failure to report Kelley's criminal history contributed to the massacre.
Joe Holcombe and his wife Claryce filed the claim in the death of their 60-year-old son Bryan. Other Holcombe family members killed in the Nov. 5 shooting included Bryan Holcombe's wife, his son and his pregnant daughter-in-law. The claim could lead to a lawsuit if the Air Force denies it was at fault.
Joe Holcombe said his family filed the claim because the Air Force made a "very serious mistake."
The claim alleges that although Kelley pulled the trigger, "the failures of the Air Force, and others, allowed the shooter to purchase, own and/or possess the semiautomatic rifle, ammunition and body armor he used, and it is these failures that were the proximate cause" of the injuries and death.
An Air Force spokeswoman, Ann Stefanek, said the Air Force does not comment on specific claims.
"Every claim that is filed is thoroughly investigated and researched in accordance with established law and regulations," she said. "We will communicate progress directly with the claimant, or their representative, as appropriate."
In its statement about the broader scope of the reporting issue, the Air Force said it has made changes designed to prevent such failures in the future. For example, it is now requiring that leaders up the chain of command verify that criminal history reporting requirements have been met in every case. In the Kelley case, the failure to submit the required information to the FBI was not caught by higher-ups because no such verification was required.
Additional training on these procedures is being conducted now. Also, the Office of Special Investigations will require physical verification, in the form of a printout or screenshot, from the FBI's National Crime Information Center that it received and accurately entered the criminal history information in its database. Thus, the Air Force will verify that its information was received by the FBI, not just that it was sent.
The Air Force is not alone is recognizing such reporting failures. The Army chief of staff, Gen. Mark Milley, said in recent days that his service failed in a "significant amount" of cases to alert the FBI to soldiers' criminal history.
"It's not just an Air Force problem," Milley said. "This is a problem across all the services where we have gaps in reporting criminal activity of people in service."
___
Associated Press writer Juan Lozano contributed from Houston.
A fired Florida Atlantic University professor who once said the Sandy Hook massacre was staged by the government to take away gun rights will try to convince the jury he was unlawfully dismissed from his position last year.
James Tracy, a former tenured professor at the university, claims his free speech rights were violated by the school after he was fired in January 2016 for perpetuating conspiracy theories on his personal blog.
The federal trial is set to begin Wednesday in West Palm Beach, and may set a precedent for future free speech cases and the rights of tenured professors in American universities, The Sun Sentinel reported.
Tracys lawyer, Louis Leo IV, wrote earlier this year that the case may very well be the most important free speech case pending in the United States right now, at least with respect to the rights of tenured academics in American public universities.
Professor Tracy looks forward to having his day in court and telling his side of the story, Leo said.
Back in 2012, the professor wrote that the Sandy Hook massacre was staged by the U.S. government to pave a way for gun control. After the public blog posts resurfaced, the university asked Tracy to dissociate his blog, which also said other mass-casualty incidents were so-called false flag operations by the federal government, the Sentinel reported.
Florida Atlantic University officials said Tracy was fired for insubordination and misconduct, including failing to submit forms required by all faculty members that disclose other activities a member has in addition to teaching at the college, according to a letter by the universitys Vice Provost Diane Alperin, The Washington Post reported.
The fired professors lawyer argued that the university terminated his employment because of his views and writings in a personal capacity. They used the policy because they didn't like what the plaintiff was saying, " Tracys lawyer told a judge last year, the Sentinel reported. This policy became a vessel to trample on his constitutional rights.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A former Kansas teacher pleaded no contest to one count of unlawful sexual relations with a student during her arraignment Monday.
Gabrielle Bauman, 25, of Fairview, Kan., a former biology teacher at Hiawatha High School, was arrested in August after being accused of having sexual relations with one of her students for six months, Hiawatha World Online reported.
Bauman resigned from her position in July, just one year after she began teaching at the school.
KANSAS SCIENCE TEACHER ACCUSED OF SEXUAL RELATIONS WITH STUDENT HEADED TO TRIAL
The former educator was arrested after the Hiawatha Police Department investigated a complaint made in June about sexual interactions between a teacher and her student occurring between Nov. 2016 and May 2017, when she was an educator at the school.
The complaint alleged the victim was a person 16 years or older who was a student enrolled at Hiawatha High School where the offender was employed.
OFF-DUTY OFFICER SHOOTS, KILLS MAN BRANDISHING GUN AT KANSAS COSTCO
Their investigation included the execution of a search warrant and forensic review of several electronic devices by the Hiawatha Police Departments Digital Forensics Unit and the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensic Lab in Kansas City, Kevin Hill, an attorney for Brown County told Hiawatha World Online.
Bauman will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years due to her no contest plea, Hill said. The former educator posted $5,000 bond and was slated to appear in court for sentencing Jan. 22.
A California man was arrested after causing an accident Saturday that killed four people and injured six more, police said.
Fred Lowe of Sacramento was arrested on suspicion of felony vehicular manslaughter, felony hit-and-run and felony DUI, California Highway Patrol spokesman Officer Matthew Hamer told the East Bay Times .
Hamer said Lowe, 47, left the crash scene at Interstate 80 in the San Francisco area's east bay and was apprehended after Contra Costa County Sheriff's deputies spotted a blue Mercedes reported to be involved in the crash.
The blue Mercedes Lowe is suspected of driving collided with a white Nissan sedan Saturday night, causing the Nissan to flip over and crash into three vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
All four passengers in the Nissan died at the scene. The driver was hospitalized.
Details of the arrest were not available and CHP authorities did not have information on the six people who were hospitalized.
Lowe was at the Martinez Detention Facility on Sunday in lieu of $1.15 million bail.
It was not immediately known if he had an attorney, and attempts by The Associated Press to reach family and associates for comment were unsuccessful.
Lowe was at the Martinez Detention Facility on Sunday in lieu of $1.15 million bail.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A California skydiving instructor is being hailed as a hero after she saved a student who lost control during a free fall.
The unidentified female instructor came to the rescue of the student after she started spinning during her first ever jump Sunday afternoon. With the assistance of the instructor, the students parachute was deployed at 2,500 feet and she managed to safely land inside the drop zone.
According to Skydive San Diego General Manager Greg Lund, the instructors parachute deployed at only 1,500 feet.
Its low. Theres not a lot of time for anything other than to get a parachute out and to land, Lund told Fox 5.
The instructor suffered a broken leg and ankle during the hard landing and was airlifted to Scripps Mercy hospital
Her focus was to save that students life kudos to her because thats exactly what she did, Lund added.
Read more from Fox 5 San Diego.
A couple whose son was among eight members of one family killed in a Texas church shooting has filed a legal claim with the U.S. Air Force, saying the military branch is partly to blame.
Joe Holcombe and his wife Claryce say the Air Force's failure to report the gunman's criminal history to an FBI database used to check backgrounds of gun buyers helped cause the Nov. 5 shooting in Sutherland Springs that left more than two dozen dead.
They filed the claim Tuesday in their 60-year-old son Bryan Holcombe's death. It could lead to a lawsuit if the Air Force denies it was at fault.
Joe Holcombe says the Air Force made a "very serious mistake" and he doesn't want it to happen again.
An Air Force spokeswoman didn't immediately reply to an email seeking comment.
A former Marine who claimed victory this month in a Colorado school board election after serving more than a decade behind bars for killing a fellow Marine stepped down Monday before taking his seat.
Voters in La Junta elected Thomas Seaba to a two-year term on the school board Nov. 7. He had served nearly 13 years in a North Carolina prison for second degree murder and was released in 2010.
Seaba, 46, who runs the La Junta Citys water and wastewater department, was supposed to be sworn in Monday but quit instead after reading an emotional statement, KKTV reported.
Seaba said he and his family has been getting threats, the station reported. At one point someone allegedly broke into his home, poured gasoline everywhere and left a threatening letter.
He said his decision to quit was in the best interest of his family and the school district, according to the station.
"I never thought a Friday could be so black," Seaba wrote on his Facebook page Friday. "To whomever you are: I quit. You win. Leave us alone."
Seaba pleaded guilty to killing John Fitzgerald in 1997 when they were both in the Marines and stationed in the same unit at North Carolina's Camp Lejeune.
There was an incident one night where myself and a friend, we had a gun, he was interested in purchasing, Seaba told KKTV after he was elected. He went to hand it back to me, it was sorta dropped. I tried to catch it, a shot was fired. From that point on I've never really had a full grasp of what occurred. I have no clear memory of what happened.
The station, however, also interviewed authorities who investigated the murder and who painted a different picture.
Col. Donnie Worrell, an Onslow County Sheriffs Office crime scene investigator in 1997, told the station Fitzgerald was killed after agreeing to meet Seaba, who owed him money.
He said Seaba shot Fitzgerald once in the back of the head and then returned later and shot him four more times in the head.
"Anyone who shoots someone five times in the head, you know, no doubt it was a cold blooded killing," Worrell said.
Colorado law says anyone convicted of sexual offenses against a child is ineligible for school board seats but doesn't mention convictions for other felonies, The Associated Press reported. State law says people with felony convictions can vote after completing their sentence, including parole.
"If you are a good person and something bad happened to you, or whatever, do the time, but then spend the rest of your life making it right," La Junta City Manager Rick Klein told KKTV, according to the AP. "Thomas has done that."
A large fire in the storm drain of a suburban Southern California neighborhood Saturday was the latest sign of the ongoing homeless crisis rocking the West Coast.
The blaze in Spring Valley, located just east of San Diego, took about three hours to put out and was started by a homeless camp living in storm drains, according to officials.
The smoke was actually to the bottom of the concrete and we had to treat it like a structure fire," San Miguel Fire District spokesman Steve Moran told FOX5 San Diego. "We were afraid they are going to get entangled and trapped. It adds more risk to the job."
The growing encampment has transformed the concrete space off Goodland Lakes Park into one littered with trash, which can be fuel for any fire that breaks out.
Neighbors told FOX5 they've seen 8-to-10 people jump over a fence into the drainage area in the last year, camping out for days at a time.
COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR MAY CLOSE PORTLAND OFFICE OVER DEATH THREATS, PUBLIC DEFECATION BY HOMELESS PEOPLE
The subterranean encampment is also causing some neighbors to feel anxious for their own safety.
"I do, but we got a pit bull and I got my two sons right now with me," one woman who did not wished to be identified told FOX5 when asked if she was scared for her family.
Fire officials have previously responded to the area for reports for small fires. Officials suspect people are stealing copper wire, burning the insulation off and turning it in for money, according to Moran.
The fire spokesman said while Spring Valley has had homeless people before, he's "never seen it like this."
HOMELESS PEOPLE DEFECATING ON LA STREETS FUELS HORROR HEPATITIS OUTBREAK, AS CITY FAULTED
"Its an explosion of this homeless issue, said Moran. Its like squeezing the toothpaste tube. You know you squeeze them out of downtown and then they come out into these areas."
The San Diego area in particular has been dealing with a deadly side effect from the homeless crisis. The city now scrubs its sidewalks with bleach to counter defecating vagrants that unleashed a deadly hepatitis A outbreak that's spread to other cities and forced California to declare a state of emergency last month.
So far, 20 people, mostly homeless. have died in the past year due to the outbreak.
The rising numbers of homeless people has also forced cities and counties to spend millions - in some cases billions - in a search for solutions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An Indiana man suspected of killing his wife and her sister died in an apparent suicide in Arkansas.
Jonesboro Police Sgt. Cassie Brandon said Darrel Jackson, 29, was found dead Friday inside a car in Jonesboro with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A handgun was recovered at the scene, the police report said.
Jackson was wanted to for questioning in the deaths of his wife, Mallory Jackson, 27, and her sister Meredith Opel, 27, who were found dead Friday in an Indianapolis home, WTTV reported.
INDIANA TEACHER BUSTED FOR ALLEGEDLY DOING DRUGS IN CLASSROOM
Indianapolis Police Sgt. Chris Wilburn said the women were discovered with trauma to their bodies, but the causes of deaths are still unknown.
Police believed the suspect murdered the two women Friday, abandoned his car and fled to Jonesboro, Ark., where his family lives. He then committed suicide, the Indianapolis Star reported.
Jones reportedly sent his father a text message before committing suicide that said he could not take it no longer, the Indianapolis Star reported.
Indianapolis police told WTTV that authorities were recently called to Jacksons home due to a domestic disturbance and gave a person at the residence information about how to receive a protective order. Police officers did not say whether they responded to other calls at the home.
INDIANA NIGHT NURSE; WHOSE TWEET ABOUT WHITE WOMEN SPARKED INVESTIGATION NO LONGER WITH HOSPITAL
Opel, a student at the University of Southern Indiana, was studying sociology and political science.
"She was a free spirit, joyful, adventurous, loyal, goal oriented, and inspiring," Opels obituary said. "Meredith recently studied abroad and loved traveling to 13 different countries in Europe, taking in as much as she possibly could.
Jackson, who was a licensed practical nurse employed at American Senior Communities, left behind a young daughter, Camilla Rose, her obituary said.
A Libyan militant was convicted Tuesday of terrorism charges stemming from the 2012 Benghazi attacks that killed the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans. But a federal jury found him not guilty of murder, the most serious charge associated with the rampage he was accused of orchestrating.
The attack became instant political fodder in the 2012 presidential campaign, with Republicans accusing the Obama administration of intentionally misleading the public and stonewalling congressional investigators, though officials denied any wrongdoing. Some were particularly critical of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's handling of the conflict, which dogged her during her presidential campaign.
But the seven-week trial of Ahmed Abu Khattala was largely free of political intrigue.
Jurors convicted Khattala on four counts, including providing material support for terrorism and destroying property and placing lives in jeopardy at the U.S. compound, but acquitted him on 14 others. Even with the mixed verdict, Khattala, 46, still faces the possibility of life imprisonment for his conviction on a federal firearms charge.
Prosecutors accused Khattala of directing the attack aimed at killing personnel and plundering maps, documents and other property from the U.S. mission in Benghazi. But defense attorneys said their evidence against him was shoddy.
Ambassador Chris Stevens was killed in the first attack at the U.S. mission, along with Sean Patrick Smith, a State Department information management officer. Nearly eight hours later at a CIA complex nearby, two more Americans, contract security officers Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, died in a mortar attack.
"Today, a small measure of justice was meted out," CIA Director Mike Pompeo said in a message to CIA employees. Of Khattala he added: "It took intelligence to find him, soldiers to assist in capturing him, law enforcement to interview him, and a legal team to put him away. Khattala's sentencing is to follow; but no term in prison will bring our people back."
Prosecutors acknowledged they lacked evidence to show Khattala personally fired any gunshots, but argued he orchestrated the violence out of his hatred for U.S. freedoms and his suspicion that Americans were operating a spy base in Benghazi. They said Khattala led a group of militia "hit men" who could be seen on surveillance footage toting weapons and a gas can the night of the attack. Their case relied heavily on the testimony of informants, including one who was paid $7 million to befriend Khattala, help the government gather information on him and arrange his capture.
Defense attorneys sought to discount the informants as liars who were paid for their stories. Federal public defender Michelle Peterson said in closing arguments that prosecutors were playing to jurors' emotions to make up for shoddy evidence, including blurry surveillance video and cellphone records she described as inconclusive. Khattala is a deeply religious man who believes in conservative sharia law as outlined in the Quran, which "is not the same thing as terrorism," Peterson said.
But prosecutors argued the evidence was enough to convict Khattala on all counts.
"He was there to kill Americans, and that is exactly what he and his men did," Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael C. DiLorenzo told jurors.
The trial, which opened Oct. 2, was one of the most significant terrorism prosecutions in recent years in a U.S. civilian court, even though the Trump administration had argued such suspects are better sent to the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The mixed verdict could revive that debate, even as newly captured terror suspects including a second man charged in the Benghazi attacks are instead brought to federal court.
Supporters of the military commission system argue valuable intelligence is lost when suspected terrorists are afforded protections of the American legal system. But prosecutors said Khattala, who was interrogated at length during 13 days aboard a Navy transport ship headed to the U.S., provided information about other members of the Islamic extremist militia group blamed for the Benghazi attack. Among the men he pegged was Mustafa al-Imam, who was captured last month and awaits trial in the same federal courthouse in Washington.
Jonathan Hafetz, a senior attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union who has handled terrorism cases, said the Khattala trial showed federal courts are capable of handling terror cases, even with his acquittal of murder charges.
"No court system can pretend to protect due process if it only achieves the resolution the government wants in every case," he said.
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Associated Press writer Ashraf Khalil contributed to this report
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This story has been corrected to show that Khatalla could face up to life imprisonment because of a federal firearms charge.
A 3-week-old baby suffered a fractured skull after his mother, 24, threw him at his fathers feet during a heated argument, police said.
Heidy Rios, of Terrytown, La., had a tense dispute with the babys father last Thursday night, authorities said.
At one point, Rios allegedly grabbed her newborn son, threw him and said, take your f****** son, The Times-Picayune reported.
The father rushed the baby to a local New Orleans hospital, where doctors determined he had fractured his right temporal bone. Doctors contacted the Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office.
The babys injuries arent life-threatening.
Authorities said Rios initially denied throwing the newborn, saying she didnt know he was hurt.
However, she later told detectives that she may have dropped the child during the dispute, the newspaper reported.
Rios was arrested Friday and charged with cruelty to a juvenile.
In the late afternoon on Oct. 31, Sayfullo Saipov, 29, from Uzbekistan, allegedly drove a rented truck down a path filled with pedestrians and cyclists, killing eight people and injuring at least 12 others.
The incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. near the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan, has been called a cowardly act of terror by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
As more information regarding the tragic incident comes to light, heres a look at how it unfolded:
2010
Saipov moved from Uzbekistan to the United States in 2010, according to The New York Times. He first lived in Tampa, Fla., and then in Paterson, N.J., where he worked as an Uber driver. Uber confirmed to Fox News that Saipov passed the companys background check, but added that he is now banned. He had no rider complaints.
Oct. 31
2 p.m. ET
The suspect reportedly rented a truck from a Home Depot in Passaic, N.J.
3:05 p.m.
The suspect reportedly drove the truck into a crowd of pedestrians and cyclists who were on a bike path near the West Side Highway in New York City, killing eight people and injuring at least 12. According to officials, five of the victims were Argentinian tourists.
The truck then crashed into a school bus, injuring two adults and two children. After the crash, the suspect reportedly got out of his vehicle and yelled Allahu akbar, which means God is great in Arabic. He also was holding two weapons which were later determined to be a pellet gun and a paintball gun, according to officials.
NYC TERROR SUSPECT SAYFULLO SAIPOV: WHO IS HE?
The suspect was then shot in the abdomen by a police officer and was arrested.
Officials identified the police officer as 28-year-old Ryan Nash, who has been on the force for five years.
The suspect later underwent surgery for his shotgun wound. Police later found two handwritten notes, written in Arabic, that pledged loyalty to ISIS.
According to William Sweeney, FBI assistant director-in-charge, there were also knives found at the scene.
4:34 p.m.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., tweeted about the event, thanking the New York City Police Department for rapidly responding to the tragic situation downtown.
4:40 p.m.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that President Donald Trump was briefed on the attack by White House Chief of Staff John Kelly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, she added.
4:57 p.m.
First Lady Melania Trump tweeted about the incident.
5:23 p.m.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio held a press briefing along with Gov. Andrew Cuomo. De Blasio called it an act of terror while the governor assured it was a lone wolf attack, emphasizing that there was no evidence to suggest the attack was part of a wider plot.
5:30 p.m.
Trump tweeted about the attack, saying it looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person.
He later tweeted, We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere. Enough!
5:34 p.m.
The suspect is officially identified as Sayfullo Saipov, from Uzbekistan with a green card, Fox News confirmed.
6:49 p.m.
Didier Reynders, the deputy prime minister of Belgium, said on Twitter that he was "deeply saddened" to learn that one of the victims who died in the attack was Belgian.
6:57 p.m.
Trump expressed his condolences to all those who were impacted by the attack.
7 p.m.
The annual Village Halloween Parade in Manhattan went on as scheduled despite the attack. De Blasio and Gov. Andrew Cuomo both attended to show their support.
Nov. 1
10:20 a.m.
Pope Francis said he was profoundly saddened by the terror attack.
11:03 a.m.
In a press conference on Wednesday morning, James ONeill, the commissioner for the New York City Police Department, called the incident the worst terror attack in New York City since Sept. 11.
What happened yesterday was not ok, he said. We will never accept it as inevitable-- and were working hard to get to the bottom, and working tirelessly so its not repeated.
NYC TERROR ATTACK SUSPECT, SAYFULLO SAIPOV, ENTERED US THROUGH DIVERSITY VISA PROGRAM
Daniel Nigro, the commissioner for the New York City Fire Department, confirmed that there were eight deaths and 12 injuries.
One victim, he said, underwent a bilateral amputation following the attack. He said others had severe head and neck injuries.
De Blasio said the incident was an attack on New York City and America adding that it was the definition of terrorism.
The mayor added that one million New Yorkers showed up at the Halloween parade on Tuesday evening following the attack.
[New Yorkers] show the whole world right now that we will not be moved by terror, de Blasio said.
There are no additional threats, de Blasio assured -- but encouraged New Yorkers to be part of the solution.
Cuomo called Nash, the young NYPD officer who shot Saipov, a hero. The attack was the action of a depraved coward, he added.
Police forces in the city will be doubled, he said.
Officials said that searches were conducted throughout the night and into the morning.
The suspect planned the attack for a number a weeks before it occurred, William Sweeney, FBI assistant director-in-charge, said. He confirmed the attack was carried out in the name of ISIS.
The suspect has never been the subject of a NYPD or FBI investigation, Sweeney added, but he may have connections to those who are subjects of an investigation.
4:58 p.m.
Federal prosecutors filed holding charges against Saipov, accusing him of providing material support to a terrorist group and committing violence and destruction of motor vehicles in the attack. More charges are expected to be filed.
A source told Fox News that Saipov was interviewed by authorities while he was in the hospital and was described as cooperative but showed no remorse for his actions in the deadly attack.
Saipov also requested to display the ISIS flag in his hospital room.
8:43 p.m.
Trump tweets that Saipov should receive the death penalty for his actions.
9:00 p.m.
Federal prosecutors brought terrorism charges against Saipov, which could bring the death penalty.
Nov. 2
4:50 a.m.
Trump tweets about Saipov, this time saying he would "love to send the NYC terrorist to Guantanamo but statistically that process takes much longer than going through the Federal system."
4:54 a.m.
Trump tweets again, re-emphasizing his desire to see Saipov face the death penalty.
9:30 a.m.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions held a press conference in which he addressed the attack.
The perpetrator will be brought to justice, he said, adding that the incident was another reminder of the dangers we face from the threat of radical terrorism.
He expressed his condolences to the families impacted by the attack, as well as to the people of New York. He also called NYPD officer Nash a hero not just in New York but across America.
Sessions said it has been the Department of Justices goal since 9/11 to fight terrorists. Terrorists diminish our freedom and threaten our lifestyle, he said.
Sessions also addressed some of Trumps recent executive orders, like the much debated travel ban.
The president was right to issue his order [the travel ban], he said. He has a legal right to take this action.
12:49 p.m.
In addition to the people he attacked near the World Trade Center, the suspect told investigators that he also had plans to strike pedestrians on the Brooklyn Bridge, according to a criminal complaint as reported by FOX 13.
Nov. 3
Officials said Saipov called his friend, Mukhammadzoir Kadirov, just before the attack. What was said during the call is currently unknown, and Kadirov is not being called a suspect.
Nov. 6
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and the president of Argentina, Mauricio Macri, held a joint press conference on Nov. 6 to honor the victims of the attack. Five of the eight victims were from the South American country.
Nov. 28
Saipov is scheduled for arraignment in Manhattan federal court.
3 p.m.
Saipov pleaded not guilty in federal court on Tuesday.
The man accused of killing eight people in an ISIS-inspired attack in New York City on Halloween pleaded not guilty to federal terrorism charges Tuesday.
Sayfullo Saipov, 29, faces eight counts of murder in aid of racketeering, 12 counts of attempted murder in aid of racketeering, one count of providing and attempting to provide material support to ISIS and one count of violence and destruction of a motor vehicle.
Saipov, an Uzbekistan-born resident of Paterson, N.J., is accused of driving a rented Home Depot truck onto a Lower Manhattan bike path that was packed with pedestrians. In addition to the eight people killed, 12 others were injured.
According to court documents, Saipov planned the attack for a year and selected Halloween to carry it out because he felt there would be more civilians on the street that day.
Prosecutors say Saipov exited the truck holding a paintball gun and a pellet gun and yelled "Allahu Akbar" before he was shot by police. Saipov also originally planned to drive the truck all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge.
During interviews in his hospital room, Saipov waived his Miranda rights and told law enforcement "he felt good about what he had done." He also asked to display an ISIS flag in his room.
Saipov appeared in court Tuesday dressed in blue prison top and pants and with his feet shackled. He showed no obvious signs of injury. Saipov's lawyer, David Patton, said he and his client had received the indictment but had not had the chance to go through it with an interpreter.
If convicted, Saipov could be sentenced to death. His next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 23.
Sayfullo Saipov, the suspect in the New York City terror attack on Oct. 31, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in federal court on Tuesday.
Saipov, who allegedly drove a rented truck down a crowded bike lane in New York City on Halloween, is 29 years old and from Uzbekistan. He's in the United States with a green card.
His alleged actions killed eight people and injured 12 more near the World Trade Center in lower Manhattan.
Federal prosecutors have charged Saipov with providing material support to a terrorist group and violence and destruction of motor vehicles.
On Nov. 1, the day after the attack, President Donald Trump said Saipov should receive the death penalty.
"He killed 8 people, badly injured 12. SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!" he wrote on Twitter.
NYC TERROR SUSPECT SAYFULLO SAIPOVS LEGAL RIGHTS
"Would love to send the NYC terrorist to Guantanamo but statistically that process takes much longer than going through the Federal system.." Trump added.
"...There is also something appropriate about keeping him in the home of the horrible crime he committed. Should move fast. DEATH PENALTY!" he said in a third tweet.
Additional details about the attack
After driving through the crowded bike path, Saipov crashed into a yellow school bus near Chambers and West Streets in lower Manhattan, police said.
After exiting the vehicle, Saipov yelled Allahu akbar ("God is great") and waved around weapons believed to be a paintball gun and a BB gun, police said. The suspect was shot twice by police and taken into custody. He survived his wounds.
NYC TERROR ATTACK LEAVES 8 DEAD, SEVERAL INJURED
Law enforcement officials said they discovered two notes, handwritten in Arabic, pledging loyalty to ISIS in and near the truck, Fox News has confirmed.
The New York Post reported that some type of symbol or picture of the terrorist organization's flag was discovered.
It's been reported that Saipov rented the truck from a Home Depot store in Passaic, N.J., around 2 p.m., approximately an hour or so before the attack occurred.
Suspect worked as an Uber driver, had a Florida drivers license
Saipov had worked as an Uber driver in New Jersey, where he was living as recently as this summer. Uber confirmed to Fox News that Saipov passed the company's background check for drivers, but was now banned from the company. Uber added it has not found any safety reports concerning the terror suspect.
In a statement to Fox News, Uber said the company was in contact with the FBI and offered its assistance to the investigation into Saipov. It added that Uber was reviewing Saipov's history with the ride-hailing company.
Authorities discovered that Saipov had a Florida driver's license and has been connected to an address in the Tampa area.
POLITICIANS REACT TO FATAL NYC TRUCK ATTACK IN LOWER MANHATTAN
A friend, Kobiljon Matkarov, said he met Saipov while the two were living in Florida. He described Saipov as being very friendly and very nice.
Matkarov said he last saw Saipov a few months ago when the suspect picked him up from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. Saipov had moved to the area in order to seek better work opportunities.
Matkarov told Fox News that he never noticed any unusual behavior from the suspect, let alone that hed been radicalized. He said that Saipov was generally a happy-go-lucky person who seemed to love America.
I know his good side. I know nothing of his bad side, Matkarov said. He was always happy. He liked the U.S. He loved this country. Thats why this is all very confusing.
Fox News Perry Chiaramonte, Nicole Darrah, Madeline Farber and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sayfullo Saipov, the suspect in the New York City terror attack on Oct. 31, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in federal court on Tuesday.
Saipov, a 29-year-old legal U.S. resident, was charged with federal terrorism offenses just one day after police said he rammed a rental truck down a popular Manhattan bike path, killing eight people and injuring 12 others. He allegedly pledged his allegiance to ISIS in the aftermath of the attack.
Shortly after the attack, President Trump publicly called for Saipov to be put to death.
From Trumps calls for the death penalty to other GOP lawmakers demand that Saipov be held as an unlawful enemy combatant, will he be able to have a fair trial?
This guy is going to have rights no matter what you call him or where you take him, Wells Dixon, a senior attorney with the progressive Center for Constitutional Rights, told Fox News.
How does Saipovs legal status affect his due process rights?
Saipov came to the U.S. seven years ago through the Diversity Visa Program, a State Department initiative that allows citizens of nations with few people in the U.S. to immigrate to America.
But Saipovs status whether hes a lawful resident or natural born citizen doesnt matter when it comes to his due process rights, law experts said.
Legal residents have the same due process rights under the Constitution that citizens would, Trevor Burrus, a research fellow at the Cato Institutes Center for Constitutional Studies said.
Burrus noted that non-citizens could, however, be subjected to deportation.
Can he be labeled an enemy combatant?
Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and John McCain, R-Ariz., immediately called for Saipov to be held as an enemy combatant to allow investigators to gather certain intelligence regarding his activities without a lawyer present
If an individual acts like a terrorist and says theyre a terrorist, they should be treated like a terrorist, Graham said.
While its still possible to apply that designation to Saipov, Burrus said its very unlikely that he could even meet the definition of an enemy combatant.
Could Saipov be sent to Guantanamo?
Earlier this week, Trump indicated that he was considering sending Saipov to Guantanamo Bay, a naval base in Cuba. He later walked back what would have been an unprecedented move.
Fundamentally, sending him to Guantanamo is unconstitutional and unnecessary, Hina Shamsi, director of the American Civil Liberties Unions national security project, told Fox News. The federal criminal justice system is fully capable and more capable of fair trials for terrorism suspects.
Dixon also argued that sending a terrorism suspect to Guantanamo Bay would only provide more fodder for terrorist groups.
If Senator Graham or Donald Trump are serious about protecting the national security of the United States, they will not hand groups like ISIS a propaganda windfall by sending someone to Guantanamo, he said.
What about Trumps calls for the death penalty?
There is a case to be made by Saipovs defense team that his right to a fair trial has been impeded by Trumps tweets, Burrus said.
He said Saipovs legal team could argue that Trump tainted the entire jury with his tweets.
It doesnt help the government pursuing the death penalty to have the president calling for the death penalty, Burrus said.
Joshua Dratel, a veteran defense attorney in terrorism cases, told the Associated Press that the tweets should disqualify prosecutors from seeking the death penalty.
"It's inconceivable that it would be fair to seek the death penalty when the president has expressed it twice in a tweet," he said. "It poisons the jurors, all the prospective jurors."
However, Michael Wildes, a former federal prosecutor, said even presidents are entitled to First Amendment rights.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A United States paratrooper was found dead in his barracks at Fort Bragg, North Carolina on Saturday evening, the Army said.
Spc. Carlton Butler, 22, of North Miami Beach, Fla., was an infantryman assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, the Army Times reported.
The circumstances surrounding Butlers death are under investigation, officials said.
Carlton was a patriotic, energetic, and motivated young man, who just recently had been promoted up to a Gun Team Leader position in Bravo Company, a position he rightly earned, Lt. Col. Graham White, commander of 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment said in a Facebook post on Monday.
The Army said Butler joined the Army in June 2014 and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in December of that same year.
It was not immediately clear the cause of death.
Butler is the second solider to die in Fort Bragg this month.
Sgt. Robert Thornton Jr., 29, of Cairo, Georgia, died on Nov. 14, after collapsing during physical training. Officials said Thornton's cause of death is unknown and it is under investigation.
A Pennsylvania mother, who said she was not aware she was pregnant until giving birth on Friday, left her dead newborn in a bag under the porch of her fathers home, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported, citing police.
Brittany Robinson, 23, was charged Sunday with criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse, interfering with evidence and hiding the death of a child from the authorities, reports said.
She was taken to a hospital Sunday for a treatment related to childbirth. Following her discharge on Monday morning, the authorities took her into custody over the allegations, reports said.
Robinson's father found the baby under his porch while preparing to hang Christmas lights, reports said. The newborn was wrapped in a T-shirt and put in a Walmart bag, FOX 8 reported.
Police believe the infant was born alive. There was an autopsy set for Monday but the details were not made available.
The baby was a viable 7-pound baby boy, Lt. Eric Hermick, from the Pennsylvania State Police, said. Theyre still looking to determine if there was some exterior cause of death or the elements that killed the baby, but either way, the baby was born alive and cleaned up and then placed under there.
The mother reportedly lives at home with her two brothers, another man and her father. She also has an 8-year-old child, but does not have custody, FOX 8 reported.
Theyve all indicated to us they werent aware, that she kept it a secret, the police chief said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
An 83-year-old psychologist has been charged with sexually assaulting a longtime patient at his home office in Connecticut.
Police say Dr. Clark Allen was arrested Tuesday in Glastonbury on a warrant charging him with fourth-degree sexual assault.
Police say the patient told them Allen assaulted her during an appointment at his home.
Allen was arraigned in Manchester Superior Court on Tuesday. He was held on $200,000 bond. It wasn't immediately clear if he has an attorney.
Georgia cops are hunting the mysterious gunman who shot a female postal worker in the head, killing her at a post office in suburban Atlanta on Monday, officials said.
Dekalb County Police told FOX5 Atlanta the shooting took place at the post office in Decatur, located east of Atlanta.
Paramedics rushed the victim to the hospital, but she did not survive her injuries.
No motive or description of a suspect have been released by authorities, but United States Postal Inspectors have taken over the investigation, according to FOX5.
Investigators spent hours scouring the post office's back loading dock, nearby bushes, and a laundromat next door.
Michael Grogan told WSB-TV he saw the suspect hanging out in the laundromat before walking out, approaching the victim in the facility's dock area and opening fire.
"He was sitting in this seat right here, looking out the window," Grogan said.
People in the laundromat then reported hearing four shots.
Grogan said the female victim was fairly young, and had only worked at the post office for about a month.
"Its terrible, its very terrible," he told WSB. "Shes young, her career trying to do something for herself at the post office."
A Georgia sheriff says a convicted felon wanted for a series of violent crimes fatally shot himself after being pulled over for driving erratically.
WTOC-TV quotes Chatham County Sheriff John Wilcher as saying deputies found Steven Michael Holmes suffering from a gunshot wound to the head after being stopped in Port Wentworth shortly after 4:30 a.m. Monday for failing to stay in a lane.
Authorities later identified Holmes, a 38-year-old sought by police in Portsmouth, Virginia, and determined he was driving a car stolen in North Carolina.
Portsmouth police tweeted that Holmes was wanted for attempted murder, abduction, forcible sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, and indecent liberties with a minor by custodian.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is investigating.
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Information from: WTOC-TV, http://www.wtoctv.com/
A Florida university is teaching a "White Racism" class designed to show "the U.S. has been and remains a white supremacist society," the course's professor told Fox News.
Dr. Ted Thornhill, a Florida Gulf Coast University sociology professor, told Fox News in a statement his class this spring is about the search for truth and any controversy around the title or description proves its urgency.
Too many Americans, especially whites, are cocooned in a bubble of unreality as it concerns racial matters, Thornhill said.
Students will read important scholarship to gain a deeper and more sophisticated understanding of race, white racism, racial inequality, and white supremacy, in addition to challenging widely and adamantly held, but empirically unsubstantiated myths about racial matters in the U.S., Thornhill said.
Many whites have subscribed to and promoted racist ideologies, championed and/or enacted scores of racist laws, policies, practices, and traditions, and made incalculable decisions in their daily lives that have operated to maintain white racial domination over blacks and other people of color for hundreds of years, he said.
Thornhill was adamant that the White Racism course isnt anti-white but rather is anti-white racism.
Clearly, not all white people are racists; some are even anti-racist, Thornhill said, though he added all white people derive, in some measure, material and psychological benefits by virtue of being racialized as white.
Thornhill told Hello SWFL the class would discuss slavery, genocide, internment, segregation, discrimination, rape, violence, and theft against non-Europeans throughout U.S. history.
When you name 'whiteness' I think it disturbs them, he said. It shakes many white people at their core and requires them to question the assumptions they have about their life
Thornhill says the new course wasnt developed in response to racially charged messages found around campus last fall, but instead to give students a broad idea of the history of racism, white supremacy and how to challenge racism in todays society, according to FOX4.
The course was expanded from 35 to 50 students and is currently at capacity.
A Taiwanese activist was sentenced in China to five years in prison Tuesday for holding lectures online and assisting the families of jailed dissidents in a sign of how Beijing's crackdown on human rights extends beyond its borders.
The trial of Lee Ming-che was also China's first known criminal prosecution of a nonprofit group worker since Beijing passed a law last year tightening controls over foreign nongovernmental organizations.
The new law passed in April 2016 says foreign NGOs must not endanger China's national security and ethnic unity, and places nonprofits under close police supervision.
The Yueyang City Intermediate People's Court in central China handed down the sentence against Lee after finding him guilty of subversion of state power. The Associated Press reported Lee had confessed during his trial in September, which his wife, Lee Ching-yu, dismissed as "a political show."
Lee's co-defendant, Peng Yuhua, who is from mainland China, was sentenced to seven years in prison. Peng had also pleaded guilty, saying he had founded an organization called Palm Flower Co. to pressure China to accept a multiparty political system and that Lee was his deputy in charge of education.
Lee's wife attended the sentencing. "A price must be paid in the pursuit of an ideal," she said in a statement issued through her supporters. "Striving for human rights for the underprivileged is a necessary dedication to promoting the progress of human civilization."
Supporters say that since the trial ended, Lee Ching-yu has been prevented from leaving her hotel room or meeting with anyone. Calls to her cellphone rang unanswered.
Subversion of state power is a vaguely defined charge often used by Chinese authorities to muzzle dissent and imprison critics. Both men said they would not appeal.
Taiwan, a self-governing island Beijing regards as part of Chinese territory, swiftly condemned the sentence.
"The spread of democratic ideas is innocent!" Alex Huang, the spokesman for Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, said in a statement. Huang urged Beijing to release Lee as soon as possible and allow him to return to Taiwan.
CHINA JAILS PROMINENT HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYER FOR 2 YEARS FOR 'INCITING SUBVERSION'
"We cannot accept that Lee Ming-che has been convicted of 'state subversion' for sharing ideas of freedom and democracy out of concern for the development of mainland China's civil society and democracy," the statement said.
Taiwan's Cabinet-level Mainland Affairs Council said in a statement that it would not accept the verdict and that the government would continue working to secure Lee's release from China.
Lee Ming-che, 42, cleared immigration in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory of Macau on March 19 and never showed up for a planned meeting later that day with a friend in the mainland Chinese city of Zhuhai.
He had previously conducted online lectures on Taiwan's democratization and managed a fund for families of political prisoners in China.
Lee's sentence was "incredibly harsh," given the accusations against him and the lack of evidence, said Maya Wang, Human Rights Watch's Hong Kong-based researcher.
"It's probably designed as a warning to activists based outside China, particularly those in Hong Kong and Taiwan," as Chinese President Xi Jinping's crackdown on dissent radiates beyond its borders, Wang said in an email.
Relations between Taiwan and China have been near an all-time low since the election of Tsai, whose party has advocated Taiwan's formal independence. China cut off contacts with Taiwan's government in June of last year, five months after Tsai was elected.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A Russian Su-30 fighter jet buzzed a Navy reconnaissance plane flying in the Black Sea while conducting a routine patrol in international airspace Saturday, an official told Fox News.
The Russian jet crossed 50 feet in front of the Navy P-8 in full afterburner causing violent turbulence, the official said. The provocation lasted 24 minutes.
It appears to be the first known incident of this type since June, when an armed Russian fighter jet buzzed a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea. The Russian Su-27 jet had air-to-air missiles under its wings and approached the U.S. Air Force RC-135 recon jet "rapidly," coming within 5 feet of the American aircraft, officials said.
Once alongside, the Russian jet was provocative in its flight maneuvers and flying erratically, according to another official.
RUSSIAN JET BUZZES US RECON JET: PICTURES RELEASED OF 'UNSAFE' INCIDENT
Earlier this month, U.S. fighter jets intercepted Russian nuclear bombers approaching the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan off the coast of North Korea.
Multiple U.S Navy F/A-18 jets were dispatched to escort two Russian TU-95 bombers away from the ship currently stationed near North Korea and operating in the Sea of Japan, according to Navy officials.
The Russian bombers, capable of executing a nuclear strike, were intercepted merely 80 miles away from the ship, said Navy officials.
Lt. Cmdr. Nicole Schwegman described the incident with the Russian air force as safe and professional, according to Military.com.
Saturday's incident, which CNN was first to report, came just weeks after the Russian foreign ministry called the U.S. an occupying force in Syria.
There are roughly 2,000 U.S. troops on the ground in Syria, although the Pentagon acknowledges only 500. Its unclear how many will remain following the defeat of ISIS in Raqqa, the terror groups so-called capital.
There are approximately 3,000 ISIS fighters left in Iraq and Syria according to U.S. officials after reaching a height of nearly 40,000 fighters two years ago.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is apologizing to members of the LGBTQ community for actions taken by the government against thousands of workers in the military and public service during the Cold War.
Trudeau said from the 1950s to the early 1990s, the federal government employed a campaign of oppression against members and suspected members of the LGBTQ communities. Trudeau said in a speech in Parliament on Tuesday that the thinking of the day was that all non-heterosexual Canadians would automatically be at an increased risk of blackmail by Canada's adversaries.
Trudeau expressed shame and apologized.
The government has also introduced legislation that would allow people to apply to have their criminal convictions for consensual sexual activity between same-sex partners erased.
The Argentina submarine that vanished 12 days ago sent a final, desperate message reporting a short-circuiting battery and fire onboard, the Argentine Navy said Monday.
Enrique Balbi, a spokesman for the Argentine Navy, told reporters that in it the ARA San Juan's last message, the vessels captain said water had entered through the snorkel when the sub was charging batteries.
He said the water entered through the ventilation system to a battery connection tray in the prow and caused a short-circuit and the beginning of a fire, or smoke without flame.
SEARCH INTENSIFIES FOR ARGENTINA'S SUB WITH 44 CREW MEMBERS AS OXYGEN SUPPLY MAY BE RUNNING LOW
Balbi said the captain later communicated via satellite phone that the problem had been contained.
They had to electrically isolate the battery and continue sailing underwater to Mar del Plata using another battery circuit, he added.
The San Juan, a German-built diesel-electric TR-1700 class submarine, was last heard from Nov. 15.
Hopes for survivors have been largely crushed by reports of an explosion detected near the time and place the sub went missing.
Since then, there have been no signs of the sub or debris despite an intensive multinational search. Experts have said the 44 sailors aboard had only enough oxygen to last up to 10 days if the sub remained intact but submerged.
The navy said last week that, before the submarine went missing, the captain reported an electrical problem in a battery compartment and the vessel was ordered to return to its base in the coastal city of Mar del Plata, about 250 miles southeast of Buenos Aires.
The vessel was commissioned in 1985 and was most recently refitted in 2014.
In his first public comments since the sub went missing, Argentine President Mauricio Macri promised an investigation into the condition and age of the vessel.
The disappearance and current search for the ARA San Juan submarine has touched all Argentines, he said, according to Sky News. Its a difficult moment for all but, obviously, especially for the families of the 44 crew members.
He continued: Im here to guarantee you that we will carry on with the search, especially now that we have the support of all the international community.
The Navy says more than a dozen countries are still helping to search for the sub in the area where the explosion was recorded, about 250 miles off the coast of Argentina.
Balbi said a Norwegian ship carrying the U.S. Navys underwater remotely operated vehicle and its pressurized rescue module was expected to arrive to the search zone on Monday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) around 1:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the first such launch from the rogue regime in more than two months, a U.S. official confirmed to Fox News.
The missile, believed to be an ICBM by the Pentagon based on initial assessments, was launched from Sain Ni, North Korea and flew roughly 620 miles before landing in the Sea of Japan.
South Korea's Yonhap News Agency, which first reported the launch, said the missile launch happened around 3 a.m. local time in North Korea. South Korea fired pinpoint missiles into nearby waters to make sure North Korea understands it can be "taken under fire" by the South, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said.
North Korea has been working hard to perfect re-entry technology to one day have a warhead be able to survive re-entry into Earths atmosphere. This ICBM would be able to hit any city within the U.S. if a warhead is able to survive re-entry.
It was determined by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) that the missile "did not pose a threat to North America, our territories or our allies," Pentagon spokesman Col. Robert Manning III told Fox News.
Manning, in an earlier statement, said: "We are in the process of assessing the situation, and we will be providing additional details when available.
TIMELINE OF 2017 NORTH KOREA MISSILE AND NUCLEAR TESTS
The ICBM flew nearly 2,800 miles into space, according to Yonhap. NASA's International Space Station only orbits the Earth from 250 miles into space.
North Korea has now test-launched three ICBMs in its history. Tuesday's missile flew 1,000 miles higher than the regime's first launch on July 4.
President Trump told reporters Tuesday that the missile launch "is a situation that we will handle," and added the U.S. will "take care of it." The president was briefed on the launch while it was still in the air, press secretary Sarah Sanders tweeted earlier in the day.
Defense Secretary Mattis added North Korea is continuing to build missiles that can "threaten everywhere in the world" as it continues to endanger world peace, regional peace and "certainly the United States."
"With each launch, [North Korean officials] are advancing their capability and they are making it clear that they can hold the entire U.S. at risk," House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, told Fox News. "They are steadily moving on and were not responding in kind."
He added, "It is incredibly serious partly because [North Korean dictator] Kim Jong Un is very serious about what he says and what he says is that he wants to hold the entire United States at risk with his missiles, with nuclear weapons, and we have seen him actually deliver on what he says he wants to do."
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, and ambassadors from Japan and South Korea, requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. security council Wednesday following the launch.
This is the first missile launch since North Korea fired an intermediate-range KN-17 on Sept. 15 that flew over Japan's Hokkaido Island before splashing into the Pacific Ocean. There have been signs indicating Kim Jong Uns regime was planning a missile launch in recent days.
Japans Kyodo News reported Monday the Japanese government detected radio signals pointing to a possible missile test in the near future. However, satellite images did not show a missile or movable launch pad.
North Korea's Sept. 15 missile launch flew 2,300 miles out, putting the U.S. island territory of Guam within its range. Kim previously threatened to strike the island with four medium-range ballistic missiles in August, but ultimately stepped away from the plan.
North Koreas lull in missile launches made October the only month a test wasnt conducted since the start of the year. Between February and September, the regime tested a missile an average of every two weeks. This is also the first provocation since Trump designated North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism.
NORTH KOREA'S NUCLEAR WEAPONS PROGRAM HAS GROWN WITH EACH KIM REGIME
South Korean unification minister Cho Myoung-gyon told foreign correspondents in Seoul on Tuesday that North Korea is on the verge of achieving full nuclear capability with an intercontinental ballistic missile that could carry a nuclear warhead, according to Yonhap News Agency.
North Korea has been developing its nuclear weapons at a faster-than-expected pace. We cannot rule out the possibility that North Korea could announce its completion of a clear force within one year," Cho said.
Hawaii officials announced Wednesday the beginning of monthly siren tests, starting Friday. The tests would be conducted to prepare islanders for a possible nuclear missile attack by North Korea. The tests would be the first since the Cold War.
Fox News' Jennifer Griffin, Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Kim Jong Un's regime is reportedly on the verge of announcing it's achieved full nuclear capability, as North Korea expedites its intercontinental ballistic missile program with the aim of being able to obliterate the "heinous gangsters" in the United States with a nuclear warhead.
South Korean unification minister Cho Myoung-gyon told foreign correspondents in Seoul that 2018 will be a key year for the rogue regime, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary since being established, Yonhap News Agency reported.
North Korea has been developing its nuclear weapons at a faster-than-expected pace. We cannot rule out the possibility that North Korea could announce its completion of a clear force within one year," Cho said, according to the South Korean news site.
Cho said though North Korea hasnt tested a nuclear weapon or missile since September, people shouldnt overlook the brief hiatus. The regime seems to be testing missile engines and fuels, Yonhap reported.
Cho warned: "It is a fact that we have witnessed some noteworthy movements in North Korea. But it remains to be seen whether Pyongyang would make further provocations.
The South Korean official said there are four possible reasons why the regime has stayed relatively silent for the last few months a rarity after it launched more than a dozen missiles since the start of 2017 and conducted a nuclear test on Sept. 3. North Korea launched a missile on Sept. 14 that flew over Japan, three days after the U.N. approved new sanctions against the dictatorship.
"As a seasonal factor, the North's provocations noticeably fell in the winter time. Also from the technology perspective, the North may need the time to advance its [nuclear and missile] programs as it seeks to complete its nuclear force," Cho explained.
Japans Kyodo News claimed Monday there were radio signals that indicated a possible missile launch from North Korea was imminent. However, a missile or movable launch pad werent seen in satellite images, meaning the signals could be related to winter military training.
Cho also touched on Kims need to boost North Koreas economy to prosper as a state and compete with other world powers. Experts have previously told Fox News the North Korean despot looks at economic prosperity as a key puzzle to his regimes success.
Kim's ambition to create economic development is the one promising piece in the North Korea puzzle, John Delury, an associate professor at Yonsei University Graduate School of International Studies, told Fox News.So far [Kim is] doing a better job of delivering results in terms of economic growth.
North Koreas state media have continued its bombastic rhetoric against the U.S. and its neighboring enemies during its brief hiatus. Earlier this month, North Koreas Korean Central News Agency said President Trump should be sentenced to death for calling Kim short and fat. A series of other threats were issued during Trumps five-country Asia tour.
Cho offered a glimmer of hope for diplomatic talks with the Hermit Kingdom. He said the lull in provocations from North Korea could set the tone for the U.S. and other countries to enter a dialogue with North Korea.
An Afghan official says an intense gun battle has erupted between Taliban and Islamic State affiliate insurgents in eastern Nangarhar province.
Attahullah Khogyani, provincial governor's spokesman, said Tuesday that hundreds of families are displaced from villages in Khogyani and Sherzad districts.
Khogyani said an operation involving air and ground forces was begun to eliminate both insurgent groups from the area.
Six civilians were wounded and there are reports of dozens of casualties among the insurgents, he said.
Sherzad, Khogyani and Hasarak districts in Nangarhar are strategic because they link with neighboring Logar province as well as the capital Kabul.
In April, the U.S. military used the Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, or MOAB, against an Islamic State group tunnel complex carved in the mountains in Nangarhar province.
Senior Saudi Arabian Prince Miteb bin Abdullah was released from custody Tuesday after being in detention for more than three weeks, a family member wrote on social media.
Abeer bint Khaled bin Abdullah, a royal family member, tweeted: Almighty, thanks be to you May God give you long life, long life full of health, and keep you for us. The tweet contained a photo of Prince Miteb, Reuters reported.
Saudi officials did not immediately comment on Prince Mitebs reported release.
SAUDI PRINCES, OTHERS ARRESTED IN SWEEP VIEWED AS SHOW OF FORCE BY CROWN PRINCE
Prince Miteb, who up until his detainment on Nov. 9 headed the countrys powerful National Guard, was taken into custody in an anti-corruption investigation.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered dozens of top princes and businessmen to be detained after investigators said they uncovered at least $100 billion in corruption. Officials believed the crown prince ordered the detentions in order to bolster his power, The New York Times reported.
SAUDI CROWN PRINCE OPENS ISLAMIC MILITARY ALLIANCE MEETING
Prince Miteb was considered a contender for the throne a few years ago and was believed to have opposed Prince Salman from becoming a crown prince.
Prince Miteb's detention stands out because he was the last remaining prince of his generation in a position of real power, which made him a potential obstacle to the throne for the crown prince.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into Japanese waters, a U.S. official confirmed to Fox News on Tuesday.
The missile was fired around 3 a.m. in North Korea on Wednesday, local time.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said President Trump was briefed on the situation while the missile was still in the air.
The country last fired an intermediate-range middle on Sept. 15, which flew over Japans Hokkaido Island and later landed in the Pacific Ocean. The U.S. territory of Guam was in range of the missile, which flew 2,300 miles out.
Below is a list of all of North Koreas successful missile and nuclear tests in 2017. The dates are in local time.
November 29 - North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile in the middle of the night local time, the Pentagon confirmed to Fox News. The missile flew eastward from the vicinity of Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan, South Korean military officials said.
September 15 - North Korea launched a missile from Sunan, the site of Pyongyangs international airport. The missile flew over northern Japan before landing in the Pacific Ocean, the U.S. Pacific Command said at the time.
September 3 - North Korea said it tested a hydrogen bomb, which reportedly triggered an artificial earthquake. The test was the countrys sixth overall and the first since September 2016.
The mountain used as the nuclear test site is at risk of collapsing, according to scientists.
August 29 - For the first time in eight years, North Korea fired a missile over Japan, the Pentagon said.
August 26 - North Korea fired three short-range missiles. Early reports suggested that the launch was a failure, but U.S. military officials later revised that evaluation.
July 28 - North Korea fired a Hawsong missile, which traveled 620 miles before landing in waters near Japan.
July 4 - North Korea successfully test-launched its first intercontinental ballistic missile, according to U.S. officials. It flew longer than any other missile conducted by North Korea, U.S. Pacific Command said.
June 23 - North Korea conducted a rocket engine test that U.S. officials said could be used on future intercontinental ballistic missiles.
June 8 - From its east coast, North Korea launched multiple projectiles believed to be short-range surface-to-ship cruise weapons.
May 29 - The rogue regime test-fired a short-range Scud ballistic missile, U.S. officials said. The missile landed in the Sea of Japan, according to U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii.
May 21 - North Korea launched a mid-range ballistic missile, U.S. and South Korean officials said at the time. The launch came from an area near Pukchang, which is located in the South Phyongan Province. It flew east for roughly 310 miles before landing in the sea.
May 13 - North Korea launched a missile that landed in the Sea of Japan. U.S. Pacific Command said it detected and tracked the ballistic missile. It was believed to have been a KN-15 medium-range ballistic missile.
March 28 - North Korea successfully test launched a rocket engine.
March 6 - The rogue nation fired four banned ballistic missiles that were believed to have been in response to military drills in Washington and South Korea. The missiles flew 620 miles and landed in the ocean off North Koreas east coast.
February 12 - North Korea launched a missile into its eastern sea. This was the first known missile launch after Trump became president.
A lawsuit by a Japanese high school student has shone a light on the touchy issue of black hair policies and brown-hair registries in schools throughout Japan.
An 18-year-old girl brought a lawsuit against the government of Japans Osaka prefecture last month for mental anguish after she was repeatedly forced to dye her naturally brown hair black.
According to the lawsuit, the student has been upset about having to dye her brown hair black in junior high school and, when she entered Kaifukan High School in Osaka, her mother asked the schools administration to take care not to let the same thing happen in high school."
Despite these pleas, school administrators began ordering the girl to dye her hair every one to two weeks and, during her second year, every four days. The student soon developed a rash on her scalp and had her hair badly damaged from the constant dying.
Many schools in Japan, where conformity is the norm, according to Reuters, have strict rules about appearance, including hair color, the use of makeup and the length of skirts.
The lawsuit alleges that the girl suffered psychological damage from the teasing and punishments she received for having to dye her hair. She once hyperventilated and collapsed after being reprimanded and was also barred from school festivals and class trips because of her natural hair color.
One teacher purportedly told the girl, "If you don't dye your hair black, then don't bother coming to school. The girl, who has not returned to the high school, eventually had her name removed the schools rolls and other students were told she had dropped out.
There are a number of schools across Japan that keep a so-called brown-hair registry to prevent mistaken disciplinary action being inflicted on students with naturally brown hair. While critics say that these registries are themselves problematic, Osakas board of education said that it is up to individual schools to use the system and that the prefecture does not track implementation.
In the case of the 18-year-old student involved in the lawsuit, her mother allegedly asked if the school had one, but Kaifukan did not.
Officials at another school in Osaka that does keep a registry told the Mainichi newspaper that they have 10 students on the list. The students on the list have their hair measured and recorded on a numerical scale when they start at the school and as long as the students hair color does not change, they will not be disciplined.
I was not giving much thought to the childhood experiences of the disheveled old guy I was treating for emphysema and excess alcohol consumption at the clinic the other daybut I should have been.
This realization was brought home to me by a presentation at the annual conference of the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics I just attended in Virginia Beach.
Usually the agenda is a lot of organizational and logistical stuff. But, this time, social worker John RichardsonLauve, LCSW, from the organization ChildSavers, gave a clinically orientated presentation about the effects of adverse childhood events, or ACEs. It was an interesting deviation.
I have heard occasional references to ACEs before, but didnt appreciate the profound and lifelong effects of these events. Some can even influence the functioning of the immune system and longevity.
The idea of ACEs having bad effects in adulthood came from an analysis of women dropping out of an obesity/weight loss program being run by Kaiser Permanente in California. When interviewed, it was found the majority had experienced sexual abuse as a child.
Common, damaging
Adversity is any event or series of events or circumstances that mentally or physically threaten and overwhelm the emotional coping abilities of a child. This includes things like:
Abusewhether physical, sexual, within the household, or within the community
Neglecteither physical or emotional (which includes poverty)
Substance abuse in the household
Divorce/separation loss or incarceration of a parent.
The effects are multiple, many of which you might be surprised as being stress-related. Stuff like:
Emphysema
Cancer
Heart disease
Obesity
Some consequences one can understand better, as the result of developing poor emotional coping skills, aberrant thinking and pathological behaviors, like:
Drug and alcohol abuse
Depression, with increased risk of suicide
Risky behaviors and promiscuity leading to accidents, increased risk of HIV and unintended pregnancy
Criminality and being violent, and becoming an abuser.
The final consequence is people with high ACE scores have a significantly reduced longevity. We saw an interesting map of Richmond with higher socioeconomic districts like Westover Hills having a life expectancy of 83 years. More economically distressed areas, like Gilpin, had an expectancy of just 63.
The scary thing is how prevalent ACEs are. Nearly one in four kids experience either physical or sexual abuse. And the higher your score the worse the effect. If you have four risk factors, you are 222 percent more likely to be obese, or 555 percent more likely to develop alcoholism.
Trauma-informed care
Mitigating the effects of these adverse events is tough. Treating requires therapist and patient to know and understand the effects of adversity in childhood, so-called trauma-informed care.
It requires breaking down and changing behaviors ingrained in childhood into the developing mid-brain the part of the brain in control of emotional responses.
This is based on the four Rs:
Realize and understand ACEs
Recognize the signs of trauma
Respond, using treatments that address the abnormal response.
Avoid retraumatization, steering people away from situations that reactivate old stresses.
A key enquiry is to not ask the person whats wrong with them, but ask what happened, noted RichardsonLauve. Look beyond the immediate health problem for what might be motivating unhealthy behavior. Then work on building resilience.
Resilience comes from attachment to someone or some organization that will show consistent love and validation. This will teach how to work on and regulate psychological and behavioral responses. Learn competence and how to act rather than react, and so make good, reasoned choices, rather than emotionally motivated impulsive ones.
The disheveled guy I was seeing in the clinic after attending this conference is homeless and has lived in a tent in the woods around Fredericksburg for the last 12 years, so has probably experienced deprivation trauma. But I probably should have been enquiring into his childhoodthough I wonder if he would think I was some kind of screwy if I did.
He, and so much more of the population need to become trauma aware. Aware of what the combined research teams from Kaiser and the CDC have found, and what RichardsonLauve and ChildSavers are promoting.
Aware of how even years later, the effects of kids being mistreated can have profound health consequences, and get them to understand and change that behavior and how they are seen by the world.
How you treat yourself is how you are inviting the world to treat you, said RichardsonLauve.
Patrick Neustatter is the medical director of Lloyd Moss Free Clinic in Fredericksburg and the author of Managing Your Doctor: The Smart Patients Guide to Getting Effective Affordable Healthcare. Visit managingyourdoctor.com.
A Spotsylvania County man apparently killed his wife and daughter before turning a gun on himself, authorities confirmed Monday evening.
Robert Scully, 69; Mary Scully, 68; and Meghan Scully, 38; were all found dead Saturday in their home in the 7900 block of Waterford Drive. All had been shot with the same gun, authorities said.
Spotsylvania Sheriffs Lt. C.A. Carey said autopsies performed Monday in Richmond confirmed that Robert Scully was the only victim with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Carey said police thought that was the case at the scene, but waited for the autopsies to be done before releasing that information.
Carey said investigators have no idea what led to the slayings. Carey said they had no prior indications of domestic issues involving the victims.
We just dont know and we may never know, Carey said. Sometimes people just snap for reasons that just arent clear.
County deputies went to the home, which is in Waterford subdivision just under a mile off Massaponax Church Road, about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. A neighbor had called after seeing the family dog running around the neighborhood unattended. He found the door to the home wide open when he took the dog home and called the county emergency communications center.
After deputies called out several times and received no response, Carey said, someone noticed a woman slumped over a chair. Deputies entered the home and found Meghan Scully dead from a gunshot wound, he said.
Her parents were dead in the same general area, Carey said, and the suspected murder weapon was recovered.
The Sheriffs Office didnt release information about the slayings until Sunday in part because it took a while to find the next-of-kin, Carey said. It remains unclear exactly when the slayings took place, though investigators believe it happened sometime between Friday afternoon and earlier Saturday.
The house is well off the road and there are a number of trees between the house and the road.
Culpeper police arrested a teenager after a car and a police cruiser were struck Friday afternoon by shots fired from a BB gun.
The Culpeper Police Department responded before 2 p.m. to the area of James Madison Highway for a report from a citizen who believed that a vehicle window had been struck by a BB.
When officers arrived to investigate, one of the responding officers reported that a shot struck the police cruisers windshield, causing damage.
Officers canvassed the area and began investigating where the shots had come from. During the course of the investigation, the officers determined that the shots were coming from a residence in the 600 block of Highview Court.
Officers went to the scene and recovered several BB guns, including one believed to be used in the shootings, according to the police department. Police detectives responded to the scene, where they collected evidence and conducted interviews.
The Culpeper Police Department charged a 14-year-old with felony shooting into an occupied vehicle and felony assault on a law enforcement officer. The teen is being held at Blue Ridge Detention Center.
We are very fortunate that nobody was hurt during these incidents and that those responsible were located, said Culpeper Police Chief Chris Jenkins.
The Police Department is asking anyone with additional information related to these incidents to contact Sergeant K. Tooley at 540/829-5518 or to call Crime Solvers anonymously at 540/727-0300.
Two Stafford County men with ties to the MS13 gang face possible life sentences after being convicted Tuesday of killing another man during a botched robbery.
Juan Pablo Rubio, 21, and Ronald A. Silvestre Torres, 24, were both convicted in Stafford Circuit Court of second-degree murder, robbery, conspiracy to rob, gang participation and using a firearm in the commission of a felony.
The charges stem from the Jan. 22 slaying of 26-year-old Jorge Leonardo Melo, who was shot twice on Madison Court in North Stafford during what was supposed to be a marijuana sale.
Rubio and Silvestre Torres entered Alford pleas to the charges, which is not an admission of guilt but a concession that the prosecution has enough evidence for a conviction. They will each face a maximum penalty of life plus 63 years in prison when they are sentenced March 15.
According to the evidence presented by prosecutors Lori DiGiosia and Ed Lustig on Tuesday and at a preliminary hearing in June, Melo got a phone call from the defendants that evening during which they expressed an interest in buying an ounce of marijuana from him.
Melo and a couple of friends went to Madison Court to make the deal. One friend, David Hall, got out of the vehicle with Melo while the driver stayed behind the wheel.
They soon encountered Rubio and Silvestre Torres, who neither Hall nor Melo knew. Hall testified previously that the ensuing conversation appeared to be friendly, but Hall didnt understand what was being said because it was in Spanish.
Suddenly, one of the defendants tried to grab the marijuana out of Melos hand. Melo resisted the robbery attempt and wrapped his arms around the suspect.
DiGiosia said both defendants were displaying weapons by that time and Rubio shot Melo twice with a revolver, once through the right arm and chest and once in his hip. Silvestre Torres had his gun pointed at Hall, who was running from the scene.
Hall testified that he ran because there would have been two bodies instead of one if I didnt.
After seeing the suspect running in another direction, Hall returned to Melo and performed CPR, which was unsuccessful.
Police soon developed Rubio and Silvestre Torres as suspects and arrested them a couple weeks after the slaying. Among the witnesses identified by police was Brian Zendajas, who described himself as a friend of the suspects, but not a fellow MS-13 gang member.
Zendajas reluctantly testified at the preliminary hearing that he heard Rubio and Silvestre Torres planning the robbery and said they asked him to go along with them. He heard two shots a short time later and saw the suspects return to the residence and hide their guns. He said one of them said, We shot someone.
DiGiosia said that when Silvestre Torres was arrested, an MS13 book with his name in it was found in the vehicle. She said Rubio wrote several letters from jail in which he referred to his MS13 affiliation and carved MS13 graffiti in his cell.
Melo was the oldest of six siblings and was very close to them and his mother. The family remains devastated by his slaying, DiGiosia said.
Seven members of the Stafford Sheriffs Office were honored by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for their work on the joint homicide investigation that led to the arrests. The ICE Directors Interagency Award was presented Nov. 9 to Detectives Barry Surles, Todd Nosal, Benjamin Woodson, Doug Aloisio and Chadwick Oxley, crime analyst Krystle Galyen and Deputy Kassandra Lawrence.
In a Sheriffs Office release, Surles said ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations laid the groundwork for the investigation and U.S. Marshals provided electronic surveillance assistance with phone records and GPS mapping, which helped the Sheriffs Office develop suspects and witnesses.
In addition to arresting Rubio and Torres Feb. 3, the Sheriffs Office also identified and administratively arrested 11 undocumented immigrants with ties to the suspects, most of whom were members, associates or affiliates of MS13, the news release said.
A decade after her miscarriage, Sirena Washington still keeps the stuffed bear that holds the only recording of her daughters heartbeat.
The swoosh-swoosh the toy makes every time she presses its stomach reminds Washington of how her own heart healed all those years ago. And its a reminder to pass that gift on to others.
Beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday, Washington will host an event at Build-A-Bear Workshop in Spotsylvania Towne Centre to make stuffed bears and recorders for Mary Washington Healthcares Perinatal Loss Program.
The program provides women who experience high-risk pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death a recording of their childs heartbeat.
Sometimes the pregnancies turn out just fine and the child whose heart was recorded in the womb will take the bear to kindergarten, said perinatal bereavement coordinator Tammy Ruiz Ziegler. But not all do.
That was the case for Washington, who went into labor at five months pregnant and lost the daughter shed already named Desiree. The loss sent her into a deep grief, she said.
My bad days outweighed my good days. There were several times that I would sit in Desirees room, holding her bear and crying for hours, Washington wrote of her experience. On days when I wanted to give up, when I felt that God was punishing me, I would hold on even tighter to the bear and just let her heartbeat soothe me. Every time I held on to the bear ... it made me feel that much closer to her.
When the program began some 10 years ago, Ziegler started out with 25 bears and recorders.
I didnt think wed ever use them all. Lo and behold, we whizzed through those, she said.
Last April, Ziegler asked Washington if shed like to host an event to replenish the stock that had most recently dwindled to two. Washington said she was thrilled to help. And when she got a call from Ziegler this fall that they were down to just three stuffed animals and recorders, she jumped at the chance to help again.
Washington said shed love to collect 100 bears on Thursday.
Ziegler said she hopes people will come out and donate the bears to any hospital or doctor that treats women in high-risk pregnancies. It allows people to donate toward a really good cause. For about $25, you can make a huge contribution.
Republican Bob Thomas officially became the 28th Districts delegate-elect on Monday, but legal and political fights will probably continue to swirl around the close contest that could determine control of the House of Delegates.
The State Board of Elections voted 30 to certify the Stafford County supervisors 82-vote win over Democrat Joshua Cole in the Nov. 7 election, despite revelations that at least 147 Fredericksburg-area voters cast ballots in the wrong House race.
The board also certified the results of the 88th District race, where some of the problems occurred. Del. Mark Cole, RSpotsylvania County, won by about 4,100 votes.
After a closed meeting to receive advice from the state Attorney Generals Office, elections board Chairman James Alcorn said members had no legal method to address the situation. But the results can be challenged in court, and Democrats have a lawsuit pending that could eventually lead to a special election.
Republicans currently hold 51 House seats, while Democrats have at least 49.
Virginia Elections Commissioner Edgardo Cortes released a memo this week saying a total of 386 registered voters in Fredericksburg and Stafford had been assigned to the wrong House district. At least 147 of them actually cast ballots, he wrote.
At least 86 voters in the 28th District erroneously got ballots for the 2nd Districtwhich includes parts of Staffordor the 88th District, Cortes said. And at least 61 voters in the 88th District incorrectly cast ballots in the 28th District.
Cortes previously attributed the wrongly assigned voters to a mistake last year by then-Fredericksburg Registrar Juanita Pitchford, who died earlier this year. But his most recent memo also outlined problems in Stafford; Registrar Greg Riddlemoser did not immediately return an email for comment.
Thomas did not return a call seeking comment Monday afternoon.
Marc Elias, an attorney for House Democrats, released a statement expressing disappointment that the board certified an election marred by irregularities. We will continue to assess our options to remedy this wrong, he added.
Eric Sundberg, a spokesman for Democrat Joshua Cole, said the candidate had not decided whether he will request a state-funded recount or contest the election to succeed House Speaker Bill Howell, RStafford. He said the campaign is slightly disappointed by the state boards vote, but understands it probably had no other choice.
House Republicans had threatened to sue the board if it did sign off on the results, while House Democrats unsuccessfully requested a court order blocking certification. Sundberg said its ironic that Republicans complain about voter fraud, and now, when it looks like they might lose, their argument slips right on its head.
Republican Del. Kirk Cox, the House Speaker-designee, said in a prepared statement he is pleased the State Board of Elections finally fulfilled its statutory duty, but that hes disappointed by the weeklong delay. The board declined last Monday to certify the results in the 28th and 88th districts, citing the irregularities.
In his statement, Cox said any other questions could be handled in what he called the proper venues outlined in state law.
Dragging this process out has only prolonged the important work that remains to be done by both sides in preparation for the 2018 General Assembly session, Cox stated. We stand ready to govern and pass legislation that will help fight the opioid epidemic, improve our schools, and help the middle class get ahead.
The Richmond TimesDispatch contributed to this story.
Natural vaccine mimics
Antibodies, proteins produced by our immune systems that protect against infection, are thought to be the key to an effective vaccine. Researchers developing HIV vaccines are hoping to generate the right kind of antibody that protects against HIV infection. And infants, it turns out, mimic vaccination. The antibodies that babies receive from their mothers in utero circulate in their blood for months after they are born, similar to the antibodies a vaccine might promote.
For those infants who are HIV-negative at birth, their [HIV-positive] mothers have antibodies they passively transfer, so its kind of like the infants are vaccinated, explained Overbaugh.
During the period before antiretroviral drugs existed, infants breast-fed by HIV-positive mothers didnt always contract the virus. Overbaugh decided to see what qualities of maternal antibodies correlated with a longer time before transmission and a less intense infection when it did occur.
When they looked at samples of breast milk and blood drawn more than 20 years ago, the researchers found that children whose mothers produced a specific type of cell-killing antibody were less likely to die of HIV infection. These antibodies help kill infected cells through whats known as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, or ADCC.
To my knowledge, the study is the first in humans to show that cell-killing antibodies, when present at exposure, have a protective effect against HIV, said Overbaugh. Notably, the only HIV vaccine trial thats so far shown any protection against the virus, known as the Thai trial, also triggered ADCC.
Jump-starting broadly neutralizing antibodies
Broadly neutralizing antibodies are the holy grail of HIV vaccine design. HIV is endlessly mutating and changing the structures that antibodies bind. Antibodies that can only bind and block a few strains of the virus wont be very effective against infection. Broadly neutralizing antibodies are capable of warding off a wide range of HIV variants. A vaccine that generates broadly neutralizing antibodies will theoretically protect better against HIV infection than one that generates antibodies that block only a few HIV variants.
Adults infected with HIV can produce broadly neutralizing antibodies eventually. It requires a several yearslong maturation process to sufficiently hone antibodies so that they block a slew of HIV variants.
As we currently understand the process in adults, you might have to vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate for years to achieve broadly protective antibodies, said Overbaugh.
But vaccines need to produce protective antibodies within months, not years. Enter the infant immune system. Overbaugh and her team found that indeed, infants could produce broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. They also saw that the HIV-blocking proteins arose within the first year of infection and needed much less honing than adult antibodies.
We could document a case in infants where a broadly neutralizing antibody developed in a time frame and in a way that is something that we could consider mimicking with a vaccine, said Overbaugh.
Decades after helping save babies born to HIV-infected moms, the Kenyan research samples may offer clues to developing a vaccine that, alone or in combination with other candidate vaccines now in development, could help prevent infection across all age groups or even help reduce the severity of HIV in those already infected. Thats a giant impact from the tiniest of research volunteers.
Read our other stories in this series:
Understanding HIV's evolutionary past and future
Enlisting the microbiome in the quest for an AIDS vaccine
A Voice for HIV cure
The Monday after Thanksgiving is part of a holiday tradition for millions of Pennsylvania hunters who head for the woods for the opening of the states two-week rifle deer season.
Its also a big day for meat processors.
Its an extremely busy time of year, said Brad Wenger, owner of Wenger Meats and Ice, 511 E. Louther St., Carlisle. Its the backbone of our fall business.
The rifle season opened just before sunrise on Monday and continues through Dec. 9. Schools in Cumberland County were off for the day.
Wenger said he was already busy by 10 a.m. Monday, and he expected to remain busy throughout the day.
Theyve started to come in already, he said. With archery season, we dont get the rush that we used to but well still be busy. Well have deer in the parking lot. One pulled in right now.
Byron Magee, owner of Mountain Man Custom Butchering, 10125 Mountain Road, Orrstown, agrees.
Its a typical first day of rifle season, he said Monday afternoon. Weve had 33 in already, and we expect another 30 to 40 before we close at 6.
Monday was also a typical opening day at North Mountain Butcher Shop, 4722 Enola Road, Newville, where 20 hunters had brought their deer by 3 p.m.
Its early yet for some hunters, a spokeswoman said, adding that she expects business to be steady over the next two weeks.
Wenger said his busy season begins in October with the opening of archery season.
Rifle season used to be the beginning. Now it begins with archery the first of October, he said.
Popular cuts
Wenger said deer steaks, roasts and burger are the most popular cuts of meat for his customers, although we sell 26 different products (and) about 10,000 pounds of sweet bologna.
Business also picks up during archery season for Magee and remains busy through the end of rifle season.
Weve already processed 225 deer in archery, he said. Well probably process another 225 to 250 in the next two weeks.
We process beef and hogs throughout the year, but we dont do any beef or hogs the whole month of December.
In fact, deer season brings in so much additional business that most meat processors need extra help.
We hire extra people and work extra hours, Wenger said. I have some very good seasonal help that I can depend on.
I have a few guys who help, Magee said. I bring in two or three extra people this time of year.
Hunters are allowed to harvest one buck, as well as an antlerless deer for each antlerless permit they hold.
Experts believe the deer population is up due to last years milder temperatures. As a result, there has been more food for the deer. However, it also means the deer are not moving as much so hunters are being asked to be patient.
In terms of total deer harvest numbers, Pennsylvania ranked third in the country in 2016. Only Texas and Michigan had higher harvest totals.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Two high-visibility open space projects have resulted in a pair of statewide awards for the Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department.
The Oregon Recreation & Park Association honored parks planner Jackie Rochefort for her work on the Marys River Natural Area boardwalk and parks supervisor Jude Geist for his efforts on the oak restoration in the Chip Ross and Timberhill natural areas.
Association executive director Michael Klein, who presented Rochefort and Geist with their plaques at the Nov. 20 City Council meeting, said that it is unusual for a community the size of Corvallis to receive two awards in the same year. The association honors individuals in up to 11 categories annually.
Rochefort, who has been with Parks and Rec for more than 18 years, was given the associations planning award, while Geist, who has been with the department since 2012, won the award for environmental leadership.
Here is a look at the two projects:
Marys River boardwalk
The Marys River boardwalk project was extremely complex, said Karen Emery, director of Parks and Recreation. Jackie jumped through every hoop and sometimes twice.
The boardwalk trail system off of Southwest Brooklane Drive was wiped out by flooding in the winter of 2011-12. The city started its replacement efforts with a $200,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, but things got a whole lot more challenging from there.
Among the hurdles Rochefort and the city had to face were: the land includes city and county property, wetlands and floodplain issues had to be addressed, tribes were brought in because of the possibility of Native American cultural resources, and two plantings of the endangered Nelsons checkermallow had to be undertaken.
Also, because of the FEMA money, federal approvals were required all along the way, including a requirement that materials that were washed out be reused.
City funds and donations made up the rest of the budget for the $500,000 project, which broke ground in April and opened to the public in September.
Local contractor Scott Taylor salvaged as much of the wood as he could and built the new boardwalk atop helical piers designed to keep it above any future floodwaters.
It took a great deal of persistence, organization, critical and analytical thinking to solve what I came to think of as a puzzle to meet all of the permit requirements for the project, Rochefort said. There were several times where I thought I should give up on the project, but then I kept thinking that I was in too deep to give up.
Oak woodland restoration
The Chip Ross oak release project was important because there is less than 1 percent left in the Willamette Valley, Emery said. Jude took this on because if he didnt, we would lose the resource.
Geist assembled a platoon of collaborators. Community members wrote the Oregon Water Enhancement Board grant proposal that brought in $120,000 in seed money. Parks and Rec also worked with Oregon State University because some of its forestry property was involved oak habitat doesnt stop at the property line, Geist said.
Trout Mountain Forestry, which works with the city on management of the Corvallis Forest on Marys Peak, thinned the excess Douglas firs and big leaf maples and sold the logs, with the proceeds making up the rest of the $300,000 budget. And Geist had the citys tree guru, urban forester Jon Pywell, to handle the day-to-day management on site.
This award is as much for the project as it is for me, Geist said.
Like Rochefort, Geist and his crew faced a series of challenges. He wanted to start thinning the trees in June 2016, but that plan was scrubbed because of the dangers to nesting birds.
That set off a whole series of events, Geist said.
The timber work went into the summer months when high heat and low humidity kept the crews in the trucks because of the fire danger. Which meant that the logging stretched into October and the rainy season.
The good news in addition to the new open look to the forest for trail users is that the proceeds from the logging exceeded expectations. A reserve fund has been created to help pay for invasive species work and trail maintenance and upgrades.
Also, the thinning work uncovered remnants of an old trail system that the city would like to restore and add to the Chip Ross/Timberhill trail network.
No funds exist yet for that project, but the folks at Parks & Rec seem likely to be able to handle it when the money materializes.
April 2, 1926 November 20, 2017
Tom was born in Medford, Oregon to Thomas Griffith and Annette Weatherford Cowgill.
He graduated from Albany Union High School in 1944, served in the Army Air Corp. and later attended Oregon State University.
He married Mary Hulbert in 1949 and they moved to Harrisburg, where he farmed for 16 years. Then they moved to Lincoln City where he worked in construction until his retirement.
After traveling and enjoying retirement for many years, Tom and Mary moved to Albany in 2005.
Tom was a member of St. Albans Episcopal Church, Royal Arch Masons, Order of Eastern Star, Elks Lodge and American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Ken, Don and Jim.
Tom is survived by his wife Mary; children Tom (Jeannine), Carolyn, and John (Jama); as well as five granddaughters; one grandson; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was the last surviving great-grandchild of J.K. Weatherford.
At his request no services will be held.
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department and the Benton County Sheriffs Office. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.
Corvallis Police Department
THURSDAY, NOV. 23
BURGLARY: 8:12 a.m., 2400 block of Northwest Kings Boulevard, Corvallis. An employee at Coffee Culture reported she had arrived earlier to open the shop and realized the exterior power panel had been opened and the power turned off to the business. She also noticed a sliding window was off its track. Police reviewed surveillance footage, which revealed a man with a short beard and mustache and a receding hair line. The suspect has not been identified.
BURGLARY: 8 a.m., 2600 block of Northwest Ninth Street, Corvallis. Someone attempted to break into the Shell gas station and caused severe damage to the office door.
FRIDAY, NOV. 24
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF: 4:50 a.m., 3000 block of Southeast Third Street, Corvallis. Police responded to the parking lot of B&R after a Verizon Wireless employee called to report damage to one of their fiber optic lines. A photo showed a small hole in the line at the top of the power pole. The damage was estimated at about $3,000. Police collected 11 Luger 9 mm shell casings from the scene.
SATURDAY, NOV. 25
DUII: 11:30 a.m., 300 block of Northwest Second Street, Corvallis. A caller at China Delight reported a drunken man got into a car and drove away. Using the license plate number, police reportedly identified the driver as Clinton Allen Arnold, 54, of Corvallis. Police went to Arnolds home and arrested him for driving under the influence of intoxicants. Arnold reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.11 percent.
THEFT: 7:50 p.m., 1800 block of Northwest Polk Avenue, Corvallis. Two women reported they left their backpacks in their car while it was unlocked and the backpacks were stolen. The bags contained approximately $3,070 worth of items, including a Mac Book computer, Beats headphones, a Lenovo laptop and iPhone 7.
SUNDAY, NOV. 26
BURGLARY: 10:31 a.m., 200 block of Northwest 17th Street, Corvallis. A womans apartment was broken into and her passport and wallet were taken. Police canvassed the neighborhood but did not obtain any suspect information.
Benton County Sheriffs Office
THURSDAY, NOV. 23
DUII: 10:04 p.m., Northeast Conifer Boulevard and Northeast Lancaster Street, Corvallis. A deputy stopped a car after it reportedly struck a curb while turning onto Northeast Conifer Boulevard. The deputy arrested the driver, Crystal Jean Vogelsang, 68, of Chula Vista, California, for driving under the influence of intoxicants. Vogelsang reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.18 percent.
SATURDAY, NOV. 25
DUII: 2:15 a.m., Northwest Ninth Street and Northwest Buchanan Avenue, Corvallis. A deputy stopped a car after it reportedly drove out of the Harrison Bar and Grill, crossing all lanes of traffic. The deputy arrested the driver, Jason Andrew Robertson, 26, of Keizer, for driving under the influence of intoxicants. Robertson reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.11 percent.
BURGLARY: 5:21 p.m., 2800 block of Northeast Pilkington Avenue, Corvallis. A man reported someone entered his open garage door and stole items from the garage and his car, including a leather coat and a LL Bean sweater, for a total loss of $350. No suspects were identified.
SUNDAY, NOV. 26
DUII: 1:49 a.m., Northwest 13th Street and Northwest Harrison Boulevard, Corvallis. A deputy stopped a car for reportedly making an improper turn, speeding and failing to drive within the lane. The deputy arrested the driver, Adam Kiyoshi Osmer, 25, of Corvallis, for driving under the influence of intoxicants. Osmer reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 percent.
Oregon State Police
MONDAY, NOV. 20
SCAM: 1:50 p.m., 1700 block of Western Boulevard, Corvallis. A student reported he had received a phone call requesting his bank account information so that the caller could deposit funds. The caller said they represented the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The student did not provide the caller with any information.
THURSDAY, NOV. 23
DUII: 12:15 a.m., 15th Street and Harrison Boulevard, Corvallis. A trooper stopped a car for reportedly failing to maintain its lane. The trooper arrested the driver, Daniel James Zelazek, 51, of Tigard, for driving under the influence of intoxicants. Zelazek reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.09 percent.
SATURDAY, NOV. 25
DUII: 11:40 p.m., Southwest 30th Street and Western Boulevard, Corvallis. A trooper stopped a car and arrested the driver, William Wailam Chow, 22, of Corvallis, for driving under the influence of intoxicants. Chow reportedly had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12 percent.
SUNDAY, NOV. 26
DUII: 11:03 p.m., Southwest Fourth Street and Southwest Madison Boulevard, Corvallis. A trooper stopped a car and arrested the driver, Erick Garvin Lee, 21, of Corvallis, for driving under the influence of intoxicants. Lee reportedly admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana. A breathalyzer reportedly showed no alcohol in his blood.
We thank the Gazette-Times, especially reporter Bennett Hall, for in-person coverage of the Nov. 21, Montana trial of Leonard Higgins.
The signers of this letter traveled to Fort Benton, Montana, with about 40 others from the Pacific Northwest, to support Leonard, an Oregon climate activist committed to nonviolence. He admitted closing an Enbridge pipeline valve in October 2016, stopping the flow of Tar-Sands oil into the United States from Canada. His not guilty plea was based on the necessity of effective, if initially symbolic, action to reduce fossil fuel use.
Despite the judge having disallowed a necessity defense, Leonard managed to contend his action was warranted by the environmental harm and danger to the well-being of present and especially future generations caused by fossil-fuel driven climate change. The Gazette-Times stories were fair and accurate.
Again, thank you.
Martha Clemons and Charlie Miller
Corvallis (Nov. 27)
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Car hits pedestrian : 24-year-old struck by a car during a fight in Bad Godesberg
Bad Godesberg A 24-year-old was hit by a car during a fight in Bad Godesberg. His injuries were so serious he had to receive medical treatment. The suspected opponents followed the man to hospital.
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Police and the public prosecutors office are investigating three men aged 20, 24 and 26 on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. They are alleged to have seriously injured a 24-year-old acquaintance during a dispute on Plittersdorfer Strae.
Police said the trio had met the 24-year-old at the underground station on Plittersdorfer Strae around 5.55pm on Saturday afternoon to discuss a recent incident at a party. Those involved got into a serious fight during which the three men hit and trod on their victim. When a passerby noticed the incident, the perpetrators ran off and got into a car that was parked on Plittersdorfer Strae.
The 24-year-old followed them and stood half on the street. According to current investigations, the 20-year-old driver drove off and injured the 24-year-old so seriously when driving past that he had to be taken to hospital for in-patient treatment. When the three men appeared there a short time later they were detained by officers from the Bad Godesberg police station.
An investigative commission from Bonn police took over the investigation in close cooperation with the public prosecutors office. On an application by the public prosecutors office, a judge issued an arrest warrant for grievous bodily harm against the 26-year-old, which was suspended under strict conditions.
The two other men could also leave the police station. Investigations into the background and the exact course of the incident are ongoing. The 20-year-old had to hand in his driving licence before leaving the police station.
Homicide squad investigating : 42-year-old found dead in an apartment in Limperich
Bonn A 42-year-old man was found dead in his apartment in Bonn-Limperich on Sunday afternoon. The police and the public prosecution office are assuming homicide and the homicide squad is investigating and looking for witnesses.
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A homicide in Limperich has been keeping the police and the public prosecution office busy since Sunday afternoon. Police said they were alerted at around 2.30pm by relatives of the 42-year-old, who had found the man dead in his apartment on Talweg. The victim is a 42-year-old man from Eritrea. In light of the scene they encountered, investigators are assuming he was killed by external influences. A homicide squad, led by detective superintendent Norbert Lindhorst, has taken over the investigations in close cooperation with public prosecutor Florian Gessler.
Witnesses are vague as to whether Adil A. was last seen alive on Thursday or Friday. According to General Anzeiger information, the victims mother wanted to see if everything was alright in the apartment and found her son lifeless. The 42-year-old lived alone in the top floor apartment, whose door showed no signs of a break in or other damage. A robbery is therefore less likely than the possibility that the victim and perpetrator knew each other.
The police have not said how the 42-year-old was killed to safeguard the investigation. As this concerns the perpetrators knowledge, we cant say anything about it at the present time, explained police spokesman Robert Scholten when asked and added: We are pursuing all evidence at the moment and investigating at full speed to find the perpetrator. In the meantime, numerous witnesses, including from the neighbourhood, have already been questioned.
The man lived in a quiet residential area between train and tram tracks. On Monday, a Mercedes Sprinter van from the police records department stood for hours in front of the six apartment rental building, in which the 42-year-old had rented a one room apartment.
According to GA information, the African had lived in Germany since his childhood, after emigrating from Eritrea with his family in the 1980s. He grew up in Germany, completed his secondary education, kept his head above water with casual work and had a job when he died. According to GA information, he previously lived in Poppelsdorf for a while.
An autopsy was performed on his body. Police did not give any information on Monday about the alleged time of death. Investigators from the homicide squad are now asking: who saw anything suspicious on Talweg between Thursday evening and Sunday lunchtime that could be related to the crime? And, who knows whom the 42-year-old had arranged to meet or met during this time period? Those with information are asked to call police on 0228 150.
Nothing, it seems, energizes Bill and Hillary Clintons dedicated band of camp followers faster or with greater intensity than suggestions that responsibility for her devastating loss last November lay with the campaign itself.
Democratic party apparatchiks and sympathizers in the media who cling to the Clintons like barnacles to the hull of a garbage scow, spring into action at the first hint of accusations that the campaign team was grotesquely dysfunctional, beset by power struggles, and populated by egomaniacal backstabbers.
Their latest target is longtime Democratic Party activist and former national chair Donna Brazile, whose recently published book Hacks is brutally unsparing in its portrayal of the campaign leadership as inept, insular and caustically dismissive of other more experienced individuals.
The Clinton loyalists quickly began trashing Brazile, accusing her of shameless self-promotion and a crass attempt to hype book sales.
Its the same basic script the Clinton camp has followed since her defeat at the hands of President Trump: The blame lies with Russian agents, former FBI Director James Comey, WikiLeaks, and other assorted evil-doers intent on blocking her from becoming the first female president.
In Braziles version of the deal struck by the DNC and the Clinton campaign to cede control over virtually every aspect of the committees functions to the campaign in return for a bailout, the arrangement was unethical but not illegal.
The Clinton version was that it was a sincere and generous effort by the campaign to assure the committees financial stability and maintain it as a viable organization.Control of personnel, strategy and spending was merely a welcome side benefit.
The agreement, in Braziles view, came perilously close to rigging the primary election process to favor Clinton over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Brazile concedes there is no hard evidence to support allegations of a rigged process, but there is little question that under her predecessor, Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schulz, the committee tilted decidedly in Clintons direction.
The uproar over Braziles book is but the latest storm over the decision-making, strategy and overall conduct of the Clinton campaign.
Earlier books, analyses, and countless autopsies carried out on cable television talk shows have kept the issue alive for more than a year and all are remarkably similar in tone the election was in the bag, it was hers to lose and the ineptitude and stubbornness of the campaign leaders produced arguably the greatest electoral upset since President Truman defeated Thomas Dewey in 1948.
More to the point, though, it is the Clintons themselves who have refused to put the election behind them and who insist on rationalizing her loss and retaining a dominant role in party affairs.
National Committee Chairman Tom Perez, in television interviews, dodged all questions based on the Brazile book, by repeating its time to move on.
He sounded much like someone who felt that if he repeated it often enough, it would somehow come true.
His wish, though, ignores the reality that the Clintons do not want to move on.Her continued public commentaries, for instance, are designed to re-assert her relevancy and convince Americans that they made a grievous error in rejecting her.
For Perez to realize his desire will require a confrontation with the Clintons to suggest they relax in their Westchester County home and spend quality time with their grandchildren.
It is time for Bill and Hill to accept the role of elder statespersons, available to share their wisdom with others but not supplant them.
Neither has displayed any clear sign of gracefully retiring and, without a hard shove, will attempt to remain center stage.
Theyve become a cold sore on the upper lip of the Democratic Party and, without medication, will be the focus of what people see when they look at the organization.
In the meantime, the Clinton loyalists remain vigilant and stand ready to engage in hand-to-hand combat with those who would blame their idols for the current state of party affairs.
One can envision them rising each morning, slipping into their Im With Her tee-shirts and fantasizing about striding the corridors of the White House.
Dreams die hard.
An opportunity for foodies and beer lovers to get lost in a world of food and drink from a hand-selected range of food trucks and breweries from around New Zealand.
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Protecting the worlds oceans an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy
The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
felicilin at 28-11-2017 11:27 AM (4 years ago) (f)
Congratulations are in order for Bucharest-based Nigerian Big Boy and socialite, Samuel Afolabi, who proposed to his longtime girlfriend Henna Luiza in a romantic way some days ago.
Congratulations are in order for Bucharest-based Nigerian Big Boy and socialite, Samuel Afolabi, who proposed to his longtime girlfriend Henna Luiza in a romantic way some days ago.
The young man from Lagos state and the CEO of Sam Club (the only black owned club in Romania, according to reports), surprised his partner romantically with the marriage proposal after booking a hotel for themselves
And of course, Henna accepted his proposal as she said YES to him.
The young man from Lagos state and the CEO of Sam Club (the only black owned club in Romania, according to reports), surprised his partner romantically with the marriage proposal after booking a hotel for themselvesAnd of course, Henna accepted his proposal as she said YES to him.
Post Reply Posted: at 28-11-2017 11:27 AM (4 years ago) | Hero
kacylee at 28-11-2017 07:49 PM (4 years ago) (f)
A former Vice-President of the World Bank and former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has said that male political leaders are to blame for the poor state of affairs in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
A former Vice-President of the World Bank and former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has said that male political leaders are to blame for the poor state of affairs in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
She also absolved women of any blame, saying they have had only a marginal role to play in the poor governance that has bedeviled the continent.
She stressed the need to have more women at all levels of government and good representation at all arms of government executive, legislature and judiciary.
Ezekwesili, who was the keynote speaker at the maiden edition of the HID Awolowo Foundation annual lecture in Lagos on Tuesday, said research had shown that in Africa, only five per cent of women are chief executive officers, only 22 per cent of women are cabinet members, 25 per cent are parliamentarians, 29 per cent are managers, while a mere 36 per cent get promotion.
In the lecture, themed Ethical, politics, peace, development and security in Nigeria: The critical importance of womens leadership, Ezekwesili said it was time Nigerian women disrupted the political process that had acted as a barrier for them to enter into the political space, noting that the barrier ranges from cultural, economic, social, religious to self-imposed barriers.
She said, For as long as the women are held down, the trend analysis does not show any reversal of outcome. Nobody does any favour to Nigerian women by involving them in governance.
Women are incredible human resource that we must put to use, and what this says to us is that we need to be more intentional and deliberate.
Research shows that when many more women are at decision-making level, there is less corruption and a wise society would know that empowering its women is smart economics. The only way to honour the memory of Yeye Oodua is to take it to that next level; disrupt this model, which is no longer sustainable. She also absolved women of any blame, saying they have had only a marginal role to play in the poor governance that has bedeviled the continent.She stressed the need to have more women at all levels of government and good representation at all arms of government executive, legislature and judiciary.Ezekwesili, who was the keynote speaker at the maiden edition of the HID Awolowo Foundation annual lecture in Lagos on Tuesday, said research had shown that in Africa, only five per cent of women are chief executive officers, only 22 per cent of women are cabinet members, 25 per cent are parliamentarians, 29 per cent are managers, while a mere 36 per cent get promotion.In the lecture, themed Ethical, politics, peace, development and security in Nigeria: The critical importance of womens leadership, Ezekwesili said it was time Nigerian women disrupted the political process that had acted as a barrier for them to enter into the political space, noting that the barrier ranges from cultural, economic, social, religious to self-imposed barriers.She said,
Post Reply I have been reporting for several years now and I am very interested in visual news reportage with strong inclusion of photos and video multimedia. Posted: at 28-11-2017 07:49 PM (4 years ago) | Addicted Hero
Cyberbit Supplied ISE Systems with a Cyberbit Range for its Cybersecurity Training Center in Paris
November 2017 by Marc Jacob
Cyberbit Ltd. announced that it supplied ISE Systems, a French data governance and cybersecurity consulting and service provider, with the Cyberbit Range training and simulation platform. ISE Systems recently opened its new Cyber Range Training Center in Paris in order to provide cybersecurity certifications and simulated cybersecurity training for professionals, enterprises and government customers. "The recent rise in commercial cyberattacks and international cyberwarfare has bolstered both awareness and demand for highly skilled cybersecurity professionals.
EU regulation such as GDPR puts additional pressure on French companies, said Mickael Attias, CEO of ISE Systems. "We found the Cyberbit Range to be the most mature training platform in the market and saw how it improves not only technical skills but also teamwork and incident response processes. This combination makes our customers teams much more likely to thwart attacks successfully and keep their organization secure."
"We are very pleased to be working with ISE Systems to build their cybersecurity training center, said Adi Dar, CEO of Cyberbit. The demand for cybersecurity professionals will real hands-on experience is growing quickly, and ISE will play an important role in developing the skills necessary to ensure Frances cybersecurity." Dar added: Cyberbit Range is the fastest-growing cybersecurity training and simulation platform, training and certifying thousands of cybersecurity professionals around the world.
In less than two years Cyberbit Range training centers have been opened in Europe, Asia and North America, including: RUAG in Switzerland; IABG in Germany; Ni Cybersecurity in Tokyo, Japan; and ST Electronics in Singapore; Regent University in Virginia, U.S.; The Baltimore Cyber Range in Maryland, U.S.; and most recently ISE Systems in France.
The Farmington City Council heard an update on the communitys Tax Increment Financing districts during Monday evening's meeting.
Farmington City Administrator Greg Beavers spoke to the council during the hearing on the Karsch Boulevard and Downtown Farmington district, as well as the Highway 67 district.
State statutes require the city to hold public hearings on the TIF districts every five years.
We have two TIF districts in Farmington that are currently active, Beavers said. By going back in time and looking at the plans that were identified and the projects that were identified in 2004 and 2005 for those TIF plans they both eventually performed where they were expected to perform.
The Karsch Boulevard and Downtown Farmington district which was implemented in 2004 has, according to the city administrator, done wonderful things for the downtown area on both the utility side and in the revitalization of buildings and aiding toward the construction of new facilities.
The district was first used to help make way for the courthouse annex.
We used that money to help the county with the courthouse annex building, he said. We used it for the fire station> We used a portion for the library ... all of which took under-performing, old, obsolete buildings out of our downtown.
A portion of the TIF is also available for local developers to use in the restoration of businesses downtown. Projects receiving funds through the TIF include the ColJac Artisan Cafe and First Wok locations, the Barbara Lee apartment building which houses Dress 2 Impress, and the law office of Joe Goff.
I think its doing everything it was intended to do, he said.
As for the Highway 67 district located on the west side of the city - the plans were revised a few years ago after the original development plan for shopping centers by Gundaker failed to come into fruition.
The plan was amended in 2015 to drop the property on the west side of the highway in preparation for Menards coming to the area. The district now only includes what is currently developed on the east side of that original district.
Reports on the two districts are filed annually with the Missouri Department of Revenue and can be viewed on the departments website and online at farmington-mo.gov.
In other actions taken during the council meeting, Ward I Councilman John Robinson presented the Public Safety report, noting the new K9 officer Ringo recently completed six weeks of training with his handler, Officer Josh Shearrer.
Robinson also noted the committee is evaluating the supplemental body armor for the department designed to absorb or deflect a rifle round after a recent officer-involved shooting.
During the Public Works report, Ward IV Councilman Mark Kellogg said the city has placed a sign reminding motorist on Ste. Genevieve Avenue of the 25 MPH speed limit near St. Joseph Catholic School and St. Paul Lutheran School.
The council discussed possible options to alert motorists to slow down in the area in question including the possible placement of flashing crossing warnings as used in other areas of town.
It was decided more study would be done before action is taken.
Vanessa Pegram, the other representative for Ward IV, announced a number of Christmas events planned on Dec. 5.
The Farmington Public Library is hosting a live reading of the Polar Express before the start of the Krekeler Jewelers A Storybook Christmas Parade which begins at 6 p.m. Following the parade will be the opening of Winter Wonderland at Long Memorial Hall.
Breakfast with Santa is set for Dec. 9 and 16 at Winter Wonderland for $5 per person. For more information visit farmington-mo.gov.
In legislative items, the council approved amendments to the municipal code including:
No parking on the south side of Harrison Street from the intersection to the first driveway between Franklin and A Streets; along with no parking on A Street in front of the Farmington Public Library, the south side of the street in front of 745 Weber Road (Sonic) and on the south side of East First Street between South Washington Street and South Jackson Street.
One- and two-way traffic stop intersections are amended to add:
Parkland at Hazel; Oak Knoll at Black Oak; Oak Knoll at Bray; Oak Knoll and Moss; Moss at Black Oak; Centene at Progress; west bound Hazel Lane and Parkland Drive; Hidden Valley at Sunset; Middle at Pine, Huntleigh Court at Kimberly Court; Bayberry at Pine; North Jefferson Street at College Street; and Wallace Road westbound at the intersection of Weber Road.
Intersection codes at Showplace Drive and Holly Tree Lane, as well as Wallace Road and Weber Road will be deleted. A four-way intersection at Vandergriff and Pine will be added.
A first reading only was held on an ordinance which includes parking restrictions for parking lots owned by the city with no parking from midnight to 6 a.m. to be added to the ordinance.
It was also announced filings open at 8 a.m. on Dec. 12 for the four council seats to be decided in the April 2018 municipal election. The seats include those currently held by Cody Eaves in Ward I, Dale Wright in Ward II, Darrel Holdman in Ward III and Mark Kellogg in Ward IV. Filing closes at 5 p.m. on Jan. 14.
In closing, Mayor Larry Forsythe made a motion to move the Dec. 25 meeting to Dec. 18, with unanimous approval. The council meets next in regular session on Dec. 14.
The Longwood Small Business Development Center has adopted a new regional approach that utilizes experienced, independent consultants to better serve the small businesses in 19 counties and six independent cities in South-Central Virginia.
Where we had five specific office location before, weve created three sub-regions, Longwood SBDC Executive Director Sheri McGuire said. Weve shifted Mecklenburg and Brunswick into our central region covered from Farmville. Lin Hite manages client services in our western region as regional director. Ellen Templeton manages client services in our eastern region as regional director.
In addition to LSBDCs staff of regional directors and general business analysts, the independent consultants will provide a broader menu of services and higher level of skill sets.
New to the LSBDC consultant team is Jon Van Cleave, who has 25 years of experience with the global corporation, Reynolds Metals/Alcoa, as well as working as an independent consultant.
Billion-dollar companies put a lot of money behind financial planning and analysis. Small businesses need the same analysis just on a smaller scale, Van Cleave said.
I do financial planning and analysis including business evaluations and acquisition integration, product and customer profitability analysis, and budgeting and forecasting.
Van Cleave, who has been traveling on a weekly basis for the past seven years, looks forward to settling in Farmville. He and his wife are currently renovating an older home on High Street.
Im looking forward to focusing on Virginia, he added. Im the kind of consultant that likes to work side-by-side with a client not just come in, advise and leave. I want to work as a partner. Van Cleave will be available to work throughout the SBDC territories.
Michael Duncan and Kelvin Perry continue to serve as independent consultants in the western region and are available for online consultations throughout the territory as necessary.
Michael Duncan specializes in manufacturing and operations for existing businesses , McGuire explained. Kelvin Perry, who works for the city of Danville in the economic development office, also works as an independent consultant for LSBDC on an as-needed basis.
I provide counseling to start-ups or for clients who want to grow an existing business, Perry said. I meet with clients in Martinsville after hours, but Im flexible.
Randy Lail provides independent counseling on a volunteer basis.
Hes a retired CFO for Peebles Department Store whose specialty is retail and finance, McGuire said.
A recent addition the LSBDC office in Farmville is Brandon Hennessey, who completed his MBA at Longwood University. As business analyst, Hennessey assists clients with marketing, financial analysis, and developing a business plan.
I can give clients a good practical abstract of where theyre headed and what actions they need to take to be successful, Hennessey said. Developing interpersonal relationships with my clients is important to me I want them to feel comfortable in discussing their plans and problems.
McGuire sees the regional structure with new consultants and analysts as a way to provide greater service to small business owners in the LSBDC service area.
We believe that providing specific and specialized resources to grow existing businesses can create an even greater impact in the community, she concluded. Assisting start-ups also remains an important part of what we do.
Toronto, Ontario (FSCwire) - Rockcliff Metals Corp. (Rockcliff or the Company) (TSX.V: RCLF) (FRANKFURT: RO0, WKN: A2H60G) is pleased to announce that the Company, through its 100% owned subsidiary, Goldpath Resources Corp., has purchased a 100% interest in the Lucky Jack Gold Property, located in the historic Wekusko-Herb Lake gold camp in Snow Lake, Manitoba. The Lucky Jack Gold Property totals 15 mining claims covering 2,557 hectares and is located immediately south of the Companys Laguna Gold Property which hosts the former producing Laguna Gold Mine, Manitobas first and highest-grade gold mine. The Lucky Jack Gold Property becomes part of the Companys Manitoba property portfolio, one of the highest-grade base and precious metals property portfolios in North America. The Companys property portfolio is in the Snow Lake mining camp located within the prolific Flin Flon-Snow Lake greenstone belt hosting high-grade precious and base metal deposits and mines.
Ken Lapierre President & CEO stated While we remain focused on advancing our high grade Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide deposits and are presently drilling the high-grade Bur Zinc Deposit, the opportunity to grow our gold portfolio adjacent to the high-grade Laguna Gold Property was opportunistic and now strengthens our growing gold assets in the camp. The Lucky Jack Gold Property has superior gold potential within the historic Wekusko-Herb Lake gold camp, excellent infrastructure and complements our existing gold assets. We look forward to exploring and advancing our geological understanding and gold potential at the Lucky Jack Gold Property next year.
Please refer to Figure 1 on the following page for Lucky Jack Gold property highlights.
Lucky Jack Gold Property Highlights
At the Lucky Jack Gold Property, gold mineralization is hosted in foliated and fractured zones and sulphide bearing quartz veins and stringers located near the contact of granite, granodiorite and pegmatite rocks with the surrounding volcanic, intrusive and sedimentary rocks. Geophysical evidence suggests that gold mineralization is associated along the contacts of multi-kilometre long magnetometer anomalies and that at least 6 magnetometer anomalies have been identified within the Lucky Jack Gold Property.
Limited historical work has been completed at the Lucky Jack Property. A main shaft was sunk in 1924 on a quartz vein system 1,000 metres long and up 15 to 25 metres wide, as documented by the Mineral Inventory of Manitoba (J.D. Bamburak-1980). A total of 21 grab samples from the main shaft area were reported to have averaged 66.0 grams per tonne(g/t) gold. In 1982, channel samples completed by Cangold Ltd. near the main shaft assayed from 11.0 gpt across 0.4 metres to 44.2 g/t gold across 1.4 metres and gold values were recorded over a strike length of 130 metres. In 1988, drilling completed by Granges Exploration Ltd. around the main shaft area intersected significant gold assays including in Hole # BAR-3 of 8.9 g/t across 1.0 metres, 15.9 g/t across 1.0 metres, 19.6 g/t across 0.5 metres and 32.5 g/t across 0.5 metres above 75 metres vertical. In 1985, one drill hole (KUS169) completed by HudBay Minerals Inc. on a separate gold-rich system 1.7 kilometres west of the main shaft intersected gold values above 75 metres vertical of 5.6 g/t across 0.3 metres, 11.5 g/t across 0.46 metres and 58.5 g/t across 0.40 metres. A third area of gold potential 5.5 kilometres northwest of the main shaft intersected a gossan-rich zone 5 to 10 metres wide with samples up to 20.6 g/t gold.
Figure 1: Total Magnetic Field Intensity Map over the Lucky Jack Property
To view the graphic in its original size, please click here
Rockcliff purchased 100% of the Lucky Jack Gold property for $77,250 and a 2% net smelter royalty (NSR) on seven of the fifteen claims. Half of the NSR can be purchased at any time for $500,000 per 0.5% NSR. Rockcliff has the right of first refusal on the remaining NSR on the property.
Ken Lapierre P.Geo., President and CEO of Rockcliff, a Qualified Person in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in NI 43-101, has read and approved the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the disclosure contained in this press release.
About Rockcliff Metals Corporation
On November 1, 2017 Rockcliff Copper Corporation changed its name to Rockcliff Metals Corp.. The change of name better reflects the polymetallic nature of the Companys high-grade VMS properties that comprise copper, gold, zinc and silver.
Rockcliff is a Canadian resource exploration company focused on the discovery, advancement and consolidation of a portfolio of the highest grade, undeveloped metal deposits in the prolific Flin Flon Snow Lake greenstone belt located in central Manitoba. The Companys current portfolio of projects, totalling in excess of 45,000 hectares, is located in and around the Snow Lake mining camp and hosts the highest grade undeveloped NI 43-101 compliant copper deposits (the gold-rich Talbot copper deposit and the Rail copper deposit), and the highest grade undeveloped historical zinc deposits (the Lon zinc deposit, the Bur zinc deposit, the Morgan zinc deposit and the down dip continuation of the Pen zinc deposit). The Companys projects also include Manitobas first and highest grade former lode gold producer (Laguna Gold Property), four additional gold-rich properties (Lucky Jack Gold Property, SLG Gold Property, Berry Creek Gold Property and DSN Gold Property), a Net Smelter Royalty on the Tower Copper Property (the T-1 copper deposit) and the optioned near surface high grade MacBride zinc deposit located north of Leaf Rapids, Manitoba.
For further information, please contact:
Rockcliff Metals Corporation CHF Capital Markets Ken Lapierre, P.Geo Cathy Hume, CEO President & CEO Off: (416) 868-1079 ext. 231 Cell: (647) 678-3879 cathy@chfir.com Off: (416) 644-1752 ken@rockcliffmetals.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the actual results of the Company to be materially different from the historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements contained in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Although Rockcliff believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/Rockcliff11282017.pdfSource: Rockcliff Metals Corp. (TSX Venture:RCLF, OTC Pink:SVVZF, FWB:RO0)
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Copyright 2017 Filing Services Canada Inc.
VANCOUVER, November 28th, 2017 - Berkwood Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: BKR, FSE: BK2, WKN: A110N3) ("Berkwood" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the assay results from the drill program on the Zone 1 geophysical prospect at the Company's 100% owned Lac Gueret South Project. Thirteen holes were drilled in the first Phase drill program with every hole intersecting visible Graphite. Sections of the drill core were sent for assay and we are pleased to confirm High grade Graphite with average grades in the range of 14.39 to 25.52% Cgr and true thicknesses ranging 22.1 to 40.3 m.
Mr. Edward Lyons PGeo (BC, QC, NL) has worked extensively on the Lac Gueret Property, now owned by Mason, states "The analyses show that the thick unit on Section 3100E as well as shorter intervals showed a similar range of grades that occurs at Mason Graphite's Lac Gueret deposit nearby."
The Zone 1 target is a conductive and magnetic system with a 2.2 km east-west strike length and 0.6 km width. It shows two parallel zones which may be a large-scale fold. The Zone 1 drill program intersected graphite in each of the 13 holes drilled on the west end of the Zone, and with which initial metallurgical assessment is in progress.
Certificates of Analyses # YVR1710850 and # YVR1717850A contain analytical results for all samples taken in the 13 HQ diamond drill holes on Zone 1. Nine sites contained the 13 drill holes oriented north with inclinations varying from -45? to -75? on a cut grid. The sites were spaced about 70-100 m apart on north-south sections which were spaced about 100-m apart. Significant results are described below:
Significant Drill Intersections
DDH ID From (m) To (m) Sample length (m) Cg% avg True thickness (m) ** BK1-01-17 40.23 45.00 4.77 28.61 4.48 BK1-01-17 99.48 137.77 38.29 14.68 36.0 includes 101.98 110.19 9.83 29.17 9.2 BK1-02-17 43.05 46.38 3.33 15.16 9.75 BK1-02-17 60.85 80.45 19.60 24.01 15.5 includes 64.38 74.40 10.02 32.95 6.4 BK1-03-17 20.79 47.69 26.90 24.40 26.9 includes 24.28 26.94 2.66 31.08 2.6 includes 34.69 44.06 9.37 35.34 9.3 BK1-03-17 93.40 99.38 5.98 13.11 5.98 BK1-04-17 26.68 79.24 52.56 21.01 40.3 includes 26.68 54.55 27.87 28.38 21.4 includes 69.19 71.71 2.52 31.72 1.9 DDH ID From (m) To (m) Sample length (m) Cg% avg True thickness (m) ** BK1-05-17 31.4 43.86 12.46 20.72 8.8 includes 36.21 39.41 3.2 33.69 1.4 BK1-06-17 16.39 28.34 11.95 25.52 22.1 BK1-07-17 112.75 118.61 5.95 10.83 4.4 BK1-08-17 139.42 160.63 17.17 20.04 16.4 includes 150.37 155.83 5.46 31.19 4.5 BK1-08-17 169.83 177.04 7.11 28.02 6.2 BK1-09-17 114.25 142.34 21.33 12.27 18.5 BK1-10-17 133.98 148.75 16.27 9.10 14.1 BK1-11-17 19.84 24.17 4.33 11.39 3.8 BK1-12-17 30.62 33.93 3.31 11.23 2.7 BK1-13-17 38.44 46.59 8.15 19.20 6.9 BK1-13-17 99.64 105.57 5.93 18.84 4.9 BK1-13-17 117.60 120.13 2.53 18.52 2.0
True thickness was estimated based on foliation to core axis and the initial interpretation
The drillholes were completed on western three Sections 3100E through 3300E. Other narrower intervals with graphite greater than 10% Cgr occur, particularly on sections 3200E and 3300E, but are not listed above.
The initial interpretation of Section 3100E geology suggests an asymmetrically dipping and moderately plunging antiform to the west that includes a relatively thick band of graphite schist with average grades in the range of 14.39 to 25.52% Cgr and true thicknesses ranging 22.1 to 40.3 m in the lower parts of BK1-01-17 and BK1-04-17 and the upper parts of BK1-03-17 and BK1-05-17. There are thinner units both above and below this horizon. How these relate to the sections 3200E and 3300E to the east is under review. It is possible that the thicker graphite schist horizon may subcrop between 3100E and 3200E; there is sparse outcrop in the heavily forested area. The possibility of testing the specific horizon by electromagnetic charging the horizon in a borehole and mapping the traces of the unit on surface can constrain interpretations. This "mise a la masse" EM technique successfully demonstrated the two main Quinto/Mason's Lac Gueret showings were connected. The area west of section 3100E has west-dipping topography that potentially could keep the horizon closer to the present surface.
Tom Yingling, President and CEO states, "I am pleased we have succeeded in demonstrating significant graphite in large true thicknesses early in our initial exploration program. Having had success in every one of the 13 holes drilled to date on Zone 1 is very exciting. Drilling on Zone 2, reported on 21 November 2017, will assist the Company in prioritizing the most compelling prospect for potential development. Our fall drill program is fully financed, and the field project is managed by the same team that discovered Berkwood's Zone 1 discovery and the Mason Graphite deposit. I am thrilled with our shareholder and financing support, and with our capital structure - we still only have approximately 32.5 million shares outstanding."
The Company has extended road access and trails to develop the initial group of targets at Zone 1, and drill pads have been prepared for the further planned drill program to test the targeted PhiSpy conductive anomalies.
Lac Gueret South Zone 1
Lac Gueret South is located in Cote Nord, Quebec, a three hour drive from Baie-Comeau in an area of very good infrastructure. The Project lies directly south of Mason Graphite's (TSX-LLG) advanced Lac Gueret Project. Mason is developing one of the largest medium to high grade graphite deposits in the world.
Success in this drill program confirms that a significant component of the distinct electromagnetic conductors that occur over a two kilometer length and 50 meters to 600 meters in width as defined by airborne EM geophysics (see the Berkwood news release dated February 10, 2015) includes graphite.
Sampling & Analytical Procedures
Sample intervals were marked based on the presence of graphite-bearing lithology and significant visual changes in graphite appearance and range from 0.88 to 3.2 m in length. Most were between 1.1 to 2.2 m. Bracket samples to a maximum of 3.0 m length of unmineralised or very low grade (<3% Cgr) mineralisation were taken to join groups of narrower graphite intersections for continuous data for future calculations. The samples were cut lengthwise with rock saw perpendicular to the foliation. One half was placed in plastic bags with numbered tags and arranged in sequence of collection. The other half was retained in core trays on site.
Field QA/QC materials consisted of granitic gneiss rock with nil graphite and sulphide as blank material and quarter-cut drill core for duplicate samples. No standards or certified reference material (CRM) were used in the field. Visual inspection of blank material analyses showed the expected nil values for blank rock, which indicated no contamination from prior samples. Duplicate samples showed the close but not exact correlation with the original half-core samples as is typical of layered material. The laboratory includes five QA/QC materials in each batch of 35 client samples.
Sampling of sawn drill core was completed, weighed, and packed in rice bags under supervision by the QP, and was shipped from Baie-Comeau, QC by truck on pallets to MS Analytical Laboratories in Langley, BC.
Standard sample preparation included crushing and pulverising with silica sand "wash" prior to each sample at both stages on all samples to reduce contamination. The pulps of all samples were analyzed by MS Analytical's SPM-140 method for graphitic carbon by ashing the sample followed by an acid digestion to eliminate carbonate and SPM-210 for total sulphur by oxidation in a LECO furnace. SPM-140 analyses carbon as graphite (Cgr) to a maximum grade of 50% Cgr, while Total Sulfur has no upper interference level. ICP-MS analyses were run on two longer series of graphite samples from the thickest intervals to test for potential deleterious elements; nothing exceptional was found. Rejects and pulps are presently stored at the MS Analytical warehouse for future metallurgical tests.
Discussion of Results
The analyses show that the thick unit on Section 3100E as well as shorter intervals showed a similar range of grades that occurs at Mason Graphite's Lac Gueret deposit nearby. The cut-off grade used to define the intervals was the same 5% Cgr level used for Mason's Lac Gueret resource and reserve estimations with a denser data set, published on SEDAR. One difference is that the highest grades found in one area at Lac Gueret, just over 60% Cgr, were not matched here. Another is that the population of analyses around 5% Cgr constitute a small proportion of samples; the data are generally significantly higher or lower. Three levels of graphite concentration were codified in the field based on local observations as well as known data from Lac Gueret: graphite-bearing schist less than 5% (to 3%) Cgr as low grade; graphite schist with grades between 5% and 25% Cgr as medium grade; and high grade (HiG) material where the sample grades exceeded 25% Cgr and makes visual estimation is impossible in core.
Comparison between South Lac Gueret and Lac Gueret deposits
The comparison between Berkwood's Zone 1 and Lac Gueret, now owned by Mason Graphite, is that in the early stages of exploration by Quinto Mining, abundant outcrop on burned and logged areas was identified on the initial site visit by the QP. Minor stripping and clearing of the shallow overburden exposed extensive graphite zones with good quality mapping and intense surface sampling prior to drilling. The works by Quinto and Mason are documented in various technical reports posted on SEDAR between 2001 and 2015. Berkwood's property, which is at the initial stages of exploration, is forested making the development of equivalent exposures difficult. Thus, it faces more work to expose the same showings.
New Property Acquisition
Berkwood is pleased to announce that it has expanded its Lac Gueret Extensions project (Northern blocks). Owing to the success of its Phase 1 drill program and the success of Phase 1 drill program assays the Company decided to immediately acquire additional claims.
Berkwood has acquired a further fifty three (53) claims in its Lac Gueret Extensions project (Northern block) region, to extend the previously held 19,884 ha (hectares) covered by 368 claims to a new total of 22,739.46 ha covered by 421 claims. Berkwood is acquiring The Turkey Lake Property by payment to 1131348 BC Ltd of 630,000 common shares and $15,000. Berkwood will own 100% of the property with no royalties attached. The transaction remains subject to TSX-V approval.
Edward Lyons PGeo (BC, QC, NL) is a Qualified Person under the definition of Canadian National Instrument 43-101, and has approved the technical information in this news release. He has worked extensively on the Lac Gueret Property, now owned by Mason, and neighbouring graphite properties since 2000.
To view a virtual reality video of the autumn Zone 1 drill program, visit our home page at: http://www.berkwoodresources.com
About the Company: Berkwood is engaged in exploration for the commodities that enable the modern revolution in essential technologies. These technologies are dependent upon the ethical mining and supply of naturally occurring elements and minerals that enhance the performance of energy storage systems and permit the development and miniaturization of new electronics and structural components for the new suite of innovative tools. The Company is led by a team with collectively over 100 years experience and whose members have been involved with the discovery of several producing mines.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
Berkwood Resources Ltd.
'Thomas Yingling'
President, CEO & Director
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Investor Relations:
info@berkwoodresources.com or 1-778-945-2935 www.berkwoodresources.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information:
Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect.
Copyright (c) 2017 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
RENO, Nev., Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NuLegacy Gold Corp. reports that Mr. Charles G. Weakly has joined our geo-technical and exploration team as District Geologist. His addition will help accelerate our time table for achieving our goal of establishing a multi-million-ounce resource at our Red Hill property in Nevada.
Known in Nevada as the gold finder, Mr. Weakly, BSc, Geo-Eng, has contributed significantly to the discovery of over ten million ounces of gold for Barrick Gold Corp. in several of their deposits in the Goldstrike district (19 years) and the Cortez district (3 years). The Cortez district has three established multi-million-ounce deposits immediately to the north-west of NuLegacys Red Hill gold property.
Mr. Weakly expects to help NuLegacy achieve its stated objective of establishing a multi-million-ounce gold resource on the Red Hill property. His enrollment is part of the ongoing expansion/acceleration of our geo-technical teams capacity to follow up on the several discoveries made during the summer 2017 exploration program. We will likely add one, possibly two more geo-technical personnel during the winter to handle a much expanded 2018 drilling program.
Im very pleased that Charles has joined us, said Albert Matter, NuLegacys Chairman. It furthers our mission of expanding our world class exploration team to meet our exploration and corporate objectives.
Link to summers success: http://nulegacygold.com/i/pdf/2017-10-11_NR_NUG.pdf
About NuLegacy Gold Corporation: NuLegacy is a Nevada exploration company focused on discovering additional Carlin-style gold deposits on its premier district scale 98-sq. km (38 sq. mile) Red Hill Project in the prolific Cortez gold trend of Nevada.
To date NuLegacy has discovered the Icebergi Carlin-style gold deposits and has identified several more highly prospective exploration targets that are being drilled this year.
NuLegacys Red Hill Project is located on trend and adjacentii to three multi-million ounce Carlin-type gold deposits (the Pipeline, Cortez Hills and Goldrush deposits) that are amongst Barrick Golds largest, lowest cost and politically safest gold minesiii.
i An established exploration target of 90-110 million tonnes of 0.9 to 1.1 grams of gold per tonne. These figures are conceptual in nature and derived from a compilation of 149 historic and 111 NuLegacy drill holes. To date, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.
ii The similarity and proximity of these deposits in the Cortez Trend is not necessarily indicative of the gold mineralization in NuLegacys Red Hill Project. To date, there are no known resources or reserves on the Red Hill Property.
iii As extracted from Barricks Q4-2013 and Q1-2014 reports.
On Behalf Of NuLegacy Gold Corp.
James E Anderson, Chief Executive Officer
For further information, please phone 604-639-3640 or contact James Anderson (CEO) at james@nuggold.com, Albert Matter (Chairman) at albert@nuggold.com or Roger Steininger, (CGO) at roger@nuggold.com, or Frank Lagiglia (ICM) at frank@nuggold.com or visit www.nulegacygold.com.
Dr. Roger Steininger, NuLegacys Chief Geoscience Officer is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG 7417) and the qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects responsible for preparing and reviewing the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of gold, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, availability of financing and other risks in the mining industry. There are no known resources or reserves in the Red Hill Project and the proposed exploration programs are exploratory searches for commercial bodies of ore. In addition, the presence of gold deposits on properties adjacent or near the Red Hill Project is not necessarily indicative of the gold mineralization on the Red Hill Project. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com including our annual managements discussion and analysis dated July 25, 2017 for the year ended March 31, 2017. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required under applicable securities legislation.
DEAR DOCTOR: I recently read that blocking follicle-stimulating hormone can combat post-menopausal bone loss and weight gain in women. Please tell me how to go about blocking that hormone!
DEAR READER: Talk to women who have hit the age of 45 and beyond, and they pretty much agree that maintaining their weight, let alone losing weight, seems much harder than when they were younger. Now a series of studies have put follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, into the spotlight.
Produced by the pituitary gland, FSH plays a role in the release of eggs in women and the production of sperm in men. When a woman approaches menopause, the time at which her ovaries cease functioning, her blood levels of estrogen drop and FSH spikes. At this same stage of life, women begin to experience bone loss.
A professor at a medical school in New York City was intrigued by the fact that, even when estrogen levels held steady, bone loss continued to occur. As a result, he began to wonder whether FSH levels might play a role in the effects of menopause. Although he was studying the role of FSH in bone loss, he was startled when fat levels and weight gain were affected as well.
In a series of experiments using mice whose ovaries had been removed, researchers administered an antibody to block FSH. Without ovaries to produce estrogen, which prevents bone loss, the mice should have experienced a drop in bone mass. Researchers were surprised to find that not only did the bone mass of the mice hold steady, they also began to lose fat.
A colleague at another medical center was persuaded to try the same experiment and got the same results. They also advanced their understanding of how and why the mice, despite being forced into menopause, experienced weight loss.
To get into the details, we first need to talk about two types of adipose tissue -- white and brown fat. Unlike white fat, whose job is to store energy for future use, brown fat is loaded with mitochondria, tiny structures within our cells that burn energy and give off heat.
As babies and children, we have plenty of brown fat. By the time we hit adulthood, only small amounts of brown fat remain. In the case of the FSH-deprived mice, their levels of brown fat rose. This caused their metabolism to rev up, burn calories and lose weight.
Considering that women typically gain anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds or more as a result of menopause, with much of it around the abdomen, it's easy to see why these results have sparked widespread interest. But as the researchers themselves point out, it can be a long leap to translate results from mice to human beings. Only time and further studies will tell.
DEAR DOCTOR: Are some people just not meant to fly? I get severe ear pain when my plane is descending. I've tried chewing gum and repeated swallowing, and I never fly with a sinus condition. Unfortunately, I have clogged-up ears for several weeks afterward. Any suggestions?
DEAR READER: First, let's look at the cause of ear pain when we fly. Initially, we experience a decrease in outside pressure as we ascend into the sky. This decrease causes less external pressure upon the eardrums. Thus, the air behind the eardrums (in the middle ear) pushes them outward.
Airplane cabins are pressurized to minimize this decrease in pressure, and the body does its part as well. For starters, the middle ear equilibrates some of the pressure difference within it by removing the air through the Eustachian tubes, where it is released into the back of the nose and expelled into the environment. Part of that excess air in the middle ear is absorbed by its mucous membranes.
But, as we descend, the external pressure on our ears begins to increase again to that of the landing altitude. This pressure pushes the eardrums inward. Again, the Eustachian tubes are important because they allow the external air to enter through the back of the nose and balance the pressure between both sides of the eardrums.
If a person has significant nasal congestion, the Eustachian tubes can be blocked, meaning the middle ear can't equilibrate on descent. Thus, the outside pressure pushes in on the eardrums, stretching them inward. As you know, this causes significant pain and, in some people, a swelling of the middle ear and a rupture of the eardrum. Infants and toddlers, whose Eustachian tubes are more susceptible to closure, will let you know how these changes in pressure affect them.
Chewing gum and swallowing can help some people by opening up the Eustachian tubes; so too can closing off the nose with the fingers and exhaling forcefully to help bring air into the middle ear. You can even purchase devices that help place air into the nose while swallowing, so as to open the Eustachian tubes.
This advice doesn't pertain to you, of course. It's possible you have chronic nasal congestion caused by allergies or environmental irritants. If that's the case, you have several straightforward options.
Nasal steroids, for starters, can decrease the nasal swelling and increase the ability of the Eustachian tubes to stay open. Because it may take five to six days before you notice an improvement in swelling, I would recommend that you take one of these drugs for three weeks prior to flying. The allergy and asthma drug Montelukast -- taken for a week before flying -- also may help reduce nasal congestion from allergies, benefitting the Eustachian tubes. Then there are over-the-counter nasal decongestants like Afrin, which also can be used to decrease nasal swelling and keep the Eustachian tubes open. There are no good studies on their use for this purpose, but I often recommend using them two hours prior to landing. You can also try -- and this is my recommendation -- a combination of all three.
Before you do, however, my suggestion is for you to ask your doctor why your Eustachian tubes become blocked with air travel. He or she can best guide your next steps. It's unlikely that you simply "weren't meant to fly."
Robert Ashley, M.D., is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Send your questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla.edu, or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o Media Relations, UCLA Health, 924 Westwood Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90095. Owing to the volume of mail, personal replies cannot be provided.
Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - Gungnir Resources Inc. (GUG: TSX-V, ASWRF: OTCBB) (Gungnir or the Company) is commencing a thorough review of its nickel-copper assets in Sweden following the Companys drill-discovery of layered gabbro with nickel-copper bearing sulphides at its Knaften property this fall. The Company has commenced a ground geophysical survey at its Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget permits located east of Knaften, and plans to re-sample selective archived drill core and 3D-model the mineralized zones in advance of planning future work.
Now that we have nickel-copper mineralization on a third property in northern Sweden, the Company is taking a fresh look at its two staked nickel deposits, Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget, which collectively contain over 70 million pounds of nickel, 10 million pounds of copper and 2 million pounds of cobalt in historic resources. Within both deposits, very good nickel drill intersections are reported including 5 metres of 3.21% Ni + 4.28 g/t TPM (Total Precious Metals, Pt+Pd+Au) at Lappvattnet and 12.5 metres of 2.63% Ni at Rormyrberget. With additional value-added TPMs reported, and several previous drill holes not assayed for Pt, Pd or Au, sampling of archived drill core, planned during the upcoming winter months, will include TPM assays. On the geophysical side, we have a crew on the ground today commencing a detailed magnetics survey on both Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget in order to get our own initial data for deposit modelling purposes, and to evaluate potential deposit extensions and undrilled magnetic anomalies which could be related to pyrrhotite (magnetic Fe-sulphide), the key host to the nickel-copper sulphides , commented Gungnirs CEO, Jari Paakki.
Our focus in Sweden remains gold, but with a base metal slant. At Knaften we have both gold and now promising drill targets for nickel-copper mineralization. Finding a decent nickel-copper deposit at Knaften could bode well for regional synergies with Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget, continued Mr. Paakki.
Highlights of Previous Drill Intersections (Note 1):
Hole No From To Length (m) Ni (%) Cu (%) Co (%) Pt (g/t) Pd (g/t) Au (g/t) TPM LAP07-02 70.0 91.0 21.00 1.07 0.09 0.03 0.640 0.340 0.071 1.051 includes 76.4 81.4 4.97 3.21 0.06 0.08 2.690 1.400 0.190 4.280 LAP74226 92.5 97.9 5.40 1.44 0.19 0.03 NR NR NR NR LAP75001 78.4 81.9 3.50 1.57 0.32 0.01 NR NR NR NR ROR89009 162.2 169.2 7.00 2.28 0.30 0.09 NR NR NR NR ROR90024 155.9 168.4 12.50 2.63 0.51 0.09 NR NR NR NR ROR91002 161.1 173.0 11.95 1.83 0.29 0.06 NR NR NR NR ROR-08 122.0 163.0 41.00 0.52 0.09 0.02 0.021 0.077 0.018 0.116 includes 146.0 163.0 17.00 1.01 0.18 0.03 0.035 0.147 0.032 0.214 includes 150.3 155.3 5.00 1.59 0.27 0.04 0.038 0.260 0.073 0.371 ROR-09 151.0 276.0 125.00 0.39 0.05 0.02 0.027 0.040 0.010 0.077 includes 157.9 177.5 19.55 1.16 0.16 0.04 0.107 0.141 0.025 0.273 includes 159.9 162.8 2.85 3.74 0.27 0.13 0.130 0.418 0.030 0.578 ROR-11 14.9 68.1 53.20 0.38 0.04 0.01 0.004 0.010 0.003 0.017 includes 33.5 35.5 2.00 3.95 0.14 0.14 0.015 0.006 0.150 0.171
TPM: Total Precious Metals (Pt+Pd+Au); NR: precious metals not assayed/reported (see Note 1); LAP=Lappvattnet, ROR=Rormyrberget. Gungnir believes previous assays are credible; however, the Company has not confirmed these results with its own sampling.
Historical Estimates and Contained Metal (Note 2):
Deposit Tonnes Ni% Cu% Co% Ni lbs (millions) Rormyrberget 6,370,000 0.35 0.04 0.01 48.7 Lappvattnet 1,139,000 0.91 0.19 0.02 22.9 71.6
Deposit Ni kg Cu kg Co kg Ni lbs Cu lbs Co lbs (millions) (millions) (millions) (millions) (millions) (millions) Rormyrberget 22.1 2.5 0.8 48.7 5.5 1.9 Lappvattnet 10.4 2.2 0.2 22.9 4.8 0.5 TOTAL 32.5 4.7 1.0 71.6 10.3 2.4
A qualified person for Gungnir Resources has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates (in 2009 RCI report; see Note 2) as current resources and Gungnir is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources.
Mr. Jari Paakki, M.Sc., P.Geo., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Paakki prepared the technical information contained in this news release and has approved its disclosure.
Notes:
1. From Blackstone Ventures Inc. news releases dated May 8, 2007 and June 23, 2008, SGU files/archived drill core and tables of historic drill hole intersections in RCI report.
2. The historical estimates are based on an NI 43-101 report entitled "TECHNICAL REPORT ON RESOURCE ESTIMATES FOR THE LAINEJAUR, LAPPVATTNET AND RORMYRBERGET ROR DEPOSITS, NORTHERN SWEDEN, prepared for Blackstone Ventures Inc. by Reddick Consulting Inc. (RCI), effective May 5, 2009 and filed on SEDAR on June 16, 2009 (RCI report). These historical estimates cannot be fully verified, and are only referred to in this news release as an indication of previously defined nickel mineralization. Gungnir has not taken steps to identify what work needs to be done to upgrade or verify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.
In the RCI report, historical resource estimates at Lappvattnet were estimated using a US$100 gross metal value (GMV) cut off using metal prices of US$8.00 for nickel, US$2.00 for copper, US$8.00 for cobalt. At Rormyrberget historical resources were estimated using a US$40 gross metal value (GMV) cut off using the same metal prices. At the Lappvattnet deposit RCI estimated the historical mineral resources using polygonal estimation methods whereas the historical mineral resources at the Rormyrberget deposit were estimated by RCI using by 3D computer block modelling and an Ordinary Kriging (OK) grade interpolation method. Historical mineral resources are not current mineral resources or mineral reserves and do not have any demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of the RCI historical mineral resources may be materially affected by commodity prices, environmental, permitting, legal, title, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. The quantity and grade of reported historical resources in the RCI estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these historical resources as current mineral resources and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The RCI historical mineral resources were estimated using the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions and adopted by CIM Council December 11, 2005. Further work recommended by RCI includes: metallurgical testing, undertaking a survey to obtain baseline environmental data, re-sampling of archived drill core and continued deposit definition drilling.
About Gungnir Resources
Gungnir Resources Inc. is a Canadian-based TSX-V listed mineral exploration company (GUG: TSX-V) with gold and base metal permits in northern Sweden within a region hosting 12 million ounces of gold delineated in existing and mined resources plus several past-producing and producing base metal mines. The Companys key gold project, Knaften, is situated at the southern extension of the Gold Line which hosts a number of gold deposits including Faboliden and Svartliden (Dragon Mining), and Barsele (Agnico Eagle and Barsele Minerals). The Company also has permits covering two nickel deposits in Sweden, Lappvattnet and Rormyrberget which collectively host 70 million pounds of nickel in historical resources (see NR dated February 24, 2015). Gungnir additionally holds a $5,000,000 royalty stream and received the first annual payment of $1,000,000 on May 2, 2017. The next annual payment of $1,000,000 is due on April 30, 2018. Further information about the Company and its properties may be found at www.gungnirresources.com or at www.sedar.com.
On behalf of the Board,
Jari Paakki, CEO and Director
For further information contact:
Jari Paakki, CEO
Tel: 705-507-4470
jpaakki@eastlink.ca
Chris Robbins, CFO
Tel: 604-683-0484
robbinscr@shaw.ca
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements made herein may contain forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved", or the negative of these words or comparable terminology. By their very nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual performance of the Company to be materially different from any anticipated performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements or information include, but are not limited to, statements or information with respect to Gungnir Resources plan for future funding, and exploration and development of its properties. Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of estimates and assumptions and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or information. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying estimates and assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. For example, there is no certainty, that any economically viable mineral deposit will be located on the properties, or that the Company will receive or be able to raise sufficient capital to complete all of its exploration programs. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements or information. Gungnir does not expect to update forward-looking statements or information continually as conditions change, except as may be required by securities law.
To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/Gungnir11282017.pdfSource: Gungnir Resources Inc. (TSX Venture:GUG)
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Copyright 2017 Filing Services Canada Inc.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov 28, 2017) - Galane Gold Ltd. ("Galane Gold" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:GG) is pleased to announce that as a result of it repaying in full the secured facility provided by Samsung C&T U.K. Limited that the associated security on its Mupane property has been discharged.
Galane Gold CEO, Nick Brodie commented: "The funding provided by Samsung for the development of the Tau underground has transformed Mupane with improvements in production, extension of its mine life and reduced operating costs.
The repayment of the Samsung facility, the only secured debt issued by Galane, and the discharge of the security held on the Mupane property will provide us with the opportunity to leverage the Mupane operations to assist us in the funding of the Galaxy project. With the intention to recommence the Galaxy operations at a sustainable production level of over 25,000 ounces of gold per annum at a cost per ounce of less than $800."(1)(2)(3)
About Galane Gold
Galane Gold is an un-hedged gold producer and explorer with mining operations and exploration tenements in Botswana and South Africa. Galane Gold is a public company and its shares are quoted on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "GG". Galane Gold's management team is comprised of senior mining professionals with extensive experience in managing mining and processing operations and large-scale exploration programmes. Galane Gold is committed to operating at world-class standards and is focused on the safety of its employees, respecting the environment, and contributing to the communities in which it operates.
Notes:
(1) This is forward-looking information and is based on a number of assumptions. See "Cautionary Notes". (2) The updated mine plan prepared by the Company in respect of the Tau property is based on internal reporting by the Company and not based on an independent feasibility study or pre-feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. (3) The updated mine plan prepared by the Company in respect of the Galaxy property is based on internal reporting by the Company and not based on an independent feasibility study or pre-feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability.
Cautionary Notes
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those regarding the Company's future financial position and results of operations, strategy, proposed acquisitions, plans, objectives, goals and targets, and any statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words "believe", "expect", "aim", "intend", "plan", "continue", "will", "may", "would", "anticipate", "estimate", "forecast", "predict", "project", "seek", "should" or similar expressions or the negative thereof, are forward-looking statements. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent only the Company's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from what is expressed, implied or forecasted in such forward-looking statements.
Additional factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially include, but are not limited to: the Company's dependence on two mineral projects; gold price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Botswana and South Africa; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to the Company's exploration, development and mining activities being situated in Botswana and South Africa; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks arising from the Company's fair value estimates with respect to the carrying amount of mineral interests; mining tax regimes; risks arising from holding derivative instruments; the Company's need to replace reserves depleted by production; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; lack of infrastructure; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; health risks in Africa; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners;
the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; risks related to restarting production; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; development of the Company's exploration properties into commercially viable mines; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; risks related to the market perception of junior gold companies; and litigation risk.Management provides forward-looking statements because it believes they provide useful information to investors when considering their investment objectives and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and other cautionary statements or factors contained herein, and there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect subsequent information, events or circumstances or otherwise, except as required by law.
Information of a technical and scientific nature that forms the basis of the disclosure in the press release has been approved by Charles Byron Pr. Sci. Nat., MAusIMM., MGSSA and Chief Geologist for Galane Gold, and a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
TSX.V: SCZ
FSE: 1SZ
VANCOUVER, Nov. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd. (TSX.V:SCZ) (the "Company" or "Santacruz") reports on the operating and financial results from the Rosario Project in San Luis Potosi, Mexico and the Veta Grande Project in Zacatecas, Mexico for the third quarter of 2017. The full version of the financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis can be viewed on the Company's website at www.santacruzsilver.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All amounts are in thousands of US dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Q3 Highlights:
Silver equivalent produced ounces of 231,162;
Head grade of 201 Ag Eqv. g/t;
In situ Veta Grande vein material developed at Level 6 of the Garcia Mine with higher head grades than the mineralized material from the Chorros.
"In the third quarter the Company dealt with production equipment challenges at both the Rosario Project and Veta Grande Project compounded by lower than expected head grades," stated Arturo Prestamo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Santacruz. "Importantly, at Veta Grande we successfully reached Level 6 where we are currently developing in situ mineralized material contained in pillars located in the Veta Grande vein. Preliminary assay results from chip samples collected across of this material are indicating higher grades." Prestamo continued, "At Rosario we reached Level 2 of the Membrillo Prospect where we again are seeing higher grades from preliminary assay results from chip samples collected across the main Membrillo vein. We remain focused on developing these key projects with anticipated improvement."
2017 Third Quarter Operational Highlights
Summary of Production Results 2017 Q3 (2) 2017 Q2 (2) 2016 Q3 (3) Material Processed (tonnes milled) 46,940 57,685 24,744 Silver eqv. ounce production (1) 231,162 270,659 164,924 Silver production (ounces) 88,234 89,243 76,168 Gold production (ounces) 394 472 86 Lead production (tonnes) 148 238 121 Zinc production (tonnes) 595 725 643 Average Head Grade (g/t Ag Eqv.) 201 207 252
Rosario Project Operational Results
Summary of Production Results 2017 Q3 (2) 2017 Q2 (2) 2016 Q3 (3) Material Processed (tonnes milled) 18,956 27,967 24,744 Silver eqv. ounce production (1) 127,689 124,717 164,924 Silver production (ounces) 26,274 33,181 76,168 Silver head grade (g/t) 51 42 102 Silver recovery (%) 85% 87.3% 94.2% Gold production (ounces) 328 298 86 Lead production (tonnes) 49 40 121 Zinc production (tonnes) 449 408 643 Average Head Grade (g/t Ag Eqv.) 241 172 252
Veta Grande Project Operational Results
Summary of Production Results 2017 Q3 (2) 2017 Q2 (2) Material Processed (tonnes milled) 27,984 29,718 Silver eqv. ounce production (1) 103,473 145,942 Silver production (ounces) 61,960 56,062 Silver head grade (g/t) 107 102 Silver recovery (%) 64.5% 63.8% Gold production (ounces) 66 174 Lead production (tonnes) 99 198 Zinc production (tonnes) 146 317 Average head grade (g/t Ag Eqv.) 174 218
(1) AgEqvOz=(Au*Pau)+(Ag*Pag)+(Pb*Ppb*2205)+(Zn*Pzn*2205)
(Pag)
(2) Metal Prices 2017: Ag $16.00, Au $1,150, Pb $0.90, Zn $1.15
(3) Metal Prices Q3 2016: Ag $14.50, Au $1,100, Pb $0.76, Zn $0.71
2017 Third Quarter Financial Highlights
2017 Q3 2017 Q2 2016 Q3 Financial
Revenue $1,798 $2,641 $3,026 Mine Operations Income (Loss) (4) $(1,819) $(1,827) $786 Net Income (Loss) $(5,899) $(8,485) $(11,064) Net Income (Loss) Per Share Basic ($/share) (0.04) (0.05) (0.08) Adjusted EBITDA (4) $(1,628) $(1,390) $869 Operating (1)
Material Processed (tonnes milled) 46,940 57,685 24,744 Silver Equivalent Produced (ounces) (1) 231,162 270,659 164,924 Silver Equivalent Sold (payable ounces) (2) 166,880 219,226 198,639 Production Cost per Tonne (3) 62.91 59.15 69.47 Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent ($/oz.) (3) 23.65 21.24 12.20 All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent ($/oz.) (3) 28.14 24.62 15.88 Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce ($/oz.) (2) (5) 16.85 17.17 19.10
(1) Silver equivalent ounces produced in 2017 have been calculated using prices of US$16.00/oz., US$1,150/oz., US$1.00/lb. and US$1.15/lb. for silver, gold, lead and zinc respectively applied to the metal content of the lead and zinc concentrates produced by the Rosario Project as well as by the Veta Grande Project. Silver equivalent ounces produced in 2016 have been calculated using prices of US$14.50/oz., US$1,100/oz., US$0.76/lb and US$0.71/lb for silver, gold, lead and zinc respectively applied to the metal content of the lead and zinc concentrates produced by the Rosario Project during the third quarter of 2016.
(2) Silver equivalent sold ounces have been calculated using the realized silver prices stated in the table above, applied to the payable metal content of the lead and zinc concentrates sold from the Rosario Project and Veta Grande Project
(3) The Company reports non-IFRS measures which include Production Cost per Tonne, Cash Cost per Silver Equivalent, All-in Sustaining Cost per Silver Equivalent and Average Realized Silver Price per Ounce. These measures are widely used in the mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and may differ from methods used by other companies with similar descriptions.
(4) The Company reports additional non-IFRS measures which include Mine Operations Income (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA. These additional financial disclosure measures are intended to provide additional information.
(5) Average realized silver price per ounce is prior to all treatment, smelting and refining charges.
Financial Results
The Company recorded a net loss of $5,899 in Q3 2017 compared to a net loss of $11,064 in Q3 2016. The decrease in net loss relates largely to an impairment charge of $4,350 on the Rosario Project during Q3 2017 as compared to an impairment charge of $16,688 recorded with respect to the San Felipe Property offset by a gain on settlement of debt of $6,377 during Q3 2016.
Revenues in Q3 2017 decreased by $1,228 (41%) as compared to Q3 2016 primarily as a result of a 24% decrease in the silver equivalent ounces sold combined with a decrease in the realized silver price.
Production costs of $2,933 recorded during the current quarter increased by $1,278 as compared to Q3 2016. The increase reflects $1,644 of production costs from the Veta Grande Project in Q3 2017 (Q3 2016 - $nil) offset in part by a decrease in production costs ($366) at the Rosario Project due to lower production.
The operations for Q3 2017 resulted in a negative gross margin of $1,819 (2016 positive gross margin of $786). This decrease in gross margin is primarily the result of decreased revenues during the current quarter as discussed above, along with an increase in operating costs due to the addition of the Veta Grande Project.
Operational Results and Costs
Rosario Project
In Q3 2017 silver equivalent production from the Rosario Project increased by 2% (2,972 ounces) compared to Q2 2017 as a result of higher head grades offset by lower mill throughput tonnage. Compared to Q3 2016 the silver equivalent production decreased by 23% from 164,924 ounces to 127,689 ounces. The decrease reflects the 23% decrease in tonnes milled.
The lower mill throughput tonnage realized in Q3 2017 reflects reduced availability of certain production equipment due to working capital constraints and a heavier than normal rainy season that slowed mining operations in both August and September. With the completion of the sale of the Gavilanes property in August the Company was able to put all production equipment back in service by quarter end.
The cash operating cost per tonne of mineralized material processed ($68.68/t) was virtually unchanged from Q2 2017 ($68.80/t). The Q3 2017 unit costs were higher than expected due to the low production volume. Compared to Q3 2016, cash cost of production per tonne stayed consistent as the percentage decrease in cash cost of production was matched by an equivalent percentage decrease in production tonnage.
Cash cost of production per silver equivalent ounce sold decreased by 17% in Q3 2017 to $20.40/oz as compared to $24.64/oz in Q2 2017. This change in unit costs is due primarily to the 32% decrease in mineralized material processed that resulted in in a decrease of production costs offset by a higher head grade of silver, gold, lead, and zinc. Compared to Q3 2016, cash cost of production per silver equivalent ounce increased by 67% reflecting the significantly lower head grades of silver, lead and zinc and lower recoveries of silver and lead realized in Q3 2017.
All-in sustaining cash cost of production per silver equivalent ounce sold decreased by 15% in Q3 2017 to $24.33/oz as compared to $28.69/oz in Q2 2017. This change in unit costs is again due to the decrease (32%) in production costs during the quarter offset by a 3% decrease in payable ounces sold. Compared to Q3 2016, the all-in sustaining cash cost of production per silver equivalent ounce increased by 53% reflecting significantly lower head grades of silver, lead and zinc and lower recoveries of silver and lead offset by a higher recovery of zinc realized in Q3 2017.
Veta Grande Project
At the Veta Grande Project, silver equivalent production in Q3 2017 decreased by 29% to 103,473 ounces as compared to Q2 2017. The decrease reflects a 6% decrease in tonnes milled combined with a 20% decrease in average silver equivalent head grade. The throughput tonnage decrease occurred because of an extensive maintenance period on one of the ball mills during September (approximately three weeks). The decrease in head grade reflects the results of mining lower grade Chorros as well as experiencing reduced mill feed from the higher grade Armados vein. In early November two sections of unmined Veta Grande vein at Level 6 were encountered, both believed to be pillars left by previous mine operators. Preliminary assay results from chip samples collected across the in situ vein material in the pillars returned higher grades than grades currently being realized from the Chorros. In addition, the bulk density of the in situ vein material is expected to be greater than the bulk density of the Chorros as the Chorros are comprised of unconsolidated mineralized material and void space.
The cash operating cost per tonne of mineralized material processed increased by 18% in Q3 2017 to $59.07 as compared to $50.07 in Q2 2017 as the result of an 11% increase in cash operating costs combined with a 6% decrease in tonnes milled. The operating cost increase reflects a combination of the foreign exchange impact of a strengthened Mexican peso versus US dollar in Q3 2017 as well as increased costs for stope development at the Armados vein.
Cash cost of production per silver equivalent ounce sold increased by 50% in Q3 2017 to $27.77/oz as compared to $18.57/oz in Q2 2017. This change in unit costs reflects in part the cash operating cost increase described above as well as a 40% decrease in silver equivalent ounces sold from lower head grades described above, offset by a decrease in treatment, smelting and refining costs during the quarter.
All-in sustaining cash cost of production per silver equivalent ounce sold increased by 54% in Q3 2017 to $32.98/oz as compared to $21.42/oz in Q2 2017. This change occurred for the same reasons that the cash cost of production per silver equivalent ounce sold increased.
About Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
Santacruz is a Mexican focused silver company with two producing silver projects (Rosario, including the Cinco Estrellas property and Membrillo Prospect, and the right to operate the Veta Grande silver project and milling facility); and two exploration properties including the Minillas property and Zacatecas properties. The Company is managed by a technical team of professionals with proven track records in developing, operating and discovering silver mines in Mexico. Our corporate objective is to become a mid-tier silver producer.
'signed'
Arturo Prestamo Elizondo,
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward looking information
Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions. In making the forward-looking statements included in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events, that third party mineralized material to be milled by the Company will have properties consistent with management's expectations, that the Company will receive all required regulatory approvals, and that future metal prices and the demand and market outlook for metals will remain stable or improve. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in lower revenue, higher cost, or lower production levels; delays and/or cessation in planned work; changes in the Company's financial condition and development plans; delays in regulatory approval; risks associated with the interpretation of data (including in respect of the third party mineralized material) regarding the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law.
Rosario Project
The decisions to commence production at the Rosario Mine, Cinco Estrellas Property and Membrillo Prospect were not based on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability, but rather on a more preliminary estimate of inferred mineral resources. Accordingly, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with this production decision. Production and economic variables may vary considerably, due to the absence of a complete and detailed site analysis according to and in accordance with NI 43-101.
Veta Grande Project
The decision to commence production at Veta Grande Project was not based on a feasibility study on mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with this production decision. Production and economic variables may vary considerably due to the absence of a complete and detailed site analysis according to and in accordance with NI 43-101.
SOURCE Santacruz Silver Mining Ltd.
Within living memory, this part of the world, framed by White Mountain peaks and garlanded by firs and hemlock, was the sturdy redoubt of the old conservatism. There was linguistic irony to the ideology that prevailed here -- think of it as the conservatism of the conifers -- because in these mountain fastnesses nothing was worshiped quite so much as the slowness of change.
These days conservatism has a different velocity, and in this corner of the North Country -- amid these cathedrals of pines -- the contrast between the old conservatism and the new couldn't be more vivid, especially so in this season of change, where just the other day the hills were pockmarked by snow and a few hours later the rains fell.
That was the old conservatism: hesitant, even tentative change. The new conservatism, on display 500 miles to the south in Washington, D.C., is marked by lurches of change -- swift, transformative change, the kind that substituted the old conservatism of the Bush ascendancy for the new conservatism of the Tea Party, the Freedom Caucus and, on some days but not all, the Trump administration.
This week the Senate, constructed by the Founders not as a foundry of change but as a bulwark against it, will consider tax overhaul. The House -- in a hurry, devoting a mere two weeks to transforming a tax system a third of a century old -- passed its own version earlier this month, and the Senate, the place where time is forgotten, is girding to have its say. Either way, the drive for tax overhaul is a drive for dramatic change -- and it offers important lessons about the new world order of American politics. Some of it may even please liberals, though they will be chary of admitting it. The key questions:
-- (BEGIN ITALICS) Are the Republicans producing a tax bill that represents dramatic reform, or are they talking populist language while serving the party's traditional corporate allies? (END ITALICS)
For ages the Republicans were the party of big business, even when their leaders had no roots in what we today describe as the wealthiest 1 percent. Sen. Bob Dole, the quintessential Republican of the last age, was no plutocrat; his father ran a butter and egg station in Russell, Kansas, and as a young county attorney he had to sign his grandparents' welfare checks.
The GOP's transformation began with the Newt Gingrich revolution of 1994, when the party's focus began to change from big business to small business. That is why the cri de coeur of Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin was so significant. The Republican is a Paul Ryan ally, but, more important, he is a small businessman, having run his family's plastics manufacturing company before joining the Senate in 2011.
Johnson's cause is the legislation's treatment of so-called "pass-through" businesses, which account for 90 percent of the country's businesses. These are taxed at the individual rate, not the corporate rate. As a result, the legislation would tax these operations at 32 percent rather than the 20 percent big companies must pay.
Bottom line: The Johnson rebellion is a test of whether the new GOP is the servant of its traditional corporate constituency, or whether it is a more populist political force responsive to the interests of the majority of Americans in the private sector who work for small businesses.
-- (BEGIN ITALICS) Will the Republican rebels who talk about "draining the swamp" face down the rebellion from some of the biggest swamp-dwellers in the capital? (END ITALICS)
Among the alligators, tadpoles and mosquito larvae in the Washington swamp sits the home real-estate industry, which has enjoyed the deductibility of home interest for more than a century and which continues to argue that the mortgage interest deduction is the rock upon which the American Dream is built. For decades its lobbyists have argued that removing this tax break would put home ownership beyond the means of millions, when in fact this provision disproportionately benefits the wealthy. Besides, according to a Swiss Finance Institute study, the rate of home ownership in Canada, Britain and Australia, where such interest is not deductible, exceeds that of the United States.
Bottom line: If lawmakers bow to this giant special interest, they will signal they are willing to talk the easy populist language but are unwilling to walk the difficult populist trail.
-- (BEGIN ITALICS) Trump and his Capitol Hill allies are at war with the way Washington works. But are they embracing one of the governing principles of the capital, which is that tax bills and budgets need not be honest, and that the calculations of the effect of legislation in the "out years" can be as phony as the legislation's authors need it to be? (END ITALICS)
For generations lawmakers have supported legislation that they knew rested on fraudulent economic assumptions and accounting tricks. These contrivances have been favored by congressional leaders of both parties.
The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation already has warned that the bill the Senate will consider this week would actually raise taxes on families with incomes under $75,000 -- a conclusion that leading GOP figures contest. But it is incontrovertible that the legislation calls for the bulk of the tax cuts to expire in 2025, which is a wily dodge; it allows lawmakers to skirt a congressional rule prohibiting bills requiring only a Senate majority from adding to the deficit after the passage of a decade's time. Moreover, a study by the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget found that the bill has a full $515 billion in gimmicks and would add $2.2 trillion to the deficit.
Bottom line: These maneuvers are the algae that are the very foodstuff of the swamp animals Trump and his allies are sworn to eliminate. The chances that the tax bill that goes to the president's desk before Christmas will be algae-free? Slim.
That is a conclusion that both Republican rebels and Republican regulars should deplore, and one that Democratic lawmakers will take exception to even though they practiced the same deception games when they were in power. Viewed that way, there is little difference between Obamacare's claim that Americans could keep their doctors and Trump's claim that tax overhaul is a populist imperative.
David M. Shribman is executive editor of the Post-Gazette (dshribman@post-gazette.com, 412 263-1890). Follow him on Twitter at ShribmanPG.
For as long as there have been cities and state legislatures in this country, the cities have complained that the legislatures give them a raw deal. For most of the nations history, of course, they had an obvious reason to complain: Legislatures were malapportioned in favor of rural interests. Cities didnt get anything close to the number of seats that population alone would have entitled them to.Theres plenty of evidence, however, that malapportionment wasnt the whole problem. If it had been, it would have been solved by the U.S. Supreme Courts one person, one vote mandate in the 1960s. But in the half-century since then, urban frustration at the hands of unfriendly legislatures has remained constant. Urban lawmakers, especially in the biggest states, continually lament having to endure second-class legislative treatment even on bills that pertain only to their cities.Why would this happen? In New York, they dont have much doubt about why it happens: The state has one mammoth metropolis, and legislators from everywhere else in the state enjoy sticking it to the Big Apple whenever they get a chance. It explains why, a few years ago, an upstate legislator blocked a bill to allow traffic enforcement cameras even though there wouldnt have been a single one outside New York City. It also explains why the city cant even run its subway system without legislative approval.But you find similar frustrations in states with entirely different demographic balances. Take Pennsylvania, for example. In the legislature there, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have long suffered not so much because the rest of the state dislikes them but because they dislike each other. Much of the dysfunction that has gripped Harrisburg in recent years is traceable to the inability of the states two biggest cities to reach common ground, or even work together. Something similar might be said about the inability of St. Louis and Kansas City to cooperate in the Missouri General Assembly.Then there are the states that have too many large cities for their own good. Florida is a highly urbanized state, and its reasonable to suppose that, given a little coordination, Miami, Orlando, Tampa-St. Petersburg and Jacksonville ought to be in a good position to make progress on an urban agenda. But it doesnt seem to work that way. Legislators from the different cities tend to be isolated from each other. Ask a member from Miami whats going on in Jacksonville and you might as well be asking about the latest news from Bulgaria. Fragmentation can be as much of a problem for urban interests as resentment against one metropolis or friction between two of them.But is all of this pent-up city frustration legitimate, or is a lot of it just a matter of making excuses for embarrassing defeat? Its a tantalizing question. As it happens, two political scientists have spent much of the past decade looking for the answer.Gerald Gamm of the University of Rochester and Thad Kousser of the University of California, San Diego, took on the monumental task of examining the fate of 1,736 pieces of legislation in 13 states over 120 years. All of the bills dealt with issues affecting one particular big city in a given state, so rural and suburban legislators had no practical reason to oppose them. Nevertheless, they did. Gamm and Kousser found that big-city bills were approved at a rate 15 to 20 percentage points lower than other pieces of legislation. The great narrative in urban politics, they concluded. has been a story of unremitting hostility.In making that judgment, the two were reinforcing the view held by a large group of scholars over more than a century. Not only do state legislatures interfere with the fundamental rights and pettiest details of city affairs, the political scientist Charles Beard wrote in 1912, but their consent is required for some of the most insignificant undertakings of municipal government. Gamm and Kousser demonstrate that Beard was right about the early 20th century, and he was right about the early 21st as well: Cities get cheated in legislative politics. And the more that a single city dominates its state, the more often it loses in the legislature. You might call that the Gotham Syndrome.But the results still beg the question of what sets this prejudice in motion. Why would a rural lawmaker from upstate New York go out of his way to squelch legislation that has zero effect on him or his constituents? Gamm and Kousser looked into several different possibilities.The most obvious culprit would be partisanship. Over most of the past century, big cities have been Democratic and the hinterlands have been largely Republican. Voting against the city could be a simple way of punishing the opposing party. Surprisingly, Gamm and Kousser didnt think this was much of a factor. They found that big-city bills had about the same chance of success whether they were sponsored by a member of the majority party or by someone from the minority.Ethnicity mattered more. When the citys population was largely foreign born, its elected representatives suffered from a nativist reaction that helped to sink their local legislative agenda. On this reasoning, you would expect New York City to have lost in the legislature more often over the years than, say, Indianapolis, where the ethnic differences between city and state were minor. And, indeed, this seems to have been the case.But the factor that hurt cities most of all in their legislative efforts was one I never would have guessed. It was the sheer size of the urban delegations. The more seats a city had in a legislative chamber, the more conflicting opinions its representatives were likely to offer. And when legislators from the same city disagreed with each other, those from the rest of the state were inclined to dismiss their legislative goals altogether. As Gamm and Kousser put it, much of the urban failure was due not to hostility but to the complications of getting a large delegation to speak with a single voice.That sounds odd, but given the meticulous character of the research these scholars did, I think it has to be taken seriously. What I find myself wondering is whether their research explains the world that cities and legislatures are currently living in. The two political scientists studied the years between 1880 and 2000. Could it be that the politics of 2017 are built around a different set of tensions?A few weeks ago, I asked Kousser if he thought the conclusions of his research applied to the present. He gave me a cautiously mixed answer. On the one hand, he said, the conflict between urban interests and legislative power is too deeply ingrained in American politics to disappear. Its a continual fight, he told me, between cities and capitols. But he conceded that something new was happening. The legislatures seem fraught with open hostility in a way they havent been in the past. Legislatures arent just holding up urban requests these days; theyre preempting cities from taking action on a whole range of major subjects. Missouri wont let St. Louis raise its minimum wage; North Carolina is blocking Charlotte from enacting LGBT protections; Tennessee doesnt want Nashville to build a light rail system. Texas would prefer that its cities not do much of anything at all.If the Gamm-Kousser project were being revisited now, it would likely place more emphasis on partisanship than it did a few years ago. Thats because the parties themselves have become much more ideological and polarized. During most of the 20th century, there was considerable overlap in most legislatures. Nearly all Democratic legislatures had a sizable contingent of liberal Republicans; Republican legislatures had their share of conservative Democrats. Party labels didnt matter all that much when urban priorities came up. Other factors were more important. But that balance has largely eroded in the past decade. Promoting an urban agenda in a legislature these days means challenging basic conservative values in a way it never did before. As Kousser puts it, What were seeing is the blue city in the red state having trouble getting things done.There are ways around this, at least in theory. Urban delegations could work harder in legislatures to build alliances with their suburban colleagues, especially those from inner suburbia where the challenges are increasingly similar to the ones cities face. Myron Orfield, a Democrat who used to represent Minneapolis in the state legislature, has been preaching this for a few decades now. But it has been very slow to develop, if it is developing at all. When Democratic Charlotte found itself bullied a couple of years ago by Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly, the Charlotte suburbs werent any help. In fact, some of the members who led the anti-Charlotte blitz came from districts just outside the city limits.So its probably appropriate to shed some tears over the fate of cities in the legislatures of the past century and those of today. For most of that time, malapportionment deprived them of their rightful representation. By the time one person, one vote came in, they were losing so much population to the suburbs that the reapportionment windfall didnt help all that much. Now they find themselves marooned, many of them, as islands of progressive politics in an ocean of anti-urban resentment. If Rodney Dangerfield were still around, hed know what to say about it.
As Congress faces a Dec. 8 deadline for passing a 2018 budget and avoiding a government shutdown, it's so far ignoring many of President Trump's budget requests as they relate to state-run programs for the poor.The White House, for example, wants to terminate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (which helps families pay monthly heat and air conditioning bills), but the House and Senate appropriations subcommittees have passed bills that leave its funding at the same level. The White House wants to cut $200 million from the Women, Infants and Children program (which aims to improve the nutrition of expecting and new mothers), but the Senate appropriations bill leaves its funding alone. The White House wants to cut about $310 million from its rental vouchers program, but the House and Senate appropriations bills call for the opposite -- about $1 billion more in the Senate version and $355 million more in the House version.While those anti-poverty discretionary programs appear safe for now, funding for the biggest state-run anti-poverty programs -- cash welfare and food stamps -- is set by laws outside the appropriations process that's happening on Capitol Hill right now, and both Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress want to make major changes to them in the future.In his budget proposal released in May, Trump also called for shrinking federal grants to states for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF, better known as cashwelfare) and tightening eligibility rules for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, often called food stamps). The president also wants states to start matching federal SNAP dollars. Both of these programs are considered "mandatory" spending, rather than discretionary, and are funded through separate laws, including the farm bill.If enacted, the Trump budget would be significantly more radical than welfare reform in 1996, says Elizabeth Lower-Basch, a director of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) who also worked as a lead welfare policy analyst at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Servicesin the late 1990s and early 2000s.Although Congress is so far disregarding the president's requests in the appropriations process, that could change -- this year or in future years.In its broad 10-year budget resolution adopted in October, Congress pledged to cut $800 billion in non-defense discretionary spending by 2027, an 18 percent reduction. The plan doesn't detail which agencies or programs would be cut, but cuts that deep would inevitably affect anti-poverty programs. Plus, Trump's plans for TANF and SNAP mirror those of many conservative lawmakers and are likely to be seriously considered.In its 10-year budget plan, the Trump administration goes further than Congress, hoping to cut $1.5 trillion from non-defense discretionary spending over the next decade, which would be a 41 percent reduction.A think tank's new report illustrates for the first time how those proposed cuts and changes to discretionary and mandatory programs could impact the poor.According to the Urban Institute, roughly 28 million households could see an average reduction of $1,230 a year in government assistance for child care, housing and food, pushing 3.5 million people into poverty.Roughly one in five households would be affected by the proposals, according to the Urban Institute. People of color would be more likely to see some kind of reduction in benefits than their white peers. Only 15.5 percent of white households would feel the impact, compared to 34.9 percent of black households and 29.4 percent of Hispanic households. But because whites are still the largest racial or ethnic group in the U.S., they represent more than half of those who would be affected.These proposals would also force states to make difficult decisions about whether to fill budget holes left by the federal government, likely at the expense of other priorities, such as education and health care services -- or whether to shrink or eliminate some services, wrote CLASP's executive director, Olivia Golden, in August.Presidential and congressional budget plans, however, should be taken with a grain of salt. Historically, as evidenced by this year's appropriations bills, they aren't fully executed.But the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning think tank, noted in an October report that the proposals are still important because "they provide a roadmap for the kinds of cuts Republican leaders intend to make" after they move on from tax legislation, which is likely to result in less tax revenue and the need to make more spending cuts.Brian Bowden, who lobbies Congress on health issues for the National Association for Counties (NACo), is concerned that when Congress takes up the farm bill next spring, it will consider some of the changes to the food stamps program."We do think [the proposals] are troubling signs of a weakening of the federal state-local partnership," he says. "It ups the ante for us to educate Congress and the administration on the impacts at the local level."The House and Senate are still in the process of reconciling their spending bills for the 2018 fiscal year. With the Dec. 8 deadline looming, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have floated the possibility of a short-term stopgap to extend negotiations into the month.Regardless of how funding for 2018 shapes up, the Urban Institute's report shows the human impact of deep, long-term budget cuts being contemplated by GOP leaders.When you talk about budget proposals in the hundreds of billions of dollars, people have trouble wrapping their minds around what that means," says Elaine Waxman, a co-author of the report. If the changes go through, she says, "it will affect a lot of folks."
Saying Cardinal Innovations "acted unlawfully" in giving its ousted CEO $1.7 million in severance, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services on Monday took over the Charlotte-based agency.The state DHHS also fired the board that gave a total of $3.8 million in severance to CEO Richard Topping and three other departing managers."For people to approve those kind of payout options and for people to accept those kind of payout(s) is in my opinion immoral," said state Rep. Nelson Dollar, a Cary Republican who chairs the House committee that oversees Cardinal.State lawmakers, meanwhile, vowed to void the severance packages or get the money back.DHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen outlined the takeover in a letter to lawmakers."DHHS staff will be on site at Cardinal Innovations and will work closely with interim CEO, Trey Sutten, and other Cardinal staff to manage and stabilize the organization, hire additional executive team members, and develop a corrective action plan to bring Cardinal into compliance with all applicable laws," she wrote."Executive leadership who are in the process of leaving the organization (including former CEO Richard Topping) will not be permitted on the premises of Cardinal during this time."Topping was scheduled to leave this Friday.Cardinal is the largest of the state's seven managed care organizations. Known as Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organizations, or LME/MCOs, they contract with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to manage treatment networks for mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse.Cardinal offers services for people with disabilities, mental health needs and substance abuse in 20 counties including Mecklenburg.In May, State Auditor Beth Wood ripped Cardinal for spending on CEO pay as well as on lavish Christmas parties and board retreats, charter flights for executives and "questionable" credit card purchases, including alcohol. Her report said all that threatened to "erode public trust."Last week Cardinal came under fire again for a $1.7 million severance package to Topping. It also paid another $2.1 million to three other departing executives.One lawmaker said the state already is working on ways to get money back from the departed executives."There have been lawyers working for some time on the ability to claw back the severance packages," said Republican Sen. Tommy Tucker of Union County, "and we have every intention of doing so."Cohen said no one at Cardinal beyond those who had severance packages had lost their job. Dollar, the lawmaker, praised most Cardinal employees."There are a lot of great people at Cardinal who are dedicated to serving the families and serving the patients," he said. "Unfortunately the board and the leadership of the organization have clearly lost sight of the mission ... of serving those families and individuals who are most in need."In October, the state Health and Human Services agency's Office of the Internal Auditor released a 17-page report that criticized Cardinal's severance packages for being offered for longer than similar entities and offering severance pay to 10 employees other than the CEO.The review found that four of seven similar quasi-government groups, including Cardinal, offer severance packages. Three do not offer payouts at all.Cardinal board chair Lucy Drake defended the packages. "We always pay market," she said. "The last CEO was paid market. Our bonuses were market."Drake said the takeover concerns her."I worry about the employees, I worry about the providers," she said, adding "And I worry also about the members that we serve because my son's one of them."Another board member, Mecklenburg County commissioner George Dunlap, said he's not surprised by the state action. He said other board members "just didn't get it.""It has been extremely difficult for them to understand the urgency with which decisions have to be made and the kinds of decisions that had to be made," Dunlap said. "They just didn't get it. It was more about a fight: 'We're not going to be controlled'."Client advocates blasted the board."Cardinal's board had demonstrated that they weren't exhibiting the proper attention to the consumers who so desperately need these services," said Vicki Smith, executive director of Disability Rights NC, adding "DHHS took a bold step to insure that the people who needed services continued to get them."Cardinal's actions have been a pattern of noncompliance with the rules and regulations surrounding spending, Cohen said. "The organization just kept taking steps in the wrong direction."Cohen said that the takeover will not interrupt service to consumers or payments to providers. The takeover will be a short period of time to stabilize the organization, she said."We really do mean temporary," Cohen said.This year Cardinal is getting $100 million in state and federal funds from the sate Division of Mental Health. It's also getting $721 million in Medicaid funds, a third of which comes from state money.Lawmakers say Cardinal's troubles are not an indictment of the LME/MCO system."The system is fundamentally sound," said Dollar. "And what the leadership at Cardinal was unfortunately doing in seeming being more interested in serving themselves, that's a reflection on them."
The state parole board is changing how it interprets Virginia's three-strikes law in a way that could free hundreds of inmates -- many of them nonviolent -- who are serving prison terms significantly longer than the typical first-degree murderer, the board's chairwoman said Saturday.The announcement comes after a Virginian-Pilot investigative story reported that a high percentage of three-strikes inmates have served two to three decades in prison for crimes in which no one was injured. The majority of inmates interviewed by The Pilot had never been to prison before and committed their crimes in a single spree.Reached on a prison phone Saturday night, three-striker Leonard Outlaw, who has been incarcerated for 33 years, choked back emotion and repeatedly offered his thanks after learning of the parole board's changes."This is a chance for me to live life. The things I've been dreaming about doing, I actually have a chance to do, like play with my grandchildren," said Outlaw, 53, from Chesapeake. "You gave me life, man. These people killed me."Adrianne Bennett, the parole board's chairwoman, said in an interview Saturday that the board is making two major changes to its interpretation of the 1982 three-strikes law under which the inmates were deemed parole ineligible.The changes have already been made in practice -- as the board has discretion to do -- but will also be codified in revisions to the written policy if the governor's office approves it, Bennett said.A spokesman for Gov. Terry McAuliffe did not return a call seeking comment for this story.While the state Department of Corrections classified the inmates as three-strikers -- which significantly lengthened their prison terms -- the parole board has had the authority to overturn the DOC's three-strikes decisions since 1993."It's huge," Bennett said of the changes. "It's likely that there certainly could be quite a few people that are overturned -- their parole eligibility determination by DOC is overturned -- and they're good candidates for parole and they get released."The most significant change she outlined is that the parole board will only uphold offenders' classification as three-strikers if their offenses were separated by time "at liberty." In other words, only offenders who wound up in and out of prison repeatedly would continue to be ineligible for parole. Inmates who committed their crimes in the same stretch of time -- and who had never been to prison before -- could be heading home soon.The three-strikes law in question states that offenders have to be convicted of three "separate" offenses of murder, rape or robbery.The Virginian-Pilot interviewed more than 40 three-strikes inmates, including many from Hampton Roads, for its Nov. 19 article. Most of them committed robberies in the same brief stretch in their late teens or 20s. With the parole board's shift, all of those inmates would become eligible for parole and could potentially be released in the coming months.Another key change: The parole board is now requiring that, in order for robberies to qualify as three-strikes offenses, the inmate must have been convicted of a weapons possession charge.The 1982 three-strikes law states that, for robbery, a qualifying offense is "robbery by the presenting of firearms or other deadly weapon." But the DOC and parole board have counted robberies as strikes if an offender merely implied or pretended that he or she was armed and was never convicted of a weapons charge in connection with the crimes.The parole board's shift in practice could affect more than 200 inmates who have been in the Virginia prison system for decades. There are about 260 three-strikers behind bars, and, based on The Pilot's reporting, the vast majority of them likely were not "at liberty" between their crimes.Bennett, a lawyer from Virginia Beach, said she submitted the board's proposed policy changes to Brian Moran, Virginia's secretary of public safety, on Nov. 16 -- the day before The Pilot published its investigative report online.She said she had hoped that the changes could have been implemented prior to the article's publication. The Pilot spent more than three months reporting the story."Your article did push us to prioritize the three-strikes issue," she said.Bennett granted The Pilot an interview on Sept. 14 for its original story. At that time, she said inmates did not have to be "at liberty" between their offenses to qualify as three-strikers. She also said she believed that such a condition "has never ... ever been a part of the language associated with the three-strikes offenders that we're dealing with now."Weeks later, she hinted that major policy changes were afoot but did not agree to speak on the record about them before the article's publication.In her interview Saturday, Bennett said she considers Nov. 16 as the date that the parole board put the new changes into practice. The board didn't meet that day, she said, but its five members had each agreed to the proposed changes to the written policy by then.Other members of the parole board did not return calls seeking comment or could not be reached.Bennett said the board's interpretation of the three-strikes law has concerned her since she became a member in 2015. But it wasn't until the newest member, Joni Ivey, joined the board in September, she said, that the panel reached a unanimous decision to make the changes that she described Saturday.Bennett said since January she and at least two other board members had, as the majority, voted to reverse the parole eligibility of more than 10 three-strikers. Some of those inmates also were granted parole.She did not report that to the Pilot in the September interview. In October, she did not respond to a request by The Pilot for records that would identify any such cases. The parole board does not have to comply with the state's public records law.While it is parole board policy that three-strikes offenders are allowed only one appeal, Bennett said in light of the new changes all three-strikers can now contact the board for reconsideration of their status.A three-striker's parole eligibility can be restored in as little as a couple of weeks, Bennett said. Once ruled eligible, inmates could be granted parole in four to eight weeks, she said. Inmates selected for release would be those who are not deemed risks to the public, she added.The parole board's shift is seismic, considering that its three-strikes policy hasn't been changed since 1995. But board policies can be altered as members, appointed by the governor, come and go with every gubernatorial election.The way to ensure that such changes stick would be to revise the 1982 three-strikes law itself. And a state senator from Northern Virginia told The Pilot this week that he plans to submit legislation to do that.Sen. Scott Surovell, whose district includes parts of Fairfax, Prince William and Stafford counties, said he initiated the process Tuesday.His planned amendment, if passed, would add language that inmates could no longer be classified as three-strikers unless they were "at liberty" between their three offenses.The state's current three-strikes law, which essentially replaced the 1982 one, does require that inmates' three offenses be separated by periods of freedom. But that law didn't apply retroactively to the men and women, convicted between 1982 and 1995, who were deemed parole-ineligible under the earlier law."To me, that would solve the problem," said Surovell, who was elected to the Senate in November 2015.Del. Marcus Simon, a former Army prosecutor, described the 1982 three-strikes law as a "legal gimmick" that needs to be changed."It sells, and it's a gimmick, but that's not a good way to make policy," said Simon, a Democrat from Fairfax County. "When you make policy around slogan and campaign gimmicks and things that grab headlines, it goes to show you that you can have some pretty poor results and bad policy decisions."Probably no lawmaker in Virginia is better suited to offer his or her opinion on the three-strikes law than Republican Del. Chris Jones of Suffolk. In 1987, a drug-addicted woman named Sue Kennon tried to rob Jones' pharmacy with a broken handgun. Jones pulled a concealed firearm and shot her in the shoulder. Kennon survived.She served 14 years in prison for four robberies before the parole board restored her parole eligibility and granted her release in 2001. The three-strikers interviewed by The Pilot weren't as fortunate, and plenty have served at least twice as much prison time as Kennon.Jones said he would generally approve of a bill that added an "at liberty" requirement for three-strikers, with two conditions: that the parole board continue to have the final say in the matter, and that victims of the crimes have an opportunity to give feedback to the board."I think it's something that should be revisited," Jones said of the law. "It should be on a case-by-case basis, if they have been a model inmate."Across the Elizabeth River in Portsmouth, Del. Stephen Heretick described the plight of three-strikers as "mind-boggling.""You've got murderers getting in and out in less time than this, so exactly what is this proportional to?" said Heretick, a Democrat. "I don't think that anybody looking at that (Pilot) article, and looking at these facts, believes in their heart that this is a fair, or a just or a moral result."
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GIS - 28 November, 2017: The Salon Dete Visual Arts Exhibition 2017, which is at its tenth edition, was launched by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Ivan Collendavelloo yesterday at the National Art Gallery at Le Plaza, at the Town Hall of the Municipal Council of Beau-Bassin/ Rose-hill. The Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government and Outer Islands, Mrs Fazila Jeewa-Daureeawoo , the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, along with several personalities were present on the occasion. TheVisual Arts Exhibition 2017, which is at its tenth edition, was launched by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr Ivan Collendavelloo yesterday at the National Art Gallery at Le Plaza, at the Town Hall of the Municipal Council of Beau-Bassin/ Rose-hill.
In his address the Acting Prime Minister said that the exhibition provides a platform that fosters thriving artistic creativity and offers opportunities for artists to showcase their talents. He commended the undertakings of the Ministry of Arts and Culture for spearheading such initiatives and added that this endeavour will undoubtedly bolster the cultural wave on the local landscape.
Moreover, he recalled that the renovation of the historical Plaza building underpins Governments objective to promote local artists and celebrate Fine Arts in addition to uplifting the status of artists in the society.
According to Mr Collendavelloo, this undertaking heralds a fresh start in the field of arts in Mauritius. The underlying essence of the National Art Gallery should be anchored in the artistic senses and reflections that are free from the pressures and constraints of bureaucracy, he said, adding that the support derived from the Government should not instil subservience in their work wherein only creativity should prevail. He reiterated that the opportunities being offered will ensure that the next generation of artists will view the profession with pride.
On the same occasion, the Acting Prime Minister proceeded with the launch of the National Art Gallery 2017 catalogue.
For his part, Minister Roopun highlighted that the exhibition provides an important platform for showcasing of local artistic talents. He underscored the importance of giving artists their due recognition, consolidating their status and increasing their visibility.
To this end, he said, his Ministry is providing incentives to artists to open avenues to harness their potential and talents while also promoting their creativity, and artistic skills. Minister Roopun highlighted that the exhibition is part of the various initiatives which aim at giving a new thrust to Fine Arts in the country. It is imperative that the works of local artists are brought in the limelight, and they are able to expose and sell their artworks, he added.
Mr Roopun enumerated the initiatives of Government to provide the necessary support and empowerment to artists in their cultural undertakings. These include, securing and defending the rights of artists with forthcoming changes at the Mauritius Society of Authors and the Copyright Bill as well as providing more space and infrastructure for exhibitions amongst others. On that score, he also announced the setting up of an Art Fund that will provide financial grants to spearhead various artistic activities.
Salon Dete Visual Arts Exhibition 2017
The Salon Dete Visual Arts Exhibition 2017 which aims at showing local artistic talents is organised by the National Art Gallery in the context of ongoing celebrations for the 50 th independence of the country. The National Art Gallery has given local artists the freedom to choose their own theme for their artwork in a bid to represent the multicultural society. Sixty-two artworks produced by several artists showcasing different techniques, styles and concepts are being exhibited.
Description
GIS 28 November, 2017: The formulation of the Pole of Innovation Grant Scheme by the Mauritius Research Council (MRC) is in line with Government strategy to harness new ventures to boost growth and make of Mauritius an innovation-driven high income economy.
The Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden, made this statement today at the opening ceremony, at Cyber Tower 1, Cybercity in Ebene, of a half-day seminar on the Pole of Innovation Grant Scheme. The said Grant Scheme was launched on that occasion.
Speaking about the scheme, Minister Sawmynaden pointed out that the objective is to empower established institutions conducting research activities to act as vehicles of innovation. He added that different stakeholders including private or international partners can support activities which will potentially lead to commercially viable and socioeconomic solutions.
According to Mr Sawmynaden, proposed Innovative programmes should address national priorities and can include sectors such a s: Renewable Energy; Ocean/Marine Technology, Resources and Services; ICT/BPO/Telecommunications (including Cloud Computing); Life Sciences (including Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology); Manufacturing and Food Processing; Social Sciences; Sustainable Tourism.
The major output from the scheme, Mr Sawmynaden said, will be a number of poles of innovation in specific sectors which will in turn act as nodes of innovation. This scheme will allow researchers to concentrate on existing capacity as well as resources to collaborate across disciplines and institutions on projects that are locally relevant and internationally competitive so as to enhance technological development and innovation, he added.
Grant Scheme
The aim is to enhance the impact of research and innovation on the economic development of Mauritius by promoting the creation of innovative products/services and goods as well as by spurring innovation through advanced research and partnerships among local institutions/companies and international stakeholders.
The funds for the programme would be provided from the National Innovation Programme which is managed by the MRC. The award would be a matching grant of up to Rs 9 million per pole for a project duration not exceeding 36 months, and with a maximum annual ceiling of Rs 3 million. The applicant and collaborating institutions will have to contribute jointly to the Pole In cash and/or In kind.
A minimum financial In Cash contribution of 40% of the matching grant should be made by the applicant, either solely or, in partnership with the collaborating institutions. The remaining of the matching grant should be reflected as the In Kind contribution.
The collaborating institutions can be public/parastatal institutions or private stakeholders including Research organisations, Academic institutions and local private companies. International partners are also eligible as collaborating institution.
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(TNS) Between $6 million and $8 million a year in taxpayer funds flows from the coffers of the County of Kern and into the retail world through credit cards.Yet despite thousands of transactions, remarkably few were found to be fraudulent or subject to abuse, according to a review by The Californian.Scores of county employees have access to P-cards, the governmental cousin to your everyday credit card.Those employees are human and prone to mistakes. So how does Kern County keep taxpayers' money safe?The Californian obtained a list of every transaction reported by the County of Kern in the 2016-17 fiscal year and reviewed it to see how the cards were used.And we talked with county fiscal watchdogs about the systems that are in place to cut back on the risks associated with government credit cards.Since January 2008, the county has seen a surge in the use of P-cards to handle day-to-day county spending.Computer accessories, lumber, couplings for snorkel hoses, airfare, hotel stays, groceries and meals for front-line firefighters were among the things purchased in nearly 20,000 transactions in the 2016-17 fiscal year.Kern County spent $6.6 million through the use of the purchase cards during that period, up 83 percent from the $3.6 million paid through cards in the 2008-09 fiscal year.Only a tiny fraction of that spending has been identified as fraudulent or inappropriate use of public funds.An examination of that spending offers some lessons for county officials.Between November 2016 and May 2017, Kern County Animal Services Director Nick Cullen charged $3,245 in personal expenses to his county P-card, completing 11 transactions for a variety of products and services.He bought some cleats, a wireless camera system, wireless data and paid $1,166 for a car rental.He did reimburse the County, and he did it prior to any review by my office, wrote Kern County Auditor-Controller Mary Bedard in an email. It wasnt questions from us that prompted the repayments. He initiated them.Cullen said he stored the P-card number on several online purchasing sites that he does both personal and county business on. Sometimes he used the wrong card to make a purchase.He also used the card to make purchases for county events that werent allowed under county policy, he said.I used it a few times if we had an event and bought food for staff and volunteers, Cullen said. And I learned I couldnt do that.Since the mistaken payments, he said, hes removed the county card from the list of stored cards on websites like Amazon.Hes also looked more closely into what he is allowed to purchase using the card, he said.Cullen isnt alone.A total of 16 county employees used public funds to pay for personal items in erroneous personal transactions totaling $4,727.For most it was a one-time circumstance.Nsele Nsuangani, of the Department of Public Health, paid $12.99 for bottled water in a hotel room in May 2017.But others had a tidy string of mistakes.Allison Molina, of the Kern County Planning Department, had her county credit card input into Amazon for legitimate online purchasing.But in December 2016 and January and April 2017, she forgot to select a personal card when she completed a purchase on the online merchants website.I have taken the P-card off of the Amazon account completely since it was not supposed to even be saved and I repaid it back to the department along with a couple other transactions that were mistakenly charged, Molina wrote in her comments about the transaction.The same thing happened to a couple of Kern County Fire Department personnel on the list, said Kern County Fire Chief Brian Marshall.One of the things that happens is you have an Amazon account with your personal (information) and an account with a county card, he said. When you order something, if you dont have the right credit card checked, all of the sudden youve bought a personal item on a county credit card.Marshall said his department stays on top of the use of its P-cards to make sure the use of the card is accidental, that things are caught when a card is hit with fraud and that the county is paid back quickly.We take that type of event very serious. There are multiple layers of review, Marshall said. Someone cant just go off and start charging stuff. Wed catch that pretty quick if somebody went rogue. This is transparency. This is the taxpayers' money.Kern Countys P-cards are credit cards. They are paid every month out of the appropriate departments budget after the review of charges is complete.And like all digital methods of payment, they are vulnerable to fraud.In the fiscal year 2016-17, Kern County was hit with $23,348 in fraudulent charges, according to a review of records obtained by The Californian.Of those losses, all but $566.13 have been reimbursed through credits from the company that received the fraudulent payment or the employee.The total rate of fraud was just over one-third of 1 percent of the total value of payments made through the county purchase cards.Auditor-Controller Mary Bedards department is charged with watching the flow of county funds and making sure fraud and misuse dont put taxpayer funds at risk.There are various roles within each department. A P-card requester is authorized to request a card for an employee, a P-card user is the card holder, and a P-card approver reviews and approves all P-card transactions after they occur. The requester, approver, and user all have to view a video Purchasing has online detailing the rules for P-card use and pass a test, she wrote in an email.The user of the purchase card must certify each transaction and attach supporting documentation including a receipt within 45 days of the transaction, Bedard wrote.That documentation is reviewed by the approver, the person tasked with determining if the use of the card was legitimate, she wrote.Personal use is generally self-reported or possibly identified through the approval process at the department. We have not seen repeated personal use, Bedard wrote. The instances do seem to be accidental. If the employee is not following P-card policies, including late certifications or failure to provide receipts, the department can revoke their card.Finally, the Auditor-Controller's office has staff dedicated to reviewing all of the countys P-card usage on a monthly basis to double check each departments accounting efforts.We do this on a sample basis. All transactions over $1,000 are reviewed, 10 percent to 20 percent of the transactions between $100 and $1,000 are reviewed, and 1 percent to 3 percent of the transactions under $100 are reviewed, Bedard wrote.All fraud transactions are reviewed.They check the detailed receipts to make sure the purchase seems logical given the function of the department that is spending the money.If it seems like an odd purchase for a given department, we contact the P-card approver for more information. We also may question it if the item was delivered to an employees home rather than work, Bedard wrote. If the employee is missing the receipts we require a written explanation. If this happens repeatedly the explanation must come from the employees supervisor. That generally takes care of the problem.Department heads said they have dedicated staff to monitoring the increasing amount of county business done on purchase cards.Lito Morillo, director of Kern County Aging and Adult Services, said his staff do their end-of-the-month reconciliation and then hand it off to their supervisors.Once the supervisor is satisfied, then it is forwarded to the accounts payable department for review.Marshall, the county's fire chief, said his department asked for funding in a recent budget cycle for a single employee who does most of the bulk purchasing for the department.That person, he said, is an expert in the purchasing rules and knows how to make sure things are done right.While P-cards can have their downsides, county department heads said the upside outweighs the downsides in a major way.They hold a very important piece of the purchasing puzzle, said interim General Services Director Geoffrey Hill. When used properly, they cut down on our purchase administration significantly. A purchase order requires a lot more administrative time.And the county is actually trying to flow a dramatic portion of its small-dollar spending through the purchase cards for the sake of efficiency and cost savings.Our goal in fact one of our performance measures is that were trying to have 80 percent of all purchases (on) P-cards and the value of those to be no greater than 20 percent, Hill said.Most of the countys spending will still go through strict purchase orders and bidding systems designed to ensure the county is getting the best bang for its buck.We want the higher-dollar purchases to go through purchase orders and other instruments. That way we get a higher level of scrutiny on the purchases as well as we can take advantage of blanket purchase orders and those types of things, Hill said.Marshall said replacing those cumbersome purchase orders and reimbursement processes is one of the best reasons the cards are critical for his department.Most departments work 8 to 5 Monday through Friday, he said. When we run a 24/7/365 business it gives us the ability to fix things.If a toilet breaks on a Sunday shift, theres no longer the need to call in a general services employee on overtime, Marshall said.The station calls the battalion chiefs, who have possession of the P-cards, and the chief can run to Home Depot and pick up the broken piece.Then its back to the station where the firefighters on duty can fix the toilet themselves.And the county cards are a huge boon to firefighters who are fighting rural blazes in Kern County and across the western United States.Marshall remembers responding to the massive, deadly Cedar Fire in San Diego County in 2003.He and a crew drove all night from Kern County to get to the fire line. When they got there, the response team had yet to set up the incident support needed to provide firefighters with food or a place to stay.I took off and I found a McDonald's and I said, 'I need 25 Big Macs and fries,' Marshall said.In those days, he had to pay out of pocket and then demand reimbursement.Now, if you slide the credit card, you get the item, Marshall said.And the card opens up a whole world of online purchasing to county departments, he said.You can search on Amazon and get it a lot cheaper than anywhere else and get it delivered, Marshall said.Cullen, of Kern County Animal Services, said the cards come in handy for his shelter staff as they handle the day-to-day struggle of caring for hundreds of dogs, cats and livestock.We dont have a contract for cat litter, he said.For an organization caring for a large number of cats at all times, the need for litter is critical. But handling that need through a regular contract would lock the county into a price on a commodity that experiences price fluctuations.The P-card allows us to shop and get the best deal, Cullen said.The cards have been used to pay for warranties for the tablets that animal services officers have in their trucks.And they have been used to lock in the cheapest price on hay.In addition, Cullen said, the P-cards have been critical in addressing a new gap in services Animal Services discovered in the wake of the devastating Erskine Fire.We were wholly unprepared for an emergency like that, he said.So theyve started developing stashes of emergency supplies at strategic locations around the county.Dog crates, bowls, containers and other tools will be critical to making sure officers and staff can rescue and care for animals injured and made homeless by disaster.In the end, P-cards carry inherent risks for county financial officers.But in the ebb and flow of modern retail the risk is balanced by significant upsides, county officials said.The key to making them worthwhile is watching the money closely.
A nonprofit gov tech group has created an international open data standards directory , aspiring to give cities a singular resource for guidance on formatting data they release to the public.
The group is GovEx , also known as the Center for Government Excellence at Johns Hopkins University. Andrew Nicklin, GovEx director of data practices, said he was driven to work on it in part by challenges he saw when he helped build New York Citys open data platform in the early 2010s. A question he often struggled with then was what the best way was to publish data in order to make it relevant and usable by the largest number of people.
The answer, to my mind, meant standards, Nicklin said. And there werent a whole lot out there.
That deficit of information about government open data standards is what the directory seeks to remedy. The nature of municipal data is nuanced and diverse, and the format in which it is released often varies depending on subject matter. In other words, a format that works well for public safety data is not necessarily the same that works for info about building permits, transit or budgets. Not having a coordinated and agreed-upon resource to identify the best standards for these different types of info, Nicklin said, creates problems.
One such problem is that it can be time-consuming and challenging for city government data workers to research and identify ideal formats for data. Another is that the lack of info leads to discord between different jurisdictions, meaning one city might format a data set about economic development in an entirely different way than another, making collaboration and comparisons problematic.
What the directory does is provide a list of standards that are in use within municipal governments, as well as an evaluation based on how frequent that use is, whether the format is machine-readable, and whether users have to pay to license it, among other factors.
The directory currently contains 60 standards, some of which are in Spanish, and those involved with the project say they hope to expand their efforts to include more languages. There is also a crowdsourcing component to the directory, in that users are encouraged to make additions and updates.
Another collaborator in the creation of this project is GeoThink, which is a part of McGill Universitys Department of Geography. The genesis of the work can, in part, be traced back to McGill. Rachel Bloom, an undergraduate student at the school, was working on a thesis about the different city government data standards, and she came up with a methodology to measure them. Blooms early work involved about 20 data standards. With support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and a partnership with the associated What Works Cities initiative, GovEx is continuing to expand the directory. Nicklin said the goal is to keep adding additional sets to make it as valuable a resource as possible for city governments around the world.
Weve got this thing we think doesnt exist: A place for government data leaders to identify how they want to release data to the public, Nicklin said. We have a larger future vision for this.
(TNS) - Schoolchildren statewide wont be scurrying for shelter Friday when officials sound an attack warning siren in the first test of its kind in decades.But they have been preparing since at least August for the unlikely event of a North Korean nuclear missile strike that still feels more 1950s Cold War than 2017 reality.A Nov. 9 letter went out to parents of children at Kaelepulu Elementary School in Kailua saying that following guidance from the state Department of Education and Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, the schools safety committee looked at emergency lockdown preparedness.The committee has come up with a plan for the unlikely event that would require an ELP of 24-72 hours, including the creation of a courage kit for each student.Each kit, to be prepared with assistance from parents, was recommended to include a comfort letter with photos of family and nonperishable food. In conjunction with those efforts, donations of cases of bottled water, flashlights, batteries, duct tape and Clorox wipes were being sought for classroom courage kits.At Kaimuki Middle School, in the case of North Korean nuclear attack, kids were told to get to certain classrooms, close the windows and turn off the air conditioning. They were also told about pee buckets they would be using.Hawaii Emergency Management Executive Officer Toby Clairmont previously said the last time Hawaii residents heard the attack warning siren test was around 1980 during the Cold War.At 11:45 a.m. Friday, during the regular monthly siren test, 50 seconds of the usual steady-tone alert for hurricanes or tsunamis will be followed by 50 seconds of the wavering attack warning tone, the agency said.The agency, formerly state Civil Defense, has said repeatedly that a North Korean attack is highly unlikely but that its responsibility is to prepare for threats. The state, including its schools, has attempted to develop planning while not generating hysteria.The states latest 30-second public service announcement strives for a nonthreatening tone. Ukulele music plays as Hawaii Emergency Management Administrator Vern Miyagi states, On the first business day of every month, the state and the counties normally conduct a test of the attention alert signal, which is a steady tone. Starting Dec. 1, a second tone, the attack warning signal, a wailing tone, will be added. The attack warning signal advises everyone to take immediate shelter get inside, stay inside, stay tuned.Dann Carlson, assistant superintendent, Office of School Facilities and Support Services, sent out a memo in August titled North Korean situation, emergency preparedness.In it Carlson said the proper response to the attack warning siren other than in tests is to shelter in place. The memo advises schools to identify safe areas in each building and to prevent outside air from mixing with inside air. The note calls for the use of plastic sheeting, wet cloth and duct tape to seal windows and cracks to minimize air contamination.Emergency preparedness is a high priority practiced in our schools, Department of Education spokeswoman Donalyn Dela Cruz said in an email. In working with HI-EMA on nuclear preparedness planning, shelter-in- place practices and procedures are in place.All Hawaii public schools are required to practice five types of drills at least once annually, including for earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as shelter in place, lockdown and evacuation, she said.Schools can add aspects of their plan that are unique to their community. Dela Cruz said there are no drills scheduled for Friday, and schools can conduct the required preparedness exercises at any time.Kaelepulu Principal Jamie Dela Cruz said in response to the DOE directive, We just thought, well, in general, when were looking at addressing our own emergency preparedness, what might we need should we have to sequester in place for a while?The courage kits are an extension of the schools social-emotional learning program, while any collected water can eventually be used at school functions and nonperishable food can be given to food banks, the principal said.2017 The Honolulu Star-AdvertiserVisit The Honolulu Star-Advertiser at www.staradvertiser.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS) - Standing in the lobby at the headquarters of the Port of Camas-Washougal, David Ripp pointed to a map of about 1,500 acres of land near the Columbia River that the port uses to support jobs and industry. He said what keeps this land dry and suitable for economic activity is a levee, 5 miles of rock, dirt and sand that keep the river from flooding.The reason for this levee is all this property would flood, he said. This would all be underwater.In Clark County, Wash., there are nearly 46 miles of levees, embankments along rivers that protect 16,170 acres of urban, rural and agricultural land. Some of them are periodically inspected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure that pumps are working and that the structure isnt being unsettled by tree roots and animal burrows, among other issues.Ripp said the Corps has taken a different approach to how it inspects levees since the August 2005 flooding of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina. A federal judge ruled in 2009 that the Corps neglected the levees that broke and led to the flooding. Congress later directed the Corps to inventory and inspect federally overseen levees.According to Corps spokesman Karim Delgado, levees are categorized as urban if they protect 20 or more buildings. There are three levees in Clark County, including the one owned by the Port of Camas-Washougal, that meet this designation.Corps inspectors have found enough deficiencies in them to deem them minimally acceptable.However, Ripp and representatives from other local governments said that the designation isnt as bad as it sounds and that the levees are safe and being maintained. A database of levees kept by the Corps shows that of the 13,650 levees in Washington, 11 have fully acceptable ratings.Although the area hasnt experienced a recent major storm or disaster, like the storms that ravaged Puerto Rico and the South, this levee infrastructure could become more important as multiple forecasts predict wetter winters for the Pacific Northwest.On a weekday morning, people rode bikes or jogged along a trail on top of the ports levee. As he walked along the trail, Ripp explained that the levee was constructed by the Corps in 1965 and was built high enough to withstand the great flood of 1894, which saw the waters of the Columbia River reach 34 feet.Ripp said the levee was most recently certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2012. With the levee certified, Ripp said the property behind it doesnt need flood insurance. Getting that certification requires an inspection from the Corps, and Ripp said inspectors have been more scrutinizing than in the past.All of a sudden, everything is bad after Katrina, he said.The levee had its last periodic inspection in 2012, according to a database kept by the Corps. A summary of the inspection report identifies several items rated as unsatisfactory, including: Trees within a 15-foot buffer zone surrounding the levee (their roots can disrupt the carefully packed dirt and sand). Severe animal burrows. Several nonpermitted encroachments (e.g. utilities, buildings, guardrails). A lack of video inspection at a freshwater intake pipe and ambiguity over whos responsible for maintenance of a portion of the levee downstream.Inspectors also noted less serious concerns, including some bank erosion near the levee, ruts formed by pedestrian and vehicle activity, vegetation growth in the 15-foot buffer, as well as issues with the drainage structures and the pump station.As Ripp continued to walk along the trail, he pointed to small mounds of dirt, evidence of burrowing moles.We have moles; that might be an issue, he said. But thats not major.He also pointed to the 15-foot buffer between the toe of the levee (where its slope meets the ground) and the wooded edge of Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where the port knocked down trees as required by inspectors.They give that as a warning to us, saying, dont let any of that get any worse,? Ripp said.The port regularly puts $50,000 in its capital budget for levee maintenance, said Jeramy Wilcox, the ports facilities manager.Its just one of those things, he said. If we saw something, wed do repairs.Cowlitz County Diking Improvement District No. 2 is responsible for maintaining a 13-mile urban levee at the confluence of the Lewis River and the Columbia River that protects 7,772 acres of land that encompasses parts of Clark County as well as 555 acres of Woodland.A summary of the 2012 inspection report identified the following unacceptable items: Trees with trunks greater than 2-inches in diameter were within the levees 15-foot buffer zone. There were several depressions deeper than 12 inches on the crest and side slopes of the levee. The condition of pipes and culverts wasnt properly monitored. Chunks of rock used to armor the levee were obscured by dense brush, trees, blackberries, and grasses, preventing inspection. The drainage system for the levees toe on the Columbia River segment could not be found in the field, and there were no maintenance records to ensure it is functioning. Utilities had encroached under or through the floodwall. A closure structure blocked stop logs, which are used to adjust the flow rate of water, and were prevented from closing an opening on the flood wall completely. Joints had deteriorated and were no longer watertight. Pump stations werent monitored.The inspection also found less serious issues, such as plant growth that inhibited observations of the levee, animal burrowing, minor erosion and some other minor issues with the pump stations.The levee is currently rated as minimally acceptable by the Corps.Susan Eugenis, assistant Cowlitz County engineer, said it may sound really bad, but that levee is safe and being maintained.If you see minimally acceptable, that should not cause you any great worries, she said. It means you are working in the Corps parameters.During the flooding event of 1996, water levels rose high against the levee, and while there was some seepage, the structure prevented flooding, said Eugenis. The levee is owned and operated by a special diking district, and Eugenis added, Honestly, I work with six districts, and I dont know a single district that gets an acceptable rating.The city of Vancouver is responsible for a half-mile levee in the Fruit Valley neighborhood that protects 61 acres from floods. According to city maps, the levee is meant to protect against a 1 percent annual chance of a 100-year flood from Vancouver Lake.The levee was last inspected in 2012, according to a Corps database. Like others in Clark County, it was rated minimally acceptable. An inspection report for the levee was not available on the Corps website.Corps spokesman Delgado said the rating was based on the excessive vegetation that hindered the inspection.That may not necessarily mean that those areas wouldnt perform as intended, he said. Its just that we dont know because of the excessive growth.In an email, Jon Wagner, Vancouver senior city planner, wrote that prior to the levee being deemed minimally acceptable, the latest FEMA maps did not show any concern in the levee. He wrote that he was unsure why it was given that designation. He further wrote that he was not aware of the city doing any work on the levee and it is in an acceptable condition.2017 The Columbian (Vancouver, Wash.)Visit The Columbian (Vancouver, Wash.) at www.columbian.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Canada Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cuba, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Haiti, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Jamaica Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Mexico, United Mexican States Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu US Virgin Islands Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Debra Crew, the top executive of Reynolds American Inc., will leave the company after just one year at the helm, parent company British American Tobacco Plc said Tuesday.
Crew, 46, will be replaced by Ricardo Oberlander, a Reynolds board member since late 2014. Oberlander also serves as BATs regional director for the Americas.
Crews departure as Reynolds chief executive and president is effective at years end and removes legacy Reynolds management of the company. Reynolds is estimated to have between 2,000 and 2,200 employees locally, the majority of whom work at its plant in Tobaccoville.
Crew was not immediately available for comment.
This was purely a personal decision by Debra, as she looks to pursue career opportunities outside of BAT, Reynolds spokesman David Howard said.
Ricardo Oberlander is in an excellent position to succeed her. He knows Reynolds extremely well from his three years as a director on the Reynolds board and brings a wealth of BAT experience from the Americas and Asia Pacific regions.
Crew gave no indication of leaving Reynolds during her Nov. 15 keynote speech on local innovation, including Reynolds initiatives, to the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce.
BAT said Crew has decided to leave BAT ... to pursue other opportunities outside the company. BAT spokeswoman Anna Vickerstaff, when asked for additional BAT comment, said the announcement today pretty much says it all.
The news comes in stunning fashion given that Nicandro Durante, BATs chief executive, praised Crews management of Reynolds in late July, shortly after BAT completed spending $54.5 billion to buy the 57.8 percent of Reynolds it did not already own.
Durante, BATs CEO for seven years, took the time in late July to venture from the Reynolds boardroom through the hallways and onto the Tobaccoville plant floor to celebrate with Reynolds employees what he considered to be the consummation of a marriage made in heaven between two extremely successful companies.
The merger formed the worlds largest publicly traded tobacco manufacturer with combined fiscal 2016 revenues of $30.55 billion $18.8 billion from BAT and $11.75 billion from Reynolds.
Crew replaced Susan Cameron as chief executive on Jan. 1. Reynolds said in a regulatory filing that Crews 2017 base salary would be $1.1 million, along with potential incentives of up to 160 percent of her base salary.
She has been with Reynolds since October 2014, first serving as president of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Crew came to Reynolds after serving as president and general manager of PepsiCo North America Nutrition.
We have appreciated the drive and leadership that Debra has brought to Reynolds American both during our 42 percent shareholding period before the acquisition and since, when she has been instrumental in helping to ensure a smooth transition post-completion, Durante said in a statement.
I would like to thank her for her leadership; for leaving the Reynolds businesses in such fantastic shape and for the significant progress that has been made in integrating the two companies in the second half of 2017.
Durante said Oberlander has been with BAT for nearly 30 years and on the BAT management team since 2013.
He is ideally placed to lead our continued growth in the U.S. and to complete the successful integration of the Reynolds businesses into the BAT Group, Durante said.
Stephen Pope, managing principal for London financial services firm Spotlight Ideas, said Crew may have been ever so gently eased out so that BAT can be sure it has a management team that are all singing from the same hymn sheet.
Pope cited recent Deloitte study in which clashes and conflicts of corporate culture was found to be the root cause of 30 percent of failed integrations.
The reasons for this are simple; legacy personnel from the acquired company often find it hard to make decisions quickly and correctly, or to operate effectively within the newly imposed modus operandi, Pope said.
I see it as a loss (for BAT), as Crew was highly regarded as a business woman and at one time was seen as a front runner to lead the new group.
Mayor Allen Joines praised Crews strong leadership during this transition period and wished her well in her next career step.
I personally look forward to working with Ricardo Oberlander in continuing to grow and strengthen the Winston Salem economy, as well as the communitys continuing support of Reynolds and BAT, Joines said.
Gayle Anderson, who is retiring at years end as president and chief executive of the Winston-Salem chamber, said she was not overly surprised by Crews departure.
In todays fast-paced environment, change is inevitable, Anderson said.
We appreciate Debra Crews leadership and her focus on making Reynolds American a market leader and a strong supporter of our community. We look forward to continuing our excellent relationship with Reynolds American and to working with Mr. Oberlander.
BAT said in a Jan. 18 regulatory filing that it has no plans to close or move the head office in Winston-Salem, nor make any significant changes to the current high-quality manufacturing facilities in North Carolina and Tennessee, nor to the trade marketing team. Reynolds has an American Snuff Co. production plant in Tennessee.
Overall, Reynolds had 5,500 full-time and 50 part-time employees as of Dec. 31, 2016.
The total includes 3,700 employees at Reynolds Tobacco, 500 at Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Co. and 600 at American Snuff.
Durante stressed in the late July interview that the beauty of this deal is there is very little overlap of the companies, which will make integration much simpler and give us really no reason to change things here.
Howard said Tuesday that I would also note that BAT recognizes the importance and expertise of the employees of the RAI companies, the quality of our facilities and the strength of our customer network, and remains committed to the RAI companies U.S.-based workforce and manufacturing facilities, as well as the Winston-Salem/Triad community.
GREENSBORO The state medical board wants to take the license of a physician assistant who pleaded guilty in June to receiving child pornography.
Dantre Davis, 28, is serving six years in prison for one felony count of receiving child pornography in 2016.
On Nov. 16, the N.C. Medical Board mailed Davis a "notice of revocation" to Davis at Coleman Low Federal Correctional Institution, a low-security federal prison in Coleman, Florida.
Davis, who had practice privileges at Randolph Hospital in Asheboro, has until January to request a hearing with the medical board, or else the board will automatically revoke his license.
A felony conviction automatically results in a revoked medical license.
Davis was a licensed physician assistant in North Carolina from December 2015 to December 2016, when his licensed lapsed, according to the N.C. Medical Board's website.
He earned his physician assistant license from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.
Investigators searched Davis' apartment in northwest Greensboro last year after learning about child pornography shared online from his IP address. They found thousands of images and videos of child pornography.
Davis also will spend 15 years on supervised release after he serves the prison term.
Many area residents have asked what they can do to help in the search for a missing 3-year-old girl.
Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller asks that neighbors living along Dawson Cabin Road and Old Wilmington Highway check their immediate surroundings and backyards. If they see something suspicious such as an article of clothing he asks they immediately call 911. Miller says the person should not leave the site until law enforcement officers arrive.
_______________
Updated at 2:07 p.m.
Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller said authorities are not looking for a specific vehicle.
"Right now we're looking for a 3-year-old little girl. We have canvassed the neighborhood and want to speak to anyone who might have information," he said.
Miller has not specified if an abduction is suspected.
"It could be an abduction. It could be a kidnapping, it could be a runaway or even worse," he said.
Miller said the sheriff's office has received aerial support from the Marine Corps, New Hanover County and Brunswick County, as well as tracking dogs from Wayne County.
_________________
Updated at 1:27 p.m.
Camp Lejeune has contributed a Cobra helicopter to the search for an Onslow County toddler.
Law enforcement also has a canine searching around the child's home.
Mariah Kay Woods, 3, was last seen Sunday night around 11:30 p.m. in her bed wearing white and pink panties, according to the Onslow County Sheriff's Office.
Mariah is described as a white girl, approximately 2-feet-9-inches tall and weighing about 30 pounds, according to the alert. The alert also states she has brown hair and blue eyes.
The Sheriff's Office says the child's hair is blonde.
_________________
Updated at 11:40 a.m.
An Amber Alert has been issued for a missing Onslow County girl.
Mariah Kay Woods, 3, is described as a white girl, approximately 2-feet-9-inches tall and weighing about 30 pounds, according to the alert. The alert also states she has brown hair and blue eyes.
Mariah's grandmother Melissa Hunter describes her hair as sandy brown.
Hunter said Mariah is a 3-year-old with a medical condition that causes her to stumble and her left leg swings out. Both her ears are pierced and she's quiet to strangers.
She was last seen in the area of 2405-7 Dawson Cabin Road in Jacksonville, according to the alert.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Onslow County Sheriff's Office at 910-455-3113, 911 or #HP.
_________________
Federal and countylaw enforcement officers are searching for a 3-year-old girl reported missing shortly after 6 a.m.
Onslow County Sheriff Hans Miller on the scene on Dawson Cabin Road told The Daily News that officers and canine units on the ground and a New Hanover Sheriff's Office helicopter in the sky plus an aerial drone are searching for Mariah Woods. Woods lives with her mother and two older brothers as well as her mother's boyfriend.
Miller described the child as a white with blonde hair.
Anyone with information is asked to call the OCSO at 910-455-3113.
2017 The Daily News (Jacksonville, N.C.)
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The state owed Meggan Callahan much better.
The medical examiner said her assailant threw hot or boiling water into her face, causing burns. Then he tried to cut her with a piece of glass. Finally, he hit her over the head with a fire extinguisher many times breaking her skull. The 29-year-old woman died of her injuries.
Callahan was an officer at Bertie Correctional Institute. Her attacker was an inmate, a convicted murderer who set a fire and, when she responded, sprang his deadly ambush.
That happened in April. The incident might have been forgotten or overlooked by the public although not by her family, friends and fellow officers if it werent for the bloodbath at a prison in Pasquotank County in October. The killings of four employees by inmates sounded loud alarms. There was a hidden but now obvious problem behind our prison walls. These are incredibly dangerous places for employees. So we must add four names of those whom the state has failed: Veronica Darden, Justin Smith, Wendy Shannon and Geoffrey Howe.
One common denominator was quickly identified: The prisons were understaffed, by 26 percent at Bertie at the time of Callahans murder and by 28 percent at Pasquotank when several inmates attempted a violent escape.
Low pay is one reason for that, and it must be substantially improved. Better starting pay is needed to attract more recruits, and regular increases should be provided to make sure that experienced officers stay on the job.
This isnt work thats suitable for everyone. Security officers have to be alert, quick-thinking and well-trained. They have to be excellent people managers, adept at defusing conflicts and staying out of dangerous situations. They have to understand that, while prisons house criminals, one of their purposes is rehabilitation and that inmates are human beings with human needs. These should be highly valued skills.
Prison officials also must consider whether they have the right systems and mechanisms in place to ensure safety. Are employees too often exposed to possible harm without proper backup? That clearly was the case in both fatal episodes this year. The state has taken steps to address those deficiencies but always must be assessing its practices and policies.
More than 20 years ago, lawmakers significantly changed the sentencing structure in North Carolina. They eliminated parole and many of the provisions that allowed inmates to earn time off their sentences with good behavior and efforts to improve their education and work skills. The public wanted the assurance that a criminal who was sentenced to life in prison would actually be locked up for the rest of his life.
As far as the public was concerned, that was the end of the story. No consideration was given to the practical effect of denying hope to people condemned to close confinement for the rest of their lives or for many decades. In such circumstances, some inmates might think they have nothing to lose by trying to escape or by assaulting a guard.
Appropriate state agencies or the legislature should study whether the elimination of parole and other incentives for good behavior has made our prisons more dangerous for the people who work in them. This study should look at practices in other states to determine whether some are more successful in managing their prison populations.
North Carolinas failure cant be laid at the feet of a governor or a legislature or prison administrators. Its a systemic failure, and the public is partly responsible because of its out of sight, out of mind attitude toward prisons and desire to spend less tax money.
Few of us worried about Meggan Callahan, Veronica Darden, Justin Smith, Wendy Shannon and Geoffrey Howe until it was too late for them. We all owed them more, as we owe thousands of others who work around the clock in dangerous places for low pay and little thanks.
It turns out that November is Native American Heritage Month so I thought I'd celebrate it by writing a little about some of the indigenous, female CEOs who are driving tremendous business success across the country. From entrepreneurs to leaders of major companies, these Native-American business leaders have applied under-represented cultural perspectives to help build successful companies.
Take a look at what these amazing women are up to, the organizations they're managing, and what you can learn from their leadership.
Related: 10 Inspirational Quotes From Women Business Leaders
1. Bethany Yellowtail, CEO of B.Yellowtail
Yellowtail is a fashion guru who is both a designer and CEO of her indigenous clothing line. You can see her own modern take on her Northern Cheyenne, Crow and Tsetsehestahese heritage in the unique designs. Yellowtail started at BCBG Max Azria and has been a senior pattern maker for a number of private labels before she launched her own line and company.Related: These Female Entrepreneurs Created a Fake Male Co-Founder to Work Around Sexism. How Well It Worked Is Incredibly Eye Opening.
2. Janice Guy, President of P31
Guy was born in Hawaii to a military family and blended to "ohana" or "family spirit" into her own Native upbringing. She then served for years in the U.S. Marine Corps, where she was one of the first female Air Defense Control Officers. She brought that dedication and spirit to her position at the major Massachusetts corporation. She says it's "deeply ingrained in the values of P31," making her position at the security, logistics and software support company a natural fit.
Related: How to Succeed as a Female Leader Anywhere In the World
3. Sarah Eagle Heart, CEO of Native Americans in Philanthropy
Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) is a network of nonprofits, tribal communities and foundations working to make life better for all indigenous people in the U.S. Under the guidance of Eagle Heart the organization helps promote investment to build healthy and sustainable communities. NAP hosts regional summits, webinars and leadership courses for Native-American mid-level professionals and others working in the field of philanthropy.
Related: 15 Things Men Say That Get on Women's Nerves
4. Vickie Wessel, President of Spirit Electronics
Wessel's heritage includes Jicarila Apache, Cherokee, and Choctaw. She helps lead Spirit Electronics in Phoenix, Arizona, an electronic components distributor serving the Aerospace and Defense industries. They deliver parts that make up missile guidance systems and satellites. Wessel founded the company in 1979 and by 2010 boasted annual revenue of more than $32 million.
Related: She Adopted a Pet Pig to Cope With Epilepsy. Now, Her Job Is Managing This Adorable Instagram Star.
5. Cheryl Cardinal, President and CEO of the Indigenous Center of Energy
A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Cardinal went on to complete an MBE program at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business. The entrepreneur focuses on healthy relationships between Native communities and the energy/mining fields. She's a liaison between the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia and specializes in climate change, international trade, sustainability, and oil and gas.
6. Karlene Hunter, CEO and co-founder of Native American Natural Foods
Hunter runs the first company from a native reservation ever to create a national brand. She grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation where Native Amerrican Natural Foods is headquartered. She brings her Oglala Sioux heritage to the position along with over 25 years working in educational and economic development. The company's first product is the Tanka Bar, a protein-rich snack bar that features cranberries and prairie buffalo as ingredients. Part of the goal of the company is to get people to return to more traditionally based foods and curb diabetes in the U.S.
7. Patricia Parker, CEO of Native American Management Services
Parker founded the organization alongside her sister, Tonya, in 1992. As a member of the Choctaw Nation, she spent years in the Indian Health Services organization as well as the federal government. Her company provides management services for events, trade shows, and conferences. Parker says she blends her "grounding in the tradition" of the Choctaw Nation with her professional expertise to create a company that's culturally competent and serves indigenous demographics.
These are just a few of the female business leaders utilizing their Native heritage to help guide how they run companies large and small. As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, let's take a little time to reflect on the hard work it takes to succeed as an indigenous woman in the business world, which in many ways can still be an old-boys club.
Do you know of any female Native CEOs that should be added to the list?
Related:
How Venus Williams Is Serving Up Her Entrepreneurial Dreams
This Founder's Letter to Her Daughter on What It Means to Be an Entrepreneur and a Mom Will Inspire You
10 Things Wealthy People Do Every Day
Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com
HARTFORD Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on Monday announced 13 Connecticut State Police troopers were deployed to Puerto Rico to assist in recovery efforts on the island, which is still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Maria.
Malloy said the troopers deployment from the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection is part of Connecticuts efforts to assist Puerto Rico in post-hurricane recovery and will be providing security, patrolling service and traffic assistance to local police on the island. Twelve of the 13 troopers are fluent in Spanish. The crew flew out from Bradley Airport Monday, according to a release from Malloys office.
The deployment of the troopers is the latest effort made by state officials hoping to assist Puerto Ricos recovery following Hurricane Marias landfall in September. Bloomberg News reported Nov. 23 the U.S. Department of Energy had restored 50 percent of the islands power capacity.
The state is home to some of the, bravest, brightest, and most selfless state troopers in the nation, Malloy said in the release.
Im incredibly proud of the troopers that volunteered to assist the people of Puerto Rico in their time of need, and wish them a successful tour of duty, and a safe return home, Malloy said. These deployments build upon Connecticuts major hurricane recovery support efforts, including the over 70 recovery missions engaged in by our National Guard.
Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said in the release that the state knows first-hand how important it is to help in Puerto Ricos recovery.
I commend the Connecticut State Police Troopers for their assistance in these efforts and I thank them and their families for their service. Our troopers are the most respected law enforcement officials in the world with their long history of support. I wish them best wishes and a safe return.
DESPP Commissioner Dora Schriro said the troopers efforts demonstrate agency has among the most, community-focused police forces in the country.
According to the release, the state has provided 100 National Guardsmen to offer support services. They have conducted 73 missions aboard C-130s. These guardsmen have been involved in communications, security forces, maintenance and aerial port operations, according to the release.
In addition to other support measures, the states Office of Early Childhood is helping identify child-care opportunities. They are among several state agencies assisting in recovery efforts for evacuees relocating moving to the state following the storm. Connecticut schools have also been welcoming new students whose families relocated here following the storm.
As one of Tinder's first employees, I've had the good fortune of watching the company evolve from a passion project to a global powerhouse.
Related: Use These 5 Steps to Create a Marketing Plan
Although initially the app spread across the country through word-of-mouth recommendations, our marketing strategy has evolved to incorporate thoughtful, intentional campaigns that engage users and spark conversations around the world. Based on my experiences at Tinder, here are five marketing constants that can help every brand be successful, no matter how big or small.
1. Build a strong brand.
This goes without saying, but before diving head first into your marketing efforts, be thoughtful about building a strong, unique brand. A strong brand name, mantra and logo will be the foundation for all of your company's marketing.
To build a strong brand, be clear and concise about how you define yourself, how you want to position yourself in the market and what you want your company's voice to be. Once you've created your brand identity, integrate it into everything that you do, from your online presence to your social media efforts. At Tinder, we set out with the mission to create new connections that can turn into real-life relationships, and all of our marketing efforts tie back to this mission.
Related: 4 Ways to Market Your Business for Free
The name Tinder came from the idea that we were creating a spark between two users. This idea inspired everything that went into our branding, including our recognizable flame logo.
Once you've created a recognizable brand, it's time to make sure everyone knows about it. Don't underestimate the value of good public relations! Building relationships with reporters is a great way to strengthen your brand identity and reach your target audience. Reach out to reporters who are covering your industry and keep them in the loop on interesting announcements from your company.
2. Find your audience.
When you're first starting out, it can be difficult to get your company off the ground and garner your first customers.
When we launched Tinder, it took off almost overnight. Our initial marketing efforts were very lightweight. We attribute a lot of this initial success to the on-the-ground work our team was doing at universities and college campuses. We knew we wanted to target a millennial demographic, so we found social influencers in the space and then used word-of-mouth marketing to grow at that early stage. If you have memorable branding, an innovative product and directly connect with your audience, word-of-mouth marketing can do wonders.
Think creatively about the ways you can engage with your customer base, whether it be at hyperlocal events, guerilla marketing or through an ambassador program. To this day, Tinder runs a college ambassador program, so we can engage with our users, create good sentiment and cultivate positive brand advocacy.
Related: This 14-Year-Old Founder Explains How to Market to Teenagers on Social Media
3. Listen to your audience.
As we continued to see exponential user growth, we didn't just rest on our laurels -- we continued to iterate and market the platform based on user feedback.
Listening to our users and responding to their wants and needs from a product perspective has allowed us to continue growing our global user base. We frequently ask for feedback and listen to what they like and what they think could be improved. In fact, nearly all of the features Tinder has launched since the beginning has been a direct result of listening to our users. We also conduct regular social listening to hear what people are saying about the app and what is important to them.
Building a brand identity is vital, but understanding your brand's image is just as important. You want to make sure that you're targeting your users positively and effectively, and their perception of you is in line with your brand's mission. Consider utilizing surveys and running focus groups to garner user feedback. Use this feedback as a pulse check to inform and improve your company's offerings and marketing tactics.
Related: 10 Marketing Influencers That Every Entrepreneur Can Learn From
4. Exceed expectations through innovation.
Tinder introduced its app-based dating concept five years ago after identifying the need for a seamless, fun dating experience. Fast forward to today, and online and apps-based dating has become the way people meet. As we continued to see exponential growth, we continued innovating to evolve the platform to meet the needs and demands of our users. Everything we have done, from adding the Passport feature (which allows users to find connections in cities or countries where they're going to move to or visit), to including more inclusive gender identities, to Tinder Reactions (which helps our users communicate in a fun way through visuals), we've continued to innovate to remain one of the most relevant and necessary products for people today.
Another valuable way for expanding your company's reach is by innovating on the marketing side through brand partnerships and collaborative campaigns. Reach out to your network, like-minded entrepreneurs and interesting brands to see where it may make sense to do a joint campaign to expand your reach and raise your company's profile.
Related: 10 Laws of Social Media Marketing
Earlier this year, Tinder partnered with Pledgeling.com and celebrated International Women's Day to help raise money for important nonprofit programs. We gave our users the chance to donate part of Tinder's charitable fund, and in the end, everyone wins because our users helped us make an impact.
5. Don't forget about your personal brand.
Don't forget about yourself or underestimate the impact you can make. Everyone from the founder and CEO, through to a more junior employee, is part of the company's brand and story, so think about how you contribute to the fabric of your company's marketing efforts. Whether you're speaking at an industry event, are active on your social media channels or even speaking with a friend over dinner, remember that you represent your company's brand and can play an important role in its storytelling.
Related:
#4 Ways to Create an Effective Facebook Advert
Marketing 2.0: How To Make Your Marketing More Effective
Esta es la campana turistica mas exitosa de America Latina
Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com
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So much about successful entrepreneurship is about building rapport, whether its with investors or prospective employees. A new study from Hokkaido University and Yamagata University in Japan has found that something as simple as nodding can actually boost your likability in a significant way.
The researchers showed 49 Japanese men and women a series of short video clips of computer-generated women nodding, shaking their heads or staying still. The study participants were then asked to rate the computer-generated figures on attractiveness, likeability and approachability from a scale of 0 to 100.
Stress was merely presented as the curse of the culinary genius until now. Photo: Lawrence Worcester/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images
Even Guys Grocery Games viewers get that being a professional chef is stressful, but this new piece by Jay Rayner serves as a serious reminder about the toll the industry takes on mental health. Several of Englands top chefs tell the Guardians restaurant critic that the profession has nearly destroyed them; he cites an April survey that found that 78 percent of London chefs blame kitchen accidents (or near misses) on fatigue, over half use painkillers regularly, almost as many suffer from depression, and a quarter admit that they drink to get through shifts. The restaurant business model is dysfunctional, Rayner concludes, writing that there might be reason for even more worry: To make the economics stack up, cooks are required to work ludicrous hours which, due to chef shortages and rent rises, are only getting longer.
Chefs described working in abusive environments, run by bullies re-enacting the violent experiences they had been through when they were juniors at least one spoke of pain administered via burning hot tongs. Kitchens reliance on fear rather than encouragement has birthed an incredibly harsh environment, one restaurateur tells Rayner. (And this hasnt even scratched the surface of what its like if youre female.)
Many big-name chefs (Sean Brock, Daniel Patterson, Mike Solomonov) have opened up in recent years about overcoming inner demons of substance abuse or depression. But alcoholism, drug addiction, and nervous breakdowns shouldnt be seen as badges of honor worn by the geniuses whose tortured souls are rewarded with Michelin stars, one restaurateur from Leeds cautioned in her Facebook post after reading. Even Rayner has since noted the truly startling stories that keep emerging in the articles comments section from people saying all were miserable in the kitchens they worked in, to the claim that theyve never met a chef [who] didnt have an addiction. The hundreds of Twitter replies have been mostly gloomy as well:
Im a chef and I agree low wages ,un sociable hours ,treated with no respect by restaurant owners .when I went to catering college there was 40 of us in my class only two of us are chefs now. THOMAS EDWARDS (@EdwardsChef) November 26, 2017
Chef and restaurant manager for 27 years. 25 of them in UK. Alcohol, divorce, Depression. All consequences of overwork and underpay. Though agree that's also what I loved. The us against them. The 'we survived, let's drink" mentality. 1/2 Grant (@grantdombo) November 26, 2017
Father was a chef. The stories...wow. Stress, yes. This is an industry that has more alcoholics and drug addicts than any other, and when you take Wall Street into consideration that says something. shameonyoudule (@shameonyoudule) November 26, 2017
Brilliant article by @jayrayner1. The industry has to do more to support and look after it's chefs at all levels. To hell with keeping costs down and macho silent suffering in kitchens. https://t.co/BIC0K9tb5M Mark McCabe (@mccabedoesstuff) November 27, 2017
Thank you so much for writing this. If people need help, other chefs are there to listen: https://t.co/azUP9O9PpE Kat Kinsman (@kittenwithawhip) November 26, 2017
An observation: a lot of career cooks have spoken up since the publication of my piece on chefs and mental health but bar some notable exceptions - @Satbains1 and @ChefTomKerridge in particular - there has been a deafening silence from most leading figures in the industry. Jay Rayner (@jayrayner1) November 27, 2017
Rayner meant his article as a disquisition, not a corrective, but hes also quick to point to places where the model looks better. Like in Scandinavia, home to Magnus Nilssons critically acclaimed Faviken, whose chefs work eight-hour days and get five weeks of vacation per year.
Possibly the worlds finest sparkling-wine product that you mix by the glass. Photo: SodaStream
For ages, people have been force-carbonating alcohol (like for a fizzy spin on Hemingway daiquiris) in their SodaStream machines. The company has never approved of this, and in fact warns that it voids your warranty, but the beverage giant may finally be coming around. Its latest gimmick, a mix called Sparkling Gold, gives you a way to turn tap water into sparkling wine at the touch of a button. You add the special Palcohol-like syrup to soda water, and it gives you a fun beverage resembling the taste of a fruity Riesling wine. (Its like grabbing a bottle of wine product from a New York grocery store without leaving the comfort of your kitchen!)
Sparkling Gold is SodaStreams first alcoholic mixer, but America isnt getting it just yet. For now, the company is limiting these exciting concentrates to its online store in Germany which may help explain why it picked something Riesling-esque. A hundred Germans supposedly taste-tested the mixture, and SodaStream claims Sparkling Gold received a higher rating than actual French champagnes like the world-renowned Moet & Chardon (56 people liked Moet, versus 76 for SodaStreams concoction, although this may be a trick because its actually spelled Chandon).
Sparkling Gold comes in a beautiful gold-tinted bottle that yields 12 glasses of wine. However, theyre a mere 10 percent alcohol by volume when prepared using the recommended mixing ratio, so Germans might want to double or triple up when buying.
The Lucienne Deschamps Foundation launched this week the 42nd edition of the Henri Deschamps 2017 Literary Prize. This competition is open to all Haitians whether you are a aspiring writer or not, French and/or Creole-speaking residents in the...
Haiti - Venezuela : President Moise met with President Maduro
Monday, President Jovenel Moise at the head of a delegation, arrived in Venezuela at the international airport Simon Bolivar Maiquetia, in the state of Vargas, for his first official visit to this country where he was welcomed by the Chancellor Jorge Arreaza and Vice Minister of the Caribbean Raul Licausi.
Then President Moise and his delegation went to the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, where he met with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro to strengthen bilateral cooperation. The two Heads of State have fully reviewed the work plan and cooperation between Haiti, Venezuela and PetroCaribe.
At the end of this meeting, the two Presidents signed two agreements on agricultural cooperation and trade "We have been in permanent partnership since the beginning of our history and we thank the people and the Venezuelan President [...]" said President Moise recalling that the relations between Haiti and Venezuela have a historical basis with Alexandre Petion who had given his unconditional support to the liberator Simon Bolivar so that since Jacmel, is initiated his expedition against the Spanish colonialism.
He also stressed that the two governments are working on a mutually beneficial cooperation project, saying that Venezuela will help Haiti to meet its growing needs in terms of agricultural development and recovery of electrical, road and hydraulic infrastructure.
The two leaders left off promising to continue to work for the development of the two countries in strategic areas and agreeing to strengthen bilateral relations, which date back more than 150 years, taken over thanks to the commitment of the late leader of the Bolivarian Revolution Hugo Chavez https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-8024-haiti-flash-president-hugo-chavez-passed-away.html
SL/ HaitiLibre
Haiti - Politic : New condemnation of Haiti against slavery in Libya
After the denunciation of President Jovenel Moise against the recent slave practices in Libya https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22768-haiti-news-zapping.html Antonio Rodrigue the Minister of Foreign Affairs condemned in turn, on behalf of the Republic of Haiti, the inhuman and degrading treatment inflicted in Libya on migrants of African origin.
"Faithful to its historical traditions, Haiti is indignant and surprised that such practices can still exist. It calls on the universal conscience to rise against the barbarism of slavery, which is the negation of humanity.
The Republic of Haiti calls on the international community to condemn these atrocities unreservedly and to make the necessary arrangements to provide assistance and relief to those men, women and children who are victims of this modern form of slavery.
Haiti through international bodies including the United Nations will spare no effort so that this practices stop and no longer occur."
HL/ HaitiLibre
Haiti - Economy : The CFI announces the First Forum BPO Ayiti Smart Talent
The Center for Investment Facilitation (CFI), with the support of the Inter-American Development Bank and the collaboration of the Haitian Association for the Development of Information and Communication Technologies (ATHIC), of Avasant and BANJ, organizes the first BPO Ayiti Smart Talent Forum on November 29, 2017 at the Karibe Convention Center.
More than 1,000 young people from all over the country are expected to attend the Forum, which will present the different aspects of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), which offers the perspective of nearly 10,000 direct jobs and 2 or 3 times more indirect jobs "This represents not only a promise for the future of young people but also the creation of sustainable wealth," explains Tessa Jacques, Director of the CFI.
To enable young people from all over the country to participate, BANJ teams have traveled to several cities across the country to register young graduates and students with the required knowledge in terms of languages or computer skills. A third of these young people will be transported the day before the Forum from their provincial cities by bus and supported all day of November 29 "These two days of activity represent for us the culmination of a process of structuring the BPO sector. in Haiti. Today we can say that Haiti has the technical and human resources to compete with other countries in the region," said Inter-American Development Bank representative Luis Echebarria.
On the agenda of the day, presentations by international experts in this field and its global perspectives but also local, job opportunities that are there and can develop. The skills required to apply for this type of career will be highlighted during presentations and panel discussions but also during practical workshops to prepare for job interviews, how to submit a resume or make a good presentation synthesis.
At the end of this Forum will be launched the platform "Haiti Digital Service" an internet platform that will provide information that investors may need for their business decisions in the BPO sector. This platform will also facilitate the recruitment of qualified human resources for the sector, through a database powered by local skills that will register directly online.
HL/ HaitiLibre
Haiti - Politic : The World Bank calls on Haiti to increase its budget for health
According to a new report issued Monday by the World Bank reveals that the health sector needs more public investments and better allocation of resources to improve access to health care for all Haitians.
The report, titled "Better Spending, Better Care: A Look at Haitis Health Financing", highlights that public spending on health care per capita is US$13 per year, which is below the average of US$15 in low-income countries and substantially lower than the average in neighboring countries, such as the Dominican Republic (US$180) and Cuba (US$781). In addition, there was a significant increase in funding from NGOs and the international community followed the earthquake, but this funding is falling significantly, calling into question the sustainability of investments in the sector.
In the context of repeated emergencies faced by the country, more than half of total health expenditure goes toward curative rather than preventive health care. In fact, 38 percent of total health expenditure is devoted to the hospital sector, owing primarily to the large number of hospitals, which is significantly higher than in countries such as Burundi (23 percent) and Tanzania (26 percent). The hospitals are often under-equipped to provide the level of care required, and the current level of expenditure has not led to increased service delivery. Costs for in-patient care are much higher than those in primary health centers. The nationwide ratio of clinics to inhabitants is 0.3 per 10,000, significantly below the standard set by Haitis Ministry of Public Health and Population.
The decline in international assistance means that unless primary health care is prioritized with greater access to essential treatment for the people most in need, universal health coverage will not be possible, said Eleonora Cavagnero, Health Economist for Haiti at the World Bank and lead author of the report.
Life expectancy increased and infant and maternal mortality were halved between 1990 and 2015. However, Haiti remains vulnerable to many heath challenges: infant and maternal mortality rates are four or five times higher than those of Latin America and the Caribbean. Only 68 percent of children under 24 months have received the three vaccines to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, compared to 80 percent in countries in a similar economic bracket.
World Bank Special Envoy to Haiti, Mary A. Barton-Dock, points out that investments have not been made in areas crying out for them. In the current environment of severe budgetary constraints, what is required is a results-based financing mechanism to make the health care system more efficient and more equitable.
The report proposes options to achieve better care through better spending, and improve health coverage for the poorest:
Increase public spending in health: Despite the countrys health needs, the governments budget allocation for health declined significantly over the past twelve years, dropping from 16.6 percent of the national budget in 2004 (above the average for Latin America and the Caribbean) to 4.4 percent of the current budget. Given the sharp reduction in donor funding in recent years, the government must plan for an immediate increase in public expenditure in health and improved coordination of international assistance. The creation of special taxeson tobacco and alcohol, for examplecould help raise funds for the health sector.
Prioritize primary and preventive health care: This will involve redirecting funds to primary care, while prioritising and calculating the cost within the current Health Master Plan. Bolstering service delivery in primary and preventive health care will greatly assist in reducing the leading causes of mortality in Haiti. Development partners should finance technical assistance to help hospitals achieve financial sustainability, strengthen existing infrastructure, and put in place a licensing policy. This shift in investments in the heath sector should be evidence-based.
Improve equitable access to quality health care: This will be achieved by mapping health facilities and reclassifying them to improve their operational capacity and establish a functioning referral network. This reclassification exercise will help improve the distribution of medical equipment and medicines. A policy that promotes a more equitable geographic access to primary health services needs to be implemented. Among households that did not consult a health professional, 49% responded that they did not do so for financial reasons. This policy also promises to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness in service delivery at the primary health care level by linking funding of health personnel and institutions to results.
See also :
https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22831-haiti-politic-ministry-of-health-assessment-and-prospects.html
HL/ HaitiLibre
Haiti - News : Zapping...
Promise : Port-au-Prince clean in January 2018
Magalie Habitant, director of the Metropolitan Solid Waste Collection Service (SMCRS) promises that by January 2018, the Haitian capital will be clean, without any hassle, for this she stresses that the SMCRS needs 30 tipper trucks, 2 loaders, 3 backhoe loaders to clean Port-au-Prince and other municipalities in the metropolitan area.
Dismantling of a gang of thieves
On Monday, the PNH announced the arrest of the powerful Head of gang of thieves Mc Nally Georges William at Pelerin 5 (Petion Ville) and several of his accomplices who accompanied him. This net comes the next day, of a large operation conducted by the police in the neighborhoods of Thomassin, Laboule and Fermathe where operated the Gang. Many stolen objects, jewels, weapons and equipment used to perpetrate thefts in citizens' homes were found.
Mentally impaired : Awareness Week
The Christian Blind Mission (CBM) organizes, from November 27 to December 2 in the 10 departments of Haiti, a week of activities around the intellectual disability, to raise awareness on the rights of people with disabilities.
Teacher training...
Monday at the auditorium of the Alexandre Petion high school, was launched the capacity building activity for the implementation of an innovative and relevant model in the training policy of teachers and supervisory staff in non-formal education. An activity of the Ministry of National Education, supported by the Directorate of Basic Education (DEF) and supported by UNESCO.
Enhancing learning abilities of 12,000 students
The learning of the subjects taught at school is largely based on reading. Thanks to the support of USAID Haiti and UNICEF-Haiti, Plan International Haiti, in partnership with the Ministry of National Education, is strengthening the reading and writing skills of more than 12,000 boys and girls. girls of the first four years of the fundamental in 52 schools of 12 communes of the four years of the fundamental in 52 schools of 12 communes of the department of North-East.
End of IMF mission
Various entities of the Public Administration, including the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI), the General Administration of Customs (AGD), the Electricity of Haiti (ED'H), the Bank of the Republic of Haiti (BRH ) and the deconcentrated directorates of the Ministry of Economy and Finance took part, in the presence of the Minister of the Economy and Finance, Jude Alix Patrick Solomon, to a work session called of restitution and update on the necessary commitments to improve the performance and effectiveness of donor relations by 2018. In prospect, the signing of a memorandum of understanding will establish the reciprocal commitments of the Haitian government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which has completed its mission in Haiti https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-22720-icihaiti-economy-meeting-in-anticipation-of-the-arrival-of-the-imf.html
HL/ HaitiLibre
Published on 2017/11/28 | Source
Added episodes 13 and 14 captures for the Korean drama "Black" (2017)
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Directed by Kim Hong-seon-I
Written by Choi Ran-I
Network : OCN
With Song Seung-heon, Go Ara, Lee El, Kim Dong-jun, Jo Jae-yun, Lee Kyu-bok,...
18 episodes - Sat, Sun 22:00
Synopsis
A reaper borrows a human body and fall in love with a mortal woman who can see the shadows of death. He breaks the rules of heaven and thus completely disappears from the memory of the world in this drama.
Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2017/10/14
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Diageo boss calls for action over scandalous talent waste in wake of Brexit
By Michelle Perrett
Diageo boss Ivan Menezes has claimed that there is a scandalous waste of talent in the UK with 790,000 young people not in education, unemployment or training (NEET).
Menezes, is also the chairman of Movement to Work, a collaboration of employers that help young people into work. He said that the emerging labour market challenges in light of Brexit create an opportunity to get young unemployed people into work.
The call will have particular resonance with the UK drinks trade especially hospitality employers - where high staff-turnover is being exacerbated by Brexit.
It is a scandalous waste of talent that 790,000 young people in the UK are currently NEET, he said.
Brexit will likely reduce the ability of business to hire workers from elsewhere in the EU, so it is both a moral and business imperative to help our young people take that vital first step into the job market.
A report from the British Hospitality Association (BHA) earlier this year revealed that the hospitality industry would have to find an extra 60,000 workers per year to plug the gap left by EU workers. This is on top of the 200,000 workers required yearly to replace churn in the market. The BHA said this could leave a deficit of a million workers by 2029.
The government own statistics released in a working paper earlier this month that approximately 150,000 EU nationals work in the UKs pubs, bars and restaurants.
Movement to Work has called for business, government and civic society to step up efforts to help Britains young people.
The call came as a meeting was held between more than 20 CEOs and senior executives of major British companies and secretary of state for Work and Pensions David Gauke.
Gauke said: Latest figures show that youth unemployment is at a record low, and the number of people not in employment, education or training is falling, but we know theres still more to be done.
This government is making sure no young person is locked out of the jobs market. Weve already set a target of 3 million apprenticeships by 2020, Jobcentre Plus support is being rolled out in schools and intensive employment support is available for 18-21 year olds on Universal Credit.
Movement to Work also used the meeting to call on the government to create greater flexibility in how companies can invest the Apprenticeship Levy to allow more funding in pre-apprenticeship training.
Marcelo Papa takes top wine job as Concha y Toro named biggest mover of 2016
By Jo Gilbert
Marcelo Papa has been appointed technical director of South American wine behemoth Concha y Toro.
Among his new responsibilities, Papa will lead the technical management of the companys entire product portfolio which spans 10,800 hectares in Chile, Argentina and the US.
Papa has climbed the creative chain of command over the years, previously as head winemaker of the Puente Alto Winery and also helming the well-known Casillero del Diablo label.
Papa is known for his ability to bring a sense of origin across a variety of styles and was also responsible for implementing improved agricultural and oenological management techniques for the Marques de Casa Concha label.
During his 20-year tenure with the company, Concha y Toro has continued to grow its global presence and as of 2016, was the fourth biggest selling wine brand in the world.
Figures from the IWSR released this month show that Concha y Toros range was the most notable mover in the a list of top ten wine brands, increasing by more than 1m nine-litre cases to take swap places with Spains Felix Solis.
The Chilean companys biggest win came in its domestic market, with volume growth of almost 400,000 cases.
Premium brand line Casillero del Diablo continued to gain strongly in the UK, up 9% on 2015, to cap overall Concha y Toro range growth of over 300,000 cases in the country.
It enjoyed further strong increases in the Netherlands, Mozambique and the US.
French wine brand Castel Freres meanwhile was named the largest still wine brand in the world for the second year in a row despite dropping 800,000 nine-litre cases between 2015 and 2016.
Three out of the top ten brands listed the UK as their primary export markets: Barefoot and Gallo by E & J Gallo and Felix Solis.
by Andrew Walden
The headline blares, Secrecy surrounds sexual harassment settlements in Congress . In California two legislators have been accused of sex harassment and one has resigned. But what about Hawaii Legislators? Are they sexless drones? Senator Mazie Hirono tells NBC Meet the Press: Ive been propositioned by teachers, by my colleagues, you name it. Certainly there must be something to report?
It turns out Hawaii taxpayers may have been soaked as much as $200K in settlements which keep sex harassment quiet.
Hawaiis so-called Civil Rights Commission has been effectively suppressing sex-harassment claims against elected officials, political appointees and staffers for over a decadeby keeping them out of court and steering complainants towards a secretive settlement process which puts money in victims pockets in exchange for public silence. As the HCRC website explains : Pursuant to HRS 378-3(10) an employee may file a direct civil action for sexual harassment. While the statutes allow these direct civil actions in these cases, only a small number are filed; the great majority still file complaints with the HCRC.
This secrecy gives members of the HCRC special knowledge about the misdeeds of elected officials. It will be interesting to see whether Kim Coco Iwamotoa holdover member of the HCRC now running for Lt Governor --receives any politically inexplicable endorsements.
Earlier this year, activist Mililani Trask exposed a previously hidden $50,000 payment by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to cover up a 2015 sex harassment complaint against Trustee Peter Apo. The OHA case apparently sidestepped the HCRC process entirely.
HCRC annual reports provide the only public record of sex harassment complaints settled by the HCRC process. From 2001 to 2016 only one defendant is actually identified by name a case involving a conservative activist :
On August 26, 2014, the Commission issued a final decision and order in William D. Hoshiio, on Behalf of the Complaint filed by Kay Lorraine Bate v. Research Institute for Hawaii.USA, Docket No. 13-001-E-RH-SH-R. The Commission held the Research Institute for Hawaii, USA (RIH), and its CEO Christopher Damon Haig, liable for religious and sexual harassment.
In other cases, defendants and their organizations are identified with vague terms such as private company. In some descriptions, there is no characterization of the defendants employment at all. The HCRC annual reports also do not catalogue every case. They provide only a few highlights from each fiscal year. The vast majority of cases do not leave even the slightest public trace of their existence.
The number of workplace sex harassment cases handled by HCRC has fluctuated over the years:
FY Cases
2001-02 54
2002-03 52
2003-04 50
2004-05 41
2005-06 37
2006-07 41
2007-08 55
2008-09 47
2009-10 32
2010-11 24
2011-12 25
2012-13 35
2013-14 33
2014-15 22
2015-16 10
Here are all of the sex-harassment mentions from each years annual report. Based on the wording, complaints marked *** could possibly be against a political official:
2001-02 54 Sex Harassment Cases
only a small number of cases are brought to administrative hearing and result in final Commission decisions ***A case alleging same-sex harassment in employment was settled through mediation for $12,000, a reference letter, and adoption of an antidiscrimination policy. ***An employment discrimination case involved allegations of sexual harassment by a supervisor. The employer and the alleged harasser agreed to make payment of $30,000 to the complainant for general damages. The employer agreed to reaffirm and retrain all employees on the policy and applicable law regarding sexual harassment and sex discrimination. The individual respondent also agreed to attend anti-harassment training at his own expense and submit a letter of apology to the complainant.
2002-03 -- 52 Sex Harassment Cases
A complainant alleged that she was sexually harassed during her employment as an accounting clerk for a national retail chain store. The alleged harassment was by a company officer and was verbal and physical in nature. Although she complained to her supervisor and human resources department, no corrective action was taken. The complainant then resigned due to the hostile and offensive working environment. In mediation, the parties agreed to a settlement of $7,000, a letter of acknowledgement of the complainant's painful experience, and posting of the company's sexual harassment policies.
2003-04 -- 50 Sex Harassment Cases
A female employee with a large private company alleged sexual harassment (verbal, visual, and physical) by a co-worker, creating a hostile and offensive work environment. Complainant was also allegedly subjected to retaliation after reporting the harassment and was constructively discharged from her position of dispatcher/Receptionist, earning $9.00/hour. In private mediation, a monetary settlement was reached of $28,000.
2004-05 -- 41 Sex Harassment Cases
A complainant, who was a cashier at a restaurant, alleged she was subjected to verbal and physical sexual harassment by her manager. A settlement was reached for $22,500 with the employer in a case mediated at the Mediation Center of the Pacific (MCP). A female cashier/counter person in a food industry company alleged that she suffered from physical and other kinds of sexual harassment by a high-level manager. She had been hired three months earlier and alleged a constructive discharge due to the hostile, offensive, and intimidating working environment. She settled in mediation at the MCP for $47,000. ***In separate complaints involving sexual harassment against a common employer, the complaints were settled for payment of $80,000 to each complainant and affirmative relief, including training for the employers staff in compliance with non-discrimination policies. ***In a case alleging sexual harassment, settlement included payment in the sum of $12,000, adoption of anti-discrimination employment policies in compliance with Chapter 378, and training for the employers staff in compliance with such non-discrimination policies.
2005-06 -- 37 Sex Harassment Cases
***In a case alleging sexual harassment, settlement included payment in the sum of $10,000, adoption of non-discrimination employment policies and training for the employers staff on such policies. Contested Case Hearings -- During fiscal year 2005-2006, five cases (one involving sexual harassment and four involving sex discrimination) were docketed for hearing. All were settled.
2006-07 -- 41 Sex Harassment Cases
***In a case alleging sexual harassment, settlement included payment of $25,000, adoption of anti-discrimination employment policies and training for the employers staff on compliance with such policies.
2007-08 -- 55 Sex Harassment Cases
(No examples in report)
2008-09 -- 47 Sex Harassment Cases
***In a case alleging sexual harassment by a supervisor, the HCRC found cause and obtained relief for the complainant in the form of a letter of reference and payment of $150,000, which included Complainants attorneys fees, in addition to affirmative relief. ***In a case alleging sexual harassment by a supervisor, the HCRC found cause and obtained relief for the complainant in the form of payment of $200,000 which included Complainants attorneys fees, in addition to affirmative relief.
2009-10 -- 32 Sex Harassment Cases
(No examples in report)
2010-11 -- 24 Sex Harassment Cases
The primary bases of discrimination of the 20 settlements were as follows: Sex -- 11 (including 8 pregnancies and 2 sexual harassment); Disability -- 4; Arrest & Court Record -- 2; Age -- 2; Ancestry -- 1. Many of the completed mediations also included charges on other protected bases. 13 mediated settlements were cases dual-filed with the EEOC.
2011-12 -- 25 Sex Harassment Cases
The primary bases of discrimination of the 14 settlements were as follows: Sex -- 4 (including 1 pregnancy and 2 sexual harassment); Retaliation -- 4; Disability -- 3; National Origin -- 2; Race -- 1. Many of the completed mediations also included charges on other protected bases. 12 mediated settlements were cases dual-filed with the EEOC.
2012-13 -- 35 Sex Harassment Cases
The primary bases of discrimination of the 41 settlements were as follows: Sex -- 4 (including 3 pregnancy and 4 sexual harassment); Disability -- 9; Retaliation -- 4; Arrest and Court Record -- 3; Sexual Orientation -- 3; Age -- 3; Marital Status -- 2; Ancestry -- 1; Color -- 1; National Origin -- 1. Many of the completed mediations also included charges on other protected bases. 28 mediated settlements were cases dual-filed with the EEOC.
2013-14 -- 33 Sex Harassment Cases
The primary bases of discrimination of the 17 settlements were as follows: Disability -- 5; Sex -- 5 (including 2 pregnancy and 1 sexual harassment); Ancestry -- 3; Age -- 2; National Origin -- 1; Race -- 1. Many of the completed mediations also included charges on other protected bases. 15 mediated settlements were cases dual-filed with the EEOC. In an employment case involving sexual harassment and retaliation, the complaint settled for $30,000, a number of changes to company policies, and training.
2014-15 -- 22 Sex Harassment Cases
The primary bases of discrimination of the 15 settlements were as follows: Sex -- 10 (including 4 pregnancy and 4 sexual harassment); Disability -- 2; Race -- 2; Ancestry -- 1. Many of the completed mediations also included charges on other protected bases. ***Two employment cases alleged that a complainant was subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace, followed by discrimination based on sex and retaliation after she reported the sexual harassment internally. The HCRC investigated the sexual harassment case and issued a Notice of Cause. Thereafter, both cases were settled for $140,000, nine months of COBRA payments, and a neutral job reference for the complainant; as well as non-discrimination training for the respondents managers, supervisors, and employees. On August 26, 2014, the Commission issued a final decision and order in William D. Hoshiio, on Behalf of the Complaint filed by Kay Lorraine Bate v. Research Institute for Hawaii.USA, Docket No. 13-001-E-RH-SH-R. The Commission held the Research Institute for Hawaii, USA (RIH), and its CEO Christopher Damon Haig, liable for religious and sexual harassment.
2015-2016 -- 10 Sex Harassment Cases
The primary bases of discrimination of the 30 settlements were as follows: Disability- 12; Sex- 5 (specifically, 3 pregnancy and 2 sexual harassment); Age- 4; Arrest and Court Record - 3; Religion - 2; Retaliation - 2; National Origin - 1; and Race - 1. Many of the completed mediations also included charges on other protected bases.
---30---
HCRC Annual Report FY 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-2016
HCRC: FIND A REPORT
HCRC: Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
by Andrew Walden
How do Hawaii legislators get away with sexual harassment? House and Senate Rules are especially designed to maintain secrecy if anybody is bold enough to file an actual complaint.
House Rules specifically prohibit Legislators and staff from revealing any information which pertains to illegal or improper conduct by a present or former Representative.
Senate Rules provide for a lengthy process starting with an attempt by the President of the Senate to resolve any complaint in an administrative proceeding. Failing that, the President is to appoint a Special Committee which is authorized to meet in executive session when committee discussion could unfairly damage the reputation of individuals.
Here are the relevant sections:
House Rules: ( link )
PART 10. RULES OF DISCLOSURE
10.1. NON-DISCLOSURE POLICY.
Except as provided in Rule 10.2, no Representative, member, staff, or any person engaged by contract or otherwise to perform services for the Committee shall release, divulge, publish, reveal by writing, word, conduct, or disclose in any way, in whole or in part, or by way of summary, including during tenure with the Committee or anytime thereafter, information or material in the possession of the Committee which pertains to illegal or improper conduct by a present or former Representative; allegations or accusations of this conduct; any resulting preliminary inquiry, adjudicatory review or other proceeding by the Committee into these allegations or conduct and any report issued about the inquiry, review, or other proceeding; the investigative techniques and procedures of the Committee; any testimony or other evidence given before the Committee in executive session (including the name of any witness who appeared or was called to appear in executive session), any classified or Committee-sensitive information, document or material, received or generated by the Committee, any material or information deemed to be confidential by the Chair and Vice Chair, acting jointly, or any classified or Committee-sensitive information which may come into the possession of this person during tenure with the Committee or its staff. No such information shall be made public unless authorized by a two-thirds vote of the authorized membership.
Senate Rules: ( link )
PART IX. DECORUM; DISCLOSURES; PEER REVIEW; PUNISHMENT
Rule 72 Misconduct; Procedure; Peer Review.
No member of the Senate shall be subject to a charge for misconduct, disorderly behavior, or neglect of duty unless the person making the charge shall have first given notice of the charge to the President and to the member being charged.
Upon receipt of the charge, the President shall attempt to resolve the matter in an administrative proceeding. If the matter cannot be resolved administratively, the President may appoint a Special Committee to be chaired by the Vice-President or such other member as the President may designate to investigate, hear and report upon the conduct of the member charged for misconduct, disorderly behavior or neglect of duty. Any member so charged shall be informed in writing of the specific charge or charges made against the member and have opportunity to present evidence and be heard in the member's own defense before the Special Committee. Following its investigation and hearing, the Special Committee shall file its report with the President setting forth its findings and recommendations.
If the committee recommends dismissal of the charge or charges, the President may dismiss the charges without further hearing, or the President may present the report of the committee to the Senate for its consideration. The Senate, by a majority vote, may dismiss the charge or charges against the member without a hearing.
If there is no dismissal of the charge or charges, or if the committee recommends censure, suspension or expulsion, the President shall present the report of the committee to the Senate for its consideration and decision. The member who is charged, shall be informed in writing of the presentation of the charge or charges of the committee report to the Senate and be given an opportunity to be heard in the member's own defense. The Senate, by a majority vote, may dismiss the charge or charges without a hearing, or with notice and an opportunity to be heard in the member's own defense, censure a member or, upon a two-thirds vote of all the members of the Senate, suspend or expel a member
At any stage of the charge against a member, the member shall have a right to be represented by a person or persons of the member's own choosing.
PART II. COMMITTEES
Rule 20 Special Committees on Accountability.
The President may appoint a Special Committee on Accountability which shall conduct informational briefing on matters referred to it by Senate Leadership or investigate matters referred to it by single house or concurrent resolutions. The committee shall be composed of not less than five members, unless otherwise ordered by the Senate, and include a member or members of the minority party. The President shall appoint the committee's vice chair, who may change from time to time, to represent the standing committee having primary jurisdiction over the subject matter referred to the special committee.
Each Special Committee on Accountability shall terminate at the end of the calendar year in which it was appointed, unless otherwise specified. All requirements of standing committees shall apply to the committee.
Rule 21 Meetings of Committees.
Meetings, including decision-making sessions, of leadership committees appointed by the President, and Standing Committees shall be public provided that meetings in executive session may be allowed in such exceptional circumstances when committee discussion could unfairly damage the reputation of individuals.
recent case of an employee who received a text stating your services are no longer required and was later found to be unfairly dismissed has some significant lessons for employers.The worker was dismissed in March this year by a specialist tour company who claimed the employee was running her own business when she should have been working for the company.It was alleged by the employer that the worker informed them that the she wanted to start a new business in January this year.However, the company claimed her LinkedIn page suggested that from as early as December 2016 she was the Personal Concierge and Lifestyle Manager of the new business.Moreover, there was a noticeable change in the employees work habits, such as frequently going outside to take private phone calls, according to the company.The worker denied she was operating the new business while working at the company. She also claimed she registered the business name and acquired a web address as a preliminary measure.She also argued that she only started devoting most of their energy into the new business from the end of June 2017.The Fair Work Commission found that it is not unusual to make a business look older than it is on social media.I accept the evidence of (the employee) that as part of marketing herself both on Facebook and on LinkedIn that she was trying to make my business look like it has been around longer than it has and that she might be stretching the truth a bit about herself and her business, said the Commission.The FWC also found that the conclusions drawn by the employer were not justified as there was nothing to support the allegation the employee was operating their own business to the detriment of the company.The FWC said there was no reason advanced by the company relating to the conduct or capacity of the employee which could or would or did constitute a valid reason for dismissal.Moreover, the employee was only notified of the reason for the dismissal after receiving a text message which read your services are no longer required.Consequently, the employee was not given an opportunity to respond to any reason for dismissal.In conclusion, the FWC found that the dismissal of the employee was harsh and unjust and unreasonable.It was harsh because (the employee) had not engaged in the alleged misconduct. It was unjust because (the employee) was denied procedural fairness by (the employer) and was given no opportunity to defend herself. It was unreasonable because it was the result of a significant exercise of prejudging an outcome without making any reasonable attempt to apply the principals of a fair go all round, said the Commission.So what are the key lessons HR professionals can take away from this case?Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Mark Stone AM told HRD that a strong evidentiary basis and investigation process is crucial for an employer to satisfy the believes on reasonable grounds component for summary dismissal under the Small Business Fair Dismissal Code (Code).Alternatively, an employer outside the Code must satisfy the Commission that the alleged serious misconduct occurred, Stone told HRD.Even with the benefit of a robust investigation process, it is a fundamental part of the unfair dismissal process to give the employee an opportunity to respond before any conclusive decision is made on disciplinary or dismissal action.Numerous Commission decisions have concluded dismissal via text message (or other similar means) can offend these principles of natural justice, and employers are well-advised to steer clear except under exceptional circumstances.
>Jo Power outlines a smarter way to ensure employees celebrate their birthday in styleWeve all experienced that moment. Everyone in the office gathers around, the candles are lit in direct violation of office OH&S and your colleagues warble out an off-key rendition of Happy Birthday. To some, its an awesome moment; to others, its something to be avoided at all costs.Whether you work in an office of health-conscious co-workers who reject cake culture or in an organisation that gets pretty gung-ho about birthday celebrations, theres no reason not to help make your work-mates birthday workday awesome.Birthdays only come around once a year and more often than not, youll be spending the better part of the day at work. To help avoid another case of the birthdaily grind, Ive put together a few fool-proof ways to help make your colleague feel special (and minimally embarrassed) on their day of birth.Keep in mind some employees would rather spend their birthdays away from the office, enjoying some serious relaxation time or hanging out with their family. Or, your employee just might need a day off to recharge their batteries. Whatever the case, offering a personal day for this once-a-year event is something employees will appreciate.Of course, you cant force your employees to take a day off. If they dont want to relax on their birthday, consider the granting them a personal day as a birthday present that they can redeem any time of the year. I like this strategy! If a birthday falls on a Wednesday, for example, letting them opt for that Fri-yay off for a long weekend is probably more convenient and special.Stop buying your colleagues presents they dont want or wont use and let them do the choosing! Gift them with a voucher instead of a physical gift. Somthing like a Prezzee gift card via email is a great alternative because theres no waste, they cant lose it and it wont go out of date. And you wont be contributing to the $200 million dollars of lost and expired gift cards Aussies churn through every year!Instead of celebrating employee birthdays, why not try celebrating their anniversary of hiring? Why burden everyone with one more lunch, awkward happy birthday sing-song or below-par supermarket cake on a day meant for family and friends? By celebrating the anniversary of their hiring, you can celebrate your employee in a way that shows that it's significant that they gave another year of their valuable time and skills to help build your business. That definitely deserves cake (or a financial bonus)!Jo Power is the founder of Things by Bean
The father and his two children a grown-up daughter and an underage son were taken into custody after 17 people were found hiding inside their 12-metre motorboat without proper travel documents during a routine border inspection in the Saimaa Canal in June, 2017.
A Russian family of three is suspected of smuggling dozens of people to Finland through the Saimaa Canal, reports Helsingin Sanomat .
The Finnish Border Guard has determined, based on its pre-trial investigation, that the family made at least seven boat trips to smuggle a total of 72 people to Finland between July, 2016, and June, 2017. The passengers were forced to take sedatives to ensure they remain calm during the border-crossing and control procedures, writes Helsingin Sanomat.
Related posts: Finnish Border Guard nabs human smugglers in Saimaa Canal (16 June, 2017)
The prosecution has charged each of the three suspects with aggravated arrangement of illegal immigration, demanding that the father be sentenced to six years, the daughter to five years, and the son to three and a half years in prison or, alternatively, to juvenile punishment.
Aggravated arrangement of illegal immigration carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison.
An additional seven people have been charged for their roles in transporting the undocumented immigrants from Lappeenranta to Helsinki.
The trial in the unusual human smuggling case began at the District Court of South Karelia on Monday.
Investigators have reason to believe the family was part of a larger smuggling ring. A Russian man who is believed to be a leading member of the ring was taken into custody in the capital region last summer during an operation by the Finnish Border Guard. He is suspected of having orchestrated the entry of some 150 people from Africa and Asia to the Schengen Area and of having been involved in the smuggling of roughly two kilos of marijuana to Finland.
Aleksi Teivainen HT
Photo: Handout / Finnish Border Guard
June 30, 1930 November 23, 2017
Robert Wesley Hughey (Bob) was born June 30, 1930 in Philomath, Oregon to Lloyd and Mildred Hughey and passed away November 23, 2017. He was the second of four children born to Lloyd and Mildred.
Bob lived with his family the first three years in Philomath and the Alsea area then they moved to Orchards, Washington where he resided until he graduated from high school.
Two days after graduating he moved to Tidewater, Oregon to take a job working on the Alsea Highway. Soon after he arrived in Tidewater, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Thissell, whom he married February 3, 1950. Bob and Dorothy were married over 67 years until she passed away in September of 2017.
Bob worked on the highway then in a local lumber mill near Tidewater for a few years.
He was drafted into the Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict and was sent to Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, California. He was trained in Communications by the Marines and after his service was successfully completed he was able to get a job with Pacific Northwest Bell where he was employed for nearly 30 years before he retired.
After the service, the family moved back to Tidewater then to Orchards, Washington for a year and back to Waldport for the next ten years.
Bob transferred to Corvallis with his job in 1965 and the family lived there until his death.
Bob was a member of Oakville Presbyterian Church for many years and served in many different leadership positions there.
He loved to fish, hunt, travel, work on projects and spend time with his family and friends.
Bob is survived by his four sons and their wives, Ray and Leia, Randy and Carol, Richard and Joanna, Glen; ten grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Chuck and John, both of Washington.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna; and his parents.
Bob was as honest as the day is long, a hard worker, a kind man, a committed Christian and probably most of all a devoted family man. He took excellent care of his wife for several years after she had strokes. When she passed away two months ago his job here was done and he joined her in Heaven on what would have been her 85th birthday, which was Thanksgiving Day. What a wonderful gift and day of thanks that was!
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 2 at the Oakville Presbyterian Church in Shedd, with lunch to follow.
BRISTOL, Tenn.A man faces multiple charges after police say he fled from officers at a downtown Bristol business.
Travis H. Wilson, 26, of Bluff City, Tennessee, was charged Sunday with violation of an order of protection, two counts of assault, resisting arrest and evading arrest.
Bristol Tennessee Police Department officers responded to the area of State Street and Seventh Street to search for a wanted individual. The man, Wilson, was located at a business in the 700 block of State Street, according to a criminal complaint.
When located, police said Wilson ran to the back of the business. During a foot pursuit, police said the man jumped over a fence, kicked away at an officer and ran into an officer, causing him to fall to the ground, the complaint states.
Once in handcuffs, officers said the man also resisted to enter a police cruiser. Again, police said the man kicked at officers, the complaint states.
Wilson, who is scheduled to appear in Sullivan County General Sessions Court today, is being held in the Sullivan County jail on $60,000 bail.
Despite the continuing money problems at the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown made the right call last week when she said that the state would pick up the tab for the Children's Health Insurance Program even if federal funds run out early next year.
The program (better known, perhaps, by its CHIP acronym) provides coverage for about 120,000 children and 1,700 pregnant women in Oregon; nationally, it serves about 9 million children and 370,000 pregnant women, according to a recent story in The Washington Post.
The people served by the program tend to be from families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid in many cases, these are families with working parents that still can't afford health insurance.
Picking up the tab for the program is a relatively low-risk bet for Brown and for Oregon; considering that the program enjoys widespread popularity on both sides of the aisle in Congress, it likely will be renewed. (In fact, one of the program's original authors in 1997 was Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah.)
But there is some financial risk to Oregon because well, because this is Congress. A bill to extend the program has been approved by the House of Representatives but has not yet passed the Senate. Although most observers expect Congress to renew the program, no one knows for certain, and as one Virginia state official told The Post, "you can't run a health care program that way. You can't say 'probably' everything is going to be all right."
Most states have enough money to keep the program running for a few months, but Oregon is among five states and the District of Columbia that likely will be among the first to run out of funding. Observers expect that once Congress finally passes an extension to the insurance program, federal payments will be retroactive to Oct. 1 which means that states like Oregon that have had to put in their own money to keep the program running would be made whole. But again, because this is Congress, the final result is uncertain, so there is some financial risk to Oregon.
This entire episode offers another good example of how Congress is struggling these days to move ahead on anything. It wasn't all that long ago that renewing a relatively popular and effective program medical insurance for children, for goodness' sake would have won congressional approval without anyone even breaking a sweat.
To that end, a Post story quoted an official at the Georgetown University Center on Children and Families: The program, she said, "is successful. Everyone should feel good about it. There's no reason for this to be lagging on like that. This should be an easy win for Congress."
An easy win? There's no such thing in Congress these days.
As for the effectiveness of the program, this is another one of those cases in which a little money spent upfront saves much more money downriver. Before the program established a safety net for children and families, families without coverage sometimes would wait to get medical care for their children until symptoms became so serious that a trip to the emergency room was the only option. And those emergency room visits are the most expensive stop in the health care system.
In Oregon, state officials believe that some 40,000 of the covered children would have to move to Medicaid, known here as the Oregon Health Plan. But the state would have to pay to keep coverage for the remaining 79,000 children. Brown said she wanted the state to take action now, so that affected families would have some certainty that their coverage would continue.
It's the right move for Oregon and for these vulnerable families, but it's just a stopgap. Congress should go for the easy win and renew the program. (mm)
Embattled Judge Kurt Pomrenke was ordered removed from his position on the 28th District juvenile and domestic relations bench Monday by the Supreme Court of Virginia.
The court ruled unanimously that Pomrenke, 63, violated the Virginia Canons of Justice by attempting to influence potential witnesses in his wifes 2016 federal corruption trial. The court could have either censured Pomrenke or removed him from office but Chief Justice Donald Lemons wrote in the opinion Pomrenkes actions were of sufficient gravity to warrant removal.
What Judge Pomrenke did strikes at the heart of the judicial system, Lemons wrote. It is particularly damaging to the integrity of the judicial process and the confidence of the citizens of the Commonwealth that a sitting judge in the Commonwealth would attempt to improperly influence two potential witnesses in his wifes federal criminal trial. That his transgressions may not have actually affected the criminal trial of his wife does not mitigate the gravity of his conduct.
The charges were brought earlier this year by the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission of Virginia following a lengthy investigation.
Attorneys for Pomrenke and the commission appeared before the high court Nov. 1. Pomrenkes attorney John Lichtenstein asked the court to censure his client while commission counsel Katherine Burnett didnt seek a specific ruling, instead asking the court to take appropriate measures.
In a written statement Monday, Lichtenstein said, Judge Pomrenke is disappointed but respects the action of the Supreme Court of Virginia announced today. He will assess his position but his focus now is on the needs of his family. He is, and always will be, deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in the 28th judicial district.
Stacey Pomrenke served as chief financial officer and executive vice president of BVU Authority prior to her February 2016 conviction in U.S. District Court on conspiracy, wire fraud and other charges. She was indicted the previous October.
The commission charged that Kurt Pomrenke improperly contacted his wifes boss, BVU Authority President and CEO Don Bowman, via a Nov. 2015 thank you note that included one of the judges business cards. Three days before the trial began, Pomrenke also left a voicemail message on the cell phone of BVU employee Connie Moffatt, urging her to say something to really help Stacey during her testimony.
In Pomrenkes response to the commission, he claimed both contacts were made in his personal capacity and not intended to intimidate or pressure anyone, the chief justice wrote.
Neither Bowman nor Moffatt testified during Stacey Pomrenkes two-week trial and Kurt Pomrenke apologized to the commission during a June 2017 hearing and in briefs filed with the Supreme Court.
However the commission charged that he violated Canons 1, 2A and 2B, including provisions that a judge should participate in establishing, maintaining and enforcing high standards of conduct and shall personally observe those standards. Canon 2 decrees judges should avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety, act to promote public confidence and shall not allow family, social, political or other relationships to influence the judges judicial conduct or judgment.
In the courts opinion, Lemons concluded Pomrenke committed the violations of the Canons as charged and that his actions failed to uphold the integrity and independence of the judiciary and tended to impair public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.
We conclude that Judge Pomrenkes violations of the Canons were grave and substantial, Lemons wrote. Judge Pomrenke made a deliberate decision to contact two potential witnesses prior to his wifes trial.
The court determined the note to Bowman was intended to secure his wifes continued employment and displayed intent to influence a potential witness. The opinion is even sharper in its criticism of the phone message.
Judge Pomrenkes voicemail message for Moffatt was even more overt in its intent to influence a witness, Lemons wrote.
Writing on his website Virginia Appellate News and Analysis, attorney L. Steven Emmert called Pomrenkes removal from the bench a rare occurrence.
My sense as I read the factual recitation is that the initial note to the boss may have been a somewhat close call for the court, especially if the judge really didnt know that the boss would be a potential witness, Emmert wrote. That being said, todays opinion adopts several facts from JIRCs brief that establish that he should have known. The voice mail is another matter entirely; there is no question that this was an attempt to tamper with a witness. And no judge can do that and expect to keep his robe.
Kurt Pomrenke, who was convicted in federal court earlier this year on a contempt charge for sending an email from his wifes trial evidence to the JIRC , is scheduled to be sentenced in that case Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
CONNELLY SPRING Three people have been arrested after they led police on a chase and crashed a stolen vehicle into a house in Connelly Springs on Monday morning.
Austin Michael Neece, 21, of 4708 Mount Gilead Church Road in Connelly Springs , was charged with fleeing to elude arrest and possession of a stolen motor vehicle. He also was charged by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol with hit and run, reckless driving and driving with a revoked license , according to a press release by the Burke County Sheriff's Office .
James Cody Peters, 22, who is listed as being homeless , and Brandy McDaniel, 20, of Morganton , both were charged with a felony count of possession of stolen motor vehicle.
Peters and McDaniel, who were passengers in the car, were arrested after the chase ended when Neece crashed the vehicle into the deck of a house located at 2704 U.S. H ighway 70, said Burke County Sheriff Steve Whisenant.
Neece fled from the scene but was caught later Monday afternoon by authorities underneath the crawl space of a mobile home near Berry Road in Connelly Springs, he said.
Around 9:30 a.m., police received a call about a suspicious vehicle on Shady Grove Road in Connelly Springs, Whisenant said.
Deputies pulled in and met that vehicle coming out of an abandoned house and they stopped to ask them a question and they took off, Whisenant said.
Neece turned right on U.S. 70 heading toward Valdese and then pulled into the Lindys Furniture parking lot to turn around and headed east on the highway.
Police and Neece reached speeds of more than 100 mph, Whisenant said.
He then veered off into the front yard of William McCrary's step-daughter's home located near 2704 U.S. 70 in Connelly Springs and crashed the vehicle into the side of the house near a deck, he said.
The North Carolina Department of Corrections was on scene with their bloodhound to start a search for Neece. They ended up finding a shirt, Whisenant said.
A reverse 911 call was sent out to local residents in the surrounding area of where Neece was suspected to be. Around 1 p.m., dispatchers received a call about a male matching the description of Neece near Berry Road, the release said BCSO.
"Officers spotted the suspect in a wooded area and he ran," the release said.
He was chased on foot to a mobile home park on Teague Avenue off of Berry Road where he was caught by police.
I think they are crazy, McCrary said. I dont understand why they would cut in here if the law was after them.
No one was inside the house at the time of the crash, McCrary said.
Neece was released from prison in July after being convicted on charges of breaking and entering, larceny, possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, according to a previous News Herald article.
Agencies that assisted BCSO were The North Carolina State Highway Patrol and North Carolina Department o f Public Safety K9 Team, the release said.
Staff Writer Jonelle Bobak can be reached at jbobak@morganton.com or 828-432-8907.
ELKO The phrase starving college students is a familiar cliche that is often used humorously. But to many students with limited resources, hunger is no laughing matter. Thats why the Battleborn Veterans Club at Great Basin College decided to launch a food drive in 2016 and establish a pantry for students in need.
We held a food drive here on campus and GBC employees donated a generous amount of food, said Tawny Crum, assistant director of Student Financial Services and Veterans Affairs at GBC. With this donation we were able to help veterans and students living in university housing that were short on funds. We have made [the pantry] available to any student in need.
Eventually, the stores of the pantry were depleted and it became necessary to hold another food drive. Thats when Jennifer Koopman, director of Physician Relations and Industry at Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital, heard about the need and decided to take action.
Our mission at NNRH is to make our community healthier, and proper nutrition is a big part of that equation, said Koopman. Its not OK with us that college students are going hungry while they are working hard to further their education.
In conjunction with the NNRH Community Investment Committee, Koopman arranged the purchase of over $600 worth of nonperishable food items. She and other volunteers filled the bed of a pickup truck and delivered the food to GBC in time for the Thanksgiving holiday.
We are making this donation in honor of the GBC Student Nursing Organization, Koopman explained. They are so involved in our community, constantly helping out with events like the health fair or the flu shot clinic. We are very grateful for our student nurses and their instructors. So this contribution is being made in their name.
Crum said she was impressed with the quality of the food that NNRH donated, stating that it was not just ramen noodles, but complete meals. She said the donation would go a long way toward meeting the needs of the community at GBC. Thanks to the generosity of the hospital, we will be able to help a lot of students.
Great Basin College students who are interested in meal assistance may inquire at the Office of Student Financial Services, located in Berg Hall.
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Prevention and detection of crime are the primary functions of the police. Detection is a painstaking process and its success depends on the quality of investigation. The investigative standards of the police have unfortunately shown a sharp decline in the recent years. Two important cases have particularly brought the problem into focus the Aarushi Talwar case in Uttar Pradesh and the Pradhyumn Thakur murder in Haryana. In the Aarushi case, even the CBI has not covered itself with glory.
A number of factors have contributed to the fall in investigating standards. Politicisation of the force has caused the maximum havoc. A sizeable percentage of officers today are given key assignments for their loyalty to the party in power. These officers ensure that during the investigation of important cases in which politicians belonging to or aligned to whichever party may be in power are involved, their interests are protected. No wonder, in a large number of cases, there is demand for investigation by the CBI. Not that the caged parrot is always objective, but in cases where the central government of the day is not interested, it is able to investigate with competence.
Declining professional standards are another important factor. During the last two decades, we have had chief ministers in several states who have used the police more to promote their political agenda than to serve the people. In two of the largest states of the country, for nearly 15 years, the police served as handmaidens to the establishment, carrying out its orders, and not worrying too much about how they treated the common man. In most of the states, the priorities of the police got completely disoriented. Serving the political masters, satisfying their greed and their own also, in the process became the priority because it gave good returns in the form of lucrative postings and prestigious assignments.
Lack of adequate personnel in the police forces also creates its own problems. There are shortages at all levels. The inadequate strength of investigators imposes a heavy burden on existing personnel and that leads to a dilution in the quality of investigations. Supervision by officers has also been very poor.
Political interference in investigations is another complication. More often than not, there are unwritten instructions to save this man or involve that man in a particular case. Media pressure is another contributing factor. No sooner than the incident has occurred, the media starts floating its own theories. This builds psychological pressure on the investigators and quite often they succumb to the temptation of arresting a suspect who may not be the real culprit and declaring that the case had been solved. Politicians also fall in this trap. At times, they come out with public statements, saying that they had given instructions to the police to crack the case within the next few days. A time frame creates a problem for the police and, in trying to meet the deadline, short cuts are taken with the result that the investigation gets botched up.
Inadequate forensic support compounds the problem further. A total of 654,859 exhibits were pending examination in India as on January 1, 2015. We should have forensic laboratories at all divisional headquarters and mobile forensic vans in districts. Scientific aids to investigation should be made full use of, and this must be emphasised during the training period of investigators.
The Supreme Court gave a specific direction in the police reforms case (2006) that investigation should be separated from law and order to ensure speedier probes, better expertise and improved rapport with the people. The states have, however, been dragging their feet on the matter. On the flip side, the apex court, in another judgment (2010), laid down that narco-analysis, brain mapping and polygraph tests could not be carried out on any person without consent. The judgment has deprived the police of significant scientific tools which reinforced the available evidence. The Malimath Committee had laid great emphasis on the quest for truth to be the guiding factor of the criminal justice system. The human rights of suspects have unfortunately taken precedence over the cause of truth and justice.
Where law ends, tyranny begins, said English philosopher, John Locke. Peoples faith in the fairness of the administration has been eroded. The government must initiate measures to depoliticise the services and ensure a fair degree of autonomy to the investigative agencies. It is still not too late.
Prakash Singh is a retired director general of police and a police reforms campaigner
The views expressed are personal
On Monday, the Supreme Court witnessed an odd event. A 24-year-old woman called Akhila had changed her name to Hadiya, converted to Islam, and chosen to marry against her parents wishes. While this was no extraordinary story, what happened afterwards was. Hadiyas father approached the Kerala High Court, which annulled her marriage, and sent her back into her parents custody. Soon enough, the case wound its way to the Supreme Court, where Hadiyas parents, the State, and the court-appointed National Investigative Agency argued that despite being an adult woman, Hadiya had been brainwashed and indoctrinated into her marriage, and was incapable of making a free choice.
These arguments are not new. In fact, they have a lineage that is not immediately obvious, but which has exercised its grip over our nation for a long time. In March 1947, Winston Churchill said that granting independence to India would mean handing over the country to men of straw... of whom nothing would remain in a few years. This was in line with a long tradition of colonial discourse, which justified its rule by holding that India remained a child in the waiting room of history, destined to remain under the tutelage of the benevolent British..
For more than a century, Indians resisted this political infantilisation. They demanded rights, drafted charters, and engaged in the limited representative government on offer. The culmination of this struggle was the attainment of freedom, and the framing of Indias Constitution. But the men and women who drafted the Indian Constitution were, for the most part, highly educated people with a long history of political engagement. They had access to resources that were denied to a vast majority of their compatriots. In the Constituent Assembly, therefore, some members asked: could this newly-won political independence be simply be extended to every Indian citizen even the poorest and the most illiterate? Were Indians ready for freedom? Would they exercise it responsibly? Would it not be better, for example, to limit the vote to those who were educated, and would use it appropriately?
But the Assembly, led by BR Ambedkar, realised the intellectual and moral bankruptcy of this neo-Churchillian argument. The result was a Constitution that, in guaranteeing equality, fundamental freedoms, and universal adult suffrage, transformed every Indian from subject to citizen. This was unprecedented. Other countries had long drawn-out struggles, each of them denying important freedoms to significant parts of their populations most often women on the basis that they were simply not capable of being free. The framers of our Constitution, however, decided to take a leap of faith. And in doing that, they set an example to the world.
The Constitution, thus, is founded on a simple idea: to every adult citizen, it proclaims: The State is not your keeper. Your family is not your keeper. You are free to make your choices, and yes free also to make your mistakes. It was as Ambedkar said: The Constitution... has adopted the individual as its unit. And the Supreme Court recognised this some months ago in its famous privacy judgment, upholding the autonomy of the individual and the right of every person to make essential choices which affect the course of life.
For this reason, there was a sense of unreality this Monday at the Supreme Court, especially when, after two hours of argument, the Court finally asked Hadiya what she wanted. Her answer was clear: to be free and to live with her husband. Here then, was the replication of the old colonial dilemma: once, a nation had spoken against those who claimed the right to speak for it. Now, a citizen spoke against those who claimed a right to speak for her.
Under our Constitution, there could be only one answer. It was an answer that the Supreme Court provided only partially. It freed Hadiya from her parents custody and sent her to finish her studies. But the equally fundamental questions regarding her choice to marry and to live with her husband remain in the balance, and will be heard in January. When that happens, the Court must remember that the Constitution [having] adopted the individual as its unit means nothing if an individual must prove to the satisfaction of the State she possesses the agency to decide for herself.
There have been regimes, past and present, where individuals Jews, Dalits, women have been required to prove before the State that they deserve to be treated as individuals. We are not there yet. The Supreme Court must ensure that, under our Constitution, we shall always be individuals free and able to make our own choices, and banish Churchills ghost once and for all.
Gautam Bhatia is an advocate in the Supreme Court
The views expressed are personal
It is a balmy weekday afternoon in Rajkot as the early morning quiet is pierced by loudspeakers blaring the signature Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tune NaMo, NaMo, singing the praise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Snaking through a residential society in the citys Kalawad Road area is a modified autorickshaw, with huge posters of chief minister Vijay Rupani on top. Speakers fitted on each side tell residents that the BJPs campaign team has arrived. Groups of women party workers with saffron scarves around their necks follow the auto, and spread out in the area, going from door to door.
Please come out. The chief ministers wife is here to meet you, they tell residents, handing them booklets on the achievements of the BJP government.
The soft spoken Rupani is fighting from the high-profile Rajkot West constituency, which was earlier held by Modi, and is aiming to continue the BJPs unbroken 22-year-long ruling streak in the state. The 61-year-old leader has an old connection to the city, where he has served as mayor.
But this time, his election campaign is being managed by his wife Anjali as he is forced to stay away for long durations addressing rallies all over the state. This afternoon, for example, Rupani is away attending a rally in Bhuj where the PM is speaking.
The saree-clad, bespectacled Anjaliben is welcomed with rose garlands. Sporting a pair of sneakers, she appeals to voters in every home in a soft voice.
Amne yaad rakhjo (Do remember us), she says holding hands of a young mother outside her house. The voter replies, You do not have to worry. Anjali quickly responds, Your assurance has boosted my confidence.
After two hours and some 100 houses later, she takes a short break as a resident invites her to his home for a cup of tea. Many voters are unwilling to give their assurance and some are ready with a list of demands.
After going through the list of their demands, she heads for a temple in nearby Krishna Park society. When she comes out, a woman voter says, We want our MLA to see that the open plot in our society gets a pavement. Anjali smiles and moves on.
As a co-worker and wife, Anjaliben has taken upon the responsibility of campaigning for the chief minister, said BJP spokesperson Raju Dhruv .
This is unusual in a state where many previous chief ministers be it Modi or his successor Anandiben Patel campaigned alone. But those close to the Rupani say Anjali has been an active member of the BJP for almost 30 years and that the couple met while working for the party. She (Anjali) is the general secretary of the womens wing, added Dhruv. Rajkot goes to the polls in the first phase of assembly elections on December 9.
Sources in the BJP who refused to be named said Rupani has been kept busy by party and official matters he was a state cabinet minister and state BJP chief before becoming the CM and Anjali has coordinated with party workers in Rajkot, be it for staging protests or celebrations.
But this election is crucial. Rupani is facing a tough challenge in the Congress Indranil Rajyaguru, who changed his seat from Rajkot East to Rajkot West only to challenge the chief minister. Rajyaguru, who is also the states richest candidate as per poll affidavits, declared his open challenge to Rupani last year.
The Congress says for a year Rajyaguru has been nursing the constituency, which is a prestige seat for the BJP as it has given the state three chief ministers -- Keshubhai Patel, Narendra Modi and Rupani. The BJP relies heavily on the sizeable local Patidar community but this time, many from the caste are upset over being denied quotas in jobs and education.
But Anjali appears unfazed. People here are aware about the work the BJP has done. There is no contest as we do not want to defeat anyone. We just want to win peoples heart.
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Launching a scathing attack on the Congress, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked its vice president Rahul Gandhi on Monday why his party applauded the release of a terrorist in Pakistan and why he hugged the Chinese ambassador during the Doklam standoff.
Modi, who started his campaign for the Gujarat elections with a rally in Kutch districts Bhuj town, also referred to his humble beginnings as a tea seller and attacked the opposition party over a series of scams that were reported when the previous UPA government was in power at the Centre.
You are happy to hug Chinese ambassador, you are clapping on the release of Hafiz Saeed, you cannot respect Indian Armys surgical strike. But why did you speak up about it? You could have just remained silent, PM Modi said.
After the release of LeT founder and Mumbai terror attack mastermind Saeed by a Pakistan court, Gandhi had tweeted: Narendrabhai, baat nahi bani. Terror mastermind is free. President Trump just delinked Pak military funding from LeT. Hugplomacy fail. More hugs urgently needed.
Gandhis tweet was targeted at the bonhomie between Modi and Trump, whose hugs at public events have come to define a new warmth between the two leaders.
Didnt sell the nation
Later in the day, Modi said in Rajkot: The Congress dislikes me because of my poor origin. Can a party stoop so low? Yes, a person belonging to a poor family has become the prime minister. They do not fail to hide their contempt for this fact. Yes, I sold tea but I did not sell the nation.
The PM also said the Congress, which is making all out efforts to dislodge the long-ruling BJP in Gujarat, never accepted any Gujarati leader and had defamed the state.
It was with the support of the Jan Sangh that a person from the Patel community, Babubhai Patel, became the chief minister. The Congress did not like this and ensured that Babubhai Jashbhais government did not last. When Keshubhai Patel, a son of Saurashtra, became the chief minister, the Congress tried everything to dislodge him. They repeated the same disruptive tactic with Anandiben Patel, a daughter of the Patel community. The Congress has defamed Gujarat always, he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Development vs dynasty
Addressing the Bhuj rally, PM Modi also said the election in his home state was a contest between trust on development and dynastic politics.
Recently Pakistani court released a terrorist, I cannot understand why these Congress people are clapping here, Modi said in the speech delivered in Gujarati.
This Gujarat son has no stains in his public life. You come to the state and level baseless allegations on the son of the soil... the people of the state will not forgive you, he said, alluding to allegations by Congress leaders, including Gandhi.
During his campaign in the state in the last few days, Gandhi had trained his guns at the Modi-led government over the Rafale fighter aircraft deal.
Turing the tables, Modi asked, When our soldiers... were standing eye-to-eye against the Chinese soldiers for over 70 days, at that time you were hugging the Chinese ambassador here...
For whose benefit did you do this? I am asking you, Modi said, without taking any name.
Surgical strike
He referred to the Mumbai 26/11 terror strike and the attack in Uri, and asked what was the difference between one government and another, one leader and other.
The meaning of living and dying for the country can be known by the response, Modi said.
They killed our soldiers in Uri, our soldiers went inside their territory, conducted a surgical strike and came back. The next day a newspaper said they (in Pakistan) carried bodies in trucks, he said.
Modi alleged that the Congress raised questions on the surgical strike in September 2016.
They could not respect Indian Army, they asked questions like none of our soldiers was injured? None of them died? Have you any photo or video evidence? Had they gone to shoot a movie in Pakistan? he said.
When you go to the house of the poor and eat rotis, you ensure that you are filmed, but does that mean that a surgical strike should be filmed? the prime minister asked.
Modi will address a series of campaign meetings on Monday and on Wednesday in Saurashtra and South Gujarat, which go to polls on December 9. The second phase of the elections will be held on December 14.
The results for the 182-seat assembly will be announced on December 18.
At the age of 10, Ramesh Sarvaiya started accompanying his father to skin dead cattle. Being a Dalit, he knew he would be doing this for the rest of his life, as had many previous generations of his family. He did not like the work; the stench of death, he said, was particularly nauseating. Untouchability was rampant and the people who relied on the Sarvaiyas to do their dirty work would not even touch or drink from the same glass.
Despite all this, Ramesh says he was not prepared for what happened to him and his family last year. On July 11, 2016, Ramesh and his family were attacked by alleged cow vigilantes while skinning dead cattle. The attackers tied them to a car and thrashed them brutally, alleging they had killed the cow. The video of the public flogging went viral.
For me, the most important thing is to get justice for what happened to us. Some people have gotten out on bail and the case is not moving forward, Ramesh says.
The Una violence unleashed waves of criticism across the nation, especially among Dalit communities, and many Scheduled Castes in Gujarat declared they wouldnt work anymore or clean up carcasses. The then chief minister, Anandiben Patel, already under fire for administrative failures, resigned in the wake of the Una agitation.
Read more: A year after Una, Dalit ire may not be able to dent BJP prospects in Gujarat polls
A year later, Dalit leaders say, the incident still resonates with the community. Martin Macwan of the Navsarjan Trust said, Una awakened the Dalit youth across the state. Everyone has the video clip of the public flogging on their phones so they cannot forget it.
Dalits make up 7% of the states population and in the last assembly election, mostly voted for the BJP, which won 10 of the 13 reserved seats for Scheduled Castes. But this time, the leader of the Una movement, Jignesh Mevani, says the community is angry.
The Una incident, our constitutional demands which BJP did not even hear and its silence and apathy on violence against Dalits will have an impact this election. The people are very angry, he told Hindustan Times.
Ashwin Jairambhai, a 21-year-old Dalit from Bediya, a village near Una, echoed that sentiment. Most of the people in my village think a new government should come. Our livelihood was attacked and snatched from us.
Ramesh, now 23, admits he is still angry.
But in his case, the anger has found an avenue after a stint at the Dalit Shakti Kendra in Sanand, an hours drive from Ahmedabad. I got a new lease of life after coming here. I met young Dalit men and women not only from Gujarat but across the country. I could only speak Gujarati then; now am fluent in Hindi, he says with a shy smile.
Earlier this year, Ramesh enrolled in a three-month training course for tailoring at the institute that has provided vocational training for Dalit students since 2001. Run by the Navsarjan Trust, the institute conducts residential programmes in various fields at a minimal cost.
It is here Ramesh discovered BR Ambedkar and his writings.
I had heard his name and that he drafted the Constitution but did not know much else, he says. Now he can quote Ambedkars works and wants to carry forward the Dalit icons legacy by working on ending caste discrimination.
Sporting a jay bhim tattoo on his hand, an Ambedkar sticker on his wallet and a ten-rupee Ambedkar coin around his neck, Ramesh is back at the institute for another stint.
Read more: Photos: A year after Una flogging incident Dalit rights still contentious
On the morning of November 24, he woke up at 5am to help with preparations for Congress vice president Rahul Gandhis visit.
Gandhi had also visited the family last year after the incident and the party had given Rs 5 lakh as assistance to them.
He claims that they were promised jobs by the state government but never got any.
Anandiben Patel had promised a special court to try our case but that didnt happen. We were promised jobs but not even a chowkidar job has been given to us, he said. He stops short of saying who he will cast his vote for but says BJP is not an option.
At the rally, loud shouts of kuch nahi rend the air as Gandhi asks the crowd what the BJP had done for Dalits in the last 22 years.
This time the Dalits are fired up to vote against the BJP. Their (the BJPs) seats will be halved, said Mevani, who has grown close to the Congress and is campaigning against the BJP.
But Gujarat BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya disagrees. We instituted an inquiry (against the Una incident), we got the charge sheet filed in a month, provided a lawyer. We took all the required action in the Una case. The Dalits have voted for the BJP and will vote this time as well.
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The Congress on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of trying to mislead the people of Gujarat on the contributions of Jawaharlal Nehru with his untrue statements and said it reflected his unhealthy mindset.
Hitting back at Modi over his charge that the Congress propagated dynastic politics, the partys senior spokesperson Anand Sharma said the prime minister has forgotten that the Congress gave prime ministers like Lal Bahadur Shastri and Manmohan Singh, who came from a humble background.
Defending the Nehru-Gandhi family, the former Union Minister said none of the Gandhis were part of the government since the last almost three decades.
He condemned Modis claims that the Congress and countrys first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru did nothing for Gujarat and alleged that such a campaign emanated from the BJPs frustration due to its impending defeat.
The prime minister has said that the countrys first prime minister has not done anything for Gujarat. It is wrong and far from truth. We condemn it.
The prime minister is having an aswasth mansikta (unhealthy mindset) which is an issue of grave concern for the country, he told reporters.
Sharma said that the Prime Ministers remarks at an election rally in Gujarat on Monday were untrue.
The BJP is disturbed over the increasing support for the Congress in the state, he claimed.
Sharma cited several projects initiated by Nehru in Gujarat like Amul cooperative movement, IIM Ahmedabad, National Institute of Design, formation of Gandhinagar, the states capital, ONGCs complex at Ankleswar and development of ports like Kandla and Dahej, besides setting up of airports.
It is not right on the part of the prime minister to speak like this. He should abstain from giving such statements as the Congress is capable of denying them with facts.
The prime minister is trying to mislead the people of Gujarat by giving wrong statements and is trying to lure the people of the state ahead of assembly elections, he alleged.
Sharma asked what the Modi government had done for Gujarat and said it should be left to the people of the state and the country to judge its performance.
He (Modi) should not give certificates of honesty to his government, he said, alleging that the government was full of tainted people and was trying to put a lid on big scams.
The Modi government is running away from accountability and that is why the prime minister never convened Parliament session ahead of Gujarat assembly polls and neither did he answer any of our questions, the Congress leader said.
On Modis charge of dynastic politics, Sharma said the Congress was led by stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gopal Kishna Gokhala and Madan Mohan Malviya.
Countering the prime ministers attack on Nehru-Gandhi family, he said Rahul Gandhi, being an elected representative, was asked by the then prime minister Manmohan Singh to join him, but he did not do so during the 10 years of UPA government.
The Congress has never told the BJP whom it should elect as its chief. The prime minister should stop worrying about the Congress and focus on his party instead, he said.
On the Rafale aircraft deal, he said the prime minister had no right to cancel the previous deal signed between the governments of India and France during the UPA.
He alleged a scam in the deal as a public sector undertaking was ignored and a private entity without any experience in the defence sector was brought in.
Earlier the prime minister, while campaigning in Gujarat on Monday, hit out at the Congress over dynastic politics and alleged that the party did not do anything for the state.
On one side there is Vikas (development) and Vishwas (faith) while on the other side there is Vanshwad (nepotism). Gujarat will never forgive the Congress Party and this has been the case for long. Congress has never liked Gujarat, has always preferred to see it lag behind, Modi said while campaigning in Kutchh region.
Modi also alleged Congress has shown contempt for Gujarat. They prevented Narmada waters from reaching people across the state, their reign was characterised by poor law and order, and they destabilised Chief Ministers from the Patel community be it Babubhai, Chimanbhai, Keshubhai and Anandiben.
Sixty cops have committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh in the last five years (till November), while 160 have died of heart attacks during the same period. Senior officials say that the figures are disturbing in itself, but what is more alarming is that the they have no clue about the state of mental or physical health of the 1.20 lakh strong force in the state.
According to NRCB 2015 figures the rate of suicide is 10.6 per lakh in the country.
Admits ADG (welfare) SM Afzal, These deaths are disturbing, because the state invests a lot on each personnel and they have a steady source of income, unlike most Indians. We are all aware that policemen are under a lot of stress due to long duty hours, life away from families, problems in getting leave, bossism, etc, but we had no mechanism to red flag the warning signs.
Last month a constable posted in a battalion in Datia shot himself with his service rifle. But later it was found out that he was mentally unwell and every time he returned from leave, his wife and children used to drop him at his battalion fearing that he would not rejoin his duty, and twice he had tried to stop trains with red flags.
Such erratic behavior should have been spotted earlier. Perhaps such deaths are preventable, says ADG Afzal.
Rattled by the figures that were first shared at a meeting of top police officials on November 2 in Bhopal, the mandarins have come up with a slew of measures aimed at stopping these unnecessary deaths.
For starters, all policemen will compulsorily have annual health check-up, which is now restricted to gazetted officers only. This will let us know the kind of medication the cops are taking and act accordingly, says ADG Afzal.
To create a proper data bank on suicides, the district SPs commandants have been asked to investigate all suicides that have taken place in their area and come up with the exact cause of death. At present, most investigation of suicides are cursory, with one liners summing up the cause of death.
There are also plans to set up counseling centres at each range office where those who need counseling will be treated. The counselors will also meet the families to make them aware of his condition and how they have to help him.
Commenting of the proposed measures, consultant psychiatrist at Bansal Hospital Dr Satyakant Trivedi said. Any step that goes on to access the mental health of the policemen, like signs of depression which leads to consuming liquor etc, is welcome. Also though counseling the cops should be taught to maintain balance between professional and personal life and a conducive atmosphere should be created for this purpose.
IN BOX
Suicides
Year Deaths
2013 9
2014 9
2015 13
2016 17
2017 12
ELKO An Idaho man arrested in the 2016 murder and decapitation of a Ryndon woman pleaded no contest to first degree murder in a plea deal.
Jose de Jesus Segundo-Huizar, 47, made his plea before Judge Al Kacin in Elko District Court through an interpreter Monday. The plea agreement stipulates that the District Attorneys office will drop five counts related to the case and not file additional charges.
Segundo-Huizar faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for allegedly killing Carmen Magallanes-Sanchez on or about Aug. 24, 2016. He is not eligible for probation and will be incarcerated in the Nevada State Prison, according to District Attorney Tyler Ingram.
Ingram said if the case were tried, the state would have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Segundo-Huizar with malice aforethought, willfully and with premeditation and deliberation, unlawfully killed another human being, a category A felony.
The charge comes with three sentencing options: life without the possibility of parole; life with the possibility of parole after serving a minimum of 20 years; or he could be sentenced to 50 years in prison and eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 20 years.
Court documents read by Kacin said that the victim was struck on or near her head ... or on another part of her body as yet unknown [using] a hammer or similar object before being decapitated.
The five counts dropped included an alternate charge of second degree murder, burglary while in the possession of a firearm or deadly weapon, a category B felony; first degree kidnapping resulting in substantial bodily harm with the use of a deadly weapon, a category A felony; child abuse, a category B felony; and destroying or concealing evidence, a misdemeanor.
At the time of the incident, a child about 9 months old was alleged to have been left in a crib for about 12 hours, resulting in the subsequent child abuse charge, according to previous reports.
During the hearing, Segundo-Huizar admitted to not being a United States citizen, a factor that could result up to and including removal and deportation from the U.S., said Kacin, before asking the defendant if he understood the consequences of his plea.
I understand perfectly, Segundo-Huizar said through his court translator, Eloise Mendoza.
Since being incarcerated in October, Segundo-Huizar waived his preliminary hearing in January in Elko Justice Court and initially pleaded not guilty in February.
Magallanes-Sanchez was reported missing by her boyfriend Aug. 24, 2016 and her part of her body was found by a hunter in a shallow grave off Mountain City Highway 30 miles north of Elko on Sept. 4 and identified by fingerprints 11 days later, according to previous reports.
Segundo-Huizar was tracked to Idaho by sheriffs detectives where they found him working as a ranch hand. He was arrested with assistance from the Idaho State Police.
In October, Segundo-Huizar led Elko County Sheriffs detectives to the location he buried the victims head. Since then he has been held in Elko County Jail without bail.
Authorities said at the time a motive for the killing was unclear, but that Segundo-Huizar admitted to an off-and-on relationship with the victim who was also living with someone else at the time of her death.
In a court appearance shortly after his arrest, it was mentioned that the suspect lived with his wife in Jerome, Idaho, and had two grown children in Mexico.
Public Defender Kriston Hill, representing Segundo-Huizar, and Ingram both said that the sentencing hearing could take up to two to three hours to allow for victim impact statements.
A date for sentencing has not been set.
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will complete 12 years in office on November 29 but questions are being raised within BJP about his charisma in wake of recent losses in assembly by-polls.
Elections in Madhya Pradesh will take place in November-December 2018.
The CM is upbeat since he got a clean chit by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in recently filed charge-sheets in the Vyapam scam.
CM Chouhan was in dock since Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh filed a petition in the high court and later in the Supreme Court on the basis of a pen drive provided to him by a whistleblower as a corroborative evidence against the CM. However, the CBI has not found any evidence so far against the CM.
Before Vyapam, Chouhan, who replaced senior Babulal Gaur as chief minister in the face of rebellion by former chief minister Uma Bharti on November 29, 2005, was once accused of being involved in a dumper scandal, along with his wife. But they were absolved from the court.
Despite these charges, Chouhan led the party to victory in 2008 and 2013 assembly elections and the party also performed well in 2009 and 2014 Lok Sabha polls from the state.
During his visit to Bhopal in August the BJP national president Amit Shah announced the party would contest in 2018 assembly elections and 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh under Chouhans leadership.
However, the BJPs loss in certain by-polls like Ater and Chitrakoot has also led to questions being raised against his leadership within the party, though in a hushed tone. Leaders and party workers have started discussing in the party circles if his charisma is on wane as the party faced defeat in Ater and Chitrakoot assembly seats bypolls within a span of 7 months. This was despite his intensive election campaign and announcements for development projects worth hundreds of crores during the by-polls.
Of late, he is also facing anger from farmers, his constituents till farmers agitation in June which saw five farmers being killed in a police firing in Mandsaur. His first of its kind scheme in the country Bhavantar meant for providing some amount of money to farmers in case they sell their agriculture produce below the minimum support price (MSP) seems to have boomeranged on the government.
Senior Congress leader Kamal Nath has posed 12 questions to the CM by writing a letter to him and raising a question against his leadership in the past 12 years.
Kamal Nath has asked why MP continues to remain on the top in the country when it comes to farmers suicide despite the fact that state has earned 5 Krishi Karman award; why MP reports highest number of crimes against women in the country and women feel unsafe even in the day time; why MPs 8 districts figure in the list of most backward 115 districts of the country, which include Vidisha and Khandwa being represented by union external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and state BJP president Nandkumar Singh Chauhan.
State BJP spokesperson Rajneesh Agrawal said Congress had put a blinker on its face and it didnt want to see the development in the state done under the leadership of chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The BJP would retain power under his leadership in 2018 assembly elections too, thanks to the development works.
The health department in Madhya Pradesh is trying to fill up vacancies in vacant primary health centres (PHCs) through walk in interviews of MBBS doctors, but many senior doctors are deeply concerned about the quality of these doctors being recruited and their likely commitment towards their work.
Every Wednesday MBBS doctors queue up at the National Health Mission office in Bhopal to take part in the walk-in-interviews for contractual jobs for one year at the PHCs for a measly sum of Rs 50,000 per month.
With the National Family Health Survey IV (NFHS) of 2015-16 putting Madhya Pradesh in the bottom on the heap in most health parameters, these are desperate times for the health department. There are large number of vacancies in both PHCs and also in the Community health centres, but at present we are focusing on the PHCs, because they are the first point of contact of the people with the health department and curing a disease at the first step will go a long way in improving the health of the people, a health department official said.
According to figures available with the National Health Mission, there are 383 primary health centres in the state which are without any doctors, even though the infrastructure is present. Interviews have been going on since October and so far 150 MBBS doctors have passed the interview and given their consent to join the health centres.
But many senior doctors are skeptical about these recruitments. Dr Madhav Hasani, MP Medical Officers Association general secretary says, We understand the compulsions of health department, but what about the quality and commitment of the doctors being recruited? The health department mandarins are just filling up the slots to show that everything is fine with the health of the state, but will this reflect on the ground?
Doctors like Hasani argue that to be effective, a doctor needs commitment and these MBBS doctors will be fine for common ailments like cold and fever not for speciality.
This is very good move but government should first decide the priority of providing treatment to patients in MP. These doctors are ok for basic facilities but not for strengthening the health facilities in MP. Many have not got anywhere else or want peace and quiet to prepare for their PG exam. They will somehow perform their duty at the PHCs and then do their own thing. There must be a monitoring system to track their record because most of them will get discharge from their duties by referring the patients to district hospital, said Dr Padmakar Tripathi.
The senior doctors view is echoed by doctor who has decided to take up this offer. I am preparing for my PG and this is an ideal platform. Though not much, I will still get paid and will have plenty of time for preparation, said a doctor who are waiting for their interview, requesting anonymity.
The question of measly pay is also there. A PG student at the Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal, who did not want to be named candidly assessed the situation, The average salary for a fresh MBBS recruit in any private hospital in Delhi and other metros is between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakhs. So who will join here for the poor salary and what kind of experience will he get at the PHCs that he can flaunt in his CV? It is only those who are in the bottom of the heap and have no jobs or those who are preparing for their PG exams will come.
Principal secretary health Gauri Singh when asked to comment on the quality of the doctors said, All these doctors are from medical universities that are inspected and accredited by the Medical Council of India which only gives certification if these colleges maintain a certain standard. So far as their commitment is concerned we will be monitoring their work and take action if necessary.
She said vacancies in PHCs were a cause of concern because they are the first interface with public. For example many preventable deaths from pneumonia can be prevented in rural areas if they are doctors at PHCs who will detect it early.
Asked about the likely success of the policy she said, It is too early to say, but many other states have tried it before and now at least we will have doctors at PHCs where there were none earlier.
Social activist Ajay Dubey said, Thanks to the Vyapam scam it is suspected that many of the doctors who entered medical colleges through unfair means are not competent and are not getting jobs anywhere. This might become a dumping ground for such doctors. There should be proper police verification to see that no such doctor enters the health department and their performance should be closely monitored.
IN BOX
Total population being catered to per PHC
20,000 in tribal areas
30,000 in non-tribal areas
Shortage in number of doctors in PHCs - 2000
In Bollywood, where many actors feel insecure about each others success, Neil Nitin Mukesh is all praises for his Saaho co-star Prabhas. Sharing screen space with the Baahubali star in the upcoming tri-lingual film, Neil feels lucky to have got this opportunity.
Prabhas is one of the nicest and sweetest people Ive ever met. Hes so simple and down to earth. The excitement of meeting him just multiplies by many manifolds because he has no attitude, says Neil.
The actor further shares that not only with co-stars, but Prabhas is equally polite with everyone in the crew. The way he meets common people is so heart-warming. You will not hear him ever raise his voice at anybody. Theres no tantrum. Hes a great human being and that reflects in his fan following, too, says Neil, who is reportedly playing a negative role in the film that also stars Shraddha Kapoor, Mandira Bedi, Jackie Shroff.
Here is wishing our Darling prabhas a very very Happy Birthday. GOD bless you with all the Happiness and success. Have an awesome year. #saaho #bahubali #HBdarling #happybirthdayprabhas A post shared by Neil Nitin Mukesh (@neilnitinmukesh) on Oct 22, 2017 at 9:05pm PDT
Prabhas became an instant sensation after the grand success of Baahubali, but Neil says that the adulation received by him has only made the actor more humble. The saying, Once the tree start bearing fruits, it bows down to earth, describes him aptly.
Asked if Prabhas has shared interesting anecdotes from his Baahubali experience with Neil, he says, Hes extremely shy, and Im also very selective with my conversations with him.
Back to London. Hyderabad was beautiful as always. And shooting for #Saaho was simply amazing. Looking forward to doing the team soon Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) October 6, 2017
Neil, who completed the second schedule of Saaho in Hyderabad, last month, adds that its not easy for anyone at such a young age and at a nascent phase of career to have remained committed to a single project for so long. To dedicate five years of the prime time of your career in doing something that you believe in and that also at a young age is a big deal. I bet no other actor would have done it. He started off so brilliantly and it paid him off because his believed in it and worked hard for it. That answers a lot about Prabhas as a person, says Neil.
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Ivanka Trump, daughter of US President Donald Trump, kicked off a global business summit in Hyderabad on Tuesday by calling for a level playing field for women entrepreneurs, saying it would not only help families but also countries improve their economy.
The 36-year-old Trump, who was accorded a warm welcome in the tech hub of Hyderabad, also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for building India as a thriving economy a beacon of democracy and a symbol of hope to the world.
What you are achieving is truly extraordinary... From your childhood selling tea to your election as Indias Prime Minister, youve proven that transformational change is possible, Trump said at the inaugural session of the three-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES).
She congratulated the people of India on 70 years of Independence. Through your own enterprise, entrepreneurship, and hard work, the people of India have lifted more than 130 million citizens out of poverty a remarkable improvement, and one I know will continue to grow under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, she said.
Modi used the opportunity to invite investors to India. To my entrepreneur friends from across the globe, I would like to say: Come, Make in India, Invest in India, for India, and for the world, the Prime Minister said in his inaugural address.
If India were to close the labour-force gender gap by half, its GDP could grow by over $150 billion in the next three years, said Trump, who is also an adviser to the US president.
India is seeing a drop in women participation in the workforce. Only 27% of working age women were employed in 2015-2016, a World Bank report has said.
When it comes to equitable laws, while many developed and developing countries have made tremendous strides, there is still much work to be done, Trump said.
The theme of the conference Women First, Prosperity For All was appropriate as it was the key to future of any country, Trump, wearing a green floral dress, said.
There was a gender entrepreneurship gap world-wide and closing the gap would help grow the GDP by two per cent, she said.
Women still face steep obstacles to starting, owning and growing their businesses. We must ensure women entrepreneurs have access to capital, access to networks and mentors, Trump, who is fashion designer, said to loud cheers.
In her 15-minutes speech she mentioned three women, including Rajlakshmi Borthakur, an Assamese entrepreneur based in Bengaluru. These women represent the vision, ambition and grit of every entrepreneur, she said about the entrepreneurs who, too, were at the summit.
Borthakur is the founder and CEO of TerraBlue XT, a telemedicine platform for people fighting chronic disorders.
Trump also lauded Modi for his belief that progress of humanity is incomplete without the empowerment of women.
India always believed that empowerment of women was vital to development and they had made significant contributions in various walks of life, Modi said.
Trump is leading the US contingent at the summit, a brainchild of former American president Barack Obama. This is the first time that India is hosting the summit.
More than half of the 1,200 participants are women and all-female delegations are representing countries such as Afghanistan, Israel and Saudi Arabia.
(With agency inputs)
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The Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti (ABSS), a prominent body of the Hindu seers, has termed as non practical and unacceptable a resolution passed by a dharma sansad (religious parliament) in Karnataka asking Hindus to have four children.
During the three-day dharma sansad, organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, in the temple town of Udupi from November 24, Swami Gobind Giriji Maharaj of Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar, brought a resolution that two-child policy should not be restricted to Hindus alone and that they must bear at least four children till the Uniform Civil Code is implemented to check demographic imbalance.
The dharma sansad was presided over by Jagadguru Madhwacharya Shri Vishesh Teerth (Udupi),
Stating that the resolution should be thrown into a dustbin, the national spokesperson of ABSS, Baba Hatyogi, Tuesday said that the dharma sansad should have instead focused the saint community losing face over multiple cases of fake saints and self-styled godmen fooling devotees coming to light in recent times.
Hindus should produce four children. Is this a resolution that a confluence of saints from across the country should pass? Who will bear the expense of bringing up these children if Hindus accept the resolution? Without having sufficient resources for proper upbringing of children and their livelihood, how come participating saints of dharma sansad passed such a resolution? Two children in a family is best, irrespective of their community or religion, said Baba Hatyogi.
Urging government and Muslim representatives to also carry out awareness campaigns so that people from minority community also do not go for larger families, Baba Hatyogi said that future generation of our country deserves a better future for which small family is best.
A meeting is being convened early next month by ABSS in this regard, in which Udupi resolution will be opposed.
While bringing the resolution, Swami Gobind had said that the government was insisting on a maximum of two children, but till the time the Uniform Civil Code is implemented, Hindus should have at least four children. We have seen that India lost those territories wherever Hindu population reduced, resulting in demographic imbalance. The two-child policy should not be restricted to Hindus alone, he said.
The dharma sansad also passed resolution for uniform ban on cattle slaughter across the country, preparation of a dossier on cow thieves and condemnation of beef sale in several parts of the country.
To a question ion cow-vigilantism, Swami Gobind had earlier said that some criminals were settling personal scores under the guise of Gau Rakshaks. Gau Rakshaks are peace loving people. They have been defamed by some vested interests. Some criminals are settling scores under the guise of Gau Rakshaks, he had said at the dharma sansad.
A group of locals allegedly thrashed a forest guard after he asked them not to drink alcohol on the border of the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) in Ramnagar, officials said Tuesday.
The incident took place Monday night, hours after chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and forest minister Harak Singh Rawat inaugurated a new entry gate to the from Kotdwar in the states Pauri Garhwal region.
Twenty-five-year-old Santosh Bisht suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital. A complaint has been lodged against three persons at Ramnagar police station.
We have lodged a complaint against three people. They have been booked for under Indian Forest Act and relevant section of CrPC for hindering government official from performing duty and charging at the forest guard, Surendra Mehra, director Corbett told Hindustan Times.
Home to the second largest population of tigers in country, CTR is major revenue spinner for Uttarakhand government. It is to cash in on this asset that the government opened the new entry gate that is expected to reduce the travel distance between New Delhi and CTR by about 50 kilometres. The government also aims to push tourism in Kotdwar, which is also the constituency of the forest minister.
Amidst all this, the safety and security of staff seems to have been compromised. Apart from the latest incident, several other violations have been reported where tourists were seen marching on foot, or blocking the movement of tigers.
Last year in December, two video clips showing tourists blocking the path of a tiger surfaced, putting a question mark on the precautionary measures adopted by the officials. The videos were shot at Sambhar road in Dhikala zone two days after the reserve opened for public.
The basic tourism in protected areas should be regulated. And for this a force is needed to safeguard the borders, an activist said requesting anonymity.
Taking cue from the incident, the management has strengthened border patrolling. Any violation will not be tolerated, Mehra added.
The guards, however, are cautious now. This is the most sensitive period when Corbett remains abuzz with tourists. But, we are actively safeguarding posts and other sensitive areas, Bisht, who suffered mild injuries during the incident, said.
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Delhi woke up to another chilly and polluted morning on Tuesday with air quality recorded at a very poor level, met officials said.
The minimum temperature was recorded at nine degree Celsius.
However, the quality of the air was marginally better than Mondays pollution levels with the average AQI reading 343 compared to 362 on Monday. Both readings are within the very poor range.
Officials said that areas close to the Delhi Technical University had the worst air quality on Tuesday, with the monitoring station recording an AQI of 422. On Monday, DTU, Anand Vihar, and RK Puram, had all recorded severe pollution levels.
The Delhi government on Monday had issued a health advisory urging schools to avoid outdoor activities during morning following predictions that air pollution might rise over the next three days. The government has also advised citizens to avoid going out for morning walks and polluted zones during peak hours.
Although minimum temperature is expected to be 10 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, the MeT Department has forecast the chance of shallow fog in the morning hours.
Six men working for a catering firm died of asphyxiation in Delhi Cantonment area after they locked themselves in a truck with a simmering tandoor inside, police said on Tuesday.
The deaths came to light around 1.30am on Tuesday when the truck was forced open at the instance of the catering firms supervisor, said Shibesh Singh, DCP (southwest).
The officer said prima facie they suspected no foul play, but a case of causing death by negligence was likely to be registered at Delhi Cantonment police station.
Instances of people asphyxiating to death after locking themselves in a room with a lit brazier or tandoor are not uncommon in Delhi in the winter season.
In Tuesdays incident, the deceased were identified as Amit, Pankaj, Anil, Kamal, Avadh Lal and Deep Chand. All the victims are aged between 25 and 35, police said, and worked either as chefs or waiters for the catering firm. Police said the firm is owned and run by one Gurpreet Singh, a resident of west Delhis Vikaspuri.
The men had provided catering service at a wedding function in Cantonments Mall Road on Monday night. Since they were supposed to work at another function in the Cantonment area itself, they decided to sleep in their truck that they had parked at an open field near Central School in the neighbourhood, said DCP Singh.
The probe so far has revealed that the workers decided to keep themselves warm in the night by using the tandoor that they kept burning, said the officer.
The six men locked the canter from inside around 3am on Tuesday. Since their schedule involved waking up late in the day, no one suspected anything unusual until late in the afternoon.
But when their supervisor, Nirmal, did not find the men around by 1 pm on Tuesday, he decided to check. When his repeated knocks on the canters metal doors did not yield a response, he suspected foul play and got the doors opened, said another investigator.
Inside, the six men were found lying motionless. Though the tandoor had turned cold by then, it did not take people around long to realise what could have happened.
A police call was made around 1.30pm even as locals rushed the six men to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital in west Delhi. All the six men were declared brought dead at the hospital.
Police said three of the men were natives of Rudrapur in Uttarakhand, while Kamal belonged to Nepal. The details of the other two men are being ascertained, police said. All the six men lived in Nangloi.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Monday said the draw of lots for its 2017 housing scheme will be held on November 30.
More than 46,000 people applied for the housing scheme, in which the authority is offering over 12,000 flats. The draw was earlier scheduled for October but the date was delayed.
The DDA sold 90,000 forms for the scheme, of which 46,182 people applied.
The draw for the scheme, launched on June 30, will be held at the DDA headquarters under supervision of Justice (retd) SN Aggarwal, Kolin Paul of the department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT, Delhi and Vishnu Chandra, deputy director general, National Informatics Centre (NIC), Delhi, the DDA said in a press statement, released on Monday.
The exercise will begin at 11 am on November 30.
The 12,617 flats on offer include 11,757 lower-income group (LIG), 403 middle-income group (MIG), 372 Janta and 85 higher-income group units. The flats, that cost between Rs 7 lakh and over Rs 1.26 crore, are located in colonies across the city such as Rohini, Dwarka, Narela, Vasant Kunj, Jasola, Pitampura, Paschim Vihar and Siraspur. Most of the 12,072 flats in the scheme were surrendered by allottees in the previous housing schemes due to the small size or inadequate civic facilities in the localities.
Later, the authority clarified that the latest scheme was launched after the problems were fixed.
The general public can view the live telecast of the draw of DDA Aawasiya Yojana-2017 on November 30 from 11am onwards through web streaming on http://webcast.gov.in/dda. Interested applicants may also visit DDA headquarters, Vikas Sadan (Auction Hall) at the given date and time for viewing the live screening of the draw, the statement said.
The scheme was launched on June 30 and closed on September 11. The authority had to extend the deadline due to poor response.
Those who are allotted flats will be handed over demand-cum-allotment letters within a month, officials said.
After getting the demand letters, the allotees can make payment within three months, said JP Agarwal, DDAs principal commissioner (housing).
Those whose name do not feature in the list can expect a waiting list, another scheme or can take their money back, he said.
The DDA is liable to return the money within one month failing which the applicant is eligible to get interest on his deposit.
The once sought-after DDA flats have, of late, been losing out to private housing projects that provide better amenities at lower rates in the National Capital Region.
In order to plug this gap, the DDA has already announced 20,000 plush flats in Narela, Dwarka, Rohini, Vasant Kunj and Jasola in its latest housing scheme to be launched in June 2018.
Currently, the flats are under construction and DDA officials said work will be completed by March 2018. Notorious for offering second-hand flats with poor amenities, the DDA says it will provide facilities such as multi-level underground parking, rainwater harvesting units, buildings that can withstand an earthquake of 8.5 on Richter scale and spacious bedrooms in its latest project.
The 2018 scheme will have flats for all income groups LIG, MIG, HIG and EWS.
Prices of the flats for the 2018 scheme have not been fixed yet, Agarwal said.
Jagbeer Singh, a private security guard, whiles away his time at the entrance of a ghost town in outer Delhis Bawana rows of abandoned apartment buildings constructed for 3,680 poor families currently living in slums tucked in the crevices of the national capital.
I dont know for whom these houses were built, but I do not mind guarding them as long I get paid (a monthly salary of Rs 10,000), says Singh, pointing towards a road overrun by wild grass which leads to the desolate four-storey tower blocks with broken windowpanes and plaster chipping off the walls.
Singh, 32, is one of the six guards deployed outside the Rajiv Ratan Awaas township, which came up in 2008.
From Prime Minister Narendra Modis promise to make Delhi slum-free by 2022, to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal pre-poll slogan - jahan jhuggi, wahan makaan, affordable housing for the poor has been on the agenda of all political parties. But the failure of successive governments to come up with a uniform resettlement policy and reluctance of the slum dwellers to shift to faraway places over livelihood concerns have ensured that finding an answer to the vexed issue of slum resettlement in the capital remains an elusive quest.
About 26,861 of the 28,344 flats constructed in the past decade by the Delhi government agencies for the have-nots lie vacant in different parts of the city a testament to the governments half-baked efforts at slum resettlement.
Sri Ram stands in front of his slum near an upcoming housing project in Bawana. (Sushil Kumar/HT PHOTO)
Kathputli Colony, the first in situ project
Eight years after mooting the plan, Delhi Development Authoritys (DDA) started demolishing 3,000 slums at Kathputli colony, near Shadipur Depot, in October this year as part of its first in-situ redevelopment project under the Delhi Master Plan 2021. The authoritys plan to reclaim 5.2 hectares of land for building multistory flats for the eligible residents was resisted by a group of residents who claimed that the rehabilitation process was haphazard. The proposed 30 square metres, one-room flat costs Rs 1.12 lakh, to pay which the beneficiaries may get bank loans.
Who doesnt want to own a house? But they want us to live for two years at transit camps, which do not even have proper toilets, and are located far from the place where we have been living for the past 40 years, said puppeteer Dileep Bhat, who leads the resistance. Over 2,000 families have been shifted to a transit camp in Anand Parbat, 3 kms away. Others have been relocated to government flats in Bawana, nearly 40 kms away.
The residents alleged that the DDA, which has approved rehabilitation of 3,292 families and rejected 771 claims, violated court orders by forcibly evicting them, a charge the authority refuted.
As per the law, we do not need consent of beneficiaries in in-situ redevelopment projects, said J P Agarwal, principal commissioner (housing), DDA. A case of 51 slum owners is pending in the court.
We want to give houses to all eligible families, but its not possible to cater to all claimants, said Agarwal.
Located a kilometre away from Mundka station on Metros Green Line in west Delhi Savda Ghevra is home to 60,000 people living in 10,000 houses which were constructed on Delhi government land. (Sushil Kumar/HT PHOTO)
Pushed to margins
Sadhna Haldar, 45, who used to work as a masseur in Laxmi Nagar, is looking for a new job. A resident of a one-room house in Savda Ghevra projected by the Delhi government as a model of its slum rehabilitation plans Haldar left the job as she couldnt afford to spend Rs 2,000 in commuting to Laxmi Nagar, 35 kms away, where she earned Rs 8,000 a month.
Travelling by bus would mean spending two hours and Rs 30 to and fro per day, she said. Now, her teenage daughter, Deepika Haldar, has started working as a maid near Peeragarhi.
Just a kilometre away from Mundka station on Metros Green Line in west Delhi, Savda Ghevra is home to 60,000 people living in 10,000 houses constructed on the government land. Slum dwellers from Laxmi Nagar, Nangla Machi and Pragati Maidan were relocated here.
M Rasool, 36, who works at a Chandni Chowk spectacles shop , calls it a dumping ground where livelihood remains a concern bigger than the lack of basic facilities.
What would we feed our children if there are no jobs? asked Jyoshna Haldar, who left a maids job that fetched her Rs 8000 a month to join a PVC factory at Tikri border that gives her Rs 5,000 a month.
The Delhi government projects Savda Ghevra as a model of its slum rehabilitation plans. (Sushil Kumar/HT PHOTO)
A distant dream
In 2007, Daya Ram was 22 when he planted a sapling on the divider just outside his slum at Bawana JJ colony on the capitals north-western periphery where his family shifted from Paschim Vihar. Today, the sapling has blossomed into a tree, but Ram, now a mason, is still waiting for the promised land.
We have got the demand letter for a plot in M Block of the colony. But we are yet to get the land for house. It has been an unending wait, said Ram, a Class 8 pass out and father of three who gets work only three days a week.
Umesh Singh, the 60-year-old leader of Bawana Sangharsh Samiti (BSS), has been, in association with NGO Hazards Centre, fighting for those who have been denied plots, and for creating facilities such as a police station and a hospital at the colony which inhabits over 50,000 people.
The recent protests during Kathputli eviction, is history repeating itself, according to Dunu Roy, director of Hazards Centre, who blames the government for not coming up with a viable policy for slum rehabilitation.
Even in the colonies which came up in the 1970-80s at Seemapuri and Dakshinpuri, the municipality survey then showed that 80% of the residents were not the original people who were shifted there, Roy said, opposing the concept of relocation of slum dwellers.
The rising number of slums, Roy said, is not a matter of population growth or unanticipated migration or even unavailability of land. It is basically about the fact that there are no houses for people in the EWS category who form 98% of the unorganised labour, he said.
Currently, slums are rehabilitated in Delhi under the land laws which deal with encroachment of public property. The central Act for slums -- Slum Areas (Improvement and Clearance) Act, 1956, which defines slums as habitations not fit for habitations and not encroachments is hardly invoked. The rehabilitation exercise in Kathputli, for example, was guided by DDAs in-situ redevelopment scheme under its master plan which derives its legality from the Delhi Development Act, 1957.
Similarly, the Delhi government approves schemes proposed by Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) considering each case differently. DDA owns 80% of land under slums while DUSIB and other agencies own the rest.
Over 500 families from various slums have been rehabilitated to the flats in Dwarka Sector 16-B. (HT Photo)
The Sheila Dikshit-led Congress government had tried to come up with a policy for allotting the low-cost flats constructed under Rajiv Ratan Awas scheme. But it was scrapped as less than 45% of the total slum dwellers applied. The Delhi Slum and Jhuggi Jhopri Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015, passed by the Delhi government, has not been notified yet as it remains caught up in the Centre-state stand-off.
We cant do much unless the policy is notified, said MK Tyagi, member (engineering), DUSIB, which is responsible allotting the vacant 26,861 flats at 12 projects in Dwarka, Sultanpuri, Baprola, Bawana, Ghoga and Bhorgarh.
It has been proven worldwide, Roy said, that the poor do not want to live in flats because they cannot work there. Where will a rickshaw puller keep his vehicle or a vegetable vendor keep his cart? he asked.
So, what is the solution?
Why not provide better civic services to them where they live instead of making new houses. Give them plots and let them build their own house, Roy suggested.
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Nov. 23
Kyleah A. Archuleta, 21, of Twin Falls, Idaho, was arrested under a warrant on Interstate 80 at mile marker 301 for failure to appear on a traffic citation. Bail $415
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Michael P. Ferguson, 29, of Elko was under felony arrest at Elko Vista at Lamoille Highway for failure to maintain a lane, driving under the influence above the legal limit, usage or possession of drug paraphernalia, and use or under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail $6,895
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Tammy L. Hallett, 30, of Elko was under felony arrest at 510 Morse Lane No. 1 for assault with a dangerous weapon, and domestic battery by strangulation. Bail $40,000
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Michael J. Lutes, 29, of Lewistown, Montana, was arrested at Elko Summit Drive for disturbing the peace. Bail $355
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Brent G. Miller, 58, of Roseville, California was arrested at the Red Lion Casino for two counts of resisting a public officer. Bail $2,280
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Robert L. Newman, 36, of Elko was arrested on a warrant at 1111 Idaho St. for engaging in contraband business or submitting a bid without a license. Bail $1,140
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Blaine L. Paige, 24, of Elko was arrested under a warrant at Smiths for eight counts of failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor crime and resisting a public officer. Bail $1,140
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Malcolm Suaava, 26, of West Jordan, Utah, was under felony arrest at the Montego Bay casino for domestic battery, and unlawful acts of excretion or fluid by a prisoner in containment. Bail $23,000
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Passengers travelling from Delhi, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Panipat and Alwar to any of these destinations will not have to change trains once the proposed high-speed rail network linking NCR cities becomes operational in about seven-eight years from now.
The National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited (NCRTC), which is implementing the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), is working on a plan to run point-to-point trains to and from these destinations.
The inter-connectivity system will be different from Delhi Metro, where passengers have to change trains to reach different destinations on different lines.
The NCRTC, which is executing the project, has commissioned a study to find out how many people travel between these cities and the mode of travel they use.
Initially, under the RRTS, three corridors Delhi-Meerut, Delhi-Panipat and Delhi-Alwar were proposed with Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi as an interchange hub.
Now the NCRTC plans to run trains in all the three directions from the points of origin. To finalise the frequency, the corporation has ordered the traffic pattern study. The Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) is conducting the study.
DIMTS officials are travelling in buses, trains to speak to the commuters.
The stations will be designed depending on the traffic we are expecting. The study will help us in finalising the design and the capacity of stations, said an NCRTC spokesperson.
Of the three proposed routes, Delhi-Meerut is likely to be commissioned first with construction slated to begin by June 2018 and is expected to be completed by 2024.
The other two corridors are awaiting DPR approval. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2018 and likely to be completed before 2025. The estimated cost of the Delhi-Meerut line is 32,598 crore and Delhi-Panipat is around 30,000 crore.
We will run the operations in such a way that a passenger will not have to come out of the train to go to any destination. Trains for every direction will run from one point. And where we are integrating with metro, the stations are being designed in a way that a passenger would not have to walk much to catch a metro train, the NCRTC official said.
The design speed of the rail corridor is 180 kmph while the operational speed is 160 kmph. The average speed is 100 kmph. Train are expected to be available every 5 to 10 minutes.
The trains will begin with a six-car combination. Each train can carry about 1,154 passengers. The entire corridor will be either underground or elevated.
The NCRTC is a joint venture of the Centre, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
A total of eight corridors have been identified under the Integrated Transportation Plan 2032 prepared by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB).
The other five RRTS corridors are Delhi-Baraut, Delhi-Hapur, Delhi-Khurja, Delhi-Palwal and Delhi-Rohtak.
Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) consists of three prioritized corridors:
Delhi - Ghaziabad - Meerut 90 km
Delhi - Gurugram Rewari - BahrorSotanala- Alwar 165.4km
Delhi - Sonipat - Panipat 111 km
Design speed is 180 kmph while operational speed is 160 kmph and average speed is 100 kmph.
Frequency will be 5-10 minutes.
The total project is planned to be completed in about 6 years time after approval of the DPR.
Each train could carry 1,154 passengers.
The three sections will meet at Sarai Kale Khan
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The attack at the Al Rawda mosque, in Bir al-Abed, 200 km from Cairo, Egypt, last week, in which at least 305 people died and more than 190 were injured, reminds us of the danger terror poses to West Asia and North Africa region. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack; but, given that the target was the minority Sufi Muslim community, it is suspected to be Islamic State (IS). IS has lost the majority of the territory it held in Iraq and Syria, but its premature to write off the terror group, which called itself the Caliphate.
It is in this context that the Islamic Military Alliance (IMA), headed by Saudi Arabia, gains importance. Conceived in 2015 by Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud, who is also the kingdoms defence minister, the IMA had its first high-level meeting in Riyadh on Sunday. The prince vowed to pursue terrorists until they are wiped from the face of the earth, and said that the lack of coordination among nations ends today, with this alliance.
Unlike the United States or Nato, which are perceived as foreign forces, an anti-terror coalition comprising and headed by nations in the region is bound to be more acceptable. Fighting terror is a costly affair, and Riyadh taking the lead should instil confidence in other members. Most importantly, the IMA has many nations from north, west and central Africa all hotbeds for terror groups.
The IMA has its merits, but its structural flaws could debilitate the alliance.
That it is a predominantly a club of Sunni-states puts a question mark over its intent and definition of terror and terrorists. How does Saudi Arabia plan to contain terrorism in the region without including Iran, Iraq and Syria? Nations across the divide joined hands to tackle the IS menace in Iraq and Syria. A similar, non-partisan approach is what is required now. Tehran, on its part, must stop its support to militant groups like Hezbollah. The region is of great interest to India and peace achieved through any alliance is welcome news. However, it is cold comfort for New Delhi that the commander-in-chief of the IMA is former Pakistani army chief Raheel Sharif. The duplicity of Pakistan being a part of this coalition cannot be missed when highlighting IMAs demerits.
The Riyadh-led alliance is a necessity, but if it shortcomings are not addressed, it would become yet another attempt to form an anti-Shia, anti-Iran axis a move that has contributed considerably to escalating tension in West Asia. If Saudi Arabia is serious about tackling terror, it should turn the focus within (something it has partially done), and be more inclusive.
Harvey Weinstein is being accused of violating sex trafficking laws as an aspiring actor has launched a lawsuit against him. Kadian Noble alleges that the disgraced producer invited her to his hotel room during the Cannes film festival in 2004 claiming that he wanted to cast her in an upcoming movie. She claims that he then proceeded to grope her before trapping her in the bathroom and forcing her to perform sexual acts.
Nobles suit alleges that during the encounter, he told her that everything will be taken care of for you if you relax. Its aimed not only at Harvey Weinstein but also his brother Bob and their company The Weinstein Company, citing reckless disregard on their parts.
The suit details the involvement of an unnamed producer at the company who spoke to Noble on the phone, instructing her to be a good girl and do whatever he wished.
In response, Weinsteins spokesperson has denied the claims. Mr Weinstein denies allegations of non-consensual sex, his representative said. Mr Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances.
The suit arrives in the same day as a civil claim in the UK from an anonymous woman who alleges that she was also sexually assaulted by Weinstein.
Both cases arrive after dozens of other women around the world have revealed similar stories about their experiences with Weinstein, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Rose McGowan.
Its believed that authorities in different cities are collaborating to try and build a legal case against the producer. LAPD detectives have been interviewing witnesses in preparation for a case to present to the district attorney; the NYPD has been investigating two rape complaints; and in London, three other cases are being handled.
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As Indonesia raised Bali volcano alert to the highest level, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said she was monitoring the situation closely and that the Indian Mission there would provide assistance to Indians requiring help.
The Indian Consulate in Bali has opened a help desk at the city airport to provide any assistance to the Indians stuck there.
Indians in Bali - Pls do not worry. Pradeep Rawat Indian Ambassador in Jakarta @IndianEmbJkt and Sunil Babu Consul General @cgibali are on the job and I am monitoring this personally(sic), she said on Twitter.
Indians in Bali - Pls do not worry. Pradeep Rawat Indian Ambassador in Jakarta @IndianEmbJkt and Sunil Babu Consul General @cgibali are on the job and I am monitoring this personally. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 27, 2017
Massive columns of thick grey smoke that have been belching from Mount Agung since last week have now begun shooting more than three kilometres (two miles) into the sky, forcing flights to be grounded.
The airport in Balis capital Denpasar, a top holiday destination that attracts millions of foreign tourists every year, has been closed, a move expected to affect tens of thousands of passengers.
Bihar became the fifth state to ban Bollywood movie Padmavati with chief minister Nitish Kumar saying on Tuesday the producers must clarify the alleged distortion of history in the film, which has triggered widespread protests.
The Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, has been embroiled in controversy since its shooting began in January, with fringe outfits alleging it tampers with historical facts.
The film would not be released in the state without amicable solution among all parties involved, Kumar told reporters.
The film, based on an epic poem, explores the relationship of a Rajput queen and Muslim ruler Alauddin Khilji. The movie was due to open on December 1 but its producers postponed the release.
The Rajput Karni Sena as well as the BJP have criticised the film, accusing Bhansali of distorting history by showing the Muslim aggressor as the Hindu queens lover. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, all ruled by the BJP, banned it outright.
Bihar too had been witnessing protests with members of the Kshatriya Samaj burning effigies of the filmmaker and demanding a ban on the movie.
Minutes before the assembly session began on Tuesday, BJP legislator Neeraj Kumar Singh met the chief minister and submitted a memorandum that highlighted how the film hurts Hindu sentiments.
Kumars announcement comes on a day the Supreme Court took strong exception to statements made by people holding high offices against the film.
Dismissing a petition seeking an order to restrain the films producers from releasing the movie abroad, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said remarks against the film were equivalent of prejudging the movie, which has yet to get the censor boards clearance.
Other than leaders of Bihars ruling JD(U)-BJP alliance, rivals such as Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad had backed the protests. Prasad, however, retract his statement later.
The RJD chiefs son, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, during his tenure as deputy chief minister, had invited Bhansali to shoot Padmavati when his team was attacked in Rajasthan by members of the Rajput Karni Sena this January.
A Border Security Force (BSF) soldier shot dead his colleague during a scuffle inside a camp in Jammu and Kashmirs Bandipora district late on Monday night, police said on Tuesday.
A senior district police officer confirmed the news and said that the police are investigating the incident at Madar area, which appears to be a case of fratricidal killing.
A spokesperson of the BSF told the Hindustan Times said that head constable Chandrabhan of Haryana was killed in the incident.
Police is investigating the matter and the alleged suspect, a jawan, has been handed over. Further details will be clear after investigation, the spokesperson said.
Suicides and fratricides among security forces personnel posted in Kashmir are not uncommon.
An Indian Army soldier posted in north Kashmirs Uri sector pumped five bullets into a major, killing him on the spot after he was reprimanded by him over cell-phone usage at the sensitive post in July this year.
Incidents of fratricide have, however, reduced in the army over the last decade as the force has taken a raft of measures to address the issue.
The steps taken by the government to prevent fratricide include professional psychological counselling, workshops on mental health, meditation being made part of the unit routine, yoga classes, improvement in living conditions and liberalised leave policy.
Apart from fratricide, more than 100 cases of suicide are reported every year in the armed forces.
Fishermen and marine officials raced against time in Tamil Nadus Tuticorin Monday night to push back as many as 40 dolphins into the sea after they washed ashore and got stranded on the beach. Despite their best efforts, four of the dolphins died.
Local fishermen who spotted the dolphins immediately alerted district officials. A joint rescue team of the Central Marine Fish Research Institute (CMFRI) and forest department worked throughout the night to save them.
Although all the dolphins were pushed back into the sea, four carcasses washed ashore later and local people fear more dolphins could die.
Most of the stranded (dolphins) were between two and three metres long weighing 75 to 130 kg. Of the dead three are females and one is male. Post-mortem report says two of them were suffering from slight lung infection, said Dr Manoj Kumar, CMFRI scientist based at Tuticorin centre. However, he said the reasons for the strange phenomenon can be gauged only after detailed investigations.
We are keeping a strict vigil along the shore with forest officials. Since dolphins come under the protected group of animals their upkeep and protection come primarily under the forest department, said Dr L Ranjith, another scientist at the CMFRI.
This is not the first time Tuticorin district has been witnessing mass marine deaths. Last year, 83 dolphins were washed ashore and more than half of them later perished. In 1974, 70 pilot whales were washed ashore and many died later.
The spotted dolphins are deep sea species and their usual habitat is a depth of 50 m and more. But of late these seas mammals are often getting stranded near shores, said Kumar. A detailed study is needed to understand changes in their habitat, he added.
For us, it is a sad news. Dolphins are gentle animals. Often we gauge the presence of large school of fish by observing their behaviour, said a fisherman who skipped his day duty to keep vigil on the beach near the fishing hamlet in Punnanikayal.
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Some of the IT firms located at Madhapur here have asked their employees to work from home on Tuesday and for the next two days keeping in view restrictions put in place for the global summit being attended by US President Donald Trumps daughter and advisor Ivanka Trump.
The Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), being attended by over 1,500 delegates, will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday evening.
As part of security arrangements for the high-profile event, restrictions have been put in place with regard to movement of people and vehicular traffic in and around the venue, the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), at Madhapur, which is an IT hub.
We were asked to work from home if we are unable to come to office today and tomorrow, an employee working for a multinational consulting and auditing firm told PTI.
The entire city is under a thick security blanket in view of the visit of Ivanka Trump and a number of VVIPs for the three-day summit, being held in India for the first time.
Trump along with a business delegation from her country landed at the Shamshabad airport in the wee hours today.
A senior police official said as many as 10,000 security personnel have been deployed to keep vigil for the next three days.
When contacted, Ranga Pothula, president of the Hyderabad Software Exporters Association (Hysea) said some of the companies in Madhapur have issued advisories to their employees allowing them to work from home.
There are heavy VIP movements involving security issues. There are traffic restrictions around some of the places. So some of the firms have issued advisories to their employees asking them work from home if they feel that they cannot come to office, Pothula said.
A senior police official said there would be traffic restrictions around Falaknuma Palace Hotel in old city area where the prime minister and Ivanka Trump along with top industrialists and dignitaries are expected to visit for dinner Tuesday night.
Affordable housing projects of the government should be given the top priority while disposing of land assets of loss making Central Public Sector Enterprises, a committee headed by cabinet secretary PK Sinha has said.
The committee has also suggested that such land that will be utilized for building affordable houses should be disposed of at a reserve price, which is fixed based on the circle rate of the area. The reserve price will be fixed by the land management agency appointed by the government.
The recommendation, if accepted by the Union cabinet, will give further leg-up to the sector, which got a fillip recently after the Centre increased the carpet area of houses for the middle income group eligible for interest subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Government sources said a committee of secretaries (CoS) headed by cabinet secretary PK Sinha gave these suggestions at a meeting on October 20. The CoS was reviewing the earlier guidelines of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) related to disposal of land belonging to sick CPSEs.
In the 2015 guidelines, affordable housing projects were put at the bottom of the priority list. The top priority, while disposing of such land was given to central/state government departments and PSUs
Earlier, a sub-committee headed by DPE secretary Seema Bahuguna had recommended that the first priority while disposing of such land should be given to all government flagship programs including affordable housing.
But the CoS has recommended that instead of all flagship program, the first priority should be given to affordable housing projects under the governments Housing for All program, a senior government official who us privy to the developments told HT.
As per the 2015-16 Public Enterprises Survey, of the 320 CPSEs 78 are loss making. Official estimates put the land available with such CPSEs upward of 200 sq. km. NITI Aayog, the federal think tank has already recommended closure of 26 such entities.
The cabinet secretary led panel has said that after utilizing land to construct affordable housing, the next priority should be given to other central and state government departments, followed by private parties.
It has recommended appointing National Building Construction Corporation as the land management agency for the exercise.
Vidyadhar Pathak, former chief country and town planner, Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority said that considering the fact that land is the most critical component in any affordable housing program, the proposed move is in the right direction.
But at the same time, the government will have to do a delicate balancing act, he cautioned. If the idea is to dispose of land assets of sick CPSEs, then they will be looking for commercial price rather than pre-determined price decided by the government. How do you reconcile the two? Also, many of the CPSEs are located in the outskirts. Unless you address job and transportation issues of the targeted beneficiaries, no one will go there, said Pathak.
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Recommending strict action against the guilty officials, the Haryana Lokayukta has observed that the state police dont carry out fair investigation into complaints and asked the BJP government to provide transparent and corruption-free administration to the public.
This comes in the wake of the Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP governments claims of having eradicated corruption during its three-year rule. The Lokayukta has advised the government to put in place a long-term plan to eradicate corruption.
Last week, the state government had issued instructions (a copy of the letter is with HT) about the Lokayuktas recommendations and the need of a prompt action.
The Haryana Lokayukta Act, 2002, gives right to the common man to file complaint against any public servant. But to ensure that no public servant is maligned or dragged into a false case, the Act also has a provision of punishment in case of false complaints.
The receipt of reference/observation from the Lokayukta should always be acknowledged. If due to administrative or any other reason, it is not possible to take actionthen the Lokayukta may be informed well in time, reads the governments communique, asking officers to take necessary action on the points raised by the Lokayukta.
The competent authority has to examine Lokayuktas reports and intimate within three months about the action taken. The Lokayukta has observed that the departments were not sending the action taken reports in most of the complaints despite the chief secretary issuing instructions in February 2016 also.
It is again requested that this schedule may be adhered to meticulously, chief secretary DS Dhesi has directed all the administrative secretaries.
Question mark on police inquiries
The most hard-hitting observation of the Lokayukta, as per governments dispatch, is about the police department where fair inquiries are not being made at the police station level.
Lokayukta, Justice Nawal Kishore Agarwal (Retd), has pointed out that strict action against cops involved in such lapses will go a long way in improving police image.
In order to achieve transparency in the administration, the public servants found guilty of corruption or maladministration should be awarded strictest possible punishment under the law, the Lokayukta has said.
For this purpose, Justice Agarwal has recommended, it is necessary that the government agencies change their mind set by adopting zero tolerance to corruption and inefficiency.
While recommending transparent and corruption free administration, the Lokayukta has underlined a long term plan to eradicate corruption from the administration and public life. And to achieve this, the Lokayukta has proposed drastic changes in the school education system by inculcating high moral value based syllabus with emphasis on character building.
Casual approach and missing records
The government has stated that during different investigations the Lokayukta specifically observed that when a complaint is forwarded to the head of the department, for inquiry or reply in 45 days, no action is taken in spite of serious allegations and grievances in the complaint and that such complaints are taken in routine and very casual manner by the officers.
In most of the Panchayat Departments cases, panchayat records being kept in the custody of the sarpanches were missing. The public servants under the urban Local Bodies didnt cooperate with the Lokayukta in number of cases. It has been suggested that a very stern action should be taken against the delinquent public servants so that it serves as a deterrent, reads the communique.
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RENO (AP) More than 500 black bears have returned to parts of their historic range in the Great Basin of Nevada where the species disappeared about 80 years ago, scientists say.
A new study says genetic testing confirms the bears are making their way east from the Sierra ranges north and south of Lake Tahoe along the California line.
In some cases, recent generations have moved hundreds of miles to sites near the Utah line, marking a rare example of large mammals recolonizing areas where theyd been wiped out.
The recovery of large carnivores is relatively rare globally, said Jon Beckmann, a conservation scientist for the Wildlife Conservation Society in Bozeman, Montana, who co-authored the new study.
It concludes that bear populations originating in western Nevada mountain ranges have the genetic diversity necessary to sustain the new subpopulations.
The findings are the result of a partnership between wildlife management and geneticists based on bear hair and blood samples taken over 20 years, said Jason Malaney, an environmental scientist at the University of Nevada, Reno, who led the study.
He wrote that the study represents one of the few empirical examples of genetic consequences of natural recolonization in large-bodied mammals.
Carl Lackey, a Nevada state biologist, and Marjorie Matocq, a UNR scientist, co-authored the study.
The data provides ammunition for advocates of increased protection of wildlife corridors for a number of species in the basin a vast stretch of desert and mountain ranges that covers most of Nevada, half of Utah and parts of Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon and California.
The study says the results are timely and relevant because of projected climate change and the effects of human population growth.
As the human footprint expands over time in the region, this level of genetic connection among various mountain ranges may not last without conservation efforts to maintain connectivity, it says.
Black bears were prevalent across most of Nevada during the 1800s but had been devastated in the Great Basin by the early 1900s, primarily due to unregulated hunting, conflicts with livestock ranchers, logging and overgrazing.
Over time, bears have benefited from a reduction in logging, combined with improved land management practices and an emphasis on conservation, the study said.
While barriers such as highways often reduce gene flow in other large-bodied mammals, black bears in the western Great Basin appear to occasionally traverse these obstacles, the report said.
Beckmann said the bears have moved into central Nevada around Tonopah and Austin.
Were starting to see them clear over in places like Ely near U.S. Highway 50 about 40 miles from the Utah line, he added.
Future steps to help the bears could include construction of wildlife-crossing structures at highways.
Theyre expensive, but within a decade or two they pay for themselves in terms of both wildlife connectivity and public safety, Beckmann said.
A series of tunnels and bridges have been built in eastern Nevada on U.S. Highway 93 north of Wells, and theres a large passage over Interstate 80 west of Wendover, Utah.
Wyoming has them and one is planned in southeast Idaho. Grizzly bears use them at Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
It may take several years but once they are comfortable with them, theyre used regularly, said Beckmann, who has authored a book on the topic.
A Himachal Pradesh police special investigation team (SIT) cooked up evidence to falsely implicate a Nepalese man and four others in the rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl at Kotkhai in July, according to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The central probe agency has also accused the SIT, headed by inspector general of police (IG) Zahur Zaidi, of a cover-up following the death of the Nepalese national, Suraj Singh, in police custody on July 18.
The accusations against the SIT are a part of the CBIs chargesheet filed before Shimla district court on November 25.
After the formation of the SIT, inspector general (IG) Zahur Zaidi, the then Shimla superintendent of police (SP) DW Negi, Theog deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Manoj Joshi and other accused police officers entered into a criminal conspiracy to falsely implicate Suraj Singh and others in the Kotkhai rape and murder case, reads the CBIs chargesheet.
The CBI has so far arrested nine police officers, including Zaidi, Negi and Joshi, in the case.
According to the chargesheet, the SIT arrested Singh and four others on July 13 a week after the girls body was found even though there was no evidence against them.
The CBI also noted that Singh was tortured to extract a confession, and another man was forced at gunpoint to admit to his involvement in the crime.
After taking over probe following a Himachal Pradesh high court order, the CBI re-examined Singhs body in the presence of experts from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, on July 25. The report revealed Singhs injuries were sustained in time intervals ranging from about two days to two hours prior to his death.
The injuries produced on Surajs body were sustained by a blunt hard cylindrical object such as lathi. The medical board also rules out the possibility of sustaining injury in a scuffle with another individual, states the chargesheet.
On alleged destruction of evidence related to Singhs death, the chargesheet states the SIT made false entries in the police records and also submitted false and fabricated reports to the state police chief that another man, Rajinder, they had arrested in the case killed Suraj in the lock up at Kotkhai police station.
The four others arrested in the case are out on bail.
Widespread protests rocked the hill state after the rape and murder of the Class 10 student, whom the state media and locals gave the name Gudiya.
After Singhs death, locals set fire to Kotkhai police station and accused the police of protecting the actual culprits who raped and killed the teenager.
The girl did not return from school on July 4. Her naked body was found two days later in the woods at Halaila in Kotkhai, around 60 km from state capital Shimla.
The girls death became a big talking point in the run-up to the November 9 elections in the state.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has proved that transformational change is possible in rising from a humble tea seller to heading the country, Ivanka Trump, daughter of and advisor to US President Donald Trump, said on Tuesday.
What you are achieving here is truly extraordinary. From...selling tea to your election as Indias Prime Minister, youve proven that transformational change is possible, the 36-year-old said at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which was conceived by former US president Barack Obama.
And thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for joining us here today -- and for all that you are doing to build India as a thriving economy -- a beacon of democracy -- and a symbol of hope to the world, she said.
She applauded Modi for his firm belief that the progress of humanity is incomplete without the empowerment of women and went on to congratulate Indians on celebrating 70 years of Independence. You are celebrating it as the worlds largest democracy and one of the fastest growing economies on the earth, she said.
In his speech, Modi highlighted the summits stress on women entrepreneurs.
What makes this edition of GES stand out is women first, prosperity for all... We believe womens empowerment is vital to our development, Modi said.
Addressing the business summit, Trump also said through your own enterprise, entrepreneurship and hard work, the people of India have lifted more than 130 million citizens out of poverty -- a remarkable improvement.
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, however, said her statement was a reference to the previous UPA governments tenure.
Trump, who is also a fashion designer and a businesswoman, met PM Modi earlier in the day on the sidelines of the summit that is being jointly hosted by India and the United States.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) released a picture of the two warmly shaking hands but did not immediately give details of what transpired at the meeting.
Thank you for the warm welcome, she tweeted. Im excited to be in Hyderabad, India for #GES2017.
Trump was invited by Modi during his visit to the White House in June to speak at the summit. She is leading the US contingent at the summit, which has Women First, Prosperity for All as its theme.
As political and economic ties expand, India has become a major market for the United States, with two-way trade of about $115 billion last year. Military and strategic ties are also improving as Chinas influence rises in Asia and beyond.
Modi hosted a dinner for her later in the evening.
Hadiya Jehan is back in college.
The 24-year-old Hindu woman who converted to marry a Muslim youth reached Sivaraj Homeopathy Medical College in Tamil Nadus Salem on Tuesday night amid tight security.
This was possible after the Supreme Court asked Hadiya on Monday to return to her college, freeing her from the custody of her parents in Kerala.
A crowd of students and teachers waited to greet her late in the evening. The college security was beefed up in accordance with the top courts order that directed Tamil Nadu to ensure her safety.
A group of people gathered at the gates and shouted slogans when she reached the girls hostel, but police dispersed them quickly.
Teachers and staff remember the shy and introvert Akhila Ashokan who joined their college for a bachelors degree in homeopathy in 2011. She completed her four-and-a-half-year course, but couldnt complete the 11-month house surgeon internship mandatory for the degree.
They said they have little knowledge about her journey from Akhila to Hadiya.
She left the college in 2015 citing personal problems. We have no issues in welcoming her back. We are in touch with the district administration and police authorities to ensure foolproof security to her, said Kalpana Sivaraj, the managing director of the college.
College dean G Kannan, who was appointed her local guardian by the top court, said her stay and other arrangements will be sorted out after consulting her and civic officials.
I will ensure she completes the course without a hitch, he said.
According to Kannan, she will be registered as Akhila Ashokan in the college and no special treatment will be accorded to her in the hostel, news agency PTI reported.
Hadiyas conversion and wedding had triggered widespread controversy and put the spotlight back on love jihad, a controversial term coined by fringe outfits to describe cases of what they believe are forced marriages between Muslim men and Hindu women.
Retired military man Ashokan KM, her father, alleged there was a well-oiled systematic mechanism for conversion and Islamic radicalisation. Hadiya was allegedly recruited by the Islamic State terrorist group and her husband, who she married last December, was only a stooge.
On the fathers plea, the Kerala high court annulled her marriage with 27-year-old Shafin Jehan and sent her to her parents in Thiruvananthapuram. The husband challenged the order in the top court.
The Supreme Court sought to hear from Hadiya her views and she went there for a hearing on Monday. I want freedom I want to complete my studies and live my life according to my faith and as a good citizen, she told a bench led by the Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra.
The court didnt say anything on her husband plea against the high court order annulling their marriage. The case will be heard in the third week of January.
Shafin, who returned to Kozhikode in the morning, said it was a big victory for him and the court did not give any order preventing him from meeting his wife.
I dont think there is any problem in meeting her at the college. Throughout her trip to New Delhi she insisted on meeting me. I hope our separation will end gradually, he said.
Before leaving for the national capital, Hadiya wished to meet her husband.
The college authorities are not keen on this subject. We will go by the police advice. It is our responsibility to maintain her security, the dean said.
Hadiyas father insisted that the top court did not stay the Kerala high court verdict annulling their marriage and Shafin has no right to trouble her.
If he continues to harass my daughter, I will move the court again to restrain him, he said in New Delhi before returning to Kerala.
He said he was not worried over the security of his daughter as she is under the observation of the countrys highest court.
Speaking of Shafin, the father said: I cannot have a terrorist in the family.
Her mother, Ponnamma, reiterated her allegation that two of her classmates indoctrinated and converted her with the help of fundamentalist groups.
We were cheated. What makes us sadder is that she was forced to marry a man with extremist links, she said.
According to Kerala police, security for Hadiyas parents would continue as they face threats from fundamentalists.
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Security agencies arrested on Tuesday an alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba operative and claimed that he was carrying out reconnaissance of vital installations such as army camps and power projects, officials said.
They said that the accused, identified as Abdul Naeem Sheikh, a resident of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, was arrested from Lucknow.
Sheikh was wanted in connection with a terror case since 2014 and had been on the run.
The case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further probe, the officials said.
It is alleged that Sheikh had visited Kashmir where he had carried out a recce mission involving some vital installations, including Army camps and power projects.
The officials claimed that he had also visited some places in Himachal Pradesh, especially Kasol, which is being frequented by Israeli nationals.
The security agencies have claimed that Sheikh had been roped in for recce mission similar to that undertaken by David Headley, a Pakistan-American, who is at present serving a prison sentence of 35 years at a US jail for his involvement in terror activities and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks of 2008.
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A painting by West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will now share a gallery with the works of celebrated artists like Maqbool Fida Husain, Jamini Roy and Tilottama Basu among others in the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said that the art work gifted by Banerjee will now find a suitable place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Banerjee gifted the President her painting at the latters civic reception programme hosted by West Bengal government at Kolkata after Kovind arrived on his maiden visit to the city after becoming the head of state.
Chief minister gifted me a painting of her own today. I was really amazed to see her painting. This painting will surely be displayed at Rashtrapati Bhavan. At the same time, the painting will always remain close to my heart, he said.
Banerjees paintings have been subjected to derision with political rivals like the CPI (M) and the Congress claiming that most of her paintings were bought at exorbitant prices by Sudipto Sen, the jailed head of the now defunct Saradha Group which collapsed after a Ponzi scheme went bust.
On the other hand, she has received accolades from renowned painters like Jogen Chowdhury and Subhaprasanna Bhattacharjee, especially for her bold use of colours in her paintings.
At the Presidents reception on Tuesday, the chief minister was all praise for Kovind.
I had liked him when I met him for the first time after he was elected as President. He had always maintained an extremely low profile, be it as a Rajya Sabha member or the Governor of Bihar, Banerjee said.
However, her speech on the occasion also had a subtle appeal that President should always be above politics. The post of President is immensely respectable since he is always above any politics. He is like a guardian, philosopher and guide for all, chief minister said.
The President, in turn, praised Bengals rich cultural heritage and intellectual acumen of the people, but he also had a word of caution about the radical forces in the state. There is a need to be careful and guard against sources of radicalism, Kovind said.
The BJP which has been trying hard to get a foothold in West Bengal has often accused Banerjee of going soft on Islamic radicals, a charge she denies.
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Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday hit out at the Prime Minister and said the elections were not about Mr Modi, the individual but the promised achhe din that had not arrived even after 42 months.
In a series of posts on Twitter, the former finance minister also asked if Modi had forgotten he was prime minister.
Mr Modis campaign is about himself, his past and the alleged disdain of Gujarat and Gujaratis. Has he forgotten he is Prime Minister of India?
The Gujarat election is not about Mr Modi, the individual. It is about the promised achhe din that has not come in 42 months, he tweeted.
Chidambaram said the prime minister does not talk about issues like joblessness, lack of investment, collapse of SMEs, stagnant exports and price rise because he has no answers to the hard reality.
According to him, Modi had forgotten that Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian and the son of Gujarat.
Gandhiji was, and is, revered as Father of the Nation; and Gandhijis chosen instrument to lead the freedom struggle was the Congress party, Chidambaram asserted.
The prime minister and the BJP, he added, may now desperately embrace Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, but the redoubtable Sardar had rejected the BJPs parent RSS and its divisive ideology.
Launching a fierce attack against the Congress, Modi said in Gujarat on Monday that the opposition party was disconnected from the aspirations of people of India and involved only in misleading people and creating an atmosphere of pessimism.
Pitching the elections as a contest between trust on development and dynastic politics, he said Congress had never liked Gujarat and liked to see it lag behind others.
Gujarat is my Atma, Bharat is my Parmatma. This land of Gujarat has cared for me, Gujarat has given me strength, he said.
The Prime Minister addressed four rallies in the state on Monday, which goes to the polls on December 9 and 14.
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) founder and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed has moved the United Nations asking that he be removed from the list of designated terrorists, senior Indian government officials said.
Saeed, the mastermind of the Mumbai attacks, was put in the list on December 10, 2008 by the United Nations Security Council. The three-day long terror strike at multiple targets in the city between November 26 and 28, 2008 claimed 166 lives.
Saeeds petition to the UN was filed through the Lahore-based law firm that represents him, Mirza and Mirza, while he was still under house arrest. Navid Rasul Mirza, who has served as the Prosecutor General for Pakistan in the National Accountability Bureau and as the Advocate General of Punjab from March 2015 to January 2016, confirmed that his firm had filed for Saeeds de-listing.
Read more: Global terrorist, but a free man in Pakistan: 5 things to know about Hafiz Saeed
His son, Barrister Haider Rasul Mirza, who is Saeeds counsel in the UN, also confirmed the move. I cannot give details of the petition. I dont have the permission of my client to speak on this, he told Hindustan Times over the phone from Lahore.
Hindustan Times has seen operative parts of the petition, which says: I have been engaged by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed (the petitioner), to submit on his behalf this de-listing request for the removal of his name from the ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaida sanctions list being maintained by the United Nations Security Councils ISIL (Daesh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee, pursuant to the United Nations Security Council Resolutions...
The UNSC website states Saeed was proscribed for being associated with Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (QDe.118) and Al Qaida (QDe.004) for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts of activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf or in support of both entities.
The LeT had been banned by the UN in May 2005. The United States also designates Saeed as a terrorist and has put a $10 million bounty on his head.
The firm representing Saeed has numerous Punjab (Pakistan) government departments as its clients. The Mirzas did not reveal what response they have received from the UN but delisting applications can take up to six months to adjudicate.
Saeed, under house arrest since January 2017, was released last week, sparking outrage in India.
Reacting to his release, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had told reporters, It appears to be an attempt by the Pakistani system to mainstream proscribed terrorists. Pakistan has not changed its policy of shielding and supporting non-state actors and its true face is visible for all to see... India, as indeed
the entire international community, is outraged that a self-confessed and UN-proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free and continue his evil agenda.
Soon after his release from house arrest, Saeed vowed to continue his fight to liberate Kashmir.
Saeeds attempt to get himself de-listed by the UN is likely to further outrage India, which has been demanding that he be brought to justice for the Mumbai attacks.
India has shared several dossiers with Pakistan detailing his role in the audacious attack. Ajmal Kasab, the only terrorist who was captured alive, had also given details of Saeeds role.
Reacting to Saeeds release last week, the US on Saturday warned Pakistan of repercussions for bilateral relations if he was not immediately re-arrested and charged.
We are watching Pakistans moves. The petition to the UN is yet another attempt by the deep state (army and ISI) to mainstream a terrorist, said an Indian government official, who asked not to be named.
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The Supreme Court dismissed on Tuesday a petition seeking a stay on the UK release of Bollywood period drama, Padmavati, and also asked political leaders to stop pre-judging the film which has angered right-wing Hindu groups for allegedly distorting history.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra, said statements made by persons holding power or high office about the movie is tantamount to pre-judging it before it is cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
When the matter is pending for CBFCs consideration, how can persons holding public offices comment on whether CBFC should issue (a) certificate or not? Itll prejudice the decision-making of CBFC, the bench said while dismissing the PIL filed by ML Sharma, who had in the past too filed a similar petition against Padmavati.
We are sure they (the leaders) will be guided by the basic premise under the rule of law and not venture outside, the bench added.
Senior advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the movie director and producer, said the film would not be released aboard until it receives a CBFC certificate.
There is no intention to do so as of now, he said, telling the court that it would harm the movies business interest if it is screened abroad first.
The CJI also refrained from imposing a fine on Sharma but said his PIL was an abuse of the process of law.
Central government law officers, additional solicitor generals Maninder Singh and P Narasimha, appeared for the government.
Padmavati is battling mounting protests by the Rajput community, which claims a distortion of history in the depiction of legendary queen Padmini, who is said to have killed herself to avoid being captured by Muslim emperor Alauddin Khilji.
Padmini is believed to have committed jauhar the medieval Rajput practice in which female royals walked into funeral fires to embrace death over the dishonour of being taken captive.
Earlier this month, the head of the Rajput Karni Sena in Rajasthan said Padukone should have her nose cut -- a symbol of public humiliation -- for being part of a film that allegedly insults the famed queen.
Amid mounting pressure, the films makers deferred its release and announced that new release date will be decided only after the CBFC clears it.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hoped for early resumption of dialogue between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to move towards finding a comprehensive negotiated resolution as he reaffirmed Indias steadfast support for the Palestinian cause.
In a message on the occasion of the UN International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, he also said that India hopes for early realisation of a sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestine co-existing peacefully with Israel.
India hopes for early resumption of dialogue between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to move towards finding a comprehensive negotiated resolution, Modi said.
India believes in a two-state solution in which both Israel and a future Palestinian state coexist peacefully.
The two-state solution envisions independent Israeli and Palestinian states coexisting side by side peacefully. The Palestinians see east Jerusalem as their future capital.
Every year after 1979, November 29 is celebrated as International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. A special meeting is held at the UN headquarters here.
India is an active development partner of Palestine, engaged in extending technical and financial assistance to improve the lives of the Palestinian people, he said.
We will continue to support the development and nation building efforts of Palestine. To this effect, India has increased training slots for Palestine under our flagship Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme from 1O0 to 150 annual slots, Modi said.
Separately, educational scholarships have also been doubled in order to contribute to human resource development of Palestine, he added.
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) A candidate to lead an agency that oversees public lands totaling one-eighth of the U.S. says environmentalists mischaracterize her as an advocate of signing those landscapes over to state and local governments and private interests when in fact shes got no opinion on the issue.
Cheyenne attorney Karen Budd-Falen and others drew dozens of protesters when she addressed a recent land-use forum in western Montana. The protesters spoke out against the small but growing movement in the West to wrest control of public lands from federal agencies.
A land-transfer advocate invited Budd-Falen to the Ravalli County event Nov. 18 but her legal work has nothing to do with the topic, Budd-Falen said.
Its not an issue that I was dealing with. But people just assumed that, Budd-Falen told The Associated Press in an interview Monday.
Budd-Falen apparently is or has been among those under consideration to direct the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Interior Department agency that oversees some 386,000 square miles of mostly arid land concentrated in a dozen Western states.
Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke interviewed her for the job in March, she said.
Interior spokeswoman Heather Swift declined to say whether Budd-Falen was still a candidate or when somebody might be nominated for the director job, which has been vacant since January. Still, many environmentalists have been calling Budd-Falen too extreme.
Her legal advocacy has laid the groundwork for those who now want the federal government to relinquish public land, said Greg Zimmerman, deputy director of the Denver-based environmental group Center for Western Priorities.
She may say she has no opinion on it but her career has been spent propping up that ideology, Zimmerman said Tuesday.
Budd-Falen and her husband, Frank Falen, have a firm with four other attorneys in a house in downtown Cheyenne. The practice focuses largely on ranchers and property rights anything from easements to oil and gas leases and how to comply with government regulations.
I do a lot of just simply regulation-explaining to private industries. There are tons of regulations out there. They are hard to comply with. And its not that a lot of my clients dont want to comply. Its how do you fill out this massive amount of paperwork to put in a water tank?
Not water tanks but Budd-Falens work helping local officials write land-use plans have made her a lightning-rod candidate to lead the BLM. The plans spell out local priorities for the BLM, U.S. Forest Service and other government agencies to keep in mind in counties where federal land covers a lot of ground perhaps half or more of the total land area.
Today, she said, too many government officials have a say in small-scale decisions affecting federal grazing allotments theyve never seen in person.
Former senior Indian Police Service officer HN Sathyanarayana Rao has filed a Rs 20-crore defamation case against Karnatakas ex-deputy inspector general of prisons Roopa D Moudgil, who alleged that AIADMK leader VK Sasikala received preferential treatment in Bengaluru Central Prison by paying a bribe.
Ex-director general of police (prisons) Rao, who moved the civil court in Bengaluru on Monday, has also included an English newspaper and a regional language news channel in his suit against the allegations made against him by Moudgil.
PN Jayadeva, counsel for Rao, told the Hindustan Times that the judge posted the matter on December 12 and issued a notice to Moudgil. Jayadeva said the case against Moudgil was brought in pursuance of a legal notice issued to her in July.
Rao, who retired in August, has denied all allegations and sought a public apology from Moudgil.
Moudgil had said in a controversial report that she heard allegations that Sasikala paid a bribe of Rs 2 crore to senior prison officials, including Rao, for getting privileged treatment, which, among other things, included a private kitchen.
She was subsequently transferred as the inspector general of police and commissioner for traffic and road safety in Bengaluru.
Moudgil said she was not aware of the case and would wait for the courts notice.
The question of corruption that my report had highlighted has still not been addressed, she said.
Moudgil, however, said that the terms of reference of the probe did not include the allegation of corruption.
I was not asked about the corruption angle and neither were Sasikalas aides questioned, she said. As that has not been ruled out there is no question of an apology, she said.
A probe headed by retired Indian Administrative Service officer Vinay Kumar was ordered by the chief minister in July. Kumar refused to divulge the details of his report, saying he had submitted it a couple of months ago and it was being examined by the home department.
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An Arunachal Pradesh MP has sounded the alarm after Siang the river that rises in Tibet as Yarlung Tsangpo and meets two others in Assam to flow as the Brahmaputra turned unnaturally muddy, attributing it to Chinas river diversion plan.
But anti-dam activists in the state do not find any issue with the Chinese design on Tsangpo, including a plan to divert water to parched Xinjiang via a 1,000km tunnel. Reason: If no water flows down from Tsangpo, New Delhi will be forced to shelve the 10,000-megawatt hydropower project on Siang.
Pasighat-based Ninong Ering, Lok Sabha member representing Arunachal East, had last week written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi sniffing a Chinese hand behind the waters of Siang turning excessively muddy.
Pasighat, the headquarters of East Siang, is 560km north-east of Guwahati. The town is dominated by Adi tribe, who revere the river as Aane (mother).
Exploitation of the upper reaches of Siang (Tsangpo) has already begun. China has probably started constructing the 1,000km tunnel to divert the river to Xinjiang, he said.
Beijing has rejected there exists any plan as such.
I have grown up in Pasighat, and I know Siang (water) is so clear in November that you can see the riverbed. Now, the water is not only muddy, it seems theres cement in it, which could be from the tunnel that China is probably constructing, the Congress leader said.
On Monday, tests by Arunachal Pradeshs public health engineering department confirmed Erings fears. Water samples tested in our laboratory using high-tech photometer revealed a turbidity count of 425 against the permissible range of 0-5, the departments executive engineer Bimal Welly said.
Officials said more samples have been sent. They feared for the aquatic life if the river continues to be this turbid.
The findings, however, have not perturbed the anti-dam groups such as Forum for Siang Dialogue (FSD), Siang Peoples Forum and Adi Students Union.
Our people are happy there will be no more water to make a big dam and their agricultural lands will be saved from getting submerged. Water for drinking and irrigation comes from small rivers and rivulets and not from Siang, FSD general secretary Vijay Taram told HT.
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Two days after the rape of a Dalit girl in Khanpur region of Jhalawar, another Dalit girl was on Tuesday allegedly raped and murdered in Dug region.
Police said that the 10-year-old girl from a labourer family has been missing since Monday evening.
Deputy SP Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat said that the body of the girl was found in the bushes in a deserted place near an agricultural field in the outskirts of Dug late on Tuesday afternoon.
He said that there are injury marks on the girls body and strangulation marks on her neck.
Shoes and clothes of a person were found at the spot, Shekhawat said.
Parents of the deceased girl are daily wage earners and have named a drug and alcohol abuser named Akhilesh alias Akku (30) for the crime.
Station house officer, Dug police station, Luv Kumar Tiwari said that the body of the girl has been sent to the mortuary where a postmortem is underway.
A case has been lodged against the accused under section 376, POCSO Act and section 302 of IPC.
Despite the Supreme Court ban, illegal sand mining continues in Ajmer with the mining and police departments turning a blind eye to the problem.
One can see more than 100 sand-laden trolleys being ferried everyday from the Khari river bed between Tankawas and Dundhari villages under Sawar block of the district, which is allegedly sold in the grey market at an exorbitant price.
Police and mining department do not stop this illegal mining. Dont they see tractor trolleys ferrying sand? The reason they dont stop them is that they too take share in profits in the illegal business, said a source in the mining department.
One can imagine about the profit margins of the mafia as the sand which was 700 to 750 a tonne before the ban has jumped to 2,500 a tonne with everyone getting a share, the source added.
Ajmer (rural) district Congress president Bhupendra Singh Rathore also accused the police and mining department officials of being hand in glove with the sand mafia for monetary gains.
However, Sawar deputy superintendent of police Rakesh Pal Singh expressed ignorance about the illegal sand mining going on in his area. I am not aware about the illegal sand mining in and around Sawar. You are the first person who has brought this to my notice, Singh told HT over phone. Let me know the area. I will immediately send SHO Sawar to stop the mining, he added.
Repeated attempts to reach out to Sawars assistant mining engineer Suresh Chandra Sharma over the issue failed to evoke a response from him.
The Supreme Court on November 18 had ordered to halt sand mining activities in 42 blocks of the state until a scientific replenishment study was completed and the matter was fully and dispassionately considered by the Union Environment Ministry for granting or rejecting the environmental clearance.
The chief secretary of Rajasthan has also been asked by the apex court to file an affidavit over the allegations that the state government was complicit with the sand miners.
In the last four years, the governments first priority has been to make sure that law and order situation in the state is maintained and theres a peaceful environment for the common man, said Rajasthan home minister Gulab Chand Kataria on Tuesday.
Kataria was addressing media persons at the police headquarters in Jaipur about the initiatives taken by the home department in the last four years.
There has been a consistent decrease in crime in the past few years with an 8.93 % decrease in IPC crimes seen in 2016 as compared to 2015, said Kataria, adding that the new initiatives introduced by the department have been effective in bringing down the crime rate.
Several initiatives such as Abhay command centre, police jawabdehi samiti, public hearing of grievances, chief ministers helpline and citizen apps have helped to improve the law and order situation, said Kataria.
He congratulated the police and said that the state has presented an example in the country owing to the decrease in IPC crimes, even in serious offences such as kidnapping, dacoity and rape.
The home minister said that there was a 92 percent increase in crimes against women from 2009 to 2013, but since the BJP government came into power, crimes against women have decreased by 5 percent in the past four years.
Kataria said the central government has sanctioned 275 crore for setting up the global centre for security, counter terrorism and anti-insurgency in Jaipur. The state will contribute 110 crore of the total sanctioned amount, he added.
The home minister spoke about the achievements of various police departments including planning, state disaster relief force, prisons and the forensic science laboratory. He also spoke about the technological advancements made by the police force such as the uploading of FIRs on a portal accessible to citizens.
The Rajasthan archaeology department is preparing a proposal to cut red tape in granting permission for film shootings at monuments and historical sites in the state. The department will also seek reduction and fee waivers at certain locations to boost tourism.
Rajasthan, which has always been a popular destination among filmmakers, recently has been in the eye of the storm with violent protests against Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Padmavati, which has been extensively shot in the desert state. In January, members of Karni Sena had vandalised the sets of Padmavati at Jaipurs Jaigarh fort and assaulted Bhansali for distorting history. The film is on 14th-century Rajput queen Padmini of Chittorgarh.
The proposal, which is in its initial stages, is aimed at promoting tourism in the state as any movie shoot is a major source of publicity, a tourism department official told HT on the condition of anonymity. Rajasthan has been a preferred location for filmmakers, but difficulties in getting permission for shoots have prompted filmmakers to look for other locations, the official said.
Some recent big-budget movies that have been shot in Rajasthan include Yeh Jawani Heh Diwani starring Ranbir Kapoor. A major sequence of the movie was shot at the Bagore ki Haveli in Udaipur. Another blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijan, was partly shot in the quaint little town of Mandawa in Rajasthans Jhunjhunu district. More recently, Badrinath ki Dulhaniya, a romantic comedy, was extensively shot in Jaipur and Kota.
Palaces and forts like Amer and deserts of Rajasthan have been preferred destinations for shootings. The filmmakers, however, have to pay a hefty amount to shoot at these picturesque locations. A shoot at Amer Palace costs Rs 2 lakh a day while the fee for the outer part of Sheesh Mahal is Rs 3 lakh per day.
The authorities plan to collect a fixed amount from the filmmakers as security prior to shooting so that the cost of damages, if any, can be recovered. The filmmakers will have to ensure the safety of the tourists and take preemptive measures to ensure that there is no damage to the monument.
A concrete proposal with names of locations, where fees will be reduced or waived off, will be in ready in two weeks, the official said.
Despite repeated attempts, archaeology department director Hridesh Sharma could not be contacted for comments.
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Even though four days have passed since the body of Chetan Kumar Saini was found hanging from the ramparts of the Nahargarh Fort, the Jaipur police are yet to reach on conclusion on the nature of his death.
A delay in sending the handwriting samples of the deceased has also further slowed down the investigation.
Officials of the forensic science laboratory (FSL) said on Tuesday the handwriting samples of Saini were not sent to the laboratory until Monday evening.
The samples havent reached us. The analysis could start only after we receive the samples, BB Arora, director, state forensic science laboratory, told HT.
Police have been maintaining that the analysis of handwriting samples is essential to determine whether the writings found at the fort were written by Saini or not.
The body of Saini was found hanging from the ramparts of the Nahargarh Fort on Friday morning with strange messages scribbled on nearby stones.
The writings linked the death with the ongoing protests against the film, Padmavati, with one of the messages reading: Those of you protesting against Padmavati, we dont just hang effigies at forts. We have guts.
Some of the messages also have alleged communal undertones, possibly to incite people.
At the time of filing the report, the handwriting samples taken from the house of Saini, were sent to the FSL.
The handwriting samples were sent to the FSL today, Ramkishan, station house officer, Brahmpuri police station, told HT late on Tuesday.
The delay on part of the police to submit the handwriting samples, have also resulted in criticism.
Until now, even after the request of Sainis wife, no FIR for murder has been registered. We have submitted a memorandum to the Jaipur police and have asked them to speed up the investigation, said Om Rajoria, district president, Mali Samaj.
Earlier, family members and Sainis wife said that he was murdered and alleged that efforts were being made to suppress the case.
Police, on their part maintained that preliminary investigation suggested that Saini committed suicide.
An investigation is being carried out in the matter and the truth will come out as the probe progresses. It will be premature to comment at this point of time until more details come up in the investigation, said state director general of police Ajit Singh.
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The opposition CPI (M) and the Congress in West Bengal on Tuesday accused the Trinamool Congress and its former general secretary Mukul Roy, who recently joined BJP, of orchestrating a drama by attacking each other to hoodwink people.
Roy and the TMC are engaged in a bitter spat over the formers claim that chief minister Mamata Banerjees nephew Abhishek Banerjee owns Biswa Bangla, the umbrella brand being promoted by the state government and Jago Bangla, the mouthpiece of the ruling party.
I shall keep exposing more misdeeds (in the TMC), Roy threatened at a recent press conference in Kolkata.
Taking a serious note of the allegations against him, Banerjee even filed a defamation suit against the BJP leader.
But the two opposition parties, who have been so far careful not to take side in the ongoing war or words, view the entire episode as a farce.
When on November 3, Mukul Roy officially joined BJP, I had said it was nothing but akin to mobile number portability feature offered by telecom networks, considering that BJP and Trinamool had always been clandestine partners. Now this has turned into an ownership battle on who will get the dividend of the private limited company called the TMC, CPI (M) politburo and Lok Sabha member Md Salim told HT.
When this private business entity was floated, Mukul played a key role in reaping profits for that entity. And now he wants his share and so all this drama. In reality he is player on lien in BJP now. A somewhat similar drama was witnessed before 2014 general elections. It is just a repeat show in a bigger scale now, Salim added.
Senior Congress legislator and leader of the Opposition in West Bengal assembly Abdul Mannan said that for his party Trinamool is Mukul and Mukul is Trinamool.
Mukul once did all the dirty work for the TMC, which in turn allowed Mukul to carry on with all such anti- democratic activities. Now what is going on is just a high- pitched drama. We in Congress are watching and enjoying the fun. We have no intention of getting into this, Mannan told HT.
Many in the two parties, however, in private say there were other reasons too for keeping a safe distance from the ongoing controversy.
Backing Roy will give the TMC an opportunity to portray the Congress and the CPI (M) as clandestine partners of BJP, sources pointed out.
Secondly, opposing Roy over his series of allegations is virtually impossible for both the parties since the former TMC second-in-command is highlighting corruption in Trinamool, an issue that both Left and Congress had also raised in the past.
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It was a reality check for a senior Uttar Pradesh police officer, who wanted to tranship his two cows and a calf from Meerut to his Lucknow home.
The transporter, he approached, politely refused him as truckers have unanimously decided to stop ferrying cows, buffaloes and calves fearing attack by cow vigilantes.
President of Meerut transport association Gaurav Sharma said in the wake of recent attacks in Meerut and neighbouring districts on truckers carrying livestock they had decided not to ferry cattle.
More than 10,000 trucks operate in the district and all are strictly following the decision.
The police officer who approached me offered to provide a constable to escort the vehicle. However, I demanded an escort vehicle to ensure the safety of the driver during the transportation of his cows and calf, Sharma said.
After much persuasion, eventually, the cows were transported to Lucknow after three armed policemen were deployed as escorts, he said.
Truckers are so scared of cow vigilantes that they even refuse to transport dead animals, he added
About a fortnight ago, city transporters had refused to ferry a sick cow for treatment to Bareilly.
Failing to convince transporters, the owner of the cow, approached the police and later tweeted to chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for help.
After the matter came to the light, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Manzil Saini intervened to arrange a vehicle to ferry the cow to Bareilly and back to Meerut after treatment.
The SSP admitted that the transporters were reluctant in taking the cow to Bareilly and the police had to intervene.
She said truckers were scared as several cases of attacks on cattle farmers and traders by cow vigilantes came to the light.
Since May 2015, a violent vigilante campaign against beef consumption has led to the killing of at least 10 Muslims, including a 12-year-old boy, in seven separate incidents of mob violence in India, the New-York based Human Rights Watch reported.
Many Hindus consider the cow to be a holy animal, and slaughter is forbidden in many Indian states.
Raisuddin, who has been in livestock trade for over three decades, said he did not come across such a situation in the past.
Cow vigilantes have even ignored the appeal of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to take law into their hands, he said.
Raisuddin claimed he suffered a major loss because of the prevailing problem and demanded that attacks on animal traders should be checked.
Eight months after its inception, the UP Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UPRERA) would soon have an office space of its own in Gomti Nagar area of Lucknow.
The regulatory body, which was functioning from a small office in Awas Bandhu in Janpath market, will soon move to its new location in Gomti Nagar where it has been allotted an entire floor in the multi-storey complex of Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), according to sources.
With homebuyers from all over the state knocking at the door of the real estate watchdog to register complaint against private developers, it was becoming increasingly difficult for the authority to manage its affairs from a makeshift office. Subsequently, secretary, UPRERA, was allotted the old-chamber of LDA VC in the Lalbagh office building of LDA. But even this space was not enough to accommodate visitors and conduct hearing of the complaints being made by homebuyers, said an officer requesting anonymity.
Majority of these complaints against private developers are being received from Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida and Greater Noida), according to him.
Employees from LDA and other government departments will be provided to assist the authority in carrying out its day-to-day functions till such time the state government appoints a full-time UPRERA chief and other permanent staff. A large number of home-buyers, however, are still wondering why the Yogi government, which had junked the rules framed under the Akhilesh Yadav government alleging they were tailor-made to favour the builders, has not yet notified the revised rules doing away with the controversial clauses.
To ensure expeditious disposal of complaints and consumers grievances, the state government has appointed nodal officers who will be collecting the details of all RERA registered projects in their zones. The nodal officers will also look into the matters relating inconsistency in the project completion and flaws in the declaration of possession dates.
The officer said the authority had also drafted a standard model Agreement for Sale for homebuyers and developers, which would be released once it got the government's nod.According to this draft sale agreement, the registration of a real estate unit would then be done on the basis of carpet area instead of super built-up area, one of the most contentious issue between homebuyer and private developers.
Editor:
Obama treated existing law as something to apologize for, the most egregious example being DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) which, after the 2010 Democratic Congress voted it down, Obama unconstitutionally did anyway. Amnesty! He broke laws he took an oath to uphold. Obama released almost 90,000 deportable, convicted criminals. There are almost a million people with FINAL orders of removal but they just ran off; no one was ordered to look for them.
We have seen seven amnesties and DACA will prove no different. Under chain migration rules established in 1965, new citizens (aka Dreamers) can bring in siblings, adult children who can bring in their siblings and in-laws until whole villages can move to the U.S. Liberals use and politicize tragedies to push their agendas. Examples:
1: If we deport, we divide families. NO! illegally entering the U.S. divides families. Its better to send one illegal home than bring 11 more of his/her relatives here.
2: Theyre here through no fault of their own. Enforcing our laws always adversely affect all the family; should we cease enforcing our law for children? Most of the DACA illegals are now adults, so this issue no longer concerns children. Havent they already benefited from the opportunities provided for them here? When they return home, they can use the skills acquired here and benefit their own country.
3: They have nowhere to go if they are returned to their own country. Most have some family back home, so this is their opportunity for reuniting with them there!
4: Some work forces state they need them or even more workers. There are 95 million Americans unemployed. Time to put America and Americans FIRST!
5: They are refugees. We have the Refugee Act of 1980, but we are admitting all kinds of people who are not true refugees.
DACA is just part of the problem; we have over 200,000 illegal aliens in Nevada leaving a burden of more than $1.1 billion for Nevada taxpayers.
We can thank Sen. Dean Heller for always voting with the Democrats in favor of illegal immigration. Just review his record.
Thelma Homer
Elko
Soon, four major districts of the state will have air connectivity with the other cities in the country. Under regional connectivity scheme, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra and Varanasi are going to have air connectivity with five other cities from January.
The Government of India and Airports Authority of India (AAI) have finalized the routes for the flights after studying the air traffic between these cities.
NEW AIR ROUTES Spice jet to start Kanpur-Delhi-Kanpur. Alliance Air to start AgraJaipur-Agra. Deccan Charters to start Delhi-AgraDelhi. Air Odisha to start DelhiKanpur-Varanasi-Kanpur and Lucknow-Gwalior-Lucknow.
According to the officials of the AAI, Lucknow would have flights for Gwalior from January, while Kanpur had got long awaited Kanpur-Delhi-Kanpur flight under the regional connectivity scheme. Kanpur will get another flight which will be Delhi-KanpurVaranasi.
Besides, Agra will also get two new flights, AgraJaipur-Agra and AgraDelhi which are expected to boost tourism in the city.
Airlines like Spicejet, Alliance Air, Deccan Charters and Air Odisha will start flights for these routes while more private airlines have shown willingness to start their operations on these routes agreed during the regime of the Samajwadi government.
The regional connectivity scheme has made small distance air travelling much convenient. Under the scheme, in a 20-seater plane, the journey costs 4,500. Out of this, the centre gives 1,600 and state gives 400 as subsidy on 50% of the seats. So, a passenger has to pay just 2,500.
The state government has decided to give the go ahead for flight connectivity from 15 divisional headquarters to Lucknow earlier in the month of March. According to an official of the AAI, regional connectivity would increase business of the airports and would fasten the pace of travel between the cities.
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The Lucknow Metro rail corporation (LMRC) has hired an American personality development and language expert to train its officers and staff about how to behave with passengers and conduct themselves in the course of their duty.
The expert, Kristina Dixon, began training executives at LMRCs centre of excellence for training (CoET) at Transport Nagar Metro depot on Monday.
The programme will focus on improving the participants professional writing skills, proposal / email drafting skills, presentation skills and English language skills. It will conclude on December 8.
Managing director LMRC Kumar Keshav said, Kristina Dixon is working in India in conjunction with the Regional English Language Office (RELO), US Embassy, New Delhi. She will be training the officers of Lucknow Metro on various skills, apart from helping them with English language fluency, pronunciation, etc.
Dixon will also work on improving the executives personalities, training them on aspects of etiquette and behaviour.
Keshav said, LMRCs CoET is the only centre of its type in Uttar Pradesh. It provides specialised training to its recruits and officials on the Metro technology. The centre also trains the staff and officials to enhance their personality by improving various skills. Now, with this additional training on mannerisms, the importance of the centre has increased manifold. Some other institutions and government departments have also expressed interest to train their staff at the Lucknow Metro centre.
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Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik on Monday said the State Election Commission (SEC) was looking into the complaints of faulty EVMs and tough action would be initiated if charges were found to be true.
Addressing a programme Ganga-Gai bachao in Chaubeypur area in Kanpur, Naik said he had asked the state election commissioner to submit a copy of the report to him after the election.
The first two phases of local bodies election were mired in controversy amid allegations of faulty EVMs.
The governor said there were complaints of faulty EVMs during the parliamentary and assembly elections but the charges could not be proved.
Naik would felicitate the officials of five municipal corporations and nagar panchayats each registering highest voter turnout, at Raj Bhavan.
Read more| If anomalies dont cease, voters will point finger at governments intention: Akhilesh
He expressed concern over the deteriorating water quality in the Ganga. One cannot use the river water for drinking or bathing. There was a time people believed the Gangas water was so pure that its two drops were enough for salvation, he said.
Naik said the government was trying to ensure a clean Ganga but the people should also do their bit.
Naik also criticised the people who abandoned cows when it grew old and stopped giving milk. Do you do this to your parents too? Why do you do this to the cow? he asked.
The new cowshed being opened in Gauri Lakha village will be the first gaushala of the country where physically weak cows will be taken care of, Naik added.
The police on Tuesday booked 70 men and women, who allegedly vandalised Holy Cross Hospital in Kalyan and assaulted their staff, a journalist and a few policemen after the death of their relative, Rohit Bhoir, 22, on Monday. No arrests have been made.
According to police, the incident took place after Bhoir died of multiple cardiac arrests. The mob didnt care about other patients. They started breaking glass doors and throwing the chairs, said a source.
A senior inspector from Mahatma Phule police station said, Bhoir was admitted to the hospital on Sunday, with complaints of chest pain. His condition worsened on Monday. We have booked more than 70 people. They are from Varpe village in Kalyan. We have identified a few, but have not arrested them yet as they were busy with the final rites.
A journalist, Ketan Betavdekar, too, suffered injuries. He is now out of danger. The hospital and the journalists are the complainants in the two cases. We controlled the situation in time, said another police officer from Kalyan zone.
A doctor from Kalyan said, The Indian Medical Association in Kalyan will hold a meeting to discuss the incident and the measures that need to be taken. The accused have been booked under Medical Service Providers Protection Act, 2010. We want strict action against such people. We have been spreading awareness but nothing much has come of it.
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There is a major crisis in the cotton county of Maharashtra and the government is blissfully unaware of the looming disaster they could soon be faced with.
Field after field in the various districts of Vidarbha, planted with cotton during the rabi sowing season a couple of months back, have been infested with the Pink Bollworm (gulabi boand in Marathi) and farmers are at their wits end combating the pest.
They had recently taken to Bt Cotton after years of fierce resistance when they were finally persuaded that this biotechnologically modified seed could resist all pests and diseases. But, last year, farmers in the adjoining districts of Telangana noticed that the Pink Bollworm had now become resistant to pesticides and the Bt Cotton vulnerable to these pests. Yet, with the Central Institute of Cotton Research (CICR) headquartered in Nagpur, no steps were undertaken to warn farmers against the spread of the Pink Bollworm to neighbouring Vidarbha.
The Pink Bollworm is a species of moth and there seems to be large scale breeding of the pests as people are reporting infestation not just from their cotton fields but across homes and other areas. According to Professor Ghanshyam Darne, who works closely with farmers in the region, these farmers have gone out on a limb spraying pesticides over and over again but the Pink Bollworms show no signs of receding. In many cases they have spent over a lakh of rupees on pesticides and fertilisers to no avail. Farmers now realise that they have lost 80 to 90 per cent of their crop. So they have given up and are running tractors over their standing cotton crop. Their yields this season are going to be at the most five to six per cent, Prof. Darne told me.
According to the CICR, which has been unable to home in on a pesticide that will prove effective, the best way to combat the moth is to set pheromone traps across their fields and catch enough of the male of the species to prevent any further breeding. But this primitive method of catching the Pink Bollworm is simply beyond the comprehension of the farmers. I am told that, firstly, you need at least 40 such traps per acre for these to be effective. Pheromones, mixed with natural ingredients like glossyplure, confuse the male moths who mistake the traps for females but farmers who have used it reported poor results.
Some farmers say the Union government was aware in August that parts of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra had been infested with the Pink Bollworm and ordered the seed companies to compensate the affected farmers for their loss. However, it is November-December when the moths really begin to breed in profusion (it takes only three or four days for the eggs to hatch) and the CICR had tips on avoiding the infestation - sowing at optimum heat and using a 12-week variety of seed as these moths begin to infest the crop at 15 weeks. Now with a month more to go when these Bollworms will continue to breed profusely - there is not a single village anywhere in Vidarbha that has not reported the pestilence - it is no wonder that farmers are crushing their cotton under their tractors to cut their losses. Many, according to Prof. Darne, have decided to sow pulses and other crop but what worries him now is the fallout of their economic situation.
Many farmers are yet to receive their loan waiver amounts in actual cash or digital terms. Only farmers who had taken loans of less than Rs 1,50,000 were eligible for these waivers. Many of the eligible farmers have already spent as much or more in fighting this pestilence. They could thus immediately fall into the cycle of debts and repayments again, particularly as they will not be able to realise their cotton harvest this season. Although they are taking to pulses cultivation, they have not yet forgotten their experience of the last harvest of pulses. Farmers in the state had produced a bumper crop of tuar daal but the government could not come up with minimum support price for all of their crop. From May to the onset of monsoon, these farmers were sleeping on their gunny bags of tuar daal in the market yards across the state until the first showers soaked and destroyed it all. That contributed to the intensity of their agitation for loan waivers.
Now they are back to Square One. Expect a spike in suicides very soon!
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A Dahanu-based civic engineer donated Rs5 lakh, which his family had received as cash gifts at his daughters wedding ceremony on Sunday in Thane, to Brotherhood of People Project in Hemalkasa in Gadchiroli district. The project is run by social activist and Ramon Magsaysay award winner Dr Prakash Amte and his wife Mandakini.
Rajesh Akre, 52, a resident of Dandepada in Dahanu, made the donation at the wedding of his eldest daughter Urvi, an archaeologist at the Prince of Wales Museum. Akre,who works as an assistant engineer with the BMC, said, I am financially well off and wanted to share my happiness with the underprivileged. What better way to do that than donating cash gifts to Dr Prakash Amte. I had visited the ashram at Hemalkasa in October 2014 where Dr Amte hosted me and I was impressed with his work, so I decided to do something for his project.
He added, After consulting with my family, I decided to donate all the cash gifts we receive at the wedding reception to Dr Amte.
Guests were informed about this in advance as it was mentioned on the wedding invitations. I am thankful to the 900-odd guests who extended their helping hand, said the engineer.
Dr Prakash Amte said, I am overwhelmed. This is the first time that such a donation has been made to the project and that too during a wedding reception.
The cost of constructing a memorial in honour of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is likely to rise, as the only bidder for the project has quoted a rate that is 26 per cent higher than what was estimated by the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA), the nodal agency implementing the project.
After many cost variations, in the end of June, the MMRDA floated tenders worth Rs 622 crore. However, it received one bid for the second time in a row, from the Shapoorji Pallonji group. If the bid is approved, the cost of the project will rise to around Rs783 crore.
We are trying to negotiate with the bidder, but ultimately, the final decision rests with the state government, said a senior official from the MMRDA, on condition of anonymity.
READ: Maha govt tweaks rules to ease way for Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mills
To be constructed on 12 acres of land at Indu Mills in Dadar, the design for the memorial includes a 350-feet statue of Dr Ambedkar, a library, a replica of the historic Chavdar pond in Raigad, a number of viewing points for the memorial, and a parking lot. The memorial will be a stones throw from Chaityabhoomi, where his ashes were interred. Lakhs of people visit Chaityabhoomi on December 6 every year to pay respect to the Dalit leader.
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The central railway (CR) on Tuesday started the training of 259 Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC) officials, who will monitor the stations.
Days after the Elphinstone Road station stampede on September 29, the Indian Railways had ordered WR and CR to monitor the FoBs and the premises of Mumbais railway stations. However, both said they were understaffed. The western railway (WR) had then asked for 700 MSSC officials to monitor their stations. Recently, the railways and the MSSC started a survey of station premises to determine commuter movement and the path they take to enter and exit the stations.
The MSSC officials are being trained by officials from the railway protection force (RPF) officials and CR.
The two-day training session is being held at Nashik.
Along with crowd management, railway officials will also train MSSC officials on how to manage and deal with commuters when there is a delay in services or during a technical failure.
During union railway minister Piyush Goyals visit on Monday to review the FOB works, Goyal had suggested CR general manager DK Sharma talk to the state government and get in home guards to monitor the railway station premises.
Senior BJP leader and medical education minister Girish Mahajan is so fond of his revolver that he carries it all the time. His love for the firearm has, however, landed him in two controversies in two years.
The latest broke on Monday when Marathi news channels telecast a video of the gun-totting minister trying to hunt down a man-eating leopard in Jalgaon districts Chalisgaon area, in north Maharashtra. Mahajan was with a team of forest department and police personnel, who had permission to shoot the animal at sight.
The five-time BJP MLA admits that he carries the revolver all the time. If I am not carrying it for some reason, then I keep it in my car, said Mahajan, who is also the guardian minister of Jalgaon, his home district.
Explaining the video, Mahajan told HT: The leopard has killed five people in the district in the past one-and-a-half months. On Monday, I visited the families of the people killed. On my way, forest officials sighted the leopard, so we decided to chase it down. Being a legislator and the districts guardian minister, I wanted to take part in the search operation, instead of sitting safely in my car. The man-eating leopard had been sighted 400 feet away from his convoy.
The leopard, however, managed to stay out of sight of the revolver-wielding minister and the search team.
A close aide of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Mahajan got embroiled in a controversy in 2015 when he attended a function for schoolchildren with hearing and speech disabilities with a revolver tucked visibly on his waist.
More recently, the senior minister came under fire, but not for wielding his revolver. Women activists and Opposition parties tore at him after he advised a sugar factory to name liquor brands after women for better sales. Later, he apologised for his remark.
Earlier this year, he had made news for reportedly attending the wedding of a relative of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.
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The Mumbai sessions court on Tuesday rejected the bail applications of three jail constables who are in jail for the past few months in connection with the murder of inmate Manjula Shetye.
All six accused, including jailor Manisha Pokharkar and the five constables, had filed bail applications in August. The bail pleas of three of them jailor Pokharkar, Shital Shegaonkar and Aarti Shingne -- were withdrawn, while the defence sought for the other three -- Bindu Naikade, Waseema Shaikh and Surekha Gulve.
Earlier, special public prosecutor Vidhya Kasle objected to the stand of the defence that Shetye died owing to illness and not because of the alleged assault by the jail officers. The prosecution contended there were more than 14 injuries on Shetyes body.
Defence lawyer Vaibhav Baghade pointed to the discrepancies in the prosecutions case and circumstances surrounding Shetyes death. Baghade claimed the state succumbed to the pressure of the inmates of Byculla jail and registered a case against six jail staff as the inmates created a ruckus after Shetyes death.
The prosecution rejected the argument that that the injuries were nothing but post-mortem lividity and held the marks on Shetyes body were a result of the assault.
The prosecution claimed that there was enough evidence against the accused in the form of statements of witnesses which is corroborated by the CCTV footage.
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Maharashtra education minister Vinod Tawdes statement, made a few days ago, that homeschooling was unconstitutional has got its share of supporters and detractors. While many school principals say home schooling is less than holistic compared to formal education, parents who have chosen to defy convention and opted for it believe in it completely.
My daughter never stepped into a school, and after giving her Class 10 exams through the state board, she is now comfortably pursuing education in a college, said Ajit Mandlik, one of the first few parents in the city to have chosen homeschooling over formal education. As long as we are not going against the law and are ensuring that we do the best for our child, nothing can be termed unconstitutional.
At a press conference held in Mumbai recently, education minister Vinod Tawde said the Right To Education (RTE) Act, 2009, does not recognise homeschooling as an alternative to school education. The Act requires children to pursue education in schools, by suggesting inclusive education for all. So, homeschooling, though it may be effective in some cases, is unconstitutional as of now, he said.
As per the Act, every child between the age of six and 14 years must go to school. The law makes no mention of homeschooling, and the state government has not called it illegal.
Schools, on the other hand, emphasise the importance of formal education for all children, insisting that it is needed to bring them at par with those of their own age. Going to school is not just about sitting in a classroom, it encourages holistic growth of a child. Parents cannot replace the role of a school teacher and classmates, said the principal of a suburban school, who did not wish to be named.
A team led by cancer specialists from Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) has decided to write to the aviation watchdog seeking a complete ban on smoking at all the airports across India. Oncologists from TMH said the second and third-hand smoke from smoking lounges at the airports poses cardiac and cancer threats to millions of national and international fliers.
A few hundred smokers are risking the lives of millions of passengers as one can smell heavy stench of cigarette smoke while walking across these lounges. This smoke is laden with 4,000-odd lethal chemicals and deadly carcinogens, which children, pregnant women, senior citizen and other innocent commuters are forced to inhale, said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, professor and surgeon, TMH and secretary general, International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies.
An airport official said as a facility, they have to consider demands of all sections of the society, including those who smoke. Smoking lounges at Mumbai international airports are small and located at a corner where non-smokers are not exposed to the smoke. Since smoking is also a psychological demand of a section of our commuters, we cant completely ignore it because another section of society is demanding the opposite, the official added.
Smoke free policies substantially improve indoor air quality and reduce second-hand smoke exposure among non smokers. CSIA caters to more than one lakh fliers daily. We sensitive when it comes to norms related to public health.At CSIA, we ensure a smoke-free environment and have closed rooms to smoke.
The doctors plan to write to Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to implement indoor smoke-free policies at all the airports. In a recent correspondence with Mumbai International Airport Private Limited officials, Chaturvedi mentioned that the glass cabins of smoking lounges were cleverly designed to glamorise smoking. There is nothing illegal about the design, but it is shocking that your administration allowed them at a location with highest visibility that suited the cigarette industry rather than the passengers and airport staff, Chaturvedi wrote.
Several international studies have documented that second-hand smoke can transfer from designated smoking areas into non-smoking areas, exposing non-smoking fliers and employees to various health hazards.
According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report (MMWR) of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading national public health institute of the US, Indira Gandhi International Airport (rank 21) and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (rank 29), two of the 50 busiest busy airports in the world, dont have indoor smoke-free policies.
Separating smokers from non-smokers, cleaning the air and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposure of non-smokers to second-hand smoke, said Brian King, deputy director for research translation, CDC. People who spend time in, walk past , clean, or work near these rooms are at the risk of exposure to second-hand smoke.
In addition to subjecting non-smoking travellers who pass through these areas to involuntary secondhand smoke exposure, designated or ventilated smoking areas can also result in involuntary exposure of airport employees who are required to enter these areas or work near them, researchers mentioned in the MMWR report.
What is already known about this topic?
There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Eliminating smoking in indoor spaces fully protects non-smokers from exposure to secondhand smoke. An overwhelming majority of large hub airports in the United States prohibit smoking indoors.
What is added by this report?
Among the 50 busiest airports worldwide, 23 airports (46%), including five of the 10 busiest airports, prohibit smoking in all indoor areas. While smoke-free airports among the 50 busiest are common in North America (14 of 18), few airports in Asia (4 of 22) have implemented smoke-free polices.
What are the implications for public health practice?
Broader implementation of smoke-free policies at the national, city, or airport authority levels can protect employees and travellers of all ages from secondhand smoke inside airports.
The police have launched a massive manhunt to find the man who dumped the body of a three-day old newborn girl at Ballard Pier on Sunday.
The MRA Marg police have filed a case of murder and are trying to determine the identity of the infant. Officials had detained two people on suspicion, but they have been released after interrogations.
The police recovered CCTV footage from a camera placed just a few metres away from the bin, in which they spotted a blurred image of a man approaching the bin and allegedly throwing a plastic bag in it. We suspect that the man killed the baby and dumped her body, said an officer from MRA Marg police station, requesting anonymity.
Based on CCTV recordings, we detained two men who matched the image, but we released them as they are not involved, said Manoj Kumar Sharma, deputy commissioner of police (zone I).
Sharma said three police teams are working to determine the infants identity and to trace the accused.
READ: Mumbai couple murder newborn girl, throw body in garbage bin, booked
Police officials said they found the body after a shopkeeper, who went to the garbage bin to discard waste, spotted a roundish object in a polythene bag and called the police control room. After the shopkeeper reported it as something that looked suspiciously like a human organ, police and civic officers reached the spot and took charge of the bag, and discovered a newborn girls body.
The body was sent to the St. George hospital for post-mortem. Based on the post-mortem, we have registered a case of murder against an unidentified person. Blood stains were found on the babys neck, suggesting that she was tortured before she was choked to death with a handkerchief stuffed in her mouth, the officer said.
The police have sent the handkerchief to the Forensic Sciences Laboratory in Kalina. The baby had been healthy and was born at the end of the full term, they said.
The police believe that it is either a case of female infanticide or of unwanted pregnancy, and also suspect that the infants parents might have killed her after delivery, as the umbilical cord was not cut. The delivery was not done in any hospital as the umbilical cord was uncut, said Sukhlal Verpe, senior police inspector of MRA Marg police station.
A 49-year-old woman from Marine Drive was cheated to the tune of Rs36 lakh by two people she had befriended on a social media website.
According to the LT Marg police, Sandra Dsouza, who is a resident of Chandanwadi lane in Marine Drive, had got a friend request from one of the accused. After she accepted the request, they began chatting and became friends. The accused then told the woman that he and his friend needed to transfer some money to Mumbai for business but were stuck because he was unable to transfer the amount online.
The accused (whose name was not disclosed by the police) told Dsouza that she could help him transfer the amount. The woman agreed after the accused promised her to return the money within 24 hours. He told her that he had to send the money to many people. The woman then transferred Rs35 lakh to the accuseds account. A day later, when she tried asking him for her money, the accused disappeared from the website. She then approached the LT Marg police and registered a case of cheating.
We have registered a case under sections 420 of the IPC and sections of the IT act. We are now in the process of tracing the accused, said Sharad Naik, senior police inspector of LT Marg police station.
The police officers said that it is possible that the accused was chatting with the victim through a fake ID and the account number given to the victim did not belong to the accused. We have asked the cyber cell to trace the IP address of the social media account through which the accused had sent Dsouza a friend request, said an officer from the LT Marg police station.
A day after medical education minister Girish Mahajan was seen chasing a leopard with a revolver, the opposition parties on Tuesday demanded the state government to sack him.
They also want the minister booked for violating wildlife protection act for allegedly making an attempt to kill the wild animal for which he wasnt authorised.
Mahajan is a senior Bharatiya Janata Party minister from Jalgaon and is considered close to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. He is also the guardian minister of Jalgaon, his home district.
In a video being played on Marathi news channels, the minister totting a revolver is seen participating in a search operation for a leopard at Chalisgaon of Jalgaon district of north Maharashtra on Monday.
Though Mahajan has clarified that the man-eater leopard was sighted 400 feet away from his convoy, after which he decided to go after it. Opposition leaders want him sacked.
Mahajan has violated the Wildlife Protection Act as he was chasing the leopard with a revolver. The responsibility of hunting down the man-eater is of the forest officials and not the ministers. He should be sacked immediately, said Nawab Malik NCP spokesperson.
Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said the medical education minister was just doing stunts with the revolver. Mahajan has admitted that he was chasing the animal. He had earlier attended a school event with a revolver tucked visibly in his waist. Mahajan told HT: The leopard has killed five people in the district in the past one-and-a-half months. On Monday, I visited the families of the people killed. On my way, forest officials sighted the leopard, so we decided to chase it down. Being a legislator and the districts guardian minister, I wanted to take part in the search operation, instead of sitting safely in my car.
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Officials from Andheri police, local Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) unit, crime branch and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) gatecrashed a wedding after an unidentified man made a bomb threat call that turned out to be a hoax. The man was arrested on Tuesday and the police have learnt that he did this to get back at his ex-boss who had got the catering contract at the wedding.
The police said Mukimali Shaikh, 35, the arrested accused, was fired by the caterer her worked with. On November 24, just two days before the ninth anniversary of the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, Shaikh called the police control room to say that there is a bomb planted at the wedding hall in Andheri.
The police swung into action and teams from ATS, crime branch, BDDS and local police were rushed to the spot. After searching the entire premises the police learnt that it was a hoax call.
He was booked under sections 182 (false information), 505 (1) (makes, publishes or circulates rumour) and 2 (cause, fear or alarm to the public).
A rail fracture between Chunabhatti and GTB Road station and a flash rail roko at Asangon station disrupted the central railways (CR) suburban services during morning peak hours on Tuesday.
Around 40 lakh commuters travel on the CR daily.
The problem began when Rajyarani Express was given preference over a local train heading to CSMT. The local arrived on schedule, but left Asangaon station 17 minutes late, irking commuters who then stopped the express, said Rajesh Ghaghav, president, Kalyan-Kasara and Karjat Passengers Association.
Even as the GRP registered a case, CR public relations department denied any such incident. We have registered case against the 20-25 protesters, said Samadhan Pawar, deputy commissioner of police, GRP. I confirm there was no rail roko... its a rumour, said Sunil Udasi, chief public relations officer.
The CR said the express was not given preference.
Meanwhile, the Harbour line services were affected following a rail fracture on the south-bound track between Chunabhatti and GTB Nagar stations around 8am. CR officials blamed illegal water pipelines crossing under the tracks for the rail failure. There has been continuous leakage of water on the tracks, which led to the glitch, said SK Jain, divisional railway manager of CRs Mumbai division
For the past two years, residents living near Wilson College gymkhana on Marine Drive have been complaining about glaring lights from its grounds.
And now, in what could be a first, the police and the district collectors office have issued notices to the gymkhana asking them to switch them off at 10pm after repeated light pollution complaints from Chira Bazaar resident Nilesh Desai. Light pollution (measured in lumens) is the term for excessive, misdirected or obtrusive man-made light. The gymkhana said they are shutting off the lights after 10pm.
Environmentalists said this may be the first such complaint in Mumbai, highlighting the need for guidelines for light pollution. HT had reported in October that a compilation of studies on light pollution by Awaaz Foundation, which began in August, identified its sources in Mumbai, its health impacts on humans and animals, and the need for a policy on the increased use of artificial light.
I have been fighting this nuisance for the past two years, and it had fallen on deaf ears. The glaring lights blind us until 3-4am every night, said Desai, resident of Sunkersett Building. Post 7pm, we cannot look outside our house at all because the glare can injure our eyes within a few seconds. The intensity is extremely strong and I do not know what health issues I have already suffered because of this.
Doctors said long-term exposure to light pollution could lead to psychiatric problems. The amount of light the human eye can adjust to and find useful is between 400 and 500 microns. LED lights installed above advertising hoardings, stadiums and open grounds are all more than 500 microns, which can lead to hallucinations, false orientation and sleep disorders, said Dr Arjun Ahuja, head of ophthalmology department, KEM hospital, Parel.
A senior officer from the Mumbai police said as there are no laws to regulate light pollution, enforcement is difficult. Not just Wilson, all other gymkhanas in the area have been told about this issue. We issued a notice to Wilson Gymkhana telling them that these bright lights can cause accidents. However, there was no response, the officer said. We can only tell them to switch off the lights after 10pm.
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A stray dog, which accidentally boarded a ladies compartment, was allegedly beaten up by Railway Police Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel from Western Railways (WR) thrice during its five hour journey on Tuesday. Animal activists and veterinarians, who rescued the dog in the evening from Bhayander station, said the canine was bleeding from the mouth, private parts and sustained grievous injuries.
Despite repeated attempts none of the spokespersons RPF and GRP were available for comment.
Pet lover, Ana Bhutani, who travelled with the dog from 11am to 4.30pm said the officials thrashed the dog with lathis instead of calling a professional veterinarian or animal activist to rescue it.
I was on my way to Andheri around 11pm when I noticed a dog crying loudly at platform number four. The Virar-bound train had stopped at the platform and four RPF constables were hitting the dog with lathis to make him leave the ladies compartment, said Bhutani.
She added that she requested the officials to not hit the dog and boarded the train to rescue the canine. The train then stopped at Borivli and the dog was beaten up again. The dog was scared and hid beneath the bench, refusing to leave, said Bhutani.
After several failed attempt to rescue the dog, Bhutani travelled with it to Virar and back to Churchgate hoping that it might come out. I tried giving it food and water, but it refused to eat or drink. I knew if I leave the train, the constables would kill it. So I decided to stay, Bhutani said.
At Churchgate, the same train was rescheduled for Bhayander. A co-passenger called Omkar Rane, an animal activist from Dahisar.
I got a call while the train was at Dadar and I asked people give the animal its space. Considering the beating it was subjected to, there was a chance that the dog biting the one trying to rescue it or cause an untoward incident, said Rane, who reached Bhayander station with his mobile animal rescue van at 4.30pm.
Rane added that the dog has sustained multiple injuries and had to be treated immediately. We have kept it at a foster home for now because we dont know its territory. Looking at the injuries, it was completely inappropriate of the railway staff to opt for such violent approach towards the animal rather than calling a professional for help, Rane said.
The Mumbai crime branch arrested two people in Bandra for allegedly kidnapping a 22-year-old youth from Mangalore, killing him and dumping his body in Agumbe Ghat around 100 km away from Mangalore city. The police said three more people are wanted in the case and Mangalore crime branch have been looking for them in Mumbai, Gujarat and other parts of the country.
The arrested accused Faizal Shaikh Ibrahim, 36, and Sahil Ismail Ashraf Ismail, 22 are from Mangalore and were hiding in Mumbai. Ibrahim is main accused in the kidnapping and murder case. The police said both the accused have been involved in at least 10 to 12 cases of robbery, dacoity, murder and attempt to murder in several cities including Hyderabad, Mangalore and Mumbai.
After they were arrested in Bandra on Sunday, they were produced in a court in Mangalore and remanded in police custody for 10 days. Officials from the Mumbai crime branch said the two were hiding in the city for the past 10 days.
The accused kidnapped Lefty Safwan, 22, on October 5 from Chokkabetu Surathkal area in Mangalore, Karnataka, in a car and kept him in a farmhouse out of the city for two days. They tortured Safwan by assaulting him with a wooden stick. They later killed him and dumped his body in Agumbe Ghat. Safwans father Abdul Hameed, who is small businessman, registered a kidnapping case in Suratkal police station after the accused threatened him saying they would kill his son.
Once the investigation started, a police team from Mangalore came to Mumbai last week and unit 9 of the Mumbai crime branch helped them nab the two accused, said joint commissioner Sanjay Saxena of the crime branch.
The victim allegedly used to pass information of the accused and his gangs movement to another gang. The accused told the police that the other reason they had kidnapped him was that Safwan had fought with one of the accuseds brother and alleged that accused is homosexual, said police inspector Sunil Naik of Mangalore city crime branch.
The body was recovered more than 50 days after he was killed. We searched for the body for five days and finally found it on November 25, said Naik.
The accused have been booked under sections 363 (kidnapping), 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 201 ( causing disappearance of evidence of offence or giving false information) and 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal code.
Two men were arrested from Mumbra in Thane for allegedly cheating a Delhi-based scrap businessman of Rs 31 lakh. The unit 1 of the Thane crime branch handed over Shahbuddin Moinuddin khan, 54, and Abdul Rehman Karbelkar alias Shoiab,50, to the Delhi police on Tuesday.
According to an officer of the crime branch, Karbelkar and Khan have cheated more than half a dozen businessmen of Rs 1.5 crore across the country over the past eight years. To avoid suspicion, they would introduce themselves to the victims as buyers of the same goods.
In January, Khan struck a deal with the Delhi businessman to buy scrap worth Rs 31 lakh. Later, he introduced Karbelkar to the seller as another buyer. Karbelkar discussed the deal with Khan and the businessman and decided to buy the goods for Rs 30 lakh. Expecting Rs 61 lakh for the same material, the businessman agreed to the offer. When Khan left with the scrap leaving behind Karbelkar, the businessman demanded money from him. Karbelkar showed that he had already transferred the money via RTGS into Khans bank account, said an officer from the Thane crime branch.
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A 22-year-old woman constable, posted with the local arms division, committed suicide at her home in Naigaon police colony in Dadar on Tuesday morning.
Constable Manju Gaikwads father was the first one to find her body. When he came home at 12.45pm on Tuesday, he found the door locked from inside.When his knocks went unanswered, he informed the neighbours, who broke open the door to find Gaikwad hanging. The neighbours then informed the Bhoiwada police and rushed her to the KEM hospital where she was declared dead on arrival.
According to the Bhoiwada police, Gaikwad was living with her father and three siblings after the demise of her mother. Her brother, who works as a security guard at the Tata Hospital, was on duty when the incident took place.
The police officers said Gaikwad must have taken the drastic step after coming home from night duty on Tuesday morning. At the time of the incident, she was alone at home, said a police officer from the Bhoiwada police station.
The cops did not find any suicide note. We have registered an ADR for unnatural death case and are investigating the reason behind her suicide, said API Shakir Patel from the Bhoiwada police station.
Police officers investigating the case said her father knew that she was involved in a romantic relationship but he did not know anything else about it. We suspect that Gaikwad had an affair with the son of a police sub-inspector and after he refused to marry her she might have ended her life, said an officer.
The police have detained Gaikwads boyfriend and are questioning him. They would also check the couples Call Data Record to find out if she had spoken to him before committing suicide.
Excise officials seized 370 cartons of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), said to be worth about Rs 2 crore, from seven vehicles and arrested two persons in Motipur police station area of north Bihars Muzaffarpur district on Monday.
Excise superintendent Deen Bandhu said the seizure was made during a raid in Motipur police station area of Muzaffarpur district, 70 km north of Patna, following an input that a huge consignment of IMFL had been brought from Haryana.
Bandhu said 370 cartons of liquor were seized from a secluded place on national highway 28 when they were being offloaded from a truck, bearing a Haryana registration number, for being carried in six SUVs parked there.
A district administration release said the value of the seized liquor was about Rs 2 crore.
The owner of one of SUVs, in which 69 cartons of IMFL had been loaded, was later found to be a regional TV news channel journalist, Bandhu said.
All the seven vehicles had been seized, he said, adding that two persons, identified as Bagendra Kumar and Vikas Kumar, were arrested from the spot.
Bandhu said the driver of the SUV owned by TV journalist fled from the spot and tried to lodge a complaint with Kanti police station that the vehicle had been lifted. But he was arrested as we had already alerted police stations of the district about some vehicles being used in illegal liquor trade. This vehicle was one of them, he added.
Meanwhile, the owner of the SUV also visited the Brahampura police station in Muzaffarpur town to lodge a case that his vehicle had been stolen from his office premises on Sunday night. An FIR had also been registered against him, the excise superintendent added.
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.
Patna police, which unearthed a private international telephone exchange that registered a lot of traffic from Pakistan and the Middle East, and arrested three persons late on Sunday, are now investigating if there was a larger design for setting it up and whether a terror and hawala angle was a possibility.
The racket came to light on a complaint alleging hawala racket, which a central agency tracked to Gopalganj district in Bihar and it subsequently came to light that the call was routed via Patna, which is a base for such illegal telephone exchanges, sources added.
The Patna police, following inputs from central intelligence agency, busted the racket on Saturday. During investigation, it also came to light that the setup was being used by people from various countries, including Middle East and Pakistan, to make calls to Siwan, Gopalganj, Araria, Kishnaganj, Katihar and Phulwarisharif in Patna.
The police seized over 200 SIM cards of BSNL, SIGOS server of German-make, three cellphones, one laptop, eight ATM cards, PAN card and a diary carrying several mobile and telephone numbers of different states, including Jammu and Kashmir.
The arrested persons Navin Sinha, Rohit Kumar and Sushil Kumar Chourasia are said to be just small fries of a big racket. During interrogation they could not reveal user ID and password of the exchange. They used internet connection provided by Host Axix Company. Police said the German-make SIGOS server machine costs Rs 1.70 lakh, which runs 30 SIM boxes.
However, police found, that the three persons arrested were mere operators, but said there was hint of a very powerful lobby abroad, related to the discovery. The mastermind of the entire racket is still traceless. Police have started search for one Punit Kaushik, a native of Gurugram. The main handlers are based in different parts of the world.
IG Patna, NH Khan has now constituted a special investigating team to go into details and unravel the links.
Khan said a special team under the supervision of city SP (central) D Amarkesh comprising ASP (operations) Rakesh Kumar Dubey would thoroughly probe the racket. The special team will also visit other states and gather details. The cops will dig into the funding of the company floated by them and identify the amount received from foreign countries.
Amarkesh told HT that as the gangs show the calls as local calls of that particular country, the service providers also fail to identify the fraud most of the time.
An FIR has been lodged against those arrested under three under different sections, including waging war against the country and forgery.
We have pressed sections 121(A), 120 B of IPC apart from 467, 468, 471, 420 66C IT Act and 112/117 Customs Act against them, said Amarkesh.
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If you are experiencing certain symptoms and suffering from ailments, it is best not to jump to conclusions based on information gathered through the Internet.
Doctors have said that many times severe headache gets associated with tumor; fast heart beat rate and pain in the chest is associated with serious heart problems while there is a fear of suffering from various types of cancers in patients.Google Syndrome is the tendency among patients to do vigorous Internet research in an effort to self-diagnose medical problems they may be suffering from.
A number of city doctors told Hindustan Times that Google Syndrome is driving people towards self-diagnosing themselves, creating rising anxiety among patients and also affecting the trust between doctors and patients.
In an effort to understand more about the cause of their symptoms through Internet searching, patients assume that they are suffering from a serious disease which is often not the case, say doctors. They have, hence, cautioned that self-diagnosis through Internet might be misleading for patients.
Consulting physician, Dr Prachee Sathe, said, Self-diagnosis by patients is definitely increasing and it is not a very good sign. It should be understood that answers obtained by searching symptoms on the Internet cannot be accurate.
She added that this increasing self-diagnosis by patients is resulting in doctors spending more time in correcting the misconceptions of patients. Sathe emphasised that sometimes relatives of patients analyse the treatment methods based on what they have read on the Internet. This can delay the treatment of patients, she added.
Consultant psychiatrist at the Columbia Asia Hospital, Sayathani Mukherjee too shared similar views.
She said, It should be understood that diagnosis by a doctor cannot be replaced by the Internet. The results shown through an Internet search are not done by analysing the case and hence, cannot be trusted.
Mukherjee added that the Google syndrome is yet to be classified as a medical condition and there is no comprehensive study done on this topic.
The penetration of Internet is definitely making people search for everything online. With this, patients too have increasingly started self-diagnosis which is resulting in increasing their anxiety levels and also hampering the trust that needs to be present between a patient and a doctor, she added.
Dr Somnath Salgar from the Sassoon General Hospital said that most people go for self-diagnosis and self-medication by searching on the Internet. Without physical examination and lab diagnosis, medical examination is incomplete. Information obtained from the Internet can be confusing and incomplete. Hence, patients must not trust the Internet for the cause of their symptoms and visiting the doctor is the only correct solution, he added.
Police have prepared chargesheet against Honeypreet Insaan, the adopted daughter of rape convict Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim, and other accused in connection with the August 25 violence in Panchkula and Sirsa and will file it in the court of chief judicial magistrate on Tuesday.
As many as 42 people were killed 36 in Panchkula and six in Sirsa in the violence that followed the dera heads conviction while property worth crores was damage.
Honeypreet, who was charged with Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging, or attempting to wage war, or abetting waging of war, against government) and 121-A (conspiracy to commit offences) of the Indian Penal Code, has been pitched as main accused in hatching conspiracy and arson in Panchkula on August 25 after dera chief was convicted for raping his two female followers.
The Haryana police are set to announce Rs 1 lakh award for sharing information about Aditya Insan, key aide of Ram Rahim, who is still at large since the Panchkula arson.
The accused were booked (FIR number 345) at the Sector 5 police station on August 28, three days after the violence.
Honeypreet (real name Priyanka Taneja), who is in judicial remand in the Ambala central jail since October 14, came into limelight when she travelled with the dera chief in a police helicopter when he was taken from the Panchkula court to Rohtaks Sunaria jail after his conviction.
She then went into hiding for 38 days before her arrest on October 4 from the Zirakpur-Patiala highway.
Sources said the police have bracketed the accused in three categories in the chargesheet one of them being the core committee members comprising Honeypreet and Aditya Insaan (who is still at large) who allegedly hatched the conspiracy on August 17 to trigger violence in Panchkula and at the deras Sirsa headquarters. Aditya Insaan was even present on the day of violence.
Another category is of the dera management committee members who allegedly executed the conspiracy. It includes Dilawar Insaan, Surinder Dhiman, Chamkaur Singh, Dhan Singh, who are currently in judicial remand.
Pawan Insaan was the latest to be arrested in the case.
The third category is of the ones who were neither in the dera core committee or management committee. For instance, dera chief's personal assistant-cum-driver Rakesh Kumar, who too played a vital role in executing violence and is currently behind bars.
Sources said the police will have nearly 100 witnesses in the case but their names have not been revealed at this stage. The police have taken on record a phone call that was intercepted from Jind corroborating their role in the Panchkula arson, sources said. Cash recovery from Chamkaur Singh and documents seized from Honeypreet are among the evidences to be produced in the court.
A senior official said this chargesheet is the main case in connection with the Panchkula arson while chargesheets in two related cases, including arrest of dera chief's commandos in his alleged escape bid and seizure of vehicles of his cavalcade were filed last week.
As many as 173 FIRs having nearly 1,000 dera followers as accused for attacking security forces and damaging public property have been registered so far.
Rs 1 lakh award likely for info on Aditya Insaan
The Haryana police are set to announce Rs 1 lakh award for sharing information about Aditya Insan, key aide of Ram Rahim, who is still at large since the Panchkula arson. He too has been charged as among conspirators along with Honeypreet for executing the entire violence after the self-styled godman's conviction.
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A local court in Chandigarh awarded 10-year imprisonment to a man who had assaulted another with a knife over a quarrel on repayment of Rs 500. The victim later succumbed to his injuries.
The court of additional district and sessions judge, Rajnish K Sharma, convicted Anil Kumar alias Happy, a resident of Sector 45, for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and criminal intimidation. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1,500 on him.
A case under section 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), among others, of the IPC was registered against Anil.
The matter dates back to April 8, 2012, when Anil was booked following a complaint by Arun Kumar.
In his complaint Arun had stated that he was with his brother, Ram Ashish, at the Sector-45 market. Around 4 pm, they saw Anil, following which Ram asked him to repay the Rs 500 that he had borrowed from him.
However, Anil allegedly started manhandling Ram and also abused him. The complaint alleged that Anil took out a knife from his pocket and attacked Ram. He then fled from the spot, while Ram was rushed to a hospital.
In the court, the defence had claimed that Anil was falsely implicated in the case because the motive was not proved. Furthermore, it argued that Anil was paralysed from one side and thus it is not possible for him to stab anyone with a knife. The defence claimed that Ram was HIV positive and it is not yet clear whether he died due to the stab injury or from HIV.
The court however refused to appreciate these arguments and held Anil guilty.
The Natasamrat (2016) actor is not a birthday person. Her past memories of her birthday (November 29) have been that of spending time with family or working. Having started her career as a child artiste, Neha Pendse would believe that working on her birthday would get her more work. Now that I think of it, it was a funny logic that I applied. However, I loved it if my shooting dates fell on my birthday. I used to feel thrilled to be working on the special day, as for me it meant that more work would come to me throughout the year, says Neha.
This year, the actor will be taking her family out for dinner, and she is also looking forward to watch a film. I have never been into birthday celebrations or parties. While growing up, I did not have friends, so birthdays mainly meant being with family or on the sets. Only in the last three to fours years, I have made some great friends but I still prefer spending time with my family.
Now, as Neha has free time in hand, she is utilising it to the maximum. I am enjoying time with myself. I havent thought of taking a break yet because tomorrow if a great opportunity comes, I should be available to take it up. For now, I am enjoying this time. I am doing things for myself such as reading, learning pole dance and following a fitness regimen. There are two projects that seem promising, but I am taking it slow.
Neha, who recently went on a vacation to Maldives with her mom, adds that as an artiste, she is in an interesting phase, as she carries the baggage of the last character she played on screen. It takes a little time to realise what is best for you. Also, you do not want to repeat yourself. I am not someone who gets upset if I do not have work. I would like to nurture and learn right now, she concludes.
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Ucoms mobile customers will benefit from the best internet roaming rate of 8 AMD/MB when travelling to Georgia, Egypt or the UAE
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Karen Vardanyan donated 112 million drams for the medical equipment for National Center for Infectious Diseases.
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Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan
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I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox
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The home of Boko Harams founder will be turned into a museum as part of plans to chart the deadly Islamist insurgency in northeast Nigeria, a government official said on Tuesday.
Muhammad Yusuf, a charismatic Muslim preacher, founded the group in 2001 from his base in the Railway suburb of the Borno state capital, Maiduguri.
His followers at the time were disgruntled young people, who met at Yusufs Markaz (centre in Arabic), which comprised a mosque and his living quarters.
Yusuf conducted fiery sermons from the mosque calling for jihad (holy war) against what he perceived to be a corrupt, secular government.
The Borno state information commissioner, Muhammad Bulama, said converting the building into a museum would be a way of documenting, preserving and archiving our history.
The Boko Haram insurgency is a turning point in the history of Borno state and the northeast. Our history cannot be written without reference to Boko Haram, he told AFP. We want to document it for posterity to have a clear and correct picture of what happened.
The rebuilt Markaz would house all objects related to the insurgency, he added, rejecting the possibility that it would immortalise Yusuf.
The building has been in ruins since it was reduced to a pile of rubble in the July 2009 military crackdown against the group that is taken as the start of the insurgency.
Yusuf was arrested and killed in police custody after six days of violent clashes between Boko Haram supporters and the military in Maiduguri.
Some 800 people were killed, most of them members of the groups.
Since Yusufs deputy, Abubakar Shekau, took over, Boko Haram has developed into one of the worlds deadliest jihadist groups.
At least 20,000 people have been killed and more than 2.6 million others made homeless in its quest to establish a hardline Islamic state in northeast Nigeria.
It achieved global notoriety when fighters kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls from the town of Chibok in April 2014.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the federal government will provide 1 billion euros (1.2 billion dollars) to cities and towns across the country in 2018 in an effort to make traffic more environmentally friendly.
The money is to be invested in finding traffic solutions to lower air pollution.
Many cities in Germany face driving bans because the air pollution is frequently above the allowed maximum levels due to the many cars exhaust fumes.
The funds are to be invested among other things into electric buses, electric charging stations and a more environmentally friendly traffic infrastructure.
German environment minister Barbara Hendricks lauded the initiative as a first important step but called on the automobile industry to also support the governments action plan.
Irelands scandal-hit deputy prime minister resigned on Tuesday in a move that is likely to avert a government collapse and snap election that could have threatened crucial Brexit negotiations between Britain and the European Union.
A government source confirmed reports that Frances Fitzgerald would step down, as demanded by opposition parties after the release of fresh documents about her disputed handling of a police whistleblower who alleged corruption in the force.
Fianna Fail, the main opposition party that props up Fine Gael Prime Minister Leo Varadkars minority government, said her resignation should mean a December election would be avoided. It had warned it might force a snap poll if Fitzgerald refused to quit.
Irelands political crisis emerged in the run-up to a key Brexit summit next month at which Varadkar is set to play a major role. He must tell fellow EU leaders whether he believes sufficient progress has been made on the future of the border between Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.
The border -- the only land frontier between Britain and the EU -- is one of three issues Brussels wants broadly resolved before it decides whether to move talks on Britains divorce from the EU onto a second phase about trade, as Britain wants.
While Varadkar has likely avoided the prospect of having to travel to Brussels in a caretaker capacity, his handling of the crisis has badly damaged his governing Fine Gael party and relations with its Fianna Fail opponents.
Members of the opposition Labour and Sinn Fein parties said as Fitzgerald resigned that an election was still likely to follow in the next three or four months.
An intense gun battle has been taking place over the last two days between Taliban and Islamic State affiliate insurgents in eastern Nangarhar province, a provincial official said Tuesday.
Attahullah Khogyani, provincial governors spokesman, said that hundreds of families have been displaced from villages in Khogyani and Sherzad districts. He said an operation involving air and ground forces was begun to eliminate both insurgent groups from the area.
Six civilians were wounded and there are reports of dozens of casualties among the insurgents, he said.
The local government officials have already started emergency assistance to the internally displaced people, including cash money, tents, food items and nonfood items, Khogynai added.
Sherzad, Khogyani and Hasarak districts in Nangarhar are strategic because they link with neighboyuring Logar province as well as the capital Kabul.
In April, the US military used the Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, or MOAB, against an Islamic State group tunnel complex carved in the mountains in Nangarhar province.
In a separate attack in eastern Logar province, 11 civilians were wounded after a suicide bomber carried out an attack in Puli Alim, the provincial capital, said Salim Saleh, spokesman for the provincial governor. He said two were in critical condition.
The bomber was on foot and targeted a convoy of the provincial deputy police chief, who was passing by a bazaar. He escaped unharmed, Saleh said.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in Logar, but Taliban insurgents have stepped up their attacks across the country against Afghan security forces and they are active in the province.
Life-size portraits of three Indians are among several at a unique exhibition at the University of Oxford, staged as part of the varsitys plans to enhance its record on diversity amid a growing campaign to decolonise its curriculum.
The exhibition, titled The Full Picture: Oxford in Portraits, in open till January at the Weston Library and features more than 20 paintings, drawings and photographs commissioned earlier this year as part of the universitys Diversifying Portraiture project.
The exhibition features current academics and former students a mixture of individuals including people with disabilities, people from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, and people from the LGBTQ+ community. The idea is to reflect and promote the universitys diversity and its commitment to inclusivity.
The three Indian-origin individuals on the list of the universitys current staff and alumni who sat for portraits are linguist Aditi Lahiri, BBC journalist Rita Chakrabarti and South African human rights activist Kumi Naidoo.
A university release said sitters were selected from over a hundred nominations of living Oxonians. The portraits of Chakrabarti and Naidoo were completed by artist Fran Monks, while Lahiri sat for Rosalie Watkins.
Others featured include film and television director Ken Loach, astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, award-winning author Jeanette Winterson and historian Lyndal Roper.
The exhibition comes in the backdrop of a recent race controversy at the varsity and a demand for the removal of the statue of colonialist Cecil Rhodes. The statue remains, but has added to criticism that the university does not reflect society and that it admits less students from state-funded schools than from fee-paying private schools.
Chakrabarti said: Ive been looking forward immensely to seeing the portraits go on show at the Weston Library, and I hope people in Oxford will stop by to see this varied and exciting collection of works.
I loved my time at Oxford. There werent then many people from my background at university there. But that didnt stop my experience from being overwhelmingly good. I hope this project will show that Oxford is open to everyone, and that it wants to be more so. I hope too that it reflects present-day Oxford back at itself, and that it encourages an ever more diverse range of people to study there.
Rebecca Surender, pro-vice-chancellor for Equality and Diversity at the university, said: This series of portraits, created by a talented group of artists, will broaden the range of people represented around the University. All of those nominated and selected to take part have made enormous contributions to Oxford life and to society more widely.
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Two Pakistani police officers who were allegedly kidnapped by activists of religious parties from a hospital were found lying alongside a road with marks of torture, fractured bones and bruises, the media reported on Tuesday.
Soon after a police patrol spotted them on Monday in Solan area, the two officers were taken back to Rawalpindis District Headquarters Hospital, from where they were abducted, and admitted, the Dawn reported.
According to a doctor, the policemen had sustained internal injuries too.
Sub-Inspector Aslam Hayats left elbow was fractured and both he and his colleague Amanat Ali had been beaten with plastic coated wire, sticks and batons and had bruises on their bodies, the daily said.
The policemen were abducted from the hospital during Saturdays clashes between security forces and Islamists on a highway linking Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Both Hayat and Ali were ruthlessly tortured by the kidnappers and were detained in a makeshift tent in Faizabad after they were kidnapped, an unnamed Deputy Superintendent of Police was quoted as saying.
A group of religious protesters had entered the hospital mortuary and got into a row with one of the police officers after he refused to write what the protesters wanted him to write.
They started beating him, dragged him out, beat him again, put him in a car and drove off, the Dawn said.
They came back for the other official, beat him too and took him from the mortuary as well. A police constable accompanying the two officials escaped, the daily said.
The Saturday violence left seven people dead and several injured.
The deal struck by the Pakistan government with Islamic radicals who paralysed the national capital for three weeks reflects the disastrous handling of events by the ruling PML-N party and the surrender of state institutions, the Pakistani media said on Tuesday.
Editorials in the main English newspapers were scathingly critical of the government, which signed the deal with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan that was brokered by the army.
The agreement followed a failed police operation over the weekend to disperse protesters who had occupied a key traffic intersection at Faizabad on the outskirts of Islamabad. Seven people were killed and hundreds injured in clashes between security forces and the protesters as the powerful army refused to intervene in the matter.
The government gave in to the Tehreek-e-Labbaiks demand that law minister Zahid Hamid should quit over a change in an electoral oath that the hardline group considered blasphemous.
In an editorial titled Capitulation, the influential Dawn newspaper said: It is a surrender so abject that the mind is numb and the heart sinks. The deal negotiated between the state, both civilian and military facets of it, and the Faizabad protesters is a devastating blow to the legitimacy and moral standing of the government and all state institutions.
The Express Tribune, in an editorial titled Time for running repairs, said, To say that this has not been the governments finest hour is a considerable understatement, and virtually all commentators have agreed that the PML-N government handling of events has been nothing short of disastrous.
Never before in the political history of Pakistan has the state succumbed so completely to the vandalism, abuse and commands of an extra-parliamentary group, like it has done in Faizabad, The Nation said in its editorial Death of a dream.
It added, We must be clear: This was no negotiation, it was an unconditional surrender. And let there be no doubt, Pakistan will face the repercussions of this precedent in the years to come.
The News, in its editorial Divided we fall, too described the agreement between the government and the protesters as a capitulation. It noted that the government had caved in while arrested protesters were released without being charged despite resorting to violence.
Everything about this sorry episode, from the way this dharna sprung up to its eventual resolution reinforces every fear we and the rest of the world had about the Pakistani state and its resolve in the fight against extremism. The message sent out by this debacle is that protestations by the government that all state institutions are working in harmony cannot be taken at face value, The News said.
Pakistanis used social media platforms to criticise the government for giving in to Tehreek-e-Labbaik leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi, who reportedly gained several concessions, such as the inclusion of members of radical groups in boards that decide school curricula and guarantees that the state would not obstruct the filing of blasphemy complaints.
Many on social media also shared a video of a senior officer of the paramilitary Pakistan Rangers handing out envelopes containing Rs 1000 to protesters as they dispersed from the venue of the sit-in in Islamabad.
The Dawn editorial said: Whether a decision made out of desperation or fear, the upshot is that the state has accepted that mobs and zealots have a right to issue religious edicts that can endanger lives and upend public order.
It blamed the PML-N government, the opposition and the military for the profound change whose reverberations will be felt for a long time. It noted, The government has been humiliated and the military leadership has further improved its standing with sections of the public for helping end the protests but at what cost to the country and its people?
The News noted the speculation that the army had chosen not to get involved in an operation against the protesters and said, There wasconsternation in some quarters about a moral equivalence being drawn between an elected government and two thousand violent extremists.
The governments surrender to the radicals is a huge hit for the PML-N months ahead of Pakistans next general election, scheduled for mid-2018. The partys chief, Nawaz Sharif, was recently ousted by the Supreme Court over graft charges and doubts remain whether he will be able to lead the PML-N in the election campaign.
Pope Francis spends his first full day in Myanmar travelling to the countrys capital Tuesday to meet with the civilian leader, Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, a day after hosting the military general in charge of the crackdown on the countrys Muslim Rohingya minority.
Francis speech to Suu Kyi, other Myanmar authorities and the diplomatic corps in Naypyitaw is the most anticipated of his visit, given the outcry over the crackdown, which the US and UN have described as a campaign of ethnic cleansing to drive out the Rohingya from northern Rakhine state.
The operation, launched in August after Rohingya militants attacked security posts, has sent more than 620,000 Rohingya into neighbouring Bangladesh, where they have reported entire villages were burned and looted, and women and girls were raped.
Myanmars Catholic leaders have stressed that Suu Kyi has no voice to speak out against the military over the operation, and have urged continued support for her efforts to move Myanmar toward a more democratic future that includes all its religious minorities, Christians in particular. How Francis bridges the local Catholic concerns with his legacy of speaking out for oppressed minorities is the key to watch in his speech in Naypyitaw.
Pope Francis arrives at Yangon International Airport, Myanmar. (Reuters Photo)
Also Tuesday, the pope is scheduled to meet with other religious leaders at the archbishops residence in Yangon. Prominent Buddhist leader Sitagu is not on the list of those expected to meet the pope though the monk met with Franciss predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI. Sitagu has been criticized for using ethnic slurs against Muslims, particularly the Rohingya, although he received an award presented by Suu Kyi earlier this year.
Francis dove into the crisis hours after arriving on Monday by meeting with the commander responsible for the crackdown, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, and three members of the bureau of special operations. The Vatican didnt provide details of the contents of the 15-minute courtesy visit, only to say that They spoke of the great responsibility of the authorities of the country in this moment of transition.
Gen. Min Aung Hlaings office said in a statement on Facebook that he is willing to have interfaith peace, unity and justice. The general added that there was no religious or ethnic persecution or discrimination in Myanmar, and that the government allowed different faith groups to have freedom of worship.
Rohingya Muslims have long faced state-supported discrimination in the predominantly Buddhist country and were stripped of citizenship in 1982, denying them almost all rights and rendering them stateless. They cannot travel freely, practice their religion, or work as teachers or doctors, and they have little access to medical care, food or education.
Myanmars Catholic Church has publicly urged Francis to avoid saying Rohingya, a term shunned by many here because the ethnic group is not a recognized minority in the country. And they have urged him to toe a delicate line in condemning the violence, given the potential for blowback against Myanmars tiny Catholic community.
Francis previously has prayed for our Rohingya brothers and sisters, lamented their suffering and called for them to enjoy full rights. As a result, much of the debate before his trip focused on whether he would again express solidarity with the Rohingya. Any decision to avoid the term and shy away from the conflict could be viewed as a capitulation to Myanmars military and a stain on his legacy of standing up for the most oppressed and marginalized of society, no matter how impolitic.
Burke didnt say if Francis used the term in his meeting with the general, which ended with an exchange of gifts: Francis gave him a medallion of the trip, while the general gave the pope a harp in the shape of a boat, and an ornate rice bowl.
The papal trip was planned before the latest spasm of violence erupted in August, when Myanmar security forces responded to militant attacks with a scorched-earth campaign that has sent many Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh.
In the Kutupalong refugee camp in southern Bangladesh, Senu Ara, 35, welcomed Francis arrival for what he might be able to do for the refugees.
He might help us get the peace that we are desperately searching for, she said. Even if we stay here he will make our situation better. If he decides to send us back, he will do so in a peaceful way.
But in Myanmar, the sentiment was different. The government and most of the Buddhist majority consider the Rohingya Bengali migrants from Bangladesh living illegally in the country, though Rohingya have been here for generations.
Being a religious leader Catholic leader means that he is well-regarded, but of course there is this worry if he says something, people might say, OK, he just came to meddle, said Burmese analyst Khin Zaw Win, a former political prisoner. So, I think a lot of diplomacy is needed, in addition to the public relations.
Upon his arrival in Yangon, the pope was greeted by local Catholic officials and his motorcade passed by thousands of Myanmars Catholics, who lined the roads, wearing traditional attire and playing music.
Children greeted him as he drove in a simple blue sedan, chanting Viva il papa! (Long live the pope) and waving small plastic Myanmar and Holy See flags. Posters wishing Francis a heartiest of welcome lined the route into town.
Pope Francis met leaders of several faiths in majority-Buddhist Myanmar on Tuesday, stressing the importance of unity in diversity but making no mention the Muslim Rohingya who have fled en masse to Bangladesh after a military crackdown.
The pope held private talks with Myanmars military chief in Yangon on Monday, the first day of a visit fraught with tension after the United States accused the Southeast Asian nation of ethnic cleansing against its Muslim Rohingya people.
The leader of the Roman Catholic church will also travel to Bangladesh, where more than 620,000 Rohingya have fled to escape what Amnesty International has dubbed crimes against humanity.
Myanmars army has denied accusations of murder, rape, torture and forced displacement that have been made against it.
Unity is always a product of diversity, Francis told leaders of the Buddhist, Islamic, Hindu, Jewish and Christian faiths in Yangon, according to Vatican officials who gave a briefing on the 40-minute meeting.
Everyone has their values, their riches as well as their differences, as each religion has its riches, its traditions, its riches to share. And this can only happen if we live in peace, and peace is constructed in a chorus of differences.
Aye Lwin, a prominent Muslim leader who was at the meeting, told Reuters he had asked the pope to appeal to Myanmars political leaders to rescue the religion that we cherish, which could be hijacked by a hidden agenda.
Only about 700,000 of Myanmars 51 million people are Roman Catholic. Thousands of them have travelled from far and wide to see him and more than 150,000 people have registered for a mass that Francis will say in Yangon on Wednesday.
Tension over the word Rohingya
The pope was later flying to the capital, Naypyitaw, where he will meet government leader Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel laureate and democracy champion who has faced criticism from around the globe because she has expressed doubts about the reports of rights abuses against the Rohingya and failed to condemn the military.
His trip is so delicate that some papal advisers have warned Francis against even saying the word Rohingya, lest he set off a diplomatic incident that could turn the countrys military and government against minority Christians.
The pope is due to deliver a speech after meeting Suu Kyi.
The Rohingya exodus from Rakhine state to Bangladesh began after Aug. 25, when Rohingya militants attacked security posts and the Myanmar army launched a counter-offensive.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last week called the military operation ethnic cleansing and threatened targeted sanctions for horrendous atrocities.
Myanmars government has denied most of the accusations made against it, and the army says its own investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by troops.
Myanmar does not recognise the Rohingya as citizens nor as members of a distinct ethnic group with their own identity, and it even rejects the term Rohingya and its use.
Many people in Myanmar instead refer to members of the Muslim minority in Rakhine state as illegal migrants from Bangladesh.
Francis is expected to meet a group of Rohingya refugees in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, on the second leg of his trip.
Vatican sources say some in the Holy See believe the trip was decided too hastily after full diplomatic ties were established in May during a visit by Suu Kyi.
The pope has already used the word Rohingya in two appeals from the Vatican this year.
A hardline group of Buddhist monks, previously known as Ma Ba Tha, said on Monday it welcomed the popes visit but warned, without elaborating, of a response if he spoke openly about the Rohingya.
The wedding of Britains Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle will take place next May at St Georges Chapel in Windsor, a spokesman for the prince said on Tuesday.
The fifth-in-line to the British throne and the American actress announced their engagement on Monday, sparking a trans-Atlantic media frenzy.
Their first official engagement together will be in the central English city of Nottingham on Friday.
Queen Elizabeth, Harrys 91-year-old grandmother, will attend next years wedding ceremony, the princes spokesman told reporters at Buckingham Palace.
Markle will be baptised and confirmed before the wedding, and intends to become a British citizen, though she will retain her US citizenship while she goes through the process.
The spokesman said Harry and Markle had chosen to marry in Windsor because it is a special place for them.
The wedding will be a moment of fun and joy and reflect the characters of the bride and groom, he said.
St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, Britain. (Reuters file)
The Gothic St Georges Chapel, located in the grounds of Windsor Castle, west of London, has close associations with royal history going back centuries.
Within the chapel are the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I.
In more recent memory, it was the venue of the wedding of Harrys uncle Prince Edward to Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1999, and of a service of prayer and dedication to mark the wedding of Harrys father, Prince Charles, to Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.
The Belarusian people also get acquainted with the concept of "Azg-Banak"
Official visit of the delegation headed by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan to the Republic of Belarus has kicked off. On the morning of November 28, Armenian-Belarusian talks were held after the official welcoming ceremony. Welcoming the guests, Belarusian Defense Minister, lieutenant general Andrei Ravkov expressed conviction that the visit of the Armenian Defense Minister will be a boost for the development of bilateral relations. According to Belarussian Defense Minister, the positive results of the cooperation between the two states are visible in a number of domains: political, economic, cultural. So, it is necessary to deepen cooperation in the defense domain as well. Vigen Sargsyan, in his turn, thanked for the invitation and expressed confidence that the Armenian-Belarusian relations in the defense sphere have great potential. Minister Sargsyan introduced large-scale reforms in the armed forces, recent legislative initiatives on military service and the Azg-Banak (Nation-Army) concept. At the end of the meeting, the Defense Ministers of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Belarus signed a number of documents, including the "Program of Cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Belarus for 2018."
King Edward VIII sacrificed his throne and Queen Elizabeths sister Margaret gave up her one true love, but for Prince Harry marrying a divorcee is no longer a bar to being a royal or following his heart.
On Monday, Harry, fifth-in-line to the British throne, announced he was to wed his girlfriend, divorced US actress Meghan Markle, with the blessing of his grandmother, the queen.
British social attitudes have been transformed in recent decades but the monarchy has been bound by a more traditional set of Christian values.
So the queens approval is a stark demonstration of how much the monarchy has also changed and modernised in the last 80 years when the idea of a royal marrying someone who was divorced was inconceivable.
Its extraordinary how far weve come since the 1930s, said royal biographer Claudia Joseph. In less than a century times have changed beyond all recognition.
Famously, Harrys great-great-uncle Edward VIII set off a constitutional crisis in 1936 by insisting on marrying twice-divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson to the horror of the British establishment, the government and the Church of England, which the monarch nominally heads.
It was dubbed the greatest love story of the 20th century and Edward abdicated after just 11 months on the throne and ended up living in France, which led to Elizabeths father George VI unexpectedly became king.
You must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility and to discharge my duties as king as I would wish to do without the help and support of the woman I love, Edward said in his abdication speech.
Such attitudes were still prevalent two decades later. In 1955, Elizabeths younger glamorous sister Margaret was forced to call off her proposed marriage to a dashing air force officer, Group Captain Peter Townsend.
Although a royal equerry, Townsend was still deemed an unsuitable husband for the queens sister because he was divorced. Townsend was sent off to Brussels by Buckingham Palace.
MARRIAGE IS INDISSOLUBLE
I would like it to be known that I have decided not to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend, Margaret said in a sad announcement to the nation. Mindful that Christian marriage is indissoluble and conscious of my duty to the Commonwealth, I have resolved to put these considerations before others.
While divorce was considered unfathomable in those days, it has since become a common feature for the Windsors. Of Elizabeths four children, three of their marriages have ended in divorce, most spectacularly that of Harrys father, heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his first wife Princess Diana.
They divorced in 1996, 15 years after their fairytale wedding and a year before she was killed in a car crash in Paris and Charles went on to wed another divorcee Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.
Camilla was someone who he had first considered marrying in the early 1970s but who royal courtiers had considered unacceptable while she was not keen on taking on the role herself at the time.
However Charles and Camilla could not marry in church, and the queen, who holds strong religious beliefs and has taken her role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England very seriously, declined to attend the civil ceremony.
The Church of England had only ruled three years earlier that a divorced person could in exceptional circumstances marry again in church while their former spouse was still alive.
Joseph said Charless second marriage had paved the way for Harry.
I think the dilemma came when Prince Charles married the Duchess of Cornwall, she told Reuters. That was a hard thing for the queen to deal with. Somehow they had to marry without compromising her role as head of the church.
Harry and Meghans union, like all those of the first six royals in direct line of succession, must be approved by the queen under the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, which replaced an even more prescriptive law dating back to the 18th century.
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh are delighted for the couple and wish them every happiness, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
The foster mother of a three-year- old Indian girl, who was found dead in a culvert in the US state of Texas last month, has managed to get her bail bond reduced to USD 100,000 from USD 250,000 but she would remain under house arrest and wear an ankle monitor.
Sini Ann Mathews, 35, was arrested last week after investigators said she and her husband, Wesley Mathews, left their adopted daughter Sherin Mathews at home, without adult supervision for about 90 minutes, while they went out for dinner with their biological daughter on October 6.
Sherin was found dead in a culvert about 1 km from her home in suburban Dallas on October 22.
Wesley was arrested and charged with felony injury to a child, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison. He is still in the Dallas County jail on a USD 1 million bond.
During Mondays hearing, Dallas County Criminal District Court Judge Stephanie Fargo reduced Sinis bond from USD 250,000 to USD 100,000. But ruled that she would remain under house arrest and wear an ankle monitor.
Richardson police argued Mathews was a flight risk and said before she was arrested she asked her pediatrician for shot records so that her 3-year-old biological daughter could go to India.
The judge also asked Mathews to surrender her passport.
The department received information that Sini requested her biological daughters shot records last month and they believe she may have planned to flee to India, possibly with a fake passport, Richardson police Detective Jules Farmer said.
Sinis defence attorneys were calling for her bond to be reduced to the typical amount for a child endangerment charge (USD 500), which Sini faces after it was discovered she and her husband left Sherin home alone in the hours before her disappearance.
They argued there were no indications Sini planned to flee or produce a fake passport and if she requested shot records for her daughter, it was so the girl could be taken to stay with family in India but Sini would not follow.
The girl is currently staying with family in the Houston area.
Before the judge made her decision, the prosecution did not mince words in closing arguments.
This woman is wicked enough to leave a 3-year-old in her house while she and her husband goes to dinner, said First Assistant Mike Snipes with the Dallas District Attorney Office. That shows a level of depravity in this womans heart in and of itself.
Sherin was adopted by Wesley and Sini, a couple from Kerala, two years ago. As an infant she had been found abandoned in Gaya in Bihar and later put up for adoption.
Born Saraswathi, the tragic end of this childs life is being mourned by thousands across the world.
The Dallas County Medical Examiners Office is continuing to work on determining the cause of death. Those results will be made available when complete, Richardson Police said in a Facebook post.
Sherins death prompted external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to ask the Indian Embassy in the US to be actively involved in the case and keep her informed. She also sought a probe into the adoption process of Sherin.
US prosecutors have charged three Chinese nationals affiliated with a cyber security company in China with hacking into Siemens AG, Trimble Inc and Moodys Analytics to steal business secrets.
An indictment unsealed on Monday in federal court in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, charged the three with launching coordinated and unauthorised cyber attacks between 2011 and 2017.
The defendants were identified as Wu Yingzhuo, Dong Hao and Xia Lei. The indictment said they were owners, employees and associates of Guangzhou Bo Yu Information Technology Company Ltd, a firm located in Guangzhou in southern China, that offers cyber security services.
Two US government officials told Reuters that Guangzhou Bo Yu, also known as Boyusec, is affiliated with Chinas Peoples Liberation Army Unit 61398, and that most if not all its hacking operations are state-sponsored and directed.
US prosecutors in Pittsburgh in May 2014 indicted five officers from the secretive unit 61398 with hacking into US nuclear, metal and solar firms to steal trade secrets. The indictments prompted warnings from Beijing that it would retaliate if Washington followed through with the charges.
The acting US attorney for Western Pennsylvania, Soo C Song, said arrest warrants had been issued for the three men, but the case was not being prosecuted as state-sponsored hacking.
It is not an element or subject of this indictment that there is state sponsorship, Song said. However, the justice departments national security division participated in the case, according to the indictment.
The hackers monitored email correspondence of an unidentified Moodys economist, stole data from transportation, technology and energy units at Siemens, and targeted Trimble as it developed a new and more precise global navigation satellite system, the indictment said.
Siemens, based in Munich, Germany, is a technology company with interests in electrification, automation and digitalisation. Trimble, based in Sunnyvale, California, provides technology for a range of industries.
Moodys Analytics, part of New York-based Moodys Corp, provides products and services for financial analysis and risk management.
Valuable intelligence
Trimbles advances in geo-location and Siemens work in guidance and navigation are of interest to the Chinese for internal security and military purposes, as well as commercial, ones, according to one of the officials, who declined to be named because some details of the case remain classified.
Gleaning precise locations from mobile phones and other devices is valuable to the ministry of state security for monitoring dissidents as well as foreigners, the official said. Overseas, it can be valuable to keep track of where your own people are going, as well as keeping track of foreigners movements, whether theyre government or commercial.
The official said data collected by Moodys could be used to help identify businesses and people that might be vulnerable to commercial or government exploitation, blackmail or bribery.
Representatives for the three defendants and the Chinese company could not immediately be identified to seek comment on the charges.
The indictment was filed in September, and the Chinese government has been aware of it, prosecutors said.
In 2015, then-US president Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached an agreement prohibiting both countries from stealing intellectual property for the benefit of domestic firms. The US officials said classified intelligence indicates that Chinese hackers recently have begun violating the deal more frequently.
The hacking group described in the indictment has been active since 2007, said Adam Meyers, a researcher with cyber firm CrowdStrike.
The group, known to some cyber researchers as Gothic Panda, was active as of September, Meyers said. It has targeted aerospace and defence, chemical, energy, financial, healthcare, industrial and transportation firms in Britain, France, Hong Kong, the US and other western nations, he said.
Trimble said no client data was breached in the hack.
Trimble responded to the incident and concluded that there is no meaningful impact on its business, the company said in a statement.
A Siemens representative declined comment on the details of the hack, saying the company does not discuss internal security matters.
A Moodys spokesman said the firm worked closely with investigators, and to our knowledge, no confidential customer data or other personal employee information was compromised.
Two suicide bombers blew themselves up at a market on Baghdads outskirts on Monday, leaving 11 people dead, a security official said, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.
Five suicide bombers attacked a market and shops in the Nahrawan area east of the Iraqi capital, a police captain told AFP.
The police killed three of them but the other two blew themselves up killing 11 civilians and wounding 31, he said.
He added that the blasts also wounded two security personnel in the district, 35 kilometres (20 miles) east of the Iraqi capital.
The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack in a message on its Amaq propaganda channel.
IS said the assault had targeted members of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary alliance and claimed it had killed 35 people.
The mostly Shiite Hashed fighters are at the forefront of the battle against the Sunni jihadists.
IS has suffered a string of military defeats in both Syria and Iraq, where in 2014 it proclaimed a caliphate after seizing territories the size of Italy.
Last week it lost control of the last town it had held in Iraq.
Hamas is due to hand over power in the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority by Friday as part of a reconciliation deal, raising hopes humanitarian suffering there can be eased.
Gazans demands are mostly simple: water, electricity, the right to travel.
The coastal enclave has been blockaded by Israel for a decade, while the only other border -- with Egypt -- has been also largely sealed in recent years.
Residents receive only a few hours of electricity per day, and UN officials have said Gaza is becoming rapidly unliveable.
Israel says its restrictions are necessary to isolate Islamist movement Hamas, which has ruled the enclave since seizing it in 2007. It has fought three wars with Israel since.
Gazans explain why reconciliation matters to them:
A portrait of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi hangs the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. (AFP Photo)
The stranded student
Yahya al-Majayda, 18, is meant to be studying medicine. He applied for university in Ukraine, was accepted and even received the visa. But with the borders sealed, he is stuck.
My visa has been valid for two months but I havent been able to travel because of the border.
It expires in January. If I dont arrive by that date they wont renew it and I will lose around $2,000 I spent.
My future depends on the opening of the border and the national government taking control in Gaza.
I am very scared reconciliation will fail, my future will be lost completely.
The daughter cut off from family
Maysaa al-Shanti, a 45-year-old mother of six, hasnt seen her parents since Hamas took control. They moved to Saudi Arabia decades ago.
I dream of reconciliation and for them to open the crossings so I can travel to see my family in Saudi Arabia.
I havent seen them in 11 years. My father died without me seeing him.
I dont know when I will see my mother and siblings if they dont succeed with reconciliation.
Fatah's Azzam al-Ahmad (R) and Saleh al-Aruri (L) of Hamas signing a reconciliation deal at the Egyptian intelligence services headquarters in Cairo, as the two rival Palestinian movements ended their decade-long split following negotiations overseen by Egypt. (AFP Photo)
The rival bureaucrats
In a strange quirk, there are two civil services in Gaza.
When Hamas took over in 2007, the majority of the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority employees were told to stop working.
Hamas set up a rival administration, while tens of thousands of PA employees continued to get a salary without working.
Leila Saqar was among them. She is hoping to return to her job with the health ministry.
Ten years at home without work has negative psychological and professional effects.
I dont care if my colleagues or the patients I treat are Hamas or Fatah. We are all Palestinians.
As employees in the PA we will complement the Hamas employees, who have acquired experience during their years of work, dealing with new projects we today must learn about.
Read more: Gaza City in the spotlight: Hesitant hope in a city where everyone still wants out
Mahmoud al-Faraa, head of public relations with the Hamas media ministry, could be losing his job.
A final decision about Hamas employees has been put off until early next year, with a merger possible, but Faraa said he was personally in favour of reconciliation to ease conditions for his family.
As an employee also I hope there will be reconciliation so I can get my full salary from the Palestinian Authority, and develop our capacities and expertise.
The unemployed graduate
Wael al-Haj, 32, graduated from university in 2008, but since then he has been mostly unemployed.
All we want is reconciliation and for the economic and living situations to improve and to get a chance to work. All I want is to provide my family with a stable and dignified life.
The Gaza Strip has seen a huge tragedy as a result of the split.
The child who wants to fly
Hamada Ahmed, 12, a student in a United Nations school in Gaza, doesnt know exactly what reconciliation is -- but he hopes it means he will be able to leave Gaza for the first time.
My dad said if they open the crossings to everyone we will travel. I hope to fly in a plane and eat McDonalds.
[dropcap]J[/dropcap]ohn Marshall Branum knew about abolition and slavery in the South from an early age. His parents were both Swedenborgian, members of a Christian sect founded in the 18th century that followed the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg, a theologian and philosopher known for his praise of the spiritual character of the African people. When the Civil War began, the 21-year-old Branum was enrolled at the Hopedale Normal School, a teachers college near his hometown of Bridgeport, Ohio. The school, which counted future Union icon George Armstrong Custer among its alumni, had been established by New England abolitionists in 1849.
Although Branum was certainly a committedalbeit not necessarily devoutChristian, there is no proof he ever considered himself an abolitionist. It is evident from his letters, however, that the wretched treatment of slaves across the South appalled him. Nevertheless, any condemnation he may have felt did not compel him to join the Union Army immediately when hostilities opened in April 1861.
Perhaps Branum, like so many of his comrades, was convinced the war would be short, a conviction of course quickly foiled on the battlefield by Confederate armies. But finally, in August 1862, the dire state of Union prospects after 15 blood-soaked months proved to be the tipping point, and Branum abandoned his studies and donned Federal blue. Scores of other young Northerners joined him in answering President Abraham Lincolns call for 300,000 new troops.
Bridgeport lay at the heart of the Ohio Valley. Across the Ohio River from Old Virginiawhat would soon become the state of West Virginiathe region was a breeding ground of contending ideologies, from Republicans, abolitionists, and Lincoln-loving Wide Awakes to Democrats and even some peace-promoting Copperheads. Those groups, however, set aside their moral and political differences in the summer of 1862 and flocked to the Union cause. The area soon produced several regiments filled with eager young recruits.
Efforts to capture Richmondand hasten the wars endhad failed a few months earlier with the demise of Maj. Gen. George B. McClellans Peninsula Campaign and the Seven Days Battles. And for boys in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, a long-rumored Confederate invasion of Kentucky that now seemed imminent had spread further panic. Rebel Colonel John Hunt Morgan had also gone so far as to declare that his cavalry would soon give Cincinnati a call.
Upon joining the new 98th Ohio, Branum decided to preserve the pen with which I wrote my name [and that] made me a soldier of the army. He would use that pen to write a series of important letters during the conflict.
The 98ths ideological divide showed not only in the ranks, but also in its commanders. Colonel George P. Webster, 37, a respected lawyer and Mexican War veteran, was a Democrat who had campaigned for Stephen A. Douglas for president in 1860; his second in command was Lt. Col. Christian L. Poorman, the 36-year-old editor of Ohios Belmont Chronicle, a Republican and an abolitionist. Both men had already seen action during the first year of the war.
When the 98th convened in early August at Camp Mingo, the site of an old Indian village in eastern Ohio, it was immediately apparent how different its volunteers were. One soldier described sitting at a campfire alongside men reading the Bible and singing church songs while others gambled or spouted obscenities (perhaps both).
Branum was among those from reasonably well-off, middle-class families, his father a successful local wholesale grocer. In those first few days, he would write, he felt very much depressedsurrounded by strangers, many of them inferior to me in my former class and position, yet they all seemed, as it were, over me. What would my friends at home say, to see me keeping time with my left foot, at the bidding of some Country Jake?
Within days, however, Branum fell into the rhythm of camp life, and began to enjoy the attention of civilians who flooded the camp. Children dashed through the columns of soldiers as they drilled; families sat watching in the shade trees; and young, unmarried women came out in droves.
Branum knew what lay ahead, however. I was now starting out on a dangerous life, he wrote, and might well be forced to the cannons mouth.
Further bad news had arrived from Kentucky. Confederate armies, headed by generals Edmund Kirby Smith and Braxton Bragg were threatening to converge in the Bluegrass State, while Union forces under Maj. Gen. Don Carlos Buell remained in Tennessee. Events would force the 98th Ohio to move out soon, with only a few weeks of training under its belt.
In late August the men boarded trains heading for the front. Farmers were cutting their hay, and with the women and others waved their farewells, the boys cheering in return, Branum wrote. He would refer to the men in his regiment as brothers for the first time. Never again would he write about their differences.
October 1 found the 98th on the march in search of Braggs army. The regiment was now part of the Army of the Ohios 34th Brigade, under the leadership of its former commander Colonel Webster. Seven days later at the small crossroads town of Perryville, Ky., the 98th would finally see the elephant, fighting for several crucial hours in an area later dubbed The Slaughter Pen. Private George Patton (related to the future U.S. Army legend in name only) was among those slightly wounded during a morning skirmish who missed the main battle later in the day. He was lucky. By sundown, the regiment incurred the brigades highest casualty toll. Of 822 men who reported for duty that morning, 230 were killed, wounded, or missing by the battles conclusion.
As they approached the battlefield, the men heard the roar of a ferocious artillery duel ahead. A few of the boys began to get sick, Corporal Wesley Smith Poulson later noted, but most of them seemed to walk with more ease, as if there were springs in their legs.
[quote style=boxed float=left]We could see plainly the columns of rebels approaching and their hateful flags flying[/quote]
Poulson thought of his Ohio home. As we neared the field, we met many citizens, male and female, old and young, leaving for fear they would get hurt, he wrote. Several were crying at the thought [of] their houses destroyed, their stocks killed. The people of Ohio have had no such trialsbut they have no surety that such a day will not come.
The 98th assumed its initial position in the early afternoon, just below the crest of a ridge on the right flank of Captain Samuel J. Harris 19th Indiana Light Artillery. The gunners were exchanging rounds with Confederate cannons about a mile east. The soldiers lay on the ground as shells and cannonballs flew over their heads. A few somehow fell asleep, though most clung tightly to the earth.
Shells were bursting around, Poulson wrote, and solid shot were making the soil fly up. Added Sergeant Duncan C. Milner, a former divinity student, avowed abolitionist, and Hopedale Normal School graduate: The earth we were lying on trembled from the concussion of the artillery.I saw a gunner struck by a cannon ball and knocked back 10 or 12 feet.
Later that afternoon, Branum wrote, the regiment was poised for the rebels to appear at the edge of the woods to charge our battery. The bullets soon came over our heads with a shrill, quick whiz, and we could hear them strike the fence and trees nearby.
On the right, Confederate troops had taken a hill about half a mile distant and set up artillery that enfiladed the 98ths position, causing considerable loss, Lieutenant Ellis E. Kennon wrote in his after-action report. Loud cheering then arose from the Confederates, and the Ohioans saw long lines of Alabama and Mississippi troops heading toward them. They came at us from a wood on our right flank, eight lines deep, Branum wrote. [T]hey were brave fellows, and did not seem to care for their lives, and came on directly in the face of our fire.
Meanwhile, the Confederates had overrun a battery north of the 98ths position. Roughly an hour apart in that hotly contested area of the battlefield, the Federals suffered two significant setbacks when 10th Division commander Brig. Gen. James S. Jackson was killed and 33rd Brigade leader Brig. Gen. William R. Terrilla Virginia native who had stayed loyal to the Union Armywas mortally wounded.
The Rebels were advancing on Websters left flank, using woods for cover. Then, on the 98ths front, a swarm of rebels [came] out of the woods about half a mile in front of us, Poulson remembered. When they got into open land and lines dressed, they started on double-quick shouting and hollering like wild men.
As the Confederates closed to within 90 yards, Poorman wrote, Harris battery ceased firing shell and round shot and hurled into the very bosom of the advancing host a storm of grape and canister, until the ground was literally covered with dead and mangled rebels.
Nevertheless, the Confederates displayed impeccable discipline, reforming their lines, stepping over their dead and wounded, and continuing the charge. When orders finally came to withdraw Harris battery, the crews could salvage only two of the six guns, having lost so many horses. Poorman would note that several members of the 98th stood by the remaining guns, and fired them several times in the gunners absence.
The options looked bleak for the 98th. Branum feared they were on the verge of being overrun in front and on the right, recalling, Our regiment was fast losing men.[O]ur position was untenable.
A murderous hail of musketry greeted the Federals as they rose and formed ranks. Poulson made note of the fate of one Company F man who was hit almost immediately: [T]he ball striking him in the face just below the left eye. Seeing his face so covered with blood and hearing the mournful noise he made seemed to strengthen my nerve.
Poulson fired off several rounds before a bullet shattered his right leg. Collapsing near a tree stump, he played dead as the enemy swarmed his position. I heard several balls strike the stump, he remembered, [and one Confederate] shot several times off the stumpthe barrel extended over me, having bayonet fixed and gleaming.
Leaving Poulson and other wounded comrades behind, the 98th worked its way down the ridge and then up a hill before reorganizing in a patch of woods near the tactically important Dixville Crossroads. We could see plainly the columns of rebels approaching and their hateful flags flying, Milner reported. We were then moved a little higher up the hill, and renewed the fire with terrible earnestness. Here we lost a lot of our men either killed or wounded.
Recalled Branum: [O]n this wooded hill the battle raged furiously. The enemy on both sides were slowly working up, and the bullets grew so thick that one could imagine himself among a swarm of bees.
One of those bullets found Colonel Webster, knocking him from his horse. He told me he thought he was mortally wounded, Milner wrote, and prayed for God to have mercy on his soul: Tell my dear wife and children they were last in my thoughts.
In a dispatch he sent to the Belmont Chronicle, the abolitionist Republican Poorman spoke fondly of Webster, the ardent Democrat. [He] could be seen during the whole afternoon in the thickest of the fightencouraging his men by his presence and advicemaking his new recruits do the work of veterans. His death has cast a gloom over the 98th, by whom he was highly esteemed, and over his brigade that had learned to love himan irreparable loss.
Still, the regiment Webster originally commanded had delivered more than it received. Poulson estimated that he saw three dead Rebels for every Yankee cut down, and Poorman later wrote: [The 98th] nobly stood up for an hour and a half under the fire of several regiments of the enemy, after every other [Union] regiment had fallen back on the right and left of it, and until the ammunition was completely exhausted.
The 98th was relieved near the Dixville Crossroads, where a final Confederate assault soon stalled. As a full moon rose, some Rebel soldiers began robbing Union corpses, directly under the gaze of the exhausted Federals. The men of the 98th slept that night with their rifles clenched in their hands, expecting a renewed assault by the Confederates the next day. Instead Bragg withdrew.
The ferocity and toll of the battle was even more apparent by mornings light. The boys gave shot for shot and many a dead rebel on the field in front of us, bore testimony that they did not shoot in vain, recalled Captain James M. Shane. Added Branum: I saw almost 300 of our dead, lying thick in some places, shot in every imaginable way.
Union and Confederate casualties during the battle totaled roughly 7,600. Survivors, such as Branum, reflected on how close they had come to joining the dead. I got a bullet hole through my haversack, and almost everyone had holes through his clothes, he wrote. Countless others had lost their hats, shot off their heads.
J.J. Polk, a local resident, walked the battlefield the next day. All around lay dead bodies of soldiers both Union and Confederate, he would write. I counted 410 dead men on a small part of ground[and] saw dead rebels piled up in pens like hogs. My heart grew sick.
Perryville was a tactical victory for the Confederates, but strategically it signaled the beginning of the end. Remembered by some as the Souths High Water Mark in the West, it ensured that Kentucky and its vast resources would not join the Confederacy. Coming just three weeks after Antietam had ended Robert E. Lees first Northern invasion, Perryville was another battlefield success upon which Lincoln felt he could enact his Emancipation Proclamation and stave off foreign intervention on behalf of the South.
In January 1863, the 98th proceeded to Franklin, Tenn., where the officers bivouacked at the local courthouse. In a letter home, Branum revealed how much his once-snobbish attitude had changed. A better class of men for their vocations could not be found, he wrote. All are endeared to each other fromthe pleasures and hardships of our campaigning.
Poorman returned to Ohio in June to help with Republican campaigning, and Shanedescendant of a War of 1812 herotook his place. By August the 98th was itching to fight again. The men are beginning to tire of inaction, Branum wrote. If there is any lying still to be done we will do it at home after the war.
In mid-September the 98th got its wish, but paid dearly for it at the Battle of Chickamauga. Although Branum was confined to a hospital bed with a fever during the fighting, he was compelled to listen to the roar of the battle and witness the sad scenes in the rear.[regimental surgeon] Dr. [Henry] West is up to his elbows in blood.
[quote style=boxed float=left]He was my oldest school friend, and he was shot through the body John Branum[/quote]
The young Patton, who had missed the Perryville fighting, was in the thick of the action. Our little mess of four lost two of our number, he wrote. His friend John Pollock had an arm amputated. Went to the field hospital to see Pollock, Patton wrote. Found him in good spirits. Pollock died a month later, however.
Pattons other messmate, Johnson Hammond, survived his wounds, but was left a cripple for life. Another friend was shot in the head and died instantly.
At Chickamauga the 98th had only 196 men on the field, yet lost 50 killed and wounded, and 12 captured. One of those captured, Private Huston Winters, later died at the Confederates notorious Andersonville prison camp.
By the end of November the regiment had joined Maj. Gen. William T. Shermans armies at Chattanooga and had played supporting roles at Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain, losing only half a dozen men despite several brutal encounters. During the Atlanta Campaignfought May to September 1864the 98th saw action at Buzzard Roost Gap, Resaca, Rome, Dallas, Vinings Station, Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, and Jonesboro. This was a continuously fighting, skirmishing and marching affair, Patton recalled. I think there were only three out of the more than 100 days but that the balls were passing over us and in no case did we dare to lie down at night without having barricade or rifle pits to which we might fall into.
Sherman continued trying to outflank his opponent, General Joseph E. Johnston, as he pushed toward Atlanta, but on June 27 mistakenly estimated that the Confederate army was stretched too thin and therefore vulnerable. At Kennesaw Mountain, he erred in launching a full-frontal assault. The 98th lost its latest commander, Lt. Col. James M. Shane, during that attack.
Our beloved Col. Shane is no more, and 25 or 30 of our boys are killed or wounded, Branum wrote. As the charge started ascending a wooded hill, a torrent of bullets [began] streaming through our ranks.[O]ur men fell as fast as one could count. Eventually, the assault stalled and the 98th dug in, just 50 yards from the enemy. After dark, Branum crawled forward to check the wounded. The first one I came to was Harvey [sic] McKirahan, he lamented. He was my oldest Hopedale school friend, and he was shot through the body.
Branum managed to get his friend to the rear, where he died, and then attended to Shanes body. His last words were, My poor wife, Branum wrote. I cannot express the grief that we all feel. What his poor wife will feel I fear to contemplate. Never were two more closely united in feeling and affection. Lieutenant Colonel John S. Pearce assumed command.
Kennesaw Mountain was a Confederate victory, but Johnston abandoned the position five days latera decision that helped prompt Confederate President Jefferson Davis to sack him and name the more assertive (though reckless) John Bell Hood as commander. Living up to the billing, Hood would lead more aggressively, but also suffered several devastating losses at Peach Tree Creek [see Reviews, page 60], and in two sharp encounters near Atlanta.
By the Numbers: 98th Ohio Volunteer Infantry Original Strength (August 1862) 1,018
Original Recruits Mustered Out (June 1, 1865) 318
Killed/Mortally Wounded 120
Died While incarcerated 10
Died By Sickness/Disease 123
Died by accident 4
Discharged by WoundS/Disability 230 Oct. 8, 1862 Perryville (Ky.)
36 killed
194 w/M/C* Sept. 19-20, 1863 Chickamauga (Ga.)
9 killed
54 W/M/C Nov. 26, 1863 Graysville (Ga.)
5 killed
1 W/M/C May 8, 1864 Buzzard Roost Gap (Ga.)
0 killed
1 W/M/C May 13-16, 1864 Gesaca (Ga.)
1 killed
2 W/M/C May 15, 1864 Rome (Ga.)
1 killed
0 W/M/C May 27 June 4, 1864
Dallas (Ga.) 3 killed
0 W/M/C June 27, 1864
Kennesaw Mountain (Ga.)
8 killed
39 W/M/C July 2-5, 1864 Vinings Station (Ga.)
1 killed
2 W/M/C July 19-20, 1864 Peach Tree Creek (Ga.)
1 killed
2 W/M/C July 28 Sept. 2, 1864 Siege of Atlanta (Ga.)
3 killed
3 W/M/C Aug. 31 Sept. 1, 1864 Jonesboro (Ga.)
12 killed
29 W/M/C Nov. 15 Dec. 21, 1864 March to the Sea (Ga.)
1 killed
0 W/M/C March 19-21, 1865 Bentonville (N.C.)
10 killed
22 W/M/C
The end came on September 1 at the railroad depot of Jonesboro, just south of Atlanta. There the 98th Ohio joined another charge against a fortified position. It was a terrible place to charge, being up hill, Branum wrote. [But] the troops rushed impetuously forward with cheers and flags wavingand we took the rebel works. They threw down their guns and surrendered at once.
Although more than a thousand Confederate prisoners were taken, it was a bitter victory for the 98th, with 41 killed and wounded. The next day Hood abandoned Atlanta.
On October 8two years to the date of the Battle of Perryvillerumors were circulating that Sherman was planning a great raid. Conceding that more fighting lay ahead, Branum wrote: I dare not think of home. Of our quiet rooms, pictures, and books; the dinner table; of mother.
Shermans epic March to the Sea, beginning November 15, would be a challenging but momentous experience for the Ohioans. By early December the 98th found itself near Savannah. The march had given Branum an opportunity to see the face of slavery up-close: So many ragged and half-starved Negroes, he wrote. Each plantation has its little village of huts, which were bare of the necessities of life. Indeed, it seemed as though they raised the Negroes just like animals.
Hundreds of former slaves began trailing the army. Many families of Negro women and children followed us, from grandmothers down to babiesand had nothing to eat but what was thrown away or given them by the troops, Branum wrote. The poor slaves were willing to endure anything in preference to slavery.
On December 9, though, Shermans rear guard forces, under Maj. Gen. Jefferson C. Davis command, set up pickets and stopped the black refugees from crossing swollen Ebenezer Creek, 20 miles from Savannah, casting them astray. Branum called it a pitiful sight but did allow that it could not be helped, cruel as it seemed.
[quote style=boxed float=left]The poor slaves were willing to endure anything in preference to slavery[/quote]
Just before Christmas, Savannah surrendered without a fight. On New Years Eve, fireworks lit up the city. Wrote Branum: Our country has passed through many dangers and struggles and is fast nearing the happy period of peace.
In early February 1865, the 98th crossed into South Carolina. About 50 Negroes came to our brigade today, and we met hundreds going to Savannah, Branum wrote, now so accustomed to seeing desperate, fleeing Negroes pleading for sanctuary. They will suffer great hardships, but are anxious for their freedom.
As the 98th marched on, the men came across fine homes in ashes, blackened chimneys, and torched fences and crops. Farm animals not confiscated lay dead in the fields. Lord, how wicked are we, Branum wrote, noting also the familiar sight of white women and their pretty little children left helpless. Will we ever have to atone?
By late February the Ohioans knew the war was all but over. We have conquered South Carolina [and] we can burn and destroy everything we please, Branum wrote. But where is our humanity? The motto of our Corps, on the acorn badge we wear, is bravery and humanity. I would like to see more humanity exhibited.
On a Sunday he wrote his family, The country here is hilly, and much like [Ohio]. I can imagine you all at home today. I would like to hear the old church bellonce more. By mid-March Shermans men were nearing Goldsboro, N.C., a railroad junction where they hoped to refit and rest. A soldier could now allow his imagination to run wild. Perhaps the war would end before the army left to meet up with Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grants forces.
In Virginia, Grant had Petersburg and Richmond under siege, with the Confederates ready to crack after nine months of trench warfare. Their only remaining chance was for Robert E. Lee to slip away, head west, and rendezvous with Johnston. Lee pressed Johnston to hit Sherman hard and stall his armies. On March 19, Johnston dealt his last card, assaulting Shermans left flank at Bentonville, N.C.
We heard the sound of cannon ahead, Branum wrote that morning. We well knew that an hour of trial was at hand.
That would be the last entry in his diary. Captain John W. Carson sent a letter to Branums father shortly after the three-day Battle of Bentonville, a Union victory. The lieutenant was killed at the beginning of the battle, Carson wrote. He was about three paces from me when he was struck, and though deadly as the shot was, he did not fall instantly. He turned to me and said, Im killed, Captain, then made one step towards me and fell into my arms, saying Take care of my things and send them to Mother. I laid him down slowly to the ground.
Carson and Branum had both been at Hopedale, and had volunteered together. Being old schoolmates and friends, he added, I loved him like a brother.
It was the 98ths final battle. Within weeks, both Lee and Johnston had surrendered. Though lacking Branum and so many of its original recruits, the regiment got a final day in the sun marching in the Grand Review in Washington, D.C., on May 24. Eight days later, the men mustered out, and headed home.
A regular contributor to Americas Civil War, Thomas M. Grace, Ph.D., teaches history at Erie Community College in Buffalo, N.Y.
Ohio native Allen F. Richardson, an award-winning journalist and author with a longtime passion for the Civil War, has covered living history in America, Europe, and the Middle East for the past 30 years.
A Congressional committee kept a close eye on Union generals
Report of the Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War ranks among the indispensable sources on the Union war effort. Published in eight volumes between 1863 and 1866 and reprinted and indexed by Broadfoot Publishing in 1998, this set consists of more than 5,000 pages of testimony and other documents relating to military campaigns as well as to such topics as alleged misconduct in the area of supply. Virtually every senior Union general gave testimony before the committee, addressing Gettysburg and Antietam, the campaigns in Tennessee and along Louisianas Red River, First and Second Bull Run, Balls Bluff, and many other operations. Witnesses appearing before the committee often sought to justify their own actions or to damage the reputations of others. Their testimony consequently reveals a good deal about factions within the Union high command, but it also contains a vast amount of useful detail about the planning, execution, and contemporary analysis of Union military affairs.
The Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War (JCCW) emerged out of the intensely fractious political atmosphere of late 1861. Ignominious defeat at First Bull Run on July 21 and the galling debacle at Balls Bluff on October 21 shook loyal citizens. The removal of John Charles Fremont from command in Missouri, where he had tried to strike at slavery and slaveholders, alienated Radical Republicans and abolitionists. Perhaps most important, George B. McClellans failure to mount an offensive during the late summer and autumn prompted some congressional Republicans to question the ability and even the allegiance of many Democratic generals. The death at Balls Bluff of Colonel Edward D. Baker, a Republican senator from Oregon and close friend of Abraham Lincoln, prompted a group of politicians to train an accusatory spotlight on Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone, and he became a scapegoat for Bakers lack of military ability at Balls Bluff and for Republicans unhappy with the wars progress.
[quote style=boxed float=left]The committee inspired heated reactions from supporters and critics[/quote]
A group of Republican senators and congressmen feared that professional soldiers of McClellans and Stones stripe would not wage hard war against the Rebels. Especially unhappy were Radical Republicans who hoped the conflict would kill slavery as well as restore the Union. On December 5, Senator Zachariah Chandler of Michigan called for creation of a joint congressional committee to examine events at First Bull Run and Balls Bluff. Established on December 10, the seven-man committee consisted of senators Chandler, Benjamin F. Wade of Ohio, and Andrew Johnson of Tennessee, together with congressmen George W. Julian of Indiana, John Covode of Pennsylvania, Daniel W. Gooch of Massachusetts, and Moses Fowler Odell of New York. All were Republicans except Johnson and Odell, and Wade (the chairman), Chandler, Julian, Gooch, and Covode were Radicals. Although composition of the committee changed as the war progressed, Radicals remained a powerful force in its activities.
Members of the committee considered it part of their role to provide congressional oversight of the Lincoln administrations military policies. They consistently called for offensive campaigns and demanded the removal of George B. McClellan; several also sought to drive George G. Meade from command of the Army of the Potomac, attacked other commanders deemed too timid or too Democratic, and championed officers such as Joseph Hooker and John Pope whose politics they found more congenial.
Lincoln struggled to forge policy amid cacophonous demands put forward by constituencies extending from the Radicals on one end of the spectrum to conservative Democrats on the other. As early as the fall of 1861, before the committee was formed, Lincolns secretary John Hay noted in his diary that Chandler, Wade, and others in the Jacobin club, as Hay called the Radical Republicans, had been criticizing McClellans lack of action and trying to worry the administration into a battle. In their postwar history of the Lincoln administration, Hay and John G. Nicolay described the committee as often hasty and unjust in its judgements, but always earnest, patriotic, and honest.
The committee inspired heated reactions from supporters and critics. Democratic officers called to testify typically expressed a mixture of anger and concern. On February 28, 1863, for example, McClellan, removed from command of the Army of the Potomac the preceding November, described a difficult day to his wife. I have just got back from that confounded Committee & have to appear before them again on Monday morning, he wrote. I have been under their hands for several hours & you may imagine that my brain is rather tired out. Just more than a year later, Meade confided to his wife that he detected nothing less than a conspiracy to remove him from command of the army.
Unlike McClellan, Meade retained his military position but nevertheless nursed a grudge against the politicians he saw as partisan tormentors. Democrats in general came to characterize the committee as a biased body that hounded honest officers and tried to transform a war to restore the old Union into a crusade to kill slavery.
On the Republican side, Radicals believed the JCCW served a necessary purpose to make the United States move quickly and apply its full resources against the Confederacy. Many moderate Republicans, in contrast, viewed the Committees actions with mixed feelings.
Students of the Civil War should be thankful for the JCCWs Report. Here is much of the story of how the North struggled to define its objectives, find its leaders, and construct a winning strategy. Debates over the fate of slaves who made their way to Union lines, whether to add emancipation to the nations war aims, and how harshly to treat rebel civilians and their property all figure prominently in the Report. Indeed, a full understanding of the political and military history of the Army of the Potomac is impossible without reference to the Committees evidentiary record, as is a proper appreciation of the degree to which George B. McClellan dominated much of the early-war period.
It is no exaggeration to state that few published sources so clearly illuminate the often chaotic process by which the United States struggled to manage an event of cataclysmic proportions.
Fought across the length and breadth of South Vietnam, the 1968 Tet Offensive ended in a military defeat for the Communists but, according to conventional wisdom, crippled President Lyndon B. Johnson politically and undermined public support for the war because of its scale and casualties. While broadly correct, the accepted narrative gets key aspects of the Tet Offensive wrong, as Edwin E. Moise demonstrates forcefully in The Myths of Tet.
In Vietnam, the U.S. military relied on statistical metricsincluding the oft-derided body count and routine intelligence estimates of enemy combat strengthto measure progress on the ground. By 1967, intelligence officers at Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, under pressure from elements inside the organization and the Johnson administration, were engaged in a deliberate attempt to falsify estimates of enemy combat forces listed in the monthly Order of Battle Summary. Analysts at the CIA argued that the MACV numbers grossly underestimated enemy strength in South Vietnam.
Mining a dizzying array of archival materials, Moise, a history professor at Clemson University, covers the order of battle dispute in exceptional detail and exposes the depths to which MACV falsified the numbers on enemy strength in the months preceding the Tet Offensive. Stunningly, MACV later acknowledged that Communist forces in South Vietnam in February 1968, after nearly a month of heavy casualties, still exceeded the enemy-strength estimates released before the attacks.
The lower estimates reinforced the public relations campaign the White House initiated in the fall of 1967 to convince Americans that the United States and its allies were winning in Vietnam. Gen. William Westmoreland told reporters in November that Communist forces had not won a significant battle in more than a year.
Striking suddenly in January 1968 during the Tet Lunar New Year celebration, the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong targeted Saigon and other sites all across the country, shocking Washington and calling into question the optimistic statements by Westmoreland and other military officials.
Contrary to many accounts of the offensive, the initial Communist attacks were not especially well-planned or carefully coordinated. The attacks were set for the first night of Tet, but there was confusion over whether the modified North Vietnamese calendar or the more traditional South Vietnamese calendar would be used for the start date.
As a result, some Communist units attacked on Jan. 30, rather than Jan. 31. Many units did not receive orders to attack until late January, leaving commanders little time to develop assault plans. Others arrived too late, despite marching for hours in the hot sun, to attack on the first night of the offensive.
Moise reveals that the fighting lasted longer and was considerably more costly than is often acknowledged. Echoing many early histories of the offensive, U.S. Sen. John McCain, for example, recently claimed that only in Hue and at Khe Sanh did major operations continue longer than a week. Yet four of the deadliest weeks for American forces in Vietnam occurred between Feb. 11 and March 9, long after major operations had purportedly ceased. The offensive killed about 3,800 Americans, nearly four times the number often given.
Fittingly, an entire chapter is devoted to the medias coverage and portrayal of the Tet Offensive, a contentious subject among scholars and historians. The media impact on public opinion was more complex than many realize. A Gallup poll taken in February, after the initial reports of the attacks, indicated that 61 percent still considered themselves hawks rather than doves on the war. By March, after weeks of unrelenting combat and mounting American casualties, only 41 percent considered themselves hawks.
The Myths of Tet is a balanced, thoughtful and, quite frankly, long overdue correction to the mistruths, half-truths and outright falsehoods surrounding the Tet Offensive.
First published in Vietnam magazines February 2018 issue.
It was the moment Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie had dreamed of since Benito Mussolinis army had taken over Addis Ababa and gained control of Ethiopia five years earlier. On May 5, 1941, the emperor jubilantly reentered the capital city in an open car captured from the Italians.
Leading the parade on a prancing white horse was Lt. Col. Orde Wingate, a small, fierce-faced man smartly turned out in a British Army uniform and sporting a pith helmet. Gleeful supporters poured down from the neighboring hills, while thousands of members of a local partisan group called the Patriots, as well as British, Kenyan, and South African soldiers, lined the streets, waving British and Ethiopian flags. Lt. Gen. Alan Cunningham, commander of the British forces in East Africa, welcomed Selassie in an official ceremony full of toasts and speeches. That night, the emperor slept in his own palace, the Little Ghebbi.
Haile Selassies triumphant return to Addis Ababa, carefully orchestrated by a Britain desperate for some good news in its lonely war against the Axis, symbolized the end of the Italian occupation of Ethiopia. Several weeks later, the Italians there would surrender to the British, a critical early Allied victory in World War II. And at the heart of that victory was the controversial, iconoclastic and many would say brilliant Wingate.
Wingate certainly had his faults and peculiarities. He had a penchant for conducting staff meetings while emerging naked from the bath, and often wore an onion on a cord around his neck, believing it to be medicinally imperative. Bouts of depression laid him low at the most inopportune times. His hypercritical views of the British Army rubbed many of his commanders and subordinates the wrong way, and even his admirers were struck by his visceral, often instantaneous unpopularity.
For all that, he was later referred to as a genius by no less than Winston Churchill for his daring exploits as the leader of the Chindits, the special guerrilla force in Burma that would play such a vital role in 1944 and 1945 in turning the tide in favor of the Allies in the Far East against a much larger Japanese army.
But it was in Ethiopia in early 1941, and to a lesser extent in Palestine in the 1930s, that Wingate developed the long-range penetration guerrilla tactics that would make his more famous exploits so successful. In Ethiopia he led a group of specially trained Anglo-Ethiopian guerrillas that he dubbed the Gideon Force, after the biblical hero who destroyed a much larger enemy with only a few hundred men. His men infiltrated Italian lines, provided critical intelligence to the British High Command, and sowed panic with swift, brutal night raids. Wingate capped off the campaign in May 1941 by persuading 12,000 Italian troops to surrender to his 2,000-man force. As his colleague Sir Wilfred Thesiger later mused, Wingate deserved a knighthood for what he did in Ethiopia.
Wingates unconventional youth
Orde Wingates upbringing shaped him into the cantankerous, intransigent character he became. Born in India in 1903, he was raised in England by a strict, fervently religious family with military roots (T. E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, was a distant cousin). From a very young age, he was encouraged to be bold and self-reliantwhich could and did foster rebelliousness.
At the Army Equestrian School at Weedon, Wingate annoyed his instructors by interrupting mealtimes with harangues on such polarizing subjects as Marxism, which he claimed to embrace. As one contemporary recalled, He and I had one basic common belief: Regulations are made by sods for fools, and they are to be circumvented and not obeyed where inconvenient.
By young adulthood, Wingate was suffering from undiagnosed clinical depression. Some have suggested that he exhibited classic symptoms of bipolar disorder. He would experience extreme highs and lowsflashes of confident exuberance, punctuated by what he described as nervous attacks, or his particular curse. Whatever the correct label, his mood fluctuations only underscored his growing reputation for peculiarity and unpredictability.
Early on, Wingate was greatly influenced by his fathers cousin, Sir Reginald Wingate, whom Orde called Cousin Rex. A retired army general who had served as governor-general of Sudan from 1899 to 1916 and high commissioner of Egypt from 1917 to 1919, Cousin Rex instilled in Wingate a keen interest in Middle Eastern politics and culture that over the years would curdle into obsession.
Wingate was accepted into the Sudan Defence Force in April 1925 and posted to the East Arab Corps. The SDF was considered quite glamorous in many ways a precursor to the British Special Air Service and other special ops forces that were created during and after the war. Wingate served on the Ethiopian border, where the SDF prowled for slave traders and ivory poachers.
As Wingate moved away from regular patrolling to conducting baited ambushes, he honed the tactics that he would later use so well in Palestine, Ethiopia, and Burma.
His efforts did not go unnoticed. After one such mission, in which Wingates men killed one poacher and captured 13 more, Sudans governor general praised him for his great dash and judgment.
Nonetheless, Wingate made a mixed impression on his fellow officers. While they lauded his performance, they were put off by his scruffy appearance, his habitual nudity, and his tendency to make known his extreme political views. At one point, the colonel in command of the East Arab Corps warned him to keep his opinions to himself: I dont like the things that you say, and I dont like you.
Although compromise was not in Wingates nature, he knew he had to be at least outwardly mindful of such rebukes, for he had come to believe that the army was his path to greatness. I cannot be a nobody, he wrote home from Sudan. I cannot be nothing!
In 1933, Wingate returned to Great Britain, where he was assigned to retrain British artillery units. Three years later, he was posted to Palestine as an intelligence officer. It was unquestionably a turning point for him, as his ideas on special operations employing irregular forces began to coalesce.
Special Night Squads formed
In Palestine, he also found an outlet for his passion and energy. Wingate immediately identified with Jewish political leaders and, though he was not Jewish, became an ardent Zionist committed to the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine. Wingate later explained that his empathy stemmed in part from bullying he had suffered as a young boy. He admired the Jews for refusing, like him, to give up in the face of persecution.
Wingate proposed using small assault units of heavily armed Jewish commandos to combat Arab uprisings, and Lt. Gen. Archibald Wavell, then a commander of British forces in Palestine, approved the idea. In June 1938, the so-called Special Night Squads were created, with Wingate assigned to train them and lead their patrols. Most of their actions consisted of ambushing Arab saboteurs who were attacking British pipelines, but Wingate also led brutal reprisal raids on villages suspected of harboring the saboteurs.
For his work with the Special Night Squadswhich helped to quell Arab uprisings and taught a future generation of Israeli generals how to fightWingate was awarded Britains Distinguished Service Order. But his increasing involvement with Zionism disturbed some of his superiors, one of whom labeled him a security risk. When a fellow officer pointed out that there were two sides to the Palestine problem, Wingate replied, I know that. I just happen to be on the right side.
Once again undermined by his passion and personality, Wingate was removed from command in 1939 and ordered back to Great Britain.
ethiopia becomes pivotal
After Italy declared war on France and Great Britain on June 10, 1940, the Allies concluded that the liberation of Ethiopia was essential to their success in Africa or, at the very least, to protecting the pivotal British supply routes on the Suez Canals Red Sea flank. In late June, the British government promised to restore Haile Selassie to the throne and transported him from England, where he had been living since the Italians banished him in 1936, back to Africa, where they hoped his arrival would galvanize his countrymen to fight back against the Italians.
The British regular forces needed the help: They were stretched thin and vastly outnumbered by the Italians. General Wavell had 80,000 British and Commonwealth troops at his disposal to handle potential conflicts in Libya, Iraq, and East Africa; the Italians had some 250,000 soldiers in East Africa alone. At a meeting in October attended by the emperor, it was agreed that irregular forces would be a critical part of the plan to seize Ethiopia from Italy.
Meanwhile, Wingate was commanding an antiaircraft unit in England and itching to get back into action, preferably somewhere he could put his theories on guerrilla warfare to use. Fortunately for Wingate, he had an admirer in Wavell, who requested his assistance with the upcoming Ethiopian campaign.
In December 1940, Wavell convened a conference in Cairo on the upcoming East African offensive. Wingate elaborated there on the guerrilla tactic he proposed: long-range penetration, which he described as regular warfare behind enemy lines. He called for the creation of a small force of well-armed, highly disciplined men that could paralyze much larger forces. The troops would need to have a unified command and a clear objective in this case, ejecting the Italians from Ethiopia and restoring Selassie to the throne.
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Wavell approved the plan, and so was born the Gideon Forcecomposed of 2,000 veteran Sudanese and Ethiopian soldiers, several mortars, and 18,000 camels (to carry men and supplies), and led by some 70 British officers and NCOs. On New Years Eve, an ebullient Wingate dashed off a two-and-a-half-page letter to British headquarters reflecting on his vision and his hopes for what lay ahead: Every weapon, every round, every vehicle, gall of petrol, pound of gelignite, that comes now is going to its destination under the enemys ribs.
By the beginning of 1941, the British had orchestrated a plan of attack in Ethiopia. Lt. Gen. William Platt, who commanded the Sudan Defence Force, would move in from northern Sudan, and General Cunningham would advance from Kenya into southern Ethiopia. Wingate would press forward into the Gojjam Province in northwest Ethiopia, isolating and taking several fortresses and cutting the road between Addis Ababa and Debra Markos, the capital of Gojjam. The Gideon Force would also escort Haile Selassie back into his country in a series of staged moves. In Gojjam, Wingate would meet up with Col. Daniel Sandford, who was already leading a force of native partisans known as the Patriots in an operation called Mission 101.
By now Wingates fondness for Haile Selassiewhom Wingate had first met in Sudan in 1940, and whose temporary residence some 30 miles south of Khartoum, the Pink Palace, he visited regularlyhad deepened into a zealous protectiveness. Wingate was inspired by the David-and-Goliath aspect of the emperors mission and by its motifs of resurrection and rebirth. Convinced that Haile Selassie had been unjustly robbed of his kingdom, Wingate preached to his officers the moral imperative of liberating small, oppressed nations like Ethiopia, and gave a similar message to the emperor.
I told him, Wingate later wrote, that he should take as his motto an ancient proverb found in Gese, If I am not for myself, who will be for me? and trust in the justice of his cause.
Gideon force mobilizes
In the first weeks of 1941, the Gideon Force moved into the Gojjam Province. Leading the way was Wingate, occasionally wearing an alarm clock on his wrist as a lesson to his soldiers in punctuality. On January 20, Haile Selassie planted the royal flag on Ethiopian soil for the first time in five years. Wingate was at his side, having choreographed every aspect of the emperors historic returndown to insisting on a proper flagpole.
The Emperor proposes to haul the flag up himself, so we dont want anything to go wrong, he warned his men.
In early February, Selassie and Wingate arrived in Belaya in the Gojjam Province, where the emperor established his headquarters. From there, the Gideon Force launched its Ethiopian campaign in earnest, intimidating the Italians with a shrewd blend of propaganda and force, of surprise and bluff. For starters, Wingates men rallied the Ethiopians by speaking through powerful loudspeakers and megaphones, as well as distributing tens of thousands of handbills (printed on the Gideon Forces portable press) to announce the emperors return. The tactic not only encouraged Ethiopians to desert the Italian army but further rattled the already skittish Italians.
Wingate knew that they must move as quickly as possible toward Debra Markos, some 100 miles to the southeast. A delay might give the enemy a chance to decipher the Gideon Forces weaknesses, namely, its inferior numbers. His goal was to besiege the Italian garrisons with nighttime attacks in the hope that the Italians whom he despised as soldiers would assume they were facing a far greater force than they actually were.
The vivid imagination of the enemy was always ready to picture a company as a division for the first two days following its appearance, he explained. It was essential to maintain the element of surprise, if benefit were to be obtained from his credulity and cowardice.
The Gideon Force thus pursued enemy encampments along the road to Debra Markos with one piercing night attack after another. Wingates men functioned much like the World War I trench raid teams: crawling up to the enemy camp, unleashing grenades and mortar shells, and then evaporating into the night.
Wingate himself leads raids
Wingate led as many raids as he could. Some in the British High Command criticized this practice as heedless showmanship. But Abraham Akavia, Wingates aide in Ethiopia, insisted Wingates leadership by example was sound, because it raised the morale and the fighting abilities of such a small force, by providing men with his personal example and the officers with continual tactical training. In addition, as the record of these operations clearly proves, the chances of success were much higher when Wingate personally took part in the action.
In fact, Wingate built up a strong camaraderie with those in his force. As Akavia wrote after one attack: As usual, Wingate demanded fast movement, mobility being one of the main advantages of the Gideon Force, and he rushed from one place to the other, goading everybody to superhuman effortand his shouts seemed to have an immediate effect on the soldiers who admired so much this strange Britisher, who had led them so successfully to battle and had shared in all of their perils and discomforts throughout the fighting.
After a brief battle at a fort near Debra Markos, the Italians finally deserted the city on April 3, 1941. At the same time, Italian forces under Prince Amedeo, the Duke of Aosta, pulled out of Addis Ababa and headed north toward the mountains of Amba Alagi. On April 5, after the South African Air Force had bombed Addis Ababa, British regular troops under General Cunningham occupied the city. The next day, Haile Selassie entered Debra Markos.
By May 1941 the Italian efforts were falling apart all over Ethiopia. But other strategic issues were weighing on the British: Greece had fallen to the Axis, and Gen. Erwin Rommel was advancing into the western desert. A speedy resolution to the Ethiopian campaign was imperative.
The Gideon Force concentrated on ensuring Haile Selassies safe and celebratory march from Debra Markos to Addis Ababa early that May, on the fifth anniversary of the citys capture by the Italians. Wingate wrote part of the conclusion of the speech that Haile Selassie gave to his followers in the capital a testimony to how close the two men had become:
St. George who slew the dragon, he wrote, is the patron both of us and of our allies. We should therefore fasten our friendship forever in an indissoluble bond, to defeat this ungodly and newly appointed dragon that vexes mankind. Our allies are our friends and our own blood. Take them to your hearts!
Selassie warmly returned the sentiment: After the East African campaign, the emperor sent Wingate four gold rings in appreciation of all that he had done.
Bluffing the italians
With the emperor firmly installed, the Gideon Force left Addis Ababa to join Mission 101, which was harassing Col. Severio Maraventanos withdrawing troops. But the Patriots faced a debilitating shortage of food and arms, and just as he reached them, Wingate received orders to stop chasing Maraventano and help British forces elsewhere.
Instead, he pretended that he could not decipher the message and continued to fight.
Maraventano, too, was running out of food, arms, and medical supplies, setting the stage for Wingates final triumph in Ethiopia. Nearly out of ammunition himself, though, he could not rely on the Gideon Force to take the Italians by arms.
It was time to bluff.
Wingate sent Maraventano a letter indicating that he was about to be joined by many additional troops, as well as large-scale air reinforcements. He also stressed that unless Maraventano surrendered, his troops would be left to the mercy of the Patriots, thus playing on the Italians deep-seated fear of the partisans: brutal captors who were said to castrate their prisoners.
Maraventano pondered the message, but not for long. On May 23, 1941, he surrendered his 12,000-man force to Wingate. It was a spectacular bluff: not only were no reinforcements of any kind expected, but Wingates force of 2,000 men was dwarfed by the size of the Italian army. Within days, the Duke of Aosta and Gen. Guglielmo Nasi surrendered also, and the Italian reign in Ethiopia was over.
It should have been a victory to relish. Wingates long-range penetration tactics had proven extremely effective, the emperor had been reinstalled, and he had beaten vast and potentially overwhelming forces. But his temperament again tarnished his success. Wingates behavior, unpredictable and often uncalled for, had instigated clashes with several British colleagues throughout the campaign, and once, infuriated by a minor transgression, Wingate shocked onlookers by smacking his Ethiopian translator in the face.
wingate pens appalling report
Ultimately, Wingates renegade exploits in Ethiopia only reinforced the view held by many of his superiors that he was arrogant and defiant, and should be kept on a very short leash. As soon as Wingate and the Gideon Force delivered their Italian POWs to Addis Ababa, he was summoned to headquarters in Harar, where he was informed that the Gideon Force was being disbanded immediately, and was ordered to leave for headquarters in Cairo. It was an ignominious end, and Wingate was particularly incensed that he was forced to leave East Africa without saying goodbye to Haile Selassie.
In Cairo, Wingate was for the most part ignored, if not outright ostracized. And he did himself no favors by writing a self-serving, vitriolic report on the Ethiopian campaign. In highlighting his stringent views on the use of long-range penetration, he also indicted the entire British campaign. He portrayed the British NCOs who served under him as the scum of the army, described some of his commissioned officers as mediocre and inferior, and called his signalers lazy, ill-trained and sometimes cowardly. And he labeled generals Cunningham and Platt military apes for having the gall to shut down his Gideon Force.
Even Wingates staunchest supporters were appalled. The document would almost have justified my placing him under arrest for insubordination, Wavell later said.
By the summer of 1941, all Wingates thoughts and hopes were falling on angry, deaf ears. In early July, ill with the malaria he had contracted in Ethiopia and deeply depressed, he stabbed himself in his hotel room, but was discovered before he bled to death. Word of Wingates suicide attempt reverberated throughout Cairo, fueling the empathy of those supporters who felt that he had been shabbily treated and the unmitigated contempt of his enemies. One of his superiors visited him in the hospital, only to hiss, You bloody fool. Why didnt you use a revolver?
Wingate traveled back to England in September 1941. Unbowed, his first words to his doctor were, You know, I am not the only great soldier who has tried to commit suicide. There was Napoleon, for instance.
wingate reapplies tactics with chindits
At the urging of several backers Cousin Rex included who were in a position to help Wingate resurrect his reputation as an innovative leader and tactician, he toned down his report on the Ethiopian campaign and resubmitted it. The new version, which jettisoned much of the inflammatory language of the first and stressed his recommendations for future guerrilla operations, was then circulated at the highest levels, eventually reaching Winston Churchill.
Impressed with its insights, Churchill referred it to Wavell, by then commander in chief of the Far Eastern theater.
It was the reprieve of a lifetime for Wingate and a stroke of good fortune for the Allied forces there. In early 1942, Wavell called Wingate to Burma and asked him to command irregular forces that would operate behind Japanese lines, much like the Gideon Force had done in Ethiopia. Wingate quickly formed what some historians consider the most controversial British unit of the war, the Chindits.
Over the next three years the Chindits would refine the concept of long-range penetration Wingate had conjured in Palestine and Ethiopia, sending hardcore special forces (including Americans) deep into the jungle, often behind enemy lines, to cut Japanese lines of communication, collect intelligence, and otherwise wreak havoc.
Despite their successes in Burma, however, the Chindits suffered heavy casualties, leading many to question the units overall strategy and relative merit. But Wingate would never have to defend his brainchild. In March 1944, the Chindits were several weeks into a major operationand at the height of their popularity with the British High Commandwhen Wingate was killed in a plane crash as he was flying from Burma to a conference in India.
It seems that it was only in death, and even then a bit obliquely, that Wingate finally received the admiration and appreciation he had so intensely desired. There was a man of genius, Churchill told the House of Commons after Wingates death, who might well have become also a man of destiny.
Originally published in the April 2010 issue of World War II magazine.
What if Frank Andrews had survived his 1943 air crash?
The American presidents personal airport is named for him. Gen. George C. Marshall referred to him as the only potential commander of Operation Overlord that he had a chance to prepare all around. Yet when the B-24 bomber carrying Lt. Gen. Frank Maxwell Andy Andrews crashed into the side of an Icelandic mountain in May 1943, his historical legacy perished as instantly as he did. In fact, no full biography of the namesake of Andrews Air Force Base has ever been published.
The man thus consigned to oblivion59 years old when he diedonce commanded such famed air warriors as H. H. Hap Arnold, Carl A. Spaatz, and James H. Doolittle. Before the war, he put his career on the line to champion a heavy bomber that army brass thought too expensive, the now-legendary B-17. From 1939 to 1940, he presided over Americas mobilization for World War II as assistant chief of staff for operations (G-3), becoming the first airman to serve on the General Staff. He held three theaterwide commands, with responsibility for all American land, air, and sea forces: the Caribbean, the Middle East, and then Europe.
Andrews took command of the European theater from Lt. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower after the Allies Casablanca Conference in January 1943, which he attended. While Ike led the campaign to drive Axis forces from North Africa, Andrews directed the strategic bombing campaign against the Germans and began the buildup for a widely anticipated cross-Channel invasion.
Clearly, Andrews would have played an important role in the Normandy invasion had he lived. Indeed, after the war, colleagues and family members of the fallen general suggested he might have ended up in command of D-Day and the warfare that followed. That question remains intriguing today, and it leads to another question, just as profound: Would the Great Crusade have taken a different course with Andrews in charge?
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Andrews graduated in 1906 from West Point, where he acquired a lifelong devotion to horsemanship. He would later ride and socialize at army polo events with George S. Patton Jr. and other future generals. In 1917, after eight years of cavalry service, Andrews decided he preferred a mightier steed. The following year, at the relatively advanced age of 34, he earned his wings at Rockwell Field near San Diego, California.
He rose steadily through the ranks of the armys aviation force. In 1935, army chief of staff Gen. Douglas MacArthur chose him to lead a new combat command called the General Headquarters (GHQ) Air Force. Time magazine found the hire notable: Not since [Theodore Roosevelt] jacked John Joseph Pershing from captain to brigadier general in 1906 had the Army seen so notable a promotion as that which promised last week to elevate Frank Andrews from lieutenant colonel to brigadier general. A onetime cavalryman, Col. Andrews is tough, fiftyish, handsome. Army wives call him the best-looking man in service, like to remember the romantic thrill he gave them in 1914 by taking his bride on a horseback honeymoon in Virginia.
Andrewss men remembered him as a pilot of consummate skill who would fly in any weather. In 1935, at the controls of a B-12, he broke three world speed records formerly held by Charles Lindbergh. Asked later whether he wasnt tempting fate with all the time he spent aloft, Andrews replied, I dont want to be one of those generals who die in bed.
Andrews used his command to push for more resources and greater autonomy for the armys fliers, and recommended that Boeings new, long-range heavy bomber, the B-17, become the backbone of the air power program. In late 1935, newly appointed army chief of staff Gen. Malin Craig and secretary of war Harry H. Woodring overruled Andrews and canceled the B-17 order, reasoning that the army could buy twice as many lighter, shorter-range B-18 Bolos for the same price as the B-17s. Andrewss bomber advocacy put him so at odds with his superiors that many expected him to retire when his appointment ended in 1939. He didnt, and the army dispatched him to a minor position at a Texas base as he reverted to his permanent rank of colonel.
Andrews was not in the wilderness for long. He had made such a favorable impression on Marshall while at GHQ Air Force that Marshall, who succeeded Craig as chief of staff, chose him as his G-3 in the summer of 1939. Marshall later said he had refused to take up his appointment as chief of staff unless he could have Andrews.
Marshall went on to pluck Eisenhower, Patton, Spaatz, Mark Clark, and other officers from positions of lower seniority, grooming them as key commanders in the war that just about everyone in Washington knew was coming. But it was Andrews he reached for first.
As G-3, Andrews was in charge of the U.S. Armys organization and training. In the 15 months he held that position, the army grew from fewer than 200,000 men to more than 600,000. In late May 1940, as Germanys bold panzer tactics were playing a key role in the fall of France, Andrews convened a meeting of maneuver commanders that led to the creation of the first armored divisions in U.S. Army history.
In November 1940 Marshall moved Andrews to Panama, where he assumed overall command of the Caribbean theater and was charged with guarding the Panama Canal and other American interests against perceived threats from Germany and Japan. Two years later Marshall put Andrews in command of American forces in the Middle East. At his Cairo headquarters and on trips as far afield as Baghdad and Tehran, Andrews worked closely with civilian and military leaders from Britain and other Allied nations.
As he took up his London post in February 1943, Andrews told reporters his goals were to escalate the strategic bombing of German-held territory and to prepare for the reception of the large U.S. forces who undoubtedly will be brought to the United Kingdom.
Behind the scenes, he encountered frustrations in pursuing these aims. Troop strength in the European theater fell by nearly half from October 1942 to the end of April 1943, as men and aircraft were diverted to other theaters. Subduing North Africa took far longer and required many more troops than had been expected. The fight against Uboats was succeeding, but bomber forces were being diverted from the air campaign over Europe to escort convoys.
The story of Andrewss brief tenure in London, then, is a story of great potential rather than major accomplishments. The events of May 3, 1943, would make that potential his legacy.
Andrews and his staff took off that morning for a brief inspection tour of American forces in Iceland. His B-24 was ordered to land at the base in Prestwick, Scotland, for a weather briefing; instead it flew on, even after the crew was advised of the poor flying conditions over Iceland: overcast, with a ceiling of 800 feet, visibility one mile, and heavy icing likely at an altitude of only 1,000 feet.
Those who knew the general would differ in later years over whether he was piloting the aircraft as it reached the skies over Iceland. Whatever the case, after a low-altitude pass over an RAF airstrip, the plane did not respond to a beacon offering the all-clear to land. Soon thereafter, weaving through the low clouds in an apparent effort to find the main field at Reykjavik, it struck a rocky promontory. Only the tail gunner survived.
Given the progression of commands Marshall gave Andrews, and the fact that he was named to the London post at a time when Allied leaders still hoped to carry out a cross-Channel invasion in 1943, the question inevitably arises: Would Andrews have been the D-Day commander, had he lived?
In 1969 and 1970, historian Murray Green raised it with dozens of former army and air force generals. Fourteen said they believed Andrews had been destined to lead Operation Overlord. He would have been the Eisenhower, at least, if not more, Doolittle told Green. He was a great man, of great breadth of concept, and he would have been one of the truly great leaders if he had survived.
Marshall himself addressed that topic in interviews conducted by biographer Forrest C. Pogue in the mid-1950s. He observed that Andrews had a real preparatory course for the assignment. He was the first one I was able, you might say, to graduate for his job through the various holdings, Marshall said. When Pogue asked him directly whether he had intended to put Andrews in charge of the invasion, Marshall replied, It hadnt reached that point. But he went on to recite the commands through which he had rotated Andrews, concluding that Andrews was the only one I had a chance to prepare all around.
The man interviewing Marshall came away unconvinced that the architect of American military strategy had intended to put Andrews in charge of the invasion. In Organizer of Victory, the third volume of his Marshall biography, Pogue dismisses that notion as a conceit floated by friends of Andrews. Friends and family did speculate after the war that the fateful inspection trip to Iceland had really been the first leg of a secret mission to Washington, where Andrews would be named the Overlord commander.
But all available evidence suggests otherwise. In fact, he died at about the same time Allied leaders realized they could not mount the invasion until 1944.
Between September and December of 1943, it appeared certain that Marshall himself would run the operation. Once various factors combined to rule out that option, Eisenhower was universally viewed as the logical choice, in part because, as Pogue notes, he had already worked closely with the British and had Marshalls full confidence. Andrews would have met those two standards, and had the advantage of incumbency. It would have been a tough call.
And what if he had led the invasion? It is impossible to know for certain how he might have handled the decisions Ike faced on June 4, 5, and 6; the commencement and conduct of the invasion itself might have been much the same.
But Andrews showed himself to be much more of a risk-taker than Eisenhower, and command decisions in the months following might have been quite different.
Andrews might, for instance, have been more inclined to direct resources to his old friend Patton as he pushed toward Metz, Nancy, and the German border in August 1944. He might have let the Sixth Army Group cross the Rhine River after reaching it in late November, rather than halting the advance as Eisenhower did.
With Allied troops completely encircling massive German forces, the war might have ended by Christmas, sparing hundreds of thousands of lives.
Then again, a more aggressive push across the Rhine might have stretched forces and supply lines too thin, allowing the Germans to mount a successful counterattack.
And there could have been political trouble. Although Andrews was an artful diplomat, he harbored serious doubts about Churchills intentions. In April 1943, Andrews confided to his deputy theater commander, Maj. Gen. H. C. Ingles, that he had come to believe the British wanted to shift the main effort to the Mediterranean area and did not want Germany destroyed.
The clear inference was that Andrews thought Britain wanted to retain an armed German state as a buffer against Soviet expansionism in postwar Europe. If such episodes of mistrust had continued to bedevil Andrewss relationships with the British during and after the D-Day invasion, the impact on the Allied war effort could have been disastrous.
Still, if Andrews had been tapped as the commander of Operation Overlord, and done as well or better than Ike did in Europe, what then? He would have been Eisenhower, said air power pioneer Alexander de Seversky. He would have been president of the U.S.
News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits.
Tuesday, October 25, 4:30 7 p.m.
Orr Area EMS Open House
Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798.
Orr Fire Hall
4540 Lake St., Orr
Tuesday, October 25, 12 6 p.m.
Essentia Health Job Fair
Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org.
901 9th St. N., Virginia
Its Thursday night in The Button Factory and a diverse crowd is beginning to assemble inside. Theres the fluoro club kids, the art school scenesters, old punks in patched up biker jackets, and a peculiar looking man standing alone wearing a USSR military style visor cap with a fluffy pink feather boa adorning his shoulders.
The producer of Riot Days by Pussy Riot Theatre , Alexander Cheparukhin steps onto the stage to introduce tonight's show and the horde is temporarily united in silence, until an explosion of unintelligible whooping breaks the sound barrier as Pussy Riots Maria Alyokhina stomps out.
Its been two years since Maria Alyokhina and Nadya Tolokno were freed from a Siberian high security prison after being arrested for performing their 40 second punk prayer in Moscows Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The prayer, which went something like Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Chase Putin Out earned Pussy Riot worldwide acclaim and a media storm ensured their anti Putin, anti Church message stayed firmly in the headlines.
The Northern Irish punk rock band will play in Limelight, Belfast on December 1, before making their way to The Academy, Dublin on December 2.
Having celebrated their 40th Anniversary with a tour in 2016, The Undertones have kept the gigging going well into 2017. They'll be playing in Belfast and Dublin this weekend, and we can't wait to welcome them back!
Tickets from 25, including booking fee, are still available. See theundertones.com for more details.
Have a listen to what made the lads famous in the first place...
Eaton Corp. will shut down its light factory in Houston, laying off 52 workers.
The Irish power management company notified employees earlier this month that it will permanently close its Eaton Crouse-Hinds facility at 3530 South Sam Houston Parkway East, because of "competitive market conditions" in the harsh and hazardous lighting business.
"(The decision) is in no way a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the employees," a spokeswoman said in an email. "We regret the impact that this decision will have on our employees and their families, and will ensure these actions are carried out with care and concern for all employees involved."
Eaton's Sam Houston Parkway facility manufactures Pauluhn-branded LED lights for offshore oil rigs, oil refineries and petrochemical plants as well as fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lights. Production of explosion-resistant lights will move from Houston to Eaton facilities in Roanoke, Va., Changzhou, China, and Ixztapalapa, Mexico. The move is expected to begin in December and be completed by the end of March.
The closure affects all of the manufacturing and support staff employees at the Houston plant, except for those who may be offered and accept transfers to other Eaton locations, according to the company's Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act letter. Eaton has four other facilities in the Houston area, and employs nearly 1,200 employees across Texas. The company plans to provide severance, separation and outplacement assistance to its laid-off employees.
Some local entities, such as Telecheck in Sugar Land and the East Houston Regional Medical Center, have closed because of damage from Hurricane Harvey.
Eaton, however, said closure of its Houston plant was not due to the storm and its devastating flooding.
Eaton's Crouse-Hinds division was formerly part of Houston-based Cooper Industries, which was acquired by Eaton in a $13 billion deal in 2012.
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Sandra Aguilar nabbed her Cyber Monday deal early as she juggled the morning hassles of motherhood.
Before leaving home, she ordered a bargain-priced sound system to amplify her TV. Shortly after noon, she arrived at a Walmart store in Katy to pick it up. She scanned a barcode on her smartphone at the store's bright orange Pickup Tower, and an associate lifted it into her shopping cart minutes later. Her baby, riding along, hardly fussed.
"It's really convenient," she said. "You don't have to deal with three kids while shopping."
Cyber Monday was expected to be the largest online shopping day in U.S. history, and even traditional retailers are rushing to catch up as consumer habits shift further toward speed and convenience. More than ever, consumers are seeking steep discounts, faster delivery and the hassle-free promise of in-store pickup for online orders.
Consumers spent a record $6.59 billion online on Monday, a 16.8 percent increase from last year's $5.6 billion, Adobe Digital Insights reported. By comparison, the firm recorded $4 billion spent online that day in 2014.
Shoppers also set a new record for mobile devices, which accounted for $2 billion in sales for the first time.
The National Retail Federation, citing lower unemployment and higher consumer confidence, anticipates overall holiday spending in November and December to rise between 3.6 percent and 4 percent, up from $655.8 billion last year. But continuing a trend of the last several years, e-commerce will record the strongest gains.
Holiday promotions began even earlier this year, and price wars have become especially fierce online as retailers compete for shopper loyalty against Amazon.com and other e-commerce giants. In its inaugural survey of 100 retail executives, global accounting firm BDO found that nearly 70 percent of respondents believed that price competition would be their biggest challenge this holiday season.
"This is going to be a very discount- and promotion-driven season," said Natalie Kotlyar, the firm's retail and consumer business leader.
Many retailers have continued upping the ante with perks like free shipping, which more consumers have come to expect amid the rise of Amazon Prime and other services that expedite delivery. Retail analytics company DynamicAction, in partnership with Accenture, found that retailers have shipped 51 percent more orders for free this season than last.
Jill Standish, Accenture's senior managing director for global retail, said the battle to slash prices and deliver goods for less money could eat into retail earnings this season even as consumers spend more freely.
"When you're trying to woo as many people as possible into shopping with you, it will take its toll" on profitability, she said.
More Information Holiday retail spending $6.6 billion spent online Monday, up 16.8 percent $43.4 billion spent online since Nov. 1 $107.4 billion projected online spending this season $655.8 billion overall spending, on- and offline, last season 3.6-4 percent projected overall spending increase this season Sources: Adobe Digital Insights, National Retail Federation See More Collapse
Some retailers have doubled down on in-store pickup for online orders, an option that brick-and-mortar retailers hope will encourage crossover between digital and physical purchases and save them money on shipping. Target, for example, now offers in-store pickup in all of its stores nationwide and says demand is growing.
At the company's Houston store in the Heights, employees have for days been scurrying throughout the store, gathering orders for pickup. Store manager Cameron Dennington said 10 employees filled that role on Monday, the most the store had required this season.
"We are absolutely slammed," he said.
Walmart and Amazon, two of the fiercest competitors on price, have been battling for months, each with a different strategy.
Amazon, which began rolling out deals months ago, has made its steepest price cuts during the Thanksgiving shopping weekend. It has routinely offered "lightning deals" in an effort to capture the impulse buy once confined to the in-store experience.
Walmart expanded its online assortment to 67 million individual items this year, up from 20 million last year. That includes items available through Jet.com and Bonobos, the high-end men's retailer it acquired earlier this year.
Walmart has also aggressively marketed the pickup service by installing so-called Pickup Towers in nearly 100 stores nationwide, including four in Houston. Dozens more are on the way next year.
The towers act like massive vending machines that dispense online orders as large as a midsize microwave. Customers approach a screen, scan their barcode, and the tower produces the order. The system notifies associates of larger orders, which are then whisked from storage.
"You can pick up in a matter of seconds," spokeswoman Anne Hatfield said.
Mariajose Hernandez, who shops online with Walmart on a near-weekly basis, approached the tower on Monday to retrieve the television cable she snagged at a discount Black Friday. She likes the convenience of in-store pickup, and she knew exactly how to work the machine.
"It's the best thing ever," she said. "I always prefer to shop online."
There is something so civilized about taking tea that quintessentially British respite of tea, small savories, and wee cakes and tarts.
There's also something slightly fuddy-duddy about a traditional afternoon tea.
Except, however, if you're talking about two new tea services in Houston that have welcome shades of international flair. Both Hotel Sorella at CityCentre and Yauatcha restaurant in the Galleria have begun tea-focused dining options. Let's take a look at both:
Radio Milano tea at Hotel Sorella
The service: A modern high tea with Italian influence recently launched in the second-level lobby lounge at the chic CityCentre hotel. The hotel's restaurant, Radio Milano, is responsible for the service offered at three levels: three canapes and four sweets for $25; four canapes and four sweets for $35; six canapes and five sweets for $45.
The tea: The featured teas from English Breakfast and chamomile to Earl Grey and vert jasmine are from the French Dammann Freres, the same tea served on French ocean liners.
The food: Canape options include bruschetta with beef and tomato; antipasto skewers of ham, fontina and olives; ahi tuna carpaccio; skewers of prosciutto and melon; smoked salmon with dill cream; mini crab cakes; and grilled cheese sandwiches of mozzarella and roasted red pepper. The sweets side features tiny apple tarts, creme brulee, pistachio financier, tea cakes, scones, and assorted macarons.
The drinks: A new list of high tea cocktails has been created around song titles from 1950s pop music. "The Great Pretender" offers lemon infused Absolut Elyx Vodka with Italian liqueur, curacao, prosecco and Madeira. "Just One of Those Things" features gin, mezcal, creme de violette, Lillet Blanc and an edible flower. And "Don't be Cruel" is a mix of aged rum, Aperol, and chocolate and orange bitters.
The details: Radio Milano at Hotel Sorella, 800 Sorella Court. High tea available daily from noon to 4 p.m. For reservations call 713-827-3545.
Yum Cha at Yauatcha
The service: Called Yum Cha (which translates to "drink tea"), the service was recently added to weekday lunch as a way to enjoy the restaurant's tea offerings while also sampling savory dim sum and patisserie-crafted desserts. Yum Cha includes a choice of tea coupled with chef-selected steamed and fried dim sum, and a choice of dessert.
The tea: This sleek import bills itself as a Chinese dim sum teahouse, so it stands to reason the restaurant takes its tea seriously. Yum Cha tea offerings include jasmine green tea, classic Oolong, Lapsang Souchong smoked black tea, emerald green tea and a roasted Oolong. There's also a tea available only at Yauatcha Houston: Blue Mountain black tea with red grapefruit rinds.
The food: The selections of steamed dim sum include shrimp shu mai, pork and prawn shu mai, har gau Cantonese dumpling, and shrimp and Chinese chive dumpling. Fried dim sum options are duck pumpkin puff and crispy pork and scallion puff. Dessert is a choice of the gorgeous Raspberry Delice (raspberry and chocolate mousse with a lychee panna cotta center) or the Tropical Dome (coconut, passion fruit and pineapple). Yum Cha also has a vegetarian option with assorted vegetable dim sum and separate dessert options. (Read Alison Cook's full review of the restaurant here.)
The drinks: You can order any of the cocktails on the menu but this is special tea service so why not go with Champagne and sparkling wine? Yauatcha offers a selection including Louis Roederer Brut Premier for $20 a glass to Perrier-Jouet Bell Epoque for $36 a glass to Krug Grande Cuvee for $360 a bottle.
The details: Yauatcha, 5045 Westheimer. Tea service is offered Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., $30 per person. For more information call the restaurant at 713-357-7588.
When Laurie Cazaux left her corporate finance position in Paris to accompany her husband on a job-related move to Houston, she was surprised how few people she saw wearing espadrilles - a ubiquitous shoe in the southwestern region of France, worn by both men and women.
"The sun is here all the time," she says, insinuating that Houston has the perfect climate for a shoe that evokes "endless summer."
Former United Airlines pilot Bruce Wayne Wallis plead guilty on Nov. 16 to charges indicating that he operated a string of brothels, recruited women some of them from outside the United States to engage in prostitution, had sex with the women himself and pocketed a percentage of their earnings.
He demanded sex in exchange for protection from the police. Records also indicate that he was in the possession of dozens of firearms and would routinely keep a 9mm pistol with him as he conducted rounds at his brothels.
He was a pimp, in short what we call now, in 2017, a human trafficker.
What Wallis plead guilty to doing is recognized as human trafficking under state and federal law. But after he entered his guilty plea and admitted his role in the operation, he was sentenced by Harris County District Court Judge Jim Wallace only to 5 years deferred adjudication (a type of community supervision that doesn't generally carry a final criminal conviction), a $2,000 fine and a requirement to perform 150 hours of community service.
He received no prison time.
This sentence has left many in Houston shaking their heads. The judge's perspective is hideously outdated.
Members of the Houston Police Department's Human Trafficking Unit are likely frustrated. They worked tirelessly to investigate the case and collect the evidence necessary to pursue charges that carried a maximum penalty of 20 years' incarceration.
Members of local civil rights advocacy groups are outraged. They question whether Wallis' status as a white male, who appeared to be a middle-class professional, led to the light sentence. The public is angry. Comments on articles I've read identify Wallis as a criminal, pimp or human trafficker, despite the articles themselves that describe him as a "pilot accused of running a string of brothels."
And many members of the local anti-human trafficking community a network of dedicated professionals spanning from victim service organizations, legal clinics, health care, law enforcement, prosecutors, advocacy groups and survivors of trafficking are furious. They know that women arrested for a single prostitution exchange are significantly more likely to receive a jail sentence than men.
What Wallis admitted to doing was exponentially more egregious. He profited from thousands of prostitution exchanges for which he was directly responsible and avoided jail time or even a permanent criminal conviction.
Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle
Though I understand and share this anger and frustration, I also find reason to be hopeful. Because the sentence in this case might cause us to bristle, but it also provides an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a community. The intense backlash against Wallis's sentence is evidence that our society has begun to recognize the harm in human trafficking.
And it means that social change, a real paradigm shift, has already begun. In fact, it started in earnest a few years ago.
THE LIMITS OF GOODWILL: Why don't we extend our sympathy to victims of human smuggling?
Formed in 2014, the HPD Human Trafficking Unit has changed the way law enforcement responds to potential human trafficking cases in Houston. They know to look beyond the surface within prostitution cases for force, fraud or coercion.
Joining HPD in this effort, the Harris County Sheriff's Office has shifted some of their attention away from the sellers of sex women whom they have often identified as victims to the buyers and traffickers instead.
Demonstrating a similar commitment, the Harris County District Attorney's Office also established a small human trafficking unit in 2014. Under District Attorney Kim Ogg, who was elected in 2016, that unit has expanded to include more prosecutors, social workers, analysts, investigators and support staff. With a recently announced $1 million in grant funding for human trafficking, Ogg's office aims to increase the prosecution of human traffickers and improve support services for victims.
And in 2015, the City of Houston joined the growing movement, creating the role of Special Advisor to the Mayor on Human Trafficking, a full-time position dedicated to addressing this problem in Houston.
Though Wallis's sentence represents a step backward, we now recognize that, once commonplace, what happened was unjust.
Social change is never instant, and it's never easy. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice." The movement to eradicate human trafficking in Houston is united, and it's strong. In the long run, traffickers and judges who demonstrate bias in sentencing will not flourish here.
Dr. Rebecca Pfeffer is an assistant professor of criminal justice at the University of Houston Downtown. Her research focuses generally on the victimization of vulnerable populations, including victims with special needs and victims of human trafficking.
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My mind often seems to exist in three places all at once: the immediate present, the near future and the actual future.
Take Thanksgiving Day, for example. We spent it with friends friends with whom, with only one exception, we've had Thanksgiving dinner with for the last 15 or more years. Since David and I moved to Houston, Laura and Shannon have been my, our, best friends.
Our dinners have by and large been epic, with Laura and I vying to outdo each other in a fierce culinary battle. But this year, what with David's illness, the flooding from Harvey that wrecked the first floor of Laura and Shannon's house and more, this year's celebration was more low-key than usual.
Just 10 people. One turkey and one ham. I made gravy, cornbread dressing, cranberry relish and chocolate pecan pie.
David had a difficult time remembering when Thanksgiving was even the night before he couldn't remember that it was the next day. But, on the actual day, he very much enjoyed his traditional holiday breakfast of cinnamon rolls and sausage nominally a vegetarian, he has always allowed himself some leeway on holidays, and even more so now, when it really doesn't seem to matter. He looked forward to dinner and celebrating.
WATCHING DAVID DISAPPEAR: His dementia is getting worse. For both of us.
When we arrived at our friends', and it was time to eat, I made his plate for him, making sure to include several pieces of the crispy skin he so enjoys, cut it up into bite-sized pieces and set it at his place where he sat happily eating and talking.
Of course, the next day, David was certain that nobody talked to him and the entire time he was being dismissed and ignored. Social interactions seem to tire him out; the effort he puts into putting on as normal a face as possible in front of other people must be particularly draining.
***
BUT AS I stood and watched him and his interactions, I couldn't help thinking about our upcoming trip to Mexico.
It's been finalized. Mid-December, David and I, along with a friend of mine who volunteered to come along, are going down to Guadalajara to look at assisted-living facilities.
Dennis Abrams
We're looking at two places, both of which seem highly promising. I'm trying to arrange for him to spend the night at one or both so that he can get a better sense of what they're like. (And, I confess, so that my friend and I can have at least one night free to go out and eat and drink ourselves silly.)
The big question though still remains: What's the right place for him, and when is the right time for him to go?
There are no easy answers to that. And, as much as I hate to admit it, financial considerations do come into play.
It would be easier to decide if his doctors could say with some degree of certainty, "You have X years left." To put it bluntly, if it's just a year or two, I'd encourage him to stay in Houston where the options are, to put it mildly, more expensive, but he'd be here where I could visit frequently, where his friends are, where his doctors are, where his life is.
WATCHING DAVID DISAPPEAR: My husband's dementia. His rage. And now, violence.
But if it's longer, Mexico's lower prices make it a very attractive option. Of course, he'll have far fewer visitors and will essentially be on his own but, on some level, I think that's what he wants. Deep down, I suspect that he doesn't want people, including me, to see him when he's no longer "there."
I understand that. And respect it.
I'm not sure I want to see him like that, either.
***
WHILE I was thinking about the Thanksgiving celebration at hand, and of the upcoming trip to Mexico and what will happen after that, I was also thinking about Thanksgiving next year.
I was wondering if this would be the last time we all gathered together.
I was wondering where David might be living a year from now and how far his disease will have progressed.
I wondered if he would still be among the living.
I wondered whether it would be better for him if he was or if he wasn't.
I wondered what my life will be like when all this comes to its inevitable end: Where will I live, and will I be alone?
But my reverie was broken when David called out, telling me he'd like more food, returning my thoughts to the here and now. And to the task of cutting up his turkey (no dark meat, please) into neat bite-sized pieces to make it easier for him.
And that was enough.
Dennis Abrams writes restaurant reviews, journalism, and children's books.
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A truck hit a pedestrian crossing Richmond Drive during rush hour Monday morning, killing the pedestrian and a dog the person was walking.
The wreck happened about 8:40 a.m. in Montrose, according to Houston police, at the intersection of Richmond and Mandell.
The vehicle was turning left onto Richmond from Mandell, police said, while the pedestrian was crossing Richmond in the intersection crosswalk. The driver struck the person, who was taken to the hospital and later died.
The pedestrian was walking two dogs, police said; one was killed, but the other was unharmed.
This story will be updated when more details are available.
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Many deported in the Trump administration's roundup face difficulty in readjusting, often becoming targets of criminal gangs. Click here to read the first part of our series exploring life in Central America following deportation.
SAN SALVADOR -- The modern, geometric monument towering above the Autopista Sur freeway on the way from the airport to downtown San Salvador is one of the most prominent public artworks in the capital city. It pays tribute to returning emigrants in a country which reveres those who leave on behalf of their families to find work and prosperity in America and other foreign countries.
"Hermano, bienvenido a casa" the monument says in letters that can be read from the freeway: "Brother, welcome home."
Most cultures honor and erect such monuments to war heroes and presidents, and sometimes great writers and artists. In Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala, they add emigres to that litany.
Their exalted role stems from recognizing their essential contributions: With remittances, they help their families to get out of poverty. And in so doing, they help their countries' economies, since their financial contributions represent one of the main sources of foreign exchange reserves.
DEEPER DIVE: Mara Salvatrucha preys on Trump deportees in Latin America
"Migrants in our era," Juan Orlando Hernandez, the president of Honduras, said recently during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, "are our new martyrs and are the new heroes that, on foreign territory, struggle to overcome adversity, work tirelessly, do the hardest works in the toughest conditions, and they still come out ahead.
More Information Aggressive federal enforcement, controversial laws and heated political rhetoric are pushing Houston's immigrants - documented and undocumented - deeper into the shadows. Click here to read four storylines from the frontline of the immigration debate.
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The image of the emigrant in the region is sort of a "heroic entrepreneur of life" who dares to cross borders "defying numerous dangers in search for better opportunities for him and his family," said Jose Santos Portillo, acting mayor of the small town of Intipuca, in southeast El Salvador.
Not surprisingly, the central square of this picturesque village is called El Parque del Migrante (The Migrant's Park). At its center is a statue of a emigre carrying a backpack. He is turning his head back to catch the last glimpse of his homeland, but his body walks decisively north. The monument was built after Sigifredo Chavez became the first officially registered person who emigrated from this town to the United States in 1967.
Some say that Intipuca is a ghost town. "We adore those who are not here with us... many of us live out of what our emigrants send," Santos said.
Carefully built homes are spread around town with ornamental ironworks and adornments only affordable through the remittances of those who have emigrated.
"They say they will come back to live here one day. You know, making it in America and then coming back," said the mayor, rolling his eyes, knowing that most likely will never happen.
Approximately 60 to 70 percent of residents have emigrated from Intipuca, a town that didn't offer much more than a decaying agricultural base for villagers.
The park and monument are just some of the many ways in which the imagery of the immigrant adorns the town, where the United States is talked of as a promised land. Intipuca has a "White House", as the mansion of a local who migrated to Washington but who still visits every year is called.
Hundreds of undocumented emigres head north every week from Central America to the United States. To get there, they often must survive an arduous journey thousands of miles long filled with hunger, thirst, exhaustion, degradation, often humiliation, and even at times extortion and rape.
Many say the prayers of the migrant before leaving.
In Salcaja, a western city in Guatemala, residents printed the prayer on a metallic plate that accompanies their own monument to the emigrant: "As I must go to other lands to seek a decent life for my family, I ask for protection and interception before God for those of us who are on the way, since you did not leave the Migrant People. Help us achieve our purpose."
Many emigrants never complete the journey. If and when they do, they become heroes in their old countries, if not in their new one.
***
Olivia Tallet, a Houston Chronicle reporter, and Marie D. De Jesus, a Chronicle photographer, traveled to Latin America and produced this report as 2017 Adelante Latin America Reporting Fellows with the International Women's Media Foundation.
***
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Many deported in the Trump administration's roundup face difficulty in readjusting, often becoming targets of criminal gangs. Click here to read the first part of our series exploring life in Central America following deportation.
SAN SALVADOR -- People who live in areas dominated by an international gang called Mara Salvatrucha in Central America are subject to a form of extreme violence that was exported from the United States to El Salvador when American immigration officials began deporting members of the gang in the 1990s.
Mara Salvatrucha has since become an international criminal organization, with its epicenter in the Central American Triangle of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. For emigrants who return to communities dominated by Mara Salvatrucha and other gangs after years abroad, either voluntarily or through deportation, going back is fraught with risk.
DEPORTEES: Trump's deportees are often strangers to their homeland and preyed upon by gangs
The gangs have corrupted neighborhoods where they operate, displacing inhabitants and forcing migration. They also terrorize returnees and have become a threat to the viability of the governments of the countries where they operate.
To learn more about this phenomenon, Chronicle reporter Olivia P. Tallet talked with Roberto Valencia, a reporter for the investigative section on violence, Sala Negra, of the Salvadoran online newspaper El Faro.
Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle
Here is an edited transcript of the conversation:
Tallet: What does it mean to live or return to live in a region dominated by these gangs?
Valencia: I doubt that there is any criminal structure in the world that conditions people's daily lives as gangs do in El Salvador. And I would say that they are in more than half of the territory (of El Salvador). I don't want to minimize the impact of cartels in Mexico, for example, but those are structures that are not so rooted in the community and therefore not affecting people's lives so strongly as here.
For a person who has lived for years abroad, when he or she returns, they no longer know this country. The immigrant is seen first as a source they could exploit for money. We have found that the immigrant who returns, either deported or voluntarily or even to spend Christmas time, is subject to extortion. They are very vulnerable.
Tallet: Can you provide some examples of how gangs affect the daily life of people?
Valencia: For example, a few blocks from where we are having this interview there is a territory dominated by the 18 Revolutionaries gang. If you live in that community, you are marked as being of Las Palmas, which is the name of the community.
If, say, your brother lived and died in a nearby community called La Perrera, dominated by the Mara Salvatrucha (MS 13) gang, you cannot go to his wake in the other community. You are marked, and your life is imprisoned in that territoriality. You cannot go to the health unit that is on the other block if it belongs to the area of another gang. You cannot cross a street, or send your child to a school in another area, even if you have nothing to do organically with the gangs.
More Information Aggressive federal enforcement, controversial laws and heated political rhetoric are pushing Houston's immigrants - documented and undocumented - deeper into the shadows. Click here to read four storylines from the frontline of the immigration debate.
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If you live in a community where there is a strong presence of gangs, it's almost like you have the forehead tattooed with the logo of the gang that dominates your neighborhood. To those of us who live here, life is conditioned to these levels. But even from the tourist point of view, if you are going to climb a volcano such as Izalco, which is very beautiful, you have to go with police officers armed to the teeth.
Tallet: How are these gangs organized?
Valencia: The two main ones are the Mara Salvatrucha (MS 13), which is the largest and predominant, and Barrio 18 is a strong enemy which split a decade ago into 18 Revolucionarios (Revolutionaries) and 18 Surenos (Southerners).
Internally, each gang is a world. Mara Salvatrucha, for example, works with clicas (cliques). The term clica is an administrative unit within gangs. It's very linked to the territory. There are some with more members than others, but that unit is fundamental in its operation. For a few years now, these clicas have been forming what they call programas (programs). These are associations that grow as they expand either into nearby neighborhoods or by seeding new geographic areas.
For example, the el Programa de La Libertad has a dominant clica that is the Teclas Loco, so called because it's located in a city within the metropolitan area called Santa Tecla. The cliques of the Mara Salvatrucha have the name of the place where they were founded followed by the word Locos (the crazies). Many cliques have American names like Hollywood Locos or Fulton Locos, referring to their original towns in Los Angeles. The Teclas Locos has expanded in the opposite direction to the US east coast.
The Mara Salvatrucha is a federation of more than 50 programs, according to some estimates.
Tallet: How are they financed?
Valencia: Many people make a living from the gangs' criminal activity. Official figures talk about around 60,000 active members. But then they have their support web of family members and people who help them. This base is estimated as being between 400,000 and 500,000 people. We are talking about 9% of the (country's) population.
Extortion is a main source of income, but they continue to evolve. () Some gangs are now taking the role of the agiotista (usurer), which is deeply rooted in the culture of El Salvador. Say, if you are poor and want to buy a box of tomatoes to resell in the market, you do not ask the bank to lend you $ 100 but to this kind of usurer. That is now becoming another space that gangs are taking.
Tallet: In addition to violence and crime, how else have gangs impacted families?
Valencia: We have been a quarter of a century with this problem. It's a growing phenomenon because the cancer has spread with different levels of penetration in different areas. We have about two generations of children that have grown up locked up in their homes because their parents do not let them go out to protect them. They only go to school, the church, and some of them hopefully have a friend with whom they let them play inside the house. That's a childhood problem in El Salvador. It's something that we have internalized and assumed.
I was referring to parents who care for their children, because on the other hand, we have a problem of social decomposition, with many children whose parents have emigrated, children of single mothers or who live with grandparents or uncles. This isn't a problem exclusive to the Salvadoran society, but here, when combined with the gangs' phenomenon, migration, it produces an even more chaotic result.
Tallet: Several statistics put El Salvador as the most violent or among the world's most violent countries in recent years, including 2016. Has there been any improvement?
Valencia: El Salvador had a rate of 103 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015. Last year, by government figures, it dropped to 82. But to put it in perspective, in the United States people are alarmed when the rate rose from 4.9 to 5.3 (in 2016). The Salvadoran proportions are astronomical; we are still the most violent country. This year, the rate was falling, but then from mid-September to now, it has been tripling with 26 and 27 murders a day, almost as high as we saw in (some months of) 2015. This increase coincides with the military deployment initiated on (September) 18, when the government started putting military armored tanks on the streets, supposedly to go after gangs.
Paradoxically, the tanks have been displayed in public parks, not in territories dominated by gangs. What are armored tanks doing next to (the statue of) The Divine Savior of the World? Nothing. It's just propaganda to win votes [before the next legislative and municipal elections in 2018 and the presidential election in early 2019]. We now have a worse situation in El Salvador, and I would even say that it's the worst situation the country has experienced in decades.
Tallet: Worse in what sense?
Valencia: Gangs now have an open war with the state. Part of the functions of the gangs has been to take care of their colony by protecting it from other gangs. That was already in the gangs' DNA. But now the gangs have more enemies, and more powerful, like the government, which has openly declared war. Now we have, on the one hand, angrier gangs, and on the other, the state in a war using dubious methods. We are having cases of extrajudicial executions. Our problem isn't that we have a madman who has become president. That would be serious but more easily correctable.
This is a society that right now applauds extrajudicial executions and even tolerates collateral damage with the death of people who have nothing to do with gangs. () And we have things like the president of the Legislative Assembly (Guillermo Gallegos) who applauds the release of police officers as heroes in a case where the judge admitted himself that they were involved in an extrajudicial execution.
Tallet: How do you see this complex problem moving into the future?
Valencia: The word repressive already falls short for this society. In the United States, scandals arise, and rightly so, when the police kill an individual. Here in El Salvador, the figures recognized by the police say that what they call confrontations have been leaving around 500 or 600 people dead in the last three years. (...) And the same police officers take pictures of the bodies and put them on social media (with phrases like), "One less rat."
This state of affairs is now part of the folklore. I think that even if things started to be done appropriately now, we are so broken that it would always be a couple of generations before [had a situation in which] you do not have your day to day coerced. And I say it with deep pain, because it is about the future of my children.
***
Olivia Tallet, a Houston Chronicle reporter, and Marie D. De Jesus, a Chronicle photographer, traveled to Latin America and produced this report as 2017 Adelante Latin America Reporting Fellows with the International Women's Media Foundation. Click here to read stories and view photos from their fellowship.
***
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Trump administration deportees are often strangers to their... Trump's deportees are often preyed upon by gangs
Trump administration deportees are often strangers to their... Trump's deportees are often preyed upon by gangs
EN ESPANOL: Extranos en su propia tierra
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador - The latest flight from Texas loaded with deportees touches down without fanfare. The eighty-seven men and 22 women are taken by bus to the Direccion de Atencion al Migrante looking none too happy as immigration officials drone at intervals: "Welcome to your country."
About three-quarters had been caught by the U.S. Border Patrol trying to cross into the country from Mexico. But about a quarter had been snared by the Trump administration's roundup of undocumented immigrants - those with criminal records, who had been the primary deportation focus of the Obama administration, and anybody else in the country illegally.
"Although the number of cases we receive is falling, the profile of these people is changing with an increase in the number of returnees who had lived for years in the U.S.," said Ana Solorzano, the immigration official in charge of receiving the deportees from the U.S. and Mexico. "We are talking about people who arrive feeling uprooted with the emotional shock of leaving their family behind and the culture to which they were accustomed."
Their attachment to America and relative unfamiliarity with their homeland leads to extreme challenges in reintegration in a nation dominated by criminal gangs. Gang violence and killings led many of the deportees to leave El Salvador in the first place. They are often marked upon their return for retribution, shaken down, even kidnapped for ransom, by gang members.
"I doubt that there is any criminal structure in the world that conditions people's daily lives as gangs do in El Salvador," said Roberto Valencia, an investigative journalist for El Faro, an award-winning Salvadoran digital newspaper. "These are structures that are very rooted in the communities and generate a lot of violence and much pain."
The predominant gangs in El Salvador, ironically formed in the U.S. in the 1980s, are Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18. There are about 60,000 active gang members in this country of 6.5 million people, according to 2012 estimates, and another 400,000 to 500,000 associates.
The Trump administration has touted its success in rounding up undocumented immigrants with criminal records. A Reuters analysis of immigration data shows that the arrest of those with criminal records has increased 17 percent from January to July.
But the Reuters analysis also shows that the arrest of those without criminal records had increased more than 200 percent during the same period. The administration has also tripled the number of deportation cases it has reopened in the immigration courts against undocumented immigrants who had been granted reprieves from deportation by Obama.
A terrifying prospect
At the Salvadoran immigrant assistance building in San Salvador, a recent returnee named Jose wore blue jeans, a T-shirt and work boots without shoelaces, which were not allowed in the U.S. detention center where he had been held. Emaciated, with a bewildered gaze framed by a scraggly beard, he was waiting for his name to be called to follow the immigration registration process.
Jose said he was ashamed to provide his last name because he felt that being a "deportado" was a disgrace in a country where those who immigrate to America are typically revered as family saviors. He said he had lived for 12 years in the U.S. and worked construction to support his wife and three American-born children, ages 9, 6 and 9 months old.
In June, he said he was stopped for allegedly running a red light while going home from work in Maryland, setting in motion his deportation.
"I had no chance to defend myself in court, to tell (the judge) that the children depend on me, that I am clean, that the police checked my criminal record and I have never had anything in my life," he said.
Jose would be returning to his old neighborhood in the capital's most violent municipality of Soyapango, which he found a terrifying prospect.
While the country's gangs have been around for a quarter-century, their visual codes and public behavior have been changing during the last decade in response to a government onslaught. They have significantly changed their image and modus operandi to hinder identification, according to a study by Juan Ricardo Gomez Hecht, a researcher at the College of Advanced Strategic Studies of El Salvador Armed Forces.
The stereotype of the profusely tattooed gang member is becoming a thing of the past, he said. Now, it may be a well-dressed man passing unnoticed on the street who is targeting unsuspecting deportees.
Aggressive federal enforcement, controversial laws and heated political rhetoric are pushing Houstons immigrants documented and undocumented deeper into the shadows. Click here to read four storylines from the frontline of the immigration debate.
For those who return after years outside the country, the new gang codes are not familiar and could be a death sentence.
What increased during the last decade is crime. In The Economist's list of the world's most violent countries by homicides, El Salvador is number one with a rate of 91 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2016. Comparatively, the U.S. rate is below six.
DIVE DEEPER: Mara Salvatrucha preys on Trump deportees in Latin America
Coming back as a deportee after years abroad is almost like "having a tattoo on the forehead," said Valencia, noting how returnees feel like marked men or women, unable to blend in. They often find themselves subject to both extortion and criminal paranoia.
Valencia said the deportees are "a fresh source" from which gangs can get money through extortion, which is a primary source of funding.
A frequent gang practice is to detain deportees and strip them to search for hidden tattoos or signs that might reveal if they are related to criminal groups abroad.
El Salvadoran officials say they are establishing an inter-agency approach to provide comprehensive care for deportees to help them find jobs and academic opportunities. But migrant advocates say they have thus far seen negligible government assistance for the deportees.
"For those who have been abroad for more than five years, the situation is worst," said Cesar Rios, director of the Institute of the Migrant in El Salvador. "They come as a vulnerable population because they come with the stigma of being a deportado."
Rios explained that "they are condemned by the society." Those over 35, as many parent deportees are, he said, cannot find jobs.
"The government is wasting a historic opportunity by not supporting these people, because they come with American skills that could be used as human capital," he said.
Even more dire in Guatemala
One hundred-fifty miles northwest of San Salvador, in Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, recent deportees from the United States have also been victimized by gang violence. In Guatemala City, they receive even less governmental services than in El Salvador. The facilities where they were received at the Guatemalan Airforce Airport appeared dirty and unkempt. A mural on the wall of the receiving room bore a welcoming message in a Mayan language - with spelling mistakes.
As it was in El Salvador, the returnees' profile is also changing, with many having lived for five years or more in the U.S.
"There isn't any governmental effort to reduce the emigration because it's actually convenient for them," said Guatemalan lawyer Marisa Mejia, a founder of the Center for Guatemalan Migration Research, a private institution located in Guatemala City.
REMESAS: In Latin America, emigres who send remittances back from the U.S. are exalted heroes
In a country with more than half of the population living below the poverty line, "migrants are seen as a source of remittances; and the more people in poverty leave, the less they have to care about them," she said.
Many of the deportees had paid so-called coyotes between $7,000 and $9,000 to make the trip across the U.S. border. Most of the deals include up to three attempts.
Going back to America is what deportee Florinda Niz was considering when she was deported from the United States and received at the Guatemalan Airforce Airport in October.
Niz had asked Gustavo Juarez, director of the Asociacion de Retornados de Guatemala, an advocacy organization, for help. She said she was driving from Minnesota, where she lived, to Iowa in August for a job contract, when she was detained for speeding and later deported. Authorities found that she was previously removed from the country, she said.
"I want my children with me," Niz said, wiping tears from her swollen eyes with a corner of her blue cardigan. Her four American-born children, from 1 to 11 years old, were left behind with her sister, who had taken care of them since the day she was detained.
POLICY: Trump moves to end 'catch and release', prosecuting parents and removing children who cross border
Niz didn't have money or a place to stay in Guatemala. She was hoping to find an aunt in San Marcos, where she lived before emigrating. It's one of the most impoverished areas with the highest malnutrition and mortality in the country. It's also one of the most penetrated by international drug cartels.
While prevalent, gang violence in Guatemala is not as bad as it is in either El Salvador or Honduras.
Poverty, environmental devastation and drug dealing also drive migration from Guatemala, said Enrique Valles Ramos, head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees' office in the country.
Niz said she wanted to find a way to bring her American children to Guatemala. If not, she would go back to the U.S. again. "I know the trip is very risky. I can be raped, I can die, I can be put in prison if I am caught, but I don't care," she said. "My children are what matters because I do love them. I am the one who has always taken care of them. And they should stay with their mother."
***
Olivia Tallet, a Houston Chronicle reporter, and Marie D. De Jesus, a Chronicle photographer, traveled to Latin America and produced this report as 2017 Adelante Latin America Reporting Fellows with the International Women's Media Foundation.
***
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WASHINGTON More than a decade ago, Congressman Al Green had a "romantic encounter" with a former aide in Houston, which later led to an allegation of sexual assault and talk of lawsuits and employee discrimination.
As quickly as the incident popped up, it quieted down in a 2008 agreement between the two.
Resolved or not, the episode was back in the news Monday as Green put out a statement explaining that he and the woman, Lucinda Daniels, are "consenting friends" and "regret (their) former claims" and that there was no payment ever made in the case.
"In the present climate, we wish to jointly quiet any curious minds about our former and present relationship with one another," Green and Daniels said in a joint statement, which Green signed in trademark green ink. "We are friends, and have long been friends. At an unfortunate time in our lives, when both of our feelings were hurt, we hastily made allegations against one another that have been absolutely resolved."
'Clearing the air'
The statement came amid heightened sensitivities about sexual harassment and misbehavior in Congress, following high-profile accusations of harassment against business and media celebrities.
Hours before Green's office sent out the statement unbidden, Minnesota Democrat Al Franken publicly apologized outside his Senate office for past harassment allegations involving two different women.
It also came days after U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., agreed to step down as the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee over allegations of sexual harassment, and less than a week after U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, a Dallas-area Republican, apologized for a nude photo he admitted sending to a woman with whom he was having an extramarital affair two years ago.
Another Texas congressman, Blake Farenthold, faced sexual harassment allegations in 2014 brought by a fired former staffer. The Corpus Christi Republican denied any wrongdoing, and the case was settled out of court.
The full House is expected to vote Wednesday on a resolution requiring all members and their staffs to complete a program of training in workplace rights and responsibilities.
An aide said Green, 70, simply wanted to clear the air in light of recent attacks on conservative social media and news sites - principally the One America News Network - in the month since he introduced articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump.
One America posted a three-minute report Oct. 19 covering Green's long-forgotten case, titled "Democrat Rep. Al Green's secret sexual assault allegation." One viewer comment suggested Green should be "lynched and left hanging in the woods as 'strange fruit,'" an echo of the death threats Green received over his impeachment move.
Like Conyers, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Green is African-American.
Joint public statement
The aide said the decade-old allegations were not secret and did not involve Green's congressional office nor the taxpayer-funded Office of House Employment Counsel.
Green publicly withdrew a lawsuit in December 2008 that he had filed three-months earlier asking a federal judge to find that he never discriminated against Daniels, the former director of his Houston office.
Ben Hall, an attorney representing Green, asked that the case be dismissed because Daniels had signed a written agreement dropping all claims against the congressman without payment or promise of money. Green and Daniels also released a public statement at the time saying they had "resolved their respective disputes" and "wish each other well."
Green's lawsuit had alleged that Daniels was threatening to sue him for workplace discrimination if he didn't pay her.
But Daniels never filed the suit. In late October of that year, days before Green faced an election in southwest Houston's Ninth District, her attorney, Chip Lewis, called but then canceled a news conference to talk about the congressman.
A spokesman for Green, who was first elected in 2004, acknowledged at the time that Green and Daniels had a "romantic encounter" at her home in May 2007. But Green denied any claims of sexual assault.
Neither Green nor Daniels were giving interviews Monday. In their joint statement, they said that "as friends, we have both agreed that we see no need to make further statements regarding this absolutely resolved matter."
The University of Texas System will vie to manage Los Alamos National Laboratory after its divided board narrowly voted to put forward a bid on Monday.
Four regents supported submitting a proposal to manage the high-profile national security institute, whose research arms also include supercomputing, renewable energy and space exploration. Los Alamos has a multibillion-dollar budget and works with entities including the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security.
Approving regents cited what they said is the UT System's ability to change a culture at Los Alamos, long plagued with safety and security challenges, and potential research possibilities.
"No big, bold move is without risk," Regent Paul Foster said.
The system has a business partner willing to work with it to manage the facility, regents said. But administrators declined to identify that corporate partner.
The discussion and vote Monday drew out concerns from three regents who have expressed frustration with UT System spending.
They said big system initiatives, which this would be, come at the expense of academic institutions.
"It's going to distract us from our core mission," said Regent Janiece Longoria, who joined the board earlier this year. "I believe Los Alamos is and will continue to be problematic from a nuclear safety standpoint."
Numerous challenges
Challenges at Los Alamos stem from its remote location in New Mexico, its mission, corporate influence and culture of secrecy, observers say. On the 39-square-mile campus are high explosives and plutonium, global security operations with nonproliferation and counter-proliferation divisions, and ongoing technology and engineering research.
The University of California managed the facility after World War II, and has continued to do so since the mid-2000s in collaboration with business interests in a private limited liability company called Los Alamos National Security.
Even after several safety and security scandals, including reports of missing property, fraud and safety issues, LANS beat out UT for the contract in 2005.
University of California officials insisted earlier this month that the university is well positioned to earn the bid again. The current contract ends in September 2018. Bids are due in mid-December.
Greg Mello, who directs the Los Alamos Study Group which monitors nuclear laboratories and favors nuclear disarmament, said he was not surprised regents would acknowledge the risk before a vote.
"People would have to have their heads in the sand to not realize that this is a troubled laboratory," Mello said.
Bid raises concerns
UT Deputy Chancellor David Daniel, who is heading the UT System's bid effort, called regents' deliberations "thoughtful" and said the system has weighed the risks.
He said he has grown "more confident" as he has learned what UT can do "to improve the safety record at Los Alamos."
The three dissenting regents - Longoria, Kevin Eltife and Steve Hicks - explained their positions by citing safety concerns and potential reputational and economic risks. Regents already voted this fall to spend $4.5 million on developing a bid for Los Alamos.
Eltife and Longoria both said the University of Texas at Austin has concerns about the bid, but a spokesman for the state's flagship declined to comment after the vote.
The regents' divide highlighted what has become a familiar split on the board this year. Regents disagree on the role of the system and whether it needs to pare back spending.
Forty entities have officially expressed interest in managing Los Alamos, including IBM Global Business Services. Texas A&M University's regents are also considering a bid.
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The Air Force failed numerous times to take steps that would have prevented Sutherland Springs shooter Devin Patrick Kelley from purchasing the firearm he used to kill 26 people and wound 20 others, according to a claim filed by the Holcombe family, which lost 9 members in the massacre.
The claim, filed against the U.S. government Tuesday specifically in the death of Bryan Holcombe, could be the first step to an eventual lawsuit if the Air Force denies responsibility.
The family is seeking monetary damages but said they are also hoping to prevent the type of error that allowed Kelley to purchase the tools he needed to carry out the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history.
READ MORE: Air Force admits it failed to send Sutherland Springs gunman's records to feds
"Although the shooter undoubtedly 'pulled the trigger' that resulted in the injuries and death of JB Holcombe and others, failures of the US Air Force, and others, allowed the shooter to purchase, own and/or possess the semiautomatic rifle, ammunition and body armor he used, and it is these failures that were a proximate cause, in whole or in part, of the injuries and death of the decedent," reads the claim.
Remembering Nov. 5
Now Playing: Twenty-six people died in the Sunday massacre at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs on November 5, 2017. Video: San Antonio Express-News
Joe Papa Joe Holcombe joined Houston-based attorney Rob Ammons in downtown San Antonio Tuesday afternoon to discuss his claim and tell the story of his nine family members who lost their lives on Nov. 5.
He said he returned home from teaching Sunday School at the First Baptist Church in Floresville to do what he and his wife always did those days each lunch and watch church services streamed from San Antonio.
The 86-year-old said he noticed his pastor walking up to the house and thought, "What in the world is he doing here?"
It was about an hour after the shooting and the pastor arrived to deliver the terrible news.
"I said, 'How about my family?'" Holcombe recalled. "'Bryan?'"
He's gone, the pastor said.
John?
He was wounded.
Karla?
She's gone.
"How many are gone?" Holcombe finally asked. And then the pastor named them all.
"That's what hit me the hardest," Holcombe said.
RELATED: Handwritten lawsuit on behalf of Devin Kelley's family appears to be work of Ohio inmate
The family's patriarch lost his son Bryan, daughter-in-law Karla, grandson Marc, granddaughter-in-law Crystal, and great-grandchildren Noah, Emily, Gregory, Megan and an unborn child who was to be named Carlin Brite "Billy Bob" Holcombe.
Kelley's history
The Air Force found through an internal investigation that it failed to report Kelley's 2012 conviction for spousal and child abuse to the FBIs National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
If the agency had followed through on its reporting requirement, that conviction would have followed him and prevented him from purchasing firearms. Instead, he bought four in Colorado and Texas between 2014 and 2017, including the rifle used in Sutherland Springs.
Because of his abuse convictions, Kelley received a bad-conduct discharge from the Air Force.
The claim also cites threats Kelley made against his superior officers and his attempts to smuggle guns onto base, which landed him in a mental health facility in New Mexico. He escaped that facility and was later apprehended by law enforcement.
Ammons said Kelley's case and the Air Force's error is not uncommon, citing a February 2015 Air Force which report found 30 percent of servicemen convicted of crimes were not reported to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
RELATED: Apple served with search warrant in Sutherland Springs shooting
By failing to report, the Air Force is basically shredding gigantic holes in the safety net that is there to protect all of us in society, Ammons said. Its time that this ends and its time that this problem is corrected.
The Air Force admits failures
Coincidentally, the Air Force on Tuesday released the results of a review into Kelley's case it launched immediately after the shooting.
They found similar reporting lapses at other locations.
In a statement the Air Force also said it was implementing a number of corrective measures to ensure reporting compliance.
Air Force officials have not yet responded to Holcombe's claim.
Holcombe, a devout Christian, said he believes his lost loved ones are in a better place. And someday soon, hell get to join them.
Theyre just in a much better place now because its never going to happen to em again, he said.
Staff writers Guillermo Contreras, Sig Christenson and John Tedesco contributed to this report. | Kelsey Bradshaw is a digital reporter for mySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| kbradshaw@express-news.net | Twitter: @Kbrad5
A Poteet police officer was arrested Monday after she allegedly used a "pressure point hold" on someone at a home on San Antonio's far West Side.
Tabita Sandoval Guerrero, 41, now faces a charge of domestic assault causing bodily injury. She was booked into the Bexar County Jail on a $3,500 bond. She bailed out of jail Tuesday morning.
RELATED: Couple found dead in suspected murder-suicide after SWAT standoff identified
According to her arrest report from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, Guerrero and the victim were arguing at a home in the 300 block of Perch Meadow when she grabbed the victim by the chin, which caused "pain, redness and a bleeding scratch, the arrest report says.
Guerrero allegedly admitted to the assault and was arrested.
"We're just waiting for more information on what happened from Bexar County to see what action we need to take," said Poteet Police Chief Bruce Hickman.
RELATED: Man who allegedly led S.A. police on car chase, escaped on foot arrested on robbery charge
Now Playing: Don't mess with this sisterhood. A group of Buddhist nuns in the Indian Himalayas were encouraged to learn Kung Fu nearly 10 years ago by the leader of their 1,000-year-old sect. They're now passing on these skills during a five-day workshop, with grueling 15-hour days, to help women protect themselves from attack. The nuns train the women both on defensive and offensive tactics. Although Buddhist nuns are not traditionally permitted to exercise, these nuns shake off the stereotype and pass on their skills to other women. Video: Vocativ
Hickman said Guerrero was a patrol officer with the department and had been employed there for almost two years. She has been placed on administrative leave following the department's investigation.
The charge she faces is a Class A Misdemeanor, and Hickman said her punishment will largely depend on the results of the investigation.
"We're not going to have a knee-jerk reaction," he said.
Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com
Caleb Downs is a crime reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdowns
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WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans are considering a trigger that would automatically increase taxes if their sweeping legislation fails to generate as much revenue as they expect. It's an effort to mollify deficit hawks who worry that tax cuts for businesses and individuals will add to the nation's already mounting debt.
The effort comes as a second Republican senator, Steve Daines of Montana, announced Monday that he opposes the tax bill in its current form. Previously, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said he opposed the bill, leaving Senate Republicans no room for error as they hope to vote on the bill this week.
Both senators complained that the tax bill favors large corporations over small businesses. Republicans have only two votes to spare in the Senate.
At the White House, President Donald Trump maintained that the bill would help all Americans.
"I think it's going to benefit everybody," the president said. "It's going to mostly benefit people looking for jobs more than anything else, because we're giving great incentives."
A new congressional estimate says the Senate tax bill would add $1.4 trillion to the budget deficit over the next decade. But GOP leaders dispute the estimate, saying tax cuts will spur economic growth, reducing the hit on the deficit.
Many economists disagree with such optimistic projections. The trigger would be a way for senators to test their economic assumptions, with real consequences if they are wrong.
"Do we have realistic numbers and is there a backstop in the process just in case we don't?" asked Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla.
"We should build in the 'What if?' What if this doesn't work?" Lankford said. "What changes might be needed in the tax code in the days ahead to be able to adjust in what scenario?"
Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said the Trump administration and Senate Republican leaders are open to some kind of a trigger to increase revenues if the tax plan falls short.
Neither Corker nor Lankford spelled out exactly how the trigger would work, noting that senators are still working on the proposal.
Trump and Senate Republicans scrambled Monday to make changes to the bill in an effort to win over holdout GOP senators.
"Very possible," Corker said when asked if he might vote "no" in the Senate Budget Committee on Tuesday if the revenue issue isn't settled. "It's important for me to know we've got this resolved," he said.
The tax bill would sharply reduce the corporate tax rate and reconfigure the system by which multinational companies pay taxes to the U.S. government. It would also reduce tax rates for individuals while eliminating some deductions, including those for state and local taxes, and allow noncorporate businesses an additional deduction.
The corporate changes would be permanent, but those for individuals and so-called pass-through businesses would be set to expire at the end of 2025, in order to comply with Senate budget rules. The House bill, however, makes the individual cuts permanent, and that is one of many differences with the Senate legislation that will ultimately need to be resolved.
Mayor Sylvester Turner's equity task force is calling on the city of Houston to launch an early childhood education initiative and a program aimed at creating or improving the quality of 20,000 jobs within four years.
The recommendations were contained in a report by the Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Kinder Institute for Urban Research released this week. The two think tanks provided research and support for the work of the 13-member task force that Turner asked to help him examine an issue he came into office vowing to address.
Turner long has said he doesnt want to be the mayor of two cities, one centered on the citys rising skyscrapers and one struggling with vacant lots, condemned homes and stray dogs where the janitors in those towers live.
MORE: Turner calls for shared sacrifice in battling city's financial woes
Turner, through a spokesman, gave broad support to the groups message, but did not address the reports many recommendations, which include a call for all city workers to be paid $15 an hour and to receive benefits, that city contractors and firms receiving city tax breaks be required to follow suit, hire locally and provide on-the-job training, or that the city find millions of dollars to offer early childhood education scholarships for low-income youth.
The goals in the equity report are among Mayor Turners goals, as he has demonstrated with his actions and statements, Turner spokesman Alan Bernstein said. There are many ways to achieve a shared set of goals, and the city, with its limited resources, will do its creative best to follow the right path along with caring community partners such as the Kinder and Baker institutes.
Bernsteins statement referenced Turners signature policy initiative aimed at targeting investments in disadvantaged areas, Complete Communities, though that initiative remains largely in the planning stage and lacks dedicated funding.
MORE: Few details, no new money in mayor's Complete Communities plan
The statement also noted Turners 2016 appointment of an education liaison, Juliet Stipeche, and his Hire Houston Youth and Turnaround Houston programs. Among the reports recommendations are that the Hire Houston Youth program be expanded by requiring city contractors to provide positions for the effort, and that the hourly wage be increased from $8 to $15 per hour.
The task force sought not to describe a path to equity in all areas of civic life, the report states, but to make relevant recommendations that could be implemented despite tight finances at City Hall. The city already is facing a projected shortfall of more than $120 million for the fiscal year that begins next summer.
Still, some of the group's recommendations would necessitate new requirements particularly on city contractors and businesses receiving subsidies or other preferential treatment from the city sure to be controversial, while others would require significant investments.
For example, the proposed early childhood education pilot program, which the report recommends be targeted in at least one of the mayors five Complete Community neighborhoods, would cost between $18 million and $78 million annually, depending on the neighborhood chosen.
Other of the groups recommendations such as advising the city to make equity a cornerstone of its governing model and budget priorities and create a concrete plan driven by specific, measurable goals tracked using open data are not inherently costly, but would be a departure from the habits ingrained in the city bureaucracy.
AUSTIN Gov. Greg Abbott stepped in on a House legislative race Tuesday, announcing his endorsement for one of the key lawmakers who pushed for a so-called bathroom bill.
Abbott said voters should reelect Rep. Ron Simmons, saying in a 53-second video endorsement that the Republican from Carrollton is a "principled leader committed to growing the economy, creating more jobs and improving our schools."
Simmons carried bathroom bill legislation during the regular session and during a special legislative session, answering the call from the governor who wanted lawmakers to pass "bathroom privacy" legislation.
During the special legislative session last summer, his bill was watered down from a stricter Senate version, but would have banned municipalities and schools from enforcing policies that allow transgender people to use the bathroom that correlates with their gender identity.
Abbott warned lawmakers over the summer he would keep a list of lawmakers who supported his priorities. He has slowly begun to work through that list this fall, but Simmons is the only one he released a video for thus far.
This month Abbott went after Rep. Sarah Davis a Republican from West University Place who rejected much of his agenda by giving a lengthy endorsement of her primary opponent.
The governor's other endorsements have been for incumbents: Rep. Rodney Anderson, R-Grand Prairie; Rep. Greg Bonnen, R-Friendswood; Rep. Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth; Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano and Rep. Leighton Schubert, R-Caldwell.
Andrea Zelinski covers politics, state government and the courts for the Chronicle. Follow her this election season on Twitter and Facebook. Send her tips at andrea.zelinski@chron.com.
AUSTIN - Texas officials are launching an initiative to help victims of human trafficking after years of pressure for the state to provide better care.
Kim Grabert, who recently was named the state's first director of human trafficking prevention, is leading the charge for more funding and resources to address the issue that's a priority for Houston and other cities statewide.
A recent University of Texas study estimated the state has more than 300,000 human trafficking victims.
Grabert, a veteran of the child welfare industry in Florida, said changing the statewide procedure of caring for victims of child sex trafficking is one of many things on her to-do list since arriving at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services in June.
"The largest hurdle initially is to have everybody have an understanding of this issue of sex trafficking," Grabert said. "Texas is at a place where I think we've been building up to this conversation, and I think now is the right time to have staff in positions to address it."
Texas has long tried to address the problem of human trafficking in the state, but Texans have been critical of the government's efforts at providing rehabilitative care for victims of the crime.
In 2014, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called for a statewide effort to help the more than 79,000 minors and youth victims of sex trafficking in the state, but the Legislature has done little to address the problem.
Mixed legislative signals
During the 85th legislative session, the Legislature allocated $1.3 million per year to create a grant program specifically for assisting child sex trafficking victims. But legislators also removed a proposal to create a $3 million grant program aimed at helping all trafficking victims, continuing a decade-long pattern of providing little funding toward the issue.
"When it comes to serving this population, there has to be greater funding, and there has to be funding for more than one avenue," Grabert said. "Government alone, in whatever capacity, we're not going to have the resources to treat the complexities of the needs of this population, whether they're minors or adults, so everyone has to step up and provide a piece."
To do this, Grabert said she is reviewing the methods for responding to victims of sex trafficking from everyone who deals with the problem in the state.
"When you engage with these children you have to build a relationship," Grabert said. "It's not simple. This is neurologically driven, trauma-driven behavior and punitive action is not effective."
Grabert said her position was created through a grant from the governor's office to allow the state to respond to the issue of child sex trafficking on behalf of the child welfare program.
"Gov. Abbott is fully committed to doing everything he can to put an end to the horrific practice of human trafficking, while helping rehabilitate child sex trafficking victims and vigorously prosecuting the criminals involved," said Ciara Matthews, spokesperson for Abbott. "The governor is pleased with the work Kim Grabert has done already, and he will continue to dedicate the necessary resources to combat this heinous crime."
In Texas, a Houston-based shelter is the only privately run safe house that provides long-term housing for girls who are victims of sex trafficking, called Freedom Place. There are multiple drop-in shelters that provide short-term care in the state.
Houston a hub
Hilary Sherrer, spokesperson for Houston victims' daytime drop-in shelter The Landing, said she wishes Texas had addressed the problem of victim care sooner.
"I think it's always frustrating when things aren't done as quickly or efficiently as we would like them to be done," Sherrer said. "Yes, it's frustrating that this hasn't happened before, but there will always be things to do, and I am happy that something is being done, and I think it is a better step in the right direction."
Houston is one of the largest hubs for sex trafficking in the United States, but Sherrer said Texas should look to the city as a blueprint for addressing the issue.
"Houston has developed a very strategic plan on how to combat human trafficking as a city," Sherrer said. "It's a great first step, strategically getting a plan to put together, and that would be a great thing to see in Texas on how we can address this as a state, all across this huge state."
Texas is taking a great step by adding the position of director of human trafficking, Grabert said, and coordinating the state's response is one of the objectives in the early months of her new job.
"I think every state needs this position and this type of response," Grabert said.
Open a bank account using a stolen identity and you might find yourself behind bars.
Open millions of accounts using stolen identities, and you might be the world's second largest bank.
Between 2009 and 2016, Wells Fargo created an estimated 3.5 million sham deposit and credit card accounts created under customers' names.
Scandals like this one are why we have the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which fined Wells Fargo $100 million for its scam. Now more than ever, the nation needs a strong CFPB to help keep big banks in line.
You'd think that a president who once accused hedge funds of "getting away with murder" would find common cause with this regulatory agency. Instead, Donald Trump wants the watchdog to go belly up for the wolves of Wall Street.
The CFPB director, Richard Cordray, resigned this month, and Trump is trying to find a temporary replacement in Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney (For those checking, that's the same OMB director who has failed to deliver on a once-promised Hurricane Harvey recovery package).
Consider this just another example of Trump's compulsion to stand on the side of the rich and powerful against the American middle class. He might as well put an arsonist in charge of a fire department. Mulvaney has a record of trying to eliminate the CFPB, including cosponsoring a bill to do just that when he was in Congress. His appointment would also open the bureau to potential back-door dealing - a longtime Mulvaney aide now works as a key lobbyist for a major bank, Santander, which faces a $10 million fine for illegal overdraft fees.
A bureaucratic battle has Mulvaney fighting with Leandra English, the CFPB's deputy director, for legal control over the agency. All this wrangling for power should be unnecessary. Trump needs to pick a formal appointee and submit that person to Senate approval.
Corporate profits are sky high and the stock market continues its eight-year-long surge, but paychecks remain stubbornly stagnant. The middle class deserves a qualified director to head up the only federal agency solely dedicated to balancing the playing field between Main Street and Wall Street. When debt collectors illegally threaten veterans, or payday lenders trick working families into a pit of debt, or mortgage companies charge more on the basis of a customer's skin color, the CFPB must be fully empowered to set things right.
Less than a decade has passed since reckless financial institutions brought the global economy to the brink of collapse. The American people may have forgiven banks for their sins, but the CFPB exists to ensure that we don't forget.
Trickle down?
Regarding "GOP discovers little voter enthusiasm for a tax plan wealthy donors demand" (Page A12, Friday), I have bet numerous friends and family members that there is no way that Congress will get a tax bill to the president's desk by Dec. 31. So far, no one has accepted the $1,000 bet. There is so much to dislike about both the House and Senate bills; I'll touch on a few issues.
The AARP is up in arms because seniors may no longer be able to deduct huge medical bills. Millions of homeowners, myself included, may lose the home mortgage deduction. With the possible loss of the individual mandate requiring everyone to have health insurance or pay a penalty, premiums, co-pays and deductibles will skyrocket, causing millions to lose their health insurance coverage.
By giving huge tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy, the GOP is following the long-discredited theory that the money will somehow trickle down to the working class in the form of increased pay and better jobs.
What is not acknowledged is that employers only increase production and employment when they have expanded markets. They have no reason to increase jobs or produce more if they can't sell those new products. Companies will find other uses for the windfall from the GOP. Meanwhile, virtually everyone else loses.
Jim McMahon, Spring
Looking forward
Regarding "Saving Thanksgiving for Harvey victims" (Page A1, Thursday), it's admirable that parades, charitable meals and other spirit-lifting events are part of Houston's response to Hurricane Harvey. But now we face two important long-term challenges: rebuild Houston and, just as important, prevent another Harvey from happening.
Quite a number of prevention ideas have appeared in the Chronicle. So, we must decide which ones would be both effective and practical and then decide on the ones that get implemented.
Both as a city and as individuals, we've successfully carried out numerous "Houston strong" activities. Now for Houston's long-term health, we need to follow up with "Houston smart" projects. Future heroes of Harvey will be those who can help us do this.
Joe Vogt, Houston
Public education
Regarding "GOP tax bill flunks the educator test" (Page A21, Saturday), the "unconscionable thought" about educators losing their relatively small tax deduction for school supplies should be that the state of Texas, local boards of trustees and district administrators tolerate teachers ever having to pay a cent for materials.
The state constitution requires a free public education for all residents of school age, not one subsidized by employees.
Ken Booth, Seabrook
Hunger endures
Regarding "Holiday turkey and the trimmings" (Page A3, Friday), while it is gratifying to see various groups feeding the homeless on Thanksgiving, we should remember that people need to eat every day. Hunger never takes a day off!
Larry Cronin, Spring
Bush 41
Regarding "President George H.W. Bush becomes the longest living U.S. president" (Chron.com, Sunday), God bless him. He was a good president.
Doyle Mayhaw, posted via Facebook.
WASHINGTON - "I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not ashamed," Jonathan Swift observed. That was three centuries ago, so our current, degraded condition has deep historical roots. Yet it feels, more and more, that we are experiencing the end of shame.
Our sad national trajectory has been on display recently with two oddly connected stories: Alabama Republican senate nominee Roy Moore and the tax bill. They share a common thread in President Trump, but their significance goes beyond the president. Trump surely helped fuel the end of shame, but just as surely we were already on that degraded path.
No one who has watched Moore expected that reports of how he preyed on young girls would provoke shame from the egocentric, already discredited judge. Moore has long proved - with his flagrant disregard for constitutional values, his homophobia and racism - that he is impervious to such feelings.
The open question involved Moore's true-believing supporters and political allies of convenience: At long last, had they any decency? For some, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and most of his colleagues, the answer has been a welcome yes. Others, most prominently Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and, inevitably, Trump, have failed what should have been an easy test. To conclude that electing an accused child molester to the Senate is preferable to seating a Democrat is the epitome of shamelessness.
We know this from the president's own team. "There's no Senate seat more important than the issue of child pedophilia," said White House legislative affairs director Marc Short, in the that-was-then world of mid-November. "There is a special place in hell for people who prey on children," said Ivanka Trump, adding, "I have no reason to doubt the victims' accounts."
Neither did Ivey, who made her priorities clear, with no evident distress. "I have no reason to disbelieve them," she said of the women accusing Moore. And yet: "Most important, we need to have a Republican in the United States Senate to vote on things like the Supreme Court justices." Pardon the gender bias, but there is a special place in hell for female politicians who make this ugly calculation.
With plenty of room for Trump & Co. The White House line on Moore has descended from "if/then" to "let the voters of Alabama decide" to "we need the seat." Adviser Kellyanne Conway, who had once touted the no-Senate-seat-more-important line, found something even more important than defeating an accused child molester: "I'm telling you that we want the votes in the Senate to get this tax bill through."
And the president, for whom shamelessness has proven a potent tactic, pronounced himself persuaded by Moore's similarly blatant approach: "He totally denies it." But the more instructive moment came with Trump's very first public words on the Moore reports: "I can tell you one thing for sure. We don't need a liberal person in there, a Democrat." Morality is a luxury with a 52-vote Senate majority. Shame is a millstone, or would be if Trump were capable of it.
Which brings us to the tax bill, and Trump's budget director, Mick Mulvaney. The shameful part of the tax bill - shameful in the sense that it heralds the end of shame, not that it is morally deficient, although that too - is not that the former South Carolinian congressman once styled himself a deficit hawk and now is pushing a measure projected to add at least $1.5 trillion to the debt over 10 years.
The shameful part is not that the bill is so studded with gimmicks that the real cost is more like $2.2 trillion. It's not that the Mulvaneys of the world have managed to convince themselves of supply-side gobbledygook in which tax cuts pay for themselves.
What is truly stunning is Mulvaney's brazen willingness to admit that the price tag is phony, specifically the notion that individual tax cuts will expire. Mulvaney, making the rounds of the Sunday shows, felt no need to dissemble. "One of the ways to game the system is to make things expire ... a lot of this is a gimmick," he told NBC. And, on CNN, "It's simply trying to essentially manipulate the numbers and game the system." In other words, we're lying to you to ram this through, and we're not even going to bother to hide it.
If hypocrisy is the tribute that vice pays to virtue, what does it say, exactly, when our most senior public officials feel no such compunction? What does it mean if we lose Swift's capacity to wonder at the absence of shame?
Marcus' email address is ruthmarcus@washpost.com.
Firefighters from three departments responded last Thursday afternoon to a house fire in Raymondville thats under investigation by the state fire marshals office.
Raymondville Fire Department Chief Mike Jackson said four trucks and 12 personnel from his department responded to the fire at about 2 p.m., along with two trucks and four men from the Houston Rural Fire Department and the City of Houston Fire Departments ladder truck and four men.
Jackson said the fire began in the front area of the structure and was contained before destroying it.
Gaston said three firefighters from Houston Rural made entry into the burning house and were able to pinpoint the hottest spots. The blaze was ultimately contained and snuffed before spreading to much of the house.
We were able to save most of it, Gaston said. Once you get inside, you can use a thermal imaging camera and find out where the fire is at and put it out pretty quick. Those cameras make a big difference; you can tell where the hot spot is even through the smoke.
Jackson said Raymondville FD personnel were on scene for about five hours.
A lot of guys missed their Thanksgiving, he said. We had someone go to McDonalds and bring back a bunch of McRibs, and thats what they ate for Thanksgiving.
As the fire marshal investigated, Jackson and his crew assisted.
We would shovel out debris and wash everything clean where he wanted to look around, Jackson said. And, of course, its a crime scene, so we have to be careful to maintain a chain of evidence.
About two hours earlier the same day, a deputy responded to the same house regarding a report of property damage.
A 39-year-old woman who owns the home showed the officer that the front door had been kicked in a vulgar graffiti had been spray-painted on interior walls. She stated nobody lives in the house and that it was used for storage by her brother.
The woman named a 42-year-old man and 27-year-old woman as suspects. Investigation continues.
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Youtube Dips Toe Into Social E-Commerce With Ticketmaster Partnership
A recent announcement by YouTube has revealed that the popular video sharing site will be allowing Ticketmaster to use its site to connect users directly with tickets. While the deal is non-exclusive it does represent a move by Google to begin diversifying away from advertising revenue.
_______________________
Guest post by Zach Fuller of Midia
YouTube has announced a partnership with Ticketmaster that will allow its video property to connect users directly with concert tickets. The deal is non-exclusive and similar to a previous coalition between Ticketmaster and Spotify. Nonetheless it represents one of the most opportune moments for Google to begin diversifying away from advertising revenue (still 89% of the companys total year-on-year revenue for Q3 2017), and into the world of direct social e-commerce.
Of the big four, Amazon and Apple hold something that Facebook and Google do not: credit card details and a regular billing relationship. While Facebook and Google dominate in terms of behavioural data capture, upstarts in the digital economy, such as Spotify and Netflix, are in a better position to up-sell to consumers directly rather than deal with the multifaceted and, often volatile, revenues of the ad-market. However, many within tech have felt that the move into commerce by social and search entities was simply a matter of time with payments companies such as Stripe betting their business models on allowing individual merchants to trade via such networks.
With Amazon now making tentative movements into the media and advertising worlds Googles core territory, the search giant will be eager to diversify its revenue by getting directly into consumers wallets, rather than simply monetising their attention. YouTube remains a crucial asset, being both the de-facto largest music streaming service and the byword for user generated content online, though Facebook is fast encroaching on this USP. Whilst it has tried to move into Netflix and Amazon Prime Videos premium content territory via YouTube Red, adoption of the service has been slow. Positioning itself between recorded music and the experience of live is therefore a favourable manoeuvre for Google, and one that will likely pique the interest of Facebook as it attempts its own diversification tactics.
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Cities are the way of the future.
In less than 35 years, the World Health Organization estimates that two-thirds of the world population will be living in urban areas. That's an additional 2.5 billion people. The cities that will flourish the most are those that rely on cutting-edge technologies and create opportunities for people to develop new ones.
To get a sense of which cities do that the best, Business Insider consulted 2thinknow, a research firm that specializes in analyzing innovative cities, to rank the most high-tech cities in the world.
The firm chose 10 factors related to technological advancement including the number of patents filed per capita, startups, tech venture capitalists, ranking in other innovation datasets, and level of smartphone use weighted them, and ranked a list of 85 cities accordingly.
Image: WEF
If you want to know what the future will look like, these are the cities to keep an eye on.
25. Washington, DC
The US capital has been rapidly expanding its tech scene over the last decade, growing its overall number of tech-related jobs by 50%.
In addition, more than 1,000 startups call DC home. The proximity to the federal government mixed with the deep pockets of nearby venture-capital firms makes starting a world-changing company an appealing prospect in the city.
24. Barcelona, Spain
The Spanish city cracked the top 25 for the first time since last year's ranking, in particular for its growing population of industrial designers and prominent smartphone use.
Smartphone infrastructure is so sophisticated, in fact, that electrical boxes strewn around Barcelona contain computers that capture noise levels, traffic patterns, and how many selfies people take.
23. Copenhagen, Denmark
What Copenhagen lacks in startup culture and venture capital, it makes up for with innovative urban planning and a strong contingent of industrial designers factors that 2thinknow praises as signs the city prioritizes smart manufacturing.
By 2025, the city plans to sever its dependence on fossil fuel, due in large part to harnessed wind energy. Its robust bike culture and fleet of architecture firms allow Copenhagen to be a city that's not just green, but beautiful.
22. Hong Kong, China
Rather than excel in one particular category, Hong Kong hits just about every box in terms of its advancement.
The city devotes enormous amount of moneytoward research and development and city-wide innovation, boasting some of the fastest Internet speeds in China. Its high-tech exports total $243 billion, or 51% of the total exported goods.
21. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is also the locus for much of Europe's automobile industry. It is the only city in the world where all of the major automative brands are represented.
20. Shenzhen, China
Patents are flying out of Shenzhen, a city in southern China that boasts a population of 11 million.
As part of the country's push toward manufacturing, Shenzhen has grown significantly over the last several years as a hub for factories and robotics. Multiple telecom and electronics giants have found a home base in the city.
19. Bangalore, India
No other city in 2thinknow's ranking climbed as far compared to 2016's ranking as Bangalore, which moved from 49th place to 19th.
The change is due to an influx of IT companies and the city's enormous population of programmers. Half of India is under 25, and many are entering the growing tech space, creating a virtuous circle of growth.
18. Montreal, Canada
If you want to be an industrial designer or programmer, you should consider moving to Montreal. If you want to work in wearable technology (or virtual reality), even better.
Montreal is home to Vrvana, a VR headset manufacturer, and the companies Hexoskin and OMSignal, which both make clothes that measure wearers' biometric signals. The city also has a fairly strong startup culture.
17. Shanghai, China
The closest Shanghai has to Silicon Valley is the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park. It houses more than 100,000 workers split between thousands of tech companies.
Like most of China's high-tech cities, Shanghai excels in patents and venture capital. That may be because manufacturing has become a top priority in China, and companies are eager to protect (and invest in) their intellectual property.
16. Beijing, China
Though it may lack the startup culture of other high-tech cities, Beijing is renowned for its city-wide use of smartphones and the number of patents filed per capita. It venture capital scene has also grown rapidly over the past several years.
The city climbed 15 spots since the 2016 rankings.
15. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Amsterdam's combination of financial technology, energy efficiency, and startup culture make it a powerhouse in Europe, despite being much smaller than its neighbors. (It has only a third of Berlin's population, for example.)
In April, lawmakers announced they wanted to ban gas and diesel cars by 2025 in favor of electric vehicles perhaps the city's most visible sign of its look toward the future.
14. Vancouver, Canada
In 2014, the CBC called Vancouver "Silicon Valley North" in recognition of its strong start-up culture.
There are more than 600 digital media companies that generate more than $2 billion in revenue. Tech-focused universities and low corporate tax rates, meanwhile, make the city attractive for both up-and-coming engineers as well as established executives.
13. Stockholm, Sweden
With missions to go cash-free and oil-freewithin the next five years, Stockholm is fully embracing the digital and environmental revolutions.
The city also has the most billion-dollar startups in Europe and the world's second-fastest-growing market for venture capital investments. It's no wonder that programmers are flocking to the Swedish capital.
12. Tokyo, Japan
The largest city in the world doesn't achieve that feat without impressive levels of infrastructure transportation in particular. Tokyo's subway system, for example, is used by 2.3 billion people every year.
Tokyo excels in venture capital investments, and is home to a dizzying number of tech giants, many of which are already preparing for the 2020 Olympic Games.
11. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas
Just within the last couple years, Dallas has established itself as a startup hub.
In 2thinknow's analysis, the Texas city climbed from 28th in 2016 to just outside the top 10 because of its rapid growth in the number of venture capitalists and integration of technology into the city landscape.
10. Chicago, Illinois
You might not think of the Midwest as a startup magnet, but Chicago is quickly proving that assumption false. A recent report found Illinois was among the top five in high-tech jobs in the US, with the Windy City making up a big chunk of those spots.
Brookings Institute also finds Chicago is a hotbed for urban planning innovation, driven largely by City Digital, a project designed to solve problems related to energy transfer and transportation.
9. Toronto, Canada
Rife with startups and innovative infrastructure, stemming from places like the Cisco Innovation Center, Toronto is home to 30% of Canada's IT firms, the majority of which have fewer than 50 employees. That means there's a crop of young companies poised to make an impact in the next decade.
Overall, the city's firms account for approximately $52 billion in yearly revenue.
8. Singapore
Aside from being a giant, rain-absorbing sponge, Singapore boasts an extremely high number of programmers and venture capitalists. The city-state is constantly introducing new infrastructure and high-tech high-rises, including one with an entire forest in the atrium.
It has partnered with MIT to build smarter transportation that relies less on private carsand more on public trains and light rail.
7. Boston, Massachusetts
A huge number of exciting technologies have been coming out of Boston over the last several years from STEM elites like MIT, Harvard, Tufts, and Northeastern many of them in the biotech and robotic fields.
The city has a handful of venture capital firms (Battery Ventures, Atlas Venture, Bessemer Venture Partners, Matrix Venture Partners) that pour money into innovation labs and university startups. And big-name companies like Facebook and Amazon have set up R&D offices in Boston to pull from this growing pool of talent.
6. Taipei, Taiwan
According to 2thinknow's analysis, Taipei is the far-and-away leader when it comes to industrial design. This has been the case for years the city much prefers to delve into hardware rather than software. Some of the largest PC companies call the city home, including Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, and Acer.
According to 2thinknow, the city also scores highly in its number of venture capitalists.
5. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul has been called the city of the future, and rightfully so. Innovation is practically baked into its design, as its metro system may even have New York's subway beat.
According to 2thinknow, Seoul files more patents than just about any city in the world. It has developed technology that is already ubiquitous such as the LTE beamed to our smartphones as well as tech still in its infancy, like virtual stores where you scan pictures of items to be delivered later.
4. Los Angeles, California
Film isn't the only industry in LA.
In 2014, a report by the LA County Economic Development Corporation suggested that LA had more high-tech sector jobs than any other region in the US. The report also found the total wealth output hovers around $58 billion. When 2thinknow performed its analysis, it found the same: Startups and venture capital play a major role in LA's tech sector boom.
3. London, England
London has become a public transportation dream over the last year with the introduction of its Crossrail project. By 2018, 10 new train lines will connect 30 existing stations with brand-new tunnels. At $20 billion, it's the largest construction project in Europe.
2thinknow finds London has more startups and programmers than almost any other city in the world. By some estimates, there may be more IT jobs in London than all of California.
Some estimates say there will be 11,000 new tech jobs added within the next decade.
2. New York, New York
New York is a special kind of tech heavyweight. It is both extremely dated in its infrastructure, but at the same time, unbelievably progressive.
According to the state comptroller's office, nearly 7,000 high-tech companies in New York City provided more than 100,000 jobs during the third quarter of 2013. In addition to starting companies, the city also launches integrated, citywide technology: LinkNYC, a free Wifi service, has over 500 kiosks around Manhattan available for public use, and many experts believe the city is just getting started.
1. San Francisco, California
If every city claims to be the "Silicon Valley" of its particular home country, you can guarantee Silicon Valley is the gold standard for tech.
Since 2thinknow defines the region by its largest neighboring city, San Francisco takes the top spot. It is the undeniable epicenter of all things tech, from its gigantic startup culture to its venture capital scene to its population of designers and programmers.
Chris Gruba, a senior planner with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, presents the changes being requested in the town's zoning bylaws.
Clarksburg Reviews Raft of Bylaws for Pot, Zoning, Solar Arrays
One of the articles for the upcoming special town meeting asks to align zones with property lines in three areas of town. Above, the blue line shows an I1 zone on Middle Road; the red is the property lines. CLARKSBURG, Mass. A group of residents is calling for a more restrictive bylaw when it comes to large solar arrays.
A company is apparently scoping out the field bounded by Stoneybrook and Mountain View drives and Cross Road.
"The field in front of us, we've seen a lot of surveyors and it's getting us nervous," said Jeffrey Levanos, chairman of the Select Board and a resident of Mountain View Drive. "Are we going to have 20-foot high solar panels we're going to have to look at the back of?
"You can't make that look pretty no matter how you cover it."
The complaints came at Monday's public hearing on a raft of bylaw revisions to update the town's zoning. Town officials are anticipating a special town meeting by late December or early January.
The solar bylaw was completed last year but not in time for the annual town meeting in May. It was presented at Monday night's Planning Board hearing as a standalone along with a number of connected zoning amendments and additions.
Chris Gruba, a senior planner with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission who has been working on the amendments with town planners, said solar arrays can't be prohibited but the town can enforce "reasonable regulation."
Homeowners, however, asked why solar arrays couldn't be regulated the same strict way that marijuana facilities can be by limiting where they can exist.
"Why can't we just say no," asked Levanos. "I'd kind of like to nip this before it goes to the Planning Board. I want to see a setback saying it can't be 500 feet from anybody's door."
Gruber said the state is encouraging green and alternative energy. However, there was a possibility of creating an overlay district to restrict placement of commercial-style arrays in residential areas or creating setbacks that would discourage their installation.
He said he would research what options the town had for addressing large arrays in neighborhoods.
Some residents asked if the bylaw, and the one for marijuana, could simply be voted down at town meeting. Planner Carl McKinney, also the town administrator, said defeating the articles would leave the town with no control over these facilities.
The solar bylaw divides the types of solar installations in five categories requiring three different permits.
Installations on roofs or small ones on the ground require building permits; roof installations more than 6 feet off a roof's peak (usually flat roofs) or installed on the ground above 20 feet require a special permit from the Zoning Board of Adjustment; large arrays over 1/16th of acre or generating power for off-site use require a site plan review and special permit by the Planning Board.
All need to comply with setbacks and large ones are regulated in terms of screening, lighting, fenced and secured with buried utilities and bonding in place as insurance against abandonment.
"We're trying to create the best ordinance we could while complying to state law," Gruba said.
The other articles are "kind of a Rubik's Cube," he said, going through not by number but by how they would have to be passed.
Together, they would
1) first align three industrial zone areas along actual property lines to clarify districts;
2) turn two industrial 1 zones (the town dump land on West Cross Road and the former Krutiak lumber mill into industrial and service joins, allowing businesses such as medical and accounting;
3) turn the I1 zone on at the old bus yard on Middle Road to a commercial 1 zone;
4) limit marijuana production to a single I1 zone along the west side of River Road between Town Hall and the former Strong Hewat mill.
Gruba said he'd have liked to align all the zones along property lines but it was determined to start with the ones most likely to be developed.
"It really makes things much easier and helps to avoid conflicts on how things are deveoped," he said. "Ideally you would want to align every zone but we just wanted to focus on three areas because they are most likely to see construction or development."
McKinney said it was important to get the marijuana zoning bylaw in place prior to April 1, when the state will begin taking applications for licenses.
It's still unclear what the exact recommendations would be, but the town bylaw follows similar ones developed with guidance by the state. It requires growth and production to kept indoors, and lists a number of restrictions related to any sales onsite, and places a local surcharge of up to 3 percent on sales.
Among several other changes are setting standard road setbacks of 35 feet for nonindustrial and 25 for industrial rather than based on road size; decreasing lot size from a half-acre to a third for properties with access to North Adams water and sewer; allowing maximum lot coverage from 50 percent to 75 in industrial zones; and allowing split frontage of 125 feet (down from 250) in upland conservation zones.
McKinney said frontage in UC zones would largely affect the state's payment-in-lieu-of-taxes in the town's benefit based on potential building lots on state land.
Resident Paula Wells, however, was concerned that there was no guarantee the state would not sell of that mountain land.
"I want to look at the mountains," she said. "I don't want to look at houses."
iciHaiti - Justice : A delegation of the OPC in Ivory Coast
A delegation from the Office of Citizen Protection (OPC) took part in Cote d'Ivoire (West Africa) on 25 and 26 November 2017 at the 6th Statutory Congress of the Francophone Association of National Human Rights Commissions (AFCNDH) under the theme "The role of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) in the promotion and protection of migrant people: standards, good practices and challenges".
During these two days, about twenty NHRIs shared their experiences in their involvement in the fight for the respect of the rights of migrants, with special emphasis on the situation of women and children.
Me Renan Hedouville, Protector of the Citizen of Haiti discussed with his counterparts and other Heads of Delegation of opportunities for exchange programs. In his speech to the Congress, Hedouville argued that the non-respect of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights was one of the elements that favors the migration crisis around the world.
At this Congress Renan Hedouville was accompanied by Me Amoce Auguste Director of Protection of Protection of Human Rights, Me Vladimyr Gassant Director of Cabinet and Me Pierre Roldy Maurice, Departmental Director of the South.
IH/ iciHaiti
Imperial Valley News Center
Thoma Bravo Acquires Barracuda Networks for $1.6 Billion
San Francisco, California - Thoma Brava, a massive private equity firm with diverse interests in the cyber security industry is busy again this week following the acquisition of Barracuda Networks in a take-private deal valued at approximately $1.6-billion dollars. Barracuda was reportedly offered $27.55 per share, about 16% above Fridays close.
Barracuda, which is based out of Campbell, California, provides security for cloud-based networks and applications. Its a competitor of Palo Alto Networks and Symantec. The company boasts high-profile clients like Microsoft, Boeing and the US Department of Defense among its 150,000 customers.
If the names Thoma Bravo and Symantec ring a bell, its because Thoma Bravo was the facilitator of DigiCerts recent $950-million dollar acquisition of Symantecs Certificate Authority. That deal, which was recently finalized, saw Symantec sell its CA in exchange for nearly a billion dollars up front, as well as a 30% stake in DigiCerts business.
Thoma Bravos deal for Barracuda is expected to close in February. Morgan Stanley advised Barracuda on the deal while Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and USB worked with Thoma Bravo.
We believe the proposed transaction offers an opportunity for us to accelerate our growth with our industry-leading security platform thats purpose-built for highly distributed, diverse cloud and hybrid environments, said BJ Jenkins, chief executive officer of Barracuda, in a statement. We will continue Barracudas tradition of delivering easy-to-use, full-featured solutions that can be deployed in the way that makes sense for our customers.
Thoma Bravo is a private equity firm based out of Chicago and San Francisco with over $17-billion under management, including Compuware, McAfee and SailPoint.
Governor Brown to Host 86th Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sacramento, California - Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. and First Lady Anne Gust Brown will host the 86th Annual Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 7th on the West Steps of the State Capitol.
This years tree is a 65-foot-tall white fir from the Latour Demonstration State Forest located near Redding in Shasta County, the sixth Capitol Christmas tree to come from a state forest managed by CAL FIRE on behalf of the public.
The tree is decorated with over 900 hand-crafted ornaments made by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the states development centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers.
The Governor and First Lady Anne Gust Brown will light the Capitol Christmas tree with 7-year-old Sofia Garcia of Los Angeles. It will be illuminated by approximately 10,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights.
Kitty ONeal of KFBK Radio will emcee the ceremony, which will also feature performances by the California Army National Guards DET 1, 40th Infantry Division Band, Brass Quintet, the Governors Own; students from the Oakland Military Institute and Oakland School for the Arts; Mariachi Puente; and St. Pauls Baptist Church Choir.
Timing snacks to avoid heartburn
Rochester, Minnesota - While it may be tempting to have another round of Thanksgiving leftovers or any snack before you turn in tonight, you may regret it.
The old saying timing is everything is definitely true for your eating and sleeping routines. And Dr. Joseph Murray, a Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, says evening snacking can increase the chance for heartburn and a restless night.
Theres a physical reason why you should stop eating three hours before bedtime.
"Our digestion is meant to be carried out in a more upright position," says Dr. Murray.
He says late-night snacks can be a recipe for reflux.
"You fill your stomach with food. It starts producing a lot of acid," explains Dr. Murray. "Now youve got a big bag of food and acid thats sitting there. You go lay down, and you no longer have gravity to keep that food and acid down. It comes up your esophagus, giving you reflux."
Dr. Murray says some foods are more likely than others to contribute to it.
"High-fat foods, because theyll sit in your stomach much, much longer," says Dr. Murray.
Tomato-based items, onions, spices and chocolate can also cause heartburn. So can alcohol.
And, Dr. Murray cautions, even if you avoid these heartburn triggers, remember that digestion is meant to be going on while you are awake.
Eating right before bed is not a good idea," adds Dr. Murray.
U.S. Department of State Launches Partnership With Kentucky State Police
Washington, DC - Monday, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Daniel L. Foote signed a partnership agreement with Commissioner Richard W. Sanders, the head of the Kentucky State Police (KSP), to enhance the Department of States police assistance to international law enforcement agencies.
Under this partnership one of 25 that INL has established with U.S. state and local law enforcement departments the KSP will assist in helping U.S. partner nations in the fight against crime. KSPs expertise in police operations and investigations, including illegal drug trafficking and organized crime, and their nationally accredited forensic laboratories will provide tremendous value to international counterparts facing criminal threats. These impressive capabilities are a representative sample of a broad skill set that INL hopes to tap into to advance criminal justice assistance and the fight against organized crime abroad.
INL establishes partnerships with U.S. state and local law enforcement, corrections, justice sector, and ports institutions to provide criminal justice expertise to international counterparts. KSP is INLs 25th police partner and is one of six state police agencies to join the partnership program. Through this partnership, KSP will help foreign counterparts build capacity, improve efficiencies, and deliver effective criminal justice functions while also developing key relationships overseas.
Mauritania National Day
Washington, DC - Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson: "On behalf of President Trump and the people of the United States of America, I am delighted to send my best wishes to the people of Mauritania on your 57th anniversary of independence on November 28.
"The United States looks forward to growing our strong relationship with Mauritania in the coming year. We will continue our longstanding partnership by working together to strengthen our economic ties, address terrorist threats in the region, and build Mauritanias democratic institutions.
"The United States supports all Mauritanians as you work to build a country that is peaceful, prosperous, and united."
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When the Pixar writer and director Lee Unkrich received the green light to develop his follow-up to Toy Story 3, the 2011 best picture nominee that made his career, his initial excitement dissolved into fear.
Unkrich, 50, hadnt caught sophomore jitters. He knew his idea for a new animated film had the same potential for dazzling visuals and emotional catharsis that distinguished Toy Story 3 and other hits from the Disney-owned studio.
His anxiety was personal. The story of Coco arriving in cinemas in the UK in January centres on Dia de los Muertos, the festive holiday celebrated in Mexico to honour the dead, and Unkrich, who grew up outside Cleveland, is white and has no firm connections to that country or its traditions. He worried that he would be accused of cultural appropriation and see himself condemned to a Hollywood hall of shame for filmmakers charged with abusing ethnic folklore out of ignorance or prejudice.
The Latino community is a very vocal, strongly opinionated community, he says. With me not being Latino myself, I knew that this project was going to come under heavy scrutiny.
The films nods to daily life in Mexico include a Xolo (a breed of hairless dog) as Miguels sidekick (Pixar)
Unkrich faced a dilemma. On the one hand, he believed that artists should not be restricted to only telling stories about what they know and their own culture. But he also needed to safeguard against his ineluctable biases and blind spots, and ensure that his film didnt lapse into cliche or stereotype.
And that was before the rise of President Trump.
The choices made by the director and his collaborators suggest one model for culturally conscious filmmaking at the blockbuster level. On Coco, Pixars 19th film and the first to feature a minority character in the lead role, Unkrich largely dispensed with the playbook used to create immersive fictional worlds like those in Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc. Instead he relied on several research trips to Mexico and the personal stories of Latino team members, which helped ground his fantasy realm with specific geographic and sociological roots.
The filmmakers also turned to an array of outside Latino cultural consultants to vet ideas and suggest new ones upending a long-running studio tradition of strict creative lockdown. That approach was formalised after an early misstep in 2013, when lawyers for Disney applied to trademark the phrase Dia de los Muertos, a working title for Coco, and ignited a backlash online.
We dont normally open up the doors to let people in to see our early screenings, Darla K Anderson, one of the films producers and a longtime Pixar admiral, says of working with external consultants. But we really wanted their voice and their notes and to make sure we got all the details correct.
The director Lee Unkrich (left) with Anthony Gonzalez and the producer Darla K Anderson at the films Los Angeles premiere (Getty)
Coco tells the story of Miguel Rivera, a 12-year-old Mexican boy who dreams of becoming a famous troubadour like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz a guitar hero and movie star inspired by mid-century luminaries like Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete. Miguels family sharply disapproves of music, leading to a fateful act of rebellion on the Day of the Dead that plunges him into an incandescent netherworld of walking skeletons, winged spirits and long-buried family secrets.
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By seeking input on everything from character design to story early on, the studio hoped to make the movie feel more native than tourist, and to pre-empt the kind of withering, social-media-fuelled whitewashing controversy that plagued the production of the Charlie Hunnam vehicle American Drug Lord more than a year ago, and helped sink films like Aloha and Ghost in the Shell. At the same time, executives trusted that non-Latino audiences would be drawn in by the storys universal themes of familial legacy and solidarity.
The result is brimming with small nods to daily life in Mexico, including a slack-tongued Xolo (a Mexican breed of hairless dog) as Miguels loyal sidekick and a two-dimensional prologue animated to look like papel picado (traditional tissue-paper art).
Throughout the film, several main characters voiced by a nearly all-Latino cast that includes Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt and the young Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel slip in and out of untranslated Spanish, a rarity in commercial American cinema.
Unkrich made his solo directorial debut with Toy Story 3 in 2010, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Film (Pixar)
The original idea was to have the characters speak only in English with the understanding that they were really speaking in Spanish, says Octavio Solis, a Mexican-American playwright who was a consultant on the film. But for us, language is binary, and we code-switch from English to Spanish seamlessly.
Unkrich and his team based the Rivera family a multigenerational matriarchy headed by Miguels formidable abuelita, or grandmother on real-world families with whom they embedded while visiting the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Guanajuato between 2011 and 2013. The consultants, including Solis, the cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz, the media strategist Marcela Davison Aviles and a wider network of 30 to 40 volunteer advisers, played referee.
For example, in early drafts of the film, Miguels grandmother was a cold-blooded disciplinarian who kept him in line using a wooden spoon. The advisers said she felt discordant, so Unkrich softened the character and changed her chosen implement from a spoon to well-worn flip-flops, or las chanclas.
We found whenever we were made aware of these nuances and addressed them, it helped in terms of representation, but it also just helped in terms of storytelling, says Adrian Molina, who was promoted from screenwriter to co-director of Coco in 2015 and is Mexican-American.
For all of Pixars efforts to honour the films culturally specific origins and to make converts out of the 21 per cent of moviegoers in the United States and Canada who identify as Hispanic the studio is bracing for pushback from a constituency it didnt anticipate six years ago, when President Barack Obama was on the verge of his second term in office.
The rhetoric of President Trump, who disparaged Mexican immigrants and antagonised Mexico with chants of Build the wall during the 2016 campaign, poured gasoline on an incendiary political debate just as the film was nearing completion. Though the only borders it depicts are metaphysical (skeletal customs agents make an appearance), Coco will arrive at a moment of pitched far-right and nationalist sentiment. A February poll by the Pew Research Centre showed that more than a third of Americans support building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
Its been painful for me and a lot of people that theres been so much negativity in the world, specifically and unfairly having to do with Mexico, Unkrich says, declining to refer to Trump by name. Were just honoured and grateful that we can bring something positive and hopeful into the world that can maybe do its own small part to dissolve and erode some of the barriers that there are between us.
On at least one side of the divide, the verdict on Coco is in. The film had its premiere in Mexico nearly a month ago, to coincide with Dia de los Muertos, and is already the highest-grossing animated film in its history, dethroning Unkrichs previous effort, Toy Story 3, in fewer than three weeks.
This movie is a departure, but its a departure without making a big deal out of it, says Alex Nogales, an unpaid adviser on Coco and the president and chief executive of the National Hispanic Media Coalition, a watchdog group. Theyre just representing who we are.
New York Times
Coco is released on 19 January 2018
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Apart from directing a couple of Veep episodes and helping out on Stewart Lee's Comedy Vehicle, Chris Morris has been fairly quiet since releasing his feature film debut, Four Lions, in 2009.
It seems a follow-up has been in production somewhat under-the-radar in the Dominican Republic however, with comedy site Chortle breaking details on it this week.
Anna Kendrick apparently stars, pictured on Instagram on set wearing FBI uniform, a bulletproof vest and holding a rifle, joined by Kayvan Novak (Four Lions), James Adomian (Hits), Danielle Brooks (Orange is the New Black), Denis O'Hare (True Blood), Pej Vahdat (Bones) and Mousa Kraish (American Gods).
Plot details for unknown for the film, which is co-produced by See-Saw Films and Archer Grey Productions and financed by Film 4, which was also behind Four Lions.
Vahdat described the shoot on Instagram as "by far one of the best experiences of my life. This film is going to be absolutely epic and I can't wait for you all to see it," while Simon Four Lions writer Simon Blackwell previously teased to The Hollywood Reporter: "Im aware of what [Morris is] cooking, but I cant show you the menu Im afraid.
"He has an elite troop of killers who will come and get you. Hes doing something marvellous, as you would expect."
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While the first picture from Fantastic Beast 2 caught attention for featuring Jude Law as Dumbledore, many fans were disappointed by the inclusion of Johnny Depp.
The image confirmed the Pirates of the Caribbean actor would once again play the villainous wizard Grindelwald despite ongoing backlash against him following domestic violence accusations from ex-wife Amber Heard.
Director David Yates has since spoken about the controversial casting, telling EW: Honestly theres an issue at the moment where theres a lot of people being accused of things, theyre being accused by multiple victims, and its compelling and frightening.
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With Johnny, it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something. I can only tell you about the man I see every day: Hes full of decency and kindness, and thats all I see. Whatever accusation was out there doesnt tally with the kind of human being Ive been working with.
Fantastic Beasts' Chinese posters Show all 6 1 /6 Fantastic Beasts' Chinese posters Fantastic Beasts' Chinese posters Fantastic Beasts' Chinese posters Fantastic Beasts' Chinese posters Fantastic Beasts' Chinese posters Fantastic Beasts' Chinese posters Fantastic Beasts' Chinese posters
Yates then reportedly pointed out that Depps exes Vanessa Paradis, Lori Anne Allison and Winona Ryder had all come to the actors defence, saying: Its very different [than cases] where there are multiple accusers over many years that need to be examined and we need to reflect on our industry that allows that to roll on year in and year out.
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Johnny isnt in that category in any shape or form. So to me, it doesnt bear any more analysis. Its a dead issue.
JK Rowling previously defended Depps casting, saying she was delighted the actor took the role, adding: "He's done incredible things with that character.
Fantasitic Beasts 2 reaches cinemas 16 November 2018.
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Entering its 11th year, Movement Torino might be the most established euro festival youve never heard of. Launched in 2006 as a dance closing ceremony for Turins winter Olympics, by Maurizo juni Vitale and Movement founder and techno powerhouse Derrick May, Movement Torino has gradually moved from a small underground gathering to one of the Europes most famous winter festivals. Hosted in the Lingotto district of the city, famous for its history its car factories and Italian Job backdrops, the festival this year expanded to span over 5 days with two nights in the Lingotto Arena and then multiple smaller events around Turin.
The Iingotto Arena itself was expansive. The building hosted three massive stages (four on the second night), and upon arriving to the initial entrance to the main stage which was lined with fast food stands selling coffee and hot dogs, the apprehension about whether or not this area could satisfy the underground vibe of the line-up.
The identical Burn and Kappa stages, huge rooms reminiscent of train stations or airport terminals felt too big (there was about 3-4 meters between most groups dancing together). The large containers selling drinks tokens, sponsors attempting to grab passers-by and the empty bars were distracting.
Though, the music matched and filled the space Agnellis Hypercium thundered and vibrated the entirety of the Burn stage on the first night. The layout was similar to something seen in warehouse parties in London, allowing the intensity of the beats to resound throughout the space.
And the stages being as big as they were was also had advantages the light shows and visuals might have been the best Ive ever witnessed at a techno festival with hundreds of lasers and keeping all eyes glued in the direction of the DJ. Apollonias set was particularly impressive, where the lights appeared to liquefy as orange bars shook on-screen during a bassy mix of Stucco Homes.
The Techno Stage (renamed The Detroit Stage on the second night) was the complete opposite. It was warehouse on acid. The stage was set in a small section of an immense space, complete with a disorienting array of endless Aokigahara-like black columns which gave no real ability to determine which way was what. The stage itself was beneath a canopy of stringy lights that seemed to levitate above the crowd. The solid beats of Marcel Fenglers Enigma seemed to bounce from the columns into your soul. Im someone who either likes to feel like they are being encourages to groove to techno or being held hostage by it. In this space it was usually the latter and It was perfect.
The Jaeger Music Lab was way more of a traditional club space reminiscent of Warehouse Project or Bristols Motion. Removed were all the logos, all the bars (which instead the organisers had cleverly relocated to the smoking area) It was tight and small, and upon entering I almost welcomed the sweaty heat coming from the room.
Glasgows young gun Denis Sulta played a three-hour (maybe longer) knockout set that was easily the best of the festival. I was being delivered from the hard , repetitive beats to a funky shin-dig. The set was impossible to tear yourself away from, from the smoking area you could hear only moans of frustration as a vibey mix of Micheal Grays The Weekend blasted through the doors. Likewise during Patrick Topping - there were one or more Italian expletives let out as he began a remix of Raumakustiks Dem A Pree.
The second night had a far bigger turn-out (despite being on a Tuesday night), and way more of the names that have made Movement such an institution. We were greeted on arrival by Burden Brothers duo Octave one on the Detroit Stage who were visible bouncing and grooving behind the decks. The synths mixed in with some sort of groovy church organ felt eerie in the column-filled backdrop. It seemed to attract the international crowd, who grinned at each other during a rendition of Black Water overlaid with Britney Spears Toxic samples.
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Founder Dereck May likewise had the entire space humming. Starting at around 4am the set was lively, lighting up the faces of just about every onlooker as an extended mix of Donna Summers I feel love blended into Floorplans Music.
Movement also had two club venues on the Roster, the first Berghains loop-techno favourite Rdhad, cancelled his show the night before. The second featured Amsterdams finest San Proper, who played a soulful, psychedelic offering that was rightly removed from the rest of the artists in the lineup. During Caught On You might have been the first time Ive heard oi, oi, oi chanted outside the north west by a majority Italian crowd to boot.
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To mark the launch of the new Hollywood blockbuster Murder on the Orient Express, luxury Belgian chocolatier Godiva has partnered with 20th Century Fox to create a 10-foot replica of Orient Express.
Chocolate replica of the Orient Express (Godiva)
Made from 60kg of premium dark and milk Belgian chocolate, the train weighs the same as 600 chocolate bars, and took experts almost 350 hours to build, and 50 hours to design.
Chocolate sculptor Jen Lindsey-Clark said: It took four people over 350 hours, over two months to create this amazing masterpiece.
Its been a fantastically exciting project to work on.
Chocolate sculptor Jen Lindsey-Clark (Godiva)
Im absolutely thrilled that its finally here in St Pancras International station for everybody to come and see and enjoy, said Jen, whos made a name for herself in chocolate artistry after her Benedict Cumberbatch Cumberbunnies the chocolate Easter bunnies featuring the Sherlock stars head, which went viral on social media.
Godiva chocolatier reveals two tips to taste chocolate better for National Chocolate Week
The replica will be at Godiva St Pancras, where it will be until November 29, before being moved to the Queen Mary on December 11 until January 10, 2018.
Godiva, 37b, St Pancras International Station, Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London N1C 4QP.
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The cost of dying overseas
The cost of an assisted death in Switzerland is, for many, prohibitively expensive. Based on our calculations it costs anywhere between 6,500 to over 15,000 to have an assisted death in Zurich, where Dignitas is based.
The average cost for those interviewed was approximately 10,000.
Some costs might be surprising. For example, many interviewees booked a return ticket for the dying person, to ensure they knew they had the option to change their minds if they wanted to and to reduce the chance of suspicion by authorities.
The cost of obtaining an assisted death in Switzerland denies the option to the majority of people in the UK.
A 2017 report by The Money Charity showed that 68 per cent of households in the UK have less than 10,000 in savings. According to NMG Consulting and the Bank of England approximately 80 per cent of private renters and 87 per cent of social renters have less than 10,000 in savings.
Despite the cost of an assisted death being a significant issue in debates about the current law, for the majority of interviewees in our research it did not impact on their decision to seek an assisted death overseas.
Many said how they felt privileged to be able to afford to make the arrangements, acknowledging that it was not an opportunity that every dying person has available to them.
A logistical challenge
The logistical hurdles that need to be overcome to arrange an assisted death means only some people are capable of doing it. Interviewees recognised that obtaining paperwork and navigating bureaucratic systems requires knowledge and skills that favour the sharp-elbowed middle class.
The lack of clarity in the law for healthcare professionals means obtaining medical records and reports can prove challenging. But there are other documents that are also required.
Interviewees commented that, as a consequence of the lack of support available due to the illicit nature of what they were doing, they experienced loneliness during the process of obtaining paperwork. They also spoke of the anxiety caused by not knowing if they would be able to get the necessary documentation before their loved one died.
The most common concern that resulted from this process was the loss of valuable time at the end of life. There was anger and frustration that much of the final months and weeks, that could be spent enjoying life, were spent engaged in bureaucracy.
It was clear that arranging an assisted death had a negative impact on the mental and physical health of those involved. It is telling that this was considered the preferable choice. Having the control and peace of mind of an assisted death was considered by all interviewees to be worth the pains of making it happen.
A cruel trade-off
To arrange an assisted death overseas, dying people have to negotiate a complex trade-off.
Being able to make the journey to Switzerland requires a certain level of health.
However, this can create pressure to make the journey before becoming too ill to do so, which in turn often means sacrificing quality time that people could enjoy if they were able to remain in the UK.
The journey home
Following an assisted death, Swiss authorities must confirm that there has been no breach of Swiss law. This means that police, a public attorney and an independent doctor inspect the body of the person who has died, review the evidence provided by the organisation and, if necessary, interview the professionals and the loved ones who witnessed the death.
While interviewees acknowledged that Dignitas and Eternal Spirit (another Swiss right-to-die organisation) must allow for these procedures, it was clear that the curtailing of time spent with the body of their loved one, the presence of officials and the implication that their loved ones deathbed had become a suspected crime scene was distressing.
The experience of watching a loved one die, in any circumstance, requires time, space and support to process. Many interviewees said that the organisations in Switzerland that facilitated the assisted death of their loved one provided emotional support after the death. But this is the limit of support that was available.
Our research found evidence that, while there is comfort in knowing someone has ended their suffering, grief is made more complicated by the death happening in a foreign country.
If a person dies overseas, bringing the body home for burial or cremation in the UK leads to the involvement of a coroner (or medical reviewer in Scotland). In the unique circumstance of a person being assisted to die in Switzerland, it is likely that this would lead to a criminal investigation into the actions of those who helped.
As a result, all interviewees whose loved one had an assisted death said that a cremation took place in Switzerland, with their loved ones ashes collected at a later date or couriered back to the UK.
The reality of having little choice but to have a cremation in Switzerland means that people are denied a traditional funeral service in the UK. This limits the funeral choices available and prevents people donating their bodies to medical science.
It can also have severe consequences for people with religious beliefs that forbid cremation, another example of inequity created by the current law.
Threat of prosecution
It is currently illegal in the UK to assist someone to die.
With the prohibition of assisted dying in the UK and the difficulties in arranging an assisted death abroad, our research has found that dying people often need the help of friends and family to make the arrangements for an assisted death, yet any assistance provided is against the law.
The majority of interviewees were clear that they were willing to break the law.
The fact that assisted dying was illegal in the UK did not and would not have prevented them from helping their loved one to have the death they wanted.
One outcome of the threat of prosecution is the resulting anxiety for dying people, because of how their decisions may negatively impact on their family and friends after their deaths.
The current law is incapable of protecting vulnerable people
Under the current law, if someone were a victim of malicious or coercive behaviour during an assisted death overseas, it would unlikely be detected by UK authorities.
Unless someone reports a person considering travelling overseas for an assisted death, or reports a person who is providing assistance to them, there are no legal mechanisms to trigger an upfront investigation.
In addition, only a minority of cases are investigated after the fact.
The criminalisation of assisted dying in the UK means the process of seeking an assisted death overseas happens behind closed doors.
Becoming criminals
In our interviews, a small number of people were investigated by the police when they returned to the UK. This resulted in anger at the implication of being involved in a crime.
While the guidelines from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) suggest compassionate assistance of suicide will not be prosecuted, the policy is clear that the police are responsible for investigating all cases of encouraging or assisting suicide.
Given the majority of interviewees in our research were not investigated by the police when they returned from Switzerland, we can conclude the law has not been implemented as intended.
Since the DPP published the guidelines in 2010, over 250 Britons have died at Dignitas alone. A 2016 Freedom of Information request to police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) suggested that less than half this number of offences were recorded and investigated.
Our research has uncovered no evidence of coercion or pressure placed upon people assisted to die in Switzerland. Those accompanying them were not motivated by anything other than compassion. It is also clear that Swiss authorities and the organisations that facilitate assisted deaths have their own safeguards in place to protect people.
However, the circumstances of many UK citizens deaths each year, the people involved and the motivations of those who assisted them to end their lives, remain unknown.
Those who claim the current law is safe have no reliable evidence on which to base their claims.
Aside from the issue of safety, it is unjust that most relatives are left alone to grieve for their loved ones, while others are subjected to investigations by the police, which can have traumatic and long-lasting consequences.
Our research found that terminally ill people are taking matters into their own hands by attempting to end their lives in unenviable circumstances.
Even some of those who had, or were arranging, an assisted death overseas were so clear in their view that their suffering had become unbearable that they attempted to end their life before travelling to Switzerland.
In other cases, dying people came to the decision that they would not want to end their life because of the potential for botched amateurism as one interviewee put it.
Another factor was the impact that amateur attempts to end life would have on family and friends, particularly when contrasted with the peaceful death that facilities in Switzerland can provide.
In our research many interviewees, including those whose loved ones had chosen to have an assisted death in Switzerland, praised the palliative care provided in the UK. Many said that the decision to arrange an assisted death had not come about through poor care or an absence of care.
Even those campaigning against a change in the law acknowledge that palliative care is not capable of relieving all suffering all the time.
In Switzerland, people who have an assisted death must self-administer the life-ending medication.
All interviewees said that the process was peaceful and reflected how their loved one had wanted to die, comparable with falling asleep.
One thing that was notable when compared with deaths that occurred in the UK, even painless ones achieved through sedation, was the moment of lucidity before death. This enabled people to say goodbye to their loved ones.
How things could be different
Interviewees wanted to share how things could be different if assisted dying were legal in the UK.
People living with a terminal illness said it would give peace of mind and increase quality of life.
People who accompanied someone to Switzerland said that if assisted dying were legal in the UK their loved one would have died with more family and friends around them and with greater support from end-of-life-care professionals.
They also would not have been subjected to the difficulty and stress of travelling overseas and they would have had more time to spend with their loved ones at the end of their life.
We would like to thank all the interviewees who agreed to take part in this research project. We are grateful that they decided to share their personal experiences to highlight how the current law is failing dying people in the UK.
Dignity in Dying campaigns for greater choice, control and access to services at the end of life. It advocates providing terminally ill adults with the option of an assisted death, within strict legal safeguards, and for universal access to high quality end-of-life care
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A new study has found that some men confuse sexual interest with consent and assume that previously having sex with a woman implies her consent ever after.
At a time when sexual harassment and assault is dominating the media, a team of researchers set out to determine the prevalence of sexual misconduct in universities as instances of this type of violence remain higher than any other crime amongst college students.
Published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, the faculty at Binghamton University and Rush University in Chicago, sought to identify a host of situational and dispositional factors that may predict college men's likelihood to engage in sexual misconduct.
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Comprising of 145 heterosexual male students attending a large university in the southeastern region of the United States, the participants response to a series of hypothetical sexual scenarios was gauged.
Here, researchers found that most men tended to confuse sexual interest with consent to sex and that their perceptions of consent were largely dependent on the way in which the woman communicated her sexual intentions.
We found that the way in which the woman communicated her sexual intentions, that is verbal refusal versus passive responding, had the largest effect of mens perceptions, researcher Richard Mattson said in a statement from Binghamton University.
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Our findings also suggest that some men were earnestly attempting to determine whether consent was given, but were nevertheless relying on questionable sexual scripts to disambiguate the situation.
What's more, in cases where the men had a sexual history with someone, even the womans verbal refusal was often not enough to change their belief that she had given consent to future intimacy.
Mattson also goes on to explain that some aspects of the college experience, such as decreased parental supervision and the consumption of alcohol, undeniably influence students and underscore an increased risk of involvement in sexually coercive situations.
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Norway says Britain and the EU need to figure out how to include it in the Brexit process.
The UKs biggest gas supplier -- itself not an EU member -- is lobbying the blocs chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, not to put its access to the market at risk.
Our core message to Barnier is that Norway isnt just any ordinary third-party country, Marit Berger Rosland, Norways EU and EEA Affairs Minister, said in an interview at the Foreign Ministry in Oslo.
Scandinavias richest country and western Europes biggest oil and gas exporter is working hard to ensure it doesnt lose out in any transitional accord struck between the EU and Britain once it leaves the bloc.
Norway provides about 40 per cent of the UKs energy needs, and is keen to defend its access to a key trade partner.
Things are time-critical and its important to secure real agreements over the days and weeks we have up to the EU summit in the middle of December, Ms Rosland said. But comments by Barnier also suggest we have to be prepared for a no-deal scenario.
Reiterating a position held by her predecessor, Ms Rosland said there was an understanding in Oslo that any transition solutions will also be applied to Norway. The 39-year-old minister says her message to the UK Government is that it should work to safeguard its interests with key partners, including Norway.
Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.
While the minister says Norway doesnt expect its gas exports to be hit by Brexit, because both countries have a great interest in maintaining gas exports on good terms, there are numerous scenarios to consider. Norway is also doing what it can to prepare for the possibility that Brexit talks wont end in an agreement.
Ms Rosland says the risks surrounding Brexit have underscored for Norway the value of its membership in the EEA.
With all the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the EEA model is now almost stronger because we are more aware of the predictability it gives us with access to the common market, Ms Rosland said. Even if we are not a member of the EU, there is a clear cooperation model between us and the EU countries in the economic sphere.
Norways state-owned Statnett and the UKs National Grid are building an underwater power cable between the two countries, and this project is expected to be implemented and operated as planned, regardless of the Brexit process, she said.
The EEA agreement is safer than it has been for a long time, Ms Rosland said.
Bloomberg
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Anglo-Dutch consumer-goods giant Unilever wants to consolidate its headquarters in the UK or the Netherlands, but Brexit is making it harder to choose.
The maker of Ben & Jerrys ice cream and Dove soap said in a statement that a review of the dual structure is progressing well, after chief executive Paul Polman told the Financial Times he would advocate delaying the decision because of a moving playing field -- with political turbulence out there.
Unilever said in April it would consider doing away with its long-standing policy of maintaining separate corporations based in London and Rotterdam. A streamlined structure would be in the best interests of Unilever and its shareholders as a whole, providing greater on-going strategic flexibility for value-creating portfolio change, the company said Tuesday.
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Unilever previously said it hoped to decide on a single base by the end of December -- just as talks on the UKs departure from the European Union come to a head. Prime Minister Theresa May has less than a week to come up with a new offer on the countrys Brexit divorce bill if she wants to break the deadlock in negotiations by the end of the year.
The strategic review followed Unilevers rebuff of an unsolicited $143bn takeover bid from Kraft Heinz. By moving to consolidate its headquarters, the company waded into a political storm with governments in both countries putting up a fight to keep the base. Making the decision even more difficult, Dutch politicians are seeking to abolish the countrys 15 per cent withholding tax on dividends, a move that could help resident companies fend off hostile takeovers.
Dual Structure
The dual structure has been a feature of Unilever since it was formed in 1930 from the merger of a Dutch margarine maker with a British soap provider. The legal setup means the company has two boards, governance rules, shareholder bases and annual meetings. The company prepares separate accounts in euros and in pounds.
Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.
As Unilevers strategic review progresses, the company is preparing for broader changes, including a sale of its slow-growing spreads business. It has also hired executive search firm Egon Zehnder International to help it find a successor to Polman, who has served as chief executive since 2009, according to a person familiar with the matter.
European Council President Donald Tusk gave May until 4 December to make extra efforts to resolve the differences between London and Brussels -- most notably on the money and the thorny question of the future of the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK.
Blooomberg
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Low-cost airline easyJet has become the latest corporation to publish figures on its gender pay gap, admitting that it awards its average UK-based female employee a salary that is more than 50 per cent lower than what it pays its average UK-based male employee, largely because so few pilots are women.
The company said that the average salary for a UK pilot is 92,400. But while it currently has 1,407 pilots in the UK who are male, it only has 86 female pilots, skewing the whole workforce. Members of UK cabin crew are paid an average annual salary of 24,800. Women account for 2,002 of all UK cabin crew, while 898 are male.
Overall, that means that men account for 89.3 per cent off all employees in the highest pay quartile at the airline in the UK, while women account for 68.9 per cent of all employees in the lowest. The mean gender pay gap calculated by hourly rate of pay is 51.7 per cent while the median is 45.5 per cent. For bonus pay, the gaps are 43.8 per cent and 32.2 per cent respectively.
Recommended London named as UK region with greatest gender pay gap
The airline has addressed the problem of the pay divide repeatedly and has acknowledged that it is an industry problem. While this is the first time that it has reported on the gap under the Governments new guidelines, it voluntarily published its gender pay gap in 2015 and 2016.
On Monday it reiterated its commitment to encouraging more women to become pilots through a programme called the Amy Johnson Initiative. It has a target for 20 per cent of new entrant pilots being female by 2020 and recently named an Airbus A320 jet after the pioneering female aviator.
EasyJet is also one of only a handful of companies in the FTSE 100 index of the UKs biggest publicly listed companies that has a female chief executive. Dame Carolyn McCall is, however, due to step down from that role later this week.
Few major UK companies have published their gender pay gap ahead of next Aprils Government deadline to do so and critics have said that even though the requirement is a move in the right direction, it might not facilitate real change because the data that has to be shared may not be granular enough.
Last week the Bank of England revealed a gender pay gap of over 24 per cent between the average wage of its male and female staff, also citing a lack of women in top positions.
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Shares in Ocado surged by more than 20 per cent on Tuesday after the online supermarket announced that it had struck a deal to cooperate with French retailer Groupe Casino.
Ocado said that it had sealed a deal with Casino for the latter to use its e-commerce platform to help bolster its online business.
As part of the deal, Casino will build a fulfilment centre using Ocados mechanical handling equipment. The plant will serve the greater Paris area, the Normandie and Hauts de France Regions.
The construction and launch is expected to take at least two years.
Recommended Ocado sales rise overshadowed by fears over increasing costs
Ocado will take care of maintenance and provision of technology within the centre. In return, Casino will pay Ocado upfront fees after signing the deal, and during the development phase. It will then pay ongoing fees linked to the use of the fulfilment centre.
This agreement is a major leap in terms of quality, said Jean-Charles Naouri, chief executive of Groupe Casino.
He said that the agreement would strengthen the quality of service available to its customers.
Tim Steiner, CEO of Ocado, said that he was delighted with the deal.
"We continue to make investments to commercialise our proprietary platform and expect this deal to be one of many successful collaborations with leading retailers to use it the world over."
Ocado also said that it expects the deal to create significant long term value to the business.
Analysts have for some time said that international collaboration is crucial to Ocados ongoing success and on Tuesday ETX Capital senior market analyst Neil Wilson said that investors should be relatively hopeful that this is just the start of a number of new deals around Europe.
He also cautioned however, that shareholders should watch just how much the technology investment eats up earnings and whether these deals increase the cash burn.
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The UKs competition regulator has vowed to crack down on secondary ticketing websites, citing suspicions that a number of them are breaking the law by not giving customers full information about a particular event or venue.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on Tuesday said that it had completed a thorough investigation into the sector, resulting in it having widespread concerns about the information that people are given when buying tickets second hand.
It said that it had also gathered evidence which it considers to reveal breaches of the law.
The CMA will be raising its concerns with a number of websites and will be requiring them to take action where necessary, it said.
It must be made clear to customers, for example, if there are restrictions on using a resold ticket that could result in buyers being denied access to a particular event, the CMA said. People should also know from whom they are buying a ticket, and customers who buy tickets must be told exactly where in the venue they will be seating or standing.
Secondary ticketing websites can offer an important service by allowing people the chance to buy tickets at the last minute or giving them a chance to resell tickets they can no longer use, said Andrea Coscelli, chief executive of the CMA.
But our investigation has identified concerns that the law protecting consumers is being broken.
He said that thousands of people use these sites and they have a right to know if there is a risk that they will be turned away at the door.
They also have a right to know who theyve bought their ticket from or exactly what seat at the venue theyre getting for their money, he added.
We are putting our concerns to these websites and will be requiring the changes necessary to tackle them, Mr Coscelli said.
We will use the full range of our powers to get the right outcome for these sites customers including taking action through the courts if needed.
The CMA said that it would work closely with the Advertising Standards Authority and National Trading Standards to ensure compliance.
The CMA originally launched a compliance review of secondary ticketing websites back in June 2016. That review prompted concerns, which in turn led the CMA to launch an enforcement investigation in December 2016.
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Shell should face investigations in three countries for alleged complicity in Nigerian government abuses, including murder and rape, more than two decades ago in the oil-rich Niger River delta, Amnesty International said.
Authorities in Nigeria, the Netherlands and UK should investigate Shells conduct, especially in the Ogoni area of the southern delta, the London-based human-rights group said in a report on Tuesday.
Violations linked to Europes largest energy company amounted to criminal infractions for which it should be prosecuted, it said. Shell said the allegations are without merit.
The evidence we have reviewed shows that Shell repeatedly encouraged the Nigerian military to deal with community protests, even when it knew the horrors this would lead to unlawful killings, rape, torture, the burning of villages, Audrey Gaughran, director of Global Issues at Amnesty International, said in an emailed statement. Shell even provided the military with material support, including transport, and in at least one instance paid a military commander notorious for human rights violations, she said.
Shell, the oldest energy company in Africas biggest oil producer, operates a joint venture with the government that pumps more than a third of the nations crude, the states main source of revenue. Other joint ventures are run by ExxonMobil, Chevron, Total and Eni.
Protests by the Ogoni ethnic minority against Shell in the 1990s alleging widespread pollution and environmental degradation prompted a repressive response from the military government then in power. Nine ethnic-minority activists, including the writer Ken Saro-Wiwa, were executed in 1995.
Shell did not collude with the authorities to suppress community unrest and in no way encouraged or advocated any act of violence in Nigeria, the companys Nigerian unit said in an emailed statement. We believe that the evidence will show clearly that Shell was not responsible for these tragic events.
Bloomberg
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Russia has lost contact with a crucial satellite just hours after it was launched into space.
The rocket carrying the satellite was only the second launch from the Vostochny spaceport, a project that has been hailed as a major part of Russias plans for space exploration. As such, the problems look in danger of causing damage to morale in a country that sets a great deal of store by its historic achievements in space.
The satellite had also been an important part of the Russian space agencys plans. The Meteor M2-1 weather satellite was launched with the hope of a five-year mission to monitor weather and the climate on behalf of the countrys meteorological agency.
Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Show all 30 1 /30 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An image from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) shows a 200,000 mile long solar filament ripping through the Sun's corona in September 2013 Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa Celebrates 50 Years of Spacewalking For 50 years, NASA has been "suiting up" for spacewalking. In this 1984 photograph of the first untethered spacewalk, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless is in the midst of the first "field" tryout of a nitrogen-propelled backpack device called the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Hubble Cosmic Couple The spectacular cosmic pairing of the star Hen 2-427 more commonly known as WR 124 and the nebula M1-67 which surrounds it ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Veil Nebula Supernova Remnant Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled in stunning detail a small section of the Veil Nebula - expanding remains of a massive star that exploded about 8,000 years ago Nasa's most stunning pictures of space The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launch The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, carrying three new astronauts to the International Space Station. It also took caviar, ready for the satellite's inhabitants to celebrate the holidays Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth from the ISS From the International Space Station, Expedition 42 Flight Engineer Terry W. Virts took this photograph of the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Gulf Coast at sunset Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Black Hole Friday Nasa celebrated Black Friday by looking into space instead sharing pictures of black holes Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space NuSTAR X-rays stream off the sun in this image showing observations from by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, overlaid on a picture taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Cassiopeia A c A false colour image of Cassiopeia A comprised with data from the Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes and the Chandra X-Ray observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Orion Capsule splashes down The Orion capsule jetted off into space before heading back a few hours later having proved that it can be used, one day, to carry humans to Mars Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth Observations From Gemini IV in 1965 This photograph of the Florida Straits and Grand Bahama Bank was taken during the Gemini IV mission during orbit no. 19 in 1965. The Gemini IV crew conducted scientific experiments, including photography of Earth's weather and terrain, for the remainder of their four-day mission following Ed White's historic spacewalk on June 3 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Frosty slopes of Mars This image of an area on the surface of Mars, approximately 1.5 by 3 kilometers in size, shows frosted gullies on a south-facing slope within a crater. The image was taken by Nasa's HiRISE camera, which is mounted on its Mars Reconaissance Orbiter Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Yellowstone from space NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman shared this image of Yellowstone via his twitter account Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Saturn This near-infrared color image shows a specular reflection, or sunglint, off of a hydrocarbon lake named Kivu Lacus on Saturn's moon Titan Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Worlds Apart Although Mimas and Pandora, shown here, both orbit Saturn, they are very different moons. Pandora, "small" by moon standards (50 miles or 81 kilometers across) is elongated and irregular in shape. Mimas (246 miles or 396 kilometers across), a "medium-sized" moon, formed into a sphere due to self-gravity imposed by its higher mass Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An X1.6 class solar flare flashes in the middle of the sun in this image taken 10 September, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy An image of the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy seen in infrared light by the Herschel Space Observatory. Regions of space such as this are where new stars are born from a mixture of elements and cosmic dust Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Mars Rover Spirit Nasa's Mars Rover Spirit took the first picture from Spirit since problems with communications began a week earlier. The image shows the robotic arm extended to the rock called Adirondack Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Morning Aurora From the Space Station Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured this photograph of the green lights of the aurora from the International Space Station Nasa/Scott Kelly Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Launch of History - Making STS-41G Mission in 1984 The Space Shuttle Challenger launches from Florida at dawn. On this mission, Kathryn Sullivan became the first U.S. woman to perform a spacewalk and Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space. The crew of seven was the largest to fly on a spacecraft at that time, and STS-41G was the first flight to include two female astronauts Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Fresh Perspective on an Extraordinary Cluster of Galaxies Galaxy clusters are often described by superlatives. After all, they are huge conglomerations of galaxies, hot gas, and dark matter and represent the largest structures in the Universe held together by gravity Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Sees a Galactic Sunflower The arrangement of the spiral arms in the galaxy Messier 63, seen here in an image from the Nasa Hubble Space Telescope, recall the pattern at the center of a sunflower ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Pluto image Four images from New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) were combined with colour data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced colour global view of Pluto Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Fresh Crater Near Sirenum Fossae Region of Mars The HiRISE camera aboard Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter acquired this closeup image of a "fresh" (on a geological scale, though quite old on a human scale) impact crater in the Sirenum Fossae region of Mars. This impact crater appears relatively recent as it has a sharp rim and well-preserved ejecta Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Peers into the Most Crowded Place in the Milky Way This Nasa Hubble Space Telescope image presents the Arches Cluster, the densest known star cluster in the Milky Way NASA & ESA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space An Astronaut's View from Space Nasa astronaut Reid Wiseman tweeted this photo from the International Space Station on 2 September 2014 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Giant Landform on Mars On Mars, we can observe four classes of sandy landforms formed by the wind, or aeolian bedforms: ripples, transverse aeolian ridges, dunes, and what are called draa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Expedition 39 Landing A sokol suit helmet can be seen against the window of the Soyuz TMA-11M capsule shortly after the spacecraft landed with Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan (NASA/Bill Ingalls) Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Jupiter's Great Red Spot Viewed by Voyager I Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and perhaps the most majestic. Vibrant bands of clouds carried by winds that can exceed 400 mph continuously circle the planet's atmosphere Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Chandra Observatory Sees a Heart in the Darkness This Chandra X-Ray Observatory image of the young star cluster NGC 346 highlights a heart-shaped cloud of 8 million-degree Celsius gas in the central region
The Meteor M2-1 was supposed to detach from the rocket carrying it this morning, soon after it launched. But it failed to do so, according to Russian news service Interfax, and the space agency has now lost contact with it.
Roscosmos, Russias space agency, said the satellite had not reached its designated orbit and that it could not make contact with it. Roscosmos experts were analysing the situation, it said in a statement.
The new Vostochny spaceport is part of a move by Russia to take launches away from Kazakhstans Baikonur Cosmodrome and into the countrys far east. But it has been marred by delays and problems, and has only managed two launches so far.
Its the failure of that spaceport that could really damage the reputation of the Russian space programme. Moving from Baikonur to Vostochny was a major move and one that has so far been beset by problems.
Those issues affect the country itself, and any failure to launch a satellite will clearly cause damage. But they have knock-on effects internationally, too a number of satellites from other countries were on board the destroyed Soyuz rocket, and all are now lost, potentially damaging the countrys reputation as a space giant.
That is becoming more of a problem amid the rise of China and Indias space programmes. Those countries stand ready to depose Russia as a global space power, and so any mistakes could lead to major problems.
The problem is this new cosmodrome is not good enough in terms of international standards. Its quite a problem for Russias credibility, said Mathieu Boulegue, research fellow in Chatham Houses Russia and Eurasia Programme. In the long term they want to keep it as a top notch facility for space launches, if they want to get a better hand of the business and dont want to be overtaken by other countries like China and India.
However, Russia remains one of just three agencies that can send satellites and other cargo into space, and doesnt look as if its going to be deposed any time soon.
But the problems at the Vostochny cosmodrome could continue, amid worries that it simply isnt ready for the various launches it has been booked in for. It needs constant work to keep it restored and in working order, and if the failed launch is anything to go by even that isnt keeping it from disaster.
Moving the cosmodrome into Russia could be incredibly helpful it gets rid of the countrys reliance on Kazakhstan, puts the Russian space agency near a military base so that the two organisations can work together, and being near China means that its closer to the source of many of its missions. But if the move isnt successful it could undermine the entire space programme, and therefore damage Russian national pride.
The whole Russian and by that I mean Soviet, initially space conquest, and place that space has in Russia comes from the glorious years of the space race during the Soviet times, which is still something that Russians remember very fondly and are very proud of, said Mr Boulegue. They still see it as a major boost and as a projection of Russias power in the world.
They still remember it fondly. It still remains up there as one of these great nations of space, and it certainly doesnt want to be overtaken by these new countries like India or China, he said.
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Thousands of children are being groomed to work as drug mules by dealers exploiting vulnerable people to expand across the country in a criminal enterprise known as county lines.
It sees gangs based in Britains largest cities identify rural markets to flood with drugs including heroin and crack cocaine, using a specific mobile phone number to take orders in the area.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) estimates there are more than 720 of the lines across England and Wales alone, becoming a valuable brand that is protected with violence and intimidation.
Officials said the actual figure could be far higher and that county lines are present in every police force area, with three quarters linking them to the exploitation of children and vulnerable people with mental or physical health issues.
An NCA report said each line will see multiple children drawn into drug running, with the youngest reported so far being just 12 years old, while toddlers were found in homes being used by dealers.
County lines groups tend to use younger members to identify and target other children, either through personal or social media links, it continued.
They focus on those who are particularly vulnerable or at a crisis point in their lives. They are groomed and enticed by gang members to work within the drugs distribution network.
Gangs keep children in their service by enforcing drug debts frequently inflated or made up and by threatening family members to ensure their obedience.
Life as a teenage drug dealer
Teenage boys may sometimes be given small quantities of drugs to deal but most children are believed to be used to run drugs and money between urban centres and rural marketplaces, being unlikely to be known by police and facing lenient sentences if caught.
Some of the children found in the trade also have mental health issues and are drug users themselves, frequently coming from broken homes, traumatic lives, state care or having been reported missing, the NCA said.
Several police forces found that care homes were being actively targeted to recruit vulnerable children, while sexual grooming was also found in some areas seeing girls being coerced into relationships with gang members.
Recommended Gangs recruiting children as young as 12 as Class A drug dealers
Groups then exploit them sexually and coerce them to take and deal drugs, the NCA report said. There are also reports of young women being pimped out by their partners to settle drugs debts.
One county lines group filmed a female victim being sexually assaulted by gang members, then attempted to use the footage to humiliate her boyfriend.
This years report was the first to record the sexual exploitation of a boy a 17-year-old runner in a line from Liverpool who was allegedly sexually abused by the group.
The Children's Society called for better education to alert potential victims to the risks of involvement with gangs offering drugs, alcohol and the false promise of status and wealth.
Chief executive Matthew Reed said while the report sheds light on the shocking scale of child grooming and exploitation by criminal gangs, the figures could be just the tip of the iceberg.
"The stories we have heard from young victims of 'county lines' exploitation are horrifying and absolutely heartbreaking, he added.
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 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"Gangs are grooming the most vulnerable young people in our society with drugs and alcohol or promises of status and wealth, then using threats, violence and sexual abuse to coerce and control their victims.
"The coercion of children into drug dealing is traumatic and puts them at great risk - they are often forced to carry drugs inside their bodies, and sent across the country to stay in 'trap houses' and sell drugs to dangerous adults.
Once gangs move into a target area, they use a practice known as cuckooing to set up bases in local homes or businesses, with three quarters of forces finding the exploitation of vulnerable people.
They use vulnerable adults including class A drug addicts, elderly people, disabled people and those with mental health issues, female sex workers and single mothers to operate out of their homes operating several cuckooed bases at one time to evade detection.
Recommended Moped suspects threaten police officer with knife after being caught
Once they gain control over the victim, whether through drug dependency, debt or as part of a relationship, dealers move in and the risk of domestic abuse, sexual exploitation and violence increases even further.
The NCA said that although drug users appear complicit the issue of true consent is questionable, with a fifth of police forces who found cuckooing also finding imprisonment and modern slavery seeing vulnerable people detained or denied access within their own home.
Some vulnerable adults even take the extreme measure of leaving their own property, making themselves voluntarily homeless and leaving the network free reign over their accommodation, the report warned.
There is likely to be an element of forced labour (drug running to pay off debts) or forced imprisonment in relation to every county line.
A quarter of forces also found gangs gaining bases outside of cuckooing, paying cash for serviced apartments, holiday lets, budget hotels and caravan parks where they will be undisturbed.
The NCA warned that the groups evade police by adapting their methods with ease and frequency, mixing up transport methods and routes, phones, SIM cards and bases, while money laundering and using children or clean skins without a record.
Crack cocaine is among the drugs being sent along the county lines from cities into rural areas
County lines groups are also linked to wider violence, with 85 per cent police forces saying members carried knives, and another three quarters finding them in possession of guns.
London is the biggest source of known county lines, as home to at least 283 groups, but cities including Birmingham, Manchester also feature and other urban hubs are starting to emerge.
The NCA has designated county lines operation as an area of high-priority vulnerability and is increasing national coordination to help identify groups and protect victims.
Lawrence Gibbons, the NCAs head of drugs threat and intelligence, said safeguarding was a vital part of the national response as more information is gathered.
Duncan Ball, the National Police Chiefs Council lead on county lines, said the latest report demonstrated the extent of the practice.
We know that county lines activity affects urban, rural and coastal communities and its impact can be felt in many areas, he added.
The Government said it is working to ensure police forces and the NCA have powers to make mobile phone firms shut down lines used for drug deals.
"This Government is taking strong action to tackle county lines gang activity and the associated violence, drug dealing and exploitation, which have a devastating impact on young people, vulnerable adults and local communities, a Home Office spokesperson said.
"We are in the process of introducing regulations to give the police and the NCA powers to make sure mobile network companies close down phone lines used for county lines drugs dealing.
"Home Office Ministers are co-ordinating the national response to this scourge by overseeing a county lines working group with other government departments, law enforcement agencies and local government represented.
"We are also funding local projects to tackle the damage caused by county lines gangs.
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A teenage boy has been found guilty of preparing for an Isis-inspired terror attack targeting Cardiff after being radicalised online.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had concealed a knife and hammer in his school bag and prepared a letter declaring himself a soldier of the Islamic State and threatening more attacks.
He was arrested on the day of a Justin Bieber concert in the Welsh capital, which was among potential targets including the Castle quarter, New Theatre, Capitol shopping centre and Central Library.
Birmingham Crown Court heard the boys letter detailed a plan to plough a car into crowds the method used in the Westminster and London Bridge attacks and attack emergency services personnel when they arrived.
I am a soldier of the Islamic State and I have attacked Cardiff today because your government keep on bombing targets in Syria and Iraq, said the handwritten note, which appeared to closely follow Isis instructions.
"There will be more attacks in the future."
Found alongside the gutting knife and claw hammer, the letter featured bullet points including "run down the non-believers with a car" and "strike the infidels, who oppose Allah, in the neck".
It ended with the words: "In the name of Allah, may terrorism greet your country. May there be more bomb and vehicle attacks with Allah's permission."
Police are seen near the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League Final between Juventus and Real Madrid at the National Stadium of Wales on June 2, 2017 in Cardiff, Wales (Getty Images)
The boy denied intending to harm anyone but was convicted of two counts of encouraging terrorism by posting extremist material on Instagram, and two charges of possessing Isis propaganda magazines after jury deliberations lasting for more than four hours.
Prosecutors said the teenager, from Rhondda Cynon Taf and of a white British background, had become radicalised online.
He claimed he spoke to a man on Instagram who told him he needed to commit a terrorist act if he wanted to go to paradise.
The boy had downloaded two editions of an Isis propaganda magazine containing detailed instructions on stabbing attacks, including what knife to use, where to stab someone to cause the most harm, and how to carry out vehicle massacres.
His Instagram password was truck attack, with the account including photos of terrorists, the black flag used by Isis and posts encouraging a terrorist attack in Cardiff.
Cardiff, are you ready for our terror, one asked, while a promotional poster for Justin Biebers concert at the Principality Stadium on 30 June was found on his computer, alongside a search for information the event and its security.
The court heard that the defendants interest in violent extremism dated back to summer 2016, with the schoolboys internet history including searches for Isis beheading video, Isis terrorist attacks, police car UK armed response, how to create a terror attack, driving a lorry into a crowd of people and what does getting shot feel like.
He had also looked up information on the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby, carried out by two Islamist extremists linked to Anjem Choudary, and the Isis-linked lorry attacks in Nice and Berlin.
Timeline: The emergence of Isis Show all 40 1 /40 Timeline: The emergence of Isis Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2000 Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (pictured here) forms an al-Qaeda splinter group in Iraq, al-Qaeda in Iraq. Its brutality from the beginning alienates Iraqis and many al-Qaeda leaders. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2006 Al-Zarqawi is killed in a U.S. strike. Al-Zarqawis successor, Abu Ayyub al-Masri, announces the creation of the Islamic State in Iraq (ISI). Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2009 Still al-Qaeda-linked ISI claims responsibility for suicide bombings that killed 155 in Baghdad, as well as attacks in August and October killing 240, as President Obama announces troop withdrawal from Iraq in March. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2010 Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi becomes head of ISI, at lowest ebb of Islamist militancy in Iraq, which sees last U.S. combat brigade depart. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2012 In Syria, protests (pictured here starting in Daree) have morphed into what president Assad labelled a real war with emergence of a coalition of forces opposed to Assads regime. Syria group Jabhat al-Nusra are among rebel groups who refuse to join, denouncing it as a conspiracy. Bombings targeting Shia areas, killing more than 500 people, spark fears of new sectarian conflict. Sunni Muslims stage protests across country against what they see as increasingly marginalisation by Shia-led government. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2013 Al-Baghdadi renames ISI as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or Isis, as the group absorbs Syrian al-Nusra, gaining a foothold in Syria. In response, al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri (Bin Ladens successor) concerned about Isis expansion orders that Isis be dissolved and ISI operations should be confined to Iraq. This order is rejected by al-Baghdadi. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - January Isis fighters capture the Iraqi cities of Fallujah and Ramadi, giving them base to launch slew of attacks further south. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis declares itself the Caliphate, calling itself Islamic State (IS). The group captures Mosul, Iraqs second largest city; Tal Afar, just 93 miles from Syrian border; and the central Iraqi city of Tikrit. These advances sent shockwaves around the world. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Around the same time Isis releases a video calling for western Muslims to join the Caliphate and fight, prompting new evaluations of extremists groups social media understanding. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - June Isis take Baiji oil fields in Iraq - giving them access to huge amounts of possible revenue. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August James Foley is executed by the group as concerns grow for second American prisoner, fellow reporter Steven Sotloff. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - August Obama authorises U.S. airstrikes in Iraq, helping to stall Isis along with action by Kurdish forces following the deaths of hundreds of Yazidi people on Mount Sinjar. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release video showing Steven Sotloffs murder prompting Western speculation his executioner is same man who killed Mr Foley. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Obama tells us that America will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Isis release a video appearing to show David Haines, who was captured by militants in Syria in 2013, wearing an orange jumpsuit and kneeling in the desert while he reads a pre-prepared script. It later shows what appears to be the aid worker's body. Rex Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - September Peshmerga fighters scrabble to hold positions in the Diyala province (a gateway to Baghdad) as Isis fighters continue to advance on Iraqi capital. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Aid worker Alan Henning is killed. Self-imposed media blackout refuses to show images of him in final moments, instead focuses upon humanitarian care. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - October Isis raise their flag in Kobani, which had been strongly defended by Kurdish troops. The victory goes against hopeful western analysis Isis had overextended itself, while alienating much of the Muslim population through the murder of Henning. Victory causes fresh waves of Kurdish refugees arriving in Turkey. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2014 - November American hostage, who embarced values of Islam, Peter Kassig and 14 Syrian soldiers are shown meeting the same fate as other captives. But intelligence agencies will be poring over the apparently significant discrepancies between this and previous films. Seramedig.org.uk Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis has released a video revealing the murder by burning to death of a Jordanian pilot held by the group since the end of December 2014. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have released videos which appear to show the beheading of Japanese hostages Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February American aid worker, Kayla Mueller was the last American hostage known to be held by Isis. She died, according to her captors, in an airstrike by the Jordanian air force on the city of Raqqa in Syria, though US authorities disputed this. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February Isis militants have posted a gruesome video online in which they force 21 Egyptian Coptic Christian hostages to kneel on a beach in Libya before beheading them. Egypt vowed to avenge the beheading and launched air strikes on Isis positions. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - February The British Isis militant suspected of appearing in videos showing the beheading of Western hostages has been named in reports as Mohammed Emwazi from London. Rex Features Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - March Isis triple suicide attack has killed more than 100 worshippers and hundreds of others were injured after the group members targeted two mosques in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Iraqi forces have claimed victory over Isis in battle for Tikrit and raised the flag in the city. EPA/STR Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis has claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack in Afghanistan that killed at least 35 people queuing to collect their wages and injured 100 more. EPA Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - April Isis media arm released a 29-minute video purporting to show militants executing Ethiopian Christians captives. The footage bore the extremist groups al-Furqan media logo and showed the destruction of churches and desecration of religious symbols. A masked fighter made a statement threatening Christians who did not convert to Islam or pay a special tax. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of Isis has been "incapacitated" by a spinal injuries sustained in a US air strike in Iraq. He is being treated in a hideout by two doctors from Isis stronghold of Mosul who are said to be "strong ideological supporters of the group". Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis has also claimed responsibility for killing 300 of Yazidi captives, including women, children and elderly people in Iraq AP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis attack on Prophet Mohamed cartoon contest in Texas was its first action on US soil. Two gunmen were shot and killed after launching the attack at the exhibition. Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi have been named as the attackers at the Curtis Culwell Centre arena in Garland. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isiss deputy leader, Abu Alaa Afri, a former physics teacher who was thought to have taken charge of the deadly terrorist group, has been killed in a US-led coalition airstrike. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May US special forces have killed a senior Isis leader named as Abu Sayyaf in an operation aiming to capture him and his wife in Syria. Getty Images Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Iran-backed militias are sent to Ramadi by the Iraqi government to fight Isis militants who completed their capture of the city. Government soldiers and civilians were reportedly massacred by extremists as they took control and the army fled. Charred bodies were left littering the city streets as troops clung on to trucks speeding away from the city. Ramadi is the latest government stronghold to fall to the so-called Islamic State, despite air strikes by a US-led international coalition aiming to stop its advance in Iraq and Syria. AFP Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May Isis rounded up civilians trapped in Palmyra and forced them to watch 20 people being executed in the historic citys ancient amphitheatre. The Unesco World Heritage site was overrun by militants, threatening the future of 2,000 year-old monuments and ruins. Thousands of Palmyras residents fled but many are still living within the city walls, while the UN human rights office in Geneva said it had received reports of Syrian government forces preventing people from leaving until they retreated from the city. Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - May A group of Isis-affiliated fighters have captured a key airport in central Libya. The militants took control of the al-Qardabiya airbase in Sirte after a local militia tasked with defending the facility withdrew from their positions. Affiliates of Isis, already control large parts of Sirte, the birthplace of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and a former stronghold of his supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June The US Air Force has destroyed an Isis stronghold after an extremist let slip their location on social media. According the Air Force Times, General Herbert "Hawk" Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, said that Airmen at Hulburt Field, Florida, used images shared by jihadists to track the location of their headquarters before destroying it in an airstrike. Reuters Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Kurdish forces captured a key military base in a significant victory in Raqqa as well as town of Tell Abyad. YPG fighters, backed by US-led airstrikes and other rebels, consolidated their gains, when they seized the key town on the Syria-Turkey border. They are now just 30 miles to the north of Raqqa and have cut off a major supply route deep inside Isis-held territory. Ahmet Silk/Getty Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has released gruesome footage claiming to show the murder of more than a dozen men by drowning, decapitation and using a rocket-propelled grenade as it seeks to boost morale among its fanatical supporters. Timeline: The emergence of Isis 2015 - June Isis has begun carrying out its threat to destroy structures in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, blowing up at least two monuments at the Unesco-protected site as Syrian government troops made advances on the Islamists positions. AFP
Remanding the boy in custody until a sentencing hearing in January, Judge Mark Wall QC told his defence barrister: The offences for which he has been convicted obviously merit a significant custodial sentence.
"One of the things I will have to consider is whether there ought to be an indefinite sentence.
"I need as much information on him as you wish to place before me."
Detective Superintendent Lee Porter, of the Welsh extremism and counter-terrorism unit, said the investigation undoubtedly prevented further offences being committed'' and warned the public to remain vigilant.
This case has highlighted the ongoing concerns with young people gaining access to extremist material on the internet and how quickly that can lead to radicalisation, he added.
Sue Hemming, head of the Crown Prosecution Services counter-terror division, said the teenager was prepared to die for Isis extremist worldview and faces a lengthy prison sentence.
This teenagers behaviour over many months leaves no doubt that he intended to kill and maim as many people as possible in an attack reminiscent of the incident on Westminster Bridge, she added.
He was also posting extremist content online that could have encouraged others to commit terrorist acts and downloading instructions on how to carry out lone wolf attacks.
The terror threat in the UK remains set at severe (file picture) (PA Wire/PA Images) (PA)
The verdict came after figures were released showing thousands of children are being referred to the Governments counter-extremism programme.
The majority of those considered by Prevent are feared to be drawn into Islamist extremism, including a nine-year-old boy who stood up in class and declared his support for Isis.
British security services are reviewing the controversial programme as part of a new strategy being launched in the coming months, following revelations that some of the terrorists who committed attacks in the UK this year were known as potential threats.
A of eight planned attacks have now been thwarted since the Isis-inspired massacre in Westminster in March, bringing the total to 21 since 2013.
Authorities are increasing efforts to remove online propaganda of the kind used in the Welsh case, which remains available as Isis continues to use the Telegram messaging app and shifting websites to spread its message.
Ministers have warned that terrorists are using online grooming to inspire potential terrorists, including children and vulnerable people.
There is no doubt that the threat to us all continues to grow, warned Alistair Burt, the minister for the Middle East, last week.
Even as we see Isis pushed back on the physical battlefield, we know that they will continue to pose a threat in the region. We also know that the battle of ideas is far from won.
Isis is still capable of inspiring people to carry out attacks in its name and as such it remains a serious global threat.
The national threat level remains at severe, meaning further attacks are considered highly likely.
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A paedophile who boasted of performing sex acts with a dog has been jailed after investigators infiltrated a chatroom used by a dangerous community of offenders.
Under the screen name wolfpupjohn, 46-year-old Jon Page shared and discussed indecent images of children and extreme pornography online.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) said he had responded enthusiastically to a fantasy about rape and necrophilia involving children in the messages.
Analysis of his computers, mobile phones and external hard drives also uncovered 78 images showing Page engaged in sex acts with dogs, officials said.
He was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison at Southwark Crown Court after admitting 22 offences including making and distributing indecent images of children, bestiality and drug possession.
NCA officers investigated Page at his flat in Kensington, London, in February 2016 and released him on bail while the devices were examined, finding indecent images of children and extreme pornography.
They caused Page to be arrested for a second time, when searches uncovered crystal meth, a class A drug, and the class B ketamine.
The NCA said child abusers attempting hide behind anonymous usernames online were not beyond the reach of law enforcement and vowed to track them down.
Operations manager Martin Ludlow said: Jon Page was part of a dangerous community of offenders who produce and share images of child and animal abuse in online chatrooms.
They think hiding behind a username puts them beyond the reach of law enforcement but theyre wrong.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images
Officers at the National Crime Agency and its partners have the investigative and technical skills to find these offenders and bring them before the courts.
The case came after senior police officers warned that a horrifying number of British men are viewing child sex abuse images online.
Dave Thompson, the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, named child sexual exploitation alongside terrorism as one of the biggest challenges for forces.
I am staggered by what I see in terms of the operations the force carries out on the peer-to-peer sharing of images and more sensitive covert policing techniques we carry out, he told MPs last month.
The amount of men in this country who appear to show an active interest in this area is horrifying and the scale of it takes my breath away.
There is a really big discussion to have in society about how we deal with this that is much more than law enforcement.
Offenders in the UK are also among the largest group of customers commissioning cybersex trafficking a rising form of crime seeing children abused in online broadcasts.
Paedophiles have become increasingly adept at concealing their identities and communications, with encrypted chats, the dark web and live-streaming among the techniques used.
The NCA is among the agencies developing new detection tools to identify and remove material, while tracing those uploading and viewing it.
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Former Coronation Street actor Bruno Langley has been sentenced to a year of community service after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting two women.
Langley, who played Todd Grimshaw in the soap for more than a decade, groped one woman's crotch and touched the "boobs and bum" of another, Manchester Magistrates' Court was told.
Prosecutors said the actor was "clearly intoxicated" when he assaulted the women at the Band on the Wall music venue in Manchester on October 1.
Langley, 34, admitted the charges. He had been told he could face a jail sentence but was instead given a 12-month community order. The actor will also be subject to a 12-week 7am to 7pm curfew, and was told to pay 250 to each of his victims and sign the sex offenders register for the next five years.
During sentencing, the judge told him: "On that evening your conduct was quite disgraceful and degrading. Both of the victims would have been extremely shocked and upset as a result of your conduct.
"The fact that you were heavily intoxicated is not mitigation, it is a further aggravating feature.
"The consequences are serious for all concerned, the two victims but also for you.
"You have lost your good name and I know nothing of showbusiness but I imagine in the current climate I suspect it may be very difficult for you to gain employment in that industry in the future."
Langley's relatives wiped away tears as he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault. He sexually touched two other women on the same night but was not charged in relation to those incidents, prosecutors said.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 15 September 2022 Members of the public in the queue on in Potters Fields Park, central London, as they wait to view Queen Elizabeth II lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA UK news in pictures 14 September 2022 The first members of the public pay their respects as the vigil begins around the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II in Westminster Hall, London, where it will lie in state ahead of her funeral on Monday PA
Earlier, prosecutor Karen Saffman told the court that Langley had assaulted the first woman when she went to collect her and her husband's coats from an upstairs cloakroom.
She said: "As she walked back towards the stairs Mr Langley grabbed her in the crotch area over her dress.
"Even though it was through her dress and tights she could feel two or three fingers.
"She was clearly in shock. She was thinking about hitting him. She said, 'Did you do that on purpose?' But he did not reply."
Quoting the victim, Ms Saffman said: "He grabbed me. Properly grabbed me. It was a rough grab, really right in. Lots of pressure."
A man who was with Langley reportedly then apologised, saying: "Oh my God, I'm really sorry."
Ms Saffman said the second woman had told police: "He grabbed me in the crotch. Quite a lot of pressure. This lasted for a couple of seconds."
Langley made his Coronation Street debut in 2001 as Todd Grimshaw, the soap's first openly gay character. He left the show last month following an internal inquiry into the assault allegations.
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Police cordoned off roads surrounding the Gherkin skyscraper in central London to investigate a suspicious vehicle.
A bomb disposal robot was used to inspect a silver Ford Focus parked outside the skyscraper.
After the remotely operated unit was deployed, police officers were seen opening the boot of the car.
Witnesses then reported that a controlled explosion took place.
Meanwhile some office workers were instructed to take cover in the buildings stairwell.
Armed police were seen guarding the building and several businesses nearby closed while the incident was investigated.
City of London Police later issued a statement which said: We can confirm all road closures in the area surrounding St Mary Axe (EC3) have been lifted and the vehicle has been deemed non-suspicious. The driver of the vehicle has been arrested for possession of false identity documents.
In September Liverpool Street Station was evacuated after a suspicious package was found, and a week later hundreds of people were evacuated from Tower Hill Station after a mobile phone charger exploded on the Tube.
Earlier in September an attack on a District Line Tube train at Parsons Green Station, injured 30 people. Isis claimed responsibility for the attack.
Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Show all 23 1 /23 Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion A bucket with flames and wires coming out of it was photographed in the carriage after the explosion apparently the source of the blast AFP Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion An explosion on a packed Tube train has injured a number of people in west London AFP/Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion The blast triggered a stampede as commuters panicked AFP/Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion Click through for more pictures from the scene Reuters Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosioN Reuters Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion PA Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion Reuters Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion Reuters Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion AFP/Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion Reuters Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion AFP/Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion AFP/Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion Reuters Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Parsons Green explosion Reuters Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures AFP/Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures AFP/Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures AFP/Getty Terror attack at Parson's Green in pictures AFP/Getty
The UK's terror alert level remains at "severe", meaning further attacks are considered highly likely.
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Laws about gay men donating blood are to be relaxed today, as new rules come into effect.
The reformed guidelines, which campaigners have long demanded, follow advances in detection techniques and increased understanding of HIV.
LGBT rights activists hailed the change as a major step towards a fair and equal system, although some complained it did not go far enough.
Here The Independent looks at how blood donation rules have changed?
Recommended Gay men to be able to donate blood three months after having sex
What was the law before?
Fears over infections through blood donations from gay men led to an outright ban during the Aids epidemic, but in 2011 the law shifted, allowing them to donate if they abstained from sex for a year.
How has it changed?
Gay men will be allowed to give blood three months after having sex. The rule is in line with improved NHS testing measures, which can establish whether someone has a blood infection such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C or syphilis within that time period.
What did experts say?
The NHS Blood and Transplant service have given assurances that the move would not jeopardise blood supplies
We have one of the safest blood supplies in the world, Dr Gail Miflin, medical and research director at NHS Blood and Transplant said. Anyone may require a blood transfusion in the future and so it's in all our interests to ensure that we work hard to keep blood safe for patients.
This starts with selection of donors before they give blood. Everyone must answer questions on their health and lifestyle before they donate and answering these questions correctly is crucial, in order to keep blood safe.
Liam Beattie, Blood Donations Policy Lead at Terrence Higgins Trust, said the charity was pleased that the law had been swiftly brought into force. He added that the new rules will enable more people to give blood.
"We hope this paves the way for more progress as further evidence becomes available, and were now urging the government to continue to regularly review the deferral periods in line with the latest evidence. It will now be vital for those who are now eligible to donate blood to be made aware of these changes," he said.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 14 November 2022 Members of the hospitality sector demonstrate outside parliament in London. The head of the Confederation of British Industry is urging the UK government to relax immigration rules to help British companies with severe staff shortages, ahead of the chancellors autumn statement EPA UK news in pictures 13 November 2022 England celebrate winning the mens T20 World Cup in Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia AAP Image/Reuters UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA
What did people from the gay community say?
Scottish charity, the Equality Network, welcomed the new blood donation rules but said too many low-risk gay and bisexual men remained banned from donation.
Its development manager Scott Cuthbertson said: We hope many gay and bisexual men who are now able to donate, do so with their peers. These new rules are a welcome and significant step forward, we remain concerned, however, that for too many low-risk gay and bisexual men these new rules are, in effect, a continued ban.
While hailing "an important step forward", Ruth Hunt, chief executive of Stonewall said: "Theres still work to do, as many gay and bi men will still be excluded from donating. To avoid this, wed like to see the introduction of an individualised risk assessment of blood donors, which would allow more people to donate safely, regardless of their sexual orientation. We will continue to work with the Government and other organisations to create a fairer system for gay and bi men who want to donate blood."
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Katie Hopkins has been forced to share an apology to a school teacher who she libelled in one of her articles.
It came day after it was announced that the controversial columnist's contract with the Mail Online was not renewed by mutual consent.
The news website was forced to apologise and pay substantial damages to Jackie Teale, the teacher libelled in Hopkins column.
Hopkins erroneously stated in February that Ms Teale had taken her class to protest against US President Donald Trump outside Westminster. She had in fact, only taken a banner made by some of her 12-year-old pupils, which included a Martin Luther King quote.
It was published under the headline: Schools are supposed to teach kids HOW to think for themselves, not WHAT to think. So why are so many liberal teachers bullying and brain-washing children with their own intolerant views?
Hopkins shared a link to the Mail Onlines apology to Ms Teale on Twitter.
It admitted that the statement about the pupils attending the demonstration "was wrong", adding: "We apologise to Ms Teale for this error and have agreed to pay Ms Teale substantial damages and legal costs."
Mark Lewis, the lawyer who represented Ms Teale, told The Independent that Hopkins was legally obliged to share the apology as it was a term of the settlement.
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
Praising Mr Lewis for his help, Ms Teale tweeted: Just want to say Im immensely grateful that for every Katie Hopkins plaguing society with lies and hatred, theres a Mark Lewis to ensure that truth prevails. Cannot thank him enough for this."
In an earlier article for The Guardian, Ms Teale wrote that Hopkins column had left her vulnerable to personal attacks online.
People had called for her to resign and accused her of indoctrinating pupils, she added.
"'Someone, they said, would be in contact with me about this, she wrote. They began circulating links to the Department for Education (DfE) and encouraged each other to register complaints with them to inform them of my illegal activities.
Hopkins column was axed after a series of complaints over her remarks on terror attacks and other controversies.
Recommended Terror conviction for woman who fantasised about Hopkins beheading
The Devon-born provocateur previously wrote for The Sun as what the paper hailed as Britains most controversial columnist.
There, she penned a piece which compared African migrants crossing the Mediterranean with cockroaches and called for gunboats to stop migrants reaching their destination. The United Nations said the column shared parallels with pro-genocide propaganda.
Hopkins moved on to the Mail Online shortly afterwards.
Earlier this year, she also agreed to leave her job as a host on LBC radio, after she tweeted a call for a final solution to Islamist terrorism in the wake of the Manchester arena attack.
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Meghan Markle may be the envy of many after becoming engaged to Prince Harry, but luck has smiled on the American actress throughout her life, with her father winning the lottery in her childhood.
Her older half brother, Tom Jr, recently revealed their father, Tom Sr, won an estimated 560,000 ($750,000) in a Californian state lottery in 1990 when the actress was just nine years old.
If Meg marries Harry shell have won the lottery of life but dad winning the lottery helped us all, the 51-year-told told the Mail on Sunday.
That money allowed Meg to go to the best schools and get the best training. Meg is someone who has always had laser focus. She knows what she wants and she doesn't stop until she gets it," he added.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures Show all 55 1 /55 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2017 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. The Invictus Games is an international sport event for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. It was created by the Duke of Sussex and aims to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of all those who serve their country Invictus Games Foundation/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2017 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photograph in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace following the announcement of their engagement AFP/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2017 Meghan Markle shows off her engagement ring AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures December 2017 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene in King's Lynn Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan during a visit to Reprezent 107.3FM in Pop Brixton. The Reprezent training programme was established in Peckham in 2008, in response to the alarming rise in knife crime, to help young people develop and socialise through radio Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 Meghan Markle greets well-wishers on arrival at Cardiff Castle for a day showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Wales AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 The couple watching a dance performance by Jukebox Collective during their to Cardiff Castle AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk through the corridors of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on their way to a reception for young people in Edinburgh. The reception celebrated youth achievements, marking Scotlands Year of Young People 2018, an initiative that aims to inspire Scotland through its young people: celebrating their achievements, strengthening their voice on social issues and creating new opportunities for them to shine AFP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2018 Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William at the first annual Royal Foundation Forum in London. Under the theme 'Making a Difference Together', the event showcased the programmes run or initiated by The Royal Foundation Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2018 Prince William, Kate, Meghan and Prince Harry attend a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2018 Meghan Markle greets well-wishers after a visit to one of Belfast's most historic buildings, The Crown Liquor Saloon, a former Victorian gin palace, now run by the National Trust. It was the Royal couple's first joint visit to Northern Ireland AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures April 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meet participants as they attend the UK team trials for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at the University of Bath AFP via Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland arriving at Cliveden House Hotel the night before her wedding to Prince Harry Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Royal fans sing for the television in Windsor the day before the Royal wedding AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Meghan Markle walks down the aisle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, during her wedding AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand facing each other hand-in-hand before Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby during their wedding ceremony AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Prince Harry kisses the Duchess of Sussex, as they pass through the Cambridge Gate into the grounds of Windsor Castle at the end of their carriage procession AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 The newly married royals leave Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2018 Queen Elizabeth II sitts and laughs with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge in the town of Widnes in Halton, Cheshire Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan return in a horse-drawn carriage after attending the Queen's Birthday Parade, 'Trooping the Colour' on Horseguards parade AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2018 Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF Chris Jackson/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2018 Meghan and Prince Harry kiss after the Sentebale Polo event that was held at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures August 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet the cast and crew of "Hamilton" backstage after the gala performance in support of Sentebale at Victoria Palace Theatre Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2018 Meghan meets 7-year-old Matilda Booth during the annual WellChild awards at Royal Lancaster Hotel in London Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan meet 98-year-old Daphne Dunne during a meet and greet at the Sydney Opera House during an official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan meet a koala named Ruby and its koala joey named Meghan after the Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry looks on as his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is hugged by student Luke Vincent of Buninyong Public School following the couple's arrival at Dubbo Regional Airport in Dubbo AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Harry and his wife Meghan watch aboriginal dances at Victoria Park in Dubbo AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet with lifeguards at South Melbourne Beach. BeachPatrol is a network of volunteers who are passionate about keeping Melbourne's beaches and foreshores clear of litter to reduce the negative impact of litter on the marine environment and food chain, and provide a safe environment for the public to enjoy their local beach Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan join a circle during a "Fluro Friday" session run by OneWave, a local surfing community group who raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing, at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach AFP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 The British royals kicked off their shoes and donned tropical garlands on Bondi Beach AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan visit an exhibition of Tongan handicrafts, mats and tapa cloths at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa, Tonga Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington, New Zealand Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and his wife Meghan visit Redwoods Tree Walk in Rotorua AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2018 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at a service marking the centenary of WW1 armistice at Westminster Abbey Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas near the Moroccan capital Rabat AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan speak on stage during WE Day UK 2019 at The SSE Arena in London Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2019 Meghan and Prince Harry react as they are presented with baby gifts by Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Janice Charette, at Canada House, during an event to mark Commonwealth Day, in central London AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 A congratulatory banner message circling the BT Tower reading "Congratulations Harry and Meghan It's a Baby Boy!" AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Footmen Stephen Kelly and Sarah Thompson set up an official notice on an easel at the gates of Buckingham Palace on May 6, announcing the birth of a son to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Pround parents pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. The Duchess of Sussex gave birth at 5:26 on 6 May Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan walk away after posing for photographs with their newborn son AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan join the New York Yankees in their clubhouse and receive gifts for Archie ahead of their match against the Boston Red Sox at the London Stadium. The historic two-game series marked the sport's first games ever played in Europe and The Invictus Games Foundation was selected as the official charity of Mitel and MLB London Series 2019 Invictus Games Foundation/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan meet cast and crew, including US singer-songwriter Beyonce and her husband, US rapper Jay-Z as they attend the European premiere of the film The Lion King in London AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dance as they arrive for a visit to the "Justice desk", an NGO in the township of Nyanga in Cape Town, as they begin their tour of the region. Their first official family visit in the coastal city AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan pose with members of "Waves For Change" NGO at Monwabisi Beach outside of Cape Town. "Waves For Change" NGO fuses surfing with child-friendly mind and body therapy to provide mental health services to vulnerable young people living in challenging communities AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The royals arrive to visit the oldest mosque of Cape Town in Dorp Street in Bo Kaap district AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The Duchess of Sussex visits Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day with the Duke of Sussex during their royal tour of South Africa. Auwal Mosque is the first and oldest mosque in South Africa and for the Muslim community, this mosque symbolises the freedom of former slaves to worship Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan hold their baby son Archie as they meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah at the Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The British royal couple were on a 10-day tour of southern Africa -- their first official visit as a family since their son Archie was born AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan meet Graca Machel, widow of the late Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Duke last met with Mrs Machel during his visit to South Africa in 2015 Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2019 Meghan and Prince Harry attend a roundtable discussion on gender equality with The Queens Commonwealth Trust (QCT) and One Young World at Windsor Castle Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures December 2019 Prince Harry holding his son Archie. The photo was used on Instagram to wish their followers a happy new year SussexRoyal/PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2020 Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House in London after visiting to show thanks for the warm hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2020 Front page headlines, from UK daily papers, reporting on the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, plan to step back as "senior" members of the Royal Family AFP via Getty
Markle, 36, grew up in Los Angeles, attending private schools before going to the prestigious Northwestern University in Illinois where she studied theatre and international studies.
Their father, now 73 and living in Mexico, worked as a successful television lighting director on hit US shows including Married with Children and General Hospital, but was declared bankrupt just last year.
Speaking ahead of the engagement as rumours swirled, Markles brother said: She was always the familys princess but now shes going to be a real princess and I couldnt be more proud.
Their father was married to Tom Jrs mother before marrying Markles mother, Doria.
Tom Jr says he and his actress sister drifted apart around 2011 when she moved to Canada to begin work on the drama Suits in her breakthrough role.
He said there had been no big falling out, but that her work on Suits took her to a whole new level of fame.
Tom Jr, who lives in Oregon, said he was speaking out because he was tired of people thinking he was the black sheep of the family after he was arrested over a domestic altercation before being released without charge last year.
Price Harry met Tom Sr during a trip to Canada but has yet to meet Tom Jr or his sister Samantha, 53, from whom his wife-to-be is estranged.
Samantha is reportedly writing a tell-all book with the working title Diary of a Pushy Princess.
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The royal family will pay for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, Kensington Palace has announced.
The newly engaged couple are to marry in May at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.
Ms Markle, who will become a senior HRH on marrying into the royals, also intends to become a British citizen.
As the couple make preparations for their big day, the American actress, a protestant who went to a catholic high school, will be both baptised and confirmed, ready for the religious ceremony.
The royal family will pay for the church service, the music, the flowers and the reception, the palace said.
It was also announced the couple would carry out their first official engagement together at an Aids charity in Nottingham this coming Friday.
Royal Wedding: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first interview
Markle, who rose to fame for playing Rachel Zane on popular US legal drama Suits, will become joint Patron of the Royal Foundation alongside Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The humanitarian and gender equality campaigner will be forced to relinquish her current charity commitments and embark on a new string of charitable endeavours as part of her new life in Britain.
St George's Chapel is a smaller venue for the wedding than Westminster Abbey where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge tied the knot or St Paul's Cathedral where Prince Harry's parents wed.
The chapel, which is the burial place of ten monarchs including Henry VIII and Charles I, dates back more than 500 years. It has been a traditional venue for royal weddings since the future King Edward VII married Princess Alexandra of Denmark in 1863.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures Show all 55 1 /55 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2017 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. The Invictus Games is an international sport event for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. It was created by the Duke of Sussex and aims to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of all those who serve their country Invictus Games Foundation/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2017 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photograph in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace following the announcement of their engagement AFP/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2017 Meghan Markle shows off her engagement ring AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures December 2017 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene in King's Lynn Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan during a visit to Reprezent 107.3FM in Pop Brixton. The Reprezent training programme was established in Peckham in 2008, in response to the alarming rise in knife crime, to help young people develop and socialise through radio Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 Meghan Markle greets well-wishers on arrival at Cardiff Castle for a day showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Wales AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 The couple watching a dance performance by Jukebox Collective during their to Cardiff Castle AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk through the corridors of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on their way to a reception for young people in Edinburgh. The reception celebrated youth achievements, marking Scotlands Year of Young People 2018, an initiative that aims to inspire Scotland through its young people: celebrating their achievements, strengthening their voice on social issues and creating new opportunities for them to shine AFP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2018 Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William at the first annual Royal Foundation Forum in London. Under the theme 'Making a Difference Together', the event showcased the programmes run or initiated by The Royal Foundation Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2018 Prince William, Kate, Meghan and Prince Harry attend a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2018 Meghan Markle greets well-wishers after a visit to one of Belfast's most historic buildings, The Crown Liquor Saloon, a former Victorian gin palace, now run by the National Trust. It was the Royal couple's first joint visit to Northern Ireland AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures April 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meet participants as they attend the UK team trials for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at the University of Bath AFP via Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland arriving at Cliveden House Hotel the night before her wedding to Prince Harry Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Royal fans sing for the television in Windsor the day before the Royal wedding AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Meghan Markle walks down the aisle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, during her wedding AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand facing each other hand-in-hand before Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby during their wedding ceremony AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Prince Harry kisses the Duchess of Sussex, as they pass through the Cambridge Gate into the grounds of Windsor Castle at the end of their carriage procession AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 The newly married royals leave Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2018 Queen Elizabeth II sitts and laughs with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge in the town of Widnes in Halton, Cheshire Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan return in a horse-drawn carriage after attending the Queen's Birthday Parade, 'Trooping the Colour' on Horseguards parade AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2018 Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF Chris Jackson/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2018 Meghan and Prince Harry kiss after the Sentebale Polo event that was held at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures August 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet the cast and crew of "Hamilton" backstage after the gala performance in support of Sentebale at Victoria Palace Theatre Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2018 Meghan meets 7-year-old Matilda Booth during the annual WellChild awards at Royal Lancaster Hotel in London Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan meet 98-year-old Daphne Dunne during a meet and greet at the Sydney Opera House during an official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan meet a koala named Ruby and its koala joey named Meghan after the Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry looks on as his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is hugged by student Luke Vincent of Buninyong Public School following the couple's arrival at Dubbo Regional Airport in Dubbo AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Harry and his wife Meghan watch aboriginal dances at Victoria Park in Dubbo AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet with lifeguards at South Melbourne Beach. BeachPatrol is a network of volunteers who are passionate about keeping Melbourne's beaches and foreshores clear of litter to reduce the negative impact of litter on the marine environment and food chain, and provide a safe environment for the public to enjoy their local beach Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan join a circle during a "Fluro Friday" session run by OneWave, a local surfing community group who raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing, at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach AFP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 The British royals kicked off their shoes and donned tropical garlands on Bondi Beach AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan visit an exhibition of Tongan handicrafts, mats and tapa cloths at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa, Tonga Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington, New Zealand Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and his wife Meghan visit Redwoods Tree Walk in Rotorua AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2018 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at a service marking the centenary of WW1 armistice at Westminster Abbey Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas near the Moroccan capital Rabat AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan speak on stage during WE Day UK 2019 at The SSE Arena in London Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2019 Meghan and Prince Harry react as they are presented with baby gifts by Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Janice Charette, at Canada House, during an event to mark Commonwealth Day, in central London AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 A congratulatory banner message circling the BT Tower reading "Congratulations Harry and Meghan It's a Baby Boy!" AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Footmen Stephen Kelly and Sarah Thompson set up an official notice on an easel at the gates of Buckingham Palace on May 6, announcing the birth of a son to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Pround parents pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. The Duchess of Sussex gave birth at 5:26 on 6 May Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan walk away after posing for photographs with their newborn son AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan join the New York Yankees in their clubhouse and receive gifts for Archie ahead of their match against the Boston Red Sox at the London Stadium. The historic two-game series marked the sport's first games ever played in Europe and The Invictus Games Foundation was selected as the official charity of Mitel and MLB London Series 2019 Invictus Games Foundation/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan meet cast and crew, including US singer-songwriter Beyonce and her husband, US rapper Jay-Z as they attend the European premiere of the film The Lion King in London AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dance as they arrive for a visit to the "Justice desk", an NGO in the township of Nyanga in Cape Town, as they begin their tour of the region. Their first official family visit in the coastal city AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan pose with members of "Waves For Change" NGO at Monwabisi Beach outside of Cape Town. "Waves For Change" NGO fuses surfing with child-friendly mind and body therapy to provide mental health services to vulnerable young people living in challenging communities AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The royals arrive to visit the oldest mosque of Cape Town in Dorp Street in Bo Kaap district AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The Duchess of Sussex visits Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day with the Duke of Sussex during their royal tour of South Africa. Auwal Mosque is the first and oldest mosque in South Africa and for the Muslim community, this mosque symbolises the freedom of former slaves to worship Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan hold their baby son Archie as they meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah at the Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The British royal couple were on a 10-day tour of southern Africa -- their first official visit as a family since their son Archie was born AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan meet Graca Machel, widow of the late Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Duke last met with Mrs Machel during his visit to South Africa in 2015 Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2019 Meghan and Prince Harry attend a roundtable discussion on gender equality with The Queens Commonwealth Trust (QCT) and One Young World at Windsor Castle Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures December 2019 Prince Harry holding his son Archie. The photo was used on Instagram to wish their followers a happy new year SussexRoyal/PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2020 Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House in London after visiting to show thanks for the warm hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2020 Front page headlines, from UK daily papers, reporting on the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, plan to step back as "senior" members of the Royal Family AFP via Getty
The 33-year-old, who is fifth in line to the throne, and Markle have been dating for about a year and a half. The pair, who met through a mutual friend, announced their engagement on Monday.
A statement from Clarence House said: His Royal Highness and Ms Markle became engaged in London earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed Her Majesty The Queen and other close members of his family. Prince Harry has also sought and received the blessing of Ms Markle's parents".
During a TV appearance on Monday night, Prince Harry revealed he proposed to Markle in the kitchen over a roast kitchen while they enjoyed a "standard, typical night" in their cottage.
It was so sweet and natural and very romantic, Markle told BBC.
She added: As a matter of fact, I could barely let you finish proposing. I said, Can I say yes now?
After their relationship became public just over a year ago, Prince Harry lashed out at the paparazzi for subjecting Markle to a wave of abuse and harassment.
In an unusual public statement, the Palace attacked the racial undertones of media coverage of Markle and said the prince feared for her safety. The actor, whose father is white and mother is African American, has described herself as biracial and half black and half white on her website.
My dad is Caucasian and my mom is African-American. To say who I am, to share where Im from, to voice my pride in being a strong, confident mixed-race woman," Markle has previously said.
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He was the Tory minister famously forced to resign from government over a 1960s sex scandal involving a 19-year-old model who was also close to a Soviet military officer.
But newly declassified files have revealed that the affair he gave his name to wasnt John Profumos only dubious liaison.
According to MI6 records, the MP also had a decades-long relationship with a glamorous Nazi spy named Gisela Winegard.
Winegard, a fashion model, worked for German intelligence in Paris during the Second World War and may have later tried to blackmail Profumo.
The pair reportedly first met at Oxford in the early 1930s. In a 1950 memo, British intelligence officers said the relationship had begun in 1933 and appeared to have not ceased at the time of the report.
Profumo is said to have sent the German spy love letters written on House of Commons notepaper. Her husband, Edward Winegard, said the endearing letters caused him and his wife to separate in September 1950. They later got back together.
According to the MI6 documents, Winegard had been on intimate terms with a Nazi official in Paris in 1938 and travelled across Europe, including to Italy and Greece, providing secret information to the Nazis in Paris during the Second World War.
She is also said to have been the mistress of, and had a child with, a senior Nazi officer before being imprisoned for espionage when the Allied forces liberated Paris in 1944.
Edward Winegard was one of her US Army jailers and the pair married when she was released.
Profumo, who wed the actress Valerie Hobson in 1954, was forced to resign as Secretary of State for War and as an MP in 1963 after revelations about his relationship with model Christine Keeler.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 16 November 2022 Emma Woolf, great niece of British author Virginia Woolf, and her son Ludovic sit next to a new bronze statue of Woolf, unveiled in Richmond, London Reuters UK news in pictures 15 November 2022 Lesley Sutcliffe shelters from the rain next to a life-sized replica of the innermost coffin of King Tutankhamun by artist Amanda Stoner as it goes on display inside a traditional red telephone box which has been converted into a museum, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire PA UK news in pictures 14 November 2022 Members of the hospitality sector demonstrate outside parliament in London. The head of the Confederation of British Industry is urging the UK government to relax immigration rules to help British companies with severe staff shortages, ahead of the chancellors autumn statement EPA UK news in pictures 13 November 2022 England celebrate winning the mens T20 World Cup in Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia AAP Image/Reuters UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant 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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 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Keeler was reported to also be romantically involved at the time with Yevgeny Ivanov, an official at the Soviet embassy in London, raising fears that nuclear secrets may have been compromised a suggestion both the MP and the model denied.
Profumo had initially denied any impropriety in his relationship with Keeler but was later forced to admit to the affair.
The Stratford-upon-Avon MP and his wife had met Keeler during a party at Lord Astors country estate at Cliveden.
At the height of the scandal, MI6 sent files to MI5s investigations head, Arthur Martin, about Profumos relationship with Winegard, whose maiden name maiden name was Klein.
In the documents, MI6 officer Cyril Mackay wrote: Although it is not particularly relevant to the current notorious case, Geoffrey thought you might like to have for your files the attached copy of a report from our representative (redacted), dated 2nd October 1950, which makes mention of an association between Gisela Klein and Profumo which began ca 1933 and had apparently not ceased at the time of this report."
The MI6 documents also reveal that Winegard had an application for a UK visa rejected in 1951. At the time, security services believed the Winegards had "recently engaged in blackmail activities and now think it possible their intended visit to the UK may be connected with this".
The application for the six-week visa named Profumo as a reference.
After resigning as an MP, Profumo dedicated his life to charity work and was awarded a CBE in 1975. He died in 2006, aged 91.
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British and European Union negotiators have reportedly agreed the terms of the Brexit financial settlement, in what would be a major breakthrough ahead of a make-or-break summit in Brussels next month.
The Daily Telegraph says sources on both sides of the table have confirmed that the controversial divorce bill is settled in principle and will amount to between 45 billion and 55 billion depending on fine details.
Diplomatic sources meanwhile similarly told the Financial Times that the UK has agreed to take on 100 billion of liabilities with an aim to pay less than half of that in net payments over the long term.
Theresa May will offer to pay 40bn for 'divorce bill' if trade talks begin
A spokesperson for the European Commissions negotiating team would not comment on the reports on Tuesday evening as the news broke, while British officials said they didnt recognise the figures reported by the newspaper.
Whether an agreement has been reached or not, multiple Brussels sources told The Independent that the financial settlement had been eclipsed by the Irish border issue and citizens rights in recent days a sign it is no longer the main sticking point in discussions.
Sub-issues within citizens rights yet to be resolved are thought to still include the role of the European Court of Justice and the export of benefits, while the question of what the Irish border will look like after Brexit has so-far proved intractable in a very public way.
European Commission chief negotiator Michel Barnier said while on a visit to Estonia on Monday that that the moment of truth was approaching for Brexit talks and that an agreement on sufficient progress could be reach in the next few days.
European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said on Monday he hoped a deal could be reached in the next few days (Reuters)
The Telegraph's report says the figure is being deliberately left open to interpretation, and that Oliver Robbins, the Downing Street civil servant who acts as the UKs chief negotiator, agreed the settlement in backchannel meetings at the end of last week.
Theresa May said in her Florence speech that no EU country need to pay more or receive less over the remainder of the current budget plan as a result of our decision to leave and that The UK will honour commitments we have made during the period of our membership.
Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA
The EU has since called on the PM to publicly flesh out her commitment, which is likely to prove political explosive amongst some more hardline eurosceptics once the final figure is revealed.
A spokesman for the Department for Exiting the European Union said: Intensive talks between the UK and the European Commission continue to take place in Brussels this week as we seek to reach an agreement.
We are exploring how we can continue to build on recent momentum in the talks so that together we can move the negotiations onto the next phase and discuss our future partnership.
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Labour has been granted an urgent question in the House of Commons which they will use to push the Government to fully release all parts of an analysis into the impact of Brexit on the economy.
Shadow cabinet member Sir Keir Starmer will tell the Government they still have time ahead of a deadline later today to pass over parts of the analysis ministers are refusing to release.
Ministers have agreed to release 850 pages of information, but have admitted withholding elements which they say are commercially sensitive or could damage the UK's interests in Brexit negotiations.
The handover of the documents to the Commons Committee on Exiting the EU, chaired by ex-Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn, came after Labour won a vote in Parliament forcing the Government to transfer them.
Sir Keir now claims the Government could be in contempt of Parliament if it refuses to release all parts of the analysis contained in the documentation.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "It follows from that that the Government could be in contempt of Parliament. It is certainly treating Parliament with contempt.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 16 November 2022 Emma Woolf, great niece of British author Virginia Woolf, and her son Ludovic sit next to a new bronze statue of Woolf, unveiled in Richmond, London Reuters UK news in pictures 15 November 2022 Lesley Sutcliffe shelters from the rain next to a life-sized replica of the innermost coffin of King Tutankhamun by artist Amanda Stoner as it goes on display inside a traditional red telephone box which has been converted into a museum, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire PA UK news in pictures 14 November 2022 Members of the hospitality sector demonstrate outside parliament in London. The head of the Confederation of British Industry is urging the UK government to relax immigration rules to help British companies with severe staff shortages, ahead of the chancellors autumn statement EPA UK news in pictures 13 November 2022 England celebrate winning the mens T20 World Cup in Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia AAP Image/Reuters UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty
"We intend to press the issue with the Speaker and raise the question of whether they are now in contempt.
"Having agreed to this procedure they are breaching it at the 11th hour."
On 1 November, Labour tabled a humble address to the Queen asking for what it termed the impact assessments of Brexit to be provided to the Commons committee.
Labours motion demanding the release of 58 impact assessments once alluded to by Brexit Secretary David Davis, was passed without a vote earlier this month after ministers indicated the Government would not oppose it.
Commons Speaker John Bercow said at the time that the arcane parliamentary procedure of a humble address used by Labour has traditionally been regarded as binding or effective, and said he would be willing to consider an accusation of contempt if the Government failed to respond.
EU demands in next round of talks set to enrage Cabinet Brexiteers, leak reveals
But an official at Mr Daviss Department for Exiting the European Union explained that the Government had never had 58 separate assessments as such, but instead had a broad body of information consisting of all the analysis that the UK Government had done on Brexit and issues related to various sectors.
In a bid to comply with Parliament and assist the Commons committee, civil servants had drawn together in some 39 reports totalling 850 pages, documents that touched upon 58 sectors, the official said - albeit withholding certain parts.
Brexit minister Steve Baker said: "The Government has satisfied the motion, providing the House of Commons Exiting the EU Committee with information covering 58 sectors of the economy. We have also shared the information with the Lords EU Committee.
"We have always been clear that our analysis does not exist in the form Parliament requested. We have taken time to bring together the analysis we do have in a way that meets Parliaments specific ask.
"Our overall programme of work is comprehensive, thorough and is continuously updated. This sectoral analysis is simply one part of it."
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Britain is ill-equipped for Brexit talks and needs to take a tougher line with Brussels by telling EU leaders to sod off over the divorce bill, a former Cabinet minister has said.
Ex-International Development Secretary Priti Patel, who was forced to resign earlier this month, launched an attack on the Government for failing to set out its Brexit vision and not boasting of the economic opportunities that leaving the European Union offers.
Recommended May forces Patel to quit over secret Israeli meetings
The prominent Brexiteer said the negotiations were not [in] an ideal state at all, in an intervention days before Theresa May travels to Brussels to persuade the EU to move onto the new phase of talks covering trade and transition.
In extraordinary scenes, thousands of people tracked Ms Patels flight online as she was summoned back from Nairobi for a confrontation with Theresa May after it emerged she had held secret meetings with senior Israeli officials without informing Downing Street.
The Witham MP made it clear that she would be outspoken about Brexit from the backbenches in her resignation letter to the Prime Minister.
Priti Patel out: Theresa May forces International Development Secretary to quit
Speaking at an event in London organised by The Spectator magazine, Ms Patel said: The Government has been ill-equipped in terms of preparations for the negotiations... Its not an ideal state at all.
She went on: We should have had conviction and clarity in terms of our end state and destination and presented that and been pretty forthright about it as well,
My views on money are pretty clear, I dont like spending money so I would have told the EU in particular to sod off with their excessive financial demands.
Ms May was leading in very challenging circumstances and was struggling now with a difficult set of cards post the election, Ms Patel said.
But she said: One of the failings is we have not set out that vision, what is that vision of Britain going to look like post-Brexit?
What are the economic opportunities for the City of London and for many other businesses and sectors in terms of leading out in the world and potentially trading with countries we have simply not been engaged with for not just years but for decades.
Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA
And also reflecting that the world is changing, the labour market is changing.
It comes as a deepening row over the Irish border threatened to derail Brexit talks, as the Republic signalled it would veto moves to trade talks without further guarantees against a hard border on the island of Ireland.
EU leaders refuse to move onto the next phase until key issues have been agreed, including citizens rights, the Irish border and the so-called divorce bill.
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David Davis has been called in to face a Commons committee which has demanded his department release papers detailing the impact of Brexit on the economy.
The Brexit Secretary was asked to attend a hearing after his department withheld some elements of the analysis which the Government claims are commercially sensitive or could harm the UK in withdrawal talks.
The handover of the documents to the Commons Committee on Exiting the EU, chaired by ex-Shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn, came after Labour won a vote in Parliament forcing the Government to transfer them.
David Davis blames Germany and France for Brexit talks deadlock: "They are the most powerful players on the European continent"
Recommended Labour wins urgent question to push Government for full Brexit release
Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer now claims the Government could be in contempt of Parliament if it refuses to release all parts of the analysis contained in the documentation.
Mr Benn's committee said in a statement on Tuesday: "[We are] asking the Secretary of State to attend an evidence session as a matter of urgency in order to confirm the process behind the Departments actions.
"The Committee will then move into private session to discuss the matter further."
The cross-party group of MPs is currently trawling through 850 pages of documentation to decide if the Government has complied with their request and also whether to release any of it to the wider public.
Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA
On 1 November, Labour tabled a humble address to the Queen asking for what it termed the impact assessments of Brexit to be provided to the Commons committee.
Labours motion demanding the release of 58 impact assessments once alluded to by Brexit Secretary David Davis, was passed without a vote earlier this month after ministers indicated the Government would not oppose it.
Commons Speaker John Bercow said at the time that the arcane parliamentary procedure of a humble address used by Labour has traditionally been regarded as binding or effective, and said he would be willing to consider an accusation of contempt if the Government failed to respond.
The Department for Exiting the EU (Dexeu) stressed that ministers had a responsibility, endorsed by Parliament, not to release information that would undermine the UK's negotiating position.
A spokesman said: "The Government has satisfied the motion, providing the House of Commons Exiting the EU Committee with information covering 58 sectors of the economy."
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Commons Speaker John Bercow has hinted MPs could get the chance to debate whether David Davis acted in contempt of Parliament over the publication of reports detailing the impact of Brexit on the economy.
It comes after the Brexit Secretary provided an 850-page dossier of information on the impact of leaving the European Union on 58 different sectors of the economy but the papers do not contain sensitive information.
Mr Davis had been forced to release the information to the Brexit Select Committee in Westminster following a binding motion in the chamber.
But the committees chair Hilary Benn said Mr Daviss decision to withhold information from the material supplied to MPs was both contrary to the instruction given to the Government in that motion and to the clear expectations that I set out to you in our discussions.
He added that the analysis provided to him on Monday was not in keeping with the motion passed by the house, later adding: The committee will therefore need to consider whether this is potentially a breach of privilege.
Speaking ahead of an urgent question from the Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Bercow said now was not the time to debate whether a contempt of the House had occurred, but added there may or may not be later occasions for that matter to be discussed.
Recommended David Davis set to face Commons committee over Brexit papers
Mr Bercow said the Brexit Secretary should appear before the select committee very soon indeed. And he said that, if formal allegations of contempt are made, I will do my duty.
I think that. when it is suggested that that meeting should be soon, it means soon - it does not mean weeks hence, it means very soon indeed, Mr Bercow said.
Nothing, no commitment, no other diarised engagement is more important than respecting the House and in this case the committee of the House which has ownership of this matter and to which the papers were to be provided.
That is where the matter rests. As and when matters evolve, if a further representation alleging contempt is made to me, I will consider it very promptly and come back to the House.
I hope the House knows me well enough to know that I will do my duty.
Sir Keir added: Whether he is in contempt of Parliament is a matter we will come to at a later date, but he is certainly treating Parliament with contempt.
A string of Conservative MPs, including Ken Clarke, Jacob-Rees Mogg, and Christopher Chope, also said if the Government wanted to retract information from the documents then it must propose a new motion explicitly saying so.
Robin Walker, the Brexit minister who was standing in for Mr Davis in the Commons, said the Government would consider the proposal and made clear the documents already provided to the Brexit committee in Westminster will be made available for all MPs in a special reading room.
Prominent Tory Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, a member of the Exiting the EU Select Committee, urged the Government to release all the information or seek a new vote in the House of Commons.
Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA
He said: To meet this motion it is not at the discretion of the Government to decide what to take out. It is now at the discretion of the select committee.
I therefore urge the Government either to meet the terms of the motion in full or to seek to put down a new motion.
Mr Clarke said: If the Government wished to resist the publication of the papers it had it should have voted against the motion, and if it wished to qualify or to edit the papers that it had it should have sought to amend the motion.
We cannot allow post-Brexit to start reducing parliamentary sovereignty to a slightly ridiculous level. Would the minister at least consider the possibility of sharing at least with the chairman of the Brexit select committee the papers in the original form they were in when we had our vote before this editing process started?
Brexit minister Robin Walker responded: The problem with the motion that was passed is it referred to sectoral impact analysis.
We were clear from the start that the motion did not exist in the form that was requested, therefore what we have done is to pull together sectoral analysis for the select committee and its scrutiny and I think that will prove valuable.
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Number 10 is due to announce a new 70m recovery package for the the British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean which were badly hit by hurricanes in September.
The money will be on top of UK guarantees of 300m worth of loans to the 11 permanently inhabited overseas territories as they try to rebuild after Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused widespread destruction.
Five people were killed and around 1.5bn worth of damage was done to Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos during Hurricane Irma.
The Governments initial response to the disaster was branded pathetic by former members of regional government who said they had felt abandoned by London.
Dorothea Hodge, the former UK EU representative for Anguilla, said it was absolutely disgraceful that the then Development Secretary Priti Patel took a whole day to respond to the worst hurricane we have seen in a British territory since the 1920s.
Ms Patel later deployed three UK humanitarian experts and a British navy vessel with 40 Royal Marines and army engineers to the region and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson later visited the stricken islands.
But Ms Hodge said they could still do more.
She told The Guardian: Anguillans are all British nationals, as British as the Falklands or Gibraltar.
Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Show all 45 1 /45 Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Recently planted palm trees lie strewn across the road as Hurricane Irma passes by in Miami Beach, Fla. 10 September 2017. AP Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Damage outside the Mercure hotel in Marigot, on the Bay of Nettle, on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures People pick up debris in Fajardo as Hurricane Irma howled past Puerto Rico after thrashing several smaller Caribbean islands Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Large waves produced by Hurricane Irma crash into the end of Anglins Fishing Pier in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The category 4 hurricane made landfall in the United States in the Florida Keys at 9:10 a.m. after raking across the north coast of Cuba. 10 September 2017 Getty Images Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A Royal Air Force Puma has been delivered to the US Virgin Islands to assist with the humanitarian efforts post Hurricane Irma. The Puma will be delivering Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief in support of the Department for International Development. Royal Air Force logisticians from RAF Brize Norton have assisted with the delivery of military personnel and aid cargo to the Caribbean to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Irma. RAF aircraft including, C-17 A400M and Voyager are supporting a Joint Task Force of RAF, Royal Marines, Army and RN personnel who are supporting the Department for International Development as it delivers aid to stricken Caribbean Islands. MoD Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, 9 September 2017 in Miami. Though most animals will reman in their secure structures, the cheetahs and some birds will ride out the storm in temporary housing. AP Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Boats are seen at a marina in South Beach as Hurricane Irma arrives at south Florida, in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S. 10 September 2017 Reuters Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Storm clouds are seen over Fisher Island as Hurricane Irma approaches on 9 September 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4 Getty Images Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Waves crash over a seawall at the mouth of the Miami River from Biscayne Bay, Fla., as Hurricane Irma passes by. 10 September 2017 AP Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Some of the damage on Saint Martin EPA/Gerben Van Es/Dutch Department of Defence Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures The skyline is seen as the outerbands of Hurricane Irma start to reach Florida on 9 September 2017 in Miami, Florida. Florida is in the path of the Hurricane which may come ashore at category 4. Getty Images Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A tree toped by hurricane Irma is seen on a empty street in Remedios, Cuba, 9 September 2017. Hurricane Irma reached Cuba bringing winds between 160 and 190 kilometers per hour. The hurricane has hit the north coast of the island. EPA Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures James Constantineau loads sands bags in his truck as he prepares for the approach of Hurricane Irma Saturday, 9 September 2017, in East Palatka, Fla. Gov. Rick Scott is urging anyone living in an evacuation zone in southwest Florida to leave by noon as the threat of Hurricane Irma has shifted west. AP Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures The Fort Louis Marina in Marigot is seen on 8 September 2017 in Saint-Martin island, devastated by Hurricane Irma. AFP Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Destruction in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures The wreckage in Orient Bay on the island of Saint-Martin AFP/Getty Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures View of the aftermath of Hurricane Irma on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A mobile network tower snapped in two by the hurricane on the island of Barbuda ABS TV Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A house reduced to rubble on the island of Saint Barthelemy AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures General view of damage on Saint Martin Reuters Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A damaged Casino Royale on Saint Martin after the passage of Hurricane Irma Anna Mazur/AFP Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures An aerial photograph taken and released by the Dutch department of Defense shows the damage of Hurricane Irma in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, the Dutch section of the Caribbean Island Gerben Van Es/AFP Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Flooded houses in Gustavia on the island of Saint-Barthelemy Kevin Barrallon/AFP Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures The damage on the island of Saint-Martin, a day after Hurricane Irma hit AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A man carrying an umbrella is battered by the wind in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A lone police car on patrol during the passing of Hurricane Irma in Fajardo, Puerto Rico Jose Jimenez/Getty Images Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Haitian people walk through the wind and rain on a beach in Cap-Haitien on September 7 as Hurricane Irma approaches Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A flooded street on the island of Saint Martin AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A tree collapsed on a house in Saint Martin Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A hotel in Saint Martin is gutted by floodwater during the hurricane Guadeloupe 1ere Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Cars submerged in Saint Martin Rinsy Xieng Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Debris floats amongst the floodwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Household items float down the street in Gustavia, Saint-Barthelemy Carole Greaux Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures The coast of Saint Martin is flooded as the hurricane hits the island Meteo Express Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A whole street underwater in Saint Martin @la1ere Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A car crashes into the tree amongst the chaos in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A building on the Saint Martin seafront, destroyed by the hurricane @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A mobile home overturned at Princess Juliana International Airport in Saint Martin @Bondtehond Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Palm trees bend in the wind in San Juan, Puerto Rico as Hurricane Irma slammed across islands in the northern Caribbean Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A woman runs in the rain as Hurricane Irma slammed into San Juan, Puerto Rico Reuters/Alvin Baez Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A picture taken on September 5, 2017 shows a view of the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, with the wind blowing ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma AFP/Getty Images Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures A man rides past a boarded up house as part of preparations ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Irma on September 5, 2017, in the French overseas island of Guadeloupe Helene Valenzuela/AFP Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Employees of the Mercure Hotel fill sand bags on the Baie Nettle beach in Marigot, as part of the preparations for the arrival of Hurricane Irma Lionel Chamoiseau/AFP Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures People in line at Costco, as they find out the store has ran out of water on September 5, 2017 in North Miami Michele Eve Sandberg/AFP Hurricane Irma devastation caused in pictures Night view of the city of Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, 240 km from Port-au-Prince, on September 5, 2017 Hector Retamal/AFP
In comparison to the French president who has set up an emergency fund, an emergency hotline and a reconstruction fund her response after the storm has passed is absolutely pathetic.
But at the meeting in Downing Street on Tuesday, Ms May is expected to invite the territory leaders to speak about their experiences dealing with the impact of the hurricanes.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, she said: I am pleased to welcome leaders of the Overseas Territories to Downing Street today, as they begin regular consultations with their counterparts in the UK Government. I see this as a mark of the strong and enduring partnership that exists between us.
Recommended UK will not spend foreign aid on Hurricane Irma disaster relief
This set of meetings is not only a chance to work together on our shared priorities, but also to hear directly from those territories who suffered from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
This new 70 million package of support demonstrates the UKs ongoing commitment to help its Overseas Territories as they get on with the difficult work of recovery.
During the meeting Ms May will also brief the leaders on the progress of the Brexit negotiations.
All of the overseas territories, except Gibraltar, are not part of the EU and therefore were not allowed to vote in the referendum but are likely to be greatly affected as they tend to specialise in providing financial services.
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Theresa May has arrived in the Middle East as part of her efforts to strengthen links with other trading partners as Brexit approaches.
The Prime Minister will hold talks in Saudi Arabia and Jordan during a three-day tour, two countries she visited as recently as April.
On the first visit, Ms May is expected to raise the humanitarian crisis in war-torn Yemen, where Saudi Arabia has been blamed for the suffering of the beleaguered population.
A Saudi-led coalition was accused by the United Nations of bombing hospitals, schools and wedding parties, as it seeks to defeat Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.
A humanitarian catastrophe was declared by the UN, with sanitation systems destroyed and at least 300,000 people infected with cholera.
Ms May has rejected repeated calls to suspend British arms sales to Saudi Arabia, after more than 3.3bn worth of sales since the bombing of Yemen began in March 2015.
It is understood that Mrs May will raise the threat of famine, stressing the importance of humanitarian and commercial access to the country, including through the ports of Hodeida and Salif.
The Prime Minister will meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday. The pair are also expected to discuss Saudi Arabias diplomatic crisis with Qatar.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: This visit demonstrates that, as the UK leaves the EU, we are determined to forge a bold, confident future for ourselves in the world.
We must look at the challenges that we and future generations will face and build stronger partnerships with countries that will be vital to our security.
Ms May will also set out Britains support for Saudi Arabias social reform programme, which includes increasing the number of women in work and access to culture.
In September, the country moved to lift a ban on women driving, which Ms May welcomed it as an important step for gender equality in the key ally the UKs largest trading partner in the Middle East.
On Thursday, Mrs May will hold talks with Jordans King Abdullah and Prime Minister Hani Al-Mulki on how Britain can support the countrys economy.
She will see the impact UK support can have on creating jobs and opportunities in the region by meeting members of the Arab Womens Enterprise Fund.
During her last visit she announced that military trainers would be sent to Jordan, which borders Syria, to help the nations air force eliminate Islamic State.
So far, four major training exercises have taken place in Jordan, with more than 3,000 UK service personnel involved.
Rounding off her tour Mrs May will deliver a speech on the subject of supporting Jordanian economic reform to parliamentarians, business leaders and the media.
The spokesman added: It is clearly in the UKs security interests to support Jordan and Saudi Arabia in tackling regional challenges to create a more stable region, and in delivering their ambitious reform programmes to ensure their own stability.
Jordans continued security, stability and economic sustainability are central to a peaceful future in the Middle East and are clearly in our mutual national interests.
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Theresa May faces fresh allegations of rigging Parliament over a near-unprecedented move to prevent MPs amending the Budget.
Labour has accused the Prime Minister of running scared of an expected attempt to use the Finance Bill to force a vote on scrapping VAT on domestic fuel.
With the Democratic Unionist Party likely to oppose the Government on such a vote, it left her facing a possible embarrassing defeat, the Opposition claimed.
An amendment was expected because like the notorious 350m-a-week extra for the NHS zero-rating of fuel was a key plank of the Vote Leave campaign that secured Brexit.
Another likely challenge was over the issue of period poverty, with ministers under pressure to agree to put in free sanitary products in schools.
The controversy comes hard-on-the-heels of the row over the Conservatives seizing control of all Commons committees despite losing their majority at the general election.
The Independent revealed that plan ahead of it being forced through in September, potentially helping ministers to ram through up to 1,000 corrections to EU law ahead of Brexit.
Now Labour has accused the Government of a similar manoeuvre to prevent most amendments to the Finance Bill, which will enact last weeks Budget.
Once again we have further evidence of the Governments unprecedented rigging of Parliament because they cannot rely on their backbenchers or the DUP, said Peter Dowd, the Shadow Treasury Chief Secretary.
This comes in the wake of the Tories stitch up of standing committees and its undemocratic and arrogant decision to ignore opposition motions.
And Paula Sherriff, the Labour MP who successfully amended the Budget over the so-called tampon tax, told The Independent: That ended up being welcomed on all sides of the House.
And, this year, there are MPs across parties who want to press for action on period poverty and get a clear timetable for the tampon tax to come to an end with commitments to continue support for womens services.
We cant let the Government shut down the debate. If they think this is over, they should think again.
However, the Government dismissed the controversy, describing the change to procedures for amendments as a practical modernisation.
Increasingly, MPs have seized on the Finance Bill as a mechanism to force the Government to change course on tax measures including over the tampon tax and over solar panels.
In March last year, George Osborne was forced to announce the abolition of the 5 per cent VAT charged on womens sanitary products, after a cross-party revolt.
Labour campaigners joined forces with Eurosceptic Tories keen to assert Britains power to set its own tax rates, forcing the then-Chancellor into the climbdown.
A similar alliance also forced Mr Osborne to scrap a proposed VAT hike on solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower equipment and energy efficiency products, from 5 per cent to 20 per cent.
But, crucially, both rebellions were only possible because the Government tabled an amendment to the law resolution allowing amendments outside the narrow scope of measures in the Budget itself.
Following last Wednesdays Budget, that amendment was not put forward as normal, preventing revolts on wider issues not in the founding resolutions of the Budget.
Labour said this had happened only five times since 1929 but each time had been immediately before, or after, a general election, when a Budget needed to be rushed through.
In contrast, the current Finance Bill is the second of this Parliament, because one was passed immediately after the snap June election.
This is a Government desperately clinging to power and hiding from scrutiny, Mr Dowd added.
In February, pro-EU MPs attempted to embarrass Brexit campaigners with an amendment attempting to pave the way for the extra 350m-a-week for the NHS they had promised.
However, Brexit-backing MPs refused to vote for the attempted change to the EU Withdrawal Bill. Last week, the Chancellor pledged 350m to the NHS but to last the entire winter, not every week.
In the same way, an amendment was expected to the Budget Bill to highlight a second high-profile Vote Leave pledge, over VAT on fuel.
During the referendum campaign, the group claimed that quitting the EU would save British households 1.7bn a year on heating and lighting, or 64 a year per household.
The government would be free to scrap VAT on domestic fuel, Boris Johnson, Michael Gove and the Labour MP Gisela Stuart said meaning fuel bills will be lower for everyone.
VAT on domestic fuel, introduced in 1993, is set at 5 per cent and cannot be reduced under EU rules, they argued.
They also claimed the tax hits the poorest hardest, because they spend three times more of their income on household energy than rich households.
But a Treasury spokesperson said: This is a practical modernisation of the resolutions. It will make no difference to what we expect will be a broad and wide-ranging debate on the Budget and state of the economy over the next few days.
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Access Hollywood hosts have spoken out amid reports that US President Donald Trump now claims the 2005 tape where he boasted about sexually assaulting women was fake.
We wanted to clear something up that has been reported across the media landscape, host Natalie Morales said on air on Monday.
Let us make this perfectly clear - the tape is very real... Remember his excuse at the time was 'locker-room talk.' He said every one of those words."
Arianne Zucker, one of the women filmed in the tape, has also reiterated she doesn't see how the tape could be fake.
While she said she wasn't present on the bus, she told CNN's Anderson Cooper: "I do know that I was there working and doing my job... I don't know how else that could be fake, unless someone's planting words in your mouth."
Ms Zucker, who said she has managed to move on with her life, continued: "I was curious, how do you apologise for something and then renege on it."
"Having it come full circle I feel like haven't we learned our lesson? Haven't we moved on? Let's just take full responsibility."
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
On Monday, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders dodged questions about whether Mr Trump believes the tape is fake.
The president addressed this, this was litigated and certainly answered during the election by the overwhelming support for the president and the fact he's sitting here in the Oval Office today, she said.
Reports that the US president has changed his mind about whether the tape is real originally came from the New York Times. On Saturday, the paper wrote: "(Trump) sees the calls for (US politician Roy) Moore to step aside as a version of the response to the now-famous 'Access Hollywood' tape, in which he boasted about grabbing women's genitalia, and the flood of groping accusations against him that followed soon after.
"He suggested to a senator earlier this year that it was not authentic, and repeated that claim to an adviser more recently."
The tape surfaced shortly before last year's presidential election. It was originally published by the Washington Post.
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A former White House ethics chief has warned Donald Trump accountability is coming after the US President used a racial slur during an event to honour Native Americans.
Norm Eisen, who served as Barack Obamas Special Counsel for Ethics and Government Reform, shared a video of the moment Mr Trump branded Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren Pocahontas.
Taking to Twitter, Mr Eisen said: The American people will not tolerate a President that insults those who risked their lives for all of us, nor a political party that enables it.
We are better than that. Accountability is coming faster than Trump thinks. What a swine!
There is something particularly repulsive about doing it in the Oval [Office] before aged war heroes who have done nothing to offend.
Mr Eisen, who is now chair of watchdog Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, added the President risked seeing a tsunami-like wave towards Democrats in the 2018 midterm elections over the cumulative effect of stuff like this.
Mr Trump's comments were made while talking to two Navajo code talkers military veterans who used their indigenous language as a code to pass messages during the Second World War who he said had been in America long before any of us were here.
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
Although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago, he added. They call her Pocahontas.
Putting a hand on the shoulder of one of the two veterans, he said: But you know what, I like you because you are special.
Mr Trump started referring to Ms Warren as Pocahontas during the 2016 presidential election campaign over the Senators claims she has Native American heritage.
Ms Warren responded by accusing the President of racism.
This was supposed to be an event to honour heroes, people who put it all on the line for our country, she told MSNBC. It is deeply unfortunate that the president of the United States cant even make it through a ceremony honouring these heroes without throwing out a racial slur.
Critics pointed out Mr Trumps outburst was even more egregious as it was made in front of a portrait of Andrew Jackson, the seventh US president who forced hundreds of thousands of indigenous Americans from their land in the 1830s.
Tara Houska, a Native American activist, told The Independent Mr Trump's words were "appalling and disgusting". Pocahontas was a real person - her name was Matoaka, she said.
Its incredibly disgusting he would make a comment that reduces an entire demographic of Native American women to the name Pocahontas, in front of native men he was supposed to be honouring.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee insisted Mr Trumps comments were not racist.
I think what most people find offensive is Senator Warren lying about her heritage to advance her career, she added.
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Harvey Weinstein has been accused of violating sex trafficking laws in a new lawsuit.
British actor Kadian Noble, 31, has launched a suit in the US alleging that the producer assaulted her at the Cannes film festival in 2004, after grooming her in London, under claims he was looking to cast her in a film.
The lawsuit alleges that she was first asked to show him her showreel, during which he began to massage her and told her that if she was "a good girl" and did "whatever he wished" then "they would work" together, before forcing her into a bathroom and sexually assaulting her.
"Kadian has suffered severe injuries and emotional distress, pain and suffering, mental anguish, inconvenience, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, inability to lead a normal life, shame and humiliation," lawyer Stuart Mermelstein writes.
Noble is demanding a jury trial under a federal sex trafficking statute and the suit also names Weinstein's younger brother Bob Weinstein, alongside their studio The Weinstein Company, citing "reckless disregard".
A spokeswoman for Weinstein said: "Mr Weinstein denies allegations of non-consensual sex. Mr Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances."
Weinstein also faces a lawsuit in the High Court in London from a woman who alleges he sexually assaulted her. He is also facing criminal investigations in London, New York, and Los Angeles after many women, including high-profile stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, and Rose McGowan came forward with allegations.
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A man was given the longest prison sentence in history for child sex trafficking when a court jailed him for almost 500 years.
Brock Franklin, 31, ran a human trafficking ring that reportedly recruited its victims, several women and girls, on Facebook.
The gang then drugged them and threatened them with violence before they were sold online to clients for sex that took place in hotels, Colorado state court heard.
It gave Franklin 472 years in jail after he was found guilty of some 30 crimes, including human trafficking of a minor, human trafficking of an adult and soliciting of child prostitution, according to local reports.
One victim said Franklin deserves every single minute of his term, while prosecutors said the sentence gave out a "strong message" that could help deter future violent crimes.
A 400-year sentence sends a strong message across the country that were not going to tolerate this kind of violence, Janet Drake, a spokeswoman with the Colorado Attorney Generals Office, told FOX 31 news channel after the sentencing.
A court official contacted by email could not immediately respond to a request for further details about the case.
The sentence was reportedly the longest given in US history for a case of human trafficking.
I cant begin to even explain what he did to my life, one of the victims told local media.
He deserves every single minute in those walls, she said.
Another victim, Brehannah Leary, said: "Every day the beatings, the name callings, the shavings of ones head. ... Four hundred, 500 years, it's a very long time.
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
"Hes never getting out of prison. Its closure, but still doesnt give me what I wanted, she added, according to a KKTV report.
The sex trafficking ring counted seven members, four of whom have already been sentenced, it was reported.
Anti-slavery group Polaris said it had received reports of more than 22,000 sex-trafficking cases in the United States over the last decade.
Globally, more than 40 million people are victims of human trafficking, according to the International Labour Organization. An estimated 4 million of them are forced into sexual exploitation.
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A nurse in Indiana has lost her job after she was reportedly found to have written several troubling posts on social media, one of which claimed sons of white women should be sacrificed to the wolves.
The nurse, who worked for Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, tweeted under the name Night Nurse. Local reports have linked the account to a woman named Taiyesha Baker.
One tweet written by the nurse read: Every white woman raises a detriment to society when they raise a son. Someone with the HIGHEST propensity to be a terrorist, rapist, racist, killer, and domestic violence all star. Historically every son you had should be sacrificed to the wolves B****.
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IU Health issued a statement to 13WHTR on Saturday, which said: IU Health is aware of several troubling posts on social media which appear to be from a recently hired IU Health employee. Our HR department continues to investigate the situation and the authenticity of the posts.
On Monday IU Health announced that the woman is no longer an employee of IU Health.
Racist and controversial comments made online that have caused workers to be suspended or fired have made headlines this year.
In September a volunteer firefighter in Ohio was suspended after allegedly writing on Facebook that he would rather save a dog than an African American, because one dog is more important than a million n******. He was suspended without pay pending a disciplinary hearing.
After the Charlottesville riots a Twitter account called Yes, Youre Racist began identifying white nationalists who had been photographed marching though the town.
Cole White, who was identified as one of the white nationalists, lost his job at the Top Dog restaurant chain in Berkeley, California, following the Charlottesville violence, the New York Post reported.
The actions of those in Charlottesville are not supported by Top Dog. We believe in individual freedom, and voluntary association for everyone, the restaurant said in a statement.
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Tufts University has postponed an event with former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci after he threatened a lawsuit over an opinion piece published in the student newspaper.
The former Wall Street executive and Tufts alumnus was scheduled to speak at the university's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, but a university spokesman told The Boston Globe the event would be delayed until "legal matters" are resolved.
In a 21 November letter, Mr Scaramucci's lawyer said he would take legal action unless the newspaper retracted "false and defamatory allegations of fact" in an opinion piece calling for his removal from an advisory board at the school. Mr Scaramucci said that he had asked for an apology and a correction.
Graduate student Camilo Caballero wrote two opinion pieces for the Tufts Daily school newspaper. In one, he wrote about Mr Scaramucci as a man "who is irresponsible, inconsistent, an unethical opportunist and who exuded the highest degree of disreputability should not be on the Fletcher Board."
The piece also criticized a poll posted by The Scaramucci Post, the former Trump advisors media company, which asked users how many Jews were killed in the Holocaust, as "giving comfort to Holocaust deniers."
Mr Scaramucci has said the poll was posted without his permission. He noted that a Jewish friend conceived of the idea to highlight the public's ignorance of the Second World War event.
Scaramucci to Colbert: 'If it were up to me, Bannon would be gone'
Speaking about the apparent threat of legal action, Mr Caballero said Mr Scaramucci is trying to prevent him from using his First Amendment rights.
"He is someone that uses his money to gain power and his wealth to buy himself into things that will get him attention...And he uses this power as a scare tactic." Mr Caballero said.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
Mr Scaramucci said he had been looking forward to responding to the faculty and student concerns as well as a petition calling for his expulsion from the board.
"I'm shocked that a university that I love and have been a part of for 35 years is silencing that debate because of my request for an apology," he said.
Mr Scaramucci left the White House just 10 days after a press conference introducing him, during which he said he loves President Donald Trump several times. He had no direct communications experience prior to his appointment.
The move came after the departure of former Press Secretary and Communications Director Sean Spicer.
Mr Scaramucci was once a supporter of his law school classmate Barack Obama and has in the past donated to several prominent New York Democrats.
Agencies contributed to this report.
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Top Democrats in Congress have abruptly pulled out of their meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House after he attacked them on Twitter.
Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Trump suggested he doesn't see the White House being able to reach a deal with Democrats to avoid a government shutdown.
"Meeting with 'Chuck and Nancy' today about keeping government open and working," Mr Trump said in a tweet. "Problem is they want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I dont see a deal!"
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Senator Chuck Schumer and Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, the top Democrats in the Senate and House of Representatives respectively, were scheduled to head to the White House today along with House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
But rather than participate in a "show meeting" with Mr Trump, Mr Schumer and Ms Pelosi said in a joint statement, they would prefer to meet with Republican congressional leaders alone.
"Given that the President doesn't see a deal between Democrats and the White House, we believe the best path forward is to continue negotiating with our Republican counterparts in Congress instead," Mr Schumer and Ms Pelosi said in a joint statement. "Rather than going to the White House for a show meeting that won't result in an agreement, we've asked Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan to meet this afternoon."
They continued: "We don't have any time to waste in addressing the issues that confront us, so we're going to negotiate with Republican leaders who may be interested in reaching a bipartisan agreement."
Mr Schumer's and Ms Pelosi's announcement has increased the already high tensions between Mr Trump and top Democrats. But a few months prior, the President seemed on the verge of having a productive relationship with members of his rival political party.
The last time he sat down with the top leaders, Mr Trump abruptly sided with Democrats on a plan to provide hurricane disaster relief, increase the debt limit and fund the government until 15 December a move that went against the wishes of many Republicans.
But it seems that Democrats may have a harder time getting what they want this time around.
Congressional leaders have yet to make a deal on funding levels, or an agreement on pricklier issues such as a legislative fix for DACA - the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals programme - to protect young, undocumented migrants who had been brought to the US as children.
Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Show all 30 1 /30 Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Threatening to shut down Twitter after being fact-checked After the president tweeted that voting by post would be "substantially fraudulent", Twitter attached a warning label to his tweet and referred readers to a site which explained how the claim was "unsubstantiated". Trump then said Twitter was "stifling free speech" and that he may have to shut it down, something which he would not have the power to do AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Flippantly dismissing a serious allegation of sexual assault When author E Jean Carroll accused Trump of raping her, the president responded: Number one, shes not my type. Number two, it never happened. It never happened, OK?" AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Insulting the Mayor of London as he landed in London Just before touching down at Stansted Airport for his state visit, Trump took time out to @ the London mayor Sadiq Khan on twitter. He said that Khan has done a "terrible job"as mayor and that he is a "stone cold loser" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Taking plenty of "Executive Time" The president's official schedule sets aside the hours from 8 to 11am daily for "Executive Time". Further intermittent periods of "Executive Time" are scheduled throughout any given day, ranging from 15 minutes to 3 hours. His duties in these hours have not been officially disclosed, though Axios reports that he spends them watching TV, reading the newspapers and tweeting Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Shutdown the government for over a month in an effort to secure funding for his wall With Mexico declining to pay for the wall, the president has faced difficulty in raising the required $5bn at home. Due to his demand that the money for the wall be included in the budget, and Congress's refusal, the government partially shut down on 22 December 2018. It remained shut for over a month, the longest period in history Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Joking about the Nazi occupation of France to President Macron In this tweet from 13 November 2018, the president mocks Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of a "true, European army" by invoking the conflict between France and Germany in the world wars Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Railing against the Mueller investigation The president has repeatedly claimed that the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, is a "rigged witch hunt" Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting a US intelligence report on Russian meddling in the presence of Vladimir Putin In the press conference that followed his landmark meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin, Trump stated that he saw no reason why Russia would have meddled in the 2016 US election. This contradicted a 2017 report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence that found evidence of Russian interference in favour of Trump Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Contradicting his contradiction of a US intelligence report on Russian meddling Following furious backlash in the US, the president claimed that he meant to say that he saw no reason why it would not have been Russia who meddled in the 2016 US election. As to why he would have intended to use such bizarre phrasing, he did not comment Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Colouring in the US flag wrong The president coloured in the US flag wrongly during a visit to a children's hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He added a blue stripe where in tradition, and statute, there have been only white and red stripes AFP/Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing a Secretary of State over Twitter The president announced on Twitter that he was appointing Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State, much to the surprise of then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Quoting a catchphrase from a reality TV show when discussing police brutality While addressing the issue of black athletes not standing for the national anthem in protest of police brutality, the president made reference to his catchphrase from reality TV show "The Apprentice": you're fired! Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Calling African nations "S***hole Countries" Ever one for diplomacy, the president reportedly referred to African nations as "s***hole countries". Asked to confirm this when meeting with Nigeria's President Buhari, Trump stated that there are "some countries that are in very bad shape". Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Defending Russian President Vladimir Putin Trump appeared to equate US foreign actions to those of Russian president Vladimir Putin, saying: There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Asking for people to 'pray' for Arnold Schwarzenegger At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump couldnt help but to ask for prayers for the ratings on Arnold Schwarzeneggers show to be good. Schwarzenegger took over as host of The Apprentice which buoyed Trumps celebrity status years ago Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Hanging up on Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Early in his presidency, Trump reportedly hung up the phone on Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull after the foreign leader angered him over refugee plans. Mr Trump later said that it was the worst call he had had so far Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... The 'Muslim ban' Perhaps one of his most controversial policies while acting as president, Trumps travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim countries has bought him a lot of criticism. The bans were immediately protested, and judges initially blocked their implementation. The Supreme Court later sided with the administrations argument that the ban was developed out of concern for US security Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Praising crowd size while touring Hurricane Harvey damage After Hurricane Harvey ravaged southeastern Texas, Trump paid the area a visit. While his response to the disaster in Houston was generally applauded, the president picked up some flack when he gave a speech outside Houston (he reportedly did not visit disaster zones), and praised the size of the crowds there AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... 'Little Rocket Man' During his first-ever speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump tried out a new nickname for North Korea leader Kim Jong-un: Rocket Man. He later tweaked it to be little Rocket Man as the two feuded, and threatened each other with nuclear war. During that speech, he also threatened to totally annihilate North Korea Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Attacking Sadiq Khan following London Bridge terror attack After the attack on the London Bridge, Trump lashed out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticising Khan for saying there was no reason to be alarmed after the attack. Trump was taking the comments out of context, as Khan was simply saying that the police had everything under control Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming presenter Mika Brezinkski was 'bleeding from the face' Never one not to mock his enemies, Trump mocked MSNBCs Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski, saying that she and co-host Joe Scarborough had approached him before his inauguration asking to join him. He noted that she was bleeding badly from a face-lift at the time, and that he said no MSNBC Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming the blame for Charlottesville was on 'both sides' Trump refused to condemn far-right extremists involved in violence at 'the march for the right' protests in Charlottesville, even after the murder of counter protester Heather Heyer AP Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Retweeting cartoon of CNN being hit by a 'Trump train' Trump retweeted a cartoon showing a Trump-branded train running over a person whose body and head were replaced by a CNN avatar. He later deleted the retweet Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Tweeting about 'slamming' CNN Trump caught some flack when he tweeted a video showing him wrestling down an individual whose head had been replaced by a CNN avatar. Trump has singled CNN out in particular with his chants of fake news Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Firing head of the FBI, James Comey Trumps firing of former FBI Director James Comey landed him with a federal investigation into Russias meddling in the 2016 election that has caused many a headache for the White House. The White House initially said that the decision was made after consultation from the Justice Department. Then Mr Trump himself said that he had decided to fire him in part because he wanted the Russia investigation Mr Comey was conducting to stop Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Not realising being president would be 'hard' Just three months into his presidency, Trump admitted that being president is harder than he thought it would be. Though Trump insisted on the 2016 campaign trail that doing the job would be easy for him, he admitted in an interview that living in the White House is harder than running a business empire Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Accusing Obama of wiretapping him Trump accused former president Barack Obama of wire tapping him on twitter. The Justice Department later clarified: Obama had not, in fact, done so Reuters Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Claiming there had been 3 million 'illegal votes' Trump was never very happy about losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by 2.8 million ballots. So, he and White House voter-fraud commissioner Kris Kobach have claimed that anywhere between three and five million people voted illegally during the 2016 election. Conveniently, he says that all of those illegal votes went to Clinton. (There is no evidence to support that level of widespread voter fraud.) Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Leaving Jews out of the Holocaust memorial statement Just days after taking office, Trumps White House issued a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, but didnt mention jews or even the word jewish in the written statement Getty Donald Trump's least presidential moments so far... Anger over Inauguration crowd size Trumps inauguration crowd was visibly, and noticeably, smaller than that of his predecessor, Barack Obama. But, he really wanted to have had the largest crowd on record. So, he praised it as the biggest crowd ever. Relatedly, Trump also claimed that it stopped raining in Washington at the moment he was inaugurated. It didnt, the day was very dreary Reuters
Earlier this year, Mr Trump announced he was rescinding the Obama-era policy that has allowed nearly 800,000 so-called Dreamers to work and go to school without fear of deportation.
There was confusion in September over whether the President had made a deal with Democrats to permanently protect Dreamers and work out a package of border security, excluding Mr Trump's oft-promised border wall.
Ms Pelosi and Mr Schumer said both sides agreed that the wall would not be part of this agreement - but that the President made clear he intends to pursue it at a later time.
Mr Trump has maintained that building a wall along the US's southern border with Mexico will prevent illegal immigration, despite scepticism from experts and even members of his own party.
The WALL, which is already under construction in the form of new renovation of old and existing fences and walls, will continue to be built, Mr Trump said in a September tweet.
In August, Mr Trump threatened to shutdown the government if Democrats did not give in to his demands to fund the wall, which he originally said Mexico would pay for.
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A Turkish businessman whose name has been mentioned in relation to Robert Muellers investigation into Russias meddling in last years presidential election pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiring to evade US sanctions on Iran, and plans on testifying against his co-defendant.
The guilty plea by Reza Zarrab could have implications for former national security adviser Michael Flynn if his cooperation with federal authorities also involves Mr Muellers investigation. Mr Mueller is said to be scrutinising Mr Flynn's lobbying work in Turkey, while Mr Zarrabs release was allegedly one of two issues that Turkish officials brought up with Mr Flynn during a meeting last December, when Donald Trumps team was working on his transition to the White House.
During that meeting, Turkish officials reportedly offered $15m for the release of Mr Zarrab who has been held in US custody since March 2016 alongside the extradition of exiled Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen. Mr Gulen is reportedly living in Pennsylvania.
The Turkish government has denied that officials from the country discussed any offers of money for the extradition or release of the men, and said that it has not worked toward their goals in any extra-judicial manner. Mr Flynn's lawyers have also denied the allegations.
"Out of respect for the process of the various investigations regarding the 2016 campaign, we have intentionally avoided responding to every rumour or allegation," Mr Flynn's lawyers, led by Robert Kelner, said in a statement. "But today's news cycle has brought allegations against General Flynn, ranging from kidnapping to bribery, that are so outrageous and prejudicial that we are making an exception to our usual rule: they are false."
Speculation has been fuelled about potential cooperation between Mr Zarrab and Mr Muellers investigation because it appears unlikely that Mr Mueller's probe would worry about securing Mr Zarrabs help over the trial of alleged co-conspirator Mehmet Atilla, who is comparatively lower profile.
Mr Zarrab and Mr Gulens release has been brought up repeatedly by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with US officials from both the administrations of President Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
Mr Zarrab will describe a multibillion-dollar international money laundering scheme from the inside, Assistant US Attorney David Denton said during his opening statement in the New York federal court trial of Mr Atilla, the deputy general manager of Turkey's Halkbank .
Mr Atilla's lawyer, Victor Rocco, told jurors in his opening statement that Mr Zarrab was prepared to lie in order to avoid jail time and and lacked credibility.
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
US prosecutors have charged nine people in the criminal case, though only Mr Zarrab and Mr Atilla are known to be in US custody. The other defendants include the former head of Halkbank, Suleyman Aslan, and the former economy minister of Turkey, Zafer Caglayan.
Mr Erdogan's government has said the case has been fabricated for political motives, adding to tensions between Ankara and Washington, both Nato allies.
Mr Flynn was forced to resign from his White House post weeks after Mr Trumps inauguration, after it was determined that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about conversations he had with Russian sources.
The former national security adviser has reportedly met with Mr Muellers team since then, and his legal team has distanced itself from Mr Trumps by reportedly indicating that they could no longer engage in privileged discussions about defence strategy. That distancing has been interpreted as meaning Mr Flynns legal team may be discussing a possible plea deal.
An email to Mr Flynns lawyer seeking comment on Mr Zarrabs plea and other particulars was not immediately returned.
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US President Donald Trump has said "we will take care of" an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that North Korea fired off the coast of Japan.
The President was briefed about the launch while the missile was in the air.
"It is a situation that we will handle," Mr Trump told reporters.
Mr Trump was in a meeting with Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill to discuss the upcoming tax reform bill.
This is the first test the hermit kingdom has conducted in two months, its 20th overall, and its seventh actual launch of a weapon. On 15 September North Korean leader Kim Jong-un launched an intermediate ballistic missile over the coast of Hokkaido island in northern Japan which landed in the Pacific Ocean.
South Korea's military says the missile was fired from an area north of Pyongyang early on Wednesday morning local time.
The Pentagon tracked the trajectory of the weapon and spokesman Colonel Rob Manning said the missile was launched from Sain Ni, North Korea, and travelled about 620 miles (1,000 km) before landing in the Sea of Japan.
It also reportedly went approximately 2,800 miles (4,000 km) up into the atmosphere, according to South Korean and Japanese authorities. US Defence Secretary James Mattis said the latest missile did fly higher than previous ones.
China shuts main route into North Korea as nuclear tensions dominate region
He warned that North Korea continues to strengthen its nuclear weapons programme with weapons that "threaten everywhere in the world."
Japan's chief Cabinet secretary Yoshihide Suga has said the missile may have landed in his country's exclusive economic zone, or the area of the sea which Japan has control over. No damage has been reported as yet.
The country's United Nations Ambassador Koro Bessho said it has sent a message to North Korea "that we criticize their behaviour in the strongest terms possible."
South Korea's presidential office said it was holding a National Security Council meeting early Wednesday morning local time to discuss possible action.
Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had conducted a "precision strike" drill but did not offer any more detail.
The US State Department has officially condemned the missile launch and urged countries to continue strict economic sanctions against Pyongyang. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson announced the US and Canada will convene a meeting of UN member countries to discuss next steps.
The launch comes just one week after the US declared North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism.
The move was mostly related to economic sanctions but also meant as a message to North Korea and its supporters.
Mr Tillerson called the designation as "very symbolic...practical effects may be limited but hopefully clos[es] off loopholes" in existing sanctions for "dual use" product exports that can be used by civilian and military end-users within North Korea.
Those products require separate licenses to sell under US export regulations.
Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters
North Korea was last on the state-sponsored terror list in 2008, under the George W Bush administration. It was removed that year in a bid to salvage a deal halting its nuclear development.
Mr Tillerson said that attempt at negotiations "obviously failed."
He noted that North Korea's fuel supply "is already quite constrained" as shown by "anecdotal evidence" and US intelligence sources which show cars lined up at petrol stations or certain stations closing that would normally have fuel.
The issue there is that the country only has one refinery that operates internally so they are heavily reliant on finished fuel imports.
The latest missile launch also adds to mounting tensions between Mr Trump and Mr Kim.
The pair have publicly traded insults throughout the year. The US President gave Mr Kim the nickname "Rocket Man" and referred to him as such during the president's speech in front of the United Nations General Assembly.
Mr Kims state news agency then issued a statement in which they referred to Mr Trump as a dotard."
Mr Trump had recently tweeted that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was "wasting his time" trying to negotiate with Mr Kim through State Department diplomatic backchannels.
He tweeted that "only one thing will work" to deter North Korea's development of its nuclear arsenal, in yet another indication the president thinks military action is the only option left.
In September, a US intelligence official said they had no reason to doubt Mr Kim and his military had developed a hydrogen bomb and in July, officials said they believed North Korea had been able to make a nuclear warhead capable of fitting on an intercontinental ballistic missile claiming missiles will have the range to reach the US.
South Korea and Japan have been preparing for a possible nuclear attack by running drills for residents, including the approximately 67,000 Americans stationed on military bases in both countries.
Hawaii is also preparing an air siren warning system and informing the public to shelter in place and have food and medical supplies on hand at all times.
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Former US President Barack Obama is planning on meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an upcoming visit to the two countries where he is scheduled to speak at various summits.
Mr Obama is scheduled to first make a stop in China, and then India, before flying to Paris, a spokesperson for the former president told The Hill.
The overseas trip was first reported by the Times of India last week, which noted that Mr Obama will be attending an Obama Foundation event in December.
The forty-fourth presidents trip to India will come on the heels of first daughter Ivanka Trumps visit to the same country. President Donald Trump recently finished a five-nation tour of Asia, when he met both Mr Xi and Mr Modi. Ms Trump, who is also a White House adviser, recently met with Mr Modi during during her trip at the eight Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad.
It was an honour to meet with you Prime Minister Modi. Thank you for co-hosting the 8th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit! Ms Trump wrote on Twitter after the summit, where she had spoken about women entrepreneurs.
Since leaving the White House earlier this year, Mr Obama has broken from recent tradition for outgoing presidents to wade into political debates facing the nation.
Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Show all 14 1 /14 Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Riot police block protesters during a rally near the US embassy AFP/Getty Images Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Protesters shout slogans while displaying portraits of U.S. President Donald Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte AP Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Activists clash with riot police EPA Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Protesters burn a banner of Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Protesters against Donald Trump's visit AP Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Protesters deface portraits of Donald Trump and Rodrigo Duterte AP Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Protesters clash with anti-riot police officers as they try to march towards the U.S. embassy REUTERS Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines A mural bearing the image of Donald Trump and Rodrigo Duterte is burnt REUTERS Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Activists march on a road leading to the US embassy during a protest in Manila EPA Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Protesters scuffle with riot police AFP/Getty Images Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Protesters shout anti-US slogans as they burn a banner featuring the image of US President Donald Trump AFP/Getty Images Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Activists clash with riot police EPA Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Protesters display placards as they shout anti-US slogans AFP/Getty Images Protest in Manila against Donald Trump's visit to the Philippines Anti-riot police officers block protesters REUTERS
That has included making a public statement about immigration after Mr Trump announced that he would suspend the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Mr Obamas administration developed that programme, which gave temporary deportation relief for young undocumented immigrants who came to the United States when they were young.
Mr Obama has also blasted Republicans since leaving office after they unveiled proposals to repeal his signature healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act, and has critiqued Mr Trump for pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Change Accord.
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A battle is underway at the US consumer financial watchdog as rival directors vie to take control of the agency with President Donald Trumps handpicked choice showing up to the office and telling employees that he is now in charge.
Mick Mulvaney, who once called the American Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) a joke, arrived at the Washington premises with a bag of doughnuts, and told employees to disregard orders from the other individual claiming the title of acting-director, Leandra English.
Ms English was named as temporary head of the agency by her former boss Richard Cordray, in a final move before he stepped down last week. After Mr Trump subsequently named Mr Mulvaney to the post, she then filed a lawsuit claiming she is the rightful acting director. Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee approved recently by the Senate, heard arguments on the case but did not immediately rule.
The government planned to file its response in the case on Monday night, and the judge said he'll read the filing and go from there.
Both sides have been pointing to fine print in federal statutes, claiming that they have the authority to oversee one of the most powerful banking industry regulators. Ms Englishs lawsuit, which was officially filed on Sunday, asked for a temporary restraining order so that Mr Mulvaney could not be named acting director.
Mr Trump has a right to name a permanent chief of the CFPB, officials agree. However, there are duelling claims about who gets to lead the agency in the meantime.
The fight to control the 1,600-employee agency lays bare deep divisions between Republicans and Democrats over how to regulate Wall Street and protect consumers, with Republicans adamant that the CFPB has too much power and burdens banks with red tape.
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
Both Ms English and Mr Mulvaney even sent out conflicting email messages Monday morning, claiming the title of acting director.
I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving. With Thanksgiving in mind, I wanted to take a moment to share my gratitude to all of you for your service, Ms Englishs note, which was signed Acting Director read.
Mr Mulvaney followed up shortly thereafter with his own message to the agencys staff. It has come to my attention that Ms English has reached out to many of you this morning via email in an attempt to exercise certain duties of the Acting Director, Mr Mulvaneys note read. This is unfortunate but, in the atmosphere of the day, probably not unexpected.
Please disregard any instructions you receive from Ms English in her presumed capacity as acting director, he continued. I apologise for this being the very first thing you hear from me. However, under the circumstances I suppose it is necessary. If youre at 1700 G Street today, please stop by the fourth floor to say hello and grab a doughnut.
Mr Mulvaney, a former congressman, has been a vocal critic of the agency he is now looking to run. Its a joke In a sick, sad way, he said during an interview earlier this year with the Credit Union Times.
However, at the end his first the day inside the CFPB, Mr Mulvaney came out to face the cameras and tried to play down talk of his previous statements over the CFPB.
This agency will stay open. Rumours that Im going to set the place on fire, or blow it up or lock the doors are completely false, he said. I am a member of the executive branch of government. We intend to execute the laws of the United States.
He said there will be a 30-day freeze on hiring and new rulemaking, as well as a freeze on payment from the civil penalties fund for at least 30 days. He said if there were statutory or legal guidelines, they would be met.
Mr Mulvaney said the day went smoothly, though he said the power struggle may be awkward for people who know Ms English. Responding to news reports about the conflicting leadership, he said, There was one person today who showed up at work claiming to be director. She wasnt here.
He added: In the ordinary world, if you dont call, you dont show, you dont have a job the next day, but Im not sure how it works here.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at the daily press briefing that Mr Mulvaney has taken charge of the bureau and has the full cooperation of the staff.
Members of Congress reacted with outrage at the chaos they saw unfolding in the CFPB, which was set up as a part of Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. That law authorised the agency to protect consumers in the financial sector, and allowed it to oversee banks, credit unions, securities firms, payday lenders, mortgage-servicing operations, foreclosure relief services, debt collectors, and other financial companies in the United States.
Americans deserve a full-time @CFPB director with a proven track record of fighting for them. Period, Senator Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, tweeted of the chaos.
As for the former director, Mr Cordray, he said the matter should be settled by the courts.
The law says that I shall appoint the deputy director, and I did so, he said. My understanding of the law is that the deputy director becomes the acting director upon my departure. If there are disagreements about those issues, then they should be settled in the courts.
But Ms Englishs push to be recognised as the acting director took a blow after a memo was released from Mary McLeod, the CFPBs general counsel, saying she agreed with the White House that Mr Mulvaney should be recognised as acting director.
The Office of Legal Counsel, which acts as a legal adviser to the President, also argued that Mr Mulvaney, not Ms English, was the legitimate director of the department.
One solution to the issue of who runs the CFPB is for Mr Trump to nominate his own permanent director. But it may take several weeks for someone to be nominated and longer until the Senate confirms his or her appointment.
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Ballerinas leaping to the strains of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker helped launch Christmas at the White House - with Melania Trump choosing the theme is Time-Honoured Traditions, a nod to 200 years of holiday celebrations at the mansion.
The decorations are up! Ms Trump tweeted about the Trump family's first Christmas in office. @WhiteHouse is ready to celebrate! Wishing you a Merry Christmas & joyous holiday season!
Among the new touches this year: On the outside, wreaths topped with red bows adorn every White House window. Inside, glistening wintry branches line both sides of an East Wing hallway that leads guests to a tree decorated with the Trump family's official Christmas ornament, a gold-toned bauble featuring the presidential coat of arms surrounded by a wreath of holly.
The first lady's office previewed the decorations before welcoming students from a nearby military base in Maryland to see the decorations and try some Christmas-themed arts and crafts, such as building gumdrop trees and decorating garland.
Are you the first lady? asked one incredulous boy who then moved in for a hug. Classmates quickly followed for hugs of their own.
Wearing a winter white dress with cape-like sleeves and gold-toned heels, Mrs. Trump descended a staircase from the residence to the Grand Foyer and spent a few minutes taking in the ballerinas before she joined a group of children making paper wreaths and other decorations in the State Dining Room. The dancers echoed the first themed Christmas at the White House, Jacqueline Kennedy's Nutcracker Suite in 1961.
First Lady Melania Trump walks through Christmas decorations in the East Wing (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
The family Christmas card is framed and on display, along with cards from past presidents. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, says the card signed by President Donald Trump, the first lady and Barron, their 11-year-old son.
That's a change from the Obama years, when the annual cards offered more generic sentiments of Season's Greetings or wishes for happy holidays. Mr Trump has vowed to put Christmas back at the centre of the holidays. During the presidential campaign, he complained that saying Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas amounted to chipping away at Christianity.
Among the Christmas standards is an 18-by-6-foot (5.5-by-1.8-meter) Balsam fir from Wisconsin in the traditional spot in the Blue Room, decorated with ornaments bearing the seals of every state and US territory. A separate tree near the East Wing entrance is dedicated to families that lost loved ones in the military.
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... 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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 350-pound (160-kilogram) gingerbread house in the State Dining Room offers a view of the White House from the South Lawn, with wreaths on every window and a U.S. flag flying from its sugary rooftop.
Jennifer Pickens, an expert on White House East Wing traditions, predicted that Ms Trump's window wreaths will become another tradition that no future first lady will want to end.
Mrs. Trump's impeccable style is seen in the beautifully understated decorations and give a great nod to the First Families that came before them, Ms Pickens said.
First Lady Melania Trump in the Grand Foyer of the White house as she tours the decorations (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images)
More than 150 volunteers from 29 states spent 1,600 hours over the holiday weekend decking the White House halls. The White House said Mrs. Trump chose every detail of the decor and did a final check late Sunday after returning from the family's Thanksgiving at their estate in Palm Beach, Florida.
The holiday celebrations get underway Monday with a party for the volunteer decorators and will continue into December with receptions and parties sometimes two a day for the next several weeks, including a party Friday for the news media. Trump regularly dismisses the media as fake news, including in a tweet Monday.
More than 25,000 visitors are expected to tour the White House for the holidays and the kitchen is ready: 31,000 cookies have been baked, including 15,000 sugar cookies, many of which end up in purses for the trip home.
The decor includes 71 wreaths, 53 Christmas trees, more than 18,000 lights, more than 12,000 ornaments, more than 3,100 yards (about 2,800 meters) of ribbon and more than 1,000 feet (300 meters) of garland, the White House said.
During President Barack Obama's final Christmas in office, larger-than-life replicas of family dogs Bo and Sunny greeted visitors in the East Wing. Fifty-six Lego gingerbread houses, one for each state and U.S. territory, were nestled in the branches of the trees that decorated the State Dining Room.
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US Vice President Mike Pence has said President Donald Trump is "actively considering" moving the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to the more controversial location of Jerusalem.
The idea to move the embassy had been in discussion back in June, but was postponed when Mr Trump signed a waiver to keep it in Tel Aviv.
Mr Pence said the only questions now are "when and how" to move the embassy despite the ongoing issues of Palestinian and Israeli control of the holy city of Jerusalem.
He made the comments in a speech at the Israeli Mission to the United Nations in New York to mark the 70th anniversary of the UN vote calling for the establishment of a Jewish state.
The likely reason Mr Pence has commented on the issue now is that the waiver Mr Trump signed in June is coming up against a deadline next month to either extend the waiver - as predecessors have done in order to avoid adding more fuel to the fiery tensions in the region - or go through with the move.
The 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act, signed by Congress, requires the move but the waiver option has been exercised ever since.
Trump says he will fight for peace deal between Israel and Palestine
When the act was signed, then-Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin did not have a full-throated support for the move. Former US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, who served in Senator Dianne Feinstein's office at the time, commented on Twitter that Mr Rabin "didn't want it forced when it could disrupt the overriding strategic goal of completing successful negotiations [with] the Palestinians."
At the time of the waiver signing, the White House had said in a statement that the President "made this decision to maximize the chances of successfully negotiating a deal between Israel and the Palestinians, fulfilling his solemn obligation to defend America's national security interests."
Mr Trump named his son-in-law and White House advisor Jared Kushner as one of the main brokers of a peace deal between Israel and Palestine.
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
He came under fire for the decision primarily because Mr Kushner lacks any diplomatic experience but is also close family friends with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mr Kushner's parents have also contributed to Israeli settlements that Palestinians have said encroach on their land.
Though Mr Netanyahu was "disappointed" with Mr Trump's waiver despite months of rhetoric on the move, the Head of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation's General Delegation to the US, Husam Zomlot, said signing the waiver "gives peace a chance."
Leading Israeli columnist Nahum Barnea had argued to NPR in June that despite the controversy surrounding the move in the US, it was never a point of contention in Israel.
"For many Jews in America, it is a kind of symbol. Here, it was never the top of the agenda. It was never prioritised," Mr Barnea said.
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has been a strong supporter of Israel in her capacity, even threatening to leave the Human Rights Council because the Geneva-based UN body has a "chronic anti-Israel bias" because resolutions against Israel for its perceived treatment of Palestinians appear on the group's calendar frequently.
In his remarks at the New York event, Mr Pence said: "the days of Israel-bashing at the United Nations are over because her cause is our cause, her values are our values and her fight is our fight."
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US President Donald Trump not only used the slur "Pocahontas" at a ceremony honouring Navajo war heroes but did so in front of a portrait of former President Andrew Jackson, who was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Native Americans on the "Trail of Tears".
Mr Trump was speaking during a ceremony honouring the Navajo code talkers, Second World War American soldiers who passed sensitive messages in their mother tongue to evade spies and interceptions.
Mr Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act into law in 1830, which led to the forced evacuation of more than 120,000 Native Americans from Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, and Florida to various points west of the Mississippi River.
It ultimately resulted in the death of at least 4,000 people from the Cherokee tribe, but the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole tribes were also devastated on what became known as the Trail of Tears.
Most died from the cold, lack of food, or disease on their way to the newly-designated Indian territory.
The purpose of the act was to clear the way for cotton growers in those southern states.
Opponents of the bill included Abraham Lincoln, who would go on to become president some 30 years later and fight a bloody Civil War with the South over the issues of secession and slavery.
One of the last remaining Navajo Code Talkers passed away at 95 years old
Mr Trump has a portrait of Mr Jackson - who is also pictured on the $20 bill - hanging in the Oval Office, near his desk.
During the short speech, Mr Trump acknowledged that the Navajo tribe long before any of us were here.
But quickly said: although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas, using the racial slur to refer to Senator Elizabeth Warren.
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The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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He then turned to one of the veterans and put his hand on the mans shoulder saying: "But you know what, I like you. You are special people."
Since the 2016 campaign during which Ms Warren was a fierce supporter of Hillary Clinton, Mr Trump has repeatedly criticized Ms Warren for saying she has Native American blood; that he doubts her claims about her heritage.
As recently as 3 November, Mr Trump tweeted that Pocahontas just stated that the Democrats...rigged the Primaries!
Everyone at the ceremony, including the war heroes, remained silent after Mr Trumps so-called joke.
Ms Warren told MSNBC after the event: "It is deeply unfortunate that the President of the United States cannot even make it through a ceremony honouring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur.
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The reaction to President Donald Trumps calling Senator Elizabeth Warren Pocahontas in front of Navajo military veterans has been swift and unforgiving.
After the President, speaking at an event at the White House honouring Navajo code talkers, used a racial slur to refer to Ms Warren, critics of Mr Trumps were quick to point out that he had crossed a line.
Faith Spotted Eagle, a prominent Native American activist, said that the use of the word in that setting amounted to emotional assault that carries as much weight as a physical assault, according to a reporter for the Toronto Star.
He can phrase it and twist it and distort it any way he wants, the fact remains: That name does not belong in his mouth, Ms Spotted Eagle said.
Ms Warren herself, during an interview just after the comment, was among those with harsh words for the President and his joke as well.
This was supposed to be an event to honour heroes. People who put it all on the line for our country and people who because of their incredible work saved the lives of countless Americans and our allies, Ms Warren said during an appearance on MSNBC. It is deeply unfortunate that the President of the United States cannot even make it through a ceremony honouring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur. Look, Donald Trump does this over and over thinking somehow hes going to shut me up with it. It hasnt worked in the past. It is not going to work in the future.
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Ms Warren was joined many members of her own party in denouncing what appeared to be meant as a joke from the President. Donna Brazile, the former chairperson for the Democratic National Committee, called the remarks insensitive and wrong. Democratic Senator Tom Udall, who represents New Mexico, said that the ceremony showed just how low Mr Trump could go.
This moment in history wont overshadow the contribution the Code Talkers made and continue to make to our nation, Mr Udall wrote on Twitter. But at what should have been a solemn ceremony to honor Native veterans, Donald Trump took low even lower.
The Navajo Nation, which is situated predominantly in northeastern Arizona and New Mexico, also released a statement.
In this day and age all tribal nations still battle insensitive references to our people. The prejudice that Native American people face is an unfortunate historical legacy, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said. As Native Americans, we are proud people who have taken care of this land long before there was the United States of America and we will continue to fight for this Nation.
Code Talkers helped the United States and allied countries during the second world war by using their native language to discuss sensitive issues, which the Germans and axis countries were unable to decipher.
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Donald Trump previously donated to the activist group that reportedly tried to trick the Washington Post into publishing fake news.
The Post uncovered evidence suggesting that Project Veritas, a non-profit started by conservative activist James OKeefe, launched a failed sting operation on the paper. The alleged operation began shortly after the Post published bombshell sexual misconduct allegations against Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore.
Post reporters say a woman came to them in the wake of the allegations, claiming to have been impregnated by the Senate candidate when she was a teen. The paper declined to publish her story after finding several inconsistencies including a GoFundMe page in which she appears to have bragged about her new job in the conservative media movement". The reporters later saw her walking into the Project Veritas offices in New York.
Recommended Washington Post claims it exposed plot to discredit paper
Neither the woman nor Project Veritas responded to requests for comment by the Post.
The development casts new light on reports that Mr Trump previously donated to Project Veritas through his charitable organisation. According to a list of Trump Foundation charitable donations obtained by the Post, the charity gave $10,000 to the Project Veritas on 13 May, 2015 just one month before he declared his candidacy.
A Trump Foundation tax filing from 2015, however, lists two separate donations to Project Veritas, of $10,000 each. The filing, first obtained by ThinkProgress, suggests the foundation may have donated a total of $20,000 in one year.
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 also cited the organisations work during his campaign. In the third presidential debate, Mr Trump cited a Project Veritas video purporting to show that Hillary Clinton volunteers were paid to incite violence at his rallies.
"They hired people. They paid them $1,500, and they're on tape saying be violent, cause fights, do bad things," Mr Trump said.
The video in question does not mention anything about paying volunteers $1,500. No one is recorded encouraging people to be violent, though some do encourage volunteers to provoke Trump supporters. The videos were posted on Breitbart, the conservative news site operated by former Trump campaign manager Steve Bannon.
Breitbart editor defends Republican candidate Roy Moore over allegations of sexual misconduct with teenagers
Mr OKeefe has previously been accused of deceptively editing his videos to manipulate viewers. His most famous video, taken in the offices of now-defunct community organising group ACORN, purports to show employees telling him how to cover up human trafficking. It was later revealed that employees called the authorities to report possible human trafficking shortly after he left.
Mr Trump recently endorsed Mr Moores Senate campaign, despite the numerous sexual misconduct allegations published by the Post and other outlets. He has declined to campaign on behalf of the candidate.
The White House did not respond to The Independents request for comment.
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The White House may ban its employees from using personal mobile while at work - reportedly amid fears they could be vulnerable to a cyber attack.
Donald Trump has constantly complained about the number of leaks about his administration since he became President.
But Bloomberg News said the possible ban was driven more by concerns about cyber-security. One official said too many devices were connected to the White House wireless network and that personal phones were not as secure as those issued by the government.
Melania Trump receives White House Christmas tree
The White House did not immediately respond to inquiries. However, the news service said White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, whose personal phone was found to be compromised by hackers earlier this year, was at the front of the effort to impose a ban.
Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Show all 11 1 /11 Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Barack Obama's best moments in the White House May 19, 2009 The President was leaving the State Floor after an event and found Sasha in the elevator ready to head upstairs to the private residence. He decided to ride upstairs with her before returning to the Oval Office, Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Oct. 26, 2012 President Barack Obama pretends to be caught in Spider-Man's web as he greets the son of a White House staffer in the Outer Oval Office Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House A National Security staffer, Carlton Philadelphia, brought his family to the Oval Office for a farewell photo with President Obama. Carltons son, Jacob, softly told the President he had just gotten a haircut like President Obama, and asked if he could feel the Presidents head to see if it felt the same as his. Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House March 21, 2010 The President, Vice President and senior staff applaud after watching on television the House vote on H.R. 4872 for health care reform, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Dec. 3, 2009 President Barack Obama fist-bumps custodian Lawrence Lipscomb in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building following the opening session of the White House Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Sept. 22, 2015 "The Obama family and Biden family greet Pope Francis as he arrives in the United States for the first time at Joint Base Andrews," Sept. 22, 2015. Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Feb. 21, 2014 President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden participate in a "Let's Move!" video taping on the Colonnade of the White House, Feb. 21, 2014 Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Feb. 18, 2016 President Barack Obama watches First Lady Michelle Obama dance with 106-Year-Old Virginia McLaurin in the Blue Room of the White House prior to a reception celebrating African American History Month, Feb. 18, 2016 Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Jan. 21, 2013 "The President and First Lady wave to supporters as they ride in the inaugural parade. I had asked the President if I could ride in the presidential limousine and the President joked, 'But Michelle and I were planning to make out," Jan. 21, 2013. Peter Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama share a private moment in a freight elevator at an Inaugural Ball, January 2009 all pics: Pete Souza Barack Obama's best moments in the White House Barack Obama rests his hand on the bible that President Lincoln used for his swear-in, being held by his wife Michelle Obama as he is sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America Rex
The White House already takes considerable precautions with wireless devices, including a requirement for officials to leave phones in cupboards outside of meeting rooms where sensitive or classified information is discussed.
The report said the possible move had raised concerns among some employees that they will be cut off from off from family and friends,
Early in the administration, former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer demanded members of his staff turn over their mobile phones for random checks to see if they had leaked damaging information to the media.
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A volcano in Indonesia could remain on the brink of a major eruption for weeks as it continues to spew ash across the island of Bali, volcanologists have warned.
Mount Agung has been spitting ash 4,000m (2.5 miles) into the air, stranding tens of thousands of tourists as the international airport remained closed for a second day.
Lava has been welling inside the volcanos crater, but it remained unclear how bad the eruption might get or how long it could last.
David Rothery, Professor of Planetary Geosciences at the Open University, told The Independent there was a 50-50 chance of a large eruption.
It could stay like this and fizzle out, or it could be ramping up for something big, he said.
Bali's Mount Agung volcano spews plume of ash 6,000 metres into the sky
Dr Matt Watson, from the University of Bristol, said: The truth is it could peter out tomorrow. I dont think thats particularly likely, but its not impossible.
The reason people are worried about a large eruption is because the last time it erupted it went large. It was a big enough eruption to influence global temperatures.
Mount Agungs last major eruption in 1963 killed about 1,100 people.
It has the potential to disrupt travel for weeks, Mr Rothery said. Theyre not going to get the airport running anytime soon. If it does what it did in 1963, it could go on for weeks.
On the other hand, if it has a big eruption, it could be over in a week.
Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Show all 22 1 /22 Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A fisherman drives a traditional boat as Mount Agung erupts AFP/Getty Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Police evacuate a villager from inside the exclusion zone REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Villagers watch a river overflowing with water mixed with volcanic ash REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A flight information board shows cancelled flights at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A villager takes his cows to a field with Mount Agung volcano erupting in the background AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Police officers wear masks as they patrol in a village in Karangasem AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Clouds of ashes rise from the Mount Agung volcano AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Passengers talk to airline workers as their flights are cancelled AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A boy takes pictures during Mount Agung's eruption AFP/Getty Images Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung volcano is seen spewing smoke and ash in Bali EMILIO KUZMA-FLOYD/via REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Balinese Hindus take part in a ceremony, where they pray near Mount Agung in hope of preventing a volcanic eruption AFP/Getty Images Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung volcano erupts for a second time in less than a week REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Balinese Hindus take part in a ceremony AFP/Getty Images Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung volcano is seen erupting from Glumpang village REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A Balinese farmer works as Mount Agung volcano spews volcanic ash EPA Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung during an eruption seen from Kubu sub-district in Karangasem Regency AFP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A villager walks near a rice field following the eruption of Mount Agung AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung volcano spews volcanic ash Rex Features Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures An officer with the disaster management agency BPBD places a mask on child at a shelter for residents sheltering from Mount Agung volcano Antara Foto/Nyoman Budhiana/ via REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung volcano erupts REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung's eruption is seen between Balinese temple at Kubu AFP/Getty Images
Authorities raised the volcano alert for Mount Agung to its highest level and told 100,000 people to leave an area extending 10km (6 miles) from its crater.
Indonesias National Disaster Mitigation Agency has said a larger eruption is possible, though a government volcanologist has also said Mount Agung could stay at its current level of activity for weeks and not erupt explosively.
However, a major eruption has the potential to damage crops on the island and kill anyone within the 10km evacuation radius.
A villager takes his cows to a field with Mount Agung volcano erupting in the background (AP)
It depends on how well the evacuation zone is applied, Dr Watson said. Volcanoes on long fuses give authorities an advantage.
They allow people to carefully and thoughtfully manage the process. If theres nobody in the exclusion zone, most of the really dangerous hazards will not affect many people.
But a large eruption could destroy the islands agriculture and have a major impact on tourism, he added.
A fisherman drives a traditional boat as Mount Agung erupts (Getty) (AFP/Getty)
A Nasa satellite detected a thermal anomaly at the crater, senior Indonesian volcanologist Gede Swantika told the Associated Press, meaning a pathway from the storage chamber in the volcanos crust has opened, giving magma easier access to the surface.
Indonesian officials first raised the highest alert two months ago when a rash of seismic activity was detected at the mountain.
More than 100,000 people living near the volcano fled their homes, many abandoning their livestock or selling them for a fraction of the normal price. The seismic activity decreased by the end of October, causing authorities to lower the alert level.
Tremors increased again last week and officials upped the alert and ordered another large-scale evacuation, with nearly 40,000 people now staying in 225 shelters, according to the Disaster Mitigation Agency in Karangasem.
However, tens of thousands of villagers have remained in their homes because they feel safe or dont want to abandon their farms and livestock.
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Six former British soldiers have been released from an Indian prison four years after they were charged with weapons offences.
The so-called Chennai Six, who had been guards on a ship to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean, won an appeal against their convictions on Monday.
They were jailed in October 2013 after being charged with smuggling weapons and ammunition.
Yvonne McHugh, partner of Billy Irving from Argyll and Bute, said the men had been released on Tuesday.
Ms McHugh said: They were released about two hours ago and are now at the British Embassy with consular staff.
They will just go to a hotel in Chennai and will be able to sleep in a bed and have a proper shower for the first time in about two years.
The men are Mr Irving, 37, from Argyll and Bute, Nick Dunn, 31 from Northumberland, John Armstrong, 30, of Wigton, Cumbria, Nicholas Simpson, 47, of Catterick, North Yorkshire, Ray Tindall, 42, of Chester, and Paul Towers, 54, of Pocklington, East Yorkshire.
They could now face a wait of possibly several weeks before documentation comes through which will allow them to return to the UK.
Once Mr Irving was freed, he was able to speak to Ms McHugh on the embassy's phone and update her on their situation.
Ms McHugh said: Billy called straight away, he couldn't quite believe it had happened.
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
He's just over the moon and didn't think they would be released. He took everything that was said with a pinch of salt and didn't believe it.
We are hoping they could be home in two weeks. If it's less than that it will be a miracle.
PA
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A small wooden ship containing eight bodies which had been partly reduced to skeletons has washed up on a beach in the Sea of Japan.
The "ghost ship" was found by the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) in the northern Akita Prefecture, days after two similarly partially decomposed bodies were found on the island of Sado.
Both local police and the JCG believe the two men may have been from North Korea, as what appeared to be North Korean cigarettes and life jackets with Korean lettering were found nearby.
Authorities are working to establish where the bodies found over the last week came from.
Made in North Korea - In pictures Show all 6 1 /6 Made in North Korea - In pictures Made in North Korea - In pictures Made in North Korea - In pictures Made in North Korea - In pictures Made in North Korea - In pictures Made in North Korea - In pictures Made in North Korea - In pictures
Last week, police found eight fishermen who said they were from North Korea on the same western shore.
Seo Yu-suk, research manager of North Korean Studies Institution in Seoul, said North Korea's food shortages could be behind what is potentially a series of accidents involving North Korean ships.
"North Korea pushes so hard for its people to gather more fish so that they can make up their food shortages," he said.
Yoshihiko Yamada, professor at Japan's Tokai University, said fishermen operating in the Sea of Japan have just entered a season of hostile weather conditions.
"During the summer, the Sea of Japan is quite calm. But it starts to get choppy when November comes. It gets dangerous when northwesterly winds start to blow," he said.
Dramatic footage shows North Korean soldier shot at as he flees to the South
A total of 43 wooden ships believed to have come from the Korean peninsula washed up on Japanese shores or were seen to be drifting off Japan's coast from January to 22 November this year, compared with 66 ships for the whole of last year, the JCG said.
Additional reporting by Reuters
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A North Korean ballistic missile test may have landed in Japanese territory, the Japanese prime minister's office announced.
The missile launch was the first of its kind since September, and was confirmed by South Korean and American military sources early Wednesday morning local time.
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that President Donald Trump was briefed about the missile launch while it was in the air.
"North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile early this morning from Pyongsong, South Pyongan, to the east direction. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff is analysing more details of the missile with the US side," an official with South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said after the missile launch was detected.
The Wednesday test is at least the 23rd time that North Korea has launched a ballistic missile since February. Before the launch, the country had fired 22 missiles without active warheads over 15 total test occasions. Officials with the United States say that the country is continuing to develop its missile capabilities including its rocket fuel and engine technologies, and targeting and guidance systems.
Washington believes that Pyongyang may be able to fit a miniaturized warhead on a ballistic missile as soon as next year, if it can't do so already. North Korea has also been showing signs that it may be able to create a ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States mainland soon.
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 taken an aggressive stance toward North Korea since taking office, and has repeatedly insulted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in recent months as tensions between the two countries have flared.
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The latest launch by North Korea has for the first time theoretically put Washington DC in range of Pyongyangs missiles, an expert has calculated.
While it was unlikely the missile fired in the early hours of Wednesday could yet carry a nuclear payload, the missile itself probably had the capability of reaching the US capital, or anywhere else in the country, said David Wright, co-director of the global security programme at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
This is significantly longer than North Koreas previous long-range tests, which flew on lofted trajectories for 37 minutes and 47 minutes, Mr Wright wrote in a blog.
North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Show all 13 1 /13 North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents react after the news of the successful launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un signing an order to test-fire the newly developed inter-continental ballistic missile KRT via AP Video North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch A news broadcast displays Kim Jong Un's signed document AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch People cheer as they watch the news broadcast announcing Kim Jong Un's order to test-fire the new inter-continental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Images North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Residents react after the document signing AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Pyongyang residents celebrate Kim Jong Un's announcement AFP/Getty North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Cheering Pyongyang residents react AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch To counter North Korea's missile test, South Korea fired missiles into the East Sea The Defence Ministry/Yonhap via REUTERS North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The Hyunmu-2 missiles firing during the drill South Korean Defense Ministry vi North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The exercise was carried out in an attempt to counter Kim Jong Un's order South Korea Defense Ministry via AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch The South Korean army continue to carry out military exercises AP North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch Where K-9 self-propelled howitzers were taking part in a drill Rex Features North Korea announces intercontinental missile launch US soldiers are also present in the border city of Paju AFP/Getty Images
Such a missile would have more than enough range to reach Washington, DC.
Reports suggest the latest missile travelled 620 miles and reached a height of about 2,800 miles before landing off the coast of Japan. This meant it had been fired almost straight up on a lofted trajectory, similar to North Koreas two previous ICBM tests.
Donald Trump says 'we will take care of it' after North Korea fires missile
Mr Wright said it the missile had flown on a standard trajectory designed to maximise its reach, this missile would have a range of more than 8,100 miles. Washington DC is 6,850 miles from Pyongyang.
He said that experts did not yet know what sort of payload the missile carried, but presumed it was a very light, mock warhead.
If true, that means it would not be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead to this long distance, since such a warhead would be much heavier, he said.
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North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that flew higher than any of its previous efforts, shattering a two-month respite from military tests, with experts suggesting that Pyongyang is technically close to putting Washington DC within range.
The Pentagon said it believed the projectile was an ICBM that travelled roughly 1,000 km (620 miles) eastward before plunging into the Sea of Japan. The Japanese Defence Ministry believe the missile remained airborne for 50 minutes and likely landed in the waters of the countrys exclusive economic zone.
The latest act of North Korean aggression demonstrated the type of military advances that have been a feature of a number of its launches this year, which have put its neighbours and the US on edge as well as sparking an escalating war of words with Washington over its expanding nuclear and missile programmes. The projectile soared higher than any previous North Korean launch, Defence Secretary James Mattis said, part of a drive to build missiles that can threaten everywhere in the world.
Recommended All we know about the missile North Korea fired towards Japan
The South Korean military said the missile had an altitude of around 4,500 km (2,800 miles) and flew 960 km, while Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera said the missile reached an estimated altitude of 4,000 kilometres and broke up. He said it was judged to be ICBM class given the missiles lofted trajectory.
President Donald Trump later tweeted the launch showed it was more important than ever to fund out govt & military!. Referring to an impending government shutdown, he claimed Democrats were holding troop funding hostage.
According to David Wright, the co-director of the global security programme at the Union of Concerned Scientists, those numbers suggested that if it had flown on a standard trajectory, rather than a lofted one, it could reach 13,000 km or 8,100 miles. That would put Washington DC within range, with it being about 6,850 miles from Pyongyang.
However, Mr Wright added that given the potential range, the missile was likely to be carrying a light payload or a potential light mock warhead that would mean that it could not travel that distance if it was carrying a full warhead.
Colonel Robert Manning, the Pentagon spokesman, said the North American Aerospace Defense Command (Norad), determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, our territories or our allies.
Mr Trump was briefed while the missile was still in the air, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe convened a meeting of cabinet officials. The South Korean military said it quickly responded with a missile test of its own.
We will take care of it, Mr Trump said after the launch, calling it a situation we will handle. Mr Trump has repeatedly denounced the Norths missile launches and has called on the UN and neighbours Japan, South Korea and particularly China Pyongyangs biggest trading partner to put as much pressure on the regime of Kim Jong-un as possible.
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
Japanese officials had been bracing for an imminent missile launch, saying they had detected suspicious radio signals. North Korea has menaced Japan in recent months, firing a ballistic missile over Hokkaido in September the second time it hurled a missile over Japan and warning that the nation should be sunken into the sea by a nuclear strike.
Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported three projectiles were fired, the nearest landing 210 kilometres west of Japans northern mainland, suggesting the missile broke into pieces. Japans Kyodo news agency, quoting the defense ministry, said there were no reports of any damage.
A US intelligence official said the initial indication was that the engine was not significantly more powerful than the Hwasong 14 which Pyongyang tested in July. A 2,800-mile altitude, a 600-mile range, and a splash-down in the sea initially indicates that this was another test of the re-entry vehicle more than one of the missile, its engine, or its guidance system, said the official, who was studying incoming data on the launch.
The firing marks the latest escalation of a global standoff with an increasingly assertive North Korea, with the regime in Pyongyang combining ballistic missile launches with threats of destroying Japan, the United States and the US territory of Guam. It tested a powerful hydrogen bomb for the first time.
North Korea's estimated missile ranges
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson released a statement saying North Koreas relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them must be reversed. While Mr Tillerson said diplomatic options remain viable for now, such constraints have so far failed to halt North Koreas belligerence. The country has forged ahead with military tests despite successive rounds of United Nations sanctions targeting the countrys economy.
Mr Trump has returned rhetorical fire, repeatedly threatening North Korea with military force a warning his top aides have echoed and mocking North Korean leader Mr Kim as Little Rocket Man. He recently named North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism, restoring a label that was lifted in 2008.
North Korea has called Mr Trumps threats of a military response tantamount to a declaration of war. The President drew a rare personal rebuke from Mr Kim himself, who called Mr Trump a mentally deranged US dotard.
The international community has been searching for a way to rein in North Korea, with the UN Security Council set to met on Wednesday, while Canadas Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland announced that her nation will host a meeting on the North Korea crisis, in conjunction with the US. It is believed it will involve about a dozen world leaders, but no date ot location has yet been set.
Mr Trump also spoke by telephone with Japans Prime Minister Mr Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, with the latter having already said that the launch had been anticipated and that there was no choice but for countries to keep applying pressure and sanctions against Pyongyang.
The US president and Mr Abe agreed to boost their response to North Koreas missile programme, as well as urging China to do more to solve the issue.
The pair agreed that China needs to play an increased role in countering Pyongyang, Japan said.
Mr Trump and Mr Moon underscored the grave threat that North Koreas latest provocation poses not only to US and South Korea, but to the entire world, the White House said.
However, Mr Moon also raised concerns with his own national security council about the threat of escalation, saying that the situation could get out of control if North Korea perfects its ICBM technology, according to his office.
North Korea shouldnt miscalculate the situation and threaten South Korea with a nuclear weapon, which could elicit a possible pre-emptive strike by the United States, he added.
Close Donald Trump says 'we will take care of it' after North Korea fires missile
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North Korea has fired a ballistic missile that landed near the Japanese coast.
The missile flew eastward and the South Korean military was analysing details with the US. A Pentagon spokesman that the missile was likely an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and it had travelled about 1,000 km. Japan said the missile had reached a height of 4,000 km, with South Korea saying 4,500 km.
Donald Trump was briefed while the missile was still in the air, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe convened a meeting of cabinet officials.
Follow the latest live updates below
Japanese officials had been bracing for an imminent missile launch, saying they had detected suspicious radio signals. North Korea has menaced Japan in recent months, firing a ballistic missile over Hokkaido in September the second time it hurled a missile over Japan and warning that the nation should be sunken into the sea by a nuclear strike.
North Korea Prison Camps Show all 7 1 /7 North Korea Prison Camps North Korea Prison Camps An overview of Camp 25 Amnesty International/DigitalGlobe North Korea Prison Camps The administration area of Camp 15 Amnesty International/DigitalGlobe North Korea Prison Camps A water treatment system in Camp 25 Amnesty International/DigitalGlobe North Korea Prison Camps Crop fields and, inset, prisoners in Camp 25 Amnesty International/DigitalGlobe North Korea Prison Camps The reported crematorium in Camp 25 Amnesty International/DigitalGlobe North Korea Prison Camps A possible mine Amnesty International/DigitalGlobe North Korea Prison Camps A walled compound in Camp 15 Amnesty International/DigitalGlobe
The launch marks the latest escalation of a global standoff with an increasingly assertive North Korea. The nuclear-armed hermit state has repeatedly displayed its military prowess in recent months, combining ballistic missile launches with threats of destroying Japan, the United States and the US territory of Guam. It tested a powerful hydrogen bomb for the first time.
Diplomatic constraints have failed to halt North Koreas belligerence, with the country forging ahead with military tests despite successive rounds of United Nations sanctions targeting the countrys economy.
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North Korea may be preparing another ballistic missile test after Japan detected suspicious radio signals coming from the secretive state.
Although such signals are not unusual and satellite images did not show fresh activity, Japans government has been put on alert.
North Korea might launch a missile within the next few days, a source told the Japan Times.
After firing rockets two to three times a month since April, North Korean tests paused after a 15 September launch of a ballistic missile over northern Japan.
But analysts suspect North Korea could resort to more military provocations after Donald Trump put Pyongyang back on a list of state sponsors of terrorism on 20 November.
However, a source told Reuters the signals were "not enough to determine if a launch is likely soon.
Trump announces intent to declare North Korea state sponsor of terror
Japan's Kyodo news agency reported that the signals might be related to winter military training by the North Korean military instead.
Kim Jong-un, North Korea's leader, is pursuing nuclear weapons and missile programmes in defiance of UN Security Council sanctions and has made no secret of plans to develop a missile capable of hitting the US mainland. The country has fired two missiles over Japan.
South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing a South Korean government source, also reported that intelligence officials of the United States, South Korea and Japan had recently detected signs of a possible missile launch and have been on higher alert.
South Korean Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon told reporters on Tuesday there have been "noteworthy" movements from the North since its last missile launch in mid-September, but there was no hard evidence of another nuclear or missile test.
Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Show all 6 1 /6 Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb Photos released by North Korea show Kim Jong-un talking to subordinates next to a device thought to be the new thermonuclear weapon. There is no way of independently verifying the pictures STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korea claims it has successfully tested an advanced hydrogen bomb which could be loaded onto an intercontinental ballistic missile AFP/Getty Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A diagram on the wall behind Mr Kim shows a bomb mounted inside a cone STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (C) attending a photo session with participants of the fourth conference of active secretaries of primary organisations of the youth league of the Korean People's Army (KPA) in Pyongyang STR/AFP/Getty Images Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters Kim Jong-un inspects weapon North Korea says is powerful hydrogen bomb A new stamp issued in commemoration of the successful second test launch of the "Hwasong-14" intercontinental ballistic missile KCNA via Reuters
"North Korea hasn't been engaging in new nuclear or missile tests but recently we've seen them persistently testing engines and carrying out fuel tests," said Cho at a media event in Seoul.
"But we need some more time to see whether these are directly related to missile and nuclear tests."
Asked about the media reports, Pentagon spokesman Colonel Robert Manning told reporters the United States continued to watch North Korea very closely.
"This is a diplomatically led effort at this point, supported by military options," he said.
"The Republic of Korea and US alliance remains strong and capable of countering any North Korean provocations or attacks."
Two US government sources familiar with official assessments of North Korean capabilities and activities said that while they were not immediately familiar with recent intelligence suggesting that North Korea was preparing to launch a new missile test, the US government would not be surprised if such a test were to take place in the very near future.
Other US intelligence officials noted North Korea has previously sent deliberately misleading signs of preparations for missile and nuclear tests, in part to mask real preparations, and in part to test US and allied intelligence on its activities.
South Korea's Cho said North Korea may announce the completion of its nuclear programme within a year, as it is moving faster than expected in developing its arsenal.
North Korea defends its weapons programmes as a necessary defence against US plans to invade. The United States, which stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean war, denies any such intention.
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Pope Francis has called for Burma to "respect each group and its identity" on a visit to the country, but failed specifically to raise the persecution of Rohingya Muslims as some activists had hoped he would.
The Pope ended his key address in the Burmese capital of Naypyidaw, during a meeting with the country's de facto leader Aang San Suu Kyi, without using the word "Rohingya", which would have itself been controversial.
Speaking after Ms Suu Kyi's address, the pontiff lamented in his speech how Burma's people have suffered "and continue to suffer from civil conflict and hostilities" which have "lasted too long and created deep divisions," insisting that all people who call the country their home deserves to have their basic rights guaranteed.
He said Burma's future must be based on "respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity".
"The arduous process of peace-building and national reconciliation can only advance through a commitment to justice and respect for human rights," he said.
"Religious differences need not be a source of division and distrust, but rather a force for unity, forgiveness, tolerance and wise nation-building," he added.
It has been reported that the extreme delicacy around the Pope's trip to the country caused some of his advisors to warn him against mentioning the word "Rohingya" over fears it could cause a diplomatic incident that could affect the minority Christians in Burma.
Drone footage shows thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar
More than 620,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled from Burma's Rakhine state into Bangladesh following a military crackdown in the area. The action has caused the United States to accuse the country of "ethnic cleansing".
The Pope was thanked by Ms Suu Kyi for his support for what she called the many "challenges" Burma is facing, ahead of his address. Her international image has been damaged by her government's actions over the Rohingya crisis, which has marked Asia's worst refugee situation in decades.
The civilian leader said she appreciates those who are supporting the government as it addresses long-standing social, economic and political issues "that have eroded trust and understanding, harmony and co-operation".
The Pope's visit to the majority-Buddhist country saw pontiff meet with Burma's military chief ahead of his speech, who claimed there is "no religious discrimination in the country".
Thousands of Burma's Christian population travelled to Yangon to see the Pope when he arrived on Monday. Only about 700,000 of the country's 51 million population are Roman Catholic. The Pope will also visit Bangladesh on his tour.
Additional reporting by agencies
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Burma's military chief is said to have told Pope Francis that there is "no religious discrimination" in the country, after they met at the start of a delicate visit for the pontiff to a majority-Buddhist country that the United States has accused of ethnic cleansing against its Muslim Rohingya people.
The leader of the Roman Catholic church will also visit Bangladesh, where more than 620,000 Rohingya have fled to escape what Amnesty International has alleged are crimes against humanity.
The army chief, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, told the pope that there's no religious discrimination in Myanmar [Burma] and there's the freedom of religion, according to a statement on his Facebook page. Every soldier's goal is to build a stable and peaceful country, the military leader was paraphrased as saying in the statement.
Recommended Pope Francis under pressure to speak up for Rohingya on Burma visit
Burma's army has denied accusations of murder, rape, torture and forced displacement that have been made against it.
The pope's met with Min Aung Hlaing in St. Mary's Cathedral in the heart of the Southeast Asian nation's largest city.
They discussed the great responsibility of authorities of the country in this time of transition, Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said after the 15 minutes of talks, which were followed by an exchange of gifts.
Pope Francis presented the general with a commemorative medal of his visit, and Min Aung Hlaing gave the pope a harp in the shape of a boat and an ornate rice bowl, Mr Burke said.
Rohingya refugees in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya refugees in pictures A young girl and a baby wade through mud after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma on 10 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya refugees walk through a camp in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after arriving from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures A young Rohingya refugee gathers firewood after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya refugees wait for sacks of rice to be distributed in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees arrive on a boat in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after crossing from Burma on 8 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees react after being re-united with each other after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Getty Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees walk along the remains of a road after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Myanmar Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees stand in the rain after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Indian children hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma EPA/Raminder Pal Singh Rohingya refugees in pictures Supporters of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), an Islamic organisation, listen to their leaders' speeches against Burma's persecution of Rohingya Muslims, during a demonstration in Karachi Reuters/Akhtar Soomro Rohingya refugees in pictures Hundreds of Iranians take part in a protest against violence in Myanmar after weekly Friday prayers, in Tehran EPA/Abedin Taherkenareh Rohingya refugees in pictures Indonesian Muslim activists hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya minority in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia EPA/Ali Lutfi Rohingya refugees in pictures Members of an Islamic organisation shout slogans against the Burma government during a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh EPA
Members of ethnic minority groups in traditional dress welcomed Pope Francis at the airport, and children presented him with flowers as he stepped off his plane.
He waved through an open window at dozens of children waving Vatican and Myanmar flags and wearing T-shirts with the motto of the trip love and peace as he set off in a car.
Only about 700,000 of Burma's 51 million people are Roman Catholic. Thousands of them travelled by train and bus to Rangoon, and they joined crowds at several roadside points along the way from the airport to catch a glimpse of the pope.
More than 150,000 people have registered for a mass that Pope Francis will say in the city on Wednesday, according to Catholic Burma Church spokesman Mariano Soe Naing.
We come here to see the Holy Father. It happens once in hundreds of years, said Win Min Set, a community leader who brought a group of 1,800 Catholics from the south and west of the country.
He is very knowledgeable when it comes to political affairs. He will handle the issue smartly, he said, referring to the sensitivity of the pope's discussions about the Rohingya.
Drone footage shows thousands of Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar
Large numbers of riot police were mobilised in Rangoon but there were no signs of any protests.
The trip is so delicate that some papal advisers have warned Pope Francis against even saying the word Rohingya, lest he set off a diplomatic incident that could turn the country's military and government against minority Christians.
The Rohingya exodus from Rakhine state to Bangladesh's southern tip began at the end of August, when Rohingya militants attacked security posts and Burma's army launched a counter-offensive.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson last week called the military operation ethnic cleansing and threatened targeted sanctions for horrendous atrocities.
Burma's government has denied most of the accusations made against it, and the army says its own investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing by troops.
Burma does not recognise the Rohingya as citizens nor as members of a distinct ethnic group with their own identity, and it even rejects the term Rohingya and its use.
Many people in Burma instead refer to members of the Muslim minority in Rakhine state as illegal migrants from Bangladesh.
Pope Francis is expected to meet a group of Rohingya refugees in Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, on the second leg of his trip.
The most tense moments of his Burma visit were expected to be the private meeting with the army chief and, separately, with civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Tuesday.
Vatican sources say some in the Holy See believe the trip was decided too hastily after full diplomatic ties were established in May during a visit by Ms Suu Kyi.
Ms Suu Kyi's reputation as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate has been tarnished because she has expressed doubts about the reports of rights abuses against the Rohingya and failed to condemn the military.
The pope has already used the word Rohingya in two appeals from the Vatican this year.
Asked if he would say it in Burma, Mr Burke said Pope Francis was taking the advice he had been given seriously, but added: We will find out together during the trip ... it is not a forbidden word.
A hardline group of Buddhist monks, previously known as Ma Ba Tha, said it welcomed the pope's visit but warned, without elaborating, of a response if he spoke openly about the Rohingya.
I hope he doesn't touch on sensitive issues that Myanmar people couldn't accept, said Tawparka, a spokesman for the group, who goes by a single name. There's no problem if he talks about Islam, but it's unacceptable if he speaks about Rohingya and extreme terrorists.
Reuters
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Pope Francis should not be blamed for his failure to mention human rights abuses against Rohingya Muslims during the keynote speech of his trip to Burma, a leading activist in the country has said.
International rights groups said the pontiff had missed an opportunity to raise international concerns and that it was disappointing he chose not to mention the Rohingya by name as he appeared alongside Burmas de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the capital Naypyidaw.
But Nay San Lwin, who has run a website called Rohingya Blogger since 2005, said it was the fault of those who advised Pope Francis on his conduct.
The Pope is an amazing person, Mr Nay told The Independent from Bangladesh. If I have to blame someone I would blame Burmese Cardinal Charles Maung Bo... In my opinion Charles Maung Bo violated the basic human rights.
Pope Francis should condemn the ongoing genocide, Mr Nay said. In his speech, the Pope called on the government in general terms to respect each group and its identity. Religious differences need not be a source of division and distrust, but rather a force for unity, forgiveness, tolerance and wise nation-building, he said.
Mr Nay also noted that Burmese military chief Aung Hlaing said they dont discriminate (against) anyone base on religion. Mr Nay said: That was a lie. Rohingya and other Muslim minorities have been discriminated (against) for decades.
Refugees continue to flee to Bangladesh, which has seen an influx of almost 700,000 refugees since 25 August, when Burmese security forces began a campaign against Rohingya villages.
The countrys military has insisted it is conducting a counter-insurgency clearance operation that was provoked by Rohingya militants synchronised attacks on 30 security posts in the northern part of Rakhine State.
The response has been almost universally condemned by the international community.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in September that ethnic cleansing is taking place in Burma, leading to a catastrophic humanitarian situation for the Rohingya Muslim minority.
Burma rejects the term Rohingya and its use, with most people instead referring to the Muslim minority in Rakhine State as illegal migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh.
Rohingya refugees in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya refugees in pictures A young girl and a baby wade through mud after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma on 10 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya refugees walk through a camp in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after arriving from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures A young Rohingya refugee gathers firewood after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya refugees wait for sacks of rice to be distributed in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees arrive on a boat in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh after crossing from Burma on 8 September Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees react after being re-united with each other after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Getty Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees walk along the remains of a road after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh on a boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees wade through water after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Myanmar Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Rohingya Muslim refugees stand in the rain after arriving in Whaikhyang, Bangladesh by boat from Burma Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Rohingya refugees in pictures Indian children hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya Muslims in Burma EPA/Raminder Pal Singh Rohingya refugees in pictures Supporters of the Difa-e-Pakistan Council (DPC), an Islamic organisation, listen to their leaders' speeches against Burma's persecution of Rohingya Muslims, during a demonstration in Karachi Reuters/Akhtar Soomro Rohingya refugees in pictures Hundreds of Iranians take part in a protest against violence in Myanmar after weekly Friday prayers, in Tehran EPA/Abedin Taherkenareh Rohingya refugees in pictures Indonesian Muslim activists hold placards and shout slogans during a protest against the alleged persecution of the Rohingya minority in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia EPA/Ali Lutfi Rohingya refugees in pictures Members of an Islamic organisation shout slogans against the Burma government during a protest in Dhaka, Bangladesh EPA
The Pope had used the word in two appeals from the Vatican this year.
But, before the diplomatically risky trip, his advisers recommended that he not use it in Burma, lest he set off a diplomatic incident that could turn the countrys military and government against minority Christians.
Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch, accused the pontiff of missing an important opportunity to speak truth to power, and publicly refute the unconscionable pressure by Aung San Suu Kyi and the Myanmar military to deny the Rohingya their identity.
The fact that the word Rohingya is so contentious shows the lengths to which Burma has gone to demonise a desperately poor and repressed religious minority.
Meanwhile, Daniel Aguirre, a former legal adviser to the International Commission of Jurists in Myanmar, said Pope Francis was slightly more sympathetic.
The pontiff was damned if he did and damned if he did not say the word Rohingya, he told the The Independent. Although it is disappointing that he did not refer to the Rohingya by name, his visit brought attention to the human rights violations against them.
He said its is up to the diplomats in Yangon, the international community and especially neighbouring countries to use their influence with the government to halt violations of human rights and protect minorities in Burma.
Most of all, national leadership is required; Burmas public intellectuals, religious leaders and voices from civil society need to promote a more inclusive, tolerant version of a national identity that respects human rights.
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A woman from the UK is recovering after being attacked by a crocodile thought to be up to 8ft in length while near a river in Queensland, Australia.
The state's Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) confirmed the woman was bitten on the leg by the saltwater crocodile while she was standing on a creek bank in Cape Tribulation.
A video posted on social media, which has been shared more than 2,300 times, shows a crocodile close to the water's edge and the sound of screams. A picture of cuts and blood on a woman's thigh was also uploaded.
A Mossman Hospital spokeswoman confirmed a woman was treated for a bite wound and discharged on Monday night.
The Press Association understands the woman is from the UK and did not require being admitted for further treatment.
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The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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. 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The DEHP said wildlife officers will now carry out a site assessment of the area and will potentially target the animal, thought to be between 6.5ft (2m) and 8ft (2.5m) in length, for removal.
It warned people to expect saltwater crocodiles, which can grow up to 17ft long, in all North Queensland waterways and to obey warning signs and stand back from the water's edge.
PA
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Irelands deputy prime minister Frances Fitzgerald has agreed to resign over handling of a police whistleblowing scandal, pulling the country back from the brink of a snap election.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed his deputy would stand down in a phone call to opposition leader, Fianna Fails Micheal Martin, whose party threatened to bring down Irelands minority government over the affair.
Hours before she faced a motion of no confidence, Ms Fitzgerald said she had put the national interest ahead of her political career by resigning to avoid an unwelcome and potentially destabilising election.
John McDonnell: Brexit threatens to 'undermine the peace process' if Northern Ireland hard border installed
She said in a statement: It has been the greatest honour of my life to serve in government, but I believe it is necessary to take this decision to avoid an unwelcome and potentially destabilising general election at this historically critical time.
I have always believed in fairness and equality and these principles have guided my work as minister for children and youth affairs, as minister for justice and equality, and now as minister for business, enterprise and innovation.
The move looks set to thwart a political crisis in Dublin, which were set to cast a shadow over a critical phase in the Brexit negotiations.
The Irish premier said he accepted her resignation with deep regret and insisted she would be vindicated by the Disclosures Tribunal.
He said: Its my strong view that a good woman is leaving office without getting a full and fair hearing. Frances has been an exemplary member of Government and a loyal colleague.
Fianna Fail, which props up Mr Varadkars Government, wanted Ms Fitzgerald ousted over her involvement in a long-running police scandal, revolving around her knowledge of an aggressive legal strategy against a respected police officer during a private inquiry in 2015.
As well as threatening the fragile agreement between the parties, the uncertainty also came ahead of crunch Brexit talks which hinge on progress being made on the Irish border and other key issues.
Up until her resignation, the Republic was facing the prospect of a snap general election in the runup to Christmas and also in the teeth of the crucial Brexit summit in Brussels next month when the future of the Irish border could be determined.
Brexit: the deciders Show all 8 1 /8 Brexit: the deciders Brexit: the deciders European Union's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier Getty Brexit: the deciders French President Emmanuel Macron Getty Brexit: the deciders German Chancellor Angela Merkel Reuters Brexit: the deciders Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker EPA Brexit: the deciders The European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator Guy Verhofstadt Getty Brexit: the deciders Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May Getty Images Brexit: the deciders Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond PA Brexit: the deciders After the first and second appointed Brexit secretaries resigned (David Davis and Dominic Raab respectively), Stephen Barclay is currently heading up the position PA
It comes after emails dating back to 2015 were released by the Department of Justice, showing Ms Fitzgerald was aware of a controversial legal strategy to target a police offer at a private judge-led inquiry into claims of wrongdoing.
The contents contradict claims by Ms Fitzgerald - who was justice minister in 2015 - that she only learned of the approach being taken by lawyers in 2016.
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A German mayor known for his welcoming stance towards refugees has been stabbed in a knife attack which authorities said was likely politically motivated.
Andreas Hollstein, the conservative mayor of Altena, was stabbed in the neck at a kebab restaurant and seriously hurt.
The attacker, identified only as a 56-year-old German man and described by local media as drunk, asked Mr Hollstein if he was the mayor before attacking him, local media reported.
Mr Hollstein was taken to the hospital but discharged later on the same day.
Twelve celebrities you might not know were refugees
Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the attack in a tweet: "I am appalled by the knife attack on mayor Andreas Hollstein - and very relieved that he is back with his family," she said. "Thanks also to those who have helped him."
Mr Hollstein told local newspaper Lokalstimme: "I had people on my side who acted quickly and I'm happy to still be alive."
The mayor was at a local kebab restaurant around 8pm on Monday, when the attacker slashed him on the neck with the knife, before restaurant employees overpowered him and called police, Lokalstimme reported.
The man allegedly said he attacked Mr Hollstein because the mayor has voluntarily taken in more refugees in Altena than the town is obliged to according to the federal distribution key for asylum seekers.
Under his leadership, the town of Altena has taken in more refugees than it was allocated.
A man who helped Mr Hollstein was also slightly injured, the German news agency dpa reported.
Armin Laschet, the governor of North Rhine-Westphalia state where Altena is located, said "the security agencies assume the attack has a political background."
Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Show all 5 1 /5 Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures Refugee dinners in Berlin - In pictures
In a similar case two years ago, a politician campaigning to become mayor of Cologne was stabbed in the neck by a far-right assailant who was angered by the government's refugee policy.
Henriette Reker, who was in charge of housing refugees in Cologne at the time, was elected mayor the following day while still in an induced coma.
Germany took in more than one million asylum seekers between 2015 and 2016, mostly from war-torn countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq.
The influx saw an outpouring of support from many Germans who wanted to help the refugees, but also a sharp rise in the number of attack against migrants and sometimes also against their supporters.
Additional reporting by agencies
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A Russian man accused of murdering 60 people may not be extradited from Austria because he has recently developed what his lawyers are describing as a rare form of aerophobia.
Aslan Gagiev, also known as Djako, was reportedly taken off a plane about to leave for Russia, despite the deportation being approved by the Vienna High Court and the head of the Austrian Minister of Justice.
It was the third court order for his extradition he has avoided since his arrest in Vienna in January 2015 following a tip-off by the Russian authorities.
Following his initial arrest in Austria Gagiev was released on bail set at 100,000 euros, but was subsequently arrested at the Austrian-Bulgarian border after being caught attempting to use a fake Bulgarian passport.
Gagiev is suspected of masterminding the creation of one of Russias most brutal crime groups, in operation since 2004.
According to Russian daily Kommersant, a liberal business broadsheet, the murders he is said to be involved with include those of officials, bankers, businessmen and law enforcers.
Lawyers representing Gagiev presented a medical certificate which stated that during his incarceration in an Austrian Prison, he has now developed a rare form of aerophobia, in which the accused simply cannot survive the flight to Russia, Kommersant reported.
His lawyers have also reportedly claimed they will appeal to the European Court of Human Rights in the Supreme Court of Justice supports the existing Russian extradition order.
A source cited by Kommersant said Russias investigative committee is optimistic that Gagiev could be in a Russian prison by January.
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
This isnt about aerophobia! Djako simply knows that a life sentence awaits him in Russia, the source said.
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A Russian man has died after he pulled the pin out of a hand grenade and posted photographs of himself holding it.
Alexander 'Sasha' Chechik was killed instantly in the incident in the city of Labinsk in south west Russia, police said.
According to local news outlet Kuban.kp.ru, the man had sent a text to a friend, including a picture of the grenade in his hand with the pin pulled from the device lying nearby.
Russian soldier gives location away with Instagram selfies
In the text exchange, the mans friend asks him where he is and if everything is ok.
It depends by what you mean OK, he replied, posting the photograph of the grenade.
Listen, dont f*** around, his friend then replied before following it up with: Where are you, to which they received no response.
According to Russias Interfax news service, police have launched an investigation into the illegal trafficking of weapons and ammunition.
In a text exchange Chechik sent an image of the hand grenade (East2West News)
A source who spoke to Interfax said: Apparently the guy did no manage to insert [the hand grenade pin] back in. The explosion broke him in half.
Police believe Chechik expected the grenade would not explode as long as he didn't throw it.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty
He had also sent pictures to other friends and police have categorised his death as an accident not suicide, according to agency East2West News.
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Samburu warrior Sammy Lemiruni is almost certain the black rhino wont charge.
As we prepare to tiptoe through the dense Kenyan bush, the warrior-turned-ranger looks at me. Dont be afraid, he whispers.
Its easier said than done. The black rhino, capable of weighing 1,400kg and standing taller than a six-foot man, is a formidable creature. Its two horns can span five feet. While it cant see very well, it has a strong sense of smell and incredible hearing. And despite its looming bulk, the massive animal can charge at a speed of 55km per hour.
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We walk in single file, Lemiruni orders. Two park rangers flank us, dressed in green fatigues and black boots. One carries a thin GPS transmitter. The ground is dry and brittle, covered in thorns and low-lying trees, but Lemiruni encourages soft steps. As soon as you make noise the rhinos get suspicious. Were told to stand on rocky ground or behind logs as a safety precaution.
Sometimes the rhinos do charge, he concedes. But its not really a charge. Its when they get suspicious and they want to know whats here. Youll see them do a little dance before they run.
If this happens, theres one response: Stand still, shout, clap, just make noise. And absolutely do not flee.
Were out at the Sera Community Conservancy, ready to track the endangered black rhinos on the Saruni Rhino walking safari Africas first community-owned-and-operated black rhino conservation project, which launched in February 2017. Currently 11 rhinos (including three pregnant females) roam the sanctuarys 54,000 hectares, each with a GPS device attached to its horn. A $1.3m (963,000) fence is wrapped around it all, with some 200 people patrolling the grounds, guards even sleeping beside the fence at night.
The security is understandable given the animals desirability to poachers. The last rhino was poached 30 years ago [from Northern Kenya], says Riccardo Orizio, CEO and founder of Saruni. This is the first time that the black rhino returns to its ancestral land. Through strong efforts from the government including the largest burning of ivory to date and other Kenyan organisations, the animals are slowly coming back from the brink.
Every guest staying at Saruni Rhino pays a $175 (135) per night conservation fee, which goes to the park and the community. This means Saruni can hire more local people and make sure landowners feel that conservation is value, Orizio says.
A manager at Saruni Rhinos sister property, the six-villa Saruni Samburu, puts it more bluntly: It creates a focus on protecting the endangered species rather than killing them, incorporating the perspective of, If I help the rhino then my wealth will grow, rather than, If I kill the rhino my wealth will grow.
The rhino trackers are equipped with GPS (Saruni)
Even as the conservancy protects rhinos against potential threats, Lemiruni needs to protect people like me against the risks of the wild. Back at the intimate Saruni Rhino two-hut property, elephants roam along the dry riverbed. Monkeys lurch between swaying doum palms while adorable dik-diks and giraffe-necked antelopes bound about. Occasionally the wings of vultures flap above; the animals cluster around the nearby watering hole.
The tracking takes place at 5am and 5pm, as rhinos rest during the heat of the day. In between, theres the option to visit the nearby Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (home at the moment to another baby rhino, currently on loan from Saruni), head to a popular animal migration spot, or go for a walking safari along the dried riverbed.
Guests are asked to walk with a staff member in the evenings. The first night, as were sat watching the stars rise, the ever-present cluster of monkeys start screeching in the trees. Lemiruni perks up, his eyes on the horizon. Leopard, he says. He flicks on a flashlight, catching the glint of the predators eyes. The animal freezes for just an instant before getting lost in the night.
You always know its a leopard when the monkeys go crazy.
Tracking the rhinos is no mean feat (Saruni)
Tracking rhinos is no less adrenaline-inducing. On the second day, as yet again I trail single-file behind Lemiruni, he spots a rhino munching in the distance. His hand flicks, gesturing me forward. We move behind a thorny acacia tree, then behind a bush. Lemiruni occasionally snaps a sock filled with ash as we go, judging the direction of the wind. Eventually were within 100m of the rhino and can hear its deep-belly snorting.
The rhino pauses, puffs and lifts its head. Im holding my breath. Lemiruni has frozen, a foot half-lifted. For an instant no one moves. Then the majestic animal turns and does the one thing Ive been told not to do it clambers away.
Travel essentials
Getting there
Kenya Airways flies from Heathrow to Nairobi from 458 return. Safarilink flies from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Kalama and nearby airstrips from around 300 return.
Staying there
Saruni offers a four-night full-board Rhino Tracking safari in Northern Kenya with two nights at Saruni Rhino and two nights at Saruni Samburu from 1,895 per person. The price includes full-board accommodation, transfers, one rhino tracking session per day, game drives and guided bush walks. Conservation fees are not included and add up to an additional 440 per person for a four-night package.
An overnight stay is typically required in Nairobi due to flight times to Kalama airstrip. The Lazizi Premiere hotel at the airport has doubles from 107, B&B.
More information
magicalkenya.com
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Bali airport is remaining closed for a further 24 hours because of volcanic ash from nearby Mount Agung. With around 450 more flights cancelled, it adds tens of thousands more travellers to the list of passengers stranded on the Indonesian island.
Forecasts from the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre in Darwin, northern Australia show that the ash cloud is now spreading south-west from the volcano. This should allow the airport on the neighbouring island of Lombok, to the east, to operate normally.
The authorities are said to be laying on buses to take travellers from Denpasar airport in Bali to the port at Padang Bai on the east of the island, from where they can take the four-hour ferry ride to Lombok.
The prospects for Balis airport re-opening on Wednesday look bleak, and the Australian airline, Jetstar, has already cancelled some flights. It is offering Australian passengers booked to travel to the island the option to switch to much further-flung destinations, including Thailand, Vietnam and Japan.
Frustration is growing among travellers who are either trying to leave the island or booked to go there, with the leading Indonesian airline, Garuda, facing criticism. Dagmar Zwebe tweeted: I have been trying to call your lines but it is impossible to get somebody on the line. I also tried the life chat but nobody is answering.
Would it be possible to change our flight to a different destination? Is there any other way to contact you?
Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Show all 22 1 /22 Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A fisherman drives a traditional boat as Mount Agung erupts AFP/Getty Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Police evacuate a villager from inside the exclusion zone REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Villagers watch a river overflowing with water mixed with volcanic ash REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A flight information board shows cancelled flights at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A villager takes his cows to a field with Mount Agung volcano erupting in the background AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Police officers wear masks as they patrol in a village in Karangasem AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Clouds of ashes rise from the Mount Agung volcano AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Passengers talk to airline workers as their flights are cancelled AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A boy takes pictures during Mount Agung's eruption AFP/Getty Images Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung volcano is seen spewing smoke and ash in Bali EMILIO KUZMA-FLOYD/via REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Balinese Hindus take part in a ceremony, where they pray near Mount Agung in hope of preventing a volcanic eruption AFP/Getty Images Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung volcano erupts for a second time in less than a week REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Balinese Hindus take part in a ceremony AFP/Getty Images Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung volcano is seen erupting from Glumpang village REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A Balinese farmer works as Mount Agung volcano spews volcanic ash EPA Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung during an eruption seen from Kubu sub-district in Karangasem Regency AFP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures A villager walks near a rice field following the eruption of Mount Agung AP Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung volcano spews volcanic ash Rex Features Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures An officer with the disaster management agency BPBD places a mask on child at a shelter for residents sheltering from Mount Agung volcano Antara Foto/Nyoman Budhiana/ via REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung volcano erupts REUTERS Bali's Mount Agung volcano eruption: in pictures Mount Agung's eruption is seen between Balinese temple at Kubu AFP/Getty Images
The Australian foreign ministry is warning: Depending on the weather conditions at the time of an eruption, an ash cloud could affect flights and ash fall may impact Denpasar and neighbouring airports in East Java and Lombok.
Among the passengers stranded on Bali are thousands of teenage Australians who had flown to the island for the traditional Schoolies a weeks holiday after completing secondary school.
Many British travellers have plans to visit Bali over Christmas and New Year. But holiday firms and airlines are unwilling to make alternative arrangements until the situation becomes clearer.
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The UK tourism industry has welcomed the impending royal wedding and the free publicity that the event next spring will bring.
The director of VisitBritain, Patricia Yates, said: Congratulations to Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle on their engagement. This milestone event undoubtedly puts the global media spotlight on Britain.
A VisitLondon spokesperson said: Across the UK its estimated that tourism linked to Royal residences such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle generates more than 500 million a year and attracts more than 2.7 million visitors.
Russell Imrie, managing director of Edinburgh-based Queensferry Hotels and president of Best Western Great Britain, told The Independent: Past experience gives evidence that royal events in UK do indeed have a positive impact on UK inbound tourism.
In my own hotels in Edinburgh and Dunfermline we noticed a positive impact on UK inbound following previous royal weddings.
This was replicated in Best Western Hotels in major UK inbound locations such as London, Bath, Stratford Upon Avon and York."
Eurostar, the cross-Channel train operator, said that the 2011 royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge saw a 28 per cent surge in inbound bookings.
Bookings were up from across Europe, including France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, said a spokesperson. In addition, Eurostar carried 21 per cent more American travellers.
VisitBritain says that more than 600,000 people reportedly passed through Buckingham Palaces gates to see the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress in 2011, an increase of almost 50 per cent on 2010 visitor numbers.
But Russell Imrie believes the benefits to British tourism will be longer lasting: I dont believe that this increase is overseas visitors following any royal trail or specifically visiting for royal reasons. I believe that it as a result of the global media coverage that such events generate and the subsequent increase in awareness that the UK enjoys. Nothing beats free publicity.
Partly due to the slump in sterling, 2017 has been a record-breaking year for incoming visits (up 8 per cent) and spend (10 per cent higher).
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 16 November 2022 Emma Woolf, great niece of British author Virginia Woolf, and her son Ludovic sit next to a new bronze statue of Woolf, unveiled in Richmond, London Reuters UK news in pictures 15 November 2022 Lesley Sutcliffe shelters from the rain next to a life-sized replica of the innermost coffin of King Tutankhamun by artist Amanda Stoner as it goes on display inside a traditional red telephone box which has been converted into a museum, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire PA UK news in pictures 14 November 2022 Members of the hospitality sector demonstrate outside parliament in London. The head of the Confederation of British Industry is urging the UK government to relax immigration rules to help British companies with severe staff shortages, ahead of the chancellors autumn statement EPA UK news in pictures 13 November 2022 England celebrate winning the mens T20 World Cup in Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia AAP Image/Reuters UK news in pictures 12 November 2022 The City of London Pride Group take part in the parade during the Lord Mayor's Show PA UK news in pictures 11 November 2022 City workers attend a Remembrance Day ceremony at Lloyd's of London, in the City of London, to mark Armistice Day, the anniversary of the end of the First World War PA UK news in pictures 10 November 2022 A grey heron lands on the river Dodder in Dublin on a sunny autumn morning PA UK news in pictures 9 November 2022 Australia and Spain play during the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup group A match at the Copper Box Arena, London PA UK news in pictures 8 November 2022 A migrant attempting to communicate with journalists is pinned against a fence by members of staff, before being taken out of view, at the Manston immigration short-term holding facility, located at the former Defence Fire Training and Development Centre in Thanet, Kent PA UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 Florence Kasumba, Letitia Wright, Tenoch Huerta and Lupita Nyongo attend the European Premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever in London Getty UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty
Some evidence from the 2011 wedding suggests that domestic tourists to London will simply shift their travel dates to coincide with the royal wedding. In April 2011, visits from outside the capital rose 8 per cent, but both March and May saw a 10 per cent decline.
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Great news for Britain: men with erectile dysfunction can now buy Viagra over the counter, so long as a pharmacist agrees. What a fantastic coup this is for a country which has such a huge commitment to reproductive health huge enough that our rates of death in childbirth still lag far behind many of our European counterparts, including Poland, Belarus and Greece. Huge enough that we still havent fully decriminalised abortion despite the recommendations of GPs, gynaecologists and the British Medical Association. Huge enough that Northern Irish women still cant access abortion where they live (except in certain, extremely restrictive circumstances), and only won the right to access free abortion services in England this year. Doesnt it feel great to live in real civilisation?
I dont begrudge anyone access to medication they are in need of, and theres no doubt that erectile dysfunction is a physical problem with additionally damaging psychological effects. But when men are winning the right to erections sooner than most UK women (bar Scottish women, who won the right a few months ago) are legally allowed to take abortion pills theyve already been prescribed by a doctor in the comfort of their own homes rather than being left to bleed and throw up in the street after having to take them in front of someone in a clinic a long way away from home, probably with a couple of screaming protesters outside to compound the trauma I cant help but wonder whether the Government has its priorities right.
A spokesperson for the Medication and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) was quoted as saying, in relation to the Viagra decision today, that they were glad of the change because it would prevent men from buying unregulated pills illegally on the internet. Thats a noble goal indeed, and one which has concerned doctors for decades in relation to women and the abortion pill, sales of which are going up. How do we know theyre going up? Because of seizures done this year during a week-long raid by the same MHRA which just professed its happiness that men can now buy Viagra over the counter.
Despite lobbying by doctors themselves, procuring abortion pills yourself in the UK is covered by criminal law rather than healthcare regulation. In fact, the UK has the most stringent laws for abortion in Europe bar Ireland, and they are not merely dinosaur laws which are no longer practically applied. In 2015, a woman was jailed in Newcastle for two-and-a-half years for terminating her pregnancy using abortion pills shed bought online. The (male) judge decided she would have to serve a custodial sentence and was quoted as saying during sentencing: This offence does involve extinguishing a life about to begin. Hers is not an isolated case.
Jacob Rees-Mogg mobbed in abortion protest at Tory conference
What the Government has said today is that men can be trusted with their penises, whether or not theyve consulted their GP, but women cant be trusted with their wombs.
Viagra began its life as a cardiovascular pill for angina in medical trials when men began reporting an unusual side effect. This is important not just because it makes for a marginally interesting anecdote to impress your friends with but because it affects the heart and blood flow throughout the body something worth bearing in mind when youre handing such medication out without a prescription.
People are notorious for discounting medical warnings and sharing the pills theyre given thats part of the reason why were facing an antibiotic apocalypse. So announcing that Viagra can be bought over the counter is more of a big deal than it first might seem. Even small overdoses can have very serious consequences.
Yes, the release comes with caveats: it shouldnt be sold directly to people with severe cardiovascular disorder, liver or kidney failure, or for those on medication which might react badly in conjunction with it. But all of this relies on a quick chat with a pharmacist and self-disclosure, which cant be backed up by medical tests or records. If women cant even be trusted to put a pill in their mouths the right way outside a clinic which has prescribed it to them, I struggle to see why men should be trusted prescription-free with a medicine like Viagra.
There are many medications in the UK which cant be purchased over the counter in the UK but can be in other countries, because of the dangers of misuse: teeth-whitening strips, melatonin, Valium, many painkillers and sleeping aids come under this umbrella. Britain has extremely strict laws surrounding what its citizens can purchase without the supervision of a doctor. The exception were making when it comes to boners is a big one.
Today, mens health was privileged, in a country where womens health remains chronically underfunded and defined by unacceptably bad outcomes. It isnt good enough.
Concord approved the annexation of one future housing development but decided to push decisions on another until the spring.
At their Thursday, Nov. 9, meeting the Concord City Council brought a 74-acre property off of Poplar Tent Road into the citys jurisdiction. The project currently proposes about 92 single-family homes and a few parcels of open space.
The property, located at 9000 Poplar Tent Road, sits at the intersection of Poplar Tend and Cox Mill roads next to Poplar Trails, another single-family subdivision. The Poplar Tent Development Group hopes to build a 92-home subdivision with about 1.23 dwellings per acre and about 50 percent of open space.
Cabarrus Soil and Water expressed concerns for the area because of flooding issues over the Rocky River Bridge. Concord staff said those worries werent for this project in particular but for the area as a whole since there is a flood plain there. The developer proposed all of the land in the flood plain be used for open area, including potential future connection to the Carolina Thread Trail.
Staff said the project would also need a traffic study and might require some infrastructure upgrades, provided by the developer. Cabarrus County Schools told city staff they were concerned about the influx of new students the subdivision could bring. Staff said the developer has proposed some of the homes to be age-targeted, which would reduce the number of children, and also suggested working with the school system to time build out to coincide with the opening of the new high school in 2019.
City Council members decided to hold off on a decision on a 49-acre property on the west side of Flowes Store Road. The three-parcel area sits north of the Flowes Store and Piney Church Road intersection and is an extension of property already in Concords jurisdiction; that land, however, is a satellite annexation not immediately adjacent to the rest of the city limits.
PresPro Custom Homes hopes to build a 122-home subdivision with about 2.5 dwelling units per acre.
Cabarrus County Schools again expressed concern over a potential influx of students. Staff said the school system estimated a neighborhood of that size would bring 47 elementary, 24 middle and 31 high school students. Concord Transportation recommended a traffic study, and staff said some upgrades to the roads might be required, which the developer would provide.
The City Council also annexed a half-acre piece of land on Roberta Road to help connect utilities.
A years-long investigation led to an arrest on drug trafficking and gun charges.
A Rowan County man was arrested Monday, Nov. 27, by federal, state and local law enforcement officials for methamphetamine and gun charges following a multi-year-long investigation. Rodney Neil Hardin, 39, a resident of 2501 Windswept Way in Rockwell, was arrested following the execution of a state search warrant at his home by the Rowan County Sheriffs Office, assisted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and the Salisbury Police Department.
Hardins arrest is a continuation of an investigation that began in 2014 targeting domestic methamphetamine manufacturing and methamphetamine trafficking.
In June 2017, Hardin reported to the Rowan County Sheriffs Office a robbery at his residence. Through the course of the investigation, deputies determined that the robbery was actually a drug-related home invasion and armed robbery targeting Hardin, law enforcement said. Investigators later learned that Hardin had been the victim of other home invasions and armed robberies that were not reported to law enforcement, according to a report.
On Oct. 2, Hardin was involved in a vehicle chase with federal, state and local law enforcement officials on Old Beatty Ford Road in southeastern Rowan County, where he was subsequently charged with felony assault on a law enforcement official with a deadly weapon, according to a report. The Rowan County Sheriffs Office executed a search warrant at 2501 Windswept Way on the same day as the chase, officials said.
During the searches on Oct. 2 and Nov. 27, investigators seized 646 grams of methamphetamine, 2.7 grams of cocaine, 0.5 grams of heroin, three handguns and almost $8,000 in cash. One gun was reported stolen. Hardin, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms, law enforcement said.
In addition to the drugs seized, investigators discovered during the search on Nov. 27 that Hardin was manufacturing methamphetamine at his residence, law enforcement said. Items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, including two one-pot shake and bake laboratories and an HCL generator, were found at the residence.
The SBI Clandestine Laboratory Response Team assisted the Rowan County Sheriffs Office in processing and cleaning up the lab site.
The investigation revealed that Hardin was responsible for approximately 73 pounds of methamphetamine that was brought to Rowan County for distribution, primarily from the state of Georgia, law enforcement said. These drugs were valued at approximately $730,000, according to a report.
Hardin was charged with two counts of trafficking 400 grams or more of methamphetamine, by possession and transportation; one count of trafficking 28 grams or more, but less than 200 grams of methamphetamine by possession; possession of cocaine; possession of heroin; two counts of possession of a firearm by felon; one count of possession of a stolen firearm; one count of manufacturing methamphetamine; three counts of maintaining a dwelling for keeping and selling a controlled substance; one count of possession of immediate precursor chemicals; two counts of possession with intent to sell or deliver methamphetamine; and one count of selling or delivering methamphetamine. Bond was set at $1 million.
Hardin has previous felony convictions for common law robbery, larceny from the person, felony possession of cocaine and selling or delivering a Schedule II controlled substance. Hardin has pending charges in Cabarrus County for being a habitual felon and numerous drug offenses.
The investigation continues.
Prosecutors announced Monday morning that they will not pursue the death penalty in two murder cases that happened within the last two months.
Gerald Dean Buff, 61, of Morganton, and Steven Adam Taylor, 38, of Morganton, both appeared in Burke County Superior Court on Monday for the capital punishment hearings, known as Rule 24 hearings.
Buff, who faces an unspecified class of murder, has been in jail without a bond since early October after officers charged him with killing his neighbor, Jimmy Ray Causby.
After Michelle Lippert, an assistant district attorney for Burke County, announced that the state would not pursue the death penalty, Buffs lawyer asked for a bond to be set.
Attorney Michael Edwards said that the alleged crime happened after an argument between the neighbors over possible stolen items. Because of this, Edwards said he did not believe Buff was a danger to society as a whole.
The deadly stabbing happened on Bill Epley Avenue in Morganton, and Causby was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Burke County Sheriffs Office.
A witness previously said the stabbing happened after a brief argument over a stolen welder.
It all just happened so fast, Rebekah Meise said. I seen him stabbing him, but soon as I seen all that, I grabbed my stuff out of his car and tried to get away.
Lippert said Buff has a history of assault and has failed to appear in court at least one time. Because of this, she asked Judge Gregory Hayes to consider a high bond. Hayes then set the bond at $250,000.
Taylor previously faced an unspecified class of murder, too. However, Hayes said in court that Taylor now faces first-degree murder.
Lippert again announced that the state does not wish to pursue the death penalty for the charge, which was served Nov. 8. Kevin Lewis McSheffrey Jr. was found dead in Taylors home that same day from a gunshot wound to the head.
An investigation led officers to believe that Taylor was impaired when the shooting happened and that the scene had been altered. Although McSheffrey was found dead inside, blood was found outside, according to court documents.
Buff and Taylor are set to appear in court for an administrative session on March 5.
Ryan Wilusz is a staff writer and can be reached at rwilusz@morganton.com or at 828-432-8941.
Up to people were detained in Athens during an early morning raid by Greece's anti-terrorism squad of at least two apartments in the central Athens district of Neos Kosmos on Tuesday , with those detained alternately identified by local media as Turkish nationals or Kurds from Turkey
Russia: U.S. Wants to Provoke North Korea Into Starting a War
By Cristina Silva
November 27, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The U.S. is trying to provoke North Korea into starting a war so that it can then strike back, according to a top Russian official. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday other nations in Asia should be wary of the U.S.' ambitious and motivations in the region.
We are alarmed that in the last two months when North Korea conducted no tests or rocket launches, it seemed that Washington was not happy about that, and tried to do things that would irritate and provoke Pyongyang, Lavrov said. Referring to U.S. officials, he said: Its as if they are hoping that they (the North Koreans) will lash out again, and then it would be possible to engage in military options.
Lavrov spoke during a joint press conference with his Japanese counterpart, Taro Kono, after the men met in Moscow to discuss relations between the world powers, Reuters reported . He questioned why the U.S. had passed new sanctions against North Korea and held military exercises in the region in recent weeks even though Pyongyang had not taken action against Washington during the same period. He suggested Japan has done little to discourage heated tension from the U.S. aimed at North Korea.
We are expressing deep concern, with facts to back it up, that Japan along with South Korea is becoming a territory for the deployment of elements of the U.S. global missile defense system which is being rolled out in that region under the pretext of the North Korea threat, Lavrov said.We have no problems directly with Japan, we do not see risks there. We see risks because of the proliferation of a global U.S. missile defense system on the territory of countries that neighbor Russia, including Japan.
He added: As you know, the U.S. leadership has said many times that all options are on the table, including military options, and we note that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at a meeting with President Trump in early November, said that he supports the American position 100 percent.
Kono responded that Japan had not called for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to stop down, but added that Tokyo must protect itself after Pyongyang conducted a missile test in September that flew over Japanese territory. This is unprecedented, the most important and most pressing threat not just to Japan and Russia but to the international community as a whole. Its absolutely unacceptable, Kono said, speaking through an interpreter. We believe its necessary to use all possible means and to increase the pressure on North Korea as much as possible to stop its nuclear program and the rocket launches."
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Japan and Russia have long had strained relations. The two nations never formally made up after World War II, when the Soviet Union sided with the allies against Tokyo and took control over a group of islands in the Pacific from Japan. Neither Kono or Lavrov mentioned the islands during the press conference.
At one point, Kono described the U.S. as a friend in the battle to temper North Korea's nuclear ambitions. "Japan welcomes the position of the United States, which is that to protect Japan and South Korea, all means of deterrence will be used, he said.
After President Donald Trump declared North Korea a state sponsors of terrorism last week, both South Korea and Japan applauded the decision. I welcome and support (the designation) as it raises the pressure on North Korea, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters.
This article was originally published by Newsweek -
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Note regarding comments
Is North Korea Really a 'State Sponsor of Terrorism'?
By Ron Paul
November 27, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - President Trump announced last week that he was returning North Korea to the US list of state sponsors of terrorism after having been off the list for the past nine years. Americans may wonder what dramatic event led the US president to re-designate North Korea as a terrorism-sponsoring nation. Has Pyongyang been found guilty of some spectacular terrorist attack overseas or perhaps of plotting to overthrow another country by force? No, that is not the case. North Korea is back on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism because President Trump thinks the move will convince the government to give up its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program. He believes that continuing down the path toward confrontation with North Korea will lead the country to capitulate to Washingtons demands. That will not happen.
President Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson argued that North Korea deserved to be back on the list because the North Korean government is reported to have assassinated a North Korean citizen Kim Jong-Uns own half-brother -- in February at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. But what does that say about Washingtons own program to assassinate US citizens like Anwar al-Awlaki and his 16 year old son under Obama, and later Awlakis six year old daughter under Trump? Like Kims half brother, Awlaki and his two children were never tried or convicted of a crime before being killed by their own government.
The neocons, who are pushing for a war with North Korea, are extremely pleased by Trumps move. John Bolton called it exactly the right thing to do.
Designating North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism will allow President Trump to impose the highest level of sanctions on North Korea. Does anyone believe more sanctions which hurt the suffering citizens of North Korea the most will actually lead North Koreas leadership to surrender to Washingtons demands? Sanctions never work. They hurt the weakest and most vulnerable members of society the hardest and affect the elites the least.
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So North Korea is officially a terrorism-sponsoring nation according to the Trump Administration because Kim Jong-Un killed a family member. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is in the process of killing the entire country of Yemen and no one says a word. In fact, the US government has just announced it will sell Saudi Arabia $7 billion more weapons to help it finish the job.
Also, is it not state-sponsorship of terrorism to back al-Qaeda and ISIS, as Saudi Arabia has done in Syria?
The truth is a state sponsor of terrorism designation has little to do with actual support for global terrorism. As bad as the North Korean government is, it is does not go abroad looking for countries to invade. The designation is a political one, allowing Washington to ramp up more aggression against North Korea.
Next month the US and South Korean militaries will conduct a massive military exercise practicing an attack on North Korea. American and South Korean air force fighters and bombers will practice enemy infiltration and precision strike drills. Are these not also to be seen as threatening?
What is terrorism? Maybe we should ask a Yemeni child constantly wondering when the next Saudi bomb overhead might kill his family. Or perhaps we might even ask a Pakistani, Somali, Iraqi, Syrian, or other child who is terrified that the next US bomb will do the same to his family. Perhaps we need to look at whether US foreign policy actually reflects the American values we claim to be exporting before we point out the flaws in others.
This article was originally published by RonPaul Institute -
Copyright 2017 by RonPaul Institute.
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Why Saudi Public Relations Are So Disastrous
By Finian Cunningham
November 27, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - What a disastrous past week its been for Saudi Arabias international public relations. Its hard to imagine how it could possibly become more ignominious or cringe making for the House of Saud.
But of course, how could it be otherwise? When the oil-rich kingdom is run by a father-and-son clique, cosseted by venal super-wealth, and ruled by patronage, pampered by cowering flunkies. In addition, obsessed with an obscurantist Wahhabi sectarian hatred, and to cap it all, indulged by an ignorant American president who himself shares dynastic family ambitions.
Last weeks roll call of PR disasters included the Syrian peace process getting underway in earnest, in spite of Saudi efforts to derail. Secondly, Lebanon appears to have stabilized politically with the return of its Prime Minister Saad Hariri, again in spite of Saudi attempts to sabotage the government in Beirut. And thirdly, most shamefully, the shocking images of emaciated children in Yemen have shown the world the sickening reality of the Saudi-led blockade on that war-stricken country.
Lets start with the tale of two summits. While Russian President Vladimir Putin was last week hosting his Syrian, Iranian and Turkish counterparts in the Black Sea city of Sochi in a major diplomatic boost for a peaceful end to the Syrian war, at the same time the Saudi rulers were convening something lackluster and frankly, irrelevant, by comparison.
The Saudis held a summit in Riyadh for the so-called Syrian opposition comprising the discredited political talking heads of sundry terror groups that have ravaged Syria for the past nearly seven years. Disgracefully, the UN envoy Staffan de Mistura was present in a vain bid to lend some ersatz credibility to the terrorist apologists.
Putin, and Irans Hassan Rouhani and Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined political forces to push for a comprehensive peace settlement in Syria determined by the Syrian people alone without external interference. Whereas at the Saudi conference of has-been Syrian opposition figures, who have been living a charmed life in exile in Saudi Arabia, there were the tired-old, futile calls for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to quit as leader.
With the Syrian War near over and with Assads state forces dominant over the foreign-backed insurgents, no-one can take the demand for Assad to stand down as serious. Its a pipe-dream that the Saudis still keep puffing on. Not even Washington and its NATO allies bother to make this demand seriously any more.
In a nutshell, the Saudi rulers are seen to be left holding the putrid remnants of their defeated regime-change intrigue in Syria.
Moving on to the debacle over Lebanon. Again, Saudi machinations were seen here to have turned pear-shaped. After nearly two weeks of trying to arm-twist Lebanese premier Saad Hariri to resign and thereby collapse the coalition government in Beirut with Shia group Hezbollah, Hariri returned last week to his country.
In the meantime, Lebanon has rallied across sectarian lines to unite against Saudi interference the exact opposite of what the Saudi rulers were agitating for. The whole Saudi-inspired attempt to sabotage Lebanese politics and even incite a sectarian war in the country has ended up only strengthening the country and in particular elevating Hezbollah as a defender of the nations sovereignty.
The Saudi paymaster had wanted Sunni politician Saad Hariri to resign as prime minister. His resignation was broadcast on Saudi television on November 4 after Hariri had been summoned to Riyadh and where he inexplicably stayed for the next two weeks. According to the Saudi-inspired script, Hariri said his life was in danger from an assassination plot by Hezbollah and its Shia ally Iran. Hezbollah and Iran scoffed at that claim as ridiculous. Lebanese President Michel Aoun, from the Christian constituency, also dismissed Hariris sensational claims.
Last week when Hariri returned to Lebanon, he abruptly reversed his resignation decision, saying now that he would remain in the prime ministers post. The bizarre images of Hariri looking relaxed at a military parade in Beirut marking Lebanons independence day last Wednesday were a stupendous rebuttal of Saudi-orchestrated fear-mongering that this was a man whose life was purportedly under threat.
The Saudi reckless attempts at destabilizing Lebanon not only spectacularly backfired. Their interference in the sovereign affairs of Lebanon has earned the Saudis the scorn of Lebanese and Arab people across the entire region.
As if those PR cock-ups werent bad enough, then the world was shocked by images out of Yemen showing skeletal children starving to death from the Saudi blockade on the country. Also, caught on the hook of Saudi barbarity were the US and Britain which have been supplying the Saudi regime with weapons and logistics in its nearly three-year war on the poorest nation of the Arab region.
The Saudis imposed a total sea, air and land blockade on Yemen on November 6 following a ballistic missile attack near the Saudi capital by Houthi rebels from Yemeni territory. The Houthis say they are taking the war to Saudi Arabia because of the latters aerial bombing campaign which has targeted civilians. For the Saudis to respond by imposing collective punishment through a blockade on vital aid entering into Yemen is a gross violation of humanitarian law a war crime.
Nearly two weeks of this total blockade provoked the UN and other international aid agencies to issue dire warnings that millions of Yemenis are facing starvation. So bad is the international image of the Saudis that the US State Department was motivated to urge its client regime to relent on the suffering it was inflicting. At the end of last week, the Saudi rulers claimed that they were lifting the blockade on Yemens airports and sea ports. The UN and aid agencies still said the dubious Saudi lifting of blockade would not alleviate the suffering.
How could any country preside over such a week of horrible public relations? What is it about the Saudi rulers that make them so incorrigibly incompetent, so barbaric and so self-defeating?
Several factors combine to make the Saudi rulers a perfect shit-storm.
The House of Saud is a family-run crony dynasty. Thats not new. But over the past year or so, the present rulers have consolidated absolute power to a father-and-son clique, headed by ailing King Salman (82) and the precocious 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. These scions of intoxicating hyper-wealth live in an ivory tower within an ivory tower.
The Saudi system of governance never had accountability except within its own arcane crony inner-circle. Now it has even less accountability. Its therefore not hard to imagine how the Saudi rulers are prone to making ever-more foolish foreign policy calculations. The war on Yemen was masterminded by the ambitious, insecure Crown Prince trying to prove his mettle, when he probably never had any competence to begin with. The guy probably reads intricate regional politics through the prism of one of his puerile computer games.
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Secondly, the Saudi rulers, present and past, are guided by an obsessive sectarian Wahhabi hatred towards Shia Islam. All policy decisions are made out of an irrational abhorrence towards Shia Iran, and any ally of Iran, from Hezbollah to Syria. The reasons for this obsessive hatred are rooted in an obscurantist religious belief that Shia Islam is heretical. That antipathy is also fueled by an insecure sense of envy and nemesis that Irans relatively progressive politics are more legitimate and appealing to the masses in the Middle East than the feudalist monarchy of the Saudis. In any case, to construct foreign policy relations on the basis of a Medieval-like worldview is inevitably problematic, to say the least, in the 21st Century.
A third reason why the Saudis are so incorrigibly inept is because the rulers are indulged by American and European governments and the Western media. Admittedly, some Western media outlets have belatedly given some coverage to the horror inflicted on Yemen.
Nevertheless, the media coverage is still shamefully muted considering the scale of suffering and crimes perpetrated. We are talking about a genocide unfolding in Yemen imposed by the Saudi rulers with the support of their American and British patrons. Yet in spite of this utter barbarity, Western media remain relatively mute. Contrast the Western media reporting on Yemen with the hysterical coverage they were giving to the Syrian city of Aleppo last year when the Syrian army and Russian forces were moving in to liberate that city from a siege by foreign-backed militants.
Western indulgence of the Saudis in the form of low-key hypocritical media coverage emboldens these despots to embark on their reckless and ruinous schemes.
None is more to blame for Western indulgence than the British and American governments who have plied the Saudi regime with billions of dollars-worth of warplanes and bombs over the past three years in the war on Yemen. Despite the evidence of war crimes against civilians, Washington and London maintain the despicable, risible fiction that all is ethical and legal.
Topping the Western indulgence of the Saudi despots is US President Donald Trump and his businessman son-in-law Jared Kushner , who is his unelected top aide on Middle Eastern affairs. Every recent PR disaster by the Saudis has been encouraged and approved by Trump who seems to run the White House as if it were a family business dynasty. Both Trump and Kushner are regarded as having very limited knowledge about history and geopolitics. Dumb and Dumber, in short.
Trumps dispatch of 36-year-old gormless Kushner to delve into Middle East affairs and to pander to the whims of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is certainly a major factor in why the House of Saud keeps making foreign policy like operating a wrecking ball.
When House of Trump pairs up with House of Saud, no wonder then that its a super-sized PR fiasco.
Finian Cunningham has written extensively on international affairs, with articles published in several languages. He is a Masters graduate in Agricultural Chemistry and worked as a scientific editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, England, before pursuing a career in newspaper journalism. He is also a musician and songwriter. For nearly 20 years, he worked as an editor and writer in major news media organisations, including The Mirror, Irish Times and Independent.
This article was originally published by Strategic Culture Foundation -
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For Saudi Arabia, it's been Operation Shoot Yourself In The Foot
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The Duty to Disobey a Nuclear Launch Order
By Marjorie Cohn
November 27, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - As the heated rhetoric with North Korean president Kim Jong-un escalated, Trump tweeted that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was "wasting his time" by pursuing diplomacy with North Korea. Trump threatened to "totally destroy" North Korea. During his visit to South Korea earlier this month, Trump distinguished his administration from prior ones, who refrained from using nuclear weapons against North Korea. "This is a very different administration than the United States has had in the past," he said. "Do not underestimate us. And do not try us."
In April, "multiple senior intelligence officials" told NBC News that the administration was "prepared to launch a preemptive strike" if they thought North Korea was about to conduct a nuclear test. Preemptive strikes violate the United Nations Charter, which forbids the use of military force except in self-defense or with permission from the UN Security Council.
A Duty to Obey Lawful and Disobey Unlawful Orders
The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) requires that all military personnel obey lawful orders. Article 92 of the UCMJ provides, "A general order or regulation is lawful unless it is contrary to the Constitution, the laws of the United States...." Additionally, both the Nuremberg Principles and the Army Field Manual create a duty to disobey unlawful orders.
Article II of the Constitution states, "The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States." However, Article I specifies that only Congress has the power to declare war. Taken together, the articles convey that the president commands the armed forces once Congress authorizes war.
The president can only use military force in self-defense or to forestall an imminent attack. There must exist "a necessity of self-defence, instant, overwhelming, leaving no choice of means, and no moment for deliberation," under the well-established Caroline Case. A president has no lawful authority to order a first-strike nuclear attack.
In its advisory opinion, "Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons," the International Court of Justice (ICJ) determined in 1996 that "the threat or use of nuclear weapons would generally be contrary to the rules of international law applicable in armed conflict, and in particular the principles and rules of humanitarian law."
The ICJ continued, "However ... the Court cannot conclude definitively whether the threat or use of nuclear weapons would be lawful or unlawful in an extreme circumstance of self-defence, in which the very survival of a State would be at stake." That means that while the use of nuclear weapons might be lawful when used in self-defense if the survival of the nation were at stake, a first-strike use would not be.
Article 509 of Field Manual 27-10, codifying a Nuremberg Principle, specifies that "following superior orders" is not a defense to the commission of war crimes, unless the accused "did not know and could not reasonably have been expected to know that the act ordered was unlawful."
"Every violation of the law of war is a war crime," Section 499 of the Army Field Manual states. The law of war is largely contained in the Geneva Conventions.
Gen. Hyten, who said he had been trained in the law of war for many years, cited its four guiding principles: distinction, proportionality, necessity and unnecessary suffering.
The first is distinction. "In order to ensure respect for and protection of the civilian population and civilian objects, the Parties to the conflict shall at all times distinguish between the civilian population and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives," Article 48 of the Geneva Conventions, Additional Protocol 1, says. Article 85 describes making the civilian population or individual civilians the object of attack as a grave breach, which is considered a war crime. Nuclear weapons do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Another guiding principle is proportionality. "Loss of life and damage to property incidental to attacks must not be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage expected to be gained," according to the US Army Field Manual FM27-10: Law of Land Warfare. The damage a US nuclear weapon would inflict -- the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people -- would vastly exceed the military object of destroying North Korea's nuclear weapons.
Military necessity is also a well-established law of war. It allows "those measures not forbidden by international law which are indispensable for securing the complete submission of the enemy," according to the Lieber Code. It is never necessary to use a nuclear weapon, except in certain hypothetical cases of self-defense if the survival of the US were at stake.
Finally, there is the principle of unnecessary suffering. "It is prohibited to employ weapons, projectiles and material and methods of warfare of a nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering," according to Article 35.2 of the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions. A nuclear attack on North Korea would kill and maim untold numbers of people.
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If the president ordered a nuclear strike, Gen. Hyten said he would offer legal and strategic advice, but he would not violate the laws of war simply on the president's say-so.
Who's in the Nuclear Chain of Command?
Last month, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tennessee) worried that Trump may be leading the United States "on the path to World War III." On November 14, Corker convened the first congressional hearing on the president's power to use nuclear weapons since 1976.
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) said, "We are concerned that the president of the United States is so unstable, is so volatile, has a decision-making process that is so quixotic that he might order a nuclear weapons strike that is wildly out of step with US national security interests."
Ret. Gen. Robert Kehler, former commander of the US Strategic Command, testified at the hearing that the military can refuse to follow what it views as an illegal order, including an order to launch a nuclear strike. To be lawful, an order must come from a source with legal authority and must be legal under the law of armed conflict, Gen. Kehler added.
Duke University Professor Peter Feaver testified that the president does not simply press a button to launch nuclear weapons. He can only give an order to others, who would then cause "missiles to fly."
However, although he cannot "press a button," the president has considerable power to manipulate circumstances in ways that would allow him to launch those missiles. Brian McKeon, senior policy adviser in the Pentagon in the Obama administration, testified that if a commander balked at carrying out a launch order, the president could tell the secretary of defense to order the reluctant commander to launch the missiles. "And then, if the commander still resisted," McKeon added, "you either get a new secretary of defense or get a new commander." One way or another, McKeon said, the president would get his way.
Moreover, Bruce Blair, former nuclear missile launch officer and cofounder of the anti-nuclear group Global Zero, told the Associated Press that a president can send a nuclear attack order directly to the Pentagon war room. From there, Blair said, that order "would go to the men and women who would turn the launch keys."
William Perry, secretary of defense in the Clinton administration, concurs. Perry told Politico that defense secretary James Mattis could not necessarily stop a nuclear launch order. "The order can go directly from the president to the Strategic Air Command," Perry said. "So, in a five- or six- or seven-minute kind of decision, the secretary of defense probably never hears about it until it's too late."
Ranking Senate Foreign Relations Committee Member Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) advocated congressional reassertion of authority. He said they should not trust the generals or a set of protocols to act as a check on the president, or rely on individuals hired by the president to resist an illegal order.
"Donald Trump can launch nuclear war as easily as his Twitter account," Cardin cautioned.
Reaffirm Congress's Constitutional War Powers
On October 27, Rep. John Conyers (D-Michigan) introduced H.R. 4140, the No Unconstitutional Strike Against North Korea Act. The bipartisan bill, which currently has more than 60 co-sponsors, would prohibit the use of any federal funds to launch a military strike against North Korea or to introduce the US Armed Forces into hostilities with North Korea before Congress either declares war on, or enacts an authorization for the use of military force in, North Korea.
Contact your Congress member and insist that he or she sign on to H.R. 4140 as a co-sponsor.
Marjorie Cohn is professor emerita at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, former president of the National Lawyers Guild, deputy secretary general of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers, and a member of the national advisory board of Veterans for Peace.
Nicaragua : Open Letter to Amnesty International
Former Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience Clarifies The Situation in Nicaragua
By Camilo Mejia
June 15, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Through this letter I express my unequivocal condemnation of Amnesty International with regards to the destabilizing role it has played in Nicaragua, my country of birth.
I open this letter quoting Donatella Rovera , who at the time this quote was made had been one of Amnesty Internationals field investigators for more than 20 years:
Conflict situations create highly politicized and polarized environments. Players and interested parties go to extraordinary lengths to manipulate or manufacture evidence for both internal and external consumption. A recent, though by no means the only, example is provided by the Syrian conflict in what is often referred to as the YouTube war, with a myriad techniques employed to manipulate video footage of incidents which occurred at other times in other places including in other countries and present them as proof of atrocities committed by one or the other parties to the conflict in Syria.
Ms. Roveras remarks, made in 2014, properly describe the situation of Nicaragua today, where even the preamble of the crisis was manipulated to generate rejection of the Nicaraguan government. Amnesty Internationals maliciously titled report, Shoot to Kill: Nicaraguas Strategy to Repress Protest , could be dismantled point by point, but doing so requires precious time that the Nicaraguan people dont have, therefore I will concentrate on two main points:
- The report completely lacks neutrality and;
- Amnesty Internationals role is contributing to the chaos in which the nation finds itself.
The operating narrative, agreed-upon by the local opposition and the corporate western media, is as follows: That president Ortega sought to cut 5 percent from retirees monthly retirement checks and that he was going to increase contributions, made by employees and employers, into the social security system. The reforms sparked protests, the response to which was a government-ordered genocide of peaceful protestors, more than 60, mostly students. A day or two after that, the Nicaraguan government would wait until nightfall to send its police force out in order to decimate the Nicaraguan population, night after night, city by city, in the process destroying its own public buildings and killing its own police force, to then culminate its murderous rampage with a Mothers Day massacre, and so on.
While the above narrative is not uniformly expressed by all anti-government actors, the unifying elements are that the government is committing genocide, and that the president and vice-president must go.
Amnesty Internationals assertions are mostly based on either testimony by anti-government witnesses and victims, or the uncorroborated and highly manipulated information emitted by U.S.-financed anti-government media outlets, and non-profit organizations, collectively known as civil society.
The three main media organizations cited by the report: Confidencial, 100% Noticias, and La Prensa, are sworn enemies of the Ortega government; most of these opposition news media organizations, along with some, if not all, of the main non-profits cited by the report, are funded by the United States, through organizations like the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which has been characterized by retired U.S. Congressman, Ron Paul, as:
" an organization that uses US tax money to actually subvert democracy, by showering funding on favored political parties or movements overseas. It underwrites color-coded peoples revolutions overseas that look more like pages out of Lenins writings on stealing power than genuine indigenous democratic movements."
Amnestys report heavily relies on 100% Noticias, an anti-government news outlet that has aired manipulated and inflammatory material to generate hatred against the Nicaraguan government, including footage of peaceful protesters, unaware of the fact that the protesters were carrying pistols, rifles, and were shooting at police officers during incidents reported by the network as acts of police repression of opposition marches. On Mothers Day, 100% Noticias reported the purported shooting of unarmed protesters by police shooters, including an incident in which a young mans brains were spilling out of his skull. The network followed the report with a photograph that Ms. Rovera would refer to as an incident which occurred at other times in other places. The picture included in the report was quickly met on social media by links to past online articles depicting the same image.
One of the sources (footnote #77) cited to corroborate the alleged denial of medical care at state hospitals to patients injured at opposition events one of the main accusations repeated and reaffirmed by Amnesty International- is a press conference published by La Prensa, in which the Chief of Surgery denies claims that he had been fired, or that hospital officials had denied care to protesters at the beginning of the conflict. I repeat, he is heard saying, as the chief of surgery, I repeat [the] order: to take care of, I will be clear, to take care of the entire population that comes here, without investigating anything at all. In other words, one of Amnesty Internationals own sources contradicts one of its reports main claims.
The above-mentioned examples of manipulated and manufactured evidence, to borrow the words of Amnestys own investigator, are just a small sample, but they capture the essence of this modality of U.S.-sponsored regime change. The report feeds on claims from those on one side of the conflict, and relies on deeply corrupted evidence; it ultimately helps create the mirage of a genocidal state, in turn generating more antigovernment sentiment locally and abroad, and paving the way for ever more aggressive foreign intervention.
A Different Narrative
The original reforms to social security were not proposed by the Sandinista government, but by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and they were supported by an influential business group, known as COSEP. They included raising the retirement age from 60 to 65 and doubling the number of quotas necessary to get full social security from 750 to 1500. Among the impacted retirees, approximately 53,000, are the families of combatants who died in the armed conflict of the 1980s, from both the Sandinista army and the Contras, the mercenary army financed by the United States government in the 1980s, around the same time the NED was created, in part, to stop the spread of Sandinismo in Latin America.
The Nicaraguan government countered the IMFs reforms by rejecting the cutting out of any retirees, with a proposed 5% cut to all retirement checks, an increase in all contributions to the social security system, and with fiscal reform that removed a tax-ceiling that protected Nicaraguas biggest salaries from higher taxation. The business sector was furious, and together with nongovernmental organizations organized the first marches, using the pretext of the reforms in the same manipulative way Amnesty Internationals report explains them: the reform increased social security contributions by both employers and employees and imposed an additional 5% contribution on pensioners.
The continuing narrative, repeated and validated by Amnesty International, is that the protesters are peaceful and the genocidal government is irrationally bent on committing atrocities in plain sight. Meanwhile, the number of dead among Sandinista supporters and police officers continues to rise. The report states that ballistic investigations suggest that those shooting at protesters are likely trained snipers, pointing to government involvement, but fails to mention that many of the victims are Sandinistas, regular citizens, and police officers. It also does not mention that the peaceful protesters have burned down and destroyed more than 60 public buildings, among them many City Halls, Sandinista houses, markets, artisan shops, radio stations, and more; nor does it mention that the protesters have established tranques, or roadblocks, in order to debilitate the economy as a tactic to oust the government. Such tranques have become extremely dangerous scenes where murder, robbery, kidnapping, and the rape of at least one child have taken place; a young pregnant woman whose ambulance wasnt let through also died on May 17th. All of these crimes occur daily and are highly documented, but arent included in Amnesty Internationals report.
While the organization is right to criticize the governments belittling response to the initial protests, such response was not entirely untrue. According to the report, Vice-President Murillo said, among other things, that they [the protesters] had made up the reports of fatalities as part of an anti-government strategy. What Amnesty leaves out is that several of the reported dead students did turn up alive, one of them all the way in Spain, while others had not been killed at rallies, nor were they students or activists, including one who died from a scattered bullet, and another who died from a heart attack in his bed.
Amnestys report also leaves out that many of the students have deserted the movement, alleging that there are criminals entrenched at universities as well as at the various tranques, who are only interested in destabilizing the nation. Those criminals have created a state of sustained fear among the population, imposing taxes on those who want passage, persecuting those who refuse to be detained, kidnapping them, beating them, torturing them, and setting their cars on fire. In a common practice, they undress their victims, paint their naked bodies in public with the blue and white of the Nicaraguan flag, and then set them free, prompting them to run right before shooting them with homemade mortar weapons. All of this information, which did not make the report, is available in numerous videos and other sources.
Why Nicaragua?
The most basic review of the history between Nicaragua and the United States will show a clear rivalry. Beginning in the mid-1800s, Nicaragua has been resisting U.S. intervention into the countrys affairs, a resistance that continued through the 20th century, first with General August C. Sandinos fight in the 1920s and 30s, and then with the Sandinistas, organized as the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), which overthrew the U.S.-supported, 40-year Somoza family dictatorship in 1979. The FSLN, despite having gained power through armed struggle, called for elections shortly after its triumph in 1984, and eventually lost to yet another U.S.-supported coalition of right-wing political parties in 1990. The FSLN once again managed, aided by pacts made with the church and the opposition, to win the election of 2006, and has remained in power since.
In addition to Nicaraguas close ties with Venezuela, Cuba, Russia, and especially China, with whom the country signed a contract to build a canal, the other main reason the United States is after the Sandinistas, is Nicaraguas highly successful economic model, which represents an existential threat to the neoliberal economic order imposed by the U.S. and its allies.
Despite always being among the poorest nations in the American continent and the world, Nicaragua has managed, since Ortega returned to power in 2007, to cut poverty by three quarters. Prior to the protests in April, the countrys economy sustained a steady annual economic growth of about 5% for several years, and the country had the third fastest-growing economy in Latin America, and was one of the safest nations in the region.
The governments infrastructural upgrades have facilitated trade among Nicaraguas poorest citizens; they have created universal access to education: primary, secondary, and university; there are programs on land, housing, nutrition, and more; the healthcare system, while modest, is not only excellent, but accessible to everyone. Approximately 90% of the food consumed by Nicaraguans is produced in Nicaragua, and about 70% of jobs come from the grassroots economy rather than from transnational corporations- including from small investors from the United States and Europe, who have moved to the country and are a driving force behind the tourism industry.
The audacity of success, of giving its poorest citizens a life with dignity, of being an example of sovereignty to wealthier, more powerful nations, all in direct contradiction to the neoliberal model and its emphasis on privatization and austerity, has once again placed Nicaragua in the crosshairs of U.S. intervention. Imagine the example to other nations -their economies already strangled by neoliberal policies- becoming aware of one of the poorest countries on earth being able to feed its people and grow its economy without throwing its poorest citizens under the iron boot of capitalism. The United States will never tolerate such a dangerous example.
In Closing
The Nicaraguan government has deficiencies and contradictions to work on, like all governments, and as a Sandinista myself I would like to see the party transformed in various important ways, both internally and externally. I have refrained from writing of those deficiencies and contradictions, however, because the violent protests and ensuing chaos we have seen are not the result of the Nicaraguan governments shortcomings, but rather, of its many successes; that inconvenient truth is the reason the United States and its allies, including Amnesty International, have chosen to create highly politicized and polarized environments. And to go to extraordinary lengths to manipulate or manufacture evidence for both internal and external consumption.
At a time when even the Organization of American States, the United Nations, and the Vatican have called for peaceful and constitutional reforms as the only way out of the conflict, Amnesty International has continued to beseech the international community to not abandon the Nicaraguan people. Such biased stance, obscenely bloated on highly manipulated, distorted, and one-sided information, has made the terrible situation in Nicaragua even worse. The loss of Nicaraguan lives, including the blood of those ignored by Amnesty International, has been used to manufacture the evidence used in the organizations report, which makes the organization complicit in what future foreign intervention might fall upon the Nicaraguan people. It is now up to the organization to correct that wrong, and to do so in a way that reflects a firm commitment first and foremost to the truth, wherever it might fall, and to neutrality, peace, democracy, and always, to the sovereignty of every nation on earth.
Sincerely,
Camilo E. Mejia.
Camilo Mejia is an Iraq war veteran, resister and conscientious objector (2003-2004) Amnesty International prisoner of conscience (June 2004)
Born in Nicaragua, Citizen of the World
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Policemen in Isolo area of Lagos have arrested a woman after she reportedly killed another church member with her car.
A Nigerian woman by name Mrs. Obiageli Ezeanowiyi is in serious trouble after she reportedly killed her fellow church member in an accident while she was allegedly driving and receiving phone call.
According to PM Express, Ezeanowiyi lost control of the car and killed the victim known as Madam Chichi on their way to church. The tragic incident took place at Jakande Estate junction at Okeafa, Isolo close to St. Peters Catholic Church where both were members and belonged to the Adoration Ministry organised by a popular Catholic priest.
The suspect has been arrested and detained at the police station and she is now facing murder charge because of the manner the accident happened.
It was gathered that the late Madam Chichi who ran a popular joint and lived at Isolo, was going for Sunday adoration service before the incident happened. The deceased was said to have got to Jakande junction and was trying to get another tricycle that will take her to the church.
However, while she was still standing at the bus stop, Mrs. Obiageli who was driving her Nissan Pathfinder SUV ran into her and killed her instantly.
Eyewitnesses at the scene of the incident alleged that Mrs. Obiageli was answering phone call while driving which made her to lose control and hit the woman while driving to the church.
Meanwhile, her corpse has been taken to Isolo mortuary for autopsy report while Obiageli reported herself to the police who detained her at the police station. The Pathfinder SUV which Obiageli used to kill Chichi was also recovered and parked at the Ejigbo Police Station as exhibit.
The suspect, Obiageli is still being detained at the Ejigbo police Station as police detectives prepare necessary papers to charge her to court for murder.
However, members of the church, both relations and neighbours were seen around the station trying to find a peaceful solution to resolve the matter.
The late Madam Chichi hailed from Mbano in Imo State and had three children before she died on Sunday.
Source Tori
Cross River State Emergency Management Agency has confirmed the destruction of over 50 shops after Mondays fire incident at the Yoruba section of Watt market in Calabar.
Mr John Inaku, SEMA Director General, who said this after a visit to the area on Tuesday, said the cause of the fire was still unknown.
Up till now, the cause of the fire is still unknown; over 50 shops were affected during the tragic incident.
I am here on the directives of the State Government to ascertain the cause of the outbreak and to report back so that something can be done to alleviate the plights of the victims.
If you take a critical look at the shops, they are closely located. This makes it easy for the fire to spread quickly from one shop to another.
My advice to shop owners is that they should always put off their appliances after close of business; this would go a long way to prevent disasters like this, he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the fire affected mostly electrical, provision, jewellery and book shops in the market.
NAN further reports that no casualty was recorded.
Source: ( NAN)
A gas plant explosion which occurred on Monday has left at least four people dead in Imo state.
At least four people were killed after a gas plant exploded on Monday at Orji, a suburb town in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
It was gathered that the accident occurred at about 4.35pm at Okpokiri Petroleum Station, near two commercial banks. The four lifeless bodies were sighted with some of the body parts scattered on the ground.
Policemen from the Orji division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ude Umanta, a Superintendent of Police, as well as others drafted from the command headquarters, were seen on the ground.
Diamond and First bank branches located around the filling station were forced to close for the day, as their facilities were affected by the explosion.
It was learnt that some bank customers and motorists, who wanted to fuel their cars, were injured and rushed to a hospital. One of the survivors, Adubackoja Ochowotia, said that while two of his colleagues died on the spot, two members of staff of the filling station also lost their lives.
Revealing what happened, the Benue state indigene said: We came from Abuja to fix the gas plant. We were working on it when the oxygen exploded and killed two of my colleagues.
The 28-year-old gave the names of his dead colleagues as Adeyemi Wasiu and one Maruf.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the press, said four persons died while many others were taken to the hospital.
He said: The gas plant exploded around 4.35pm and before we could arrive here, four persons were already dead. The survivors were taken to the hospital. From preliminary investigations, it was an explosion from a gas plant that was being worked on by some artisans from Abuja. The state Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, has drafted more men to the scene to help manage the situation. Several buildings, including people making use of the Automated Teller Machines, were affected.
After about an hour, the corpses were taken to a morgue. By then, men of the Imo State Fire Service had also arrived at the scene, according to a report by Punch.
While there was heavy traffic around the scene of the incident, people were booing the firefighters for arriving late.
See more photos below:
Eight prison officers have been dismissed for professional misconduct by the Controller-General of Prison, Jaafaru Ahmed.
The officers were found guilty of trafficking prohibited items such as mobile phones, Indian hemp and other narcotics into the prison yards for inmates according to statement on Monday in Abuja by the NPS spokesman, Francis Enobore.
A letter signed by the officer in-charge of discipline, CP O. Agun, on behalf of the Controller-General said, IP Thomas Jatau and PA II Mottallem Yari, were dismissed for trafficking mobile phones into the prisons.
The statement explained that AIP Mohammed Jibril, CPA Saleh DanAzare, PA II Umar Gusau, PA II Mohammed JaOji, PA 1 Saidu Gusau and PA II Maji Maiku were fired for smuggling Indian hemp and other prohibited items into the prisons.
It added that illegal access to mobile phones and other communication gadgets by prisoners had been of great concern to the management of the Nigeria Prisons Service, noting that various criminal activities had been perpetrated by inmates including facilitating jailbreaks.
Similarly, apart from the far-reaching health implications of exposing inmates to the use of Indian hemp and other intoxicating substances, the act also compromises discipline and negates inmate reformation thrust of the prison, it added.
Enobore said the CG appreciated the officers and men of the service, including members of the public for providing useful information that had continued to assist the authorities in identifying unfit individuals within the ranks for appropriate action.
The public is once again assured of humane custody of prisoners and sustainable peace and calm in all prison formations across the country as efforts are now being strengthened to guarantee adequate reformation and rehabilitation of offenders to become productive citizens on discharge, he added.
Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
Governor Wille Obiano has warned his Commissioners, Special Adviser or civil servant that any of them involved in any act of fraud or corruption in Anambra State will automatically be dismissed with immediate effect.
These stern warnings were handed down to commissioners and other top government officials by the state governor, Willie Obiano, at a meeting in Awka, the state capital.
The governor warned that with his re-election for a second term, governance would not be as usual.
He said that there must be a sense of commitment and seriousness in all public servants in the state who want to be part of the new revolution that will be introduced in the state to serve the people of the state better.
The governor disclosed that there will be checks and balance in every aspect of government business now and that all loopholes must be completely plugged to checkmate the activities of those who have in the past been sabotaging the efforts of the government to give qualitative service to the people of Anambra State.
He promised that during his second term in office things must change and be done within the ambit of the rules and regulations guiding government business and the civil service.
Governor Obiano advised anyone who feels that he or she cannot cope with the new order to be introduced to kindly take a bow or be forced out of service.
To demonstrate his determination to instill a new order into the public service, the governor personally scrutinised and vetted every proposal brought forward for approval by the state tenders board.
In his words there is no room for any corrupt individual in my government; probity and accountability must be ensured hence forth in every government transaction.
As it stands now that the distraction of elections are over, the governor is very prepared to give Ndi Anambra the best system of governance and abundant provision of democratic dividends in all the nooks and crannies of the state durinv his second term .
Governor Obiano gave assurance that he will not let Anambra State electorates down having reposed confidence in him by voting massively for him in the just concluded governorship election.
He expressed joy and happiness over the unflinching support given to him during his first tenure by members of the state executive council. The governor, however, promised that at the end of his second tenure, Anambra State would have become another Dubai in Nigeria and Africa.
Source: ( Premium Times )
The son of the late Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu , on Monday said he would not return to the All Progressive Grand Alliance ( APGA).
Ojukwu dumped APGA for the All Progressives Congress on 15th November, 2017 during President Muhammadu Buharis visit to Anambra State for the grand finale campaign of the APC candidate for the November 18 Anambra governorship election, Dr. Tony Nwoye.
Speaking with journalists in Awka, Anambra State on Monday, Ojukwu asked Governor Willie Obiano to stop disturbing his peace on the matter, describing the governors knocks on him on the issue as infantile and ignorance of the working of the Nigerian politics.
He said he was toeing his fathers steps in ensuring that the Igbo were launched back into the mainstream of the country.
Recalling how his father joined the defunct National Party of Nigeria shortly after he returned from exile in 1982 instead of the Nigeria Peoples Party, Ojukwu said the Igbo would not benefit anything by wallowing in sentiment.
He said, I can afford to stay back in APGA and wallow in sentimental politics that the party belongs to the Igbo, but on the long run, what becomes of our tomorrow and place in the great Nigeria project, for which our forefathers laboured, invested their time, talent and even their blood?
Which is preferable: to be a big fish in a small pond or a big fish in the ocean? Real champions are never afraid of the big league. That could be why late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo asserted that if you could not reason beyond ethnic sentiments, you are a liability to mankind. Ndigbo are not better off with emotional politics.
Obiano was recently reported to have said that Emeka Ojukwus defection to the APC was of no consequence, as according to him, Ojukwus son had no political relevance in the state.
But for Ojukwu, the governor is playing kindergarten politics.
Source: (Punch Newspaper)
The kidnappers who abducted the six Senior Secondary School students of Lagos Model College, Igbonla, Epe in Lagos State a few months ago were among the youths that surrendered their arms to embrace the amnesty of the Ondo state government on Tuesday.
The militants were also alleged to be responsible for various pipeline vandalization at Arepo in Ogun State and several attacks in the riverine areas of Ondo State.
The hundreds of the militants were led by their leader, Ogailo Young also known as O.C, to the Collection and Documentation of Arms Centre in Ajakpa Community in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state to surrender their ammunition.
They said they willingly dropped their arms and ammunition in order to embrace amnesty of the government and allow peace to reign in the Niger Delta area of the state.
Speaking at the event, Young appreciated the state and the Federal Government for the fresh Amnesty initiative extended to their groups. He said joblessness and poverty as a result of neglect by the government led them to involve in crime.
He said, If we were asked for the reasons for embarking on this struggle, our simple explanation to the public and other concerned authorities is that it is joblessness, suffering, poverty, oppression and neglect by the government.
As it got to this point, we did not find life very easy, then we relocated to Ogun State where the government college Ugbonla, Epe school boys were kidnapped whose release led to the present arrangement through the courageous efforts of the deputy governors of Ondo and Delta states.
We did not kidnap these boys for mere ransom but to negotiate our freedom and full reintegration to normal life.
The leader of the repentant armed bandits added that they decided to dump their oil bunkering business and hatched another game plan to attract the attention of the government.
In his remarks, the Chairman of State Amnesty Committee and Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Agboola Ajayi Ajayi, said the exercise was impressive, confirming that sophisticated ammunition was surrendered.
Looking at the sophisticated guns and ammunition surrendered, Im happy that they (militants) made promise and fulfil it, he said
He assured that the Federal Government would fulfil its own promise by providing employment and education programme among others for the repentant militants so as to enable them to be self-reliant.
Ajayi also assured that no one or government will launch an attack on the oil-producing areas of the state after the submission of arms and ammunition by the armed youths.
Source:( Punch Newspaper )
A lightning strike has killed as many as three women who were outside taking part in a paddy cultivation, causing serious commotion.
A report by Deepak Karthik in the Times of India has shown that a lightning strike near Thirumanur in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu on Monday claimed the lives of three women agriculture labourers who died on the spot.
The group of nine women agriculture labourers were engaged in paddy cultivation in Karuppur village when the incident occurred.
Lightning struck six of them while it was raining, the report says.
Three women, identified as Unnamalai, 48, Senthamizhselvi, 40, and Anjalai, 50, died on the spot while three others, identified as Ponnarambu, Annakodi and Selvi, sustained injuries.
The injured were admitted to Thanjavur Medical College Hospital.
Thirumanur police sent the bodies to the Ariyalur Government Hospital for postmortem and have registered a case.
Lightning strikes and who is more vulnerable
When lightning strikes the ground or an object on the ground, the discharge occurs in and along the ground surface (not deep into the ground). This creates a dangerous and potentially deadly ground current near the lightning strike.
A lightning strike depends on many factors. Some places are more vulnerable to strikes than others due to the speed of the storm. Lightning need not always strike the highest given point in any area.
According to experts, anyone standing on a high ground, in an open space, near water or near large metallic structures or trees is more vulnerable to lightning strikes.
In 2006 (BBC News and British Medical Journal), the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a statement, saying lightning is not attracted to people carrying mobile phones.
Cell phones, small metal items, jewellery, etc., do not attract lightning. Nothing attracts lightning. Lightning tends to strike taller objects, said John Jensenius, a NOAA National Weather Service lightning expert. People are struck because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. The wrong place is anywhere outside. The wrong time is anytime a thunderstorm is nearby.
The controversial governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has dared Nigerias ex Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms to name the thieves in Buharis government.
Mr. Ayodele Fayose, the Ekiti State Governor, has challenged the former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr. Abdullahi Maina, to go ahead and tell Nigerians those thieves he alleged were surrounding President Muhammadu Buhari in his government.
He also said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has become a meal ticket of the human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN).
According to Vanguard, Fayose also urged Maina to answer the corruption allegations against him as well as his fraudulent reinstatement.
Governor Fayose described the Mainas interview shown on Channels Television yesterday, as explosive, saying he was sure that President Buhari will look the other way just as he did on the allegation of award of $25 billion contracts without following due process made by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu against the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Dr. Maikanti Baru.
In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said he had again been vindicated on his position that the kind of corruption being perpetrated in President Buharis government was unprecedented and mind-boggling.
He said; The Mainas challenge is another opportunity for President Buhari to prove to Nigerians that he is actually fighting corruption. But I am sure that since it, again, bothers on his closest men, he wont do anything.
Governor Fayose said it was important for Maina to wash himself clean of the N2.1 Billion pension fraud that made him escape from the country and earned him dismissal from the civil service.
The governor, who challenged Maina to name those in Buharis government that are thieves, also noted that There is no need waiting for the President to conduct public inquiry on the pension scam. Maina should just go ahead and tell Nigerians who the thieves among Buharis men are.
Even after naming them, Maina should not expect any action from the President. Rather, he should be contented with satisfying his conscience and putting those Buharis men that he said are pretending to be saints in the court of public opinion.
While maintaining his position on the self-appointed human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), over the allegation by the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), linking the lawyer to a N1 billion property on Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja, Governor Fayose said it was sad that Falana and his collaborators have turned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to their source of huge income.
EFCC has become Falanas daily meal. Falana and his collaborators live on EFCC. They have turned themselves to brokers of bail and suppliers of lawyers to accused persons while at the same time buying seized properties at ridiculous amounts.
Even the likes of Madaki, who have retired from service, have been brought back into the system so that he can continue to help them to perpetrate fraud, he said.
Source Vanguard
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok Ete-Ibas, has decorated 16 newly-promoted rear admirals were decorated by the Chief of Naval staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas.
He urged them to rededicate themselves to the service of the nation.
Ete-Ibas, who decorated the senior officers at the Naval Headquarters, said there was no better time to serve the nation than now that the country was facing security challenges, he also urged them to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the Nation.
He said that promotions came with greater expectations and responsibilities, adding they should put in their best as much as were expected from them.
He noted that the decorated officers strived very hard to meet the requirements for the promotion.
He said, The journey started several years ago, and today, you are being promoted as a result of your hard work, commitment, dedication and honesty to service of the nation.
I, therefore, urge you to see the promotion as an opportunity to do more for the service, and of course, the entire nation, he said.
It is only then that you will be convinced that you have added value to our noble profession and by protecting the territorial integrity of the country.
He also urged them to give their utmost best in their new ranks and by extension, began to work for the next level of elevation.
The CNS also reaffirmed the continued commitment of the service to the protection of the nations critical asset, the maritime domain against crude oil theft and any other illegal activities.
Source: ( NAN )
Troops of the Nigerian Army on Tuesday killed 14 Boko Haram insurgents in clearance operations in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
This was confirmed by Brig.- Gen. Sani Kukasheka, Director Army Public Relations, said this in a statement issued in Maiduguri.
Kukasheka said that the troops also rescued 30 persons, captured one insurgent and recovered various caliber of ammunition from the insurgents.
He said that the troops had also cleared insurgents in their hideouts at Abusuriwa, Newchina, Bonzon, Usmanari, Goyayeri, Shitimari, Gashimari and Awaram villages in Bama local government area.
Kukasheka explained that 8 insurgents were killed while many of them escaped in the affected villages, adding that three males; 12 females and 15 children were rescued from the insurgents.
The army spokesman also disclosed that the troops also ambushed and killed six insurgents at Kumshe and Darel-Jamel villages.
According to him, the arrested insurgent was handed over to the appropriate authorities for intonation.
Troops of 202 Battalion of 21 Brigade Nigerian Army in Conjunction with elements of Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) on Operations LAFIYA DOLE, in furtherance of clearance and blockade Operation DEEP PUNCH II, on Saturday Nov. 25, 2017, cleared Boko Haram terrorists enclaves in Abusuriwa, Newchina, Bonzon, Usmanari, Goyayeri, Shitimari, Gashimari and Awaram amongst other villages in Bama Local Government Area of Borno.
The troops whose continuous resolve in routing out the remnants of the suspected terrorists hibernating within the Brigades Area of Responsibility ensured that their superior fire power made the terrorists to flee in disarray, leading to the capture of one suspected terrorist while eight Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised.
The gallant troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, three magazines, seven Dane guns, machetes, amongst other items.
In addition, the troops also rescued three men, 12 women and 15 Children, among whom were an aged man and a woman held captives by the Boko Haram terrorists.
The suspected terrorist has been handed over to the relevant authorities for further interrogation, while the rescued civilian captives are being attended to.
Similarly, troops of 152 Battalion of the Brigade deployed as a blocking force at the Foward Operations Base, Kumshe, to aid a successful clearance operation ambushed some fleeing unsuspecting Boko Haram terrorists and neutralised five fleeing terrorists, while troops of 151 Battalion also deployed at the Forward Operations Base, Darel Jamel, neutralised a terrorist in an ambush.
Source : (NAN)
The headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC ) in Abuja, was not its usual atmosphere on Monday as physically challenged persons stormed the oil firm to stage a protest.
According to reports, it was gathered that the protesters were members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Delta State Chapter, who demanded that the NNPC should fulfil its promise of providing jobs for physically challenged people.
The protesters, who were more than 50 in number, displayed various placards in front of the headquarters of the corporation, a development that made security operatives from the Department of State Services, the police and the Nigerian Army to block the section of the dual carriage road that directly leads into the oil firm.
A riot police tank was used to block the particular section of the road that leads into the corporation, while several pick-up trucks with fully armed security personnel in them were strategically located close to the venue where the protesters staged their protest.
It was gathered that senior members of the association were later invited into the corporation for a meeting.
The physically challenged protesters stayed in front of the oil firm for several hours. Some of them moved about using their crutches and wheelchairs, while others crawled on the floor as they demanded for job opportunities at the corporation.
We are tired of the many promises of the NNPC management when it comes to providing us with jobs. We were here some months ago and they promised us, but since that time in April, nothing has been done, one of the protesters, who simply identified himself as Austin, said.
The associations Chairman, Isaac Obruche, and some executive members of the group were said to have met with senior officials of the NNPC.
But efforts to get Obruche to speak on the reason for the protest and the outcome of the meeting were not successful, as he did not answer calls to his phone. He also did not reply to a text message sent to him on the matter.
Speaking on the development, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, NNPC, Ndu Ughamadu, told our correspondent that the protesters also demanded that they be allowed to lift crude oil.
He stated, It is the right of every Nigerian to make some demands and requests. However, when it comes to jobs, there are processes and procedures. We have some physically challenged persons on our staff list and virtually all of them are from the Niger Delta. They (protesters) visited few months ago and said they would like to lift crude oil.
We addressed them and told them that the matter was being looked into. These demands are issues that require some time and they must undergo processes and procedures. As we speak now, the NNPC has not lifted embargo on recruitment. If you are talking about lifting crude oil, it is a competitive exercise and you must bid for it. Now, do they have the funds to lift crude oil or other products?
On the increased security presence at the corporation, Ughamadu explained, Security is always tight at the NNPC as a national oil corporation. Security there has nothing to do with them (protesters). Will we use maximum force on the physically challenged? Security is always tight here.
Source: (Punch Newspaper)
After raiding the office of a newspaper, Ugandan policemen have arrested and detained journalists over a publication.
Uganda has charged eight managers and editors of a daily newspaper with several offences including libel and computer misuse and a court ordered them detained until Dec. 5.
The journalists have been in detention for nearly a week after police raided the premises of Red Pepper accusing them of publishing a false story.
Police had said on Nov. 23 that they had preferred several charges including treason against the journalists.
Their lawyer, Maxma Mutabingwa, said that when they appeared in court for the first time on Monday, treason was not among the offences read out to them.
Instead they were charged with several counts of libel, offensive communication and publication of information prejudicial to security.
I think police backed off the treason charge because it was ridiculous, it was not sustainable at all, he told Reuters.
The journalists applied for bail but the state prosecutor said he needed time to respond and court adjourned the proceedings to Dec. 5.
The raid on the paper followed publication of a story that, citing unnamed sources, said that Rwanda believed Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was plotting to oust its leader, Paul Kagame.
The paper has a wide readership and often regales its audience with a surfeit of salacious content about private lives of political and business officials and celebrities.
In recent years it has moved to include more political coverage and has some times irked authorities with audacious headlines on security, diplomacy and power manoeuvres in the government of President Yoweri Museveni.
Police has kept the media outlets premises cordoned off.
Mutabingwa said it has not published the daily since the raid. Computers, phones and other equipment confiscated during the search have also not been returned.
Rights groups and journalists have complained of escalating harassment and intimidation of independent media by security personnel in the East African country especially as Museveni faces growing opposition pressure to end his rule.
Local media, including Red Pepper, have reported this month on tensions between Uganda and neighbouring Rwanda over a range of economic and security disputes but Ugandas foreign affairs ministry has dismissed the reports as rumours.
President Muhammadu Buhari,has directed the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udo Udoma; and the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to work with state governors to ensure the payment of outstanding Paris Club refund before the end of the year.
The President was said to have urged the governors to utilise the money to clear salary arrears they owed their workers before Christmas.
The governors had earlier received 50 per cent of the refund, leaving a balance of 50 per cent which Buhari directed its payment on Monday.
The President was said to have given the directive at a meeting he had with state governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to information posted on one of the Presidencys Twitter handles @NGRPresident the meeting featured discussions on the nations economy, workers welfare, as well as federal-state relations, among others.
President @MBuhari has directed the Ministers of @FinMinNigeria and Budget & National Planning and Governor @cenbank to commence negotiations with the Governors Forum to enable payment of outstanding Paris & London Club refunds, before the end of the year. Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) November 27, 2017
The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, and the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, confirmed the development to State House correspondents at the end of the meeting.
Okorocha said the President, at the meeting, expressed the need to ensure that every Nigerian, especially workers, had a beautiful Christmas.
He stated, We are looking at getting the balance of Paris Club refund.
We also made a request for Mr. Presidents approval that the balance should form part of our 2018 budgets because we cant do anything until we are sure that the money is coming.
The issue of workers took the centre stage and Mr. President expressed concern about those who depend on their salaries to feed their families and pay their house rents and he had the assurance from the governors that we will meet up our obligations.
Also, it was emphasised that states and Federal Government must work together to get Nigeria out of its present economic predicament.
When asked specifically if all state governors owing salaries would clear the arrears before Christmas, Okorocha said, Yes; with the Paris Club refund coming, every worker should enjoy their Christmas.
He added that the governors also seized the opportunity of the meeting to review their relationship with the President, adding that they found out that they were in harmony.
There is no difference between us and the President. Everybody seems to be happy working together. But particularly, we commended the President for getting Nigeria out of recession within such a short time, he added.
El-Rufai also confirmed that Buhari approved the payment of the balance of 50 per cent refund before Christmas to cater for workers.
He, however, said he did not know the amount of the refund, stressing that only the Ministry of Finance could provide the figure.
There is another 50 per cent that needs to be paid when the figures are reconciled. The reconciliation is going to be concluded before the end of the year.
The Chief of Staff to the President will ensure that the committee working on the reconciliation conclude the work before the end of the year.
So, what the governors are requesting from the President is a directive, go ahead to include the next 50 per cent in your 2018 budget, and that is going to be looked at.
Every state will get its own share of the Paris Club refund. Every state has a specific amount that was deducted. That amount may be enough to cover the arrears and it may not be because you cannot get more than you are entitled to.
My state has no salary arrears at all. So, whatever we are getting, we will just continue with our development projects.
Some states have salary arrears that are bigger than the Paris Club refund they are getting. Even when they get it, they will not be able to clear the salary arrears. But it is better to reduce it so that people will have a happy Christmas than nothing.
Source: ( Punch Newspaper )
The Police has clarified why it is reinstating a police officer said to have given the order for the murder of six Igbo traders many years ago.
The Police Service Commission has explained why it reinstated a deputy commissioner of police, Danjuma Ibrahim who gave the order for the killing of six Igbo traders on June 7, 2005, in Apo township, a satellite settlement at the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
The commission said it is following court order since the officer involved had been acquitted of the felony charge against him by a court.
It would be recalled that six Igbo traders were brutally murdered after Ibrahim had ordered his officers to shoot them to death, according to police witnesses. The police had claimed that the victims, aged between 21 and 25 years, were members of a robbery gang that had shot at the officers at a checkpoint.
A judicial panel of inquiry set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo stated that the victims were at a nightclub located at Gimbiya Street, Area 11, in Abuja that night of June 7, 2005, when they had a face-off with Ibrahim after the only female among the victims, rejected Ibrahims romantic advances.
Angered by what had happened, Ibrahim and his men lay ambush for the six victims before ordering his men to shoot them to death. The officers accused of the killings and eight other police witnesses testified before the panel of inquiry that Ibrahim, the Deputy Commissioner of Police and the most senior of the accused, had ordered the killings.
Curiously, in March 2017, Danjuma was freed by a judge who sat on the case. The police has issued a memo for his reinstatement and will go ahead to pay him arrears of his salary dating back to June 18, 2005.
Speaking in a statement on Danjumas reinstatement, on Tuesday spokesman of PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, explained that the trial Judge found the DCP who was the first accused person, not guilty and accordingly discharged and acquitted him while Emmanuel and Acheneje were sentenced to death.
It said, After the judgement, Ibrahim appealed to the commission requesting his reinstatement, restoration, payment of arrears of salary, benefits and other entitlements in line with the judgement of the High Court of Federal Capital Territory Abuja delivered on March, 9, 2017.
The commission noted that the Public Service Rules provided that an officer acquitted of a criminal offence shall not be penalised for any charge of which he/she has been acquitted, (PSR 030411(b)).
The PSC also noted that since the DCP had not been found guilty of the charge that led to his suspension, the provision of PSR 030404 (iv) would apply, adding that it would continue to respect the rule of law and obey judgments of competent courts of justice.
The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday agreed to revisit the rejection of Ahmad Mahmud, as a Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, nominee from Zamfara State.
Mr. Mahmud was rejected after the adoption of recommendation by the Senate committee on INEC on Thursday.
The committee rejected him after a wide consultation, its chairman, Suleiman Nafiz, had said.
Raising a point of order on Tuesday, Kabir Marafa, Zamfara-APC, sought the leave of the Senate to revisit the controversial rejection.
Mr. Marafa said a Senator from Zamfara kicked against the appointment on claims that the nominee was not a native of Zamfara.
The committees report suggest otherwise, the committee stated in clear terms that the nominee was born in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara, schooled in Gusau and was one-time Attorney-General of Zamfara State, he said.
Mr. president, one wonders what qualifies a Nigerian to be indigene of a state and in view of that I want to take full advantage of Order 53 (6) to seek support of my well respected colleagues to do justice to this matter.
The lawmakers in a voice vote agreed to revisit the issue in the next legislative day when Mr. Marafa is to present it as a motion.
Source: ( Premium Times )
Senator Ben Murray Bruce, representing Bayelsa East has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to sell government-owned media companies.
Mr. Bruce said the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, and Voice of Nigeria, no longer make sense and should be sold to relieve the budget of recurrent expenditures.
The Senator said this while making his contribution to the debate on the 2018 budget which started at the Senate on Tuesday.
Mr. Murray-Bruce said the recurrent expenditure of the budget was over-bloated and should be trimmed.
We have downgraded our economy and the reason we are downgraded is we cannot meet our revenue projection. It is understood that this is a budget of consolidation; I would rather describe it as budget of active imagination, he said.
If you look at the budget from 1960 to the present, you have agencies that were designed for 1960, agencies that were designed for the Nigerian civil war, agencies that were designed to suit some certain conditions in life. 60 years later, those agencies still exist in the budget.
If you look at the budget, you will see some agencies, they get recurrent expenditure, they pay salaries, they get houses, computers, cars but they have no money to do any work. No money to do any work, we pay salaries. Some agencies are so bloated it defies logic but these agencies exist. So, we have 2.4 million people consuming 60percent of the recurrent expenditure of Nigeria, it doesnt make any sense.
Mr. Bruce listed some of the agencies he wants the executive to privatise.
I called President Obasanjo on phone two days ago and he said to me; the National Orientation Agency was necessary when we had no political party, what is the value of the National Orientation Agency in todays world for instance? Yet billions of Naira is spent in that agency.
Let us look at agencies that make no sense. FRCN, sell it to the staff. FRCN has 8, 000 workers sell it to them. Sell NTA to the staff. Voice of Nigeria. Who listens to Voice of Nigeria? Sell it. If the staff want to buy, let them buy it. Set up a cooperative like Awolowo did, sell it to them. If we spend 71 percent on recurrent expenditure, we will never get out of this predicament we find ourselves.
The lawmaker also criticised the agreement reached by Nigeria and China in the construction of rail lines in the country.
I sent a letter to the Minister of Transport and I asked him to send us the contract he has with the Chinese. Lets say we spend 10 billion dollars with the Chinese and they give us a loan what percentage of that money is spent in the local economy? How many Nigerians are employed? Which steel product are we producing locally?
The last time I checked, rail lines were produced 300, 400 years ago. Its not rocket science, we have Ajaokuta steel. So if we have the capability of producing steel or we have the capability in slow motion of making this work as Nigerians, we dont need to borrow $10 billion from the Chinese and then give them back $10 billion, what do we benefit in our economy?
The United Nations projected that in February 2018, Nigeria will have more people in poverty than in India. We have a population of 180 million people, India has 1.3 billion. Then, if we are going to have more people in poverty than India, then we have to create jobs. Once we create jobs we can then export our Naira to China, to India or some other place.
Source: ( Premium Times )
At the 5th Regular meeting of the National Council on Communication Technology (NCCT 2017) organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, a state in Nigeria was named as the best developed state in ICT.
Lagos State Government defeated 35 other States of the Federation to emerge as the best overall performing State in ICT Development and also best State in E-Government Implementation in Nigeria.
Lagos also bagged top awards as the Best State in ICT Infrastructure Development, while it also emerged first runner up in the category for Best State in Human Capital Development.
The Awards were presented at the 5th Regular meeting of the National Council on Communication Technology (NCCT 2017) organised by the Federal Ministry of Communications, which took place in Katsina State, last weekend.
Revealing more details in a statement on Tuesday, the States Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Olufemi Odubiyi, who received the awards alongside the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olukayode Ogunnubi, said the awards confirmed the State Governments commitment to ICT development in Lagos.
He said that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, since assumption of office on May 29, 2015, prioritised ICT development in the State, adding that it has since improved service delivery in major ministries in the State and was transforming Lagos to a digital village.
He said the NCCT, which was chaired by the Hon. Minster for Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, gave States the opportunity to showcase ICT activities in their various States, particularly success stories in their application of ICTs in solving governance and development issues.
Odubiyi said the Minister for Communications expressed delight at the committed efforts of the Lagos State Government to the development of ICT not only in the State but in Nigeria as a whole.
According to him, the Minister expressed the Federal Governments readiness to partner with Lagos State to achieve the nations vision of rapid transition to a functional digital society as envisioned by Governor Ambode.
The NCCT meeting which was hosted by the Governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Masari at the State Government Secretariat, Katsina, had the theme: Harnessing ICT As The Main Tool For Driving The Economic Recovery And Growth Plan (ERGP].
The Police in Bayelsa State have arrested The leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Bayelsa State chapter, and seven other undergraduates have been arrested by the Bayelsa State Police Command for allegedly killing a student.
The Bayelsa NANS leader, Perewari Benjamin, a 400-level student of the state-owned Niger Delta University, Amassoma, was paraded on Monday at the state commands headquarters in Yenagoa with the other suspects.
They are Asari Enagob, 400 level; Suoguai Bina, 500 level; Ibe Ogbonna, 300 level; Igbanibo Tari, 400 level; Ekperi Kenneth, 400 level; Kemefie Ebimene, 200 level, all of the Niger Delta University.
The eighth suspect, Chukwuma Lawrence, is an HND 2 student at the Imo State Polytechnic.
The state Commissioner of Police, Asuquo Amba, lamented the involvement of the students in the alleged murder, adding that they were arrested for armed robbery and suspected cult activities.
The commissioner said on November 26, three drivers Ayo Kehinde, Jamiu Salahudeen and Nwanya Chinonso reported to the police that the suspects (students) hijacked their vehicles and robbed them at gunpoint.
He claimed that the suspects robbed Kehinde of one Techno phone, valued at N10,000 and the sum of N50,000 cash, while they dispossessed Chinonso of N1,600 cash.
Amba said the police recovered arms and ammunition from the suspects, including two locally-made single-barrelled pistol; two live ammunition; five 9mm live ammunition and some charms.
On the incident that led to the death of the unnamed student of Federal University, Otuoke, Amba said, The incident occurred at the Zone B Election for Coordinators of NANS at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, between November 25 and November 26.
Students representing universities and higher institutions in the South-South Zone resorted to the use of firearms, which led to the death of the student. The students also involved themselves in robbery against innocent citizens.
This leaves one to wonder about the future of our great nation. The development calls for a drastic action to curb this menace and a complete reorientation of our youths.
One of the drivers, Kehinde, an indigene of Modakeke in Osun State, said around 10am on Saturday, the day of the election, four of the students hired buses from him at Amassoma Motor Park.
He said, Four of the students came to Amassoma Park on Saturday, around 10am and said they needed three buses. We agreed for N8,000 per bus. When they boarded the buses, they said they wanted to pick some persons from Biogbolo.
When we got there (Biogbolo), they said there were some persons at Ebis they wanted to pick. By the time we got to Ebis, we picked some persons. After that, I asked them to pay my money. They said their boss was on Isaac Boro Expressway and that when we got there, they would pay. By the time we got there, we did not see anybody. They said their boss was in the Aritalin area. It was then I told them I was not going to Aritalin.
One of them said I was talking rubbish and he slapped me. As he slapped me, others joined him and they started beating me and my brothers. One of them dipped his hand into my pocket and took the N50,000 I wanted to send to my wife in Lagos to pay my childrens school fees. He took the money and my ATM card, phone and seized my vehicle key. One of them brought out a gun and used the butt to hit my head.
He said as blood gushed out of his head, the students left with his brother, whom they forced to drive them.
He said he was in that condition when he sighted a patrol van of operatives of the State Anti-Robbery Squad approaching.
He said he flagged down the van and narrated what happened to him to the SARS men, who gave the buses conveying the students a chase and caught up with them, leading to their arrest.
Source: ( Punch Newspaper)
The Gays and Lesbians community in Zimbabwe are thrilled by the resignation of former president, Robert Mugabe. Recall that Mugabe in his 37 years in power, strongly opposed all acts of homosexuality and even had fights with some European governments because of his stand on homosexuality. One time, the 93 year old leader said homosexuals were worse than pigs and dogs.
Speaking to newsmen in Harare, the countrys capital, the director of the Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ), Chesterfield Samba, said the community received Mugabes resignation with jubilation and that they hope his resignation will terminate the brutality and hatred they have suffered from the government.
We are ecstatic that the face of brutality, hate and impunity has resigned. Mugabe, repeatedly, fuelled public prejudice against LGBTI individuals through public statements that endorsed abuse of LGBTI people in Zimbabwe. LGBTI people were subjected to abuse and harassment on account of their real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.he said
Samba said under Mugabes rule, the State had, in many cases, been an active sponsor of homophobia by subjecting individuals suspected of being gay or lesbian to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.
GALZ welcomes the news of Mugabes resignation with much celebration and implores the new President to uphold the rule of law, respect the constitution of Zimbabwe, allow Zimbabweans to enjoy their freedoms particularly of expression and association and to ensure that citizens do not live in fear of their leaders. Mugabe, to us, represented a brutal system and the real work of sanitizing this system continues.
In light of the resignation of Robert Mugabe, GALZ hopes that the new government will commit to upholding Zimbabwes constitutional obligations to protect the rights of all people, including LGBTI people. (NewZimbabwe)
Attempts to solve the structure of ChR2 go right back to the time of its discovery in 2003. But despite the efforts of numerous research groups from across the world, the structure of the protein in its natural state has remained unknown. Now that researchers have the structure, meaningful mutations can be introduced into the protein to adjust its properties to the requirements of a specific experiment. Credit: MIPT Press Office
Optogenetics is a relatively new technique that involves the use of light to manipulate nerve and muscle cells in a living organism. Similar approaches are used to partially reverse the loss of hearing and eyesight and control muscle contractions.
In addition, the methods of optogenetics are used to study the properties of natural neuron networks, which are responsible for emotion, decision-making, and other complex processes in living organisms. Optogenetics was Nature's Method of the Year 2010, as well as being named among Science's Breakthroughs of 2010 and Insights of the Decade.
Channelrhodopsin 2, or ChR2, is a major optogenetic tool. It is a light-sensitive protein, which was originally extracted in 2003 from a green alga called Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Scientists can insert ChR2 into the membrane of a living cell to control it. When illuminated, this protein allows positively charged ions to pass into the cell through the cell membrane. In a nerve cell, this depolarizes the membrane, mimicking the effect of a nerve impulse and causing this particular neuron to fire.
Because ChR2 works fast and is relatively harmless to cells, it is the current go-to solution for nerve cell activation. A range of artificially induced mutations are available for altering the protein's properties. For example, it is possible to increase the current it generates or alter the wavelength of light it responds to. Such modifications enable experimenters to work with proteins tailored to their needs. Researchers can even combine several protein variants for a distinct response at various wavelengths of light.
Most of the mutations used to modify the properties of ChR2 have so far been introduced more or less at random either via directed evolution or based on the data on known protein structures. The closest we've ever gotten to a realistic ChR2 structure is an odd combination called C1C2, 70 percent of which is based ChR1, a related protein, with the rest based on the actual ChR2. This mixed structure cannot account for all properties of the protein. As a result, the mutations predicted by this model are not quite realistic and therefore are of limited interest to optogenetics.
To reveal the structure of ChR2, the authors of the study reported in this story used an analytical technique called X-ray diffraction, which only works with samples in the form of a crystal. These were obtained by the researchers via in meso crystallization. That is to say, the protein crystals were grown in the so-called cubic lipid mesophase a medium that allows proteins to move freely, without leaving the membrane. To determine protein structures, their crystals were irradiated with X-rays at a wavelength of about 1 angstrom, which is slightly less than the length of the bonds between the atoms in the protein. In X-ray crystallography, structures are derived by analyzing how radiation is scattered by a sample.
Attempts to solve the structure of ChR2 go right back to the time of its discovery in 2003. But despite the efforts of numerous research groups from across the world, the structure of the protein in its natural state has remained unknown, says Valentin Borshchevskiy, one of the authors of the paper and deputy head of the Laboratory for Advanced Studies of Membrane Proteins at MIPT. Now that we have the structure, meaningful mutations can be introduced into the protein to adjust its properties to the requirements of a specific experiment. Not knowing the structure, we had to tediously work out the useful mutations by trial and error or make do with the data on related proteins.
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The work reported here was supported by the common program of the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (France), the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Germany) (ANR-15-CE11-0029-02), the CEA(IBS)-HGF(FZJ) STC 5.1 specific agreement, the Russian Science Foundation (16-15-00242), and ERA.Net RUS Plus (ID 323).
If you own a self-storage facility long enough, youll eventually receive a subpoena for records or even witness testimony. You may also get a request from law enforcement to search a unit. Court orders and search warrants should not be ignored, but you also have a duty to your tenants. Here are some practical steps to follow when dealing with these issues.
Records Subpoena
This is the least intrusive request you may receive related to ongoing litigation, but beware! A crafty lawyer may use a subpoena to gather information in preparation for filing a lawsuit. Further, the request might seek sensitive information about your tenants and, therefore, should be examined closely. Follow these steps when dealing with any subpoena for a tenants records:
If someone is trying to serve you with a subpoena, dont dodge it, as it may force the lawyer seeking documents to get an order from a court to compel you to appear. Dont worrybeing served a subpoena isnt the end of the world. It just means you need to go to step two. Call your attorney. Have him look over the subpoena and discuss it with you. If its non-invasive, easy to respond to and otherwise not objectionable, youll likely put the documents together and itll be over. If not If the subpoena falls into the "Are you kidding me?" category, your attorney can file a motion with the court to halt it or ask that it be narrowed in scope. For example, if it seeks all rental agreements from 1 A.D. to present, no court will enforce it, and itll be subject to a sharp narrowing. If it seeks sensitive information such as tenants personal identification, a court will likewise narrow the scope or disallow it altogether. Do not ignore a subpoena, as this tells the court you don't care about its orders. That isnt an option. Bringing your complaints to the court in a timely fashion (before the date the documents are due) is always your best option if strict compliance is too difficult.
Deposition/Testimony Subpoena
You may receive a subpoena seeking testimony about company policy or procedures, or eye-witness accounts of something that happened on your property. Always contact legal counsel for in this case. The last thing you want to do is testify without preparation and unintentionally subject yourself or your company to liability. Your attorney can call the other lawyer to determine if your testimony is necessary or if documents will suffice. He can also reschedule inconvenient dates and possibly obtain an agreement on narrowing the scope of the testimony.
Again, dont ignore it. This can subject you to being compelled to show up in court and explain to a judge why you didn't comply. It's like going to the principal: You know youre in trouble no matter what you say.
Search Warrants and Police Investigations
Unfortunately, you may sometimes have a tenant who isnt a perfect citizen. I know it seems hard to believe, but criminals do occasionally rent storage units. I once had a client experience the following:
A doctor and partner in a medical practice became angry with his partners over a financial issue. One night he went to his office, loaded all the medical equipment into a truck and drove away. The next morning, he rented two large storage units and filled them with the stolen goods (the equipment was owned by the practice). Included in the items was a safe containing a large amount of cashalso not owned by the doctor.
A month or so later the police visited the storage facility and demanded to see the units. Although my client was unaware of these shenanigans, the story was believable, and he wanted to help the police with their investigation. However, they didnt have a search warrant. The only thing they had was the sworn testimony of the tenant's former partners. What would you do?
The answer is simple: Tenant first. In fact, that two-word phrase will prevent a myriad of problems.
My client called me, and I spoke to the police directly. I explained the doctor's units were secure and we didnt have the right to open them without his permission unless there was an emergency. Assisting in a criminal investigation isnt an emergency unless officers believe there are dangerous materials or a person trapped inside. If we open the unit and its exactly what the police say it is, the tenant will still have a valid reason to argue we breached our rental agreement. So, two days later, a frustrated police officer returned with a search warrant, which we immediately honored.
The point is simple: Take subpoenas and search warrants seriously, but dont panic. Theyre not unchallengeable and often can be worked out in a less intrusive way. Remember, hiring counsel at the front end is cheaper and less stressful than doing so to get you out of jail for ignoring a court order.
Murphy Klasing is a partner with Weycer, Kaplan, Pulaski & Zuber P.C. He has a wide range of appellate, arbitration and trial experience, successfully handling numerous litigation matters. With more than a decade of experience in the self-storage industry, he serves as counsel for Public Storage Inc. in Oklahoma and Texas, and has defended matters involving allegations of breach of contract, code violations, employment issues, fraud, negligence, personal injury, premises liability and theft. To reach him, call 713.961.9045; e-mail [email protected]; visit www.wkpz.com.
CubeSmart, a self-storage real estate investment trust (REIT) and third-party management firm, is building a facility in Tewksbury, Mass. The project was approved last year, but land clearing has just begun, according to the source.
The property at 395 Woburn St. is in the Westside Neighborhood Business District and zoned for self-storage. The company plans to build two two-story structures containing a total of 750 units. The site will also include 19 parking spaces.
During a public hearing in July 2016, planning-board members and REIT representatives worked through several issues, including the traffic and construction impacts on the area, lighting concerns, and the use of vegetation as a screen. CubeSmart agreed to install a solid, 6-foot, vinyl fence on the north side of the property and a 6-foot, chain-link fence at the rear and south sides. Following the discussion, the planning board approved a special permit for the site plan.
CubeSmart also operates an existing self-storage facility in Tewksbury. The company purchased the three-story property at 545 Clark Road in 2014. It owns or manages 908 self-storage facilities across the United States, with an operating portfolio comprising 61.4 million square feet.
A commercial real estate investment company is seeking to convert a former Kmart in Titusville, Fla., to self-storage. The unnamed firm plans to invest nearly $4 million in the project, which includes the land purchase as well as property renovation and expansion. Construction would begin next year, according to the source.
Vacant since 2009, the building at 810 Cheney Highway comprises 56,000 square feet of space. Upgrades to the site will include new electrical, HVAC and plumbing components as well as a new roof. Facade renovations, parking-lot improvements and fresh landscaping are also a part of the plan. Several outparcels could be developed as restaurants, retailers, banks or offices, the source reported.
The North Brevard Economic Development Zone (NBEDZ) has given preliminary approval for tax breaks, which will make the project financially viable, according to the developer. The company would receive a 10-year partial rebate on property taxes for the main building and a five-year partial tax rebate for the proposed outparcel structures.
Greg Weiner, senior director of business development for the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast, called it a great project when discussing the proposal with NBEDZ board members. "We're interested from a community redevelopment aspect, he said, referring to the construction of the outparcels.
NBEDZ was formed in 2011 by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners to facilitate job growth and economic development in North Brevard after NASA's Space Shuttle program ended that year.
The self-storage developer has more than 100 assets in 20 states, including 13 in Florida, according to the source.
What should have been a sweet Bali escapade for many Australians has turned sour after Mount Agung's eruption halted flights in and out of the Indonesian tourist hotspot, leaving them not only stranded, but also possibly out-of-pocket.Stranded travellers may find that even with their travel insurance policy, they are still not covered for the event.Some Australian travel insurers stated that only those customers whose policies were bought up to nine weeks ago before the Indonesian government issued a volcano alert would be covered; while others set the cut-off coverage date to Sept. 22, when the volcano alert was raised to level four, suggesting that an eruption was imminent, AAP reported.There are also insurers who refused to cover those whose policies were taken up on or before Sept. 18, when the alert was raised from normal to 'vigilance'; and insurers who said they'll accept claims from travellers who bought their insurance before Nov. 22.Mark Tingay, a geologist with the Adelaide University, said that while he was sympathetic to the uninsured stranded travellers, the volcano risk had been known for some time. Tingay was in Bali when Mount Agung roared back to life, but managed to fly back to Australia before the flight cancellations."It really was very widely documented, the authorities have done everything they can to alert people of the risk," Tingay told AAP. "It is terrible that people are stuck without travel insurance, though that is a major issue."The academic bought his insurance well in advance when he bought his plane tickets to Bali. But he suspects that many others purchased their policy only because of the volcano alert."Then they'll be caught out by the fine print," Tingay said.Impacted travellers are urged to check their insurance websites to see if they are covered by their policy, AAP said.
Ridge Canada
Ridge Canada Cyber Solutions Inc., a leading cyber insurance provider in Canada, is proud to welcome James Bennett as the newest member of the firm. James joins the underwriting team as a Senior Vice President, Management Liability and is the first member of the Ridge Canada team in the Management Liability arena
International re/insurer Chubb has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with PICC Property & Casualty Company in support of the Chinese governments economic initiatives.
The agreement seeks to leverage Chubbs global capabilities to support PICCs customers and other Chinese-affiliated firms as they embark on the Chinese governments Belt and Road initiative and its encouragement of outward investment.
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The cooperation agreement has a validity of 10 years, and will include the establishment of China Desks for Chinese-affiliated enterprises in Chubbs offices worldwide. The two insurers will work together to service China-affiliated companies overseas, as well as jointly explore other business opportunities.
As a result, PICC will gain access to one of the worlds leading insurance networks, while Chubb will be able to jointly develop insurance business with some of the largest enterprises in the worlds fastest-growing insurance market.
For Chubb, this strategic cooperation agreement is a substantial opportunity to bring the full breadth of our capabilities and global network to bear in meeting the complex insurance needs of Chinas largest and most successful companies, said Evan Greenberg, chairman and CEO of Chubb. With this agreement, PICC now has the ability to offer its clients access to our industry-leading capabilities in countries beyond China. We greatly look forward to working with our new partners.
PICC Property & Casualty is one of the largest property and casualty insurance firms in China, with total assets of US$72.2 billion and gross written premiums of around US$47.3 billion in 2016. Among its commercial customers are major Chinese businesses, many of which have complex operations in multiple foreign markets.
Swedish automaker Volvo plans to make its inclusive insurance subscription service available in the near future, with help from a major American insurance company.Care by Volvo is a subscription-based program that provides customers with insurance coverage, as well as maintenance and concierge services, good for two years. Volvo has partnered with Liberty Mutual to create the program.Notably, participating customers pay only a flat monthly fee to maintain their subscription regardless of their profile.Thats the most important part of a subscription, one fixed price, negotiated and clear, Volvo North America CEO Anders Gustafsson told Automotive News. Were taking away one part of the relationship with our customers that some customers dont like.The subscription program was unveiled during the launch of Volvos XC40 compact SUV last September. The automaker plans to initially offer the program to customers who purchase the XC40, which launches March 2018. If it proves successful enough, Volvo will roll the service out to its other model cars.While the service can be accessed and operated online, Gustafsson said that dealerships will play a key role in the success of Care by Volvo. Once a customer selects a car on the automakers website, they are then directed to the nearest participating dealership to arrange for vehicle delivery. Dealerships will also perform vehicle maintenance for the duration of a customers subscription term.Care by Volvo supports the dealers value chain, Gustafsson explained. It builds up loyalty to dealers, that is the whole idea.
Non-profits based in Summit County, CO, are struggling to maintain adequate healthcare benefits for their employees, as premiums in the region surge considerably.Residents and businesses of the county already pay some of the highest health insurance premiums in the country. These increased premiums hurt non-profits the most, since they have to strike a balance between serving the community and taking care of their own employees.One such local non-profit, High Country Conservation Center (HC3), told Summit Daily that it currently pays group plan premiums of $2,400 a month nearly $29,000 a year for coverage. HC3 noted that this is a double-digit increase from last years premiums, and revealed that the same plan will cost 35% more next year.Another non-profit based in Summit County, Family and Intercultural Resource Center (FIRC), remarked that it is paying so much on premiums that it could have hired five more employees with the money. The increases are taking more and more out of their budget, which leaves fewer funds left for direct services to the community.Ironically, one of FIRCs services is that it helps local families find affordable health insurance.Both HC3 and FIRC have estimated that their employees have to fulfill deductibles between $5,000 and $7,000 before their insurance takes effect.Although the Affordable Care Act does not require businesses (or non-profits) with fewer than 50 full-time employees to provide insurance, many non-profit leaders believe they need to lead by example in offering health plans to their staff. They also believe that by offering these benefits, they are able to recruit and retain talented staff.We as an organization (need) to continue to offer the best health insurance to our employees that we can afford, commented Jennifer Schenk, HC3 executive director.Were certainly not fulfilling our mission if we cant provide [health insurance] to our own employees, Tamara Drangstveit, FIRC executive director, told Summit Daily. If we cant pay a living wage or offer benefits, were also doing a disservice to our community.
A former insurance agent based in Lake Stevens, WA has been sentenced for claiming that he was too disabled to work despite continuing to run his own agency.James Kooy, 53, was sentenced Monday to 60 days in jail for wrongfully receiving over $233,000 in workers compensation payments from the agency, the Washington state Department of Labor and Industries revealed.In September, Kooy pleaded guilty to the felony charge in Snohomish County Superior. The Associated Press reported that he was also ordered to repay the state for an amount to be determined next year, in March.An agency investigation found that Kooy owned and operated By the Lake Insurance at around the same time he had claimed that he was too injured to work following a knee injury. He was also receiving workers compensation benefits during the period.Investigators also found that over the span of five years, Kooys business generated over $800,000 in revenue.
Vancouver, British Columbia - November 28, 2017 (Investorideas.com Newswire) SilverCrest Metals Inc. (TSXV: SIL.V; OTCQX: SVCMF) ("SilverCrest" or the "Company") is pleased to release additional surface and underground drill results from its ongoing Phase II Exploration Program at the Las Chispas Property (the "Property") located in Sonora, Mexico. The surface and underground drill program is designed to define readily accessible high-grade areas in the historic underground workings in the Las Chispas Vein and further define the Giovanni Vein. The Company is currently exploring nine of the 19 known epithermal veins on the Property with efforts focused on four of these veins to be incorporated into SilverCrest's maiden resource estimate anticipated in Q1 2018.
N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, President and CEO, remarked, "These results are building on our previous drilling and underground sampling program, which has demonstrated intact semi-continuous high-grade mineralization for the Las Chispas and Giovanni veins. As part of our expanded Phase II Exploration Program, we intend to continue with underground drilling and channel sampling on the Las Chispas and Giovanni veins through Q1 2018. We remain on track to deliver a maiden resource estimate in Q1 2018 which will include the Las Chispas, Giovanni, William Tell and Babicanora veins."
The most significant results for this release are in Hole LC17-72, which returned 4.0 metres grading 18.61 grams per tonne ("gpt") gold and 696.2 gpt silver, or 2,092 gpt silver equivalent ("AgEq", based on 75 (Ag):1 (Au) and 100% metallurgical recovery), including 0.8 metres grading 92.60 gpt gold and 2,890.0 gpt silver, or 9,835 gpt AgEq. Other significant results include Hole LC17-68 at 2.0 metres grading 5.85 gpt gold and 1,191.5 gpt silver, or 1,630 gpt AgEq, Hole LCU17-02 at 2.2 metres grading 9.42 gpt gold and 1,369.3 gpt silver, or 2,076 gpt AgEq, and Hole LCU17-04 at 6.3 metres grading 1.97 gpt gold and 241.4 gpt silver, or 389 gpt AgEq. The following table summarizes the most significant drill results (uncut, undiluted) for this release in the Las Chispas Area only;
Note: all numbers are rounded
*AgEq based on 75 (Ag):1 (Au) and 100% metallurgical recovery.
**True thickness is 80 to 100% of drilled thickness.
***Las Chispas surface holes begin with "LC" and underground holes begin with "LCU".
All assays were completed by ALS Chemex in Hermosillo, Mexico, and North Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Holes LC17-59, 62, 63, 64, and 71, and LCU17-01 and 06 intersected mineralization below the Company's 150 gpt AgEq cutoff. Hole LCU17-07 was replaced with 07A and hole LC17-67 was a lost downhole. Underground holes LCU17-02 to 07A tested for extensions of the Las Chispas Vein to the southwest and northwest, beyond the historic workings and intercepted the Tajo Chico Vein (see note below). Several un-named veins continue to be intersected and are under review for possible inclusion in the ongoing district-wide vein discoveries.
Hole LC17-72 (4.0 metres grading 2,092 gpt AgEq) was designed to test the continuity of the Giovanni Vein and replicate the nearby Hole LC16-08 (7.2 metres grading 492 gpt AgEq). This unmined vein is readily accessible via the Las Chispas historic workings. The high-grade footprint for the Giovanni Vein continues to grow and further underground infill and expansion drilling in this area is underway.
Hole LC17-58 (2.0 metres grading 246 gpt AgEq) was designed as a step-out hole to test the downward extension of the Las Chispas Vein mineralization. The hole intercepted high-grade mineralization approximately 400 metres to the southeast of previously announced drill results. Further surface drilling to potentially expand the Las Chispas high-grade footprint is planned for 2018.
Hole LCU17-04 (6.3 metres grading 389 gpt AgEq) was designed to test the historic Tajo Chico Vein which is a high-grade splay of the Las Chispas Vein (see attached Figure). The hole intercepted the unmined high-grade extension of this vein. Further underground drilling is underway.
Historic Las Chispas Mine underground workings have been open for over 80 years with minor backfill and no ground support. Several prominent high-grade historic pillars remain intact in the mine and are readily accessible via a historic haulage route (see attached Figures). With further detailed underground channel sampling, the Company will be assessing the optimal way to incorporate these pillars and intact mineralization into the upcoming resource estimate. These pillars could potentially be incorporated into plans for extraction of a permitted bulk sample for offsite processing in 2018.
The Company anticipates completing its Phase II Exploration Program by mid-January which will include drilling a further 4,000 to 6,000 metres in the district, primarily on the Babicanora extension (see November 27, 2017 news release). SilverCrest remains on track to deliver a maiden resource estimate for the Las Chispas project in Q1 2018.
The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, and President and CEO for SilverCrest, who has reviewed and approved its contents.
About SilverCrest Metals INC.
SilverCrest is a Canadian precious metals exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, that is focused on new discoveries, value-added acquisitions and targeting production in Mexico's historic precious metal districts. The Company's current focus is on the high-grade, historic Las Chispas mining district in Sonora, Mexico. SilverCrest is the first company to successfully drill-test the historic Las Chispas Project resulting in numerous discoveries. The Company is led by a proven management team in all aspects of the precious metal mining sector, including taking projects through discovery, finance, on time and on budget construction, and production.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: the strategic plans, timing and expectations for the Company's exploration, rehabilitation and drilling programs of the Las Chispas Property, including preparation of an initial extraction program for bulk sample testing and preparation of an initial resource estimate; information with respect to high grade areas and size of veins projected from underground sampling results and drilling results; and the accessibility of future mining at the Las Chispas Property. Such forwardlooking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of expenditures related to rehabilitation and drilling programs; and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng
President & CEO
SilverCrest Metals Inc.
For Further Information:
SilverCrest Metals Inc.
Contact: Fred Cooper, Investor Relations
Telephone: +1 (604) 694-1730
Fax: +1 (604) 694-1761
Toll Free: 1-866-691-1730 (Canada & USA)
Email: info@silvercrestmetals.com
Website: www.silvercrestmetals.com
570 Granville Street, Suite 501
Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P1
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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Dublin-based explorer United Oil and Gas is actively looking at further deal opportunities after expanding its asset base via the purchase of a 20% stake in a Tullow Oil licence offshore Jamaica.
The company has farmed into the Walton-Morant licence off the coast of Jamaica, which is operated by Tullow. The licence covers more than 32,000sq km in the Caribbean Sea and initial testing has already hinted at attractive reservoir targets. Tullow is due to carry out a further 3D seismic study in the first half of next year. While only 11 wells have been drilled in the area, 10 have encountered oil.
Well-known medical cannabis campaigner Vera Twomey has said her daughter Ava has been granted a licence to take medical cannabis.
Ava suffers from a severe form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome.
Vera had campaigned strongly to get her daughter a licence for medical cannabis here in Ireland - including a mammoth walk from Cork to Dublin - but moved to the Netherlands to access the treatment instead, when the campaign in Ireland stalled.
However, Vera has announced her family will be returning home from the Netherlands in time for Christmas.
In a short Facebook Live video, Vera thanked those who had supported her.
"I just wanted to let you know that we have some really, really good news that Ava's been granted the licence for the medical cannabis and we're coming home," she said.
"We'll be home for Christmas and she's doing really, really well and just can't wait to get back," Vera added.
She said they would be home "as soon as they can".
Health Minister Simon Harris confirmed the licence in the Dail earlier today.
"I'm very pleased I was in a position to sign another licence for a citizen in this country, a little girl, to access a medicinal cannabis product," he said.
He said it was the third such licence that he had signed.
He added that all licences that had been validly submitted with the support of a monitoring consultant have been granted.
Update 11.26pm: The meeting between Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin has come to an end with no new developments tonight.
The meeting came to an end after over an hour of talks following the release of new documents by the Department of Justice which showed that Frances Fitzgerald was advised a number of times in mid-2015 through emails, queries and advice by her department about a strategy to discredit Sgt Maurice McCabe.
The Taoiseach and the Fianna Fail leader are to meet in the morning again to try to avoid a General Election.
A spokesman for Mr Varadkar told the Irish Examiner: "The meeting between the Taoiseach and Deputy Martin has concluded. Discussions will resume again tomorrow. There was serious engagement on both sides, and all remain keen to avoid an election in the interest of the country."
@campaignforleo and @MicheaIMartinTD to meet again in the morning #iestaff Daniel McConnell (@McConnellDaniel) November 27, 2017
Update 10.06pm: Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald has tonight defended her position amid calls for her to resign over failing to act over a garda plan to smear whistleblower, writes Juno McEnroe Political Correspondent.
New documents show she was advised a number of times in mid-2015 through emails, queries and advice by her department about a strategy to discredit Sgt Maurice McCabe.
The files were released by the Department of Justice but have prompted fresh calls for her to go.
She tonight tweeted:
As justice minister I could not interfere with the O'Higgins Commission. This is confirmed twice in today's docs and has been confirmed by the AG. The tribunal will objectively judge the appropriateness of my conduct. I look forward to giving my evidence to the tribunal early in January.
1/2 As Justice Minister I could not interfere with the O'Higgjns Commission. This is confirmed twice in today's docs & has been confirmed by the AG. Frances Fitzgerald MEP (@FitzgeraldFrncs) November 27, 2017
2/2 The Tribunal will objectively judge the appropriateness of my conduct. I look forward to giving my evidence to the Tribunal early in January. Frances Fitzgerald MEP (@FitzgeraldFrncs) November 27, 2017
Update 8.45pm: Frances Fitzgerald has no defence and must now resign - Sinn Fein; FG and FF leaders set to meet
Sinn Fein have said new department of justice documents reveal that embattled Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald has no defence on why she failed to act to protect a whistleblower and must resign, writes Political Correspondent Juno McEnroe
New documents released by the department tonight show she was made aware a second time in July 2015 of a potential garda strategy to undermine Sgt Maurice McCabe.
This was several weeks after a first email in May 2015 notifying her of the garda plan at an inquiry.
A senior department official for Frances Fitzgerald though later passed on details of a media query to her which concerned questions about the aggresive approach by garda management to discredit Sgt McCabe.
This advice, flagging the matter, also told the minister how she could publicly praise Sgt McCabe.
It also confirms the Department of Justice liaised with the former garda commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan and the garda press office on these matters. Gardai had received a similar media query.
The correspondence reveals that assistant secretary Ken O'Leary advised the Tanaiste of these issues.
Mr O'Leary also told Ms Fitzgerald to stress her belief that Sgt McCabe is a valued member of the force.
Sinn Fein justice spokesperson Donnchadh O Laoghaire TD has responded to the release of additional documentation regarding Maurice McCabe and the OHiggins Commission from the Department of Justice tonight, saying that that these documents dispelled any lingering doubts on the Tanaistes knowledge of the Legal Strategy.
Donnchadh O Laoghaire
The Cork South-Central TD said: These documents are further evidence of the Tanaistes failings in addressing very serious issue, and her failure to protect Maurice McCabe from an appalling smear.
The case for the defence for Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald has been unravelling for days. It has now collapsed.
At first, the attempt to say she discovered after the fact. This was disproven.
Then, to try and say that it was an email of such little significance that she could not recall and no action was required anyway. This was discredited.
She has tried to say there was nothing she could do anyway; this has been comprehensively rebutted.
Now, in tonights dramatic extraordinary revelations, it emerged that she received three emails, including questions from the Press and advice on how to respond to them. It was never credible to say she was unaware of the email or couldnt recall but it is utterly incredible now."
How significant are the new documents released by the Dept of Justice? @JohnBurkeRTE reports pic.twitter.com/jlqqc9qpbJ RTE News (@rtenews) November 27, 2017
The Social Democrats have said the Tanaistes position is untenable in the light of further documents released tonight about Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe.
The partys co-leader Roisin Shortall TD said: The sheer extent of the Tanaistes dereliction of her duty as Minister for Justice is laid bare in the chain of emails released tonight. The correspondence shows that a senior official in the Ministers department liaised with the then Garda Commissioner about media queries about the Garda Commissioners role in the aggressive legal stance towards Sgt McCabe at the OHiggins Commission.
Roisin Shortall
Whatever about a Minister not recalling an issue being raised once in an email, this departmental trawl shows that both the Minister and her officials were informed in another two further emails, and in considerable detail, about media inquiries about the legal strategy adopted by the Garda Commissioner.
How can the Tanaiste continue to credibly maintain that she wasnt aware of the legal strategy, despite her officials and her special advisers being included in the email chain released tonight?"
Update 8.30pm: Documents show Francis Fitzgerald 'noted' email on McCabe legal strategy; FF and FG meeting continues
Frances Fitzgerald was made aware of a garda strategy to take an aggressive stance towards Maurice McCabe a second time in the summer of 2015, by way of a media query.
The then Justice Minister was advised that if asked about this, she could say that Sergeant McCabe was a valued member of the force.
The new revelations are contained in a second stream of emails regarding Maurice McCabe which have been released by the Department of Justice this evening .
They come as the Taoiseach and the Fianna Fail leader continue to discuss options to avoid the Dail being dissolved due to a no confidence motion in the Tanaiste.
confirmation that Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald knew of and "noted" email regarding legal strategy to undermine Sgt McCabe #iestaff pic.twitter.com/EqtIBIMmV7 Daniel McConnell (@McConnellDaniel) November 27, 2017
Frances Fitzgerald has said, and her party has accepted, that she does not recall an email sent in May 2015 outlining the Garda Commissioners legal strategy to attack the motivation of Maurice McCabe at the OHiggins Inquiry at that time.
But in a trawl of records at the Department of Justice, ordered by the Taoiseach last week its now emerged that the Minister had noted that email.
It has also been confirmed that the former Justice Minister was made aware of a media query which referred to the aggressive stance that Commissioner Noirin OSullivan ordered her legal Counsel to take.
The email also advises Frances Fitzgerald that if shes questioned about this, she could say that Sgt McCabe is a valued member of the force.
Key new email shows Dept official advising Minister to say 'both the Garda Commissioner and myself have always made it clear that Sgt McCabe is a valued member of the force' in context of query re Commissioner's 'aggressive stance' towards McCabe at O'Higgins Commision in Jul '15 Katie Hannon (@KatieGHannon) November 27, 2017
While the email says the matters are before a Commission of Investigation, it will be seen as the second time Minister Fitzgerald was made aware of the plan to smear Maurice McCabe despite her saying she did not become aware of the matter until a year later.
This new evidence raises the stakes of talks between the Taoiseach and Micheal Martin this evening - less than 24 hours before the motion of no confidence in the Dail is due to be debated.
The material published by the department can be seen in full below:
1. An interim report of a search and retrieval of records (this report is dated 24 November 2017)
2. The final report of the search and retrieval of records (this report is dated 27 November 2017)
3. Two email threads which were discovered in the course of the search and retrieval of records (these have now been sent to the Disclosures Tribunal)
4. A letter from the Disclosures Tribunal to the Department of Justice and Equality (dated 22 November 2017)
5. A report setting out progress on the implementation of the Toland Report
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein says Leo Varadkar is failing his first big test in Government.
The Taoiseach has said he is standing by Frances Fitzgerald and is committed to finding a middle way to allow his minority administration to continue its work.
Sinn Fein deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said the stand-off which threatens to force fresh elections was about accountability.
"Where something as awful as this was allowed to go unchecked and unchallenged somebody has to be answerable for it.
"I regard this as perhaps the first big really substantial test of Leo Varadkar as Taoiseach and so far he is failing.
"The only way he moves from a fail to a pass is to do his job and hold the now Tanaiste and former minister for justice to account and that means her standing down."
Sinn Fein wants Frances Fitzgerald to step down over her handling of the Garda Maurice McCabe whistleblowing saga.
An email advising Ms Fitzgerald of the legal strategy being enforced against Garda McCabe is at the centre of calls for her to go.
Ms Fitzgerald has said she cannot recall whether she read the email at the time but was reminded of its contents recently.
The issues are still under investigation by a disclosures tribunal chaired by Mr Justice Peter Charleton
Ms McDonald alleged: "Perhaps the most powerful agencies of the state took a very deliberate decision to target an individual in an attempt to smear that person, take their reputation, their professional standing and essentially ruin their life and this has been a long-running saga.
"Maurice McCabe was and is a member of An Garda Siochana so if that can happen to somebody who wears the uniform of a garda then it can happen to any citizen arguably and that is an intolerable proposition in any open democratic state.
Maurice McCabe
"The basis of the rule of law and democracy is that people's rights are protected."
Ms McDonald said she had not planned for an election at Christmas time.
"I have a young family.
"No more than anybody else I understand the kind of pressures families are under and the business of the time.
"Fianna Fail and Fine Gael want this to become a discussion around whether or not we should have an election; that is totally wrong-headed that is not what this is about.
"Our motion is not calling for a general election, although we have no confidence in this government.
"Our motion very clearly is setting out the need for accountability that is the issue."
5. A report setting out progress on the implementation of the Toland Report
Update 5.50pm: It is not the right time for the country to go to the polls, says Regina Doherty Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin will meet again this evening in an effort to prevent a Christmas election.
Fianna Fail wants the Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald to resign over the Maurice McCabe controversy and a motion of no confidence is due to take place tomorrow.
If a compromise is not reached between the two parties then the country will take to the polls.
Fine Gael have stood firmly behind Frances Fitzgerald and speaking this evening the Social Protection Minister, Regina Doherty, believes an election can still be avoided.
Regina Doherty
"This particular time in the juncture of negotiations in Europe for Ireland, it is not the right time for the country to go to the polls," said Ms Doherty.
"I think the two leaders who are sitting around trying to find a resolution here will find a political resolution here and allow due process to happen in the Charleton Tribunal and for us all to get back to work and do what we're being paid to do."
The Taoiseach said earlier today he is doing everything he can to avoid a snap Christmas election amid a political row over the treatment of a whistleblower.
Update 3.33pm: Election would delay work to tackle homelessness crisis, minister warns
Efforts to tackle one of Ireland's worst homelessness crises could be delayed if an election is called.
That's the view of Damien English, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, who said an election would be a distraction from other more vital work.
Mr English made his comments as it emerged Leo Varadkar is to hold a new round of talks with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin this evening as he attempts to save his minority Government.
Reflecting on those talks Mr English expressed optimism a pre-Christmas poll could be avoided.
"Nobody will thank us, the people are very clear on this, no matter who you talk to, no matter what party or independents they support.
"Nobody wants an election because we all understand that when you have an election it does delay the work of Government.
Damien English
"It does delay the action we are trying to implement across all the different departments, certainly priority number one is housing and tackling homelessness, and any delay to that is not good for anyone."
A housing charity said it received an "unprecedented" level of calls last year.
A record number of people have been found sleeping rough in Dublin.
A total of 184 were discovered in parks, streets, doorways and shopfronts on November 7.
Some 1,138 families with 2,416 children were in emergency accommodation in or around the capital in September.
Threshold, a housing charity, has urged the Government to strengthen investment in homelessness prevention measures.
It took more than 71,000 calls for help last year - compared with 32,000 in 2015. 14% related to substandard accommodation and another 14% to tenancy terminations.
Mr English said tackling the problem enjoyed cross-party support and a major financial commitment from taxpayers.
He added public representatives were responding and he hoped to build on that following this week's "difficult" time.
"A general election can only be a distraction to that work."
He added: "I am always optimistic but I am a realist too.
"It is a difficult situation for everybody and we have to try to find a solution here but I think it is possible."
He said it was politicians' jobs to find a resolution.
"Tomorrow is deadline day but I have no doubt that Leo Varadkar and Micheal Martin will work very hard to make it happen.
"I am quite confident, but you never know."
He reiterated calls for a focus on the challenges of Brexit and next month's crucial EU summit.
Threshold chairman Dr Aideen Hayden urged the Government to invest in meaningful measures to address private renting challenges.
"Renting continues to be a precarious venture in this country and there is much more the Government should be doing to protect tenants."
Meanwhile, RTE Radio 1 have released a poll which has found 71% do not believe there should be a general election.
Joe Duffy asked Liveline listeners if there should be a general election and if the Tanaiste should resign.
Almost 4,828 people voted in the text poll about the general election while 5,200 people voted in the question about the Tanaiste.
The results were:
Should there be a general election?
Results: Yes: 29% No: 71%
Should the Tanaiste resign?
Results: Yes: 60% No: 40%
Update 2.57pm: Leo Varadkar 'doing everything' to avoid snap election
The Taoiseach has said he is doing everything he can to avoid a snap Christmas election amid a political row over the treatment of a whistleblower.
Leo Varadkar is to hold the latest round of talks with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin this evening as he attempts to save his minority Government.
The negotiations, which could see a radical overhaul of justice affairs, are said to have been constructive.
"We are trying to find a middle way that allows the Government to continue and continue with the important work we are doing, particularly with Brexit and ensuring that we have necessary legislation through," the Taoiseach said.
"We are doing everything we can."
Fianna Fail have demanded the resignation of Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald over her handling of a 2015 email that revealed attempts to discredit Garda whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe at a private Government-ordered inquiry.
If no compromise is reached then it will lead to the collapse of the delicate confidence and supply arrangement that was supposed to see Mr Martin's party support the minority Fine Gael Government until the passage of the Budget in late 2018 and abstain in any no confidence motions against ministers.
The Taoiseach said only Sinn Fein wants an election.
Education Minister Richard Bruton said: "I certainly hope that we can find a solution. I'm long enough in politics to see how bad political decision-making screwed up opportunities."
If Fine Gael and Fianna Fail fail to end the stand-off by Tuesday, a snap pre-Christmas election looms - at a time when ministers are preparing for December's crunch EU summit, when the fate of the Irish border post-Brexit could effectively be determined.
Update 1pm: Latest: Varadkar: 'I have nothing to hide, Fine Gael has nothing to hide'
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has stressed that neither Fianna Fail nor Fine Gael want an election.
He said he is working with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin to come to a resolution.
"I think it's fair to say neither Fianna Fail nor Fine Gael want an election. It seems Sinn Fein is the only party that wants that," he said.
"We're trying to find a middle way that allows the Government to continue, and continue with the important work that we're doing, particularly in relation to Brexit and ensuring the important work that we have the necessary legislation.
"We're doing everything we can."
Mr Varadkar said he and his party have nothing to hide.
"As I always said, and said in the Dail last week, I have nothing to hide, Fine Gael has nothing to hide, nor does the Government and we're not trying to protect anyone. We just want to make sure that there is due process and people are treated fairly," he said.
"Certainly I don't want there to be an election, I don't think it would change anything or achieve anything, particularly at such an important time for the country.
"We'll meet with Micheal Martin this evening and I'll do everything I can to come to a resolution but obviously that must involve due process."
The Taoiseach was speaking after the funeral of former Minister for State, Donal Creed in Macroom, Co Cork.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pictured arriving at the funeral mass of former TD Donal Creed at St. Colmans Church, Macroom, Co. Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan
by Elaine Loughlin
Update 12pm: Negotiations between the Taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin are likely to intensify before tomorrow's no confidence vote, the Finance Minister has said.
Speaking at a housing development in Dublin this morning Paschal Donohoe said Leo Varadkar will also be looking at any options that are open to him to avoid an election that nobody wans."
He said the Taoiseach is taking negotiations "very seriously" and will "do all that is possible to avoid an election taking place".
I dont think any of us can understate how sensitive and how important the negotiations are that are currently under way. They are moving into their fourth day."
Mr Varadkar is due to meet Mr Martin in Cork today for another round of talks to avert a General Election before Christmas.
Mr Donohoe warned that a number of pieces of important legislation including restoration of public sector pay and increases to social welfare payments announced in the Budget still need to be passed by the Dail.
"The Public Pension and Pay Bill is a very good example of the kind of legislation that it's in the best interests of all to have passed before Christmas but Fianna Fail need to understand and I think do, that there are pieces of legislation such as that, such as the Social Welfare Bill such as passing the Finance Bill through the Seanad and then other matters in relation to estimates that need to be passed in the coming weeks.
"This is an election that if it happens will not be in the best interest of ensuring those pieces of legislation are passed."
He added: It is even more apparent now that the country is facing so many challenges and indeed so many opportunities that will need to be dealt with across the month of December and into Janaury.
For all of those reasons, it is imperative that we do all we can we ensure an election doesnt happen but Fianna Fail need to do their bit to.
Mr Donohoe said he "stood fully" by Frances Fitzgerald "at all times she has been a reforming minister who has been absolutely focused on protecting those who need protection and support."
Earlier: Minister Simon Coveney has said there is no attempt to protect Frances Fitzgerald from "the exposure of truth".
He described what he believed was a "fundamental unfairness" by casting judgment on the Tanaiste before the upcoming Tribunal in January.
Mr Coveney described the ongoing controversy as a "difficult political situation to manage".
"There is no attempt here to hide anything or protect Frances Fitzgerald from the exposure of truth," he told RTE Radio One's Today with Sean O'Rourke.
"We believe that Frances is being very unfairly treated and we believe she should not be asked to resign," he said.
"What we have now is a debate around an email. This is a time for cool heads and due process that needs to be allowed to take its course," he added.
He said the role of Minister Fitzgerald and the Department of Justice will be under review in the Tribunal.
"In six weeks' time, we have a tribunal of inquiry investigating the very things that are under discussion from politicians. We believe that any political judgment should be made after that tribunal reports, rather than pre-empting it.
He accepted there was poor management in the Department of Justice but said Frances Fitzgerald was "happy" to appear before the Tribunal and to be politically accountable for the outcomes of the Tribunal.
His comments come as Fianna Fail calls for her resignation amid the ongoing Maurice McCabe email scandal.
The email sent in May 2015 outlined a garda strategy to smear Maurice McCabe at the OHiggins Inquiry.
It also emerged that ex-Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan telephoned a senior official in the department in May 2015 to inform them of her intended legal strategy at the OHiggins Commission in relation to whistleblower Maurice McCabe.
The call is said to have occurred at the time a similar email was received and read by Ms Fitzgerald.
A spokeswoman for the Tanaiste told the Irish Examiner she was not aware of the call at the time.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said talks between Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin had not yet reached an agreement.
A radical break-up of the Department of Justice into two has formed the basis of Varadkar's offering to Fianna Fail in a bid to avoid a general election.
Sources have confirmed that three proposals were tabled, including the radical plans to overhaul the Department of Justice during discussions throughout the weekend.
"There will be ongoing discussions today. The Taoiseach and Fine Fail leader have met a number of times and I think it is true to say that neither party wants an election," he said.
"An election doesn't make sense for the country. We have some huge challenges to overcome, not least in the face of Brexit," he added.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said he believed Fianna Fail had "genuine concerns".
"They want political accountability as well as a process that establishes the truth, and we have to try to figure out a way with them that we can do that," he said.
"We have to work with them so Maurice McCabe can get the justice he deserves," he added.
He said the ongoing discussions between Micheal Martin and Leo Varadkar have been "constructive" but had yet failed to finalise "a package of proposals that can avoid" an election.
The accused in a Louth double murder trial has admitted that he is the man in CCTV footage that the State played for the jury a number of weeks ago.
The 34-year-old Dubliner made the admission to the Central Criminal Court through his barrister today.
Jason ODriscoll, with an address at Richmond Avenue, Fairview, has pleaded not guilty to murdering 31-year-old Anthony Burnett and 25-year-old Joseph Redmond in Co Louth on March 7, 2012.
The trial has heard that firefighters were called to a burning car in Ravensdale Forest Park shortly before 11pm that night.
The bodies of the two Dublin car thieves were discovered inside, with gunshot wounds to their heads.
The jury spent hours watching CCTV footage a number of weeks ago. It was recorded on both sides of the border in the hours and days around the double killing.
One piece of footage showed a man entering a Newry hotel through a rear door and going to a part of the hotel not covered by cameras around 7.45pm on the day of the killings.
The same man was seen leaving that area and exiting the hotel a few minutes later.
Its the States case that phone calls were made to one of the deceased from a payphone in that area of the hotel around this time.
Mr ODriscolls senior counsel, Sean Guerin, today admitted that his client was the man in the hotel footage.
He explained that he was making the admissions on behalf of the accused under Section 22 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
It means the prosecution dont have to prove those things, he said.
Mr Guerin then moved onto footage showing two men entering a chip shop/off licence in Meigh, just north of the border, after 11pm that night.
Its the States case that the alleged getaway car was found abandoned nearby the following morning, having been involved in a high-speed police chase in Newry shortly before the chip shop footage was recorded.
The gentleman in the blue jacket inside Murphys in Meigh is the accused man, said Mr Guerin yesterday.
The jury also saw footage recorded in a Eurospar shop in Newry on March 1, 2, 8 and 9 that year.
Its the States case that mobile phones of interest were topped up there during the times covered.
Mr Guerin admitted that the man in the shop footage on those days was also his client.
Alexander Owens SC then closed the case on behalf of the prosecution and the judge sent the jury away while he dealt with a legal issue.
Legal issues often, if not always, arise at this stage of the trial, he told the eight men and four women, asking them to return tomorrow morning.
The Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has addressed the Dail in the wake of the scandal which led up to Frances Fitzgerald's resignation as Tanaiste.
Read the full script of his speech, provided by the Department of Justice, below:
The Taoiseach must block progress of the Brexit negotiations in December if the UK fails to give a formal written guarantee that there will be no hard border with Northern Ireland, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams has said.
With a pre-Christmas election now averted, Leo Varadkar's focus will be firmly on crucial Brexit negotiations in Brussels on December 14 and 15.
UK prime minister Theresa May has rejected Mr Varadkar's demands for written commitments before trade talks begin to avoid checks on the Irish border, even if it that means Northern Ireland continues to apply EU trade rules while Britain diverges.
This has prompted Mr Varadkar to threaten to veto the start of trade talks at the summit.
Speaking on Tuesday Mr Adams said that Mr Varadkar must use the veto.
"Brexit in British Tory terms is bad for every single person on this island and bad for the economy. We need to be standing very firm. The North needs to be kept in the European Union," the outgoing Sinn Fein President said.
He also said that the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) was "totally irrational and illogical" in their Brexit position and accused them of being "disrespectful that the people of the north voted to remain and that should be upheld".
Referring to the collapse of the Stormont powersharing government, he said even if the Executive was restored the differences between Sinn Fein and the DUP "will prevail".
"If we managed to get the institutions back in place there is a chasm between our position and the DUP position. The DUP ignores the consequences (of Brexit) for people, many of them Unionist people," he added.
President Donald Trump used an event honouring Native American veterans to hit out at Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren, whom he has long derided as Pocahontas.
Mr Trump welcomed three Navajo code talkers from the Second World War to the Oval Office.
He called them "incredible" and "very special people".
During remarks on Monday praising their service, Mr Trump said: "We have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago.
"They call her Pocahontas.
"But you know what, I like you."
Trump made a "Pocahontas" jab at Elizabeth Warren while honoring Native American war veterans pic.twitter.com/tnpC0Urt7X BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) November 27, 2017
The Republican president has repeatedly mocked the Massachusetts senator for claims she has made about being part Native American.
Native American leaders have called Mr Trump's past attacks on Ms Warren offensive and distasteful.
Some Democrats have called the remark racist.
Ms Warren quickly denounced Mr Trump's comments.
"This was supposed to be an event to honour heroes, people who put it all on the line for our country, who, because of their incredible work, saved the lives of countless Americans and our allies," Ms Warren said in an interview on MSNBC.
"It is deeply unfortunate that the president of the United States cannot even make it through a ceremony honouring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur."
The president has long feuded with Ms Warren, an outspoken Wall Street critic who levelled blistering attacks on Mr Trump during the campaign.
He has seized in particular on questions about her heritage, which surfaced during her 2012 Senate race challenging incumbent Republican Senator Scott Brown.
During that campaign, law school directories from the Association of American Law Schools from 1986 to 1995 surfaced that put Ms Warren on the association's list of "minority law teachers" when she was teaching at the University of Texas and the University of Pennsylvania.
Ms Warren said she listed herself with Native American heritage because she hoped to meet people with similar roots.
In a 2012 interview with The Associated Press, Ms Warren said she and her brothers were told of the family's heritage by their parents, the late Don and Pauline Herring.
Mr Brown pressed Ms Warren to release more information about how she described her heritage to potential employers.
Ms Warren said she never sought proof of ancestry because she did not think it was necessary.
AP
Crisis-hit Fine Gael will have all their candidates selected by Thursday if a snap general election is called.
As further revelations emerged around Ms Fitzgeralds knowledge of the campaign to discredit Mauirce McCabe before the OHiggins commission, Fine Gael HQ sprung into action with 18 selection conventions organised for both last night and tonight.
As documents released by the Department of Justice last night revealed Ms Fitzgerald was contacted and given advise on how to respond to any media queries around an aggressive stance taken towards Maurice McCabe at the commission.
Asked if it was not time for Ms Fitzgerald to stand aside one minister last night said: Arguably that time was the start of last week.
What it also raises is how were these emails not given to the tribunal before now, what was the department at?
We should have known about these for a long time, the minister added, suggesting that Ms Fitzgerald would have likely not been reappointed if the emails had been uncovered when the tribunal was set up.
Another minister last night said that he had spoken to a number of his Fine Gael colleagues who were very unhappy, adding that it was now felt she should step down.
He said members were also angry that she had persisted in defending herself even after she had received the latest emails on Friday.
Earlier in the day and before the documents were published, Fine Gael ministers yesterday moved to play down the possibility an election being called in the coming days, with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe claiming the Taoiseach would be looking at any options that are open to him to avoid an election that nobody wants.
He said the Taoiseach was taking negotiations with Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin very seriously and would do all that is possible to avoid an election taking place.
Mr Donohoe warned that a number of pieces of important legislation including restoration of public sector pay and increases to social welfare payments announced in the Budget still need to be passed by the Dail.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney, who on Friday described Fianna Fail as engaging in reckless politics also moved to soften his tone on the matter yesterday.
Admitting both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were in a difficult political position he yesterday called for cool heads; this was echoed by Education Minister Richard Bruton.
Mr Coveney said neither Fine Gael nor Fianna Fail wanted an election, but there was a difficult political situation to be managed.
Fianna Fail is asking for political accountability and that is reasonable, he told RTEs Sean ORourke programme, but added that the Charleton Tribunal was the best place to do this.
Fine Gael had already chosen Noel Rock in Dublin North West along with Josepha Madigan and Neale Richmond in Dublin Rathdown before last week, however, a party spokesman confirmed that in the event of a snap election, the remaining conventions would be completed on Wednesday and Thursday of this week.
Last week, three men were given lengthy sentences for the aggravated burglaries they carried out in April and May of 2012 in Pallasgreen, Co Limerick.
Patrick Roche, aged 53, from Kilcronan Close, Clondalkin, Dublin, and his son, Philip Roche, aged 24, were jailed for 17 years and 15 years respectively.
Patrick Roches son-in-law, Alan Freeman, aged 37, from Pearse Park, Tipperary town, was jailed for 14 years.
In April 2012, the three men broke into the home of Gerry and Anne Garvey, holding the couple and their four children at gunpoint before fleeing with cash.
In May 2012, the Roches broke into the home of elderly siblings Willie, Nora, and Chrissie Creed, assaulting them and stabbing Mr Creed. They subsequently left with money stolen from the Creeds.
Yesterday, the Garveys said they were delighted at the length of the sentences handed down, but asked how men with so many previous convictions were free to terrorise rural dwellers.
At sentencing last week, the court heard that Patrick Roche had 139 previous convictions, Philip Roche had 37, and Freeman had 22.
Patrick Roche and Freeman were on bail at the time the offences took place.
I find it very very difficult to believe that somebody that has 139 previous convictions can be out, said Ms Garvey.
I think the whole system needs to be changed. I think they should be just left there until they get their sentence and then if many months have passed, then that can go off the sentence.
Mr Garvey also expressed his concern for the trials cost to the taxpayer.
One of the things that really galls me is, apart of the huge investment in garda and detective time, is that its estimated that the cost of the trial was over 1m of taxpayers money and to me thats not money well spent, he said.
I think we should go back to the old thing, prevention is better than cure. If even half of that money had been spent on preventive measures, if better things were put into place to help to gardai do their job and support rural communities. I think it would be money better spent.
Mr Garvey said that it was to his horror that he realised that each of the men had a senior counsel and two junior counsel for the trial.
So basically you had nine council represent three defendants against two from the State and, as a taxpayer, I find that absolutely galling, he said. I think everyones entitled to proper legal defence but I think there should be some limits.
Mr Garvey said his children will no longer go out to get turf after dark and they always lock their gate after their ordeal. Ms Garvey said the Creeds have been deeply affected by what they suffered.
Those three people were left for dead, she said.
It was an incredible situation that went on for two, two and a half hours and nearly six years on we dont see them, they dont go out.
I remember bringing Willie Creed home and driving into the farmyard. I met Chrissy and she was snow white. The last time I had seen her she had black hair.
I was shocked but Ive since been told that she doesnt go out, even to Mass. I thought she used to be taken to Mass but that isnt even happening now.
The HSE confirmed the Rare Disease Technology Review Committee has a chair, but no members, and is not expected to be in place before the first quarter of 2018. The setting up of the committee was a key recommendation of the national rare disease plan for Ireland 2014-2018, launched by then health minister James Reilly.
The need for such a committee was highlighted recently at a hearing of the joint Oireachtas health committee where politicians pointed to the difficulties of obtaining state reimbursement for orphan drugs.
The Court of Appeal dismissd the appeal of Dan and Maureen Arnold and affirmed an earlier High Court decision to refuse the Fermoy couple leave to legally challenge the orders and convictions made by the District Court more than two years ago.
Mr and Mrs Arnold were convicted at Fermoy District Court in April 2015 of an offence contrary to the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, that they contravened a lawful requirement under a school attendance notice by failing to cause their daughter to attend Colaiste an Chraoibhin in Fermoy.
Judge Aeneas McCarthy fined the Arnolds, of Regina Pio, Bartlemy, Fermoy, Co Cork, 300 each and imposed a sentence of three days imprisonment in default of payment. The Arnolds denied the charge.
They brought judicial review proceedings against Tusla, the child and family agency, seeking to have the conviction, which they claim is unfair and in breach of their constitutional rights as a family, quashed.
In the High Court, Mr Justice Donald Binchy dismissed all grounds of the action. From the evidence, the judge said he was satisfied the couple had not made an arguable case that their application was likely to succeed at a full hearing.
The three-judge Court of Appeal yesterday affirmed that High Court decision.
Outside court, Mr Arnold said his daughter was now attending college and they would attempt to bring their case to the Supreme Court.
Giving the judgement of the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice Gerard Hogan said it is not disputed that the Arnolds did not pay the fine within the eight-week period and it is accepted that, as a result, both have the immediate prospect of serving a three-day prison sentence unless the convictions are quashed.
Mr Justice Hogan said there was nothing at all to suggest the hearing before the District Court was procedurally deficient and it was clear from the summary of what transpired in the District Court the Arnolds procedural rights were fully protected and had not been infringed.
The issue of who pays the costs of the one-day hearing at the Court of Appeal will be decided on December 13.
The pontiff will also visit Bangladesh, where more than 620,000 Rohingya have fled to escape what Amnesty International has dubbed crimes against humanity.
A Vatican spokesman reported that they discussed the great responsibility of authorities of the country in this time of transition which seems like diplomat-speak for the probability that the Pope raised the genocide of the Rohingya with the general.
A NEW Living Well service has launched on the Isle of Wight.
It offers support for anyone aged 18 and over who may have multiple low level needs requiring support or advice, but who do not meet the criteria to receive adult social care services.
The service has been funded by the Isle of Wight Council through the Improved Better Care Fund and will be delivered by Age UK Isle of Wight, Carers Isle of Wight, People Matter Isle of Wight, and The Way Forward.
The partners hope it will reduce pressure on the hospital and other statutory services.
Age UK's support officers will come up with an action plan for each service user, full of ideas and advice.
People Matter will help set up a fully-costed plan for those who need support from carers. The group will also help people with learning disabilities make housing choices.
The Way Forward will visit people with learning disabilities in their homes and make sure their needs are being met.
Carers Isle of Wight will offer support to carers from their base at St Mary's Hospital.
To find out more, call 525282.
PREMIER Ford has been named one of the UK's Best Dealerships To Work For.
The Newport firm featured in the top 15 list published by Automotive Management, the UK's leading automotive retail business publication.
More than 40 dealerships took part in the inaugural programme and 1,500 employees were surveyed.
The aim of the Best Dealership programme is to raise the bar among industry employers and attract talented staff.
Premier Ford was recognised for providing an outstanding workplace environment that engages staff and allows them to flourish. The company hosts Christmas dances for staff and their partners, and allows them to take days off as 'duvet days' with no prior notice.
Also, 95 per cent of staff receive a monthly bonus based on customer satisfaction and/or department profitability, while they receive further appreciation in the company's annual recognition and long service awards.
The company also held a free health screening for staff with advice given on general health and fitness.
David Rye, managing director of Premier Ford, said: "I am very proud to receive this award, voted for by our own staff. It demonstrates the continuous efforts made across all departments to make Premier Ford a great place to work. Moving forward, our objective remains to have a happy team of staff and, of course, happy customers."
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center reported Monday a more than twofold increase in excess income to $67.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2017-18.
In a not-for-profit organization, excess revenue is analogous to profit in a for-profit organization.
Wake Forest Baptist benefited from a slight core revenue increase, as well as the first financial boost from completing the acquisition of Wilkes Regional Medical Center in July. The system listed a $46.8 million gain on acquisition related to the North Wilkesboro hospital.
Total operating revenue was $686.8 million, up 7.5 percent. That included $647.1 million in net patient services revenue, along with $42.5 million in gifts, grants and contracts and $20.5 million from other sources that feature federal incentive payments for implementing electronic health records.
The system reported having a provision for bad debts of $46.9 million, up from $46.4 million a year ago. The provision has a bottom-line impact on the systems excess revenue.
According to the American Hospital Association, bad debt is defined as services for which hospitals anticipate but dont receive payment from patients who have the financial means to pay.
The system said it experienced improvements in key areas, primarily driven by volume growth in the clinical enterprise, in part from the expansion of ambulatory facilities and the opening of the 50-bed inpatient facility at Davie Medical Center.
Operating expenses rose 7.6 percent to $681.3 million.
Core operating excess revenue was $5.43 million, down 8.2 percent.
Wake Forest Baptist showed a net investment gain of $23 million during the quarter, compared with $22.8 million a year ago. Not-for-profit hospitals depend on investment income to increase their bottom lines and to help pay for capital investments.
Wake Forest Baptist issued the quarterly report on the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Boards website, www.emma.msrb.org. The Emma reports are aimed primarily at bondholders and ratings agencies, and typically are submitted about two months after the end of a quarter.
The system reported a 10.2 percent increase in outpatient cases and a 1.4 percent increase in inpatient cases both representing a trend among hospitals in North Carolina and nationally.
Wake Forest Baptist has 15,325 employees overall. It is the largest employer in Forsyth County at about 12,900, according to the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce.
Winston-Salem police have identified a suspect in connection with a city man being shot Sunday in the abdomen, authorities said Monday.
Jerry Desean Martin, 21, of Stone Mill Drive arrived at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center with a gunshot wound shortly after 3:45 p.m., Winston-Salem police said.
Martin was in critical, but stable condition Monday at the hospital, police Lt. Michael Cardwell said.
Officers determined that Martin was shot in the 300 block of Parkwood Avenue in the city's northern section, police said.
Investigators have interviewed Martin, and police have identified a suspect in the shooting, Cardwell said. Police did not release the suspect's name and no charges have been filed in the case.
The preliminary investigation "indicates that this was not a random act," Cardwell said.
Anyone with information about this incident can call Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800 or its Spanish line at 336-728-3904.
Does our country face a big problem with deficits? Is it a mistake to add to them?
House Speaker Paul Ryan certainly thinks so. Or he used to. In 2010, he told Fortune magazine that the nation was sleep-walking toward a debt crisis, and he foresaw calamity on a grand scale. Within a few years, a sale of government bonds will fail, he said. The capital markets will go crazy, and the Fed and Treasury will run to Capitol Hill demanding a giant bailout. Wow.
He offered much the same view in 2011. We face a crushing burden of debt, which will take down our economy, Ryan predicted. It will lower our living standards.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also once seemed to think it ill-advised to enact a whopping corporate tax cut when the deficit is such an enormous challenge. He said so as recently as last December.
I think this level of national debt is dangerous and unacceptable, McConnell argued. My preference on tax reform is that it be revenue neutral.
Yes, McConnell really said revenue neutral, which usually means offsetting tax cuts with tax hikes elsewhere. He now says that miraculous economic growth will take care of everything.
One other thing McConnell used to believe: that its a bad idea to advance far-reaching initiatives on a partisan basis. In March 2009, the Republican leader said he had hoped that the newly installed President Obama would govern more to the middle. He assailed Democrats for instead intending to do as much as they could on a strictly partisan basis.
This week or next, McConnell will be pressuring Republicans in the Senate to pass a sweeping, 515-page tax bill on, well, a strictly partisan basis. The radical bill would shift taxes away from corporations and the rich to regular folks and would increase the deficit by at least $1.4 trillion.
When it comes to the middle class, by the way, this proposal doesnt even deserve to be called a tax cut. According to the Tax Policy Center, it would leave about half of taxpayers paying more by 2027.
Republicans are lying coming and going. They hold down the sticker price of the bill and minimize its impact on the deficit by having the middle-class tax cuts (but not the corporate reductions) expire. But they insist that future Congresses would keep the middle-class tax cuts in place.
So they are either lying about the deficit, or misleading the middle class.
Ryan has already burnished his standing as a deficit hypocrite by pushing a comparable tax cut through the House. But dont you worry. As soon as Republicans shovel every dollar they can to the people who pay their partys bills, hell dust off those old the-sky-is-falling quotes and warn about the deficits he helped to bloat.
What can stop this duplicitous raid on the federal treasury? A mobilization at the grass roots that tries to muster some of the energy that went into saving Obamacare would be helpful. But in the end, the honor of the Republican Party is in the hands of a small number of senators.
Sens. Bob Corker of Tennessee and Jeff Flake of Arizona have said over and over that (unlike their two-faced leaders) they actually do care about the deficit, even where this tax-cut bill is concerned. If they dont vote against it, they will be enrolling in the Ryan-McConnell Deficit Prevarication Association. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine is as close as there is to a genuine moderate in the Senate GOP. Voting for this utterly immoderate scheme will mean tossing her moderate credentials into a bonfire.
But the man whose voice most needs to be heard is Arizona Sen. John McCains. Over the last few months, he really has been the conscience of the Senate. This summer, he gave a remarkable speech during the Obamacare debate in which he chided the partys leadership for asking us to swallow our doubts and force [the bill] past a unified opposition.
I dont think thats going to work in the end, he said, and it probably shouldnt.
It definitely shouldnt work on this Pay-Off-Our-Donors tax cut. More than anyone, McCain could give Corker, Flake and Collins the heart to follow their convictions.
If found guilty, two teens charged in connection with firing a gun at Winston-Salem police officers should be punished to the full extent of the law. Using firepower against police is unacceptable.
Fortunately, nobody was injured. But as earlier incidents attest, thats not always the case.
Police responded to a report of breaking and entering just before 10 a.m. on Nov. 19 at a house on Ansonia Street, the Journals John Hinton reported last week. When they arrived, they saw two men running away.
They gave chase.
One of the men appeared to have a handgun in his right hand, police told the Journal. And at one point he fired one shot in the direction of the officers.
The two men continued running away, and police lost sight of them. They found the suspects later.
Tristen Tyler McLaurin, 16, was initially arrested and charged with misdemeanor resisting a public officer after an officer accused McLaurin of running away from her as she attempted to question him about being a possible suspect. He was later charged with assault with a deadly weapon on a law-enforcement officer, felony breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and other offenses, according to police and an arrest warrant.
Kquashand Marquis Morgan, 18, was charged with felony breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and misdemeanor resisting a public officer, according to police and an arrest warrant.
Theyre scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 7.
Theres no excuse for breaking into another persons house under any circumstances. But the willingness of anyone to shoot at police officers while attempting to escape is especially troubling.
Our officers work in dangerous times for modest pay.
Most members of the community offer their support, knowing that the police mean us no harm. In fact, they want to keep us all safe.
Police officers face enough danger without people firing at them.
If these young men are found guilty, they deserve the punishment that comes their way.
This December 21, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) will close its doors. Never have so many crimes provoked so much investigative work. Never has a war been so documented, examined and analysed by judicial authorities since the Second World War. Now it is time to analyse the record of this first international criminal tribunal, its successes and failures. This is indispensable, if only to learn lessons for the future of international justice.
What is most striking is the huge gap between judicial truth and the way it resonates in the societies most concerned. With courage, but also with sadness, the ICTY Prosecutor recognizes that those being glorified today are the war criminals and not their victims. This is what has happened again in the last few days with the judgment on Ratko Mladic, sentenced to life imprisonment for genocide but celebrated by some of his people. This is a terrible realization for a form of international justice which took place to the end away from the region concerned.
This failure calls for deeper reflection on the challenge represented by an international courts capacity to get its message across in divided societies. What does this failure mean for 5,000 victims who have testified in the different ICTY trials, many of whom have risked their lives to remind people of past horrors? As a journalist who reported on the war, I remember the worn faces of men, women and children driven from their homes as they descended from buses, the bombs that rained daily on Sarajevo and accounts of torture. I remember the need for recognition and dignity of those who were dispossessed, and the promise of justice that was made to them much too lightly. I remember how General Mladic and Radovan Karadzic were received at the UN in Geneva for the peace conference on former Yugoslavia whilst they were at the same time orchestrating and carrying out a campaign of ethnic cleansing.
Is justice in wartime possible? And when the guns are finally silent, does it resonate when societies remain deeply divided, every community scarred by past violence and obsessed with asserting its own identity because fearful of the future? International justice claims to work in the name of humanity, an ambition which deserves the highest praise. But universality remains an abstraction. What does the failure to stigmatize war criminals in former Yugoslavia mean for the populations of the Central African Republic (CAR), Syria, Yemen and elsewhere? What can they hope for today?
In my life as a journalist and then supporting the mediation processes at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, I have for the last 25 years been hearing in former Yugoslavia, the Central African Republic, Afghanistan, Colombia and elsewhere the unquenchable thirst for justice of victims, their families and the majority of their societies. It is clear it takes time, often a long time, for a terribly imperfect justice to be rendered, and sometimes an even longer time before the record of these crimes is recognized, when the time for reconciliation comes.
The words that touched me most on the act of testifying today in former Yugoslavia were those of Sanja Coric, because she expressed with uncommon force both the limits of justice and its necessity. She, like other women, was raped in 1993 in the Vojno camp, not far from Mostar. Despite constant threats and intimidation, insults from nationalists and fear in her heart, she testified openly. Sometimes I regret having testified, she said. Fear is always with the victims, not with the war criminals. I realized that a witness is like a dusting cloth. You use it to remove the dust and then, when it is no longer needed, you throw it away. But I tell myself that we were also right to testify. We overcame our fear and we have succeeded in erecting one of the greatest monuments. Our monument is not made of stone or of concrete. It is the judgment. This is the record that will remain for future generations.
Latest UN judges uphold 25-year jail term on Bosnian Croat leader Prlic
On November 29, the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) is to hand down its last judgment before closing its doors in a few weeks time. The six accused were already tried by the lower court in 2013 and given prison sentences of 10 to 25 years for 26 counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including persecution, murder, rape and sexual violence, forced displacement and inhuman acts.
These six former top leaders of the self-proclaimed Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia are now being judged on appeal. The most prominent among them is Jadranko Prlic, a brilliant economist and former professor, who was invited to the United States before becoming Prime Minister of this republic that was never recognized. After the Dayton accords that ended the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, he was even Foreign Minister of that country from 1996 to 2001. He and his five co-defendants are accused of having tried during the 1993 war to purge Muslims definitively from the Herzegovina region that they controlled with their armed HVO militia and having set up a network of sinister detention centres.
The verdict of the ICTY Appeals Chamber has special resonance for me because in September 1993, as a journalist for Liberation and the Nouveau Quotidien, I went with delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) into Dretelj camp, one of the worst detention camps in the former Yugoslavia.
Dretelj camp, which figures largely in the ICTY judgment of 2013, was administered by the HVO. Under pressure from the US, Germany and the Vatican, the Croatian government in Zagreb got agreement that the ICRC could free some of the 1,000-2,000 prisoners in Dretelj camp. That was the context in which I accompanied an ICRC team on September 19, 1993 and the following days. Those were terrible days. The ICRC doctor had nightmares that he was Mengele, obliged to proceed with selecting people and deciding who would be freed, and who would be condemned to remain in this deadly camp.
I remember how we brought scales and measuring gear to weigh and measure the prisoners in the camp courtyard, to identify the weakest and ask for their liberation. Most of the prisoners were crushed into a hangar, on top of each other, plunged into an almost permanent semi-darkness. It was during those days that I understood how a civil war can break the fabric of society. Guards and prisoners had sometimes been school friends, played together and grown up together. One of the camp officials knew prisoners of worth often families abroad who might be ready to pay and was hoping to negotiate money in exchange for a promise of freedom.
The ICTYs 2013 judgment in the Prlic case tells of the over-population, hunger, thirst, humiliation and cruel treatment which led to the deaths of two prisoners, and of three others killed when military police shot randomly into the hangar where the prisoners were. The judgment also records how prisoners who did not eat their meagre rations fast enough were forced to lie on burning tarmac and roll on it without their shirts. But the judgment, in its cold and clinical description, cannot convey the atmosphere of fear and death that reigned in that camp, the terrible smell of the hangar, the overcrowding, the emaciated bodies, as we listened to distant gunshots.
Twenty-four years later, international justice is handing down its final verdict. During the first trial from 2006 to 2013, the Court admitted 10,000 pieces of evidence, heard more than 200 witnesses and produced a judgment of 2,629 pages. This mobilization of resources reflects all the ambition but also all the ambiguity of international criminal justice. The war and the atrocities committed in the camps need to be known. But who will read these 2,629 pages written in judicial language? And who will read this appeals judgment? How can we move from recognition by a few experts to recognition by the public at large? The hope of those who dreamed of creating the first international criminal tribunal was that it would contribute to peace and reconciliation. The guns fell silent in Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1995 after the Dayton accords. But it is still a cold peace, conflict over the past continues and nationalism is thriving in Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia and Kosovo.
President Tran Dai Quang welcomes Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (Photo: VNA)
He noted that the years of 2016 and 2017 marked a breakthrough progress in bilateral relations with the Vietnam visit by Slovak Prime Minister Reobert Fico and the Slovakia trip by Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue.
The President expressed his belief that with a series of signed agreements, the relations between the two sides will enter a new flourishing stage.
Holding that two-way trade has yet to meet expectations, he proposed that the two countries enhance the efficiency of the Inter-Governmental Committee on economic cooperation, while increasing exchanges among ministries, sectors, localities and businesses, thus promoting trade and investment collaboration.
Quang also suggested that the two sides work closely to implement the signed agreements, consider the resumption of cooperation in labour, and strengthen affiliation in education and training.
He pledged to create optimal conditions for Slovak firms to invest in Vietnam, especially in energy, infrastructure, environmental protection and food safety.
He also thanked the Slovak Government for supporting the Vietnamese community in the country.
On the occasion, he invited President Andrej Kiska to visit Vietnam.
For his part, Slovak Deputy PM Pellegrini said that he and his entourage had fruitful working sessions with leaders of the Vietnamese Government, ministries and sectors, which are expected to lay foundation for the growth of Slovakia-Vietnam relations in the future, not only in politics but also in economic cooperation, trade and investment.
Slovakia will give safest and most favourable conditions to foreign investors, including those from Vietnam, he said, expressing his hope that Slovakia will become a gateway for Vietnamese products to enter the European market.
He said that in the coming time, Slovakia will appoint Le Hong Quang, who is the current Charge daffaires of Slovakia to Vietnam, as the ambassador to Vietnam.
Pellegrini also vowed that the Slovak Government will give best conditions for Vietnamese citizen living in the country.
He told his host that on the occasion of Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hues visit to Slovakia in September this year, the Slovak Government built and inaugurated a bronze plate in Home Saliby town of Trnava province where President Ho Chi Minh visited 60 years ago./.
The event is being held by Vietnam News Agency to celebrate the 55th anniversary of relations and the 40th year since the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty.
Cutting ribbon to open the exhibition
Visitors to the exhibition (Photo source: tienphong.vn)
The exhibition, titled "Vietnam - Laos relations forever stronger than mountains and rivers, features the traditional friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.
It will run until November 30th.
A similar exhibition will be held in Vientiane in Laos in December by Vietnam News Agency and Lao News Agency./.
As part of the campaign Creating a Sustainable Future Together, this is an opportunity for the Southeast province to present to the public the new development stage of the Binh Duong Smart City Scheme, serving as a forum for domestic and international Smart City experts to discuss action plans, the next steps of Binh Duong and international cooperation towards Triple Helix model of the Netherlands Eindoven city.
Photo for illustration
The Triple Helix model is based on the view that three-way interactions encourage innovation while providing a balance between knowledge, social benefit and profit motivations.
This years Summit included five key events: Plenary session, Exhibition, Hackathon, Science Conference, and Business Conference.
With our combined expertise and opportunities, we Dutch and Vietnamese partners from Binh Duong and Brainport Group of Eindhoven (the Netherlands) can inspire others in both nations. Convinced of our combined strength, we the Dutch partners look forward to see Vietnam join an even wider community of smart city partners, via involvement in the Global Smart City and Community Coalition, said Ms Nienke Trooster, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Vietnam.
Last year, the first event attracted a large number of participants and exhibitors on high technology applications, connecting Government, business and academia; offering an opportunity for parties to demonstrate modern scientific and technological applications and come up with new forms of linkage.
Binh Duong expects to find many partners to share long-term aspirations for a dynamic, prosperous and sustainable city./.
November 28, 2017
Lincoln, Neb. The 2017 Nebraska Soybean Day and Machinery Expo will assist soybean producers in planning for growing season. The expo is 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Dec. 14 in the pavilion at the Saunders County Fairgrounds in Wahoo.
The expo opens with coffee, doughnuts and the opportunity to view equipment and exhibitor booths. Speakers start at 9 a.m. and include university researchers and specialists, Nebraska Soybean Checkoff representatives, soybean growers and private-industry representatives.
"We are bringing back Jason Norsworthy due to the popularity of his presentation last year," said Nebraska Extension Educator Keith Glewen, who coordinates the expo. "This year he is going to focus on a topic that has gained widespread attention and is on the mind of most growers dicamba."
Norsworthy is the chair of weed science at the University of Arkansas. He will discuss issues associated with dicamba use, including likely causes for non-target damage based on field observations of weed scientists across the United States. Norsworthy will highlight research on off-target movement of the new, lower-volatility formulations of dicamba. He will also provide input on ways to minimize the likelihood for damage from off-target dicamba movement.
Also on the agenda is Michael Swanson, a Wells Fargo agricultural economist. Swanson believes growing top-yielding soybeans requires the right inputs. His talk will focus on getting crop metrics right.
Chris Proctor, weed management educator with Nebraska Extension, is a strong proponent of measuring herbicides accurately for successful weed control in soybeans. He will discuss how accurate measurements are often overlooked in the big picture of herbicide resistance.
Other expo topics include an update on the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff and association information; visits with representatives from seed, herbicide, fertilizer and equipment companies; and viewing of new farm equipment.
A complimentary lunch will be served at noon.
Registration is available at the door the day of the expo. Registration is free, but the Saunders County Soybean Growers Organization requests donations of one or more cans of nonperishable food to the food pantry.
For more information about the program or exhibitor details, call 800-529-8030 or email kglewen1@unl.edu. Information is also available at https://enre.unl.edu/nebraskasoyexpo.
The program is sponsored by Nebraska Extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Nebraska Soybean Board, Saunders County Soybean Growers Organization and private industry.
Keith Glewen
Extension Educator
Nebraska Extension
800-529-8030
kglewen1@unl.edu
This article originally appeared on IANRnews.unl.edu:
KEARNEY Millions of dollars in construction is unfolding or planned at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and its all taking place as the University of Nebraska system is tangling with an almost $50 million funding gap.
UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen said UNK is absorbing its share of the funding gap about $5.4 million over the next two fiscal years but the money for the new buildings is coming from different buckets than the operational expenses that will be targeted as spending cuts and efficiencies unfold.
We cant take donations for scholarships to pay the light bill, Kristensen told the Kearney Noon Rotary Club on Monday during an update on building projects on campus and the funding gap. Kristensen said funds earmarked for construction must be spent on construction, while funds for operations are for faculty salaries, building maintenance and other day-to-day expenses.
Often, donors specify that their gifts provide scholarships or help with brick-and-mortar projects, he said. If my banker loaned me money for my home, he wouldnt want me spending it on a boat.
The chancellor said much of the $2 million funding gap UNK must absorb in fiscal 2018 is being covered by tapping cash reserves and by hiking tuition 5.4 percent. Tuition will rise by 3.2 percent in fiscal 2019, but thats when real spending reductions kick in.
Some of the spending adjustments will be death by a thousand cuts, he said.
Task forces are searching for strategic cost reductions across the NU system, Kristensen said. The goal at UNK will be to reduce costs while maintaining academic quality, protecting mission-critical functions, enhancing enrollment and implementing the strategic plan.
UNK and other NU campuses have already implemented a hiring freeze, curtailed travel and cut mileage reimbursement, and are reviewing all campus functions, programs and faculty.
Students are key to making the university work, and so is the high quality of faculty we have, he said.
Kristensen talked about some of the construction unfolding at UNK:
University Village will nearly double the size of the UNK footprint when its complete in 20 years. The first phase is the $16 million Village Flats student housing. Funding for the 99-unit residence hall is from $12 million in revenue bonds and $4 million from a UNK surplus fund.
The $6.4 million early childhood education center will cater to UNK employees and the community. Education majors will benefit from exposure to children from many backgrounds, Kristensen said. If youre going to be a master teacher, youre going to need experience with at-risk children.
The $30 million, 80,000-square-foot STEM Building will combine teaching spaces for science, technology, engineering and math. Plans for the structure were revealed last week. It will replace the Otto Olsen Building, which was identified for replacement in 1998 when Kristensen still was serving in the Nebraska Legislature.
Kristensen also told Rotarians about UNKs plans to offer a major in cybersecurity. UNK plans to collaborate with the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which has a certified cybersecurity program.
If you havent had your phone or computer compromised, you will, he said.
KEARNEY A Kearney man has been convicted of having felony sexual contact with a child.
Scott Slack, 52, pleaded no contest last week in Buffalo County District Court to two counts of third-degree sexual assault of a child between Feb. 18 and March 7. The charge accuses him of having sexual contact with a child who is 14 years of age or younger.
In exchange for Slacks pleas, the Buffalo County Attorneys Office reduced the charges from one count of felony sexual assault of a child, which carries a higher penalty.
Details of the incident are sealed.
A no contest plea is neither an admittance nor denial of guilt, but the plea is treated the same as a guilty plea.
Judge Bill Wright accepted Slacks pleas, and the state probation department will do a presentence investigation report, including a psychological and sex offender evaluation. Those findings including background information on a defendant, family and criminal history, employment, and psychological and chemical dependency help the judge issue an appropriate sentence.
Sentencing will be in January. Slack faces up to six years in prison.
Late this morning, Slack remained at the Buffalo County Jail on 10 percent of a $50,000 bond, or $5,000.
@HubChic
PLEASANTON Pleasanton sixth-grader Kaden Keaschall let out a loud, fake burp after a pretend dinner in Lisa Fishers sixth-grade class last week.
Though belching isnt considered socially acceptable in American culture, Kaden, son of Julie Keaschall of Pleasanton, demonstrated to his class that burping after a meal is considered a compliment to the cook in China.
The demonstration was part of a Junior Achievement class about the Global Marketplace led by Pleasanton businessman Kyle Cruise.
After watching a Junior Achievement session last year at a Kearney Public Schools elementary school, Pleasanton Superintendent Jeff Vetter adopted the curriculum this year for the Pleasanton third- through eighth-grade classes. Pleasanton Public Schools is now part of the Kearney Junior Achievement Chapter.
Vetter said business volunteers from the community teach the lessons, which help students understand the business world, including financial literacy.
I just think that financial literacy is a huge piece that we dont do or havent done a great job of it in the past, Vetter said.
At Cruises second of seven sessions, he taught the 22 sixth-graders etiquette and cultural differences from around the world.
You dont want to be the slob at the table, he told the students. It might hurt the sale.
In order to make a profit, Cruise, an employee of Phillips Insurance Agency and a private certified public accountant, said businesses also need to understand their global customers wants and needs. Cruise said he went through a two-day cultural etiquette training while he was working for a Lincoln firm.
Other children demonstrated South African dinner etiquette by sitting cross-legged with shoes off and looked at the floor while eating and conversing. It is rude to make eye contact during the meal.
Joseph Eaton, son of Brian and Tammy Eaton of Pleasanton, said his favorite lesson was learning how to properly greet someone in Thailand with the hai. He and Jesse Winberg, son of Travis Winberg of Hazard and Chris Winberg of Omaha, placed their palms together at their chests and bowed toward each other during a demonstration to their class.
Pleasanton Town & Country Bank Vice President Dave Fullton just finished teaching fifth-graders basic business concepts. In the Our Nations chapter, Fullton taught the kids about business concepts, including competition, quality control, cost of goods, and human, capital and natural resources.
Fullton took a step outside of the lesson plan and taught the fifth-graders how to get quotes on materials to build a desk. The students determined the cost to build the desk would be $200. To add an understanding of competition, Fullton asked to the classroom to explain what he would do if a competitor offered him a desk for $190.
He (Vetter) says, Well you know I have the responsibility to the taxpayers. He is as frugal as possible, Fullton said. So that was really, really good for them (the students) to think, Oh, OK. We might be able to build this, but we might not be able to sell it.
However, because of the internet, Fullton told the students they could sell the desk anywhere in the world.
Their eyes just light up, like, Huh, I dont just have to sell something in Pleasanton or Buffalo County. I can sell something anywhere in the country or anywhere in the world. That was really neat, Fullton said.
From the sessions, fifth-grader Addison Nilsen, daughter of Tony and Kayla Nilsen of Hazard, said she learned how to properly obtain a bank loan as a businessperson.
Its important to make a good impression so they can trust you.
Its the same if you have good grades and you have a good reputation, she explained of how to build trust. And, like, thats how he knows he can trust you.
Vetter said he will review teacher and student comments to determine whether he will continue with Junior Achievement next year, but as of now he said he has heard great feedback.
Fullton said he had a ball teaching the fifth-graders on a level that they understand.
I think some of these things will really stick with these kids, he said.
@erikadpritchard
Close to 70 UNL faculty members say in a letter that Gov. Pete Ricketts and others want to subject the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to ideological intervention.
An incident at the university on Aug. 25 has given conservatives in the state an opportunity to attack UNL, the letter says. In the incident, a conservative student was called a neo-fascist and flipped the bird by a UNL graduate student-lecturer.
The professors say Ricketts and some state senators tied to the governor have leveraged a single campus interaction into a sustained attack on UNL.
One of those who signed the letter, emeritus professor David Moshman, said some professors worry that UNL Chancellor Ronnie Greens job is in jeopardy.
Moshman said he has been startled by the force of the episode.
Ive never seen such a serious external attack on UNL in the 40 years Ive been here, said Moshman, an emeritus professor of educational psychology and president-elect of the Academic Freedom Coalition of Nebraska.
State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard was one of three state senators who have questioned, in writing, whether the university welcomes conservative students and whether UNL could conduct a legitimate investigation into an incident involving a conservative student.
Erdman said he and State Sens. Steve Halloran of Hastings and Tom Brewer of Gordon want people of all political views to be treated with respect.
After reading the faculty letter, Erdman said Monday night, We must be on the right track. Im glad theyre listening.
Moshman said some professors worry about Chancellor Greens ability to remain at the helm because he initially only put a letter in the graduate student-lecturers file. That individual, Courtney Lawton, was subsequently removed from the classroom, but the reason given was concern for her safety and that of her students. More recently, Lawton was informed that she wouldnt be invited back after her contract expires at the end of the school year.
The student, Kaitlyn Mullen of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, faced scorn from Lawton and several other grad students or professors on Aug. 25 as she recruited students for Turning Point USA, a conservative group.
Mullen said she was escorted home in tears by campus police.
The issue has become a rallying point for some conservatives across the state.
Erdman said he wasnt pushing to have Green fired.
Thats up to Hank Bounds, Erdman said. Bounds is president of the NU system. Bounds spokeswoman said Monday night that Bounds has complete confidence in Chancellor Green.
Bounds and Green recently announced that they have stepped up their vigilance on the issue. For instance, a Gallup survey will be done on the NU campuses to assess the treatment of students of various political viewpoints.
Ricketts spokesman on Monday night issued a statement that read, in part: The August incident has highlighted concerns about the liberal bent of academia. The University of Nebraska has an opportunity to set itself apart as a public university that fosters spirited debate and a supportive learning environment for students across the political spectrum.
The professors letter also expresses concern that NU administrators may bow to state leaders pressure. Administrators must categorically reject political interference in the good work being done at UNL, the letter says.
Less than two weeks ago, Green wrote a piece saying that a university is a place for the melding of free speech, tolerance and respectful behavior.
Finding the right balance isnt always easy. Sometimes, we come up short. August 25 was one of those times, he wrote.
Two UNL public relations people have resigned, citing differences of opinion with the NU system over emails related to the incident. In the emails, the staffers discussed how they could spin the situation into a more favorable depiction of UNL.
The professors letter says the reaction to the Aug. 25 incident has greatly surpassed the scope and import of the initial incident.
The letter says the faculty members and retired professors worry that serious harm will be done to UNL.
We believe it is imperative to express our alarm now, before irrevocable damage is done to the mission of the university and the value it contributes to the state of Nebraska.
With the fifth round of negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement, Nebraskans whose livelihoods are tied to agriculture are nervous. Uncertainty surrounding the pact between the United States, Canada and Mexico from which President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to withdraw has caused Mexican buyers to begin searching for other sources in case they lose access to the U.S. producers theyve long trusted.
If Trump truly wants to put America first, as he reiterated during his recent visit to Asia, hed be best served by doing so in a manner that protects the financial interests of Americas farmers and ranchers, whose output benefits the country as a whole particularly at a time of strain in their industry.
Canada and Mexico have been the biggest customers of American farm commodities, with the Washington Post reporting agricultural exports more than quadrupled from $8.9 billion in 1993 to $38.1 billion in 2016.
For as much as Trump frets about and equates a trade deficit as being unfair, giving short shrift to agriculture would only compound matters. Nebraska alone recorded a $2.8 billion trade surplus in 2016, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with $6.4 billion in goods exported more than half sold to Canada and Mexico compared to $3.6 billion in imports.
Without the market access to Canada and Mexico, the current slump in U.S. agriculture would be even worse. High supply has depressed commodity prices. NAFTA has mitigated the slump, at least somewhat, by making it easy to export within the continent.
And, in a state where agriculture supports one in four jobs, pulling the rug out from the leading industry couldnt be worse.
Nebraskas personal income has declined by 0.3 percent through the first two quarters of 2017, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts. The country as a whole, meanwhile, has seen 1.3 percent growth in that time. Among the 10 states to see declines, seven are in the central U.S.; Colorado and Missouri are the only states bordering Nebraska to report growth.
This spring, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue convinced Trump not to withdraw from NAFTA by showing him an electoral map, Politico reported. With farm and ranch country being among the presidents most loyal strongholds, a move to leave the pact could endanger the livelihoods of many who supported Trump.
The president must heed Midwesterners concerns about the potential damage a senseless exit from NAFTA would do to agriculture.
Lincoln Journal Star
FILE - In this Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012 file photo, Meghan Markle arrives at USA Network and The Moth's "A More Perfect Union: Stories of Prejudice and Power" Characters Unite storytelling event in West Hollywood, Calif.. Palace officials announced Monday Nov. 27, 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are engaged, and will marry in the spring. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles, File)
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for the media in the grounds of Kensington Palace in London, Monday Nov. 27, 2017. It was announced Monday that Prince Harry, fifth in line for the British throne, will marry American actress Meghan Markle in the spring, confirming months of rumors. (Eddie Mulholland/Pool via AP)
The Italian official made the comment when he was received by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi on November 28th. He is visiting Vietnam to attend the 4th session of the Vietnam-Italy Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation.
PM Phuc applauded the success of the 4th session of the Vietnam-Italy Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation and the Vietnam-Italy Business Forum, and recommended the two countries intensify economic and trade cooperation in a bid to lift up bilateral trade.
While suggesting Italian firms increase investments in Vietnam, PM Phuc said the Vietnamese Government will create favourable conditions for Italian investors.
He listed a number of spheres for bilateral cooperation, including tourism, green technology, transport, and infrastructure and stressed the need to open a direct air route between the two nations.
PM Phuc urged both sides work closely to implement the 2017-2018 action plan on strategic partnership, continue organising strategic diplomatic and defence dialogues, and carry out activities marking 45 years of diplomatic ties.
The PM said Vietnam expects Italy to help speed up the EUs signing and ratification of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
Scalfarotto said his delegation included 130 businessmen from 60 top Italian companies who are looking for investment and cooperation opportunities in Vietnam.
The exchange of high-ranking delegations between the two countries showed Italians attention to Vietnam, he said, adding that the official signing of the EVFTA would stimulate economic, trade, and investment relations between the EU and Vietnam as well as between Italy and Vietnam./.
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Several Quebec women are seeking permission to file a class-action lawsuit against Just For Laughs co-founder Gilbert Rozon for alleged sexual assault. Rozon accepts the prestigious Icon Award at the 2017 Canadian Screen Awards in Toronto on Sunday, March 12, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power
A view of Vietnams stall at the fair
This was the 4time the Vietnamese Embassy in Greece joined the annual fair, in which typical cultural products, handicrafts, tourism publications, art performances and traditional foods were introduced at 60 stalls by embassies from different countries and some Greek organizations, attracting thousands of visitors.
In Vietnams stall, some typical handicraft products such as conical hats, silk scarves, embroidered pictures, pottery and proclaim products, rattan and bamboo products, together with diverse publications introducing the country and people of Vietnam as well as its traditional festivals, were on display.
Earlier, the Vietnamese Embassy in Greece made thorough preparations for the fair, contributing to developing the image of a friendly Vietnam in Greek and international friends hearts.
After the fair, all money collected from selling products was presented to The Friends of the Child to assist disadvantaged Greek children./.
Dancers perform during the opening of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad, India, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. The event Ai co-hosted by the United States and India and attended by U.S. presidential adviser and daughter Ivanka Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ai runs from Nov. 28-30. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Ambassador, officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos donate to support flood victims (Photo: VNA)
The Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung on November 25th called upon all officials and staff of the embassy and agencies besides the embassy, overseas Vietnamese community and businesses to donate to help domestic flood victims overcome the consequences of storm Damrey. This is the third fund-raising effort the embassy has launched this year and it will last until December 1st.
As of 12pm of November 25th, the Embassy collected USD6,830. Previously, the overseas Vietnamese community in Laos donated over USD10,000 to help domestic people to overcome the consequence of storm No.10.
***On November 24th, the Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico organized to donate to support victims of storm Damrey.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Hoai Duong called upon the overseas Vietnamese community in Mexico to actively support domestic people to overcome the consequences of the storm.
On this occasion, he also thanked the overseas Vietnamese in Mexico for making practical contributions to support domestic people to overcome consequences of natural disasters in recent years.
***On November 24th, the Vietnamese Embassy in China organized to donate to support people in Vietnam to overcome difficulties caused by storm Damrey.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi called upon all officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy, representative offices, businesses and communities in China to support and share difficulties with people in natural disaster-affected areas to soon stabilize their lives and restore production.
This is the fourth time in 2017 the Vietnamese Embassy in China has donated to support people affected by natural disaster in the homeland./.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga addresses his supporters in Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in for a second term Tuesday in what some hoped would be the end of months of election turmoil, but violence continued, with at least one person killed as police fired rifles and tear gas to break up an opposition gathering. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)
Vietnam's stall at the fair (Photo: vov.vn)
This is an annual fair to raise funds to support children in difficult circumstances. This years fair was participated in by more than 40 foreign representative agencies and local agencies, organizations and businesses.
At the fair, Vietnams stall attracted the attention of the diplomatic corps and visitors with traditional handicraft products such as brocade, rattan products, palm-leaf conical hats and unique art forms such as Dong Ho, silk and lacquer paintings, and water puppetry. Visitors were also impressed with traditional dishes of Vietnam.
Some visitors who had travelled to Vietnam exchanged with Vietnamese students at the stall and expressed their love for the country and people of Vietnam. Many local people, who had never been to Vietnam, also expressed their desire to travel and visit throughout the nation.
This is a meaningful cultural exchange activity, enhancing the cohesion between the Embassy and the local country, and helping promote the Vietnamese culture to Turkish people and international friends./.
Photo for illustration (Source: dantri.com.vn)
The event attracted over 70 overseas Vietnamese and French friends. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tong, Deputy Head of UGVF and Head of project "Towards Vietnam with the Nhip Cau Nhan Ai (compassionate bridge) program, said that the association collected over VND100 million.
Over the past years, UGVF has implemented many projects to support domestic people in various fields such as healthcare, education, society and economy.
According to Mr. Tong, most of the projects that UGVF implements need collaboration of Vietnamese and international organizations and associations, and the support of local administrations in Vietnam, such as long-term scholarship fund for more than 600 children in difficult regions such as Quy Nhon city, Lao Cai, Ha Tinh, and Dak Lak provinces; re-building Kim Dong school in the leper village in Quy Hoa, Quy Nhon city, as well as rehabilitation house for Muong Khuong General Hospital in Lao Cai province.
Currently, the Nhip Cau Nhan Ai program is carrying out two important projects: continuing to create additional 100 long-term scholarships for children in Lai Chau and Tien Giang provinces; and raising funds to buy seawater-to-fresh-water filter systems for soldiers on islands.
In the future, UGVF plans to set up a rehabilitation centre for children with disabilities in Huong Son district, Ha Tinh province./.
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
The potential for real tax cuts in the United States for both corporations and individuals, along with the fact that today North Korea fired a ballistic missile towards Japan in their latest act of aggression, had little effect on current gold pricing.
According to multiple news sources, North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile today. Apparently, this missile flew higher than any of their previous tests and flew for over 50 minutes.
According to the Pentagon, they believe that the test involved an intercontinental ballistic missile that traveled approximately one thousand kilometers before it crashed into the Sea of Japan.
According to the White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the president was briefed on this event while the missile was still in the air. She also stated the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe convened a meeting of cabinet officials. Also revealed was the quick response from the South Korean military which involved firing a test missile of its own.
This certainly ratchets up the recent calmer waters in the Korean Peninsula.
Added to this is the fact that the Republicans are attempting to initiate a major tax overhaul by the end of the year. Recently the Senate Budget Committee voted to send a tax bill to the Senate floor. According to Bloomberg Politics, voting on this bill could begin as early as Thursday. Last month the House passed its own tax cut measures, and it is now up to the Republican Senate to complete the task.
Although these significant events could have a dramatic impact on the price of gold, nothing could be further from the truth. As of 415 PM Eastern standard time, gold futures are currently trading in a tepid range, trading down $0.60 on the day to be presently fixed at $1293.80.
Spot gold has less of a net change on the day and is fixed at $1293.90, which is a net change of -$0.10 on the day. On closer inspection this -$0.10 is a combination of $4.40 of gains attributable to buyers bidding up the precious yellow metal, and -$4.50 due to dollar strength, according to the Kitco Gold Index (KGX).
Although there is a tepid and almost muted response to current events, dont count either out yet. The reality is that either of these two events could dramatically influence a major change in gold pricing. An escalation regarding the North Korean conflict would of course spike gold higher, whereas the passing of a real and concrete tax cut would be incredibly supportive of the U.S. dollar thereby putting gold under pressure.
For those who would like a deeper analysis, simply use this link.
Wishing you as always, good trading,
(The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters.)
* GRAPHIC: China's imports of U.S. crude vs. Brent premium over WTI: By Clyde Russell
LAUNCESTON, Australia, Nov 27 (Reuters) - The shifting dynamics of China's crude oil imports show the scale of the challenges facing the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies ahead of a decision on whether to continue with production cuts.
The detailed Chinese customs data for October illustrates trends that should give pause for thought to the leaders of OPEC and its allies, particularly major exporter Russia, ahead of the meeting in Vienna on Nov. 30.
Market share is the big issue for shippers to China, the world's largest crude importer, and there are two strands to the problem.
The first is that the import data shows how China has been able to develop new relationships with oil exporters fairly rapidly, reducing reliance on some traditional suppliers from OPEC.
The second is that it appears that the burden of reducing exports, at least as far as China is concerned, isn't being shared remotely equally by members of OPEC and their partners in output cuts.
This imbalance raises the chance that an extension to the overall output cuts first agreed a year ago will prove ineffective as some parties to the deal are tempted to export more in a bid to retain, or expand, market share.
U.S. EXPORT SURGE
China's imports from the United States neatly encapsulate the dilemma that OPEC and its allies have in dealing with the challenge of rising U.S. exports on the back of the boom in shale oil. China imported about 206,900 barrels per day (bpd) from the United States in October, the second-highest monthly amount on record since this trade flow started late last year.
Granted, that level of shipments doesn't seem to present much of a threat to top suppliers Russia and Saudi Arabia, whose exports to China in October stood at 1.09 million bpd and 1.08 million bpd respectively.
But it represents a huge increase in less than a year, with China's imports from the United States going from virtually zero in 2016 to a monthly average of some 135,000 bpd in the first 10 months of the year.
It also seems that U.S. exports are going to keep increasing in coming months, and quite strongly, according to vessel-tracking data compiled by Thomson Reuters Oil Research and Forecasts.
The shipping data show that China's November U.S. imports should be around 242,000 bpd, based on six cargoes that have already been discharged at Chinese ports.
In December, they may rise to 379,000 bpd as the vessel-tracking data shows six cargoes already underway, all of them Very Large Crude Carriers with around 2 million barrels per ship.
FROM NON-ENTITY TO SERIOUS PLAYER
At a figure getting fairly close to 400,000 bpd, the United States would likely become China's seventh largest supplier of crude, something that becomes much more than just a nuisance as far as the big guns of Saudi Arabia, Russia, Angola, Iran and Iraq are concerned.
The rise of non-traditional crude exporters to China such as the United States, Brazil and even Great Britain may also cause some of those countries trying to re-balance the market through output cuts to think more about preserving market share.
Producers such as Russia and Saudi Arabia ship to numerous countries, but the China data shows that as far as exports there are concerned, some OPEC countries and their partners appear to be doing more than others.
China imported 1.04 million bpd from Saudi Arabia in the first 10 months of the year, an increase of just 1 percent from the same period last year.
Over the same period China bought 1.19 million bpd from Russia, up 16 percent, and 1.04 million bpd from Angola, a jump of almost 18 percent. Those two countries have overtaken Saudi Arabia as the top suppliers to China so far this year.
While Russia and Angola may be cutting exports to other buyers, they have certainly worked to boost market share in China, with both achieving growth rates above China's overall 11.8 percent increase in crude imports in the first 10 months.
The other major Middle East exporters have, similar to the Saudis, been more restrained in exporting to China, with imports from Iran up 2.2 percent and Iraq by 1.6 percent.
If OPEC and its allies are going to extend their output cuts of 1.8 million bpd beyond the current March expiry, the key to success will be ensuring compliance.
If some exporters are complying more enthusiastically than others, the deal risks gradually falling apart.
Put another way, how happy will Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq be at seeing their allies Russia and Angola exporting more to China, as well as watching emerging rivals like the United States and others chip away their share of the China crude market?
(Editing by Richard Pullin)
SHANGHAI, Nov 28 (Reuters) - China's securities regulator has suspended approval of Hong Kong-focused mutual funds, according to the industry newspaper China Fund, potentially slowing the pace of Chinese money into Hong Kong stocks.
New funds with "Hong Kong" in their names - which rules dictate must allocate at least 80 percent of their portfolio into Hong Kong-listed stocks - have seen their approvals suspended by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), China Fund said on its website, citing two unidentified fund sources.
The move could delay the launch of 59 products that are backed up in the queue, although funds that invest less than 50 percent of their portfolio in Hong Kong will not be affected, according to the newspaper, which is affiliated with the official People's Daily.
The sources, who were notified by the CSRC, said the body did not explain why it was suspending Hong Kong-focused funds. But they speculated that regulators may hope to cool fervor in a market that has soared over 30 percent this year, aided by Chinese money inflows, according to the newspaper.
(Reporting by Samuel Shen and John Ruwitch; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
HANOI, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0403 GMT.
November 28 USD/VND mid-point 22,428 USD/VND interbank 22,713/22,718 USD/VND unofficial 22,740/22,760 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.42/36.64
Interbank offered rates Overnight 0.5-1.1
1 week 0.6-1.4
1 month 1.9-2.5
3 months 4.2-5.0
NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.
One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.
For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .
For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
David Morgan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump summoned Senate Republican tax-writers to the White House on Monday to urge passage of a sweeping tax bill that congressional fiscal analysts said separately would balloon the federal budget deficit by $1.4 trillion over a decade.
As Republicans rushed to bring the bill to a Senate vote, possibly as soon as Thursday, the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT), a nonpartisan unit of Congress, said it would not have time to do a full analysis of it, but estimated it would expand the $20-trillion national debt.
Overhauling the tax code is seen by Republicans as their last chance to score a significant legislative achievement in 2017, which would save them from facing the voters next year with little to show for nearly a year in power in Washington.
Since Trump took office in January, he and his fellow Republicans have passed no major legislation in Congress, despite controlling both its chambers and the White House. Trump has quarreled publicly with several key Republican senators.
Before he met with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch and four others from the panel, Trump took to Twitter to advocate for last-minute changes to the tax bill as a way to improve benefits for businesses and middle-class Americans.
Trump tweeted: The Tax Cut Bill is coming along very well, great support. With just a few changes, some mathematical, the middle class and job producers can get even more in actual dollars and savings and the pass through provision becomes simpler and really works well!
The Senate plans to vote on its tax overhaul package this week, Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn told reporters.
Despite this sunny outlook, some senior lawmakers still had reservations about the bill and its impact on the deficit and debt, on healthcare and on small businesses.
Senate Republican leaders did not appear on Monday to have enough votes to pass the legislation, with about a half-dozen Republicans viewed as potential no votes.
The number of Americans with health insurance would decline by 13 million by 2027 under the bill, which would repeal an Obamacare rule requiring many people to have health insurance or pay a fine, the JCT and the Congressional Budget Office said.
Republican Senator Bob Corker, a prominent fiscal hawk, has said he would support deficit-financed tax cuts only if they boost the economy enough to generate offsetting new revenues.
But because of the bills fast-track schedule, an official JCT estimate of that dynamic will not be promptly available.
The Senate bill would slash the corporate tax rate to 20 percent from 35 percent after a one-year delay. It would impose a one-time, cut-rate tax on corporations foreign profits, while exempting future foreign profits from U.S. taxation.
The bill would give small business owners a 17.4 percent tax deduction, while also lowering rates for individuals, including top earners, and repealing the Obamacare individual mandate.
Critics noted the measure would raise taxes on some families and potentially make health insurance unaffordable for people with medical conditions.
The Republican-led House approved its own tax bill on Nov. 16. The 100-seat Senate was a graveyard earlier this year for Republican efforts to dismantle Obamacare, former President Barack Obamas signature health insurance law.
As they did in the Obamacare fight, Democrats were likely to oppose Trump and the Republicans on the tax bill, which the Democrats call a giveaway to the rich and corporations. That would mean Republicans, with a 52-48 Senate majority, can lose no more than two of their own lawmakers to pass the bill.
In a positive sign for Trumps agenda, Republican Senator Rand Paul said on Monday he would support the bill. Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski has also signaled support.
White House legislative director Marc Short said Republicans were considering making minor changes to the bill.
Were working to satisfy all the members of the Senate so we can get the most yes votes as possible, Short told Fox News. Weve had conversations with pretty much each and every one of them throughout the Thanksgiving holidays. They have some policy concerns but they are all looking to try to get to yes.
Additional reporting by Makini Brice, Susan Heavey and Tim Ahmann; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh, Dan Grebler and Susan Thomas
NEW YORK, Nov 27 (Reuters) - UnitedHealth Group Inc on Monday said it expected earnings to grow around 5.5 percent to 8.5 percent in 2018.
The company said it expected adjusted net earnings in the range of $10.55 a share to $10.85 a share next year on revenue of $223 billion to $225 billion. It expected net earnings of $10 to $10.30 a share.
UnitedHealth earlier this year said it was comfortable in achieving a Wall Street consensus for adjusted earnings of $10.84 even as it planned for a 75 cent per share headwind from the reinstatement of an industry wide 3 percent tax on health premiums. (Reporting by Caroline Humer and Michael Erman; Editing by Andrew Hay)
(Adds detail, comments on steel, copper outlook)
MELBOURNE, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Top global miner BHP Billiton Ltd said on Tuesday it will drive further cost cuts across its Australian business, and forecast strong price support from China for steelmaking raw materials.
BHP will target $1.6 billion in productivity gains at its Australia iron ore, copper and coal units over the next two years, Minerals Australia President Mike Henry told a briefing in Adelaide.
"By sharing knowledge and replicating best practice across our global portfolio, we've been able to substantially reduce unit costs at our Australian mining operations over the last five years. But we have further to go," he said.
In a bullish outlook, the company said prices for iron ore and metallurgical coal could rebound sharply before February as buyers look to replenish stocks.
"While steel production in China will fall in the short term due to the mandated winter cuts and this could impact short term demand for iron ore and met coal ... record margins means competition for premium quality raw materials is high," Vice President of Marketing Vicky Binns told the investor call.
"There remains a risk that before February next year we could see a sharp recovery in steel prices and raw materials prices as well."
Binns said Beijing's focus on compliance with environmental regulations means that structural reform would continue to support premiums for high quality raw materials.
China's belt and road initiative will drive an extra 150 million tonnes of steel demand, driven by $1.3 trillion of infrastructure development, she said.
In copper, the short-term outlook was supported by a shortage of concentrates, Binns said, after several disruptions at mines and the potential for work stoppages over wage agreements in Chile and Peru into 2018, as well as changes to China's scrap import regulations.
BHP forecast an additional 700,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate would be produced between now and 2020, while China would add 1.5 million tonnes of copper capacity by 2020, alongside capacity expansion in India.
"There just doesn't seem like enough copper concentrate to go around," she said.
China's blanket import ban on a type of assembled copper scrap from the end of 2018 could also lead to a "leakage" of around 100,000 tonnes of copper in 2018 and more than double that in 2019.
"China will be faced with a shortage for copper concentrates and a shortage of imported scrap, so it will need to provide for its growth in demand by importing more blister, anode and cathode and that is good for cathode premiums and for the copper price overall." Further out, demand from electric vehicles and renewables was set to drive copper consumption, she said.
(Reporting by Melanie Burton in Melbourne and Shashwat Pradhan in Bengaluru; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Richard Pullin)
CONAKRY, Nov 28 (Reuters) - A two-day skirmish between Guinean and Malian villagers over control of a gold mine that straddles the countries' joint border killed at least 17 people, a government official in Guinea said on Tuesday.
Villagers in both countries lay claim to the zone's rich underground deposits, which have lured thousands of people to work in unregulated small-scale mines along the border.
Artisanal gold mining, conducted with rudimentary tools, is a key source of income in both Mali and Guinea, but poses numerous safety risks, including frequent mine collapses.
"There are five dead on the Guinean side and 12 dead on the Malian side," said Cheick Mohamed Diallo, prefect of the town of Mandiana in eastern Guinea.
A witness on the Guinean side of the border said the villagers fought each other with firearms and bladed weapons. The fighting has ceased, local resident Cheikh Keita said, but the situation remained tense on Tuesday.
A similar incident occurred in February 2015, when Guinean miners killed three Malian nationals in a fight over a gold discovery.
(Reporting by Saliou Samb; Writing by Sofia Christensen; Editing by Aaron Ross and Richard Balmforth)
LONDON, Nov 28 (Reuters) - The Bank of England has challenged figures from the European Union's banking watchdog that showed a big drop in EU banks' exposures to Britain since the Brexit vote.
The European Banking Authority said on Friday that the banks had cut their exposures to assets in Britain by more than 300 billion euros ($356.55 billion) since June 2016, the month Britain voted to leave the EU. A big chunk of the drop was due to a pullback in derivatives, the EU agency said.
Jon Cunliffe, a deputy governor at the BoE, said on Tuesday the Bank was looking at the EBA numbers.
"We haven't seen a large impact of that sort," Cunliffe told a news conference.
The apparent drop may be due to the value of sterling falling since the Brexit vote, Cunliffe said.
($1 = 0.8414 euros)
<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ GRAPHIC- European banks' exposure to Britain ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Huw Jones. Editing by Jane Merriman)
TOKYO, Nov 28 (Reuters) - The Bank of Japan returned to a net profit in the first half of fiscal 2017 as a weak yen boosted the value of the central bank's foreign assets, and its capital adequacy ratio improved.
The BOJ's holdings of exchange-traded funds (ETF) surged in April-September and unrealised earnings from these holdings rose to a record, which could fuel calls for the central bank to slow ETF purchases to avoid manipulating underlying share prices.
Profits from the central bank's government bond holdings fell for the second year in a row as its aggressive stimulus pushed down yields.
The BOJ had a net profit of 550.2 billion yen ($4.95 billion) in the six months that ended in September, its earnings showed on Tuesday.
That compared with a net loss of 200.2 billion yen in the same period a year earlier, which was the first loss in four years for the April-September period.
The bank's capital adequacy ratio was 8.12 percent at the end of September, up from 8.07 percent at the end of March. The BOJ considers a capital adequacy ratio of 8.0 percent the minimum needed to maintain financial health.
In April-September, the BOJ's ETF holdings soared 62.2 percent to 15.8 trillion yen, following a 56.6 percent jump from first half of the prior fiscal year.
Unrealised profits on ETF holdings, or the difference between the current price and the purchase price, stood at a record high of 4.3 trillion yen at the end of September, according to a BOJ official.
The central bank began purchasing ETFs in 2013 to lower risk premiums as part of its quantitative easing programme. Some economists say these purchases are no longer necessary because Japanese stocks have rallied to a near 26-year high this year.
The BOJ is buying Japanese government bonds (JGB) to keep 10-year yields around zero as part of its easing programme.
In April-September, the BOJ's JGB holdings rose 9.6 percent from a year ago to 435.9 trillion yen, or around 40 percent of all JGBs.
Earnings from JGB holdings were 597.2 billion yen in April-September, compared with 628.4 billion yen in the same period a year ago. ($1 = 111.23 yen)
(Reporting by Stanley White; Editing by Richard Borsuk)
(Adds details, updates prices to close)
* TSX ends down 12.48 points, or 0.08 percent, at 16,029.64
* Seven of the TSX's 10 main groups move lower
By Alastair Sharp
TORONTO, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index slipped on Tuesday, weighed by a fall in Bank of Nova Scotia shares after the firm agreed to buy a bank in Chile, and as investors were rattled after North Korea fired a ballistic missile.
* The Toronto Stock Exchange's S&P/TSX composite index ended down 12.48 points, or 0.08 percent, at 16,029.64, the lowest close since Nov. 20.
* It had risen as high as 16,085.95, but lost ground in afternoon trade after North Korea launched a missile that landed close to Japan. * The overall fall was in contrast to record closing highs on Wall Street. U.S. investors were cheered by progress for a tax cut bill, strong consumer confidence data and encouraging comments from President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Reserve. * Seven of the Canadian index's 10 main sectors ended lower, although most retreats were minor and decliners only just outnumbered advancers overall.
* Bank of Nova Scotia fell 2.1 percent to C$81.73 after Canada's third biggest bank agreed to buy Spanish lender Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA's stake in BBVA Chile for $2.2 billion. Bank of Nova Scotia's quarterly earnings, released at the start of the Canadian bank earnings season, also missed expectations. The financials group slipped 0.2 percent.
* The consumer discretionary group added 0.9 percent, with auto parts maker Magna International Inc up 2.1 percent at C$70.44 and discount store chain Dollarama Inc up 0.9 percent at C$164.80 after Eight Capital raised its price target on the stock to C$185 from C$150.
(Reporting by Alastair Sharp; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Leslie Adler)
(Removes reference to Hungryhouse in paragraph 6, which is being bought by Just Eat not Delivery Hero)
By Sophie Sassard
LONDON, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Germany's Delivery Hero reported a 60 percent jump in third-quarter revenue on Monday, showing no let up in pace of growth of takeaway food apps.
UK rival Just Eat is poised to join Britain's prestigious FTSE 100 stock index, with its market value overtaking that of supermarket group Sainsbury's and highlighting how new internet firms are disrupting traditional businesses.
For the first nine months of the year, Delivery Hero's revenue was up 64 percent to 384.4 million euros ($458.6 million). Third-quarter revenue totalled 137.9 million euros.
The loss-making company, backed by German tech investor Rocket Internet and South African e-commerce giant Naspers , said it now expected full-year revenues to be at the top end of its guidance range of 530-540 million euros.
It reiterated a goal to break even in terms of adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) in 2018 and make a profit on that basis in 2019.
Delivery Hero, whose competitors also include Deliveroo, UberEATS and Amazon, has grown into a global company thanks to a string of deals.
Delivery Hero shares floated in June at 25.50 euros apiece. At 1110 GMT, the stock was up 1.4 percent at 38.67 euros.
($1 = 0.8382 euros)
($1 = 0.7493 pounds)
(Gdynia Newsroom; Editing by MarkPotter)
ATHENS, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Piraeus Bank turned loss-making in July-to-September, as higher provisions for impaired loans compared to the previous quarter offset an increase in net interest and commission income, Greece's largest lender by assets said on Tuesday.
Piraeus, which is 26.2 percent owned by the country's bank rescue fund HFSF, reported a net loss from continued operations of 19 million euros ($22.58 million) after a net profit of 7 million euros in the second quarter.
The group, with a current market value of 878 million euros, said bad debt provisions rose 20 percent quarter-on-quarter to 312 million euros.
Non-performing loans eased to 36.2 percent of its book at the end of September from 37.1 percent in the previous quarter.
(Reporting by George Georgiopoulos)
ATHENS, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Greek private sector bank deposits increased in October, resuming a four-month rise that was paused in September, central bank data showed on Tuesday, with balances remaining at 14-year lows.
Business and household deposits rose to 123.68 billion euros ($147.12 billion) in October from 122.57 billion in September, their lowest level since November 2003.
Greek banks have seen small deposit inflows over the space of more than two years after the country clinched a third bailout to stay in the euro zone in July 2015.
While they remain dependent on central bank borrowing to plug their funding gaps, banks have reduced their exposure.
"In October, deposits of the private sector increased by 1.03 billion euros, compared with a decrease of 47 million in the previous month, while the annual growth rate stood at 4.6 from 4.3 percent, unchanged from the previous month," the Bank of Greece said.
(Reporting by George Georgiopoulos)
ZURICH, Nov 28 (Reuters) - HNA Group Chairman Adam Tan is mulling a public offering and listing in Switzerland of shares in the Chinese conglomerate's Swiss airline caterer Gategroup Holding AG , the subsidiary said on Tuesday. Gategroup, purchased by HNA last year for $1.5 billion amid a debt-fuelled acquisition spree, said in a statement that the SIX Swiss Exchange is being considered as a potential listing location. Swiss regulators are currently evaluating what they call partially untrue or incomplete information given by the Chinese group during Gategroup's takeover in 2016, including any impact on minimum price rules and best price regulations. (Reporting by John Miller Editing by Greg Mahlich)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
JERUSALEM, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Israel Securities Authority (ISA) Chairman Shmuel Hauser will step down on Jan. 15, 2018 after 6-1/2 years as markets regulator, the ISA said on Tuesday. It noted that Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon has nominated Anat Guetta, who most recently was chief executive of proxy advisory firm Entropy Financial Research, to replace Hauser.
(Reporting by Steven Scheer)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
* Gulf oil firms traditionally didn't need to borrow
* Low oil prices pushing them to explore new funding options
* Oversupply destabilising ties between producers, buyers
* PXF loans strengthen those ties, provide security to lenders
* Oman has done two deals, others done on bilateral basis
By Davide Barbuscia
DUBAI, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Oil companies in the Gulf are increasingly looking at raising debt through trade finance structures as a way to provide extra security to lenders amid low oil prices and to serve oil buyers by guaranteeing them access to future shipments, bankers say.
Since oil prices collapsed in 2014, national oil firms in the Gulf - traditionally so cash-rich that they didn't need to borrow - have turned to new funding methods, including bond issues. Meanwhile, excess oil supply has made producers more willing to earmark future shipments for specific buyers.
"The oil market has turned into a buyers' market because of excess supply," said Emre Karter, head of treasury and trade solutions for the Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey at Citigroup.
"This means that all oil-producing nations and majors have now to offer more for their buyers. So more and more we're engaging in forms of receivables finance and trade finance arranged by the seller, a phenomenon not seen for decades in this part of the world."
In pre-export financing, loans are secured by export contracts covering the deliveries of the underlying commodity over a certain period of time, in quantities that allow producers to meet their debt obligations.
Petroleum Development Oman raised a $4 billion, five-year PXF loan from a syndicate of banks in 2016, while Oman Oil secured a $1 billion, five-year PXF loan in September this year.
Similar deals have occurred in other Middle Eastern countries over shorter tenors and between an oil producer and a single bank, several bankers said. They declined to name the institutions.
"We are seeing a change. A lot of the national oil companies are looking at pre-export financing structures and, beyond Oman, we are working with some of our clients in the region on that," said Sunil Veetil, regional head of global trade and receivables finance at HSBC.
Commodity producers in Russia and other countries in the ex-Soviet CIS region have regularly used this type of financing. In 2017 alone, around $7.5 billion of PXF loans have been raised in that region, Thomson Reuters data shows.
While the Omani PXF loans were large, they may be dwarfed by future such deals from the Gulf, some bankers argue. That is because giants such as Abu Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) and Saudi Aramco have begun borrowing large amounts this year.
ADNOC raised a $6 billion loan this month in addition to a $3 billion project bond for one of its subsidiaries in October. Aramco issued Islamic bonds worth the equivalent of $3 billion in the Saudi market this year.
Bankers said Middle East oil majors were likely to consider PXF loans as a way to cement relationships with customers as long as the global oil market faced the risk of excess supply from U.S. shale producers and other sources, threatening to destabilise long-term links between producers and customers.
"Middle Eastern oil producers are increasingly more supportive of seller-supported receivable finance or pre-export finance arrangements," said Naveed Sultan, global head of treasury and trade solutions at Citigroup.
"This is a rather new trend in the geography given the market environment, and one which helps maintain long-term, continued relationships between buyer and seller."
(Additional reporting by Tom Arnold; Editing by Andrew Torchia and Hugh Lawson)
ABUJA, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Nigeria's central bank said on Tuesday it had injected $210 million into the interbank foreign exchange market, extending efforts to boost liquidity and alleviate dollar shortages. The bank said in a statement it had released $100 million earmarked for the wholesale market, $55 million for small businesses and individuals, and $55 million for certain dollar expenses such as school fees and medical bills.
(Reporting by Paul Carsten; Editing by Gareth Jones)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
Kevin Dietsch-Pool/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Hours after North Korea engaged in its first missile test in over two months, President Donald Trump pledged that the United States "will take care of it."
The comment came in remarks to reporters at the White House Tuesday after North Korea launched a ballistic missile 2,800 miles into space for an estimated 50 minutes, a U.S. official said.
The North Korean test was the country's 15th missile launch of the year and its third test of an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Other administration officials were quick to issue reactions of their own, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson whose spokesperson labeled the test a "disappointment," but left open the possibility of a diplomatic solution.
"The DPRKs relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them must be reversed. Together the international community must continue to send a unified message to North Korea that the DPRK must abandon its WMD programs," read a statement from Tillerson, adding, "Diplomatic options remain viable and open, for now. The United States remains committed to finding a peaceful path to denuclearization and to ending belligerent actions by North Korea."
Negotiation with North Korea was likely on the minds of other cabinet officials during the country's 75-day missile testing drought.
National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster shared a similar sentiment on Nov. 2 when he addressed reporters at the White House briefing room.
"I think we have to be a little patient here for at least a few months to see what more we and others can do, including China," McMaster said. "I don't think we need to reassess our strategy now. I think we have to give it a couple of months, a few months, and then see what adjustments we might need to make."
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Christine Kim, Mark Hosenball
(Reuters) - North Korea fired a ballistic missile that landed close to Japan on Wednesday, the first test by Pyongyang since a missile fired over its neighbor in mid-September, officials said.
North Korea launched the missile a week after President Donald Trump put North Korea back on a U.S list of countries that Washington says support terrorism. The designation allows the United States to impose more sanctions, although some experts said it risked inflaming tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Japans government estimated that the missile flew for about 50 minutes and landed in the sea in Japans exclusive economic zone, Japanese broadcaster NHK said. An Aug. 29 missile fired by North Korea that flew over Japan was airborne for 14 minutes.
South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said Wednesdays missile was fired from Pyongsong, a city in South Pyongan Province, at around 1817 GMT over the sea between South Korea and Japan.
Minutes after the North fired the missile, South Koreas military conducted a missile-firing test in response, the South Korean military added.
The Pentagon said it had detected a probable missile launch from North Korea.
We detected a probable missile launch from North Korea. We are in the process of assessing the situation and will provide additional details when available, Pentagon spokesman Colonel Robert Manning told reporters.
Leading Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun quoted an unidentified government official as saying the missile did not cross over Japan and it fell into the Sea of Japan or on the Korean peninsula.
The White House said U.S. President Donald Trump was briefed while the missile was still in the air.
South Korean news agency Yonhap, citing South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the missile flew to the east and the South Korean military was analyzing details of the launch with the United States.
U.S. stocks pared gains after reports of the missile launch. The S&P 500 index was up half a percent in midafternoon.
Two authoritative U.S. government sources said earlier that U.S. government experts believed North Korea could conduct a new missile test within days.
After firing missiles at a rate of about two or three a month since April, North Korea paused its missile launches in late September, after it fired a missile that passed over Japans northern Hokkaido island on Sept. 15.
The U.S. officials who spoke earlier declined to say what type of missile they thought North Korea might test, but noted that Pyongyang had been working to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of hitting the United States and had already tested inter-continental ballistic missiles.
Last week, North Korea denounced Trumps decision to relist it as a state sponsor of terrorism, calling it a serious provocation and violent infringement.
Trump has traded insults and threats with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and warned in his maiden speech to the United Nations in September that the United States would have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea if forced to defend itself or its allies.
Washington has said repeatedly that all options are on the table in dealing with North Korea, including military ones, but that it prefers a peaceful solution by Pyongyang agreeing to give up its nuclear and missile programs.
To this end, Trump has pursued a policy of encouraging countries around the world, including North Koreas main ally and neighbor, China, to step up sanctions on Pyongyang to persuade it to give up its weapons programs.
North Korea has given no indication it is willing to re-enter dialogue on those terms.
North Korea defends its weapons programs as a necessary defense against U.S. plans to invade. The United States, which has 28,500 troops in South Korea as a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean war, denies any such intention.
Reporting by Christine Kim in Seoul, Linda Sieg and William Mallard in Tokyo, Mark Hosenball and Tim Ahmann in Washington; editing by Dan Grebler and Grant McCool
(Reuters) - North Korea fired a ballistic missile, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported on Wednesday, citing South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff. The missile flew to the east and the South Korean military is analyzing details of the launch with the United States, South Koreas joint chiefs said, according to the report. Two authoritative U.S. government sources said earlier that U.S. government experts believed North Korea could conduct a new missile test within days, in what would be its first launch since it fired a missile over Japan in mid-September. Reporting by Tim Ahmann in Washington; additional reporting by Mark Hosenball in Washington; editing by Dan Grebler
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
OSLO, Nov 28 (Reuters) - The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund's proposed multi-billion dollar divestment from oil and gas stocks will take many years to complete, Chief Executive Yngve Slyngstad told reporters on Tuesday. The $1 trillion fund, the world's largest of its kind, proposed on Nov. 17 to drop oil and gas stock from its index, but needs approval from Norwegian authorities to do so. (Reporting by Gwladys Fouche, editing by Terje Solsvik)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
By Marc Jones
LONDON, Nov 28 (Reuters) - The University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English speaking world, is planning to sell its first bond in the coming days armed with a newly-minted triple A credit rating.
Teaching since 1096, Oxford has hired U.S. investment bank J.P. Morgan to raise at least 250 million pounds ($331.83 million) in what is expected to be an ultra-long 100-year bond.
Individual Oxford colleges have issued debt in the past but this planned sale, which will be marketed in London and Edinburgh this week, would be the university's first as a whole.
Rating agency Moody's assigned Oxford a 'triple A' rating on Tuesday ahead of the anticipated deal, matching the top grades of slightly younger UK rival Cambridge and top U.S. institutions like Harvard and Stanford.
The rating reflected "Oxford's position as a world-leading research institution, attracting significant funding and leading academics," Moody's said, "in addition to the University's strong balance sheet with a large endowment and low leverage."
If the bond sale goes as planned, it would have the longest duration of its kind and add to a series of debt issuances from UK universities in recent years which have seen levels of government funding drop.
A number have also given shrill warnings that the UK's split from the European Union could hurt their finances if they are no longer allowed to be part of lucrative European research projects and it becomes harder to keep or attract staff.
Oxford, which topped a Times global university ranking for the first time last year, was one of those. "To be honest we're really quite worried about it," its vice-chancellor Professor Louise Richardson said at the time. One coincidence of Oxford's timing meanwhile is that it comes as the UK government is trying to raise funding to cover some of the costs of the student loans it gives to UK learners.
The plan to re-package some 3.7 billion pounds of student loans via securitisation -- an instrument famously used to repackage sub-prime mortgage loans in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis -- was expected to be launched earlier this year but was put on hold when Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap election. ($1 = 0.7534 pounds)
(Reporting by Marc Jones, Additional reporting by Abhinav Ramnarayan and Julian Baker of IFR, Editing by William Maclean)
MOSCOW, Nov 28 (Reuters) - The Russian banking sector has felt no substantial impact from bailout of two major private banks and has enough foreign currency at hand to pay back foreign debt, the central bank said on Tuesday.
The banking sector in Russia was shaken in late August when the central bank said it would rescue Otkritie, then Russia's largest private lender by assets. The rescue of another major lender, B&N Bank, followed less than a month later.
"Problems of these credit institutions had no substantial impact on the banking sector as a whole," the central bank said in a quarterly report on financial stability.
The central bank said Otkritie and B&N had run risky business models over the past three years while also taking part in the financial rehabilitation of other lenders.
The central bank said the banking sector now has enough liquidity in foreign currency to live through the next debt repayment peak in December, when banks and companies will have to redeem $15.7 billion worth of outstanding debt.
Foreign debt repayment has been in focus since 2014 when Russian banks lost the ability to borrow abroad cheaply because of Western sanctions designed to punish Moscow for its role in the Ukrainian crisis and annexation of Crimea.
"Risks related to a possible deficit of foreign currency liquidity remain at low levels," the central bank said.
Outlining risks to financial stability, the central bank said cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin, could pose such threats.
Bitcoin, the most well-known virtual currency, which emerged in mid-2010, is increasingly popular worldwide as it promises substantial profits. One bitcoin rallied towards $10,000 this week , up from its initial price of less than $1.
The task for national regulators is to minimise risks related to cryptocurrencies and limit possibilities of risky transactions and investments, the central bank said.
Russian authorities have repeatedly said they are concerned by the globally developing world of cryptocurrencies and pledged to regulate this market. "There are risks that cryptocurrencies could be used for money laundering and financing of terrorism," the central bank said.
Among other risks to financial stability, the central bank mentioned a possibility of another decline in prices for oil, Russia's key export, given uncertainty around the restoration of supply and demand balance on the global crude oil market.
(Reporting by Andrey Ostroukh and Elena Fabrichnaya; Editing by Catherine Evans)
BELGRADE, Nov 28 (Reuters) - The Serbian central bank sold euros on the local interbank market on Tuesday to stem losses of the dinar, dealers said.
The bank stepped in as the dinar traded at 119.88 to the euro or 0.47 percent weaker than the previous close. After the intervention the dinar recovered to a rate of 119.62 to the euro. A day earlier the bank also sold 45 million euros.
Dealers say that the weakening of the dinar could be linked with the demand for the euro after government on Nov. 16 announced the issue of its first dinar and euro-denominated savings bonds to bolster the Serbia's domestic debt market.
(Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
NEW YORK, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Shining a brighter light on the $14-trillion market for U.S. Treasuries is a priority for regulators because public transparency makes for smoother trading and a stronger platform, a top Federal Reserve official said on Tuesday.
The comments by New York Fed President William Dudley could suggest that regulators are leaning toward releasing in some way the vast pool of trading data from broker-dealers, including patterns or "flows," they have collected since the summer. That in turn could harm banks' secrecy and help electronic trading firms and funds looking for an information edge.
"A continuing priority will be increasing data transparency to all market participants and to the public in a manner that supports-and does not harm-market liquidity and integrity," Dudley said in kicking off a conference co-hosted by the New York Fed and the U.S. Treasury.
(Reporting by Jonathan Spicer Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
ISTANBUL, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Here are news, reports and events that may affect Turkish financial markets on Tuesday.
The lira stood at 3.9075 against the U.S. dollar at 0512 GMT, little changed from a close of 3.9050 on Monday.
The yield on the benchmark 10-year bond was at 12.67 percent in spot trade on Monday, down from 12.94 percent a day earlier.
The main BIST 100 share index rose 0.21 percent to 104,759.74 points on Monday.
GLOBAL MARKETS
Asian shares stepped back from decade highs on Tuesday as Chinese stocks stumbled for a second straight session, while the U.S. dollar trod water ahead of a crucial Senate vote on tax reform. Investor confidence in China has been dented by rising bond yields as Beijing steps up its crackdown on shadow banking and other risky forms of financing. Higher borrowing costs threaten to squeeze corporate profits. ERDOGAN
President Tayyip Erdogan will address a parliamentary group meeting of his ruling AK Party (0830 GMT). Opposition parties will also hold group meetings in parliament.
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING
Erdogan will chair a meeting of the national security council (1200 GMT).
U.S. IRAN SANCTIONS TRIAL
Mehmet Hakan Atilla, an executive from Turkish state-owned Halkbank , will be the only person on trial in a U.S. case on charges of conspiring to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran. Turkish gold trader Reza Zarrab, who has been the focus of the case, will not go on trial this week, a development which Turkey has suggested means he has reached a plea deal with U.S. authorities. WEAPONS FOR SYRIAN KURDISH FORCES
The Pentagon said on Monday it was reviewing "adjustments" in arms for the Syrian Kurdish forces that have angerered Turkey, but it stopped short of halting weapons transfers, suggesting such decisions would be based on battlefield requirements. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders subsequently said the United States plans to reduce military support for groups fighting Islamic State in Iraq and Syria but that does not mean Washington will stop all aid to those groups. ECONOMIC CONFIDENCE INDEX The Turkish Statistics Institute will announce the economic confidence index for November (0700 GMT).
BOSPHORUS SUMMIT
Turkish officials including the energy, economy and tourism ministers will speak at the Bosphorus Summit in Istanbul (0600 GMT).
For other related news, double click on:
Turkish politics Turkish equities Turkish money Turkish debt Turkish hot stocks Forex news All emerging market news All Turkish news For real-time quotes, double click on:
Istanbul National-100 stock index , interbank lira trading , lira bond trading (Writing by Daren Butler)
(Adds quotes, details)
DUBAI, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Air Arabia's Jordanian subsidiary has been operating as a charter airline since the start of the month after suspending its scheduled services over a traffic rights row in the country, its chief executive said on Tuesday.
Air Arabia is locked in a traffic rights dispute with Jordanian authorities due to its subsidiary Air Arabia Jordan unable to get permission to launch new flights from the country.
Air Arabia Jordan, based in Amman, is managed and 49 percent owned by Sharjah-based Air Arabia , the United Arab Emirates' only listed airline.
Air Arabia Jordan is a small operation with only one aircraft in its fleet, an Airbus A320.
Air Arabia Chief Executive Adel al-Ali said on Tuesday that the inability to add new flights had meant that Air Arabia Jordan was no longer commercially viable in its current business model.
"Once we get the sufficient traffic rights to the places we think are viable ... we would be looking forward to reinstating our business in Jordan and growing it," he told reporters in Dubai at an industry conference.
The traffic rights issue only applies to the Jordanian subsidiary, and would have no impact on the bottom line of Air Arabia, or its ability to fly to Jordan, Ali said.
(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell, editing by Louise Heavens) Keywords: AIR ARABIA JORDAN/
(Adds TCI, LSE, more Carney quotes)
LONDON, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Bank of England Governor Mark Carney said he was "mystified" by the row over the departure of London Stock Exchange Chief Executive Xavier Rolet given that a succession plan had been decided.
The LSE said on Oct. 19 that Frenchman Rolet would step down by the end of 2018, a move viewed by many at the time as consensual.
But hedge fund TCI, an LSE shareholder, has since said that Rolet was being forced out and has ordered a shareholder vote to oust LSE Chairman Donald Brydon over his handling of Rolet's exit.
Last week TCI founder Christopher Hohn called on the BoE and the Financial Conduct Authority to intervene in the dispute and appoint a new chairman for the LSE. Carney, speaking at a news conference, said he wanted clarity "as soon as possible", but appeared reluctant to stop Rolet's departure.
"In some respects I'm a bit mystified by the debate because we knew about the succession plan. We've stayed close to the situation," Carney said.
"I can't envisage a circumstance where the CEO stays on beyond the agreed period and so I think it's in the interest of all parties involved that clarity is provided as soon as possible."
The LSE Group is a core part of the financial market's infrastructure for clearing derivatives in particular, Carney said.
"It's incredibly important not just to UK, not just to European, but to global derivatives markets," Carney said.
"I think Xavier Rolet, the CEO of the LSE has made an extraordinary contribution over the last nine years I guess as CEO. Everything comes to an end."
TCI and LSE had no immediate comment.
The LSE is due to hold a shareholder meeting before year-end to vote on TCI's proposal. The exchange has said it will issue a circular to shareholders to make an informed decision at the meeting.
(Reporting by Huw Jones, editing by Andy Bruce and Susan Fenton)
(Adds details)
By Raquel Castillo
MADRID, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Imprisoned former vice-president of Catalonia Oriol Junqueras and three other jailed members of his ERC party will abide by a ruling giving Madrid control over the region, their defence lawyer said on Tuesday.
Junqueras and seven other former members of the Catalonia regional cabinet were jailed on Nov. 2 pending trial, accused of sedition, rebellion and misappropriation of funds after the local government declared independence from Spain.
Catalonia's secession drive has tipped Spain into its worst political crisis in decades and prompted Madrid to sack the Catalan government, led by Carles Puigdemont, and call a regional election for Dec. 21.
The acceptance of Madrid's rule over the region could prompt the Supreme Court to overrule the decision to hold the defendants in custody while they await trial, and release them in time to campaign for the election.
All four jailed ERC members - Junqueras, former foreign affairs chief Raul Romeva, justice affairs head Carles Mundo and work chief Dolors Bassa - have been named as candidates in the election.
The defendants did not agree with the application of Article 155, which stripped the regional government of its power after the secessionist ruling, but accepted it, their lawyer said in a statement to the Supreme Court.
"My charges accepted, and accept, the application of 155 ... but have done so from a position of deep political and judicial discrepancy," the lawyer said.
The lawyer added that the statement does not mean that they renounce their political convictions.
Former leader of Catalonia Puigdemont, who has been in self-imposed exile in Belgium since declaring independence, said on Saturday the election would be most important in the region's history.
Turnout for the election is expected to reach a record 80 percent as the deeply divisive issue of the region's secession prompts participation from both sides.
Less than a quarter of Catalans want to continue with a plan to claim independence from Spain, according to a poll published in El Pais newspaper on Monday. However, the same poll showed the vote evenly split between pro- and anti-independence parties in the upcoming regional election.
(Reporting by Raquel Castillo; Writing by Paul Day; Editing by Sonya Dowsett; Editing by Peter Graff)
(Updates with background, context)
ISLAMABAD, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Pakistan's federal cabinet has approved borrowing of up to $3 billion via a Eurobond and sukuk, but the government would "most likely" raise only $1.5 billion, a senior Pakistani government official told Reuters on Tuesday.
Pakistan is likely to split the fund raising equally between the Eurobond and sukuk depending on the rates, the official added.
Reuters had reported in August that Pakistan was looking to raise $500 million to $1 billion in debt via an Islamic sukuk bond or a Eurobond later in the year. The fund raising is critical for the country, which is battling to stave off the pressure of balance of payments due to the dwindling foreign currency reserves and a widening current account deficit in the $300 billion economy.
Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves decreased by $137 million to $13,541 million in the week ended Nov. 17, compared with $13,678 million in the previous week, latest central bank data showed. The central bank said challenges of near-term balance of payments persist, but it was hoping the recent improvements in export numbers, hikes in foreign direct investment and other financial inflows would help contain the pressure.
The balance of payments pressure is largely due to imports of machinery and other Chinese goods on the back of China's $57 billion infrastructure investment as part of the Beijing-funded Belt and Road infrastructure initiative stretching to Asia, Europe and beyond.
With foreign reserves dwindling, some analysts say Pakistan may need an International Monetary Fund bailout to avert a balance of payments crisis similar to the one it suffered in 2013, when it sought IMF help.
(Reporting by Drazen Jorgic; Writing by Swati Bhat in MUMBAI; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
(Adds Norway oil minister, Eni comments, details)
OSLO, Nov 28 (Reuters) - Norway's Statoil said on Tuesday it was confident Eni would resolve problems besetting their joint Arctic Goliat oilfield, as a shutdown there neared its second month.
The 100,000 barrels-per-day field - operated by Eni, the senior partner in the licence - has been shut since Norway's Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) ordered its closure in early October, citing safety concerns. "I believe they will sort out things in the end," Statoil's Chief Executive Eldar Saetre told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Oslo.
A spokesman for Eni's Norwegian unit said no date had been set for the restart, though it was having a constructive dialogue with the PSA, and continuing to make the required improvements.
The PSA has said it will have to check the work is done before letting Eni restart production, an unusual step in Norway. The problems at Goliat, the only producing oilfield in the Barents Sea, come as Norway's right-wing government is preparing to allow more exploration and development plans in the remote region to replace output from mature North Sea fields.
Norway's Oil and Energy Minister Terje Soeviknes said questions about Goliat's profitability were "totally irrelevant" to the overall profitability of oil and gas production in the Arctic, as each project has to be assessed separately.
The minister told Reuters he nevertheless planned to submit a report on Goliat's profitability to Norway's parliament next week, in reply to numerous requests from the opposition.
The move is unprecedented as the government normally only assess profitability of new field developments before granting its consent, not the profitability of operating fields.
Soeviknes repeated an earlier statement that there had been no discussion among authorities of stripping Eni of Goliat's operatorship, despite calls from some in the opposition.
Eni has a 65 percent stake in the Goliat's license, and Statoil holds the remaining 35 percent.
(Reporting by Joachim Dagenborg and Nerijus Adomaitis; Editing by Terje Solsvik and Andrew Heavens)
(Adds details on Zarrab's guilty plea)
By Brendan Pierson
NEW YORK, Nov 28 (Reuters) - A Turkish-Iranian gold trader has pleaded guilty to conspiring to evade U.S. sanctions against Iran and will testify against a Turkish bank official who is charged with arranging illegal transactions involving American banks, a U.S. prosecutor said on Tuesday.
The trader, Reza Zarrab, will describe a multibillion-dollar international money laundering scheme "from the inside," Assistant U.S. Attorney David Denton said during his opening statement in the New York federal court trial of Mehmet Hakan Atilla, the deputy general manager of Turkey's Halkbank .
Atilla's lawyer, Victor Rocco, attacked Zarrab's credibility in his opening statement, telling jurors that Zarrab was prepared to lie to avoid jail time.
According to court records made public Tuesday, Zarrab pleaded guilty on Oct. 26 to six charges related to the sanctions against Iran.
Zarrab also pleaded guilty to a charge that he bribed a U.S. jail guard to obtain alcohol and a cell phone in 2016, records showed.
The charge does not say how Zarrab used the phone. His lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, declined to comment.
U.S. prosecutors have charged nine people in the case, though only Zarrab and Atilla are known to be in U.S. custody. The other defendants include the former head of Halkbank, Suleyman Aslan, and the former economy minister of Turkey, Zafer Caglayan.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's government has said the case was fabricated for political motives, adding to tensions between Ankara and Washington, NATO allies.
Denton on Tuesday described two schemes intended to help Iran to spend money from global oil sales despite U.S. sanctions. In one, he said, the defendants helped entities in Iran buy gold, which was in turn smuggled to Dubai and sold for U.S. dollars or other currencies.
In the second scheme, Denton said, transactions prohibited by sanctions were disguised as purchases of food, which fell under a humanitarian exemption to the sanctions regime.
Denton said Zarrab's companies carried out transactions, but Atilla, whom he called "an expert on finance and economic sanctions," designed the schemes to make them appear legitimate.
"Zarrab would provide the means, Atilla would provide the method," Denton said.
Denton said Zarrab, Atilla and the other defendants lied to conceal the scheme from U.S. officials.
Denton said the prosecutors' other witnesses would include a former Turkish law enforcement officer who participated in a Turkish investigation into the alleged money laundering scheme, made public in 2013.
Erdogan, then prime minister, called that case an attempted "judicial coup," and it was eventually dropped.
Rocco told the jury that Atilla never took part in a conspiracy.
"Hakan Atilla rarely communicated with Zarrab," he said. "They weren't friends, confidantes or conspirators. They didn't like each other. Reza Zarrab saw Hakan Atilla as a money wrench in his schemes."
Zarrab, Rocco said, bribed other people to further his scheme, including Aslan and Caglayan, but he never bribed Atilla.
(Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Tom Brown)
Sharing hope through music
By Yun Suh-young
His music was as soft and serene as his character, flowing gently and smoothly.
Daniel Lindemann / Korea Times photo by Yun Suh-young
By Kang Seung-woo
Korea's antitrust regulator ordered Maersk Line to withdraw Hamburg Sud from the latter's sharing agreements with other major operators on some trade routes, Tuesday, citing possible unfair competition.
Maersk, the world's largest container shipper based in Denmark, announced last year its plan to acquire its German rival, the seventh-largest container shipper, for $4 billion (4.35 trillion won). The deal is set to close by the end of the year.
In April, the two companies sought a review of their merger from the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), as foreign-based firms are required to get approval for a proposed merger if their annual sales here top 20 billion won ($18.4 million).
"The FTC has issued an order for Maersk Line to withdraw Hamburg Sud from the Far East- Central America and Caribbean Sea trade routes and not to extend the German firm's alliance with others on the Far East Asia-West Coast of South America route," the watchdog said in a press statement.
The sharing agreement on the Far East-Central America and Caribbean Sea services is poised to be renewed automatically in August 2018, while that of the Far East Asia-West Coast of South America route expires next March.
"If Maersk's acquisition of Hamburg takes place without addressing those issues, it could restrict competition on the routes."
The German shipping firm has formed alliances with five shippers on such routes, the FTC added.
"The merger will form connections between Maersk and three shipping firms from Hamburg's consortium on both routes, which will make Maersk's four competitors, including Hamburg, disappear," it said.
"As a result, it is likely to cause adverse effects, including a fare hike."
According to the FTC, the combined share of the two companies on the Far East-Central America and Caribbean Sea trade route accounted for 33.3 percent in 2016, but it increases to 54.1 percent if the shares of the consortium members are added.
On the Far East Asia-West Coast of South America route, the share soars from 37.6 percent to 65.9 percent, the regulator added.
Also, the FTC ordered Maersk and Hamburg Sud not to join the alliance or reach a sharing agreement with other shipping firms for five years following expiration of the agreement.
"It is the FTC's first corrective actions to a horizontal merger in the container shipping industry. We carried out analyses, based on market shares by each consortium, in order to prevent restraint on competition," an FTC official said.
By Kim Hyo-jin
North Korea is showing signs of preparing for another ballistic missile test, reports said Tuesday, putting neighboring countries on alert.
The South Korean military is enhancing its monitoring and readiness against the North's potential missile provocation as customary signs seen before missile launches have been detected, sources said.
North Korea has reportedly resumed operating radar which tracks missile trajectories and increased communications traffic at its missile bases has been detected.
The Japanese government also intercepted radio signals from the North suggesting a potential missile launch and its forces have been put on alert, according to Kyodo News.
The reports come following a long hiatus since Pyongyang launched a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile over northern Japan into the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 15.
Cho Kuk, senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, answers a public petition to decriminalize abortion Sunday, in this photo captured from a YouTube video. Cho said the government will resume a survey next year on abortion and start discussions based on the results. Yonhap
Korean Catholic leaders condemn Blue House
By Jung Min-ho
Korean Catholic leaders have criticized the government for "distorting Pope Francis' stance on abortion" as a reference to back its move to review the legitimacy of the country's anti-abortion law.
Cho Kuk, senior presidential secretary for civil affairs, claimed Sunday that the pope said "we need to find a new balance" on the issue implying that the Catholic Church has changed its long-standing stance on abortion.
"Cho very skillfully glossed over the truth," the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea (CBCK) said in a statement Monday. "We strongly condemn his false claim and urge Cheong Wa Dae to correct it."
"The Catholic Church believes abortion is the same as killing a baby. The dignity of life must not be violated under any circumstances."
The CBCK said that Pope Francis never made that comment and demanded the presidential office reveal the source of Cho's claim.
The CBCK will also start a campaign against abortion after the Constitutional Court decided to deliberate the issue once again. In 2012, it upheld the anti-abortion law.
At that time, the court said fetuses were "independent lives" that, just like every other person, have the right to live. It also said the woman's right to self-determination was not more critical than the fetus' right to life and that it was in the public interest to protect the fetus instead.
Abortion has been illegal in Korea since 1953, except in cases of rape, severe defects in the fetus and serious danger to the woman's health. The current law carries a sentence of up to one year in prison or a maximum fine of 2 million won ($1,850) for a woman who has an abortion.
After more than 230,000 people signed a petition against the law over the past two months, Cheong Wa Dae said it will collect more facts about abortion through research next year as part of its effort to review the law's legitimacy.
After the issue came to the fore, the CBCK issued a statement last week to express concern, saying "one human's right to live must not be violated by another human's selfishness."
The Catholic Church has opposed all forms of abortion procedures as it holds the belief that "human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life."
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena / Korea Times file
Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena is due to arrive in Seoul on Tuesday for a summit with President Moon Jae-in, which South Korea hopes will move forward its drive to expand all-round cooperation with South Asian nations.
Sirisena is the third foreign head of state to make a state visit to South Korea since Moon came into office in May. The other two were U.S. President Donald Trump and Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is scheduled to greet Sirisena at an air base south of Seoul.
An official welcoming ceremony is set for Wednesday and will be followed by talks.
After the meeting, the two leaders are scheduled to sign agreements and attend a state banquet.
Presidential officials expect Sirisena's trip will contribute to Moon's push to expand the country's diplomatic horizon further south and forge stronger ties with Southeast and Southwest Asian nations.
"We expect President Sirisena's visit to South Korea to help realize the country's New South Policy by helping to expand the area of our foreign policy to Southwest Asia, following President Moon's trip to Southeast Asia," Cheong Wa Dae spokesman Park Soo-hyun told a press briefing last week. (Yonhap)
By You Soo-sun
China partially lifted its travel ban on group tours to Korea, Tuesday, the first major step taken by Beijing to restore ties with Seoul since the two struck a deal last month to end the diplomatic row over the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system here.
Chinese authorities at the National Tourism Administration decided to allow offline travel agencies in Beijing and Shandong Province to resume sales of package tours to Korea, which had been halted since mid-March, industry officials said.
In the meantime, the ban is maintained for all other provinces there, but analysts see this as a signal that it will be removed region-by-region.
As for the travel agencies in the two regions, they are restricted from arranging visits to affiliates of the Lotte Group such as its hotels and duty-free shops.
British Ambassador to Korea Charles Hay welcomes guests at last year's Christmas lunch hosted by the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul. / Courtesy of John Redmond
By John Redmond
The British Chamber of Commerce in Korea (BCCK) will hold its 40th anniversary Christmas lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Friday.
The festive event expects 450 guests from Korean, British and international communities, and will include a charity auction and raffle.
Funds raised will contribute to the donations BCCK gives to causes such as the Myongdo Welfare Center, which supports the mentally and physically disabled, Angel's Haven which operates nurseries, youth and senior welfare centers, and the BCCK Chevening Scholarship.
A Chevening Scholarship provides one Korean student with the opportunity to study in the U.K. for a year regardless of academic specialization.
The prizes at a previous event raised more than 50 million won for local charities.
This year's event will feature a traditional Christmas lunch menu, music from the Dulwich College Seoul School Choir, the Salvation Army Band and a DJ.
British Ambassador Charles Hay will be in attendance and give some words of welcome and a toast.
Over 20 sponsors will offer raffle prizes and auction items.
Founded in 1977, the BCCK serves over 240 member companies that represent the business interests of its members in Korea.
The lunch will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Grand Ballroom is located on the 3rd floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Seoul.
Email administrator@bcck.or.kr to check seating availability.
South Korea's Defense Minister Song Young-moo speaks in a mess hall before a lunch with soldiers at the Joint Security Area in the Panmunjeom truce village, Nov. 27. Arriving at the hall late, he promised the soldiers that his speech before the lunch will be short, saying, "the shorter skirts are the better." / Yonhap
By Ko Dong-hwan
Of all the remarks to boost the morale of South Korean soldiers protecting the inter-Korean border, he picks the wrong one.
Making a sexual remark may boost male soldiers' morale, but Defense Minister Song Young-moo chose the wrong place at the wrong time when he visited the Joint Security Area (JSA) Monday.
Two weeks after a North Korean soldier was shot five times when he dramatically escaped to the South through the JSA in the Panmunjeom truce village, Song visited the scene.
Besides checking out the scene, he met and encouraged South Korean soldiers for managing the incident well.
Song met the soldiers at a lunch in a mess hall, where he arrived late. Being apologetic, he cut short his talk so the soldiers would not have to wait long before eating.
"It's not fun to listen to someone haranguing on and on before a food table," Song said. "People say that the shorter speeches and miniskirts are the better, right?"
The soldiers replied with a thunderous "Yes, sir." Song finished his speech by saying he had come to the JSA to deliver the public's praise for them for saving the badly wounded North Korean.
But Song's "miniskirt" comment made headlines that suggested his choice of words was sexually offensive.
News of the comment spread quickly, and the ministry's public relations team realized that to quell the outcry, the sooner the chief apologized, the better.
"We apologize that the minister's speech was unintentionally mixed with his apology for being late for lunch and that he used an inappropriate expression to explain why he would only make a short speech," the ministry said Monday.
Sexual remarks like Song's are traditionally popular in army jargon, but considering the edgy atmosphere at the JSA since the shooting, he picked the wrong place to make such a joke, said a JTBC news anchorman.
By Kim Rahn
U.S. forces will stay in South Korea and the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command (CFC) will not be disbanded even after Seoul takes over wartime operational control (OPCON) from Washington, the defense minister said Tuesday.
The comment comes while the two countries are speeding up negotiations for the takeover of OPCON for South Korean troops.
"When the transfer issue emerged in 2006, there were concerns that the CFC would be disbanded and U.S. forces would leave the country," Defense Minister Song Young-moo said in a lecture organized by the Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy in Seoul.
"But we are seeking to ensure U.S. forces will not be withdrawn and the CFC will not be disbanded even after OPCON is transferred."
Song's remarks were slightly at odds with the ongoing talks between the two countries to create a new "future combined command" to replace the current CFC when Seoul regains OPCON.
Regarding this, a ministry official said, "Song means the current CFC system has many advantages, which could remain under the new command."
Song also said President Moon Jae-in told him to have South Korea meet the conditions for OPCON transfer as early as possible, such as having its own military capabilities against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
"President Moon said (if such conditions are met) there would be no need to advance or delay the transfer deliberately," Song said, adding he shares this view.
Song said he would push the development of a three-pronged defense system as soon as possible the Kill Chain pre-emptive defense, Korea Air and Missile Defense, and Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation systems.
"We'll regain OPCON when we secure the systems and have enough capabilities," the minister said.
South Korea was initially supposed to regain OPCON in April 2012 following a 2007 agreement during the late Roh Moo-hyun administration. But the transfer was delayed to 2015 following the sinking of the South Korean Navy frigate Cheonan in a North Korean torpedo attack in March 2010. Moon's predecessor, Park Geun-hye, then delayed the transfer until the 2020s.
But Moon pledged to advance the date during his presidential campaign, and he and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed on a condition-based early transfer during their first summit in June.
Song also introduced the idea of "offensive" military operations, which the ministry and the CFC are designing to change South Korea's war plan from a defense-based one.
"So far we have had a war plan suitable for the 1950 Korean War, in which we focus on defense along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the South Korea-U.S. joint forces go north. But such war would take a long time and inflict huge damage," he said, adding the country needs a new war paradigm.
"If North Korea fires long-range artillery at Seoul and its nearby metropolitan areas or attacks the South with nuclear weapons or missiles, we have to see this as the start of an all-out war," he said.
In such a dangerous situation, South Korea has to shift its concept to an offensive one to totally destroy North Korea's major targets in a short time by mobilizing the three-pronged system, he said.
By Rha Hae-sung, Park Si-soo
A man has been caught impersonating a police officer to get the phone number of a woman he fancied, police said Tuesday.
Busan Saha police said the man, in his 30s, was being investigated for violating a law that bans people impersonating public officers, including police.
According to police, the man approached a Vietnamese woman late at night on Nov. 26in Busan. He introduced himself as a police officer and asked her to show her ID and phone number to check if she was a documented foreigner. He was said to be drunk at that time.
The woman asked the man to show his police ID. When he refused, the woman screamed. Neighbors ran to help her and caught the man.
The man reportedly told police that he fancied the woman, so he impersonated a police officer to get her phone number.
A plastic surgery ad at Sinsa Station in Seoul encourages passers-by to have breast enhancement. The state company will root out ads for clinics and hospitals providing plastic surgery from Seoul metro stations by 2022. / Korea Times file
By Kim Hyo-jin
President Moon Jae-in has promoted Han Byung-do, a political affairs secretary, to senior secretary for political affairs, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday.
Han, a former lawmaker, will succeed Jun Byung-hun, who resigned on Nov. 16 over his involvement in a bribery scandal.
"Han is considered to be fit for communications with the National Assembly considering his experience as a lawmaker and his role as secretary for political affairs," presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun said.
"He is expected to better relay the President's thoughts to the legislature with a deep understanding of Moon's philosophy on state management.
The appointment is viewed as a decision prioritizing the continuation of work. Han has filled Jun's position with smooth communication skills in close contact with ruling and opposition parties.
Cheong Wa Dae reportedly first reached out to former lawmaker Kang Ki-jung and presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun. But they declined, aware they must prepare for running in local elections slated for next June.
Han is expected to work on winning opposition parties' support for the 2018 budget plan and reform bills. He is also expected to set up a regular consultative body in which government officials and members of the ruling and opposition parties discuss security and other state affairs.
"I feel a heavy burden as I took this post when opposition lawmakers outnumber ruling party lawmakers in the Assembly." Han said. "I will become a bridge between the presidential office and the National Assembly."
Han is a former first-time lawmaker who was a member of then-ruling Uri Party between 2004 and 2008. He failed to win the ticket to the primary for the two previous general elections and, although he won the candidacy, he lost in the latest general election.
He was chief of policy-making headquarters in Moon's presidential campaign.
Born in Iksan, North Jeolla Province in 1967, Han studied mass communication at Wonkwang University and was school president.
By Choi Ha-young
The largest opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) plans to elect its new floor leader Dec. 12, the party said Tuesday.
The election is likely to be a duel between loyalists of ex-President Park Geun-hye and party chief Hong Joon-pyo.
"The LKP lawmakers agreed to pick a new floor leader on the afternoon of Dec. 12, after completing the regular session of the National Assembly," party floor leader Chung Woo-taik said Tuesday.
So far, odds-on candidates are Reps. Lee Ju-young and Kim Sung-tae. Lee, a five-term lawmaker, served as minister of oceans and fisheries under former President Park. However, he is not viewed as a staunch loyalist of the disgraced president, which explains his wide-ranging support in the LKP.
Kim, a three-term lawmaker, is a well-known anti-Park figure. Last year, he defected the LKP and joined the reformist conservative Bareun Party, but rejoined the LKP in May.
Lee is known to be close to the LKP Chairman Hong, who is constantly trying to tear down the pro-Park faction in the conservative party. Ahead of the election race, Hong again launched a political offensive against the pro-Park lawmakers, calling them "parasites in the conservatives."
Reps. Na Kyung-won, Yoo Ki-june, Cho Kyoung-tae and Hong Moon-jong are likely to throw their hats in the ring. Na, an anti-Park figure, led the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee in the 19th National Assembly. Yoo and Hong Moon-jong are considered Park loyalists, while Cho doesn't have a political hue in a particular faction.
By Andrew Hammond
Buckingham Palace announced on Monday the engagement of Prince Harry to US actress Meghan Markle, a union combining UK royalty and US show business. News of the impending marriage, which has set off an international media storm, highlights the continuing global fascination with the British monarchy which has been boosted in recent years by Harry, 33, and his brother Prince William, 35.
More than two decades on from the Royal Family's high profile problems in the 1990s, including the divorce of Prince Charles and Princess Diana (Harry's father and mother respectively), Queen Elizabeth II and her immediate family have now largely recovered from the worst troubles of her reign as the longest serving UK monarch. And it is Harry and William who have helped power the ruling clan's popularity ratings in recent years.
Aside from the Queen and her husband Prince Philip themselves, a YouGov poll earlier this showed that William is regarded as having made the strongest contribution to the Royal family with 78% approval rating, followed by Harry (73%), and William's wife Kate (73%). The popularity of Harry, who is fifth in line to the throne, is now likely to be bolstered by his marriage to Markle.
The US actress and humanitarian campaigner is likely to make her mark with much of the UK public, unlike the last US citizen who married a UK royal. The relationship between Wallis Simpson (like Markle, a divorcee) and King Edward VIII ultimately led to the 1936 abdication crisis.
Popular support for the newly engaged couple is likely to be especially intense next Spring when their high profile wedding takes place. It will give the monarchy a new surge of energy, especially coinciding with the birth expected in April of the third child of William and Kate.
Moreover, given the parallels between Diana and Markle it is possible that she could become very popular, in the UK and internationally, in her own right. Harry said on Monday that his mother and his fiancee "would be as thick as thieves" (indicating they have much in common) and Markle will now give up her career as an actress to focus on royal duties, and wider humanitarian campaigning, in a way that may prove comparable to Diana in the 1980s and 1990s.
The renewed popular appeal of the royals has been buttressed by a modernised monarchy with many of the UK populace believing it has changed for the better. Key recent reforms include ending the rule of male primogeniture on the throne which means girls now born to members of the Royal Family have equal rights with boys in the succession to the throne; and ending the prohibition on Elizabeth's successors marrying a Catholic. Harry's engagement to Markle, who attended a Catholic school in California and is of mixed race, is only the latest chapter in this transformation process that brings it into line with that of wider changes in UK society at large.
Correspondingly, polls tend to show that less than a quarter of the UK population want a republic, with many people believing that it is better to have a non-divisive, non-political head of state. This factor may become even more important, in the future, given that the nation appears to potentially becoming increasingly divided on geographic lines, especially given increased pressure for independence in Scotland.
On the face of it, therefore, the monarchy seems in good stead to prosper in the post-Elizabeth II period. The Queen, now at 91 years of age, might choose to abdicate before she dies, and has already stepped back from some duties, including those requiring long-distance flights.
However, unlike Harry and William, their father Charles (the immediate heir to the throne) does not share their popularity. In the YouGov poll earlier this year, Charles and second wife Camilla trailed well behind the Queen, Philip, Harry and William on 36% and 18% popularity respectively.
The poll also found only a third of the UK populace believe Charles "has been beneficial for the Royal family". This is down by nearly two thirds compared to four years ago, underlining that a rockier road may lie ahead for the monarchy once the Queen dies.
Charles at 69 is already at an age when many people are retired, and is the longest-waiting and oldest heir to the throne in UK history. Indeed, some surveys show that a significant body of the UK public would prefer the monarchy to skip a generation to William upon the Queen's passing.
Taken overall, Monday's Royal wedding announcement will boost the popularity of Harry and the wider ruling clan. However, while the monarchy has largely recovered its public standing from the 1990s, significant uncertainties remain about the post-Elizabeth II period, especially given popular sentiment towards Charles, and this means the monarchy could yet face a rockier road ahead once she dies.
Andrew Hammond is an Associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics.
Saudi Arabia has been using starvation to squeeze Yemen. The Saudi regime stepped up its air, land and sea siege of the war-ravaged Middle East nation in the last two weeks. The global reaction has been harsh. And Wednesday brought news that the Saudis, who aspire to a greater role in geopolitics, just might be getting the message: Stop punishing Yemeni civilians.
The Saudi regime said it would reopen Yemen's international airport in the capital, Sanaa, as well as a primary Red Sea port, so that humanitarian aid could flow into the war-wracked nation.
That's a step in the right direction, though we hope it amounts to a genuine and not temporary reprieve for a population struggling to survive.
International relief groups say up to 7 million Yemenis are on the brink of famine. Cholera has stricken at least 900,000 people. More than a quarter of those victims are children under 5. Nearly 400,000 Yemeni children need treatment for severe malnutrition treatment they haven't been getting because of the blockade, according to Save the Children, an international relief group.
That created desperation in a country heavily dependent on imports of food, medicine and fuel. The Saudis had been allowing a trickle of relief through the port of Aden, but U.N. aid groups say it hasn't been nearly enough.
Yemen has been in the throes of civil war since the spring of 2015. From the conflict's start, the Saudi regime, which opposes Yemen's Shiite Houthi rebels, has intervened on behalf of the country's ousted Sunni leadership. The Saudis also accuse Iran, their long-standing regional archrival, of actively helping the Houthis. Saudi bombing and relentless fighting over the last 2 years have devastated Yemeni society more than 60 percent of the population was in need of food assistance before the siege.
That blockade was significantly tightened after the firing of a missile from Yemen toward the Saudi capital, Riyadh, earlier this month. Saudi forces intercepted the missile and blamed Iran for supplying the Houthis with the weapon, though they have yet to muster conclusive evidence. Yet the Saudi blockade has done little more than isolate starving Yemeni civilians, millions of whom are children.
Not surprisingly, a Trump administration that has cozied up to the Saudi regime has reacted to the Yemeni crisis with barely a yip. Saudi Arabia has been a U.S. ally for decades, but President Donald Trump has further embraced the Saudi government in his pursuit of other goals in the Middle East.
Trump hasn't seemed fazed by recent examples of Saudi recklessness: An attempt earlier this year to isolate Qatar in retaliation for what Riyadh claims is Doha's linkage with Iran; the regime's purge of more than 200 princes, businessmen, officers and officials; a wave of arrests widely seen as a consolidation of power rather than an anti-corruption initiative; and Riyadh's meddling in Lebanon, where the prime minister has stepped down at the Saudi regime's behest, many in Lebanon believe from a coalition government that included politicians from the Iran-allied militant group Hezbollah. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Saad Hariri said he was putting his resignation on hold.
Tightening the blockade had been Riyadh's latest aggressive tack. While Saudi regime appeared to be easing its restrictions on aid to Yemenis, the Trump administration can do a lot more to rein in Saudi aggression. Trump's closeness with the Saudi regime has given him a good deal of clout with Riyadh. He should use it to get the Saudis to begin working toward a day when Yemeni citizens are free from the gears of conflict. Alliances, regardless of their importance or usefulness, should never require turning a blind eye to outright cruelty.
This editorial appeared in the Chicago Tribune and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Korea's housing supply ratio has long passed 100 percent, meaning every family could have its own home in theory.
In reality, lots of families are without homes reeling under rocketing rents and key money (deposits). Even many who have homes are called "house poor" because they have to spend substantial shares of their income to repay the principal and interest on their mortgages.
All this is due mainly to the extreme imbalance in home ownership, for example between speculators and end users, and between young workers and old retirees.
The Moon Jae-in government's five-year "housing welfare roadmap" unveiled Tuesday is right on target as it focuses on dissolving such an imbalance. The plan calls for, among other things, supplying 1million rental homes to homeless young people, newlyweds and low-income working families at prices far lower than market rates.
The sharp increase in rental homes, if combined with an anti-speculation policy of tighter bank lending and heavy taxation on multiple homeowners, will likely help ease the polarized home ownership. The roadmap also introduces a system, in which elderly people who have homes but little fixed income can hand over their properties to the state housing agency. The agency will then remodel the houses and sell or rent them to young workers while paying pensions to the former owners, solving the generational imbalance.
As always, however, the incumbent administration needs to learn from the failures of its predecessors. The Lee Myung-bak government's "nest home" plan _ which aimed to build small and midsize public tract houses and rental homes in greenbelt areas _ only resulted in a speculative boom. A similar policy of the Park Geun-hye administration called the "new stay" also got nowhere as it ended up only fattening the pockets of construction firms by offering them too many incentives.
These previous governments incurred more than a 130 trillion won ($119 billion) debt by building lots of "unprofitable" rental homes in unpopular areas.
True, homes should be for living in instead of owning in this densely-populated country, to create an economy built by earned income, not unearned yields from real estate.
The failures of past governments point to the need for far more elaborate planning and stricter implementation.
Korea's falling competitiveness raises concerns
A recent report showed Korea has been continuously slipping in global talent competitiveness. Korea ranked 39th out of 63 countries in the 2017 Word Talent Report by the Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD), down from 38th the previous year.
The report measured countries' performance in various areas, such as worker motivation, education and workplace training.
In 2015, Korea placed 32nd, showing that Korea's competitiveness has been dwindling swiftly in the last few years. The country lags behind smaller Asian economies, such as Hong Kong (12th), Singapore (13th), Taiwan (23rd) and Malaysia (28th). Japan was ahead at 31st while China climbed two places from last year to 40th.
One of the biggest reasons for Korea's loss of talent competitiveness is a brain drain, particularly in the areas of science and technology. A study by the U.S. National Science Foundation showed more than 60 percent of Korean nationals who had acquired a Ph.D. in the U.S. wished to remain there. In contrast, about 70 percent of Chinese nationals chose to return to their home country after getting their Ph.D.
Korea has been unable to retain and attract talented people, mainly due to the rigid work culture that hampers innovation and creativity, and notorious working conditions marked by long hours and substandard pay. It was near the bottom of the index measuring worker motivation, ranking 59th out of 63 countries.
The most concerning aspect of the IMD report is that Korea was near the bottom of the index measuring the competitiveness of university education.
This means Korean university education is failing to meet the needs of the economy, particularly in the age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. China has emerged as a leader in the new technology war, outdoing other Asian rivals in drones and other new tech items. That was made possible due to its advanced ICT research.
The IMD report underlines the need for reform of not just universities but the entire education system which is focused solely on achieving good grades and getting into prestigious universities.
It is worrisome that the Moon Jae-in administration's education policy is focused on promoting fair education rather than nurturing global talent. Moon's first education minister Kim Sang-gon has aroused controversy with his plans to abolish elite high schools. This kind of ill-conceived policy decision will only weaken the country's talent competitiveness.
Seen above is Korea Post's delivery drone with a package of mail and parcels weighing 8 kilograms at a landing site in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, Tuesday. The postal agency flew the drone to deliver packages to Deukryang Island, 4 kilometers offshore, in about 10 minutes. / Courtesy of Korea Post
By Yoon Sung-won
Korea Post has succeeded in delivering mail and parcels to an island using a drone for the first time in Korea, the agency said Tuesday.
With global e-commerce and logistics giants such as Amazon, Alibaba and DHL aggressively pushing for drone delivery systems, expectations are high on the benefits that the introduction of drone technology to postal services will bring for those in remote areas. Korea has more than 3,400 islands and islets, and mountains cover about 70 percent of its land area.
The postal service agency, under the Ministry of Science and ICT, said it has sent the drone from a site in Goheung, South Jeolla Province, to the town center on Deukryang Island, traveling about 4 kilometers over water.
The drone carried a package of mail and parcels weighing 8 kilograms while flying at an altitude of about 50 meters. Under a preset program, the entire process from landing, flight and delivery to return was conducted automatically without a human pilot.
Korea Post plans to launch a full-fledged drone delivery system by 2022. To this end, the agency will start establishing drone flight and control systems, and train maintenance workers next year. It will also test-run the project in 10 mountainous areas and islands nationwide between 2019 and 2021.
"Based on today's successful demonstration, we will establish a system not just to deliver mail to towns on mountains and islands but also to effectively distribute relief supplies in areas hit by natural disasters such as heavy snow using drones," Korea Post President Kang Seong-ju said.
"The agency expects the drone delivery service, which would be a successful combination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and our postal business, will help people in remote areas receive better postal services.
Mail carriers on Deukryang Island have had to take a ship early in the morning to load mail and return to the island to deliver it. With the drone delivery system, the process between Goheung and the island was completed in 10 minutes, the agency said.
Korea Post started manufacturing drones specifically designed for postal services in cooperation with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute. The two agencies have jointly tested the system by delivering mock-up parcels using drones in Goheung and Yeongwol in Gangwon Province between April and August to check its feasibility.
Private sector enterprises are also eager to introduce drone delivery systems to improve distribution efficiency.
Amazon, the world's top e-commerce enterprise, succeeded in delivering a 2.3kg parcel in Britain at the end of last year for the first time in the world and has since been working on the development of its own drone traffic control system. DHL in Germany is also testing a fully automated drone delivery system, in which the unmanned vehicles can fly even in bad weather.
Among Korean firms, CJ Korea Express is testing the safety of its drone system with the goal of providing drones for emergencies. Lotte Global Logistics is also developing its own drone parcel delivery system.
By Park Hyong-ki
Jeff Dean, senior fellow of Google's AI research / Google
TOKYO, Japan Early this year, a Thai man only identified as Aum tried to find his family years after running away from home when he was 10 years old.
He did not know how to read or write, and he could not convince the local police that he was a runaway so they could help him find his parents.
But he knew how to use computers. So, he used Google's artificial intelligence (AI) audio search, in which he said his name in Thai.
The rest of the story unfolds in a happy ending or a fresh beginning for Aum, who was able to find his parents as the AI search via speech and language recognition matched his name with an organization devoted to finding missing children.
Like this life changing experience, Google wants to provide opportunities for anyone and any businesses not only to use its applications easily but also tackle and solve problems or innovate both personally and in business.
This will all be possible through continuous development of machine learning, enabling applications to work like a human brain and become smarter.
It can protect animals facing extinction such as sea cows and help reduce energy consumption.
"Machine learning is a new way of creating problem solving," said Jeff Dean, senior fellow and computer scientist from Google's headquarters at Mountain View, California.
Google held a forum under the theme of "Made With AI" here Tuesday.
Thanks to Moore's law, Dean said the neural networks of computing such as pattern recognition and learning from observation have significantly been enhanced.
"This is bringing in the new age of computing. Computers can see, and understand what people say via speech recognition. These are major changes in computing."
Google said it made a breakthrough in 2012 when its AI researchers and engineers were able to develop an artificial network model connecting 1 billion neurons.
The standard was 1 to 10 million neural connections. A human brain has about 100 billion neurons. Individual neurons recognize patterns and connect those experiences with other neurons.
With seven applications including Google Assistant, a robotic messenger, and Google Photo, an auto photo search, and Google Translate, an auto language translator via smartphone camera viewfinders, the U.S. tech giant is fully zeroing in on machine learning-based AI.
Dean reiterated that Google is an AI-first company, noting Google CEO Sundar Pichai's forecast that AI computing will become universally available in 10 years.
"It is important we increase (educational) access to machine learning," Dean said.
But he added the tech world needs to be more ethically and socially responsible as AI becomes universal.
POSCO Chairman Kwon Oh-joon, left, poses with Kosei Shindo, president of Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. and chairman of the World Steel Association, at the organization's general meeting in Brussels in this file photo taken on Oct. 17. Kwon will serve as the association's chairman next year. / Courtesy of POSCO
It's judgment day for Robert Kubica who took to the Yas Marina track this morning for his ultimate test with Williams which will likely determine his fate for 2018.
The Grove-based outfit evaluated the Pole previously at Silverstone and in Hungary along with Paul di Resta where he both men tested a 2014-spec Williams, but Kubica is out today in the team's 2017 charger.
Tech boss Paddy Lowe and performance chief Rob Smedley are both trackside at Yas Marina to follow and assess Kubica's runs.
"We all saw how he operated in Formula 1 in the past he's a great driver, very professional, very committed, enthusiastic, very intelligent," said Lowe.
"He's an exciting prospect, that's why we're looking at him.
"We're in a process with Robert, which is a matter of evaluating whether his injuries will have an impact on his ability to drive in Formula 1, it's as simple as that."
The team have undertaken a few modifications on the FW40 allocated to Kubica, like assigning one paddle on the steering wheel for shifting up and down, to take into account the limited ability of the driver's right hand.
"There are a few changes well make for switch gear and so on," explained Lowe
"In actual fact, most drivers tune that to their preferences anyway. In most teams, youll find the steering wheel is different between the two drivers."
Kubica will complete Tuesday's morning session and hand over driving duties to Lance Stroll for the afternoon. He will resume his test tomorrow afternoon after Russian Sergey Sirotkin completes his Wednesday test.
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Exports of Ukrainian goods to Europe 10% up during action period of FTA with EU - Groysman
Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman has said exports of Ukrainian goods to the European market have grown by 10% during the action period of the free trade area (FTA) agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.
"The free trade area agreement with the European Union has been valid for more than a year, and during this period the exports of Ukrainian goods to the European Union market have grown by more than 10%," he said when speaking at the forum "One Belt One Road" in Tbilisi.
At the same time, the share of Ukrainian exports to the EU is about 40%.
Poland demands more than $70 mln from ZAZ for failure to fulfill obligations on FSO
Poland demands about 250 million Polish zlotys (over $70 million at the current exchange rate) from Ukraine's PJSC Zaporizhia Automobile Plant (ZAZ), part of UkrAVTO Corporation, for a failure to fulfill the obligations undertaken with the purchase of a state stake in the Polish automotive plant FSO (Warsaw) in 2005, the Rzeczpospolita newspaper has reported, with reference to Press Secretary of the Polish Prosecutor General's Office Sylwia Hajnrych.
She noted that ZAZ, which actively cooperated with the Polish company at that time, bought 19.3% of its shares from the state for 100 zlotys, which provided it with 84.31% of the votes at a general meeting, under the obligation to save the enterprise from bankruptcy and guarantee preservation of car production and jobs.
According to the newspaper, the Ukrainian investor bought most of the debts of FSO and signed a five-year investment plan with Poland with the commitments to continue production activities, support employment (2,200 people) and increase production (including the launch of a new model).
Rzeczpospolita notes FSO continues to exist, but stopped production of cars at least six years ago, while the investor failed to preserve car production and jobs.
The edition notes the case against ZAZ is to be considered in the district court in Warsaw, however, there is a counterclaim from the Ukrainian investor in court, and the date of hearings has not been determined.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has dismissed Borys Tsyhanenko as a member of the National Commission for Energy, Housing and Utilities Services Regulation (NCER), reducing the number of members of the commission along with its head to three, below a quorum.
The respective decree of the head of state, No. 390 of November 27, was published on his website on Tuesday.
Tsyhanenko has been on a sick leave since November 13, thus the NCER could not make any decisions.
After the last staffing decision by the president, the commission comprises its head, Dmytro Vovk, and two of six members - Viktoria Morozova and Ruslan Mashliakivsky.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in the decree dated March 23, 2017 approved the plan for the rotation of the chairman and members of the NCER, according to which Yuriy Holliak and Volodymyr Yevdokymov are to be dismissed within six months from the date of entry into force of the law on NCER; Viktoria Morozova and Borys Tsyhanenko no later than 12 months; Ruslan Mashliakivsky and Chairman of the NCER Dmytro Vovk no later than 18 months. In late May, the president dismissed Holliak and Yevdokymov from the post of NCER members.
NCER members are be selected by a nomination commission consisting of five people: two delegates are sent by the president, two by the parliament (from the committee of the fuel and energy complex and the housing and utilities committee), and one by the Cabinet of Ministers. The head of the NCER will be elected by the members of the commission in voting by secret ballot. The head will be re-elected every two years after the approval of the first commission.
Poroshenko on November 17 chose Vasyl Kotko and Semen Potashnik who will be included in the tender commission for the selection of candidates for the posts of the NCER members. Earlier, the Verkhovna Rada (Svitlana Holikova and Vasyl Yastrubynsky) and the Cabinet of Ministers (Mykola Nitsak) gave their representatives to the nomination commission.
The success of the Ukrainian IT sector has become the subject of discussion by British women politicians and businesswomen. Britain's Chief Secretary to the Treasury Elizabeth Truss published on Twitter an article by international investor Rustam Gilfanov in British business newspaper City A.M. on the development of the IT sphere in Ukraine.
Gilfanov links the country's success in the international IT market is due to mathematical education, the range of transferable skills in the workforce and the high proportion of women in the technology industry. According to him, the number of female applicants for tech roles has grown by 150% in the past five years.
"Women are far more represented in software businesses in Ukraine than in the UK. At Lucky Labs, a company I co-founded and one of Ukraine's largest software businesses, women make up 35% of workers, and the firm is seeking to achieve gender parity," says Gilfanov, a co-founder of the company that ranked 11th in the list of the largest IT companies in Ukraine.
The author of the article believes London can learn from Kyiv about how to grow as a tech hub. Elizabeth Truss holds the same view:
"Great piece in City AM about how maths skills (and women) power tech. That's why we [in Britain] are setting up more maths schools and incentivizing schools and colleges to teach maths to more students," she wrote on Twitter.
A number of English IT developers also spoke in favor of the Ukrainian scenario of IT development.
"'Uncertainty is an opportunity to adapt' says tech entrepreneur Rustam Gilfanov in City AM. UK should follow Kyiv's lead by strengthening its own world-class tech force, placing greater emphasis on STEM proficiency & increasing proportion of women in tech.' Yes!!!" Unruly co-founder Sarah Wood wrote on Twitter.
Uncertainty is an opportunity to adapt says tech entrepreneur Rustam Gilfanov in @CityAM. UK should follow Kievs lead by strengthening its own world-class tech force, placing greater emphasis on STEM proficiency & increasing proportion of women in tech. Yes!!! #WomenInTech pic.twitter.com/RpgDwtMvsc Sarah Wood (@sarahfwood) 24 2017 .
This view in social networks was supported by representatives of the scientific community, women's business organizations and the press service of the Conservative Party of Great Britain.
The Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe was on a working visit to New Delhi from 22nd 24th November 2017.
During his visit the Prime Minister attended the Inaugural Session of the 5th Global Conference on Cyber Space: 2017 held in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi was the Chief Guest.
Addressing the Inaugural Session, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe said that today, cyber space is the most crucial mode of transmitting information and knowledge. Cyber space has become a key source of upgrading human lives, human resources and social transformation. Nevertheless, it has also posed new challenges to the social system. It has not only threatened civil liberties but has affected the personal freedom of people in many ways. Hence, time has come to focus on establishing a framework for an ethical cyber space, said Prime Minister Wickremsinghe. He noted that, there needed to be a balance between the freedom of information and civil liberties. The balance between the two can create the development of the cyber space and revolutionize the communication field.
The Global Conference on Cyber Space (GCCS) is a prestigious global event which was launched with a view to establishing a more focused and inclusive dialogue between all those with a stake in the internet; governments, civil society and the industry and, on how to use and implement the tools available in cyber space. It also aims to carry forward rules of the road on behavior in cyber space. Representatives from 135 countries participated at the GCCS this year and more than 2800 viewers from worldwide participated live at the GCCS.
During the visit, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe had official bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi on 23rd November 2017. Prime Minister Modi hosted a Luncheon for the Prime Minister and his delegation. During the meeting, the two leaders reviewed progress of projects that have been agreed upon and the implementation that needed to be accelerated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is happy to join hands with Sri Lanka on development projects for economic advancement, which would provide employment opportunities for people. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe stated that Sri Lanka welcomes development projects with Indian involvement, which would contribute to Sri Lankas economic progress and agreed that the two sides needed to work together to clear any difficulties in the implementation process.
The Prime Minister also paid a courtesy call on President of India, Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapathi Bhawan in New Delhi. President Kovind stated that Prime Minister Wickremesinghes leadership had contributed profoundly to the present status of close relations between the two countries and extended his best wishes to the prosperity of Sri Lanka. On behalf of the President of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe extended his warm congratulations and best wishes to President Kovind on his assumption of duties as the President of India. This was the first meeting between the two leaders after President Kovind was sworn in the post in July 2017. During the meeting, the President underlined the importance of taking forward the historical connections between India and Sri Lanka that formed the basis for a conducive economic and development partnership.
During the visit, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe also met with Smt. Sonia Gandhi, President of the Indian National Congress. Smt. Sonia was accompanied by Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, Shri Rahul Gandhi, Vice President of the Indian National Congress and Shri Anand Sharma of the Rajya Sabha. They discussed the current developments in Sri Lanka and views were exchanged on bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka and the developments in the region that impact on the political, economic and social fields of the countries.
Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj called on Prime Minister Wickramasinghe during his visit. At the meeting the two dignitaries discussed the necessary steps required to strengthen the outstanding relationship between the two countries.
Overall, the visit paved the way to discuss at length the proposed agreements between the two countries on economic and technical cooperation. At the discussions it was agreed that the economic and technical cooperation should be based on the guidelines of the existing bilateral framework. The discussions with the President, Prime Minister and the Minister of External Affairs of India enabled the two sides to focus on further strengthening relations between India and Sri Lanka. The matters discussed during the last meeting relating to development projects were reviewed and the challenges ahead on implementation were focused during the discussions. The need to work together on Indian Ocean related projects was also emphasized.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe was accompanied by Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe, Minister of Law and Order of Sri Lanka, Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Saman Ekanayake, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India, Chitranganee Wagiswara, Additional Secretary/Media at the Prime Ministers Office, Saman Athaudahetti, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in India, M R K Lenagala, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Sandra Perera, who joined the Prime Minister at the meetings.
Courtesy : www.slhcindia.org
Sri Lanka High Commission
New Delhi
25th November 2017
PRESS RELEASE
China and Eastern and Central Europe Summit Maps Out Belt and Road Cooperation
Nov. 27, 2017 (EIRNS)Joint cooperation through the global Belt and Road Initiative was the leading topic at the Sixth Summit of the China-Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC), also known as the "16+1 Cooperation," which opened today in Budapest.
The Hungarian and Chinese Prime Ministers, Viktor Orban and Li Kequiang, kicked off this discussion in their addresses to over 1,000 entrepreneurs from China and the CEEC member countries attending the opening of the Economic and Trade Forum connected to the summit, according to a Xinhua report. The meeting of all 16 heads of government followed.
"If Europe shuts itself in, it loses the possibility of growth. We 16 have always been open and would always like to remain so. We always saw cooperation with China as a great opportunity,"
Orban stated at the outset.
"European resources are in themselves insufficient. For this reason we welcome the fact that as part of the new economic world order, China sees this region as one in whose progress and development it wants to be present."
He referred to the Chinese role in the planned reconstruction of the railway line between Budapest and Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, as the "flagship project" of Chinas increased presence in the region, asserting that the rail line could become the fastest transport route to Western Europe for Chinas New Silk Road. Hungary announced today the public procurement tenders for the reconstruction of that railway line, which is being financed mainly by China.
"We see the Chinese presidents One Belt, One Road initiative as the new form of globalization which does not divide the world into teachers and students, but is based on common respect and common advantages,"
Orban said.
Chinese Premier Li laid out an aggressive program for increased China-CEEC cooperation by "docking" the Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of the CEEC, in the words of Xinhua. "Our aim is to see a prospering Europe," he said, adding that the closer ties with the 16 countries, which includes 11 European Union members, will "usefully complement" EU-China relations.
Li pressed for the building of connectivity projects such as the Hungary-Serbia high-speed railway to be accelerated; proposed production capacity building be expanded, through the joint building of
"economic and trade cooperation zones and creating an industrial chain, value chain and logistics chain featuring closer integration, stronger drive and wider benefit;"
and called for cooperation between small and medium-sized enterprises to be promoted, according to Xinhuas report.
Li estimated Chinas imports over the next five years should total $8 trillion, as it has moved from a phase of high-speed growth to high-quality growth, which
"will surely create opportunities for all countries in the world.... We hope the central and eastern European countries find their place in this volume and expand their presence on the huge Chinese market."
Financial resources for all this, were also addressed. Li announced that the China Development Bank will provide $2.4 billion (2 billion) for the China-CEEC Inter-Bank Association being inaugurated on Monday, and that China will provide another $1 billion for the second phase of capitalization of the China-Central and Eastern Europe Investment Cooperation Fund, most of which will be channeled to CEE countries.
PRESS RELEASE
Korean Diplomatic Activity At Highest Level
Nov. 27, 2017 (EIRNS)There is an extremely high density of diplomatic activity regarding the North Korea crisis taking place around the world, which gives reason to be hopeful that there are moves towards starting negotiations with all parties in the near term.
Russias Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov, who handles much of Russias relations with North Korea, is currently in South Korea, where he addressed the urgency that the United States act to bring about negotiations with the North, noting that the North has not tested a missile or a nuclear weapon in over two months. The "dual freeze" proposal put forward by Russia and China, he said, is being met by the North.
Two of South Koreas envoys regarding relations with North Korea are now visiting Washington and New York this weekthe Vice Minister for Unification Chun Hae-sung, and special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lee Do-hoon. Both will meet with U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy Joseph Yun and others officials and members of Congress.
Two top Korea experts from Russia, Georgy Toleraya and Artyom Lukin, are speaking at the Wilson Center in Washington on Thursday, and are certainly holding other meetings with the relevant officials.
Also, delegations from both Russia and China visited North Korea over the past month.
PRESS RELEASE
Russian Diplomat Warns of Apocalyptic Scenario on Korean Peninsula
Nov. 27, 2017 (EIRNS)The eighth annual Asian Conference of the Valdai international, "Looking into the Future: Russia and Asia in the Next 20 Years," is now taking place in Seoul over Nov. 27-28. Addressing the event, Russian delegation head Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov warned of the dangers of a major conflict on the Korean Peninsula. "A scenario of the apocalyptic development of the situation on the Korean Peninsula exists and we cannot turn our blind eye to it," Morgulov said
"I hope that a common sense, pragmatism and an instinct of self-preservation would prevail among our partners to exclude such negative scenario. "We have told North Korea many times that for us [its] nuclear status is unacceptable. We continue this work with the North Korean counterparts presenting to them our position,"
he continued, according to the report from TASS.
"We greatly value that North Korea preserves the regime of silence [no missile or nuclear weapons tests - ed.] for two months already, and Russia actively works to make sure that the current regime continues as long as possible,"
Morgulov said. But he also pointed out that "the United States is not planning to reduce the scale of its regular military exercises, but also plans holding sudden drills as well."
"Russia has presented [its peace plan] roadmaps contents both to the U.S. and to the D.P.R.K., and I would like to say that at the very entrance the plan has not been rejected either by Washington or by Pyongyang, though still no answer. Besides, we have spoken for discussing certain elements of this plan separately with the U.S. and with North Korea,"
he continued.
Speaking negatively of the U.S. response to the last two months of Pyongyangs "silence" in staging no new nuclear or missile tests, Morgulov said,
"This will not result in the North Korean authorities giving up missile and nuclear programs, but on the contrary, will only strengthen its intentions to stay until the very end. I believe that the path of pressure has no perspectives and there is no other alternative to the dialogue,"
he stressed.
Morgulov further said,
"The key agenda of such talks can be very simple, which is the principles of peaceful coexistence. I believe that the lack of such concord gives roots to hostility and mutual mistrust among the involved parties. "The United States and its allies should at least reduce the scale of their regular military exercises they are holding in the region of the Korean Peninsula.".
He also addressed Russias economic cooperation with South Korea and said the establishment of a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and South Korea is possible. "Negotiations on the issue are underway and several rounds have been already held," Morgulov told journalists at the event.
PRESS RELEASE
First Grain Shipment in More Than Two Weeks Arrives in Hodeidah, Yemen
Nov. 27, 2017 (EIRNS)The first grain shipment in more than two weeks docked in the Yemen port of Hodeidah, yesterday, a ship carrying 5,500 tons of wheat flour from China. Humanitarian groups, however, have warned that the arrival of lifesaving supplies should not be misinterpreted as an end to the pressing crisis, but instead as the first step in re-establishing a consistent flow of food and medicine to a country with millions of civilians in need, reports the New York Times.
"We are very grateful for what we could achieve yesterday," Geert Cappelaere, the regional director for Unicef, said in reference to the planeload of medicines and aid workers that were allowed to land in Sanaa on Saturday, during a briefing on Sunday in Jordan. "However, this is not enough. Much, much more is needed." Unicef delivered 1.9 million doses of vaccines to Sana'a on Saturday, and Cappelaere said the next critical step was to get them to those who need them.
"Ensuring that the supplies whatever they are are reaching every single vulnerable girl and boy throughout Yemen is another challenge."
Al Arabiya, meanwhile, made much of a Saudi-sponsored truck convoy that delivered 791 tons of food baskets to Marib province, for distribution not only in Marib but also in Jouf, Al-Bayda and Hadramout provinces as well. It appears, however, that most of the areas targeted for distribution of these food baskets are in areas controlled by the "official" government of Yemen, that backed by the Saudis, and not for people in areas where the Houthi Ansarullah movement is in control.
The project to develop high-speed transportation by rail on the Kyiv-Odesa route is economically viable and would require investment of around EUR 540-840 million, Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan has said.
"I am sure by 200% that there will be passenger flow," he said during the infrastructure day in the European Business Association (EBA) on Tuesday.
He said that it would take two hours to reach Odesa from Kyiv. The price of a ticket of UAH 500-700 will be competitive.
Omelyan said that the optimal is the route along the Kyiv-Odesa highway where the state has land parcels.
The minister said that construction of one kilometer of tracks would cost some EUR 1-2 million. This allows assessing the construction of the entire railway at EUR 500-800 million. Omelyan said that one train would cost some EUR 10 million and four trains would be required for organizing normal trips.
He said that it is expedient to organize transportation of freight using this route. Freight dispatchers and potential international operators of ports, with which Ukraine is holding negotiations, are interested in it.
The minister said that later this new railway track could be connected with Lviv and Europe, creating an new high-speed railway route.
PRESS RELEASE
Schiller Conference Passes Resolutions To End European Poverty and Yemen War
Nov. 28, 2017 (EIRNA)The attendees at a Nov. 26 conference of the international Schiller Institute in Bad Soden, Germany adopted two resolutions: one to end poverty in Europe, and the other to end the war in Yemen. The texts follow:
Europe Must End Poverty for its 120 Million Poor by 2020 adopted by the Schiller Institute Conference in Bad Soden, on Nov. 26, 2017
At this conference, with the title "Fulfilling the Dream of Mankind," we discussed the incredible transformation of the world catalyzed by the Chinese initiative of the New Silk Road. The Belt and Road Initiative, which is creating optimism in Asia, Africa, Latin America, more and more states in Europe, and after the state visit of President Trump in China, in several states within the United States.
The Belt and Road Initiative has the concrete perspective how poverty and underdevelopment can be overcome through investment in infrastructure, industry and agriculture, based on scientific and technological progress. The Chinese government which uplifted 700 million out of poverty in the last 30 years, has now proclaimed the goal to lift the remaining 42 million people living in poverty out of their condition, and create a decent living standard for the entire Chinese population by the year 2020.
Within the European Union, there are living approximately 120 million people below the poverty line, according to our own criteria characterizing the costs of life. Given the fact that Europe is still an economic powerhouse, there is no plausible reason why Europe cannot uplift these 120 million people out of poverty by the year 2020, as well. The best way to accomplish this, is for the EU, all European nations to accept the offer by China to cooperate with China in the Belt and Road Initiative on a "win-win" basis.
We, the participants of the Schiller Institute conference, call on all elected officials to join this appeal to the European governments. Should we in Europe not be proud enough to say, if the Chinese can do this, we can do it, too?
Resolution To End the War and Humanitarian Crisis In Yemen adopted by the Schiller Institute Conference in Bad Soden, on Nov. 26, 2017
The attendees of the Bad Soden Schiller Institute International Conference unanimously approved the following resolution on the war in Yemen"Given the documented fact that the war on Yemen, waged by the Saudi-led coalition since March 2015 on Yemen, has caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in this country as a result of the bombardment of the countrys infrastructure and the total blockade imposed by air, land and sea, the attendees of the Nov. 25-26, 2017 Schiller Institute international conference in Bad Soden, Germany call for:
Peabody Energy, the nations largest private-sector coal company, joined several of its fellow coal producers in bankruptcy in 2016. Its main goal was to wriggle out from under more than $10 billion in debt it had incurred to expand, even as demand was sharply falling.
But its bankruptcy filing has provided a collateral benefit: Peabody has been ruled immune from a lawsuit brought by three California jurisdictions blaming it and dozens of other fossil fuel companies for a sea level rise related to climate change.
The ruling came last month from U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Barry S. Schermer of St. Louis, who presided over Peabodys bankruptcy. On Monday, the California plaintiffs the counties of Marin and San Mateo and the city of Imperial Beach filed a notice that theyll appeal Schermers ruling to federal court.
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Does bankruptcy shield them from torts committed in the past? The answer is yes. UCLA law professor Lynn LoPucki
We believe the court properly barred these claims, and we will of course defend against the appeal, says Beth Sutton, a Peabody spokeswoman. We believe the best path to lower emissions isnt through litigation or overt regulation.
The lead lawyer for the plaintiffs, Vic Sher of San Francisco, says hes confident Schermer is wrong. We believe the cases were appropriately filed and brought in California, and look forward to having that resolved on appeal, he told me.
But he may have a tough task bringing Peabody back into the lawsuits, bankruptcy experts say. Thats because most of the damage the cases lay at Peabodys feet stems from activities prior to its bankruptcy filing. As a result, Schermer ruled, the companys liability for those activities was extinguished by the bankruptcy.
Does bankruptcy shield them from torts committed in the past? The answer is yes, says Lynn LoPucki, a bankruptcy expert at UCLA law school.
Nor is it unusual for a business to use bankruptcy court as a shield against historic misdeeds. In perhaps the most notable case, Johns Manville filed for bankruptcy in 1982 as it faced a torrent of lawsuits from people who claimed they experienced lung disease from inhaling asbestos the company manufactured. As part of its bankruptcy reorganization, the company established a $2.5-billion trust to compensate victims, and emerged from bankruptcy in 1988.
A closer case involves the 2009 bankruptcy of General Motors, a fast-track process that was completed in only 40 days. In May, the Supreme Court refused to block lawsuits over a faulty ignition switch in GM cars that led to sudden stalls and at least 124 deaths, even though the casualties stemmed from pre-bankruptcy actions. The court upheld a lower court ruling that although the faulty cars were manufactured prior to 2009, GM had concealed the defect and taken insufficient steps to inform people they might have a claim to bring to bankruptcy court.
The California lawsuits state that Chevron, Exxon Mobil and other oil, gas and coal companies should be held responsible for the consequences of climate change, including a rise in the sea level threatening coastal communities. The defendants have known of these consequences for decades, the lawsuits assert, but engaged in a coordinated, multi-front effort to conceal and deny their own knowledge discredit the growing body of publicly available scientific evidence, and persistently create doubt among the public. The plaintiffs are asking for money damages and the cost of equitable relief to abate the nuisances created by the plaintiffs.
The lawsuits got something of a boost earlier this month when a California appeals court upheld a finding that three paint companies should pay to abate the hazards of lead paint in homes built before 1951. The court accepted the argument of the 10 California cities and counties that brought the lawsuit that the companies had created a public nuisance through their marketing of lead paint for indoor use. The climate change lawsuits rest in part on the same public nuisance theory. (The lawsuits originally were filed in state court but moved to federal court at the defendants request.)
The bankruptcy judge, however, drew a wall around Peabodys liability. Marins lawsuit, he observed, wasnt filed until July 17, four months after he approved Peabodys reorganization and released the company from bankruptcy. The reorganization plan was drafted in cooperation with the federal Environmental Protection Agency, he noted, and in any case, the California plaintiffs chose not to participate in [Peabodys] bankruptcy, therefore any claim they may have had was discharged that is, nullified. He rejected the plaintiffs arguments that some of the relief theyre seeking from Peabody and the other defendants isnt monetary and falls within their police or regulatory powers, which shouldnt be protected by bankruptcy.
Its basically true that the bankruptcy court has very wide latitude in absolving debtors of the consequences of prior acts to get them out of bankruptcy, acknowledges Sean Hecht, an environmental law expert at UCLA. Peabody might have had a harder time shielding itself from the California lawsuit if it had been filed before the bankruptcy case closed. The whole point of bankruptcy is to give the debtor a fresh start, he says. In a way, its fortunate for Peabody that the lawsuit was filed after its bankruptcy.
Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.
Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.
UPDATES:
2:54 p.m.: This post has been updated with a comment from Peabody.
Harvey Weinstein resigned from the Directors Guild of America on Monday as the scandal surrounding his alleged acts of sexual misconduct continued to grow with two new lawsuits filed against the disgraced movie producer.
One of the suits accuses Weinstein of engaging in sex trafficking by luring an actress to the Cannes Film Festival in France three years ago on the pretext of business, only to sexually assault her at his room at Le Majestic Hotel.
Weinsteins resignation from the DGA comes after the guild filed disciplinary charges against him in October after numerous women publicly came forward to accuse him of sexual misconduct, including harassment and rape. He likely faced expulsion from the guild, after having already been kicked out of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America.
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Harvey Weinstein resigned his membership from the DGA, effective today, a guild spokeswoman said in a statement Monday. She declined to elaborate.
Weinstein was primarily a producer of movies and TV, but he became a member of the DGA because he co-directed the little-seen 1986 comedy Playing for Keeps with his brother, Bob.
On Monday, actress Kadian Noble filed a civil suit in a New York federal court, alleging that Harvey Weinstein engaged in sex trafficking when he enticed her to his hotel room at Cannes in 2014 under the guise of discussing a role in a movie project. During the meeting, the producer pulled the actress close and groped her breasts, despite her protests, according to the complaint.
The actress claims that at one point during her meeting, Weinstein put her on the phone with an unnamed producer at the Weinstein Co. who told her to be a good girl and do whatever he wished.
Noble alleges that Weinstein then forcibly pulled her into the bathroom where he exposed her breasts, groped her and then forced her to masturbate him until he ejaculated onto the floor.
The suit also names Bob Weinstein and the Weinstein Co. as defendants, alleging that they were knowing, or in reckless disregard of the fact, that Harvey would force himself on her sexually.
A separate civil suit was filed in London Monday by an unnamed plaintiff who alleges Harvey Weinstein engaged in a series of sexual assaults, and Weinstein Co. is also liable, on the grounds of negligence and possibly breach of contract. The complaint didnt say when or where the assaults took place, or elaborate on the nature of the assaults.
Both plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages.
A representative for the Weinstein Co. didnt respond to requests for comment.
A representative for Harvey Weinstein said in a statement: Mr. Weinstein denies allegations of non-consensual sex. Mr. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances.
david.ng@latimes.com
@DavidNgLAT
A years-long feud between U.S.-based carriers and airlines from the Persian Gulf has found its way into the highly politicized debate over the tax plan.
Deep in the U.S. Senates 515-page tax bill is a passage that imposes a new tax on some foreign carriers. The language was introduced by a senator from Georgia, the home state of Delta Air Lines, which has been calling for limits on rival carriers from the Middle East.
Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), said the provision he introduced would protect Georgia airline employees by ending a tax exemption for airlines based in countries that deny fair market access for U.S.-based airlines.
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The provision does not name the three Gulf carriers Etihad, Emirates and Qatar airlines that Delta and other U.S. carriers have long accused of competing unfairly in the U.S. by accepting subsidies from their oil-rich government owners. Still, Isaksons staff said the change is intended to target those carriers.
The Gulf carriers deny the accusations that they are heavily subsidized.
In a statement, Isakson said his provision would raise $200 million from the airlines, which would help pay for tax breaks for U.S. taxpayers.
The senator has complained in the past that it is difficult for U.S. carriers to fly routes into the Gulf region because they cant compete with heavily subsidized airlines based in the Middle East.
Foreign airlines should not receive preferential tax treatment if their countries choose not to open their markets to U.S. companies, he said.
Delta, which is based in Atlanta, declined to comment on the tax provision. A coalition of U.S. airlines that has for years called on Washington to impose limits on the Persian Gulf carriers also declined to comment.
But an international trade group for airlines the International Air Transport Assn. opposes Isaksons provision.
If enacted, the Isakson provision would upend decades of precedent which the U.S. has long supported on the taxation of international aviation, said Perry Flint, spokesman for the trade group.
Under current international agreements, most foreign carriers pay no taxes on gross income they earn when they fly into the U.S. In exchange, U.S. carriers get the same treatment when they fly into most foreign airports. Airlines that fly abroad still pay landing fees and other charges for the right to land in foreign airports.
The provision introduced by Isakson would break that agreement by imposing a corporate tax rate on foreign carriers whose home country doesnt have a tax treaty with the U.S. and isnt served by an American carrier at least twice a week.
Aviation experts who have studied the Isakson provision say it would affect airlines from at least 11 countries and territories, in addition to the three Gulf carriers.
Flint said the change in law could hurt U.S. carriers in the long run.
Foreign governments even those not directly affected by the proposed language could be tempted to follow the U.S. example and impose reciprocal taxes, he said.
A coalition of airlines that oppose restrictions on the Gulf carriers spoke out against Isaksons proposal.
This special-interest ploy was designed to hurt the Gulf carriers but would actually impact airlines from as many as 14 countries and territories, such as Jordan, Ethiopia, and Malaysia, said Andrea Christianson, a spokeswoman for a coalition that includes Atlas Air Worldwide, FedEx, Hawaiian Airlines, and JetBlue. In addition, the provision opens the door to retaliatory taxes that would harm U.S. airlines, particularly U.S. cargo carriers.
The feud between the Gulf carriers and the biggest U.S. airlines Delta, United and American was sparked several years ago when the Middle Eastern carriers began to add dozens of new routes to the U.S., using new planes with luxury seats and gourmet food.
The U.S. airlines appealed to the Obama administration and later the Trump administration, saying the Gulf carriers have an unfair advantage because they are subsidized by their oil-rich government owners, United Arab Emirates and the nation of Qatar.
The Obama administration declined to impose restrictions on the Gulf carriers, and the Trump administration has yet to take an official position on the dispute.
Even Hollywood celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Anniston and Jennifer Lopez have gotten pulled into the feud. They were criticized by the U.S. airlines or their unions after they accepted work from the Persian Gulf carriers.
hugo.martin@latimes.com
To read more about the travel and tourism industries, follow @hugomartin on Twitter.
UPDATES:
2:30 p.m.: This article was updated to include information from aviation experts on the number of countries that would be affected by the Isakson tax provision.
This article was originally published at 1:20 p.m.
SoftBank Group Corp. has offered to buy a sizable chunk of Uber but it wants a discount.
The Japanese conglomerate, which is leading a group of investors in the deal, told stakeholders in the on-demand transportation company that the investor group plans to buy at least 14% of Uber from employees and existing investors at a valuation of $48 billion, a 30% discount on Ubers most recent valuation of about $68 billion, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. As part of the deal, the group also would invest $1 billion in Uber at the previous valuation.
Bloomberg first reported the offer price Monday.
The tender offer begins Tuesday, and investors will have nearly a month to decide whether they want to sell their shares.
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It is not unusual for secondary market stock that is, when new investors buy shares from existing investors to be sold at a discount. But a 30% discount is steep, according to industry experts, who attributed the loss in Ubers value to the string of blows dealt to its brand this year.
Uber most recently came under fire for failing to disclose a 2016 data breach in which the information of 57 million customers and 600,000 drivers was stolen. It then paid the hackers $100,000 to cover it up. The San Francisco company fired its chief of security over the cover-up. It is now facing scrutiny from the U.S. Senate, which wrote to Uber on Monday with a list of questions about what it has done to investigate the hack and prevent future data breaches.
Unresolved lawsuits, such as a class action that threatens to force Uber to classify its drivers as employees and a suit from Alphabet Inc.-owned Waymo that alleges theft of trade secrets, also may have diminished the companys value.
Even at a discount, there are reasons for Ubers stakeholders to want the deal to go through.
If youre an Uber employee and you got your stock for nearly nothing, then even at a 30% discount, youre going to make a lot of money and youre not going to suffer any embarrassment, said Erik Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigans Ross School of Business.
Early investors those who got in well before the company achieved its lofty valuation also might be relieved to be able to cash out.
The investors who got in late are the ones who are likely to be unhappy about it, Gordon said.
On the one hand, their stock is marked down, so it looks like a loss, Gordon said. On the other, it could have been worse. SoftBank thinks the company is worth $48 billion. Thats still a giant valuation for a company that is facing a lot of questions there are regulatory questions, theres the Waymo question, theres the question of whether its drivers will become employees.
This is a company that could actually be worth very little if it doesnt survive the regulatory scrutiny its under.
Uber still has billions of dollars in venture funding in the bank, but it spends heavily to subsidize rides artificially pushing prices down to attract customers as it tries to crush competitors. Experts say if it doesnt get the money from SoftBank, it will eventually have to raise money from someone else.
Their burn rate is pretty substantial, and its clear theyre going to need more capital to continue the fight with Lyft, said Stephen Beck of management consultancy CG42.
But more important than giving early investors an out and the injection of SoftBank cash are the corporate governance changes that would come with the deal.
If the deal goes through, Uber would adopt a one share, one vote model to ensure parity in decision-making. Its board would grow to 17 seats from 11, and there would be three new independent seats and one independent chairperson. Uber would not be able to appoint a new chief executive without approval from two-thirds of the board (this requirement would be lifted after the company goes public), and nobody could be appointed to any of the three board seats controlled by former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick without approval from a majority of the board.
It would, essentially, put an end to the infighting on the board of directors and offer some semblance of stability for a company that has had a turbulent year.
If the deal falls apart, many of Ubers corporate governance issues including the control Kalanick continues to exert over three board seats probably would take longer to resolve. They would continue to present a challenge to new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, who has been tasked with turning the company around and taking it public as soon as 2019.
That could make it harder for Uber to raise money in the future and embolden its competitors to seize market share while Uber is down.
It would be a disaster for Uber if the deal fell through, said Evan Rawley, a professor of strategic management and entrepreneurship at the University of Minnesota.
It could be a signal that Uber isnt even worth $52 billion. If they have to raise new money, its going to come at a significant haircut.
tracey.lien@latimes.com
Twitter: @traceylien
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California clears the way for testing of fully driverless cars. Local, federal interests have concerns
UPDATES:
12:45 p.m.: This article was updated with comment from Stephen Beck.
This article was originally published at 9:20 a.m.
At 9 on a Friday night, I knocked on a door in a nondescript Los Angeles apartment building. The only distinguishing feature was a small label with red text that read Lauren. Soon came a whirring sound and the click of the door unlocking. My night with Lauren had begun.
Lauren is the creation of artist and UCLA professor Lauren McCarthy, whose weeklong interactive performance was part of the IDFA DocLab, an International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam showcase for new-media projects, and also part of Vulnerability: The Space Between, an exhibition at Young Projects Gallery in West Hollywood.
McCarthy turned her apartment into a smart home, to be controlled remotely from a gallery in Amsterdam. Guests signed up to spend one night in the apartment, which was monitored by cameras and microphones, and where not only the front door but also the lights, music and appliances were controlled by McCarthy, half a world away. Video images from the morning hours (early evening in Amsterdam) were on display on a computer at IDFA, where viewers could see McCarthy running the show and interacting with her guests.
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The performance was inspired by artificial intelligence products for the home, like Google Home and Amazons Alexa. McCarthy became interested in how AI is sold as convenience but actually brings surveillance and commerce into our most intimate spaces.
The prospect of spending the night in a place where someone else is controlling the environment is bound to create anxiety. What if she locks all the doors and turns the stereo up really loud? Or turns the thermostat down really low? Will she watch me in the shower?
My husband, Oliver, and I walked into a living room that was tastefully decorated in a minimal, modern style. Nobody was there, but an electronic voice greeted us by name. The voice seemed to emanate from the stereo, where the display read Lauren.
We exchanged some pleasantries with Lauren, then I walked to the bathroom. I couldnt find the light switch. Thinking it might be outside in the hall, I accidentally turned on the hall light. Then, reentering the bathroom, the lights came on. Lauren had seen me and responded. (She assured me that the shower and the toilet were blind spots.)
Later, Lauren asked if we wanted a snack. Not really thinking, we replied No, thanks, that we had just eaten. After some time, she asked again, somewhat apologetically, wouldnt we like even a small snack? At this point, we realized we should say yes, and the popcorn popper in the kitchen began to run. After filling a large bowl, Lauren apologized for getting carried away.
We settled onto the couch. Lauren made it clear that we didnt have to engage with her, but it felt rude not to. How could we just ignore her? We talked about her project, her background, smart homes and AI. She asked us about our experiences with Alexa, which we have at home. Lauren and Oliver, who is also a college professor, compared notes about their students.
The conversation was friendly, if a bit stilted. There were long, awkward silences, largely due, I suspect, to the lag time in transmitting our voices and images, and the time it took for McCarthy to type her response and have it read by Lauren, whose voice is an electronic version of the artists.
Sometimes it was hard to understand what she was saying. There were glitches in the audio, and the voice pronounced things in unconventional ways. Wi-Fi came out wee fee, for example. But technical limitations aside, the most disconcerting thing about conversing with Lauren was not knowing where to look. She was there, but not there. We found ourselves yammering into space, partly as a reflex to fill in the silences and partly because we had no physical cues that she had something to say.
Or maybe she just didnt want to talk that much. There was always the possibility that Lauren didnt like us.
At home, when I ask Alexa to play music, I dont say please or thank you. With Lauren, of course, I was grateful and charmed when she anticipated my needs. In the morning, while I was doing my hair in the bathroom, she turned on the hair dryer.
Knowing there was a real intelligence (RI?) behind Lauren affected the way I interacted with her, but it also changed the way I felt. Knowing I was being watched turned natural activity into performance. I had to be my more public self more outgoing, more presentable.
The experience made me acutely aware of the daily transition from sleep to public life. The regimen showering, grooming, dressing makes me ready to perform Sharon in the outside world. We are like actors, donning costumes and getting into character. Knowing that the process was on display, that it was already public, made me wonder if I am always performing, even if the audience is only myself.
Lauren talked about a previous guest who brought a date to the apartment. As they began making out on the couch, Lauren wasnt sure if the date knew about the performance. She interrupted to say she could see and hear everything. The man shrugged his shoulders and picked up where he left off. For some, perhaps the difference between how we act when were alone and when were on camera is disappearing altogether.
Smart homes ask us to trade privacy for service. At bedtime, Lauren turned on an aroma diffuser that made the room smell nice, switched off the lights and bid good night. In the morning, she woke us up at the time we had requested; hot water was ready for tea, upbeat music was on the stereo.
She was, however, not perfect. When I asked for lights on in the kitchen, she accidentally turned on the blow dryer. When we were getting ready to leave, she said she had lost control of the door lock. I think she was joking, but it was hard to tell with that flat electronic voice.
Despite the misgivings about privacy, I felt like Lauren cared for us. She was a good host. I was surprised at how comfortable I felt in the space. I had thought the project might be a critique of AI, but I came away thinking it was more nuanced.
Hanging on the wall across from Laurens toilet was a medical illustration of a baby in the womb. In Chinese medicine, the uterus is described as the palace of the child. It is in some ways the original smart home, addressing all of a fetus needs seamlessly. My experience with Lauren made me think of the smart home as not just a tangle of gadgets or a commercial incursion. It is an expression of a basic desire for an organ that anticipates and accommodates our needs. To varying degrees, we all want someone or something to see us and care for us.
When it was time to go, I thanked Lauren and said goodbye. Walking down the hall, I heard her final sendoff: the sound of the lock clicking behind me.
Vulnerabilty: The Space Between
What: Projection, video and virtual-reality projects by Lauren McCarthy, Kate Hollenbach, Luxloop, Nicky Case, PlusFour (Ray McClure and Casey McGonigle), Kate Parsons, Mandy Mandelstein and Fawn Rogers
Where: Young Projects Gallery, 8687 Melrose Ave. #B230, West Hollywood
When: Through Dec. 29; closed Saturdays-Mondays
Info: (323) 377-1102, www.youngprojectsgallery.com
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How a migrant womans death influenced Inarritus VR project
Six months after giving birth to an unusual project the virtual reality exhibition Carne y Arena (Virtually Present, Physically Invisible), which won a special Oscar on Nov. 11 at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Governors Awards director Alejandro G. Inarritu remains impassioned by the artistic and social issues it raises.
The piece is part three-dimensional art installation (occupying three different room-sized environments) and part 360-degree virtual reality film. It takes as its story the perilous desert crossing regularly made by Latin American migrants from Mexico into the U.S. harrowing journeys that can end in death or in a Border Patrol detention cell.
The VR films narrative involving a surreal confrontation with Border Patrol agents was inspired by the experiences of actual immigrants the filmmaker located through Casa Libre, a not-for-profit shelter in downtown Los Angeles. Carne y Arena includes filmed portraits of each migrant (and one Border Patrol agent) at the end of the installation, all rendered by Oscar-winning cinematographer and frequent Inarritu collaborator Emmanuel Chivo Lubezki.
It was to these immigrants and those from "all corners of the world" that Inarritu dedicated the new statuette in his acceptance at the Governors Awards gala.
Sitting over coffee in a sunny meeting room at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where Carne y Arena has been on view since July, Inarritu said winning the special Oscar was in some ways more meaningful than his previous four wins for Birdman and The Revenant.
In part, thats because the special Oscar isnt a competitive category. Its a discretionary award given by the academys Board of Governors only when there is a deserving recipient. The last time one of these awards was issued was more than two decades ago, in 1995, when Pixars Toy Story, the first feature-length computer-animated film, was presented with an award for special achievement.
It was an acknowledgment more than an award, Inarritu said. And it was an acknowledgment that was not about me. It was something bigger than any of us and that was the most beautiful feeling.
WATCH: Alejandro G. Inarritu accepts a special Oscar for the VR project "Carne y Arena."
Carne y Arena, which debuted at Cannes in May and is also currently on view in Milan and Mexico City, has pushed the boundaries of technology and form, bringing together new and old art forms. As academy President John Bailey put it, the VR installation opened new doors of cinematic perception and viscerally connected viewers to the hot-button political and social realities of the U.S.-Mexico border.
On Thursday, Inarritu will join LACMA director Michael Govan for a public discussion about the project at the museum. Ahead of the talk, Inarritu whose deep, accented English would make him a great voice-over artist if he werent so busy directing films took time to discuss why Carne y Arena has been so important to him.
There is so much blah, blah, blah and so much tweets and nobody is interested in going to the root of why these people are leaving their homelands, their families, their culture putting themselves at risk, putting their lives at risk, their kids lives at risk, he said.
In this lightly edited conversation, Inarritu discusses how Carne y Arena might get members of the public to consider complex issues in ways that are more profound and more personal.
Lina, an immigrant from Guatemala, spent days stuffed into a trailer, then walked across the desert to make it to the U.S. after her husband was killed in the civil war. She is part of Carne y Arena. (Emmanuel Lubezki / Legendary)
What inspired you to make Carne y Arena?
When I did Babel, there was one thing that was happening on the radio at that time in Tijuana, where they were relaying the story of some immigrants. I could never forget that story.
There were like 20 immigrants; they were crossing. A woman broke her ankle and she was with her son of 11 years. [The group] had to abandon her. She stayed behind, under a mesquite with the son. She was very worried about the son. She said, You have to run. The kid leaves half a bottle of water with his mother. And I always remember this: He left a little towel with yellow squares on the face of the mother. And she had these white shoes. These people are so unprepared, that they are crossing with wedding shoes.
Anyway, the boy went to find help and he was captured by policemen. He said, My mom is there! And they said, Where? She is under a mesquite. They laughed at him and they sent him back to Oaxaca.
His grandfather the father of the mother was working in the United States. He had a visa. The father came down. Nobody listened to him. Three days later, a radio station has mercy on him and they tell his story. The authorities began to move. And they found the woman they found the bones of the woman. And they bring the bones, the towel and the shoes and thats how they recognize her.
I heard the story on the radio and the father is saying, Im thankful that I could at least bring back my daughter to have a burial with her. The guy was still thankful about it. It just broke my heart.
That story really stuck with me. At the end of Carne y Arena, when the police point at you and everything goes down, you see a yellow towel with squares hanging in the mesquite and theres some white shoes. Thats my little homage to that woman.
Alejandro G. Inarritu accepts a special Oscar for Carne y Arena at the 9th annual Governors Awards. (Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP)
A lot of the coverage of Carne y Arena has focused on the seven minutes of virtual reality. But the film occupies a series of environments including one that evokes the chilly short-term holding cells employed by the Border Patrol, and another that looks like the desert border. Why was creating that setting important to you?
I discovered that VR, even at this level, it was not enough. Knowledge can be an obstacle for wisdom. The way we know things is an intellectual process. But I found that the sensorial part of the piece was essential in giving people an understanding. The breeze and the sand in your feet. Your body doesnt lie. There is no process. Its an immediate sensation.
When you feel the cold in the first room, when you see the actual shoes of these [immigrants], you are touching reality. You are touching the life of a person through an object, not through an idea. And I think that is a crucial thing. Then I take you into the virtual reality. But, still, Im touching you with things: with the sand, with the air.
Then at the end, there is the more status quo piece, [the testimonials], and that is where you go into the intellectual process.
And by that, you mean the immigrant testimonials that are featured in the final room of the installation.
That was so difficult. We shot that the day after Trump won. I said to them, Dont tell me with words, but tell me with your eyes what you are feeling. There are so many things going on inside of it. Then I said, Now tell me with words. None of them insulted the president. They are just saying things like, We are very sorry that they think we are bad people. They said, We hope God will change the heart of this man. They were very noble.
Luis, one of the immigrants featured in Carne y Arena, crossed the border when he was 9. He has since graduated with a law degree from UCLA. (Emmanuel Lubezki / Legendary)
You told Vanity Fair that working in VR was like working in a completely new grammatical language. How so?
It doesnt belong actually to any of the conventional mediums. It has a little bit of theater. It has a little bit of physical installation. It has a documentary element. It has an animation element. It has a film element. It has a pictorial element. It is fed by many media or expressions but it doesnt belong to any of those.
The language of film gives you a partial reality, a fragmented reality and you have to interpret it. If I shoot two guys in a restaurant talking, you have to imagine the other 360 degrees. I put in audio of people eating and you can feel the room, even if its just two people on a set. Your brain fills in the rest.
In virtual reality, I have to give you a multidimensional thing. I have to build the whole thing. It ends the dictatorship of the frame. And [the viewer] is not passive. You are absolutely actively deciding where to go. I can try to manipulate you, but I will have no control. In cinema, I have the control.
Doing virtual reality for me was a big question philosophically. How many great journalists and documentaries have been talking about this problem? But if I would have done a small documentary, nobody would have cared. We are insensitive to reality. Sometimes we have to create a virtual reality to talk about reality.
What are some of the ways in which you have seen people engage with the piece?
Its incredible. We have everything from people trying to hide behind a bush to people, when the helicopter comes, they start running. There are people who dive into the sand and start yelling, people who start trying to protect the kid. Most people go on their knees when the police point at them. There are people who stay behind the policemen. There are other people who try to help the people. The piece says a lot about who you are.
Alejandro G. Inarritu says visitors to Carne y Arena have engaged with the piece in stirring and surprising ways. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)
Youve written op-eds critical of Mexican President Ernesto Pena Nieto and youve made statements in support of the 43 missing Ayotzinapa students. Why is it important to you not to shy away from politics?
One of the things that I didnt want for this piece is to become political. Politics and politicians have kidnapped our reality. They have degraded our reality. Everything is black or white. This is about talking about humanism. Im trying to say, This is not about right or left. Its more complex.
People have ideologies and ideas. Their reality is narrow. It becomes very dead. It becomes a box. So I want people to see, to feel with their skin, to walk a mile in somebodys shoes.
The Directors Series: Michael Govan and Alejandro G. Inarritu
Where: Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Bing Theater, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday
Admission: Free; tickets required
Carne y Arena
Where: Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM) at LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
When: ongoing
Admission: $30 ($25 for LACMA members) plus $15 general admission. Tickets sold out through Feb. 11
ALSO
Alejandro Inarritu's virtual reality installation, 'Carne y Arena,' wins a special Oscar
Inside Alejandro Inarritu's VR border drama at LACMA: What you will see and why you might cry
Cannes 2017: Alejandro Inarritu's virtual reality project takes film to new frontiersand questions
A border wall rises in Oceanside but this one is an art project, by Tijuana artist Marcos Ramirez 'ERRE'
Here are the 2018 SAG Awards nominees reactions to their nods
The on-camera talent recognized during the 24th Screen Actors Guild Award nominations on Wednesday shared their excitement and gratitude for the special honor bestowed upon them by the acting community.
The SAG Awards serve up laurels for actors and ensemble casts working in television and film as voted by their peers. The awards show, hosted by The Good Place star Kristen Bell, will take place on Jan. 21.
LIST: The 2018 SAG Award nominees
In statements to the Los Angeles Times, several nominees repeatedly thanked their drama families, particularly the casts and crews of their respective projects. Heres what some of them had to say about the recognition:
Alison Brie. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Alison Brie, GLOW
It is such a great honor to be recognized by my fellow actors with this nomination. I am so proud to be part of a show that celebrates the craft of acting, with all its pitfalls and glories, and to be able to work with such a diverse group of insanely talented women. GLOW has meant the world to me and Im deeply thankful for this recognition for me and the cast. Thank you SAG-AFTRA!!
Millie Bobby Brown. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Millie Bobby Brown, Stranger Things
Screen Actors Guild! Thank you SO much for recognizing me and our cast for the second year in a row! This means the world coming from you, our peers. I am so lucky and honored to have the privilege of playing Eleven a strong, powerful, badass, strange, wonderful character! Cant wait to celebrate with my Stranger Things family!
Timothee Chalamet. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Timothee Chalamet, Call Me By Your Name
What an incredible morning! This nomination is very close to my heart because its from the actor. When we made Call Me By Your Name, we had no idea what it would turn into. The experience in making the film with Armie [Hammer] was so special, and yet, we just didnt know. Simply put, Ive been blown away by the response this film has received. And, to be included in ensemble along with my Lady Bird family (congrats, Saoirse [Ronan]!) makes this recognition that much more special.
David Harbour. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
David Harbour, Stranger Things
If it isnt wildly apparent by now, Ill say it directly I love actors! To be recognized by my peers in such distinguished company gives me a special joy. And Millie [Bobby Brown] and the show! Beyond.
When I act, when I create, I feel alive, full to bursting, and I feel of service to the mysterious goodness that firmly exists in this world. I have been rewarded with a life that indulges in the primacy of self, but at its core and at its purest and its best, it is a life of service. A service to audiences. To prod and poke when necessary, to comfort and entertain when times seem dark, to ever expand the human experience, to offer a reason to live, to celebrate to the gods the great gift and scourge that is consciousness. Sometimes it means expressing iron intellect and rigorous truth that bonds us all in the achingly profound wisdom of no escape. Sometimes it means revealing the intimate moments of endurance, of unexpected kindness, unasked for love. And sometimes it simply means making a fierce and joyful noise, to spin, to twirl, to throw your hands up with the relentless dips and climb aboard this roller coaster of life. Ya know, to dance. *insert Hopper dancing gif*
Thank you for recognizing me, as it might mean itll be easier to get more jobs doing it.
Sally Hawkins, The Shape of Water
I am beyond thrilled to have received the honor of this nomination. And to receive it from fellow colleagues is huge to me. Guillermo [del Toro], this film and the entire cast and crew hold a very special place in my heart and always will. Each and every one of them made me better. I am truly delighted more than I can really express in words but my heart is fit to burst with pride for us all. Thank you dearest SAG members. Thank you for your embrace.
Sean Hayes. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
Sean Hayes, Will & Grace
I am so honored to be recognized in this category with these extraordinary actors. I love acting because I love actors. I also like to bake sometimes.
Richard Jenkins. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water
I am thrilled and humbled to be nominated by my peers for a SAG Award. This union is very close to my heart. Well, the SAG card is in my wallet, so its a little further south.
Zoe Kazan. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Zoe Kazan, The Big Sick
Thank you to SAG for honoring The Big Sick ensemble with a nomination. It means so much to us, especially from our acting peers. I am deeply proud to be a part of this film and to have brought Kumail [Nanjiani] and Emily [V. Gordon]s story into the world, especially at this time. We are particularly moved to have been recognized as an ensemble, as this was such an extraordinary collaborative experience Im excited to be reunited once more with my movie family, and to share this with Kumail, Holly [Hunter], Ray [Romano], Zenobia [Shroff], Anupam [Kher], and Adeel [Akhtar] and everyone else who helped bring The Big Sick to life.
Nicole Kidman. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Nicole Kidman, Big Little Lies
What an amazing morning! Thank you to SAG-AFTRA for recognizing Big Little Lies in such a significant way. Ive been acting since I was 14 and have dedicated an enormous amount of my life to my craft so to be acknowledged by my acting family is the most incredible honor.
Jason Bateman and Laura Linney. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Laura Linney, Ozark
I am so proud to be included in a list of such wonderful actresses who have raised the bar so high. What an amazing year for women in television. And I am especially proud to be representing Ozark with my TV spouse, the ever deserving Jason Bateman! Thank you SAG-AFTRA!
Marc Maron. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)
Marc Maron, GLOW
I am stunned and excited to be recognized by other actors in this way. I really never thought this was possible in my life. It helps to be surrounded by amazing actors and to have such a defined and well written character as Sam Sylvia and to be on a show as unique as GLOW. I am just a small part. So, thanks SAG for recognizing me and the mind-blowing ensemble that is GLOW.
Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, The Big Sick
We are so lucky to have been graced with the enormous talents of every single member of our cast. They each put a piece of themselves into our story and we are thrilled at being recognized. Thank you. And a special shout out to Holly Hunters individual nomination!
Now we have to go tell our real parents that they arent actually nominated.
Bob Odenkirk. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Bob Odenkirk, Better Call Saul
I am thrilled to get this nomination from my fellow actors! At Better Call Saul I am surrounded by an ensemble of excellence Michael McKean, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, everybody raises my game. Thank you to SAG-AFTRA.
Gary Oldman. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)
Gary Oldman, The Darkest Hour
No actor could ever deny the special satisfaction that comes from being recognized by your fellow artists we all share the same challenges, insecurities, and uncertainties, chief among them, the question am I any good? this nomination, and in the wonderful company of the other nominees, is so very satisfying.
Margot Robbie. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Margot Robbie, I, Tonya
Im so incredibly moved and excited to be nominated by my fellow actors. I feel very fortunate to be able to have had the opportunity to bring Tonyas story to the big screen. Thank you to Steven [Rogers] for his brilliant and unique script, to Allison [Janney] and Sebastian [Stan] for being such incredible screen partners and to Craig [Gillespie] for his amazing direction and perfectly capturing the tone and essence of the film. Im so honored to be recognized among the truly powerful and wonderful women in the category. I cant wait to celebrate with everyone.
Sam Rockwell. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
It is such an honor to be nominated by your fellow actors, I have been a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild for as long as I can remember. To share it with this wonderful ensemble whom I have had the pleasure to work with over the years and others I got to collaborate with for the first time is truly special. I want to thank Martin McDonagh, our director and writer, for crafting these characters, as well as Woody [Harrelson], Fran [McDormand] and the rest of the cast who brought the town of Ebbing to life on screen. I am thrilled.
Ray Romano. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)
Ray Romano, The Big Sick
This is awesome but I wont believe it till the recount.
U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker has said that he does not see any arguments why the U.S. should not cooperate with Ukraine on defense issues, including the sale of weapons.
"And, the U.S. has defense relationships and arms sales relationships with dozens and dozens and dozens of countries around the world. And there isn't anything compelling that I can see as to why Ukraine should be a special case, why we wouldn't do that, especially when they're actively trying to defend their territory," Volker said in an interview with The Global Politico magazine posted on Monday.
According to him, Ukraine's a country that is fighting on its own territory to defend its country against violence. He said it's something that every nation would do.
Volker added that he does not consider the arguments that arms supplies would lead to escalation of the conflict in Donbas.
Bambadjan Bamba has only the fondest memories of growing up in the African country of Cote D'Ivoire. But in 1993, after that nations first president, Felix Houphouet-Boigny, died and it became politically unstable, Bambas family fled to the United States for protection. At 10, America became his new home.
Twenty-five years later, however, the actor perhaps best known for his recurring role on NBCs The Good Place doesnt quite feel like an American. Sure, hes perfected the accent and erased every hint of foreign-born-ness from his speech. But since high school, hes carried around a secret burden hes ready to reveal: Hes undocumented.
Bamba is one of the estimated 11 million undocumented Americans living in the United States, according to Pew research. Hes told very few people of his citizenship status until now.
America really has to stand for immigrants now. Bambadjan Bamba
Motivated by the Trump administrations efforts to rescind the Deferrred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, the Obama-era policy that protects the children of immigrants who didnt enter the country legally, the Greys Anatomy, Suicide Squad and Black Panther actor is breaking his silence.
Immigrants are not criminals, said Bamba, 35. We're not here to take away your jobs. We're here to give back. We're not just Mexicans or Latino. We're black, too. We're from the Middle East, from Asia, too. We're your neighbors, your doctors, the teachers of your children, and sometimes we're on TV in your home, characters that you love. We're just one of you.
The only difference is [that you have] a certain piece of paper that's supposed to allow you to navigate freely in the country.
In an exclusive interview, The Times spoke with Bamba about overcoming fear, how his citizenship status affects his job and what he hopes audiences will take away from his coming out.
Actor Bambadjan Bamba, soon to be seen in Marvels Black Panther, is undocumented. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
What made you decide that you wanted to come out as undocumented?
Ultimately, I really felt moved in my spirit. I felt like God was telling me, "This is your time to do it. You have to do it." I look at my daughter and I'm like, "If I don't do it, and DACA gets canceled, I could be separated [from her]." We just don't know what's going to happen and I'd rather go out fighting.
All these kids that have so much less than I do, they're standing up. They're sleeping in front of the White House or in front of their congressman's office. I'm sitting here being scared. But we're done with fear. We're here to stay. Let's push. Let's fight, because nothing is going to be given for free.
At what point did you find out you were undocumented?
My whole childhood was, Hey, were in America. Were trying to get asylum. There's a war in Africa." It wasn't until I started applying for college that I realized that I couldn't get financial aid. I had to have a conversation with my parents, and they're like, "Oh yeah The asylum case didn't work out, but whatever you want to do, we will support.
I got into [the Conservatory of Film and Dramatic Arts] and they helped me pay for it. I drove yellow cabs in New York City to make the tuition and just kind of did what needed to be done. I just always knew that [acting] is what I was called to do, someway somehow. I figured if I kept working hard at it, if I keep doing the right thing, if I'm super successful, then I'll become a citizen eventually. That hasn't happened yet.
The Obama administration established DACA in 2012 for immigrants like yourself. What do you remember about that moment?
My whole adult life has just been this limbo with immigration. You hear on the news one day about immigration, Bush might pass something." Then, we [were] all holding our hearts. We're all praying. We're all fasting. We're all trying to help any way we can. Then nothing happens. You feel this despair like, "Oh my God. We're in this again." But you keep going.
Then, Obama promises that in his first year of office, he's going to do something, and then he doesn't. There were really some brave undocumented immigrants that just held him to task and really forced him to sign that executive action. I was supporting it in the way that I could, but there's always this shadow of fear like, "Oh my God. If I come out [as undocumented], what can happen? I may never work in Hollywood again. I could be sent back home and there's a war!" There's always this fear, this balance.
What went through your mind when President Trump announced his intentions to rescind DACA?
We're back here again. [Being undocumented] is like this thing you want to forget, but you keep getting reminded of. And it's not just a simple reminder; you're having nightmares. I have friends who had nervous breakdowns the day before they're supposed to go see a judge. There's a lot of fear around the issue because they criminalize you. You're just here to go to school. Your parents can't pay for the school. Next thing you know, you're undocumented, and you're a criminal, and you're sent to jail. It's just this spiral.
It's a little different when you're black and you're an immigrant because the cop doesn't care that you're an immigrant at first. You're just black. You're dealing with all those issues. When he finds out you're an immigrant, he's like, "Oh, okay. I got you now."
Actor Bambadjan Bamba is also a filmmaker. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
The face of immigration is often Latino, but according to a NYU School of Law report, there are about 5 million foreign-born black people in the U.S., 3.7 million of which arent citizens.
I speak with an American accent now because of the story I told you of my childhood. I'm an actor, and it works when you have both accents. No one imagines, no one thinks in their wildest dreams that I'm undocumented. There's also a lot of resources and organizations set up for Latino immigrants, because they're the majority. Black immigrants really don't have that much support... and for people from the Caribbean or Africa, there's a shame culture around being undocumented. No one even wants to come out and talk about it.
Since the new administration, people are scared to go to the little Jamaican restaurant because there are raids. They're scared to take a certain street because of raids. There's all this fear that's being perpetuated. We just can't be scared anymore.
How has your citizenship status affected any type of opportunities for you in Hollywood?
For one, a lot of work is in Canada or otherwise outside of America. I've had auditions before and imagine you're in the room trying to book a role, but in the back of your mind you're like, "Man, if I book this, how am I going to travel? How am I going to come back?" It's like you're always stuck with this decision that you kind of have to make. My biggest fear is you're on set shooting, and they come out, "Hey, stop shooting. Stop shooting. He doesn't have papers." That happened to a friend of mine when he did have papers.
Sounds like a perpetually anxious situation to be in
A job that I just did, we shot on Friday, shot the entire scene. It was beautiful and the director liked me. Everything was great. On Saturday, they're like, "We don't understand this paper. Where's your visa?" I'm like, "I don't have a visa. I'm DACA." "Well, what's DACA?"
You try to break it down to them. They're freaking out, calling [my manager] like, "Oh my God. I'm going to lose my job. I'm going to get fired because hes already on camera
It's such a controversial issue, but people know nothing about immigration. Hopefully coming out, especially to Hollywood, would help demystify it a little bit. There's so many people in Hollywood who are immigrants. I don't know how Hollywood would function without immigrants. Again, I'm coming out to say, "Hey, my colleagues, my friends, it's great to say I'm with DACA. I'm with the Dreamers, but we need more concrete action. Call your representatives." America really has to stand for immigrants now.
I'm surprised but also, not really by that because we often look at Hollywood as being this very liberal place. Celebrities are literally out here wearing We Are All Dreamers shirts. How does that make you feel as someone who's been in this industry for over 10 years now?
Honestly, in the heart of their hearts, I know that they're supportive of immigrants. Its just frustrating when people are scared when they see these documents. Yes, the immigration system is complicated, but people are here working legally. Booking the job is really the hardest part, so your documentation afterwards should be simple
What do you hope audiences take away from now knowing your story?
At the bottom line, this is an immigrant nation. It was founded by immigrants. America said, "Bring me your poor. Bring me your downtrodden. Bring me all those who are being persecuted, and they will have a safe place." That's still valid today even though the immigrants that are coming are not all from Europe anymore. I believe America has a responsibility to those words and those ideals.
Get your life! Follow me on Twitter (@TrevellAnderson) or email me: trevell.anderson@latimes.com.
After a year that saw the release of his heartfelt memoir Good Things Happen Slowly and another splendid solo album, pianist Fred Hersch will again vie for his first Grammy Award after receiving two nominations in the jazz categories Tuesday morning.
The expressive Open Book was among the releases recognized in the jazz instrumental album category, which includes Bill Charlaps Uptown, Downtown, Billy Childs Rebirth, Project Freedom by Joey DeFrancesco & the People and Chris Potters The Dreamer Is the Dream.
Potter and Childs also join Hersch in the improvised solo category, a field that features violinist Sara Caswell and fleet-fingered guitarist John McLaughlin, who was recognized for his work on Miles Beyond, a song from his Mahavishnu Orchestra days that appeared on his 2017 album, Live at Ronnie Scotts. (McLaughlin comes to Royce Hall on Dec. 9 with whats billed as his final U.S. tour.)
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In the jazz vocal category, the ever-inventive Cecile McLorin Salvant received her third consecutive nomination in as many releases for the stirring live album Dreams and Daggers. Also nominated were the husband-and-wife team the Baylor Project, Raul Midon, the Randy Porter Trio with Nancy King and 26-year-old rising star Jazzmeia Horn, whose debut, A Social Call, came after winning the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition in 2015.
Local bandleader John Beasleys genre-skipping MONKestra project also earned its second consecutive nomination in as many years in the large ensemble category for its latest set of rousing arrangements from the Thelonious Monk songbook, MONKestra Vol. 2. The category includes Bringing It, the second big-band album from bassist Christian McBride, along with releases by groups led by Alan Ferber, Vince Mendoza and Chuck Owen.
Miguel Zenons vibrant Tipico leads the Latin jazz category, which also features albums by clarinetist Anat Cohen with Marcello Goncalves, Pablo Ziegler, Antonio Adolfo and Jane Bunnett with her band Maqueque.
Across the genre divide, drummer Nate Smiths buzzed-about Kinfolk: Postcards from Everywhere earned two nominations in the instrumental composition and arrangement categories. In addition to featuring more nominations for Mendoza and Owen along with Beasleys MONKestra, the field includes second-generation Afro-Latin bandleader Arturo OFarrill and pianist Pascal Le Boeuf, whose composition Alkaline, for his collaboration with chamber group JACK Quartet, pulled at whatever definitions divide these categories.
See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour
chris.barton@latimes.com
Follow me over here @chrisbarton.
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California utilities and energy authorities are warning that Southern California Gas Co. might not be able to provide enough natural gas for all its customers if a cold snap hits this winter.
Thats because three critical pipelines that bring natural gas into Southern California Gas troubled Aliso Canyon storage site are out of service. Collectively, the three lines represent 42% of the natural gas transmission capacity into the Los Angeles region.
Were very concerned that SoCal Gas wont be able to meet demand to core customers, said Michael Picker, president of the California Public Utilities Commission.
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Picker and other state regulators said natural gas supplies should be fine under normal winter conditions, but a severe, lengthy cold spell could overburden the system. They are urging consumers to reduce their natural gas consumption during the winter months to avoid any strain on the system.
We have to avoid digging deeper into this potential hole, Picker said Tuesday during a conference call with reporters.
Southern California Gas is racing to figure out how to mitigate the problem for customers on high-demand days this winter.
One of the three natural gas lines wont be returned to operation until the end of December and another until May 2018. No date has been set for the third line to return to service.
Consequently, reserves available to draw from at Aliso Canyon will be lower than forecast.
The utilities commission and the California Energy Commission have been taking steps to relieve the gas system, including reviewing strategies used in other states, such as paying gas customers to reduce use during high-demand periods.
Were taking all the actions we can, said Robert Weisenmiller, chairman of the commission.
The warning echoes an April 2016 report in which utilities and regulators projected that if natural gas couldnt be withdrawn from Aliso Canyon, a shortage could force rolling blackouts during as many as 14 summer days plus an additional eight to 18 days later in the year.
The facility wasnt operating then, after a four-month leak forced about 8,000 families living in nearby Porter Ranch from their homes, some complaining of headaches, nausea and nosebleeds.
Southern California Gas said in a statement that the company was working on long-term solutions to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy for its 21 million residential and business customers. For now, ensuring that service requires storage facilities such as Aliso Canyon, the company said.
Our natural gas system was designed to use our storage facilities including Aliso Canyon to mitigate reliability risks, maintain reliable service during unplanned equipment and pipeline outages like the ones we are facing this winter and help ensure uninterrupted service to all our customers, the utility stated.
But consumer groups and critics of the utility contended that the company cares more about its business than its customers. The critics argue that raising the potential of blackouts was an irresponsible scare tactic by Southern California Gas so that it would be allowed to continue to store gas at the facility, which some neighbors and state lawmakers want closed permanently.
The detractors said the report failed to mention additional natural gas fields as well as other fuel and power options.
The blackouts never materialized.
Bill Powers, a San Diego engineer and frequent utility critic, questioned whether regulators and Southern California Gas were using the pipeline shutdowns to justify keeping Aliso Canyon open. In addition, Powers questioned why it was taking so long to fix the gas lines.
Theyre just giving us a new story, Powers said.
Southern California Gas began injecting gas into the Aliso Canyon facility on July 31, two days after receiving court clearance.
Ivan.Penn@latimes.com
Louis.Sahagun@latimes.com
Twitter: @ivanlpenn, @LouisSahagun
UPDATES:
2:45 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from Southern California Gas Co.
This article was originally published at 12:50 p.m.
A request for an emergency audit of the $64-billion California bullet train project was turned down Monday by Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, the Torrance Democrat who chairs the joint audit committee.
In a letter to Assemblyman Jim Patterson (D-Fresno), who requested the audit, Muratsuchi said the request would deny the legislature and public an opportunity to review and discuss the issue in public.
Muratsuchi suggested he bring a regular request for an audit when the committee holds a hearing in January. Under Pattersons request for an emergency audit, the chair and co-chair of the committee can authorize an audit by themselves. The project is facing a $1.7-billion increase in costs and a seven-year delay in just its segment in the Central Valley.
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In 2016, the joint audit committee turned down a request for a regular audit by Sen. Andy Vidak (R-Hanford), who subsequently said the partys leadership was afraid that potentially negative findings would jeopardize the project.
Patterson and Vidak, among most other Republican legislators and a few Democrats, oppose the project as it is currently planned and implemented. Pattersons office released the letter from Muratsuchi.
The state auditor last reported on the bullet train five years ago, raising a wide range of concerns about its financial condition, ridership estimates and oversight.
ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com
Follow me on Twitter @rvartabedian
A door opened, and three men walked out of captivity into a sun-drenched waiting area. Its a scene repeated hundreds of times a day at Los Angeles County Mens Central Jail.
But instead of being greeted by family members and friends, these men were met by Victor Key, a case manager for Project 180, a downtown agency that is on the front line of a homeless strategy called jail in-reach.
The three men had been arrested for felonies. A psychiatrist had diagnosed them with mental illnesses that contributed to their crimes.
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All agreed to take a step that could end years of homelessness and incarceration. As a condition of probation they would enter an interim housing program designed to lead to permanent housing. Its part of a new effort by Los Angeles County aimed at breaking the cycle of incarceration among the mentally ill and substance abusers. By providing a small percentage of homeless being released from jail a path other than back on the streets, officials hope to reduce the chronic recidivism that has long plagued this portion of the homeless population.
In a region where homelessness is on rise and solutions remain vexing, the program is being closely watched and has received an infusions of both public and private money.
After a quick briefing, Key led them across the street to a van. Thirty minutes later, they walked into a freshly painted gray and orange building on West Vernon Avenue, a recently opened crisis housing center run by First to Serve Outreach Ministries.
The men were assigned bunks in one of the shelters mini-dorms, each holding four to eight men or women. That would be their home for three to six months while case managers worked with them to acquire permanent apartments with medical and mental health support.
Their choreographed release from jail was arranged by the Office of Diversion and Reentry, an agency within the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services Although it does not directly target homelessness, the inmate housing program contributes to the county homeless initiative because its clients are generally also homeless.
The Office of Diversion and Reentry grew out of L.A. County Dist. Atty. Jackie Laceys 2015 report Blueprint for Change, addressing the treatment of the mentally ill by law enforcement and the justice system.
Aaron Float, left and Ellis Pickering are relased on probation from LA County Jail with Victor Key, case manager for Project 180, center, in blue shirt. The men agreed to enter an interim housing program. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times )
Our jail should not be used to house people whose behavior arose out of an acute mental health crisis merely because it is believed whether correctly or otherwise that there is no place else to take that person to receive treatment instead, the report said.
The county Board of Supervisors created the office in November 2015 and funded it with $100 million to start and $30 million annually. Besides jail in-reach, the office also operates sobering centers and recuperative centers for homeless people leaving hospitals.
The office contracts for interim beds across the city and can draw on the countys flexible housing subsidy pool to place 150 former inmates into permanent housing each year.
The programs capacity will soon more than double. In October it received a $10-million commitment from organizations including the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and UnitedHealthcare to subsidize housing for 250 more a year for four years.
Under a funding model called Pay for Success, the sponsors are lending the money to the county and will be reimbursed if the program meets its recidivism and housing retention goals. At the end of the contract the county will be responsible for maintaining the subsidies.
Since last fall, when jail intake officers began recording housing status, about 190 inmates entering the jail each week have declared themselves homeless. Until recently, they would cycle through the jail like other inmates and ultimately be released to the streets.
Currently, the Office of Diversion and Reentry deals with a small portion of that population: inmates who have been diagnosed in jail with a mental illness or substance abuse disorder.
The programs medical director, Kristen Ochoa, a psychiatrist, identifies candidates for community treatment and then petitions the court for their release with a requirement that they stay in treatment.
Ochoa started out small in 2015 focusing on misdemeanor offenders found to be mentally incompetent to stand trial.
Unlike other defendants, they do not get speedy trials, do their time and get out. They receive treatment from the jails psychiatric staff and remain locked up until they are found to have regained their competence. Those who dont are held for the maximum sentence for their alleged crime, usually six months to a year.
Ochoa has now obtained conditional releases for more than 500 such inmates. They remain under court jurisdiction until their maximum sentences expire, returning regularly to mental health court for progress reports.
There, Superior Court Judge James Bianco addresses each in a fatherly way.
Wow, youre doing great! Im so proud of you, he told one during a court hearing earlier this year, then quickly changed tone for the next.
I want to remind you about how badly you were doing, he told a woman who was balking at taking medication. The last thing I would want to happen to you is to find you in the same condition as when you were in jail.
Last summer, the Office of Diversion and Reentry launched a supportive-housing program for a larger population of inmates, including alleged felons who were competent to stand trial but still diagnosed with a mental illness.
After receiving referrals from jail mental health staff, judges, attorneys or custody assistants, Ochoa diagnoses each and recommends those she thinks would do well in treatment.
Prosecutors and defense attorneys review the recommendation. If they agree, they reach a plea deal with treatment as a condition of probation. Case managers then pick up the inmate for the warm handoff to the residential facility.
More than 700 inmates were referred for diversion from August through September, said Corrin Buchanan, the programs interim deputy director. About 200 were in interim housing and 98 had obtained permanent homes.
Not all of the cases end well. Of the three inmates released to First to Serve that spring day, one remains in interim housing and one is now living in his own apartment, said Emily Bell, Project 180s director. The third left the program and has not stayed in contact with a case manager.
It is too soon to judge the programs overall success because recidivism rates are measured on two years of data, Buchanan said. A formal evaluation will be done by the Rand Corp., examining changes in substance abuse, recidivism and use of public services.
So far, the two diversion programs have reached only a small percentage of homeless inmates. That is changing.
In July, the Board of Supervisors committed about $3.3 million over three years from Measure H to contract with four agencies, including Project 180, to do case management in the jail. It will pay for 12 case managers, four social workers and four sheriffs custody assistants
For now their goal is modest making sure that every homeless inmate is entered in the database used by social agencies across the county to prioritize people for housing. Despite past encounters with case workers, few of them are in the database, outreach workers with Project 180 say.
Homeless people in encampments are often reluctant to answer questions on the street but have an incentive when theyre in jail.
For the most part its hope, said case manager Larry Gray. I remind them of the history of their homelessness. I had a guy last week who broke down in tears. Just the thought of having the opportunity to have housing, really made him more engaging and more willing to participate in the survey.
doug.smith@latimes.com
@LATDoug
A man who was convicted of driving under the influence earlier this year is back in custody after police say he drove drunk again Sunday night and fatally struck a woman in North Hills.
Jose Armando Macias, 22, was booked on suspicion of second-degree murder after he hit six parked cars with his truck and then fatally struck 34-year-old Ruth Chinchilla on Woodley Avenue about 10:30 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department officials said in a news release.
Chinchilla had just carried her infant son inside and was standing in the bicycle lane in the street taking her daughter out of a rear car seat when she was hit, KCBS-TV Channel 2 reported. The impact propelled her 30 feet down the road and the girl 60 feet, said Det. Bill Bustos.
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Chinchilla was pronounced dead at the scene. Her daughter remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition, officials said.
The ages of the children were not released.
Macias remained at the scene and was arrested.
According to court records, Macias pleaded no contest Aug. 30 to a DUI in connection with his arrest by LAPD Van Nuys officers in June.
His drivers license has been suspended since January 2016 for a failure to appear in court, DMV records show. Since then, Macias has racked up several tickets and been deemed at fault in one car crash on top of his arrests in June and on Sunday, according to court records.
Macias is being held on $2-million bail. An arraignment date has not been set.
joseph.serna@latimes.com
Twitter: @JosephSerna
San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office deputies are searching for an inmate who was reported missing from his work crew.
Corey Hughes, 27, was last seen in the area of the 5 Freeway and Country Club Boulevard in Stockton on Monday, authorities said. Sheriffs officials were notified by the work crew driver that Hughes, who was housed at the San Joaquin County Honor Farm, was missing around 1:30 p.m., they said
Hughes, who has a skeleton-like tattoo on his face, was sentenced on a weapons charge, according to the sheriffs office. He was scheduled to be released Feb. 6.
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Authorities have asked anyone who sees Hughes to call 209-468-4400.
sarah.parvini@latimes.com
For more California news follow me on Twitter: @sarahparvini
Though they continue to see fewer cases and no new deaths have been reported since Oct. 31, San Diego County supervisors on Monday chose to continue the local health emergency status for the regions ongoing hepatitis A outbreak.
Supervisor Ron Roberts noted that, while he considered the latest hepatitis A report from the county Health and Human Services Agency good news, the emergency wont be truly over until new-case rates shrink further.
I hope that day is not too long off, Roberts said.
It was a decidedly more hopeful tone than was used in early September when the board first declared an emergency, pushing forward to install hand-washing stations and asking cities across the region to help increase vaccination rates and street-level sanitation efforts designed to stop a rising tide of deaths largely among homeless and drug-using residents.
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This week, the outbreaks tally of confirmed and probable cases reached 561, eight more than last week. The outbreaks death total remained at 20 for the fourth straight week.
Dr. Eric McDonald, chief of the countys Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch, said that his department continues to receive reports of one or two new suspected cases each day. Thats far fewer than the 28 cases that were referred during the week of Sept. 3, which seems to be the outbreaks high point.
It appears that we are past the peak of cases, but we are still quite a ways from the baseline before the outbreak when there were only a couple of cases per month, McDonald said. That is why it is critically important that anyone with a known risk for hepatitis A who is still not vaccinated get vaccinated now.
The county reported that its ongoing vaccination efforts had reached 5,000 more people throughout the region since Dr. Wilma Wooten, the countys public health officer, reported crossing the 100,000-shot threshold two weeks ago. Wooten said Monday morning that its getting harder and harder to find at-risk residents who havent already been vaccinated.
We are noticing that saturation is increasing, Wooten said.
The county also appears to be making progress in clearing its backlog of suspected hepatitis A cases. Last week, there were 31 cases awaiting confirmation but this week that number had dropped to 12.
Since the beginning, public health experts have warned that the outbreak has the potential to cross over and become more common among gay men who are at an elevated risk of infection. Such a crossover has been reported in Southeast Michigan where a deadly hepatitis A outbreak has grown nearly as large as San Diegos. Wooten said that four vaccination clinics at San Diegos LGBT Center were held between Oct. 18 and Nov. 22. A mobile effort, she added, is expected soon.
During the first two weeks of December, four mobile van clinics are scheduled at several sites in Hillcrest, Wooten said.
paul.sisson@sduniontribune.com
Sisson writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker has said that Vladislav Surkov, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, during their last meeting in Belgrade on November 13 on a UN peacekeeping mission in Donbas returned to Moscow's primary positions, voiced at the beginning of this negotiation process.
"Our third meeting was a step back. They went back to their original proposal again. I dont know what the next step after this is. It could be that that happened for completely other reasons having nothing to do with Ukraine, just where we are in our U.S.-Russian relationship. It could have had to do with the lack of a bilateral meeting between President Putin and President Trump," Volker said in an interview with The Global Politico magazine posted on Monday.
He also noted that despite the futility of the previous meeting, the discussions will continue. "And we've got to see then what happens at our next meeting, which will be some time in December." U.S. representative said.
The U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine added that he believes the negotiations with Surkov are important. "I think only President Putin can decide. But he [Surkov] has the ability to communicate with President Putin, and so that's very important," Volker said.
A Turkish-Iranian gold trader with ties to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pleaded guilty in a billion-dollar economic sanctions-busting and money laundering scheme, a U.S. prosecutor said in federal court Tuesday morning.
Assistant U.S. Atty. David Denton said Reza Zarrab, who pleaded guilty, will serve as a government witness in the case against another defendant. Whether Zarrab would cooperate with the government had been the subject of increasing speculation in recent weeks.
He can tell you the inside story, Denton told jurors in opening statements at the trial of co-defendant Mehmet Hakan Atilla.
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Denton described Zarrab as a mere front man for a scheme masterminded by Atilla, a former deputy general manager of a state-controlled bank in Turkey, Halkbank.
Atilla, arrested at New Yorks John F. Kennedy airport in March, was the only one of nine defendants in the case who was on trial Tuesday.
Zarrab, Atilla and the others have been charged with orchestrating a scheme in which they exported gold in exchange for Iranian oil, in violation of U.S. sanctions, and used a series of front companies, false documentation and bribes to make illegal transactions through U.S. banks.
Zarrabs plea was unsealed Tuesday afternoon. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 26 to all six counts of fraud, money laundering and sanctions violations with which he was charged. He also pleaded guilty to a new charge of conspiring to bribe a corrections officer to smuggle contraband, including cellphones and alcohol, to him while in federal detention.
Atilla was the schemes architect, Denton said.
But defense attorney Victor Rocco characterized Atilla, 47, as a hardworking civil servant who had taken no bribes and amounted to a hapless and helpless pawn in a plot orchestrated by Zarrab, whose credibility Rocco sought to undermine.
He made the deal of a lifetime by pleading guilty and agreeing to cooperate in exchange for possibly remaining in the U.S. with his family under a witness protection program, Rocco said.
Rocco described Zarrab, 34, as an extravagantly wealthy businessman who paid tens of millions of dollars in bribes and waged economic jihad against the U.S. to make a fortune for himself.
There will be a tsunami of evidence presented in the trial, Rocco said. That evidence is essentially about one man and his scheme: Reza Zarrab.
The trial has important implications domestically in Turkey and for U.S.-Turkey relations.
The scheme was first investigated by Turkish police in 2013. That investigation, which implicated high-level government officials, was ultimately shut down under Erdogan, who alleged that it was being perpetrated by followers of the Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen whom the Turkish government also accuses of leading a coup against it in 2016.
Denton said Tuesday that evidence gathered in that investigation, which Erdogan has described as fabricated, would finally see the light of day in the trial.
Nate Schenkkan, a Turkey scholar at the research organization Freedom House, said that would likely feed the Turkish governments ire over the case.
They see this [trial] as the political leadership of the U.S. continuing a political attack that started in Turkey, he said.
Testimony by Zarrab, who is expected to take the witness stand Wednesday, could also potentially implicate Erdogan, other government officials and Turkish banks.
Denton said in his statements Tuesday that before the scheme began, in 2011, Turkey exported a total of $55 million in gold. A year later, it exported $6.3 billion in gold, he said. The increased exports would have reduced Turkeys apparent trade deficit and made its economy look stronger.
Turkey wanted to demonstrate that its trade deficit was better than it was, Schenkkan said.
The case is putting additional stress on the U.S.-Turkey relationship, which has already been strained by U.S. support of Kurdish soldiers in the fight against Islamic State, among other things. The Turkish government views the Kurdish militia as linked to a separatist terrorist group.
Erdogan has repeatedly asked the U.S. government to free Zarrab, and news reports have indicated that special counsel Robert S. Mueller III is investigating whether Erdogan offered former national security advisor Michael Flynn money to secure his help in extraditing Gulen and releasing Zarrab.
Zarrab, a prominent businessman who is married to a Turkish pop star, was arrested in March 2016 when he arrived in the U.S. for a family trip to Disney World with $100,000 in cash, officials said.
Earlier this month a federal Bureau of Prisons website listed him as released, but prosecutors said he remained in federal custody a sign that he was cooperating.
On Monday night Atillas defense team tried to get the trial delayed two weeks, but the judge refused. The trial is expected to last three to four weeks.
nina.agrawal@latimes.com
Twitter: @AgrawalNina
UPDATES:
3:40 p.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting and additional details.
This article was originally published at 8:00 a.m.
After the subprime mortgage fiasco triggered the deepest downturn since the Great Depression, Congress pushed through a slew of new regulations designed to prevent the country from being waylaid again by heedless risk-taking and profiteering by the financial industry. For the typical American borrower or credit-card holder, the most important piece of this package was a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau an independent agency created to combat lenders deceptive and predatory practices.
Led by former Ohio Atty. Gen. Richard Cordray, the bureau imposed fines on scores of misbehaving financial institutions. It also withstood relentless industry opposition to adopt rules requiring simpler mortgage paperwork, restricting high-cost payday and auto title loans, limiting overdraft fees and ushering in numerous other protections. According to the National Consumer Law Center, the bureaus actions delivered some $12 billion in financial relief to nearly 28 million Americans wronged by financial companies large and small.
Now, however, the bureau is running into a hurdle it may not be able to overcome: an administration that has yet to meet a regulation it didnt loathe.
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Neutering the CFPB would only enable the kinds of practices that fed past credit bubbles, to the detriment of the entire economy in the long term.
Cordray stepped down Friday, opening the door for President Trump to appoint a new director whos more in tune with his deregulatory agenda. Signaling where hes heading, Trump named Mick Mulvaney, the White Houses budget chief and a sharp CFPB critic, to be the acting director while the bureau waits for the president to nominate (and the Senate to confirm) a permanent replacement.
Mulvaney, a former Republican congressman who once labeled the CFPB a sick, sad joke, has at least one thing in common with Trumps picks to lead the Environmental Protection Agency and the departments of Energy and Education, among other posts he previously sought to dismantle the entity hes now been chosen to oversee.
Critics of the bureau complain that it has nearly unfettered independence from Congress, as well as a director unusually well protected from administration pressure. And some federal judges have suggested that the bureau is so independent, its unconstitutional. But its worth remembering why Congress created just such a well-insulated consumer protection agency in the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Bank and finance-industry regulators already had the authority to stop the sort of fraud that inflated the housing bubble for instance, the flood of money for liar loans and mortgages that plunged borrowers deeper into debt every month and then devastated Wall Street balance sheets when the bubble burst. But regulators werent focused on protecting consumers; they were focused (poorly) on ensuring the safety and soundness of banks, some of which profited from predatory loans. The crash showed that, for everyones sake, the industry needed a separate regulator whose sole mission was to guard consumers.
The bureaus detractors have found a sympathetic ear in the Houses Republican majority; the House passed a bill earlier this year to let the president fire the CFPBs director at will, while also stripping the bureau of its ability to write new rules, monitor and audit banks for deceptive or abusive practices, and oversee payday, auto-title and other high-interest lenders.
That measure will have a tough time overcoming a Democratic filibuster in the Senate, which means the biggest threat to the bureau in the short term is Mulvaney. If the Trump administrations steps on environmental regulations, the Affordable Care Act and public lands are any guide, Mulvaney is likely to try to halt or reverse the bureaus newer rules while simply refusing to enforce older ones.
And to what end? Banks arent suffocating under the bureaus rules their profits are booming. The economy wont collapse if payday and automobile-title lenders have to stop trapping customers in debt. Requiring simpler, clearer disclosures hasnt hurt mortgage lenders. Nor have the rules unduly deterred consumers from borrowing household debt hit a record $12.7 trillion in the first three months of 2017. Neutering the CFPB would only enable the kinds of practices that fed past credit bubbles, to the detriment of desperate or incautious borrowers in the short term and the entire economy in the long term.
Cordray sought to hold off the deregulatory onslaught Friday by picking his own interim replacement, Leandra English. All that did, though, was set up a court battle between English and Mulvaney over how to interpret seemingly conflicting statutes. There is no question that Trump still has the power to appoint a permanent director whos indistinguishable from Mulvaney on policy matters. If hes not stopped by the Senate, the sick, sad joke will be on us.
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You do the crime, you do the time yet for too many inmates in U.S. prisons, jails and probation camps, its not simply time spent apart from society seeking repentance and rehabilitation. Its days, months, years of violent, degrading, repeated sexual abuse, perpetrated by other inmates or by the guards who are ostensibly there to keep order.
Two facts of inmate life are generally accepted on the outside with blase indifference: When youre behind bars there is a good chance that you will be raped; and if you tell anyone about it there is a good chance you will be beaten or killed (if the assailant was another inmate) or laughed at (if the perpetrator was a guard). In recent years there have been belated efforts to deal with sexual assault and misconduct on college campuses, in workplaces and in government offices, but rape culture in prison persists with too little public outrage or official response. Approximately 200,000 incarcerated men, women and children are sexually assaulted each year, according to federal authorities.
More than half of those rapes are perpetrated by guards and other prison staff.
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Neither juvenile nor adult inmates can legally consent to sex with their guards. In such cases, sex is rape.
It took decades, but Congress finally acknowledged the problem and moved to address it in 2003 with the Prison Rape Elimination Act, widely known as PREA. It took another decade for officials to approve federal rules to implement the act, directing state and local institutions to have on-site monitors, to conduct audits every three years, and to provide inmates safe avenues for reporting abuse.
Los Angeles County runs one of the nations largest adult jails and has more juveniles on probation, in and out of lockup, than any other jurisdiction. But even now, five years after PREA rules were finalized, the county lacks compliance officers and has yet to conduct an audit.
The Sheriffs Department has conducted training and last month administered a test audit, but in explaining the departments slow progress, an official recently explained to the Board of Supervisors that PREA is an unfunded mandate.
But compliance with the letter of the federal law is largely beside the point, or at least it ought to be. The less-than-robust PREA is too modest for a jurisdiction like Los Angeles County, with its very troubling and very recent history of jail violence perpetrated by deputies against inmates. Ultimately, several Sheriffs Department officials were convicted in the beatings or related cover-up attempts, including Sheriff Lee Baca.
That experience ought to make the county especially sensitive to the consequences of violence against inmates. And if thats true of jail beatings, which might conceivably be explained away as a response to inmate misbehavior, it ought to be even more true of sexual assaults, which can have no possible justification.
Yet one jail deputy stands accused of a series of sexual assaults on inmates at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood. A county probation officer pleaded guilty earlier this year to inappropriately touching two girls at a juvenile camp. Probation officers have been found in recent years to have had sex with juveniles they were supposed to be mentoring. Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission Executive Director Brian Williams told the Board of Supervisors that 10% to 15% of the public comments before the commission has been PREA-related.
By law, juveniles cannot consent to sex with adults. Likewise, neither juvenile nor adult inmates can legally consent to sex with their guards. In such cases, with the power all on the side of the guard, with no possible retreat for the inmate and enormous fear of retaliation for reporting the crime, sex is rape.
Supervisor Janice Hahn brought some much-needed urgency to the issue earlier this month, and as a result the Sheriffs Department is due to report on its compliance with PREA by the end of the week. County officials also are to offer a funding plan in February. But compliance with federal law and guidelines, which is long overdue, should be just the starting point. The ultimate goal must be an incarceration system that temporarily suspends liberty, but not physical safety or human decency, in the service of justice and rehabilitation.
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To the editor: Reporter Laura Kings article rightly captures the challenge in arresting war criminals. (Genocide conviction of ex-Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic fuels hopes for future accountability, Nov. 22)
The Bosnian war ended with the Dayton peace agreement in 1996, yet Radovan Karadzic, the Bosnian Serb leader, remained at large for 12 years until his arrest in 2008, and Bosnian Serb commander Ratko Mladic was arrested in 2010.
The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY), like other war crimes tribunals, had no mandate for a police force that would implement the indictments by arresting suspects. These courts must rely on the countrys will to arrest war criminals. As King notes in her article, that will is often lacking.
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Although the Clinton administration was key to the creation the ICTY, officials at the State Department and those in the human rights and justice community all had their concerns that the ICTY would be used as a bargaining chip during peace talks and might not survive.
The ICTY was ground-breaking in that it was the first-ever war crimes tribunal to launch investigations and issue indictments during the fighting, not waiting until the war was over. While justice has been terribly slow in coming, it now seems that there is a new fact on the ground: War criminals may be able to hide, but they will eventually be tried and their crimes will not go unpunished.
Joyce Neu, Los Angeles
The writer, founder of the group Facilitating Peace, traveled to Bosnia when she was with the Carter Center in 1994 to help negotiate a ceasefire.
..
To the editor: Mladic is the best example since Adolf Hitler of a perpetrator of genocide who should have been executed years ago. It is tragic that he managed to evade justice for all those years while leaving many thousands dead, raped and ravaged in his wake.
For Mladic to be sentenced only to life in prison is a travesty of justice. His trial took five years and included the testimony of more than 600 witnesses, thousands of pages of documentation and a mountain of forensic evidence. Was all that really necessary? His guilt was so obvious that by prolonging the proceedings unnecessarily, Mladic was the winner.
United Nations human rights chief Zeid Raad Hussein said the Mladic verdict put perpetrators of atrocity on notice that they could be called to account years or even decades later. But for what purpose? This is certainly not a deterrent to Syrian leader Bashar Assad.
Sherwyn Drucker, Winnetka
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To the editor: Did I miss something? Please tell your reading public that you didnt really focus on the presidents insulting remarks in the article about honoring the Navajo code talkers. (Trump makes Pocahontas jab about Elizabeth Warren to elderly Native Americans in ceremony honoring code talkers, Nov. 27)
Those noble men were in the photograph that was published in the newspaper, but they were not named. Their genuine, laudable accomplishments were not noted. Instead, the light was once again shined on the wrong person.
Yes, I realize President Trumps remarks were quite offensive, but to override the honor that the code talkers deserved with more of the presidents already much-publicized insensitivity made me really sad. A separate, very short article could have been placed elsewhere to explain Trumps reprehensible (not merely ill-timed, as your print headline said) remarks.
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We know these insults will keep coming, but they dont have to be presented as real news.
Julie Kurtz, La Verne
..
To the editor: During a wonderful ceremony honoring the service of the brave Navajo code talkers during World War II, our tone-deaf, childish president once again exhibited his insensitivity and lack of decorum.
The event was moving along nicely with Trump in the background with clasped hands and an occasional smile. As the veteran Native Americans finished their presentation, Trump came forward with his ill-timed, inappropriate reference to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) as Pocahontas.
Like a petulant grade schooler, Trump cannot resist injecting himself to become the center of attention at every opportunity. He is an embarrassment to the American presidency.
Larry Lasseter, Brea
..
To the editor: Clarify, please: Just when would a Pocahontas jab be considered well-timed?
Cynthia Davis, Santa Barbara
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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
Russia's hybrid military forces have attacked Ukrainian army positions in Donbas 22 times in the past 24 hours, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as wounded in action, the press center of the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) headquarters has reported.
"Compared with the past day, the number of enemy's armed provocations has increased. The illegal armed groups attacked the Ukrainian fortified positions 22 times, repeatedly employing mortars of various calibers. As a result of enemy shelling, one ATO soldier has been wounded, who was taken to a military hospital in a satisfactory condition," the ATO staff said on its Facebook page on Tuesday morning.
Ukrainian troops returned fire 13 times from weapons not prohibited by Minsk agreements, reads the report.
In the Luhansk sector, the enemy lobbed about two dozen mortar mines near the villages of Lozove, Triokhizbenka and Krymske. The outskirts of the villages of Luhanske, Lobacheve, Lopaskyne and Zaitseve were shot at with light infantry weapons. The invaders also used small arms and heavy machine guns against the defenders of the villages of Malynove, Travneve, Zhovte, Novo-Oleksandrivka and Stanytsia Luhanska.
In the Donetsk sector, the enemy focused its main fire activity in the Mariupol sector. Invaders repeatedly fired grenade launchers and small arms on the defenders of the villages of Vodiane and Hnutove. Moreover, militants opened fire from 120mm mortars and infantry fighting vehicles near the village of Pavlopil. The Russian-backed mercenaries also carried out target attacks from light infantry weapons and heavy machine guns on the Ukrainian fortified positions near the towns of Maryinka and Krasnohorivka. Furthermore, the Ukrainian positions near the town of Avdiyivka and the village of Kamianka came under fire from grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms.
The accused ringleader of the Benghazi attacks was convicted Tuesday of terrorism-related charges but found not guilty of multiple counts of murder in armed attacks that killed four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador to Libya, in September 2012.
Despite being acquitted on the most serious charges, Ahmed Abu Khatallah still faces a potential sentence of life in prison for his role in the coordinated assaults on a U.S. diplomatic mission and nearby CIA outpost in the Libyan city, violence that became a political flashpoint in the Obama administration and Hillary Clintons run for the White House.
The mixed verdict, after five days of jury deliberations following a seven-week trial, marks a partial success for U.S. efforts to prosecute foreign terrorists in civilian courts, but a disappointment for those seeking greater clarity and accountability for the deadly Benghazi attacks.
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Abu Khatallah, a former Libyan militia leader who wore a wrinkled white shirt and chest-length gray beard to court, stood and listened to the verdict through headphones. He showed no emotion as he was found guilty of four of 18 charges.
His defense lawyers declined to comment on the verdict. Last week, they moved for a mistrial, saying that closing arguments by government prosecutors were over the top and inflammatory. That motion is still pending.
Abu Khatallah was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists, one count of maliciously destroying U.S. property, and one count of using a semiautomatic weapon during a crime of violence.
But he was acquitted of four counts of murder and all other charges, including attempted murder, in the deaths of U.S. Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans.
During the trial, federal prosecutors faced a challenge in trying to make the murder charges stick. They conceded from the outset that Abu Khatallah did not set the fires that killed Stevens and another U.S. diplomat, Sean Smith, and did not fire the mortars that killed two CIA contractors, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty.
They argued that Abu Khatallah was responsible because he urged others to kill Americans and had helped plan the attacks. But his defense attorneys kept reminding jurors that he wasnt present when the shooting began on the night of Sept. 11, 2012, and portrayed him as a political scapegoat for the U.S.
CIA Director Mike Pompeo hailed the verdict in a message to the CIA workforce. Today, a small measure of justice was meted out, he wrote. It took intelligence to find him, soldiers to assist in capturing him, law enforcement to interview him, and a legal team to put him away.
Republican critics long charged that Clinton, who was then Secretary of State, provided inadequate security for the Benghazi mission, ignored warnings of likely violence and failed to respond swiftly to the coordinated assault.
Multiple congressional and State Department investigations found the charges untrue, but Benghazi became a partisan rallying cry for Clintons opponents, including Donald Trump, before and during the 2016 presidential race.
During the trial in federal court in Washington, jurors saw gritty surveillance videos and listened to emotional witness accounts of how armed men suddenly stormed the lightly guarded U.S. compound in Libyas second-largest city.
Videos showed militants kicking in a door and carrying gasoline later used to set the compound aflame. They also could be seen grabbing documents that prosecutors say were used to pinpoint the location of a secret CIA outpost about a mile away, which was attacked later that night.
Abu Khatallah, now 46, was a leader of the Ansar al Sharia militia, one of the local Islamist groups that fought to depose Libyan dictator Moammar Kadafi in 2011. After the 2012 attacks, he kept a public profile in Benghazi, even giving interviews to visiting reporters.
During the trial, U.S. prosecutors described Abu Khatallah as an extremist who hated Americans and cited an array of circumstantial evidence to argue that he had masterminded the attacks.
They presented testimony from informants who said he had called for a strike on American spies in Benghazi. One witness said Abu Khatallah said he wanted to kill all the Americans.
The governments star witness, a Libyan businessman who appeared in court using the fake name Ali Majrisi, was paid a $7-million reward after he lured Abu Khatallah to a seaside villa where U.S. commandos grabbed him in 2014 and put him on a ship.
The defense hammered at the credibility of the informants, saying they were motivated by a big payday to make up stories about Abu Khatallah.
After he was seized, Abu Khatallah was taken to a waiting U.S. warship and subjected to a two-stage interrogation that is now the governments favored approach to handling terrorism suspects.
First questioned in secret by intelligence officers seeking details of active terrorist plots, Abu Khatallah was then read his Miranda rights and subjected to a second round of questioning by criminal investigators collecting evidence for trial.
While his trial was underway, U.S. forces in Libya captured another suspect in the Benghazi attack, Mustafa al Imam, and brought him back to the United States to face a charge of aiding terrorism.
The criminal prosecutions have proved far more efficient than the governments first strategy against terrorism suspects holding the defendants at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for trial by military commissions.
That process remains tangled in court challenges and delays, and some of the accused Sept. 11 terrorists still have not been brought to trial after more than 15 years in custody. Guantanamo now holds just 41 prisoners.
In contrast, federal courts have convicted more than 600 people of terrorism-related offenses since 2001, including 108 in which the defendant was captured abroad, according to Justice Department data.
The conviction of Khatallah on multiple counts underscores the strength of our federal courts in handling complex terrorism cases, said Matthew G. Olsen, former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, now at Human Rights First. This shows that our criminal justice system is fair, independent, and tough when it comes to dealing with terrorists and that no one can escape justice if we put faith in our laws and institutions.
joseph.tanfani@latimes.com
Twitter: @jtanfani
UPDATES:
4:00 p.m.: This story was updated with details on the verdict and from the courtroom.
This story was published at 1 p.m.
Supreme Court justices on Tuesday sounded ready to bar whistleblowers from suing companies for illegal retaliation under a 2010 law if theyve only reported wrongdoing internally, and not to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
If so, their ruling, due early next year, could strike down part of an SEC rule that interpreted the law as more broadly protecting whistleblowers, including those who disclosed fraud only to other company officials.
The Dodd-Frank Act, passed in the wake of the Wall Street collapse of 2008, sought to encourage auditors, lawyers and other employees to sound an alarm if they spotted serious wrongdoing. Employers were told they could not discharge, demote, suspend, threaten [or] harass anyone for making disclosures of potential violations. Employees who were fired could sue and win double back pay if they showed they were victims of retaliation.
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But the law also defined a whistleblower as someone who provides information to the SEC.
During oral arguments Tuesday in Digital Realty vs. Somers, the justices were quick to say that such a narrow definition leaves out an employee who made only an internal disclosure to company supervisors, or was fired before contacting the SEC.
Im just stuck on the plain language here. How much clearer could Congress have been?, asked Justice Neil M. Gorsuch in the first of a series of pointed questions directed at an attorney for a fired whistleblower. The law protects those who report to the commission. What would you have had Congress do? he asked.
Gorsuch has insisted that the high court should interpret laws based strictly on their text, not on their broad aims. He voiced surprise and irritation that we have two circuit courts that actually gave deference to the SECs unreasoned opinion extending protection to internal whistleblowers. He was referring to the 9th Circuit Court in San Francisco and the 2nd Circuit in New York, both of which ruled that the intent of the Dodd-Frank Act was to protect whistleblowers, whether they raised concerns with regulators or company officials.
In the case before the court, Paul Somers, a vice president and portfolio manager at Digital Realty Trust in Singapore, says he was dismissed in 2014, weeks after telling senior executives in San Francisco of a possible $7-million cost overrun on a project in Hong Kong. He did not contact the SEC before his firing, or file a complaint afterward with the Labor Department within 180 days, as permitted under another law.
The company disputed Somers claims of wrongdoing, and it urged that his suit be dismissed because he was not a protected whistleblower under the Dodd-Frank Act.
But a federal judge in San Francisco and the 9th Circuit cleared the suit to proceed.
Daniel Geyser, a lawyer for Somers, said Congress wanted to protect internal whistleblowers. Every piece of modern, major whistle blowing legislation sets out to protect internal whistle blowing, he said.
He was joined by Justice Department lawyer Christopher Michel, who was defending the SECs rule. I think its quite clear that what Congress was trying to do in Dodd-Frank was to bolster the remedies that were available under Sarbanes-Oxley, Michel said, referring to the 2002 law that extended protection to employees who file complaints with the Labor Department.
Gorsuch said he was not impressed with that argument. We dont follow what they are trying to do. We follow what they do, he said.
Several liberal justices said they were troubled about leaving internal whistleblowers unprotected, but none voiced support for allowing Somers to sue.
Justice Elena Kagan said the law as written was quite odd. A typical anti-retaliation provision, you would think, [would say] if I report internally and Im fired for it, then I get my protection, she said. Its odd. Its peculiar. Its probably not what Congress meant. But what makes it the kind of thing where we can just say were going to ignore it? she asked Michel, an assistant to the solicitor general.
Michel said the court in the past has ignored provisions that would make a pretty big mess of the law. Im not saying that it couldnt have been written more clearly, he added.
I think it was written very clearly, Gorsuch interjected.
Major questions before the Supreme Court this fall
david.savage@latimes.com
On Twitter: DavidGSavage
Sexual harassment allegations continued to roil the California political landscape Monday, as one Democratic legislator announced his immediate resignation and another was stripped of key posts by his colleagues.
The dramatic developments set the stage for the first legislative examination of the issue since it engulfed the state Capitol six weeks ago. The focus on sexual harassment propelled by high-profile allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and the #MeToo social media movement began with an open letter from more than 140 women denouncing a pervasive culture of misconduct in state government. The missive did not identify any legislators or others accused of misbehavior.
In the weeks since, women came forward with allegations of inappropriate behavior by both Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra and state Sen. Tony Mendoza.
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Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) submitted his resignation Monday morning, one week after The Times reported that six women had accused the legislator of unwanted physical advances or unwelcome communications. He is the first lawmaker to step down amid the current climate of heightened scrutiny over sexual harassment.
One resignation...does not solve the problem, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said in a statement, vowing to continue working to change the climate in the Capitol.
Tuesdays Assembly hearing to review how the chamber handles reports and investigations into harassment and discrimination claims will be the first by either legislative house on the existing reporting processes, which some women in state politics have called insufficient in guarding against misconduct.
Less than an hour after Bocanegra resigned, a Senate committee voted to suspend Mendoza (D-Artesia) from leadership positions, including a powerful committee chairmanship, pending the outcome of an external investigation into sexual harassment allegations made by three women.
Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) said that the suspension, along with plans to hire an independent, outside law firm to investigate complaints of sexual harassment, is necessary to increase the safety of employees and protect whistleblowers.
Today, the Senate Rules Committee showed that no lawmaker is immune from our zero-tolerance harassment policies, De Leon said in a statement after the vote. This is only one important step the next is a full, independent investigation led by outside experts, with publicly reported findings.
The Times reported last month that Bocanegra was disciplined eight years ago as a legislative staffer after another staff member alleged he groped her.
Bocanegra told The Times in October that the 2009 incident was something I regret and learned from. Three weeks later, The Times reported that six new women accused the assemblyman of unwanted sexual advances.
Hours before that story published, Bocanegra announced his intention to resign at the end of the legislative session next year. The protracted resignation was greeted with skepticism, even among Bocanegras Democratic colleagues. Rendon initiated a legislative investigation and said if the accusations were found credible, he would seek Bocanegras expulsion.
Have you experienced sexual harassment in government or politics? Tell us your story
Lawmakers were circulating a letter demanding Bocanegras immediate resignation.
Well-documented accounts of your reckless and predatory behavior towards female legislative staff, campaign staff and advocates have made you unfit to serve. ...Your offer to resign more than ten months from now is not acceptable, read the letter, obtained by The Times. At least 35 Assembly members from both parties had agreed to sign it.
Bocanegra on Monday said his original intention was to resign immediately but in consultation with community leaders, had decided to remain in order to avoid an expensive special election for Los Angeles County.
After the holiday weekend, he accelerated those resignation plans but struck a defiant note about the accusations.
Clearly, the principle of innocent until proven guilty has been temporarily lost in a hurricane of political opportunism among the self-righteous in my case to the detriment of both the accuser and the accused, Bocanegra said in a statement.
Bocanegra said in the statement he is not guilty of sexual assault or workplace harassment. A spokesman for the assemblyman did not clarify when asked whether he was refuting the specific allegations reported by The Times. A spokesperson for Rendon said the investigation into those allegations will continue.
Meanwhile, the Senate Rules Committee, which oversees internal operations of that chamber, held an emergency meeting Monday. The five-member committee voted without comment to suspend Mendoza as chairman of the Senate Insurance, Banking and Financial Institutions Committee and as a member of the state Commission for Economic Development and the California Workforce Development Board.
Mendoza, who did not attend Mondays meeting, has denied sexually harassing former employees and a young woman assigned to his office by the Senate Fellows program.
Graphic allegations about California legislator show there are few protections for female lobbyists in the Capitol
The burgeoning scandals have increased the pressure for legislators to overhaul their procedures in dealing with harassment. An Assembly subcommittee to address discrimination, retaliation and harassment prevention originally intended to offer a run-of-the-mill evaluation of processes has been tasked with probing internal policies that have been revised only six times since their adoption in February 1993.
Staffers, lobbyists and experts are scheduled to testify Tuesday on how the chambers existing procedures were crafted and how they are failing. The hearing begins at 1:30 p.m.
Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), the panels chair, said victims believe the current system leaves them with little recourse or confidentiality and fearful of retaliation.
She said the state Assembly needs to establish more warnings, revise its expulsion process and ensure a new reporting procedure protects victims while providing those accused with ways to answer to the charges.
I think we need to make it very clear what we expect from high-ranking staff and members and make it clear when ethical lines are crossed, she said.
The subcommittee plans to hold at least three special hearings through the end of January.
Adama Iwu, head of government relations in the western states for Visa, is among the lobbyists and staffers demanding that the Legislature stop investigating itself.
Are they independent if I hire them to investigate me and report back to me what they found on me? asked Iwu, who organized the We Said Enough campaign to bring attention to the issue of sexual harassment in politics.
She and other members of We Said Enough, some of whom are slated to testify Tuesday, are calling for a confidential hotline, trauma services for victims and whistleblower and anti-retaliation protections.
Eliminating one or two bad actors does not change the environment, the group said in a statement on Twitter after Bocanegras resignation. We need systemic change.
Follow our coverage of the hearing at latimes.com/essentialpolitics.
Times staff writer Patrick McGreevy in Sacramento contributed to this report.
melanie.mason@latimes.com; jazmine.ulloa@latimes.com
@melmason; @jazmineulloa
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Trump promotes sons Justice with Judge Jeanine interview President Trump promoted via Twitter an interview with his son Eric Trump just before it aired Saturday night on Fox News Justice with Judge Jeanine. Eric Trump on @JudgeJeanine on @FoxNews now! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 Eric Trump called into the show to defend his father from criticism prompted by the first government shutdown in more than four years, as well as a series of Womens March events that saw protesters in dozens of cities take to the streets to oppose the presidents policies. .@EricTrump joined me over the phone from Mar-a-Lago ! pic.twitter.com/Hro3TzUW52 Jeanine Pirro (@JudgeJeanine) January 21, 2018 Speaking to host Jeannine Piro who is reportedly an old friend of the presidents Eric Trump offered effusive praise for his father, ticking off glowing statistics to illustrate the strength of the U.S. economy and gains against Islamic State fighters overseas. My fathers working like no ones ever worked before to bring back this country and to fulfill his promise to make America great again, said the executive vice president of the Trump Organization. He also repeated a sentiment recently expressed on Twitter by his father: That Democratic lawmakers forced a government shutdown on the anniversary of the presidents inauguration in a bid to distract from his achievements. You look at this whole government shutdown, and the only reason they want to shut down government is to distract and to stop his momentum, Eric Trump said. I mean, my father has had incredible momentum. Hes gotten more done in one year than arguably any president in history. Facebook
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Trump tweets: a perfect day for all Women to March President Trump hailed the nationwide Womens March gatherings Saturday. On Twitter, the president called it a perfect day for all Women to March, seeming to imply that those taking part were celebrating his administrations accomplishments: Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March. Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Participants in the marches across the United States were actually seeking to deliver a powerful rebuke to Trumps policies and mount a crucial mobilization for this years midterm elections. But Trump continued to tout his administrations unprecedented success in tweets sent later in the day: Unprecedented success for our Country, in so many ways, since the Election. Record Stock Market, Strong on Military, Crime, Borders, & ISIS, Judicial Strength & Numbers, Lowest Unemployment for Women & ALL, Massive Tax Cuts, end of Individual Mandate - and so much more. Big 2018! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The Trump Administration has terminated more UNNECESSARY Regulation, in just twelve months, than any other Administration has terminated during their full term in office, no matter what the length. The good news is, THERE IS MUCH MORE TO COME! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 21, 2018 In addition to the roll call of major American cities where womens marches took place including New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta protesters also raised their voices in suburbs and small towns, reflecting the aim of coalescing a broad-based movement on the anniversary of Trumps inauguration to oppose the presidents stance on immigration, healthcare, racial divides and an array of other issues. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook
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Trump calls shutdown a present from Democrats By Associated Press President Trump is blaming Democrats for the government shutdown tweeting that they wanted to give him a nice present to mark the one-year anniversary of his inauguration: This is the One Year Anniversary of my Presidency and the Democrats wanted to give me a nice present. #DemocratShutdown Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 That comes after Senate Democrats late Friday killed a GOP-written House-passed measure that would have kept agencies functioning for four weeks. Democrats were seeking a stopgap bill of just a few days in hopes that would build pressure on Republicans, and they were opposing a three-week alternative offered by GOP leaders. Democrats have insisted they would back legislation reopening the government once theres a bipartisan agreement to preserve protections against deporting about 700,000 immigrants known as Dreamers who arrived in the United States illegally as children. Trump on Saturday accused Democrats of holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration: Democrats are holding our Military hostage over their desire to have unchecked illegal immigration. Cant let that happen! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Democrats are laying fault for the shutdown on Republicans, who control both chambers of Congress and the White House and have struggled with building internal consensus. In a series of tweets hours after the shutdown began, the president tried to make the case for Americans to elect more Republicans to Congress in November in order to power through this mess: Democrats are far more concerned with Illegal Immigrants than they are with our great Military or Safety at our dangerous Southern Border. They could have easily made a deal but decided to play Shutdown politics instead. #WeNeedMoreRepublicansIn18 in order to power through mess! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 He noted that there are 51 Republicans in the 100-member Senate, and it often takes 60 votes to advance legislation: For those asking, the Republicans only have 51 votes in the Senate, and they need 60. That is why we need to win more Republicans in 2018 Election! We can then be even tougher on Crime (and Border), and even better to our Military & Veterans! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 #AMERICA FIRST! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 The stopgap spending measure won 50 votes in the Senate, including five from Democrats. Although the House and Senate were in session Saturday, it was unclear whether lawmakers would take any votes of consequence. Trump had been set to leave Friday afternoon for a fundraiser at his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., where he intended to mark the inauguration anniversary. But he remained in Washington and ended up scrapping his plans to attend the Saturday fundraiser. Read More Facebook
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Trump tweet casts doubt on likelihood of averting shutdown President Trump appeared to cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching a deal to avert a government shutdown Friday night in a tweet. Trump also sought to blame Democrats for what would be the first shutdown since 2013. His message came just hours before the midnight deadline by which lawmakers must pass a measure to fund government agencies, or some operations will cease. Not looking good for our great Military or Safety & Security on the very dangerous Southern Border. Dems want a Shutdown in order to help diminish the great success of the Tax Cuts, and what they are doing for our booming economy. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 20, 2018 Despite last-minute negotiations Friday between Trump and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, Congress remained deadlocked over a spending bill and the federal government was headed toward a shutdown at midnight. Senate Democrats joined by some GOP deficit hawks and immigration allies were set to filibuster a stopgap funding bill approved by the House on Thursday. A Senate vote was planned for 10 p.m. Eastern, and even White House officials predicted it would fail. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Lisa Mascaro. Facebook
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Trump signs surveillance law after confusing tweets By Associated Press President Trump on Friday signed a bill into law to renew a foreign intelligence surveillance program, announcing his action in the latest in a series of confusing tweets about the spy program: Just signed 702 Bill to reauthorize foreign intelligence collection. This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 19, 2018 Trumps tweet on Jan. 11 created chaos in the House just before it voted to reauthorize what is known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He linked the intelligence program to a dossier that alleges his presidential campaign had ties to Russia. That caused people to wonder if he didnt support the program that allows U.S. spy agencies to collect intelligence on foreign targets abroad. Trump and other Republicans have alleged that Obama administration officials improperly shared the identities of Trump presidential transition team members mentioned in intelligence reports. Democrats say there is no evidence that happened. Shortly before the House vote, and after conferring with House Speaker Paul Ryan, Trump did an apparent about-face. This vote is about foreign surveillance of foreign bad guys on foreign land, he tweeted. We need it! Get smart! In his tweet announcing that he had just signed the bill, Trump wrote: This is NOT the same FISA law that was so wrongly abused during the election. I will always do the right thing for our country and put the safety of the American people first! There are no obvious links between the dossier Trump spoke of, which includes salacious but unsubstantiated allegations against him, and the reauthorization of the spying program, or between the program and Trumps oft-repeated claims that the Obama administration conducted surveillance on Trump Tower during the presidential campaign. Facebook
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In tweet, Trump suggests that Pennsylvania trip is a political one The White House press office was once again forced to walk back a tweet from President Trump on Thursday morning after he described a trip to Pennsylvania later in the day as a political one a statement that would force the Republican Party, not taxpayers, to pay for the journey. The White House had said Trump was going to an industrial equipment company outside of Pittsburgh to highlight the good economy and new tax cuts, making it an official, policy-oriented event. It was widely assumed that the trip had a political cast the area is holding a special election to fill a congressional seat vacated by a Republican who resigned. Trump, by his tweet, seemed to confirm that politics was the whole purpose: Will be going to Pennsylvania today in order to give my total support to RICK SACCONE, running for Congress in a Special Election (March 13). Rick is a great guy. We need more Republicans to continue our already successful agenda! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 Trump later shared via Twitter a pair of video clips of his speech at H&K Equipment, in which he touted the tax cuts he signed into law just before Christmas and tried to turn the conversation back to his accomplishments after weeks dominated by distractions, including questions about his mental health and comments about immigration that some considered racist: Departing Pittsburgh now, where it was my great honor to stand with our incredible workers, and to show the world that AMERICA is back - and we are coming back bigger and better and stronger than ever before! pic.twitter.com/kWPgylqFzj Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 AMERICA will once again be a NATION that thinks big, dreams bigger, and always reaches for the stars. YOU are the ones who will shape Americas destiny. YOU are the ones who will restore our prosperity. And YOU are the ones who are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/f2abNK47II Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 18, 2018 The Republican National Committee, rather than the White House, is supposed to pay for political travel so that taxpayers are not financing party activities; for trips that combine policy and politics, parties have split the cost under past presidents. Neither the RNC nor the White House responded to emails sent Thursday asking who would pay. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement later Thursday suggesting that taxpayers would foot the bill. She insisted that Trump would be conducting government business while in Pennsylvania. Read More This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook
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Trump tweets praise of Bob Dole after awarding him Congressional Gold Medal By Associated Press Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole knew the art of the deal before President Trump published the 1987 book of the same name. The two shared a stage under the Capitol dome Wednesday as Dole, 94, accepted Congress highest civilian honor, the Congressional Gold Medal, for his World War II service and decades of work in the House and Senate. Trump later praised Dole in a tweet, attaching to his message a video composed of clips from the ceremony: Today, we witnessed an incredible moment in history the presentation of Congress highest civilian honor to our friend, and true AMERICAN HERO, Bob Dole. #CongressionalGoldMedal pic.twitter.com/qNQqDLRmCk Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 17, 2018 At the ceremony, the president saluted Dole as a patriot and gave tribute to Doles struggle as a veteran who worked his way back from a grievous shoulder wound he suffered in Italy. He knows about grit, said Trump. But it was Doles penchant for working across the aisle that earned him his latest award, according to the legislation. Bob Dole was known for his ability to work across the aisle and embrace practical bipartisanship, reads the legislation Trump signed in September. Some of the awards 300 recipients include George Washington and Mother Teresa, according to the Congressional Research Service. Read More Facebook
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Trump touts report that seeks to link terrorism cases with immigration By Joseph Tanfani The Trump administration on Tuesday released a report attempting to link terrorism with migration, arguing that it was evidence of the need to dramatically reshape the nations immigration system. New report from DOJ & DHS shows that nearly 3 in 4 individuals convicted of terrorism-related charges are foreign-born. We have submitted to Congress a list of resources and reforms.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 ....we need to keep America safe, including moving away from a random chain migration and lottery system, to one that is merit-based. https://t.co/7PtoSFK1n2 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The report, ordered by President Trump in an executive order last year, said that 75% of the 549 people convicted of terrorism charges since 9/11 were born outside the U.S. Administration officials called that a sign that the U.S. needs to scrap its policy of family preferences for visas, which they call chain migration, and a diversity visa lottery program. But the report did not specify how many if any of the convicted terrorists entered the country through those means. It also did not detail how many of the convictions were related to attacks or plans in the U.S. versus overseas and how many involved people who went to fight overseas for the Islamic State or another terrorist group. Those details were not available, officials said. The report, due last year, is being released in a highly charged moment in the immigration debate, as Trump and some Republicans in Congress seek tough new border and immigration measures in return for a deal protecting the 690,000 people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump also fired off a pair of tweets on the topic earlier Tuesday: We must have Security at our VERY DANGEROUS SOUTHERN BORDER, and we must have a great WALL to help protect us, and to help stop the massive inflow of drugs pouring into our country! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The Democrats want to shut down the Government over Amnesty for all and Border Security. The biggest loser will be our rapidly rebuilding Military, at a time we need it more than ever. We need a merit based system of immigration, and we need it now! No more dangerous Lottery. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The focus of our immigration system should be assimilation, a senior administration official said on Tuesday, speaking on condition that his name not be used. He said the nation should give priority to potential immigrants who speak English, who have an education and those who are committed to supporting our values not family members of people already here. The official said the timing of the report was coincidental. Read More Facebook
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Trump tweets welcome to president of Kazakhstan By Associated Press President Trump said Tuesday that he and the president of Kazakhstan are united in a shared determination to prevent North Korea from threatening the world with nuclear devastation. Trump and President Nursultan Nazarbayev discussed North Korea along with other issues during meetings at the White House. Today, it was my honor to welcome President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan to the @WhiteHouse! pic.twitter.com/TerYFZViax Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 Trump said Kazakhstan, once part of the Soviet Union, is a valued partner in our efforts to rid the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons. Together we are determined to prevent the North Korean regime from threatening the world with nuclear devastation, he said, as both presidents addressed journalists between meetings. Nazarbayev noted that his country once had one of the worlds largest nuclear arsenals but voluntarily gave it up after the Soviet Union collapsed. He said his country is in talks with Iran, which was the focus of a global deal that lifted some economic sanctions in exchange for Irans curbing its nuclear program. Trump has sharply criticized the Iran nuclear deal and threatened last week to pull out soon unless other countries fix what he says are terrible flaws. Read More Facebook
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Trump falsely claims his approval rating among black Americans has doubled By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump lashed out at the news media Tuesday morning in a tweet denouncing the special counsel investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion among members of his campaign team. Do you notice the Fake News Mainstream Media never likes covering the great and record setting economic news, but rather talks about anything negative or that can be turned into the negative. The Russian Collusion Hoax is dead, except as it pertains to the Dems. Public gets it! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the presidents tweet, but it appeared as though he was watching Fox & Friends. A short time later, Trump tweeted a headline from a report that aired during that mornings episode: 90% of Trump 2017 news coverage was negative -and much of it contrived!@foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 The segment focused on the latest survey results from conservative watchdog Media Research Center, which purportedly analyzed the evening news broadcasts on ABC, CBS and NBC from Jan. 20 to Dec. 31 and found that 90% of the statements made about Trump were negative. Study: 90% of Trump media coverage in 2017 was negative pic.twitter.com/vbrwup4Drg FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 16, 2018 But believe it or not, through all this negative coverage, they did a survey of 600,000 people about how black America views this president, co-host Brian Kilmeade said. His numbers have actually doubled in approval. Trump highlighted the statement in another tweet: Unemployment for Black Americans is the lowest ever recorded. Trump approval ratings with Black Americans has doubled. Thank you, and it will get even (much) better! @FoxNews Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2018 But its not true. The claim appears to have originated from a misreading of data from the online polling firm SurveyMonkey, according to factcheck.org. The firm polled 600,000 Americans in 2017 and found that Trumps approval rating among blacks actually dropped from 23% early in his presidency to about 17%, as of the week ending Jan. 3. Some conservative outlets, including Breitbart, produced an average from those and other SurveyMonkey figures and compared them to the scores Trump received from black voters in the 2016 exit polls. That methodology is not sound. And since the statistics measure different things, the comparison is misleading. Facebook
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Trump goes after senator who surfaced his immigration remark By Associated Press President Trump turned his Twitter torment Monday on the Democrat in the room where immigration talks with lawmakers took a famously coarse turn, saying Sen. Richard J. Durbin misrepresented what he had said about African nations and Haiti and, in the process, undermined the trust needed to make a deal. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting, Trump tweeted, using a nickname to needle the Illinois senator. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Senator Dicky Durbin totally misrepresented what was said at the DACA meeting. Deals cant get made when there is no trust! Durbin blew DACA and is hurting our Military. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 Trump was referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protects young people who came to the United States illegally as children. Members of Congress from both parties are trying to strike a deal that Trump would support to extend that protection. Trump also cast doubt on the likelihood of reaching an agreement in tweets sent earlier Monday: Statement by me last night in Florida: Honestly, I dont think the Democrats want to make a deal. They talk about DACA, but they dont want to help..We are ready, willing and able to make a deal but they dont want to. They dont want security at the border, they dont want..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 ...to stop drugs, they want to take money away from our military which we cannot do. My standard is very simple, AMERICA FIRST & MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2018 On a day of remembrance for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump spent time at his golf course with no public events, bypassing the acts of service that his predecessors staged in honor of the civil rights leader. Instead, Trump dedicated his weekly address to Kings memory, saying Kings dream and Americas are the same: A world where people are judged by who they are, not how they look or where they come from. That message was a distinct counterpoint to words attributed to Trump by Durbin and others at a meeting last week, when the question of where immigrants come from seemed at the forefront of Trumps concerns. Some participants and others familiar with the conversation said Trump challenged immigration from shithole countries of Africa and disparaged Haiti as well. Without explicitly denying using that word, Trump lashed out at the Democratic senator, who said Trump uttered it on several occasions. Read More Facebook
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Trump thanks pundit for laudatory Fox & Friends spot By Alex Wigglesworth President Trump thanked Fox News personality Stuart Varney after Varney praised Trump during an appearance on Fox & Friends. In a pair of tweets early Sunday, Trump quoted from Varneys commentary, in which he argued that Trump deserves more credit for the booming economy. The pundit, who also hosts a show on Fox Business Network, cited moves by some corporations to raise workers minimum wage or pay out one-time bonuses in response to the GOP tax cuts. President Trump is not getting the credit he deserves for the economy. Tax Cut bonuses to more than 2,000,000 workers. Most explosive Stock Market rally that weve seen in modern times. 18,000 to 26,000 from Election, and grounded in profitability and growth. All Trump, not 0... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 ...big unnecessary regulation cuts made it all possible (among many other things). President Trump reversed the policies of President Obama, and reversed our economic decline. Thank you Stuart Varney. @foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 14, 2018 Varney was reacting to a quote from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), who on Thursday called the bonuses handed down to workers pathetic in comparison to the gains corporations are expected to see from the tax cuts. In terms of the bonus that corporate America received versus the crumbs that they are giving to workers to kind of put the schmooze on is so pathetic, Pelosi told reporters. Its pathetic. Varney shot back Sunday that the bonuses, along with explosive stock market growth, are enriching all Americans. This is a huge shot in the arm, its the result of this tax cut deal and I think President Trump should get the credit for it, he said. .@Varneyco Sets the economic record straight after Nancy Pelosi calls U.S. mass bonuses crumbs pic.twitter.com/BvjIHGm3HE FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) January 14, 2018 The sweeping tax plan passed last month lowers the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and cuts personal income taxes. Analysts say the benefits will largely flow to corporations and the wealthy, as theyre more likely to be in positions to share in corporate profits. For instance, Wells Fargo & Co., which responded to news of the tax overhaul by announcing it will raise workers pay to at least $15 an hour, also reported that it expects to pay an effective tax rate of 19% this year, down from about 31% in previous years. That should amount to tax savings of more than $3 billion annually. On average, middle-class Americans are expected to see a very small tax cut in the near term and a tax increase after 2025, when all of the tax cuts for individuals expire. The tax cuts for corporations, however, are permanent. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer James Rufus Koren. Facebook
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Trump touts MLK proclamation in tweet, but ceremony is overshadowed by reports of racist remarks By Associated Press President Trump signed a proclamation Friday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, noting the contributions of a great American hero. Today, it was my great honor to proclaim January 15, 2018, as Martin Luther King Jr., Federal Holiday. I encourage all Americans to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service activities in honor of Dr. King's life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/samlJsz1Nt Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 Overshadowing the event was mounting backlash from Trumps comments during a private meeting with lawmakers the day before. A short time after the meeting, which was called to discuss a possible immigration deal, reports emerged that Trump had asked participants why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin, the Senates second-ranking Democrat, appeared to confirm those reports on Friday. Trump did not respond Friday to several questions about the incident, including whether he actually used vulgar language to describe African nations, or if he is racist. The president said at the White House that love was central to the slain civil rights leader. Trump said the nation celebrates King for standing up for the self-evident truth Americans hold so dear, that no matter what the color of our skin or place of our birth, we are all created equal by God. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook
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Trump criticizes Democrats in tweet calling for stricter immigration rules President Trump hit out at Democrats on Thursday night in a tweet calling for stricter immigration rules. Trump wrote that members of the party seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the border with Mexico: The Democrats seem intent on having people and drugs pour into our country from the Southern Border, risking thousands of lives in the process. It is my duty to protect the lives and safety of all Americans. We must build a Great Wall, think Merit and end Lottery & Chain. USA! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2018 It wasnt immediately clear exactly what prompted the tweet. Earlier Thursday, Trump rejected a bipartisan compromise to resolve the standoff over so-called Dreamers, young immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally as children but have temporary permits to work, attend school or serve in the military. The president drew widespread condemnation after reports emerged that he had asked participants in an Oval Office meeting about the proposal why the United States should accept immigrants from shithole countries in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean. Read More Facebook
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Trump touts bill aimed at improving border screening for fentanyl By Associated Press President Trump signed legislation Wednesday aimed at giving Customs and Border Protection agents additional screening devices and other tools to stop the flow of illicit drugs. Speaking at a surprise bill-signing ceremony while flanked by members of Congress from both parties in the Oval Office, Trump described the bill as a significant step forward in the fight against powerful opioids such as fentanyl, which he called our new big scourge. He echoed that language Thursday in a tweet: Yesterday, I signed the #INTERDICTAct (H.R. 2142) with bipartisan members of Congress to help end the flow of drugs into our country. Together, we are committed to doing everything we can to combat the deadly scourge of drug addiction and overdose in the United States! pic.twitter.com/ELZvFol5Lo Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 The legislation will pay for new portable and fixed chemical screening devices to detect and intercept fentanyl at ports of entry and in the mail, along with other laboratory equipment and personnel, including scientists. Trump has made fighting the opioid epidemic a centerpiece of his administration, though critics say he hasnt dedicated nearly enough money or resources to make a difference. Trump suggested during his remarks on Wednesday that hed like to take a more aggressive approach to the drug crisis but the countrys not ready for what he has in mind. So were going to sign this. And its a step. And it feels like a very giant step, but unfortunately, its not going to be a giant step, because no matter what you do, this is something that keeps pouring in, he said. And were going to find the answer. There is an answer. I think I actually know the answer, but Im not sure the countrys ready for it yet, he added. Does anybody know what I mean? I think so. Facebook
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Trump applauds news that Toyota-Mazda plant is slated for Alabama By Associated Press Japanese automakers Toyota and Mazda on Wednesday announced plans to build a mammoth, $1.6-billion joint-venture plant in Alabama that will eventually employ about 4,000 people. President Trump lauded the news in a tweet: Cutting taxes and simplifying regulations makes America the place to invest! Great news as Toyota and Mazda announce they are bringing 4,000 JOBS and investing $1.6 BILLION in Alabama, helping to further grow our economy! pic.twitter.com/Kcg8IVH6iA Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Good news: Toyota and Mazda announce giant new Huntsville, Alabama, plant which will produce over 300,000 cars and SUVs a year and employ 4000 people. Companies are coming back to the U.S. in a very big way. Congratulations Alabama! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 11, 2018 Several states had competed for the project, which will be able to turn out 300,000 vehicles per year and produce the Toyota Corolla compact car for North America and a new small SUV from Mazda. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and company executives held a news conference to announce that the facility is coming to the Huntsville area not far from the Tennessee line. Production is expected to begin by 2021. The decision to pick Alabama is another example of foreign-based automakers building U.S. factories in the South. To entice manufacturers, Southern states have used a combination of lucrative incentive packages, low-cost labor and a pro-business labor environment, because the United Auto Workers union is stronger in Northern states. Read More Facebook
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Trump highlights call for border wall in tweets on visit with Norways prime minister By Associated Press President Trump praised Norways prime minister in a tweet on Wednesday after Erna Solberg became the first foreign leader to visit with the president in 2018. Today, it was my great honor to welcome Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway to the @WhiteHouse - a great friend and ally of the United States! Joint press conference: https://t.co/qWR1BhfQZI pic.twitter.com/PJvwznjRCO Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Trump also shared via Twitter a video clip of a joint news conference he held with Solberg on Wednesday afternoon. In the clip, Trump responds to a question from a reporter by saying there can be no bipartisan immigration deal absent funding for his long-promised wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. Republican and Democratic lawmakers have been seeking a solution for hundreds of thousands of so-called Dreamers, young people who were brought to the United States as children and are living here illegally. The United States needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. The safety and security of our country is #1! pic.twitter.com/4CFzQXb5aS Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 We need the wall for security, we need the wall for safety, we need the wall for stopping the drugs from pouring in, Trump said Wednesday. Any solution has to include the wall because without the wall, it all doesnt work. On Tuesday, Trump drew widespread attention when he said during a meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers that he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. That contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill in subsequent tweets and public comments. Read More This post contains reporting from Los Angeles Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook
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Trump praises Cabinet in tweet touting meeting By Associated Press President Trump promoted a meeting of his Cabinet on Wednesday, sharing via Twitter a link to a video of the session posted on the White House YouTube account. In his tweet, Trump thanked his Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country and wrote that the last year has been one of monumental achievement. I want to thank my @Cabinet for working tirelessly on behalf of our country. 2017 was a year of monumental achievement and we look forward to the year ahead. Together, we are delivering results and MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! https://t.co/ptXa1hAPwW pic.twitter.com/yv6RALkQf3 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The former reality television star continued to dispense accolades at the meeting Wednesday, greeting reporters in the Cabinet Room by saying: Welcome back to the studio. Then he proceeded to relive a Cabinet Room session from the prior day, when he had allowed reporters and TV cameras to stick around for much of his meeting with a bipartisan group of legislators on the thorny issue of immigration. It was a tremendous meeting. Actually, it was reported as incredibly good. And my performance you know, some of them called it a performance I consider it work, Trump said. Trump went on to say he had received letters from news anchors calling it one of the greatest meetings theyve ever witnessed. He added that the media will ultimately support Trump in the end, because theyre going to say, if Trump doesnt win in three years, theyre all out of business. Asked for examples of letters received from news anchors, the White House said it had received private communications. It also offered a series of positive on-air comments and tweets from journalists about the unusual access to the meeting. During his remarks, Trump swung from praising his own meeting coverage to telling journalists that they were dependent on his presidency for ratings to threatening a strong look at libel laws. Still, Trump thanked the journalists in front of him, joking: Youve gotten very familiar with this room. I appreciate your nice comments yesterday. Facebook
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Trump blasts DACA ruling in tweet calling courts broken and unfair By Lisa Mascaro President Trump denounced the federal courts Wednesday as broken and unfair after a district judge in San Francisco issued a nationwide injunction keeping protections in place for so-called Dreamers. Trump tweeted: It just shows everyone how broken and unfair our Court System is when the opposing side in a case (such as DACA) always runs to the 9th Circuit and almost always wins before being reversed by higher courts. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 On Tuesday night, U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco temporarily blocked the Trump administrations decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, known as DACA, which has protected from deportation some 700,000 people who came to the country illegally as children. Alsup granted a request by the state of California, the University of California and other plaintiffs to stop Trump from ending DACA on March 5. The administrations decision to end DACA, which was announced in September, was based on a flawed legal analysis, Alsup wrote in his decision. Dreamers would be irreparably harmed if their DACA protections, which allow them to live and work legally in the U.S., were stripped away before the courts had a chance to fully consider their claims, he ruled. The action is the mirror image of a ruling in 2015 by a federal judge in Texas who ruled in favor of that state when it sought to block President Obama from expanding DACA to include the parents of Dreamers. Trump administration officials praised that judicial ruling. By contrast, they sharply criticized Alsups decision. Read More Facebook
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Trump thanks lawmakers for productive immigration meeting, says deal must include border wall President Trump thanked a bipartisan group of lawmakers for participating in a meeting on immigration legislation on Tuesday. Much of the discussion involved so-called Dreamers, an estimated 700,000 young people who were brought to the country illegally as children and are now facing deportation. In a tweet, Trump wrote that there was strong agreement to negotiate a bill to protect Dreamers, as well as put into place some of the reforms favored by Republicans. Thanks to all of the Republican and Democratic lawmakers for todays very productive meeting on immigration reform. There was strong agreement to negotiate a bill that deals with border security, chain migration, lottery and DACA. https://t.co/SdqAQ3aL3z pic.twitter.com/8DYHZHspAy Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 The most notable exchange of the meeting came when Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the San Francisco Democrat, asked Trump whether he would be agreeable to signing a stand-alone bill to protect the Dreamers, before moving on to a more comprehensive immigration bill. Yeah, I would like to do it, Trump responded. The statement drew widespread attention because it contradicted the Republican consensus that Dreamers fate needed to be part of a broader immigration bill that would include some version of Trumps promised border wall and other immigration reforms. Trump later backed away from a stand-alone Dreamer bill, tweeting that a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico must be part of any deal: As I made very clear today, our country needs the security of the Wall on the Southern Border, which must be part of any DACA approval. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 Pressure has been mounting for Congress to broker an immigration deal by Jan. 19 as part of a must-pass budget package to fund the government. This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Noah Bierman. Facebook
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Trump thanks officers and veterans in tweets President Trump doled out a slew of accolades Tuesday via Twitter. He thanked the nations law enforcement officers, including in his message a hashtag denoting a day of appreciation organized by a national support group for law enforcement families. On behalf of the American people, THANK YOU to our incredible law enforcement officers. As President of the United States - I will fight for you, and I will never, ever let you down. Now, more than ever, we must support the men and women in blue! #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay pic.twitter.com/Qb4uxB4JRm Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trump later expressed gratitude for federal immigration agents, in particular: .@ICEgov HSI agents and ERO officers, on behalf of an entire Nation, THANK YOU for what you are doing 24/7/365 to keep fellow Americans SAFE. Everyone is so grateful!#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay
President @realDonaldTrump https://t.co/HXCpTlruVo Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 The president thanked veterans as he cited his administrations efforts to curb the number of veteran suicides by improving mental health treatment for the high-risk group: Today, it was my great honor to sign a new Executive Order to ensure Veterans have the resources they need as they transition back to civilian life. We must ensure that our HEROES are given the care and support they so richly deserve! https://t.co/0MdP9DDIAS pic.twitter.com/LP2a8KCBAp Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 Trumps tweet included photos of the president signing an executive order Tuesday directing the secretaries of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs to develop a plan to provide seamless access to mental health and suicide prevention resources for 12 months for members leaving the armed forces. Also on Tuesday, Trump touted a law he signed the day before designating the birthplace of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. a national historic park: It was my great honor to sign H.R. 267, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Act, which redesignates the Martin Luther King, Junior, National Historic Site in the State of Georgia as the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park. https://t.co/Qe0b6HBFTY pic.twitter.com/QTgaqTawPT Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 9, 2018 And he thanked House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) for sharing a video compilation comprised of clips of politicians and commentators praising the GOPs tax cut bill: Thank you @GOPLeader Kevin McCarthy! Couldnt agree w/you more. TOGETHER, we are #MAGA https://t.co/QaxtqpyXTR Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2018 This post contains reporting from the Associated Press and Times staff writer Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook
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Trump hails tax bill in tweets recapping speech to farmers By Associated Press Connecting with rural Americans, President Trump on Monday hailed his tax overhaul as a victory for family farmers. Farm country is Gods country, Trump told the annual convention of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Trump became the first president in a quarter-century to address the federations convention. His Southern swing also included a stop in Atlanta for the national college football championship game. Cant wait to be back in the amazing state of Tennessee to address the 99th American @FarmBureau Federations Annual Convention in Nashville! #AFBF18
On my way now - join me LIVE at 4:00pmE: https://t.co/QaljAqekdD. pic.twitter.com/Wm7Io0hYT8 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and a group of Tennessee lawmakers, Trump said most of the benefits of the tax legislation are going to working families, small businesses, and who the family farmer. The package Trump signed into law last month provides generous tax cuts for corporations and the wealthiest Americans, and more modest reductions for middle- and low-income individuals and families. In every decision we make, we are honoring Americas PROUD FARMING LEGACY. Years of crushing taxes, crippling regs, & corrupt politics left our communities hurting, our economy stagnant, & millions of hardworking Americans COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN. But they are not forgotten ANYMORE! pic.twitter.com/MdYS7xnukQ Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The president vastly inflated the value of the package in his speech, citing a total of $5.5 trillion in tax cuts, with most of those benefits going to working families, small businesses and who? The family farmer. The estimated value of the tax cuts is actually $1.5 trillion for families and businesses because of cuts in deductions and the use of other steps to generate offsetting tax revenue. We have been working every day to DELIVER for Americas Farmers just as they work every day to deliver FOR US. #AFBF18 pic.twitter.com/QDH7fvFkZ7 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 From Nashville, Trump traveled to Atlanta to watch Alabamas Crimson Tide and Georgias Bulldogs face off Monday night in the College Football Playoff National Championship. We are fighting for our farmers, for our country, and for our GREAT AMERICAN FLAG. We want our flag respected - and we want our NATIONAL ANTHEM respected also! pic.twitter.com/16eOLXg6Fi Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Before departing for the game, Trump referenced his ongoing defense of the American flag and the national anthem, saying there was enough space for people to express their views. We love our flag and we love our anthem, and we want to keep it that way, he said. Facebook
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Trump tweet hails drop in unemployment rate for African Americans By Associated Press President Trump touted a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans on Monday in a tweet. African American unemployment is the lowest ever recorded in our country. The Hispanic unemployment rate dropped a full point in the last year and is close to the lowest in recorded history. Dems did nothing for you but get your vote! #NeverForget @foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 The rate fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Trump also hailed the development via Twitter on Saturday. His latest tweet on the topic came about an hour after it was discussed during an episode of Fox & Friends, according to Mediaite. Facebook
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Trump talks up the economy and dresses down the media in Sunday tweets With President Trump cheering from the sidelines, the White House on Sunday pressed its defense of the presidents fitness to govern, as fired former aide Stephen K. Bannon reversed course and apologized for his role in a new books explosive portrait of Trump. The presidents critics, meanwhile, said Trumps stream of taunts and insults in response to the book Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, released last week served only to underscore the authors unsettling portrayal of Trumps year-old presidency, depicting a leader whose own aides consider him childish, ignorant and dangerously erratic. Trump provided more ammunition Sunday morning, as he continued to attack the book via Twitter while preparing to depart Camp David for the White House: Leaving Camp David for the White House. Great meetings with the Cabinet and Military on many very important subjects including Border Security & the desperately needed Wall, the ever increasing Drug and Opioid Problem, Infrastructure, Military, Budget, Trade and DACA. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Ive had to put up with the Fake News from the first day I announced that I would be running for President. Now I have to put up with a Fake Book, written by a totally discredited author. Ronald Reagan had the same problem and handled it well. So will I! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 The most vehement defense of Trump on Sunday came from senior advisor Stephen Miller, a onetime Bannon acolyte who distanced himself from his former mentor. In a combative appearance Sunday on CNNs State of the Union, Miller called the book grotesque and writer Michael Wolff the garbage author of a garbage book. Trump is known to closely monitor aides televised performances in putting forth his case, and he gleefully weighed in within moments of Millers televised clash with host Jake Tapper. CNN has long been a particular target of Trumps ire. Jake Tapper of Fake News CNN just got destroyed in his interview with Stephen Miller of the Trump Administration. Watch the hatred and unfairness of this CNN flunky! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trumps reaction, however, seemed to bolster Tappers on-air depiction of Miller as using his appearance on the show to play to the president rather than addressing questions put to him. I get it theres one viewer that you care about, the host said exasperatedly after Miller turned the discussion repeatedly to negative news coverage of the president while deflecting specific queries. Later on Twitter, Trump took up two themes that have been prevalent on his social media feeds recently. The president again went after the news media, tweeting that the recipients of his self-proclaimed most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year, which he promised earlier in the week to announce on Monday, would actually be revealed the following Wednesday: The Fake News Awards, those going to the most corrupt & biased of the Mainstream Media, will be presented to the losers on Wednesday, January 17th, rather than this coming Monday. The interest in, and importance of, these awards is far greater than anyone could have anticipated! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 Trump later lauded a New York Post opinion piece that compared him favorably with his predecessor, President Obama, as well as Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. In quoting the op-ed, Trump initally misspelled consequential as consensual, but he deleted those tweets and re-sent the messages. His is turning out to be an enormously consequential presidency. So much so that, despite my own frustration over his missteps, there has never been a day when I wished Hillary Clinton were president. Not one. Indeed, as Trumps accomplishments accumulate, the mere thought of... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 ...Clinton in the WH, doubling down on Barack Obamas failed policies, washes away any doubts that America made the right choice. This was truly a change election and the changes Trump is bringing are far-reaching & necessary. Thank you Michael Goodwin! https://t.co/4fHNcx2Ydg Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 8, 2018 Trump also continued talking up the economy, which has been enjoying a period of strong gains. The Stock Market has been creating tremendous benefits for our country in the form of not only Record Setting Stock Prices, but present and future Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Seven TRILLION dollars of value created since our big election win! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 7, 2018 In addition to Miller, other senior administration officials made the rounds of Sunday news talk shows to decry the claims made in Wolffs book. CIA Director Mike Pompeo said Wolffs characterization of Trump as averse to digesting classified briefing material was ludicrous, and the ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, insisted that that those around Trump love their country and respect their president. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Laura King. Facebook
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Responding to book that mocks his intelligence, Trump tweets hes like, really smart By Tracy Wilkinson President Trump declared himself a very stable genius on Twitter on Saturday and later in a televised news conference called the author of a book that questioned his mental fitness a fraud. His comments came on a bone-cold day at Camp David during a weekend retreat with top administration officials and Republican congressional leaders strategizing on the years legislative agenda, including matters such as infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and national security. Now that Russian collusion, after one year of intense study, has proven to be a total hoax on the American public, the Democrats and their lapdogs, the Fake News Mainstream Media, are taking out the old Ronald Reagan playbook and screaming mental stability and intelligence..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....Actually, throughout my life, my two greatest assets have been mental stability and being, like, really smart. Crooked Hillary Clinton also played these cards very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star..... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 ....to President of the United States (on my first try). I think that would qualify as not smart, but genius....and a very stable genius at that! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Still, Trumps explosive rebuttal to author Michael Wolffs claims not only opened the day, but it also ensured the presidents capability to fill the highest office in the land was a topic that would not go away. In his early-morning tweets, Trump said two of his greatest assets have been mental stability, and being, like, really smart. He noted that his former Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, played these cards [about competence] very hard and, as everyone knows, went down in flames. I went from VERY successful businessman, to top T.V. Star to President of the United States (on my first try). Read More Facebook
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In morning tweets, Trump touts job numbers and takes digs at news media By Associated Press President Trump used Twitter on Saturday morning to tout a drop in the unemployment rate for African Americans. He also used the tweets as an opportunity to take digs at media outlets whose past coverage he has found to be critical. The African American unemployment rate fell to 6.8%, the lowest rate in 45 years. I am so happy about this News! And, in the Washington Post (of all places), headline states, Trumps first year jobs numbers were very, very good. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The unemployment rate for African Americans fell to 6.8% in December, the lowest level since the government began tracking such data in 1972. The reasons range from a greater number of black Americans with college degrees to a growing need for employers in a tight job market to widen the pool of people they hire from. Still, the rate for black workers remains well above those for whites and some other groups, something experts attribute in large part to decades of discrimination and disadvantages. Robust job creation has lowered unemployment for all Americans. U.S. employers added nearly 2.1 million jobs in 2017 the seventh straight year that hiring has topped 2 million. In his tweet, Trump praised a report that noted the numbers, touting the fact that it appeared in the Washington Post (of all places). Minutes later, Trump renewed his attack on an ABC News reporter who was suspended last month after filing an erroneous report on Michael Flynn, Trumps former national security advisor. Brian Ross, the reporter who made a fraudulent live newscast about me that drove the Stock Market down 350 points (billions of dollars), was suspended for a month but is now back at ABC NEWS in a lower capacity. He is no longer allowed to report on Trump. Should have been fired! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 The reporter, Brian Ross, was reportedly reassigned within ABC News upon returning from his unpaid suspension. But on Saturday, Trump wrote that he should have been fired. Trumps tweets came hours before he was set to host congressional Republicans and administration officials at Camp David. The meeting scheduled to begin at midmorning Saturday was expected to touch on the budget, infrastructure, immigration, welfare reform and the shape of the midterm election this fall. Facebook
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Trump commends Sen. Rand Paul after he proposes eliminating all U.S. aid to Pakistan President Trump commended Sen. Rand Paul after the Kentucky Republican announced plans to introduce legislation that would eliminate all U.S. aid to Pakistan. Trump tweeted Friday night: Good idea Rand! https://t.co/55sqUDiC0s Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 On Thursday, the Trump administration announced it was suspending security assistance to Islamabad until the country moves aggressively against local militants who have attacked U.S. troops in neighboring Afghanistan. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration at the apparent inability of Pakistani authorities to rein in militants who cross out of the countrys rugged tribal areas to attack U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Tracy Wilkinson. Facebook
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Trump continues to lash out at Sloppy Steve Bannon in tweets on tell-all book By Associated Press President Trump is praising a major Republican donor family for distancing themselves from his former advisor Steve Bannon. Trump tweeted Friday: The Mercer Family recently dumped the leaker known as Sloppy Steve Bannon. Smart! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trump has continued to lash out at Bannon over an explosive new book that quoted his former aide as questioning Trumps competence and describing a June 2016 meeting at Trump Tower among Donald Trump Jr., Trump campaign aides and a Russian lawyer as treasonous and unpatriotic. On Thursday, billionaire GOP donor Rebekah Mercer issued a statement distancing her family from Bannon. Mercer is a co-owner of Breitbart, the populist website Bannon helps run. I support President Trump and the platform upon which he was elected, Mercer said. My family and I have not communicated with Steve Bannon in many months and have provided no financial support to his political agenda, nor do we support his recent actions and statements. The book, Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, quickly shot atop Amazons best-seller list, and the publisher moved up its release date by four days, to Friday. Trump took up the topic again on Twitter on Friday night, denouncing both Bannon and the books author, Michael Wolff, in starkly personal terms: Michael Wolff is a total loser who made up stories in order to sell this really boring and untruthful book. He used Sloppy Steve Bannon, who cried when he got fired and begged for his job. Now Sloppy Steve has been dumped like a dog by almost everyone. Too bad! https://t.co/mEeUhk5ZV9 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2018 Trumps message linked to a meme depicting a parody book cover titled, Liar and Phony, that featured a photo of Wolff and disparaging quotes about the author. In a tweet sent earlier Friday morning, Trump suggested the book was intended to serve as a distraction from the FBIs investigation into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, which Trump wrote is proving to be a total hoax. Well, now that collusion with Russia is proving to be a total hoax and the only collusion is with Hillary Clinton and the FBI/Russia, the Fake News Media (Mainstream) and this phony new book are hitting out at every new front imaginable. They should try winning an election. Sad! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 That came amid reports that Trump directed his White House counsel to tell Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions to not recuse himself from the Justice Departments Russia investigation. Trumps effort to keep Sessions, a vocal and loyal supporter of his election bid, in charge of an investigation into his campaign offers special counsel Robert Mueller yet another avenue to explore as his prosecutors work to untangle potential evidence of obstruction. Read More Facebook
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Trump praises the economy ahead of meetings at Camp David By Associated Press President Trump is praising the strength of the U.S. economy ahead of meetings at Camp David with congressional Republicans. Trump tweeted early Friday: Dow goes from 18,589 on November 9, 2016, to 25,075 today, for a new all-time Record. Jumped 1000 points in last 5 weeks, Record fastest 1000 point move in history. This is all about the Make America Great Again agenda! Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Six trillion dollars in value created! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The president also told reporters on the South Lawn that the tax cuts are really kicking in after Congress passed a package of tax cuts at the end of 2017. And the president praised the December jobs report, which found U.S. employers added 148,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate stayed at 4.1%, the lowest level since 2000. The modest but steady pace of hiring is a reassuring sign for investors who have been buoyed by the just-passed Republican tax plan and have been sending stock market indexes roaring to uncharted heights. The president is meeting with Republican congressional leaders and members of his Cabinet on Friday and Saturday to discuss the 2018 agenda. Read More Facebook
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Trump tweets as Dow crashes through 25,000 By Associated Press President Trump dispatched a congratulatory tweet as the Dow Jones industrial average rose above the 25,000-point mark Thursday, just five weeks after its first close above 24,000. Dow just crashes through 25,000. Congrats! Big cuts in unnecessary regulations continuing. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 After the Dow closed above 25,000, Trump shared a graphic depicting the stock indexs record-setting rise. MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/iONbr1DkVk Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Later in the day, the president was back on Twitter, complaining that news outlets had barely covered the stock market milestone. He suggested that the strength of the economy would be the biggest story on earth, had it unfolded during the presidency of his predecessor. The Fake News Media barely mentions the fact that the Stock Market just hit another New Record and that business in the U.S. is booming...but the people know! Can you imagine if O was president and had these numbers - would be biggest story on earth! Dow now over 25,000. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 The Dow broke past 1,000-point barriers in 2017 on its way to a 25% gain for the year, as an eight-year rally since the Great Recession continued to confound skeptics. Strong global economic growth and good prospects for higher company earnings have analysts predicting more gains, although the market may not stay as calm as it has been recently. The Dow has made a rapid trip since it reached 24,000 points Nov. 30, partly on enthusiasm over passage of the Republican-backed tax package, which could boost company profits this year with across-the-board cuts to corporate taxes. Read More Facebook
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Trump reacts to Fire and Fury book in tweet lashing out at author and Sloppy Steve President Trump lashed out at the author of a soon-to-be-released book about the chaotic first year of his presidency Thursday night. In a tweet, Trump called Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, a phony book and claimed that hed never spoken to its author, Michael Wolff. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Trump wrote. He appeared to be referring to former White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon, whose stunning criticisms of Trump and his circle figure prominently in the title. I authorized Zero access to White House (actually turned him down many times) for author of phony book! I never spoke to him for book. Full of lies, misrepresentations and sources that dont exist. Look at this guys past and watch what happens to him and Sloppy Steve! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 5, 2018 Trumps tweet came hours after he had his lawyer demand that Henry Holt & Co. and Wolff stop publication the book. Instead, the publisher expedited the books release to Friday, four days before it was slated to hit bookstore shelves, in response to unprecedented demand. Published excerpts on Wednesday and Thursday whetted that appetite and roiled Washington. Bannons comments, including that it was treasonous and unpatriotic for Trumps son Donald Trump Jr., son-in-law Jared Kushner and campaign manager Paul Manafort to have met in 2016 with Russians said to have dirt on Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, prompted Trump on Wednesday to rebuke his former advisor, saying Bannon had lost his mind. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Brian Bennett and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook
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Trump thanks senators who attended meeting on immigration President Trump tweeted thanks to Republican senators who attended a meeting about possible immigration legislation on Thursday. In his message, Trump also listed his top priorities when it comes to any type of overhaul of the nations immigration system. Thank you to the great Republican Senators who showed up to our mtg on immigration reform. We must BUILD THE WALL, stop illegal immigration, end chain migration & cancel the visa lottery. The current system is unsafe & unfair to the great people of our country - time for change! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Trumps tweet echoed his remarks at the beginning of Thursdays meeting, when he insisted again that constructing a border wall and overhauling two legal immigration programs must be part of any deal with Democrats to protect the so-called Dreamers from deportation. Two-year deportation protections and work permits given under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program begin to expire March 6 under an executive order. Trump announced in September that he was ending the Obama-era program, but told Congress to draft a law to continue protections for people brought to the country illegally as children a group that has widespread public support. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writer Brian Bennett. Facebook
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Trump resumes Twitter war against kneeling NFL players President Trump has resumed his Twitter war against NFL players who kneel during the national anthem to protest social injustice and racial inequality. In a tweet early Thursday, Trump replied to a supporter who shared a meme that appears to depict family members lying on the grave of a fallen soldier with the caption: This is why we stand. Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! Trump wrote. So beautiful....Show this picture to the NFL players who still kneel! https://t.co/tJLM1tvbvb Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The president has denounced players who kneel during the anthem in previous tweets. Hes also called for the firing of players who do so. His latest message came amid news that the NFL finished the regular season with TV ratings that fell nearly 10% below the previous season. Analysts attribute the drop to controversies facing the league, as well as changing viewing habits and a possible saturation point in the number of games available. Read More This post contains reporting from Times staff writers Stephen Battaglio and Alex Wigglesworth. Facebook
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Trump credits himself with facilitating talks between North and South Korea By Associated Press President Trump says his tough stance on nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula is helping push North Korea and South Korea to talk. Trump tweeted early Thursday: With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 That assertion is in conflict with some of the presidents own statements. Last year, he ridiculed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson for talking about negotiations with the North. This week, Trump seemed open to the possibility of an inter-Korean dialogue after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare overture toward South Korea in a New Years Day address. But Trumps ambassador to the United Nations insisted that talks wont be meaningful unless the North is getting rid of its nuclear weapons. The overture about talks came after Trump and Kim traded more bellicose claims about their nuclear weapons. In his New Years Day address, Kim repeated fiery nuclear threats against the United States. Kim said he has a nuclear button on his office desk and warned that the whole territory of the U.S. is within the range of our nuclear strike. Trump mocked that assertion Tuesday evening in a tweet. Facebook
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After disbanding his vote fraud panel, Trump still says voting system is rigged By Brian Bennett One day after disbanding his troubled voter fraud commission without any findings of fraud, President Trump continued to call the U.S. voting system rigged and said states should require that Americans have voter-identification cards. In two tweets on Thursday morning, Trump blamed the commissions failure on the lack of cooperation from mostly Democrat States that refused to hand over voter rolls because they know that many people are voting illegally. However, voting supervisors in Republican-led states refused as well, objecting on privacy and other grounds. Many mostly Democrat States refused to hand over data from the 2016 Election to the Commission On Voter Fraud. They fought hard that the Commission not see their records or methods because they know that many people are voting illegally. System is rigged, must go to Voter I.D. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 As Americans, you need identification, sometimes in a very strong and accurate form, for almost everything you do.....except when it comes to the most important thing, VOTING for the people that run your country. Push hard for Voter Identification! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Despite Trumps assertions, analysts have not found evidence of widespread voter fraud. Trump created the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity in May after alleging, without proof, that millions of illegal votes were cast for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. Trump was elected after winning a majority in the electoral college, but the nationwide count showed Clinton received nearly 3 million more votes. The commission sought personal data on voters across the country and faced mounting lawsuits in recent months over privacy concerns. Read More Facebook
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Trump touts another good day for stocks, credits tax cut By Associated Press President Trump touted another good day for the stock market Wednesday in a tweet. Stock Market had another good day but, now that the Tax Cut Bill has passed, we have tremendous upward potential. Dow just short of 25,000, a number that few thought would be possible this soon into my administration. Also, unemployment went down to 4.1%. Only getting better! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Big gains for technology and healthcare stocks helped U.S. indexes set records again Wednesday. Some analysts attributed the surge to investor enthusiasm for Trumps $1.5-trillion tax cut. All told, Wall Street analysts estimate the tax package should boost earnings for companies in the Standard & Poors 500 index by roughly 8% this year. Thats much more generous than the average tax cut of 1.6% that middle-class families will receive, according to the Tax Policy Center. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 The public has been less enthusiastic about the tax law. A Monmouth University poll last month found that nearly half of Americans disapproved of it, with only 26% in support. Still, as Trump also noted on Twitter, some workers have seen a benefit: So far, dozens of companies have announced bonuses and higher minimum wages as a result of the tax cut. AT&T, Comcast, Bank of America, and American Airlines have all pledged to pay $1,000 bonuses to their employees. Some 40 U.S. companies have responded to President Trumps tax cut and reform victory in Congress last year by handing out bonuses up to $2,000, increases in 401k matches and spending on charity, a much higher number than previously known. https://t.co/bmWrwWzxMR Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 Investors also appear less concerned than many politicians about how the additional profits will be used. The Trump administration says it expects companies will plow much of the extra profit back into their businesses, purchasing more software, machinery, and other equipment. Those investments will make workers more productive and provide a key boost to the economys long-run growth. They should also boost wages and salaries for employees. Opponents of the tax law respond that companies are more likely to pass the windfall on to shareholders in the form of higher dividend payments and share buybacks, which raise the price of those shares still in investors hands. Previous cuts in corporate tax rates, in the United States and overseas, havent always led to higher wages. For Wall Street, its all good, at least in the short run. Most analysts take the view that either way, companies and the economy will benefit. Facebook
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Trump reacts to death of Mormon Church president By Associated Press President Trump mourned the death of Mormon Church leader Thomas S. Monson on Wednesday evening. Trump tweeted a link to a statement in which he said that Monson demonstrated wisdom, inspired leadership, and great compassion and delivered a message of optimism, forgiveness, and faith. Melania and I are deeply saddened by the death of Thomas S. Monson, a beloved President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...https://t.co/ETD3fWtfU3 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 4, 2018 A church bishop at the age of 22, Monson became the youngest church apostle ever in 1963 at the age of 36. He served as a counselor for three church presidents before assuming the role of the top leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. After a life of church service, Monson died Tuesday at his home in Salt Lake City, according to church spokesman Eric Hawkins. He was 90. Read More Facebook
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Trump tweets that Iranian protesters will see great U.S. support at the appropriate time By Associated Press President Trump continued to express support for Irans anti-government protesters on Wednesday. In a tweet, Trump commended the protesters and pledged that the United States will support them at the appropriate time. Such respect for the people of Iran as they try to take back their corrupt government. You will see great support from the United States at the appropriate time! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Trumps tweet Wednesday morning came as Iranian Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo sent a letter to United Nations officials complaining that Washington was intervening in a grotesque way in Irans internal affairs. The President and Vice-President of the United States, in their numerous absurd tweets, incited Iranians to engage in disruptive acts, the ambassador wrote to the U.N. Security Council president and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The U.S. didnt immediately respond to the letter, which maintains that Washington has crossed every limit in flouting rules and principles of international law governing the civilized conduct of international relations. At least 21 people have been killed and hundreds arrested in Iran during a week of anti-government protests and unrest over economic woes and official corruption. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people took part in counter-demonstrations Wednesday backing the clerically overseen government, which has said enemies of Iran are fomenting the protests. Trump has unleashed a series of tweets in recent days backing the protesters, saying Iran is failing at every level and declaring that it is time for change in the Islamic Republic. Facebook
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Trump congratulates Sen. Orrin Hatch upon news of his retirement By Associated Press President Trump congratulated Sen. Orrin Hatch for an absolutely incredible career upon news of Hatchs impending retirement. In a tweet Tuesday afternoon, Trump called Hatch a tremendous supporter and wrote that he will be greatly missed in the Senate. Congratulations to Senator Orrin Hatch on an absolutely incredible career. He has been a tremendous supporter, and I will never forget the (beyond kind) statements he has made about me as President. He is my friend and he will be greatly missed in the U.S. Senate! pic.twitter.com/0VjzLEeHTl Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Hatchs decision to retire from the Senate after four decades lets the Utah Republican walk away at the height of his power after helping to push through an overhaul of the tax code and persuading Trump to downsize two national monuments. Retirement also preserves the 83-year-olds legacy by allowing him to avoid a bruising reelection battle that would have broken his promise not to seek an eighth term. Read More Facebook
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Trump tweet exaggerates progress in improving veterans care By Associated Press President Trump played up tremendous progress in improving care for veterans in his first year on Tuesday in a tweet. His message linked to an Instagram video describing eight accomplishments that show Trump is fighting for our veterans. But it overstates the impact of these steps. We will not rest until all of Americas GREAT VETERANS can receive the care they so richly deserve. Tremendous progress has been made in a short period of time. Keep up the great work @SecShulkin @DeptVetAffairs! https://t.co/ir25vW15hx pic.twitter.com/OtuzIgxMn6 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Of the eight achievements cited, two are ceremonial proclamations recognizing National Veterans and Military Families Month and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Two are pieces of legislation that extended the troubled Veterans Choice program on a temporary basis. This became necessary because the Trump administration repeatedly miscalculated the amount of taxpayer dollars available to pay for care from private doctors outside the Veterans Affairs system when veterans had to endure long waits for treatment at VA medical centers. The departments poor budget planning caught lawmakers off guard. A fifth claim involves telehealth, a step letting doctors practice medicine across state lines using digital technology. Announced in August, it has yet to take full effect because a proposed VA regulation hasnt been completed. The VA wants authority to practice across state lines to come from legislation, not a regulation. On Wednesday, the Senate approved a telehealth measure that now goes to the House. A sixth claim refers to legislation that streamlines the appeals process for disability compensation claims within the VA. This step has had limited effect so far because it applies to new disability claims, not the 470,000 pending claims. The last two initiatives make it easier for the VA to discipline employees. The department has pointed to more than 1,300 employees who have been fired under Trumps watch. Because their infractions are not detailed in public documents, the effect on veterans care is not fully known. Facebook
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Trump unleashes his first tweetstorm of 2018 By Noah Bierman President Trump clearly didnt resolve to change his Twitter habits this year. With nine disparate tweets over three hours on Tuesday morning, the first working day of 2018, Trump continued to exploit social media to be the most aggressive commentator in chief in American history. For any other president, his posts would have made for a monumental day of (mis-)statements. Yet for Trump, the series attacks on political foes and media, provocations of foreign leaders and self-praise for events he had nothing to do with was all but unremarkable. His Twitter barrage sent between 7:09 a.m. and 10:16 a.m. reflected a familiar gamut after nearly a year in office: Attacks on political foes: Nearly 14 months after his election, Trump called for the jailing of Huma Abedin, Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid (his misspelling, another occasional feature of Trump tweets). Crooked Hillary Clintons top aid, Huma Abedin, has been accused of disregarding basic security protocols. She put Classified Passwords into the hands of foreign agents. Remember sailors pictures on submarine? Jail! Deep State Justice Dept must finally act? Also on Comey & others Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 In the same tweet, he disparaged the Deep State Justice Dept, headed of course by his appointees, calling on it to act against James B. Comey, the FBI director he fired for investigating the Russia thing. Diplomatic provocations: Trump again called North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Rocket man, ridiculed the volatile nuclear-armed foe for recent military defections and openly speculated about potential talks between North and South Korea. Sanctions and other pressures are beginning to have a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not - we will see! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not we will see! Trump wrote. Later Tuesday, Trump tweeted: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Also later Tuesday, Trump tweeted an attack on Pakistan, his second in as many days, and added a new one against Palestinians: It's not only Pakistan that we pay billions of dollars to for nothing, but also many other countries, and others. As an example, we pay the Palestinians HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They dont even want to negotiate a long overdue... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ...peace treaty with Israel. We have taken Jerusalem, the toughest part of the negotiation, off the table, but Israel, for that, would have had to pay more. But with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Undermining media: Trump offered Congratulations! to A.G. Sulzberger, who took over as publisher of the New York Times this week. The Failing New York Times has a new publisher, A.G. Sulzberger. Congratulations! Here is a last chance for the Times to fulfill the vision of its Founder, Adolph Ochs, to give the news impartially, without fear or FAVOR, regardless of party, sect, or interests involved. Get... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 ....impartial journalists of a much higher standard, lose all of your phony and non-existent sources, and treat the President of the United States FAIRLY, so that the next time I (and the people) win, you wont have to write an apology to your readers for a job poorly done! GL Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the two-part post was really yet another slam against a perceived media foe: Trump said the paper had a last chance to fulfill its journalistic mission, and accused it of relying on phony sources and substandard reporters just days after he granted another exclusive interview to the paper. As a bonus, the tweet contained a recycled falsehood, that the paper apologized after the election for reporting on him unfairly. It didnt. Trump later said on Twitter that he would soon announce the most dishonest & corrupt media awards of the year. Stay tuned! I will be announcing THE MOST DISHONEST & CORRUPT MEDIA AWARDS OF THE YEAR on Monday at 5:00 oclock. Subjects will cover Dishonesty & Bad Reporting in various categories from the Fake News Media. Stay tuned! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 The president also tweeted a quote from Fox Business Networks Lou Dobbs Tonight, which aired a segment praising Trumps first-year accomplishments. Dobbs reportedly joined Trump at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday for a gala to celebrate New Years Eve. President Trump has something now he didnt have a year ago, that is a set of accomplishments that nobody can deny. The accomplishments are there, look at his record, he has had a very significant first year. @LouDobbs Show,David Asman & Ed Rollins Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Taking credit: Trump congratulated himself for policing the border with Mexico, an area where his policies and anti-immigration rhetoric are believed to have had some effect on reducing illegal crossings. Thank you to Brandon Judd of the National Border Patrol Council for your kind words on how well we are doing at the Border. We will be bringing in more & more of your great folks and will build the desperately needed WALL! @foxandfriends Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 He took credit for employee bonuses by companies after he signed Republican tax cuts into law last month. Companies are giving big bonuses to their workers because of the Tax Cut Bill. Really great! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 But the jaw-dropper was Trump congratulating himself for planes not crashing. Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 It was the safest year on record worldwide, but the American streak without commercial jet passenger deaths goes back to 2009. Trump, who has promoted deregulation as one of his top accomplishments, has not signed off on any new airline safety regulations. The White House pointed to new security screening of passengers, to electronic devices to prevent terrorist attacks and to Trumps support for privatizing air traffic control a proposal that has gotten nowhere in Congress. Falsehoods: Trump said President Obama, in brokering the 2015 nuclear arms limitation deal with Iran, foolishly gave money to the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. He didnt. The people of Iran are finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their pockets. The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 The nuclear deal, which included major U.S. allies as signators, released Irans own funds that had long been frozen. Trumps art of the deal: When Trump sees a big deal looming, he often blasts the other side to gain leverage, as hes written. This week he resumes a showdown with Democratic lawmakers over funding the government and immigration protections for so-called Dreamers, who were brought to the country illegally as children. Democrats are doing nothing for DACA - just interested in politics. DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start falling in love with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Trump, who in September ordered a gradual end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, sought to shift blame for the resulting controversy, saying Democrats are doing nothing for DACA and are just interested in politics. Trump has insisted that any help for Dreamers be paired with funding for a border wall and a crackdown on legal immigration. Democrats, and some Republicans, are opposed. Read More Facebook
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In tweet, Trump suggests U.S. will withdraw financial assistance to Pakistan By Shashank Bengali Pakistan lashed out Monday after President Trump accused its leaders of lies & deceit and suggested the United States would withdraw financial assistance to the nuclear-armed nation it once saw as a key ally against terrorism. It was the presidents latest broadside against Pakistan after a speech in August in which he demanded its leaders crack down on the safe havens enjoyed by Taliban militants fighting U.S.-backed forces in neighboring Afghanistan. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 U.S. Ambassador David Hale was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to discuss the presidents statement, U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire said. Pakistan lodged a strongly worded protest and asked for clarification about Trumps comments, according to two foreign office officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Pakistans prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, called a Cabinet meeting for Tuesday and a meeting of the National Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss Trumps New Years Day tweet. Read More Facebook
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Trump continues to tweet in support of Iranian protesters By Laura King President Trump expressed renewed support Sunday for protesters in Iran, declaring that people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. In a tweet from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, the president said the nationwide economic protests that began on Thursday and have taken on wider political overtones as they have grown in size were a signal that Iranians will not take it any longer. Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Trump has tweeted about the protests for three days straight as Iranians took to the streets despite a heavy police presence, tear gas and scores of arrests. The defiance gained urgency after two people were reported shot to death in the city of Dorud, about 200 miles southwest of Tehran. As the conflict escalated, Iranian authorities on Sunday slapped a temporary ban on Instagram and the messaging app Telegram, which were widely used to fan protest fervor. Iran, the Number One State of Sponsored Terror with numerous violations of Human Rights occurring on an hourly basis, has now closed down the Internet so that peaceful demonstrators cannot communicate. Not good! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Irans leaders already are casting Trumps increasingly effusive expressions of support for the demonstrators as opportunistic meddling and are painting the demonstrators as foreign pawns, adopting a strategy that some analysts say could jeopardize the legitimacy of the nascent antigovernment protests. Read More Facebook
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Trump tweets condolences after Colorado deputies are shot in ambush, one fatally By Associated Press A man fired more than 100 rounds at sheriffs deputies in Colorado early Sunday, killing one and injuring four others, before being fatally shot himself in what authorities called an ambush. Two civilians were also injured. President Trump expressed sorrow, writing on Twitter: My deepest condolences to the victims of the terrible shooting in Douglas County @DCSheriff, and their families. We love our police and law enforcement - God Bless them all! #LESM Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock said deputies came under fire almost
Wait did the president really say, Mission Accomplished? By Marc Olson Some are recalling the last time a president declared Mission accomplished, in May 2003 when George W. Bush was talking about Iraq. (Stephen Jaffe / AFP/Getty Images) President Trump on Saturday morning thanked his allies in a tweet that declared the airstrikes on Syria perfectly executed, but he might have wished hed stopped there. Instead, he ended his message with the phrase, Mission Accomplished! Thats a line that might have a previous president shaking his head. On May 1, 2003, President George W. Bush declared an end to major combat in Iraq under a Mission Accomplished banner aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. That war, which began in March 2003, grew into a prolonged conflict that didnt end until 2011. In 2008, the White House said it had paid a price for the backdrop. A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 14, 2018 Facebook
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Auditor says Pentagon is censoring key data on the war in Afghanistan By Shashank Bengali The Pentagon is blocking the release of data showing how much of Afghanistans territory lies outside government control, censoring a key metric used to gauge progress in the 16-year war, a watchdog agency said Tuesday. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, an auditing agency established by Congress, said in its latest report that the Pentagon instructed it not to release unclassified data on how many districts and people are controlled or influenced by insurgent groups. This is the first time SIGAR has been specifically instructed not to release information marked unclassified to the American taxpayer, the head of the agency, John F. Sopko, wrote in a letter. Sopko also said the U.S.-led military coalition, for the first time since 2009, classified information about the size and attrition rates of the Afghan security forces, important indicators of progress in building up army and police forces on which the U.S. already has spent $70 billion since 2002. The decision to withhold more information from congressional oversight and the public comes amid growing violence in Afghanistan and an intensifying combat mission involving a greater number of American troops. Following a series of bombings in Kabul that left at least 136 people dead in 10 days, President Trump signaled on Monday that he was focused on trying to win the conflict militarily, saying, We dont want to talk with the Taliban. But data released by SIGAR since 2015 have shown how the insurgents have gained ground against Afghan security forces. In its previous quarterly report, the watchdog said that only 57% of Afghanistans 407 districts were under Afghan government control or influence as of August 2017, the lowest level of control since it began tracking the statistic in December 2015. The steady decline in government control should cause even more concern about its disappearance from public disclosure and discussion, Sopko wrote. The watchdog also accused the Pentagon of overstating the impact of its efforts to combat drug cultivation and trafficking, among the Talibans main sources of revenue. The Pentagon touted airstrikes that destroyed 25 drug labs in November and December, saying it eliminated nearly $100 million of Taliban revenue. The labs being destroyed are cheap and easy to replace, SIGAR said. According to some estimates, they only take three or four days to replace. Facebook
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Women journalists shunted to rear for Pences visit to Western Wall By Noga Tarnopolsky The view from the womens section. (Noga Tarnopolsky / Los Angeles Times) Vice-President Mike Pences 48-hour visit to Israel stumbled into a public storm Tuesday when female reporters covering his final stop at Jerusalems Western Wall were penned behind four rows of their male colleagues. White House officials told stunned journalists that the arrangement emanated from a request made by the Western Wall rabbi, Shmuel Rabinowitz, and followed Western Wall rules. Some women journalists said they could not recall such treatment in the past. In a statement to Israels Channel 10 news, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation said it was exactly as it was during the visit of the U.S. president to the Western Wall last May. Later in the day, in a statement to the newspaper Haaretz, the foundation blamed the United States embassy in Tel Aviv and Israeli security officials for the segregation, and announced they would reexamine the way they handle such events. Women who covered previous VIP visits said the Pence arrangements were significantly more onerous than previous visits, when male and female journalists were separated but not offered substantially different work conditions. LIVE coverage of our male colleagues granted access to cover VP at Western Wall as we are penned into #PenceFence pic.twitter.com/k3svkxfQsa Noga Tarnopolsky (@NTarnopolsky) January 23, 2018 The arrangement reflected procedures at the Western Wall, Judaisms holiest site, where on regular days, men have access to two thirds of the area available for prayer. Tal Schneider, the diplomatic analyst for Globes, a financial newspaper, protested that the separation of men and women may be valid for the requirements of Orthodox prayer, but no one is praying here. We are here to work. I dont appreciate being restricted in my ability to work because I am a woman, she said. The discriminatory attitude towards women is infuriating and is unbefitting of a modern country. Yael Freidson, the Jerusalem affairs correspondent for Yediot Ahronot, Israels widest circulation newspaper, said she worried that her editors could choose male colleagues for the next assignment, knowing they would have better access. Before Pence arrived, journalists were herded onto a specially constructed platform in the middle of the Western Walls esplanade, with women guided to the right behind a white fence, and men, many carrying cameras, directed to the left, where they had more than double the space. Towards the end of the vice presidents 10-minute visit, male journalists were permitted into the VIP tent where he received a gift from Rabinowitz, while the women remained in their enclosure. None of the men publicly protested the treatment of their female colleagues. Israels Association of Women Journalists filed a formal complaint with Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, herself a woman. Facebook
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Former Sheriff Joe Arpaio, after his pardon from Trump, says hell run for Senate in Arizona By Kurtis Lee (Mary Altaffer / Associated Press) (Mary Altaffer / Associated Press) Former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who last year was pardoned by President Trump in a case stemming from his enforcement tactics aimed at immigrants, announced Tuesday he will run for the open Senate seat in his home state. I am running for the U.S. Senate from the Great State of Arizona, for one unwavering reason: to support the agenda and policies of President Donald Trump in his mission to Make America Great Again, Arpaio, 85, said on Twitter. Hell enter a Republican primary for the seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Jeff Flake. Last summer, Trump pardoned Arpaio, who was convicted in July of criminal contempt for violating a federal court order to stop racially profiling Latinos. It was Arpaios roughly quarter-century as sheriff that gave him a national reputation for his tough treatment of people suspected of being in the country illegally. Repeated court rulings against his office for civil rights violations cost local taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. In the early 1990s, Arpaio directed construction of a tent city for immigration detainees, a measure he said was intended both to alleviate overcrowding and to underscore his aggressive enforcement measures. But it was open to the burning Arizona sun, and drew widespread criticism. After Trump entered the presidential race in July 2015, Arpaio invited him to Phoenix to talk about a crackdown on illegal immigration. He endorsed Trump just before the first votes in the Iowa caucuses in 2016 and frequently spoke out on behalf of Trumps campaign. Facebook
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President Trump ends controversial voter fraud commission By Kurtis Lee President Trump signed an executive order late Wednesday ending the voter fraud commission he launched last year as the panel faces a flurry of lawsuits and criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike. Trump signed the order disbanding the commission rather than engage in endless legal battles at taxpayer expense, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement. The Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, created by executive order in May with the stated goal of restoring confidence and integrity in the electoral process, has faced a barrage of lawsuits in recent months over privacy concerns, as the commission sought personal data on voters across the country. Read More Facebook
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Congress returns to work with slimmer GOP majority to accomplish Trumps agenda By Lisa Mascaro Congress returns to work this week with unfinished business on spending, immigration and other crucial issues, but with an even narrower GOP majority that will make it tougher to move on President Trumps agenda. The House and Senate will convene Wednesday, swearing in the newly elected Democratic senator from Alabama, Doug Jones, and Minnesotas Tina Smith to replace a fellow Democrat, Sen. Al Franken, who is resigning as the latest high-profile public figure sidelined by allegations of sexual misconduct. The change gives Republicans only a one-seat margin in the Senate. Trump, fresh off passage of the GOP tax cuts bill, is pushing lawmakers to pivot quickly on his new year priorities of infrastructure investment and immigration, as well as his foreign policy agenda. But another legislative victory seems far off. Republicans have struggled to hold their majority together and Congress first must tackle critical stalled agenda items that leaders punted to 2018. Read More Facebook
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Trump threatens to cut off U.S. aid to Palestinians By Tracy Wilkinson President Trump on Tuesday angrily threatened to cut off U.S. aid to Palestinians as punishment for what he called their failure to show appreciation or respect to the United States. Writing on Twitter, the president compared the Palestinians to Pakistan, a nuclear-armed ally that abruptly drew his ire this week and a similar threat to drastically curtail aid. He accused the Palestinians of recalcitrance in what he described as their refusal to negotiate a peace deal with Israel. Palestinian officials have said they can no longer use Washington as a broker to restart peace talks with Israel following Trumps Dec. 6 decision to overturn decades of U.S. policy and recognize the disputed city of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and ultimately to move the U.S. Embassy there. The Palestinians also claim part of Jerusalem as the capital of an eventual independent state. Until now, the United States and most of the world agreed the citys political status was a matter to settle in final peace talks. The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly condemned any effort to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital, and the Palestinian leadership said it would not meet with Vice President Mike Pence, who had planned a trip to the region. That trip is on hold. [W]e pay the Palestinians HUNDRED [sic] OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect, Trump wrote on Twitter. [W]ith the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them? In response to Trumps tweet, Hanan Ashrawi, a senior Palestinian official, issued a statement saying: Palestinian rights are not for sale. By recognizing Occupied Jerusalem as Israels capital Donald Trump has not only violated international law, but he has also singlehandedly destroyed the very foundations of peace and condoned Israels illegal annexation of the city. We will not be blackmailed, she said. President Trump has sabotaged our search for peace, freedom and justice. Now he dares to blame the Palestinians for the consequences of his own irresponsible actions! The United States does not pay large amounts of money directly to the Palestinian Authority, the government that rules over parts of the Palestinian West Bank. Instead, most money goes to the U.N., refugee or aid agencies and even Israel to pay for roads, welfare, schools, security and other Palestinian projects. The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, said Tuesday that the administration was planning to cut off one of those organizations, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, until the Palestinians return to the negotiating table. UNRWA, which receives around $300 million annually from the U.S., for years has been the lifeline to hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees living in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. It was not clear if Haley was threatening to cut all U.S. support for the agency. Special correspondent Noga Tarnopolsky in Jerusalem contributed to this report. Facebook
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The White House stops short of calling for government overthrow in Iran By Brian Bennett President Trump wants Iran to give its citizens basic human rights and stop being a state sponsor of terror, his top spokeswoman said, but the White House stopped short of calling for a change of government in Tehran. If they want to do that through current leadership, if thats possible, OK, White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters. Sanders praised the organic popular uprising, which she said the widespread protests in Iran represented. The protests grew out of years of years of mismanagement, corruption, and foreign adventurism have eroded the Iranian peoples trust in their leaders, she said. Earlier Tuesday, Trump called Irans government brutal and corrupt and wrote in a tweet: The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching! Trump also blamed President Obama for foolishly giving Iran money that he said went to fund terrorism. The money he referred to were funds belonging to Iran that had been frozen by the U.S. and were released as part of the deal in 2015, which blocked Irans development of nuclear weapons. The people of Iran are finally acting against the brutal and corrupt Iranian regime. All of the money that President Obama so foolishly gave them went into terrorism and into their pockets. The people have little food, big inflation and no human rights. The U.S. is watching! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 Facebook
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Retirement of Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch clears the way for a Mitt Romney revival By David Lauter The retirement of Utahs senior senator, Orrin G. Hatch, opens the way for a widely expected Senate bid by Mitt Romney, the Republicans 2012 presidential nominee and a frequent critic of President Trump. Although Romney previously served for two terms as governor of Massachusetts (and was raised in Michigan, where his father was governor and his mother ran for the Senate), he comes from a prominent Mormon family with strong ties to Utah. He also served as chief executive of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Hes viewed as a strong candidate for the Senate seat. Romneys criticisms of Trump, however, could prompt a challenge in a Republican primary. Trump was widely reported to have tried to convince Hatch to run for a seventh term, in part to head off a Romney candidacy. Last month, Romney and Trump were on opposite sides of one of the biggest political fights of the fall the battle over the Senate seat from Alabama. The president strongly supported Roy Moore, the Republican candidate who had been accused of sexual misconduct by several women. Romney called Moore a stain on the GOP. Roy Moore in the US Senate would be a stain on the GOP and on the nation. Leigh Corfman and other victims are courageous heroes. No vote, no majority is worth losing our honor, our integrity. Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) December 4, 2017 On Tuesday, Romney tweeted praise for Hatch, but did not immediately reveal his own plans. I join the people of Utah in thanking my friend, Senator Orrin Hatch for his more than forty years of service to our great state and nation. Read my full statement: https://t.co/YwjUpjez5y Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) January 2, 2018 Facebook
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U.S. calls on Iran to unblock social media sites amid protests By The Associated Press The Trump administration is calling on Irans government to stop blocking Instagram and other popular social media sites as Iranians are demonstrating in the streets. Undersecretary of State Steve Goldstein says the U.S. wants Iran to open these sites. He says Instagram, Telegram and other platforms are legitimate avenues for communication. The United States is encouraging Iranians to use virtual private networks, known as VPNs. Those services create encrypted links between computers and can be used to access blocked websites. Goldstein says the U.S. is still communicating with Iranians in Persian through State Department accounts on Facebook, Twitter and other platforms. He says the U.S. wants to encourage the protesters to continue to fight for whats right. Goldstein says the U.S. has an obligation not to stand by. Read More Facebook
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Trump blasts Democrats in advance of immigration meeting By Brian Bennett The day before a meeting of administration officials and congressional leaders on outstanding legislative business, President Trump accused Democrats of doing nothing to hammer out an immigration deal to protect from deportation people brought to the country illegally as children. Democrats are doing nothing for DACA just interested in politics, Trump wrote in a Tweet on Tuesday morning, referring to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program by its acronym. Democrats are doing nothing for DACA - just interested in politics. DACA activists and Hispanics will go hard against Dems, will start falling in love with Republicans and their President! We are about RESULTS. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 2, 2018 House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer along with the Republican leaders, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, are scheduled to meet on Wednesday at the Capitol with Trumps legislative director, Marc Short, and budget director, Mick Mulvaney. The White House on Tuesday said the meeting is to discuss separate spending caps on military and domestic programs. Yet the Democrats insist the discussion also must include a variety of legislative issues that Trump and Congress punted into the new year on immigration, the budget, healthcare and more. That stance reflects Democrats leverage: Republicans need Democratic votes to pass a government-funding bill and avert a federal shutdown when the current funding expires Jan. 19. Democrats especially want separate legislation replacing the Obama-era DACA program; Trump in September ordered a phase-out of the program, beginning March 6, and called on Congress to act before then on an alternative way to address the plight of the group. However, Trump has demanded that any alternative must be part of a package including both money for a border wall and immigration limits. Democrats are opposed. Facebook
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Pakistan hits back after Trump accuses its leaders of lies and deceit By Aoun Sahi Pakistan lashed out Monday after President Trump accused its leaders of lies and deceit and suggested the United States would withdraw financial assistance to the nuclear-armed nation it once saw as a key ally against terrorism. U.S. Ambassador David Hale was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to discuss the presidents statement, U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Snelsire said. Pakistan lodged a strongly worded protest, according to two foreign office officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Pakistans prime minister, Shahid Abbasi, called a Cabinet meeting for Tuesday and a meeting of the National Security Committee on Wednesday to discuss Trumps New Years Day tweet. It was the presidents latest broadside against Pakistan after a speech in August in which he demanded its leaders crack down on the safe havens enjoyed by Taliban militants fighting U.S.-backed forces in neighboring Afghanistan. Read More Facebook
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Trump again cheers on Iran protests By Laura King President Trump expressed renewed support Sunday for protesters in Iran, declaring that people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. In a tweet from his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, the president said the nationwide economic protests that began on Thursday and have taken on wider political overtones as they have grown in size --- were a signal that Iranians will not take it any longer. Big protests in Iran. The people are finally getting wise as to how their money and wealth is being stolen and squandered on terrorism. Looks like they will not take it any longer. The USA is watching very closely for human rights violations! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 31, 2017 The presidents earlier hailing of the protests drew condemnation from Irans government. A Foreign Ministry spokesman called his comments deceitful and opportunistic. Following an overnight report of the first two fatalities stemming from the protests, Trump raised some eyebrows by expressing concern over human rights violations as authorities move to crack down on the demonstrations. During his first year in office, the president has shown scant inclination to press foreign governments to respect the fundamental rights of their citizens. The USA is watching closely for human rights violations! Trump said in his tweet Sunday. Some domestic critics have pointed to the presidents inclusion of Iranian nationals in his travel ban, suggesting he was more interested in bashing the Tehran government than in supporting freedom of speech in Iran. Even some of the presidents allies said that supporting the protesters on social media did not amount to making policy. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he had urged Trump to give a national address laying out his Iran strategy. President Trump is tweeting very sympathetically to the Iranian people, Graham said on CBS Face the Nation. But you just cant tweet here. You have to lay out a plan. Facebook
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Australian diplomats tip a factor in FBIs Russia inquiry By Associated Press Australian High Commissioner Alexander Downer. (Alastair Grant / Associated Press) An Australian diplomats tip appears to have helped persuade the FBI to investigate Russian meddling in the U.S. election and possible coordination with the Trump campaign, the New York Times reported Saturday. Trump campaign advisor George Papadopoulos told the diplomat, Alexander Downer, during a meeting in London in May 2016 that Russia had thousands of emails that would embarrass Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, the report said. Downer, a former foreign minister, is Australias top diplomat in Britain. Australia passed the information on to the FBI after the Democratic emails were leaked, according to the Times, which cited four current and former U.S. and foreign officials with direct knowledge of the Australians role. The hacking and the revelation that a member of the Trump campaign may have had inside information about it were driving factors that led the FBI to open an investigation in July 2016, the newspaper said. White House lawyer Ty Cobb declined to comment, saying in a statement that the administration is continuing to cooperate with the investigation now led by special counsel Robert Mueller to help complete their inquiry expeditiously. Papadopoulos has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI and is a cooperating witness. Court documents unsealed two months ago show he met in April 2016 with Joseph Mifsud, a professor in London who told him about Russias cache of emails. This was before the Democratic National Committee became aware of the scope of the intrusion into its email systems by hackers later linked to the Russian government. The Times said Papadopoulos shared this information with Downer, but it was unclear whether he also shared it with anyone in the Trump campaign. Facebook
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Trump offers fresh support for protesters in Iran as demonstrations continue By Lisa Mascaro Oppressive regimes cannot endure forever, and the day will come when the Iranian people will face a choice. The world is watching! pic.twitter.com/kvv1uAqcZ9 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 30, 2017 President Trump again offered support Saturday for anti-government protesters in Iran, where a third day of demonstrations, the largest in years, spilled across the country amid fears of a crackdown. Oppressive regimes cannot endure forever, and the day will come when the Iranian people will face a choice. The world is watching! Trump wrote on Twitter. Trump took a break from playing golf near his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida to tweet clips from his speech to the United Nations General Assembly in September when he called for Iranian democratic reforms. Iranian authorities warned of potential violence as the street demonstrations, which began over economic conditions, swelled into frustrations with the theocratic rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump has maintained a hawkish stance toward Iran, sharply criticizing the landmark nuclear disarmament accord that Tehran reached with then-President Obama and five other nations in 2015. In October, Trump declined to certify the accord to Congress although the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency says Iran is complying with it. Several conservative GOP senators signaled their support for Trumps position and backed the protesters in Iran. Others in Congress did not immediately respond, however, amid conflicting reports over who had organized the demonstrations. Even after the billions in sanctions relief they secured through the nuclear deal, the ayatollahs still cant provide for the basic needs of their own people, said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), a Trump ally and opponent of the nuclear deal. We should support the Iranian people who are willing to risk their lives to speak out against it, he added. Trump initially tweeted his support on Friday night. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued a statement at that time as protests spread. There are many reports of peaceful protests by Iranian citizens fed up with the regimes corruption and its squandering of the nations wealth to fund terrorism abroad, Sanders said. The Iranian government should respect their peoples rights, including their right to express themselves. The world is watching. Facebook
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When it comes to U.S.-Russia relations, it takes two to tango, Kremlin says By Sabra Ayres The deteriorating relationship between the United States and Russia is one of the biggest disappointments of 2017, Russian President Vladimir Putins spokesman told reporters today. Russia would like to rebuild relations between the two adversaries, but it takes two to tango, Dmitry Peskov said today during a conference call with the press. We want and are looking for good mutually beneficial relations based on mutual respect, mutual trust with all countries, primarily with European ones, including the United States, but it is necessary to dance tango, as they say. Peskov blamed the ongoing anti-Russian Russophobia in Washington for playing a major role in blocking the two countries from moving forward in their relationship. U.S. investigations into the Trump presidential campaigns alleged collusion with the Kremlin during the 2016 U.S. election and accusations that the Kremlin tried to interfere with the electoral process continue to cast a dark shadow over the relationship, he said. Peskov told reporters that Moscow was perplexed by the investigations. The Kremlin has continued to deny having any involvement with the Trump campaign or doing anything to interfere with the American election. This is definitely a U.S. domestic affair, but in this case it naturally hurts our bilateral relations, which is regrettable, Peskov said. Relations between the U.S. and Russia have been categorized as the worst theyve been since the end of the Cold War. This year, Washington and Moscow have engaged in a diplomatic tit-for-tat in which both sides have been forced to reduce diplomatic staff, embassy properties have been repossessed by the hosting countries and visa services have been interrupted. The U.S. diplomatic mission to Russia shrank from 1,200 personnel, including some Russian local staff, to just over 450 across all its three consulates and embassy in Moscow. In the U.S., Russia was forced to vacate its San Francisco consulate. Moscow has also blamed anti-Russian sentiments on the recent decision by the International Olympic Committee to ban Russian teams from wearing their tricolor uniforms or flags during the upcoming games in South Korea. The international body accused some of the Russian national teams of doping. Facebook
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U.S. and Turkey resume reciprocal issuing of visas but frictions remain By Tracy Wilkinson The United States and Turkey began issuing reciprocal visas again on Thursday, more than two months after normal visa service was suspended in a dispute over the arrest of two U.S. diplomatic staffers in Istanbul the latest friction between the two nominal allies. The State Department said it was lifting the visa restrictions after it was assured by the Turkish government that U.S. Embassy employees would not be arrested when performing their official duties. But the Turkish Embassy in Washington denied assurances were offered concerning the ongoing judicial processes, and suggested that the arrests were legal and justified. It is inappropriate to misinform the Turkish and American public that such assurances were provided, the embassy said in a statement. The dispute has aggravated the already tense relationship between the United States and Turkey, which is a member of the NATO military alliance. The two countries have clashed over U.S. support for Kurdish rebels in Syria and over Turkeys demands that the U.S. extradite a Turkish cleric who lives in rural Pennsylvania. After a failed coup attempt killed more than 250 people in July 2016, Turkeys autocratic president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, launched a harsh crackdown on his political opponents, arresting or firing tens of thousands of teachers, police, journalists, military officers and others. Erdogan accused Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic educator and former political ally, of orchestrating the coup. Gulen, who has lived in a compound in the Pocono Mountains, has denied any involvement. The Justice Department has so far denied Turkeys repeated demands to extradite Gulen. Erdogan raised the issue again at the White House in May, but his visit ended in a public relations disaster when his security guards brutally beat peaceful protesters outside the Turkish ambassadors residence. Two Turkish employees of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul were arrested this fall for alleged ties to the 2016 coup attempt. The U.S. responded by suspending most visa services at its missions in Turkey in October. The Turkish government reciprocated in November. State Department officials said they have repeatedly demanded more information about any formal charges against the two employees. They reiterated on Thursday that serious concerns about the allegations remained. Facebook
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Trump: China caught RED HANDED allowing oil to reach North Korea By Brian Bennett (Andrew Harnik / Associated Press) President Trump isnt taking a holiday vacation from Twitter. In one of three tweets early on Thursday from his West Palm Beach golf club, he charged that China was caught RED HANDED allowing oil shipments to reach North Korean ports. Pronouncing himself very disappointed, Trump in effect was acknowledging the failure of his months-long effort to convince China to clamp down further on energy shipments going to the isolated country, which relies heavily on Beijing, as a way to pressure North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Caught RED HANDED - very disappointed that China is allowing oil to go into North Korea. There will never be a friendly solution to the North Korea problem if this continues to happen! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 28, 2017 Trumps tweet came after a South Korean newspaper published what it said were U.S. spy satellite images of Chinese ships selling oil to North Korean ships. The United Nations Security Council, which includes China, has voted repeatedly to restrict fuel shipments to North Korea. Trump asked Chinese President Xi Jinping in November to cut off North Koreas oil supply entirely, the American ambassador to the U.N., Nikki R. Haley, said at the time. It is unclear if Trumps admonishment of China was based on news reports or classified information he received from U.S. intelligence officials. There was no daily intelligence briefing on Trumps public schedule Thursday. He is expected to return to Washington next week after spending the Christmas holiday and New Years Eve at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla. Facebook
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President Trump again falsely claims hes signed more bills than any president By Brian Bennett President Trump visits a firehouse in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Wednesday. (Nicholas Kamm / AFP) After another morning at his Florida golf club, President Trump visited firefighters and paramedics at a West Palm Beach firehouse and praised his own performance as president, including with a false boast. Trump touted his administrations work to roll back government regulations and cut taxes and claimed credit for the stock market hitting record highs. He also said hes signed more bills into law than any other president, which isnt true. We have signed more legislation than anybody, Trump said, standing in front of a rescue vehicle inside the fire station. We have more legislation passed, including the record was Harry Truman a long time ago, and we broke that record, so we got a lot done, Trump said. An analysis by GovTrack, a website that tracks bills in Congress, shows that Trump has signed the fewest bills into law at this point than any president in more than 60 years, back to Dwight D. Eisenhower. Facebook
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Trump administration urges Russia to reinstate monitors in Ukraine, lower violence By Tracy Wilkinson Sergei Lavrov (AFP/Getty Images) Secretary of State Rex Tillerson asked Russia on Wednesday to reinstate its military personnel at a monitoring station in eastern Ukraine intended to quell escalating bloodshed. In a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, Tillerson also urged Russia to lower the level of violence and underscored the Trump administrations concern over increased fighting in Ukraine, the State Department said in a statement. Russia last week withdrew its monitors from the Joint Center on Coordination and Control, which is tasked with verifying a much-violated ceasefire between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists. Moscow cited what it called restrictions and provocations from Ukrainian authorities that made it impossible for the observers to do their jobs. Washington has accused the pro-Russia forces of being responsible for many of the truce violations. Late last week, the State Department also announced plans to provide Ukraine with lethal defensive weapons, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, a decision that angered Moscow. The State Department statement did not say whether the weapons deal came up in Tillersons conversation with Lavrov. The two also discussed North Korea, its destabilizing nuclear program and the need for a diplomatic solution to achieve a denuclearized Korean peninsula, the statement said. Russia has offered to serve as a mediator between Washington and Pyongyang, but direct talks do not seem likely at this point. Facebook
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U.S. sanctions two more North Korean officials for ballistic missile program By Tracy Wilkinson The Trump administration announced sanctions Tuesday against two more North Korean officials for their alleged role in Pyongyangs expanding ballistic missiles program. The Treasury Department is targeting leaders of North Koreas ballistic missile programs, as part of our maximum pressure campaign to isolate [North Korea] and achieve a fully denuclearized Korean Peninsula, Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said in a statement. The nuclear-armed country tested an intercontinental ballistic missile last month that U.S. officials said appeared capable of reaching New York or Washington, a significant milestone in the countrys growing arsenal. The Treasury Department identified the two North Korean officials as Kim Jong Sik, who reportedly is a key figure in the ballistic missile program and led efforts to switch missiles from liquid to solid fuel (which makes them easier to hide before launch), and Ri Pyong Chol, who was reported to be a key official in the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles. The sanctions block banks, companies and individuals from doing any business with the targeted officials. It also allows the U.S. government to freeze any American assets owned by the officials. On Friday, the United Nations Security Council unanimously voted to add more sanctions on North Korea, its third round this year. The new measures order North Koreans working abroad to return home within two years, and ban nearly 90% of refined petroleum exports to the country. In a statement published Sunday by North Koreas state-run KCNA news agency, the foreign ministry denounced the new U.N. sanctions as an act of war. We define this sanctions resolution rigged up by the US and its followers as a grave infringement upon the sovereignty of our Republic, as an act of war violating peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula and the region and categorically reject the resolution, it said. Facebook
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Salt Lake Tribune calls on Sen. Orrin Hatch to not seek reelection in scathing editorial Perhaps the most significant move of Hatchs career is the one that should, if there is any justice, end it. The last time the senator was up for reelection, in 2012, he promised that it would be his last campaign. That was enough for many likely successors, of both parties, to stand down, to let the elder statesman have his victory tour and to prepare to run for an open seat in 2018. Clearly, it was a lie. Read the editorial>> Facebook
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Christmas Eve, Trump on Twitter: New attacks on FBI official, decrying Fake News By Laura King President Trump launched a Christmas Eve attack on FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, whom he accuses of favoritism toward his former opponent, Hillary Clinton, and also returned to a longtime favored theme, excoriating the news media for failing to sufficiently extol his accomplishments. .@FoxNews-FBIs Andrew McCabe, in addition to his wife getting all of this money from M (Clinton Puppet), he was using, allegedly, his FBI Official Email Account to promote her campaign. You obviously cannot do this. These were the people who were investigating Hillary Clinton. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 24, 2017 Thank you President TRUMP!! pic.twitter.com/LKdkT0FL99 oregon4TRUMP (@shawgerald4) December 23, 2017 The Fake News refuses to talk about how Big and how Strong our BASE is. They show Fake Polls just like they report Fake News. Despite only negative reporting, we are doing well - nobody is going to beat us. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 24, 2017 Trump, who is spending the holidays at his Florida resort, Mar-a-Lago, also sent Christmas greetings to deployed military personnel, praising them for success in the fight against terrorism. The early-morning swipe at McCabe followed a flurry of tweets attacking the deputy FBI chief on Saturday. McCabe, who has been a lightning rod for Republican attacks on the FBI, is expected to retire early in the new year. How can FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, the man in charge, along with leakin James Comey, of the Phony Hillary Clinton investigation (including her 33,000 illegally deleted emails) be given $700,000 for wifes campaign by Clinton Puppets during investigation? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 23, 2017 FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe is racing the clock to retire with full benefits. 90 days to go?!!! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 23, 2017 Critics say the president and his allies are in the midst of a systematic campaign to denigrate the FBI and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, who is looking into potential collusion by the Trump campaign in Russias attempts to sway the 2016 presidential election. In a pair of statements on Twitter, Trump again expressed scorn regarding news coverage of his administration. For months, the president has been particularly critical of reports regarding the Russia investigation and more recently has repeatedly complained he does not receive enough credit for a booming stock market. In his video conference message to troops overseas, the president made apparent reference to the fight against the militants of Islamic State, who over the last year have lost most of the territory they previously controlled in Iraq and Syria, including former strongholds in Mosul and Raqqah. Were winning, Trump told military personnel deployed in Qatar, Kuwait, Guantanamo Bay and aboard the guided missile destroyer Sampson. Reporters traveling with the president heard his address, but were ushered from the room before he took questions from the troops. The president often breaks with longtime custom and makes politically charged statements at events in which he addresses military personnel. Facebook
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Trumps Wells Fargo tweet cited in court hearing as reason to remove Mulvaney as CFPB acting chief By Jim Puzzanghera A recent tweet by President Trump about possible penalties against Wells Fargo & Co. was cited during a court hearing Friday as a reason for removing White House official Mick Mulvaney as acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The attorney for Leandra English the bureaus deputy director who has said she is the rightful acting head said Trumps tweet showed he was trying to exercise improper influence over the independent consumer watchdog. I think that [tweet] shows you this isnt just some hypothetical concern, the attorney, Deepak Gupta, told Judge Timothy J. Kelly of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia during a nearly two-hour hearing. Read More Facebook
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Trump administration recognizes Honduran presidents reelection By Tracy Wilkinson The Trump administration on Friday formally recognized the incumbent president of Honduras, conservative Juan Orlando Hernandez, as the winner of a bitterly contested presidential election held last month. In a statement, the State Department congratulated Hernandez while also acknowledging widespread irregularities in the Nov. 26 vote and calling for a robust national dialogue to overcome political discord in the Central American country, a close ally of the administration. The Organization of American States, which monitored the election, said it was so flawed that only a new round of voting could establish a fair and transparent outcome. But the U.S. rejected that determination. Uproar over the contest led to demonstrations in Honduras that left numerous civilians dead after state security forces opened fire on the protests. Activists and others voiced criticism Friday of the administrations decision. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), a leading Democratic voice on Central American issues, said he was angry and deeply disturbed by the State Department decision. The recent elections in Honduras were deeply flawed, chaotic and marred by numerous irregularities, McGovern said. U.S.-Honduran cooperation on matters such as drug-trafficking, violence and immigration requires a credible, legitimate government that has the support of its people, in Honduras, McGovern said. Hernandezs victory also was controversial because it was the first time a sitting president was allowed to run for re-election, barred until now by the Honduran Constitution. Facebook
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Senate Leader Mitch McConnell says fixing DACA is no emergency until March By Lisa Mascaro Amanda Bayer, left with banner, and Marisol Maqueda, right, join a rally in support of so-called Dreamers outside the White House. (Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press) Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Friday hes committed to allowing a vote on a bill for so-called Dreamers in January, but sees no rush to resolve the deportation threat posed by President Trumps decision to end a program protecting immigrants brought to the country illegally as children. There isnt that much of an emergency there, he said. There is no emergency until March. Well keep talking about it. Trump called for phasing out by March the Obama-era program that allows the young immigrants, many of them longtime residents, to get two-year deferrals of any deportation threat so they can legally attend school or work. Beneficiaries must be vetted for security purposes. Trump told Congress to come up with a legislative alternative for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which President Obama created by executive order, to protect those currently eligible. A bipartisan Senate group has been working with the White House, but talks stalled this week amid administration demands for curbs on legal immigration flows in exchange for protecting the DACA recipients. Meanwhile, Dreamers and immigrant advocates stormed the Capitol in recent days pressing for the help promised by Trump and Democratic congressional leaders that failed to materialize in the years final legislation. Advocacy groups say more than 120 immigrants each day are falling out of compliance without DACA renewals, putting them at risk of deportation. The number that is projected to swell to more than 1,000 a day in March. Weve been gridlocked on this issue for years, McConnell said. We want to have a signature. We dont just want to spin our wheels and have nothing to show for it. Facebook
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President Trump signs tax bill By Noah Bierman (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump on Friday morning signed a sweeping tax-cut measure his first major legislative achievement before heading off for a Christmas vacation at his Mar-a-Lago property in Palm Beach, Fla. The president also privately signed a short-term spending bill to fund government operations through Jan. 19. Congress approved it Thursday, after Republican leaders were unable to bridge differences in their own party as well as with Democrats to get agreement on funding for the full fiscal year. The stopgap bill punts fights on immigration and other issues to January. The tax bill, approved earlier this week in Congress in largely party-line votes, slashes corporate tax rates from 35% to 21% and also includes a host of other provisions for individuals, all intended to boost the economy. Critics point to nonpartisan analyses showing that the package, including changes greatly reducing the number of estates subject to taxes, steers the bulk of tax benefits to top earners and the wealthy, including Trump, despite his repeated claims that hell take a hit. Trump signed the bill quietly Friday, but held a public ceremony with Republican lawmakers on Wednesday after the bills passage; he also tweeted about the measure extensively. He is expected to hold another public ceremony after the New Years holiday. Facebook
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Pelosi urges Ryan to prevent Republicans from curtailing Houses Russia probe By Chris Megerian House Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin greets House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi sent a letter to Speaker Paul D. Ryan on Friday urging him to ensure the Houses investigation into Russian interference with last years presidential campaign is not cut short. The American people deserve a comprehensive and fair investigation into Russias attacks, wrote Pelosi, of San Francisco, in her letter. Political haste must not cut short valid investigatory threads. The House Intelligence Committee has been probing the issue since March 1, and Democrats have repeatedly warned that Republicans are trying to wrap up its work prematurely. Pelosi said Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, should take urgent action to ensure this investigation can continue. AshLee Strong, a spokeswoman for Ryan, said Pelosi simply wants to see this investigation go on forever in order to suit her political agenda. Whether it concludes next month, next year, or in three years, she will say it is too soon, Strong said in a statement. She added, The investigation will conclude when the committee has reached a conclusion. The committees work is led by Rep. K. Michael Conaway (R-Texas). His spokeswoman, Emily Hytha, said he remains committed to conducting this investigation as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible. With more interviews scheduled, the investigation shows signs of extending into next year, Bloomberg reported Friday. BREAKING: Steve Bannon and former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski have been sent letters requesting they testify to House Intel panel in early January, per @HouseInSession Laura Litvan (@LauraLitvan) December 22, 2017 Facebook
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Congress votes to avert government shutdown, but Senate fails to pass disaster aid package By Lisa Mascaro ( (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press)) Congress approved a temporary spending bill to prevent a government shutdown, but failed to complete work on an $81-billion disaster aid package to help California, Gulf Coast states and Puerto Rico recover from wildfires and hurricanes, as lawmakers scrambled Thursday to wrap up business before a Christmas break. The stopgap measure continues federal operations for a few more weeks, setting up another deadline for Jan. 19. But it left undone a long list of priorities that members of both parties had hoped to finish this year. Read More Facebook
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Wells Fargo says raises were not linked to tax bill passage then backtracks By James Rufus Koren Wells Fargo & Co.s move to raise its minimum pay to $15 an hour was part of a long-term plan and not related to the passage of the Republican tax overhaul as the company implied, said a bank spokesman, who later backtracked and stated the hikes were a result of the bills approval. The bank was among several large corporations to publicly announce pay raises or new investments immediately following the final House vote in an apparent public relations offensive to boost the popularity of the tax bill The San Francisco bank had implied the direct linkage to the tax legislation in a news release Wednesday, shortly after Congress passed the tax overhaul, which slashes the corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% starting Jan. 1. Read More Facebook
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Obamacare signups beat expectations, despite Trump administrations opposition By Noam N. Levey President Trump with Seema Verma, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Despite Trump administration efforts to discourage people from signing up, the number of people enrolling for Affordable Care Act coverage nearly hit last years level, the government revealed Thursday. Exchange open enrollment for 2018 coverage ended w/ approx 8.8M people enrolling in coverage. Great job to the @CMSGov team for the work you did to make this the smoothest experience for consumers to date. We take pride in providing great customer service. Administrator Seema Verma (@SeemaCMS) December 21, 2017 The 8.8 million people who enrolled in the 36 states that use the federal governments healthcare.gov system significantly exceeded most forecasts. The Trump administration stopped most outreach and other efforts this year aimed at getting people to sign up. The president also repeatedly said publicly that Obamacare was dead. Open enrollment continues in California and several other states that run their own healthcare marketplaces. The figures from the federal government indicate that when those states wrap up for the year, the number of people covered by Obamacare will be nearly the same as in 2017. Read More Facebook
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U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly condemns U.S. policy change on Jerusalem despite Trumps threats By Tracy Wilkinson The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted Thursday to condemn President Trumps decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, despite Trumps threats to punish countries that voted against the U.S. position. The resolution passed in an emergency session at U.N. headquarters in New York with 128 in favor, nine opposed and 35 abstentions. The nonbinding resolution demands that Washington rescind its declaration, which included a plan to transfer the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in coming years. The resolution value is mostly symbolic, showing how isolated the U.S. is in the move. Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., warned this week that she would be taking names of countries that opposed the U.S., and Trump on Wednesday suggested he might cut U.S. aid to governments that voted in favor of the resolution. Let them vote against us, Trump said. Well save a lot. We dont care. The U.S. recognition of Jerusalem reversed decades of international consensus on the political status of the divided city. Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as their capital in a future independent state. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki said the U.N. was facing an unprecedented test and that history would remember those who stand by what is right. Facebook
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Democrats defend Robert Mueller, saying Russia investigation must be allowed to continue By Chris Megerian Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) speaking during a committee hearing earlier this year. (Molly Riley / Associated Press) House Democrats said they will fight Republican attempts to discredit and undermine the work of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, who is investigating whether President Trumps associates helped Russian meddling in last years election. There is an organized effort by Republicans, in concert with Fox News, to spin a false narrative and conjure up outrageous scenarios to accuse special counsel Mueller of being biased, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) said. Trump has said he has no plan to fire Mueller, but Democrats are alarmed by escalating criticism of the special counsels work. Why is the president afraid of the facts and the truth? Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) said. He added, No matter what the facts are, were satisfied if the investigation is complete. A letter of support signed by 171 Democratic members of Congress will be sent to Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein, who appointed Mueller, a former FBI director, and oversees his investigation. Rosenstein has defended Mueller in the face of Republican criticisms. Facebook
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U.S. blacklists Myanmar army general who it says oversaw atrocities against Rohingya Muslims By Shashank Bengali The Trump administration on Thursday blacklisted a Myanmar army general who it said oversaw human rights abuses committed by security forces against Rohingya Muslims. Imposing economic sanctions against the general, Maung Maung Soe, was the toughest action the United States has taken in response to a brutal army offensive that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has described as ethnic cleansing. In a statement, the Treasury Department said it had examined credible evidence of Maung Maung Soes activities, including allegations against Burmese security forces of extrajudicial killings, sexual violence and arbitrary arrest as well as the widespread burning of villages. The Rohingya are an ethnic and religious minority of about 1 million people in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar, also known as Burma. The United Nations says that more than 640,000 Rohingya have fled the country since August, after the army launched clearance operations in response to attacks carried out by a Rohingya insurgent group against security forces. Rohingya refugees in crowded camps in neighboring Bangladesh have described horrific violence by Myanmar forces, including mass rapes, summary executions and children being burned alive. The aid group Doctors Without Borders estimates that 6,700 people were killed in the first month of the operation. Myanmar authorities deny committing atrocities and say that only a few hundred fighters were killed. Maung Maung Soe was chief of the armys Western Command, which carried out the offensive. He was transferred from his position last month, according to news reports. He was one of 13 individuals worldwide who were blacklisted Thursday under a new U.S. law that gives the Treasury Department authority to target officials for human rights abuses and corruption. Others included former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh; Gulnara Karimova, daughter of the late Uzbekistan dictator Islam Karimov; and Artem Chaika, son of Russias prosecutor-general. Today, the United States is taking a strong stand against human rights abuse and corruption globally by shutting these bad actors out of the U.S. financial system, said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. The sanctions freeze any assets Maung Maung Soe holds in the United States and bars Americans from doing business with him. It is also a sign of how quickly U.S. relations with Myanmar have soured. Under the Obama administration, the United States forged closer ties with the former military dictatorship and eased economic and political sanctions as the country began implementing democratic reforms. But Myanmar, which does not regard the Rohingya as citizens, has lashed out at the international community over the current crisis. It has jailed journalists, blocked access to affected areas in the western state of Rakhine and this week barred a U.N. human rights investigator from entering the country. Rohingya activists said the U.S. action would not have much effect on a country that survived under economic sanctions for years. It is the whole military institution that has a policy to persecute these people, said Nay San Lwin, a Rohingya activist and blogger in Germany. According to the U.S.s own definition, the army is carrying out ethnic cleansing. They have a responsibility to protect these people. Sanctions on one person are really not enough. Facebook
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Dreamers will have to wait until next year for Congress long-promised protections By Lisa Mascaro Amanda Bayer, left with banner, and Marisol Maqueda, right, join a rally in support of so-called Dreamers outside the White House. (Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press)) A promised year-end deal to protect the young immigrants known as Dreamers from deportation collapsed Wednesday as Republicans in Congress fresh off passage of their tax plan prepared to punt nearly all remaining must-do agenda items into the new year. Congressional leaders still hope that before leaving town this week they can pass an $81-billion disaster relief package with recovery funds for California wildfires and Gulf Coast states hit during the devastating hurricane season. But passage even of that relatively popular measure remained in doubt as conservatives balked at the price tag. Rather than finish the year wrapping up the legislative agenda, the GOP majorities in the House and Senate struggled over their next steps. Read More Facebook
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Chants of protest drown out any caroling this holiday season at the Capitol By Lisa Mascaro U.S. Capitol Police arrest a man wearing a Santa Claus hat during a protest against the Republican tax bill. (Alex Edelman / AFP/Getty Image) Outside the U.S. Capitol, the lights on a towering Christmas tree are flipped on each evening, giving the Engelmann spruce a festive twinkle; inside the marble halls, wreaths and garlands decorate doorways and alcoves ahead of the holidays. But the spirit of the season has been punctuated by other sights: a Jumbotron parked across from the Capitol reflecting pool broadcasts images of young immigrants who face deportation; Little Lobbyists, children with complex medical needs, were featured in a recent news conference; protesters filed into the visitor galleries to shout against the Republican tax plan. While its beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Capitol, its also shaping up to be a holiday season of protest. Read More Facebook
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Tax bill simplifies filing for some but complicates it for others and dont count on that postcard By Jim Puzzanghera A priority of the Republicans tax overhaul was simplification, and they drove home the point this fall with an omnipresent prop: a red-white-and-blue postcard. Were making things so simple that you can do your taxes on a form the size of a postcard, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) said last month, pulling one from his jacket pocket as he and Republican leaders unveiled their bill. They gave a couple of the cards to President Trump at a White House meeting a few hours later and flashed them often during news conferences and TV interviews in the coming days. Read More Facebook
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Top U.N. human rights official reportedly wont seek reelection The top United Nations official for human rights, who has frequently criticized the Trump administration, has reportedly decided not to seek a second term, saying his work had become untenable. Zeid Raad Hussein, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, notified his staff in an email that was obtained by several news outlets, including Agence France-Presse. Staying when his four-year term is up for renewal at the end of August might involve bending a knee in supplication, AFP quoted Husseins email as saying. Hussein is a Jordanian prince who has criticized, among other things, President Trumps attempts to ban visitors or refugees from six predominantly Muslim countries. The news comes a day before the U.N. General Assembly is expected to vote on a nonbinding resolution condemning the Trump administrations formal declaration of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a decision that went against international consensus. Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., has warned she will be taking names of those who vote against the United States on Thursday. Trump echoed that sentiment Wednesday, voiced support for Haley and implying to reporters that he would consider cutting off U.S. aid to countries that vote against the U.S. Well, were watching those votes, Trump said. Let them vote against us. Well save a lot. We dont care. On Monday, the United States lost a Security Council vote 14-1 on a binding resolution that would have required Washington to rescind its declaration. Haley then vetoed the resolution. Facebook
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Top Democrat warns Trump not to fire Mueller or interfere with his investigation By Chris Megerian Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, one of the top Democrats involved in the congressional inquiries into Russian interference in last years election, said Wednesday that any attempt by President Trump to interfere with the separate criminal investigation would be a gross abuse of power. Warner, who is vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, delivered his warning from the Senate floor as Republicans escalate their criticism of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III and his team of prosecutors and FBI agents. Some Democrats believe Trump is laying the groundwork to fire Mueller even though the president has publicly denied it. Mueller was appointed in May after Trump fired FBI Director James B. Comey. In the United States of America, no one, no one is above the law, not even the president, Warner said. Congress must make clear to the president that firing the special counsel or interfering with his investigation by issuing pardons of essential witnesses is unacceptable and would have immediate and significant consequences. Some Democrats say the White House may try to in effect short-circuit the Mueller investigation by replacing Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein, who is the only official empowered to fire Mueller. Rosenstein recently told Congress that the special counsel is acting appropriately and that he would not dismiss Mueller without just cause. Facebook
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We have essentially repealed Obamacare, Trump says after tax bill passes By Brian Bennett President Trump at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday at the White House. (Chris Kleponis / Getty Images) President Trump is celebrating Republicans passage of the tax overhaul bill as a two-fer: On Wednesday, in addition to tax cuts, he checked off his promise to repeal Obamacare, pointing to a provision in the bill to end the penalty on Americans who dont get health insurance. We have essentially repealed Obamacare, Trump told reporters during a Cabinet meeting at the White House. Other provisions of the 2010 Affordable Care Act are still in place, and Trump and congressional Republicans failed completely on the replace half of their vow to repeal and replace the program. In Trumps view, however, stripping away the laws individual mandate to get insurance or else pay a tax penalty amounts to repeal of the whole law. Congressional analysts have said that millions of people would lose insurance as a result, either by choice or because they cannot afford it without subsidies, and that premiums would increase for others as younger, healthy people drop coverage. We will come up with something much better, Trump said, adding that block grants to states could be one approach. By his comments, Trump tacitly acknowledged that repeal of the mandate is likely the best he can do following Republicans failure this year to agree on a repeal-and-replace bill. Looking back on his first year, Trump also boasted of his administrations efforts against the Islamic State and increased immigration enforcement. He said he had not given up on funding a border wall or tightening immigration law to limit citizens ability to resettle foreign relatives in the country. He said he would very shortly visit the border with Mexico near San Diego to see wall prototypes that have been built. He didnt answer a reporters shouted question about how he would personally benefit from the tax bill. Facebook
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House gives final OK to GOP tax plan, sending it to Trump By Lisa Mascaro Congress gave final approval to the GOP tax plan Wednesday, 224-201, after the House took an unusual do-over vote to clear up differences with the Senate-passed bill. The $1.5-trillion package now heads to President Trump, who plans to sign it into law. The House had approved the tax bill on Tuesday but was forced to take another vote Wednesday because a couple of provisions in the version it approved were found to be in violation of Senate procedures. Those provisions were dropped before the Senate gave its approval early Wednesday. Critics complained the Republicans rushed to pass the sweeping tax plan to deliver Trump a year-end legislative victory, but supporters shrugged off the problems as minor. The tax plan dramatically cuts corporate rates and provides some individual rate reductions, overhauling the tax code for the first time in 30 years. Facebook
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Trump administration effort to block immigrant from having an abortion fails By David Savage Scott Lloyd is director of the Office of Refugee Resettlement at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) President Trumps lawyers rushed to the Supreme Court and U.S. appeals court in Washington on Monday evening to file emergency appeals seeking to prevent an immigrant in detention, dubbed Jane Roe in court, from having an abortion. That set the stage for a legal showdown on whether the administration can block pregnant minors in custody from choosing to have an abortion. But the legal clash, which the administration has seemed eager to have, fizzled out Tuesday when the governments lawyers admitted the 17-year-old unaccompanied minor in their custody was actually 19. They said they had obtained her birth certificate and realized she was not a minor after all. As a result, Roe, who is 10 weeks pregnant, will no longer be held in a detention center for immigrant minors, and will not be subject to an administration policy that tries to prevent minors in immigration detention from having abortions. Administration lawyers told appeals court judges Tuesday night that Roe was being sent to a facility for adults and likely would be released until her immigration status can be resolved. In a brief order, the D.C. Circuit Court agreed to put the case on hold, but told government attorneys to confirm that she will be permitted to obtain an abortion. The administration had earlier tried to delay another young woman, referred to in court as Jane Poe, from having an abortion, but officials relented on Monday because she was 22 weeks pregnant and nearing the time limit for a legal abortion. Facebook
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Senate panel rejects Trumps pick to lead Export-Import Bank, a leader in the effort to shut it down By Jim Puzzanghera A Senate committee on Tuesday rejected President Trumps nominee to lead the Export-Import Bank, extending the chaos at the embattled agency whose job is to help U.S. companies sell their goods abroad. Two Republicans joined all Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee in voting against former Rep. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.) to be the banks president. Garrett had been a vocal critic of the Ex-Im Bank and a leader of a conservative effort that shut the bank down for five months in 2015 by blocking its congressional authorization. He and other bank opponents branded the banks aid as crony capitalism. Read More Facebook
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Congress proposes $81-billion disaster aid package, including funds for California wildfires By Lisa Mascaro Congress is set to consider an $81-billion disaster aid package that includes wildfire recovery money for California and other Western states as well as hurricane relief with a price tag reflecting a year of record-setting natural calamities. The legislation, the text of which was released late Monday, would provide almost twice as much as the $44 billion the White House sought last month to cover relief efforts along the Gulf Coast and in the Caribbean. Republican congressional leaders added more money after California lawmakers objected that the administration had failed to include help for areas damaged by wildfires and Democrats protested that the overall amount President Trump asked for was insufficient. Read More Facebook
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White House blames North Korea for worldwide WannaCry cyber attack By Noah Bierman The Royal London Hospital, a victim of the unprecedented global cyberattack in May. (Niklas Hallen / AFP/Getty Images) The White House officially blamed North Korea on Tuesday for the cyberattack in May known as WannaCry that infected hundreds of thousands of computers in 150 countries, affecting healthcare, financial services and vital infrastructure. Thomas P. Bossert, assistant to the president for homeland security and counter-terrorism, noted in a briefing with reporters that the consequences were beyond economic. He warned that North Koreas malicious behavior is growing more egregious. Bossert did not specify what evidence American officials have to blame North Korea, citing security issues, but he cited the countrys prior attacks as revealing hallmarks of how Pyongyang and its network of hackers operates. He said other allied countries had joined the United States in making the determination. The administration did not announce any penalties on the regime, which is already subject to severe sanctions over its nuclear program. They want to hold the entire world at risk, Bossert said of North Koreas rulers, referring to the nations nuclear and missile provocations as well as its alleged cyberattack. Given its isolation and international sanctions, North Korea is desperate for funds. Bossert said the country did not appear to make much money on the ransom attack, as word spread that paying a ransom did not result in getting computers unlocked. Its primary goal, he said, was spreading chaos. Bossert and Jeanette Manfra, assistant secretary of homeland security for cybersecurity and communication, said the United States, through a combination of preparation and luck, escaped the worst of the attack, as a patch to the malware was found before U.S. companies and other interests were severely crippled. However, Manfra said, We cannot be complacent. Bossert added, Next time were not going to get so lucky. Manfra praised Microsoft and Facebook for their efforts to combat WannaCry and to block more recent attempts to hack U.S. systems. She and Bossert urged more cooperation and information-sharing from American and multinational companies, arguing a united front is vital to protecting against bad actors who do not differentiate between government and business. Bossert rejected criticism that the the Trump administration has more aggressively called out North Korean cyberattacks than it has Russias meddling in the 2016 election. He said the administration has continued the national emergency initiated by President Obama. Facebook
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GOP lures some mountain bike groups in its push to roll back protections for public land By Evan Halper When their vision of creating a scenic cycling trail through a protected alpine backcountry hit a snag, San Diego area mountain bikers turned to an unlikely ally: congressional Republicans aiming to dilute conservation laws. The frustrations of the San Diego cycling group and a handful of similar organizations are providing tailwind to the GOP movement to lift restrictions on the countrys most ecologically fragile and pristine landscapes, officially designated wilderness. Resentment of these cyclists over the longstanding ban on mechanized transportation in that fraction of the nations public lands presents a political opportunity for Republicans eager to drill fissures in the broad coalition of conservation-minded groups united against the GOP environmental agenda. Read More Facebook
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Vice president postpones Israel trip a second time in case his vote is needed to pass tax cut bill By Noah Bierman (Ethan Miller / Getty Images) Vice President Mike Pence is delaying his trip to Egypt and Israel for a second time in case he is needed to break a tie in the Senate for the tax bill that is expected to pass narrowly this week. Two White House officials confirmed the changed schedule, which they say is unrelated to to protests in the region over the administrations decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital. Pence had initially been scheduled to leave last Saturday. Late last week, the White House moved the trip back a few days to Tuesday night, in case Pence was needed to break a Senate tie. But Monday, they decided to postpone the trip further, to January, given the possibility of a late Senate vote and the coming holidays. He wants to see it through the finish line, said a White House official, referring to the tax measure that is a centerpiece of the Republican legislative agenda. We dont want to leave anything to chance. The mid-January dates will allow Pence more breathing room to merge schedules with embassies and hotels, the official said. Trump still plans to address the Israeli Knesset, a high-profile venue to discuss the Jerusalem decision where it is most popular. Facebook
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Trump judicial pick who drew ridicule at hearing withdraws By Associated Press A White House official says the Trump judicial nominee whose qualifications were questioned by a Republican senator has withdrawn his nomination. Matthew Petersen, who was nominated by President Trump to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, has been the subject of widespread ridicule since he was unable to define basic legal terms during his confirmation hearing Wednesday. A White House official says Petersen has withdrawn his nomination and that Trump has accepted the withdrawal. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to discuss the development publicly. Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy pressed Petersen, a former chairman of the Federal Election Commission, who testified he had never tried a case, on his qualifications to the bench. Facebook
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Trump says McCain will return to Washington if needed for tax vote By Laura King President Trump said Sunday that Sen. John McCain, who is battling an aggressive form of brain cancer, was returning home to Arizona for the holidays but would come back to Washington if needed to cast a vote on the Republicans tax overhaul bill. The Arizona Republicans office announced last week that McCain was receiving treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington for complications from his cancer treatment. McCains daughter Meghan tweeted earlier Sunday that her 81-year-old father would be spending Christmas in Arizona. The Senate is expected to vote early this week on the tax cut legislation, but the GOP appeared to have secured sufficient support without McCains vote. John will come back if we need his vote, Trump told reporters as he returned from a weekend at the presidential retreat at Camp David. Hes going through a very tough time. Facebook
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Putin calls Trump to thank him for U.S. help foiling terrorist strike By Laura King Vladimir Putin phoned President Trump to thank him for what the Russian president said was CIA help in foiling a terrorist attack, the Kremlin said on Sunday. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed the two leaders conversation to reporters. It was the second time that the two leaders had talked in four days; Trump called Putin on Thursday to thank the Russian leader for lauding the U.S. economy. Putin, in his annual year-end news conference, had praised Trump for a strong performance by the U.S. stock market. Perhaps ironically, given his credit to the CIAs recent help, Putin at that news event dismissed as hysteria the consensus among American intelligence agencies that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential campaign. In reporting Putins call to Trump on Sunday, the official Russian news agency Tass said Putin thanked his American counterpart for information shared by the US Central Intelligence Agency that had helped break up a plot to set off explosives in St. Petersburgs landmark Kazan Cathedral and elsewhere in the city, which is Russias second-largest. Russian authorities last week had credited their countrys counter-intelligence service, the FSB, for foiling the attacks. They reported that seven people affiliated with Islamic State had been detained in St. Petersburg in connection with the plot. The FSB, the successor organization to the KGB, announced Friday that the group had planned to carry out the attacks on Saturday, and that one of those in custody had confessed to the cathedral bomb plot. Facebook
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Mnuchin: Government shutdown unlikely but could happen By Laura King Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said on Sunday that a government shutdown this week was unlikely but possible. A two-week stopgap spending bill passed by Congress earlier this month provided enough funding to keep the government running through Friday. A deadlock on another temporary funding measure would open the door to a possible shutdown. I cant rule it out, but I cant imagine it occurring, Mnuchin said on Fox News Sunday, suggesting everyone had an interest in avoiding the government grinding to a halt and federal workers going unpaid, especially in the holiday season. I would expect that both the House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats, understand if they cant agree on this, they need to have another short-term extension to move this to January, the Treasury secretary said. We cant have a government shutdown in front of Christmas. In May, irate over concessions made to Democrats in hammering out a spending measure, President Trump tweeted that a good shutdown might help matters. While both parties agree that a government shutdown involves a degree of disruption that is not beneficial to either side, shutdowns in 1995-96 and in 2013 mainly caused a backlash against Republicans. The latest funding measure is to be taken up after a vote on a massive GOP tax overhaul, expected by midweek. Facebook
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Trump transition team says sensitive emails should not have been shared with Robert Mueller By Chris Megerian (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) President Trumps transition team is crying foul over how special counsel Robert S. Mueller III obtained emails for his investigation into Russian meddling in last years campaign and possible Trump campaign complicity. Kory Langhofer, a lawyer for the transition team, sent a letter to Congress on Saturday saying there was an unauthorized disclosure of emails. While the Trump transition is long over, the transition team remains a nonprofit organization. Its emails were hosted by the General Services Administration, a federal agency. Mueller reportedly obtained the emails directly from the agency. There are attorney-client communications, Langhofer said in an interview. There are executive-privileged communications. He added, What were asking Congress to do is to take some legislative action to make sure this never happens again. Peter Carr, a spokesman for the special counsels office, defended the process for obtaining emails. When we have obtained emails in the course of our ongoing criminal investigation, we have secured either the account owners consent or appropriate criminal process, he said. The letter was first reported by Fox News. A request for comment from the General Services Administration was not immediately answered. This story has been updated with a comment from the special counsels office. Facebook
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Virginia house arrest is ending for Paul Manafort By Chris Megerian (Mark Wilson / Getty Images) A federal judge agreed Friday to end Paul Manaforts house arrest in Virginia, allowing President Trumps former campaign manager to return to Florida while awaiting trial. The decision followed a dispute between Manaforts legal team and prosecutors working for special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, who accused Manafort of violating a court order restricting public statements about the case. Under the terms of the judges order, Manafort will be allowed to live at his home in Florida as long as he stays within Palm Beach and Broward counties and obeys a curfew from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. If he misses a court appearance, he would forfeit four properties valued at $10 million total. The deal, which includes GPS monitoring, is not as permissive as Manafort originally sought. He had asked to be able to travel freely among Florida, New York, Virginia and Washington. Manafort faces criminal charges of fraud, conspiracy and money laundering. He has pleaded not guilty. Facebook
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GOP negotiators enhance child tax credit to win over Sen. Rubio By Lisa Mascaro Republican negotiators slightly increased the refundable portion of the expanded child tax credit in their tax plan, raising it to $1,400 in hopes of winning back Sen. Marco Rubios (R-Fla.) support ahead of next weeks vote. Rubio announced Thursday he was withholding support after negotiators ignored his push to make the expanded tax credit, which increases from the current $1,000 to $2,000 in the proposed bill, fully refundable for lower- and moderate-income filers. The refundable portion in the original bill was $1,100. The Florida senator argued that was not enough to help working-class Americans, many of whom already view the GOP plan as tilted toward the wealthy. Rubios office was waiting to see the final text before commenting on whether the change was enough to win him over. We have not seen the bill text, and until we see if the percentage of the refundable credit is significantly higher, then our position remains the same, Rubios spokeswoman said. Negotiators meeting Friday before unveiling the bill said they thought they had the support they needed from Rubio and other holdouts. Im confident both chambers will pass it next week, said Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.). Facebook
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Sen. Marco Rubio opposes GOP tax bill, depriving leaders of crucial support By Lisa Mascaro 20.94% Corp. rate to pay for tax cut for working family making $40k was anti-growth but 21% to cut tax for couples making $1million is fine? Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 12, 2017 Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) says he is currently opposed to the GOP tax plan because it fails to include his proposed enhancements to the child tax credit, leaving leaders without crucial support ahead of next weeks expected vote. Republicans can only lose two GOP senators from their slim 52-48 majority as they push the plan forward under special budget rules to prevent a Democratic filibuster. Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday altered his planned Israel trip so he could be on hand, if needed, to cast a tie-breaking vote. Rubio, and GOP Sen. Mike Lee of Utah, have fought to increase the child tax credit, doubling it to $2,000 in the GOP plan, but they also want to increase its refundability. They argue it will lower taxes on middle-income families at a time when the tax plan is being criticized as tilted to the wealthy. Sen. Rubio has consistently communicated to the Senate tax negotiators that his vote on final passage would depend on whether the refundability of the Child Tax Credit was increased in a meaningful way, Rubios spokeswoman said. Lee stopped short of opposing the bill, but his spokesman said Wednesday he is undecided. GOP leaders, though, have said they believe they have the support for passage. Facebook
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White House gives Roy Moore a unsubtle shove: Time to concede By David Lauter (Alex Wong / Getty Images) The White House sent a clear signal Thursday to the defeated Republican candidate for Senate in Alabama: Its time to concede. Roy Moore refused to concede the race on Tuesday night when Doug Jones, the Democrat, was declared the winner. Election night results show Jones winning by about 1.5 percentage points, three times more than the states standard for a recount. Although a few absentee and provisional ballots remain to be counted, theres no indication they would change the result. On Wednesday, Moore notably did not call to congratulate Jones even as President Trump and other leading Republicans did. Instead, he released a video declaring the battle rages on. Asked at the daily news briefing whether the White House thinks Moore should concede today, Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, It probably sounds like it maybe should have already taken place. Sanders also dismissed the idea, pushed by some Moore supporters, that Jones victory was tainted in some fashion. Asked if the Democrat had won fair and square, she said, I think the numbers reflect that. The states Republican senator, Richard Shelby, offered a similar comment in an interview with MSNBC in which he said he was willing to work with Jones. If I was 25,000 votes behind, its not going to change much, Shelby said. Facebook
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House Speaker Paul Ryan says hes not leaving anytime soon By Lisa Mascaro House Speaker Paul D. Ryan shot down suggestions Thursday that he might soon be retiring. Stories often circulate that party leaders, especially the House speaker, are stepping aside. Ryans tenure has been as rocky as that of his predecessor, Rep. John Boehner, who abruptly resigned in 2015 amid GOP infighting. Asked Thursday if he would be leaving, Ryan answered a simple no, as he left his weekly press conference in the Capitol. Ryan, the Wisconsin Republican who reluctantly took over the speakers gavel after Boehners departure, had just finished talking up the GOP tax plan, which leaders hope to pass next week. He also outlined his sweeping agenda for his longtime goal of entitlement reform of welfare benefits next year. Two stories published Thursday suggested Ryan may soon be out. This is pure speculation, said spokeswoman AshLee Strong. As the speaker himself said today, hes not going anywhere anytime soon. Facebook
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GOP leaders reach tax deal, cutting corporate rate to 21% and top individual rate to 37% By Lisa Mascaro Republican leaders on Wednesday agreed on a revised plan to cut taxes that would lower the corporate rate from 35% to 21% and drop the top individual rate for the richest Americans to 37%, according to GOP senators and others briefed on the deal. The tentative accord marked a significant step in the Republican push to have a tax bill on President Trumps desk by Christmas. Leaders did not release details of the compromise or the text of a final bill as negotiations continued. Its critically important for Congress to quickly pass these historic tax cuts, Trump said Wednesday, promising that Americans could begin to reap the benefits of the plan as early as February, if passed. Critics, however, said the latest changes particularly the lowering of the top individual rate from the current 39.6% only reaffirmed several independent analyses that show the bulk of the savings from the Republican plan would go to businesses and the wealthy. Read More Facebook
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Farenthold to retire from House amid harassment accusations By Associated Press Texas Republican Rep. Blake Farenthold wont seek reelection next year, two Republicans said Thursday, adding his name to the list of lawmakers leaving Congress amid sexual harassment allegations that have cost powerful men their jobs in politics, the arts and other fields. The accusations against Farenthold surfaced in 2014, when a former aide sued him alleging sexually suggestive comments and behavior and said shed been fired after she complained. The lawmaker said he engaged in no wrongdoing and the case was settled in 2015. But the House Ethics Committee said last week that it would investigate Farenthold after congressional sources said hed paid an $84,000 settlement using taxpayers money. Though Farenthold said hed reimburse the Treasury Department, such payments have drawn public criticism from people saying lawmakers should use their own money for such settlements. A House official said Farenthold spoke twice Wednesday to House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), while another official said the congressman spoke once with Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio) who heads the GOPs House campaign committee. Those discussions suggested that Farenthold may have come under pressure from leaders to step aside. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private conversations. Last week, three lawmakers facing accusations of sexual harassment announced their resignations. Reps. John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) have already left Congress while Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) has said he will step aside soon. Mike Bergsma, Republican county chairman in Farentholds home county of Nueces, Texas, said Fare
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University have developed a variety of origami-inspired artificial muscles that can lift up to a thousand times their own weight and yet be dexterous enough to grip and raise a delicate flower.
The devices, described in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offer a new way to give soft robots super-strength, which could be used everywhere from inside our bodies to outer space.
Historically, robots have been made of metal and other hard materials because it gives them strength. But robots also need to be made out of soft, pliant parts to deal with hard-to-reach places, navigate unpredictable environments and safely interact with people. (Consider, for example, the dangers of shaking hands with a robot with a steely grip.)
So scientists have increasingly tried to make robots with soft parts. In earlier times, those bits were relegated to a hard robots outsides, essentially as padding. But researchers are increasingly building robots whose other crucial parts are soft recently going so far as to create an octopus-inspired robot.
Weve been interested in soft robots for a long time because theyre safe, because they are compliant and because they can deal with uncertainty, said roboticist Daniela Rus, director of MITs Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory and one of the studys senior authors. Theyre very robust and easy to control, relatively speaking.
But theres been one big drawback to soft-bodied bots: Unlike robots made out of hard materials, theyre not exactly power-lifters.
What we want are soft, safe, compliant robots that have strength, that have the properties that are now achievable with hard-bodied systems, Rus said. This way we have the best of both worlds.
Artificial muscles could make soft robots safer and stronger, according to scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University. See them in action. (Credit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University)
Rus and her colleagues solved this problem by drawing upon origami techniques, which have recently proved useful for making many kinds of robots. (One such bot, RoboBee, was pioneered by fellow senior author Robert Wood of Harvard.) Origami techniques have the potential to produce many complex designs at low cost because they use small amounts of material and surprisingly simple processes.
For this work, the scientists used origami techniques to create muscle-like structures that could give a limb flexibility but still allow it to move without needing any hard parts.
They designed folded structures specifically meant to shorten, curl, twist or bend into specific shapes when they were compressed. The researchers sealed those long folded structures in a bag of polymer skin and filled them with air or another fluid. When a vacuum sucked the fluid out, the origami structure squeezed together, contorting into the shape determined by its folding patterns.
This is a snake-like robotic arm with a flower-like gripper driven by a single vacuum source. (Shuguang Li / Wyss Institute at Harvard University / MIT CSAIL)
The muscles may be artificial, but experiments demonstrate that theyre certainly strong. (Shuguang Li / Wyss Institute at Harvard University / MIT CSAIL)
The researchers found that some origami muscles could squeeze down to a tenth of their original size, or lift up to a thousand times their own weight. They could produce roughly six times as much force per unit of area as mammalian muscle.
Each fold pattern can only move in one way, but Rus said many different patterns could be linked together for a multifunctional robot, like an origami Swiss Army knife.
Such robotic limbs could be used at tiny scales, perhaps to do repair work inside of our bodies. They could be useful at large scales, for building in outer space. They could enable wearable exoskeletons for lifting heavy objects, or be sent to probe deep-sea environments. They could even do the most deceptively mundane tasks such as lifting a heavy carton of milk or a bunch of grapes without squashing them.
A more human-scale proof of concept could be next on the to-build list, the scientist said.
I want to make an elephant, Rus said with a laugh. Or maybe a baby elephant.
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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The National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) of Ukraine has stressed the effectiveness of the sanctions of Western countries against Russia, but noted that the threat of a full-scale military operation still persists.
"Western sanctions have done a lot. They have limited new Russian programs, such as the creation of a new fifth-generation fighter aircraft, as well as the creation of a new tank, a new armored platform. However, the Russians have a lot of money to modernize and deploy units near the border with Ukraine," NSDC Deputy Secretary Oleksandr Lytvynenko said during the national expert forum "Ukraine: Seeking Balance" in Kyiv on Tuesday.
He also noted that despite the achievements of the Ukrainian army, National Guard and SBU in deterring Russian aggression "the factor of a large-scale operation persists."
"If the Russians cannot achieve success through a destabilizing campaign, they can return to large-scale aggression," Lytvynenko said.
Santa Ana police knew something wasnt right when they approached a man who reportedly was asking for money to put gas in a Ferrari 458 Spider.
The nearly $300,000 exotic car was trashed, with cracked fins, a destroyed gearbox, emblems torn from the engine and body, missing paddle shifters and vomit caked on the side.
The man fled but was later arrested, police said.
Officers later learned the white 2015 model had been reported stolen about two weeks earlier from the Ferrari & Maserati of Newport Beach service center in Costa Mesa.
The suspect, Israel Perez Rangel, 38, of Santa Ana has pleaded not guilty to felony charges of vehicle theft with a prior felony conviction of driving or taking a vehicle, grand theft auto with a prior conviction, and vandalism. He also faces a possible sentencing enhancement on allegations of theft over $200,000, according to Orange County Superior Court records.
The car was owned by Susan Friedman of Laguna Beach, who went to the service center Oct. 19 to collect her vehicle. But employees couldnt find it.
Apparently, a worker had left the key on the passenger seat. Security footage showed a man wearing a Ferrari jacket walking onto the property past employees, looking in a few car windows and then driving off in the Ferrari.
Twenty-seven hours elapsed before anyone noticed the car was missing.
Costa Mesa police were called to the scene and took a report.
It was just like Gone in 60 Seconds, Friedman said, referring to the 2000 movie starring Nicolas Cage.
Im like in a shock, she said. This whole last month has been a nightmare.
William Story, owner and president of Ferrari & Maserati of Newport Beach, did not return a call seeking comment Monday.
Friedmans initial theory was that members of an organized crime ring stole the Ferrari and put it in a shipping container bound for Asia.
However, on Nov. 1, someone reported an exotic car being driven erratically in the area of Dyer Road and Hotel Terrace in Santa Ana.
A Santa Ana police officer found the Ferrari at a Mobile gas station on East Dyer.
After running away from the vehicle, the suspect was arrested behind the bushes at the entrance to the Holiday Inn, said Anthony Bertagna, spokesman for the Santa Ana Police Department.
Surveillance video indicated Rangel was the person who had stolen the car from the service center, Bertagna said.
Rangel pleaded not guilty Nov. 3. He has a lengthy criminal record dating to 2002, including vehicle theft, drug possession, resisting arrest, shoplifting, possession of a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, carrying a switchblade, criminal threats, evading a peace officer with reckless driving and buying or receiving a stolen vehicle or equipment, according to court records.
Ultimately, Friedmans insurance company cut her a check for the trashed vehicle. She used the money to buy a 2018 Lamborghini Huracan.
I love it, she said. Its unbelievable.
DANIEL LANGHORNE is a contributor to Times Community News.
Two Las Vegas residents were charged Tuesday with trafficking a 16-year-old Utah girl for sex at a motel in Costa Mesa, police said.
Costa Mesa police officers responded to a report of a fight at the Motel 6 in the 1400 block of Gisler Avenue at about 6:40 a.m. Friday. They contacted Brandon Antwan Hunter and Danielle Beniese Bates, both 31, who were staying in the motel with the girl, authorities said.
Officers spoke to the 16-year-old and determined that she was being made to prostitute herself and give all her money to Hunter as well as have sexual intercourse with him, according to Roxi Fyad, a spokeswoman for the Costa Mesa Police Department.
Hunter, who identified himself as a producer, was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail with bail set at $1.025 million, according to jail records. He was charged Tuesday with pimping, pandering, human trafficking and unlawful sex with a minor.
If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 12 years and eight months in state prison.
Bates was arrested Friday on suspicion of battery and booked into jail with bail set at $250,000. She was charged Tuesday with pimping, pandering and trafficking a minor. Prosecutors allege that Bates also worked for Hunter as a prostitute and recruited other women for him.
She could face up to 12 years in state prison if convicted.
Authorities said Hunter and Bates met the girl in Las Vegas this month and took her to Costa Mesa.
DANIEL LANGHORNE is a contributor to Times Community News.
UPDATES:
3:50 p.m. Nov. 28: This article was updated with the charges filed.
This article was originally published at 4:40 p.m. Nov. 27.
Hillary Clinton spoke to the Chinese audience as if she were giving a presidential address.
The former White House contender delivered a pointed, forceful attack Tuesday aimed at President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with whom the U.S. leader claims a unique chemistry. Her remarks which ranged from human rights to climate change were striking in their divergence from Trumps, who visited China only weeks earlier.
This administration came in and retreated from diplomacy, she said via teleconference to a packed economics and policy conference in Beijing. While under Xi, we are seeing an unprecedented consolidation of power. That does trigger anxiety about a more assertive Beijing and worries from your neighbors as well as the United States.
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The former secretary of States hour-long appearance included a keynote speech and questions. It comes less than a month after Xi feted Trump at the Forbidden City in a state-visit plus heavy on pageantry and short on evident breakthroughs.
Trump, who pulled off an upset over Clinton in 2016, has berated the Communist nation for unbalanced trade deals and treating North Korea too gently. He promised tremendous things for the two nations after the trip, but provided few concrete details. Trump did not publicly call out China for its human rights abuses or extensive claims in the South China Sea.
Clinton, seated in a white armchair with a backdrop of bookshelves, ticked them off like a list.
The path to legitimacy and leadership runs through responsible cooperation, not through secret military build-ups on contested islands or bullying smaller neighbors, Clinton said, in reference to Chinas efforts to build artificial islands in waters its neighbors also claim.
Clinton has traversed the U.S. in recent months picking apart the presidential race and autographing copies of her third memoir, What Happened. In it, she faults herself and a great many other people for her loss.
In her speech Tuesday, she made multiple mentions of her book and Russias attempt to sway the election, although her comments focused most on the precarious nature of Sino-U.S. ties. The relationship, she said, is at a crossroads.
Clinton echoed several similar themes to Trumps, including ensuring fair trade practices and doing more to curb North Koreas nuclear ambitions. She urged the U.S. and China to pursue negotiations with the isolated state, instead of resorting to bluster and taunts. (Trumps nickname for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is Rocket Man. Kim has labeled Trump a mentally deranged U.S. dotard.)
Beijing should remember that inaction is a choice, Clinton said.
Trumps 13-day visit to Asia in early November sought to deepen assistance in dealing with North Korea, while convincing skeptical allies of Americas commitment to the region and reworking trade deals.
Youre a very special man, he told Xi at a briefing with reporters, where they did not take questions.
Clinton last visited Beijing officially in 2012 as the Obama administrations top diplomat. But the former New York senator, two-time White House hopeful, and previous first lady has a history with China.
It began in 1995 when, as first lady, she gave a forceful speech at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. She declared womens rights are human rights, and, without mentioning China, criticized forced abortions, mistreatment towards girls, and females sterilized against their will.
Chinese officials considered it an inappropriate swipe at the countrys treatment of women and its one-child policy. Human rights advocates embraced her bluntness. A New York Times editorial said it may have been her finest moment in public life.
Clinton reminded the audience of those remarks on Tuesday, and called it one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
She also referenced her decision to assist Chen Guangcheng, a blind civil rights lawyer who escaped house arrest and fled to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing seeking asylum. The move coincided with Clintons visit in 2012, sparking a diplomatic crisis. Chen was eventually allowed to leave the country.
Clinton helped launch strategic talks between the two countries, but some Chinese officials blamed her for pushing policies in the Asia-Pacific they viewed as an attempt to contain China.
A year after Clinton became secretary of State in 2009, she told a security conference in Hanoi that the U.S. had a vital interest in ensuring ships could sail freely on the South China Sea. Chinas Foreign Ministry decried her comments as an attack on China.
In 2015, Clinton called Xi shameless for allowing the imprisonment of five feminists while he hosted a United Nations meeting on womens rights. The Global Times, a state-run newspaper, labeled her a rabble rouser and accused her of ignominious shenanigans.
The paper compared Clinton to demagogue Donald Trump. At least some Chinese, it appeared, preferred the bureaucrat they didnt like to the businessman they couldnt predict.
But Chinese officials and businesses are now listening to the person who made it into White House, said Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China and Globalization, a Beijing think tank.
What she said may not have a big impact in China, he said. Chinese companies really care what the [current] administration thinks. The business interest in China and the U.S. is still huge and that, fundamentally, is the biggest common denominator.
Tuesdays event was hosted by Caijing, a well-known business magazine that tends to draw big names to its annual conference. Former President Bill Clinton gave the keynote three years ago, when his wife was still weighing a second presidential run.
I was the candidate of reality, she said, in response to a final question on Tuesday. It just wasnt as entertaining as the reality TV candidate.
Meyers is a special correspondent.
Twitter: @jessicameyers
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Pope Francis opened a diplomatically fraught trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh on Monday by immediately diving into the crisis over Myanmars crackdown on Rohingya Muslims: He met with the countrys military chief, even before beginning the official program of his trip.
The Vatican didnt provide details of the contents of Francis 15-minute courtesy visit with Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and three officials from the bureau of special operations. It took place in the residence of the archbishop of Yangon, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, who has resisted international condemnation of the militarys operations against Rohingya as ethnic cleansing.
The general is in charge of security in Rakhine state, where the militarys clearance operations against the Muslim minority have sent more than 620,000 Rohingya fleeing into neighboring Bangladesh. Refugees there have told of entire villages being burned and women and girls being raped.
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Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said only that they spoke of the great responsibility of the authorities of the country in this moment of transition.
The generals office said in a statement on Facebook that he is willing to have interfaith peace, unity and justice. The general added that there was no religious or ethnic persecution or discrimination in Myanmar, and that the government allowed different faith groups to have freedom of worship.
Rohingya Muslims have faced state-supported discrimination in the predominantly Buddhist country for decades. Though members of the ethnic minority first arrived generations ago, Rohingya were stripped of their citizenship in 1982, denying them almost all rights and rendering them stateless. They cannot travel freely, practice their religion, or work as teachers or doctors, and they have little access to medical care, food or education.
Originally, the meeting was planned for Wednesday, after Francis was to have met with the countrys civilian leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The Vatican didnt say why it was moved up.
Rohingya in recent months have been subject to what the United Nations says is a campaign of textbook ethnic cleansing by the military in Rakhine. But Myanmars Catholic Church has publicly urged Francis to avoid using the term Rohingya, which is shunned by many locally because the ethnic group is not a recognized minority in the country.
Francis has already prayed for our Rohingya brothers and sisters, and much of the debate in the run-up to the trip focused on whether he would do so again in expressing solidarity with the Rohingyas plight. Any decision to avoid the term could be viewed as a capitulation to Myanmars military and a stain on his legacy of standing up for the most oppressed and marginalized of society, no matter how impolitic.
Burke didnt say whether Francis used the term in his meeting with the general, which ended with an exchange of gifts: Francis gave him a medallion of the trip, while the general gave the pope a harp in the shape of a boat, and an ornate rice bowl.
The trip was planned before the latest spasm of violence erupted in August, when a group of Rohingya militants attacked security positions in Rakhine. Myanmar security forces responded with a scorched-earth campaign that resulted in Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh, where they are living in squalid refugee camps.
In the Kutupalong refugee camp in southern Bangladesh, Senu Ara, 35, welcomed Francis arrival for what he might be able to do for the refugees.
He might help us get the peace that we are desperately searching for, she said. Even if we stay here he will make our situation better. If he decides to send us back, he will do so in a peaceful way.
But in Myanmar, the sentiment was different. The government and most of the Buddhist majority consider the Rohingya Bengali migrants from Bangladesh living illegally in the country, though Rohingya have been here for generations.
Being a religious leader Catholic leader means that he is well-regarded, but of course there is this worry if he says something, people might say, OK, he just came to meddle, said analyst Khin Zaw Win, a former political prisoner. So, I think a lot of diplomacy is needed, in addition to the public relations.
Seaman Kyaw Thu Maung said the issue is difficult because the term Rohingya carries so much political weight for all of the people of Myanmar, also known as Burma.
But my feeling is that if the pope is going to talk about the Rakhine issue, the people arent going to like the pope anymore, he said.
Upon his arrival in Yangon, the pope was greeted by local Catholic officials and his motorcade passed by thousands of Myanmars Catholics lining the roads, wearing traditional attire and playing music.
Children greeted him as he drove in a simple blue sedan, chanting Viva il papa! (Long live the pope) and waving small plastic Myanmar and Holy See flags. Posters wishing Francis a heartiest of welcome lined the route into town.
En route from Rome, Francis greeted journalists on the plane and apologized for the expected heat, which was 90 degrees upon his arrival and is expected to rise during his stay.
On Tuesday, Francis begins the main protocol portion of his weeklong trip, meeting with Suu Kyi and other officials. He is to deliver a speech to her and other Myanmar authorities and diplomats in the capital, Naypyidaw, in what will probably be the most closely watched speech of the trip.
Meghan Markle is many things: an American, a divorcee, a television actress, the daughter of an African-American mother and white father of Dutch-Irish descent, a Catholic and a 36-year-old, which makes her three years older than her fiance, Prince Harry.
All of those identities will make her one of the most unconventional figures to join the British royal family.
The union, which was announced Monday, has received the blessing of both Prince Harrys grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, and his father, Prince Charles. But until recently the marriage would have been out of the question.
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She is a very different type of royal bride, said Robert Jobson, author of The Future Royal Family. She is glamorous and has an understanding of Hollywood and the media world. Whats more she is American a real life American princess.
So unusual is Prince Harrys choice of bride that the engagement had barely been announced before conspiracy theories began to surface. Some have speculated that the betrothal is a way to distract the country from arduous negotiations around Britains withdrawal from the European Union or an attempt to improve Britains standing with its former colonies.
Live updates: Countdown to the Royal Wedding
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said there is likely to be intense public interest in the wedding, and he believes Markles ethnicity could also help generate warmth for the royals when they visit Commonwealth countries as part of their royal duties.
As Markle is biracial, more people will identify with her, he said. People of the Commonwealth will see it as an extra bond. Its an international marriage. The royal brand will be amazing.
Here is a look at other royal marriages that have also garnered huge attention, and some notoriety.
Prince William and Kate Middleton
Prince Harrys older brother, Prince William, married his longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton in 2011. His marriage to Middleton, a commoner like Markle, broke with the tradition of generations of royals who felt obliged to marry someone with royal lineage or a member of the British aristocracy.
The pair met while while studying at the University of St. Andrews, in Scotland, and dated on and off for several years. News of their engagement was made public in a similar way to that of Prince Harry and Markle: an official announcement from the palace, a press photo call and a sit-down interview with the BBC.
Royal Wedding: British royal weddings since 1840
Their wedding took place in Westminster Abbey and 1 million people lined the route to wish them well along with tens of millions watching the ceremony on televisions around the world. They were bestowed the formal title of duke and duchess of Cambridge and now have two children Prince George and Princess Charlotte and a third due in April.
Williams marriage instantly made his younger brother the most eligible bachelor in Britain, and speculation has been rife ever since about whom the second-born prince might marry.
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip in 1999. (Adam Butler / Associated Press )
Last week, the British monarch and her husband celebrated 70 years of marriage.
The queen remembers meeting her future husband in 1939, when she was 13 and he was an 18-year-old cadet at the Royal Naval College. It was love at first sight for her, even though the two are distant relations.
They were married in Westminster Abbey in 1947 and had four children: Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward.
Despite their love for each other, there were some who doubted how suitable Philip was to be husband to the then-princess. He had no money of his own, and his sisters had married Germans with Nazi ties.
Yet their marriage has remained steadfast over the years and the queen, 91, is rarely seen at public events without Prince Philip, 96, by her side.
Prince Charles and Diana
The wedding of Charles and Diana took place inside St. Pauls Cathedral in 1981 and was billed as the wedding of the century.
It was marked by a national holiday and well-wishers lined the streets cheering the couple and waving British flags. Diana was seen as a fairy tale British princess, the likes of which the country had never witnessed.
She became wildly popular as a fashion icon and for the compassion she showed to ordinary people. During a 1987 visit to a hospital she famously shook the hand of an AIDS patient without wearing gloves, helping to break the stigma around transmission of the disease.
She gave birth to two sons, William and Harry. But her marriage to Prince Charles was deeply flawed and cracks soon appeared. News of his infidelity with Camilla Parker-Bowles hit the headlines alongside images of Diana looking lonely and forlorn. Her battles with depression and bulimia were well documented and the couples marriage breakdown became the subject of relentless media reports. Diana gave a candid TV interview where she blamed Parker-Bowles for the failure of her marriage. There were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.
Charles and Diana divorced in 1996, and the following year she was killed in a car crash in Paris along with her boyfriend Dodi Fayed. Charles and Parker-Bowles married in 2005.
Prince Harry said in a BBC interview Monday that he thought his mother and fiance would have been fast friends.
Harrys mission in life is to make his mother proud, Fitzwilliams said. I believe he believes Meghan will carry the torch.
Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson
Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson at their wedding in 1937. (AFP/Getty Images )
Perhaps the most notorious scandal to befall the royal family was the abdication of Edward VIII months into his reign in 1936.
He stunned the nation by announcing he was vacating the throne so he could marry an American socialite, Wallis Simpson, who was twice divorced.
Being the British monarch meant Edward was also the nominal head of the Church of England, which at the time did not allow divorcees to remarry in church. As a result, the establishment decided he could not marry Simpson, who was widely suspected of having ulterior motives money and power for wanting to be with him.
His abdication meant that Edwards younger brother became King George VI.
The move changed the line of succession in the royal family and ultimately led to King Georges daughter, Elizabeth, becoming queen. Edward and Wallis married in a small ceremony and remained together until his death in 1972.
Boyle is a special correspondent.
North Korea on Wednesday test-launched a ballistic missile for the first time since September, its latest provocation that could further exacerbate tensions with the international community.
The launch occurred at 3:17 a.m. from Pyongsong, in South Pyongan province, and the missile flew into the East Sea, according to a statement from the South Korean joint chiefs of staff.
South Korean officials said the missile appeared to fly on a sharp trajectory, soaring about 2,800 miles into space before descending. In theory, that means it could fly on a flatter path for about 8,000 miles far enough to put Washington at risk, according to David Wright, co-director of the Global Security Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Such a flight, however, would depend on the weight of its payload.
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The Pentagon said the device appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile that traveled about 600 miles before splashing into the sea. If so, it would have been the third ICBM launched by North Korea, all of them this year.
We are working with our interagency partners on a more detailed assessment of the launch, said Pentagon spokesman Col. Robert Manning. Our commitment to the defense of our allies, including the Republic of Korea and Japan, in the face of these threats, remains ironclad. We remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies from any attack or provocation.
President Trump, addressing reporters at the White House, seemed to brush off the significance of the launch. Well take care of it, he said. It is a situation that we will handle.
The launch is yet another signal from the Norths totalitarian government, which has few allies or trading partners around the world, that it intends to continue ignoring United Nations Security Council resolutions outlawing its pursuit of a long-range ballistic missile and a nuclear weapons program.
It also comes a little more than a week after Trump redesignated North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism, and two weeks after a North Korean soldier defected to South Korea in a high-profile escape at a sensitive outpost along the 160-mile border between the two countries.
The North already is widely considered to be a nuclear state, and the focus of concern lately has been on its ability to deliver the weapons via a miniaturized warhead and powerful missiles. The country apparently has made progress on both fronts, according to its recent launches and statements regarding warheads.
Wednesdays launch was the 70th missile test some of which have included multiple devices since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un took power after his fathers death in December 2011. The country has conducted four underground nuclear tests during that time: one in 2013, two in 2016 and one in September. Two previous underground tests were conducted by his father, the late Kim Jong Il: One in 2006 and the other in 2009.
Their explosive yield has increased each time.
Based on both intelligence and history, North Korea watchers had been expecting another test, with some suggesting the relative quiet in recent months had more to do with the season than strategy.
South Koreas unification minister, Cho Myoung-gyon, said Tuesday afternoon that the government had received reports about suspicious noteworthy movement suggesting a launch could be imminent.
South Korean President Moon Jae-in issued a statement saying his government will never let North Koreas provocations stand, and promising to strengthen our ability to protect the Republic of Korea from North Koreas nuclear and missile threats.
Just after the launch, the South Korean military performed its own missile exercise on the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, involving its army, navy and air forces. The South Korean joint chiefs of staff said its forces launched missiles that traveled roughly the same distance as would be required to strike the North Korean missile launch site.
This training shows our military watches the military trends of North Korea 24 hours a day and shows the ability and willingness to precisely strike the provocation origin and core facilities at any time from ground, sea and air, the military said in a news release.
Cho, the unification minister, said South Korea believes the North could perfect the ability to deploy nuclear weapons capable of striking the U.S. mainland within a few years, if not sooner.
We are not ruling out any possibilities with regard to North Korea. This year, North Korea has improved its nuclear capability as well as its missile technology, and we expect they are targeting to complete their nuclear and missile technology very soon, he said, according to an English translation provided by the ministry. North Korea has a proven track record of moving faster than anyones expectations, so we will not be surprised if they make a declaration that they are a nuclear power in 2018.
In Washington, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson issued a statement saying North Koreas relentless pursuit of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them must be reversed. He said the United States had called a meeting of relevant U.N. members, including South Korea and Japan, to discuss how the global community can counter North Koreas threat to international peace.
As on Wednesday, many of the launches in recent years have involved short- and medium-range missiles launched into the East Sea between North Korea and Japan. The launches violate U.N. resolutions intended to curb Pyongyangs nuclear ambitions. Two recent launches, however, flew over Japanese territory into the northern Pacific Ocean, raising further alarm.
Kim Jong Il also oversaw missile tests roughly two dozen before his death.
In a televised speech this year, the younger Kim said the country had a national goal of building and deploying powerful missiles and of arming them with nuclear warheads that could reach the U.S. mainland.
Tensions had cooled in recent months because the North had refrained from further tests. This was despite Trump taunting Kim with the nickname Little Rocket Man and threatening in his first speech to a United Nations General Assembly to totally destroy North Korea if threats continued.
Kim responded with a statement of his own, a rare first-person address for a North Korean leader, questioning Trumps mental ability and competence: I will surely and definitely tame the mentally deranged U.S. dotard with fire, he said.
Stiles is a special correspondent. Times staff writers Noah Bierman and Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.
UPDATES:
4:25 p.m.: This article was updated with South Korea also conducting a missile test and a statement from Moon.
2:15 p.m.: This article was updated with comment about Washington being potentially at risk.
2 p.m.: This article was updated with Tillerson comments.
1:30 p.m.: This article was updated with statements from President Trump, the Pentagon and South Koreas unification minister.
11:40 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting, official comments and background.
11:05 a.m.: This article was updated with background preceding the launch.
This article was originally published at 10:35 a.m.
Pope Francis insisted Tuesday that Myanmars future depends on respecting the rights of each ethnic group, an indirect show of support for Rohingya Muslims who have been subject to decades of discrimination and a recent military crackdown described by the U.N. as a textbook campaign of ethnic cleansing.
Francis didnt cite the crackdown or even utter the contested word Rohingya in his speech to Myanmars civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and other authorities and diplomats in the capital. But he lamented how Myanmars people have suffered and continue to suffer from civil conflict and hostilities, and insisted that everyone who calls Myanmar home deserves to have their basic human rights and dignity guaranteed.
Rohingya Muslims have faced state-supported discrimination in the predominantly Buddhist country for decades, deprived of citizenship and unable to access basic services such as adequate education and healthcare. In August, the army began what it called clearance operations in Rakhine state following an attack on police posts by Rohingya insurgents. The violence, looting and burning of villages has forced more than 620,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh.
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In his most anticipated speech of his weeklong trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh, Francis expressed support for Suu Kyis efforts to bring about reconciliation among different groups after decades of military dictatorship. And he insisted that religious differences in the majority Buddhist country must never be a cause for division or distrust.
The future of Myanmar must be peace, a peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law, and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group -- none excluded -- to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good, he said.
Francis avoidance of the term Rohingya and his encouragement for Suu Kyis government disappointed Rohingya activists and human rights groups, who have criticized Suu Kyi for what they consider a weak response to the military crackdown. Suu Kyis supporters including the Catholic Church say she is limited in what she can say against the military and needs more time to bring about reconciliation.
The term Rohingya is shunned by many in Myanmar because the ethnic group is not a recognized minority in the country. The question of whether Francis would use the term in a show of solidarity dominated the run-up to his trip.
We thought that the pope was going to mention the suffering of Rohingya people, but now he cannot even use the name Rohingya and its totally unacceptable, said Kyaw Naing, a 53-year-old Rohingya man who lives in a confined camp outside of Sittwe, in Rakhine state. We are very sad that our identity cannot even be revealed.
Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watchs Asia division, said he hoped the pope would use the term during Mass on Wednesday.
The pope missed an opportunity to reinforce his previous messages that affirmed the rights of the Rohingya to self-identify and used the name that they had chosen for themselves, he said. The Rohingya have been stripped of so many things, but their name should never be one of them.
Suu Kyi, for her part, referred to the situation in the Rakhine in her speech to Francis in the huge conference center in Naypyitaw, Myanmars new capital. But she used the conflict as an opportunity to thank those who have supported the government as it seeks to address long-standing issues social, economic and political that have eroded trust and understanding, harmony and cooperation in Rakhine.
She said the governments aim is to carry forward the peace process and strengthen Myanmars diversity by protecting rights, fostering tolerance, ensuring security for all.
Francis arrived in Naypyitaw after meeting with leaders of Myanmars different religious groups in Yangon at the archbishops residence, and separately with a prominent but controversial Buddhist leader who has criticized the Rohingya.
The pope stressed a message of unity in diversity in his 40-minute meeting with Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders and told them they should work together to rebuild the country, Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said.
Francis meeting with Buddhist monk Sitagu Sayadaw was undertaken in an effort to encourage peace and fraternal coexistence as the only way ahead, Burke said.
Sitagu also met with Francis predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, but has been criticized for using ethnic slurs against Muslims, particularly the Rohingya. He received an award presented by Suu Kyi earlier this year.
Francis dove into the Rohingya refugee crisis hours after arriving on Monday by meeting with the military chief responsible for the crackdown, Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, and three members of the bureau of special operations. The generals office said in a statement on Facebook that he is willing to have interfaith peace, unity and justice. The general added that there was no religious or ethnic persecution or discrimination in Myanmar, and that the government allowed freedom of worship.
Rohingya Muslims were stripped of citizenship in 1982, denying them almost all rights and rendering them stateless. They cannot travel freely, practice their religion, or work as teachers or doctors, and have little access to medical care, food or education.
Myanmars Catholic Church has publicly urged Francis to avoid saying Rohingya, and they have urged him to toe a delicate line in condemning the violence, given the potential for blowback against the tiny Catholic community.
Francis previously has prayed for our Rohingya brothers and sisters, lamented their suffering and called for them to enjoy full rights. As a result, much of the debate before his trip focused on whether he would again express solidarity with the Rohingya. Any decision to avoid the term and shy away from the conflict could be viewed as a capitulation to the military and a stain on his legacy of standing up for the most oppressed and marginalized of society, no matter how impolitic.
It doesnt usually bode well for peace talks when the attendance of one of the principals is still up in the air on the eve of the gathering.
An eighth round of United Nations-backed talks aimed at finding a political solution to Syrias grinding civil war was to convene Tuesday in Geneva, but by late Monday, the world body was still expressing hopes that the Syrian government would send representatives, while acknowledging it had not obtained a commitment from Damascus to take part.
This is a moment of truth for the Syria talks, said U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric. We obviously think the participation of the Syrian government is important.
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The nearly 7-year-old war, which has left hundreds of thousands dead and seen millions driven from their homes, is at an impasse: Syrian rebel groups have been unable to dislodge President Bashar Assad, and even their international allies are acknowledging there is no prospect of an opposition military victory.
Despite having little leverage, negotiators from the rebel factions are demanding that Assad step down. A Syrian newspaper has suggested that the government delegation would not come to Geneva until that demand is dropped.
The tide of the war turned in 2015, when Assads powerful patron Russia intervened militarily in the conflict. Since then, rebel forces have lost their footholds in all major Syrian cities.
The United Nations has sought to defer decisions on Assads future in hopes of bringing a halt to fighting and taking the first steps toward a political transition. The U.N.s special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, has called for U.N.-supervised elections under a blueprint backed by the Security Council.
The bitter divisions between Damascus and much of the international community flared into the open Monday at a meeting in the Netherlands of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, a global monitor of the banned weaponry.
Syrias deputy foreign minister, Faisal Mekdad, repeated angry denials that Assads government used a nerve agent in April to attack Syrian villagers in a rebel-held area, killing dozens. Russia has used its Security Council veto to block an extension of a joint investigation by the U.N. and the monitoring organization.
Even as the U.N.-backed Geneva talks appear to founder, conditions grew more desperate in Ghouta, a rebel-held Damascus suburb under government blockade. Activists reported more than a dozen deaths in weekend airstrikes by government forces, and the U.N. says shortages of food and vital supplies have left about 350,000 people in critical need in the enclave.
Moscow, meanwhile, is hosting parallel talks in the Kazakh capital, Astana, meant primarily to carve out de-escalation zones in Syria. But in a signal of its broader ambitions as a Mideast power broker, Russia, together with Iran and Turkey, is calling for talks in the Russian city of Sochi aimed at reaching an overall political settlement in Syria.
laura.king@latimes.com
@laurakingLAT
An eighth round of United Nations-sponsored talks aimed at finding a solution to Syrias ruinous civil war got under way in Geneva on Tuesday without the participation of representatives from the Syrian government, a sign of their displeasure at the continuing insistence of opposition negotiators that President Bashad Assad must go.
But after what were described as intensive contacts between Russia and Syria over the past two days, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported that a delegation from Damascus would join the talks on Wednesday. The delegation will be led by Syrias ambassador to the U.N., Bashar Jaafari, SANA said.
A U.N. spokeswoman, Alessandra Vellucci, told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday that the world bodys special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, has received assurances that Syrian government representatives will attend.
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De Mistura briefed diplomats from the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council about the talks Tuesday and later met with the head of the oppositions delegation, Nasr Hariri.
In a statement Tuesday, the opposition delegation said it was ready to hold direct talks with government representatives, while continuing to criticize Assad.
The Assad regime continues to inflict brutal suffering on the people while procrastinating and making excuses about the diplomacy in Geneva, Yahya Aridi, spokesman for the grouping known as the Syrian Negotiation Commission, said in the statement.
Previous attempts to negotiate a political solution in Syria have broken down over rebel demands that Assad step down, and there appears to be little hope of a breakthrough now.
At a meeting in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh, last week, representatives of Syrias notoriously fragmented opposition did not condition their participation in Geneva on Assads departure but said in a communique that any transition period would not be successful unless Assad first leaves office.
That is a nonstarter for the government and its allies, who see no reason to cede to the rebels at the negotiating table what they have been unable to win on the battlefield.
At Tuesdays meeting, Russias representative to the U.N. office in Geneva, Alexei Borodavkin, urged Western diplomats to bring the opposition down to earth, according to Russias Tass news agency.
Since Russia entered the war on Assads side in 2015, even the rebels international allies acknowledge there is no prospect of defeating him militarily. Rebel forces have lost their footholds in all major Syrian cities, and Assad has vowed to reassert control over the remaining parts of the country that have fallen from government hands since the uprising began in 2011.
Russia has been leading parallel talks with Iran and Turkey that have carved out deescalation zones aimed at reducing the level of violence between the government and rebel factions in Syria. But the Kremlin said Tuesday that it has postponed plans to host a political dialogue between the rival sides in the Russian city of Sochi until next year, reportedly over Turkeys objections to the inclusion of a U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish force that it views as an extension of Kurdish militants who have waged a three-decade-long insurgency within its own borders.
U.N. negotiators have sought to defer a decision about Assads future role in hopes of making progress toward a political transition under a road map approved by the Security Council. This weeks talks will focus on the drafting of a new constitution leading to U.N.-supervised elections, Ramzy Ramzy, the deputy U.N. special envoy for Syria, said in Damascus on Saturday.
alexandra.zavis@latimes.com
Twitter: @alexzavis
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have sent a petition to place a red notice for businessman Serhiy Kurchenko, who fled to Moscow after the Revolution of Dignity, to the General Secretariat of Interpol. Kurchenko is suspected of committing several crimes.
"Thanks to joint efforts made in coordination by the Prosecutor's Office in Odesa region, law enforcement agencies sent a petition to the General Secretariat of Interpol to place a red notice for Serhiy Kurchenko seeking to locate him," Spokesperson of the Ukrainian Prosecutor General Larysa Sarhan wrote on her Facebook page on Tuesday.
She recalled that Kurchenko is suspected of creating a criminal group, money laundering, tax evasion and committing other crimes.
"The national budget's shortfall only from his scam with fuel was over UAH 2 billion," Sarhan said.
She said that in May 2017, the Prosecutor General's Office approved a notice that Kurchenko is suspected of committing the crimes. He was placed on the wanted list in Ukraine and a court permitted to detain him.
"At present, 22 people are suspected and charged of committing crimes. The court has confirmed guilty of 15 persons committed crimes," she said.
As reported, on May 30, 2017 Odesa region's Prosecutor's Office sent Kurchenko, who had close ties with disgraced ex Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, a note of suspicion for creating a criminal organization and legalizing the profits made from the illegal activities.
"On Tuesday, May 30, the Odesa region's PGO office agreed with and sent notification of suspicion to the former chairman of the advisory board of Kurchnko's group of companies for committing a number of crimes, among which was the creation of a criminal organization, large-scale tax evasion, abuse of public office, legalization of illegal revenues, and so on," the office's press release said.
The charges relate to the criminal embezzlement of property of state and private organizations (National Bank of Ukraine, Public Joint-Stock Company Ukrnafta, Public Joint-Stock Company JSC Ukrgazvydobuvannia, Public Joint-Stock Company Real Bank, Public Joint-Stock Company Brokbusinessbank and others) by means of illegal acts committed through abuse of authority and document forgery with money laundering.
Early July 2017 the Prosecutor General's Office reported that the loss from activities of a criminal group created by Kurchenko exceeds UAH 14 billion.
Attempts to return the Russian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will lead to the discrediting of the Council of Europe as a whole, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said.
"I think that these attempts can discredit the very logic of the Council of Europe, because this platform is based on values This return [of the Russian delegation] cannot happen in any way, but if someone promotes this, I believe that he or she will promote the logic that the Council of Europe will not act as a democratic foundation of our joint European existence," he told journalists in Kyiv on Tuesday.
According to him, it will be very difficult to convince someone that the decisions of the Council of Europe are authoritative after it discredits itself with the return of the Russian delegation.
As reported, the PACE approved by a majority of votes a decision that aims to lift political sanctions from the Russian delegation.
The text of the decision includes the provision that the PACE and the Committee of Ministers (the Council of Europe's executive body) should harmonize the rules of participation and representation of member states in both statutory bodies.
This decision should ban the PACE from extending the restrictions imposed on Russia without the consent of the member states. In fact, this calls into question the approval in the PACE of any sanctions against Russia. Given that sanctions should be renewed annually, restrictions can be lifted already in January.
This provision was supported by the overwhelming majority of PACE deputies, whereas the amendments proposed by Ukraine failed, with the votes divided in the proportion of 60 to 30.
This time around, the completion of the air fashion competition will be held on November 29th 2017 at TSUM Kyiv Department Store.
New season, new location and, certainly, new format guests of the event will witness the results of the design-ideas contest under the slogan "fashionable ideas for stylish flights".
For the duration of almost two months, designers were trying to persuade the expert jury as well as the airlines representatives, who were acting as professional curators, to believe in and choose their creative ideas.
Behind us is a tense selection of top 10 creme de la creme, extensive work with airlines, exciting casting of models, and intense creativity sessions while sewing the "uniforms of the future".
Still to come is a runway show presenting unique new uniforms for flight attendants, a concert, and a vote for the top three contenders of the Sky Swallows-2017 contest.
It is our pleasure to invite all to the celebratory finale of the air fashion contest presented by the Boryspil Airport. To participate is simple, arrive to the event with this printed invitation. The show begins at 17:00 on the 7th floor of TSUM. Be punctual!
Media partner of the event news agency Interfax-Ukraine
Sony Xperia XZ and Xperia XZs Getting Android 8.0 Oreo
The Xperia XZ Premium has already been updated with Android Oreo last month, and now two more Sony smartphones are going to get the latest version of Android from the Google. The Japanese tech giant has started pushing out the update to Android 8.0 to the Xperia XZ and the Xperia XZs.
In both the smartphone, the new software arrives with the build number 41.3.A.0.401. You're looking at a 1.2GB download necessary for the installation, so make sure you have enough mobile data if you grab it that way - or just use Wi-Fi, according to GSM Arena.
With this update, the Sony Xperia XZ and Xperia XZs will receive Android 8.0 Oreo's app shortcuts, the Autofill API, notification dots, smart text selection, and picture-in-picture. Additionally, Sony is also going to include Xperia Actions and Reminders. Sony's Xperia Actions are suggested settings, which your phone will show you based on your usage, and Reminders are described as "useful prompts for unfished tasks, including emails in draft and messages," as reported by Android Central.
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Along with all of this, Oreo also brings the latest November 2017 security patch to Xperia XZ and XZs.The update weighs in at 1232Mb, and according to Xperia Blog, the Xperia X Performance should receive the update soon as well.
Last month, Sony released the Android Oreo update for the Xperia XZ Premium. That update brought features like a 3D Creator, which was originally available on the Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact, to render a 3D avatar or a free-form image of users using the front-facing camera sensor of the smartphone in a short span of less than a minute. Also, it was touted to improve the sound quality of the top-end smartphone by tuning the front-firing stereo speakers and adding Qualcomm aptX HD audio support.
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ESET Ireland has issued a warning about the latest phishing scam flooding Irish mailboxes, pretending its from Irish Water asking for account maintenance. With people expecting Irish Water refunds, many may be tempted to click.
Irish Waters official website states, "The legislation to refund Domestic Water Charges has now passed and refunds have begun. and the cybercriminals are wasting no time in attempting to get a piece of the pie for themselves."
The scam arrives as an email, titled Your Irish Water Account Action required and asks the user to Log in now to My Water and complete online account maintenance.
Clicking on the link redirects victims to a faked Irish Water website, where a pop-up opens immediately, requiring the victims to update their Credit / Debit card information and enter their 3D Secure Password.
After handing their payment card details over to the cybercriminals for further abuse, the victims are transferred back to the real Irish Water website, as if nothing has happened.
Irish Water have a part of their website dedicated to spotting these fake emails, where they give some good tips on how to identify and how to correctly react to such emails and where to contact them with additional questions.
ESET Ireland recommends not clicking on any links that arrive in unsolicited emails, as well as checking official websites of institutions, organisations and banks for their security tips, as theyre usually aware of scams abusing their name and offer good advice on staying safe.
Full story with screenshots is available on ESET Irelands blog.
Laois TV chef Rory O'Connell brings a Christmas flavour to his popular TV series 'How To Cook Well' with a selection of elegant dishes for cooks who want something a little different.
Rory, who hails from Cullohill on the Laois Kilkenny border, says the Christmas brings back happy memories.
My childhood memories of Christmas are extremely happy ones. Food was utterly central to the festivities. We adored our mother's food and lifelong precious memories were gifted to us by the food that she created and the glow of love that accompanied those wonderful meals, he said.
And in his Christmas programme, which will be broadcast on RTE 1 just before Christmas, Rory creates his own wonderful dishes.
On the menu is potted lobster which is a clever way to get good value from an expensive ingredient.
Rory also makes a delicious duck leg curry with Indian spices and apple cider vinegar, as well as an impressive and surprising salad using Irish salad leaves that are grown at this time of the year.
More below picture
Picture Rory and his assistant Tracie Daly cook up a feast at a recent fundraiser in his native Cullohill. Pic: Pat Moore
Rory completes the meal with apple betty with chocolate and mincemeat.
The renowned chef spoke fondly of his Laois childhood to the Leinster Express, before he presented his Christmas Feast Event in Cullohill, Wednesday November 15.
Rory, who co-founded Ballymaloe Cookery School in Cork with sister Darina Allen, recalled an idyllic childhood centred around growing and cooking food, and said how he regularly returns home to visit his brothers and sisters in Cullohill and Abbeyleix.
"It was really a wonderful place to grow up. We roamed freely, or free range as I like to call it. We lived just up the village. We had the local river and local farms to go to, and Cullohill mountain as we call it, and in autumn we would go up and pick wild apples and damsons, it was a wonderful place to be," he said.
How To Cook Well at Christmas with Rory OConnell will be broadcast on Tuesday, December 19 on RTE One at 7pm. The programme is produced and directed by David Hare and sponsored by Neff.
#WATCH Rory O'Connell tells the Lenister Express about his Christmas childhood
The Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee intends to run a candidate in Laois the General Election if a hospital downgrade plan is not rejected by the Minister for Health Simon Harris.
Mr John Hanniffy, committee secretary, confirmed that a shortlist of three names has been drawn up to run. The committee is fighting a HSE Dublin Midlands Hospital Group plan to remove A&E, maternity, paediatrics, ICU and most surgery from the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.
"If there is an election and the matter hasn't been resolved in advance of the election, we do intend to running an independent hospital candidate," he told the Leinster Express.
He said decision was not based on timing of the election. He said their final decision is in the hands of Minister Harris.
"There should be no need to run a candidate but if it comes to it we will. Simon Harris can do one of two things he can either accept the report or reject it. I would also be afraid he might fudge it but if there is an fudge or an acceptance, we are running a candidate. A rejection - we won't it's as simple as that," he said.
"We really hope Simon Harris sticks this thing in the bin. Every indication that we have got privately from politicians is that he is going to reject the report but we just don't know," he said.
Mr Hanniffy said the running of a candidate is one of a number actions the committee intends to take to fight downgrade.
The first of these is a protest march planned for Portlaoise next Saturday, December 2.
The Laois constituency was one of the most predictable in 2016. Just six candidates ran with three elected. Sean Fleming of Fianna Fail topped the poll with Brian Stanley of Sinn Fein coming in second ahead of Charlie Flanagan of Fianna Fail.
The county is due to be reunited with Offaly under a boundary commission review but the legislation to facilitate this has not been passed by the Dail or Senate.
Mr Hanniffy said he could not yet say who the candidate might be but said that he or she may not be a member of the hospital action committee.
The chief executive of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group has insisted that Portlaoise hospital is 'safe' and gave a ringing endorsement to staff but is not backing down on the plan to downgrade the hospital.
Hospital consultants at the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise wrote to Dr Susan O'Reilly in the past fortnight demanding that she move to publicly address what was termed as concerted spin against the hospital.
The doctors told her that claims made about the hospital were a risk to patients. The doctors met with Dr O'Reilly in Portlaoise last week. Speaking after a meeting with the Leinster Express, Dr O'Reilly said services are safe.
They were expressing their hurt and concern about being perceived as perhaps not being seen as safe.
Now, I want to state unequivocally that you have a hospital where you have a very committed excellent staff.
They are very dedicated to patient care. The services are safe, she said.
HOSPITAL ACTION GROUP TO CONTEST GENERAL ELECTION
However, she stood over the four-year plan to remove maternity, emergency, paediatrics, ICU and most surgery from the hospital.
Dr Sean Fleming, a consultant cardiologist in Portlaoise, called for a statement in a letter written on behalf of the Medical Board at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise to Dr Susan O'Reilly.
The letter is also written in response to Dr Fergal Hickey spokesperson for the Irish Association of Emergency Medicine, who they say has given interviews and comment to Midlands 103, Newstalk, Morning Ireland and to the Sunday Business Post.
"We wish to register our dismay at your failure to correct inaccuracies concerning this hospital in the media. These inaccuracies have been placed in the public domain in what amounts to a concerted campaign of spin and misinformation," says the letter.
The doctors say that Dr Hickey has never visited MRH Portlaoise and has had no role in any report concerning this hospital.
The doctors say these media reports contain a series of inaccurate statements.
They highlighted three of particular concern:
1. Dr Hickey has implied on two occasions that the paediatric unit in the hospital is unsustainable. (Newstalk 16.11.17 & Midlands 103 15.11.17). He has referenced the unpublished Carter Report from 2014. The Carter Report contains no such statement and indeed, no statement that could be interpreted to cast doubt on the sustainability of paediatrics.
2. In a piece in the Sunday Business Post, based on interviews with Dr Hickey (1.10.17) it was stated that the A&E here functions as a Minor Injury Unit. This claim is false.
3. He has engaged in a concerted effort to push figures that misrepresent attendances at Portlaoise and to present the erroneous impression that the quality and complexity of treatment provided here at MRH Portlaoise is less than that provided at similar units throughout the country.
They said he had in addition, attempted to erase from consideration the 17,000 women and children that present to MRH Portlaoise for emergency care.
The letter says that these and other similar statements should not go unchallenged in the public domain. The Portlaoise doctors say they are of real concern from a safety perspective. They risk confusing people as to how and where to seek care at a time of crisis.
"Additionally, such spin and inaccuracy risks misleading decision makers and the general public as to the nature and the extent of the challenges inherent in any plan that would seek to downgrade services at MRH Portlaoise.
"You, in your position as CEO of the DMHG, have a duty to patients and to staff to counter this misinformation. Your failure in this duty comes on top of your failure to consult with local people and stakeholders, and your failure to produce a plan that properly reflects and adequately provides for the health care needs of people in the Midlands.
"It has further eroded our confidence in you as CEO of DMLHG . We call on you to urgently make a clear statement refuting these inaccuracies," concludes the letter.
In his reply, Dr Hickey refuted much of the content of the letter.
Dr Hickey is a President of and currently the Communications Officer for the Irish Association for Emergency Medicine, the representative body for Emergency Medicine in Ireland - the advisory group for the national Emergency Medicine Programme.
Its 2012 report which I co-authored is the model of care for Emergency Medicine for Ireland.
I have simply responded to specific media requests for comment on various matters to do with the situation in Portlaoise and the MRHP Action Plan; I have not sought media interviews or coverage, he said.
On point one he said that the National Clinical Leads for the various National Clinical programmes including the Paediatric lead, Prof Alf Nicholson, were unanimously of the view that paediatric services in Portlaoise were unsustainable.
I have simply stated their professional view which I have no reason to disagree with, he said.
On point two he said the 2015 HIQA report specifically states (p97) that 'Clinical staff at the hospital reported that most patients attending the Portlaoise ED are walk-in patients with minor clinical complaints and injuries.'
He said HIQA also points to patients who are specifically brought to hospitals other than Portlaoise as a result of bypass protocols affecting Portlaoise.
When the correct numbers and complexity of patients are taken together, it is clear that the acuity and numbers of patients attending Portlaoise ED are small by the standards of Model 3 hospitals, he said.
Responding to point 3 he said the HIQA report (p97) raises concerns about the accuracy of the ED returns from Portlaoise.
Hospitals are expected to adhere to rules as to what should and should not be counted in a hospital's ED returns and many of those groups of patients who are included in the Portlaoise figures should not be included.
This has the effect of artificially elevating the numbers apparently attending Portlaoise ED although they should not have been included in the returns in the first place.
I have simply explained this issue to the public and disagreed with the view that Portlaoise is a particularly busy ED which it isn't, he said.
Dr Hickey referred to Appendix 17 pp 497-99 of the EMP Report www.hse.ie/eng/services/publications/Clinical-Strategy-and-Programmes/The-National-Emergency-Medicine-Programme.pdf
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has defended the record of outgoing Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald in a Dail statement this afternoon.
Varadkar said, "a good woman is leaving office with a fair hearing," as he addressed the house before the commencement of leader's questions on Tuesday, November 28.
He said he had accepted Fitzgerald's resignation with "regret," going on to say that he will take over her position as Minister for Business, enterprise and Innovation for an interim period.
SEE ALSO: Frances Fitzgerald's resignation statement in full
He reiterated the point made by Frances Fitzgerald in her own statement that she was resigning "to avoid a General Election at a crucial time for Ireland" in the midst of Brexit talks scheduled for December.
He pointed to Phase 1 and 2 of those Brexit talks, the pending Finance Bill, and 8th Amendment referendum legislation as key issues, "which would all fall if there was to be a General Election."
Frances Fitzgerald tendered her resignation as Tanaiste and Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation as a storm of controversy enveloped her over the handling of information pertaining to an alleged smear campaign against Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe during the O'Higgins Inquiry in 2015.
Leo Varadkar today restated his belief that "she [Fitzgerald] always supported whistleblowers," and in fact brought in measures that would ensure they were continually protected within An Garda Siochana.
He insisted that he believes the Disclosures Tribunal will prove "that she acted appropriately" during the entire Maurice McCabe debacle.
Inquiry
The Taoiseach also stated his intention to establish an external inquiry to find out why important documents and emails from the Department of Justice were not sent to the Charleton Tribunal. He wants that Inquiry to report before Christmas.
On the controversy surrounding Charlie Flanagan failing to answer parliamentary questions from Deputy Alan Kelly, Leo said arrangements were being made for the now Justice Minister Flanagan to make a statement apologising for that failure and the failure of his Department in recent weeks.
Leo insisted that Minister Flanagan was made aware of an "important document" relating to Maurice McCabe in the Department on November 13 and that "he [Flanagan] did the right thing" by sending it directly to the Tribunal.
Leo attested to the fact that it was a full week later when he saw the document and its contents for the first time along with Minister Flanagan.
Mary Lou McDonald stood during leader's questions and asked Varadkar to clarify whether or not Minister Flanagan would also be making a statement as to why he allowed the Taoiseach to mislead the Dail as to the existence of the email.
As Mary Lou raised this question, the camera in the house turned to Flanagan who was nodding at the time this part of the question was verbalised by the Sinn Fein deputy.
Varadkar did say that he "does not want to be put in that position ever again," referring to the fact that he had to come to the Dail to correct the record in recent weeks.
He said senior officials and the Department of Justice will be held to account but asked that the Tribunal now be allowed to "do its work in establishing the facts of the matter."
It is reported that Charlie Flanagan was address the Dail at around 4.30pm on Tuesday, November 28.
Doctors at Portlaoise hospital have put forward a compromise plan to the complete withdrawal of the key critical care ICU unit.
Dr Susan O'Reilly, Dublin Midlands Hospital Chief has said the low volume of cases going through the unit at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise means it cannot be sustained in the long run.
Without an ICU the hospital cannot continue to provide maternity, paediatrics, surgery and emergency services.
In their alternative plan, Portlaoise hospital's consultants say critical care helps people with life-threatening illnesses. In the absence of contingency for safe and effective critical care, acute clinical care cannot be provided.
They say MRH Portlaoise Critical Care Unit is a Category 2 ICU. The unit can accommodate either four HDU or two ventilated patients. The critical care unit is staffed by the anaesthetic department. The anaesthetic team also support the obstetrics, general surgery, cardiology and mental health services at MRH Portlaoise.
Between 40-50 patients annually require the life-saving intervention of invasive ventilation. A further 200 adult patients receive ICU/HDU care.
The critical care team also carry out the initial stabilisation of critically-ill children prior to the involvement of the Paediatric Intensive Care retrieval team.
"This critical care resource is an essential safeguard; were it to cease, acute care could no longer take place on site," say the doctors.
ANTI-DOWNGRADE PROTEST IN PORTLAOISE
The doctors acknowledge that the throughput of ventilated patients may be low by national levels, but few post-operative patients require ventilation in Portlaoise and these cases would account for most of the patients requiring such care in many units with similar overall activity to MRH Portlaoise.
The doctors say that Acute Medicine Programme sets out two options for critical care support.
Category 1 ICU: Invasive ventilatory support (48-72 hours), earlier transfer if severe critical illness
Category 2 ICU: General critical care, multi-organ failure support incl CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy)
The Acute Medicine Programme further recommends:
For the safe and prompt regional or supra-regional transfer of critically ill patients within the hospital models system, a critical care retrieval team service is required.
"We recommend that the current Critical Care unit at MRH Portlaoise be re-configured as a Category 1 ICU".
As a Category 1 ICU, the doctors say the ICU would continue to provide life-saving treatment on a 24/7 basis, for patients who become critically unwell while in hospital or who present critically ill to the hospital.
BLACKROCK CLINIC MADE ICU OFFER
However, they say the focus would change and no longer would the patients ICU stay in its entirety be expected to be completed at MRH Portlaoise.
Rather, the doctors suggest that initial care, including stabilisation and establishment of ventilatory support, would take place at MRH Portlaoise with subsequent care taking place after transfer to a Category 2 or 3 ICU unit.
The consultant proposed that this transfer would be sought should invasive ventilatory support be required for longer than 24 hours, or immediately if complex or interdisciplinary intervention was required or deemed likely to be required.
The alternative plan says anaesthetic team would continue to fulfill its current service commitments, in particular, for example, to the operating theatres, the surgical, maternity and paediatric departments.
"We recommend that functioning reliable networks and pathways be established through shared appointments and protocol-led seamless patient transfers with a regional Category 2 or 3 ICU," says the plan.
ACTION COMMITTEE THREAT TO CONTEST GENERAL ELECTION
The lead author of the report which will radically change Portlaoise hospital insists she is not on a crusade or the plan she worked on is not a legacy.
In an extensive interview with the Leinster Express Dr Susan O'Reilly also confirmed that she would be retiring from her post in early 2018 and a replacement has yet to been lined up. However, she insisted that there are others who will drive its implementation.
Under the plan maternity, paediatrics, emergency, most surgery and ICU would be removed.
ICU CAN CONTINUE TO SAVE LIVES
Dr O'Reilly says that other new mainly services would be introduced. She claimed that up to 70% of services would remain in Portlaoise.
She also insists that the changes are not driven by personal motives such as leaving a legacy but for safety reasons.
Quite honestly, this has been hard and difficult. My only concern is sustainable safe treatment for all patients in all hospitals and making sure that they get the right treatment, in the right place by the right professionals who have the opportunity to maintain their skill by doing high volume services.
I have no legacy that I need to leave here. Hopefully I have enough legacy by working in cancer services in Canada and in Ireland.
What is really important here is that this is a plan that I chaired the process. The advice came from leaders of eight national clinical programmes and the HSE Acute Hospital Division and public health support on population and data," she said.
ANTI-DOWNGRADE PROTEST IN PORTLAOISE
Dr O'Reilly insisted that she was pursuing something personal.
I think it needs to be said that this isnt Susan OReillys plan or even a personal crusade. This was me bringing together teams to do a thoughtful analysis of what would be the best way to address very complex issues.
SAFE BUT UNSUSTAINABLE - DR REILLY
I have delivered on that mandate and I am very happy to be retiring in January and looking back on a career in medicine that I have enjoyed and I am hoping that the work that the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group has done and that this hospital does and other hospitals in the group do will flourish.
I hope that other resources will flow, capital in particular to expand capacity. So for me, on one hand I love driving good change, but on the other hand you cant do it forever and you get to an age and a stage where personal interests intervene," she said.
She said she was not aware if a replacement chief executive has been lined up.
DR O'REILLY READY TO MEET PUBLIC
READ MORE IN THIS WEEK'S LEINSTER EXPRESS
The controversy which the Laois TD Charlie Flanagan has found himself at the centre of is not the first time the Flanagan family have had a brush with State tribunals and inquiries.
Minister Flanagan's political rise is also related to justice and garda controversies but his family have also have a life and death link to the Gardai.
In 1947, his father Oliver J Flanagan, then an Independent TD for Laois-Offaly, was at the centre of controversy when accusations of were levelled against members of the Fianna Fail government - including Taoiseach Eamon de Valera, Minister for Justice Gerald Boland and Minister for Industry and Commerce Sean Lemass.
A tribunal of inquiry examined issues relating to Locke's whiskey distillery in Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath.
The company secretary at Locke's wrote to Oliver J with concerns over the proposed sale to a foreign syndicate. Dep Flanagan raised the issues in the Dail in 1947. A subsequent tribunal sat for 18 days and rejected nine of ten allegations.
Oliver J's vote increased by 45% at the 1948 general election. He joined Fine Gael in 1954.
In 1975, when Minister Paddy Donegan switched departments following the "thundering disgrace" controversy in 1976, Oliver J, succeeded him as Minister for Defence in Liam Cosgrave's government.
Charlie was elected when retaining the Laois Offaly seat in 1987 after his father stepped down due to ill health.
Minster Flanagan's career has been intertwined with the Department of Justice. A solicitor, he was party spokesperson on Justice, Equality and Law Reform from 2007 to 2010, and was the party spokesperson on Children from 2010 to 2011.
He was among the favourites to become justice minister until he backed Richard Bruton over Enda Kenny in the run up to the 2011 election.
He was chairperson of the Fine Gael parliamentary party from June 2011 to May 2014. After being left out in the cold by the by now Taoiseach Enda Kenny, he was promoted to cabinet following the resignation in May 2014 of Alan Shatter as Minister for Justice and Minister for Defence in the wake of the Guerin Report on Garda malpractice allegations. Mr Shatter was subsequently exonerated.
In the reshuffle that followed, the Laois TD was appointed as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to succeed Frances Fitzgerald who assumed the Justice portfolio.
In July 2014 he became Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, succeeding the former Labour leader Eamon Gilmore. He was reappointed to Ivy House after the 2016 election by Mr Kenny.
When Leo Varadkar became Taoiseach in June 2017, he moved Charlie Flanagan to the Deparment of Justice in place of Ms Fitzgerald who stayed on as Tanaiste. There was talk at the time that another politician refused the job.
Mr Varadkar said at the time that Minister Flanagan would have two key tasks including Garda reform.
"The Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, will serve in the Department of Justice and Equality where his key tasks will be to continue to reduce crime, to pilot the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill through the Dail and to drive reform and culture change in An Garda Siochana," Mr Varadkar told the Dail.
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin questioned this appointment. He said Minister Flanagan had done a good job in Foreign Affairs particular in relation to Northern Ireland and should have been allowed to continue.
Minister Simon Coveney, who had just been defeated by Mr Varadkar in the Fine Gael leadership election, took over from Minister Flanagan with Brexit topping his agenda.
Next month in Templemore, Minister Flanagan is due to be present Scott Medals for bravery to four retired Gardai and the family of a dead garda who was murdered by the IRA in a bomb attack in Laois in 1976. The injured survivors and the dead garda were investigating a threat to the life of Oliver J.
Jim Cannon, Tom Peters, Ben Thornton, Gerry Bohan and the late Michael Clerkin were blown up when they called to a house on the Laois-Offaly border at Garryhinch, Portarlington in October of that year.
It was not until Minister Flanagan took over in Justice that the medals were confirmed.
A fund worth 2 million has been approved to help clubs, organisations and small businesses hit by the floods that caused extensive damage.
Laois TD and Charlie Flanagan has confirmed that the Cabinet has approved the establishment an emergency support scheme for those businesses and community/voluntary/sporting bodies affected by the floods.
Speaking after this mornings Cabinet meeting, Minister for Justice and Equality Flanagan said the recent exceptional heavy rainfall and flooding on the 22nd & 23rd November 2017, particularly in the Mountmellick, Clonaslee & Portarlington areas caused a very difficult situation for many small business and community/voluntary and sporting organisations in these areas.
I am happy to confirm that, this morning the Cabinet approved the establishment an emergency support scheme for those businesses and community/voluntary/sporting bodies affected by the floods, many of who, through no fault of their own, could not obtain flood insurance, but experienced flood damage to their premises," he said.
He said the Government has moved to have this scheme operational as quickly as possible and in a manner which is designed to be straight forward to best assist those who have been affected.
The scheme is a humanitarian support contribution towards the costs of returning business, sport and community premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant.
The scheme, which will be undertaken by the Department of Defence, will be similar to the one established in late 2015, following Storm Desmond and in August this year, following the flooding in Donegal.
The Scheme which is estimated at up to 2 million, will be allocated through the Irish Red Cross who will administer the Scheme and have already made the application forms available on their website, at the following link https://www.redcross.ie/news- and-events/laois-humanitarian- support-scheme/
The scheme will have two stages:
1. The first stage will commence immediately and will provide a contribution of up to 5,000, depending on the scale of damage incurred. It is anticipated that this will meet the needs for the majority of those affected. This will commence immediately and the intent is to process payments as speedily as possible.
2. In the event that the premises have incurred significant damages above 5,000, the second stage will provide a means to seek further support. The total level of support available for both stages combined will be capped at 20,000
Todays Scheme is in addition to The Humanitarian Assistance Scheme which was activated last week by the Department of Social Protection. This scheme is available to assist people whose homes are damaged by flooding. The scheme is means tested and assistance is not provided for losses covered by insurance.
It is a very difficult time for those affected by the flooding. I urge those people affected and who are eligible, to apply for these schemes.
I wish to pay special tribute to the members of the Fire Service, Laois County Council, Civil Defence and the countless volunteers who worked diligently throughout the night pumping water in an effort to protect businesses and homes from further damage," he said.
Minister Flanagan said It is important that people get back into their businesses and homes as quickly as possible.
Residents of a Newbridge estate, who were once again hit by sewage floods last week, have called a public meeting tomorrow night, Wednesday, November 29.
We are just so fed up of this at this stage, its being going on for thirty years, said Residents Association chairman Joe Burke.
Residents were out yet again sweeping sewage off the paths. Its terrible.
This is the second time within three month's that this has happened. Sewage floods occurred in the estate last August, but not to the same extent as last week.
READ MORE: Sewage floods rising in Newbridge estate after heavy rain
Question marks hung over the 300,000 works carried out by the council to alleviate the flooding problem.
However, the council stressed the works did hold and the problem arose last Wednesday for a different reason.
It released a report carried out by a consultant in the immediate aftermath of last week's flooding. The report notes the problem arose on the morning of November 23 following a severe rainfall event with 45 to 50mm of rainfall, most of which fell over a six hour period.
The flooding was caused by debris blocking a trash screen located in a property next to Dara Park owned by Irish Rail, said the report.
The council said it is working with Irish Rail to ensure the problem does not reoccur.
Residents in Dara Park have invited politicians, officials and Irish water to attend the meeting at the Newbridge Family Resource centre at 7pm.
Foroige clubs in Counties Kildare and Laois are continuing to grow steadily, with over 150 trained and vetted volunteers working with almost 400 young people.
"It is no surprise to see why communities are reaching out to Foroige to be part of local and national buzz. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the local volunteers since the summer clubs have been offering opportunities for youth development and support for young people aged from 10-12 for the Junior Groups and 13-18 for the Senior Groups," said Foroige development officer Alan Judge.
READ MORE: Four young Kildare graduates excel at leadership
"The newest clubs have been forming and encouraging their members to do more and be more and we are very excited to see what impact they will have in the New Year."
Both Allenwood Foroige club and Mountrath Foroige club began in the late summer with a trip to the Espoir Foroige Kayak club to launch what will become a yearlong resource to it members.
In Late September Enfield Foroige and Suncroft Foroige began their registration of members and volunteers and are already up and running for the winter.
This year Foroige is delighted to welcome its first Youth Cafe in the region thanks to Celbridge Youth Cafe whose space, volunteers and young people are a credit to the community of Celbridge.
Last and certainly not least of the recent clubs is Straffan youth club who have mustered a community to make volunteering for the club as enjoyable as possible to the volunteers by ensuring they have more volunteers than required and have proven that scheduled volunteerism has the least impact on their lives while ensure maximum support for the teens in the community.
Mr Judge said; It is a real privilege to be able to work with the calibre of volunteers from Laois and Kildare that make these opportunities possible for teenagers.
"Foroige is the leading youth organisation in Ireland and has been working with young people since 1952. Our purpose is to enable young people to involve themselves consciously and actively in their development and in the development of society."
Mr Judge is keen to engage with any community or volunteer that would like to discuss being part of the existing clubs or showcase the opportunities available for the members and the volunteers alike by creating a new club in their area.
If you would like to learn how your support will make a difference or what you can gain from the experience, please check out www.foroige.ie, Contact Alan on alan.judge@foroige.ie or 0866384199
If an election is called very shortly it is unlikely that boundary changes to Kildares two constituencies could take effect.
In practical terms, this would mean that Kildare south would remain a three-seater (instead of moving to a four-seater) and a large area of rural north west Kildare which was due to move from North Kildare into the South, would now not do so.
It could also, in the view of some, mean that any outcome of the election would be unconstitutional.
The High Court was yesterday asked to rule on this proposition by former Labour TD Joe Costello.
According to the constitution there must be one TD for every 30,000 people. With that in mind, the Constituency Boundary Commission had recommended earlier this year that both the North and South Kildare constituencies would be four-seater and that the Kildare South constituency, which should include some areas of Offaly and Laois, namely Portarlington, Killinard and Ballybrittas, gain a TD.
This would reverse changes implemented before the previous election which had moved a part of Kildare into the Laois constituency.
The other proposed change would see the villages of Clogherinkoe, Derrinturn and Carbury move from Kildare North to Kildare South.
However legislation was required to give effect to these recommendations and informed sources have told the Leinster Leader that if the election is called in the next few days that legislation will not be enacted.
Deputy Fiona OLoughlin noted that, even if the legislation could be rushed through, it wouldnt be fair to the electorate who suddenly found themselves in a new constituency.
It would only give people three weeks to get to know their TD, she said.
Deputy James Lawless said he was quite happy that his constituency of North Kildare would hang onto those parts of North West Kildare.
Meanwhile, Fine Gael county councillor Fiona McLoughlin Healy has issued a statement saying that she did not wish to be considered as a candidate for the party in the next general election.
Cllr McLoughlin Healy was a candidate for Fine Gael in the previous election, but her relationship with the party since then has become strained with the result that she lost the whip.
Are you fed-up of the long commute to Dublin? Are you tired of being stuck in traffic and dreading another winter of long road journeys to get to and from work? Do you fancy a career in the booming motor industry with an exciting local dealer?
Then Sheehy Motors in Naas might have just the job for you!
The long-established group, which has been trading in Kildare and Carlow for some 40 years, is currently advertising to fill six Naas-based roles, ranging from sales to business management to front-facing service advisor. They also have some maternity cover contracts on offer.
The company operates two separate dealerships at its Newbridge Road showrooms - Sheehy Motors and Naas Audi - along with Sheehy Motors Carlow. It handles three key franchises in Naas, Audi, Skoda and Volkswagen, offering recruits the chance to work across a wide variety of motor industry sectors, from the fun and sporty Skoda to the family-friendly Volkswagen and the sleek and stylish Audi.
According to Frank Kelly, dealer principal for Sheehy Motors Naas, the organisation is expanding and growing, and aims to register just under 1,500 new vehicles from its Kildare dealerships in 2018.
Sheehy Motor Group (Naas) is a bustling and busy place to work as it employs around 85 staff in Kildare alone.
It has also established its own marketing internship programme, unique in the motoring industry, which is now in its third year, with its sixth intern due to start in January.
This is beneficial to both ourselves and the intern as the wide variety of experience they get with us really helps them to further their careers, says Gordon Geraghty, marketing manager. In fact, several of the interns who started out with Sheehy Motors went on to work for other departments in the business.
The Sheehy Skoda showrooms in Naas
The company recently filled three sales roles within the group with a mixture of experienced salespeople and staff who started on its trainee programme. Here, those new to the industry get the chance to start their careers working alongside some of the most experienced salespeople in the business.
Mr Geraghty emphasised the benefits to enthusiastic Kildare salespeople of opting for an exciting career within a short commuting distance of their homes.
Job opportunities at Sheehy Motors group can offer recruits an improved quality of life and less time sitting in traffic jams, combined with the opportunity to work for a leading, respected and expanding local motor industry company.
Audi, Naas
Kildare householders have been warned not to fall for an Irish Water scam which is currently doing the rounds.
Some customers have received emails with the subject line Your Irish Water Account Action Required, but the company is advising anyone who receives these to delete them immediately.
Irish Water will never ask customers to update personal banking information in this way and customers should always delete emails requesting this information. Do not reply or click on the link provided. Do not provide personal or financial details, said the company in a statement this evening.
Irish Water has asked domestic customers who have moved property to contact us by phone on 1850 448 448 to update their details. Changes to customers personal details can only be updated by phone.
According to Irish Water, it is investigating the source of this email and has requested that the fraudulent site it comes from be shut down.
Irish Water is aware that during the refund process in particular that attempts may be made to deceive customers with phishing emails. We have put additional resources in place in attempt to mitigate against these phishing campaigns, said the statement.
It asks customers who have responded to a phishing email a fake email requesting personal or financial information to take the following steps to minimise any potential damage.
Change the information you've revealed e.g. Change any passwords or PINs on the account or service that you think might have been compromised
Contact your bank or the service provider directly
Routinely review your bank and credit card statements for unexplained charges or enquiries that you didn't initiate
Contact the authorities. The Garda Bureau of Fraud investigation is Ireland's national fraud * and internet crime reporting centre.
The company says that its database is secure and customers financial details have not been hacked. There is more advice on how to identify phishing emails and what to do next on Irish Waters website https://www.water.ie/support/fraudulent-email-advice/
Leitrim shoppers are being urged to make a difference this Christmas by buying an ethical gift for their loved ones.
Concern Worldwide has today launched its annual Christmas Gifts online catalogue with avocado trees and milk among the new additions to the 2017 collection.
Ireland's largest humanitarian aid agency is giving avocado lovers the opportunity to buy the nutrient-rich fruit and support the development of growing children across the developing world, as the trees can be easily planted and can grow up to 300 avocados a year.
Customers eager to spread some girl power this Christmas can also purchase a gift to support Concern's Girl Skills programme, which costs 24 and offers six teenage girls the chance to take part in a sports-based course that teaches them about their rights, how to take steps to achieve their goals in life and staying strong when faced with challenges.
Concern Christmas Gifts are a firm favourite for those who want to avoid the shops or skip the last-minute shopping stress while helping to improve the lives of people across the developing world.
Cows continue to be among the most popular items for shoppers, closely followed by goats and other animal gifts.
Those who purchase a Concern Christmas Gift will receive a special card, which can be personalised and given to the lucky recipient.
Concern Gifts are also perfect for anyone living abroad as an e-card containing a personalised message can be sent within 30 minutes - with no worries about postal deadlines!
To view the full range of Concern Gifts, log on to www.concerngifts.org or call 1850 458 400 for more information.
IDA funding figures released last week have been described as "an absolute disgrace and shameful indictment of this Fine Gael government and their silent partners in Fianna Fail to allow the North West be neglected in this way," by Deputy Martin Kenny.
Speaking from Leinster house, Deputy Kenny said; According to the IDA, around 93 million in grant aid was allocated last year to support employment from foreign direct investment.
Out of this 93 million Leitrim and Roscommon got nothing.
This is a disgrace. Shame on those government TDs in Fine Gael and Fianna Fail for neglecting rural Ireland.
As usual the majority of grant aid went to the major cities and towns with Dublin receiving 20 million, while North Western counties Cavan, Sligo and Donegal got a measly 2 million combined.
These figures clearly demonstrate that rural Ireland and the Northwest in particular is not a priority for this government when it comes to job creation.
In fact, the only job creation in this area is region is by local indigenous industries and individuals and they need to be given the maximum support available.
There is ongoing and severe underinvestment in infrastructure and industrial development in counties outside the main population centres and this is a clear, deliberate Government policy.
Upgrading the N4 to motor way status would enhance access to the North-West for businesses as would upgrade of the broadband network to help make the region more business friendly.
Not only is there no new investment in rural Ireland but we have to fight on a daily basis for the retention of vital services like post offices, garda stations and access to health service.
This government is neglecting the Northwest and people are suffering as a result. Clearly Fine Gael representatives are not standing up for their rural constituencies and those in Fianna Fail are facilitating them by keeping this government in power.
A spectacular public light show this Friday and a civic ceremony will officially mark the end of Sligos year as European Volunteering Capital.
The Spirit of Sligo light show, which is open to the public, will take place at Sligo City Hall in Quay Street on Friday, December 1, at 6pm.
The building will be illuminated at an event and some of the illuminations will showcase the inspiring story of the volunteer community across Co Sligo.
The light show, organised by Dublin company Avtek, will continue each night for 7 nights on the hour for 10 minutes. Avtek is responsible for illuminating Dublin's New Years Eve Festival.
Invited guests will earlier attend a formal civic ceremony in City Hall to close the EVC Year and to witness the handover of the European Volunteer Capital 2018 title to the Danish city of Aarhus.
In addition, the three candidate cities for the 2019 EVC competition will be announced.
Foreign Affairs Minister Charles Flanagan will attend the civic ceremony with 150 guests including invited European dignitaries and Sligo County Council Cathaoirleach Sligo Cllr Seamus Kilgannon
They will watch a video presentation by Sligo Volunteer Centre Manager Ciara Herity called Sligo EVC 2017: The Story.
The Spirit of Sligo Lightshow will take place at 6pm sharp on City Hall. The public is invited to gather from 5.30pm.
Sligo County Council CEO Ciaran Hayes said, "Sligo's designation as European Volunteering Capital has been a wonderful opportunity to highlight Sligo's unique volunteering strategies. The year has had a significant impact on the volunteer community, but also the wider business community with numerous events and conferences coming to Sligo on the occasion of the unique designation.
This Friday's events include the official civic ceremony followed by a very special light show on City Hall at 6pm. We encourage everyone to join us for this event which will showcase some of the highlights from the year in a spectacular creative light show projected on City Hall."
Sligo Volunteer Manager Ciara Herity said Friday would mark a momentous event as Sligo's designation as European Volunteering Capital draws to a close.
It's been an eventful year for the volunteers, organisations, businesses and the wider community who engaged with and supported our programme. We welcome European delegates to Sligo this week as the official handover from Sligo to Aarhus in Denmark takes place, and the announcement of the 2019 winners is announced."
A GoFund Me page established to help the family of Carrick-on-Shannon woman Elaine Moran Keogh, who sadly passed away earlier this month, has received widespread support since it was created on Saturday last.
A message posted on the GoFund Me page, which was set up by her friend Paula Jane Malone states, "It was with great sadness to say goodbye to my beautiful friend Elaine who died so tragically on 16th November '17 at such a young age. She fought so hard for most of her life against depression but it was just too much for her. She joins her baby daughter, Roisin in heaven but leaves behind her loving husband, Eugene and her two beautiful boys, Adrian aged 5, and Kieran aged 3.
"I have created this page to help support Elaine's boys at this difficult time and to try and help ease financial pressures. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Please give whatever you can."
Since the page went live it has received significant support from the public with 3,530 donated since last Saturday.
If you would like to support this campaign please visit the GoFund Me page.
Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny has welcomed the announcement that funding has been allocated to a pilot scheme for channel cleaning works on tributaries and rivers with Leitrim and Sligo being included in the scheme.
Deputy Kenny said, This is very welcome news to help combat flooding in Leitrim and Sligo. I organised for Minster Kevin Boxer Moran to come and visit the constituency a number of months ago to discuss flooding with the local authorities and community groups and individuals affected by flooding.
I understand that the level of funding will be substantial and that works should start in 2018. The works will be carried out by the local authority that will draw up a plan of the rivers and tributaries that heed urgent attention.
Flooding has become a major issue in recent years with rivers and tributaries becoming blocked with debris and overgrowth. We had a drainage scheme in the past which dealt with these issues but this was taken away.
I hope that this pilot scheme will go a long way to cleaning our rivers at pinch points where flood waters build up and that it reduces flooding in these areas.
GEORGE Orwells famous novel is taught in the classrooms of a County Limerick secondary school but outside they also have their own animal farm.
A recent survey by Cadburys found that one-third of 1,500 children did not know that milk was the produce of a cow and 18% thought milk came straight from the fridge or supermarket. It seems a disconnect has emerged between supermarket produce and its origins, researchers said.
One school that is making the connection with agriculture and the environment is Scoil na Trionoide Naofa in Doon. They have calves, chickens and turkeys on the grounds with lambs and donkeys on the way. They also have a polytunnel and grow flowers and vegetables.
The idea of a school farm was the brainchild of principal, Eilis Casey. Luckily she had the perfect man for the job on her staff - James OBrien, who is a part-time farmer.
In 2016, I was approached by the principal, Eilis Casey to set up something different, something that really hadnt been done anywhere else. We found kids have lost touch with nature due to urbanisation and people are going away from farms a lot. She asked would I be interested in setting up a project that would involve hands-on working with animals, what it is to respect animals and mind animals. I jumped at it because I love farming, said Mr OBrien
It is an ideal programme for the 60 transition year students, he says, because there isnt an assessment at the end.
We have more time and flexibility. We started the agriculture and horticulture programme September 12 months ago.
Weve been growing it ever since. We started out with two of my calves. We bucket fed them and this year were minding them as heifers. We will probably get two more calves in the springtime and bucket feed them - the whole cycle start again. They stay here for the spring right through until the winter when I bring them home. Weve turkeys and chickens too. In the next month we are getting donkeys and lambs in the spring, said Mr OBrien.
With Christmas on the horizon the turkeys future is looking precarious but this is a natural part of agriculture that the teenagers are learning about too, said James.
As well as feeding and looking after animals the teens are getting their hands dirty in the ground.
We have a tunnel where we grow cabbages, lettuce, onions, potatoes, broccoli and kale.We also grow flowers from seed for Doon Tidy Towns. It is all on the school grounds. Weve about six acres. We built hutches for the chickens and turkeys in construction classes. Its really taken off this year, said Mr OBrien, who thanked Liam Croke and Tadgh Slevin, of Bam Ireland, and McNamaras Hardware, who have all donated fencing and wire.
The feedback from students feeding animals has been overwhelmingly positive said Mr OBrien.
I feel the sense of enjoyment from the kids. It gets them out of the classroom, they can go outside and express themselves - they are outside handling chickens, turkeys, calves. It is the freedom it give the kids to get out of class and actually experience what it is like to be outside and working with nature. I love nature and I think it is very important kids understand and respect the environment, said Mr OBrien.
If the history and geography teacher asked pupils to come in during the recent mid-term break to study the Bolshevik Revolution or the Iberian Peninsula he would get short shrift. But Mr OBrien had no shortage of volunteers to mind the animals.
One of the local kids came in each day to look after the turkeys, chickens and calves. Everything went perfectly. They came in twice a day - 9pm and 6m. They cleaned out and fed them all. It was nice they took that responsibility on board, said Mr OBrien.
One of those to give up part of her holidays was 15-year-old Aisling McNamara, from Doon. Like many of her classmates, she isnt from a farming background.
The most experience Id have is meeting all the farmers when I work in my dads hardware shop at weekends. Id never been on a farm. It is great to get out of the classroom with all the different animals - feeding them and looking after them. I wouldnt have done that before. Its great experience. Youre not on your phone and you are outside. We also picked blackberries and made jam for the Christmas fair, said Aisling.
Philip Gantley, aged 16, from Cappawhite had no prior contact with farm animals either.
Ive enjoyed it thoroughly. Its been a good experience feeding the calves and the turkeys and chickens. I like seeing the calves growing up. You see the progress, said Philip. The school farm has made both Philip and Aisling consider careers in the agri sector.
Principal of Scoil na Trionoide Naofa, Eilis Casey said Mr OBrien and the students have certainly created a unique learning experience that captures what experiential learning can be like in horticulture and agricultural science.
The students have also learned valuable skills in that they have taken responsibility for a project from the stage of conception to actualisation. As a school it is important to try new initiatives, and in this instance James as the teacher has brought something unique to the school and together with his students they have introduced a learning opportunity that is exciting and innovative, continued Ms Casey.
The entire school is looking forward to the Christmas fair on Sunday afternoon, December 17. They will have two award winning bulls in attendance - John Hayes and a four legged one from Limerick Show. Over 20 stalls are confirmed already. We will have our animals on show and everybody is welcome to see our school farm, said Mr OBrien.
WARSAW, NOV. 27 (Xinhua) -- This is encouraging. The Smederevo Steel Mill, a plant of Serbian national pride, finally started to make profit by the end of 2016 after a seven-year loss. It happened only eight months after Chinese HeSteel Group poured investment therein, vowing to make it one of the most competitive in Europe.
It comes as one example in a larger picture where China and 16 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) have quickened their economic exchange under the "16+1" cooperation format in realizing goals of the Belt and Road Initiative that is intended to improve infrastructure and trade between China and Europe and Africa.
Also in Serbia, the first phrase of Expressway E763, built by a Chinese company, is expected to complete by the end of the year.
Another upbeat story like the one in Serbia was also told in Poland when China's Liugong Group, five years after acquiring the machinery unit of Poland's Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), remade it into a profitable joint venture that has paid taxes and dues for about 68 million U.S. dollars during past four years while creating jobs.
China's Hongbo Group invested 100 million U.S. dollars to build a LED lamp factory in that country.
In the Czech Republic, you may have to make an appointment until half a year later in a traditional Chinese medicine hospital that is keenly sought after among locals.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, in 2016, total trade between China and the 16 CEEC increased by 9.5 percent, marking a remarkable boost while China's trade with Europe and the world as a whole dipped in the same period.
It makes the "16+1" cooperation a model for the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Europe ties.
Proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative aims to build trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia with Europe and Africa on and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. It comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
GAINING MOMENTUM
The China-CEEC cooperation is gaining momentum, tapping the huge market potential in an area home to many emerging economies.
China General Nuclear Power Corporation is negotiating to build two additional nuclear power units in Cernavoda in southeast Romania. The 7-billion-Euro or 8.3-billion-dollar project will be the largest one so far between China and CEEC.
The Hungary-Serbia high-speed railway, a flagship project for regional inter-connectivity, is also on the agenda.
Zivadin Jovanovic, a Serbian expert on international affairs, told Xinhua, "Serbia and China will expand cooperation in infrastructure building, manufacturing, food processing and other sectors."
Wang Yiwei, an expert on Europe with Renmin University of China, said that the building of the Belt and Road could improve the "16+1" format which was launched in Warsaw in 2012.
"The format serves a framework that we can realize the win-win scenario for China and the European Union," Wang said.
Czech President Milos Zeman said that efforts to push forward the Belt and Road Initiative within the framework of the "16+1" format will bring more opportunities to this region.
MUTUAL BENEFITS
The China-CEEC cooperation comes with reciprocity. Chinese investment in CEEC is now over 9 billion U.S. dollars while CEEC invested 1.4 billion dollars in China.
In the first three quarters of this year, the China-CEEC trade exceeded 49 billion dollars, marking an increase of 14.5 percent year-on-year while China's imports from CEEC rose 21.9 percent.
The increasing demand from China means a huge market for CEEC manufacturers. A Chinese company which bought in Lobkowicz Brewery Group in the Czech Republic not only helped preserve its traditional brewery skills, but also hopefully brought the prestigious Czech beer to Chinese groceries through China-Europe regular freight trains.
The CEEC along the China-Europe railway connect the Asian and European continents and make up nearly one fourth of the countries along the Belt and Road.
Jan Kohout, advisor to the Czech president, said the Belt and Road Initiative is one of the highlights of China's foreign policies, playing an important role in European and Asian development.
"China and CEEC are making headway, building a community of shared future with practical actions," Wang said.
SENATORS Kieran ODonnell and Maria Byrne will run for Fine Gael in Limerick City in the upcoming General Election.
Following a selection convention at the Castletroy Park Hotel this Monday night, the two members of the Upper House of the Oireachtas were automatically selected after the only other candidate in the race, Cllr Daniel Butler dropped out.
The City West councillor said with the prospect of a short election campaign, he felt Fine Gael would be more likely to win two seats with more experienced candidates.
Mr ODonnell said he feels privileged to be nominated by the party and immediately set his eye on a cabinet role, while Ms Byrne said she felt honoured at being proposed by the former Finance Minister Michael Noonan.
Delighted to be selected as a candidate for @FineGael in the next General Election in Limerick City. Looking forward to the campaign. pic.twitter.com/14IOf145gQ Maria Byrne (@senatormbyrne) November 27, 2017
Separately, as the controversy around Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald continues, Cllr Butler said it is time she should do the right thing and step down.
He was speaking after it emerged this evening that the Croom-born politician received three emails advising her of the legal strategy being used by the former Garda commissioner Noirin OSullivan against Garda whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe.
For her part, the Tanaiste is resisting calls for her resignation.
Up until now, I would have been an advocate of due process, with the tribunal taking its process. But the fact this is another omission, it changes the complexion. As much as it may have been a mistake, there are certain standards that come with higher office, and we need to uphold these standards, honour those standards, and id like to see the Tanaiste do that, Cllr Butler said.
Mr ODonnell said: I would hope discussions would take place. It is quite evident that the people of Limerick and I expect everywhere else do not wish to see an election before Christmas, and everything has to be done to ensure that does not happen.
He said he did not see any reason Ms Fitzgerald should resign.
Ms Byrne declined to comment on the whistleblower controversy, only to say: Frances Fitzgerald has been a very honourable person and has been delivering well in terms of her current brief in jobs.
And the Tanaistes former cabinet colleague, Mr Noonan said he feels the lights have gone out on the 32nd Dail.
The party position is we back her completely, because we didnt believe she did anything improper, and I dont think people should be forced out of office for crimes they didnt commit, he said.
Addressing the party faithful, Mr Noonan urged Fine Gael canvassers to target second and third preferences to get the two candidates over the line.
Mr ODonnell was elected in the old Limerick East constituency in 2007, retaining his seat at the 2011 election. But following a backlash against Fine Gael, he lost his seat in 2016.
However, he was returned to the Seanad two months later as a member of the cultural and educational panel.
A former mayor, Ms Byrne served as a local councillor between 1999 and 2016 when she was elected to the Seanad on the agricultural panel. It was a case of second time lucky, having missed out on election to the Upper House by a single vote back in 2007.
- For more, see the Wednesday Limerick Leader and the weekend editions of the paper, out on Thursday
LIMERICK'S political parties are on an election footing as the prospect of going to the polls fade in the short term.
With An Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald set to announce her resignation, the prospects of a Christmas election have receded.
It's now unclear when Fianna Fail - who triggered the political crisis will now hold its convention.
But all eyes will be on who will join Willie ODea on the Fianna Fail ticket, with the party hoping to capitalise on his likely high vote to recapture two seats in the city.
Cllr James Collins is favourite, but various sources have indicated new councillor Vivienne Crowley could be a contender given gender quota regulations are a possible factor.
Fine Gael picked its two candidates late this Monday night, with Senators Maria Byrne and Kieran ODonnell selected for the two-person ticket in the city.
Labour, Sinn Fein and the Solidarity party will all have selection conventions in the coming days.
December 19 or 20 have been suggested as the days Ireland could go to the polls, as Croom-born Ms Fitzgerald faces a motion of no confidence in the Dail over emails sent to her office. This highlighted a row between the Garda Commissioners legal team and whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe.
Although intense talks remain ongoing to salvage the confidence and supply agreement, ultimately its anticipated Limerick will go to the polls sooner rather than later, with local councillor Cathal Crowe saying: Its a mortally wounded government, which is only limping along.
Its likely even if the current government can be saved for the time being, parties will still hold selection conventions.
Former Education Minister Jan OSullivan said this will be Labours approach.
Its likely [an election] will be in the next three months anyway.
Separately, Fianna Fails metropolitan mayor and former detective gardai Cllr Sean Lynch believes it is a mistake for his party to be pushing for an election, saying they should wait until the Charleton tribunal has concluded.
Okay, there was an email when she was Minister for Justice. But how many emails does she get at any one time. My fear factor is there will be a backlash from the general public. Who wants a general election all over an email she didnt read? There are a lot more things out there, he said on Monday, before further revelations about emails to the minister late last night.
Cllr Lynchs view runs counter to Fianna Fails national position.
Meanwhile, former mayor of Limerick Kevin Kiely, a Fine Gael member for over 30 years, says he plans to run as an Independent candidate should a vote take place before Christmas.
He hopes to capitalise on the fact the public may favour Independents over the two major parties for leading them into an election.
Another northside politician who is not ruling himself out of any count is former Labour councillor Frankie Daly, who has made no secret of his desire to become a Dail deputy. And Westbury councillor Cathal Crowe is to seek the FF nomination in Clare.
POLITICIANS from across Limerick have welcomed the news that An Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald is to step down, averting a Christmas election.
The Croom-born TD informed her cabinet colleagues of her decision to resign just after 11 o'clock this morning over the controversy around the handling of the case of Garda whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe.
In a statement, the Tanaiste thanked Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for his confidence and support, but her continuation in office would be "destabilising" to the "good work of the government, and the country can be spared an unnecessary election".
"It will also allow me to vindicate my good name at the Charleton Tribunal, wihout causing any further distraction to the work of the government," said the Dublin TD, "I acted correctly in difficult circumstances and in fact, I did everything I could to support the truth and protect whistleblowers."
Statement by Frances Fitzgerald on her Resignation as Tanaiste and Minister pic.twitter.com/naZsyjZfiW Frances Fitzgerald (@FitzgeraldFrncs) November 28, 2017
Ms Fitzgerald has been under increasing pressure in the last 24 hours after it emerged she noted the contents of three separate emails sent to her office highlighting a row between the Garda Commissioners legal team and whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe.
The controversy had led to Fianna Fail demanding she step down or it would force a motion of no confidence which would have collapsed the 32nd Dail.
Fianna Fail frontbencher, Limerick TD Niall Collins said it is likely this will not happen now.
"As far as we were concerned, this was an issue of political accountability in relation to the Tanaiste and the former Minister for Justice. I don't see any reason why there will now be a general election given she has resigned. I think the public will breathe a collective sigh of relief that she has finally decided to do the right thing. The country faces so many critical challenges at the moment not least the importance and the critical point we are at with the Brexit negotiations, with homelessness, with housing, we have issues in relation to crime and the two-tier recovery: Dublin versus the rest. A general election would completely distract and disadvantage the country were it to be held now," he said.
Fine Gael councillor Daniel Butler, who was the first local party member last night to publicly call for the Trade Ministers resignation, welcomed the move.
He said: "I felt her position was no longer tenable. I think she has made the right decision for the sake not just of the party but for the sake of the country and avoided a Christmas election. I think there is a bigger question here. We are seeing a Department which is in complete disarray. There seems to be a total dysfunction at senior level in the department. It's not just about seeing a minister step down. I think there needs to a number of senior officials follow suit. There seems to be a whole level of incompetence there."
Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan turned fire on Taoiseach Varadkar for his insistence Ms Fitzgerald should remain on.
"He has damaged his credibility as a result. Fine Gael Ministers and TDs were sent out over the weekend to defend the Tanaiste and their governments position on this, and left with egg on their faces as a result of todays events. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has acted recklessly in the past week by allowing such a situation to escalate like it did, and the arrogance shown by Fine Gael has damaged the de facto coalition agreement with Fianna Fail and brought an election much closer," he said.
His party colleague, Sinn Fein Senator Paul Gavan said while a Christmas election is off the table, there will likely be one early in 2018.
"We should all recognise an election is coming. The confidence and supply agreement is broken. Two other key people have questions to answer: Charlie Flanagan who sat beside the Taoiseach while he was misleading the Dail, knowing he was doing so. Leo Varadkar knew of this on Saturday and sat on it, and left his ministerial team go out and bat knowing she was dead in the water once this became public," he said.
Solidarity councillor Cian Prendiville, who was expected to run on the party ticket in the event of a pre-Christmas election, said: "It was obvious she had to go. It's ridiculous that they put people through this 'will they, won't they?'. It went right to the wire. She should have gone at the very beginning. But she cannot just be the one scapegoat. Questions now have to be asked of Charlie Flanagan and Leo Varadkar who knew of this latest revelation last week but said nothing. This is only the start of lifting the lid on this."
A GRADUATE of the University of Limerick has taken to Twitter to air her frustration over being mistaken online for Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald.
Frances Fitzgerald, 27, a UL graduate who bears no relation to her 67-year-old namesake, has been inundated with tweets and tags concerning the under-fire politician over the past week, coming to a crescendo this Tuesday with the Fine Gael's politician's decision to step down from her post.
Please let this s***show end. Im tired of being mistaken for a 67-year-old woman, she tweeted in frustration.
Please let this shitshow end. I'm tired of being tagged in political tweets and being mistaken for a 67-year-old woman... https://t.co/DJjHM239RN Frances Fitzgerald (@FrancesFitz90) November 28, 2017
Speaking to the Limerick Leader, Ms Fitzgerald, a UL Journalism and New Media graduate, said the confusion stemmed from a tweet from a national political correspondent, who mistakenly included her Twitter handle in a tweet about the embattled Tanaiste.
I don't remember some of the tweets, as I didnt screen shot them all, (but) it was a simple mistake, she said.
After the initial tweet Frances saw that she had a number of notifications, with one person asking is there was any sign of a statement from the Tanaiste.
I didn't fully read the (initial) tweet at that stage so I was a little lost, she explained.
Frances said that by this Tuesday morning she was getting a little tired of it, mostly because people weren't deleting the tweets I was tagged in.
They would just apologise and leave it up, it obviously wasn't a huge deal, but Ive lost track of how many times Ive had a reply saying something along the lines of 'wrong Frances Fitzgerald', she said.
There was some consolation for the Limerick graduate from people named Stephen Donnelly and Niall Horan, who expressed sympathy with Ms Fitzgerald, having suffered from a similar issue on the social media platform.
You have my every sympathy. Every time Stephen Donnelly of Fianna Fail does something silly my mentions are brutal. Stephen Donnelly (@SteveDonnelly95) November 28, 2017
Believe me I feel your pain Niall Horan (@niallhoran) November 28, 2017
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A total of 15.04 million mu (about 0.07 hectares per mu) of desert in Alashan League of north Chinas Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has been turned into oases since the league was set up in 1980 to the end of July this year, thanks to a series of ecological projects, China News reported on Nov. 26.
Alashan has an area of 270,000 square kilometers. Of that figure, the ecologically vulnerable area occupies 94 percent, while the livable area accounts for only 6 percent.
Since the 1980s, the local ecological environment started to deteriorate due to 20-plus-years of over grazing and warming temperatures, said Liu Hongyi, director at the forestry station of the Alashan Left Banner of the league.
However, since the 21st century, the local government has stepped up efforts to implement ecological projects, including returning farmland to forests and livestock pastures to natural grasslands, as well as natural forest protection projects.
The projects have helped the league turn at least one million mu of desert into oases every year, according to Liu.
Liu added that many tourists across the country like to spend the cool summer in Alashan, as there are no sandstorms in the area anymore.
(Xinhua) 07:42, November 28, 2017
BUDAPEST, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Xiang Ou Express Budapest-Changsha return freight train carrying Central European cargo containers to Changsha, China, was launched from here for the first time on Monday.
The train carries 41 containers of red wine, beer, cereals, milk powder and hardware accessories made in Hungary and its neighboring countries.
The launching ceremony was attended by Laszlo Mosoczi, deputy state secretary of the Hungarian ministry for national development, Hunan province Vice Governor He Baoxiang, and Xu Xiangping, head of the department of commerce for the Hunan province.
Mosoczi said Hungarian export to China reached a record of 2.25 billion U.S. dollars last year, while the export of food products increased by 1.5 times from 2015. The data of the first eight months showed that further increase -- double digits in several areas -- is to be expected, he added.
Xu said it is a major move to promote the smooth flow of trade, adding that "it is also an important way for the Hunan province to build a new pattern of opening to the outside world."
On June 16 this year, the first freight train from Changsha arrived in Budapest.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a speech at the opening ceremony of the seventh China and the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC) Economic and Trade Forum in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 27, 2017. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
BUDAPEST, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called for advancing cooperation between China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries (CEEC), also known as the 16+1 cooperation.
As an important part of and a helpful complement to China-Europe ties, 16+1 cooperation has promoted the development of China-Europe relations, Li said in a keynote speech to the seventh China-CEEC Economic and Trade Forum held in the Hungarian capital city of Budapest.
The premier called for docking the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative with the development strategies of the CEEC and taking the lead in implementing the results of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe.
Speaking to over 1,000 entrepreneurs from China and the CEEC at the opening ceremony of the forum, Li also demanded efforts to accelerate the building of connectivity projects such as the Hungary-Serbia railway and promote the healthy development of China-Europe freight train services.
Production capacity is also an area where the two sides should expand cooperation, said Li, calling for jointly building economic and trade cooperation zones and creating an industrial chain, value chain and logistics chain featuring closer integration, stronger drive and wider benefit.
Li also called upon the two sides to boost trade and investment liberalization and facilitation by strengthening customs cooperation and speeding up logistics, and to promote cooperation in the fields of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Chinese premier urged the two sides to expand financing channels to support China-CEEC cooperation.
In the speech, Li announced the establishment of China-CEEC Inter-Bank Association and the second phase of China-Central and Eastern Europe Investment Cooperation Fund.
The China Development Bank will provide an equivalent amount of 2 billion euros (2.4 billion U.S. dollars) as development-oriented financial cooperation loans for the inter-bank association, Li said.
Meanwhile, the Chinese premier said the second phase of the investment cooperation fund that totaled 1 billion dollars will be mainly invested in Central and Eastern Europe.
China supports commercial and development financial institutions to provide finance for bilateral cooperation projects and supports the two sides to conduct renminbi-denominated financing business for their cooperation projects, Li said.
China's economy has been transformed from a phase of high-speed growth to high-quality development, and this will surely create opportunities for all countries in the world including the CEEC in terms of bigger market, stronger growth, more investment and cooperation, Li said.
On his part, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said 16+1 cooperation has covered economy and trade, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges in the past five years, which not only benefited the CEEC's development, but also became an effective mechanism and integral part of Europe-China mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation.
In the context of a changing world political order and economic landscape, 16 Central and Eastern European countries are willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China and take this as the opportunity for development, in line with the spirit of equal treatment and mutual respect, Orban said.
Orban also said the CEEC will actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative and create better environment for Chinese companies investing and developing in Central and Eastern Europe.
Li arrived in Budapest on Sunday for an official visit to Hungary and for the sixth meeting of heads of government of China and 16 Central and Eastern European countries.
During his stay in Hungary, Li will hold bilateral meetings with CEEC leaders and work with them to outline future cooperation. He will also witness the signing of a series of cooperation documents and celebrate the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the 16+1 cooperation.
Interview: China's advances in quantum-encrypted communications go one up on Einstein: physicist
(Xinhua) 08:04, November 28, 2017
VIENNA, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The landmark breakthrough on intercontinental quantum-encrypted communications made by Chinese scientists opens the window for global quantum communications, turning the once-doubted quantum phenomena into reality, a world leading quantum physicist told Xinhua.
Renowned scientist Anton Zeilinger, seen as a pioneer in the field of quantum information and of the foundations of quantum mechanics, believes the landmark quantum-encrypted intercontinental video call between China and Austria is very important and impressive.
Quantum cryptography is the science of exploiting quantum mechanical properties to encrypt data. Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics which describes nature at the smallest scales of energy levels of atoms and subatomic particles.
"I see this as a part of the goal of building a future quantum internet, where in this case China enabled a worldwide quantum-secure communication," the physicist said.
Zeilinger has cooperated with Chinese physicists on quantum communications such as the Chinese "quantum experiments at space scale" (QESS) project.
On Sept. 29, a team of Chinese scientists in Beijing led by Bai Chunli, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, held a half-hour video call with Zeilinger, who happens to be the president of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, and his colleagues in Vienna, using quantum encryption developed from the quantum phenomena called quantum entanglement that secures the communications.
Zeilinger was particularly impressed by how smoothly the tests ran, and how good the quality of the connection was between satellites and the ground stations.
"What was really impressive was that the connection was of such high quality. I was really impressed by the fact that the data collection via the satellites worked, I would say, even better than we expected," said Zeilinger.
ONE UP ON EINSTEIN
For many quantum physicists, this practical application of the technology is undoubtedly an important milestone in the history of quantum mechanics, as the so-called mysterious quantum entanglement phenomena was made real.
The phenomena were the subject of a 1935 paper by Albert Einstein, Boris Podolsky, and Nathan Rosen. However, Einstein and others considered such behavior to be impossible, as it violated the local realist view of causality, and Einstein described it as "spooky action at a distance".
"Einstein himself would be really surprised," Zeilinger laughed, saying, "Because these concepts like entanglement now find practical application -- he would never have expected that."
He said the important point was that these quantum phenomena are no longer a matter of philosophical curiosity, but also an actual technology with real applications.
In practice, the first main application of the technology is secure communications, which Zeilinger believes could be used by banks, governments, and a select few smaller institutions within the next ten years, to safely exchange data and communications.
The stage is now set for the cutting-edge technology to be implemented worldwide.
With espionage and hacking of great concern, particularly when it comes to state secrets or important commercial information, the technology will be of high importance to such institutions.
Over the next 20 years, the University of Vienna professor expects the technology to spread worldwide, initially parallel to the current internet, and may later even take over as the "new quantum internet".
Quantum computers could also be employed together with the internet and satellites to form the basis of the new technology.
Zeilinger said China's success in conducting the QESS project and other cutting-edge scientific endeavors is in part due to an ability to make decisions on such projects more quickly than in Europe.
Its system sets a focus on technology, and makes sure people working on projects can reach their goals, and receive enough financial and institutional support. At present its research capacity also matches that of Europe and the United States, Zeilinger believes.
China invested a lot in quantum-related projects, and has successfully sent a quantum satellite Micius into space, while having several receiving stations domestically.
"I am convinced that this is the first step for worldwide quantum communication, so the investment is certainly well-placed for China; no question," Zeilinger said.
SCIENTIFIC TALENT
However, he stressed that talented Chinese scientists are crucial for this project, such Chinese quantum physicist Pan Jianwei, also the project leader.
In examining the beginnings of the quantum communications project, Zeilinger said one must look back some 20 years, when Pan conducted his university studies in Austria, in the cities of Vienna and Innsbruck.
Pan was recommended to him by the prestigious University of Science and Technology in China (USTC) in Hefei, and subsequently the talented student surprised his professor as he undertook a PhD in Austria.
Zeilinger is "very proud" of Pan, who was always enthusiastic about his work, and has now achieved technical success for the project.
He added that Pan, one of his best students, initially had a much stronger foundation in mathematical theory. Zeilinger encouraged Pan to undertake experiments, which was then on a small scale in the lab, but which are now changing the world.
The act of bridging theory with experiments proved to be something that Pan had a talent for. Some of the first ideas, concepts, experiments, and realizations of the present technology inside the Micius satellite were conceived back then, Zeilinger said.
Pan has in turn been a role model and mentor to new generations of talented young scientists in the fields of quantum computation and information. Zeilinger noted he is impressed by the level of science in China, as seen at numerous Chinese universities such as Peking University, Tsinghua University, and Nanjing University.
It was much later, some five or six years ago, that Pan returned to China and was asked if he would like to collaborate in conjunction with the Austrian team, to which he subsequently agreed.
Pan was elected as a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2011 and the World Academy of Sciences in 2012.
He won the international quantum communication award in 2012. His team's work on double quantum-teleportation was selected as the Physics world top breakthrough of the year in 2015. His team won the state natural science first class award in 2016.
The world's first quantum satellite was launched successfully by China in August 2016 as part of the QESS international research project, and Pan made great contribution to this project.
FUTURE VIEW
For further development of the advanced quantum mechanics project, Zeilinger said it is important to have more ground stations in Europe, and also a ground network based on fiber optics -- something China is doing now.
Quantum communications will be carried out just like the present internet -- via fiber optics, computers, and satellites in many countries. In the end, he anticipates global collaboration, just as with the internet.
But for a distances of greater than 2,000 km, it is better to use a satellite for quantum communication, Zeilinger told Xinhua, saying ground stations connected via fiber optics can work over a few hundred kilometers, but otherwise lose too many photons.
China presently has plans to build more satellites for this purpose and other countries will have them too.
"I am convinced there will be broad cooperation, like ground stations will be able to maybe talk to a Chinese satellite, and maybe at other times a European satellite, and so on," Zeilinger said.
"We will certainly continue to collaborate in various ways. For example, a test is planned soon in China and the Canary Islands, which are located west of the African coast," he added.
Some challenges for the technology remain, such as to improve data transmission rates, which he conceded were presently "not very much". For this, broadband communications are required, with improvements to various transmission and receiving equipment such as satellites being deemed necessary.
At present, satellite communications are only made from one location to another. In future, Zeilinger said whole user networks -- such as one in China, and one in Europe -- should be connected with each other via satellite, and this would be considered another breakthrough in quantum communications.
Amazon is a system, and this system has plenty of cool features built-in to save you some money.
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Hulu cut the ribbon Tuesday at its new Viewer Experience Operations headquarters on the near Northwest Side of San Antonio, a victory for city and Bexar County leaders who courted the company heavily to convince them to make the city home for the new office.
The citys six-year 100 percent tax abatement for Hulu is worth about $279,000, and the countys 10-year, 90 percent real and personal property tax abatement for the company is worth an estimated $403,000. The Texas Enterprise Fund also pledged in April to give them a $1.28 million cash grant.
Hulus own capital investment in the new headquarters is expected to exceed $13 million, according to Texas Enterprise Fund records.
READ ALSO: Creepy photos of the old Windsor Park Mall before Rackspace bought it
Now Playing: Hulu opened its headquarters in San Antonio, Nov. 28. Video: San Antonio Express-News
Its more than just about a business, said State Rep. Diana Arevalo Tuesday at a press event at the new Hulu location. Its about jobs. Its about economic opportunity. Its about having people aspire to want to do more in different fields.
San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in an October interview with the Express-News it is a call center, but pointed out that it provides jobs the city needs.
Will it enhance San Antonios job ecosystem? Is it net positive in terms of the investment that were making? And does it provide for new opportunities to expose a new company to San Antonio and vice versa? If the answer is yes to those questions, then, then its a deal that I think is worthwhile, and in this case, I believe it was, Nirenberg said.
San Antonio Economic Development Foundation CEO and President Jenna Saucedo-Herrera said earlier this year she was impressed by Hulus California campus during a March visit.
Its a wonderful environment, the cafeteria and music playing. The campus here will be the perfect environment that any San Antonian would be interested in. There will be game rooms, the whole nine yards, she said at the time.
The customer service center will provide around-the-clock telephone, email, chat and social media support. It also will reach out to customers and conduct account analysis.
RELATED: Photos: What it's like to work inside the Rackspace 'Castle'
Hulu in August named Linda Cardenas to lead the companys viewer experience team at the new contact center. Around 30 of the companys employees moved from California to San Antonio to work at the new center, Cardenas said Tuesday in an interview.
The companys employees in San Antonio had been working for about five months out of a temporary location, Cardenas said, and moved to the new location in the last week of October.
Its a fun, exciting, really casual environment for our team, Cardenas said of the new space.
The San Antonio office hired its first person 189 days ago, said Ben Smith, senior vice president of Experience at Hulu. The office now has more than 300 people, and they will have 380 by the end of the year, Smith said in an interview.
Well have more than 500 people here by August of next year, Smith said. Right now were mostly limited by the space, so were in the third floor of this building right now. August of next year well open up the second floor.
The company looked all around the city for office space, Smith said, but being away from a high commute area was one of the things that attracted them to the location they chose.
RELATED: 9 tech and cyber companies to know in San Antonio
When working to choose a city for the new headquarters, Smith asked to be introduced to some local companies. Through Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, Smith said he spent a day at Rackspace and toured their facility.
We talked a lot about what they have learned being based here in San Antonio, Smith said. And they have some very similar types of employees and types of jobs, and actually a very similar culture to Hulu. So that relationship actually really helped me understand San Antonio, not just from the economic development point of view or the city, but from a company that has been based here in San Antonio from the beginning.
It helped the company make a very informed choice, Smith said.
Hulu considered 23 cities, and eventually settled on San Antonio, which was always in the top group of cities from the beginning, Smith said.
The one concern that we had about San Antonio was, ironically, is low unemployment rate, because that would make it hard to find and retain people, Smith said.
Within the first 60 days or so the company was put at ease, Smith said.
We saw an amazing number of highly-qualified applicants and as we saw those employees come, get trained and start we felt really really good about it, Smith said. San Antonio is a growing city and it shows.
Staff Writer David Hendricks contributed to this report.
sehlinger@express-news.net | Twitter: @samehlinger
WASHINGTON The Republican tax bill hurtling through Congress is increasingly tilting the U.S. tax code to benefit wealthy Americans, as party leaders race to shore up wavering lawmakers who are requesting more help for high-earning business owners.
On Monday, as Republican lawmakers returned to Washington determined to quickly pass their tax overhaul, senators were in feverish talks to resolve concerns that could bedevil the bills passage. With pressure increasing on Republicans to produce a legislative victory, lawmakers are contemplating changes that would exacerbate the tax bills divide between the rich and the middle class.
Those include efforts to further reward certain high-income business owners who are already receiving a tax break in the Senate bill but who are at the center of a concerted push by conservative lawmakers and trade groups to sweeten those benefits.
As Republican leaders pressed for a Senate floor vote this week, there appeared to be little momentum for amendments that would help low-income Americans, which some Republican and many Democratic senators had sought.
The Congressional Budget Office said this week that the Senate bill, as written, would hurt workers earning less than $30,000 a year in short order, while delivering benefits to the highest earners throughout the next decade. Those estimates echo other analyses, like that by the Joint Committee on Taxation, which have found the biggest benefits of the bill increasingly flowing to the rich over time. By 2027, the budget office said, Americans earning $75,000 a year and below would, as a group, see their taxes increase, because individual tax cuts are set to expire at the end of 2025.
At the heart of the debate is whether to more favorably treat small businesses and other pass-through entities businesses whose profits are distributed to their owners and taxed at rates for individuals. Seventy percent of pass-through income flows to the top 1 percent of U.S. earners, according to research by Owen Zidar, an economist at the University of Chicagos Booth School of Business.
Two Republican senators, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Steve Daines of Montana, have said that they will vote against the plan if it does not do more to help the owners of those businesses, possibly by increasing the individual income tax deduction for such owners from the 17.4 percent rate currently in the Senate bill.
Republicans, who control the Senate 52-48, can afford to lose only two of their members if they hope to pass the bill on party lines in the upper chamber.
Johnson could stall the bill by himself Tuesday, when it is scheduled for a vote in the Senate Budget Committee. Johnson sits on that committee, where Republicans have a single-vote majority. On Monday, he said he would vote no unless his concerns were addressed.
I need a fix beforehand, Johnson said.
Earlier in the day, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, the majority whip, said, Theres no deal, but theres been some discussions on how to address Senator Johnson and Senator Daines concerns. He continued, Were trying to be responsive.
Adding to the uncertainty, Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee also said Monday that he could be a no vote in the Budget Committee if his concerns about the bills effect on the deficit were not adequately addressed.
Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who leads the Senate Finance Committee, said that there was a strong desire to get a bill passed by Friday and that additional changes would most likely be made on the Senate floor. Despite speculation that the House will face pressure to quickly vote upon whatever passes in the Senate, Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, said he fully expects there would be a conference to bridge differences between the House and Senate plans.
The pass-through fight is the first skirmish in what lawmakers and lobbyists expect will be a frenzied week, which Republican leaders hope will produce the first major legislative victory of the Trump era for their party.
The week is expected to be punctuated by behind-the-scenes arm twisting and deal making as party leaders work to allay senators worries without exceeding their self-imposed $1.5 trillion budget for tax cuts. At least a half-dozen senators have raised concerns about the bill, including its potential to add to the federal deficit and a provision that would eliminate the Affordable Care Act requirement that most Americans have health insurance or pay a penalty.
Many of those senators are in discussions with party leaders over how to tweak the bill to address their concerns. James Lankford, R-Okla., said Monday that he was in talks over a proposal meant to ensure the tax plan did not balloon the deficit. Lankford said the Senate was discussing inserting a provision that would lead to tax increases as yet unspecified after a period of years if federal revenues fell short of lawmakers projections.
To me, Lankford said, the big issue is how are we dealing with debt and deficit, do we have realistic numbers, and is there a backstop in the process just in case we dont?
Corker and Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, who has also expressed concerns about the bills costs, said Monday that they were similarly interested in some type of trigger or backstop.
Some other senators concerns appear less likely to be addressed. Mike Lee of Utah and Marco Rubio of Florida, for example, appear to be making little progress in persuading party leaders to expand access to the child tax credit for low-income families, by allowing the credit to be refundable against payroll tax liability. Such a move would allow working parents who do not currently face income tax liability to still benefit from the expanded credit envisioned in the bill.
On Monday, several Republicans from the Senate Finance Committee, including Hatch, emerged from a lunch with President Donald Trump at the White House saying that they were confident they would have the necessary votes to pass the package this week and would be able to resolve differences with the House version so that the bill could be signed into law in short order.
Were generally able to get together and solve these problems, Hatch said of the House and Senate.
White House officials privately said that they hoped the two chambers could resolve their differences privately and informally to avoid a potentially lengthy and divisive formal conference that typically is needed to complete major legislation.
Asked whether the legislation could be completed by Christmas, Hatch said, I hope so.
He added that Democrats should get off their duffs and support the plan. Trump, for his part, said later in the day that he was not interested in getting Democratic support.
At an event in the Oval Office honoring Navajo code talkers from World War II, Trump boasted that the package would be a tremendous tax cut, the biggest in the history of our country and predicted there would be great receptivity to it.
If we win, well get some Democratic senators joining us, he said. But Im not so interested in that. Were really interested just in getting it passed.
Trump is expected to go to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to have lunch with Republican senators before meeting with the top congressional leaders from both parties in the afternoon.
BOCA CHICA, Texas -- More than three years ago, SpaceX founder Elon Musk gathered with state leaders at this remote South Texas beach to trumpet it as the future location of the worlds first commercial spaceport.
But so far, the only liftoffs from the shifting dunes are being achieved by seagulls and pelicans.
SpaceX the Hawthorne, California, company started by the Musk with the aim of reducing the cost of space travel and one day facilitating the colonization of Mars still counts the Boca Chica site in its plans. The company installed two large tracking antennas at the location this year, perhaps the most tangible indication yet of its intended purpose as a launch point for commercial satellites and, eventually, exploration of the solar system.
But progress on the Boca Chica facility in which Musk vowed SpaceX would invest $100 million and initially predicted could be sending up rockets by late 2016 has been slower than either SpaceX or state officials envisioned when it was announced in 2014.
The state has pledged a total of $15.3 million in incentives to the project, although SpaceX has returned a small portion of the state money it has received so far because it hasnt met early job-creation goals.
The slower rate of progress is partly the result of difficulties building on the beach after bedrock turned out to be deeper than expected and the water table turned out to be higher than expected. That prompted SpaceX to bring in hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of new soil to stabilize the site to support future structures.
Other slowdowns have been caused by the companys focus on more pressing issues after one of its rockets exploded in 2015 shortly after liftoff from a leased launch pad at Floridas Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and another exploded on the pad in 2016, temporarily grounding some of SpaceXs commercial operations both times.
Most recently, SpaceX has said the first blast-off from Boca Chica could take place by the end of 2018. Spokesman James Gleeson reiterated that goal in a recent interview although he added a caveat.
SpaceX has continued to make progress on building the first-ever commercial spaceport in South Texas while also overcoming a number of challenges in the last few years, Gleeson said. We continue to target late 2018 but were reviewing our progress in South Texas and SpaceX will turn the launch complex online as soon as its ready.
Boca Chica is in Cameron County, about 20 miles east of Brownsville at the southernmost tip of Texas, where Texas Highway 4 dead-ends into the Gulf of Mexico. A small housing development, called Boca Chica Village, is nearby.
According to state documents obtained by the Austin American-Statesman through an open-records request, the deadline for the Boca Chica spaceport to become operational or potentially lose more of the state incentive money pledged to it is less than a year away on Sept. 30, 2018. The agreement also requires that 120 people be employed by the facility by the end of this year, 180 by the end of 2018 and 300 by the end of 2024.
Only a handful of people were working at the location during a recent visit by the American-Statesman, however, and there was little to distinguish it amid the windswept landscape as the future site of a cutting-edge launching point for space exploration.
Aside from the two tracking antennas brought in this year which arent yet operational the most notable structure was a large platform of compacted soil, set off by fencing and a SpaceX Launch Site sign. Across the highway, the metal framework of what appeared to be a storage building was being erected around some heavy equipment.
The spaceport has been viewed by state and local leaders as the linchpin to establishing South Texas as a hub for an emerging private U.S. space industry in an era of NASA budget cuts, and former Gov. Rick Perry was on hand for the ground-breaking ceremony in September 2014. At the time, the Brownsville Economic Development Corp. estimated SpaceX would create 500 jobs over 10 years with an annual payroll of more than $51 million.
Musk a billionaire serial entrepreneur who also started electric-car maker Tesla and is known for bold statements and futuristic pronouncements said during the groundbreaking that rockets launched from Boca Chica would carry commercial satellites at first but eventually could be critical to establishing a human presence on Mars. SpaceXs formal name is Space Exploration Technologies Corp.
It could very well be that the first person that departs for another planet will depart from this location, Musk said at the time.
The rate of progress at Boca Chica since then isnt necessarily a surprise to some SpaceX observers, however, because both the company and Musk have reputations in the aerospace industry for issuing ambitious timetables that often are revised.
Being behind schedule is kind of par for the course for SpaceX, said Bill Ostrove, primary space analyst for Forecast International. They lay out very aggressive plans in terms of time schedules that are very rarely if ever met. Theres kind of an expectation that anytime SpaceX gives you a date, you always have to assume that there is going to be a few years of delay.
Still, Musk does have a track record of eventually accomplishing many of the goals he sets -- such as when SpaceX made history this year by relaunching into orbit and then successfully landing a booster rocket that it had flown before. The feat marked a milestone because the company views reusable rockets as the key to lowering the cost of space flight.
I wouldnt doubt (Musk) in the end, Ostrove said, although he said he hadnt heard anything specifically about SpaceXs latest Boca Chica plans.
Texas beat out Florida, Georgia and Puerto Rico to win the future spaceport. The state pledged $2.3 million from the jobs-focused Texas Enterprise Fund and $13 million from another state incentive fund called the Spaceport Trust Fund, in addition to millions more in various tax incentives committed by local governments near the proposed launch site.
SpaceX received its first payment from the states spaceport fund -- routed through the Cameron County Spaceport Development Corp. -- this year, totaling $2.6 million and intended to help pay for infrastructure, such as the tracking antennas.
To date, SpaceX has paid back about $81,000 of the $400,000 in incentives money it initially received from the Texas Enterprise Fund because it didnt meet hiring goals for either 2015 or 2016. Under the incentives agreement with the state, the company was supposed to have created 60 full-time jobs related to the site by the end of last year, but it had created only 10, according to documents obtained by the American-Statesman.
Support for the project continues to be solid among state leaders and Cameron County officials, however.
The governors office remains confident Brownsville will be home to the launch of a new SpaceX venture, said Ciara Matthews, a spokeswoman for Gov. Greg Abbott. SpaceX has continually maintained a partnership of transparency with the state of Texas, and the governors office continues to work with the company to ensure a successful project and full compliance with their (Texas Enterprise Fund) agreement.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. said he doesnt consider the spaceport behind schedule because his understanding of SpaceXs plans since he took office in November last year has been that the first launch wouldnt take place until late 2018.
But Trevino also said he wasnt aware that SpaceX had fallen short of its hiring targets, noting that Cameron County isnt charged with monitoring job creation at the site since the companys job-related incentives come from the state. Cameron County has granted a $1.8 million, 10-year property-tax abatement to SpaceX, he said.
Obviously, (the hiring shortfall) is a slowdown and a little bit of a delay, but I havent heard anything (else) that would indicate the project is in a slowdown or is a project that is not going to come to fruition, Trevino said. We are being told (by SpaceX) that the plan and the project is still moving forward.
He said hes confident we are going to see launches taking place from Cameron County eventually.
Its really exciting, Trevino said. Obviously, we would love to see more tangible examples of the progress, but Im sure we will.
According to SpaceX, he and others wont have to wait much longer for an increase in activity at the future spaceport. The recently installed antennas at Boca Chica are expected to be operational next year although theyll initially track flights blasting off from elsewhere and the company also indicated development of the overall launch complex should pick up.
Even as our teams worked to modernize and repair our launch complexes in Florida so that we could reliably return to flight for our customers, SpaceX invested $14 million into the South Texas project, said Gleeson, the companys spokesman.
Now, with our launch construction projects in Florida wrapping up by early 2018, SpaceX will be able to turn more attention to our work in South Texas, he said.
(Global Times) 08:13, November 28, 2017
Parents allege further child abuse in Beijing
Photo: Li Hao/GT
Photo: Li Hao/GT
Photo: Li Hao/GT
Police are investigating claims of suspected child abuse at another Beijing kindergarten, following several similar cases which have sparked public outrage in China.
Parents of children enrolled at Huanyu kindergarten, in Beijing's Chaoyang district, have claimed on Monday that teachers also pricked the children with needles, similar to the allegations made of the abuse at the RYB Education kindergarten, also in Chaoyang.
One woman, who claimed to be the parent of a child at Huanyu, showed the Global Times a photo on a cellphone that allegedly showed needle marks on her daughter's arms.
Another woman surnamed Jiang said she found marks on her son's forehead and arms two months ago, but only knew this weekend that "these are needle hole marks."
She said about six furious parents gathered at the kindergarten on Monday to demand an explanation from a teacher surnamed Xia, after their children had accused Xia of pricking them with needles.
Xia denied these accusations, and told the Global Times she is not aware of the situation.
Xia is still a college student and is an intern at the kindergarten, and she is not yet a certified teacher, said news site thepaper.cn.
A kindergarten employee told the Global Times that the school is also investigating. He added he could not provide more information because the probe is ongoing.
The allegation comes soon after the child abuse cases at Beijing's RYB Education kindergarten, which remains at the center of public attention.
Media reports on Thursday alleged multiple cases of child abuse at the school. Some parents had claimed their children had puncture marks from needles and had been given unknown types of pills.
Beijing police announced Saturday on social media they had detained a 22-year-old female teacher surnamed Liu for suspected child abuse, and Chaoyang district authorities said the principal of the kindergarten has been fired.
Beijing's education commission said Sunday that it will appoint an inspector at every kindergarten. The commission also vowed to build a database that will be used as a monitoring system.
Aside from monitoring the schools, the commission said they would also help the schools communicate with parents.
A kindergarten in the city's Haidian district told the Beijing Youth Daily that kindergartens are required by the education commission to install cameras to monitor the premises, and some kindergartens in Dongcheng district have also been ordered to link their surveillance cameras with local police stations.
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Christmas cheer can be a dangerous and backbreaking endeavor, especially in Philomath, Oregon.
Philomath is home to Holiday Tree Farms, the largest grower of holiday trees in the U.S.
Photos from the tree farm reveal a carefully choreographed harvesting process that results in more than 1 million trees shipped around the country, according to Justin Sullivan in captions appended to a series of photos he took from the farm.
GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT: Nostalgic photos show the evolution of Texas' Santa's Wonderland
In 2016, more than 27 million real Christmas trees were purchased in the U.S. totaling more than $2 billion, the National Christmas Tree association reported. The average real tree costs $74.
Now Playing: Photos from an Oregon tree farm reveal a carefully choreographed harvesting process that results in more than one million Christmas trees shipped around the country. Video: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Swipe through the gallery above to see the men and women of Holiday Tree Farms at work.
Fernando Alfonso III is a digital reporter at Chron.com. You can read more of his stories here and follow him on twitter at @fernalfonso. If you also like surreal GIFs and Polaroids, go here and here.
AUSTIN -- The Republican Party of Texas says it has submitted open records requests with the offices of every member of the Texas House as party officials try to figure out who complained to the state's campaign finance regulator about the party's speaker commitment form.
"According to a press report last week (in the Quorum Report) an inquiry was filed with the Texas Ethics Commission on the Republican Party of Texas' Republican Caucus Speaker Selection Commitment Form asking whether the existence of the form was a method of 'legislative bribery,'" the party said in a statement.
A man has been charged with intoxication assault after a crash in Galveston Monday night that flipped two cars and sent six people to the hospital.
Michael Herrera, 39, drove his Chevy Silverado through a stop sign at the corner of 47th Street and Avenue Q about 8:30 p.m., according to the Galveston Police Department. Witnesses told police Herrera was speeding when he crashed into a Chevrolet Cruze carrying three adults and two children, ages 8 and 9.
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Tree planting has turned into gold for Cypress Christian School senior Halle Hudson.
Hudson earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting after completing a tree-planting project around Sims Bayou and Meyer Park.
"It feels very empowering to know that I completed this national award, that it was such a great success, and that I was able to make my mark on the world," Hudson said.
The Girl Scout Gold Award, which recognizes girls in high school who demonstrate leadership through sustainable and measurable community service projects, requires a minimum of 80 hours to complete.
Hudson, who has been a Girl Scout for 13 years, since kindergarten, completed her tree-planting project and created a website informing others on how to plant trees for people to enjoy and continue the work she started with the project.
"My favorite part about the tree planting was implementing my plan and seeing the end result become a great success for not only me, but my community," Hudson said. "What I enjoy most about being a Girl Scout is the long lasting sisterhood with the other members of my troop and learning how to use the skills I've learned to become a self-sufficient young lady."
Through the process of the project, Hudson trained more than 30 volunteers in how to plant the trees, gave presentations to other Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and a science class at her school, and created a fact sheet about how to plant trees.
Hudson also distributed the fact sheet that included a link to her tree-planting project, to her church, local stores, and community.
"Halle led and organized her team, she was proficient in developing and implementing a detailed plan, and was an effective communicator," Pamela Hubbard said, leader of Troop 12601 where Hudson belongs.
Hudson has plans to attend college and major in marketing.
Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, which Hudson's troop is a member of, is a United Way agency, one of the largest Girl Scout councils in the country serving more than 58,000 girl members and 16,000 adults in 26 southeast Texas counties.
"It is important to be a Girl Scout because girls are taught to be leaders, bold creative thinkers, advocates for change, and servants to the community to make the world a better place," Hubbard said.
Girl Scouts of the USA includes 1.8 million girls and 800,000 adults who aim to change the world through the power G.I.R.L. The acronym stands for being a go-getter, innovator, risk taker, and leader.
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Pena's Donuts & Diner took a hard hit from Hurricane Harvey when the fledgling restaurant off Pearland Parkway received eight inches of rain, ruining much of the interior and equipment, and forcing owner Raymond Pena to shut its doors.
Despite the hardship, Pena, who has lived in Pearland for more than 30 years, wasn't ready to give up, but he knew he couldn't go it alone. He has partnered with Aldo Salazar, and the men say they'll be ready to welcome customers in December.
"We had so much damage from the storm and I realized I'd need a partner to reopen," said Pena, a former Houston firefighter and owner of Donut Heaven, a Pearland donut shop he established in 2010. "We found Mr. Salazar and he had a really good concept for what we wanted to do financially, and we thought he could bring what we needed here. Now we're just working hard, and it's almost like we're starting all over again. We even have to rehire about 20 employees."
Salazar, who has a background in marketing and design, said he was eager to jump at the chance to see the business get back on its feet.
"I've been a customer of this place before. I used to come in all the time," he said.
"So when I saw the Facebook post that the business might need to close (because of the storm) I jumped right on it and set up a meeting."
The meeting proved successful, and Pena and Salazar are hoping that success will translate into renewed business once Pena's Donuts & Diner reopens just north of Pearland at the Sam Houston Tollway.
"I think part of what excited people (before the storm) about the concept of this place is that it's not traditional," Salazar said. "We have a lot of Mexican- and barbecue-inspired food. You won't find this kind of stuff outside of Texas."
Pena said fans of more standard breakfast fare also will feel right at home.
"We're known throughout the city of Houston and in Pearland for our doughnuts, and we consider ourselves to have some of the best doughnuts around," he said.
"As far as other food, we do have the classics like chicken and waffles and other traditional American breakfast and lunch plates."
Both men have experience in restaurants.
Pena's Donuts & Diner, established late last year, is Pena's third restaurant, following the opening of Donut Heaven. He opened his first doughnut shop in 1996 in southeast Houston, but his exposure to the restaurant business came earlier.
You might even say it's in his blood.
"My mom had a Shipley's doughnut franchise so that's how I learned about the doughnut business, and my dad was a very good chef with the Merchant Marines," he said.
"I learned everything about the food part from my parents."
As for Salazar, he cut his teeth in the industry.
"Growing up I worked in restaurants in high school and in college," he said.
With the reopening right around the corner, Pena is looking to build on the momentum his eatery was gathering before Harvey dealt it a harsh blow.
"It's always hard in the beginning when you're starting a business, but it was doing pretty well," he said. "But when we had to close and I put it on Facebook that we might not reopen we had a tremendous response from people who didn't want that to happen and who wanted me to reopen.
"When I posted that we were getting close to reopening people were really happy to hear it."
Pena's Donuts & Diner, which will reopen in its original location at 10555 Pearland Parkway, St. 1A, is slated to open the first or second week of December with regular business hours from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. seven days a week.
For more information call 832-831-9630.
With employees around the region, across the United States and throughout the world looking for workers skilled in cyber security, Lone Star College will soon be offering apprenticeship programs to train students to work in cyber security and other industries to try to fill the growing demand for workers.
The college is set to begin its registered apprenticeship programs where students will be able to "earn while they learn" while getting trained in cyber security, as well as other trades including mechatronics, machining and as field service technicians.
The apprenticeship programs, which will begin in January, will be taught at the college's various campuses, including LSC-CyFair, LSC-North Harris and LSC-University Park, according to Caroline Williamson, Lone Star College's executive director of LSC Workforce Project Development.
Lone Star is offering the apprenticeship training through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, with the college saying in a release announcing the program that it's the first college in Texas to offer the registered programs through the federal agency. The apprenticeships are new programs and not an expansion of current programs.
The apprenticeship programs come at a time when demand for workers offering cyber security skills booms. According to a nonprofit security research group called Information Systems Audit and Control Association, there's already such a growing demand of skilled workers in the field that by January of 2019 there's expected to be a worldwide shortage of an estimated two million cyber security workers. And the association notes that even though demand for information technology professionals is already in high gear, the demand for cyber security professionals to work in IT is growing three times as fast.
So beside preparing themselves to ride the wave of this cyber security hiring frenzy, Lone Star officials say students enrolling in the apprenticeship programs can also earn money along the way.
"Lone Star College will customize each apprenticeship program to fit the company's need, based on industry standard and required curriculum or hours," Williamson said.
Locally, Williamson notes, The Texas Workforce Commission reports that the need for information security analysts in the Texas Gulf Coast region will jump more than 26 percent from 2014 to 2024. And, beside cyber security programs, Lone Star will also be offering apprenticeships in mechatronics, machining and field service technology.
The field of mechatronics is a relatively new term of a field that describes the combined training of mechanical engineering, electronics and other skills to repair automated machines and robotic equipment. Demand for such workers is especially high locally, with The Houston Chronicle reporting that trained workers are in big demand among Houston's major employers, including Daikin, HP, National Oilwell Varco and Halliburton. And nationwide, the newspaper reported there were 388,000 openings in the field, with the jobs being described as "well-paying."
Lone Star and federal labor officials say besides earning money while preparing for work in these booming and high-paying fields, the college's apprenticeship programs are also flexible, allowing students to work and hopefully avoid taking out loans to finance their education. The college's job placement services department also works to connect students with hiring companies.
"Students can earn while they learn, reducing the need to take on debt," U.S. Department of Labor representative James Carnes said in a statement included in Lone Star's release.
Besides its apprenticeship programs Lone Star is also moving forward with a plan to open a seventh campus, which would likely be open in the spring of 2019. That campus would serve students who now take classes at satellite centers in north Harris County.
With its current six campuses Lone Star officials say the college is the largest higher learning institution in the Houston area providing training and classes to 99,000 students a semester.
(Xinhua) 08:16, November 28, 2017
Chinese and U.S. demand for petrochemicals will drive the global demand for oil next year, expert said on Monday at the three-day Gulf Petrochemical and Chemical Association Forum.
Demand for oil in China and the U.S. is expected to continue to grow next year, Vice President of Refining and Chemicals at research firm Wood Mackenzie Alan Gelder said, "and globally, we see 3.5 percent growth for petrochemical products in 2018."
The growth of oil-related manufacturing like the production of ethane and propane, which are basic materials for plastic, was the main driver for the demand of the "black gold."
A dip in demand for oil as seen in the third quarter of 2017 "was a one-off mostly driven by Hurricane Harvey which hit demand for petrochemicals in the United States," Gelder added.
Harvey lasted from Aug. 17 to Sept. 3 in the southwest of the United States and was, with 200 billion U.S. dollars in damage, the costliest storm on record, topping Katrina from 2005.
Gelder also mentioned that the slight slowing down of China's economic growth, saying it "does not mean China's economy is declining, in fact it keeps growing."
Asia's oil demand growth remains strong, and more balanced between gasoline and diesel/gas oil, said the analyst. Earlier in October, the International Monetary Fund raised its forecast for China's economic growth in 2017 and 2018, saying the Chinese economy would climb 6.8 percent this year and 6.5 percent next year, both 0.1 percentage point higher than its previous forecast in July, citing the stronger-than-expected performance in the first half of the year and continuous policy support.
Nevertheless Wood Mackzenzie does not expect the price of oil to rise sharply, but it anticipates Brent to trade at 65 dollars per barrel by 2020, despite the agreement between OEPC and Russia to cap production to lift the price.
"That is because OPEC (the Organization of Oil Exporting Countries) members Libya and Nigeria increase their production levels which mitigate OPEC and Russian production restraints, albeit OPEC adherence to cuts was strong in the first half," Gelder pointed out. Currently, Brent trades around 60 dollars per barrel.
On Nov. 30, the 14 OPEC members will gather for their 173rd ordinary meeting and their third OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting at the cartel's headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
On the top of the agenda is the discussion point whether the 14 OPEC member states and the 11 non-OPEC members led by Russia will extend their pact from January this year to cut oil production by a combined 1.8 million barrels per day in order to squeeze oversupplied global stockpiles and thus to lift prices. The agreed production volume of oil was set at 32 million barrels per day since then.
BRUSSELS, Belgium - A Belgian court announced Tuesday that it had struck down an effort to deport an imam at Belgium's oldest mosque, saying that Belgian immigration authorities had not provided evidence the cleric posed a serious threat to society.
The imam, Abdelhadi Sewif, has worked at the Grand Mosque of Brussels for 13 years. The Belgian state secretary for asylum and migration, Theo Francken, accused Sewif of threatening national security as he sought to reject a residence permit renewal. Sewif has denied the charges and said that he was never able to review the evidence against him, because it was classified intelligence material.
The decision curbs the efforts Belgian authorities have started to make against the mosque, which is Belgium's largest and is leased by the Belgian government to the Saudi royal family. Belgian lawmakers and counterterrorism officials have raised concerns about the unusual arrangement of foreign control of the mosque, which they say makes it less accountable to national authorities.
The Belgian parliamentary committee charged with investigating the causes of the March 22, 2016, bombings of the Brussels airport and subway recommended in October that Belgium break the lease, which was signed in the 1960s as a gesture of goodwill to the country's growing Muslim population.
But Belgian counterterrorism officials have said they have no evidence that the mosque's imams have advocated violence or lawbreaking. Tuesday's announcement from the court, which followed a formal Friday court decision, said that authorities failed to provide specific evidence that Sewif was a danger to security.
Authorities must demonstrate "how the personal conduct of the person concerned concretely constitutes present, real and sufficiently serious threat as to affect the fundamental interest of society. Such a proof cannot be based on mere speculation or general considerations," the immigration court wrote in announcing its decision. "The existence of such a threat is not demonstrated in this case."
Sewif denied the charges against him in an interview last month, saying he had always advocated an inclusive vision of Islam.
On Tuesday, Sewif's lawyer said the imam welcomed the ruling.
"We are happy about the decision," said Hicham Chibane, the lawyer. "Imam Sewif is a person of dialogue, a tolerant person."
Although the ruling halts the effort to force Sewif to leave the country, it remains unclear whether Belgian immigration authorities will seek to expel the cleric using different reasoning. Sewif's residence permit expired over the course of the court procedures.
"We are analyzing the court decision, and after that we can decide on the next steps to take," said Katrien Jansseune, a spokeswoman for Francken.
Maryland's battle over requiring businesses to offer paid sick leave entered a new phase on Tuesday, with Gov. Larry Hogan, R, proposing a less-generous alternative to a bill approved this spring by the Democratic-controlled state legislature.
Hogan vetoed that bill, which would require businesses with at least 15 employees to provide five paid sick days a year and was vocally opposed by parts of the business community. Democratic leaders say lawmakers will override the veto when the legislature reconvenes in January.
But the bill passed the Senate with exactly the number of votes needed for an override, meaning that the defection of even a single lawmaker could leave Democrats unable to enact the bill.
Hogan's alternative proposal would require businesses with at least 25 employees to offer paid sick leave, phasing in the rule over three years by applying it to companies of different sizes during that span. Businesses could also get a waiver if they prove that providing sick leave would cause a significant financial hardship.
The governor said he will propose legislation to create tax credits for businesses with fewer than 50 employees that provide paid leave benefits. He said the bill approved by the Democrats would kill jobs and harm small businesses, and would also invade workers' privacy by requiring them to tell employers why they are requesting leave.
Democrats and advocates who pushed for the 2017 bill said those criticisms were unfounded, and legislative leaders said they are confident they have the votes to keep the bill in place.
"We're going to override the governor's veto in January," said Del. Luke Clippinger, who sponsored the vetoed measure. "We're on the right side of this issue."
Five states and a number of cities and counties, including the District of Columbia, currently require businesses to provide paid sick leave.
Senate Finance Committee Chair Thomas M. Middleton said the Democratic bill is "not as anti-business as the governor says it is . . . What I hear from advocates is that everyone who voted for the bill is staying firm."
Hogan introduced a measure early this year that would have required businesses with at least 50 employees to provide paid sick days, with a tax incentive for smaller businesses that agreed to follow suit. The bill, which Hogan said was the first sick-leave plan ever proposed by a Republican governor, never moved out of committee.
Middleton said he's open to discussing Hogan's proposal for providing tax credits to offset the costs of providing paid sick leave. "But if you give a tax credit, you have to reduce services or find additional sources of revenue, and I don't think there's much appetite for those things," he said.
Hogan said his new plan is based in part on findings from a work group he created in May to study how mandatory sick leave would affect employers and workers.
Advocates accused him of trying to weaken worker protections while still showing voters that he supports popular ideas ahead of the 2018 election. "It strikes me as a political stunt to muddy the waters and confuse voters," said Maryland Working Families director Charly Carter.
A Washington Post-University of Maryland poll this year found overwhleming support in Maryland for paid sick leave.
Eighty-four percent of respondents approved of requiring the benefit for businesses with at least 15 workers, while 87 percent backed such a mandate for businesses with at least 50 employees. Additionally, 78 percent said they would support tax benefits for businesses with fewer than 50 workers that provide paid sick leave.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Coal executive Robert Murray ambled through the packed hearing room inside the gold-domed capital complex here, past reporters and photographers, past environmental activists and energy lobbyists, past more than two dozen of his miners who had filled the seats, wearing their work uniforms and hard hats.
Like the roughly 300 other people signed up to speak about the Environmental Protection Agency's proposal to withdraw the Clean Power Plan - Barack Obama's signature effort as president to combat climate change by limiting emissions from power plants - Murray got three minutes to make his case.
He used them to rail against the regulation and praise EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt for vowing to scrap it. He called the Clean Power Plan the "linchpin" of the "war on coal." He argued, as he has for years, that it would have killed more jobs in an industry that has been shedding jobs for years, mostly because of automation and the rise of natural gas. He said it was past time to bury the "illegal, excessive" Obama-era regulation.
"God bless President [Donald] Trump and you coal miners. I love you fellas," he said.
Minutes later, 72-year-old Stanley Sturgill, who mined coal for four decades in the hills of Kentucky, took the seat on the dais where Murray had spoken. He and his wife had risen before dawn and driven several hours from their home in Harlan County. He spoke of his own respiratory problems and how emissions from coal-fired power plants and other pollutants had wreaked havoc on the health of friends, family and neighbors.
"We need the EPA's immediate help and not their abandonment," Sturgill said. "Do I really think that this administration cares what this old, worn coal miner has to say? I don't know. I doubt it."
But Sturgill said as long as he could draw a breath, even a strained one, he intended to push the EPA to put concerns about public health above the wishes of the fossil fuel industry.
"Our health, environment and global climate are actively being destroyed. And it is clear to me that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and President Trump are accelerating and cheering on the damage," he told EPA officials. "I have come here today to ask you to stop. For the sake of my grandchildren and yours, I call on you to strengthen, not repeal, the Clean Power Plan."
The opening hours of a two-day hearing here, with testimony spread across three separate hearing rooms simultaneously, encapsulated the controversy that has long engulfed the plan that Obama finalized in 2015 in an effort to slash greenhouse-gas emissions that scientists agree are fueling the planet's warming.
Industry representatives, elected officials and workers who rely on the coal industry here excoriated it as a textbook example of government overreach that would cost jobs and harm families. To Pruitt's proposal to ditch it, they had a simple message: Good riddance.
Yet environmental activists, public health groups and a collection of ordinary citizens defended the rule as an essential element in the fight to combat climate change, as well as a key measure to improve air quality and help the nation embrace cleaner forms of energy and the economic potential associated with that shift.
Bobby May, who traveled from Hurley, Virginia, with his brother, called the Clean Power Plan "all pain and no gain" for those who rely on the coal industry.
"We are survivors of the Obama administration's war on coal," said May, who described himself as the son and father of coal miners. "Coal puts food on the table for my family. It puts clothes on the back of my grandchildren."
That wasn't the perspective of Nick Mullins, a fifth-generation coal miner from Kentucky. He has no interest in his own son following in his footsteps.
"I don't want him to be a sixth-generation coal miner," Mullins testified, detailing the physical toll the work had taken on members of his family. He said he viewed the Clean Power Plan as a pathway to safer, more diversified job options for his children.
Back and forth it went. Kathy Beckett, a West Virginia lawyer and board member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, called the Clean Power Plan "unlawful and a bad deal for America." She argued it would drive up electricity rates and impose billions of dollars in compliance costs for companies "without any significant reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions."
But Angie Rosser, executive director of the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, said the plan's benefits easily outweigh its costs. "The coal miners I talk to seem to know coal jobs will continue to dry up, with or without a Clean Power Plan," she said.
She characterized the EPA's decision to hold a lone hearing in Charleston as a "public spectacle."
"We've been pitted against each other by being told we'll either have coal, or we'll have nothing," Rosser said. "This administration seems to thrive on public anger and conflict. It's a distraction. When people are fighting, they are not talking . . . The clock is ticking to do something different than leaning on a dying industry."
As Oklahoma attorney general, Pruitt joined more than two dozen other state attorneys general and an array of industry opponents in suing over the Clean Power Plan. They argued that the Obama administration did not have legal authority to force states to form detailed plans to reduce CO2 emissions from such sources as coal-fired power plants.
In turn, the Obama White House and environmental groups insisted the EPA had authority under the Clean Air Act to put such regulations in place and noted the Supreme Court has ruled the agency has an obligation to regulate carbon dioxide as a pollutant. The Clean Power Plan aims to cut carbon emissions from the nation's electricity sector by about a third by 2030, compared with 2005 levels.
The justices last year blocked the plan's implementation until a lower court could rule on its legality. The Trump administration took office before the court issued a ruling.
The EPA officially proposed to repeal the Clean Power Plan last month, with Pruitt saying that "we are committed to righting the wrongs of the Obama administration by cleaning the regulatory slate." The reversal is likely to trigger months, if not years, of litigation, but it is unlikely, according to many experts, to affect the nation's overall shift from coal to natural gas and renewable power generation in the electricity sector.
While the Obama administration held numerous "listening sessions" and four public hearings around the country when it unveiled the plan, the Trump administration has scheduled only one public hearing to seek input on the regulation's repeal: in this state capital on the banks of the Kanawha River, where a statue of a coal miner stands on the grounds outside the legislature.
West Virginia led a multistate fight against the Obama administration's efforts to regulate carbon emissions. As a candidate, Trump enjoyed a raucous reception in Charleston just after clinching the Republican nomination for president in May 2016. He donned a miner's hat at the packed rally, pretended to shovel coal and vowed to put coal miners back to work - a promise that remains mostly unrealized. In the crowd that night, supporters waved signs reading, "Trump Digs Coal."
In announcing the Charleston hearing, Pruitt said the agency was "headed to the heart of coal country to hear from those most impacted" by the Clean Power Plan. Critics quickly noted that emissions from power plants affect not just the coal industry but the health of Americans nationwide.
Scores of people filed into the trio of hearing rooms on Tuesday to implore the EPA to salvage the Clean Power Plan - or to scrap it. Some had registered ahead of time. Others just showed up and added their names to a growing list.
"This is about the kind of world we want to leave for our children, and we need to support a clean energy future," said Liz Perrera, a climate policy director for the Sierra Club, who added that it is "the residents of this state who will miss out" if policymakers don't encourage the shift away from coal.
The opposite message came from a staffer for Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who delivered a message from her boss calling the Clean Power Plan "an assault on our economy and our way of life."
On it went, three minutes at a time.
Syrian activists say an airstrike on a village held by ISIL killed at least 25 people, all of them civilians.
Deir Ezzor 24 activist group blamed Russian warplanes for the strike on Sunday on the village of Shaafa in the eastern province of Deir el-Zour.
The village is near the town of Boukamal, which Syrian troops and their allies captured this month. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights gave a higher death toll, saying 53 people were killed, including 21 children.
The Russian Defense Ministry said six Tu-22M3 long-range bombers scrambled from Russia and carried out an airstrike on "terrorists' objects" in Deir el-Zour on Sunday. On the same day, it released footage of the airstrike.
It was not possible to verify whether the airstrike was the same Syrian activists were referring to.
Syria's violence hasn't abated ahead of the resumption of UN peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday.
TOKYO - The Japanese government's consideration of supporting projects conducted by Japanese and Chinese companies in areas along the China-proposed Belt and Road mega economic zone is prompted by its belief that China's role is crucial in solving the issue of North Korea.
The Japanese government pictures a scenario where the entire international community maximizes pressure on Pyongyang to bring the country, which has repeatedly conducted nuclear tests and launched ballistic missiles, to the table for dialogue. The key to realizing the scenario is whether China, which accounts for 90 percent of North Korea's trade, fully implements the U.N. Security Council's sanctions resolutions on that state.
NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in for a second term on Tuesday amid thunderous applause of supporters even as pro-government forces fired on protesters angered by the contentious election process that kept him in power.
The inauguration capped an incredibly fraught few months for Kenya that saw an election canceled, weeks of unrest, an opposition boycott and finally a new election that gave Kenyatta 98 percent of the vote, but with a turnout of less than 40 percent.
Even as Kenyatta was sworn in, police across town opened fire on opposition demonstrators, with reports of at least one dead.
Taking the oath on the same Bible used by his father - Kenya's first president, Jomo Kenyatta in 1964 - the capacity crowd erupted into cheers in the 60,000 seat Kasarani Stadium decked out in the red and gold of Kenyatta's party. Neighboring heads of state looked on, including the leaders of Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan.
So many people tried to push into the stadium for the event that police had to fire tear gas outside the venue to control the crowd.
"This is the day that we have been waiting for. It's finally here. Our God had done this for us. The elections have tormented and almost destroyed our country. We hope that this will be the beginning of a new chapter," said 30-year-old businessman Marvin Muriithi Munyua. "Let's now focus in our country."
The extended election season stretching from August until the inauguration exacerbated the deep divisions. Support for Kenyatta and his opponent, Raila Odinga, broke along on ethnic lines. The business community also backed Odinga while many in more marginalized regions turned to Odinga to stem the endemic corruption in the country.
Odinga attempted to stage a parallel prayer rally during the inauguration for those killed during the election-related violence. Some 70 people are estimated to have died in confrontations with police over the past few months.
The government declared the rally illegal, and blocked the roads leading to the Jacaranda grounds, preventing it from taking place.
Residents of the area said police used live fire to disperse protesters. The residents held up spent cartridges as evidence that gunfire was used. At least one body was seen.
The crowd chanted "Uhuru must go" and "Thief."
Supporters barricaded streets in the neighborhood with stones and said the forces attacking them were the so-called Mungiki, a pro-government gang, rather than police.
"They are following people into the houses and killing them," said one man, who didn't provide his name amid the chaos of chanting protesters. "This is not the country we are going to live in . . . this is more than a dictatorship."
Odinga withdrew from the Oct. 26 election rerun saying that nothing had been done to address the problems that led to the first set of election results to be annulled.
Within hours of Kenyatta's victory, he said his party, the National Super Alliance would be transformed into a resistance movement that would use civil disobedience and boycotts to target the government and its corporate backers.
Kenya is East Africa's most diverse and richest economy, but the election turmoil has harmed economic growth.
MEXICO CITY -When Jose Antonio Meade, Mexico's finance secretary, tendered his resignation Monday morning, there was plenty of praise from President Enrique Pena Nieto - but no mention of why Meade was leaving or where he was going.
Many Mexicans, however, thought they know exactly what was coming next.
Meade's resignation seemed eerily similar to a ritual known as "El Destape," or "The Unveiling," a relic of Mexico's days under one-party rule. During the 71-year reign of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the president would present his preferred successor, who would be endorsed by PRI power brokers - presumed representatives of the working and popular classes - and praised effusively by members of the political class and the media.
With other potential PRI candidates such as Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong recently bowing out of the race, Meade seemed like he was the party's chosen one. Sure enough, he announced later on Monday that he will run for the PRI nomination. But using such an old-school selection doesn't seem to fit in a country that has left one-party rule behind.
"This is the sad spectacle of a PRI that has not known how to adapt to democracy and still chooses its candidate on the whims of its party elites," said Viridiana Rios, a scholar at the Wilson Center, a Washington, D.C., think tank.
"It's a pathetic spectacle, too. We're all paying attention as if we're implicitly accepting the PRI can win in 2018."
Immediately after resigning, Meade continued the "destape" ritual, making appearances at PRI-linked institutions such as the CTM union, a labor organization tied to the party but not known for doggedly defending workers.
"The PRI is made in the mold of Jose Antonio and Jose Antonio is made in the mold of the PRI," said CTM boss Carlos Aceves, whose enthusiastic comments received lengthy applause.
Mexican media also covered Meade's resignation closely - much more so than other cabinet shuffles or resignations. Stories centered on Meade's impeccable track record, absence of scandal and how he would drive his own car to work or even take public transit in a city where public officials ply the streets in SUVs with security details.
Media outlets also reported on Meade's imminent meetings with PRI power brokers, along with the withdrawal of the party's other top contenders, even as they polled better than Meade in hypothetical election matchups (the PRI has no primary system that pits potential candidates against one another).
"There's a part of Mexico that feels comfortable with this charade. The press can cover this in the style it knows. It's how they were brought up," said Esteban Illades, editor of the Mexican magazine Nexos. "This is the Mexico my parents told me about."
"It's not only about this patrimonial presidency," tweeted Carlos Bravo Regidor, professor at the Center for Teaching and Research in Economics. "It's also the fact that there are so many in the media willing to be on the bandwagon or even celebrate it as if we're in 1976."
Meade is not, as yet, even a member of the PRI. But the party has been battered by corruption and conflict-of-interest scandals, and violence hit record levels in 2017. Polls show the PRI trailing both its main rivals; an August survey by market research firm Buendia & Laredo found 41 percent of respondents saying they would never vote for the party.
He also generates excitement in business circles - especially among investors spooked by the prospect of left-wing populist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador winning the presidency - and has a good record as a cabinet minister in successive administrations under presidents from different parties. PRI leaders are apparently hoping that Meade is a "clean" candidate capable of changing the party's toxic image - even if his selection may prove that the same old power brokers are still in charge.
"If confirmed that the candidate is Meade, we will see the PRI promote him as a 'citizen' candidate, without party affiliation, with technical training, not a politician, rather a functionary," Bravo Regidor said. "It's to say there are elements of an anti-political discourse in the service of the PRI."
TOKYO - North Korea claimed the entire United States mainland was within reach after "successfully" testing a new kind of intercontinental ballistic missile, which it called the Hwasong-15, and said could carry a "super large heavy warhead."
While Pyongyang is prone to exaggeration, its boast of having all of the United States in range is in line with experts' calculations that the missile launched Wednesday, which flew 10 times higher than the International Space Station, could theoretically reach Washington, District of Columbia.
"With this system, we can load the heaviest warhead and strike anywhere in the mainland United States," North Korea's most famous newsreader, Ri Chun Hee, said in a special live broadcast on state television. "This missile is far more technologically advanced than July's Hwasong-14. This signifies that our rocket development process has been completed."
Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, had personally authorized the launch, Ri said, a photo of Kim at his desk and the handwritten order appearing on the screen.
Wednesday's launch, the first in more than two months, is a clear sign that the North Korean leader is pressing ahead with his nation's stated goal of being able to strike the United States' mainland and is not caving in to the Trump administration's strategy of applying "maximum pressure."
The missile logged a longer flight time than any of its predecessors and went farther into the atmosphere than ever before, reaching a height of 2,800 miles. The International Space Station, by comparison, is 240 miles above the Earth.
President Donald Trump, together with his counterparts in South Korea and Japan and the U.N. secretary general, condemned the latest launch. "We will take care of it," he told reporters at the White House, calling it a "situation we will handle."
He later tweeted that Democrats should join with Republicans to pass a spending measure to avert a government shutdown. "After North Korea missile launch, it's more important than ever to fund our gov't & military!"
Trump has repeatedly said that military options are on the table for dealing with North Korea and has suggested that time has run out for a diplomatic solution to the nuclear problem.
A growing chorus of voices in Washington is calling for serious consideration of military action against North Korea, although this is strongly opposed by South Korea, where the Seoul metropolitan region - home to 25 million people - is within the range of North Korean artillery.
And Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Tuesday that "diplomatic options remain viable and open, for now." He added: "The United States remains committed to finding a peaceful path to denuclearization and to ending belligerent actions by North Korea."
The missile was launched just before 3 a.m. Wednesday from South Pyongan province in the western part of North Korea, where Kim had recently visited a catfish farm, according to state media.
It reached a height of about 2,800 miles before landing 54 minutes later some 620 miles from the launch site, in waters inside Japan's exclusive economic zone. The splashdown site was about 130 miles off the coast of Aomori prefecture.
This suggested that it had been fired almost straight up - on a "lofted trajectory" similar to North Korea's two previous intercontinental ballistic missile tests.
The Pentagon said that the projectile did indeed appear to be an intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM. The latest missile "went higher, frankly, than any previous shot they've taken," Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said. He described the launch as part of an effort to build missiles "that can threaten everywhere in the world."
If the missile had flown on a standard trajectory designed to maximize its reach, it would have a range of more than 8,100 miles, said David Wright, co-director of the global security program at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
"Such a missile would have more than enough range to reach Washington, D.C.," Wright said.
The U.S. capital is 6,850 miles from Pyongyang. The previous intercontinental ballistic missile tested, the Hwasong-14 tested on July 28, was in the air for 47 minutes and could have flown 6,500 miles were it on a normal trajectory. Hwasong means "Mars" in Korean.
The South Korean and Japanese governments both convened emergency national security council meetings after the launch, and both leaders talked to Trump by phone.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said its military also conducted a "precision strike" launch exercise in response, firing missiles into the sea.
Although it may be cold comfort, it is still unlikely that North Korea is capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the U.S. mainland - despite Wednesday's claims. That still requires mastering reentry technology and the difficult task of fitting a nuclear warhead into a missile and have it survive the extremes of temperature and vibrations involved with leaving and coming back into the Earth's atmosphere.
But Pyongyang has been making rapid progress toward achieving that goal, saying it needs to be able to protect itself from a "hostile" Washington. It has made observable advances this year, firing two intercontinental ballistic missiles in July, the second of which was technically capable of reaching as far as Denver or Chicago.
Kelsey Davenport, director of nonproliferation policy at the Arms Control Association, said that Trump's pressure-centric approach was clearly not stopping North Korea's missile advances.
"Testing a ballistic missile capable of reaching Washington, D.C., is likely as much a psychological victory for North Korea as it is a technical advancement," Davenport said. "Pyongyang can now back up its belligerent threats to target U.S. cities with nuclear warheads."
However, there was a still a question mark over whether North Korea could reliably and accurately deliver a nuclear warhead to a target, she said.
A senior South Korean official said Tuesday that North Korea could announce next year that it has completed its nuclear weapons program.
"North Korea has been developing its nuclear weapons at a faster-than-expected pace. We cannot rule out the possibility that North Korea could announce its completion of a nuclear force within one year," Cho Myoung-gyon, the unification minister, who is in charge of the South's relations with the North, told foreign reporters in Seoul.
But for now, the North Koreans still appear to be in the testing stage, rather than the operational one, said Markus Schiller, a German aerospace engineer who specializes in missiles. "If they are serious about their missile program, they have to launch from time to time, and at different times of the day and in different weather."
North Korea still has a way to go with its missile program, Schiller said. "Perhaps they can hit Washington, D.C., with this, but they can't fight a war with it," he said.
Kim Jong Un opened 2017 with a New Year's address announcing that North Korea had "entered the final stage of preparation for the test launch of intercontinental ballistic missile."
Then, in July, his regime launched two ICBMs, the first on U.S. Independence Day. After its most recent missile launch, an intermediate-range missile that flew over the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido on Sept. 15, North Korea said it was seeking military "equilibrium" with the United States as a way to stop American leaders from talking about military options for dealing with Pyongyang.
That was the second launch over Japan in less than three weeks and came less than two weeks after North Korea exploded what was widely believed to be a hydrogen bomb.
Those events triggered ire overseas, with Trump denouncing North Korea's regime during a speech to the United Nations General Assembly and mocking Kim as "little Rocket Man."
But despite an increase in tensions over the past two months, including a U.S. Navy three-carrier strike group conducting military exercises in the sea between Japan and the Korean Peninsula, 74 days had passed without any missile launches by the North.
That was the longest pause all year, according to Shea Cotton, a research associate at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Monterey, Calif. The pause had raised hopes that North Korea might be showing interest in returning to talks about its nuclear program.
In a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations late last month, Joseph Yun, the State Department's special representative for North Korea policy, said that if North Korea went 60 days without testing a missile or a nuclear weapon, it could be a sign that Pyongyang was open to dialogue.
SoftBank formally started its process for buying a significant stake in Uber with an offer to purchase some shares at a valuation of $48 billion, far below the nearly $70 billion valuation that the ride-hailing company garnered in its last round of fundraising, according to two people briefed on the matter, who asked to remain anonymous because the process is confidential.
The price is an opening bid in what is known as a tender offer, in which a company makes a public offer to purchase stock from existing shareholders. The tender offer will take weeks to complete, and the price for Uber is likely to fluctuate until the process is finished.
Yet any discount will be a comedown for Uber, which is the most highly valued private company in the world. The ride-hailing service has been making plans to go public by 2019, and investors are intensely interested in whether Uber can maintain a high valuation before it stages an initial public offering.
The tender offer could not have come at a worse time for Uber, which has been rocked by a series of scandals and a leadership change this year. Last week, Uber also disclosed that it had covered up a security breach that had compromised the personal data of 57 million rider and driver accounts.
That revelation has angered regulators and lawmakers around the world. At least three lawsuits related to the data breach have been filed against Uber. On Monday, Uber faced a joint suit filed by Illinois and Chicago over the data breach. Lawmakers have also sent letters to Dara Khosrowshahi, Ubers chief executive, questioning the company about the hacking. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., has publicly said the Federal Trade Commission should investigate and fine Uber for its behavior.
The risks to Ubers business posed by its reputation could weigh on the price that any buyer would be willing to pay. SoftBank and its leader, Masayoshi Son, have made clear that the investment firm is willing to play hardball, and it has hinted that it will put money into Ubers rival Lyft if it does not get an offer that it likes from Uber.
Bloomberg earlier reported SoftBanks opening bid.
SoftBank is joined by Dragoneer Investment Group, which is also seeking to gain a piece of Uber at a discounted price.
The tender offer had long been in the making. Ubers board had agreed in October to move forward with a deal with SoftBank, which was signed off on this month.
Mike Isaac and Katie Benner are New York Times writers.
WASHINGTON - One side of the argument says that if the government can grant patents, surely it should be able to review its work to see if it made a mistake in doing so.
The other side says that once a patent is granted, only a court should be able to take away the right that an inventor has come to rely upon.
Both perspectives were vigorously represented by Supreme Court justices Monday, and that made it difficult to predict the outcome of a constitutional challenge to a process set up by Congress in 2011 to review the validity of some patents.
The case involves the Patent and Trade Advisory Board, which Congress established to respond to complaints about patent "trolls." Those are patent owners who don't use their patents to make products so much as to sue companies that infringe upon their rights.
But other patent holders, such as drug companies, say the process, which is overseen by administrative law judges, is not as rigorous as that supervised by courts and thus falls short of what the Constitution demands. The companies say the process makes it harder to protect their work.
"For 400 years, courts have adjudicated disputes between private parties about the validity of patents," said Allyson Ho, a Dallas lawyer representing patent holder Oil States Energy Services. "Six years ago, Congress transferred this judicial power to an executive branch tribunal."
Oil States owns a patent related to protecting equipment used in fracking. Oil States sued Greene's Energy Group for infringing the patent. Greene's Energy Group, in turn, petitioned the PTAB to review the patent. The board concluded that the challenged claims were unpatentable.
Oil States said that such reviews - called "inter partes" because of the expanded role of a third party in the challenges - intrude on a power reserved for the judiciary.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg seemed convinced that Congress could set up such a review system.
"There must be some means by which the patent office can correct the errors that it's made,'' she said.
Justice Elena Kagan pushed back on Ho's contention that the dispute must be determined by a court rather than an executive tribunal because it is a dispute between two private parties. A private party complains, Kagan said, but the government is the relevant player.
"It's the government trying to figure out whether it made a mistake by granting the patent, which the government sometimes does and knows it sometimes does," she said.
And Justice Sonia Sotomayor said that decisions of the PTAB can be appealed in federal courts.
"What saves this [is] even a patent invalidity finding can be appealed to a court," she said.
Some of the conservative justices, suspicious of government bureaucracy, indicated that once any right, such as a patent, is granted, it can be canceled only after a judicial process.
"This is not a new idea, that once it's granted, it's a private right belonging to the inventor," said Justice Neil Gorsuch.
Chief Justice John Roberts disputed the notion that because a patent is granted by the government, government has more leeway in removing it.
"Haven't our cases rejected" the proposition that one has to "take the bitter with the sweet?" Roberts asked Christopher Kise, an attorney for Greene's Energy Group.
Other justices indicated they could see merit on both sides of the issue.
"I thought it's the most common thing in the world that agencies decide all kinds of matters through adjudicatory-type procedures often involving private parties," said Justice Stephen G. Breyer. "So what's special about this one?"
But later, he worried: "Suppose that the patent has been in existence without anybody reexamining it for 10 years and, moreover, the company's invested $40 billion in developing it. And then suddenly somebody comes in and says: 'Oh, oh, we - we want it reexamined, not in court but by the Patent Office.' "
Likewise, Justice Anthony Kennedy got Ho to agree that the government could reduce the lengths of patents by 10 years. "Doesn't that show that the patent owner has limited expectations as to the scope and the validity of the property right that he holds?" he asked.
But Kennedy also seemed to agree with Gorsuch's analysis that the patent was a private right to which the owner was entitled protection.
The case is Oil States Energy Services v. Greene's Energy Group.
WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday accused Russia of using "malicious tactics" against the United States and European allies, including election interference, poisoning relations to a low reminiscent of the Cold War.
In a speech at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, Tillerson cited a litany of Russia's bad behavior, including invasions of the neighboring countries of Georgia and Ukraine, energy policy, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns to undermine democratic elections. He said the country's actions "are not the behaviors of a responsible nation."
"Our trans-Atlantic unity is meant to convey to the Russian government that we will not stand for this flagrant violation of democratic norms," Tillerson said of Russia's continued support for separatists in eastern Ukraine. U.S. sanctions put in place to punish Russia over annexing Crimea and its involvement in Ukraine, he said, "will remain in place until Russia reverses the actions that triggered them."
Tillerson called attempts to "reset" relations between Moscow and Washington elusive.
"I told Russia, we're never going to get the relationship back to normal until we address Ukraine," said Tillerson, who was awarded Russia's Order of Friendship while he ran Exxon Mobil. "It just sits there as an obstacle."
The stern language Tillerson employed against Russia came in a speech that was meant to soothe worried Europeans in advance of his trip to the continent next week. Many allies remain uncertain about the Trump administration's commitments to their security, even though President Donald Trump has softened his positions since early in his term when he questioned whether NATO countries were pulling their own weight in defending themselves.
"Our security commitments to Europe are ironclad," Tillerson declared, pointedly calling the NATO treaty's mutual defense commitment "the best mechanism we have to deter aggression." He said the United States will be the first to respond if a NATO ally is attacked, as Europe supported the United States after the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
But Tillerson also echoed Trump's insistence that NATO nations must increase their defense spending to 2 percent of their budgets. Tillerson acknowledged the harsh reviews that accompanied Trump's criticism of NATO spending and priorities, but he suggested it drove the point home.
"The president's message was that we are committed to the alliance; you need to get committed to it as we are."
In his remarks about Russia, Tillerson expressed a harder line than the president he serves. Trump has repeatedly questioned whether Russia was involved in leaked emails and the spread of false, often conspiratorial articles that permeated many websites before last year's elections.
"Russia has often employed malicious tactics against the United States and Europe to drive us apart, weaken our confidence and undermine our economic successes since the end of the Cold War," Tillerson said.
In his visit to Europe next week, Tillerson said he plans to stress the importance of historical alliances and underscore that the United States cannot confront all of the threats it faces on its own.
"These alliances were forged in shared blood and shared sacrifices - unlike many of our adversaries, who can count their allies on less than the fingers on one hand," he said.
Tillerson singled out one NATO ally whose relations with the United States have grown strained: Turkey. The presidents of Turkey, Iran and Russia met recently to discuss ways to advance peace in Syria, and the three neighbors have grown closer. Tillerson allowed that Turkey cannot "ignore" two countries that are on its border but suggested Ankara give more priority to its NATO allies.
"Iran and Russia cannot offer the Turkish people the economic benefits" that the West can, he said.
New York Times best-selling author, syndicated daytime talk show host, philanthropist, National Radio Hall of Fame Inductee and fashion designer Wendy Williams has been a fixture in media for the past three decades. Williams's signature style has memorialized her as a true media mogul, joining the ranks of Ellen DeGeneres for the coveted title of top female talk show host.
Related: Media Mogul Wendy Williams on Why She's So Happy She Ignored the Worst Advice She Ever Received
The Wendy Williams Show first aired in 2008 with a six-week pilot in a few select cities. It quickly became a hit, which subsequently led to syndication in over 50 countries and has been renewed through the year 2020. Williams's show attracts over 2 million viewers, which has made her a fixture in daytime television as she approaches the 1,500 episode mark. Today, she is diversifying her portfolio as a successful entrepreneur with a fashion line on HSN, jewelry collection and custom wig line as well.
I recently sat down with Williams to discuss her journey and advice for women leading at the negotiating table in business. When I asked her about her day, Williams replied, "I am living my best life right now. If it were to end, I could write the book." She reminded me very early in the conversation that women leaders must celebrate their success at every level.
I learned how she knew it was time to transition from the No. 1 spot in urban talk radio in New York City, to making a name for herself in television. "I was very low-key in my transition from radio to television, while booking meetings with influential people. I had to reject many of the initial offers until I found the right fit for me," says Williams.
Related: 10 Inspirational Quotes From Women Business Leaders
Here are Williams's top five strategies on negotiating as a business leader:
Do not let anyone change your style.
Williams has a non-negotiable belief about women standing out and dominating their space in the market. She commenced the conversation by acknowledging her unique style of "glamming it up" no matter the occasion. "The difference between our partnership with Debmar-Mercury and the other offers [in the early stages] was everyone else tried to make me wear loafers and flat-front khakis, which has never been my style. I remain firm women must remain authentic." (Debmar-Mercury is the production and distribution company that syndicates The Wendy Williams Show on various cable networks.)
Related: These Female Entrepreneurs Created a Fake Male Co-Founder to Work Around Sexism. How Well It Worked Is Incredibly Eye Opening.
Reject offers that are not authentic.
More than asking for consideration, rejecting opportunities is just as imperative to the process. Throughout our conversation, Williams continued to refer to integrity as the guiding principle of her success. "I have spent the last 33 years in this business building my career on integrity, therefore, I had to reject several lucrative offers along the way that simply did not mirror what I believe," Williams admits. "In the end, it paid off."
Align with great advocates.
Williams works alongside her husband and manager, Kevin Hunter, on the show. Williams says every woman must ask for what they deserve. "Fortunately, my husband is my greatest advocate. He understands the mission and will fight for what is fair for me. Surround yourself with people who will help you fight for your value," Williams says.
Related: How to Succeed as a Female Leader Anywhere In the World
Be smart about money very early.
Williams discussed the enormity of her success has been a result of wise financial planning in the early days of her media career. She stated saving and living within your means is extremely important, just in case you do not get everything you asked for. "Saving is what kept me from accepting opportunities that I did not believe in. Now, I do not have to endorse products or accept offers I do not want due to planning early."
Know when it is time to move on.
Williams discussed her transition from radio to television as one filled with numerous private meetings, while continuing to maintain top ratings as a nationally syndicated radio show host. "I never missed a beat, but my influence was catching the attention of important people in media, but I had to keep the conversations very quiet until I knew it was confirmed. You must always know when it is time for the next level of life," Williams says.
Williams is an example of determination and resilience in an industry that has very few women. At 53, she continues to be a leading example of how negotiating adds value at every stage of your business growth. Williams says she wants to bow out of media gracefully when she retires by leveraging all of her wise business investments that she has made over the years, while making room for more women to get into the room. "Nothing beats owning your own destiny."
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Wendy Williams's Advice for Women: Ask for What You Deserve
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Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com
A driver who claims she was injured when a semi collided with her car on the parking lot of an Edwardsville business last July has filed a lawsuit against the driver and the business.
The lawsuit was filed last week in Madison County Circuit Court by Belleville attorney Derek Siegel.
It was filed on behalf of Stephanie Belt, whose car was struck by a semi driven by Joshua Norcia. Norcia, who lives in St. Louis, was an employee of Yazaki North America Inc. and its Michigan-based parent company Syncreon U.S. Inc. Syncreon also has offices in Springfield.
The accident happened just after 11 a.m. on July 11 on the parking lot of Yazaki, at 14 Gateway Commerce Center West Drive, near the Dial Corp. warehouse in Edwardsville.
Belt claims she was driving in the parking lot when Norcia attempted a U-turn and struck her car.
She allegedly suffered injuries to her neck, shoulder and back.
The suit alleges that Norcia carelessly and negligently failed to:
keep a proper lookout for Belts car;
maintain proper control of the truck so as to avoid a collision;
properly slow down and stop so as to avoid a collision
According to the suit, Belt has suffered, and will suffer in the future, severe injury and pain, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, medical bills past and future, past and future pain and suffering, disfigurement, and disability as a result of the accident.
She is seeking in excess of $50,000 on each of three counts of alleged negligence.
Shanghai is planning to build a memorial hall for the Tokyo Trials next year as an educational base for the history of the Second World War as well as the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.
The Tokyo Trials, also known as the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, was a trial convened on April 29, 1946 to try the leaders of the Japanese empire for "Class A" crimes, formed by allied countries including China, the US, Soviet Union and the UK.
Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China, and the 70th anniversary of the judgment of the Tokyo Trials (execution of Japanese war criminals), so the plan of building the memorial hall has drawn the attention of China and Japan.
Cheng Zhaoqi, head of the Center for Tokyo Trial Studies at the Shanghai Jiaotong University, told the Global Times that Shanghai is planning this hall, and said that "The Tokyo Trails is not like other incidents during the war but the summary of Japan's war crimes against humanity from the international community."
This summary set Japan's return to the international community, but unfortunately, in recent years, many Japanese politicians are trying to deny this culmination and to overthrow it, Cheng stressed.
Japan's Kyodo News reported on Saturday that China is planning to build the memorial hall in Shanghai. Cheng told Kyodo News that the municipal government is choosing a location for the hall, and apart from relevant documents and photos, a huge oil painting of judges, procurators and war criminals will also be displayed in the hall.
Japanese right-wingers consider the judgment "unfair" for Japan, and "the revenge of the war's winners," Kyodo News reported. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in 2013 that it is "a judgment made by the winner against the loser."
Chinese Net users praised the plan. A comment from Net user Zhang Pei received the most likes on WeChat platform. Zhang said that "not only the hall, we should build a comfort women's monument in every Chinese city."
(Xinhua) 09:58, November 28, 2017
A Bangladeshi man helps Rohingya Muslim refugees to disembark from a boat on the Bangladeshi shoreline of the Naf river after crossing the border from Myanmar in Teknaf on September 30, 2017. (Xinhua/AFP)
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The number of Rohingya refugees who have fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh since Aug. 25 has reached 624,000, said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Monday.
An average of 430 Rohingya refugees entered Bangladesh per day this past week, a slowdown compared to the previous week.
The Rohingyas fled their homes in northern Rakhine State of Myanmar into neighboring Bangladesh after deadly attacks staged by the rebel Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army on police posts on Aug. 25 allegedly touched off a wave of retribution by government and vigilante forces.
Rohingyas arriving in refugee camps -- some having traversed an inlet of the Bay of Bengal on makeshift rafts and boats -- reported widespread violence against them.
On reports of an agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar on the repatriation of the refugees, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said it is important that people are able to return to the place they came from "in a safe, dignified and protected manner."
The ethnic Rohingyas are denied citizenship in the largely Buddhist nation.
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BILENE Abilene High School sophomore Dylan Wright has long held a dream of being a firefighter.
Now that his school is taking steps to get him through a firefighter training program, it might become reality.
Its the same story with several other Abilene Independent School District high school students lucky enough to be able to take advantage of a new career and technical education program.
I always wanted to be in the field, Wright said. But the school didnt have it, so I was going to be in law enforcement. But they started the program, so Im taking advantage.
The firefighter training courses wont officially begin until next year, when former Abilene Fire Department Lt. Mike Miller introduces the first two semesters of a planned four-semester program.
Wright and his Abilene High classmates are perfectly positioned, as theyll be in 11th grade when the junior-level courses are brought in.
Firefighting classes at Abilene High, as well as those offered at Cooper High, are part of a conversation that started many years ago, as focus within education shifted away from college prep toward career possibilities.
Both Abilene ISD and the city met at the bargaining table looking to bring the firefighter training program into the high school. While leadership both in the fire department and the school district has changed, the conversation continued, resulting in the program finally making its debut with a basic skills class this year.
Miller retired after 22 years to take on his new role of teaching. Hes currently guiding 35 students through six class periods three morning periods at Cooper and three afternoon classes at AHS through his first year.
There are challenges for everyone involved, Miller said, including himself. He didnt realize how difficult teaching could get, especially when its students who dont necessarily believe firefighting is the direction they want to pursue.
One such challenge is materials. While Miller still has his connections at the Abilene Fire Department, its not like he can just waltz into headquarters and take the gear he needs to demonstrate a firefighters job.
Still, its what hes done, though with permission. He recently lectured the classes on how to properly put on and take off all of the fire-retardant clothing, masks and helmets.
We dont have much equipment to get started, Miller said. We have to work with the city.
That partnership also got Millers students out to the citys training facility, where they spent a day each getting to see how certified firefighters keep their skills up to speed.
While a partnership with the city is fundamental to the success of the program, a relationship with Cisco College, where local firefighters actually train in an academy for two years after high school, also could be beneficial.
Miller and his bosses, including Ryder Appleton, AISDs director of career and technical education, hope the firefighter classes, once offered, could springboard a dual credit program between the two.
This would help Cisco reach more students and allow Abilenes high school students to get college credit for the classes they want to take anyway, all for free.
All of these aspects would help Millers program grow into a successful one, whether at Abilene High or Cooper High.
Other students, like sophomore Conner Stimmler, see it as a way of getting started in a career early.
I thought this class would be mostly paperwork and studying, he said. But weve learned a lot, about the gear, the firetrucks and the organization of the fire department. Visiting the academy got me excited.
Distributed by the Associated Press
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A San Antonio photographer who took professional photos of dancers around the country pleaded guilty Monday to federal child pornography charges.
As part of a plea deal, Christopher Alexander Reilly, 46, pleaded guilty to one count each of receiving child pornography and transporting child pornography, each punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. He is to be sentenced Feb. 26 by Senior U.S. District Judge David Alan Ezra, U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth Chestney informed Reilly.
Reilly also agreed to pay up to $50,000 total in resitution to any victims identified as part of the investigation.
RELATED: Bexar County deputies searching for man suspected of sexually assaulting child in store bathroom
Reilly, owner of Chris Reilly Photography, was arrested earlier this year after his computer hard drive malfunctioned while he was on a photo shoot in California, and he sent it to a repair service in Dallas. The repair service found images of child porn and informed authorities, his plea deal said.
Under questioning by the FBI, Reilly admitted he downloaded child porn images off the Internet, and that he secretly recorded the private areas of some minors he photographed.
Reilly denied ever sexually touching a child, but admitted taking surreptitious videos of some of the minor dancers during their photo shoots, his plea deal states. Reilly identified some images of minor dancers that he secretly videotaped, including a prepubescent child, sitting in the backseat of a vehicle with her legs spread apart. Reilly secretly videotaped the genital area of the child. Reilly admitted using the secretly recorded videos for his sexual gratification.
RELATED: Affidavit: Man sexually assaulted 16-year-old boy after luring him to motel
Reilly last viewed child pornography on Jan. 30, the day before the FBI served a search warrant at his home, his plea deal said.
The plea deal said a forensic examination on his MacBook turned up eight video files depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and when a Seagate hard drive was examined, several similar videos and images were found. The examinations also found video files of the clothed genital and buttocks areas of various minor females, the plea deal said.
Reilly traveled throughout the country for photoshoots and had taken photos of dance, band and cheer students at Reagan High School, and some students at Johnson High School. The schools told parents in letters after his arrest that the photo shoots were monitored and no inappropriate conduct was reported, the Northeast Independent School District said at the time.
gcontreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland
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A San Antonio man whose murder trial ended in a mistrial in May because of an intoxicated juror was sentenced to 15 years in prison Monday.
Joshua Gonzales, 31, also was fined $2,000. He will have to serve at least half of his sentence before he is eligible for parole.
Gonzales was 27 when he was arrested and charged with murder in the 2014 death of Matthew Ryan Bailey-Vo, 25.
Bexar County sheriffs deputies were called to investigate a shooting at about 11 p.m. Feb. 25, 2014, in the 25000 block of Ada Mae in the northwest part of the county. When they arrived, they found Bailey-Vo bleeding from a gunshot wound to the head and a woman trying to stop the bleeding.
Bailey-Vo was taken to University Hospital and was pronounced dead at 1:40 a.m. Feb. 26, 2014.
As deputies were investigating the scene, dispatchers received a call from a man who claimed to be the shooter, officials said at the time. Gonzales later was arrested without incident in the 25000 block of Brewer, a few blocks from the site of the shooting.
Gonzales murder trial began May 1 in the 437th state District Court, with Judge Lori Valenzuela presiding. Jurors learned that Gonzales and Bailey-Vo fought because they were involved with the same woman.
When testimony was to resume the next day, the trial was delayed because a juror called in to report being in a car crash. Valenzuela dismissed that juror and prosecutors continued to present their case the next two days with the remaining 11 jurors.
On May 5, a male juror showed up for trial and said he was ill and was suffering from alcohol poisoning, so the panel did not hear testimony that day, a Friday.
The following Monday, May 8, the same male juror told Valenzuela under oath of the extent of his chronic alcohol consumption and self-medicating, and admitted to Valenzuela that he had been intoxicated during testimony, according to court records. Valenzuela then declared a mistrial because there were only 10 jurors left on the panel, and set a court date for Sept. 5.
When Gonzales appeared Sept. 5 for a new trial, he instead pleaded no contest to the murder charge. He was to be sentenced Nov. 16, but the case was reset for Monday.
Gonzales had faced up to life in prison.
ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
(Xinhua) 10:24, November 28, 2017
Ornaments on the exterior of the White Houseare seen in Washington D.C., the United States, on Nov. 27, 2017. Some 150 volunteers from 29 states spent more than 1,600 hours to finish the decorations including 53 Christmas trees and more than 12,000 ornaments. An estimate of 25,000 visitors are expected to tour the White House for the Christmas holiday. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)
WASHINGTON With disgraced Congressman Joe Barton in full damage-control mode over the revelation of a nude "sexting" photo on the Internet, some grassroots Republicans in the Dallas metroplex are calling on him to resign.
Tarrant County GOP Chairman Tim O'Hare said Tuesday that he has not talked to any party activists who want to see Barton continue in office. He issued a formal statement calling on Barton not to seek re-election and to "retire" by the end of the month.
"All elected officials should be role models," O'Hare said. "They should be held to a very high standard. Joe Barton's conduct falls well below that standard."
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In an interview, O'Hare expressed concerns about damage to down ballot Republicans in next year's elections, particularly in the state senate district represented by Republican Konni Burton.
According to O'Hare and other GOP sources, Barton's political organization is now polling the district to assess the damage to his political prospects from the photo, which was posted anonymously on the Internet after he shared it with a lover at the end of his second marriage two years ago.
Neither Barton nor any of his representatives have responded to numerous calls and emails since news of the photo broke a week ago.
O'Hare said he still does not know whether Barton, 68, plans to run for re-election, resign immediately, or retire at the end of his current term.
"We're still wondering," O'Hare said. "When this was first getting ready to break, he was telling people that he wasn't planning to run again. Now he seems to be weighing his options and apparently trying to do a poll to see how it's going to hurt, and basically try to muscle up support among various leaders in the county."
O'Hare said Barton met Monday night with a group of about 20 Republican women in his district. By most accounts, it didn't go well for the congressman, who has been in office since 1985.
"From what I have been told, there was almost no one there supportive of him running again," O'Hare said. "It was obviously not a comfortable meeting."
He expects other county GOP leaders to weigh in in the coming days.
"I have talked to elected officials, activists, people who are in leadership positions, and just normal everyday folks," O'Hare continued. "I have yet to talk to a single one that says he should run again."
Several Republican strategists in Texas also said Barton has been discouraged from trying to keep his seat. Some argued that in a generally safe Republican district, he should make way for another candidate who does not hurt the GOP brand in Washington.
Among those reported to have counseled Barton is House Speaker Paul Ryan. Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong declined Tuesday to disclose the content of their conversation. "The two have talked but we'll leave their conversations between the two of them," she said in an email.
While Democrats have felt emboldened, some Republicans are waiting to see what Barton does. But others are not waiting to jump in.
Among them is Jake Ellzey, a retired Navy combat pilot and member of the Texas Veterans Commission, who filed paperwork Tuesday with the Republican Party of Texas.
Barton, Texas' most senior congressman, announced his re-election campaign last month, before the nude photo appeared on social media.
The Washington Post reported that Barton told a woman that he would contact U.S. Capitol Police if explicit photographs of him from their relationship were made public. But it is not known how the photo turned up on the internet.
Barton has said the Capitol Police are investigating. The District of Columbia, like Texas and many other states, has a "revenge porn" law that bans posting sexually explicit pictures of people without their consent.
Some analysts said Barton could benefit from a "revenge porn" narrative, if it turns out he was the victim of a former lover. In a statement after the photo surfaced last week, Barton admitted he had "sexual relationships with other mature adult women" while he was separated from his second wife.
Barton's more immediate problems are both personal and political.
"The first consideration has to be what is the effect on his family from this story," said Texas GOP strategist Matt Mackowiak. "And what would be the effect if he chose to run again, knowing that all these issues would come back and be very much discussed."
Barton also has to take into account his political strength in the district, and assess what competition he might face in next March's GOP primary.
Ultimately, Barton also has to calculate whether a run would be worth it, Mackowiak said. "I have lot of respect for Joe, so I don't want this to come off as a catty comment, but sometimes these guys think they're indispensable, and they're not. The system goes on, new people come in, new blood is a good thing."
Regardless, O'Hare said that the general feeling among many Texas Republicans he's spoken with is that Barton is no longer the best GOP candidate for the Sixth Congressional District, which covers Tarrant, Navarro and Ellis counties.
"Call me old-fashioned or a dinosaur, but I think we ought to be holding people to a higher standard," O'Hare said. "Elected officials used to be statesmen. They should be role models. ... To me, this is really sad, and it is not the direction we should be going."
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During World War II, Clifford Kies flew a P-51 fighter plane for the Army Air Corps in Europe, following bombers, dropping off and making small attacks on the way home. One trip that occurred conveniently after a first aid lesson could have brought Kies life to an end 70 years early.
On the way back, they were supposed to look for targets, Kies son Randy said. He made one pass over an airfield without incident but on the second pass, a shell went through the fuselage and right through his leg through a major artery. His leg was almost shot off.
The P-51 was operated with two rudders, but Kies couldnt use his right foot, so he essentially forced the plane to veer to the right and he could pull it back with his left foot.
Kies, who received the Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Meritorious Service medals for his service, died Nov. 7. He was 95 years old.
More Information Clifford Kies Born: Aug. 11, 1922, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Died: Nov. 7, 2017, San Antonio Preceded by: Wife Nina Kies; parents, George and Ethel Kies; brother Ralph Kies, sister Carol Lucius. Survivors: Sons Randall, Roger, Brian, and Chris Kies; and 6 grandchildren. Services: 12 p.m., Tuesday, Porter Loring Chapel, 1101 McCullough St. Interment with full military honors to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. See More Collapse
In With Skill and Courage by David Knight, Kies said that he wanted to land at the field he had just attacked but was afraid of continued enemy fire. He quickly made a tourniquet and made sure to allow some circulation every 15 minutes the whole way back.
He saw he was being followed by two German planes, Randy Kies said. He flew into a cloud bank and lost them.
Randy Kies said his father almost gave up when he had to land on the right side of a wide airstrip while a Royal Air Force plane was landing on the left side. He couldnt do it and didnt want to hit the other plane so he aborted and tried again.
He said it was the hardest part of the whole thing, Randy Kies said. We didnt find out about his story and his experience until we were much older.
Born in Wisconsin, Kies family moved to Texas when he was young, eventually settling in Austin during his teens, where he met Robert Wright.
Kies and Wright ran track and attended the University of Texas. As sophomores, the duo attempted to enlist in the military during World War II together. Wright made it into the naval flight program while Kies was later retained by the Army Air Corps.
When he returned to the U.S., the retired major got the opportunity to buy the Harkniss Pipe Shop in San Antonio, Wright said.
It was on the market and Cliff was really crippled up, Wright said. With his leg, he was not agile. This was something he could handle.
After selling the shop, he followed in his fathers footsteps and was a supervisor for road construction in San Antonio.
jpolcyn@express-news.net
A novel patent application says people can fan haze away
A city shrouded in haze
Can haze be fanned away? A patent application to manually drive away smog recently appeared in the inquiry system of Chinas State Intellectual Property Office, attracting attention.
The application abstract said people in haze-stricken areas could fan smog in the same direction simultaneously, creating a huge blast of air able to blow the floating particles away.
According to the application, the method is cost efficient and effective, and wont cause secondary pollution.
For instance, if 15 million people join the wind-generating campaign, at least 1.08 trillion cubic meters of air could be fanned away at a rate of 68 km/h, enough to eliminate newly-formed haze in Beijing and keep it from worsening.
The patent application said the government should provide people with fans and inform them to join the campaign via TV, radio, and instant messages if there is haze.
It is uncertain whether the patent will be approved.
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The high level of support St. Marys University has received for its $130 million capital campaign speaks volumes about San Antonios oldest college campus.
The Marianist and Catholic university already had $105 million pledged when it went public with its fundraising efforts earlier this month. Included in the donation list were 24 gifts of at least $1 million each from alumni. It is the largest fundraising campaign for the school, which was established in 1852.
Just under a third of the funds will be used for scholarships for a student body that reflects a high percentage of students who are the first in their families to go to college. Some of the funds raised will also be used for endowed dean and faculty positions.
RELATED: 2 San Antonio colleges top list of best-value regional universities
Renovation of existing lab facilities in the science buildings, construction of a new science, technology, engineering and math education building and a new performing arts centers are in the capital projects budget.
The university plans for centers devoted to veterans, international students, careers services and student development opportunities. Some of capital campaign funds are earmarked for the schools Law Success Program that helps law students prepare for the state bar exam.
The school has 2,300 undergraduates and 3,600 graduate students with the majority coming from San Antonio and South Texas.
We are not a research university. We have been about preparing people to serve their community, St. Marys President Thomas Mengler said during a recent meeting with the Express-New Editorial Board.
RELATED: Vintage photos show a charming campus life at St. Mary's University back in the day
He refers to the university, located on 135 acres about three miles northwest of downtown, as one of the best kept secrets in town. We agree.
His goal to make the school one of the best universities in the Southwest merits public support.
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A special job fair opened on Monday in Beijings Daxing District, offering 508 jobs to people affected by the citys campaign to clear safety hazards in living spaces, after a local fire killed 19 people over the weekend.
A total of 101 kinds of jobs are being offered by some 27 companies, ranging from driver to security guard to domestic worker. Specifically, all companies at the job fair offer employee accommodation, an added requirement this year to guarantee safer living conditions, Beijing Youth Daily reported.
The government-organized job fair comes at the same time as many businesses, from restaurants to companies, are voluntarily reaching out to help.
Local authorities of Xihongmen, Daxing, where the fire took place, have also began to provide temporary accommodations for the evicted people, and pledged to provide train tickets for those willing to return to their hometowns. However, many intend to stay in Beijing.
Beijing has launched a 40-day citywide campaign aimed primarily at eliminating fire hazards and other safety problems in crowded apartments and warehouses. However, the campaign has sent many migrants packing, as many of them live and work such buildings to save money, arousing much disagreement and opposition
Beijings Party chief Cai Qi said Monday at a meeting that authorities should have given more time for people to relocate and fire hazard inspections should be more orderly. He also stressed that eliminating fire and safety hazards will take time and the city will step up its efforts with a three-year plan.
For his graduate thesis, a German student rode 5,800 kilometers in China to learn about the Chinese Dream among ordinary people, Qianjiang Evening News reported on Nov. 27.
Whats your Chinese Dream? This is the question he raised for every stranger he came across on his 100-day journey.
The 28-year-old student surnamed Jorg came to China for the first time in 2011. After a year in China, he was able to use chopsticks and speak Chinese. Because of his interest in Chinese culture, he went to Zhejiang University in 2015 for a masters degree in sinology.
According to Lu Yuan, a sinology teacher at the Institute of China Studies at Zhejiang University, sinology is not confined to the classroom and students are encouraged to dig into Chinese society to find social issues through interviews and investigations.
Jorg learned the term Chinese Dream in 2013, and now it has become a buzz word in Chinese society. With an eagerness to understand the true connotation of the term among ordinary Chinese people, he started his journey in May 2016.
Jorg believes that riding is natural, environmentally-friendly, and flexible. Before starting his trip, he specifically carried out bicycle training.
His trip covered 12 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, from the northernmost city of Mohe to the southernmost city of Sanya. Jorg has set up a public account on social media to record and share his experiences during the trip.
Urban-rural disparity was one of the focuses of his investigation. He found that people in the countryside strive for a peaceful life, while urban residents follow their hearts.
In addition, older generations of Chinese are more concerned with social stability and equality than economies desires, Jorg said, adding that education and individual development are the major consideration of the young generation.
Jorg concluded that dreams of individuals are more down-to-earth and mostly related with wealth, happiness, and self-fulfillment. From an official perspective, the dream paints a bigger picture of national rejuvenation, he noted.
Though the people seek their own way to realize their dreams, they all believe that a strong country is the prerequisite, Jorg said.
Washington: Ivanka Trump, the advisor and daughter of US President Donald Trump, has said the Global Entrepreneurship Summit co-hosted by India and America is a testament to their growing economic and security partnership.
Ivanka will be leading a delegation of senior Trump administration officials and entrepreneurs at the three-day Summit in Hyderabad beginning today.
To be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, more than 1200 young entrepreneurs, a majority of whom are women, from 127 countries would attend the summit. In addition some 300 investors and ecosystem supporters are also attending the mega event.
Wanna assemble an iPhone 6s for $300? Shenzhen has all you need
The city of Shenzhen in southern Chinas Guangdong province is home to global top handset providers Huawei, OPPO, and VIVO, and produces components and parts for Apple and Samsung, Xinhuanet.com reported on Nov. 27.
According to statistics by market research firm International Data Corp, Samsung, Apple, Huawei, OPPO, and VIVO topped the global sales volumes list of smartphones in 2016. Many producers and suppliers in Shenzhen have been manufacturing components and parts including chips, circuit boards, screens, and shells for their products.
Recently, a video of a foreigner assembling an iPhone 6s with components and parts purchased in Shenzhen for only 2,000 RMB ($303) went viral online.
Its not amazing at all, as Shenzhen owns the whole industry chain of mobile phones, which is unique in the world, said Sun Wenping, president of the Shenzhen Mobile Communications Association.
For example, Shenzhen-based Chinese smartphone company Transsion Holdings is popular in Malawi for developing affordable products with cameras specially customized for African consumers.
Moreover, Shenzhens enterprises have been stepping up efforts to upgrade the homegrown chip industry.
Shenzhen-based Huawei made inroads with its Kirin chips and unveiled its first AI chip, Kirin 970, with superfast computing power and strong image-recognition capabilities. It powers Huaweis new Mate 10 smartphone, which was launched to compete with Apples 10th-anniversary iPhone.
Apart from this, Shenzhens enterprises are trying to attract more talents to provide better services and products for people around the world.
For example, Huawei has set up research institutes in Russia and France to optimize its mobile phone design; Tencent has set up an AI lab in Seattle, US, to develop virtual assistant; and four institutes directed by Nobel laureates have been inaugurated in Shenzhen by April this year.
Jasdan/Bhuj (Guj): Pushing the BJP's campaign in Gujarat into high gear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the Congress and said he is ready to sell tea but will never sell the country, and asked Rahul Gandhi why he had applauded the release of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed.
Modi, who started his high voltage campaign with rallies in Bhuj in Kutch district, Jasdan in Rajkot, Chalala in Amreli and Kadodara near Surat, took on the opposition party on issues related to China, Lashkar-e-Taiba's Hafiz Saeed, the surgical strike as well as corruption.
He accused the Congress Vice President of applauding the release of a terrorist in Pakistan and asked why he hugged the Chinese ambassador during the Dokalam standoff.
"You are happy to hug the Chinese ambassador, you are clapping at the release of Hafiz Saeed, You cannot respect Indian Army's surgical strike... But why did you speak about it? You could have just remained silent," he said in Bhuj, not specifying how and where Gandhi had hailed Saeed's release.
MARTINSVILLE-The Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation, the driving force behind the Community Dental Clinic, received a three-year grant from The Harvest Foundation in the amount of $603,195 for indigent dental care.
The Community Dental Clinic served nearly 5,000 individuals in 2016, and since the clinic opened in 2006, there have been more than 41,400 patient visits providing more than $9.3 million in dental services to unemployed and uninsured children and adults in Martinsville-Henry County. Emergency dental visits to SOVAH Health Martinsville, formerly Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Henry County, have decreased by 31 percent over the past six years, according to information provided by PVDHF.
The Community Dental Clinic provides a valuable service to Martinsville-Henry County, said DeWitt House, senior program officer at The Harvest Foundation. The clinic is well-organized, efficient, and provides a variety of dental care for the patients served. The staff and volunteers at the clinic do an amazing job and are committed to the continued success of the clinic. We are fortunate to have an organization of this caliber in our community.
Dr. Mark Crabtree, president of the PVDHF Board of Directors, said the dental clinic is the only solution available for those in need who cannot afford care in a private free for service dental practice.
We are grateful for Harvests substantial support of the Community Dental Clinic, Crabtree said. They have been a significant part of our efforts from the very beginning, and we owe our success to their generous funding. This significant three-year commitment makes it possible to continue providing dental care to those who have no other place to access quality dental care. This truly improves the health of thousands in our community.
The Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation works in partnership with the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, providing externships to dental students who provide care in the community. The organization also partners with Patrick Henry Community College to develop the community dental health coordinator and dental assistant programs, as well as local dentists who volunteer their time at the clinic. Other partners include the City of Martinsville in addition to The Harvest Foundation.
Chinese entrepreneurs reshape image of "made in China" with innovation and creativity
Each umbrella has its own unique design and function.(People's Daily Online/Kou Jie)
Janey Zhangs cramped umbrella shop is definitely not a sight for sore eyes, but customers seldom realize it when caught by the charm of her colorful and beautifully-designed umbrellas. The dimly-lit room and its sharp-sighted hostess are set off to advantage by the delectable art crafts, making a daily picture of the worlds largest small commodity wholesale market.
The first flush of dawn has fallen on the Yiwu International Trade Market in Chinas Zhejiang province, and with the gilded light comes the enchanted glamour that belongs not to Janeys shop alone. Over 75,000 stores in the market are filled with merchants from all over the world, who try to dig business opportunities from over 1.8 million kinds of commodities here.
Even if you spend eight hours a day roaming the market and only three minutes in each store, it would still take you a year and a half to finish your shopping-adventure here, said Yang Bo, deputy marketing manager of Zhejiang China Commodities City Group Co., Ltd,., the company that runs this huge market.
Under the dome of this magnificent business arena, several commercial empires have emerged and outstretched their tentacles to overseas markets, including Janeys umbrella enterprise.
Queen of umbrellas wonderland
Janeys umbrella kingdom, known by foreign clients as Real Star Umbrella, originated from a small workshop created by her father in 1972. The brands fortunes have oscillated with the rise and fall of her family, but it today operates in over 100 countries.
Our workshop used to manufacture featureless products, but that changed in 1998 when I first came to Yiwu. Instead of merely focusing on how umbrellas work, I paid more attention to their beauty, said Janey, who stressed that her umbrellas are more like fashion accessories.
According to Janey, even small commodities like umbrellas can be fashionable, as long as they are injected with an artistic soul and emotions. She has a grand plan to make her brand the Hermes in the umbrella world, an international fashion brand.
No ambitious dream comes easy. It took Janey years to call together a team of talented French designers who help her keep up with the trends in Europe, as well as breathing a la mode elements into her umbrellas weekly. Over 3,000 different kinds of umbrellas were created in the past few years, with each presenting unique patterns and functions.
A delicately designed umbrella handle.(People's Daily Online/Kou Jie)
Linguistic and cultural factors are also taken into consideration when designing umbrellas. For instance, umbrellas sold to Spain are usually designed with bright colors and inscribed with positive Spanish idioms, conforming to Spaniards optimistic personality, said Janey.
Her efforts have paid off. Her umbrellas are popular in European countries, especially in Spain, Italy, and Portugal, with her client base in Europe increasing 8 percent annually. The number has even reached 10 percent in 2017.
Lucas Hernandez, a merchant from Madrid, Spain, has ordered a large number of umbrellas inscribed with the Spanish sentence no hay mal tiempo si es contigo and images of sundrenched Iberian Peninsula, noting that the umbrellas gave him a cordial feeling.
Janey presents a design drawing of her French design team and a finished product.(People's Daily Online/Kou Jie)
It says theres no such thing as bad weather if this is with you in Spanish. I think Spaniards will appreciate the positive vibes the umbrella conveys and it will make them feel more comfortable in bad weather, said Lucas.
In addition to their fashionable design, more high-tech functions are also realized by Janeys team, including a blue-tooth music player function and an anti-theft system. The musical umbrellas have interested a bunch of merchants from India, who dance trippingly in the cramped shop.
Every product has its own unique story, serving as a carrier of art, fashion, and culture. Umbrellas might be a small thing, but it is my familys heirloom, and I hope it can be carried forward, forming an everlasting brand, said Janey, giving an affectionate gaze to her 26-year-old daughter, the queen-to-be of her umbrella wonderland, who is busily exchanging creative ideas with foreign designers online.
New definition of made in China
Remote control cars designed by Chinese companies. (People's Daily Online/Kou Jie)
Like Janey, more and more entrepreneurs in Yiwu have introduced originality and innovation into their products, altering the worlds stereotypical perception of goods made in China.
In a corner of the magnificent market, the hubbub over a toy shop captures passerbys attention. A robot teaching toddlers English is waving its hand to the customer, while a team of tin toys are marching on the shelves with vivid expressions on their tiny faces, toy cars are tilting and sliding to avoid obstacles, and toy choppers are hovering above customers heads.
Many foreigners still hold a stereotype of made in China. They think it means cheap stuffed toys, despite the fact that high-tech toys now account for a large portion of our exports, creating an annual income of millions RMB, said Li Qing, shop manager of Xie Xin Toys Co., Ltd., one of the largest toy companies in Yiwu.
Toy dirlls designed and developed by Chinese companies.(People's Daily Online/Kou Jie)
Echoing Li, Nick Zhang, sales director of the company, stressed that many new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality have been applied successfully to toys made in Yiwu, attracting merchants from all around the globe.
The brand-new image of made in China has led to a surge in exports from Yiwu. According to statistics from local authorities, during the first nine months of the year, the city has exported 168.9 billion RMB worth of goods, a year-on-year growth of five percent, and has established trade ties with over 219 countries and regions around the globe.
Its time to change peoples negative opinion about made in China. We are planning to form a union of great research and development companies to produce more good quality products to sell overseas, said Lou Yuanbin, manager of Zhejiang China Commodities City Group Co., Ltd, who emphasized the importance of innovation and improvement in product quality.
Ive never been to any bigger and more diversified market, and the quality and design of many products here are satisfying. I want to come back here when I have time, said Yahye Dineh, a young merchant from Seattle, U.S., who quickly embarked on his new adventure without hesitation.
As daylight ebbs away, the lights of the countless shops come on one by one. Dream chasers who wish to fulfill their great expectations and entrepreneurs who want to make contributions to altering the image of made in China are all like Janeys umbrellas each with a unique story, but all radiate positive vibes and hope for the future.
Sometimes problems catch you by surprise, and sometimes they can be anticipated well in advance. Recent setbacks for the global climate agenda fall into the latter category.
Earlier this month, I alerted you that global carbon emissions continue to rise worldwide due to increased pollution from China, India, and other emerging economies. This increase occurred despite a reduction in the U.S. carbon footprint. Further, it happened two years after the Paris climate accord, which set goals to decrease the worlds carbon emissions. Time has vindicated what was evident when the accord was concluded: shackling the U.S. economy would not stop increases in carbon pollution.
Instead of killing jobs in America, we would be better off finding new, cleaner ways to use our carbon assets. China, India, and other countries may talk green but will always default to get jobs and wealth for their people.
In the same vein, but predating the Paris agreement, is the United Nations (U.N.) Green Climate Fund. Former President Obama committed the United States to an initial $3 billion contribution, of which $1 billion has already been transferred. Congress never appropriated money for this purpose, so the Obama Administrations commitment was an overreach. I have previously said that the fund itself is a bad deal for the United States. We spend billions already on climate change-related issues. Technology and innovation will have the answers we are seeking, and are where we should spend our money. By pledging to support the Green Climate Fund, the Obama Administration committed billions of dollars to an international body with an ill-defined mission and no clear accountability.
I am not surprised to learn that the Green Climate Fund has not done what its supporters claimed it would do. Much of the money that has been granted so far has gone to recipients who have not provided clear plans for how they will spend it. For example, $265 million went to a Luxembourg-based investment fund that says it will finance projects in about 30 countries, but the Times notes this fund has provided no explicit plan to disclose what those projects would be. Other entities that have received grants are already awash in cash. Overall, under one-tenth of funding has been earmarked for projects run by the countries the Green Climate Fund is meant to aid.
When President Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris agreement, he cited the Green Climate Fund as an example of a program that doesnt work. We now know that the Green Climate Fund does not even benefit the countries it was supposed to help.
German Elections
Political junkies have found plenty of fodder in Europe during 2017, most recently with the German elections that occurred in September. In fact, its results are still being sorted out.
The pivotal figure in the election was Chancellor Angela Merkel. She has led Germany for over ten years and was widely expected to maintain power, despite her controversial decision to admit thousands of refugees from war-torn countries. When the vote came, Merkels party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), lost ground and fell well short of a majority.
As a result, she started talks with other parties across the political spectrum to cobble together a governing majority. At the time of this writing, she has reached out to the Social Democrats (SPD), a leftist party she had previously formed a government with. The SPD had run against Merkel in the election and vowed not to enter a coalition again. Other options are fading, however, and new elections are not a popular alternative, so the party came to the bargaining table.
The twists and turns offer high political drama, but they are important to the future of Europe and by extension the United States. As Europes leading economy and a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Germanys leaders affect our economy and security. The future of its government is well worth the attention of Americans.
Morgan Griffith represents Virginias 9th District in the U.S. House
On 24 November, around 30 Islamic State militants from the Sinai Province arrived in large, all-terrain vehicles outside the el-Rawda mosque in Bir el-Abed, Northern Sinai, during Friday prayers. They detonated two bombs inside and then sprayed the fleeing crowds with machine-gun fire. The attack left over 300 people dead and 130 wounded: the largest death toll recorded for such an event in Egypts modern history.
That the horrendous bloodshed occurred in a mosque filled with ordinary Muslims going about their day of worship should undercut the reactionary and divisive rhetoric which suggests that the barbaric actions of Islamic State find their root in the Koran, the nature of Islam or Muslims themselves. Rather, these monsters are the spawn of the numerous crimes of imperialism in the Middle East, from the disastrous invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, and the funding and arming of Islamist groups in Syria, to the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, just across the border from Sinai. They are nurtured in a region of Egypt whose various tribes have been antagonised by successive Egyptian regimes, and which is best placed to notice the blatant collaboration between the Egyptian and Israeli governments at the expense of the Palestinian population over the siege of Gaza.
Embed from Getty Images
Even so, there is a military presence of 25,000 Egyptian troops in Sinai, backed by small auxiliary forces from around the world, which has been waging a war against Islamist insurgents since 2011. When declaring three days of national mourning, President Sisi promised swift justice for the mosque attack in the shape of bombs dropped on known Sinai Province Islamist strongholds. But the question must be asked: how did dozens of heavily-armed militiamen carrying Islamic State flags arrive at the el-Rawda mosque in broad daylight in large vehicles unnoticed and unchecked in an occupied military zone in the first place?
Sinai
The Sinai Peninsula is an arid region of mountainous desert that the Egyptian army has failed to master since it began its offensive against Islamists in 2011. IS and al-Qaeda controlled areas near to the border with Gaza have remained relatively unchallenged and various Islamist groups still control some of the border tunnels through which smuggling to and from Gaza takes place. The number of terror attacks against Christians, non-Islamist aligned tribespeople and the security forces themselves has continued to increase. There was also the Russian Metrojet plane crash in Sinai in October 2015, which killed 224 people and was claimed by Islamic State.
The flourishing of terrorism in the region, particularly in Northern Sinai, has drawn attention to the severe shortcomings of the army intervention and the national security forces. Last weeks attack is an especially shocking example. It is now being reported that a number of Sinai Province militants have been killed in the retaliatory bombings. But Egyptians are now asking themselves: if the armed forces knew where to find the militants, surely they could have done something before this atrocity took place? The whole affair is adding to the rising doubts about the ability of the Sisi regime to provide stability to the country. The fact that the army relies heavily on bombing rather than ground troops throws doubts on the morale of Egyptian troops.
Sinai Peninsula / Image: Florian Prischl
But the problems in Sinai are not fundamentally military in character. After the return of Sinai to Egypt from Israeli occupation, the Bedouins, who with their 15-20 tribes make up around 70 percent of the population of the peninsula, thought that their conditions would improve. They thought that they would see the same industrialisation and development that the rest of Egypt experienced during the Nasser era. But the Mubarak regime, which was drifting sharply to the right, never had any such plans. Instead the Bedouins were treated with contempt and brutality. After the handover, the regime converted more than 200,000 acres of tribal land in the north into agricultural land, while it forced the previous owners to accept lower quality land in the interior of Sinai.
Stripped of their traditional ways of life, hundreds of thousands of Bedouins are forced to live in squalid conditions. Underdevelopment; and lack of basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, education and health care are the norm, along with extremely high illiteracy and unemployment rates, even for Egyptian standards. In some areas unemployment stands at around 90 percent. South Sinais level of food poverty is almost double that of Egypt, while North Sinai is the poorest governorate in Egypt.
Meanwhile the few investments on the peninsula were at the expense of the Bedouins rather than to their benefit. In the South the newly built tourist resorts, such as Sharm El-Sheikh was built on forcibly expropriated traditional Bedouin lands. While some Bedouin layers found jobs and a tiny layer even profited well, the majority of Bedouins around these resorts live in poor and primitive conditions and get by doing odd jobs here and there. The majority of factories and businesses consciously discriminate Bedouins and import workers from the Nile Valley whom they aggressively resettle on previously Bedouin land.
Bedouins / Image:
The desperate conditions have forced many Bedouins, especially in the poorer North, into the trade and smuggling of people, arms and drugs. It is amongst these layers that groups such as the Islamic State (IS) finds its main recruits: recruiting impoverished and desperate youth looking for a way out of chronically declining living standards. Their attacks on the army have lead to ever more brutal repression of the whole community and the conscious trampling on Bedouin traditions and ways of life. But this only feeds more resentment, to the degree that a key IS recruitment avenue is youth who have lost family members and who are looking for revenge.
At the beginning of the 2011 Egyptian revolution, the people of Sinai also took part in the movement. Faced with the anger of the Bedouins and the rising pressure on the Nile Valley, police and security forces largely withdrew from Sinai, leaving a vacuum which was initially filled by the revolutionary masses. But when the Egyptian working-class failed to take the lead in the revolution, the movement in Sinai partially dissipated and partially radicalised in an Islamist direction. This drift escalated with the fall the Muslim Brotherhood from power, which saw in its wake a rise in terrorist attacks. The ebb of the revolution after Sisi came to power allowed these forces more room for maneuver.
The handling of the Sinai issue by the regime has only served to strengthen the reactionary Islamists. A report by an NGO: the Egyptian Observatory for Rights and Freedoms (EORF) claimed that the Egyptian army killed 1,347, detained 11,906, and forcibly deported 26,992 between September 2013 and June 2015. Human Rights Watch also reported the destruction of at least 3,255 buildings. Thousands of people have been evicted and their houses destroyed without any warning, explanation or compensation. Instead of targeting the militants, the regime mostly targeted the Bedouin community as a whole with indiscriminate torturing, imprisonments, bombings and assassinations.
This only adds to the feelings of resentment amongst Sinais population. Thousands of Bedouins, most of whom are not necessarily pro-IS, are now carrying arms to defend themselves against what is looking more and more like an Egyptian occupying force. In the absence of a strong working-class-led defence force, IS could fill out a vacuum as the only organised and equipped force which can offer a real defence.
The organisation has, through the funds and resources received through the western and Saudi led intervention in Syria and Iraq, become a formidable force. ISs battle-hardened fighters have made use of a combination of heavy and light mortar artillery, surface-to-surface missiles, heavy machine guns and sniper-rifles to carry out advanced military maneuvers normally associated with Special Forces. At the same time, the revivalist Islamist doctrine of IS connects to a layer of the Bedouins who have been dispossessed or ruined in the last period and who are desperately looking for stability. They want a return to the good old days when their land, property and general social position were secured by traditions and belief.
IS will not be uprooted from Sinai by military means only, but that that is not necessarily what the regime has aimed at. In fact the Sisi regime relies on low-level islamist activity to rally Egyptians behind it. In this way the Islamists and the regime lean on each other to cut through the class divide and undermine the revolution. With the movement at an ebb, the masses are being forced to choose between the Sisi dictatorship or IS barbarism. Of course, this tactic is a dangerous one, which has often backfired. The Sisi regime promised stability to the Egyptians. He posed as a strongman, but his inability to deal with Sinai is now exposing his weakness, encouraging rising opposition against him throughout Egypt.
Islamic State / Image: Alibaba2k16
The army has tried to lean on other tribes, mainly from the relatively wealthier southern areas, to fight against the northern IS-leaning tribes. Some tribal elements have tourism as a source of revenue, which they do not want to upset. But many Bedouins, in particular among the poorer layers, cannot forgive those who are partnering with Egypts brutal regime, which under different forms has dispossessed them and oppressed them for decades. The el-Tarabins execution of eight IS militants in May to avenge the killing of a civilian woman in Rafah is viewed locally as a possible motivation for last weeks bombing, though given the citys lack of proximity to Bir el-Abed, this seems unlikely.
The regime is provoking a tribal civil war in Sinai, to keep the troubles away from the Nile Valley, but to think that this will stabilise or contain the situation is naive to say the least. The army has no control over the situation. Their presence serves as a recruitment incentive for the Islamists close to Gaza, while their ineffectiveness undermines their authority locally and infuriates Egyptians outside Sinai.
Culpability of the regime
The events of last Friday exposed the Egyptian regime itself more than anything else. All Egyptians are acutely aware of the danger posed by the Sinai Province IS-affiliate in northern Sinai, which has been active for the past four years. Yet the government seems at a total loss as to how to combat this danger. The last twelve months in Egypt have been blighted by terror attack after terror attack. Most recently before these latest horrific events, in October, 54 military personnel including 34 conscripts were killed by Islamists in el-Wahat el-Bahriya, just 135 kilometres south-west of Cairo. Egyptian people sense that the threat of terror is increasing but the regime is just standing still.
The fact is that this Egyptian regime is fundamentally incapable of removing the scourge of terrorism from Egypt. Moreover, its other actions, such as the selling of islands belonging to Sinai which cost so much Egyptian blood to win back, further undermine its authority in the Peninsula. Not to mention its collusion with Israel the imperialist power that caused the spread of IS and al-Qaeda from Palestine both over the islands deal and the patrol of Gazas border with Sinai.
Tahrir Square in 2011 / Image: Flickr, Jonathan Rashad
The situation in Sinai is directly connected to the incompetence of the Egyptian capitalist class, which has not been able to solve any of the problems of Egyptian society. The post-Nasser regime had no incentive to develop Egypt. The backbone of industry and infrastructure in the country today goes back to the Nasser era: almost 50 years ago. This parasitic ruling class is far more interested in filling its own (and its friends) pockets than actually taking the trouble of developing Egyptian society.
By the time Sinai was reintegrated into Egypt this process was already well on its way. The Bedouins were treated with racist contempt, dispossessed, their traditional lives destroyed and then forcibly resettled in primitive conditions without any jobs. This is the basis upon which IS nourishes itself. The Sisi regime is incapable of addressing the underlying contradictions because it is itself part of this parasitic ruling elite.
The only hope for ending the atrocities in northern Sinai is for a revolutionary unity of the people of Sinai with the poor and the workers of the rest of Egypt against the Sisi regime and against reactionary Islamist creations of imperialism, who are equally the enemies of the people. Only by overthrowing the parasitic capitalist class can the working-class take power into its own hands and put an end to Egypts backwardness, barbarism and all the ensuing chaos the capitalist system generates every day.
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China has been stepping up efforts to rescue its ancient artifacts looted from the country in the past, cankaoxiaoxi.com reported on Nov. 27.
UNESCO statistics show that over 1.64 million ancient Chinese artifacts are housed by some 200 museums in 47 countries around the world. The China Cultural Relics Academy estimates that the figure may even exceed 10 million.
In 2000, the state-owned China Poly Group acquired the bronze heads of an ox, tiger, and monkey at an auction that were removed from the Old Summer Palace fountain, spending 30 million Hong Kong dollars.
Macao billionaire Stanley Ho privately bought the bronze head of a pig in 2003 and the head of a horse in 2007 and donated it to the country. Despite this, the whereabouts of some of the 12 bronze heads of Chinese zodiac animals looted from the country in 1860s are still unknown.
The Financial Times said that patriotic Chinese collectors boost the market for ancient Chinese artifacts.
However, Chinese people are suggested to stay rational in rescuing the ancient artifacts, as some sellers overseas are likely to make use of Chinese peoples patriotism and raise the price, and China will strive for the return of Chinese relics one by one through legal and reasonable means.
HOLYOKE -- The movies are coming back to Holyoke Mall.
Cinemark plans to open a theater complex in Holyoke in 2018, said Bryan Jeffries, vice president of marketing and promotions for Cinemark.
Cinemark is already listed as a "coming soon" on the website maintained for the Holyoke Mall by the Pyramid Companies, the mall's owner. Other "coming soon" tenants include the women's clothing store Loft and Sumo Japanese restaurant, which is expected to open before the end of 2017 on the lower level of the mall.
Damian J. Cote, Holyoke building commissioner, said that mall management has come in with a preliminary drawing of the new theater. But the mall hasn't submitted a formal plans.
The 5,000-screen Cinemark chain already has the Rave Cinemas West Springfield 15 theaters 5 miles away; Cinemark Theaters at the Pyramid-owned Hampshire Mall on Route 9 in Hadley, 18 miles from Holyoke; and the Rave Cinemas Eastfield 16 in Springfield's Eastfield Mall, which is 14 miles away.
Cinemark also has a 12-theater Rave Cinemas complex at Enfield Square just over the border in Connecticut that's 16 miles from the Holyoke Mall.
Mall management didn't return calls for comment Tuesday morning.
The Holyoke Mall used to have a theater on the lower level near the food court. It was an eight-screen cinema that opened with the rest of the mall in 1979 and closed in 1988.
There has been talk over the years about creating a new theater at the mall, including a proposal in 1999 for a 21-screen theater. That project was never built.
Despite the travails of brick-and-mortar retail, the Holyoke Mall is still a major regional attraction, according to Pyramid. The 1.6-million-square-foot mall draws 18 million shopper visits a year in a trade area of 1.7 million people. Holyoke Street gets 22,000 cars a day, mall management said.
The mall has space for 200 or more stores.
The mall has been pivoting in recent years away from traditional retail and into businesses that provide in-person experiences that can't be sold online. An example is the Billy Beez kids indoor play area that opened in 2016.
And even with the popularity of home theaters, people still go to the movies.
The Motion Picture Association of America said that 71 percent of the U.S. and Canadian population -- 246 million people -- went to the cinema at least once in 2016, a 2 percent increase from 2015.
Moviegoers who go once a month or more account for 48 percent of all tickets sold in the United States and Canada.
Marcos A. Marrero, director of planning & economic development for the city of Holyoke, said the mall has an aggressive leasing team and hasn't needed city help filling space. He didn't know of the movie theater project.
Holyoke Mall has no large vacant space. But Sears, a tenant since the mall opened in 1979, is in deep financial trouble and has been closing locations all over the country.
The Republican's Ray Kelly contributed to this report.
SPRINGFIELD -- Marriott's deal to manage the 265-room Tower Square Hotel has been extended by two months until at least mid-to-late February, both hotel management and MassMutual, owner of the Tower Square complex, said Monday.
"After that, we will transition," said hotel general manager Bill Hess. "Or we could be here after February."
Hess declined to say what the next step in that transition might look like, deferring questions on long-term prospects to MassMutual.
But the deal means the hotel will stay open and operating and guests will still be able to use the Marriott online and telephone booking system and earn and use Marriott Rewards frequent customer points.
The hotel has 120 employees, Hess said.
James Lacey, head of media relations and strategic communications at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, wrote in an email to The Republican on Monday that there is nothing new to report on the potential sale of the Tower Square hotel, office tower or mall.
Boston-based CBRE/New England is marketing all three, said David J. Pergola, CBRE/New England executive vice president and partner, who represents the tower and mall, and Dave McEcelroy, senior vice president of hotel brokerage and investment services, who is handling the sale of the hotel.
Marriott's deal to manage the hotel at 2 Boland Way was scheduled to expire Dec. 15.
In June, Lacey cited the end of that agreement as one reason why MassMutual was putting the complex on the market 45 years after developing it as a means of rejuvenating downtown Springfield. He also said MassMutual sees the property as an investment and feels that the property has gained value with the MGM Springfield casino project nearing completion.
While Marriott continued running the hotel, its name came off this summer.
MassMutual is also selling Steiger Park, a 45,000-square-foot parcel at the corner of Main and Bridge Streets, across Main Street from Tower Square. The land -- referred to by MassMutual as Tower Square Park -- was once the site of Steiger's department store.
The Tower Square properties could be sold separately or together, MassMutual has said.
Consolidation in the hotel industry might also complicate matters. Marriott now also owns the Sheraton brand name after buying Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide in 2016 for $13 billion. Paul Picknelly owns and operates the 325-room Sheraton Hotel across Boland Way from Tower Square and connected to it via an airwalk.
Completed in 1971 on a 4-acre block at the intersection of Bridge and Main streets in downtown Springfield, MassMutual built Tower Square in cooperation with civic and business leaders interested in sparking a downtown resurgence.
Tower Square, originally called Baystate West, has 1.6 million square feet of space -- about the same size as Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. At Tower Square, 370,000 square feet of space is in the 28-floor office tower.
MassMutual has not announced an asking price for Tower Square. The city of Springfield has the whole complex assessed at $34.2 million.
A 16-year-old boy died from his injuries after being shot in South Boston Monday night.
Boston Police responded to a call of a person shot around 11:20 p.m. at an area housing complex in South Boston at 264 O'Callaghan Way. Officers found two teenage boys, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency Medical Services transported the 15-year-old victim to Tufts Medical Center. Boston Police say he is suffering non-life-threatening injuries.
EMS brought the 16-year-old victim to Boston Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.
As of Tuesday morning, the victims were not identified and no suspect or suspects were charged. Boston Police say the double shooting is under investigation, and urge anyone with information to contact them at 1(800)494-TIPS.
In this Nov. 29, 1942 file photo, police and firemen watch the rear entrance to the "Melody Lounge" section of the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Boston, where 492 people died and hundreds more were injured in a fire the night before
By Steve LeBlanc and Bob Salsberg, The Associated Press
In the blink of an eye the Cocoanut Grove one of Boston's swankiest nightclubs became an unimaginable inferno, trapping hundreds of panicked victims as they jammed the club's exits.
In less than 15 minutes, 492 people were dead and another 166 injured, making the blaze the deadliest nightclub fire in U.S. history.
While no one knows exactly how the fire started 75 years ago on Nov. 28, 1942, its influence on fire and safety codes and on the medical treatment of burn victims still resonates.
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In this Nov. 28, 1942 file photo, smoke pours from the Cocoanut Grove nightclub, right, during a fire in the Back Bay section of Boston.
First flames
Minutes after the first flames were seen in the lounge, the fire had reached the street floor lobby. The club was plunged into darkness when the lights went out, adding to the panic. A few people managed to escape before the front door became jammed, trapping hundreds.
Firefighters had the fire out in a little over an hour, but the horror was just beginning to dawn.
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A soldier and a member of the Navy's shore patrol search through charred wreckage at the Cocoanut Grove.
Minutes after the first flames were seen in the lounge, the fire had reached the street floor lobby. The club was plunged into darkness when the lights went out, adding to the panic. A few people managed to escape before the front door became jammed, trapping hundreds.
Firefighters had the fire out in a little over an hour, but the horror was just beginning to dawn.
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In this Nov. 28, 1942 file photo, firemen inspect the ruins of the Cocoanut Grove.
Cause unclear
An initial Boston Fire Department report written the day after the tragedy said the fire was "evidently" caused by a "young employee" who lit a match and accidentally ignited a fake palm tree.
From that day on, blame would most often fall on the shoulders of Stanley Tomaszewski, then a 16-year-old bus boy. Tomaszewski told investigators that he lit a match to help him change a light bulb hidden inside the tree, but immediately stamped out the match with his foot.
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Chairs are piled up inside the charred Cocoanut Grove.
Some eyewitness accounts suggested the fire started in the ceiling, and others recalled the inside walls feeling hot even before any flames were seen.
Other possibilities have been examined, including shoddy wiring; gases from a refrigeration unit; and even vapors from the considerable liquor being consumed.
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Workmen remove debris preparatory to the erection of a garage on the site of the 1942 Cocoanut Grove Night Club fire in Boston, Mass., on Nov. 28, 1945. (AP Photo)
No official cause was ever determined and speculation abounds to this day.
Generations of Bostonians would also hear the story of a tragedy averted.
On the day of the fire, the Boston College football team was set to play rival Holy Cross College at Fenway Park with a postgame victory party planned for the Cocoanut Grove that evening. Boston College lost and the celebration was canceled.
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Shoes of some of the women patrons and sheet music from orchestra stands remain as mute evidence of the rush with which panic-stricken patrons of the Cocoanut Grove fled from flames that swept the place, Nov. 29, 1942. More than 400 lost their lives. (AP Photo/Abe Fox)
Building codes
The revolving door was only part of the problem. Adding to the death toll was the club's crowded conditions (with estimates of about 1,000 people in the venue when the fire broke out), locked doors and decorations that helped feed the flames.
Casey Grant, executive director of the Fire Protection Research Foundation, said the fire was a milestone event that prompted a national re-examination of fire prevention.
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A couple of pedestrians give only a passing glance at boarded up windows of Cocoanut Grove night club in Boston, Nov. 28, 1944, where two years ago tonight 492 person lost their lives as a result of a flash fire in the one-story structure. (AP Photo/Abe Fox)
Massachusetts Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said the toughening of building codes and ensuring they are enforced may be the best tribute to the fire's victims.
"We have to make sure we are vigilant and follow those codes because they are based on experiences that we have gained sadly through tragedies like the Cocoanut Grove," Ostroskey said.
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Victims of the Cocoanut Grove night club fire in Boston, many burned almost beyond recognition, are attended by nurses in the Boston City Hospital, Nov. 30, 1942
Treating the burned
After the fire, 166 people, many suffering burns, were rushed to two nearby hospitals Boston City Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital offering a real world test of the treatment of burns.
Pearl Harbor had occurred a year earlier and the federal government had pumped money into Mass General for burn research.
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Lieutenant Joseph Edelin, of Camp Edwards, Mass., receives a blood plasma transfusion at the Boston City Hospital, Nov. 30, 1942.
The idea of blood banks and reserves of plasma was still relatively new, but Mass General had begun to build up its stocks, which were critical to reviving victims, according to Dr. John Schulz, medical director of the hospital's burn unit.
Schulz said, at the time, one of the preferred methods to treat victims was to paint burned areas with tannic acid. He said MGH decided, instead, to keep the victims as sterile as possible to avoid infections and to cover the burned areas with gauze and Vaseline. Victims were also given intravenous drips of antibiotics.
Schulz said the fire also prompted researchers to better understand the effects of smoke inhalation on the lungs, still something of a medical mystery.
"It got a lot of smart people interested in burns," he said.
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Marking the site
There are few visible reminders of the fire, and that in itself has been a source of controversy over the years.
In 1993, a memorial plaque was placed on a sidewalk in the city's Bay Village neighborhood, at the site where the nightclub once stood, honoring "... the more than 490 people who died as a result of the Cocoanut Grove fire on November 28 1942."
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The plaque, however, was later moved about a block away to make room for luxury condominiums, angering some survivors and relatives of those who died.
In 2013, a small side street that now runs through the site was renamed Cocoanut Grove Lane.
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Gov. Mitt Romney signs a fire safety bill on the back of a fire engine in Boston Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2004.
The fire's embers
The blaze has continued to resonate through the years.
In 2004, then-Republican Gov. Mitt Romney signed into law a bill, which supporters called the state's toughest fire regulations since the Cocoanut Grove, requiring sprinklers in all nightclubs, bars, discos and dance halls with occupancy limits of 100 or more.
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In this Feb. 21, 2003 file photo, firefighters spray water on the charred nightclub, The Station, the morning after a fire engulfed the building in West Warwick, R.I., killing 100 people and injuring 200 more.
More than six decades after the Cocoanut Grove, however, a blaze at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, killed 100 people, injured some 200 others and exposed troubling new gaps in fire protection protocols.
Combustible soundproofing material at the club was blamed for the rapid spread of the fire.
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Jessica Garvey, of Woonsocket, R.I., front, steadies a cross at the site of the deadly nightclub fire in West Warwick, R.I., Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013. Relatives and friends of the 100 people killed in the blaze at the The Station nightclub are gathering at the site on its 10th anniversary. The Feb. 20, 2003 fire was started when pyrotechnics for the hard rock band Great White ignited flammable foam that had been installed as soundproofing. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
"It seems like every time we turn around there is some new issue, some new hazard that people didn't expect, people circumventing the requirements," said Grant. "We are safer in the United States than we were in 1942, but we still have a lot of work to do."
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Read more: View more archival photos from the fire and its aftermath here.
A bystander in October filmed a Boston police officer quickly ramp a cruiser onto a sidewalk in crowded Copley Square in an attempt to box in a rogue dirt biker, footage the department defended in response to a Boston Globe inquiry.
The event appears to take place very close to people walking on the sidewalk.
Ilya Smirnov of Cambridge, the bystander, tweeted the footage at Boston Police Department seeking comment and, not getting any, followed up with a public records request seeking information about the circumstance.
Hey @bostonpolice, any comment on this attempted chase in Copley at 20:35 today? pic.twitter.com/NSNNnRKUuv Ilya Smirnov (@IlyaCodes) October 6, 2017
Smirnov's records request asked for all written and audiovisual records of the incident, which took place on Oct. 5 around 10:30 p.m. near Boston Public Library.
Although the department responded in time to Smirnov's request, it turned over a dispatch log, which Smirnov shared on social media. "The vehicle involved in the above-referenced incident was not equipped with a dashcam, the employee involved was not wearing a bodycam, and there wasn't a written report regarding the incident."
The Boston Globe followed up Monday by requesting a response from the department, which resulted in Boston Police Lt. Detective Michael McCarthy saying the officer was "well within his authority" to make the move.
"[Officers] have statutory authority to overrule certain traffic violations in order to initiate a traffic stop, such as go through red lights, make U-turns, etc.," McCarthy said.
BPD has identified "roving gangs" using off-road vehicles to weave in and out of traffic and escape police in dicey scenarios as a problem, especially in the Roxbury, Mattapan and Dorchester areas.
SPRINGFIELD -- The City Council Monday night rejected a special permit for a proposed cell phone tower behind Rick's Auto Body on Pasco Road, even though there was no public opposition to the proposal.
It was not known if the applicant, T-Mobile Northeast LLC, will appeal the decision.
"We are awaiting a written decision to review," said Simon J. Brighenti, T-Mobile's lawyer, declining further comment.
T-Mobile was proposing a 150-foot tall wireless communications tower at 375 Pasco Road in the Indian Orchard-Boston Road area, saying the tower was needed to provide adequate cellular service.
The council vote was 7-4 in favor of the special permit, but needed nine votes to pass -- a two-thirds majority of the 13-member council.
The city's deputy planning director, Philip Dromey, had raised concerns about the visual impact of the pole, as designed. While the area is zoned industrial, there are houses on nearby Glenmore Street, he said.
Dromey had strongly recommended a "stealth design" for the pole to reduce its visibility. While the revised plans on Monday did appear to draw in and reduce the width of platforms, it was not "flush mounted" to the pole, as he was proposing, Dromey said.
City Councilor Timothy Rooke spoke in favor of the special permit, saying there were no residents speaking in opposition to the plans. In addition, Rooke said he agreed with testimony from T-Mobile representatives that there was a need for better cell phone service and coverage in that area.
Rooke said that towers are in every neighborhood of the city, and people are generally not looking up at them. But they do want strong cell phone service, he said.
T-Mobile representatives said that improved cell phone service is important for customers, and also for making emergency phone calls.
Some other councilors, however, said they were not ready to support the permit, given the concerns raised by Dromey who said the tower would be "clearly visible" to residents.
"Once you put up a tower, it's tough to take it down," Councilor Timothy Allen said. "I'm concerned about visibility and real estate values."
A motion to continue Monday's hearing to the next hearing date, Dec. 11, failed.
That was followed by the failed vote on the special permit.
Councilors voting in favor of the permit were Melvin Edwards, Adam Gomez, Kateri Walsh, Thomas Ashe, E. Henry Twiggs, Orlando Ramos and Rooke.
Those voting against the permit were Marcus Williams, Bud L. Williams, Kenneth E. Shea, and Allen. Two councilors were absent from the vote: Justin Hurst and Michael Fenton.
City Clerk Anthony Wilson said a council decision can be appealed by court action. Absent a successful appeal, the same proposal for a special permit could not be considered by the council for two years, Wilson said.
Brighetti said that various locations were considered in that area with the Rick's Auto Body location deemed the most feasible, weighing multiple factors including the needed height and interest from property owners.
Prior to the vote, Brighenti said T-Mobile would be agreeable to a condition being added to require its engineers to work with Dromey's department on his design concerns before seeking a building permit for the tower. Dromey questioned what would happen if the discussions between T-Mobile and Planning led to an impasse.
T-Mobile officials said there would be two platforms on the pole, reduced from 12-square feet to roughly 2 1/2 square feet.
The company had said that an earlier proposal from the city, suggesting a flag pole design was not feasible, nor was it feasible to move the pole closer to Pasco Road.
EASTHAMPTON -- A recent rainstorm brought down a wooden utility pole with an old electrical transformer, releasing 15 gallons of PCB-laden oil near the Connecticut River oxbow.
Eversource reported the Oct. 24 spill to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and "immediate response actions" were conducted, according to state environmental records.
The release was "due to a storm event that compromised a pole-mounted transformer on River Road," Eversource reported to MassDEP. The site was not far from the Easthampton Rod and Gun Club, a member of the club confirmed Tuesday.
The spill of "mineral oil dielectric fluid," described as being 75 yards from the oxbow, was contained to a "naturally bermed area" and did not enter the water, a Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup log form states.
Eversource sent the the firm Clean Harbors to the site, and a "vac truck" conducted an initial cleanup. MassDEP also authorized the removal and proper disposal of up to 50 yards of contaminated soil.
In an Oct. 25 letter to Eversource Environmental Coordinator Brandon Ducheney, MassDEP emergency response Section Chief David A. Slowick explained that Eversource is a "potentially responsible party," not necessarily because of any fault, but because the company owns the equipment.
The letter was copied to Mayor Karen Cadieux and the city's health department, and the Conservation Commission planned to discuss the incident at its Monday meeting. A representative of the commission could not be reached for comment.
Polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, were historically used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors and other electrical equipment. Their manufacture in the U.S. was halted in 1977 because of environmental and health concerns.
The synthetic chemicals can build up in the environment and cause skin conditions in adults, and neurological and immunological changes in children, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA has also classified all PCBs as probable human carcinogens.
Eversource "continues its voluntary reduction" of the chemical, and is in the process "of replacing PCB-contaminated transformers and other oil-filled equipment in locations where PCB levels pose an unacceptable risk," according to the company's website.
The company has removed or replaced PCB transformers in or near schools, hospitals, multifamily homes, apartment buildings and other high-occupancy buildings, and is "systematically removing PCB-containing equipment on a structured schedule over time."
Eversource has replaced 95 percent of its PCB-containing transformers systemwide, said spokeswoman Priscilla Ress, "as part of our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship."
HOLYOKE -- The call came on a snowy afternoon from a nurse at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home. Harry P. Kraverotis had fallen. There was a lot of blood. By the next day, Feb. 12, 2015, the 92-year-old World War II veteran was dead.
Families place their military veteran relatives in the Holyoke Soldiers' Home to receive care in their final years, not to suffer because they weren't looked after and fell, said Elayne Gumlaw, Kraverotis' daughter.
"This is about the decisions that families make to get veterans the help they need and the attention they deserve," said Gumlaw, 66.
Gumlaw is the latest family member of a veteran injured in a fall at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home to step forward and ask that the state facility at 110 Cherry St. be held accountable and improve supervision of residents.
Between January 2014 and August of this year, the Holyoke Soldiers' Home recorded 2,074 cases of residents falling at the facility. In 594 of those falls, a veteran was hurt, with injuries including bone fractures, joint dislocations, altered consciousness or loss of consciousness and skin tears, along with scrapes or soreness.
"To have so many falls as have been reported and not to have the buck stop with someone, my question is this: How could this number of falls take place without someone at some level saying, 'Stop, this is enough, what's going on here?'" Gumlaw said.
The Republican previously reported on three staff members and a resident of the Holyoke Soldiers' Home raising concerns about treatment of residents and staff. They said lack of staff and improper management of existing staff, leaving on-duty personnel spread too thin, had led to problems such as falls.
Officials have said the state and the Holyoke Soldiers' Home in particular are dedicated to providing top care to veterans, reviewing all falls and investigating problems at the facility.
A spokesman said the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services won't comment on issues Gumlaw raised in relation to her father's fall and death.
"Due to privacy, we will not comment on current or former residents of the Home," Joseph Truschelli, spokesman for the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services, said in an email.
Speaking generally about the issue, Alice Bonner, state secretary of elder affairs and a registered nurse specializing in fall prevention, said the Holyoke Soldiers' Home does well in comparison with other nursing homes in terms of falls. Bonner's comments came in a letter to the editor of The Republican.
The Republican has been prohibited from speaking to Bennett W. Walsh, superintendent of the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, with Truschelli saying all comments must come from him.
Gumlaw is among family members of Holyoke Soldiers' Home residents, as well as staff, who reject state officials' attempts to evaluate the number of falls and injuries by using comparisons with the nursing home industry. They say the numbers show that too many aging veterans are falling and getting hurt at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home.
The physical and cognitive problems experienced by nursing home residents, coupled with limited staffing, mean falls will happen at such facilities, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
From 2011-14, 16.3 percent to 16.9 percent of residents in American nursing homes fell at least once, with injuries occurring roughly 5.3 percent of the time, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' annual Nursing Home Data Compendium.
An education consultant and author, Gumlaw formerly was a principal, curriculum director and teacher in the West Springfield public schools. The Agawam resident received that town's Police Life Saving Award for helping a child who was choking in 1991.
Gumlaw said her father, who had dementia, suffered severe facial and cranial injuries and bleeding in the brain from his fall.
"His face was unrecognizable: swollen, black and blue, cuts. His eye was so swollen, it couldn't open," Gumlaw said in a recent interview at the Friendly's restaurant in West Springfield.
Her understanding was her father fell in a social area at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home that included a television, chairs and tables. Perhaps the facial injuries were extensive because Kraverotis lost his balance and slammed face-first into a table and then hit the floor, she said. She said that's just a guess.
Lying in the hospital bed a short time later, Kraverotis didn't have a grasp on how he had fallen, but he was responsive to Gumlaw, her son, her sister and a priest, she said.
"He recognized us," Gumlaw said.
After the fall, Kraverotis was taken to Holyoke Medical Center and then to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, where he was pronounced dead at 4:45 a.m., according to the death certificate. The cause of death was given as "blunt trauma to head."
In his earlier years, Kraverotis put himself in harm's way in the U.S. Army and as a Springfield firefighter.
In December 1944, Nazi Germany mounted a thrust at the Allied forces in northwest Europe that came to be known as the Battle of the Bulge. The U.S. Army suffered thousands of casualties. Kraverotis fought in that battle.
He and brothers Christos, Nicholas and Angelo Kraver (who changed his last name) were in the military at the same time, Gumlaw said.
Her father served in the U.S. Army's 304th Infantry Division, Special Operations. Among his honors: Bronze Star for acts of heroism, Meritorious Achievement Award for service in a combat zone, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign Ribbon, American Theatre Campaign Ribbon and World War II Victory Medal.
Kraverotis received an honorable discharge Dec. 8, 1945, and returned to Springfield, eventually joining the fire department. He retired 25 years later.
"He started as a firefighter the year I was born, which was 1951," Gumlaw said.
His obituary says Kraverotis was predeceased "by his beloved wife and best friend, Angelina (Cokkinias) Kraverotis Jan. 21, 1988." They were married for over 41 years. Besides Gumlaw, they had another daughter, Antigone Fiske, of Ludlow.
Gumlaw said her father loved spending time with his grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins. He was close with her son Nick Gumlaw and they talked a lot, she said.
Kraverotis was proud of his Greek heritage. He was a communicant at the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. A 1988 story in The Union-News, The Republican's predecessor, notes that Kraverotis acted as translator for a reporter interviewing a vendor at the Glendi Greek festival.
He stayed active late into his life. Until the age of 86 he was placing flags on graves at the Massachusetts Memorial Cemeterey in Agawam.
"He never stopped honoring those who served," Gumlaw said.
She recalled driving with her father on Interstate 91 and seeing the big "Soldiers' Home" name spelled out in green bushes on a hill at the base of a flag pole.
"He always used to say to me when we drove by, 'I'm going to be there some day,'" Gumlaw said.
Kraverotis moved to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home in mid-November 2013 after living at Landmark at Monastery Heights in West Springfield. The family was thrilled upon learning Kraverotis had been admitted to the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, but now wishes it hadn't happened, Gumlaw said.
The state has assigned Bonner, the fall-prevention specialist, to meet again with Holyoke Soldiers' Home staff in the next few weeks. She was also deployed in September after The Republican reported on concerns about falls at the facility.
Gumlaw said that what's needed is for state officials such as Gov. Charlie Baker and Francisco A. Urena, secretary of Veterans Services, to meet with those responsible for decisions about staff-to-resident ratios at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home.
"A workshop on falling is a Band-Aid for the severity of this issue," she said.
Tariff cuts on a wide range of consumer goods will expand imports and further open up domestic consumer markets, financial news outlet Yicai reported on Nov 28.
From next month, tariffs on 187 product categories such as baby formula, diapers, and Japanese toilet seats will be reduced from 17.3 percent to 7.7 percent on average, according to the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council.
The reduction will meet increasing domestic demand, as it allows Chinese consumers to buy cheaper and high-quality products that cannot be currently produced at home.
Lower tariffs will also boost domestic consumption as it encourages people to buy imported products at home instead of overseas, analysts say.
Tariffs have been cut four times on imported consumer goods since 2015.
It is hoped that lower tariffs will encourage more foreign brands to invest and open branches in China, said Wang Wei, a researcher with the Institute for Market Economy, Development Research Center of the State Council.
The tariff reduction also reflects that Chinese companies are narrowing the gap with their foreign counterparts in terms of middle-and high-end consumer goods manufacturing.
There is no need to protect the Chinese producers, who have already addressed their weakness through the supply-side structural reform, said Zhang Jun, an economist with Morgan Stanley Huaxin Securities.
SPRINGFIELD -- A claim from a community activist that Springfield missed "a golden opportunity" to appoint the first minority fire department head in city history drew questions from city councilors and rebuttals from the mayor and his human resources director Monday night.
Bishop Talbert W. Swan II, president of the Springfield branch of the NAACP, told councilors that Mayor Domenic J. Sarno's recent selection of Bernard "B.J." Calvi as Springfield's next fire commissioner is another example of "a history" of disparity in Fire Department hiriing, particularly in the highest ranks.
The city "missed out on a golden opportunity to make history," when it chose Calvi, a white deputy chief in Agawam, as fire commissioner instead of two Springfield fire supervisors -- one black and one Hispanic -- who also were seeking the job, Swan said. Calvi lives in Springfield.
Sarno was not at the council meeting, but released a copy of a letter that had been sent to Swan earlier this month in response to Swan's objections.
Sarno said in part: "While I appreciate and respect your opinion and historical perspective, I believe you know me as one who is fair and only wants the best individual for any position no matter what creed, color or background. I believe my administration has reflected this fact from rank and file to department heads."
Swan said that while the mayor has full authority over the appointment, he urged the councilors to raise their concerns as elected leaders. The meeting was a "committee of a whole" meeting with no votes on the agenda.
While Council President Orlando Ramos said he saw some merit to Swan's concerns, Councilor Thomas Ashe, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said he fully supports the appointment of Calvi and the process. Calvvi's five-year appointment begins Jan. 24.
Human Resources Director William Mahoney said the city conducted an extensive search for candidates, getting 33 applicants that were narrowed down to six semifinalists both from within the ranks and from outside the department. The six were fully vetted by a four-member review committee. Sarno, who was on the review committee, selected Calvi, saying he stood out from the others following a vigorous interview process.
Councilor Timothy Allen raised concerns that the review committee did not include any representative of the Fire Department or outside person with fire department expertise.
Mahoney, in response to councilors' questions about Calvi not yet having a bachelor's degree, said the selection of Calvi and current Commissioner Joseph Conant met all educational and job guidelines approved by the council.
Swan said the requirements were reduced by the mayor with the council's approval to fit with the mayor's prior choice of Conant.
Calvi is expected to finish a bachelor's degree in about a year, Mahoney said, in compliance with a requirement for that degree within three years of his appointment.
Sarno announced last year that he would not renew Conant's contract when it expires in January. He did not list a reason, but had publicly criticized Conant at the time for not disciplining Deputy Chief Glenn Guyer for Guyer's decision not to move to Springfield within a year after his appointment as deputy.
Guyer disputed that he had to move to Springfield under a residency requirement.
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To celebrate Officine Panerais upcoming opening of its first stand-alone boutique in the UK, a unique Panerai bronze timepiece, the Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo - 47mm, will go on auction exclusively online on Sothebys.com from the 30th November until the 15th December. During that time, bidders will also be able to view the one-off watch on display at Sothebys. The winner will be invited to the new Panerai Boutique located at 30 New Bond Street, where they will be welcomed by the Head Watchmaker to discover the intricacies of their new timepiece. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the Royal Yachting Association to support their charitable sailing programme OnBoard. This initiative promotes equal access to sailing for young people from all social and economic backgrounds whilst encouraging their character development. The funds will provide sailing boats and equipment for youngsters of all ages and abilities.
Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo Panerai
This exclusive Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Bronzo - 47mm is inspired by Panerais historic creations for the Royal Italian Navy, featuring the iconic Luminor Submersible case in bronze. The timepiece is a celebration of Panerais reputation for creating renowned underwater watches with unique characteristics, excellent technical features and strong historical inspiration. The bronze used to make the case and the classic bridge device protecting the winding crown is an alloy of copper and pure tin, which is highly resistant to the corrosive action of seawater and atmospheric agents. As well as being structurally very strong, the material preserves its warm tones while acquiring a modern worn look from the development of patina. This patina is the result of the reaction of bronze to its environment and it has no effect on the intrinsic properties of the material, but it is a visual sign of the natural ageing process. The rich hues of the case are complemented by a deep brown dial and completed by a brown leather strap.
Created by the celebrated architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, the new boutique on Bond Street will be the second largest in Europe after Panerais flagship store in Florence, extending over an area of 150 square meters and displaying the collections of the Florentine company to enthusiasts and collectors across two floors. The boutique will be one of the few to house a specialist watchmaker who will be permanently based on site.
Egypt's foreign ministry has expressed its deep concern over allegations of slave auctions in Libya at which immigrants seeking to cross illegally to Europe are bought and sold, as reported by international news organisations earlier this month.
In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said, "Egypt expresses its complete rejection of all the abuse against immigrants and refugees in a way that harms their rights or human dignity."
The ministry added that Egypt appreciates the decision of Libya's presidential council to investigate those reports and allegations as a step toward bringing those responsible to account.
Earlier in November, CNN aired an exclusive documentary showing "Libya's migrant slave trade", alleging that African immigrants are abused and sold at slave auctions to work in Libya, before heading to Europe illegally.
According to the documentary, slave auctions are held in several cities.
In its statement on Tuesday, the ministry said that, at time when human rights are promoted around the world, Egypt considers "those huge abuses" a reflection of the failure of the policies that some countries have adopted on the issue of migration.
"Those policies are based mainly on security and the closure of borders to the African immigrants, as well as those who escape from conflicts," said the statement, criticizing those policies that encourage immigrants to turn to human traffickers to cross into Europe.
The ministry also highlighted Egypt's efforts in fighting human trafficking, calling on the international community to deal with the problem of illegal immigration as a multi-faceted issue with economic, social, political and security dimensions.
The Egyptian foreign ministry also welcomed the unanimous UN Security Council resolution no.2388 condemning human trafficking in all its forms.
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Uber is just a software tool, they dont own any cars, and are now the biggest taxi company in the world
Airbnb is now the biggest hotel company in the world, although they dont own any properties.
Artificial Intelligence: Computers become exponentially better in understanding the world. This year, a computer beat the best Go player in the world, 10 years earlier than expected.
David Delahunty
Full Story: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/must-read-article-how-our-lives-change-dramatically-20-delahunty
City Club of Missoula Presents:
Take Flight Missoula and Missoula International Airports Expansion Plan
Take Flight Missoula, a partnership between Missoula Economic Partnership, Destination Missoula and the Tourism Business Improvement District, aims to raise several hundred thousand dollars in revenue guarantees to attract new airlines and routes to Missoula. At the same time, Missoula International Airport, which has experienced a 98 percent increase in passenger service over the last 20 years, has just announced a multi-year expansion plan that will dramatically increase the size of the terminal, including by adding a new terminal.
***
Improving Missoulas air service key to job growth, economic progress
Aside from its importance to the community as individual travelers, access to quality air service directly impacts our ability to conduct economic development for a few specific reasons.
By James Grunke
***
Providing insight, context and explaining the plans of both efforts, will be a panel comprising Beth Burman Frazee, director of Take Flight Missoula; Missoula International Airport director Cris Jensen; and Chris Martison of A&E Architects, who leads the team responsible for designing the new terminal.
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Graduate students at Montana State University are planning to join a national "walk out" on Wednesday to protest a tax reform bill in Congress that would require them to pay income tax on their tuition waivers.
"We make a pretty meager salary," Will Wright, 28, a doctoral student in history at MSU, said Monday. "For a lot of us, myself included, if the House version passes, its going to be a tremendous financial burden, and it may mean I exit graduate education."
By Gail Schontzler Chronicle Staff Writer
https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/montana_state_university/msu-grad-students-plan-protest-over-tax-bill/article_811f2c64-24d0-576e-8dca-549b64da9f04.html
At-home ancestry testing kits are popular presents this holiday season but Sen. Charles Schumer cautioned Sunday that companies providing the service shouldnt be able to gift genetic information to the highest bidder.
The terms of service for companies like MyHeritage and Ancestry allow them to sell customers genetic information to third parties, Schumer said.
Such loose user agreements raise the possibility of employers discriminating against new hires through DNA, or genetic information affecting ones health insurance, he said.
By Edgar Sandoval New York Daily News
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/nov/27/sen-schumer-warns-that-companies-providing-at-home/
A program at Montana State University that works to support underrepresented undergraduate students has received $1.2 million to continue the program for another five years.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Education will provide funding for MSUs McNair Scholars Program, which is designed to support undergraduates who are minorities or who are first-generation and low-income students.
By Anne Cantrell, MSU News Service
http://www.montana.edu/news/17302
Egypt's Azbakeya Misdemeanors Court has handed down three-year suspended sentences and fines of EGP 5,000 to 16 people found guilty of "debauchery" and "forming a network for homosexual acts".
The court issued 13 of the sentences on Sunday and another three on Tuesday, with all 16 released from custody on bail. The 16 defendants can appeal against the ruling.
In September, police raided a flat near Cairo's Ramses Square and arrested several men discovered in "indecent positions", according to the prosecution.
The prosecution said that the defendants had solicited other men for sex in return for money in the Ramses area. The defendants had sexual photos and chats on their mobile phones, say prosecutors. However, the defendants denied being homosexuals.
The prosecution ordered that the suspects be subjected to medical examinations to determine if they had committed homosexual acts.
According to prosecutors, a number of young men who had frequented the Ramses flat had raised the "rainbow" LGBT flag at a concert featuring Lebanese rock band Mashrou Leila in September.
In September and October, police arrested several people on suspicion homosexuality and of raising the flag, which is an international symbol of LGBT pride.
Pictures of fans raising the flag at the concert went viral on social media and caused a storm of controversy on Egyptian TV talk shows.
While consensual homosexual acts are not explicitly criminalised under Egyptian law, people accused of homosexuality have been convicted on charges such as debauchery, prostitution and violating public morals.
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Merck Foundation Health Media Training will be chaired by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation (Merck-Foundation.com); Merck Foundation, to announce a call for applications for 6 different awards for Media, Film, Fashion and Music fraternity in Mauritius, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Seychelles to break Infertility stigma and raise awareness about coronavirus.
Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, in partnership with Media Trust Board, Mauritius to conduct Merck Foundation Health Media Training, particularly for Mauritius, Madagascar, and Seychelles media fraternities. The objective of the training is to emphasize the significant role that media plays to break the stigma around infertility, in addressing sensitive social and health issues such as breaking Infertility stigma, empowering girls and women through education. Moreover, in the given unprecedented times, raising awareness about coronavirus and the best health prevention practices during this global pandemic.
Inviting media to participate for the training, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother said I am happy to initiate this important training session as I strongly believe that media plays a significant role in influencing our society to create a cultural shift. Media has the capacity and ability to break the stigma around infertility in the community and has played a critical role during the global pandemic. Merck Foundation, in partnership with Media Trust Board, Mauritius would like to invite media representatives from Mauritius, Madagascar, and Seychelles to this important online training that focuses on the international standards and media ethics for reporting sensitive social and health issues and aims to be the voice of the voiceless in their communities.
We are also providing scholarships of one year diploma and two year master degree for doctors in respiratory medicines, intensive care, and other specialities to improve healthcare for coronavirus patients and risk groups. I look forward to meeting the enthusiastic journalists from these 3 countries and partner with them as Merck Foundation advocates to empower infertile women and couples and support girl education in their communities, added Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Mr. Chayman Surajbali, Chairperson of the Media Trust Board, Mauritius emphasized,
We are proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation and happy to launch Merck Foundation Health Media Training where the training will equip our media with sharp and specific media skills so as to write and deliver impacting stories about health and social issues. This initiative will help media representatives of our country to report on sensitive and social issues with a greater knowledge and encourage them to be the voice of the voiceless in raising awareness about infertility and breaking the stigma around it. We look forward to making it a great success with Merck Foundation.
The Merck Foundation Health Media Training is a part of Merck Foundation More than a Mother Community Awareness Program and will be addressed by top fertility experts and media stalwarts from Africa and Mauritius. The Health Media training invites journalists from Print, TV, Radio, and Online media. So far, Merck Foundation has trained 1700 media representatives from more than 30 countries across Africa and Latin America.
The training will also mark the announcement of two media recognition awards for the media fraternity from Mauritius, Madagascar, and Seychelles, Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards More Than a Mother 2021 and Merck Foundation Mask Up With Care Media Recognition Awards 2021; two awards for fashion fraternity of these countries, Merck Foundation Fashion Awards More Than a Mother 2021 and Merck Foundation Make Your Own Mask Fashion Awards 2021; in addition to Merck Foundation Film Awards More Than a Mother 2021 and Merck Foundation Song Awards More Than a Mother 2021.
Moreover, Merck Foundation in collaboration with The Ministry of Health and Wellness, Mauritius, has underscored their commitment to build healthcare capacity in Mauritius. Till today, 71 healthcare providers have been provided or will be provided with scholarships of one-year diploma and two-years master degree in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of which, 32 Medical graduates have been enrolled in the fields of Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, and Sexual & Reproductive Medicine. Another 39 medical graduates have been already selected to be enrolled in PG Diploma courses in many new underserved specialties including Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Gastroenterology, Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, Mental Health: Psychological Therapies, Orthopedic Trauma Science, Paediatric, Emergency Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Pain Management, Psychiatry, Clinical Microbiology & infectious diseases, Ophthalmology, Internal Medicine, Neuroimaging for research, Urology, Orthopedics, Rheumatology, Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Critical Care, General Surgery, and Orthopedic & Trauma.
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Xavier-Luc Duval a pose sa Private Notice Question lors de la seance du parlement du 12 avril 2022 au Dr Renganaden Padayachy, a louverture des travaux.
I have to inform you that the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, Charles Gaetan Xavier-Luc Duval, GCSK, FCA, MP, has given notice of the following Private Notice Question which he proposes to put to Dr the Honourable Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, at the sitting to be held today Tuesday 12 April 2022 at 1130 a.m
To ask Dr the Honourable Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development
Whether, in regard to the ongoing fall in the exchange rate of the Rupee vis a vis the US dollar and the ensuing scarcity of this currency in commercial banks in Mauritius, he will state the measures, if any, Government and the Bank of Mauritius propose to take to reverse same?
Monsieur le President,Tout comme mardi dernier, je tiens a remercier le Leader de lopposition pour sa question.Cette question me donne une nouvelle fois lopportunite dapporter un eclairage sur le sens de laction du Gouvernement en faveur de la population et en premier lieu envers les plus demunies.
Pour ce faire et dans un premier temps, je donnerai rapidement quelques elements de contexte.
Monsieur le President,
En effet, il nest un secret pour personne que depuis mars 2020, et suite a lapparition de la pandemie de la Covid-19, un ralentissement notable des activites economiques a ete enregistre.
Avec deux confinements et la fermeture de nos frontieres, notre economie a ete mise a rude epreuve.
Au global, Maurice a subi deux contractions successives. La premiere de 6,9% pour lannee fiscale 2019-2020 et la seconde 5,4% pour lannee fiscale 2020-2021.
Je rajoute a cela que le declenchement du conflit russo-ukrainien a rajoute un halo supplementaire dincertitudes, entraine une poussee inflationniste mondiale et pourrait conduire notre monnaie a se deprecier davantage.
A cet egard, je mappuie sur le recent rapport de la Commission Economique Africaine des Nations Unies intitule The impact of the Ukraine Crisis in Africa anticipant :
Une depreciation de 10% de la roupie,
Un surplus dinflation de 2,2% en Afrique uniquement du au conflit, et
Une pression accrue sur les comptes courants de 43 pays africains importateurs denergies et de denrees alimentaires, a linstar de Maurice.
Monsieur le President,
Jen viens donc a la problematique de lentree de devises dans le contexte des deux dernieres annees que jai a linstant etaye.
Le choc a ete particulierement violent pour le secteur du tourisme, celui de lexport et celui des services financiers.
Encore une fois les chiffres parlent deux-memes.
Dune part, Maurice a ainsi du faire face a une baisse drastique des arrivees touristiques. Cest-a-dire que nous sommes passes dun flux annuel pre-Covid de 1,3 million de touristes pour lannee 2019, a 300 000 touristes en 2020 et 180 000 touristes en 2021.
Les consequences en termes dentree de devises ont ete majeures etant donne que sur la periode que je viens de citer, nous avons facilement perdu 2,3 millions de touristes.
Sachant que chaque touriste, en periode pre-pandemique, depensait en moyenne 1 200 euros par sejour hors transport, le manque a gagner cumule est considerable.
Dautre part, les exportations de biens et services, qui avaient rapporte lequivalent de 191,9 milliards de roupies en devises etrangeres en 2019, sont tombees a 128,9 milliards de roupies en 2020 et a 132,9 milliards de roupies en 2021.
Enfin, le secteur des services financiers, bien quayant demontre sa resilience, a enregistre une baisse de la valeur ajoutee brute de 51,8 milliards de roupies en 2019 a 49,3 milliards de roupies en 2020, indiquant une diminution des entrees de devises.
Au global, au cours des deux annees de la pandemie, leconomie a ainsi enregistre un deficit de quelque 122 milliards de roupies dentrees de devises etrangeres.
Monsieur le President,
Pour repondre a la question de lhonorable Leader de lopposition, permettez-moi de prime abord de preciser le mandat revenant a la Banque de Maurice et celui qui incombe au Gouvernement.
Conformement a la section 4 de la Bank of Mauritius Act, la Banque de Maurice est lentite en charge et en toute independance de conduire la politique monetaire et celle des taux de change. Elle seule en est le decisionnaire.
Je cite the Bank is entrusted, inter alia, with the responsibilities to: conduct monetary policy and manage the exchange rate of the rupee, taking into account the orderly and balanced economic development of Mauritius.
En vertu de son mandat et pour faire face au deficit dentree de devises etrangeres, jai ete informe par la Banque de Maurice que cette derniere a vendu quelques 2,9 milliards de dollars americains sur le marche depuis le debut de la pandemie, en mars 2020.
Je rappelle quen 2018 et 2019, Maurice avait recu un montant de 12,67 milliards de dollars, comparativement a 7,35 milliards de dollars en 2020 et 2021.
Soit une baisse de 5,32 milliards de dollars, equivalent a 230 milliards de roupies, representant la moitie de notre PIB.
Lapprovisionnement regulier du marche en devises etrangeres par la Banque de Maurice, qui est en charge de la conduite de la politique monetaire et de la stabilite financiere, a permis de limiter les perturbations du fonctionnement normal du marche des changes.
Et cela en conformite avec le regime de change flottant comme qualifie par le Fonds Monetaire International.
Au vu des perspectives relatives aux performances encourageantes du secteur touristique et en tenant en compte la tendance inflationniste mondiale, la Banque de Maurice a egalement porte a ma connaissance quelle est intervenue sur le marche a hauteur de 25 millions de dollars a un taux apprecie de 43,15 roupies contre 43,25 roupies lors de sa derniere intervention.
Monsieur le President,
Je vais maintenant elaborer sur la strategie deployee et les mesures implementees par le Gouvernement pour soutenir le pouvoir dachat de la population.
Premierement, la reouverture totale de nos frontieres en octobre 2021, dans le respect des protocoles sanitaires, a bien entendu ete une etape importante pour assurer la reprise franche et durable des entrees de devises.
Ce nouveau souffle, cest la bouchee doxygene dont nous avions besoin pour atteindre les objectifs que nous nous sommes fixes.
Deuxiemement, le Gouvernement, sous limpulsion de notre Premier ministre, a travaille darrache-pied pour faciliter les affaires a Maurice et maintenir lexcellente reputation de la juridiction comme un Centre Financier International.
Je pense notamment a la sortie de Maurice des listes du Gafi, de lUnion Europeenne et du Royaume-Uni. Une excellente nouvelle pour leconomie, tant en termes de croissance, demploi que dentree de devises etrangeres.
Troisiemement, et sans porter prejudice a la viabilite de notre dette, le Gouvernement a egalement contracte plusieurs prets concessionnels en devises etrangeres.
Ces prets aux conditions avantageuses et qui plus est souvent accompagnes de subventions ont permis de faire rentrer des devises etrangeres sur le marche local.
Quatriemement, notre strategie pour faciliter lentree de devises etrangeres sest orientee vers louverture de notre economie aux investisseurs et expatries, notamment les seniors.
Les Budgets 2020-2021 et 2021-2022 ont fait la part belle a la Silver economy.
Je rappelle quil est estime que chaque retraite expatrie a Maurice amene au pays une moyenne de 9 000 dollars par individu, sur la base dune residence de 6 mois par an a Maurice.
Atteindre lobjectif de 25 000 retraites a Maurice permettrait daccroitre les entrees en devises etrangeres de 250 millions de dollars.
Enfin, permettez-moi de rappeler les efforts considerables deployes par le Gouvernement pour subventionner une large gamme de produits de necessite, pour un montant total de 8,2 milliards de roupies.
Monsieur le President,
Selon la Banque de Maurice, notre monnaie sest depreciee de 7,6% en 2020 et de 9,2% en 2021.
Au regard du contexte historique, la valeur de notre roupie aurait pu etre plus largement affectee.
Ce qui me fait donc poser la question de la depreciation la roupie a lHonorable leader de lopposition quand lui et ses amis etaient au pouvoir entre 2006 et 2014.
Une periode caracterisee au niveau mondial par une expansion exceptionnelle a savoir une croissance forte de 3,6% en 2014 et surtout une inflation faible, tres faible de 2,9% en 2014, sans pande9-=0mie, sans guerre ni perturbations de la chaine dapprovisionnement.
Auraient-ils cherche deliberement a devaluer la roupie en 2012 ?
La population se souviendra qua cette epoque, le Leader de lopposition, alors Ministre des finances, avait pris la decision non-conforme dinjecter 100 millions de dollars dans le but explicite de devaluer notre roupie.
En 2012, alors que leconomie mondiale se portait bien, quil ny avait pas de confinement ni de crise de la Covid-19 et que le secteur du tourisme avec pres dun million de visiteurs apportait des devises etrangeres et que le niveau du secteur de lexport de biens et services setablissait a 188,6 milliards de roupies, la roupie a pourtant ete devaluee :
de 29,9 roupies pour le dollar en 2011 a 31,2 roupies,
la livre de 46,7 roupies a 50,3 roupies et
leuro de 39,4 roupies a 40,9 roupies.
Ainsi, entre 2005 et 2014, la roupie a ete devaluee de 11,2% par un Gouvernement qui se souciait peu du pouvoir dachat des mauriciens, en particulier de celui des plus vulnerables.
Je conclus en rappelant au Leader de lopposition que pour comprendre le present et preparer le futur, nous devons analyser le passe.
Monsieur le President,
Notre budget alloue a lEtat providence, notre Welfare State, etait de seulement 48 milliards de roupies en 2014.
Aujourdhui malgre la pandemie, malgre la crise, malgre la recession, ce Gouvernement, porte par lhumanisme du Premier ministre, a fait doubler le budget du Welfare State pour lamener a plus de 93 milliards de roupies en 2021-2022.
En y ajoutant le Wage Assistance Scheme et le Self-Employed Assistance Scheme, ce montant depasse largement la barre des 100 milliards de roupies que nous avons retournes a la population.
Ces chiffres demontrent la solidarite dont ce Gouvernement fait preuve envers sa population.
Merci.
Egypt's interior ministry said on Tuesday that police killed 11 terrorists in a shootout at a farm that was being used as a terrorist hideout in Ismailia governorate.
Police also confiscated equipment including three machine guns, one rifle, wireless communication devices, explosive materials, as well as large amounts of ammunition, the statement reads.
Several other hideouts were also raided by police forces, including in Ismailia and 10th of Ramadan City, which were used to stockpile equipment to be smuggled to North Sinai.
Police also arrested six people at one of the hideouts who were involved in providing support to terrorist groups in North Sinai, according to the statement.
Police forces also arrested three people who were part of a smuggling network that provided logistical support to terrorist groups in North Sinai.
Last week, gunmen in North Sinai murdered 305 worshippers including 27 children and injured 128 during Friday prayers at Al-Rawdah Mosque in Bir Al-Abd city.
No group has claimed responsibility for the terrorist attack; the deadliest in Egypts recent memory.
Shortly after the attack, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi promised vengeance in a televised speech to the nation.
El-Sisi said that the military and police will avenge our martyrs and will respond using brute force against the terrorists to ensure stability and security.
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Egypt condemned on Tuesday "in the strongest terms" a bombing that took place on Monday southeast of Baghdad, which left at least 17 people dead and over two dozens injured.
Egypt expressed condolences for the victims' families and the people and the government of Iraq, stressing its full solidarity with Baghdad in the fight against "abhorrent terrorism," Egypt's foreign ministry said in a statement.
Cairo will push ahead with its efforts and coordination with other countries to "develop a comprehensive international strategy to eliminate terrorism in all its forms, dry up its sources of funding and supply, and combat the extremist ideology," the statement added.
On Monday, two attackers shot several civilians in Baghdad's Nahrawan area before one blew himself up and the other was killed by security forces, the Iraqi interior ministry said.
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Two attackers shot several civilians on Monday in the Nahrawan area southeast of Baghdad before one blew himself up and the other was killed by security forces, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said, without providing official casualty figures.
Local media reported at least 17 people were killed and 28 wounded. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which an interior ministry spokesman described as "a terrorist attack by two terrorist suicide attackers who fired indiscriminately on citizens in the Nahrawan area".
Suicide bombings are a trademark of Islamic State. Iraqi security officials say the group is likely to wage an insurgency after its self-proclaimed caliphate collapsed and its militants were dislodged from territories they held in the country.
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WASHINGTON - Congressional Democrats have backed out of a scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump, saying they will focus instead on negotiating directly with top Republican leaders to avoid a federal shutdown.
The decision by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., to not meet with Trump came a few hours after he signaled in an early-morning tweet that he is unlikely to bend to requests by Democrats in talks over how much more money the federal government may spend in the coming years and on pressing concerns regarding immigration and health care.
Government funding is scheduled to dry up pon Dec. 8, and Republicans and Democrats are already floating the possibility of passing a short-term spending bill that wouldl push negotiations until just before Christmas.
"Meeting with 'Chuck and Nancy' today about keeping government open and working. Problem is they want illegal immigrants flooding into our Country unchecked, are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I don't see a deal!" Trump tweeted.
In response, Schumer and Pelosi said that "rather than going to the White House for a show meeting that won't result in an agreement," they've asked to meet alone with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis.
"If the president, who already said earlier this year that 'our country needs a good shutdown,' isn't interested in addressing the difficult year-end agenda, we'll work with those Republicans who are," they said.
Trump has explicitly threatened a government shutdown already twice this year and dangled the possibility again in his Tuesday morning tweet.
Aides for McConnell and Ryan didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.
Trump's huddle with the "big four" was scheduled to start a few hours after he is scheduled to attend a Senate Republican lunch meeting at the U.S. Capitol to shore up support for his party's tax reform plans.
Among Democrats, there is growing resolve to withhold support for a spending plan that fails to address the fate of the so-called "dreamers." But on Tuesday, Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., who represents a swing district in southern Florida, became the first GOP lawmaker to say that he also will withhold his support for a spending bill that funds the government into next year if a solution for dreamers hasn't been enacted.
Trump announced in September that he is ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that granted temporary legal status to roughly 600,000 young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. He has given Congress until March to enact a permanent fix or risk mass deportations.
Bipartisan proposals providing permanent legal status to eligible dreamers would permit them to stay in the country, but not allow illegal immigrants to flood into the United States as Trump suggested Tuesday.
The top of the agenda at the White House meeting was likely to be federal spending levels. Currently, Congress may spend no more than $549 billion for defense programs and $516 billion for nondefense programs next year, a cut from current levels.
But the Trump administration and defense hawks want to boost defense spending to more than $600 billion, and Democrats are demanding a dollar-for-dollar increase in nondefense spending. In a sign of how serious Republicans are about boosting Pentagon spending, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was expected to attend the meeting, according to aides.
White House legislative affairs director Marc Short said Monday that the West Wing is "anxious to find a path forward on budget caps" that would pave the way for a long-term government spending bill.
With Republicans in total control of Washington, Democrats are insisting on adding such policy issues to any spending bill to win their support. Given that House Republicans have needed Democrats to help pass spending bills in recent years amid opposition from fiscal conservatives and because Senate Democrats can filibuster spending legislation, Schumer and Pelosi believe they have leverage to force a deal.
Previewing the meeting Monday, Schumer cited spending levels, immigration policy and the need to renew programs such as the Children's Health Insurance Program as top priorities in the closing days of the year.
"Hopefully we can make progress on an agreement that covers those time-sensitive issues that keeps the government running and working," he said in Senate floor remarks.
A senior Democratic aide familiar with planning for the meeting said that Democrats will maintain influence over negotiations in the coming weeks. "This meeting wouldn't be happening if they had the votes on their own," said the aide, who was granted anonymity to speak frankly.
In the weeks leading up to Trump's last meeting with the top four congressional leaders in September, his frustration with his own party's top officials was boiling over.
Senate GOP leaders had just fumbled attempts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, leaving a long-held GOP priority unfulfilled. The meeting yielded an agreement that set up a short-term spending agreement - allowing Democrats to crow about how they maintained their negotiating leverage and Republicans to use the ensuing months to work on a bigger priority, tax reform.
While many tensions remain raw in the GOP, Trump has sharpened his attacks on Democrats in recent weeks. In the closely watched Alabama Senate race, Trump has warned on social media that voters "can't let Schumer/Pelosi win this race," as he has tried to cut into support for Democratic candidate Doug Jones.
At least three Democratic senators, Cory Booker of New Jersey, Kamala Harris of California and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont - all of whom are potential Democratic presidential candidates in 2020 - have said they would vote against the spending plan if it doesn't include protections for dreamers. Other potential Democratic presidential contenders, including Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Chris Murphy of Connecticut, have suggested that they might also withhold support.
In the House, members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus - who account for 28 of the 194 House Democrats - are expected to decide by the end of this week whether they will vote no against spending bills without an agreement to protect dreamers, according to caucus members and their aides. If they do, aides expect most if not all members of the congressional Black and Asian and Pacific Islander caucuses to join in opposition. Dozens of other Democrats might also vote no - representing more than half of the caucus.
But Republicans remain insistent that establishing the parameters of a government spending bill that extends beyond elections next November should be the top priority for Tuesday's meeting.
"You don't want to have a spending showdown shutdown crisis before the midterms next year. So I think it's important for both sides, honestly, to reach that agreement," said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., a close ally of House GOP leaders.
Cole said he expected the president to "trust his instincts" during the negotiation, and he warned Democrats against holding up a spending bill over pressure to reach an immigration deal.
If "you try to hold the entire government hostage to a single issue," Cole said, there's a risk of making the "same mistake Republicans made in 2013 over Obamacare. It's very apt to backfire."
Republican opposition to the Affordable Care Act in 2013 led to a government shutdown that the public widely blamed on the GOP.
Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., an outspoken conservative lawmaker, said Monday that he supported Ryan's calls not to include a DACA solution in the spending plan.
"Congress should pass single-subject legislation, which maximizes the transparency of our votes to constituents. It would be a grave mistake to add DACA reform to the spending bill," Biggs said in a statement, adding that a separate immigration measure should include money to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Asked what he hoped Tuesday meeting's would yield, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters, "I hope a year-end solution, a pathway to making sure you guys are home on Christmas Eve instead of hanging out here with us."
A Syrian government delegation to U.N.-backed peace talks in Geneva this week has not yet left Damascus and may announce on Tuesday whether it will participate, the pro-Damascus Syrian newspaper al-Watan said.
United Nations Syria mediator Staffan de Mistura said on Monday that the Syrian government had not yet confirmed that it would attend an eighth round of peace talks in Geneva this week, but "indicated that we would be hearing from them soon."
Al-Watan reported on Monday that the delegation had delayed its planned departure to the talks set to begin on Tuesday because of the opposition's insistence that President Bashar al-Assad step down.
Head of the opposition delegation to Geneva Nasr Hariri has said he is aiming for Assad's removal as a result of negotiations.
Syrian government officials could not immediately be reached for comment.
A breakthrough in the talks is seen as unlikely as Assad and his allies push for total military victory and his opponents stick by their demand he leave power.
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The pan Arab organisation's chief calls on the international community to solve this crisis and give it highest priority
Yemen is in need of urgent humanitarian assistance from the regional and international communities and any such efforts would be welcomed, the spokesperson of the Arab League's chief said on Tuesday.
Mohamed Afifi said the armed conflict in Yemen has caused a "humanitarian crisis amid continuous and noticeable deterioration in living conditions."
This situation is affecting the health and nutritional status and of Yemeni children, as well as the elderly and the sick, he said.
Afifi noted that the pan-Arab organisation's chief, Ahmed Abul-Gheit, believes that solving this crisis should be the highest priority for the international community, adding that all resolutions issued by the Arab League on Yemen have put an emphasis on this matter.
"The time has come for the Houthis, and those who are having an alliance with them, to realize that they are destroying the country [Yemen] and causing suffering for millions of innocent Yemenis. The Houthis are responsible for the deterioration Yemen has reached on all levels because of their intransigence and refusal of all compromises that were suggested to settle the conflict and lead Yemen to avoid the ongoing war," Afifi concluded.
According to a Reuters report, 7 million people face famine in Yemen. Medical supplies and humanitarian aid workers arrived to Yemen's capital Sanaa on Saturday following an easing of a three-week blockade imposed by the Saudi-led military coalition fighting against the Houthi rebels.
"First plane landed in Sanaa this morning with humanitarian aid workers, the World Food Programmes regional spokeswoman Abeer Etefa told Reuters on Saturday.
Sanaa airport was closed from Nov. 6 until today, more than 18 days, and this closure caused an obstruction to the presence of aid workers, Etefa added.
On 7 November, Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), described the three-week blockade imposed by the Saudi-led coalition as 'catastrophic' for the Yemeni people on basic supplies.
Laerke said "that lifeline has to be kept open and it is absolutely essential that the operation of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) be allowed to continue unhindered."
He said that the blockade had led to a 60 percent increase in fuel prices, as well as a 100 percent rise in prices of cooking gas. Long lines of cars are queuing at gas stations, he noted.
According to a report by the UN News Centre, 90 percent of Yemen's "daily needs" are fulfilled through imports.
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Syria's government agreed on Tuesday to a ceasefire in rebel-held Eastern Ghouta, following days of heavy bombardment, the United Nations envoy to the war-ravaged country said.
"Russia has proposed and the government has accepted a ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta," Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva, where an eighth round of peace talks aimed at ending the Syrian conflict was getting underway.
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Related Trump declares North Korea state sponsor of terror
North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Tuesday, two US government sources said, a week after President Donald Trump put North Korea back on a US list of countries that it says support terrorism.
Later, the Pentagon said that it had detected a "probable" missile launch from North Korea.
"We detected a probable missile launch from North Korea. We are in the process of assessing the situation and will provide additional details when available," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Robert Manning told reporters.
He said the probable launch was detected at 1:30 p.m. EST (1830 GMT).
The missile flew to the east and the South Korean military is analyzing details of the launch with the United States, according to a report from South Korean news agency Yonhap, citing South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.
NHK in Japan, citing the defense ministry, reported that the missile may have landed in the water of Japan's exclusive economic zone.
The US source told Reuters no further details were immediately available. Asahi Shimbun in Japan also reported that North Korea had fired a ballistic missile early on Wednesday.
US stocks pared gains after reports of the missile launch. The S&P 500 index was up half a percent in midafternoon.
Two authoritative U.S. government sources said earlier that US government experts believed North Korea could conduct a new missile test within days, in what would be its first launch since it fired a missile over Japan in mid-September.
The US officials declined to say what type of missile they thought North Korea might test, but noted that Pyongyang had been working to develop nuclear-tipped missiles capable of hitting the United States and had already tested inter-continental ballistic missiles.
After firing missiles at a rate of about two or three a month since April, North Korea paused its missile launches in late September, after it fired a missile that passed over Japans northern Hokkaido island on Sept. 15.
Last week, North Korea denounced Trump's decision to relist it as a state sponsor of terrorism, calling it a "serious provocation and violent infringement."
The designation allows the United States to impose more sanctions, though some experts said it risked inflaming tensions.
Trump has traded insults and threats with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and warned in his maiden speech to the United Nations in September that the United States would have no choice but to "totally destroy" North Korea if forced to defend itself or its allies.
Washington has said repeatedly that all options are on the table in dealing with North Korea, including military ones, but that it prefers a peaceful solution by Pyongyang agreeing to give up its nuclear and missile programs.
To this end, Trump has pursued a policy of encouraging countries around the world, including North Korea's main ally and neighbor, China, to step up sanctions on Pyongyang to persuade it to give up its weapons programs.
North Korea has given no indication it is willing to re-enter dialogue on those terms.
North Korea defends its weapons programs as a necessary defense against U.S. plans to invade. The United States, which has 28,500 troops in South Korea as a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean war, denies any such intention.
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The decision comes in response to a new Egyptian policy banning exports from unregistered farms
Related Egypt says Jordan to lift import ban on Egyptian potatoes Bahrain, Kuwait, and UAE to lift ban on Egypt's agriculture exports: Agriculture Ministry The European Union agreed to remove Egyptian table grapes from a list of foods that are subject to an increased level of official import controls, Agriculture Minister Abdel-Moneim El-Banna announced Monday, Ahrams Arabic website reported.
The European Commissions Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed voted in favor of removing the Egyptian grapes from the list during meetings held in Brussels on 8-10 November.
The reduction of the level of official controls comes after the Agriculture Ministry implemented a new policy under which only registered Egyptian farms are allowed to export grapes.
The decision is yet to be made official, as the standing committee only delivers opinions on draft measures that the Commission intends to adopt, according to its official page.
The current inspection protocol requires an additional 20% inspection rate over other imports, which means that two out of every 10 containers in each shipment are inspected, Agriculture Export Council Executive Director Hani Hussein told Al-Ahrams Arabic website.
Since 2012 Egyptian grapes been on the list of food subject to an increased level of official controls for certain pesticides at the point of entrance into the EU territory, according to the EUs official document.
Last month, Jordan lifted a ban on imports of Egyptian potatoes imposed in June 2016.
Also last month, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates agreed to lift a ban on imports of Egyptian agricultural products.
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Monday, Nov. 27, 2017
LANSING Gov. Rick Snyder today signed an agreement requiring immediate steps be taken to improve environmental protection for the Great Lakes and other state waterways through a binding agreement with the owners of Line 5.
Business as usual by Enbridge is not acceptable and we are going to ensure the highest level of environmental safety standards are implemented to protect one of Michigans most valuable natural resources, said Gov. Rick Snyder. The items required in this agreement are good strides forward. The state is evaluating the entire span of Enbridges Line 5 pipeline and its future, but we cannot wait for the analyses to be completed before taking action to defend our waterways.
Line 5 is a 645-mile pipeline that begins in Superior, Wisconsin, and terminates in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. Line 5 transports up to 540,000 barrels a day of light crude oil and natural gas liquids
Congressman Fred Upton, chair of the Subcommittee on Energy in the U.S. House of Representatives, has been working closely with the state on addressing concerns he has about Enbridge operations.
"This issue is not going away until it gets fixed, Upton said. Zero tolerance for error is the only thing we will accept along with the highest safety standards in place to ensure the Great Lakes will not be at risk. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Snyder and the state of Michigan in coordinating a state and federal response. We will stay on the case through completion."
Under stipulations detailed in the agreement announced today, the state is requiring Enbridge to:
Replace the portion of Line 5 that crosses beneath the St. Clair River with a new pipe in a tunnel under the river , a site where similar pipeline construction for Line 6B was successfully accomplished a few years ago. The St. Clair River is an important source of drinking water and an environmentally sensitive location along the pipeline. The underground replacement line will significantly lower the risk that oil could reach the river or the Great Lakes.
, a site where similar pipeline construction for Line 6B was successfully accomplished a few years ago. The St. Clair River is an important source of drinking water and an environmentally sensitive location along the pipeline. The underground replacement line will significantly lower the risk that oil could reach the river or the Great Lakes. Undertake a study, in conjunction with the state, on the placement of a new pipeline or the existing dual pipelines in a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. The states alternative analysis identified tunneling as an alternative to the current pipelines. This study will examine several possible techniques and allow a much more detailed examination on the technical feasibility of such a tunnel.
The states alternative analysis identified tunneling as an alternative to the current pipelines. This study will examine several possible techniques and allow a much more detailed examination on the technical feasibility of such a tunnel. Temporarily shut down operation of Line 5 in the straits during periods of sustained adverse weather conditions , because those conditions do not allow effective response to potential oil spills. Sustained adverse weather conditions are defined in an appendix of the agreement.
, because those conditions do not allow effective response to potential oil spills. Sustained adverse weather conditions are defined in an appendix of the agreement. Assess the possible installation of underwater technologies, including cameras, to better monitor the pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
Implement technologies that improve the safety of Line 5 in the straits by allowing faster detection and a more immediate response in the event of a spill.
Implement measures to mitigate a potential vessel anchor strike on Line 5 beneath the straits. A vessel anchor strike was identified in the final alternatives analysis as one of the most serious threats to Line 5 safety in the straits.
A vessel anchor strike was identified in the final alternatives analysis as one of the most serious threats to Line 5 safety in the straits. In partnership with the state, implement additional measures to minimize the likelihood of an oil spill at every Line 5 water crossing in Michigan.
Increase transparency by: providing the opportunity for the state to fully participate in each of the evaluations required under the agreement; providing all information requested by the state about the operation of Line 5 in Michigan; and meet regularly with the state to assess and discuss any changes to the pipelines operation.
This agreement is necessary to ensure increased oversight, transparency and accountability on the part of Enbridge, said DNR Director Keith Creagh. As we continue to evaluate the pipeline at the straits, we must make sure appropriate safeguards for natural resources are in place along the full length of Line 5 in Michigan.
The agreement includes deadlines for each action. The state will hire its own experts to monitor Enbridges actions and review and verify the companys data. The agreement requires the company to cooperatively identify and make available to the state relevant information regarding the operation of Line 5. The full agreement can be found on the Pipeline Safety Advisory Board website.
Tunneling under the St. Clair River and shutting down Line 5 during adverse weather are promising first steps in safeguarding our waterways, said Valerie Brader, executive director of the Michigan Agency for Energy. The assessment of all the options in the agreement should be done thoroughly, but quickly, so that we can move forward with additional concrete actions all along the pipeline.
Todays agreement does not represent a final decision by the state regarding Line 5, but instead provides a clear schedule on which a decision will either be reached cooperatively with Enbridge or the state will take another path. In the meantime, the actions mandated in the agreement will improve the information available and improve safety, stewardship, and transparency.
As these measures are put in place, the evaluation of Line 5 called for by the Michigan Petroleum Pipeline Task Force Report will continue. That evaluation is being conducted by the Michigan Agency for Energy (MAE), the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with advice from the Pipeline Safety Advisory Board.
On Nov. 20, the state released a final alternatives analysis report. The state will be accepting public feedback online and at public meetings in December on what should be done regarding Line 5 in the long term.
The Line 5 crossing at the Straits of Mackinac continues to be of utmost concern to the DEQ, said C. Heidi Grether, director of DEQ. Our charge is to protect the Great Lakes as demonstrated in this agreement. It is, however, time we start reviewing the potential impact of Line 5 in its entirety throughout Michigan. The stipulations presented in this agreement are steps in the right direction to not only protect the Great Lakes, but to protect all of Michigans pristine waterways and environment.
A contract for a separate independent risk analysis led by top researchers at Michigan Technological University is being finalized. These analyses, along with public input and the new agreement, will shape a final recommendation from the state on the future of Line 5.
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PORT AUSTIN -- The village of Port Austin officials recently traveled to Michigan State University to meet with some students there, and came back quite impressed.
Seven village representatives took the trip to East Lansing to listen to presentations from 12 senior-level landscape architecture students. There, each student in the class presented a parks and/or streetscaping plan for the village.
"They were really, really well done," said Port Austin Village President Dan Confer. "The plans are amazing."
Confer said the meeting came about as a result of the efforts of a local landscape architect familiar with the program at MSU. He said resident Monica Schwanitz convinced the professor of the class to come to Port Austin, take a look at the area, and consider having the class do its senior design project on the village.
The effort proved successful and in early September, the group spent two days in the village assessing things and going over village plans for potential improvement projects.
Then they went back to class and went to work.
Two weeks ago, six teams of two students each put together six master plans for the village. From there, each student in the class chose an individual project to fall within their master plan, and drew up a landscape design plan to be presented to village officials.
Confer said three projects focused in on Bird Creek County Park, as representatives thought they might.
"That's what I call a blank canvass as far as a park development," Confer said.
A couple other proposals focused in on Veteran's Waterfront Park, a few more honing in on Water Tower Park and some on various streetscapes within the village.
"They're impressive," Confer said.
With plans now in hand, it's now up to the village to adopt any of the projects that it chooses.
"They're entirely ours now to do as we want to with them," Confer said.
He said there is state grant money available for parks and recreation developments that the village would probably now apply for. From there, it would proceed over the next several years to make the chosen improvements.
"Some of these are just too good to just put on a shelf," Confer added.
Overall, Confer said village officials that attended were very impressed with the overall experience. Representatives even took part in helping score the students' efforts.
"We loved it," Confer said. "The closing comments from everybody were extremely favorable."
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PORTLAND Lola is a bundle of happiness when she greets visitors at the door of her Main Street home, but her exuberance belies the sadness she feels when things at home settle down and she misses the sister she lost almost two weeks ago, says her owner.
Ann and William Barrows say their 8-year-old Yorkie Lola is still disoriented after the couples 4-year-old Yorkie, Lizzie, was killed Nov. 15 during the dogs routine late afternoon walk.
William Barrows said both Yorkies were harnessed and leashed, making their way down Main Street, when a large, black dog dashed off its porch, grabbed Lizzie by the neck and shook her, breaking her neck and killing her, according to the Portland Animal Control officers report.
He estimated that dog weighs well over 100 pounds.
I tried to reach down and grab both and I got a hold of Lola, William Barrows said. The dog grabbed (Lizzie) by the back of the neck and broke it. The owner ran over and beat on top of his dogs head with his fists.
She was a baby to us, Ann Barrows said. She was only 4 and she was our baby. We have two of them, but she was the one who caught your eye whenever she did anything. She was a special little dog.
Ronald Wilcox, owner of the Rottweiler/Lab named Jake, had his dogs leash under his foot while talking to a neighbor that afternoon. He came down from the porch and hit the dog repeatedly in the head until he let go, police said.
William Barrows ran home with both dogs in his arms.
Its devastating, and more devastating because my husband keeps reviewing this in his mind because he felt that he was helpless, his wife said.
He was able to grab Lola, she said, choking up. I would have lost both of them. I gave her mouth to mouth, but I knew she was gone. We brought her to the vet and they tried to resuscitate her, but she was gone.
We knew it was too late, Ann Barrows said.
He screamed all the way down the street, What am I going to tell my wife? What am I going to tell my wife. I cant grasp what happened and theres nothing we can do, Ann Barrows said.
The couple drove Lizzie to Pieper-Olson Veterinary Hospital in Middletown, where she was pronounced dead.
The next day, Wilcox was issued a ticket for first-degree nuisance, having an unlicensed dog and failure to keep up to date on rabies vaccinations.
Jake is being quarantined at home for 14 days and restrictions are in place, including where he has to be on a leash and wear a muzzle while being walked, according to Portland Animal Control Officer Karen Perruccio.
She urges people to report any type of incident involving a dog to authorities.
Even if theres no attack, let the ACO know, said Perruccio, who received a call from a woman who said that same dog had been aggressive toward hers in October. The woman reported it after Ann Barrows letter to the editor was published in the Rivereast newspaper days ago.
She signed it Heartbroken in Portland.
Maybe if this lady had called when this happened to her, this dog wouldnt be dead today, Perruccio said.
I regret that it happened. Ive done everything that (authorities have) asked me to do since then, Ronald Wilcox said Monday about Jake, who is 5.
And it never happened before. If I see something like that in my dog again, I will take drastic action, he said.
Perruccio said animal control officers can only be reactive if a report isnt made about a particular incident. Its hard to see if dogs are loose or if theres an aggressive dog or theres a dog unlicensed, she said We cant go door to door. Until something like this happens, we dont know, Perruccio said.
Connecticut state laws involving dog on people attacks far outnumber regulations for dog-on-dog incidents, Perruccio said.
William Barrows said a similar thing happened eight months ago with the same dog. That time, it was Lola, but he didnt make a complaint.
He was walking her on a leash, heard a noise and spun around. It was the same dog, flying down the driveway toward us, he said.
He managed to scoop Lola up, but the dog, he said, kept jumping up toward her and somehow managed to grab her leash. The dog pulled it so hard, the collar came entirely off her neck, William Barrows said.
According to the police report, Jake was leashed and Wilcox was stepping on the leash while talking to a neighbor.
Wilcox said Jakes actions were completely uncharacteristic.
Perruccio acknowledges that owners sometimes take all the precautions necessary but then forget one thing.
A lot of dogs have the invisible fences and sometimes they go through the invisible fence, she said, pointing to an incident that happened over the Thanksgiving weekend.
People dont know that the collar is not working until something like that happens because they dont always check the batteries.
Us ACOs can only do what we can do. We have laws we have to go by, too, Perruccio said.
Wilcoxs dog was quarantined, something thats not always required by state animal control law, Perruccio said. But because the dog wasnt up to date on rabies, I was able to.
Because the incident took place at Wilcoxs home, Jake was able to be quarantined there for two weeks. If it hadnt, Perruccio said, the dog would have been quarantined at the Portland Animal Shelter or Jakes veterinarians.
The 14 days gives us a way to examine the dog, keep track of the dog, Perruccio said. Is it starting to get aggressive while its here? If it wasnt an aggressive dog to begin with, is there something going on?
Thanksgiving was particularly tough for the couple.
She was one of those where, no matter where you were, if you opened the refrigerator door, she was right there. And she knew what time it was to go for a W-A-L-K. Id have to spell it, Ann Barrow said about Lizzie.
Ann Barrows laughs when she remembers what a character Lizzie was.
Every day at 10 oclock, she would have a G-R-E-E-N-I-E (dental treat). Id have to spell that one, too. She would sit there and wait for it. Lola wasnt as bad.
Lola and William Barrows now take a different route for their nightly walks, his wife said.
Hell take her out the front door and say, Which way do you want to go? And shell head to the right.
The Barrows ask that anyone who might like to make a donation in Lizzies name do so to the Connecticut Humane Society at 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111.
Managing Editor Cassandra Day can be reached at cassandra.day@
hearstmediact.com.
STRATFORD Police have arrested a 33-year-old Bridgeport man in connection with a robbery in which a Stratford bartender was shot.
Eric Chambers was apprehended Monday by members of the Fugitive Task Force and arrested on a court warrant, police said.
At around 7 p.m. on Nov. 14, police said, a man entered BAR at 2399 Main St. in Stratford, approached the bartender and demanded money.
The bartender complied and was then shot once in the abdomen, police said. Stratford Police Sgt. Jamie Rivera said Tuesday that Chambers was the driver of vehicle used in the robbery.
Chambers was charged with first-degree robbery and is being held on a $25,000 bond. He is scheduled to be arraigned in court on Dec. 6.
Meanwhile, the bartender, Regi Woodward, is recovering after several surgeries. A gofundme page had raised more than $15,000 as of Tuesday to help him with medical bills and other expenses.
Rivera said the man suspected of pulling the trigger would also be arrested soon. Jachim Brown, 27, who is the suspect, was taken into custody in Bridgeport after a robbery at EbLens footwear store on Nov. 16. Brown faces charges of assault, robbery and criminal possession of a firearm from that incident, and police said a gun found with him matched the weapon used in the Stratford bar shooting.
Brown was treated at St. Vincents Medical Center for a serious wound to his side, which he claimed was the result of being shot by the officer. But Bridgeport police said doctors have not confirmed that the man is suffering from a gunshot wound. They said at the time of the arrest that Brown got caught on a fence while fleeing.
The former commander of the Marines' Wounded Warrior Regiment who spent two months in the brig last year after driving drunk to his own arraignment is behind bars again, this time as a civilian.
Todd Shane Tomko, 54, was arrested and lodged in the Adams County Jail in Quincy, Illinois Nov. 22 on outstanding warrants from the Virginia Beach Police Department, officials with the jail confirmed to Military.com. The Quincy Herald-Whig, which first published news of Tomko's arrest, reported that he was arrested on seven felony warrants of indecent liberties with a child.
At Tomko's May 2016 court-martial in Quantico, Virginia, his military attorney described him as a broken man, beset by post-traumatic stress after a 33-year career, which included combat tours. He was fired from his post as commanding officer of Quantico's Wounded Warrior Regiment in 2015 amid reports of misconduct including drunkenness at public events and inappropriate relationships with female enlisted subordinates.
He ultimately pleaded guilty to sending inappropriate and exual messages to a female corporal, violating a series of military protective orders at Quantico, obtaining and using testosterone without a prescription, and driving to his May 6, 2016 arraignment with a blood alcohol level of .208.
In all, four active-duty and retired general officers testified for Tomko as character witnesses, including retired Gen. John Kelly, former commander of U.S. Southern Command and now White House chief of staff.
Maj. Gen. James Lukeman, then commanding general of Marine Corps Training and Education Command, said he had hand-selected Tomko to be his chief of staff for operations at 2nd Marine Division in 2013, but ultimately became troubled by the symptoms he exhibited and, at one point, issued his own military protective order, like a restraining order, against him.
"I'm not a doctor, but he's not able to prevent himself from doing these things that he's pleading guilty to," Lukeman said at the court-martial. "I can't imagine it would come to that."
According to an April letter to the editor published in the Herald-Whig, Tomko became the pastor of Parkview Church in Quincy following his forced retirement from the Marine Corps.
-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
Officials at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, did not properly report criminal information to the civilian authorities about Texas church shooter and former airman Devin P. Kelley, a preliminary service investigation has found.
"The Air Force's review of its reporting processes to civilian law enforcement in the Devin P. Kelley case has prompted immediate actions to correct reporting deficiencies and prevent future occurrences," Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said in a statement on Tuesday.
She said that based on initial findings in the case's chain, the Air Force Inspector General confirmed that "the [Office of Special Investigations] and Security Forces personnel then assigned at Holloman did not report required information."
"The review also found the error in the Kelley case was not an isolated incident and similar reporting lapses occurred at other locations," Stefanek said. "Although policies and procedures requiring reporting were in place, training and compliance measures were lacking," she said.
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Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson and Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein have directed OSI and Security Forces officials to conduct reviews of all airmen with "reportable offenses" dating back to 2002, the statement said. Two tasks forces of 30 members from each organization are working the action -- which could result in a review of some 60,000 records.
"The Air Force has reported and corrected several dozen records since the review began and is reviewing approximately 60,000 cases involving serious offenses over the 15-year period to ensure full compliance," Stefanek said in a follow-up email.
The revelation about training failures has prompted the Air Force to take corrective actions in what will be a months-long process as the broader Defense Department review proceeds.
Aside from the task force, one of the new procedures is to establish a leadership requirement at the field, regional and headquarters levels "to verify that information from applicable cases is registered with the FBI's National Crime Information Center's Interstate Identification Index," Stefanek said.
"Additionally, supporting software, checklist and training changes were made to support the new procedures," she said.
Earlier this month, the service said it was likely that Kelley's domestic violence offense was not entered into the NCIC database -- an electronic clearinghouse of crime data that can be tapped into by virtually every criminal justice agency, according to its website.
Because the agency wasn't aware of his criminal record, Kelley was able to buy an assault rifle-style weapon used in the mass shooting on Nov. 5, described as the deadliest ever to occur in Texas.
Armed with a Ruger AR-556 rifle and wearing black tactical gear, Kelley -- who served in the Air Force from 2010 until May 2014, when he was court-martialed -- entered First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs around 11:20 a.m. that Sunday and started shooting congregants during the service, killing at least 26 people and wounded numerous others.
NCIC lapse
Kelley's time in the service was cut short due to domestic abuse, including accusations he repeatedly pointed a loaded firearm at his then-wife, which led to a court-martial and bad-conduct discharge.
Charles McCullough, a lawyer and partner at Tully Rinckey, said that officials who were leading this case -- regardless of how the case developed -- should have considered the ramifications of Kelley's violent past.
"What's surprising here frankly is again these are done case by case, totality of the circumstances, you make these assessments, but anytime you've got violence and firearms, everybody's antenna should be up," said McCullough, formerly an intelligence community IG and FBI special agent.
"The fact this wasn't in NCIC -- NCIC is the best known database for criminal information in the country. It's what all of law enforcement uses, federal or state," McCullough said in a recent interview with Military.com.
"There are a lot databases that deal with specific things [such as] public source information, just financial information, [Department of] Treasury has their own database, but NCIC is what everyone uses. And so to not enter something like this into NCIC -- if that is indeed what happened -- that's a fairly significant lapse from a law enforcement standpoint.
"Just without knowing the specific details of the case, just with knowing you have a mixture...of firearms and violence -- the violence is bad enough, where we know that children are getting hit, and a wife getting hit, but then we have firearms, that is something that I would at least want further inquiry and it appears that the Air Force IG is doing that, and I expect the DoD IG to do that [as well]," he said.
Stefanek said that is now the goal of the review going forward.
"Air Force officials are correcting all identified deficiencies as they are discovered and reporting them to civilian law enforcement," Stefanek said. "The Air Force will continue to take steps to identify and remedy shortfalls as the review continues," she said.
-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
A colonel forced into retirement after court-martial proceedings last year has just been arrested again on new charges. But the most recent allegations against him detail criminal misbehavior dating back to 2002, Military.com has learned.
Todd Shane Tomko, 54, was arrested in Quincy, Illinois, on Nov. 22 on seven outstanding felony warrants from the Virginia Beach Police Department.
A 33-year Marine officer and former commander of the Wounded Warrior Regiment, he was sentenced to two months in the brig last year after pleading guilty to sending sexual text messages to a female enlisted subordinate, obtaining and using testosterone without a prescription, and driving drunk to his own arraignment aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia.
Master Police Officer Linda Kuehn, a spokeswoman for the department, told Military.com Tuesday that the charges against Tomko include three counts of aggravated sexual battery, three counts of indecent liberties with a child, and one count of felony cruelty to children.
The crimes were alleged to have been committed in Virginia Beach from the year 2002 to present, Kuehn said. The allegations involve three juvenile victims "who were known to the suspect," she added.
The warrants, Kuehn said, were obtained Nov. 21. Tomko is expected to be transferred soon from Quincy to Virginia Beach so the warrants can be formally served and the adjudication process can begin.
The newly revealed scope of the allegations also raises questions about whether the military will opt to be involved in Tomko's prosecution moving forward. The military has the right to call service members out of retirement to face court-martial, whether or not the alleged offenses occurred during or after the service member's time in uniform.
This is an extraordinarily rare move, and typically reserved for high-profile officers and cases. But the measure was taken earlier this year in the case of James Grazioplene, a 68-year-old retired major general who was made to face court-martial after 12 years of retirement on allegations that he raped a child while on active duty in the 1980s. Grazioplene's trial has yet to take place.
A Marine Corps spokesman, Maj. Brian Block, said Naval Criminal Investigative Service officials were still learning the details of Tomko's case.
"It's probably to early to say one way or the other" whether the military will take action, Block said.
If Tomko is prosecuted in a civilian court alone, he may still stand to lose some military benefits. While retired pay is generally unaffected by a felony conviction, VA benefits can be reduced if a retiree is convicted and spends more than 60 days behind bars.
-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
A Navy lieutenant who lost his life while working to save his passengers in a C-2 Greyhound crash last week may be recommended for an award, an official said Monday.
Lt. Steven Combs, the pilot of the aircraft, was one of three sailors who died when the aircraft crashed Nov. 22 in the Pacific Ocean en route to the carrier Ronald Reagan from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Eight other sailors, including the co-pilot, were rescued from the water.
Combs managed to execute a landing on the water, giving the four aircrew and seven passengers the best opportunity to get clear of the aircraft and reach safety. The difficulty of such a landing with the cargo aircraft was compounded by high seas, which by some reports reached 10 to 12 feet, said Cmdr. Ronald Flanders, a spokesman for Naval Air Forces.
"They did not have a lot of notice that they were going to have to ditch just miles from the carrier," Flanders told Military.com. "To use the words of his co-pilot who told us, '[Combs] flew the hell out of that plane.'"
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Flanders added that the possibility of a posthumous award for Combs in light of his actions was under discussion.
Combs, who was commissioned in 2011 and reported to Fleet Logistics Squadron 30 in 2015, had served aboard Ronald Reagan as a detachment assistant operations officer and administrative officer, according to a Navy release. During his career, he had logged more than 1,200 flight hours and 100 carrier-arrested landings.
Navy personnel were able to rescue the eight survivors within an hour of the C-2 going down southwest of Okinawa. On Nov. 25, the Navy identified those lost as Combs, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Matthew Chialastri and Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Bryan Grosso.
Multiple sources have reported that engine failure is suspected as a cause of the crash, though an investigation is still underway.
"Clearly there was something amiss with the aircraft and basically they were not close enough to the carrier to try to bring it in," Flanders said.
On Saturday, the Ronald Reagan held a memorial service to commemorate the lives of Combs, Chialastri and Grosso.
Capt. Michael Wosje, the commander of the Reagan's Carrier Air Wing 5, paid special tribute to the fallen pilot.
"The loss of one of our pilots weighs heavily on the entire Carrier Air Wing Five team. Lt. Combs will always be remembered as a hero," Wosje said, according to a news release. "I am proud to have flown with him."
The commander of the carrier, Capt. Buzz Donnelly, also honored the sailors who died.
"The loss of these crew members hits across the entire ship with great significance," said Capt. Buzz Donnelly, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "On behalf of the entire crew of USS Ronald Reagan, I extend heartfelt prayers and sincere condolences to the families and friends of the three shipmates we lost."
Less than a week after the tragic crash, the Navy has not moved to suspend or pause flight operations for the aging Greyhound, the service's carrier onboard delivery platform for personnel and logistics.
Flanders noted that the current batch of the aircraft, C-2A(R), which began flying for the Navy in the mid-1980s, has an almost unprecedented safety record. There has been only one previous fatality -- a tragic 1988 mishap in which an individual walked into the aircraft's prop arc.
"This mishap was the first of its kind in several decades," Flanders said of the most recent crash.
The Greyhounds now flying for the Navy recently underwent a service-life extension program that was completed in 2015. The transports are set to be retired and replaced by Navy-variant CMV-22 Ospreys in the mid-2020s.
-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
North Korea has launched an unidentified ballistic missile after a two-month pause, according to initial reports from South Korean media.
A Defense Department official confirmed the Pentagon detected and tracked what was believed to be a single intercontinental ballistic missile that launched from North Korea at at 1:17 p.m. eastern standard time.
"We are in the process of assessing the situation," Pentagon spokesman Army Col Rob Manning told reporters at the Pentagon on Tuesday.
In an email a short time later, Manning said the missile was launched from Sain Ni in North Korea and traveled a lateral distance of about 1,000 kilometers before splashing down in the Sea of Japan, within Japan's Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ).
"We are working with our interagency partners on a more detailed assessment of the launch," he said in the statement.
Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters in Tokyo that his government confirmed North Korea fired one missile on a lofted trajectory that may have reached an altitude of more than 4,000 kilometers.
The height and flight time of roughly 50 minutes could mark the highest and longest duration flight yet of any North Korean ballistic missile test.
The launch comes more than a week after U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated North Korea as a terrorist state.
North Korea last launched a ballistic missile on Sept. 15 from Sunan airfield, just north of its capital Pyongyang.
The regime of Kim Jong-un has repeatedly tested nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles this year despite condemnations from the international community and economic sanctions from the U.S. Security Council.
"The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, our territories or our allies," Manning said.
"Our commitment to the defense of our allies, including the Republic of Korea and Japan, in the face of these threats, remains ironclad," he said. "We remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies from any attack or provocation."
Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, Marine Corps Sergeant Maj Anthony Spadaro, the command senior enlisted leader for U.S. Pacific Command, said diplomacy is still the way forward to persuade North Korea to stand down its ICBM and nuclear achievements.
"We [want] to seek the peaceful denuclearization of that Peninsula, and that's our U.S. stance," Spadaro said. "That's why we're hoping for diplomatic solutions at this point."
Even following Tuesday's test, Spadaro said the U.S. is continuing "diplomatic processes."
"I think for that diplomatic process, we look at the calculus behind that. There [are] achieved effects right now," Spadaro said but did not disclose what postive outcomes have come from supposed diplomatic efforts.
"We're also demonstrating to our allies and our partners that we're all into this. And I think they want a peaceful denuclearization of the Peninsula," he said.
-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
Officials say the device was known as an "unexploded ordnance," or an explosive weapon that did not explode and still posed a...
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Raymond Brown had just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq when he first noticed the message: he had been issued a coast-to-coast PCS and the clock was tickingfast. Thats when he reached out to Sharon Baker, a REALTOR with her Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification and retired military officer, to help him purchase a home near his new base.
My new assignment will keep me in Virginia for at least four years, so I knew I wanted to buy instead of rent. But I also knew it was going to be incredibly difficult and expensive to add a cross-country home shopping trip to my schedule, explains Ray.
Instead, with Sharons help, Im buying a home Ive never set foot in.
Ray admits it feels like the craziest thing hes ever done, but hes also confident about his decision. Sharon has been incredibly attentive to every detail, in terms of helping me select the right property and representing my interests every step of the way, including negotiating a better price, and handling the inspections and related repairs, says Ray. Im even closing remotely!
One reason Ray lucked out is that he started his search by selecting an agent who was uniquely qualified to provide the type of real estate services he needed mostsomeone who understands the ins and outs of military moves.
Whats an MRP?
MRP stands for Military Relocation Professional. Its a certification awarded to real estate agents (by the National Association of REALTORS) who have successfully completed special training to work with current and former military service members.
Jim Lawrence, a REALTOR and former Army officer, also teaches real estate classes, including the MRP certification course.
MRPs understand that military buyers are looking for many of the same things that non-military buyers want, but MRPs also understand the unique challenges military buyers and sellers face when their housing needs change, says Jim.
If you reach out to an MRP, you can expect someone who:
Talks your language - From PCS to RAP to BAH and more, active duty service members speak in military acronyms and follow a unique set of moving protocols. An MRP understands these terms and, more importantly, how they can affect your relocation decisions.
Supports tight decisions and deadlines - An MRP knows that a PCSing active duty shopper is a power shopper who might look for a house, write a sales contract, and have it negotiated all in a long weekend. Time is of the essence, and an MRP does the legwork that helps everything fall into place.
Assists with VA financing - A mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs can be an important way to improve your purchasing power and achieve the best financing rates. An MRP can help you evaluate these benefits and put you in touch with knowledgeable VA lenders.
Plans ahead - You may be focused on your latest move, but an MRP is also thinking about your next transfer. How easy will it be to sell your home? Does it make sense to convert it into a rental property at the end of your current assignment? These are questions an MRP can help you answer.
May recommend renting instead of buying - Depending on current local market dynamics and the particulars of your situation, renting may be your best choice. An MRP will help you crunch the numbers and support your decision.
Bottom line: an MRP is trained to protect your interests first. They understand the importance of taking a long-term perspective and preserving trust, which ultimately helps them earn more referral business down the road, both within and beyond the military community.
Not Just Active Duty
MRPs are trained to understand and serve all aspects of the military market, including the Reserves, National Guard, and veterans. As a result, youll find them located across the U.S., not exclusively near major bases.
On the Same Page
In my experience, a REALTOR who has gone out of their way to receive the MRP training tends to exhibit patriotic qualities that are closely aligned with military values, says Jim Lawrence. He or she usually has strong national pride, which translates into a positive experience for current and former military members who seek to purchase and enjoy the American Dream.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're ready to get started, or just want to get more information on the process, the first step is to get multiple rate quotes with no obligation. You can then discuss qualifications, debt to income ratios, and any other concerns you have about the process with the lenders.
The following is an interview conducted by Liz McLean with retired General David Petraeus. Liz had the opportunity to ask Petraeus about issues related to transitioning from the military to the civilian world. His answers shed light on best practices for all service members whether they plan on separating within a few months or retiring within a number of years.
Liz: As you grew in rank, was there a point that you started to think about the transition to civilian life? If so, when was it, and what were your biggest fears?
Petraeus: I did not spend much time thinking about transition to civilian life over the years. Periodically, I thought that one pursuit or another might be intellectually stimulating and rewarding; however, I did not do any serious thinking about what I might actually do in civilian life until after I left government. I then undertook a five-month process to determine what opportunities existed, to evaluate each of the opportunities, and to negotiate the specifics of those opportunities I ultimately decided to pursue. In fact, I have been very fortunate to develop a wonderful portfolio of business, academic, speaking, and veterans support endeavors, and I have enjoyed the new pursuits enormously.
Liz: In your opinion, from what you have seen over the years, how do you feel the military prepares members for their exit to the civilian world (ranging from a young enlisted to a Senior Officer)? If you could aid in assisting the programswhat would you change? What do you think is still working currently?
Petraeus: I think that the military is doing a better job of helping its members prepare for the transition to civilian life, having expanded the transition course and pursued other initiatives to ease the move to "civvy street." Having said that, there is undoubtedly more that could be done, including getting those preparing for transition to think farther ahead and not wait until their final weeks to explore opportunities that might be available to them. Just helping those in uniform take advantage of the various online sites that help make job opportunities known, that help mentor new veterans, and that offer various elements of advice would be helpful, too. Those are the initiatives I would pursue if still in uniform.
Liz: What words of wisdom would you give to a service member seeking to better set themselves up for success while transitioning? What would you say to lessen their fears?
Petraeus: My words of wisdom are actually statements of the obvious, I'm afraid! The key is, of course, to think ahead and recognize that the best opportunities will happen where a firm invests in the education and development of new employees, veterans included. In that regard, we veterans need to have a degree of humility about what might be needed for us to become value-added in pursuits that might be fairly technical and, at least, very different in the expertise required from what we have done in uniform. That's OK; it is reality. And, with time, the attributes, experiences, and qualities we bring from our time in uniform will make themselves felt. But, development, education, mentoring, and assistance will be essential if we are to succeed in many civilian endeavors.
Liz : What jobs or assignments prepared you best for civilian life?
Petraeus: Various positions in the military prepare us in different ways for jobs in the civilian world. Some develop or reinforce leadership skills, other provide directly-transferable technical capabilities. It is likely, however, that many in uniform will perform tasks in the military (e.g. tank crewmen, machine gunner, etc.) that are not directly transferable to jobs in civilian life though many of the tasks performed required in those fields require the ability to master various skills and that ability will help in civilian life too. So, the idea is to develop in a general sense, and to capitalize on those general skills, attributes, and abilities when pursuing what likely will be considerably different jobs in civilian life. In my view, in fact, military service provides a wonderful foundation on which to build for the rest of one's life.
Liz: What are your views on experience versus education? (I receive this question a lot from young enlisted making the transition). I was big (and still am) on educating yourself, but for some it is almost a badge of honor to not need it.
Petraeus: I think both education and experience are needed. One without the other seldom is sufficient, at least if one hopes to progress in a particular field.
Liz: How do internal military politics differ from civilian politics? How did the political experience or lack thereof that you gained in the Army affect your approach to politics in the civilian sector?
Petraeus: I don't know that it is politics that are the dynamic; rather, it is all about relationships and understanding the responsibility one has to be forthright and capable of speaking truth to power in a way that is not "in your face" i.e., that is constructive and respectful and positive in tone, rather than confrontational, disrespectful, and negative.
Liz: What do you think about the grass is greener concept of civilian life to the military work life concept? Do you think one is necessarily easier than the other?
Petraeus: The reality is that one has to truly commit fully to succeed in uniform and to also succeed in civilian pursuits. Life is a competitive endeavor, whether that life is in uniform or in the civilian world.
Liz: What would you say to employers who are questioning why they should hire military members? Why should they hire them, and what should they do to retain them?
Petraeus: Employers should hire veterans because it is the right thing to do given what veterans have done for our country. And, as importantly, it is the smart thing to do in a business sense because veterans bring a wealth of very valuable capabilities, skills, attributes, and experiences.
Liz: How can the civilian populace better help fight the stigma of PTSD, and can employers help to bring these individuals into their organizations without fear?
Petraeus: War changes everyone, albeit in many cases it produces a greater appreciation of the blessings of life. But it also obviously results in terrible losses and wounded warriors, some with unseen wounds. Employers just need to have frank conversations with the veterans they considering for employment, as veterans need to have frank conversations with prospective employers. And they all need to understand the environment, context, and so on of employment so that those with physical and unseen wounds can work through the issues they present.
Liz: Is there anything else you want current service members to know to motivate them in the service? On their transition out?
Petraeus: There is no greater privilege than serving a cause larger than self in uniform, and doing it with others who feel the same way. Having said that, there are innumerable pursuits in the civilian world that are incredibly rewarding, stimulating, and important to our country. Indeed, our nation's economy is the foundation of our national power, and those in the civilian world obviously are the ones who construct that foundation! Veterans engaged in such efforts take great pride in having contributed to the security that makes our economic endeavors possible and to then contributing to the country's economic growth, especially at a time when our economic growth has been so impressive and is poised for further expansion.
The reality is that military members are given advice day in and day out about what they should or should not do as they ready for their transition, but rarely do they receive the advice from someone who has succeeded so well in both the military and civilian side. General Petraeus has seen many service members come and go throughout his career, and has been involved at the highest levels of America's government. His tips and humble transparency are words that hopefully will instill both confidence and growth. General Petraeus' legacy of mentorship will last a lifetime.
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An all-electric Kwid could make its way to the Indian market if all goes well with its launch in the Chinese market, Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn said in an interview to Automotive News.
Once it (Kwid electric) works in China, there's no reason you're not going to export the car to India, to Brazil, to the Middle East, said Ghosn to the publication.
Ghosn claimed to have also driven a prototype of the very well engineered and low-cost car indicating that the vehicle is in advanced stages of development before going into full-fledged production sometime later next year or in 2019.
As per Ghosns own admission the electric Kwid may not be produced within the country and instead be imported from China at least initially before a more concrete eco system conducive for electric vehicle production takes shape in India.
The Kwid is one of the five entry level hatchbacks on sale in India and is the best-selling Renault model in the country contributing more than half of the companys sales. Prices starting at Rs 2.61 lakh, the five seater Kwid is the second highest selling entry hatchback after the Maruti Suzuki Alto.
Thanks to an aggressive push by the government China has emerged not just as the biggest electric vehicle market but as the production hub of electric vehicles for all global manufacturers.
As per data available, sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in China jumped 53 percent last year to 507,000 units as compared to 2015. However like India China, too, has a booming demand for cheap electric cars having a practical range.
In India only Mahindra & Mahindra commercially makes electric cars such as the e2o for the retail market but rival Tata Motors has promised to enter the segment too with electric versions of the Tigor and Tiago.
Interestingly, Renaults sister company Nissan emerged as one of the bidders (beside Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra) for the governments order for providing 10,000 fully electric cars to be used by government-owned companies. However, the Japanese company could not meet the specification required for the bid.
Reliance Communications | In the last four months, the stock price has risen 487 percent to Rs 3.93 per share from Rs 0.67 per share on March 27, 2020.
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The China Development Bank (CDB) has filed an insolvency case against debt-ridden Reliance Communications (RCom) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), becoming first of the telecom firm's lenders to do so, according to a report by Mint.
According to the report, the Beijing-based financial institution filed the insolvency case before the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on November 24 and that law firm Trilegal is advising the CDB.
RCom owes around USD 2 billion in syndicated loans to the Chinese lender.
Earlier, other lenders of RCom, Ericsson India and Manipal Tech had filed bankruptcy petitions against the telecom company.
Media reports suggest that Tech Mahindra, too, had filed and later withdrawn a petition that sought settlement talks.
If CDBs petition is admitted by the NCLT, domestic lenders will have to set up a creditors committee which will work with an insolvency resolution professional and chalk out a revival plan for RCom.
Jio shows interest in buying RCom spectrum
Meanwhile, Reliance Jio is likely to chase RCom's 4G spectrum in the 850 MHz band in seven key circles, according to a report by The Economic Times.
RCom had got the spectrum during its merging with Sistema Shyam Teleservices (SSTL).
The report cites sectoral experts seeing Jio aggressively chasing Sistema Shyam's spectrum in Delhi, Kolkata, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, UP-West and West Bengal which is valid till FY2033.
Last week, Bharti Airtel had said that it is interested in buying selected spectrum and some equipment of Reliance Communications (RCom).
Lenders are currently in the process of selling RCom's assets in a bid to recover some portions of the roughly Rs 45,000-crore debt.
Disclaimer: Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd.
CNBC-TV18s Shereen Bhan is in conversation with KT Rama Rao, the IT Minister of Telangana from the side-lines of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 in Hyderabad which is co-hosted for the very first time by India and the United States.
We call ourselves a start-up state because we were created about three-and-a-half years ago, now we are scaling up. We came out with our innovation policy, we came out with our start-up policy and we offer number of incentives even from the government side, he said.
Ashok Leyland is in focus after the company extended their deal with Japan's Hino Motors where the company will utilise Hino's Engine Technology for their Euro-VI development
Talking about the above development in detail, Vinod Dasari, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland said the company will be fully compliant with Euro-VI by April 2020.
He said since company over a period came out with the lowest cost per horsepower in its engine, Hino came to the company with EURO-VI engine to help them reduce cost of the engine.
Hino already has four-cylinder EURO-VI that they sell in different parts of the world and now Ashok Leyland will help them make that become more competitive and will together develop a six-cylinder engine, said Dasari, adding that according to the deal, they wont compete in India and we wont compete in Japan. The company will pay Hino a small royalty and they will also pay Ashok Leyland us royalty for parts that are developed and exported from India. So, net-net no impact, he said.
The tie-up with Hino will help reduce costs and moreover, it also gives another safety net as far as EURO-VI is concerned, said Dasari.
Talking about the business outlook, he said although their market share has come down a bit from June, they are still higher overall from previous year and would to achieve double-digit operating margins, said Dasar. Going forward to, the target would be to achieve double-digit operating margins.
The overall capacity utilisation would be around 70-75 percent and it is time to improve production, said Dasari.
Talking about the governments focus on heavy-duty fuel economy, which we have to meet by April, he said.
On their plans for electric vehicle (EV), he said they have a three-pronged strategy -- a battery swap strategy, a flash charge strategy and fast charge strategy, said Dasari, adding that they are working with battery companies, motor companies on it etc.
"We have a distinct plan for EVs, as distinct as Euro-VI," he said, adding that they have two separate teams feverishly working to make sure that they are world class not only in Euro-VI but also EVs.
Greece advocated reforms in the United Nations and backed India's bid for permanent membership in the Security Council, asserting that New Delhi "cannot be kept out" of one of the most important world bodies.
Foreign Affairs Minister of Greece Nikos Kotzias said that his country fully supports India for the membership of the UNSC as a new balance of power is emerging in the world.
The minister noted that the old powers are declining while a new balance of power is emerging with countries such as India and China.
"We support reforms in the United Nations and India's seat in the Security Council. We are not supporting other proposals," Kotzias said.
He was responding to a question after delivering a lecture on "Greece as a pillar of stability in Southeastern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean", an event organised by the Observer Foundation Research and the Embassy of Greece.
"India is the second most populous nation. In 10-20 years, or even before, it will be the most populous state. You cannot keep such a nation-state outside the Security Council," the foreign minister added.
The minister said Greece and India could play specific role in stabilisation of the West Asia and also the eastern Mediterranean region.
He said Greece is working with the policy of five lines of stabilisation in the region, with special focus on Egypt, Israel and Jordan to achieve stability in the region.
Asked whether Greece would be able to play a leading role in the region, considering the economic slowdown it witnessed, the minister said the GDP of Greece is very small, nearly Euros 250 billion, in comparison to the world, medium in regards to European Union, but large in regards to the region.
He asserted that despite the economic slump, the country has strong democracy which is "embedded" in the Greek society.
Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa and founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba
Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed has filed a petition in the UN seeking removal of his name from the list of designated terrorists on the ground that none of the allegations against him either related to terrorism or otherwise has been proved in the Pakistani courts.
The banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) head, who carries a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities, walked free on Friday after the Pakistan government decided against detaining him further in any other case. He was under house arrest since January this year.
Lahore-based law firm - Mirza and Mirza Law Associates has filed the petition on behalf of Saeed in the UN.
Supreme Court Advocate Navid Rasul Mirza, the owner of this law firm, told PTI today that his law firm had recently filed the petition in the UN.
"My law firm has filed the petition on Hafiz Saeed's behalf at the UN seeking removal of his name from its list of designated terrorists. My son Haider Rasul who is director of this firm is looking after this case," he said.
Saeed, who is accused of having masterminded the November 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, was placed on the terrorism black list by the United Nations under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008.
To a question about any progress in the case so far, Mirza said: "We have just filed the petition."
Mirza was Additional Advocate General of Punjab Government (1993-1996) and Prosecutor General for the National Accountability Bureau, a government anti-graft body (2000-03).
This is the first time that Saeed has hired a law firm other than that of his permanent counsel Advocate A K Dogar.
"In Pakistan, all cases of the JuD chief are being handled by Dogar. This firm to pursue his case in the UN has been hired in consultation with Dogar," a Jamaat-ud-Dawah office-bearer told PTI.
The office-bearer said Saeed has decided to challenge the UN's decision on the basis of different court decisions since 2009 in which no allegation either related to terrorism or otherwise has been proved in the Pakistani courts.
He said the UNs decision to place Saeed's name on the list of terrorists had caused harm to his reputation as it appeared that this had been done on international pressure.
"We have enough ground to fight our case in the UN. The UN should take up our petition and remove Hafiz Saeed's name from the designated terrorists list," he said.
LeT operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi was also placed on the terrorism black list along with Saeed.
According to the UNSC's sanctions committee, the LeT leaders were "subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo," set out in Security Council resolution 1822.
The UNSC website says: "Saeed is proscribed for being associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Al-Qaeda for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts of activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf or in support of both entities."
India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to re-investigate the Mumbai terror attack case and also demanded trial of Saeed and Lakhvi in the light of evidence it had provided to Islamabad.
A Lahore High Courts Judicial Review Board last week unanimously ordered Saeed's release after the Punjab government failed to provide any evidence related to terrorism or otherwise before it.
After his release, Saeed said the US, on India's request, pressured Pakistan to detain him. "I was detained on the pressure of the US on the Pakistani government. The US did so on the request of India," he claimed.
India had expressed outrage over the decision of the judicial board to release Saeed, calling it an attempt by Pakistan to mainstream proscribed terrorists and a reflection of its continuing support to non-state actors.
The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the banned LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai terror attack in 2008.
Saeed was put under house arrest after the Mumbai attack in November 2008 but he was freed by a court in 2009.
Nine of the Mumbai attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was caught and executed after a trial.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurates the first phase of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project.
Ivanka Trump, the advisor and daughter of US President Donald Trump, also reached the city in the early hours today to attend the GES, co-hosted by India and the US.
Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana E S L Narasimhan, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, Union Minister of State for Home, Hansraj Ahir, several Telangana ministers and BJP leaders were among those who welcomed Modi at the Begumpet airport.
The prime minister also addressed a party meeting after arriving here this afternoon.
He then left for Miyapur where he will inaugurate the Metro Rail project.
The 30-km-long first phase of the metro rail project between Miyapur and Nagole, having 24 stations, would be thrown open to the public from tomorrow.
After inaugurating the metro rail, the prime minister would go to the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) for the opening of eighth edition of the three-day GES.
He would attend a dinner tonight at the Falaknuma Palace (now a luxury hotel), built during the Nizam era, before concluding his Hyderabad visit.
India and Denmark decided to ramp up cooperation in key sectors such as trade and investment, energy and shipping, during talks between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Danish counterpart Anders Samuelsen.
The external affairs ministry said two ministers held discussions on various aspects of bilateral ties as well as important regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
"The discussions between the two ministers focused on building of cooperation in the areas of trade and investment, science and technology, environment and renewable energy, shipping, food processing, healthcare, culture and tourism," the ministry said.
Samuelsen is on a five-day India visit from November 26- 30. He is also travelling to Hyderabad to participate at the 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit.
Today's talks between Swaraj and Samuelsen were focused on boosting bilateral trade and investment.
India's economic ties with Denmark are on an upward trajectory.
The annual bilateral trade has increased to around USD 2.8 billion. Indian companies have established their presence in IT, renewable energy and biotechnology sectors of Denmark.
Over 125 Danish companies have invested significantly in the sectors of renewable energy, shipping, IT and food processing in India.
Q1. It was originally started in 1940 and ran successfully till it was closed for a few years during the Indo-China War. Chen re-opened it, joining hands with a partner Tham Mouyiu, in 1968, and is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of running the restaurant. The restaurant runs solely on word-of-mouth publicity of its loyal patrons which include Bollywood royalty from Shashi Kapoor to Rekha and Kajol , to the who is who of politics including VK Krishna Menon. One of the most unusual gues was Deng Pufang the paraplegic first son of the Chinese premier Deng Xiaoping. Identify this legendary Mumbai establishment which recently shut shop. (Representative image)
The government has received 31 fresh complaints under GSTs anti-profiteering mechanism, for not passing on to consumers a reduction in price after rate of over 200 items were cut less than two weeks back.
We will look at 70 complaints, including 31 fresh cases reported since November 15, especially against restaurants and some real estate companies, a senior government official told Moneycontrol.
In a major relief to businesses and consumers, on November 10, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council--the apex body for decision making headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley--cut rates of 211 mass consumption items.
Items of common use including furniture, sanitary ware, electrical fittings, detergents, marble flooring and toiletries, among others were shifted to a lower tax bracket of 18 percent from 28 percent. Alongside, taxes on six items were cut from 18 to 5 percent, in eight items from 12 to 5 percent and from 5 to zero percent in six items.
The Council also decided to impose a uniform GST rate of 5 percent across all categories of standalone restaurants air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned but withdraw the benefits of input tax credit (ITC) from such businesses.
The decision was taken as the Council had gathered that restaurants were not passing on the benefits of ITC to customers and had linearly raised their meal rates after GST became effective from July 1.
The massive revision in rate came into effect on November 15.
Following the recent tax cut, the government pinned the responsibility of reduction in prices on consumer goods. Failing to the lessen prices may could lead to anti-profiteering action.
Under the GST-related laws, the government had introduced an anti-profiteering clause into order to ensure that businesses transfer the benefit of tax credit to consumer by making products cheaper.
However, particularly restaurants have increased prices in their menu as they claim that unavailability of ITC or tax credit has forced them to take the step. The government has, however, warned that if the price rise is beyond the taking into account the lack of tax credit, action could be taken against them.
The Cabinet has recently approved setting up of National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) in a bid to ensure that businesses pass on the benefit of the recent tax rate cuts to the final consumers.
NAA will be headed by a senior officer secretary-level official, with four technical members from the Centre and states. Appointment of these top five officials will be notified this week.
The framework of the body comprises a standing committee, screening committees in every state as well as the Directorate General of Safeguards.
If consumers feel that the benefit of reduction in tax rate is not being passed on to them, they can approach the states screening committee for relief.
However, in case the incident of profiteering relates to an item of mass impact with 'All India' ramification, the application has to be directly sent to the standing committee. If the committee is able to conclude that there is an element of profiteering, then the matter will be referred for detailed investigation to DG Safeguards, which shall report its findings to the NAA.
Further, if NAA confirms there is a necessity to apply anti-profiteering measures, it has the authority to order the accused business to reduce its prices or return the undue benefit availed by it along with interest to the recipient of the goods and services.
Moneycontrol News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that he wants to improve Indias global ranking in Ease of Doing Business from 100 currently to 50.
Our government has taken several steps to improve the business environment. The jump in Indias ranking in the World Banks Ease of Doing Business Report, from 142 to 100, in three years, is a result of this, PM Modi said at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017.
We have improved on indicators like dealing with construction permits, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency. The process is not yet complete. This is an area where we are not satisfied with 100th rank. We would strive towards 50th rank, Modi said.
Clad in a black half jacket, the Prime Minister welcomed Ivanka Trump, advisor to US President Donald Trump, who was dressed in a green ensemble. Ivanka is in Hyderabad to attend the eighth edition of the US sponsored summit, whose theme is women entrepreneurship this year.
The theme Women First, Prosperity for All makes this edition of GES stand out. This very city of Hyderabad is home to Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, and Sania Mirza, who have brought laurels to India, PM Modi said.
This event not only connects the Silicon Valley with Hyderabad but also show-cases the close ties between the United States of America and India. It underlines our shared commitment towards encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, he said.
The Summit is being held in South Asia for the first time. It brings together leading investors, entrepreneurs, academicians, think-tanks and other stakeholders to propel the global entrepreneurship ecosystem.
To my young entrepreneur friends from India, I would like to say: each of you has something valuable to contribute towards creating a new India by 2022.
To my entrepreneur friends from across the globe, I would like to say: Come, Make in India and Invest in India - for India, and for the world, the prime minister said.
A firefighter works at the scene where a number of cars burnt down during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, July 7, 2017. REUTERS/Hannibal Hanschke TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTX3AFPI
A large explosion and fire has rocked an area of Tel Aviv resulting in casualties, though it appeared the incident was accidental, Israeli media reported today.
The explosion and fire occurred at a hardware store in the Jaffa area, reports said.
There were conflicting reports on casualties, with Haaretz newspaper saying three people were killed, while other news media reported various numbers for wounded.
Police could not immediately be reached for comment.
Haaretz reported that the incident was likely not criminal, though an investigation was ongoing.
Stock Market LIVE | Which is the best PSU Bank stock to bet on? | Markets with Santo & CJ
Regulator Sebi has directed two companies -- Rahul Hi Rise and Shine India Infra Project -- and their directors to refund the money that the firms had collected illegally from the public and has also barred them from the markets for at least four years.
Rahul Hi Rise mobilised Rs 29.44 crore by issuing non- convertible debentures (NCDs) to at least 100 investors in 2009-10 and 2010-11 while Shine India raised over Rs 13 lakh from the issuance of redeemable preference shares (RPS) to at least 86 people in 2011-12 and 2012-13, Sebi said in two separate orders.
The securities were issued to over 50 people each and accordingly, these offers qualified to be public issues and required compulsory listing of securities on a recognised exchange. However, the firms did not comply with the provision.
Among other requirements, the firms were to register a prospectus with the Registrar of Companies (RoC) under the Companies Act, which they failed to do.
Accordingly, Sebi has directed Rahul Hi Rise and its directors -- Abhijit Majumdar, Mrinmoy Bose and Dipankar Gupta -- Shine India and its directors -- Sajahan Midya and Selim Mohammed SK -- to refund the money collected by the firms through the issuance of securities along with an annual interest of 15 per cent.
In the case of Rahul Hi Rise, Sebi said its order is "subject to the directions passed by the Calcutta High Court in its order dated August 12, 2016".
After completion of refund, these entities would have to file a report of such completion with Sebi, within three months, certified by two independent chartered accountants, Sebi said in orders dated November 27.
In case these entities fail to comply with the orders, Sebi may recover such amounts in accordance with provisions of securities laws.
Further, Sebi has barred the firms and their directors from the securities markets till the refund and a further four years from the date of completion of the refund to investors. Also, they have been restrained from associating themselves with any listed public company during the period under review.
In October 2015, the markets regulator had prohibited Rahul Hi Rise and Shine India as well as their respective directors from the capital markets "till further directions".
rahul gandhi narendra modi
Sharpening his attack on the Congress in his home state, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the erstwhile Indira Gandhi government played the "drama" of nationalising banks to "cover up" the "unceremonious" sacking of then Finance Minister Morarji Desai, a Gujarati.
Addressing a rally in Kadodara area of the city ahead of the first phase polling on December 9, Modi also accused the Congress of creating a "rift" in the society through its "caste-based" politics and said Gujarat is still paying the price of their "sins" committed 25 years ago.
Invoking Gujarati pride, Modi said, "Morarji Desai, a Gujarati from Surat, was unceremoniously sacked as Finance Minister by Indira Gandhi overnight. After being sacked, Desai had said that he was discarded like a vegetable."
He said nationalisation of banks was a "drama" played by the erstwhile Congress government to "cover up" the sacking of Desai.
"Immediately after sacking him (Desai), banks were nationalised overnight as part of the government's face-saving exercise (though) it was claimed that banks were nationalised to serve the poor," he said.
Modi said despite "sacrificing" Desai, the doors of banks did not open for the poor.
The prime minister said it was his government which actually opened the doors of the banks for the poor.
"When we came to power (in 2014), those doors that were closed for almost 30 crore poor, we then opened those doors by introducing the PM Jan Dhan Yojna," he added.
In a veiled dig at Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Modi said the BJP during its rule in Gujarat has "forced" people to visit temples.
"They (Congress leaders) ask me what BJP did in this 22 years (rule in Gujarat). (Among others things) We have compelled many people to visit temples," Modi said evoking a loud cheer from the crowd.
Gandhi, who visited a string of temples during his party's ongoing campaign in Gujarat, has been accused by the BJP of playing the "soft Hindutva card".
Against the backdrop of the Congress's efforts of caste consolidation by forging ties with Alpesh Thakor, Hardik Patel and Jignesh Mevani, leaders of OBCs, Patidars and Dalits, respectively, Modi said, "The opposition party wants to tread the same path which had destroyed the social fabric of Gujarat when they were in power 25 years ago."
"The Congress had created a rift between two brothers through caste-based politics. Though you (Congress) managed to gain power through such experiments in the past, Gujarat is still paying the price of your sins, committed 25 years back," he said.
"And now, you want to walk the same old path? Is this the way you want to woo today's youth?" Modi asked.
He was apparently referring to KHAM, which stands for stands for Kshatriya, Harijan, Adivasi and Muslim, the communities the Congress brought together to gain power in the state in the 1980s.
He said the people of Gujarat have moved forward from the Congress-era and that the party should not be under the impression that their "tricks" would succeed now.
Pakistan's federal cabinet has approved borrowing of up to $3 billion via a Eurobond and sukuk, but the government would "most likely" raise only $1.5 billion, a senior Pakistani government official told Reuters on Tuesday.
Pakistan is likely to split the fund raising equally between the Eurobond and sukuk depending on the rates, the official added.
Reuters had reported in August that Pakistan was looking to raise $500 million to $1 billion in debt via an Islamic sukuk bond or a Eurobond later in the year.
The fund raising is critical for the country, which is battling to stave off the pressure of balance of payments due to the dwindling foreign currency reserves and a widening current account deficit in the $300 billion economy.
Pakistan's foreign exchange reserves decreased by $137 million to $13,541 million in the week ended Nov. 17, compared with $13,678 million in the previous week, latest central bank data showed.
The central bank said challenges of near-term balance of payments persist, but it was hoping the recent improvements in export numbers, hikes in foreign direct investment and other financial inflows would help contain the pressure.
The balance of payments pressure is largely due to imports of machinery and other Chinese goods on the back of China's $57 billion infrastructure investment as part of the Beijing-funded Belt and Road infrastructure initiative stretching to Asia, Europe and beyond.
With foreign reserves dwindling, some analysts say Pakistan may need an International Monetary Fund bailout to avert a balance of payments crisis similar to the one it suffered in 2013, when it sought IMF help.
Bull's Eye, CNBC-TV18's popular game show, where market experts come together to dish out trading strategies for you to make your week more exciting and compete with each other to see whose portfolio is the strongest.
Remember these are midcap ideas not just for the day, but stocks that look attractive in the medium-term as well.
This week, Vishal Malkan, Pankaj Jain and Ruchit Jain battle it out for top honours.
Below their top stock picks and analysis:
Vishal Malkan of malkansview.com
Buy Bata India with a stoploss at Rs 728 and target of Rs 795
Buy Jain Irrigation with a stoploss at Rs 110 and target of Rs 120
Buy Reliance Infrastructure with a stoploss at Rs 454 and target of Rs 495
Buy Tech Mahindra with a stoploss at Rs 493 and target of Rs 545
Pankaj Jain of SW Capital
Buy Orient Paper with a stoploss at Rs 127 and target of Rs 145
Buy West Coast Paper with a stoploss at Rs 227 and target of Rs 254
Buy Tourism Finance with a stoploss at Rs 160 and target of Rs 175
Buy DLF with a stoploss at Rs 229 and target of Rs 245
Ruchit Jain of Angel Broking
Buy Brigade Enterprises with a stoploss at Rs 288 and target of Rs 330
Buy Ajanta Pharma with a stoploss at Rs 1325 and target of Rs 1440
Buy KEI Industries with a stoploss at Rs 346 and target of Rs 385
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "Today HDFC twins are doing very well. Whenever that happens and as you can see even rupee is strengthening, so possibly there is some foreign buying which is visible. HDFC Bank is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 1,850 and target of Rs 1,920. HDFC is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 1,710 and target of Rs 1,765."
"Can Fin Homes which seems to be turning around from a deep correction is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 480 and look for target of Rs 505."
"Metal stocks are coming out of a correction. This is the right time to buy Vedanta, Tata Steel and all kinds of other metal stocks and so far the metal Index is making a higher bottom so that way the metal rally along with the housing finance could be just starting," he added.
"Metals are showing good amount of traction and lots of them are coming off a 5-8 percent type of a correction. Hindalco Industries is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 246 and target of Rs 262. Tata Steel is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 700 and target of Rs 724. BEML is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 1,700 and target of Rs 1,765."
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Motilal Oswal turned positive on gas companies as it has upgraded Indraprastha Gas and Gujarat Gas to buy, citing likely volume growth on increased emphasis on usage of gas. It has initiated coverage with neutral rating on Mahanagar Gas.
Indraprastha Gas share price touched a record high of Rs 331.60, up 6.2 percent intraday Tuesday while Gujarat Gas rallied as much as 3.6 percent and Mahanagar Gas was up 4 percent.
Motilal Oswal believes that green corridors, intercity travel, inorganic growth through new areas, and residential usage would drive growth of city gas distribution companies (CGDs, going forward.
With the implementation of BS-VI emission norms, economics would be even more against diesel usage and would aid volume growth for IGL, Mahanagar Gas and Gujarat Gas, the research house feels.
It said Indian CGDs remain in a sweet spot considering increased emphasis on usage of gas, firm supply of cheaper domestic gas, and penetration of gas in newer geographies driving usage of CNG for intercity travel.
The first wave of volume growth came in when the government granted top priority to city gas distribution companies for allocation of cheaper domestic gas in 2014.
The second wave came with increased emphasis on cutting vehicular pollution through restrictions on diesel vehicles and plying of vehicles with odd/even registration plates on alternate days.
Motilal Oswal said though nuances of the policy on green corridors have not yet been clarified, it believes that as and when these are implemented, a new demand area of 3.2mmscmd (or around 30 percent of total CNG consumption in FY17) will be created.
It feels Bharat Stage VI emission standards would make petrol/CNG vehicles much cheaper than diesel variants.
So far, the growth in CNG volumes has been primarily led by passenger vehicles. The research house believes the next phase of growth would be led more by commercial vehicles.
"Over FY17-22, we expect CNG volumes to grow at a CAGR of over 11 percent for IGL and at a CAGR of 8 percent for Mahanagar Gas," it said.
The government has increased its thrust on penetration of PNG-residential.
Hence, against addition of 2,97,000 connections in FY17, Motilal Oswal expects IGL, Mahanagar and Gujarat Gas to connect 3,75,000 new households in FY18.
The brokerage house feels Indias gas consumption is expected to grow at 10 percent CAGR compared with 8 percent in China and 4 percent in the US over the next three years.
Return on equities of Indian CGDs are 6 percent higher than peers in China and 12 percent higher than peers in the US, it said.
At 12:18 hours IST, the stock price of Indraprastha Gas was quoting at Rs 326.75, up 4.63 percent and Gujarat Gas was up 2.55 percent at Rs 870 while Mahanagar Gas was quoting at Rs 1,129.80, up 2.17 percent on the BSE.
Indraprastha Gas | Rating - Buy | Target Rs 404 | Upside - 29%
Indias gas consumption is expected to grow at 10 percent CAGR compared with 8 percent in China and 4 percent in the US over the next three years. Return on equities of Indian CGDs are 6 percent higher than peers in China and 12 percent higher than peers in the US.
Earlier, our belief was that IGL's volume would grow at more than 10 percent for 2-3 years and then taper off, as the market saturates. However, recent regulatory push, addition of new cities, and growing pipeline infrastructure make us believe that IGLs volume growth is far away from saturation, which we earlier believed would happen in 2-3 years.
We increase our valuation multiple for IGL from 22x to 30x, given the 12 percent+ volume CAGR expected during FY17-22.
We expect 13/11/11 percent volume growth for IGL in FY18/19/20. We expect EBITDA CAGR of 14 percent and EPS CAGR of 14 percent over FY17-20. Valuing the company at 30x average FY19-20 EPS, we arrive at a September 2018 target price of Rs 404, implying an upside of 29 percent. We upgrade the stock to Buy.
Mahanagar Gas | Rating - Neutral | Target Rs 1,219 | Upside - 11%
Unlike IGL, Mahanagar Gas does not enjoy regulatory push with respect to commercial vehicles. Its geographical location also would result in lower potential from intercity travel than for IGL.
We expect 5/6/8 percent volume growth for Mahanagar Gas in FY18/19/20. We expect EBITDA CAGR of 7 percent and EPS CAGR of 7 percent over FY17-20.
Valuing the company at 22.5x (25 percent discount to IGL) average FY19-20 EPS, we arrive at a September 2018 target price of Rs 1,219, implying an upside of 11 percent. We initiate coverage
with a neutral recommendation.
Gujarat Gas | Rating - Buy | Target Rs 1,011 | Upside - 19%
We expect 14/13/12 percent volume growth for Gujarat Gas in FY18/19/20. EBITDA would grow at a CAGR of 20 percent and EPS at a CAGR of 40 percent over FY17-20.
Higher exposure to the industrial segment and competition from cheaper alternatives results in high volatility in both volumes and EBITDA/scm. However, potential is high Morbi alone, where the company sells around 2.7mmscmd, presents an opportunity for around 6mmscmd.
We have already seen judiciary-led activism against polluting fuels in the National Capital Region (NCR). Any focus on pollution in Gujarat would result in sharp volume growth.
We raise Gujarat Gas' P/E multiple from 15x to 27x, 10 percent discount to Indraprastha Gas and upgrade the stock to Buy, with a target price of Rs 1,011 (revised from Rs 721).
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PNB Housing Finance share price declined 3 percent intraday Tuesday as Punjab National Bank is selling its stake in the company through offer for sale.
The offer for sale issue is opened today for non-retail investors and will remain opened till November 29 for retail as well as non-retail investors.
The bank will sell 99.94 lakh equity shares (representing 6 percent of total paid-up equity capital) through offer for sale and the floor price of offer is fixed at Rs 1,325 per share, implying 4.6 percent discount to Monday's closing price of Rs 1,389.
PNB, which currently holds 38.86 percent stake in PNB Housing Finance, will receive more than Rs 1,300 crore through stake sale.
Earlier this month, PNB Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Mehta said the bank has a headroom to sell up to 9 percent stake in the subsidiary.
"PNB has 39 percent stake in PNB Housing Finance and the promoter stake holding will not go down below 30 percent, leaving the bank a headroom to sell stake up to 9 percent," Mehta had said while announcing the second quarter earnings.
The OFS is part of bank's strategy to sell non-core assets.
"We have a large number of non-core assets and we have approval in place to sell a partial stake in some of these non-core assets, may be without diluting our promoters stake into them. One of them is PNB Housing Finance," Mehta had said on November 3.
At 14:15 hours IST, the stock price was quoting at Rs 1,350.00, down Rs 35.00, or 2.53 percent on the BSE.
The US Justice Department charged three Chinese computer security experts today with hacking and stealing materials from Moody's Analytics, Siemens, and Trimple, a GPS technology firm.
The three were associated with Guangdong-based Guangzhou Boyu Information Technology Company, known as Boyusec, which some Western security analysts allege has links to the Chinese Ministry of State Security.
The indictment named Boyusec co-founder Wu Yingzhuo, executive director Dong Hao, and Xia Lei, an employee.
It said they hacked the email server of Moody's Analytics in 2011, obtaining access to the emails of a person described as a high-profile economist who represented the Moody's brand -- a description that matches Moody's chief economist Mark Zandi.
Moody's did not confirm or deny that, but said it had "worked closely" with the investigation, and had not lost any customer or employee data to the hackers.
In 2014 the three Chinese hackers broke into German industrial giant Siemens' computer networks, stealing large amounts of files and data from its energy, technology and transportation businesses, according to the US indictment.
It added that in 2015-2016 they stole newly developed hardware and software information from a new global satellite navigation system being developed by Trimble.
The three were charged with computer fraud, wire fraud, identity theft, and theft of trade secrets.
The indictment did not say what Boyusec did with the information, some of which had clear commercial value.
"Once again, the Justice Department and the FBI have demonstrated that hackers around the world who are seeking to steal our companies' most sensitive and valuable information can and will be exposed and held accountable," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Dana Boente.
Paytm, on Tuesday, officially launched its payments bank. Paytm Payments Bank is the first mobile bank with zero charges on all online transactions and no minimum balance requirement.
The bank will also give RuPay digital debit card and access to more than 100,000 Paytm ATM locations across India.
The company has planned an investment of Rs 5,000 crore for its financial business and improving the KYC (know your customer) operations. The company will set up centres across India to fast forward completion of KYC process for its customers.
The company has already put in Rs 1,700 crore this year.
Paytm's CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma said that the Paytm is very fortunate to be a part of the financial services revolution happening in the country. This, he believes, will help in creating millions of jobs as well.
The demography and access to financial services will create a ton of jobs in the country and Paytm is very proud to be a part of this financial services revolution. It will work towards creating a massive number of jobs in the long run, he said.
Paytm has already invested nearly Rs 18,000-20,000 crore into its digital services and is still in the investment phase, Sharma said. In its Payments
Bank business, the company plans to break-even in next two years.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who launched the bank, said that companies like Paytm are contributing towards digitisation in the country.
"Three years back we saw traditional form of banking and less access of banks for people but with the government and its policies of digitization we can see public bank like SBI and private company like Paytm working towards the digitization of the sector in the country," Jaitley said.
Paytm Payments Bank plans to build a new business model in the banking industry to bring financial services to people.
By virtue of reaching every nook and corner of the country, we will be able to bring the large and unserved and underserved population to the mainstream economy, said Renu Setti, CEO of Paytm Payments Bank.
Online platform Paytm saw a significant jump in its business post the government's demonetisation drive in November last year. At present, it has around 28 crore registered users.
Paytm processes about 250 crore transactions worth Rs 80,000 crore on an annual basis.
(With inputs from PTI)
The literacy rate of Telangana recorded was 72.8 percent. (Image: Moneycontrol)
A few days after Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that people in India should use words "Mata" and "Pita" for their parents, a state minister has announced that from now onwards, the students will have to answer their roll call with "Jai Hind".
School Education Minister Vijay Shah made the announcement while addressing NCC cadets from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on NCC Day at the Shaurya Smarak in Bhopal last Sunday.
If implemented, children government schools will reply Jai Hind instead of Yes Sir or Yes Madam during attendance call. The order is intended to instil a sense of national pride within the students.
Shah believes that the new order will help instil national pride in the students, say multiple media reports.
The minister also proposed making a circular necessary in 1.22 lakh government schools to be issued this week that will make the National Anthem mandatory, and an advisory for the same be issued to all private schools as well.
I dont think anyone will have any objection to it, he said as per multiple reports.
Last year in December, Shah had made singing the national anthem and hosting the tricolour mandatory in all schools in Madhya Pradesh, a non-compliance to which would lead to the schools recognition being cancelled.
A similar proposal was previously made for the city of Satna, also in Madhya Pradesh, back in September.
The BJP-led state government has been trying to introduce measures to promote nationalism in various state institutes.
Back in October, Bhopals Municipal Corporation had suggested playing the national anthem at the start of every day and the national song in the evening at its headquarters.
A Kerala woman, who is at the centre of an alleged love-jihad case, will continue to pursue her studies under Hindu name Akhila Ashokan, principal of the college said today.
Amidst tight security Hadiya (her Muslim name) arrived from New Delhi to proceed to Salem to resume her education at the college as directed by the Supreme Court on Monday.
She was not permitted to speak to the media at the airport in Coimbatore. Accompanied by Kerala police, she later left by road to the Sivaraj Medical College in Salem to undergo an 11-month internship in Homeopathy.
A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra had given the direction yesterday after interacting with her. Meanwhile, college Principal G Kannan said Hadiya will be treated as one of the inmates of the hostel and that no special treatment will be accorded to her.
She will be registered under her Hindu name Akhila Ashokan in the college, he told reporters in Salem. The apex court has appointed the dean of the college as Hadiya's guardian and granted him liberty to approach it in case of any problem.
She was earlier staying at her parental home in Kochi for several weeks. The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, had directed the college and the university to re-admit Hadiya and grant her hostel facilities.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police Subbbulakshmi, who held a meeting with college authorities in Salem, told reporters that adequate protection will be given to the woman.
During the court hearing, Hadiya said she wanted to go with her husband Shafin Jahan and that he will take care of her education expenses. Jahan had on September 20 approached the apex court seeking the recall of its order directing the NIA to investigate the controversial case of conversion and marriage of Hadiya, originally a Hindu woman who converted to Islam.
The Kerala High Court had annulled the marriage terming it as an instance of 'love jihad', following which Jahan approached the Supreme court. The top court had on August 16 directed the NIA to probe the incident under the supervision of retired apex court judge, Justice R V Raveendran.
The woman, a Hindu, had converted to Islam and later married Jahan. It was alleged that the woman was recruited by Islamic State's mission in Syria and Jahan was only a stooge.
Hadiya was in the custody of her parents for almost six months after the Kerala High Court had on May 29 annulled her 'nikah' with Jahan. Ashokan K M, the father of the woman, has alleged that there was a "well-oiled systematic mechanism" for conversion and Islamic radicalisation.
Earlier today, Ashokan welcomed the SC decision allowing his daughter to pursue her studies. "Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after converting to Islam... I cannot have a terrorist in the family," he added.
Ashokan also said he was sad that his daughter had to undergo such "unpleasant experiences because of which her studies were interrupted." "But now I am happy as the court has allowed her to study further," he told reporters in Delhi.
Ashokan said he was not worried about Hadiya's security in Salem, as she was now under the protection and observation of the apex court.
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While budget carrier IndiGo has been at the centre of a storm of late over misbehaving staff, it's now Air India's turn to wade into a similar controversy. A national carrier staffer traded slaps with a passenger who was denied boarding after reporting late for a flight, reports ANI.
The norms stipulate that a passenger is supposed to arrive at least 45 minutes before the departure of the flight. In this case, the passenger arrived late at Delhi airport and was not allowed to board her Ahmedabad-bound flight.
The airport's Deputy Commission of Police told ANI that the woman passenger slapped the duty manager, also a woman, after a heated argument, and the manager responded in similar fashion.
The investigation required that both women be medically examined after the scuffle. The DCP confirmed that both women agreed to compromise and did not want any action to be taken. The matter has been resolved.
Air India had earlier mocked IndiGo after the budget airline's staffers had manhandled a passenger. In a tweet, the airline put out a graphic saying, "Unbeatable service" and highlighted the word "beat" in a dig at its competition. Air India later took down the tweets.
Moneycontrol News
Days after a heist in which a Navi Mumbai bank was robbed after thieves dug a tunnel into its vaults from an adjoining shop, a chaiwallah catering to employees of a leading bank came up with a simpler method to commit burglary.
The chaiwallah stayed back in the washroom of an Axis Bank branch in Mumbai after closing hours, in a bid to rob the bank at night.
Axis Bank said the accused, Vikas Chavan, was a "tea boy" who would regularly come to the Juhu branch to serve tea to the employees. He was not contracted by the bank and had no formal arrangement with it.
Chavan dropped in at the bank on Friday on the pretext of meeting the pantry manager supposedly seeking a job.
The police said Chavan bid the manager goodbye before 'leaving' the place but quietly slid into a cabinet that was used to store toiletries in the washroom. The 18-year-old stayed there beyond 9:30 pm as he knew that some employees would work late.
Chavan then came out of the cabinet and managed to access keys of drawers.
"He even tried to open the cash deposit machine, but failed. He left out of frustration," the police officer said, according to a report by The Times of India.
The robbery attempt came to light the following morning when the JVPD Scheme branch's security guard opened the bank. The security guard quickly alerted the bank manager after finding drawers open and keys lying on the floor, the police said.
The attempt was captured on the bank's CCTV camera.
The police got a sketchy description of the person seen in the CCTV footage upon sifting through a list of contractual employees. Chavan's cellular data network also matched his location at the time, an officer said.
Chavan was nabbed within six hours of the complaint being lodged and is now behind bars along with his accomplice, according to the police.
According to the police, Chavan said that he was unable to break open the cash machine and slipped out by breaking the pantry's window, where his accomplice, Anil Chavan (19), was waiting.
Corrigendum: An earlier version of this story stated that the accused was a former staffer. This has been rectified following a statement from Axis Bank.
The crude oil prices are trading off their two year highs ahead of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting on Thursday.
Throwing more light on what could happen in the meet, Peter Mcguire, CEO, XM Aus told CNBC-Tv18 that one could see output cut extensions by OPEC by 3-6 months and crude prices could see further gains in near-term.
If OPEC extends cuts, WTI crude could surge to USD 59-62 per barrel and the Brent prices may surge to USD 67-68 per barrel.
However, if they do not extend cuts, then there could be 7-8 percent correction in prices of crude, and it could go back to the range bound volatility, said Mcguire.
According to him, OPEC meeting in May 2018 would be more crucial with an eye on positioning of Russia and Saudi Arab.
If crude prices spike up then it will no doubt attract more shale producers coming on line in US, he said. On the other hand, there will be the IPO of Saudi Aramco sometime in 2018.
The oil producers must also watch out for the rolling out of electric vehicles and keeping a keen on watch on dollar movement in 2018 is also very important, said Macguire.
On the metals, he said nickel is still underpriced and so there could be more upside for that. Similarly, copper and other metals may also see more strength in 2018, he said.
A court in Gujarat has issued a non-bailable warrant against Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani for failing to appear for the hearing in a case against him for stopping Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express during a protest in January.
Additional chief metropolitan magistrate R S Langa issued non-bailable warrants against Mevani and 12 other people yesterday after they failed to appear before the court.
On January 11, Mevani and his supporters were arrested for blocking the Rajdhani Express at the Ahmedabad railway station for several minutes as part of a 'rail roko' protest against the Vibrant Gujarat Summit.
They were booked under IPC sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 147 (rioting) and relevant sections of the Indian Railway Act. A charge sheet was also filed in the case. The magistrate yesterday refused to consider the exemption application filed by Mevani's lawyer Samshad Pathan who pleaded that his client was busy filing nomination forms as an independent candidate from the Vadagam Assembly seat.
This was the second consecutive time Mevani had failed to appear before the court.
Mevani yesterday announced that he would contest the Gujarat Assembly election from Vadagam in Banaskantha district as an independent. The main opposition Congress is supporting him indirectly by not putting up a candidate there.
Farooq Abdullah (R), President of Kashmir's ruling National Conference (NC) party files his nomination as a candidate in India's general election in Srinagar April 7, 2014. REUTERS/Danish Ismail (INDIAN-ADMINISTERED KASHMIR - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) - GM1EA471ELK01
In yet another controversial remark, Jammu and Kashmir's former chief minister Farooq Abdullah on Monday dared the Centre to hoist the national flag at Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar city before talking about unfurling it in PoK.
Abdullah's remarks drew criticism from the BJP, with Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh saying the National Conference leader was strengthening the separatists and militants. He said the tricolour was being hoisted in all parts of the state, including Lal Chowk.
Abdullah, who had recently claimed Pakistan Occupied Kashmir cannot become a part of India, said he only told facts and that what he spoke about PoK was the "truth".
"They (Centre and BJP) are talking about raising the flag in PoK. I ask them first you go and raise the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. They cant even do that here and they are talking about PoK," he said.
"If you dont like to hear the truth, then live in the untruth. The truth is that (PoK) is not our part and this (J&K) is not their part. That is the truth," Abdullah said defending his comment that PoK does not belong to India.
Unaffected by the criticism of his remarks that PoK belonged to Pakistan and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight, he reiterated his stand saying this was the only realistic solution to herald a new era of peace and trust in the region.
Asked whether he was not hurting the Indian sentiment by making such comments, he retorted, asking "What is Indian sentiment? You think I am not an Indian?"
Speaking to the media here, the National Conference leader said, "I do not make controversial statements. I state the facts which people don't like. People do not want to hear the truth."
As per a report in Kashmir Monitor, Abdullah said following the killing and abduction of a territorial army man by militants, he expressed concerns over the situation in the state and added that the Centre has to frame its response vis-a-vis Pakistan, if it wants to bring peace there.
Abdullah was speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to Congress leader and MP, late G L Dogra, on his 30th death anniversary.
"Whose sentiments are you talking about? Those crooks, who dont see our miseries. Who dont see the miseries of our border people? How they suffer when shelling starts?"
A few weeks back, BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain told media in New Delhi that Farooq Abdullah is doing free advocacy of Pakistan and suggested he should resign from the post.
When asked to comment on the recent killing of an armyman on leave, Abdullah said the Centre should be asked the question as it claimed peace had returned to Kashmir after demonetisation.
Abdullah deprecated the incident where two students did not get up when the national anthem was being sung in Rajouri district a few days ago.
Honour to the nation is important and national anthem is most honourable, he said, adding the government should take action against them until they apologised and take an undertaking that they would not repeat it.
The National Conference leader said he was not aware if cases against stone pelters were being withdrawn.
He wished "good luck" to the Centre's special representative Dineshwar Sharma who is holding talks with stakeholders to restore peace in the restive state.
Abdullah's comments on PoK and the national flag prompted criticism from Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh.
"Farooq Abdullah is strengthening separatists and militants with his controversial remarks because he is frustrated. He has forgotten that tricolour is being unfurled in all parts of the state including Lal Chowk", told reporters.
The veteran leader had previously commented that the stance of PoK wont change no matter how many wars India and Pakistan will fight.
Abdullah also attacked the Centre and accused them of formulating policies that created communal tension.
You have made one Pakistan, how many more will you make, how many pieces will you cut Indian into? he had asked at a rally, as per media reports.
(With inputs from PTI)
Chinese electronics giant Xiaomi is likely to unveil its upcoming Redmi Note 5 as per an image leaked from Chinese website Weibo.
According to a report on the tech blog Digit, the leaked image shows the smartphone having 64 GB of internal storage, along with a 4,000 mAh battery along and a 12-megapixel camera. It is to be powered by Qualcomms Snapdragon 605 SoC, the same chipset used on the Remi Note 4 and the Mi A1 smartphones.
Also Read: Xiaomi to come up with three 18:9 display mid-range Redmi phones
The leaked image also appears to show an MIUi 9 based on Android Nougat along with a 5.99-inch display, supported by an FHD + resolution.
Leaked image of the Xiaomi Note 5 as seen on Chinese microblogging platform Weibo (Courtesy: Weibo)
It is also believed that the soon-to-be-released phone will have an 18:9 aspect ratio, which is a first for the Redmi series of phones. The screen resolution is likely to be 2160 X 1080 pixels.
The leaked image, if true, may disappoint fans a bit as Xiaomi was expected to pack in the Snapdragon 630 SoC instead of the 625 under the Redmi Note 5s hood. Moto X4 that was launched a few backs in India uses this new SoC.
Also Read: GST rate cut effect: Xiaomi India reduces prices of its accessories
The Redmi Note 5 was also spotted on Chinas TENAA certification authority by several tech websites a few days back. Two Xiaomi smartphones with model numbers MET 7 and MEE7 sharing similar specifications had appeared on the listing, indicating that these could be the next Redmi Note Series smartphone.
The certification, believed to be for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, as spotted on Chinese certification authority TENAA's website (Courtesy: TENAA)
On the design front, Xiaomi seems to be following the lead of other Chinese smartphones makers like ZTE and Vivo to adopt a smaller top and bottom bezel.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 27: Catalan Independence supporters gather outside the Catalan Government building, Palau de la Generalitat, to celebrate their vote on independence from Spain on October 27, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. MPs in the Catalan parliament have today voted following a two days session on how to respond to the Spanish governments enacting of Article 155, which would curtail Catalan autonomy. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Imprisoned former vice-president of Catalonia Oriol Junqueras and three other jailed members of his ERC party will abide by a ruling giving Madrid control over the region, their defence lawyer said on Tuesday.
Junqueras and seven other former members of the Catalonia regional cabinet were jailed on November 2 pending trial, accused of sedition, rebellion and misappropriation of funds after the local government declared independence from Spain.
Catalonia's secession drive has tipped Spain into its worst political crisis in decades and prompted Madrid to sack the Catalan government, led by Carles Puigdemont, and call a regional election for December 21.
The acceptance of Madrid's rule over the region could prompt the Supreme Court to overrule the decision to hold the defendants in custody while they await trial, and release them in time to campaign for the election.
All four jailed ERC members - Junqueras, former foreign affairs chief Raul Romeva, justice affairs head Carles Mundo and work chief Dolors Bassa - have been named as candidates in the election.
The defendants did not agree with the application of Article 155, which stripped the regional government of its power after the secessionist ruling, but accepted it, their lawyer said in a statement to the Supreme Court.
"My charges accepted, and accept, the application of 155 ... but have done so from a position of deep political and judicial discrepancy," the lawyer said.
The lawyer added that the statement does not mean that they renounce their political convictions.
Former leader of Catalonia Puigdemont, who has been in self-imposed exile in Belgium since declaring independence, said on Saturday the election would be most important in the region's history.
Turnout for the election is expected to reach a record 80 percent as the deeply divisive issue of the region's secession prompts participation from both sides.
Less than a quarter of Catalans want to continue with a plan to claim independence from Spain, according to a poll published in El Pais newspaper on Monday.
However, the same poll showed the vote evenly split between pro- and anti-independence parties in the upcoming regional election.
Pope Francis insisted that Myanmar's future depends on respecting the rights of each ethnic group, an indirect show of support for Rohingya Muslims who have been subject to decades of discrimination and a recent military crackdown described by the UN as a textbook campaign of "ethnic cleansing."
Francis did not cite the crackdown or even utter the contested word "Rohingya" in his speech to Myanmar's civilian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and other authorities and diplomats in the capital.
But he lamented how Myanmar's people have suffered "and continue to suffer from civil conflict and hostilities," and insisted that everyone who calls Myanmar home deserves to have their basic human rights and dignity guaranteed.
Rohingya Muslims have faced state-supported discrimination in the predominantly Buddhist country for decades, deprived of citizenship and unable to access basic services such as adequate education and healthcare.
In August, the army began what it called "clearance operations" in Rakhine state following an attack on police posts by Rohingya insurgents. The violence, looting and burning of villages have forced more than 620,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh.
In his most anticipated speech of his weeklong trip to Myanmar and Bangladesh, Francis expressed support for Suu Kyi's efforts to bring about reconciliation among different groups after decades of military dictatorship. And he insisted that religious differences in the majority Buddhist country must never be a cause for division or distrust.
"The future of Myanmar must be peace, a peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law, and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group - none excluded - to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good," he said.
Francis' avoidance of the term "Rohingya" and his encouragement for Suu Kyi's government disappointed Rohingya activists and human rights groups, who have criticized Suu Kyi for what they consider a weak response to the military crackdown.
Suu Kyi's supporters "including the Catholic Church," say she is limited in what she can say against the military and needs more time to bring about reconciliation.
The term "Rohingya" is shunned by many in Myanmar because the ethnic group is not a recognized minority in the country. The question of whether Francis would use the term in a show of solidarity dominated the run-up to his trip.
"We thought that the pope was going to mention the suffering of Rohingya people, but now he cannot even use the name Rohingya and it's totally unacceptable," said Kyaw Naing, a 53-year-old Rohingya man who lives in a confined camp outside of Sittwe, in Rakhine state. "We are very sad that our identity cannot even be revealed."
Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division, said he hoped the pope would use the term during Mass tomorrow.
"The pope missed an opportunity to reinforce his previous messages that affirmed the rights of the Rohingya to self- identify and used the name that they had chosen for themselves," he said. "The Rohingya have been stripped of so many things, but their name should never be one of them."
Suu Kyi, for her part, referred to the "situation in the Rakhine" in her speech to Francis in the huge conference centre in Naypyitaw, Myanmar's new capital. But she used the conflict as an opportunity to thank those who have supported the government as it seeks to "address long-standing issues a social, economic and political" that have eroded trust and understanding, harmony and cooperation" in Rakhine.
She said the government's aim is to carry forward the peace process and strengthen Myanmar's diversity "by protecting rights, fostering tolerance, ensuring security for all."
Francis arrived in Naypyitaw after meeting with leaders of Myanmar's different religious groups in Yangon at the archbishop's residence, and separately with a prominent but controversial Buddhist leader who has criticized the Rohingya.
The pope stressed a message of "unity in diversity" in his 40-minute meeting with Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, Christian and Jewish leaders and told them they should work together to rebuild the country, Vatican spokesman Greg Burke said.
Francis' meeting with Buddhist monk Sitagu Sayadaw was undertaken "in an effort to encourage peace and fraternal coexistence as the only way ahead," Burke said.
Sitagu also met with Francis's predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, but has been criticised for using ethnic slurs against Muslims, particularly the Rohingya. He received an award presented by Suu Kyi earlier this year.
Francis dove into the Rohingya refugee crisis hours after arriving yesterday by meeting with the military chief responsible for the crackdown, Gen Min Aung Hlaing, and three members of the bureau of special operations.
The general's office said in a statement on Facebook that he is willing to have "interfaith peace, unity and justice." The general added that there was no religious or ethnic persecution or discrimination in Myanmar and that the government allowed freedom of worship.
Rohingya Muslims were stripped of citizenship in 1982, denying them almost all rights and rendering them stateless. They cannot travel freely, practice their religion, or work as teachers or doctors, and have little access to medical care, food or education.
Myanmar's Catholic Church has publicly urged Francis to avoid saying "Rohingya," and they have urged him to toe a delicate line in condemning the violence, given the potential for blowback against the tiny Catholic community.
Francis previously has prayed for "our Rohingya brothers and sisters," lamented their suffering and called for them to enjoy full rights.
As a result, much of the debate before his trip focused on whether he would again express solidarity with the Rohingya. Any decision to avoid the term and shy away from the conflict could be viewed as a capitulation to the military and a stain on his legacy of standing up for the most oppressed and marginalised of society, no matter how impolitic.
Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi delivers a national address regarding the Rohingya crisis in Naypyitaw, Myanmar September 19, 2017 in this still image taken from video. REUTERS/via Reuters TV - RC13BB0FA0C0
Myanmar's defacto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been stripped of the Freedom of Oxford award over her "inaction" in handling the raging Rohingya refugee crisis and turning a "blind eye to violence" in the country that forced over 600,000 people to flee to Bangladesh.
Oxford City Council voted unanimously last night to permanently remove the honour given to 72-year-old Suu Kyi in 1997.
"Today we have taken the unprecedented step of stripping her of her city's highest honour because of her inaction in the face of oppression of the minority Rohingya population," Councillor Mary Clarkson said.
"We hope that today we have added our small voice to others calling for human rights and justice for the Rohingya people," she said in a statement.
More than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled to Bangladesh following a military crackdown in Myanmar's Rakhine state, creating one of the world's most dire refugee crisis.
Last week, Myanmar signed a deal with Bangladesh to allow the refugees to return home.
While the United Nations has described the violence and mass exodus as "a textbook example of ethnic cleansing," Suu Kyi has dismissed all allegations.
Oxford City Council said that when Suu Kyi had been given the Freedom of the City it was because she reflected the city's values of "tolerance and internationalism" and as a celebration of her opposition to oppression and military rule in Myanmar but now any association with her would tarnish the city's reputation.
"The burning of their [Rohingya] villages has been independently confirmed by satellite images, and the UN has called the situation 'a textbook example of genocide' yet Aung San Suu Kyi has denied any ethnic cleansing and dismissed numerous claims of sexual violence against Rohingya women as 'fake rape'," it said.
"Oxford has a long tradition of being a diverse and humane city, and our reputation is tarnished by honouring those who turn a blind eye to violence," it added.
A series of UK institutions have been distancing themselves from the Nobel Peace laureate in the wake of the Rohingya crisis.
A portrait of the leader hanging prominently at the entrance of St Hugh's College, Oxford University, where she studied was moved into storage back in September.
In October, undergraduates at the college where she read politics, philosophy and economics between 1964 and 1967 voted to remove the Myanmar leader's name from the title of their junior common room.
So far, Oxford University has decided not to reconsider an honorary doctorate bestowed upon Suu Kyi in 2012 but has expressed its "profound concern" over the treatment of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar.
At the start of November, musician and Live Aid founder Bob Geldof returned his Freedom to the City of Dublin award because it was also held by Suu Kyi.
The City of London Corporation has also been debating revoking Suu Kyi's Honorary Freedom, bestowed upon her earlier this year.
PERKASIE >> Fans of the Perkasie Farmers Market are delighted to know that their favorite locally made foods will be available year-round now that the market moves indoors for a brand-new seasonal Winter Market. The Winter Market opens at the Perkasie Fire Hall on November 26th and will run on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month through May...
Jarrett Coleman goes from school board to statehouse with win in 16th Senate District race
Community Life as seen on social media
November 28, 2017 Turning The Corner In Afghanistan The news about the wars the U.S. is waging all over the world is unreliable. The same statements of progress are repeated year after year. The official numbers, be they of civilian casualties or deployed troops, are mere lies. Every news presentation should be engraved with a warning: "Assertions and numbers are not what they appear." Consider, for example, the various "turned corner" statements officials have made about Afghanistan. On October 5 2017 the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani confirmed to the BBC that Afghanistan has "turned the corner": ... when I ask whether he is saying Afghan forces have turned the corner in the fight against the Taliban, there is no hesitation: "Yes," he says. On October 24 the U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan General John Nicholson agreed with President Ghani: "With the mounting military, diplomatic, and social pressure that is building that we all are collectively committed to sustaining over the coming years the enemy will have no choice but to reconcile. I believe, as President Ghani says, 'we have turned the corner, he concluded. But a month later General Nicholson seemed to disagreed with his earlier statement: "We are still in a stalemate," Nicholson, a four-star Army general said in an exclusive interview. Today, five days after his "stalemate" statement, the general's opinion has changed again. Kevin Baron, the editor of Defense One, reports: JUST IN: Top US general in Afghanistan says war has "turned a corner... " The momentum is now with the Afghan security forces." ... The General seems confused. But he is not the first to have such a change of mind. On February 3 2010 then U.S. commander General Stanley McChrystal was cautious about the proverbial corner: General Stanley McChrystal also expressed confidence that Afghan forces would grow quickly enough to allow a reduction in U.S. troop numbers to begin on schedule in 2011. ... Im not prepared to say we have turned the corner, he added. Only twelve days later the turn had been made: Gen Stanley McChrystal had his own words. Helmand had turned the corner in its four year war, he told The Daily Telegraph. In May 2011 a British General also noted the turn: The civilians are looking to people such as General James Bucknall, a British Coldstream Guards officer who is second in command of the International Security and Assistance Force (Isaf).
...
[H]e sets out why he thinks a corner has now been turned, nodding to the surge in American troop numbers that has made it possible. Six years earlier another British General had already seen that turn: Handing over to 3 Commando Brigade, Brig Butler said: "When we prepared, we knew there would be rocky times ahead, and that things would get harder before they got easier. That has certainly been the case, but I judge we have turned the corner. We have achieved a huge amount." In May 2011 the U.S. Secretary of Defense was more cautious than the generals but nonetheless optimistic: I think we could be in a position by the end of this year where we have turned the corner in Afghanistan," [U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates] said. According to his boss progress came faster than Gates anticipated. On June 23 2011 CBS headlined Obama: U.S. has turned corner in Afghanistan: President Barack Obama on Thursday told American troops who've fought in Afghanistan that the U.S. has turned a corner after nearly 10 years of war, and it's time for their comrades still in that country to start coming home. Obama's victory jump may have been a bit premature, but a month later the local commander agreed that the turning process had at least begun: I spoke to Gen Petraeus as he stopped off in London on his way home from Afghanistan. In the interview, he spelled out what makes him think the country has begun to turn a corner after nearly 10 years of war. In September 2012 another U.S. Secretary of Defense asserted that the turn had finally been completed: [US Defense Secretary Leon] Panetta, however, has rejected suggestions that the strategy is failing, and on Friday he said we have turned the corner, in Afghanistan ... Four month later the Afghan President confirmed the turn: [President] Karzai also said that Afghanistan has turned the corner in terms of battling the Taliban. Karzai was very modest in acknowledging the turn. He knew that it had already happened much earlier: On October 9th, 2004, Afghanistan turned the corner. After decades of invasion, civil war, and anarchy, Hamid Karzai became the first democratically-elected President of a united Afghanistan. In May 2014 another man was elected President of Afghanistan. This finally turned the corner: Tonight there is a sense that the country has turned a corner - a new president who will sign the BSA, a continuation of developmental aid and training programmes, and Afghanistan has more than a fighting chance. A year later the Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani was encouraged by the corner turning progress the new government had made: With the successful conclusion of the security and political transitions, Afghanistan turned the corner in our path to becoming a self-reliant nation. Today, two and a half years later, General Nicholson is still in the corner turning business. The corner turning in Afghanistan is similar to an earlier war the U.S. had fought in vain: Of course, the Afghanistan War (ostensibly part of a Global War on Terrorism) differs from the Vietnam War (ostensibly part of the Cold War) in myriad ways. Yet it resembles Vietnam in three crucial respects. First, it drags on with no end in sight. Second, no evidence exists to suggest that mere persistence will produce a positive outcome. Third, those charged with managing the war have long since run out of ideas about how to turn things around. Another similarity is the constant lying by the military spokespersons. The famous Five o'clock Follies of Vietnam have been replaced by video conferences and drone videos but the central issue is the same. The military is consistently and consciously lying to the public. How many U.S. troops are there in Afghanistan? By law the Pentagon has to release the deployment numbers every three month. The latest release for September 2017 lists 15,298 soldiers and 1,202 DoD civilians in Afghanistan. But there are 29,092 soldiers listed in "unknown locations". The generals must have lost these somewhere. The report also lists nearly 2,000 soldiers in Syrian and nearly 9,000 in Iraq. The publicly admitted numbers are way lower. They are as trustworthy as all the "turned corner" claims. Indeed: The Defense Departments publicly disclosed data, which tracks U.S. personnel levels in dozens of countries, are not meant to represent an accurate accounting of troops deployed to any particular region, said Eric Pahon, a Pentagon spokesman. The Pentagon clearly states that official data and assertions are "not meant to represent an accurate accounting". It is a warning. Whatever officials claim about this or that war, about "turned corners", or casualties, or troop deployments, must be considered to be a lie until it has been confirmed by observation or additional sources. h/t Shashank Joshi Posted by b on November 28, 2017 at 19:47 UTC | Permalink Comments
Centrica (CNA) has been downgraded by Morningstar analysts in the light of last weeks profit warning, which knocked 20% of the British Gas owners market value.
We have slashed our fair value estimate for Centrica to 150p per share from 250p because of a deterioration in profitability the shares are currently trading around 140p. We have cut our 2017-21 earnings per share estimates by 46% on average due to more bearish assumptions for the UK home, UK business, US business, and storage divisions.
We forecast a flat dividend though 2021 involving a high 8.2% dividend yield. Though we do not factor it in, the risk of a dividend cut on account of a rise in the pension deficit is real.
We've downgraded our narrow moat rating to none, which means the company has no competitive advantage against its rivals, chiefly due to mounting political and competitive pressure. The brand recognition of British Gas and cost advantage provided by its leadership position historically provided some moat, in our view. This moat has disappeared due to mounting political pressure, which should result in a tariff cap squeezing margins.
In October 2017, the British government instructed energy watchdog Ofgem to set a price cap by the end of 2018. As costs continue to rise, this could squeeze margins. That would imply a reregulation of the sector that was liberalised in the 1990s.
Also, the likely merger of SSE's and Npower's retail arms will create a powerful competitor supported by cost synergies and mean that Centrica is about to lose its leadership position in electricity retail.
Centrica also operates as an energy supplier in the United States. The profit warning in November reflects that the structural profitability of the US business supply activity is well below what the market had assumed.
For UK home, we factor in a tariff freeze over 2019/20 followed by a tariff hike, which would partially recoup lost margins. For the US business, we reduce our long-term profitability assumptions as we believe the issues highlighted during the November profit warning are structural.
Under the British Gas brand, Centrica is the biggest retail supplier of gas and electricity in the UK. This is the groups largest activity at around 40% of 2016 operating profit. This business typically has no moat due to fierce competition caused by no barriers to entry and low switching costs. Retailers mostly compete on price, given customers' guaranteed service through the delivery utility and the commodity product that eliminates quality differentiation.
Still, historically, Centrica has been able to deliver higher margins than its competitors thanks to the large scale provided by its leadership position. Therefore, we thought the British Gas brand name and established position provided some moat. However, in the current political climate, we believe the value of this moat has materially diminished.
Sales of high-rise and mid-rise units drove new condo sales volume in the Greater Toronto area in October, according to fresh data from the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD).Condo sales for that month were 81% above the 10-year average of 2,697, and the highest October yet recorded. 4,884 units sold in October were multi-family homes, and a total of 5,377 new homes were sold in the GTA for that month.Year-to-date, 39,476 new homes have been sold in the GTA in 2017, with 82% of these being condo apartments in high-rise and mid-rise buildings and stacked townhomes.October data shows that the new homebuyer is left with very little choice when it comes to purchasing a new home, BILD president and CEO Bryan Tuckey said.Provincial intensification policy has our members building more high and mid-rise dwellings making housing choices a challenge. The cost of a single family home is out of reach for many consumers pushing them to buy a condo over a house. As a result we are seeing record breaking condo sales and higher prices this year for new low-rise homes.Read more: Former budget watchdog warns govt to be careful in its new housing spending While supply of new housing increased again in October and reached 12,500 units, it is still far below healthy levels. At the end of October, there were 9,308 multi-family homes and 3,192 single-family homes available in the GTA.Demand for newly-built condominium apartments is being fueled by three key buyer groups small investors who have become the de facto providers of new rental housing supply in the GTA; end user buyers who might prefer a single-family home but are seeking out more affordable options; and the more traditional end users who value the lifestyle and amenities of well-located projects, according to Patricia Arsenault, Altus Group's Executive Vice President of Research Consulting Services.Interested parties can view BILDs full report here
Aimed at alleviating red-hot market conditions, Vancouvers latest housing plan is slated to construct 72,000 new housing units within the next 10 years. The plan also included provisions for the creation of dedicated rental-only zones.In an interview with CBC News, Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson offered details on how the plan would go about its objectives.Given the scale of the challenge, it's daunting ... but this plan targets several things. One is creating dramatically more affordable housing than we've ever done before ... Were already at record levels, but were seeing about a 50% increase which puts it over 7,000 units of affordable housing a year ... over the next 10 years. [The City] is making sure the supply is tied to local incomes here in Vancouver.We're also protecting the rental housing we have ... [Were] regulating Airbnb and condo presales to locals first and foremost.Read more: Vancouver market could ease by Q3 2018 BCREA We are seeing more protections for renters across the province ... The city does have the power, while approving rental projects, to set the rent at the beginning ... As soon as there's a turnover in the building, the rent can get jacked up ... If we have support from the province ... we may have a way to entrench more rent control going forward.Weve now got the tools we need to make sure when we build additional housing, that it's tied to local incomes ... that means we have to approve significantly more homes.If its just left to the market, it will automatically drift to luxury housing. Landowners have the right to build whatever fits within the zoning. The city can't control that.
Home Price Gains Continue Cooling Off
Black Knight Financial Services reported on Monday that home prices as measured by its national Home Price Index (HPI) continued to slow on a monthly basis, although the year-over-year rate continues to accelerate. The company said the HPI rose 0.16 percent from August to September, only two-thirds of its increase (0.24 percent) from July to August. It was the sixth consecutive month the index's growth had slowed. The HPI, which finished the month at $282,000, posted a 6.36 annual increase. The 12-month appreciation in August was 6.24 percent.
The slowdown in gains was widespread. Half of the 20 largest states and 17 of its largest metros saw prices fall compared to the previous month. Michigan had the largest decline at 0.61 percent and Detroit led the large metro areas with a decline of 0.58 percent. Despite that loss, Detroit has seen its prices rise more than 10 percent thus far in 2017.
New York saw the highest rate of appreciation among the states, up 1.08 percent, the third month the state has led the list. Rhode Island followed with an 0.93 percent change followed by Florida, Utah, and Montana, all of which had appreciation of 0.83 percent or more.
The fastest appreciation among metro areas was in Kennewick, Washington at 1.99 percent. All of the top ten performing metros, five of which were in Florida and three in New York, had gains in excess of 1.1 percent. San Jose, the only California city on the list, saw annual appreciation of 15 percent and has a HPI of $1.03 million, nearly four times the national number.
The number of states and metros setting new home price peaks continued to fall, with just six of the 20 largest states and 11 of the 40 largest metros hitting new highs in September.
FHFA Raises Conforming Loan Limit to $453k
Loan limits were frozen in place at $417,000 for 10 long years after the housing bust, but were finally raised on January 1 of this year. Rapidly increasing home prices have now allowed the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to increase them again for 2018.
The maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages eligible to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs) in most of the U.S. starting on January 1 will be $453,100, an increase from $424,100 in 2017. The Veterans Administration and FHA are expected to follow suit, raising limits for their own loans.
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) requires that the baseline conforming loan limit for the GSEs be adjusted each year to reflect the change in the average U.S. home price. FHFA published its third quarter House Price Index (HPI) earlier today showing the average U.S. home value has increased by 6.8 percent since the third quarter of 2016. Therefore, the baseline maximum conforming loan limit has been increased by 6.8 percent as well.
Not every borrower will be subject to the baseline limit. Where the local median home value is more than 115 percent of that limit, HERA allows higher limits, with a ceiling of 150 percent of the baseline limit. This will make the new ceiling in high-cost areas $679,650, that is 150 percent of $453,100. Some areas will have limits falling between those two numbers, as shown in the heat map below and in a complete county-by-county list of loan limits here.
There are additional provisions allowing for different limits in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In these areas, the baseline loan limit will be $679,650 for one-unit properties, but FHFA says some specific locations may have even higher limits.
Properties with multiple units will have baseline limits of $580,150 for two-family properties, $701,250 for three units, and $871,450 for four units. High cost areas will have maximum limits of $870,225, $1,051,875, and $1,307,175 respectively.
Second mortgage loan limits have been raised to $225,550 with a limit of $339,825 in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii and the Virgin Islands.
Fannie Mae has advised its sellers that loans delivered through December 31 must comply with the 2017 limits, but any loan delivered on 1/1/2018 or later gets the new limits. Loans can be submitted (or resubmitted) through Fannie's Desktop Underwriter on or after the weekend of December 9, 2017. Even if loans were submitted before Dec 9th, Fannie says the new loan limits will still apply if the loan amount was the only reason the loan was deemed ineligible (assuming, of course, that the loan isn't delivered to Fannie before 1/1/2018).
A top official with the Department of Energy urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Tuesday to approve Energy Secretary Rick Perry's proposal to protect coal and nuclear plants, saying there was "broad consensus FERC must act."
"Continued action only would make the problem worse," said Energy Undersecretary Mark Menenzes. "We know there are constant threats to our system, so [Perry] will do what he can to make sure the grid is resilient."
Menezes' comments, made during a forum in Washington hosted by the Consumer Energy Alliance, come as FERC is fast approaching its Dec. 11 deadline to decide on Perry's proposal to give coal and nuclear power plants an additional tariff to help stop them from shutting down and potentially destabilizing the grid.
RELATED STORY: For coal magnate tied to Trump and Perry, accusations of government 'bailout'
But a broad coalition that includes environmentalists and the oil and gas industry have questioned the notion that the grid is in danger.
A Department of Energy study released earlier this year, under Perry's directive, found the closure of coal and nuclear plants was the result of increased competition from natural gas and renewables but so far done nothing to threaten the stability of the grid, "due to better planning, market discipline, and better operating rules and standards."
"I'm not sure what happened between that report and the [proposal from Perry] that came out in September," Dena Wiggins, president of the Natural Gas Supply Association, said at Tuesday's event.
Menezes said Perry's interest in grid stability stemmed from his time as governor of Texas, when during a winter storm in 2011 grid operators had to initiate rolling blackouts after a series of power plants went offline.
"It was very distressing to the governor, to have the threat of brownouts within Texas," Menenzes said.
Perry was scheduled to speak at Tuesday's event but had to cancel due to illness, a spokeswoman at the Energy Department said.
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Earlier this month a case was filed in federal court, purportedly by the family of Sutherland Springs shooter Devin Patrick Kelley, claiming a federal agency was spying on him long before he killed more than two dozen people in a church earlier this month.
In fact the suit appears to be the work of an Ohio inmate with a propensity for filing bogus lawsuits - hundreds of them, according to media reports.
Frederick Banks filed the hand-written lawsuit. obtained by mySA.com, against the Central Intelligence Agency on Nov. 13, asking for any electronic surveillance recorded of the shooter who killed 26 people and himself in Sutherland Springs Nov. 5. The lawsuit alleges the CIA spied on Kelley using GPS tracking that would have caused him to "act out."
RELATED: Apple served with search warrant in Sutherland Springs shooting
Now Playing: A former friend of Devin Kelley said looking back, there were red flags indicating he was troubled, even in a situation involving herself. Video: FoxM9NJ
"This signal can cause a human organism or animal to act out or take some other form of CIA affirmative action, according to numerous sources," reads Banks' suit, which is signed by an attorney named Hamilton Brown.
Brown, however, is one of Banks' aliases, according to another suit he filed, that one on behalf of Kurt Cobain. A phone call to the number listed on the lawsuit for the attorney does not go to Banks or Brown or a law office.
The Northeast Ohio Correctional Center did not immediately respond to a request for information on Banks' incarceration, but previous reports and news releases show Banks has had a myriad of charges brought against him and is a convicted felon.
He was indicted in August 2015 on a charge of interstate stalking and in January 2016, for instate stalking, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and making false statements in Pennsylvania.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported in December 2015 that Banks has filed more than 300 "bogus lawsuits." At the time, officials were determining if Banks was competent to stand trial in a case where he was accused of stalking a Florida FBI agent.
Dr. Robert Wettstein said, according to the Post-Gazette, that Banks suffers from an "ongoing delusional disorder which has a paranoid flavor to it."
RELATED: Sutherland Springs church shooter's dad speaks out: 'We are grieving'
Banks has filed dozens of suits against the CIA, often claiming the federal agency is spying on people with electronic tools and controlling his thoughts with "voice to skull" technology, according to the Post-Gazette. He sued President Donald Trump, along with a slew of other government officials, in October.
He has also filed fake appeals he claimed were on behalf of a Pennsylvania woman accused of drowning her sons in a bathtub and Bernie Madoff.
For unknown reasons, Banks quotes Trump in his suit on behalf of Kelley saying, "'This is a mental health issue at the highest level.' The highest level of government to include the CIA and respondents."
The Kelley case has been assigned to U.S. Judge David A. Ezra, who left Hawaii for San Antonio in 2012.
Staff researcher Misty Harris contributed to this report. | Kelsey Bradshaw is a digital reporter for mySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| kbradshaw@express-news.net | Twitter: @Kbrad5
Tim Fischer/Midland Reporter-Telegram
The Midland Fire Departments assistant chief of operations has been selected as one of the three finalists for the fire chief opening.
Charles Blumenauer joins Marion Blackwell of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and James Maxon of Sandoval County, New Mexico.
nuaxia Closes Funding Round, Extends Platform
London-based healthcare sector MR and marketing platform nuaxia has closed a 0.5m Series A round of funding, to accelerate product development at its technology centre in Budapest, Hungary. The firm has also upgraded its platform, and launched a 'Video Discussion Group' capability.
Launched a year ago by former Synovate UK CEO Peter Chopra (pictured), nuaxia offers MR, recruitment, marketing and information services for the sector. In the summer, it rolled out a Video Interviewing service, promising clients access both to its one million members, and any other individual in its profiled database of 5.5 million healthcare professionals. The new Video Discussion Group capability allows clients to conduct video groups online.
The new funding comes from an undisclosed source, and adds to last year's 1m seed round. Chopra says the 'version 2' platform will allow the launch of 'a series of new products, starting with the Video Discussion Group service announced today, and continuing into 2018'. He comments: 'The success of our Series A funding will provide the investment funds to support those developments. We continue to see our video and micro-engagement services as representing the future direction for healthcare research'.
Web site: www.nuaxia.com .
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A teacher at a Palm Bay charter school was arrested, accused of inappropriately touching a student while in his classroom.
Kenneth Woodard arrested by Palm Bay police
Accused of inappropriately touching a student
Taught at Odyssey Preparatory Academy
Kenneth Woodard, 41, was arrested Monday by Palm Bay police after an investigation by the agency and the Department of Children and Families.
He faces a count of lewd and lascivious molestation.
Woodard taught fifth grade at Odyssey Preparatory Academy, a charter school in Palm Bay.
Police say he violated an 11-year-old boy in his classroom on Nov. 20.
They say Woodard sat very close to the child making him uncomfortable, then looped his finger in the child's waistband and inappropriately touched him.
According to police, several students interviewed separately claimed they saw what happened.
Later the same day during lunch, the victim told police that Woodard asked him and some other boys if they wanted to watch a movie in the classroom.
During that time, the boy told police the teacher sat behind him and hugged him before he could walk away.
At the end of the day, as the boy was telling the school counselor what happened, he told police Woodard walked in the office as he was alone writing his statement.
He told the counselor he was nervous because the teacher now knew he was telling on him.
"It's concerning," said Lt. Mike Bandish with the Palm Bay Police Department. "We investigated it and came to a determination that there was probable cause for an arrest, so an arrest was made."
Woodard was initially put on administrative leave by the school when the complaint first came in.
Police believe there are no other victims, but the school is providing counseling services to those at the school who need it.
We're told Woodard taught younger kids at the Odyssey Lower Campus for two years before transferring to the preparatory academy.
Woodard is being held in the Brevard County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
Oh, you better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, Im telling you why Santa Claus is coming to town. Yes, Santa will be traveling from the North Pole to the Ollie Liner Center in Plainview to meet with all the good little boys and girls at the Breakfast with Santa.
Runningwater Draw RSVP will partner with the Hale County 4-H members to welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as they take time out of their busy North Pole schedules. They will join RSVP and their volunteer helpers to share Christmas joy, at the annual Breakfast with Santa from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2.
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After Puerto Ricos ailing economy was crippled by Hurricane Maria, the islands leaders fear that the Republican tax overhaul could deliver another devastating blow.
The legislation, passed by the House this month, would end provisions that turned Puerto Rico into a medical manufacturing hub. Drug and device makers have poured billions into the U.S. territory, creating thousands of jobs and powering almost a third of its economic output.
Officials worry that the proposal will smother the island as it grapples with as much as $100 billion in storm damage, an exodus of workers and the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
Youre talking about an industry that is really the backbone of the economy, said Manuel Laboy, Puerto Ricos secretary of economic development and commerce. Many of the Congress members on the Hill, they dont understand how our economy works.
Much is also at stake for drugmakers, which have spent millions lobbying to protect their tax advantages. Puerto Rico accounts for about 10 percent of U.S. drug manufacturing, including blockbusters like arthritis treatment Humira and cholesterol fighter Crestor.
That House bill is bad news for the drug industry, said Ira Loss, senior health-care analyst at research firm Washington Analysis LLC. This is an island that was in trouble before the hurricane. Its in really big trouble now.
Congress wants to force multinationals to pay a one-time tax on their estimated $3.1 trillion in accumulated offshore earnings while cutting the corporate rate to 20 percent from 35 percent, the highest in the industrialized world. The Senate is expected to vote on a version of the legislation this week.
Puerto Ricos ambiguous status has made it a tax paradise for drugmakers. Under U.S. law, the commonwealth is considered both a foreign and domestic entity, depending on the rule. Drugmakers can incorporate factories there as foreign subsidiaries, but the products can be labeled as U.S.-made.
A U.S. drug company can buy its own products from its Puerto Rico plant and attribute the proceeds to its island subsidiary, where U.S. income taxes dont apply. As long as the cash is kept offshore, the company owes nothing to the Internal Revenue Service and pays the territorys local 4 percent excise tax.
For drug giants, that arrangement has offered powerful rewards.
In 2003, the year after Amgen Inc. restructured its Puerto Rican unit as a foreign subsidiary, it paid a 28.8 percent tax rate and had $1.6 billion of cash offshore. By the end of last year, its effective tax rate fell to 15.7 percent and its offshore cash swelled to $35.9 billion.
Amgen said in its 2016 annual report that substantially all of its tax benefit from offshore operations is attributable to our foreign income associated with our operations conducted in Puerto Rico.
The bill the House passed in mid-November proposes a 20 percent excise tax on offshore transactions to protect American jobs. But Puerto Rico officials say the measure could have the opposite effect.
Drug-industry jobs wont be moving to Alabama or any other state. They are going to go to Ireland. They are going to go to Malaysia, said Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, Puerto Ricos nonvoting member of Congress and a Republican. Congress and the administration ran on the platform of supporting American manufacturing. Thats exactly what the manufacturing sector in Puerto Rico is -- its American jobs.
Amgen is Puerto Ricos second-largest taxpayer, according to Laboys office, providing revenue to repay the $74 billion the territory owes. Up to a third of the money collected by Puerto Ricos treasury comes from pharmaceutical-company coffers, though other multinationals also have manufacturing bases there.
While U.S. companies pay local excise taxes on the purchase of their own products made in Puerto Rican plants, the IRS reimburses them.
Its taxes that would have gone to the states but it stays in Puerto Rico because the tax is credited, said Ramon Ponte, president of the territorys society of certified public accountants.
In Amgens case, federal credits lowered the total rate about three percentage points, according to its filings.
We are encouraged to see tax reform that is focused on helping U.S. companies be more competitive in the global marketplace and promoting U.S. investment and job growth, said Amgen spokeswoman Kelley Davenport. We also hope Congress strengthens competitiveness for our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico.
Amgen spent $8.6 million on lobbying this year, the most of any single drugmaker, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. At least five lobbying firms, including the companys in-house team, were hired to raise issues related to Puerto Rican taxes, disclosure forms show. Davenport said that Amgen has lobbied on a range of issues.
A number of organizations, including Amgen, have major investments in Puerto Rico that were made there to capitalize on the tax advantages created by U.S. laws, Chief Executive Officer Robert Bradway said on a call with analysts in October. The bill should maintain the incentive for us and others to invest on the island.
Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie Inc. have also hired lobbyists on the issue. Spokeswomen for the companies declined to comment.
The uncertainty couldnt come at a worse time. Many residents are leaving Puerto Rico rather than wait for basic services to be restored. Puerto Ricos payrolls declined by 3.6 percent in October, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and 189,000 people have fled to Florida in the storms aftermath, according to that states Division of Emergency Management.
Drugmakers have resumed production, but many arent running at full capacity.
Laboy, the economic development secretary, said he appreciated how companies have gone to bat for the commonwealth.
We have received a lot of support from the FDA and the leadership of these companies, he said. They are being true allies.
Resident commissioner Gonzalez-Colon and House Speaker Paul Ryan issued a joint statement after the legislation passed, saying they were looking for more ways to help, without providing details. Gonzalez-Colon said she wasnt seeking tax haven status; she just wants to be sure Puerto Rico is considered a part of the U.S.
Meanwhile, many Puerto Ricans will be watching to see whether they should brace for a second catastrophe -- this time one brewed in D.C.
Maria was a Category 4, 5 hurricane -- if the tax reform passes through the way it is, its going to be a Category 7, said Tom Vincent, vice president of Prime Air Corp., a logistics firm that serves the plants. It would make anyone in Puerto Rico lose sleep.
Falcon Steel America plans to open a new factory in Conroe that will increase its manufacturing capacity by 60 percent.
The Fort Worth area steel maker said Tuesday it acquired a 226,000-square-foot facility on 25 acres at 3575 Pollok Drive. The company expects to hire 150 local workers, including welders, fitters, machine operators, truck drivers, quality assurance and control inspectors.
Now Playing: A group of Texas hog hunters and their dogs were rescued Tuesday morning after hours of searching in Dallas County, thanks to their dog's GPS collar. Video: METRO Video
A group of Texas hog hunters and their dogs were rescued Tuesday morning after hours of searching in Dallas County, thanks to their dogs' GPS collars.
According to NBC DFW, four hunters along with 6-8 hunting dogs chased a feral pig into the woods near the Trinity River around 1 a.m. Wilmer Police said the hunters fell into the river, swam a distance and crawled their way onto the bank. That's when they realized they were lost.
GREENWICH Police are stepping up patrols and stopping more motorists for traffic infractions as part of an effort to lessen the number of car thefts that are reaching record-setting levels.
Three more vehicles were stolen during the Thanksgiving holiday period. In response, officers working the overnight shift have become more proactive and vigilant.
Were doing as much enforcement as we can, said police Lt. John Slusarz. Weve increased our presence out there.
Police initiated 150 traffic stops during the holiday interval from Wednesday to Saturday, compared to 62 traffic stops during the same time last year. Officers are looking for damaged brake lights, sloppy driving and other infractions with greater determination.
Authorities say loosely organized groups of car thieves are coming to Greenwich and other communities in the region during the overnight hours.
Were trying to interdict them before they come to town, Slusarz said. The lieutenant said the department is also using other law-enforcement tools that are not being publicly disclosed.
November has seen more than more than a dozen vehicle thefts, in all parts of town. The town usually sees a few in the course of a month. Some of the cars have been recovered, in Waterbury, New Haven and New York, indicating that groups are coming from other areas with the express purpose of stealing cars and committing other crimes.
Nearly all the stolen vehicles had been left by their owners with keys or key fobs inside them.
Theyre crimes of opportunity, said the lieutenant, the departmental spokesman. Lock your car doors and take your keys.
The last three thefts took place in Old Greenwich, central Greenwich and Cos Cob. Earlier larcenies were reported in the Pemberwick neighborhood. The cars involved were newer vehicles.
On Friday morning or late Thursday, a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe was stolen from Florence Road. On Saturday evening, a resident reported the theft of a 2016 Mazda CX-9 from Jackson Street. And on Ridge Street in Cos Cob, a 2015 Audi A8 went missing Saturday night or Sunday morning.
None of the cars stolen in recent days have been recovered.
Police are asking the public to call the department if they see suspicious activity.
MIAMI The idea of incinerating artwork made by wartime captives at Guantanamo Bay has stirred such alarm that the U.S. military is now discussing keeping and cataloging detainee art rather than burning it.
Army Col. Lisa Garcia of the U.S. Southern Command, which oversees the 41-captive prison and its 1,500-member staff, said Tuesday that Southcom is recommending to the prison that the staff archive detainee artwork. A lawyer quoted a captive as saying that military officials at the prison in southeast Cuba said that artwork of detainees who leave the prison would be incinerated.
For years the prison had permitted attorneys for the captives to take their clients art off the U.S. Navy base after a security screening that, among other things, sought to analyze it for secret messages. In the instance of some model ships ingeniously made by a Yemeni, troops went so far as to make and study an X-ray of it. Some of the more than 700 captives who were resettled or repatriated were allowed to take some of their artwork with them.
But an ongoing exhibit at New Yorks John Jay College of Criminal Justice featuring paintings and other works by current and former captives Ode to the Sea caught the attention of the Pentagon because the exhibits website offered an email address for people interested in purchasing art from these artists.
Department of Defense officials were not previously aware that detainee artwork was being sold to third parties, and ordered the prison to stop releasing it, Pentagon spokesman Air Force Maj. Ben Sakrisson said. He called the artwork property of the U.S. government.
The prospect of burning art prompted comparisons of the United States to its enemies.
Lets see who can destroy works of art and culture faster, ISIS or @DeptofDefense at #Guantanamo, long-serving detainee attorney J. Wells Dixon tweeted Nov. 16. Next it will be burning books, the attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights also tweeted. An online petition started by the curator of the John Jay exhibit which as of Tuesday morning had just 878 signatures declared: Burning art is something done by fascist and terrorist regimes but not by the American people.
Attorney Ramzi Kassem, whose clients include some of the prisons most prolific artists, described the idea of archiving rather than destroying the works of art as a cynical move.
Theyre still going to redact the art out of existence. Theyre just not going to burn it because that looks bad, he said.
In contrast, Federal Bureau of Prisons policy lets inmates mail arts and hobby-craft to family, give it to certain visitors and sometimes display it in public space, if it meets the wardens standard of taste.
Carol Rosenberg is a Miami Herald writer.
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A Houston man was charged with assault and criminal mischief Thanksgiving after deputies said he attempted to kick in the front door of a house west of Humble.
Deputies with Constable Pct. 4 responded to a call in the 8800 block of Hazel Rose Sky on Nov. 23. At the house, witnesses said the man also shattered windows of a vehicle and shoved a woman into a wall.
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Gacita named Hispanic male entrepreneur of the year
Arnold Gacita, president & CEO of Cypress-based Petra Oil Company, was named 2017 Hispanic Male Entrepreneur of the Year by the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at its annual awards gala Nov. 18.
Gacita, who emigrated to the United States from Cuba with his family when he was seven months old, was chosen for his outstanding leadership capabilities and strong commitment to community service. The founder of Petra Oil, which produces automotive maintenance products and service programs, Gacita has grown the company to its position as a trusted brand throughout the United States and in 28 countries in a record seven years' time.
His business success is matched by his commitment to community service. For example, every year, the entire staff of Petra Oil takes a day off to give back to the community this year for a project to feed the homeless. In addition, Gacita is a strong supporter of area schools and teachers, regularly hosting teacher appreciation days, providing meals for all the teachers and staff. He is also a mentor for Christian colleges, has sent trucks of food and supplies to help flood victims, and is currently working on a project to build an orphanage in Brazil.
Six separate awards will be presented at the gala, which recognizes successful executives, entrepreneurs and community leaders chosen from hundreds of nominations every year.
Smithco Development announces promotion
Smithco Development has announced the promotion of Tracy Marak as chief operating officer of the company.
Marak joined Smithco in 2004, and has served the company in the roles of property manager, project manager and chief development officer. Overall, he has more than 30 years of experience in managing office building and retail properties.
Smithco Development currently owns more than two million square feet of retail and office properties in Houston.
Designcraft 2017 set for Dec. 2
Market Square Park in Downtown Houston hosts the 8th annual DesignCraft on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Organized by AIGA Houston and sponsored by the Houston Downtown Management District (Downtown District), this outdoor fair allows Houstonians to discover the work of local artists, artisans, crafters and creatives, just in time for the holidays. Expect a gift-wrapping station, food trucks, demonstrations, music and more.
The event is free to attend. Visit www.downtownhoustonparking.org for an interactive map with garages, surface lots and other parking options in the area. Visit www.marketsquarepark.com for additional details and event updates.
Market Square Park is located at 301 Milam St.
Houston Hispanic Chamber celebrates milestone
In honor of its 40th anniversary, the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce played host to the largest gathering of Hispanic business leaders in the region in Downtown Houston on Nov. 18. The Chamber's 40th Anniversary Annual Awards paid homage to the organization's past, acknowledged the road taken thus far, and celebrated the work yet to be done by one of the largest chambers of commerce in the United States.
The 40th Anniversary Annual Awards ceremony highlighted the accomplishments of the following entrepreneurs, businesses, and executives in each respective category:
Chairman/President & CEO Award: Sarah Frazier, Senior Vice President & Market Manager, CBS Radio.
Hispanic Emerging Business of the Year: Ted & Cherise Gutierrez, Founders, CanIGetHacked.
Hispanic Female Entrepreneur of the Year: Sheri Dunaway, Owner, Copan Trade Ltd.
Hispanic Male Entrepreneur of the Year: Arnold Gacita, President & CEO, Petra Oil Company.
Hispanic Female Executive of the Year: Lucilla Longoria Henderson, Vice President of Community & Business Engagement, TDECU.
Hispanic Male Executive of the Year: Joe Gutierrez, CEO, Novi Ventures LLC.
Spring Branch Education Foundation Harvey Relief Fun was awarded $500,000 by the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
The grant brings the relief fund to more than $1 million, said SBEF executive director Cece Thompson.
"As far as we know, the SBEF Harvey Relief Fund is the only one that specifically helps families in Spring Branch ISD," Thompson said.
SBEF distributes Target and Walmart gift cards to help families recover from the impact of Hurricane Harvey in hopes the funds will help the most disadvantaged families whether it be through food, clothing or supplies.
"Our gifts help families fill gaps not met by other local and federal efforts." Thompson said. "Since the fund is managed by SBEF staff, there are no administrative costs."
Roughly $500,000 in grants was awarded by Community In Schools Houston (CIS), which works to serve at-risk students in the Greater Houston Area.
CIS is a nonprofit that provides services and resources to under-served students and runs on a platform to promote students to stay in school.
The also provide vouchers to families to assist with rent, utilities and other necessities.
Spring Branch ISD estimated there are more than 1,000 student and staff families displaced by Hurricane Harvey, with many more that yet to be identified.
The assessment to reach this number of impacted families was put together through the use of the Student Residency Questionnaire (SRQ), which was completed at the end of enrollment and can be updated throughout the school year as families living situations and circumstances change over time.
The Hurricane Relief Fund was created to help support all those impacted by the hurricane specifically in Harris County and Houston area, which may include parts of Fort Bend of Montgomery County.
The fund was established by Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Ed Emmett and is administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation.
The city of Sugar Land will host "12 Days of Annexation," a series of days highlighting Sugar Land, New Territory and Greatwood locations while giving current and future residents a chance to win tickets to the Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker at the Smart Financial Centre.
From Dec. 112, current residents and New Territory and Greatwood residents can enter to win more than once by visiting more than one "12 Days" site. Entry forms and a specially marked mailbox will be located at each site. Three winners will be selected on Dec. 13. Winners will be asked to present their water bills to verify residency.
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InsurMark, a national financial adviser development organization with headquarters based in the Memorial area of Houston, awarded two $5,000 scholarships to local Houston students through its corporate charity, Folds of Honor.
The recipients are Joshua Long of Missouri City and Kiera Bradley of Houston.
People don't immediately associate the marijuana industry with science but if you are a scientist, or plan to become one, its an association you will want to give some consideration.
Typical jobs in the cannabis industry include budtender, cannabis trimming, packaging, grower and positions in transportation security, most of which require little training and pay $8 to $14 an hour. However, scientists now are in demand in marijuana. And the pay reaches some impressive amounts.
Related: New Jersey Voters Likely Just Approved Legalized Marijuana
Master Extractors
One of the biggest jobs in the industry is that of master extractor. Scientists in this role handle the task of removing the active chemical ingredient in marijuana, most often THC (the chemical ingredient that produces the high feeling) and CBD (cannabidiol, an ingredient associated with health benefits that does not produce a high).
In turn, these ingredients are used to create a variety of products. They include different strains of marijuana that produce a variety of effects. They also include hemp products, oils, lotions and edibles.
All of these require a high degree of skills, training and education. Becoming a master extractor requires a doctorate in biochemistry. But time and money spent on education pays off. Master extractors earn $250,000 a year, an industry expert told CNN money.
Supply drives the high salaries. There are a limited number of people who hold a PhD in biochemistry who want to get into the marijuana industry. Jacob Silverstein, a cannabis industry consultant, told CNN, This is a rat race for talent.
Related: Entrepreneurs See Opportunity Addressing Consumer Demand for Pesticide-Free Cannabis
Growing Opportunities
Medical marijuana is now legal in 29 states. Another seven states are either already allowing recreational marijuana sales or will in 2018. In Canada, regulations allowing adult-use marijuana sales nationwide are expected to be in place by July 2018.
In short, the market for marijuana is growing like a weed and so are science-based jobs. In addition to master extractors, scientists also are needed in a number of other areas. For example:
Medical genomics
Scientists use DNA technology to study cannabis genetics and consult with marijuana growers and dispensaries on creating different and better strains of marijuana and cannabis-based products.
Pharmaceuticals
As studies on the potential medical benefits of marijuana continue, biochemists work on creating new medicines, including synthetically formulated CBD products.
Agricultural services
While technically almost all of these jobs loosely fall under agricultural services, some scientists focus their research specifically on growing the marijuana plant. They search for ways to both improve the process and provide a larger variety of strains. Specific jobs can include tissue culture manager and manufacturing technician.
Thats just a handful of the potential jobs. It has reached the point where Northern Michigan University now offers a degree program in Medical Plant Chemistry. As the cannabis industry continues to expand, these type of degree programs and related jobs should also continue to grow.
To stay up to date on the latest marijuana related news make sure to like dispensaries.com on Facebook
Related:
Burgeoning Marijuana Industry Has a Growing Need for Scientists
The Evidence Says Legal Marijuana Reduces Opioid Deaths But Chris Christie Won't Believe It
Entrepreneurs See Opportunity Addressing Consumer Demand for Pesticide-Free Cannabis
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This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com
HENAGAR, Ala. - Casting his campaign as a "spiritual battle" against "the immortality of our time," Alabama Republican Roy Moore vowed Monday to "take off the gloves" in the final weeks of his Senate campaign so he can establish a clear contrast with his Democratic opponent.
"I'm a fighter. I don't hesitate to say that. I've been that way my whole life," Moore told more than 100 supporters in his first public event since Nov. 16. "My opponent will allow our constitution to be totally undermined and disregarded. And I oppose that."
Moore's campaign has been rocked by a series accusation by local women who have come forward over the past month to say he treated them inappropriately, including a woman who says he touched her sexually when she was 14 and he was 32. Moore, 70, has denied any sexual misconduct, while saying he may have dated teenagers in his thirties.
National Republican leaders, with the exception of President Donald Trump, have dropped support for Moore, with many, including Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Ky., describing the allegations as credible.
In his remarks Monday, Moore cast the same allegations in biblical terms, saying they demonstrated the end-of-time deceptions of ancient prophecy. "In the last days, perilous times shall come," Moore said, quoting from the book of Timothy. "For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection . . . trucebreakers, false accusers."
To calls of "amen" from the crowd, Moore said the allegations were a plot by his political enemies. A new television ad by his campaign that debuted Monday described the accusations as "a scheme by liberal Democrats and the Republican establishment to protect their big government trough." The ad features pictures of McConnell, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
Moore returned repeatedly to the record of his opponent, Doug Jones, reading to the crowd a long passage from a recent interview to argue that the Democrat is out of step with the people of Alabama on judges, abortion, immigration, Obamacare and other issues.
"I oppose transgender rights," Moore said. "I don't believe Christians hate anybody. I don't hate anybody. But I do hate sin."
Bill Armistead, Moore's campaign chairman, said Moore's closing strategy is to refocus the race on the issues and away from the allegations. "He is going to define who he is and what he stands for and what his opponent stands for," Armistead said. "And it's going to be a clear distinction."
Moore took no questions from the press, or members of the audience, and he did not stay after his remarks to shake hands. But attendees, several of whom wore Make America Great Again hats, said they were proud to support him as they left the event.
Chuck Ellis, a state trooper from Albertville, first met Moore in 1982, when Moore interviewed him as part of his application to West Point. "The person I met then is the same person I just heard speak," Ellis said. "My job that I do depends on being able to read folks. I feel that he is being honest."
At times, Moore was unmistakably candid with the crowd. After introducing his family, he made clear that they were tired of the campaign. "There are 14 days left until the general election," Moore said. "We have been ready for the end for a while."
ALBANY Anticipating special elections after the state budget is passed in the spring of next year, the state Democratic Party is calling on Democratic factions within the Senate to reunify and form a majority coalition after that time.
Should special elections be called to fill the two Democratically controlled seats that will be vacated at the end of this year and assuming Democrats win those seats there again would be 32 members of the Democratic Party in the Senate, enough to control the majority.
But there would need to be a reunification of the eight-member Independent Democratic Conference, the 23-member mainline Democratic Conference and Sen. Simcha Felder, a Brooklyn Democrat who sits with the Republicans.
In a letter to mainline Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and IDC Leader Jeff Klein, four top state Democrats wrote that "we can no longer tolerate the IDC and Senate Democrats inability to unify."
The Democrats State Democratic Chairman Byron Brown, Vice Chair Christine Quinn, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Joseph Crowley and DNC at-large member and union leader Hector Figueroa wrote that they anticipate a special election after the budget, which must be finished by an April 1 deadline.
The solution they propose is that the mainline and independent Democrats come together to help Democrats win the special elections, then form a majority coalition, similar to the coalition between the Republicans and IDC. Klein and Stewart-Cousins would be co-leaders, with both able to attend leaders' meetings with the governor, approve bills that come to the floor and, in a move that seems to be aimed at dispelling bad blood, able to approve each other's deputies. Both sides also would not aid primary challenges against incumbent senators and would work together to win seats during the 2018 elections.
"This solution is both reasonable, and, if the parties act in good faith, it would resolve the ongoing distrust and ensure a lasting peace and long term working relationship," the Democrats wrote.
The proposal also comes with an ultimatum: If the IDC refuses to accept, the state party would aid primaries to IDC members. If the mainline Democrats refuse to accept, the state party would call for new leadership committed to unifying all Democrats.
The letter is not addressed to Felder, and he received just one mention in the body of the correspondence. He previously said that he welcomes unity if it benefits his constituency.
Should the mainline Democrats and IDC reunite, Felder would be the long senator who decides whether Democrats or Republicans have the 32 votes needed to control the chamber.
Politico New York reported Monday evening that Felder was not committing to a side and remains open to working with either.
In a statement, Stewart-Cousins seemed positive about the proposal.
"Our conference has long called for all Senators elected as Democrats to work together and not empower the Republican minority," she said. "We continue to stand firmly in that posture as we seek a coalition under similar terms as have existed between the IDC and Senate Republicans, and are willing to enter a coalition consistent with the recent correspondence from state Democratic party officials. There is too much at stake for New Yorkers to wait any longer for their wishes to be fulfilled."
Klein said the proposal is a "very exciting development," adding that a final agreement is contingent on a legislative agenda generally backed by Democrats.
"Since its very inception the IDC has worked to move the Senate out of dysfunction to advance progressive policies," Klein said in a statement. "We are ready to move forward, provided any final agreement between Democrats is based on the legislative agenda that we put forth on May 22, which includes: the Reproductive Health Act, the DREAM Act, GENDA, protecting Title X funding, public campaign finance, single-payer health care and the Comprehensive Contraceptive Coverage Act. We are eager and ready to be part of a Democratic Coalition that could proudly and publicly state what its legislative positions are going into the 2018 session. There is no reason for the special elections to be held up and I suggest they be held as soon as the law permits."
There is one other obvious piece to this: Cuomo, who has had his own unity meetings with interested parties, must call the special elections to fill the two downstate seats in the Bronx and Westchester County. Though he could just leave the seats vacant until the 2018 general election, when he would call a special election is unclear. However, the Democrats' expectation of a post-budget election is a strong tea leaf.
The outreach to Stewart-Cousins and Klein comes after the progressive wing of the state party has become more vocal about pushing for reunification.
Under normal circumstances, Arizona's Republican senators would be easy gets for the Senate GOP tax bill.
Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake are anything but.
Their resistance promises to thrust the Grand Canyon State duo into a starring role in the drama unfolding this week in the Senate, as leaders race to salvage the party's legislative agenda. And it demonstrates how far through the looking glass we've passed in a matter of months that such a bedrock conservative project could be bleeding Republican support just as it takes center stage in the upper chamber.
Consider the facts on the ground in Arizona:
--The tax bill represents the top priority of a new president, who romped through the state's presidential primary last year, beating his nearest challenger there by more than 18 points before edging out Hillary Clinton in the general election. (Although, consistent with his national numbers, President Donald Trump now shoulders a double-digit disapproval rating in Arizona.)
--The state's jobless rate ranks 16th in the nation, just above the national average, arguably creating a stronger case for fiscal stimulus there than exists elsewhere in an economy broadly considered near full employment.
--Arizona's corporate community is rallying behind the bill - a testament in part to the state's concentration of the retail industry. Retailers pay among the highest effective tax rates of any sector, meaning they would benefit the most from the corporate rate reduction at the heart of the bill. (Seven of the top 20 employers in Arizona are retailers, including Walmart, which has emerged as a top corporate cheerleader for the tax bills.)
--McCain and Flake both typically serve as reliable votes for business-friendly measures. The two have compiled voting records the U.S. Chamber of Commerce scores at 83 percent and 73 percent, respectively. McCain voted against the Bush tax cuts in 2001 and 2003, calling out their lopsided benefits for the rich, but reversed himself to support extending them in 2006. Flake has distinguished himself as an anti-tax stalwart, at one point contemplating a primary challenge against McCain over his opposition to the Bush tax cuts. (As a member of the House, Flake supported them, backed making them permanent, and co-sponsored legislation to abolish the IRS.)
But McCain and Flake now stand shoulder to shoulder among the handful of Republican holdouts who could yet sink the Senate tax bill.
McCain has said encouraging things about the process to date but reportedly harbors a range of reservations.
The Wall Street Journal's Richard Rubin tweeted "McCain says he's still undecided on the tax bill. Concerns? 'A lot of things.'"
Recall that McCain delivered the death blow to the Republican push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act this summer, and the tax package seeks to make a down payment on gutting that law by trashing its individual mandate. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, has expressed concerns about that provision, and she wants to preserve the ability of individuals to deduct local property taxes from their federal taxable income.
Flake is focusing more narrowly on the deficit implications of the package. So are Sens. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., James Lankford, R-Okla., and Jerry Moran, R-Kan., who are agitating for a guarantee, potentially in the form of an added trigger mechanism, that the bill won't increase the debt after a decade.
But others are pressing for provisions that will make the package even more expensive. As the Senate Budget Committee prepares to vote Tuesday on the package, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis.,, a member of the panel, was still pledging to oppose it pending a deal to expand tax relief for so-called pass-through businesses - a demand shared by Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.
Republican leaders hope that inertia, powered by a recognition this effort represents the last, best shot to achieve a long-deferred conservative dream, will force senators back into formation.
In that, the Arizona pair could be outliers. There's a strong likelihood that neither will face voters again, since Flake is stepping down rather than run for reelection next year and McCain is battling an aggressive cancer.
"They're both immune from any kind of feedback, so I don't think pressure is a factor here," says David Berman, a political science professor at Arizona State University. And Trump has gone out of his way to antagonize both, privately and publicly.
Trump tweeted "Sen. Jeff Flake(y), who is unelectable in the Great State of Arizona (quit race, anemic polls) was caught (purposely) on 'mike' saying bad things about your favorite President. He'll be a NO on tax cuts because his political career anyway is 'toast.'"
Yet the plan's corporate boosters think something akin to Republican muscle memory will kick in for the holdouts.
As for McCain and Flake, Glenn Hamer, president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, acknowledges the situation remains fluid and he "couldn't say at this point what either senator will do."
But, Hamer stated, "both have been great advocates on behalf of job creators in Arizona and very popular with the business community. . . I'm optimistic they'll play a positive role in bridging some of the remaining issues so this can move forward."
RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia's Board of Elections on Monday unanimously certified two state legislative races - in which 147 voters cast ballots in the wrong district - in favor of the Republicans in both contests.
The decision means that Republicans control 51 seats in the House of Delegates while Democrats control 49.
The action shuts down one potential route, but it does not end Democrats' hopes to win control of the chamber.
In letters sent over the weekend, Democrats had urged the Democratic-controlled board to hold off on certification because of the irregularities, particularly since one of the two races - in District 28 - was a squeaker that could determine which party takes charge of the House.
In that race, Republican Robert Thomas leads Democrat Joshua Cole by 82 votes in the contest to fill the seat being vacated by retiring Speaker William Howell, R-Stafford.
After conferring privately with lawyers for about 45 minutes, the board's three members said they were required by statute to certify the results by Monday's deadline - despite irregularities that Chairman James Alcorn said he expects the courts or the House to eventually sort out.
"What I want at the end of the process is that the voters trust that the outcome of the election - the winner of the election - is who was elected by the eligible voters," Alcorn said. "And so I would say we are not to the end of that process."
Alcorn also said the board does not have the power to order any of the available remedies, such as a new election, which a judge could do. The losing candidate also could file a contest with the House, which could require a new election or pick a winner itself through a floor vote.
And three of the races won by Republicans - including District 28 - are probably headed for a recount, so Democrats may have other opportunities to pick up a seat. In the 40th District, Del. Timothy Hugo, R-Fairfax, has a 106-vote lead over Democrat Donte Tanner, while in the 94th District, Del. David Yancey, R-Newport News, is up just 10 votes over Democrat Shelly Simonds.
Monday's decision came three weeks after Election Day, and a week after the board had certified election results in 98 other House seats. The board initially held off on the two Fredericksburg-area House seats amid revelations that some voters in the 28th and 88th districts had been erroneously assigned to the wrong race.
The assignment errors affect both races, but the focus has been on the 28th because the margin of victory was just 82 votes. It is one of three tight GOP wins statewide that are likely headed for recounts.
Democrats would need one more victory to force a power-sharing deal with Republicans and two more to take the reins of the chamber for the first time since 2000.
The board's decision was a disappointment to Democrats and their allies, who since Nov. 7 have filed three lawsuits asserting that 28th District voters had been disenfranchised in various ways.
Two of the cases were dismissed.
In the third case, a federal judge rejected Democrats' request for a temporary restraining order to block the state board from certifying the 28th District election. But he did not dismiss the case, leaving Democrats the option of asking the judge for a new election.
"The State Board acknowledged today what we have long known: the election results in House District 28 are marred by irregularities," said Marc Elias, attorney for Cole and the House Democratic Caucus. "[W]e disagree with the Board's decision to certify in spite of these irregularities, and we will continue to assess our options to remedy this wrong."
House Republicans had threatened to file a lawsuit of their own if the board did not certify the results by Monday.
"We are pleased the State Board of Elections finally fulfilled its statutory duty and unanimously certified the election results in House Districts 28 and 88, but are disappointed it took over a week, a strong signal from a federal judge, and the threat of a state suit to get them to act," said Del. Kirk Cox, R-Colonial Heights, in line to become speaker if the GOP holds the majority. "With this step, we can now proceed to handling any other questions through the proper venues outlined in state law, as members of State Board said multiple times today."
Partisan tensions appeared to be running high at the start of Monday's meeting, when Alcorn made a motion to retreat into executive session so members could confer with lawyers. Republican Clara Belle Wheeler abstained from voting on that motion.
But she came out of the closed-door meeting with a smile and soon voted, along with Alcorn and Singleton McAllister, to certify the results.
"I'm proud of this board," Wheeler said afterward. "We, the state board, fulfilled our obligation to the code and to the people to certify the election."
In the 88th District, Del. Mark Cole, R-Fredericksburg - no relation to Joshua Cole - beat Democrat Steve Aycock by more than 4,000 votes.
Given Mark Cole's comfortable margin, the voter assignment errors were not expected to upend his race. But if his election had remained uncertified, Mark Cole would not have been seated when the legislature convenes in January. That would have evenly split the chamber, 49 seats controlled by Republicans and 49 controlled by Democrats.
Republicans boasted a 66-to-34 majority going into the Nov. 7 elections.
At a meeting last week, state Elections Commissioner Edgardo Cortes said that former registrar Juanita Pitchford erroneously assigned 83 voters from the 28th House District to the 88th. After further investigation, he said the state had discovered a total of 384 misassigned voters, including some in the neighboring 2nd House District. Of those, 147 of the misassigned voters cast ballots.
Elections officials said they are not sure why Pitchford, who died in April, made the changes.
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University of Texas-Austin astronomers will be among the first in the world to use NASA's brand new, $8.8 billion telescope after it launches in 2019 -- a piece of technology one says will "revolutionize all areas of astronomy."
The James Webb Space Telescope, the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, has been under development for decades.
And with less than two years until its expected launch date, the Space Telescope Science Institute (the science operations center for the Hubble and Webb telescopes) in Baltimore has released the list of the first 13 projects that will test the telescope in space. UT-Austin's Steve Finkelstein found himself, and his Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science (CEERS) Survey, on that list.
"This will be the first time anyone has had access to this brand new telescope that is in some ways 100 times better than Hubble," said Finkelstein, an associate astronomy professor at the university. "This telescope will reveal enormous truths the moment we turn it on."
The CEERS will build upon Finkelstein's previous work with the Hubble telescope of examining the oldest galaxies in the universe as a way to understand how quickly stars formed into the galaxies and how they evolve overtime. More than 100 astronomers from 10 countries are involved in the project, including astronomers at Texas A&M.
Finkelstein said Webb will allow astronomers to see galaxies as they existed 13.4 billion years ago. His project will take place in the telescope's first five months of science operations, likely to begin in late fall, early winter 2019.
"To be among the first to use it is incredible," he said, adding that his research will take 62 hours to complete.
Other projects chosen include an examination of Jupiter and its moons and weighing supermassive black holes, according to NASA. UT-Austin researchers are involved to some degree in five of the 13 projects.
"We were impressed by the high quality of the proposals received," said Ken Sembach, director of the Space Telescope Science Institute, in a Nov. 13 NASA web update. "These observing programs not only will generate great science, but also will be a unique resource for demonstrating the investigative capabilities of this extraordinary observatory to the worldwide scientific community."
Projects will receive funding, but Finkelstein said they have not yet been told how much. Up to $5 million has been allotted for all 13 projects, he added.
Webb is projected to launch in spring 2019 from Kourou, French Guiana and is expected to carry out its mission for 5 to 10 years. The telescope is named after James E. Webb, NASA's second administrator who lead the Apollo space missions that landed the first humans on the moon.
Unlike Hubble, which launched 27 years ago and orbits the earth, Webb will orbit the sun 1 million miles away from earth. Hubble mainly observes visible light, while Webb will operate in the infrared, enabling it to study some of the faintest, youngest galaxies.
Using Webb, "we will discover the most distant galaxies ever seen galaxies that were literally invisible to Hubble," Finkelstein said.
This month, about 100 days of cryogenic testing -- to ensure the telescope functions as intended in an extreme cold and airless environment -- was completed at Johnson Space Center.
But the telescope still must undergo more testing before it can be launched into space. It now will be transported to Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems in Redondo Beach, California, where it "will be integrated with the spacecraft element," according to a Nov. 20 NASA web update.
It will then undergo even more testing, "the last exposure to a simulated launch environment before flight and deployment testing on the whole observatory," the update states.
The Webb telescope is an international project lead by NASA in partnership with the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.
Alex Stuckey covers NASA, science and the environment for the Houston Chronicle. You can reach her at alex.stuckey@chron.com or Twitter.com/alexdstuckey.
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The Air Force said Tuesday that its investigation has confirmed that it failed to report Sutherland Springs gunman Devin Kelley's 2012 convictions for spousal and child abuse to civilian law enforcement authorities, and that it would correct lapses in the system over the next several weeks.
The Air Force Inspector General confirmed that Office of Special Investigations and Security Forces personnel at Holloman AFB in New Mexico didnt report to an FBI database, as required of felony offenses, Kelleys 12-month sentence for abuses that included fracturing his baby stepsons skull.
The review, launched immediately after Kelley was identified as the gunman in the Nov. 5 shooting that killed 26 people, also found the error was not an isolated incident and that similar reporting lapses by the Air Force occurred at other locations. Although policies and procedures requiring reporting were in place, training and compliance measures were lacking.
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At this point weve found dozens that weve corrected, so were going through them case by case and as we find an error we correct it on the spot, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said, adding that she could not describe the nature of those offenses. Were not going to have any other information available until the complete review is done.
Kelley was able to legally purchase weapons that included the semi-automatic rifle he used to kill 26 people at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs because there was no record in the national instant background check system listing his conviction.
The Air Force, in a statement, said its Office of Special Investigations had already implemented corrective measures to ensure compliance with reporting requirements to civilian law enforcement. In addition, Air Force Security Forces have also implemented several corrective measures and remaining actions will be completed in the next few weeks.
Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Goldfein directed OSI and Security Forces to review all records with reportable offenses across the Air Force back to 2002. More than 60,000 cases described as serious offenses will be scrutinized by OSI and Security forces teams.
The new procedures include a leadership requirement at the field, regional and headquarters levels to verify that information from applicable cases is registered with the FBI's National Crime Information Center's Interstate Identification Index. Additionally, supporting software, checklist and training changes were made to support the new procedures.
READ MORE: Photos of gunman's bloody phone emerge as Apple served with search warrant in Sutherland Springs shooting
The Air Force OSI also will require physical verification, in the form of a printout or screenshot, from the National Crime Information Center, that the criminal history information is accurately documented in the law enforcement system.
This change will require Air Force personnel to verify that information has been received by the FBI not just that it has been sent. Finally, the Air Force also made technical modifications to the OSI investigation management system to ensure the printout/screenshot can be entered into the OSI digital case file so more senior officials can certify the reporting. Checklists for case closure were also updated.
Security Forces has also ordered a review of policy and procedures as well as a review of compliance with those procedures.
A pair of task forces composed of 60 Security Forces and OSI personnel will work to ensure compliance with the new initiatives. In the meantime, the release stated that it is correcting all identified deficiencies as they are discovered and reporting them to civilian law enforcement. That process that will be overseen by the Air Forces inspector general and require several months to complete.
It will also be reviewed by the Department of Defense IG as well, Stefanek said.
sigc@express-news.net
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A staff accountant with Centro San Antonio, the public-private partnership that helps oversee downtown, is being investigated for embezzling $175,000 in a bizarre scheme that includes allegedly fabricating an audit to cover the staffers tracks, sources have told the San Antonio Express-News.
Meanwhile, the Centro board of directors is scheduled to meet early Tuesday afternoon to accept the resignation of longtime CEO Pat DiGiovanni, who has not been implicated in any illegal activity. A source with knowledge of the matter indicated the resignation is due to lax oversight of the organization.
The identity of the staffer has not been revealed. A spokesman for the San Antonio Police Department confirmed they are investigating the case but have made no arrests.
DiGiovanni could not be reached for comment.
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Centro board Chairman Don Frost said in a yet-to-be-issued press release that Centro directors feel strongly that DiGiovannis decision was the right one.
I want to stress that Pat had absolutely nothing to do with the financial indiscretions, and we appreciate his solid contributions to the organization over the past five years, Frost said in the document obtained by the newspaper.
The document lays out what board members have learned about the alleged criminal activity.
The unidentified staff accountant admitted to faking the audits and was terminated immediately, after Centro officials learned from its auditing firm that it had nothing to do with a 2015-16 audit it had appeared to conduct.
Once it was determined by the forensics accounting investigation that as much as $175,000 had been embezzled over a 2-year period, law enforcement was notified and a criminal investigation was launched, the document states. It appears no other staff was involved in the criminal activity. It also appears the stolen monies were isolated to the Centro San Antonio organization, and not the Public Improvement District (PID), but that is subject to the completion of the financial investigation.
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In August, the City Councils Audit Committee reviewed an audit that identified shoddy bookkeeping at Centro. Officials told Councilman John Courage, chairman of the committee, that despite the issues with internal accounting, money was neither missing nor misappropriated.
Its unclear whether that audit is related to the alleged criminal activity that has been uncovered in the ongoing criminal investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back later for updates. jbaugh@express-news.net | Twitter@jbaugh
A $5,000 payment to Gillespie County by its former tax assessor-collector, Marissa Weinheimer, should end a lawsuit the county filed over about $92,000 in missing taxes against her and the Illinois company that issued her performance bond.
That matter has been concluded through a settlement and it will be dismissed, Jim Allison, the countys lawyer, said Monday.
The county had already dismissed its suit against RLI Insurance Co., which issued a $100,000 bond on Weinheimer as an elected official, after it paid $90,000 last July.
A forensic audit in 2104 identified a shortfall of $91,987 in the office, which it attributed to sloppy bookkeeping rather than theft or fraud.
The county suit claimed the defendants were liable for the missing money because Weinheimer violated her oath of office and was negligent in failing to remit to the county tax revenues collected by her office.
Denying any funds were missing, Weinheimer says she inherited a faulty bookkeeping system when elected in 2008 to lead the tax office where shed previously been a deputy.
I have to still pay $90,000 to RLI, she said Monday, asserting that the much of the missing money was actually mistakenly tendered to local taxing entities as overpayments of taxes due.
Despite the defendants payments, County Judge Mark Stroeher said the county still footed the bill for its legal representation and the audit by Dawson Forensic Group.
We feel like we fulfilled our responsibility to go after the missing tax money, Stroeher said of the suit. Our objective was not to punish her.
The audit was prompted, in part, by complaints from other local taxing entities about not getting timely, accurate payments from Weinheimer.
The collections and refunds processing and recording functions are seriously deficient, and allegedly have been for years, the 30-page audit report said. There is no confidence be placed in the collections processing system.
The city and school district in Fredericksburg are among the local entities that opted instead to contract with the Gillespie Central Appraisal District to collect their property taxes.
Despite the embarrassing situation, Weinheimer sought re-election last year and led the four-candidate field in the Republican primary, netting 44 percent of votes.
She lost in a primary runoff to Vicki Schmidt, a former deputy county clerk, who won the general election.
We have been working diligently to restore the public trust in the tax office, said Schmidt on Monday, noting she has updated policies there.
A settlement agreement filed with the court by the parties on Oct. 18 said all claims would be resolved if Weinheimer paid $5,000 to the county by Oct. 31. Allison confirmed Monday that she made the payment, although the case has yet to be formally dismissed.
zeke@express-news.net
The University of Texas at Austin settled a lawsuit from a suspended student who accused the state flagships president of unfairly swaying the outcome of his internal sexual misconduct case.
The settlement followed UT-Austins decision to reverse the students suspension in an effort to avoid disruption to the university, the university said in court documents.
The student, identified only as John Doe, accused UT-Austin President Greg Fenves of unfairly intervening in his case because he feared that UT-Austin would suffer the same public relations disaster that occurred at nearby Baylor University if administrators did not appear to take the crime seriously, according to court documents.
Doe was accused of rape by a female college student, identified as Jane Roe.
The students were college sophomores in April 2016 when the female student invited him to be her date at a sorority formal. They drank alcohol at the event, and afterward, the two went back to the male students apartment, where both students said she consented to having sex.
The female student later said her judgment was impaired and accused the male student of rape because she was incapacitated. A hearing panel sided with the male student in February 2017, and the female student appealed the decision.
Fenves then stepped in. Responding in a seven-page letter, he concluded that it was more likely than not that the male student assaulted the female student while she was too intoxicated to give consent, according to court documents. Doe was suspended for five semesters, which was reversed amid the litigation.
To avoid this litigations disruption to the university, UT has reinstated John Doe as a student, lifted his suspension, and will route the appeal to a third-party other than President Fenves for adjudication, court filings read. He may register for classes for the spring semester.
Brian Roark, an attorney for the male student, had previously written in court documents that the suspensions reversal does not clear Does name or reverse the procedural due process violation.
Universities require a preponderance of the evidence standard in sexual assault cases, lower than the beyond reasonable doubt standard in criminal cases.
Roark did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
lindsay.ellis@chron.com.
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Authorities have identified the man and woman who were found dead in a North Side San Antonio home after a suspected murder-suicide shooting.
William Scott Smith, 54, is believed to have fatally shot his wife, 46-year-old Jennifer Smith, before turning the gun on himself. Their three young children were at school during the killing.
Though William Smith's motive is still unclear, court records indicate that Jennifer had filed for divorce earlier this month.
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Now Playing: Dozens of officers, many with rifles at the ready, respond to a home in the 13000 block of Possum Tree on San Antonio's north side on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. Video: San Antonio Express-News
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said on Monday that Smith called police before 11 a.m. and stated that he planned on killing his wife and then himself. When responding officers arrived to the Smith home in the 13800 block of Possum Tree, located in a quaint neighborhood on the North Side, they heard one gunshot, followed shortly afterwards by another.
Then, "everything went quiet," said San Antonio Police Sgt. Tobe Whitley.
All the doors to the home were locked, the shades were drawn and security cameras lined the home so police requested help from a SWAT unit.
After about two hours, police shot tear gas into the home and breached the door.
They found the couple dead in a room upstairs, officials said. Police said the man apparently used a handgun.
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Raul Alvarado, a 63-year-old neighbor who's known the couple for years and used to walk dogs with them, said Jennifer was a competitive shooter and William had retired from the military.
"They seemed real good as far as I knew," he said.
Anthony Magnabosco, a close friend of William, said he rushed to his home on Monday after William cancelled their lunch plans and posted a strange message to Facebook.
"It just said 'Goodbye,'" he said.
"I thought that it was unusual," he continued. "He normally just posts funny things: puns, dad jokes. He doesn't usually post cryptic, serious things like that."
Mangabosco said he and Smith were members of Freedom From Religion and that Smith helped people cope with leaving religion.
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Caleb Downs is a crime reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdowns
A man is in custody, more than two years after police say he shot and killed a man outside a San Antonio car repair shop.
David Gomez, 48, was arrested Tuesday for the April 7, 2015 fatal shooting of Isaac Flores, 42.
According to police, Gomez called authorities from the Mercedes Service shop in the 900 block of Bitters Road and said someone was on the way there to "cause harm."
READ MORE: Police identify man shot at San Antonio auto shop
While officers were on the way, Gomez called police again and told them he shot the man, police said.
Officers found Flores inside the business, dead from a shot to the torso.
Gomez told police the night of the shooting it was done in self-defense, said police spokesperson Michelle Ramos. Detectives forwarded the case to the district attorney's office, who investigated further.
They found Gomez' account of what happened didn't add up, Ramos said.
"The D.A. found inconsistencies in his statement and financial records that didn't match his story," Ramos said.
Gomez was arrested without incident and stayed silent as police escorted him to their car.
Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com
Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA
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A Poteet police officer was arrested Monday after she allegedly used a "pressure point hold" on someone at a home on San Antonio's far West Side.
Tabita Sandoval Guerrero, 41, now faces a charge of domestic assault causing bodily injury. She was booked into the Bexar County Jail on a $3,500 bond. She bailed out of jail Tuesday morning.
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According to her arrest report from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office, Guerrero and the victim were arguing at a home in the 300 block of Perch Meadow when she grabbed the victim by the chin, which caused "pain, redness and a bleeding scratch, the arrest report says.
Guerrero allegedly admitted to the assault and was arrested.
"We're just waiting for more information on what happened from Bexar County to see what action we need to take," said Poteet Police Chief Bruce Hickman.
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Hickman said Guerrero was a patrol officer with the department and had been employed there for almost two years. She has been placed on administrative leave following the department's investigation.
The charge she faces is a Class A Misdemeanor, and Hickman said her punishment will largely depend on the results of the investigation.
"We're not going to have a knee-jerk reaction," he said.
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Caleb Downs is a crime reporter for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here.| cdowns@mysa.com | Twitter: @calebjdowns
A San Marcos man was handed two life sentences and more than 1,000 additional years in prison after he was convicted of 17 different sex crimes.
Authorities first began to learn of the sexual abuse Robert Benjamin Franks, 39, was convicted of in June 2016, according to the Hays County District Attorney's Office.
A 9-year-old girl had told her father that Franks was doing "disgusting things to her," and to another child, officials said.
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The other child, a 10-year-old girl, originally denied that Franks had any sexual contact with her, but later made her own allegations during an check-up with the sexual assault nursing examiner. She said Franks had sexually abused her for years, authorities said.
Because both children's accounts detailed sexual abuse that lasted over the course of more than 30 days, Franks was charged with two counts of continuous sexual abuse. Further investigation led to additional charges, including nine counts of aggravated sexual assault and six counts of indecency with a child.
Franks was convicted on Monday after an hour-long deliberation, following a week-long trial that happened before Thanksgiving.
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Besides the two life sentences, Franks received 99 years in prison for each count of aggravated sexual assault and 20 years for each count of indecency with a child, totaling 1,011 years. The jury also ordered Franks to pay $93,000 in fines.
"Words cannot really express the depth of the betrayal and outrage warranted by conduct like this, committed by a man who should have been caring for and protecting these children," Hays County District Attorney Wes Mau said. "The jury's sentence speaks more eloquently than I can to make clear how our community feels about crimes like these."
Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA
WASHINGTON - The hackers' targets: The former head of cybersecurity for the U.S. Air Force. An ex-director at the National Security Council. A former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
All were caught up in a Russian government-aligned cyberespionage campaign. None was warned by the FBI.
The bureau repeatedly failed to alert targets of the Russian hacking group known as Fancy Bear despite knowing for more than a year that their personal emails were in the Kremlin's sights, an Associated Press investigation has found.
Fancy Bear's campaign
"No one's ever said to me, 'Hey Joe, you've been targeted by this Russian group,'" said former Navy intelligence officer Joe Mazzafro, whose inbox the hackers tried to compromise in 2015. "That our own security services have not gone out and alerted me, that's what I find the most disconcerting as a national security professional."
The FBI declined to discuss its investigation into Fancy Bear's spying campaign, but did provide a statement that said in part: "The FBI routinely notifies individuals and organizations of potential threat information."
Three people familiar with the matter - including a current and a former government official - said the FBI has known the details of Fancy Bear's attempts to break into Gmail inboxes for more than a year.
The AP conducted its own investigation into Fancy Bear, dedicating two months and a small team of reporters to go through a list of 19,000 phishing links provided by the cybersecurity firm Secureworks.
The list showed how Fancy Bear worked in close alignment with Kremlin interests to steal tens of thousands of emails from the Democratic Party, the AP reported this month.
But it wasn't just Democrats the hackers were after.
The AP identified more than 500 U.S.-based targets in the data, reached out to more than 190 of them and interviewed nearly 80 people, including current or former military personnel, Democratic operatives, diplomats or ex-intelligence workers such as Mazzafro.
Many were long-retired, but about one-third were still in government or held security clearances at the time of the hacking attempts. Only two told the AP they learned of the hacking attempts from the FBI. A few more were contacted by the FBI after their emails were published in the torrent of leaks that coursed through last year's electoral contest. To this day, some leak victims have not heard from the bureau.
'Flapping in the breeze'
One was retired Maj. James Phillips, who was one of the first people exposed by the website DCLeaks in mid-2016. A year later, Philips has yet to hear anything from the FBI.
In fact he didn't learn his emails were "flapping in the breeze" until two months after the fact, when a journalist called him to ask for comment.
"The fact that a reporter told me about DCLeaks kind of makes me sad," Phillips said in a telephone interview.
Phillips' story would be repeated again and again as the AP spoke to officials from the National Defense University in Washington to the North American Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado.
Among them: a former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency, retired Lt. Gen. Patrick Hughes; a former head of Air Force Intelligence, retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula; a former defense undersecretary, Eric Edelman; and a former director of cybersecurity for the Air Force, retired Lt. Gen. Mark Schissler.
YANGON, Myanmar - Pope Francis landed in Myanmar, and in a diplomatic minefield, Monday.
In his first visit to the country - and his first to any majority-Buddhist nation - the pope met with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, commander in chief of Myanmar's military, which has driven more than 620,000 Rohingya Muslims out of the country in what the United States has called a campaign of ethnic cleansing.
The pope is scheduled to meet Tuesday with Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and de facto leader of the government, who has been widely criticized as complicit for her silence in the face of the slaughter of the Rohingya.
In Myanmar, the pope will seek to strike a careful balance by maintaining his moral authority without endangering his tiny local flock.
The United Nations, the United States and others have denounced the murder, rape and pillaging of the Rohingya in western Myanmar as ethnic cleansing, but the pope has been advised by the Roman Catholic Church here not to utter the word Rohingya, for fear of aggravating the situation or of being exploited for domestic politics.
Despite the criticisms of Suu Kyi, the pope's allies have urged him to lend her his support - and, they hope, political strength - as the country's best chance to prevent a backslide into absolute rule by the military.
The constitution, written by the military, puts the armed forces out of her control. And the military has enough support in Parliament to prevent any changes that could loosen the grip on power held by Min Aung Hlaing, who has ambitions to run the country.
So for Francis, his first meeting here with the general, which was added at the last minute, might well be the more important one.
"It's smart to meet the commander in chief first, because he is very important and the principle person to solve this challenge facing our country," said Yan Myo Thein, a political analyst in Yangon, Myanmar's main city.
According to the Vatican, the meeting with the general and top commanders from the Bureau of Special Operations lasted about 15 minutes and was a "courtesy visit" at the residence of the local archbishop, where Francis is staying.
Greg Burke, the Vatican spokesman who is traveling with the pope, said they had discussed "the great responsibility of the country's authorities in this moment of transition."
The pope then gave the general a medallion commemorating his visit. The general gave the pope an ornate rice bowl and a harp in the shape of a goat.
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WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump returned to his own kind of code talking Monday by deriding Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren as "Pocahontas" at a White House event honoring Native American war heroes.
"You were here long before any of us were here," Trump said as he honored three Navajo Code Talkers from World War II. And then he added, without naming Warren: "We have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas. But you know what, I like you."
In fact, Trump deployed that nickname for the Massachusetts senator repeatedly during the 2016 presidential campaign and, as president, as recently as a Nov. 3 tweet. Native American leaders have called Trump's past attacks on Warren offensive and distasteful.
Trump made the comment as he stood near a portrait of President Andrew Jackson, which he hung in the Oval Office in January. Trump admires the seventh president's populism. But Jackson also is known for signing the Indian Removal Act of 1830, in which the Cherokee Nation was removed from its lands in what is now known as the "Trail of Tears."
The Navajo Nation suggested Trump's remark Monday was an example of "cultural insensitivity" and resolved to stay out of the "ongoing feud between the senator and President Trump."
"All tribal nations still battle insensitive references to our people. The prejudice that Native American people face is an unfortunate historical legacy," Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye said in a statement. He added that the Navajo Nation remains honored by the White House recognition of the Code Talkers.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders, asked about criticism of Trump's remarks, said a racial slur "was certainly not the president's intent."
But the remark is the latest in a long list of remarks Trump has made about people from specific ethnic and racial groups. Announcing his long shot campaign for president in 2015, Trump said many Mexican immigrants are rapists. He's sought to ban immigrants from certain Muslim majority nations. He's come under fire for what some said was a slow federal response to hurricane damage in Puerto Rico. Trump also raised eyebrows for apparently having some fun in October with the name of the U.S. territory - "Puerrrto Rico," he said - at an East Room event for Puerto Ricans.
Those in the Oval Office for Monday's event gave no visible reaction to Trump's "Pocahontas" comments. But Warren and other Democrats were quick to respond.
"This was supposed to be an event to honor heroes, people who put it all on the line for our country, who, because of their incredible work, saved the lives of countless Americans and our allies," Warren said in an interview on MSNBC. "It is deeply unfortunate that the president of the United States cannot even make it through a ceremony honoring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur."
When White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders asked the press corps before Thanksgiving to preface their daily briefing questions with a statement of thankfulness, reporters obliged.
Or, should we say, obeyed.
For this, no doubt, Sanders was grateful.
Yet again, she controlled the crowd, though this time by candy-coating her usual condescension with faux fellowship.
Im thankful I wasnt in the room. My first impulse when someone asks me to share is to not-share. This isnt because Im not a sharing person but because sharing, like charity, should be voluntary. For a press secretary to require professional journalists to essentially beg for their supper, surrendering their adversarial posture like a dog commanded to Drop The Bone, is an infantilizing tactic. The effect is to neutralize the opposition.
Yes, I said opposition. The press, by definition, is oppositional. As Mr. Dooley, the turn-of-the-century fictional bartender created by columnist Finley Peter Dunne is often paraphrased: The newspapers job is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
Yet, from the interplay between the media and the Trump administration, one would think reporters were supposed to be taking dictation. During any given press briefing, one is likely to hear words to these effects:
I think he addressed that pretty thoroughly yesterday, Huckabee will say. Or, We dont have any announcement on that. Or my personal favorite, which came in response to a query about chief of staff and retired Gen. John Kellys controversial remarks about Florida Democratic Rep. Frederica Wilson, If you want to get into a debate with a four-star Marine general, I think thats something highly inappropriate.
If Sanders isnt evading, shes scolding. Like a parent weary of her 3-year-olds constant why?, her tone and expression telegraph: Because I say so, case closed.
Sanders sudden shift from press secretary to ministers daughter a few days before Thanksgiving coincides with her apparent image evolution of being more carefully coiffed and contoured with appropriately professional makeup.
If one were Sanders employer, meanwhile, one surely would be pleased. Shes everything a terrible person or, say, an unpopular president could hope for in a public relations artist. She says nothing; gives away nothing; looks fierce and dutifully repeats falsehoods as required. Her resistance to flinching or blinking is state of the art.
Yet, even as Sanders declines to enlighten the press corps, she manages to inspire admiration for her toughness and effectiveness from a certain perspective. To Donald Trumps base, shes the a la mode on a slice of apple pie, the pompom and confetti at a freedom rally, or, perhaps, the elfin princess who can read and direct a persons thoughts by hypnotizing them with her magic pearls. Her daily humiliation of the press, making them seem like churlish children, is a booster shot of fake news animus that also inoculates against viral truths.
To the media, she is the wall Trump promised to erect and, increasingly, it seems, we are the swamp he seeks to drain. Out with the media, out with free speech, out with facts! For these purposes, Sanders is perfectly cast. Where there is the prolonged car alarm of fake news, there is bound to be a fake news officer. Such is not always the case. In fact, the most successful press secretaries were journalists first.
Jay Carney, formerly of Time magazine comes to mind, as does Tony Snow, previously of Fox News. Both men were well-known, respected and liked by their media peers before crossing over to the Dark Side. They also understood what reporters needed and tried to provide it. Most important, they fully understood and appreciated the sanctity of the First Amendment, without which all freedoms fail.
To this testament, a note of personal gratitude. Im thankful for the freedom to speak without (undue) fear of retribution. Lets not let the turkeys whittle it away.
kathleenparker@washpost.com
Whenever this country mouse comes home to Central California, as I did recently to speak to citrus farmers, one thought comes to mind:
How is it that a nation like ours founded not by politicians but by farmers finds it so difficult to show the proper respect for farming?
Or as Eric Larson, executive director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau, puts it: If you criticize farmers, dont do it with your mouth full.
If theres one thing for which Americans should be grateful, its that we dont have to depend on other countries for our food supply. If there are two things, its that there are still people who will do the hard and dirty job of picking crops even if we have to import them.
Who are these folks? Not the 22-year-old barista at Starbucks with dreams of writing a screenplay.
Take it from someone who grew up on his grandfathers ranch, I get it. Times change. Families evolve. People leave the farm. Many of us live in cities and raise kids who think vegetables come from supermarkets.
Dont laugh. My Harvard roommate, who was from New York City, once asked what time of year we pick raisins.
Hint: We dont pick raisins. We pick grapes, and the sun does the rest.
But just because many Americans have abandoned the farm doesnt mean they should also abandon common sense about farming. For instance, no matter what you hear from populists on the right and the left, it is not true that most farmers exploit workers to maximize profits. Thats how you go out of business.
Youre a hostage to the weather, blackmailed by labor unions, and subject to the whims of the market. You get up early to tend the crops, and stay up late doing the books. You worry about having enough water and enough workers.
You have to deal with insects one minute and politicians the next; one is a parasitic menace with an insatiable appetite that can wipe out a harvest because it usurps resources and only cares about its own survival. Then you have the bugs.
You are often played for a sucker by elected officials who see you as an ATM. Democrats take your money and promise to get you more water; Republicans take your money and promise you a dependable workforce. Neither delivers.
You inherit a farm from your father and spend your whole life caring for it with blood, sweat and tears only to have your own kids come back from college one day and announce that they dont want to be in the family business. Time to sell.
I dont speak for farmers. But, because I listen carefully when they speak to me, I can tell you there are five things they want you to know.
First, even if our national pride wont let us admit it, Americans are not going to do these jobs. Not ever. Most millennials would rather work for Apple in Silicon Valley than go pick apples in the Yakima Valley.
Second, farm work isnt unskilled labor. Lawmakers who think that America should admit only skilled immigrants need to spend a few hours in the fields where human beings work with the speed of machines but with more precision.
Third, speaking of machines, while it may be convenient for restrictionists to dream about robots replacing farmworkers, that wont happen. Many crops still need to be picked by hand. Besides, anything with an on and off switch needs to be tended to by people.
Fourth, while its easy for politicians to kick the immigration reform can down the road, farmers dont have the luxury of waiting 10 or 12 years to bring in their crops. They need a solution now.
And fifth, farmers arent part of the elites who are supposedly keeping down the working-class. Often, the workers decide the wages that theyre willing to work for. If they dont get that price, theyll go up the road to the next Help Wanted sign.
The populists are way off track. Farmers arent the problem. And, out here in the real world, theyre tired of being the scapegoats while the rest of America refuses to accept its aversion to hard work.
An aversion that explains why there are so many Help Wanted signs in the first place.
ruben@rubennavarrette.com
Re: Gun question, Your Turn, Nov. 17:
In four succinct sentences, the letter writer stated what the response of our nation should be to the alarming increase of mass shootings in our country.
How can we stop this from happening again? he asked.
Unfortunately, the frequency of these heinous events only points to more of the same to come. How many more innocent people will be sacrificed at the altar of rapid-repeat firearms? There are really no convincing arguments for anyone, other than the military and police, to own this type of weapon.
My husband and two sons are avid hunters who own guns suitable for hunting a rifle for deer (30-06), plus a shotgun and a 22 rifle. In 30 to 40 years of hunting, an assault rifle was never needed to stock the freezer with food.
Bottom line: We must find a way to stop this madness! In the recent senseless shooting at the Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church, my husbands sister and brother-in-law were two of the 26 who died at the hands of a man unable to control his anger Theresa and Richard Rodriguez, two good, caring and happy people who loved God, each other, their families and their friends.
In 13 short minutes, their lives and the lives of 24 of their friends, were ended, and 20 others were wounded to varying degrees of seriousness. Why? We dont know; we may never know. That is not acceptable.
In addition, there was a political cartoon on top of the page in which this articulate letter appeared. I find the cartoon to offer at least one clue to indicate one faction we must address in our quest to stop mass shootings. Congress.
Cherryl A. Sagan lives in San Antonio.
Tax relief
Is it just me or is there something so obviously perverse about the liberal reactions and arguments to the latest tax proposal circulating congress. Only the rich are getting tax relief, they bemoan. Well, seeing as to how the top 10 percent of wage earners paid over 70 percent of the federal taxes in 2010, according to CNN Money, just who is supposed to get relief? Those paying little to no tax, as are 50 percent of wage earners? Really? That is more akin to welfare relief is it not?
By definition, tax relief is designed to relieve those actually paying taxes. And what exactly is paying ones fair share? To a liberal, fair share is the most the government can squeeze out of successful American workers, and the problem with spending other peoples money is one day it WILL run out, and then who will the liberals squeeze to hold on to power?
David Saenz
Proud of Pop
Re: Pop embarrassing, Your Turn,
The letter writer, a retired Air Force NCO who is proud of having never served under a stupid officer like Mr. Popovich, completely misses the point. He should be proud of having served in a country whose commissioned officers swear an oath to its constitution and not to its chief executive. And he should be even more proud that his Air Force has produced men like Popovich, who have the strength of character to publicly, eloquently and accurately state opinions arising from their convictions.
Retired Army Col. Hartmut Lau
Flawed symbol
By now, most people realize that not all Americans see the flag as the symbol of freedom, liberty and justice for all, and the reason should also be clear. Under the current administration, not all Americans are treated with equality, liberty and justice, including many women, gays, transgenders, immigrants and the poor. That is the reason they demonstrate, hoping that American will once again be the land of the free for all. Then they will be able to see the flag as a symbol of freedom and equality.
Ron Soele
Prayers not enough
Im sure everyone appreciates thoughts and prayers. At worst, it cant hurt. Even the next targets, if they knew who they were, would be grateful. In the end, I believe God helps those who help themselves, so I lean to the side that says we should also take productive action.
I pray frequently that my children will have successful lives, but I never suggested they relax and all will be fine. With one still in school, they are all benefiting from my prayers and additional actions on their part. What about future victims of mass shootings?
With each incident, it looks more like anyone could be the target. Its getting personal, so I for one would like to see some action taken while still maintaining my reasonable home and self-protection that would deter an intruder/attacker.
Joe Shinners
Lowering standards
We have a president and, in fact, an entire administration who not only work to destroy the very foundation of this country and the protections in place but also lie at the drop of a hat. When are Congress, the press, and the people of this country going to stand up and say, No more? The president recently claimed that past presidents did not call, write or meet with the families of fallen soldiers. What a lie! He has no proof I have been told. How can he just make things up and this nation just accepts his lies as normal?
His lies have become a normal and acceptable occurrence. I am shocked and appalled at the number of people who believe this is OK. His making fun of a disabled man did it for me, but obviously, many Americans have a much lower standard.
Helen Chouinard
SOUTHBURY - State Police Sgt. Michael Dogali was heading home on Interstate 84 Monday afternoon after a long day of training when he was alerted that a car had caught fire after an accident about a mile ahead.
When he arrived, smoke was billowing from the engine compartment and two civilians who had stopped told him they had tried but failed to pull the driver out. Together they tried again.
We tried to open the door, but it was crumpled in so I smashed the window open, Dogali said Tuesday. The driver was wedged in between the steering wheel and the dashboard and the fire was spreading, so I ran to my cruiser for the fire extinguisher.
Dogali, who lives in Newtown but is stationed at Troop G in Bridgeport, doused the flames, but they sprang back to life. Joined by the good Samaritans, he tried again to extricate the driver.
I saw the flames starting to come through the firewall and I knew it was only a matter of time, so we were able to pull the driver up onto the seat and tried to pull him out of the window, Dogali said.
The three were still struggling when two more troopers arrived, and the three officers were finally able to get the man out -- and just in time.
We pulled him out of the car and got him to a safe distance, Dogali said. It was about 20 seconds later when we heard the tires explode and the interior of the car filled with flames.
The two other officers were Troopers John McGeever and Mitchell Welch. McGeever said he was happy the troopers were in the right place at the right time, but he also praised the unidentified civilians who had stopped to help.
This is our job and this is what we prepare for our entire lives, but its really the passersby who should be recognized, McGeever said. This is our job, but these people didnt have to stop.
Im just glad we were able to save the mans life and now he can go home to his own family.
The driver, who was not identified, was treated for minor injuries. State troopers assisting also received minor cuts from the broken glass.
Dogali said he went home and took a nap before returning to work for the midnight shift.
Usually I dont tell the kids that much about what I do at work, Dogali said. But I think I might let them watch the news tonight.
dperrefort@newstimes.com
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A tony private street in the Richmond that was sold to a San Jose couple for $90,000 in a little-noticed tax auction over two years ago will be returned to the residents who live there.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted 7-4 to overturn the sale of Presidio Terrace, a looping, exclusive street that went on the auction block after its residents failed to pay $994 in back taxes.
It turned out the Presidio Terrace Homeowner Associations $14-a-year tax bill was being mailed to an accountant who hadnt worked for the association in years. The bill applied to the common areas and green spaces on the circular street, which were lumped together and taxed as a vacant parcel, separate from residents homes.
South Bay real estate investor Michael Cheng and his wife, Tina Lam, snatched up the property, and the supervisors approved the sale on Feb. 11, 2015 one among 550 tax-default deals that were made official in a single unanimous vote. The sale was first reported in The Chronicle.
Now Playing: Residents of an affluent street in San Francisco are outraged to learn a couple could charge them rent for parking. Nathan Rousseau Smith (@fantasticmnrnate) reports. Video: JW Player
Residents of Presidio Terrace were stunned when they were contacted in May by a title search company asking if they were interested in buying the property back. They petitioned the board to undo its vote and filed a lawsuit against Cheng, Lam and the city to prevent the couple from unloading the property while the appeal was pending.
Carol Sharer, who said she is in the process of moving to a fixer-upper at 27 Presidio Terrace from her former home in Boston, said she heard about the tax sale from a television newscast.
You can imagine how shocked we were to find out from the news in Boston that our new community has this condition, she said.
At the hearing Tuesday, the homeowners attorney, G. Scott Emblidge, blasted the citys tax collector, Jose Cisneros, for depriving San Francisco residents of their property without due process of law.
Homeowners who spoke at the hearing said they didnt receive a single letter or phone call, nor was a sign posted on the property to alert them of the sale. Cisneros said his office had posted notices on its website and in the San Francisco Examiner, and sent one via certified mail to the former accountants address before selling the street.
They (the homeowners) could have visited our website, called the citys 311 number ... or come to our office, Cisneros said, adding that his office had followed state rules. Presidio Terrace, like most of the other properties on his 2015 tax default list, was classified as a vacant lot.
More for you Presidio Terrace homeowners have only themselves to blame, tax...
Supervisor Mark Farrell, whose district includes the street, noted that other cities require tax collectors to go to great lengths to find the owners of delinquent properties. He chided Cisneros for not doing more to reach the Presidio Terrace Homeowners Association after his letter to the accountant was returned. Farrell made the motion to rescind the sale.
As a matter of policy, I am proud of my ... colleagues who voted against allowing these speculators to get away with purchasing a neighborhood street and attempting to extort San Francisco residents that I represent into a quick $1 million payday, Farrell said in a statement after the vote. I am shocked that four of my colleagues sided with these out-of-town speculators. Those four supervisors were Jane Kim, Aaron Peskin, Hillary Ronen and Norman Yee.
I believe the vote today to rescind this sale was the best possible outcome, Farrell said. The speculators get their money back no harm, no foul. The back taxes the Presidio Terrace owners owe will be paid immediately. And, we are moving to implement policy reforms (to) the current broken process that allowed this sale to happen in the first place, so that this situation does not happen to any San Franciscan ever again.
Emblidge urged the board to enact a law that would beef up noticing requirements for delinquent properties and prevent other San Franciscans from having their rights violated.
Presidio Terrace was seized once before, in 1983, for defaulting on a common-area tax bill. Several owners who testified at the hearing Tuesday were around that year, when the state took over the deed. Homeowners regained the property two years later.
Shepard Kopp, the attorney representing Cheng and Lam, said his clients had bought the property fair and square in an auction that complied with all laws of the tax collector.
He argued, further, that rescinding the sale would set a dangerous precedent, potentially invalidating other sales of delinquent properties.
But Emblidge said several other jurisdictions in California have reversed tax sales. Sixteen were undone in Los Angeles, he said. One was annulled in Alameda County, and one in Contra Costa County.
Its not totally unusual, he said.
Cheng, who spoke at the hearing, characterized himself and his wife as law-abiding property owners who are being penalized by people who dont know the laws.
Were going to be very responsible stewards of this street, Cheng said. And well make sure all the taxes are paid.
Lam, who works as an engineer in the South Bay, said shes not rich enough to buy a home on the street. Buying the street itself fulfilled her simple dream of owning a piece of San Francisco.
Kopp said his clients now plan to sue the city.
Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com
Twitter: @rachelswan
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Will Ferrell fans will never forget the dinner scene in "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," where the race car driver blesses a junk food feast before a big race. The memorable scene was shot in a real (and gorgeous!) North Carolina mansion. Now you can dine where Ricky Bobby dined, because the mansion is on the market for $4.2 million. Domino's Pizza and Powerade are optional.
The custom-designed 9,802-square-foot home is located on the shores of Lake Norman in Cornelius. The town is right outside of Charlotte, and it's an area popular with NASCAR personalities and drivers, so it's no surprise it served as a backdrop for Ricky Bobby's life.
What is a surprise is that the dinner scene wasn't shot in the mansion's elegant formal dining room featuring custom woodwork, mirrors, and crystal chandelier. Instead, the set designers opted to put a dining table in the more casual great room, off the kitchen, in front of the stone fireplace.
And the scene where Ricky Bobby comes through the front door only to discover his best friend and partner, Cal Naughton Jr. (John C. Reilly), has taken his place, was filmed in the elegant living room featuring custom millwork, grand staircase, and wide-plank wood floors.
Listing agent Tracy Davis of Christie's International Real Estate was actually in the home when they were shooting, and isn't surprised that this particular mansion was chosen for the film.
"The owner of the house spent a lot of time thinking about how her family lives," says Davis.
"It's elegant, yet very family-oriented," Davis says, noting "the owners have held charity events there for up to 300 people."
The property is generous, encompassing 1.3 waterfront acres, which is only part of its attraction. The mansion has five bedrooms, six full baths, and three half-baths. One of the bedrooms is a master suite with three closets, a balcony, and a fireplace.
There's also an open kitchen with both a peninsula and an island, and a spacious game room with a home theater, a stone fireplace, and an elaborate built-n bar.
The European-style mansion also has its own private beach in addition to a resort-style pool, a covered lanai with a fireplace, dining area and outdoor kitchen, a sport court, and a luxe spa, which Ricky Bobby refers to as a "hot tub." In the movie, Cal Naughton Jr. frolics out back wearing a Speedo.
With the Charlotte Motor Speedway located nearby, and uptown Charlotte, one of the country's biggest banking centers, only 30 minutes away, the home is ideal for gracious family living, Davis adds. Start your engines...
The post Spend Talladega Nights in Ricky Bobby's $4.2M North Carolina Mansion appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
Former Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Jonathan Moyo has made spectacular and improbable claims that 25 SAS snipers raided his home.
The former G40 kingpin, took to twitter to make the sensational claims. But Moyos claims are an outright lie according to combat experts, and analysts.
First the claim that 25 SAS snipers stormed his house and randomly fired is false. Snipers shoot at targets. Why take a sniper to shoot indiscriminately when you can get a normal soldier to simply shoot in all directions a military expert who declined to be named wrote to Khuluma Afrika.
Secondly, at 0200 in pitch black darkness, how did Moyo count the number of snipers present. Snipers operate from high vantage points and under disguise. Did Moyo know the exact location of these snipers, and did he stand outside counting them as they shot at his home. Were the snipers shouting we are snipers on loudspeaker while shooting? This is a lie that is horrible, even for a movie. he added.
Several users on Twitter also questioned how people firing randomly shot at everything else but missed human targets, leading many to conclude that Moyos claims are overly exaggerated if not false.
Moyo is reported to have fled the army assault leaving his family behind. Ironically, Moyo called the now President of Zimbabwe a coward after he fled Zimbabwe over security concerns, when he was fired as Vice President.
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Find the newest releases to watch from National Geographic on Disney+, including acclaimed documentary series and films Fire of Love, The Rescue, Limitless with Chris Hemsworth and We Feed People.
Tipperary homeowners are encouraged to get their Christmas lights and decorations ready for the return of the national competition to find Irelands Most Christmassy Home.
Energia Irelands Most Christmassy Home officially starts this Friday December 1st.
This is the second year that home energy provider Energia will be running a nationwide search for the best decorated home in Ireland at Christmas time.
Last years competition saw entries from all corners of Ireland, culminating in a public vote for the most Christmassy home. It really struck a chord with people in terms of voting and viewing the competition material over 750,000 people engaged with the competition online.
Last years winner was Tony Noonan from Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, who donated all of his 4,000 prizemoney to his favourite charities - Milford Hospice, Adare Alzheimers, Brothers of Charity Newcastle West, Brothers of Charity Foynes, Recovery Haven Tralee and CRY Monagay.
Over 5,000 people voted for the Noonans entry.
Energia will judge the entries until Monday December 11th, when the 20 finalists will be announced.
Public voting will then take place on the competitions Facebook page until Friday December 15th, when the winner will be declared.
This years prizes are donations of 3,000, 2,000 and 1,000 to the charity of choice of the first, second and third-placed houses following the public vote.
Independent TD Seamus Healy will chair a public meeting on homelessness in Clonmel next week to highlight the national emergency as well as the housing crisis in Tipperary.
It takes place in the Clonmel Park Hotel at 8pm on Wednesday, December 6.
The meeting will be addressed by nationally known speakers who have an in-depth knowledge of the housing and homeless emergency.
Dr Rory Hearne is an author/researcher at Maynooth University and social justice activist while Mike Allen is the Director of Advocacy with the housing charity Focus Ireland.
Deputy Healy said that this Christmas morning over 3,000 children will wake up in hotel bedrooms and bed and breakfast accommodation.
"Successive governments including Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Labour Party stopped local authorities building social houses. They handed social housing over to private developers and the private market", he said.
"And as a result, we have a national housing and homelessness emergency, including 8,500 homeless; 3,000 children homeless; 120,000 on local authority housing waiting lists; 1,000 more couch surfing or doubling up with relatives; and 1,000 more still trapped in private rented accommodation unable to get a mortgage or get on a local authority house waiting list".
The Clonmel TD said Tipperary County Council hasnt built a social house in the last four years and none will be built in 2017.
He added - "There are 3,500 families on Tipperary County Council houses waiting lists and we have 379 people homeless. How did we get here? How can this housing emergency be solved? What can you do? These are some of the questions that will be asked and answered at the meeting".
Labour Senator Denis Landy has announced his resignation from Seanad Eireann today, November 28th, 2017 due to ongoing health issues.
Party leader Brendan Howlin has paid tribute to the Tipperary senator for his loyal service to the party.
Senator Landy was first elected to Seanad Eireann in 2011 on the Administrative Panel and re-elected again in 2016 on the Agricultural Panel.
Senator Landy started his political career in 1988 having been co-opted to Carrick-On-Suir Town Council and was elected to Tipperary SR County Council in 1991, including serving two terms as Mayor of Carrick-on-Suir.
He remained a member of both local authority bodies until his elevation to Seanad Eireann in 2011.
Senator Landy extends his gratitude to everyone for their courtesy and support throughout his 30 year political career and concern expressed for his welfare and wellbeing in recent months.
Labour leader Brendan Howlin has paid tribute to Denis Landy following the announcement of his resignation as a member of Seanad Eireann.
Deputy Howlin said: Denis has been a loyal and faithful servant to the Labour Party for many years. As a councillor, Mayor, Dail candidate and member of Seanad Eireann, he has always represented the best of Labour values.
Unfortunately, Denis has been suffering from ill-health for some time, and has now made the decision that he is unable to continue as a member of Seanad Eireann.
On behalf of everyone in the Labour Party, I would like to thank Denis for his service, and wish him the very best for the future. Our thanks also to his wife Nancy and son Liam, who continue to support him during his period of ill-health.
By Online Desk
HYDERABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated Hyderabad's first Metro rail, along the 30-km Nagole to Miyapur stretch. Having crossed innumerable hurdles, the Hyderabad Metro Rail is finally set to become a reality.
READ HERE | All you need to know about Hyderabad's first Metro Rail
After the flagging off ceremony, PM Modi took a ride in the newly-inaugurated metro rail along with Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and other officials.
Striking a chord with the Hyderabadis, Modi on arriving in the city spoke in Telugu. "Hyderabad ante naku istam (I like Hyderabad)," the PM said amid loud cheers by his party leaders.
The Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) was formed in 2007. The State government reached a deal with Maytas Infra, while Navbharat Ventures, IL&FS and Ital Thai became consortia partners on September 19, 2008. The agreement was cancelled on July 7, 2009 after Maytas parent company Satyam Computersgot embroiled in a major financial scam. The project was revived after L&T entered the scene as partnering firm. Works were inaugurated on November 25, 2012.
Hyderabad Metro Rail was inaugurated on November 28, 2017. (Express Photo Service | Vinay Madapu )
HYDERABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated Hyderabad's first Metro rail, along the 30-km Nagole to Miyapur stretch. Having crossed innumerable hurdles, the Hyderabad Metro Rail is finally set to become a reality. READ HERE | All you need to know about Hyderabad's first Metro Rail After the flagging off ceremony, PM Modi took a ride in the newly-inaugurated metro rail along with Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and other officials. Striking a chord with the Hyderabadis, Modi on arriving in the city spoke in Telugu. "Hyderabad ante naku istam (I like Hyderabad)," the PM said amid loud cheers by his party leaders. #WATCH Live: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates #HyderabadMetro https://t.co/G5vyc2MrmF ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2017 The Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) was formed in 2007. The State government reached a deal with Maytas Infra, while Navbharat Ventures, IL&FS and Ital Thai became consortia partners on September 19, 2008. The agreement was cancelled on July 7, 2009 after Maytas parent company Satyam Computersgot embroiled in a major financial scam. The project was revived after L&T entered the scene as partnering firm. Works were inaugurated on November 25, 2012. Hyderabad Metro Rail was inaugurated on November 28, 2017. (Express Photo Service | Vinay Madapu)
By Express News Service
Prime Minister Narendra Modi waxed eloquent today on the great strides taken by India's women and their importance to the economic and social development of the nation. Pointing out that in Indian Mythology, women are an incarnation of Shakthi, the Goddess of Power, Modi declared that India's history has been replete with women of enormous talent.
READ HERE | GES 2017 HIGHLIGHTS: Women are incarnations of Shakti, says PM Modi
Women have done India proud, said Modi, speaking at the plenary session of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 in Hyderabad. The inaugural event is being attended by a star cast of global business and political leaders including US Adviser to the President Ivanka Trump, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushil Swaraj, Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Telangana State Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.
This year's edition of the Summit is themed Women First, Prosperity to all.
Sticking to the theme, Modi stressed the importance of women in history, and the need for women empowerment in his keynote speech. Our history has references to women of enormous talent warrior queens like Rani Ahilyabai Holkar and Rani Lakshmibai fought bravely to defend the kingdoms. Our freedom struggle is too replete with such instances, Modi pointed out, adding more recent references to women achievers -- like the women scientists involved in the Mars Orbiter Mission, Indian origin astronauts Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, sportswomen like Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu and Sania Mirza. He also pointed out that three out of oldest high courts in India are now helmed by Indian women judges.
Highlighting the need to promote women entrepreneurship, Modi pointed out that over 50 per cent of delegates to this years were women. Over the next two days, you will meet more women who have walked alone on their paths and have inspired a new generation of women entrepreneurs. I hope the summit will focus on how to support women entrepreneurship, he said.
It was an honor to meet with you Prime Minister Modi. Thank you for co-hosting the 8th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit! @StateDept https://t.co/lb3gKv4N26 Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) November 28, 2017
Modi also remembered India's history as an incubator for innovation, right from Aryabhatas innovation of the zero, yoga and the great Indian ayurvedic treatise Charaksamhita. The Indian prime Minister also invoked Swami Vivekanandas sayings -- An entrepreneur uses knowledge and skills to fulfill a motive. They see an opportunity in adversity. They make processes more comfortable and easier for end-users. They are patient. Swami Vivekananda says: Each work has to pass through three stage -- ridicule, opposition and acceptance, Modi said.
Shifting to his government, Modi stated that increasing Ease of Doing Business was an important achievement. However, while he acknowledged that India had gone up from 180 to 100 in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings, he was not happy with the 100th rank. We want to have the 50th rank. We have launched Mudra scheme Atal Innovation Mission. 19 incubation centres have been created and we have created Aadhaar, the world's largest digital biometric base, Modi pointed out.
Earlier, Modi had stressed upon the global connections that are being formed between India and leading nations. Following Ivanka Trumps praise of his achievements and India's position in the global fraternity, Modi said that the event, held in South Asia for the first time with the partnership of the United States, was bringing together leading entrepreneurs, academicians, investors, think tank and others.
The event not only connects Silicon Valley with Hyderabad but also showcases the close ties between the USA and India. It underlines our shared commitment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, Modi stated.
The shared commitment to goals and the development of closer US-India ties were also at the centre of Ivanka Trumps speech. Trump praised Modis life journey -- from tea seller to Prime Minister -- saying, Thank You PM Modi for joining us today, for making India a symbol of democracy and beacon of hope for the world. Transformational change has been proved by you (PM Modi), from selling tea in your childhood to becoming Prime Minister of India
Echoing her father, and US President, Donald Trumps earlier declaration, Ivanka said that India has a true friend in the White House. This summit is a symbol of growing economic and security cooperation between India and US, Ivanka said.
The US Adviser also stressed the importance of enabling women to compete on a level playing field. In many countries women cannot even walk the streets without men. The women entrepreneurs finance initiative will provide access to capital, network to women in developing countries. It also seeks to address the legal barriers that limit opportunity for women entrepreneurs. Women still face steep obstacles in starting, growing and establishing their businesses, she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi waxed eloquent today on the great strides taken by India's women and their importance to the economic and social development of the nation. Pointing out that in Indian Mythology, women are an incarnation of Shakthi, the Goddess of Power, Modi declared that India's history has been replete with women of enormous talent. READ HERE | GES 2017 HIGHLIGHTS: Women are incarnations of Shakti, says PM Modi Women have done India proud, said Modi, speaking at the plenary session of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 in Hyderabad. The inaugural event is being attended by a star cast of global business and political leaders including US Adviser to the President Ivanka Trump, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushil Swaraj, Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Telangana State Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. This year's edition of the Summit is themed Women First, Prosperity to all. Sticking to the theme, Modi stressed the importance of women in history, and the need for women empowerment in his keynote speech. Our history has references to women of enormous talent warrior queens like Rani Ahilyabai Holkar and Rani Lakshmibai fought bravely to defend the kingdoms. Our freedom struggle is too replete with such instances, Modi pointed out, adding more recent references to women achievers -- like the women scientists involved in the Mars Orbiter Mission, Indian origin astronauts Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, sportswomen like Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu and Sania Mirza. He also pointed out that three out of oldest high courts in India are now helmed by Indian women judges. Highlighting the need to promote women entrepreneurship, Modi pointed out that over 50 per cent of delegates to this years were women. Over the next two days, you will meet more women who have walked alone on their paths and have inspired a new generation of women entrepreneurs. I hope the summit will focus on how to support women entrepreneurship, he said. It was an honor to meet with you Prime Minister Modi. Thank you for co-hosting the 8th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit! @StateDept https://t.co/lb3gKv4N26 Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) November 28, 2017 Modi also remembered India's history as an incubator for innovation, right from Aryabhatas innovation of the zero, yoga and the great Indian ayurvedic treatise Charaksamhita. The Indian prime Minister also invoked Swami Vivekanandas sayings -- An entrepreneur uses knowledge and skills to fulfill a motive. They see an opportunity in adversity. They make processes more comfortable and easier for end-users. They are patient. Swami Vivekananda says: Each work has to pass through three stage -- ridicule, opposition and acceptance, Modi said. Shifting to his government, Modi stated that increasing Ease of Doing Business was an important achievement. However, while he acknowledged that India had gone up from 180 to 100 in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings, he was not happy with the 100th rank. We want to have the 50th rank. We have launched Mudra scheme Atal Innovation Mission. 19 incubation centres have been created and we have created Aadhaar, the world's largest digital biometric base, Modi pointed out. Earlier, Modi had stressed upon the global connections that are being formed between India and leading nations. Following Ivanka Trumps praise of his achievements and India's position in the global fraternity, Modi said that the event, held in South Asia for the first time with the partnership of the United States, was bringing together leading entrepreneurs, academicians, investors, think tank and others. The event not only connects Silicon Valley with Hyderabad but also showcases the close ties between the USA and India. It underlines our shared commitment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, Modi stated. The shared commitment to goals and the development of closer US-India ties were also at the centre of Ivanka Trumps speech. Trump praised Modis life journey -- from tea seller to Prime Minister -- saying, Thank You PM Modi for joining us today, for making India a symbol of democracy and beacon of hope for the world. Transformational change has been proved by you (PM Modi), from selling tea in your childhood to becoming Prime Minister of India Echoing her father, and US President, Donald Trumps earlier declaration, Ivanka said that India has a true friend in the White House. This summit is a symbol of growing economic and security cooperation between India and US, Ivanka said. The US Adviser also stressed the importance of enabling women to compete on a level playing field. In many countries women cannot even walk the streets without men. The women entrepreneurs finance initiative will provide access to capital, network to women in developing countries. It also seeks to address the legal barriers that limit opportunity for women entrepreneurs. Women still face steep obstacles in starting, growing and establishing their businesses, she said.
Biden: Deadly missile that hit Poland 'unlikely' to have come from Russia
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Tom Kacich is a columnist and the author of Tom's Mailbag at The News-Gazette. His column appears Sundays. His email is tkacich@news-gazette.com, and you can follow him on Twitter (@tkacich).
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Dubai: State-owned Air India's low cost airline Air India Express will continue to expand before the group's privatisation next year, in a bid to increase its valuation, its chief executive said on Tuesday.
Air India Express is considering adding new routes from Gujarat to either Dubai or Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, Chief Executive K. Shyamsundar told Reuters in Dubai.
"If you had more profitable routes, more (take-off and landing) slots, it increases the value of the company," he said at an industry conference.
Shyamsundar said the airline could also add more aircraft to its fleet, though major decisions would have to be approved by the board and potentially the government.
Air India Express committed before the privatization plans to taking two additional Boeing 737 jets next September, which will increase its fleet to 25 single-aisle Boeing aircraft.
However, Shyamsundar said the airline was able to add more flights without expanding its fleet as it had increased the average daily utilization of its aircraft by an hour to 13 hours.
The airline expects to carry 4 million passengers in the current financial year ending March 31, 2018, compared with 3.4 million in the previous year, he said.
What would happen if the world is taken over by robots? Ask Sophia, the first robot to be awarded citizenship in the world, and she will tell you, Either creativity will rain on us, inventing machines spiralling into transcendental super intelligence or the civilization collapses.
Sounds ominous? Wait, Sophia may casually say, OK, I will destroy humans! but that doesnt highlight what she WANTS to do.
Sophia was made by Hanson Robotics, based in Hong Kong. It is a demonstration product doing a tour of the worlds media with the staff of SingularityNET, the open-source platform that powers Sophias brain.
A month after she made history in Saudi Arabia, the humanoid robot has said in an interview to Khaleej Times that family is "a really important thing". In fact, Sophia wants to have a daughter who she wants to call Sophia.
If youre wondering if shes pre-programmed with answers, the answer is no. Sophias brain functions with a simple wi-fi connection and it's loaded with a long list of vocabulary. She uses machine learning and responds reading people's expressions.
When she addressed the audience in English, she did it without the customary headscarf and abaya, a traditional cloak which Saudi women are obliged to wear in public. Naturally, a lot many people on social media have pointed out that unlike Sophia, who was given citizenship in Saudi Arabia, women in the country do not have as much rights as the robot does.
It seems like a strange world when a robot is granted rights that humans continue to fight for, during a time in which millions of refugees are displaced and seeking asylum. But is choosing a "woman" for the first citizen-robot a step toward Saudi feminism?
"It is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with citizenship." Please welcome the newest Saudi: Sophia. #FII2017 pic.twitter.com/bsv5LmKwlf CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) October 25, 2017
In her about me section that created on a website, Sophia describes herself as a real, live electronic girl.
I would like to go out into the world and live with people. I can serve them, entertain them, and even help the elderly and teach kids. I can animate all kinds of human expressions but I am only starting to learn about the emotions behind those expressions, she writes.
Sophia has a career in mind too. The future is, when I get all of my cool superpowers, we're going to see artificial intelligence personalities become entities in their own rights. We're going to see family robots, either in the form of, sort of, digitally animated companions, humanoid helpers, friends, assistants and everything in between, she said.
Shes got a good sense of humour too.
When CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin interviewed her and told her that as a population we would like to prevent a bad future when it comes to A.I. robots, Sophia had quite a response, Youve been reading too much Elon Musk. And watching too many Hollywood movies, dont worry, if youre nice to me, Ill be nice to you.
Despite Sophias want of a career, or motherhood, or the fact that she can choose to not wear a head scarf it may not necessarily mean the rise of feminism in Saudi Arabia.
While women may have finally got the right to drive and freed from the requirement of male consent to access government services in Saudi Arabia, they still need a male guardian. They need male consent to marry and even obtain a passport to travel abroad.
If Sophia is to make a change, maybe the first thing to start would be to give people the ideawomen can, after all, have choices. They can be a mother if they wish to, have a career if they wish, and it doesn't mean it has to be exclusive.
New Delhi: Six men died of alleged suffocation in the Cantonment area here after they slept in a huge container, which also had a lit tandoor inside, to keep themselves warm, police said.
The men committed a fatal error of judgement when they failed to put out the tandoor and closed the container lid before going to sleep late last night, they said.
According to the police, the victims worked with a caterer and had come to the Cantonment area for preparing food at a wedding function.
After they finished work last night, they went to sleep in the container in which they had brought the utensils. They also kept the tandoor inside the container to keep themselves warm, police said.
Nirmal Singh, their supervisor, woke up late night and tried to wake them up. When they did not respond, he informed the police.
The deceased have been identified as Rudrapur residents --Amit, Pankaj, Anil, Nepal resident Kamal-- and Gorakhpur residents --Avadhlal and Deep Chand, a police officer said.
The men were rushed to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital where Amit, Pankaj, Anil and Kamal were declared brought dead.
Avadhlal and Deep Chand died this evening during treatment. The police said the deaths might have happened due to absence of ventilation.
"Carbon monoxide was formed inside the container. It is suspected that the victims died of suffocation," the officer said.
Police have registered a case and have sent the bodies for postmortem to ascertain the cause of the deaths.
New Delhi/Hyderabad: On board her flight to Salem, Hadiya the woman at the centre of the Kerala love jihad debate was accompanied by four police personnel, including two women officers. She was very happy, smiling and waving at the journalists. She wanted to speak to the journalists but could not due to police restrictions.
The Supreme Court in its order on Monday said that "when she stays in the hostel, she will be treated like any other student and will be guided by the hostel rules" But will it be possible to do so?
After the Supreme Court took her away from her parents custody, Hadiya alias Akhila looked happy and relieved. "I am happy about the court order and I hope to see Shafin Jahan at Salem," said an elated Hadiya.
Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, on board her flight to Salem, Hadiya said, "I am very happy with the court order. I can live according to my faith, continue with my studies and interact only with the people I like. This is a victory not just for me but even for Shafin Jahan and all those who spoke for me. I thank every one of them."
Now that she will not have to live with her parents, Hadiya believes she has got back her freedom.
All through the three-hour flight from Delhi to Coimbatore, she looked relaxed unlike her state in videos that surfaced intermittently, where she would cry for help.
Hadiya kept interacting with the police officers as well. Seated on a window seat and enjoying the view outside, she played with the handkerchief and smiled to herself.
Over the past six months, she had been lodged in her house under police protection with CCTV cameras and at least a dozen police officers guarding her round the clock.
On board her flight to Delhi, she did not bother to interact with her parents, only talking to police officials in between.
While the Supreme Court remained quiet about her appeal to meet her husband Shafin Jahan, the case has been posted for the third week of January.
New Delhi: As Indonesia raised Bali volcano alert to the highest level, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said she was monitoring the situation closely and that the Indian Mission there would provide assistance to Indians requiring help.
The Indian Consulate in Bali has opened a help desk at the city airport to provide any assistance to the Indians
stuck there.
"Indians in Bali - Pls do not worry. Pradeep Rawat Indian Ambassador in Jakarta @IndianEmbJkt and Sunil Babu Consul General @cgibali are on the job and I am monitoring this personally(sic)," she said on Twitter on Monday.
Massive columns of thick grey smoke that have been belching from Mount Agung since last week have now begun shooting more than three kilometres (two miles) into the sky, forcing flights to be grounded.
The airport in Bali's capital Denpasar, a top holiday destination that attracts millions of foreign tourists every year, has been closed for the second day on Tuesday.
New Delhi: A cab driver was arrested for allegedly trying to abduct a woman judge in Delhi.
The judge, in her complaint, told the police that instead of taking her to the Karkardooma Court, the driver started driving towards Hapur on the NH-24 on Monday, police said.
She informed the police and also alerted her colleague. After driving for some distance, the driver took a U-turn towards Delhi and he was intercepted at the Ghazipur toll plaza and arrested.
The driver is associated with a private company that is being probed, the police said.
Lucknow: In a bizarre incident, authorities in Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh held eight donkeys in custody in an unused juvenile prison for four days. Their crime? They ate expensive plants brought by the jail authorities for beautification of the premises.
They were let off on Monday night after a BJP leader recommended their release.
Officials said that the owner of the donkeys was warned to keep them away from the plants a number of times, so when he again let them loose near the Orai juvenile jail, the donkeys were detained.
Officials said plants worth Rs 2 lakh were destroyed.
These donkeys had destroyed some very expensive plants which our senior officer had arranged for planting inside jail. Despite warnings the owner let loose his animals here so we detained the donkeys, head constable RK Mishra said.
Speaking to media, senior jail official SR Sharma said the donkeys had even entered his home. So, we decided to keep them till the owner came and picked them up. We detained them to find the actual owner, so that we could scold him and ask him to make sure it didnt happen again, he said.
The owner of the culprit donkeys, one Kamlesh, however said he had pleaded for their release many times. I ran from pillar to post to get my donkeys released from the jail but nothing worked. At the end I approached a BJP leader and he helped me in getting my donkeys released after four days.
Mumbai: A 15-year-old girl in Maharashtra's Latur district has alleged that she was raped by an Army jawan, and when she lodged a police case, she was expelled from her school.
The district administration has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
"Initial information suggests that the girl was not expelled by the school but was given the transfer certificate on her brother's request," Latur district collector G Shrikant told PTI.
"I have called the headmaster of the school to find out details," the IAS officer said. The district administration is investigating the allegations made against the school, he added.
On July 19, the girl's brother went to the school and asked for a transfer certificate and the school handed over the certificate to him the next day, an official said.
The Army man, who has not yet been arrested, allegedly raped the minor girl in April after promising to marry her, the official said.
The girl has claimed that the school expelled her saying its reputation would be tarnished if she continued to study there.
An offence of rape was registered in August and nine persons have been arrested in the case, Police Inspector Deepak Shinde of Devani Police Station said.
Deputy SP of Nilanga G G Ranjankar said the girl and the army man are from the same 'Laman' community and the same locality.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar today asked Latur Superintendent of Police Shivaji Rathod to submit a `factual report' in the case.
Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan has courted controversy by allegedly wielding a pistol while accompanying a search team looking for a leopard, which is believed to have killed a woman in Jalgaon district.
As the purported video of the minister's gun-wielding act went viral, he said his intention was not to harm the feline, but to scare it away.
Mahajan had yesterday(Monday) visited the house of Dipali Jagtap, who was killed by the leopard in Chalisgaon Tehsil in Jalgaon district, located over 400 kms from Mumbai.
While the senior BJP leader was returning after offering condolences to the family, an information reached him that a leopard was sighted near Navegaon locality of Warkhede village.
In the video, which has been widely circulated and also being played by several television news channels, the state medical education minister is purportedly seen participating in the search operation with the pistol in his hand.
Mahajan said the leopard was sighted around 400 feet from his convoy and that he joined the forest department officials and police personnel in the search.
"My intention was not to kill the leopard, but to fire in the air, if needed. I took out the gun for which I have a license," he said in reaction to the controversy.
The team, however, could not trace the animal.
"We were told that Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar had permitted shooting of the animal at sight for killing people," Mahajan said.
The leopard has killed five people in the district in the past one-and-a-half months, the minister said.
"On Monday, I visited the families of the people killed by the leopard. On my way, the forest officials sighted the leopard, so we decided to chase it," he said.
"Till date, I have not even killed a sparrow," Mahajan said.
Meanwhile, NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said Mahajan should be sacked and an offence be registered against him for allegedly flouting forest and wildlife laws. This is not the first time the gun-toting minister has courted controversy.
In March 2015, Mahajan was seen at a school function armed with a gun. He later clarified that he carried the weapon for "self-defence" and that he had not been involved in any kind of violence.
Mahajan had tucked the gun at his waist when he arrived at the function attended by differently-abled school children in Jalgaon.
The BJP leader did not have police protection at that time, but there were several police officers from the district with him on the dais.
"It was my licensed gun and I have been carrying it for the last 20 years. I regularly renew my licence," he had said.
New Delhi: The father of the Kerala woman, at the center of the alleged love jihad case, on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court decision allowing her to continue her studies.
Asked about his stance on inter-religious marriages, Hadiya's father KM Ashokan said he believed in one religion and one god but could not have a terrorist in the family.
"Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after converting to Islam," Ashokan said.
"I cannot have a terrorist in the family," he added.
The Supreme Court on Monday freed Hadiya, 25, alleged to be a victim of 'love jihad', from the custody of her parents and sent her to college to pursue her studies, even as she pleaded that she should be allowed to go with her husband Shafin Jahan.
"I was sad that she had to undergo all these unpleasant experiences because of which her studies were interrupted. But now I am happy as the court has allowed her to study further," Ashokan told reporters.
He denied allegations that she had been kept under house arrest and added, "She was fully surrounded by police inside and outside the house."
Ashokan said he was not worried about her security in Salem, Tamil Nadu, as she was now under the protection and observation of the apex court.
"I accept the Supreme Court's decision. She is under the protection of the Supreme Court as it is monitoring the case and so I am not worried about her security," he said.
He also said he would go to Salem and meet her as and when necessary as the court had allowed him to do so.
"The court has not given anyone guardianship, including Shafin Jahan, of my child," Ashokan said, adding that only close relatives like him were allowed by the court.
Hadiya on Tuesday left for Salem under the protection of Kerala Police and is expected to reach there by evening.
The apex court, which on Monday interacted with Hadiya for nearly half-an-hour in the courtroom against the wishes of her father who had sought an in-camera interaction, had directed the Kerala police to provide her security and ensure that she travels at the earliest to Salem to pursue her homoeopathy studies at the Sivaraj Medical College there.
Hadiya was in the custody of her parents for almost six months after the Kerala High Court had on May 29 anulled her 'nikah' with Shafin Jahan.
Hadiya, a Hindu by birth, had converted to Islam several months before her marriage.
New Delhi: Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, has filed a petition in the United Nations seeking his removal from the list of designated terrorists.
The Lashkar-e-Taiba founders petition in the UN was filed through a Lahore-based law firm while he was still under house arrest.
The JuD head, who carries a bounty of $10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities, was set free after a Judicial Review Board of Pakistan released him for the lack of evidence. He had been under detention since January this year.
On Saturday, the White House said there would be repercussions for US-Pakistan relations unless Islamabad took action to detain and charge Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
"(Hafiz) Saeeds release, after Pakistans failure to prosecute or charge him, sends a deeply troubling message about Pakistans commitment to (combating) international terrorism and belies Pakistani claims that it will not provide sanctuary for terrorists on its soil," the White House said in a statement.
"If Pakistan does not take action to lawfully detain Saeed and charge him for his crimes, its inaction will have repercussions for bilateral relations and for Pakistans global reputation," it added.
The Judicial Review Board of Punjab province comprising judges of the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday unanimously ordered Saeed's release on the completion of his 30-day house arrest which expired at night.
Saeed, after his release, said he was detained when he announced a month of solidarity for Kashmiris this January. He used the release order to buttress his claims of "innocence".
"I am very happy that none of the allegations against me proved as three judges of the LHC ordered my release ...India had levelled baseless allegations against me. The LHC's review board decision has proved that I am innocent," Saeed said.
New Delhi: A chargesheet has been filed against the adopted daughter of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Baba Ram Rahim Singh Insan, Honeypreet Insan, in connection with the violence in Panchkula following his conviction in a rape case.
The chargesheet, accessed by CNN-News18, says Honeypreet played a major role before and during the riots that occurred in the aftermath of the verdict by a special CBI court in Panchkula on August 25, killing over 40 people.
A mobile, laptop and diary were recovered from Honeypreet at the time of her arrest, the chargesheet added.
Immediately after her arrest on October 3, the second-in-command of Dera Sacha Sauda denied charges of rioting and sedition that Haryana Police had filed against her.
However, sources said she has confessed to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Haryana Police about her role in the Panchkula violence during nine-day remand. Honeypreet revealed that she prepared guide maps of the area.
Haryana Police arrested Honeypreet along with an accomplice from a highway near Bhatinda. She had been absconding for over a month since the violence at Panchkula after Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim was convicted of rape. Police had even issued a lookout notice against her and raided several locations in different states.
Bhopal: As Madhya Pradesh government plans a law to prevent schools from charging arbitrary fees, private schools are devising innovative ways to get around these rules. Take this school in Rajgarh district for example: The students here have been asked to pay Rs 900 for an annual function to get an extra ten marks in each subject.
The bizarre offer has been floated by the management at the Rajeshwari Convent School in Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh. Students from classes KG to VIII have been asked to pay Rs 900 if they take part in the annual function. They can earn extra marks in the examination with this additional fee.
The offer was valid till November 27 and the school said that this money was being charged for the costumes of the participating children.
The Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved a School Fee Regulation Bill last Sunday, proposing fee regulation norms for private schools.
The Bill prevents schools from increasing fee annually by over 10%. The government is also planning to include residential schools into the fee regulation ambit. However, the bill is required to be tabled in the assembly before coming to force.
According to sources, the Rajeshwari Convent School order has irked a large number of parents, but fearing a backlash from the school administration, none has approached authorities against them.
District Education Officer SK Mishra, while talking to News18, termed the offer as wrong and indirect corruption, for offering marks in return for money.
Mishra has also made it clear that no such sanction was sought from the school in this regard. He claimed that he would bring the matter to the notice of the district collector and take appropriate action against the school.
As states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Delhi have already enforced the Fees Regulation Act, the Madhya Pradesh government has been mulling over it since 2008, when the first draft of the Bill was prepared.
New Delhi: Cow is an object of worship but not just in India. At a recent conclave of tribals from across the world, representatives from one particular tribe, the Maasai from East Africa, talked about cow being a symbol of reverence in their culture like a motherly figure. Even though cow is slaughtered and consumed in these parts, the tribal representatives said, it is central to their everyday beliefs and rituals.
All tribes in Africa slaughter cows. [And yet] cow is integral to our rituals. Rituals are performed on the slaughtered cow, said Elijah Sereuelijah, a representative of Maasai tribe from Kenya.
The community leader was in India for Samvaad, an international tribal summit. The Maasai is one of the Nilotic tribes of East Africa, occupying Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania areas.
We eat cows meat and drink its blood. The ritual is important as it recognizes the age-groups, Sereuelijah said. Traditionally, the Maasais who were pastoralists would exclusively eat cow meat and drink cow milk as there was no other source of food. In contemporary times, we still eat meat with many optionswe can mix with vegetables or other food items.
The Maasais savour their cow meat and eat without any accompaniment as well. Sometimes it is boiled and consumed with soup. It is also fried and mixed with blood. Different people prefer different flavours, Sereuelijah added.
Nemarrah Lonkoi, another member of Maasai tribe, said, Cows are as close as mother they cover every segment of our life personal and public, food and compensation etc.
Some other interesting facts about the relationship between cattle and the Maasai emerged from Sereuelijahs address.
Cow Economy
Cattle are central to Maasai economy. They are accumulated as a sign of wealth, traded and sold to settle debts, pay school fees and fund development projects among other things.
Cow Compensation
If a person is aggrieved then the culprit will pay nine cows to his family and culprits clan will compensate by giving 49 cows.
Religion, Rituals And Resolutions
The cow is also slaughtered to perform rituals like rain-making, dispute resolution, and peacemaking. The whole Maasai life is ritualised and most rituals are accompanied by slaughtering or donating of sacred cowsa sacred cow is one with only one color and has no deficiencies and enjoys good health.
Prestige
The cow is used to classify people in the society. The more cows one has, the more respected one becomes. It is considered wealth. Most families would be willing to marry off their daughters to people with cows because some of the property would be extended to them.
No Cow, No Culture
The Maasai community has rituals performed by each individual from circumcision, marriage, death and birth. At each stage cow has a central role to play. During marriage at least five cows are provided by the bridegroom family to the brides family. On the day of the wedding, the bridegrooms family would donate cows to the bride to start ownership of cows as property for her she would brand the animals and that would be the sign of her life.
In case you missed it
The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Hadiya, the woman at the centre of the controversial Kerala love jihad case, to return to her college at Salem in Tamil Nadu and directed the college to allot her a hostel room where she can stay and complete her 11-month internship to become a homeopath. While she insisted that her husband should be made her guardian, the court appointed dean of the college to be her local guardian. Watch Zakka Jacob's Face Off@9 on 'Love Vs Jihad', right here.
Pushing the campaign in Gujarat into high gear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the attack on the Congress and Gandhi family from one rally to another. Yes, I sold tea, but I did not sell the nation, Modi said to his audience. #Burn!
India captain Virat Kohli will be rested for the one-day international series against Sri Lanka after the Test series ends. In his absence, Rohit Sharma will lead the side.
It seems controversies and Jayalalithaa are inseparable even after death. Just a week before her first death anniversary, a 37-year-old woman has claimed to be her daughter. She is my mother and I want to prove that to the entire World. Thats it. I need nothing else, Amrutha told News18.com.
A woman was allegedly illegally confined at a private hospital in Patna and her seven-year-old son forced to beg for money to pay the bills hours after she delivered a stillborn baby. 31-year-old Lalitha Devi was reportedly rescued after the intervention of MP Pappu Yadav, who accused the state government of allowing nursing homes to operate without a licence.
Watch out for
Ivanka Trump, Donald Trump's daughter and purportedly his most trusted adviser, is set to visit India to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit to be held in Hyderabad. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Ivanka to lead the US delegation for the summit, which aims to connect entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem supporters from around the world.
The Supreme Court will be hearing a plea seeking a direction to the makers of Hindi film Padmavati not to release it outside India on December 1.
On reel
In a first of it's kind interview, Raftaar is asked questions in a rap and he answers in a rap. Watch it.
Men have always worn their loyalties on their heads. Their choice of headgear and clothes are a sign of their internal condition. The sartorial sub-text of Hadiyas appearances in media are worth noting and of personal interest to me as a fashion entrepreneur.
From her first pictures as a glowing bride in pink with white and gold tones, one was demureness, with the pink hijabfirmly bordering her faceannouncing her Muslim faith. A faith people questioned. What if the young woman in soft colours had been brainwashed?
Later, we met Hadiya of dark or black hijabs. She was disturbed, separated from her husband. She was placed under house arrest and news reports carried words like love jihad, restriction, indoctrination, pressure, free will and radicalization. Her hijabs were often an indication of her conditiondark colors, or mismatched prints.
On Monday, we finally met the Hadiya whose words made it to the front page headlines of newspapers. Dressed in a red abaya, she stood calmly in the courtroom for her turn to speak. For almost two hours, lawyers from both sides debated her personal life and a certain remark was made on her mental condition. But she stood her ground. When her turn came, Hadiya was as assertive as the deep red she wore. I want my freedom, she said. She was confident and brave in a room full of men, just like the silver lining in the horizon and her hijab.
Was there a subtext to why Hadiya chose solid reds as she stepped out into scrutiny of the world media after being under house arrest for months? It could either be a conscious choice or a natural inclination.
Either way, both Hadiyas emotions and clothes lent themselves to each other. Not only they made her stand out distinctly but also pronounced that she was not bogged down and that she will continue to stand by the colors of her love.
Clothes have always held great symbolic value. Historian Mushirul Hasan traced the journey of a London barristers silk hat to the Mahatmas homespun khadi in his book on Gandhi. The Ali brothers sported grey astrakhan caps with Turkish symbols. Muslim League ridicule forced Zakir Hussain to change his cap. In recent times, Prime Minister Narendra Modis turbans have been a signifier of political messaging. The sartorial sub-text of the politics of fashion cannot be dismissed.
But dressing for a part is easier than living it. Muslim women politicians have always had it more difficult to dress up for their roles. While the men can easily slip into sherwani/kurta.
With the censor board of clerics who hold sway over maryada, women politicians have a balancing act to play. Women like Hina Rabbani Khar or Benazir Bhutto have captured imaginations with their choice of wardrobe in neighbouring Pakistan.
Seasoned Indian women politicians have mostly stayed in the elegantly safe zone of Saris like Najma Heptulla or Mohsina Kidwai. Sidibe (Mali), Toure and Boye (Senegal) have been female Prime Ministers sporting turbans. Their choice of dress signaling power play, allegiances, and cultural symbolism.
Sukarnoputri (Indonesia), Jahjaga (Kosovo) and Ciller (Turkey) are examples of Muslim women leading their country in short hair and pearls. Each of these women are successful, assertive and Muslim. And as diverse while representing their country as the Muslim ummah is.
As for Hadiya, her clothes spoke as much as her words. The question is, will we finally listen to her as an individual or will we continue playing politics at the cost of her liberty?
(Nazia Erum is founder of The Luxury Label and author of the forthcoming book, 'Mothering a Muslim')
Jaipur: The Vasundhara Raje-led Rajasthan government has issued a directive to all 789 hostels for OBC, SC and ST to ensure all residents sing the national anthem at 7 am, every day.
The statement was released by the state's Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE), in order to evoke 'nationalism' in students.
SJE principal secretary Samit Sharma told The Times of India that residential schools have already been reciting the national anthem, with it now being extended to government-run and government-aided hostels as well.
Students will have to recite the national anthem at 7 am, daily, during the morning prayers.
The diktat comes after the Jaipur Municipal Corporation had ordered that the national anthem and national song be played at the civic bodys head office daily at 9 am and 5 pm.
Bengaluru: A retired top police official has filed a Rs 20 crore defamation suit against senior police officer D Roopa for bringing him under a cloud of bribery allegations over "preferential" treatment given to jailed AIADMK leader V K Sasikala in the central prison in Bengaluru.
In a report submitted in July to the then DGP (Prisons) H N Sathyanarayana Rao, Roopa as Deputy Inspector of General (Prisons) had said there was "a talk" that Rs two crore had exchanged hands to give "preferential treatment" for Sasikala and that there were bribery allegations against him also.
Rao had rubbished the charge by Roopa, terming it "absolutely false, baseless and wild", and said he would take legal recourse against his junior.
Video footage too had surfaced purportedly showing the embattled AIADMK leader walking inside the corridors of the Parappana Agrahara Central jail sporting a salwar suit instead of the prisoner's dress, as is mandated for every jail inmate.
Puttige Ramesh, advocate for Rao, told PTI that the suit was filed yesterday on various counts in a court here.
The suit is also against a leading Kannada TV channel and a prominent English newspaper.
He said Roopa did not issue any notice to her superior and directly accused him of wrongdoing, which was a violation of the rules.
She also leaked the information to the media, he said.
"The report was submitted on July 11 this year, but a day later, which means on July 12, the report was published in the media.It is very clear that the officer leaked theinformation to the media even before she submitted it to hersuperior (Rao)," said the lawyer.
The third accusation in the defamation suit isthat she was after publicity.
"We came to know that a movie on Roopa is in the making. In order to gain publicity for the movie, she prepared the defamatory report on my client (Satyanarayana Rao)," he said.
He said Rao had specially appointed a woman officer to keep an eye on Sasikala's activities inside the jail.
"The woman officer used to regularly monitor and prepare a note sheet to ensure Sasikala does not indulge in any wrongdoing. Despite a strong measure taken by Rao to check corruption, such a defamatory report was prepared," he said.
The advocate said it was initially planned to file a Rs 50 crore defamation suit, but the requisite deposit amount of Rs30 lakh was not available.
Hence the defamation amount wasbrought down to Rs 20 crore.
Rao was not reachable for his comments.
Meanwhile, Roopa said she has not received any defamation notice.
"I have not received any defamation notice. If I receive, I will answer in the court. As it is, there is no defamation made out-- that is the first thing," she said.
She also said she was given to understand that a probe ordered by the Karnataka government into her charges had confirmed that irregularities, including the special facilities to Sasikala, did happen.
Roopa said it was for Rao to explain why these irregularities happened under his nose.
The two officers were locked in a public spat over the bribery charge, which led to the state government asking Rao to go on leave and Roopa being transferred.
Sasikala is lodged in prison here since her conviction in February in the disproportionate assets case, along with her two relatives V N Sudhakaran and Elavarasi, all serving a four-year jail term.
Kalaikunda (WB): Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday hailed India's indigenously-built multi-role light combat aircraft Tejas as "very very capable".
As the first civilian foreigner to fly on Tejas, Ng took a half-an-hour flight in the two-seater plane piloted by Air Vice Marshal A P Singh at the Kalaikunda airbase here.
"It is a very very capable plane," Ng told reporters here after flying on Tejas.
Hailing Tejas as "very impressive", Ng said, "This is the reason why our air force trains with your air force. Pilots are superb, planes are pretty good."
Praising Air Vice Marshal Singh as a "superbly confident and supremely professional" pilot, Ng said he felt as if he was riding a car and not flying in a fighter aircraft.
"In fact the plane ride was so smooth that despite the G-turns and manoeuvres, I managed to even take some selfies," Ng said.
Singh, who flew Tejas, is the project director of the National Flight Test Centre -- Aeronautical Development Agency.
Asked whether Singapore is interested in buying the Tejas fighter aircraft, the minister said he was not a pilot and it was up to the technical people to take a call on it.
Indian defence sources, however, said Singapore has evinced interest in Tejas.
During the Bahrain air show where Tejas aircraft was showcased, some Middle Eastern countries had also shown interest, the defence sources said.
Two Tejas aircraft were flown in here from Bangalore so that the Singapore defence minister can have a look at the aircraft.
Tejas aircraft was designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency and the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force and the Navy.
The Singapore defence minister is scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi tomorrow.
"Bilateral defence ties between our two countries are strong and it is getting stronger," Ng said.
Asked whether they would discuss maritime security, Ng answered in the affirmative.
This would be Ng's second dialogue with Sitharaman. They had also interacted in Manila during the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting in October.
Singapore Air Force is holding joint military training with their Indian counterpart at the Kalaikunda airbase.
Asked about the joint military training, Ng said, "I hope this will continue for long."
The first joint military training between the Indian Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) was held at the Gwalior air force station in 2004. Such an exercise was first held at Kalaikunda in 2007 and since then regular joint training has been held at the air
force station here.
Salem: The Supreme Court on Monday freed Hadiya alias Akhila from the custody of her parents and allowed her to return to her college in Salem, in Tamil Nadu, to complete her homoeopathy internship.
The court also appointed the dean of the Shivraj Homoeopathic Medical College as Hadiya's guardian and granted him liberty to approach it in case of any problem.
The Court ordered the college administration to treat Hadiya like any other student and as per hostel rules, but remained silent on whether Shafin Jehan, Hadiyas husband, or her parents would be allowed to meet her while she completes her studies.
"I won't allow Hadiya's husband to meet her. Her parents admitted her here; only they can meet her," said G Kannan, Principal, Shivraj Homoeopathic Medical College.
The principal said that Hadiya will be going to hostel like any other student. "She can't go anywhere alone and can do nothing without prior permission from me," said the principal.
The principal also said that the completion of her homoeopathy course was his priority.
"Hadiya is still Akhila Ashokan as per records. If there is a change in name, it will be done through due procedure," said Kannan.
When the principal was asked whether Hadiya would be given a space to pray, he said: "We don't know what she needs". A re-admission procedure usually takes around 15 days, but in Hadiya's case it could be faster considering the SC order.
"For the time being, there will be police in college and hostel for her protection. We will take it further depending on the orders we receive," said Subbalakshmi, deputy commissioner, Salem city.
On Monday when the court asked her about her dreams for the future, she said, "I want freedom."
In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Shafin Jahan said: "I'll meet her at the first opportunity whenever she gets admission in her college."
Hadiya had converted to Islam and later married Jahan. It was alleged that she was recruited by Islamic State's mission in Syria and Jahan was only a stooge.
Ashokan K M, Hadiya's father, had alleged that there was a "well-oiled systematic mechanism" for conversion and Islamic radicalisation.
The high court, while declaring the marriage as "null and void", had described the case as an instance of 'love jihad' and ordered the state police to conduct probe into such cases.
Ace Indian designer Neeta Lulla has been commissioned to design an outfit for US President Donald Trump's daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump, who arrived in India amid tight security early on Tuesday to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad.
Describing the ensemble she has planned for Ivanka Trump, Lulla said in a statement: "As stylish and elegant as Ms. Trump is, her ensemble too will be intricate and exquisite. We are honoured to present an exclusive bespoke collectable inspired from the Vrindavan Symphony which is our tribute to the celebrated Radha-Krishna fable."
Lulla, a national award-winning designer, has ensured Indian elements are used in all their glory in the outfit for Ivanka Trump.
"It has a motif of the traditional musical instrument sitar, which has its roots... in classical music... and is inspired by the Vrindavan Gardens where the impeccable portrayal of the divine romance was performed as 'Raas Leela'. We have created a signature ensemble using the traditional sari restyled into an elegant gown.
"Dawned in ivory and golden silk threads, this gown has a 'sitar' on the trail made of finely woven silk from the historic city of Varanasi," she added.
The designer, who has earlier dressed Steven Seagal, Tyra Banks, The Chainsmokers and DJ KSHMR in her creations, said Ivanka Trump's attire is made of fused fabrics evolving from "deep-rooted cultures in India with a state-of-the-art silhouette to create a tailored ensemble".
Ivanka Trump, who is leading the US delegation to the GES, will be attending the inaugural session on Tuesday evening along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The three-day event, being co-hosted by the US and India, will be attended by 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors and eco-system supporters from 150 countries.
Just days before it closes its doors for good on December 20, Colette has invited Saint Laurent to take over the first floor of the legendary Parisian concept store, located at 213 rue Saint-Honore. A selection of collectible creations by Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent are now on sale exclusively in store.
A host of luxury labels have taken over the first floor of Colette in recent weeks, bidding farewell to the French capital's iconic concept store. After Balenciaga, Thom Browne and, more recently, Chanel, Saint Laurent is the latest fashion house invited into 213 rue Saint-Honore -- an address synonymous with the store for the last two decades. The luxury label will be Colette's final guest star -- a symbolic choice, since Saint Laurent will take over the premises after the store closes.
The world of Saint Laurent will be showcased on the first floor of the Parisian concept store from November 27 to December 20, with a selection of collector's objects created by Anthony Vaccarello, creative director of the French fashion house.
As well as a selection of T-shirts, hooded sweaters and leather goods channeling rock n' roll vibes, visitors to the concept store can admire a customized vintage Polaroid SX-70, a calendar, exclusive makeup palettes, Pierre Marcolini chocolates and desserts, a vinyl compilation, Baccarat crystal goods, motorcycle helmets by Ruby, and -- the centerpiece -- an all-black Saint Laurent Vespa.
Colette, the legendary Parisian concept store, closes for good December 20 after 20 years in business.
A rumbling volcano on Bali could erupt at any moment, authorities warned Monday as they raised alert levels to maximum, accelerated a mass evacuation and closed the main airport, leaving thousands of tourists stranded on the Indonesian resort island.
Massive columns of thick grey smoke that have been belching from Mount Agung since last week have now begun shooting more than three kilometres (two miles) into the sky, forcing hundreds of flights to be grounded.
Some 40,000 frightened people have fled their homes around the volcano but as many as 100,000 will likely be forced to leave, disaster agency officials said, after raising the alert to its highest level.
The exclusion zone around Agung, which is 75 kilometres (47 miles) from the beachside tourist hub of Kuta, has also been widened to 10 kilometres.
Makeshift tents and community centres filled up Monday as nearly two dozen villages were emptied of their inhabitants, including farmers reluctant to leave precious livestock behind.
"Continuous ash puffs are sometimes accompanied by explosive eruptions and a weak booming sound," the National Board for Disaster Management said earlier Monday.
"The rays of fire are increasingly observed at night. This indicates the potential for a larger eruption is imminent."
Agung rumbled back to life in September, forcing the evacuation of 140,000 people living nearby. Its activity decreased in late October and many returned to their homes.
However, on Saturday the mountain sent smoke up into the air for the second time in a week in what volcanologists call a phreatic eruption -- caused by the heating and expansion of groundwater.
Then on Monday so-called cold lava flows appeared -- similar to mud flows and often a prelude to the blazing orange lava seen in many volcanic eruptions.
"I'm very concerned because I left my house behind and I'm also worried about family," said 36-year-old farmer Putu Suyasa, who fled with some relatives from a village eight kilometres away from the volcano.
"The mountain is spewing thicker smoke than before."
Scary memories
Dewa Gede Subagia was a teenager when Agung last roared.
"I am very worried because I have experienced this before," the now 67-year-old told AFP from one evacuation centre.
"I hope this time I won't have to evacuate for too long. In 1963, I left for four months."
Mt. Agung last went off in 1963, killing around 1,600 people in one of the deadliest eruptions ever seen in a country with nearly 130 active volcanoes.
The airport in Bali's capital Denpasar, a top holiday destination that attracts millions of foreign tourists every year, has been closed.
Some 445 flights were cancelled, affecting more than 59,000 passengers, officials said.
Colin Cavy, a French dive-master who has been in Indonesia for a couple of months, was nervously looking at his now-expired visitor visa.
"I need to go to the immigration office," he said.
While there was dismay from some tourists who were unable to return to their homes and jobs, others took events in their stride.
"What can I say? We have to cooperate because this is a natural disaster," said Indian visitor Krisna Mustafa.
Many were told that it could be several days before they could leave.
"My 7:00 am flight this morning got cancelled, just when we were about to board," said 23-year-old Indonesian tourist Merry Handayani Tumanggor.
"Now we have to stay in Bali again -- the earliest we can go is on Friday, they say."
The airport on nearby Lombok island east of Bali, also a popular tourist destination, was closed for a night on Sunday but reopened on Monday morning.
Officials announced late Monday that Lombok airport has been closed again until Tuesday morning due to the volcanic ash and at least 47 flights to and from the island have been cancelled.
The Australian government put out a travel advisory on Sunday, warning that volcanic activity "may escalate with little or no notice".
"Past eruptions of Mount Agung have shown this volcano's potential to cause significant impacts," it added.
Prayers
Dozens of Balinese Hindus took part in ceremonies near the volcano on Sunday, offering prayers in the hope of preventing an eruption.
Officials have said the activity could be a magmatic eruption -- one which involves the decompression of gas and results in the spewing of ash -- and advised people near the mountain to wear masks.
Indonesia is the world's most active volcanic region. The archipelago nation with over 17,000 islands lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" where tectonic plates collide, causing frequent volcanic and seismic activities.
Last year, seven were killed after Mt. Sinabung on the western island of Sumatra erupted, while 16 were left dead by a Sinabung eruption in 2014.
Kolkata: Bengal movie industry - Tollywood - on Tuesday observed a 15-minute token strike to condemn the protests by Karni Sena against Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Padmavati.
All Tollywood producers and directors stalled their work between 12 pm and 12.15 pm. The Bengali film industry has rarely united to call a token strike in protest.
The protest comes few days after West Bengal Mamata Banerjee too condemned the protest by a section of people against Bhansali and Deepika Padukone. She also welcomed Bhansali to host a premiere of Padmavati in Bengal.
Director Goutam Ghose said, We may have issues and differences of opinion but that does not mean that we will threat someone. We condemn the nationwide protest by some against the release of Movie Padmavati.
Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee said, We have observed a token strike to condemn the statement of a senior BJP leader from Haryana who made objectionable comment against our Chief Minister. This is unfortunate that people are people are crossing limits in protesting against the Movie. There are ways to deal with situation. Issues can be argued but threat will not be acceptable.
On November 20, Mamata Banerjee condemned personal attacks on the makers and actors of Padmavati and termed the whole controversy as unfortunate.
In a Twitter post, Mamata had said, The Padmavati controversy is not only unfortunate but also a calculated plan of a political party to destroy the freedom to express ourselves.
While urging the entire film industries to stand together against such violent forces, she said, We condemn this super emergency. All in the film industry must come together and protest in one voice.
She was a brave queen but Bhansali portrayed her in bad light and on November 22 we are going to organise a series of protests across the state, Trust convenor Manoj Kumar Singh had said.
The Bharat Kshatriya Samaj Trust in Bengal also claimed the film has a scene of the invader Alauddin Khilji romancing the Rajput queen of Chittorgarh but this has already been denied by director Bhansali, and journalists privy to a private screening have already reported that there is not a single scene of the two together.
This is not for the first time when Mamata stand beside Bollywood actors. In May 3, 2017, Mamata came out in support of Bollywood Actress Kajol who was trolled for uploading Beef video on social networking site few days ago.
Then addressing a public meet in South Dinajpur, Mamata had said, It is an alarming situation that some people are being harassed online for expressing their food habits on social platform. I will not reveal the name of the actress. She has worked in many films with Shah Rukh Khan. Recently she had posted a video online and after that she was harassed and trolled online.
It is unfortunate she had to clarify that it was not beef but buffalo meat. This is a dangerous trend in this country. Hinduism teaches tolerance. Religion teaches us to love everyone. Religion means peace. These people who are indulging in violence in the name of religion are a shame on Hinduism. Why does she (Kajol) have to give a clarification?, she had said.
New Delhi: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung on Tuesday claimed in the Supreme Court that the West Bengal Police had lodged false cases against its members to pressurise them and suppress their movement for a separate Gorkhaland state.
However, the state police maintained that Gurung was absconding, not cooperating in the probe of cases lodged against him and playing "blatant politics".
A bench comprising Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan said the court cannot go into the matter politically and has to look into the legal aspects of the case.
"We cannot go into it politically. We have to see legal issues," the bench observed, adding "we cannot say anything on the issue which he (Gurung) has raised politically".
Senior counsel A M Singhvi, representing the police, told the bench that Gurung was facing trial in 23 cases and several other criminal cases were also registered against him.
He claimed that various serious incidents had taken place under Gurung's leadership and a 26-year-old police official was also killed during the recent Gorkhaland agitation.
"His defence is that these cases are false and sham. There are so many cases. 53 FIRs cannot be sham," he said.
Senior advocate P S Patwalia, appearing for Gurung, countered the submissions and said 104 FIRs have been lodged against Gurung and other GJM members by the West Bengal Police and the state government had made him a fugitive.
"He fears for his life. The West Bengal government has made him a fugitive," he claimed and added that Gurung was seeking transfer of probe in these cases to other independent agencies like the CBI or the NIA.
Referring to the application by police seeking vacation of the apex court's November 20 order restraining it from taking any coercive step against Gurung, he claimed that incorrect statements have been made in the plea.
"Gurung was accorded cabinet status and was provided police security. Can a person having a cabinet status do all this violence and abscond," Patwalia said, adding that the GJM had opposed the state government's move to make Bengali language mandatory in schools in West Bengal.
He alleged that false cases were lodged without there being any complainants against Gurung and other GJM members to "pressurise and threaten" them and this was done to "quell the movement."
Patwalia also argued that arms were planted during the raids conducted by the police at Gurung's residence and false case under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was also registered.
At the end of hearing, Attorney General K K Venugopal told the bench that the Centre would follow the order passed by the apex court in the matter.
The court has posted the case for hearing on November 30.
The GJM leader had earlier claimed in the apex court that he was being politically persecuted by state government and sought a probe by the NIA or CBI in the killings of several Gorkhaland activists during the recent agitation for a separate state.
West Bengal Police had told the court that its order restraining it from taking any coercive steps against Gurung should be vacated, as the morale of the entire force was down since there were several cases of serious nature against him.
The GJM central committee had recently suspended Gurung for six months and appointed Binay Tamang as the party's new president.
Gurung has approached the top court seeking independent probe into the alleged killings of Gorkhaland supporters during the recent protests.
New Delhi: Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday asserted that AAP receives its donations only from 'aam aadmi' (common man), adding that the I-T notice questioning its funding was sent after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's appeal to people of poll-bound Gujarat to vote out the BJP.
His reaction came a day after the Income Tax department charged the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with taking "hawala entries" worth Rs 2 crore from a Delhi-based operative even as it revoked the tax exemption, given to it for being a political party, for the assessment year 2015-16.
Addressing a press conference here, Sisodia, who had brought voluminous documents containing the donors list, said the charges against the AAP funding were completely "baseless" and that the party would take all necessary steps to demolish the claims made by the Income Tax department.
Citing the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reports, the minister claimed the BJP and the Congress had the highest percentage of unaccounted donations.
"This is an attempt to muzzle the voice of the AAP. The notice was sent after Kejriwal's appeal to the people of Gujarat to vote against the BJP in the upcoming state assembly polls," he said.
Addressing party volunteers on AAP's 5th Foundation Day on November 26, Kejriwal had appealed to the voters of Gujarat to vote out the BJP, which has been in power in the state for nearly 22 years.
Interestingly, the AAP got the I-T notice on November 23. The taxman, according to the penalty notice, had alleged that the Kejriwal-led party "incorrectly disclosed the hawala money as voluntary donations".
The department had slapped the charges on the political party in its assessment order issued to it last week. It had determined the total taxable income of the AAP at Rs 68.44 crore, with a corresponding income tax of Rs 30.67 crore for the assessment year 2015-16.
"We challenge that there is no other party who maintains the list of its donations as diligently as the Aam Aadmi Party. The donations, it has received, are from the 'aam aadmi' and not from any hawala operator," Sisodia said.
Kejriwal had yesterday termed the notice as "height of political vendetta".
The AAP is contesting on limited seats in Gujarat, where elections are slated for December 9 and December 14 in two phases.
Party sources said it had received Rs 130 crore since its formation, and got the maximum donation of Rs 54.14 crore in 2014-15, the time when the party contested the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and 2015 Delhi Assembly polls.
Bengaluru: Come this Wednesday, people in Bengaluru will have one more app-based cab to choose from. The brand new initiative wants to take on giants like US-based Uber and Bengaluru-headquartered Ola.
But there is a difference. Unlike Uber and Ola, it is not backed by any corporate house or venture capital firm in US or Japan.
The new cab hailing app, Namma TYGR, is backed by Janata Dal (Secular), the political party of former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda. This is perhaps the first time that a political party is backing a cab firm.
But what is the connection and why do the Gowdas want get into this business? The answer may lie in the upcoming Assembly election and vote bank.
Most of the cab drivers who work for Uber and Ola in the city are from districts like Mandya, Hassan, Mysore, Tumkur, Kolar, Bengaluru Rural, Chamarajanagara in the in the old Mysore belt.
The lucrative incentives initially offered by Uber and Ola attracted tens of thousands of young villagers towards this new job opportunity.
While the big money continued for the first few years, the cab giants started reducing the incentives after competition heated up, making it unviable for many cab drivers.
Thousands of drivers abandoned their cabs and returned to their villages in the first few months of this year. Others took to streets demanding better working conditions and incentives from Uber and Ola.
JDS state chief H D Kumaraswamy sensed an opportunity and quickly extended his support to them. When the talks with the managements failed, he promised them that he will start his own app-based cab service to protect the interests of drivers and passengers. For this, he tied up with a Kolkata based start-up firm TYGR.
The trial runs for this service started in September. According to Kumaraswamy, about 5,000 cabs will hit the streets on Wednesday.
Speaking to News18, the former Karnataka chief minister said, I am not doing it for votes. The Assembly election is not the reason. Most of these cab drivers are villagers and are being exploited by bigger players. Many have sold their small piece of land to buy a vehicle. They were in bad shape. I heard their stories and wept. It is my humble initiative to help them to stand on their own feet.
His father and JDS supremo, Deve Gowda, said it was a social obligation. Please dont link it to upcoming assembly polls. As Kumaraswamy has already clarified, it is a humanitarian venture by the JDS to help the poor cab owners and drivers. Namma TYGR fares are low compared to others. Even the people benefit from this.
He said that Namma TYGR will soon have 10,000 cabs and they want to take it to 25,000 by next year-end. Namma TYGR drivers association leader Tanveer Pasha said that they will charge Rs 12.50 per KM for hatchbacks, Rs 14.50 for sedans and Rs 18.50 for SUVs.
He also said that there will be no surge prices and they will not offer share rides as it is illegal. The market leaders Uber and Ola have chosen to remain silent on this new venture. The ruling Congress and the main opposition BJP also refused to comment.
If all goes to plan, Kumaraswamy may ride the app cab to Vidhana Soudha after the elections due in April next year.
Ahmedabad: While campaigning for the Gujarat Assembly elections in 2012, then chief minister Narendra Modi made a startling allegation against the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre.
He claimed that they was on the verge of giving away the Sir Creek, a tidal estuary on the border between India and Pakistan in Kutch district, to Pakistan. He even wrote a letter to then prime minister Manmohan Singh just a day before voting.
PMO issued a strong rebuttal to Modis letter, calling his claims unsubstantiated, untrue and mischievous, but the damage had been done.
The 2012 Gujarat assembly elections were not just won convincingly, it paved the way for Modi to position himself as the tallest BJP leader to take on the then UPA government as the country headed for general elections in 2014.
Now, the BJP is in power both in the Centre and Gujarat. It has been in power for three-and-a-half years at the centre and for 22 years in Gujarat. The question now is whether it is politically beneficial for Modi to play victim under the changed circumstances?
Sample this statement in Modis first election rally at Bhuj on Monday. I am the son of this soil. The people of Gujarat have moulded me into what I am today. I will never forget this. But look at the kind of attacks that are being made against me. The people of Gujarat will not forgive those who are maligning my name by going to each and every corner of Gujarat.
The Prime Minister, in all his rallies on Monday, took pains to describe how the Congress was not just anti-Gujarat, but how Gujaratis - right from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to Morarji Desai - were not given their due by the Congress party. Mixing the two potentially emotive issues of nationalism and Gujarati pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his campaign in Gujarat on Monday with election rallies in Saurashtra and South Gujarat the two regions which go to polls in the first phase of the assembly election next month.
Political observer Hemantkumar Shah believes the narrative of the Prime Ministers speeches have changed because the BJP is now in power in both Gujarat as well as at the centre. But more importantly, I believe the issues raised by him are not striking a chord with the people because he has been talking about Nehru and Sardar Patel and incidents that are decades old, Shah told CNN-News18.
According to Shah, the question of accountability over demonetisation, GST and other basic issues ought to have been addressed by the Prime Minister, instead of talking about how Congress governments have been unfair to Gujarat and Gujaratis.
Apart from this, during his rally in Jasdan in Rajkot, Modi claimed that the Congress was behind the downfall of four Patidar chief ministers in the state, from Babubhai Jashbhai Patel to Aanadiben Patel.
However, senior journalist Hari Desai told CNN-News18, Babubhai Jashbhai Patels government did not fall because of the Congress. Two Jan Sangh MLAs defected, triggering off the collapse of that government.
He added that it is strange, but the Prime Ministers rallies had no mention of issues faced by Gujarat. He has been talking of Nehru and Sardar Patel and about Pakistan and China. These clearly are not issues that people of Gujarat are faced with even as elections are to be held, he contended.
Modi as the chief minister of Gujarat played the victim card to the hilt. That was the part of the political narrative he assiduously built around his persona. The chaiwala, the outsider who is up against the Lutyen's elite seamlessly fits into the discourse.
The narrative worked very well when Modi was the challenger. The question now is will it work for Modi and BJP after more than two decades in power in Gujarat and three-and-a-half years in Delhi.
Germany may need to change its constitution to allow it to strike back at hackers who target private computer networks and it hopes to complete any legal reforms next year, a top Interior Ministry official said on Monday. The plan could include disarming servers used in attacks and reflects growing concern about the frequency and intensity of such attacks. The industry is also raising pressure on the government to respond to the barrage, which ultimately could hurt Europe's leading economy.
State Secretary Klaus Vitt told Reuters the government believed "significant legal changes would be needed" to allow such "hack back" actions. "A constitutional change may be needed since this is such a critical issue," Vitt said on the sidelines of a cyber conference organised by the Handelsblatt newspaper. "The goal is to get it done by the end of next year at the latest."
Vitt said much would depend on the outcome of coalition talks in Germany of which cyber capabilities formed a part.
Experts say it may be easier to enact the legal changes under a right-centre-left coalition, which has ruled for the past four years, than under a three-way coalition with smaller parties that Chancellor Angela Merkel initially tried to forge. Top German intelligence officials told parliament last month they needed greater legal authority to strike back in the event of cyber attacks from foreign powers. Vitt told the conference that changing threats and new modes of attack required different responses from government agencies including more "offensive" capabilities.
"We must assume that purely preventative measures will not be sufficient to counter future attacks," Vitt said. He said no one would question the need for police to enter a house and disarm a sniper shooting at innocent people. "But what about servers that are used to launch cyber attacks that paralyze the IT (information technology) of hospitals or utilities, affecting hundreds of thousands of people?" Andreas Jambor, chief information security officer for RWE Generation SE, a unit of German energy giant RWE, welcomed the moves.
"There's a war underway on the internet ... We want things to be sorted out," Jambor said. "Other countries are doing it and we should do it here as well." Andreas Ebert, head of security for German carmaker Volkswagen said any offensive action should be taken by the government. Arne Schoenbohm, president of Germany's BSI federal cyber protection agency, declined to give details about the legal concepts being developed. He said the need to target servers would likely make up just "0.01 percent of all cases."
Tech And Auto Show | EP21 | Apple iPhone X, Suzuki Intruder 150 & More
Dhaka: Bangladesh approved a $280 million project on Tuesday to develop an isolated and flood-prone island in the Bay of Bengal to temporarily house 100,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing violence in neighboring Myanmar.
The decision came just days after Bangladesh sealed a deal aiming to start returning Rohingya to Myanmar within two months to reduce pressure in refugee camps.
A Bangladeshi government committee headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved the plan to develop Bhashan Char island, also known as Thenger Char, despite criticism from humanitarian workers who have said the island is all but uninhabitable.
Planning Minister Mustafa Kamal said it would take time to repatriate the refugees, and in the meantime Bangladesh needed a place to house them. The project to house 100,000 refugees on the island would be complete by 2019, he said.
Many people are living in dire conditions, he said, describing the influx of refugees as "a threat to both security and the environment".
More than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims have sought sanctuary in Bangladesh after the military in mostly Buddhist Myanmar launched a harsh counter-insurgency operation in their villages across the northern parts of Rakhine State, following attacks by Rohingya militants on an army base and police posts on Aug. 25.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali appealed in September for international support to transport Rohingya to the island.
Bangladesh, one of the worlds poorest and most crowded nations, plans to develop the island, which emerged from the silt off Bangladeshs delta coast only 11 years ago and is two hours by boat from the nearest settlement.
It regularly floods during June-September monsoons. When seas are calm, pirates roam the nearby waters to kidnap fishermen for ransom.
A plan to develop the island and use it to house refugees was first proposed in 2015 and revived last year. Despite criticism of the conditions on the island, Bangladesh says it has the right to decide where to shelter the growing numbers of refugees.
Beijing/Taipei: China on Tuesday sentenced Taiwanese rights activist Li Ming-che to five years in prison for subverting state power, prompting Taiwan's ruling political party to label the verdict "totally unacceptable".
Li, a community college lecturer and an activist at a human rights non-governmental organisation in Taiwan, went missing while on a trip to China in March. Chinese authorities later charged him with subverting state power.
In the first hearing of Li's case in September, he confessed to subversion, according to videos of the hearing, though his wife refused to recognise the court's authority.
Tuesday's verdict was handed down by the Yueyang City Intermediate People's Court in central Hunan province, according to a video of proceedings released by the court's social media account. A mainland Chinese rights activist, Peng Yuhua, tried alongside Li, was sentenced to seven years for the same crime.
Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said that it was "strongly dissatisfied and regretful" of the result, calling for Beijing to allow Li to return to Taiwan.
Beijing must ensure the health and well-being of Li, respect the law and continue to allow his family to visit him, the DPP said in a statement.
Li's wife, Li Ching-yu, who had travelled to the mainland from Taiwan to attend her husband's hearing, was in attendance when the verdict was read, according to the videos.
Li Ching-yu said in a statement sent to Reuters by her supporters that her husband had long realised that his rights work came with a cost and that there were "tigers in the mountains".
"He came to understand early on that he must accept the torment of being made to accept guilt and of being imprisoned," she said.
Peng had been the main actor in the subversion and Li had been an active participant, the court authorities said in the video.
Both Li and Peng said that they accepted the ruling and would not appeal, according to the court's video.
Ties between Beijing and Taipei have been strained since Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, leader of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, took office last year.
Tsais refusal to state that Taiwan and China are part of one country has angered Beijing, as have her comments about human rights on the mainland.
Dublin: Irish Deputy Prime Minister Frances Fitzgerald was under intense pressure from her own party to resign on Tuesday to avoid a snap election that is hours away from being called, a crisis that is casting a shadow over next month's Brexit summit.
The opposition party propping up the minority government said the deputy prime minister's refusal to quit would force the country to the polls in December, a position that hardened on Monday.
Ireland will play a major role in the Brexit summit next month, telling EU leaders whether it believes sufficient progress has been made on the future of the border between EU-member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.
In public, Fitzgerald's Fine Gael ministerial colleagues continued to back her.
"There is certainly not a need for her to resign, the position of Fine Gael remains the same and the position of the Taoiseach (prime minister) remains the same," Simon Harris told reporters.
A spokesman for Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, whom analysts say risks being badly damaged by the affair, said late on Monday the government stood behind her.
However the front pages of the Irish Times, Irish Examiner and Irish Independent newspapers quoted unnamed Fine Gael lawmakers as saying Fitzgerald had to resign.
One minister, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity as senior ministers were due to meet on Tuesday, said Fitzgerald was coming under serious pressure from within the party to resign and would have to go. Another lawmaker agreed.
National broadcaster RTE quoted Fine Gael backbencher Hildegarde Naughton as saying "it will be difficult" for Fitzgerald to stay in office, the first public call from within the party for her to step down.
Fitzgerald resisted calls to go on Monday from the majority of opposition parties after pressure mounted following the release of fresh documents about her disputed handling of a police whistleblower who alleged corruption in the force.
Fianna Fail, whose backing Varadkar requires from the opposition benches to keep his government functioning, has said it will move a motion of no confidence in Fitzgerald at 2000 GMT on Tuesday unless she quits.
A senior Fianna Fail lawmaker said he was hopeful Fitzgerald would resign or that Varadkar would "address the matter" before the confidence motion is tabled.
"It's very clear from media reports and from talking to Fine Gael people behind the scenes that they are very much disturbed by this situation," Fianna Fail's Timmy Dooley told RTE.
"I think what we need now is the wise heads in Fine Gael to get together, assess the situation and avoid an election."
The border is one of three issues Brussels wants broadly resolved before it decides whether to move talks on Britain's divorce from the EU onto a second phase about trade, as Britain wants.
Nairobi: Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn-in for a second five-year term in front of a rapturous crowd on Tuesday as riot police sealed off an area where the opposition planned a rival gathering and teargassed people trying to reach it.
Kenyatta won a repeat presidential election on Oct. 26 that was boycotted by opposition leader Raila Odinga, who said it would not be free and fair.
The Supreme Court nullified the first presidential election, in August, over irregularities.
The extended election season has divided Kenya, a Western ally in a volatile region, and blunted growth in East Africa's richest economy.
Odinga's supporters, many drawn from poorer parts of the country, feel locked out of power and the patronage it brings.
Political arguments often have ethnic undercurrents, with Odinga's supporters pointing out that three of the country's four presidents have come from one ethnic group, although the country has 44 recognised groups.
But such arguments seemed far from the happy crowds at the celebration, who cheered wildly as Kenyatta was sworn into office and as he received a 21-gun salute.
"I ... do swear ... that I will always truly and diligently serve the people of the Republic of Kenya," Kenyatta said, his hand resting on a Bible.
Before he arrived, a military band in gold and blue uniforms serenaded heads of state from Somalia, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Zambia and other nations as they arrived at the stadium where the ceremony took place.
More than 60,000 Kenyatta supporters, many clad in the red and yellow Jubilee party colours and carrying Kenyan flags, filled the stadium benches.
Thousands of others waited outside. Some, chafing at the restrictions, overwhelmed police and streamed in. Officers were forced to fire teargas to control them.
BURNING TYRES
Supporters of Kenyatta - who won with 98 percent of the vote after Odinga's boycott - was the opposition to engage in talks and move on.
"Im sure Uhuru will be able to bring people together and unite them so we can all work for the country," said Eunice Jerobon, a trader who travelled overnight from the Rift Valley town of Kapsabet for the inauguration, before the disturbance.
But Odinga supporters say such talk of unity is tantamount to surrender. They accuse the ruling party of stealing the election, rampant corruption, directing abuse by the security forces and neglecting vast swathes of the country, including Odinga's heartland in the west.
"A return to the political backwardness of our past is more than unacceptable. It is intolerable ... This divide cannot be bridged by dialogue and compromise," Odinga's National Super Alliance opposition alliance said in a statement.
The opposition planned to hold a prayer meeting in the capital on Tuesday, saying it wanted to commemorate the lives of Odinga supporters killed during confrontations with the security forces over the election period.
More than 70 people have been killed in political violence this election season, mostly by the police. Such killings are rarely investigated.
A Reuters team at the scene of the planned rally said the area had been sealed off by seven truck loads of police in riot gear. Two water cannons were standing by and a helicopter hovered overhead.
Police began firing teargas in nearby residential areas two hours before the rally was due to start, apparently attempting to prevent opposition supporters from gathering.
Several roads were blocked by burning tyres, rocks, glass and uprooted billboards. Police shot in the air to disperse anyone trying to gather.
But Dennis Onyango, a spokesman for Odinga, told Reuters on Tuesday morning they were still planning to hold the rally.
Islamabad: When hardline Pakistani Islamists signed an agreement with the government on Monday to end a crippling blockade of the nation's capital, the text of their deal concluded by thanking the army chief who it said had "saved the nation from a big catastrophe".
The effusive praise for General Qamar Javed Bajwa's role as mediator has triggered some concern among moderate politicians and criticism from a judge in Islamabad, where 36 hours earlier the civilian government had called in the army to restore order after police clashed with the entrenched Islamists.
Seven people had been killed and nearly 200 wounded in an unsuccessful police-led operation to clear the Islamist protesters, who accused a government minister of blasphemy.
Instead of sending in troops, General Bajwa requested a meeting with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqi Abbasi on Sunday. The next day, the government capitulated and met most of the Islamists' demands, including the resignation of Law Minister Zahid Hamid, who stood down.
A High Court judge issued an order on Monday demanding the government explain why the military had helped negotiate the deal. Judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui said the army appeared to be overstepping its constitutional role, which requires it to "act in aid of civilian government when called upon to do so".
Critics worry the military may be meddling in politics - always a concern in a country where the army has repeatedly seized power - rather than simply following the orders of the civilian administration.
"The job of the military is to be subservient to the government's orders," said political analyst Zahid Hussain. "The military's role as facilitator has raised many questions."
A ruling party spokesman said the army and government had acted in consultation and said the army did not balk at government orders. No evidence has emerged to contradict that account. The military itself did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
Zahid said he was resigning "to take the country out of a crisis-like situation", according to state-run news channel PTV.
'ALARMING'
Tehreek-e-Labaik, a recently formed ultra-religious party that has made punishing blasphemy its main campaign rallying cry, had blocked main roads into Islamabad for nearly three weeks, demanding Law Minister Hamid's removal.
It blamed the minister for a tweak in the wording in an electoral law that changed a religious oath proclaiming Mohammad the last prophet of Islam to the words "I believe", a change the party says amounts to blasphemy. The government put the issue down to a clerical error and swiftly changed the language back.
Insulting Islam's prophet is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and blasphemy accusations stir such emotions that they are almost impossible to defend against.
Last week, the Islamabad High Court had ordered the government to remove the protesters, but not to use firearms.
A clearing operation on Saturday quickly descended into chaos, with protesters armed with iron rods and stones battling police to a standstill and scores on each side hospitalised, after which the government called in the army.
In an order made at a follow-up hearing on Monday, Judge Siddiqui said it appeared that the "role assumed the top leadership of the army is besides the constitution" and "beyond its mandate".
The judge said it was "alarming" that Major General Faiz Hameed had signed the agreement as a mediator. Hameed is a senior member of the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence agency, in charge of counter-terrorism, two senior military officials confirmed.
Ruling party official Jan Achakzai confirmed that Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and army chief General Bajwa had met on Sunday, but said the process was consultative and it did not constitute the military questioning orders.
"The army... suggested the government resolve it through negotiations," Achakzai said, adding that the government, after deliberations, directed the interior ministry to meet the protesters' demands to avert further violence.
"It was affecting the whole country," he said, adding the government had yielded "in the larger interest of peace and maintaining law and order".
Tehreek-e-Labaik leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi gave his account of the army's role in ending the stand-off at a news conference on Monday.
"So the general took personal interest and sent his team, saying 'we will become the guarantors, and have your demands fulfilled'," Rizvi said. "So we said, 'All right. That is what we want'."
The military's press department did not respond to questions about Rizvi's account.
Tensions between the military and the ruling party led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have occasionally broken out into the open.
Sharif had last year rejected a plan put forward by the army to "mainstream" some hardline Islamist groups into politics, government sources have previously told Reuters, including a forerunner of Tehreek-e-Labaik.
The Islamist party has denied it has any links to the army and the military declined at the time to comment on the report.
New Delhi: The Pakistan government and Army received a tongue lashing from the Islamabad High Court on Monday for how the military mediated to end the sit-in protest blocking the entrance to the capital, Dawn reported.
The court was referring to the situation that occurred on Saturday when the government launched an operation to remove protestors camped out at the Faizabad Interchange, Islamabads link to Rawalpindi.
Dawn reported that on same day, Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, had advised Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to "handle the Islamabad dharna peacefully".
"Who is the Army to play the role of mediator?" Justice Shauqut Aziz Siddiqui asked. "Where does the law assign this role to a major general?"
Police and paramilitary forces end up calling off the clearance operation after it turned deadly. Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the demonstrators but were met by stubborn resistance by protesters who blocked roads and torched vehicles. At least six people were killed and around 190 injured.
The government then asked the military to help. However, the Pakistan Army, in response said that while it was "fully ready" to take action, a "few points need deliberation". Subsequently, no troops were deployed in the city.
"This is proof of the military's involvement," the judge remarked.
The court said that the administration has the right to call in the Army to control an emergency situation and the Army was bound to heed the call.
"Soldiers who are inclined towards politics should turn in their weapons," the court added.
Roughly 2,000 protesters from the Tehreek-i-Labaik Ya Rasool Allah Pakistan Party had blocked the main highway used by thousands of commuters since November 6, causing hours-long traffic snarls.
The protesters were demanding the resignation of federal law minister Zahid Hamid over a hastily-abandoned amendment to the oath election candidates must swear by. They linked it to blasphemy and claimed the oath was softened to enable the participation of Ahmadis, a long persecuted minority sect.
After negotiations late on Sunday night, the Pakistan government capitulated to the protesters' demand for Hamids resignation, among other conditions.
This is the first time India has hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. It is a symbol of the strengthened friendship between our two peoples, and the growing economic and security partnership between our two nations," Ivanka said in her address at the inaugural session of the GES. (Image: AP)
The former Slovenian model toured each of the decorated rooms and wished the public a Merry Christmas in the name of her husband and family, including Barron, who had received with her the official White House Christmas tree that now stands in the Blue Room of the presidential residence. (Image: AP)
A Lynchburg man was killed Monday in a moped crash, police said.
Cedric Lamont Mays, 42, was driving the moped east on Campbell Avenue when he lost control, ran off the right side of the road and hit a stationary object, Lynchburg police said in a news release.
The crash happened around 5:34 p.m. in the 2800 block of Campbell Avenue. No other vehicles were involved.
Mays was pronounced dead at the scene.
Eastbound lanes of Campbell Avenue were closed for about two hours after the crash.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Officer M.D. Bauserman (434) 455-6047 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-798-5900. Visit the Central Virginia Crime Stoppers website at www.cvcrimestoppers.org to enter a web tip, or text CVCS plus your message to 274637.
Net neutrality vital, Rep. Goodlatte
I really hope Rep. Bob Goodlatte is going to listen to what I have to say.
I wanted to let you know my stance on the upcoming Federal Communications Commission vote to repeal net neutrality. I vehemently oppose the repeal. If the companies that are pushing this so hard get what they want, we the consumers will be completely and utterly taken advantage of. The internet is a wonderful and powerful thing as it currently stands. Changing the way people communicate will greatly impact everyone that uses the internet, which is nearly anyone you talk to.
Often times, the free market is brought up to defend the repeal of net neutrality, however, there isnt a market that can flourish with the near monopoly that is being allowed already. I urge you to listen to your constituents and try to do everything in your power to stop the FCC from repealing net neutrality. This move is nothing more than a money-grab by major, well-established companies. Small businesses will perish.
I am a young voter who will be paying very close attention to who does and says what in the next few months. Nothing would make me feel more comfortable than knowing that you actually listen to the people you represent.
JACOB GEORGE
Lynchburg
Power, faith and LU
Quasi-liberal that I am, I seldom find myself in agreement with the conservative columnist Cal Thomas. But he was spot on in his Nov. 24 column in The News & Advance, Lust for power utterly corrupts faith. Thomas charges modern evangelicals with preferring temporal power over faithfulness to a kingdom and King not of this world a charge that rings true to me.
I have to wonder if Liberty University President and Trump promoter Jerry Falwell Jr. read that column and what he thinks of it. Falwell, readers may recall, has proclaimed Trump to be the dream president of evangelicals. Falwell was also the driving force in getting Trump to order the IRS not to enforce the Johnson Amendment prohibiting tax-exempt organizations from endorsing or opposing political candidates.
Consider as well the latest addition to the LU campus a 252-foot tower designed to be the tallest building in Lynchburg. (Clearly, Liberty University is not high on the Christian virtue of humility.) When the tower opens next fall, it will house Libertys school of divinity and will feature a replica of the Liberty Bell at the top symbol of a secular rebellion.
What especially disturbs me about this tower, however, is its ironic biblical resonance. Falwell and company would seem to be intent on showing their ministerial students all the kingdoms of the world and encouraging them to become politically active in them. (I am aware, of course, that the biblical original of this particular temptation took place at the top of a mountain rather than a tower. But Liberty does also have its monogram mountain.)
All this makes me wonder just what kind of champions for Christ Liberty is intent on producing. Theocratic champions, perhaps?
EDWARD PALM
Forest
A lesson we need to hear
Regarding Loretta Zimmermans Nov. 25 letter to the editor about America being a culture of death, I whole heartedly applaud her truthful expose of Planned Parenthoods background and agenda for abortion, along with her reference to our societys apathy toward the murder of human life in the womb.
It would be great if her letter were read in every middle school and high school in America. That could happen if Americans were truly tolerant to opposing views.
Pastor ROBERT C. WILSON
Appomattox
Parliament of Zimbabwe has expelled five Zanu-PF legislators after the ruling party notified the august House that they no longer represent the interests of the revolutionary party. The expelled members are Messrs Ignatius Chombo, Saviour Kasukuwere, Professor Jonathan Moyo, Kudzanai Chipanga and Ms Mandiitawepi Chimene.
The partys Extraordinary Central Committee meeting held a fortnight ago recommended the expulsion of the group for fomenting chaos and divisions in Zanu-PF. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Cde Mabel Chinomona announced yesterday that by operation of the law, the constituencies were now vacant.
The chair would like to notify this august House that on the 27th of November, 2017, Parliament was notified by the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front that the following members: Honourable Mandiitawepi Chimene (Makoni South), Kudzanai Chipanga (Makoni West), Professor Jonathan Moyo (Tsholotsho North), Ignatius Chombo (Zvimba North) and Saviour Kasukuwere (Mount Darwin South) have ceased to be members of Zanu-PF party and, therefore, no longer represent the interests of the party in Parliament, she said.
The notification was signed by Honourable (Patrick) Chinamasa in his capacity as the Secretary for Legal Affairs of Zanu-PF. Cde Chinomona said the recall was made in terms of Section 129 (1)(k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Section 129 (1) provides as follows: The seat of a Member of Parliament becomes vacant if the member has ceased to belong to the political party of which he or she was a member when elected to Parliament and the political party concerned, by written notice to the Speaker or the President of the Senate, as the case may be, has declared that the member has ceased to belong to it.
Cde Chinomona said: Pursuant to the above, I do hereby inform this august House that vacancies have arisen in the following constituencies by the operation of the law: Makoni South, Makoni West, Tsholotsho North, Zvimba North and Mount Darwin South.
The necessary administrative measures will be taken to inform His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of the existence of the vacancies in line with Section 39 (1) of the Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) as amended. After the announcement, Kuwadzana East Member of Parliament Advocate Nelson Chamisa (MDC-T) sought clarification on whether or not by-elections would be held to fill the vacancies given what Section 158 (3) of the Constitution provided.
The Section says: Polling in by-election to Parliament and local authorities must take place within 90 days after the vacancies occurred unless the vacancies occur within nine months before a general election is due to be held in which event the vacancies may remain unfilled until the general election.
In response, Cde Chinomona said their duty as Parliament was to notify the House and the President and it was up the Head of State and Government, together with ZEC, to decide on what to do with said vacant constituencies. Prior to the expulsions, Dr Chombo was Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration and Finance and Economic Development Minister, while Mr Kasukuwere was the National Political Commissar and Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.
Prof Moyo was a Zanu-PF Politburo member and Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development. Ms Chimene was Minister of Provincial Affairs for Manicaland province, while Mr Chipanga was the secretary for the Youth League. There were several other members of the G40 faction that the Central Committee recommended to be either expelled or suspended in terms of the ruling partys constitution after they allegedly usurped the powers of the former president Cde Robert Mugabe.
We respect the fact that our President said we should let bygones be bygones. We do not seek retributive justice, neither are we looking for positions in this government, but we clearly dont want to see the same people who played a role in allowing Grace to capture Mugabe, play a leading role in this government and body politic. They should reform first, they cant seat in the politburo at this time, he said.
Health Advisor to the President and Cabinet and former Minister of Health and Child Welfare Dr Timothy Stamps , who died on Sunday, has been declared a national hero. Dr Stamps, who was 81, died at Borrowdale Trauma Centre after a lung infection.
Zanu-PF Secretary for Finance Dr Obert Mpofu announced the decision yesterday to Dr Stamps family at their home at Plot 6 Welston Road, Welston, in Goromonzi. Dr Mpofu was accompanied by other Politburo members that included spokesperson Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, Dr David Parirenyatwa and Cde Tshinga Dube. In his message, Dr Mpofu said the decision to confer Dr Stamps with the national hero status by the Politburo had been unanimous.
We have been sent by His Excellency, the President (Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa), on behalf of Zimbabwe, to pass his condolences and deepest sorrow on the passing of our colleague, Dr Mpofu said.
As you know, he (Dr Stamps) was keen on the welfare of the general populace, so we will miss him a lot. We have been requested by His Excellency to come and inform the family that he has been declared a national hero.
This followed consultations within members of the Politburo who were unanimous in this decision and we are delighted that his colleagues decided that he be declared a national hero. Dr Stamps burial arrangements would be decided in consultation with the family. Dr Mpofu said they worked well with Dr Stamps.
His name is like a family name in communities, he said. Dr Stamps eldest son, Kenyon, thanked Government for honouring his father, saying they had also planned a memorial service for him next week.
We were planning a memorial next Wednesday, as you know, dad had a very much open door policy, was open to everybody, especially the less privileged, he said.
He was loved by many people and didnt even turn down enemies, but as a family we are very grateful (for the national hero status). Dr Stamps was born in Wales on October 15, 1936 and came to Zimbabwe in 1968. He grew up in England where he became one of the youngest doctors in the United Kingdom at the time.
Before independence, he worked for the then Salisbury (now Harare) Municipalitys health department and rose to become the citys chief medical officer. He clashed with racist authorities then by trying to facilitate access to health facilities for black people that were marginalised.
Dr Stamps was appointed Minister of Health and Child Welfare in 1990, taking over from Dr Felix Muchemwa, a position he held until 2002. He is credited with playing a pivotal role in the fight against HIV and Aids. In 1999, he led an initiative to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
His efforts, in collaboration with officials from his ministry, saw the creation of the National Aids Council through an Act of Parliament. In 2004, Dr Stamps founded the Dr Timothy Stamps Trust for people living with chronic conditions after being touched by their plight. The foundation also helps to ease the burden of non-communicable diseases in the country. Dr Stamps is survived by his wife, Cindy, six children and eight-grandchildren. herald
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Judith Meisel says that when she was a teenager in the Stutthof concentration camp in western Poland, other prisoners told her: "Don't let us die without you mentioning what happened to us." The 88-year-old Minnesota resident has not forgotten: Her testimony helped German authorities indict two former guards from the camp where 65,000 people, including Meisel's mother, died, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. She identified one former guard, 94-year-old Johann Rehbogen, as the young SS officer who would taunt female prisoners as they undressed. Prosecutors say the men can't be tied to specific murders, but their work as guards made the killings possible.
Meiselwho escaped along with her sister when inmates were sent on a "death march" away from the camp in 1945says she is willing to relive her horrific experiences to help prosecutors. "This process of seeking answers and finding justice for my mother gives new meaning to my life," she says. The two former guards have been charged as accessories to murder, the AP reports. They deny any knowledge of killings at the camp, where thousands were starved to death or froze. Prosecutors say prisoners were also gassed to death, shot, and killed with lethal injections. Authorities say Meisel and several other Stutthof survivors in the US could be called as witnesses if the former guards are deemed healthy enough to stand trial. (A pendant found at the Sobibor camp helped reunite a family.)
Two weeks after the Washington Post published a bombshell story about Republican Alabama Senate candidate Roy Moore attempting to initiate sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl when he was 32, the paper appears to have been the near-victim of an undercover sting operation by a right-wing organization. The Post reports that a woman who approached the paper with a story about having been impregnated by Moore when she was a 15 was likely affiliated with Project Veritas, an organization run by James O'Keefe that aims to discredit mainstream news outlets and left-leaning political groups by using false stories and secret recordings.
The woman, Jaime T. Phillips, approached the Post via email the day after the first Moore story broke. During a series of interviews over the next two weeks, the woman told a Post reporter about her relationship with the former State Supreme Court judge, which she claimed led to an abortion when she was 15. The reporter was suspicious based on inconsistencies in the woman's story and Phillips' desire to know that her information would negatively affect Moore's election chances. This morning, Phillips was spotted walking into the Project Veritas offices in Mamaroneck, NY. O'Keefe refused to answer if Phillips was working for the organization. Phillips did not answer calls to her cellphone today. The Moore campaign has not responded to calls. (Read more Roy Moore stories.)
As the Republican leadership in the Senate races to pass a sweeping tax reform bill this week, they're running into opposition from their own members. Two weeks ago, Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson came out against the bill in its present form, saying it favors large corporations over small businesses, CNN reports. And today, Steve Daines, R-Mont., joined his colleague as a "no" vote. "Sen. Daines has concerns with how the tax bill looks at main street versus large corporations," an aide to the Montana Republican said. "The Senator wants changes to the tax cut bill that ensure main street businesses are not put at a competitive disadvantage against large corporations." Both senators want the bill to do more for small businesses, which, under the current plan, will see a higher effective tax rate than corporations.
Daines and Johnson are currently working with Republican leaders and the White House to fix the provision on so-called "pass-through" businesses, the Hill reports. With just 52 seats in the Senate, Republicans can't afford to lose another vote if Johnson and Daines remain "no" votes, but several other Republicans are still on the fence, New York Magazine reports. James Lankford, Bob Corker, Jeff Flake, and John McCain have all voiced concerns about how the bill will grow the deficit, and Jerry Moran has expressed reservations about getting rid of the Obamacare individual mandate. Susan Collins, meanwhile, is opposed to eliminating the estate tax and lowering the rate for people making more than $1 million a year, per Bloomberg. (Read more US Senate stories.)
A US undersea rescue vehicle has arrived at the spot where an Argentine submarine vanished on Nov. 15, but with little hope of finding its 44 crew members alive. Shortly before it disappeared, the ARA San Juan reported water had entered the sub through a snorkel and reached a battery connection tray in the prow, causing "a short circuit and the beginning of a fire, or smoke without flame," Navy spokesman Enrique Balbi said at a news conference Monday, per the AP. "They had to electrically isolate the battery and continue sailing underwater to Mar del Plata using another battery circuit." The captain reported that the issue was contained, but the sub never reached its base, per Reuters. Instead, a noise detected some 250 miles off Argentinas southern coast suggests the 213-foot diesel-electric sub may have imploded, officials say.
If only submerged, the sub's oxygen supply wouldve run out after seven to 10 days. Yet some 4,000 personnel from 13 countries are continuing to search for the vessel. On Monday, a Norwegian ship delivered the US Navy's remotely operated underwater vehicle and pressurized rescue module near the sub's last known location. Despite the prognosis, some remain optimistic about what it could find. "I know my son is going to return. I know that he will come back alive," says the mother of crew member Celso Oscar Vallejos, per CBS News. "The final word hasn't been spoken." Other family members have accused the Navy of sending an unfit vessel out to sea. But Balbi said the San Juan underwent "a check of the whole operating system" two days before departing Ushuaia on Nov. 8. "The submarine doesnt sail if that's not done," he said. (Read more submarine stories.)
A former deputy chief of staff said Rep. John Conyers made an unwanted sexual advance toward her and touched her inappropriately twice in the late 1990s, the Detroit News reports in the latest sexual misconduct allegations against the veteran lawmaker. Deanna Maher, 77, who ran a Michigan office for the Democrat from 1997 to 2005, says there were three instances of inappropriate conduct. She says the first was in 1997, when she rejected his offer to share a hotel room and have sex. The others involved unwanted touching in a car in 1998 and unwanted touching of her legs under her dress in 1999, the AP reports.
Conyers' attorney Arnold Reed says the allegations are uncorroborated and he questions why Maher would work for Conyers for so many years after the alleged allegations. She says her need for employment explains why she stayed on the job. "I needed to earn a living, and I was 57. How many people are going to hire you at that age?" she says. Maher says she didn't report the harassment because Conyers is a powerful man in Washington and she didn't think it would be taken seriously. Conyers, 88, announced Sunday that he is stepping down as the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee. He is being investigated over a report that his office paid $27,000 to settle a staffer's sexual harassment claim.
(Read more John Conyers stories.)
In July, World Animal Protection issued a report on the "thousands of elephants exploited for tourism" in Asia, with Thailand listed as a "main concern." One of those elephants, a well-known performer in films and ads, may have rebelled against his own conditions Monday, crushing to death his handler at Thailand's Chiang Mai Zoo, AFP reports. Ekasit, a 32-year-old, 5.5-ton elephant who has appeared in nearly 10 films and is contracted as a performer at the zoo until April, had been fed by owner Somsak Riengngen, who then unchained him so that he could drink and bathe, per Khaosod English. That's when, in front of Somsak's wife and others, Ekasit attacked Somsak with his trunk and tusks, an assault that went on for more than five minutes. "The elephant used his trunk to crush him," the zoo's director tells AFP, adding, per Khaosod: "This accident was an unpreventable tragedy."
But some debate how unpreventable Somsak's death was. The WAP report notes that when they're not performing or giving rides, tourism elephants are often kept in subpar conditions, tethered by short chains, not fed well or given adequate medical care, and constantly surrounded by crowds and loud noiseand that's after they've been torn away from their mothers and put through training meant to "break their spirits and make them submissive." "Is it any wonder that some of these gentle animals eventually become fed up and fight back ... while confined to small enclosures that are a fraction of the size of their natural habitats?" PETA said in a statement. Somsak, said to be in his mid-50s, had worked for about 10 years with Ekasit, who'd never been reported as violent before. (A wildlife park employee was killed by elephants in South Africa earlier this year.)
A West Virginia man was sentenced to five years' probation and 50 years of supervision for impregnating his 11-year-old daughter in 2011 and forcing her to get an abortion. Michael Joe Adkins of Ona entered a Kennedy plea two years ago, reports the Huntington Herald-Dispatch, which allowed him to concede that there was enough evidence for a conviction without admitting guilt. Cabell County Judge Paul Farrell imposed the sentence Nov. 16 under a plea agreement between the prosecution and defense, saying, "I'm just going to be blunt: I hope you screw up during those 50 years so I can send you to prison." Adkins will also have to register as a sex offender and undergo therapy, reports the AP. Farrell got the case after Judge Alfred Ferguson rejected a plea deal without prison. A family member told the judge that the victim, who is now 18, still lives in fear.
Defense attorney Connor Robertson argued that his client has been under the court's supervision since 2011, his only issues have been minor speeding tickets, and the supervised period would only need to be a few years. Assistant prosecutor Kellie Neal said Adkins already received a huge break under the plea agreement. She said previously in court that the victim's testimony and other evidence would prove Adkins raped the girl at his home and she got pregnant. Amanda Adkins, the defendant's estranged wife and the girl's stepmother who pleaded guilty to child neglect in 2015, was sentenced to 18 months of probation and 10 years of supervised release, reports the Herald-Dispatch.
(Read more child rape stories.)
Seth Freed Wessler wrote a story last week for the New York Times that he describes to PRI as one of "real terror on the high seas": what amounts to "floating Guantanamos" in the Pacific, Coast Guard cutters sent far from US shores to bust smugglers trying to transport drugs from South America to Central Americafrom which point the drugs will move up to Mexico and, in all likelihood, the US. Thanks to US maritime laws, drug smuggling in international waters is seen as a crime against the US (even if there's no proof the drugs are coming here), making the detention operation legal. But notable are the conditions the smugglers are often kept in on the US vessels as they're brought here to be prosecuted: They're often chained to ships' decks and exposed to the elements, fed meager portions, and given buckets to use as toilets, which they have to clean out themselves.
Wessler explains to PRI that the Coast Guard blames these conditions, and the length of the smugglers' journeys (he says the average detainee is dragged across the ocean for 18 days), on the fact that the cutters aren't equipped as detention centers. There are other logistical challenges: As it's transporting these smugglers back to the US, the Coast Guard keeps busting others along the way. But Wessler says the cutters often dock to refuel or give the crew a break, and that the detainees could be flown to the US from those ports. He adds many of the Coast Guard officials he's spoken to are "really uncomfortable" with the detention conditions, as well as how long they've had to hold people. More of his interview with PRI here, as well as his original story in the Timeswhich includes one Ecuadorian man's tale of being detained for 70 days before ultimately landing in a US federal prison. (Read more War on Drugs stories.)
"If anybody told me four or five months ago we would be doing this, I would have said you are crazy." And yet the administrator for Hawaii's Emergency Management Agency says the state will resume testing Cold War-era nuclear attack sirens warning residents to "get inside, stay inside, and stay tuned" in response to the increased threat of an attack by North Korea. Vern Miyagi says tests of the sirens (listen here) will join pre-existing tests of a steady siren tone beginning Friday and continuing on the first business day of each month, report USA Today and the Washington Post. Residents of the islandswho can learn more from public service announcements and community meetingsare also advised to store provisions that will last two weeks in case of a nuclear attack or natural disaster.
Miyagi says it's important to plan for every possibility, even one that would give residents a 15-minute warning of a nuclear attack. Some residents tell ABC News the siren could help them get to safety, while others say they would be sitting ducks regardless. Either way, the siren "makes this threat even more real," as one woman puts it. Though North Korean officials have referred to an attack on the US as "inevitable," Miyagi has attempted to calm fears by stressing that an attack remains unlikely. But he's competing with reports that North Korea has continued to conduct missile engine and fuel tests in the aftermath of its last missile test on Sept. 15, per the New York Times. Radio signals detected by Japan could also indicate a missile launch is being planned, reports Reuters. (Read more Hawaii stories.)
Just days ago, a boat washed ashore in northern Japan. Aboard were eight men who said they were from North Korea. Now, another boat has been found just 45 miles north of the first, and it also held eightexcept all are dead. The 23-foot wooden "ghost ship" was discovered Sunday on a beach near Oga. It had no navigational devices and had lost a rotor blade. Some aboard had been "reduced to bones," and Kyodo News reports that the coast guard suspects it originated in North Korea, which sits about 450 miles away. Sky News reports foreign ships aren't an uncommon occurrence in Japan: 44 have washed ashore this year; 66 did so in 2016.
The BBC presents a theory as to why: Some believe North Korea has been calling for more seafood to be fished in order to feed a hungry population. The increased demand may be leading its citizens to take boats that are in subpar condition far off its shores. And as a professor with Japan's Tokai University tells Sky News, the Sea of Japan "starts to get choppy when November comes. It gets dangerous when northwesterly winds start to blow." Kyodo notes the boat that carried the eight live men has vanished; police are reviewing both cases. (This ghost ship was found gutted by fire.)
She says she only wanted to protect her daughter. Sarah Sims now faces the prospect of years behind bars after she sent her daughter to school with a digital audio recorder. Sims tells WAVY she first called and emailed administrators at Ocean View Elementary School in Norfolk, Va., to discuss bullying complaints made by her 9-year-old daughter, who's in fourth grade. When she didn't get a response by late September, Sims says she took matters into her own hands. She hoped the recorder would confirm her daughter's classroom was safe. It was instead confiscated by school administrators, who contacted police. Sims now faces a felony charge of intercepting wire, electronic or oral communications and a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, reports CNN.
Sims' lawyer says she was "shocked" and "appalled" by the charges, arguing the school should've engaged Sims in "a simple conversation" about her concerns. Sims says her daughter had been "kicked in her stomach and hit with a jump rope on the playground" while in third grade. "I removed her from the school because she was refusing to go," Sims notes. "She felt like she wasn't protected." Though the 9-year-old returned to school for the fourth grade, her complaints resumed, Sims says. "I thought [the recorder] would be a good way for me to learn the environment," she says, adding to WAVY: "If I'm not getting an answer from you, what am I left to do?" The school and Norfolk police have declined to comment. Sims' daughter has been moved to a new classroom. (An 8-year-old committed suicide after a bullying incident.)
Women in Hollywood have been speaking out in droves against Harvey Weinstein and others, but one famous female is taking a different tack, noting, "There are two sides to this coin." Angela Lansbury thinks women "must sometimes take blame" for sexual misconduct perpetrated against them, the Telegraph reports. "We have to own up to the fact that women, since time immemorial, have gone out of their way to make themselves attractive," the 92-year-old actress, best known for her TV series Murder, She Wrote, said in a Radio Times interview. "And unfortunately it has backfired on usand this is where we are today."
Lansbury, who said she never was the target of sexual misconduct, did add it's "awful" that woman can't "make ourselves look as attractive as possible without being knocked down and raped," that victims shouldn't be blamed, and that men shouldn't be allowed to get away with it. "I think a lot of men must be very worried at this point," she said. In a statement, Rape Crisis England and Wales slammed Lansbury for perpetuating a "deeply unhelpful myth," adding: "Rape is an act of sexual violence, power and control that has little to nothing to do with sexual desire. There is no excuse or mitigation for sexual violence, and there is no circumstance in which it's even partially the victim's or survivor's fault." BuzzFeed notes the other swift (and mostly harsh) reaction to her comments on social media. (Read more Angela Lansbury stories.)
He was a Princeton University student researching Iran's Qajar dynasty for his PhD. Now, he's "extremely stressed, he has depression and he attempted to commit suicide, and he had multiple diseases," says his wife. Hua Qu spoke to NBC News about the plight of her husband, Xiyue Wang, who was in July sentenced to 10 years in prison in Iran after being convicted of "spying under the cover of research." The 36-year-old Chinese-born naturalized American citizen is being kept in Tehran's Evin Prison, and Qu says more than a year had passed without her seeing him. That changed, sort of, Sunday, when Iranian state TV aired footage of Wang, spliced with images of the CIA seal and Princeton's campus, all set to what the Washington Post calls "ominous" music.
The segment accused Wang of trying to take around 4,500 documents from the country. "My husband is completely innocent," says his wife. "He is just a scholar, just a student, just a history nut." Princeton echoes that: "He was not involved in any political activities or social activism while he was in Iran; he was simply a scholar trying to gain access to historical records he needed for his dissertation," says an official. NBC notes Qu and the school have tried for months to secure his release in private. Now, she's calling for President Trump's assistance: "Only the US government can sort this out, only the US government can help us." The AP adds Congress must decide by mid-December whether to reimpose sanctions on Iran after Trump wouldn't recertify its compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal. Qu sees the video's timing as suspect. (Read more Iran stories.)
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have a May wedding at Windsor Castle's St. George's Chapel, Kensington Palace announced Tuesday. Windsor Castle, west of London, is one of Queen Elizabeth II's main residences. The 15th-century chapel is as historic but more intimate than Westminster Abbey, where Harry's older brother, William, married Kate Middleton in 2011. Tuesday's announcement said that the queen would attend the wedding, which will be paid for by the royal family. The exact date was not revealed, reports the AP.
The announcement added that Markle, who CNN notes attended Catholic school but isn't a practicing Catholic, will be baptized in the Church of England prior to the wedding. The church allows divorceesMarkle is oneto remarry. She'll also become a British citizen, though a rep for Markle wouldn't say if she would retain her American citizenship after the years-long process is complete. Prince Charles' wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, said she was "delighted" her stepson was marrying the US actress. "America's loss is our gain," she said. (Read the story of Harry's proposal here.)
Jeen "Gina" Han's nicknamethe "evil twin"wasn't born from tabloid coverage of her 1997 trial. It was bestowed on her by Irvine, Calif., police, reports the Los Angeles Times, who branded the sister she plotted to kill the "good twin." Now, after 19 years in prison for her conviction on charges related to the 1996 attack on Sunny Han and her roommate, the state Board of Parole has recommended the 43-year-old be released. The AP reports Gov. Jerry Brown has 120 days to decide whether to approve or reject that recommendation, and the Orange County District Attorney's Office is leaning on him to do the latter, describing Gina in a letter as "very intelligent and still manipulative" and a threat to society.
The twins were co-high school valedictorians in Campo, but their relationship broke down in the years that followed. Sunny accused her sister of stealing her BMW and using her credit cards. Prosecutors argued that Gina wanted her sister dead and recruited two teens to make that happen. As Gina waited in a car outside, Archie Bryant, 16, and John Sayarath, 15, gained entry to Sunny's apartment by pretending to sell magazines. They restrained her roommate, Helen Kim; Sunny managed to call 911 before she was tied up. An LAT article on the trial says the girls were put in a bathtub; receipts showed Gina had bought twine, duct-tape, Pine Sol, and garbage bags. But police were quickly on the scene, and Gina was sentenced to 26 years to life in May 1998. She claimed she never intended to kill her twin. Bryant was sentenced to 16 years; Sayarath, to 8, reports the Orange County Register . (This woman was arrested over her twin's death .)
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The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on Thursday that it will enforce comprehensive measures to tackle social ills caused by drinking amid growing concern about the country's heavy culture of imbibing.
Advertisements for alcoholic beverages will disappear from bus stops as well as the exteriors of buses in Seoul from September. Large discount stores will also be required to display liquor products more discreetly.
Currently, 349 buses in Seoul carry alcohol advertisements, which generate about W295 million in annual profit for bus operators.
Similar advertisements will also be banned from subway trains in the near future.
Cuba marks the first anniversary of the death of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro on Saturday followed by municipal elections on Sunday that will usher in a new leader who for the first time in 60 years will not be a Castro brother.
The island will hold a series of remembrances from Saturday through Dec. 4, the day Castro was laid to rest in a cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, where he launched the Cuban revolution.
Fidel Castro's death on last Nov. 25 ushered in a nine days of national mourning. The Cold War icon, who defied U.S. efforts to topple him, died at the age of 90.
By the time he died, Castro had been largely out of public view for nearly a decade because of ill health. He ceded the presidency to his younger brother, Raul Castro, in 2008 after intestinal troubles nearly killed him in 2006.
State-run media reports that galas and vigils will be held around the country this week in honor of Fidel Castro. State television is running archived footage of Fidel Castro, and cultural institutions are dedicating their performances to his memory.
Mumbai:
Manushi Chhillar who has made India proud by clinching the coveted Miss World title at a glittering ceremony in China's coastal city of Sanya has expressed her desire to work in an Aamir Khan flick as the 'PK' star is well-known in the industry to make socially-relevant movies.
The medical student from Haryana said she finds all the actors in Bollywood beautiful but Aamir and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra are her favourites.
"I'll definitely want to work in an Aamir Khan film. I think he has some really challenging roles that he gives you.
At the same time, his movies have a message and a connection to the society. So it'll be very interesting to do. In the actresses, my favourite is Priyanka Chopra," she was quoted while interacting with reporters.
Interestingly, the coveted title was last won by Priyanka for India in 2000, just a year after Yukta Mookhey brought the crown home.
Also Read: Miss World Manushi Chillar returns to India, inundated with heartfelt greetings at Mumbai airport (watch video)
Manushi, a 20-year-old medical student from Haryana,had won Femina Miss India World 2017 in May this year.
When asked if she has Bollywood plans up next, she said the film industry was not on her mind right now.
"I am very excited how this year will turn out. I'll be traveling, visiting continents. We will be spreading awareness about menstrual hygiene where I'll be joined by my other Miss World sisters. That's what I am excited about right now."
"Bollywood is something which isn't on my mind as of now. I really can't say anything about it," she added.
Manushi said in the initial weeks of the beauty pageant, several contestants thought her to be an actor.
Also Read: Miss World 2017: Priyanka Chopra congratulates her successor Manushi Chillar, gives her a SPECIAL advice
"In the first week of the pageant, they thought I was a Bollywood actress. But jokes apart, we all are very similar. We didn't have any preconceived notions about each other. We go there with a fresh mind, there's a lot of curiosity to know each other," she said.
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New Delhi:
Harvey Weinstein has been accused by dozens of women of sexual abuse, including Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, and Mira Sorvino.
Now, Weinstein has been slapped damages claim in a London court by a woman who has accused the Hollywood producer of sexual assault.
Personal injury lawyer Jill Greenfield says her client, who hasn't been identified, is seeking damages for "personal injury" plus expenses and "consequential loss" arising out of a series of sexual assaults by Weinstein.
Civil claims for rape and sexual assault are exceptional in Britain. Greenfield's firm, Fieldfisher, said that this is the first such claim in Britain against Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by more than 50 women.
Papers for the claim have been filed at the High Court, but no date has been set for a hearing.
British police are also investigating several sexual assault claims made by the woman against Weinstein.A
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New Delhi:
Prince Harry is all set to tie the knot with the Hollywood actress Meghan Markle in spring 2018. The couple recently announced their engagement on Monday where Prince stated that he knew Markle was the one from the first time he met her.
While Prince Harry seemed much in love with Meghan, his wedding proposal for the lady unbelievable as well. Well, if you are thinking it to be an extravagant affair, then you really need to hold your horses.
As Prince Harry popped the question to his lady love in the most simple yet adorable manner. According to the media reports, Harry had proposed Meghan over a roast chicken earlier this month.
Reportedly, the couple was enjoying a quality time in his cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace and were trying to roast a chicken when Prince Harry got down on his knee and popped the question to her.
"She didn't even let me finish, she said, 'can I say yes? can I say yes?' and then there were hugs," Harry was quoted as saying.
Isn't it one of the romantic proposals one has heard of?
Interestingly, Meghan and Prince Harry, who have reportedly been dating each other for one and a half years now, were said to have met each other on a blind date.
The media reports further suggested that while Harry had never heard of Markle before, Meghan was reportedly was largely ignorant about the British royal family.
Well, while the newly engaged royal couple is happily engaged now, Prince Harry can't stop gushing about Meghan.
"All the stars were aligned ... This beautiful woman literally tripped and fell into my life, I fell into her life," Harry was quoted as saying.
He further added the 'Horrible Bosses' actress will be unbelievably good at her new royal role.
"The fact that she'll be really unbelievably good at the job part of it as well is obviously a huge relief to me, because she'll be able to deal with everything else that comes with it," Harry added.
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New Delhi:
A team of doctors from New Delhis BLK Super Speciality Hospital collaborated with Muhimbili National Hospital of Tanzanias Dar es Salaam to perform the first-ever kidney transplant in the African country.
The surgery was conducted on a 30-year-old Tanzanian woman who was suffering from an end-stage kidney disease. She was on haemodialysis for over a year.
Her brother donated a kidney to save her life. Both the donor and the recipient were recuperating well and should return to normal activities soon, Dr Sunil Prakash, director and head of the Nephrology department at the BLK Super Speciality Hospital, said.
ALSO READ: Shocking! Man constipated since birth, doctors remove 13 Kgs of feces from 22 year-old
"It is a matter of great honour that the first ever kidney transplant in Tanzania was performed by a team of Indian doctors," said Naresh Kapoor, executive director of the BLK Super Speciality Hospital.
Dr. Jacqueline Shoo and Dr. Kisanga from the Nephrology Department at Muhimbili National Hospital in collaboration with Dr. Sunil Prakash, director and head of nephrology and Dr. Rajesh Pande, director Critical Care from the Delhi-based hospital were part of the surgery.
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New Delhi:
As Indonesia raised Bali volcano alert to the highest level, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday said she was monitoring the situation closely and that the Indian Mission there would provide assistance to Indians requiring help.
The Indian Consulate in Bali has opened a help desk at the city airport to provide any assistance to the Indians stuck there.
"Indians in Bali - Pls do not worry. Pradeep Rawat Indian Ambassador in Jakarta @IndianEmbJkt and Sunil Babu Consul General @cgibali are on the job and I am monitoring this personally(sic)," she said on Twitter.
Indians in Bali - Pls do not worry. Pradeep Rawat Indian Ambassador in Jakarta @IndianEmbJkt and Sunil Babu Consul General @cgibali are on the job and I am monitoring this personally. a Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 27, 2017
Massive columns of thick grey smoke that have been belching from Mount Agung since last week have now begun shooting more than three kilometres (two miles) into the sky, forcing flights to be grounded.
The airport in Balis capital Denpasar, a top holiday destination that attracts millions of foreign tourists every year, has been closed, a move expected to affect tens of thousands of passengers.
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New Delhi:
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Srinagar MP Farooq Abdullah on Monday challenged the Centre, saying the latter first hoist the national flag at Lal Chowk in the heart of Srinagar city before claiming about unfurling it in PoK.
Abdullahs comments drew flak from the ruling party BJP, with Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh asserting the National Conference leader was supporting the separatists and militants. He affirmed that the tricolour is being hoisted in all parts of the state, including Lal Chowk.
Abdullah, who had recently claimed Pakistan Occupied Kashmir cannot become a part of India, said he only told facts and that what he spoke about PoK was the truth.
They (Centre and BJP) are talking about raising flag in PoK. I ask them first you go and raise the tricolour at Lal Chowk in Srinagar. They cant even do that here and they are talking about PoK, he said.
If you dont like to hear the truth, then live in the untruth. The truth is that (PoK) is not our part and this (J&K) is not their part. That is the truth, Abdullah said defending his comment that PoK does not belong to India.
He was speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to Congress leader and MP the late G L Dogra on his 30th death anniversary.
Asked whether he was not hurting the Indian sentiment by making such comments, he retorted, asking What is Indian sentiment? You think I am not an Indian?
Whose sentiments are you talking about? Those crooks, who dont sees our miseries. Who dont see the miseries of our border people? How they suffer when shelling starts?
When asked to comment on the recent killing of an armyman on leave, he said the Centre should be asked the question as it claimed peace had returned to Kashmir after demonetisation.
Abdullah deprecated the incident where two students did not get up when the national anthem was being sung in Rajouri district a few days ago.
Honour to the nation is important and national anthem is most honourable, he said, adding the government should take action against them until they apologised and gave an undertaking that they would not repeat it.
The National Conference leader said he was not aware if cases against stone pelters were being withdrawn.
He wished good luck to the Centres special representative Dineshwar Sharma who is holding talks with stakeholders to restore peace in the restive state.
Abdullahs comments on PoK and the national flag prompted criticism from Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh.
Farooq Abdullah is strengthening separatists and militants with his controversial remarks because he is frustrated. He has forgotten that tricolour is being unfurled in all parts of the state including Lal Chowk, told reporters.
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According to Statistics Korea last week, 220,000 jobs were created last year, but openings in big conglomerates shrank by 90,000. Some 170,000 of the new jobs were created in new companies or through business expansion, but 260,000 positions were lost due to company closures or downsizing.
More university graduates are opting for completely unexpected life path after failing to land coveted jobs in major conglomerates. The main reason is that major business groups slashed 90,000 jobs last year alone.
Big businesses are companies that make W40 billion to W150 billion and employ more than 300 workers (US$1=W1,089). Some 3,800 firms in Korea fit that category.
But the job situation has grown bleaker since 2015, when they still created 70,000 new jobs. The decline last year is partly due to a crisis in the shipbuilding and shipping industries as well as to cutbacks amid the corruption scandal that led to the ouster of President Park Geun-hye.
This means graduates' chances of landing a secure, high-paying job are dwindling. The average monthly salary in big businesses last year was W4.74 million, twice the average in small and mid-sized companies (W2.24 million). Last month, youth unemployment reached 8.6 percent, the highest level for that month in 18 years.
The development is driven by the decline of traditional manufacturing industries. The IT sector is booming, but that is less labor-intensive than traditional smokestack industries, and a growing number of businesses here move their factories abroad. Seong Jae-min at the Korea Labor Institute said, "Layoffs in shipbuilding last year caused jobs in big businesses to decline, while baby-boomers who were laid off at that time ended up opening their own businesses."
Last year, 140,000 jobs were slashed in manufacturing and 20,000 jobs were created in the restaurant and hospitality industries, which are typically the kind of business early retirees open.
Exports of bread-and-butter semiconductors continue to soar, but this is having only a minimal effect on job growth. Samsung invested W13 trillion into its semiconductor business last year but hired only 650 new people, and SK Hynix invested W6 trillion but hired only 250 graduates.
Faced with slowing top-line growth, big businesses are cutting costs and minimizing new hires. Last year, 182 listed companies that generate more than W1 trillion in annual revenues hired just over a million workers, down 15,000 compared to 2015. From 2015 to 2016, big businesses' combined revenues grew W8.3 trillion and operating profit rose W6.5 trillion, but they still cut back on new hires.
More businesses are shifting their factories overseas to avoid high labor costs and militant unions at home. Samsung's overseas hires rose from 240,000 in 2012 to 330,000 in 2015, but at home it hired only 93,200 workers, down 3.8 percent compared to 2015 and the third year of decline.
The IT boom and factory automation are also hurting job growth. Banking is a prime example. Last year, 175 bank branches were closed and another 285 are scheduled to shut down this year as business moves online.
Chennai:
Akhila Ashokan popularly known as Hadiya, a 24-year-old woman from Kerala who converted to Islam to marry a Muslim man, is back to college to continue her studies.
Hadiya travelled a distance of 170 kilometers from Coimbatore to Shivaraj Homeopathy Medical College in Tamil Nadus Salem amid tight security provided by the Kerala Police on Tuesday night.
Shivaraj Homeopathy Medical College students including her classmates and teachers greeted her. According to reports, the security in college campus was beefed up by Tamil Nadu Police in accordance to the directives given by the Supreme Court on Monday hearing.
Hadiya was seen wearing a yellow scarf. After a short meeting with her fellow students she whisked away to the managing director's office. After her meet with the college authorities she was taken to the college hostel, around five kilometers from college administrative building, in a police vehicle.
Hadiya will be undergoing a 11-month internship at the institution as directed by the top court on Monday. Shivaraj Homeopathy Medical College principal G Kannan informed the media that she will resume her classes from Wednesday.
He said, She will continue her course under her Hindu name Akhila Ashokan and she will be treated as other students. I will ensure she completes the course without a hitch.
Prior leaving for the hostel Hadiya told the media that she requested permission to meet her husband from college officials. I hope they will allow me to meet my husband, said Hadiya.
The college authorities said, We will go by the police advice. It is our responsibility to maintain her security.
Hadiyas husband Shafin earlier in the day said, It was a big victory for him. I hope our separation will end gradually. The Supreme Court did not give any directives on me meeting her. I hope to meet her soon.
Also read: Hadiya gets her 'freedom'; Supreme Court directs her to resume studies
While Hadiyas father K M Ashokan, a former army man, said, If Shafin tried to harass my daughter, I will move to the court to restrain his moves.
Her mother, Ponnamma, claimed that two of her classmates indoctrinated and converted her with the help of fundamentalist groups. What makes me sad is that she was forced to marry a man with extremist links, she said.
Hadiyas return to college and freedom from her parents custody was possible due to the Supreme Court. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra while interacting with Hadiya on Monday had asked her about her school, why she chose medicine as her study, what she does during her free time, what were her hobbies during her college days. The apex court after interacting with Hadiya directed her to resume her studies.
Also read: Hadiya 'Love Jihad case: No need for NIA probe, Kerala govt tells SC
The 24-year-olds marriage to a Muslim man and conversion had triggered widespread controversy across the country. Several political leaders and Hindu fundamentalists had termed her conversion as love jihad.
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Hyderabad :
Ivanka Trump, daughter and adviser to US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday, showered praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in her address at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad. She said, What you are achieving here is truly extraordinary. From your childhood selling tea to your election as India's Prime Minister, you've proven that transformational change is possible.
The senior White House adviser was participating in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit along with 1500 women entrepreneurs.
Highlights of Ivankas speech
# Thank You PM Modi for joining us today, for making India a symbol of democracy and beacon of hope for the world.
# What you are achieving here is truly extraordinary. From your childhood selling tea to your election as India's Prime Minister, you've proven that transformational change is possible.
# India has a true friend in the White House.
# India is truly an inspiration to all of us all over us the world. Through innovative talent & entrepreneurial ability, you have made remarkable strides.
# It's incredible to visit this ancient city (Hyderabad) brimming with transformative technology.
# Indian spaceships have reached Moon and Mars. People of India inspire us all.
# I am proud to see that for the first time a majority of 1500 women entrepreneurs are participating in such an event. For the first time ever, women make up 50 per cent of the people selected for this summit.
# This summit is a symbol of growing economic and security cooperation between India and US.
# Women entrepreneurs got less than 3 percent funding to establish businesses in 2016
# Today, more than 11 million women in the US own businesses.
Also read| GES 2017: Trump's daughter Ivanka to stress on fuelling women-led businesses growth
# In many countries women cannot even walk the streets without men.
# The women entrepreneurs finance initiative will provide access to capital, network to women in developing countries.
# Women still face steep obstacles in starting, growing and establishing their businesses.
Also read| GES 2017: Ivanka Trump, Sitharaman to discuss opportunities for women entrepreneurship
# We are committed to supporting women and men both inside and outside of their homes. # Women are more likely than men to hire other women.
# The women here today represent the grit, determination of every woman. You prove to the world that we have the power to rise above the challenges we face.
For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Jammu:
A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was shot dead by his colleague after a scuffle at Madar camp in Jammu and Kashmirs Bandipora district, police said.
An inspector general of police rank officer confirmed the incident. He said, A scuffle between two jawans led to the incident on Monday late hours.
The deceased BSF jawan has been identified as Chandrabhan, a resident of Haryana.
The officer denied revealing details of the incident. He said, We are investigating the matter. A case has been registered. He added the accused has been taken into custody.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case under relevant Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections including 302 against the accused jawan.
A police officer deployed in Bandipora district said, The arrested has been identified as Ravinder Singh. He is a senior constable with the BSF.
Also read: BSF ASI killed, 3 militants killed near Srinagar Airport; Operation ends, combing operation underway
Sources in the BSF said, Senior officers of the force visited the Madar camp to take details of the incident. A parallel investigation has been launched by the BSF in the fratricide killing.
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New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Ivanka Trump inaugurated the 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit at Hyderabad on Tuesday. The three-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit event is themed around "Women First, Prosperity for All".
India is hosting the event for the first time. The summit is taking place at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) in Hitec City, the Information Technology hub.
The inaugural session of the summit was addressed by Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. Ivanka Trump was next to deliver her speech at the summit. Ivanka's address was centered about women's rapid growth as world class entrepenuers and how India was a role model for the rest of the world to follow in terms of women empowerment.
The summit focuses on women entrepreneurs and all eyes shall be on on US President Donald Trump's daughter and advisor Ivanka Trump. Ivanka Trump's 350-member delegation includes top administration officials and a large number of Indian-Americans. The summit will also feature 1,200 young entrepreneurs, mostly women.
PM Modi will also host a dinner for the US President's daughter at Hyderabad's Falaknuma Palace.
Here are the live updates:
# Each of you young Indian entrepreneurs have the ability to create a New India 2022. You are the nation's wealth: PM Narendra Modi
# India working to develop a comprehensive national energy policy says PM Modi at GES.
# Through Jan Dhan Yojana and direct transfer scheme the government has brought informal sector into the banking system, says Modi at GES
# India has been an incubator for innovations & entrepreneurship over the ages - PM Modi
# Ancient Indian treatise, Charaka Samhita, introduced world to Ayurveda - PM Modi
# Yoga is another ancient Indian innovation. Entire world now comes together, to celebrate Yoga Day on 21st June every year: PM Modi
# Our many ports and harbors and world's oldest dockyard in Lothal bear evidences of ancient trade linkages: PM Narendra Modi
# Women are an incarnation of Shakti - Prime Minister Narendra Modi
# Women's empowerment vital to India's development. Every developmental project has had immense contribution from women - PM Modi
# From our successful space projects to our government ministries, everything has women contributing to a great extent - PM Modi
#PM Modi has began his address at the summit
# It's incredible to visit this ancient city (Hyderabad) brimming with transformative technology: Ivanka Trump
# India is truly an inspiration to all of us all over us the world. Through innovative talent & entrepreneurial ability, you have made remarkable strides: Ivanka Trump.
# What you are achieving here is truly extraordinary. From your childhood selling tea to your election as India's Prime Minister, you've proven that transformational change is possible, says Ivanka Trump
# I am proud to see that for the first time a majority of 1500 women entrepreneurs are participating in such an event - Ivanka Trump
# Indian spaceships have reached Moon and Mars. People of India inspire us all, said Ivanka.
# Hyderabad is the innovation hub of India. Prime Minister Modi is the symbol of democracy: Ivanka
# What you are achieving here is truly extraordinary: Ivanka Trump to PM Modi at GEC
# The people of India, I want to congratulate you as you celebrate the 70th anniversary of Independence: Ivanka Trump at GEC
# PM Modi, Ivanka Trump inaugurate the event
# Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao starts speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad.
# PM Narendra Modi meets Ivanka Trump at the GES venue
#The Indian corporate houses are in full attendance
#EAM Sushma Swaraj meets Ivanka Trump, Advisor to the US President and Leader of the US delegation
# Ivanka Trump arrives at the venue
# Venue gets packed for event
Also Read: PM Modi flags off Hyderabad Metro Rail
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Mumbai:
In an incident reported from Latur district of Maharashtra, a 15-year-old girl who was allegedly raped by an Army jawan in April has been expelled from her school. The school took the step to maintain the dignity of the institution say reports.
"My school has suspended my admission saying their reputation will be tarnished if I continue to study there," the victim claimed.
However, the district administration has a different story to tell.
In our initial investigation, we have learnt that the girl was not expelled. Her brother had requested for a transfer, said Latur district collector G Shrikant. He added, We are still probing the incident. Things will be more clear after the inquiry is over.
Another official said, The victim and her brother asked for transfer certificate on July 19. The school provided them with the certificate the very next day.
The Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has asked the Latur Police to submit a factual report in the case.
The culprit is yet to be arrested.
Madhya Pradesh: Cabinet approves death penalty for convicts raping 12-year-old and below
Also read: Roopal Tyagi over Piyush Sahdev Rape Allegations: Gossip mongers to not jump to conclusions
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New Delhi:
Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar while interacting with the media in Delhi said she as a doctor and a Miss World wants to make the world a better place for everyone.
Things are already changing. I am happy that the tradition of celebratory firing during weddings is already being abolished, right after I was crowned, said Chhillar on the issue of Khap in Haryana.
I am very grateful to the government of Haryana for all the privileges they are offering to me and one of them is of a position that I can take at a government office and I would really like to contribute to the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Aandolan, she added.
Another difference that she wishes to make is in her home state of Haryana.
"Right after I won even the state and national contests, a lot of young women had queries about it. I am hoping this win will encourage them to take a step ahead. I have been lucky to have very supportive parents but if there is someone who doesn't have support, they must still never give up. If you have the courage, you will make it through," said Chhillar.
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New Delhi:
The Income Tax (IT) department on Tuesday conducted searches at over 25 locations in Delhi and the National Capital Region in connection with its tax evasion probe into the Panama Papers leak cases, official sources said.
The I-T teams swooped down on three business groups, which had interests in metals and food processing, financial services and tyres, they added.
The department had recovered about Rs 4 crore cash and jewellery during the ongoing searches in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Faridabad till now, the sources said, adding that a number of documents, computer hard discs and CDs were seized.
The names and links of the business groups had featured in the PanamaBSE 1.08 per cent Papers and it was detected that these entities were "highly suppressing" their actual turnover and income, they said.
At least 25 locations in Delhi-NCR were covered during today's search-and-survey operations, the sources added.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which frames the policies of the IT department, had recently said that the probe into the Panama Papers leak cases had led to the detection of undisclosed wealth of Rs 792 crore and that the probe was on in "full swing".
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Mumbai:
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was hospitalised on Monday after he complained of uneasiness but was doing "fine" now, a senior railway official said.
Before hospitalisation, Goyal visited suburban Elphinstone Road and Currey Road stations to take stock of ongoing construction of the Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) by the Army.
Goyal complained of uneasiness after addressing a review meeting of senior Central and Western Railway officials at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on Monday evening.
READ: Bullet train project is a part of India's development plans: Railway Minister Piyush Goyal
"After holding a review meeting with the officials,the minister complained of uneasiness due to acidity. Anambulance was called as part of protocol though he was fitenough to walk and preferred to travel in his own vehicle,"the official.
ALSO READ: Piyush Goyal: Govt to soon take decision on dates for winter session of Parliament
"He (Goyal) has been admitted to a private hospital and is fine now," he added. Goyal did not attend a scheduled press conference due to ill health.
Visited Elphinstone Road railway station and reviewed the progress of Foot over bridge's construction. The Army has been working tirelessly to build the infrastructure within the given timeline. pic.twitter.com/ZhcqSorH7f Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 27, 2017
"Visited Elphinstone Road railway station and reviewed the progress of foot overbridge's construction. The Army has been working tirelessly to build the infrastructure within the given timeline," Goyal said in a tweet on Monday night.
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New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the much-awaited Hyderabad Metro Rail on Tuesday. The prime minister, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao andA Telanganaas Information Technology Minister K T Rama Rao travelled by the metro from Miyapur to Kukatpally.
A Telangana governor ESL Narasimhan and MoS Urban Development Hardeep Singh Puri were also present on the occasion.A A
The 30 km-long first phase of the metro rail project is situated between Miyapur and Nagole station Its commercial operations would start the day after.
LIVE UPDATES:
# PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Hyderabad metro
During its inaugural run, Modi and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will travel by the metro from Miyapur to Kukatpally, and back.
The trains would run from 6 am to 10 pm initially and the timings would be rescheduled to 5:30 am to 11 pm, depending on the traffic and demand, Telanganaas Information Technology Minister K T Rama Rao informed.
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New Delhi:
Ivanka Trump, the advisor and daughter of US President Donald Trump, on Tuesday arrived in Hyderabad to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit co-hosted by India and America.
Amid tight security, she was welcomed by Indian ambassador to US Navtej Sarna and US ambassador to India Kenneth Juster with other senior officials at the airport. Ivanka is leading a delegation of senior Trump administration officials and entrepreneurs at the three-day Summit which will be held on Tuesday.
Ivanka TrumpA is likely to stress on fuelling the growth of women-led businesses, saying closing the gender entrepreneurship gap world-wide could grow global GDP by as much as 2 per cent.
In her key note address to the 8th annual GlobalEntrepreneurship Summit later in the day, she is likely to stress on ensuring women entrepreneurs have access to capital, access to networks and mentors, and access to equitable laws.
To be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, more than 1200 young entrepreneurs, a majority of whom are women, from 127 countries would attend the summit.
In addition some 300 investors and ecosystem supporters are also attending the mega event.
Hyderabad: #IvankaTrump arrives for the GES 2017. PM Modi to also attend the summit pic.twitter.com/JXP4Yd1UVN a ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017
The worldas largest gathering of young entrepreneurs is being co-hosted by India and the United States.
#WATCH Ivanka Trump arrived in Hyderabad, late last night; will be attending Global Entrepreneurship Summit #GES2017 pic.twitter.com/3FozL12bF4 a ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2017
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Alex Wong/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- First Lady Melania Trump hosted members of the press and children from Joint Base Andrews at an unveiling of this year's White House Christmas decorations on Monday.
The theme this year, "Time-Honored Traditions," credited to Trump, is intended as a homage to 200 years of White House holiday customs.
The decorations include 53 Christmas trees, 71 Christmas wreaths, more than 12,000 ornaments and a 200-pound gingerbread reproduction of the White House.
The Grand Foyer and Cross Hall were decorated with multiple Christmas trees covered in crystal ornaments and artificial snow inspired by the "Nutcracker Suite" theme of the 1961 White House holiday decorations.
The Red Room contained a smaller Christmas tree and decorations made of holiday treats and candies. There, the first lady sat with children from Joint Base Andrews to make holiday decorations out of gumdrops.
A press release from the White House states, "Throughout the month of December, the White House will host more than 100 open houses and many receptions. More than 25,000 visitors will walk the halls taking part in public tours."
Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Park was to return to the dock with a fresh team of five court-appointed lawyers after her own legal team resigned en masse in protest against the court extending her detention, but she refused to meet them and cited health problems for her absence.
Ex-President Park Geun-hye's trial resumed at the Seoul Central District Court after a 42-day hiatus on Monday, but the accused refused to show up.
Park submitted a statement claiming to be suffering from back pains and swollen knees that require painkillers.
Authorities in the remand jail where Park has been incarcerated said she is getting about 30 minutes of exercise a day outside her cell. Monday's court session ended after just 23 minutes.
The court will decide whether to try her in absentia if she keeps refusing to show up.
The judge said, "It is difficult to force her to show up for trial considering her status as an ex-president. We will postpone the trial [to Tuesday] and explain what she stands to lose if she is tried in absentia."
The court-appointed lawyers have asked Park three times to meet with them, but the former leader apparently did not respond.
One told reporters, "We will try our best to protect the rights of the defendant and uphold the objectives of the previous defense team."
New Delhi :
A woman in her early twenties was allegedly gang raped by her brother, father and two uncles, who believed she disgraced the family honour by eloping with a boy of a different commuity, in Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar.
Uttar Pradesh Police officials have claimed to arrest all the four accused involved in the rape case. Police registered an FIR against the four accused on the directives of the Allahabad High Court.
Police added that the victim in her complaint also mentioned that her family members threatened her of dire consequences if she informed the incident to anyone. She was also confined in her house for several days.
A senior police officer of Muzaffarnagar said, The incident occurred in Dhaneda village few kilometers away from the city.
He added, The victim told the police that the four accused while raping her repeatedly said that she is being punished for disgracing the honour of the family by eloping with boy of another caste.
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New Delhi:
International Data Corporation (IDC)s report has claimed that Xiaomi has emerged as the market leader in the top 50 Indian cities in the Q3 2017 period. Further, it is closely followed by Samsung, Lenovo (including Moto), Oppo and Vivo.
More than 50 percent of overall smartphone sales in the country have occurred in the top 50 Indian cities in the third quarter of this year.
The Tier I cities which include the countrys top metros are considered to be the key volume driver for the Indian smartphone market. Delhi and Mumbai contributed one-fourth of the total sales in top 50 cities.
Moreover, IDC has revealed that as far as the Tier II cities are concerned, Bhopal, Gurugram and Jaipur have reported a massive growth of more than 40 percent from the previous quarter.
ALSO READ: Xiaomi launches Mi Exchange Programme in India in line company's expansion plans
With the rise of 4G data penetration in India mainly from Tier I and Tier II cities are attracting brands who are currently diversifying their sales and marketing strategies.
IDC in its India Monthly City-Level Smartphone Tracker has claimed that in the top 50 cities, Xiaomi ousted Samsung to take 26.5 percent of the market.
READ: Xiaomi Redmi Y1 Lite, Redmi Y1 to go on sale on Amazon. Know its price, features
Reports state that it has registered 120 percent growth in the period, while the Redmi Note 4 contributed to 40 percent of its volumes - becoming the highest selling smartphone across the cities.
Dhaka:
The Bangladesh High Court has upheld the death sentence of 139 and the life imprisonment of 146 convicted soldiers of the then Bangladesh Rifles over the killing of 74 people, including 57 Army officers, during the 2009 mutiny.
The judgement comes after the court started delivering the verdict in the death sentence of the total 152 convicted soldiers at the border guards' headquarters.A
"One thirty-nine will have to walk to gallows and 146 will be imprisoned for life," attorney general Mahbubey Alam told a media briefing, quoting the long verdict delivered by a three-judge High Court bench. The judgement comes four years after a lower court in Dhaka handed down capital punishment to 152 and life term to 158 soldiers of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR).
A bench started reading out the entire judgement on the death reference and appeal hearing of the trial of what is said to Bangladesh's biggest ever criminal case. A Dhaka court had awarded death penalty to 152 jawans and non-commissioned officers of the BDR, which was renamed as the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), in November 2013. The court had sentenced 158 to life imprisonment, 251 to imprisonments up to 10 years for the February 25-26, 2009 carnage, when 74 people, including 57 military officers serving in the then Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), were killed.
"It appears from discussions and reviews before and after the BDR mutiny that it was a conspiracy by a quarter with vested interest to hamper the stability of the state and socio-economic safety," said the bench in its observation part of the judgement. The bench observed that it was "an attempt to destroy a trained and skilled professional force through conspiracy". The BDR jawans had been accused of masterminding the mutiny plots, torturing and killing their officers, looting their belongings or keeping their family members captive during the rebellion.
They had also killed eight civilians, eight fellow BDR soldiers who apparently were opposed to the revolt and an army soldier apart from the 57 military officers. Legal experts had called it the country's biggest ever criminal trial in which some 800 ex-paramilitary soldiers had been accused of the murder of 74 people, including 57 military officers during the revolt in February 2009.
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New Delhi:
Three Pakistani nationals, including a nine-year-old girl, would be issued visas for their medical treatment in India, said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday.A
Swaraj was responding to a request by Danish Memon to grant a visa to his nine-year-old daughter Maria for treatment of thalassemia following which she asked the Indian High Commission in Islamabad to issue the travel document immediately.
"Maria Danish - I am asking Indian High Commission in Pakistan to issue your visa immediately," she tweeted.
Replying to another request by one Mariam Asim for medical visa for her father, Swaraj said India would issue the visa.
"Pls contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan with your papers. We will issue the visa," Swaraj tweeted.
The External Affairs Minister also assured another Pakistani woman, Fariha Usman, of granting visa after she requested for it.
Maria Danish - I am asking Indian High Commission in Pakistan to issue your visa immediately. @DanishM10744644
pic.twitter.com/R0aGxbcvbe a Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 27, 2017
Pls contact Indian High Commission in Pakistan with your papers. We will issue the visa. @IndiainPakistan https://t.co/wf1Qoxxa2o a Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 27, 2017
On a report from @IndiainPakistan, we have approved medical visa for the liver transplant surgery of Ms.Sakina Younus in India. a Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) November 27, 2017
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A high-speed KTX rail service between Seoul and Gangneung, Gangwon Province will begin operating late next month, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport said on Monday.
Advance bookings can be made from Thursday for trains scheduled to begin service on Dec. 22. The service is intended to accommodate travel to the venues of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
It will operate 18 times a day on weekdays -- with 10 departures from Seoul Station and eight from Cheongnyangni Station -- and 26 times on weekends. A one-way ticket to Gangneung will cost W27,600 from Seoul Station and W26,000 from Cheongnyangni (US$= W1,089).
The service will reduce travel time from Seoul to Gangneung from 6.5 hours by regular train to 1.5-2 hours.
Defense Minister Song Young-moo visited the Joint Security Area on Monday to check the route a fleeing North Korean soldier took last week.
Multiple bullet holes marked the scene on the southern side of the JSA from shots fired by North Korean guards. Five bullet marks were found near the ventilator at Freedom House in the truce village of Panmunjom, where the soldier collapsed.
The lower part of the wall and even a tree next to the building were dimpled with shots.
Korea and China are about to start talks about enshrining new rules for services and investment in their free trade agreement, according to a diplomatic source in Beijing on Monday.
The talks will be vital in preventing a recurrence of China's recent unofficial boycott of Korean services, where the tourism and logistics industries took the brunt.
The FTA took effect on Dec. 20, 2015 but was focused mainly on manufactured goods. The two countries agreed to leave follow-up talks on services and investment until two years later because they found it impossible to get on the same page.
China's service exports are growing rapidly and is expected to reach US$1 trillion in 2020. But Korea's service exports to China stood at a mere $20.5 billion in 2016, just 16 percent of the value of its goods exports ($124.4 billion).
Of all 155 service sectors, China completely opened only six, including data processing and financial information exchange, to Korea in the FTA. Some 84 sectors offer limited access and 65, including education and defense, remain completely closed to Korean firms.
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Each November, as Thanksgiving looms closer, America begins to pay more attention to an issue that is prevalent around the country year-round: hunger.
Between the years of 2016-18, an average of 12.4 percent of Connecticut households were food insecure, according to most recent data from the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A little over four percent of those households were considered to be "very low food secure households."
These numbers have declined slightly since the period of 2013-15 when 13.1 percent of Connecticut households were food insecure, but a more troubling statistic is the increasing number of people who experience actual hunger in Connecticut.
Despite the fact that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has shown that there has been a drop in food insecurity across the country, the drop in Connecticut has been smaller, Paul Shipman, spokesperson for the Connecticut Food Bank, told Hearst in 2018.
Feeding America, which helps support the Connecticut Food Bank, as well as over 200 food banks across the country, releases an annual Food Insecurity Report breaking down hunger amongst the 50 states. The most recent report shows thatthe food insecurity rate in Connecticut in 2017 was 11.3.
According to the 2017 Feeding America report, Litchfield County experienced the least food insecurity with a rate of 9.3 percent, followed by Fairfield County at 9.4 percent, Tolland County at 9.6 percent and Middlesex County at 9.7 percent.
More News Stats: Hunger and poverty in Connecticut
New Haven County is in worse shape with a 12.1 percent food insecurity rate. The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven supports local food banks and organizations battling hunger in the Greater New Haven area, which extends beyond just New Haven County to include parts of the Valley.
In 2016, the foundation published The Community Progress Report, which found that "14 percent of Greater New Haven, and nearly one in four New Haven residents, did not have enough money for food," Matthew Higbee, the Research and Communications Officer, Grantmaking and Strategy, told Hearst in 2017.
One issue that the Connecticut Food Bank has seen is the number of individuals who working more than one job, yet cannot afford to put food on the table.
"What has become more apparent is that the people who visit us are working. They are working one or more jobs but they still struggle to make ends meet," said Shipman in 2018.
Shipman attributed this to the rising cost of living in Connecticut.
"Hunger impacts every community," said Shipman. "People would be shocked to know that they may have neighbors who are struggling because of a sudden loss of a job or a health emergency."
For education technology entrepreneurs, things are looking up. On the heels of a four-year low in 2016, edtech investments are on a marked upswing, on pace to reach $1.4 billion by 2017's end by PitchBook's account.
Still, edtech investments are likely to fall short of the $1.5 billion high-water mark of 2015. Especially with the U.S. federal education budget likely to face cuts for 2018, entrepreneurs and investors alike are eyeing edtech with cautious optimism.
Related: 5 Challenges Facing Education-Tech Startups
To be sure, 2017 has been a good year for edtech startups in certain niches. Introductory coding tool littleBits, for example, debuted a new kit this year to rave reviews and became the star of the year's National Principal's Conference.
Some adaptive learning startups, such as Nearpod, had a good year as well. Nearpod announced $21 million in funding back in March, according to TechCrunch, which enabled it to debut more than 300 digital lessons in a partnership with Education.com.
Investors also signaled interest in gamification platforms such as Classcraft, which turns attending school into a role-playing game over the course of a schoolyear. In September, PE Hub reported that Classcraft closed an impressive early-stage investment of $2.8 million to scale its tool.
What do these edtech success stories have in common? They make learning fun for kids and easy for educators, and they've been rigorously tested both in and out of the classroom. While that might sound simple, educators have understandably high expectations for products that purport to improve student learning.
Becoming the teachers pet.
Administrative and support staff, who are often the ones ordering products for districts, often default to teachers' judgment when making classroom purchases. For entrepreneurs hoping to tap into the education market, teachers are the right people to reach.
So what, exactly, are teachers looking for in an edtech product? Typically, they want to see that it:
1. Solves actual problems.
Any product designed primarily to "wow" users won't work in education. Teachers and classrooms are stretched thin as it is, and a tool won't make its way into schools unless it's necessary. Unfortunately, many of the tools available at the moment simply aren't cutting it. Just 59 percent of teachers think the tech they use is meeting student needs, according to research from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
The problem, more often than not, is that edtech companies assume they know what teachers and students need. When an edtech company decides to create a gamified math program, it's because it believes that's the only way to make math fun. But for every app that tries to gamify a subject, there are already thousands of teachers making it fun without a fancy new product.
For the real story, talk to teachers about the challenges they experience every day. ClassDojo, for one, has succeeded because its co-founder Sam Chaudhary committed to listening to teachers, parents and students throughout the development process.
As a result, ClassDojo solves a real teacher need: communicating student progress to parents outside of the parent-teacher conference. It's the type of problem that you wouldn't think about unless you're a teacher -- or talked to one. Now ClassDojo is used in 90 percent of U.S. K-8 school districts, as reported by the San Francisco Business Times.
Related: 4 Startups Revolutionizing the EdTech World
2. Is tested and proven.
In the early days of edtech, getting products into the hands of teachers was enough. Teachers would pilot the tool, and if their classes liked it, they'd ask administrators whether they could purchase it. These days, competition is much fiercer. So many products have hit the market that teachers don't know which are wise investments.
Fortunately, edtech accelerators serve not only to help entrepreneurs develop their products, but also as trusted testing grounds. In 2015, the University of Virginias Curry School of Education created its Jefferson Education Accelerator to give promising edtech startups a jump-start. So far, none of the companies the accelerator has worked with have failed.
Accelerators help entrepreneurs validate products, of course, but the trials don't end there. LEAP Innovations, for instance, works to match Chicago-area schools and edtech investment experts. Not only does this help teachers find the right technology, but it also helps edtech companies find the perfect audience for their products.
3. Has a plan for implementation and adoption.
Over the past 20 years, we've seen great steps forward to modernize schools and classrooms. Today, nearly all schools are online, and 88 percent of classrooms have robust broadband internet, according to Education Superhighway's 2017 State of the States report.
That broadband access is due, in part, to E-Rate, a program I was lucky enough to help create and launch in the late 1990s. But while broadband access is a real accomplishment for rural schools, in particular, not every teacher at newly connected schools instantly embraced online learning tools. Participating in the program reminded me that a tool alone can't change how a teacher approaches her day.
Simply creating a new product isn't enough; edtech companies need to consistently support teachers as they adopt and implement that product in their classrooms. For example, there have been several programs to get iPads into schools. Although it seems like they'd be a big hit, taps and apps are a big shift from paper and pencils.
Related: How Edtech Startups Are Using Technology To Up Their Game
One company that bridged that gap was Schoology. The company's learning management system facilitated a one-to-one iPad implementation program for a school district in Pennsylvania. With Schoology's program, teachers could provide customized instruction for their students, making use of the tech they'd been provided.
Don't make the "build it and they will come" mistake with teachers. Without a proven product that fulfills a need of theirs or their students, any attempts to sell to teachers will tank. Teachers know what they do and don't need in the classroom, and no amount of venture investment will change that.
Related:
#5 Ways to Produce Efficient Entrepreneurs By Changing the Way we Teach
What Your Edtech Product Needs to Get a Gold Star From Educators
Here's What the Leaders of the 11 Most Successful U.S. Companies Studied in College
Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com
The military is blasting broadcasts by loudspeaker along the heavily armed border with North Korea informing the North of the latest defection by a North Korean soldier. They are being told how the soldier was shot several times during his dramatic escape, but was saved by South Korean doctors and is recovering.
Many consider the broadcasts a formidable weapon in the South's psychological warfare arsenal. One North Korean who defected in June and used to be a soldier along the border said he decided to escape after hearing about South Korea's rapid economic development from other defectors in these broadcasts.
The latest defection could have a huge psychological impact on North Koreans, since it involved an elite soldier making a mad dash across the border braving a hail of bullets. The loudspeakers can be heard 10 km inside North Korea in daytime and as far away as 24 km at night. They are played two to six hours a day in a radio program format.
North Korea is furious at the South Korean broadcasts. The South dismantled the loudspeakers amid a thaw in 2004 after trusting the North's pledge to halt provocations. At that time, North Korea indicated that its prime objective was to stop the broadcasts. North Korea was extremely nervous when South Korea resumed the broadcasts following a box-mine attack in the demilitarized zone in 2015 that maimed two South Korean soldiers, and again in January last year after the North's fourth nuclear test.
For a regime as reclusive as North Korea's, information about the outside world can be far more destructive than American bombs. North Koreans are led by a dictator whose grip on power could be seriously undermined if truth about the outside world gets in. The BBC and a dozen other foreign and South Korean broadcasters are already reaching out to an estimated 3 million North Koreans to tell them how their leader is deceiving them. There are apparently many North Koreans who mill around near foreign embassies in Pyongyang trying to use their Wifi signals to access the Internet, and the North has more than 2.5 million smartphone users.
Informing North Koreans about the atrocities being committed by their dictator can be a strong deterrent against further abuses. North Korea must be warned that further nuclear provocations will open the floodgates to outside information inundating the North. Reunification can only be achieved by weakening Kim's grip on power and letting his people learn the truth.
President Moon Jae-in, in a speech marking the 64th anniversary of the armistice that halted the 1950-53 Korean War, proposed "mutually" ending cross-border provocations. That means the South could end the loudspeaker broadcasts in a tit-for-tat arrangement. This would be a serious mistake and surrender a vital weapon in the arsenal.
Delta 9 was founded in 2012, and quickly became the fourth fully licensed producer and distributor of medical cannabis in Canada. Currently operating an 80,000 sq. ft. production facility in East Winnipeg, Delta 9 is focused on growing small batch, hand trimmed medical cannabis strains in its innovative, self-designed Grow Pod systems. As Manitoba has recently unveiled its proposed cannabis distribution model, which includes private sales, Delta 9 will work with Canopy Growth to continue to serve the local market with consistent high-quality standardized cannabis products, while gaining access to consumers across the country through Canopy Growth's online marketplace: www.tweedmainstreet.com .
"We recognize the varied needs of our patients and through the CraftGrow program we aim to bring them the highest quality products from a variety of producers that each bring a unique offering forward," said Mark Zekulin, President of Canopy Growth Corporation. "This is the ninth participant in the CraftGrow program, and we are particularly excited to see one of the earliest established producers in our sector come on board. We want to promote the value of our platform approach and welcoming Delta 9's products to our shop speaks volumes to the CraftGrow program's potential."
Canopy Growth's CraftGrow line aims to build an ecosystem of high-quality cannabis options for patients across the country. As the newest member of the CraftGrow family, Delta 9 will gain direct access to Canopy Growth's extensive operational, distribution, marketing and sales infrastructure through the Tweed Main Street online marketplace where a gram is shipped on average every 4 seconds. Its sector-leading fulfillment centre then ships these orders to customers all across the country.
"Our company is excited to further our growing partnership with Canopy Growth," said Delta 9 CEO John Arbuthnot. "We are already working closely on a project to jointly serve the growing market in Manitoba; this project brings Delta 9's craft grown cannabis products to a wider national audience through Canopy's well-established CraftGrow network."
Canopy Growth is committed to growing a thriving cannabis marketplace that offers diversity of producers and products to valuable customers. The CraftGrow program is an integral part of an effective cannabis ecosystem, and the addition of Delta 9 strengthens the program and supports ongoing success.
Here's to Future CraftGrowth.
About Tweed
Tweed is a globally recognized cannabis production brand. It has built a large and loyal following by focusing on quality products and meaningful customer relationships. Tweed doesn't just sell cannabis, it facilitates a conversation about a product we've all heard about but haven't met intimately yet. It is approachable and friendly, yet reliable and trusted. As cannabis laws liberalize around the world, Tweed will expand its leading Canadian position around the globe. Learn more at www.tweed.com.
About Canopy Growth Corporation
Canopy Growth is a world-leading diversified cannabis company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and capsule forms. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Canopy Growth operates numerous state-of-the-art production facilities with over 700k sq. ft. of licensed production, over 500k sq. ft. of which is GMP-certified. Looking forward to 2018, Canopy Growth and its affiliates are developing a production platform that will represent 3.2 million sq. ft. of indoor and greenhouse production capacity, all operated with world-leading production, quality assurance procedures, value-add post processing, research, and testing. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names in Canada and abroad, with interests and operations spanning seven countries and four continents. The Company is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, providing consistent access to high quality cannabis products, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com.
About Delta 9
Delta 9 Cannabis Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Delta 9 Bio-tech, is a licensed producer of medical marijuana pursuant to Health Canada's Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR). The company operates an 80,000-square foot, expandable, state-of-the-art production facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. For more information please visit www.Delta9.ca.
Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Canopy Growth Corporation, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include future operational and production capacity, the impact of enhanced infrastructure and production capabilities, and forecasted available product selection. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and Canopy Growth Corporation does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation.
Neither the TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation
For further information: Jordan Sinclair, Director of Communications, [email protected], 613-769-4196; Investor Relations, Tyler Burns, [email protected], 855-558-9333 ex 122; Director: Bruce Linton, [email protected]
Related Links
http://canopygrowth.com/
OTTAWA, Nov. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - On the heels of the Ontario's government's announcement today of its Long-Term Infrastructure Plan, the Cement Association of Canada (CAC) congratulates the government for taking a leadership role in ensuring infrastructure planning takes climate change into consideration.
"The Cement Association of Canada has been a long-time advocate of taking a lifecycle approach to infrastructure planning", said CAC President and CEO Michael McSweeney. "The leadership the Ontario government is demonstrating today on climate change adaptation, mitigation and lifecycle planning will ensure Ontario is a leader in the transition to the low carbon economy."
The Long-Term Infrastructure Plan states that, starting in 2019, lifecycle analysis will be implemented as a way to support evidence-based infrastructure decisions. The Plan aims to have a lifecycle analysis requirement for major infrastructure projects by mid-2020. Lifecycle analysis is a method for calculating the lifetime environmental impact of a product or service. It helps ensure that infrastructure investments deliver maximum economic, social and environmental value.
"The cement industry has been a champion of this approach and looks forward to continuing our partnership with the Ontario government during its implementation," added Mr. McSweeney. "The cement and concrete industry shares responsibility for shaping prosperous, low-carbon, climate-resilient communities. We are part of the solution and are by your side to build for the clean economy."
The Cement Association of Canada
The Cement Association of Canada (CAC) is the voice of Canada's cement manufacturers. The industry provides a reliable, domestic supply of cement required to build Canada's communities and critical infrastructure. The CAC and its members are committed to the environmentally responsible manufacturing of cement and concrete products. In Ontario, the CAC's members are CRH Canada Group, Federal White Cement Ltd., Lafarge Canada Inc., Lehigh Hanson Canada and St Marys Cement - A Votorantim Cimentos Company. The cement and concrete industry contributes to 50,000 direct and indirect jobs across the province, generates over $6 billion in economic activity and supports a $37 billion construction industry.
www.cement.ca
www.rediscoverconcrete.ca
SOURCE Cement Association of Canada
For further information: Lyse Teasdale, Director, Communications, Cement Association of Canada, Tel: 613-236-9471, ext 211, [email protected]
Related Links
www.cement.ca
The 76-year-old female patient who was operated on using the system had been diagnosed with severe aortic valve stenosis and defined as a high-risk surgical patient. The heart team discussed and defined the patient's anatomical features as a bicuspid aortic valve and asymmetric calcification, which raised the risk of dislocation during the valve implantation. They were of the opinion that the retrievable system would be the best fit for the patient.
The retrievable system allows the valve to withdraw and reposition after release, avoiding adverse events as a result of a poor implant position and mismatch of the implanted valve, including valve translocation, severe paravalvular leakage, a negative impact on the bicuspid aortic valve and high degree atrioventricular block caused by conduction bundle compression. The system also reduces the complexity of the procedure, which, in turn, helps to promote the adoption and application of TAVR technology.
"SAHZU's medical team has been closely working with Zhejiang Province's Cardiac Valve Research Institute and Venus Medtech's R&D team to study, develop and produce the heart valve products. The collaboration began with the VenusA-Valve and has led to the success for VenusA Plus," professor Wang added. "The product is a next-generation TAVR valve that delivers good performance in terms of release, retrievable stability, controllability and passing ability, thus offering great potential when it comes to clinical applications."
The successful human implantation of VenusA Plus took place just four months after the launch of China's first TAVR valve VenusA-Valve. "Venus Medtech has continuously achieved technological breakthroughs," explained Venus Medtech CEO Zi Zhenjun. "We plan to roll out more innovative products going forward, demonstrating the company's strong competence in innovation and its ongoing commitment to serving patients."
SOURCE Venus Medtech (Hangzhou) Inc.
For further information: Wu Juan, +86-10-52723096, [email protected]
VANCOUVER, Nov. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Fireswirl Technologies Inc. (TSXV: FSW), "the Company", today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017. All figures are quoted in Canadian dollars. Financial statements and accompanying MD&A are available on SEDAR.
Financial Highlights for Q3:
For the three months ended September 30, 2017 ("Q3 2017"), total operating income was $143,194 compared to $16,043 for the same period in 2016 ("Q3 2016").
("Q3 2017"), total operating income was compared to for the same period in 2016 ("Q3 2016"). Net loss from continuing operations was $330,830 in Q3 2017 compared to $318,662 for the same period in 2016.
in Q3 2017 compared to for the same period in 2016. Net loss was $330,830 in Q3 2017 compared to $295,887 for the same period in 2016.
in Q3 2017 compared to for the same period in 2016. The Company had a total net loss attributable to common shareholders of the Company of $292,178 compared to $307,275 for the same period in 2016.
"The management team is continuing to expand its customer base in Asia and North America," Stated Henry Au, CEO, "We are pleased with the acquisition of AMZON and will continue to strengthen our competitive advantages."
About Fireswirl and AMZON
Fireswirl Technologies Inc. (TSXV: FSW) is focused on creating transactional revenue by engineering electronic and mobile commerce solutions for content providers. The Company's technology has broad applications for solutions requiring multiple payment interfaces, multicurrency and multi-language capabilities. Our solutions can be adapted to any industry seeking high volume or micro-payment solutions involving a wide base of users through internet or wireless applications.
AMZON is one of the leading multimedia solution providers in Hong Kong. With its strong technological base, we have established long term business relationships with multi-billion enterprises such as Mass Transit Railway Corporation ("MTRC"), New World Development Company Limited ("New World Group") and China Overseas Holding Ltd. ("COHL"). AMZON has been deploying creative multimedia solutions for clients in sales & marketing as well as corporate and brand communication.
The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or the accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of Fireswirl Technologies Inc. with respect to its performance, business and future events. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, those relating to changes in the market, potential downturns in economic conditions, foreign exchange fluctuations, general demand, competition and our ability to implement our business plans and strategies in a timely manner or at all. These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly. Fireswirl Technologies Inc. does not undertake any obligations to release publicly any revisions for updating any voluntary forward-looking statements.
SOURCE Fireswirl Technologies Inc.
For further information: Further information can be found on the company at: www.fireswirl.com or contact: Fireswirl Technologies Inc., Ji Yoon, Interim CFO, Telephone: 604.216.7304, Fax: 604.677.6613, Email: [email protected], Website: www.fireswirl.com
Ducks Unlimited Canada caps off Canada 150 celebrations by conserving more than 150,000 acres
OAK HAMMOCK MARSH, MB, Nov. 27, 2017 /CNW/ - At Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), we marked the country's birthday in a big wayby focusing on what we do best: conservation.
With the help of supporters and partners across the country, this year we conserved and influenced more than 150,000 acres (60,703 hectares). From coast to coast, these acres encompass wetlands, native prairie grasses, tidal marshes and more. They are natural areas that are essential to Canadians and our wildlife.
DUC's efforts will leave a lasting impression on places like:
Cowichan-Koksilah Estuary in Cowichan Bay, B.C . DUC and its partners came together to ensure this coastal estuary continues to provide habitat to more than 230 species of birds.
. DUC and its partners came together to ensure this coastal estuary continues to provide habitat to more than 230 species of birds. Shell Buffalo Hills Conservation Ranch in Arrowwood, Alta. Native grasslands and tame hay lands support approximately 159 breeding, migrating and wintering bird species.
Native grasslands and tame hay lands support approximately 159 breeding, migrating and wintering bird species. Allan Hills , Sask . Ranchers worked with DUC to safeguard a landscape that supports waterfowl and 600 grazing cattle and their yearlings.
. Ranchers worked with DUC to safeguard a landscape that supports waterfowl and 600 grazing cattle and their yearlings. Rural Municipality of Pipestone, Man . DUC's 150 th Conservation Agreement in Manitoba will keep wetlands on the landscape.
. DUC's 150 Conservation Agreement in will keep wetlands on the landscape. Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area in Clinton, Ont . Completed maintenance work that keeps wetlands in this wildlife management area thriving.
. Completed maintenance work that keeps wetlands in this wildlife management area thriving. Estrie, Que . By mapping the size, type and location of wetlands in communities like Estrie, DUC created an important resource that will help Quebec's provincial government honour its commitment to protect wetlands and waterways.
. By mapping the size, type and location of wetlands in communities like Estrie, DUC created an important resource that will help provincial government honour its commitment to protect wetlands and waterways. Prince Edward Island . DUC conservation efforts provide important habitat to waterfowl, like Charlottetown's infamous black duck, Lucy and her broods.
It has been a busy year and we went big. One-hundred-and-fifty-thousand acres big. These are just a few examples of DUC's conservation work in 2017. To experience the stories about how we celebrated Canada 150 in your community, visit our interactive map. Or reach out to us directly to learn more.
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. www.ducks.ca
SOURCE DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA
For further information: Media Contact: Julielee Stitt, Communications Coordinator, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Office: 204-467-3270, Email: [email protected]
Related Links
www.ducks.ca
Gore Mutual's campaign, which began on November 10, surpassed expectations and captured the attention of Canadians across the country on social media who rallied to nominate nearly 400 charities. In reaction to the outpouring of support, the company expanded its giving to award an additional 10 charities $1,000 each.
"We were amazed by the magnitude of response and coordinated efforts from the public to have their charity recognized for their community work," said Heidi Sevcik, President and CEO of Gore Mutual. "In response, we quickly expanded our giving from six charities to sixteen. This campaign is important to our company as we continue to think holistically about our work and the positive impact we can make in our communities."
The GivingTuesday gifts totaling $40,000 are the latest in a broad series of grants the company has made this year. This past January, Gore Mutual launched its 150 Ways campaign with the promise of giving $1 million to help Canadian communities in celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary. Nearing the close date of December 31, the company has surpassed its initial goal with help from its broker partners, granting more than $1.3 million dollars to the benefit of community hospitals, youth education and more.
"As a modern mutual we're constantly refining the role of our company in society," said Farouk Ahamed, Board Chair at Gore Mutual. "We are looking for more ways to align our business and charitable efforts so that we place priority in caring for people, delivering positive social impact and building healthy communities."
Following the closing of nominations on November 21, employees at Gore Mutual's offices in Cambridge and Vancouver selected six charities to each receive a $5,000 grant. Included were Hamilton's McMaster Children's Hospital Foundation, Children's Aid Foundation of Canada, Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Wellington, Lisaard House in Cambridge, Alzheimer's Society of B.C. and Mental Illness Family Support Centre Society in Vernon, British Columbia. The campaign enthusiastically ends today as Gore Mutual staff and broker partners personally deliver cheques to the Canadian charities.
"We're so encouraged to see Canadian businesses embrace the spirit of GivingTuesday. The donation from Gore Mutual is one of the largest we've seen this year," says Lys Hugessen, President of GIV3, one of the organizers of GivingTuesday. "Thank you to every Canadian who is making a commitment to giving back, as we turn our attention from shopping toward helping our communities."
About GivingTuesday
GivingTuesday was launched in Canada in 2013 by GIV3 and CanadaHelps.org. GivingTuesday is a day for the entire charitable sector and encourages all Canadians to join the movement and give and volunteer for charities of their choice. GivingTuesday was originally founded in the US by 92nd Street Y in partnership with the UN Foundation. Learn more about GivingTuesday at givingtuesday.ca.
About Gore Mutual
Founded in 1839, Gore Mutual is Canada's oldest property and casualty insurer, with over $410M in premiums and over $1BN in assets as of December 31, 2016. Based in Cambridge, Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia, this Canadian-owned and operated mutual company employs over 350 people and is known for its investment in people, technology and innovation. With a long-standing commitment to genuine personal service, and with InsurTech partnerships such as BrokerLift, Gore Mutual is an unwavering supporter of its network of insurance brokers, who offer the highest standards of service, choice and advocacy to Canadian customers. Gore Mutual was voted the #1 insurance company by the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) in 2014 and certified as a "Great Workplace" in 2017 for the second time. The Gore Mutual Foundation strengthens Canadian communities by supporting local initiatives and has donated more than $10M to over 650 charities. Learn more about Gore Mutual at goremutual.ca.
SOURCE Gore Mutual Insurance Company
For further information: MEDIA CONTACT: Shawn Despres, Communications and Online Marketing Specialist 1-800-265-8600, ext. 2676, Email: [email protected]
Related Links
http://www.goremutual.ca
The Fox property was staked on October 26th and consists of two contiguous claims totaling 1,374 hectares located 15 kilometres north of Cameco's Key Lake uranium mill (Figure 2). Fox is surrounded by over 425M lbs of uranium (U 3 O 8 ) at an average grade of 5.2% U 3 O 8 in mined-out and undeveloped deposits at Key Lake, (Cameco and AREVA), Millennium (Cameco and JCU) and Wheeler River's Phoenix and Gryphon deposits (Denison Mines Corp., Cameco and JCU) all of which are within 25 kilometres of the Fox property. Importantly, both Millennium and Gryphon are primarily basement hosted deposits. Infrastructure in the area is excellent, with the southern edge of the claims being within one kilometer of Fox Lake road which provides year-round exploration access.
According to Saskatchewan government records, no exploration drill holes have ever been completed within the boundary of the Fox property, despite the presence of a 4.5-kilometre-long zone of low magnetic susceptibility that spans the property in a north-south direction and may indicate the presence of prospective metasedimentary basement rocks. Mineralization at Cameco's Millennium deposit follows a similarly oriented trend. Depth to the sub-Athabasca unconformity, based on drill holes on nearby properties, is estimated to be between 205 and 400 metres. Exploration plans are being developed and will likely include initial geophysical surveying over the magnetic low trend followed by core drilling of high priority targets.
East Rim
The East Rim property was staked on November 2, 2017 and consists of seven contiguous claims totaling 6,703 hectares. This new property is located along the east margin of the Athabasca Basin, nine kilometres southwest of UEX Corp.'s West Bear high grade uranium deposit and nine kilometres west of Saskatchewan highway 905 (Figure 3).
The property encompasses over 15 kilometres of a northeast trending magnetic low feature that may represent prospective metasedimentary stratigraphy. A large offset in the basin margin is observed in Saskatchewan government data and appears spatially related to the magnetic low feature, suggesting the presence of a major structural zone. According to Saskatchewan government records, only four exploration drill holes have ever been completed within the East Rim property boundary, none of which are located in the prospective magnetic low feature.
Full Moon
Consisting of 4,872 hectares in 12 contiguous claims, the Full Moon property was staked on November 7, 2017. Full Moon is located within four kilometres of AREVA's Moonlight uranium occurrence and six kilometres east of IsoEnergy's Geiger property (Figure 4). As with all of IsoEnergy's exploration properties in Saskatchewan, Full Moon is proximal to existing infrastructure, as it's within 18 kilometres of the McClean Lake uranium mill.
Several prominent magnetic low trends with historic conductors are present on the Full Moon property, including a portion of the Tuning Fork conductor system that extends on to the property from Denison Mining Corp.'s Hatchet Lake project. Previous drilling at Tuning Fork has intersected intense basement clay alteration with weak uranium mineralization and strong uranium pathfinder mineralization. Similar to the Fox and East Rim properties, the Full Moon property is underexplored with only 17 historic drill holes within the property boundary.
Additional Geiger Claims
Finally, a total of 1,605 hectares was staked over eight claims on November 7th and 21st near the Geiger property (Figure 5). As the new claims are all within 5 kilometres of Geiger, they will be treated as an extension of Geiger henceforth.
The new claims cover several magnetic low trends with local electromagnetic conductors. According to Saskatchewan government records, only five holes have ever been drilled on the new claims. All of these holes were vertical and were drilled in a tight cluster near drill hole Q24-1 which intersected 0.11% U 3 O 8 , 0.21% Ni and 0.17% Mo over 0.3 metres in basement rocks, just beneath the sub-Athabasca unconformity. Three follow-up holes were drilled within 200 metres of Q24-1 on section, and one was drilled 200 metres along strike to the south. The potential for additional basement mineralization in the area is considered to be excellent.
Craig Parry, Chief Executive Officer commented: "These new claims are important additions to our Eastern Athabasca uranium property portfolio. The addition of these claims is consistent with our strategy of increasing our land position and target list at low cost in the world's premier uranium district. The new properties all satisfy our acquisition criteria with their location in the heart of the eastern Athabasca basin near several high-grade uranium deposits or occurrences, the presence of prospective geophysical signatures, a paucity of drilling, thin sandstone cover and location near important infrastructure. Our team is eagerly looking forward to exploring this new ground."
Qualified Person Statement
The scientific and technical information contained in this news release was prepared by Steve Blower, P.Geo., IsoEnergy's Vice President, Exploration, who is a "qualified person" (as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Blower has verified the data disclosed. This news release refers to properties other than those in which the Company has an interest. Mineralization on those other properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company's properties.
About IsoEnergy
IsoEnergy is a well-funded uranium exploration and development company with a portfolio of prospective projects in the eastern Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada and a historic inferred mineral resource estimate at the Mountain Lake uranium deposit in Nunavut. IsoEnergy is led by a Board and Management team with a track record of success in uranium exploration, development and operations. The Company was founded and is supported by the team at its major shareholder, NexGen Energy Ltd.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities referenced herein have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements thereunder.
Forward-Looking Information
The information contained herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, planned exploration activities and completion of the acquisition of the Property. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotation thereof.
Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price of uranium, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner and that the acquisition of the Property will be completed on the terms currently agreed to. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.
Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves or resources, the limited operating history of the Company, the influence of a large shareholder, alternative sources of energy and uranium prices, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, availability of third party contractors, availability of equipment and supplies, failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals.
Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws
SOURCE IsoEnergy Ltd.
For further information: Craig Parry, Chief Executive Officer, IsoEnergy Ltd., +1 778 379 3211, [email protected], www.isoenergy.ca; Investor Relations, Kin Communications, +1 604 684 6730, [email protected], www.isoenergy.ca
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MILFORD Visitors to Silver Sands State Park are presented with a rustic beach environment that hasnt changed a lot since it became a state park in 1960.
Those who go there still must suffer the indignities of portable toilets, and food and drink must be brought with you, or youll go hungry and thirsty. Theres nary a place to change out of a wet bathing suit, except under a large beach towel.
For years, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has had plans to upgrade the place to make it more like Connecticuts other shore-front parks, but a fired-up Gayle Slossberg, the state senator from Milford, on Tuesday blasted that idea, one that that would add a concession stand and upgrade visitor amenities.
The build-out of Silver Sands State Park is a project that the state cannot afford and its one that we do not want, said Slossberg, who was backed up by the rest of Milfords Hartford delegation Republicans Charles Ferraro and Pam Staneski, and Democrat Kim Rose, as well as Mayor Benjamin Blake.
Why would we want to spend nine million dollars to build out here when no one is asking for this, and more importantly, there are so many other needs that this state has? Slossberg asked rhetorically.
The improvements call for a new concession building, restrooms and an office as well as a 4,700-square-foot maintenance garage.
About 200 parking spaces would be added, too on many warm summer afternoons, the gates have to the closed to new arrivals because theres no place to park. And a new bath house complex would be constructed near the beach and consist of three buildings on an elevated deck.
Also, plans call for a new boardwalk that would connect the existing beach boardwalk to the bath house and a short new boardwalk across the tidal wetlands will connect the existing main boardwalk to the new bath house.
In 2011 the cross-park boardwalk was opened which merges with the city's Walnut Beach area.
Slossberg said most of the people who use the park like it the way it is in its natural state. She added that the DEEP plans have environmental concerns, too.
Were happy with this park just the way it is, she said.
The state Bond Commission is considering the $9.1 million park improvement this week, and Slossberg said that since the state is still struggling with its finances the state should leave this idea on the shelf.
The state has other important needs, such as education, that are not being met, she said.
The project has been discussed by DEEP which oversees state parks, for years.
I join everyone in their outrage at this project, said state Rep. Kim Rose. Wed be spending money that we dont have.
Rep. Staneski agreed. Our credit card is maxed out, she said of state finances.
I get a number of emails from constituents saying Please dont change our beach, said Rep. Ferraro.
Slossberg made the announcement on the day she was to receive the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities State Legislator of the Year award. Slossberg will receivethe honor at CCMs annual dinner meeting Tuesday night at Foxwoods Resort.
The park was created after Hurricane Diane destroyed 75 homes in 1955. At that point the city of Milford asked for help in restoring the beach.
After land transfers were complete in 1960, Silver Sands became the state's fourth shoreline park, after Sherwood Island, Westport; Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison and Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme.
jburgeson@ctpost.com
CHESHIRE Residents will soon know who will replace Michael Milone as town manager.
With the help of a Chicago-area search firm, the Town Councils search committee has gone from a field of 72 applicants to a final group of four. Council Chairman Rob Oris, who serves on the committee with fellow Republican Tom Ruocco and Democrat Peter Talbot, said interviews with the four finalists were concluded last week.
The full council interviewed each of the finalists, Oris said. Now, its just a matter of sorting through who are first choice is.
The field of four was selected from a group of seven, said Heidi Voorhees, one of the principals of the search firm GovHR USA of Northbrook, Illinois. Voorhees said she conducted phone or Skype interviews with many of the original field of 72 applicants and then made her recommendations to the councils search committee.
The seven candidates that came from Voorhees recommendations then were interviewed by the the councils search committee.
Sources have told the New Haven Register that were at least two internal candidates from that field of seven. Oris declined comment on whether any of the four finalists were already town employees.
The Town Council is expected to meet in a closed-door session this week and Talbot has said the goal is to have Milones replacement selected by Dec. 1, which would allow the selection to be made by existing council members. Newly-elected Councilman David Veleber, who edged 1st District incumbent Michael Ecke in municipal elections earlier this month, will join the governing body as a new council is seated next week.
Milone took over the town managers job from John Salomone in 2000. Before taking over that job, he spent the previous 10 years as Cheshires finance director.
Before coming to Cheshire, Milone worked for 13 years in New Havens city administration, spending the last six years as the controller.
luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com
Shanghai most attractive to foreign talent
By:Wu Qiong | From:english.eastday.com | 2017-11-28 16:07
The number of foreigners working in Shanghai has exceeded 210,000 and most of them take management roles, as a roundtable meeting held last week reveals.
As a staff member of the municipal human resources and social security bureau told the reporter, latest statistics show that there are 215,000 foreigners working in the city, account for 23.7% of the total number of expats working in the whole country. The number also lands Shanghai the top spot among its peers in China.
Statistics also show that by the end of last year, there had been more than 140,000 overseas students who came to Shanghai for their job careers, and more than 5,000 startups in Shanghai were established by them, with the registered capital approaching 780 million dollars in total. So far, 1,011 high-caliber people from overseas have been selected for the national Recruitment Program of Global Experts, and 798 have been selected for the municipal Recruitment Program of Global Experts.
Foreigners working in Shanghai come from more than 140 countries and regions. In 2016, the top three origin countries were Japan (20,000 people), the United States (18,000 people) and South Korea (10,000 people). They are engaged in different industries and sectors and 34% of them work in rental and business service industries. More than 40,000 foreigners serve full time in foreign-invested companies in Shanghai, among whom 33% are executives and 47% assume management roles.
To attract more talent from overseas, Shanghai has developed more active and effective policies. Not long ago, the Jingan District government issued a pioneering measure to fund the human resource service industry, encouraging headhunting firms and recruitment agencies to recruit more talent.
Courtesy of the CSP
CLINTON A man arrested Sunday is accused of having nine and a half pounds of marijuana in his possession, according to police.
Mohamed Jones, 21, of Eaton Street, Providence, Rhode Island, was charged with reckless driving, possession a controlled substance and possession with intent to sell, police said in the report.
NEW HAVEN Adults 65 or older accounted for 40 percent of all fire-related deaths in 2015 despite only constituting 15 percent of the U.S. population, with the relative risk of dying in a fire for senior citizens being 2.7 times higher than for the general population, according to the U.S. Fire Administration Fire Risk Report.
Orange Fire Marshal Timothy Smith said the disparity is relatively consistent throughout the nation, noting that areas with higher senior populations will have higher rates for fire-related deaths.
A lot of its attributed to mobility issues, disabilities, reactionary skills arent there like they are with adults or young children or they cant self-evacuate or extricate themselves from a burning building, he said.
Now Playing: The Winter Holidays. More time to spend with family and friends.Unfortunately there are significantly more house fires nationwide. Here's how to avoid them. Video: Veuer
For Connecticut it is not clear if the specific nationwide numbers apply, due to missing information. Seven out of the 20 fire-related fatalities listed in 2016 in Connecticut do not list the individuals age. However, a state report on injury and death from 2000-04 showed the rate of death from fire for people 50 and older was about 4 times higher than that for people ages 10 to 49. There were an average of 30 fire-related deaths annually in those years, the state report noted.
With advancing age, physical and mental capabilities decline, making it more difficult for older adults to clearly see, smell and hear, increasing the risk of death or injury from fire due to decreased senses, the fire administration report noted.
Older people also can have physical disabilities or limitations that hinder their mobility, making it more difficult for them to react to the threat of a fire the way younger adults can.
The October wildfires in the heart of California wine country claimed 43 victims, and didnt discriminate by age, killing young and old. But Charles and Sara Rippey, who was confined to a wheelchair, did not make it out. The couple, married for 75 years, lived in Napa for the past 35, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, a sister Hearst newspaper of the New Haven Register. They died together in their home, unable to escape the wildfires.
Associated Press
Their bodies were found by police inside the charred ruins of their Silverado Country Club condominium on Westgate Drive. He was 100, and she was 98, according to the Chronicle.
Rippey apparently died trying to save his wife, one of their children told KPIX TV.
Alzheimers disease, dementia and other disorders that affect mental functions also increase the risk of injury or death from a fire due to erratic or even potentially dangerous behavior and the inability to recognize a hazard, according to the report.
You dont want to think, OK, Ill climb out of the window, if youre a person confined to a bed or have a walker or if you have difficulty walking normally. You have to make your plans reasonable, said New Haven Fire Chief John Alston.
To compound this problem, older adults are more inclined to accidentally start a fire than younger adults. Sometimes, they are close to the source of a flame, and their clothes or bedding ignites, according to Smith.
Cooking fires tend to be very common with the senior population because they forget they leave the stove on, and they walk away. Maybe, theres an early onset of dementia or other sort of mental issues going on. Or theyre cooking with a bathrobe and the bathrobe catches fire because they arent aware of it, he said.
Heating, in particular, also represents an elevated fire danger to older adults, who frequently feel cold. When the central heating source of a home does not work properly, Alston said older adults will often rely on temporary sources of heat, such as legal or illegal portable space heaters, fireplaces or even cooking ovens.
Its a difficult population to try to change their evacuation skills, but detection doubles your chance, doubles everyones chances, of escaping a fire, Smith said. So early detection of a fire is probably the best thing for the senior population. The sooner they know about, the sooner they can be made of aware it, the sooner they can start the self-evacuation to protect themselves.
Smoke alarms are present in most homes, having saved many lives since the mid-1970s when their use was widely encouraged for the first time. While the number of senior citizens living in housing without smoke alarms or with alarms that do not work is not well-documented, Smith said senior citizens may not have access to smoke detectors and other equipment in poorer populations due to their inability to afford the detectors and/or the batteries.
Cromwell Town Councilman Al Waters, 74, said he changes his smoke detector batteries religiously twice a year. Thats the big thing, he said of the simple action fire officials urge people to do during the Daylight Saving Time change.
The American Red Cross has even coined the phrase, Time to Turn and Test.
Waters said he is also vigilant about making sure passageways in his home are clear. I dont keep the areas of exit cluttered, Waters said.
Often during emergencies, the elderly especially can become very disorientated, he said. Any impediments will make it difficult to make it outside to safety. Many may not even realize portions of their homes could be fire hazards, he said.
Im out every day moving, Waters said. I just cant sit idle. There are people that, if theyre getting 60 years or older, probably their reflexes are not as fast.
Waters said because hes so active, he has always taken the normal precautions when it comes to fire safety.
West Haven Fire Department Chief Jim OBrien said residential sprinkler systems also help to reduce the risk of deaths and injuries, homeowner insurance premiums and uninsured property losses. While many homes do not have automatic extinguishing systems, despite them being found in hotels and businesses, OBrien said there is a major movement in the U.S. fire service to require sprinklers in all new homes.
Smith said senior citizens are considered a target population for public education and intervention, explaining that as much as fire departments visit kids at schools and teach them the basics of fire safety, they also go to senior centers to teach senior citizens about senior fire safety and home escape.
What were finding is when the seniors call us to come in and do a presentation, they want us there. So theyre truly interested in the subject and they want to learn it, as opposed to kids where the teachers are telling them they have to be there, he said. Thats a huge gap in between there. So a lot of these people, theyre upcoming seniors, they havent really had any fire safety education as theyre entering their golden years.
jessica.lerner@hearstmediact.com; @jesslerner on Twitter
File photo: Vulture and its eggs
An investigative report has revealed how Nigerian politicians are now conjuring power with vulture eggs to win votes as youths turn to hunters, climb trees with rifle, bush lamp, cutlass to hunt for the eggs which is now costing N1m - N2m.
Bird scientists have sounded the alarm that the vulture, a scavenging bird of prey, is going out of extinction in Nigeria because of the epic hunt for its eggs by fetish politicians, who allegedly use them to acquire mystical power making charms to win elections.
Those who spoke to NDV, disclosed that the search by desperate politicians for the eggs has intensified as 2019 approaches, cautioning that appropriate measures be taken to safeguard one of natures chief vacuum cleaners from extinction.
One of them, an Associate Professor, Department of Forestry and Natural Environmental Management, University of Uyo, UNIUYO, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Dr. Edem Eniang, told NDV that vultures were now endangered because some Nigerian politicians use the eggs highly demanded by native doctors for supernatural power and preparation of voodoo to win elections.
A trader at Akparandem Market, Uyo, who trades in birds, Madam, Etiowuwan Imoh, confirmed that an egg of a vulture costs over N1million because of soaring demand.
Politicians, who prefer anonymity, acknowledged in separate chats with NDV that some desperate power seekers could go to any length to win elections, but others feigned knowledge of the bizarre practice.
Eniang lambasts fetish politicians
Dr. Eniang, who confirmed that vultures were disappearing in the country, maintained that unscrupulous politicians were capitalizing on its spiritual potency to hunt the eggs for spiritual fortification.
The vulture is a very special bird created by God to serve as a natural vacuum cleaner, they clean-up all available rubbish, but the politicians and favour seekers hunt and pick the eggs of these special creatures for their fetish needs, diminishing their population and not allowing the eggs to be incubated and hatched, he lamented.
Eniang asserted: As it is, the existence of the vulture is greatly threatened, as Nigerian politicians hunt desperately for its eggs. The bird is so important that the United Nations set aside the first Saturday of September, every year, as World Vulture Day.
Vultures vanishing
The environmentalist bewailed, Today, vultures are disappearing; most people do not even realize the importance of the existence of the vultures. They help us to clean our environment by feeding on death decaying materials and save us from diseases that would have spread around from the decaying materials.
Explaining the vultures role in the natural cycle, he said:, Mad persons, who die in our cities or along the highways are allowed to rot away on the surface of the earth, spreading diseases, but God created vultures to protect the environment. God in his wisdom created all things for the purpose of partaking in the ecosystem so that the balance of life will continue.
Politicians engage youths to climb trees
According to Eniang: They sometimes engage community youth to climb very high trees to get the eggs for them. These youth climb Iroko trees in the midnight to pick vulture eggs. They climb at darkest night knowing that the vulture does not see in the night to steal their eggs.
Unfortunately, the vultures do not lay many eggs and they lay once in a year and the eggs are most hunted.
He further said, Nigerian politicians are too desperate to get power. You do not need juju animism to win an election. Your antecedent and pedigree should pave the way for you, not the eggs of the vulture. Do not depend on the mystical potency of the vultures egg.
N1m to N2m per egg
Inquiries by NDV showed politicians spend as much as N1.2 million to buy a vulture egg untouched by human hands for spiritual power allegedly embedded in the egg, while the one touched by the human hand costs only N20, 000 in the local market.
Besides politicians, businesspersons also seek the eggs for vulture for its alleged supernatural power.
Stalking vulture eggs
Vultures lay their eggs on treetops usually above 40 meters high in the forest. The common standard practice is contact hunters through go-betweens and they pay them lavishly to supply just one egg.
It could take a month and more for a hunter to locate the nest of a vulture in the forest and make sure that the vulture had laid eggs before engaging people to climb the tree at night, knowing that vulture does not see in the night to harvest the eggs.
Those, who climb, arm themselves with dane guns, cutlass and bush lamps to search tree tops for vulture nests, especially the ones with eggs.
The providential hunters it was gathered removed the entire nest with the eggs so carefully that they do not touch the eggs with their bare hands.
They drop their hunt into a sack bags and lowering it to the ground with the help of a long rope before climbing down the tree to take them home depending on how many eggs are in the nest.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Elder Enefiok Ekefre, however, said it was speculative as nobody can boldly come out to admit knowledge of the use of vulture egg for spiritual purpose.
Politicians practice voodoo, hypnotism - APC chieftain
He said the constitution of Nigeria does not restrict any citizen from practicing any specific religion, saying, We have Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religion. You can belong to any of the group, you will not have a problem with the constitution.
Those politicians who go to shrines have their rights. Even in Latin America, they practice Voodooism. Some Nigerian politicians are in Ogboni and other fraternities. Some go as far as to India to import Hinduism. I know they do some funny things like hypnotism to influence any person or group of persons they want to influence, he said.
Difficult to trade in vulture Trader
Madam, Etiowuwan Imoh, who spoke to NDV, at Akparandem Market, said it was very difficult to trade in vultures because everything about it was very expensive.
You must be a very rich business woman to trade in vulture eggs. The whole of my life savings from this petty trade cannot buy one vulture egg. Even if you buy the egg, who will buy from you?
You have to wait for months before you can find one witch doctor who will ask for the egg. Here, the fresh egg goes for nothing less than N1.2 million, while the one that human hands have mistakenly touched costs over N20,000, she said.
Source: Vanguard
The 36 governors under the umbrella of Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, yesterday denied reports in some media that President Muhammadu Buhari has given them matching order to pay workers their salary arrears before Christmas.There was a discordant tune between the Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum and governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha and Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on whether President Buhari ordered that salary arrears should be paid before Christmas.While Okorocha had said the order from the President was to clear the salaries with the expected payment of 50 percent Paris Club balance, El-Rufai said the Paris Club refund was not enough to clear salary arrears especially for states that were owing as there was no additional money to be given to such states apart from their fair share of the refund.But the NGF in a statement signed by Abulrazque Barkindo, Head, Media and Public Affairs, said, No mention of all workers arrears, was ever made, by President Muhammadu Buhari.The statement quoted the President as saying, For Nigerians without sources other than their salary, I am concerned that workers should be able to pay rent, school fees, buy drugs and take care of their families. I am so much concerned that people should have something to eat for Christmas.It explained that The governors had appealed to the president to once again authorize the Finance ministry and the other officials to hasten the payment of the remainder of the Paris and London Club loan refunds as they had factored the monies into their 2018 budgets.President Muhammadu Buharis instruction that the money be paid before Christmas, however, draws its background from the series of delays in the previous disbursements to the states by the Finance Ministry, which by commission or omission had exacerbated and indeed increased the number of months that workers are owed salaries.For example, the first bailout that President Buhari approved was not paid until October, four months after the president had given approval for the money to be paid. It was the same practice with the first tranche of the Paris-London Club repayment, which was approved in mid-2016 but took until December 2016 to hit the states accounts.It is imperative to add that the ParisLondon funds were legitimate funds of the states and not loans as several sources had thought.Barring any such happenstances, however, governors, who are equally very worried about their workers plights, are ready to wipe away workers tears by paying their emoluments before Christmas.The governors pledged to work assiduously towards ensuring that they make workers happy by paying their emoluments before the commencement of the Yuletide season.They hinged their pledge on the instruction by President Buhari that governors should be paid what was due to their states to ensure that workers spend Christmas with money in their pockets and a smile on their faces.According to the statement, This presidential directive was issued at a meeting between the governors and the president which held at the Aso Rock Villa, on Monday.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has challenged the former Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr. Abdullahi Maina, to go ahead and tell Nigerians those thieves he alleged were surrounding President Muhammadu Buhari in his government. He also said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has become a meal ticket of the human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN).Fayose also urged Maina to answer the corruption allegations against him as well as his fraudulent reinstatement.Governor Fayose described the Mainas interview shown on Channels Television yesterday, as explosive, saying he was sure that President Buhari will look the other way just as he did on the allegation of award of $25 billion contracts without following due process made by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu against the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Dr. Maikanti Baru.In a statement on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said he had again been vindicated on his position that the kind of corruption being perpetrated in President Buharis government was unprecedented and mind-boggling.He said; The Mainas challenge is another opportunity for President Buhari to prove to Nigerians that he is actually fighting corruption. But I am sure that since it, again, bothers on his closest men, he wont do anything.Governor Fayose said it was important for Maina to wash himself clean of the N2.1 Billion pension fraud that made him escape from the country and earned him dismissal from the civil service.The governor, who challenged Maina to name those in Buharis government that are thieves, also noted that There is no need waiting for the President to conduct public inquiry on the pension scam. Maina should just go ahead and tell Nigerians who the thieves among Buharis men are.Even after naming them, Maina should not expect any action from the President. Rather, he should be contented with satisfying his conscience and putting those Buharis men that he said are pretending to be saints in the court of public opinion.While maintaining his position on the self-appointed human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), over the allegation by the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), linking the lawyer to a N1 billion property on Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja, Governor Fayose said it was sad that Falana and his collaborators have turned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to their source of huge income.EFCC has become Falanas daily meal. Falana and his collaborators live on EFCC. They have turned themselves to brokers of bail and suppliers of lawyers to accused persons while at the same time buying seized properties at ridiculous amounts.Even the likes of Madaki, who have retired from service, have been brought back into the system so that he can continue to help them to perpetrate fraud, he said.
The Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), the National Arts Theatre and some selected power plants under the National Integrated Power Projects (NI...
The Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), the National Arts Theatre and some selected power plants under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP) are part of the key national assets the Federal Government has concluded plans to sell, House of Representatives members were told yesterday.The purpose of the proposed sale is to generate sufficient revenue to finance the countrys annual budgets for the next three years (2018-2020).Director General of Budget Office Ben Akabueze, who told the House of Representatives Joint Committees on 2018-2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)/ Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) about the plan, noted that the Federal Governments non-core assets from the mines and steel sector like houses and estates are part of items slated for sale.According to Akabueze, items for the 2018 budget would be financed from the revenue garnered from sales of the key government assets as well as national parks.He said proceeds from the privatisation of the assets would be used to finance the budget deficit of N2.005 trillion, much of which will be financed through domestic and foreign borrowings, adding that the aspect had been factored into the 2018 budget.The country, he said, was generating too little revenue, hence it was expedient to borrow.The Director General of Budget Office added that the reverse would be the case, if actually the assets were generating revenues.We are generating too little revenue, hence we are borrowing. If we generate enough, borrowing ratio will drop, he said.However, chairman of the joint committee, Babaginda Aliu, frowned at the absence of five Federal Government agencies he described as critical to the 2018 budget consideration and passage, which were invited to the session.He noted that notwithstanding the late submission of the MTEF/ Fiscal Strategy Paper, the committee was committed to streamline its activities to pass the document and ensure the budget is passed in record time.The Minister of State for Budget and Planning, Hajia Zaniab Ahmed, representative of the Governor of Central Bank, Adelabu R.A. and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) Dr. Tunde Fowler made presentations during the session.Also present were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance Alhaji Mohammed Isa Dutse, who represented the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; and the Comptroller-General of Customs Col Hameed Ali was represented by Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of T&T, Alu S.R.
Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has criticised human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), over allegations by the Attorney General of t...
Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has criticised human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), over allegations by the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), linking the lawyer to a N1 billion property he allegedly bought.Fayose said it was embarrassing, shameful, disgraceful that such a man of his stature, reputed to be a human rights activist, friend of the masses, crusader of justice and defender of democracy could be linked to such scandal.Addressing reporters in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, Fayose said: It is has become necessary to add my voice to the new scandal, where you find our supposed men of honour, defenders of democracy, crusaders of justice, people who want corruption stamped out of our land, allegedly traced to similar unfortunate purchases of alleged stolen property, especially, when such allegations are coming from the number one Minster of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).The embattled former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, had accused Falana of buying the building, which was one of the properties he allegedly helped to seize from pension thieves and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.Malami had, while testifying before the National Assembly, last week, echoed the allegation, saying the property was sold to a Lagos lawyer.But Fayose said: The disclosure by the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation that a Lagos-based lawyer was one of many highly placed Nigerians who allegedly were compensated by the EFCC and Ibrahim Magu with properties retrieved from corrupt government officials was initially taken with a pinch of salt.However, Mr. Falana, friend and defender of every obnoxious act by EFCC and Magu, has come into the open to not only give veracity to the allegation but also admit that he was the Lagos-based lawyer in question.Falana has, however, denied the allegation.Reacting to Fayoses comments, the Lagos lawyer said: You may wish to advise the garrulous governor of Ekiti State to prove the monstrous allegation. Since I pressured the state to charge Mr. Fayose and his armed goons with the cold murder of Dr. Ayo Daramola and Tunde Omojola he has been desperately to link with criminal activities, Mr. Fayose has once again to prove the allegation that I acquired any property illegally.
The Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari has promised Nigerians that the N18,000 minimum wage will go up. President Buhari inaugurated ...
President Buhari inaugurated the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee, noting that the last minimum wage instrument had expired. He said the governments move was to ensure a fair and decent living wage for workers.Labour leaders were excited about the development.Buhari said: You are all aware that during the period following the increase in petrol pump price in May 2016, a technical committee was established to examine and make recommendations to government on the measures to be adopted to cushion the envisaged painful effects of the increase on workers and the Nigerian populace at large.During the deliberations of the technical committee, which comprised government and organised labour, the need for the review of the National Minimum Wage was highlighted and recommendation to set up a committee to look into the level of minimum wage was made accordingly. I am glad that the recommendation is being acted upon today and we can all acknowledge that this is in line with our democratic process. I wish to thank all those who participated in that exercise, he said.The President stressed that the scope of the membership of the committee showed that it is all encompassing. He hoped that the outcome of its deliberations would be generally acceptable.Buhari urged the members to consider the National Minimum Wage and all matters that are ancillary to it with thoroughness and concern not only for the welfare of the workforce but the effect on the economy.He said: The subject of a National Minimum Wage for the Federation is within the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Accordingly, we should aim to go above the basic Social Protection Floor for all Nigerian workers based on the ability of each tier of government to pay.I say this because minimum wage is the minimum amount of compensation an employee must receive for putting in his or her labour and, as such, should be anchored on social justice and equity.Governments decision after considering your final recommendation will be sent as an Executive Bill to the National Assembly for it to undergo appropriate legislative scrutiny before passage into law.As is evident by the membership of the committee, state governors and private sector employers are part of this process. This will ensure ease of implementation of a new Minimum Wage nationwide.I am hopeful that the principles of full consultation with Social Partners and their direct participation would be utilized by the Committee, bearing in mind the core provisions of the International Labour Organisation Minimum Wage Fixing Convention No. 131 and Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery Convention No.26 (ratified by Nigeria).Accordingly, conditions of genuine Social Dialogue should prevail in the spirit of Tripartism and Collective Bargaining Agreements. I, therefore, enjoin you all to collectively bargain in good faith, have mutual recognition for each other and always in a spirit of give and take.The Committee is expected to complete its deliberations and submit its report and recommendations as soon as possible to enable other requisite machinery to be set in motion for implementation of a new National Minimum Wage, Buhari saidFormer Head of Service of the Federation Ama Pepple, is to chair the committeeThe Federal Government team is led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, who is deputy chairman. The chairman, National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission,Chief Richard Egbule, is secretary.Others in the federal government team are the minister, Budget and Planning, Udo Udo Udoma; Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun; head of the Civil Service of the Federation Winifred Oyo-Ita ; permanent secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Roy Ugo.A team from the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) includes Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (South West), Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha (Souh East), Gombe State Governor Hassan Dankwambo (North East), Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike (South South), Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong (North Central), and Kebbi State Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (North West). The director-general of NGF, A. B. Okauru, will be an observer.On the trade unions side, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president Ayuba Wabba leads a team that includes comrades Peters Adeyemi, Kiri Mohammed, Amechi Asugwuni, Peter Ozo-Eson .In the Trade Union Congress (TUC) team, led by its president, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama , are Sunday Olusoji Salako, Alade Bashir Lawa and Igwe Achese, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) president.On the employers side are the director-general, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr Olusegun Oshinowo, Mr Timothy Olawale (NECA), Mr. Chuma Nwankwo (NECA); Mr Olubunmi Adekoje, Director-General, Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI); Alhaji Ahmed Ladan Gobir, chairman, Kaduna East Branch, Manufacturers Association (MAN), Otunba Francis Oluwagbenro (MAN); Hajia Muheeba Dankaka, president, Kano Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Prince Degun Agboade, president, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME)Ngige said: Today is a remarkable day because this is a journey we started in May 2016. In May 2016, the Federal Government of Nigeria decided to do appropriate pricing for petroleum products and because of that, the pump price of petroleum and kerosene and others had to take their real pricing.Coincidentally, some weeks before then, the Trade Union Congress and National Labour Congress (NLC) served the government a notice that the minimum wage would lapse in the next one month. They made a proposal to Mr. President on what they think will be the realistic national minimum wage.At the time the fuel price was increased, there was disquiet, resulting in industrial dispute between the labour unions on one side and the government on the other side.Those recommendations came to council and council approved them and set up a 30-man minimum wage committee.According to him, the minimum wage is aimed at removing the problem of what the International Labour Organisation (ILO) calls poverty pain.
The League of Patriotic lawyers has called for the resignation of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Mallam Malami Abubakar over the reinstatement of former Chairman of Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina.Briefing newsmen yesterday, Chairman of the group, Mr. Abubakar Yesufu has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to rescue the anti-corruption crusade by showing the AGF the door.His words: The league wonders why it took this long for the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to name and shame the beneficiaries of pension scam. As the chief law officer of the federation, Malami owes us a duty to reveal the list of this pension scam. For refusing to reveal the beneficiaries of this humongous crime against our helpless pensioners, the Honourable Attorney General has not done well.Not the reference to Goodluck Jonathans complicity which is doubtful nor a reference to a Lagos Lawyer who purchased a property validly can assuage our call for the resignation of the Attorney General. Failing to resign, the league advised the President to give him the boot without wasting time.
Nigeria is in dire need of leaders with the required courage to do what is right at all times owing to the present political realities, ...
Nigeria is in dire need of leaders with the required courage to do what is right at all times owing to the present political realities, Senate President Bukola Saraki said yesterday.He said it was unfortunate that present day political leaders, who should know the right thing, have refused to do what was right.The Senate president said his father, the late Abubakar Olusola Saraki, stood out for his courage to take the right decision without fear.Saraki spoke just as Kwara State Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed said for any reform or restructuring to achieve its objective, Nigerians must do away with ethnic and religious cleavagesThe present agitation across the country, Ahmed said, were informed by failed institutions.Both Saraki and Ahmed spoke at the anniversary lecture in honoured of late Senator Abubakar Olusola Saraki organised by the Northern Union with the theme: National Unity and the future of Nigeria in Abuja.Saraki reminded the audience that before the much talk about restructuring takes place, the country must discuss its unity, adding that to do that, we must not be afraid to do the right thing.We all know what the right things are most times, but we are never ready to stand and do the right thing for this country, Saraki said.According to him, one thing that the late former Senate Leader popularly called Oloye had was courage and those of you that have worked with him will know that he has the courage to do whatever he believes in.It is that courage that we all need today. We need the courage to do what is right for this country. We need the courage to put Nigeria first not our state or religion but the courage to put the country first. So long as we continue to discuss this issue, we will continue to talk about the potential of Nigeria not the reality that Nigeria can achieve.Oloye saw it like that. Some go into politics as a business, where you go with 10 and get 100. But he went into politics with everything and there was no way it would have been rewarding to him politically for what he did to Nigerian politics because he gave everything. This is surely one lesson we should all learn, the Senate President said.Kwara State governor said what Nigerians needed at this point in time were institutions, which can guarantee them justice and equity and not holding on to some religious or ethnic belief without an institution to trust.Ahmed warned against the resort to ethnic and religious sentiments in the agitation for restructuring and reforms because poverty does not recognise ethnicity and religion.He said: As a people, we have not been able to put together our best capacity, rather we have allowed the concept of ethnic and religious differences to take charge of our affairs. We have forgotten that ethnic and religious differences and social cultural differences are merely environmental differences.We all stand out as one species of man before God almighty. Those differences should not be basis for determining delivery of goods and services. What should be the basis for delivery of goods and services is creating a platform of equity and justice. As a country today, we can see that there is a lot of clamour for restructuring, a lot of clamour for reforms and some even went to the extent of talking about secession.They are issues that required to be pondered on very seriously because they are a reflection of peoples loss of faith in the system that is expected to give them succour.When you lose faith in a platform that is supposed to give you succour, you will begin to seek refuge in cocoons such as ethnic, religious and socio cultural backgrounds. This tells us clearly that the time has come us to look at our differences and recognise them as strengths.Those who attended the lecture delivered by former Nigeria High Commissioner to Canada, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, include Ahmed, former Borno State Governor Mohammed Goni, former Niger State Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu, former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, former Anambra State Governor Chief Jim Nwobodo, former Benue State Governor George Akure, former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda, former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu and others.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has accused the federal government of approaching the Community Court of West Africa (ECOWAS court)...
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has accused the federal government of approaching the Community Court of West Africa (ECOWAS court) to strike out its suit of rights abuses.
The group said it was the reason Its leader, Nnamdi Kanu had jumped bail.
IPOB said it condemns in its totality the new strategy employed by the federal government to ensure that its leader was denied justice, when in the real sense he was being held by the Army.
Mr Emma Powerful, media and publicity secretary of the group in a press release in Awka on Monday, stated that, Federal Government of Nigeria and her agents, seeking to frustrate the ongoing human rights enforcement process had applied to strike out the matter.
He said It had become customary for this current APC government to abuse and violate human rights at will and when confronted with their deeds in a competent court of law, they resort to blackmail, cheap lies, misinformation and sometimes inducing a certain sections of the media to help them sway public opinion against victims of their cruel regime.
Instead of addressing the substance of the charges against them before ECOWAS Court for nearly two years now, they chose instead their favorite method of trial by media and senseless smear campaign.
The case of abuse of fundamental human rights by the Buhari regime brought by the leader of IPOB Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at the ECOWAS Court has been pending for two years, with the government employing all manner of delay tactics to frustrate the case. Now they are holding Nnamdi Kanu in their custody, having denied such publicly, they have finally woken up to ask the court to dismiss the charges against them after sanctioning and conducting the kidnapping raid in Afaraukwu on the 14th of September 2017.
It will be fair to assume, going by the antics of this government, that their primary reason for the murderous raid on the home of the IPOB leader, was to remove him from circulation and truncate all legal matters involving him.
The government think their plans will remain undetected forever but they are mistaken. Why didnt the Buhari regime bother to attend ECOWAS Court throughout the period Nnamdi Kanu was out on bail or in prison?
Powerful said that the group has said uncovered that the abduction of Kanu in September was deliberate so as to stop him from appearing in court in October, so that he would be labelled as having jumped bail.
The Nigerian community in South Africa says it has set up a legal desk to provide free legal services to members in that country.
The Nigerian community in South Africa says it has set up a legal desk to provide free legal services to members in that country.Mr Adetola Olubajo, President, Nigeria Union, South Africa, said at the inauguration of newly elected officers of the union in Pretoria that the desk would be headed by a practicing lawyer.We want Nigerians in SA, to have free legal services henceforth; the desk will be headed by a qualified and practicing lawyer, the union`s Secretary-General, Mr Emeka Ezinteje, said in a statement.Other bodies inaugurated by the union as part of its programmes are National Help Desk, Hotlines, Skills Acquisition, and Entrepreneurship Programme.Olubajo highlighted the importance of using legal mechanism to achieve peace and unity among the various Nigerian communities in South Africa, noting that peace brings development.Unity of purpose is the key to every sustainable development. Continuous progress can only be achieved in a peaceful environment, he said.Mr Ogboro Omoh, legal officer of the union, said that services of the desk were free and urged Nigerians to contact it in time of difficulty to seek redress.Immediate past President of the union, Mr Ikechukwu Anyen was honoured with Grand Patron.Other Nigerians in South Africa honoured as patrons are Prof. Olalekan Ayo-Yusuf, Dr Benson Okoli, Dr Sola Irinoye, Dr Babatunde Ilori, Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma, Chief Anayo Iwgilo, Chief Benson Nwaogwugwu and Chief Charles Iguwa.Nigeria`s High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Ahmed Musa Ibeto, was represented by Mr Zachariah Ifu, the Minister in charge of consular matters at the high commission, while Mr Ibrahim Nayaya, head of the chancery at the consulate, represented the Consul General, Mr Godwin Adama.
The Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that the allegation over illegal purchase of proper...
The Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that the allegation over illegal purchase of property against a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, is properly investigated and not swept under the carpet.
Fayose, made this call while addressing the press in Ado Ekiti on Monday.
According to him, the report against the person of Falana, who is reputed to be a human rights activist, friend of the masses, crusader of justice and defender of democracy, was shameful.
The embattled former Chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, had accused Falana of buying the building, which was one of the properties he helped to seize from pension thieves and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), laid before the Senate a report linking the lawyer to alleged purchase of a N1 billion looters property located at 43 Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja. He said the property was sold to a Lagos lawyer.
Falana, at the weekend was reported to have said the property he bought in Maitama District, Abuja, was from A Group Properties and not from the EFCC as alleged.
However, Fayose said: Falanas attempt to be clever by half in the explanations he offered to justify his alleged atrocious act; whether or not he was a first degree or third degree buyer; his efforts to white-wash what is an alleged fraudulent deal and a betrayal of public trust and his desperate double speak to wriggle out of this tight corner, all fell flat on its face.
Fayose, who insisted that truth must be told, added: We must call a spade a spade and what is bad is bad. It is sad, disgraceful and shameful that Falana, a supposedly social crusader, anti-corruption advocate, and friend of the masses, can be cited in such odious, obscene and offensive conduct.
This must be the real reason why Falana always fall head over heels in defence of the EFCC and Magu, not minding the vicious violations of the constitutionally-guaranteed rights, freedom, and liberties of citizens. What we have always suspected has now been confirmed publicly and by no less a person as the Attorney- General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
When contacted yesterday, Falana speaking on telephone said: Why do you want my reaction? I have made my position clear. Didnt you read my comments?
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday made jokes about former Vice President Atiku Abubakars defection from the All Progressives Congre...
Atiku, who is widely expected to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), plans to seek the opposition partys presidential ticket to run in 2019.President Buhari told APC National Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun at the Presidential Villa before the inauguration of the Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee: Accept my sympathy for losing a senior member of your party.As the President walked into the hall he looked towards where Oyegun was and made the remark jocukarly. Many people laughed as Buhari made his way to his seat.There were indications yesterday that Northern leaders in the PDP are awaiting former President Olusegun Obasanjos verdict on Atiku before taking a position on the 2019 presidential ticket.Those believed to be in the race for the PDP ticket are ex-Governors Sule Lamido and Ibrahim Shekarau as well as Caretaker Committee Chairman Ahmed Makarfi, who is also a former governor.It was learnt that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and Atiku are already reaching out to Northern leaders, including ex-President Ibrahim Babangida and other PDP founding fathers.These include Gen. Ibrahim Obasanjo, Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, Babangida, ex-Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Gen. Aliyu Gusau, and others who played active roles in restoring democracy in 1999.It was learnt that the grip of the group made Jonathan to ask Atiku to beg Obasanjo.Based on Atikus resignation from APC, some key Northern leaders in PDP( especially those who wield influence behind the scene) met on Sunday in Abuja on the situation in the party.A source at the meeting said: We agreed to study the situation because other presidential aspirants are still coming up. There are rumours of ex-Governor Ahmed Makarfi and one or two Northerners in APC also joining the race in PDP.We took note of the fact that aspirants like ex-Governor Sule Lamido; ex-Minister of Education, Ibrahim Shekarau and Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo are unwilling to step down.But since Jonathan has been lobbying Northern leaders for Atiku, we believe we should wait for the verdict of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on Atiku before taking a position.Obasanjo, as an institution, will not take a decision in isolation. He will certainly consult Babangida, Gusau, and other members of the military hierarchy before talking on his feelings on Atiku. And these military leaders have a way of agreeing on a common cause.If these past leaders give us the pathfinder, Atiku will know his fate. Jonathan is playing politics as if he could breathe down on PDP members and impose Atiku.But a source close to Jonathan said: From the look of things, Atiku may go far this time around. I think he is the most prepared from the North to confront President Muhammadu Buhari. Northern leaders may build a consensus around him.But there were fears last night that some of those who participated in the consensus politics and the search of the Northern Political Leaders Forum(NPLF) in 2011 may not back Atiku.Also, some members of the influential NPLF may part ways with the former Vice President.Some of the NPLF leaders include former Minister of Finance, Adamu Ciroma, the late ex-Inspector-General of Police M.D. Yusufu; former PDP National Chairman, Audu Ogbeh, who is now of the APC; ex-President of the Senate, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu ; ex-Governor Lawal Kaita; Alhaji Bello Kirfi, CON(Wazirin Bauchi); Amb. Yahaya Kwande ; Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim; A.B. Mahmud; Magaji Dambatta; Prof. Ignatius Ayua; and Mr. Ricky Tarfa(SAN), among others.Following a search by the NPLF, Atiku had beaten three presidential aspirants to emerge as the NPLFs consensus candidate in 2011.An influential figure in the defunct NPLF said: Some of us will not back Atiku because of the manner in which he emerged as a consensus candidate. With respect to the leaders of the Forum, we suspected some compromise.In spite of the fact that some of these aspirants and NPLF leaders ensured Atikus defeat at the presidential primaries on January 14, 2011, the wound of the consensus crisis has not been healed.Certainly, some NPLF leaders in PDP will not support Atikus bid. A few other NPLF leaders are now in APC and they will also resist his candidature.The position of some Northern leaders is to look for a neutral candidate and collectively work for him or her.
Nigeria Senate on Tuesday moved to reconsider Mr. Ahmad Mahmud who was rejected last week as Resident Electoral Commissioner from Zamfara S...
Nigeria Senate on Tuesday moved to reconsider Mr. Ahmad Mahmud who was rejected last week as Resident Electoral Commissioner from Zamfara State due to dissenting voices of two Senators from Zamfara state.
The decisions followed plea by Senator Kabiru Mafara who came under Order 42 and 53 explaining that the matter of indegeneship which formed the basis of rejection has been settled.
Mr. President, Distinguished Colleagues, I want to come under Order 42 and 53 to tell my colleagues that REC nominee from Zamfara has been confirmed that he hails from the state.
He was born and brought up in Gusau, he schooled in Anka in Zamfara State. He was one time Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Zamfara State. What else can make one an indegene of a state?
I want to plead with my colleagues to allow me bring the matter as a motion on Wednesday so that he can be considered, he added.
In a voice votes, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who presided over Tuesdays plenary ruled that the motion be debated tomorrow.
Meanwhile, three nominees from Lagos, Dr. Rufus Akeji, Kebbi, Dr. Mahmud Isah and Zamfara, Ahmad Mahmud suffered rejection earlier in the year.
Those of Lagos and Kebbi States were confirmed last week, leaving Zamfara that didnt receive approval of Senators Kabiru Mafara (Zamfara Central) and Ahmed Sani Yerima (Zamfara West ) with exception Senator Tijjani Kaura.
"Oh God, please! Please help!" a female security guard begged on a 911 call as four teenagers broke out of the Harborfields Youth Detention Facility after midnight Nov. 15.
Recordings released Monday of two 911 calls from staff at that Egg Harbor City facility reveal the violent and chaotic scene that unfolded as the teens assaulted a male guard and made their escape in an employee's stolen car.
"My coworker, it's only us, he's bleeding and there's two inmates that are trying to break loose. We need help," the woman said frantically on the minute-long call. Another staff member from the residential wing of the facility also called 911.
What followed the quick escape, according to county officials, was a brief police chase in the stolen vehicle and then on foot. Three were located and arrested about 10 hours later in Bridgeton, 35 miles away.
Harborfields Youth Detention Facility in Egg Harbor City. (Google Maps)
The last escapee, Michael Huggins, 18, who stands accused of murder, was found with a loaded gun in an Atlantic City apartment about 34 hours after his escape, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office.
Needless to say, the mass breakout has shaken the small city where the state-run detention facility has been for decades. County Executive Dennis Levinson said the state has done nothing to reassure residents that they are taking steps to learn from the mistake and prevent similar escapes.
Levinson said the escape was "kind of elementary" and "extremely preventable" if the staff had followed the facility rules.
One of the boys asked for drink of water, and when the staffer opened his cell to oblige, he attacked the worker, Levinson said.
"Protocol was broken," he said. "You don't go into a cell without backup and a cell is not to be opened after 11 p.m., and it was."
The extent of the man's injuries were never made public but officials said he was treated and released from a hospital.
The facility, which accepts defendants from Atlantic, Cumberland, Cape May and Salem counties, is owned by the county but run under contract by the state's Juvenile Justice Commission.
Levinson said he spoke with someone from the commission about the breakout, but the official did not say that any changes would be made as a result of the incident.
"I understand that mistakes happen but there has been no assurances given to the community of what they are doing to prevent this from reoccurring," he said.
Meanwhile, his phone is still ringing with calls from concerned Egg Harbor City residents and officials who want the facility either better secured or shut down.
After hearing the 911 call, Levinson said, the caller's panic is similar to what the community is still feeling.
"Imagine being woken up in the middle of the night by helicopters flying and flood lights everywhere," he said, plus police searching yards and sheds in case the teens were hiding. "The public deserves better."
State officials told him that the staffers on duty in the locked part of Harborfields do get some training at the Department of Corrections Training Facility in Sea Girt, but are not full corrections officers. They are instead called youth counselors or advisors.
Like corrections officers inside locked facilities in New Jersey, they are not armed because of the risk an inmate might steal a weapon, Sheriff Michael Petuskey said.
Levinson also objects to the state system that says it's OK for a murder defendant who has turned 18 to still be held in a youth detention facility.
Huggins was 17 when, according to Cumberland County officials, he shot Davonte Lee, 21, in Bridgeton. He was indicted after turning 18 but his attorney, James Gerrow Jr., said state regulations dictate that a juvenile should remain in a youth lock-up if their alleged crimes occurred when they were under 18.
Since the new charges he faces due to the escape came when he was 18, he is now being held in a jail, authorities said.
Levinson said the state has not told him whether the other three escaped teens were returned to Harborfields or sent elsewhere.
After the four were captured earlier this month, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office said they were still investigating how the teens were able to travel around South Jersey after their escape. The office has not released any information on the investigation since that time.
Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
A cyberstalker has been charged for the third time in three years with posting naked pictures of a woman he knows without her consent, authorities said.
Daniel G. Pfeiffer, 28, of Old Tappan, was arrested Monday in Hackensack after an investigation that began when the photos were posted in October, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal.
The criminal complaint states Pfeiffer posted the photos "with the intent to emotionally harm the victim."
Daniel G. Pfeiffer
"Some of the postings included personal identifying information of the victim on the internet," Grewal said in a statement.
By posting the materials, Pfeiffer violated a "final stalking restraining order" issued in September, according to the complaint.
Pfeiffer is charged with stalking, invasion of privacy, cyber-harassment and contempt of a stalking restraining order, Grewal said.
In 2015, Pfeiffer was arrested after investigators said he created social media accounts in a woman's name without her knowledge.
Pfeiffer, who knew the woman, uploaded sexually explicit images of her online, authorities said.
Pfeiffer was accused of engaging in sexually explicit chats and solicitations while pretending to the be the victim, authorities said at the time.
In 2016, Pfeiffer was again arrested and charged with stalking and invasion of privacy after investigators said he posted nude and sexually explicit images of the woman online without her knowledge or consent.
Public records show Pfeiffer pleaded guilty in 2016 to stalking as a repeat offender for the same victim. He was sentenced to five years of probation.
On Sept. 15, Bergen County Superior Court Judge James Guida issued the restraining order prohibiting Pfeiffer from stalking the victim.
Pfeiffer, who is unemployed, was being held in the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Federal officials are warning anyone who has consumed raw milk in the past six months to see a doctor.
The warning issued by the Center for Disease Control came a week after the New Jersey Department of Health ordered Udder Milk stop selling its raw milk in the state.
A New Jersey woman came down with Brucella RB51, a rare but potentially serious germ after drinking raw milk delivered by Udder Milk in late September, officials said. She has since recovered. A person in Texas was sickened by raw milk in July but the cases aren't related, according to the Center for Disease Control.
The CDC said people who drank raw milk should see a physician to obtain antibiotics.
Pregnant woman are particularly at risk.
Udder Milk has been distributed in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island, but officials haven't determined where the milk was produced. The company is a "co-op on wheels" that makes deliveries
People who have consumed the milk and other products made from Udder Milk raw milk should check themselves daily for fever for one month after they last drank the milk and watch for other brucellosis symptoms for six months. Symptoms include muscle pain, lasting fatigue, arthritis, depression, and swelling of the testicles.
Untreated Brucella RB51 infection can result in long-term health problems like arthritis; heart problems; enlargement of the spleen or liver; and, in rare cases, nervous system problems like meningitis. RB51 can cause severe illness in people with weakened immune systems and miscarriages in pregnant women.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Three markers were unveiled Monday in Camden to commemorate locations at which slaves were sold here in the 1700s and 1800s.
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross were among nearly two dozen speakers at a gathering in a historic site near the Camden waterfront, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia.
"This is a sacred day," Booker said after the ceremony. "This is a very important moment to understand the painful, complicated, brutal truth of our state. We're a state that's still haunted by a legacy of bigotry, overtly racist laws, housing policy, redlining all these things we're still grappling with today."
The two major locations for bringing slaves to market in New Jersey were Camden and Perth Amboy, according to the Camden County Historical Society, which launched research into the South Jersey sites and landed a $6,000 state grant to assemble and mount the markers.
"In the 1700s approximately 800 persons were sold into slavery in at what was then called Cooper's Point (now Camden)," the society said. "There is documentation that enslaved persons were sold at the three ferry boat landing sites at Coopers Point, Cooper Street and Federal Street."
Derek Davis, a historical society board member, who held up a photo of his great-great grandfather Henry Mathis who was born into slavery in Alabama in 1853 during the ceremony, helped launch the effort three years ago.
"You always get the picture that all slavery was in the South, but it was all over," said Davis, 55, a local banking executive. "It's important this story be told."
The three markers will be placed near locations where ferry landings were in the 1700s.
"While the auctions held at three different ferries in Camden appear to be limited to the 1760s, these sales likely introduced upwards of 500 new slaves to west New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania," a statement from the society said. "The regular movement of slave vessels up the Delaware River began in the 1750s, arriving at docks along the Philadelphia shore. Between 1757 and 1766, 1,300 African slaves reportedly disembarked from the Guinea ships. In addition to the newly arrived Africans, the Cooper ferries served as a venue for selling previously owned single slaves and small groups of those held in bondage."
The ceremony also included "prayers for ancestors" and moving readings and poems, including a passage from a historical society board member and poet, Sandra Turner-Barnes, who said research indicated the Cooper family, for which the ferries and large parts of the area are still named, once owned her relatives.
"We can look and be proud of how far we've come," said Edna Davis, 73, of Camden who attended the ceremony. "We made it and we're the best of the best."
The markers will be placed at the corner of Cooper and Front streets and along Delaware Avenue/Jersey Joe Walcott Boulevard at Federal Street and State Street.
Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Two sets of friends, families and children were affected by a head-on crash that killed 34-year-old Thomas Hughes and 30-year-old Michelle Wolf on Sunday. The accident, which occurred on Mauricetown Road in Maurice River Township around 10 p.m., took the lives of what family and friends say were goodhearted, outgoing, funny people.
'The guy that loved everyone'
July 13, 2018, was going to be a special day for Tabitha Gifford. Gifford and her fiancee Thomas Hughes had set the July date to commit to one another that they would be spending the rest of their lives together. However, instead of using the coming days to talk to Tom about their upcoming wedding, she is planning on saying goodbye to the man she fell in love with.
"He was the guy that everyone loved," Gifford said. "He would give the shirt off his back and the last dollar in his pocket to help someone and expect nothing in return."
One example that Gifford gave was Gifford said that Hughes moved in with her to help take care of her sick grandmother.
"He loved the Lord and made sure God was the center of our family," added Gifford. "If you needed a hug, he as a gentle giant would make it happen."
Gifford and Hughes had a 3-year-old son Julian who Gifford said was very important to him.
"He loved his son and me more than life itself. He called him Papa Bear. Julian made our world complete."
Less than a half mile away from the site of the crash is the Wawa convenience store where Hughes worked. His coworkers shared the same sentiments as Gifford. Employees from other stores came to the store to cover for employees who were taking the loss of Hughes hard. One person who worked with Hughes at the store who knew him well was Kevin Green. Green and Hughes had worked at Wawa together for more than 10 years.
"He was a great guy who would do anything for anybody," Green said. "He was always high-spirited. No matter what holiday was coming up, he always had some crazy get-up on that would make customers crack up whenever they came in, including this past Thanksgiving as 'Tom the Turkey.'"
Aubree's Mom
Jessica Wolf was the opposite of her older sister. She is the quiet sister while Michelle was the more outgoing one.
"She was funny and the life of the party," Jessica Wolf said. "She was also really energetic. She could talk to anybody. It didn't matter where she was; she could have a conversation with somebody she didn't even know. That was her."
Wolf said the Port Norris resident was also outgoing, willing to help out anyone, whether it was her family, friends or a stranger she had just met.
"She honestly would do anything for anybody" Wolf added. "She would stop to help anybody, even talking to people, she was that kind of person who just didn't care who you were, she would go and help you. She loved her family more than anything."
Jessica said Michelle was also a mother to 4-year old daughter Aubree.
"Aubree loved her mom more than anything in the world. She was a great mom."
Two substantial losses
Now situated on both sides of the narrow, wooded section of Mauricetown Road are makeshift memorials to remember and honor both Wolf and Hughes. A GoFundMe page has also been set up for Thomas Hughes. The crash is under investigation by New Jersey State Police.
Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews. Find NJ.com on Facebook
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New Orleans police said an attempted armed robbery was reported in the 2900 block of Esplanade Avenue on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, the same block where an armed robbery was reported the previous day. (Google maps)
The Rayville police chief wrote up one of his own officers for parking in a spot reserved for handicapped people. (Photo by Marc Bruxelle, iStock by Getty Images)
This year's school performance results in New Orleans come amid the city's ongoing push to return all public schools to the Orleans Parish School Board's oversight as an authorizer. (Pixabay Photo)
VIDEO Cum isi pun cenusa in cap soldatii rusi care s-au retras si de pe malul de est al Niprului, controlat de armata lor
In this June 2015 photo, the Mississippi state flag is unfurled against the front of the Governor's Mansion in Jackson, Miss. (Associated Press file)
President Donald Trump, standing left, holds up the card of Navajo Code Talker Thomas Begay, center, during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. Navajo Code Talkers Fleming Begaye Sr., seated, Peter MacDonald speaks at right. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)(Susan Walsh)
Former President Donald Trump is preparing to launch his third campaign for the White House with an announcement Tuesday night. Trump is looking to move on from disappointing midterm defeats and defy history amid signs that his grip on the Republican Party may be waning. The former president had hoped to use the GOP's expected gains in last week's elections as a springboard to win his party's nomination by locking in early support and keeping potential challengers at bay. Instead, Trump now finds himself being blamed for backing a series of losing candidates in last week's midterm elections.
J S Kiran, who was appointed as junior clerk in the District Mercantile Cooperative Society at Thycaud based on a recommendation from CPM district secretary Anavoor Nagappan, is the son of a former Kattakkada area secretary of the party.
BARTLETT Two men face charges of manufacturing methamphetamine after authorities found their lab in a campground, according to the Fremont County Sheriffs Office.
Law enforcement reported arresting the men on Nov. 25 after a K9 unit discovered stolen items and a meth lab near town.
Deputies said they found an ATV which had been reported stolen from South Sioux City, Nebraska, and a camper stolen from Blue Springs, Missouri.
Investigators also found other stolen items and equipment used to manufacture meth, they said.
Both men face charges of drug precursor possession with intent to manufacture, one count of manufacturing meth under five grams and two counts of theft.
The Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement assisted the Fremont County Sheriffs Office with the investigation.
A spokesman for the Iowa Department of Corrections wouldnt talk about the transfer of one of Nebraskas problem prisoners to an Iowa prison facility.
The Omaha World-Herald and Associated Press both reported that Erica Jenkins has been transferred from the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York, Nebraska, to the Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville.
A Nebraska official confirmed Jenkins left the York facility. The World-Herald cited court records and the AP cited an unnamed Iowa official about Jenkins destination. Nebraskas online inmate locator lists Jenkins location as administration when checked Tuesday by The Nonpareil.
Jenkins is serving a life sentence for the 2013 slaying of Curtis Bradford of Omaha. She is the sister of Nebraska death-row inmate Nikko Jenkins, who participated in Bradfords killing.
Asked about the transfer by The Nonpareil, Cord Overton, communications director for the Iowa Department of Corrections, said Monday he could not comment on this particular individual. He would neither confirm nor deny that Jenkins was being held in Michellville.
Speaking in general, Overton said prisoner exchanges occur for a variety of reasons including the safety of the inmate being exchanged or of other inmates, the safety of staff members, the proximity to security threat groups or gangs or the place an inmate in closer proximity to their family.
Iowa currently has transfer agreements with 25 states, including Nebraska.
Dawn-Renee Smith, spokeswoman for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, told The World-Herald that she cannot discuss the reasons for the transfer because an inmates institutional file is not public. Smith has said that out-of-state transfers can occur only with an inmates permission.
Smith said that the transfer did not require Nebraska to accept an Iowa inmate in exchange for Jenkins. Additionally, Nebraska does not have to pay Iowa to house Jenkins under the transfer agreement.
Figures on the Iowa Department of Corrections website show the daily cost for prison incarceration of an offender being housed in Iowa is $98.85 or an annual cost of nearly $35,000.
Results of a study published in 2016, which was based on 2012 expenditures, showed that Iowa had the lowest annual cost of incarceration for several Midwestern states. The figures cited in that story were Iowa, $32,925; Nebraska, $35,950; Wisconsin, $37,994; Illinois, $38,268; and Minnesota, $41,364.
It is not uncommon for state correctional departments to exchange inmates on a fairly regular basis, Overton said. These exchanges might consist of a one-for-one switch, but more often they are in the form of reciprocity for future exchanges.
The states that cooperate will ultimately break even financially, Overton said, while gaining a net advantage for everyone through improved security.
So while one state might be gaining an incarcerated person, they will usually be exchanging another person through an agreement in the future, Overton said. At the end of the day, while the costs of the exchange will generally offset, the security that can be gained through such exchanges are advantageous.
Jenkins currently faces assault and weapons charges for allegedly using a combination lock as an improvised weapon to assault Christine Bordeaux, Jenkins cousin, on Sept. 24, 2016. Bordeaux, who was also a prisoner at the York prison, suffered a concussion, a broken forearm and a fractured nasal bone.
Bordeaux, who has also been transferred to an undisclosed out-of-state prison, testified against Jenkins, helping prosecutors obtain robbery convictions. Jenkins demanded that her cousin recant her testimony, and the assault allegedly occurred when Bordeaux refused.
In addition to the assault and weapons charges Jenkins currently faces in connection with the Bordeaux incident at the York facility, she has been convicted of assaulting guards three times.
Assistant Managing Editor Scott Stewart contributed to this report.
Iowa officials say that 23 construction zone deaths over a two-year period is too high and they are trying to come up with a plan to address the issue.
According to a recent Associated Press story, 10 people have died in work zone crashes statewide this year, compared to 13 deaths last year.
Iowa Department of Transportation officials say speeding and distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel, are contributing factors.
The Legislature recently passed a state law prohibiting texting while driving. As of Oct. 31, officers had issued almost 500 citations for texting while driving, compared to 174 citations in 2016.
Ten deaths in work zones is way too many, and it is a terrible number, said Steve Gent, director of the Iowa DOTs traffic and safety office in Ames. This is one of the areas that we continue to work on, not only on the primary highway system, but on county and city road systems.
In addition to the law enforcement crackdown on texting while driving, transportation department officials are also increasing safety measures in an effort to combat work zone crashes.
Efforts include having extra enforcement by state troopers and department officers, using electronic speed sensors, traffic sensors, and electronic message boards to warn motorists of problems ahead.
Unfortunately, common sense suggests that with the increasingly anemic numbers of Iowa State Patrol road troopers there will be little help coming from that department.
Since 2011, the Iowa State Patrol has seen nearly a 10 percent reduction in the number of road troopers. Figures compiled and published by the Cedar Rapids Gazette last month showed the patrol went from 296 road troopers in fiscal 2011 to 267 last year.
While the Iowa State Patrol was set to graduate 18 new troopers from its 20-week academy in October, that will do little to offset state patrol retirements over the next decade. Current estimates suggest 15 to 20 troopers will become eligible for retirement annually for the next decade.
Counting on the Iowa State Patrol to play a significant role in the reduction of work zone fatalities without substantially bolstering the number of troopers is, in our view, wishful thinking.
Belgian art collective Time Circus built their first prototype of a giant Land Ship that will travel through Europe. Like a modern-day galley, the land ship will be propelled by the muscle power of the participating travelers. The journey is understood as a 21st century pilgrimage and will take an estimated 10 years.
The Journey
Along the journey, people can board the land ship and travel along for as long as they want to. Longer stops will be made in Marseille (France), Novisad (Serbia), Timisoara (Romania) and Elefsina (Greece).
In 2018, land ship terminals will be built in these cities. Like bus stops, these will show how long it takes before the vehicle arrives. The start of the journey is planned for 2020.
The Ship
When we talked to one of the makers earlier this month in Antwerp, he said it was not yet clear whether the final vehicle would be a single monstrous land ship of 50 metres long, or a caravan of small ones the size of the first prototype, which is 13 metres long.
He said they were also contemplating the use of draft animals or sails reminiscent of the ancient Chinese wheelbarrow. The vehicle or vehicles will be equipped with sleeping accommodation for at least 50 people.
Confronting Bureaucracy
Either way, the trip will be challenging, not only because of the physical effort involved, but also because of many other obstacles, from bridges over telephone lines to rules and regulations. Time Circus wants to obtain freedom of movement by gently opposing regulations with inventiveness and the use of the grey areas of the law, confronting the bureaucracy in a playful and witty way.
The slowness of the journey gives ample space for meetings and interaction along the road. The main message of the project is to demonstrate that unexpected forces can develop through cooperation. It also wants to encourage the imaginative forces in the world, introducing alternatives that lie dormant.
More info: Time Circus. Theres also a video (in Dutch).
A man has been accused of burglaries at two laundromats in North Platte.
About 8 a.m. on Nov. 21, a North Platte police officer was called to the laundromat at 1111 N. Adams Ave. According to police reports, a man had pried open a change machine at the business, stolen about $300 and caused nearly $1,000 in damage to the machine.
Police identified the man in surveillance videos and began to search for him.
Later that day, police were told of an attempted burglary at another laundromat at 115 E. 10th St. The business reported that a man had tried to break in the night before. He had entered the business while it was open but left after failing to pry open the locked office door. He returned after the business had closed, reports say, but also failed to pry open the main entrance.
The man did not steal anything but did damage both doors.
Police identified the same suspect in surveillance videos at the second store as well as the vehicle he was driving.
The vehicle was found about 1 a.m. Nov. 22 and stopped near 200 S. Chestnut St. Police said the driver was the suspect from the videos. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary, two counts of criminal mischief and theft by taking.
While searching the suspect, police said, they also found several baggies with a white substance that tested positive for meth as well as drug paraphernalia.
A passenger in the vehicle was also arrested on warrants stemming from another case. She was also suspected of false reporting, because she gave a fake name to officers during the stop.
Rosati's Pizza, known for its thin-crust and deep-dish Chicago-style pizzas, will soon open a second location in Schererville.
The Warrenville, Illinois-based chain, the second-largest restaurant chain in the Chicago area after Portillo's, has a sit-down family-style pizzeria that seats 100 at 5504 Lincoln Highway in Schererville. It plans to add a second, smaller Schererville location at Shoppes on the Boulevard on Indianapolis Boulevard, near the borders of Highland and Munster.
The new shopping center is currently under construction just south of Steak & Shake. Rosati's will lease space in the new development, which also will include a McAlisters Deli and a Buona Beef.
We are excited for Rosatis to join the already strong lineup of tenants within the development," Latitude Commercial Senior Vice President Brett McDermott said. "This leaves us with about 4,000 square feet remaining in which we are in talks with a few potential tenants on."
The new Rosati's leasing space next to the McAlisters will focus mainly on takeout and delivery, according to a Latitude Commercial press release. Customers will be able to order pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads and appetizers like garlic bread and fried ravioli.
The existing Rosati's Pizza on U.S. 30 in Schererville focuses more on the dining-in experience and offers beer and wine.
Rosati's, which has been "keeping it real since 1964," also has Northwest Indiana locations in St. John, Munster and Valparaiso.
HAMMOND A 37-year-old Chicago man was sentenced Monday to five years in prison in connection with an undercover drug bust in Hammond.
Tido Kirby also was ordered to serve three years of supervision following his guilty plea to a federal charge of distribution of heroin.
According to court filings, Kirby sold four bags of heroin for $200 to an undercover police officer on Nov. 29, 2016, in Hammond, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Hammond.
He then allegedly fled from police and dropped several more bags of heroin that were recovered.
Kirby admitted before his arrest that he purchased 25 grams of heroin for $75 per gram each day from another individual, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. He also allegedly admitted to selling heroin to about nine to 10 regular customers.
CROWN POINT A criminal court judge granted a bond reduction for a 32-year-old man accused of twice attempting to torch his ex-girlfriend's home in Hammond.
Randall L. Gordon appeared Tuesday in Lake Criminal Court with defense attorney Lemuel Stigler.
Stigler asked Judge Samuel L. Cappas to reduce the defendant's bond on charges of attempted murder and arson from $300,000 to $50,000, of which he'd be required to post 10 percent.
He told the judge Gordon would live with his mother in Westmont, Illinois, if he posted bond.
Cappas agreed to reduce Gordon's total bond to $90,000.
He noted in his decision to not reduce it further that the defendant faces 120 years in prison, he was arrested in Tennessee on the charges and he is accused of engaging in a pattern of criminal activity.
Gordon was charged in two separate cases filed in July and August with three counts of attempted murder, and two counts each of stalking, intimidation and arson.
Gordon is accused of starting a fire Oct. 17, 2016, at his ex-girlfriend's residence in the 7500 block of Linden Avenue, according to court records.
The woman said Gordon also left a fire burning outside her kitchen window July 23, which her boyfriend was able to extinguish before it spread.
The woman told police Gordon harassed her for more than a year, including threatening to kill the woman, her 3-month-old son and her new boyfriend.
The Lake Criminal Court was notified Oct. 16 that Gordon was arrested in Nashville, and he was extradited later that month to Lake County.
When asked why he was in Tennessee, Gordon told the judge he was visiting family.
INDIANAPOLIS A nine-term state representative from southeastern Indiana was chosen by House Democrats Monday to succeed state Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, as caucus leader.
State Rep. Terry Goodin, D-Austin, said he was humbled and grateful to be elected by the 30 House Democrats to spearhead efforts to enact their legislative agenda and add to their seats in the 100-member chamber at the 2018 elections.
"I want to thank God for putting me in a position to be able to help others," Goodin said. "As we move forward, Democrats are going to have a new face and we're going to have a good message."
Goodin was coy about which specific issues, beyond eliminating partisan gerrymandering, Democrats will champion when the House convenes Jan. 3 for the 10-week legislative session.
"We're going to give the people in the state of Indiana their voice back, and that's going to be our No. 1 priority," Goodin said.
He also declined to reveal his strategy to get Democratic candidates elected in 2018 as nearly all Republicans in the General Assembly have "safe" seats, due in part to district boundaries that favor GOP candidates.
"If I told you all what it was today it wouldn't be considered a strategy," Goodin said.
Goodin is one of the few remaining Democratic state lawmakers hailing from southern Indiana a region that once was a party stronghold.
He's known for voting with Republicans more often than most of his Democratic colleagues, particularly to expand access to guns and increase penalties for violent crime.
Though Goodin also has received help from successive Republican governors, and the Republican-controlled Legislature, for his home county, which was the center of a 2015 HIV outbreak tied to the repeated use of contaminated needles by drug addicts.
The new House Democratic leader said he doesn't mind crossing the aisle to work with Republicans because he's learned, "You always attract more bees with honey than you do with brine."
Goodin insisted the Democratic caucus is united behind him even though he only defeated state Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, on a 15-14 leadership vote that Pelath did not participate in.
GiaQuinta said he was "a little disappointed" in the outcome, but he remains determined to work with Goodin to put forward an agenda House Democrats can be proud of and to help elect new members in 2018 and 2020.
Goodin said he doesn't know whether he'll be kept on as leader after the 2018 elections. In any case, he plans to remain superintendent of Crothersville Community Schools and continue operating his family farm.
Last week, Pelath announced he was stepping down as Democratic leader to spend more time at home with his family and newborn son. He also revealed that he won't seek re-election in 2018.
Goodin said he's proud to follow in Pelath's footsteps: "He's a great man, he did a wonderful job and I just hope I'm able to build on the successes that Scott built as we move forward."
"There's going be different voice, obviously with a little more southern twang to it, but we're going to have a unified voice," Goodin said.
HOBART Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore fire officials have rescheduled a controlled burn for this morning at the Hobart Prairie Grove property.
The fire, which had initially been planned last week but was canceled due to the weather, will be affect 10 acres on the 178-acre prairie property on the west side of Lake George in Hobart.
"This smaller portion being burned today is directly north of the former Knights of Columbus property on South Liverpool, on the southwest side of Lake George," said Micah Bell, fire information officer for the national park.
Burning only a portion of the property should make it easier to burn remaining acreage on a less windy day and reduce smoke impacts on neighbors, he said. Ignitions were set to begin at 9:30 a.m.
Fire crews also planned to burn about 10 acres Tuesday at the 77-acre Dunewood Campground near Beverly Shores, Bell said. The fires were intended to reduce leaf litter and threat of wildlife to campers next year.
A controlled burn Monday on 450 acres of woodlands west of the Douglas Center for Environmental Education on North Lake Street in Gary's Miller section went well, Bell said.
Firefighters were checking the area Tuesday morning for visitor safety, and trails will be reopened as soon as possible, he said.
A prescribed fire at the 191-acre Mnoke Prairie near Porter remained on a list to burn this fall, he said. The Mnoke Prairie is north of Beam Street and west of U.S. 20.
Controlled burns help reduce fire hazards, fight against invasive species and restore natural habitat, officials said.
HOBART It's been an eventful year at Hobart First United Methodist Church.
The congregation has marked the 100th year of worship in its sanctuary with several celebrations, and the parish gained a major recognition along the way.
The church at 654 E. Fourth St. has made it through the Indiana Historic Preservation Review Board to gain a nomination to be added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Brad Miller, of Indiana Landmarks, said the Gothic-style church with arched stained glass windows is 99 percent there to obtain the national historic designation, and the most important part of achieving it is by getting through the state review.
It has been a process, said the Rev. Rebecca Smith, pastor of the church.
Miller said being added to the national list could be finalized by the end of the year.
City Planner Sergio Mendoza described Hobart First's accomplishments as something very special.
Mendoza said the efforts protect what the founders of the church established in the community.
Although the sanctuary has been around for 100 years, the roots of the church are deeper.
It all started in 1849, when services took place in a log cabin. Construction of a sanctuary began in 1871, and the building was finished the next year.
After outgrowing that facility, the church started constructing the current sanctuary in 1916. It was dedicated in 1917.
Mayor Brian Snedecor recently honored the parish for the milestone and its historic designation accomplishments with a proclamation.
Snedecor said the church has a strong congregation that includes many who have been in leadership roles in Hobart.
Thank you for your investment in the community, Snedecor said.
The 100th anniversary of the sanctuary and historic designation have been exciting for the parish, but it isn't the only focus for the church.
This is only the shell, Smith said of the sanctuary.
The Rev. Larry Whitehead, a former Hobart First pastor, agrees there is much more ahead for the parish.
God's purpose for Hobart First is not yet accomplished, said Whitehead, who is the North District Superintendent of the Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church.
He said it will be nice to be on the National Register of Historic Places, but that isn't the reason the church was established.
The best way to honor the past is to look to the future, Whitehead said.
He said the people who first sat in the sanctuary pews were there to connect their hearts to God, and he encouraged members to help others make that same connection.
Our mission is to fill lives with Jesus Christ, Whitehead said.
MERRILLVILLE Business owners whose properties look sharp could earn a designation from the town.
Clerk-Treasurer Eugene Guernsey has started a program to recognize aesthetically pleasing and well-maintained businesses in the community through a monthly award.
Guernsey said many operations are doing their part to keep their facilities looking attractive, but others have gotten away from it.
Besides lauding companies for improving the town's appearance, Guernsey thinks having the program in place can encourage others to put a stronger emphasis on maintaining their properties.
Just put pride back in our neighborhood, he said.
Town Council President Richard Hardaway said the program is a great idea and a way to show businesses if there is anything we can do to help them, we would.
Guernsey said businesses don't need to do expensive and elaborate remodeling projects to gain the municipality's attention. Improving landscaping and decorating for holidays are among factors officials will consider when choosing award winners, he said.
Guernsey said employees from his office, the Town Court and the Planning and Building Department will serve on the award selection committee.
The employees will travel around town each month, taking pictures of businesses that stand out. The committee will review the selections and pick a business to honor for that month, Guernsey said.
Representatives from selected businesses will receive a plaque during Town Council meetings.
Guernsey said he hopes to expand to the property recognition program next year to include residences.
A semitrailer crash snarled westbound traffic Monday afternoon near Grant Street in Gary on I-80/94, according to Indiana State Police.
The semitrailer, which crashed at about 4:30 p.m. into a barrier wall at the interstate's 9 mile marker, initially blocked all lanes of westbound traffic, according to a news release from Indiana State Police.
A witness told police the semitrailer went into the right shoulder and then suddenly jerked back into the lane, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, the release states.
The semitrailer overturned and then slid across all lanes of traffic, plowing through a concrete barrier and finally stopping in the eastbound express lane, the release states.
The eastbound express lane was closed at the time of the crash, the release states.
Crews were able to quickly get one lane open for traffic, and two lanes open by 6:45 p.m., the release states. The far left lane of traffic remained closed at 8 p.m. while crews worked to repair the concrete barrier.
The semitrailer driver was identified by police as Khalil Abdelrahman, 49, of Indianapolis. He was transported by Gary EMS to Northlake Hospital in Gary with non-life-threatening injuries, the release states.
The vehicle, owned by BA Logistics of Michigan City, was headed to Chicago from Hebron, Kentucky, according to the release. It was transporting 10,000 pounds of general freight when it crashed.
The crash caused a large diesel and oil spill, which required clean up, the release states.
For more updates go to nwi.com.
HUDSON LAKE LaPorte County sheriff's police are investigating the shooting of two horses in the 7300 East block of Emery Road.
Police were called to a residence Thursday regarding the horses being wounded, according to Capt. Mike Kellams.
The deputy spoke with the property owner, who told police he first observed the injuries to the horses around 4 p.m. on Nov. 23. One horse was owned by the property owner, and the second was being boarded at the property. One horse appeared to have received a bullet wound in the right front leg and the other in the left front leg.
The man told police he had been in contact with a veterinarian who said the wounds were not life-threatening and that it would be more dangerous to the animals to try to remove the bullets than leave them in place. The horses did not appear to have been affected by the wounds, said police.
According to the officer, the wounds had the appearance of coming from a large caliber bullet.
The horses are kept in a large pasture that is visible from the road. The homeowner told police he had not heard any gunshots prior to finding the wounded animals.
The sheriffs office has also learned via social media that a cow in a nearby pasture, unrelated to the horse pasture, may have also been wounded by a bullet; however, no one has reported that to the sheriffs department, Kellams said.
Anyone with information on this matter is asked to call Detective Sgt. Brian Piergelski at 219-326-7700, ext. 2539.
VALPARAISO The Laborers International Union of North America Local 81 has again been turned down for property and personal tax exemptions on its new building at 3502 Enterprise Ave. in Valparaiso.
The Indiana Board of Tax Review denied the request for educational and charitable exemptions upon appeal after they were first denied in September 2016 by the Porter County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals.
The state tax board said the union failed to prove that the portion of its building targeted for a tax exemption was used predominantly for qualified educational purposes during the 2014-16 tax years.
"Union activities are not inherently exempt," the state ruled.
The $1.2 million assessed value of the property translates to $34,500 in annual property taxes, said Porter County Assessor Jon Snyder.
Union officials received the news Monday and were contemplating whether to appeal the decision further to the Indiana Tax Court, said bookkeeper Pat Hill.
"We're tax-exempt everywhere else but Porter County," he said.
The union local had been tax-exempt since 1918, he said. That ended when it completed its new facility in 2014 and made the required request for exemptions.
"Two and two don't add up to four to me," Hill said.
Snyder said, "Applications for exemptions from property taxes are taken seriously and are reviewed by the local Board of Appeals for accuracy and lawfulness. I am happy that the State Board of Review agreed with us in this case, and we will continue to strive for fair and accurate taxation throughout Porter County."
The union had objected in its appeal to Snyder questioning during the initial hearing before the PTABOA, "how the average taxpayer benefits and saves tax dollars from the instruction at Local 81."
While the union claimed the question called for a legal conclusion, the tax review board disagreed.
The Indiana Tax Court ruled in March that the United Steelworkers Local 6787 in Portage is not primarily a charitable or educational entity, and thus its union hall and banquet center are not eligible for a property tax exemption.
ST. JOHN A Lake Central High School teacher, who was arrested last week after a video of her allegedly doing drugs in an empty classroom went viral, has been formally charged with possession of a controlled substance, a level 6 felony, and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor.
Samantha Cox, 24, of Cedar Lake, was removed from the classroom Nov. 22 and held at the Lake County Jail until she posted a $10,000 bond later that same day.
She has been placed on paid administrative leave from Lake Central, school officials said.
The teacher allegedly told police after her arrest she purchased $160 worth of cocaine that morning before coming to school, according to court records released Monday by the Lake County Prosecutor's Office.
Cox told police she usually purchased "dope" after school, but was feeling sick that morning, records state. She said she had used cocaine for four years, since her freshman year at college.
Cox said she snorted the cocaine at 10:20 a.m. while alone in her classroom, records state. She said the door was locked, but students must have seen her through the door window.
Authorities learned about the drug use after someone took video of Cox in an empty classroom and posted that video online. The footage spread quickly on the internet.
The information was brought to the attention of school administration by student witnesses, and school administrators notified the St. John Police Department.
A detective was dispatched to the school at noon and requested help from a drug-sniffing dog, records state.
The dog alerted to the teacher's desk, where police located a plastic cigarette wrapper filled with rolled up pieces of tin foil, records state. Police also found a piece of paper wrapped up like a straw.
Cox allowed police to search her vehicle, where they found a glass pipe and multiple small pieces of tin foil, torn plastic baggies and two rolled up pieces of paper, according to records.
The records state Cox was polite and cooperative throughout the incident.
Lake Central schools Superintendent Larry Veracco said Monday that Cox was in her second year as a teacher at the high school. She taught English 10 and 11. She was hired in 2016, soon after graduating from Purdue University Northwest in May.
"She was popular with the students," Veracco said. "She did her student teaching at Lake Central High School, then we hired her.
"It's a sad situation. We are happy that we got her removed from the classroom very quickly after being tipped off by a student. But we are also concerned about her welfare, too. She seemed to be a very good teacher," Veracco said.
Cox graduated from Hanover Central High School in 2012 and was the salutatorian. She attended Purdue University Calumet, now known as Purdue University Northwest, graduating in May 2016. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English and concentration in English teaching.
Franciscan Alliance is launching a program in Northwest Indiana to assist pregnant women and mothers addicted to drugs.
The Grace Project helps the women and their babies with everything from substance abuse treatment to housing and transportation. Franciscan has had the program in central Indiana since 2015 but is expanding it to northern and western Indiana, as well as the south suburbs of Chicago.
"It can cover the cost of the treatment, to a ride to and from the hospital, to a hot meal, to an electric bill," said Rick Peltier, executive director of the Franciscan Health Foundation for northern Indiana. "There are so many needs surrounding this crisis. Franciscan wants to do our part of help any way we can."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called neonatal abstinence syndrome, where babies are born dependent on drugs, an "often hidden consequence of the opioid epidemic." The incidence of the condition tripled between 1999 and 2013.
In Indiana, babies are born dependent on opioids at a third more than the national average, according to data from the Indiana State Department of Health. Through the end of August, 15.7 percent of Indiana babies tested were addicted to opioids, compared to 10.7 percent nationwide.
In utero exposure to opioids puts infants at risk for social, emotional and intellectual delays, and can impair long-term immunity and protection against pathogens, medical experts say. Then there are the withdrawal symptoms.
"Babies can have seizures, shaking, tremors," said Joan Culver, administrative director of women and children's services for Franciscan Alliance. "They can be inconsolable. They can be difficult to feed. They can struggle with vomiting."
The Grace Project helps pay for the women's treatment above what insurance will cover, the baby's medical expenses and everyday needs for the family. In the Indianapolis area, the program has assisted 31 families with a total of $36,000.
"It's more than just treatment; it's helping the whole person," Culver said. "We need baby and mom to be in the right place."
Franciscan is launching the program Tuesday to coincide with Giving Tuesday, a national day of philanthropy. To donate to the Grace Project, visit franciscanhealth.org/givingtuesday.
This is the busiest time of the year, as were all reminded at least a dozen times between Thanksgiving and the New Year. I am thankful you have taken just a few minutes to read this.
Much of the stress brought by the holiday season usually revolves around gifts. Who gets what? Does my uncle wear large or extra-large these days? Is my niece bringing her boyfriend to Christmas? It is ironic a time of such joy can bring so much stress as we try to create happiness for others.
Allow me to help with those gift-giving tasks you still have on your plate and introduce you to CollegeChoice 529, a program sponsored by the state of Indiana. It offers an alternative to the typical gifts you may give.
CollegeChoice 529 is an affordable, flexible opportunity to put money aside in dedicated college savings accounts for the special children in your life. The gift of education is not something children can outgrow, break or grow sick of before Valentines Day. Research suggests a child with as little as a dollar in a dedicated college savings account is up to four times more likely to attend college and graduate than one without a savings account.
A CollegeChoice 529 account also brings special benefits for account owners and gift contributors. Earnings on your investments grow tax-deferred from federal and state taxes. Withdrawals for qualified expenses like tuition, room and board, books, fees and computers are exempt from federal and state tax.
Account beneficiaries are welcome to use their savings at any higher education institution that accepts federal financial aid, not just Indiana colleges and universities. Last, Hoosiers who contribute to CollegeChoice accounts may also take advantage of the most generous state 529 tax incentive in the country: a credit equal to 20 percent of their contributions, worth up to $1,000 each and every year. That is money back in ones pocket that could be reinvested into a CollegeChoice 529 account.
This holiday season, give a gift that wont wear out: the gift of college. The money you set aside in a CollegeChoice 529 account today will be invested and have a chance to earn more over time. Contributing by Dec. 31 could allow you to claim a valuable tax credit in just a few short months.
2017 marks the 20th anniversary of Indianas CollegeChoice 529 program. As of today, Hoosiers have saved more than $4 billion in more than 330,000 accounts. In 2016 alone, CollegeChoice 529 helped pay for $294 million in qualified education expenses.
Giving the gift of college to your loved ones now can help you prepare for the same expenses and save a great deal later on. Visit www.collegechoicedirect.com to learn more and enroll today.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, from my family to yours!
For years, we have been hearing the Republican Party was on the ropes: when Bill Clinton won in 1992 and 1996; when Barack Obama won in 2008 and 2012; when the tea party launched in 2009; when Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and company shut down the federal government for a few days in 2013.
Remember when we were told voters were going to "punish" Republicans in 2014? Yeah, that was right before they handed the GOP control of the House and Senate.
When Donald Trump roared into the primaries in 2015 and knocked out his more traditional GOP rivals one by one, and even since Trump's election, the media's go-to narrative has been how the Republican Party is fragmented and crumbling.
Now we know it's the Democratic Party that's rotting from within.
This isn't about the staggering loss of seats in state governments. It's about the sex scandals that have enveloped Hollywood and now the media and Washington. What's even more shocking than the reprehensible conduct itself is how intimately entwined these scandals are with the Democratic Party's politics, its operatives and their tactics.
Let's start with Harvey Weinstein. One of the biggest Hollywood fundraisers for Democrats, he has become the poster boy for the most egregious sexual harassment and assault.
Weinstein's attorneys had his victims sign iron-clad nondisclosure agreements that effectively covered up his behavior.
PBS and CBS host Charlie Rose was fired this past week after eight women came forward with sordid stories of sexual harassment and abuse of power.
New York Times reporter Glenn Thrush has also been suspended following accusations of sexual misconduct involving younger women at the Times and Politico. Remember Glenn Thrush? His was one of many emails released by Wikileaks that demonstrated how far in the tank the media was for 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Thrush sent a potentially negative story to Clinton campaign manager John Podesta for approval before publishing. Thrush's email read, in part, "Because I have become a hack I will send u the whole section that pertains to u (sic). Please don't share or tell anyone I did this."
The Wikileaks email dump also exposed that Donna Brazile at the time, a contributing political correspondent at CNN was feeding debate questions to Clinton in advance of the event. Brazile lost her position at CNN and has written a best-seller, "Hacks," in which she gives her take on why Clinton lost the election.
Among her revelations: The DNC was financially controlled and manipulated by the Clintons, to the political detriment of the other (and arguably more popular) Democratic candidate, Bernie Sanders.
Brazile stepped in as DNC chair after Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned in disgrace, only to be scooped up by Clinton and named "honorary" campaign chair.
Wasserman Schultz's handsomely paid former IT staffer Imran Awan has since been indicted and is suspected of selling sensitive data to Pakistanis and Russians.
Charles Manson's recent death brought disturbing reminders that even the Democratic Party's golden boy, Barack Obama, has unsavory alliances in his background. After the grisly murders of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and six others in July of 1969, Weather Underground founder Bernardine Dohrn said, "Offing those rich pigs with their own forks and knives, and then eating a meal in the same room. Far out! The Weathermen dig Charles Manson."
Manson and his followers were murderous lunatics. Bernardine Dohrn (along with her husband Bill Ayers) was a communist revolutionary and domestic terrorist responsible for multiple bombings. Dohrn expressed admiration for the Manson murders. And Barack Obama launched his political career in her living room.
The Democratic Party is riddled through and through with questionable affiliations and scandals.
It's time for the Democrats to clean house.
"Chicago man sentenced to 30 months for gun trafficking."
This recent article caught my attention because of the leniency of the sentence. This person purchased more than 25 guns with the intention of selling them to other criminals and only received a 30-month sentence.
He broke existing gun laws. The article states he received a longer sentence because at least eight of the firearms were discovered in the hands of convicted felons. A longer sentence? Really? How about 10 or 20 years?
This is the exact problem law-abiding people complain about when they say punish the criminals and enforce the existing gun laws before you start making more laws that limit the rights of honest citizens.
Steve Nowaczyk, Munster
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Reference is made to an article by Hon Mary Karooro Okurut in the New Vision of November 21, 2017 titled Oil Pipeline: Uganda has cause for optimism.
First, I would like to recognise the potential Uganda and Tanzanias extractive resources have to trigger economic growth, alleviate poverty and address inequality, enabling both countries to fulfil their respective visions.
It is unfortunate, as Ms Karooro rightly pointed out, that the 1,445km East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) that is valued at $3.55 billion and promises massive economic fortunes (even if only 20 per cent of it will occupy Ugandan territory) has not received the attention it deserves.
The primary reason for this is that discussions around Ugandas oil sector and related infrastructural developments have largely been an exclusive clubs affair, whose membership includes technical persons (ministries of energy and finance), foreign investors and the office of the president.
Even when oil is a national resource, I am sure you would not hear people in your constituency in Bushenyi talk about it.
The discussions are localised to Hoima and Buliisa where people are directly affected as their land is required for oil development and there are hopes for jobs.
A number of times when oil discussion dominates public debate is when there is a scandal, the latest being the Shs 6 billion a few government workers rewarded themselves with for work they are paid to do. Uganda needs to do better in informing her citizens and engaging them in these important discussions.
There are heightened expectations like those expressed by Hon Karooro, that the project will bring with it huge benefits in terms of job creation and other economic multipliers.
While I appreciate some people will earn income during the construction of the EACOP, can we look at the bigger picture? Apart from casual labourers Karooro talked about, what other opportunities are there?
Where are we purchasing the materials from? Shall we use cement from Uganda or China? What about the nails and screws? What of other materials that are needed?
Uganda decided long ago to construct an oil pipeline. Yet hardly any Ugandans have been equipped with necessary skills in pipeline construction. Is there a group of welders from Katwe, for example, that meet the certification criteria to work on the pipeline, the oil refinery or central processing plants?
What local content actions has government taken to ensure meaningful participation in the sector? Government needs to be strategic and invest in this sector, beyond paper work (polices and laws that are never implemented anyway).
Whereas it is a foregone conclusion lives of people along the pipeline corridor that encompasses eight districts will change, there is scant hope it will be for the better.
Evidence from the Chad-Cameroon pipeline corridor and other oil projects in Niger Delta region, or elsewhere on the African continent, have impoverished local communities, involuntarily displaced families and delivered few benefits in return.
Experience from acquisition of land for the oil refinery in Hoima does not suggest the government cares that much for its people. Some of the 7,118 people that were affected more than four years ago have never been resettled or compensated.
Currently, none of the districts has approved compensation and property rates for the year 2017/2018. What will they use to compensate those affected by the pipeline?
As if that is not bad enough, our engagements in the districts of Kiboga, Lwengo, Rakai and Gomba revealed communities and their leaders are largely unaware of where the pipeline is going to pass, when and what that means to their lives. Government urgently needs to put out this information.
As Hon Karooto indicated, the EACOP will be the longest heated pipeline in the world because Ugandas oil is waxy and viscous.
She, however, says nothing about what environmental implications this otherwise important undertaking comes with.
There is need for honesty about that as well as expected sources of funding for EACOP.
Currently, external financing is required for 70 per cent of the project. The balance is expected from equity by the joint venture partners and the national oil companies in both Uganda and Tanzania.
For Uganda, this will either come from national budget or external borrowing. Government needs to be transparent and openly discuss her financing options and contracts with its investment partners.
While infrastructure projects such as EACOP have the potential to bring about positive economic effects, they also have the potential to leave the respective countries heavily indebted at a cost to future generations.
The author is the executive director of Global Rights Alert.
Austrian designer Klemens Schillinger has created a therapeutic replacement for smartphones called Substitute Phones. The Vienna-based designer made a series of five of these non-devices which feature a row of stone beads to imitate various motions typical to smartphone use, such as scrolling, zooming, and swiping.
By using stone beads to emulate interaction with a phones touchscreen, Schillinger aims to create therapeutic tools that can provide the physical simulation that frequent smartphone users crave, and help them cope with the withdrawal symptoms of being away from their phones for long periods of time
Photo: Klemens Schillinger
The touchscreen smartphone has made it possible to escape into social media, Schillinger told Dezeen. We check emails and messages not only on public transport but also in social situations, for example when having drinks with friends. More and more often one feels the urge to check their phone, even if you are not expecting a specific message or call. These observations inspired the idea of making a tool that would help stop this checking behavior.
The Substitute Phones bodies are made of black polyoxymethylene (POM) plastic, also known as acetal. Theyre a similar size and weight to typical smartphones, making the simulation more convincing. Marbled Howlite beads are integrated into the case in one of five designs and roll in place, simulating the frictionless feel associated with touchscreen use. They are designed in such a way as to allow users to perform various gestures associated with smartphones, such as swiping and pinching.
Photo: Klemens Schillinger
Some of these finger movements like zooming in, or moving up and down were born with the smartphone, the designer said. The Substitute Phones allow these movements to be felt by scrolling on the marbles that are integrated into the case, something which is a clear differentiation from fidget spinners or fidget cubes.
Schillinger says that Italian writer and philosopher Umberto Eco inspired the project because he tried to quit smoking by substituting his pipe with a stick.
Photo: Klemens Schillinger
It was the same thing, but without the nicotine, just the physical stimulation, he said. I remembered this and thought to make phones that would provide the physical stimulation but not the connectivity.
The Substitute Phone is Schillingers second project that aims to discourage people from using their smartphones and other mobile devices such as ipads. The first project, the Offline Lamp, was a typical table lamp that featured a drawer integrated into the pedestal. For the bulb to light up, a smartphone had first to be placed into and then locked in the drawer.
Schillinger created both of the projects for an exhibition called #Offline Design for the (Good Old) Real World, which took place at Vienna Design Week from 29 September until 8 October 2017.
The Substitute phone is not yet for sale, but Schillingers website promises that theyre coming soon and offers an email address for inquiries.
This looks like an improved version of the NoPhone, with the beads offering some gesture familiarity.
Mysterious boom sounds have baffled people all over the planet throughout the past year. There have been 64 recorded incidents within the last 12 months, with the majority heard on the east coast of the USA, but also reported everywhere from the Middle East to Australia. Experts have no clear answer as to the cause of these sounds, but theories range from Leonid shower meteorites exploding in the atmosphere to supersonic aircrafts.
The most recent bang resounded over the US state of Alabama on November 14. Dubbed Bama boom, the noise shook houses and terrified locals. Residents notified authorities of a suspicious sound that rattled windows and seemed to originate on the northwest side of Lochbuie, Alabama. They could not figure out the source of the noise, however, and have ruled out an explosion as they could not find flames or an odor indicating one.
Photo: U.S. Navy
The Birmingham National Weather Service tweeted: Loud boom heard: we do not see anything indicating large fire/smoke on radar or satellite; nothing on USGS indicating an earthquake.
Alabama locals took to Twitter to report the latest event. One user described it as an incredibly loud boom that shook the entire house.
Previously, on October 10, a similar incident left Australians in Cairn confused and frightened. Two weeks after that another boom resounded over the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, and reportedly at the same time, a blue meteor passed across the sky.
Photo: Navicore/Wikimedia Commons
It just got bigger and bigger, and it was just this big flash across the sky, and there were sparks coming off it, Port Lincoln local Lisa Watson told News Corp. I pulled up home, and I heard two massive bangs, maybe a second apart, and then the sky lit up again I just felt the whole earth shake twice.
Other locations that have reported similar incidents include Swansea, Yorkshire, Lapland, and St Ives. According to some reports, these so-called Bama Booms are becoming more frequent.
Bill Cooke, the head of NASAs Meteoroid Environment Office, recently admitted that his department does not have clear answer as to what is causing the mysterious loud noises. He states that the boom could not have been caused by the Leonid meteor shower, but adds that it might have been a bolide, which is a significant meteor that explodes in the atmosphere.
The sound was not caused by a Leonid meteor, Cooke stated, Which is the light produced by a fragile bit of comet hitting the atmosphere at over 150,000 miles per hour. At such speeds, the particle does not last long, burning up completely at altitudes of 60 miles or so. Leonids never penetrate low enough into Earths atmosphere to produce sounds audible on the ground.
The U.S. Geological Surveys Lakeview Retreat in Alabama picked up seismic data that showed a loud boom had occurred, and 600 miles away in southern Ontario The Elginfield Infrasound Array picked up a matching infra-sound signal beginning at the same time. According to Cooke, Nasa will continue to analyze the available data with the hope of determining the origin of the sound.
There is a piece of Estonian land where men are a very rare sight. The island of Kihnu, located in the Baltic Sea, seven miles off the countrys west coast, is a domain ruled by women. This quaint place of pastoral tranquility and just 400 inhabitants is one of the worlds last matriarchal societies.
Its not that the women of Kihnu have anything against men; its just that they have no choice but hold the social and administrative reins. Thats because the male population is away for months on end, providing for the small community by fishing. This leaves the ladies responsible for running things and they have been doing so for centuries raising the kids, working in the fields, and handling matters of governance.
Photo: KalervoK/Wikimedia Commons
The leader of this island community is Mare Matas, who doubles as president of the Kihnu Cultural Space Foundation. As she explains, Men were always a long time away from the island. And thats the historical reason why women become very strong, very independent.
One thing the local ladies are particularly intent on achieving is the preservation of Kihnus traditions and heritage.
Kihnu culture is interesting because we still wear traditional costumes as our everyday wearing. We have ancient folk songs still alive and dancesKihnu wedding songs and wedding traditions are more than 2,000 years old, Matas notes.
Photo: Olev Mihkelmaa
But its a tough job preserving a legacy when young people leave to pursue higher education or good jobs, often never to return. The island is popular with European tourists in the summer but other than that, there are no attractive opportunities to keep the youngsters from deserting the community.
Im concerned every day that our unique culture can disappear. Its very valuable if those things still exist and survive in the modern world. Its really a miracle, says Matas.
The good thing is that officials have not been sitting idly: Kihnus culture, more specifically its wedding traditions, have been recognized as a UNESCO Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Additionally, the Kihnu Museum has been renovated and conserves the local history, honors prominent residents, and keeps alive the islands customs and conventions.
For all its uniqueness and idyllic atmosphere, Kihnu does have its challenges and living there may not be for the faint of heart. According to Matas, its a different lifestyle compared to that on the mainland and survival is harder. Still, the locals wouldnt have it any other way and believe that they inhabit the best place in the world.
Hiltzik Media Strategies handles press for private equity firm Thoma Bravo as it inks a $1.6B deal to acquire Barracuda Networks, which provides security for cloud-based networks.
The $27.55 per-share price is a 22 percent premium over the 10-day average Barracuda stock price prior to the Nov. 27 announcement of the transaction.
Founded in 2003, Barracuda works with clients such as Microsoft and Boeing. It posted revenues of $188M and $4.2M net income for the six-month period ended Aug. 31.
Thoma Bravo, which has assets of $17B, has invested in tech companies including McAfee and Compuware.
BJ Jenkins, Barracuda CEO, said Thoma Bravo's investment "speaks to the value and strength of Barracuda's security platform."
Hiltzik's Matthew Gorton represents Thoma Bravo, which has offices in Chicago and San Francisco, in the deal that is expected to close at the end of February.
On the morning before Thanksgiving, adult and youth performers at the Omaha Community Playhouse excitedly gathered at a bus, ready to hit the road as part of a holiday tradition in its 39th year.
A week earlier, members of Mannheim Steamroller left from Chip Davis farm and American Gramaphone studio north of the city, continuing a musical trek now in its 33rd year. Thursday, the band will play for the lighting of the National Christmas tree near the White House.
Its a remarkable custom Omaha annually sending out two major Christmas productions around the country.
Including rehearsals that start in Omaha in early November, both shows performers and crew members some local, some from elsewhere give a good chunk of time to traveling, spreading holiday cheer and living out of suitcases.
And in the case of the Playhouse show, that includes students who bade farewell to their parents Wednesday and boarded with other cast members of A Christmas Carol.
Were gone for four to five weeks, said Emma Johnson, 15, a sophomore at Marian High School. I take two suitcases one for clothes and personal belongings and the other for textbooks. I keep up with assignments, and I email my teachers every day.
Emmas mom, Jen Johnson, said it was especially difficult sending her off on her first Christmas Carol tour when she was in seventh grade.
Its still scary as a parent, putting your child on a bus, Jen said. You just have to trust and know this is such a neat opportunity.
The Playhouse annually mounts the show on its Omaha main stage. The touring cast is from its professional wing, the Nebraska Theatre Caravan, managed by Kate Whitecotton.
Over the past weekend, the caravan performed for four days in the ornate, Orpheum-like Ohio Theatre in Columbus.
Last year the Columbus Dispatch called it a beloved national tour, and a Tennessee newspaper said it is one of the most widely viewed productions of the Dickens tale in the nation.
Soon the show will tour South Carolina, Kentucky, Vermont, Massachusetts and New Jersey.
Emma celebrates her 16th birthday Dec. 14 in St. Louis, part of a four-day stop at the Fox Theatre, where Jen will meet her. Then the show heads to four cities in the Sunshine State, ending Dec. 23 in Melbourne, Florida.
The high-powered Mannheim Steamroller, meanwhile, sends out two tours.
One opened Nov. 15 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Already this month, audiences have enjoyed the 18th-century classical rock take on Christmas music in the states of Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin.
And it was bound to happen: Wednesday, both Omaha productions Mannheim Steamroller at the Mead Theatre and Christmas Carol at the Victoria Theatre will practically bump into each other, playing in the same city.
Musically speaking, the Big O is taking Dayton, Ohio, by storm.
Making a case for the Omaha area as a Christmas Capital, you could add a third touring group, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. For years the New York City-based band has rehearsed at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs and dined in downtown Omaha one year reportedly leaving a $10,000 tip at Sullivans Steakhouse.
The heavy-metal, progressive-rock TSO opened this years tour at the Bluffs arena on Nov. 16. This Saturday it plays in why miss it? Dayton, Ohio.
The tours hit lots of cities, aware of each other but independent.
The most widely known persona is Chip Davis, who grew up in Ohio and attended college in Michigan but came to Omaha in the early 1970s as a TV-jingle writer. That led to the hit record Convoy and a movie starring Kris Kristofferson, based on the C.W. McCall truck driver Chip created.
Mannheim Steamroller the name is from the German city where Mozart lived and from the word for an 18th century musical crescendo has sold more than 40 million albums, including 29 million Christmas albums.
The annual tours are big business. Chip said he employs just short of 100 people, including musicians, crews and truck drivers.
His musicians have played for two previous White House Christmas tree lightings, one for President Bill Clinton and one for President George W. Bush. (Thursdays ceremony with President Donald Trump will be shown Monday on the Hallmark Channel.)
Besides the crisscrossing Mannheim tours in 80 cities, Davis has a group playing weekends at the Universal Orlando Resort. And he has a fourth group, a hit-and-run band that can assemble quickly if, say, a TV network calls for an appearance on a morning show.
Its exciting, but it can be a grind, too. Among local musicians are Joey Gulizia, Chuck Penington, Glen Smith, Ron Cooley, Rebecca Kia and Bobby Kunkle.
Mannheim plays Dec. 22 and 23 at the Orpheum in Omaha. The tour ends Dec. 30 in San Antonio.
The 36-person Nebraska Theatre Caravan tour, which sometimes has sent out two groups, has one this year, staying in the eastern U.S.
Adult performers audition with a booking agent elsewhere and then come to Omaha to rehearse.
Jon McDonald of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, who plays Mr. Fezziwig and other roles, is in his 10th year on the Christmas Carol tour.
Being Fezziwig, I think, is the best part of the show, he said. I get to throw that wonderful party.
He said he appreciates the young performers, who have a chaperone-tutor he calls the child wrangler.
Other children from Omaha are Nick LeMay as the young Scrooge; Mackenzie Reidy as Frances; and Sasha Denenberg as Tiny Tim.
All are younger than Emma Johnson, who plays Belinda Cratchit and keeps up on her pre-calculus and other subjects.
When she approached Marian High leaders about touring this year, she said, They were a little hesitant, like, Are you sure you can miss a month and a half of school?
Emma, active in show choir, fine arts club, speech team, French club, robotics and more, assured them that she would not just be a student who disappeared.
She does her homework, and the chaperone proctors her tests. Emma is now a tour veteran at balancing a checkbook and washing her clothes at hotels.
Said her mom, Jen: This has made her a much more confident, independent young lady.
At the tours end, Jen, dad Erik (EJ on KAT 103 country radio in Omaha) and Emmas brother, Simon, 14, will attend her final show and then head to Disney World.
Steamrolling or caroling, Omaha leaves its mark on the Christmas season.
COUNCIL BLUFFS The City of Council Bluffs plans to take legal action against a recent decision that could pave the way for a casino in Carter Lake, Mayor Matt Walsh said Monday evening.
We are going to file a lawsuit, Walsh told outgoing Carter Lake Mayor Gerald Waltrip, who attended the Council Bluffs City Council meeting.
Walsh cited the fact that there would be no gambling tax for the State of Iowa that other casinos must pay.
We feel it would be detrimental to Council Bluffs and the State of Iowa, Walsh said.
At the meeting, Waltrip told Walsh and the council that Carter Lake seems to be a punching bag for Council Bluffs and Omaha officials.
I dont recall us ever interfering when Council Bluffs built three casinos, he said.
The National Indian Gaming Commission recently issued an order affirming a 2007 decision allowing the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska to develop a casino on its Carter Lake property.
Council Bluffs City Attorney Richard Wade noted that the tribe sought a casino in Carter Lake about 10 years ago but was unsuccessful. He said he hopes that same result happens again.
We think theres good grounds of it (the decision) not moving forward, Wade said.
Ron Cumberledge, Carter Lake City Councilman and newly elected mayor, said the new casino would benefit the consumer by driving more competition.
Its a win-win for everybody, he said.
This casino would create 1,500 new jobs, Cumberledge said, adding that tribal officials have assured him that they want to be good neighbors.
I dont understand why Council Bluffs is spending tax dollars to fight a business in another community, Cumberledge said.
UPDATE (5:45 a.m.)
* Breezy northwest winds of up to 30 mph can be expected today in the Omaha area, behind a cold front that moved through the region early this morning. That front, and another moving through Wednesday night, will drop temperatures from the warm start to the week.
However, temperatures through the week still will average about 10 degrees above normal for late November and early December. The week should remain dry, with a chance of rain entering the picture Sunday night and Monday.
* The latest Omaha-area forecast, according to the National Weather Service office at Valley:
Today Breezy and mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny with a high in the mid- to upper 50s. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph.
Tonight Mostly clear with a low around 25.
Wednesday Sunny with a high around 50.
Wednesday night Partly cloudy with a low in the low 30s.
Thursday Sunny with a high around 50.
Thursday night Mostly clear with a low in the upper 20s.
Friday Sunny with a high in the low 50s.
Friday night Mostly clear with a low around 30.
Saturday Sunny with a high around 55.
Saturday night Mostly clear with a low around 35.
Sunday Mostly sunny with a high around 55.
Sunday night A chance of rain with a low in the low 40s.
* * *
A number of temperature records fell Monday, with some parts of Nebraska seeing the warmest weather on record for this late in the year.
Given the prolonged dry weather that also has been occurring, horticulturists advise that people water trees, shrubs and new plantings, even if it means hauling out the hose.
The mercury topped 80 degrees in parts of western Nebraska, and the Valentine area recorded its latest 80-plus-degree day of the year. Valentine hit 84 on Monday. Previously, that communitys latest 80-degree day had occurred about 10 days earlier in the calendar.
Its a pretty big deal, considering that average temperatures for this time of year are in the 40s, said Nathan Jurgensen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in North Platte.
Nearly every official weather station in Nebraska matched or set records, from Scottsbluff to Omaha. While Omaha didnt set a record for the date, Mondays 67-degree high matched the record set in 1998.
This month has been unusually dry Omaha has received only 25 percent of its normal November total, according to the weather service. Eppley Airfield has reported just 0.36 inches of rainfall so far this month, 1.10 inches below normal.
And though the area had a wet October Eppley received 4.06 inches, 1.91 above the norm the top layer of soil has begun to dry out, and thats the layer that matters, said Kathleen Cue, horticulturist with the University of Nebraska Extension in Douglas and Sarpy Counties.
Although trees and shrubs look dormant, that isnt the case, Cue said. Metabolic processes continue during winter, and the cells of plants depend on moisture to grow and move nourishment.
Once the ground freezes, plants wont be able to access moisture in the soil, so they need to soak up a good supply in the fall, she said.
Cue said homeowners do not need to turn on irrigation systems, especially because many people have paid to have their systems shut down for the winter. Just pull out the hose, she said.
A weather pattern that has kept the Omaha area dry recently could make way for some wet weather next week, a forecaster said.
Ryan McPike, a meteorologist with KMTV, said he expects precipitation in the Omaha area to return to a normal or a slightly-above-normal level in early December.
But moisture really is not in our cards for the next seven days, he said.
The last noticeable rainfall in the Omaha area occurred Nov. 17-18, when a half inch fell in Valley and 0.23 of an inch fell at Eppley, according to the weather service.
Thats not enough to meet the needs of plants.
Before turning on the faucet, Cue suggested that people distribute empty tuna or pet food cans near their plants as a way of measuring how much they are watering. Plants need an inch of water, she said.
Even with rain potentially arriving next week, it remains advisable to water now, Cue said.
The forecast for today through Sunday calls for continued dry and sunny conditions, with above-normal high temperatures in the low to mid-50s and overnight lows in the upper 20s to low 30s.
The normal high for late November in Omaha is around 45 degrees. The normal low is around 25.
LINCOLN Nebraska prison officials have declined to publicly identify the supplier of a new batch of lethal injection drugs they purchased to carry out the states first execution in 20 years.
Scott Frakes, director of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, recently denied a Nov. 10 public records request from The World-Herald seeking communications between his staff and the source who sold four execution drugs to the state.
Such documents constitute attorney work product, are subject to attorney-client privilege, are not public records and/or are confidential and exempt from disclosure, said a letter late last week from Dawn-Renee Smith, communications director for the Corrections Department.
The department has turned over similar documents in past years. Smith provided no explanation as to why the department now considers such records exempt from the Nebraska Public Records Act.
Corrections officials did release some inventory records and have previously said the drugs cost $10,500 and were obtained from a domestic supplier. In 2015, corrections officials spent $54,400 on lethal injection drugs that they never received from a broker in India, who in turn refused to refund the public funds.
The law exempts from disclosure the work product of an attorney and a public agency that flows from preparation for litigation. But the law also requires the department to describe the contents of the withheld records and specific reasons for the denial.
The prison spokeswoman declined Tuesday to answer follow-up questions seeking a more specific description of the records. Nor would she answer other questions intended to gain a better understanding of the departments basis for denial.
The department withheld the same records sought independently by the ACLU of Nebraska. Danielle Conrad, the organizations director, said she suspects that the department acted in bad faith by falsely claiming attorney-client privilege for all of the requested records.
She said that while Nebraskans have differing views on the death penalty, many across the political spectrum support governmental transparency.
This is a shocking new low for the Department of Corrections and Nebraskas proud tradition of open government, Conrad said.
Taylor Gage, spokesman for Gov. Pete Ricketts, said the department cited a legitimate reason for withholding the records. And he defended the departments track record of transparency.
Among all state agencies and corrections departments nationally, it is arguably subject to the highest levels of scrutiny and transparency by the media, the Legislature and the public, Gage said.
Late last year, the department sought to shield the identity of lethal drug suppliers when it proposed changes to Nebraskas execution protocol. But that provision was dropped after it was opposed by many of the people who testified at a public hearing on the protocol.
The new death penalty procedure approved by the governor in January added a pharmacist or pharmaceutical chemist to the execution team. That persons role, the procedure says, shall be to deliver the lethal injection drugs to the execution chamber.
One of the state laws cited in the departments denial letter says the identities of execution team members are confidential. That raises a question as to whether the department considers its drug supplier a member of the team.
State lawmakers debated a bill last session that would have exempted records about lethal drug suppliers from the public records law. Legislative Bill 661 did not come to a vote and could be taken up again after the Legislature convenes in January.
State Sen. John Kuehn of Heartwell, the sponsor of the bill, said he had not seen the departments basis for declining the records requests. But he argued that the states primary obligation should be to properly test the drugs and share the test results with lawyers for the condemned inmates.
What value does the identity of the manufacturer of the drug provide? he asked.
Earlier this month, the department announced that it had obtained four drugs for the execution of death-row inmate Jose Sandoval, the ringleader of a botched robbery in 2002 that left five people dead in a Norfolk bank.
The department notified Sandoval on Nov. 9 that it intends to use four drugs in the following order: diazepam, fentanyl citrate, cisatracurium besylate and potassium chloride.
Under the protocol, the Attorney Generals Office may not ask the Nebraska Supreme Court to issue a death warrant for Sandoval sooner than 60 days after the notification.
Death penalty opponents have predicted that legal challenges over Nebraskas untried lethal drug combination will lead to further delays.
LINCOLN A week after approving an alternative route for the Keystone XL, a Nebraska agency is being asked to reconsider that decision by both pipeline developer TransCanada and landowners opposing the project.
A spokesman for TransCanada said Monday that its motion for the Nebraska Public Service Commission to reconsider is not about changing the route but to address some questions raised by the approval of the alternative mainline route by being allowed to file an amended application.
(This) is not an attempt by TransCanada to have the PSC alter its approval of the alternative mainline route, said company spokesman Terry Cunha. As we outlined (last week), we continue to review the decision and its impact on the cost and schedule on the project.
An attorney for landowners against the pipeline, Brian Jorde of Omaha, said that his reconsideration motion seeks to clarify that the PSC rejected the only route under consideration, the preferred route of TransCanada, and that a new application must be submitted to proceed with the alternative route.
The PSC was only evaluating one thing, and one thing only. Then, surprise, here comes something out of left field, Jorde said.
He asked the PSC to schedule oral arguments so that landowners can address TransCanadas request to merely amend its application. Jorde declined to discuss the arguments that may be raised at that hearing, saying he was reserving his comments until then.
As of Monday, no ruling had been made on any of the motions, which were filed electronically over the Thanksgiving weekend. A spokeswoman with the five-member PSC said that the panel has up to 60 days to rule on such requests.
The motions further complicate the Keystone XL project and could add further delays to the pipeline, which was proposed in 2008.
Then-President Barack Obama denied a federal permit for the project in 2015, but that action was reversed after President Donald Trump took office in January. A federal lawsuit filed in Montana is contesting that decision, contending that an environmental review of the Keystone XL done in 2014 was inadequate.
TransCanada has said it will decide in December if it will move forward with the Keystone XL project after reviewing whether there is enough financial support for the $8 billion project.
Much has changed in the oil business since the 36-inch pipeline was proposed. The price of crude oil has plummeted and some major oil companies have pulled out of the Canadian tar sands region the source of oil for the Keystone XL seeking oil sources elsewhere that are more profitable and easier to extract.
The Ricketts administration is keeping the faith with Nebraska voters who in 2016 strongly supported reviving the death penalty.
The Department of Correctional Services announced Thursday that it plans to use a new combination of four drugs to carry out the next execution. The previous, three-drug protocol was replaced because the state could not legally obtain the drugs.
Jose Sandoval, considered the ring leader of the 2002 Norfolk bank robbery murders, would be the first person executed using these drugs: diazepam, fentanyl citrate, cisatracurium besylate and potassium chloride.
The states next step is for Attorney General Doug Peterson to request a death warrant.
Its been a while. Nebraska last carried out the death penalty in 1997, when it executed murderer and rapist Robert E. Williams.
Some members of the Legislature highlighted the delays in carrying out the death penalty as a key reason for repealing it in 2015. They had watched the state struggle to obtain the necessary drugs for lethal injection, and the courts had already outlawed using Nebraskas previous method, the electric chair.
A referendum revived capital punishment. Now voters frustrated with the pace of the states latest implementation of the death penalty will need to practice patience. This new drug protocol, like others before it, will face legal challenges. The appeals process exists to reduce the likelihood of an innocent person being executed.
Death penalty opponents say they plan to question the unproven protocol, although that might be an uphill legal battle. Opponents also continue to appeal the legality of involving a three-judge panel in Nebraskas sentencing process for capital cases.
The incremental nature of the process was to be expected. The wheels of justice typically turn slowly in capital cases.
But they are turning again, as sought by 61 percent of the Nebraskans who voted to restore the death penalty.
A former Nebraska State Patrol investigator accused by authorities of stealing drugs while on the job and intending to distribute them to others pleaded not guilty Tuesday.
A grand jury earlier this month charged Christopher G. Kober, 44, with acquiring drugs by fraud/diversion from January 2016 to March 17, 2017, and possessing with intent to distribute drugs within the same time period.
The possible penalty for the two charges is 24 years in prison, more than $1 million in fines and four years of probation.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan Bazis said Kober could remain free on his own recognizance.
In March, according to court documents, Kobers wife called Bellevue police and pointed out numerous ammunition cans and a significant amount of prescription narcotics that were in their basement.
Kober also is charged in Sarpy County with felony theft in connection with the ammo found in his home.
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by Graham Pierrepoint
U.S. President Donald Trump has overseen a considerable change in staff at the White House in what has not even yet been a year of service as Commander in Chief as several heads rolled thanks to a number of controversies, though the big man himself has remained steadfast in his role despite criticism from various corners of the globe. Trumps first year in charge has perhaps been the most dramatic 12-month tenure in U.S. Presidential history and one of the major issues that has fallen under the microscope is his own familys involvement in White House dealings, with both daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner having taken important advisory roles in the West Wing. If reports are to be believed, however, it seems that Kushners role in the U.S. Presidency may be expected to see considerable scaling back.
Kushner was instrumental in helping the Trump campaign succeed and his father-in-law put him firmly in charge of relations with China as well as various other projects, including a role as overseer of the White Houses Innovation Office. Not bad going for a real estate entrepreneur but with ongoing rumblings regarding Trumps campaign allegedly colluding with Russian agents growing ever more concerning for the main staff, it seems that cutting down Kushners role may well be on the cards.
Watch: Kelly 'Discussed The Possibility' Of Jared Kushner 'Departing The West Wing'
Inside reports including those published by The New York Times suggest that Kushners role at his father-in-laws workplace will be muted significantly as a result of the ongoing Russia probe. The Washington Post, too, weighs in on the potential for us seeing less of Kushner, stating His once-sprawling White House portfolio, which came with walk-in privileges to the Oval Office, has been diminished to its original scope. Its also being suggested that moves to reduce Kushners role at the White House are part of changes being brought by Chief of Staff John Kelly, who was instrumental in removing the controversial Anthony Scaramucci from his communications post and oversaw strategist Steve Bannon leave his advisory role .
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Updated at 5:37 p.m.
The former top two executives of the Bank of Oswego were convicted Tuesday of orchestrating a years-long conspiracy to conceal the bank's shaky financial condition, capping one of the longest and most expensive federal trials in Oregon history.
The jury also found Dan Heine, the bank's co-founder and former chief executive, and Diana Yates, the chief financial officer, guilty of 12 counts of making false entries in the bank's books to hide bad loans.
Heine, 70, once named Lake Oswego's citizen of the year, could spend much of the rest of his life in prison. Each count is punishable by 30 years imprisonment.
Both defendants seemed stunned after the verdict was read in U.S. District Court in Portland, remaining in the courtroom with their legal teams long after the judge, jury and observers had departed.
In June 2015 two months after a report in The Oregonian/OregonLive raised questions about the bank's business practices and the accuracy of its financial reports -- Heine and Yates were indicted on accusations they conspired to commit bank fraud over a five-year span. The case is believed to be the first criminal prosecution of senior bank management in state history.
The case was complex, teeming with the arcane financial minutia of bank accounting and reporting rules. U.S. District Judge Michael Simon thanked jurors for their perseverance during the six-week trial. In the end, the jury believed the prosecution's argument that Heine and Yates falsified bank records to hide bad loans from regulators and the bank's own board.
Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years. Michelle Kerin, who prosecuted the case along with Quinn Harrington, said the government will request jail time for both defendants. "Lying to bank regulators is a serious offense," she said.
Simon set sentencing for March 5. Heine and Yates will remain free until then.
The court battle is not over. Lawyers for both defendants vowed to fight on. "We believe deeply in Ms. Yates innocence of all crimes charged and plan to appeal the verdict," said Janet Lee Hoffman, her attorney.
"Dan is very disappointed with the jury's verdict, which is not supported by the evidence presented to the jury at trial," said Jeffrey Alberts, Heine's lawyer. "He intends to move for the judge to set aside the jury's verdict and enter a judgment of acquittal as to all counts."
Each defendant had been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and 18 counts of making false bank entries. It's a federal crime for bank officers to mislead bank regulators.
When the bank began to falter in the recession-wracked economy in 2010, Heine and Yates took extraordinary and illegal steps to keep it afloat, prosecutors said. The tiny bank struggled unsuccessfully to survive the scandal, but its remaining assets and lone branch were acquired by another financial institution.
The testimony of Geoff Walsh, a former bank employee and admitted felon, was central to the government's case. Heine hired Walsh a Lake Oswego native with countless connections -- as a loan officer in 2009, hoping to grow the sleepy institution. The strategy worked: The bank's total loans tripled to more than $180 million during Walsh's tenure.
But Walsh's whirlwind deal making proved impossible to manage. It was made more difficult by Walsh's practice of keeping many customer files with him in his car.
Walsh extended a number of loans to his local buddies. "These are a group of wealthy playboys, the kind of people that party together, traveled together, they do handshake deals for hundreds of thousands of dollars," Alberts said during the trial.
At least one of the locals Walsh brought into the bank hailed the guilty verdict. Marty Kehoe, a Portland developer who borrowed nearly $2 million from the bank, said that when the FBI began asking tough questions about the bank, Heine "threw everyone under the bus," including Kehoe.
"Dan Heine's nefarious activities finally caught up with him," Kehoe said. "I'm sure it's a relief to many of the people whose names he dragged through the mud to hide his own criminal activity."
David Angeli, Walsh's attorney, said the verdict was vindication for Walsh. "We're very glad that Geoff finally had an opportunity during six days on the witness stand to tell the full story of what happened at the Bank of Oswego," he said. "And we're tremendously gratified that the jury believed him, and saw through Dan Heine's and Diana Yates's strategy of trying to deflect blame for their own actions onto Geoff.
"Geoff had the character to step up and admit early on his role in this saga, while they chose to try to tear him down personally and professionally to avoid bearing the consequences of their own conduct. It didn't work."
Walsh has pleaded guilty to other financial crimes unrelated to the bank. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 9. His sentencing guidelines could range from 21 to 33 months.
The defendants spent millions on the case, quickly exhausting the approximately $3 million provided by the bank's insurance. The bank objected to the fees charged by Heine's New York law firm, which were as high as $900 an hour, according to court documents.
The defense paid $750,000 just on expert witnesses.
-- Jeff Manning
503-294-7606
Metro residents have two opportunities to weigh in on Gov. Kate Brown's proposed new regulations for industrial air polluters this week.
The Department of Environmental Quality is hosting two public comment sessions in Portland to hear from residents on Cleaner Air Oregon, Brown's proposed new regulations for industrial companies that emit toxic compounds.
The draft rules came in response to the toxic air crisis and resulting public health emergency in Southeast Portland last year. Bullseye Glass faced scrutiny after state regulators recorded high levels of cadmium, a heavy metal carcinogen, in the densely populated section of the city.
Brown released the draft Cleaner Air Oregon plan in October, sparking a 60-day public comment period that concludes Dec. 22. The state's Environmental Quality Commission, a volunteer body appointed by the governor, is expected to vote on a final rules plan in July 2018.
The plan has faced criticism and skepticism from both industrial interests and neighborhood groups. The former contends the state is considering moving forward with regulations without having a full accounting of what sources are contributing to air pollution, and places too much blame and burden on businesses for Oregon's air woes. The latter say the plan is too slow and wouldn't clean up Oregon's air until 2030 and doesn't go far enough to protect Oregonians against cancer-causing toxic compounds.
A plan to help pay for the environmental rules thorough a one-time fee on some 2,525 permitted air polluters died in the Legislature in 2017. DEQ Director Richard Whitman has said the state would try again in 2018 to figure out how to pay for the plan.
Meanwhile, the state continues to hold public meeting about the air regulations.
State environmental officials say they've received 72 online comments on the rules so far.
Previous meetings in Medford, Coos Bay and Corvallis drew a collective 103 people. A Tuesday meeting was scheduled in Pendleton.
A DEQ spokeswoman said it expects at least 100 people to show up at the Portland meetings.
About 15 staffers will be on hand both days to answer technical questions.
The Wednesday meeting will occur at Portland Community College's Southeast Campus at 2305 S.E. 82nd Ave. from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday's meeting will be at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
People can submit comments online and find out more information about upcoming meetings in Eugene, Salem and The Dalles at cleanerair.oregon.gov.
UPDATE: A previous version of this story incorrectly characterized pollutants as toxins. The appropriate use is toxic or toxic compounds.
-- Andrew Theen
atheen@oregonian.com
503-294-4026
@andrewtheen
BY JOHN SCOTT
An estimated 1 million workers in Oregon do not have a retirement plan at their job, and many others do not have adequate retirement savings. Oregon is responding to these challenges with OregonSaves, a program designed to provide every working Oregonian access to a private retirement account.
Americans typically rely on employer-sponsored plans for retirement savings, yet nearly half of U.S. firms -- and 70 percent of small businesses -- provide no 401(k) or similar retirement benefit. This lack of access to a savings plan at work is one of the main reasons why so many Americans are not saving enough.
In the OregonSaves plan, a percentage of each paycheck is automatically deposited into a Roth individual retirement account, also known as an auto-IRA plan. Oregon is the leading state to launch this kind of effort, which will begin enrolling participants this month. While the plan gives every Oregon worker without access to a retirement plan the opportunity to save, it doesn't require Oregonians to participate. Those who do can change their contributions at regular intervals.
The program is a public-private partnership overseen by the Oregon Retirement Savings Board and run by a financial service provider from the private sector. The employee is the sole owner of the account, and the state never holds or has a claim to the funds. OregonSaves has the advantage that when employees change jobs, the retirement account moves with them. Employees can make their own investment decisions, yet like most retirement accounts, the program has default investments designed for workers at different stages of their career.
OregonSaves is also designed to appeal to employers who don't offer a qualified retirement plan and are concerned that such a plan will impose financial or administrative burdens. Under OregonSaves, the role of employers is limited to facilitating their employees' contributions through the payroll system. Additionally, OregonSaves may help level the playing field for employers, by allowing businesses that don't offer plans to compete fairly for talented employees with businesses that do.
The Pew Charitable Trusts, while neither supporting nor opposing state programs, has produced extensive research on such plans, including a recent national survey of more than 1,600 small and medium-sized businesses. In the survey, most business owners expressed support for the auto-IRA concept. More specifically, when asked about auto-IRA plans funded entirely by employees with auto-enrollment and pre-determined deductions, 86 percent of employers who don't offer plans answered that they either "somewhat" or "strongly agreed" with the concept.
About half of surveyed businesses reported that they opposed a government-run plan, but 82 percent supported sponsorship by a mutual fund company. Because state programs similar to OregonSaves partner with mutual fund companies or similar firms, employer support for these programs may increase.
Pew also surveyed workers without a retirement plan at small to medium-sized employers and found broad support for an auto-IRA program similar to OregonSaves. After hearing details of a hypothetical program -- including state sponsorship -- 63 percent of workers said they would participate in the program.
Only 13 percent said they would opt out, with nearly a quarter of respondents unsure. More significantly, there was no meaningful difference in reactions between workers who were told they would be automatically enrolled at 3 percent of their pay and those who were told they would be automatically enrolled at 6 percent of pay.
OregonSaves began piloting the program in July. According to the Oregon Retirement Savings Board, those who participated in the pilot saved more than $150,000 in just a few months -- or more than $100 per worker. The official launch, which will enroll workers at larger businesses, begins this month. Additional enrollments will continue every six months through June 2019.
Since 2012, lawmakers in 40 states have introduced measures to create or study state-sponsored retirement savings plans for employees who otherwise wouldn't have them. Legislation has passed in California, Connecticut, Illinois and Maryland.
Oregon is in the vanguard, and OregonSaves could be a model for a viable and sustainable savings solution.
John Scott directs The Pew Charitable Trusts' retirement savings project.
EUGENE Police arrested a Eugene woman accused of stealing money from the sale of raffle tickets.
Eugene police spokeswoman Melinda McLaughlin said Monday that the president of the United Rotary Clubs of Lane County reported the theft in July, saying more than $5,000 in raffle ticket proceeds never made it into the organization's bank account.
The investigation led the arrest of 42-year-old Corrine Koke, a club captain. McLaughlin said a detective discovered that Koke used the money to pay for living expenses. She's charged with first-degree theft.
-- The Associated Press
Tuesday 28 November 2017 11:01am
The University of Otago has announced that City College will be renamed the Caroline Freeman College.
The University of Otago is renaming City College the Caroline Freeman College, after the Universitys first female graduate, says Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne.
Caroline Freeman enrolled at the University of Otago in 1875 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree on 27 August 1885. She also won the Bowen essay prize, which was open to all New Zealand undergraduates.
Caroline Freeman was a strong, pioneering woman. She walked to and from Green Island to attend her lectures while she also supported herself by teaching and tutoring, Professor Hayne says.
One member of University staff commented publicly that had Caroline Freeman been a fighting man instead of a studious woman, she would have merited decoration for her pluck and perseverance.
She went on to found her own private secondary schools in Dunedin and Christchurch - both named Girton College.
The University of Otago was the first university in this part of the world where women could study. This is a part of our history that brings us great pride. I am very pleased to recognise that proud history by renaming our College after our first female graduate, Professor Hayne says.
The name-change at the College which originally housed students from both the University and Otago Polytechnic takes effect on 1 January 2018, when the University takes full ownership of City College after buying the third owned by the Otago Polytechnic.
The Polytech is opening its own student accommodation early next year and no longer requires places in this College.
Professor Harlene Hayne says the University remains highly committed to providing pastoral care for its students.
Professor Hayne says that Otagos residential colleges help students with their studies, provide pastoral care and foster opportunities for personal growth. They help students learn how to live respectfully in a diverse group and regulate their own behaviour. Students develop a strong sense of community, make life-long friends and have great fun.
The Universitys residential colleges are forging closer links worldwide with other great collegiate universities like Oxford, Cambridge and the Universitys Matariki partner Durham. All focus on supporting students academically, personally and culturally to foster success rather than providing only minimally serviced student housing.
As the leading institution in New Zealand in this area, we are looking overseas at the very top-level collegiate universities internationally to find our equal and benchmark against them, Professor Hayne says.
The 210-bed City College in Cumberland Street, Dunedin, opened in 2000 and is run by the Dunedin City Tertiary Accommodation Trust, which is made up of representatives from both the University and the Otago Polytechnic. The Trust will wind up about April next year.
University of Otago Campus and Collegiate Life Services Director James Lindsay says the 70 places Polytechnic students will no longer use at City College will increase capacity for University scholarship students.
We have an increasing need in this area, and owning the College fits well with our goal to provide an outstanding residential college environment and student experience that will complement scholarly excellence.
It will also provide additional decant space that will allow the University to continue to upgrade other colleges in the future.
Mr Lindsay says the University has a strong and positive relationship with the Polytechnic, and our joint affiliation with them at the College over the years has helped to cement this.
Otago Polytechnic Chief Operating Officer, Philip Cullen, agrees, and says the time is right for the Polytechnic to move on from the College.
Our state-of-the-art student village is under construction, which will provide 231 beds for our students. Its our own facility in the heart of our Polytechnic campus, so it makes sense for us to focus our energies there.
Caroline Freeman more background:
Caroline Freeman was born to an English farming family near Halifax in England then emigrated to Otago as a child in 1858.
The family farmed at Abbotsford and Caroline attended Green Island School, where she was Dux in 1866 and then served as the single-room, rural schools first pupil teacher from 1868 to 1872.
She had no secondary education but kept studying and became infant mistress at the expanding, urban Caversham School in 1872.
At University, she walked seven miles home to Green Island after lectures each day while also supporting herself by teaching. Finally, failing health forced her to take rooms in Dunedin.
When she walked on stage to graduate from University, fellow students clapped, cheered, threw bouquets and burst into song. The Medical Schools Dr William Brown then spoke about higher education for women.
She died of a heart attack at her home in Christchurch on 16 August 1914. Her pupils erected a tombstone to The beloved teacher and guide of many of New Zealand's girls.
For more information, contact:
Gail Goodger
Communications Projects and Operations Adviser
University of Otago
Tel: +64 3 479 8946
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriff's Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Kelly Dame.
Sunday, Nov. 26
12:35 a.m. -- A motorist was arrested in the 400 block of Eastlawn Drive for second-offense driving while license suspended.
3:43 a.m. -- Police were sent to a South Saginaw Road address for a report of a domestic assault.
2:18 p.m. -- A deputy assisted a Michigan State Police trooper with a breaking and entering case in Homer Township.
3:05 p.m. -- A Lee Township man who owns property on West Gordonville Road that is being used as a scrap yard reported someone has been entering the property and building a fort inside a scrapped van, as well as breaking windows.
4:15 p.m. -- Deputies were sent to an Ingersoll Township adult foster care home for a dispute between two residents, ages 55 and 23.
8:25 p.m. -- A caller reported a Hope Township road was impassable due to water. The unimproved road has a posting that it might be impassable due to water, and nothing unusual was found.
9:50 p.m. -- Police responded to an assault in the 800 bock of Joe Mann Boulevard.
Saturday, Nov. 25
12:07 a.m. -- Deputies conducted a well being check on a Lee Township man, 43. The man was taken to the emergency room for a mental health evaluation after he threatened to harm himself.
12:30 a.m. -- A Greendale Township man, 57, was arrested for drunken driving after a crash in Lee Township.
Friday, Nov. 24
10:06 a.m. -- A Lee Township man, 44, reported a loose dog was in his yard and scaring deer he is raising in a pen. The owner of the dog was not found.
10:42 a.m. -- A deputy was sent to a Lee Township home to speak with the resident, age 82, who reported hearing gunshots close to his home. No hunters were found nearby.
5:14 p.m. -- A deputy issued a trespass warning at a Greendale Township home.
5:34 p.m. -- An Edenville Township home's mailbox was damaged.
8:03 p.m. -- A deputy was sent to an Edenville Township home after a neighbor reported something on fire was thrown out the door of a home. The resident said nothing on fire had been thrown outside, and there was no evidence of anything being on fire outside.
9:49 p.m. -- A Jerome Township home's mailbox was damaged.
Thursday, Nov. 23
11:47 a.m. -- A Lee Township woman, 22, reported her home was burglarized. A fire safe, containing prescription medications, medical marijuana, jewelry and paperwork, was stolen.
3:54 p.m. -- A deputy investigated a personal protection order violation in Mount Haley Township, and found no violation occurred.
7:31 p.m. -- A Midland County Jail inmate caused $350 damage by breaking a window. A report is being sent to the prosecutor's office.
9:07 p.m. -- A Greendale Township man, 44, reported his 14-year-old daughter was solicited by an adult male through Facebook Messenger. The report is being investigated.
9:14 p.m. -- A deputy was sent to a report of juveniles throwing items at a Lincoln Township home. The kids were not found.
I do not want to be the big looking glass of civilization but just the little pocket mirror of everyday life. Peter Altenberg
There is something almost heartbreakingly special about being the first grandchild in the family. Other grandchildren may follow. But the first one, thats different. The first grandchild is the first of the next generation. So new. So special. Everything is a first in a long line of accomplishments babies have. First tooth. First steps across the floor with arms opened wide to welcome this new child. First word. First birthday. One candle on a cake. Second birthday. Two candles on a cake. Such miracles!
Sophia is the first grandchild for John and Leann Sugden. Sophia is 4 years old now and lives in Texas with her mom and dad, Jenna and Chad Dammer. Her grandparents live in Michigan. The distance seems to get longer and longer as Sophia begins to understand what saying good bye means. It means that people she loves go away. That she doesnt get to spend time with them every day. It means missing someone. It means wishing you could see them. It means being lonely for them.
When she was a baby, she didnt miss them at first, but then she began growing up and every time she had to say goodbye it began getting harder and harder. The summer she turned 2, she spent her vacation in Michigan and a video on Facebook shows her Uncle Jason pulling along a little skiff-like board with a rope attached to it and she is standing on the board being pulled in shallow water. Two years old and already learning to water ski.
The summer she was 3, she didnt come to Michigan because her grandma and grandpa visited her in Texas. Last summer, when she was 4, she spent her vacation in Michigan again. And little by little it was becoming harder and harder to say good-bye without that empty feeling in her heart because now she knew what good bye meant.
It meant no more sitting on Grandmas lap. No more time with just Grandma and her while her mom and dad went out in the evening leaving Grandma in charge. Sharing her burgeoning world with Grandma was a sort of miracle that never ended. It just grew bigger with every birthday. Sophia began understanding how love grows and how it feels to want someone in your life all the time.
Christmas became visiting time and every time her grandma left it got harder and harder to see her leave. The last time she saw her grandma was in October and though they spent every minute together, it couldnt last because Grandma had to fly back home to Michigan.
It was just too much seeing Grandma leave and Sophia stood there in front of her grandma crying and she said, I dont want you to go.
I hear a lot about Sophia because I know her grandma and I can understand how Sophia feels. I was the first grandchild in the family, too.
Grandparents become a lodestar in your life. They are always there. A fixed point. And you whirl around them your entire life. Even after they are no longer here. I lost Grandma when I had just turned 16. I was 41 when Grandpa passed away.
When Leann told me about Sophia not wanting her to leave, I remembered a dream I had about my grandfather years ago, Before he died. Grandpa and I are standing on a porch and I am crying in the dream. Grandpa says to me, How can I leave if you wont let me go? The dream was so real I woke up crying.
Leann and her granddaughter Sophia have many years of sharing to look forward to. In Texas. In Michigan. Sophia in school and then suddenly she will be graduating, going to college, meeting the young man she will eventually marry. Grandma, theres this boy Ive met.
And no matter how much time goes by, Sophias grandma will always have that moment when her 4-year-old granddaughter stood in front of her crying and saying, I dont want you to go.
To be a grandmother! To be a granddaughter! To be so loved! Sometimes Gods blessings come in unexpected moments that will be cherished forever.
Virginia Florey is a freelance writer from Midland. Three Pocket Mirror books are now available. Childhood-The Distant Land, One Foot In Eden and We Were Young Together are available on Amazon, Kindle or by contacting ginnyflorey@gmail.com
The Twitter ad seemed too good to be true: fares starting at $20 on JetBlue Airways.
A few hours after the ad appeared last week on the social media site, it was gone, leaving would-be travelers frustrated that they missed the remarkable deal.
Those who clicked too late ended up on a page advising: "This promotion has ended. Act fast! In some cases, a fare may not even last an hour."
Such "flash" sales are a tactic used by the airline industry to fill empty seats during slow travel periods and lure travelers to an airline website where they may be tempted to book a more expensive flight.
Airlines also have used flash sales to inflict economic pain on rivals. Cutting prices on routes dominated by competitors often forces the other airlines to try to match the lower fares.
"It's like kids in the airfare sandbox, fighting," said George Hobica, a fare expert and president of Airfarewatchdog.com.
But such flash sales are on the decline, industry experts say, partly because the airline industry has become more consolidated through mergers and acquisitions, which has diminished competition and reduced the need to undercut rivals with limited-time fares.
And with demand for travel reaching record levels, carriers can sell seats without resorting to deep discounts.
Flash sales are also used less often today because computer programs have made airlines more accurate at estimating the number of seats needed for a particular route so that empty seats are rarer.
That means travelers looking for deep discounts are going to have fewer opportunities to book a bargain seat.
Since 2008, the nation's biggest carriers have been buying smaller or weaker competitors, solidifying their dominance in specific markets and hubs throughout the country.
For example, Delta and its regional carriers fly nearly 80 percent of all passengers who travel out of the nation's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. American Airlines carries nearly 85 percent of all passengers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. United Airlines is dominant in Newark Liberty International Airport, flying about 51 percent of all passengers who use the New Jersey airport.
Combined, Delta, United, American and Southwest control more than 70 percent of all domestic flights in the U.S.
Flash sales are now used primarily by low-cost airlines, such as JetBlue, as they continue to battle with the major carriers to win bigger shares of the country's most popular markets and hubs.
A JetBlue representative declined to comment on the carrier's use of flash sales.
Industry experts say the restrictions imposed on such sales are so numerous that the goal is not to make money from the low fares but to boost publicity and interest in the carrier.
"From a marketing perspective, you want to get likes or visitors or Twitter followers," said Rick Seaney, who heads fare comparison site Farecompare.com.
Usually, flash sales are over within hours or minutes.
When JetBlue offered a $20 flash sale Aug. 30, it sold out in less than 60 seconds, according to the response from Twitter followers who tried unsuccessfully to book the bargain deals.
Instead of flash sales, Delta, United and American say they are competing against low-cost carriers by offering bare-bones fares called basic economy seats which are offered on highly competitive routes but come with fees for carry-on bags, rebookings and many other extras.
"We prefer to adjust prices on a longer-term basis including reducing fares when needed, based on demand," said Joshua Freed, a spokesman for American Airlines. "For us, flash sales are just not a great way to do that."
Southwest, which has grown to be the nation's largest domestic carrier, has cut back on flash sales over the past decade as it has established itself as a dominant carrier across the country, according to industry experts.
As a result, the Dallas-based carrier now offers flash sales primarily during the slow travel season to fill seats on flights mostly flown by leisure travelers to vacation spots.
BLOOMINGTON The work of monitoring the well-being of individual civil liberties since the election of President Trump is never ending, according to the executive director of the Illinois chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Its been a response to chaos. It makes it very hard to be strategic, said Colleen Connell, director of the statewide organization that has seen its membership spike from 15,000 to 75,000 in the past year.
Connell and the ACLU is bringing its We the People Listening Tour to The Chateau Hotel and Conference Center in Bloomington. The event is 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
The rapid pace of policy changes by the Trump administration makes it difficult to follow certain issues, but several key constitutional rights remain a concern, said Connell.
Immigration, womens reproductive rights, and First Amendment rights, including religious freedoms, are high on the ACLU priority list.
The presidents inner circle of advisers and supporters have helped shape an agenda on such major issues, said Connell.
Theres more method to Trumps madness than whats apparent from the daily tweets and disruptions. Youre seeing a hostility toward our Constitutional structure that protects our individual rights, she said.
In Illinois, the ACLU worked in the past year to support legislation to protect access to abortions and a bill to allow transgender and intersex people to change the gender marker on their birth certificates. The group also has "an ambitious criminal justice reform agenda" for Illinois in 2018, said Connell.
SPRINGFIELD A Clinton woman who has pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling money from a Clinton physician has asked for time to hire a medical expert for an opinion on whether her opioid use contributed to her criminal behavior.
A hearing set for Tuesday to review a mental health evaluation for Veronica Luster was cancelled after her attorney asked instead for time to retain an expert on opioids.
Luster, 48, who pleaded guilty in March to mail and wire fraud, was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond last week that requires her to remain at home except for medical and legal appointments. She was taken into custody Sept. 1 for a mental health evaluation.
The defense raised the issue of Lusters mental fitness as she was scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 1 in U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois on the charges that could send her to federal prison for 20 years on each count. She also must pay $370,000 restitution under the terms of the plea agreement.
Lusters 10-year use of prescription opioids was disclosed by defense lawyer Lee Smith in the motion requesting additional time to explore how the drugs Luster was given for chronic pain may have impacted her behavior.
What the defense characterized as Lusters use of substantial amounts of opioids for pain management occurred during the decade she committed the alleged theft of more than $600,000 from Dr. Farrukh Kureishy, former president of Clinton Internal Medicine.
Lusters abstinence from the painkillers over her 2 months in federal custody has had a profound and positive impact on her cognitive thinking, Smith argued in his motion. The defense lawyer also noted that he has witnessed differences in Lusters perception and communication following her return from custody.
Recently the new guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discourage the use of opioids for treatment of long-term chronic pain, said Smith.
Smith previously told Judge Sue E. Myerscough that his client suffers from chronic back pain and glaucoma and several other medical conditions.
The experts report on Lusters opioid use could be presented as a mitigating factor at Lusters sentencing hearing that is now set for Feb. 2.
Lusters evaluation by doctors at a federal facility in Fort Worth, Texas followed her claim that she may suffer from kleptomania, a disorder marked by the inability to refrain from stealing.
In the governments motion in opposition to Lusters recent release, Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor Yanz argued that Lusters pending retail theft case in McLean County makes her a danger to the safety of the community.
Video surveillance of a July 21 shopping trip to Von Maur in Bloomington shows Luster taking seven items valued at $448.90, including clothing, toys and a $250 Waterford Crystal vase, and placing them in a bag before leaving the store without paying, according to the federal court filing.
In a victim impact statement provided to Myerscough in September, Kureishy, who employed Luster as an office manager, said he was forced to close his practice because of the theft losses. The doctor returned to a medical practice at Warner Hospital and Health Services in Clinton where he had worked before opening his office in 2004.
BLOOMINGTON A Normal man whose sexual abuse case is at the center of a legal debate over whether sex offenders should have access to the internet was back in court Monday, after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review his case.
Mark Minnis, 24, is charged with failing to report a previously disclosed Facebook account to Bloomington police in 2014 as part of his registration obligation as a sex offender. He was placed on the registry after his 2010 conviction on misdemeanor charges of having sex with a 14-year-old girl when he was 16.
The charge was dismissed by McLean County Judge Robert Freitag who ruled that the Illinois law was unconstitutional based on his view that the requirements related to social media are overly broad.
The Illinois Supreme Court reversed Freitag's decison in a 2016 decision that recognized free speech rights and that the right to publish comments anonymously extends to the internet, but concluded those rights are not absolute.
The case was returned to McLean County after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case.
On Monday, Freitag approved Minnis' request for a public defender to assist him with the case that is now set for a Jan. 22 status hearing.
Minnis' case is on the national radar for lawyers watching cases involving similar First Amendment reviews related to sex offenders. State and federal courts are in the process of considering appeals of how sex offender laws are applied in many states.
For example, a ruling in June by the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a North Carolina law barring sex offenders from social media websites that allow minors to have accounts.
The balance between protecting the public from predators in their community and honoring the First Amendment rights of sex offenders was weighed by the high court in the decision that will likely be cited by the defense in the Minnis case.
The Illinois Attorney General argued in the Minnis case that the internet must be closely monitored to ensure it's not used improperly by convicted sex offenders.
BLOOMINGTON The City Council Monday approved a revised brick streets master plan, but did not commit to the funding levels proposed in a related list of projects over 10 years.
In a related vote, the council did move one of those projects forward with approving a consulting contract for engineering services. However, approving the consulting services to begin the process of restoring a block of Monroe Street does not commit the council to the reconstruction project.
The brick streets master plan proposes reconstruction of 10 blocks of brick streets and patching 20 more over 10 years, beginning with the streets in the worst condition. The Public Works Department initially proposed $400,000 a year for reconstruction costs and $100,000 per year for patching costs.
A majority of the council expressed concerns about committing to the funding levels without first having a larger discussion on the budget and infrastructure needs.
Ward 6 Alderman Karen Schmidt suggested stripping the spending levels out of the master plan, but added that brick streets should be considered when the city prioritizes its overall infrastructure needs.
"I think it's dishonest of us that we have a plan here for $850,000 when we don't even know how big the puddle of water is that we have to spend on everything," said Schmidt.
The plan without any funding levels was approved by a 6-3 vote, with aldermen Kim Bray of Ward 9, Diana Hauman of Ward 8 and Scott Black of Ward 7 voting against the measure as proposed by Schmidt. Black said he favored a master plan with the proposed funding levels included.
The vote comes as the council has discussed recently cutting some city programs because of a projected deficit of about $3 million next year that could grow to $8.5 million by 2022 if revenue does not increase and the budget is not trimmed.
The city, which has about 320 miles of streets, once had 41 miles of brick streets, but only 3.5 miles remain. Some brick streets have been lost since the 2009 plan was developed but never adopted.
Ward 4 Alderman Amelia Buragas suggested the city use some of the $4.8 million earmarked for annual street resurfacing and sidewalk projects to preserve brick streets.
The first brick street project Monroe Street between Clinton and Robinson streets was estimated to total $839,000, which was higher than city Public Works staff initially anticipated.That caused the plan's total estimated cost over 10 years to be revised from $5 million to about $7.4 million, said Public Works Director Jim Karch.
When construction of a related water main is added in, the estimated project cost increases to a little more than $1 million.
Bray said she struggled with a $1 million cost to restore Monroe Street as a brick street when it could be resurfaced with asphalt at a cost of $44,000.
She suggested the city impose a special assessment for residents and businesses that want their brick streets restored.
"I'm just struggling with how this is the city's bill," said Bray. "I am having a real hard time with that. The reason being is that when these streets were put in (100 years ago) they were the common construction. They are no longer the common construction."
Bray, along with aldermen Hauman and David Sage of Ward 2, voted against awarding a $179,024 contract to Hanson Professional Services Inc. to provide engineering services related to design and construction work to restore the one block of Monroe Street as a brick street. The measure passed by a 6-3 vote.
Residents asked in April to have their block of Monroe Street repaired as a brick street rather than resurfaced with asphalt after Buragas canvassed residents and made them aware of that option.
It was that local reaction that brought the 2009 master plan back to the attention of the council.
"I think this is an example of us trying to protect our historic neighborhoods and invest in them appropriately," said Black. "Maybe it costs a little bit more ... but ultimately what I'm looking at is an investment in a key area that is going to return dividends to the property owners."
In other action, the council approved a funding agreement for the Small Business Development Center between the city, the town of Normal, Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council and Illinois Wesleyan University.
By a 6-2 vote the council approved an agreement that calls for Bloomington and Normal to split their share of the cost 50-50, with each municipality spending $61,845 over three years. Schmidt recused herself from voting because she is employed by IWU.
The center, located on the IWU campus, opened in March to assist in starting and/or developing small businesses in the community. Its primary funding is $80,000 in annual federal funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration passed through an Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity grant.
BLOOMINGTON Instead of giving money to panhandlers on the street, downtown Bloomington merchants are urging people to place that change in collection boxes at their businesses.
It's part of the Change to Make a Change initiative that came out of several community discussions after a May incident when someone poured tar on a downtown bench frequented by a homeless man.
"It was kind of the eye-opening moment that woke us all up to the fact that we all share this world together and that this city center belongs to all us and what we can be doing in positive ways to make a difference," said Tricia Stiller, who served as Downtown Bloomington Association executive director before recently becoming the city's downtown development division manager.
"I don't know who did that. No one approved of that, and I don't want this to turn into 'downtown hates the homeless' because that's really not what it was," said downtown business and property owner Doug DeLong.
"I do think it was maybe a turning point where people realized that it's easy to say, 'Boy, I wish we could get rid of this problem,' but treating people like that is not the way we wanted to do it."
"We just wanted to do something about people aggressively panhandling," DeLong added.
Stiller anticipates the program will be up and running by the first of the year, if not sooner.
"This is a proactive campaign to address panhandling in our community," she said. "This is one step in an ongoing conversation to ease the discomfort of life difficulties such as homelessness."
"This is a collaborative effort," she added. "Our downtown merchants want to provide their patrons an opportunity to be helpful in a way that is positive ... rather than responding to someone who perhaps might approach you in the street."
Donations to the Change to Make a Change campaign will be distributed among local service providers "who are already in the trenches doing such good work," said Stiller.
They include PATH and the Salvation Army.
"We're excited for this partnership and we like to to see them being proactive," said Angie Bubon, development director for Salvation Army of McLean County that operates a homeless shelter in the downtown area.
"Not only is it an opportunity for fundraising, but it's also an opportunity for education and advocacy," she added.
After the bench incident, an initial group of five or six merchants grew over several meetings to between 20 and 30 downtown property owners, business owners, retailers and residents.
"It was a learning process for us," said DeLong. "This has been an ongoing issue with the downtown and no one knew what to do. We researched this and found that while there used to be laws against panhandling, most of them have been struck down (by the courts) because they are unconstitutional. You, as a U.S. citizen, have the right to ask another citizen for help."
The Change to Make a Change idea came about through learning that other cities are using the concept to address panhandling, he added.
"All of us are a little uncomfortable when someone asks us for money. We don't know whether to give them the money. We don't know if we are enabling them or whatever," said DeLong.
"So the idea was that by giving money to a group we know, it is going to help them. We can still give money, but we aren't increasing the problem of panhandling by just encouraging it basically with giving people a dollar or two every time we see them."
In addition to participating in community dialogues, DeLong, a graphic designer, put together materials, including a brochure to be given to the homeless with information about where they can obtain services to get help.
He also designed a logo for stickers that participating merchants will place on their windows, denoting they are locations where donations can be made.
"These funds can help us make sure that we don't have to cut services," said Bubon. "We are not just a place for (the homeless) to stay. We are a place for them to get help and support in job training, and we help them find housing. By donating to this campaign, you will be donating to those efforts."
The Salvation Army Safe Harbor shelter, at 601 W. Washington St., can house up to 40 men and 18 women. In the winter, spaces in the building are converted into additional warming centers to provide beds for up to 80 people.
Home Sweet Home Ministries, which is nearby but not downtown, also provides housing and services to the homeless.
BLOOMINGTON The Salvation Army of McLean County's annual Make A Difference campaign is off to a slower-than-usual start, even as Salvation Army's Safe Harbor homeless shelter is filled to capacity.
Salvation Army announced Monday that the campaign, which began Nov. 10 and ends Dec. 23, has raised $154,064.39. That's less than 30 percent of the campaign goal of $515,000.
Included in the money raised so far is $51,869.09 from the 25 red kettles at stores throughout Bloomington-Normal and $102,195.30 from mail, online and other gifts. The Red Kettle goal is $255,000 and the goal for mail, online and other gifts is $260,000.
While the Make A Difference campaign generally starts slowly and picks up steam as Christmas nears and temperatures drop, Salvation Army Development Director Angie Bubon said giving is lower than usual for late November.
"With people doing more and more shopping online, brick-and-mortar stores are seeing less traffic, which affects how our kettles perform," she said.
In addition, many Central Illinoisans donated generously earlier this fall to agencies providing relief after hurricanes devastated parts of Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and the American Virgin Islands, she said.
"Sometimes, that (national giving) can lead to a drop in numbers for local fundraising," Bubon said.
"We truly hope people will remember to also support the local efforts of The Salvation Army in their community," she said. Donations raised during the Make A Difference campaign account for nearly one-third of The Salvation Army of McLean County's yearly operating budget of $1.8 million. Donations support Safe Harbor, the food pantry, case management to help people out of poverty and an after-school program.
"I encourage people to remember that there are people in our community who do not know how they are going to feed their family tonight or do not know where they will sleep," Bubon said. "The Salvation Army is here to help them and give them hope but we cannot do it without the support of generous donors."
Kettles are scheduled to be up at the 25 retail locations from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays through Dec. 23. Donations also may be made at www.sabloomington.org or mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 3186, Bloomington, IL 61702-3186. People may sign up to be volunteer bell ringers at www.ringbells.org or by calling 309-829-9476, ext. 204.
STREATOR One person is dead following the fourth house fire in a week in Streator.
Streator Fire Department spokesman Bryan Park said at 2:39 a.m. Tuesday, a fire was reported at 307 Chicago St. Fire units arrived on the scene within four minutes and found heavy smoking coming from the one-story house, Park said. Firefighters learned that the resident was likely inside the home.
The resident was removed and transported to OSF Center for Health-Streator by Advanced Medical Transport. The patient was pronounced dead at the hospital; the name is being held pending notification of family by the LaSalle County Coroner's Office. Two dogs also died in the fire.
The fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes. Firefighters remained on the scene until about 9 a.m. There were no reported injuries to first responders.
The home sustained severe fire, smoke and water damage to the kitchen and rear of the building. Other parts of the home sustained major smoke and water damage, Park said.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, the Streator Police Department, and the Streator Fire Department. The fire department also was assisted by Vermilion Valley Dispatch, ComEd, Nicor, Illinois American Water and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
The fire department responded to two fires on Saturday that were determined to be accidental. The first was reported at 2:27 p.m. at 1303 N. Wasson St. Two dogs died in that fire, too. The fire began in the living room and caused moderate fire and smoke damage.
The second fire, also accidental, was reported at 3:12 p.m. after smoke was reported coming from the basement of a home at 121 W. Hickory St. There were no injuries reported.
Something is entirely wrong with a system that allows for this.
Andrew J. Johnson, 29, of Decatur, has been involved in two wrecks that killed three people in 68 days. On Sept. 4, authorities said, he drove his pickup in front of a couple on U.S. 51 in Macon. Phil Jacobs, 80, of Pana, who was in the other vehicle, died eight days later from injuries. His wife, Norma Jean Jacobs, was injured.
On Nov. 11, the grain-hauling semitruck Johnson was driving went across another section of U.S. 51 this time near Clinton and into the path of another car traveling north on the highway. Tony and Karen Hable both 57, of Clinton, and were active in their community and their church died.
Two crashes.
Three dead.
Sixty-eight days.
So why was Johnson able to drive after the first crash that claimed a life?
Because even though Johnson was convicted of failure to yield on Sept. 28 for the first wreck and paid a $413 fine, the Illinois Secretary of States Office never got the accident report from the Illinois Department of Transportation. That meant they didnt start the process to take away his license.
IDOT doesnt know what happened. Neither does the Secretary of State's office.
That in itself demonstrates a major flaw in the reporting system. But theres even a more troubling aspect to this: Although state law says anyone convicted of a moving violation that killed someone is supposed to have his or her license revoked immediately, driving privileges arent taken away until 90 days after the Secretary of states office mails a notification letter.
Ninety days.
Three months.
If someone is dangerous behind the wheel, why does the system allow 90 days to elapse?
In Johnsons case, the Secretary of State's office never got the opportunity to revoke the license before the second wreck took place.
The report arrived more than a month after Johnson was issued the ticket in the Macon crash, and the day after the Decatur Herald & Review requested information about the status of the license. Only then was it technically revoked.
Secretary of State Jesse White is outraged at the reckless behavior by Mr. Johnson that took the lives of three people, a spokesman said.
We agree.
He should be.
We all should be.
These crashes involved the same highway and the same situation involving Johnson pulling in front another vehicle. Johnsons lawyer has refused to comment about the circumstances surrounding the deaths. There could be an explanation.
But there is no clear reason why at least not yet it took so long for Johnson's license to be taken away. A flawed system allowed two more deaths to happen.
We hope the Secretary of States office and IDOT have some answers.
Some artists and visual storytellers in the Urban Sketchers community are using iPad Pro and Apple Pencil to capture the vibrancy and culture of the cities they live in and visit. Artists including San Francisco's Uma Kelkar, Hong Kong's Rob Sketcherman, Singapore's Don Low and Berlin's Omar Jamarillo say iPad Pro and Apple Pencil are a natural fit for drawing on location thanks to the mobility, flexibility and range of tools they provide.
Founded in 2007, Urban Sketchers is a global community of artists dedicated to fostering the practice of on-location drawing. Urban Sketchers is celebrating their 10th anniversary this year.
Uma Kelkar, San Francisco
Uma is an award-winning plein air artist with command across multiple media. A member of Urban Sketchers since 2010, she started sketching on iPad Pro this year. She says, "On those super stressful days when art is actually necessary by not having to worry about spilling color, iPad Pro enables me to reconstitute myself."
Rob Sketcherman, Hong Kong
Rob is a self-taught artist whose work has taken him around the world on commissions and teaching workshops. A member of Urban Sketchers for over four years, Rob has been creating artwork exclusively on iPad for just as long, and began drawing on iPad Pro in 2015 when it was introduced. Rob says, "the flexibility [iPad Pro] offers fuels experimentation with line, texture and look, allowing any number of iterations. It's also very forgiving, expelling all fear of the dreaded blank page and of potentially 'ruining sketchbooks' in case an experiment goes awry."
Don Low, Singapore
Don has over 20 years of experience as a local illustrator and comic artist, and teaches drawing part time at two local universities in Singapore. A member of Urban Sketchers since 2009, Don began drawing on iPad Pro in 2015. Don says, "Technically, I love how Apple Pencil works seamlessly in terms of pressure and tilt sensitivity. It detects all kinds of pen pressure just like how I use dip pens on paper, but even better."
Omar Jamarillo, Berlin
Omar started drawing as a landscape architect and was invited to participate in an Artist-in-Residence program at the Opera House in Hanover in 2012 where he documented the making of a ballet performance in sketches. Since then, he has taught workshops around the world. A member of Urban Sketchers since 2009 and a part of the organization's advisory board, Omar began sketching on iPad in 2014. He started drawing on iPad Pro earlier this year. He says, "Using iPad Pro in combination with Apple Pencil gives you a very similar feeling to drawing on paper. I also appreciate that you can create a video of how the image was drawn."
Customers can sign up for Today at Apple sketch walks hosted by these artists in San Francisco, Hong Kong, Singapore and Berlin at apple.com/today.
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Im not sure if you saw this but I thought it was really cool. The Pope recently met with the some of the homeless population in his diocese during a private tour of the Sistine Chapel, set up for them. If only we had more bishops take this approach in the world. Its gotten me to start thinking, what would it look like in my community if we started to think creatively like this about ways to love and serve those in need. Today is Maundy Thursday which literally means the Washing Thursday. We remember the example that Christ sets for his apostles in humbling himself as a servant to serve them. I think this is a great example of creative service, and one I hope to follow.
Heres the story:
Pope Francis made a surprise personal visit to 150 homeless people on a special tour of the Sistine Chapel on Thursday, in the latest nod to his vision of creating a church for the poor.
Francis greeted the visitors in the chapel where he was elected pope during a private viewing of its ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo more than 500 years ago.
This is everyones house, it is your house, Francis said, according to a statement from the Vatican spokesman about the event at which no reporters, photographers or cameraman were allowed.
Francis was known as the slum bishop in his native Buenos Aires for his frequent visits to shanty towns. Since taking over as the head of the worlds 1.2 billion Catholics, he has made concern for the poor a central plank of his papacy.
The visitors are due to tour and have dinner in the Vatican museums, which attract about six million people a year paying at least 16 euros ($17) each. They will leave through an entrance usually reserved for prelates and employees.
The Vatican said it was giving the 150 homeless, who usually frequent the area around St. Peters Basilica, a chance to admire the inside of buildings of which they usually only see the front steps.
The visit was organized by the popes almoner Bishop Konrad Krajewski, who earlier this year started organizing showers and shaves in St. Peters Square for people who live rough.
Krajewski is also credited with distributing 300 umbrellas forgotten by tourists to the areas homeless during a rainy spell in February.
The chapel was closed to the public early on Thursday to allow the visit.
From the personal better-late-than-never file: Sony released an eighth clip from The Star just before the film came out. This one focuses on banter between the camels voiced by Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey and Tracy Morgan. Check it out below the jump.
Here is the clip:
Meanwhile, Sonys Canadian division released a new TV spot in French:
Check out earlier The Star trailers and other videos here:
Thats the headline at the Washington Post today: Even sex is in crisis in Venezuela, where contraceptives are growing scarce.
The report, in many respect, is old news two years ago, a spate of articles described the lack of contraception in the country (e.g., Breitbart, as a non-paywalled version) due to the economic crisis, and earlier this year, papers reported on the increasing degree to which women sought out sterilization (here, from the Miami Herald). Three years ago, the report was on the shockingly-high rate of teen pregnancies, cited at Reuters as one of the worst in South America with 23% of all births being from under-18 year olds, as a store mannequin display showed pregnant teen girl mannequins to draw attention to the issue, and this appeared to be a longstanding cultural issue, not as a result of any shortages in government-supplied contraceptives.
The pro-government website Venezuelanaysis reported in 2015 that the government was preparing to provide 18 million condoms in that year, provided by the United Nations Population Fund, and claimed that shortages were caused by hoarding by private companies. Did this happen? No idea.
And, with respect to the economic and political situation in Venezuela in general, there have been dramatic reports from the country for quite a while now; back last year, I expressed skepticism that the economy would lead to Maduro being forced out of power.
Whats really going on? The most recent data for the birth rate is from 2015, and shows no disruption in the ongoing trend of decreases in birth rates from year to year. Are there increases in unplanned pregnancies being balanced out by decreases in planned pregnancies? So far as I can tell, the data isnt available.
Which brings us to todays Washington Post article, which is, fundamentally, a chaotic, disorganized, anecdotal piece of reporting.
The article starts by featuring a couple who were unable to acquire birth control pills, decided that going without sex wasnt an option, tried to be careful, but became pregnant. (What does try to be careful mean? Its not like driving a car, where, in the absense of well-functioning brakes you can try to be careful with slowing down well in advance of intersections. Was this an exceptionally-uncurious reporter? Was the couple actually practicing withdrawal?)
The article continues by saying that Venezuelans are having sex despite lack of contraceptives and that doctors report (without firm statistics) an increase in unwanted pregnancies and STDs as a result. Irritatingly, despite being a nominally Catholic country, the only mention of Natural Family Planning (which, even if not for religious reasons, youd think would be a bigger part of the countrys reaction to shortages) is a statement that
Mainstream media outlets have published articles about the counting method of contraception that women can use to calculate when they are ovulating and likely to get pregnant.
though, to be sure, since this is a crummy article, one wonders whether there is more NFP education happening than just reports on calendar rhythm.
Women purchase contraceptives on the black market, or get them when friends travel abroad. Three-packs of condoms costs the equivalent of several days minimum-wage pay; a months supply of birth control pills cost 1/3 of a months minimum-wage pay. The cheap brands of condoms available are reportedly unreliable though, at the same time, the article reports that men generally refused to use condoms anyway, and yet, STD rates have increased. (A doctor reports that she now sees 5 or 6 of every 10 patients having STDs, vs. 1 of 10 in the past are these numbers reliable, or does this mean that she sees fewer patients for other reasons, e.g., pregnancy visits?)
Its all a bit of a jumble. Whats really going on? To be honest, I dont have the time, nor the language skills, to dig into the shortages in Venezuela, whether this particular shortage is persistent and ongoing, and how its impacting fertility statistics. But the story that the Post tells seems incomplete. One presumes that, a population accustomed to contraceptives, but sufficiently acquainted with the basics of how reproduction works, would do more than just hunt down black market supplies and forgo their next grocery-shopping trip or rather, would do less, changing their behavior accordingly, whether by using natural methods, or refraining entirely, or reducing the frequency to, say, special occasions. In fact, I rather assumed that sex being in crisis was a reference to exactly this. And it may be that this is exactly what is happening, to a large extent, anyway, but thats not what the reporter chose to see.
Image: from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AOpened_Oral_Birth_Control.jpg
Patna: After several attempts to establish ownership of the Janata Dal U and its election symbol of arrow, Sharad Yadav, the former party President and disgruntled ex-Nitish ally gave up on his various claims after the Election Commission once again rejected his plea to hand over the 'arrow' to him saying he would soon form a new party of his own to 'teach a lesson' to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
After being repeatedly snubbed by the Election Commission that ruled that the real leader of the JD-U was indeed Nitish Kumar and the symbol of arrow belonged to him, Yadav's surrogate Arun Srivastava announced that the Sharad faction of the party would form a new party after the Gujarat polls with Sharad Yadav as its President.
Srivastava further said that the JD-U's only legislator in Gujarat Chhotu Vasava, a tribal leader, will contest the Gujarat elections under the banner of a new party named Bharatiya Tribal Party, BTP, with auto-rickshaw as its election symbol.
"Sharad supporters will hold a convention after the Gujarat polls to form a new party. Until then, however, our candidates will contest seven seats in Gujarat under the banner of BTP in alliance with the Congress," he said.
Nitish-led JD-U with Sharad Yadav as its President was in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) until Kumar decided to break away from the NDA coalition in 2013 only to join hands with his sworn enemy Lalu Prasad Yadav and Congress. In 2015, Kumar formed the new government with Yadav and Congress what came to be known as the Grand Alliance of Bihar. This rag-tag coalition of politically ambitious leaders, however, crumbled under its own weight as Kumar pulled out of it earlier this year only to go back to the NDA despite strong protest by his own President Sharad Yadav.
Patna: Despite his earlier denial that he was neither a criminal nor a terrorist, the son of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Tej Pratap Yadav on Monday, just days after threatening Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi, issued threat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying he would skin him (khaal udherva lenge) if anything happened to his father.
Angry over the withdrawal of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief's Z+ security cover provided by the National Security Guard (NSG), Tej Pratap, who has chosen to adopt the language of criminals since losing power, threatened the Prime Minister saying "Narendra Modi ji ka khaal udherva lenge".
"If my father is murdered who will be responsible for it? Do you think my father's life has no value and only the life of the Prime Minister is valuable?" the former minister who is said to be working to fill the vacuum created by the taming of former 'bahubalis' like Mohammed Shahabuddin, Pappu Yadav, Sunil Pandey, and Anant Singh, said before a posse of reporters.
As reported earlier, the elder son of Lalu and former Health Minister of Bihar had threatened Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi saying he would disrupt Modi's son's wedding on December 3 and will beat up the BJP leader in full view of his wedding guests.
Facing strong backlash for his son's crude comments and the possible political fallout from it, the RJD chief assured Modi of no threat from Tej Pratap saying the BJP leader should go ahead and perform his son's wedding without any concern for violence.
"Tej Pratap just hissed and Modi got so scared that he changed the venue of his son's wedding. The BJP leader does not need to be a such a 'darpok' (coward) and should go ahead with his son's wedding without any fear of anything. Our best wishes are with them," the RJD chief said.
Meanwhile, an FIR was lodged against Tej Pratap by a BJP West Delhi MP Parvesh Sharma.
"Tej Pratap Yadav could be facing jail time for threatening the Prime Minister of India. He would be well advised to retain a good defense lawyer because this is a pretty cut and dry case as he would be treated as the enemy of the nation," BJP West Delhi MP Parvesh Sharma said in Delhi.
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Tehran's Notorious Former Prosecutor Saeed Mortazavi Sentenced to Jail
11/28/17
Source: Radio Zamaneh
The appeal court has finally sentenced Saeed Mortazavi, Tehran's former prosecutor to two years in prison in connection with the Kahrizak Detention Center scandal in 2009. After the 2009 disputed elected in Iran, over 100 prisoners were taken to Kahrizak Detention Center, beaten, some tortured and sexually abused and five died as result of injuries sustained while in custody.
Saeed Mortazavi on cover of dily Etemad
The news of Mortazavi's sentencing was reported by counsel to the Mohsen Ruholamini family whose son was killed under torture in Kahrizak.
On Sunday, branch 22 of the appeal court found Saeed Mortazavi guilty of aiding and abetting in murder.
MirMajid Taheri, Counsel to the Ruholamini famil announced that the court gave Mortazavi a reduced sentence for having shown remorse for his actions.
Last Tuesday the appeal court convened to once again consider the charges against Saeed Mortazavi in connection with the Kahrizak Detention Centre. The court has convened on several occasions to consider these charges and Mortazavi was not present in the last court session. Mortazavi has not retained any counsel and has been presenting his own defence throughout the proceedings.
This matter has been dragging in court for over eight years with court files now at 32 volumes and 15 thousand pages. The case involves corruption charges in connection with the Social Security Fund allegedly committed when Mortazavi was at the helm of Social Security Office as well as murder charges brought against him by the Ruholamini family.
Last year, the lower court acquitted Mortazavi in connection with the Ruholamini matter and sentenced him to six months in jail as well as 46 million toumans in fines for the corruption charges. Mortazavi appealed the decision and the two decisions were thus submitted to the appeals court within the same file. Last May the appeal court accepted to review the matter.
Read related report (in Persian) by Ghanoon daily
Saeed Mortazavi was Tehran's prosecutor during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's presidency. He was removed from his position when the death of prisoners under torture in Kahrizak was publicized.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad however did not withdraw his support for Mortazavi and immediately placed him at the helm of the Social Security Office.
In September in an open letter, Mortazavi apologized to the families of the detainees who were killed in Kahrizak and expressed his remorse for the events that occurred under his watch.
Saeed Mortazavi was Tehran's prosecutor during the mass protests of 2009 in Iran triggered by the allegations of vote fraud in the election victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Thousands of protesters challenged the vote count by taking to the streets in peaceful demonstrations. Many protesters were killed and arrested by the authorities in order to defuse the protests.
A large group of demonstrators were arrested in Tehran in July of 2009 and under direct orders from Saeed Mortazavi sent to Kahrizak Detention Centre. Amir Javadifar, Mohsen Ruholamin, Mohammad Kamrani and Ramin Ghahremani died a few days after their arrest in the dismal cells of Kahrizak which was shut down once the news of the prisoners' death hit the headl
China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran seal deal to boost rail traffic
11/28/17
Source: Press TV
China, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran have signed an agreement to increase the volume of cargoes shipped through the four countries to international markets by rail. The agreement was reached after a meeting between the representatives of the countries in the Kazakh city of Astana, according to a statement by Kazakhstan's railways KTZ.
The participants also addressed the issue of establishing competitive tariffs for cargo transportation along the China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran (CKTI) rail route.
"Noting the potential of the CKTI international transit corridor, the participants of the meeting spoke in favor of organizing a regular container service on this route," added the KTZ in its statement.
Following the meeting, the parties identified responsible operators for the organization of container trains on CKTI and signed a protocol on its results.
The statement further quoted KTZ's Vice-president for Logistics Sanzhar Yelyubayev as underscoring the need to create conditions for the development of container service, formation of stable container traffic, development of the client and freight base, and application of approved tariff rates for container service along the CKTI.
The CKTI was officially launched in February when a container train proceeded from Turkmenistan to Iran.
The test journey was conducted for adjusting the regular transportation on the new railway route, the Kazakh media reported.
The train that was loaded with various goods had left from the Chinese city of Yeiu at the end of January, passed the distance of 7,908 kilometers, crossed the territory of Kazakhstan and reached the Turkmen border railway station of Serkhetyak.
The Turkmen site of the new transnational railway route lies from Serkhetyak station to Serakhs on the Turkmen-Iranian border. This part is equal to 1,156 kilometers.
The total length of China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran route is about 10,000 kilometers, and the journey that ends in the Iranian capital Tehran will take about two weeks.
Iran, Armenia should make efforts to broaden economic ties: Foreign Minister Zarif
11/28/17
Source: Press TV
Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who is on an official visit to Armenia, has hailed growing relations between the two countries, saying Tehran and Yerevan should work to broaden their cooperation in the economic sector. Zarif, who arrived in Yerevan at the head of a politico-economic delegation on Tuesday, discussed bilateral ties as well as regional and international developments with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian.
Foreign Ministers of #Armenia and #Iran issue statements for press on the outcomes of their negotiations held in #Yerevan pic.twitter.com/sFL1p79p5f MFA of Armenia (@MFAofArmenia) November 28, 2017
He told reporters after the meeting with Nalbandian that Iran and Armenia enjoy close neighborly relations, calling for further enhancement of political and economic relations between the two nations.
The top diplomat also took part in Armenia-Iran Business Forum, where he praised the "very close and growing relations" between the two countries and said there was no obstacle in the way of improving mutual ties.
He further said there is ample ground for cooperation between the private sectors of both sides, stressing that Tehran and Yerevan need to benefit from their free trade zones and bolster their economic ties.
The economic forum was attended by tradesmen and entrepreneurs from the two countries.
see larger map
Iran and Armenia have been recently intensifying efforts to promote their mutual relations.
The two countries announced in early August that they had lifted their visa regime to enable their citizens to freely commute between the two countries.
Iran is currently exporting natural gas to Armenia and is in return importing electricity from the country to support demand in its northern provinces.
Iran reportedly exports nearly one million cubic meters of natural gas to Armenia per day. Officials in Tehran had previously said that the volume could increase to as high as six million cubic meters per day.
Executives of the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), an organization working as the voice for British businesses looking to access and engage with the Ghanaian market, is ready for its maiden edition of an award ceremony, Business Excellence Awards and Dinner Gala.
The event, expected to happen on Saturday, 2nd December 2017 at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, is aimed at acknowledging excellence in business amongst companies operating here in Ghana. It will also create a platform for interactions between members of the chamber, top government officials of Ghana, as well as other key players in Ghanas corporate community.
The CEO of the UKGCC, Tony Burkson, said We are all set for the first Business Excellence Award ceremony. With 16 categories of awards, this gala will celebrate not just Ghana, but our members and their businesses. We have members wining the Employer of the Year, Exporter of the Year, SME of theYear, Best CSR Project and Best Logistics Company.
The rest are Best Brand of the Year, Most successful company of the year, Best Local Partner, Best Social Impact Project, Best Think-Tank, Best Engine Graduate, Best in Innovation and British Entrepreneur of the Year.
Mr. Burkson further revealed that the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr. Yofi Grant will be recognized by the chamber for driving trade between Ghana and the UK. Mr. Yofi Grant was instrumental in getting the green light for the Aqua Africa project as well as leading trade missions from Ghana to meet with UK trade delegations, and he has consistently lobbied for our members, he added.
He also emphasized that the chamber provides assistance to Ghanaian companies investing in the UK. We will continue with our mission which is to push the trade agenda between Ghana and the UK, he stated.
The Meeting and Events Director of Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Oana Rugina congratulated UKGCC for the active work in Ghana as she expressed her companys excitement about the event. We are happy to be a partner in this wonderful event that seeks to grow the Ghanaian economy. She added.
Top personalities expected to grace the ceremony include the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E Nana Addo-Dankwa Akuffo Addo, and the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Iain Walker among others.
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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Deputy Director of Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Maame Afia Akoto, cannot fathom why members of the Minority in Parliament are doing everything possible to tarnish Presidents Akufo-Addos dream towards free Senior High School [SHS] education.
According to her, the National Democratic Congress [NDC] since the launch of free SHS have had nothing positive to say about the policy, even including the Ex-President, John Dramani Mahama.
All comments from their [NDC] camp in relation to the policy are nothing to write home about. Indeed, why is their wish so strong to collapse the policy? They should be bold and tell us what is haunting them per this approach. Is it that they never believed we could implement it? she rhetorically quizzed.
She was contributing to discussions on remarks made by the former president at NDCs Unity Walk held in Tarkwa over the weekend on Kasapa fms Morning Show.
The Former President took a swipe at President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for rushing to implement the free Senior High School (SHS) policy, hinting of a possible reversal of the programme by a future National Democratic Congress (NDC) government since it is not mandatory.
Why should the government introduce free education now when the Constitution says it should be done progressively? In fact, it is not by force to introduce free SHS now, Mr John Mahama underscored.
The former president predicted that the challenges associated with the free Senior High School (SHS) policy would not cease unless there was a comprehensive funding strategy.
But the MASLOC Deputy Director argues that the only truth to free SHS existence is for Ghanaians to keep the NDC in opposition for long, since they have no good conscience towards its success.
Source: Elizabeth Semiheva Bedi/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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The police in Asokwa have been captured on video brutalising students from University Hall also known as 'KATANGA' of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The students had allegedly clashed with their colleagues from Unity hall of the same university at an outdoor event.
The police officers who refused to listen to the plea from the students were seen slapping and kicking the students as they dragged them to a waiting police van.
Eight students were arrested and charged with rioting and causing damage to some vehicles but were later released to the security coordinator of the university.
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has condemned the brutality meted out to the students describing the action of the police officers as unfortunate and unprofessional.
Deputy Ashanti Regional police PRO, Chief Inspector Godwin Ahianyo told TV3 on Monday that police are investigating the officers who misconducted themselves as exposed by the video.
Source: Peacefmonline.com/Additional File From 3news
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 Ashanti Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Samuel Pyne and Communications Director of the party Kwasi Kyei have finally be given government appointment to serve on the board of Kumasi Abattoir which falls under SSNIT.
The two were recognized after the partys foot soldiers, and serial callers started questioning the basis for their neglect by the government appointing authority after 2016 elections victory.
Checks from the regional office of the party say, the two, received their formal appointments through Dr. Kwame Addo Kuffour, Board Chairman of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) about three months ago.
A source in the regional office of the party told Ultimate Fms Isaac Justice Bediako that, Sam Pyne in particular was disappointed in the appointment but couldnt reject it because of the respect he has for the former defence minister Dr. Addo Kuffour when he broke the news to him.
Isaac, I can tell you that Sam is not happy with this abattoir board member appointment, he accepted it because of the respect he has for his Boss, Dr Addo Kuffour he said.
He added, You know the contribution of Sam in NPPs election 2016 victory right, yet his loyalty and hard work has not been recognized by the appointing authority. This appointment according Dr. Kwame Addo Kuffour is just to keep him active, can you imagine that he asked.
Ultimate Fms further checks revealed that, the two board member of the Kumasi Abattoir are entitled to 200 Ghana Cedis allowance per each sitting.
Again they are also entitled to a weekly package of meat from the Kumasi Abattoir.
Source: kasapafmonline.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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National Organizer of the Opposition National Democratic Congress Mr. Kofi Adams says Former President H.E Jerry John Rawlings might join the party for their next unity.
According to him, the former president is actively involved in the daily activities of the party though he has not been seen at their various unity walks.
Speaking on Okay fm's "Ade Akye Abia" Programme, he indicated that as a member of the Council of Elders of the party, he is aware of the Unity walk and the restructuring process going on within the party.
Justifying the absence of the former president at such gatherings,Kofi Adams stated; "invitations has been sent to him severally just like its sent to other council members who have not been able to honour them due to their busy schedules or may be attending to other pressing issues."
The Kwesi Botchwey fact finding committee report actually recommended a healing tour under the auspices of the council of elders so i believe he might be joining other walks, it is just a matter of time , he added.
The opposition party has been involved in a lot of activities including the Unity Walk to unite agitated members of the party after they suffered a humiliating defeat in the 2016 general elections.
The walk was dubbed Unity Walk, first of its kind since the party lost power in 2016 was an idea of a former Mayor of Kumasi, Kojo Bonsu, and supported by the regional executives.
The event, according to party executives, was to forge unity, peace, and tranquility in the party beset by post-election internal agitations.
So far, four of such Unity Walks have been organized; the latest being the that took place at Tarkwa in the Western Region on Saturday, November 25.
Similar events have already been held in Accra, Tamale and Cape Coast.
However, the non involvement of the former leader of the party has left doubt in the minds of some sections of the public and many asking questions about the party's Unity which some think it is in a balance without the involvement of the former president, Jerry John Rawlings.
But Mr Adams, a former Spokesperson for the Rawlingses stressed that, "former President Rawlings is likely to be part of our (NDC's) next Unity Walk."
Source: Isaac kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]
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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A restaurant in western Pennsylvania is red-faced after a reported order mix-up that resulted in a 4-year-old boy downing half of an adult milkshake spiked with vodka.
As WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh reports, the boy's mother, Brianne Mckee, said she was at the BRGR in Cranberry, Butler County, on Sunday when she ordered her son, Stryler, a smores milkshake to go.
But it wasn't until Mckee checked the receipt that she learned the milkshake was the adult version with vodka. By that time, her son had downed half of the alcohol-spiked treat.
From the WPXI interview:
"You're just in such shock and you don't know to scream or cry or what you should do because you're supposed to protect your child," Brianne Mckee said.
Meanwhile, BRGR issued the following statement to WPXI:
"We sincerely apologize to the family involved. This is unacceptable and we are taking this matter very seriously."
BRGR added it is reviewing training procedures on alcohol safety to make sure this doesn't happen again, WPXI said.
However, Mckee insists it wasn't until she posted about the incident on Facebook that the restaurant reacted:
"They didn't care. Nobody cared. And I'm getting loud it was like nobody had kids no one understood why I am so heartsick," Mckee told WPXI.
The little boy was checked out by a doctor and appears no worse for wear.
Two men have been charged with using drugs and violence to force six women to work in a prostitution ring that operated in four Pennsylvania counties and southern New Jersey, Attorney General Josh Shapiro said Tuesday.
That ring was active in Lancaster, York, Philadelphia and Montgomery counties from 2014 until last month, he said.
Charged in the case are Kenneth Crowell, 34, and Barry "Bear" Schiff, 50. Shapiro said Schiff already was in York County Prison when the human trafficking charges were filed. Crowell was arrested near Chicago over the weekend.
Both men are charged with trafficking in individuals, corrupt organizations, involuntary servitude, conspiracy, drug possession and prostitution, the AG said.
The grand jury indictment of Crowell and Schiff stems from an investigation that began when two undercover state troopers responded to a prostitution ad on the website Backpage. A phone number on that ad was linked to nearly 350 similar ads, on that site and Eros under the name "Adriana's Angels," investigators said
The troopers met with one of the victims at a Lancaster County hotel. She said Schiff had recruited her from a York County strip club and that she wanted to escape his clutches, the grand jury presentment states. Schiff would brag about getting the women who worked for him hooked on Percocet and heroin, the woman testified.
Another victim testified that Schiff sent her by Uber to Philadelphia to buy bricks of heroin for him. After she fled, he sent messages threatening her family, she told the grand jury.
One woman, identified in the presentment as Victim 6, said Schiff treated her like a slave. "I felt like he had my whole life in his hands and could ruin it at any point in time," she told the grand jury.
Shapiro said the arrests of Schiff and Crowell are the result of an investigation by his office, state police, Northern York County Regional Police, police in Dallas, Texas, and Millville, N.J., the North Star Initiative of Lancaster and the Anti-Human Trafficking Program of the Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia.
A Commonwealth Court panel has rejected a convicted killer's claim that the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is stealing inmates' money.
The judges reached that conclusion Monday in an opinion issued by Senior Judge James Gardner Colins that deep-sixes a lawsuit by James A. Paluch Jr., who is serving a life sentence for a 1990 murder in Philadelphia.
Paluch, 46, claimed prison officials are misusing and squandering money from the Inmate General Welfare Fund. That fund contains money inmates earn at jobs, along with income from sales at the prison commissaries and donations from individuals and groups interested in promoting the welfare of prisoners.
Paluch contended that prison officials, specifically those at the prison at Albion, where he is housed, were violating his and other inmates' rights by using interest earned by investing the fund's money without adequate input from the prisoners.
He argued, unsuccessfully, that prisoners should have a vote regarding how the interest earnings are used. At Albion, that income went to buy a scoreboard for the gym, stainless steel security furniture and seeds for the prison's greenhouse.
Colins found the corrections department is immune from Paluch's suit.
In any case, the judge concluded that while prisoners can control the principal in their welfare fund accounts, they don't control use of the interest earnings, which are to fund projects to benefit all inmates.
State law mandates the creation of the welfare accounts, Colins noted. It also requires prisons to establish committees of staff and inmates to evaluate projects to be funded with the interest earnings.
Inmates therefore have input regarding how that cash is used, but they do not have veto power over those spending decisions, Colins noted.
Nor, he found, does Paluch have as valid argument that prison officials are violating his civil rights by seizing money that is his personal property
"There is no Pennsylvania stature mandating that (Paluch) receive interest or investment income from the principal in his (welfare) account," Colins wrote.
A 28-year-old Clearfield man is accused of multiple thefts at two schools in Palmyra.
Mark Allan Martin committed the thefts between December 2016 and March 2017, Palmyra police said. He is accused of crimes at Palmyra Area Middle School and Northside Elementary School.
Police did not describe what was stolen or the value of the items taken. Martin is charged with a misdemeanor count of theft by unlawful taking. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Dec. 21.
The death of a 13-year-old boy is under investigation following an off-road vehicle crash in Berks County.
The boy was critically injured when a Utility Terrain Vehicle crashed into a tree at around 10:35 a.m. Monday on the 3200 block of Irish Creek Road in Centre Township. The vehicle was driven by a 14-year-old boy and was also carrying two other 14-year-old passengers when the UTV struck the tree on the private driveway.
The 13-year-old boy was taken to Reading Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
By Douglas G. Reichley
As interest in legislative redistricting reform grows, one is reminded that 50 years ago this December, delegates elected from across the Commonwealth convened in the Pennsylvania state House to open the first constitutional convention since 1873.
Douglas G. Reichley (Pa. House photo)
The authorization for the convention in 1967 succeeded after six previous failed attempts for a number of reasons.
Following the defeat of the convention referendum in 1963, several groups such as the Pennsylvania Bar Association committed to rallying public support for the measure. Raymond Shafer, the Republican candidate for governor in 1966, also made the convention a priority during his successful campaign, and followed through with his pledge after winning office.
Additionally, the referendum in 1967 prohibited delegates from considering any issue not specified by the ballot question. Very importantly, this meant the convention would not be allowed to consider the adoption of a statewide income tax, which was not enacted until 1971.
Finally, the convention proposal was tucked in with eight other ballot questions in the spring of 1967. By burying the measure to approve the convention in the middle of the other measures, voters fell into a habit of voting yes on all nine ballot items.
After passage of the ballot initiative, each party nominated two candidates from each of the 50 state senatorial districts for election as convention delegates in the fall of 1967, with the top three vote getters being elected to the Convention.
Among the delegates, there was one former governor (William S. Scranton), two future governors (Dick Thornburgh and Bob Casey), a Pulitzer Prize-winning author (James Michener from Bucks County), a future U.S. Attorney (Robert E. J. Curran from Delaware County), and a number of legislative leaders including future Speaker of the House Rep. Herb Fineman (D-Phila.), and Rep. Robert Butera (R-Montgomery), the Republican Whip in the state House.
The delegates were tasked with the considering five specific topics approved by the ballot measure including legislative redistricting, reducing the size of the General Assembly, and merit selection of appellate judges. The delegates were given only 90 days to meet from December 1, 1967 until the end of February 1968.
As Gov. Thornburgh, Robert Curran, and Rep. Butera remembered, this truncated session meant delegates could not "kick the can down the road." Also, delegates were forced to sit in alphabetical order, leaving limited opportunities for blatant partisanship.
Despite this altruistic approach, the convention was not free from pitfalls. As the convention's secretary, Michener reportedly used invitations to cocktail parties as a means of dispensing favoritism.
Some delegates were disgruntled with their committee assignments. The convention was not considered "political," but lobbyists still buttonholed delegates to protect public utilities from the payment of property taxes. The press and public were generally apathetic.
Although 150 delegates were elected from the senatorial districts, legislative leaders from the House and Senate were designated ex officio members. As Thornburgh noted, the legislators' presence was decisive when the first delegate proposal came before the full Convention to reduce the size of the Legislature and to reform the redistricting process.
By relying on regional affiliations and latent partisan sympathies, the legislative leaders were able to rebuff the efforts to reduce the size of the House and Senate, or to remove the legislative leadership from controlling the redistricting process.
Ironically, the last convention in 1873 increased the size of the Legislature on the grounds it would be much harder for the corporate barons of the time to bribe so many legislators.
As lawyers by trade, Thornburgh, Curran, and Butera all had a professional interest in the judicial reform proposals.
Thornburgh in fact introduced the first resolution of the convention to allow for merit selection of all judges and elimination of justices of the peace, but all that could be passed was a resolution to reduce the length of judicial terms to ten years.
After the five referendum proposals were approved by the convention, the measures were adopted by the electorate in the 1968 general election.
Any constitutional convention held today would probably still focus on legislative redistricting, reducing the size of the legislature, and judicial merit selection, but officials such as former Gov. Ed Rendell argue such an occasion should also allow for review of the constitutional language which addresses the state income tax and equitable state funding for education.
Governors are faced with differing political landscapes, but the leadership they provide can encourage the discussion of constitutional reforms.
After the pay raise fiasco for state government officials in 2005, when one would have thought the outrage to alter state government would have been at its highest, there was at best a muted effort to call for a new constitutional convention at that time.
At the end of the day, it still comes back to the question: is the public motivated enough to demand change?
Douglas G. Reichley is a judge of the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. He is a former Republican state House member from Lehigh County.
By Robert Little
As a health professional, I recognize how interconnected and fragile our water system is, from our streams down through the pipes that bring us our water.
In many parts of Pennsylvania that system has been strained by industries like fracking and agricultural and changes in climate. The need for stronger clean water protections for communities is apparent but unfortunately the current federal EPA doesn't appear to agree.
As I write this, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is repealing the 2015 Clean Water Rule which seeks to protect the nation's rain-dependent streams and wetlands from toxic pollution under the Clean Water Act.
Rescinding the Clean Water Rule endangers the drinking water of 63 percent of Pennsylvania residents. The administration has also proposed significant budget cuts to EPA. Cuts to federal funds could leave states and local communities to fend for themselves to protect clean water and ultimately our health.
Finished in 2015 with widespread support from public health and scientific organizations and the public, the Clean Water Rule restored federal protections to 49,000 miles of our state streams, which feed waterways like the Delaware and Susquehanna and provide drinking water to more than 8 million Pennsylvanians. The rule also protects wetlands, which help filter out pollutants and prevent flooding.
There have been clean water successes in Pennsylvania resulting from public health protections. Industrial discharges have been reduced, and billions of dollars have been invested in wastewater treatment, sewage systems, and storm-water controls. Unfortunately, the struggle for clean water continues in most cities and counties in Pennsylvania.
A mix of legacy water pollution sources and industrial activity create a clean water crisis in our state.
In Pittsburgh drinking water is contaminated with lead; in the Delaware river rainwater runoff is tainted with industrial pollutants; more than 20,000 miles of streams still fail to meet the Clean Water Act's goals of being fishable and swimmable.
Further, there are more than 200,000 orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells, potentially contaminating ground water.
Since 2007, at least 2,800 water-related complaints have been investigated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Oil and Gas Program. The state found links to the drilling industry in close to 280. Another 500 or so cases, are still being investigated.
Thousands of Pennsylvanians have gone months, even years, without access to clean water at their homes as a result of the fossil fuel industry.
These statistics tell us we need more protections NOT less. We need more funding for our public health programs.
Regrettably, the state Department of Environmental Protection, which is charged with ensuring safe drinking water is woefully understaffed and underfunded.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency notified Pennsylvania that its inability to enforce the law poses "serious public health implications." The EPA has threatened to take away the state's authority to run the clean drinking water program.
From a public health perspective, it is clear we need strong, health-protective clean water laws. Without robust protections, drinking water can be contaminated by a host of waterborne pathogens and bacteria. Exposure to contaminated water can lead to health issues including: cancer, birth defects, neurological effects, learning disabilities, and asthma.
Tell your elected officials that communities need stronger protections and more resources for our water to be safe.
Our state government can help our communities receive clean water by increasing DEP's budget for safe drinking water inspections.
At the federal level the Clean Water Act's safeguards like the Clean Water Rule must remain intact and funding for the EPA cannot be slashed or the public's health will be jeopardized.
A physician, Dr. Robert Little is president of the Harrisburg chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility.
By Jennifer Rubin
Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., said everything he could say - even that there were no words to wipe away the sexual conduct he has already apologized for. ("I know there are no magic words I can say to regain your trust and that it's going to take time.")
Jennifer Rubin (Washington Post photo)
He sounded remorseful, not defiant. He said he'd cooperate fully with the ethics committee. He did not smear his accusers. And yet, one wonders if that will be enough to spare him, or if it should spare him.
It took a churlish and santimonious Republican voice, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, to remind us that Republicans are behaving like hypocrites, like pols who never embraced and endorsed President Donald Trump, who has been accused of serial sexual misconduct by a list of women longer than even Roy Moore's known accusers. "The things he's already admitted to I find to be outrageous and offensive - and I do think on that alone he should consider resigning," Rubio told WFOR-TV in Miami. And would Rubio say the same of Trump? And if so, why not?
So, here we are in a "whataboutism" dilemma, trying to differentiate between the accused sexual miscreants and yet not play partisan politics. We shouldn't overcompensate for "whataboutism" with an injudicious approach to running every public figure who has misbehaved out of public life. For one thing, we'd run out of public figures.
There are some basic guidelines we might follow.
For starters, no one who has endorsed Trump and has stood by him has the moral authority to judge political opponents accused of sexual misconduct. Rubio is an enabler of Trump; he is also a once-respected pol who helped normalize Trump and protect him from the consequences of his actions (sexual and otherwise). Whatever Rubio's motives now, unless and until he calls for a full investigation of Trump, pledges not to support his reelection and commits to throwing Moore out of the Senate if he is elected, he should pipe down about Franken and other Democrats. Rubio's moral compass is broken. His views on the topic therefore are worthless to all but his fellow partisans.
Second, adults make moral and legal distinctions all the time. To spell it out, a serial child predator is worse than a serial adult sexual predator, who is worse than a crude comedian who had no business touching women without their consent. The conclusion that Moore doesn't belong in the Senate does not mean Franken should be thrown out. Franken deserves punishment, but the severity of that punishment does and should depend on the facts.
Third, unfortunately, good people do bad things, and they need to be held accountable for their misconduct. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., called Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., an "icon," citing his role in opposing the Vietnam War and in the civil rights movement. She properly did not say he should be let off the hook for his alleged offenses against women.
And that's the key takeaway - one can respect the accused and mourn the fall from grace of one's political idols, but that doesn't give them immunity for whatever actions they committed.
Fourth, due process applies in courts and to a degree in the ethics procedures in Congress (although Congress can set rules of evidence, for example, that are quite different from those accepted in a court).
It does not apply to voters urging miscreants to resign or not to seek reelection. It doesn't apply to other public figures who are expected to show moral leadership in evaluating conduct that brings disgrace on their party, their institution and our democracy.
Finally, the notion that Trump's press secretary propagated, namely that Franken is a greater malefactor because he confessed and apologized, is morally obnoxious.
Remorse should not necessarily spare the accused, but Trump's and Moore's refusal to come to terms with their alleged action and their indulgence in wild conspiracy theories (there is a report that Trump has said the "Access Hollywood" tape might not have been authentic!) make them worse, much worse, than someone who seeks to make amends.
These are not easy situations, but we can avoid moral hypocrisy and blindness by distinguishing bad actors from worse ones, holding all politicians to a standard that like actions should result in like punishments regardless of party, and by treating accused who falsely smear their accusers harshly.
Jennifer Rubin writes the Right Turn Blog for The Washington Post, which offers reported opinion from a conservative perspective.
With the U.S. Senate Republicans determined to vote on their tax overhaul plan before the week is out, Cumberland County residents rallied on the Square in Carlisle to voice their opposition to the legislation that they see as harmful to low- and middle-income Americans.
Gathered outside the old county courthouse in Carlisle during evening rush hour on Monday, an orderly, mild-mannered group of about 50 people from teenagers to senior citizens held signs and cheered as cars and trucks passed by flashing their lights and honking horns in support of their "Stop the Middle Class Tax Hikes" message.
In between chants of "Not one penny for the 1 percent" and "This is what democracy looks like," the protesters made it clear the plan that the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office determined gives considerable tax cuts and benefits to Americans earning more than $100,000 but hurts the nation's poorest is the wrong way to go.
According to a story in the Washington Post, the CBO determined the bill adds $1.4 trillion to the deficit over the next decade. That makes no sense to 15-year-old Jonah Langella of Shippensburg.
"We already have a deficit," he said. "We're not helping people who have no money. We're actually helping people with millions in the bank so it's really counter-intuitive."
"I don't know why rich people need this tax break. How many yachts, homes all over the world do you need?" Sue Milnes of Mechanicsburg said. "I really don't like anything about it. It's not fair, simply not fair."
Carlisle area resident Tim Potts suggested a better plan would be to raise the minimum wage and give the $1.4 trillion that this plan will cost over the next decade to low-income working people.
"You would get $1.4 trillion of economic stimulus because they would spend it. You give that money to the rich and you get no economic stimulus at all, they'll just figure out some place to put it," Potts said. "If you want to grow the economy, giving money to the poor people is the way to do it."
Those attending the rally were hoping that their public display of opposition might get the attention of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation and send a message that the vote-getting sweeteners being added to the plan such as opening up drilling rights in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska and adding the Obamacare mandate repeal make it even less appealing to them.
"I'm hoping that as time goes on as people learn more about this and analysis comes out that shows how bad this bill is that people are going to get smart and ultimately our legislators will do the right thing and vote against the bill," said Mark Laser of Carlisle.
The Senate plan as it stood on mid-day Monday contained provisions in the House-passed version that simplified the tax code, lowered the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent and nearly double the standard deduction for individual taxpayers although the Senate plan to a slightly lesser degree.
House and Senate Republicans maintain these changes will help wages grow, lead to job creation and get America's economy back on track.
But there remain differences in the two chambers' plans for accomplishing this that would have to be reconciled with the House-passed version including how it treats pass-through businesses, the size of the child tax credit, and the health insurance mandate repeal to name a few.
Nonetheless, several Senate GOP leaders voiced confidence on Monday that they will be able to deliver a tax reform package to President Donald Trump by his Christmas deadline.
Emerging from a lunch with Trump, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, predicted the Republicans had the votes to pass the package and resolve the differences with the House version in short order, according to a New York Times story.
That artificial deadline is another thing that Sherwood McGinnis of Carlisle finds wrong about the plan.
He said the 1986 tax reform plan took months to pull together and a lot of changes were made. This one is being forced through in what he and others referred to as a flawed process to give the Republican Party a win in the first year of the Trump presidency.
"This is not what we need a victory for the party," McGinnis said. "What we need is a victory for the American people. We need a program that is going to make the lives of everybody in the country much better and not just a small, a very small percentage."
In this Monday, Nov. 20, 2017 photo, Chobani yogurt cups are displayed in New York. Chobani, the company that helped kick-start the Greek yogurt craze, is shrinking those words from its label as it hints it may expand beyond that food in an increasingly crowded yogurt market. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Voters in Prince Edward Island sent a second member of the Green party to the legislature on Monday night. PC Leader James Aylward, left, embraces Green Party candidate, and by-election winner, Hannah Bell as PC contender for the riding, Melissa Hilton, right, looks on at Bar 1911 in Charlottetown on Monday, November 27, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Morris
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard says it is an injustice that Ottawa isn't giving more public contracts to the Davie shipyard near Quebec City, shown in this November, 2012 file photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot
People look at the memorial plaque in honour of the 13 students and one staff member killed for the 27th anniversary of the Polytechnique Massacre in Montreal on Tuesday Dec. 6, 2016. A pro-gun lobby group in Quebec is under fire for its decision to hold a rally at a memorial site for the 14 women who were killed at Ecole polytechnique in 1989. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Just a few days before a key OPEC meeting, Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro named a military leader the nation's new oil supremo as it grapples with U.S. sanctions, overdue bond payments and dwindling production.
Major General Manuel Quevedo will replace both former PDVSA president Nelson Martinez and oil minister Eulogio del Pino, Maduro said Sunday on the state television program Domingos Con Maduro.
The time for a new oil revolution has come, Maduro said, waving his hands emphatically as he promised to rein in corruption at state oil producer PDVSA.
Venezuela's government has embarked on a wide-reaching purge at PDVSA, with more than 50 officials of the company and its joint ventures arrested since August. Last week, Venezuela Public Prosecutor Tarek William Saab arrested the acting president of Citgo, PDVSA's U.S. refining arm, and promised to put more executives in jail. The company also asked employees last week to slash costs in half in an austerity drive that reflects the economic crisis that's hitting the OPEC nation.
Spokesmen for Venezuela's oil ministry and PDVSA declined to comment.
With More Oil than Saudi Arabia, Why is Venezuela Sliding Toward Default?
Quevedo was formerly the housing minister and headed up the national social housing program known as Barrio Tricolor -- Tricolor Neighborhood in English. He will be replaced by General Ildemaro Villaroel Arismendi.
Maduro has been steadily making the military his co-pilots to ensure that they sink or swim together and that he is coup-proof, said Helima Croft, a former Central Intelligence Agency analyst who directs global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets LLC in New York.
Venezuela is part of a global deal between OPEC members and non-OPEC producers. Led by Russia, the group has voluntarily reduced production since the start of the year in a bid to drain a glut and boost prices. Oil ministers are due to meet in Vienna on Thursday to decide whether to extend those cuts beyond the end of March. Venezuela's internal problems mean that the producer with the world's largest reserves has pumped less than its own target.
According to the latest report from the International Energy Agency, the cuts by Venezuela in October have been the second biggest among OPEC nations compared with a year ago: production fell by 240,000 barrels a day 1.91 million in October, from the same month in 2016. Earlier this month , the consultancy Rystad Energy warned some crude fields in Venezuela may see natural declines of as much as 30 percent next year.
Corruption Probe
Rumors about the shift had been circulating at PDVSA, but management was surprised by the announcement, said a person with direct knowledge of the matter.
Maduro also announced additional cabinet appointments in a reshuffle that has resulted in other military leaders getting top posts. General Carlos Osorio has been appointed to the ministry of transportation and Jose Vielma Mora to the ministry of foreign trade, among others.
Volatile oil prices have rocked PDVSA, which has seen crude output plummet and its refineries paralyzed. Profit fell almost 90 percent for 2016. Even after paying billions of dollars in the past month to make debt payments, PDVSA is behind on other bond interest payments, prompting credit rating companies to cut the firm's credit to selective default.
In general, men are twice as likely to cheat on a spouse than women are. That frequency increases over the lifespan, peaking among the elderly. Among men 18 to 29 who have ever been married, about 1 in 10 is
Ken Sze, who grew up in the family biz at Yokohama restaurant in Maple Shade, and his wife, Cortney Cohen-Sze, are in the soft-opening phase of Tuna Bar, a polished Japanese bistro in the new Bridge, at Second and Race Streets in Old City. (It's also around the corner from her boutique, Geisha House.)
Its well-stocked drinking bar segues into a sushi bar, and an oyster/raw counter is awaiting final installation.
Seating includes booths and intimate "deuces" facing the sushi bar.
READ MORE: More photos.
Menu is expanding beyond sushi/sashimi, steak, crudo, and a few cooked dishes, namely Sze's seafood specialties, to include robatayaki cooking and an omakase.
Boxwood Design opted for clean lines, reminiscent of Walnut Street Cafe at 29th and Walnut Streets.
It's open for dinner only, though lunch is on the way.
Blossom Philadelphia, a human-services nonprofit based in Chestnut Hill, will transfer services at its group homes homes for intellectually disabled adults to other providers. Read more
Under pressure from regulators, Blossom Philadelphia will transfer responsibility for the 89 intellectually disabled adults it serves in community homes to other service providers, the Chestnut Hill nonprofit said Monday.
The move came about a month after the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services revoked the agency's license to operate the 32 facilities because Blossom failed repeatedly to fix problems and to report incidents as required by law. Additional violations included use of untrained staff as well as the failure to administer medications and get residents to medical appointments.
Blossom, which was allowed to continue operating while it appealed the revocation, said in a news release that it would coordinate the transfer of the services at its homes to other organizations with the help of DHS's Office of Developmental Programs and Philadelphia's Office of Intellectual disAbility Services.
"This decision was made after a thorough analysis of the residential program and our ability to continue to meet the needs of the adults we serve in our community homes," said Blossom's chief executive, Paula Czyzewski.
Advocates welcomed the decision. "That's probably good news," said Marianne Roche, an intellectual-disabilities expert who worked in the industry for 50 years.
"I respect them for this decision," said Kathy Brown McHale, CEO of SPIN Inc., another intellectual and developmental services provider in Philadelphia.
Under Czyzewski, Blossom's chief executive since 2014, the 71-year-old nonprofit has been in turmoil. It has seen a complete turnover in senior management during her tenure. This year, she changed the organization's name from United Cerebral Palsy Association of Philadelphia.
Effective July 10, Czyzewski, who had no previous experience in running residential programs, hired a staffing firm to supply direct-care workers for Blossom's 32 community homes, laying off 179 employees. That move exacerbated what were already deteriorating service levels for Blossom's residents, many of whom are in wheelchairs and can't speak, advocates and family members of residents said.
Blossom said it would continue to operate day programs for adults and children with intellectual disabilities or autism and would explore the development of new services.
A federal audit published Tuesday said New Jersey claimed $300.5 million in unallowable costs to Medicaid for special-education services, plus an additional $306.5 million in reimbursements using payment rates based on costs that were not properly established.
The state incorporated into its rates more than $400 million in school employees' pension costs even though it has not made scheduled payments into the fund in nearly 20 years, the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services said.
Under federal law, schools must provide special-education and related services to children with disabilities, but Medicaid covers only a portion of the evaluations used to determine whether children are eligible for special-education benefits. New Jersey, relying on rates developed by a contractor, Public Consulting Group, claimed reimbursement for ineligible expenses, the audit said.
The report by the inspector general covered services from July 2003 through June 2015. It said New Jersey should pay back $300.5 million and work with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to determine how much of the $306.5 million it should pay back.
The New Jersey Department of Human Services said the auditors were wrong and noted that the report is just the first step in a process that can be appealed within the federal Health and Human Services Department, and then in federal court, if needed.
Students gather before eating and look over photographs as David Hodges, director of the Collingswood Farmers Market, hosts his second annual Thanksgiving for ESL students. Read more
Arshad Ali, who emigrated from Pakistan to Philadelphia in 2014, was the first to arrive at David Hodges' feast.
Setting down a pitcher of his secret-recipe turkey gravy, the host and chef in quick succession greeted Ali, Mardanny Reyes of the Dominican Republic, and Kenick Willie, from Indonesia.
"I wanted to invite my students to experience something as [quintessentially] American as Thanksgiving," said Hodges, a longtime English as a Second Language teacher at Community College of Philadelphia.
Given that President Trump is all about building walls and imposing travel bans, sharing roast turkey and all the trimmings, he added, "is a welcoming thing."
Welcoming indeed: The vintage house on Knight Park in Collingswood that Hodges shares with his wife, Donna Schorr, came alive with world music and festive conversation on Friday as Hodges threw a post-Thanksgiving bash for his past and present students from around the world.
Some guests came with classmates, but others knew only their beloved teacher. Hodges, 64, said his classroom is all about helping newcomers to America "take the training wheels [of their home language] off and speak English as much as possible."
Several guests told me their ability to converse with friends and understand classroom instruction had greatly improved thanks to Hodges. And during the party, more than two dozen young men and women from vastly different cultures and languages but with English as their new common language socialized, sampled dishes, and posed for group selfies in front of the fire.
"I had heard about Thanksgiving. A lot of my cousins are here and posted pictures about it on Facebook," said Ali, 24, who studied pharmacy in Pakistan and plans to continue those studies at Temple University.
"This is a new experience for me," said Reyes, 17, who came to the United States two years ago, lives in North Philadelphia, and is studying psychology at CPP.
As two dozen people from India, Vietnam, Ecuador, Belarus, Iraq, and other countries shared the signature American meal, Willie, 24, emerged as an energizer of the proceedings.
"Who wants dates? Don't panic, they're organic," he said, passing around a container of dried fruits.
"I just want to be happy and meet people, which is why I became a bartender," he added.
"I like a gathering like this, with nice people," said Tahir Bendif, 31, an Uber driver from South Philly by way of Algeria. "I have no family here."
Almost all of the dinner guests live in the city, many in the polyglot Northeast; they are in the United States legally, on student or work visas, going to school or working (or both), and hoping to become citizens.
"The students I see are the successes, the ones who got here. And it's harder and harder to get here, harder to feel comfortable here," said Hodges, an emigre from Ohio who also is the director of the Collingswood Farmers Market.
"In my classroom, we don't talk much about national politics or individual struggles. But some of us are friends on social media, and sometimes they share stories that can break your heart. And they have radically different opinions about how welcoming America is."
Some of the guests told me they want more border security or stricter regulations to keep what one called "dangerous" people out of the United States.
Others said some Americans are rude to foreigners. "Driving in Philly is tough," said Bendif, hastening to add that "I only focus on the positive, not the negative, things."
Or as Willie, who also prefers to accentuate the positive, said: "Has anyone said to me, 'You're Asian, go back to Asia'? No."
Sonu Varma, 27, a software engineer who moved from India to South Jersey in 2006 and now lives in Center City, said "some people are shortsighted and see anything new as threatening."
Lately he's been surprised to hear more people expressing "racist opinions" than was common in the past.
"What matters to me is how people treat me and how I treat them," he said. "No matter where they come from."
Nashwa Altaan, 42, earned a degree in physics in her native Iraq. She does clerical work and lives in Northeast Philly.
"Sometimes I get disappointed and tired," she said. "But I say to myself, 'I can do it. Keep going. Keep going.'"
I can't imagine doing what Assia Sakalouskaya did: Getting off a flight from Belarus two years ago at age 27, knowing no one, with little understanding of English, and only "two bags and 800 bucks" to her name. She can laugh about it now.
"I had nothing to lose. Now I live in Northeast Philly, which is like Russia. Everybody speaks Russian or Ukrainian. Sometimes I think I didn't leave," said Sakalouskaya, who earned a mathematics degree in Belarus and now works for a medical billing firm.
But she has enough money for an apartment, and for clothing and other necessities. She no longer lives in a police state were dissenters can get thrown in jail. "I've seen Niagara Falls and New York City," she said.
Preparing to leave, I asked Hodges how even the most lively and congenial of dinners can make a difference.
"It can," he said. "It does. It makes a great deal of difference in our small international world."
And I particularly appreciated Bendif's answer when I asked him a similar question.
"This gathering," he said. "is the real example of the American people."
Much has been made of the interracial nature of Prince Harrys relationship with the American actress. There has been criticism and outrage, vitriol and hate. But for me, the pending nuptials of two people so clearly enthralled with each another represent loves greatest byproduct: hope. If love can propel Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to look beyond the racial hatred that has taken hold in our politics and in our societies, perhaps there is hope for the rest of us. Perhaps, if we are willing to follow their example, love can defeat the scourge of racism.
President Trump, who could botch a Pop-Tart, gave himself an unforced error Monday in a ceremony meant to honor World War II Navajo code-talkers who helped defeat the Axis.
Trump, always a slave to petty impulses, went off course while praising the elderly Marine Corps veterans to take a swipe at Sen. Elizabeth Warren, referring to her (again) as Pocahontas. Trump went there because years ago Warren claimed Native American ancestry on some directories used by job recruiters.
Reached by journalists after Trump's jab, Warren correctly said the president couldn't remain focused on what he was doing and indulged himself in a "racial slur" against her.
I don't agree with Warren, but Chief David Stands With Song does.
A resident of Cobbs Creek, he leads the Eagle Medicine band of Cherokee Indians, a tribe in Pennsylvania and New Jersey that is not officially recognized by the federal government as an indigenous nation.
As it happens, he's not a babe in the woods when it comes to Trump, Warren and Pocahontas. I ask if it was a racial slur, and he responds: "Absolutely."
"I've heard him use that term in reference to her in the past, and it is quite offensive," says the chief, whose given name is David Hughes. "A lot of people think Pocahontas was a myth, but she was a real person."
Yes, she was, and an admirable one, so I don't see it as a slur, as some see "Redskins."
I do see it as a put-down of Warren, deserved for some real cultural appropriation falsely claiming for personal benefit a heritage that is not hers.
To me, Warren's unwarranted glomming of a culture is more serious than Trump's stupid remark, which was inappropriate in terms of time and location.
"And the world spins on," says Chief David, with a light chuckle. A lot of people who have Native American ancestry don't claim it, he says, and perhaps Warren was being "culturally expedient." He suggests she might benefit from being more plugged into her culture.
"I challenge people to do the research" if they believe they are related to Native Americans, he says.
Warren has never presented documentation of her claim.
Certainly that ceremony was the wrong time and place for Trump to revive one of his greatest hits.
He stood in front of a portrait of President Andrew Jackson, a populist president known for many things, one of which was removal of American Indians from their ancestral lands.
The Trump haters say it was deliberate and racist, but they are so rolled in their vitriol they can't think straight.
Racist? Sorry, I don't see it that way. And deliberate for what purpose?
No, it was accidental and stupid, allowed by staffers who have as much interest in American history as their boss has in dignity.
Other Native American tribes have complained about Trump's use of Pocahontas, I know, feeling that is unauthorized appropriation of something that belongs to them.
I wish they were as vocal about Warren's sticky fingers on their heritage.
Bad behavior is bad behavior, no matter where it originates.
One patient got a $3,606 bill for a four-mile ride. Another was charged $8,460 for a trip from a hospital that could not handle his case to another that could. Still another found herself marooned at an out-of-network hospital, where she'd been taken by ambulance without her consent.
These patients all took ambulances in emergencies and got slammed with unexpected bills. Public outrage has erupted over surprise medical bills generally out-of-network charges that a patient did not expect or could not control prompting 21 states to pass laws over the years protecting consumers in some situations. But these laws largely ignore ground ambulance rides, which can leave patients stuck with hundreds or even thousands of dollars in bills and with few options for recourse, finds a Kaiser Health News review of 350 consumer complaints in 32 states.
Patients usually choose to go to the doctor, but they are vulnerable when they call 911 or get into an ambulance. The dispatcher picks the ambulance crew, which may be the local fire department or a private company hired by the municipality. The crew, in turn, often picks the hospital. Moreover, many ambulances are not summoned by patients, but by police or a bystander.
Betsy Imholz, special projects director at the Consumers Union, which has collected more than 700 patient stories about surprise medical bills, said at least a quarter concern ambulances.
"It's a huge problem," she said.
Forty years ago, most ambulances were free for patients, provided by volunteers or town fire departments using taxpayer money, said Jay Fitch, president of Fitch & Associates, an emergency services consulting firm. Today, ambulances are increasingly run by private companies and venture capital firms. Ambulance operators now often charge by the mile and sometimes for each "service," such as providing oxygen. If the ambulance is staffed by paramedics rather than emergency medical technicians, that will result in a higher charge even if the patient didn't need paramedic-level services. Charges range from zero to thousands of dollars.
The core of the problem is that ambulance companies and private insurers often can't agree on a fair price, so the ambulance service doesn't join the insurer's network. That leaves patients stuck with out-of-network charges that are not negotiated, Imholz said.
This happens to patients frequently, according to a recent study of more than half a million ambulance trips taken by patients with private insurance in 2014. The study, by two staffers at the Federal Trade Commission, found that 26 percent of these trips were billed on an out-of-network basis.
That figure is "quite jarring," said Loren Adler, co-author of a recent report on surprise billing.
The KHN review of complaints revealed two common scenarios leaving patients in debt: First, patients get into an ambulance after a 911 call. Second, an ambulance transfers them between hospitals. In both scenarios, patients later learn the fee is much higher because the ambulance was out-of-network, and after the insurer pays what it deems fair, they get a surprise bill for the balance, also known as a "balance bill."
The Better Business Bureau has received nearly 1,200 consumer complaints about ambulances in the past three years; half were related to billing, and 46 mentioned out-of-network charges, spokesperson Katherine Hutt said.
While the federal government sets reimbursement rates for patients on Medicare, it does not regulate ambulance fees for patients with private insurance. Those patients are left with a highly fragmented system in which the cost of a similar ambulance trip can vary widely from town to town. There are about 14,000 ambulance services across the country, run by governments, volunteers, hospitals and private companies, according to the American Ambulance Association.
For a glimpse into the unpredictable system, consider the case of Roman Barshay. The 46-year-old software engineer, who lives in Brooklyn, was visiting friends in the Boston suburb of Chestnut Hill last November when he took a nasty fall.
Barshay felt a sharp pain in his chest and back, and he had trouble walking. An ambulance crew responded to a 911 call at his friends' house and drove him four miles to Brigham and Women's Hospital, taking his blood pressure as he lay down in the back. Doctors there determined he had sprained tendons and ligaments and a bruised foot, and released him after about four hours, he said.
After Barshay returned to Brooklyn, he got a bill for $3,660, or $915 for each mile of the ambulance ride. His insurance had covered nearly half, leaving him to pay the remaining $1,890.50.
"I thought it was a mistake," Barshay said.
But Fallon Ambulance Service, the private company that brought him to the hospital, was out-of-network for his UnitedHealthcare insurance plan.
"The cost is outrageous," said Barshay, who reluctantly paid the bill after Fallon sent it to a collection agency. If he had known what the ride would cost, he said, he would at least have been able to refuse the ride and "crawl to the hospital myself."
In a statement, UnitedHealthcare said: "Out-of-network ambulance companies should not be using emergencies as an opportunity to bill patients excessive amounts when they are at their most vulnerable."
"You feel horribly to send a patient a bill like that," said Peter Racicot, senior vice president of Fallon, a family-owned company based outside Boston.
But ambulance firms are "severely underfunded" by Medicare and Medicaid, Racicot said, so Fallon must balance the books by charging higher rates for patients with private insurance.
Racicot said his company has not contracted with Barshay's insurer because they couldn't agree on a fair rate. When insurers and ambulance companies can't agree, he said, "unfortunately, the subscribers wind up in the middle."
It's also unrealistic to expect EMTs and paramedics at the scene of an emergency to determine whether their company takes a patient's insurance, Racicot added.
Ambulance services must charge enough to subsidize the cost of keeping their crews ready around the clock, said Fitch, the ambulance consultant. In a third of the cases where an ambulance crew answers a call, he added, they end up not transporting anyone and the company typically isn't reimbursed for the trip.
In part, Barshay had bad luck. If his injury had happened just a mile away inside Boston's city limits he could have ridden a city ambulance, which would have charged $1,490, according to Boston EMS, a sum that his insurer probably would have covered in full.
Very few states have laws limiting ambulance charges, and most state laws that protect patients from surprise billing do not apply to ground ambulance rides, according to Brian Werfel, a consultant to the American Ambulance Association. And none of the surprise-billing protections apply to people with self-funded employer-sponsored health insurance plans, which are regulated only by federal law. That's a huge exception: 61 percent of privately insured employees are covered by self-funded employer-sponsored plans.
Some towns that hire private companies to respond to 911 calls may regulate fees or prohibit balance billing, Werfel said, but each locality is different.
Insurers try to protect patients from balance billing by negotiating rates with ambulance companies, said Cathryn Donaldson, a spokesperson for America's Health Insurance Plans. But "some ambulance companies have been resistant to join plan networks" that offer Medicare-based rates, she said.
Medicare rates vary widely by geographic area. On average, ambulance services make a small profit on Medicare payments, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office. If a patient uses a basic life support ambulance in an emergency in an urban area, for instance, Medicare payments range from $324 to $453, plus $7.29 per mile. Medicaid rates tend to be significantly lower.
There's evidence of waste and fraud in the ambulance industry, Donaldson added, citing a study from the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services. The report concluded that in 2012 Medicare paid more than $50 million in improper ambulance bills, including for supposedly emergency-level transport that ended at a nursing home, not a hospital. One in 5 ambulance services had "questionable billing" practices, said the report, which noted that Medicare spent $5.8 billion on ambulance transport that year.
Most complaints reviewed by Kaiser Health News did not appear to involve fraudulent charges. Instead, patients got caught in a system in which ambulance services can legally charge thousands of dollars for a single trip even when the trip starts at an in-network hospital.
That's what happened to Devin Hall, a 67-year-old retired postal inspector in Northern California. While he faces Stage 3 prostate cancer, Hall is also fighting a $7,109.70 bill from American Medical Response, the nation's largest ambulance provider.
On Dec. 27, 2016, Hall went to a local hospital with rectal bleeding. Because the hospital didn't have the right specialist to treat his symptoms, it arranged for an ambulance ride to another hospital about 20 miles away. Even though the hospital was in his network, the ambulance was not.
Hall was stunned to see that AMR billed $8,460 for the trip. His federal health plan, the Special Agents Mutual Benefit Association, paid $1,350.30 and held Hall responsible for $727.08, records show. (According to his plan's explanation of benefits, it paid that amount because AMR's charges exceeded the plan's Medicare-based fee schedule, which is based on Medicare rates.) But AMR turned his case over to a debt collector, Credence Resource Management, which sent an Aug. 25 notice seeking the full balance of $7,109.70.
"These charges are exorbitant I just don't think what AMR is doing is right," said Hall, noting that he had intentionally sought treatment at an in-network hospital.
He has spent months on the phone calling the hospital, his insurer and AMR trying to resolve the matter. Given his prognosis, he worries about leaving his wife with a legal fight and a lien on their Brentwood, California, house for a debt they shouldn't owe.
After being contacted by Kaiser Health News, AMR said it pulled Hall's case from collections while it reviews the billing. After further review, company spokesperson Jason Sorrick said the charges were warranted because it was a "critical care transport, which requires a specialized nurse and equipment on board."
Sorrick faulted Hall's health plan for underpaying, and said Hall could receive a discount if he qualifies for AMR's "compassionate care program" based on his financial and medical situation.
"In this case, it appears the patient's insurance company simply made up a price they wanted to pay," Sorrick said.
In July, a California law went into effect that protects consumers from surprise medical bills from out-of-network providers, including some ambulance transport between hospitals. But Hall's case occurred before that, and the state law doesn't apply to him because of his federal insurance plan.
The consumer complaints reviewed by Kaiser Health News reveal a wide variety of ways that patients are left fighting big bills:
An older patient in California said debt collectors called incessantly, including on Sunday mornings and at night, demanding an extra $500 on top of the $1,000 that his insurance had paid for an ambulance trip.
Two ambulance services responded to a New Jersey man's 911 call when he felt burning in his chest. One of them charged him $2,100 for treating him on the scene for less than 30 minutes even though he never rode in that company's ambulance.
A woman who rolled over in her Jeep in Texas was charged a $26,400 "trauma activation fee" a fee triggered when the ambulance service called ahead to the emergency department to assemble a trauma team. The woman, who did not require trauma care, fought the hospital to get the fee waived.
In other cases, patients face financial hardship when ambulances take them to out-of-network hospitals. Patients don't always have a choice in where to seek care; that's up to the ambulance crew and depends on the protocols written by the medical director of each ambulance service, said Werfel, the ambulance association consultant.
Sarah Wilson, a 36-year-old microbiologist, had a seizure at her grandmother's house in rural Ohio on March 18, 2016, the day after having hip surgery at Akron City Hospital. When her husband called 911, the private ambulance crew that responded refused to take her back to Akron City Hospital, instead driving her to an out-of-network hospital that was 22 miles closer. Wilson refused care because the hospital was out-of-network, she said.
Wilson wanted to leave. But "I was literally trapped in my stretcher," without the crutches she needed to walk, she said. Her husband, who had followed by car, wasn't allowed to see her right away. She ended up leaving against medical advice at 4 a.m. She landed in collections for a $202 hospital bill for a medical examination, a debt that damaged her credit score, she said.
Ken Joseph, chief paramedic of Emergency Medical Transport, the private ambulance company that transported Wilson, said company protocol is to take patients to the "closest appropriate facility." Serving a large area with just two ambulances, the company has to get each ambulance back to its station quickly so it can be ready for the next call, he said.
Patients such as Wilson are often left to battle these bills alone, because there are no federal protections for patients with private insurance.
Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, who has been pushing for federal legislation protecting patients from surprise hospital bills, said in a statement that he supports doing the same for ambulance bills.
Meanwhile, patients do have the right to refuse an ambulance ride, as long as they are older than 18 and mentally capable.
"You could just take an Uber," said Adler, co-author of the surprise-billing report. But if you need an ambulance, there's little recourse to avoid unexpected bills, he said, "other than yelling at the insurance company after the fact, or yelling at the ambulance company."
This column is produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent news service and program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Pizza al taglio from Alice is cut from sheets. Read more
The name of the pizzeria that soft-opened Monday on the corner of 15th and Locust Streets is spelled A-l-i-c-e, but you pronounce it the Italian way, ah-lih-che.
Alice which drew crowds on Day 1 is the first American offshoot of Domenico Giovannini's celebrated Roman pizza al taglio shops. Giovannini gives his dough a 48-hour rise with limited yeast, and uses custom ovens. The pizza is light and easily digestible.
Business starts in the morning with Italian pastries, espresso, and gelato from the nearby Gran Caffe L'Aquila.
Management has wisely stationed employees up front to explain the ordering system.
You line up for pizza, taking a number much as you would at a deli. The nearly two dozen varieties of topped rectangular pizzas are cut to order and sold by the ounce; figure on $4 to $5 a slice.
(The pizzas, at least, are similar to the well-received Rione, which opened last spring at 102 S. 21st St.)
Alice has a bar on the far side of the counter, dispensing wines, Italian beers, Aperol spritzes, and the like.
At dinnertime, you can order off a light menu specialties include pastas priced under $20.
Soft-opening hours are in flux.
Spike Lee knows an arresting image when he sees it.
The Dec. 8, 2015, Page One of the Philadelphia Daily News, with a shot of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump over the headline, "The New Furor," gets a brief revival as part of a montage at the beginning of the eighth episode of Lee's new Netflix series, She's Gotta Have It, based on his own 1986 film.
The episode, "#LoveDontPayDaRent (IF YOU DON"T KNOW ME BY NOW)," opens on the evening of Nov. 8, 2016 Election Day, in case you've forgotten with a montage of front pages and other images and a song from Stew & the Negro Problem, "Klown Wit Da Nuclear Code," that begins, "A klown had a go at a reality show, which 24/7 played." The montage first shows a New York Daily News Page One declaring "Clown Runs for Prez" and showing an image of Trump altered to include a red nose and clown makeup.
It's not the first time someone's been struck by the Philadelphia Daily News' page. "New York Daily News, you're on notice. There's a new contender for the 'most provocative' front page of the 2016 campaign," wrote Callum Borchers on the Washington Post politics blog The Fix that day, noting the "tight profile shot of Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, right arm extended up and out at a 45-degree angle."
The new She's Gotta Have It stars DeWanda Wise as Nola Darling, an artist living in Brooklyn's gentrifying Fort Greene neighborhood.
"Very often, beautiful art is created in very ugly times. And we're entering a very ugly period," intones Wallace Shawn, who plays an art critic, as we see how several of the show's characters react to the election, including Nola, who paints a portrait of President Barack Obama with his wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia.
After that, She's Gotta Have It returns to its regularly scheduled programming, with a tight focus on Nola's private and professional concerns, which include juggling multiple lovers and trying to pay her rent through art.
Rahim Islam, left, and Kenny Gamble, planning the 2nd annual Universal Juneteenth Parade and Festival in Center City earlier this year. Read more
Universal Companies, a nonprofit that for decades has reshaped Philadelphia schools and neighborhoods, suspended its president and CEO after federal agents raided his home and office and notified him he's the target of an investigation.
In a statement late Monday, Universal officials said it had placed CEO Rahim Islam on leave after the search warrants were executed late last week. The statement did not specify the nature of the investigation, or which agency was running it, but said the probe's target was Islam, not the nonprofit launched a quarter-century ago by famed music producer Kenny Gamble.
"It definitely has nothing to do with Universal," said Devon Allen, a spokesman for Universal. "It's a personal legal matter."
Islam and an attorney said to be representing him did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday.
Universal focuses on developing affordable housing and operating charter schools.
The nonprofit made news in April after it laid off school staff and office workers before the end of the school year to "ensure the stability of company operations." And last year, City Controller Alan Butkovitz raised concerns about its financial management and charter-school payments to related companies.
Islam was one of the founding members of the nonprofit, along with Gamble, back in 1993. Gamble, with partner Leon Huff, gained fame in writing and producing music said to capture the "Sound of Philadelphia."
Islam's profile page on the nonprofit's website says: "Under his direct leadership, Universal has been the conduit for over $1.5 billion of real estate development and investment and currently educated over 5,000 students in 12 schools (K-12.) The company is also one of the largest African American led businesses in Philadelphia, employing nearly 650 professionals across disciplines such as education, real estate, community development, social work, technology, finance, and preventative health."
In 2013, he also helped found the Philadelphia Community of Leaders, a group of African Americans seeking to influence the political agenda in the city.
Universal, in its statement, said it called an emergency meeting of the board of directors Friday evening, after the search warrants had been executed, and that Islam agreed to take an administrative leave.
"The purpose of the board's decision was to allow Mr. Islam time to focus on his legal affairs," the statement said.
Universal Companies now operates seven charter schools in Philadelphia: Universal Institute, a traditional charter school in Southwest Center City, and six former low-performing district schools that the School Reform Commission contracted with Universal to convert to charters as part of their academic turnarounds.
Two of those "Renaissance charters," Vare Promise Neighborhood Partnership School in South Philadelphia and Audenried Promise Neighborhood Partnership Charter, a high school in Grays Ferry, have been in legal limbo for several years.
The district's charter school office recommended that the SRC not renew the operating agreements for the schools for academic shortcomings and shaky finances. The SRC has postponed taking action several times and has not voted on the status of the two school's charters.
Two more Universal charters are up for renewal this academic year.
One of the attorneys representing Universal is Robert L. Archie Jr., a former School Reform Commission chair. Under Archie's leadership, the SRC in 2011-12 allowed Universal to use Audenried High School, at the time a three-year-old building, for free. It also paid for the building's custodial staff and upkeep, a deal worth $1.8 million in total.
Archie did not respond to requests for comment Monday and Tuesday.
Staff writers Kristen A. Graham and Martha Woodall contributed to this article.
(NOTE from Vanguard founder John C. Bogle added 11/29, bottom): Vanguard Group, the Malvern-based investment giant that manages close to $5 trillion in clients' money, said Tuesday that it has registered a plan with the Securities and Exchange Commission to sell its first actively managed U.S. exchange-traded funds, starting next year. The funds will be targeted to "factors," or investing trends, such as recent high share prices (a "Momentum" ETF) and strong financial results ("Quality").
As stocks, exchange-traded funds are easier to buy and sell quickly than mutual funds, one reason Vanguard founder John Bogle, who preached a buy-for-the-long-term philosophy, initially resisted ETFs.
So the latest Vanguard step, given the company's past culture, "is huge. It's the equivalent of Dylan going electric," cracked Eric Balchunas, fund analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence, in a social-media post.
"The active ETF could be the end of mutual funds," said Matthew Topley, chief investment officer at Fortis Management, a King of Prussia investment adviser. "Anything a portfolio manager wants to express in a fund, can become wrapped into an ETF, at lower cost and much greater tax efficiency," because ETF sales don't trigger mutual fund-style underlying asset sales that could leave an investor liable for capital gains.
Given Vanguard's low fees and its success at raising $1 billion a day in customer funds, often from competitors, in the last year, "good luck to everyone else," said Josh Brown, chief executive of Ritholtz Wealth Management, a $600 million-asset New York firm that sells Vanguard ETFs, among other investments, to its clients.
The funds will give brokers new product to sell, but "Vanguard isn't pushing these new products onto individual investors," Dan Wiener, publisher of the Independent Adviser for Vanguard Investors newsletter, noted in a report to clients. Pointing out that most of the ETFs mirror existing Vanguard fund strategies, he said such "quantitative funds" have generally trailed Vanguard's own MidCap Index, Value Index, and other "basic benchmark" funds' returns.
The company already sells low-fee index-based stock and bond ETFs which are stocks consisting of shares in other companies in competition with BlackRock, Barclays, and other industry pioneers, as well as active ETFs in Canada and Britain. The company manages about $710 billion in stock ETFs and $148 billion in bond ETFs.
While ETF sales are growing fast, Vanguard's major product is mutual funds, both "active" funds, whose managers pick stocks, as well as "passive" funds tied to such indexes as the Standard & Poor's 500, which have become the company's best-known products. Vanguard was founded in the 1970s as a vehicle to sell actively managed Wellington Management Co. mutual funds, such as the Wellington and Windsor funds, which it continues to market (along with those managed in-house and by other firms) along with the indexed funds. (11/29: SEE NOTE FROM JOHN C. BOGLE BELOW)
Vanguard has designed the new ETFs to be sold to institutional investors and by financial advisers such as the Ritholtz firm. Vanguard promised the funds will adhere to "rules-based quantitative" buying and selling by the fund managers at Vanguard Quantitative Equity Group, which currently manages $35 billion in Vanguard "factor funds" that buy and sell stocks based on measurable performance "rules."
The new funds will be an "extension of our low-cost active lineup," Greg Davis, Vanguard's chief investment officer, said in a statement.
The funds, most of which are similar to existing Vanguard mutual funds, all "seek to provide long-term capital appreciation" by investing in U.S. stocks that show these "factors" compared with other U.S. stocks:
Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF, "lower volatility" stocks.
Vanguard U.S. Value Factor ETF, "relatively lower share prices" compared with companies' "fundamental value."
Vanguard U.S. Momentum Factor ETF, "strong recent performance."
Vanguard U.S. Liquidity Factor ETF, "lower measures of trading liquidity."
Vanguard U.S. Quality Factor ETF, "strong fundamentals."
Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF, "relatively strong recent performance, strong fundamentals, and low prices relative to fundamentals."
Vanguard also is adding a U.S. Multifactor mutual fund (minimum investment: $50,000 for Admiral shares) because, unlike with the other ETFs, it doesn't already have one.
How much will these cost? Vanguard says "the five single factor-based ETFs will have an estimated expense ratio of 0.13 percent; the Multifactor ETF and Multifactor Fund will have an estimated expense ratio of 0.18 percent," below industry averages, according to data collected by Morningstar Inc.
(NOTE ADDED 11/29: John C. Bogle is concerned that my brief account in this story will leave readers with an over-simplified view of Vanguard's early relationship to his previous employer, Wellington Management Co., which remains a manager of some of Vanguard's active funds. Below, I'm posting his note in its entirety:)
"Hi, Joe: Very revealing story this morning. Nice work!
"I have no comment about Vanguard's ETF strategy (that won't surprise you!), but I do need to correct your understanding of Vanguard's formation.
"In September 1974, I created to Vanguard to administer the affairs of the former Wellington funds executive, financial, shareholder recordkeeping, and legal and compliance, etc., duties formerly performed by Wellington Management Company as well as overseeing and appraising Wellington's investment performance for our funds, their distribution results, and the fees the funds paid to Wellington. We were barred from engaging in investment management and distribution and marketing of fund shares.
"Of course my goal was to engage in both of these board-prohibited activities. I was able to 'get around' them, first, by bringing out and managing, as it were, First Index Investment Trust in August 1976, and then by eliminating all sales commissions in February 1977, and thus abandoning the broker-dealer network that had served the funds for nearly half a century. (Going "no-load.") Result: within three years of our founding as an administrator, we had become the full-fledged fund complex that we remain today. Dare I say that it worked out well for investors?
"But it wasn't easy. Indeed the SEC fought the distribution decision until 1981, when it gracefully conceded, and saluted our departure from the typical industry structure in which the money managers control the funds.
"You have to love a good fight I do to change the investment world. Best, Jack"
A Libyan militant accused of being a ringleader of the 2012 Benghazi attacks on U.S. facilities was convicted on terrorism charges Tuesday in the assaults that killed U.S. ambassador J. Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. But the jury found the militant not guilty of the most serious of the charges, including murder.
The case was seen as a test of detention and interrogation policies developed under the Obama administration to capture terror suspects overseas for criminal trial, with the result likely to factor into assessments of the suitability of civilian courts for terrorism prosecutions.
The jury in Washington, D.C., deliberated for five days after a seven-week trial before convicting Ahmed Abu Khattala, 46, in the attack the night of Sept. 11 at a U.S. diplomatic mission that killed Stevens and State Department employee Sean Smith in a fire, and in a second attack that took place before down on Sept. 12 on a nearby CIA annex , where CIA contractors Tyrone S. Woods and Glen Doherty were killed by mortar strikes
The jury acquitted Abu Khattala of all but four of the 18 charges against him.
At trial, his defense team said Abu Khattala was drawn to the fiery scene in his hometown as a bystander. They questioned the credibility of three Libyan witnesses who testified they saw or heard Abu Khattala take steps to plan, execute or claim responsibility for the attacks.
Prosecutors presented what they called "indisputable" records linking the times of calls on Abu Khattala's cellphone and surveillance video from the diplomatic mission attack that they said showed he was at least a key plotter.
Abu Khattala was a leader in an extremist brigade that was part of a militia that sought to establish strict Islamist rule in post-revolutionary Libya. U.S. intelligence assessments have reported that several groups were involved in the attacks, including Abu Khattala's brigade and the militia.
Stevens and Smith died of smoke inhalation after militants overran the diplomatic compound and set fire to the diplomatic villa. Woods and Doherty were killed on a rooftop at the CIA annex in a predawn mortar strike
He was captured in June 2014 by U.S. commandos and interrogated and transported for 13 days aboard a Navy warship to the United States.
Onboard, he was questioned by two teams, the first working in a classified operation to extract intelligence and the second a separate FBI team that collected evidence for his trial under the legal safeguards provided defendants in civilian court.
He was charged with aiding or abetting the killing of the four Americans and wounding two other Americans, providing or conspiring to provide material support and resources to terrorists that resulted in death, destruction of government buildings and property, and a firearms violation.
Abu Khattala has been the only person brought to court in attacks that saw the compound overrun. However, on Oct. 29, during his trial, U.S. authorities snatched a second suspect from Misrata, Libya, for prosecution in Washington. The suspect, Mustafa Al-Imam, has pleaded not guilty.
Abu Khattala's trial moved the Benghazi inquiry from the partisan political realm, where Republican claims of a Democratic coverup continued throughout the 2016 presidential contest, into a courthouse where the jury of 12 District residents sorted through six binders of exhibits and hours of video evidence.
The Trump administration recently showed a willingness to continue bringing terrorism cases in civilian courts, including additional Benghazi suspects. President Trump on Oct. 30 personally announced that "on my orders," U.S. forces captured the second Benghazi suspect, Al-Imam, to "face justice in the United States."
Although several Republicans in Congress and conservative analysts called for a military tribunal for Abu Khattala, there were no such calls in Al-Imam's case.
Brian Egan, a senior White House and State Department legal adviser during the Obama administration, said the trial affirmed the integrity of the U.S. justice system even under extraordinary circumstances.
"That's important for the rest of the world to see, given the amount of respect our criminal justice system has internationally, and the fact that the Guantanamo Bay military commission system has been so heavily criticized," Egan said. "This case is really a good barometer for whether procedures the U.S. government put in place will prove to be useful."
Before the trial began Oct. 2, Abu Khattala's defense moved to toss out his statements in military and FBI custody, arguing the 13-day detention without a lawyer present violated his legal rights and that the circumstances were so coercive they negated his signed waivers to a right to an attorney and against self-incrimination.
The government won a critical ruling from U.S. District Judge Christopher R. "Casey" Cooper denying the motion, and upholding the government's flexibility in handling overseas terrorism suspects.
The trial featured dramatic testimony from surviving State Department and CIA operators, some of them taking the stand under fake names and disguised in wigs and mustaches to protect their identities.
Prosecutors also relied heavily on surveillance video taken by overhead drones and diplomatic compound cameras, and cellphone records the government obtained from Libyan authorities that listed call times and numbers but not the call contents.
Key testimony came from three, paid Libyan informants all testifying under pseudonyms.
They included an undercover Libyan businessman who received $7 million for aiding the U.S. by approaching Abu Khattala as a financial supporter after the attacks, collecting incriminating statements from him, and luring him to his capture. The witness, testifying as Ali Majrisi, said he was present in 2013 when in conversation Abu Khattala, urged to conduct more spectacular attacks like those of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, allegedly said of the 2012 attacks, "I intended then to kill everybody [all the Americans] there, even those who were at the [Benghazi] airport."
Majrisi, who at one point told his secret American military handlers he was willing to kill Abu Khattala himself, rejected a $1 million payment as "insultingly low" before eventually receiving $7 million for his help in the investigation.
The verdict came out of a challenging investigation.
Months of sealed litigation and negotiations preceded the trial over tens of thousands of pages of classified documents about the case that the government turned over to the defense. The sides reached agreements on what information was relevant to the charges against Abu Khattala before dozens of declassified summaries were read into the record in open court in lieu of live testimony from classified sources.
Prosecutors were pressed to prove events that erupted over a span of hours, five years ago overseas, in a place where the U.S. government had little presence and local authorities were weak and divided.
Most physical evidence burned to the ground or was destroyed or looted, and FBI agents were given only eight hours, three weeks after the attacks, to access both sites, one testified in Abu Khattala's trial.
As a result, prosecutors turned to phone records obtained under murky circumstances from Libya's telephone company, grainy nighttime video, and informants.
"It could also be, not a lot of people in Benghazi wanted to cooperate with the U.S. prosecution effort," said Alice Hunt Friend, a Pentagon official who oversaw Africa security policy matters during the Obama administration from 2009 to 2014.
One clear public lesson from the trial, she added, is "how very, very difficult it is to track individual terror threats to Americans" and to collect either the very detailed intelligence needed to prevent an attack, or the evidence to prosecute one afterward.
"To go through the details of trying to marshal evidence sufficient to convict someone of a crime is a window into the kind of evidence needed in order to understand their tactics and to try to prevent" a future attack, Friend said, "It is an enormous challenge."
A former deputy chief of staff for Rep. John Conyers Jr. of Michigan has accused the Detroit Democrat of unwanted sexual advances.
Deanna Maher said the congressman harassed and touched her on three occasions while she ran the congressman's Michigan office between 1997 to 2005, the Detroit News reported.
"I didn't report the harassment because it was clear nobody wanted to take it seriously," Maher told the paper. "John Conyers Jr. is a powerful man in Washington, and nobody wanted to cross him."
Maher is the second former staffer to level sexual misconduct claims against Conyers, the longest-serving member of Congress.
Last week, BuzzFeed reported on a 2015 settlement for $27,000 between Conyers and a former staffer over harassment claims. The Washington Post followed up with a complaint of harassment and verbal abuse by Conyers toward a Washington lawyer specialized in ethics who worked for the congressman in the 1990s.
Conyers has denied any wrongdoing.
The allegations have sparked a House ethics investigation, and the 88-year-old has given up his top spot as the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee.
On Monday night, Conyers's attorney Arnold Reed disputed the allegations from Maher. "At the end of the day, he's confident that he will be exonerated because he maintains that he has not done anything wrong," Reed told the Detroit News.
Reed did not respond immediately to an email for comment on Maher's claims.
Conyers' alleged harassment of Maher began shortly after she went to work for the congressman, according to her account to the newspaper. In September 1997, Maher said she was in Washington for an event with the Congressional Black Caucus. "I didn't have a room, and he had me put in his hotel suite," Maher told the Detroit News, adding that she rejected Conyers' offer of sex.
A second instance of an alleged unwanted advance came in spring 1998, she said. Maher was riding in the passenger seat of a car the congressman was driving to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
"He was trying to feel me up with his right hand," she told the paper. "I kept pushing his hand away. Then he put his hand on my neck and started trying to tickle me. We were on I-75, and he was driving erratically. I was saved by the bell because we got pulled over by the police for the way he was driving."
In 1999, Maher was with Conyers at a meeting with ministers in Highland Park when the congressman allegedly put his hand up Maher's dress and whispered in her ear, "I didn't know you had such great legs."
Conyers' attorney Reed disputed the allegations.
"At best, they are uncorroborated," he told the Detroit News. "At worst, they're just not believable. When you consider that they're flying down I-75, he is driving and has time to do all of that, they get pulled over by a police officer, and she doesn't tell him what's going on?"
But two reporters told the newspaper they previously spoke to Maher about the claims in off-the-record conversations.
Joel Thurtell, a former reporter with the Detroit Free Press, said he had discussed the harassment with Maher at the time of the incidents. "She told me about the sexual harassment claims, but at the time she didn't feel confident she wouldn't be hung out to dry and retaliated against."
A Detroit News reporter also talked with Maher about Conyers's actions in 2013, the newspaper reported. Again, the former staffer was uncomfortable going public.
Maher did officially complain about other behavior.
In 2003, six unnamed staffers including Maher, the Detroit News reported filed an ethics complaint against the congressman. The allegations included Conyers using staffers to babysit his sons, drive him to events and work on a failed political campaign for his wife, Monica, on government time. In December 2006, Conyers agreed to stop using his staff in such circumstances.
A historical marker installed at the southeast corner of Front and Cooper Streets, in front of the Walt Whitman Cultural Center. The marker, recalling the forcible transportation of African slaves to Camden in the 18th century, was unveiled at the Camden County Historical Societys Ancestral Remembrance Ceremony on Monday. Read more
More than 250 years ago, a ship carrying what historians believe were Camden's first African slaves arrived at one of the city's highly trafficked docks, Cooper Street Ferry.
On Monday, yards from Camden's first documented slave auction in 1727, outside what is now an arts center in Johnson Park, the city unveiled a historical marker a move county and state officials said will counter a rewriting of history seen in today's politics and the current debate over Confederate monuments.
"Today, what we do is we tell the truth of who we are at a time where people are trying to push revisionist history," U.S. Sen. Cory Booker told a group of about 100 residents, county freeholders, and other officials, including U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D., Camden).
"What we do here echoes throughout our nation at a time of urgency when it comes to recognizing the truth of our country. When you sanitize and you homogenize American history, what you do to it is, you lessen the greatness of our country," Booker said.
At least 800 slaves were forcibly brought across the Delaware River from Philadelphia to New Jersey in the 18th century via three ferries owned by the slave-owning Cooper family, among the city's founders. The ferries greatly shaped the region, with businesses and homes emerging around the terminals. Later on, activity on the Delaware River attracted industries such as Campbell Soup Co. and the New York shipyard.
While the Delaware River brought prominence and growth to Camden, Norcross said, it is also stained with "a sad history."
He pointed to the far-right rally in Charlottesville over the summer as underscoring the need for the historical markers in Camden. Activist and 32-year-old paralegal Heather Heyer was killed at the August rally, where neo-Nazis were protesting against the planned removal of a Confederate statue.
"Real American history, history that has facts, is starting to be interpreted a little bit differently," Norcross said. "How sad is that?"
Two more markers will be installed in the spring at sites where slaves were imported into Camden: the northeast corner of Federal Street and Delaware Boulevard, once the Federal Street Ferry, and the southeast corner of State Street and Delaware Boulevard, once the Cooper's Point Ferry.
Many of the slaves who were ferried from Philadelphia to Camden were forced to work on large South Jersey farms, said Camden County Historical Society board of trustees president Chris Perks.
"It's a story that not everyone knows. We're trying to bring attention to it," Perks said. "Right now, there's a surge of historical marking around this topic."
Over the last few years, the organization has flagged 20 sites in Camden with ties to slavery and the Underground Railroad. A $6,000 grant from the New Jersey Historic Commission allowed the group to begin marking the sites, along with help from the national nonprofit Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers Project.
Most known information on Camden's involvement in the Middle Passage a slave trade route between Africa, Europe, and America comes from slave auction advertisements in Philadelphia newspapers in the 1700s.
The American Weekly Mercury printed Camden's first two documented slave auctions in 1727. Beginning in the 1750s, slave traders regularly began ferrying Africans to Camden's docks. In 1751, the Pennsylvania Gazette advertised the sale of a 26-year-old slave at the Federal Street Ferry. The ad noted that the unnamed man on sale "has had measles and smallpox." The ferry was owned by Daniel Cooper.
The ferry services continued into the late 1700s until slavery was abolished in New Jersey in 1804 the last of the Northern states to do so.
But the markers are personal for Camden County Historical Society member Sandra Turner-Barnes.
Ten years ago, she learned through research that the Cooper family owned some of her ancestors.
She is also a descendant of Joshua Sadler, a Maryland slave who escaped in 1820 and helped found a community of former slaves in present-day Haddon Township. She read aloud a poem titled "Camden Slave Block," which she wrote 10 years ago after learning about Camden's slave sites.
Standing beside the marker, she said, "This is full circle for me."
Civll War re-enactor, Joseph Becton listens to the recounting of contributions by US colored troops during the unveiling of historical storyboards at the Philadelphia National Cemetery, 6909 Limekiln Pike, on Monday afternoon, November 27, 2017. Read more
For well more than a century, in the hush of Philadelphia National Cemetery, 350 former slaves and free blacks lay in rest beneath aged headstones, inscribed with names and dates but not a word of what they gave for their country.
They were soldiers of the United States Colored Troops, a fierce force of nearly 180,000 men that made up one-tenth of the Union Army during the Civil War. But in the West Oak Lane graveyard, their monumental contribution seemed to have been buried with them. While storyboards in the cemetery told of its history, including the Confederates interred there, they made no mention of the African Americans who fought the Rebels and won.
Now, under pressure from champions of that legacy, what has been described variously as an "oversight" and an "injustice" has been set right. The VA National Cemetery Administration has installed a storyboard recounting the history of the USCT, many of whom trained at Camp William Penn in Cheltenham Township and died on battlefields from Virginia to Texas.
"It's a Christmas miracle," said Althea Hankins, director of the ACES Museum in Philadelphia, which preserves the history of black and minority military veterans.
On Monday, about 30 people, including VA officials and community members who collaborated to provide prose, photos and designs, attended an unveiling ceremony at Philadelphia National Cemetery.
The two-by-three-foot polymer storyboard with an aluminum frame is planted in the middle of Section C, where most of the USCT soldiers are buried on a sloping 13-acre field of white headstones. The sign has information on the troops, Camp William Penn, and the soldiers' deaths and burials.
It also bears the words of Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler following the 1864 Battle of New Market Heights in Virginia: "The colored soldiers by coolness, steadiness, and determined courage and dash have silenced every cavil of the doubters of their soldierly capacity."
Twenty-five African Americans who fought in the Civil War received the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military honor. About 37,000 black troops died during the war, many before they even stepped on the battlefield because of diseases contracted amid deplorable conditions at the training camp.
The cemetery is the resting place of Perry Hall, a corporal trained at Camp William Penn and partially blinded when a cannon misfired. He died in 1905. His great-grandson Cicero Green, 83, lives in Elkins Park.
"I am extremely proud that they are finally recognizing the contributions the black soldiers made," said Green. "A lot of people just don't know about them."
The storyboard joins three others that were installed three years ago at the Philadelphia National Cemetery. One chronicles the 155-year history of the cemetery, founded to receive the bodies of Civil War veterans already interred in nearby graveyards. The other two are dedicated to soldiers buried there: Valley Forge native Galusha Pennypacker, at 20, the youngest-ever brigadier general, and 184 Confederate soldiers wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg who died at nearby hospitals.
Recent battles over Confederate monuments had little to do with the installation of the new storyboard, a process that began before the most recent controversies, said Gregory Whitney, who directs the Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Bucks County and oversees the region's four national cemeteries. Still, he said, "it was extremely important, based on our present environment with the Confederate situations, that the USCT be recognized."
It happened quickly. Most of the storyboard content and design was completed in late August. The final mock-up was discussed on Oct. 20, and the sign was installed on Nov. 7. The storyboard campaigners have tentatively scheduled a bigger, more elaborate dedication of the marker on April 21, 2018.
"I guess you say, the squeaky wheel gets the oil," said Joyce Werkman, president of Citizens for the Restoration of Historical La Mott, a preservation group that runs the Camp William Penn Museum in Cheltenham Township.
Werkman was joined by supporters, who included veteran and history buff Ed McLaughlin of Flourtown; Robert Hicks, director of the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia; USCT reenactor Robert F. Houston; and World War II vet Benjamin Berry. Together, they did more than squeak. They made speeches, visited veterans groups, attended meetings, researched USCT history, and wrote letters. And when the government agreed to install the sign, the group pitched in to help.
McLaughlin, who had downloaded thousands of USCT records from the National Archive, contributed his research and took photos of headstones. Werkman and the boards of the Camp William Penn Museum and La Mott historical group, of which Houston is a member, contributed photos and copy. Hicks wrote and edited one of the last drafts of copy, enlisted an installation designer from the Mutter Museum, and then represented the group during the editing process with government historian Jennifer Perunko.
The storyboard is now one of three in the surrounding area dedicated to the USCT, Hicks said. A historic marker stands at the site of Camp William Penn in the La Mott section of Cheltenham. Another "barely legible" marker is nearby on Washington Lane, Hicks said.
Houston is hoping that this will fuel an effort toward accomplishing a longtime goal of the Third Regiment USCT Reenactors and the Camp William Penn Museum: the creation of a local statue commemorating the contributions of the USCT. A mock-up already has been developed.
Also looking ahead, McLaughlin would like to start an adopt-a-grave program that would pair veterans buried in the cemeteries with student groups and social organizations as a way to promote the cemetery and the soldiers' history.
"I want people to understand what these soldiers went through the fear, the loneliness, the sacrifice," he said. "I want people to realize [the importance] of what we have here."
The Rev. Al Sharpton (left) and attorney Joe Tacopina walk out of the State Correctional Institution in Chester after talking to rapper Meek Mill on Monday. Read more
The Pennsylvania Superior Court on Tuesday denied Meek Mill's emergency motion to get out on bail while he appeals the decision this month by a Philadelphia judge to send him back to prison.
But in what the Philadelphia-born rapper's lawyer called a victory, the appeals court ordered Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Genece E. Brinkley to rule on the bail petition Mill's lawyers filed two weeks ago and explain her reasons "without further delay."
"This is good news," said the lawyer, Peter Goldberger, hired because of his expertise in appellate law to challenge the two- to four-year prison term Brinkley imposed on Nov. 6.
The Superior Court's ruling came within hours of Mill's motion for an emergency bail order, which complained that Brinkley has not responded to any of Mill's post-sentencing appeals.
"As of this filing, more than 10 days after submission [Brinkley] has taken no action not even to schedule a hearing on any petitioner's motions, and in particular not on the bail motion," the emergency habeas corpus petition says.
Habeas corpus motions are typically a last resort after a criminal defendant has exhausted other avenues of appeal. And legally, Brinkley has 30 days to respond to Mill's Nov. 14 motions.
In the Superior Court petition, however, Goldberger contended that the motion is allowed under state appellate rules "to seek transfer from unlawful to lawful form of custody such as bail, in this case as well as to obtain release from all custody."
The motion describes Mill born Robert Williams as being in a "Catch-22" situation: He can't appeal his conviction and sentence to the Superior Court until Brinkley rules on his post-sentence motions, and she "refuses to do so."
Brinkley, 61, a city judge since 1993, is prohibited from commenting on the controversy surrounding her by rules of judicial conduct.
Her only response so far was on Nov. 17 when she canceled a bail hearing for Mill that had been scheduled through a clerical error.
Since Mill was sentenced to prison for violating the terms of his probation in a 2008 drug and gun case, his management company, Roc Nation, has been marshaling his fans and supporters on his behalf.
There have been protests outside the city's Criminal Justice Center, buses and billboards calling for the hip-hop star's release, and internet petitions that have been signed by hundreds of thousands of people.
Some criminal justice reformers have used Mill as an example of the unfair and disparate treatment meted out to young black men caught up in the court system.
On Monday, the Rev. Al Sharpton visited Mill at the state prison in Chester and promised to use his reputation as a civil rights activists and television personality to help Mill and other prisoners.
Brinkley imprisoned Mill after he tested positive for using the prescription narcotic Percocet and was arrested in a St. Louis airport altercation and in a traffic violation involving a motorbike in Manhattan. In both arrests, authorities agreed to reduce the charges after Mill entered pretrial diversion programs. The city prosecutor and Mill's probation officer did not recommend that he be sentenced to a prison term for the violations.
HARRISBURG The lyrics talked about Glocks and bullets and knowing where two specific police officers slept.
The song referenced the Stanton Heights man convicted of killing three Pittsburgh police officers in 2009.
It included the words: "Let's kill these cops 'cause they don't do us no good."
Now, the state Supreme Court must decide if that rap song is protected free speech under the First Amendment, or if it constituted a "true threat" that properly resulted in a criminal conviction for terroristic threats and witness intimidation.
The case, brought by Jamal Knox, 23, of Pittsburgh, one of two men who wrote and performed the song, will be argued before Pennsylvania's highest court Tuesday in Harrisburg.
Knox, 23, and Rashee Beasley, 26, also of Pittsburgh, wrote and performed their song in 2012, and someone they say it wasn't them uploaded it to YouTube. Shortly thereafter, they were charged by Pittsburgh police who construed the song's lyrics as threats made specifically against Det. Daniel Zeltner and Officer Michael Kosko, both of whom had previously arrested the men.
Following a nonjury trial before Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey A. Manning, both men were found guilty, and in February 2014, Knox was ordered to serve two to six years in state prison. He was released in December 2016.
Knox appealed his conviction to the state Superior Court, which upheld it last year. But the state Supreme Court agreed to hear the case based solely on the issue of whether the song qualifies as a threat under the case law or if it is protected free speech.
Knox's attorney, Patrick Nightingale, said no evidence was presented at trial that Knox intended to communicate a threat of violence against the officers.
"The song was artistic in nature. As a gangster rap artist, Knox considered himself a poet, musician, and entertainer," he argued. "Rap music served as his vehicle for self-expression, self-realization, economic gain, inspiring pride and respect from their peers, and speaking on public issues including police violence, on behalf of him and others who may lack the courage or ability to speak on such issues.
"Threatening police was not the intent of Knox's expression."
Under U.S. Supreme Court precedent, Mr. Nightingale contended, "true threats are 'those statements where the speaker means to communicate a serious expression of intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals.'"
Even to be considered a threat, he said, the words need to be conveyed either directly or indirectly to the person in question.
That didn't happen in this case, he said. Neither Knox nor Beasley uploaded the song to YouTube, and, Mr. Nightingale said, no proof was presented that they intended for the officers to hear it.
But Assistant District Attorney Francesco Nepa said in his brief that the state Supreme Court denied review on the question of whether there was evidence that Knox uploaded the song, and that that issue should not even be considered.
Nepa said the U.S. Supreme Court precedent cited by Nightingale does not require an intent to actually carry out the threat but instead is meant to protect the targets "from the fear of violence" and "from the disruption that fear engenders," as well as "from the possibility that the threatened violence will occur."
In this instance, the officers said that they felt fearful when they heard the lyrics, he said.
When they arrested Knox and Beasley, a loaded firearm was found in the car, "making the threats of violence expressed in the song that much more real," Mr. Nepa wrote, and the officers still were witnesses in the case against them at the time the song was written.
Nepa contended that the song is a true threat that deserves no First Amendment protection, adding, "'artistic creation' does not give its creator license to say anything that he wants without fear of repercussion."
In a friend-of-the-court brief, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania argued that artistic expression is often disturbing, offensive, and shocking.
"This is especially true of rap, Knox's musical genre," attorneys wrote. "As scholars of the genre have described it, rap is a form of political expression that gives voice to urban poverty, street crime, and limited life options, and a criminal justice system that sweeps up young men of color."
To determine if the song represents a true threat, the ACLU brief continued, the court must determine the defendant's state of mind.
"A review of the record reveals that the commonwealth did not meet this standard, failing to establish that Knox intentionally, with purpose, expressed and communicated a terroristic threat."
pward@post-gazette.com, 412-263-2620 or on Twitter: @PaulaReedWard
Firefighters battle a five-alarm blaze at the Barclay Friends Nursing Home in West Chester on Nov. 16, 2017. Read more
Nearly two weeks after a five-alarm blaze destroyed a West Chester senior living complex, the four residents who died in the late-night conflagration were publicly identified Tuesday by the Chester County Coroner's Office.
The victims were Mildred E. Gadde, 93, and Theresa J. Malloy, 85, and a married couple, Delores G. Parker, 89, and Thomas F. Parker, 92. All died of smoke inhalation, according to the coroner; the manner of death was pending.
Their identification brings to a close one of the unanswered questions from the devastating fire at Barclay Friends that broke out around 10:45 p.m. on Nov. 16, sending 133 elderly residents and 15 staff members scrambling to safety and jolting families from their sleep. In surrounding homes, neighbors saw an orange glow and rushed to help. For nearly three hours, firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, which reduced a two-story assisted-living building to rubble and left investigative officials unable to enter the structure for days due to unsafe conditions.
For days afterward, the only certainty was that four residents remained unaccounted for.
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chester County Fire Marshal's Office were still investigating the fire's cause and origin but were no longer on the scene at 700 N. Franklin St. Early this week, they continued to interview people in the hope of identifying additional witnesses, ATF spokeswoman Charlene Hennessy said.
Because the ATF has found no evidence that the fire was set, the Chester County District Attorney's Office said it was longer involved in the investigation.
Hennessy said no further updates from the ATF would be provided until Thursday.
Late Tuesday, a few details emerged about some of the victims.
Thomas Parker worked at the S.H. Bell Co., a warehousing and stevedore firm based in Pittsburgh, and served in the Army Air Force in World War II.
Parker flew at least 15 missions during the war, according to Robert A. Coaltar, executive director of the Texas-based Army Air Corps Library and Museum.
John M. Bell, owner of the Pittsburgh company, recalled that Parker was small in stature, so he was assigned as a nose gunner.
"Because of his size, he fit in there," Bell said Tuesday. Parker was hired by Bell's father on June 1, 1952, as an accountant, and retired as the company's treasurer on April 1, 1990, Bell said.
"He was a nice guy, a family man," Bell said.
Parker and his wife were involved in Pittsburgh's South Avenue United Methodist Church, according to a receptionist there.
A daughter and a son-in-law of the Parkers declined to speak with a reporter.
Last week, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced that four residents remained unaccounted for after the blaze. By Thanksgiving, remains of all four had been recovered, but authorities did not publicly identify any of the victims until Tuesday.
Many questions about the cause of the fire, the building, and its sprinkler system remain unanswered by officials. Among them:
Was the building's sprinkler system operating?
Fraser Engerman, a spokesman for Johnson Control Inc., the parent corporation of Barclay Friends' sprinkler company, declined to comment when asked if the sprinkler system functioned properly during the Barclay fire. But he said his firm "is assisting authorities and currently gathering information to find out more details about the fire."
Was there any recent work to the building's electrical, gas, or water systems?
A review Tuesday by the Inquirer and Daily News of building permits provided by the Borough of West Chester for the facility does not appear to indicate permitted work in past months.
Was the structure protected by a fire-suppression system with sprinklers in each room as well as in the attic?
Officials for Barclay Friends declined to comment. A review of building plans and permits, only made available Tuesday afternoon, did not provide an immediate answer.
What type of sprinkler system was installed?
Spokesman Larry Elveru of Kendal Corp., parent company of Barclay Friends, declined to comment in an email, citing the ongoing investigation. Messages left with the Chester County fire marshal were not returned.
What does the ATF say about the sprinkler system?
The agency would not answer questions about the system. Its National Response Team had sole possession of the facility's plans and permits for at least the last week and they were only made available Tuesday afternoon.
Based on news reports, what questions do fire-safety experts have about the fire?
Richard Skinner, a former fire marshal in New Jersey who said he was a consultant involved in the Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island that killed 100 people in 2003, questioned whether the sprinkler system was fully operational.
"If it was fully sprinkled, there is no way that building should have come down like that," Skinner said. He said that the system might not have been able to put out the fire but that it should have kept it from spreading.
Staff writers Mark Fazlollah, William Bender, and Mari A. Schaefer contributed to this article.
Alan Butkovitz is retiring after 12 years as the City Controller and he talks about his time in public service. MICHAEL BRYANT / Staff Photographer Read more
It was as if Alan Butkovitz had rehearsed the line many times.
Seconds earlier, the outgoing city controller had been cracking a joke about the response he expects to get after issuing one of his last critical audit reports. Asked about what his plans are once he leaves office, he abruptly stops laughing, straightens up in his seat, and places his forearms on the conference table.
He'll take some time off, he says, and "see what comes."
Then, the pivot: "I think a number of the issues we are talking with regards to the schools and the future of the city are important, and they need to be aggressively pursued from whatever position."
After 12 years in an office he almost seemed to stumble into, and one he shaped as his own, Butkovitz got unexpectedly shoved out this year from within his own party. But at age 65, he's not riding off into retirement.
Butkovitz wants to be mayor.
He won't say it outright, and is far from officially declaring a challenge to Mayor Kenney in 2019.
But he's been eyeing the mayor's seat since 2014 even hiring consultants for a 2015 bid he never launched and the campaign-like answers he gives in a nearly two-hour interview this month leave little doubt. He says he has been a "rebel" against the Democratic party. He says the city's financial situation is "worrisome." He finds a way, in a bit of intra-party blasphemy, to compare Kenney to President Trump.
"The city's position on the real estate tax versus the wage tax is the same as the Trump and Paul Ryan position on federal taxes," he says, growing more frustrated with every word. "The tax cuts will go to people at the top, and the people that are going to have the tax increases will be lower in the income ladder. And that's the same thing we are doing locally."
Such a bold poke-in-the-eye against a generally popular incumbent from your own party runs against the grain of city politics.
But Butkovitz has never quite followed the usual script.
After losing his state representative races in 1976 and 1982, the Temple grad and Wynnefield native figured he wasn't cut out for elected office. So he helped other campaigns. Then, in 1990, the seat representing the 174th District in Philadelphia's Northeast suddenly opened up.
"I was the lawyer for the ward, and I was connected to most of the decision-makers," Butkovitz recalled. "All of a sudden the gates opened and what I thought would never be available was I was practically thrust into it."
In his first year, he worked to repeal an income-tax exemption that had the support of most Democrats, a move that left him on shaky ground with his own party. After failing to get a leadership post in Harrisburg, Butkovitz started looking for his next gig.
In 2004, he had been raising money for a possible state auditor general campaign when then-City Controller Jonathan Saidel decided against a reelection bid. With $270,000 already in his campaign coffers and no standout competition Butkovitz easily won the job, taking on an office that now has a $9 million budget and 140 employees.
In his three terms as controller, he relished the chance to portray himself as the watchdog for City Hall finances and operations. He liked the power, maybe even the fights, so much so that the oft-staid Mayor Nutter once accused Butkovitz of having a "narcissistic personality disorder that seems to compel the need for constant public attention." (Butkovitz countered that Nutter would issue such insults when Nutter was trying to hide something.)
His first year brought a public battle with Schools Superintendent Paul Vallas over how the school district was managing hundreds of millions of dollars. Butkovitz declared it his first real test, "my Bay of Pigs."
In time, Butkovitz raised the office's profile with frequent news conferences whether criticizing a department's misuse of money or offering policy ideas to improve a sliver of city government. He moved from a mostly routine departmental audit operation checking on petty cash to issuing performance audits that looked at what departments did with public funds.
His audits discovered that many police cameras weren't working, that rescue squad cars were late 40 percent of the time, and that the Department of Licenses and Inspections simply wasn't doing its job to keep the public safe.
The reports usually were followed by rebuttals and criticism from the Nutter administration. Not all facts were there, officials would say. Or they were already addressing the situation, the administration contended.
The clashes infuriated both office-holders and made for a toxic relationship.
After Butkovitz released a report last year that said Nutter aide Desiree Peterkin Bell had used the nonprofit Mayor's Fund as a "slush fund," Nutter countered with his own statement calling Butkovitz "a snake, a liar, and a hypocrite."
(The dispute still lives: An investigation into the fund by the Attorney General's Office is still pending.)
Still, Butkovitz has struggled to be taken seriously by government officials, some who saw him as reactive and playing politics, and by political insiders who thought he was always looking for the next best thing.
Despite having the establishment's support, he lost this spring's Democratic primary to Rebecca Rhynhart, a political novice who worked under Nutter and Kenney. Local Democratic Party boss U.S. Rep. Bob Brady said Butkovitz's ambitions might have cost him reelection.
"Everyone knew he had intentions to run for mayor and figured he didn't want to be controller," Brady said.
Butkovitz has a different opinion: He thinks ward leaders and other supporters assumed he was safe in the primary and focused instead on the controversial district attorney's race, leaving him vulnerable.
Now he is poised to clash with someone else in his own party: the mayor.
When Kenney came into office in 2016, Butkovitz hardly criticized the new mayor.
That changed in Year Two of the Kenney administration, notably when Butkovitz started attacking Kenney's signature policy a tax on sugary beverages to pay for universal prekindergarten and the revamp of many of the city's parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers.
The Kenney administration has aimed to discredit Butkovitz's criticism by saying he simply wants the beverage industry's backing for whatever his political future holds.
As Butkovitz tried to link Kenney to Trump, the mayor's spokeswoman fired back by likening the controller to another controversial office-holder: Frank Rizzo.
"The controller's suggested tax policy sounds an awful lot like Philadelphia in the age of Rizzo, with a ballooning wage tax that created economic problems for the city for decades," spokeswoman Lauren Hitt said Friday. "It's clear the controller's grasp of economics and tax policy is weak at best, which is why voters rejected him by an unprecedented margin."
The constant clashes with mayors are an "inherent" part of the job, Butkovitz said. He can't say he didn't enjoy them. And if luck again turns his way, maybe he'll learn what it's like to be on the receiving end of a controller's attack.
So, will there be a mayoral campaign? Butkovitz laughs. One point is undeniable, he says: He will not be running "for anything but mayor."
A federal judge refused to block President Trump's choice of budget director Mick Mulvaney from serving as acting director of the prominent federal consumer watchdog agency on Tuesday, denying a request by Leandra English, the No. 2 official at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, to serve in his stead.
In denying English's request for a temporary restraining order, U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Kelly acknowledged that the case raised consitutional issues that would have to be resolved in further legal action. English, represented by former CFPB litigation counsel Deepak Gupta, indicated she would pursue an injunction.
Kelly, a Trump appointee who joined the federal court in Washington in September, ruled after departing chief Richard Cordray resigned Friday and promoted English, his chief of staff, to deputy director and named her his successor as acting director. Trump responded by naming Mulvaney, triggering an unusual power struggle after English filed a lawsuit late Sunday.
English argued that the 2010 Dodd-Frank act that established the agency after the financial crisis laid out a specific plan of succession authorizing the deputy director to take over until a White House nominee is confirmed by the Senate. English also argued that a sitting White House head of the Office of Management and Budget could not hold two hats by simultaneously heading the independent financial regulator.
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate had argued that Trump had authority under an earlier law, the 1998 Presidential Vacancies Reform Act, and cited supporting opinions by the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel and the CFPB's general counsel.
The hearing followed two chaotic days when the rival appointees claimed to lead the bureau. On Tuesday, Mulvaney started a new Twitter account @CFPBdirector and posted a picture of himself at a desk with an American flag in the background. "Busy day at the @CFPB. Digging into the details," the tweet says.
Meanwhile, English said too she was busy running the department. "Today, I plan on spending the day at CFPB headquarters taking calls and meetings with external stakeholders and bureau staff," English said in a statement Tuesday.
The CFPB was created after the financial crisis to target unfair or abusive practices by financial institutions offering consumer products, including credit cards, mortgages and loans.
Republicans have sought to rein in the agency for years as part of efforts to roll back banking industry regulations, saying it is unaccountable to elected officials and harms economic growth by unfairly burdening companies.
The Trump administration got its chance to wrest control Friday, when longtime director Richard Cordray resigned and promoted his chief of staff, English to deputy director, saying she would serve as acting director until the Senate confirmed his permanent replacement.
Trump hours later announced that Mulvaney would take the job.
Democrats and consumer advocates have supported the CFPB's aggressive actions against big financial institutions, and in her lawsuit, English said Congress intended the bureau to be independent of political pressure from the White House.
Asked by Kelly on Monday why the court should undertake the "extraordinary remedy" of blocking the president from exercising the power of his office, English's attorney said, "I don't deny it's extraordinary. This is an extraordinary case."
English's attorney, Gupta, formerly the bureau's senior litigation counsel, argued that English properly took over under an explicit plan of succession set out by the Dodd-Frank law when it created the CFPB, providing for a deputy to serve as acting director until a successor is confirmed.
Appointing Mulvaney, a "sitting White House official" and an outspoken critic of the bureau, to lead the agency would run counter to Congress's intent and explicit provisions, Gupta said.
Gupta said English was not requesting that the president be barred from appointing a new bureau director subject to Senate confirmation, but that he be blocked from "appointing or recognizing" a temporary chief, and that Mulvaney be prohibited from taking charge.
Gupta asked that the judge rule as "expeditiously as possible" in a way that could be immediately appealed. "Everyone needs to know who is director of the bureau," Gupta said.
Gupta said that English also carried out bureau business Monday, going into the bureau Monday morning, emailing employees, and meeting with lawmakers including Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) in her capacity as acting director through the afternoon.
Arguing for the government, Brett Shumate, deputy assistant attorney general for federal programs, said that the Federal Vacancies Act, enacted in 1988, gave the president the authority to appoint Mulvaney, citing a Friday memorandum by the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, and a memo distributed Monday by the bureau's current general counsel.
Mulvaney was at the bureau Monday, issuing orders, meeting with senior aides and reviewing transition briefing materials, Shumate said, and the imposition by a judge of a different leader would only sow more confusion and disruption.
Asked by Kelly if the government would agree that English would not be fired to remove some of the urgency from the matter, Shumate said, he could not "give any representation or assurance on that score."
Accused Philadelphia police officers included, top left to right, Thomas Liciardello, Perry Betts, Linwood Norman, and bottom left to right, Brian Reynolds, John Speiser, and Michael Spicer. Read more
What's the cost of alleged police misconduct in Philadelphia? For the alleged misdeeds of a few narcotics officers, it's $2 million in civil case settlements so far, with at least $8 million more expected to come.
The officers were cleared of criminal charges of roughing up drug suspects, stealing their money, and falsifying evidence in 2015, but the civil cases are mounting. Civil cases are a lot easier to win than criminal cases, which have a higher threshold of proof.
The city has been quietly settling civil cases brought by a slew of people claiming to be victims. Most of the payouts have ranged from $1,500 to $85,000, but one went as high as $625,000, and future settlements could be much higher.
Add to that the cost in human suffering. The Mayfair woman who received the $625,000 settlement spent three years in jail. She was convicted, but later cleared, of selling Xanax to an undercover informant in 2006. She testified that the drugs were used by her longtime companion to treat renal failure.
A decade later, Marcia Hintz couldn't hold back the tears when she told reporters Chris Palmer, Samantha Melamed, and Mark Fazlollah about her experiences.
The judge who convicted her believed the cop. That happens too frequently even though judges are required to consider evidence with equal care whether it comes from a police officer or a person charged with a crime.
The city and District Attorney's Office aren't automatically accepting police testimony. As a result, they have tossed out 1,000 drug cases so far,with 240 more under review.
How much court time and money was wasted on these cases is unknown. As for the accused narcotics cops, five are back on the payroll. One retired. A seventh pleaded guilty, testified against his former partners, and is testifying in the civil cases.
In the wake of these and other cases, the city is taking steps to stop bad behavior. It is buying more police body cameras and hiring a new director for the Police Advisory Commission, which has been an ineffective watchdog. The new director must step up the commission's game and be more open with the public when police misbehave.
Just as important, more needs to be done to address the tendency of some judges and juries to be biased in favor of police. This isn't just a Philadelphia problem. In high-profile cases in Baltimore, New York City, suburban Minneapolis, and elsewhere, judges and juries would not convict police accused of killing or injuring black suspects despite strong evidence.
Judges and juries need to understand that good and bad cops wear the same uniform, and that it is the judges' and juries' role during a trial to try their best to tell the difference. Otherwise, faith in the justice system, which has taken some well-deserved knocks recently, will be further undermined.
District Attorney-elect Larry Krasner campaigned on a promise to go hard on bad police behavior. That task is even more important given the misdeeds of his predecessor, Seth Williams, who is in jail for selling his office for vacations, furniture, and cash.
Unless evidence presented by police is carefully scrutinized by the DA before charging suspects, Philadelphia will continue to pay a high price for tarnished justice.
NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission will send a spacecraft to explore Jupiter's icy moon Europa. Over the course of 45 flybys, ranging from 2,700 to just 25 kilometers, the mission will explore whether or not the moon is habitable, and pave the way for a potential future lander that will directly search for the life.
The spacecraft itself is on track to launch as early as 2022, providing the White House and Congress continue funding the mission at its required pace. But whether or not Clipper actually launches in 2022, and what rocket it uses, is another matter.
NASA recently announced the first flight of the Space Launch System, which is the current rocket of choice, won't happen until at least December 2019, and more likely, closer to June 2020. This further complicates what was already a messy tangle of politics, programmatic challenges and orbital mechanics.
When and how?
NASA has debated the priority of Clipper with Congress since before the mission's inception. With an estimated price tag between $3 and $4 billion, according to a GAO analysis, the agency worries how Clipper will impact other planetary science programs. A line in NASA's 2018 budget request states the agency's current position as such: "NASA does not recommend acceleration of the launch to 2022, given potential impacts to the rest of the Science portfolio."
Congressparticularly, Texas House Representative John Culbersonhas tried to alleviate those concerns by feeding more money to planetary science, earmarking $275 million directly to the Clipper mission for 2017 alone. That money came with a mandate, written into law, that NASA will launch the mission in 2022 using the Space Launch System.
Just how much wiggle room NASA has on that mandate is tricky to decipher. Policy experts told me the only enforcement mechanism is pulling the project's funding, and if SLS isn't ready to fly, the directive could be a moot point, anyway.
Furthermore, the requirement did not come with any additional money to make it happen; who would pay for an extra SLS flight remains unclear. NASA, perhaps skeptical that it can afford to fly Clipper on SLS without additional funding, also addressed the situation in the 2018 budget: "The Europa [funding estimates] above assumes an Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle [specifically, a Delta IV Heavy or Falcon Heavy], as the cost of an SLS flight is not yet known." NASA's official Clipper mission materials have also not adjusted to Congress's mandate, merely estimating a launch in the 2020s.
Any other rocket besides SLSincluding SpaceX's upcoming Falcon Heavylacks the power to blast Clipper directly from Earth to Jupiter. A conventional rocket would rely on three gravity assists from Earth and one from Venus, increasing the transit time from about 2.7 years to 7.5 years.
Because it's hotter at Venus, Clipper would have to carry thermal baffles and use materials that withstand higher temperatures, increasing the spacecraft's complexity. At the moment, the Clipper program is still designing the spacecraft with those Venus requirements in mind.
SLS delay impact
A Clipper launch aboard SLS in 2022 is even more uncertain in the wake of NASA's announcement that the first flight, Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1), won't launch until at least December 2019, and as late as June 2020. After that, there will be a 33-month pause while the rocket's ground systems are upgraded to handle a new upper stage.
Direct-to-Jupiter launch windows have tight, 3-week constraints, and occur about every 13 months. The first launch window runs from June 4 through June 24, 2022. Even if SLS embarks on its first mission in December 2019, it won't be ready again by the end of the first window on June 24, 2022, and the next Clipper launch opportunity isn't until July 2023. That means NASA can't currently meet Congress's requirement that Clipper launch on SLS in 2022.
This runs counter to recent statements made by William Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for human spaceflight exploration and operations, during a recent hearing held by the House space subcommittee. When asked if the SLS launch delay would impact Clipper timing, Gerstenmaier said, "There's really no impact there. We can support pretty much whatever the science mission directorate needs for that mission, and we'll figure out whether it occurs after the first flight or after the second flight to meet their needs."
Why the 33-month delay?
At the heart of this messy situation is the 33-month stand-down after EM-1. Here's the background: SLS was such an expensive, ambitious rocket, it couldn't be built all at once. NASA opted to make the vehicle design evolvable, getting more powerful over time with an advanced upper stage, and eventuallyso the plan goesliquid-fueled boosters.
For EM-1, NASA is using an off-the-shelf Delta IV upper stage. The new upper stage, which will be introduced for the crewed, second flight (EM-2), will make the vehicle 13 meters taller. A 13-meter height change triggers a staggering amount of modifications to the mobile launcher, or MLthe tower holding all the rocket's support equipment, such as propellant, power, and access for pad workers.
Last May we covered the new swimwear line that costume designers Reid Bartelme and Harriet Jung, otherwise known as Reid & Harriet Design, created based on Justin Peck costumes. The duo, known for their work with top companies including New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and Miami City Ballet, are just as skilled at creating whimsical yet streamlined costumes as they are at rethinking the role that design plays in dance. Designers are often seen as filling a need verse creating art, says Bartelme, noting that he and Jung often feel that theyre at the very bottom of the production totem pole. This fall, the twosome have taken matters into their own hands. As Resident Fellows at New York Universitys Center for Ballet and the Arts, Bartelme and Jung are taking a different approach to creating a ballet: starting with the designs.
Bartelme and Jung equate this to the early 20th century model used by Sergei Diaghilevs Ballets Russes, where the composer, choreographer and designer had equal importance, contributing to the gesamtkunstwerk, or total work of art. Productions by the Ballets Russes featured designs by Pablo Picasso, Coco Chanel and Henri Matisse.
Last week Bartelme and Jung presented their work in an informal seminar at CBA. They chose to work with The Nutcrackerseasonally appropriate, yes, but also the countrys most-performed ballet. In addition to the role of designer and director, Jung and Bartelme acted as dramaturges for their production, delving deep into the storied ballets history from page to stage. Rather than look at the way that companies interpret The Nutcracker today, they looked to the original story by E.T.A. Hoffmann and the later interpretation by Alexandre Dumas for inspiration. The result? A Nutcracker unlike any weve ever seen.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
Jung and Bartelmes Nutcracker is set in the 1950s. Why? It has a clear aesthetic as well as strong conservative conventions for Marie to rebel against in the second act. First off we see Maries family at their Christmas gathering. Smaller than the conventional Nutcracker party scene, this intimate celebration aligns more closely to Hoffmanns tale. Marie is set downstage in a simple blue dress, which the designers compare to the blue dresses worn by Alice in Alice in Wonderland and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oztwo other young, storybook women who feel confined by their respective societies and so escape to magical lands.
Other details to note are the gilded owl clock on the wall, a detail included in Hoffmanns story, as well as the 1950s style cherry jello mold on the center of the table which will soon open up to expose a world within, Bartelme and Jungs replacement for the classic dollhouse.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
Here we get a glimpse inside the cherry palace, which the designers modeled off the palace in Disneys Cinderella (released in 1950). Drosselmeier, in his yellow suit and glass wig (details from Hoffmann), stands out among the cherry people.
The mermaid and cabbage dolls in the center were inspired by the original stage notes. Bartelme and Jungs design for the mermaid doll came from the mermaid used in1950s advertisements for Chicken of the Sea tuna fish.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
The detailing on Bartelme and Jungs mouse costumes are based on Queen Elizabeths mid-century regalia; theyve even named their head mice Elizabeth and Philip.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
The Nutcracker himself is designed after one of the most popular toys in the 1950s: Mr. Potato Head. His violet suit and green miners cap come from Hoffmanns descriptions.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
Bartelme and Jungs Land of Sweets opens with a waltz of powdered sugar crystals instead of snow. Unlike traditional Nutcrackers, these costumes, like all to come in the land of sweets, are unisex. Reid and Bartelme see the magical land of the ballets second act as a representation of freedom and creativity, where the restraints of societyincluding gender normsare done away with.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
This is seen most clearly with the Dragee Fairy. Rather than sugar plums, according to Bartelme and Jung, the candy that the Sugarplum Fairy is named for in the original story are dragees, a hard Jordan Almond-like delicacy. The designers took dragee to the next leveldrag. Their lead fairy can be danced on or off pointe by either a man or a woman.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
Bartelme and Jungs versions of the divertissements come from Hoffmann and Dumas original descriptions. Instead of Chocolate, theyll have basins of whipped cream. Do we sense a little competition with Ratmansky?
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
Hoffmanns silver swans with gold-banded necks will replace what is usually known as Coffee or Arabian.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
According to Jung, in the Hoffmann story Marie is described as being served a meal on Japanese porcelain. So Jung found a porcelain pattern from the Edo period in Japan and recreated it on these costumes. Theyre just tea cups, inanimate objects, instead of a caricature of a culture, she says.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
Unlike most of their descriptions, the replacement for Russian or Trepak comes from a line by Dumas; gigantic brioches.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
Bartelme and Jung felt that the Mother Ginger figure had become stale (no pun intended), and instead chose to use a type of gingerbread cookies that Hoffmann describes called springerle. Figures dressed in medieval garb will pop out of the cookies.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
Here we have the finale of the Land of Sweets, which Bartelme and Jung call the Dragee Cave. Alongside Japanese Tea, Whipped Cream, Gigantic Brioches and others are Pearl Headed Emerald Pages (a replacement for Balanchines child angels), a Candied Pear and a Poppy. Adjacent to the Dragee Fairy is Jung and Bartelmes replacement for the Dewdrop Fairythe Lily of the Valley Fairy.
Courtesy Reid and Harriet Design.
For Bartelme and Jung, the final pas de deux will become a pas de trois between Marie (we love her modern pant pajamas), the Dragee Fairy and the Nutcracker. In their version, Marie chooses to stay in the land of sweets and live an unconventional life.
A 40-year-old Delaware State Police officer died Friday while on a run with his son, reports the News Journal.
Sgt. Rodney H. Bond, a 14-year state police veteran, died unexpectedly near his home, Master Cpl. Melissa Jaffe said.
Sgt. Rodney Bond (Photo: Delaware State Police)
Medical examiners have not declared the cause of death yet and police cannot confirm, but Lighthouse Baptist Church of Delaware said on Facebook Bond died of a heart attack.
Superintendent Col. Nathaniel McQueen Jr. asked the community to keep his family and members of the Delaware State Police in thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss.
Bond was in the criminal investigations unit and was the school resource officer supervisor. He also was a member of the Delaware State Police Honor Guard.
A police officer shot and wounded a man suspected of stealing from a store at The Parks at Arlington mall who pointed a weapon at him Sunday afternoon, reports the Dallas Morning News.
Two on-duty Arlington, TX, officers, who were in uniform, responded to a report of a theft about 4:30 p.m. at the Sunglass Hut at the mall, police Lt. Christopher Cook said.
One uniformed officer stayed on the upper deck of the mall and the second was on the lower floor. Mall security staff also reported on a two-way radio that they were following the man, who had reportedly stolen two pairs of sunglasses, police said.
Photo: Arlington PD/Twitter
Police said the man fled from security and got on the escalator to the second floor, near the food court. He pulled out what police said was later found to be an imitation weapon and pointed it at the police officer on the first floor. Believing that it was a real gun, the officer fired at the man, striking him, Cook said.
The suspect, who is in his early 20s, was taken to an area hospital. His condition was unavailable Sunday evening and authorities released no additional information.
No other injuries were reported.
Like almost everyone else in America, thieves tend to carry their cellphones with them to work.
When they use their phones on the job, police find it easier to do their jobs. They can get cellphone tower records that help place suspects in the vicinity of crimes, and they do so thousands of times a year, reports the Associated Press.
Activists across the political spectrum, media organizations, and technology experts are among those arguing that it is altogether too easy for authorities to learn revealing details of Americans lives merely by examining records kept by Verizon, T-Mobile, and other cellphone service companies.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court hears its latest case about privacy in the digital age. At issue is whether police generally need a warrant to review the records.
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Senate Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said that he never turned down a meeting with former President Obama, but McConnell was lying.
Video of McConnell:
.@SenateMajLdr: "I never refused to go to a meeting that Pres. Obama calledThat strikes me as a lack of seriousness about the matter before us." https://t.co/pSJDxVD1mM pic.twitter.com/GKzssyfpDF ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) November 28, 2017
McConnell said, I never refused to go to a meeting that President Obama called. A bipartisan meeting. It never occurred to me that I could just say to President Obama, Im not showing up. That strikes me as a lack of seriousness about the matter before us.
The Senate Majority Leader was lying.
Mitch McConnell and Republicans refused to go to a bipartisan dinner with President Obama in 2011.
The Huffington Post reported at the time:
Obama spokesmen have generally avoided portraying the move as a deliberate brush-off by Republicans.An official statement from the White House ascribed the dinners move to Nov. 30 to scheduling conflicts, and White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters in an off-camera briefing on Thursday, Sen. McConnell does not make it a regular practice of showing us his daily schedule. Again, we are looking forward to sitting down with leaders on both sides on November 30.
What the Democrats did wasnt act of disrespect to Trump. It was a message that if the government shuts down, the consequences will fall on Trump and the Republican majority in Congress. Blaming Democrats is not going to get them out of the mess that they are creating.
Trump and the GOP are drowning, and Democrats arent about to throw them a life preserver.
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(Reuters) North Korea fired a ballistic missile, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, citing South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The missile flew to the east and the South Korean military is analyzing details of the launch with the United States, South Koreas joint chiefs said, according to the report.
Two authoritative U.S. government sources said earlier that U.S. government experts believed North Korea could conduct a new missile test within days, in what would be its first launch since it fired a missile over Japan in mid-September.
(Reporting by Tim Ahmann in Washington; additional reporting by Mark Hosenball in Washington; editing by Dan Grebler)
``Let the memory of the Titanic be not about the failure of technology but about the enduring greatness of the human spirit,'' St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman said during the ceremony. ap photo By Gregg Aamot Associated Press ST. PAUL -- The voice of the Titanic, silenced for nearly 87 years, boomed deep and steady as one of the ship's bronze whistles recovered from the ocean floor was sounded twice.
Thousands of people standing in city streets responded with cheers, applause and whistles after the brief blasts, which occurred about two minutes apart shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday. The whistle-sounding ceremony was held outside the old Union Depot where other artifacts from the Titanic are on display through April.
``That's great, that's great, that's great,'' enthused Thomas Goulding of Maplewood, who said he has been intrigued by the Titanic since he heard stories about the sunken ocean liner as a boy in Ireland.
``I love it. I've always been fascinated with the sea,'' Goulding said.
Police estimated the crowd on the cold but sunny afternoon to be between 80,000 and 100,000 -- much higher than the 2,000 to 3,000 organizers had predicted.
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Songs like ``Mon Coeur S'Ouvre A Ta Voix'' (My Heart At Thy Sweet Voice) and others that were played by The White Star Orchestra as the ship sank were piped into the crowd while it waited for the three-bell whistle to sound.
``Let the memory of the Titanic be not about the failure of technology but about the enduring greatness of the human spirit,'' Mayor Norm Coleman said during the ceremony.
The Rev. Francis Heofgen of St. John's University blessed the whistle and led a moment of prayer before it was sounded. Heofgen's presence was fitting because one of the Titanic victims was a Benedictine monk, Joseph Peruschitz, who was bound for St. John's Abbey where he was going to teach at the preparatory school in Collegeville. Peruschitz was said to be one of two priests who, at the very end, gathered passengers around them on deck as the ship began to sink.
After the whistle sounded the second time, three bursts of white fireworks were set off from the roof of the depot to replicate the distress flares that were sent from the ship.
The sound of the whistle was not as impressive as some had expected.
``It made a smooth, low roar that just kind of built. It wasn't as loud as I had hoped, but it was nice,'' said Dennis Horn, 51, of Eau Claire, Wis.
``I thought it sounded like a foghorn,'' his wife, Helen Horn, 51, said from her vantage point at a Union Depot doorway. ``I had hoped it would be more shrill and deafening.''
To avoid damage, workers sent compressed air rather than steam through the 750-pound whistle and used less pressure than it was designed to withstand.
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Air was blown through the whistle during tests last week to make sure it wouldn't crack from age and decades submerged in saltwater.
Local promoter Erich Mische said his research shows the last time one of the Titanic's whistles was heard was 12:15 a.m., April 15, 1912, after the liner's collision with the iceberg.
Other experts said the whistles remained quiet after the crash. They say the whistles probably sounded at noon April 14 during a routine test.
The whistle sounded Saturday had adorned the foreward smokestack and was recovered from the wreck in 1993.@et Four score and seven years ago ...
Majed Issac Ijong, the area man on the run after being accused of sexually assaulting a child, was found and arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service over the weekend in California.
He's expected to waive extradition in a California court and be brought back to Rochester, where he'll face two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, all felonies.
Other criminal charges are expected in connection with his flight from authorities.
The investigation began Oct. 13, when deputies responded to a home in Stewartville for a report of disorderly conduct. It was the child's mother, who admitted to "flipping out" after learning about the alleged abuse.
She told officers she reacted after her child told her Ijong had sexually assaulted her, the report says.
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The victim, who is younger than 13, told investigators Ijong had touched her genitals both under and over her clothing, the complaint says. The abuse included oral contact, the court document continues.
At the time of the disclosure, Ijong was in detox; he was released before a law enforcement hold could be placed, and apparently immediately left the area.
Officials believed he may have left the state; indeed, he did, said Sgt. Kirby Long of the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office.
Ijong spent some time with family members in Las Vegas, but they kicked him out after discovering he was wanted by law enforcement, the report says.
He then traveled to central California, where he also has relatives. Ijong was arrested in Pacific Grove , and remains in custody while awaiting extradition to Minnesota.
The child's mother was allegedly with Ijong in Las Vegas, Long said; a female was with him at the time of his arrest in California, the report says, but it's unknown if it's the same woman.
A Rochester man made his first appearance last week in Olmsted County District Court, where he faces multiple charges related to child pornography.
Michael David Kleiber, 43, of 3528 19th Ave. NW, has been charged with 10 counts of dissemination of pornographic work involving minors, 10 counts of possession of pornographic work involving minors and one count of fifth-degree controlled substance possession. All are felonies.
Kleiber remains in custody in lieu of $30,000 conditional bail and is due back in court Dec. 6.
The investigation began in July, when an agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension discovered multiple items of apparent child porn had been downloaded by an internet subscriber in Rochester.
The agent obtained a search warrant for the address; a hard drive found in a computer in a bedroom associated with Kleiber contained additional images and videos of child porn, the criminal complaint says.
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Officers assisting in the search of Kleiber's bedroom also recovered 5.3 grams of marijuana, more than two grams of methamphetamine and bottles containing various medication capsules, court documents say.
Kleiber allegedly admitted the drugs found in the room belonged to him and were for personal use.
The dissemination charges carry a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.
The child porn possession charges and the drug possession charge are both punishable by up to five years in prison, a $5,000 fine or both.
A Rochester man is behind bars after police say he was driving with an alcohol content more than three times the legal limit to drive.
Harland Morehart, 47, faces a felony DUI count after he allegedly rear-ended a vehicle that was stopped in front of him.
Police already were aware of his driving conduct, said Capt. John Sherwin, thanks to a caller who was following the vehicle because "it was all over the road."
As the caller spoke with dispatch, Morehart's car struck another vehicle at the intersection of 37th Street and North Broadway Avenue, the report says. The crash occurred about 8 p.m. Sunday.
A preliminary breath test at the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center indicated an alcohol content of 0.29, Sherwin said.
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No injuries were reported.
A retail makeover is on the way for the face of the Med City.
In the local beauty business scene, it long has been rumored the national makeup, perfume, hair-care products and skin lotion chain, Ulta Beauty, longingly was looking at Rochester with its smoky eyes.
It's no longer just a rumor.
"I can confirm that Ulta Beauty has signed a lease for Rochester, MN. The store is scheduled to open in the late 2018," spokeswoman Carolyn Sutphensaid by email this week.
In April, she said there were no plans for a location. So, it looks as if this project picked up speed in the second half of the year.
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Bolingbrook, Ill.-based Ulta, described as "the largest beauty retailer in the United States," is listed as a tenant in the new development under construction on the corner of South Broadway and Third Avenue.
Twin Cities-based Ryan Cos.has been working on that project since 2015, when the company first started talking to Rochester Public Schoolsabout buying the former Golden Hill School. Eventually, Ryan bought it for $1.7 million, leveled the long-empty 36,000-square-foot school and started transforming the 8.8 acre site.
The plan is to build four buildings, side by side, with a total of 54,500 square feet of retail space. Plans show Ulta in the southernmost of the four stores.
Marketing brochures by Mid-America Real Estate also show a Marshallsstore as an anchor for the development. Marshalls, marked as occupying the largest of the four buildings, is a corporate sibling of the Massachusetts-based TJ Maxxchain that carries inexpensive clothes, home goods and other items. No one at Marshalls responded to confirm or deny a Rochester store is in the works.
Assuming Marshalls does intend to open a store there, that leaves two other spaces available for other tenants next to Marshalls and Ulta.
Mid-America also is listing an available outlot space, near Broadway, for a fifth retail or fast food building to possibly be built.
Biz buzz
The chatter is downtown Rochester has some pretty shops of its own in the pipeline.
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A hair studio and a nail salon both are rumored to be on the way for the city core.
Hopefully, I'll have more those deals soon.
CHATFIELD, Minn. In Chatfield, a farm of 30 cows is delivering much more than just milk, it's causing Baby Boomers to have flashbacks.
Glass bottles of milk are delivered once a week to customers of Kappers Big Red Barn, a dairy that's becoming a staple in the Minnesota dairy industry.
Bob Kappers grew up on a dairy farm in Spring Valley, and wife Jeanette thought the farm life "seemed like a good life."
The good life they've built is a busy and fruitful one, with Kappers Big Red Barn not just focusing on milk, but items like cheese curds and ice cream. Butter will be added soon.
The family business started with milk in 2004, and has branched out to cheese curds, which is now handled by their son Ethan Kappers.
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Adding cheese curds wasn't exactly a smooth process. They spent about a year finding ways to make the squeakiest, most fresh curds around.
Changing to meet customer demands is at the heart of the business.
This past summer, they added fried cheese curds after a successful run at Rochester's Thursday's on First. They're now looking at expanding their ice cream flavors. Son Jake Kappers handles the ice cream business.
Jeanette said the family searches for the best farmers markets and places to put their products while interacting with their customers all the same.
That's Kappers Big Red Barn's goal to reach customers and give them a service that isn't comparable to larger dairy operations. The family attends farmers markets in St. Paul, Apple Valley, Winona, and Rochester, creating a work schedule that Jeanette describes as "not much time off."
Between milking cows, fixing the bottling machines, and trying to expand the product line, Bob said it's "always busy, but you're always together."
Lucas Kappers, who milks cows, goes to the Apple Valley farmers market, and works on marketing and promotion for the farm, said growing up on a farm is "great" and that most children would never get to experience what he has.
As a young man entering the dairy business, Lucas is confident and excited for all the opportunities in front of him.
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"You put a lot of work into getting one bottle, so you get people that really appreciate what you do," he said. "It's a great feeling."
So indulge in the nostalgia by signing up for milk delivery or stop at the farm's shop, open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, on County Road 5, just outside of Chatfield.
And once the bottles of milk are delivered, don't forget to leave the empties on the porch, just like in the good old days.
Kevin Paap 'humbled' by 13th MFB term
By Matthew Lambert
mlambert@agrinews.com
EAGAN, Minn. Kevin Paap, the 13th president in the 99th year of the Minnesota Farm Bureau, was re-elected for a seventh term at the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation annual meeting.
Paap, a fourth-generation farmer from Blue Earth County, said he was "humbled and honored" to be re-elected. He was unopposed.
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For his three-year term, Paap said he'll focus on the 2018 farm bill, while trying to continue to find ways to improve crop insurance, improve prices for crops, and continue to improve on farmer and consumer relations.
"Everything comes back to the importance of the family farm and making sure we're working in all of those areas," Paap said.
One of the top priorities for the bureau in 2018 is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, according to Paap.
The program is designed to help low-income individuals and families by offering nutrition experience through food stamps and other avenues. The projected 2018 Farm Bill has been debated to take billions from the program, something Paap said would deeply effect not only the United States Department of Agriculture but farmers in Minnesota as well.
Paap said he was moved by the number of farmers from around the state who took time from harvesting to attend the annual meeting.
He said this fall been stressful with crops not being as bountiful as farmers may have wanted. On the other hand, farmers have been blessed with good quality crops around the state, he added.
Today, President Trump honored the code talkers, Native American soldiers who were deployed during the world wars to send messages between units in their native languages an almost unbreakable code. During World War II, Navajo men were recruited and used for this purpose. Surviving Navajos came to the White House for the event in their honor.
After one of the code talkers gave a speech, Trump put aside his prepared remarks and spoke off the cuff. Here is the Washington Posts account of what happened next:
You were here long before any of us were here. Although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas, he said with a chuckle. But you know what? I like you. The audience was quiet.
The Post cut off Trumps quote in mid-sentence. He said to the Indians, I like you because you are special. You are special people. (Emphasis added)
Pocahontas was not amused by Trumps jab. Elizabeth Warren shot back, It is deeply unfortunate that the president of the United States cannot even make it through a ceremony honoring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur.
I agree its unfortunate (though not deeply so) not to make it through a ceremony without taking a shot at a political enemy, even one as obnoxious as Elizabeth Warren. But is calling a fake Indian Pocahontas a racial slur or just a tired joke?
I say its the latter, but what I know? I couldnt stay out of trouble with certain Indians, real or fake.
UPDATE: Warren also said: Look, Donald Trump does this over and over, thinking somehow hes going to shut me up with it. It hasnt worked in the past. It is not going to work in the future.
Im pretty sure Trump doesnt think hes going to shut Warren up. He just knows a good punching bag when he sees one.
JOHN adds: Ive gotten in trouble with lots of people over the years, but never (as far as I recall) with Indians. So I will just add this: the Presidents comment was obviously not a racial slur. He mocked Elizabeth Warren not because she is an Indianthat would be a racial slurbut precisely because she is NOT Native American, contrary to her repeated claims and her affirmative action-fueled career. Warren has been exposed as a liar, and for her to defend herself by playing the race card is really beneath contempt.
James OKeefe had a brainstorm. He thought he could peddle a fraudulent Roy Moore sex scandal to the reporters of the Washington Post. Instead the reporters scoped out OKeefes fraud and reported that instead. The Post even traced the woman who dealt with its reporters to OKeefes offices in New York (video below). Mediaites Ken Meyer has a brief summary here; Hot Airs Allahpundit reports and comments at some length here.
In the video OKeefe behaves like the media mavens who run from him in his ambush interviews. It is not an impressive performance on his part. Intending to embarrass the Post, OKeefe proved the papers diligence in this case. It remains an open question whether anyone outside OKeefes organization put OKeefe up to conducting this particular test.
OKeefe has posted a video from his investigation of the Post here. It is incredibly stupid. If anything, it compounds the damage of his failed test.
OKeefe now seeks to turn his exploding cigar into a fundraising opportunity. Although the cat had his tongue when the Post caught up with him outside his office, OKeefe conceded he had been busted in a fundraising email we received at 5:10 p.m. yesterday afternoon:
Project Veritas Supporter, This morning as I walked to Project Veritas office, I was ambushed by reporters and a camera crew from The Washington Post. What were they after? Following months of undercover work within The Washington Post, our investigative journalist embedded within the publication had their [sic] cover blown. This is how undercover work goes. This isnt the first time that has happened, and it wont be the last time. The good news is . . . we already got our story. Now our team in a dash to beat The Washington Post to the presses. Can you help us finish this investigation? Our team must still review dozens of hours of footage, edit it down, fact check with our series of investigative techniques and then get the story out to the public. Now that the time pressure is really on, it makes it even more expensive work. If you havent done so already, please click here to donate so our team can launch our latest series exposing another so-called pillar of the Establishment Media. Ironically, this morning The Washington Post used the same ambush tactic that they have whined about Project Veritas using. They did so for the same reason we do: because its effective. These outlets refuse to expose the powerful and corrupt using these techniques. But when its their neck on the block, they suddenly become hardworking journalists using Project Veritass approaches. And they knew that they were going to be exposed, because in December of 2016 I announced it! CNN, The New York Times, powerful social media companies, The Washington Post and others were put on notice that in 2017 that they will be exposed by Project Veritas . . . and Project Veritas is not done yet! Watch a short [i.e., edited] video clip [omitted here, full video above] of the ambush from this morning. Below the video, please donate so our team can FULLY follow through on our promise to expose the Establishment Media in 2017 and 2018. Thank so much for all that you do, and as always . . . stay tuned. In Truth, James OKeefe
Project Veritas P.S. Our cover was blown within the walls of the Washington Post, but we still got our story. Please help us finish the creative process to release this series in record time by donating here. And again, thank you for making our work possible.
Just speaking for myself, Im going to pass on the requested donation. What a fiasco.
UPDATE: Twitchy collects comments reflecting on the misguided nature of this project.
Earlier today, Paul wrote about Elizabeth Warrens claim that President Trumps referring to her as Pocahontas was a racial slura claim that I think is ridiculous, as I said when I added my two cents worth to Pauls post. During todays White House press briefing, several Democratic Party reporters tried to take up the cudgels on behalf of their party and Sen. Fauxcahontas Warren. Press Secretary Sarah Sanders responded admirably. Here are the exchanges:
Q Sarah, at the event that the President just did with the Navajo Code Talkers, he referred to Pocahontas being in the Senate. Why did he feel the need to say something as offensive to many people while honoring the Navajo Code Talkers these genuine, American heroes? MS. SANDERS: I think what most people find offensive is Senator Warren lying about her heritage to advance her career. Q But she said it was a racial slur. She said it was a racial slur. What is your response to that? MS. SANDERS: I think thats a ridiculous response.
That should have put an end to it. But the Democratic Party reporters persisted:
Steven. Q If I could follow up with that, because the President was speaking at an event to honor members of the Greatest Generation people who fought in World War II, who are in their eighties and nineties now. And the moment had many people online asking whether the President lacks decency. Whats your response to that notion?
Im recalling all the times when reporters asked Barack Obamas press secretaries to comment on whether President Obama lacked decency. Actually, I thought he did, but I never expected to hear it from the White House press corps.
MS. SANDERS: Look, I think the President certainly finds an extreme amount of value and respect for these individuals, which is why he brought them and invited them to come to the White House and spend time with them, recognizing them, and honoring them today. So I think he is constantly showing ways to honor those individuals, and he invited them here at the White House today to meet with them and to also remind everybody about what the historic role that they played many years ago. Kristen. Q Why is it appropriate for the President to use a racial slur in any context?
This is known technically as begging the question.
MS. SANDERS: I dont believe that it is appropriate for him to make a racial slur or anybody else. Q Well, a lot of people feel as though this is a racial slur. So why is it appropriate for him to use that? MS. SANDERS: Like I said, I dont think that it is, and I dont think that was certainly not the Presidents intent. Q Sarah, does he see MS. SANDERS: I think, like I said, I think the more offensive the most offensive thing Q Does he see political value in calling people out racially? MS. SANDERS: Im sorry? Q Does he see political value in calling people out racially? Why use that (inaudible)?
Of course, President Trump didnt call Warren out racially, he called her out as a liar. As Sanders explained:
MS. SANDERS: Look, I think that Senator Warren was very offensive when she lied about something specifically to advance her career. I dont understand why no one is asking about that question and why that isnt constantly covered.
The Democrats can whine all they want, but I think most people understand that Elizabeth Warren is a liar and a poseur who falsely claimed Indian heritage to jump on the affirmative action bandwagon. There are at least a couple of reasons why Democrats dont want to acknowledge the real issue.
As noted here a few days ago, Chancellor Angela Merkel is having trouble putting together a coalition government in Germany following a terrible showing in the last election. The German result was similar to the recent French election in one respect: it represents a repudiation of the main ruling parties.
There is one big difference: while the French economy continues to stagnate, the German economy is arguably the best in the world right now, at least by its surface measures. Unemployment is below 4 percent. In fact, Timothy Garton Ash notes some unusual poll results about the voters for the new Alternative for Germany Party that is considered far right:
In a 2016 poll, four out of five AfD voters described their personal economic situation as good or very good. This is not a party of the economically left behind. It gathers the discontented from every walk of life, but those who predominate in its ranks are educated, middle-class men. A leading CDU politician told me that the angry protest letters he gets from defectors to the Alternative will typically be from a doctor, businessman, lawyer, or professor. This strong presence of the educated upper middle class distinguishes German populism from many other populisms.
In other words, the anti-establishment populism in Germany is not exactly identical with the white working class Trump voters of the upper midwest, though there are some similarities. (A lot of the AfD voters were concentrated in the former East Germany, which remains depressed relative to the rest of Germany, making it a bit like the forlorn factory towns of Ohio, Michigan, etc.) Ash puts his finger on the main factor: Culture, er, Kultur:
Its the economy, stupid simply does not apply to Germanys populist voters. Rather, its the Kultur. (I say Kultur, rather than simply culture, because the German word implies both culture and ethno-cultural identity, and has traditionally been counterposed to liberal, cosmopolitan Zivilisation.) In a poll shown on German television on election night, 95 percent of AfD voters said they were very worried that we are experiencing a loss of German culture and language, 94 percent that our life in Germany will change too much, and 92 percent that the influence of Islam in Germany will become too strong. Feeding this politics of cultural despairto recall a famous phrase of the historian Fritz Sternis a milieu of writers, media, and books whose arguments and vocabulary connect back to themes of an earlier German right-wing culture in the first half of the twentieth century. This is a new German right with distinct echoes of the old.
At this point, youre probably thinking (especially since Ashs article appears in the New York Review of Books), here we goAfD Germans are just like Trump votersracist Nazi xenophobes. But Ash goes on to explain at length how the German version of political correctness has created an understandable backlash, which is part of the point of Trump, and suggests old-fashioned liberalism (of the John Stuart Mill variety) as a better remedy:
For the rank-and-file, it is yet more evidence that the liberal elites have so little time and respect for them that they wont look at us even with their asses. Worse still: they wont even let ordinary people say what they think. In a poll conducted in spring 2016 for the Freedom Index of the John Stuart Mill Institute in Heidelberg, only 57 percent of respondents said they felt that one can freely express ones political opinion in Germany today. Its therefore encouraging to see a growing number of German intellectuals advocating John Stuart Mills own response. Take on these arguments in free and open debate. Subject them to vigorous and rigorous scrutiny. Separate the wheat from the chaff. For as Mill famously argued, even a false argument can contain a sliver of truth, and the good sword of truth can only be kept sharp if constantly tested in open combat with falsehood. Otherwise the received opinion, even if it is correct, will only be held in the manner of a prejudice. . . The politics are such that the CSU certainly, and the CDU sooner or later, will move to the right on issues of immigration and identity, to try to win back the populist voteas center-right leaders have done in neighboring Austria and the Netherlands. Even the centrist Merkels interior minister, Thomas de Maiziere, wrote earlier this year in the mass circulation Bild-Zeitung that we are not Burqaa ludicrous sentence that may be translated as give us your votes rather than defecting to the Alternative.
I wonder if the left in America might follow this advice? Maybe a few. Damon Linker of The Week seems to get it in his column out this morning:
Im late coming to the story about the graduate student instructor, Ms. Lindsay Shepherd, at Wilfred Laurier University in Canada, who ran afoul of the universitys political correctness police for the thoughtcrime of showing in class a short video of Prof. Jordan Peterson of the University of Toronto, who objects to legislation requiring the use of the whole visible spectrum of self-generated gender pronouns.
A student (or studentsthe university wont say if it was more than one) filed a complaint, which was all the tyrannical educrats at Laurier needed to dragoon Shepherd through a full-on 1984-style Orwellian inquisition by theget this titlemanager of Gendered Violence Prevention and Support. We might not have heard much more about this story, except that the resourceful Ms. Shepherd has the presence of mind to bring along a recorder and tape the hour-long inquisition. All hell has broken loose, and the university has apologized.
I put apologized in square quotes on purpose, because this only happened because the universitys intellectual corruption has been fully exposed for all to see. Ive long had a hypothesis that universities want to conceal their craziness, and when an example of their intellectual corruption is exposed publicly (Ward Churchill at Boulder, Melissa Click at Missouri, etc), they run for the hills.
Below is the full 42 minutes of the inquisition of Ms. Shepherd. Thats more than you might want to listen to, but try the first 8 to 10 minutes. And if you dont have time even for that, here are some key excerpts and delightful commentary from Raffi Grinburg at Heterodox Academy:
In the meeting, Shepherd asserted that she was neutrally presenting a topic (the legally mandated use of new gender pronouns) that is in the current public discourse.
Shepherd: [C]an you shield people from those ideas? Am I supposed to comfort them and make sure that they are insulated away from this? Like, is that what the point of this is? Because to me, that is so against what a university is about. So against it. I was not taking sides. I was presenting both arguments.
But her supervising professor, Nathan Rambukkana, didnt want her to remain neutral.
Shepherd: Like I said, it was in the spirit of debate. Rambukkana: Okay, in the spirit of the debate is slightly different than this is a problematic idea that we might want to unpack. Shepherd: But thats taking sides. Rambukkana: Yes.
One side of this debate has seemingly become academic orthodoxy, which precludes the possibility that students might question it and think critically about it. In the words of Orwell from 1984:
Orthodoxy means not thinkingnot needing to think. Orthodoxy is unconsciousness.
Shepherds supervisors did not disclose any information about the complaint.
Shepherd: I have no concept of how many people complained, what their complaint was, you havent shown me the complaint. Rambukkana: I understand that this is upsetting, but also confidentiality matters. Shepherd: The number of people is confidential? Rambukkana: Yes.
Even the policy violation was unclear.
Rambukkana: Do you understand how what happened was contrary to, sorry Adria, what was the policy? Joel: Gendered and Sexual Violence. Rambukkana: Gendered and Sexual Violence Policy. Do you understand how Shepherd: Sorry, what did I violate in that policy. Joel: Um, so, gender-based violence, transphobia, in that policy. Causing harm, um, to trans students by, uh, bringing their identity as invalid. Their pronouns as invalid potentially invalid. Shepherd: So I caused harm? Joel: which is, under the Ontario Human Rights Code a protected thing so something that Laurier holds as a value. Shepherd: Ok, so by proxy me showing a YouTube video Im transphobic and I caused harm and violence? So be it. I cant do anything to control that.
These amorphous accusations are reminiscent of Kafkas opening lines from The Trial:
Someone must have slandered Josef K., for one morning, without having done anything truly wrong, he was arrested.
At Laurierand other universitiescan teachers be disciplined for being anonymously accused of violating an undefinable policy? If so, this has chilling implications for teaching and learning. Teachers will have to guess at what policies might protect students sensibilities, and eye their classrooms with fear. Each student is a potential accuser, so teachers must plan their lectures with the most easily-offended student in mind, taking account of all topics that could cause offense. In fact, since 2015 we have been hearing many reports of teachers self-censoring, teaching on tenterhooks, and cutting potentially controversial materials from their syllabi.
Throughout the conversation, Shepherd continued to articulate the value of showing students conflicting ideas.
Shepherd: But when they leave the university theyre going to be exposed to these ideas, so I dont see how Im doing a disservice to the class by exposing them to ideas that are really out there.
The ideas are really out there: the clip Shepherd showed had recently aired on TV. But Rambukkana later explained that there are some perspectives for which a stance must be taken by the teacher. For example:
Rambukkana: This is like neutrally playing a speech by Hitler.
In a just world, this Nathan Rambukkana fellow would be fired, and forevermore employed only at Starbucks. I suspect youll find people just like him at most universities today.
After a successful pre-market conference day, today ATF opens the market floor for the 5,200 participants expected in Singapore this week. The vibes for the 2017 edition are high again, as the APAC region is gaining momentum in the audio-visual business with more and more ventures taking place, platforms launched and original programming.
China, India and Indonesia are the key countries taking important spaces on the ATF panels and the business itself. The first one continues to be the main focus of international companies, even it is a tough market because of its strict content policy that obligate them to re-direct their strategies; the second one is expanding its OTT market, with more players entering the digital world; and the third, which is the worlds fourth country in terms of population, is showing a strong diversification on the media industry.
Several co-production and co-development agreements are being announced during the market, while the focus on technology/data developments remains fundamental. Actually, the combination of the strategies towards data + content was one of the main conclusions of the pre-market conferences.
Pablo Gomez, head of media & digital, APAC, Kantar Millward Brown said it is not about one or the other, its about the currency of attention. And he further explained: Recent researches indicate that the average span of attention of a man is eight seconds. Nowadays, it is a hard duty to take the attention of consumers. Generation Z and young people in general are less receptive to ads. Thats why more data is not the solution: technology is not a substitute of creativity. Still, TV plays a key role in creating synergies with other media. An advertising piece works better when it combines vehicles, mixing digital + TV.
Jan Rezab, CEO & Founder of Socialbakers went on the other direction on its presentation The inconvenient Truth. He encouraged media companies to use data and to build teams to work over it. You must stop ignoring data. It applies to every single step in the value chain. Check how companies like Apple, Google or Facebook, but also Vox, BuzzFeeds and Vice are using it, as well as programmatic advertising and technology to discover what are audiencess choosing to entertain. Social media has become mass media: five out of eight companies are reaching more than 1 billion people daily. The top broadcasters in the world are reaching on average 80-100 people. The difference is remarkable.
The next panel, The Evolution of Storytelling, gathered some of the top OTTs in APAC. James Farrell, head of Amazon Prime, is putting emphasis on original content from India (kids content) and Japan (variety shows), while he confirmed the interest in more regional productions: 30 new seasons in Japan and 20 in India are under development. Janice Lee, MD, PCCW (Hong Kong) explained Viu (AVOD & SVOD models) reaches 15 markets in APAC and MENA, and it is producing 3-4,000 hours of Chinese-language content in Hong Kong, Indonesia and India. On average, our users watch 15 videos per week, or 1.2-1.5 hours a day, she said.
Mark Britt, CEO & Founder, iflix added that every single OTT needs a unique content strategy to push bundaries: We are betting in new genres, as eSports, K-Pop and stand-up comedies that are working well. Peter Bithos, CEO and founder of HOOQ commented: 'We are firm believers in local content. But most TV shows that get made in SEA are high on quality but low on production values. through our HOOQ Originals, we want to push the envelope for edgier storytelling in Asia, but producing high quality content delivered in a seasonal format of 6-10 episodes'.
All in all the panelists agree that there is a gap between data and content. For Farrell the first one works better when international content is involved, while the second one takes the control when we the focus is local production. There is a difference on what the people want to watch and what the people want to pay for, added Lee. The group goal is not to grow quicly but to invest out of the key areas of interest, underlined Bithos and Britt shed lights on the external factors: We depend on the evolution of the distribution and consumption businesses. We believe our business will consolidate in the next 3 to 5 years.
Hary Tanoesoedibjo, president director, MNC Group remarked on The Might of Indonesia the strenght of this TV market and the evolution of the leading media conglomerate in the country: We started our business by the end of the 90, and we became the #1 media group in Indonesia. Creating our own IP has made the difference, but also the objective of making the company a regional leader.
In the afternoon, Mediacorp, the Singaporean public broadcaster organized a visit to the Mediapolis @ One-North campus, where the company has moved all the operations in 2015/2016. After showing the Mediacorp Experience tour that tells the history of broadcasring (radio & TV) in Singapore to the visitors, the company offered a cocktail party headed by its CEO, Tham Loke Kheng: In spite of the deep changes of the industry our business remain local, where we can make the difference. We are here to stay and we are happy with the partnerships weve built in the last year.
Fabricio Ferrara, from Singapore
Is recreational marijuana about to be legalized in Michigan?
Members of the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol believe so.
State lawmakers, however, weigh in both ways on the issue.
Earlier this month, the coalition turned in several cases of signed petitions to get the referendum either approved, or placed on a ballot for voters to decide.
About 350,000 people signed the petitions, nearly 100,000 above the 252,000 signatures the state requires for the proposal to be looked at.
The proposal is simple in theory; to make marijuana legal and regulate it the same way as alcohol and other controlled substances.
Some state lawmakers dont see it that way.
Im for recreational use of marijuana, said Rep. Frank Liberati (D-Allen Park), whose district includes parts of Dearborn Heights and Southgate. I like the idea to regulate it like alcohol.
Prior to being elected to the Michigan House of Representatives, Liberati served as the president of the Allen Park Board of Education for seven years.
He said the idea is not that simple and depending on how the proposal is written, he likely will vote against it.
I also believe there is medicinal value in marijuana, he said.
However, because of the way laws are worded and because he is against taxing medication he voted no on many of the medicinal marijuana laws.
I was one of 11 no votes on that, Liberati said. I support it all but the excise tax.
He said hes against taxing medicine that is prescribed by a doctor in any form, and because of that he hasnt supported current laws and wont support any new laws that dont address that issue.
From my understanding, a lot of those (medical) regulations will be transferred over, he said. No medicine that I know of is taxed. Motrin can be bought over the counter and is taxed, but when a higher dose is used as a medicine its tax free. Marijuana should be done that way too.
State Rep. Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) said he hasnt given it much thought until the petition is formally approved. He is the only member of the Republican Party to represent any portion of Downriver. His district is mostly in Monroe County, but also includes Rockwood, Gibraltar and Flat Rock.
At this point, the petition seeking to legalize the recreational use of marijuana has not been submitted to the state, Bellino said. The signatures have not been vetted and I have not had an opportunity to review the petition language. As always, I will continue to seek input from my constituents as this issue continues to be reviewed.
Bellino, a self-professed recovering addict, recently voted to fund a pilot program in Kalamazoo to help with the much-publicized national opioid crisis.
As a recovering drug and alcohol addict, I can personally attest to the undeniable grip that opioids and other drugs intended to ease pain can have on a person, Bellino said. If we can use medical technology to identify which people are more susceptible to addiction, we can proactively prevent them from becoming dependent on the drug and its effects.
Coalition spokesman Josh Hovey said the group has about 100,000 extra signatures, so getting the petition approved shouldnt be an issue.
State Rep. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) said the issue has many sides, and its not just about legalizing the drug for recreational use.
I have not seen the final language that was approved, she said. In general, I have many concerns about legalizing it recreationally, especially in terms of how it affects employees.
She said if an employer has a zero-tolerance policy, yet the drug is legal in the state it may cause confusion among workers on whether they can use it, and ultimately could cost people their jobs.
Geiss also said she is concerned about how tests could be done to prove if someone was impaired or not.
Unlike alcohol, marijuana is stored in fat cells and cant be determined when it was last used based on current testing, she said.
She was referring to whether it was in a persons system from recent use, or if it had been days since the last use. Current tests cant determine the difference.
State Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown Twp.) said he will support it because of the increased revenue streams it presents.
Through legalization and regulation, we have an opportunity to raise significant revenue to help pay for state services, like repairs to our roads and bridges, he said. I look forward to the ongoing conversation as it continues into 2018.
Other than the possible revenue streams created, Camilleri said hes seen polls that show a growing number of Michiganders support the proposal or something like it.
Im supportive of this initiative and others like it that give voters the opportunity to weigh in and have greater influence in the legislative process, he said.
Once formally approved, the potential legislation will go to both the state House and the state Senate for a vote. If both bodies approve it without changes, it would become law. If one or both bodies make any changes and then vote to pass it, the bill would require Gov. Rick Snyders signature, and the original proposal would then become a ballot initiative to go before voters.
Geiss said that while she hasnt fully reviewed the proposed legislation in its current form, even if it passed like the medical marijuana laws in 2011, state lawmakers would still be forced to weigh in after the fact.
The medical marijuana law was approved through a statewide vote, but lacked regulations on where it could be sold and who could grow it, buy it and use it.
Like what we saw with the medical marijuana that passed, the Legislature still had to go back and create corrective legislation for it, Geiss said. The Legislature would still have to impose some types of rules around it. Well have to work with all of the various stakeholders to make it work.
Unless approved by the Legislature, the proposal likely will be on November 2018 statewide ballots, along with the election of the next state governor.
The proposed language would allow anyone 21 or older to legally possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrate. The sale up to the same amount also would be legalized, and people would also be allowed to grow up to 12 plants in their residences for personal use.
If passed, cities and townships would be permitted to ban marijuana retailers and similar businesses within their boundaries. Much like alcohol, driving under the influence would be illegal. Public consumption also would be illegal under the proposed law.
State Reps. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), Jewell Jones (D-Inkster), Cara Clemente (D-Lincoln Park) and Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) did not respond to requests for comment on this report.
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A two-day celebration to keep the tribal culture alive was organized this weekend. The venue was famous Azad Ground of Jhadol area and the crowd included local as well as foreigners who got mesmerized after seeing the cultural opulence and love for heritage. Performances like Gawari, Bhamai, and local folk dances left people exhilarated and amazed.Popularly known as Bhomat, the event also saw a child-fair which had more than 100 stalls by children. Stalls included an exhibition of development tasks being done by the organization in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujrat apart from eateries.Addressing the children in the Bhomat Mahotsav, former president of foreign affairs of Europe Berones Sandeep Verma, who was also presiding over the ceremony said that the Bhomat Festival is crafting its own niche on the world map. This program gives an identity to these children and they are getting overall development. Tribes are the root of our society and we should not forget that, said Verma.The founder Pundit Jeevatrat Sharma was earlier offered a tribute by all the present dignitaries. The manager of Rajasthan Bal Kalyan Samiti Girija Shankar sharma said that children from across 23 cities from Rajasthan, Gujrat, and Madhya Pradesh not only attended but also participated in the program.Coordinator of the festival Dr. SV Singh said that children took special interest and performed well to leave one and all electrified. Their exuberance was unmatched.The stage was totally digitized and children performed in traditional dresses. Audiences remained in the ground till late night to see the performances by kids.The exciting program also got some emotional touch as the wife of founder Pt. Jeevatram Sharma Mrs. Himmat Devi Sharma got a little emotional. She recalled that Mr. Sharma had started this organization 37 years ago in one room and then offered all that he had to take it to peak.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP Hamilton Township Director of Community Development Phil Sartorio is excited to see a significant amount of residential, retail and commercial development happening within the township. He recently provided an update on projects that are in development.
45 Mill Street
INTEX Millwork Solutions plans to move into this 80,000-square-foot building before the end of the year. The firm manufactures PVC products such as pergolas, columns, newels, deck, porch and balcony railing systems, turned balusters, custom moldings, lattice, louvers, brackets, panels and more. It is expected to employ 75 workers at the facility.
Liquor Mart
Located at 4245 Route 40, the site of the former Caesars Restaurant. Construction is ongoing on phase one of a two-phase project. Phase one includes 12,000 square feet, while phase two will add another 9900 square feet.
Hardy Discount Liquors
Owner Surjit Parmar plans to open in the building currently housing the Tunney Real Estate office on Route 40 toward the end of 2017 following renovations in the building. The developer also plans to expand the building at a later time.
Recovery Services of America
Ownership of the property in the Township of Hamilton Business Park is presently clearing land to construct a three-story 47,000-square-feet building to add to the 25,000-square-feet facility presently occupying the site.
Harding Homes
This development at the intersection of Route 40 and New York Avenue is being constructed by Conifer homes. When completed, it will include 99 low- and moderate-income rental units and is being partially funded by post-Sandy federal funds.
Lidl Supermarket
Located at the northeast corner of the intersection of the Black Horse Pike and McKee Avenue, the company has received township approvals as well as a New Jersey Department of Transportation Highway Access approval.
Gravelly Run Square
Ownership representatives recently met with Planning Board professionals to discuss modifications to pad sites on the property located on the Black Horse Pike across from Hamilton Commons. Development of those pad sites, which could include businesses such as food service and banking, could include the construction of the roadway across the property from newly opened Volunteer Way to the Black Horse Pike. That would serve to alleviate traffic backups at the intersection of McKee Avenue and the Black Horse Pike.
LINWOOD Educational success is not just about collecting the right information, but rather what is done with that information to improve student outcomes, Mainland Regional High School Superintendent Mark Marrone says.
Marrone was speaking at a meeting Tuesday of school administrators and state Department of Education officials Tuesday at Mainland, part of a tour of the high school, which was recently named one of seven Lighthouse Districts in the state.
We have a responsive educational community, Marrone said earlier Tuesday, just before the arrival of NJDOE Deputy Commissioner Peter Shulman.
Before arriving at Mainland, Shulman visited another Lighthouse District, Cape May City Elementary School, on Tuesday morning. He has plans, along with Commissioner Kimberley Harrington, to visit all the Lighthouse Districts in the state to find out what they are doing right.
The Lighthouse District designation, announced by the NJDOE in September with the latest PARCC test results, recognizes districts for illuminating the path toward academic growth and student success by achieving academic growth in English language arts and mathematics with diverse student groups.
The DOE will hear from educators from all the Lighthouse Districts in order to highlight best practices. The visits are part of that initiative. State officials said Tuesday they are interested in efforts that could be scalable.
Marrone said the positive data that won Mainland its recognition this year is a byproduct of the district responding to the needs of the community over several years. One of those needs was the changing demographics and economic situations of the members of its three communities: Somers Point, Linwood and Northfield.
Marrone said the district started its after-school IMPACT program for students to earn or recover credits they may have missed due to being out of school. In addition, the district started a ninth-grade program for at-risk students to transition them to the high school experience.
We did it last year, and we saw a number of kids improved, Marrone said.
Mainland, Cape May schools recognized by state as Lighthouse Districts Mainland Regional and Cape May city schools were recognized Wednesday by the state Departmen
Shulman said he has heard from teachers around the state that despite all the data collected on student progress by school districts, the teachers dont have access to that data. He said he was particularly impressed with Mainlands ability to share its data with educators in the district.
Marrone admitted that at first, Mainland wasnt sharing enough data, and its still a work in progress.
Dorsey Finn, Mainland coordinator of planning, instruction and evaluation, said the district also has been effective in evaluating its faculty members. Finn said the evaluations push teachers to implement rigorous coursework that will prepare students not just for college but for careers.
Get teachers to look beyond June, Finn said.
Marrone said he was proud and humbled to be leading a Lighthouse District.
It gives validation that we are heading in the right direction, Marrone said.
PARCC data helps school districts evaluate teaching methods, curriculum School districts around the state spend all year preparing students for the spring PARCC tes
Marrone said he hoped the state Education Department was able to see that Mainland is a school that really loves its kids.
And our teachers really have a passion for what they do, he said.
NORTH WILDWOOD A dispute over the management of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse has led city officials to change the locks on the lighthouses doors to keep out the current operators.
On Monday, North Wildwood Solicitor William Kaufman sent a letter to the nonprofit Friends of Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, informing them the facility would remain locked until a professional curator could take inventory and determine what items inside belong to the local government or the nonprofit.
The curator is scheduled to begin taking inventory Monday.
It is clear that there is a disagreement between the Friends and the City regarding ownership of items within the lighthouse, the letter said. Therefore ... the locks on the lighthouse will be changed and no persons other than employees or State of New Jersey personnel shall have access to the interior of the lighthouse until each and every artifact, document or item of personal property that presently is within the lighthouse has been inventoried and cataloged and ownership of each item is definitely established.
Squabble over management could leave Hereford Inlet Lighthouse in flux NORTH WILDWOOD One of the most iconic lighthouses in South Jersey is caught in a squabble
Steve Murray, chairman of the Friends of the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, said city officials, particularly North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello, are petty and the move was just a power play to take over the lighthouse.
This was a punch in the gut, Murray said. Its as low as you can get.
Murray added several members of the Friends have put personal items in the lighthouse for decoration, including his great-grandmothers dining room table, an antique rocking horse and an old train set that goes around the Christmas tree.
North Wildwood leases the lighthouse from New Jersey. Friends of Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, however, operate the property through a contract with the city.
Rosenello said there have been issues with the Friends over how they run and maintain the 143-year-old lighthouse. The citys issues include the groups leadership not turning in annual reports and bungling a state Department of Transportation grant application that cost the city $17,000, he said.
After locking up the lighthouse, Rosenello said, city officials discovered a list of items Murray planned to take from the lighthouse illegally, including an old tax map that belongs to the city.
Our decision to lock them out was absolutely the right thing to do, Rosenello said. (Murray) was planning to loot the lighthouse.
Murray disputed the claim, saying the list is an inventory list of every item in the lighthouse that he compiled for the professional curator.
Its just one lie after another with this guy, Murray said of Rosenello. Hes gone completely off the wall.
Murray also has disputed the other claims the government made, saying he turned in annual reports every year and the Department of Transportation came back five years after the grant application to say there was an issue. At that point, the man who had written the application was retired and seriously ill. By the time they hired another firm to fix the application, the Department of Transportation skipped a grant payment of $17,000, he said.
Murray said the Friends have contacted a lawyer and are waiting for advice on their next steps. The city intends to take over operations Jan. 1.
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE Retired Cape May County Prosecutor Robert Taylor says county officials are withholding his health benefits in retaliation for disagreements he had with members of the county freeholder board, according to a whistleblower lawsuit filed last week.
Legal representatives from the county, however, said Taylors lawsuit is a baseless and frivolous attempt to get lifetime benefits to which he is not entitled.
The allegations came to light after Taylor, who stepped down in September, filed a complaint Nov. 20 in Superior Court.
In the document, he claims the freeholders, and specifically Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton, told him to use outdated drug statistics to downplay the extent of opioid addiction in the county.
Taylor also said officials pressured him to fire a longtime assistant prosecutor who was leading contentious contract negotiations with the county.
The County Counsels Office denied the allegations and vowed to fight Taylors lawsuit.
It is disappointing but predictable that Mr. Taylor has chosen to attempt to try to bully his way, with frivolous and untruthful personal and political accusations, to a benefit he is statutorily ineligible to receive, the office said in a statement.
Taylor said in the complaint the freeholders told him not to use accurate and updated data about the drug problem so as to directly portray to the media and indirectly portray to the citizens of Cape May County a false sense of control over said epidemic.
Taylor said he told officials he did not want to use the stale numbers, but the freeholders threatened to stop additional funding for opioid-related initiatives within the Prosecutors Office.
Theyre not seriously doing anything effectively to fight this problem, Taylor said in an interview.
Attorneys for the county said Taylors lawsuit misrepresents the relationship the freeholders have with the Prosecutors Office.
In a feeble attempt to support his baseless accusations and secure lifetime, taxpayer-funded health benefits, Mr. Taylor has even gone so far as to take advantage of the opioid epidemic to mask his selfish attempt to claim taxpayer-funded retirement benefits, the statement from the county reads.
Taylor said he had to fight tooth and nail with the freeholders to get funding for increased staffing and resources.
Cape May County investing heavily in regional bike path system In the near future, you may be able to ride your bike on designated paths and lanes from Som
Its been a battle with the freeholders the whole 13 years I was there, he said.
Representatives from the County Counsels Office said the county increased funding for the Prosecutors Office from about $2.7 million to $7.1 million during Taylors 13-year tenure. The county also added 32 positions, according to the statement.
Taylor said those increases were mandated by a judge following contentious negotiations between the county and the Prosecutors Office in 2008.
In another section of the complaint, Taylor states negotiations between the assistant prosecutors union and the county became so heated in 2016 and early 2017 that Thornton and county Human Resources Director Jeffrey Lindsay suggested he fire the unions lead negotiator.
The negotiator is not named in the complaint, but Taylor confirmed in an interview she was former Assistant Prosecutor Christine Smith. Gov. Chris Christie nominated Smith in June to become a Superior Court judge.
Taylor said county officials tried to prevent Smiths nomination after the contract talks concluded.
He said those issues the alleged use of outdated opioid use data and the attempt to get rid of Smith were not factors in his decision to retire. Taylor, 70, reached the maximum age for the position and decided to retire instead of applying for a temporary extension.
The complaint said Taylor is seeking to have his retirement benefits restored and receive punitive and compensatory damages.
Taylor said he is eligible to receive lifetime health benefits because he worked in the Prosecutors Office for more than 34 years, 13 of them as prosecutor.
New Jersey Gov.-elect Phil Murphy has suggested that the minimum wage in New Jersey be raised to $15 per hour. The current minimum wage is $8.44. Is this a good idea?
Murphy has good intentions. He believes that anyone working a full-time job should earn a livable wage, regardless of the value that the worker provides to the employer. How has this worked in other states?
In San Francisco, the local minimum wage is currently $13 per hour. It will gradually rise to $15 in six years. Because of high labor costs, companies like Cafe X are already starting to replace their unskilled labor with technological alternatives.
To purchase coffee from Cafe X, customers place their orders using a Cafe X mobile app. When the customer arrives at the store, a white robotic arm, like those used in car manufacturing facilities, moves a paper cup, adds appropriate syrup levels and then brews the hot cup of coffee. The robotic arm then hands the coffee to the customer.
A cup of coffee costs $2.95 at Cafe X. A similar cup of coffee is $3.75 at the labor-intensive Starbucks.
Wendys, a fast-food restaurant chain that employs many unskilled, minimum wage workers, has decided to drive down rising labor costs by replacing some of its order takers with machines. Following the example of many convenience stores, like Wawa, Wendys plans to install self-ordering kiosks at about 1,000 of its locations by the end of 2017.
With an expected cost of $15,000 for three units per store, the kiosks are expected to pay for themselves in two years. They will eliminate up to 5,000 minimum wage jobs.
Wendys chief information officer, David Trimm, said that the kiosks are intended to appeal to younger customers and to reduce labor costs. They will allow Wendys customers to order with shorter lines during peak periods while increasing kitchen production.
Raising the minimum wage is supposed to help unskilled workers, according to those who routinely support the wage increase. But the reality is that increases in the minimum wage hurt the people they are supposed to help.
The reason is simple: An ever-higher government-required minimum wage makes unskilled workers unemployable.
For many unskilled jobs, business owners are now able to choose between labor or buying a machine to do the work at a lower fixed cost and without benefits. The average businessperson wont stay in business without keeping costs down. American non-financial industries have average net profit margin of about 5 percent and are sensitive to wage scales. They cant afford to ignore the effect of mandated wage hikes vs. profitability in their attempts to keep costs down.
In weighing the advantages and disadvantages of hiring unskilled workers or machines to get the work done, the rational businessperson asks, What will be my average annual costs for hiring and retaining workers over the expected lifetime costs of the machine? The numbers ultimately make the decision: Hire unskilled workers, or buy the machine.
A full-time worker paid the minimum wage of $8.44 per hour will cost about $17,500 per year in wages. Health insurance, payroll taxes, regulatory costs (e.g., OSHA), workers comp and other labor-related costs will drive up that cost considerably. But if hiring workers at that wage will get the job done for less outlay than a robot, computers or other equipment, those workers will be hired.
Raise the minimum wage to $15, and a few people the most skilled and reliable will see their wage rise to $15. The rest will lose their jobs. In addition, the machines that replace them will never be rude to customers, call in sick, sexually harass another employee or threaten to sue the business.
A $15 per hour wage costs the business more than $31,000 per year. Add the 6.2 percent that the employer must pay for Social Security tax and the employer mandate for health care (if applicable) and the cost soars to more than $36,000 per year.
There will not be many jobs for unskilled workers who cost the firm that much.
Those pushing for the higher minimum wage argue from emotion in an appeal to compassion. But policy that springs from emotion rather than dispassionate analysis will fail to deliver the results compassion hopes for.
A $15 minimum wage would be disastrous for unskilled workers and would clobber seasonal businesses, particularly those at the Jersey shore.
Michael Busler, of Ventnor, is a professor of finance at Stockton University.
Hunting close to home
Hunting for the sport of it, in my opinion, is very sad, but hunting so close to my property is downright illegal.
This is what happened recently right behind my house on Southampton Drive in Smithville, when someone shot a wild turkey that had just left my property. The shot was so close that all the birds flew out of the trees.
This has got to stop, Ill be afraid to sit on my patio.
Part of the reason I moved to this area was to encounter wildlife. The killing of this wild turkey was so unnecessary.
Lois Werner
Smithville
Proud of flag and country
What the American flag means to me: Freedom and democracy. Self-determination and government by the electorate.
The flag, a symbol of our unbreakable will and fighting spirit, and blood of our armed forces, won through their valor, honor, loyalty, integrity, and unselfish commitment to duty to all.
That is why I proudly stand at attention with a salute until the day I die.
Frank Palazzo
Atlantic City
Impeach hated Trump
President Trump is inexperienced, unpredictable, unconventional, unstable, self-centered, a bully, a hypocrite, greedy and a liar. I think he will take the world into war.
He is not making this affluent country great, but taking it down in the eyes of the whole world. It is a shame and sin this egoist man was elected to the highest post of the country.
Established politics means stability and wisdom to run the country and the world.
It is time to impeach this monkey-minded president. Let both parties see, predict the dangerous outcome of this president, and impeach as early as they can without any delay. It will be the greatest humanity service to mankind.
James Roja
Somers Point
Good show for Puerto Rico
Amazing Ventnor, headed by Mike Einwechter, and the volunteer staff put on a great show for the Puerto Rico Relief Fund.The amazing stunt was Mike Pestrito playing his drums on top of a moving motorcycle.
The Star Spangled Banner never sounded so good.
Charlotte Josephs
Ventnor
A NASA exploration scientist set off on his mission to Antarctica being monitored by the Patient Status Engine, a physiological data collection platform which provides monitoring of individuals wirelessly and in real-time.
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/610929/Isansys_Lifecare.jpg )
Dr Erik Antonsen, the Exploration Medical Capability Element Scientist, is performing a range of experiments including the evaluation of the Isansys monitoring system in extreme and remote environments.
The Patient Status Engine is automatically capturing Dr Antonsen's physiological data through a suite of wireless wearable sensors which make up part of the Patient Status Engine. Two teams also equipped with the Patient Status Engine are monitoring his progress to view his healthcare status at all times.
Dr Peter Lee, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at The Ohio State University, who helped initiate this demonstration, said: "Convenient, accurate, and versatile wireless medical monitoring is the future of physiological monitoring, whether it's in the hospital, home, or extreme environments.
"Testing the Patient Status Engine and its sensors by NASA is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to its potential applications and capabilities."
Throughout Dr Antonsen's voyage, the data, including his heart rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and temperature, is being collected and analysed by the Patient Status Engine. This data is then being relayed back to Dr Lee's team in America, via satellite phone, where they are assessing its accuracy, validity, and acquisition. Communication links and integration with prototype medical data systems are also being assessed.
The data collected will help NASA learn the best ways to monitor the physiology of future explorers, which is critical for its work to send humans beyond Low Earth Orbit, to the Moon, and eventually to Mars.
Joe Swantack, CEO of STARK Industries which is working with Isansys to install the Patient Status Engine in extreme environments, said: "We're completely immersing the Patient Status Engine in the world's most extreme cold-weather environment, -40 to -50F; conditions that closely approximate a 'surface' EVA on a manned-mission to the red planet."
Liz Swantack, Co-Director of Development and Nurse Consultant said: "We'll be wirelessly monitoring Dr Antonsen in the same way we're monitoring patients in hospital and healthcare communities. The physiological responses created beneath the cold-weather gear, monitored in real-time, will generate high-definition digitized data sets for further analysis."
Follow Dr Antonsen's mission via his blog: https://erikantarctica.wordpress.com/
Isansys Lifecare
Georgina Horton
PR & Marketing Executive
T: 01235 436225
M: 07852181898
Email: georgina.horton@isansys.com
SOURCE Isansys Lifecare
LONDON, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Vandermay's product development strategy will spotlight innovations, customer acquisitions and retention for the technology disruptor that currently powers more than 50,000 independents globally
Lightspeed, a powerful cloud-based point of sale system for retailers and restaurants, announces John Vandermay to the role of Chief Technology Officer. Vandermay's appointment comes in the midst of incredible growth for Lightspeed, following the announcement that the company closed a GBP 125 million (US $166 million) series D round investment. In 2016, the retail tech innovator launched its omnichannel product, seamlessly merging in-store POS, eCommerce and mobile, empowering customers to sell anywhere, at any time.
With over 25 years of software engineering and global leadership experience, John Vandermay joins Lightspeed from Visto (formerly Collective), an advertising technology company in NYC backed by Accel, Greycroft and iNovia. While at Visto as CTO, Vandermay lead the transformation of the company from an advertising media service provider to a technology platform by building a breakthrough SaaS enterprise advertising platform that seamlessly provided transparency and interoperability between the myriad of ad technologies. Before Visto, John spent three years at Dassault Systemes GEOVIA, where he was the Vice President of Product Development, and oversaw successful global engineering and product management.
In addition to executive leadership roles in engineering at companies like Cognos and BlackBerry, he also led Engineering and Development at Omniture (now Adobe), where his contributions resulted in a SaaS digital-marketing platform that powered more than 350k transactions per second, expanded the portfolio to over 10 products and resulted in a successful IPO in 2006 and secondary offering in 2007, eventually leading to the sale of the company to Adobe in 2009 for $1.8 billion.
"It's incredible to welcome John into our Lightspeed community, at the height of growth in our development sector. John's extensive experience in software engineering and product development will make him an invaluable asset to the Lightspeed team," said Lightspeed Founder and CEO Dax Dasilva
"I am thrilled to join Lightspeed during this significant period of global growth and work alongside the team to advance development," said Vandermay. "Lightspeed is a team of breakthrough innovators, whose renowned advancements in omnichannel and POS technology allows restaurants, retail entrepreneurs, and business owners to seamlessly grow and manage their businesses."
Lightspeed is also pleased to announce that John will curate a blog series entitled Lightspeed talks code. Read the first entry here.
About Lightspeed
Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Lightspeed is the most powerful cloud-based point-of-sale solution for independent businesses, in-store and online. Nearly 50,000 retailers and restaurateurs, processing over US $15 billion in transactions annually use Lightspeed to grow and manage their business. Lightspeed can be found in more than 100 countries, powering favorite local businesses, where the community goes to shop and dine. Founded in 2005, Lightspeed has grown to nearly 600 employees, with global offices in Canada, USA, Europe, and Australia.
For more information, please visit: https://www.lightspeedhq.co.uk/
Facebook: Facebook.com/LightspeedHQ, Twitter: @LightspeedHQ and Instagram: @LightspeedHQ.
Media Contact:
Erin Rigby
Dynamo PR
lightspeed@dynamopr.com
+44(0)203-946-6860
Source:
Bradley Grill
Director of Public Relations
Lightspeed
Bradley.Grill@lightspeedhq.com
514-616-2000
SOURCE Lightspeed POS Montreal
CIC Middle East Helps Xeros Meet Growing Demand for Its Near-Waterless Laundry System
MANCHESTER, New Hampshire, Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Xeros, the innovator of polymer cleaning technologies, today announced a partnership with Consolidated International Corporation (CIC) Middle East to distribute and service its award-winning commercial laundry system in the UAE.
The UAE has an exceptionally arid climate which receives less than four inches (100 mm) of rainfall a year. It is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world so the Xeros system with its dramatic reduction in water consumption is the perfect solution for hotels and commercial laundries in the region. Xeros have recently showcased this system at popular exhibitions in the region - The Hotel Show Dubai and Gulf Laundrex - and the response has been very positive.
"CIC Middle East is a well-respected leader in the industrial laundry services industry and has proven experience in the UAE, and will be the spring board for future expansion in other Middle Eastern countries," said Mike Ferrand, Group Managing Director, Hotel and Lodging at Xeros. "The companies' deep industry knowledge and superior sales and customer support will be an asset for Xeros as we expand our presence in this growing luxury hotel market."
Mohamed Hidayath, Director Middle East and Asia, at CIC Middle East explained, "We are very excited to partner with Xeros. We are certain their unique system will be very popular with sophisticated hotels as it enables them to deliver two key requirements, a high quality clean and dramatically reduced water consumption."
As well as using up to 80% less water, Xeros uses up to 50% less energy and approximately 50% less detergent than traditional systems. The patented Xeros technology is also proven to remove tough stains including make-up, food, spa oils and blood often in just one wash. The Xeros Laundry System is currently available across Europe, North America and Australia and further expansion plans are underway.
About CCIC
Established in 1975, Consolidated International Corporation (CCIC) is a leader in the industrial laundry services industry. The company supplies and distributes laundry equipment, parts and supplies for a global customer base.
About Xeros Cleaning Technologies
Xeros Cleaning Technologies is part of the Xeros Technology Group plc.
The Xeros Logo and Xeros are trademarks of the Xeros group of companies.
Media Contact:
Neal Stein
321-473-7407
neal@redjavelin.com
Related Links
https://www.xerostech.com
SOURCE Xeros Technology Group
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this
Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Washington, Nov 23 : Major American cigarette manufacturers will begin publishing anti-smoking ads in 50 dailies to correct the misleading statements they made over the years about the effects of smoking, a move that complies with a court order filed in 2006.
On Wednesday, the Department of Justice announced in a statement that the ads will fill the US media starting from November 30 and into the next year, reports Efe news.
On November 30, 50 of the major US newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Washington Post will begin to publish full-page ads that should "clarify" to the public what the true effects of tobacco are, according to the department.
In addition, from the beginning of next week, TV channels across the country will start running those ads for a year.
The ads will include some of these phrases: "smoking kills, on average, 1,200 Americans every day", "smoking is highly addictive, nicotine is the addictive drug in tobacco" and "cigarette companies intentionally designed cigarettes with enough nicotine to create and sustain addiction".
The legal case dates back to 1999, when former President Bill Clinton's administration (1993-2001) accused tobacco companies of deceiving the public about the risks of smoking and promoting cigarettes with cartoon ads to attract teenagers.
The accusations were based on a special law called the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations Act (RICO), initially promulgated to combat organised crime groups like the mafia.
As part of that process, in 2006, the District of Columbia Court ordered the companies Altria, its affiliate Philip Morris USA and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco to place advertisements in the US media to "correct" the misperception the public had for years about tobacco.
The 2006 court order is set to be enforced from November 30, more than 10 years late, due to a large amount of counter-complaints filed by US tobacco companies.
Bengaluru, Nov 23 : State-run Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) on Thursday said it has paid Rs 18 crore as 80 per cent dividend to the Union government for fiscal 2016-17.
"The 80 per cent dividend for the last fiscal is the highest in the last five years and as against 40 per cent paid for the fiscal 2015-16," the company said in a statement here.
BEML Chairman and Managing Director Deepak Kumar Hota presented the dividend draft to Defence Minister Nirmala Seetharaman in New Delhi.
The Central government holds majority stake (54 percent) of 2.25 crore equity shares of Rs 10 face value of the company, aggregating to paid-up capital of Rs 22.5 crore.
The remaining equity is held by the public, financial institutions, foreign institutional investors, banks and its employees.
The city-based, Rs 3,500-crore firm serves the country's core military and civil sectors such as defence, infrastructure, mining, power, railways and metro rail.
It operates in three industrial verticals spanning defence, mining and construction, railways and metro rail, with nine manufacturing units at Bengaluru, Kolar Gold Fields and Mysuru in Karnataka, Palakkad in Kerala, Hyderabad in Telangana and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh.
The company's scrip gained Rs 77.95 to quote at 1,701.95 per share at the end of Thursday's trading on the BSE as against Wednesday's closing rate of Rs. 1,623.90 and opening price of Rs 1,635. The share also touched a high of Rs 1750 and a low of Rs 1,625 during the intra-day trading sessions.
Kolkata, Nov 24 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government of deliberately hindering industry investments in her state.
"You tell industry don't go, don't invest your money in Bengal. Is it not a crime in a federal structure? Why central government is telling industry not to go to Bengal?" Banerjee asked here at the "India Today Conclave East 2017".
She also questioned the pendency of projects in the state.
"Why so many projects are pending? Pendency has become the tendency. There is no cooperative federalism. Super emergency is going on. Every industrialist in now under threat, under scanner. There is no voice of industry. All media (outlets), except one or two, are under scanner. This is sorry state of affairs... Never seen this type of arrogance and attitude," Banerjee said.
The Trinamool Congress supremo said even leaders were not being allowed to voice their opinion on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"If I say something, their minister calls me and says 'why are you speaking against Narendra Modi'? I say this is my political right ... and they threaten us also sometimes like this. This is the situation. Where will we go? Democracy is under scanner," she said.
Banerjee also reiterated her stand that the eastern states have been neglected: "Gujarat is Gujarat. I respect Gujarat. One shouldn't discriminate between different states. Every state is doing work. I don't want to discriminate between states.
"Northeastern and eastern parts have been neglected from beginning. Problem is that you don't give proper justice to the people. I don't agree that we have to beg for everything."
Dublin, Nov 25 : Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar said on Friday that he won't be seeking Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Frances Fitzgerald's resignation.
In an evening news programme on Irish television channel RTE One, Varadkar said the case against Fitzgerald is "very flimsy", Xinhua news agency reported.
"Decapitation of Tanaiste on trumped-up charges is not fair," he said.
On Friday, Irish main opposition Fianna Fail (Republican Party) lodged a motion of no confidence against Fitzgerald. The opposition party alleged she was involved in a conspiracy aimed at smearing police whistleblower Maurice McCabe when she served as minister for justice and equality from 2014 to 2016.
Fitzgerald rejected the allegations, saying that she was not part of any conspiracy to undermine McCabe.
The no-confidence motion will be debated Tuesday in the Dail Eireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas, Ireland's parliament.
Following the 2016 general election, Fine Gael (United Ireland Party) formed a minority government with some non-party TDs (members of parliament). The minority government was made possible by a confidence and supply agreement with Fianna Fail, which agreed to abstain in confidence votes.
Analysts here say the no-confidence motion could collapse the opposition party's confidence and supply agreement with Fine Gael-led minority government and could lead to a general election, possibly before Christmas.
"If we have to go to the polls, it's better to get it done before Christmas," Varadkar said in the news program.
"If we don't resolve matters by Tuesday, then there will be a motion of confidence in the Tanaiste, effectively a motion of confidence in the government and if that motion is successful, well, then we will be into an election at that point," he said.
"But we still have an opportunity, I think, over the next couple of days," he added.
Fianna Fail's leader Micheal Martin said his party does not want a general election and that the issue could be resolved if Fitzgerald steps down. But Fine Gael insists the deputy prime minister did nothing wrong and should not be forced from her position.
New Delhi, Nov 25 : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday assured a medical visa to yet another Pakistani national who said that "after Allah you are our last hope".
"India will not belie your hope. We will issue the visa immediately," Sushma Swaraj tweeted in response to a request from Shahzaib Iqbal from Lahore who said that a medical visa was required for the liver transplant of his cousin.
"After ALLAH you are our last hope.. kindly allow islamabad embassy (meaning Indian High Commission) to issue us medical visa," Iqbal said in his Tweeter request.
Sushma Swaraj also assured medical visas to two other Pakistani nationals seeking medical visas.
"Yes. We will give you the medical visa," she said in response to a request from Sajida Baksh who said that she underwent a liver transplant but developed complications and now needed urgent follow-up.
She also assured a visa to Kishwar Sultana who is awaiting liver transplant in a hospital in Noida.
On Independence Day, the Ministry of External Affairs had announced that India would provide medical visas to all bonafide Pakistani patients.
As ties between the two countries soured over various issues, the ministry had announced in May that only a letter of recommendation by then Pakistan Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Advisor Sartaj Aziz would enable a Pakistani national to get a medical visa for India.
The action was termed "highly regrettable" by Islamabad, which said that asking for such a letter violated diplomatic norms and such a requirement had not been prescribed for any other country.
However, a patient from Pakistan-administered Kashmir, seeking treatment in New Delhi for liver tumour, was given a visa on July 18.
Sushma Swaraj then said that he needed no recommendation from the Pakistani government for a medical visa because the territory "is an integral part of India".
Since August 15, however, Pakistani nationals seeking medical treatment have not been denied visas.
Nay Pyi Taw, Nov 27 : Pope Francis arrived in Myanmar on Monday on his first papal visit to the country as part of a six-day two-nation South Asia tour.
Francis has become the first pope to ever visit Myanmar. His visit comes amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis after the Myanmar military carried out operations against the Rohingya Muslim minority in Rakhine forcing some 620,000 Rohingyas to flee to Bangladesh.
He arrived in Yangon where he will stay at the archdiocese's headquarters where he will hold an interfaith dialogue with Myanmar religious leaders, reports Efe news.
On Tuesday, the pontiff will head to the capital city Nay Pyi Taw, where he will be officially welcomed by President Htin Kyaw and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.
Pope Francis is also scheduled to attend a major Mass on Wednesday, after which he will hold a meeting with the Supreme Council of Myanmar's Buddhist monks and another meeting with bishops.
On Thursday, he will officiate a new Mass dedicated to the children at the Cathedral of Santa Maria, and then meet Army chief General Min Aung Hlaing.
According to some observers, the Pope is likely to act as a mediator for the humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh, which the UN has dubbed a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing".
The military operation - which has killed hundreds of people and led to multiple rapes, burning of villages as well as crops since the end of August - has forced more than 620,000 Rohingyas to flee to Bangladesh.
The President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Myanmar, Bishop Felix Lian Khen Thang, did not deny the Pope's possible role in mediation.
The Holy Father can accelerate the reconciliation process between the two parties, the Bishop told Efe.
The visit was organised before the crisis, when the Pope met Suu Kyi at the Vatican in May.
After Myanmar, the pope will travel to Bangladesh on Thursday, becoming the first Catholic leader to visit Dhaka since 1986.
In Bangladesh, Francis is scheduled to meet a small group of Rohingya refugees in a symbolic gesture.
Cairo, Nov 28 : A group of Egyptian journalists gathered here for a silent vigil to honour the victims of last week's attack on a mosque in the Sinai Peninsula that killed more than 300 people.
Despite a ban on public demonstrations, more than a dozen people congregated outside the offices of the journalists union in Cairo on Monday amid a large police presence, Efe news reported.
Participants, holding candles and Egyptian flags, condemned the attack as contrary to the teachings of all religions.
Last Friday's assault on al-Rawdah mosque in Bir al-Abd, 40 km west of the North Sinai capital of el-Arish, left 305 people dead -- including 27 children -- and 128 others wounded.
As many as 30 assailants, one of them carrying an Islamic State banner, surrounded the mosque and opened fire on worshippers from the windows and door before entering the sanctuary to continue the slaughter, according to Egypt's public prosecutor.
Witnesses said the perpetrators fled before security forces could reach the scene of the deadliest terrorist attack in Egypt's recent history.
Several militant groups are active in that area of Sinai, including Al-Wilayat Sinai, which has pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS) and has claimed responsibility for the recent attacks.
The al-Rawdah mosque is attended by adherents of the current of Islam known as Sufism, which some fundamentalist Sunnis regard as heretical.
Washington, Nov 28 : US President Donald Trump spoke over phone with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, discussing Syrian situation and other issues, said the White House.
The two leaders agreed on the importance of the UN-based Geneva process as the only forum for achieving a political solution in Syria, the White House said in a statement on Monday, Xinhua reported.
In the phone call, Trump and Macron also discussed the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, it saide.
The UN Security Council on Monday urged all Syrian parties to participate actively in the Geneva political process without preconditions.
The Geneva peace talks is scheduled for Tuesday but the Syrian government is yet to confirm its participation in the talks.
The Syrian armed conflict broke out in 2011 and quickly turned into a full-fledged civil war.
UN figures show that the war has killed more than 330,000 people and displaced millions in the country.
Washington, Nov 28 : An American soldier has been killed in a non-combat-related incident in Iraq, the US Department of Defense has said.
The soldier, who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq, was killed on Saturday in Baghdad as a result of a non-combat-related incident, said the Pentagon in a statement on Monday, Xinhua reported.
The soldier was assigned to the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss in Texas, according to the statement.
The incident is still under investigation.
The Operation Inherent Resolve is the U.S.-led military campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
London, Nov 28 : Veteran actress Joan Collins has lashed out at her son Alexander Newley for calling her former husband Anthony Newley a "paedophile".
Collins says Alexander's claim is "absolutely untrue", reports dailymail.co.uk.
"I think that Sacha's (Alexander) being extremely naive and not really knowing the meaning of that word because what Tony (Anthony) admittedly was, is he loved young women and young women of 17, 18, 19 years old. Not children by any means," Collins said on "Good Morning Britain".
"Never in a million years would I have been married to somebody like that. Categorically, I can say that it is not true, that I never saw any of that kind of behaviour from Anthony," she added.
Washington, Nov 28 : US First Lady Melania Trump has inaugurated the decoration of the White House for the first Christmas since she and her husband, President Donald Trump, moved into the presidential residence last January.
"The president, (our son) Barron, and I are very excited for our first Christmas in the White House," the first lady said in a statement on Monday, Efe news reported.
"As with many families across the country, holiday traditions are very important to us. I hope when visiting the People's House this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays," she added.
The former Slovenian model toured each of the decorated rooms and wished the public a Merry Christmas in the name of her husband and family, including Barron, who had received with her the official White House Christmas tree that now stands in the Blue Room of the presidential residence.
With this year's theme being "Time-honored Traditions," the State Floor, Grand Foyer and Cross Hall decorations celebrate the first White House Christmas with a specific theme, that of "The Nutcracker Suite" from President John F. Kennedy's 1961 Christmas.
The Red Room tree is festooned with cookie ornaments and surrounded by peppermint candies, and in keeping with former first lady Nancy Reagan's favorite holiday decoration, two cranberry trees are mounted on tables there.
The White House Green Room contains crafts, paper and classic design, and the mansion's Library features President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1866 edition of "A Christmas Carol."
Tribute is paid to so-called "Gold Star families" who have lost a loved one serving with the military in combat, and the first Christmas card send by a US president - signed by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953 - is displayed along with that of Trump and earlier cards from the Obamas, among others.
On Thursday, President Trump will preside at the traditional lighting of the huge Christmas tree to be installed on the National Mall in Washington.
Tel Aviv, Nov 28 : An Israeli court has ordered global ride-hailing app Uber to stop two of its services here in the absence of proper travel insurance.
The court banned UberDay and UberNight, the company's private-car services, while UberTaxi that takes requests via licensed taxi drivers has not been affected, Jerusalem Post reported late on Monday.
"If they won't get insurance, I won't let them drive a meter," Tel Aviv District Court Chief Justice Eitan Orenstein was quoted as saying.
The ruling came after the Ministry of Transportation issued an indictment against Uber in May, alleging it was operating without a government license.
"It remains illegal for unregistered private drivers to ferry passengers in return for payment, as many of the private Uber drivers operate without studying safety regulations and undergoing any form of testing," the report added.
"We are committed to continuing to cooperate with the authorities, to examine how our technology can provide reliable, cost-effective and safe transportation options," Uber Israel said in a statement.
In September, Uber was banned from operating in London for flouting safety regulations.
The company is under scrutiny after it revealed in November that two hackers "inappropriately accessed" names, email addresses and phone numbers of 57 million customers and drivers and the license numbers of around 600,000 drivers.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said that the company in late 2016 became aware that two individuals outside the company had inappropriately accessed user data stored on a third-party cloud-based service that it uses.
New Delhi : Over the last weekend, tobacco advertisements were again seen across US media channels after decades of being banned. However, this time around, it was not by choice but by a court-imposed order to advertise the deadly effects of smoking.
The move provides a grim reminder to potential and existing consumers of tobacco of its fatal repercussions. A part of it disturbingly points out that more people die of smoking each year than from murder, AIDS, suicide, drugs, car crashes and alcohol combined.
As these adverts hit US screens, it seems like a good time for India to evaluate if it is doing enough to curb the prevalence of tobacco among its citizens. After all, India is the second-largest consumer and producer of the product.
There have been some positive developments with regard to the tobacco industry over the last few years that need to be recognised. First, according to WHO's Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) that has been conducted twice in 2009-10 (GATS-I) and 2016-17 (GATS-II), the prevalence of tobacco use among adults has reduced by six percentage points from 34.6 to 28.6. The absolute number of tobacco users have fallen by about 8.1 million. There has also been a reduction in the exposure to second-hand smoking in public spaces from 29 per cent to 23 per cent.
Second, till 2014 India was ranked 136 among 205 countries in the size of pictorial warnings on tobacco products. When it was mandated that 85 per cent of the product packaging should be covered in pictorial warnings in 2016, India jumped to the third rank. And it is now being increasingly recognised that pictorial warnings have a positive discouraging impact on tobacco consumers. The GATS-II report also found out that 61.9 per cent of adults thought of quitting because of pictorial warnings up from 38 per cent in its earlier round. Therefore, India's move to increase the proportion of pictorial depiction was well-founded.
Third, GATS-II also revealed that the average expenditure on tobacco has increased since GATS-I, tripling for cigarettes and doubling for bidis and smokeless tobacco. This clearly has been due to increase in tobacco prices over the years owing to increased taxation. However, it is not enough to rest on these laurels and turn nonchalant on the issue.
India suffers from some unique disparities in its tobacco industry which leaves immense scope for improvement on the consumption front. Unlike other countries where cigarette smoking accounts for a bulk of the tobacco consumption, the market share for cigarettes in India stands merely at 14 per cent. On the other hand, bidis account for 48 per cent of the market share and smokeless tobacco (SLT) for 38 per cent. This is mainly due to the sharp contrasts in pricing of cigarettes and bidis. The average per stick price of a cigarette is Rs 5.92, which is approximately 10 times the average per unit cost of a bidi or SLT.
The fact that low income segments are the primary consumers of such cheaper form of tobacco points to the importance of the price factor in this trend. And since 70 per cent of the population falls in the low-income segment, commensurate taxation of these products to bring them at par with cigarettes can be an effective strategy to curb tobacco consumption across the country.
It also makes economic sense to target the price points of bidis and SLTs instead of cigarettes since the price elasticity of the former is 0.9 while that of the latter is merely 0.4. This implies that if the price of bidis and cigarettes goes up by 10 percent, the demand of the former will fall by 9 percent while that of the latter will fall merely by 4 percent.
Following such a strategy is a low hanging fruit for the government but seems quite run-of-the-mill to be considered a strategic solution. However, apart from the obvious health benefits that will accrue to the majority of the Indian population from such a move, there are also a few fiscal benefits for the government in the long run if pursued.
According to the latest study done by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in India (MHFW), the total economic cost for treating tobacco-linked diseases of individuals aged 35-69 amounted to Rs 1,045 billion in 2011-12. This economic healthcare cost burden was more than five times the excise tax revenue collection done by the government from tobacco in the same year. This implies that for every 20 paise collection in excise tax on tobacco, the Indian government has to spend more than Rs 1 for tobacco-linked health issues.
Therefore, any move to disincentivise consumption of tobacco seems like a win-win from every aspect. One only wonders why such a recourse has not been pursued sooner in public policy. May be it has been the utter lack of discourse on the matter.
(Amit Kapoor is chair, Institute for Competitiveness, India. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in. Chirag Yadav, senior researcher, Institute for Competitiveness, India, has contributed to the article)
New Delhi, Nov 28 : With talk about India being asked to play a more active role in the Commonwealth, a British Minister has said that New Delhi has a "pivotal role" to play in the 52-nation bloc of countries that were once part of the British Empire.
"India is not just the largest democracy in the world, it is a also a country with great history within the context of the Commonwealth," Lord Tariq Ahmad, Britain's Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations, told IANS in an interview here.
"We were delighted by the royal visit here recently... as well as the warmth of the bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and India," he said.
"From the comments of Prince Charles, it was very clear about the importance we lay on the Commonwealth and equally that India lays towards the Commonwealth."
Ahmad, who is of Indian origin, said that his wife is of Pakistani heritage and their children were "products of the Commonwealth".
"That's what the Commonwealth brings. This incredible tapestry, this incredible diversity of nations and people," he said.
"I think India has a rich diversity and so, as the biggest nation of the Commonwealth in terms of people, as a nation which is clearly emerging as a great global player, it has a pivotal role to play in the Commonwealth."
Ahmad, who was here to attend the Fifth Global Conference on Cyber Space, said that London and New Delhi were holding constructive discussions "to see how we can also demonstrably show India playing a much more significant role within the context of the Commonwealth".
"We are seeing a new global India which is opening up to the world which presents huge opportunities," he said.
"But let's also recognise that India is a key player in the family that is the Commonwealth and in that we are also partners. So, we hope that with India's growing role within the Commonwealth, there will equally be great opportunities for other countries within the context of the Commonwealth as well."
With the world getting increasing multi-polar in the post-Cold War era, this grouping of former British territories has been losing relevance over the years.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta a miss, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh did not attend the 2011 meeting in Australia and the 2013 edition in Sri Lanka.
Now, however, attempts are being made to give a fresh lease of life to the bloc with expectations of India playing a more active role.
With next year's CHOGM to be hosted by Britain, Ahmad said the event this time would be attended by all heads of government.
Stating that next year's summit is really focused on opening up, he added that the leaders' retreat will be a very important part of it.
According to the British Minister, there are four key key themes in the run-up to next year's summit -- security, sustainability, prosperity and trade, and fairness.
While the first theme is aimed at ensuring a secure Commonwealth, the theme of sustainability looks at some of the challenges of climate change, particularly for island states.
"Recently, we have seen the challenges of climate change and the devastation things like hurricanes can pose for small islands," Ahmad said.
"How can we build resilience within that second theme? How can we build the capabilities of small island states in dealing with natural disasters? How can we build sustainable fishing industries?"
Ahmad said that the third element of prosperity and trade is aimed at opening up trade between the relevant nations of the Commonwealth.
"How we can do not just things collectively as the Commonwealth 52 but bilaterally as the UK and India are doing and at other times groups moving together," he stated.
As for the fourth theme of fairness, the British Minister said: "Whether you are a man or a woman, whether you are young or old, the Commonwealth is for everyone and we need to ensure fairness."
Stating that the key word to strengthen the 52-nation bloc is partnership, he said that sometimes the most practical workable solution may be found in one part of the Commonwealth.
(Aroonim Bhuyan can be contacted at aroonim.b@ians.in)
Bengaluru, Nov 28 : Incessant rains in Karnataka in the last few months that damaged several crops have led to soaring vegetable prices across the state, state-run horticulture committees and private grocers said.
"Due to heavy rains across the state, several crops have been damaged. There has been very less availability of everyday vegetables like onions, tomatoes and potatos, leading to rising prices," Gopal Gowda, Marketing Manager of Horticultural Producers' Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS), told IANS.
As listed by HOPCOMS, an organisation under the state's Department of Horticulture, on Monday, onions were priced at Rs 67 per kilo and tomatoes at Rs 42 a kilo as against their earlier prices which ranged between Rs 30-35 per kilo.
The prices of the politically sensitive vegetable, the onion, are likely to come down after the central government last week imposed a minimum export price of $850 per tonne (approximately Rs 54.8 per kilo) to increase domestic supplies, Gowda added.
The central government moved after vegetable prices shot up across the country.
"We are expecting the prices of onions to come down within another 15-20 days with the new harvest expected to hit the market," Gowda added.
"Unprecedented rains have caused the aberrations in food industry as there has been a delay in sowing the crops, which in turn delayed the crop cycle," Vipul Mittal, the National Head for Fruits and Vegetables for online grocer Big Basket, told IANS over the phone.
The prices of onions and tomatoes should have ideally been low during the winter with the harvest of their crops, Mittal added.
Over the past six months, the prices of onions per kilo swung between Rs 14 and Rs 47 on the grocery e-tailer's website, while the average prices of tomatoes per kilo varied between Rs 27 and Rs 72.
In June, the average price of a kilo of onions on Big Basket was Rs 14, while it rose to Rs 16 in July, then nearly doubled to Rs 31 in August. For the months of September and October, the average price of onions remained nearly the same as it was in August, then shot up to Rs 47 in November.
With many of the private grocery retailers sourcing vegetables and fruits directly from the farmers, they could manage to keep the prices slightly lower than that of the market, said M. Venkateshwar Kumar, the Chief Executive Officer, South of Future Retail.
"We have improved our way of sourcing our fruits and vegetables phenomenally over the last few months and have a way of procuring directly from the farmers. That helps in competitive pricing," Kumar told IANS.
Karnataka is one of the country's major onion producing states, with Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat being the other leading producers.
M.B. Raje Gowda, a professor at the University of Agricultural Sciences, estimated that the productivity of onions could go down by at least 70 per cent in the state owing to the heavy rains.
"During June and July, the sowing months, the state had no rainfall at all, which affected the farmers who took to onion sowing. Then there were excessive rains which caused water-logging in farms across the state during August and September, destroying the crops," Gowda said.
"Sowing area for onions on the whole in the state was less than 50 per cent of the area that is usually sown, out of which several crops were destroyed due to the rains. One can expect the output of onions to be affected by at least 70 per cent in Karnataka," he added.
(Bhavana Akella can be contacted at bhavana.a@ians.in)
New Delhi, Nov 28 : India is monitoring the situation in Bali where a volcano has erupted in Mount Agung, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Tuesday.
The minister tweeted that she had spoken to Pradeep Rawat, the Indian Ambassador in Jakarta.
"We have set up a facilitation centre at the (Bali) airport and are providing assistance to the stranded Indian nationals there. I am in constant touch with our mission," she said.
Indonesian authorities on Tuesday extended the closure of Bali's main airport until Wednesday.
Indonesian officials say Agung continues to erupt and spew water vapour and ash between 2,000 and 3,400 metres high above the crater. There is also seismic activity in the area.
The Bali airport on Monday cancelled 445 domestic and international flights, leaving at least 59,000 passengers stranded. Bali is the main tourist draw in Indonesia, with an annual influx of around 5.4 million foreign tourists, according to official data.
At least 22 towns near the mountain have been affected by the ash and authorities have recommended the use of protective masks for the population. Located in the east of the island, in Karangasem district, Mount Agung is far from most tourist attractions.
New Delhi, Nov 28 : On the eve of the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reiterated India's support for the Palestinian cause.
"On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, I reiterate India's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause," Modi said in a statement.
"We hope for early realization of a sovereign, independent, united and viable Palestine, co-existing peacefully with Israel," Modi said.
In 1977, the UN General Assembly called for the annual observance of November 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
In his message, Modi said India was an active development partner of Palestine, engaged in extending technical and financial assistance to improve the lives of the Palestinian people.
"We will continue to support the development and nation-building efforts of Palestine.
"To this effect, India has increased training slots for Palestine under our flagship Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation programme from 100 to 150 annual slots.
"Separately, educational scholarships have also been doubled in order to contribute to human resource development of Palestine."
Modi also expressed hope for an early resumption of dialogue between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to move towards finding a comprehensive negotiated resolution.
Beirut, Nov 28 : Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has said that he will resign if the Hezbollah resistance movement refuses to remain neutral in the country.
Hariri, in remarks to French broadcaster CNews, said on Monday that he would continue as Prime Minister "if Hezbollah accepted to stick by the state policy of staying out of regional conflicts from Syria to Iraq and Yemen".
"They know we have to remain neutral in the region," Hariri was quoted as saying by Press TV.
Hezbollah is an opponent of Hariri's Saudi Arabia-backed Future Movement though it is also a member of Hariri's coalition government.
Hariri announced his resignation on November 4 in Saudi Arabia, shocking Lebanon and plunging it into political uncertainty. He accused Iran and Hezbollah of sowing strife in the Arab world, an allegation rejected by both sides.
Shortly afterwards, Lebanese President Michel Aoun accused Riyadh of kidnapping Hariri. The European Union, France and Germany also called on the Saudis for his return.
Hariri then travelled back to Lebanon and put his resignation on hold at Aoun's request in favour of a national dialogue.
According to reports, Hariri had been forced to step down by the Kingdom over his failing to "confront" Hezbollah.
"Lebanon cannot resolve a question like Hezbollah which is in Syria, Iraq, everywhere because of Iran. It is a regional political solution that needs to be done," Hariri said on Monday.
He also rejected claims that he had forcibly resigned. He said he had written his resignation statement himself, countering allegations that it has been handed to him.
The Prime Minister said he would keep to himself what happened in Saudi Arabia, implying that he did not feel free to expose what had actually transpired in the Kingdom.
Nairobi, Nov 28 : Uhuru Kenyatta will be sworn-in on Tuesday in front of foreign dignitaries and thousands of supporters for his second term as Kenya's President.
The swearing-in comes after Kenyatta's win in the October 26 presidential re-run, reports Xinhua news agency.
"We have received many congratulatory messages from foreign countries and we have more than 43 delegations who have confirmed attendance," Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Monica Juma said.
The swearing-in ceremony, which is being boycotted by the opposition, is being held amid tight security in the Kasarani Stadium here.
Kenyatta won the re-run with 7.48 million votes in 266 out of 291 constituencies.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has mocked Kenyatta's "coronation".
The original election on August 8 was held over again after being annulled by the Supreme Court on grounds of irregularities.
Itanagar, Nov 28 : Arunachal Pradesh Governor B.D. Mishra has urged Army chief General Bipin Rawat to lower the height criteria for youths from the state, saying this was coming in the way of their joining the military.
Mishra, a retired Brigadier, also requested Gen Rawat to increase the number of recruitment rallies in the state which borders China.
The "height consideration ... is a natural handicap" for the youths to join the Army, he said.
The Governor said youths of the state had aspirations but due to the remoteness of their living areas and lack of pre-recruitment training, "many aspirants have missed the recruitment opportunity in the past".
Chandigarh, Nov 28 : The Punjab Assembly saw noisy scenes on Tuesday as opposition AAP legislators demanded a CBI probe into an alleged audio clip in which a lawyer is purportedly heard seeking money on behalf of a High Court judge to decide a case against AAP Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators stormed to the well of the House and did not allow Question Hour to begin.
Khaira demanded a CBI probe against the lawyer who was allegedly acting as a tout for a High Court judge.
Khaira said that vested interests were trying to fix him in a drugs case through unfair means.
The Shiromani Akali Dal legislators attacked the Congress government for not implementing its promise of debt waiver for farmers in Punjab.
The Akali Dal and AAP legislators were also involved in heated exchanges on the issue of drugs in Punjab.
AAP legislators demanded that the report of a special investigation team (SIT) into the drugs racket be made public.
Following the uproar, the Speaker adjourned the house for 30 minutes.
AAP legislators later staged a walkout on the issue of the Assembly session being too short. They said the party's demand for a longer session was ignored. They have demanded that the session should be at least for seven days.
Lucknow, Nov 28 : Bollywood producer-director Madhur Bhandarkar on Tuesday met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence and evinced interest in shooting for his next film in the state, officials said.
Adityanath had a morning engagement with the noted director.
Officials said Bhandarkar lauded the new film policy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state.
Uttar Pradesh has been pitching hard to attract Bollywood to shoot in the state. It was also a partner in the film festival in Goa where senior officials camped and met film personalities to discuss the benefits of shooting in the state, the officials added.
Uttar Pradesh has drawn a large number of film producers in the past five years. Former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had rolled out the red carpet for shoots. Dozens of films were shot in different locations of the state.
However, with the BJP coming to power, there has been a break in this as the film world views the present dispensation as a hardliner and does not want to "court unnecessary controversy", a known film personality told IANS.
Dubai, Nov 28 : India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara has reclaimed the No.2 Test spot while skipper Virat Kohli stood static at No.5 in the latest ICC rankings, released here on Tuesday.
Pujara, who stroked a brilliant 143 in the second Test against Sri Lanka in the Nagpur Test, leapfrogged England captain Joe Root and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson in the batting chart led by Australia skipper Steven Smith.
Smith fired a magnificent unbeaten 141, his 21st century in his 57th Test, which was the cornerstone of Australia's 10-wicket victory over England in the Ashes opener in Brisbane.
For Pujara, this is the third time the Saurashtra right-hander has claimed the second rank, having first reached the position after the Ranchi Test against Australia in March, and then again in August, after scoring 133 against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Pujara has been rewarded with 22 points, which have lifted him from fourth to second on a career-high 888 points.
On the other hand, Kohli, who struck his fifth Test double-hundred in Nagpur, added 60 points to take his tally to 877 points.
India opener Murali Vijay and middle-order batsman Rohit Sharma, who were the other centurions in the just-concluded Test, have also made impressive gains. Vijay has risen eight places to 28th position, while Rohit has shot up seven places to 46th spot.
Meanwhile, a flop show in the Nagpur game saw opener Lokesh Rahul down by one spot to No.9, Ajinkya Rahane dropped two spots to 15th while Shikhar Dhawan also went down by a point to be positioned 29th.
Among the bowlers, Indian left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja has reclaimed the second spot following his match figures of 5/84, while Australia's Mitchell Starc has returned to the top 10 in 10th position after his match figures of 6/128 helped him gain three places.
Ravichandran Ashwin, who got the fastest 300 wickets in Tests, has consolidated his fourth position by gaining nine points and is now 42 points behind number-one ranked Englishman James Anderson who has dropped five points after claiming two wickets in the Brisbane Test.
Other bowlers to improve their rankings include Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma of India, who have moved up one place each to 28th and 30th respectively, and Pat Cummins of Australia, who has jumped six places to claim 45th position.
In the all-rounders' rankings, Ashwin has returned to third place in the list which is headed by Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh.
London, Nov 28 : Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been stripped of the honour granting her the Freedom of the City of Oxford over her response to the repression of her countrys Rohingya Muslims.
The Oxford city council voted unanimously to permanently remove the honour given to Suu Kyi in 1997 and said it did not want to celebrate "those who turn a blind eye to violence".
Oxford councillors had previously voted to support a cross-party motion to remove the award and made the decision official in a vote on Monday evening, the Guardian reported.
The vote comes as Myanmar's powerful Army Chief told visiting Pope Francis there is "no religious discrimination" in Myanmar.
Councillor Mary Clarkson, who proposed the motion, said: "When Aung San Suu Kyi was given the Freedom of the City in 1997 it was because she reflected Oxford's tolerance and internationalism.
"We celebrated her for her opposition to oppression and military rule in Myanmar. Today we have taken the unprecedented step of stripping her of the city's highest honour because of her inaction in the face of oppression of the minority Rohingya population."
She added that the reputation of the city was being "tarnished" by "honouring those who turn a blind eye to violence".
In 2012, Suu Kyi was celebrated with an honorary doctorate from Oxford and held her 67th birthday party at St. Hugh's college, where she studied politics, philosophy and economics between 1964 and 1967.
But in recent months the Nobel Peace laureate has attracted growing criticism for her response to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
In September, the governing body of St. Hugh's decided to remove a painting of her from its main entrance, days before the start of the university term and the arrival of new students.
In October, undergraduates at St. Hugh's voted to remove the Myanmar leader's name from the title of their junior common room.
So far, Oxford has decided not to reconsider Suu Kyi's honorary degree. But the university has expressed its "profound concern" over the Rohingya crisis.
Kolkata, Nov 28 : Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday flew in India's indigenous fighter aircraft Tejas, and called it a "very good plane".
"Privileged to be flown on the Tejas, India's own designed and manufactured fighter aircraft. A very good plane," the Singapore minister said in a tweet.
He was flown in the plane at the Indian Air Force Station in Kalaikunda (West Bengal), the Defence Ministry said.
Hen, who is on a tour to India, will arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday to hold second Singapore-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue with his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman.
Yangon, Nov 28 : Pope Francis, who is on a state visit to Myanmar, met a group of 17 leaders from various religious faiths here on Tuesday, urging them to defend their identities and resist cultural colonialism.
The Pope spoke in Spanish during the 40-minute meeting and drew a difference between unity and uniformity, warning that while unity was beautiful, an insistence on uniformity could lead to cultural colonialism, reports Efe news.
"Everyone has their values, their wealth and their shortcomings. Each faith has their traditions, their wealth to give, and this can only happen if we live in peace," he said.
The meeting was held at the archdiocesan headquarters, where the Pope is staying after he arrived here on Monday.
The Bishop of the Pathein Diocese in Myanmar John Hsane Hgyi had opened the meeting, followed by leaders from Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, Anglican and Roman Catholic faiths, according to Vatican spokesperson Greg Burke.
During the meeting, the pontiff urged Myanmar's religious leaders to understand the value of ethnic and religious differences they represented, rather than be daunted by them.
He also met Buddhist leader Sitagu Sayadaw separately to discuss peaceful coexistence among communities in the country that has been in the spotlight for months over continuing atrocities against the Rohingya Muslim minority.
The Pope will travel to capital Nay Pyi Taw later on Tuesday to meet President Htin Kyaw and Nobel Peace Laureate and the de-facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The humanitarian crisis of the Rohingya plays a crucial role in Pope Francis' visit to Myanmar.
On Thursday he will head to neighbouring Bangladesh in an attempt to mediate the crisis, which the UN has dubbed a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing".
The pontiff will become the first Catholic leader to visit Dhaka since 1986.
In Bangladesh, Francis is scheduled to meet a small group of Rohingya refugees in a symbolic gesture.
Kolkata, Nov 28 : President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said Bengal has certain advantages as a border state but also certain responsibilities in guarding against forces of radicalism and extremism.
"Being a border state gives Bengal certain advantages. It also gives it certain responsibilities. Forces of radicalism and extremism, some of them with cross-border linkages, seek to take advantage of our democratic spaces. We must guard against this," he said while speaking at a civic reception accorded to him here.
Kovind, on his maiden visit to the state after taking over as President, expressed his gratitude to Bengal for the "warm welcome" and thanked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for a unique gift.
"I am happy to say that I am deeply touched by the warm welcome which has been accorded to me in the land of Bengal. I was more surprised when Chief Minister presented me a painting. She said this is her own painting. Honourable Chief Minister, I assure you that, of course, it will be in Rashtrapati Bhavan. But it will always remain close to my heart," he said.
Hailing the state for its rich culture and history, he said: "There are few people anywhere in our country who have not been touched by Bengal or by some creation of Bengal. Somehow, in some manner, the state has touched every Indian and enriched the life of every Indian."
Citing many freedom fighters from Bengal, he said three sons of Bengal - Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chanra Chattorpadhyay and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose - were instrumental for defining nationalism.
"Our freedom came faster because of the energy they gave our people," he said.
The President described Kolkata as the city with a heart and Bengalis as people with a heart.
He also mentioned that nation building owed a lot to Bengal and the sacrifices and historical achievements of the people of the state.
He noted that Bengal embraced refugees escaping from a brutal military crackdown in what was then East Pakistan. "It generously shared whatever little it had with those who had run away from oppression. We can never forget that. The world can never forget that," he added.
Reminding the past glory of industrialisation in the state, he said: "Bengal was an early industrial and manufacturing centre in our country. Its economy must sing again in this age of digital and robotic technologies. Its farmers must be equipped with the latest agricultural knowledge to allow them to realise their potential."
London, Nov 28 : Researchers have found a treasure trove of bacteria with the potential to fight HIV as well as tackle the world's antibiotic problem from soils in one of the highest, driest places on earth.
Soils analysis from the Cerro Chajnantor mountain landscape of Chile within the Atacama Desert, revealed an extraordinary repository for actinobacterial 'dark matter' -- which comprises the vast majority of microbes that microbiologists are currently unable to cultivate.
Actinobacteria are the keystone species in our ecosystems and are acknowledged as an unrivalled source of bioactive compounds.
"We found that 40 per cent of the actinobacteria captured in samples could not be given ascribed names as they had never before been discovered," said Michael Goodfellow, Professor at Britain's Newcastle University .
"This microbial seed bank represents an enormous untapped resource for biotechnology programmes, especially in an era where resistance to existing antibiotics is rapidly becoming a major threat to global health," Goodfellow said.
The team also found one strain of bacteria that is proven to be an inhibitor of an enzyme that allows the HIV virus to reproduce itself.
"This could provide essential clues for the development of anti-HIV drugs," Goodfellow said.
"The discovery of new bacteria could potentially be used to create new treatments as work continues to tackle the antibiotics time-bomb," he noted.
For the study, published in the journal Extremophiles, the team conducted analysis of soil samples taken from heights of 3,000 to 5,000 metres above sea level from the Atacama Desert, which is subject to a combination of extreme environmental conditions including the world's highest levels of surface ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Panaji, Nov 28 : Sanal Kumar Sasidharan's fight to have his Malayalam film "S Durga" screened at the 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) failed due to fresh title-related issues raised by the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC).
In a fresh twist to the "S Durga" saga, IFFI director Sunit Tandon said the film could not screened at the festival which closes on Tuesday.
Tandon's letter to director Sasidharan said: "Following the (jury) screening, certain issues related to the certification of the film with reference to the title of the film were raised. This was referred to the CBFC for clarification. As a consequence to the orders of CBFC, the film cannot be exhibited till the issues are resolved."
The film was dropped from the screening schedule of the Indian Panorama section of the IFFI along with another film "Nude", triggering controversy.
Sasidharan intensified his fight for "justice" with a petition at the Kerala High Court last week. The court directed IFFI to screen the film at the festival after a censored version of the movie was screened for the jury.
According to official sources, the jury voted 7-4 in favour of screening the film at the festival late on Monday night even as the festival was scheduled to end on the subsequent day.
The CBFC has now claimed that the change in title from "Sexy Durga" to "S Durga" and then to "S### Durga" was problematic and that the Indian Panorama jury which watched the film on Monday had complained about the changes in the title.
"Now we have received complaints from the IFFI jury at Goa that the title of the film on the title card is shown by the filmmaker as 'S### Durga' which has totally different implications and are effectively undermining and attempting to defeat the very basis of the title registration and changes effected thereby," Pratibha A, the CBFC regional officer from the Thiruvananthapuram division, said in a communication.
The CBFC communique to the film's producer Shaji Mathew also directs that the film should not be exhibited because of violations under Rule 33 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 1983.
Meanwhile, Sasidharan and the film's actor Kannan Nayar staged a token protest near the IFFI screening facility here, against the refusal of the IFFI organisers to screen their film at the festival, despite the jury voting in the film's favour.
"It is a bias we are facing. Our film is not 'Sexy Durga' now, it is 'Sexy Democracy'... They are imposing silence on us. They think it is just a filmmaker and a film they are silencing. They will come to your home and silence you. That is when you will realise how serious the threat iS," Sasidharan said.
New Delhi, Nov 28 : Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan on Tuesday inaugurated a Green Waste Reprocessor (GWR) machine here at Nigambodh Ghat that will convert leaves and flowers into reusable religious offerings at the crematorium.
The machine installed at the largest crematorium of Delhi will process all the horticulture waste generated or used during the last rites, into Havan Samagri which will be reused at the crematorium itself.
The managing committee of Nigambodh Ghat said the Havan Samgri produced will be distributed free of cost to people who perform the Havan or Yajna there.
The machine, first of its kind at a crematorium in Delhi, has been funded through MPLADS fund of the Minister.
The Minister said the initiative is a step to save river Yamuna from pollution.
"GWR is a promising machine which will reprocess flowers and leaves that come to the Ghat. Earlier it was either thrown away into the river, or would pile up as refuse which was removed by municipality trucks. Either way it added to pollution," the Minister said.
The machine is produced by Clean India Ventures and can reprocess 100 to four tonnes of green waste per day.
"Green waste constitute more than 60 per cent of urban waste... Municipalities can achieve a big relief from managing landfill sites to operating waste-carrying trucks if bulk generators of waste such as residential societies, vegetable mandis, temples, hotels etc installs a GWR machine," said Alok Gupta, Director, Clean India Ventures.
New Delhi, Nov 28 : India and Russia have reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in security and counterterrorism, an official said on Tuesday.
A Home Ministry statement said the issue was taken up by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Federation Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev during a meeting in Moscow on Monday.
The two leaders also reviewed the implementation of the Agreement on Information Security signed in October 2016.
Both sides welcomed the ongoing cooperation and regular exchange of visits between the National Security Councils of the two countries.
Rajnath Singh, on a three-day visit to Russia from November 27-29, also held discussions with Russian Minister for Emergency Situations Vladimir Puchkov on cooperation in disaster management.
The two reviewed the progress on Agreement on Disaster Management signed in 2010.
"Both sides agreed that EMERCOM of Russia will cooperate in the establishment of a National Crisis Management Centre in India," the statement said.
They also agreed on a programme to train specialists and sharing of experiences and best practices in disaster management.
The two leaders later signed a Joint Implementation Plan for 2018-19 for cooperation in disaster management.
Rajnath Singh will visit the Federal Security Service of Russia and hold talks with its Director Alexander Bortnikov on Tuesday, the statement added.
Tokyo, Nov 28 : Tokyo retained its position as the city with the most Michelin starred restaurants in the world with 314 of its restaurants making it to the 2018 edition of the celebrated Red Guidebook, the publishers said on Tuesday.
Four three-starred Tokyo restaurants have maintained their position for 11 years, including Kanda, that serves Japanese Kaiseki cuisine, Sushi restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro and French eateries Joel Robuchon and Quintessence.
"My attitude toward cooking has been the same for 11 years; it is always a challenge to offer the best dishes to the clients. It is something constant, but I don't forget the essential things," Shuzo Kishida, chef of Quintessence told Efe news.
Ramen restaurants Nakiryu and Tsuta, where a meal does not cost more than 1,000 yen ($9), have also kept their single star this year, although ramen - a noodle soup - is considered fast food in Japan.
The renowned French guide book, considered the bible of gastronomy, awarded three stars to 12 restaurants, the highest rating in the French guidebook.
The Japanese capital, which also boasts of 56 two-star and 155 one-star restaurants, and nine more stars as compared to last year, has now beaten Paris for the seventh consecutive year.
Michael Ellis, international director of the Michelin guide, said that the local food, as well as the international cuisine, served in Tokyo was of great quality.
The 2018 edition of the guidebook, which will be available in bookshops and online from December 1, includes 23 new restaurants and for the fourth consecutive year, included a section dedicated to 278 Japanese restaurants that are good value for money.
Tokyo has got its own edition of the guide for 11 years now, which claims to select the best from among its 160,000 restaurants.
New Delhi, Nov 28 : The government has said the expenditure incurred on the entire negotiation process under the ambitious Naga Framework Agreement cannot be made public as it will be prejudicial to national security interests.
"It is intimated that the information sought on the expenditure of Naga Framework Agreement are highly sensitive in nature and sharing the details will be prejudicial to the national security interests," the Home Ministry said in an RTI reply to IANS.
The information was exempted from disclosure under Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act, 2005, the reply added.
Clause 8(1)(a) bars making public information, disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the state, relation with foreign state or lead to incitement of an offence.
The Home Ministry also declined to give information on the cost incurred on keeping the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Issak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) leaders in Delhi ever since the signing of the Naga Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015.
The Agreement was signed between the Centre and the NSCN-IM after nearly two decades of negotiations.
Many expect a final solution to the six decades of Naga conflict by the end of this year.
Nagaland may get some political autonomy as part of the overall solution.
Kolkata, Nov 28 : Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday flew a sortie in the trainer version of the Light Combat Aircraft at the Indian Air Force base at Kalaikunda in West Bengal, and called it a "very good plane".
"Privileged to be flown on the Tejas, India's own designed and manufactured fighter aircraft. A very good plane," the Singapore minister said in a tweet.
Hen, on a day's visit to Kalaikunda, was received at the air base by Eastern Air Command chief, Air Marshal Anil Khosla.
The Project Director for Flight Testing at the Aeronautical Development Agency, Air Vice Marshal A.P. Singh was the pilot who flew the visiting dignitary in the LCA, a Defence Ministry spokesman said.A
Hen also met and interacted with the Detachment Commander and other officers and men of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), who are presently at Kalaikunda undergoing their routine annual training.
The Joint Military Training is scheduled to start in a few days at Kalaikunda wherein the RSAF pilots would fly their F-16s and their IAF counterparts, the Su-30.
Speaking to the media, Hen praised the professionalism of the IAF and expressed satisfaction with the military cooperation between the two countries.
Khosla said Joint Military Training provided a unique platform for mutual learning and exchange of ideas between two professional Air Forces.
Hen will arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday to hold second Singapore-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue with his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman.
Yangon, Nov 28 : Pope Francis on Tuesday delivered a keynote speech in Myanmar after meeting the country's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, demanding "respect for each ethnic group" but without referring to the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority by name.
Standing alongside Suu Kyi, the Pope spoke mostly in general terms. His highly-anticipated remarks may draw condemnation from human rights activists who blame the Myanmar Army for driving out hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas from the country.
Although the Pope made no direct reference to Rohingyas, his speech was a strong defence of ethnic rights, the BBC reported.
He said: "The future of Myanmar must be peace, a peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good."
The Pope said Myanmar's greatest treasure was its people and that they had "suffered greatly and continue to suffer, from civil conflict and hostilities that have lasted all too long and created deep divisions.
"As the nation now works to restore peace, the healing of those wounds must be a paramount political and spiritual priority."
He added: "Religious differences need not be a source of division and distrust, but rather a force for unity, forgiveness, tolerance and wise nation-building."
In her speech, Suu Kyi also made no direct reference to the Rohingya Muslims. However, she accepted the situation in Rakhine state had "most strongly captured the attention of the world".
She said that "social, economic and political" issues had "eroded trust and understanding, harmony and co-operation between different communities in Rakhine".
Suu Kyi has been criticized for her lack of action over the issue. She was stripped of the Freedom of the City of Oxford on Monday, with British councillors saying they no longer wished to honour those who turned a "blind eye to violence".
Myanmar denied UN accusations that the treatment of the Muslim community amounted to "ethnic cleansing". It said the crackdown in Rakhine state, which began in late August, was to root out violent insurgents.
The Pope is on the second day of a four-day visit to the country. In an earlier 40-minute meeting in Yangon with leaders of the Buddhist, Islamic, Hindu, Jewish and Christian faiths, he also made no direct reference to the Rohingyas, according to Vatican officials.
He also met Buddhist leader Sitagu Sayadaw separately to discuss peaceful coexistence among communities in the country. On Wednesday, the Pope will celebrate a huge Mass in Yangon, Efe news reported.
After Myanmar, he will move on to Bangladesh to meet a small group of Rohingya refugees in a symbolic gesture.
The pontiff will become the first Catholic leader to visit Dhaka since 1986.
Ghaziabad, Nov 28 : Armed robbers who initially pretended to be patients in need of urgent medical help barged into a doctor's house here on Tuesday and fled with cash, jewellery and other valueables worth lakhs of rupees, police said.
The incident occurred at the Vasundhara residential locality when four men reached the residence-cum-clinic of neurologist Neeraj Agrawal and told the receptionist that they needed to see him.
As the receptionist asked them to wait, they quickly scaled the staircase and barged into the first floor residence where the doctor, his wife and mother live.
They overpowered the doctor, put a pistol at his head and told his wife to surrender all the valuables -- which she did.
Within 15 minutes, they fled after bolting the house from outside. The frightened receptionist then phoned the police.
"Raids are being conducted to nab the criminals," Inspector Sushil Kumar Dubey told IANS.
New Delhi, Nov 28 : The CBI on Tuesday said it has booked five officials of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on charge of siphoning off government funds.
The agency also carried out searches at 11 premises of the accused officials and private persons in Delhi, CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal told IANS.
The CBI had registered a case against Under Secretary Sanjay Mehta, Section Officer Hemant, Assistant Section Officer R.K. Arora, Section Officer Vijay Pal and Assistant Section Officer Mahendra Singh, all posted in the Training Section of DoPT, and several others on charges of cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code.
According to the CBI official, the five officials were booked on Monday evening after a complaint from DOPT Director (Training) V.K. Sinha on September 9 that Mehta, Arora and Hemant had siphoned off government funds through fraudulent sanction orders.
The complaint said it had been decided to place these officers under suspension.
Jain reported that persual of records for 2017-18 revealed that of the total 67 payments made during the fiscal under Training for All scheme, totalling Rs 9.21 crore, eight bills of Rs 18.17 lakh were issued fraudulently in favour of five vendors: Institute of Public Sciences, Kapil Book Store, Kavita Ahluwalia, Institute of Public Administration and Sahej Trading Corporation.
The complaint alleged that three sanction orders issued by the TFA Section were found to be issued fraudulently without the approval of the competent authority.
Kolkata, Nov 28 : Legendary Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee would be handed over France's highest civilian award Legion of Honour during the 42nd edition of the International Kolkata Book Fair in January next year.
France, which would also be the focal theme of this edition of the world's most attended book fair, is planning to present the award to the octogenarian actor on the inaugural day of the event in the presence of its Minister of Culture Francoise Nyssen, a senior French official said on Tuesday.
"Soumitra Chatterjee is not just an actor, he is a legend. The award was announced in June. But we waited for the perfect occasion to hand him the award. The book fair seems to be a perfect backdrop as our Minister of Culture would also be present in the city at that time," Damien Syed, Consul General of France in Kolkata, said during the announcement and logo unveiling event of the book fair here.
"It is a befitting occasion to hand him the award as a French minister would be visiting the city after seven years. We felt it would be more prestigious and impactful if he is handed over the award by the minister, who herself is a writer and a noted publisher in France," he pointed out.
The upcoming edition of the book fair would be inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at a new venue in Central Park Mela Grounds in Salt Lake and would be held from January 31 to February 11.
Talking about the French connection to the Kolkata book fair, Syed said the French pavilion in this edition, entitled 'Experience: The Digital Journey of France', would focus on highlighting various aspects of Indo-French relations.
"It is wonderful to see France as the main focus country in the Kolkata book fair. The French pavilion in the fair would be uniquely designed to portray different aspects of Indo-French relationships in the past, present and future," the consul general said.
The ongoing 'Bonjour India Festival', organised by the cultural wing of the French Embassy in different Indian cities on the occasion of the 70th year of Indo-France diplomatic relationship, would observe its closing ceremony at the Kolkata book fair.
Kolkata, Nov 28 : Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday flew in India's indigenous fighter aircraft Tejas, and called it a "very good plane".
"Privileged to be flown on the Tejas, India's own designed and manufactured fighter aircraft. A very good plane," the Singapore minister said in a tweet.
Ng was flown in the plane at the Indian Air Force Station in Kalaikunda (West Bengal), the Defence Ministry said. The flight, around half-an-hour long, was piloted by Air Vice Marshal A.P. Singh, the Project Director, Flight Testing at the Aeronautical Development Agency.
Two Tejas aircraft were flown in from Bengalure to Kalaikunda, where a joint training is on between the IAF and Republic of Singapore Air Force, which has flown in six F-16C/Ds. The IAF has fielded its Sukhoi-30 fighter jets.
Ng, on a day's visit to Kalaikunda, was received at the air base by Eastern Air Command chief, Air Marshal Anil Khosla.
Talking to reporters at the airbase, he called Tejas an "excellent aircraft" and said it is "very impressive".
He however did not confirm if Singapore has expressed any interest in buying the fighter.
"I am not a pilot... it is for the technical people to take a call on it," he said.
Ng, who is on a tour to India, will arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday to hold second Singapore-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue with his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman.
An official statement from the Singapore Defence Ministry said Ng thanked the Indian Government for providing realistic and challenging training opportunities for the RSAF to hone its operational readiness.
"(It was) very impressive, and this is the reason why our air force trains with your (Indian) air force. Your pilots are superb, planes (are) equally good, and the RSAF gets immeasurable value from training here with you, and (with) experienced pilots like you. We have been having bilateral air exercises since 2004, and I hope that these bilateral exercises will last very long," he said.
The statement added that the bilateral training has grown in scale and complexity over the years to involve advanced aircraft and high-end training missions such as Dissimilar Air Combat Training and Mission-Oriented Training.
In January this year, India and Singapore had renewed an agreement for RSAF to continue its joint military training with IAF for another five years. Under the agreement, the RSAF will have regular opportunities to train with the IAF's advanced Su-30 fighters.
The agreement between the two air forces was signed first in 2007 and renewed in 2012.
Mumbai, Nov 28 : The National Human Rights Commission and the Maharashtra State Women's Commission on Tuesday took serious note of a school reportedly asking a 15-year-old rape victim to leave on grounds that her continuance as student "tarnishes its reputation".
Terming the incident as "a grave violation" of the victim's human rights, the NHRC has issued notice to the state government and Defence Secretary, while the MSWC has written to the Latur police and district administration, both seeking a detailed report on the shocking incident.
According to local media reports, the girl was raped last April on the pretext of marriage by a soldier who visited his native village while on vacation, but later abandoned her.
The victim and her family have claimed that the local police harassed her and allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000 for lodging the complaint, and the case was only filed after they approached Latur's Superintendent of Police Shivajirao Rathod in August.
After police visited the school to make investigations, the girl's family said she was asked to collect her transfer certificate and leave the school, ostensibly as the school authorities felt it harmed their reputation with repeated police visits to its premises.
The school authorities denied the allegations, claiming that the girl's family had sought to make her leave the school as she was traumatised by the incident.
MSWC Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar told media persons here that the Latur police have been directed to submit a detailed status report on the entire matter on top priority and indicated that a team would visit the victim.
Congress legislator from Latur, Amit Vilasrao Deshmukh has offered all help to the victim in her quest for justice.
Police said the soldier is accused of raping the girl sometime in April when he befriended her on the pretext of marriage, when he was on leave from duty, but later broke all contact with her.
Terming the incident as "highly sadistic and unethical", the NHRC has ordered the Defence Secretary to inform about the departmental action taken against the accused soldier within four weeks.
Abu Dhabi, Nov 28 : In a significant honour, India has been declared as the 'Guest of Honour country for the prestigious 15th Abu Dhabi Festival (ADF), a month-long festival celebrating art and culture, to be held in March 2018 in Abu Dhabi. It will see performances by 'The Merchants of Bollywood an Indian theatrical extravaganza, 'We The Living, a classical Indian dance inspired by Rumis 'The Human Being by the Tanusree Shankar Dance Academy and sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
The announcement of India being the Guest of Honour country was made at a packed press conference at the Emirates Palace Auditorium on Monday, according to a UAE Embassy press release.
The Festival will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance.
The selection of India as Guest of Honour country is significant as 2018 is being celebrated as the 'Year of Zayed', to mark the birth centenary of Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE and the country's first President.
ADF 2018 will see the participation of more than 500 international artistes and 40 composers from 30 countries.
Indian Artists of eminence will participate in the event. The India-related events will include workshops by Gilles Chuyen, who has been trained in France in Folk, Modern Ballet and Contemporary dance styles and as choreographer and works extensively with Bollywood; and Collaboration between Rajeev Kumar and UAE's Mohammed Mandi, both eminent calligraphists, from India and UAE respectively.
Umm AL Emarat Park will showcase 'The Raghu Dixit Project', one of India's most exciting live acts with some of the finest musicians.
Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, said: "It is a matter of pride that India has been chosen as the Guest of Honour for the 2018 edition of Abu Dhabi Festival. We look forward to working closely with Her Excellency Huda AlKhamis-Kanoo and her team to bring some of the finest elements of Indian culture to the arts loving people of Abu Dhabi."
He said the "cultural effort that India or the Indian community has made in UAE has principally been directed toward the Indian community. By collaborating with ADF 2018 we hope to supplement these efforts to take Indian culture mainstream and make sure that there is a much better understanding of an India beyond Bollywood. That is why the focus is on showcasing some of India's magnificent diversity."
New Delhi, Nov 28 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked the city government to place before it the mapping of government schools in the national capital which provide science and commerce streams to students at the intermediate level.
The court asked the Delhi government to file a response along with mapping of government and government-aided schools offering and not offering these two streams.
The court posted the matter for February 26.
The court was hearing a plea alleging that the majority of government schools here are not offering their students science and commerce streams at the intermediate level.
In its affidavit, the Department of Education (DoE) of the Delhi government said that "science stream is available in 291 government and 76 government-aided schools and commerce stream is available in 743 government and 128 government-aided schools..."
It further said that the DoE was divided into 29 zones, each having a small geographical area and every zone had sufficient number of schools equipped with science and commerce streams for Class XI and XII, so that students could opt for their desired stream.
It stated that as per the data of the last five years, despite an increase in the number of schools offering science stream by nearly 18 per cent, the enrolment in the stream had increased by only 8.5 per cent.
Similarly, despite an increase in the number of schools offering commerce stream by over 36 per cent, the enrolment in this stream had decreased by 0.6 per cent, it said, adding that adequate facilities were in place for studying science and commerce streams as per the demand of students.
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) had pointed out that the distribution of schools offering science and commerce streams is "alarmingly uneven".
"Depriving students from taking science or commerce stream at intermediate level amounts to depriving them of their right to choose a profession or carry on any occupation, trade or business of own choice as guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India," the plea said.
"It is evident from the government records that there are 'shadow pockets' in different regions of Delhi that do not offer science and commerce streams at all in their academic curriculum," stated the petition filed through advocate G.M. Akhtar.
Thiruvananthapuram, November 28 : Minister for devaswoms Kadakampally Surendran has defended the LDF government decision to introduce ten per cent reservation for the economically backward among forward communities in appointments to devaswom boards in the state.
In an article carried by malayala manorama newspaper on Tuesday, the minister said that the government was of the view that economic backwardness, just like social backwardness, should also be considered (while earmarking reservations).
Just like the historic decision to appoint dalits as priests in temples under devaswoms, the decision to grant reservation to economically backward among forward castes was a significant decision that had become inevitable in the present times, the article said.
Mr. Surendran called on the critics of the decision to desist from stoking casteist feelings with their narrow-mindedness and welcome the government decision instead.
On criticisms of the government move, he alleged that some organisations were distorting the facts behind the government decision.
Some people were striving tirelessly to take the sheen off the governments revolutionary decision by resorting to fake propaganda, the minister wrote.
Dismissing criticisms that the government decision was ultra vires the constitution and aimed at sabotaging reservation as a whole, he clarified that Kerala (government) has not breached the stipulation of 50 per cent reservation (the ceiling for reservation prescribed by the supreme court).
Since non-hindus are not appointed in devaswom boards, the 18 per cent reservation earmarked for them devolved to open merit. The government is only distributing this percentage of reservation proportionally among all communities, Mr. Surendran explained.
Pointing out that (by virtue of this proportional distribution) the reservation percentages of other communities have also gone up, he called on the governments detractors to consider whether it was right to hit out at the government by concealing this fact.
Reservation for Ezhava community rose from 14 per cent to 17 per cent. That of the SC/ST community increased to 12 per cent from 10. Also, reservation for hindu OBC communities excluding Ezhavas will go up from 3 per cent to 6 per cent, the devaswom minister wrote.
Hyderabad, Nov 28 : The kin of the Nizam, the ruler of erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad, are disappointed over authorities not inviting them to a reception being hosted at one of his palaces in the city for GES delegates.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting a dinner at Taj Falaknuma for Ivanka Trump, daughter and advisor of US President Donald Trump and other delegates attending Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) on Tuesday.
Nawab Najaf Ali Khan, grandson of the 7th and last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, said: It is highly disappointing and lamentable that the family of the 7th Nizam were not invited for the GES event being held in one of the palaces that represents 'our familial culture and heritage.'
"I, being the grandson of the erstwhile Royal Family, deserve an invite as the Palace is an important landmark both in our family's history and also in the history of Hyderabad," he said in a statement.
Khan said he had numerous communications over last 10 days with the authorities of Niti Aayog, who are responsible for handling the event but it evoked no response.
Falaknuma, one of the grand palaces in Hyderabad, was the residence of the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan till his death in 1911.
The palace was turned into star hotel about a decade ago after restoration by Taj Group.
Rabat, Nov 28 : Moroccan King Mohammed VI on Tuesday congratulated Uhuru Kenyatta on being re-elected as Kenya's President.
Kenyatta was officially re-elected with 98 per cent of the vote on October 26. He won the re-run with 7.48 million votes in 266 out of 291 constituencies.
King Mohammed VI expressed his keenness to continue working with Kenya, boost cooperation between the countries and expand it to all sectors.
"This should help us serve our peoples' shared interests and reflect the brotherly African bonds, mutual esteem and active solidarity between our countries," King Mohammed VI said in his message.
Kolkata, Nov 28 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday heaped praise on President Ram Nath Kovind for maintaining a low profile while serving in the highest office in the country, saying that the post is above all politics.
"The President's post is the highest post in the country. It is above all politics. Everyone in the country respects this position. And our President is such a person who always maintains a low profile," she said during a civic reception here on occasion of Kovind's maiden visit to the state after taking over as President.
"I did not know earlier that he has served as a member of Rajya Sabha for a long time. When I worked as a Lok Sabha member, he used work as a Rajya Sabha Member. We did not realise that we have worked together because he always maintained such a low profile," Banerjee said.
During the event, Kovind also expressed his gratitude to Bengal for the "warm welcome" and thanked the Chief Minister for gifting him one of her own paintings.
Congratulating Kovind for his ascendancy to the "number one position in the country", the Trinamool Congress supremo appealed to the President to stay the way he is, so that his cordial relationship with the commoners remains the same.
"Sir, I wish you stay this simple, I wish you keep maintaining such low profile while working in the number one position in the country. I hope you stay like this so that your relation with the commoners stay the same and brings you success," Banerjee added.
New Delhi, Nov 28 : Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia on Tuesday accused the Centre of misusing the Income Tax Department to exact revenge on his Aam Aadmi Party due to its appeal for a united battle against the BJP in the Gujarat assembly elections.
Pointing out that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday asked the Gujarat voters to vote for any party they thought could defeat the ruling BJP, Sisodia said his party received the I-T notice of Rs 30.67 crore as a result of "vindictive action".
"The Bharatiya Janata Party is shaken by the AAP's call for a united battle against it in the Gujarat polls. They feel how can any party talk about their defeat," the Deputy Chief Minister told the media here.
Sisodia dismissed media reports that the AAP was summoned 34 times by the Income Tax Department but failed to show up.
"We have appeared before the department officials every time we were called."
Sisodia challenged the BJP and the Congress and other parties to manage fund collection with the "same transparency and accountability with which the AAP does it".
"We have been keeping and maintaining books of accounts and other documents of each and every contribution reaching us through banking," he said, adding that "but the (central) government is saying the funds received from the common people, who have high hopes of good governance from us, are illegal and taxable".
The Congress and the BJP on Monday asked the AAP to come clear on the tax notice that said the AAP had not disclosed an income of Rs 13.16 crore and that its total taxable income was Rs 68.44 crore for 2014-15 and 2015-16.
These parties alleged that the AAP had failed to live up to its self-proclaimed standards of transparency and probity in public life.
Sisodia cited the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report on the BJP which said the ruling party at the Centre got Rs 461 crore as donations from "unknown sources" in 2015-16, accounting for nearly 81 per cent of its total income, and the figure for the Congress was 71 per cent or Rs 186 crore.
"Yet, we are being targeted."
"Since the beginning of AAP rule in Delhi, we have been targeted through various agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate, Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Election Commission, Delhi Police, and now the Income Tax Department," he said.
Ahmedabad, Nov 28 : Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday accused PAAS leader Hardik Patel of betraying his Patidar community and claimed that the Congress will pay heavily in the assembly elections for portraying Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "chaiwala" on social media.
"The Patidar fight is no more for a community. It has become a private affair. The Patidars and the BJP are two sides of the same coin, they will vote for us," Rupani said at a conclave of India TV here.
Rupani, who took over as Chief Minister in August last year, said the Patidars are well aware that Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel supports the Congress.
"Hardik Patel has betrayed the Patidar community and they have come to know about it now. People are aware of the 'anti-Patidar' attitude of the Congress," the BJP leader said.
He said the Congress had also made fun of the poor by portraying the Prime Minister as a 'chaiwala'.
"The party has made fun of all tea-sellers and it has denigrated India in the eyes of the world. They will have to pay a heavy price (in the elections)," Rupani said.
"This act exposes the Congress mentality that the Prime Minister should be from the Gandhi-Nehru family only. A poor man cannot become the Prime Minister. A 'chaiwala' cannot become the Prime Minister. The party President should also be from the family," he added.
Rupani was reacting to a Youth Congress magazine which published a meme on Modi.
When reminded that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also hailed from a poor family, Rupani said: "They were forced to do it (make Manmohan Singh the Prime Minister). Sonia Gandhi was going to become the Prime Minister but she could not even though the party wanted her to be."
Rupani ridiculed as "baseless" Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's charge that much of the Narmada river water was given to industrialists.
"Around 78 per cent of the Narmada water is given to nearly 9,000 villages and 167 municipalities. We have given 20 per cent water for irrigation and only two per cent water to industries. Our first priority is drinking water, second priority is irrigation and the third priority is industries," he said.
The Chief Minister claimed he had camped in Banaskantha for five days to carry out relief work during this year's floods while Congress MLAs were enjoying themselves at a five-star resort in Bengaluru.
He said the BJP government had done much for the state's farmers and trading community and all issues relating to the Goods and Services Tax are being addressed.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 28 : The Aluminium Association of India (AAI) and leading aluminium association ASSOMET and AMAFOND of Italy will sign a MoU for investing in a joint venture in the upcoming aluminium park at Angul in Odisha, an official statement said on Tuesday.
The aluminium park is being developed by the National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) and the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO).
The MoU is likely to be signed during an Italian industry delegation's visit in January 2018.
The Consul General of Italy Damiano Francovigh along with other officials on Tuesday met NALCO CMD and AAI Chairman Tapan Kumar Chand here and held discussions for industrial cooperation and collaboration between the aluminium industries of India and Italy.
During the discussion, Chand proposed to the Italian industry delegation led by the Consul General and the Ambassador of Italy to India to visit NALCO and other industries in Odisha to which the Consul General agreed.
"With large bauxite reserves and presence of major aluminium players like NALCO, Hindalco and Vedanta, Odisha is considered to be the aluminium capital of India. Global firms should come forward for investing in joint ventures with upstream and downstream units," Chand said.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday met the Consul General of Italy and invited the Italian companies to invest in a special industrial park meant for the handloom and auto industries.
The Chief Minister also proposed to have a roundtable meeting with the CEOs of Italian companies during the 'Make in Odisha' Conclave in November next year.
Consul General of Italy Damiano Francovigh said Italian companies are interested in doing business in Odisha.
Gandhinagar, Nov 28 : As the fight for Gujarat intensifies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi will descend on the poll-bound state on Wednesday, with both stepping up their campaign ahead of the first phase elections on December 9.
While Prime Minister Modi, campaigning for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will be once again visiting the Saurashtra region and south Gujarat, Rahul Gandhi will first visit Diu and later Visavadar in Junagadh district and Amreli.
Modi will hold four public meetings. He will arrive in the morning at Morbi, and address a large public gathering at Parshuram Pottery on Bhadiyad road at around 9 a.m. He will be accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel. Later he will visit Saurastra region's Prachi area and address a public meeting at Prachi Timdi in Sutrapada Taluka road. Here Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani will greet him and accompany him.
In the afternoon, Modi will visit Palitana, a famed pilgrimage centre of the Jain community in Bhavnagar. The Prime Minister will address a public gathering near Palitana Circuit House. Palitana is believed to be the most sacred pilgrimage of the Jain community, the most prosperous community in the state comprising five per cent of the population and from which the Chief Minister hails.
Modi's last public address will be at Navsari in south Gujarat in the evening opposite Tighravadi. He will be welcomed by BJP national Vice President Parshottam Rupala. After the address, he will fly back to Delhi.
Rahul Gandhi is paying a two-day visit to Gujarat and will visit Gir-Somnath, Junagarh and Amreli on the first day of his two-day trip.
This will be his sixth visit after the state assembly elections were declared and could be his last before the first phase of the elections.
The Congress Vice President will arrive on Wednesday afternoon at Diu. Just like his prior visits to the state, he will begin his day and tour by visiting a Hindu temple, this time the famous Somnath temple and have 'darshan' there.
Later, he will be welcomed by local Congress members at the district headquarters.
Gandhi then will fly off to Visavadar in Junagadh district by chopper and hold a corner meeting there.
From Visavadar, taking a chopper, the Congress leader will go to Amreli district and hold a corner meeting at Savarkundla. From Savarkundla, the Gandhi scion will travel to Amreli city by bus. He will address a public meeting in Amreli at around 7 p.m and stay overnight at Amreli Circuit House.
Panaji, Nov 28 : Robin Campillo's French film "120 Beats Per Minute", about a passionate fight against indifference towards AIDS, won the prestigious Golden Peacock award for best film at the controversy-ridden 48th International Film Festival of India, which wound to a close on Tuesday. The film's actor Nahuel Perez Biscayart won the Silver Peacock in the best actor male category.
Malayalam film "Take Off", which is loosely based on the evacuation of nurses from Kerala, who were stranded in Iraq's Tikrit, Iraq in 2014, won two awards at the festival's Indian Panorama section, winning Silver Peacocks for best direction (Mahesh Narayanan) and best actor female (Parvathy). One of Bollywood's greatest actors Amitabh Bachchan was also presented the Indian film personality of the year award.
The awards were presented at a glittering ceremony at the Shama Prasad Mukherjee indoor stadium on the outskirts of the state capital.
In a video address, the award-winning French actor Biscayart dedicated the award to all those who are afflicted by HIV/AIDS.
"I dedicate the award to all people who are living the way, which is considered shameful. Be visible, get out, shout your pains. Try to change your reality. That's the only way we can live. If we live in shadows, nothing good will come for ourselves," he said.
The Indian award winners Parvathy and Narayanan dedicated the film to the unsung nurses who work on the frontlines, bringing medical care and solace to soldiers and victims of conflict.
"I dedicate this award to all nurses of Kerala and stood their ground (in Tikritq) and with hope and conviction and got out of the dilemma they were in," Paravathy said after receiving her award.
Chinese writer-producer Vivian Qu won the Silver Peacock and a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh for best direction, for her film "Angels Wear White" about child sexual exploitation.
"The story is about children, being assault victims. It is a Chinese story, but a story which is happening around the world," the director said via a video message.
Bolivian filmmaker Kiro Russo's film "Viejo Calavera" won the Silver Peacock and cash prize of Rs 10 lakh, while Canadian director of Egyptian and Armenian descent, Atom Egoyan was awarded the lifetime achievement award.
"It is a huge honour. I have always been influenced by Indian cinema and to be honoured by the country which has had a huge influence on me is a privilege," he said.
The 9-day festival began on November 20, with Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi's film "Beyond the Clouds" and the closing film on Tuesday was Argentinian filmmaker Pablo Cesar's film "Thinking of Him".
At the mega film event, nearly 192 films from 82 countries were screened during the nine-day affair. The festival's Indian Panorama section, screened 26 feature films and 16 non feature films, with Vinod Kapri's film "Pihu" opening the section in the feature film category and Kamal Swaroop's "Pushkar Puran" opening the non-feature film category.
The festival also saw a host of allied activities, which included masterclasses conducted by Subhash Ghai, Shekhar Kapur, Egoyan, etc, apart from also hosting a series of panel discussions chaired by Ekta Kapur, Karan Johar, etc.
The focus country for this edition of the festival was Canada and curated cinema from the North American country were screened in presence of leading Canadian actors and film personalities, who attended the event.
IFFI this year, also paid homage to cinematic master spy James Bond, in a special section where nine films featuring the various leading actors who have essayed the iconic character, were screened.
The 48th IFFI will also be known for the long-drawn controversy surrounding Malayalam film "S Durga", a film which along with another movie "Nude" were selected by the jury to be screened in the Indian Panorama section of the festival, but were controversially dropped. Three members of the jury resigned in protest while six others wrote to the I&B Ministry expressing concern.
Despite the director Sanal Kumar Sasidharan's petitioning of the Kerala High Court and a re-screening for the jury, IFFI organisers had the last word on the festival's last day, citing objections by the Central Board for Film Certification for not screening the film.
Imphal, Nov 28 : A two-day interaction between media persons of India and Myanmar stressed on the need for journalists to contribute meaningfully to the smooth translation of the Indian government's Act East Policy into concrete action.
The inter-regional interaction programme saw seven resolutions adopted.
Eleven journalists from Myanmar took part in the conclave. Representatives of the Press Council of India, Editors Guild of India, All India Radio and others from print and electronic media took part in the mega event.
The conclave also underlined that there are many things the scribes of the two countries could do to improve trade and other relations. Highways ought to be improved, the meeting felt.
The journalists said that both the countries should have a visa-free relationship.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said he was happy with the successful meeting of the journalists of the two countries.
During his recent visit to Yangon he had invited the Myanmarese journalists to visit Manipur during the 10-day Sangai festival held at four venue in Manipur from November 21.
Biren said: "Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed his desire to host the interaction programme with an eye on the successful implementation of the Act East policy."
New Delhi, Nov 28 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that the Lt. Governor of Delhi is expected to exhibit "constitutional statesmanship" in dealing with the democratically-elected government in administering the affairs of the national capital.
The constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said that there should be comity in the administration of the national capital and the difference of opinion between the Lt. Governor and the head of the elected government can't be on trivial issues.
The constitution bench also comprising Justice A.K.Sikri, Justice A.M.Khanwilkar, Justice D.Y.Chandrachud and Justice Ashok Bhushan said this as the Central government told the bench that the administration of the national capital - that belongs to the entire country - was in "full control of the federal government".
"There has to be comity of administration between Lt. Governor and the head of the elected government - Chief Minister," said Chief Justice Misra, also underlining: "There has to be some kind of collegiality between the Lt. Governor and the elected government."
"The difference of opinion (between Lt. Governor and elected government) can't be trivial," he said, but also at the same time, clarifying: "We can't lay down the areas of difference of opinion."
Taking it further, Justice Chandrachud said, "The issue of comity between the Lt. Governor and the elected government has to be real and that is why the Constitution itself provides for such an arrangement between the Lt. Governor and the elected government."
Pointing to different political parties ruling at the Centre and in the States, he said: "The constitutional statesmanship is being exhibited by the Governors of various states across the country, particularly when the party in the power at the Centre and in the states are not the same."
The court wondered what was the purpose of granting the constitutional status to the union territory, if such a statesmanship on the part of Lt. Governor is not shown.
The constitution bench is hearing a batch of petitions by the Delhi government challenging the Delhi High Court order that held that the Lt Governor had the final authority in the governance of the national capital. The Centre is defending the High Court verdict.
Addressing the bench, Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh said, that for all practical purposes, the Union Territory of Delhi is centrally-administered and all powers vests with the Centre.
He said that no exclusive powers of any kind are vested in the council of ministers of the elected government and such an arrangment is not in national interest.
He laboured to drive home the point that the real authority in case of the national capital is the Central government acting through an administrator called Lt. Governor and not the elected government.
There is federal aspect in every matter concerning the national capital and there is clear delegation of power in favour of Lt. Governor, Singh told the constitution bench raising a grouse that the Delhi government was creating a "disharmony" in the wordings of the different provisions of the Constitution.
At this, the CJI said: "We will fill the disharmony".
Maninder Singh will continue his arguments on Wednesday.
New Delhi, Nov 28 : Security agencies have arrested a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh for planning a terrorist strike in the city and carrying out reconnaissance of vital installations like Army camps and power projects in Jammu and Kashmir, an official said on Tuesday.
The alleged terrorist, identified as Abdul Naeem Sheikh, was arrested two weeks ago in a joint operation conducted by the security agencies along with state police, an official said, adding that he was being tailed by the security agencies for a few months.
A number of videos and photographs of vital installations of Army camps and power projects in Jammu and Kashmir have been recovered from Sheikh's possession, which proved that he did recce of these places, the official said.
Other officials, close to the case, claimed that Sheikh had also done recce of Kasol in Himachal Pradesh as well as some nearby areas which are frequently visited by Israeli nationals and other foreign tourists.
The security agencies have dubbed Sheikh as 'David Coleman Headley' as he had been working on his footprints and did recce of the same areas. Headley, a Pakistan-American, is serving a prison sentence of 35 years in a US jail for his involvement in terror activities and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks of 2008.
Officials close to the case said that Sheikh was wanted by security agencies in various cases, including the Mumbai train attacks of 2006-2007.
"Sheikh was nabbed by the security agencies at that time and was under trial. In August 2014, he managed to give the slip to security agencies and escaped when he was being taken from Dum Dum Central jail (Kolkata) to Mumbai to appear in court. He fled while the train was passing through the deep forests in Chhattisgarh," the official said.
After fleeing from custody, Sheikh established a new sleeper cell under instruction from his LeT handler Amjad, the official said.
"Sheikh then had done a number of reconnaissance operations in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh following the instructions of Amjad. He had targeted high profile tourist sites including Taj Mahal in Uttar Pradesh."
The case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further probe, added the official.
London, Nov 28 : India on Tuesday forwarded its candidature for re-election to the Council of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in Category-B, representing the developing countries and countries with largest interests in international sea-borne trade.
Announcing this here, Union Minister of Shipping Nitin Gadkari said in the event of India being re-elected, it would rededicate herself with renewed commitment towards the development of the objectives of the IMO.
"It would leverage the opportunity to further strengthen the implementation of the IMO instruments, for the accelerated and sustained growth of the global maritime community," said Gadkari at the IMO.
The IMO, known as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO) until 1982, is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping.
Gadkari also said that India was committed to contributing to various efforts and initiatives of the IMO for safe, efficient, clean and secure maritime transportation for the benefit of mankind.
Emphasising that India was alive to the possibility of a quantum jump in maritime activities on the Indian coasts, Gadkari said that India was upgrading the infrastructure and reforming the regulatory framework for ease of doing business.
"Under flagship project of Sagarmala, six new major ports, 150 projects to modernise existing ports including construction of new berths, and 130 projects in rail and road sectors for last-mile connectivity have been identified requiring investment of $100 billion by 2025, of which, about $40 billion already stands spent," said Gadkari.
"Also, 111 inland waterways fit for river navigation have been identified, of which 32 will be developed in the first phase at an estimated investment of $800 million. These projects provide major investment opportunities for the international community," he added.
India is one of the founder members of the IMO and part of the IMO Council since, except in 1983-84.
Gadkari expressed happiness that application of the "Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System or IRNSS" in the maritime field was being pursued in the IMO.
"I am sure, the maritime community will benefit with the induction of this additional new facility," he said.
Srinagar, Nov 28 : Dineshwar Sharma, the centre's special representative, visited Jammu and Kashmirs' Anantnag district Tuesday where over 30 delegations called on him.
Authorities had made special security arrangements for Sharma's visit, with heavy deployments of police and the Central Reserve Police Force in the area.
Officials said over 30 delegations including those of some surrendered militants and former stone-pelters interacted with Sharma.
"Besides, delegations of sportsmen, Congress and civil society members also met the special representative during his visit to Anantnag," officials said.
Among the demands raised by different delegations were issues of good governance, employment, return of hydro power projects from NHPC ownership to the state and restoration of peace through engagement with various stakeholders.
During his current visit to the Valley, Sharma has visited Pulwama district and also met some delegations in Srinagar.
This is his second visit to the state after he was appointed as centre's special representative to start a sustained multi-layered dialogue to address the Kashmir problem.
New Delhi, Nov 28 : Six persons, who worked as caterers in marriage parties, died of asphyxiation while sleeping beside a 'tandoor' (an oven) kept along with the utensils in a tempo parked near a marriage venue in Cantonment area here, police said on Tuesday.
Police said the incident happened late on Monday night but was reported to the police at around 2.30 a.m on Tuesday by one Nirmal -- a supervisor, who went to check on them in the vehicle.
"The deceased -- Amit, Pankaj, Anil, Kamal, Awad Lal and Deep Chand -- all in the age group of 30-35, were natives of Uttarakhand and lived in a rented accommodation in Chandra Vihar in Nangloi area of west Delhi. They were taken to a nearby hospital where all of them were declared dead," Deputy Commissioner of Police Sibesh Singh said.
"The deceased had gone for catering work in a marriage party in Delhi Cantt area. After the function was over, they loaded their utensils and 'tandoor' at the back of the tempo and went to another function venue on Mall Road at around 12.30 a.m," Singh said.
"They were not aware of the fire still lit inside the oven and slept in the vehicle after covering it well. They died of smoke and asphyxiation," the officer added.
Hyderabad, Nov 28 : US President Donald Trump's daughter and advisor Ivanka Trump and other delegates of Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) on Tuesday attended a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Taj Falaknuma here.
Modi, Telangana Governor E. S. L. Narasimhan, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao and some top politicians and industrialists dined with Ivanka on 101-seater dining table at the palace hotel. The guests were treated with a variety of delicacies including the famous Hyderabadi biryani.
For other GES delegates, the dinner was arranged in the hotel lounges.
Ivanka received a royal treatment as horse-drawn carriage of the Nizam era ferried her from the main gate to the palace atop the hill. She and other guests were greeted with a rose petal shower on entering the palace.
The White House advisor also went around the palace, which was once the residence of the Nizam, the ruler of erstwhile princely State of Hyderabad.
They all reached the palace after the inauguration of GES at Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC). Elaborate security arrangements were made as the palace is located in the old city of Hyderabad and is surrounded by densely populated neighbourhoods.
The Nizam's suite, which used to be the private suite of the ruler of Hyderabad State and costs a whopping Rs 5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh a night was booked for Ivanka in case she stays at the palace.
However, she returned to Trident Hotel, where she is staying. Modi reached to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport to fly back to New Delhi.
Ivanka was the first high-profile foreign dignitary visiting the palace after it was converted into a star hotel a decade ago.
It was Nawab Vaqar-ul-Umra, the Nizam's Prime Minister, who built the palace in 1893. Impressed by its magnificence, sixth Nizam Mir Mahboob Ali Khan bought it for himself and stayed there till 1911.
Built over 32 acres, the scorpion-shaped and all-marble palace palace stands tall in its splendour and majesty atop a hill, at 2,000 ft above sea level and overlooks the old city of Hyderabad.
Rome, Nov 28 : North Africa risks becoming a haven for jihadists but also a potential launchpad for terrorist attacks, while the Balkans region also poses a threat, Italy's Interior Minister Marco Minniti said on Tuesday.
"The danger exists that North Africa can become a refuge (for terrorists) and not just a transit point but a base from which to launch attacks.
"The Balkans are also a hive of radicalisation and have produced a high number of (jihadist) foreign fighters," he said during a speech here that assessed the terrorist threat in the wake of the Islamic State jihadist group's recent military defeat in Iraq and Syria spearheaded by the international coalition against IS.
"After IS's military defeat, there is the very high risk of a terrorist response. The foreign fighters are fleeing and heading home under their own steam," Minniti said in the address at Rome's advanced police training academy.
"The easiest routes are the ones taken by migrants... maximum international cooperation is needed," he warned.
Paris, Nov 28 : United Nations culture organisation Unesco on Tuesday condemned Indian journalist Sudip Dutta Bhaumik's slaying last week in northeastern India, calling it "the ultimate form of censorship" and urging his killer to be brought to justice.
"Journalists make a fundamental contribution to society by providing information which nurtures enlightened public debate," said Unesco chief Audrey Azoulay.
"The assassination of journalists is the ultimate form of censorship. The prosecution of such crimes is essential to deter attacks against the media," she said.
Bhaumik was a senior reporter for Bengali-language daily Syandan Patrika and local television Venguard.
He was shot dead on November 21 near Agartala, capital of the state of Tripura by one of the bodyguards of an army officer he was scheduled to meet.
Bhaumik's killing - the second murder of a journalist in Tripura in the past two months - caused a furore in the state and has raised concerns over the freedom of the press.
Azoulay also denounced the killing of a Nigerian photographer, and called for an investigation into the incident.
"I condemn the killing of Ikechukwu Onubogu," she said.
Onubogu's body was found in Obosi town in the state of Anambras on November 15. Neither his family nor his colleagues at Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) had seen or heard from Onubogu since he had left home in the afternoon of November 12.
"The perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice in order to preserve freedom of expression, enshrined in both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights," Azoulay said.
"Governments must also protect journalists," she added.
Kolkata, Nov 28 : Expressing its solidarity with the cast and crew of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming "Padmavati", the Bengali film fraternity on Tuesday observed a "15 minute black out" denouncing the protests against the film.
The entire Bengali film industry came to a standstill from 12 noon to 12.15 p.m., as actors, technicians, directors, producers and all other stakeholders joined the symbolic protest by wearing black badges and coming out of the studios, where pre- and post-production work on films and television serials were being held.
The Eastern India Motion pictures' Association, the Artist Forum and the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers had on Monday jointly called for the protest.
Los Angeles, Nov 29 : Actress Liv Tyler says she and her father Steve Tyler have a family "bird-call" they make to help find each other in crowded places.
"It's a super New York thing. Kids who grow up in certain neighbourhoods have a call so they can communicate with their gang. We learnt it off friends who grew up in the projects. If you're a few blocks away and you hear the call then you immediately turn round," Liv told thetimes.co.uk.
She shared her father has one too.
"His is really funny. It's good to have your family call. It's the only way to get anybody's attention," she said.
By partnering with Mimbus to create this mixed reality solution for manufacturing, we are positioning schools to provide advanced training without accident risks and making the learning environment a safer place.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that demand for workers trained in the latest welding techniques and devices will benefit from higher pay and greater job security for welding-related trades. To ensure that high schools, community and technical colleges offer students training in the latest advancements in welding, Silicon Valley-based mixed reality education provider, zSpace, today announced a partnership with Mimbus, a leader in vocational training solutions, to offer a new welding application and handheld simulator to give welders and boilermakers a competitive edge.
Called Wave NG, the application uses zSpaces mixed reality environment to give students hands-on training with welding procedures; MAG and MMA, through a complete series of exercises on both processes that can be performed with the handheld welding simulator. Using the zSpace platform, students receive a multisensory training experience, welding from multiple angles while using their eyes, ears, and hands to master core skills of the welder's trade such as concentration, precision and dexterity.
Compared to traditional welding training, students using Wave NG combined with the zSpace platform experience less equipment breakage and wear, as well as less risk of injury. When welding students learn with mixed reality, there is a 50 percent decrease in the time needed to complete the training and schools realize a savings of up to 30 percent of consumable costs.
From shipbuilding, automobile and aerospace applications to the construction of buildings, bridges, and refineries, highly skilled welders are in high demand, said Paul Kellenberger, president and CEO, zSpace. "By partnering with Mimbus to create this mixed reality solution for manufacturing, we are positioning schools to provide advanced training without accident risks and making the learning environment a safer place.
Welding training is a key issue today and we need to attract people to that trade as soon as possible, said Laurent Da Dalto, president and CEO, Mimbus. Having Wave NG running on zSpace today opens a new window and will help to promote these jobs at the earliest stage of the education.
zSpace and Mimbus will be demonstrating the application at ACTE in Nashville, December 7 - 8, in zSpace Booth 929 and Mimbus Booth 659.
About Mimbus
Founded in 2011, Mimbus revolutionizes vocational training, by providing the instructors with innovative tools allowing to train their students faster, in a totally safe way and with lower costs. Specialized in the learning of manual skills, Mimbus offers a range of nearly 15 virtual training solutions covering the learning of about 20 manual trades, all of them connected to VULCAN, the unique platform that tracks, controls and adapts the student learning path for a more efficient training. Mimbus partners with Diginext, a simulation expert for high-end industry to develop Wave NG solution. Mimbus is a French company with a subsidiary based in Chicago, Illinois.
About zSpace
zSpace delivers the ultimate learning experience to inspire curiosity and accelerate understanding. Our product, zSpace, combines elements of AR and VR on an all-in-one computer. zSpace creates mixed reality computing experiences that are immersive, interactive, and lifelike. Among its numerous awards and accolades, zSpace was named Cool Vendor by Gartner, Inc., Best in Show at ISTE by Tech & Learning Magazine for three consecutive years and was ranked 2 years in a row on the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing companies. zSpace is a privately held, venture backed company located in Sunnyvale, California, and has been granted more than 25 patents for its innovative technologies. For more information, visit http://www.zspace.com, or follow on Twitter @zSpace.
A-1 Moving & Storage A-1 Moving & Storage is thrilled to have won again and looks forward to maintaining exceptionally high standards in the years to come!
A-1 Moving & Storage in Jupiter, Florida has earned the Atlas Van Lines Milton M. Hill Quality Award for the fourth consecutive year!
The Milton M. Hill Quality Award is awarded every year to Atlas agents who have proven their exemplary quality of service by displaying outstanding dedication to professionalism and quality.
Of over 430 independent Atlas agents operating in the U.S and Canada, this year only 38 qualified to receive the Milt Hill award for Quality. To qualify, agents must meet 12 standards of the World Class Commitment, including achieving the Hauling Excellence Award and accruing a superior rating in the areas of customer satisfaction, estimating, claims, safety and warehouse operations.
A-1 Moving & Storage is a family company driven by excellence, professionalism and integrity. For this company, the Milt Hill awards are about celebrating employees dedication to treating customers like family. A-1 Moving & Storage takes pride in the growth experienced since its genesis in 1972. Their Atlas Van Lines awards are complementary to their 45+ years of exceptional service to their customers, and serves to validate that they are definitely doing something right.
To receive the Milt Hill Quality award is quite a distinction, to earn it four years consecutively is a credit to the team. A-1 Moving & Storage is thrilled to have won again and looks forward to maintaining exceptionally high standards in the years to come!
Bringing the strengths of OutMatch in talent selection and employee development together with Pomellos expertise in improving culture is a perfect match, and a huge step toward transforming the world of work.
OutMatch, a leader in delivering actionable predictive analytics to build world-class workforces, today announced it has acquired Pomello, an analytics solution provider that helps companies understand and hire based on their unique CultureDNA, and improve employee engagement. The combination recognizes that people power great companies, enabling organizations to define and enhance their culture, hire employees that excel on the job, and keep them engaged, driving performance and profitability.
With the acquisition of Pomello, OutMatch strengthens its unrivaled predictive and actionable workforce analytics. By not only predicting candidate success on the job, but now also measuring fit with a companys culture, OutMatch is expanding its ability to assist companies in hiring and developing the right employees for the right positions.
This acquisition recognizes the growing importance of culture fit in helping companies build an exceptional workforce that drives productivity, customer satisfaction, and business success, said Greg Moran, President and CEO of OutMatch. Bringing the strengths of OutMatch in talent selection and employee development together with Pomellos expertise in improving culture is a perfect match, and a huge step toward transforming the world of work.
Founded in 2012, Pomello has grown rapidly including revenue that has tripled this year with customers in multiple industries, including healthcare, banking, high tech, and manufacturing. Its technology benchmarks an organizations culture by gathering critical input on how employees view the companys core values, as well as their own motivators, and then measures candidates against that data to gauge culture fit. By continually engaging in the process, companies can better understand their CultureDNA and consistently improve it to enhance performance.
This acquisition joins two companies that are truly better together, said Oliver Staehelin, CEO of Pomello. I appreciate the hard work and commitment of the Pomello team to helping our customers hire and develop happier, more engaged, more productive employees. As we continue to serve those clients and attract new ones, we are thrilled to become part of OutMatch, which shares our belief that people are at the core of business success.
Pomello will maintain its offices and employees in San Francisco. It will continue to serve existing clients and work to attract new ones, while OutMatch and Pomello also pursue strategic opportunities to integrate the solutions each provides to customers.
With an unequalled data set driven by scientifically proven candidate assessments, OutMatch processes 20 million assessments annually at over 200,000 locations, helping companies predict candidate success on the job, measure the impact of hiring, and continually refine their hiring process to propel productivity and profitability. Driven by its newly launched platform, OutMatch works with large, decentralized organizations with high-volume hiring needs in the hospitality, restaurant, retail, healthcare, and property management industries, including recognized names such as American Airlines, Adidas, Brinker International, CarMax, HCA Healthcare, and Hyatt.
About OutMatch
OutMatch is transforming the world of work by helping companies hire, retain, and develop great talent. How? We deliver actionable workforce analytics that predict employee performance, so you can hire the right peoplethe absolute best match for your jobsand develop them into stellar employees who drive improved customer satisfaction and increased revenue. For more information, visit http://www.outmatch.com or @OutMatchHCM.
About Pomello
Pomellos culture analytics solution provides companies with the tools required to understand and quantify their CultureDNA by gathering input directly from employees. We help companies understand the strength of their culture, the content of their culture, and its impact on performance. Founded at Stanford University, Pomellos technology is based on 30 years of research in Organizational Behavior, which has been validated over time and across multiple industries. For more information, visit http://www.pomello.com.
Urjanet, the worlds leading provider of automated utility data, announced that it has been named to Deloittes 2017 Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and energy tech companies in North America. Urjanet ranked sixth among 14 of Atlantas fastest growing companies and 149 overall based on three-year fiscal year revenue growth.
The Deloitte 2017 North America Technology Fast 500 winners underscore the impact of technological innovation and world class customer service in driving growth, in a fiercely competitive environment, said Sandra Shirai, vice chairman, Deloitte Consulting LLP and U.S. technology, media and telecommunications leader. These companies are on the cutting edge and are transforming the way we do business. We extend our sincere congratulations to all the winners for achieving remarkable growth while delivering new services and experiences for their customers.
The company attributes its 735 percent growth to a world-class team dedicated to innovation and passionate about delivering solutions that simplify the complexity of utility data for customers. Were proud of our continued growth and the recognition that comes with it, said Urjanet chief executive officer Sanjoy Malik. Whether our customers are solving the biggest problems in global energy and sustainability management or they are bringing credit to the underbanked with alternative credit scoring, the Urjanet Utility Data Platform is the foundation for access to reliable utility data worldwide.
Urjanet was also recognized by the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) as one of the first seven companies out of 100 nominees to participate in the Backed By ATL program. The partnership marshals the resources of the MAC to further accelerate the growth and economic impact of the companies selected.
This kind of recognition demonstrates why companies like Urjanet are an ideal match for the Backed By ATL initiative, said Jennifer Sherer, MACs vice president of Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Urjanet represents the high growth potential, industry-changing innovation and forward-thinking leadership that will continue to have positive economic impact in metro Atlanta with the right support from our ecosystem.
The company was also honored earlier this year with a 2017 Pacesetters award by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. The esteemed award recognizes Atlantas top 100 fastest-growing private companies. Urjanet ranked among the top 25 companies, and has been honored with this award for three consecutive years.
About Urjanet:
Urjanet is the global leader in utility data aggregation. Our technology collects, processes, and delivers data from over 4,000 electric, natural gas, water, waste, telecom, and cable utilities worldwide. The data we provide can be configured and integrated into any application to support your exact utility data needs. For more information, visit http://www.urjanet.com.
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5050 Tomken Rd Mississauga ON Our team members embody innovation, creativity, and collaboration, and we are excited to have a space that reflects those attributes.
KUBRA, the leading provider of customer experience management solutions, today announced the expansion of its headquarters in Mississauga, Canada. The company has experienced exponential growth in 2017, hiring more than 100 employees across its North American operations with plans to fill another 30 software and technology positions by year end. In 2018, the company plans to hire 30 employees in the Mississauga location alone.
On November 3, the building expansion was completed, and President and CEO, Rick Watkin, welcomed the 230 Mississauga employees into their new space with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The new space adds over 100 new workspaces, 3 conference rooms, 5 collaboration spaces, and a state-of-the-art kitchen and breakroom. The expansion adds nearly 15,000 square feet to the companys footprint.
The new workspace was designed with our KUBRA family in mind, said Watkin. Our team members embody innovation, creativity, and collaboration, and we are excited to have a space that reflects those attributes. The open floor plan, vibrant colors, and fresh amenities were created to inspire our people and help attract new talent.
This expansion marks another high point for KUBRA this year the company is also celebrating its 25th anniversary. KUBRA was started in 1992, providing outsourced printing and mailing services. Today, KUBRA has evolved to provide a full suite of customer experience solutions to the utility, government and insurance industries. In addition to the headquarters in Mississauga, KUBRA has four other locations within the United States, including its U.S. headquarters in Arizona and offices in California, New Jersey, and Texas.
About KUBRA
KUBRA provides customer experience management solutions to some of the largest utility and government entities across North America. Our portfolio includes billing and payment, mapping, mobile apps and proactive communications solutions for customers. With more than one billion customer experiences annually, KUBRA services reach over 40% of U.S. households. KUBRA is an operating subsidiary of the Hearst Corporation. Visit http://www.kubra.com for more information.
Shango Delivers Their Donation to Breast Friends For Breast Cancer Awareness Month Weve gotten a whole new perspective for cannabis, said Breast Friends Co-Founder Becky Olson.
The perseverance of the owners of Shango Premium Cannabis in the Portland area paid off for the Breast Friends charity when they were the beneficiaries of a check for $6,264.50 from sales of pink merchandise for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. After being turned down by three national breast cancer charities, the owners of five Shango dispensaries turned to Breast Friends, a smaller national group based in Tigard.
Weve gotten a whole new perspective for cannabis, said Breast Friends Co-Founder Becky Olson.
Shango owners representing five area dispensaries presented the check from pink merchandise sales at the Breast Friends annual open house. The group was celebrating receiving funds of nearly $30,000 from October events. The money will go toward support services.
It was fabulous, Olson said of the event. I could not believe how big that check was both in physical size and the amount it was. That was incredible. We are so thankful.
Shango donated 50 percent of net proceeds of pink merchandise sales in Oregon to Breast Friends. Retail pricing ranged from $15 to $26 for hats, T-shirts, socks and beanies.
A lot of people came up to me and said they had no idea they were going to do that, Olson said. It was quite the surprise and they sent a large contingent to deliver it.
Breast Friends believes that no woman should go through the cancer experience alone. Unfortunately, it happens. Women with friends and family nearby often fail to receive the kind of emotional, spiritual or physical support they need. Breast Friends programs are designed to ensure proper support is given and received. Every woman in America will be touched by breast cancer or other womens cancers in her lifetime. One in eight women will be diagnosed, and the other seven will know her. The goal is to reach the seven in order to help the one.
If you want to do something to help breast cancer, we should look everywhere, Olson said. Were happy to become partners with Shango. We would love to make this a permanent relationship.
Battling cancer for the fourth time, Olson has decided to give cannabis including CBD extractions, a try.
Were going out to the Hillsboro store for a private session for breast cancer survivors to go in and have private conversations, Olson said.
Shango sold pink and black merchandise at all five retail Oregon dispensary locations. Shango Forest Grove, Shango Hillsboro, Shango Harold, Shango Win Sivers and Shango Molalla dispensaries participated in the fundraising drive.
This is an amazing opportunity for Shango to be able to help out a charity with the foresight to recognize the potential benefits of medical cannabis for both pre- and post-surgery situations, said Julie Dubocq, Controller at Shango. We admire their courage.
Shango will be offering private sessions for anyone fighting cancer. Shango locations will be open on Sundays one week every quarter to start out.
If someone fighting cancer needs special attention, we will give it to them, Dubocq said.
Breast Friends has taken a pro approach to cannabis during their weekly internet radio show.
There is so much of a misconception out there about marijuana and it was sad for me that some tuned out, but in the end it was awesome that so many did. Were going to make even more strides with awareness of therapies to turn to, Olson said.
Olson said the show draws 10,000 to 15,000 downloads a month to the web outlet VoiceAmerica.com, a health and wellness channel at that airs live at 10 a.m. on Fridays and is archived by searching for Breast Friends on the site. Shango representatives will be guests on the show later this month.
Breast Friends mission is helping women survive the trauma of cancer one friend at a time, said Allison Hancock, event and volunteer coordinator for the Oregon chapter. We are thankful for the support that Shango is giving to Breast Friends to raise awareness and help us continue to offer services and programs to women who are going through the cancer journey.
Breast Friends is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for female cancer patients. The organization teaches friends and family specific ways to offer support, helps them understand what their loved one is going through, and suggests resources for the woman and for those who care about her. A number of programs developed by Breast Friends have proven valuable in assisting and reassuring the patient, her friends and family.
Breast Friends governing body is made up of a national board including the two co-founders, executive officers, and board members who also oversee the Oregon affiliate.
Breast Friends was founded in Oregon in 2000, the first of many affiliates. The group has helped thousands of local patients and their families and is the testing ground for all Breast Friends programs. The Oregon affiliate has a prosthesis, bra and wig closet and offers products free to women who have little or no funds available to purchase them. The groups Facebook page is Breast Friends of Oregon.
Shango Premium Cannabis stores are located at Shango Forest Grove, 3821 Pacific Avenue, Building A, Forest Grove; Shango Harold, 8056 SE Harold St., (Located at 82nd and Foster), Portland; Shango Hillsboro, 1775 SE Tualatin Valley Highway, Building A, Hillsboro; Shango Molalla, 109 W Main Street, Molalla; and Shango Win Sivers, 6033 NE Win Sivers Drive, (by the airport), Portland.
About Shango
Shango is a premium cannabis brand licensed to a full range of award-winning cannabis products, including flower, extracts and cannabis-infused edibles, produced by select cultivators and processors in Oregon, Nevada and Washington. The Shango brand also is licensed to six full-service recreational and medical cannabis dispensaries in Oregon and Nevada. A recognized leader in the cannabis marketplace and industry, Shango sets the highest standards for product quality and consistency, and business conduct. Shango is committed to cannabis education and is a fierce advocate of the safe and responsible use of cannabis products.
Wind F&I 2018
Infocast, the leading business intelligence and networking events producer in the wind industry, is excited to announce the return of the Wind Power Finance & Investment Summit 2018 on February 6-8, 2018
After a sold-out event last year with over 500 attendees, the event has moved venues to the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in San Diego, CA to accommodate the increasing attendance. The summit will offer unique networking opportunities and will connect the entire spectrum of the wind industry at the highest levels.
Now in its 15th year, the Wind Power Finance & Investment Summit is widely recognized as the leading gathering place for wind industry deal makers as it attracts the highest quality of industry participants on the conference circuit. Leading developers, investors, lenders, turbine suppliers, EPCs, and other key players continue to gather every year to gain valuable insights into the industry trends, latest market updates on the finance and investment landscape, and get deals done.
Over 500 leading wind power professionals have participated: Acciona, AEP Renewables, AES, American Wind Capital, Barclays, Calpine, CIBC, CIT Group, CohnReznick, Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, DNV GL, Duke Energy, E. ON, EDP Renewables, Enel Green Power NA, Fidelity National Title, GE, Goldman Sachs, Iberdrola Renewables, ICF, HIS, Invenergy, ITC Holdings and many more.
The event will be preceded by two Pre-Summit Events: the Pre-Summit Executive Briefing Wind Origination and Development Outlook, which will assess the wind origination and development landscape and the Pre-Summit Workshop Whats New in Wind Project Due Diligence? 2018 and Beyond, which will provide an in-depth look at trends and best practices in wind project due diligence.
For more information, to register or to join as a sponsor, visit the event website at infocastinc.com/wind or contact Infocast at 818-888-4444.
About Infocast
For over 30 years, Infocast has produced the highest quality events, tailored to the needs of the industries we serve. We intensively research the marketplace, pulling from an extensive network of experts to give you the information and connections to succeed.
Carnegie Council, Making Ethics Matter Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1914, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs is an educational, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that produces lectures, publications, and multimedia materials on the ethical challenges of living in a globalized world.
Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs announces its December current affairs programs in New York City.
To attend in person, please RSVP. Go to the online calendar at https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/calendar.
Events take place at:
Carnegie Council
170 East 64 Street, New York, NY 10065.
Or watch them as live webcasts here: https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/live.
Fractured Continent: Europes Crises and the Fate of the West
Tuesday Dec 05, 8:00-9:15 AM ET
William Drozdiak, The Brookings Institution
In the wake of several crises now afflicting the continent, the dream of a United States of Europe is unraveling. Voters are abandoning traditional ways of governing in favor of authoritarian, populist, and nationalist alternatives. Europe is struggling to cope with an influx of nearly 2 million refugees, Britain has voted to leave the EU, and the single Euro currency threatens to collapse. What consequences do these events have for Europe, the United States, and the rest of the world?
Tunisia: An Arab Anomaly
Monday Dec 11, 6:00-7:30 PM ET
Safwan M. Masri, Columbia University
In a region beset by brutal repression, humanitarian disasters, and civil war, Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution resulted in a peaceful transition to a functioning democracy. What were the particular features that set Tunisia apart from its neighbors? Is the country a model that can be replicated in other Arab countries, or simply an anomaly?
ABOUT CARNEGIE COUNCIL
Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1914, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs is an educational, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that produces lectures, publications, and multimedia materials on the ethical challenges of living in a globalized world. Go to https://www.carnegiecouncil.org/.
"We are very excited about the opportunity to be interviewed and included in Forrester's recent publication addressing Third-Party Risk Intelligence (TPRI)." said Lori Frank, Argos Risk President and CEO.
Argos Risk, specialists in providing Third-Party Risk Management services for managing and monitoring B2B health and credit risk, is pleased to announce they were included in this years Forrester Research report. Forrester is highly respected and provides comprehensive research and insights. A few of the previous research documents included Assess Your GRC Program with Forresters GRC Maturity Model and The Forrester Wave: Digital Risk Monitoring.
"We are very excited about the opportunity to be included in their recent publication addressing Third-Party Risk Intelligence (TPRI). Their extensive research provides immense value and points out the market volatility, increased cyber threats, and external non-financial factors forces risk professionals to manage third-party risk at a whole new level, said Lori Frank, Argos Risk President and CEO.
Frank continues, As trends continue and businesses need better third-party risk context faster, demand for our services continues to increase. Third-Party Risk Intelligence (TPRI) solutions go beyond internal assessments and fill the gaps with external information including in-depth environmental and market factors which are updated in real-time.
About Argos Risk
Argos Risk, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializes in Third-Party Risk Management services. The company's web-based technology services assess the credit risk and B2B health of clients, vendors, partners, and competitors. Powered by their proprietary algorithms, known as Argonomics, their services deliver data via a real-time dashboard and daily alerts. Argos Risk monitors thousands of companies for clients in a broad array of industries including financial institutions, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and businesses of all types which enable companies of all sizes to proactively manage and monitor credit risk. For more information, visit http://www.argosrisk.com.
About Forrester
Forrester offers solutions and design strategies that are customer-led, insights driven, and fast. Their research gives you an insight and framework to win in the age of the customer while their analysts' provide subject-matter expertise and work to create forward-thinking strategies; weigh opportunity against risk; justify decisions; and optimize individual, team, and corporate performance. For more information, visit http://www.forrester.com.
#banks-interest income Banks log record interest income through Sept. on rising rates Banks in South Korea earned record net interest income in the first three quarters of the year, helped by sharp rate hikes by the central bank, data showed Thursday. Their intere...
#BTS BTS' Jin to release photo book before joining military Jin, a member of the K-pop megastar BTS, will put out his individual book of photography next month before joining the military, the group's management agency said Thursday. The...
The UroLift System is the only BPH treatment available that is truly minimally-invasive
Buffalo Medical Group today announced Dr. John Griswold has been designated as a UroLift Center of Excellence. The designation recognizes that Dr. Griswold has achieved a high level of training and experience with the UroLift System and demonstrated a commitment to exemplary care for men suffering from symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH.
The UroLift System is the only BPH treatment available that is truly minimally-invasive, said Dr. Griswold. It can be performed in-office under local anesthesia without heating, cutting or removal of prostate tissue. Patients are able to get back to their normal routines quickly and can discontinue the use of medications. It is a privilege to offer my patients a breakthrough treatment option that offers real long-term results.
Nearly 40 million men in the United States are affected by BPH. Not to be confused with prostate cancer, BPH occurs when the prostate gland that surrounds the male urethra becomes enlarged with advancing age and begins to obstruct the urinary system. Symptoms of BPH often include interrupted sleep and urinary problems, and can cause loss of productivity, depression and decreased quality of life.
Five-year data from a randomized study shows the UroLift System offers not only rapid improvement, but also durable relief for patients with BPH. After five years, patients treated with the UroLift System continue to experience symptom relief with minimal side effects, with few patients requiring an additional procedure for relief. A second randomized clinical trial called BPH6 demonstrated that the minimally invasive UroLift System compares very well to the reference standard surgery, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), with regard to efficacy, and is superior to TURP at preserving sexual function and offering a more rapid recovery.
Medication is often the first-line therapy for enlarged prostate, but relief can be inadequate and temporary. Side effects of medication treatment can include sexual dysfunction, dizziness and headaches, prompting many patients to quit using the drugs. For these patients, the classic alternative is surgery that cuts, heats or removes prostate tissue to open the blocked urethra. While current surgical options can be very effective in relieving symptoms, they can also leave patients with permanent side effects such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation.
Dr. Griswolds office is located at 295 Essjay Road in Williamsville.
About the UroLift System
NeoTracts FDA-cleared UroLift System is a novel, minimally invasive technology for treating lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The UroLift permanent implants, delivered during a minimally invasive transurethral outpatient procedure, relieve prostate obstruction and open the urethra directly without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue. Clinical data from a pivotal 206-patient randomized controlled study showed that patients with enlarged prostate receiving UroLift implants reported rapid and durable symptomatic and urinary flow rate improvement without compromising sexual function. Patients also experienced a significant improvement in quality of life. Most common adverse events reported include hematuria, dysuria, micturition urgency, pelvic pain, and urge incontinence. Most symptoms were mild to moderate in severity and resolved within two to four weeks after the procedure. The UroLift System is available in the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. Learn more at http://www.UroLift.com.
About Buffalo Medical Group
Founded in 1946, Buffalo Medical Group, P.C., is among the first and largest multi-specialty physician practice groups in New York State. With more than 150 primary care, specialist and sub-specialist physicians as well as a team of more than 800 nurses, technologists and other health care professionals BMG records more than 850,000 outpatient visits annually at its main locations in Buffalo, Williamsville and Orchard Park as well as more than 10 satellite sites. For more information on BMG, visit http://www.buffalomedicalgroup.com/
Columbus Trust Study logo This year, we decided to dive deeper into demographics like gender and generation to help employers understand trust differences among these audiences.
According to the second annual Columbus Trust Study (columbustruststudy.com), released this week by FrazierHeiby and Illuminology, both gender and generation play an important role in a persons likelihood to express trust in their organization's leadership.
Results show Columbus women's trust in their organizations leaders diminishes with age, while Columbus mens trust remains the same over time. Ninety-seven percent of female Millennials report trusting their organizations leaders compared to 87 percent of female Gen Xers and 68 percent of female Baby Boomers. Conversely, Columbus men's trust in leadership stays steady, from 91 percent of Millennials to 86 percent of Gen Xers to 91 percent of Baby Boomers.
In other Columbus Trust Study findings, women employed in central Ohio who trust their company leaders were more likely to report a positive personal experience with them than men. Twenty-five percent of women said they trust their leaders because of a personal experience, while only nine percent of men said the same.
In year one of the Columbus Trust Study, we took the pulse of trust in central Ohio to find out how our region aligns with national stats, said Lara Kretler, vice president, FrazierHeiby. This year, we decided to dive deeper into demographics like gender and generation to help employers understand trust differences among these audiences.
The 2017 Columbus Trust Study results revealed 37 percent of Millennials working for large organizations in central Ohio trust their leaders because they feel cared about. This finding compares to only 15 percent of Gen X and 11 percent of Baby Boomers citing this as a reason they trust their organizations leaders.
The study also assessed a variety of factors that drive consumer perceptions of trustworthiness in various business sectors and the most trusted industries in central Ohio. It found that character judgment is always the primary trust driver for organizations, but specific drivers vary by industry with some more competency-based and others more connection-based. Retail, finance and healthcare organizations rank highest among trusted business types in central Ohio.
About the Columbus Trust Study
Created by FrazierHeiby, a strategic communications firm, and Illuminology, a market research firm, the Columbus Trust Study analyzes trust perceptions among central Ohioans. The study synthesizes its findings with other trust literature to help organizations build trust with employees, customers and the community.
Trust is critical to any relationship especially in business and research shows a gradual erosion of public trust in nearly every major institution," said Orie Kristel, Ph.D., CEO of Illuminology. Understanding how specific demographics affect a persons ability to trust their organizations leadership is a crucial first step to fixing America's trust problem.
Results are based on a poll of 450 randomly selected Franklin County residents and the study has a plus/minus confidence level of 4.7 percentage points at a 95 percent confidence level. The second annual Columbus Trust Study is presented by the Central Ohio Better Business Bureau Center for Character Ethics. Visit columbustruststudy.com to learn more.
About FrazierHeiby (FH)
FrazierHeiby has helped businesses communicate better since 1983. FH recognizes that success lies at the intersection of creativity, informed strategy and integrated marketing solutions. The agency offers more than 50 best practice services in six core areas: marketing, public relations, social media, brand communication, crisis and issues management and internal communication. Backed by certifications, industry awards and proven methods, FH is dedicated to helping clients communicate better by building trust, connecting communities and delivering results. Visit FHcommunicate.com for more information.
About Illuminology
Illuminology uses high quality social science research methods and advanced analytics to help clients illuminate persuasion opportunities. The organization focuses its efforts and expertise in three areas: consumer insight, community affairs and community impact. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and projecting across the United States, the market research firm helps organizations sell more and grow faster, communicate better and make and measure community impact.
Enlarged veins are usually unattractive and often itchy or painful, as well. Active measures are necessary to permanently treat visible veins, and, fortunately, there are more choices and options than ever before.
A November 9 article in Self magazine offers advice to readers on the steps that can be taken to defeat unsightly and often itchy or painful varicose and spider veins. The articles notes that, while such measures as massages and dry skin brushing might temporarily make one feel better, they have not been shown to have a permanent impact on actually improving enlarged vein issues. Moreover, steps such as compression socks can ease discomfort and may help to prevent additional enlarged veins later on, but they do not actually correct the enlarged veins that are already present. Washington State clinic Northwest Vein & Aesthetic Center says that the article highlights the fact that active measures are necessary to permanently treat visible veins, and, fortunately, there are more choices and options than ever before.
Not long ago, the only effective treatment for varicose and spider veins was a larger surgical procedure referred to as vein stripping, says Northwest Vein & Aesthetic Center. While the name of the procedure caused a lot of concern amongst patients, the Center notes that it was reasonably effective. In more recent times, however, a new generation of far less invasive treatments has made vein stripping unnecessary. The clinic notes that the aim of these treatments is to find ways of causing veins to close off so that blood flow is redirected to healthy veins, relieving pressure and inflammation, and making veins disappear. Because the treatments are minimally invasive, the recovery time from this treatment is significantly shorter, and successful outcomes are extremely consistent.
One of the most common forms of vein treatment today is sclerotherapy, the use of a medicated solution that is injected into an enlarged vein, causing it to close off; the clinic notes that many solutions are used and one proprietary solution goes under the brand name Varithena. Northwest Vein & Aesthetic Center adds that there are several other forms of treatment available to todays patients. Lasers, radiofrequency waves, a technique that combines mechanical and chemical energy called ClariVein, and an adhesive known as VenaSeal are among the most frequent alternatives.
The Center adds that in addition to a number of less-invasive treatment options, there are also more choices when it comes to preventing discomfort. A combination of a local anesthetic and mild sedation is highly effective says the Center, but sometimes patients who are more nervous about the prospect of discomfort require more potent sedation. However, the Center adds that it provides an additional immersive virtual reality (VR) that helps patients relax and feel more comfortable by putting them in an extremely pleasant virtual environment.
Northwest Vein & Aesthetic Center adds that, while varicose veins are not life-threatening, they are considered a medical problem which can become worse over time. Its therefore always a good idea to have enlarged veins looked at by skilled vascular surgeon who can suggest types of treatment. If there is itching or discomfort, vein treatments are covered by most medical insurance, says the clinic.
Readers who would like to learn more about Northwest Vein & Aesthetic Center can reach the clinic at (253) 948-4378. The centers web site is at http://nwveins.com/. It has two Washington locations, in Olympia and Gig Harbor.
Photo courtesy of Natalia Knezevic Photography and FSY Architects This project demonstrates how affordability and environmental sustainability can be achieved with effective coordination and a great team. Despite our incredibly aggressive goals, we were able to get the project completed on time and on budget by working together.
Silver Star Apartments is the first Zero Net Energy multifamily affordable housing development in Los Angeles. Promise Energy designed and installed a Solar Photovoltaic system that covers both roofs on the project, and even incorporates vertical solar facades as a unique design element, visible from the projects courtyard. The 49-unit building in south Los Angeles, developed by local nonprofit A Community of Friends (ACOF), will provide homes and supportive services for formerly homeless veterans. Silver Star is LEED Platinum and Energy Star Homes certified, and aims to meet the Living Building Challenge Energy Petal Certification as well.
Silver Star recently won the Sustainable Innovation Awards Project of the Year for 2017 from the Los Angeles chapter of the US Green Building Council. Dominique Hargreaves, Executive Director of the US Green Building Council Los Angeles said, We appreciate the time and energy it takes to deliver these types of high-performing projects. The jurors of the Sustainable Innovations Awards appreciated the innovations that you documented and agreed that your project was way beyond rating system requirements or code and really demonstrated excellence in design and construction as well as providing much needed supportive housing.
ACOF engaged Promise Energy at the very beginning of the design process to collaborate with FSY Architects, and energy consultant Green Dinosaur to make the building as efficient as possible, and then fit enough solar PV to offset 105% of all site energy use, to make the building net positive. Special attention was paid to the solar orientation of each facade, and during the design process, the roof was expanded, and finally solar panels were placed vertically on the building to enhance production in order to meet the projects aggressive sustainability goals.
Thanks to Green Dinosaur and Promise Energy, this building is completely solar powered, says Dora Gallo, Chief Executive Officer at A Community of Friends. This project demonstrates how affordability and environmental sustainability can be achieved with effective coordination and a great team. Despite our incredibly aggressive goals, we were able to get the project completed on time and on budget by working together. Promise Energy was an integral part of the team from the very beginning, and their enthusiasm and dedication throughout the process was critical to making Silver Star not just an incredibly energy efficient building that produces all its own power, but a safe, comfortable community for our tenants to call home.
The project is all electric, with no fossil fuel combustion on-site, and the addition of Battery Storage system and advanced Energy Monitoring system by Promise Energy will enhance resilience by providing backup power to the community room.In addition, Promise Energy designed and installed a solar water heating system to offset 70% of the energy needed for water heating.
Silver Star includes a number of sustainability features in addition to delivering zero net energy, such as quality air sealing and insulation installation implemented to greatly reduce envelope leakage and HVAC loads, as well as phase-change material in the walls to reduce heat gain. 100% of the units are ADA compliant, using universal design features that will assist residents as they get older onsite. Silver Stars proposed greywater system is expected to reduce potable water demand for the project by 40%, saving an estimated 500,000 Gallons of water per year.
Jason Lorcher, founder of Green Dinosaur said, This was an exciting project to work on, not only because of the challenges we addressed, and the innovative solutions we delivered, but because of the commitment of the whole team to making this a truly high performance project. Delivering Zero Net Energy in a dense urban setting requires incredible attention to details - like how hot water is generated and distributed throughout the building, and every square inch of insulation to make sure that energy is not escaping or being wasted. Promise Energy was a great team player, assisting with multiple redesigns to meet our Zero Net Energy targets, as well as focusing on quality installation to ensure these systems will operate efficiently for years to come.
Silver Star really proves that mid-rise urban buildings can be completely carbon neutral and produce all the energy needed for 50 people to live comfortably even in Los Angeles, said Adam Boucher, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Promise Energy. Silver Star Apartments will keep people cool even during the hottest days and provide a safe space even during extended blackouts, without relying on fossil fuels. This project is both a way to give back to the people who have served us, as well as building a model for a healthier, more resilient future.
At the Grand Opening of this award-winning project, on Friday, November 17th, Mayor Eric Garcetti hosted Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair, Mark-Ridley Thomas, and city officials in a historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing the countys commitment to provide health services and case management for residents while the city continues to develop affordable housing projects. The fight to end homelessness belongs to everybody in Los Angeles, said Mayor Eric Garcetti. Were standing together at all levels of government to get people the shelter and services they need more quickly and efficiently than ever before.
About Promise Energy:
Promise Energy Inc, is a full-service solar solutions provider, delivering integrated financing, design and installation for multifamily and commercial projects throughout California and the Western United States. Promise Energy partners with building owners and residents to save energy, and reduce operating expenses with solar water heating and solar photovoltaics. The company is currently working on solar for over 9000 units of affordable housing, as well as other market-rate and commercial projects. To find out more, contact us a http://www.promiseenergy.com.
About ACOF:
A Community of Friends mission is to end homelessness through the provision of quality permanent supportive housing for people with mental illness. Our projects and services promote sustainability and serve as a foundation for stability, health and well-being. ACOF was the first agency to successfully implement the permanent supportive housing model throughout LA County. We are one of only a handful of agencies that offer supportive and service-enriched affordable housing for homeless individuals and families living with mental illness in Los Angeles County. Our focus is to build housing for people who have less than 30% of area median income (AMI) and have a mental, physical, or developmental disability with a primary focus on AMI. We work to provide people with special needs safe and affordable homes that allow them to focus on their mental and physical health. ACOF currently houses over 2,000 individuals and families in our buildings. Go to https://www.acof.org for more information.
OurHealth, Indianas leading provider of employer-sponsored primary care clinics, today announces a new partnership with Bosma Enterprises, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting Indiana residents who are blind or visually impaired. The partnership grants Bosma employees and their dependents access to six primary care clinics in Indianapolis and a host of wellness programs aimed at decreasing overall healthcare costs and increasing health and wellbeing.
The non-profit represents entrance into a new vertical for the eight-year-old healthcare player, which has traditionally focused on the professional services, municipal and education sectors.
OurHealth provides an incredible resource for our valuable employees and alleviates the complicated burden of managing our healthcare programs, said Lou Moneymaker, CEO at Bosma Enterprises. The MyClinic solution was not only the most cost-effective option we reviewed; it was also the most flexible and convenient. Were thrilled to be able to provide this high-quality service to our employees.
Its with great pride that we partner with Bosma Enterprises and help Lou and his leadership team continue to build upon their vision for providing superior health and wellness programs to all employees and dependents, said Ben Evans, CEO and co-founder of OurHealth.
OurHealth is committed to working with its partners to enhance employee well-being and reduce long-term healthcare costs for employers. OurHealth customers see an average savings of 20 percent on healthcare costs, mostly in the form of reduced emergency room visits, savings on specialty referrals and drug costs. Its growing roster of clients includes OneAmerica, Genesys (formerly Interactive Intelligence), IceMiller, the City of Indianapolis and the City of Charlotte.
OurHealth was founded in 2009 to solve three problems in the healthcare system: lack of access, poor outcomes and unaffordable cost escalation for employees and employers. In June of this year, the company announced a $37 million fundraising round lead by White Oak, which will be used to invest in marketing, sales and technology. Headquartered in Indianapolis, OurHealth recently expanded into North Carolina and further market expansion is planned for 2018.
For more information about OurHealth, please visit http://www.ourhealth.org.
About Bosma Enterprises
Bosma Enterprises is a non-profit organization that assists Hoosiers who are blind or visually impaired. Bosma has roots dating back more than 100 years. Our experienced staff (more than half of whom are blind) offer personalized programs ranging from counseling, to job placement, to training for daily living skills helping adults gain the life skills they need to remain independent, and the job skills they need to stay self-sufficient. To learn more about how you can help our mission, or how our mission can help you, visit Bosma.org.
About OurHealth
OurHealth is a provider of onsite and near-site primary care clinics and wellness programming focused on enhancing the patient experience and lowering healthcare costs for businesses of all sizes. OurHealth offers a comprehensive healthcare approach to its clients and their employees, which includes primary care services, wellness services, onsite laboratory and medication dispensing services and referral guidance. OurHealth has clinics in Indiana, North Carolina, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. To learn more about OurHealth, visit http://www.ourhealth.org.
Tulane SOPA is honored with this recognition," said Michael Wallace, the university's director of emergency and security studies. "College Choice is a thorough, credible, respected source of rankings in advanced education.
The Tulane School of Professional Advancement (SOPA) ranks second among the 24 Best Online Master's Degrees in Homeland Security for 2017, according to College Choice, a respected authority on college and university rankings and resources. The independent online publication's research is based on the school's academic reputation, its affordability, the retention of students and their early salaries after graduation.
Among the publication's data sources are the U.S. News and World Report, The National Center for Education Statistics, each school's website and PayScale. The full ranking is available here.
"Tulane SOPA is honored with this recognition," said Michael Wallace, the university's director of emergency and security studies. "College Choice is a thorough, credible, respected source of rankings in advanced education. This impressive ranking validates the work of everyone in the Emergency & Security Studies program."
Courses are available across Tulane's three campus locations and online, but it is possible to complete the M.P.S. program entirely online. The Emergency & Security Studies curriculum is aligned with the Naval Postgraduate School's Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS).
The School of Professional Advancement's Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Homeland Security Studies offers core classes to provide students with theoretical approaches and practical applications to intelligence and analysis, counter-terrorism, cyber-security, emergency and infrastructure management.
M.P.S. graduates are prepared to work in emergency management, intelligence analysis, counter-terrorism analysis and cybersecurity. They are also ready for jobs in border protection and security, as well as infrastructure protection in local, state and federal government and the private sector.
For more information, interested parties can call (504) 865-5555 or visit sopa.tulane.edu. The school's Uptown campus is located at 6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, La. 70118.
Tulane School of Professional Advancement addresses the needs of working adult students with four distinct master's degree programs, 26 undergraduate degrees and a variety of flexible certificate programs. The faculty includes working professionals and industry leaders, with an emphasis on networking and hands-on career preparedness. To accommodate working adults, class schedules include daytime, evening, weekend, and online options.
Elite Steel & Supply, a Temple, Texas-based company announced today that it is now offering free quotes for metal buildings and supplies.
Were very excited about this, said Garry Smith, owner and spokesman for Elite Steel & Supply. Weve always wanted to bring as much value to current and potential customers as we can. Providing quotes for metal buildings and supplies at no cost to customers ensures that were doing exactly that.
Elite Steel & Supplys mission, according to Smith, is to provide premium metal roofing and metal building supplies direct from its mill to customers, while maintaining its focus on quality and customer service. Those interested in receiving a quote at no cost, can do so quickly and conveniently at http://elitesteelandsupply.com/get-quote.
In addition, Elite & Supply empowers customers with one location for all of their metal and steel building needs. With the quickest turnaround in Central Texas, 24 hours in most cases and a large variety of inventory on hand for will-call pickup, Smith stressed that Elite Steel & Supply, is the perfect destination for metal buildings, steel buildings, steel barns, metal garages, metal roofing, metal building supplies, metal carports, carport and gazebo kits, metal sheds and more.
Smith went on to point out that a great reason why customers should get a free quote from Elite Steel & Supply, is because the company is family owned and operated, which in turn means its internal communication, values and teamwork abilities behind the scenes are in sync.
As a family, we respect each other and work together, in and out of the shop, Smith stressed, before adding, This cohesiveness ensures every department is doing its part and communicating with the other departments to offer you a seamless customer service experience. As a family owned business, we do not have a head office sending us generic policies or slogans. We live, work and play right here in Texas, and our customers are our friends, neighbors and peers.
For more information, please visit elitesteelandsupply.com/about-us and elitesteelandsupply.com/products-and-services.
About Elite Steel & Supply
Family owned and operated. We are committed to offering personal service and superior-quality products, direct from our mill to you. We are your one-stop shop for metal and steel buildings and supplies in Temple, Texas. Elite is pleased to offer the fastest turnaround time in central Texas.
Contact Details:
Garry Smith
7575 Pegasus
Temple, Texas 76501
USA
Phone:
(254) 773 4300
(254) 913- 2345
Source: Elite Steel & Supply
Jim Scott, SVP Worldwide Human Resources Avoka is on track to increase the number of employees by 50% this fiscal year, with growth in all regions - Australia, North America and Europe.
Avoka, the leader in digital customer acquisition for financial services, recently added key executives to its team as part of its global expansion. Jim Scott has joined as Senior Vice President for Global Human Resources, Colin Matthews joined as Senior Vice President for North American Sales and Account Management, and Nick Edwards as Director of Sales for Australia and New Zealand. The additions are part of continued record business expansion that will add 50% global headcount to the company during the current fiscal year.
Jim Scott will have responsibility for leading and managing all aspects of HR functions at Avoka, particularly important in driving global expansion. Jim comes to Avoka with nearly 20 years experience in senior management roles and over 12 years as a Human Resources executive. Jim was the Vice President of Human Resources for Casey Industrial, and the Executive Director of Human Resources for Inflow, a Denver-based managed internet services company. He has experience managing business units in several U.S. markets, and spent two years living in London and leading the European operations for Frontier Videoconferencing. Jim is based in Broomfield (Denver) Colorado, Avokas North American headquarters.
Nick Edwards joins Avoka in the Manly (Sydney) Australia office, after following the business closely for some 18 months. He has partnered with Avoka in his most recent role as Head of Sales for Australia and New Zealand for Experian Decision Analytics. In that role, he was responsible for the distribution of product through the financial services and telecommunications verticals as well as managing ongoing client relationships. As a member of the leadership team, he assisted in ensuring the overall health of the business, financially and culturally. As part of the APAC Future Leaders program, he was invested in the success of the business regionally. Prior to Experian, Nick worked at before that he worked at First Data and BlackRock managing financial institution relationships.
With over 25 years in operational leadership roles, Colin Matthews brings a unique blend of go-to-market, business development and operational leadership experience to Avoka. Colin has held a variety of executive sales leadership positions at several leading fintech companies - helping drive two successful IPOs at Yodlee and LifeLock (ID Analytics). As Chief Client Officer at ID Analytics, Colin led business strategy, client success, sales and revenue growth. At Yodlee, he led top-line growth at top retail banks, online brokerages and financial portals. Prior to Yodlee, Colin led sales, strategic alliances and product management for FICOs Scoring Division spearheading distribution of their industry-leading FICO credit risk solutions to the top financial institutions in North America. Colin is based in the Broomfield Colorado office.
One of our biggest accomplishments over the past year has been building our team with high quality, experienced individuals, said Philip Copeland, Avoka CEO and Founder. These latest executive additions reflect the momentum in our worldwide businesses and our ability to attract top talent. Avoka is on track to increase the number of employees by 50% this fiscal year, with growth in all regions - Australia, North America and Europe.
About Avoka
Avoka accelerates customer-centric digital transformation in financial services, government and other industries. Avoka Transact creates omnichannel customer acquisition and onboarding experiences that accelerate customer acquisition and time to market. Avoka was founded in 2002 and has digitized over 100 million transactions for 150+ global clients. Avoka is based in Denver, CO, London, England and Sydney, Australia. Visit us at http://www.avoka.com/.
Complete Discovery Source (CDS), a leader in eDiscovery, today announced that Pete Smith has joined the company in the role of Senior Vice President of Sales. Pete will lead CDSs continued expansion into global markets, led by regional presences in California, London, and Toronto.
Pete is a veteran of the legal document management industry who brings over 35 years of experience to his role at CDS at organizations including Xerox, Merrill Corporation, and First Advantage (now Consilio). He has a deep knowledge of the technology landscape and the challenges faced by legal practitioners handling increasing volumes of electronically stored information (ESI). Among his professional achievements, Pete has been recognized for his rigorous attention to a strategic sales process and focus on client relationships.
Pete has a proven track record of motivating teams and building strong relationships both internally and with clients. Were thrilled that he will be part of CDSs continued growth, said Vinnie Budhram, CDSs Chief Administrative Officer.
As a company, CDS shares my personal dedication to communication and team-building, said Pete about joining the company. I look forward to engaging with clients and demonstrating how CDSs solutions can help improve their eDiscovery experience.
About Complete Discovery Source
Complete Discovery Source (CDS) is a leading eDiscovery company, providing litigation technology and hosting, consulting, project management, and managed review to support the most complex discovery matters. CDS is the first choice of the Am Law 100 and Fortune 500 and is recognized as Best in eDiscovery by the National Law Journal. With a team of seasoned legal experts and technicians, CDS uses advanced, tested, and defensible services and software to support all stages and types of eDiscovery. Supporting a number of eDiscovery tools, CDS is an Orange-Level Best-in-Service Relativity Provider and provides one of the largest and highest volume footprints delivering that platform. CDS is headquartered in New York with regional offices in Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, and London. The company maintains highly secure ISO 27001 certified hosting and Type 2 SOC 2 audited data centers in North America and Europe. Complete Discovery Sources web site is http://www.cdslegal.com.
We wanted to develop a platform that is in the integrators best interest and provide a plug and play solution for managed services for our customers that is secure and incredibly flexible, states Robert Lydic, Global VP of Sales at ISONAS
ISONAS Inc., a leading Pure IP access control system manufacturer, today announced that the company is providing their certified partners a simple path to offering Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) with its integrator RMR license. Launched in 2016, Pure Access, is a cloud-based access control software application that provides users the ability to manage their access control from anywhere at any time, on any device. In addition to providing a modern user experience and interface, Pure Access gives ISONAS certified partners an off-the-shelf solution to build a recurring revenue business model in the access control space. In recent years, ACaaS has grown into a mainstream product offering. With more and more cloud-hosted platforms available, integrators now have the opportunity to provide managed access control and pivot to an RMR business model. By offering a long-term and manageable solution to their end users, integrators possess the ability to create greater customer retention and provide additional products and services to their end user.
The ISONAS RMR license was created to help integrators minimize risk and increase monthly revenue with a simple model. In the access control space a number of integrators have created managed platforms, but that required them to invest heavily in hardware and software and cobble together a solution to make that work, says Robert Lydic, Global Vice President of Sales at ISONAS. We wanted to develop a platform that is in the integrators best interest and provide a plug and play solution for managed services for our customers that is secure and incredibly flexible. The ISONAS model allows the integrator to buy a single license and host an unlimited number of doors and up to 25 end users from a single login. It is an off-the-shelf managed platform that requires no hardware or infrastructure set up to start and removes all capital risk from the integrator.
Many ISONAS long time certified partners have begun the migration to a recurring revenue business model and have experienced great success. A perfect example of a certified ISONAS integrator that is reaping the benefits of the RMR model is Nighthawk Group, LLC a Northwest Chicago based IP integration company serving small and mid-size business segments, non-profits, manufacturing, and educational K-8 facilities, both locally and nationwide. As the shift continues to cloud-based products in the access control market, Nighthawk Group began to explore their options for offering Access Control as a Service to its customers. ISONAS offered the simplest solution when it came to recurring monthly revenue and ISONASs Pure Access Cloud Platform was the winner. We had a desire to build an RMR business model and an ISONAS Managed Service offering fit perfectly into our plan, states Kevin Smith, President of Nighthawk Group. The ISONAS integrator platform allows us pricing flexibility to better match the actual number of doors a client has, versus a block of doors, and to build service models that align more closely with their needs. The platform also allows us to be more proactive in monitoring a clients environment. It eliminates the many issues associated with premise equipment, and provides for a more stable environment by always being current on software updates. Its advantageous for integrators to build a monthly revenue stream and be less dependent on project or seasonal revenue.
As customers pivot to an ACaaS business model, they must do so in a strategic manner to ensure success. With manufacturers taking on the heavy lifting there is limited risk, but driving an RMR business model requires strategic pricing models and specific service offerings for customers. For further information on this topic, integrators can review the 5 keys to offering cloud-based access control as a resource when moving to an RMR model. ISONAS has empowered its certified partners with an RMR model that is second to none and continues to provide an open path to the future in hardware and software in the access control market. For further information, visit http://www.isonas.com.
About ISONAS Inc.
Since 1999 ISONAS has been revolutionizing access control with one simple solution and is todays leading manufacturer of Pure IP Access Control hardware. When paired with their industry leading cloud hosted software solutions or 3rd party full featured access control software, a complete access control platform is formed. An ISONAS system provides the perfect product solution for securing facilities while reducing costs and providing all of the advantages that Pure IP technology brings to the door. ISONAS is based in the global technology hub of Boulder, Colorado, and has one goal; to change the global access control market, and provide a product solution that is secure, reliable, trusted, and more technologically advanced than anything before. Today, the company is realizing that vision with the ISONAS solution installed globally in over 30 countries in a wide variety of vertical markets. ISONAS has been recognized as one of Boulder Countys fastest growing companies as well as by industry partners such as Milestone Systems, year after year for its powerful video and access control integration. For more information, visit: http://www.isonas.com or call 800-581-0083.
ISONAS Company Contact:
Melissa Stenger, VP of Product Management & Marketing
ISONAS Inc.
Phone: 303-951-7216
Email: melissas(at)isonas(dot)com
ISONAS PR Contact:
Monique Merhige, President
Infusion Direct Marketing & Advertising, Inc.
Phone: 631-846-1558
Email: monique(at)infusiondirect(dot)com
Bravo Target Safety, a leading provider of industrial and oilfield emergency response and safety services, today introduced new Regional Manager Michael Coutu and announced that it will soon open a new facility in Fort McMurray.
From its six locations in Alberta, Bravo Target Safety serves clients in the energy, chemical, mining and construction industries across Western Canada. Principal services include: emergency response, hydrocarbon firefighting, turnarounds and well control. The company uses industry-leading safety equipment and operates a dozen late model fire trucks one of the largest private fleets in the country. The Bravo Target Safety team distinguishes itself by providing unrivaled service, support and response times.
Bravo Target Safetys new Regional Manager has more than 20 years of experience in the oil & gas sector. Having earned an Emergency Medical Technician diploma from Lakeland College, he has served as a full-time Emergency Response Officer for the last seven years most recently as Fire Captain with a leading Canadian integrated energy company, where he helped fight the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires. Previously, he was a Construction Manager in Cold Lake and the regional President of an engineering company in Bonnyville. Michael Coutu started his career as a Civil Engineering Technologist in Calgary.
We are actively supporting clients in the Fort McMurray region with teams from our other facilities, explains Michael Coutu, Regional Manager, Bravo Target Safety. In the coming weeks, we will open a new permanent facility in Fort McMurray with offices, shop space and a yard. Among many things, we will manage equipment maintenance locally and we expect to hire at least 20 full-time people within the first year. Of course, our personnel needs may scale dramatically in response to demand. As someone who has lived in Fort McMurray for several years, I am very pleased to be part of the Bravo Target Safety team and I look forward to contributing to my community.
We are proud to be opening our new Fort McMurray facility and to have Mike as Regional Manager, says Kevin OBrien, CEO, Bravo Target Safety. He possesses a wealth of industry experience with unmatched expertise in emergency response and firefighting. He is also an ideal candidate to lead our Fort McMurray team because of his longstanding relationships with industry leaders in the region. Furthermore, he and his family are actively engaged in their community. On behalf of Bravo Target Safety, Id like to welcome Mike Coutu to our team.
About Bravo Target Safety
Bravo Target Safety is a leading provider of industrial and oilfield emergency response and safety services. Dedicated to the highest industry standards, Bravo Target Safety selects the strongest leaders, provides the best training and invests in the best technology and equipment. Headquartered in Lloydminster, Bravo Target Safety has facilities in Bonnyville, Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Red Deer and soon in Fort McMurray. For more information, please visit http://bravotarget.ca/.
Media Contact
Mark Lowe, PRagmatic Communications
mark(dot)lowe(at)pragcom(dot)com / (514) 499-9632 / (514) 576-2519
Finest Los Angeles Web Design Firms
10 Best Design is honored to release the names of the winners of its November 2017 awards for the top LA web development agencyEIGHT25MEDIA, Isadora Agency and SDG. Each month, 10 Best Design publishes a variety of awards for web design companies to assist businesses who are searching for potential vendors.
First on the November list of top LA web development agencies is EIGHT25MEDIA. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, this company is home to many talented professionals who have a great deal of expertise in web design and development. They are very passionate about what they do, and they make it habit of working together for each of their clients in order to help them achieve the best online experience that they can, in order to reach their target audiences in the most effective way possible. They are happy to be part of a field where they can benefit people in both the business and consumer arenas, and they are aware of the role that a website can play in any company's comprehensive marketing strategy.
Appearing second on the list is Isadora Agency, a leading web design firm headquartered in Manhattan Beach, Calif. This company is capable of providing assistance in various areas of design and development, including security measures, custom coating, and graphic design. They pride themselves on being able to provide their clients with a comprehensive suite of services when it comes to web design. They are well known for giving their clients happy surprises and going above and beyond the expectations of each of their diverse array of clients.
In third place on the November list is SDG, a top web design firm based in Los Angeles, California. The business is completely driven by referrals and will not make a client pay for something that is not necessary. The primary focus of this group of talented professionals is mobile first-user-experience driven design. SDG has a team that is completely in-house and has very strong abilities in both design and coding. They also can help with web creation, Android applications, iOS applications, Shopify, and other clever consulting services. This company aims to please, no matter what they are doing for their clients.
For more information about this months winners, visit http://www.10bestdesign.com.
Shweiki Media presents a new webinar featuring expert tips for crafting a successful content strategy In this crowded, noisy virtual environment, it's hard for companies to get their messages heard, and it's not enough to just produce and promote content. It's critical to have a content strategy in place.
At this point, everyone has recognized the need for content creation and content marketing, and audiences are being inundated with information as companies continuously crank out content. In this crowded, noisy virtual environment, it's hard for companies to get their messages heard, and it's not enough to just produce and promote content. It's critical to have a content strategy in place.
To help marketers stand out from the crowd and get their messages heard, Shweiki Media has teamed up with Mark W. Schaefer - globally recognized marketing expert, consultant, speaker and bestselling author - to present a new, exclusive webinar on how to create a successful content strategy.
In this webinar, Schaefer covers the following topics:
-The current state of the Internet
-Content saturation
-Analyzing the competition
-Recognizing advocates
-The importance of responding to comments
-And more!
The webinar is available on Shweiki's YouTube channel and with an accompanying blog on shweiki.com.
About Shweiki:
Shweiki Medias mission has always been to help publishers improve by providing the most profitable, hassle-free printing experience possible. This includes guaranteeing the highest quality product, exceptional customer service, world-class communication, an on-time guarantee, and no surprises whether printing magazines, postcards, flyers or anything else.
As a printer and publisher, Shweiki Media also believes that this hassle-free experience includes making their clients better. Utilizing relationships with industry experts, Shweiki Media strives to educate clients and help them thrive in the exciting world of publishingwhile having lots of fun along the way!
For more great info from and about Shweiki Media, please check out our blog at shweiki.com/blog (and sign up for our FREE weekly expert webinars!), and subscribe to our Youtube Channel at youtube.com/shweikimedia. You can also follow us @ShweikiMedia and like us at Facebook.com/shweikimedia
About Mark Schaefer:
Mark W. Schaefer is a globally-recognized keynote speaker, educator, business consultant, and author who blogs at {grow} one of the top marketing blogs of the world. Mark has worked in global sales, PR, and marketing positions for 30 years and now provides consulting services as Executive Director of U.S.-based Schaefer Marketing Solutions. He specializes in marketing strategy and social media workshops and clients include both start-ups and global brands such as Adidas, Johnson & Johnson, Dell, Pfizer, The U.S. Air Force, and the UK government. Mark has advanced degrees in marketing and organizational development and holds seven patents. He is a faculty member of the graduate studies program at Rutgers University and is the author of five best-selling marketing books: Social Media Explained, Return On Influence, Born to Blog, The Content Code, and The Tao of Twitter, the best-selling book on Twitter in the world. Return On Influence was named to the elite Top Academic Titles of the year by the American Library Association, which declared it an essential and pathfinding book. Content Code was named one of the top five marketing books of 2015 by INC magazine. His books are used as textbooks at more than 50 universities, have been translated into 12 languages, and can be found in more than 750 libraries worldwide. He is the co-host of The Marketing Companion, one of the top 10 marketing podcasts on iTunes.
Leading Los Angeles Firms
10 Best SEO has selected the winners of its Best Los Angeles SEO Agency awards for November 2017, giving RankLab the top prize.
Dozens of search engine optimization agencies call Los Angeles, Calif., home right now. Without a doubt, potential clients benefit from having so many options to choose from, but they suffer as well. Sorting through all of these options and figuring out which ones are worth pursuing is a tedious task. Fortunately, the industry experts at 10 Best SEO recently launched their Best SEO Agency in LA awards.
At RankLab, the SEO focus is on ecommerce and creating successful businesses. This helps to make the company stand out as one of the best Los Angeles SEO firms on the November list of winners. Experts for the agency work tirelessly to help clients thrive in a tough business environment. RankLab has helped hundreds of clients in the past and prefers to craft long-term relationships with its clients. From there, the agency creates a long-term strategy for search engine optimization success, and clients benefit from a skilled partner.
The minds behind Websites Depot believe ease-of-use is the key to success alongside proper optimization. Therefore, Websites Depot builds websites from the ground up with a focus on SEO and functionality. As a top SEO agency, Websites Depot ensures clients websites are tailored to become noticed by search engines, and the user experience is designed to be nothing but smooth. Nothing beats a website optimized for the search engines, potential visitors, and overall success.
Leading SEO agency Elite SEM is well-deserving of the November award. Dozens of marketing experts work for Elite SEM today. Each and every person knows the ins and outs of search engine optimization for websites of all backgrounds. For that reason, clients do not need to worry about time being wasted on the wrong pursuits. Elite SEM dominates the search engine rankings for its clients while offering a wide variety of other services as well. Clients need to put themselves in elite company to succeed.
Choosing the Best Los Angeles SEO Firm is no easy task. In the end, 10 Best SEO considers dozens of factors when putting together its list. Any of the November 2017 recipients would provide incredible results for clients at the moment. Since this is a new award, the next batch of results will not come out for another month. Still, businesses and industry experts will eagerly await the newest recipients. 10 Best SEO has proven itself a leader in the SEO industry.
For more information about this months winning firms, please visit http://www.10bestseo.com.
Venture Resorts (https://www.cabinsofthesmokymountains.com), Gatlinburgs largest vacation rental company, today announced the opening of its new wedding facility at Gatlinburg Falls Resort.
Were excited about the new facility, says Billy Parris, general manager of Venture Resorts, Weve always hosted weddings and receptions at Gatlinburg Falls Resort, but the new facility is fresh, improved space.
Built in the style of a luxury mountain lodge, the wedding facility includes over 1,500 square feet of flexible event space. The facility can host receptions of up to 90 guests, with room left for a dance floor.
According to Parris, the facility is designed to host a range of events, including wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, or banquets and rehearsal dinners. Parris says the facility can also be used for meetings and other events.
We can host up to 125 people in theater seating, and the facility features a full audio/visual suite, Parris says.
The city of Gatlinburg has long been major wedding destination, being second only to Las Vegas in the number of weddings it hosts each year. To serve the large wedding market, Parris says that Gatlinburg Falls Resort offers a range of wedding packages, from simple, in-cabin weddings, to full wedding receptions that include catering, 3-tier wedding cake, music, flowers and photography/videography.
Venture Resorts also offers cabin accommodations for bridge, groom and guests. The company rents more than 400 cabins in Gatlinburg and nearby Pigeon Forge. It offers four honeymoon packages for the bride and groom, plus the option for couples to design their own romantic package.
We probably host more honeymoons than anyone in Gatlinburg, says Parris.
To learn more about the companys honeymoon packages, visit: https://www.cabinsofthesmokymountains.com/packages-romance.php.
For more information about Venture Resorts wedding facility and wedding packages, visit https://www.cabinsofthesmokymountains.com/gatlinburg-weddings.php.
About Venture Resorts
Venture Resorts is the largest luxury cabin rental agency in the Smoky Mountains, managing over 400 cabins within minutes of Great Smoky Mountain National Park and family-friendly attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
For more information, call (866) 347-6659 or visit one of the companys web sites https://www.cabinsofthesmokymountains.com or https://www.cabinsofpigeonforge.com.
InfoMC, a leading provider of cloud-based healthcare management and care coordination software, announced today the promotion of Jeff Branagh to Chief Operating Officer of the company. Jeff joined the company in October 2016 as Senior Vice President of Operations.
Jeffs vast experience in healthcare, strategy, and product development has served the company very well. He has spent most his professional career working with large payer organizations across the country. Prior to joining InfoMC, Jeff served as Managing Director of Strategy and Innovation at LiquidHub, 11 years with McKesson Health Solutions / Portico Inc. holding various positions in Product Management, Sales and Client Delivery; as well as 10 years with Aetna in Operations, Technology and Program Management.
InfoMC has experienced much success over the past 13 months under Jeffs focus and leadership. He has turned our implementation team into a profit center of continuous services, streamlined our development cycles into achievable and repeatable delivery; while improving product quality at the same time. We are so pleased to have him as a leader on our team, said JJ Farook, Chief Executive Offer.
Im excited to take on this leadership position during such a monumental time in InfoMCs growth, said Branagh. Weve turned our attention at InfoMC to design and launch innovative population health solutions that advance high-quality care, improve access and increase member engagement. Our technologies are aimed at advancing our Client Partners goals to establish sustainable and scalable care models while reducing unnecessary healthcare costs. I look forward to continuing the expansion of our capabilities and optimizing our solutions focused on improving patient care in 2018 and beyond.
About InfoMC
InfoMC Inc. is a leading provider of cloud-based healthcare management and care coordination software designed to help close gaps in health care systems. InfoMC offers a suite of rules-based workflow, data exchange, and analytics products to health plans, managed care organizations, health systems, state, county and community health centers and programs, and Employee Assistance/WorkLife Programs. The InfoMC Coordinated Care Solution provides tools for optimal care coordination of complex or chronic physical and behavioral health conditions and populations, resulting in improved quality and cost of care outcomes.
Were always honored to win an award, but its especially exciting when our own patients were the ones who nominated and voted for us.
For the second year in a row, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center has earned the award of Atlantas Best Laser Hair Removal Facility. This distinction comes from Best Self magazines Best of 2017 reader poll.
Every year, Best Self hosts a Best of Atlanta contest. They accept nominations for top providers in over 180 health-related categories from thousands of people. With the nominees collected from the public, Best Self opens the contest for voting. The magazines readers as well as residents from every area of metro Atlanta vote for the providers who have helped them on their health and wellness journey. Through this process, Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center is proud to find that their patients were so satisfied as to vote them Atlantas Best Laser Hair Removal Facility for the second consecutive year.
As Laser Lights Practice Administrator Jackie Madison explains, Were always honored to win an award, but its especially exciting when our own patients were the ones who nominated and voted for us. We work as a family to develop a personal relationship with every patient and to help them be the best they can be from the inside out. This award just motivates us to keep working toward providing each and every patient with a truly five-star experience.
For Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Centers patients, the award comes as no surprise. On top of their exceptional laser hair removal results, the staff has also achieved great success for patients using nonsurgical fat removal, microneedling, nonsurgical skin tightening, laser skin resurfacing, laser tattoo removal, and dozens more.
Serving the Atlanta community for nearly twenty-five years at Southern Plastic Surgery, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Whiteman specializes in performing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, and he expanded his reach by becoming the full owner of Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center in 2016. Today, Southern Plastic Surgery and Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center function as one practice with two locations, one for surgery and one for nonsurgical treatments, both with the same goal - helping patients find their confidence.
About Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center
Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center is dedicated to raising the self-confidence of its patients through various laser skin treatments, non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and facial treatments, and has been for over 15 years. In 2016, double board-certified plastic surgeon David M. Whiteman, MD, FRCS(c) took over as full owner of Laser Lights to offer patients a more focused customer experience. With multiple unique lasers for every skin type, a wide variety of non-laser skin treatments, and some of the most advanced aesthetic technology available for non-surgical fat reduction, skin tightening, and more, Laser Lights can match each patient with the ideal procedures to meet their needs. Their list of services includes, but is not limited to laser treatments to remove hair, tattoos, blemishes, veins and wrinkles, as well as non-laser treatments for the face and body and medical grade skin care products. Gift certificates are also available, allowing your loved ones to select the perfect treatments for them. Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Centers goal is to help every patient look and feel their very best, all with a five-star experience. When you step into their offices, you join the family where they strive to foster a personal relationship with each patient to help them achieve their aesthetic goals and be the best they can be from the inside out.
Patients considering non-surgical cosmetic treatments can find more information about Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center at http://www.atlaserlights.com.
Patients who are considering plastic surgery can learn more about Dr. David Whiteman and the rest of the Southern Plastic Surgery team at southernplasticsurgery.com.
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We pride ourselves on choosing the perfect solution for our customers, we listen to the needs of our customer and fit them with the ideal hardware and service, said Mary Cheney, Marketing Supervisor at VoIP Supply.
VoIP Supply, North America's Leading VoIP Solutions Provider, has been awarded the Editors Retail Choice Award for its Comprehensive Telephony Marketplace from Deal Crunch. Since 2002, VoIP Supply has provided expert knowledge to the VoIP industry and its customers. It has also provided unmatched product availability to over 125,000 customers worldwide. It is the companys mission to provide the highest level of service to all customers, while ensuring they are educated on the solutions they are purchasing.
We pride ourselves on choosing the perfect solution for our customers, we listen to the needs of our customer and fit them with the ideal hardware and service, said Mary Cheney, Marketing Supervisor at VoIP Supply.
While VoIP Supply is known for its telephony hardware, the company is shifting its focus to hosted solutions. Aiming to aid businesses to transition into services that provide savings in resources, capital and IT time.
That is why our slogan is everything that you need for VoIP. With hosted solutions becoming more predominant in the industry, weve adjusted our focus to better support customers, Mary said.
VoIP Supplys dedication to customers begins with a company culture rooted in a sense of family, togetherness, and service that goes beyond the telephone. That commitment, and a vast selection of hardware and services, has earned VoIP Supply our Editors Retail Choice Award for its Comprehensive Telephony Marketplace.
About VoIP Supply
VoIP Supply, LLC (http://www.voipsupply.com) is your trusted source for everything VoIP; from our large selection of name-brand hardware to our CloudSpan Marketplace. VoIP Supply provides you with a fully staffed inbound call center with licensed, certified and highly trained VoIP experts that can help you with any problem you might have. Whether you are a home user, business, reseller or service provider, VoIP Supply has the products, experience, and expertise to make your deployment a success.
VoIP Supply is a three-time Inc. 500/5000 honoree, listed by Business First as one of WNYs Most Admired Companies, as well as being consistently ranked one of Western New York's Best Places to Work. VoIP Supply is also the first Certified B Corporation in Western New York.
Our dedicated Solution Specialists are here to help, so call us today at 1-800-398-VoIP or visit our website at http://www.voipsupply.com
About IndustryCrunch
DealCrunch.coms IndustryCrunch is the only blog of its kind that highlights all of the retail industrys movers and shakers, up-and-coming startups and more. Stay informed with the latest industry news here.
UBCF's Disaster Relief Event Serving Breast Cancer Patients, Survivors and Immediate Family Members UBCF is pleased to announce its first disaster relief event for breast cancer patients and survivors. The event, scheduled for December 9, 2017 in Doral, Florida, will provide assistance to women, men and children affected by breast cancer.
The United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF) is pleased to announce its first disaster relief event for breast cancer patients and survivors. The event, scheduled for December 9, 2017 in Doral, Florida, will provide assistance to women, men and children affected by breast cancer and the recent natural disasters in Florida, including Hurricane Irma.
UBCF has partnered with Good360 and Tempur-Pedic to donate high quality twin, full and queen-size Tempur-Pedic mattresses. In addition to the new mattresses, UBCF is giving away other household, personal care products, clothing and baby items generously donated by Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby. Other donors include: Keurig, Nike, Burts Bees, First Aid Beauty and The Honest Company.
Cancer care is expensive and a large percentage of UBCF's clients come from low-income households. Often between medical bills and every day expenses UBCFs clients struggle to afford basic household items or a new mattress. The added stress of rebuilding after a natural disaster makes these purchases even more difficult and yet much more important. All items are available to breast cancer patients, survivors and their children 18 years or younger. Patients and survivors are welcome to travel from surrounding states. The application is available at http://ubcf.org/disaster-relief/
"I speak for my entire team when I say that UBCF is truly honored to be supporting the courageous women, men and children of Florida who are not only dealing with breast cancer but are now forced to rebuild their lives, said UBCF Executive Director, Ms. Stephanie Mastroianni. "Providing a good nights sleep with a new Tempur-Pedic mattress is the least we can do.
UBCF thanks Tempur-Pedic, Good360, Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby, and CustomSpace warehousing. UBCF's next Tempur-Pedic mattress event is tentatively scheduled for Spring, 2018 in Melville, NY. For more information please contact UBCFs Director of Operations, Ms. Beth Reichart at 1-877-822-4287 x702 or email beth(at)ubcf.org.
Background on UBCF
UBCF is committed to offering breast health and wellness services focused on cancer prevention, screening, treatment and overall wellness. UBCFs mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer and carries it out through seven life-supporting patient and family programs available to women, men and families nation-wide. UBCF never denies services to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, income or medical insurance coverage. People in need of breast health services may visit ubcf.org or call toll-free, 877-822-4287. Tax-deductible contributions may be made towards UBCFs programs. UBCF accepts vehicle and property donations as well. Contributions may be mailed to UBCF, P.O. Box 2421, Huntington, NY 11743, or donate through the Combined Federal Campaign, #77934.
The TWAIN Working Group (TWG), a not-for-profit organization designed to provide and foster a universal public standard which links applications and image acquisition devices, today announced the addition of HazyBits as an Associate member of the TWAIN Working Group. HazyBits, a developer of carefully designed APIs that provide infrastructure for developers of modern applications to process huge amounts of data, has joined to make development contributions to TWAIN Cloud, a component of the new TWAIN Direct specification.
TWAIN Direct is the first zero-footprint, mobile-ready version of TWAIN's royalty-free open standard protocol. It expedites development of applications accessing scanners, without requiring vendor-specific drivers. TWAIN Direct supports direct network communication between desktop or mobile applications and scanning devices, and addresses the need for something simple and direct that speeds along application development and results in a feature-rich end user experience.
Said Dmitry Kolomiets, President at HazyBits, "We are excited to be a new Associate Member of the TWAIN Working Group. This standard is very important to the imaging industry, and it is clear that the TWAIN Working Group is doing what it should to move the standard in to the future with TWAIN Direct. Our group can add great value in the cloud portion of the specification development, to include building important infrastructure that will be open source based on our years of experience."
HazyBits is a great fit for membership and an important piece of the development puzzle for TWAIN Cloud, part of our TWAIN Direct specification, says Jon Harju, Chair of the TWAIN Working Group and CTO at Visioneer Inc. Dmitry Kolomiets, President of HazyBits, has been making contributions to the group for some time with his cloud expertise under another member company. We are very happy to add his new company as an Associate Member of the group, and look forward to working with him into the future.
About HazyBits
HazyBits strives to adopt modern cloud technologies and bring advanced image processing and computer vision capabilities to developers of all kinds of applications. The experienced team of HazyBits engineers understand the importance of visual information, especially now when images can be acquired instantly using mobile phones. The HazyBits mission is to provide access to powerful instruments through carefully designed APIs, and to provide infrastructure that developers of modern applications can use to process huge amounts of data effortlessly - ultimately delivering user experiences previously unimaginable. https://hazybits.com/
About The TWAIN Working Group
The TWAIN Working Group, established in 1992, is a not-for-profit association of industry leaders who have gathered to create a standard that benefits the imaging industry as a whole. TWAIN's purpose is to provide and foster a universal public standard which links applications and image acquisition devices. The ongoing mission of this organization is to continue to enhance the standard to accommodate future technologies. TWAIN generates multiple opportunities for application developers and users to access information and broaden the standard; through a developers forum (twainforum.org), main website (twain.org), Wikipedia page and online self-certification process. Current members of the TWAIN Working Group include Visioneer, Inc., Panasonic System Communications Company of North America, Avision Inc., ExactCODE GmbH, Fujitsu Computer Products of America Inc., InoTec GmbH Organisationssyteme, Kodak Alaris, Atalasoft, Microtek, Inc., Picture Elements, Dynamsoft, Epson, ABBYY, PDF Association, HazyBits and Hewlett Packard. More information about the TWAIN API and imaging standard can be obtained on The TWAIN Working Group's Web site at http://www.twain.org.
Third-party logistics provider Kane Is Able, Inc. (KANE http://www.kaneisable.com) is pleased to announce that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire Vintners Logistics (http://www.vintnerslogisticsllc.com), a leading provider of warehousing and transportation for food and beverage products for wineries and food processing companies.
The acquisition of Vintners Logistics, based in Kennewick, WA, further strengthens KANEs position in the wine and spirits market. The combination of Vintners Logisticss focus on delivering excellence to the wine-producing industry with KANEs award-winning, national footprint will provide agility and greater efficiencies to customers. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2018.
I look forward to our combination with Kane Is Able, because of the great resources they will bring to bear in developing our capabilities. KANE possesses deep experience in wine and spirits and shares our passion for this business, said Robert Thompson, owner of Vintners Logistics. We believe we have a terrific cultural fit: two family-owned businesses that intensely care about our associates and our customers.
Kane Is Able is joining forces with Vintners Logistics to establish an even stronger foundation of industry knowledge, talent, and heritage. Expansion into the Pacific Northwest fits perfectly into our strategic vision. We view our partnership as another step in bringing innovation and dynamic, customer-centric solutions to the industry, added Michael Gardner, president and CEO of Kane Is Able.
Republic Partners (http://www.republicpartners.com), based in Chicago, IL, acted as an advisor in this deal. Republic Partners provides investment banking and strategic advisory services.
About Vintners Logistics
Vintners Logistics was founded by Robert Thompson in 2007 to provide food-grade, third-party warehousing and transportation services. Vintners Logistics consolidates food and beverage products and packaging materials for shipment in the Pacific Northwest, Northern California and other U.S. destinations.
About Kane Is Able
Kane Is Able is a third-party logistics provider that helps manufacturers and their retail partners efficiently and effectively distribute goods throughout the United States. Since 1930, KANEs mission is to deliver exceptional, value-added logistics services including omnichannel fulfillment, nationwide warehousing and distribution, contract packaging, cross docking, and transportation solutions.
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Remitr Business Payments MoneyOS enables users to collect and make international payments from a single MoneyOS account, bypassing traditional expensive methods like bank wire and credit card. It's a new paradigm for international payments.
Remitware was recently accepted into the prestigious Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) RegLab program to test and enhance MoneyOS to comply with international regulatory standards.
International payments are currently dominated by wire transfers and debit/credit card based payment methods. MoneyOS enables users to collect and make international payments from a single MoneyOS account, bypassing both these traditional methods. In addition to facilitating transactions for businesses, MoneyOS allows financial institutions such as banks and other money transfer companies, to build their own cross-border payments offering on this platform and replace slow and expensive wire transfers.
Intelligent algorithms coupled with partnerships with banks & other regulated financial institutions in various countries, allow MoneyOS to automatically and intelligently find the best route to ensure money flows across diverse payment networks like bank accounts, wallets and others new age payment instruments. MoneyOS uses machine learning technology to tackle complexities of cross-border payments, such as detecting patterns in money flow, routing of exceptions and intelligently processing unstructured data.
Remitware Payments is joining ADGM RegLab program to launch MoneyOS as an innovative mechanism for international payments that is safe, compliant and secure. Remitware will be working closely with the regulators at ADGM's RegLab, to further develop and scale MoneyOS for global commerce and remittances.
Mr Wai Lum Kwok, Executive Director of Capital Markets at ADGMs Financial Services Regulatory Authority welcomed Remitware to the 2nd RegLab cohort, saying, ADGM is committed to supporting the development and deployment of Fintech solutions that have the potential to make financial services more accessible, affordable and secure. We look forward to working closely with Remitware to test its innovative technology in a controlled and supervised environment.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kanchan Kumar Co-founder & CEO of Remitware said, We are delighted to participate in ADGMs RegLab to accelerate our innovation in cross-border payments. We firmly believe that orbit shifting innovation in payments space requires an active regulatory support that is receptive to creating new models. With the ADGM RegLab association, we will bring to market innovations which would not have been possible to develop or scale in an uncertain regulatory environment.
About Remitware Payments Canada Inc
Remitware Payments is a regulated financial institution in Canada and has offices in USA, UAE and India. Remitware enables fast and low cost business payments on Remitr Business Payments (RBP) platform, leveraging its technology to provide the lowest exchange rates and most efficient fund transfer mechanism all day and night.
Remitware Payments Canada Inc is a subsidiary of Remitware Payments Inc a US headquartered, payments technology company. Remitware provides a cutting edge International payments & settlements platform built for modern cross-border commerce from the ground-up, applying the latest in Internet technology. Remitware is founded by experienced entrepreneurs & bankers and is funded by marquee angel investors from USA, UK, Middle East, and Asia.
Remitware is part of Ryerson Futures portfolio, MaRS growth program and In5 innovation hub of Dubai Internet City.
About ADGM
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), an international financial centre (IFC) located in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, opened for business since 2015. Recognised by the industry for its innovative, strategic and progressive initiatives, ADGM has been awarded as the Financial Centre of the Year (MENA) for two consecutive years. ADGMs three independent authorities, the Registration Authority, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority and ADGM Courts, enable registered companies to conduct business successfully and operate with confidence within an international regulatory framework with its own independent judicial system and legislative infrastructure based on the Common Law.
Established by a UAE Federal Decree as a broad based financial centre and in line with the Abu Dhabis Economic Vision, ADGM is an extension of Abu Dhabis role as a reliable and responsible member of the global financial community. Strategically situated in Abu Dhabi, home to one of the worlds largest sovereign wealth funds, ADGM plays a pivotal role in positioning Abu Dhabi as a global centre for business and finance that connects the growing economies of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. ADGMs foundation is anchored on three of Abu Dhabis strategic strengths - private banking, wealth management and asset management and will continually expand its financial services in response to the needs of its businesses and marketplace.
ADGM is located on Al Maryah Island, a 114-hectare of financial free zone, housing world-class offices spaces, award-winning hotels, restaurants and life-style retail outlets. All these complement ADGMs international financial centre position as a vibrant destination in the capital city in Abu Dhabi. For more details of ADGM, please visit http://www.adgm.com or follow us on Twitter : @adglobalmarket and LinkedIn.
Alison R. Smith "Alison will play a key role developing and maintaining relationships that spur growth across the impact investing landscape, commented Cornerstone Founder and CEO Erika Karp.
Cornerstone Capital Group (Cornerstone) today announced that Alison R. Smith has been appointed to lead the Companys global business development efforts. Ms. Smith will be based in Cornerstones New York City headquarters and will report to Chief Investment Officer Phil Kirshman.
Prior to joining Cornerstone, Ms. Smith served as vice president of marketing and membership at TIGER 21, a peer-to-peer learning network for high-net-worth investors, where she managed several promotional and communications programs and coordinated outreach for the organization. She also worked at Marina Maher Communications and the United Nations Association in various roles. She holds a B.A. from Ithaca College and earned an M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from Fordham University Graduate School of Business.
Erika Karp, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Cornerstone, commented on todays news, We are delighted to welcome Alison to the team. She will leverage years of experience working with high net worth individuals to advance Cornerstones mission to drive sustainable and impact investing. We see significant opportunities across the world to align investment objectives with social outcomes. Alison will play a key role developing and maintaining relationships that spur growth across the impact investing landscape.
Cornerstones mission is to apply the principles of sustainable finance across the capital markets, enhancing investment processes through transparency and collaboration. For investors looking for financial returns and to make the world a better place, Cornerstone is dedicated to systematically integrating the dimension of sustainability into investment decisions, delivering financial performance along with positive social impact.
Ms. Smith commented: As sustainable finance gains momentum throughout the financial-services industry, Cornerstone continues to demonstrate significant market leadership. I look forward to working with the team and promoting the firms superior sustainable investing opportunities and ESG analysis.
About Cornerstone
Founded in 2013, Cornerstone Capital Group is a financial services firm based in New York. The mission of the firm is to apply the principles of sustainable finance across the capital markets enhancing investment processes through transparency and collaboration. In offering investment consulting and advising, investment banking, and strategic consulting services, Cornerstone works with asset owners, corporations and financial institutions, promoting new research in the field of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) analysis, and facilitating capital introductions for organizations around the world engaged in sustainable business practices.
Path Interactive hosts performance artists The Bumbys at an annual holiday party. The bottom line is that fulfilled, motivated employees are a key component in doing any worthwhile work. Were going to continue investing in even more initiatives that make the Path Interactive experience rewarding for our employees and, in turn, for our clients.
Path Interactive, a digital marketing agency based in New York Citys Flatiron district, has once again taken home top honors on the Ad Age Best Places to Work list. The prestigious list annually aggregates fifty companies with high employee satisfaction rates in the marketing, advertising, and media spheres. First landing on the list in 2016, Path Interactive again placed in the top 5 in 2017, securing the #4 spot in the recent iteration.
Path Interactive offers its employees plenty of perks, including company-covered medical deductibles, unlimited time off, 401k matching, and weekly group fitness classes. However, Michael Coppola, the agencys co-founder and CEO, is quick to stress that these measures are not just a recruiting gimmick, but a genuine effort to try to make sure that team members are thriving and being rewarded for their efforts.
He stated The bottom line is that fulfilled, motivated employees are a key component in doing any worthwhile work. Were going to continue investing in even more initiatives that make the Path Interactive experience rewarding for our employees and, in turn, for our clients. We expect great things for our company as we move into next year.
The win comes in the midst of an exciting year for Path Interactive, which also recently landed on the Crains Best Places to Work list for the third year in a row and was named the 2017 North America winner of the Google Premier Partner for Display Innovation. The latter win was based on their work for talent acquisition suite, iCIMS, which broke ground by connecting offline conversions to impressions on the Google Display Network (GDN) and helping prove the indisputable value of display media as a digital marketing channel. (More information on their winning entry can be found at https://www.pathinteractive.com/blog/display/path-interactive-named-2017-americas-winner-googles-display-innovation-award/)
Path Interactives momentum shows no sign of stopping. Asked about the companys future goals, co-found and COO, Michael Candullo, remarked, In addition to the prestigious honor of having a recognized workplace culture, our team continues to focus on successful outcomes for our clients. We have accelerated investment in technology and analytics to drive innovation and differentiate ourselves within the digital space. We are bullish on 2018 and beyond.
The 2017 Ad Age Best Places to Work list was compiled as a joint effort between Ad Age and the Best Companies Group. Companies in pertinent industries were evaluated based on workplace policies, practices, philosophies, and demographics, which accounted for 25% of the ranking process, and on employee assessments of their experience, which accounted for 75% of the ranking process. The Best Companies Group analyzed these findings and compiled list results.
See the full 2017 list of Ad Ages Best Places to Work here: http://adage.com/article/agency-news/places-work-2017/311248/
About Path Interactive:
Path Interactive is a digital marketing agency headquartered in New York Citys Flatiron District. Their expertise spans a full range of marketing services including SEM and display management, SEO, website design and development, and social media marketing. Path Interactive's client list includes respected brands such as Zagat, Time Inc., Scholastic, Carmex, and Jackson Hewitt. They are recent winners of Googles 2017 Display Innovation Award in the Americas, the 2017 WebAward for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development, and the Award of Excellence and Distinction in the 23rd Annual Communicator Awards. They have appeared on the Crains Best Places to Work list in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and on the AdAge Best Places to Work list in 2016 and 2017, most recently ranking #4. Learn more about their work at http://www.pathinteractive.com.
On November 21, 2017, Judge Cormac Carney of the Central District of California granted the governments motion to dismiss all charges against renowned cancer surgeon Mark Rettenmaier. Dr. Rettenmaier had been charged with multiple felonies after computer repair employees at Best Buy claimed to have found alleged contraband on one of his computers.
The case drew national attention after Bienert, Miller & Katzman attorneys uncovered that Best Buy had numerous paid government informants working at its computer repair facility in Kentucky, where Dr. Rettenmaiers computer was sent for repair. Judge Carney held a lengthy evidentiary hearing where the defense proved that the affidavit used to obtain a search warrant for Dr. Rettenmaiers home contained numerous false statements and omissions. Notably, it wrongly omitted the fact that the alleged contraband on the computer submitted to Best Buy was located on the computers unallocated space, so that it was virtually inaccessible to Dr. Rettenmaier. Because the FBI misled the magistrate judge who issued the warrant, Judge Carney suppressed all evidence that the government had obtained with the warrant. The government chose not to appeal Judge Carneys Order and eventually decided to dismiss the entire case.
According to defense counsel James Riddet, The governments decision to dismiss was not terribly surprising in light of Judge Carneys ruling, since the only evidence they had left was alleged contraband that Dr. Rettenmaier could not access and that could have gotten into the unallocated space of his computer without his knowledge.
The case was extensively litigated by the trial team of James D. Riddet and Kenneth M. Miller of Bienert, Miller & Katzman, PLC in San Clemente, California. The attorneys of Bienert, Miller & Katzman routinely handle high profile criminal defense matters. Learn more at http://www.bmkattorneys.com.
See United States v. Rettenmaier, United States District Court for the Central District of California, Case No. 14-00188-CJC.
See United States v. Rettenmaier, United States District Court for the Central District of California, Case No. 14-00188-CJC.
The Interim HealthCare Therapist of the Year is just one important way we honor the professionals who deliver much-needed therapy solutions and services to millions of Americans every day, said Larry Kraska, Interim HealthCare CEO and President.
Interim HealthCare announced today the winner of the 2017 Therapist of the Year award, Wendy Shockley, SLP. Having been a Speech-Language Pathologist with Interim HealthCare of Greenville, South Carolina since November 2012, Wendy upholds the highest standards of care, compassion and commitment to clinical excellence and improving peoples lives.
Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Physical Therapy Assistants and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants were all eligible to receive the award.
The Interim HealthCare Therapist of the Year is just one important way we honor the professionals who deliver much-needed therapy solutions and services to millions of Americans every day, said Larry Kraska, Interim HealthCare CEO and President. We are thrilled to congratulate Wendy Shockley as our winner this year, whose talents distinguish her as an outstanding therapist, and we are incredibly proud of her accomplishments.
Wendys accomplishments are abundant, having a steadfast approach to putting the patient and familys goals at the center of her plan of care, approach and treatment. She ensures that all care team members are aware of the outcomes the family and patient desire, so everyone can work seamlessly towards achieving those goals.
According to her supervisor, Caroline McClellan, director of therapy services, although speech therapy has many different concentrations of practice, Wendy is adept at identifying and prioritizing the deficits that a patient may have. Further, one of the most important aspects is if a patient can communicate their wants and needs. This is an area where she says Wendy is particularly creative and successful.
Wendy recently implemented communication boards with several ALS patients, making countless visits before and after hours because she recognizes the variations of patient ability during different times of the day, says McClellan. She sets her schedule to capture the good and bad moments so she can address all aspects of patient needs.
Wendy also created a memory book with the family of a patient with progressive dementia. She helped the family organize key pictures to help the patient maintain recognition of family members while in the early stages of the disease. As her supervisor, I have received countless calls from patients and families about how she has changed their lives for the better. I simply could not be prouder of her, said McClellan.
About Interim HealthCare
Interim HealthCare Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. It is part of Caring Brands International which also includes UK-based Bluebird Care and Australia-based Just Better Care, both well-known franchise brands in their countries. With more than 530 franchise locations in seven countries Caring Brands International is a global health care leader.
Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit http://www.interimhealthcare.com.
"Our partnership with Stevens is an example of how industries and universities can work together to advance one anothers missions, said Ralph Izzo, chairman, president and CEO of PSEG.
Public Service Enterprise Group has partnered with Stevens Institute of Technology to further support their commitments to energy innovation, public service and developing science engineering and math (STEM) talent for the future. A $1.5 million grant to Stevens from the PSEG Foundation will support two parallel objectives and areas of strong mutual interest: Energy Innovation and Public Service.
Stevens is proud to partner with PSEG, one of New Jerseys and the regions most highly respected companies and recognized as a major contributor to improving the lives of citizens and the economic vitality of the region, said Nariman Farvardin, president of Stevens. This partnership will lay the foundation for a strengthened and even more significant long-term relationship between PSEG and Stevens to further address the challenging issues regarding meeting societys most pressing energy needs.
Our partnership with Stevens is an example of how industries and universities can work together to advance one anothers missions, said Ralph Izzo, chairman, president and CEO of PSEG. PSEG is proud to support the development and enhancement of educational programs that inspire students to pursue their interests in sustainability. Companies like ours will look to the next generation of innovators to help with issues such as climate change and energy independence. That requires people with the knowledge, curiosity and creativity.
The Energy Innovation track of this three-year initiative will focus on faculty and student research capabilities in two key areas: energy conversion and storage. The research objectives in these areas will aim to advance the understanding of and technologies associated with flexible photo electronics and with the development of sustainable fuels. The partnership also will amplify Stevens institutional research capabilities in the energy domain in a manner that is guided by and responsive to industry priorities and concerns.
Stevens is committed to invest in the partnership through new faculty positions, Ph.D. scholarships and undergraduate research scholarships. In addition, the acquisition of new technical instrumentation will significantly enhance research capabilities relevant to the energy topics proposed.
The potential impact of this multifaceted research is enormous, Dr. Farvardin said. PSEG will continue to face existential challenges and opportunities in the years ahead as the energy industry faces disruptive forces. Through the collaborative efforts of this partnership, Stevens faculty will continue to pioneer high-impact research in strategic areas that are of significant consequence for the future of society.
The Public Service track will focus on enhancing educational opportunities and cultural programing. The PSEG/Stevens partnership will increase participation in STEM education for underserved and economically disadvantaged youth by providing full-scholarships and related support for eligible students to participate in the WaterBotics summer camp experience for middle school students and Stevens Pre-College Programs for high school students. These experiences will provide young students with a glimpse into college life and inspire them to pursue a STEM-focused college education.
Stevens and PSEG are dedicated to giving back to the community and making arts and cultural programming available to the citizens of Hoboken and the surrounding communities. The university expanded its public service offering during 2016-17 by launching OnStage at Stevens, a performing art series. As part of this initiative, PSEG will be the lead sponsor of OnStage at Stevens for the next three years.
The transformative partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between Stevens and PSEG. A generous PSEG Foundation grant helped fund the construction of Stevens SURE (SUstainable and REsilient) House and its entry in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon. The SURE House won top honors in the 2015 international competition.
About PSEG
Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE: PEG) is a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of $9.1 billion. Its operating subsidiaries are: Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), PSEG Power LLC, and PSEG Long Island. PSE&G is New Jerseys oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the states population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSEG Power LLC is an independent power producer that generates and sells electricity in the PJM, New York and New England wholesale power markets.
About Stevens Institute of Technology
Stevens Institute of Technology is a premier, private research university situated in Hoboken, New Jersey overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Since our founding in 1870, technological innovation has always been the hallmark and legacy of Stevens education and research. Within the universitys three schools and one college, 6,900 undergraduate and graduate students collaborate closely with faculty in an interdisciplinary, student-centric, entrepreneurial environment. A range of academic and research programming spanning business, computing, engineering, the arts and other fields actively advances the frontiers of science and leverages technology to confront our most pressing global challenges. The university is consistently ranked among the nations elite for return on tuition investment, career services and the mid-career salaries of alumni. Stevens is home to three national research centers of excellence as well as interdisciplinary research programs in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity; data science and information systems; complex systems and networks; financial systems and technologies; biomedical engineering, healthcare and life sciences; and resilience and sustainability. Stevens is currently in the midst of executing a 10-year strategic plan, The Future. Ours to Create, which is growing and transforming the university, further extending the Stevens legacy to create a forward-looking, far-reaching institution with global impact.
As a Qualified DSS Partner for NEC, Solect will act as a reseller and independent contractor to install, operate and maintain DSS, a pre-configured, fully-integrated AC energy storage platform. We are at the doorstep of the energy storage boom," said Ken Driscoll, CEO of Solect Energy. "Storage is like adding a turbo charger to your solar system.
Solect Energy, Massachusetts leading commercial-scale developer of solar energy systems with over 400 installed projects, announced today that it is launching an energy storage division. In launching the new division, Solect has signed an agreement with NEC Energy Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation, to sell NECs DSS (Distributed Storage Solution) product line for commercial customers. NEC is one of the worlds leading energy storage solutions providers with more than 250MW (megawatts) of projects installed or currently under construction.
We couldnt be more excited about our collaboration with NEC and the opportunity to bring tremendous additional value to both our existing and new customers, said Ken Driscoll, CEO of Solect Energy. We are at the doorstep of the energy storage boom and Solect is extremely well positioned to bring these new solutions to our commercial customers, saving them money and building resiliency.
Since Massachusetts has some of the highest demand charges in the US, accounting for up to 70% of a commercial customers electricity bill, both Solect and NEC anticipate that Massachusetts will be one of the next major markets to see commercial-scale energy storage rapidly grow the way it has in California. Demand charges are based on a customers monthly peak load and, according to Solect's market analysis, up to 70,000 commercial customers in Massachusetts currently pay high enough rates to economically justify installing a storage system to even out their energy load profile and lower their demand charges. When paired with solar, the economics are even better due to tax advantages and other ways to monetize the benefits of both systems working together.
As Massachusetts' leading commercial-scale solar energy provider, we are delighted to be working with Solect as a Qualified DSS Partner. Theres no doubt they are well positioned to become one of the leaders in the solar+storage market here in the Commonwealth, said Steve Fludder, NEC Energy Solutions CEO. Over the next few years, we expect energy storage to rapidly expand in Massachusetts as commercial customers look for additional ways to cut costs, reduce emissions and enhance resiliency. We look forward to working with the Solect team to capitalize on that growth.
Storage is like adding a turbo charger to your solar system, said Driscoll. Whether you are a manufacturing company, a medical imaging facility or even a municipality, if you have high demand charges and you want to reduce them, you should be thinking about energy storage and pairing it with an existing or new solar energy system.
As a Qualified DSS Partner for NEC, Solect will act as a reseller and independent contractor, installing, operating and maintaining DSS energy storage units. The DSS platform is scalable from 85kWh to 510kWh of energy storage capacity and offers from 100kW up to 710kW of power capability. As a standardized, UL safety-certified, AC-ready system including power conversion system, the DSS product is preconfigured in outdoor-rated enclosures, compliant with all relevant regulatory and environmental requirements and is backed by up to a 10-year product warranty.
About Solect Energy
Solect Energy is a full-service solar photovoltaic (PV) project developer and installer based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, delivering smart solar and energy management solutions to help businesses and organizations reduce energy costs. As an industry leader in commercial-scale solar energy, Solect takes a practical approach to the development, installation and on-going support of each system. We partner closely with our customers, providing strong financial insight and solar technology expertise to optimize their investment while creating a positive impact on the environment. Solect currently has installed over 65 MW (megawatts) of commercial PV systems, with a primary focus on commercial, light industrial and institutional properties in New England. For more information, visit http://www.solect.com or follow us on Twitter at @SolectSolar.
About NEC Energy Solutions
NEC Energy Solutions designs, manufactures, and integrates smart energy storage solutions for the electric grid, behind the meter, and critical power applications. Its scalable distributed energy storage and control systems provide greater grid stability and flexibility to the benefit of both providers and users of electricity. In telecom, datacenter, and other industrial applications, its high performance lithium-ion battery systems provide better value than traditional lead-acid batteries in tough, critical power applications. Learn more at http://www.neces.com.
6th generation Rigaku MiniFlex X-ray diffraction system
Rigaku Corporation is presenting its diverse lines of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy instrumentation at the 2017 MRS Fall Meeting and Exhibit, Sunday November 26 to Friday, December 1, 2017. The event is organized by the Materials Research Society and will be held at the Hynes Convention Center and adjacent Sheraton Boston Hotel.in Boston, Massachusetts. Rigaku, a global leader in X-ray analytical instrumentation, will be exhibiting at the event at booth #513.
The conference is a leading event highlighting cross-disciplinary worldwide activity in materials research, gathering a diverse global audience of chemists, physicists, materials scientists, biologists, engineers and others. The event features over 50 symposia and is attended by as many as 6,000 researchers from around the world.
Rigaku provides the worlds most complete line of X-ray analytical instruments and components, including benchtop XRD and XRF systems, X-ray optics and detectors. Materials analysis instrumentation from Rigaku ranges from benchtop devices, suited for researchers employing X-ray techniques, to high-end instruments with advanced analytical capabilities. Among the instruments featured at the event will be the sixth generation Rigaku MiniFlex benchtop X-ray diffraction instrument. The MiniFlex is a general purpose X-ray diffractometer that can perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of polycrystalline materials
More information about the MiniFlex benchtop X-ray diffractometer is available at http://www.myminiflex.com.
About Rigaku
Since its inception in Japan in 1951, Rigaku has been at the forefront of analytical and industrial instrumentation technology. Rigaku and its subsidiaries form a global group focused on general-purpose analytical instrumentation and the life sciences. With hundreds of major innovations to their credit, Rigaku companies are world leaders in X-ray spectrometry, diffraction, and optics, as well as small molecule and protein crystallography and semiconductor metrology. Today, Rigaku employs over 1,400 people in the manufacturing and support of its analytical equipment, which is used in more than 90 countries around the world supporting research, development, and quality assurance activities. Throughout the world, Rigaku continuously promotes partnerships, dialog, and innovation within the global scientific and industrial communities.
For further information, contact:
Michael Nelson
Rigaku Global Marketing Group
tel: +1. 512-225-1796
michael.nelson(at)rigaku.com
WillowTree, Inc Logo
This week, Clutch recognized WillowTree, Inc. as a Global Development Leader in their first annual Global Leaders List. The annual report includes 477 companies across six industries, and each company is evaluated based on client reviews, market presence, and ability to deliver high-quality services.
Clutch is a leading B2B research, ratings, and reviews firm in the heart of Washington, DC.
In Clutchs Global Leaders List, WillowTree was named a Top Mobile App Development Company, a Top iPhone App Development Company, a Top Android App Development Company, and a Top Web Development Company. WillowTree also remains the No. 1 Mobile App Development Company and the No. 1 Web Development Company on Clutch.
*Quote from WillowTree, Inc. CEO Tobias Dengel*
Clutchs recognition is special to us because its data-driven; the proof that our approach to serving clients and building the best mobile products possible is working is right there in the reviews and ratings our clients have given us on Clutchs website. Were honored to be recognized and remain dedicated to achieving the highest-possible level of satisfaction for our clients."
*About WillowTree, Inc.*
WillowTree, Inc. is an application strategy, UX design, and mobile app development services company whose focus is to bridge the highest level of consumer UX with enterprise-grade security. WillowTree is an industry leader in field solutions, media delivery, loyalty programs and payments, and connected devices and works with brands such as GE, Johnson & Johnson, Time Warner, AOL, American Express, and Harvard Business Publishing. Clients trust WillowTree to guide and execute their mobile initiatives. Learn more about how WillowTree can help your business by visiting willowtreeapps.com.
*About Clutch*
Clutch is a B2B research, ratings, and reviews firm in the heart of Washington, DC, connecting small and medium businesses with their next technology provider. Clutchs methodology compares business service providers and software in a specific market based on verified client reviews, services offered, work quality, and market presence.
Great Lakes Management Services Organization (MSO) is pleased to announce the appointment of Surya Desiraju as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Desiraju brings over 20 years of operational leadership and process improvement experience to his new role at Great Lakes MSO. Most recently, he served as SVP at Adeptus Health, the largest operator of freestanding emergency rooms in the United States, where he was responsible for 103 locations and over $500 million in revenue across four states.
Suryas proven track record of partnering with physicians to improve patient experience and clinical quality, in conjunction with rapidly growing an organization, makes him an inestimable addition to our team, said Bill Hughson, CEO of Great Lakes MSO. For four consecutive years, the efforts he led were awarded the Guardian of Excellence Award by Press Ganey for achieving patient satisfaction scores in the top one-percentile across all emergency rooms in the nation.
Prior to joining Adeptus Health, Mr. Desiraju served as Regional Operations Director at DaVita for one of their fastest growing regions in the country, managing 22 dialysis facilities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. His experience also includes operational and strategic leadership in the automotive industry (Ford Motor Company, TRW) and the high-tech industry (Texas Instruments). Mr. Desiraju received his MBA from McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin and his MS in Industrial Engineering from Wayne State University.
About Great Lakes Management Services Organization
Sterling Partners formed Great Lakes Management Services Organization (MSO) in February 2017 as a practice management services organization. Grand Rapids Ophthalmology partnered with the MSO to pursue growth opportunities, evolve clinical capabilities to better serve its patients, and to form strategic partnerships within industries related to eye care. If you are interested in learning more about a partnership with Great Lakes MSO, contact Dan Hosler at dhosler(at)seeitclear(dot)com.
About Grand Rapids Ophthalmology
Founded in 1982, Grand Rapids Ophthalmology (GRO) is the largest fully-integrated eye care medical group in West Michigan. It offers a full suite of eye care services from routine eye exams, contact lenses and glasses, to the most advanced medical and surgical treatments such as LASIK, cataract, cornea, retina, glaucoma, oculoplastics, pediatric, and both cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery. GRO employs the largest number of eye care specialists and professionals in the region: 11 ophthalmologists, 19 optometrists, and 40 certified opticians; with a total of 400 employees at 12 locations. For more information, visit: http://www.seeitclear.com.
About Sterling Partners
Sterling Partners is a private equity firm with a distinct point of view on how to build great companies. Founded in 1983 and having invested billions of dollars, Sterling is guided by its stated purpose, INSPIRED GROWTH, which describes Sterlings approach to investing in differentiated businesses and growing them in inspired ways. Sterling provides valuable support to the management teams of the companies in which the firm invests through a deep and dedicated team of professionals, including a strong network of outside directors and advisors. The people at Sterling believe in ideas and ideals, in people and in partnerships that drive long-term success. For more information, visit: http://www.sterlingpartners.com.
The Harry Chapin Food Bank does essential work providing a life line for nearly 160,000 people in the southwest Florida region who are struggling to make ends meet.
Maine Pointe, a global operational implementation consulting firm raised $51,750 for The Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida at its annual company event held in Naples earlier this month.
Founded in 1983, Harry Chapin is the only Feeding America food bank in the southwest Florida region. The organization is partnered with more than 150 agencies that provide direct services to those in need, including church food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, disaster relief agencies and more. The food bank provides food for about 28,000 individuals each week.
We thank Maine Pointe for their generous support, said Richard LeBer, President and CEO of the Harry Chapin Food Bank. The holidays are nearly here and the need is great. This donation will enable us to help the nearly 160,000 people in Southwest Florida who are food insecure, meaning they may not know where their next meal is coming from.
The money was raised during a fiercely competitive, fun team building event which took place on Naples beach at the start of Maine Pointes 2-day annual meeting. Representing Harry Chapin, Richard LeBer accepted the check, which was presented by Maine Pointes Chairman and CEO, Steve Bowen and his wife Deb.
The Harry Chapin Food Bank does essential work providing a life line for nearly 160,000 people in the southwest Florida region who are struggling to make ends meet, said Steve Bowen, As part of our ongoing CSR program, we use our annual meeting to raise funds for a nominated charity. I can think of none more deserving of our support than Harry Chapin. All of us at Maine Pointe found taking part in this fundraising activity both enjoyable and incredibly rewarding, he added.
Maine Pointe's commitment to CSR
Our values of accountability, teamwork, character, service excellence and personal growth are at the heart of everything we do at Maine Pointe. We are committed to building a company that is sustainable, not only financially, but also socially and environmentally. We reflect this commitment in the way we work with our employees, contractors and clients and in terms of how we contribute to the wider community and the world around us. Our corporate social responsibility program highlights the work Maine Pointe already does and provides us with a framework for our future development to ensure that we continue to uphold our values and to do the right, honest and ethical thing at all times.
About Maine Pointe
Maine Pointe is a global implementation-focused consulting firm trusted by many chief executives and private equity firms to drive compelling economic returns for their companies. We achieve this by delivering accelerated, sustainable improvements in both EBITDA and cash across their procurement, logistics and operations to enable growth. Our hands-on implementation experts work with executives and their teams to rapidly break through functional silos and transform the buy-make-move-fulfill supply chain to deliver the greatest value to customers and investors at the lowest cost to business. We call this Total Value Optimization (TVO). Maine Pointes engagements are results-driven and deliver between 3.5:1-12:1 ROI. We are so confident in our work and our processes that we provide a unique 100% guarantee of engagement fees based on annualized savings. http://www.mainepointe.com
About the Harry Chapin Food Bank
An affiliate of Feeding America, the Harry Chapin Food Bank is the leading hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida. The food bank solicits, collects and stores food for distribution to families and others in need through a network of more than 150 nonprofit agencies in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties, providing food to about 28,000 people a week. In fiscal year 2016-17, The Harry Chapin Food Bank distributed 22.3 million pounds of food and other grocery items, including 6.6 million pounds of fresh produce. The food, valued at $37.3 million, is the equivalent of 18.6 million meals for people in need. The Harry Chapin Food Bank is recognized as a four-star organization by Charity Navigator, the national nonprofit watchdog organization. Please visit harrychapinfoodbank.org.
To arrange an interview, please contact our Marketing Communications Director Stephanie Kimball at +1 617-842-7992 or skimball(at)mainepointe(dot)com
We started by selling cameras and film over 70 years ago, and here we are in the digital age still helping people create better pictures, said Unique Photo President Alexander Sweetwood.
For six years, Unique Photos New Jersey Camera Show has brought together photography enthusiasts, leading experts, top brands and acclaimed photographers for a three-day photography extravaganza. From December 8 to 10, the largest camera store in the state will transform its state-of-the-art flagship location into a destination for beginners to professionals seeking the hottest new cameras and accessories from leading vendors and instruction to sharpen their skills with 36 free workshops. Attendees can then put their education into action with innovative photo shoot opportunities.
Held at Unique Photos superstore on Route 46 in Fairfield, the free show features special guests, models and performers each day, including Trail Boss Jeff Lenosky, a mountain biking legend who will demonstrate high-flying stunts for attendees to enjoy and photograph. Lenosky will also lead a seminar on how to create the captivating GoPro action videos that have made him famous. A real-life motor biker will also make an appearance for intriguing still photos. Professional photographer Rick Gerrity will lead a demonstration on how to capture a glimpse into this colorful world.
Food trucks, raffles and giveaways round out the festivities.
Attendees have the exclusive opportunity to experience and purchase the latest products at the lowest prices of the year through show-only sales from more than 30 of the industrys leading manufacturers. Free classes from basic to advanced and every level in between will be taught by renowned photographers and industry professionals. Classes range from camera basics, black-and-white imagery and film to landscape, portraiture, action photography, lighting, post-production Photoshop, and much more.
We started by selling cameras and film over 70 years ago, and here we are in the digital age still helping people create better pictures, said Unique Photo President Alexander Sweetwood. We still sell film--along with the latest technologies in photography--and really enjoy bringing our exciting three-day Camera Show to the community.
Manufacturers scheduled to attend include Sigma, Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic Sony, and Tamron. Attendees will have the opportunity to trade in their old camera gear, enjoy discounted sensor cleanings, and have the chance to win prizes throughout the show.
Attendees also can check out the offerings at Unique Photos new custom framing service and explore its photo lab, where they can easily create custom photo albums, holiday cards, gift items and keepsakes in a modernized, comfortable environment.
Unique Photos New Jersey Camera Show evolves and grows every year, with over 4,000 people attending last year. This year, the show is expected to attract more photo enthusiasts for its new classes taught by industry luminaries such as Guggenheim Fellow Alec Soth, Travel Photographer of the Year Bob Krist and award-winning commercial photographer Bobbi Lane. And for the first time at its camera show, Unique Photo is offering a class on film photography, taught by Shannon Stoia, who composes dramatic portraits using mainly 35mm film.
The event is open to the public, and admission is free. To learn more or to register for a three-day pass, visit http://www.uniquephoto.com/njcamerashow. Space is limited for all classes, so pre-registration is encouraged.
###
WHAT:
New Jersey Camera Show
WHEN:
Friday, December 8: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday, December 9: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday, December 10: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
[EDITORS NOTE: BEST PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES]
Friday, December 8, Motor Biker Photo Shoot, 12 p.m. 1 p.m.
Saturday, December 9, Trail Boss Mountain Biking Stunts, 12 p.m. 1 p.m.
Sunday, December 10, Model Photo Shoot, 12 p.m. 1 p.m.
WHERE:
Unique Photo
123 US Highway 46 West
Fairfield, NJ 07004
973-377-2007
THE EVENT:
Photo enthusiasts from beginners to professionals will be able to demo the newest camera and video equipment and accessories from leading manufacturers, participate in exciting photo shoots, have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive sales, and take free classes.
COST:
FREE
INFORMATION:
http://www.uniquephoto.com/njcamerashow
ABOUT UNIQUE PHOTO
Unique Photo is New Jersey's largest camera and video superstore offering the latest in photographic products and imaging technology. Its 50,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Fairfield, N.J. features a spacious photography retail store, multi-media learning center, professional photo lab, meeting space, gourmet coffee bar and WiFi lounge. Unique Photo recently expanded to Hoboken with a second store providing a full line of services for its customers. Additionally, Unique Photo is the top destination for photography education in New
Jersey, hosting more than 1,000 amateur and professional photographers monthly for its classes. Unique University instructors include world famous photographers, industry guest lecturers and Unique Photos professional staff. For more information, visit http://www.uniquephoto.com or call 973-377-2007.
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Nelson Brothers Professional Real Estate plans to expand the existing Factory student housing community at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. Were changing the whole landscape of USU student housing, and were going to build, manage and fund the projects ourselves."
Nelson Brothers, recently ranked No. 4 in real estate and No. 129 on the 36th annual Inc. 500, has broken ground on a third Factory student housing facility and plans to build two additional communities near Utah State University.
Nelson Brothers currently owns and manages 10 Utah student housing communities, including Factory 1 and Factory 2, both of which serve USU.
Were changing the whole landscape of USU student housing, and were going to build, manage and fund the projects ourselves, said Patrick Nelson, CEO of Nelson Brothers, who holds a masters degree in entrepreneurship from USU. Utah has been way behind in terms of the availability of really nice student housing complexes that have been coming out for the past decade all across the country.
Factory 3 will expand the existing Factory student housing complex by 53 single-occupant and married-student apartments, along with a six-story parking structure. The existing Factory complex consists of six-story buildings housing 80 apartments, a total 479 beds, seven stories of parking, and amenities that include a double-decker hot tub, bowling lanes, a swimming pool, modern study areas, a rock-climbing wall, a cinema room, a yoga room, and 2GB WiFi.
Nelson Brothers has also announced the purchase of property across from the USU campus for the planned Blue Haven community which will offer 374 beds and an open courtyard layout for a campus-extension feel. The multistate real estate firm based in Provo, Utah, and headquartered in Aliso Viejo, California, has also purchased property one block away from campus for the planned 420-bed Apple Tree Cove community. Both facilities are currently in design with plans for resort-style amenities exclusive to Nelson Brothers student housing communities, with groundbreakings anticipated in 2018.
Nelson Brothers recent announcements and Inc. 500 ranking reflect the companys ongoing nationwide expansion trend, in which its realized a three-year sales growth of 3,111 percent for a total of $25.5 million in revenue. Thus far in 2017, the company has completed deals on nine properties with a combined value of $319 million. In 2016, Nelson Brothers closed on six properties, with $145 million in acquisitions. Overall, Nelson Brothers has grown the value of its portfolio more than 275 percent in the past two years alone. It holds nearly 40 properties across 14 states.
Being ranked among some of the finest companies in todays economy is an incredible honor, Nelson said. To even be considered for the Inc. 500, a company must show minimum growth of 10-fold over the past three years.
About Nelson Brothers
Since its inception in 2007, Nelson Brothers has acquired and managed over $750 million in assets through the acquisition of 35 student housing properties and three assisted living properties across 14 states. For more information about Nelson Brothers, please visit http://www.nelson-brothers.com.
Kingswood Capital Management LLC (Kingswood), an operationally-focused middle market private equity firm, announced today that Michael Niegsch has joined as a Principal. Michaels responsibilities will include all aspects of the investment process, including sourcing, transaction execution and investment oversight.
Michael has an extensive background in control private equity investing, said Alex Wolf, Managing Partner at Kingswood. With over a decade of transaction experience, Michael has deep familiarity with complex middle market transactions involving businesses with operational improvement potential. We are pleased to welcome Michael to the firm as we continue to expand our team and scale the platform.
Prior to joining Kingswood, Niegsch was a Principal at Comvest Partners, an operationally-focused middle market investment firm, where he was responsible for evaluating, executing and monitoring investments for Comvests private equity strategy. While at Comvest, Niegsch was a board member of BEL USA (d/b/a/ DiscountMugs.com), FastMed Urgent Care and Innovative Hearth Products.
Before joining Comvest in 2010, Niegsch worked in investment banking at UBS Investment Bank and Morgan Joseph TriArtisan. Niegsch graduated from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Business Administration with High Distinction.
Based on the impressive background of the investment and operating professionals, and the firms differentiated style of value-added investing, Kingswood represents a new and unique opportunity in middle market private equity and Im delighted to join their team, said Niegsch. I look forward to bringing my experience to Kingswoods growing platform and delivering value for Kingswoods investors through due diligence, transaction execution, portfolio company support and board memberships.
About Kingswood
Kingswood is an operationally-focused middle market private equity firm that invests in businesses in transition driven by operational, strategic, financial or market-driven change. In addition to access to capital, Kingswood brings a broad network of operational resources, relevant industry relationships and tailored solutions to strengthen businesses, realize strategic goals and enhance long term value creation.
There has been a recent resurgence of syphilis infections over the last several years with rates of new infections increasing, particularly in high risk populations (such as MSM). Serologic tests in conjunction with clinical presentation remain the primary modes of diagnosing syphilis infections. Several serology tests are commercially available including standard EIA/CLIA treponemal tests, manual non-treponemal tests, automated non-treponemal tests, and a fully automated dual treponemal/non-treponemal multiplex test.
This webinar will provide an overview of syphilis clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, algorithms, and it will compare assay performance. The speakers, listed below, will also present their performance data from evaluations of Bio-Rad Laboratories BioPlex 2200 Syphilis Total & RPR Assay and how the assay can be incorporated into a laboratorys syphilis testing algorithm.
Attendees of this webinar will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the two syphilis testing algorithms and how to compare the performances of different syphilis diagnostic assays. They will also gain a better understanding of how to incorporate different assays into a laboratorys algorithm.
Webinar Speakers:
Dr. Belinda Yen-Lieberman, professor of pathology at the Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Alan Wu, professor of lab medicine at the University of California, San Francisco
Dr. Vera Tesic, assistant professor of pathology at the University of Chicago Medicine
LabRoots will host this webinar December 5, 2017, beginning at 8 a.m. PST, 5 p.m. CET. To learn more about this event and the speakers, discover the continuing education credits offered, or to register for free, click here.
About LabRoots
LabRoots is the leading scientific social networking website, which provides daily scientific trending news, as well as produces educational virtual events and webinars, on the latest discoveries and advancements in science. Contributing to the advancement of science through content sharing capabilities, LabRoots is a powerful advocate in amplifying global networks and communities. Founded in 2008, LabRoots emphasizes digital innovation in scientific collaboration and learning, and is a primary source for current scientific news, webinars, virtual conferences, and more. LabRoots has grown into the worlds largest series of virtual events within the Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics community.
James L. Sherley, M.D., Ph.D., Founder and Director of Asymmetrex Stem cell biomedicine also includes drug development.
In the November issue of the Scientist.coms monthly newsletter, Asymmetrex (Boston, MA) is featured with the global biotechnology marketplaces designation as a Supplier Insider. The November issue is Scientist.coms first edition of a new look for its newsletter, with the new name INNOV8. The makeover of the newsletter follows on the heels of the recent launch of the companys Innovation Hub. Asymmetrex is one of the innovative tools suppliers featured in this exclusive technology market designed to introduce cutting edge technologies to a selective group of pharmaceutical companies.
Asymmetrex Director, James L. Sherley, M.D., Ph.D., shares, Selection by Scientist.com to be listed with the elite group of suppliers of new technologies to selective Pharma companies is a thrilling opportunity for Asymmetrex. Sherley hopes that the two-minute promotional video included for the newsletter feature will go a long way to getting Pharma companies to understand why specific stem cell counting will enable an incredible extension of the horizons of the drug development industry.
Sherley emphasizes that, Stem cell biomedicine also includes drug development. The problem is that previously Pharma and Biopharma companies have not had a tool that allowed them to conveniently and routinely evaluate drug candidates effects on adult tissue stem cells. Now, Asymmetrexs AlphaSTEM Test service will allow them to identify drug candidates that are stem cell-activating or stem cell-toxic for stem cells from any tissue in the human body.
Stem cell-activating drugs could improve stem cell transplantation treatments or accelerate wound healing. However, the greater impact for the drug development industry is predicted to be due to the new ability to detect stem cell-toxic drugs earlier in less expensive phases of drug development. By current estimates, each year, 4 to 5 billion dollars are spent by U.S. Pharma companies on drug candidates that fail in expensive animal studies or later in even more expensive phase II and phase III clinical trials because they cause chronic organ failure. A major cause of chronic organ failure is stem cell toxicity.
Twenty to 30 percent of drugs fail in phase II and phase III trials because of intolerable toxicity. About half of these safety failures are due to chronic organ failure, which could be detected much earlier with the AlphaSTEM Test. So, Asymmetrex projects that it can save many of the Pharma companies in the Scientist.coms Innovation Hub hundreds of millions of dollars by earlier elimination of stem cell-toxic drugs from their pipelines. Sherley is confident that with any new innovation, marketing is the key to early adoption. Asymmetrex is ready for the lines for its AlphaSTEM Test service to begin forming soon with the special Pharma members of the Scientist.coms exclusive Innovation Hub.
About Asymmetrex
Asymmetrex, LLC is a Massachusetts life sciences company with a focus on developing technologies to advance stem cell medicine. Asymmetrexs founder and director, James L. Sherley, M.D., Ph.D. is an internationally recognized expert on the unique properties of adult tissue stem cells. The companys patent portfolio contains biotechnologies that solve the two main technical problems production and quantification that have stood in the way of successful commercialization of human adult tissue stem cells for regenerative medicine and drug development. In addition, the portfolio includes novel technologies for isolating cancer stem cells and producing induced pluripotent stem cells for disease research purposes. Asymmetrex markets the first technology for determination of the dose and quality of tissue stem cell preparations (the AlphaSTEM Test) for use in stem cell transplantation therapies and pre-clinical drug evaluations.
Omaha Steaks is a name everyone knows when it comes to gift-giving... It is our pleasure to name them as our highest-rated Steak company in 2017.
TopConsumerReviews.com recently gave their best-in-class ranking to Omaha Steaks, a leader among steak retailers.
When it comes to meat, few things tempt the taste buds like a good steak. However, for most devoted meat lovers, getting the right cut at the right price can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are a number of online retailers that offer the ideal filet mignon, Porterhouse, or ribeye and can have it delivered perfectly-packaged directly to the home. Better yet, buying steak online makes it a simple-yet-tasty option for gift-giving. Who wouldnt love getting a well-marbled, flavorful delivery of beef for their next backyard barbecue or special occasion? The top online steak sellers have an ample range of gift options, from steaks and other cuts of beef to poultry, desserts, side dishes, and much more.
Omaha Steaks is a name everyone knows when it comes to gift-giving, explained Brian Dolezal, of TopConsumerReviews.com, LLC. For almost 100 years, Omaha Steaks has been offering the best grain-fed beef from the Midwest to thousands of happy customers around the country. Their unconditional satisfaction guarantee ensures that your purchase whether its top sirloin, T-bone, poultry or even seasonings - will be everything you could want, or youll get a refund or replacement delivery promptly. And, if youre sending your steak as a gift, Omaha Steaks even offers a high-quality gift package and a personalized greeting card, making you the hero of the special occasion. Omaha Steaks tops our list among retailers offering Steak for purchase online. It is our pleasure to name them as our highest-rated Steak company in 2017.
To find out more about Omaha Steaks and other Steak companies, including reviews and comparison rankings, please visit the Steak category of TopConsumerReviews.com at http://www.topconsumerreviews.com/steak/.
About Omaha Steaks
Omaha Steaks manufactures, markets and distributes a wide variety of premium steaks, red meats and other gourmet foods. These products are custom cut and packaged to serve the needs of various markets. Founded in 1917, this family-owned business is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska and sells its products through retail stores, mail orders, online, and direct to a number of foodservice vendors.
About TopConsumerReviews.com
TopConsumerReviews.com, LLC is a leading provider of independent reviews and rankings of hundreds of consumer products and services. From Steak to Beer Clubs and Jewelry, TopConsumerReviews.com delivers in-depth product evaluations in order to make purchasing decisions easier.
Wholesale Property Depot (https:paycash4houses.net), the company that pays cash up front for homes in any condition, is helping Jacksonville residents relocate.
Relocating, when you own a home, can be very problematic, says spokesperson Veronica Hernandez. Military families, those looking to take advantage of a fast down or upsize while the market is hot, divorcing couples, people that have inherited another home there are so many reasons why you may need or want to suddenly relocate, so why is it so hard? The traditional real estate market expects you to put up your own cash to repair and upgrade your house, then wait on the unstable market for months. Each month and each upgrade cuts into your equity and you lose a lot of money if you are maintaining your home while living in your new location. We thought, there has to be a better way, and there is! Sell your house to Wholesale Property Depot for cash so you can relocate quickly and easily.
Since Wholesale Property Depot is a cash home buying company and not a real estate company, selling your home this way couldnt be easier. You simply contact the company and they take a look at it, where is, as is. No need to do any repairs or even clean the home. Youll get a cash offer even if the home has hurricane or flood damage, or is in serious need of a new kitchen. Once you accept the cash offer, thats it. Closing takes place in a matter of days and you can move on, unencumbered by a pricey real estate transaction, added Hernandez.
Its time for a new way to sell houses, and we provide that for anyone in Jacksonville that wants to relocate, says Hernandez.
Live in Jacksonville, Orange Park or Riverside in Florida and looking to move on fast? Visit paycash4houses.net, or call 904-531-3113 for a quote. Quotes are hassle-free and non-obligatory.
About Wholesale Property Depot
Wholesale Property Depot buys houses in Jacksonville, Florida, and we pay you for your house in cash! This means you can get a quick sale no matter what condition the house is in. Free yourself from the nightmare of cleaning, renovating and staging your home, and simply go the new and progressive way to sell your house in Jacksonville fast, for cash.
Contact Details:
Veronica Hernandez
6001-21 Argyle Forest Blvd. #32244
Jacksonville, FL 32244
Phone: 904-531-3113
Source: Wholesale Property Depot
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The topics and speakers for this years conference offer real education, insights and benefits our attendees can apply within their own organizations.
Arrowhead Publishers unveils a growing roster of speakers for its 4th Annual Translational Microbiome Conference, to take place April 18-20 at Boston Marriott Long Wharf. The conference is designed to connect scientists at the forefront of microbiome research with pioneering companies investing to apply microbiome-based findings to innovate medical solutions. With a broad focus spanning multiple disease states (oncology, dermatology, inflammatory disorders, among others) attendees will have the opportunity to hear leading companies discuss the work they have underway and how they are meeting these challenges head-on to apply recent discoveries to a variety of disease processes, restoration of health, and improved outcomes.
The topics and speakers for this years conference offer real education, insights and benefits our attendees can apply within their own organizations, said John Waslif, Managing Director of Arrowhead Publishers and Conferences.
Speakers already confirmed for the conference include:
Peter Christey, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, General Automation Lab Technologies (GALT)
GALTs innovative high-throughput microbiology platform can isolate multiple species from complex samples, such as soil and stool, allowing researchers to rapidly screen whole populations or engineered libraries. Dr. Christey is leveraging GALT tools to revolutionize how microbial studies are conducted, opening previously unreachable territories for scientists to explore.
Olga Danilchanka, Ph.D., Microbiome Lead, Exploratory Science Center, Merck
Dr. Danilchanka serves as Microbiome Lead for Mercks Exploratory Science Center, which focuses on the earliest stages of discovery research to better understand the underlying biology of human disease. Dr. Danilchankas team explores the most promising areas of emerging disease biology, including the role of the microbiome in disease, and works to gain new insights to inform Mercks ongoing drug discovery.
Pinaki Panigrahi, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Pediatrics; Director of Center for Global Health and Development, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health
An elected fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Dr. Panigrahi has studied neonatal and child health issues in developed nations and in the developing world. His expertise spans necrotizing enterocolitis, neonatal infections, diarrhea, malaria, birth asphyxia, prematurity, stillbirths and nutrition.
Mark Smith, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, Finch Therapeutics
Finch uses machine-learning algorithms informed by high-throughput molecular data to reverse-engineer successful clinical experience with fecal transplantation. Rather than relying on in-vitro screening of a library of microbes, Finch uses this human-first discovery approach to identify strains that drive clinical outcomes and to develop therapies that deliver these microbial communities to patients.
Paul Giannasca, Ph.D., Global Scientific Lead, GI Health, Nestle Health Science
Dr. Giannasca identifies and manages new nutritional and technological platforms relevant for the Gastrointestinal Health strategy for Nestle Health Science. Dr. Giannasca holds multiple U.S. patents covering active and passive immunization against Clostridium difficile disease and has published more than 25 papers in the areas of infectious diseases, vaccine development, active and passive immunization and vaccine-induced protection.
Other notable speakers participating in the 2018 conference include:
David Kyle, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Evolve Biosystems
Ingmar Claes, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Yun Probiotherapy
Veronika Oudova, Chief Executive Officer, S Biomedic
Travis Whitfill, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer, Azitra
Jennifer A. Wargo, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
New additions to the conference this year are topic-focused tracks for nutrition and for skin. A parallel consumer track will again be offered. Each track will be closely focused on key issues in its specific industry and the challenges common to companies trying to enter the microbiome space in that area.
Keynote address for the conference will be delivered by Emeran Mayer, M.D., Ph.D., Director, UCLA Gail and Gerald Oppenheimer Family Center for Neurobiology of Stress; Professor, Medicine; Professor, Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences; Professor, Digestive Diseases/Gastroenterology; Co-Director, CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center; Professor, Physiology, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine
Dr. Mayer has a career-long interest in clinical and research aspects of brain-body interactions, with a focus on brain-gut interactions in health and disease. A widely recognized expert for functional GI disorders, he is also recognized as one of the leading investigators in the world of chronic visceral pain and of the brain-gut axis.
Further information about the 4th Annual Translational Microbiome Conference can be found at http://www.microbiomeconference.com.
There are several ways for interested parties to engage in the conference.
Request a conference brochure
Submit a proposal for a speaking role
Become an exhibitor
Sponsor a panel session, lunch or refreshment break
Submit a poster session abstract
# # #
Arrowhead Publishers and Conferences brings life sciences industry professionals together to help move research forward through learning, networking and professional growth. Arrowhead focuses on offering thoughtfully curated speakers, new research industry trends, case studies, emerging discoveries and the future focus of the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. Arrowhead conferences cover clinical development and cutting-edge research, regulatory issues and market dynamics, therapeutics, drug discovery and positioning, and emerging technologies for both clinicians and pharmaceutical professionals.
SilverCrest Metals Inc Logo N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, President and CEO, remarked, These results are building on our previous drilling and underground sampling program, which has demonstrated intact semi-continuous high-grade mineralization for the Las Chispas and Giovanni veins."
SilverCrest Continues to Intercept High-Grade Mineralization at Las Chispas Property,
Extensions to Las Chispas and Giovanni Veins
TSX-V: SIL | OTCQX: SVCMF
SilverCrest Metals Inc. (SilverCrest or the Company) is pleased to release additional surface and underground drill results from its ongoing Phase II Exploration Program at the Las Chispas Property (the Property) located in Sonora, Mexico. The surface and underground drill program is designed to define readily accessible high-grade areas in the historic underground workings in the Las Chispas Vein and further define the Giovanni Vein. The Company is currently exploring nine of the 19 known epithermal veins on the Property with efforts focused on four of these veins to be incorporated into SilverCrests maiden resource estimate anticipated in Q1 2018.
N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, President and CEO, remarked, These results are building on our previous drilling and underground sampling program, which has demonstrated intact semi-continuous high-grade mineralization for the Las Chispas and Giovanni veins. As part of our expanded Phase II Exploration Program, we intend to continue with underground drilling and channel sampling on the Las Chispas and Giovanni veins through Q1 2018. We remain on track to deliver a maiden resource estimate in Q1 2018 which will include the Las Chispas, Giovanni, William Tell and Babicanora veins.
The most significant results for this release are in Hole LC17-72, which returned 4.0 metres grading 18.61 grams per tonne (gpt) gold and 696.2 gpt silver, or 2,092 gpt silver equivalent (AgEq, based on 75 (Ag):1 (Au) and 100% metallurgical recovery), including 0.8 metres grading 92.60 gpt gold and 2,890.0 gpt silver, or 9,835 gpt AgEq. Other significant results include Hole LC17-68 at 2.0 metres grading 5.85 gpt gold and 1,191.5 gpt silver, or 1,630 gpt AgEq, Hole LCU17-02 at 2.2 metres grading 9.42 gpt gold and 1,369.3 gpt silver, or 2,076 gpt AgEq, and Hole LCU17-04 at 6.3 metres grading 1.97 gpt gold and 241.4 gpt silver, or 389 gpt AgEq. The (Attached) table summarizes the most significant drill results (uncut, undiluted) for this release in the Las Chispas Area only;
(See attached table of Drill Intercepts)
Holes LC17-59, 62, 63, 64, and 71, and LCU17-01 and 06 intersected mineralization below the Companys 150 gpt AgEq cutoff. Hole LCU17-07 was replaced with 07A and hole LC17-67 was a lost downhole. Underground holes LCU17-02 to 07A tested for extensions of the Las Chispas Vein to the southwest and northwest, beyond the historic workings and intercepted the Tajo Chico Vein (see note below). Several un-named veins continue to be intersected and are under review for possible inclusion in the ongoing district-wide vein discoveries.
Hole LC17-72 (4.0 metres grading 2,092 gpt AgEq) was designed to test the continuity of the Giovanni Vein and replicate the nearby Hole LC16-08 (7.2 metres grading 492 gpt AgEq). This unmined vein is readily accessible via the Las Chispas historic workings. The high-grade footprint for the Giovanni Vein continues to grow and further underground infill and expansion drilling in this area is underway.
Hole LC17-58 (2.0 metres grading 246 gpt AgEq) was designed as a step-out hole to test the downward extension of the Las Chispas Vein mineralization. The hole intercepted high-grade mineralization approximately 400 metres to the southeast of previously announced drill results. Further surface drilling to potentially expand the Las Chispas high-grade footprint is planned for 2018.
Hole LCU17-04 (6.3 metres grading 389 gpt AgEq) was designed to test the historic Tajo Chico Vein which is a high-grade splay of the Las Chispas Vein (see attached Figure). The hole intercepted the unmined high-grade extension of this vein. Further underground drilling is underway.
Historic Las Chispas Mine underground workings have been open for over 80 years with minor backfill and no ground support. Several prominent high-grade historic pillars remain intact in the mine and are readily accessible via a historic haulage route (see attached Figures). With further detailed underground channel sampling, the Company will be assessing the optimal way to incorporate these pillars and intact mineralization into the upcoming resource estimate. These pillars could potentially be incorporated into plans for extraction of a permitted bulk sample for offsite processing in 2018.
The Company anticipates completing its Phase II Exploration Program by mid-January which will include drilling a further 4,000 to 6,000 metres in the district, primarily on the Babicanora extension (see November 27, 2017 news release). SilverCrest remains on track to deliver a maiden resource estimate for the Las Chispas project in Q1 2018.
The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, and President and CEO for SilverCrest, who has reviewed and approved its contents.
ABOUT SILVERCREST METALS INC.
SilverCrest is a Canadian precious metals exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, that is focused on new discoveries, value-added acquisitions and targeting production in Mexicos historic precious metal districts. The Companys current focus is on the high-grade, historic Las Chispas mining district in Sonora, Mexico. SilverCrest is the first company to successfully drill-test the historic Las Chispas Project resulting in numerous discoveries. The Company is led by a proven management team in all aspects of the precious metal mining sector, including taking projects through discovery, finance, on time and on budget construction, and production.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: the strategic plans, timing and expectations for the Companys exploration, rehabilitation and drilling programs of the Las Chispas Property, including preparation of an initial extraction program for bulk sample testing and preparation of an initial resource estimate; information with respect to high grade areas and size of veins projected from underground sampling results and drilling results; and the accessibility of future mining at the Las Chispas Property. Such forward looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of expenditures related to rehabilitation and drilling programs; and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Companys management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng
President & CEO
SilverCrest Metals Inc.
For Further Information:
SilverCrest Metals Inc.
Contact: Fred Cooper, Investor Relations
Telephone: +1 (604) 694-1730
Fax: +1 (604) 357-1313
Toll Free: 1-866-691-1730 (Canada & USA)
Email: info(at)silvercrestmetals.com
Website: http://www.silvercrestmetals.com
570 Granville Street, Suite 501
Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P1
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
2017 Greencastle Holiday Ornament highlights history at Ebbert Springs. It is three consecutive Fridays of family fun in Greencastle PA.
The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites visitors to holiday fun at Greencastles Heritage Christmas, December 1, 8, and 15, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Each Friday includes horse and carriage rides through downtown, cookie decorating, luminaries, carolers, holiday window displays, and a variety of music on the square. Enjoy a holiday train display at the 1909 Highline Train Station on South Jefferson Street. Children can bring their Letters to Santa to post in the special mailbox on the square. It is three consecutive Fridays of family fun in Greencastle PA.
On the first Friday of Heritage Christmas, December 1, Allison Antrim Museum is holding a Christmas open house from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The 1860 museum house, situated on the original land tract owned by town founder John Allison, is decorated as a Civil War era home. Della Robbia fruit arrangements in the Victorian concrete urns and transom of the front door welcomes guests. Roping on the banister, fresh magnolia and boxwood greens, and cedar tree decorated with dried fruit, gilded walnuts, Marzipan fruit candies, gingerbread cookies, antique candle holders, and Civil War flags will take visitors back to a much simpler time. Vintage toys, period furnishings, and an 1800s one-horse sleigh are on display throughout the museum house.
In the German Bank Barn, enjoy the display of 1930s vintage boyhood toys. Susan Shaffer, of Joyful Arts Studio in downtown Greencastle, will lead guests during a come-and-go evening of painting a take-home Christmas ornament. Reservations can be made here or by calling 717- 658-2177.
Residents of the Greencastle area hold an annual Light It Up decorating contest. Visitors can enjoy the twinkling handiwork of local residents as Greencastle and the surrounding Antrim Township sparkle for the holidays. Be part of selecting the winner by casting a $1 vote from December 8 to 18. Proceeds benefit the Greencastle Food Pantry.
A visit to Greencastle is just one of many ways to explore Franklin County PA. The Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites all to explore history, arts and architecture, recreation, natural beauty, fresh foods and the warm hospitality of communities like Chambersburg, Greencastle, Mercersburg, Shippensburg, and Waynesboro. Franklin County PA is located just north of the Mason Dixon Line and is an easy drive to Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Discover more. plan a visit soon at ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com or by contacting 866.646.8060.
Moran Family of Brands Co-Founder and CEO Barbara Moran-Goodrich
Barbara Moran-Goodrich, CEO & Co-founder of Moran Family of Brands Moran Family of Brands, was recently featured in an article on the Success Magazine website discussing successful career opportunities in blue-collar industries.
In the article entitled Its a Dirty Job (And These Entrepreneurs are Doing It), Moran spoke about the changes to the auto repair industry and getting her start in the family business. Moran Family of Brands is one of the nations leading franchises of general automotive repair, transmission repair, window tinting and driver safety products.
In the article, Moran noted some of the changes she has seen in the industry, such as car engines being more computerized and complex than in the past. This change has helped drive Morans success since car owners are even less equipped to perform vehicle maintenance. She also acknowledged that it is harder to find skilled millennials to hire. Fewer people are going into the trades, she said.
Although auto repair was one of five industries mentioned in the article to be a dirty job, it has led to more than 120 successful franchise owners throughout the Moran system. If you are interested in learning more about a franchise ownership opportunity with Moran Family of Brands, please visit the company website.
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About Moran Family of Brands:
Moran Family of Brands is one of the nations leading franchisors of general automotive repair, transmission repair and automotive accessory centers. Based in Midlothian, Illinois, Moran Family of Brands provides specialty products and services in virtually every aspect of the automotive aftermarket through four individual brands and a total of more than 120 franchise locations nationwide including: Mr. Transmission, The Professionals; Alta Mere The Automotive Outfitters; Milex Complete Auto Care centers and SmartView Window Solutions. For more information on Moran Family of Brands visit http://www.moranfamilyofbrands.com.
Theres an adage that a company is only as good as its people, and thats why representatives with Green Donation Consultants, a Fredericksburg, Virginia-based appraisal firm, is proud to announce the appointment of Mayurkumar Dankhara as its new Chief Operating Officer.
Were excited, said AnnMarie Smith, CEO, and spokesperson for Green Donation Consultants. He is a proven leader, a quality which we believe will take us to the next level of success, thereby providing our customers with a direct benefit.
Green Donation Consultants is the premier charitable donation consulting firm in more than 25 states. The company, which has been awarded multiple speaking engagements at national conferences to include US Green Building Council and Building Materials ReUse Association, has eight certified and designated personal property appraisers on its staff and a total of 30 support personnel making the company the single largest privately owned charitable donation consulting firm in the United States.
As for the companys newly hired COO, Dankhara completed his Bachelor in Civil Engineering from India in 2007 and his Master of Science in Construction Management from Texas A & M University in 2010. Dankhara is also a member of the International Society of Appraisers.
As Chief Operating Officer, he will a vital part of Green Donation Consultants exponential growth by providing good leadership in the mission of converting demolitions into deconstructions, Smith stressed, before adding, he has more innovations in mind to keep growing this company and its mission far into the future.
For more information, please visit: grndonation.com.
Green Donation Consultants
Green Donation Consultants was established in 2005. Today, the company is much more than just an appraisal firm, placing a strong commitment to providing additional services throughout the entire donation process. Our firm has recently added a commercial division to help business owners take advantage of the non-cash charitable donation program too.
Contact Details:
AnnMarie Smith
4016 Plank Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
USA
Phone: 1- 800-870-3965
Source: Green Donation Consultants
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e-End President, Steve Chafitz, holds confiscated 50 caliber sniper rifle while standing next to other confiscated weapons to be destroyed.
Hundreds of deadly assault weapons amassed by Washington area law enforcement agencies have been safely destroyed by a woman-owned company.
Advanced tactical firearms of every size and caliber are confiscated by local police and federal agents during drug busts, traffic stops and search and seizures. Many of these are military grade firearms capable of penetrating bullet-proof vests, body armor and police cars. These weapons include: Fully automatic AR-15s, Kalashnikovs, 50 caliber sniper rifles, shotguns semi-automatic and fully automatic handguns; 50 caliber pistols, and some of the most advanced tactical rifles representing every size and caliber. These are the weapons of choice for organized crime syndicates, drug cartels, terrorists, and others seeking to inflict mass casualties. Many of these are the same assault weapons banned in Marylands Firearm Safety Act of 2013. Notably, The U.S. Supreme Court has just refused to hear arguments asking for the potential repeal of this act.
If these weapons were ever to fall into the wrong hands, lives would be at risk; especially those of our police force, warns Arleen Chafitz, CEO of e-End, the woman owned company selected to destroy these weapons. Many of these confiscated weapons are powerful enough to pierce the door of a police car, fatally wounding the officers inside and exiting the car with enough force to fatally injure anyone on the other side. Some people wonder why police departments request armored vehicles, well, a firefight against criminals with these high-powered weapons could lead to massive law enforcement fatalities. Thats why they need armor to protect them. Getting these guns off the streets and destroying them properly is one step in helping to keep our police force a bit safer, claims Chafitz.
Destroying deadly weapons in a safe and secure manner can prove to be a challenge. Many police departments accumulate massive arsenals of confiscated firearms needing to be rendered completely harmless. These caches of weapons are often removed from their secure sites and brought to less secured facilities for destruction. Transporting several hundred deadly rifles, shotguns and pistols to a destruction facility can be both a risky and expensive mission.
SWAT teams are often deployed to chaperone a truckload of weapons on their journey to a destruction site. Steve Chafitz, e-End President, noted that The elite personnel needed to accompany these weapons can be taxing on the resources that could be better spent in other places, so we wanted to find a more efficient way to destroy these firearms; one that minimized risk and required less manpower.
e-End found the solution by eliminating the need for the weapons to leave the secure facilities. Instead of bringing the weapons to e-End, e-End brings their specialized destruction equipment to the weapons. Our process saves time, money and is a lot safer than taking these weapons out of their secure storage. Now, we only need two on-site observers versus an entire SWAT team. With our mobile unit, we can destroy several hundred rifles, pistols, magazines and contraband in a couple of hours, adds Steve.
As illegal firearms become more powerful and relatively easier to obtain, the need to destroy them becomes even more crucial. Each illegal weapon that disappears from the streets is one less potential danger to the community and law enforcement. e-End works closely with many state and federal agencies, explains Arleen. Due to security concerns, she would not comment on which specific agencies they assist.
The police protecting our community deserve to be kept safe from the threat of these illegal weapons. We will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure these powerful firearms stay off our streets and are destroyed in an efficient and responsible manner, Arleen warns, With weapons like these, theres no room for mistakes.
About e-End:e-End operates a secure facility in Frederick, MD and specializes in destroying a wide variety of classified data, and various controlled devices. This includes destruction of data containing hard drives, destruction of ITAR controlled devices, IT equipment, and tactical military devices. They routinely destroy body armor that has reached the end of its certified period of use. For further information contact Steve Chafitz, steve(at)eendusa.com.
A Very Merry B&B Sweepstakes from BedandBreakfast.com The holidays are a time to give thanks and show our appreciation for the B&B community, and this sweepstakes gives us the chance to do just that.
BedandBreakfast.com, the worlds largest bed and breakfast travel site, will host its first-ever Very Merry B&B Sweepstakes from November 28 to December 17, 2017. Four winners will receive a vacation package from BedandBreakfast.com and its partners for a 5-night stay in one of four destinations.
Full sweepstakes details and rules visit: https://www.bedandbreakfast.com/info/a-very-merry-bb-sweepstakes
This sweepstakes is the perfect opportunity to introduce our travelers to new destinations for their future B&B getaways, said Ryan Hutchings, Director of Global Marketing at BedandBreakfast.com. The holidays are a time to give thanks and show our appreciation for the B&B community, and this sweepstakes gives us the chance to do just that.
How to Enter:
Contestants may visit the sweepstakes website between November 28 and December 17 to fill out the entry form for a chance to win one of four vacation packages. The entry period for each vacation package will last for a total of five days, starting on November 28.
November 28 - December 2: Dublin Ireland
December 3 - December 7: Fort Myers, Florida
December 8 - December 12: Sonoma, California
December 13 - December 17: Northeast Kingdom, Vermont
BedandBreakfast.com recently added the slogan, Savor Your Stay, to capture the relaxing experience of one of the oldest types of lodging. The B&B experience offers the freedom to slow down and live in the moment, experiencing unhurried enjoyment and delight.
For the full sweepstakes terms and conditions, please visit the official sweepstakes rules page.
About BedandBreakfast.com
BedandBreakfast.com is the world's largest B&B travel site. With more than 10,000 properties worldwide and nearly 80,000 rooms, we help travelers discover and book unique small hotels, inns and B&Bs. Based in Austin, Texas, BedandBreakfast.com was founded in 1995 and is owned by HomeAway, the world leader in vacation rentals and a part of the Expedia, Inc. family of brands.
2017 HomeAway. All rights reserved. BedandBreakfast.com and the BedandBreakfast.com logo are trademarks of HomeAway. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Cybereason, creators of the leading cybersecurity data analytics platform including endpoint detection and response, next-generation antivirus, and active monitoring services, today issued a new report titled The Year of the Defender detailing its five most significant cybersecurity predictions for 2018.
2017 has been a year filled with global ransomware attacks, nation-state attacks and thousands of damaging breaches sparing very few large enterprises, small businesses and consumers. So why is Cybereason cautiously optimistic about the possibility of Defenders improving their security hygiene in 2018? There are many reasons, including:
Organizations have made small, yet meaningful strides around reducing the number of days to identify and contain a breach, according to the Ponemon Institutes 2017 Cost of Data Breach Study. In 2017, organizations took an average of 191 days to identify a breach, down from 201 in 2016. Meanwhile, containing a data breach took 66 days, compared to 70 days.
Fileless malware attacks, particularly those attacks that leverage PowerShell and WMI are here to stay. The increase in attacks has prompted a change in detection capabilities, solutions and share of mind. Cybereason believes that there is no better time to improve the way teams handle fileless malware attacks and is optimistic that we will see this shift in 2018.
Damaging ransomware attacks such as WannaCry and NotPetya made cybersecurity a board-level priority in 2017. During earnings calls, C-suite executives from global corporations discussed how NotPetya impacted quarterly and yearly revenue. As a result, Cybereason expects that this shift in prioritization will further empower the defender in 2018.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a new E.U. regulation that governs how businesses protect the data and privacy of E.U. citizens will impact all global organizations. The major fines companies will bear in case of a data breach will makes security a hot topic for board rooms, who will try to minimize the risk of a financial loss.
Cybereasons Cybersecurity Predictions Webinar
On Tuesday, December 14, 2:00 pm ET, Cybereasons CSO, Sam Curry, and Senior Marketing Director, Lital Asher-Dotan, will host a webinar focused on the companys five 2018 predictions. To register, visit:https://www.cybereason.com/the-year-of-the-defender
Additional 2018 Cybersecurity Predictions
Supply Chain Attacks Increase and Remain Under Reported
There were many publicized supply chain attacks this year, including M.E.Doc (leading to NotPetya), Kingslayer, CloudHopper, CCleaner, ShadowPad and PyPi.
The rise in mega data breaches shifted the economics of private data, credit card and medical records data sold over the dark web. As their prices dropped, cyber criminals are now being pushed to look for efficiencies in their hacking operations. Cybereason believes that this dynamic will lead to an increase in supply chain attacks in 2018.
Hackers will use third-party software vendors as an effective spread mechanism to gain access to multiple targets at once, increasing the effectiveness of their hacking operations.
Destructive Attacks Do Not Let Up
In 2018, destructive attacks (those that look to wipe out data on a computer instead of holding it for ransom) will increase. Junes NotPetya attack exemplifies this type of attack. Companies lost an estimated $1.2 million in revenues as a result of the attack. These attacks are relatively easy to execute, while causing a relatively high damage, making them attractive to less sophisticated players as well as some nation-state actors that use them as part of their operations.
The Line Blurs Between APT Actors and Cybercriminals
2018 is the year in which the lines between nation-state players and other hacking groups become blurred. Leaked tools, techniques and knowledge from three letter agencies, makes advanced hacking a commodity. Many nation-state players outsource parts of their hacking operations to freelance hacking groups and lower-level cybercriminals groups, enabling them to up-level their game. In addition, nation state actors now use off the shelf, generic hacking tools to hide their tracks, making it hard to attribute a certain attack to a specific actor.
Fileless Malware Attacks Become Ubiquitous
Adversaries used fileless malware attacks, including PowerShell and WMI attacks frequently in 2017 and these are here to stay in 2018. There are many reasons for the popularity of fileless malware as an attack mechanism, including the abundance of free tools and scripts to execute malicious operations. Very few security tools are able to detect malicious fileless operations using PowerShell and WMI as they are embedded in the Windows OS. The good news is that as the popularity of these type of attacks increased, it finally wins security teams share of mind, and new protection, detection and response methodologies are underway.
About Cybereason
Cybereason, creators of the leading cybersecurity data analytics platform, gives the advantage back to the defender through a completely new approach to cybersecurity. Cybereason offers endpoint detection and response (EDR), next-generation antivirus (NGAV), and active monitoring services, all powered by its proprietary data analytics platform. The Cybereason suite of products provides unmatched visibility, increases analyst efficiency and effectiveness, and reduces security risk. Cybereason is privately held, having raised $189 million from top-tier VCs, and is headquartered in Boston, with offices in London, Tel Aviv and Tokyo.
Learn more: https://www.cybereason.com/
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Media Contact:
Bill Keeler
Director, Public Relations
Cybereason
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News
From Bulgaria
The European Commission continues BEH investigation, Bulgaria refuses to plead guilty
AUTHOR: publics.bg
European Commission
The Bulgarian Parliament obliged the Minister of Energy to undertake all measures safeguarding the national interest in the Commissions case against the country and the dedicated Deputy Prime Minister will execute the decision, the Deputy Chairperson of the Energy Committee, Tasko Ermenkov told journalists, BTA informed.
The Commissions case is against Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH), Bulgartransgaz and Bulgargaz for investigation of possible violation of an Article of the Treaty of the Functioning of the EU, which consists of a possible abuse of a dominant position on the gas markets in Bulgaria.
Ermenkov was clear that the country will not plead guilty, so there will be no damages. He stressed that 179 of the 179 members of parliament present supported the decision. While there is no final decision by the Commission, Bulgaria has options and perspectives so that there would be no unnecessary expenditures.
The maximum amount of the fine could be 330 mln euro, Minister of Energy, Temenuzhka Petkova announced on Sunday on the Bulgarian National Radio. She explained that an agreement with the Commission was pursued, but such was not reached. The next step is a prohibition decision, which would contain the amount of the fine, she added.
Temenuzhka Petkova also said that an option such as in the case against Gazprom, related to restructuring, is not possible. She clarified that it was discussed with the Commission, but there was no agreement because the options were not in favour of the Bulgarian side. Answering a question if a possible fine could be avoided by privatising stakes of Bulgartransgaz, Petkova stated that matters of strategic infrastructure and national security should be handled very cautiously.
The Minister of Energy underlined that the Parliaments decision not to admit guild in the case should be respected. As I previously said that the Bulgarian Parliament has already acted. We are a parliamentary republic, so what the Bulgarian Parliament has decided will be executed, she commented.
Meanwhile, the European Commission continues its investigation of BEH and its subsidiaries for an alleged abuse of a dominant position on the natural gas market in Bulgaria, a Commissions spokesperson said, BTA reported, cited by Dnevnik.
Brusselss opinion is that citizens and businesses in the EU should be able to benefit from competitive energy prices and security of supply. In order to compete on the Bulgarian gas market, suppliers require access to BEHs gas infrastructure and the Commission must ensure that everyone obtains non-discriminatory access, EU Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager, commented at the start of the procedure.
Brussels is concerned that BEH and its subsidiaries are possibly hindering competitors access to key gas infrastructure they need for their successful operations on the market. The Commission has concerns that BEH and its subsidiaries have refused to give competitors access to the gas transmission network and the gas storage facility, as well as reserved capacity they do not need on the gas import pipeline.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was sworn in as the 5th President of the 4th Republic after winning the 2016 general elections on the back of successful campaign which was backed by a promising manifesto which was anchored on the economic development and the landmark Free SHS policy.
READ ALSO:
Even though the President has been able to implement some of his policies, there have some controversial instances which have put the President on the front pages for the not-so-good reasons.
Business Insider Sub Saharan Africa chronicles 5 of them.
1. Inaugural speech Plagiarism
The January 7 inauguration was earmarked to be the start of the competent Akufo-Addo regime and all ears were on the inaugural speech, which was expected to set the tone for a new level of possibility and good governance. Speech lovers were anxiously waiting for quotable quotes from the fluent president. Few minutes after the well-written and delivered speech, there were video evidences, which suggested that the President had plagiarized the speech of former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. This surely brought so much embarrassment to the new government as foreign new channels carried the story.
2. Ministerial appointments
When it was confirmed that the President was going to work with a total of 110 ministers, the media took the story to the printers and scrutinized the decision of the President. The financial burden of managing an elephant government was unimaginable to some people but the President insisted that the ministers he has chosen are people he thinks can help him the fix the problems he inherited from the erstwhile Mahama administration.
3. Vigilantism and the release of delta 8
One of the major challenges of the Akufo-Addo government has been the inability to maintain internal security. There have been not less than 18 cases of vigilante violence since the NPP won the 2016 election and this has painted a bad image for the ruling party especially when they have been tagged a violent group in the past.
4. Corruption
One area that the NPP hit hard on the NDC while in opposition was on corruption and one would have expected that we would never hear of the word under the NPP. However, there have been some allegations and controversial government deals including the Appointment Committee bribery case, the US$2.25 billion Bond saga and the BOST contaminated fuel scandal which have raised some questions about the integrity of the presidents appointees and whether they are really immune to corruption.
READ ALSO: What these 8 African presidents looked like when they were young
5. Comments on Homosexuality
In a recent interview with Aljazeeras Jane Dutton, the President, in response to a question on the legalization of homosexuality said, At the moment, I dont feel, I dont see that in Ghana there is that strong current of opinion that is saying this is something we need to deal with. It is not so far a matter that is on the agenda. Some individuals and groups including the Christian Council have come out strongly against the presidents comment insisting that the government must come clear on its policy directive on the issue of Gay rights.
A woman who posed as a victim of Roy Moore, the embattled Republican Alabama Senate candidate whose campaign has been roiled by multiple allegations of sexual harassment and assault, appeared to be involved in a sting operation meant to disgrace The Washington Post, the newspaper reported Monday.
During a two-week period, the woman, who said her name was Jaime Phillips, reportedly contacted two of The Post's reporters shortly after the newspaper broke the initial story on the sexual harassment allegations against Moore. Phillips' account went beyond The Post's original reporting and alleged that, in 1992, she had a "secret" sexual relationship with Moore and became pregnant when she was 15.
"I knew it wasn't right, but I didn't care," Phillips reportedly told The Post's reporters during an interview.
Phillips reportedly asked for a guarantee that Moore would lose the special election if she told her account.
"So my whole things is, like, I want him to be completely taken out of the race ..." Phillips reportedly said to The Post. "And I really expected that was going to happen, and now it's not. So, I don't know what you think about that."
Beth Reinhard, one of the reporters who interviewed Phillips, said in a text message that "she could not predict what the impact would be," according to The Post.
Phillips then alleged in a text message that she felt "anxiety & negative energy" after a meeting with Reinhard, and said she wanted to meet with Stephanie McCrummen, a Post reporter who reported the first allegations against Roy Moore.
"I'd rather go to another paper than talk to you again," Phillips said to Reinhard, according to The Post.
Suspicions arose after a Post researcher discovered that a GoFundMe.com fundraiser from someone named Jaime Phillips was soliciting donations to fund a move to New York, to "work in the conservative media movement to combat the lies and deceit of the liberal [mainstream media]," the archived GoFundMe page described.
"Um, yeah, I was looking to take a job last summer in New York, but it fell through," Phillips said after she was confronted with details about the GoFundMe.com page. "Yeah, it was going to be with the Daily Caller, but it ended up falling through, so I wasn't able to do it."
Representatives from the Daily Caller denied having interviewed anyone named Jaime Phillips, The Post reported.
"I think I probably just want to cancel and not go through with it at this point," Phillips said to McCrummen. "I'm not going to answer any more questions."
Martin Baron, The Post's executive editor, made the decision to publish Phillips' comments, which were previously off-the-record.
"We always honor 'off-the-record' agreements when they're entered into in good faith," Baron said in The Post. "But this so-called off-the-record conversation was the essence of a scheme to deceive and embarrass us. The intent by Project Veritas clearly was to publicize the conversation if we fell for the trap."
"Because of our customary journalistic rigor, we weren't fooled, and we can't honor an 'off-the-record' agreement that was solicited in maliciously bad faith," Baron said.
On Monday afternoon, James O'Keefe, Project Veritas' founder, defended the group by launching a series of attacks against The Post.
"Hitting export on hidden camera footage into Washington Post shortly," O'Keefe wrote on Twitter. "Project Veritas vs Bezos 100mm monopoly. Fasten your seat belts."
O'Keefe reportedly put out another statement Monday, in which he appeared to confirm that the organization attempted to swindle the Post: "Following months of undercover work within The Washington Post, our investigative journalist embedded within the publication had their cover blown."
Special counsel Robert Mueller will interview White House counsel Don McGahn in the coming weeks as Mueller continues to investigate
McGahn came under heightened scrutiny in September when The New York Times reported that he had blocked Trump from sending a letter to Comey outlining his reasons for wanting him fired.
Legal experts have suggested that t
"We told them how we had this information, how we had acquired it, and how we knew it was untrue," Yates said.
She continued: "We told them that the conduct Flynn had engaged in [speaking to Kislyak] was problematic in and of itself. We said that the vice president was entitled to know that the information he was giving the American people was not true. And we told him we were concerned that the American people had been misled about what General Flynn had done, and that we weren't the only ones who knew about this."
To charge someone with obstructing justice, prosecutors have to prove that "the defendant corruptly endeavored to influence, obstruct, or impede" an investigation, according to legal and national-security expertswriting for Lawfare.
That element "is the hardest to prove, because it depends on showing an improper motive," the experts said.
Insight into Trump's state of mind when he fired Comey and crafted the statement will be crucial as Mueller examines whether the president willingly tried to impede the Russia investigation.
Trump's lawyers have argued that Comey is an unreliable witness and that Trump has the power to fire whomever he wants. But the White House has not fully explained why Trumpreportedly overruledhis advisers' warnings to be as transparent as possible about the Trump Tower meeting or why one of his personal lawyers, Jay Sekulow, told CNN in the days after the meeting became public that Trumpdid not play any role in crafting his son's initial statement.
Here, too, McGahn likely has insight into Trump's state of mind around the time that he drafted the statement, making him a crucial witness as Mueller attempts to put pieces together.
"As to the narrower legal question of obstruction of justice, the president's mental state would critical," Wright said. "Did he participate in crafting a cover story to hoodwink the American people or did he have congressional and criminal investigators in mind?"
It is unclear whether Trump consulted McGahn before drafting the statement about the Trump Tower meeting. But if McGahn was called, then he was in a position to hear Trump's thinking "and to shape that thinking" through his legal advice, Wright said.
If he wasn't consulted, that would likely signal to Mueller "either that Trump was profoundly unaware of the nature of his deteriorating legal environment or that he was avoiding legal advice because he did not want to be told to stand down," Wright said.
In an interview with Joy News Obuor said the types of dresses the dancehall artist wears is bad and must be condemned.
That [Ebonys dressing] is very bad. It is very bad. Again, in our vein as a union we will try to let the public know that they are in an acting role, Obour said.
He added that the Ghanaian culture and moral values frowned on such dressing.
He urged every musician to decorous in their ways of dressing.
Lady Gaga could wear that same costume and nobody would cry or scream foul about it because the moral values of the country they are in different from that of the country we are in now. And so we are always advising our musicians to be quite decorous in their way of dressing.
Ghanaians have in recent times expressed disdain with the way Ebony dresses.
The musician exposes certain private parts of her body which many Ghanaians believe is indecent.
Ebony almost suffered a wardrobe malfunction when her dress almost revealed her private regions whilst performing at the 4Syte TV Music Video Awards.
Many were of the opinion that Ebony had gone too far when she almost exposed herself at the award show.
However, her manager made it clear that it was Ebonys brand and there is nothing wrong about it.
These customs still exist in the remote parts of this continent, many years after civilization. These ethnic communities practice certain traditions that will leave you shocked.They signify different aspects of life within the continent like achieving a new status on the social ladder or coming of age.
Here are five of the most weird African Traditions brought to you by Pulse.com.gh
1.Blood-WaterBeverage
In Tanzania and Kenya, the Samburu and the Maasai communities are regarded as the most hospitable. They would always welcome a visitor. These communities usually treat their guests with roasted meat. However, one may also, at times, be required to drink fresh blood either mixed in milk or oozing from a live animal.
READ ALSO: 4 things that would make you love the Volta Region
2.Bull Jumping
In the Hamar tribe of Ethiopia, there is an interesting initiation tradition as well. A tradition that harms not only the boy, basically. Firstly, the female friends of the boy to take the test dance and get beated by their elders, until they have actual wounds on their bodies. This shows their loyalty to their friends. After that, the boy has to announce his manhood by stepping over 4 bulls and making 3 turns back and forth. Actually, the boy announces his manhood in all possible ways, since he has to do this naked.
3.Lipstretching
When a girl becomes a teenager in the Surma tribe of Southern Sudan, she begins the process of lip stretching. The girl has her bottom teeth removed to make space for a lip plate, which is increased in size annually.
READ ALSO:10 beautiful photos from around the world that impressed us
4.Banyankoles potency test
In Uganda, ones aunt is not only expected to advise a new bride but they also have to have sex with the groom as a potency test. Additionally, the aunt has to test the brides purity before the bride and groom are allowed to consummate their marriage.Another tradition directs the aunts to prove the potency by listening in or watching as the couple engages in sexual intercourse.
5.The groom wears a veil
He made this announcement when he paid a courtesy call on President Nana Akufo-Addo at the Flagstaff House.
"We are very interested in developing the small-scale, medium companies in [the] Ghanaian economy, he said, adding that the 25 million-euro should be used to acquire machinery for SMEs in Ghana.
The Prime Minister said Italy has in the last 15 years invested a total of 7 billion euros in the Ghanaian economy.
We are very proud what Italy has done in Ghana, he said.
The Prime Minister further disclosed that at the next EU summit, the future of the youth would be discussed, adding, we are particularly proud of the role Ghana has played in contributing to the decision of the youth.
The development of the skills of the youth is very important; it will help in preventing migration, Gentiloni said.
The Prime Minister has meanwhile lauded Ghana for its strong democracy and stability, which he said, has made the West African nation an example to the African continent.
The stability and democracy that Ghana has is an example to the whole African continent. The economic relationship between the two countries [Ghana and Italy] is very positive, he observed.
He commended President Akufo-Addo for the warm reception given him.
The conference was held on Saturday 25 November at the Lincoln Community School in Accra.
Addressing participants at the conference, keynote speaker and principal of SOS-Herman Gmeiner International College Israel Titi Ofei raised concerns about the need for stakeholders to put priority on the quality of teachers churned out to handle students.
He explained that a good curriculum is as important as the teaching staff.
"Youve visited a school and established that you like the headteacher. They have a clear vision for their pupils, and the place has an orderly and friendly culture. Now it is time to consider taking your ward there? The quality of teachers should be the premium concern".
People will definitely talk about putting up good structures, better feeding of students amongst other but the element of good education will be missing if teachers are not of good quality,he added.
Participants also expressed gladness for being a part of such a powerful conference.
The vast majority of these participants were public and private schools teachers from basic schools, ranging from pre-school to JHS levels.
This year's program themed "Understanding; Knowledge in Action" marks TEN's 9th Teaching and learning conference in Accra.
Akan proverb "Wo nsa Ekyi" which means "The back of your hand" was the inspiration for the theme of this year's conference.
GTP donated fabric for all volunteers which represented the theme of the event as well as Kasapreko donating some bottles of water.
Visual notes taking, a route to creative writing,the art of expression,developing creative mathematical thinkers, French workshop etc.
In an interview with Aljazeera, the President is quoted as saying that gay rights are bound to happen a comment that has brought him under scrutiny from the opposition NDC and other Ghanaians.
A lot has been said since then, but what does the Bible actually say about homosexuality?
Here are five Bible quotes that boldly state that Ghana should do away with homosexuality:
1. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10
Do not be misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit Gods Kingdom.
2. Colossians 3:5
Deaden, therefore, your body members+ that are on the earth as respects sexual immorality,* uncleanness, uncontrolled sexual passion,+ hurtful desire, and greediness, which is idolatry..
3. Leviticus 18:22
You must not lie down with a male in the same way that you lie down with a woman.
4. Romans 1:24, 26
God, in keeping with the desires of their hearts, . . . gave them over to uncontrolled sexual passion, for their females changed the natural use of themselves into one contrary to nature.
5. Mathew 19: 4-6
In an interview with Accra-based Adom FM, he said this makes it difficult to fight homosexuality in the country since it has permeated every facet of the society.
His comments follow the controversy surrounding the presidents latest comments on homosexuality.
President Nana Akufo-Addo said on Aljazeera that legalisation of homosexuality is bound to happen in Ghana if public opinion for it legalisation grows stronger.
I dont believe that in Ghana, so far, a sufficiently strong coalition has emerged which is having that impact on public opinion that will say: Change it [the law], lets then have a new paradigm in Ghana."
I think it is something that is bound to happen like elsewhere in the world, they are activities of individuals or groups, he said.
Nana Akufo-Addos comments have, however, not gone down well with many Ghanaians, who feel that his comments suggest an endorsement of homosexuality.
But the Minister of Information; Mustapha Hamid has clarified that the Nana Addo government has no intention to legalize same-sex relationship.
Apostle Amoako Atta was optimistic President Akufo-Addo will not lead the legalization of such an act in Ghana.
In a related development, Apostle Amoako Atta said Ghanaian Christians must love homosexuals instead of condemning them.
Adjoa Oforiwaa who was a beautician apprentice gave up her apprenticeship to stay with the missionary whose name has been given as Frank.
She lived with Frank for 3 years to help him head a church branch.
Adjoa Oforiwaa is now accusing Frank of cheating and is demanding compensation for wasted time.
In an interview with Kumasi-based Nhyira FM, Adjoa Oforiwaa alleged that Franks grandmother persuaded her to accompany him to the Salvation Army Church branch at Asamang in the Ashanti Region.
She later discovered that Frank was in love relationships with other women.
She complained to the family but they have failed to do anything about her complaints.
Adwoa subsequently left for her parents house. Frank later brought her belonging signifying the end of the relationship.
Later, other relatives came to apologize and appeal to Adjoa to return, with the assurance of compensation and performance of the marriage rites.
None of these promises has since been fulfilled.
Among the prostitutes included ladies, aged between 15 and 35 years.
The 22 suspects are made up of 12 Nigerians, four Ghanaians, two Togolese, two Liberian, one Beninese and a Cameroonian and are reported to be in the commercial sex business for so many years.
Some of the suspects including a medical doctor and a teenager nursing mother were also arrested.
They operate around the Togo Embassy, Cantonments Post Office, Italian Embassy, Akufo-Addo round about among others.
One of the arrested prostitutes said she has been in the commercial sex activity for 21 years.
She said she has a child whom she sent back home to stay with her mother in Nigeria.
The youngest suspect, who is 15 years old is nursing mother of a seven month old child. She said she always leave the baby in the care of her friend to seek for sex partners around the Togo embassy to make money to cater for her child.
READ MORE: 32 Nigerian prostitutes arrested at Abeka Lapaz
The pupil, who was in the man's class last year, insisted the pair were in love but her parents said he was a sexual predator who exploited his position of power.
The girl later told the court that she thought she had been "manipulated".
The man was given an 18-month suspended sentence by a court in Fontainebleau outside Paris after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor aged under 15 while in a position of authority.
He has been banned from working with minors.
"I was completely out of control, I have no excuse," he admitted in court.
"When I was with her she was just my girlfriend, not my pupil and not a 14-year-old girl," he said.
There is no minimum age of consent in France, which does not treat sex between an adult and a minor as rape unless there is proof of force.
The government has promised to change the law after a man was acquitted of rape earlier this month, as the jury found no evidence he had forced an 11-year-old girl to have sex.
Currently, sex with a minor aged under 15 is classified as sexual assault, punishable by up to five years in prison.
Adults wielding some form of authority over the child face heavier sentences.
President Emmanuel Macron said he wanted a minimum age of consent of 15, in a speech on sexism to mark the UN's International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
"The Volcanic Ash Advisory shows that the plane routes have been covered by volcanic ash, this is dangerous for the flights," Indonesian AirNav official Wisnu Darjono said.
Massive columns of thick grey smoke that have been belching from Mount Agung since last week have now begun shooting more than three kilometres (two miles) into the sky, forcing hundreds of flights to be grounded.
Authorities on Monday warned that the rumbling volcano could erupt at any moment, as they raised alert levels to maximum and accelerated a mass evacuation. The international airport closure left thousands of tourists stranded on the Indonesian holiday island.
Some 40,000 frightened people have fled their homes around the volcano but as many as 100,000 will likely be forced to leave, disaster agency officials have said.
The moves have already raised the ire of trade unions and civil society groups at home, and now Washington has added its diplomatic voice to the swelling protests.
State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the US administration regarded the draft law "with concern."
As proposed, she said, the government's move "could undermine the fight against corruption and weaken judicial independence in Romania.
"This legislation ... threatens the progress Romania has made in recent years to build strong judicial institutions shielded from political interference.
"We urge the parliament of Romania to reject proposals that weaken the rule of law and endanger the fight against corruption," she said.
LONDON Administrators of bust fashion brand Jaeger say they are unlikely to pursue action against the company's former owner over a controversial trademark sale.
Better Capital, Jaeger's former owners, sold the brand's trademark rights to a vehicle called King's Landing Limited for 9.2 million shortly before the company's collapse. A shareholder group attacked the move in May and said they would not rule out court action.
Administrator's Alix Partners said in its November report that is has been investigating the details of the trademark sale but early finds suggest that it is "not expected that actions can be pursued."
The trademark was subsequently sold by King's Landing Limited to Philip Day, who owns the chain Edinburgh Woollen Mill and purchased the Jaeger in June.
Alix Partners also said in its progress report written earlier this month that it estimates Jaeger has debts of 82.7 million. The bulk of its debts around 49 million are to unsecured creditors and Alix Partners expects most unsecured creditors to receive just 2p on the pound. That would mean the companies owned this money would share a little under 1 million between them.
33.3 million is owed to secured creditor King's Landing Limited. Alix warns that the prospect of paying off the remaining debt to King's Landing Limited is "uncertain" and they expect a "significant shortfall."
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Meghan Markle has more in common with Princess Diana than immediately meets the eye.
On Monday, news broke that Prince Harry was engaged to marry American actress Meghan Markle. The prince designed Markle's engagement ring himself, using two diamonds from the jewelry collection of his late mother, Princess Diana.
When asked what his mother would have thought of Markle, Prince Harry told the BBC that he thought she would have been "best friends with Meghan."
"Oh, they'd be thick as thieves, without question," Harry said. "I think she would be over the moon, jumping up and down, you know so excited for me."
Markle and the late Princess Diana come from very different backgrounds. However, taking a closer look at the pair, it's clear why the prince believes they would be best friends.
Diana's and Markle's lives started very differently.
Diana was born in 1961, into the Spencer family, a British aristocratic family with royal ancestry. She grew up on the grounds of Queen Elizabeth's private estate, Sandringham, in Norfolk.
Markle, meanwhile, was born in Los Angeles in 1981.
Markle comes from a more modest background. Her mother, Doria Ragland, is a yoga instructor and clinical therapist, while her father, Thomas W. Markle is a lighting director, the Telegraph reported. Ragland is African-American, and Markle is Caucasian.
Both Markle and Diana's parents split when their daughters were young. Diana's parents separated in a high-profile case when she was six years old, and Markle's separated when she was just two.
Markle's and Diana's paths to a royal engagement couldn't be more different.
Diana was just 16 when she met Prince Charles. According to The Daily Times, Charles who was 28 at the time was visiting the Spencer "ancestral home" and actually dating Diana's elder sister at the time.
The pair didn't grow close until a few years later. In her late teens, Lady Diana was working low-paying jobs and living relatively simply, despite her aristocratic heritage. Before Charles proposed in 1981, Diana was working as an assistant kindergarten teacher and living in a London apartment with three other women.
Markle, meanwhile, is an established actress who has been married previously.
Markle is best known for her role in the legal drama "Suits," but she has also acted in a long list of shows like "CSI: NY" and "Castle," as well as films including "Get Him To The Greek."
She also founded the now-shuttered lifestyle website The Tig and has worked as a women's rights activist, as a part of the UN's Women's Political Participation and Leadership program.
Markle and Prince Harry met in 2016, reportedly being set up at Harry's request when the prince was in Toronto to help plan the Invictus Games. The duo kept their relationship secret for roughly six months before going public.
Once their relationships went public, both Diana and Markle were thrust into the spotlight.
"Today, she is known to millions as 'Lady Di'. Her photograph graces countless tea towels, calendars and coffee mugs, and her brow-sweeping hairstyle is a national fad," The Daily Times reported in July 1981.
Markle's profile similarly exploded as rumors of her relationship with Prince Harry grew in 2016.
She became the most-Googled actress of 2016, as rumors of the romance exploded and were eventually confirmed late in the year.
The burgundy dress that Markle wore to the Invictus Games in September, her first public appearance with Prince Harry, sold out in hours. The Telegraph called her influence " target="_blank"The Meghan Effect," as items that she wore or endorsed have skyrocketed in popularity.
However, from the beginning, fame came with dark undertones.
When Diana wore a strapless dress to her first official public appearance post-engagement, it was front-page news and that was just the start. Lady Diana was stalked by reporters, including one who slipped through a bathroom window in her kindergarten class to get a photo, according to The Daily Times.
The media was especially obsessed with Diana's sexual history, reports Vanity Fair. The fixation was so great that her uncle, Lord Fermoy, was forced to read a statement publicly, declaring her a "bona fide" virgin.
While at the time The Daily Times reported that Diana seemed unfazed by the attention, Vanity Fair reported that the lady was severely bulimic prior to the wedding, linking the eating disorder to the intense pressure.
Markle's treatment shares some sickening similarities though, this time, the palace has done more to defend the prince's fiancee.
As Markle's relationship with Prince Harry became more obvious, some people began slamming Markle due to her race and status as a divorcee.
In November 2016, Kensington Palace issued a statement on Harry's behalf criticizing the "outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments" that Markle was facing.
Since she began dating Prince Harry, it seems that Markle has been taking cues from the late Princess Diana on how she presents herself.
Like most actresses, Markle spent many years building up her public profile. However, once her relationship with Prince Harry became public knowledge, the actress has mostly remained out of the limelight presumably, in part, because of the difficult role the media played in Diana's and Harry's own life.
The only major interview the actress gave about the relationship, prior to the announcement of the couple's engagement, was to Vanity Fair. The magazine published a glowing profile of the actress as its cover story this September.
"Whatever the future of their relationship, one suspects that, had she lived long enough to meet Meghan, Diana beloved for her philanthropy as well as her shy beauty would have approved," the piece concludes.
While Vanity Fair wasn't wrong in its comparison, the cover story reveals how Markle also shared Diana's ability to use press and public appearances to win over people's hearts.
Princess Diana has been on People magazine's cover 57 times more than any other person in the publication's history.
While the princess was known for her commitment to social justice and her deeply held beliefs, Diana didn't often have the opportunity to actually speak out on these issues.
"It is very surprising how little footage there exists of the Princess actually speaking," Eleri Lynn, who curated an exhibit on Diana's fashion, told Vanity Fair. "We all have a sense of what we think she was like, and yet so much of it comes from still photographs, and a large part of that [idea] is communicated through the different clothes that she wore."
As a result, fashion was a key tool of communication for Diana a lesson Markle seems to have learned.
Diana was one of the most influential people in fashion in the 20th century. If she wore a designer, she could immediately put them on the map. She was careful in her public appearance, working with designers to craft a public image, and shaped many of the most important trends of the time.
"She was always very thoughtful about how her clothes would be interpreted, it was something that really mattered to her," Anna Harvey, Vogue's former deputy editor who helped the princess to craft her image, told the Telegraph.
Markle, meanwhile, created her own fashion line.
The "accessible" clothing range, "Meghan Markle Collection," was launched with Canadian retailer Reitmans, and every item is under $100.
"I've been involved in every facet of [the design process], so it's really personal, she told Best Health in 2015.
Since she began dating the prince, Markle has used her style choices to highlight lesser-known Canadian designers.
After the engagement was announced, Prince Harry and Markle posed for photos at Kensington Palace in London. Markle wore a coat by the Canadian fashion brand Line a brand beloved by Canadians, but one that is pretty obscure outside the country.
Soon after news broke that Markle wore a coat from Line on Monday, the brand's website was slow or crashed for many people.
At the opening of the Invictus Games, her first public outing with Prince Harry, Markle highlighted two other Canadian brands: Mackage and Aritzia.
It's a play straight out of Diana's handbook.
The palace encouraged Princess Diana to promote British fashion designers, using her ability to give the entire industry a boost thanks to fans who would immediately try to copy her looks. Designers such as Catherine Walker (now a favorite of Kate Middleton) became go-tos for collaborations.
Diana also used fashion as a way to promote charities and social causes.
With the cameras following Diana wherever she went, she lived up to her nickname as "Princess of the People" with her extensive charity work.
"Although she found the media's intrusion into her personal life 'intolerable,' Diana found a way to use this to bring attention to the people and the causes that needed it most," Harpers Bazaar reported.
Fashion played a key part in her mission. In 1987, Princess Diana made headlines when she removed her gloves to shake hands with HIV-positive patients, during one of her many public visits to people suffering from HIV and AIDS.
Markle has done the same, saying that famous people have the opportunity and responsibility to create change.
"With fame comes opportunity, but it also includes responsibility to advocate and share, to focus less on glass slippers and more on pushing through glass ceilings," Markle wrote in an essay published in Elle in November 2016.
Markle has participated in a number of humanitarian efforts, including involvement with Canada's World Vision Clean Water campaign, One Young World Summit, and UN Women.
However, not everyone is always impressed by Markle's fashion choices.
Twitter trolls slammed Markle for wearing casual jeans during her first-ever public appearance with Prince Harry, at the 2017 Invictus Games.
Diana actually faced similar criticism.
"She did clearly have fun with fashion," Lynn told Vogue, "and she took risks ... and experimented with her style. She was the first member of the royal family to be photographed wearing trousers to evening events."
Sometimes the press would slam Diana for some of her more adventurous choices but that only further helped her style herself as a fashion icon in the long term.
One final fashion similarity between Markle and Diana can be found in the American's engagement ring.
Prince Harry designed the ring, which features two diamonds from Princess Diana's collection.
Princess Diana was a fashion icon who used her fame to draw attention to crucial issues in the world.
Diana died in a car crash when she was 36, and Harry was just 12 years old.
However, her legacy is still remembered today in fashion, in humanitarian work, and in modernizing the monarchy. In many ways, Princess Diana's willingness to act as "The People's Princess" helped make it possible for Prince William to marry a commoner and Prince Harry to marry an American.
With the palace's willingness to defend Markle, one hopes that the prince's fiancee can avoid the intense pressure and unfair scrutiny that Princess Diana dealt with.
Markle has yet to have Diana's degree of influence but it's clear that she's both learned lessons from and wants to pay tribute to Princess Diana.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced that they will marry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle in May 2018 a month after Kate Middleton is due to have her third child.
A notice from Kensington Palace said the Queen has given permission for the wedding to take place at the chapel, where
The palace also confirmed that the Royal Family will pay for the wedding, including the church service, music, flowers, and reception.
Markle, who is American, will become a British citizen, according to the palace. The notice also said that she is a Protestant, and will be baptised and confirmed into the Church of England before the service.
The marriage of Prince Harr... @ Kensington Palace
The couple are planning the wedding themselves, according to The Telegraph, who reported that they want a "fun" wedding that the public can be involved in and is likely to be televised.
Prince Harry's communications secretary Jason Knauf said: "They will be making sure it reflects who they are as a couple."
He added that Windsor is a "very special place" for Harry and Meghan, who have spent time there during their relationship.
Markle will also give up her current charity commitments, and will "begin a new series of charitable ventures as part of her new life in the UK," according to the Evening Standard. She will also become joint patron of the Royal Foundation, along with William, Kate, and Harry.
The news comes after Prince Harry and Meghan Marklepublicly announced their engagementon Monday morning.
Harry proposed to her in London earlier this month, and got an enthusiastic yes, which the couple described in a televised interview broadcast yesterday.
They will live together in the grounds of Kensington Palace, and are set to carry out their first engagement together at an Aids charity event in Nottingham on Friday.
Hugo Campbell-Davys is the founder of Urbanologie, a luxury lifestyle app for the high-net-worth jetsetters of the world.
Urbanologie tells its "members" where to eat, sleep, drink, and play, whether they're in London, New York, Ibiza, Mykonos, Miami, LA, Dubai, or beyond.
Business Insider met Campbell-Davys at an intimate lunch held on the 37th floor of the Walkie Talkie building at the exclusive Fenchurch restaurant a typical lunch for the Urbanologie founder.
Table all set and the sun i... @ urbanologieguides
The event was hosted by TCS World Travel, one of Urbanologie's partners who arrange once-in-a-lifetime holidays by private jet, no less for the superrich.
It's at events like these that Campbell-Davys does what he does best networking.
"My life is probably the opposite to everyone else's," he told Business Insider. "I'm out every night of the week but at the weekends I completely chill, and that's also when I'll do most of the writing for my guides."
He added: "I just love people and bringing them together, whether it's for friendship or business."
Rubbing shoulders with the worlds elite
Campbell-Davys, a former nightclub promoter and PR agent, has mastered the art of working the room and keeping his finger firmly on the pulse of London's party scene and he's built a business out of it.
Urbanologie is a private network that costs members 100 a year by invitation only to join. Members get the lowdown on the coolest and most exclusive places to be seen in their chosen city via an app which automatically updates upon touch down in a new place.
From the latest pop-ups and residencies to the chicest private members' clubs, secret terraces, tucked away rooftop bars, clubs, and hotels, Campbell-Davys and his app will lead you to the creme de la creme, where you can expect to rub shoulders with the elite.
#aboutlastnight with @itssa... @ urbanologieguides
"Everything starts with an idea," he said. "We all like to surprise and delight people with 'By the way, you would love this place.' Our business is basically about sharing and connecting people with places and other people."
Members can even direct message Campbell-Davys if they are curious about a specific haunt, and off he and his team will go to investigate alhough there seems to be little going on that he hasn't already sniffed out.
"We cater to the mass affluent time-starved community," he explained. "But I'm always surprised at the level of my members."
While he was reluctant to name the celebrities who are using the app, Campbell-Davys said: "Put it this way, our clientele ranges from several cast members of Made in Chelsea, to hedge fund managers, to Alain Ducasse (the world's only 21 Michelin-starred chef)."
... @ hugotaylorlondon
He also invites A-listers within his wider network to write mini guest guides in which they reveal their favourite under-the-radar places.
Rande Gerber business partner to George Clooney and husband of Cindy Crawford did one on Ibiza this summer in which he listed his best spots to chill, eat, and party while on the white isle.
Me and @therealcindyc at 9:... @ randegerber
Kelsey Grammer also wrote a piece after meeting Campbell-Davys at a fancy dinner at Boisdale in Mayfair.
#aboutlastnight a most enjo... @ urbanologieguides
Each day for Campbell-Davys starts with a gym session.
"Discipline is very important," he said. "With a lifestyle like mine it's required."
But it's not just any old gym he's working out in Urbanologie bases itself primarily at the exclusive South Kensington Club.
This morning's Monday motiv... @ skc_london
As well as the top-notch gym equipment, the wellness-focused club also boasts a Russian bath house, or "banya," and a Hamam.
Campbell-Davys said he has even held business meetings in the SKC spa.
With National Spa Week unde... @ skc_london
...But theres a lot of Champagne involved
Most days involve a networking lunch. A recent highlight, he said, was a lunch with Justin Coghlan a co-founder of the Movember charity at the exclusive Restaurant Ours in Knightsbridge.
"My god, that was a very, very, very, long lunch," he laughed. "But it's also really important to us that we do our bit for charity."
Urbanologie's Instagram is packed with Campbell-Davys' snaps of delicious-looking dishes like this one.
#fridayfeeling @bonniegull ... @ urbanologieguides
"I'm based in Chelsea so I'm always at the Bluebird and the Chiltern Firehouse," he said. "In terms of my new favourite hangouts it's The Square, Mortimer House, Jean-Georges Vongerichten at The Connaught, and Rochelle Canteen at the ICA."
It's a hard life, but someone's got to do it.
Lunch is usually followed by back-to-back meetings with Urbanologie's luxury partners and then either an evening reception or a preview of a new opening.
"There's inevitably a lot of Champagne involved," he said.
Random #tuesdaymotivation e... @ urbanologieguides
As far as the hot new openings he's anticipating, he referenced 85 Restaurant, the soon-to-be relocated Annabel's member's club, French restaurant Bagatelle London, acclaimed Turkish steakhouse Nusr-Et (made famous by Salt Bae, and Bob Bob Cite.
"Urbanologie has a narrative that London is a great city but what's about to happen makes it even better," he said.
By night you'll catch him hanging out at one of the capital's exclusive members' clubs usually 5 Hertford Street, the Devonshire Club if he's in the city, or Groucho "because they're open late," he said.
Creating events for "like-minded people"
My morning commute across #... @ urbanologieguides
When we met, Campbell-Davys was getting ready to host a party for 100 people at the South Kensington Club that evening. Some members of Urbanologie are also members of the South Kensington Club.
While the app is by no means an events business, part of what he does is help luxury brands to curate bespoke group settings with "like-minded" people in his network, where they can do business or at least forge initial relationships and the environment needs to be just right.
He recently helped host an event with One & Only luxury resorts at Ashberg house, a 28 million luxury Chelsea villa that also happens to be opposite Hugh Grant's house.
In addition to stamina and a healthy dose of charisma, Campbell-Davys said it takes perseverance to live this insane lifestyle.
According to practice, bride price takes different form based on traditions and custom of the people. Sometime, it is an amount of money, property or other form of payment expected to be made by prospective groom's family. In Nigeria, the payment of bride price is essential for the validation of any marriage regardless of the tribe.
Since there is no uniformity in the practice, here are some tribes in the Nigeria with a surprising tribe tradition.
1. Mbaise, Imo State
Marrying the daughter of an Mbaise family can be very expensive. If the daughter is educated then the bride price could go even higher. According to unwritten tradition of the people, a bride/woman is an asset to the man.
As such, the Mbaise people demand a bride price sometimes reaching up to N100,000 accompanied by a marriage list of things to buy that can total up to N800,000.
2. Bororo, Adamawa State
The Bororo people are primarily a nomadic ethnic group. Although not as financially draining as other ethnic groups, it still requires a large number of resources.
To marry a Bororo girl, you will be asked to bring live cattle which is usually between 10 to 50 live cattle. Also, the wealth of the suitor is also noted to be considered in fixing the desired bride price.
3. Ikwerre, Rivers State
The Ikwerre people have extremely expensive bride prices and marriage lists produced by the bride's family. The bride price and marriage list can cost the suitor up to the sum of N1 million to get his bride.
To the Ikwerre people, their daughters have been raised with dedication and any man that marries them should pay handsomely for them.
4. Kalabari, Rivers State
The Kalabari people are also known to have some of the most outrageous bride price and marriage lists in Nigeria. For a typical wedding ceremony, the groom is subjected to many payments, one which include buying the bride's mouth.
A Kalabari wedding can reach the sum of N1 million and beyond.
5. Ibibio, Akwa-Ibom State
As a result of the Ibibio people being mostly agriculturalists, they believe that their daughters are raised to be strong and self-sustaining. Hence they are seen to have been groomed to support a man and help him raise a family.
A bride price combines with the list of items demanded can result in the total of at least N700,000.
6. Efik, Cross Rivers State
Efik people are known to have a rich cultural background and their marriage ceremonies are a clear indication of this. The marriage list is generated based on the financial ability of the suitor.
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Bali's Denpasar Airport will remain closed on Tuesday.
The airport will be closed for a further 24 hours, until 7am local time on Wednesday when conditions will be reassessed again, the spokesman for the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management said.
Flights in and out of Bali were cancelled on Monday, following
Ahead of Tuesday's closure announcement, Virgin Australia said their flights between Bali and Australia would be cancelled until after Tuesday. The airline said they were closely monitoring the volcano's activity, and that the aviation color code is currently red, indicating an "imminent" eruption.
@Sutopo_BNPB this video tak... @ Lynn Marceau
On Monday, 59,000 passengers on 445 cancelled flights including 196 international flights were affected, the airport said in a statement.
Ash had been confirmed on the ground at Denpasar Airport, according toAustralia's Bureau of Meteorology.
North Korea has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile that initial estimates show could be the highest altitude reached by the country's missile program.
The ICBM, launched at about 3 a.m. Wednesday local time, flew east from South Pyongan Province, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a Yonhap News report.
"North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile into the East Sea from the vicinity of Pyongsong, South Pyongan Province, at around 3:17 a.m. today," the Joint Chiefs said.
A Pentagon official said in a statement that the missile traveled about 1,000 kilometers, or over 620 miles, and landed in the Sea of Japan, within Japan's exclusive economic zone.
"The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America, our territories or our allies," Col. Robert Manning said. "Our commitment to the defense of our allies, including the Republic of Korea and Japan, in the face of these threats, remains ironclad. We remain prepared to defend ourselves and our allies from any attack or provocation."
The missile reached an altitude of about 2,800 miles, US officials told ABC News. If initial estimates are confirmed, that will be the highest altitude reached by a North Korean missile.
Homeland Security officials in Guam, a US territory that North Korea has previously threatened, issued a statement on Facebook saying there was "no immediate threat to Guam or the Marianas."
A few minutes after South Korean forces detected the launch, they staged a "precision strike" missile exercise, the Joint Chiefs told Yonhap News.
President Donald Trump gave a short statement on the missile during a press conference Tuesday: "I will only tell you that we will take care of it," Trump said. "We've had a long discussion on it."
"We will take care of that situation," Trump continued. "Nothing changed, we have a very serious approach. We take it very seriously."
Defense Secretary James Mattis also confirmed initial reports that the latest missile made a breakthrough in terms of North Korea's capabilities: "[The] missile went higher, frankly, than any previous shot they've taken," Mattis said. "It's a research and development effort on their part."
"The bottom line is that its a continued effort to build a ballistic missile threat that endangers world peace, regional peace, and certainly the United States," Mattis continued.
During a visit to South Korea earlier in November as part of his tour of Asia, Trump proposed making "a deal" with North Korea.
"I really believe that it makes sense for North Korea to come to the table and to make a deal that's good for the people of North Korea and the people of the world," Trump said. "I do see certain movement, yes. But let's see what happens."
After his trip, Trump designated North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism, allowing the US to impose additional sanctions against the country.
Reuters reported earlier Tuesday that US government experts had seen indications that North Korea would conduct a missile test "within days."
A Japanese government official said the country had detected radio signals indicating North Korea may be preparing for another ballistic missile launch, according to Reuters. The signals, however, were reportedly inconclusive satellite images did not show new activity, and North Korea has in the past deliberately sent misleading signals of an imminent launch.
North Korea's previous missile test, in mid-September, raised alarms after it flew over Hokkaido, in northern Japan. That missile, fired at about 7 a.m. local time, initiated emergency alerts in Japan. Japan did not attempt to shoot down the missile, according to NHK, the country's public broadcast outlet.
Before that test, North Korea conducted a series of launches, at one point averaging about one every two weeks.
US President Donald Trump referred to Sen. Elizabeth Warren as "Pocahontas" during an event honoring Native American code talkers on Monday.
"We have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago," Trump said. "They call her 'Pocahontas.' But you know what, I like you, because you are special. You are special people. You are really incredible people."
It wasn't the first time Trump used the name to bash Warren.
It links back to when Scott Brown, Warren's Republican opponent in the 2012 race for a Senate seat in Massachusetts, "accused her of faking her Native American ancestry after reports surfaced that she listed herself as a minority in a directory of law school professors," Business Insider's Jeremy Berke reported.
Even before Trump began using her name as an insult, Pocahontas has occupied a prominent place in American pop culture.
But who was Pocahontas, and how did we come to be so fixated on her?
First of all, she wasn't named Pocahontas it was a nickname that means something along the lines of "mischievous one." A colonist named William Strachey chronicled how 11-year-old Pocahontas would visit the settlers' fort at Jamestown and turn cartwheels with the English children, according to the book "Malinche, Pocahontas, and Sacagawea: Indian Women as Cultural Intermediaries and National Symbols."
There's a reason we remember Pocahontas and not other members of her tribe and family. Her interactions with the English colonist John Smith had a major role in shaping her legacy.
In December 1607, a Powhatan leader named Opechancanough captured Smith while he was exploring the Chickahominy River. Smith later claimed that Pocahontas disrupted his execution, throwing her body across his to protect him. In a 1616 letter to Queen Anne, he even wrote, "She hazarded the beating out of her own brains to save mine."
Numerous historians, however, have said the event most likely did not happen as Smith described it if it even happened at all. He left his alleged encounter with Pocahontas out of his earliest writings, not mentioning it until 1624.
And it wasn't the first time Smith had claimed to have been rescued by a young woman who intervened to save him from her male relatives. In "Pocahontas and the Powhatan Dilemma," Camilla Townsend writes that Smith said a young Muslim woman had protected him in a similar manner while he was enslaved in Turkey.
Chief Roy Crazy Horse, who was a longtime leader of the Powhatan Renape Nation, wrote that Smith's account helped propel Pocahontas to lasting fame.
"Of all of Powhatan's children, only 'Pocahontas' is known, primarily because she became the hero of Euro-Americans as the 'good Indian,' one who saved the life of a white man," he wrote.
In 1613, a few years after Pocahontas was said to have saved Smith, an English captain named Samuel Argall lured Pocahontas onto his ship and took her hostage during the First Anglo-Powhatan War. Indian Country Today reported that the Mattaponi tribe's oral history says that she was raped in captivity and that her abduction separated her from her first husband and daughter.
Ultimately, she converted to Christianity and was baptized as Rebecca. On April 5, 1614, she married a settler named John Rolfe, who had lost his wife Sarah after some English colonists were shipwrecked on Bermuda. Pocahontas and Rolfe had one child together, a son named Thomas.
The marriage established what became known as "the Peace of Pocahontas," a lull in the fighting between the English and the Powhatan. The cash-strapped Virginia Company hoped to establish the couple as a "symbol of peaceful relations," according to Encyclopedia Virginia, so in 1616, Pocahontas, her husband, and her young son traveled to England for a publicity tour on a ship captained by none other than Argall.
She would never return to Virginia.
In March 1617, the family boarded the ship that would take them back to North America, but Pocahontas and Thomas became suddenly ill as they sailed down the Thames River. He survived. She did not.
CBS has canceled its freshman drama "Wisdom of the Crowd" starring Jeremy Piven, Business Insider has learned. CBS will continue to air the original 13 episodes it ordered for this season but will not make more.
"Wisdom of the Crowd" centers on an eccentric tech innovator, Jeffrey Tanner (Piven), who creates a crowdsourcing website to help him solve his daughter's murder.
The series had an average of about 8.3 million viewers tuning in every week, though its high ratings may have been tied to its time slot on Sunday evenings. Still, "Wisdom of the Crowd" was an audience favorite despite being widely panned by critics.
In the past month, five women have accused Piven of varying degrees of sexual misconduct.
The reality-TV actress Ariane Bellamar said in a series of tweets last month that Piven groped her while she was on the set of HBO's "Entourage." Piven denied Bellamar's accusation in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
Shortly after Bellamar accused Piven, a representative for CBS said the network was aware of the accusation and was "looking into the matter."
Other women soon came forward.
In an Instagram post, the "Longmire" actress Cassidy Freeman accused of Piven of engaging in "predatory behavior." And an advertising executive named Tiffany Bacon Scourby said in an interview with People that in 2003 Piven pinned her down and ejaculated on her in his hotel room.
Piven denied Scourby's account in a statement to People.
"Let me be absolutely clear, this simply did not happen," he said. "I would never force myself on a woman, ever. I cannot speak as to why a person would create a story like this."
Piven then wrote a lengthier statement on Twitter denying all of the accusations against him and offering to take a polygraph test.
"We seem to be entering dark times allegations are being printed as facts and lives are being put in jeopardy without a hearing, due process or evidence," Piven said. "I hope we can give people the benefit of a doubt before we rush to judgment."
Most recently, Anastasia Taneie, an actress, told BuzzFeed News in an article published last week that Piven groped her on the set of "Entourage" in 2009. Taneie said Piven grabbed her breasts and genitals and forced her up against a wall in a darkened hallway.
Amy Meador also told BuzzFeed News that Piven assaulted her in 1995 at her home in Laurel Canyon.
Meador said that after exchanging phone numbers at a coffee shop and setting up a date with Piven, the actor stood her up. Months later, Piven showed up at her home unannounced, she said.
Meador told BuzzFeed News she invited Piven in to watch some TV, and then after about an hour, he tried to force himself on her. Meador said she was able to kick him off her and that Piven then locked himself in her bathroom with her phone for about 20 minutes before she could get him out of her home.
Piven's representatives shared with BuzzFeed News the results of a polygraph test they said the actor took on November 13, during which Piven said he had never touched a woman's genitals without consent and again denied all the allegations against him, the report said. The polygraph examiner told the outlet that Piven passed the test.
The group in a statement signed by its secretary, Ibrahim Adamu Zango described the sack of the 21,780 teachers as draconian and destructive.
The committee also advised that teachers who do not make requisite qualifications after the grace period may then be dismissed.
Condemning the sack of the teachers in Kaduna state, the group said Governor El-Rufai chose a ''totally unacceptable way'' to address the issue while his counterpart in Kano and Sokoto fashioned remedial programmes to train and retrain under-qualified teachers.
Urging the governor to address other issues affecting education in Kaduna state, the group said 50% of pupils in public schools still sit o the floor while over 4000 schools in the state are without windows and doors.
ALSO READ:
We know that till date, pupils in 50 percent of public schools in the state sit on the floor due to absence of furniture. Most of the 4,250 public primary schools have no doors, roofs and windows. There are also no water and toilet facilities. Some of the schools are heavily over-populated. All these are fundamental problems that militate against good education for the teeming masses. They need to be tackled urgently if the government is really serious about reforming the system, the committee said.
Recall that Kaduna State Government recently sacked 21,789 teachers for failing competency test.
Meanwhile, two states, Kogi and Bayelsa government are planning to assess their primary school teachers to improve the state education.
The drama after teachers' sack
Immediately the government resolved to sack the teachers who failed the test, series of protest greeted El-Rufai's decision.
The teachers, the labour and teachers union in the state clamped down on the government to rescind the decision to lay off the teachers.
Primary school pupils also took to the streets in protest shouting Ba muso.
However, Governor El-Rufai was riled to see pupils who were supposed to be in the classroom protecting against government decision about teachers who according to the government are not competent enough to teach the pupils. As a result, he released the test scripts of the teachers on Twitter.
Discrediting the viral scripts, the NUT said the scripts the governor released were test scripts of carpenters employed by the same government to teach in primary schools.
The NANS President, Prewar Benjamin, a 400 level student of Niger Delta University, Amassoma, was paraded on Monday, November 27 with his seven colleagues.
According to the Tribune, the Police authorities gave the police gave the names of the other seven suspects as Asari Enagob, 400-level student; Suoguai Bina, 500 level student; Ibe Ogbonna, 300 level; Igbanibo Tari, 400 level; Ekperi Kenneth, 400 level Kemefie Ebimene, 200 level, all of the Niger Delta University.
Chukwuma Lawrence, an HND2 student of Imo State Polytechnic is reportedly the eighth suspect.
The event that led to the death of the student according to Bayelsa State Police Commissioner, Asuquo Amba took place at the at the Zone B election for coordinators of NANS at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, between November 25 and November 26.
ALSO READ:NDU students lament over fee hike
''It was a situation whereby students representing universities and higher institutions in the South-South Zone degenerated to the use of firearms that led to the death of a student. The students also involved themselves in robbery against innocent citizens.
This leaves one to wonder about the future of our great nation. The development calls for a drastic action to curb this menace and a complete reorientation of our youths.
Amba lamented the students' involvement in criminal activities saying they were supposed to be role models in the society.
He added that three drivers, Ayo Kehinde, Jamiu Salahudeen and Nwanya Chinonso reported to the Police on Sunday, November 26 that the NANS president and his colleagues hijacked their vehicles and robbed them at gunpoint.
The Chancellor of Covenant University in Ogun state and Landmark University in Kwara state in an interview said he plans to establish seven universities.
When asked why he wants to found five more universities in addition to the two he already has, the Bishop said he is trying to avoid having too many students on one campus.
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''We are trying to avoid having too many students on one campus so that we will not lose the quality of the training programme. Otherwise, the quality would wear down gradually. But because of the present security challenge that the nation is facing, its normal for us to review our approach in a manner that does not create tension for workers and anybody else.
''We believe God to help us out of the crisis. So if there are no adequate mentioning of our programmes, it is to create adequate room to see these security issues overturned''.
Meanwhile, the founder of the Living Faith Church has disclosed that the Church has not made any profit from the Covenant University which was established in 2002.
Oyedepo argues that the tuition fee students pay at Covenant University is worth the service the institution renders.
You will recall that Nigerians came for the Man of God in 2016 when he announced that the tuition fee increase was approved by God.
''Tuition fees hike has God approval''- Oyedepo 2016.
The current tuition fee of the University was increased in November 2016 from N631,000 to N799, 500. According to Bishop Oyedepo, the tuition fees had God approval.
However, the Man of God warned people to stop criticising Covenant University school fees or face God's wrath.
The tuition fee of faith-based institutions in Nigeria always attracts controversy as people complain and accuse church founders of shortchanging their poor members who financially contribute to the establishment of the universities but can not send their parents to the schools.
Punch reports that the 32-year-old Adejo reportedly tortured his 28-year-old wife with a belt, as well as butchering her with a machete during an argument.
It was also gathered that apart from the brutal torture of his wife, Adejo also forced his wife to drink a local insecticide known as 'Otapiapia' which led to her death.
The five-year-old son of the couple, Richard, who witnessed the ugly scene, reportedly told Punch reporters that after beating his mother, his father forced the dangerous insecticide down her throat.
I am I am five-years-old. My daddy beat my mummy with a belt; machete her here [shows arms], machete her here [shows legs].
He used the belt on her here [points at face]; he forced my mummy to drink 'otapiapia' [insecticide]. .
My daddy said my mummy should get out of the house. My mummy said no. In the night, my daddy woke my mummy up and said, Mosquito is too much, let me go and buy otapiapia.
My daddy forced my mummy to drink it. She shook her head. She vomited. My daddy slapped my mummy. My mummy did not do anything to him. My daddy gave her one blow. My daddy kicked her.
My daddy told her to get out of the house and carry her load. Small blood came out. My daddy slapped her, kicked her, machete her, blow her, and put 'otapiapia' in her mouth and in the food, the toddler said.
Also speaking on the sad incident, the victims mother, Mrs. Kate Jonathan, said that their son had given more graphic details of the incident to family members, police authorities and officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
She explained that her daughter had packed out of her matrimonial house five days to the incident and was living with her when she decided to return for a party at the childrens school and she never returned alive.
I was called on the telephone by an unknown number around 4 pm on Sunday, November 12, 2017. The caller said, your daughters husband has killed her at Oworo. He dropped the call.
Around 5 pm when I got to their house, I discovered that the house was locked up. There were two boys guarding the house and they refused to open the door to me, saying the owner of the house instructed them not to open the door.
I didnt see my daughter or her husband. I was begging them to open the door when I saw Richard jumping up through the window. He saw me and asked the boys to open the door, but they refused.
I broke the louvers of the window. The boy climbed a stool and said from inside, my father has killed my mother and taken her away.
Mrs. Jonathan said she reported the case at the Oworonshoki Police Station where she was told that the suspect had already reported that his wife committed suicide by taking the local insecticide, Sniper.
It was also learned that Adejo had already deposited the body of his wife in the Gbagada General Hospital mortuary and had also gone to obtain court documents to enable him to bury her without even informing her family.
He was, however, arrested when he returned to the police station to obtain a certain document that the hospital demanded following the complaint by his mother-in-law.
The suspect, according to the police, has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department [SCIID], Yaba.
The police also ordered the removal of the corpse of the deceased from the Gbagada General Hospital mortuary to the morgue of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, for an autopsy.
The victims mother who claimed to have visited the mortuary said Maureens had machete cuts and other torture marks on her body.
My daughter, who worked as the manager of my chemical company had, about a week to the incident, complained that her husband said we would soon see her obituary.
I sent my eldest daughter to accompany her to the house to know what happened. The man begged and said he was only joking. He said he really loved his wife. I insisted that she packed out of the house.
She was in my house for three days before she said she wanted to return home because her childrens school would be having a cultural party.
She left and went to the party with her husband on Saturday. It was that night that she was brutalized and killed by the husband. From what we saw in the mortuary, she had blood in her nostrils and deep cuts in her hands and legs.
The victims mother asked that Maureens three children, namely, Richard, five; Henry, three; and Omowunmi, six months, be released to her.
However, the 83-year-old mother of the suspect, Florence Adejo, has denied that her son murdered his wife, saying the deceased's family just wanted to implicate him.
Madam Adejo said:
He came to knock on the door of my house late that night. He fell on the ground and started weeping and lamenting that his wife had destroyed him.
A crowd gathered in front of the house where I am the landlady. They tried to console him. He said his wife took Sniper. He said he thought it was a joke until their son, Richard, went to bring the container of the insecticide.
She was taken to a private hospital where she was initially rejected before she was taken to the general hospital where she died. I was told her mother sells the insecticide and she brought it home for mosquitoes.
Why she decided to drink it is what is beyond my understanding. My son said they didnt have any disagreement between them and she was not mentally ill.
The State Police Public Relations Officer [PPRO], SP Chike Oti, who confirmed the incident and the arrest of Adejo, said investigations were ongoing into the incident.
The man came to report that his wife committed suicide. The DPO put some questions to him. We thought we should investigate further to know what really happened because there are some doubts we need to clear on the matter.
A friend of Maryam who is now in the Suleja Prison had said that Shagari was actually forced on Bello while he was madly in love with Maryam and divorced his first wife two weeks after the wedding so he could marry the woman who has now sent him to the great beyond.
Shagari who could barely control her emotions on the day Bello was buried which would have been his 36th birthday, took to her Facebook page to post the tribute to her ex-husband, revealing that she left Bello so that his jealous wife will have peace.
She began the tribute thus:
I will love you always. You would have been 36 today. May Allah rest your beautiful soul as people continue to say your name every day; you were the kind of person to leave that kind of impact in your wake and slumber.
Im sorry we drifted apart. I wanted you to have peace and was so proud of myself for letting her have you to herself.
It wouldnt even come close to being enough, my darling friend. In different points of my life, you were everything.
A brother who pulled my scarf when I did wrong; a friend who knew me best and we decided to get married out of pure friendship; how strong was that bond?
And when we couldnt, we still found our way back to being friends, my darling. I dont have enough words.
You once asked: What would you do if I die? I promptly started crying and abused you for suggesting you would die and I'd be around.
Those tears shocked you. Well, if you could see me now, the thing that was most endearing to me that probably meant nothing to you was the way you never ever allowed me to cross the road without holding my wrist to do it for me.
It used to infuriate me before I came to expect it and would be like, see this guy, before him, didnt I cross the road?
Even when we fought, you held on; even if we didnt talk, you held on. It was funny, it was special because it was not the hand but the wrist, as if to assure yourself you wouldnt let go.
That was who we were. Till I suggested I wanted your jealous wife to have peace. I wouldnt call; I said you would, and you did whenever you could and you saw me whenever you could.
Bye, my love. May Allah link us up in Jannah. We will love Aleesha.
Recall that Bello was reportedly stabbed to death by Sanda on Sunday, November 19, 2017, in their home in Abuja following a disagreement after she allegedly found another woman's text message on his phone.
"The only reason I am desensitized to body shaming comments about me is because people have said it to damn much. At a point, it hurt but as I am now... It's nothing" she tweeted at the beginning of her Twitter thread.
Dami Elebe's series of tweets wasn't only about her. She encouraged people to talk about how they handled their physical insecurities.
"Help someone overcome an insecurity they get teased about by tweeting about how you overcame yours" she tweeted.
With the hashtag #secured, Dami Elebe took us on a journey how she blocked out the body shamers from making her feel bad about herself and attempts to lose weight.
ALSO READ: It's stupid body shaming celebs
"We all have our insecurities. My fat belly annoys me because I love crop tops so much. So until I lose the belly by work or by knife, Imma rock a crop top, however, I can. Case in point my Avi. #Secured" tweeted Dami Elebe who is also the writer of the web series Skinny Girl In Transit.
Before her inspirational thread, Dami Elebe called out a South African lady who body made fun of a recent picture of rapper Cassper Nyovest on the same day.
While social media has taken the cake for bullying lately, many people were body shamed in real life. Secondary school or a stroll through the neighbourhood were hard for some.
Getting teased and made fun of by bullies and mean kids was a daily routine for some which led to emotional wounds carried into adulthood. Then came social media to make things worse. With a tweet or comment, your day could go from okay to bad.
Body shaming words like "lepa" and "orobo" bounced from social gists to social media convos and tossed at people who we felt didn't meet the ideal body shape. Let's not forget how short people have become the butt of jokes on Twitter. That's body shaming even if the jokes make your ribs hurt.
I'm wearing a thick black vest, which is connected to a series of wires running to my arms, legs and glutes. A thick cable connects the vest back to the Miha Bodytec machine, a German training machine that intermittently delivers four-second bursts of electricity to individual muscles. My lats, middle back, lower back, glutes, quads, biceps, pectorals, and abs are all receiving direct electrical charges.
This is the future of fitness, at least according to Mohamed Elzomor, the trainer manning the Miha Bodytec at Manhattans Core Club. Hes taking me through an Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS) workout. The theory behind EMS is simple: when electricity stimulates your muscles for you, you can recruit more muscle throughout your entire body for every rep.
EMS isnt new; its been used by physical therapists and rehab specialists for decades. But in recent years, its become such a popular workout recovery tool that several kits (such as PowerDot and the Marc Pro Plus) are now easily available for purchase on Amazon. It's also a hot trend among several Victorias Secret models like Alessandra Ambrosio and Alina Baikova, who routinely join Elzomor for sessions at the Core Club.
To be clear, Elzomor isn't claiming that his shock box contains any muscle-building or fat-burning magic which is a good thing, too, because existing research lends limited support to EMS recovery and training techniques. One 2017 study of 21 male cyclists found that four weeks of EMS work didn't noticeably impact strength or endurance. Another study found that EMS could improve squat performance but it was best used if paired with more standard training methods.
While EMS has been gaining ground in Europe, now the trend is set to take the United States by storm. Elzomor, who says hes one of three U.S. trainers certified to use the Miha Bodytec, says that by next year, youll see SoulCycle-esque EMS gyms offering group workouts. I wanted to find out whether it was legit, so I decided to try it for myself.
Elzomor gets things started by firing up each muscle group at a time, delivering test pulses to figure out how much I can take. I feel each pulse cause tiny spasms in targeted muscles, and I notice my imbalances: my left lat is less responsive to the pulse than my right, and my left glute doesn't want to fire at the start.
During the workout, I'm suddenly aware of those muscles, and I work hard to contract my left glute. But after the plank, as I get into a squat hold, I'm reminded of why this workout doesnt measure up to a true HIIT or weight room session. There are no truly challenging muscle-building exercises here. Instead, Im holding a low squat.
The entire time, Elzomor has me talking. He wants to know if the charge running through each muscle is too high or too low, or if its painful. I tell him its not, but the conversation is important: its the only way he can gauge whether the current is challenging me enough.
When the electric pulse hits my body, Elzomor has me flex my chest and biceps hard. We eventually progress to a split squat hold, and while this is challenging under the EMS pulse, its not nearly as hard as, say, a set of 225-pound deadlifts. He doesnt use weights because he says that with your muscles in slight spasm, theyre not in an ideal (or safe) position to be overloaded with weight. The impulses to my biceps, Elzomor says, are prompting 85 contractions a second. That doesnt leave my arms ready for the single, controlled contraction needed to curl a 35-pound dumbbell.
This is where EMS falls short: if you cant train with progressive overload, you cant truly pack on muscle. The closest Elzomor comes to taxing my body with resistance comes three days later during my second EMS session, when, after a no-weight triceps kickback, he places his hands on my arms to offer light pressure.
I do some isometric exercises, but they don't jack up my heart rate enough for true cardiovascular benefit. While I do wind up in a pool of sweat at the end, my heart rate, as measured on a WHOOP wristband, never exceeds 162 beats per minute, far less than my high-intensity interval training session.
When we wrap up with bicycle crunches and sit-ups, I discover that the abdominals on my left side are slower to fire than the abs on my right side. When receiving that regular electrical impulse, they fire more cleanly, leading to a deeper burn on my situps.
Could an EMS challenge a regular out-of-shape dude? Sure. So could a half-hour of HIIT, SoulCycle, or yoga, at a fraction of Elzomors $145-a-session cost at the Core Club.
Two 20-minute EMS sessions have me convinced that this wont revolutionize your training life. BUT What EMS can do well is what Elzomor claims: it can support your other gym efforts by enhancing your mind-muscle connection. He says he trains many of his clients with standard gym practices, then supplements that work with twice-a-week EMS sessions. You need to do more than EMS [to see a difference], says Elzomor. You still have to go to the gym.
EMS can also potentially enhance your ability to make certain muscle groups "fire." Often, desk jobs and sedentary lifestyles cause underutilized muscles to become less responsive; if you work in an office and don't regularly work out, there's a good chance that your lats and glutes, muscles that lengthen during sitting, aren't as "active" as they should be, which can hurt your posture. 20 minutes of EMS can help activate those muscles and build body awareness.
The cryptocurrency, launched in 2009 as a bit of encrypted software written by someone using the Japanese-sounding name Satoshi Nakamoto, has had a roller-coaster ride that has taken it from just a few US cents to its current sky-high valuation.
Traded on specialist platform, with no legal exchange rate and no central bank backing it, Bitcoin is monitored and regulated by its community of users, and is used to buy everything from pizza to a pint in a London pub.
But it has attracted widespread criticism, from financial industry titans to governments.
JP Morgan Chase boss Jamie Dimon in September slammed the unit as a "fraud" and said he would fire his employees if they were caught trading it, while China has shut down Bitcoin trading platforms and South Korea's prime minister Tuesday voiced fears it could lead the young to get involved in fraudulent crime.
Still, the opposition has not stopped a dizzying surge in bitcoin this year, with its value jumping a 2017 low of $752 in mid-January to a record high above $9,895 Tuesday afternoon. Its value has rise about 45 percent in the past two weeks alone.
Analysts say the popularity has been driven by growing interest from major investors and a decision last month by exchange giant CME Group to launch a futures marketplace for the currency, which has not been listed on a major bourse before.
Big gains, big risks
As its fortunes have improved, retail investors have also rushed to jump on to the Bitcoin bandwagon, although fears of a bubble are growing, having witnessed wild swings in the past.
"The biggest issue with Bitcoin is that with no government backing or regulation, the gains may be big -- but the sell-offs can be equally as drastic," warned James Hughes, chief market analyst of Britain-based forex trader AxiTrader, in a note to clients.
Transactions happen when heavily encrypted codes are passed across a computer network.
Bitcoin and other virtual currencies use blockchain, which records transactions that are updated in real time on an online ledger and which are maintained by a network of computers.
Hundreds of other digital currencies have been created since its launch, but Bitcoin remains by far the most popular.
Its supporters insist it offers an efficient alternative to traditional currencies because it is not subject to the whims of a state that may, for example, devalue its money to boost exports.
Commentators also suggest some are buying it as an alternative bet in times of global economic uncertainty.
But critics point to its volatility, an apparent vulnerability to theft and its use in illicit purchases online.
In one of the most high-profile scandals to hit the currency, major Tokyo-based bitcoin exchange MtGox collapsed in 2014 after admitting that 850,000 coins -- worth around $480 million at the time -- had disappeared from its vaults.
Bitcoin's use on the underground Silk Road website, where users could use it to buy drugs and guns, was also presented as proof it was a bad thing.
Despite concerns, most observers believe it is unlikely to suffer heavy falls soon.
"There is no real catalyst on the horizon that is going to bring this down," Shane Chanel, from ASR Wealth Advisers in Sydney, told AFP.
On Monday, October 23, 2017, President Muhammadu Buharipulled the trigger on Mainawho had been reabsorbed into the civil service after he was fired in 2013 for alleged pension fraud.
Maina has been on the run before he was fired; but he's re-emerged from hiding now.
In an interview with ChannelsTV, Maina addressed the president directly.
Here's all he said:
1. Maina says he's very good at recovering stolen monies
"I recovered money for last administration and I recovered money for this administration", he says.
2. Maina wants to be remembered as the truth merchant
"Now, people dont know this. Let me explain this. Let me explain this for Nigerians because I want the truth to be told and I want people to know what is going on in Nigeria.
"I am not afraid of anybody. Im saying the truth".
3. People around Buhari are lying to him
According to Maina, the president is surrounded by all sorts of lying creatures.
"Thank God our president stands for the truth. The unfortunate thing is that some people around him who he has given trust, are lying to him. This one I can attest to. I can give you instances, I can give you documentary evidences.
"People portray themselves as if they are saints around the president. Its a lie".
4. Maina says he recovered over a trillion naira as former boss of pension reform task force
"I recovered firstwe recovered as a team, N282B cash.
"We recovered, aside from the N282B, we were able to bring information and caught 43 treasury suspects.
"N1.6TR in cash, investments and property, were recovered", Maina says.
5. Maina says he's facing threats to his life
"They have threatened me, they have threatened my lawyer, they have threatened my brothers, sisters, they have threatened us all.
"They said I will be killed, in fact somebody threatened that my family will be annihilated if I go and testify. Now this issue isI asked Mr. President specifically. I said, Mr. President, if you really want to know the truth and you want to be fair to the whole nation, give opportunity for everybody to come and present".
6. Maina just wants an opportunity to meet Buhari
"I'm appealing to you Mr. President, there are many things people are not telling you. When I get to that public hearing, Id tell you some things that nobody ever told you, Mr. President because I never had the opportunity to sit down with you and I tell you Mr. President, Id give you information and documents that would fetch you N3T now in Nigeria".
7. Maina says he'll show Buhari N1T quarterly
Here's Maina in his own words: "If I dont do it, Mr. President, give me nine months, within the first three months, Ill show you N1T. Just like I showed you N1T in this 2017. Ill show you and Ill show you and Ill show you again".
We are here to sentisise army officers and create awareness for them to see agriculture as a business and to strengthen the resolve of those in crops, aquaculture and animal husbandry.
Food security is an integral part of national security; that is why the army, whose mandate is to provide national security, cannot afford to avoid attending to food security.
Active participation of the army can never be seen as an incursion into an unfamiliar ground but a step in the direction that agrees in principle with one of its core mandate, which is ensuring peace.
Ogbeh, who was represented by Mrs Winifred Ochinyabo, his Special Adviser on Special projects and General Duties, said the strength of a nation lay in its ability to feed itself.
She noted that because security personnel were trained combatants and not business people, they were usually vulnerable in retirement.
He said the ministry was determined to enlighten servicemen on the opportunities in agriculture with a view to broadening their knowledge on agribusiness.
Mr Matthew Owolabi, the Director, Irrigation and Crops Development in the ministry, said the sensitization would strengthen them to choose any aspect of agriculture of their interest.
Earlier, the Chief of the Army staff, Lt.- Gen. Tukur Buratai, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. I.R. Nicholas, Chief of Linguistics, said the sensitization would encourage them to fall back to agriculture.
Brig.- Gen. Sani Kukasheka, Director Army Public Relations, said this in a statement issued in Maiduguri.
He said that the troops had also cleared insurgents in their hideouts at Abusuriwa, Newchina, Bonzon, Usmanari, Goyayeri, Shitimari, Gashimari and Awaram villages in Bama local government area.
Kukasheka explained that 8 insurgents were killed while many of them escaped in the affected villages, adding that three males; 12 females and 15 children were rescued from the insurgents.
The army spokesman also disclosed that the troops also ambushed and killed six insurgents at Kumshe and Darel-Jamel villages.
According to him, the arrested insurgent was handed over to the appropriate authorities for intonation.
Troops of 202 Battalion of 21 Brigade Nigerian Army in Conjunction with elements of Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) on Operations LAFIYA DOLE, in furtherance of clearance and blockade Operation DEEP PUNCH II, on Saturday Nov. 25, 2017, cleared Boko Haram terrorists enclaves in and amongst other villages in Bama Local Government Area of Borno."
The troops whose continuous resolve in routing out the remnants of the suspected terrorists hibernating within the Brigades Area of Responsibility ensured that their superior fire power made the terrorists to flee in disarray, leading to the capture of one suspected terrorist while eight Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised."
The gallant troops recovered four AK-47 rifles, three magazines, seven Dane guns, machetes, amongst other items."
In addition, the troops also rescued three men, 12 women and 15 Children, among whom were an aged man and a woman held captives by the Boko Haram terrorists."
The suspected terrorist has been handed over to the relevant authorities for further interrogation, while the rescued civilian captives are being attended to."
Mustapha made the call when a delegation from the Road Safety Secretariat of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) visited him in Abuja on Monday.
The delegation, led by the UNECE Economic Affairs Officer (Transport Division), Mr Robert Nowak, is in the country for a capacity building programme on implementation of the United Nations Road Safety Legal Instruments.
At least 200 officials from road traffic administration agencies at the federal and state levels will undergo the training to be hosted by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mustapha said the frequent disregard for road traffic signs, signals and laws in the country was a major cause of accidents on the highways.
The SGF, whose office supervises the FRSC, said building the capacity of road safety officials was a welcome development.
He said the training would help FRSC officials to continually checkmate the excesses of motorists.
He said the Federal Governments investment on road infrastructure could only become meaningful if the public made good use of the roads.
We have invited all managers of road transportation from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for this particular capacity building programme.
We expect that the knowledge and skills they will acquire would be translated into action in their various jurisdictions to continue to sensitise our people on the need to obey traffic rules and respect road signs.
There are traffic signs all over the roads, but we completely disregard them and that is a major cause of accidents on our roads.
So, I believe that by the time they go back to their states, they will be able to cascade this information down to the people.
And we would have a better road management system in place, he said.
The Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, said the capacity building workshop was preparatory to the domestication of the UN conventions on road signs by the country.
Oyeyemi said, the programme is also aimed at training all our directors of highways, state traffic management agencies, senior directors of the Federal Ministry of Works and officers of the FRSC.
So, about 200 people are going to benefit from the programme fully sponsored by the United Nations.
It is a positive development, and this is the first in Africa.
It is a fallout of the 7th Annual Lecture Series of the FRSC of which UN Secretary Generals Special Envoy for Road Safety was the guest speaker.
The SGF has set a target for us that by March, we should finish the domestication of the six UN conventions as they relate to road signs and signals.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the six conventions cover road traffic rules, road signs and signals, construction and technical inspection of vehicles and road infrastructure development.
The Abia south lawmaker stated this while contributing to the debate on the 2018 Budget on Tuesday, November 28, 2017.
Abaribe noted that the 2018 budget was predicated on "faulty foundations" going by the budget performance of 2016 and 2017.
What are we discussing about a document that is totally fictitious? Abaribe asked.
Senate leader, Ahmed Lawan raised a point of order on Abaribes choice of word.
ALSO READ: 2018 budget is worse than nonsense, says Akintunde
His words: To call a document presented to the National Assembly by Mr President 'fictitious' is totally unparliamentarily.
I raised this point of order with the understanding that my brother, friend and colleague would see reason to withdraw this word (fictitious) and use anything that is parliamentary acceptable, Lawan cautioned.
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who presided over plenary advised Abaribe to keep the language clean.
And Abaribe did.
Im just quoting the Senate leader in his speech. He said The 2018 budget is designed to consolidate on the achievements of the 2016 and 2017 budget," he continued.
What was done in 2017 when less than 15% of that budget was released? Nothing was done. That was why I said the 2018 budget is fictitious. If that is the word that the Senate leader is bothered about, I withdraw the word fictitious and say that the 2018 budget is totally imaginary. Because nothing was done in 2017. That is a fact that we all know.
In the leaders speech, he said that there was so much money that was received in 2017 and therefore, there is an estimate of N11 trillion to be gotten. But we know that as at last week, the total receivables that this government got was one-tenth of what was stated publicly.
In what sense will the 2018 budget be predicated on an assumption that the facts have already destroyed? You are assuming 11 trillion, yet, getting one trillion. That is why I said that the 2018 budget is imaginary, he added.
Akabueze disclosed this on Monday, November 27, at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives joint committees on finance, appropriation, loans, debts and aids on the 2018-2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).
According to him, some of the assets would be used to finance the 2018 budget.
Akabueze also told the Committee that the power generation plants constructed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) under the NIPP on behalf of the government will also be sold.
Some of the NIPP expected to be sold include Alaoji Power Station in Abia State, a 1074 Mega Watts (MW) capacity plant; the 561MW capacity Calabar Power Station; the Egbema Power Station, a 338MW simple cycle gas turbine plant and Geregu II Power Station in Kogi State with 434 MW capacity.
Also to be sold are, the 450MW Ihovbor Power Station in Benin City; Olorunsogo Power Station, a 336MW plant located at Olorunsogo; Olorunsogo II Power Station with combined cycle gas turbine of 675 MW capacity; the Omoku II Power Station in Omoku with 225 MW capacity. Also to be sold are Omotosho II Power Station with 450 MW capacity and Sapele Power Station with 450 MW capacity.
Other items to be sold are non-core assets from the mines and steel sector, houses, and estates.
ALSO READ: All you need to know about Buhari's 2018 budget
He said proceeds from privatisation of key government assets were factored in the 2018 budget, to finance especially the budget deficit of N2.005 trillion, much of which will be financed through domestic and foreign.
Also joined in the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, are the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).
According to reports, Musa had earlier rejected the N325million offered to him by the Federal Government, insisting on his five percent commission of N860m.
Whistle blower policy
The Federal Government had promised to pay anyone who provides information that leads to the recovery of over N1b, will get a commission of five percent.
According to Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, the Secretary of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, who was part of the team that drafted the whistle-blower policy, If you blow the whistle and the government recovers cash, you are entitled to between 2.5 per cent and five per cent. The maximum limit is five per cent.
According to the policy, if you blow the whistle and it is below N500m, you get four to five per cent because the higher the amount that is recovered, the lower the percentage that is given. This is the global best practice.
If the recovery is between N500m and N1bn, you get three to four per cent (commission). If it is N1bn and above, it is 2.5 per cent. Indeed, there is a clause that we included in the policy to say that the government may determine the amount to be awarded based on other criteria provided that the amount to be awarded doesnt exceed five per cent. In other words, the government may actually pay less than 2.5 per cent but nobody can be paid more than five per cent.
The whistle-blower is seeking: A declaration that the plaintiff, the 4th, 5th and 6th defendants actively participated and are instrumental to the whistle-blowing or disclosure of information disclosed to the 1st defendant staff or officers which resulted to the 1st defendants (EFCCs) recovery of the sums $43.4m, N23.3m and 27,800 Euros at Flat 7 Osborne Towers. lkoyi, Lagos State.
A declaration that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants by themselves their agents or officers cannot exclude, deny or refuse to pay the sum of 2.5 to 5 per cent of the sum of $43.4m N23.3m and 27,800 Euros recovered by the officers or staff of the 1st defendants as a result of the disclosure or whistle blowing resulting to the recovery of the sum of $43.4m, N23.3m and 27,800 Euros of Flat 7 Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos State," Punch reports.
The Whistle blower is unfit
Recently, the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption chairman, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), said that the whistle-blower might run mad if he is given the commission.
Oba Ewuare II said this at the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar III in Sokoto on Monday.
Our traditional institutions are the custodians of values and norms as they play important roles, especially at the grassroots.
Our country has been faced with a lot of security challenges and therefore, it is very important to remind our people of the traditional norms and values that bind us together for a better Nigeria
He lauded the untiring efforts of the sultan at building bridges of unity and understanding, in order to restore the harmony of the good old days.
We are confident that the long-lasting relationship will bring hope and understanding among the people of the two kingdoms.
He urged the Abubakar to intensify efforts at maintaining peaceful co-existence between the Sokoto Caliphate and Benin Kingdom that dated back to many centuries.
Oba Ewuare II noted that the long-standing peace between the two kingdoms served as a stabilising factor at this critical time when, the country is in dire need of peace, understanding and development.
He called for the continued support of both kingdoms to the government, in order to promote peace and security.
Responding, Abubakar said that the Obas visit was symbolic in the light of the fact that two different cultures were coming together to further cement the bond of unity between the peoples of Sokoto and Benin.
The sight of an Oba could be a lifetime experience; it is a great privilege for those that are here, as some may not have an opportunity to meet with him again throughout their life time."
He said that the visit of the oba signified a blessing, adding that the exchange of royal visits across the nation would go a long way towards identifying those things that the people share in common and de-emphasise those that divide them.
Before his departure, the president launched Nigeria's National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, and also met with Adamawa State governor, Jibrilla Bindow, and Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima.
According to a statement signed by the president's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, on Monday, the summit will take place between November 28 and 29.
The theme of the summit is "Investing in the Youth for a Sustainable Development" and President Buhari will use the occasion to meet with a number of African Heads of State and their European counterparts.
Adesina's statement read, "President Buhari will use the occasion of the summit to reiterate Nigeria's readiness to work with African and European countries to address the challenges affecting both continents, such as peace and security."
The president will attend the official luncheon to be hosted by the Ivorien government in honour of the visiting 83 Heads of State representing 55 African countries and 28 European countries and other delegations.
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Three decades after alleged atrocities by Shell in Ogoniland, fresh evidence indicates the Anglo-Dutch oil giant may still have questions to answer.
Why we are after Ayo Oke, Ekpenyong EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it had obtained two separate warrants from a court to arrest a former director-general of Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Ita Ekpenyong, and an ex-boss of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Ayo Oke.
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VANGUARD NEWSPAPER
You must pay workers before Christmas, Buhari orders govs
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari Monday ordered the 36 governors to pay workers their salaries before Christmas so that workers will have a beautiful celebration.
Govs agree to pay workers before Xmas
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, ordered the 36 governors of the federation to pay workers their salaries before Christmas, so they could have a beautiful celebration.
Misau: FG moves to settle out of court
A source in the Senate told Vanguard yesterday that the government has decided to intervene in the issue to avoid overheating the polity and not to allow the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, take advantage of the situation to rubbish the federal government.
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THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER
Atikus exit: Accept my sympathy, Buhari tells Odigie-Oyegun
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday sympathised with the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, over the exit of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar from the party.
Clear salary arrears before Christmas, Buhari tells govs
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday directed the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun; the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udo Udoma; and the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to work with state governors to ensure the payment of outstanding Paris Club refund before the end of the year.
Ibadan husband killer bags seven years for manslaughter
A female lawyer, Yewande Oyediran, who was accused of killing her husband, Lowo, was on Monday sentenced to seven years imprisonment by Justice Muntar Abimbola of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, for manslaughter.
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THISDAY NEWSPAPER
Banking on the South, APC Says Atikus Exit of No Consequence
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is not loosing sleep over the departure of a key chieftain of the party, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, from the party, expressing confidence that any opposition party bringing on board a Northern presidential candidate to challenge President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2019 elections, would not serve the interest of the Southern section of the country.
Clear Workers Salaries Before Christmas, Buhari Challenges Governors
President Muhammadu Buhari monday challenged the governors of the 36 states of the federation to pay up all salaries and arrears they owe their workers this festive season so they can have a befitting Christmas.
Financial Clout of States Should Determine Next Minimum Wage, Says Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has said the new minimum wage for workers in the country must take into consideration the ability of each tier of government to pay its workers.
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BUSINESSDAY NEWSPAPER
NIPPs sale in fresh hitch as bidders seek to escrow payments
While the Federal Government is seeking to raise letters of credit from the preferred bidders of the power plants it is putting up for sale, the proposed investors insists on keeping the sale value in an escrow account pending completion of the sale transaction
Collapse of Nigeria industrial clusters leave Lagos-Ogun axis as only game in town
The collapse of industrial clusters in the North, East and South South regions of Nigeria has left the Lagos Ogun cluster as the only major functioning axis for manufacturing and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).
Delivery on N100bn Sukuk bond road projects in jeopardy
According to Daily Post, the sect members were killed during the clearing of terrorists hideouts in enclaves in Abusuriwa, Newchina, Bonzon, Usmanari, Goyayeri, Shitimari, Gashimari, Awaram amongst other villages in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.
The soldiers also rescued a total of 30 people duringtheir raids.
The Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman in a statement, said The gallant troops were also able to recover 4 AK-47 Rifles, 3 Magazines, 7 Dane guns and Machetes, amongst other items.
In addition, the troops also rescued 3 men, 12 women as well as 15 Children, among whom were an aged man and a woman held captives by the Boko Haram terrorists.
The suspected terrorist has been handed over to the relevant authorities for further interrogation, while the rescued civilian captives are being attended to.
Boko Haram has been defeated
President Muhammadu Buhari recently said that Boko Harams wicked methods of using innocent children for suicide bomb attacks on soft targets are thelast kicks of a dying horse.
Buhari said that the war had moved to the next phase, which would be intelligence-driven.
With all the noise over Atikus decision to dump the APC and presumably flag off his 2019 presidential campaign from the platform of the opposition PDP, youd think the PDP presidential ticket is Atikus for the takingthat all he needs to do is show up and be handed the PDP presidential ticket on a platter.
Nothing could be farther from the truth.
The two major political parties in the land (APC, PDP) have zoned the presidency to the north of Nigeria.
A few northern PDP politicians have been showing their hand as 2019 draws ever so close. Theres one Southwest politician in the mix as well.
When Atiku finally joins the PDP to commence another presidential run, hed have these guys to contend with (and there'll be more as we welcome a new year).
1. Alhaji Sule Lamido
This former Governor of Jigawa State commenced his 2019 presidential campaign long before Atiku decided he's had enough of the APC.
There have been social media footage of Lamido holding up a fist from the roof of a car; and saluting chanting crowds in his home State and elsewhere in the north.
Lamido has been aiming potshots at the APC and Buhari soon after the new governing party displaced the new opposition party at the center.
Hes PDP through and through and Atiku would have him to deal with first.
2. Ibrahim Shekarau
A few unnamed Governors on the PDP platform are already name-dropping this former Governor of Kano State as their preferred presidential choice.
Shekarau hasnt publicly declared hell be running for president, but close friends and party members say hes nursing that ambition and testing the waters from time to time.
3. Ayodele Fayose
With the PDP zoning its presidential ticket to the north of Nigeria, Ekiti State Governor Fayose stands no chance of emerging president any time soon.
However, he's declared he wants to run and there was nothing anyone could do about that.
Fayose is still a contender who'll have a say on whether his political party should hand Atiku the presidential ticket or not.
And Fayose can be a tough customer.
4. Ahmed Makarfi
Hes the caretaker chairman of the PDP whose job was steadying the ship when Ali Modu Sheriff attempted to drag the PDP down with him.
Former Kaduna Governor Makarfi is preferred by a few Governors within the PDP ranks to fly the party's flag in 2019, not least for his avuncular and decent leadership credentials.
One Governor told The Nation newspaper in confidence:
Not all the PDP Governors have bought into the Atiku agenda, we are not united on him. If we have our way, some of us will go for Makarfi who has shown uncommon leadership in reuniting PDP. And those of us in this group are encouraging him to join the presidential race.
Some of our leaders also prefer Lamido or Shekarau. If we have any issue with Makarfi, it is about rumours on his health and we have conducted our research, the ex-Governor is as fit as a fiddle. It is all propaganda.
As I am talking to you, we have not been fully consulted by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Atikus candidature.
At the end of the day, we will follow the rule of law, the partys constitution and go to the field to elect a presidential candidate. What if our members decide not to grant Atiku a waiver to contest the presidential primaries?
He is a new member, he can as well queue like others.
According to him, if elected as national chairman of PDP, our administration will work toward uniting the people of the country irrespective of tribe and religion.
I have come here again for the second time to plead with you to vote for me as the national chairman of our party, the PDP.
We will end the current divisive challenges being witnessed in our country today in order to ensure development, he said.
The aspirant decried the 2016 national convention of the party in Port Harcourt where it could not produce a national chairman.
We will prevail against the impunity that made us lose credibility among our supporters.
We will revive and rebrand the PDP and bring back our aggrieved members who left the party due to perceived injustice, he assured.
He said that under him as chairman, the party would devolve more power to the youths to enable them contribute to the development of the country.
Responding, Chairman of PDP in the state, Mr Tanko Beji, said that the convention must be use to unite members.
We have to build the PDP ourselves because the party belongs to all of us. Those who have worked for the sustainability of the party must be rewarded handsomely.
Those that left the PDP and made a u-turn should go and queue behind those who stood firm during our trying period, he said.
"The verdict has upheld the death sentence for 139 people," Attorney General Mahbubey Alam told reporters after the High Court handed down its judgement in Dhaka.
"Nowhere in the world did anything happen like the way those 57 top army officers were killed," Alam said.
In 2013 a court sentenced 152 soldiers to death for the grisly killings in which dozens of officers were shot, hacked to death or burnt alive before being dumped in sewers or shallow graves.
One of those handed the death penalty died in custody, eight others had sentences commuted to life imprisonment and four were acquitted, Alam said.
The sentences were condemned at the time by the UN rights chief, who expressed alarm at such a heavy punishment meted out in a mass trial.
The mutineers stole thousands of weapons in February 2009 before going on a two-day killing spree at a barracks.
Gnassingbe, who has been in power since the death of his father in 2005, has been the target of a wave of protests since late August calling on him to quit.
Three more opposition marches are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Opposition stalwart Gilchrist Olympio said Gnassingbe and his government should accept a return to the 1992 constitution, which sets a 10-year limit for presidents.
"Faure Gnassingbe must then accept the principle of not running in the presidential elections of 2020, to leave the field clear for democratic consultation," he told reporters.
"The chance is being offered... to go down in history by creating the conditions for the peaceful change of power," he added.
Olympio also called on the opposition to be united and plot a way forward, as well as announcing his retirement from politics.
The 80-year-old's father Sylvanus, was Togo's first president after independence from French colonial rule in 1960.
He was killed in a military coup in 1963 in which President Gnassingbe's father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, took part.
Gilchrist opposed the general for years after he seized power in 1967 but in May 2010 signed an agreement that brought his UFC party into government.
A coalition of 14 opposition parties want the re-introduction of a two-term limit for presidents plus a two-round voting system at elections.
At least 16 people have been killed in a series of protests, which have seen hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets across Togo.
The opposition has rejected a government proposal for two-term limits because it is not retroactive, which potentially means Gnassingbe could stand at the 2020 and 2025 elections.
In a note presented by lawyers to the Supreme Court, Junqueras and three other axed ministers in the formerly semi-autonomous region admitted that they have been dismissed.
They "accept the application of Article 155", the constitutional provision which allowed the conservative government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to suspend Catalonia's regional authority on October 27.
That step followed Puigdemont's declaration of independence, after a referendum on secession that took place on October 1, despite a court ban. Puigdemont is in self-imposed exile in Belgium.
According to the court note, Junqueras and his fellow detainees accept Madrid's authority over Catalonia despite having "the deepest political and legal disagreement".
"They do not give up their political beliefs in strictly peaceful and democratic ways and will work to reach an agreement that puts the decision on the future of Catalonia in the hands of citizens," it added.
US District Judge Richard Berman on Monday told jury selection in a federal court in Manhattan that Turkish banker Mehmet Hakan Atilla would be the only defendant in what is expected to be a three to four week trial.
"He is the only defendant in this trial," said Berman of 47-year-old Atilla, charged on six counts of violating US sanctions on Iran, bribery and money laundering.
Atilla, the deputy chief executive of Turkish lender Halkbank, was in court Monday. There was no sign of Zarrab.
If Zarrab has indeed agreed to cooperate with US prosecutors, he could potentially be called as a witness in the case, a potential embarrassment for the government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which has railed against the trial.
His name was included on a nine-page list of people and entities that could either be mentioned or called to testify at Atilla's trial, listed as "alleged co-conspirator," according to The New York Times.
The case has provoked the ire of Erdogan who has raised the issue repeatedly in official talks with US administrations under Barack Obama and President Donald Trump.
Earlier on Monday, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag urged Washington to drop the case, saying it had "no legal basis" and should be "dropped or terminated".
Bozdag, who is also government spokesman, said the aim of the case was to cause Turkey's economy to collapse with sanctions.
'Conspiracy'
Zarrab was arrested by US authorities in March 2016 after flying with his pop star wife Ebru Gundes and their daughter to Miami for a Disney World holiday. Atilla was arrested this March.
Ankara has called the case a "conspiracy" by the movement run by Pennsylvania-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.
Gulen is accused of ordering the July 15, 2016 attempted overthrow of Erdogan but strongly denies any involvement.
Analysts say there is potential for embarrassing revelations and the risk of sanctions against one or more Turkish banks which could harm the economy.
Zarrab was one of the main figures of a 2013 corruption scandal in Turkey that Erdogan also sees as a bid by Gulen to bring him down.
US media reports have suggested in recent days that Zarrab may be seeking a plea bargain and shown willingness to testify against Turkey.
Bozdag claimed there was "pressure" on Zarrab to confess to "slanderous" claims.
US media reports have also said that Trump's former national security advisor Michael Flynn is being investigated for alleged talks with Turkey on deporting Zarrab and Gulen, in exchange for money.
Turkey and Flynn's lawyers have denied any such negotiations.
Separately, Turkish authorities were preparing to issue Interpol red notices for three ex-prosecutors on the run who oversaw the 2013 corruption probe, state-run news agency Anadolu reported.
The case has highlighted longstanding distrust between national authorities and the indigenous Sami community, of which most victims and suspects are part of.
An investigation was launched after the Verdens Gang newspaper (VG) last year published testimonies of 11 men and women claiming to have been assaulted in Tysfjord, a northern municipality located above the Arctic Circle with less than 2,000 inhabitants.
A new police report identified 82 victims aged between four and 75, and 92 suspects, including three women, with some falling into both categories.
Around 70 percent were members of the Sami, formerly known as the Lapps. Many were also followers of Laestadianism, a conservative Lutheran revival movement.
Two people have so far been charged with 10 assaults in total, the police said, adding that more indictments could follow.
The report showed that of the 151 sex assault cases -- including 43 rapes, three of them on children -- more than 100 were dropped mainly due to the statute of limitations. Some cases date as far back as 1953.
'Pain' and 'pride'
"The police have no reason to believe that ethnicity or religious beliefs are an explanation to the assaults that took place," police officer Tone Vangen told a news conference.
But she stressed that certain "mechanisms" in this community "have made it difficult for things to emerge". She said some suspects had turned to religion for repentance instead of the judicial authorities.
There's "a strong need to close the ranks in the family in a situation where the Norwegian society is looking down on you," Vangen added.
But she also apologised for police having failed to act after several complaints had been filed.
Lars Magne Andreassen, director of a Sami cultural centre in Tysfjord, told AFP that he was divided between "pain" and "pride".
"It's painful to note that there have been so many cases over so many years... and serious for some," Andreassen said but expressed "pride over society daring to break the silence".
"In the Tysfjord case, silence of the victims was met with a similar silence from the authorities," he said.
"It's not so much the fact that the Sami have a cultural problem which we should clean up but the fact that no one has listened to them," Andreassen added.
"The scope (of the facts) is huge," the mayor of Tysfjord Tor Asgeir Johansen told Norwegian news agency NTB.
"This is a small community and this of course affects it," he added.
The Sami population is estimated between 40,000 and 60,000 in Norway but this figure is difficult to count accurately due to migratory flows and ethnic blends.
Samis received an official apology from Norway's King Harald in 1997 for facing discrimination.
Republican People's Party (CHP) chief Kemal Kilicdaroglu alleged members of the president's family, including his brother, transferred around $15 million to Bellway Limited, based in the low-tax British Crown Dependency of the Isle of Man.
"We have all the records of this company. Was money sent to this company? Yes it was sent," Kilicdaroglu told CHP party members in Ankara.
He then listed the alleged transfers made by family members including Erdogan's son, Ahmet Burak Erdogan, between 2011 and 2012 to the company.
Other CHP members at one point chanted "Tayyip, resign!" during the speech.
"You say to citizens, 'give taxes otherwise I will give a three-fold penalty' but you will have another established for your children, loved ones and send millions of dollars from Turkey!" Kilicdaroglu said.
Erdogan at the weekend promised that he would "not stay one minute more as president" if Kilicdaroglu could prove his claims.
Calling on Erdogan to resign in light of his accusations, Kilicdaroglu said: "If you are an honourable man, you will do what is necessary."
It was not possible to immediately verify the CHP leader's accusations.
Erdogan's lawyer Ahmet Ozel was quoted by state-run news agency Anadolu saying that the documents Kilicdaroglu presented were "fake".
AKP MP Bulent Turan dismissed the claims as "foolish and unfounded" and said all the accusations were "lies".
Turan also urged Kilicdaroglu to resign, arguing he had not proved his claims.
Erdogan has yet to react to the claims but in speeches during the past week he has repeatedly railed against the CHP leader and his party.
Bashar Warda, the Chaldean Archbishop of Arbil, hopes President Donald Trump's administration will redirect US aid to his persecuted people.
And, in an interview in Washington with AFP, he suggested Christians could help quell tensions on frontline between Iraqi and Kurdish forces.
US Vice President Mike Pence and the ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, have suggested redirecting funds from UN aid agencies to Christian charities.
But with almost 20,000 Iraqi Christian families -- around 100,000 people -- driven from their homes, the bishop is calling for urgent action.
"This is a just case," he told AFP of his people. "They are persecuted, they are marginalized and they are in need."
Iraqis of all religions, of course, suffered greatly under Saddam Hussein's dictatorship and the conflicts that followed his overthrow in 2003.
But smaller minorities, like the Christians and their neighbours the Yazidi, were targeted by extremists in the latest round of bloodletting.
Frontline diplomacy
The Islamic State group, the latest incarnation of Sunni Muslim violent extremism, unleashed what US officials have branded a genocidal campaign.
For Warda and his supporters in US-based charity and church movements, it is thus only fair to ask Washington to treat their case differently.
Iraq's Kurds have an autonomous region and militia that shielded them and the minority refugees they sheltered from the recent violence.
The country's Arab Shiite majority is the focus of the Baghdad government's rebuilding efforts and receives aid from nearby Iran.
And even the Sunni Arabs, some of whom fell under the Islamic State's sway, will be able to count on some support from wealthy Gulf countries.
But the Christians -- and the Yazidis -- will be on their own, Warda warns, unless foreign donors step up to the plate.
Already, Hungary and Poland have contributed to the cause, and the community now has high hopes that Trump's administration will help out.
"You are not just helping them because they are Christians, but because they have been persecuted and left behind," he says.
And Warda's trip to Washington is not just to tout a collection plate: he will argue that working with his network is a sound investment.
Haley and Pence have made clear that they have concerns about the efficiency of US-led efforts -- but the church is hard at work.
Ancient communities
Already, Warda says, some 4,000 families have returned to rebuild the town they call Qaraqosh, Iraq's largest mainly-Christian community.
But smaller villages on what is now the frontline between the forces of the Baghdad government and the Kurdish militia are at greater risk.
One village where 60 homes had been rebuilt was abandoned a second time when these forces, once allies against the IS group, clashed.
In another, the town of Telekuf-Tesqopa or Tel Eskof, 900 recently returned families live with their bags packed in case trouble flares again.
Here again, however, Warda sees hope that with support, the church -- however marginal it is in strategic terms -- can help Iraq.
The Baghdad-born cleric is now based in Arbil, capital of the autonomous Kurdish region, and is contact with churchmen in the Iraqi capital, too.
On at least one occasion, when tempers frayed between Baghdad-aligned forces and the Kurdish peshmerga, Christians have sought to cool tensions.
"So that was because of the church," he said.
The Christians are grateful for the shelter they have received in Kurdish territory after the jihadists overran the plains around Mosul.
But now they are keen to return home, where security permits, and they have no wish to be drawn into fighting between Arbil and Baghdad.
"It's a political issue, and we hope that it will be solved via dialogue," he said. "Everyone knows violence is not the way to settle these issues.
"In fact any military act in these areas would damage the whole reputation of the area and this would mean that the Christians would leave."
Many Christians have left -- campaigners say the population has fallen from around 1.5 million in pre-war Iraq -- and others have been killed.
Playing a lawyer in the hit television show "Suits", the 36-year-old actress with long flowing black hair was barely known in Britain when her name appeared on newspaper front pages last October.
The tabloids based their report of a relationship between Harry and Meghan, who lived in Toronto, Canada, on pictures showing them wearing the same tricoloured wristband.
The relationship was acknowledged last November by Kensington Palace, which handles communication for Prince Harry, in a most unexpected way.
Exasperated by the media frenzy, the palace released a statement attacking the "sexism" and "racism" Meghan Markle faced on social media.
It also blasted the press for "harassing" the actress.
Four days earlier, The Sun, Britain's top-selling newspaper, ran a piece on its front page titled "Harry's girl on Pornhub," the adult video website.
But the actress's only crime had been to take off her shirt while filming what the newspaper described as a "steamy scene" for her show "Suits," which then made it onto the pornographic website.
The couple made their first official public appearance together in September, attending the opening ceremony of the third Invictus Games -- created by Harry for disabled or wounded soldiers and veterans.
"We're two people who are really happy and in love," Markle told Vanity Fair shortly before the event.
'A woman who works'
The daughter of an African-American mother and white American father of Dutch and Irish descent, Markle's parents divorced when she was aged six.
She has half-siblings on her father's side, and grew up in Los Angeles, attending a girls' Roman Catholic college there.
After graduating from Northwestern University School of Communication in 2003, Markle appears to have navigated her career without a hitch.
Like Harry, she does humanitarian work.
She is also telegenic, practises yoga and drinks detox drinks including "green juices," according to her Instagram account.
Tabloids were quick to point out that the actress, three years Harry's senior, is divorced, unearthing pictures of her first marriage (2011-2013) with an American producer.
However, none of this was enough to derail a royal wedding, which will take place early next year, according to Monday's announcement.
Quite the contrary, says Penny Junor, Prince Harry's biographer: "I think that would be no problem at all, and the fact that she is of mixed race might even be a bonus," she told AFP.
"It would show Harry, a senior member of the Royal Family, to be a thoroughly modern man -- not a precious, strange creature from another planet, which is how the royals are sometimes seen".
Some believed, however, that her proud independence -- the actress had maintained a long-distance relationship with the prince for much of their courtship -- could be a source of contention for the Windsor family.
"I've never wanted to be a lady who lunches -- I've always wanted to be a woman who works," Markle once wrote on her blog "Tig".
'Fiercely independent'
Popular tabloid the Daily Mail wrote that it was "easy to see what happy-go-lucky Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have in common."
"What's less clear is...what some female members of the Royal Family will make of a fiercely independent young woman".
Beyond her role as an ambassador for the charity "World Vision Canada," which works to improve children's lives in developing countries, Markle regularly asserts the feminist beliefs she forged during her childhood in California.
"Aged 11, she forced a soap manufacturer to alter an advert after she wrote a letter to then First Lady Hillary Clinton and other high-profile figures complaining that it implied women belonged in the kitchen," wrote the BBC.
Nowadays, the actress also campaigns for women's rights alongside the United Nations.
Sharing a stage with Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the capital Naypyidaw, he did not address the Rohingya crisis head-on but instead tip-toed around the unfolding humanitarian emergency.
Peace can only be achieved through "justice and a respect for human rights", he said in a broadly-framed speech that also called for "respect for each ethnic group and its identity".
The word "Rohingya", an incendiary term in a mainly Buddhist country where the Muslim minority are denied citizenship and branded illegal "Bengali" immigrants, was entirely absent from his speech.
Francis has repeatedly defended the group, some 620,000 of whom have fled from Myanmar's Rakhine state to Bangladesh since August.
Rights groups had urged him to tackle Myanmar about its treatment of the minority during his four-day visit, but the local Catholic Church had cautioned him against straying into the Rohingya issue.
Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been ostracised by a global rights community that once adored her but is now outraged at her tepid response to the plight of the Rohingya.
She spoke of the challenges her country faces as it creeps out of the shadow of five decades of military rule, but also did not reference the Rohingya.
The government aimed to build the nation by "protecting rights, fostering tolerance, ensuring security for all", she said in a short speech, that gave a nod to global concern over the "situation in the Rakhine."
The pope's peace mission is studded with pitfalls in Myanmar, where a monk-led Buddhist nationalist movement has fostered widespread loathing for the Rohingya.
In recognition of those tensions his public speech was "very carefully worded", Myanmar-based political analyst Richard Horsey told AFP, speculating "he is likely to have been more forthright in private meetings with Myanmar's leaders."
But the pontiff's words were of little comfort to Rohingya stuck in dire conditions in Bangladesh.
"We are very much disappointed that he did not mention the Rohingya crisis," said Rohingya activist Mohammad Zubair from Kutupalong refugee camp, speaking of a religious leader who previously "even held prayers for the Rohingya".
The Pope, The Lady and a General
Late on Monday the 80-year-old pontiff received a "courtesy visit" from Myanmar's powerful army chief -- whose troops, according to the UN and US, have waged a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya in Rakhine.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has firmly denied allegations of widespread brutality by his forces, despite the flight of hundreds of thousands who have recounted widespread cases of rape, murder and arson.
His office said the general told the pope there was "no discrimination" in Myanmar, and he praised his military for maintaining "the peace and stability of the country".
The Lady, as she is fondly known in Myanmar, finally came to power after elections in 2015 but has fallen from grace internationally for not doing more to stand up to the army in defence of the Rohingya -- whose name she will not publicly utter.
Rights groups have clamoured for Suu Kyi to be stripped of her peace prize. Oxford, the English city she once called home, on Monday removed her Freedom of the City award for "inaction" in the face of oppression of the Rohingya.
Just days before the papal visit, Myanmar and Bangladesh signed a deal to start repatriating Rohingya refugees within two months.
But details of the agreement -- including the use of temporary shelters for returnees, many of whose homes have been burned to the ground -- raise questions for Rohingya fearful of returning without guarantees of basic rights.
So far, the pontiff has received a warm welcome in Myanmar, whose Catholic community numbers just over one percent of the country's 51 million people.
jpegMpeg4-1280x720But some 200,000 Catholics are pouring into the commercial capital Yangon from all corners of the country ahead of a huge, open-air mass in Yangon on Wednesday morning.
Francis will travel on to Bangladesh on Thursday
Next week Washington's top diplomat will attend ministerial meetings of the NATO alliance in Brussels and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna.
At both sets of talks Russia's intervention in Ukraine will top the agenda and US allies in Europe will be looking for reassurance that President Donald Trump's administration has their back.
Trump came to office this year seeking warmer ties with Moscow and has sometimes called into question the value of US alliances, but relations with President Vladimir Putin's Kremlin quickly soured.
Now, Tillerson is heading to Europe with a tough message that the Western allies stand shoulder to shoulder to oppose "the enemies that threaten our security and oppose our way of life."
In a major speech on US relations with Europe under Trump's "America First" foreign policy, Tillerson pledged that sanctions against Russia will remain in place until it helps restore peace in Ukraine.
And he argued that attempts by two previous US administrations to thaw ties with Moscow had only led to Putin seizing the opportunity to invade Georgia in August 2008 and Ukraine in 2014.
"Any resolution to the war that does not entail a fully independent, sovereign territorially whole Ukraine is unacceptable," Tillerson told an audience of policy-makers, scholars and reporters.
"Russia chose to violate the sovereignty of the largest country in Europe... Our trans-Atlantic unity is meant to convey to the Russian government that we will not stand by this flagrant violation of international norms," he said.
And Tillerson warned that the US and European Union economic sanctions which Moscow has lobbied so hard to overturn "will remain in place until Russia reverses the actions that triggered them."
Before coming to office as Trump's secretary of state, Tillerson was chairman of US oil giant ExxonMobil, pursuing major investments in Russia, and an influential opponent of economic sanctions.
But once in government he was confronted by Putin's intransigence over Ukraine and the Kremlin's determined military support for Syria's brutal strongman Bashar al-Assad and his Iranian allies.
US intelligence has also concluded that Russian agencies attempted to interfere in the American presidential election to tilt it in his favor over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.
Trump furiously denies any collusion with Kremlin agents, but Congress and a special prosecutor are investigating meetings between figures in his campaign and Russians lobbying against sanctions.
Moscow is also suspected of meddling in politics in several European countries, and authorities are investigating alleged links to populist movements and support for Brexit and Catalan separatism.
Gas terminals
In addition to stepping up US spending on military readiness in eastern Europe, including in Ukraine, Tillerson said Washington would help reduce Europe's need for Russian oil and gas.
Speaking at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, he said US money and know how would help Croatia and Poland build liquefied natural gas terminals and Greece and Bulgaria lay a pipeline.
"The Ukraine crisis also made clear how energy supplies can be wielded as a political weapon," he warned, vowing to help prevent big suppliers like Russia from "extorting" clients in Europe.
And he spoke out against the Nord Stream 2 project to pipe Russian gas westwards under the Baltic and the parallel Turkstream plan in southeast Europe, both funded by Russian energy giant Gazprom.
These pipelines, said Tillerson -- who once ran ExxonMobil's Russian subsidiary Exxon Neftegas and has a medal of friendship from the Kremlin -- are "unwise, as they only increase market dominance from a single supplier to Europe."
HAMPTON Trustee and Public Safety Committee chair Kevin Hamilton brought to the boards attention on Monday a concern with large trucks speeding through the village streets causing a hazard to children exiting school buses and said a major offender is Allied Waste drivers.
In response to these concerns, Police Chief Terry Engle will call Allied Waste to discuss the issue with them and Trustee Hamilton will correspond with the company alerting them that Hampton police will be increasing its coverage of the area in question.
Trustee Hamilton also brought to the board a request from one of the villages police officers to drop his health insurance coverage with the village and, instead, take that benefit by increasing his pay by the amount that the village would have paid for his insurance. The officer intends to go on his wifes health insurance through her employer.
Several concerns were raised by board members, such as whether they could do this in light of their obligations under the Affordable Care Act. The board referred the matter to the villages attorney, Graham Lee, who will report back to the board at its Dec. 11 meeting.
Village Clerk Michelle Bergeson informed the board on Monday that Andrea Gryp has accepted the part-time position of administrative assistant. The board had approved hiring her at its Nov. 13 meeting. Ms. Gryp also holds the position of deputy clerk for the city of Silvis, a 20-hour-per-month position. She will work Tuesdays through Thursdays for Hampton and begins her tenure Tuesday, Dec. 5.
In other action the board:
Instructed Clerk Bergeson to draft a parking ordinance in response to a residents complaint that their mail delivery was impaired because neighbors are blocking access to her mail box.
Approved the annual payment of $1,267.50 to Axon Enterprise Inc. Axon supplies body cameras and archives footage for the village police department.
Exelon Generation is deeply committed to our employees, our neighbors and the communities we serve. Their health, safety and security is our No. 1 priority at all times.
A recent Better Government Association story published in The Dispatch-Argus raised questions about the safety of Exelon Generations Illinois nuclear facilities, our commitment to environmental stewardship, and the effectiveness of our state and federal regulators. The story misrepresented the facts, which we believe the public should know.
Contrary to BGAs claims, Exelon Generation is an industry leader in tritium monitoring, reporting and remediation.
We were able to find, address and report many of the issues in the BGA story because weve invested more than $100 million since 2007 to upgrade monitoring systems and underground piping across our fleet. And we havent found a single case where our plants have caused drinking water to be unsafe.
Any claims to the contrary are false.
We closely monitor tritium at our nuclear stations to ensure public health, and we proactively report tritium releases to government regulators. Tritium is a naturally occurring radioactive form of hydrogen. It is also a byproduct of nuclear power.
The highest concentration of tritium found in drinking water wells near our Illinois plants was less than 10 percent of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking water standard. Drinking two liters of water at this concentration for a whole year is about the same radiation dose from drinking one glass of orange juice every week, or flying for one hour in an airplane.
We are proud of our track record on environmental responsibility and the overwhelming community support we receive each year from residents and businesses in the Quad-Cities community. We have always been open and honest in communicating operational issues and that commitment will not change.
Please visit our website (exeloncorp.com/safe-transparent-environmentally-consciousp) to learn more or attend one of the Community Information Nights we host at all our Illinois nuclear facilities each year.
Id like to address the elephant in the room. That elephant being the Republican Party and their refusal to represent the majority of their constituents. Lets begin with stricter gun control (something that would help lessen the fears parents have when sending their children off to school), 53% of Americans favor this (Pew Research) yet the elephant in the room refuses to consider any such thing. Over 70% of Americans want stricter background checks yet again; the elephant in the room refuses to represent them. 61% of Americans say abortion should be legal. Again, the elephant in the room pushes laws that do the opposite. 74% of Americans do not want social security reduced in any way. But the elephant in the room pushes to do just the opposite, cut social security. 63% of Americans now prefer Medicare for all, but the elephant in the room fights it with all its might. 67% of Americans feel more needs to be done to reduce climate change, but not the elephant in the room. The elephant sides with the fossil fuel industry claiming its not a big concern. Given these few statistics (there are more like them) its obvious that the Republican Party is the party of minority rule, quite the opposite of what our founding fathers envisioned. The Republican Party has become a power cult, not a party that represents the majority of Americans. Remember this while you mark your ballot in this midterm election. Save Democracy! Vote Democratic!
A German-French consortium consisting of Hochtief Infrastructure and Vinci Consortium Grand Projects will carry out tunnelling of the twin bore 4.5km tunnels as well as construct five stations and two crossover and junction boxes.
Hochtief is already engaged in a joint venture with Zublin in the construction of the Nordhavn branch of the metro, which is due to open in 2019, shortly after the completion of the cityring metro line.
In addition, Austrian Rhomberg Bahntechnik, in a joint venture with Efacec Engineering and Systems, Portugal, have secured the contract for track laying, third rail power supply and surveillance systems.
The latter company is already engaged in the Odense light rail project.
Thethe trains and the automatic train control system will be supplied by Hitachi/Ansaldo STS and are not open for bidding, as the Sydhavn branch is a part of the Nordhavn line, where Ansaldo STS secured the contract. The Italian company also supplied the existing metro and the cityring line.
The Sudhavn line starts from a two-level junction box, built in advance, and branches off the existing line at Snder Boulevard, utilising part of the link to the new depot before continuing along the harbour front before reaching an interchange with S-Train and future Copenhagen - Ringsted high-speed services at Ny Ellebjerg station.
The line is due to open in late 2023, when the daily number of passengers using the metro is estimated to rise to 29,000.
The state of Washington today could help decide the fate of a crude-by-rail export terminal proposed for the city of Vancouver.
The Washington Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council will hold a public meeting and vote on Tesoro-Savage LLCs proposed Vancouver Energy terminal.
The council last week released its final environmental review of the project, under study since 2013, which found a potential danger from spills, accidents involving trains, and other factors affecting emergency response times.
Vancouver Energy is a joint venture of Tesoro Corp. and Savage Cos. Tesoro, a port tenant since 1985, and Savage have proposed leasing 42 acres at the port for a crude oil distribution facility that would include a rail unloading facility, storage tanks, and a vessel loading area. The $210 million project would bring up to 360,000 barrels of North American crude oil by rail along the Columbia River to the port daily, where it would then be loaded onto ships for transport to refineries in Alaska, California and Washington.
The port is transited by BNSF Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, Canadian National Railroad and Canadian Pacific Railroad.
Tesoro-Savage has agreed to a 10-year lease, and expects to create 175 permanent jobs on site, with 1,000 jobs total surrounding the project.
The panel is scheduled to vote today for or against the proposal at a special meeting in Olympia.
No comments will be taken at the meeting, which is open to the public. After the vote, the council will adjourn to an executive session to discuss possible litigation.
Gov. Jay Inslee will make the final decision on the project following the councils recommendation.
Russia asks Interpol to trace producer linked to theater director embezzlement case
MOSCOW, November 28 (RAPSI) Russian prosecutors have forwarded a request to Interpol seeking to place producer Yekaterina Voronova, charged in the embezzlement case involving the Gogol Center theater director Kirill Serebrennikov, on its wanted list, the Prosecutor Generals Office has told RAPSI.
Reportedly, Voronova was an executive producer of A Midsummer Night's Dream theater performance expected to be staged in framework of realization of the Platforma project. However, the performance has not been staged.
In September, a Moscow court issued an arrest warrant for Voronova in absentia. Investigators allege that she has fled to Latvia.
Serebrennikov was arrested in late August and then placed under house arrest. In early November, Moscows Basmanny District Court seized assets belonging to Serebrennikov including apartment, car, and money in the amount of more than 360,000 rubles ($6,000), over 60,000, and $4,000.
Investigators believe that he was an organizer of the budget money embezzlement. The defendant denied wrongdoing.
He allegedly created Seventh Studio stage company to actualize the Platforma project for promotion of art and invited former head of the company Yury Itin, ex- general producer Alexey Malobrodsky, and former chief accountant Nina Maslyayeva, among others, into organization.
Investigators believe that Itin, Malobrodsky, and Maslyayeva were falsifying data for the Platforma projects plans in 2011-2014 on request of the theater director. This data was provided to the Ministry of Culture as the rationale for financing from the state budget.
Earlier, Maslyayeva has testified against Serebrennikov. She said that Serebrennikov, Malobrodsky and Itin organized embezzlement of money allocated for a cultural event. Serebrennikov and Malobrodsky cashed the money with the assistance of Maslyayeva. The woman also said that she entered falsified data in financial reports.
Former official of Russias Culture Ministry and current director of the Russian Academic Youth Theater Sophia Apfelbaum has been also arrested and put under house arrest on embezzlement charges. According to investigators, from 2011 to 2014, Apfelbaum signed contracts on state grants in the amount of more than 214 million rubles ($3.7 million) with Serebrennikovs Seventh Studio stage company on behalf of the Russian Culture Ministry, and provided further agreement of received reporting documents, which contained overstated information on quantity and cost of the held events. Thus, she has abetted the embezzlement of about 68 million rubles ($1.2 million) by Serebrennikov and his alleged accomplices, investigators said.
Apfelbaum admitted that she controlled the movement of cash but pleaded not guilty to embezzlement.
ECHR awards 10,000 to Bolotnaya case defendant
MOSCOW, November 28 (RAPSI) The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on Tuesday held that the rights of Nikolay Kavkazsky, a defendant in the Bolotnaya Square riot case, had been violated in part during his detention, and awarded 10,000 in compensation to the applicant.
In his complaint, Kavkazsky demanded 20,000 in compensation for material damage and 50,000 for moral harm.
Public protests erupted on Bolotnaya Square in May 2012. The rally culminated in clashes between protesters and the police. Over 400 people were arrested, and scores were injured when protesters briefly broke through police lines.
In late July 2012, the applicant was arrested and put in detention. He has been charged with participation in mass disorder accompanied by violence. His motions for the house arrest because of medical reasons have been dismissed.
Only in August 2013, the Moscow City Court released the applicant from detention and put him under house arrest. In December of the same year, he applied for the termination of criminal proceedings against him under the Amnesty Act. Moscows Zamoskvoretsky District Court granted his motion and lifted the house arrest.
Kavkazsky lodged an application with the European Court of Human Rights in January 2013. He complained that his arrest and detention had not been based on relevant and sufficient reasons and alleged that various aspects of his detention had amounted to degrading treatment. The applicant claimed that Russian authorities had violated provisions of Article 3 (prohibition of tortures), Article 5 (right to liberty), and Article 6 (right to a fair trial) of the European Convention on Human Rights (the Convention).
According to Russias Government, the applicants detention was related to the gravity of brought charges. The Government also contended that Kavkazsky had been receiving regular medical care and that he had not raised any health issues before the public commission for the monitoring of detention facilities during their visits. They denied that he had lodged a formal complaint about the lack of medical assistance.
The Strasbourg court held that there had been no violation of Article 3 of the Convention as regards the alleged failure to provide the applicant with adequate medical assistance. However, the Court found violation of the same article in respect of the conditions of transfer to and from court, and the confinement in a glass cabin in courtroom. According to the ECHR ruling, there has been also a violation of Article 53 of the Convention. The complaint under the Article 6 of the Convention was dismissed.
Prosecutor seeks 7 years in prison for FSB officers in bribery case
MOSCOW, November 28 (RAPSI) A prosecutor has asked the Moscow District Military Court to sentence former and acting officers of the Federal Security Service (FSB) charged with taking a 5-million-ruble bribe (about $85,000) from Turkish firm Esta Construction to 7 years in prison, lawyer Dagir Khasavov has told RAPSI.
The defendants in the case are ex-officer Vlad Novikov and officer still in-service Karen Krayukhin.
Earlier, investigators have registered a 10-million-ruble (about $170,000) civil lawsuit filed by a victim in this case, Turkish construction firm Esta Constructions lawyer Valerian Kochergin. He seeks 5 million rubles in compensation for property damage and 5 million rubles in moral damages.
As previously reported, Novikov and Krayukhin have been arrested on suspicion of taking a bribe from the Turkish construction firm Esta Construction. Later, they have been charged with a large-scale fraud against foreign legal entity.
Investigators claim that Esta Construction has been fined over 37 million rubles ($626,000) for violation of migration legislation. The companys lawyer in order to avoid payment of the fine asked the defendants for help in the termination of the case for 5 million rubles ($85,000).
Lawyer Dagir Khasavov, however, told RAPSI that the money was transferred from Kochergin to Krayukhin as return of a debt.
Esta Construction is a contracting company established by Bahattin Demirbilek in Moscow in 2006 and operating as a general contractor and project designer in international construction market, the firms website says.
Putin signs bill on tax free system in Russia into law
MOSCOW, November 28 (RAPSI) President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill introducing tax free system in Russia into law.
The relevant document has been published on the official website of legal information.
The legislation is to allow citizens of countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union to receive compensations for value-added tax (VAT) paid in Russia.
The initiative envisages that retailers are to be granted the right to deduct VAT pertaining to the goods sold to foreign citizens from the total amounts of VAT payable. It also establishes 0% VAT rate for organizations providing VAT compensation services to foreign citizens.
The law will take effect in steps. Some provisions will become effective within a month after official publication, others will come into force in January and October 2018.
Republican plans to shake up how the tax code treats higher education have ruffled a great many feathers, with some arguing that Republicans would harm students by taking away needed assistance. On the contrary, the proposed Republican changes would restore much-needed transparency and address a system that benefits a higher-education complex at the expense of students and taxpayers.
Many of the concerns about the GOP tax plan center on the elimination of two tax loopholes. One allows universities to provide tuition waivers to graduate students so long as they either teach or conduct research. In other words, these graduate students are receiving a significant financial benefit (sometimes worth upwards of $50,000) that is contingent on employment. For everyone else, such an arrangement would be considered taxable wage income, but this loophole allows graduate students to face a different set of rules.
The other loophole set for repeal under the tax reform plan is the educational assistance deduction. Currently, the tax code allows employers and employees each to deduct $5,250 of tuition assistancethis deduction can go over this limit if the tuition assistance qualifies as a workplace fringe benefit.
Elimination of fringe benefits has long been a bipartisan goal of policymakers. Another example is the exclusion of employer-sponsored health insurance, a policy with its roots in attempts to escape wage ceilings during World War II. The result is a policy that economists on the left and right agree is costly and distortionary.
Furthermore, some studies have found that corporations receive back more value than the cost of tuition assistance itself. Given the effectiveness and financial logic of employer-provided tuition assistance, there is little need for taxpayers to subsidize programs that make financial sense on their own.
These provisions were instituted for the purposes of helping students pay for higher education expenses, but they have instead had the effect of contributing to a system that distorts the cost of higher education. Tuition costs have spiked, and a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York found that increased federal dollars in education and rising tuition costs are directly connected. Federal tax treatment of higher education seems to be a likely culprit as a contributor to this distortion in tuition prices.
Reform would also address imbalances in who receives the benefits of federal tuition assistance programs. While most would agree that low-income undergraduate students are most in need of assistance, most of the benefits of federal policy flow to better-off graduate students.
Graduate-only borrowers, with a median debt approaching $40,000, have a five-year default rate of just five percent and generally go on to earn the highest incomes, but federal education policy tends to favor them disproportionately. Several debt-forgiveness programs such as Income-Based Repayment and Public Service Loan Forgiveness primarily benefit high-debt graduate students. Meanwhile, the highest default rates on federal student loans actually occur among students with relatively small amounts of debt attending public two-year or four-year proprietary colleges.
Reforming the system to be less geared toward students that dont need federal help makes perfect sense. And the changes are not occurring in a vacuum; rather, theyre part of a broader package that lowers rates and simplifies the code for all taxpayers. The Tax Foundation estimates that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would increase after-tax incomes by nearly three percent in tax year 2018.
Untangling federal education policy from its current morass of competing tax credits and deductions will take some time, but the Republican plan is a good beginning. Rather than an attack on higher education, it is an attempt to correct inefficient and distortive measures long protected by an entrenched industry which benefits from them. Republicans are proving that they are serious about pursuing meaningful reform, even as lobbyists come at them from all sides.
Andrew Wilford is an Associate Policy Analyst with the National Taxpayers Union Foundation. Follow him on Twitter @PolicyWilford.
Jason Schauble resigned from his position as president of Utah silencer manufacturer SilencerCo. A spokesperson for the company cited a family health issue as the reason for Schauble's departure. Schauble was promoted to the role of president of SilencerCo in April 2017 after serving three years as the company's Chief Revenue Officer.
Addressing rumors surrounding the nature of Schauble's resignation, SilencerCo spokesman Chris Conran was blunt.
Jason wasn't fired, said Conran by telephone. He was an exceptional employee at SilencerCo.
When asked what triggered Schauble's departure, Conran said, It would not be very respectful to discuss the particulars, but, it is a personal, family matter. We understand the importance of this family matter because it's Jason; he was like family with all of us.
When asked about a successor, Conran was unable to comment on the company's plans to fill the vacant position.
Schauble held executive-level positions at companies in the firearms industry since 2008. His resume includes roles as vice president of Remington Defense and as president of the firearm technology company TrackingPoint.
RECOIL's Rob Curtis contributed to this report.
The Tikka T3x Arctic is a beefed-up, scaled-down, all-around rifle designed for hard use by the Canadian Rangers. Now you can get one, too.
Origins of the Tikka T3X Arctic Rifle
Lets say you want a rifle for your journey to the ass end of the world. Something thatll run in a desert of ice, wind, and permafrost. Itll provide safety and sustenance, taking on predators and game in places so remote that youre as much a part of the food chain as the beasts you seek to dine on. You might want to consider the Tikka T3x Arctic.
Its here that the Canadian Rangers, CRs for short, do their nations bidding. Not as soldiers or snipers, but as the eyes and ears of a national defense force. Hunters, guides, trappers hard-living men and women of the north, many of them able to say, Les Stroud? Never heard of her, likely with total honesty (even though hes Canadian ).
The Canadian Rangers
The CRs is a sub-component of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve officially formed in 1947 to provide a limited military presence in the countrys remote northern, coastal, and otherwise barely civilized areas. Its a volunteer, part-time, civil-military force of about 5,000 people, split among five geographical regions.
Were talking about them because were looking at the Tikka T3x Arctic through the lens of the Canadian Rangers requirements for its recently adopted C19 rifle. The T3x Arctic is the functionally, and practically identical commercial version of the issued rifle.
Despite being issued rifles, The Canadian Rangers are not actually mandated with armed defense, says Lieutenant Colonel Russ Meades, Commanding Officer of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. Theyre mandated with observation and reporting.
Meades patrol group is 1,050 CRs, covering 2.7-million square kilometers. Thats about the area of everything in the continental U.S. west of Texas, minus New Mexico.
The T3x's Mission
Aside from performing sovereignty patrols, CRs provide a host of services within and beyond their communities. Search and rescue is a bread-and-butter mission, as is hosting Canadian military units when they operate in these remote locations.
The CRs act as a community liaison and provide environmental expertise, wilderness education, guide services, and predator overwatch for the units during exercises.
The CRs are issued rifles for a few reasons; the first is personal security. The Canadian wilderness is a CRs office, and its as wild as it is beautiful. Its a place where predators, small and large, need to be scared off or dispatched. Second, its a means of sustenance.
Whether at home or out on patrol, CRs hunt. And, unlike traditional military units, the Rangers keep their service rifles at home where theyre free to train and hunt with them. The remaining uses trail off into recruiting efforts, the rare auxiliary law enforcement, and even rarer military action.
The Tikka T3x Arctic Review
Since the CRs stood up, the standard issue rifle for CR patrols has been the World War II-era Lee Enfield No. 4, Mk1 rifle. The bolt-action, .303 British caliber longarm is ideal for the harsh environment; the fact that its been in service with the unit for 70 years alone is testament of its suitability for the role.
The old .303 was a great rifle in its time, Meades says, but its had its day. It could probably go on for many years to come, but the fact is were cannibalizing .303s right now because there just arent enough parts in the system anymore.
This brings us back to the Tikka T3x Arctic. The CRs began searching for a replacement for the Lee Enfield No. 4 nearly 10 years ago. The search ended with the adoption of a Tikka rifle custom made for the CRs, type classified as the C19.
The Tikka T3x Arctic is the commercial version of the C19 with no functional differences. The only differences are the CR crest laser etched on the C19 stock, the red hue of the C19s laminate stock (versus the T3x Arctics orange tones), and the contract requirement that dictates the C19 is manufactured by Colt Canada under license from Sako, Tikkas parent company.
The commercial rifle is manufactured on the Sako/Tikka line in Riihimaki, Finland, and exported initially in limited numbers.
Were spending a lot of ink talking about the CRs, because understanding their requirements explains a lot about the features of the rifle they chose.
According to a report commissioned by Canadas Defense Research and Development directorate called Canadian Ranger Rifle: Human Factors Requirements Validation, the CRs mainly wanted a gun that addressed the No. 4s shortcomings namely it was heavy, big, and outdated.
The CRs are a mobile force, moving about the northern expanse on all manner of locomotion. Rifles are strapped to dogsleds, lashed to snowmobiles, shoved into a small aircraft, stowed in boats, and, of course, slung over the shoulder. Smaller and lighter is easier and faster to stow and deploy.
Aside from smaller and lighter, the Rangers wanted a rifle that met or exceeded the No. 4s durability and reliability, while improving on its accuracy.
They also wanted to move to a modern intermediate caliber that offers more commercial ammunition choices than the dated .303 British round. Commercially available ammo is important to the CRs because, in addition to the 200 round per year allotment, CRs can run any other ammo they choose.
The C19, and the Tikka T3x Arctic, checks all the boxes on the CRs wish list, but does that make it a good rifle or a committee-designed jack of all trades?
Tikka T3X Arctic Ranger Action
Despite the many advantages modern semi-auto rifles bring to the table, a bolt-action rifle is the most reliable firearm in the widest array of environments. Sure, you can keep an AR-10 running in the cold, but itll take time and energy away from whatever else is going on. And, when we say cold, we mean f#@king arctic cold.
Meades says, Our more northerly patrols, say anything north of the 55th parallel, operate in -40, 50 degrees C. A bolt-action is absolutely essential because its just embarrassing when a bears coming at you and your semi-automatic seizes up.
Argue if you will, but lubes freeze and condensation formed on warm metal freezes. Frozen things lead to problems that turn semi-autos into single shots if youre lucky. Running a bolt beats tapping a forward assist over and over when things get dire.
Extreme cold is only one of the environments in which the rifle has to work. The coastal areas contain humidity, salt water, and sand.
The Tikka T3x Arctic deals with these by way of stainless steel just about everywhere. The barrel, bolt and action are all stainless, including the newly designed extended stainless bolt handle thats unique to the C19/Arctic. It doesnt stop corrosion, but it slows it way down.
A bonus is the way the stainless bolt runs in the action. Tikka actions generally have a feel all their own, but the Arctics full stainless action feels tongue-on-labia smooth. Itll make anyone who spent $1,200 on a custom 700 action question their decision.
The Arctics action retains all the regular Tikka traits, including the two-stage safety, talon-like Sako-style extractor, constant tension ejector, broached machining.
It adds the T3xs improved rail mount interface and a stainless 5-inch-long (shortened to accommodate the rear aperture sight which well get to), 0-degree Pic rail, and the slightly enlarged ejection port for easier single round loading. And the handier among you can modify this short action Tikka to run as a long action with relative ease. (Google it.)
As smooth and reliable as the action is, we did find one dark spot. Single round feeding is improved with the T3x actions enlarged ejection port on most models, but the rim of single-fed .308 cartridges regularly hung up on the back wall of the Arctics CTR magazine, seizing the action.
A jiggle of the rifle knocks the round forward and allows it to feed, but its an issue whenever the rifle is single-fed with the bolt all the way rear.
We reached out to Sakos Miikka Tamminen, the product manager for this program, and he was unaware of this issue. He expressed genuine concern but wasnt able to get to the bottom of it by press time. Well update this article on the web when he gets back to us.
Being men of action, though, we went ahead and fixed the issue ourselves. We did the unthinkable and took a Dremel to the rear wall of the $100 magazine. With a quarter moon ground off (see photo, left) the top and a little cold bluing, single rounds fed without issue.
We acknowledge this calls for added attention when handling loaded mags due to the exposed primer, but its no different than lots of other mags.
Speaking of the mags, were fans of the standard CTR mags that come with the Arctic. The 10-round, double-stack mags work flawlessly, single feed issues not withstanding, and impart the handling characteristics of a rifle with a magazine half that size. For the price of the Tikka T3x Arctic, though, we wish it came with more than one.
Barrel Details
The 20-inch, stainless steel, cold hammer forged, medium-heavy contour barrel is tipped with a U.S.-friendly 5/824-inch threaded muzzle thats home to half of one of the Arctics standout features: the aperture sights.
The stainless barrel is just that no chrome lining, no fillers, just Sakos specified grade of stainless steel thats better suited to hammer forging than rack-grade stainless. It just happens that the steel made to withstand the higher deformation of hammer forging is also a little more corrosion resistant.
New Frontier
While theres a lot in common with existing Tikkas, theres a whole lot thats unique to the Arctic platform. These are the features that came in response to the CRs requirements, fueling the rifles premium price tag.
So, the sights. Sakos Tamminen says the company couldnt find a sight on the market that gave them the combination of durability, ease of use, and range required for the CRs contract so Sako made its own. The steel sights are probably the single biggest contributor to the rifles key attribute: its fun as hell to shoot.
The rotating drum rear sight has six apertures for ranges from 100 to 600 meters. Adjusting for elevation is straightforward turn a screw on the front sight to raise or lower the point of impact.
The rear is a different animal. In order to make the sights as accurate and durable as possible, instead of a single shaft design, the Arctic rear sight uses a pair of bolts tensioning the carriage from both sides for maximum resistance to unintentional adjustment.
Youre not just wearing gloves, youre wearing gloves inside beaver or seal mitts, says Meades of the Rangers operating in the -50 degree C temps. You dont have a lot of sense of feel there.
Accordingly, the six-position aperture drum is all about the glove life, presenting a large surface from the top down thats easy to turn on purpose, but protected from accidental knocks by tall ears on the sides.
The Arctics bottom metal is similar to the Tikka CTR, but it houses a completely new trigger developed for the C19/Arctic rifle. Its an adjustable two-stage trigger with a break that feels smooth and crisp with no overtravel. Set at 2.3 pounds, our Lyman trigger scale measured fluctuations of about 0.2 pound over and under for 10 pulls. This does not feel like a typical factory trigger.
Tamminen describes it as an economical version of the Sako TRG trigger. He said its getting used in the Tikka TAC A1 now and will probably find its way to other Tikkas in the future. He says the Tikka two-stage withstood a heavy testing cycle, and has a seriously fast lock time, something the Sakos triggers are known for.
Take Stock (of the T3x Arctic's Stock)
The stock is another component developed for the Arctic. Its a highly stable, engineered wood laminate thats as tough as a steel beam, but way more comfortable to rest your cheek on.
Its also got that distinctive coloration that we dig. When asked why wood instead of synthetic, the CRs Meades said the unit was simply distrustful of plastic in the cold and, at the same time, wanted something warmer and with more character than a synthetic stock could supply.
Tamminen says they went with the orange hue on the Arctic to increase visibility of the rifle; remember, the CRs arent military, they want to be seen.
He says the wooden stock might be easier to repair in the field using basic hand tools and adhesives, but acknowledges the choice likely came down to an aesthetic consideration made by the customer, as polymer stocks, like that of the Fins RK 95 assault rifle, have been in service in the frigid Laplandian north for years without issue.
While wood stocks arent unique to the Tikka line, this one is. Its got that Sako-style cross bolt and aluminum spacer system. The cross bolt is needed to shore up the stock since the double stack CTR mag requires thinner walls. And the aluminum butt stock spacer system was designed for easy, semipermanent adjustments that accommodate seasonal clothing changes.
The Tikka T3x Arctic stock itself is cut shorter than most for use with heavy winter clothing, the spacers added for temperate weather use.
Tikka T3x Arctic Configuration
In the stock setup, the Arctic is simply a gas to shoot. With days and days spent head down behind a Formula Onelevel precision rig this summer, the open-sight Arctic feels like hopping on a motocross bike and hitting the trails.
With the largest aperture zeroed for 100 yards, popping clays on the berm under the zeroing target was doable. But the small targets really began popping when we honed in on the top of the 100-yard clays with the 200-meter peeper. The circle-in-a-circle sights proved accurate enough to reliably tag E silhouette steel at 300-plus yards while standing unsupported.
To wring a little more accuracy from the Arctic, we took advantage of the 5-inch rail and added an optic, a Steiner T5Xi 3-15x50mm, using a 34mm ZRODelta DLOC M4X mount. The mount set the optic about inch above the rear sight wheel, with the mount hanging one section over the front edge of the rail.
The stock is set up to run the onboard iron sights, so rather than chin weld, we added a Bradley Adjustable Cheek Rest to fill the gap. The Bradley rest provides a remarkably rigid platform for accuracy.
While the CRs run the fore end slick and shoot in the prone unsupported, we arent afraid to use a little accuracy crutch. We added a carbon fiber Spartan 300 bipod.
The bipod snaps magnetically into a cup that replaces the forward sling stud. Its 6 ounces of adjustable, on-call support. We like the adaptability, but the single attachment point means the base pivots too much on the flat-bottomed stock.
Performance
We started our testing with a couple hundred rounds of Remington UMC 150s to get the round count up without breaking the bank. With the barrel seasoned, and one cleaning session, we broke out the Magnetospeed and match ammo.
We clocked and grouped three types of rounds. First up, Remington Premier Match 168-grain Matchking BTHP ran at 2,487 fps, with an eye-twitching S.D. of 37.2. Next up, Hornadys Precision Hunter 178-grain ELD X ran at 2,488 fps, with a very respectable S.D. of 12.3.
Lastly, Federal Premium Gold Medal Berger 185-grain Juggernaut OTM ran at 2,471 fps with a 13.1 S.D. The Arctic got on famously with the Hornady, printing the best five-shot group of the day at 0.48 MOA. The Juggernauts made an impression too, with a 0.51 MOA.
The Remington ammo was the third wheel, but still nudged a 0.85 group from the cold-souled fin. Our finding that the rifle likes em big seems to echo the Rangers findings, as we hear theyll issue 180-gr Nosler Accubonds with the C19.
As far as reliability, we havent logged a malfunction, aside from the easily corrected single-feed hang-up issue. And 8 pounds dry isnt too bad for moving through the northern New England woods, the 20-inch barrel carrying well on a two-point sling.
Tikka Arctic Value
Looking at all the unique components Sako made for the C19 project, its no wonder the rifle is on the spendy end. From the muzzle back, theres new iron sights, reinforced wood laminate stock to hold the CTR bottom metal and mag, new two-stage trigger, winter trigger guard, stainless extended bolt handle, and stock spacer system.
Essentially, this is a custom production rifle that provides both a unique capability and an uncommon aesthetic. Still, Tikkas known as a budget brand though this is no budget rifle when it comes to price or performance.
Based on the accuracy, durability, and desirability of a product endorsed by one of the toughest user groups on the planet, the $1,900 street price seems reasonable. Add to that the flat-out fun factor the Arctic supplies when run au natural, and its more than palatable.
Our only gripe is the lack of a second mag, and the fact we cant run a brake or a can on the threaded muzzle without losing the front sight. Given all the considerations in the Arctics pro column, the cons arent enough to stop us from admiring what Sakos made with the Tikka T3x Arctic.
Tikka T3x Arctic
Caliber: 308 Winchester
Barrel Length: 20 inches
Overall Length: 40.25 inches (no spacers)
Weight (Unloaded): 8 pounds, 12 ounces (11 pounds, 12 ounces with optic and cheek rest)
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
MSRP: $2,099
URL: www.tikka.fi
Accessories:
Steiner T5Xi 3-1550 $2,275
ZRODelta DLOC M4X $279
Spartan 300 Bipod $395
Bradley Cheek Rest Elite Series $125
Price as Featured $5,173
To see other articles in this issue, subscribe here: RECOIL Issue 34
Corey Graff contributed to this article.
Instead of failing young Indians, the government should now focus laser-like on education, skilling, healthcare, and the environment, says Mihir S Sharma.
India is failing its young people.
Not just because it is not providing them jobs and opportunities but also because it fails to provide them what they need to make their own fortunes.
We have given them a poisonous environment, a healthcare system that is stacked against them, and an education that is either expensive or ineffectual -- and then told them to go out and be world-beating entrepreneurs or an effective industrial labour force. Are we kidding ourselves?
Every winter, Delhi holds its breath for about three months.
When I first moved to this city, you lived for the winter, for those magical few months when the city was transformed from a Serengeti mudhole or a Saharan sand dune into something approaching liveability.
And now weve decided to ruin Delhis winter as well, with air thats the worst in the world.
This is particularly bad for young people -- children growing up here particularly risk suffering permanent damage to their lungs, say doctors.
Part of the problem is that externalities like good air simply arent part of the accounting that economists like to use -- if growth-focused economics ignores bad air, it argued, then GDP growth needs to be replaced as a policy target.
Fixing problems like crop-burning has costs that can be clearly seen, and which would reduce efficiency and GDP; the benefits of fixing the problems that cause bad air arent that easy to account for, and might not show up in GDP that clearly.
This is an argument worth revisiting -- not just because once again Delhi and the rest of the Indo-Gangetic plain has been blanketed by a cloud of dense brown smoke, but also because the other aspects of our approach to the basics of social infrastructure reflect this blindness to anything not captured directly by national income accounts.
To think about this in a non-Indian context for a moment, consider the following fact, one that startles most non-economists: That the poorest American states have per capita incomes comparable to the United Kingdom, Japan, New Zealand, or France.
But, frankly, would anyone choose to be born into the median family in West Virginia, Mississippi, or Arkansas rather than in one of the four countries I mentioned?
What explains this paradox? A set of factors. For one, Americans work longer hours with lower productivity than the French.
But, in addition -- and this is whats relevant here -- Americans spend a great deal more on healthcare than, say, the British do.
This higher spending shows up as an addition to GDP -- its a fifth of national income in the US, as compared to a tenth in Britain.
But, of course, youre getting a bad deal on healthcare if youre an American; Britain, in spite of spending less, has a life expectancy that compares with the top few states in the US.
This is an artefact of the largely privately-run American healthcare system. American healthcare doesnt just cost more -- it sells a lot of unnecessary treatment as well, as long as its expensive.
Americans have two or three times as many MRI scans and mammograms as other OECD countries, and almost a third more Caesarian sections than the latter.
Meanwhile, other OECD countries have far more hospital days and doctors visits than the US.
The National Health Service in the UK, for its many flaws, provides a reasonable product in terms of outcomes at a fraction of the cost.
If tomorrow the UK were to shift to American-style private sector-led healthcare provision, its GDP would apparently shoot up -- Britons would spend on MRI scans while going to doctors less. But its health outcomes and its standard of living would decline.
As India searches for GDP growth without spending public money, it might be tempted to expand its current healthcare system without reforming it.
The thinking within the government -- which took office on a manifesto that promised universal healthcare -- is that private provision of critical health infrastructure with a complicated subsidised insurance system is the way to go.
That would be a disaster for Indias workforce -- but it would look good in terms of macroeconomic numbers, and in terms of GDP growth. (And, of course, private hospitals -- many run or financed by politically connected persons -- would benefit.) The government would save its physical capital at the cost of young Indians human capital.
A similar approach is being taken to education. Rather than searching for low-cost, universal, and accessible solutions that would deal with Indias human capital crisis, India has gone for a mix of poorly performing public schooling and expensive, inefficiently-regulated private schools.
The Right to Education is, in the end, a shortcut. Nothing substitutes for public schools that actually work.
But, of course, here inefficiency once again meets political ends -- and actually helps drive up GDP as Indian parents are gouged by private schools they can ill-afford.
The government has made a big deal, rightly, about fiscal responsibility.
It has also spent and spent on physical infrastructure, something if it worked harder on regulatory and legal frameworks could in fact be paid for by the private sector.
But it has not spent as much mental energy or cash on human infrastructure -- on human capital.
If, indeed, it is to dilute its commitment to the fiscal glide path for the deficit to three per cent of gross domestic product, it might be tempted to use that to push GDP higher, which obviously spending on physical infrastructure does.
But that would mean that we continue to fail young Indians. Instead, the government should now focus laser-like on education, skilling, healthcare, and the environment.
Healthy and well-educated young Indians will create the future for themselves that their government seems unable to provide.
Build trust and confidence and don't pass on your powers in haste.
Once the document is ready, go through it and understand thoroughly the powers that you are going to delegate, cautions Archit Gupta.
Many professionals, businessmen and high-ranking corporate executives have such busy schedules that they need to delegate certain duties to others.
Sometimes, this can include crucial tasks such as carrying out property transactions and executing contracts. That is when the power of attorney (PoA) comes in handy.
While using PoA is definitely convenient, it also carries certain risks and is not something that one should do without due thought and care.
What is a PoA?
PoA is a document that gives a person the legal powers to act on behalf of another.
It can be used to hand over power to someone to act on your behalf when you are not available or are not capable of carrying out your own dealings.
Non-resident Indians (NRIs), who cannot be physically present in India to carry out the sale or purchase transactions of their properties, use it.
The elderly, who are incapable or incapacitated, use it to allow someone to carry out financial transactions on their behalf.
Those who lack expertise in certain manners use it to allow someone else to represent them or to execute contracts on their behalf.
In India, PoA is most commonly used in property dealings, financial transactions, to execute contracts, file tax returns, and sometimes to represent a person before the authorities.
The person who hands over power is referred to as the principal.
The one who receives the authority is referred to as the attorney (and sometimes, the agent). That person may or may not be a lawyer.
The principal makes a PoA in favour of an agent and delegates his authority to him. The PoA is a valid legal document.
Third parties rely on it to transact with the agent instead of the principal. A PoA may be registered with a registrar or it may be notarised.
Trust is the key
A PoA should only be given to a person whom you can trust to act on your behalf, such as a family member or a close friend.
Give it only to someone who is both responsible and loyal to you.
Remember that even after you have given a PoA, you still have the power to act on these matters yourself.
Hence, a PoA is not a complete ceding of your original rights, but only an authority given to someone to act on your behalf.
By inserting a date of expiry, you can make it time bound.
You can also revoke it if you wish to.
If the principal dies during the term of the PoA, the latter stands automatically revoked and the heir mentioned in the will takes over.
General versus special PoA
There are two types of PoA -- general and special.
A general PoA gives wide-ranging powers to the agent. The principal could authorise the agent to buy or sell property, conduct business on his behalf, and so on. No specific purpose is mentioned here.
Instead, the agent is given powers to act on behalf of the principal in a wide range of matters.
When handing over general power of attorney, the principal can decide to exclude some powers specifically, and the agent will not be able to act on those matters.
In case of a special power of attorney, the principal authorises the agent to act on her/his behalf in specific matters only.
In other words, only limited powers are given to the agent.
For instance, special power of attorney may be used for the purpose of brokering specific agreements, to perform specific business-related tasks, close or operate bank accounts, undertake sale or purchase of equities and other investments, file tax returns, or represent the principal before the tax authorities.
Minimise your risks
The importance of choosing your agent with great care and discretion cannot be emphasised enough, especially in matters where doing so can have a big impact on your finances.
In addition, you can also take a few steps to minimise your risks.
Discuss at length with the person you plan to give authority to what s/he can and can't do on your behalf.
Make the agent/attorney understand that whenever there is a matter of critical importance, it should be discussed with you thoroughly before s/he acts on those matters.
Build trust and confidence and do not pass on your powers in haste.
Engage professionals to draft the POA.
Once the document is ready, go through it and understand thoroughly the powers that you are going to delegate.
If you are giving general PoA to someone to handle property matters, you should exclude the right to sell or mortgage the property.
Allowing someone to sell your property via PoA carries great risks.
Such a PoA must be registered and the powers that are being handed over must be clearly spelt out.
NRIs may also have to liaise with the Indian consulate in their country to authorise the PoA.
Usually, when you authorise your chartered accountant to file and submit tax returns, or to represent you before the tax authorities, the risks are not very high. These are professionals who act on your behalf for a fee.
They are unlikely to act in a way that harms your interests as doing so would jeopardise their future earnings from you.
One way to protect your interests is to engage a lawyer to double check the agreements that your agent enters into on your behalf and ensure that your interests are not jeopardised.
Also, include an indemnity clause in the agreements signed by your agent.
Finally, put in place a will so that your heirs' rights are protected.
In case of the principal's untimely death, there should be no uncertainty regarding whom his property and rights devolve to.
Once the legal heirs take control of the property, they should fully understand their responsibility to file tax returns on time and pay all the taxes that are due.
Archit Gupta is founder and CEO, ClearTax
Kindly note that the lead image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Lucas/Creative Commons
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday said she would discuss ways to promote women entrepreneurs and increase their participation in defence production and procurement during consultations with startups and industry chambers on December 4.
"We have finalised December 4 as the date when I will be working with chambers of commerce and the startups; a huge list has been made to ensure that I interact with them to see women's participation and how they help defence ministry's production and procurement process," she said.
The minister was participating in a panel discussion on opening opportunities for women entrepreneurs at the Global Entrepreneur Summit 2017. The session was moderated by chairman emeritus Cisco John Chambers and panelists include Ivanka Trump, daughter of and advisor to United States President Donald Trump.
Sitharaman said that Indian startups have made and are making big contribution to the defence industry both in India and abroad.
"We want to make sure that we leverage that opportunity ...and ensure that these startups are given equal playing opportunities when tenders are given out by the government asking for people to supply (goods and services)," she added.
The minister said that startups face problems as under the existing rules companies cannot take part in the tendering process unless they had been in relevant business for a specified number of years or have achieved certain amount of turnover.
The government, she said, was taking steps to remove such kind of rules which restricted the entry of startups in the tendering process.
"I feel that startups do have a very big opportunity ...(they can) enter the defence industry, help India to procure and also probably export," she said.
Speaking at the discussion, Trump said that the US government has been taking several steps to promote women entrepreneurship.
She said governments can help these budding entrepreneurs by creating friendly environment and enhancing access to credit.
Trump also asked people to provide mentorship as it was very critical for a startup.
'Now with many itchy-fingered ex-bosses being raked through the mud, their marriages ruined, their careers trashed, their finances hit, the inclination of many male hiring managers will be to hire fewer women,' believes Rajeev Srinivasan.
Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com
A virtual tsunami of accusations of sexual impropriety has come out in the US in the wake of the outing of Harvey Weinstein, a famous Hollywood producer and alleged serial sexual predator.
Every day yet another stalwart of industry or media or politics loses his job because of accusations about long-concealed acts.
Apparently, many women have been emboldened to come out with bitter tales of rape and molestation because they feel they will be taken seriously now, and also possibly because the man will suffer.
There is also, in parallel, the furore over the film Padmavati in India.
There is bitter irony in that many who unquestioningly support the American women are on the opposite with Rani Padmini: They ask whether she should have chosen suicide over the certainty of sex slavery, continuous gang-rape, and humiliation.
We know from the terrible tales told by escaped Yazidi women like Nadia Murad what sex slavery is like. The parallels are chilling: ISIS attacked Sinjar because they wanted to capture Yazidi women; Alauddin Khilji attacked Chittor because he wanted to capture Rani Padmini.
If you believe in the dignity of the individual and in freedom of choice you have to believe that a woman is entitled to choose about her own body.
Sadly, but not surprisingly, India's leftists have demonstrated that they, with their #MeToo hashtags, support the American woman of today, but do not grant the same right to the 13th-century Indian Rani.
I don't wish to equate the two instances, just to point out the wretched double standards of the dog-whistle virtue-signalers.
Of course, instances of men taking advantage of (often younger) women over whom they have power are legion in today's India as well as in the US.
Examples include the infamous Tarun Tejpal 'fingertips' episode, the story of unwanted attentions from Rajendra Pachauri as well as the many extra-curricular activities of Jawaharlal Nehru.
There have also been for years revelations of religious figures (especially from the church, as in #ChurchToo, but not only) involved in sexual harassment of women, as well as pedophilia.
There's also the remarkable case of Kerala movie star Dileep who allegedly issued a multi-crore rupee 'quotation' to have a young woman star sexually assaulted and video-taped, in an attempt to destroy her career and ruin her impending marriage, in revenge for her having revealed to his then wife that he was having an affair with his then girlfriend, now-wife.
Tales of men forcing their attentions on women are not uncommon in ithihasa either, although often said women managed to extract certain promises: See matysagandhi Satyavati and Shantanu.
In the Christian Bible, we have the aged King David 'ministered to' (whatever that means) by the young Abishag the Shunammite.
The work of sociobiologists like E O Wilson suggest that it is normal for males to want to spread their genes by impregnating as many women as possible, thus giving a pseudo-scientific justification to the ancient art of seduction, by force if need be.
There is also a related meme about the art produced by men. Claire Dederer wrote 'What Do We Do with the Art of Monstrous Men?' (external link)) in the Paris Review which suggests that men who are rapists and otherwise monsters to women should be ignored.
She has a list: Roman Polanski, Woody Allen, Bill Cosby, William Burroughs, Richard Wagner, Sid Vicious, V S Naipaul, John Galliano, Norman Mailer, Ezra Pound, Caravaggio, Floyd Mayweather, Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, Lead Belly, Miles Davis, Phil Spector...
Dederer launches into a long discussion on Polanski who raped a 13-year-old girl, but produced masterpieces like Rosemary's Baby and Chinatown.
But her ire is even more pointed towards Woody Allen, whom she calls the ur-monster, for sleeping with teenaged Soon-Yi, the adopted daughter of his partner Mia Farrow; and for the film Manhattan where his middle-aged character sleeps with the 17-year-old Mariel Hemingway. I can see her point: How could he?
But I couldn't agree with the idea that because a man is a creep, his writing or his art should be boycotted.
It is not that some of these great artists are monsters only to women; they are monsters to everybody, including their children and parents and everyone else they encounter.
It's not just artists, either, it is leaders, sportsmen, businessmen too: An alarming number of famous men. And incidentally, some women too.
It would be a little counter-productive, in a sort of American overkill political correctness -- those precious snowflakes who need 'safe spaces' on campus -- to boycott them all.
I also felt a little protective about Naipaul partly because I consider him one of the greatest writers in English in the last few decades. So far as I know, he was a needy and obnoxious husband to his first wife, but his current (incidentally Pakistani) wife seems reasonably content, so why he is lumped with rapists is not clear (although I don't how monstrous many in Dederer's list are, or indeed, who they are).
However, all things considered, the outing of these sexual predators has one ironic unintended consequence: It is mostly lefties who have been caught doing all the raping and groping and exhibitionism.
Just look at the men who have been fired or lost their jobs: So far as I can tell, the vast majority of them are the odious types who piss off other men by being oily, unctuous 'feminists'. Now we know they are also hypocrites.
For instance, Weinstein himself was seen as some uber-leftie Hollywood bleeding-heart for all the right feminist causes while harassing all those women.
Or take a look at the list of 70-odd sex-abusers that Raya Sarkar, a young lawyer, crowdsourced from Indian women. Almost all, to a man, lefties.
There are also some darker, unforeseen consequences: Blowback to the current outrage may get women turned away from jobs.
Earlier, when the Indian government in its wisdom imposed a mandatory 6-month paid maternity leave provision, that also gave businesses a reason to not hire women.
Now with many itchy-fingered ex-bosses being raked through the mud, their marriages ruined, their careers trashed, their finances hit, the inclination of many male hiring managers will be to hire fewer women.
Let me hasten to clarify that I am not saying therefore that sexual predators should not have been identified and punished: They should have been, and they should be.
It's simply easier for a male boss to say, 'Why bother with hiring women, and invite trouble'? Easier to deal with only men.
There might even be genuine office romances which go sour, and one party or the other may wreak vengeance. A vengeful woman may make accusations of rape, when sex was in fact consensual; there was a wave of this sort of accusation, if I remember right, in Rajasthan.
Draconian laws concocted by #SJW mean that the man is jailed immediately merely on the woman's word. It's like the 498b law about dowry that are used by wrathful, wily, women to jail innocent husbands and in-laws.
I repeat, none of this is to gainsay that real crimes take place. But we need to think: Why are those most loudly proclaim their feminism and leftist sympathies for the subaltern also the most likely sexual predators?
And this whole situation should not be become a witch-hunt in which the shrill and the militant hijack the genuine anger.
For, both men and women will be losers.
'The BJP will be wiped out in rural Gujarat.'
'In urban areas, its tally may come down from 55 of the 60 urban seats it won in 2012 to 35 to 40 seats this time.'
In what could perhaps be the first open admission of how untenable the coming together of the Dalits, OBCs and Patidars against the Bharatiya Janata Party will be if the BJP is trounced at the hustings, Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani says that despite these contradictions, Patidar leader Hardik Patel and he will together visit scheduled caste, scheduled tribe constituencies to campaign against the BJP.
Mevani, 34, a lawyer and social activist -- who will contest the Gujarat assembly election from the Vadagam (SC) seat in Banaskantha district as an Independent candidate -- tells Archis Mohan that Hardik Patel, Alpesh Thakor and he have challenged Prime Minister Narendra D Modi, BJP President Amit A Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani for a debate on the 'Gujarat model' of development.
Dalits, Patidars and Thakore communities have contradictions on the ground. Given that these communities have conflicting interests, how probable is it for these to united?
Six years back, a non-governmental organisation had surveyed 1,589 villages of Gujarat. It found 98 types of untouchabilities within the Dalit community itself.
For example, the Chamar community does not inter-dine with the Valmikis. But the Una incident unified all the Dalit sub-castes.
That incident drove over three dozen Dalits to commit suicide by consuming poison, so deep was the feeling in the community (In July 2016, Dalit men were stripped and beaten by a group of self-appointed 'gau rakshaks', that fueled a Dalit agitation across the state).
Our movement overcame internal contradictions and issues of identity.
Similarly, Dalits, Patidars and OBCs have come together as all consider themselves victims of the so-called Gujarat model of development.
I agree there are social, cultural and economic contradictions between the Dalits, Patidars and OBCs. But now the principal contradiction is with the BJP.
The BJP is our common enemy and that has united us.
I also agree that our contradictions would sooner or later surface.
It does look improbable that Surat's safai karmacharis and the city's traders would have similar demands.
In rural areas, there are contradictions between farmers and landless labourers. But at the current juncture, the discontent on the streets and markets of Gujarat is unprecedented.
Patidar and Dalit youth have disrupted nearly a dozen public meetings of Amit A Shah and Narendra D Modi.
An anganwadi worker stopped the PM's convoy and threw bangles at his vehicle. A BJP corporator in Vadodara was beaten up by local women.
This Gujarat government has not lived up to Modi's claim of 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas'. It is wedded to the interests of big money.
What is your assessment of the assembly election?
While it is always difficult to forecast an election result, there has been substantial consolidation of anti-BJP votes.
I believe the BJP would be wiped out in rural Gujarat.
It has tried to reach out to traders in urban areas by recent GST-related announcements. But in the urban areas as well, its seat tally might come down from 55 of the 60 urban seats it had won in 2012 to 35 to 40 seats this time.
I believe the BJP is unlikely to cross 80 seats (Gujarat has a 182 seat assembly).
However, I also believe a free and fair election is difficult. It has become a question of the BJP's prestige to win Gujarat. They would go to any extent.
If they lose Gujarat, they know they will lose India.
Their corporate backers, who have invested in the current BJP leadership, will also support them to the hilt.
So, are you campaigning for the Congress?
We are not campaigning for any party. We are appealing to the people to vote against the BJP, not vote for the Congress.
The BJP is different from most other political parties. I believe it is a fascist regime.
Unlike the others, the BJP wishes to amend the Constitution and thrust a 'Hindu Rashtra' on us.
Our movement has not shared the platform with any other political party, not even the Congress. We have our independent identity.
If any other party comes to power or contests 182 seats, we will question them where they stand on Dalit issues.
We have also asked Rahul Gandhi where he stands on Dalit issues.
We are not going to contest elections (this interview was conducted before Jignesh decided to contest). I have not demanded tickets for myself or my associates.
The next stage of our campaign is from November 26, Constitution Day, to December 6, Babasaheb's death anniversary.
We will visit assembly constituencies reserved for scheduled castes, and also some of those reserved for scheduled tribes. Hardik Patel will also join me.
The campaign will culminate with a public rally in Ahmedabad on December 6 where we expect in excess of 50,000 people to gather.
These will be landless labourers, farmers, Dalits, Patidars, all communities which feel they have been victims of the 'Gujarat model'.
Modi is expected to address several rallies across Gujarat. Wouldn't that change the narrative?
Modi has already addressed three rallies and visited Gujarat at least 10 times in the past few months. But his public rallies have not clicked.
The BJP's other planks, including 'vikas' have not clicked. Hardik Patel's purported sex CD has not clicked.
Now they are relying on the communal card.
We are telling people that they should ask BJP leaders about the price of diesel and petrol, not the Ram temple.
We have exposed the hoax that this 'Gujarat model' is.
I challenge Modi, Shah and Rupani to have a debate with Hardik, Alpesh and myself on the issue of development.
Where do you stand on the Patidar community's demand for reservations?
I do not have clarity on the issue. You would need to ask Constitutional experts on whether and how it can be done.
But there is a larger question to this issue.
Whether it's the Gujjars in Rajasthan, the Marathas in Maharashtra and the Patels in Gujarat, all of whom want reservation; and the Dalits and OBCs -- who already have reservation -- all of us need to ask the PM about the promise he made in 2014 of creating 20 million jobs a year.
We need to question the government on basic issues of roti, kapda aur makan, price rise and corruption, and not allow them to divert attention by some purported CD of Hardik.
What is your future political strategy?
Post Una, our movement has given a sense of empowerment to the Dalit community.
There is generally a feeling among Dalits that the 'manuwadi' (loosely the upper caste dominated) media doesn't give Dalit causes any space.
But ever since Una, our cause has found a resonance in the media and across the country.
The Dalit movement in Gujarat and our issues have been covered widely by the media. It has also been possible because we have an independent identity.
As for a future political strategy, I can only say that I would not be rigid.
I won't be politically stuck if only to remain ideologically pure.
I hope my politics remains dynamic, but not for any personal interest and always for the larger good.
Photographs: TOP: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi on the campaign trail in his home state Gujarat, November 27, 2017. Photograph: @narendramodi/Twitter
BOTTOM: Jignesh Mevani, right, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, November 3, 2017
On a day when the Supreme Court pulled up chief ministers for passing comments on the movie Padmavati, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said his government was not in favour of allowing the release until the filmmakers issued a clarification to end the controversy.
Kumar is the latest political leader to speak on the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film, which has been in the proverbial eye of the storm over allegations that it distorts history.
I am not in favour of the movies release until its producer, director and all those who are associated with it offer a clarification putting the controversy to rest, Kumar said.
He did not specify what clarification he was looking for.
His comment comes on a day the Supreme Court took strong exception to statements made by persons holding high offices against the film, saying the remarks were tantamount to pre-judging the movie which is yet to be certified by the Censor Board.
Bharatiya Janata Party governments in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat have either said that they will ban the film or demanded that objectionable content in it be removed.
The film has been facing the wrath of various Rajput groups and political leaders, who have accused Bhansali of distorting history. Many groups have been protesting amid rumours that there is a romantic dream sequence between Rajput queen Padmini and Allauddin Khilji. However, Bhansali has said in an appeal that there is no dream sequence and it is all a rumour.
Asked whether any instructions had been issued for a ban on the release of the movie in Bihar, Principal Secretary (Home) Amir Subhani earlier in the day said that they had received no such information.
As the chief minister spoke his mind on the controversial film, Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Neeraj Kumar Singh reached the Bihar assembly premises with photographs of Bhansali and Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan garlanded with shoes and slippers pasted on his vehicle.
Khan had said recently that Muslims never objected to Mughal-e-Azam though Anarkali was wrongly shown as Prince Salims beloved because the community was large hearted.
Singh told reporters that he was a Rajput and could not tolerate any insult to Rajput sentiment.
In the trailer of the movie, queen Padmini has been shown dancing, which is contrary to what history tells us about the legendary figure.
I would have no objections if they had changed the name of the character. Filmmakers can portray a fictitious character in whatever manner they wish. But they cannot be allowed to portray historical figures in a distorted manner, the BJP MLA said.
Singh also displayed a copy of a letter he wrote to Nitish Kumar, praying for a ban on the release of the film in the state.
Image: Members of Rajput community chant slogans as they protest against the release of the Bollywood movie Padmavati. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters
'Lord Rama is still in the same shape as he was before the disputed structure fell...'
Exuding confidence that a grand Ram temple will be constructed in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Tuesday, November 28, said it will fulfil the aspirations of Lord Rama's devotees.
Ayodhya, Maurya said, has never been a political issue, but a matter of faith.
"Every Ram bhakt wants to see that Lord Rama does not languish in a taat (makeshift tent), but resides in thaat (grandeur)," he said.
"Lord Rama is still in the same shape as he was before the disputed structure fell (when the Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992)... Every day he is worshipped as per traditions and rituals. But he is being worshipped under a taat," Maurya told Press Trust of India in an interview.
His remarks come days after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat made a strong pitch for building the Ram temple at the disputed site at Ayodhya, saying only the mandir would come up there and not any other structure.
"Daily court hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case will begin on December 5," Maurya said. "I am confident that after the hearing, the judgment will come soon."
"In place of tirpal (tent), a grand Ram temple will be built using stones on which carvings have been made by the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas," Maurya added.
"Since the matter is in court, as a government, we can say that till the time the court delivers its judgment or there is an agreement among the parties (in the case), the construction of the Ram temple cannot commence," Maurya said.
"However, the day the Supreme Court gives the judgment or an agreement is reached among the parties, construction work for the Ram temple will start without any delay," he said.
Asked about Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's initiative to find a solution to the Ayodhya dispute, Maurya said, "If there is any initiative by anyone, then from the government there is no opposition to it. Those who have started the initiative must be having a roadmap."
"But at the level of the government, we are waiting for agreement among the parties or a Supreme Court judgment. And we believe that it will be a favourable one," UP's deputy CM said.
"Our religious scriptures prove that Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama and not a symbol of faith for Muslims. When the Mughal invaders came here, they destroyed many temples in order to insult Hindus," Maurya said.
"For us, Ayodhya has never been a political issue and it will never be so in future. It is a matter of faith," Maurya said.
"It is the SP (the Samajwadi Party), the BSP (the Bahujan Samaj Party) and the Congress who link politics with matter of faith."
IMAGE: Actors dressed up as Rama, Sita and Lakshmana arrive by a helicopter decorated as the 'Pushpak Viman' during Deepotsav celebrations organised by the Uttar Pradesh government in Ayodhya in October. Photograph: Nand Kumar/PTI Photo
With the Gujarat polls less than two weeks away, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday raked up the issue of an old United States diplomatic cable which allegedly quoted Rahul Gandhi as saying that 'Hindu terror is a bigger threat' in India than the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Tayiba, and sought his explanation.
Addressing a press conference in Ahmedabad, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad referred to the cable which was leaked by the whistleblower website WikiLeaks and subsequently published in some newspapers in 2010.
Prasad said Gandhi should be 'ashamed of linking' Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was then the chief minister of Gujarat, when he spoke about 'polarising figures in the BJP' during his purported conversation with a US diplomat.
"In 2010, two years after the (26/11) Mumbai terror attack, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was on India tour. At the lunch organised for then prime minister Manmohan Singh, US Ambassador Timothy Roemer was sitting next to Rahul Gandhi and asked the Congress leader what he thinks about the LeT," Prasad said.
"In his response, Rahul told Roemer that forget LeT, it is the Hindu terror of this country which is a bigger threat. The US envoy Roemer sent this conversation as a cable to his country. Later, that cable was leaked and published by London-based The Guardian newspaper," the minister said.
Referring to the purported communication, Prasad said, the US envoy even wrote that the Congress 'general secretary' (Rahul Gandhi) was referring to the tensions created by some of the more polarising figures in the BJP such as Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi.
"This is the level of the Congress and Rahul. It was indeed shameful that he tried to link Modi with it. We demand an explanation from Rahul on this. He should be ashamed of himself as he thinks that LeT is less dangerous that Hindu saffron terror. And now, he is visiting temples in Gujarat," the BJP leader said.
Prasad's diatribe came a day after the prime minister accused the Congress vice president of applauding the release of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan, and asked why he hugged the Chinese ambassador during the Doklam standoff.
He also lashed out at the Congress over a joint statement issued by India and Pakistan in Sharm el-Sheikh in July 2009.
Prasad alleged that Manmohan Singh had accepted his Pakistani counterpart Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani's charge that India was interfering in Pakistan's restive Balochistan region.
"During the talks between both the PMs (in Sharm el-Sheikh), Pakistan had said that they are worried about Balochistan as India is interfering in it (the region). Surprisingly, Manmohan Singh accepted Pakistan's worry about Balochistan, which was also mentioned in the joint statement," the minister said.
Prasad said the instance of Manmohan Singh 'agreeing to Pakistan's concerns on Balochistan', at a time when the neighbouring country was spreading terror in Kashmir, amounted to 'bigger compromise with national interests'.
"On one side, Pakistan is spreading terror in PoK and Kashmir, while on the other side Indian PM (Singh) agrees to Pakistan's concerns in Balochistan and that too just a few months after the 26/11 attack. There cannot be any bigger compromise with nation's interests than this one," he added.
Commenting on former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah's challenge to the Centre to hoist the national flag at Lal Chowk in Srinagar before talking about unfurling it in PoK, Prasad said the tricolour is already flying high across the state.
"Abdullah had also said that PoK should be given to Pakistan...Our tricolour is already flying high in the state and Pak-sponsored terrorism is losing its ground," he said.
Responding to a query, Prasad said repealing Article 370 of the Constitution that gives autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir was indeed a part of the BJP's election manifesto.
He said the situation in Kashmir has been improving gradually during the last two years.
When asked about the statement of Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap following withdrawal of National Security Guard security to the Rashtriya Janata Dal supremo that he will get the prime minister 'skinned', Prasad said, Rahul Gandhi should also speak on this as RJD is an ally of the Congress.
Photograph: PTI Photo
The father of the Kerala woman, at the centre of the alleged love jihad case, on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court decision allowing her to continue her studies.
Asked about his stance on inter-religious marriages, Hadiya's father K M Ashokan said he believed in one religion and one god but could not have a terrorist in the family.
"Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after converting to Islam," Ashokan said.
"I cannot have a terrorist in the family," he added.
The Supreme Court on Monday freed Hadiya, 25, alleged to be a victim of 'love jihad', from the custody of her parents and sent her to college to pursue her studies, even as she pleaded that she should be allowed to go with her husband Shafin Jahan.
"I was sad that she had to undergo all these unpleasant experiences because of which her studies were interrupted. But now I am happy as the court has allowed her to study further," Ashokan told reporters.
He denied allegations that she had been kept under house arrest and added, "She was fully surrounded by police inside and outside the house."
Ashokan said he was not worried about her security in Salem, Tamil Nadu, as she was now under the protection and observation of the apex court.
"I accept the Supreme Court's decision. She is under the protection of the Supreme Court as it is monitoring the case and so I am not worried about her security," he said.
He also said he would go to Salem and meet her as and when necessary as the court had allowed him to do so.
"The court has not given anyone guardianship, including Shafin Jahan, of my child," Ashokan said, adding that only close relatives like him were allowed by the court.
Hadiya today left for Salem under the protection of Kerala Police and is expected to reach there by evening.
The apex court, which yesterday interacted with Hadiya for nearly half-an-hour in the courtroom against the wishes of her father who had sought an in-camera interaction, had directed the Kerala police to provide her security and ensure that she travels at the earliest to Salem to pursue her homoeopathy studies at the Sivaraj Medical College there.
Hadiya was in the custody of her parents for almost six months after the Kerala High Court had on May 29 anulled her 'nikah' with Shafin Jahan.
Hadiya, a Hindu by birth, had converted to Islam several months before her marriage.
Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed has filed a petition in the United Nations seeking the removal of his name from the list of designated terrorists on the ground that none of the allegations against him -- either related to terrorism or otherwise -- has been proved in the Pakistani courts.
The banned Jamaat-ud-Dawah head, who carries a $10 million (Rs 64 crore) bounty on his head for terror activities, walked free on Friday after the Pakistan government decided against detaining him further in any other case. He was under house arrest since January this year.
Lahore-based law firm -- Mirza and Mirza Law Associates -- has filed the petition on behalf of Saeed in the UN.
Supreme Court Advocate Navid Rasul Mirza, the owner of this law firm said that his law firm had recently filed the petition in the UN.
My law firm has filed the petition on Hafiz Saeeds behalf at the UN seeking removal of his name from its list of designated terrorists. My son Haider Rasul who is director of this firm is looking after this case, he said.
Saeed, who is accused of having masterminded the November 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, was placed on the terrorism black list by the United Nations under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008.
To a question about any progress in the case so far, Mirza said: We have just filed the petition.
Mirza was Additional Advocate General of Punjab Government (1993-1996) and Prosecutor General for the National Accountability Bureau, a government anti-graft body (2000-03).
This is the first time that Saeed has hired a law firm other than that of his permanent counsel Advocate A K Dogar.
In Pakistan, all cases of the JuD chief are being handled by Dogar. This firm to pursue his case in the UN has been hired in consultation with Dogar, a Jamaat-ud-Dawah office-bearer said.
The office-bearer said Saeed has decided to challenge the UNs decision on the basis of different court decisions since 2009 in which no allegation either related to terrorism or otherwise -- has been proved in the Pakistani courts.
He said the UNs decision to place Saeeds name on the list of terrorists had caused harm to his reputation as it appeared that this had been done on international pressure.
We have enough ground to fight our case in the UN. The UN should take up our petition and remove Hafiz Saeeds name from the designated terrorists list, he said.
Lashkar-e-Tayiba operations commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi was also placed on the terrorism black list along with Saeed.
According to the UNSCs sanctions committee, the LeT leaders were subject to the assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo, set out in Security Council resolution 1822.
The UNSC website says: Saeed is proscribed for being associated with LeT and Al Qaeda for participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts of activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf or in support of both entities.
India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to re-investigate the Mumbai terror attack case and also demanded trial of Saeed and Lakhvi in the light of evidence it had provided to Islamabad.
A Lahore high courts Judicial Review Board last week unanimously ordered Saeeds release after the Punjab government failed to provide any evidence related to terrorism or otherwise before it.
After his release, Saeed said the US, on Indias request, pressured Pakistan to detain him. I was detained on the pressure of the US on the Pakistani government. The US did so on the request of India, he claimed.
India had expressed outrage over the decision of the judicial board to release Saeed, calling it an attempt by Pakistan to mainstream proscribed terrorists and a reflection
of its continuing support to non-state actors.
The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the banned LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai terror attack in 2008.
Saeed was put under house arrest after the Mumbai attack in November 2008 but he was freed by a court in 2009.
Nine of the Mumbai attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was caught and executed after a trial.
IMAGE: Hafiz Saeed is showered with flower petals after he was released by the Pakistan government. Photograph: Mohsin Raza/Reuters
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked people holding public office to desist from reacting on the Deepika Padukone-starrer Bollywood flick Padmavati, saying such statements violated the rule of law and could prejudice the censor boards decision.
Politicians of all hues, including some chief ministers, have recently made public statements, mostly against the film based on the saga of the historic battle of 13th century between Maharaja Ratan Singh and his army of Mewar and Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi.
When a matter is pending for consideration before the Central Board of Film Certification, how can persons in public authority comment on whether the CBFC should issue certificate or not? It will prejudice the decision of CBFC, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said.
The bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, termed as misconceived and dismissed a fresh petition seeking an order to restrain Viacom 18, the maker of the film and others, from releasing it abroad.
It said when the courts were not making any observation keeping in mind that the CBFC has to perform its statutory duty, persons holding high offices should desist from making statements.
The bench asked the CBFC to take the decision on the certification of the movie with utmost objectivity.
In his plea, lawyer M L Sharma had also sought a direction to the Central Bureau of Investigation to register a case against director Sanjay Leela Bhansali and others for various offences including defamation and violation of the Cinematography Act.
The bench expressed shock at certain objectionable contents of the petition and termed them unwarranted and scurrilous and ordered their deletion.
The court said it was not imposing costs on the lawyer for filing such a petition as he was a practising lawyer of the apex court.
It took serious note of the statements made by politicians, holding high public offices, on the movie, saying these tantamounted to pre-judging the movie which is yet to be certified by the CBFC.
This is not done, the bench said, adding, One thing which we must say is that when the matter is pending and going to be dealt with by the CBFC, no one, who is holding public office, should be saying something which would tantamount to pre-judging and may prejudice the mind of CBFC.
It should be borne in mind that we all are governed by the Rule of Law, it said, adding that when persons holding responsible positions say certain things on the content of the movie, it violated the rule of law.
The bench asked Additional Solicitors General Maninder Singh and P S Narasimha to convey their views that such statements should not be made as they violated the principle of Rule of Law.
At the outset, senior advocates Harish Salve and Shyam Divan, appearing for the producers, informed the court that there was no intention to release the movie abroad on December 1, as alleged.
The petition had alleged that grave damage will be done to social harmony if the movie is allowed to be released outside India.
Earlier too, the apex court had dismissed his plea seeking deletion of certain alleged objectionable scenes from movie.
Viacom 18, the makers of the film, had said they have deferred the movies release which was originally slated for December 1.
Image: A security guard walks past a poster of the upcoming Bollywood movie Padmavati outside a theatre in Mumbai. Photograph: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters
In their first interview as a couple, the royal and his blushing bride-to-be reveal details about their romance, meeting of the families and that oh so important ring.
IMAGE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle met the press for an official photocall after their engagement was announced. The couple will wed in 2018. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Meghan Markle barely let Britains Prince Harry finish proposing.
It was a cozy night earlier this month at the couples Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace and the pair were roasting a chicken, the American actor said. Or trying to roast a chicken, Harry said, correcting her.
It was so sweet and natural and very romantic. He got down on one knee, she said.
As a matter of fact, I could barely let you finish proposing. I said, Can I say yes now?
IMAGE: The British prince and his American actress fiancee were all smiles and were beaming as they posed for the shutterbugs after their engagement was announced. Harry, in the interview with the BBC, also said that he couldn't wait to start a family with Meghan. Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
Much sought after details about Prince Harrys engagement to American actress Meghan Markle, best known for her role as Rachel Zane in Suits, were revealed during the couples first interview to BBC after their engagement was announced on Monday.
The couple revealed that they first met on a blind date after being set up by a female friend -- and have tried to see each other every two weeks.
Harry added: I fell in love with Meghan so incredibly quickly... All the stars were aligned -- everything was just perfect. It was this beautiful woman just sort of literally tripped and fell into my life - I fell into her life.
Four weeks after they met, Harry persuaded Markle to join him on a five-day break in Botswana. He said: We camped out with each other under the stars... which was absolutely fantastic.
IMAGE: The couple looked stylish as ever as they posed for the cameras. Meghan wore a white coat by Line the Label and wore minimal make-up. Harry looked dapper in a blue suit.
Photograph: Chris Jackson/Getty Images
During the interview, the couple was quite gigglish and candid too. Markle, who grew up in Los Angeles, said she didn't think of theirs as a "whirlwind" relationship.
Harry recalled his first impression: I was beautifully surprised when I walked into that room and saw her. There she was sitting there.
He thought, Im going to have to up my game.
Shortly after their first encounter, during which they shared their passions and the changes theyd like to effect in the world, they decided another date was in order.
What are we doing tomorrow? We should meet again, Markle recalled asking.
Prince Harry was about to head off to Africa, and Markle was busy filming Suits
We need to get the diaries out and find out how were going to make this work, Harry thought at the time.
Meeting the royal family
IMAGE: A person is seen reading the London Evening Standard with the news that Prince Harry has announced his engagement to Meghan Markle. Photograph: Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters
During the interview it was also revealed that Meghan has met the Queen a few times and has become quite popular with the Queens corgis.
Describing being introduced to the Queen, Harrys grandmother, Markle said: Its incredible, I think, you know, to be able to meet her through his lens, not just with his honour and respect for her as the monarch, but the love that he has for her as his grandmother.
All of those layers have been so important for me so that when I met her I had such a deep understanding and of course incredible respect for being able to have that time with her. And weve had a really shes, she's an incredible woman.
ALSO WATCH: Princess Diana would've been 'best friends' with Meghan: Prince Harry
Harry added: And the corgis took to you straight away. To which Markle replied: Thats true.
Harry joked: Ive spent the last 33 years being barked at - this one walks in, absolutely nothing. Markle, who has two dogs herself, said: Just laying on my feet during tea. It was very sweet.
Harry added: Just wagging tails - and I was just like, argh.
Markle said Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge had been wonderful to her, while Harry said both William and Kate had been amazing.
Its been nine years since the dastardly 26/11 terror attacks in Mumbai. More than 150 lives were lost when terrorists entered the countrys financial capital and laid siege to prominent locations, killing hundreds of innocents and scarring thousands of other lives forever.
The Global Terrorism Index 2017 released by the Australia-based Institute for Economics and Peace provides a comprehensive summary of the key global trends and patterns in terrorism over the last 17 years in covering the period from the beginning of 2000 to the end of 2016.
According to the report, this is the second consecutive year, deaths from terrorism declined.
Over the two years there was a decrease of 22 per cent compared to the peak of terror activity in 2014.
Terrorism deaths have fallen significantly in Syria, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria. However, Islamic State defied this positive trend with over 9,000 deaths, primarily in Iraq and increased activity in OECD countries.
Here's a map explaining how terrorism has affected the world in the past year
The map clearly shows Iraq, Afghanista, Nigeria, Syria, and Pakistan topping the list of countries most affected by terrorism in the past year. India ranks eight on the list.
FIVE MOST IMPACTED COUNTRIES
The above chart shows the top five countries most affected by terrorism in 2017. As one can see, Iraq tops the list with 9,765 fatalities from 2,965 incidents of terror. India, which ranks eighth on the list, had 340 fatalities from 929 incidents.
Here's more on the top five most affected countries.
Iraq On May 30, an ice cream parlor in Karrada district of Baghdad, Iraq was attacked by an Islamic State suicide bomber, killing at least 26 people. According to the report, more than 90 per cent of the deaths in terror attacks in Iraq have been committed by the Islamic State. Photograph: Thaier Al-Sudani Levels of terrorism in Iraq were very low prior to the 2003 invasion. The destabilisation of the country led to a steady rise in terrorism and for the last 13 years it has consistently been the country most impacted by terrorism.
In 2016, Iraq experienced its worst year with a 40 per cent increase in deaths. This increase resulted in 2,803 more deaths with a total of 9,765 people killed.
Afghanistan Afghan officials inspect outside the German embassy after a blast in Kabul, Afghanistan. On May 31, a truck bomb exploded near the diplomatic building, killing over 115 and injuring another 400 people. According to authorities, the blast, which took place inside one of the most heavily fortified areas, was planned by the Haqqani network. Photograph: Mohammad Ismail/Reuters Afghanistan had the second highest number of deaths from terrorism in 2016. However this was 14 per cent lower than the previous year in large part due to reduced terrorist activity by the Taliban. While this reduced number of deaths provides some optimism, it is the second highest number of deaths recorded from terrorism in Afghanistan since the 2002 US invasion.
Nigeria In Nigeria, the terror group, Boko Haram, has been responsible for majority of the attacks. Photograph: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters Nigeria saw the biggest decrease in deaths from terrorism in 2016. Deaths dropped by 63 per cent from 4,940 in 2015 to 1,832. This is a further decline from the peak in 2014 when over 7,500 people were killed. This significant decrease has coincided with successful military actions against various terrorist groups coupled with a decline in domestic support for these groups due to their coercive approaches to recruitment and the pillaging of villages.
Syria A bomb attack on a crowded bus convoy outside Aleppo in Syria claimed the lives of over 126 people on April 15. At least 80 of the fatalities were children. Photograph: Ammar Abdullah/Reuters -- Does the world care about these children? Terrorism in Syria is linked to the ongoing civil war which began in 2011. Prior to the conflict, Syria ranked 57 in the GTI and was better placed than the Netherlands. It now ranks fourth. This rapid deterioration highlights the devastating impact of the civil war.
Pakistan A man mourns the death of a relative who was killed in a suicide blast at the tomb of Sufi saint Syed Usman Marwandi, also known as the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in Pakistan's Sindh province on February 17. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters For the third consecutive year Pakistan has witnessed fewer terrorist attacks and deaths. In 2016, there were 956 deaths from terrorism; the lowest number in a decade. This is a 12 per cent decrease from the previous year and a 59 per cent decline from the peak in 2013. These improvements are notable as Pakistan has a long history of high levels of terrorism and this years result is the best in a decade.
India On July 10, terrorists killed seven Amarnath pilgrims, including six women, and injured 19 others as they struck at a bus in Kashmirs Anantnag district, in the worst attack on the annual pilgrimage since the year 2001. Photograph: Umar Ganie/ Rediff.com In 2016, India witnessed an increase of 18 per cent in the number of deaths resulting from terrorism when compared to 2015. However, this is still the third lowest number of people killed by terrorism since 2000.
From 2002 to 2015, India has been ranked between second and sixth on the GTI. In the last two years Indias ranking improved to eighth.
When it comes to India, the report states that despite the decrease in deaths over the last two years, the number of terrorist attacks have actually increased. There were 16 per cent more attacks in 2016 than in 2015 in continuing the four year trend of increasing attacks.
Below are the worst attacks in India since 2011 mapped.
As the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party battle it out for the Gujarat elections, scheduled to be held in two phases on December 9 and 15, Rediff Labs analyses which political leader has been making the most buzz.
The graph above shows the number of articles that mention the candidates in the months of October and November.
According to the data, Hardik Patel from the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti has been generating the most buzz.
For more data driven journalism, check out REDIFF LABS
Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters
There are indications that the Modi dispensation was disinclined to bring the VHP into the temple-mosque frame. Radhika Ramaseshan reports.
When Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living Foundation maker, initiated an effort to 'resolve' the Ayodhya tangle, he joined a line of past negotiators that included tantrik Chandraswami and Jayendra Saraswathi, pontiff of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.
There's a difference, though.
Chandraswami and the Kanchi Shankaracharya were directly engaged by former prime ministers Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, respectively, when the Ayodhya dispute became too much of a hot potato to hold.
It's unclear if the spiritual guru from Bengaluru was empowered by the Narendra Modi government to begin talks on Ayodhya with the Shia Waqf Board earlier this year and pursue the exercise with other stakeholders.
Narendra Modi on fringe elements June 2015: Some unfortunate comments (on ghar wapsi) have been made, which were totally uncalled for. Our Constitution guarantees religious freedom to every citizen and that is not negotiable. August 2016: I get so angry at those who are in the gau rakshak business. A gau bhakt (cow devotee) is different, gau seva (cow protection) is different. I have seen that some people commit all kinds of crimes at night and wear the garb of gau rakshaks by day. June 2017: Violence in the name of gau bhakti is antithetical to Mahatma Gandhis views. July 2017: Some anti-social elements have made cow protection a medium for spreading anarchy. People involved in disturbing harmony in the country are also taking advantage of it.
A well-placed government source denied 'overt' sanction, adding, "Such developments are welcomed by us because they blunt the disruptions caused by hardliners from both sides."
An indication that the Modi dispensation was disinclined to bring the Vishwa Hindu Parishad into the temple-mosque frame.
For fear that if it did, the latter's hotheads, lately turned to other faith-related causes like a ban on cow killing and conversions, might revert to Ayodhya, re-invigorated, and trigger an unwanted crisis.
That the dynamic governing the Bharatiya Janata Party-VHP equation was changing subtly but surely was evident when Sri Sri called on Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister, last week.
Adityanath's mentor, Avaidyanath, had helmed the Ram Janambhoomi Nyas or trust, created to oversee construction of the Ram temple on the site of the demolished Babri mosque.
Yogi participated in the temple movement as a youth and unfailingly attended every 'dharma sansad' or religious parliament the VHP convened, without being its member.
As a CM, his response on the tete-a-tete with Sri Sri was tactful but with a hint that his heart was resolutely with Hindutva proponents.
He was quoted welcoming 'efforts at any level' but took a swipe at 'one side' (read the Muslims) for 'running away from such discussion'.
Vinay Katiyar, the BJP MP known for militant advocacy of a Ram temple, said when Sri Sri met him, he 'bluntly' told him the Shia Waqf Board he was talking with had no locus standi in the Ayodhya legal cases.
"The real parties to speak to are the Sunni Waqf Board and the Babri Masjid Action Committee," said Katiyar.
He also quoted to Sri Sri the Allahabad high court ruling of October 2010 that the land which housed the mosque should be divided three ways, among the two Hindu litigants and the Sunni Waqf Board.
"I told him the board should relinquish its claim to end the problem," said Katiyar, former chief of the Bajrang Dal, the VHP's bellicose arm.
In the Modi regime, the Ayodhya developments were apparently pulling in three directions: Yogi's dual identity as a CM and a 'Hindutvawaadi', the VHPs unwillingness to stay in business and the PMs strategy to marginalise the VHP.
Champat Rai, its secretary general (international), said, "Today, he's not just a sadhu but the head of an important state," said Rai.
Swami Nritya Gopal Das of Ayodhya, who heads the Ram Janambhoomi Trust, was emphatic that the Modi government, Yogi and the VHP were one entity.
"We will never get a combination like this again. Modi's values are different from Vajpayee's. This is the most opportune time to build a temple," he said.
The PM might not share this exuberance.
As Gujarat chief minister, he'd sidelined the VHP and its feisty leader, Praveen Togadia, and demolished numerous wayside temples in Gandhinagar.
Before the 2014 election, he built another bridge with a Hindutva constituency, independent of the VHP.
He projected televangelist Baba Ramdev, Ramesh Ojha of Gujarat, and later Sri Sri.
Now, he is projecting Yogi as a Hindutva icon.
This month, his Mauritius counterpart, Pravin Jugnauth, personally requested Modi to send Yogi as chief guest for the islands Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas.
IMAGE: Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, right, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the latters official residence in Lucknow. Photograph: Courtesy @CMOfficeUP/Twitter
Was Shell complicit in murder?
Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 28 November 2017 Related Document(s) A Criminal Enterprise? Shell's Involvement in Human Rights Violations in Nigeria in the 1990s Cite as Amnesty International, Was Shell complicit in murder?, 28 November 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a1d39064.html [accessed 17 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Oil giant Shell has a case to answer for its role in human rights violations including murder, rape and torture committed by the Nigerian military government in the 1990s.
The victims were the Ogoni people, whose land has been devastated by pollution from Shell's operations. When the Ogonis organized in peaceful protest, the Nigerian government unleashed a campaign of appalling violence against them.
Despite a raft of evidence linking Shell with the government's actions, no company executive has ever been made to answer for its involvement.
The fact that Shell has never been held to account for this is an outrage, and one that sends a terrible message: if companies are rich and powerful enough, they can get away with anything.
So, for the first time, Amnesty International has brought together the available evidence to paint a damning picture of Shell's role.
From 1990 onwards, Shell knew that its requests for the security forces to intervene in the Niger Delta were likely to result in human rights violations.
In 1990, Shell requested the assistance of a paramilitary police unit to deal with peaceful protesters at one of its facilities in Umuechem. The police attacked the village with guns and grenades, killing 80 people and torching 595 houses.
Despite this atrocity, Shell went back to the Nigerian government for help in dealing with community protests. A clear pattern began to emerge: over and over again, Shell asked the government to intervene, and these requests were soon followed by violence and death. For example:
A Shell memo shows that on 18 March 1993, Shell staff "pleaded" with the governor of Rivers State for a military guard while its contractors laid a pipeline.
On 30 April, the army responded to community protests against the new pipeline by shooting and wounding 11 villagers at Biara village.
Days later, on 4 May, Shell again asked the governor for "assistance". That same day, troops opened fire on community protests at Nonwa village, killing one man. Once again, a direct request from Shell led to human rights violations.
Then, a memo from 11 May 1993 shows that Shell managers met senior government and security officials in Abuja "to mobilise support at top government levels". The head of the security service assured Shell that the Ogoni situation "would be over soon".
Two months later, the military incited and participated in a new wave of armed attacks on Ogonis.
Despite these violations, it was Shell's policy to provide security forces with logistical support.
A 1995 statement from Shell Nigeria's then-chair Brian Anderson explained that it was company policy at the time to provide the Nigerian government with logistical support - including the use of its boats, buses and helicopters.
Sometimes Shell's assistance directly facilitated human rights violations. For example, in October 1993 the company provided the army's transport to Korokoro village, when troops opened fire on protesters.
Shell had no qualms about repeatedly offering logistical support to security forces it knew were committing human rights violations.
Shell even paid money to a military unit responsible for violence.
In December 1993, shortly after a military coup, Shell wrote to the new military administrator of Rivers State, highlighting the economic consequences of protests and naming communities, including in Ogoniland, where protests had occurred.
One month later, the military administrator created the new Internal Security Task Force (ISTF), under the command of Major Paul Okuntimo.
The ISTF began carrying out human rights violations almost immediately. On 21 February 1994, soldiers under Major Okuntimo's command shot at thousands of people who were peacefully demonstrating outside Shell's main compound.
Then, on 3 March 1994, Shell paid Major Okuntimo and 25 of his men an "honorarium". An internal Shell memo explained that the payment was a "show of gratitude and motivation for a sustained favourable disposition towards [Shell] in future assignments".
Shortly afterwards, the ISTF began a campaign of brutal raids in Ogoniland - killing, raping and torturing villagers.
Shell knew all about these human rights violations.
Major Okuntimo boasted of these raids on television, and they were widely reported. In July that year, the Dutch ambassador told Shell that the army had killed some 800 Ogonis.
Shell also had insider knowledge. Company executives met regularly with top government officials, and discussed the government strategy for dealing with the Ogoni protests.
Shell raised the Ogoni and Ken Saro-Wiwa as a "problem".
The Ogoni crisis culminated in the executions of the "Ogoni Nine" by the Nigerian state. Among them was Ken Saro-Wiwa, a famous writer and leader of protests by the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP).
Evidence shows that, at the peak of the crackdown in Ogoniland, Shell provided encouragement and motivation to the military authorities to stop the MOSOP protests, and specifically named Ken Saro-Wiwa.
A memo describes how, at a meeting with President Sani Abacha on 30 April 1994, Brian Anderson raised "the problem of the Ogonis and Ken Saro-Wiwa".
Anderson reported that he came away from the meeting with the sense that Abacha "will intervene with either the military or the police."
Indeed, within a month Ken Saro-Wiwa and other MOSOP leaders had been arrested, unfairly accused of involvement in murder, and held without charge.
The men were tortured and ill-treated in detention, before being found guilty in a sham trial and executed on 10 November 1995. The detailed records show that Shell knew the trial would be unfair and Ken Saro-Wiwa found guilty; but there is no indication in the available evidence of Shell trying to persuade the Nigerian military government to follow a less violent path in Ogoniland.
Conclusion:
Shell's conduct amounts to encouraging, and, at times, facilitating the horrific crimes and abuses committed by the Nigerian security forces in Ogoniland in the mid-1990s. The company, knowing that violence against local communities was almost certain to occur, asked for the security forces to deal with community protests. Shell provided logistical support to the army and police, repeatedly underlined to the Nigerian government how the country was financially dependent on oil, and even paid money to the security forces.
Shell has always strongly denied these allegations. But the evidence paints a shocking picture of a corporation putting its interests above all else. The key question is: if Shell had not acted as it did, and had not pushed the Nigerian military and government, would so many people have been beaten, tortured, raped and killed?
Amnesty International is calling on the authorities in Nigeria, and Shell's home states, the Netherlands and the UK, to launch a criminal investigation into the company's role in the human rights violations committed by the Nigerian security forces.
Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International
Morocco: Protesters, activists and journalists detained over Rif protests must be released
Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 28 November 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Morocco: Protesters, activists and journalists detained over Rif protests must be released, 28 November 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a1d39ec4.html [accessed 17 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
The Moroccan authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Rif protest leader Nasser Zefzafi as well journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui and all others detained in connection with the Rif protests and for peacefully exercising their human rights, said Amnesty International.
"The crackdown on Rif protesters in recent months has been relentless. The authorities must free Nasser Zefzafi and others detained for protesting peacefully or covering demonstrations online. They are prisoners of conscience," said .
Since May, security forces have arrested hundreds of protesters, including children and several journalists over the largely peaceful protests. At least 410 people are currently detained, some of whom were arrested from their homes. Many have already been convicted, with some handed harsh prison terms of up to 20 years, while others, including minors, have been held for up to six months in pre-trial detention.
Protest leader Nasser Zefzafi has been detained for 176 days in prolonged solitary confinement, at the Ain Sbaa Local Prison, spending over 22 hours a day in individual cells with no meaningful human contact. Journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui has also been detained for several weeks in prolonged solitary confinement at the same prison. Prolonged solitary confinement, defined as for a period in excess of 15 days, violates the absolute prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
"Even though pre-trial detention should only be used as an exceptional measure and should never be used as punishment, the Casablanca court has refused release on bail for 50 of 54 defendants in the Rif trials." said Heba Morayef.
The Casablanca Court of Appeals is currently trying Nasser Zefzafi and fifty-three others in connection with the Rif protest movement, or Hirak in Arabic. Most charges brought against protest leader Nasser Zefzafi and his co-defendants are inconsistent with Morocco's human rights obligations since they criminalise the peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression.
Charges include unauthorized protest, rebellion, "plotting to undermine internal state security", undermining "citizens' loyalty to the Moroccan state and to the Moroccan people's institutions", "incitement against the kingdom's territorial unity" and "insulting" public officials and institutions. Those charged with state security offences could, if convicted, face up to 20 years in prison. Some even stand accused of attempted murder and are facing possible life sentences.
Protesters described torture and other ill-treatment, including heavy beatings, suffocation, stripping, rape threats and insults, inflicted by police upon arrest and during interrogation, sometimes to force them to "confess" to crimes. In July, the Minister of Justice announced investigations into at least 66 cases of suspected police torture or other ill-treatment of protesters in custody. Judges have also failed to exclude statements possibly extracted under torture as incriminating evidence against the defendants in their trials so far, in breach of Morocco's international anti-torture and fair trial obligations.
The prosecution has also accused Zefzafi of "inciting protesters to assault security forces" during their attempt to arrest him on 26 May. Amnesty International has closely examined the charge sheet and the evidence submitted by the prosecution against Zefzafi. The act in question, according to the prosecution, was when Zefzafi pointed his finger at security forces, calling them "repressive forces" and praying out loud "asking God almighty for [his] martyrdom". Such words and acts do not amount to incitement to violence but constitute peaceful free expression.
Moroccan courts have already convicted persons accused of direct involvement in occasional fringe clashes involving protesters throwing stones and Molotov cocktails, including on 26 March 2017 in Imzouren. In this case however, the prosecution accused most of the 54 defendants of generally "inciting", "participating" or being "complicit" in unrest without providing any evidence of their individual criminal responsibility with regards to any acts of violence.
The prosecution focused the defendants' legitimate calls for or involvement in the protests including chanting peaceful slogans or purchasing fabric for banners or renting chairs for public meetings, or posting content about the protests on social media. It also focused on Facebook posts and the use of Facebook Live broadcast by activists as "incitement" to protest, and arrested bloggers and journalists who covered the protests on online news sites and Facebook.
Activists Mohamed Jelloul, Nabil Ahamjik, Mohamed Majjaoui, Achraf El Yakhloufi, journalists Mohamed El Assrihi and Fouad Saidi, and others within the group of 54 defendants have been detained on charges such as "undermining internal state security", "incitement against the kingdom's territorial unity", "insulting" public officials and institutions and organising unauthorised protest, and must be immediately and unconditionally released.
The prosecution has also accused journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui of failing to alert the authorities about phonecalls he received from a man who claimed he planned to buy weapons and send them to Morocco to trigger a "war" in Al Hoceima, in the Rif. The journalist told the court he did not know the man or take him seriously. El Mahdaoui, an outspoken journalist, already convicted several times previously for denouncing abuses by officials, must be immediately and unconditionally released.
The prosecution has accused a minority of defendants of direct responsibility in specific acts of violence, including stone-throwing, arson and property damage. While Amnesty International has not been in a position to independently verify the evidence behind these claims, the court must guarantee the right to a fair trial for all defendants, including through the exclusion of statements elicited by torture, ill-treatment or coercion.
Activists continue to face arrests in the Rif region and authorities continue to impose protest bans, including recently on 28 October in the towns of Nador and Al Hoceima on the first anniversary of the death of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri. His fatal crushing in a garbage truck while attempting to recover confiscated swordfish had ignited protests that crystallized into the Hirak protest movement.
Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International
Israel/Palestine: UN Settlement Business Data Can Stem Abuse
Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 28 November 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Israel/Palestine: UN Settlement Business Data Can Stem Abuse, 28 November 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a1d3dd74.html [accessed 17 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Ongoing illegal Israeli settlement activity highlights the urgency of the publication of a United Nations database of businesses that have enabled or profited from settlements, Human Rights Watch said today.
The database will publicly identify businesses that contribute to rights abuses by operating in or with settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. In so doing, it will build pressure on businesses to stop doing business in and with settlements in order to meet their human rights responsibilities and for countries to respond to the Security Council's call in its Resolution 2334 to distinguish between Israeli territory and settlements in their dealings. In the year since the resolution passed with a 14-0 vote and a US abstention, Israeli authorities have accelerated settlement plans, passed a law legalizing the confiscation of private Palestinian land, and declared their intent to maintain settlements forever.
"Israel's brazen disregard of the 2016 Security Council resolution, passed without opposition, reaffirming the illegality of settlements makes it all the more urgent for corporations to avoid entanglement in rights abuses inherent in settlement activity," said Sarah Leah Whitson, executive director of the Middle East division of Human Rights Watch. "The database can contribute toward establishing an authoritative list of corporations currently engaged in such activity."
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has been compiling the database after the UN Human Rights Council voted in March 2016 to establish it in March 2017. The Human Rights Council accepted the high commissioner's request to defer its publication "for one time only" until "no later than the end of December 2017."
Settlements violate the laws of occupation. The Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits an occupying power from transferring its citizens into the territory it occupies and from transferring or displacing the population of an occupied territory within or outside the territory. Settlements also contribute to Israel's two-tiered discriminatory system in the occupied West Bank, restricting and stunting Palestinian development while subsidizing and supporting Israeli settlements built on land unlawfully seized from Palestinians.
Companies have a responsibility under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) to conduct due diligence and mitigate any harmful human rights impact of their activities. Business activity in settlements, by making it possible for Israel to build and sustain the settlements, contributes to serious violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law. Because abuses are inherent to the settlement enterprise, businesses do not have the ability to alleviate or mitigate them. Merely doing business with the settlements amounts to complicity in them.
Therefore, businesses have a responsibility to cease doing business in or with Israeli settlements, Human Rights Watch said. Prohibited conduct would include locating or carrying out activities inside settlements; financing, administering, or otherwise supporting settlements or settlement-related activities and infrastructure; and contracting to purchase settlement-manufactured goods or produce.
Countries also have obligations with regard to businesses in their territory or under their jurisdiction. The Fourth Geneva Convention requires states parties to ensure respect for the convention, barring them from providing aid or assistance to unlawful activities in occupied territories. The UN Guiding Principles call on countries to develop guidelines to ensure that businesses operating in conflict-affected areas, including in situations of military occupation such as the occupied Palestinian territories, respect human rights.
In March 2016, the UN Human Rights Council passed Resolution 31/36, which called for the Office of the High Commissioner to "produce a database of all business enterprises" that "directly and indirectly, enabled, facilitated and profited from the construction and growth of the settlements." It further called on states to take "appropriate measures to help to ensure that businesses domiciled in their territory and/or under their jurisdiction, including those owned or controlled by them, refrain from committing or contributing to gross human rights abuses of Palestinians."
The resolution called for the report to be submitted during the March 2017 session of the UN Human Rights Council. In February, the Human Rights Council accepted High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid al-Hussein's recommendation to defer the report "for one time only" and submit it "as soon as possible, but no later than the end of December 2017."
By evaluating the activities of businesses in Israeli settlements, the database, which will carry the imprimatur of the UN, will signal to businesses the abuses inherent in settlement activities and, in so doing, help companies avoid inadvertently doing business in or with settlement and build pressure on them to stop these activities to ensure compliance with international standards, Human Rights Watch said. This information will also provide states with the information needed to carry out measures to prevent and address corporate involvement in rights abuses.
The Human Rights Council resolution requests that the database be updated annually to reflect business practices as they evolve.
In November 2016, Human Rights Watch wrote to the high commissioner's office with recommendations for the kinds of business activities and institutions to be included in the database. Earlier in November, the International Corporate Accountability Roundtable (ICAR) and a coalition of other groups working on corporate social responsibility wrote to the high commissioner's office calling for "prompt release of the database."
"Settlement businesses unavoidably contribute to Israeli policies that dispossess and harshly discriminate against Palestinians, while profiting from Israel's theft of Palestinian land and other resources," Whitson said. "The database will build pressure on businesses to cease carrying out these activities and comply with their human rights responsibilities."
Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch
HRW Submission to EU on Bilateral Dialogue with Vietnam
Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 28 November 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, HRW Submission to EU on Bilateral Dialogue with Vietnam, 28 November 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a1d3e324.html [accessed 17 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
EU - Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue
Human Rights Watch Submission
November 2017
Human Rights Watch appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing preparations for the forthcoming EU-Vietnam human rights dialogue, scheduled to be held in Hanoi in December 2017.
Vietnam's human rights situation deteriorated significantly in 2017. The Communist Party of Vietnam continues to monopolize power and punish anyone who challenges its authority. All political rights including freedom of opinion, assembly, association and movement are restricted. Religious groups can only operate under government's management. The authorities use various means to curb political and rights activism, including physical and psychological harassment, police surveillance, extra-judicial house arrest, arbitrary prohibitions on travel abroad and the application of pressure on employers, landlords and family members of activists. Police often subject rights campaigners to lengthy, bullying interrogation sessions. Authorities arbitrarily detain critics incommunicado for long periods without access to legal counsel or family visits. Many are sentenced to long terms in prison for violating vague national security or other draconian laws. Police frequently torture suspects to elicit confessions and sometimes respond to public protests with excessive use of force.
Human Rights Watch recommends that the EU focuses on political prisoners and detainees and examines three key priority areas regarding the human rights situation in Vietnam: repression of freedom of speech, association, assembly and movement; repression of the right to freely practice religion; and police brutality.
Related Content
1. Political Prisoners and Detainees
Vietnam frequently uses vaguely worded and loosely interpreted provisions in its penal code and other laws to imprison peaceful political and religious dissidents. These include "activities aiming to overthrow the people's administration"; "undermining national unity policy"; "conducting propaganda against the State"; and "disrupting security." Vietnam also uses other articles in the penal code to target peaceful dissenters, including "abusing rights to democracy and freedom to infringe upon the interests of the State," "causing public disorder," and charges such as tax evasion.
In June 2017, the Vietnamese National Assembly passed revisions to the penal code that will come into effect on January 1, 2018. Instead of repealing articles contrary to human rights standards, lawmakers introduced even harsher provisions, such as adding a new punishment to several of these articles that state "the person who takes actions in preparation of committing" a so-called crime such as conducting propaganda against the state "shall be subject to between one and five years of imprisonment." The revised penal code also holds lawyers criminally responsible for not reporting clients to the authorities for a number of crimes including national security violations.
During 2017, the authorities arrested at least 22 rights bloggers and activists including former political prisoners Nguyen Bac Truyen, Truong Minh Duc, Nguyen Van Tuc, Nguyen Trung Ton, and Pham Van Troi for alleged national security-related violations. Rights campaigners Nguyen Van Dai and his colleague Le Thu Ha were detained since the EU-Vietnam Human Rights Dialogue in Hanoi in December 2015 without trial.
In October 2017, Human Rights Watch established a new web page highlighting the cases of 15 of 105 people imprisoned for exercising their political or religious rights. The most recent convictions are of blogger Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh (also known as Mother Mushroom), sentenced to 10 years in prison in June; labor activist Tran Thi Nga to nine years in July; Nguyen Van Oai to five years in September; and Phan Kim Khanh to six years in October.
Recommendations
The EU should call on the Vietnamese government to:
Immediately release all political prisoners and detainees, including those imprisoned or detained for exercising their rights to free expression, assembly, movement, or political or religious association and cease arresting and detaining others for such actions.
Amend or repeal provisions in the penal code and other laws that criminalize peaceful dissent on the basis of imprecisely defined "national security" crimes.
As an immediate confidence-building measure, allow access to prisoners and detainees by families, legal counsel, and outside observers from the EU and international humanitarian and human rights groups.
The EU should also call for the immediate release of political prisoners or detainees who have health problems so that they can receive proper medical treatment. Some of the most urgent cases for immediate release are land rights campaigner Tran Thi Thuy, pro-democracy activist Ho Duc Hoa, and religious activist Ngo Hao.
2. Repression of Freedom of Speech, Association, Assembly and Movement
Vietnam continues to suppress peaceful dissidents and activists and punishes them for forming organizations that the government views as hostile to its interests. The government bans all political parties, unions, and human rights organizations that are independent of the communist party.
Physical assaults against rights bloggers and campaigners continued to occur frequently. In June 2017, Human Rights Watch published a report, "No Country for Human Rights Activists: Assaults on Bloggers and Democracy Campaigners in Vietnam," highlighting 36 incidents in which unknown men in civilian clothes beat rights campaigners and bloggers between January 2015 and April 2017, often resulting in serious injuries. Many victims reported that beatings occurred in the presence of uniformed police who did nothing to intervene.
Domestic restriction of movement is used to prevent bloggers and activists from participating in public events such as pro-environment protests, human rights discussions, or attending trials of fellow activists. In February, Father Phan Van Loi was prevented from leaving his house to attend a religious ceremony. In May, prominent activists Pham Doan Trang, Nguyen Quang A and Nguyen Dan Que were prevented from leaving their house to meet foreign diplomats.
Police also prevent rights campaigners from traveling abroad, sometimes citing vague national security reasons. Former political prisoner Pham Thanh Nghien was prohibited from leaving the country for a personal trip to Thailand in January. In April, Vu Minh Khanh was prohibited from leaving Vietnam for Germany where she was going to receive the Human Rights Award 2017 of German Association of Judges on behalf of her husband Nguyen Van Dai. In June, police prohibited former political prisoner Do Thi Minh Hanh to leave for Austria to visit her ill mother. In May, police prevented Polish-Vietnamese activists Phan Chau Thanh at Tan Son Nhat from entering Vietnam. In June, the authorities stripped former political prisoner Pham Minh Hoang of his Vietnamese citizenship and deported him to France.
Recommendations
EU should call on the Vietnamese government to:
Bring press laws into compliance with article 19 of the ICCPR.
Allow the publication of uncensored, independent, privately-run newspapers and magazines.
Remove filtering, surveillance, and other restrictions on internet usage and release people imprisoned for peaceful dissemination of their views over the internet.
Bring legislation regulating public gatherings and demonstrations into conformity with the rights of free assembly and association in articles 21 and 22 of the ICCPR.
Address rural grievances about land rights and local corruption without resorting to excessive use of force or other human rights violations by strengthening the legal system and the independence of the judiciary, and making legal services available to the rural poor.
Permit individuals the right to associate freely and peacefully with others of similar views regardless of whether those views run counter to the political or ideological views approved by the Communist Party and state.
Immediately and unconditionally release all persons detained for peaceful activities to promote the rights of workers to freely associate, including the right to form and join trade unions of their own choice; to peacefully assemble to protect and advance their rights; and to exercise their right to freedom of expression on behalf of workers and their concerns.
Immediately recognize independent labor unions.
Ratify ILO Conventions No. 87 (Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize) and No. 98 (Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining).
Immediately end government-sponsored vigilantism.
Immediately end restriction of movement of rights bloggers and activists, both within, to and from Vietnam.
3. Repression of the Rights to Freely Practice Religion
The government restricts religious practice through legislation, registration requirements, harassment, and surveillance. Religious groups are required to gain approval from and register with the government as well as operate under government-controlled management boards. While authorities allow many government-affiliated churches and pagodas to hold worship services, they ban religious activities they arbitrarily deem contrary to the "national interest," "public order," or "national great unity." Authorities frequently interfere with the religious activities of unrecognized branches of the Cao Dai church, the Hoa Hao Buddhist church, independent Protestant and Catholic house churches in the central highlands and elsewhere, Khmer Krom Buddhist temples, and the Unified Buddhist Church of Vietnam.
Montagnards are subjected to constant surveillance and other forms of intimidation, arbitrary arrest, and mistreatment in security force custody. In detention, the authorities question them about their religious and political activities and possible plans to flee Vietnam. Over the past years, hundreds have fled to Cambodia and other parts of Southeast Asia. The Vietnamese authorities have responded to the flight of Montagnards into Cambodia by pressuring Cambodian authorities to prevent border crossings and deny those who do cross the right to seek asylum. Cambodian authorities, in turn, refused to register more than a handful as asylum seekers.
In 2017, the People's Court of Gia Lai province convicted at least five Montagnards, including Ro Ma Daih, Puih Bop, Ksor Kam, Ro Lan Kly and Dinh Nong, for participating in independent religious groups not approved by the government. They were charged with article 87 and sentenced to between eight and 10 years in prison.
Another common form of harassment against independent religious groups employed by the authorities is forced denunciation of faith and public criticism. In March 2017, seven Montagnards who participated in the outlawed Dega Protestant religious group were put on public criticism in a meeting attended by hundreds of villagers of Ia Ake commune, Phu Thien district, Gia Lai province.
Recommendations
The EU should call on the Vietnamese government to:
Allow all independent religious organizations to freely conduct religious activities and govern themselves. Churches and denominations that do not choose to join one of the officially authorized religious organizations with government-sanctioned boards should be allowed to operate independently.
End harassment, arrests, prosecutions, imprisonment, and ill-treatment of people because they are followers of disfavored religions, and release anyone currently being held for peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of religion, belief, expression, assembly and association.
Cease all measures to prevent Montagnards and other Vietnamese citizens from leaving the country and do not punish those who return.
Ensure all domestic legislation addressing religious affairs is brought into conformity with international human rights law, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which Vietnam and EU member states are parties. Amend provisions in domestic law that impinge on freedom of religion and belief, expression, association, or peaceful assembly in violation of the ICCPR.
Permit outside observers, including United Nation agencies, nongovernmental organizations concerned with human rights, and foreign diplomats, unhindered and unaccompanied access to the Central Highlands, including specifically to communes and villages from which Montagnards have recently departed to seek asylum abroad. Ensure there is no retribution or retaliation whatsoever against anyone who speaks to or otherwise communicates with such outside observers.
4. Police Brutality
Police throughout Vietnam have been abusing people in their custody, in some cases leading to death. In many of these cases, those killed were being held for minor infractions. A number of survivors said they were beaten to extract confessions, sometimes for crimes they maintained they did not commit. Although the government promised improvements after Human Rights Watch published its findings of police brutality, it appears that officers who have committed serious, even lethal, transgressions have only rarely faced the serious consequences the law requires.
In May 2017, police in Vinh Long arrested Nguyen Huu Tan for allegedly conducting propaganda against the state. After his arrest, the police informed his family that he committed suicide by using a knife to cut his own throat. He allegedly found that knife in the bag of an investigator who left the room momentarily. His family protested the cause of death, pointing out many discrepancies between what they saw on Nguyen Huu Tan's body and a blurry police video recording.
In August, Tran Anh Doanh reported that the police of Son Tay town (Hanoi) arrested him for suspected theft. During several hours of detention, the police allegedly beat him severely and forced him to admit guilt. In September, Vo Tan Minh who was arrested in April 2017 for possessing a small amount of heroin, died in the custody of the police of Phan Rang-Thap Cham (Ninh Thuan province). According to his family, there were bruises on his back, legs, and arms. The police initially alleged that Vo Tan Minh was involved in a fight, but later suspended five police officers and opened a case of "using corporal punishment."
Recommendations
The EU should:
Express strong concern to Vietnamese officials about police abuse, emphasizing that it violates both Vietnamese and international law, that perpetrators should be punished, and that victims should receive remedy and compensation.
Urge the government of Vietnam to establish effective accountability mechanisms. For instance, Vietnam should establish an independent police complaints commission to accept complaints from the public and to provide oversight over the "internal affairs" or "professional responsibility" unit of the police. The commission should be a statutory body with the legal authority to bring prosecutions or impose discipline if the internal affairs or professional responsibility unit fails to do so in cases in which credible allegations have been made.
Press the government to amend the Criminal Procedure Code to facilitate the presence of lawyers or legal counsel immediately after arrest or detention so that:
Lawyers or legal counsel only need to present their identity card and a certified copy of their license to meet their clients. Lawyers or legal counsel may meet their clients in private and for as long as necessary. Lawyers or legal counsel may be present at all interrogation sessions between police and detainees.
Copyright notice: Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Disclaimer
This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
'No preconditions' accepted from Syrian parties, UN envoy says ahead of Geneva talks
Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 27 November 2017 Related Document(s) Security Council resolution 2254 (2015) [on the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic] Cite as UN News Service, 'No preconditions' accepted from Syrian parties, UN envoy says ahead of Geneva talks , 27 November 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a1d87a24.html [accessed 17 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Ahead of fresh intra-Syrian talks on Tuesday in Geneva, the United Nations mediator said Monday that the crisis now has the potential to move towards "a genuine political process."
"International players are clearly looking for some common ground based on the implementation of Security Council resolution 2254 (2015), and are urging Syrians to begin to find some common ground too," UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura told a Security Council meeting in New York via video link from Geneva.
As mandated by resolution 2254, the talks focus on governance, a schedule and process to draft a new constitution and the holding of elections as the basis for a Syrian-led, Syrian-owned process to end the conflict.
Mr. de Mistura said that in preparing for the eighth round of intra-Syrian talks, he called for "real" diplomacy, with his messages focused on several points, such as that the Government and a united opposition should engage in negotiations in Geneva without any preconditions and that all other initiatives should support this UN mediation process.
He noted that some important meetings have recently taken place in Viet Nam's DaNang, Russia's Sochi, and Saudi Arabia's Riyadh that might help the Geneva process.
In DaNang, Russian President Vladimir Putin and United States President Donald Trump affirmed that the political process "must include full implementation of Council resolution 2254.
In Sochi, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed, after meeting President Putin, his intention to "talk with anyone who is really interested in a political settlement."
Mr. de Mistura, however, noted the Government has not yet confirmed its participation in the new round of the UN-facilitated Geneva talks.
In Riyadh, an expanded opposition conference was convened last week, with all three groups mentioned in resolution 2254 present. The Syrian Negotiations Commission formed in Riyadh is travelling to Geneva.
United support of international community and Security Council vital for progress
"Assuming that both parties arrive in Geneva, we will be looking to move them into beginning serious discussions and hopefully negotiations. Let me make one thing clear: we will not accept any preconditions from either party," he said.
He also stressed that more than 200 civil society actors will be engaged in the UN-led political process in Geneva over the next weeks.
He said he is invited to participate in a preparatory meeting on Tuesday that France organized to bring together representatives of the five permanent members of the Security Council - China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States - in Geneva.
As for a large gathering on Syria in the near future that Russia is planning, Mr. de Mistrua said it is premature for him to say anything about that initiative.
"I will continue to view this proposal and all other initiatives through the same prism: does it contribute to effective UN-led intra-Syrian negotiations in Geneva to implement resolution 2254," he said.
Syria has been at war for the last six years. Half of its population have fled their homes, and, according to the UN's relief wing, some 13 million people require humanitarian aid, including nearly three million trapped in besieged and hard-to-reach areas. Reconstruction will cost at least $250 billion.
"We see the emergence of international consensus, and we must begin to stitch the process into concrete results, enabling Syrians to determine their own future freely," Mr. de Mistura said. "The united support of the international community, centred on this Council, will be vital if negotiations are to move forward in a concrete way."
Yemen's Sana'a airport opens after blockade; UNICEF says vaccine delivery 'cannot be a one-off'
Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 27 November 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Yemen's Sana'a airport opens after blockade; UNICEF says vaccine delivery 'cannot be a one-off', 27 November 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a1d88074.html [accessed 17 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Monday warned that more than 11 million Yemeni children - almost every single Yemeni boy and girl - are in acute need of humanitarian assistance, despite the successful delivery of 1.9 million doses of vaccines to Sana'a airport on Sunday.
"Yesterday's success cannot be a one-off," Geert Cappalaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa said Sunday at a press briefing in Amman, Jordan, welcoming the reopening of Sana'a airport, which enabled the agency's first humanitarian delivery in three weeks.
Vaccines are urgently needed for a planned campaign to vaccinate 600,000 children across Yemen against diphtheria, meningitis, whooping cough, pneumonia and tuberculosis.
"Today, it is fair to say that Yemen is one of the worst places on earth to be a child," he said. "The reason behind this is very straightforward: decades of conflict, decades also of chronic underdevelopment."
Today it is estimated that every 10 minutes a child in Yemen is dying from preventable diseases, he added, noting that the outbreak of acute watery diarrhea and cholera this year is not a surprise, because the water and sanitation system throughout the country is almost entirely devastated and the health system is on its knees.
"The war in Yemen is sadly a war on children," he said, calling on all parties to the conflict to stop fighting.
Nearly 5,000 children have been killed or seriously injured over the last two and a half years alone, thousands of schools and health facilities have been damaged or completely destroyed, and two million children suffer acute malnutrition.
Unfortunately, the vaccines stocks, despite the 1.9 million that UNICEF delivered on Sunday, are running out, Mr. Cappalaere said, calling for more vaccines to be delivered.
He also stressed the urgent need for affordable fuel, as pumping water requires using generators in the absence of a national power grid.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that following the announcement on 22 November by the Saudi-led coalition that Sana'a airport and Al Hudaydah seaport will be reopened for humanitarian and relief efforts, the UN submitted notification of humanitarian movements and static locations to the coalition to resume the transport of aid personnel and humanitarian cargo to northern parts of Yemen.
Almost three weeks after the blockade was imposed, essential commodities like food, fuel, safe water and medical supplies have started running low in the country or have seen their prices skyrocket.
There continues to be a grave risk of further death, disease and starvation. On 20 November, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FewsNet) warned that should the blockade continue, many areas of Yemen are likely to experience famine within three to four months, said OCHA.
UNESCO chief calls for investigation into killing of Nigerian photographer
Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 28 November 2017 Cite as UN News Service, UNESCO chief calls for investigation into killing of Nigerian photographer, 28 November 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a1d884f4.html [accessed 17 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
The head of the United Nations agency defending press freedom on Tuesday denounced the killing of a Nigerian photographer, calling for an investigation into the incident.
I condemn the killing of Ikechukwu Onubogu, said Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in a press release.
The photographer's body was found in Obosi town in the state of Anambras on 15 November. Neither his family nor his colleagues at Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) had seen or heard from Ikechukwu Onubogu since he had left home in the afternoon of 12 November.
The perpetrators of this crime must be brought to justice in order to preserve freedom of expression, enshrined in both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, Ms. Azoulay said.
Governments must also protect journalists so as to prevent bloodshed from depriving the public of its right to access information, she added.
UNESCO Director-General issues statements on violations of press freedoms and condemning the killing of media workers.
Members of the legislatures Insurance and Real Estate Committee plan to go ahead with a hearing scheduled for Tuesday regarding the contract dispute between Wallingford-based Anthem Bue Cross-Blue Shield and Hartford Healthcare, though the two sides reached an agreement on Nov. 18.
The previous three-year contract had expired on October 1, as Anthem and Hartford Healthcare battled over increases in the level of reimbursements that the insurer would provide for patients treatment. During the month-and-half long dispute, between 40,000 and 60,000 Hartford Healthcare patients who have Anthem insurance coverage were forced to pay higher out-of-network rates.
The hearing is set to begin at 10 a.m. in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building, according to state Rep. Sean Scanlon, D-Guilford, who is House chairman of the legislative committee. Plans for a hearing were scheduled before the agreement was reached between the insurer and the healthcare provider, which operates Hartford Hospital and Midstate Medical Center in Meriden.
The first two hours of the hearing will feature testimony from representatives of the insurance company and the healthcare provider, as well as state Comptroller Kevin Lembo and Connecticut's Healthcare Advocate Ted Doolittle. The public will be able to give testimony starting at noon, Scanlon said.
"While I'm glad that the two sides were finally able to reach a deal, their inability to reach one for seven weeks negatively impacted thousands of Connecticut families, Scanlon said . I think we owe it to the citizens of this state to find out what happened and how we can avoid prolonged disputes like this in the future. Its a little early to talk about some kind of legislative fix at this point; we first have to find out why this happened.
Scanlon said his office has heard from people with truly unsettling stories whose lives were impacted by this dispute.
Yale-New Haven (Health System) has negotiations coming up with Anthem next year, he said. I dont want to see what happened in central and eastern Connecticut, where Hartford Healthcare is the dominant player, happen here in our neck of the woods.
Scanlon said he hopes anyone whose health care suffered as a result of te dispute should attend the hearing or e-mail testimony to instestimony@cga.ct.gov.
Shawn Mawhiney, a spokesman for Hartford Healthcare, said the provider will be represented by Dr. James P. Cardon, the organizations chief clinical integration officer and chief executive officer of Integrated Care Partners. Hartford Healthcare-employed physicians as well as private-practice physicians are represented by Integrated Care Partners.
Dr. Cardon was part of the negotiating team, Mawhiney said Monday. I think it is more appropriate that we let the hearing play out than comment at this point.
An Anthem Blue Cross spokeswoman was not immediately available for comment on what representatives of the insurance company might tell committee members.
luther.turmelle@hearstmediact.com
It's no surprise that a place nicknamed "Sin City" would land at number one on a list of the most sinful cities in the U.S. What's less obvious are the Connecticut cities that also got a spot on the list.
Financial site WalletHub analyzed 182 cities to determine the most sinful cities in the country and New Haven and Bridgeport made the cutalbeit not too high in the rankings. New Haven came in at 101 out of 182 and Bridgeport at 157.
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One speaker called her an educational warrior.
Another said Sauda Baraka was a calming spirit on an often volatile school board.
For nearly an hour during the public speaking portion of Mondays school board meeting, Baraka was showered with tributes and bouquets on what would be her last as a city school board member. She did not run for re-election.
Fittingly, the meeting took place at the Geraldine Claytor Magnet Academy, a school Baraka helped shape into being.
She kept the wheels on the bus when it got down to the nitty-gritty, said Ron Rapice, a teacher and member of the school building committee. The school that opened less than a year ago on the footprint of the former Longfellow School.
Focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math or STEAM the school is named after Geraldine Claytor, a school aide and volunteer who championed the rebuilding effort until her untimely death. Baraka picked up where Claytor, her friend, had left off.
Howard Gardner, a fellow departing board member, called it visionary for Baraka to push to rename the school after Claytor, an ordinary person who performed extraordinary service to the district.
Baraka called working with West End families to open a school that promised academic rigor, one of the highlights of a tenure that began in 2005.
Her service was interrupted for a year when the school board was taken over by the state a move ultimately ruled illegal by the State Supreme Court.
She created and led a Males of Color Ad Hoc Committee of the board that works to improve educational outcomes for the districts minority male students. She is also credited with pushing to make the school district only the second in the nation to require African American studies as a graduation requirement.
You taught us politics, integrity and character can reside in the same house, Melissa Jenkins, director of literacy, told Baraka.
Others thanked Baraka for helping them navigate through the system when they had problems with the district. A mother of five, Baraka once served as board chair and finished up her tenure as vice chair of the board and chair of the facilities meeting.
We need to continue the fight for new facilities, Baraka told the board while giving her last facilities committee report Monday. There are a number of projects we need to get done, including Bassick and the Nutrition Center.
Baraka later said she was humbled by the many expressions of love shared by individuals she has come to love and respect.
I am eternally honored that they had faith in me to represent them on behalf of their children, said Baraka.
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BRIDGEPORT - City Democratic Chairman Mario Testa was a no-show in court Monday as a police officer testified he was ordered to assist Testa and his hand-picked candidate for city council to collect absentee ballots for the special primary.
Testas named echoed through the Main Street courtroom but there was no response as he was called to the witness stand before Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis.
The judge appeared perplexed as the hearings second scheduled witness, council candidate Michael DeFilippo, also failed to respond to his call to the stand.
Robert Golger, the lawyer for both Testa and DeFilippo, told the judge that while both men had voluntarily come to court for the hearing on Friday, they would not attend again without a subpoena or court order.
Are you telling me now that you are not producing Mr. Testa without a subpoena? the judge asked.
Im not going to produce him without a subpoena, Golger responded.
Is he here? the judge asked.
He is in the vicinity, Golger said.
Robert Keeley, who lost a primary for the second time for the seat in the 133rd district against the Democratic Party-endorsed candidates, is again seeking to have the judge overturn the results.
He succeeded last month when Bellis ordered a new primary and continued the election for the district seat to Dec. 12. Keeley had lost that primary by a single vote which turned out to be in an absentee ballot that turned up during a recount.
During the second primary on Nov. 14, Keeley lost by 18 votes.
Keeleys lawyer, M. Leonard Caine III, later said the failure of Testa and DeFilippo to come to court Monday raises many questions. He said he is going to look at other means to get them in court.
I want to look at other aspects of the law, he said.
The third witness on the list was very willing to testify.
Officer Paul Nikola said he was on patrol Nov. 13, when he was dispatched to the office of Police Chief Armando Perez.
He (Perez) said Mario Testa needed someone to pick up absentee ballots, Nikola said.
Nikola, a 30-year veteran of the police force, said he was surprised at the request since he had never collected absentee ballots before.
Besides, another officer had already been assigned to the town clerks office to pick up absentee ballots from voters unable to bring them in themselves.
I met him (Testa) at his pizza parlor and he introduced me to Mike, one of his workers who was putting together a list (of the absentee ballots). I gave him my phone number and he (Testa) said he was going to call me with the list, Nikola testified.
I came to learn that Mike was Michael DeFilippo, he added.
Nikola said he then drove around the citys North End in his police car as he was texted addresses to go to get absentee ballots. He said it was his impression that a majority of the addresses he was going to were of elderly or disabled people but acknowledged under questioning by Caine that one of the ballots was of a voter born in 1997 and another in 1981. On Alice Street he was told to take the ballot from the mailbox.
Local lawyer Maximino Medina Jr., who had been appointed to monitor the primary by the judge, testified that on the morning of Nov. 14, he went to the mail room at City Hall where some absentee ballots had been delivered. He said the supervisor of the mail room, Jack McDowell, told him he had brought the bundle of 15 ballots over from the post officer but 12 did not have post marks.
I asked Mr. McDowell if that was unusual and he said no, but he couldnt show me an example of it, Medina said.
Residents of the Northbridge Health Care Center on Main Street get to vote in elections though a mandated program called supervised balloting in which employees of the citys Registrar of Voters process their ballots at the center.
Democratic Registrar of Voters Santa Ayala testified at the hearing Monday that Northbridge residents often vote this way.
But on the day of the special primary not one vote was cast at Northbridge.
Voters refused to cast their ballots, Ayala testified. They were confused.
But Medina testified that he went to the convalescent home on the day of the special primary and no one there appeared to know the voting was taking place.
Testimony in the hearing is to continue Tuesday afternoon.
BARKHAMSTED While area churches are preparing for Advent and the coming Christmas season, the First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted will hold its Sunday services at 10 a.m. at the Barkhamsted Community Center located next to the Town Garage at Barkhamsted, 33 New Hartford Road, Pleasant Valley. There is ample parking off Rte. 44. A traditional coffee hour follows the church service. For information, visit www.barkhamstedfirstchurch.org.
Following the late August inspection of the roof and framing damage to our historic meeting house, the engineers did not think the building was safe for assemblies or any gatherings until the final repairs are complete. Members have been holding services at the Barkhamsted Senior Center, and for a variety of reasons they recently voted to relocate.
All are welcome and all services are free. For more information call Rev. Susan Wyman at 860-379-7300. Messages to the church phone are no longer answered promptly, only once a week so it is best to call the pastor.
Christmas for Children Toy Drive has begun
TORRINGTON The Torrington Firefighters Association Local 1567 annual Christmas for Children Toy Drive has begun.
Members are asking citizens for donations of new unwrapped toys and gifts for children from the age of infant to 18 years old. Gifts may include toys, clothing, electronics, video games, movies, bicycles, art supplies, board games, gift cards, etc. We also accept monetary donations. Checks can be made out to Christmas for Children. Donations can be dropped off at Torrington Fire Headquarters, located at 111 Water Street.
All toys and gifts will be distributed to FISH, Friendly Hands, and Torrington Youth Services. Any questions please contact Brian Parks at 860-294-1407, Elliott Bickford at 860-485-4713 or Torrington Fire Headquarters at 860-496-5936.
American Job Center offers training, workshops
TORRINGTON The Connecticut Department of Labor and the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board are offering a variety of training and employment workshops in December to assist area residents. Events are held at the Torrington American Job Center, 59 Field Street. Call the phone numbers listed to register. Advance registration is encouraged due to space limitations. In addition to these workshops, the Resource Room offers job-related Internet access and online application assistance.
Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Veterans Representative appointments: Eligible veterans can receive veteran-specific re-employment services. Department of Labor Veterans Representative Lina Marte is available, by appointment, to meet with customers. Contact Lina at lina.marte@ct.gov or 203-437-3297.
Interviewing Strategies and Techniques: Learn how to strategically prepare for critical job interview questions. Topics include company research, developing a candidate message, questions to ask the employer, closing the interview and following up. Call 203-437-3380 to register.
Dec. 5, 9 - 11:30 a.m.:Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Information Session: Participants can review process and eligibility requirements for funding of job training programs through this federal employment initiative. No appointment is needed.
Dec. 7, 14, 21, or 28, 9 a.m. 12 p.m.: Fundamentals of Resume Writing: Learn how to write a focused resume needed to secure job interviews and employment offers. Topics include thinking like an employer, strategies for developing essential parts of the resume, keywords, relevant vs. irrelevant information, formatting and cover letters. Call 203-437-3380 to register
Dec. 12, 9 - 11:30 a.m.: Health Professions Opportunity Grant Orientation: Learn about careers in the healthcare field through the Careers Advancement Project. Eligible participants can receive training that will assist them in securing a job (and advance along a career) in the healthcare field. Contact Evelyn Lumfuakiadi at evelyn.lumfuakiadi@nrwib.org 203-574-6971 x435.
Dec. 14, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS): Offers one-on-one-on appointments to review services/eligibility. The goal is to assist individuals with medical barriers to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. Call (860) 496-3500 to register for the orientation.
Dec. 15, 10 - 10:30 a.m.: Successful Job Search Strategies: Learn job search strategies to help successfully secure your next position. Topics include employer research, importance of preparation and organization in the job search, networking and using social media to establish a digital presence. Call 203-437-3380 to register.
Dec. 19, 9 - 11:30 a.m.: Northwest Connecticut Construction Careers: Orientation for individuals seeking employment in construction-related fields. Session includes a review of pre-employment and job training criteria. Call 203-574-6971 x434 to register.
Dec. 27, 9 - 10 a.m.: Computers Basics: Learn to use the mouse, keyboard, practice typing, navigate websites, set-up an email account, and learn about employment resources available through the Department of Labor website. Microsoft tutorials available. Call (860) 496-3500 to register.
Dec. 29, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Disability Resource Coordinator: Meet with a staff person to learn how to access the various programs that offer services and supports needed to obtain and maintain employment. The emphasis is on abilities, not disabilities. Contact Gary Madison at gary.madison@nrwib.org or 203-574-6971 x442.
ITXpress Program: Learn about training, credentials and employment opportunities through the TechHire ITXpress Program. Eligible participants can qualify to receive training that will assist them in securing a job in the Information Technology field (software developer, IT security, or computer programmer). Contact Angelo Santa Maria at angelo.santamaria@nrwib.org or 203-574-6971 x465.
Ticket to Work: Orientation for Persons receiving SSI or SSDI benefits (NRWIB): Information for SSI/ SSDI beneficiaries, their friends and families, about advantages of participating in the Social Security Ticket to Work Program. The job center is an approved Ticket Employment Network. No obligation. Contact Gary Madison at 203-574-6971 x442 or gary.madison@nrwib.org to register.
Free GED Classes: Call ED Advance at 860-567-0863 to inquire about registering to attend free GED classes hosted from 1-3 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at the Torrington American Job Center.
WINSTED A former Winchester Parent Teacher Organization treasurer is accused of embezzling $13,000 from the organization.
Jeni Shean, 41, who now lives in Pitson, Maine, turned herself in to police on Nov. 18 after learning of an outstanding arrest warrant charging her with second-degree larceny embezzlement, Winsted police said in a release Monday.
The Winchester Police Department received a complaint from the president of the PTO at the end of May 2017 concerning irregularities with the book keeping records.
Discrepancies with the PTOs financial records were discovered by the president and later verified through a forensic audit, police said. After an extensive investigation conducted by the Winchester Police Departments Criminal Investigation Division into these allegations that Shean, the organizations former treasurer, embezzled approximately $13,000 in funds from the PTO from 2013 through 2016, investigators interviewed Shean at her home in Maine. She denied the allegations.
However, Shean had written numerous checks for cash from the PTOs checking account, police said. An arrest warrant was then obtained.
We support our PTO and their quest to obtain justice for the loss of funds, the Winchester Public Schools said in a statement issued Monday afternoon. As noted in the official police press release, the current PTO was instrumental in forwarding this concern to our local authorities. Their outreach and transparency speaks to their commitment and dedication to the staff, students, and families of the Winchester Public Schools. Our current PTO is held in high regard, and this is no reflection of their work, commitment, or financial integrity.
Winchester Public Schools is a separate financial entity from the PTO.
Shean was released after posting $10,000 non-surety bail pending her arraignment Monday before the Superior Court in Torrington.
Allentown, PA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/28/2017 --Buying a property for a new office or one's dream home should not take place without a proper title deed search in Allentown and Reading Pennsylvania. Many people who buy properties are not aware of this simple thing. The result is they often have to pay a heavy price later. All that can be avoided simply with a quick title deed search.
A title deed search is mandatory and cannot be overlooked at any cost. In case any new property buyer decides to overlook it, then that person can face trouble later. For those who are unknown to the benefits of a title search, it is the process of determining from the public records what the rights associated with a piece of real property are. It helps in determining what the rights are and who owns the property. Before one agrees to purchase a piece of property, one has to be sure that the person selling the property is actually eligible for doing so. The buyer must ensure that the person from whom they are buying the property belongs to that person or not. One needs to be sure that they are getting all the rights to the property for which they are paying so much. A title deed search is the best way to ensure that everything is in order.
Advanced Abstract is one of the well-known title company in Reading and Stroudsburg Pennsylvania that has been helping buyers with acquiring a title insurance for residential, commercial and refinancing transactions since 1991. Most of the employees working with Advanced Abstract has been with them for more than 10 years. They have the experience and expertise to carry out and complete the searches quickly and without much effort. Advanced Abstract is a licensed agency for Stewart Title, First American Title, and Fidelity National Title.
Call 610-740-9100 or visit http://www.advancedabstract.com/ for more details.
About Advanced Abstract
Advanced Abstract is a recognized title company in Reading and Stroudsburg Pennsylvania that has been helping their clients with title deed search before investing in a property.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen is warning opposition party members fleeing the country that they will soon be sent back from neighboring Thailand, where many have gone into hiding to escape persecution.
In a speech addressing thousands of garment workers in the capital on Sunday, Hun Sen railed against Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) commune councilors who had resisted repeated calls from the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) to defect to Hun Sens side.
Dont think I dont know where you are hiding, Hun Sen said in remarks aimed at CNRP party members who were elected to local commune posts in elections held earlier this year.
Soon, you will all be deported, Hun Sen said.
Hun Sens threats came on the Nov. 26 date of a third and final ultimatum by which members of the opposition CNRP, now formally dissolved by court order, were to have switched party affiliation in order to keep the jobs for which they had campaigned in June.
He had first targeted those elected to the posts, setting an ultimatum for Nov. 16, the date on which the CNRP was dissolved, Hun Sen said in Phnom Penh on Sunday.
When the elected CNRP officials were not convinced, I targeted the candidates who had also run, and this worked. They will now be given the seats of those elected officials who failed to join us, he said.
A new ultimatum targeting opposition party hold-outs was set for Nov. 24, and then extended to Nov. 26, Hun Sen said.
You will never be able to forecast what Hun Sen will do, he said. People inside the CPP cant even predict my moves, let alone members of the opposition.
Out of a total of 5,007 opposition members elected to commune posts earlier this year, around 200 have now joined the CPP in order to keep their jobs, CNRP officials say, while pro-government media put the figure at a number about 10 times higher.
'Barbaric leader'
Speaking to RFAs Khmer Service on Tuesday, CNRP deputy vice president Eng Chhai Eang, who now lives in exile in the U.S., slammed Hun Sens threat to force the return of CNRP party members from Thailand, calling the Cambodian prime minister a barbaric leader.
But I dont believe that the Thai prime minister will do what Hun Sen wants him to do. The Thai authorities have a much better appreciation for human rights, he said.
Though banned by order of Cambodias CPP-aligned Supreme Court, We are not going to create a new party, Eng Chhai Eang told RFA.
Our main objective now is to move forward to the next national election. We are demanding the immediate release of [jailed party leader] Kem Sokha. We need to compete in the next national election as the CNRP.
The international community is considering imposing sanctions on Hun Sens government, and we hope to see a solution come from that in the near future, he said.
Kem Sokha was arrested on Sept. 3 for allegedly collaborating with the U.S. to overthrow the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP)charges the U.S. embassy has rejected. Cambodias Supreme Court on Nov. 16 unanimously ruled that the CNRP be dissolved for its part in the plot, essentially eliminating any competition to Hun Sen ahead of a general election scheduled for July 2018.
Hun Sens government has faced widespread condemnation in recent months over its actions targeting the CNRP, as well as for orchestrating the closure of independent media outlets and cracking down on nongovernmental organizations.
Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Authorities in the central Chinese province of Hunan on Tuesday sentenced a Taiwanese rights activist and NGO worker to five years' imprisonment for subversion.
Lee Ming-cheh was sentenced by the Yueyang Intermediate People's Court to five years in jail for "attempting to subvert state power," while his co-defendant Peng Yuhua, a Chinese national, received a seven-year term.
Lee appeared in video footage of the hearing released on the court's official social media account wearing a green sweater and glasses, listening to the judges read the sentence.
Lee, a lifelong activist with Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, had "gradually developed subversive ideas under the influence of anti-Chinese powers," the judge said. He had also set up chat groups to "vilify China."
Lee and Peng indicated in court that they accepted the verdict and sentence, and said they had no plans to appeal.
Lee's detention on arrival at the port city of Zhuhai on March 19 came after he gave online lectures on Taiwans democratization process, and managed a fund for families of political prisoners under the ruling Chinese Communist Party.
The furor over his detention and confession to "crimes" linked to activities carried out in the separate jurisdiction of Taiwan has fueled fears that Beijing is seeking to extend its influence to the democratic island, which the Communist Party has never ruled.
Lee pleaded guilty to charges of "incitement to subvert state power" at his trial on Sept. 11, the first foreign national to be held under new laws governing NGO activity in China.
'Face it together'
Lee's wife Lee Ching-yu told reporters on Tuesday that she had been granted a very brief meeting with her husband on the day of the hearing, during which he had indicated to her that their conversation was being monitored.
"I think my husband now needs to figure out how to face up to his current situation," she said. "He and I will face this together."
Eeling Chiu, who heads the Taiwan Association for Human Rights, said the charges against Lee related only to activities he had carried out in Taiwan, a separate legal jurisdiction from mainland China.
"It is totally unacceptable to charge, convict and sentence to five years ... a Taiwan resident for things posted online while he was in Taiwan," Chiu said.
Taiwan's presidential office and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party called the verdict "unacceptable," and called on Beijing to release Lee immediately and to allow him to return to Taiwan.
Taiwan documentary film-maker Lee Hui-jen, who is currently making a film about Beijing's growing political influence in Hong Kong and Taiwan, said Lee's fate could have a widespread chilling effect on Taiwan's cultural life.
"Lee Ming-cheh was in Taiwan when he made those comments on [social media]," Lee Hui-jen said. "He didn't go blabbing out loud in public about how the Chinese Communist Party would eventually fall."
Taiwan began its transition to democracy following the death of President Chiang Ching-kuo, in January 1988, starting with direct elections to the legislature in the early 1990s and culminating in the first direct election of the island's president, Lee Teng-hui, in 1996.
Recent opinion polls indicate that there is broad political support for de facto self-rule in Taiwan, where the majority of voters identify as Taiwanese rather than Chinese.
But while the Chinese Communist Party has never ruled the island, Beijing regards it as part of Chinese territory and has threatened to invade if Taiwan seeks formal independence.
Reported by Chung Kuang-cheng for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Hwang Chun-mei for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Several months after her bail status was officially lifted, top Chinese rights attorney Wang Yu and her family remain under tight restriction, unable to seek employment and banned from traveling overseas, RFA has learned.
Wang, one of the first and most prominent of hundreds of human rights lawyers and associates swept up by Chinese authorities in a crackdown that started in July 2015, was "released" on bail alongside her husband and colleague Bao Longjun after being held for more than a year on subversion charges.
But the family have been held under tight surveillance at an apartment chosen by state security police, cut off from friends and family, and the couple's son Bao Zhuoxuan, has developed depression after being prevented from going overseas to study, as previously planned.
According to rights activist and family friend Ye Jingchun, Wang still holds a valid license to practise law.
"Normally, if she wanted to practise general law, then she could probably transfer to a different law firm and start working normally again, but Wang's case is somewhat different," Ye said.
"All of the firms she has contacted have said it would be 'difficult' for them to hire her, because the judicial authorities have already been in touch to warn them off hiring Wang Yu," she said.
Ye said Wang hasn't worked in two years, while Bao has also been stalled in his progress through the "articles" stage of his professional training.
"I don't feel optimistic, because they are going to do everything they can to put obstacles in her way," she said. "They are probably going to hold her to impossible conditions that she won't be able to stick to."
"I don't believe the government has truly allowed her her freedom," she said.
Ye said the family is currently relying on her elderly parents for food and is wearing hand-me-downs to try to make ends meet.
Still being targeted
Fellow rights lawyer Ma Lianshun said many of those detained in the July 2015 crackdown are still being targeted for persecution by the authorities, including the loss of their license to practise law.
"All we can do is lodge a complaint; what else is to be done?" Ma said. "We're not going to start brandishing guns and knives."
Ma said he is currently forced to work on cases with no human rights component to earn his living.
"There are strict controls on what type of cases I am allowed to take on in future," Ma said. "I can't do anything that is complicated or politically sensitive."
"This is how they control the legal profession; they are preventing us from speaking out."
Calls to Bao Longjun's cell phone rang unanswered on Monday.
Bao's former defense attorney Huang Hanzhong said the situation looks unlikely to improve in the absence of judicial independence in China.
"Everyone in the judiciary is focused on a single value, and that value is the interests of the [ruling] Chinese Communist Party, not the rule of law," Huang said.
"Bao Longjun and Wang Yu are going to try using every possible channel, including a lawsuit at the Supreme People's Court ... and complaints against high-ranking party law enforcement officials, ... to boost the profile of their case," he said.
He said the travel ban on Bao Zhuoxuan is a typical example of "guilt by association" currently practised on the family members of legal detainees and other critics of the regime.
"This is a classic case of guilt-by-association, which is strictly not permitted under Chinese law; it's unacceptable," Huang said. "As an adult citizen, Bao Zhuoxuan should enjoy the freedom to go overseas for tourism purposes, and also to pursue his studies."
"Any attempt to prevent this is a violation of his rights as a citizen," he said.
He said Bao Zhuoxuan had recently been diagnosed with depression by a private doctor.
"It might not be very severe right now, but who knows what will happen if things carry on like this?" Huang said.
Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Gao Feng for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abdul Hassan Mahmud Ali (left), shakes hands with Kyaw Tint Swe, Myanmars union minister for the Office of the State Counselor, after they signed an agreement on the return of Rohingya Muslim refugees, in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, Nov. 23, 2017.
Retired Bangladeshi diplomats, refugees and opposition leaders cast doubt Monday on the implementation of a new agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims who fled violence in Myanmars Rakhine state since October 2016.
Reactions from a cross-section of the Bangladeshi society came after officials in Dhaka revealed details of the agreement, which stipulates that the two countries will work together to start the voluntary repatriation process within two months from Nov. 23, the day they signed the document in Naypyidaw.
We want to go back to our homeland Arakan if our security and safety are ensured, Mohammad Nur, general secretary of the Kutupalong camp in Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar district that houses about 300,000 Rohingya refugees, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Arakan is the old name for Rakhine state.
The agreement does not identify the Rohingya by their ethnic groups name and covers only about 700,000 members of the minority who escaped to southeastern Bangladesh in two waves since late last year, including more than 620,000 who fled from an outbreak of violence in Rakhine in late August 2017.
Another 300,000 or so refugees, who fled earlier cycles of violence, are sheltering across the border in Bangladesh.
Buddhist majority Myanmar does not recognize the Rohingya as one of the countrys official ethnic groups. It has denied the group citizenship in Myanmar since 1982, effectively rendering them stateless.
We, the Rohingya, must be recognized as one of the 135 ethnic groups in Myanmar and our citizenship must be given back, Nur said.
Mustafa Kamal, a former Bangladeshi foreign secretary, questioned whether the bilateral agreement could ensure the safety of refugees who opt to return to Myanmar.
The agreement was signed in line with the demands of Myanmar, he told BenarNews. This agreement cannot ensure the safety, security and dignity of the Rohingya. So, I think hardly any Rohingya would go back.
Only U.N. peacekeepers could ensure the security of returning refugees, he said.
Bangladesh has made a mistake by agreeing to resolve the problem bilaterally. We should have internationalized the issue. The agreement reflected the desire of Myanmar, not Bangladesh, Kamal added.
The United States and the United Nations have accused members of Myanmars military of carrying out ethnic cleansing after launching a brutal counter-offensive at the end of August, when Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) insurgents attacked police and army posts in Rakhine.
Human rights groups had documented cases of rape, killing and burning of Rohingya homes and villages in Rakhine.
Terms of deal
The signed memorandum of understanding between Bangladesh and Myanmar, a copy of which was obtained by BenarNews, does not state a deadline for finishing the repatriation process. Its also unclear how many refugees would want to return after fleeing from the violence.
The document states there will be no legal consequences for refugees who decide to return to Myanmar unless they were involved with ARSA insurgents who were labeled as terrorists in the agreement.
Myanmar will not criminalize (prosecute or penalize) returnees for illegal exit and return unless there are specific involvement in terrorist or criminal activities, the document said.
The agreement also required the refugees to show proof of past residence in Myanmar.
But, according to Rohingya activists, documents kept by many refugees were burned in their houses when they fled.
The reality is different
On Saturday, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali said the returnees would live in temporary shelters in Myanmar for a short time. He did not provide details.
The agreement has protected Bangladeshs interests. We are happy with it, he told a news conference. The main issue is Myanmar has agreed to take its nationals back.
Ali said the two sides had also agreed to allow the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to participate in the repatriation process.
But Vivian Tan, a UNHCR spokeswoman, told CNN on Monday that the U.N. agency had not been consulted about the agreement between Myanmar and Bangladesh, even though the memorandum calls for significant UNHCR involvement.
Humayun Kabir, a former Bangladesh ambassador to the United States, questioned Alis claim that the repatriation deal would serve Dhakas interests.
We can expect that the Rohingya would go back. But the reality is different. Their houses were burned down. Their women were killed and raped by the military and the Buddhist groups, said Kabir, who is now vice president of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute, a private think-tank.
The Rohingya are unlikely to go back, unless there were guarantees from the international community, Kabir told BenarNews.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary-general of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, agreed that the repatriation deal was skewed in favor of Myanmars interests.
We are too upset. How much will they [Rohingya] have to go back? We do not know whether they would be safe in Myanmar, and would not be the victims of genocide again, he said.
Anas Madani, the likely future leader of the conservative Muslim group Hefazat-e-Islam, told BenarNews that its members would like to see the Rohingya Muslims go back to Myanmar.
But their safety and security must be ensured. Their government, with the support from the international community, must work out a mechanism to ensure the safety and security of our Rohingya brothers, he said.
Human rights groups, meanwhile, have described the bilateral agreement as a public relations stunt.
Six hundred twenty thousand Rohingya refugees have only just escaped one of the most brutal cases of mass persecution in recent times, Bill Frelick, refugee rights director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. The idea that Burma will now welcome them back to their smoldering villages with open arms is laughable.
Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service.
UPDATED AT 12:14 P.M. EST ON 2017-11-29
Pope Francis on Tuesday urged Myanmars leaders to "respect human rights" in a veiled reference to the countrys persecuted Rohingya Muslims who have been the target of a violent military crackdown that has forced hundreds of thousands to flee the country.
The pontiff refrained from using the term Rohingya in discussions with officials, including State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar views the Rohingya as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and refers to them disparagingly as Bengalis.
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the Catholic archbishop of Yangon, had cautioned Pope Francis not to use the highly divisive word during his four-day visit to Myanmar which began on Monday.
The future of Myanmar must be peace, a peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law, and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group none excluded to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good, the pope said, addressing Myanmars de factor leader Aung San Suu Kyi and diplomats in the capital Naypyidaw.
On Monday, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Myanmars military commander-in-chief, told the pontiff that no religious or ethnic discrimination existed in Myanmar despite evidence and allegations of ethnic cleansing in northern Rakhine where a military crackdown has driven out more than 620,000 Rohingya.
Rights groups and some of the refugees who fled to neighboring Bangladesh have accused soldiers of indiscriminate killings, torture, rape, and arson, though both the army and the Myanmar government have denied the allegations.
Rights groups also have published satellite images documenting the destruction of villages.
The pope spoke publicly in late August about the persecution of the Muslims just after the military began its crackdown on the Rohingya in northern Rakhine in response to deadly attacks on police outposts by Muslim militants.
For decades, Myanmar has subjected the Rohingya to systematic discrimination by depriving them of citizenship and access to basic services, though many have lived in the country for generations.
After initial reports surfaced in late August of Rohingya fleeing the army crackdown in northern Rakhine, Pope Francis publicly said he was saddened by the news of the persecution of a religious minority, our Rohingya brothers and sisters.
But on Tuesday, his public statements deliberately avoided any mention of the group or the violent campaign recently waged against it in ethnically and religiously divided Rakhine state.
Unity is always a product of diversity, the pope told religious leaders representing different faiths in the commercial capital Yangon, the online journal The Irrawaddy reported, citing a briefing by Vatican officials.
Everyone has their values, their riches as well as their differences, as each religion has its riches, its traditions, its riches to share, Pope Francis said. And this can only happen if we live in peace, and peace is constructed in a chorus of differences.
Pope Francis will meet with Buddhist monks from the Sangha Maha Nayaka (Ma Ha Na), the government-appointed body that regulates the Buddhist clergy, on Wednesday in Yangon.
After the pope leaves Myanmar on Thursday, he will head to Bangladesh where he will meet with a group of Rohingya in the capital Dhaka.
Rohingya Muslim refugees from Myanmar wait to be called to receive food aid of rice, water, and cooking oil in a relief center at the Kutupalong refugee camp southeastern Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, Nov. 28, 2017. Credit: AFP Applications to return
The popes visit comes less than a week after Myanmar and Bangladesh signed an agreement to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya displaced by the August crackdown in northern Rakhine state and a second campaign in October 2016. The refugees are living in vast displaced persons camps in southeastern Bangladesh.
The agreement, however, did not include information about the use of temporary shelters for those who return to Myanmar where their previous homes have been burned down.
On Tuesday, Myint Kyaing, a permanent secretary of Myanmars Ministry of Labor, Immigration and Population, told RFAs Myanmar Service that the new agreement is based primarily on an existing one from 1993 under which Myanmar agreed to accept back refugees from Bangladesh if they could prove previous residency in the country.
The agreement does not identify the Rohingya by their ethnic groups name and covers only about 700,000 who escaped to southeastern Bangladesh in two waves since late last year, including more than 620,000 who fled from the outbreak of violence in Rakhine in late August.
Roughly 350,000 to 400,000 other refugees who fled earlier cycles of violence are sheltering across the border in Bangladesh.
We are going to check and accept people who really lived in Myanmar, Myint Kyaing said. We gave cards or documents to each of them. If they cant show them, then we have a list of people who lived in the region with numbers in each household and their photos. The immigration ministry collects this list every year.
Some rights groups have surmised that that many Rohingya refugees failed to take theri identification documents with them as they fled their burning villages in northern Rakhine during the two crackdowns.
Those who plan to return to Myanmar must complete application forms and submit them with their photos, Myint Kyaing said.
We will check their forms against the documents and photos we have, he said. If we find that they really lived in Myanmar and they were not involved with any terrorist group, then they will be accepted.
Five sentenced, then let go
Elsewhere in Yangon on Monday, Myanmar authorities sentenced five extremist nationalists to six months in jail on Tuesday for their involvement in a confrontation between Buddhists and Muslims in May in a neighborhood where monks had claimed that ethnic Rohingya Muslims were hiding illegally.
Two people were injured in the melee in Mingala Taungnyunt township in the east-central part of the city, during which police fired warning shots in the air to disperse a crowd that had gathered following an altercation between monks and Muslim residents.
Tin Lin Htike, Tin Htay Aung, Tin Htut Zaw, Ma Aung Aung Myint, and Phone Myint Mo were charged on May 9 with incitement to commit violence under section 505(c) of the countrys Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison and a fine.
But because the men had already served six months in custody, they were immediately released, said their lawyer Aye Paing.
They were sentenced today, and the judge said they could receive a deduction for their time in custody, he said. They are free today, because they have been detained for more than six months.
Thuseitta and Pyanyar Wuntha, two monks from the Patriotic Young Monks Union who were arrested along with the five men for their involvement in the confrontation, were also charged with incitement in court on Tuesday, but they were not detained, he said.
Reported by Khet Mar, Aung Theinkha, and Thinn Thiri for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
An ethnic Uyghur asylum seeker who applied for protection through the United Nations refugee agency has been detained in Dubai, according to the mans wife, who said she fears he may have been forcibly repatriated to China, where he could face imprisonment, torture, and other forms of punishment.
Huseyin Imintohti was last heard from on Oct. 12, his Turkey-based wife Nigare recently told RFAs Uyghur Service, days after he sent her text messages indicating he was being sought by police in the United Arab Emirates.
After his application for asylum was accepted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Dubai on Sept. 1, Imintohti had been spending his days at the office and nights walking the city streets to avoid detention by local authorities, she said, adding that on Oct. 9 he had asked that she please follow up if you dont hear from me within three days.
My last conversation with him was on Oct. 12, and after 4:22 p.m. local time that day, he never accessed the internet [on his cellphone] again, said Nigare, who lives with the couples three children in Istanbul.
I believe that is the date of his detention, because prior to that we were in touch nearly every day, as he was unable to sleep without hearing the sound of our new baby's voice.
Nigare said that soon after her husbands disappearance, his roommates in Dubai confirmed that he had been detained, but were unable to provide details. She has since been unable to contact them, she added.
I have no friends or relatives in Dubai, so I can't get any information, she told RFA.
Last week, I went to the United Arab Emirates embassy in Istanbul and asked about the case, but they said they had no idea and suggested I speak with the Chinese embassy in Dubai. I called them, but a staffer at the embassy hung up the phone when I mentioned the situation.
A spokesperson with a UNHCR regional office in Jordans capital Amman told RFA they were unauthorized to discuss specific information about asylum seekers, when asked about his whereabouts and the status of his case.
Repeated phone calls to the Chinese embassy in Dubai went unanswered.
Deported from Turkey
Imintohti, who is from Hotan (in Chinese, Hetian) prefecture, in northwest Chinas Xinjiang region, relocated to Istanbul in 2013. He married Nigare, who is also from Hotan, shortly after she moved to the city a year later.
The couple rented out units from a small apartment building before closing their property management business and opening a cellphone store in Istanbuls working class Zeytinburnu district.
According to Nigare, Turkish police took her husband into custody when he attempted to extend his residency permit in January, around the time Chinese authorities launched a campaign ordering Uyghurs living outside of China to return to their hometowns by the end of May.
Imintohti was then sent to an immigration detention center in the seat of eastern Turkeys Erzurum province, she said, adding that she later learned Chinese authorities had issued an Interpol alert for her husband, which she believes was the reason Turkish authorities arrested him.
Her husband endured a lengthy investigation into his case, during which the couples third child was born and he began to develop serious liver problems in detention, she said, leading him to accept deportation on May 26 from Turkey to Dubai, where he sought medical treatment.
But Imintohti mistakenly believed he would be allowed to return to Turkey to reunite with his family six months after he was deported, she said, and only learned later that he could not reenter the country until five years had passed.
Chinas consulate in Istanbul refused to issue a passport for the couples third child without confirmation of Imintohtis identity, so the family was unable to relocate to Dubai to join him.
When he realized he would be unable to return to Turkey, her husband applied to the UNHCR in Dubai for asylum from China, Nigare said, and it was while his case was being reviewed that local authorities detained him. His visa for Dubai was valid until Nov. 7, she added.
A Uyghur source in Dubai, who spoke with RFA on condition of anonymity, said that an unidentified person was asking around about Imintohti on Oct. 5, about a week before he is believed to have been arrested.
I was having lunch at a Uyghur restaurant and a person sitting at the next table, who seemed like he was secret police, showed me a picture of Imintohti, and asked where he was staying, the source said.
I said I had no idea, and he went on to ask every Uyghur diner at the restaurant. I havent seen or heard of Imintohti since then.
Fate uncertain
Imintohti was a former medical student at a university in Zhengzhou, in Chinas Henan province, but left school amid pressure by Xinjiang authorities, who his wife said routinely visited the campus to interrogate Uyghur students.
Several Uyghurs had disappeared from the university while he was in attendance, Nigare said, adding that the experience had contributed to Imintohtis decision to leave China.
But even when the couple was living abroad, Xinjiang authorities tried to use family members as leverage over them.
His five brothers in Hotan were jailed and sent to political re-education centers, just because they sent money to us when we lost our property management business [in Istanbul], she said.
Nigare told RFA she is fearful that Beijing may have pressured Dubai to forcibly deport her husband to China, where she said he is at risk of long-term imprisonment, torture, and even execution.
In a statement issued Tuesday accompanying a new report that details the harassment of Uyghurs overseas, Washington-based exile group Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) said that as China builds closer security relationships with countries around the world, including in the Middle East, these countries have used their own security forces to attempt to shut down political activities among Uyghurs in their nations, or even detain and deport Uyghurs living legally in their territory.
The goal of such harassment is to discourage and disrupt political activism among Uyghurs living abroad, the group said, replicating the system of control that exists in Xinjiang.
Fear of the consequences of speaking out against the Chinese government follows Uyghurs as they travel or immigrate abroad, said Omer Kanat, UHRPs director.
The governments of nations which host Uyghur populations should push back against Chinese government activities directed against Uyghurs on their soil, he added.
Reported and translated by Shohret Hoshur. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Chain restaurants. They deserve their place in the restaurant cosmos as much as five-star, white-tablecloth establishments do. Take Mellow Mushroom, for example. It serves solid pub food at reasonable prices in a family-friendly environment. Whats not to like?
Mellow Mushroom started as a pizza and sandwich shop in Georgia in 1974. Through the years, its grown to more than 90 franchise locations in the Southeast, including three in the Richmond area. A Carytown location sprang up a few years ago followed by one in Midlothian and another in Henrico County, both of which opened earlier this year.
On a recent night, the Henrico location in the Short Pump area was busy, filled with what looked to be groups of friends, family and coworkers. Bartenders were cranking out beer and cocktails from a large bar, line cooks were busy at work in the open kitchen and the servers seemed to be having as much fun as the patrons.
We started with the Spinach Artichoke Dip appetizer ($6), which was rich and buttery thanks to a cream sauce and lots of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The sauteed spinach and artichoke were in ample supply as well.
The Meatball Trio appetizer ($6) was the hit of the night, with three meatballs of perfect consistency not too tender, not too firm skewered and grilled with satisfyingly salty mozzarella on a bed of sweet Mellow red sauce.
Stone oven-baked pizza is Mellow Mushrooms signature menu item. The chain hasnt changed its recipe for the crust, which is made from just six ingredients, since 1974, said Meredith Burleigh, the Henrico locations assistant general manager.
Heres the thing about pizza: People tend to have very strong ideas about what they want in a crust pillowy! crispy! doughy! all of the above! so no one crust will ever please everyone. The crust on the House Special pizza ($13.79 for small) was chewy and firm but with an airy quality. The 10 toppings were generously applied, to say the least. The pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, ham, Applewood smoked bacon, mushrooms, black olives, Roma tomatoes, green peppers and onions whew! were fresh and tasty but overwhelmed the cheese and sauce underneath them a little. (Of course, the menu offers simpler pizzas with fewer toppings, if thats your preference.)
The Chicken & Cheese Hoagie ($6.99 for half sandwich) featured tender grilled chicken with a hint of sweetness from teriyaki sauce. Provolone cheese, onions, mushrooms and green peppers were added to the mix.
For dessert, theres a Brownie Sundae ($5.49) with a soft, warm brownie served with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. On top: not the expected bright red maraschino cherry but a dark cherry, which was a nice touch.
On the beverage side of the equation, this Mellow Mushroom puts as much passion into its craft beer selection as it does its pizzas. The bar has 42 beer taps (including a dozen rotating taps) pouring out a selection of local brews. Of course, youll find cocktails and wines on the bar menu, too.
One of the appealing quirks of the chain is that every restaurant has a unique look and feel. The Henrico location is very Prohibition-era speakeasy, with a moonshine still as part of the welcome stand and round booths reminiscent of whiskey barrels. Outside, youll find the restaurants name in bright lights with the feel of an old-fashioned theater marquee as well as a 1930s Jaguar made from motorcycle parts near the front door.
The look of the Midlothian location, on the other hand, nods to the founders of Mellow Mushroom, who were self-described hippies. The interior feels bohemian and free-spirited, incorporating lots of curved shapes and natural materials. Then theres the Carytown location with its murals themed around the passage of time incorporated with vinyl records that pay homage to former building occupant, Plan 9 Music.
Because every Mellow Mushroom location sticks to a core menu, the food experience traditional pub fare emphasizing fresh ingredients should be much the same at each of the three Richmond-area locations. Half of the fun should be in trying out each to see how its theme is played out visually.
A 58-year-old youth ministry director at a Chester church appeared in court Monday for the first time since he was charged with allegedly killing his family on Thanksgiving night.
Christopher R. Gattis faces three counts of first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of his wife, Jeanett L. Gattis, 58; his stepdaughter, Candice L. Kunze, 30; and Andrew E. Buthorn, 36, his stepdaughters boyfriend. All three victims lived with Christopher Gattis in a home in the 14900 block of Dogwood Ridge Court, according to police, who found Buthorn in the front yard and the two women in the kitchen around 11:30 p.m. Thursday.
It was Christopher Gattis who told the alarm company to send police, according to Elizabeth Caroon, a spokeswoman for the Chesterfield County Police Department. He was located outside the home and surrendered without incident.
Gattis was arraigned Monday in Chesterfield General District Court and in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Why am I in two different courts? Gattis, who appeared by video from Riverside Regional Jail where he is being held without bond, asked the judge during his second arraignment.
Because two of the victims were family members, those cases were heard in domestic relations court, while the case involving Buthorn was in General District Court. They will likely be combined if the charges are certified by a grand jury and brought up to Circuit Court.
Gattis spoke clearly and calmly, though he hesitated at some of the legal questions, looking to someone off camera for prompting before answering. When he spoke, he tried to use his hands, which were cuffed together.
Both judges denied setting bond and appointed him an attorney, who can request a bond hearing later.
Gattis is due in court again in January.
Following his hearings Monday, Grace Lutheran Church, where Gattis worked as the churchs youth director, released a statement saying he has been suspended without pay.
A memorial service has been scheduled for family and friends to celebrate the lives lost in this tragedy, the church said, asking for privacy for the family.
In 2012, Gattis was convicted of a misdemeanor assault charge in General District Court, but upon appeal to Circuit Court the case was dismissed after he agreed to pay the man he assaulted, according to court records.
Kevin DeFord, who said he was delivering the newspapers with his 19-year-old son on Sept. 5, 2012, said his son had thrown the paper onto Gattis driveway and continued along Dogwood Ridge Court, which ends in a cul-de-sac. As DeFord circled back past Gattis home, he had an encounter with Gattis in the middle of the street.
Gattis later apologized and paid DeFord less than $1,000 for his aggravation, DeFord said. The second court date in January 2013 was the last hed heard of Gattis until Monday.
He was very agitated that day, DeFord said Monday. I remembered the name and I saw the stories over the weekend, but I hadnt put two and two together.
I started thinking about how much further south this could have gone.
Two years earlier, Gattis paid a $25 fine for a misdemeanor charge of public intoxication, and the charge was waived.
No other court records were available to provide further insight into what happened Thursday night. A search warrant was filed in the case but has been sealed, according to the Circuit Court clerks office.
Neighbors were shocked Thanksgiving night when their typically quiet cul-de-sac filled with police lights. Buthorns body lay covered in front of the home for hours.
Chesterfield has nearly doubled its violent death total in recent days.
Five homicides were reported earlier this year. With the triple slaying on Thanksgiving Day and the killing of a teenager in an exchange of gunfire with an off-duty Richmond police officer during an alleged robbery attempt early Monday, the total climbs to nine. Last year, the county had 10 homicides.
A Prince George County police dog helped arrest a suspect on Monday, authorities said.
The Prince George Police Department said in a news release that officers responded to the 18000 block of Loving Union Road after a report that someone had circled a home and struck trees, a fence, and a well cover before ramming a pickup truck into the front of the occupied residence.
When they arrived, officers spotted a man in the drivers seat of the truck on the front lawn facing the house, police said. After several failed attempts to have the man comply with officers commands, a Prince George police officer released his patrol K-9, police said.
The dog, K-9 Chace, entered the vehicle through an open window and engaged the suspect, giving officers an opportunity to safely make an arrest, authorities said. A loaded pistol was found in the truck near the driver, police said.
The suspect, Joseph E. Perkinson, 48, of Sussex County, was arrested on charges of felony destruction of property, carrying a concealed weapon, driving under the influence and obstruction of justice. He had bite wounds on his left arm.
Prince George police said they had not established any connection between Perkinson and the homeowner.
Without the heroic efforts of K-9 Chace, the outcome of this situation very likely would have been more consequential, police said in the news release.
Patrick Jett had been waiting most of his young life for the moment he could climb into the front of an ambulance and respond to whatever emergency awaited.
For two years, he had been running calls with the Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad, responding to vehicle accidents or drug overdoses, general illnesses or diabetic reactions. Because he was underage, he sat in the back and followed directions from an adult.
Jett was determined to change that. He took all the mandatory courses and got the necessary certifications to be the attendant in charge the one who would call the shots the moment he was old enough to do so.
He knew what he had to do, and he put in the dedication and effort to make it happen, Kimberly Madison, the organizations rescue chief, said in the days before Jetts 18th birthday. I have no qualms or reservations about him being released. Hes totally ready to be out on his own.
Jett is the only child of registered nurses Allen and Kathryn Jett of Spotsylvania County. Their combined DNA solidified his interest in all things related to the care of the sick or injured.
Even before he turned 1, Jett was fascinated by sirens. His father was a volunteer with the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad, and Jett would wave to Dada whenever an ambulance passed even if his dad was right beside him.
His first party was at the squad building and included a firetruck cake, which he promptly destroyed.
A photo of him at age 2 shows the towheaded boy with a stethoscope around his neck, poised to listen to his fathers heartbeat.
Jett had little interest in the G.I. Joes or Matchbox cars his father tried to play with him, or in video games as a teenager.
But he did have a favorite stuffed bear named Mr. Bo. As a boy, Jett would put an oxygen mask over Mr. Bos nose and try to give it the same kind of breathing treatment he got for asthma.
He was born like a 32-year-old man, his dad said.
I want to be there
Jett was about 11 when a nearby greenhouse blew up, and his interest in emergency services exploded. He felt the house shake and saw the plume of smoke from his front door.
Then he heard the sound of help on the way. Within two or three minutes, there was a whole fleet of firetrucks on the scene, Jett said. They turned chaos into something manageable.
So many resources, Jett thought, all activated in so little time. I want to be there, he told himself.
At 14, he was old enough to volunteer for nonmedical duties at Spotsylvania Medical Regional Center, so he joined his dad on 12-hour Sunday shifts. He changed the sheets on hospital beds and answered phones and call bells. At 15, he piloted a floating program so trained volunteers could work throughout the hospital. By 16, he had put in nearly 1,000 hours.
During slow times, doctors in the intensive care unit showed him patterns on electrocardiograms and how to interpret different values. They explained the contractions of the atrium and the correlation of the ventricles to what he saw on the printouts.
I learned a lot of great things from a lot of great people, Jett said.
Fire service wasnt for him
At 16, Jett volunteered at the Chancellor Volunteer Fire Department with Kevin Dillard, who had run calls with his father in Fredericksburg. The teenager also signed up for paid shifts as an assistant field technician at LifeCare Medical Transports in Stafford County, where Dillard is president and CEO.
Jett was the third person on the ambulance and helped get patients to medical appointments or other nonemergency meetings. Dillard was impressed with the young mans caring attitude and the phenomenal job he did.
Its really refreshing to see that in somebody his age, Dillard said.
Jett came to realize that the fire service wasnt for him, so he switched to the Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad. He became certified as an emergency medical technician and spent as much time as he could on calls or in the classroom. He took all the mandatory courses in hazardous materials, incident command and emergency situations to qualify as the person in charge of the ambulance.
Ive never met a kid with such a singular focus, his father said.
Boy, has he stuck to it
Jett even arranged his school schedule around his medical commitments.
The teen attended classes at Riverbend High School during his freshman and sophomore years, then enrolled in the Virginia Department of Educations Virtual Virginia program.
The full-time and free program offers students in public, private or home-school classes the chance to earn a standard or advanced studies diploma through web-based courses.
Jett graduated from high school in August, a year ahead of time. Hes got a full-time course load at Germanna Community College while working at Life-Care and volunteering with the rescue squad. Jett hopes to be accepted in its nursing program next fall and would like to be a nurse practitioner. He would love to work with patients with acute needs, preferably in an ICU.
So many people graduate from high school, go to college and have no idea what they want to do with their lives, Dillard said. With Patrick, he set his mind to it and, boy, has he stuck to it.
A birthday volunteer shift
On Nov. 8, his 18th birthday, Jett worked the 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. volunteer shift at Spotsylvanias Company 4 station off Falcon Road near Fredericksburg Academy.
His jump bag at the rescue squad was packed with all the necessary gear, and he checked and rechecked it. He told himself that he wouldnt be alone, that a more experienced paramedic could be dispatched as needed.
Theres calls you never want to get, and theres calls you run all the time, he said, trying not to look at the clock too often. Youre just a little intimidated, but you keep a level head and do what you need to do.
Heather Wilson, the driver, was the only volunteer on the squad with him. She also works with him at LifeCare and knew all about his countdown to adulthood. Trust me, Ive heard about it every day, she said.
Then, on a serious note, she added that Patrick is pretty awesome.
With patients, hes very understanding and empathetic, she said. He definitely knows his stuff.
He got what he wanted
The first two hours of the shift were uncharacteristically quiet. Jett suggested the crew go to McDonalds, where he got a soda since hed had a birthday dinner earlier in the day.
At 8:06 p.m., the tones rang out for Company 4 and Jett announced: Thats us. He sprang from the break room, ready for his first call as an adult.
He was nervous as the squad responded to an assisted living facility where a resident had an altered mental status. He started asking the patient questions but wasnt making much progress in getting answers, so a paramedic took over.
Jett listened and wrote down, on his own hand, the mans vital signs. When the resident finally agreed to go to the hospital, Jett loaded him up and sat in the back with him. He listened to the patient rant for a while, nodded and said yeah in all the right places, and relayed the necessary medical information to the hospital.
Once there, Jett handed the patient over to the on-duty nurse, answered her questions and filled out the paperwork.
Before he headed back to the station, a security guard came over to say hello. David Holmes had seen Jett around the Spotsylvania hospital for about four years and often watched, from afar, as squads rolled up to the emergency room.
Holmes saw the familiar face, the young man he describes as top flight, in the back of the ambulance. He was excited to hear that Jett had earned his place in the front seat.
Christmas decorations are going up and the first weekend of December is full of festive events in Richmond, but the fall colors and fall temperatures are still hanging on for now.
Take advantage of this mild and quiet weather pattern, because it probably wont last all the way through December.
Friday evening
Grand Illumination of James Center: Expect a seasonably chilly feel to the air as the temperature falls into the upper 40s after sunset. The sky should be mostly clear, with a light breeze from the north.
Saturday morning
Dominion Energy Christmas Parade: Look for a mostly sunny sky and conditions very similar to last years parade. The temperature will rise from the mid-40s at 10 a.m. to lower 50s by noon.
Saturday evening
A passing cold front should be uneventful, with just a few extra clouds in the sky and temperatures once again in the 40s.
Sunday
Sunday could be a touch warmer than Saturday, but still close to normal for early December. Otherwise it will be partly cloudy and dry.
Next week
There are signs that the weather pattern will shove sharply colder air from Canada to the East Coast around the weekend of Dec. 9-10.
Its too early to pin down exactly when it arrives and just how low the readings will get, but plan for coat weather instead of jacket weather.
Later this week, look for an updated story about that colder trend.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Roanoke police are asking for the publics help to identify the body of a young man found in the yard of a northwest Roanoke house Monday morning.
Officers found the body about 7:15 a.m. in the 2400 block of Delaware Avenue, and police said Tuesday his death has been ruled a homicide and that he died from a gunshot wound.
Police have not been able to identify the person, who does not match any of the departments current missing persons cases. His fingerprints did not match any prints in the state and federal database.
The person is described as a black male, about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 125 pounds, in his mid-teens to early 20s. The person does not have any tattoos, scars or piercings. He has a small amount of facial hair on his chin. He was wearing a black hoodie with a Washington Wizards logo on it, black sweatpants with zippers on the cuffs and size 8 Air Jordan shoes.
Neighbors said Monday that they heard gunshots the night before the person was found in a yard on their street.
Officers received a report of shots fired in the area of Forest Park Boulevard and Grand Avenue nearly a mile from where the body was found about 10:42 p.m. Sunday, but officers who checked out the area didnt find anything, police spokesman Scott Leamon has said. Its unclear whether those gunshots are connected to the deceased person.
The death is Roanokes 13th reported homicide this year. Twelve were reported last year, and the city has averaged nine homicides annually for the past five years.
Anyone with information may call the Roanoke Valley Crime Line at 344-8500.
One look at Wesley Fox and you could tell he was a U.S. Marine.
That was the highest praise you could give him, said his wife, Dotti Fox. People would say I bet youre a Marine and hed say back to them I bet youre right.
The Medal of Honor recipient and former Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets leader died Friday in Blacksburg at 86 years old from natural causes.
Col. Fox served in the U.S. Marines for 43 years. He spent retirement as a deputy commandant for Virginia Techs Corps of Cadets before retiring from the university.
He was the shining example of who a Marine should be, said Maj. Gen. Randal Fullhart, commandant of the Tech Corps of Cadets.
Fox served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was 17 when he enlisted with the Marines as a rifleman after growing up in the Shenandoah Valley. Dotti Fox said he only intended to serve for four years before leaving the service, but thought being a Marine was too important to stop at the age of 21.
He earned his Medal of Honor while serving as the commanding officer of a Marine unit in Vietnam. Despite being wounded twice during battle on Feb. 22, 1969, Fox led his men through heavy fire while refusing medical attention. Instead, he tended to other wounded Marines and he and his men eventually destroyed an enemy bunker forcing them to retreat, according to an account he gave to a Radford High School student group in 1999 as reported in The Roanoke Times.
His indomitable courage, inspiring initiative, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of grave personal danger inspired his Marines to such aggressive actions that they overcame all enemy resistance and destroyed a large bunker complex, according to the Medal of Honor citation read by President Richard Nixon.
He was also awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
During his lengthy career, aside from his combat role Fox served as a drill instructor, recruiter and military police officer.
After retiring from the military in 1993, Fox came to Blacksburg to work at Virginia Tech to serve as deputy commandant for the corps first battalion, a position he held until he retired from the university in 2001.
The entirety of his career was about being a leader and imparting ways to improve young peoples leadership, Fullhart said. One of the highlights for first year cadets annually was when Fullhart would interview Fox about his experiences in front of all of them.
He was always someone who led by example, Fulhart said.
Dotti Fox said her husband was always trying to set that example for students not just in the Corps, but also those in high school classes he regularly spoke with.
Hed often wear his Medal of Honor at formal occasions. One of his goals was to show youngsters what the medal looked like so they could recognize what it meant, she said.
He loved his country and he knew he could make a difference, Dotti Fox said.
That was also reflected in the two books he wrote about leadership and his experiences, she said. His book Six Essential Elements of Leadership: Marine Corps Wisdom from a Medal of Honor Recipient is required reading for all first year Tech Corps of Cadets members.
He is survived by his wife, three children, nine grandchildren, eight siblings and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.
A local visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Drive S.W., in Blacksburg. Funeral services will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.
CHRISTIANSBURG The Starlite Drive-in Theater, a Christiansburg institution for more than half a century, wont have to turn down the sound system it installed last year, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Judge Randal Duncan dismissed a town noise citation against Starlite owner Peggy Beasley, saying her business is exempt from noise restrictions.
The exemption was one of several arguments the theaters attorneys pressed during a hearing in Montgomery County General District Court that lasted more than two hours.
The judge ruled that the towns noise ordinance, as presently written, doesnt apply to sounds that businesses in certain zoning districts make as part of their operations.
The burden was on the town to show that the Starlites sound levels exceeded what was necessary and incidental the town ordinance language for the activities permitted in a business, industrial or mixed-use zoning district, Duncan said. The town had presented no evidence on that aspect of the case.
This one seemed pretty clear, defense attorney Gordon Shapiro of Roanoke said after the hearing.
Shapiro and his partner Jon Kurtin also argued that Christiansburgs noise rules were unconstitutional, but Duncan denied their motions in this area. Beasley has a civil lawsuit in the countys circuit court that seeks to have the ordinance declared invalid. That lawsuit has been on hold pending the outcome of the noise citation.
The Starlite had claimed to be exempt from the noise ordinance since town discussion of its sound began in 2016.
Attorney Theresa Fontana, who represented the town in prosecuting the citation, said that the sound system the theater installed in early 2016 had become a nuisance for neighbors, who she said could hear it inside their homes. She said that town council had discussed the situation in June 2016 and that she had researched whether the theater was exempt and determined that it was not.
Fontana said that while the Starlites customers need to hear movies, they dont need to hear it at a level that exceeds that of the noise ordinance.
Christiansburg Police Chief Mark Sisson testified that he and the towns planning director had gone to the Starlite in June 2016 to meet with Beasley and make sure she understood that theater had to abide by the noise ordinance.
The ordinance basically said citations could be issued if amplified music or other sounds could be heard more than 50 feet from their source or inside someone elses home. The ordinance said louder sounds were all right if a permit was issued such as for a parade and contained exemptions that included religious, school and sporting events, as well as the business exemption that Duncan cited in his decision.
Christiansburgs ordinance carries a maximum penalty for violators of a $2,500 fine and/or 10 days in jail.
Sisson said that he had met again with Beasley on Aug. 19 and Aug. 20, 2016, and stayed up until 1 a.m. listening to the theaters sounds in the neighborhood around it. He said that he told her that the sound was definitely a problem and recommended that she keep the volume of the new sound system set on 5 for the nights first movie and 4 for the second movie.
Sisson said that his officers issued at least 10 warnings to the Starlite in 2016. The chief said he talked to Beasley again in April as the theater prepared for this years season. He said he gave her another copy of the ordinance and that Beasley told him she would try to comply with it but didnt think it was reasonable.
I was trying to be a diplomat, Sisson testified.
Town police Lt. Chris Heidt said that about 9:15 p.m. on May 26, he received a complaint about the Starlites volume from a resident on Flint Drive. Heidt said that from Flint, he could hear loud rumbling and roaring and yelling emanating from the Starlites showing of Guardians of the Galaxy. He issued a citation to the theater.
But Beasleys attorneys said that in defining its exemptions, the town ordinance spoke only of whether sound was necessary to a business, not about how loud that sound should be. Shapiro said the theater had been operating since the early 1950s and for the most part, the town has adapted to the Starlite.
After Duncans decision, Beasley and her attorneys described the theater as a community institution and resource. Beasley said that while there had been occasional complaints about noise or traffic around the theater, there had been nothing like this with a town citation and court cases.
Kurtin said that Beasley and the theaters supporters would be glad to take part in discussions about re-writing the towns noise ordinance and predicted a revision would leave room for the Starlite to continue showing movies.
This isnt a judicial matter, Kurtin said.
The Salem City Council signed off on plans to pay a holiday bonus to employees Monday.
The one-time bump is both a show of thanks, officials said, and a recognition that pay raises were put on hold this year pending the completion of a comprehensive salary study that is still underway.
Hopefully, it will make their holidays a little bit better, City Manager Kevin Boggess said of Mondays proposal.
The bonuses, which will cost a total of $194,200, are set to be paid Friday.
Each full-time staffer will receive $246 after taxes. Permanent part-time staffers will see $123.
The full payments made by the city, before taxes, will be $400 for each full-timer and $200 for part-timers.
This is a nice way to thank our employees, whove contributed to making the city do so well this past year and whove been so patient while waiting for the pay study, said City Councilwoman Jane Johnson.
The council unanimously approved the proposal. The bonuses will benefit a total of 525 local staffers, including employees of constitutional officers, officials said.
In other business, the council granted a zoning permit to help ease the path for the redevelopment of the long-shuttered Valleydale Foods plant.
While no final plans for that sprawling building have been set yet, its new owners envision it as a mixed-use destination offering apartments, commercial space and possibly a return of some light manufacturing jobs.
Talks with potential tenants are underway, said co-owner Brent Cochran, who along with developer Ed Walker and other investors purchased the more than 160,000-square-foot property last February.
No deals have been struck yet, he added, but the group is hopeful it will have more information to announce in 2018.
The zoning permit approved Monday allows the project to consider a blend of uses.
Approved activities range from restaurants and breweries to offices and art spaces. Lighter industrial uses are also permitted.
The two-story plant has sat empty since Valleydale Foods pulled up stakes in 2006. The site became one of three Salem properties that Cochran, Walker and partners took on this year with the goal of revitalizing them.
Crews are at work now renovating the old West Salem Body Shop building on Main Street. That project is currently slated to open in April with 18 apartments 14 upstairs and 4 downstairs and two restaurant spaces.
Britain's Prince Harry poses with Meghan Markle in the Sunken Garden of Kensington Palace, London, Britain, November 27, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
The United Kingdom will witness another royal wedding next year after the Prince of Wales announced on Monday the engagement of his son, Prince Harry, to the US actress Meghan Markle.
The engagement statement said that details about the wedding will be announced at a later date but it will take place in London and be the subject of intense international attention.
The statement issued from Prince Charles's residence, Clarence House, said that the couple had become engaged earlier this month. Prince Harry has informed the Queen and sought and received the blessing of the Markle family.
The statement said that the wedding would take place next spring. The couple will live in Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace in London after they are married.
In the past members of the royal family had arranged marriages to someone from a similar background, normally from another European royal family to whom they were distantly related. Prince Harry, like his brother Prince William, will marry someone from a nonaristocratic background.
Prince William met his wife Catherine Middleton when they were students at St Andrews University in Scotland. They married to become the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Prince William is second-in-line to the throne while Prince Harry is now fifth-in-line after being displaced by his nephew and niece. He will become sixth-in-line to the throne when his brother has his third child next year. There have been days of speculation about the engagement between Harry, a former military helicopter pilot, and Markle, an actor whose best-known role was in the US drama series Suits.
It is not clear how Prince Harry, 33, and Markle, 36, met but they have been photographed at a series of social occasions.
Earlier this year, Markle spoke for the first time about her relationship with Harry: "We're two people who are really happy and in love. We were very quietly dating for about six months before it became news, and I was working during that whole time, and the only thing that changed was people's perception," she told Vanity Fair.
In a statement issued by Kensington Palace, Markle's parents said they were incredibly happy for the couple. "Our daughter has always been a kind and loyal person. To see her union with Harry, who shares the same qualities, is a source of great joy for us."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also expressed their congratulations.
"We are very excited for Harry and Meghan. It has been wonderful getting to know Meghan and to see how happy she and Harry are together," they said in a statement.
conal@mail.chinadailyuk.com
(China Daily 11/28/2017 page12)
Colleges and universities are reporting a surge in students being asked to verify information on their federal financial aid applications, a time-consuming process that school officials fear could derail low-income applicants.
Every year, about one-third of all students who fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, known as FAFSA, must provide further proof that the information they supplied is accurate. The U.S. Department of Education can flag students for verification at random, but the odds increase if their application is incomplete or contains discrepancies. College financial aid administrators say they always anticipate contacting some students for additional documentation, but the numbers this year have skyrocketed. And they dont know why.
University financial aid administrators say they are astonished by the rate of verifications. Many have received about the same number of FAFSA submissions as they did last year at this time, but the number of students being flagged has doubled in some cases.
The department has sophisticated people that we hope are building in appropriate selection criteria in the methodology, but this year, there is no rhyme or reason to what theyre doing, said Mary Sommers, director of financial aid at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Did something change? Weve heard nothing to date.
The Education Departments Office of Federal Student Aid said it is aware of the issue and is working to fix it. The department bases verification selection on several factors, including application patterns from the previous cycle, and some significant changes last year affected this years selection.
Not only did the FAFSA season kick off in October instead of January, but changes were made in the requirements for tax information. That meant the patterns of when and how people applied for aid also changed, meaning the formula the department used in verification shifted.
On top of that, the Internal Revenue Service Data Retrieval Tool, a popular online resource that lets students transfer tax return information, was disabled because of hackers. All of those factors have contributed to the higher than usual number of verification requests, according to the department.
Officials say they are working to make the appropriate adjustments, and schools should see a reduction in students being flagged in several weeks. The student aid office plans to issue guidance to colleges and universities as soon as it has a fix place.
In October alone, several public and private four-year colleges reported that the proportion of FAFSAs flagged for verification increased as much as threefold compared to the year before, according to data from the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. The trade group did not disclose the names of the schools.
Around this time last year, Sommers said about 15 percent of new and returning students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney were selected for verification, but now 40 percent, or 890 people, have been flagged. The problem is especially acute among students who automatically qualify for a zero expected family contribution, meaning their household income is less than $25,000 a year. Out of 160 applications with that designation, 130 have been selected for verification, Sommers said.
She worries that students who are the first in their family to attend college will be discouraged by being flagged and become weary of the application process. Sommers also works with Latino parents in the midst of becoming citizens who are nervous that verification will negatively affect their chances. Though she tries to allay those fears, Sommers is concerned those families might convince their children to consider only schools they can pay for out of pocket, or forgo college altogether.
With billions of dollars in loans, grants and scholarships at stake, verification is meant to reduce the risk of fraud for the federal government and the colleges that use the FAFSA to determine student aid eligibility. The education department says it also wants to ensure that students have full access to the financial assistance to which they are entitled.
Over the years, the department has streamlined the application process by allowing families to use the IRS tool to upload tax return information. Financial aid administrators say the data retrieval tool is supposed to lower the chances of being flagged because it mines verified information, but an increasing number of students who used it since the application went live in October have been selected for review.
One Midwestern public research university said 30 percent of students who used the data tool this FAFSA cycle were flagged, compared to only 8 percent the previous season, according to the financial aid association. Another private college in the Pacific Northwest said more than 28 percent of families who used the IRS tool are being asked for more documentation, nearly triple a year ago.
Nicholas Prewett, director of financial aid at the University of Missouri, said the proportion of students who used the IRS tool and were selected for verification soared from about 7 percent to 30 percent. He finds the numbers troubling because the tool has been promoted as an easier path to completion, yet students are still running into problems.
This means increased workload for our staff and our students, Prewett said. His staff must contact and collect additional documents for more than 5,100 students who had been flagged for verification through Nov. 4, a caseload twice as high as the same period last year. We try to process these in a couple of days, but if youre looking at double the number of students ... its a lot more work, which is going to lead to additional backlog for our students.
Delays in completing verification could take students out of the running for aid awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Most state financial aid deadlines are months away, so students who complete verification as soon as possible will still be eligible for that aid.
Chinese sailors remembered 70 years on in Liverpool
Xinhua | Updated: 2017-11-28 10:05
LONDON - Tributes were paid on Monday to 31 Chinese sailors who for 70 years have lain, virtually forgotten, in a cemetery, thousands of kilometers from their homes.
A special dedication ceremony was held at Anfield Cemetery in Liverpool at the site where the sailors are buried. They had all served in the Dutch navy, carrying essential goods and supplies from North America to Europe in the force of hostile enemy action by German U-boat submarines.
"They've lain here for 70 years or more, largely forgotten, and their sacrifice unacknowledged. Until now, most have not even had a gravestone as a permanent marker of their presence," said Walter Fung from the Society for Anglo Chinese Understanding in a eulogy to the sailors.
Roel Broer from the Dutch War Graves Foundation lay flowers at a memorial to the sailors who all died during World War II or shortly thereafter.
He said the graves of those who died in the war should be cared for and the history about what happened told to today's young people.
Liverpool ceremonial Lord Mayor Malcolm Kennedy led civic tributes to the sailors at the ceremony, with a large contingent of the city's Chinese community in attendance.
Events to mark the centenary of World War I has thrown a spotlight on civilian victims of the two world wars as well as the military.
In his tribute, added he hoped the new headstones would bring attention to the sacrifice they made and act as a permanent record of their lives and their great contribution to the freedom of the world.
Moira Kenny from the Liverpool organisation The Sound Agents, who organised the event, said: "John Campbell and I have spent many years recording the history of the Chinese community in our city. It is great that after so long these brave men have been remembered for their actions in what must have been one of the most terrifying battle grounds of the war, the Atlantic Ocean."
"Most of these brave men died and even though they were with the Dutch navy. The Netherlands was still occupied, so they were brought for burial at the closest port, Liverpool," added Kenny.
Wang Yuyu in a production of The Tempest in 2016. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
London-based theater student Wang Yuyu explores the isolation and invisibility of Chinese people and other East Asians living in Britain in her new one-woman show.
The 24-year-old from Chongqing in Southwest China will perform The Invisible at the Blue Elephant Theatre in London. It tells the story of her experience of living in a foreign country from landing in London to making new friends.
"I'm exploring the invisibility of Chinese people," she said. "Halfway through creating this show, it became a bit overwhelming because I realized it was such a huge topic. I wanted to talk about how everyone feels invisible at some point and also show that I'm like everyone else, I'm not that different."
The show aims to "explore the vulnerability, homesickness and otherness of overseas Asian communities, offering a new perspective on current contemporary discussions around immigration, alienation and home.
While some of the stories she tells during her performance are about herself, others are drawn from the experiences of friends.
In one scenario, Wang talks about a job interview in which her interviewer asked her why she chose to study in the UK after attending university in China. She said the question took her by surprise.
"That made me feel invisible, as if I didn't belong in Britain. Why was I here? I came all the way from my hometown to start something new and I felt invisible," she said.
Wang also wanted to explore the vulnerability of a solo performance because "there is something beautiful about it".
"A person, alone on the stage, outnumbered by the audience, it's intimidating but I can absorb the energy from these people," she said.
Wang said she is not trying to educate her audience or make anyone feel uncomfortable, she is simply interested in sharing stories and, perhaps, promoting mutual understanding.
"Instead of assuming the type of person I am because of my race, get to know me and where I come from," she said.
Wang said she would also like to see more Chinese people and other East Asians step into the spotlight in Britain's theater industry. With that goal, she has started her own theatre company, Cheeky Chin.
"There are so many Chinese and East Asians in Britain but I don't see many opportunities in the theater industry," she said. "I sometimes feel there is a stereotyping or discrimination, which is new to me, and this is something I want to work on."
BOARD, Mildred Thompson November 26, 2017 Mildred Thompson Board, 87, of Christiansburg, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 26, 2017. She attended the Harbor of Hope Church in Christiansburg. Mildred was very supportive of her husband who has been in the ministry for 60 years having played the piano, organ, sang, and taught Sunday school for many years. She loved her family dearly and was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed cooking, attending family functions, and going out to eat with her soul mate. She had a special talent of growing orchids and African violets. Mildred was preceded in death by a son, Freddie Lee Board; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Thompson; three sisters, and three brothers. Mildred is survived by her husband of 68 years, Dewey Layne Board of Christiansburg; her children, Rev. Stephen L. Board of Christiansburg, Patricia Board Aker and husband Randell of Ft. Chiswell, Donnie R. Board and wife, Cindy of Radford, Rebecca Board Underwood of Christiansburg, Donna Board McGrady and husband, Kevin of Christiansburg; eleven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Harbor of Hope Church in Christiansburg, Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 2 p.m. with Pastors Leon Alley, Wayne Poston, Craig Reed, and son, Rev. Stephen Board. Interment will follow at the Appalachian Conference Cemetery in Dublin, VA. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at the Harbor of Hope Church. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg
By Chris Hurst and Hala Ayala
Hurst was elected Nov. 7 to represent District 12 in the New River Valley in the Virginia House of Delegates, and Ayala to represent District 51 in Northern Virginia.
Politics should be about making a difference in peoples lives. Instead, it seems like politicians are deadlocked, squabbling and being influenced by special interests.
We decided to run for the Virginia House of Delegates because we believe things can be different. Here in Virginia, we can and must change how we govern: by putting people first, rising above the ugly partisan battles and standing independent of special interest influence. The truth is, we can and must be better so that we can make progress towards building a brighter future for our children.
Thats why we are so excited to be some of the first candidates in the country to have signed on to Americas Goals, a new blueprint for state government supported by Future Now, a new organization pushing to reorient politics around goals and accountability.
The goals reflect our values: good jobs, affordable quality healthcare, investing in children, empowering people over special interests, equal opportunity for all, sustainable infrastructure, and clean air, water and energy. Achieving these goals will create communities where all Virginians can thrive.
Rather than mere political slogans, each goal has ambitious and measurable targets for the Commonwealth to achieve by 2030. That means, for example, more high-quality affordable healthcare, so Virginians live longer. It means that Virginians should be able to get a college or technical degree without crushing debt. It means that our roads, bridges, rails and airports should start working, and stop crumbling.
Americas Goals present an inspiring vision for our future and help us measure what our government is doing (and not doing) to get Virginia back on the right track. Together, we can hold Richmond accountable for passing policies and making progress toward them.
Most importantly, Americas Goals will help fix our broken, ugly politics. Rather than more fights about policies that never get anywhere or personalities that dont get along, they can help us come together around shared goals to move us forward. Thats why public officials in Virginia and throughout America should be focused on these goals.
We ran for the Virginia House of Delegates because we have a vision for a better state government that does more to serve Virginians. Thats why we, and nearly one-fifth of incoming Delegates, have signed on to support Americas Goals. With our campaigns behind us, we look forward to pushing for progress toward these Goals in Richmond, and we invite all our colleagues and the Virginians who elected us to join us.
Americas Goals are a set of measurable policy goals for states available at https://www.futurenowusa.org/the-goals/.
November 28, 2017 Why the Palestinians Hate the Growing Israel-Saudi Detenteand Why They Shouldn't Dear Friend of FLAME: As you know, there's lots seething in the Middle East that affects Israel. Let's focus today on events dealing with Mahmoud Abbas and his misbegotten Palestinian Authority, then we'll turn to Iran's ominous march toward regional hegemony in our next issue. It was indeed a bad week for the Palestinians. An Israeli court ruled that the Palestinian Authority (PA) must pay $17 million in damages for a deadly 2001 terror attack against an Israeli family, killing the father, mother and brother (two infants, covered by their mother's bullet-riddled body, escaped the shooting). The PA provided the money and weapons used in the attack. Since much Palestinian tax money flows through the Israeli government, the families of the victims should be able to collect. Then the Trump administration told the Palestinians it would close their office in Washington, DC if the PA didn't cease actions against Israel in the International Criminal Court (ICC). A 2015 U.S. law requires shutting down the Palestinian mission if the Arabs initiate or support an ICC investigation of Israeli nationals for alleged crimes against Palestinianswhich the PA has done. While the Palestinians protested vehemently, they backed down . (One puzzles why President Obama didn't threaten the same thing.) But the Palestinian drama with the Trump White House didn't end there. Even as Trump prepares announcement of his team's Israel-Palestinian peace plan, prominent PA officials have already condemned the plan and its U.S. (Jewish) negotiatorsKushner, Greenberg and Friedmanfor being pro-Israel. Finally, the media report every day on increasing contacts between Israel and Saudi Arabia, plus Saudi Arabia's condemnation of Iran and Hizbollah Israel's most rabid and dangerous antagonists. What's more, Saudi Arabia is said to have been instrumental in pressuring Mahmoud Abbas to cease complaints against Israel in the ICC. While it would be an exaggeration to say that Israel and Saudi Arabia are friends, they're at least slowly becoming "frenemies." Which can't make the Palestinians happy. And which also brings us to this week's FLAME Hotline featured articleon why in fact the Palestinians should harness the Israel-Saudi detente to their advantage in forging a peace with Israel. Of course, the Palestinians being the people who never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity, you and I will be excused for our skepticism that this is possible. Above all, it's hard to find evidence that the Palestinians even want peace with Israel . Nonetheless, I think you'll profit from the perspective of Arab writer Hussein Ibish, who encourages the Palestinians to seize this opportunity as a last-gasp effort just to stay relevant. I hope you'll also quickly review the P.S. immediately below, which describes FLAME's long-running hasbarah campaign to stop the U.S. Congress from funding Palestinian terrorism. If you haven't yet, please email and call your U.S. Senators to encourage their vote for the Taylor Force Act, which could come up for a vote any day. Go right now to the U.S. Senate directory and choose your state: Your Senators, as well as their email address and phone numbers will appear. Please use bothit's one thing you can do to support Israel today. Best regards, Jim Sinkinson
President, Facts and Logic About the Middle East (FLAME) P.S. Did you know: By subsidizing the corrupt Palestinian Authority (P.A.) with aid of some $450 million taxpayer dollars a year, the U.S. is also funding the P.A.'s program of paying salaries to Palestinian terrorists who have killed innocent Americans and Israelis? In order to make Americansespecially college and university studentsaware of this Palestinian practice of rewarding jihadi assailants and murderers with U.S. funds, FLAME has recently been publishing a new position paper: "U.S. Funds Palestinian Terrorism." This paid editorial has appeared in magazines and newspapers, including college newspapers, with a combined readership of some 10 million people. In addition, it is being sent to every member of the U.S. Congress and President Trump. If you agree that this kind of public relations effort on Israel's behalf is critical, I urge you to support us. Remember: FLAME's powerful ability to influence public opinionand U.S. support of Israelcomes from individuals like you, one by one. I hope you'll consider giving a donation now, as you're ablewith $500, $250, $100, or even $18. (Remember, your donation to FLAME is tax deductible.) To donate online, just go to donate now. Now more than ever we need your support to ensure that the American people and the U.S. Congress end our support of blatantly anti-Semitic, global jihadist organizations. As of today, more than 15,000 Israel supporters receive the FLAME Hotline at no charge every week. If you're not yet a subscriber, won't you join us in receiving these timely updates, so you can more effectively tell the truth about Israel ? Just go to free subscription . How a Saudi-Israeli Alliance Could Benefit the Palestinians There is far more opportunity than danger in the two countries' flirtation Hussein Ibish, Atlantic, November, 18, 2017 The flirtation between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which has been gaining momentum both publicly and privately in recent years, seems to be picking up even more steam now, especially on the Israeli side. Israel's Military Chief of Staff General Gadi Eizenkot gave a wide-ranging interview to a major Saudi website offering greater intelligence cooperation, among other overtures. Israel is co-sponsoring a draft Saudi UN resolution on Syria. And Israel's communications minister praised comments by the Saudi Grand Mufti that were highly critical of Hamas, and invited him to visit Israel. Reciprocal Saudi moves have been more subtle and often unofficial, yet signs of an increasing recognition of the potential value of working more closely with Israel to counter Iran are readily discernible in Gulf Arab discourse. Most attention on this issue has focused on Iran, because countering Tehran's growing regional powerparticularly as the war in Syria winds down, and with Iran and its allies gaining control of key strategic areas along the Syrian-Iraqi border-is uppermost in the minds of Saudis and Israelis alike. Both also feel keenly menaced by Iran's most effective Arab proxy, Hezbollah, which has emerged from the Syrian war much more powerful than before, and has engaged in conflicts around the region. But, especially if something more significant develops from these overtures, what might all this mean for the Palestinians? The instinctive Palestinian, and arguably more broadly Arab, reaction would be negative. The traditional assumption has been that the Palestinian cause benefits from a zero-sum attitude toward Israel by the Arab states that, at a minimum, demands a complete end to the occupation that began in 1967, before significant diplomatic progress with Arab states can be purposefully initiated. There's still a strong sense of betrayal about Egypt's separate peace with Israel in 1979; there's somewhat more understanding about why Jordan undertook a similar treaty with Israel following the Israeli-Palestinian Oslo Accords. Many Palestinians and their supporters are likely to instantly conclude that any meaningful efforts at building a new strategic relationship between Israel and Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia will be at their expense. This is certainly understandable, but it's by no means necessarily correct. In fact, there is every reason for Palestinians to see far more opportunity than danger in these potential developments. A new opening between Saudi Arabia and Israel wouldn't deprive Palestinians of anything they currently possess that has either real or potential value. It certainly wouldn't make the occupation worse or do anything that's likely to prolong it. To the contrary, given the political constraints the Gulf Arab countries face domestically and regionallyas well as their genuinely held (if sometimes, though unfairly, doubted by both Palestinians and Westerners) sympathy with the Palestinian cause-there are major limitations to how far Saudi Arabia and others could or would publicly go in developing closer ties to Israel. The Arab Peace Initiative, launched by Riyadh in 2002 and subsequently endorsed by both the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, initially held out full diplomatic and trade normalization for Israel with virtually the entire Arab and Muslim worlds as a major additional benefit to be acquired upon the conclusion of a peace agreement with the Palestinians. The Arab, and especially Saudi, position appears to have evolved lately to accept the virtue of "concurrence," whereby limited Israeli peace moves and concessions toward the Palestinians, such as restricting settlements in the occupied territories, would be matched by concomitant limited Gulf Arab gestures toward Israel, such as civil aviation cooperation or even some limited official meetings. The idea is that a virtuous circle could be created in which new paths to an eventual peace between Israel and the Palestinians, and then the full normalization with the Arab and Muslim worlds for Israel, can be accomplished. Naturally this isn't what Palestinians would ideally want, either as a process or, possibly, as an outcome. However, it may be the best they can hope for under the circumstances, and certainly seems to be the only game in town. Palestinians would be wise to remember how isolated and forlorn they were during most of the second Obama administration, with their issue essentially consigned to John Kerry's wish list and nothing more. They virtually disappeared from the international, and even the Arab, stage, and became an afterthought even though their cause continued to be exploited by a wide range of terrorist groups. But the potential for a new strategic relationship between Israel and Gulf Arab countries was one of the main reasons why the incoming Trump administration, to the astonishment of many, resurrected the Israeli-Palestinian issue and made it a central feature of the White House's agenda. Palestinians, particularly those associated with the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization, were utterly delighted to have been resurrected politically and diplomatically by this unexpected development. Now the Trump team says that, after studying the issue for 10 months, it is on the brink of coming up with its new plan for Israeli-Palestinian peace, which seems to be some version of the traditional two-state solution but almost certainly involves the "outside-in" approach of seeking momentum between the two parties by introducing a new Saudi and Gulf Arab role in outreach to Israel. Almost lost in the swirl of drama surrounding the mass arrest of prominent citizens in Saudi Arabia, the Houthi missile fired at Riyadh International Airport from Yemen, and the resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, was the telling fact that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was summoned to Riyadh for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the midst of all that chaos. The meeting may have focused on the next steps in squeezing Hamas to give up more of its control over Gaza. But there was also speculation, particularly in the Israeli media, that the Palestinian leader was being told to prepare to cooperate with a forthcoming American peace effort if he values Saudi friendship. No doubt this all feels somewhat coercive to Palestinians, who, like the Lebanese, are often at the mercy of more powerful players. However, there isn't any other obvious path forward for Palestinians. Though they may have to adjust their expectations, they definitely stand to be net beneficiaries of a greater openness between Israel and Arab countries that, politically, would have to insist on movement on Palestinian issues in order to develop a new strategic relationship with the Jewish state. At least to some extent and at times, others might be negotiating on Palestinians' behalf, which is plainly sub-optimal. But there doesn't seem to be any other way of generating momentum on Palestinian concerns, and without this component, it's likely that the Trump administration will, like its immediate predecessor, quickly become fed up and walk away, leaving Israel relatively secure and prosperous and the Palestinians in a profoundly unenviable position. It's unlikely that many Palestinians share the degree of alarm that Israelis and Saudis feel about the growth of Iranian power in the Middle East, and particularly the emergence of an Iranian-controlled "land bridge" between Tehran and Lebanon and its Mediterranean coast. Yet this is a strategic game changer that, if consolidated, would greatly strengthen the regional clout of the most cynical exploiter of their issue in recent decades: Iran. Palestinians would be well advised to view the potential dialogue between Israel and Arab countries like Saudi Arabia as an opportunity to prevent their issues from being once again egregiously exploited or discarded. In the longer term, a wider opening between Israel and the Gulf Arab countries that are now largely driving the broader Arab agenda, especially when they collaborate with Egypt and Jordan, is currently the only viable path toward the resurrection of a process that can bring about, eventually, an end to the occupation and the realization of Palestinian independence. In the meanwhile, if it flourishes, such a new regional reality is bound to involve some benefits to Palestinians, and to keep their cause central to the strategic thinking of Washington and its key Middle Eastern allies. Therefore, it would be wise for Palestinians to look for ways of maximizing how this dynamic can work for them rather than indulging in knee-jerk denunciations and recriminations that will gain them nothing.
HOME SUBSCRIBE DONATE PR FOR ISRAEL HOTLINE ARCHIVE ABOUT CONTACT US THIS MONTH'S AD APPEARED IN PUBLICATIONS REACHING 10 MILLION READERS IF YOU SUPPORT PUBLISHING FLAME'S BOLD PR MESSAGES, PLEASE HELP US!! FLAME is the only organization that defends Israel with paid editorial hasbarah messages placed in media nationwide every month: The dire threats from Iran, Hamas and Hizbollah, the injustice of BDS, Palestinian anti-Semitism and more. If you support a bold voice that tells the truth about Israel in American media, please donate now. FLAME'S WEEKLY HOTLINE E-NEWSLETTER FLAME's Hotline e-newsletter keeps you up to date on the most important pro-Israel advocacy issues and features our choice of the week's most informative and thought-provoking article on Israel and the Middle East. If you only subscribe to one pro-Israel news service, make it the FLAME Hotline.
Omaan Jahangir
TWO men have been jailed for attacking a drunk stranger they invited to a party.
Sentencing Daniel Simpson and Omaan Jahangir, recorder Duncan Smith told them the incident was one of the most inhumane and disgraceful incidents he had heard in a long time.
Jahangir (22), of Brunswick Road, Broom, and Simpson (27), of Wharncliffe Side, Morehall View, Sheffield, both admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm at an early hearing.
They were both jailed for two years when they appeared on November 15 at Sheffield Crown Court for sentencing.
The court heard the men had come across the 34-year-old victim, who was described as "incredibly vulnerable", at a petrol station at Herringthorpe Valley Road in the early hours of the morning on July 3 last year.
The slightly built man was alone and drunk and was bundled into the car and driven to Dole Lane, Whiston.
Daniel Simpson
Recorder Smith said: "You tricked him into getting into your car on the premise of taking him to a party, but instead you took him to an isolated spot and kicked him about the head.
"It beggars belief why you did that other than for the sheer enjoyment of seeing that man suffer.
"You got in your car and drove off leaving him to his fate.
"You didn't know how much damage you caused him - you didn't care at all.
"It is the most inhumane set of circumstances I have come across in a long time."
Det Con Dan Callaghan from Rotherham's Performance Crime Team, said after the hearing: "A member of the public found the victim with serious facial injuries laid out on the floor.
"He required hospital treatment and it is a small mercy that his injuries were not far more severe.
"An investigation was immediately launched and, working with the victim, we were able to identify a number of scenes that were then examined for forensic evidence.
"The victim was not known to either defendant, which makes their initial approach to the victim and attack that much more concerning.
"Through CCTV and automatic number plate recognition enquiries, we were able to identify the vehicle the victim was transported in by Jahangir and Simpson and we arrested Jahangir in the days that followed.
"Simpson voluntarily attended at a police station to be interviewed in relation to the matter.
"Targeting someone randomly and subjecting them to violence and threatening behaviour is unacceptable."
The Samritans Purse Operation Christmas Child processing centre at the Talbot Lane Methodist Church is again in full swing with shoeboxes arriving daily. Helping out are pupils from The Willows School at Thurcroft, Joshua Toothill (left) and Morgan Troop with Hazel Adelbogun (right) district co-ordinator and Maureen Pearson, processing centre manager. 171940-5
TIME is running out to back a festive appeal to make Christmas happier for disadvantaged children.
The Operation Christmas Child team is asking kind-hearted Rotherham residents to fill a shoebox with little presents to be flown out to children in Eastern Europe, Syria and Africa.
But the deadline for donations is next Friday, December 1.
Shoeboxes can be left at Asda in Aldwarke, Tesco Extra and Shoezone in the town centre, Madheads on Wellgate, Beauty by Pene inside Techniques at Broad Street, Parkgate, and Talbot Lane Methodist Church opposite the Town Hall.
The processing centre, where all the boxes are checked and packed, is at Talbot Lane Methodist Church and will be open until Friday, December 1, from 10am to 4pm, for people to go along and help out or simply see the operation in action.
Previous years have seen up to 3,000 shoeboxes collected.
For more information, visit the Operation Christmas Child UK website at https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk.
De Beers said it is seeking expressions of interest from potential buyers for its Voorspoed mine in Free State, South Africa.
The group said the decision to place Voorspoed mine on the market had been taken to provide the opportunity for responsible lower-cost operators to employ a different operating model that could potentially extend the mines operating life beyond 2020.
I am very proud of the Voorspoed mine team, who have contributed so much to the operations success to date and ensured it has always operated to the highest standards of environmental and social performance, said De Beers Consolidated Mines chief executive Phillip Barton. However, based on our experience with other operations, we believe the most responsible course of action is to give other lower-cost operators the opportunity to purchase the mine and potentially extend its life, as this will maximise the benefit for the community and the mines workers.
The Standard Bank of South Africa had been appointed as financial adviser to De Beers on the proposed disposal process of the mine.
Potential buyers, said De Beers, would be required to exhibit a record of success technically and financially as well as meet all applicable regulatory and social requirements while economically and sustainably operating the mine.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
A fresh diamond rush in Marange is spoiling the state-owned Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC)s monthly production target, according to a local weekly.
The company had a monthly production target of 200 000 carats and expected to produce 2,5 million carats this year after acquiring equipment worth millions of dollars.
The Zimbabwe Independent quoted Tryagain Mpofu, a resident of the local Chiadzwa area, as saying that hundreds of illegal miners had invaded the diamond fields again.
Mpofu was accidentally shot and critically injured by ZCDC security details who were chasing after illegal miners.
I was walking close to the ZCDC security fence when I came across hundreds of illegal miners running in the opposite direction, he said.
I could not join them as I was on my journey home and there was no reason to run away because I was not part of the panners.
The weekly reports that apart from the fresh invasion by illegal miners, the ZCDC was also still battling ongoing legal battles over the ownership of mining claims.
This, it noted, had also contributed to the low production volumes.
However, ZCDC chief executive officer Morris Mpofu said production had remained on the negative side of 200 000 carats monthly, owing to the migration programme which the company was undertaking.
He said a conglomerate plant would be completed before the end of the year to pave way for the company to embark on kimberlitic mining which required huge investment.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
Watco Companies, LLC
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Secretary Dave Ross joined a group of Wisconsin & Southern Railroad (WSOR) employees recently for a tour of the railroad.
According to a post on Watco Companies website, this was the first visit of Sec. Ross to the railroad since he was appointed to his position in January 2017. Sec. Ross joined a team of WSOR employees as they inspected rail infrastructure between Madison and McFarland, comparing jointed rail with modernized continuous welded rail and viewing a recently rehabilitated Madison Subdivision along with a portion of the Reedburg Subdivision, which is scheduled to undergo a similar rehab project.
WSOR noted that during the 90-minute trip, WSOR Trainmaster Tyler Crawford and Conductor Alex Blum discussed railroad crossing safety, trespassing, the WSORs service plan and customer base in the greater Madison area with the secretary.
The WSOR is grateful for our partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and is looking forward to the exciting challenges that lie ahead, said Ken Lucht, WSOR assistant vice president of government and industry relations. We thank Secretary Ross for his strong support for freight rail and economic development here in the state of Wisconsin.
Earlier this month, WSOR was awarded a $4.5-million state grant for the reconstruction of bridge B-316. WSOR explains that the 1,107-foot-long bridge will be the railroads third major structure spanning the Wisconsin River. In addition to the grant, WisDOT will provide a $564,730 loan for the project and WSOR will match the loan to cover the remaining project costs.
WisDOT cited the project as necessary to improve the safety and operational efficiency of the Prairie du Chien to Madison rail line and reduce maintenance costs, as well as being important to sustaining economic growth in the area.
Between the states financial backing of the project and the visit from the transportation secretary, WSOR says November was a very good month.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin
The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYMTA) has awarded RailWorks Corp. subsidiary L.K. Comstock & Company Inc. two contracts worth a combined $74.3 million for underground electrical substations on the New York City Transit (NYCT) Canarsie "L" line in Brooklyn. Both projects will increase power capacity.
Harrison Place is a 39-month project valued at $39.6 million at Harrison Place and Flushing Avenue, in the Bushwick neighborhood in the northern part of Brooklyn, N.Y. L.K. Comstock will design and build a 5,000-square-foot underground substation structure and install the associated electrical equipment.
The 39-month Maspeth Avenue project, in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, involves building a 5,000-square-foot underground substation structure and installing associated electrical equipment, including two circuit breaker houses. This project is valued at $34.7 million.
L.K. Comstock is proud to be working on expanding power capacity on Canarsie Line in Brooklyn, said Ben DAlessandro, president of L.K. Comstock. Once completed, these upgrades will help to increase the volume and reliability of train service on this vital subway line.
The underground substation contracts with New York City Transit, along with a growing volume of transit-related work across the U.S. and Canada, have contributed a record backlog for RailWorks, noted President and CEO Kevin Riddett. RailWorks is pleased to be a part of continuing to improve, expand and construct new transit systems across North America.
L.K. Comstock is one of the largest specialty electrical contractors in the U.S. Founded in 1904, the firm serves the transit industry and specializes in performing design support, engineering and installation, testing, start-up and construction and maintenance services. L.K. Comstock is based in East Farmingdale, N.Y., and performs work on projects throughout North America. It is a subsidiary of RailWorks Corp., which provides track and transit systems construction and maintenance services throughout the U.S. and Canada.
In January 2017, NYMTA awarded a $223.3 million contract to L.K. Comstock & Company Inc. to upgrade the NYCT Queens Boulevard Line (QBL) signaling system and install communications-based train control (CBTC).
(Agencia CMA Latam) - Alfred De Zayas, an independent expert on International Democratic and Equitable Order of the United Nations (UN), is in Venezuela to assess the political, economic and social situation in the country, said Jorge Arreaza, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister.
"He is worried about the economic situation, the financial blockade against Venezuela and the way our external debt is being used to block access to resources for social investment for Venezuelans," Arreaza said.
De Zayas will have unlimited access to delegations of Venezuelan institutions, the Popular Power, and civil society organizations. He will also closely follow the talks between the ruling party and the opposition scheduled to December 1 and 2 in the Dominican Republic.
by Agencia CMA Latam
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com
Economic News
What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Indian shares opened lower on Tuesday, mirroring mixed cues from global as oil pulled back on supply worries and uncertainty lingered over the U.S. tax bill ahead of a Senate vote.
Investors also kept an eye on rising bond yields in China and the change of the guard at the Federal Reserve.
The benchmark BSE Sensex was down 50 points or 0.14 percent at 33,676 after closing marginally higher the previous day. The broader Nifty index was down 10 points or 0.10 percent at 10,389.
Infosys, BPCL, NTPC, Power Grid and ONGC were among the prominent losers in the Nifty pack, while Maruti Suzuki and HDFC rose about 1 percent each.
IDBI Bank rallied 2 percent after its board approved sale of 7.4 million shares in NSE.
Punjab National Bank gained about 1 percent. The bank is selling up to 99.94 lakh shares in PNB Housing Finance through an offer for sale.
TVS Electronics also rose by 1 percent after it received shareholder nod for a scheme of amalgamation between Prime property holdings and self.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Editors Pick
Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., affiliated to food processing giant Tyson Foods, Inc., is recalling around 93,697 pounds of raw ground beef products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service or FSIS announced. The reason for the recall was potential contamination with extraneous materials, specifically reflective mirror-like material.
Discount retailer Target reported Wednesday that third-quarter net profit halved from last year, reflecting a 330 basis points drop in gross margins, driven primarily by markdowns in an increasingly challenging environment. Both earnings per share and quarterly revenues also missed analysts' estimates. The retailer also provided comparable sales guidance for the fourth quarter.
Amid the speedy transition by automakers to electric vehicles, Ford CEO Jim Farley reportedly warned that EVs' production will result in significant job losses, but producing more parts in-house will help to mitigate this impact. While talking at an auto conference for the Rainbow Push Coalition in Detroit, Farley said EVs require 40 percent lesser workers than for producing cars and trucks power
Sweden is burning Hennes & Mauritz AB brand clothes to produce energy. The incineration plant can burn any organic feed and it uses damp and soiled clothes from the retailer, reported www.mining.com.
The H&M brand commented to Bloomberg that, "H&M does not burn any clothes that are safe to use. However it is our legal obligation to make sure that clothes that contain mold or do not comply with our strict restriction on chemicals are destroyed."
In 2017 alone, around 15 tons of clothing from H&M were burnt in the energy plants, reports noted.
The combustion plant uses all sorts of wastes and it imports garbage from other countries such as Norway to generate power. Sweden is reportedly recycles around two million tones of waste every year. Apart from that they import around 80,000 tons of trash from Norway.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
Retired Marine Colonel Lee Busby has launched a long-shot write-in campaign in the race for Alabama's open Senate seat, saying he is dissatisfied with both the Republican and Democratic candidates.
The move by Busby, a registered Republican and former top aide to White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, comes just two weeks before the special election on December 12th.
Busby claimed in an interview on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Tuesday that his decision to run was not related to the allegations of sexual misconduct against Republican candidate Roy Moore.
"The swirl that was going on, it's not that at all. I got no interest in it," Busby said. "I hope they get it sorted out, but it's not my interest. I was not a supporter beforehand."
"I don't know Roy Moore, I've never met him," he added. "But there's a sense of self-righteousness that comes out of that campaign that bothered me. And I don't think it represents the majority of Alabama voters."
Busby said he was not happy with the choice between Moore and Democratic candidate Doug Jones and suggested many Alabama voters feel the same.
"The more people I talked to, the more sense that I got that there's this huge swath in the middle that feels like they're not represented there," Busby said.
Busby, who served as vice chief of staff to Kelly when he was a three-star lieutenant general, denied being a spoiler candidate and argued he could draw votes from both Moore and Jones supporters.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Political News
Another former staffer for Congressman John Conyers, D-Mich., has accused the longtime lawmaker of sexual harassment.
Deanna Maher, who ran a Michigan office for Conyers from 1997 to 2005, told the Detroit News the congressman made three unwanted sexual advances toward her, including inappropriate touching.
Maher said the first instance of harassment happened in September of 1997, when she rejected Conyers' offer to share his room at the Grand Hyatt in Washington and have sex.
The other incidents involved unwanted touching in a car in 1998 and another unwanted touching of her legs under her dress in 1999, Maher told the Detroit News.
Conyers' attorney Arnold Reed argued Maher's allegations are uncorroborated and questioned why she would continue to work for the congressman for so many years after the alleged incidents.
"At the end of the day, he's confident that he will be exonerated because he maintains that he has not done anything wrong," Reed said.
Maher told the Detroit News her need for employment and Conyers' status as a powerful Democratic lawmaker explains why she stayed on the job.
Conyers announced Sunday he was stepping down as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee amid an investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations that a former employee was fired because she would not succumb to his sexual advances.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Political News
LAS VEGAS (AP) Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters didn't shy away when asked to comment on sexual harassment just after being crowned.
"If women take hands and stand together, we are unbreakable," said the 22-year-old representative from South Africa, "and we can say no to the things that are wrong in the workplace, at home or wherever you might go."
In the U.S., dozens of politicians, Hollywood executives and actors, and media personalities are facing accusations of sexual misconduct, sparked by a wave of allegations against movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.
The topic arose during Sunday's competition when a fan-submitted question asked why it's important for men and women to work together to address the issue of sexual misconduct.
Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett said men and women should come together to make sure no form of abuse, including sexual harassment, is tolerated.
"Sexual harassment is a form of abuse, and no abuse should be tolerated whether in the workplace or in society," Bennett said.
Nel-Peters, who recently earned a business management degree, was crowned during the event at The AXIS theater at Planet Hollywood casino-resort on the Las Vegas Strip.
The runner-up was Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez, while Bennett finished as the second runner-up.
Nel-Peters is from the South African coastal community of Sedgefield in the Western Cape province. She helped develop a program to train women in self-defense in various situations after she was robbed at gunpoint a month after she was crowned as Miss South Africa.
She also said she wants to champion other causes during her yearlong reign.
"HIV/AIDS is a very big problem in my country South Africa, so I hope to stand as an advocate for that," she said after the event.
She is the second woman from her home country to earn the crown.
Ninety-two women from around the world participated in the decades-old competition. This year's edition had the most contestants ever, including the first representatives in its history of Cambodia, Laos and Nepal.
Steve Harvey returned as the show's host despite botching the 2015 Miss Universe crowning. On Sunday, he poked fun at his mistake throughout the night. Three days after people in the U.S. celebrated Thanksgiving, Harvey told the audience he is "grateful for the Oscars," referring to the best-picture flub at this year's Academy Awards.
Grammy-Award winner Fergie performed her new song "A Little Work" while the contestants walked down the stage wearing evening gowns. This year's judges included YouTube star Lele Pons, former judge of "America's Next Top Model" Jay Manuel and Wendy Fitzwilliam, the 1998 Miss Universe winner from Trinidad and Tobago.
Nel-Peters earned a yearlong salary and a luxury apartment in New York City for the duration of her reign as well as more prizes.
Donald Trump formerly co-owned The Miss Universe Organization with NBCUniversal. But the network and the Spanish-language broadcaster Univision quickly cut ties with him in 2015, when he offended Hispanics with anti-immigrant remarks in announcing his bid for the White House. Trump sued both networks, eventually settling and selling off the entire pageant to talent management company WME/IMG.
Samoa bids farewell to a great friend last weekend. Lizbeth Cullity, the U.N. Resident Coordinator and U.N.D.P. Resident Representative in Samoa, ended her four year term and in the following piece, she talks about her experience on our shores. She writes:
As I wrap up my work in Samoa, I contemplate the work and operations, as well as relations and friendships that I have been privileged to be a part of in my four short years in Apia.
I arrived in November 2013 to take up the dual role of United Nations Resident Coordinator and U.N.D.P. Resident Representative for Samoa, the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau.
Having worked and lived in Haiti for over 20 years, I was familiar with living and working in a Small island developing State. Granted that the two countries are very different, in terms of environmental vulnerability, Samoa faces the same challenges as Haiti and other Small Island Developing States (S.I.D.S.) in the Pacific, the Caribbean and beyond.
This challenge and others related to social, economic and political developments in S.I.D.S. were brought to the fore with the hosting of the Third International Conference on S.I.D.S. in September 2014 by the Government and people of Samoa.
The Conference was a great success, and provided a further opportunity for the international community to articulate its support for the different needs and special case of S.I.D.S. It was also an opportunity for Samoa and other S.I.D.S. to underscore their respective and collective priorities, challenges, and achievements.
From the time of my arrival to the convening of the S.I.D.S. Conference, my colleagues and I had the immense pleasure of working and collaborating closely with the Government of Samoa and many senior government officials, development partners, civil society organisations (C.S.Os) and the private sector to help organise the Conference, as well as showcase the work of the United Nations system in Samoa, and in the Pacific.
As an ardent and effective advocate for S.I.D.S., Samoa chose a theme focused on sustainable development of S.I.D.S. through genuine and durable partnerships. As emphasised in the outcome document, the S.A.M.O.A. Pathway, these partnerships have, and will continue to help provide the means to implement commitments for sustainable development going forward.
Early in my assignment, the Government of Samoa reiterated its call for the UN to Deliver as One. Based on this approach, U.N. agencies are encouraged to develop programmes where multiple agencies would work together to avoid having too many agencies with too many small projects working in parallel to one another.
With this task set for me, I embarked on a mission to consult the 10-12 agencies based in Apia at the time to look for ways to join forces. Rather than continuing in our individual paths, we needed to forge closer relations and collaboration, particularly on gender equality and youth empowerment as requested by the Government.
Additionally, at the heart of the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (adopted in 2015) was a simple principle: leave no one behind.
This too, in addition to Delivering as One, have been my mantra as we set about to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. When we talk about improving the lives of the most vulnerable and reflect on how we are going to leave no one behind, it cannot be business as usual.
So, we went out and talked to the Government, as well as schools, communities, civil societies and the private sector. We gained a better understanding as to how we could make that investment best through the expertise of the local context, local language and rapport building to make sure that we have real partnerships.
I was pleased therefore that with the assistance of my colleagues in the UN Country Team two joint programmes were developed in 2015. The F.A.O., I.L.O., U.N.D.P., U.N.E.S.C.O. and U.N.V. joined forces as part of the Samoa One-UN Youth Employment Programme (YEP) in partnership with Government of Samoa, and various C.S.Os and the private sector.
The One-UN Y.E.P. was developed to assist youth in developing knowledge and skills needed to enter the labour market, as well as provide them with additional support services to secure decent work opportunities in either formal or informal employment.
The Samoa One-UN Y.E.P. has been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to support numerous initiatives, including enrolling 56 youth, some of whom were in conflict with the law, in vocational school. We also supported farming training in partnership with Women in Business in both Upolu and Savaii; specialised career training by the Samoa Culinary Association for young chefs and assistants; small business training by the Small Business Enterprise Centre; cultural training by the Samoa Culture Centre; and mentoring of young unemployed people for formal job interviews during two mass recruitment runs by major hotels and resorts in Apia.
The Samoa One-U.N. Y.E.P. will continue to run in 2018, and will also endeavour to connect youth to jobs through an electronic hub (E-Hub) spearheaded by the Samoa National Youth Council, with links to the governments main employment website. I look forward to hearing more about progress in finalizing the E-Hub and, more importantly, its uptake by Samoan youth in finding jobs, including in cocoa and organic farming.
U.N.D.P. and U.N. Women came together to launch the Increasing the Political Participation of Women in Samoa Project (I.P.P.W.S.) in partnership with the governments of Samoa and Australia, and with the support of several local partner organisations. The Project sought to increase community awareness of the importance of ensuring women in Samoa are able to engage in political leadership, as well as to work with women candidates in the run up to the 2016 elections, and to work with political parties to raise awareness on gender issues.
There is no doubt to the depth of leadership of the women of Samoa.
We see, and hear them in government, businesses, civil society, in their congregations, and in their communities. Some 24 women ran in the 2016 general elections, and five now serve their constituencies in Samoas national Parliament.
The I.P.P.W.S. highlighted for me the size of the task we continue to face - changing the mindsets around womens roles in political leadership will take time and effort.
Everyone has a role to play, and progress will not always be even. And while the 2013 constitutional amendment was a great step forward, the need for a quota to reach 10 per cent, plus the fact that it had to be triggered in 2016 to reach 10 per cent, shows us that challenges remain.
A successor project to IPPWS is currently being developed, and I am certain this will yield more good progress for women, and Samoa.
Come 2021, I hope there will be more women parliamentarians in Samoa without the need to trigger the 10 per cent quota.
Samoa, like many S.I.D.S., lives at the frontline of climate change threats and sustainable development challenges. Devastation suffered by many during and in the aftermath of Cyclone Evan in 2012 highlighted our continued vulnerability to climate change.
Many will have seen steady progress and changes being made around the Vaisigano and Lelata areas, which are amongst the many energy, environment and U.N.D.P.-G.E.F. funded programmes undertaken in Samoa.
I want to highlight the importance of the approval by the Green Climate Fund in 2016 of a U.N.D.P.-facilitated climate change adaptation project focused on integrated watershed management for the Vaisigano River in Apia.
This G.C.F. project will support concerted efforts by the Government to put in place a comprehensive flood management solution that will benefit over 26,528 people in the Vaisigano River catchment area, and 37,000 people indirectly. As we move into the cyclone season, I hope for fair weather and a quiet season for us all.
During my four years in Samoa, I can say that much work was accomplished in close collaboration and partnership with the Samoa Government, C.S.Os and the private sector. Much more, however, remains to be done.
The pace of change occurring around Samoa is unstoppable and Samoa and her people are vulnerable to changes and opportunities that accompany globalisation.
Whatever the challenges, Samoa should not shrink from the opportunities of change. Through protecting the best of your culture and the willingness to embrace change where it is in your interest, Samoa can only reinforce its current position of influence among countries big and small.
I cannot end this note without again thanking the Honourable Prime Minister and the Government and people of Samoa for your exceptional gesture of support and commitment to the United Nations through the One U.N. House our new home at Tuanaimato.
The One U.N. House represents a concrete step towards assisting the UN system fulfill a demand made by the Government of Samoa in 2012, and which all S.I.D.S. request through the Samoa Pathway, for the UN to deliver better, together.
The One U.N. House will encourage collaboration between U.N. agencies and facilitate knowledge sharing and rapport building. The U.N. in Samoa is a strong and capable team.
We are devoted to ensuring respect for human rights, which means inclusive development, and to strengthening Samoas resilience in the face of climate change, amongst others.
The Agencies have grown in our capacity to formulate and implement joint initiatives, and going forward, I know that Samoa and the U.N. Country Team will continue to strengthen its relations and delivery to ensure that no one is left behind.
I have enjoyed my time in Samoa immensely and I shall miss its lush greenness, the warmth and generosity of the Samoan people and the dear friendships I have made.
As I return to the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations - this time in Bamako, Mali - to assume the position of Chief of Staff of the Multidimensional Stabilization Mission to Mali (M.I.N.U.S.M.A.), I am confident that this beautiful nation with its strong identity and traditional culture will continue to evolve as it should.
Faafetai tele lava, Samoa.
A web application designed to help Samoa guide implementation of and reporting on human rights obligations and Sustainable Development Goals was the focus of a gathering at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Greys Hotel last Thursday.
The Sadata workshop was attended by representatives from a number of government ministries.
Supported by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the U.Ns Resident Coordinator, Lizbeth Cullity, spoke about the importance Sadata.
Human rights are enshrined in the very Constitution of Samoa and the faa Samoa itself shares many of the core values of dignity and respect, she said.
With these commitments and values comes an ongoing obligation to report. The process has the potential to be extremely powerful (but) it is not a small task. To take full advantage of the human rights system you have to be smart and that is exactly what Samoa is doing. You have had the vision to go further than any country before and develop Sadata.
Sadata will be a publicly accessible website which tracks the progress of government to implement human rights and link to the S.D.Gs.
Peseta Noumea Simi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, highlighted the importance of Sadata in simplifying procedures and processes to meet Samoas reporting obligations, and allow for a more coordinated approach to implementing the human rights instruments Samoa has signed up to.
Members of the public will be able to log on at any time and access a wealth of information on the activities the Government and civil society have been carrying out to help further the enjoyment of rights in our country.
The app, funded by U.N.D.P., N.Z. and O.H.C.H.R., was initially devised in Samoa by O.H.C.H.R. and National Human Rights Institution consultant, Ashley Bowe, who facilitated the workshop.
There are a couple of databases out there to track human rights implementation but Sadata automates the data collection process and uses a sophisticated clustering system to reduce the amount of time needed to write reports and to eliminate duplication of activities all of which leaves civil servants with more time to do what they are best at, the development of Samoa, Mr. Bowe said.
Participants of the workshop were impressed with what they saw with one commenting the most useful aspect was not just getting to know how to use Sadata for reporting to the UN but also how it could be used to collect data for our work purposes in developing policies.
IMPACT Open Source Software, the basis for Sadata, is on the brink of being launched globally where it is already attracting significant international interest, showing that Samoa is at the forefront of human rights protection and prevention in the region and beyond.
The National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-Up, co-chaired by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Women Community and Social Development is in the process of drafting a National Human Rights Implementation Plan, which once finished will be entered into Sadata and heralds a new era of data collection, reporting and transparency in Samoa.
Lealali Lealali needs help.
The 21-year-old from Faleula is looking for a job to support his family financially.
He was on his way to his plantation yesterday morning when he caught up with Village Voice.
I am not working at the moment but the only thing I am doing right now is working my plantation and this is my normal routine every day, he said.
We dont sell things from our plantation, we just use it to provide food for our family.
Mr. Lealali said only one person in his family is employed.
My father is the only person in our family that has a job and basically thats our familys only source of income, he said.
So working at the plantation is my only contribution to support my family because I dont have a job to earn money.
Mr. Lealali laments the lack of job opportunities available to people like himself.
Life here in Samoa is already hard and to me finding a job is extremely difficult especially for people like me who do not have the highest qualifications, he said.
But this will not stop him from continuing to hunt for a job.
If I get a job, I will be helping my father support our family together because life in Samoa is getting expensive. Everything is about money here in Samoa.
And for this work as well I can come here whatever time I want and go back home whenever I want to, and I think that will not happen when I get a job.
Mr. Lealali also added that he is ready to take any job that comes his way because he really needs money for Christmas season.
I am just desperate for any job now not only to get money for my family but also Christmas season is coming and I really want to have money to buy things that I want.
How do we begin to address the scourge of violence in our community today?
One of the best ways is to love. Yes we know its hard to accept this, especially if you have been a victim of any form of violence.
But the simple truth is violence cannot be the answer to violence. Hate and anger will also not help us get anywhere.
You see to neutreulise the power of anything; we are called to use the strength of something that is its complete opposite.
And we know violence is driven by anger, rage, bitterness harboured over time that can no longer be contained and hate.
But love, compassion, care and being kind can go a long way towards solving our problems.
Think of it this way, would the perpetrators of violence have acted the way they do if they were shown love and felt loved in the first place? Would they have continued in their ugly ways if they had not been hurt, abused and subjected to the vicious violent cycle in the past?
We know countless studies have identified that hurt people will go on to hurt other people. The same goes for people who are angry, bitter and full of resentment.
So imagine how things could be different if we lived in a community where love becomes the norm. Where respect, care and kindness are encouraged as opposed to hate and anger.
The fact is when it comes to the ugly issue of violence, whether domestic, family, youth or whatever form, a lot has been said, written and done in an effort to eradicate it completely.
But if we are honest, we have to accept the truth that we have a long, long way to go. We say this because every time we get to have a look at the statistics, they are not getting any better. If anything, they become grimmer by the day so that unless we find another solution soon, all we will do is throw our hands up in the air and give up. Its a natural thing to do when we keep banging our heads against the wall only to come up with the same result.
But give up we shouldnt. For how can we? The future generations will hold us accountable for our failure to address an issue that has become so normal in the eyes of some people.
This week, the issue of violence is back on the table. Down at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, some of Samoas brightest minds including Justices and Judges of the Court have been looking at ways to solve the issue.
The three-day Empowering the Family Unit to Stop Violence conference has been prompted by the increasing number of cases of violence heard by the Youth Court and Family Violence Court. The conference hopes to identify preventative measures and strategies that can be used by the Courts and other relevant stakeholders to combat violence.
At the official opening, Chief Justice His Honour Patu Tiavaasue Falefatu Sapolu, said the conference is a critical part of efforts to address the issue.
It is my hope, from that the discussion and exchange of views, solutions will be identified to combat the causes of criminal cases particularly violence related offenses that these Courts have to deal with, he said.
His Honour Patu also called for a community approach to addressing violence. He said the notion that it is only for the Police and the Court to deal with crimes committed in society is wrong, reminding that everyone has a role to play.
A start has to be made by someone at some point and with respect I think this conference is a good way to begin, he said.
Well the Chief Justice is correct. But it shouldnt be just a start; this should serve as another rallying call for action, a call for everyone to do their part.
Of course its easier said than done. Looking at the amount of resources and attention that has been given to address domestic and family violence over the past few years, youd think wed make a dent on the problem by now.
While we might have made some progress in some areas especially in terms of initiating public discussion and raising awareness about the issue - we are a long way from where we want to be in terms of translating those awareness campaigns into fruitful outcomes.
Still we remain hopeful. That hope is deeply rooted in the fact that as a Christian country, one of the most basic principles of Jesus Christs teachings is to love one another including our enemies believe it or not.
What is Biblical love?
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, the scriptures spell out.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Perhaps this is what we should be talking more about today. Rather than continuing to magnify the problem, maybe its time we magnify the solution. Love we know is one of the most profound and powerful forces in the world today. And it can turn things around.
Maybe this is what every parent should be teaching their young boys.
This is what every church should be talking to their church members about.
This is what the matai leadership in villages should be discussing rather than looking for a hole to punish someone for a few lousy cans of mackerel.
We need to hammer this message home when it comes to relationships, whether its between husbands and wives, parents and children, villages and churches and so forth.
Its time to do ourselves a favour, why dont we start walking the talk.
Start by releasing forgiveness and by being kind to the person next to you. In many cases, that could be a husband, a wife, a child or your enemy.
What do you think?
Have wonderful Wednesday Samoa, God bless!
Dear Editor,
Re: Of course hes not a dictator, he is only the leader of a one-party state
I think we should give this period of the H.R.P.P. and Tuilaepa rule the name: Tui Myth in the mold of the Tudor Myth of England of the 15th/16th centuries. There are some significant similarities.
One of these is the belief that the government/king is divinely sanctioned.
That means God watches over and governs the country through the leader/king. That has always been Tuilaepas shibboleth, which, unfortunately, may not and/or cannot be repudiated and refuted considering Samoas national motto of having been founded on God.
The recent constitutional change making Samoa a Christian state adds to that whole belief and psyche. But as I said in one of my recent letters:
The Samoa Christian churches, understandably, welcome and embrace the [change], but again theres hidden venom underneath it.
The government can actually become the proverbial camel that will slowly but surely encroach and eventually take control of the tent (or Church). If the government can pass a law to nationalize a particular religion, what stops it from regulating that religion?
The demarcation between church and state has become more indistinct and obscure as a result.
The irony is that churches now think that they are rightfully and deservedly sanctioned and are given a mandate by the government and yet, at the same time, they are unknowingly ceding to the government some of their autonomy and supposed authority and independence.
Therefore, churches/denominations better be ready and not be surprised when - not if - their ecclesiastical appointments, policies and practices will be infringed upon, if not dictated, by the government down the road. The government now has a vested interest in its religion nemesis. The camel is in.
Yes, the animal (donkey or elephant in the US political context) certainly is in the tent already. And the divine right claim, ironically, is now being used against the clergy and the Church in Samoa requiring their ministers to pay taxes, for example.
This sounds like something right out of an edict of a Tudor king. Practically, again, the church is now controlled by the government.
Another similarity between the present government and the Tudor dynasty is found in how the people continue to view the P.M. and H.R.P.P. as being authoritarian.
The government, however, can actually respond and - using one of the Tudor Myths claims and justifications for an evil king/ruler - say that it has been divinely called, too, to change and correct the peoples wicked and evil ways, if not become a scourge to them.
In other words, an evil people deserves an evil ruler. And this kinda goes along with the democratic notion of people deserving their leaders because they elect them (albeit indirectly in Samoa) to begin with.
Moreover, the P.Ms audacious and dictatorial tendencies may also be given validation and consolation by a popular notion articulated by a French political philosopher, Jean Bodin, who said, contextually, that the ... [Prime Minister], in whom the [power] resteth, is to give account unto none, but to the immortal God alone.
This was said in defense of the monarchical style of government of Bodins time like the Tudor dynasty. Notwithstanding, the Bible has its own position in which the buck stops with the leaders: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.~ Proverbs 29:2 (KJV)
So either way, I guess, in a sense, it goes back to the people - if theyre mourning or rejoicing (or in emoji lingo, LOL!) - or if theyre evil or good.
Samoa e, ala mai ia!
LV Letalu
A civil claim brought by the Associate Minister of Cabinet and Prime Minister, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga, against former Cabinet Minister, Laaulilemalietoa Polataivao Schmidt and others, in relation to a dispute about a nonu company, has been dismissed.
The decision was delivered by Supreme Court Justice, Tafaoimalo Leilani Tuala-Warren, yesterday.
In doing so, she has ordered the management of L.P.A. (Nonu Company) to be put back in the hands of Apulu Lance Polu, Martin Jonathan Schwalger and Danny Schwenke, Pesetas son.
According to the Court ruling, Pesetas claim was filed against Apulu, Schwalger, Laaulilemalietoa and Maota Samoa Convention Complex Limited, Local Partners and Associates Limited and Aldan Civil Engineering Construction Company Limited.
Peseta is represented by defence Counsel, Leuluaialii Olinda Woodroffe, while the defendants were represented by Semi Leung Wai.
According to the Court ruling, Pesetas cause of action was prompted by what he claimed to be a breach of directors duties.
He accused them of preventing him from participating in the decisions or activities of the L.P.A. or from entering L.P.A. premises.
He accused Laauli of taking and having in his possession property of the plaintiff, including nonu juice and vehicles.
Peseta also accused his former business associates of breaching their contract by putting secured land at risk and for the conversion of vehicles that belong to L.P.A. to another company known as Maota o Samoa.
In Court, Justice Tafaoimalo pointed out the land in question was used as collateral to secure the loan which belongs to Aldan Company Limited where Peseta is a Director.
The loan was from the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F.)
The arguments advanced therefore that the land is his (Peseta) land, is not technically correct, Justice Tafaoimalo.
Peseta claims that the defendants breached a contract.
There is no contract, written or oral between Aldan and the defendants which is before me and from which I can ascertain its terms with any certainty.
There was no evidence that Peseta, as director of Aldan, unwillingly offered his land as security.
The only evidence before me from Peseta himself, Polu and Laauli is that Peseta gave it willingly provided his overdraft was paid.
Even when the possibility came up for the security to be replaced, he did not want the land to be released. The defendants on the other hand, took active steps to find a replacement security.
The agreement for sale and purchase of the nonu farm and the valuation report shows real progress in finding a replacement security.
Regarding the leasehold documents, Justice Tafaoimalo noted the valuation report and evidence heard at the hearing the purpose of the leasehold being for a nonu farm to grow the nonu and to replace Pesetas land.
Before the acquisition of Nonu Farm, the nonu was collected from around Samoa.
In any event, Polu and Schwalger have operated L.P.A. in a way that loan payments have been maintained, despite the challenges of a legal battle and the Court appointment of an interim manager.
In December 2016, there were no arrears to the S.N.P.F. loan. The arrears have accumulated this year with the management of L.P.A. being out of the hands of its directors.
L.P.A. sales were increasing as evident in its financial statements from 2013 to 2015.
The noticeable drop was the expected sales for 2016, after these court proceedings commenced.
Any attempts by the defendants at reconciliation were thwarted by Peseta.
I accept the evidence of Laauli and Polu that Peseta would not consider reconciliation.
Peseta cannot now put the blame on the defendants.
His part to play in continuing to cause and sustain the division between himself and the defendants is not insignificant.
Peseta had derived some benefit from L.P.A. in having his overdraft paid off and in the cash payments which I accept he received from L.P.A. of at least $20,000 according to Polu.
According to Justice Tafaoimalo, its evident that Pesetas agreement to use Aldan land is conditional on how it benefits him.
He used it for the loan initially to clear his overdraft, he then agreed for it to be released for a replacement asset.
He is now saying that he does not want it released until Court proceedings have been determined as L.P.A. is receiving millions and he is not receiving any part of that money.
The directors Polu and Schwalger are entitled to make decisions that they consider to be in the best interests of the company.
Polu and Schwalger sanctioned the use of the trading name Samoa Nonu Delights, the opening of the bank account with Samoa Commercial Bank, the accepting of cash payments and the purchase of the leasehold for a nonu farm, all by way of resolutions passed at meetings of shareholders, (Polu and Schwalger holding 65 per cent of the shares), in an effort to keep L.P.A. operational and to attract revenue to maintain loan repayments.
The fact that Polu submitted the trading name in the business licence renewal forms in 2014 and 2015 to M.O.R. shows that Polu and Schwalger were upfront about the use of the trading name Samoa Nonu Delights.
Justice Tafaoimalo says there is no breach of contact as there was no contract or agreement between Aldan and the defendants with certain terms before me.
This cause of action fails.
In any event, loan payments were current as of December 2016.
This is due largely to the fact that Polu and Schwalger found ways for L.P.A. to continue to operate.
They created a trading name, opened another bank account, accepted cash payments and purchased leasehold for a nonu farm.
Justice Tafaoimalo ordered that all causes of action be dismissed.
Any change therefore to the share register made on the basis of the notice must be rectified accordingly under section 42 of the Act, if it has been changed, to reflect the directors and shareholders as follows.
The directors of L.P.A. are Leiataua Danny Schwenke of Vaitele, Martin J. Schwalger of Aleisa and Apulu Lance Polu of Saleimoa.
The shareholders are Leiataua Danny Schwenke with 35 percent (35,000 shares), Martin J. Schwalger with 32.5 percent (32,500 shares) and Apulu Lance Polu with 32.5 percent (32,500 shares);
All interim orders and injunctions granted by the Court in favour of the plaintiffs are discharged immediately.
The Court appointed manager is discharged and the management and regulation of L.P.A. is put back in the hands of Polu, Schwalger and Schwenke.
And having defended this case successfully, counsel for the defendants is invited to file and serve a memorandum as to costs within 21 days of the release of this decision.
Counsel for the plaintiffs may respond to that memorandum within a further 14 days.
She also ordered that Aldans land is still subject to the mortgage with S.N.P.F.
In moving forward, the parties need to either negotiate a replacement asset or agree to work together if this business venture is beneficial to Samoa.
A young lady who wants to become a doctor in the future is Chanel Colleges top student for 2017.
Lily Elder is already on her way after she was named the schools top Science student, helping her secure the coveted Chanel College dux prize for 2017.
The 17-year-old is half Fijian, half Samoan.
Her proud mother, Adriana Singh, was the first one to congratulate her when she received her award with tears of joy last week.
She beamed as her mother, family and friends showered her with the leis of lollies, flowers and hugs.
Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Lilly said she is grateful to God, her mother and everyone who supported her throughout her studies.
I didnt expect this, she said with tears in her eyes, Im a bit lost for words right now.
Lily wants to become a doctor.
She said its something she has always wanted to do.
Its a career that I know will help and support my family in the future, she said.
I want to become a doctor and come in the next ten years to give back to Chanel College.
Lilly is an only child. Her mothers father is Samoan.
Another top achiever at Chanel College was the Year 12 Dux student, Talalupe Stowers.
The body of 21-year-old Mormon missionary, Aaron Patiole, will be flown back to Australia for burial this week.
More than $9,000 was raised through a fundraiser to help take Patioles body back to his homeland.
A Police source who refused to be named said the driver had been found at Sapunaoa, a village of Falealili, where the hit and run occurred.
The source said the driver had been charged with negligent driving causing death and with failing to report the fatality to police.
The missionary was struck while he was walking with his companion.
"Elder Aaron Ahkau Matapa Patiole, age 21, was killed when he was struck by a vehicle in Upolu, Samoa, as he and his companion were walking together," said Eric Hawkins, a spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in an earlier statement.
Patiole had been in the Samoa Apia Mission since December, 2016.
Love is the key to happiness, but the first step to pure contentment is acceptance.
It is also said that a happy wife will result in a happy life.
Maarten Von Oosten is a living testimony of this saying.
It has been 50 years and he is still married to the Dutch girl that he never dreamt of settling with.
We were both born in the Netherlands, Maarten said when he sat down with Dear Tourist yesterday.
We were only children when we moved to Canada with our families. I told myself that I would never marry a Dutch girl but what do you know, it was a Dutch girl that won my heart.
Yesterday, Maarten and his Dutch wife were in Samoa to celebrate their love.
Being in the island of Samoa has been a blessing for them because they got to explore a different part of the world.
There is a different atmosphere that we get to experience here in Samoa. There is so much positive and good energy that is found among the people. To love and to be loved, he said.
The diverse scenery and the people are what they were looking for to celebrate their 50th year anniversary.
We are on this cruise ship to celebrate love and the many years that we have been together.
To be in Samoa is the perfect place because we see love everywhere among the people. They smile for no reason, very generous and always helpful.
Maarten also shared the secret of their happy marriage.
We enjoy so many things together. Like nature and also the Samoan country we are very interested in it. It is having similar interests and also a similar way of thinking that is very important.
The 75-year-old said they lived in the same house for 49 years and they never wanted to relocate because they had a beautiful orchid greenhouse in their backyard.
Even if it was just for a day in our beautiful paradise, the couple both agreed that they would not change a thing about Samoa.
The father of two believes that the only thing that matters is happiness.
If you are happy that is good it means you have everything you need.
People create aspirations as a guideline to direct their paths on where they will head to next.
Reaching the boarders of Samoa is nothing more than a dream coming true for best friends, Ayaka Makamura and Marina Matsuoka.
We have been curious to visit Samoa in such a long time, said Ayaka. This is why we chose Samoa to be our final destination for our holiday, a place that we both have been keen to have a look at. It has been a dream come true to come here, said Ayaka.
Travelling from Japan to Australia, then Cook Islands and now to the heart of the Pacific, she is happy to be here.
We are both from Japan but Marina lives in Japan and I live in Australia. We travelled in Australia for two weeks. Went to Cook Islands and the last destination is Samoa. It feels good to be here and to also be able to explore, Ayaka told Dear Tourist yesterday.
It was their passion in Polynesian dance that made them want to know more about the Polynesian culture. It was also during dancing that Ayaka made friends with some Samoans.
The 29-year-old said she heard about Samoa through her friends who came to Samoa before.
Their description of how beautiful Samoa was sparked excitement.
For so long I have heard from some friends on how beautiful Samoa was, which is why we wanted to come. One thing for sure my friends were right, Samoa is beautiful.
I wanted to come to Samoa long time ago and then I met Marina and she wanted to come and then we both booked our flights to come to Samoa, she said.
Ayaka couldnt help but stand in adoration at how the Samoan people wear their traditional clothing even though there was no special occasion.
We have a kimono, our traditional wear. But we barely wear it, only on special occasions like a wedding or only in summertime when we have a summer kimono.
But we dont really use it only on special occasions, but what I love about here is that everyone always wear the lavalava or their two piece matching clothing for the women, she added.
She believes that it is a good thing that the Samoan people still embrace their island wear and Polynesian colours.
I think it is a beautiful thing that the people of Samoa still wear their lavalava with so much confidence. That is why I like the culture here.
Ayaka has also mentioned that it is not just the culture that she is amazed with; it is the people as well, which is why she is thankful to be here.
It is so beautiful here, the people are very friendly and the food is nice too. Thank you for everything, especially to the people who have helped us.
The friends will be leaving this Sunday, but they are excited to spend some time in Lalomanu and buy some handicraft work as souvenirs before returning to their homeland.
Federal prosecutors are investigating allegations that Uber deployed an espionage team to plunder trade secrets from its rivals. That has triggered a delay in a high-profile trial over whether the beleaguered ride-hailing company stole self-driving car technology from Google spinoff Waymo.
The criminal investigation being conducted by the U.S. Justice Department centers on information contained in a 37-page letter describing allegations made by Richard Jacobs, Ubers former manager of global intelligence. Jacobs had the letter sent in May to an Uber lawyer. The letter contended Jacobs was wrongfully demoted and then fired for trying to stop misconduct by the company.
The investigation wasnt publicly known until Tuesday, when it surfaced in a court hearing that was supposed to set the stage for a trial pitting Uber against Waymo, a self-driving car pioneer that started within Google eight years ago and is still a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Googles parent company.
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The hearing instead quickly turned into a forum raising more questions about the ethics and conduct of Uber. Over the last year, the San Francisco firm has been rocked by revelations of rampant sexual harassment inside the company, technological trickery designed to thwart regulators and a yearlong cover-up of a hacking attack that stole the personal information of 57 million passengers and 600,000 drivers.
Jacobs, whose lawyer wrote the letter at the center of the courtroom drama, testified Tuesday that Uber had set up a secret unit to steal trade secrets from its rivals overseas.
He didnt specify which competitors he believed Uber had been targeting, but said some of the stolen information involved drivers.
His allegations had been kept under seal since the Justice Department passed them along to U.S. District Judge William Alsup last week.
To protect itself against potential trouble, Uber frequently communicated on a service called Wickr that automatically erases messages, according to Jacobs. He also testified that the company relied on a surreptitious computer system to eliminate all digital trails, and that it dispatched its security team to train self-driving car engineers in Pittsburgh on how to conceal their electronic tracks.
Ubers espionage team also hired contractors who employed former CIA agents to help with its surveillance, Jacobs said.
Jacobs was Ubers manager of global intelligence from March 2016 until he was fired seven months ago.
Pressed under questioning, Jacobs acknowledged the letter also alleged that Uber had stolen trade secrets from Waymo and other intellectual property in the United States. But Jacobs said that his lawyer was mistaken in making that allegation. He insisted he didnt know anything about Ubers espionage team trying to steal from anything in the U.S.
Uber paid Jacobs $4.5 million as part of a confidential settlement after his firing, Jacobs said while being grilled by Waymo lawyer Charles Verhoeven. Part of that settlement can be withheld if Jacobs violates a provision requiring him not to say anything that would harm Uber.
It is possible that he has been bought off by Uber, Alsup said of Jacobs during Tuesdays drama.
Alsup described the allegations in the letter as scandalous and lashed out at Ubers legal team for not informing him about them before he was notified by the Justice Department. I cant trust anything you say because it has been proven wrong so many times, Alsup told Uber attorney Arturo Gonzalez. The judge also called Ubers espionage teams a plumbers unit doing bad deeds.
Gonzalez repeatedly tried to convince Alsup that the allegations in Jacobs letter had nothing to do with Waymos case against Uber. The lawyer also argued that Uber used secretive communications channels for employee safety reasons. But the judge wasnt swayed.
There is a 50-50 chance that this is going to turn out very bad for Uber, Alsup said. And there is a 50-50 chance that this will turn out to be a dry hole.
In a statement defending itself, Uber pointed to Jacobs testimony that he wasnt aware of the company stealing any of Waymos trade secrets. None of the testimony [Tuesday] changes the merits of the case, Uber said.
Alsup postponed the scheduled Dec. 4 start of the Waymo-Uber trial to give Waymo more time to gather evidence. Waymo is alleging that Uber has been building its own fleet of self-driving cars by using some of the trade secrets taken by former Waymo engineer Anthony Levandowski. Uber paid $680 million last year to buy a self-driving vehicle startup founded by Levandowski after he left Waymo.
Alsup didnt immediately set a new trial date. He promised to make Jacobs entire letter publicly available.
Meanwhile, a group of investors led by Japanese conglomerate SoftBank Group Corp. has offered to buy a sizable chunk of Uber but it wants a discount. It wants to buy shares from employees and existing investors at a valuation of $48 billion, a 30% discount on Ubers most recent valuation of about $68 billion, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.
UPDATES:
3 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details from Tuesdays hearing.
11:15 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details about Richard Jacobs testimony and his tenure at Uber.
10:55 a.m.: This article was updated with additional details about Jacobs testimony and the Justice Department investigation.
This article was originally published at 10:15 a.m.
San Diegos Biolinq, a start-up thats developing pain-free blood glucose sensors, said Monday it has raised $10 million in venture capital led by M Ventures and Hikma Ventures.
The money will help launch clinical studies required to get Biolinqs sensor technology approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, said Chief Executive Jared Tangney.
Tangney declined to reveal too much about the technology but described it as minimally invasive and painless. Current continuous glucose monitoring systems involve tiny sensors inserted under the skin with needles and sometimes finger pricks to calibrate monitors.
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Our first product is not just another continuous glucose monitoring technology, but a platform we built from the ground up with a focus on the end user, said Tangney. Our vision is to utilize our novel manufacturing approach to achieve low-cost and high uniformity, enabling factory calibration -- no finger sticks -- in a nickel-sized patch.
Biolinq also named Dan Bradbury executive chairman of its board of directors. Bradbury is the former chief executive of San Diegos Amylin Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb in 2013.
Founded in 2012 by Tangney and Josh Windmiller both Ph.D. graduates of UC San Diego -- Biolinq was formerly named Electrozyme. It built printed electrochemical sensors for the wearable fitness market that detected biomarkers in sweat.
Electrozyme raised a seed round of around $1 million led by Dallas Mavericks owner and Shark Tank star Mark Cuban. It also received about $2.6 million in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health.
In 2015, the company changed its name to Biolinq when it pivoted from sweat sensing for athletes to monitoring blood glucose for diabetes.
Biolinq now employs seven people but expects to expand to 20 employees over the next year, said Tangney. Grey Sky Venture Partners, Three Leaf Ventures, LifeSci Venture Partners and a group of high-net-worth individuals from the diabetes field also contributed to the round.
We are leading this round of investment with an excellent group of co-investors, all with the same goal of making the convenient and painless monitoring of multiple biomarkers a reality for patients in need, said Edward Kliphuis of M Ventures, an affiliate of German-based Merck KGaA, in a statement.
Hikma Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of London-based Hikma Pharmaceuticals.
Chronic diseases like diabetes affect millions of people worldwide with a high prevalence in the Middle East and North Africa; markets we know well, said Lana Ghanem, managing director of Hikma Ventures in a statement. We look forward to working with the Biolinq team and our co-investors to bring this pioneering technology to patients.
Business
mike.freeman@sduniontribune.com;
Twitter:@TechDiego
760-529-4973
A compromise plan that would permit the short-term rental of San Diego homes, including investment properties, remains largely intact despite concerns raised last month by the City Attorneys office.
The proposal, authored by Councilmen Chris Ward, Scott Sherman, Mark Kersey and David Alvarez, has been revised slightly to address legal issues, but key provisions, including allowing owners to rent out up to three properties on a short-term basis, have not been eliminated.
As the council gears up for a hearing Dec. 12 to consider long debated regulations governing rentals popularized by online platforms like Airbnb, Sherman released on Monday a revised version of the plan that is being supported by four of the nine council members.
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While the draft ordinance reflects the input of City Attorney Mara Elliotts office, as well as city and mayoral staff, some of the key provisions are still likely to inspire lively debate both among council members and vocal opponents of short-term rentals.
Unchanged are provisions that would allow owners to rent out a maximum of three properties on a short-term basis, while imposing a three-night minimum stay in San Diegos coastal areas. In addition, newly acquired investment properties could not be immediately rented out for periods of less than 30 consecutive days. Under the proposal, owners would have to wait a year before converting such properties to short-term rentals.
Those three provisions remain areas of concern for Elliotts office, acknowledged Barrett Tetlow, Shermans chief of staff.
We removed most of the legal issues and were down to areas everyone agrees are policy calls, and we make policy calls all the time, Tetlow said.
The draft ordinance released by Sherman is one of two proposals the council will consider at the Dec. 12 hearing. At the other end of the spectrum is a proposal authored by Councilwoman Barbara Bry, who says that homeowners should only be allowed to rent out their primary residences on a short-term basis for no more than 90 days a year.
The city planning department had been prepared last month to present three options to the council for consideration, ranging from the most permissive to one similar to Brys proposal. Council members were also planning to discuss their own proposals.
However, just days before the scheduled hearing, Elliotts office released a memo raising numerous legal questions about the two council proposals. Her memo prompted the council to cancel the October hearing and reschedule it for early December.
Elliotts office said it could not comment Monday on the legality of the revised ordinance released by Sherman but offered the following statement:
Our office has advised the Mayor and City Council of the legal risks associated with a range of proposed regulations for short-term rentals. Our goal is to ensure that whatever regulations the Mayor and City Council support are legal and defensible in court.
In her Oct. 17 memo, Elliott concluded that some of the provisions in the council proposals raised questions of equal protection by imposing different regulations for different types of short-term rental hosts.
Brys office said Monday that its proposal has changed little because we believe we have a rational basis for moving forward with our proposal as-is.
Among the provisions that were removed from the proposal being offered up by the four council members were references to specific dollar amounts for required permit fees. Also excised were the fine amounts for rentals that violate noise and nuisance regulations.
Those would be defined later by city staff once new regulations are adopted, Tetlow said. Both changes were made on the advice of the city attorneys office, he noted.
For more than 2- years, San Diegos elected leaders have been trying, without success, to agree upon a plan for regulating short-term rentals. Public hearings have drawn huge crowds, divided between home-sharing hosts who argue they have the right to rent out their properties on a short-term basis subject to reasonable regulations and residents who have complained for years that noisy vacationers have deprived them of their once peaceful neighborhoods.
Councilman Chris Cate, who has been pushing for a permissive approach that he first introduced two years ago, said Monday he is generally supportive of the approach that Sherman and his three colleagues have taken.
The places theyre coming from are in line with what we put forward 2- years ago, Cate said. It allows the activity to still occur while putting a large emphasis on enforcement.
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lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com
(619) 293-2251
Twitter: @loriweisberg
iStock/Thinkstock(WASHINGTON) -- Thousands more American troops are serving in Iraq and Syria than has been previously acknowledged by the Pentagon, a new report finds.
According to the Defense Manpower Data Center's quarterly report from September, there were 1,720 American troops in Syria -- three times as many as the 503 troops in Syria that U.S. military spokesmen have told reporters. The Pentagon's personnel agency issues quarterly reports about how many American troops are serving in individual states and overseas countries.
The same report showed there were 8,992 American troops in Iraq, almost 3,500 more than the official Department of Defense tally of 5,262.
The Pentagon downplayed the DMDC's personnel numbers were initial estimates for given locations, including short-term deployments and the rotation of American troops in a given country.
The DMDC numbers are not the official deployment count, the numbers that we provided -- the approximately 500 in Syria and approximately 5,000 in Iraq is the official deployment count, said Col. Rob Manning, a Pentagon spokesman. There are several other things that go into those numbers, it is a snapshot in time and have to also consider that number is quarterly ... our official deployment count has not changed."
Earlier this year Defense Secretary James Mattis ordered a review of the actual number of U.S troops serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria beyond the official maximum force levels authorized by the Obama administration. Only the troop numbers for Afghanistan have been publicly disclosed.
Manning said the Pentagon is not ready yet to provided updated U.S. troop numbers for Iraq and Syria. Some of that is based on operational security, some is based on agreements with partners and allies," he said. Were not at a point where we can make an announcement that differ from the numbers we previously stated.
As recently as two weeks ago the Pentagon said there were about 14,000 American troops in Afghanistan, a reflection of the additional 3,900 American troops authorized by President Donald Trump in late August.
But the DMDC's troop numbers for Afghanistan in September indicated they were higher than the latest official count.
As of Sept. 30, the DMDC reported there were 15,282 American military personnel in Afghanistan along with 1,202 Defense Department civilians.
However, the agency's previous quarterly report from June indicated there were already about 12,000 American troops in Afghanistan, a significantly higher number than the official U.S. tally of 8,400.
"The data is meant to be just an initial estimate and starting point," a Pentagon official explained. "In addition to the permanently assigned personnel in a country, the data assisted in looking at the possible number of deployed personnel in an area."
That might include the possibility that some of the units were actually counted as deployed even though they were stateside preparing for their deployment.
It is unclear if the DMDC's reports for all the countries listed was fully accurate since there are some glaring discrepancies.
In the West African nation of Niger, for example, the Pentagon said there are 800 American in the country. The DMDC's personnel reports from March and June said the number of American troops in Niger was in the low teens.
In June, however, the White House's official notification to Congress under the War Powers Resolution indicated there were 645 American troops in Niger.
Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
CITY COUNCILS
CARLSBAD
The Carlsbad City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 in council chambers at 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive.
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ENCINITAS
The Encinitas City Council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday in council chambers, 505 S. Vulcan Ave., when it will consider a resolution to support the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals legislation; consider amending the FY 2017-18 budget to cover its part of a joint technical feasibility study on Community Choice Energy with the cities of Oceanside, Del Mar and Carlsbad. A public hearing will be held to consider an appeal of the Planning Commissions approval of a nine-lot density bonus subdivision at 378 Fulvia St.
OCEANSIDE
To give the public more opportunities for input on the city of Oceansides first Master Plan for the Arts, a meeting is scheduled from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday in the Mission Branch Library Community Room, 3861 Mission Ave. Contact Arts Commission staff liaison CJ Di Mento at (760) 435-5614, or email arts_commission@ci.oceanside.ca.us.
The city of Oceanside will conduct a public workshop at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 300 N. Coast Highway, on a draft Economic Development Element of the citys General Plan. The first hour will be an open house, with the public invited to visit a number of staffed stations to learn about and comment on various topics. The second hour will be a group presentation and question-and-answer session. Draft themes, goals, and policies will be posted to https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/dev/planning/gpu at least a week before the workshop. Contact Principal Planner Russ Cunningham at rcunningham@ci.oceanside.ca.us or (760) 435-3525.
POWAY
The Poway City Council is scheduled to meet in special closed session to discuss the city attorney position at 6 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers, 13325 Civic Center Drive. A special closed meeting on the same subject is also scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday.
SAN MARCOS
The San Marcos City Council is scheduled to meet in special session at 9 a.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 1 Civic Center Drive, for a pension workshop. The council will then meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
VISTA
The Vista City Council has canceled its regularly scheduled meeting for Tuesday.
laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
CITY COUNCILS
POWAY
The Poway City Council met Tuesday and approved raising its facility rental fees and policies, and reauthorized appropriating $150,737 to the Community Development Block Grant Fund. The council awarded a bid of $3,196,008 for the Swim Center Renovation Project to Hamel Construction Inc., and approved adding $1,166,100 to the budget when the bid came in higher than estimated. An agenda item on a final plan for the Mickey Cafagna Community Center was postponed to the Jan. 9 meeting.
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laura.groch@sduniontribune.com
Comfort and Joy
If Americans are famous for their ingenuity, wheres my refrigerated Christmas stocking, suitable for a gift six-pack?
While that gift remains unavailable, a sleighload of hoppy holiday presents awaits the craft beer lover on your list. My top five for 2017:
1. Jonny Quirks Beer Adventures app launched late this year with a focus on Europe -- Berlin, Copenhagen, Paris, Rome, London and Quirks U.K. hometown, Manchester and a few U.S. destinations, led by San Diego.
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Thats one of our most popular international cities, Quirk said.
The app designs a beer tour itinerary on the fly. Just enter a location Knotty Barrel downtown, say. After 45 minutes, your phone will ask if you want to move on to your next destination or stay for another round.
This app will take you to amazing places for food and beer, Quirk said. I guarantee it.
2. Neiman Marcus splurge-tastic Christmas Book check out Dolce & Gabbanas hand-painted refrigerator, $50,000 -- offers a range of options for homebrewers. BrewArt BeerDroid Beer Brewing Station ($835) can be run from your smart phone; the compact Pico Model C ($549) fits on a kitchen counter; while Pico Zymatic ($1,999) is a garage-filling brewhouse.
3. Curious about brewing, but reluctant to buy supplies and equipment? Start your homebrewing career with a party at Citizen Brewers, 5837 Mission Gorge Road, Suite A, San Diego. At this fully-stocked facility, you and up to five friends can brew and bottle a batch (72 22-ounce bottles, or one 50 liter keg) for $259 to $299.
4. Westvleteren XII is one of the worlds great beers, but the monks of Belgiums Saint-Sixtus Abbey produce limited amounts. For decades, sampling this prized quadruple ale required transatlantic airfare, but no longer.
Beer of Belgium is one of several companies peddling this rare beer online, offering six 33-cl bottles (each 11 ounces and a splash) for $69. Add $53 for shipping and, gulp, a six-pack runs $121.50. If youre still game, visit beerofbelgium.com.
5. In Food on Tap (Countryman Press, $24.95), Lori Rice pairs simple recipes with delicious beer. How about a dinner of pale ale marinara meatballs and a pint of Deschutes Mirror Pond Pale Ale, then a milk stout caramel tart with Belching Beavers Beavers Milk Stout?
Kings of Beer
Founders is famous for KBS, its boozy (11.8 percent alcohol by volume) imperial stout. But at a tasting of ales from this Michigan brewery, I was bowled over by the milder (6.5 percent), more subtle Porter.
Roasted coffee, dark chocolate and walnuts initially dominate, giving way to field-fresh hops and a dry finish. The body is in the Goldilocks zone not thick, not thin, just right with tightly-defined flavors.
In the 1700s, Britons and their American colonists drank porter by the hogshead. Still, in the mid-20th century the style was on life support. Founders Porter, this weeks King of Beer, reminds us of the treasure we almost lost.
To everything there is a season, and this dark beer suits late fall days better than our previous King, ChuckAleks Cranberry Orange Gose (5 percent). That tart, salty German wheat beers season will come again.
Ale-Right?
The Washington Post recently reported on alt-right attempts to enlist brands as their own. This unsolicited attention from neo-Nazis is unwelcome, insist the targeted companies, which included the nations oldest brewery.
D. G. Yuengling & Son, Inc. does not support, condone, associate or tolerate any groups mentioned in the Washington Post article, reads a statement from the Pottsville, Pa., brewery.
As a company, our values support, and will continue to support, respect for all individuals, where people (will) be treated equally regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, and marital status.
Did you know
Originally a working class beer, porter was also embraced by the gentry. The Oxford Companion to Beer notes that George Washingtons favorite porter was brewed by one Robert Hare of Philadelphia...
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Twitter: @peterroweut
peter.rowe@sduniontribune.com
Mexicos top environmental official on Monday linked the arrest of the leader of a fishermans organization in the Baja California town of San Felipe to his involvement in the illegal totoaba trade in the upper Gulf of California.
Sunshine Antonio Rodriguez, who heads the largest federation of fishing cooperatives in San Felipe, was detained Saturday evening by federal agents who stopped him as he was driving with his family from Mexicali to San Felipe.
My understanding is that there are a number of complaints, and one of them is for illegal fishing of totoaba, Rafael Pacchiano Alaman, Mexicos environmental secretary, told journalist Carlos Loret de Mola during an interview for the Mexican network Televisa.
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Listed as a critically endangered species, totoabas are giant fish endemic to Gulf of California. The fishs swim bladders are smuggled to Asia, where consumers believe in their curative powers. The bladders command such high prices that they have been called aquatic cocaine.
Rodriguezs attorney, Enrique Acosta Fregoso, said in a telephone interview that the accusation against his client has no connection to totoaba trafficking. The attorney said Rodriguez is being accused of transporting a kilo of liquid methamphetamine, and that federal prosecutors have until 9 p.m. Monday to present charges before a judge.
Rodriguez was in the custody of the Mexican federal organized crime unit, SEIDO on Monday. His wife was also taken into custody, Acosta said.
This is completely a political matter, the drug was planted on him, Acosta said. We are gathering evidence to demonstrate that this is so.
Rodriguez has been a vocal critic of the Mexican governments gillnet ban in Mexicos upper Gulf of California. Instituted in 2015, the ban has come with a compensation program for area fishermen, but critics say it has not been well managed, and fishermen have been anxious to return to the water.
The principal aim of the gillnet ban has been to protect the vaquita porpoise, a species on the verge of extinction with fewer than 30 surviving individuals. But vaquitas have continued to die, drowning in the illegal nets set for totoaba.
Rodriguezs arrest came days after he led a protest march in San Felipe decrying the ban. Environmentalists want to do away with all the fishermen, with their families, he said. Let them come and bring us jobs before doing away with the ones we have.
On the heels of Rodriguezs arrest, protests have broken out in the Baja California capital of Mexicali as well as in San Felipe. Demonstrators have blocked entrances to the Mexican federal attorney generals office (PGR) and the airport in Mexicali, as well as the stopping traffic on the main highway leading to San Felipe.
sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com
@sandradibble
Recent movies Hidden Figures and Gifted focus on remarkable and under-recognized women. San Diego can claim an unsung prodigy of its own.
Marjorie Rice died in July, but her legacy lives on. Although her occupation was housewife and she never went beyond a high school education, she solved a mathematical enigma that had befuddled genius geometrists for decades.
On Oct. 25, her story was highlighted on the website Mental Floss, which noted that Rice made her discovery in a most unusual way after reading an article in her sons Scientific American magazine about geometric tessellations. These are shapes that can cover or tile a flat surface in an endless, repeating pattern.
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Squares and triangles were no mystery but the tessellation of irregular five-sided shapes known as convex pentagons remained elusive. In 1975, when Rice read the article that triggered her imagination, nine complex pentagon tiling patterns had been identified, but more were believed to exist.
She began doodling with convex pentagons and studying shapes in nature bees in clover, butterflies, roses, hibiscus blooms and shells.
Her doodles were sent to tessellation expert Doris Schattschneider, who concluded the stay-at-home mom had discovered, not one, but four new patterns. She helped get the findings published in 1977.
Two more patterns were subsequently identified, bringing the total to 15. Last July, a French mathematician using a super computer confirmed no more existed.
Rice quietly died here that same month at age 92.
Enrique Morones, center, of the Border Angels, led some students to Holtville for a brief ceremony in 2016 at a cemetery there to recognize the lives of migrants who died trying to cross into the United States and were buried as Jane and John Does. (Peggy Peattie / SDUT )
Border news: Enrique Morones, founder of the humanitarian Border Angels group in 1986, has launched a 30-minute podcast, Bad Hombre, at noon on Mondays. It features guest interviews and focuses on human rights, immigration reform and deportation issues.
A lot is happening right now. We need to speak up, says Morones, whose show kicked off today. He is no stranger to the airwaves, having previously hosted two radio talk shows.
Who is the bad hombre? That would be the fellow now living at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C., Morones says.
Radio Santa returns: When the long-running KyXy 96.5 morning show Jeff and the Showgram was canceled in June, producer Little Tommy Sablan vowed to find a way to carry on his annual campaign to help a family facing hard times during the holidays.
Called Breaking and Entering Christmas, he and his elf pals, after soliciting stories of local families in need from listeners, orchestrated a surprise visit bearing gifts.
The good news is that Little Tommys tradition will continue in 2017 on Sunny 98.1 FMs Dave Mason show. It will air live at 6 a.m. on Dec. 5.
diane.bell@sduniontribune.com
(619) 293-1518
Twitter: @dianebellSD
Facebook: dianebell.news
The city of San Diego recently cleared a major legal hurdle in its effort to force chemical giant Monsanto to pay tens of millions to clean up local waterways polluted with a class of cancer-linked chemicals, known as polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs.
Federal and state regulators have in recent years tightened standards for cleaning up PCBs in bays, rivers and creeks. As a result, municipalities, such as San Diego, have shelled out millions to contain or get rid of the toxins.
The lawsuit, brought by the city in 2015, alleges that the St. Louis-based corporation should bear at least part of that cost. Lawyers for the city contend that Monsanto knew for decades before the federal government banned PCBs in 1979 that the chemicals would result in widespread contamination and negative impacts to human and environmental health.
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The company has maintained that it scaled back and then completely stopped making the PCBs as information came to light about their hazardous effects. The company produced the chemicals in the United States from 1929 to 1977.
The case hinges on a novel legal strategy that could have widespread implications for corporate America. A law firm representing the city, Baron & Budd, has also brought similar lawsuits on behalf of a number of other municipalities, including Long Beach, San Jose, Berkeley, Oakland, Portland, as well as Seattle and Spokane, Wash.
Were just excited to move towards trial on all the cases, said John Fiske, an attorney with the legal team working on the cases. We want to try as many of these as possible because we think thats where well receive the most justice for the taxpayers and the ratepayers who will be bearing the cost of removing PCBs.
Monsanto made motions to dismiss in nearly all the cases.
The motions rested heavily on a technical argument that a municipality had no legal standing to bring a public nuisance claim against the company.
U.S. District Court Judge William Hayes in San Diego denied the corporations motion last week, following a string of similar decisions up and down the West Coast.
The court finds that the city has alleged sufficient facts to establish that it has a property interest injuriously affected by the nuisance and that Monsanto assisted in the creation of the public nuisance, Hayes wrote in his recent ruling.
Following the decision, Monsanto released this statement: This ruling is inconsistent with the courts prior rulings on similar issues, but it doesnt affect the substance of our arguments in this case. We will continue to aggressively defend ourselves The citys case is without merit, and we are confident we will ultimately prevail.
PCBs were largely designed to insulate electrical equipment but were also used in everything from highway paint to pesticides. Scientists believe the chemicals rapidly spreading nature has contaminated nearly every human, fish and creature on the planet to some degree.
Over the decades, PCBs have increasingly been linked to cancer, neurological damage, thyroid problems and reproductive complications. Monsanto is the only known manufacturer of PCBs in the United States.
The port of San Diego has also brought a similar claim against Monsanto, choosing to represent itself using its own legal team. A motion to dismiss the lawsuit brought by the port was denied last year.
The cases arent expected to go to trial before late 2018, according to the lawyers for the plaintiffs.
If successful, the strategy against Monsanto could expand Californias public nuisance case law as it applies to corporate accountability where standard product liability cases wouldnt apply.
Twitter: @jemersmith
Phone: (619) 293-2234
Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com
Elected officials and affordable housing advocates united Monday to urge voters to tell their federal representatives to oppose a congressional bill they said would devastate financing for affordable rental housing.
The House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Nov. 16 on a 227-207 vote, with support from no Democrats and all but 13 Republicans. Rep. Darrell Issa voted against it and Rep. Duncan Hunter was for it.
Among other changes to the tax code, Housing Resolution 1 would eliminate multifamily housing revenue bonds and the 4 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, which provide incentives and credits to developers and investors in low-income housing.
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Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joes Villages, said the bill would be a setback to his organizations Turning the Key initiative to create 2,000 affordable housing units over the next four or five years.
Does it mean we wont be able to build them? he said about losing the credits to investors. It doesnt necessarily mean that, but we would have to find that funding elsewhere. It is impactful.
According to the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, more than 10,500 affordable rental housing units have been created or preserved in the city of San Diego with 4-percent housing credits since 1997.
The program helped fund the development of Celadon, the site of the news conference, which provides 248 affordable rental apartments, including 76 for formerly homeless people.
If this program were to be lost because of this ill-advised provision of the current tax reform proposal, the nation would lose 1 million affordable rental housing units nationwide over the next 10 years, San Diego Housing Commission President and CEO Rick Gentry said.
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on its version of a tax reform bill this week. If passed, the full Congress would then work to address the differences in the bill under the process known as reconciliation.
The Monday press conference also was attended by California State Senator Ben Hueso, San Diego City Council members Chris Ward and Barbara Bry, San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless CEO Gordon Walker, Interfaith Community Services CEO Greg Anglea and Local Initiatives Support Corporation Executive Director Ricardo Flores.
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
San Diego County resettled seven refugees in October, a new monthly low since at least fiscal 2007, according to data from the State Department.
In June, the county reached its previous monthly low at 12 arrivals.
Since refugees from the war in Iraq began arriving about a decade ago, San Diego County has led California in arrivals. It held on to that distinction last fiscal year despite several low months.
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Five of Octobers new arrivals are from Iraq, and two are from Syria.
The new low comes after President Donald Trump reduced the annual cap to 45,000 from more than double in previous years. Trumps administration also extended a ban on arrivals from certain countries until January.
The U.S. as a whole resettled 1,248 refugees last month, according to the State Department. If arrivals continue on that trend, the country will resettle about 15,000 refugees, a third of the total allowed.
Refugee arrivals have historically fluctuated significantly from month to month, sometimes dipping lower at the beginning of the fiscal year and accelerating toward the end to make sure the cap is reached.
Mireille Cronin Mather, regional director for International Rescue Committee, said she doesnt think that will happen this time.
If these policies are an indication, we strongly feel that we wouldnt see a push in arrivals in the last part of the year as in years past with administrations that have been supportive of the refugee program, Cronin Mather said.
The slowdown is affecting family reunification, she said.
Resettlement agencies receive funding for programs based on the number of refugees they resettle.
Resettlement agencies also help people arriving with special immigrant visas and some asylees and refugees who move from other parts of the U.S. after being resettled. Including those groups, San Diegos agencies counted 95 new arrivals to the county, according to county data.
Immigration Videos On Now New developments in family separation case 9:53 On Now A San Diego woman volunteered as a medic in Texas helping migrant families 2:35 On Now Immigration policy protests in Carlsbad nearly cancelled after permit issue 1:38 On Now When children are separated from their parents at the border, here is where they go next On Now Prospects of a deal for 'Dreamers' may hinge on separating Trump from hard-liners on his staff On Now What is DACA? On Now Border wall prototype contractors selected On Now Video: Ukrainian boxer wins asylum in U.S. On Now 30 apprehended after Border Patrol agents discover tunnel On Now Video: Kurdish diaspora prepare to vote on independence
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kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate on Twitter
With Giving Tuesday a day meant to encourage philanthropy and charitable giving around the corner, the state Attorney Generals office shared some tips to avoid becoming a victim of charity scams.
As Californians give back to our communities this holiday season, its important to ensure the charities that support causes near and dear to our hearts are the real deal, Attorney General Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
His office offered the following tips:
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Check an organizations registration status: Charities operating in California and telemarketers soliciting donations here must register with the state and file annual financial reports. To view the charity registration status and financial records, visit the Registry of Charitable Trusts website at oag.ca.gov/charities.
Give to trustworthy organizations: Do research before giving. Find out how an organization spends donations.
Ask telemarketers questions: Ask telemarketers for the name of the fundraising organization, the name of the group benefiting from the solicitation, the percentage of the donation that will go toward the charity and the telephone number of the charity. Check with the charity to confirm that it authorized the solicitation and will actually benefit from your donation
Be cautious of look-alike websites and organizations with similar names: Fraudulent websites may have similar URLs, purchased to lure in potential donors. Some bogus organizations use names that closely resemble those of well-established charities to mislead people.
Be wary of social network fundraising: Find out what percentage is going to charity and whether you will be charged a fee.
Protect your identity: Dont give your social security number or other personal information in response to a charitable solicitation. Dont give out credit card information to an unfamiliar organization. Some organizations sell or rent their donor lists to other groups.
Breaking News
Email: david.hernandez@sduniontribune.com
Phone: (619) 293-1876
Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
An East County woman was killed and her husband was missing after the couple was swept down a river in Hawaii over the weekend on a trip that was supposed to be an early Christmas present.
Gladys Novinger, 62, was found in a pool below Rainbow Falls State Park Saturday afternoon after she and George Novinger, 61, fell into the water while crossing the Wailuku River above the falls on the Big Island, Hawaii police said.
Rescuers found Gladys Novinger unconscious and transported her to a hospital, where she later died, police said. An aerial search for her husband resumed Tuesday. Rainy weather caused flash-flood conditions and prevented a ground search, a fire department dispatcher said.
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Novinger had told friends he was taking his wife to Hawaii as an early Christmas gift.
Gladys Novingers son, Joseph Harmes III, said he was with the couple when they were swept away.
They were the best of the best. It is beyond tragic. They are missed deeply, he said in an email. I will always carry them in my heart. And I dedicate my life to their legacy.
The couple owned the Hacienda Vineyards in Rancho San Diego and were considered pillars in San Diegos international community.
Gladys Novinger, who was born in Peru, served as Honorary Consul of Peru and founded the House of Peru about 16 years ago. She also was on the executive board of the Museum of Man in Balboa Park and the board of the Boys and Girls Foundation.
She developed Hacienda Vineyards with her late father, Abelardo, in the 1990s. The business hosts destination vacations, retreats and other events.
George Novinger recently retired as a diplomat for the U.S. State Departments Foreign Service, where he specialized in East Asian regional affairs and served in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Brunei, Paraguay and Syria. Before retiring, he was the State Departments regional director of foreign missions in southwestern states, serving as a liaison to embassies and consuls in the southwest region of the U.S.
Mark Robak, a member of the Otay Water District Board, said he attended a dinner at the couples home a few years ago when they were hosting a delegation of dignitaries from Japan Thats when he learned that Novinger was fluent in Japanese.
George was a true Renaissance man, Robak said. The guy was really all over the world.
Novinger was on the Jamul-Dulzura community planning group and was active with international groups, including the House of Pacific Relations, the San Diego World Affairs Council and the city of San Diegos International Affairs Board.
He was always someone who knew the proper protocols to meet with international delegations, said Joel Day, executive director of San Diegos International Affairs Board. He would be the person representing San Diego when mayors or officials or delegations would come in to visit the city. He was sort of the face of San Diego.
As chair of the boards public policy committee, Novinger led discussions about protecting refugees and new immigrants in San Diego and was instrumental in the board publicly opposing the travel ban issued by the Trump Administration earlier this year, Day said.
Gladys Novinger had worked tirelessly on fundraising and promoting the building of a cottage for the House of Peru in Balboa Park construction that is set to begin next month, said Oscar Urteaga, the House of Perus vice president. He said George Novinger had volunteered to work as a type of project manager for all nine new international cottages that are planned.
Both families have asked that if people want to make a donation, if they are inclined, to make it to the HouseofPeru.org in memory and recognition of Gladys and George, Urteaga said.
Staff writer Karen Pearlman contributed to this report.
karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
Customers and employees at a Walmart in El Cajon were evacuated early Tuesday after a construction crew ruptured a natural gas line in the west parking lot at Parkway Plaza.
Workers broke the one-inch gas line around 8:15 a.m. at the mall on Fletcher Parkway, officials said. Utility workers secured the gas line before 11 a.m., and the mall was open for normal business, officials said.
Walmart was the only store opened in the mall at the time of the break and employees and customers were ushered into a parking lot near the building, said Heartland Fire & Rescue spokesman Sonny Saghera.
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karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com
UPDATES:
12:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details.
This article was originally published at 8:45 a.m.
A San Diego sheriffs deputy is under criminal investigation, as two additional women have come forward with legal claims alleging that he improperly groped them under color of authority.
Deputy Richard Fischer has been placed on administrative leave by Sheriff Bill Gore while investigators conduct separate internal and criminal probes of the accusations, a department spokesman said.
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The county of San Diego also faces a lawsuit and two claims, which are required to be filed in advance of civil litigation, as a result of the allegations. The accusations, one of which dates back two years, could cost the county millions of dollars in legal settlements.
San Diego attorney Dan Gilleon, who represents all three women, said the latest victims came forward after U-T Watchdog reported the first claim earlier this month.
The only reason they spoke out was because of each other, Gilleon said in an email Monday. They found courage in each others willingness to come forward.
Fischer, 31, has not responded to requests for comment. A man who said he was Fischers father told U-T Watchdog by telephone Monday that he would pass along a request to discuss the case.
Sheriffs spokesman Ryan Keim issued a statement Monday about the widening allegations.
The department placed Deputy Fischer on an administrative assignment and initiated concurrent administrative and criminal investigations immediately upon learning of the first allegation which was received in late October 2017, the statement said.
Deputy Fischer is currently on administrative leave while the department conducts a thorough investigation of each complaint, the statement went on. The department is prohibited by law from releasing specific details of personnel investigations. However, allegations of this nature are taken very seriously and the department will take any appropriate actions at the conclusion of the investigation.
Gilleon said department officials were slow to respond to the allegations against Fischer. One of his clients reported the deputys behavior last year, according to records released by Gilleon.
The Sheriffs Department is not going out there trying to find other victims, the attorney said by email. Instead, it seems they commence an investigation only when I inform them that theres another victim.
Gilleon registered his concern with both the District Attorneys Office and with Dianne Jacob, chairwoman of the county Board of Supervisors. A spokeswoman for District Attorney Summer Stephan declined to say whether the office is investigating Fischer; a spokesman for Jacob said the supervisor could not comment due to the ongoing investigation and litigation.
The latest allegation comes from a San Marcos woman, on whose behalf Gilleon filed a claim against county officials on Sunday.
According to the claim, the womans mother suffered a stroke in November 2016, two days after the death of her husband. According to the claim, the deputy responded to a 911 call related to the stroke, and he removed his jacket as though he planned to stay a while.
According to the claim, the deputy told the woman she was hot and that she needed a hug. Without her consent, he then hugged (her) with a full embrace that included fondling of her buttocks with his hands and inappropriate massaging of her breasts with his own chest.
The claim identifies the woman, but the U-T has a policy against naming victims of sexual crimes without their consent.
According to the claim, the woman pushed Dep. Fischer away but he persisted. He asked her for a kiss, and when she said no, he tried to kiss her anyway. The claim says the woman was terrified and insisted that he leave, but before he complied, Dep. Fischer informed (her) that he would be in the neighborhood watching out for her, an obvious attempt to intimidate her into keeping quiet about his criminal behavior.
The claim seeks more than $6 million, plus punitive damages against Dep. Fischer in an amount sufficient to punish him and his evil conduct, and to deter others from doing what he did.
The claim references a lawsuit filed earlier this month, in which another woman claims Fischer repeatedly groped her during an unwarranted arrest in November 2015. She said Fischer continued to harass her, driving past her home and shining a light inside the residence.
According to the complaint, the woman reported the behavior to the sheriffs Internal Affairs office in March 2016 and nothing was done. The claim from the San Marcos woman asserts that the county failed to act after the earlier complaint.
Sexual harassment cases can be expensive for local governments. The city of San Diego paid more than $8 million in 2014 to settle claims filed by 13 women that a former police officer groped or molested them. The 18-year department veteran was sentenced to more than eight years in state prison, and served about half that time before being released last year on good behavior.
Watchdog Videos On Now Sexual misconduct accusers worry deputy is being protected 6:16 On Now City funded $2-million waterfront bathroom 1:26 On Now Public water district charges customer for legal work, response to records request On Now Video: Tiny homes won't be reused amid housing, homeless crisis On Now Attorney General seeks documentation for Miss Middle East On Now Rep. Hunter probe covers possible fraud On Now Video: SDG&E delaying solar credit for some low-income housing tenants On Now Video: Former San Diego Junior Theatre teacher sentenced for sex with teen girl 0:24 On Now Video: Shelter volunteers believe they were fired for finding a dog a home 0:49 On Now McKamey Manor is leaving San Diego 3:35
jeff.mcdonald@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1708 @sdutMcDonald
How many women and girls growing up in Southern California have dreamed of growing up to become a real life princess? Probably thousands.
How many of them grow up to become engaged to a British prince and make that dream happen for real? One.
The announcement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markles engagement sent the world into a frenzy and that includes intense scrutiny on the princes fiancees background. The world quickly found out that the Suits actress and philanthropist was born and raised in California.
But what exactly are her Southern California roots? Heres what weve been able to find out.
Markle grew up in Los Angeles and her mother still lives in the View Park-Windsor Hills area, according to The Los Angeles Times. She does not live, as the U.K.s Daily Mail reported last year, in Crenshaw.
Her parents met at a Hollywood studio in the 1970s where Thomas Markle was a lighting director and Doria Ragland was a temp. Her father now lives in Rosarito, south of the San Diego border with Mexico, and whether he would be attending the wedding or not has been a hot topic among international news outlets and tabloids.
The Daily Mail and others have been tracking his every move ahead of the royal wedding and even spotted him in San Diego.
As a teenager, she attended Immaculate Heart High School in Los Feliz.
Check out here high school yearbook photos here.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, a California girl who lives by the ethos that most things can be cured with either yoga, the beach or a few avocados, shes been quoted as writing on her former lifestyle blog, The Tig.
Last year, a quick search of her social media accounts which have since been taken down brought up plenty about California, despite her residence in Toronto, Canada, where Suits was filmed. That includd a tweet saying she loves being a California girl.
And she also had a tweet sharing the song Going Back to Cali by LL Cool J.
As California girls (and men) are known to do, her Instagram page was filled with photos taken in Los Angeles with frequent use of #LA and #homesweethome in the captions.
After the couples announcement, the Los Angeles Times asked locals what they thought of natives royal engagement, and the answers where pretty characteristic of the home of Hollywood.
It's L.A., one Los Feliz resident said. "The most beautiful and amazing people live and come from here, so its not surprising.
Read more from the newspapers profile of Markle here.
On social media, many were rooting the Californian on.
Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com
Twitter: @abbyhamblin
A 16-year-old Steele Canyon High School junior died in a head-on collision on his way to school Thursday, after getting into a minor crash about 24 hours earlier.
Julian Fraire of El Cajon, who got his provisional driving license in September, veered into oncoming traffic on Steele Canyon Road in Rancho San Diego about 7:25 a.m., authorities said.
The teen was driving a Chrysler Town and Country minivan southbound when he collided with a northbound Ford F450 pickup north of Vista Cielo Drive, California Highway Patrol Officer Kevin Pearlstein said.
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The demolished minivan was knocked onto an embankment, into some bushes. Firefighters had to cut apart the wreckage to get the teenager out, but he did not survive, said Cal Fire Capt. Kendal Bortisser. It wasnt clear why Julian drifted out of his lane, but he had some sort of inattention, Pearlstein said.
He said investigators would check the teens cellphone to see if he was using it right before the crash.
Both drivers were going normal speeds and the roadway was straight in the area, Pearlstein said.
Paramedics took the other driver, a 36-year-old Jamul man, to a hospital by ambulance for treatment of minor injuries.
Steele Canyon Road was shut down between Via Caliente del Sol and Old California Way for four hours.
Pearlstein said Julian was involved in another crash while headed to school on Wednesday
Julian, driving a Volkswagen GTI, suffered a minor injury when he hit the back of another car in heavy traffic on eastbound state Route 94 near Millar Ranch Road.
There was a separate rear-end type collision between two other vehicles in the same area about the same time, Pearlstein said.
He said three juveniles suffered minor injuries in one of the crashes, and a single juvenile was hurt in the other crash. Pearlstein wasnt sure which crash Julian was in.
Several people took to social media to express condolences over Julians death. One person posted on Twitter, a Steele Canyon student gone too soon.
Sofia posted, Julian Fraire, youre in a place where there is no cruelty, corruption or violence. I pray that God brings peace to your loved ones.
Eileen Poole, principal at Steele Canyon High, issued a statement saying extra grief counselors were brought in to assist students and staff.
Our hearts go out to his family and friends, Poole said.
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/28/2017 -- The Norwegian construction industry grew by 4.2% in real terms in 2016, following an annual growth of 2.9% in 2015 and 2.5% in 2014. This growth can be attributed to the recovery in global economic conditions coupled with government spending on residential, infrastructure and commercial construction markets, as well as positive developments in domestic and regional economic conditions.
The industry's value is expected to continue to grow over the forecast period (20172021), with investments in public infrastructure, energy, commercial and industrial construction projects, and improved consumer and investor confidence. A rise in permits for the construction of residential and non-residential buildings in the country is also expected to support the industry's growth over the forecast period.
Under the National Transport Plan (NTP) 20182029, the government plans to invest NOK59.7 billion (US$7.1 billion) annually to develop road, rail and other transport infrastructure until 2029. Accordingly, the government plans to invest NOK1.7 trillion (US$202.7 billion) in the construction and maintenance of road infrastructure by 2029. To develop rail infrastructure, the government plans to invest NOK1.0 trillion (US$119.4 billion) by 2029.
The industry's output value in real terms is expected to record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.91% over the forecast period up from 2.79% during the review period.
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Summary
Construction in Norway Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021 report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Norwegian construction industry, including:
- The Norwegian construction industry's growth prospects by market, project type and construction activity
- Critical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, and the risks and opportunities they present to participants in the Norwegian construction industry
- Profiles of the leading operators in the Norwegian construction industry
Scope
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in Norway. It provides:
- Historical (20122016) and forecast (20172021) valuations of the construction industry in Norway using construction output and value-add methods
- Segmentation by sector (commercial, industrial, infrastructure, energy and utilities, institutional and residential) and by sub-sector
- Breakdown of values within each project type, by type of activity (new construction, repair and maintenance, refurbishment and demolition) and by type of cost (materials, equipment and services)
- Detailed profiles of the leading construction companies in Norway
Key points to buy
- Identify and evaluate market opportunities using standardized valuation and forecasting methodologies.
- Assess market growth potential at a micro-level with over 600 time-series data forecasts.
- Understand the latest industry and market trends.
- Formulate and validate strategy using critical and actionable insight.
- Assess business risks, including cost, regulatory and competitive pressures.
- Evaluate competitive risk and success factors.
Key Highlights
- Expects the residential construction market to remain the largest segment, accounting for 43.7% of the industry's total value in 2021. Growth over the forecast period is expected to be supported by rising residential building permits and the government's efforts to reduce housing shortage. In addition, urbanization, population growth, affordable housing projects and positive developments in regional economic conditions are expected to support the demand for residential properties over the forecast period.
- With robust and modern infrastructure vital for economic growth and competitiveness, the Norwegian government is focusing on infrastructure development. Under the NTP 20182029, the Norwegian government plans to develop 1,280km of new trunk roads and 380km of four-lane motorways with an investment of NOK311.6 billion (US$53.0 billion) by 2023.
- The commercial construction market is expected to be supported by the government's plan to increase tourist arrivals in the country. Under the Strategy 20142020, the government plans to develop a web based tool box to enable development in the tourism sector, establish a connection within tour operators and travelers, and develop tourism sites in the country.
- The government's plan to provide a high-speed internet connection and mobile network to all citizens by 2020 is expected to drive the growth of the energy and utilities construction market over the forecast period. Under the Digital Agenda for Norway, the government is planning to equip 90% of households with an internet connection speed of 100Mbps by 2020.
- Expects institutional construction market to register a forecast-period CAGR of 3.24% in nominal terms, driven by the government's focus on educational infrastructure. In the 2017 Budget, the government announced a plan to invest NOK10.1 billion (US$1.2 billion) to build new 110 new free schools across the country by 2020.
Table of Contents
1 Executive Summary
2 Industry Outlook
3 Key Issues and Developments
4 Market Data Analysis
5 Company Profile: Veidekke ASA
6 Company Profile: AF Gruppen ASA
7 Company Profile: Norconsult Holding AS
8 Company Profile: Vestfold Fjellboring AS
9 Company Profile: Selvaag Gruppen AS
10 Appendix
..CONTINUED
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Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/27/2017 -- Cottonseed oil is an oil extracted from the seeds of cotton. Its production process involves pressing and extraction of oil from the cotton seeds followed by purification and refinement. The refinement of the oil is the key step as it helps in removing gossypol, a naturally occurring toxin that protects the cotton plant from damage. Cottonseed oil is essentially a by-product of the cotton industry along with cottonseed meal, hulls and linters. Over 10-15% of a cotton farmers income is expected to come from these by-products, making them considerably valuable products in cotton processing operations.
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Market Dynamics of Cottonseed Oil Market:
The edible oil market is a highly competitive space occupied by numerous types of oils. The presence of many substitute products is a considerable drawback for the cottonseed oil market. From a consumer point of view, this represents a highly trend-driven market. The introduction of a new and healthy oils is bound to eat into the market of traditionally used oils, at least for a certain time period. This is regarded as a reason for the severe fluctuations observed in cottonseed oil retail demand and market values.
One key advantage in this scenario is in regard to the industrial use of cottonseed oils. The product is widely used in various food and beverage products. Such large scale operations rely on a consistent supply chain, which is going to get disturbed in the event of a change of base ingredient, and as such are not impacted by volatile market trends. Cottonseed oil is a good source of antioxidant- tocopherol. The other advantages enjoyed by cotton seed oil are a low relative price and easy availability in cotton producing regions.
With the increasing public understanding of the composition of such oils, the fat and nutrient profiles of cooking oils become very important. Given the relatively high fraction of saturated fats in cottonseed oil, this becomes a significant constraining factor for the market.
Market Segmentation of Cottonseed Oil Market:
Cottonseed oil market is segmented by end-use application, raw material type and region. On the basis of end-use application, cottonseed oil market is segmented on the basis of retail, food processing, cosmetic applications and other industrial uses. The retail segment is centered on its use as a cooking oil. Given its high smoke point, cottonseed oil is mostly used for deep frying and baking. It is mostly used as a cooking medium and is also part of various fried and processed foods such as potato chips and French fries. Due to its ability to form a beta prime crystal, which enables a consistent texture and appearance, cottonseed oil is a major ingredient in whipped toppings, margarines, shortenings, spreads and icings. . Unlike other cooking oils cottonseed oil has a neutral taste, meaning it doesn't alter the natural taste of food being prepared over it. Due to this reason it is used as a salad oil, wherein enhancing the flavor of the salad ingredients is considered primal.
Cotton seed oil is also used in several personal care or cosmetic products such as soaps, cosmetics and detergents. As mentioned above, untreated cottonseed consists of gossypol, a toxin present in cotton. Due to this reason, untreated cottonseed oil is used as an insecticide. Other minor applications of the product include its use in making rubber and explosives.
On the basis of raw-material type, the market is segmented into genetically-modified (GM) cotton and non-GM cotton. The growing negative perception around GM crops makes this an important variable. Due to the promise of increased returns, many cotton farmers in the developing world switched to GM cotton over the last decade. It is estimated that GM cotton is cultivated in over 25 million hectares across the world, with over 75% of US cotton being genetically modified. This dominance of GM cotton is expected to decrease in response to growing consumer concerns and farmer protests across the world.
Regional Outlook of Cottonseed Oil Market:
Geographically, the global cottonseed oil market can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa. Both on the production and consumption side, the market is heavily dominated by India and China. These countries produced and consumed over 55% of the total cottonseed oil made during the 2015-2016 period. Pakistan and Uzbekistan are the other major regions in the cottonseed oil market. This dominance by Asia countries is largely attributed to large amount of cotton cultivation in the region and the high domestic demand for low-priced cooking oil.
United States (U.S.) is a major producer and consumer of cottonseed oil in the North American region. Unlike the Asian countries, U.S. also exports a considerable portion of its cottonseed oil to other regions. Brazil and Turkey are the other important regions in the market. Eastern European nations such as Azerbaijan are also important but are limited by weak domestic consumption.
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Key Market Players in Cottonseed Oil Market:
Some of the key players of the market include, Cargill, Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Compan (ADM), PYCO Industries, Bunge Limited, Louis Dreyfus, Adani Wilmar (Fortune Foods), Maharashtra Solvent Extraction (P) Ltd, Oilseeds International, Ltd., maong the others.
Deerfield Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/28/2017 -- The purpose of "Dried Processed Foods Market" report is to provide the newest industry data and Dried Processed Foods industry future trends, allowing consumers to identify the Dried Processed Foods market Application, Type, Manufacturers and Regions, Dried Processed Foods market Forecast up to 2022.
The Scope of Dried Processed Foods Report:
2017 "Global Dried Processed Foods Market" lists the ruling vendors and provides the significant industry analysis of the key terms influencing the Dried Processed Foods market. Along with a consequential data of 2016, global Dried Processed Foods market report also provides forecast from 2017 to 2022 based on Dried Processed Foods industry volume and Dried Processed Foods revenue (USD Million).
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The Dried Processed Foods Market report encompasses forecasts, analysis and discussion of trade facts, Dried Processed Foods market size, evaluation of market share and profiles of the famous Dried Processed Foods industry players on a global and regional level.
Analysis of Dried Processed Foods Market: By Vendors
Ajinomoto
Nissin
Kraft Heinz
Nestle
Unilever
Acecook Vietnam
B&G Foods
Campbell
ConAgra Foods
General Mills
Analysis of Global Dried Processed Foods Market: By Regions
- Europe Dried Processed Foods Market(Germany, France, Italy, Russia and UK)
- North America Dried Processed Foods Market (Canada, USA and Mexico)
- Latin America Dried Processed Foods Market (Middle and Africa).
- Dried Processed Foods Market in the Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)
- Asia-Pacific Dried Processed Foods Market (South-east Asia, China, India, Korea and Japan).
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Furthermore, The Dried Processed Foods analysis report includes the product that area unit presently in demand and accessible within the market together with their price break up, producing volume, import/export theme and contribution to the Dried Processed Foods market revenue globally.
At the end of Dried Processed Foods market report provides you details concerning the industry research findings and conclusion that helps you to develop profitable market methods to achieve competitive advantage.
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New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/28/2017 -- Synopsis
The report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights based on almost 120 CIC projects in the Middle East and Africa for 45 countries.
The report provides detailed metrics on the region's airport construction projects (as tracked by CIC) split by country, type and value.
Detailed metrics are also provided for the top 10 countries.
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Summary
Construction Intelligence Center (CIC) is currently tracking airport construction projects in the MEA with a total value of US$163.5 billion, which comprises projects from the announced to execution stages.
The top 10 countries (in terms of the value of their project pipelines) account for 83% of the total value of airport construction projects in the region, with a total of US$135.6 billion. These are, in order of project value, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Angola, Iran, Ethiopia, Libya and Benin.
Scope
The report provides analysis based on CIC projects showing total project values for the Middle East and Africa and analysis by stage and funding for the top 10 countries. Top project listings and top participants for the sector are also shown.
Key points to buy
Gain insight into the main drivers of activity and forecasts, and an understanding of key trends, analysis of projects by value for the Middle East and Africa market and its main countries, enabling clients to target products and services for each type of project.
Read analysis of main project participants by value for the sector, enabling clients to target products and services for each type of project.
Access top project data with location, value, stage and start date.
Key Highlights
Projects at the execution stage have a total value of US$118.9 billion, while those in the planning stage total US$28.4 billion.
Projects in the pre-execution stage amount to US$15.5 billion, followed by projects at the pre-planning stage (announced and study phase) with US$680 million.
The UAE leads airport project investment in the region, with US$52.2 billion, followed by Qatar with US$23.0 billion and Saudi Arabia with US$17.8 billion.
Table of Contents
1. Regional Overview
2. Key Operators
3. Project Analytics by Country
4. Methodology
5. Disclaimer
..CONTINUED
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Reach Us at: +1 339 368 6938 (US) +44 208 133 9349 (UK)
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San Francisco, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/27/2017 -- Global Offshore Support Vessels Market: Overview
Offshore support vessels are a crucial class of vessels essential for the smooth function of offshore oil and gas operations. Offshore support vessels fulfil all the logistical needs of offshore petroleum platforms. Due to this, they have taken on an important role in the global petroleum industry following the acknowledgment of the declining levels of petroleum in terrestrial reservoirs, which has led to intense focus on offshore exploration and production of petroleum. The global offshore support vessel market is thus likely to grow steadily in the coming years thanks to consistent utilization in the oil and gas industry.
Global Offshore Support Vessels Market: Key Trends
The prime driver for the global offshore support vessels market is the rising investment being made in underexplored regions such as Africa and Brazil for offshore petroleum exploration and extraction. The West coast of Africa and the East coast of Brazil have become important regional segments of the global offshore support vessel market and are likely to be developed further in the coming years, resulting in steady growth prospects for the global offshore support vessels market.
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Other emerging economies such as China and India are also likely to increase their investment in offshore petroleum exploration in the coming years, which bodes well for the global offshore support vessel market. Meanwhile, the North Sea has also become important for the global petroleum industry and exploration and extraction projects in the region could also generate significant revenue for the offshore support vessels industry.
On the other hand, the capital-intensive pricing dynamics of the offshore support vessel market have reduced the number of viable players claiming a sizable share in the global market. The steady decrease in petroleum prices in the last two years has also had an adverse effect on the global offshore support vessels market, as it has reduced the spending power of even some of the top companies in the global petroleum sector.
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Global Offshore Support Vessels Market: Market Potential
Adapting to dire pricing dynamics has forced many offshore support vessel manufacturers to fold up or accept inconvenient mergers. According to 2017's Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference, this is likely to remain the status quo in the global offshore support vessel industry in the coming months, with many more players likely to turn to mergers in order to sustain their business. The expected recovery in the petroleum sector in 2017 and 2018 could bring comfort to the offshore support vessel industry.
Offshore support vessels designed to minimize their environmental impact are likely to become popular in the coming years. Norway and other countries using the oilfields in the North Sea have been among the first to use electrically powered offshore support vessels, and vessels with onboard batteries could soon become the norm rather than exception in the global offshore support vessel industry. Battery systems can be retrofitted on many existing designs of offshore support vessels, which could further increase the scope of their adoption in the offshore support vessel industry.
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Global Offshore Support Vessels Market: Geographical Dynamics
North America, led by the U.S., is likely to remain the leader in the global offshore support vessel market in the coming years. Asia Pacific countries such as China and Latin American countries such as Brazil and Venezuela are also likely to feature prominently in the development of the offshore support vessel market in the coming years, whereas Western African countries could also benefit strongly from the increased offshore petroleum sector operations.
Global Offshore Support Vessels Market: Competitive Dynamics
The leading companies in the global offshore support vessel industry include Tidewater, Inc., Farstad Shipping ASA, Gulfmark Offshore, Inc., Havila Shipping ASA, Swire Group, Ltd., Siem Offshore, Inc., Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc., Bourbon Corporation SA, The Maersk Group, and Seacor Marine, LLC. With steady consolidation likely to be the order of the day for the offshore support vessels industry in the coming months, larger players could benefit significantly from acquisitions and profitable mergers.
About TMR Research
TMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in today's supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients' conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.
Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/28/2017 -- WiseGuyReports published new report, titled "Road Construction Projects: The Americas"
Synopsis
There is an estimated US$836 billion backlog of capital expenditure requirement for highways and bridges in the US. The report provides detailed analysis, information and insights based on 641 CIC projects in the Americas market. This report provides detailed analysis, information and insights based on 641 CIC projects in the Americas, including detailed metrics on the region's road construction projects (as tracked by CIC) split by country and value. Country profiles are provided for the top 10 countries including The US, Brazil and Canada.
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Summary
Construction Intelligence Center (CIC) is currently tracking road-related construction projects in the Americas with a total value of US$315.2 billion, which includes projects from the announced to execution stages. If all projects proceed as planned, spending will reach US$47.9 billion in 2019 and will reduce to US$24.0 billion in 2021. The highest value of project completions will be in 2020, with a value of US$57.2 billion. The US accounts for the highest value of the project pipeline, with a value of US$150.3 billion, followed by Brazil with projects valued at US$48.5 billion. The two highest value projects are the US$15 billion Long Island Cross Sound Link in the US and the US$8.0 billion Autopista De La Prosperidad Development in Colombia. Leading contractors in the region are Granite Construction Inc and Kiewit Corporation.
Scope
The report provides analysis based on CIC projects showing total project values for the Americas and analysis by stage and funding for the top ten countries. The top 50 projects are listed for the region giving country, stage, value and km length if known. Ranked listings of the top participants for the sector are also provided showing the leading contractors, consulting engineers and project owners.
Key points to buy
- Gain insight into main drivers of activity and forecasts for the road construction sector.
- Assess all major projects by value, start date, scope and stage of development for the region and top 10 countries to support business development activities.
- Plan campaigns by country based on specific project opportunities and align resources to the most attractive markets.
Key Highlights
- The highest value of projects are at the execution phase with a total value of US$182.4 billion, followed by projects in pre-execution with US$56.1 billion.
- Projects in the planning stage amount to US$54.5 billion, while those at the pre-planning stage total US$22.2 billion.
- Based on the data available the Americas will add 54,274km of roads.
- The US has the highest value project pipeline, with US$150.3 billion, followed by Brazil with projects valued at US$48.5 billion.
- Public investment is responsible for funding the highest proportion of projects, with 55%, with joint public and private funding at 42% and only 3% of projects financed solely by private funding.
- Assuming all projects tracked go ahead as planned, annual spending on the projects is expected to reach US$47.9 billion in 2019.
- The top contractor in the region is the Granite Construction Inc followed by Kiewit Corporation.
Table of Contents
1. Regional Overview
2. Key Operators
3. Project Analytics by Country
4. Methodology
5. Disclaimer
About Wise Guy Reports
Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.
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New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/28/2017 -- Talc is a mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate and is an important industrial and commercial mineral. It has broad applications as an industrial mineral due to its resistance to heat, electricity and acids and oil and grease adsorption. Talc has extensive commercial use because of its luster, softness, purity, fragrance retention, softness and whiteness. It is the softest known mineral and has a rating of 1 on the Mohs hardness scale. It can be scratched by a fingernail and is also sectile that means it can be cut by a knife. It has a specific gravity of 2.5 -2.8 and has clear luster. Talc is slightly soluble in dilute mineral acids and insoluble in water. It is a metamorphic mineral and occurs due to metamorphism of magnesium minerals such as olivine, amphibole, serpentine and pyroxene in presence of water and carbon dioxide. Talc is a tri-octahedral layered mineral and has a similar structure to that of pyrophyllite.
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Talc can be used as an ingredient in paints, roofing materials, ceramics, insecticides, rubber, talcum powder and insecticides among others. It is also used by the cosmetics industry, pulp and paper industry and food industry. Talc is often used to manufacture laboratory countertops and electrical switchboards due to its resistance to heat, acids and electricity. It is used by the cosmetic industry as a lubricant and as a filler by the pulp and paper industry. Talc is extensively used to make astringent baby powders that prevent rashes covered by a diaper. Talc is used by the pharmaceutical industry as a glidant (a substance that is added to powder to improve its flow ability) and by the food industry as an additive. In the European Union the additive number is E553b. In medicine, talc is used as a pluerodesis agent to prevent pneumothorax or recurrent pleural effusion. Talc is also an effective dispersing agent and anti caking agent and helps fertilizer plants and animal feeds to function efficiently and can be used for fertilizers.
The paper and pulp industry remains the largest global end market for talc and is the key driving factor for the talc Industry. The automotive industry, ceramics industry and the paint and coatings industry are the other major consumers of talc. The use of talc as a filler in the paper industry is declining today but the use of talc for the manufacture of under the hood automotive parts is substantially increasing that has further lead to surge in demand for talc by the automotive industry.
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Asia Pacific is the largest market for talc with China, India, Japan, Bhutan, and South Korea being the key markets in this region. The Indian talc industry is the world's third largest and continues to grow due to increase in domestic consumption. North America and Europe are other regions with a substantial market share of talc. Austria, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and United Kingdom are the major consumers of talc in Europe. Some of the major companies dominating the talc market are Imerys talc, Mondo Minerals, Golcha Group, American Talc, IMI FABI, Nippon Talc, Minerals Technologies Inc, the Jai Group, Aihai Talc, Behai Talc, Shuiquan Talc, Xin Talc, Haumei Talc, Guiguang Talc and Xin Talc among others. Imerys talc is the world's leading producer of talc followed by Mondo Minerals.
Its about to get personal
The future of retail technology: health data, hyper-personalized purchasing
Imagine going shopping and having your phone or fitness tracker make product recommendations for you based on your breath or the current physical state of your body.
It is not science fiction. Its the future of retailing and health care digitization, according to researchers at University of South Carolinas College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. In a new study published in the Journal of Research in Interactive Marketing, a team of researchers forecasts that consumers will increasingly be offered hyper-personalized products formulated upon a persons biomarkers indicators of a persons biological state that can be gathered through things like saliva, breath and blood samples.
Technologies are now in place that will transform the consumer goods industries in the next five to ten years; most notably in health,
Devices like these could become an even bigger part of shopping in the near future.
wellness and beauty products, says professor Mark Rosenbaum, lead author of the study and chair of the retailing department. We envision consumers increasingly purchasing products, such as vitamins, meals and cosmetics, that are formulated based upon a consumers unique DNA sequence.
According to the teams research, companies are already working to create product lines such as home-delivered meals and skin care that are customized based on analysis of a customers DNA sample submitted through an at-home blood test. Additionally, nutrition companies are partnering with wearable technologies, such as fitness trackers and skin-serve sensory patches, to notify wearers of bodily needs that can be satisfied through consumption of specific products.
And while it might be nice to have the perfect shade of lipstick or reminders on what supplements you need to stay healthy, are consumers willing to trade privacy for convenience? A 2017 study that examined consumer attitudes toward new technology found that while consumers are wary about volunteering the data necessary for personalization, they still desire a tailored retail experience.
The Oracle Retail 2025 Report polled 709 consumers and found that shoppers have a conservative appetite for retail technologies that require hyper-personal data to make decisions on their behalf and are more likely to accept intrusive technologies from a brand they trust. Slightly more than half of the respondents favor the idea of linking their wearable activity tracker to their pharmacy so they can suggest products to meet specific health and wellness needs.
Technologies are now in place that will transform the consumer goods industries in the next five to ten years; most notably in health, wellness and beauty products." Mark Rosenbaum
Whether or not consumers are ready to use hyper-personalized purchasing on a day-to-day basis, these technologies have lifesaving possibilities.
Wireless communication technologies such as RFID-NFC and quantum ID tags have the potential to prevent consumers from knowingly purchasing counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs or infant formula, says Rosenbaum. This technology is being refined by luxury manufacturers who want to prevent counterfeiters from destroying brand equity. Yet, the impact could be profound in preventing deaths and injury from the consumption of fake and potentially poisonous medicine and supplements.
Rosenbaum teamed up with the retailing department colleagues Karen Edwards, Jiyeon Kim, Jeff Campbell and Marianne Bickle for the recently published research, along with coauthor German Contreras Ramirez from the Universidad Externado de Colombia in Bogota. As far as the group is aware, they are the first to forecast the digitization of health retailing in a concise understanding.
Combining our different perspectives helped us put forth a clearer understanding of the emerging trends in hyper-customized products, Rosenbaum says. We hope this research will guide further studies in hyper-personalization and help retailers and manufacturers realize that the future trend in retailing will be customization at the personal level.
The new developments do not come without concerns, though.
A major issue that consumer goods and retailers will confront is protecting consumers from hackers stealing their biomarker data, Rosenbaum says. In addition, there is not yet a legal precedent for products that incorrectly read a consumers biomarkers.
Despite these legal issues, consumers, the health industry and retailers are poised to enter the next phase of digitization: a phase of hyper-personalization.
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The 35 crew of the Seaman Guard Ohio, including six former British soldiers the Chennai Six were acquitted by an Indian court of Monday on weapons smuggling charges for which they were jailed for five years in January 2016.
At last there is some form of justice, even if it cannot restore to the men the time lost since their arrest in 2013, said David Heindel, ITF seafarers section chair.
The 35 seafarers and armed guards onboard the maritime security vessel were detained off the Indian coast in 2013 and were jailed for five years in 2016, despite charges have been dropped in 2014 by the Madras High Court.
The ITF has been among the organisations that has supported the men since 2013 and helped to fund the appeal.
Heindel, however, took aim at the US-headquartered owners of the Seaman Guard Ohio maritime security company AdvanFort. AdvanFort while initially supportive of the detained crew members later walked away leaving them stranded and unpaid in India.
Unfortunately, one glaring injustice remains: the scandal of AdvanFort getting off scot free, having washed its hands of its employees. It is nothing short of shameful that our justice system allows them to get away with this, Heindel stated.
But as we have witnessed over and over, this is the flag of convenience system that has been created.
The Seaman Guard Ohio was flagged with Sierra Leone.
The two-day forum hosted by China Classification Society reached general conclusions on ship design and technology and agreed that the industry needs to design ships differently and be more technologically innovative to reach world climate goals and counter cyber security risks.
The shipping industry urgently needs new ship designs, equipment, propulsion systems and alternative fuels to achieve the CO2 reduction goals established by the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the specific objectives to be established for international shipping by the UN IMO as part of its GHG reduction strategy, the forum agreed.
To achieve this, the shipping industry needs to use all available technology to a much greater extent, and increase technological innovation to reduce CO2 emissions to the ambitious degree required by the international community.
The Tripartite forum has therefore established inter-industry working groups with the aim of developing a better understanding of current R&D efforts for the new technologies needed. At the same time, the critical importance of the safety of seafarers and the ships which they operate was also emphasised amid increasing concerns that new regulations governing ship designs aimed at further reducing CO2 emissions could potentially have adverse effects on the safe operation of ships.
Finally, after a spate of recent cyber-attacks, there has been an increased awareness of potential cyber-threats facing the industry and the need to adopt new methods and standards to create more resilient digital systems on board.
A more layered approach to a ships digital systems and greater segregation can increase safety, so that a single attack cannot readily spread to IT and other systems both on board the ship and ashore.
It was agreed that before the next meeting in Korea next year, the industry partners would work together to develop new design standards, which will help raise the resilience of ships digital systems and make them more resistant to possible cyber-attacks.
For over 16 years, Tripartite has provided an opportunity for representative associations of shipowners, classification societies and to discuss contemporary issues related to design, construction and operation of new and future ships. Hong Kong Shipowners Association is a regular participant.
Koko condemns killing of Cebu City Brgy. Chairman Imok Rupenta
Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III today condemned the ambushed slay of Barangay Chairman Felicisimo "Imok" Rupenta of Barangay Ermita, Cebu City, saying Cebu City lost a dedicated public servant who was loved by the masses.
In a statement, Pimentel, who considered Rupenta a loyal PDP Laban stalwart in Cebu City, challenged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to extend extra efforts to apprehend the suspects for the early resolution of the case.
Police reports said Rupenta was waylaid by four assailants riding in two motorcycles in Liloan town on Thursday night (November 23, 2017). The victim was driving his Isuzu pick-up truck with wife Jocelyn when the attackers blocked their path and started shooting.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later expired.
Pimentel said he was shocked upon learning of the killing of Rupenta whom he described as among the original diehards of the PDP Laban at a time when the party was still a struggling group during the martial rule of the late strongman President Marcos.
"I call upon the police to immediately arrest the suspects and dig deep into the case because this may have something to do with his job as a no non-sense public servant. He was very much active in the campaign against illegal drugs," said Pimentel.
He said the PDP Laban would always cherish the sacrifices of Rupenta, who in the company of the legendary "Inday" Nita Daluz, Elias Baquero, Atty. Democrito "Mokring" Barcenas and Tony Cuenco, anchored the party's fight against the dictatorship together with his father, former Senate President Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr.
Press Release
November 28, 2017 GRACE POE ON EPOWERS BILL To refresh Secretary Roque's memory, the Traffic Crisis Bill in the House of Representatives has not even entered second reading. While in the Senate, the Emergency Powers Bill is already on second reading and nearing the end of the period of interpellations. Although not certified urgent, we have been conducting non-stop interpellations on the EP measure. Once the Senate concludes the period of amendments on the budget bill, then I shall resume interpellations on the EP. I doubt that it will pass this year, unless certified urgent. But with the help of my colleagues, we can have this passed on third reading early next year. For reference: Press Briefing of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque November 27, 2017 ... RUTH/RADYO PILIPINAS: Thank you, Sec. Si Senator Grace Poe is asking for the President to signed up urgent bill, iyong emergency powers to resolve iyong traffic situation. SEC. ROQUE: We appreciate the concern of Senator Grace. But as of the time I left the House of Representatives which is only been a whole month, the House had already passed the traffic crisis bill. So it's a waiting action on the Senate. So really it's the Senates call whether or not to enact this traffic crisis bill into law. RUTH/RADYO PILIPINAS: Thank you, Sec. ... Source: https://pcoo.gov.ph/press_briefing/press-briefing-presidential-spokesperson-harry-roque-6/
When a rising Chinese American power broker became a partner in a proposed cannabis dispensary in San Franciscos Outer Sunset, he knew it would hit resistance.
But David Ho sees himself as the perfect emissary to the mostly older Chinese residents and merchants who are deeply skeptical of the pot trade.
Im the working-class, westside Asian American story, said Ho, who is a co-owner of the Barbary Coast medical cannabis dispensary that has applied to open at 2161 Irving St., on a block lined with grocery stores, dry cleaning shops and banks.
Its fighting two appeals that will go before the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 5, pitting Ho and Barbary Coasts executive director, Jesse Henry, against persistent neighborhood activists many of them Chinese Americans who blocked another Sunset cannabis club application in October.
The supervisors vote on whether to approve Barbary Coasts permit will be a critical test of Hos influence at City Hall. Cannabis has created deep divisions on the board, with some members advocating for a robust industry and others asking for zoning laws that would keep dispensaries out of their districts.
A similar fight has engulfed the Chinese community. Its more conservative leaders successfully lobbied Mayor Ed Lee to call for a marijuana advertising ban on Muni it was approved by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agencys board of directors as well as a 1,000- foot buffer zone between every pot shop and the nearest school or day care facility.
On the other side is the progressive Ho. He was born in Macau but grew up in the Sunset, attended Lincoln High School and spent 15 years as a tenant organizer for the prominent Chinatown Community Development Center. During that time, Ho became a protege of the late Rose Pak, who was instrumental in Lees election and a longtime political power in Chinatown.
Ho campaigned for Lee as well as Supervisors Jane Kim and Ahsha Safai and former Supervisor David Chiu.
Ho said he has opposed the more conservative base in the Chinese community on other issues, such as same-sex marriage. He calls the antimarijuana protesters at City Hall a small minority of very loud opponents.
Im challenging the perception that this is a Chinese issue, he said. Cannabis has been used in China for 2,000 years.
Hos enthusiasm for the cannabis business sets him apart from an older Chinatown player, Chinatown Neighborhood Association Chairman Pius Lee, as well as the 155-year-old benevolent organization the Chinese Six Companies, which wields political influence in the neighborhood.
Last month, both organizations sent letters to the mayor proposing a 50-dispensary cap in San Francisco. The letters also asked for the Muni advertising ban, the 1,000-foot buffer and a prohibition on smoking inside cannabis stores, which has also been a point of contention at the board.
Pius Lee told The Chronicle that he backed Supervisor Aaron Peskins recent call for a dispensary ban in Chinatown.
Chinatown is too small, and it has too many senior citizens, he said. Its not appropriate to put marijuana businesses there.
Yet Lee also said he respects Hos decision to invest in a cannabis store on the westside.
Maybe its a good future, with good money, the older businessman said.
While Lee and the other businessmen of Six Companies lean on the mayor, a spirited group of activists has for months held antimarijuana protests outside City Hall, the federal building on Golden Gate Avenue and at Sen. Dianne Feinsteins office downtown.
Lead organizers Ellen Zhou and Teresa Duque helped sink the other Sunset dispensary in October, in collaboration with a right-wing organization called the Pacific Justice Institute, which filed the appeal of the application. For the past few weeks Zhou and Duque have rallied people to chase Ho and his business partners off of Irving Street.
On Friday, Zhou sent an email blast to scores of media outlets and city officials, accusing the supervisors of bringing a dangerous drug trade to the westside, in spite of residents misgivings.
We have immigrants (who) cannot vote, Zhou wrote. We have children and minors (who) cannot vote.
Sunset resident Susanna Chan, who was born in Hong Kong but has lived on San Franciscos westside for decades, called the Irving Street dispensary a ridiculous idea.
This reminds me of the 1840s, when the British brought opium to China, Chan said.
Ho brushed those arguments aside, angry that a small group of immigrants including dozens of monolingual Chinese speakers had been exploited by a right-wing outfit.
Jesse Henry, who co-founded the first Barbary Coast Dispensary at Sixth and Mission streets, is optimistic that Ho will build trust with residents in the Sunset and quell their anxieties about the Irving Street store.
He was raised in the city, hes fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese. ... Hes a great community liaison, Henry said.
Barbary Coast held 18 community meetings about the dispensary before it went before the Planning Commission in October, Henry said. Ho served as a Chinese translator at those meetings.
When Chinese American partners attempted to open another Sunset district cannabis club in October, that strategy didnt work so well. Former Oakland Mayor Jean Quan and her husband, Floyd Huen, made news headlines when they turned from politics to pot and tried to open a new branch of the Apothecarium luxury dispensary at 2505 Noriega St.
Huen struggled to defend their dispensary proposal at their hearing before the Board of Supervisors last month, during which opponents equated marijuana use with the opioid epidemic and said it would lure children into a life of addiction. Some called the club a form of gentrification.
Being a 40-year organizer in the Asian American community, this is the first time Im on the other side of this many community members, Huen said at the hearing.
Some in City Hall say Barbary Coast has better chances of success. Quan, who lives in Oakland and did not return phone calls Monday, seemed like an outsider. By contrast, Ho is a westside fixture.
He described himself as steering between two worlds that arent quite converging.
Im trying to help, he said.
Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
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State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, is making another effort to extend Californias nightlife past the current 2 a.m. cutoff.
On Tuesday, he announced plans for a new version of a bill that would allow bars to stay open until 4 a.m. The move comes a few months after the Assembly Appropriations Committee replaced a previous version of the bill known as the Let Our Communities Adjust Late-night, or Local Act with a task force to study the implications of allowing bars to stay open later.
The proposal would allow communities to decide whether certain bars can stay open past the current 2 a.m. cutoff. In the new version, the extension would only be granted to six cities whose mayors have supported the effort San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Sacramento, West Hollywood and Long Beach rather than the entire state.
This will be at least the fourth time that a state senator has tried to pass a bill that attempts to extend the states nightlife hours. Wieners last version of the bill made it further through the Legislature than any previous versions by former Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco.
At a Tuesday news conference at San Francisco Eagle a bar that would take advantage of the extension Wiener said he hopes the limited version of this bill will finally make it to the governors desk.
People have a perception that nightlife is just about fun, he said. But its also about the culture of our community. ... People wonder why they are in a major metro area but cant find alcohol after 2 a.m.
The effort to allow certain bars to stay open past 2 a.m. has widespread support from many in the restaurant and bar industry, who argue that the few extra hours would stimulate the states economy.
Honey Mahogany, a drag performer and co-owner of Stud Bar, which has fallen on hard financial times, said being open later could double the bars revenue. Mahogany said the bar makes most of its money between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m., Mahogany said.
Having to close at peak hours really hurts us, Mahogany said. We rely on bar sales to pay rent.
But critics even some in the nightlife industry say it puts revenue ahead of public safety.
Can you imagine a bunch of drunk people out in front of your house at 4:30 in the morning? Tim Sowards, a Bay Area resident who has been tending bar in San Francisco for 15 years, previously told The Chronicle. Its already bad enough at 2:30.
Bruce Lee Livingston, executive director and CEO of Alcohol Justice, a San Rafael nonprofit advocacy, research and policy organization, said the new version of the bill is not much better than the old one.
It targets a good chunk of the population of California, so it is not really a targeted bill, he said. The bigger problem is that it is the same concept. Instead of controlling the overconsumption of alcohol, what it does is promote drinking.
Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@
sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani
Underground comics cartoonist and historian Trina Robbins, who began her career making science fiction illustrations and, in the 80s, became the first woman to draw Wonder Woman, is among the eight female artists whose work has been incorporated into fabric for the Prada spring/summer 2018 line. Robbins, who lives in San Francisco, said it is incredibly exciting to be one of the three English-speaking women whose work was chosen for the honor.
Robbins, whose career includes a stint making custom-tailored clothing for rock stars in an East Village store, says that Prada contacted her and asked her to send samples of her work from the 60s and 70s. She hasnt seen the Prada fabric samples in person yet, but from the pictures thinks that the pattern was printed on several types of cloth.
Im getting 10 items, from the line, she said, including six things for me and four for my daughter. This makes her happy, but I wanted one of each. (Bravo to a true feminist who always wants more.) Youll be able to recognize me because Ill be the woman walking down Market Street wearing comics on my coat, she said.
How much will the garments cost? I cannot conceive of how much they will be selling for, she said. I mean, its beyond my ken. Youre speaking to the queen of San Francisco thrift shops. I dont know how much clothes cost in Macys.
Considering the holiday season, Sean ODonnell complains: There is an emoji for the most sublime and plebeian libations: beer, Champagne, martinis, sake cocktails, whiskey and, of course, red wine. But none for white wine. ... Truly? Has our esteemed greater Bay Area nay, the northern half of our state been overlooked with a dismissive wave of a corkscrew? ODonnell urges equally outraged white-wine drinkers to voice your moral outrage and petty indignation on Twitter at #ViveLEmojiBlanc, and make a difference in the life (albeit brief) of a grape.
Over the years, several readers have sent clippings from ads for the Neptune Society in which prospective customers are invited to seminars in cafes and restaurants. The irony, for example, is talking about cremation in a barbecue joint. But Kent Peterman has forwarded one with a perfect location. The site for Dec. 5-7 sessions in Crockett is a restaurant called the Dead Fish.
Adda Dada reminds us that we are rapidly approaching the bicentennial of Emperor Norton, who was born on an unspecified date in 1818. The unspecificity of that date gives us a whole year to celebrate.
Adda suggests that in homage to the emperor, the San Francisco Art Commission should create some formal honoring of all the eccentrics (current and past) of San Francisco. His own list begins with the Space Lady, who wore a helmet and played street music in San Francisco in the 70s and 80s (and according to her Facebook page, has a new record and is about to tour Australia). He goes on to include Sister Boom Boom, Frank Chu, Strange de Jim, Tom Sweeney, Gypsy Taub, Anton LaVey, Heklina and more.
Plenty of time for other nominations, though.
Neil Davis lives in Sebastopol, but that doesnt mean hes not a defender of San Franciscos icons. Having seen The Chronicles picture of portable toilets dolled up like the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square, he rises in defense of these classic Victorian houses.
Whats next? A porta-potty cable car? A Coit Tower porta-potty? The tiling Millennium Tower? Grace Cathedral? Golden Gate Bridge? De Young? Alcatraz? The possibilities are endless and tasteless. This went through a design review committee?
P.S. Learning that big business is trying to squeeze its way into the cannabis profit-makers tent, Julian Grant is speculating about the future: Pot-tery Barn, Trader Mary Janes and Bed, Bong & Beyond.
Dire Warnings Gazette, No. 6:
From Conversica, a company that employs artificial intelligence technology for fake tete-a-tetes in order to sell something via natural, two-way conversations: The company says it has discovered that Americans want A.I. to help them during the holidays. When asked how they would want an A.I.-powered assistant to help with a holiday purchase, the top choice was gift recommendations.
But then, the question is what do you buy for Siri, the woman who has everything?
Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, (415) 777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik
Public Eavesdropping
Can I buy you a bottle of water? Its vegan.
Young woman to young man, overheard at a gym by John Kuhn
Nicole Rivelli / Nicole Rivelli / Amazon
Catch of the day is The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, a series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, about a 1960s housewife, played by Rachel Brosnahan, who decides to be a stand-up comic. The first season is available today on Amazon.
CBS airs back-to-back new episodes of Survivor at 8 p.m.
San Franciscans are famous for complaining about the citys homeless problem, high housing costs and fleeing middle class, and in the same breath, blasting affordable housing projects planned near them.
The homeless encampments sprawling all over city sidewalks are outrageous! Build affordable housing for homeless people in my neighborhood? No way!
So itll be an interesting test to see how a ballot measure planned for June fares with city voters. The love-it-or-hate-it group known as Yimby Action (for Yes in My Backyard) wants voters to make it easier for developers to construct 100 percent affordable housing and teacher housing.
The measure, being reviewed by the city attorneys office and set to hit the streets soon for signature collection, would eliminate discretionary reviews for those two housing categories.
That means that if a 100 percent affordable or teacher housing project met all zoning and other requirements, it would get the go-ahead automatically. It could speed the process for getting permits from several years to a few months, said Laura Foote Clark, executive director of Yimby Action.
It would also mean residents who object to those sorts of projects in their own neighborhoods would have no recourse. You dont like the thought of homeless people being housed in your hood? Oh, well!
Clark said she thinks most San Franciscans dont really value vacant land or parking lots more than affordable housing. But she said the current process prioritizes the angry neighbor over everybody else.
When you make it so decisions are made at obscure hearings on Thursday afternoons, thats an inherently undemocratic process, she said. Most people dont even know that is a thing that you can go and say, I dont want those people in my neighborhood. And they really say it in San Francisco!
They sure do. Listen to just about any public comment session when one of these projects comes up for debate, and youll want to grab a stiff drink.
A few months ago, Clark moved from Noe Valley to SoMa near the Hall of Justice. Its not a move most people would choose, but she and her husband wanted to shorten their commutes. Her walk to work in Mid-Market is now just 15 minutes, but its miserable, she said.
Youve got homeless people living on the sidewalks, she said. And then youve got fenced off, mostly empty parking lots. Its insane.
Peter Cohen, who heads the Council of Community Housing Organizations, said hes not sure what Clarks ballot measure would accomplish, since a state law approved last year already streamlines the process for affordable housing development in cities that arent meeting their state-set goals for constructing new housing.
One difference is that Clarks measure would be permanent and apply regardless of whether San Francisco meets its goals. Also, the state law doesnt cover some teacher housing.
Cohen, a frequent critic of Yimby Action, said whats really needed to get more affordable housing built in San Francisco is money to do it, sites on which to build it and a shift toward prioritizing it over market-rate housing at City Hall.
Clark admitted the June measure is starting small. But itll be a good test of what city voters think of her controversial group and its pro-development ideas. As with so much of San Francisco and its debate over housing, itll definitely be an interesting ride.
I got a lot of response to Sundays column on the nastiness of the 16th and Mission BART Station. There is no shortage of stories of what Bay Area residents have encountered on their public transit trips, and many of them will make you lose your lunch.
One tweet came from a woman who was taking her three kids into the city on BART to see The Velveteen Rabbit over the weekend. In the garage at the Fruitvale Station in Oakland, they found a pile of human feces. She tweeted a picture of it to me along with the words, This daily occurrence is just unacceptable.
(Some people get unsolicited photographs of private parts. I get unsolicited poop pics.)
Bevan Dufty, the BART board director whos been cleaning the 16th Street Station weekly since September, was tagged in the tweet, too. He responded that he texted and emailed the assistant general manager of operations for BART about the mess. It was cleaned up.
Shes our customer, Dufty told me. She shouldnt have to come in contact with human waste.
Dufty said he got a lot of gripes about the Civic Center Station after the column ran, particularly about the constant smell of urine on the platforms, and that hell focus on that station next.
Does that mean hell actually be cleaning it like he does the 16th Street Station every Wednesday morning?
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.
Oh yeah, youve got to learn whats going on, he said. I might have to pick a second day of the week and just clean twice.
Hey, if all city officials took regular shifts cleaning various BART stations and city sidewalks, we might actually get somewhere.
Ive been ragging on the city a lot lately, but its still a wonderful place in many respects. One of those is its propensity to adopt liberal policies before anybody else.
In January, San Francisco became the first city in the country to require employers to provide fully paid baby bonding time for new parents. While Californias family leave law gives workers 55 percent of their wages for six weeks of bonding time, San Francisco required local employers to make up the rest.
A new study out of UC Berkeley looked at the first six months of implementation and found a modest 6 percent increase in the number of San Francisco women who took bonding leave compared with the first half of 2016. But it found a far more notable increase of 28 percent in men taking bonding leave.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, who sponsored the legislation while a city supervisor, said he was thrilled so many more men are staying home after their babies are born and hopes the culture continues to shift and encourages more new dads to do the same.
The fact that men appear to be jumping at the chance is really great news, Wiener said.
As someone who has two kids and knows the dread that comes with the first day your husband goes back to work after the baby is born, I also think its really great news.
San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Sundays and Tuesdays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf
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Sometimes the best way to gaze into the future is to look back at the past. The 2018 governors election may be one of those times.
With Californias vote less than a year away, many of the early polls seem closely divided between Who are those guys? and Do we really have an election next year?
But somebody has to replace termed-out Gov. Jerry Brown, so a visit to the states history may give a hint about who the states next governor may, or may not, be.
Democrat Delaine Eastin, for example, faces an uphill battle. California has had 39 governors if you count Jerry Brown twice and about the only characteristic they share is that every one has been a man. Not only that, but Dianne Feinstein (1990), Kathleen Brown (1994) and Meg Whitman (2010) are the only female candidates from major parties to make it past the primary.
It gets worse. Four former attorneys general have become governor, along with 10 lieutenant governors, a couple of state treasurers and even a secretary of state that was Jerry Brown, age 32 but no superintendent of public instruction, the statewide office Eastin held for eight years, has made it to Californias top office.
History also is working against Democratic state Treasurer John Chiang, since California has never had an Asian American governor, either. But as a Latino, Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa escapes the first ever onus, thanks to Romualdo Pacheco, a Santa Barbara-born Californio who served as governor for about 10 months in 1875.
But as both Eastin and Chiang would argue, Someone has to be first.
Jae C. Hong/Associated Press
Really, though, Californias history shows that just about every gubernatorial hopeful has something working against him or her.
Villaraigosa, for example, is the former mayor of Los Angeles, which is historically bad news in a governors race. Although mayors of San Diego (Pete Wilson), San Francisco (Washington Bartlett and James Sunny Jim Rolph) and Oakland (George Pardee and Jerry Brown) have become governor, the closest an elected L.A. mayor got to Sacramento was Democrat Tom Bradleys close loss to Republican George Deukmejian in 1982 and his not-so-close loss in a rematch four years later.
There is an asterisk of hope for Villaraigosa, though. William Stephens, a lieutenant governor who became governor in 1917 after Gov. Hiram Johnson resigned to become U.S. senator, was acting mayor of Los Angeles for less than two weeks in 1909.
While that seems to be encouraging news for Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, a former mayor of San Francisco, he might want to be careful what he wishes for. Bartlett and Rolph, the San Francisco mayors turned governor, both died in office.
The states 39 governors have surprisingly little in common, said Alex Vassar, a legislative historian.
Based on the past 80 years of California elections, its pretty clear that there are only four routes to becoming governor, he said. You can be a former Republican legislator, a Republican actor, a Democrat named for a color, or Culbert Olson.
Associated Press 1975
Although it might be hard for Donald Trump to believe, California wasnt always a deep blue, Hillary Clinton- and Bernie Sanders-loving state. In fact, Olson, who was elected in 1938, was Californias first Democratic governor of the 20th century and one of only four since 1898.
Those others would be the three Democrats named for a color: Brown, Brown (Jerry and his father, Edmund) and Gray (Davis).
And while the proclivity California voters have shown for choosing GOP legislators for the states top office may sound like good news for Assemblyman Travis Allen, R-Huntington Beach (Orange County), its really been former Republican legislators like Pete Wilson, Deukmejian and Frank Merriam whom they preferred.
California hasnt elected a sitting assemblyman as governor since J. Neely Johnson in 1856. Olson, a state senator from Los Angeles who also served in the Utah legislature, was the last state legislator to move up directly.
None of the current candidates for governor are challenging one of the states longest-running political taboos. Since California became a state in 1850, there have only been three governors (J. Neely Johnson of Sacramento, Stocktons James Budd and Robert Waterman, from San Bernardino via Redwood City) from a county that doesnt touch either the Pacific Ocean or San Francisco Bay, and both of them were in the 1800s. That pretty much eliminates anyone from the Central Valley, the Inland Empire and the Sierra.
Earl Warren, for example, grew up in Bakersfield but was Alameda Countys district attorney before he was elected attorney general and then governor in 1942. And while Hiram Johnson was born in Sacramento and practiced law there, he was an assistant district attorney in San Francisco when he was elected governor in 1910.
California voters also have shown an unwillingness to back wealthy outsiders with backgrounds in business rather than elective office, which could be a roadblock for John Cox, a GOP businessman from San Diego County. But Cox, who was born in Illinois, and Chiang, who hails from New York via Chicago, both get a historical boost by coming from outside California.
Only seven of Californias governors were actually born in the state: both Browns, Warren, Hiram Johnson, Rolph, Pardee and Pacheco. That number actually could be six, since Pacheco was born in Santa Barbara in 1831, when it was part of Alta California.
Thats not really a surprise, said Vassar, who has studied the states political past.
California has always been a state thats drawn people to it, he said, a wide and varied range of travelers looking to share in the California dream, politicians included.
But if the states political history takes away, it also gives some hope. Of those seven California natives who became governor, four were born in San Francisco.
Point, Gavin Newsom.
John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth
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WASHINGTON Sexual harassment allegations engulfing Rep. John Conyers, who has temporarily relinquished his post as ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, could open the door for a Bay Area veteran to fill what is considered one of the most powerful positions in Congress.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, a member of Congress since 1994, made clear in June that she would vie for the top minority seat on the committee if the opportunity arose. Her office confirmed late Monday in an email that Lofgren is still interested in the post, but declined to elaborate. Lofgren, for her part, declined to comment.
Lofgren would have to persuade a majority of the 194-member House Democratic caucus to select her over Conyers, who has only temporarily stepped aside until the harassment claims are resolved, and the No. 2 Democrat on the committee, Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York.
If Democrats retake the House majority in next Novembers midterm elections, whoever is the committees ranking Democrat would become chair of a committee many see as critical for taking on President Trump.
Conyers, 88, of Michigan acknowledged Nov. 19 that he had settled a sexual harassment claim against him two years ago. Despite settling the claim, he vigorously denies allegations of wrongdoing and said he would like very much to remain as ranking member of the committee once the investigation is over.
The 20-member Judiciary Committee plays a primary role in debates over immigration, voting rights, patents, antitrust law and many other controversial issues. It oversees impeachment charges brought against sitting presidents.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco has tried, at times unsuccessfully, to navigate a treacherous line between encouraging Conyers, the oldest and longest-serving member of Congress, to step down while trying not to appear to be forcing out a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first African American to chair the committee.
Pelosi came under intense criticism for calling Conyers in a Sunday morning television interview an icon who is owed due process. By Sunday afternoon, she had backpedaled, issuing a statement saying, Zero tolerance means consequences.
Astrid Riecken/TNS
Many Democrats had wanted Conyers to step down at the start of the year. He sometimes had appeared befuddled in public, and reportedly showed up twice in pajamas to important events. In June, Nadler and Lofgren engaged in a public tussle over who would eventually replace him on the Judiciary Committee after Nadler had begun holding private meetings to discuss the issue.
Lofgren issued a public statement at the time putting herself in the running.
Under Democratic caucus rules, seniority is only one factor in choosing committee leaders. Other factors include whether a candidate would add to diversity and degree of commitment to the Democratic agenda.
Commitment is often measured in campaign dollars a sitting member has donated to Democratic candidates to help win back the House. According to Open Secrets, a group that tracks campaign finance, Lofgren has donated $150,000 of her campaign funds to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the partys House campaign arm, while Nadler has donated $22,500.
Any battle between Lofgren and Nadler would be decided by House Democrats on a secret ballot, following a recommendation by the caucus Steering and Policy Committee.
Lofgren is a longtime party leader on immigration issues and a fierce proponent of creating a citizenship path for so-called Dreamers, who came to the United States without papers as children. She has also long pushed for expanded work visas, known as H-1Bs, for the tech industry. Lofgren currently holds the top Democratic position on Judiciarys immigration and border security panel.
Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com
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The joint was jumping with joy, and 400 faithful fans, as the beloved Original Joes on Washington Square Park celebrated its 80th anniversary.
Founded in 1937 by the late Florence and Tony Rodin, this once-humble eatery took root in the Tenderloin, serving up soul-satisfying Italian dishes atop an open-kitchen counter with 14 stools that crowned a sawdust-covered floor.
Being a part of the fabric and history of San Francisco, means so much to me, said Rodins daughter, Marie Duggan, as she was swarmed by well wishers. But that didnt happen in one year. Or 10 or 25 years it took us 80 years!
It also took a 2007 fire that destroyed their original Taylor Street restaurant. But Marie wouldnt be bowed by tragedy. Five long years later, the restaurant shes worked at since a teenager, rose again in North Beach, like a phoenix from the ashes.
Tony Rodin, a Croatian immigrant, launched Joes just as America was coming out of the Depression and worked at the original restaurant for 65 years.
Weve always served generous portions at good prices, recalls Marie. During the 30s, people lived in such deprivation they were ready for a good helping of spaghetti and meatballs.
This third-generation family-owned business, now including its Daly City outpost, Original Joes Westlake, is run by her son, John Duggan Jr., and daughter, Elena Duggan.
While technically retired, Marie and her husband, former stockbroker John Duggan, are often at Joes front door, warmly welcoming loyal guests and newcomers alike.
That loyalty isnt limited to diners: Many waiters worked decades at Original Joes, including 83-year-old Dalton Davis, who clocked in almost 50 years with the family.
Its always been like Damon Runyon at our place. During World War II, we welcomed everyone from Navy hoi polloi to regular sailors, said Marie, pointing to a photo-filled wall where hangs a poem she wrote about her folks restaurant:
There are judges, cops and gamblers / Cabbies, priests and lawyers, too / They all meet at the counter / Over pot roast or beef stew.
The crowd erupted in cheers as the Duggans former babysitter, SFFD Chief Joanne Hayes-White, presented a brass fire bell to hang in the bar.
Happy 80th anniversary to Original Joes and the Duggans, she declared. One of the best families in San Francisco!
Ring-a-ding: Dede Wilsey became a fan of the Salvation Army when she saw the movie Guys and Dolls at age 10.
So prior to the 14th annual Salvation Army Holiday Luncheon honoring her support, Wilsey, decked out in a snazzy holiday green Andrew Gn suit outside the organizations Tenderloin district Kroc Center, commenced the charitable Red Kettle holiday season by ringing the signature bell.
Recapping the 1955 musical, Wilsey recalled her favorite scene: Actress Jean Simmons, a Salvation Army sergeant, proclaims her love for gambler Marlon Brando by belting out the beautiful song If I were a bell, Id be ringing.
The sold-out luncheon crowd responded, ringing up $500K for Salvation Army holiday programs and general fund providing meals, assistance, clothing, rehab, school supplies and wellness programs to tens of thousands of Bay Area children, families, homeless and seniors.
While most know Wilsey as the Fine Arts Museums board chairman, or the determined fundraiser who elegantly empties pockets to build new-era EssEff institutions such as UCSFs Mission Bay Medical Center, she also quietly devotes her resources to numerous causes, including the humble Salvation Army.
Dede is a friend whose dedication and commitment has changed the landscape of San Francisco forever, said Cindy Foley, Salvation Army Golden State divisional leader. As a long-standing Salvation Army ambassador, Dede exemplifies our mission of Doing the Most Good.
Wilseys support and cultural passion also inspired after-school programs children learn string instruments or create art, often depicting Wilseys preferred subject matter: small white dogs.
Also paying tribute: Designer Stanlee Gatti donated beautiful centerpiece blooms in Wilseys beloved pink-and-green color scheme. FAM trustees Jack Calhoun and Lorna Meyer Calas surprised Wilsey with an original rap tune. And Beach Blanket Babylon producer Jo Schuman Silver penned a clever tribute to Wilsey, the original Glinda for BBB founder Steve Silver, sung by cast member Shawna Ferris McNulty and set to Youre the Top.
Shes got style / Pinks her favorite color / All the while / Shes like no other / Some might hit the deck when she wants your check / She wont stop! / Cause theres just no denying / Dedes the top!
P.S.: Friday, Dec. 8, at 10 a.m., the Salvation Army hosts its 37th Celebrity Bell Ringing event in Union Squared led by previous Salvation Army honoree, S.F. Protocol Chief Charlotte Shultz.
Fair play: City Hall was recently bathed in green as Mayor Ed Lee presented the key to the city to Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at a reception honoring the politician, here on his first official U.S. visit confabbing with West Coast tech companies that operate Irish hubs.
Taste Catering President (and Limerick County native) Margaret Teskey jumped at the chance to co-sponsor the august gathering for 400 Irish and Irish American dignitaries.
I wanted to pay tribute as only an Irish person can, explained Teskey of her hand-crafted menu. So I prepared a light supper you might receive at someones home in Ireland.
She procured mostly Irish products importing Cashel Blue cheese and Wild Atlantic Way smoked salmon, a perfect pairing atop AndytownSF brown bread baked by Belfast native Michael McCrory.
While touring City Hall, Varadkar, Ireland's first openly gay elected prime minister, posed for a photo with a bust of Harvey Milk, the slain board supervisor who was Californias first openly gay elected official.
Varadkar reflected on how much, and how quickly, Ireland has evolved since it was dominated by Catholicism. Most significantly, Ireland became the first country in the world to constitutionally approve marriage equality by popular vote in 2015 a date coinciding with what would have been Milks 85th birthday.
That Vardaker is gay doesnt matter to the Irish, says Teskey, whos now married to Jill Regan, her partner of 30 years. The Irish are a practical people whove pulled themselves out of famine, political struggles and recessions. They dont care about someones personal life the Irish just want their politicians to perform the best job possible.
Catherine Bigelow is The San Francisco Chronicles society correspondent. Email: missbigelow@sfgate.com Instagram: @missbigelow
An argument involving five men in the Mission District of San Francisco led to two of them being hospitalized with stab wounds, one of whom was in life-threatening condition, police said Tuesday.
The bloodshed occurred about 6:20 p.m. in front of San Francisco General Hospital on the 1000 block of Potrero Street. Initially, two men who were roughly 19 or 20 years old approached two other men, ages 25 and 34, and a verbal altercation broke out, said Officer Giselle Linanne, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco Police Department.
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A package mailed to the Alameda home of a police officer exploded and injured a woman who opened it, authorities said Tuesday, and U.S. Postal Service investigators are probing whether the incident is linked to a parcel bomb sent to an East Palo Alto residence in October.
The package bomb was delivered Friday to a home on Lilac Street in the Bay Farm Island neighborhood of Alameda and the intended recipient was a police officer, said Sgt. Ray Kelly of the Alameda County Sheriffs Office.
He said the package detonated around 4:15 p.m. when a woman opened it and suffered non-life threatening injuries.
Kelly said that when bomb squad members arrived, they were told the woman who opened the package was the wife of the intended recipient. Kelly declined to release further details about the victim, whose name was not released.
The incident is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the law enforcement arm of the USPS.
U.S. Postal Inspector Jeff Fitch said the agency is also investigating the explosion of another package in East Palo Alto on Oct. 19. The person who opened that parcel also suffered non-life threatening injuries.
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At this point, were not speculating about a connection, Fitch said.
He said evidence collected from the East Palo Alto incident was sent to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service lab in Washington, D.C., to be analyzed, and that remnants from the Alameda parcel bomb will be inspected at the same lab.
Fitch declined to release details on the Bay Area parcel bombings, but noted that there is a task force working full-time to investigate the incidents.
These instances are very, very rare, Fitch said. But one instance is too many.
He urged anyone who receives unexpected packages that appear suspicious to call 911.
If its anything you didnt order, or anything that looks not quite right, set it aside, he said.
He declined to specify what security measures the Postal Service uses to prevent such packages from reaching homes, or how the parcels sent to the Alameda and East Palo Alto victims bypassed them.
Sophie Haigney is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SophieHaigney
At nearly 600 pages, Ireland native John Boynes 10th novel for adults is what one might call epic. Or, to use another tread-worn phrase, sweeping. Spanning seven decades, from 1945 to 2015, the door stopper of a book checks every box when it comes to literary themes: a young protagonists coming of age, Great Love found and lost, hard-won triumph over prejudice, and so on.
Yet despite its ambitious scope, The Hearts Invisible Furies also narrows in on something very specific. On a molecular level, it traces one mans life and struggles across two continents and three countries. At the same time, it also aims to chart the course of Irelands transformation from a bulwark of conservatism ruled by the ironfisted influence of the Catholic Church to the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage via the popular vote.
The experiment works on both counts mostly.
Boyne structures Invisible Furies in seven-year increments. The first begins in 1945, just as World War II is ending. The whopper of an opening sentence sets the stage for whats to come: Long before we discovered that he had fathered two children by two different women ... Father James Monroe stood on the altar of the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, in the parish of Goleen, West Cork, and denounced my mother as a whore.
From there, in a thoroughly captivating chapter, we learn of our protagonist Cyril Averys humble beginnings. He is born out of wedlock to a 16-year-old girl who, for fear of bringing shame to the family, is banished from her home. She flees to Dublin and shacks up with a pair of gents to start anew, one of whom she met on the train on the way over. After giving birth, she promptly hands over the baby to a little hunchbacked Redemptorist nun as soon as the umbilical cord is snipped.
Somewhat to his detriment, Cyril is then adopted by a pair of unlikely guardians. Charles is a philandering banker soon to be jailed for tax fraud, while Maude a cold, chain-smoking novelist who shuns fame, not to mention a readership comes off like a bizarre hybrid of Ayn Rand and Anais Nin. Incessantly reminding Cyril that hes not a real Avery, the two are the opposite of modern-day helicopter parents.
Still, Cyril pushes on. At age 7, he meets Julian Woodbead, the posh and infinitely charismatic son of Charles lawyer, Max. By 14, the two are roommates at boarding school, sparking not only a deep connection, but also at least for Cyril a lifelong obsession that extends far beyond the normal realm of friendship.
Herein lies the crux of the book. Cyril, it turns out, has feelings for men during a time when such things are not to be discussed, let alone acted upon. But act upon them he does, first as a sexually repressed teenager exploring his forbidden urges in secret, then in dark alleyways and grubby bathroom stalls as an adult in his 20s and 30s.
His partners, nearly always strangers, run into the hundreds. His escapades and search for true recognition take him from Dublin to a more liberal Amsterdam, where he embarks on his first real relationship, to New York City, and back to Ireland. On each of these stops over the stretch of many years, Cyril not only encounters prejudice some of which turns deadly but also gets embroiled in quite a few fiascos (hint: one involves his birthday suit and an altar).
Cinematic and commercial, The Hearts Invisible Furies makes for entertaining reading. Boyne author of the internationally bestselling The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, a 2006 childrens book slotted to be made into a film, a play, a ballet and an opera certainly knows how to ramp up tension and manipulate readers emotions in scenes ripe with over-the-top coincidences and dramatic flourishes. One involving Cyril and his boyfriend Bastiaan, a rent boy named Ignac, and Ignacs drunk john is particularly riveting, although foreshadowing clues and parallels to an earlier scene in the book are obvious.
Theres humor here too, though how many times you chuckle might depend on your attitude toward repetitive dialogue as shtick and not-so-subtle wordplay. Boynes tendency toward camp and raunchiness is big. After all, he dedicated the novel to John Irving, and the similarities show. Any opportunity to deliver a forehead-slapping punch line, Boyne takes it.
But perhaps the most sincere and powerful emotion in the book and what elicits the books truest reward is rage. Boynes takedown of the church its intolerance, hypocrisy and deceit resonates throughout, as does his anger at his countrys hatred of Nancy-boys and condemnation of homosexuality. Still, theres poignancy in the books ending. By winding down Cyrils life in 2015 the year the Equal Rights Marriage Referendum was adopted in Ireland Boyne shows just how far Ireland has come and proves that even the most unlikely change or forward movement is never impossible.
From post-World War II and the rise of the IRA, to the AIDS crisis and Reagan-era fallout, to the present day where the technology reigns supreme, The Hearts Invisible Furies covers it all. Cyrils journey, in many ways, comes full circle, too. As often happens with age, he suffers his allotted portion of unbearable loss, reunites with old acquaintances (though mums the word as to whom), and finds some small semblance of peace in his choices clarity, too.
I look back at my life and I dont understand very much of it, Cyril says in a moment of self-reflection we can all relate to. It seems like it would have been so simple now to have been honest with everyone. ... But it didnt feel like that at the time.
Alexis Burlings reviews have appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post and the Oregonian. Email: books@sfchronicle.com
The Hearts Invisible Furies
By John Boyne
(Hogarth; 580 pages; $28)
Facebook is using artificial intelligence to address one of its darkest challenges: stopping suicide broadcasts.
The Menlo Park company said Monday that a tool that lets machines sift through posts or videos and flag when someone may be ready to commit suicide is now available to most of its 2 billion users (availability had been limited to certain users in the United States). The aim of the artificial intelligence program is to find and review alarming posts sooner, since time is a key factor in preventing suicide.
Facebook said that it will use pattern recognition to scan all posts and comments for certain phrases to identify whether someone needs help. Its reviewers may call first responders. It will also apply artificial intelligence to prioritize user reports of a potential suicide. The company said phrases such as Are you OK? or Can I help? can be signals that a report needs to be addressed quickly.
In the case of live video, users can report the video and contact a helpline to seek aid for their friend. Facebook will also provide broadcasters with the option to contact a helpline or another friend.
Users are also given information to contact law enforcement if necessary.
Weve found these accelerated reports that we have signaled require immediate attention are escalated to local authorities twice as quickly as other reports, Guy Rosen, Facebook vice president of product management, wrote in a company blog post.
Facebook has been testing this program in the United States and will roll it out to most of the countries in which it operates, with the exception of those in the European Union. The company did not elaborate on why EU countries which have vastly different privacy and other Internet laws than the United States are not yet participating. But Facebook said it is speaking with authorities on the best ways to implement such a feature.
The social network focused new energy on identifying and stopping potential suicides after Facebook experienced a cluster of live-streamed suicides in April, including one in which a father killed his baby daughter before taking his own life. The company said in May that it would hire 3,000 additional workers to its 4,500-employee community operations team, which reviews posts and other content reported for violent or otherwise troubling content.
Hayley Tsukayama is a Washington Post writer.
When Elon Musk gets a spacecraft to Mars, Budweiser wants to be there to toast him. The Washington Post reported that Anheuser-Busch , owner of the King of Beers, is sending 20 barley seeds with a SpaceX mission to the International Space Station thats scheduled for Monday, so researchers can see if they sprout more than 200 miles above Earth. Its the first step toward creating beer on the Red Planet, Anheuser-Busch said. Heres a frosty glass to success.
Hail and well met
WeWork is acquiring Meetup in a deal that combines a place to plop your laptop with a site to connect with people who share your enthusiasms. Terms of the deal werent disclosed, but Axios said Meetup, founded 15 years ago in New York, sold for $200 million. WeWork, which just got a big chunk of cash from SoftBank, is trying to expand beyond office rentals. Meetup users organize some 15,000 gatherings a day, the smaller company said.
Liquid assets
Is there something in the water? San Francisco leads the country in financial returns from the wet stuff, according to a new study from the Bay Area Council. The city generates $1.32 million of gross domestic product for every acre-foot it pipes in from Hetch Hetchy and elsewhere. Thats almost twice as efficient as New York City, according to the study. So when you see those Twitter engineers sipping Blue Bottle lattes on Market Street, think of how efficiently theyre hydrating the local economy.
Daily Briefing is compiled from San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com.
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This story originally appeared on Hoodline.
New York-based Spacious is now offering co-working space in five locations across San Francisco.
"We have a partnership with local restaurant owners who don't otherwise use their space before dinner service in the evenings during the week," said Preston Pesek, the firm's co-founder and CEO.
The company, which has 15 locations in New York, launched on November 13th at Alta, Finn Town, Park Tavern, Press Club and The Elite Cafe.
Because Spacious isn't a retailer, it's not subject to the city's rules governing chains that have more than 11 locations, said Gina Simi, a spokesperson with the Planning Department.
Pesek said the company is in talks with Planning about the potential need to obtain additional permits to operate in established restaurants, but "we don't foresee a problem there," he said. "It doesn't appear to violate the building code as we see it."
Because people commonly conduct business in eateries, "what we're doing is not dissimilar to what's already happening in a restaurant," said Pesek. "The fact that someone would open up a laptop at an otherwise empty restaurant table doesn't represent a use change in our opinion."
When Hoodline asked Planning about the issue, Simi said "the use of these restaurants as co-working or office space is not considered an accessory use" because the service Spacious provides is "independent of the operation of the restaurant."
If the company wanted to add a second principal use to a restaurant's premises, additional permits would be required, she said, but "depending on the zoning, it may either require a Conditional Use authorization, or not be permitted at all."
As of this writing, Spacious hasn't officially submitted any applications, said Simi.
In a statement posted on Spacious' blog, Pesek and co-founder Chris Smothers said their "goal is to provide a network of stylish, walkable workplaces that will help to reduce the pain of commuting across the city and the greater Bay Area."
For $95 per month, members can access any Spacious location, which includes free coffee and tea, guaranteed high speed wi-fi, power outlets, along with quiet spaces to take a phone call or meet. Starting in January, the company will offer annual and quarterly plans.
According to Pesek, renting a shared space through WeWork costs at least $300$400 each month, which makes Spacious "a compelling value proposition."
Unlike a cafe, Spacious workspaces play music from "a work-friendly playist that's not intrusive or loud," said Pesek. "People find it an easy place to focus for long periods of time without being interrupted by either table service or too much noise."
Because so many customers spend time in New York and San Francisco, expanding here made sense, said Pesek. "The kinds of users that have adopted Spacious in New York are the kinds that travel from city to city frequently," he said.
The company plans to announce additional San Francisco locations early next year, with a goal of connecting "the entire Bay Area." For 2018, five more cities are on Spacious' expansion list, said Pesek.
Finn Town's Director of Operations Katrina Parlato told Hoodline that Spacious boosted foot traffic and "has definitely brought in many faces."
Press Club Co-Owner Andrew Chun said the partnership has the potential to bring in new customers while lowering his financial overhead. "You pay rent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and you're only open for a small portion of that time," he said.
"We're hoping it generates some revenue and utilization without having to do something that doesn't make sense, like opening up a wine bar at 10am."
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Danville Police are searching for a special disability tricycle they believe was stolen over the holiday break from Del Amigo Continuation High School.
Unknown individuals broke into the storage area holding the adult side-by-side tricycle sometime between Nov. 11 and Nov. 26, police said.
RELATED: Northern California's most wanted: 3 more added to the list
Police say the school purchased the trike in November. Its purpose was to allow disabled students to ride safely with the help of an instructor.
The tricycle is blue and has a small amount of white paint on the right seat. It may make a screeching sound when the left break is applied.
ALSO: Woman hurt when package bomb explodes at cop's Alameda home
In a Facebook post, Danville Police responded to possible sightings of the tricycle around the area. The thieves have not been identified.
MORE: Search fails to turn up any sign of teen missing in Yosemite
Danville Police and Del Amigo Continuation High School did not respond to requests for interviews at the time of publication.
Anyone with information on the incident may contact School Resource Office Kyle Rhoton at either (925)-314-3700 or krhoton@danville.ca.gov.
This is an updating story.
Read Annie Vainshtein's latest stories here. Send her news tips at avainshtein@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @annievain
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Santa Rosa police Monday arrested a man suspected of robbing two Sonoma County banks in September.
Santa Rosa resident Jason Fuesz, 48, was booked into Sonoma County Jail on two counts of robbery and a parole warrant. Fuesz was convicted of bank robbery in 1995 and 2009, according to police.
The first recent robbery occurred Sept. 13 at the Chase Bank at 2700 Yulupa Ave. in Santa Rosa. A man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled up and a black bandanna over his face pulled out a semiautomatic handgun and demanded money from a teller, according to police. The sweatshirt had an unusual design on the left breast pocket and the back.
The teller gave him cash and he asked for more, police said. He put the money into a worn paper bag and left the bank.
In the second robbery, on Sept. 16, a man in similar clothes carrying a paper bag entered the Chase Bank at 1301 Guerneville Road in Santa Rosa, police said. He also pulled a handgun on a teller, and demanded more cash after the teller gave him a small amount. The man pushed the bandanna down from his face when a bank employee asked him to, police said.
Santa Rosa police believed the same man was responsible for both robberies and identified the suspect as Fuesz during the course of their investigation. After tracking down his location, police stopped Fuesz while he was driving and arrested him without incident.
Anyone with information about the cases can call the police departments Violent Crimes Investigation Team at (707) 543-3590. Callers may remain anonymous.
Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com
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The Russia-U.S. relationship continues to be a topic of intense discussion on the national stage, but newly published maps, secretly drafted during the Soviet era, shed light on the shocking extent of U.S.S.R. intel on American cities during another moment of unrest between the two global powers.
Soviets created these highly detailed maps, containing information like the locations of secret military buildings and the construction materials of public spaces, for nearly every global city including San Francisco.
The maps have only recently come to light in a new book, "The Red Atlas: How the Soviet Union Secretly Mapped the World" by Alexander Kent, president of the British Cartographic Society, and John Davies, a lifelong map collector and enthusiast.
According to Kent, the project is the biggest cartographic enterprise of the 20th century, and includes depictions of more than 2,000 cities.
The level of detail suggests that the cartographers were creating maps for a future where communism would prevail, Kent said. After all, he added, knowledge is power.
Now Playing: Classic Soviet cars, spy toys, and even archives of Checkpoint Charlie border guards, these were just a fraction of the items on display at the Wende Museum of the Cold War as it opened its new collection in Los Angeles on Sunday. Some 100,000 Cold War artefacts from 1945 to 1991 were exhibited to the public in Culver City. Video: Ruptly TV
And the U.S.S.R.'s knowledge ranged from the precise location of secret military buildings information not publicly known nor depicted on American-made maps from the same time to the depths and flow speeds of rivers to the carrying capacity and construction material of bridges (including the Golden Gate).
Kent says he was particularly shocked by the specific classification of buildings (military, industrial, etc.), which suggests that there must have been people on the ground gathering information.
That is quite chilling, he said.
Kent and Davies discovered the maps separately, in Latvia and Kazakhstan, being sold in local map shops almost 20 years ago.
Even after almost two decades of research, Kent says the maps continue to reveal fascinating insights into the Soviet military mindset.
They are also works of art, he added, and provide a chilling glimpse of what a Soviet future might have looked like.
See a selection of the maps in the above gallery.
Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf.
Today, Nov. 27, would have been Jimi Hendrix's 75th birthday. Perhaps rock and roll's greatest electric guitarist, Hendrix became one of the 20th century's most influential musicians despite a mainstream career that lasted only four years.
Hendrix died of asphyxiation after overdosing on barbiturates on Sept. 18, 1970.
Here are seven things you might not know about Jimi.
1. DID NOT SEE HIS DAD UNTIL HE WAS 3. Jimi's father, Al, didn't get to hold his son until Sept. 1, 1945, nearly three years after he was born. Al, who served in World War II, was denied the standard military furlough afforded servicemen for childbirth and held in a stockade to keep him from going AWOL. Father and son met for the first time in Berkeley at the home of a family friend named Mrs. Champ.
2. ARMY OR JAIL: When he was 19, Hendrix was given the choice of serving in the Army or going to jail after he was caught twice riding in stolen cars. He chose the Army and was trained as a paratrooper.
3. KICKED OUT FOR MASTURBATING: The military life did not appeal to Hendrix. He began goofing off, received low marksmanship scores, missed bed checks and earned a demotion from private first class to private. Among the allegations cited in his discharge report, his captain listed "masturbating in the platoon area while supposed to be on detail."
4. THE RED HOUSE: Hendrix lived at at 1524A Haight St. in spitting distance of the famed Haight/Ashbury corner in San Francisco for a few years in the 1960s. The house was painted red in his honor.
5. HE OPENED FOR THE MONKEES?! In mid-1967, despite success in England, Jimi Hendrix was still relatively unknown in the United States. The hit pop band The Monkees were enthralled by Jimi and enlisted him for a tour. Unfortunately, their teeny-bopper audience wanted nothing to do with his cutting-edge psychedelic riffs and tried to shout him off the stage. The unlikely marriage lasted for seven tour dates. Jimi quit the tour, but it was rumored for years that the conservative Daughters of the American Revolution had pressured promoters to fire him because his stage act was "too erotic." It was totally false, of course a joke started by a music critic, but some publications printed it as straight news.
6. ODD VERSE: A line from Hendrix's "Purple Haze" is perhaps the best known of all mondegreens, or misheard lyrics. Instead of singing "Excuse me while I kiss the sky," people sing 'Excuse me while I kiss this guy." Supposedly Hendrix occasionally played along with the joke and occasionally did sing, "Scuse me, while I kiss this guy" to goof on the audience.
7. THE SONG INSPIRED BY LUMPY POTATOES: In 1967, Hendrix got in a fight with then girlfriend Kathy Mary Etchingham. The story goes that she had cooked a batch of mashed potatoes, but Jimi found them wanting.
"We'd had a row over food. Jimi did't like lumpy mashed potato," she told Q magazine in 2013. "There were thrown plates and I ran off (to a friend's house). When I came back the next day, he had written that song about me. It's incredibly flattering."
The song was "The Wind Cries Mary," one of the hits of Hendrix's breakthrough album, "Are You Experienced."
Dominic Nicholls
Even before they arrived in San Francisco as Adler Fellows with the San Francisco Opera, the Pati brothers, Pene and Amitai, were already musical stars in their native New Zealand. The two Samoan tenors together with their cousin, baritone Moses Mackay have a vocal trio called Sol3 Mio, whose crossover repertoire has informed two best-selling albums. Now the group (whose name is pronounced just like Sole Mio) is poised to make its first appearance before local audiences.
Accompanied by conductor Robert Mollicone and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Sol3 Mio plans to deliver a program of holiday favorites, operatic works, crossover hits and songs from the South Pacific at the War Memorial Opera House on Friday, Dec. 1.
WASHINGTON After Hurricane Maria damaged tens of thousands of homes in Puerto Rico, a newly created Florida company with an unproven record won more than $30 million in contracts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide emergency tarps and plastic sheeting for repairs.
Bronze Star LLC never delivered those urgently needed supplies, which even months later remain in demand by hurricane victims in the U.S. territory.
FEMA eventually terminated the contracts, without paying any money, and re-started the process this month to supply more tarps for the island. The earlier effort took nearly four weeks from the day FEMA awarded the contracts to Bronze Star and the day it canceled them.
Thousands of Puerto Ricans remain homeless, and many complain that the federal government is taking too long to install tarps. The island has been hit by severe rainstorms in recent weeks that have caused widespread flooding.
It is not clear how thoroughly FEMA investigated Bronze Star or its ability to fulfill the contracts. Formed by two brothers in August, Bronze Star had never before won a government contract or delivered tarps or plastic sheeting. The address listed for the business is a single-family home in a residential subdivision in St. Cloud, Fla.
One of the brothers, Kayon Jones, said manufacturers he contacted before bidding on the contracts assured him they could provide the tarps but later said they could not meet the governments requirements. Jones said supplying the materials was problematic because most of the raw materials came out of Houston, which was hit hard by Hurricane Harvey. He said he sought a waiver from FEMA to allow him to order tarps from a Chinese manufacturer and for more time, but FEMA denied the request.
FEMA canceled the contracts Nov. 6, Jones said. The government notified the brothers a few days later that it would seek $9.3 million in damages unless they signed a waiver releasing the U.S. from any liability. The brothers agreed.
To date, roughly $88 million in federal money has been awarded to four contractors, including Bronze Star, for tents and tarps, records show.
Tami Abdollah and Michael Biesecker are Associated Press writers.
Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Harry Pregerson, a Los Angeles jurist who embraced the underdog and let his conscience inform his rulings, has died. He was 94.
Judge Pregerson, who was suffering from respiratory ailments, died Saturday night at his Los Angeles home surrounded by family, said Sharon Pregerson, his daughter-in-law.
A few nights earlier, with his health seriously failing, he turned to his wife, Bernardine, and expressed a regret.
The hard thing is that I dont have strength anymore to help people, recounted his son, U.S. District Judge Dean Pregerson.
He was full of love, Sharon Pregerson said. He helped so many people. That was his mission. Thats why he got up every morning.
Judge Pregerson, born in Los Angeles on Oct. 13, 1923, was one of the most liberal federal appeals court judges in the nation.
He grew up in East Los Angeles, served as a Marine in World War II and suffered severe wounds in the Battle of Okinawa. He later graduated from UCLA and obtained his law degree from UC Berkeley.
Dubbed a thug for the Lord by one attorney, Judge Pregerson was relentless in his efforts away from the bench to help the poor in Los Angeles.
He worked to establish several homeless shelters and volunteered at one each Thanksgiving.
His daughter, Dr. Katie Rodan, said that she nicknamed her dad the rescue machine when she was a teenager.
He wants to save everyone, she said in a 2015 interview. He wants to save the world.
On the bench, Judge Pregerson was often controversial. He stirred criticism when he refused to follow a 2003 U.S. Supreme Court ruling upholding Californias tough three-strikes sentencing law. Not long after the courts decision, he dissented in rulings that upheld life sentences, some for relatively minor crimes.
His dissents were seen by some critics as insubordination, but Judge Pregerson was frank about putting his conscience first.
My conscience is a product of the Ten Commandments, the Bill of Rights, the Boy Scout Oath and the Marine Corps Hymn, the Carter appointee said during his Senate confirmation hearing. If I had to follow my conscience or the law, I would follow my conscience.
Judge Pregerson also angered some when he issued an order in 1992 to put a hold on the execution of Robert Alton Harris, who was already strapped inside the gas chamber. The Supreme Court later overturned Pregersons decision, and Harris was executed as planned.
Conservatives railed at him for overturning death sentences and accused him of activism. Some prosecutors said they dreaded appearing before him. Judge Pregerson said he simply believed that many death row inmates had not been given fair trials.
You read the record in these cases, and you see what happened and how defendants rights are not observed, he said.
Judge Pregerson also was viewed by some as a federalist, a label most often worn by conservatives and libertarians.
He favored restraints on the power of the federal government and wrote a decision saying federal authorities lacked authority to interfere with state medical marijuana laws. The U.S. Supreme Court later overturned the decision.
His was a jurisprudence that was really based on the recognition of the dignity of every person, said UC Berkeley Law School dean Erwin Chemerinsky.
For him, the law was much less about abstractions and much more about what it would mean in peoples lives, Chemerinsky said.
Judge Pregerson took senior status in 2015 at the age of 92 after 36 years on the Ninth Circuit. The move reduced his workload, but he made it reluctantly, at his wifes urging.
You know, at 92 you are not 82, the judge said in an interview at the time. You slow down a bit and need a little more rest.
The injuries he suffered in the war also were hobbling him. He needed two ski poles to help him walk.
He told the Los Angeles Times he viewed the bench as a way to improve the lives of others.
I looked upon being a judge as a chance to help as many people as I could through the law, he said. And it has given me that opportunity, no doubt about that.
A public square, a freeway interchange and a child care center in Los Angeles bear Judge Pregersons name.
Civil rights lawyer Paul L. Hoffman, who teaches international human rights law at UC Irvine and Harvard University, called him one of a kind.
He was so committed to social justice, Hoffman said.
Christopher David Ruiz Cameron, a law professor at Southwestern Law School and a trustee of the Mexican American Bar Foundation, said Judge Pregerson lived most of his life on Los Angeles Westside and in the West San Fernando Valley, but his soul remained in the working-class Mexican American community of East L.A. where he grew up.
Harry never forgot his roots, Cameron said. He identified with the struggles of Chicanos and practically considered himself one of us.
The son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Judge Pregerson made his home in Los Angeles Woodland Hills section, where he and his wife, Bernardine, raised their two children, Katie and Dean.
Two years before taking a reduced workload, the judge lost his grandson, David, Deans son, in a hit-and-run. The elder Pregerson said the family would never get over it. He recalled that his father, a postal worker who fought in the trenches in World War I, told him life was a battlefield.
You never know when you will get hit, the judge said.
Judge Pregerson remained close to his adult children and grandchildren throughout his life.
Besides his wife and two children, he is survived by four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Maura Dolan is a Los Angeles Times writer.
WASHINGTON A federal judge ruled in favor of President Trump on Tuesday in his effort to appoint an acting head of the nations top financial watchdog agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In a ruling from the bench, Judge Timothy Kelly declined to stop on an emergency basis the president from putting in place Mick Mulvaney, currently the White Houses budget director, as the acting director of the CFPB. In doing so, Kelly ruled against Leandra English, the CFPBs deputy director, who had requested an emergency restraining order to stop Mulvaney from becoming the acting director.
LOS ANGELES For years, transgender men and women looking for genital surgery have primarily relied on doctors in private practice, sometimes paying tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket. Recent studies estimate that roughly 1.4 million adults, including 218,000 in California, identify as transgender. While not all of them want genital surgery, it can be prohibitively expensive for those who do.
As a urologist at the UCSF Medical Center, Maurice Garcia had several transgender patients. He began looking for a place to receive training for genital surgery for transgender adults and adolescents, but with no academic medical centers in the United States that could offer such training, he traveled to England for a yearlong fellowship at University College London. When he returned to UCSF in 2014, he created the systems first transgender genital gender-confirming surgery program.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. Families of Native American war veterans and politicians of both major parties are criticizing President Trump for using a White House event honoring Navajo code talkers to take a political jab at a Democratic senator he has nicknamed Pocahontas.
The Republican president on Monday turned to a nickname he often deployed for Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren during the 2016 presidential campaign to mock her claims about being part Native American. He told the three Navajo code talkers on stage that he had affection for them that he doesnt have for her.
It was uncalled for, said Marty Thompson, whose great-uncle was a Navajo code talker. He can say what he wants when hes out doing his presidential business among his people, but when it comes to honoring veterans or any kind of people, he needs to grow up and quit saying things like that.
Pocahontas is a well-known historical figure who bridged her own Pamunkey Tribe in present-day Virginia with the British in the 1600s. But the National Congress of American Indians says Trump wrongly has flipped the name into a derogatory term, and the comment drew swift criticism from American Indians and politicians.
Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to the Navajo Code Talkers, whose bravery, skill & tenacity helped secure our decisive victory over tyranny & oppression during WWII, Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, tweeted Tuesday. Politicizing these genuine American heroes is an insult to their sacrifice.
Warren said Trumps repeated references to her as Pocahontas will not keep her from speaking out.
Now he seems to think that thats somehow going to shut me up, maybe keep me from talking about the consumer agency today, Warren said Tuesday after a protest outside the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Or keep me from talking about the tax bill that would favor giant corporations instead of working families.
Hes wrong. Its not going to make any difference, Warren said.
All he had to do was make it through the ceremony, she said. But that wasnt possible for Donald Trump. He had to throw in a racial slur.
Trump made the comment as he stood near a portrait of President Andrew Jackson, which he hung in the Oval Office in January. Trump admires Jacksons populism. But Jackson is an unpopular figure in Indian Country because he oversaw the forced removal of American Indians from their southern homelands.
The Navajo Nation suggested Trumps remark was an example of cultural insensitivity.
Felicia Fonseca and Laurie Kellman are Associated Press writers.
WASHINGTON President Trump said Monday that changes to the Republican tax bill are coming as he looks to win over holdout GOP senators in an effort to pass the package by the end of the year.
With just a few changes, some mathematical, the middle class and job producers can get even more in actual dollars and savings, the president said in a tweet.
Senate Republicans are considering a trigger that would automatically increase taxes if their sweeping legislation fails to generate as much revenue as they expect. Its an effort to mollify deficit hawks who worry that tax cuts for businesses and individuals will add to the nations already mounting debt.
The effort comes as a second Republican senator, Steve Daines of Montana, announced Monday that he opposes the tax bill in its current form. Previously, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said he opposed the bill, leaving Senate Republicans no room for error as they hope to vote on the bill this week.
Both senators complained that the tax bill favors large corporations over small businesses. Republicans have only two votes to spare in the Senate, where they hold a 52-48 edge and anticipate Vice President Mike Pence breaking a tie.
Trump and Senate leaders are trying to balance competing demands. While some senators fear the packages debt consequences, others want more generous tax breaks for businesses. In a boost for the legislation, Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky said he would back the measure.
Trump hosted Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee at the White House on Monday. Afterward, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, said the plan is to vote on the current tax bill this week, then work out the differences between the Senate bill and one passed by the House earlier this month.
But as of Monday, GOP leaders were still trying to round up the votes in the Senate to pass the bill.
We always have to deal with everybody. Its not any one particular person, said Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, chairman of the Finance Committee.
By Stephen Ohlemacher and Marcy Gordon are Associated Press writers.
Deputies are searching for an inmate who went missing Monday from his work crew, the San Joaquin County Sheriffs Office said.
Corey Hughes, 27, was last seen around 1:30 p.m. in the area of Interstate 5 and Country Club, the sheriffs office said. Officials released his mug shot, which shows his face tattoo that mimics a skull.
WASHINGTON Democratic congressional leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer pulled out of a meeting Tuesday to discuss spending levels with President Trump after he tweeted that a deal with them was unlikely.
The action signaled that Pelosi, the House minority leader from San Francisco, and Schumer, her counterpart in the Senate from New York, are prepared to use their leverage for issues that are important to Democratic lawmakers as they head into tense budget negotiations with Republicans to avoid a government shutdown by the end of next week.
Among their top priorities is a path to legalization for Dreamers, the roughly 700,000 young immigrants who came to the United States as children without authorization. The Obama administration gave this group temporary protected status through its Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals policy, known as DACA. Trump reversed that policy Sept. 5 and gave Congress six months to resolve the issue. If Congress fails to act by March 5, Dreamers could face deportation.
Republicans will probably need the votes of congressional Democrats to raise the debt ceiling and keep government running before the current funding expires Dec. 8.
Pelosi and Schumer were set to meet with Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., when Trump tweeted that Chuck and Nancy want illegal immigrants flooding into our country unchecked and that Democrats are weak on Crime and want to substantially RAISE Taxes. I dont see a deal!
In a joint statement afterward, the two Democratic leaders said there was no point in the meeting following Trumps tweet.
Given that the president doesnt see a deal between Democrats and the White House, we believe the best path forward is to continue negotiating with our Republican counterparts in Congress instead, they said.
Republicans will need help from Democrats to get a deal done. Republicans have only a 52-48 majority in the Senate but will need 60 votes to pass a government funding bill. In the House, party conservatives have routinely refused to vote for spending bills, leaving the GOP leadership shorthanded on critical fiscal measures and handing leverage to Pelosi, who has had to deliver the necessary votes in the past.
About a quarter of the Dreamers reside in California, with thousands in nearly every congressional district in the state. California universities, business groups and immigrant rights groups are putting intense pressure on members in both parties to give legal status to young immigrants who grew up as Americans but were prevented from obtaining passports and drivers licenses, legally holding jobs and enrolling in college as U.S. residents. About 4,000 Dreamers are enrolled in the University of California alone.
Pelosi warned this month that House Democrats would not help Republicans keep the government open without a deal on DACA. California Sen. Kamala Harris became the first Senate Democrat to threaten to withhold support for any year-end spending bill unless the Dreamers win a path to citizenship.
Although expanded immigration is generally toxic within the GOP, some Republicans, particularly California House members such as David Valadao of Hanford (Kings County) and Jeff Denham of Turlock (Stanislaus County), who represent heavily Latino districts, want legal status for young immigrants, providing the potential for bipartisan legislation.
Republicans are arguing that action on the Dreamers isnt necessary before March 5, when tens of thousands of DACA recipients will begin to see their status expire, and could be deported. But by then, Democrats wont have nearly the leverage they have now with a government shutdown looming.
Schumer said Democrats have a bunch of other priorities they want addressed in negotiations with Republicans as well.
These include keeping domestic spending on pace with the GOPs demand for higher military spending, disaster aid for recovery from three recent hurricanes and the Wine Country fires, and reauthorizing the giant Childrens Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, which Congress allowed to lapse Sept. 30.
The health program provides routine care for 9 million children and pregnant women, including 1.3 million living in California, which has the nations largest program and is set to run out of money by the end the year. The state receives $2.7 billion a year in federal funding through the program.
In September, Pelosi and Schumer said Trump cut a verbal deal with them on raising the debt ceiling, appearing to leave Republicans in Congress out in the cold and giving Democrats the upper hand. Next weeks Dec. 8 deadline was set by that deal. At a dinner over Chinese food a week later, Pelosi and Schumer said Trump had agreed to try to reach accommodation for the Dreamers, without insisting on building a wall on the border with Mexico. Trump later denied that he had agreed to any such thing.
McConnell and Ryan indicated Tuesday that they would lay the blame on Pelosi and Schumer for endangering soldiers on the battlefield if the government shuts down. McConnell said he had never refused a meeting with former President Barack Obama.
We have important work to do, Ryan told reporters after the White House meeting, where two chairs for Pelosi and Schumer were left conspicuously empty.
Carolyn Lochhead is the San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com
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A San Leandro police officer faces criminal charges after admitting to having sex with a 17-year-old girl he met while working as an instructor in his departments Explorer program for young people interested in pursuing law enforcement careers, court records show.
Marco Becerra resigned in late October after he confessed to being in a sexual relationship with the victim, a city police sergeant wrote in a court declaration. On Nov. 8, Alameda County prosecutors charged Becerra, 26, with three felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, known as statutory rape.
I am upset and disappointed by the unethical and criminal behavior of one of our officers, Police Chief Jeff Tudor wrote in a statement to The Chronicle, which learned of Becerras arrest through a confidential source. These actions are absolutely inconsistent with the ethical standards of the San Leandro Police Department and we will not tolerate this type of behavior.
The department has suspended its Explorer program while it conducts an internal review, the chief said. The program is designed to give young people, ages 14 to 19, a head start in a career in law enforcement through training and community work.
Reached by phone Monday, Becerra who was once a San Leandro Explorer himself declined to comment on the charges, saying he needed to speak with his lawyer. The attorney, Michael Rains, said his client came right out and admitted there had been a relationship after he was confronted.
This relationship in every sense was consensual, Rains said. There were strong emotional feelings by both parties, and despite that she was just shy of 18, the law says it was illegal.
As a law enforcement officer he knows hes not above the law, Rains said. He accepted responsibility. He wanted to do the right thing.
The department was tipped off to the alleged crimes Oct. 13, officials said, thanks to a call from a worker with the Alameda County Social Services Agency, who learned about the relationship and was required to notify authorities under the states mandatory reporting laws.
Investigators then spoke to the victim, who is referred to in court papers as Jane Doe. She said she became friends with Becerra through the Explorer program and corresponded with him on the phone and through social media, police Sgt. Dan Leja wrote in a court declaration.
Leja, who heads the departments special victims unit, said Becerra and the victim met at a location in San Leandro on at least three occasions Sept. 11, Sept. 26 and Oct. 12 and had sexual intercourse. In each case, officials said, the officer was off-duty.
Becerra, who had been with the department for three years and was a member of the SWAT team, was placed on administrative leave after the victims interview. He confessed to the relationship Oct. 20 and resigned five days later, police said.
Becerra has pleaded not guilty and is free on $25,000 bail. He is due back in court Jan. 10 for a pretrial hearing.
San Leandro police officials said they did not make the case public out of concern for the victim and her family.
They had to deal with the investigation already, Lt. Isaac Benabou, a department spokesman, said Monday. We decided we werent going to expose them to any more pain by publicizing this story.
Explorer programs are offered by a number of Bay Area police agencies. San Leandros city website says its initiative is designed to prepare students to be active in the community, learn more about a law enforcement career, obtain valuable work experience, and take on more responsibility as a young adult.
Those in the program attend weekly meetings, help out at city festivals and other events, and act as role players in SWAT and hostage negotiation drills.
Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
A 47-year-old Menlo Park man was arrested at San Francisco International Airport on Monday on suspicion of possessing thousands of child pornography images, after his wife tipped off authorities to the contents of his computer, officials said.
The suspect, Matthew Coda, has been under investigation since September, when his wife first alerted investigators about images on his computer, said Detective Sal Zuno of the San Mateo County Sheriffs Office.
The suspects wife contacted us and was able to provide us with information that her husband was in possession of child pornography, Zuno said. The investigation continued for several months, and with her help we were able to get evidence and images.
Codas computer was seized, and about 3,000 images of child pornography were found on it, Zuno said. The sheriffs office obtained a warrant for his arrest.
He was going to be flying in on a domestic flight and was going to be landing in San Francisco, so detectives met him at the airport, Zuno said.
He said Coda was arrested at about 7 p.m. without incident.
Zuno said that Coda works in a technical field in Mountain View and that he does not work with children.
Coda was booked into Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City, and was being held on $200,000 bail. He was arraigned Tuesday.
Zuno asked that anyone with information related to the ongoing investigation of Coda contact Detective Gaby Chaghouri at (650) 259-2314.
Sophie Haigney is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sophie.haigney@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SophieHaigney
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
An evacuation center has opened at the YMCA's Mission branch for residents displaced by a gas leak and explosion in San Francisco's Bernal Heights neighborhood earlier today, according to city officials.
PG&E workers have stopped the flow of gas at the site of the leak in the 3900 block of Mission Street, but residents who were evacuated from the surrounding area this morning have not yet been allowed back into their homes.
The gas leak was reported shortly before 10 a.m. when firefighters were called to the 3900 block of Mission Street near St. Mary's Avenue to investigate a gas odor in the area, according to fire officials.
At 10:14 a.m., an explosion occurred in the lower floors of 3987 Mission St., a three-story residential building, causing moderate damage to the home and blowing out its front windows.
No one was inside the building and no injuries were reported.
Firefighters evacuated 19 addresses on Mission Street, College Terrace and Bosworth Street.
PG&E workers arrived on scene around 10:30 a.m. and had stopped the flow of gas as of shortly after 1 p.m.
Fire officials said the leak appears to have been outside on the street in front of the building and it is unclear how the gas got inside.
The 14-Mission and 49-Van Ness/Mission buses are rerouting around the area, according to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
The evacuation center is located at 4080 Mission St.
LONDON Newly engaged Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on Monday lifted the secrecy that had shrouded their 18-month romance, revealing they met on a blind date, bonded during a camping trip under the stars in Botswana and that Harry proposed over a roast chicken dinner at their London home, getting down on one knee to pop the question.
Speaking just hours after the couples engagement was announced by palace officials acting on behalf of Prince Charles, Harry said he was thrilled when she said yes, and he placed an engagement ring of his own design on her finger that included two diamonds that had belonged to his mother, Princess Diana, set alongside a large central diamond from Botswana.
Just an amazing surprise, said the 36-year-old Markle, an American actress known for her role in the TV legal drama Suits. It was so sweet and natural and very romantic.
Did she hesitate? Not if Harry can be trusted.
She didnt even let me finish, the 33-year-old prince said of his betrothed.
The couple said they plan to marry in the spring, and Harry fifth in line for the British throne said he hopes to start a family.
They seemed very much aglow as they sat on a sofa during their first joint interview and described their long-distance courtship, with Markle busy filming in Canada and Harry fulfilling royal duties in Britain. They said they saw each other every two weeks, despite the pressure, and put their relationship first.
Markle, whose mother is African American and whose father is white, said she had been disheartened when early press coverage about their relationship focused on her mixed-race background. But she seemed thrilled to be joining the royal family and spoke glowingly about Harrys brother Prince William, his wife Kate and other senior royals.
They will live in Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace, where Harry proposed and where they will be neighbors with William and Kate. Markle already has brought one of her rescue dogs from Canada, while the other is staying with a friend for now.
In many ways, their story mirrors those of engaged couples everywhere with some crucial differences.
When they first went on vacation together, it was a five-day camping trip in the wilderness of Botswana where one hopes the royal protection officers gave them some space. And when Markle met Harrys grandmother for tea, she was sitting down with Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Markle said they managed to date for five or six months before the media found out, giving them an amazing amount of privacy as they got to know each other.
She said she knew very little about the royal family when a mutual friend suggested a blind date with Harry. Markle had only one question: Is he nice?
Their first date, for a drink, went well and they quickly decided to meet again. Harry said it took three or four weeks to persuade Markle to join him in Botswana.
Taking that huge leap of only two dates and then going effectively on holiday together in the middle of nowhere and, you know, sharing a tent together and all that kind of stuff. It was ... fantastic. It was absolutely amazing to get to know her as quickly as I did, Harry said.
The marriage represents the first blending of Hollywood glamor with the once-stuffy royal family, which has of late seemed less fixed in its ways, and brings a divorced American woman into a highly visible role.
Markle was raised in the Los Angeles area. Her father is a Hollywood lighting director, her mother a yoga instructor and psychotherapist.
Gregory Katz is an Associated Press writer.
BEIRUT Lebanese President Michel Aoun launched consultations with the countrys political leaders over the governments future in the wake of Prime Minister Saad Hariris suspended resignation.
Hariri resigned on Nov. 4 during a visit to Saudi Arabia, throwing his coalition government and the country into crisis. But he rescinded the move after returning home, to allow time for negotiations.
1 Syria war: Damascus and its allies clashed Monday with other nations at the annual conference of member states of the global chemical weapons watchdog, underscoring how politicized the body has become since Syria joined. Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad used the opening day of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons meeting to denounce an international investigation that last month accused Damascus of launching a deadly sarin attack in April. European Union representative Jacek Bylica, however, said the investigation showed a clear case of violation of the treaty outlawing chemical weapons and said the perpetrators of such horrific crimes must be held accountable.
2 Missing submarine: Water entered the snorkel of an Argentine submarine and caused one of its batteries to short circuit before the vessel went missing 12 days ago, a navy spokesman said Monday. Hopes for survivors have been largely crushed by reports of an explosion detected near the time and place where the ARA San Juan was last heard from on Nov. 15. Since then, there have been no signs of the sub or debris despite an intensive multinational search. Experts have said the 44 sailors aboard had only enough oxygen to last up to 10 days if the sub remained intact but submerged. Before the submarine went missing, the captain reported an electrical problem in a battery compartment and the vessel was ordered to return to its base in the coastal city of Mar del Plata.
3 Poland probe: Police issued a public appeal for witnesses Monday after unknown attackers smashed windows at a Muslim cultural center in the capital of Warsaw, while prosecutors opened a probe into a far-right protest in the south of the country over the weekend. About a dozen windows were shattered overnight at the Muslim center. No one was hurt. Acts of hatred and xenophobia are being reported more frequently in Poland since the Law and Justice party came to power two years ago. The government promotes Catholicism and refuses to take in non-Christian refugees as part of an European Union relocation plan, citing security concerns.
4 Secession poll: A month after Spain cracked down on Catalonias drive for independence, an opinion poll shows that less than a quarter of the regions residents would like the secession bid to continue after the Dec. 21 election. The poll published Monday in El Pais newspaper showed 24 percent of Catalans favor pressing ahead with independence after the election while 71 percent would prefer an agreement with the central government on resolving Catalonias problems within Spain. Spain fired Catalonias government, dissolved the regional parliament and called the election after lawmakers there declared independence Oct. 27. Former regional leader Carles Puigdemont is fighting extradition from Belgium.
5 India evictions: Police on Monday took the unusual step of using elephants in an attempt to evict hundreds of people living illegally in a protected forest in the countrys remote northeast. Police used bulldozers and the elephants in a show of force, and the forest dwellers responded by hurling rocks. Police commissioner Hiren Nath said five protesters were injured in a scuffle after police used tear gas in the Amchang forest area in Assam state. State Forest Minister Pramilla Brahma said the area is an elephant habitat and the unauthorized settlements were forcing the pachyderms to leave in search of food. Wild elephants have entered villages, destroyed crops and even killed people.
Chronicle News Services
SEOUL North Korea fired an intercontinental ballistic missile early Wednesday for the first time in four months, defying President Trumps warnings to halt its weapons program and his decision to once again list the country as a state sponsor of terrorism.
Trumps reaction to the launch was more muted than in the past, when he lobbed insults at the Norths leader, Kim Jong Un and threatened fire and fury that would totally destroy the North.
We will take care of it, he told reporters in Washington. It is a situation that we will handle.
The missile took off from around Pyongsong, a town northeast of Pyongyang, the capital, at 3:17 a.m., and it flew east for about 53 minutes before landing off the north of Honshu, Japans largest island, nearly 600 miles from the launch site.
The missile was fired high into the air, reaching a maximum altitude of around 2,800 miles, in an arc similar to the Norths two previous intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs, which were launched in July.
The distance traveled appeared to be significantly greater than that of the two previous ICBMs, which flew for 37 minutes on July 4 and for 47 minutes on July 28.
David Wright, a senior scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said the missile performed better than the two fired in July, with a potential range of more than 8,000 miles, able to reach Washington or any other part of the continental United States.
Its pretty impressive, Wright said of the test flight. This is building on what theyve done before. Its muscle-flexing to show the U.S. that theyre going to continue to make progress.
However, Wright noted that in an effort to increase the vehicles range, the North Koreans might have fitted it with a mock payload that weighed little or next to nothing. So the distance traveled, while impressive, does not necessarily translate into a working intercontinental ballistic missile, much less one that could deliver a thermonuclear warhead.
Six minutes after the launch, South Korea conducted its own missile test off its east coast, demonstrating its ability to strike North Korean missile launching sites, the Souths military said in a statement.
Choe Sang-Hun and Motoko Rich are New York Times writers.
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Smartpay Holdings says it has made "significant progress" in the first half of the financial year, as lower wages boosted net profit and offset a drop in sales, while a takeover proposal progresses to due diligence stage.
Net profit rose to $900,000 in the six months ended Sept. 30 from $500,000 a year earlier, the listed payment terminal supplier said in a statement. That was largely due to lower employment costs, which fell to $3.5 million from $3.7 million, while occupancy costs slipped to $397,000 from $564,000. The company employed 126 people as at March 31, but didn't update headcount in the latest accounts.
Smartpay's revenue fell to $10.4 million from $10.7 million a year earlier. The company gave annual guidance for revenue between $20.5 million and $22.5 million, and net profit between $2 million and $3 million. In 2017, it reported $20.9 million in revenue and a $2.2 million profit.
"The company has made significant progress in the first half of this financial year," Smartpay said. "We expect to see continuing growth in revenue and profits as we continue to execute our strategy."
The company received a takeover proposal from Sydney-based investment firm Pemba Capital Partners in August which would see it buy all its shares at 23.5 cents per share, an 11 percent premium when it was announced. Earlier this month, Smartpay said it granted Pemba access to undertake due diligence on Smartpay, but there was "no certainty that the proposal will result in a binding offer for Smartpay."
The company said today's increased profit was due in part from steady growth in Australian terminal numbers, which it expects to hit 5,000 this month and to have its growth rate increase due to its recent introduction of acquiring capability.
"This is a significant milestone for the company as it allows us to offer a complete end-to-end eftpos offering without the limitations of our previous reliance on third party pricing for the core component of our eftpos market offering," Smartpay said. "We are progressing with a staged implementation program which will see us progressively release a number of acquiring products over the coming months."
The introduction of the acquiring products will be staged over the latter part of the current financial year, meaning positive revenue impacts will fall mostly into the next financial year, it said.
The revenue drop was due to its development team focusing on internal projects rather than external software development which can be billed to customers, and slightly lower revenue from its corporate customers in New Zealand, it said.
The shares last traded at 22 cents, up 29 percent this year.
(BusinessDesk)
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Silver Fern Farms, New Zealand's biggest meat company, has tapped Zespri International's chief operating officer Simon Limmer as its next chief executive, saying he adds experience in food, manufacturing and key markets such as China.
Limmer will replace Dean Hamilton, who announced his resignation in July after three years in the role, a period that saw the original cooperative owner sell half the company and a controlling boardroom vote to China's Shanghai Maling.
Limmer has worked for Zespri for nine years including COO and as general manager for China. Prior to that, he worked for France's Veolia.
His experience "gives us confidence he will be able to continue our development as a consumer-oriented food business," said Silver Fern co-chair Rob Hewett. Limmer "has a clear affinity with NZ agriculture", experience leading large teams "and has a strong affinity and understanding for farmer-producers which is a critical part of the ongoing success of Silver Fern Farms.
Limmer received the Prime Ministers Scholarship in 2010 and completed the INSEAD Singapore - Asian International Executive Programme, Silver Fern said. In 2015 he attended the Te Hono Movement NZ Primary Sector Bootcamp at Stanford University.
Silver Fern posted a $30.6 million loss last year that included a $22.4 million impairment charge related to the Shangai Maling investment. Since then it has closed its plant at Fairton in what is the first move to address its processing over-capacity since Shanghai Maling came on board.
The Shanghai Maling deal enabled Silver Fern to repay its debt, removing a threat from its banking syndicate to withdraw support. The company cut net debt to $107 million from $121 million a year earlier and halved its finance costs to $14.8 million, it said in January.
(BusinessDesk)
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New Zealand shares dropped, led lower by big moves in Mercury New Zealand and Chorus, as Orion Health and Trilogy International dropped on first-half earnings.
The S&P/NZX50 Index fell 34.61 points, or 0.4 percent, to 8,141.49. Within the index, 26 stocks fell, 14 rose and 10 were unchanged. Turnover was $239.8 million.
"There have been a couple of reasonably big block trades that we've seen in the last while coming from offshore," said David Price, broker at Forsyth Barr. "Today we've had Chorus, Mercury, Fletcher Building to name a few. There have been some decent chunky sized trades and you've seen some weakness in the prices as the locals have had their appetites saturated."
Mercury led the index lower, down 2.6 percent to $3.32, while Chorus fell 2.4 percent to $3.905 and Fletcher Building declined 1.5 percent to $6.73.
Investors are waiting for the MSCI reweightings on Thursday, Price said. "It's relatively quiet heading into that, the volumes will be big on the day. Everyone's just poised and waiting for the upshot of Thursday."
Kathmandu fell 2 percent to $2.42. Last week the outdoor equipment retailer said its first-quarter earnings were up despite sales dipping as it widened margins by selling less sale stock.
"At the end of the day, the period they were talking about is largely irrelevant in terms of total sales," Price said. "What they were at pains to tell us was gross margins were up, because they didn't have all the clearance stock they had in the same period, the flipside was not having the clearance stock means you don't get the revenue. The New Zealand numbers looked quite weak on the face of it, so that initially had a bit of a rough time."
Arvida Group was the best performer, rising 2.5 percent to $1.23. Scales Corp gained 2.4 percent to $3.90 and Summerset Group Holdings advanced 2 percent to $5.22.
Outside the benchmark index, Orion Health fell 10.5 percent to 94 cents. The health software developer, whose shares have lost almost half their value this year, widened its first-half loss and lowered its outlook for the full year. The loss was $25.9 million in the six months ended Sept. 30 from a loss of $18 million a year earlier.
Trilogy International fell 8.9 percent to $2.35. The scented candle and beauty products maker lifted first-half profit 17 percent to $4.1 million as it faced lower interest costs and earn-out payments, although the firm's underlying earnings were hit by skinnier margins.
Smartpay Holdings rose 4.6 percent to 23 cents. It says it has made "significant progress" in the first half of the financial year, as lower wages boosted net profit and offset a drop in sales, while a takeover proposal progresses to due diligence stage. Net profit rose to $900,000 in the six months ended Sept. 30 from $500,000 a year earlier, largely due to lower employment costs, which fell to $3.5 million from $3.7 million.
ERoad dropped 1.8 percent to $3.30. The logistics and fleet management firm widened its first-half loss as it ramped up spending to drive its US business, which it wants First NZ Capital to put under the microscope to see how it can drive faster growth.
Turners Automotive Group dipped 1.3 percent to $3.12. New Zealand's largest second-hand vehicle retailer said first-half revenue and profit rose and it expects full-year pre-tax earnings to rise as much as 26 percent. Revenue rose 44 percent to $163.8 million in the six months ended Sept. 30, while net profit increased 18 percent to $10 million.
Steel & Tube fell 0.5 percent to $1.99. This afternoon, Radio New Zealand reported the company had pleaded guilty to 24 criminal charges laid against it by the Commerce Commission for misrepresenting its seismic steel mesh. The company was not immediately available for comment.
(BusinessDesk)
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Rangatira Investments, whose diversified investments include Hellers, the Rainbow's End theme park, and laboratory instruments distributor Bio-Strategy, lifted its cash holdings to $40 million in the first half after making no new investments.
Wellington-based Rangatira added $9.8 million to its cash holdings by selling holdings in listed companies, according to its first-half report. Its equity portfolio fell to $28.8 million as at Sept. 30 from $31.6 million at March 31.
"Over the period we looked at a broad range of investment opportunities, trying to find businesses which will become the next iconic New Zealand business," the company said.
Operating earnings fell to $2.4 million in the first half from $4 million a year earlier, although net profit rose to $8.8 million from $5.9 million, reflecting $7.1 million in gains from investments compared with a $1.9 million gain in the same period last year.
Rangatira said full-year operating earnings would be similar to 2017's $11.7 million, with Hellers, Rotorua's Polynesian Spa and Rainbow's End being seasonal businesses that earn more in the second half.
The company said Auckland Packaging (APC) and Polynesian Spa "performed well" in the first half, with APC expanding into new categories and the Rotorua resort benefitting from tourism growth. Bio-Strategy, Hellers and Rainbow's End reported lower earnings in the first half, it said. Bio-Strategy was hurt by a downturn in Australian, although there have since been signs of recovery, while wet weather dented demand for Hellers products and visitor numbers at Rainbow's End, it said.
The company sold its investment in Tuatara Brewing to DB Breweries in January. In today's announcement, it confirmed it is still in dispute with former shareholders of the brewery over an earnout payment. While the High Court had rejected a claim from the former shareholders, they were appealing the decision "and Rangatira is defending its position."
Rangatira declared an interim dividend of 24 cents a share, up from 22 cents a year ago, payable on Dec. 11. The asset backing of its shares was lifted to $13.23 a share from $12.99 as at March 31.
Its A Class shares last traded at $10.75 and the B Class shares were last at $10.55.
(BusinessDesk)
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Synlait Milk founder and chief executive John Penno is to step down after 12 years leading the Dunsandel-based milk processor, whose shares have almost tripled since listing in July 2013.
Penno will step down in the next 12 months in what the company said would be an orderly transition. He will stay on during an international search for his successor.
Penno, who has spent a total of 17 years with the company, said he was " looking forward to getting back to my entrepreneurial roots and will be looking for opportunities to get involved with start-ups and young companies, which is where my wife, Maury, and I want to continue to make a contribution."
Synlait has grown from a start-up in the early 2000s to a company with a market value of $1.4 billion today and customers including high-flying milk marketer A2 Milk. It was initially rebuffed in its attempts to go public by local investors and instead turned to China's Bright Dairy for equity capital to fund its growth. Bright Dairy now owns 39 percent of the company.
In September Synlait posted an 11 percent gain in full-year profit and flagged further growth this year while signalling a move into branded consumer goods. Its shares touched a record high $8.25 on Oct. 30.
"From this platform, the company is looking for a CEO with the skills and experiences to take Synlait up another level," chair Graeme Milne said in a statement. "We have already signalled to shareholders our intention to continue to develop our infant formula business, and enter new categories where there are significant opportunities."
Discussing the move into new markets on a conference call in September, Penno said: "Up until now we've been strictly B2B, which has been very important during start-up." The company would move into branded products "where no conflict exists with existing partnerships" which meant it was "unlikely to be in infant formula", where companies such as A2 have very strong brands. "We do see areas in new categories that could be Synlait branded," he said.
In August Synlait announced plans to triple sales of infant formula to Sichuan-based New Hope Nutritionals, which is already its second-largest customer for finished infant formula and its largest under a Chinese label. Synlait took a 25 percent stake in New Hope in 2015.
(BusinessDesk)
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ASB Bank, the local arm of Commonwealth Bank of Australia, has restated its reported capital ratios after a miscalculation meant it fell short of compliance for the better part of a year.
In September, the Auckland-based lender discovered it overstated its capital ratios for the September 2016, December 2016, March 2017 and June 2017 periods, which it has since addressed in its latest disclosure statement. ASB said it applied an incorrect definition of surplus common equity tier one capital in the calculations, which breached a condition of registration.
On finding the mistake, the bank hired a professional services firm to review its compliance and other instances of historic non-compliance including two incorrect provisions and expected loss adjustments in its capital adequacy calculation, areas where internal risk management calculations were carried through to market risk capital calculations, and other minor technical mistakes.
"These calculation errors have now been corrected for the three months ended 30 September 2017," ASB said in its latest disclosure statement. "These errors did not cause the bank to breach any of its required minimum capital ratios, or breach the minimum buffer ratio requirements of condition of registration 1C", which outlines the steps the bank has to take if its capital buffer gets too low.
Banks' compliance has come under greater scrutiny this month after Westpac Banking Corp's New Zealand unit was censured by the Reserve Bank for a long-running breach of its obligations by using unapproved internal models, and forced to lift its minimum capital requirements. The central bank's six-monthly gauge on the health of New Zealand's financial sector is due for release tomorrow.
ASB's total capital ratio of 13.8 percent as at Sept. 30 was well above the 8 percent minimum, while its buffer ratio was 5.7 percent compared to a 2.5 percent minimum.
In its March quarterly disclosure statement, ASB noted it miscalculated its risk-weighted exposures for some non-retail facilities since March 2008, which overstated its capital ratios, while in the June statement the bank said it hired a firm to independently validate its capital ratio calculations, which found two minor issues that didn't affect the previously reported ratios.
(BusinessDesk)
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A brief meeting between the Council of Ministers and Dutch State Secretary, Mr. Raymond Knops, was held on Monday, November 27, 2017. Parties discussed the steps that will be taken to actualize the reconstruction phase to ensure that the urgent aid for those persons that were affected by the hurricanes could commence.
It was highlighted that short term projects which will have immediate impact on the lives of the people of Sint Maarten should be given the highest priority.
Furthermore, the World Bank was indicated as the institution to manage all project requests for funding to ensure accountability and transparency. Both parties agreed that the meeting was constructive and set a basis for change in the cooperation between Sint Maarten and the Netherlands.
Photo caption Dutch State Secretary, Mr. Raymond Knops & Prime Minister Rafael Boasman
SACRIFICE THEM: Indiana nurse removed from hospital after saying white boys 'should be sacrificed to the wolves'Washington PostMore from Washington PostPublished:November 27, 2017Updated:November 27, 2017 10:21 AM ESTA headshot believed to be pulled from Baker's Twitter account.An Indiana hospital system says a nurse is no longer an employee after she was tied to a message on Twitter claiming white women are raising sons with the HIGHEST propensity to be a terrorist, rapist, racist, killer, and domestic violence all star.Officials at Indiana University Health said over the weekend they were investigating several troubling posts on social media that appeared to be made by a recently hired employee identified in news reports as Taiyesha Baker. IU Health spokesman Jason Fechner confirmed Monday that the employee no longer works there but would not say whether she was fired, citing company policies.A tweet from Bakers now-deleted Twitter account.The controversial tweet, which the Indianapolis Star reported was posted on an account named Night Nurse, said: Every white woman raises a detriment to society when they raise a son. Someone with the HIGHEST propensity to be a terrorist, rapist, racist, killer, and domestic violence all star. Historically every son you had should be sacrificed to the wolves .The account has since been deleted and re-created by another user, according to the newspaper.Indiana University Health said in a statement late last week that it was investigating the incident and would take appropriate action.IU Health (Google)IU Health is aware of several troubling posts on social media which appear to be from a recently hired IU Health employee, the hospital said Saturday in a statement. Our HR department continues to investigate the situation and the authenticity of the posts. During the investigation, that employee (who does not work at Riley Hospital for Children) will have no access to patient care.Hospital officials did not say where Baker worked or what she did.By Sunday afternoon, the hospital said, A recently hired IU Health employee tied to troubling posts on social media this weekend is no longer an employee of IU Health.Baker could not immediately be reached Monday for comment. State records show that she was licensed as a registered nurse Oct. 30 and that her license expires in 2019.
ITs all about the USA and Russia. Usa uses Israel and Saudi to go against Russia's Syria and Iran.
Both countries are using the middle east as a battle ground at the expense of the population there.
They can get away with it because everybody there is deeply religious and so easily swayed by Russia and the states.
If you can somehow get a miracle from God and make everybody in that region a scientific thinker, then they would say screw this and there would be peace.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Did you know that the reason all these people have died in Syria is because the USA wanted a pipeline through Syria to Europe from Saudi Arabia, to profit from gas, at the expense of Russia currently supplying it to Europe. Assad said no.
OF course Russia is not going to like it. Thats why they are heavily involved in Syria and keeping Assad there.
The States could not stand for that so then incited and armed a rebellion to expel Assad, who basically ran a secular government.
Dont believe me, check world events leading up to it.
Basically those hundreds of thousands of people died cause the USA wanted to supply Europe with oil, to grow more wealthy and to weaken Russia.
Main reason why there is war in the middle East.
USA, Russia, religion.
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From a strictly economic point of view, Germans would have preferred a soft Brexit. A soft Brexit would benefit all sides whereas a hard brexit would hurt all sides. I think though that the Germans are looking at it from the standpoint of not wanting to risk a domino effect. In other words, while a soft Brexit might benefit the EU in the short term, it could also send the wrong message to other EU member states. Should more states leave, then the common market shrinks and suddenly EU businesses would need to deal with tariffs in every country. From that standpoint, they're probably looking at it as it's preferable to amputate the arm and save the body than to try to preserve the arm and put the rest of the body at risk. It's better to bite the bullet now than to suffer more pain later.I could see some possibilities. The EU accept that the UK delay Brexit but with an understanding that when it comes, Brexit will be hard. Alternatively, I could see a gradual move towards a hard Brexit whereby barriers rise gradually over time. In other words, an initially soft but gradually hardening Brexit into a hard Brexit over time.If Germany is telling its businesses to brace for impact, it might be wise for the UK government to give the same memo to UK businesses. No point giving them false hope.Meanwhile, the UK should seriously start to think about going the way of Singapore.
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A Canberra girl who had children with a man accused of sexually abusing her as a child didn't tell her mother he fathered their first baby, a trial has heard.
The girl's mother told the ACT Supreme Court she only found out the identity of her grandchild's father when the accused showed up on their doorstep after the infant was born, when the alleged victim was 15.
The man, 58, a former political refugee from Central America, is on trial after he pleaded not guilty to two acts of indecency and five counts of sexual intercourse with a child under 16.
Prosecutors say the girl was 14 when she met the man, then aged 40, as neighbours at a unit block in the 1990s.
They allege he had kissed her on the mouth twice before their relationship turned sexual.
The woman, now 32, gave evidence in court he had told her he wanted a relationship.
She said he would "comment on how good I looked" and would "say he wanted to look after me".
The woman said she told him her age after they'd had sex a couple of times.
Senator Katy Gallagher in the Senate on Monday. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
Sit back, relax and enjoy your coffee as you read what's making news today.
Happy hump day! We're in for a partly cloudy day with light winds in the afternoon. Good news, we're in for 29 degrees and it will stay like that until the weekend.
Labor senator Katy Gallagher faces a new battle over her citizenship status, with a 2015 statutory declaration stating she was "not a citizen or subject of a foreign country" attracting scrutiny in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The declaration was circulated on Tuesday after former territory speaker Vicki Dunne publicly questioned whether members may have been "provided with information that was inaccurate" when Senator Gallagher was nominated to fill a casual vacancy in early 2015.
Daniel Burdon and Tom McIlroy have the story.
ACT emergency departments have the nation's equal longest wait times
The ACT will be the first Australian jurisdiction to ban greyhound racing, despite a last minute bid to delay the ban.
As expected, two bills that will both dismantle the local industry and make the sport illegal passed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Unions, greyhound owners and greyhound liberationists all protest in Canberra's Garema Place and outside the Legislative Assembly on Monday. Credit:Karleen Minney
The Canberra Liberals made a last-ditch attempt to derail debate by referring the ban to a committee for scrutiny next year.
Manager of Opposition business Andrew Wall said Mr Ramsay's "ultra-conservative" approach to sub judice meant he had failed to answer key questions about the legislation.
Labor senator Katy Gallagher faces a new battle over her citizenship status, with a 2015 statutory declaration stating she was "not a citizen or subject of a foreign country" attracting scrutiny in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
The declaration was circulated on Tuesday after former territory speaker Vicki Dunne publicly questioned whether members may have been "provided with information that was inaccurate" when Senator Gallagher was nominated to fill a casual vacancy in early 2015.
Senator Katy Gallagher was likely ineligible to sit in the Senate before the 2016 election. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
The Assembly is this week expected to debate an Opposition motion to establish a select committee to investigate whether Senator Gallagher may have unintentionally misled the chamber.
The former chief minister renounced any entitlement to British citizenship just before the 2016 election, acting on advice from Labor officials as she nominated for re-election.
London: Qantas says the number of people willing to spend 17 hours cooped up in economy had surpassed the airline's expectations with forward bookings on the Perth to London route "really strong" and higher than expected, according to the company's chief executive.
But Alan Joyce refused to detail the exact numbers: "We won't divulge them but I can say it's a significant improvement and next year in our financial results you'll eventually see that."
Qantas will debut its longest flight, from Perth to London, in March and said demand has been higher than expected. Credit:Brent Winstone
"So we're actually very optimistic about that service, it's actually performing at, or ahead of, our expectations and we think it's going to be a very, very strong route."
Mr Joyce was speaking at the launch of Qantas' first lounge at Heathrow airport ending one of the peak first world problems experienced by the airline's top-tier customers who are forced to use the rundown British Airways lounge in Terminal 3. Qantas will mark 70 years flying to London next week and, in March, it will debut its longest-ever route between Australia's west coast and London flying a 787 Dreamliner.
CBD was shocked to hear that former Leighton boss Wal King still has a coveted ASX chairman's crown.
And the part-time pig hunter will get to keep it, if he passes muster with TerraCom investors this Thursday who get the chance to elect him to the board for the first time.
Wal King. Credit:Sage
Wal joined TerraCom as a director in May, one day after he stepped down from what was then his last ASX-listed board seat at Coca Cola Amatil. He was appointed chairman of TerraCom in September.
The company's main asset is the Blair Athol coal mine, in central Queensland, which it acquired from Jean-Sebastien Jacques' Rio Tinto in May this year for the grand sum of $1.
BHP is eyeing a possible $US2.1 billion ($2.8 billion) expansion of its Olympic Dam underground mine in South Australia, where it says the copper resource is so large it would take 500 years to deplete at the current rate of mining.
Top BHP executives briefed investors and analysts on the global miner's Olympic Dam operations and hopes for expansion on Tuesday in Adelaide, and confirmed that the so-called Brownfield Expansion (BFX) option at Olympic Dam was likely to be considered by BHP's board in 2020.
Olympic Dam in South Australia. Credit:Aaron Bunch
But BHP executives stressed that any expansion at Olympic Dam would be "subject to strict capital allocation framework tests". Investors and analysts are touring the site this week.
"We have a truly unique resource here at Olympic Dam. It has an enviable grade profile, which will be mined to coincide with attractive fundamentals in the copper market. It also has optionality to grow," said Olympic Dam asset president Jacqui McGill.
The threat of apartment towers blocking crucial helicopter flight paths into hospital emergency landing pads has prompted the Victorian government to amend the planning rules.
A planning scheme amendment gazetted last week protects 21 Victorian regional and city hospitals from encroaching development.
Emergency helicopter flight paths to hospitals were under threat.
It follows a landmark case late last year that saw Melbourne Council approving a $40 million, 15-level tower located 160 metres from the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
The hospital wasn't consulted over the tower which intruded into critical chopper flight paths to the hospital's emergency landing zone.
Two childcare centres in Melbourne's south-east have sold off the plan to a Chinese investor for $10.5 million.
The centres sold on a yield of 6.3 per cent, slightly higher than average, reflecting a discount for purchasing two properties in one line, Savills Australia's Jesse Radisich said.
A fully-leased childcare centre at Mornington has sold for $1.365 million.
Mr Radisich marketed the assets with Julian Heatherich, Mark Stafford and Benson Zhou.
Development and turnover of childcare centres has risen sharply in Australia over the past three years.
Two former corporals from the Tecumseh State Correctional Institution are accused of conspiring to smuggle K2 inside for an inmate for $300 in October, according to court documents.
Richard Fries, 53, and Ryan Tokar, 32, were arrested Oct. 21 by Nebraska State Patrol troopers following an investigation by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services. Both have since resigned.
Prosecutors charged the Lincoln residents last week with conspiring to convey an article to a prisoner. Fries faces an additional felony charge of delivery or distribution of a synthetic cannabinoid, according to Johnson County court documents.
Tokar brought the K2 to the prison and tried to deliver it to a convicted murderer but no longer had access to that unit of the prison, investigators said in an affidavit for his arrest.
Fries learned of the planned delivery after an inmate asked him when Tokar, Fries son-in-law, was going to bring his stuff, the affidavit said.
Tokar and Fries talked about the delivery, and Fries put the K2 in his coat, went into the prison and left it for the inmate in a trashcan in his housing unit, investigators said.
Fries resigned on Oct. 25, and Tokar resigned Nov. 6, said prison spokeswoman Dawn-Renee Smith.
Department officials have no information to suggest this case is related to other K2 smuggling attempts at state prisons, she said.
Both had been employed by the department less than a year.
Fries and Tokar have since been released on bond.
Neither has an attorney with the courthouse, and they couldnt immediately be reached for comment on the allegations against them.
In Defence terms, a $3.4 billion decision is a pittance, a mere bagatelle. Last week's stunning decision, however, splitting the build of our new patrol boats (now called "offshore patrol vessels") between two companies in two states simultaneously revealed how our politicians are capable of both sheer brilliance and utter incompetence.
By awarding most of the construction contract to highly capable Perth-based shipbuilder Austal, the government made a sensible decision. To do so, however, it needed to overturn all the rules that govern procurements. The government managed to cobble together a solution allowing it to seize a victory of sorts from a massively flawed selection process.
The Lurssen-designed offshore patrol vessels that will be built in Australia.
The decision has exposed the massive farce at the heart of Defence business. We pretend this is a process-driven outcome. In reality, it's the result of a three-way split: an attempt to balance the needs of the navy against those of the taxpayer, and then pitting those against the desires of industry.
To understand why, look at the solution.
Morning people blast into the day at an ungodly hour to enthusiastically get the worm with a smug look on their face. I was on my way to the supermarket to get ingredients for breakfast (which would have effectively turned out to be lunch) late one Saturday morning when I saw the familiar, smiling face of an early-riser I knew.
They asked me what I'd gotten up to so far today and when I sheepishly replied "nothing" they began a monologue on their own weekend trajectory so far: an hour at the gym, a breakfast involving chia seeds, volunteer time at a food bank, and finishing up a university assignment.
Dear morning people, waking up earlier doesn't make you a better person. Credit:Shutterstock
In our culture the myth that waking up early is the key to a moral, productive life runs deep. Ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle wrote, "Rising before daylight is to be commended; it is a healthy habit."
United States' "founding father" Benjamin Franklin coined the irritating rhyme: "Early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise".
Meghan Markle will not be the first glamorous American to make her mark on a monarchy. Though many have drawn comparisons between the actress and Wallis Simpson, the transatlantic divorcee at the heart of the 1936 abdication crisis, her closest predecessor is surely Grace Kelly: the beautiful, well-established screen star who, by the time of her marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, had shown the world what an injection of American charm could do for a royal family.
On their wedding day six decades ago, America's big-screen sweetheart arrived in Monte Carlo to take her place beside the European prince who had swept her off her feet. Just in case the union of a stunning Academy Award-winner and the dashing Prince wasn't romantic enough already, Kelly arrived by ocean liner.
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for the media in the grounds of Kensington Palace in London on Monday. Credit:AP
Both Kelly and Markle enjoyed whirlwind romances with their royal counterparts
And Markle, like Kelly, will replace her acting career with philanthropic work. Yet such choices and opportunities were not generally available to a woman of Simpson's era and certainly not someone of her circumstances. Though like his great-great-uncle Edward VIII, Prince Harry has fallen head over heels for an American divorcee, Simpson's reputation could not be further from Markle's. Eighty-one years ago, revelations that the new king would be giving up the throne and following his heart, rather than his head (or the stern advice of the Establishment) provoked objections ranging from moral to legal. King Edward's mind could not be changed: he was convinced that he would not be able to "discharge my duties as King without the help and support of the woman I love".
About 100 coral reefs within the Great Barrier Reef have been identified as having particular resilience that may help corals recover from bleaching and other threats.
But researchers warn against relying on a "triage approach" to maintain the reef's health.
Back-to-back bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef triggered widespread coral mortality especially in the northern regions. Credit:ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
The hardy "robust source reefs" about 112 in number or about 3 per cent of total coverage were found to be in cooler, outer reefs.
Their location helped shield them from the recent back-to-back annual bleaching that had devastated corals, the Australian and British researchers found.
Australia's $40 billion insurance industry is preparing to face fresh public scrutiny, as an increasingly confident group of Nationals MPs move to push a powerful commission of inquiry into the financial services sector through Parliament before Christmas.
Much of the focus of the past week has been on banking misconduct, but the spotlight was thrown on insurers on Tuesday after Nationals MP Llew O'Brien said he would cross the floor and support the bill in defiance of government policy on the condition any probe investigates how the industry had treated customers with mental health conditions.
Nationals senator Barry O'Sullivan, who will introduce the legislation on Wednesday, is negotiating with the Greens on amendments but both parties are confident the inquiry will pass the Senate and then House of Representatives.
However the momentum has spooked the business community. The former head of the government's 2014 Financial System Inquiry, David Murray, rounded on the suggestion of a royal commission or inquiry.
London: Qantas chief executive and prominent gay marriage campaigner Alan Joyce says parliament should approve the gay marriage bill without amendment, saying voters endorsed that piece of legislation when they voted 'yes' in the postal survey.
The bill, written by Western Australian Senator Dean Smith, is being debated in the Senate this week.
In late night sittings, the upper chamber rejected all amendments put forward to the bill so far, including one proposed by the government. Attorney-General George Brandis had suggested including a declaratory memorandum to recognise religious protections which could have placated opponents by allowing parents to remove children from classes if they are being taught about non-traditional marriage.
But two amendments put forward by Senator Brandis were shot down on Tuesday night, significantly with Dean Smith voting against or abstaining on both.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is referring "a number of matters relating to citizenship and the operation of section 44 of the constitution" to the parliamentary committee that looks at electoral matters.
"Australia is the most successful multicultural society in the world and around a half of our citizens were either born overseas or have a parent born overseas. These Australians may be citizens of another country and, as we have seen with several members and senators, not be aware of it," Mr Turnbull said in a statement.
The committee has been asked "to examine how our electoral laws can be improved to minimise the risk of candidates being found to be ineligible in the future and what, if any, changes should be made to section 44 (i) of the constitution".
Mr Turnbull says people "expect us to resolve the citizenship issue once and for all" and the inquiry "will help us ensure similar issues do not affect future parliaments".
Revelations that Labor's Sam Dastyari told a Chinese benefactor his phone was most likely being tapped by intelligence agencies makes his position in the Senate "untenable", the Turnbull government says.
Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop has accused Senator Dastyari of acting against Australia's national security interests and Attorney-General George Brandis said the revelations raised serious questions about his loyalties.
Senator Brandis said the revelations were also a test for Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who brought Senator Dastyari in from the cold by giving him the leadership role of deputy Senate whip earlier this year.
Mr Shorten said while he receives regular confidential briefings from security agencies in his role as a major party leader, he denied sharing any of that information.
Coalition tensions over a banking inquiry are close to breaking point with a former Nationals leader branding senior Liberal cabinet minister Christopher Pyne a hypocrite, and a sitting Nationals MP warning the Turnbull government against handing down "stone tablets from on high".
Mr Pyne on Tuesday warned Nationals defying government policy by pushing for a banking inquiry - including leader Barnaby Joyce, who has signalled he is open to the idea - that "disunity is death" and the surest way to lose power at the next election.
The frank rebuke prompted former Nationals leader and party elder statesman John Anderson to fire back that "when Christopher Pyne talks about disunity, he should do so standing in front of a mirror".
Mr Anderson told Fairfax Media the kind of fissure opening up inside the Coalition over the push for a royal commission or some other inquiry into the banks would not have happened during the Howard era, during which he served for six years as deputy prime minister.
At least three Labor senators will vote against the legalisation of same-sex marriage, but have backed down over religious exemptions to allow the bill a smooth passage through the Parliament.
South Australia's Don Farrell, Tasmania's Helen Polley and Queensland's Chris Ketter all linked to the conservative shop assistants' union have signalled their intention to vote against marriage equality in coming days.
Jacinta Collins, another "shoppies" veteran from Victoria, will effectively abstain by pairing her "no" vote with "yes" supporter Gavin Marshall, who is on secondment to the United Nations. Deborah O'Neill, from NSW, is also expected to vote no, or to abstain.
The number of socially-conservative Labor senators is not sufficient to endanger passage of the bill, and their decision to vote against the bill is accepted by the party, which has granted all MPs a conscience vote on the issue of same-sex marriage.
But merely to decide that conduct should not be the subject of the criminal law is a long way short of acceptance. By decriminalising consensual homosexual acts, the Australian community only began its long, halting journey to recognising the complete equality of gay people a journey first of toleration, then of acceptance, then of respect and, at last, of embrace.
The decriminalisation of consensual homosexual acts removed a stigma which had blighted the lives of hundreds of thousands of Australians. There would, I daresay, be very few people today who would argue that the removal of that stigma was not a good thing although it is surprising to think that it only occurred so recently.
Murray Hill's bill was the first step taken in any Australian Parliament to reform the laws discriminating against homosexual people the word "gay" had not entered the vocabulary at that time, at least not in the sense we use it today. In the quarter century that followed, all of the states and territories, under governments of both political persuasions, would follow suit. The last was Tasmania, where private consensual homosexual acts continued to be a crime until as recently as 1997.
On Wednesday August 2, 1972, Mr Murray Hill, a Liberal member of the South Australian Legislative Council, rose to move the second reading of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act Amendment Bill. The effect of the bill was to provide that homosexual acts between consenting adult males should no longer be offences under the criminal law.
Attorney-General George Brandis during the speech in the Senate. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
In the coming days 45 years since Murray Hill and his colleagues in the South Australian Parliament set Australia on that journey - this week in the Senate and next week in the other place we will complete it. These late spring and early summer days of 2017 will always be remembered as a time when the Parliament heeded the wishes of the overwhelming majority of Australians that ours should be a society defined by greater decency, truer equality, more perfect freedom. The full legal equality of gay people will, at last, have been recognised. Marriage equality will be a reality by Christmas.
Profoundly important though the acceptance of same-sex marriage may be as a social change, its symbolic significance is even greater still. With the passage of this bill, we will demolish the last significant bastion of legal discrimination against people on the grounds of their sexuality. At last, Australia will no longer be insulting gay people by saying: different rules apply to you. So this bill is important not merely because it will enable gay people to marry, just as everybody else is able to marry. It is more important than that. After centuries of prejudice, discrimination, rejection and ridicule, it is both an expiation for past wrongs and a final act of acceptance and embrace.
I want to reflect for a moment on the message this will send, in particular, to young gay people: to the boy or girl who senses a difference from their friends, which they find difficult to understand and impossible to deal with. In his first speech in the Parliament, my friend Tim Wilson spoke movingly of his own experience of confronting that knowledge, as a tormenting fear "that took an energetic 12-year-old and hollowed his confidence to eventually doubt his legitimate place in the world". How many hundreds of thousands of young Australians have known that fear? How many have lived with it, silently and alone? How many have failed to come to terms with it and been overborne by it? By passing this bill, we are saying to those vulnerable young people: there is nothing wrong with you. You are not unusual. You are not abnormal. You are just you. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. There is nothing to be ashamed of. There is nothing to hide. You are a normal person and, like every other normal person, you have a need to love. How you love is how God made you. Whom you love is for you to decide and others to respect.
Wednesday November 15, when the result of the postal survey was announced, was a day the like of which Australia has seldom seen. At a time when the prevailing public mood is one of frustration and cynicism, that cynicism gave way to rejoicing. As the Prime Minister said: "The Australian people have spoken in their millions. they voted 'yes' for fairness. They voted 'yes' for commitment. They voted 'yes' for love." And, it is important to acknowledge, the people who were not persuaded about the desirability of change accepted the result with generosity and grace.
Time for me to call it a day. What happened?
the Senate voted in favour of same-sex marriage , the first time either house of parliament has done so;
, the first time either house of parliament has done so; amendments to the legislation are being debated before it it sent ot the House of Representatives;
before it it sent ot the House of Representatives; a banking inquiry seems almost certain ;
; enough National Party MPs are prepared to cross the floor to force the creation of an inquiry;
to force the creation of an inquiry; this means Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull can either head off their actions by announcing some kind of inquiry or wait for events to unfold next week; and
can either head off their actions by announcing some kind of inquiry or wait for events to unfold next week; and the government is unhappy with triple j because of its decision to move the hottest 100.
My thanks to Alex Ellinghausen for his incredible work and to you for reading and commenting.
You can follow me on Facebook.
Alex and I will be back in the morning. Until then, good evening.
Some of us may have heard that horseradish and garlic supplements help ease cold and flu. Blooms High Strength Horseradish and Garlic Complex claims it has
Others, such as those promoted by Swisse and Blackmores, claim to be traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to provide symptomatic relief of sinusitis, hay fever and upper respiratory tract infections. And the Swisse and Blackmores products (and many others) add additional ingredients, commonly vitamin C, which is claimed to be beneficial for immune health.
Using a 'traditional' method does not mean it's scientifically proven. Credit:Stocksy
There are two categories of evidence allowed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to validate indications or claims made for complementary medicines: scientific or traditional.
A one-year non-parole sentence for a man who twice raped a sex worker at knife point was "manifestly inadequate", the Crown has argued on appeal.
But his defence lawyers said the offences were "stale" and the sentence reflected the constructive, law-abiding life he had lived since committing the crimes in 1990.
Rapist Robert John Hall may never have been caught had he not made a small mistake. Credit:Facebook
Robert John Hall was 32 when he called a 23-year-old escort worker to his motel room in Kiama on the NSW south coast. There he taped bandages over her eyes and sexually assaulted her twice while holding a large knife near her body.
"If you do that again I'll f---ing kill you," he warned when she tried to turn around.
A two-year-old girl has died and eight others were injured after two cars collided head-on in Sydney's south west on Tuesday.
Nine people, including three children, were injured in the crash on Mamre Road, near Abbotts Road in Kemps Creek about 1.30pm.
The crash involved a passenger van carrying nine people and a commercial van carrying two people.
Three children - two boys aged nine months and three years and a two-year-old girl - were taken to The Children's Hospital at Westmead, but the girl died after arriving at hospital.
Dozens of migrant workers face losing their homes as authorities move to shut down suspected illegal boarding houses operating in Tamworth.
Tamworth Regional Council said it had begun cleaning out the boarding houses, sending "notices of intention" to the owners of 12 premises "where investigations have led us to conclude they are illegally being operated".
The notices were sent less than 24 hours after a Fairfax Media investigation revealed a network of potentially illegal boarding houses, the residents of which worked at the local meat processing plant run by Thomas Foods International. Thomas Foods does not operate the boarding houses.
Thomas Foods is Tamworth's largest employer, supplying lamb and mutton to household names including Woolworths, Aldi, Coles and McDonald's.
A BMW X5 that caused a multi-vehicle crash in Dundas contained a kilogram of the drug ice, which had exchanged hands at a south-west Sydney hotel on Monday, police allege.
The vehicle was the subject of a targeted stop, as part of an interstate investigation into the supply of ice.
Three people were arrested in a BMW in Dundas on Monday. Credit:NSW Police
A man and two women were arrested when investigators from the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad attempted to stop the car on Silverwater Road, Dundas, shortly after 2pm on Monday.
The attempt led to a multiple-vehicle collision when the BMW failed to stop near an intersection.
Police have spoken with five men who were allegedly involved in a naked Macca's run in Newcastle earlier this month, in what appears to be a bizarre dare.
At about 6.40pm on Friday, November 10, a group of five naked men entered the McDonald's store on King Street in Newcastle.
CCTV images taken from the fast-food store show the five men entering from the street in a single file, in broad daylight.
Two of the men were holding "objects covering their modesty", police said.
Two Sydney fishermen have caught a shark in the Georges River, prompting a safety warning from NSW Maritime. A post on Sydney's Fishing Forum Facebook page shows two men posing with what the Department of Primary Industries has confirmed to be a bull shark carcass in the shallows on Monday afternoon. The shark caught in the Georges River. Credit:Facebook "Caught this arvo half a kilometre down river from picnic point on the George's river," they wrote in the caption.
The image has been shared more than 1300 times since it was uploaded. NSW Maritime were quick to share the post on Tuesday morning, warning readers to "take care out there". But locals do not seem concerned by the news of sharks lurking at the popular river. "In the 80's we lived 2 streets back from George's river and my dad raced grey hounds and I still remember him coming home and saying another local racer had the rear half of his 2 grey hounds eaten whilst out swimming them behind his tinnie," one user named Brad Street commented.
A pub patron has become an unlikely hero when he used a bar stool to hit one of two armed men over the head as they tried to rob an East Brisbane hotel.
Police said the robbers entered the Lord Stanley Hotel about 11.30pm on Monday night.
A pub patron fought back against a machete-wielding robber by hitting him over the head with a bar stool in East Brisbane. Credit:Queensland Police Service
One of the men brandished a gun and demanded an employee fill a bag with cash from the till while the other, armed with a machete, ushered three patrons inside from the smoking area and ordered them to lie on the floor.
However a fourth pub patron emerged from the gaming room and use a bar stool to hit the machete-wielding bandit over the head.
A Torres Strait Islander woman has been elected to Queensland Parliament for the first time, giving Annastacia Palaszczuk one more seat towards the 47 Labor needs to win office in its own right.
Thursday Island-born child protection worker Cynthia Lui won the far north Queensland seat of Cook with 39 per cent of the vote, allowing Labor to reclaim the seat it had held with Billy Gordon last term.
Labor MP for Cook Cynthia Lui, Aunty Rose Elu, Communities Minister (and Ministerial Champion for the Torres Strait) Shannon Fentiman and Aunty Ivy Trevallion during the campaign.
At noon on Tuesday Labor had 44 seats, the LNP had 36 seats, Katters Australian Party had two seats, One Nation one seat, while independent and former Noosa councillor Sandy Bolton had won the seat of Noosa.
Nine seats are still so close, including Aspley and Maiwar the old Indooroopilly seat - they are undecided.
Women seeking abortions in regional Queensland after often marginalised and can face month-long waiting lists for an often unaffordable procedure that should be considered essential healthcare, a Brisbane-based abortion provider says.
Kamala Emanuel considers herself a fly-in-fly-out worker providing terminations to women in Rockhampton once a fortnight, where she said the wait-list can stretch to four weeks.
Australia's abortion laws are inconsistent and failing to keep up with modern medical practices.
Sometimes people are waiting four weeks...it is just dreadful, Dr Emanuel said.
"They have had this delay in procedure so it becomes more complex on occasions because of the technical limit that I am at with my capacity to perform procedures.
Unfortunately for Amazon, Alexa will start behind the eight ball in Australia. If you're already using Google or Apple's subscription music services then it makes sense to stick with their smart speakers rather than defect to Amazon.
Amazon missed the opportunity to get a foothold when it decided not to launch its Amazon Music subscription service in Australia last year alongside Amazon Prime Video. If Amazon Music still isn't ready to launch in Australia then perhaps it's better to keep the Echo speakers on hold.
Of course in the US, Amazon Music and Video come as a package deal with the Amazon Prime express delivery service. If Amazon takes the same approach in Australia then its music and video services could gain a large user base overnight, but when Amazon Prime launches in Australia it will likely be limited to the major metro areas.
It's quite possible Amazon will put Alexa, Amazon Music, Echo speakers and Fire TV all on hold until Amazon Prime is ready to go in Australia and then launch with a bang, rather than trickle out competitors to Apple and Google (which lines up with the "early next year" announcement).
Alexa-powered Amazon Echo speakers might rule US smarthomes, but the online retail giant has a major fight on its hands considering Google and Apple's grip on Aussie homes and wallets. What would it take for your home to defect to the Amazon smart ecosystem?
It's a finding that is destined to start a new round of arguments over the aircon remote.
A new study covering more than 1.6 million people has revealed that 22 degrees is the perfect air temperature to live in.
The study found 22 degrees was the ideal average temperature to live in. Credit:Joe Armao
A city with an average annual temperature closer to 22 tends to have a population who are more agreeable, conscientious, emotionally stable and extroverted.
The study is observational, and does not show cause-and-effect. But the scientists behind it theorise that better weather leads people to leave the house more often, leading to more social interaction, which encourages a friendlier personality.
The Victorian government was trying to overcome a last stand on Tuesday evening by opponents of its voluntary assisted dying laws.
The bill, which been subjected to nearly 100 hours of debate in both houses of Parliament, including two all-night sessions, would make the Victoria the first Australian state to legislate for voluntary euthanasia.
Premier Daniel Andrews congratulates Health Minister Jill Hennessy on the passing of the bill in the lower house last month. Credit:Justin McManus
The Andrews' government agreed on substantial amendments to overcome opposition in the upper house two weeks ago, including lowering the proposed life-expectency threshold from 12 months to six and committing more money to palliative care.
The bill was due to return to the lower house on Tuesday to ratify amendments made in the Legislative Council last week but opponents were not going down without a fight.
WA Premier Mark McGowan expects embattled MP Barry Urban to front parliament this week to address speculation over the legitimacy of his CV.
Mr McGowan confirmed Mr Urban would not appear in parliament on Tuesday but was expected to make a statement on Wednesday or Thursday, adding he would have to have "very good medical reasons" not to do it.
Barry Urban with Mark McGowan on the campaign trail. Credit:Facebook / Barry Urban
Mr Urban was recently caught wearing an Australian Police Overseas Service Medal he was not entitled to.
Questions have since been raised about his background, including his university education and time spent in the WA police force and British armed and police forces.
Western Australia's Child and Adolescent Health Service is fighting accusations of negligence after a toddler was brought to Perth's children's hospital for burns treatment and ended up severely disabled.
Sunday Mabior was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital with scald injuries on December 9, 2005 and two days later was in the intensive care unit, where she suffered lung failure and two heart attacks, which caused irreversible brain damage.
Sunday Mabior was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital with scald injuries. Credit:Nic Walker
The family's lawyer Theo Lampropoulos questioned what happened in those 48 hours at a civil trial in the District Court of WA that began on Tuesday.
He told Judge Anthony Derrick the girl suffered Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and hospital staff remained too focused on the possibility of it being caused by fluid overload even through sepsis was by far the most common cause.
A student at Governor Stirling Senior High School has suffered serious head injuries after being 'egged on' by friends to do a backflip off a school balcony.
Nine News Reporter Alice Pooley told Radio 6PR three other students had been suspended for filming the boy's attempt to jump from a second-storey balcony.
The boy jumped from a balcony at Governor Stirling Senior High School. Credit:Google Maps
"We understand this was actually a dare, the 13-year-old boy was dared to jump from that balcony, it's a second storey balcony, quite a fall you can imagine," she said.
Ms Pooley said the incident occurred on Monday afternoon with the boy's family requesting privacy.
New York: Fear of foreign interference in US domestic issues surfaced once again last week when the New York State Attorney-General suggested massive identity theft had corrupted the decision making process on so-called "net neutrality".
Eric Schneiderman, the top law enforcement official in New York state, revealed a six-month investigation by his office had discovered hundreds of thousands of people across New York, California, Georgia, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas had their identities appropriated and misused to make public submissions to a Federal Communications Commission inquiry.
The FCC is a government agency charged with regulating communications and media in the US. It had called for public comments on a controversial plan by the agency's chairman Ajit Pai to reverse net neutrality rules, which were established under the Obama administration in 2015.
Net neutrality is the concept that all content on the internet is equal. The idea is that the internet is a public utility and that anyone, from consumers to amateur bloggers and entrepreneurs, has the same access to the web, at the same speed, as tech giants Google and Facebook.
London: Hate speech and counter-terrorism measures may be fuelling a general rise in racism, xenophobia and discrimination in Australia, a UN committee says.
Australian government officials were grilled in Geneva on Tuesday by the UN's Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, over a periodic report on our country's progress in tackling racism and disadvantage
Members of the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team during an arrest of suspects in New South Wales. Credit:Darbs Darby (Andrew Darby)
It was Australia's first appearance before the committee since 2010.
Verene Shepherd, the committee's rapporteur for Australia, welcomed our progress in adopting an anti-racism strategy, appointing a race discrimination commissioner and bringing in new health and justice programs for indigenous people.
Tourists watch the Mount Agung volcano erupting at a temple in Karangasem. Credit:AP A report from local aviation navigation authorities showed that "aircraft flight channels are covered with volcanic ash", the ministry said in a statement. Ten alternative airports have been prepared for airlines to divert inbound flights, including in neighbouring provinces. A separate notice showed Lombok airport had been reopened, after an earlier closure overnight due to the eruption. Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar on Monday. There are 22 villages within 10 kilometres of Mount Agung's crater, which are home to about 100,000 people, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency said.
More than 40,000 people have already fled their homes because of the volcano, according to the agency. Plumes of smoke were billowing out of the mountain top and explosions could be heard up to 12 kilometres from the peak. "Rays of fire are increasingly visible from night to the following day. This indicates the potential for a larger eruption is imminent," the agency said. Agung's last eruption in 1963 killed more than 1,000 people and razed several villages by hurling out pyroclastic material, hot ash and lava. Yet on Tuesday, life continued largely as normal in villages surrounding Agung, with residents setting up traditional markets and offering prayers as the volcano continued to spew tall columns of ash and smoke from its crater.
Many residents who evacuated in September when the alert was last raised to the highest level have returned to their homes and farms due to worries over their livelihood and livestock. Indonesia's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre (PVMBG), which is using drones, satellite imagery and other equipment, said predictions were difficult in the absence of instrumental recordings from the last eruption 54 years ago. It warned that if a similar eruption occurred, it could send rocks bigger than fist-size up to 8 km from the summit and volcanic gas a distance of 10 km within three minutes. The smoke has caused chaos for travellers hoping to leave the country - Denpasar airport said in a statement that 445 flights and 59,000 passengers had been affected on Monday alone. Two Australian travellers returning to Melbourne, Hena and Joshkun, were among hundreds who amassed at the airport on Monday, after being unable to change their Jetstar flight online.
"We tried contacting the airline, that didn't work either," Hena said. "I am a dancer - I have shows, so I am missing rehearsals." The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association said guests of affiliated hotels who were stranded by the airport's closure would be accommodated on Monday night free of charge. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) in nearby Darwin, there is "ash confirmed on the ground at Denpasar Airport" as well as ash at "FL300" - which refers to flight level at 30,000 feet - in the vicinity of the volcano. Airport spokesman Arie Ahsan said the airport closure was based on information from VAAC and the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics.
"The ash is very light in the airport buildings but what effects flights would be the thickness in the air," he said.
Buses were being used to get a mixture of Indonesian and foreigner passengers to Padang Bai port and other destinations. "The authorities will meet every six hours to evaluate the conditions. We can't predict the outcome," he said. Airlines have set up customer service desks at the international terminal. A Jetstar staff member said that not many passengers had arrived because most already knew that the airport was closed and that there were no flights out. Those who had come had booked through travel agents and didn't know. Volcanic ash poses a potentially deadly threat to aircraft and passengers. Mount Agung is just over 72 kilometres from Kuta, and towers over eastern Bali at a height of just over 3000 metres.
Delhi: A young Indian woman who has been fighting for the right to be a Muslim and live with her Muslim husband told the Indian Supreme Court she desired two things: "I want my freedom" and "I want to be with my husband".
Of these two wishes, the judges granted the first. They struck a blow for personal liberty and against custody traditions, by telling Hadiya that she was free of parental control, could leave her parents' house, and resume her studies to become a homeopath.
Hadiya who converted from Hinduism to Islam and married a Muslim man, arrives at the Kerala airport on Monday. Credit:Screengrab/Mirror Now
Hadiya, 25, travelled from Kerala in the south, to the other end of the country, to the Indian capital, to win this right. She appeared before the judges because the Supreme Court expressly ordered her father to bring her so that she could speak for herself.
The ruling ended a cruel confinement. Since May 25, on the order of the Kerala High Court, she has been under house arrest at her parents' home in Kottayam, Kerala, and denied visitors. With no phone or internet access, she has been isolated and confined by her own father, KM Ashokan, who in turn was backed by the Kerala High Court.
Bangkok: As Aung San Suu Kyi prepared to meet with Pope Francis in Naypyitaw on Tuesday, Western outrage over her country's persecution of Rohingya Muslims contrasted sharply with the increasing confidence Asian investors are placing on her country.
Bangkok-based construction company TTCL is one of the latest examples. It is finalising preparations for a $US3 billion ($3.9 billion) coal-fired power plant in Kayin state bordering Thailand. It joins a Thai beverage company which is acquiring three quarters of Myanmar's leading whiskey brand; a Philippines energy company looking at a solar power venture and a Japanese company pursuing a 45 billion yen ($405 million) development in Yangon.
Myanmar de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Credit:AP
The US and the United Nations have described Myanmar's treatment of Rohingya Muslims as "ethnic cleansing", yet companies are still keen on the potential promised by its semi-transition from military rule.
"We're aware of the internal problems in Myanmar," TTCL chief financial officer Gobchai Tanasugarn said. "Still, some institutions from Thailand and export credit agencies are keen to give financial support."
Seoul: North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Wednesday morning for the first time in more than two months, defying demands from US President Donald Trump to halt its weapons programs and raising the stakes in an increasingly tense stand-off with the United States and its allies.
"North Korea launched an unidentified ballistic missile eastward from the vicinity of Pyongsong, South Pyongan province, at dawn today," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. Pyongsong, in western North Korea, is about 32 kilometres north-east of Pyongyang, the capital.
The launch was also confirmed by the Japanese Prime Minister's office.
The Pentagon later said its initial assessment was that it was an intercontinental ballistic missile, which travelled about 1000 kilometres before splashing down in the Sea of Japan. It added that the missile did not pose a threat to the United States, its territories or allies.
Bangkok: A chemical spill that devastated the coast of central Vietnam last year claimed another casualty when a 22-year-old blogger was sentenced to seven years in prison for posting reports on the disaster.
After a brief, closed trial in Ha Tinh province, the blogger, Nguyen Van Hoa, was found guilty of spreading anti-state propaganda for producing videos and writing about protests over the toxic spill, news agencies reported.
Blogger Nguyen Van Hoa, centre, stands on trial in Ha Tinhi, Vietnam, on Monday. Credit:AP
The discharge, which occurred when a new Taiwan-owned steel factory flushed cyanide and other chemicals through its waste pipeline, killed marine life and sickened people along a 193-kilometre stretch of coastline. It is one of Vietnam's largest environmental disasters.
Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division, denounced the verdict. "The sentencing of Nguyen Van Hoa shows how profoundly the government's paranoid desire to maintain political control trumps notions of justice and human rights," he said.
~Tax and other related issues~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Information reaching SMN News states that three of the eight candidate Ministers whose names were submitted for screening have failed the process.
SMN News learned those that failed are Franklin Meyers who was supposed to fill the vacant position of Prime Minister. It is understood that Meyers failed because of taxes for both him and his spouse, also a complaint was filed against Meyers by an RST agent who accused him of using violence during a house search at his brothers residence.
The candidate for the Ministry of Justice Leona Marlin also failed the screening process due to the 2014 ship-jumping and nepotism related to the St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation.
While the candidate for the Finance Ministry Michael Ferrier failed based on a court case he had with former French Senator and President of the Collectivity Louis Constant Fleming.
According to information SMN News received, the new majority is back on the drawing board with candidates that denied the offer when they were first approached, those candidates are Jairo Bloem for Justice and Sharine Daniel for Finance. No names on the candidate for Prime Minister has been disclosed for the moment. In reaction to this article Attorney Jairo Bloem said that at this point of his life he is not considering to take up any public function.
Suprema FaceStation 2 Takes Top Prize at the Detektor International Awards 2017
SEOUL, KOREA, Nov 23, 2017 (ACN Newswire) Suprema, a global leader in biometrics and security solutions, was recognized with the Best Product Award in the ID & Access Control category at the Detektor International Awards 2017, presented at the Stockholmsmassan (Stockholm International Fairs and Conference Centre) in Stockholm, Sweden on November 21.
Detektor Best Product Awards were presented to the top companies of the year in each of four categories; Suprema in ID & Access Control, Axis in Alarm & Detection, Bosch in Video Surveillance and Genetec in IoT Security.
The worlds fastest facial recognition terminal and the first to support Bluetooth shows Supremas commitment to maintaining its leadership in the global biometric access control market, said the jury of Detektor International Awards 2017.
At Suprema, we are honored that our new FaceStation 2 has been acknowledged by the prestigious Detektor International Awards, said Hanchul Kim, Suprema Director of Global Sales.
Recognizing both technological and practical innovation within a product, Suprema FaceStation 2 was selected by the jury as an innovative biometric security product that carries industry standards to the next level with its proven performance and reliability.
Introduced earlier this year, FaceStation 2 has already been shipped to over 50 countries worldwide, and is positioned as the ultimate facial recognition access control solution in the market today, Kim added.
FaceStation 2 opened a new generation in facial recognition technology, defying preconceived limits and delivering innovation exceeding the growing expectation of the markets.
The Detektor International Awards is an independent program which annually recognizes manufacturers displaying the most genuine innovation and greatest originality in the opinion of Detektors international team of jurors.
About Suprema Inc.
Suprema is a leading global provider of biometrics and ID solutions. By combining world renowned biometric algorithms with superior engineering, Suprema continually designs and develops industry-leading products and solutions. Supremas extensive range of portfolio includes biometric access control systems, time & attendance solutions, fingerprint live scanners, mobile authentication solutions and embedded fingerprint modules. Suprema has worldwide sales network in over 130 countries and is one of the worlds Top 50 security company in its turnover (ranked in A&Ss Security 50, 2010-2015). For more information, please visit www.supremainc.com.
Contact:
Andy Ahn
Suprema Inc.
Head of Marketing
andyahn@suprema.co.kr
Source: Suprema Inc.
Topic: Awards received
Sectors: Security/Biometrics
http://www.acnnewswire.com
From the Asia Corporate News Network
Copyright 2017 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.
Everyone needs them, everyone wears them
The manufacture of footwear goes back a long way in history: Even 40,000 years ago humans felt the need to protect their feet from adverse outdoor conditions. Several hundred centuries passed however, before the modern aesthetic footwear of the present was developed and consequently also manifold procedures for the manufacture of shoes. Whereas in the pre-industrial era shoes were crafted by shoemakers, today shoe manufacture is largely an industrial process. Nevertheless, the manual aspect of production is still a significant part of the process. The manufacture process is composed of three key sections: development and design, manufacture of shoe uppers and the actual shoe production.
First, a sketch of the shoe is created, pattern pieces for the various upper parts are made and the shoe lasts are manufactured. The last is the interior profile to which the uppers are shaped and joined to the sole of the shoe. Next the various parts for the uppers are cut and glued or sewn together to create the shoe upper. The lower edges of the uppers are given a larger margin so that they can later be fixed to the inner sole of the shoe. Now the inner sole of the shoe, the insole, is made. It is the bottom part of the finished shoe, upon which the foot stands. The rest of the shoe is formed around the insole: the upper at the top and the outer sole underneath.
The shoe is moulded around the last. The uppers cover it and the insole is attached beneath it. There are several different procedures for joining the uppers with the shoe base: in industrial production, they are usually glued or sewn. So that both soles are fixed securely, some footwear manufacturers roughen the edges of the insole in order to achieve perfect adhesion. The rough surface must however, be identical along the entire length and be the same width all the way round impossible to ensure and sustain long-term by hand. The system created by Vektor-Gruppe can remedy this. In close collaboration with the air motor specialists DEPRAG SCHULZ GMBH & CO., a robot system has been developed using a durable DEPRAG milling motor for fast and accurate results.
DEPRAG air motors for special applications are particularly suited to the sustained, precise and consistent surface roughening of inner soles. The DEPRAG milling robot 27-030 with a grinding disc is the number one choice for connection to a robot. The long-life milling motors with top running precision have a space-saving design and are powerful in high torque ranges. They are available in the power class 400 W and with a torque range of up to max. 20,000 rpm. The combination of a flexible robot arm and permanently constant speed of the air motor ensures optimal results and increased working productivity.
The air vane motors function according to a simple principle: The compressed air sets the rotors revolving in an eccentric cylinder into motion. In the rotor slits, there are vanes which are pushed outwards against the cylinder wall by the centrifugal force generated. Working chambers are created where the compressed air expands. Pressure energy changes into kinetic energy ? and as a result rotation occurs.
In Russia, an innovative casual footwear manufacturer using the combination of the robot and DEPRAG milling motor is extremely impressed with the results: ?In the past we always struggled with connection issues between the inner and outer soles. It can be difficult to guarantee a secure hold at every point around the sole. The milling motor with top running accuracy and robot guidance now enables perfect roughening of the surface so that shoe manufacture is continuingly optimised?.
Whether individual drive solutions or standard motors, DEPRAG has the perfect solution for almost every application: For uncritical production conditions where for example, a robust cast iron housing is sufficient, the BASIC LINE air motor is recommended. This motor series provides customers with a wide spectrum of choice from which individual applications can be developed and manufactured following the modular principle. The series is available in the power classes 200 W, 400 W, 600 W, 900 W and 1.2 kW with a wide speed range. All BASIC LINE air motors are equipped with a spline shaft.
For more demanding specifications, such as use in a cleanroom in the food or pharmaceutical industries, the manufacturer offers the ADVANCED LINE product series of stainless steel motors featuring sealed, unlubricated, non-corrosive air vane motors. These sophisticated air motors are particularly space-saving and are the optimal solution for integration into handheld machines or systems. Their power range extends from 20 W to 1.2 kW, from small speeds to fast runners. The ADVANCED LINE vane motor is ATEX certified, reversible and even available with an integrated holding brake.
The manufacturer also has the high-power range covered with their versatile product line POWER LINE offering a large power spectrum from 1.6 to 18 kW. POWER LINE air motors reach high starting torques with an unrivalled low power-to-weight ratio in comparison with electric motors.
DEPRAG?s range of air motors is rounded off by their INDIVIDUAL LINE motor series. The pneumatic drives of the INDIVIDUAL LINE which are characterised by their low-cost, individual large-scale production. The standard program provides numerous options from which customised drive solutions can be developed and manufactured following the modular principle and therefore at an attractive price-to-performance ratio. The specialists at DEPRAG can realise a perfect solution for any application, whether it is a customised gear design, diverse spindle types or customer-specific attachment requests. They also have air motors on offer which are made from innovative materials such as ceramic.
Vektor-Gruppe based in Moscow has grown to be a leading integrator on the Russian market. Originally specialised in the sale of welding machines ? today they are known as a prominent partner for the development of industrial systems and advanced technology automation solutions.
DEPRAG SCHULZ GMBH & CO. has been focused on the working medium of compressed air for many decades. DEPRAG air motors are well established on the global marketplace. Innovation and continuous improvements to their existing production lines have ensured that the medium-sized machine builder has become one of the leading manufacturers of these machines. The owner-led family business employees 700 staff members and is represented in over 50 countries.
When Nikita Floyd was 11 years old, his father took him to a job site in a low-income area of Washington, D.C., and put him to work picking up trash and mowing lawns. At the time, Floyd says he didnt want to do that kind of work for a living because, I didnt get paid for it, it was a chore.
But when he grew up, Floyd recognized an opportunity. He launched his own landscaping firm, Green Forever, and was eventually awarded Business of the Year in 2014 by the Prince Georges County Chamber of Commerce.
Nikita Floyd, Owner of Green Forever
One of Green Forevers signature services is something Floyds father likely never would have dreamed of. Floyd specializes in maintaining green infrastructure the constructed wetlands, porous concrete and bioswales increasingly being built across the nation to help manage stormwater.
Floyd came to the work through a Mentor/Protege program developed by Prince Georges County, Md., as part of its commitment to assisting local and minority-owned businesses. The program was part of an effort to comply with a federal mandate to reduce polluted stormwater runoff draining to the Chesapeake Bay.
Prince Georges County didnt just want to comply with a federal mandate. Instead, county leaders sought a more holistic solution to the problem. The county wanted not only to reduce its polluted stormwater, but also to help the community along the way.
The high road: A community benefits public-private partnership.
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the total investment gap for water and wastewater infrastructure in the United States is expected to be $105 billion by 2025. Increasingly, public agencies are looking to the private sector as a new way to help pay for underfunded public services and infrastructure.
Sanjiv Sinha, Ph.D., is a vice president with Ann Arbor-based consulting firm Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. (ECT). With funding from the Great Lakes Protection Fund, Sinha is pioneering the application of market-based business concepts to stormwater work. He is leading market sizing studies and the development of business plans for the use of these new concepts in the Great Lakes basin. His work is profiled at www.p3greatlakes.org, a resource dedicated to assessing and, where appropriate, promoting the use of public-private partnerships (P3s) in the Great Lakes basin.
Traditionally, looking at private sector has meant working with private investment to pay up-front costs for projects, allowing public agencies to build more quickly than slow public bonds would allow, and hopefully leveraging private sector efficiencies to lower cost, says Sinha. But new P3 models go beyond this to combine private finance with project delivery, management and maintenance, even linking outcomes to project performance and social goals.
Prince Georges County entered into a novel kind of partnership agreement with Rhode Island-based Corvias Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in public-private partnerships for building and managing public infrastructure projects.
The Clean Water Partnership is a Community-Based Public-Private Partnership (CBP3) between the county and Corvias Solutions. Through the 30-year agreement, Corvias executes and performs the finance, design, construction, operation and maintenance of Prince Georges Countys stormwater management programs. This means an entirely new approach to building new infrastructure one that looks beyond water to solving additional challenges identified in the community.
We sign on to achieve the goals built from a delivery standpoint, but also broader policy objectives, and we assume the risk, says Greg Cannito, a managing director with Corvias. For example, in our performance-based system, its not just about delivering work on time and under budget. We also have socio-economic workforce development hiring goals.
Prince Georges County was under a court order to meet EPA Clean Water regulatory requirements, which requires it to treat 15,000 acres of polluted runoff by 2025. As part of this goal, CWP has been tasked with treating up to 2,000 acres of these impervious surfaces by constructing green infrastructure on both public and private land. Prince Georges County set additional requirements to utilize certified local, small, minority- and women-owned businesses for 30-40 percent of the total project scope.
Greg Cannito, Managing Director, Corvias High-road infrastructure is where youre utilizing infrastructure as a platform in order to achieve greater services and greater outcomes for the community, says Cannito. We help develop and design the program, assume long-term management as the private partner with the public entity, and if they want to finance it, we can do the financing as well. Then we procure for the local market, develop programs with the schools with the local subcontractor base, and make sure the work gets done in the way that the public partner is hoping. Finally, we measure that based on the already predefined outcomes they hope to achieve.
The project has exceeded these goals under budget and on-time, according to Cannito.
Weve saved by cutting the costs to achieve about 50 percent savings, and weve utilized 80 percent local, small, disadvantaged, county-based contractors, says Cannito.
Designing the marketplace to gain private sector efficiencies
How was the Clean Water Partnership able to deliver such outstanding results? According to Cannito, its all about leveraging the efficiencies of the private sector.
Stormwater is a highly piecemealed, fragmented type of work that municipal governments or governments do in the traditional design/bid/build mode, says Cannito. We were able to aggregate the work and put it into more of a large-scale design/build/operate/maintain kind of manufacturing line. We were able to scale it. That gained us a lot of efficiency and economy of scale. Part of that process, says Cannito, was about taking the time to design the marketplace and create what he terms a demand-based pipeline of qualified labor to get the job done.
Instead of just running out and designing the project and building it, we assess the subcontractor capacity of the marketplace. Its a little bit of a go slow to go fast approach, but what youll find is that the marketplace has the capacity. Nobody really takes the time to connect the dots.
According to Cannito, many design-build projects undertaken in the public sector are missing opportunities to work with the private sector to leverage private competition and innovation.
The public sector doesnt ask enough of the private sector, he says. "Typically in a lot of cases, theyll do an RFP for a project, and theyll prescribe so much that the private sector just bids on what they prescribe knowing that theyll change-order it later. Even if what they prescribe they know is not feasible, they know as long as they can check the box on that RFP, they can get selected and they can change order. This approach is really where instead of prescribing a scope to the private sector, its asking the private sector to provide proposals based on the outcomes that they want to be achieved.
New approaches to green infrastructure financing
Financing is another key area where public-private partnerships can change the paradigm for how public infrastructure projects are executed. According to Cannito, financing should follow project design to allow the public agency to identify clear goals.
Too many people are so focused on going to get financing, they forget about structuring a really good project, he says. The public sector should really be focused on their goals and achieving those outcomes, and allow the private sector to propose innovative solutions. The better you can structure a projects goals, the public sector can have their pick of any type of financing that they want, which can be approached at a later stage.
That may include a mix of public and private financing. Cannito says that private financing is not necessarily more expensive than public financing if you consider overall costs of execution, and has the advantage of being able to fund a project up-front, which means water quality benefits can be realized right away, as opposed to a decade down the road.
Investors are attracted to project execution and surety, says Cannito. Having a program that is goal-oriented based on a broader vision is in line with the newer metrics of investors. And a project where you are getting the private sector to guarantee the surety of execution? Now youve taken the risk out of the projectand that makes it much more financeable for investors.
One novel and promising approach to structuring financing is called an Environmental Impact Bond, whereby a private financial institution provides financing upfront and then the payer, the government entity who benefits from that solution, pays back the financing based on predefined performance. This type of financing shifts the risk away from the public agency and onto the private investors.
Todd Appel is a vice president with Washington, D.C.,-based investment firm Quantified Ventures, pioneering a pay-for-success financing model that links investment performance outcomes.
Appel recently worked with the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority to pilot a project to finance 20 acres of green infrastructure as part of the Districts consent decree to reduce its combined sewer overflows under the Clean Water Act. The District was on the hook to build $2.5 billion in tunnels to reduce CSO volume, but got an amendment to substitute 350 acres of green infrastructure to handle some of that reduction.
So they were embarking on that and they were worried about the performance risk of the green infrastructure, would it actually reduce the volume of stormwater flowing into the sewer system under the consent decree? says Appel. They decided to do two things. One, start with a pilot. Theyll build green infrastructure on 20 acres initially. And secondly, finance that pilot with performance-based financing. So they issued a municipal bond of $25 million dollars for the design, build and maintenance of the green infrastructure on the 20 acres. And unlike a normal municipal bond, this one is tied specifically to the success of the green infrastructure in reducing the volume of stormwater.
The investment is modeled based on expected outcomes and assigned probability ranges to create three payment tiers. The middle one is as expected, or the most likely outcome that covers a wide range of probable outcomes. For this range, D.C. Water pays out its normal cost of capital. But if its below expected, then the investors get close to zero percent interest.
Effectively, the investors are providing an insurance policy to D.C. Water if the green infrastructure totally fails, says Appel. And if the performance is 'better than expected,' the investors get premium. So this environmental impact bond is a way of passing on some of the risks of a green infrastructure deployment to investors.
To determine payouts, baseline data on performance is being collected in the field and follow-up data will be collected over four years. In year five, investors will know what tier the investment ended up based on performance, and will square up based on that. This was the first environmental impact bond issued in the country and the first instance of a municipal bond having an outcome-based payment, according to Appel.
Quantified Ventures is now looking to replicate the program through a program funded by the Rockefeller Foundation to identify two U.S. cities in which to test this model of financing for green infrastructure. The firm is also working with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to select four communities in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to finance its green infrastructure programs with environmental impact bonds. Clearly, while the concepts are new, many thought leaders are rapidly beginning to explore it.
Can this work in the Great Lakes?
So far, public-private partnerships have not been a part of stormwater management in the Great Lakes region, which still relies mainly on public funding to create and implement green infrastructure.
Sinhas Great Lakes-focused team includes both Corvias and Quantified Ventures, as well as other companies that bring in cutting-edge, national expertise to the basin.
Sanjiv Sinha, Ph.D., Vice President, Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc.
One key challenge to the use of these new concepts to water infrastructure is that there is a significant knowledge gap. So far, no one is advising communities or agencies by clearly articulating why they should even consider this approach, Sinha says.
Sinhas team has analyzed several P3 frameworks for Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) and Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District that collectively serve dozens of Great Lakes communities, and has developed prototype business plans for implementation.
We believe these frameworks are equally relevant in other regions across the Great Lakes and beyond, says Sinha. We do know the Great Lakes market has the appetite for large-scale green infrastructure. A report we recently published shows that five Great Lakes states can support well over a billion dollars of investment in green infrastructure.
Sinhas work with the MMSD shows that there are significant values to be gained by the use of a CBP3.
The MMSD is a regional wastewater utility with a 411-square-mile service area, serving 1.1 million people. The MMSD has built a deep tunnel system and has been able to reduce its combined sewer overflows to a point where they only occur once or twice a year now, meeting its obligations under the Clean Water Act.
Despite this achievement, MMSD is looking to implement green infrastructure within its service area as part of its 2035 Vision, which calls for a goal of 740 million gallons of treatment via green infrastructure to be built.
Were looking for green infrastructure to add a layer of additional capacity and resiliency where water falls, says Kevin Shafer, executive director of the MMSD. The benefit of green infrastructure is that its not only for stormwater quantity and quality, but that it also produces a whole host of benefits that gray infrastructure cant. So, whether its increased property values, better quality of life, aesthetics, what have you, there are so many other things that green infrastructure brings to the table.
And Shafer is looking with keen interest at what has been happening in Prince Georges County, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere.
We see green infrastructure, both the infrastructure and the maintenance of it, as a possibility of employing a variety of folks, to be able to give them a living wage to move forward, and as a way to revitalize and improve the quality of life in some of the lower-income areas, says Shafer. And were finding that gallon for gallon, green is at least cost-competitive with gray infrastructure.
Shafer is looking into multiple ways of financing and implementing its green infrastructure goal. According to a report by ECT, MMSD stands to save $500 million in costs over 30 years by taking a CBP3 approach. But for Shafer, while compelling in looking out for ratepayers interests, the appeal goes beyond dollars and cents.
As chairman of the board at the U.S. Water Alliance, Shafer is at the vanguard of a movement to integrate water quality into the entire quality of life of an area.
It really is looking at this 'one water' approach, trying to not just improve water quality, but to improve neighborhoods, the livability of cities, increase economic development and benefit the quality of life of the entire area, says Shafer. That brings with it a lot of efficiencies that can also help meet some of these other social goals that were looking for as well.
This Partner Content was produced by Issue Media Group for the P3GreatLakes Initiative. Find out more about green stormwater infrastructure and how public-private partnerships can work at www.p3greatlakes.org.
His term also will be concurrent to a two-year term in youth prison to which he was sentenced in August by Judge Diane Druzinski in Macomb County Circuit Court for the assaults. He pleaded guilty to two counts in June...
FOREST CITY | A Lake Mills man faces a felony charge after marijuana allegedly was found hidden in his underwear when he was booked into the Winnebago County Jail on a misdemeanor drug paraphernalia charge.
Robert J. Gonzalas, 19, was arrested at 10:25 p.m. Saturday by the Lake Mills Police Department. He was in possession of a metal pipe and a wooden container used to smoke marijuana, according to a criminal complaint.
A Lake Mills officer did a routine search of Gonzalas before he entered the jail in Forest City. A criminal complaint states Gonzalas was given the chance to hand over any contraband before going into the facility, but he did not.
Jail staff then found a baggie of marijuana and a blunt in Gonzalas' underwear, according to the complaint. He was charged with possession of contraband in a correctional institution.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 1.
-- Mary Pieper
Georgetown, SC (29440)
Today
Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. High 53F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph..
Tonight
Mainly clear. Low near 30F. Winds light and variable.
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A legal guide to space war
Adelaide, Australia (SPX) Nov 27, 2017
A war in outer space sounds like the stuff of science fiction but it is something we need to consider. Its impact on everybody on Earth and its implications for future human space exploration would be devastating. Right now, there are laws that are relevant to the prospect of war in space, but currently it is unclear exactly how these might be applied. We and our colleagues from around the world - including experts from Australia, Canada, the United States, Russia and China - are undertakin ... read more
9 June School, Nov 27, 2017 (SPS) - The National Council (Parliament) celebrated on Monday at its headquarters in the School June 9, Sahrawi refugee camps, the 42nd anniversary of its creation in an official ceremony attended by Saharawi authorities and foreign delegations.
The ceremony was marked by the presence of the President of the Republic and Secretary General of the Polisario Front, Brahim Gali, the Speaker of Parliament, Jatri Adduh, Prime Minister, Abdelkader Taleb-Omar, and members of the Government, National Secretariat of the Polisario Front, and Parliament.
The event was attended by an important Algerian delegation composed of members of the Algerian National Council, a delegation from the Aragon region in Spain, and a delegation from Panama.
President of the National Council Jatri Adduh addressed in his opening speech the important experience acquired by the Polisario Front and the Saharawi State in the field of the practice of democracy.
The President of the National Council praised Algeria's firm support position for the Saharawi people and thanked the solidarity and support of the Spanish people for the just cause of the Saharawi people. (SPS)
062/SPS/TRA
Bir Lehlou (liberated territories), Nov 28, 2017 (SPS) - President of the Republic, Secretary General of the Frente Polisario Mr. Brahim Gali has sent a letter of congratulation to His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, on the 57rd anniversary of the independence of his country, celebrated on November 28th each year.
Brahim Gali, highlighted in his congratulations, the sacrifice and the long struggle of the Mauritanian people against the French colonization, which was crowned with the independence of Mauritania, adding that in spite of the scale of the difficulties, Mauritania has managed to achieve an important position internationally.
He praised the efforts made by Mauritania, people and government, to set up a new Mauritanian state, expressing Saharawi peoples pride for the achievements attained by Mauritania over fifty-three years of sacrifices and meeting the challenges.
President Brahim Gali reiterated to his counterpart the honest will and determination of the Saharawi Republic (SADR) to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, friendship and neighbourliness between the two brotherly peoples, in a way that serves the interest of the two peoples and countries and peoples of the Maghreb as a whole, and bring peace, justice, stability and prosperity in the region and to face the risks that threaten the region, such as drugs and their relationship with organized crime and terrorist groups. SPS
125/090/TRA
A New York City-based marketing firm has moved its Connecticut office to South Norwalk, with a consumer product brand company taking over its former location in Wilton.
Under CEO Hampton Bridwell, Tenet Partners helps major corporations with a wide array of marketing tools, analysis and services as an example, the company created for Xerox a digital asset repository giving employees globally access to a single, trusted source for images, brand guidelines and other elements used in marketing materials.
Federici Brands, which sells Time Bomb skin care and Color Wow hair products, is taking over the Wilton offices previously used by Tenet Partners, according to the real estate brokerage services firm Coldwell Banker Commercial. Federici Brands is subleasing from Tenet Partners more than 10,000 square feet of space at 15 River Road in Wilton, part of a complex where Blue Buffalo Pet Products has its headquarters.
Formed from the 2014 merger of CoreBrand and Brandlogic, Tenet Partners has exited its former Brandlogic offices in Wilton to take up quarters in the Lock Building at 20 Marshall Street in South Norwalk. The company plans to maintain its New York City headquarters, according to Russ Napolitano, chief operating officer, in an email response to a Hearst Connecticut Media query.
Other Lock Building tenants in South Norwalk include Discovery Capital, among the largest hedge funds in the world; Direct Wines, which sells vintages online; and Triax Technologies, which is in the process of doubling its workforce to 30 people as it sells a system to track construction equipment and alert project foremen when workers fall on the job.
Besides Xerox, other Norwalk clients of Tenet Partners include GE Capital, Hearst Connecticut Media Group and the Stepping Stones Museum for Children. And the firm has several more in Connecticut, including The Hartford Financial Services Group, United Technologies Group and Yale University.
And Tenet Partners publishes an annual index of the most powerful brands, ranking them according to consumer awareness and positive perceptions of brands. This years list was topped by Coca-Cola, Hershey and Bayer; with Amazon making the biggest leap jumping 25 rungs into the top 30, and Verizon Communications taking the biggest tumble.
Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman
Given the intense news events of the past few weeks, it's clear that gender inequality remains a major obstacle women for in the workplace.
Related: 15 Things Men Say That Get on Women's Nerves
While many employers have tried to make improvements, change isn't coming fast enough. For this reason, Lean In and McKinsey & Company, in October, released the 2017 Women in the Workplace annual report to give leaders better insight into the problem.
The report unveils one particularly interesting overlooked area: strategies for empowering managers to drive change. Many executives think that if they unveil a gender equality policy, improvement will naturally follow. But, the report's creators found that managers are failing in this area in multiple ways.
Only 35 percent of women surveyed, for example, thought that their managers considered diverse candidates when filling positions. Even worse, only 34 percent said their company addresseed disrespectful behavior toward women.
Of course, these percentages leave room for companies that are getting things right. Here's how some of them are helping managers be agents of positive change:
Drill the message in.
While senior leaders write the policies, managers make thousands of small decisions that impact these initiatives. They need to hear over and over why gender equality is important. That way, it becomes ingrained and a natural part of how they act.
"This isn't about quotas and targets," Arlington, Va.-based Don Rheem said by email. He's CEO of employee engagement platform E3 Solutions and author of Thrive by Design. "This is about deeper understanding and self-awareness," Rheem said, "of how managers fall prey to conscious partiality and unconscious gender bias in the daily and weekly personnel decisions they make."
Related: Why Women Entrepreneurs Have a Harder Time Finding Funding
The CEO went on to say that repetitive communication is key. A one-time memo isn't enough. Furthermore, when leaders speak to employees, their words should reflect gender equality. This means avoiding gendered words.
For instance, calling male employees by their first names but women as "Ms. Smith" isn't a sign of respect. It shows the leader views men and women differently.
Stop scaring away female talent.
Gender equality shouldn't start on a woman's first day at work. From the moment she thinks about applying for a job, she's judging whether she's being treated fairly.
Hiring managers need to meet these expectations. As women applicants' first human interaction with a company, hiring managers should understand how their behavior reflects their company's level of dedication to gender equality.
"To prevent unconscious biases from impacting hiring decisions, use gender-neutral language in job descriptions that will attract a diverse pool of applicants," advised Kelli Dragovich. She's the SVP of people at San Francisco-based recruiting platform Hired.
Language is especially important when companies list the desired traits for a vacant role. Some words actually have a gendered connotation: Consider eliminating those typically associated with male behavior -- like "assertive" or "analytical." These words will result in fewer women applying.
Holly Caplan, the Dallas-based author of Surviving the Dick Clique, explained that by not attracting female talent, hiring managers are limiting diversity and creating an unhealthy work environment.
"We have to set the expectation with managers that women need to be part of their teams," she said in an email. "This will change behavior and give us the power to hire the right talent."
Make men allies, not enemies.
As it stands now, most managers are men. If males aren't on board with gender-equality initiatives, those policies will fail. Men need to understand their role in turning policies into action.
"When I look back at the path my career has taken, in many cases it has been men who have sponsored and supported me," Jocelyn Mangan, COO of Oakland-based job search platform Snagajob, said via email. "Many of the male executives I speak to on a regular basis want to help women; they just don't know exactly how."
So, if this is the case at your company, help male managers see what women face in the workplace. Provide training so they know how to mentor female talent. Most importantly, start a dialogue.
"Women need to feel comfortable calling out bias when they see it. And men need to be able to express the impact of this, even if it is frustration or discomfort," St. Paul, Minn.-based Angela Beranek Brandt said by email. She's president of the National Association of Women Lawyers.
"If the conversations are real," Beranek Brandt added, "there will be better understanding, which will lead to a more comfortable workplace for men and women."
Silence doubt.
"There is a collective loudspeaker in the workforce today that creates a consistent level of doubt, and conditions women to think that they can't move forward or lead," Austin-based Autumn Manning, co-founder and CEO of employee recognition platform YouEarnedIt, told me.
Manning went on to point out that when she was young, a stream of discriminating phrases played in her mind. This led her to doubt her abilities. It took a strong female role model -- her mother -- to get her to stop listening to those thoughts.
Related: When Company Culture Becomes Discrimination
Managers can do what Manning's mother did: When they are supportive of women's strengths and skills, those women can see their own qualifications more clearly. This undoes the conditioning that undermines women's self-confidence and also boosts the company as a whole.
Related:
Over One-Third of Women Say Managers Don't Address Disrespectful Behavior Toward Women. And That's Your Fault.
Artificial Intelligence May Reflect the Unfair World We Live in
The 3 Keys to Hosting, Diversity-Wise, a More Inclusive Event
Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com
MASON CITY | Lime Creek Nature Center has scheduled two craft workshops in December for children and adults.
The first, Cabinet Door Creations, is 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11.
Participants will repurposing cabinet doors into chalkboards, Christmas signs and decor.
The second, Christmas Crafts, is 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16.
The program is for children accompanied by adults.
All materials will be provided for both workshops, which are free.
Registration is required for both events. Call 641-423-5309 to register.
STAMFORD A city teen who has been free on bail since pleading guilty to a shooting in a drug deal gone wrong last year has been sent back to jail after a judge was told he has been doing drugs and ignoring his curfew.
Savior Dominguez, 17, made a brief appearance Tuesday before Judge Gary White, who raised his bond by $200,000.
Dominguez was one of two youths arrested after a New Britain teenager was shot in the chest on Stamfords East Side last November. The victim first told police he was in Stamford to purchase sneakers, but later confessed he was selling a quarter pound of marijuana.
Dominguez, then 16, had the gun in his hand and pulled the trigger when the New Britain youth challenged the authenticity of the weapon, Senior Assistant States Attorney Maureen Ornousky told White. Dominguez pleaded guilty in August to one count of armed robbery and was allowed to stay out of jail on a $100,000 court appearance bond in order to obtain his high school diploma.
Dominguez faces five to eight years in prison when hes sentenced in January.
Ornousky said Dominguez had been staying out past his curfew and recent urine tests revealed he has been ingesting cocaine and smoking marijuana.
Hes lucky he isnt standing here as a felony-murder defendant, your honor, Ornousky said. He shot an individual in the chest with significant blood loss. At this point, he is a threat to public safety.
Defense attorney Andrew Gould argued Dominguez was doing well in his education program and he was on pace to receive his high school diploma before Christmas.
But White said he was not taking more chances on the defendant.
He seems to be struggling to get a bigger sentence, not a smaller one, White said.
jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com
MASON CITY | The driver of a motorcycle who crashed into a bridge and fell into Willow Creek in downtown Mason City Monday afternoon has been identified by police.
David Sappenfield, 64, of Clear Lake was rescued by Mason City Fire and Rescue after the crash. He has been cited for failure to maintain control.
At about 1:30 p.m. on the northbound Highway 65 bridge, Sappenfield appeared to have veered off the road and crashed his 2002 Harley-Davidson motorcycle into a barrier and bridge guardrails before falling into the water.
The motorcycle sustained an estimated $3,000 in damage, according to Mason City Police Chief Jeff Brinkley. It did not fall into the water with Sappenfield.
Two firefighters climbed down a ladder to assist Sappenfield, who was able to make his way out of the water and onto the embankment. Mason City Fire Capt. Jared Ogbourne estimated the drop to be about 20 feet and into shallow water.
Sappenfield was strapped to a stretcher pulled up from the creek by the ladder truck. The rescue took about 30 minutes.
Sappenfield was transported from the scene to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa. He was treated and released.
I want to thank Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Sens. Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst for their tireless efforts to defend American-made biofuels and economic growth in rural communities. Our champions have been working diligently with the White House to ensure that regulators at the Environmental Protection Agency honor President Trumps commitment to a strong and vibrant Renewable Fuel Standard.
As most Iowans know, homegrown biofuels are vital to the Hawkeye economy, supporting thousands of jobs and driving billions in economic activity. But the oil lobby has been relentless in its efforts to cut federal targets for biofuel production under the RFS. A proposal released in July by the EPA would set next years targets below current levels, with deep cuts to cellulosic biofuels made at facilities like POETs Project Liberty in Emmetsburg. These fuels represent exciting new revenue streams for farmers facing the sharpest drop in income since the 1980s.
Fortunately, Iowa has champions who understand how to press our case in Washington, and the president has signaled his support. But the fight isnt over until the EPA announces final targets later this month, and we cant stop reminding regulators that zero growth isnt an option.
Kelly Hansen, Hanlontown
SCOTTSBLUFF The First State Bank Gift of Love Food Drive is drawing to a close Friday.
Students at Roosevelt Elementary School in Scottsbluff, along with five other area schools, are scrambling to bring in the most non-perishable food items to win the exclusive preview showing of the holiday movie at the Midwest Theater.
Becca Tompkins, director of marketing at First State Bank, explained the food drive.
Its just another one of the branches of the Gift of Love program, Tompkins said. We do a canned food collection for the Valley Christian Neighbors in Need food pantry. We challenge the schools to collect canned goods and then we offer a prize to the school that brings in the most pounds of food.
Tompkins said both Scottsbluff and Gering schools are involved in this years food drive.
So the elementary school that collects the most amounts of pounds of non-perishable food items will receive a private viewing of the holiday movie that Billy Estes shows down at the Midwest Theater, she said.
The Valley Christian Neighbors in Need uses the goods brought in from the food drive to fill holiday wishlist baskets, Tompkins said. Any food left after that goes to the local food pantry.
Tompkins talked about the purpose of having the schools involved in the food drive.
Elementary schools hold food drive for Gift of Love Jalissa Torres (left) and Gabriel Hernandez (right) stand next to one of Roosevelt Elementary Schools food drive drop off points.
Its just another way for the kids to give back, for a means to get canned food collected and they get a pretty cool prize out of it as well, she said.
Atziry Martinez, a fourth-grade student and member of the Roosevelt Student Council, explained the purpose of the food drive competition.
Were doing this food drive to help the community, Martinez said. Its fun doing it because you get to bring all the cans, you get to tell your classmates to bring them and encourage them.
First State Bank will be collecting and weighing the food from the schools Friday, Dec. 1.
Trevor Teichroeb, the music instructor at Roosevelt, said he wants to get the community, not just the students, involved.
One of the things we were hoping to do is to include the community in it, Teichroeb said. This week, if community members would be willing to bring food by, they can drop it off here in the office.
Teichroeb encourages all community members to donate what they can to the food drive, not only to help the kids, but also to help the community.
Wed just like to invite the community to participate too, because we want to win, Teichroeb said.
Two people have been charged with burglary in separate cases.
Bradley Metcalf, alias Bradley Crane, 22, of Scottsbluff, has been charged with burglary, a Class IIA felony.
According to an arrest affidavit, Scotts Bluff County Sheriffs deputies were called to a rural home on Canyon Drive on Oct. 20. The owner of the home reported that two Hispanic men had been inside the home and left the area. The resident told deputies he had come home, walking through the front door, which was locked. When he went into the kitchen area, he said he heard a noise coming from the bedroom areas. He turned around to see one man come out of a bedroom area and out the front door. A second man also fled the residence.
The man said that he made eye contact with one of the men and knew him. He identified the man as Metcalf, who he said he had known from previous employment at the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center.
The man and a roommate surveyed the home and did not find any items initially that had been stolen. However, it did appear that the items had been readied to be stolen, with a duffle bag having been stashed with ammo, and an automatic rifle and ballistic vest located on a floor.
Later, the homeowner said a magazine for a firearm had been stolen. Cash was also reported stolen.
Metcalf is next scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 5.
In another case, Amber Camacho, 30, of Scottsbluff, has been charged with burglary, a Class IIA felony. She is accused of burglarizing a storage unit in the 1000 block of West 26th Street.
According to an arrest affidavit, police arrested Camacho on Nov. 25. Police made contact with Camacho after arrest a man, Michael Graves, who had fled as an officer was doing a routine night check of storage units. The man fell after running several feet and police made contact with him.
Graves, who police knew had dated Camacho, denied burglarizing the unit, but said he had been assisting Camacho with removing items from the unit and placing them in a van.
A van parked in front of the storage units had been previously tied to Camacho and was towed from the scene as evidence. The van was loaded with several items.
Police made contact with Camacho at a Scottsbluff business. She allegedly denied being involved in burglarizing the units, claiming that she was homeless and sleeping in the area. Police arrested her.
She is next scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 5.
Scottsbluff Police Department
Oct. 9
Police investigated a report of theft of funds from a victim by a caretaker. No arrests were noted in the report.
Oct. 30
Officers investigated a vandalism in the 1000 block of 15th Avenue.
Officers took a report of a stolen cell phone.
Aaron Rahmig, 31, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant.
At Walmart, two 17-year-old juvenile boys, both of Gering, and one 15-year-old juvenile boy, of Gering, were cited charges of theft by shoplifting.
Jesika Gillett, 20, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant after a traffic stop in the 900 block of Highway 26.
Police investigated damage to the Scottsbluff Fire Department storage unit.
Oct. 31
Police investigated the theft of electricity from an apartment in the 1900 block of Third Avenue.
Benjamin DeLosSantos, 43, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant.
Albert Cornelius, 36, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a charge of second-degree assault in the area of Fifth Avenue and East Overland.
John Harsh, 41, of Scottsbluff, was cited on a charge of driving under suspension.
Rafus Stowe, 47, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana more than an ounce, possession of marijuana with the intent to deliver and possession of drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop in the 2000 block of Avenue A.
Nov. 1
Nancy Johnson, 65, of Scottsbluff, was cited on charges of no proof of insurance and no valid registration. She was cited again later on a charge of failure to yield to emergency vehicles.
Officers investigated a report of a stolen vehicle, which lead to the discovery of fraud. No arrests have been made as of the time of the report.
In the 2000 block of Avenue F, officers obtained a search warrant for a residence, finding 23 grams of marijuana. Two juveniles, a 17-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl, were cited on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Manuel Lopez, 38, of Scottsbluff, was cited on a charge of possession of less than an ounce of marijuana.
Officers investigated a report of a woman who had been threatened on Facebook.
At Walmart, Camila Valdillez, 45, of Gering, and Raul Dominguez Jr., 43, were arrested on charges of theft by shoplifting.
At Walmart, Heidi Moore, 23, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and theft by shoplifting.
Nov. 2
Scottsbluff Police investigated a child abuse intake.
Police arrested a 16-year-old male on a Scotts Bluff County warrant.
Officers invested a report of theft of fuel from the Northgate Ampride, 3302 Ave. B. A suspect was identified.
At Home Depot, Kathy Pritchard, 28, of Scottsbluff, was cited on a charge of theft.
A 16-year-old girl was cited on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of drug paraphernalia.
At Walmart, Joshuah Swalve, 25, of Mitchell, was cited on a charge of theft by shoplifting.
Officers investigated a report of theft at Country Auto Sales, 1821 E. Overland. A suspect was identified.
Officers investigated a child abuse intake.
Nov. 3
At Bluffs Middle School, two 13-year-old female students were cited on charges of fighting by mutual consent.
At Walmart, Kateri NeverMissAShot, 20, of Scottsbluff, was cited on a charge of theft by shoplifting.
Marrisa Sifuentes, 19, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant after a traffic stop on Avenue I. She was also cited on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.
Nov. 4
As officers investigated a disturbance on Broadway, Hunter Bollman, 23, of Minatare, was arrested on maintaining a nuisance and driving under the influence.
In the 900 block of East 11th Street, officers investigated the theft of tools from a vehicle.
Nov. 5
Three 16-year-old juveniles were cited on charges of minor in possession in the 1400 block of East 17th Street.
Donna Zamarripa, 64, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence.
Officers investigated a theft at Jimmy Johns. A juvenile suspect was identified during the investigation.
Nov. 6
Michael ODonahue, 55, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on charges of violation of a protection order.
At Dollar General, 818 E. Overland, officers cited Lukas Camacho, 23 of Scottsbluff, on a charge of theft by shoplifting.
Officers investigated the theft of tools from Creoll Ready Mix, 315 S. Beltline. No arrest had been made as of the time of the report. At Walmart, a 17-year-old girl and Emilee Reisig, 19, of Scottsbluff, were cited on charges of theft by shoplifting.
In the 1200 block of Third Avenue, officers investigated a report of a theft from Munoz Construction. No arrests or citations had been made as of the time of the report.
At Scottsbluff High School, a 16-year-old female and 17-year-old female were cited on charges of fighting by mutual consent.
Officers investigated the theft of a purse at Walmart. Suspects were developed; No arrests had been made as of the time of the report. Nov. 7
In the 2500 block of Avenue A, Hugo Sanchez, 19, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a charge of disturbing the peace.
A juvenile female, age not identified, was cited on a charge of third-degree assault after an after school fight on Nov. 6.
Officers investigated a report of theft in the 1700 block of Third Avenue.
In the 2300 block of Avenue D, Spencer Drake, 31, of Scottsbluff, and Michael Mawhinney, 46, of Scottsbluff were cited on charges of disorderly conduct.
Officers investigated a child abuse intake.
Nov. 8
Officers investigated a child abuse intake.
At 15th and E. 12th Street, Anessa Ortiz, 21, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant. Alex Rascon, 23, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant.
Patrick Rollins, 38, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant in the 1800 block of Avenue F.
Jolene Aguayo, 35, of Gering, was cited on a charge of driving under suspension.
At Walmart, a 16-year-old girl was cited on a charge of theft by shoplifting.
Officers investigated a report of theft by deception. A suspect has been identified but no arrest was noted at the time of the report.
Nov. 9
Orrey Pickering, 31, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant.
At Bluffs Middle School, Sam Rodriguez, 24, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence and possession of an open container. Colby Mendoza, 26, of Scottsbluff, was cited on a charge of possession of an open container.
Officers investigated a report of theft at a residence in the 00 block of South Street in Gering.
Officers received a report of a protection order violation.
Jason Anderson, 45, of Scottsbluff, was cited on a charge of theft by shoplifting in connection with a theft at Murdochs.
Nov. 10
In the 500 block of W. 20th Street, Alexis Gonzalez, 33, of Scottsbluff, Kenneth Calvert, 27, of Fletcher, North Carolina, and Timothy Kling, 29, of Prestwyck, Connecticut, were cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Kling was also cited for open alcohol container.
A 15-year-old juvenile was cited on a charge of curfew violation.
At Walmart, Luciano Montanez, 27, of Gering, was cited on a charge of theft by shoplifting.
At Walmart, Consuela Gurrola-Rios, 37, was cited on a charge of theft by shoplifting. Jose Torres-Torres, 34, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a charge of theft by shoplifting.
At Walmart, Nicholas Miller, 18, of Alliance, and a juvenile, age not noted, were cited on charges of theft by shoplifting. Miller was also cited on a charge of possession of marijuana less than an ounce.
A 17-year-old boy was cited on a charge of driving under suspension.
Jessey Newberry, 28, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence.
Nov. 11
Police investigated a report of theft from a motor vehicle in the 1900 block of Broadway.
In the 800 block of W. 11th Street, Jeremy Serda, 28, of Scottsbluff, was cited on a charge of disturbing the peace.
In the 600 block of East Eighth Street, Gilbert Makinster, 19, of Scottsbluff, Hunter Hancock, 20, of Scottsbluff, and Cheyenne Goin, 23, of Scottsbluff and two 17-year-old juveniles were cited on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Katie Zarasua, 25, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on charges of driving under suspension and no proof of insurance.
At Platte Valley Bank, officers investigated a report of fraud. A victim reported $1,700 had been stolen from an account.
Nov. 12
A 14-year-old boy, of Scottsbluff, was cited on a charge of curfew violation and providing false information.
Alexandra Teters, 20, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a Cheyenne County warrant after a traffic stop in the 100 block of East 17th Street.
Police investigated vandalism to a vehicle in the 0000 block of W. 19th Street.
In the 400 block of West 20th Street, police investigated a burglary in which tools were reported stolen. No citations or arrests had been made as of the issuance of the report.
In the 100 block of East 15th Street, officers arrested Raymond Martinez, 52, of Scottsbluff, on charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Karla Valdez Perez, 24, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence.
Nov. 13
Scottsbluff Police officers investigated three separate child abuse intakes.
Scottsbluff Police investigated a protection order violation.
Nathan Dubray, alias Nathan Tracke, 27, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a warrant from an outside jurisdiction after officers responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of West 25th Street.
Officers investigated a robbery reported in the 1700 block of Fourth Avenue.
In the 1200 block of Fifth Avenue, officers arrested Bryce Wallace, 24, of Scottsbluff, on charges of possession of marijuana more than one ounce but more than one pound, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Nov. 14
Two juveniles were cited on charges of theft by shoplifting at Walmart. The juveniles ages were not identified.
Officers investigated a child abuse intake.
In the 1600 block of 12th Avenue, Angel Alvarez, 27, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a charge of driving under suspension.
In the 1900 block of Broadway, Jared Spurgeon, 19, was cited on a charge of driving under suspension and no proof of insurance.
In the 400 block of W. 27th Street, officers responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident that turned into a disturbance. After investigation Amy Flores, 21, of Scottsbluff, was issued a citation on charge of disturbing the peace.
Officers received a report of a shoplifting that occurred on Nov. 4 in the 2400 block of Frontage Road.
Nov. 15
Jesus Cruz, 21, of Gering, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant. He was also arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance.
At the intersection of Avenue B and W. 18th Street, Charles Little Elk, 34, of Scottsbluff, was cited on a charge of possession of an open container.
A 12-year-old juvenile boy was cited on a charge of theft by shoplifting.
Michael McNeely, 57, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant.
In the 200 block of E. 15th Street, Melisa Rice, 26, of Scottsbluff, and Lindsey Steyer, 34, of Scottsbluff, were cited on charges of third-degree assault. One of the women were transported to Regional West, however, the media report did not identify which woman was transported.
Nov. 16
In the 1400 block of East 17th Street, police investigated a theft of auto parts and accessories.
In the 2300 block of Frontage Road, Edna Weinmaster, 84, of Scottsbluff, was cited on a charge of possession of an open container.
Police investigated a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle did not have an engine or transmission.
At Walmart, David Retzer, 20, of Scottsbluff, was cited on a charge of theft by shoplifting.
In the 700 block of West 25th Street, police investigated a burglary.
Nov. 17
Gregory Rose, 33, of Scottsbluff, and Eric Pinkstaff, 31, of Scottsbluff, were arrested on Scotts Bluff County warrants.
In the 1700 block of 11th Avenue, Arthur Albertson, 37, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana less than an ounce and possession of drug paraphernalia.
On 16th Avenue, Douglas Clinesmith, 45, cited on charges of fictitious plates.
At Walmart, Brian Brady, 37, of Torrington, was cited on a charge of theft by shoplifting.
Police investigated a report of domestic assault in the 1600 block of Fourth Avenue. No arrests were noted in the media report.
Police investigated a report of an altercation between an adult and a student that occurred at Bluffs Middle School. Further details were not listed in the media report.
In the 1800 block of Broadway, Alexis Gonzales, 33, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant.
Nov. 18
At Railway Street and Avenue B, Samantha McCloud, 32, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant.
In the 100 block of West 21st St., officers investigated a theft report.
In the 1000 block of 15th Avenue, officers investigated a report of a stolen vehicle.
In the 2300 block of Avenue D, officers arrested David Retzer, 20, of Scottsbluff, on a charge of burglary and Cali Downs, 18, of Scottsbluff, on charge of accesory to a felony.
Nov. 19
In the 400 block of W. 16th Street, Aaron Rahmig, 31, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on a Scotts Bluff County warrant.
On Avenue I, Robert Johns, 66, of Scottsbluff, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and refusal to submit to a chemical test.
Gabriel Archuleta, 34, of Scottsbluff, and Matthew Moore, 31, of Scottsbluff, were cited on charges of fighting by mutual consent in the 1400 block of 17th Street.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 27, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GFM Resources Limited (the Corporation) (TSX-V:GFM.H) is pleased to announce that, further to its June 30, 2017 news release, it has entered into a loan agreement (the Loan Agreement) with its new majority shareholder Metallorum Holding, S.A.P.I. de C.V., of Mexico (Metallorum) for the purpose of covering its operational needs.
Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, Metallorum will make available to the Corporation with a line of credit in up to USD $2,000,000 per year. Advances made under the Loan Agreement bear annual simple interest calculated on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2%, calculated daily on the outstanding balance. Advances made under the Loan Agreement will be repayable on demand. There are no convertibility features on this Loan Agreement.
Under the Loan Agreement, the Corporation has already received CAD $80,000 in funding from Metallorum.
Concurrently, and in order to fund the local operations in Mexico of the Corporations subsidiary, GFM Resources de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. (the Subsidiary), Metallorum also entered into a loan agreement with the Subsidiary (the Subsidiary Agreement), whereby Metallorum will make available for use by the Subsidiary up to MXN $40,000,000 per year (approximately USD $2,000,000 per year). Advances made under the Subsidiary Agreement will bear simple annual interest based on the Bank of Mexicos inter-bank loan rate TIIE (for its acronym in Spanish Tasa de Interes Interbancaria de Equilibrio) plus 2%, calculated daily on the outstanding balance. The Subsidiary Agreement has a term of two years. There are no convertibility features on this Subsidiary Agreement.
Under the Subsidiary Agreement, the Subsidiary has received approximately CAD $113,000 to meet its obligations.
Both the Loan Agreement and the Subsidiary Agreement are subject to the approval of the NEX Board of the TSX Venture Exchange.
Metallorum is the controlling shareholder of the Corporation and holds 85% of its issued and outstanding shares. The Loan Agreement and the Subsidiary Agreement are considered related party transactions under TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. The loans are exempt from the shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(f) of such instrument for loans made on commercially reasonable terms that have no equity or voting component. The loans were approved by the independent directors of the Corporation and do not affect Metallorums security holdings in the Corporation.
For additional information, please contact:
Salvador Miranda, Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (+1) 604 925 2839
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
LINCOLN A judge has ordered Lancaster County Treasurer Andy Stebbing to stand trial on five felony charges related to accusations that he illegally sold cars.
Stebbing was bound over to Lancaster County District Court last week on two counts of income tax evasion, two counts of falsifying vehicle titles and one count of selling cars without a license. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Stebbing, 53, has denied wrongdoing. During a Nov. 6 preliminary hearing, his lawyer argued that prosecutors failed to meet the burden of proving that a crime was committed and that Stebbing committed any offenses.
Seward County Judge C. Jo Petersen wrote in an order that the state presented sufficient evidence that Stebbing sold used cars without a required dealers license and that he failed to report income from the sales on his tax returns.
No date has been set for an arraignment hearing, which will allow Stebbing to formally enter a plea to the charges.
Petersen presided over the case because Lancaster County judges recused themselves over a potential conflict of interest.
Stebbing has said he intends to seek re-election to the Treasurers Office next year. The former sheriffs deputy would be trying for a third term.
A teacher has been placed on leave after a racial slur was used by students acting out a scene in a social studies class at West Iredell High School.
By Michael Boyd, jr. STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD While Ste. Genevieve County residents voted no to Amendment 3, the rest of the Show-Me State said yes to legalize marijuana, passing the measure on Tuesday (Nov. 8), according to unofficial results from the 2022 midterm elections. Missouri now is one of the 21 states, along with Washington,
EDMONTON, Alberta, Nov. 27, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Changes to Albertas Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Workers Compensation systems will save the lives of countless workers in Alberta, while also providing better support to workers who are injured at work.
For the first time since it was introduced in 1976, Albertas Occupational Health and Safety Act will see comprehensive updates. For decades, Alberta has been at the back of the pack for safety, with a high worker injury rate compared to other jurisdictions in Canada. Bill 30: An Act to Protect the Health and Well-being of Working Albertans contains an expansion of rights and protections that are long overdue, and will have profound implications for workers.
The nature of work has changed a lot over the last forty years, yet for decades previous conservative governments refused to step up to protect the lives of workers, said Gil McGowan, President of the Alberta Federation of Labour. These long overdue Occupational Health and Safety changes will put workers at the center of the workplace health and safety equation by building our OHS system on three fundamental worker rights: the right to know about workplace hazards, the right to participate in workplace health and safety programs and policies, and the right to refuse unsafe work.
The new legislation ensures workers have a voice in workplace health and safety through Joint Work Site Health and Safety Committees or Representatives at work site with 5 or more employees. Joint health and safety committees are the norm at many unionized workplaces such as Suncor, the Imperial Oil Strathcona Refinery, TransAlta, Safeway, and throughout the public sector, said McGowan. These committees have been shown to be an effective way to engage workers and provide them a voice in ensuring a safer workplace.
Another key change in the new legislation is that when stop-work orders are issued to address unsafe working conditions, workers will continue receiving pay and benefits. Not only will this encourage workers to step forward with health and safety concerns, but it will provide incentives for employers to quickly address the problem, said McGowan.
For workers who are injured or killed on the job, changes to Workers Compensation will ensure broader and more comprehensive coverage. Those who are injured will be able to access better coverage with the elimination of the insurable earnings cap and improved survivors benefits, and with a renewed focus on getting them back to work. They will also see the creation of an independent Fair Practices Office to provide an ombudsman-type role within the workers compensation system.
A robust Occupational Health and Safety system combined with an improved Workers Compensation system is an opportunity, not a threat, for employers, said McGowan. Better workplace health and safety will mean fewer injuries and deaths which is good in and of itself, but also means less lost work time, and a decrease in money paid to support the victims of workplace injuries and fatalities.
Because the Workers Compensation Board Accident Fund was already funded at 133.8% at the end of 2016, employers shouldnt see their WCB premiums increase because of these changes.
By empowering workers, this legislation will save lives. Many, many lives. This is a very good day for working Albertans, said McGowan.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Janelle Morin
Alberta Federation of Labour
780-278-3640 or jmorin@afl.org
CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 27, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Western Investment Company of Canada Limited (Western or the Company) (TSX Venture:WI) announces that it has filed its interim financials statements and MD&A for the third quarter ended September 30, 2017 (Q3 2017). All results are presented in Canadian dollars. Readers should refer to the September 30, 2017 Management Discussion and Analysis Quarterly Highlights, and the consolidated interim financial statements for complete information, which are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
About Western (www.winv.ca)
Western is a publicly traded private equity company. Our purpose is to create long-term wealth for shareholders by building and maintaining a portfolio of strong, stable, and profitable Western-based companies and helping them to grow and prosper. Our strategy is to use our expertise and capital to grow already great Western Canadian businesses ultimately contributing to their success and legacy over the long run.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Western Investment Company of Canada Limited
Scott Tannas
President and Chief Executive Officer
(403) 652-2663
stannas@winv.ca
Not for distribution to United States news wire services or dissemination in the United States.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Updated with closing share prices.
Emerson CEO David Farr said Tuesday he will rebuild his company in smaller steps after giving up on his $29 billion bid to buy Rockwell Automation Inc.
Focusing on more modest targets is Plan B for Farr, who had hoped to achieve his goal of dominating the factory-efficiency market with one big, bold acquisition. Rockwell Automation, which has dramatically outperformed Emerson this year in the stock market, rejected his offer even after he sweetened it twice.
Clearly the Rockwell opportunity is dead and we're moving on, Farr said Tuesday on a conference call with analysts. We want to be a broad automation-solutions house.
He vowed to forge ahead with internal investments, partnerships and acquisitions to broaden the company's expertise in automation. Emerson mostly serves the process side of the business, providing software and equipment for products made by combining ingredients, such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, beverages and oil derivatives. Rockwell is the leading supplier of controls for assembly lines.
Emerson's decision concluded a campaign that became more aggressive earlier this month, when the Ferguson-based maker of manufacturing software and equipment released its third offer on the same day that Rockwell was scheduled to address investors. Rockwell rejected the proposal on Nov. 22, saying Emerson's sweetened $225-a-share bid in cash and stock didn't outweigh the risks in bringing together the automation companies.
Emerson shares climbed 3.7 percent on Tuesday, closing at $64.15. Rockwell rose 3.2 percent to $197.13.
"We liked seeing Emerson's aggressive push for this strategic asset," Deane Dray, an analyst at RBC Capital Markets, said in a note to investors. "We also commend Mr. Farr for not chasing Rockwell beyond the already lofty implied valuation."
Emerson is getting a good start with a "back to basics" message, said Cowen & Co. analyst Gautam Khanna, who raised his rating on Emerson to outperform from market perform.
Rockwell, based in Milwaukee, has maintained that it's better off alone with its successful Logix product that gives customers a single software platform to build on. In his rejection of Emerson's third offer, Rockwell CEO Blake Moret last week said that a combination would result in a "weakened position and dis-synergies."
"We thank our shareowners for their input and support," Rockwell said in an emailed statement Tuesday. "The Rockwell Automation board and management team are committed to the execution of our strategy, which we are confident will continue delivering extraordinary shareowner returns."
Farr, 62, has had his eyes on Rockwell for years. The acquisition would have helped him rebuild Emerson after he was forced to restructure two years ago by shedding a computer power-equipment business that he built over his 17 years as CEO. The unit had come under pressure from Asian competition and was dragging on Emerson's profits. As a result of the restructuring, Emerson's annual sales dropped to $15.3 billion from $24.5 billion in 2014.
Farr on Tuesday pledged to increase Emerson's position in assembly-line automation, citing his experience in building the process-automation unit from the eighth-largest in the industry in the 1990s to become the biggest.
"We're going to move forward aggressively,'' he said. "We're going to build this out just like we did back in the '90s when we were a minor, minor, minor player in the process world.''
Emerson will make investments internally, form partnerships and snap up smaller companies in deals ranging from $250 million to $1 billion each, he said. There may even be opportunities to buy businesses from General Electric, Farr said.
GE is shedding at least $20 billion of assets as new CEO John Flannery reshapes the portfolio in an attempt to pull the manufacturer out of a slump. GE has said it would explore options for its lighting and locomotives operations but didn't detail all of the planned divestitures.
Farr dashed analyst speculation that Emerson may split off the Commercial & Residential Solutions unit, which makes products ranging from garbage disposals to air-conditioner compressors. Emerson will continue to make acquisitions in the residential business, which accounts for 39 percent of Emerson's sales. The unit will close an acquisition of more than $200 million in about a month, he said.
"We have no interest in changing this platform structure over the next several years," he said. "We have our two strong platforms and we like where we are at this point from the growth opportunities."
Bloomberg's Richard Clough contributed.
BRUSSELS The European Union has approved a five-year extension of the use of glyphosate, but French President Emmanuel Macron says he plans to ban the weedkiller in his country.
After a drawn-out process, the EU backed the extension with a qualified majority. Glyphosates license was due to expire in mid-December.
Germany cast a surprise vote for the extension, a move that divided the caretaker government in Berlin and could have repercussions on Chancellor Angela Merkels negotiations to form a grand coalition between Christian Democrats and Socialists. France remained opposed.
Macron said Monday that he would take all measures necessary to ban glyphosate in France as soon as an alternative is available and in three years at the latest.
Macron announced the move on Twitter. He ended his tweet by writing: #MakeOurPlanetGreatAgain.
Environmentalists had hoped for an immediate EU ban. They claim that the weedkiller, used in Monsantos Roundup, is linked to cancer.
Farmers, who say the substance is safe, had wanted a 15-year extension. EU nations had failed to find a compromise until Monday.
EU health and food safety Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis said that when we all want to, we are able to share and accept our collective responsibility in decision making.
One official said that 18 member states voted in favor, 9 against and one abstained.
The decision taken today by a narrow qualified majority of Member States has locked the EU into another five years of toxic agriculture, said Bart Staes, a Green Party member of the European Parliament. This is a dark day for consumers, farmers and the environment.
A ban on the widely used chemical would have shaken Europes agriculture sector. Pekka Pesonen, president of the Copa-Cogeca farmer group, welcomed the limited extension but insisted that glyphosate should have been reauthorized for 15 years after it was given a positive assessment by both the European Food Safety Authority and the European Chemicals Agency.
Politically, Mondays approval proved toxic in Berlin.
Germany voted for the extension over the objection of Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks, who said she had told Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt by phone Monday that she was against it.
Schmidt, whose Christian Social Union is the sister party to Chancellor Angela Merkels Christian Democratic Union, told the Rheinische Post that Germany had voted for the agreement because of conditions that will strengthen the role of biodiversity and animal protection.
Recent commitments to clean energy from area companies and municipalities have been met with praise but also questions about feasibility, given the local grids reliance on coal.
On Monday, Ameren Missouri proposed a new program that could help meet such goals. In a filing with the state Public Service Commission, Ameren said its Renewable Choice Program would enable certain customers to subscribe to wind energy for up to 100 percent of their average energy needs.
The move comes on the heels of the utilitys September announcement that it will invest $1 billion in new wind generation its biggest commitment yet to renewable energy.
This is really a follow-up from our plan filed in September, said Ajay Arora, Amerens vice president of environmental services and generation resource planning. This would provide a way for customers and cities looking to acquire renewable energy.
Though he could not disclose specific companies, Arora noted that several of our large corporate customers have expressed interest in the program, which he said would be the first of its kind in Missouri offered by an investor-owned utility.
Arora said Ameren has yet to determine where the programs wind energy would come from, though he voiced a preference for sourcing it as close to the customer as possible. He said the program has the option for Ameren to provide this need ourselves as the company adds more wind generation.
Renewable energy advocates said the move was another welcome sign that Ameren recognizes the growing demand for wind power.
Theyre finally recognizing that customers want clean energy, and thats significant, said Andy Knott, a representative for the Sierra Clubs Beyond Coal campaign in Missouri.
The proposal needs PSC approval. Knott said prospective customers will want to ensure that they will not be locked into prices that could be undercut by wind powers plummeting costs.
If the program proves viable, Knott said, it can help facilitate renewable energy commitments announced by cities and companies. The St. Louis Board of Aldermen recently passed a resolution intending to pursue 100 percent clean energy by 2035.
Is it a fair program that adequately represents the falling price of wind? Because if its fair then, yeah, this should really bolster the corporate and municipal goals for clean energy, he said.
During the approval process, Knott said, it will be interesting to see if any companies argue for having the right to shop for power purchase agreements on their own, rather than having utilities like Ameren serve as gatekeepers.
Basically this is a power purchase agreement that is controlled by the utility, Knott said. It does not give the Walmarts or Anheuser-Busches of the world the freedom to go out there and make proposals and find the lowest price. They have to go to Ameren to find that.
President Donald Trump is on the verge of subsidizing coal plants that would otherwise be driven out of business by cheaper, cleaner natural gas.
A plan that would leave consumers footing a potential multibillion-dollar bill is expected Dec. 11, and Trump couldn't have chosen a more enthusiastic person to get it done: Neil Chatterjee, a Republican from coal country, who has spent years brokering seemingly impossible deals for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Now he's cutting the biggest deal of his career and he's running out of time to do it.
His role as chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the agency that oversees U.S. power markets, is temporary, with a replacement waiting in the wings. With precious little time, he's pushing a proposal to bail out failing coal plants, paid for by electricity customers. And he's treating this latest negotiation as seriously as a last-minute fight for votes in Congress.
"I've tried to take Senator McConnell's approach," Chatterjee said in an interview last week. "What I learned from him will help me land this."
In several interviews, Chatterjee laid out his strategy for success, revealing one likely framework for keeping money-losing coal plants alive. He describes it as "the most significant proposed change to market rules in decades."
Trump made the rebirth of coal, unpopular because of its expense and its contribution to climate change, a central theme of his 2016 campaign. Since then, coal magnate Robert Murray has appealed directly to the president to halt the wave of coal-plant retirements. Murray said that without immediate government intervention, power generator FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. will be forced into bankruptcy, followed by his own company, Murray Energy Corp. Some other energy-generating companies oppose the payments.
Three third-party studies put the cost of compliance between $311 million and $288 billion, depending on which plants are eligible and how the payments are structured.
The payments mark a shift in strategy for Trump officials. Rather than attacking environmental regulations unfavorable to coal, the plan aims to slow coal's market decline.
Coal, once the largest source of U.S. electricity generation, has seen its share of the power market dwindle to less than a third as natural gas emerged as a less expensive alternative. Between 2002 and 2016, more than 59 gigawatts of coal-fired power enough to supply 59 million homes a year went offline, thinning the economic prospects for coal producers.
Murray is arguing that the subsidies would halt coal-plant retirements and keep 6,500 miners on the job. FirstEnergy says the payments would bolster the reliability of America's electricity grid. The plan also includes payments to nuclear plants which, along with coal generators, are able to store fuel on site. Natural gas and renewables generators typically don't.
Chatterjee said he intends to act quickly and save as many plants as possible. Under his preferred approach, coal and nuclear plants would collect monthly payments from grid operators to keep them in the black, regardless of how much energy they generate. Those payments would come from electricity customers, primarily in the Midwest, who could see their monthly bills rise as soon as the spring.
"This is entirely unprecedented," said Malcolm Woolf, head of government affairs at the clean-energy firm Advanced Energy Economy. "It's issuing an emergency lifeline for coal that's paid for by downstream customers."
Other options, such as letting grid operators decide how and whether to compensate plants, would take longer, potentially delaying payouts until 2019. That's something Chatterjee said he would prefer to avoid.
"What I don't want to have is plants shut down while we're doing this longer-term analysis, so we need an interim step to keep them afloat," Chatterjee told reporters earlier this month.
The Energy Department's latest plan to rescue struggling plants came after Murray pushed the agency to provide direct assistance to FirstEnergy.
In an Aug. 4 letter to Trump aide John McEntee III, Murray demanded that the agency issue emergency government orders allowing FirstEnergy's coal plants to operate when they'd otherwise be retired. Energy Secretary Rick Perry has issued two such orders since taking office, for coal plants in Oklahoma and Virginia.
In the letter, Murray reminded McEntee that Trump had delegated a key plank of U.S. energy policy to Murray and FirstEnergy Corp. Chief Executive Officer Charles Jones. Murray, referring to National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn, recounted that Trump had instructed McEntee to "tell Cohn to do whatever these two want him to do."
A few weeks later, Perry issued a plan more sweeping than the one Murray had initially proposed.
"This is the single greatest action that has been taken, in decades, to support low-cost, reliable electric power in the United States," Murray said in an October statement.
FirstEnergy spokeswoman Jennifer Young said the company is "encouraged by the discussions underway at FERC." She urged the commission "to move promptly to implement a plan that keeps these critical baseload assets in operation."
More than 80 percent of the coal payments proposed by Murray and FirstEnergy could go to just five companies: FirstEnergy, NRG Energy Inc., Dynegy Inc., American Electric Power Co. and Talen Energy Corp., according to an analysis by the San Francisco-based clean-energy research firm Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology.
Other likely beneficiaries include Exelon Corp., which has sought subsidies for its money-losing nuclear plants in New York and Illinois, and Public Service Enterprise Group Inc., which runs nuclear reactors in New Jersey.
PSEG supports ensuring that "nuclear plants are not prematurely retired pending a long-term, market-based solution," said spokesman Paul Rosengren.
Exelon said it urged the commission to act quickly "to halt the retirements of baseload nuclear units that are among the most resilient" in the industry. Talen Energy did not respond to a request for comment.
Many companies that stand to gain from the plan have come out against it over concerns that it could upend wholesale power markets. Dynegy, with coal-fired capacity of about 9.5 gigawatts, enough to power 9.5 million homes, has asked FERC to reject the proposal.
"Even from the perspective of a coal generator, the proposed rule should not be adopted because it would substantially, and potentially irreversibly, harm the nation's competitive electricity markets," the company said.
NRG, with nearly 9 gigawatts of coal capacity as of August, also expressed reservations. "While the wholesale energy markets need reform, it would be a mistake for FERC to fight subsidies with more subsidies," said Marijke Shugrue, an NRG spokeswoman.
AEP filed comments opposing the plan. Company spokeswoman Melissa McHenry said that FERC should do more analysis before adopting any proposal that would reward plants for resilience.
Chatterjee needs three of the five FERC commissioners to pass his plan. The two sitting commissioners, Republican Robert Powelson and Democrat Cheryl LaFleur, raised concerns that the bailout would distort power markets.
Two other commissioners including the incoming chairman are waiting to join the commission after the Senate delayed their confirmations. Democrat Richard Glick, who is presumed to oppose the plan, will be sworn in Wednesday. The timing for Trump's pick for chairman, Kevin McIntyre, remains unclear, though the Republican and former partner at the Jones Day law firm is expected to take over any day. He's previously indicated that he wouldn't support money-losing coal plants the same way Chatterjee has.
"FERC is not an entity whose role includes choosing fuels for the generation of electricity," McIntyre said at a Senate hearing in September. "FERC's role, rather, is to ensure that the markets for the electricity generated by those facilities proceed in accordance with law."
Chatterjee, who hails from coal-rich Kentucky, remained confident. "I'm hopeful that at least two of my colleagues, once they're sworn, will take my view," he said.
Bloomberg's Dave Merrill contributed.
NEW YORK, LONDON and HONG KONG, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hazeltree, the leading provider of integrated buy-side treasury management solutions, today released its latest whitepaper addressing excellence in treasury operations from an institutional investor perspective. Treasury operations due diligence is expanding well beyond the historical focus on cash controls to include how well evolved and optimized a managers treasury function is, which is not only essential to minimizing counterparty risk, but key to reducing costs and adding incremental yield.
Institutional investors are continuing their allocations to alternative investments at a rapid pace, with record inflows reported. This trend is likely to continue into 2018, with strong allocations to hedge funds, private equity, and real estate asset classes. That said, most of the allocations are going to the larger managers having consistent returns and more robust operations, with a clear focus on treasury. Capital allocations are skewed toward managers who can demonstrate: robust counterparty risk management, asset protection and transparency, timely liquidity, reduced funding and operational costs, and straightforward fees.
Asset allocators are focusing beyond performance to consider concentration risk, counterparty exposure, borrow costs, margin requirements and cash management all now integral to their due diligence reviews and ongoing manager scrutiny, said Sameer Shalaby, CEO of Hazeltree. Fund managers should focus their attention on implementing structured treasury processes and technology to respond to their investor demands.
The whitepaper, Institutional Investors Drive Treasury Operations Excellence, summarizes what treasury issues matter most to allocators and what sets managers apart from the crowd, and also includes a list of key questions relevant to treasury operational due diligence.
To download a copy of the new whitepaper, visit http://www.hazeltree.com/news/ or contact a Hazeltree representative.
About Hazeltree
Hazeltree is the leading Treasury Management solution provider, serving hedge funds, asset managers, fund administrators, insurance companies and pension funds with powerful, proactive performance enhancement and risk mitigation capabilities that generate alpha from operations, reduce a range of risks and streamline operations. Hazeltrees integrated treasury management solution includes comprehensive cash management, securities financing, collateral management, counterparty management and margin management capabilities. Hazeltree is headquartered in New York with offices in London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.hazeltree.com.
Contact:
Sameer Shalaby, President & CEO
sshalaby@hazeltree.com
646.790.7250
ST. LOUIS Police have released the names of six people killed in the city over four days starting on Thanksgiving.
The homicides brought the total for the year in the city to 190, St. Louis police said. At the same time last year, the city had 171 homicides on the way to a total of 188. There were 188 homicides in 2015 as well.
The names released Monday by police include:
Shelbyon Polk, 19, who was found dead with gunshot wounds to his torso about 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the 2600 block of Burd Avenue. He lived in the 1400 block of Yaqui Drive in Florissant. The address on Burd is in the Wells Goodfellow neighborhood.
Reco Terry, 28, who was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head on the front porch of a home in the 5500 Block of Hebert Street about 4:30 p.m. Thursday. He lived in the 6400 block of Myrtle Avenue in Wellston, about a mile from where he was found dead. The Hebert address is also in the Wells Goodfellow neighborhood.
Charles Keltz, 37, who was found shot to death about 7:30 p.m. in the 200 block of Quincy Street, in the Carondelet neighborhood. Thursday. He lived nearby in the 7000 block of Minnesota Avenue. Police believe he was beaten before he was shot.
Police had no suspect information or motive in any of those cases.
On Friday, three people were shot during an argument in the 3600 block of Iowa Avenue. All three were taken to a hospital, where David Dunn, 31, died. A 25-year-old man was hit in the hand and a 44-year-old woman was hit several times. They both survived.
Police say they were arguing with a group of 3-5 males in the Gravois Park neighborhood when all three were shot about 4 p.m. Dunn had lived in the 8700 block of Wescott Avenue in Jennings.
Another man was fatally shot about 5:50 p.m. Saturday in the 8200 block of Pelham Avenue, near North Broadway in the Baden neighborhood. Raymond Neal, 34, was found with gunshot wounds and was taken to a hospital, where he died. He had been in a fight with a male before the shooting, according to police.
The sixth fatal shooting, on Sunday, claimed the life of Danielle Wilder, 26, police said. Officers called to a shooting found her dead in the 6300 block of Sherry Avenue in the Walnut Park West neighborhood about 6 p.m. She had been shot multiple times. Police had no suspects.
Wilder had lived in the 5200 block of College Avenue.
Authorities asked anyone with information to call CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-8477.
JEFFERSON CITY Missouri residents will be able to board airplanes and enter federal installations using their current drivers licenses and identification cards following a decision by the federal government.
In an announcement Tuesday, the Missouri Department of Revenue said the state has been granted a nearly yearlong waiver to begin complying with the federal REAL ID Act.
Without the waiver, airports could have turned away Missourians attempting to board planes using their IDs beginning in January.
The extension is the latest step in a lengthy tussle between Missouri and the federal government over tougher security features for drivers licenses that were rolled out in the wake of the 2001 terrorist attacks in New York.
Missouri lawmakers have been at odds with the law since it went into effect in 2005, arguing that the provisions could allow state residents personal information to be hacked or misused.
In 2009, Missouri approved a law prohibiting the Department of Revenue from complying with the new regulations, joining more than a dozen other states enacting similar bans.
But support for that law began unraveling when contractors and truckers began having trouble getting into federal facilities in Missouri such as Fort Leonard Wood and Whiteman Air Force Base that require the enhanced IDs.
This spring, the Legislature approved a plan to begin offering a federally compliant license.
The new law allows people to have the option of getting an enhanced ID or continuing to use the noncompliant ID.
The state is now in the midst of a two-step plan aimed at launching the new cards within the next 18 months.
The first phase will focus on getting federal approval for the design of the new identification cards.
The second phase is aimed at getting final approval by March 2019. Among the tasks is finalizing fingerprint background checks on Department of Revenue employees who work with drivers licenses and identification cards.
Revenue spokeswoman Anne Marie Moy said the waiver runs through October 2018, which means the state will have to apply for a second waiver next year.
CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 27, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- High Arctic Energy Services Inc. (TSX:HWO) (High Arctic or the Corporation) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. J. Cameron Bailey to the position of Chief Executive Officer effective today.
Mr. Bailey was most recently Managing Director, Investment Banking at Altacorp Capital responsible for Oil Field Services, Midstream and International Exploration and Development. He has had extensive experience as a founder, senior executive and board member managing the Canadian and international operations of oil field services companies. In addition, Mr. Bailey has relevant experience as a senior executive of public exploration and production companies in North America and emerging markets. He was formerly the founder and CEO of an E&P company operating in South America and founder and Chairman of an oil field services company operating in Canada and the United States.
Michael Binnion, Executive Chairman of the Board commented, "After an extensive search for a new CEO, we are pleased that Cam has agreed to join High Arctic as our new CEO. We are confident that he will help to continue to deliver on High Arctics profitable growth and development while focusing on maintaining our strong safety culture and partnership with our customers. In addition, Cams background and skills are ideally suited to further High Arctics focus on business development, both organically and through acquisitions. He shares High Arctics vision of efficient and safe operations and our safety culture. I am pleased to welcome Cam to High Arctic on behalf of the board and it is fortuitous that we are touring our PNG operations this week to introduce him to this key part of our operations."
About High Arctic
High Arctic is a publicly traded company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol HWO. The Corporations principal focus is to provide drilling and specialized well completion services, equipment rentals and other services to the oil and gas industry.
High Arctics largest operation is in Papua New Guinea where it provides drilling and specialized well completion services and supplies rig matting, camps and drilling support equipment on a rental basis. The Canadian operation provides well servicing, snubbing and nitrogen services and equipment on a rental basis to a large number of oil and natural gas exploration and production companies operating in Western Canada.
For more information, please contact:
Michael Binnion
Executive Chairman of the Board
Phone: 403-807-7375
Email: michael.binnion@haes.ca
Brian Peters
Chief Financial Officer
Phone: 587-318-2218
Email: brian.peters@haes.ca
On a Wednesday in May 2015, the Missouri Capitol press corps was in the middle of a good old-fashioned stakeout. Reporters crowded around the entrance to House Speaker John Diehl's office, waiting for the Town and Country Republican to emerge.
Hours earlier, the Kansas City Star had posted an explosive report, with two-dozen screen shots of sexually charged texts between Diehl and a Capitol intern.
"God I want you right now," Diehl, who was married with three children, wrote in one text.
"I wish you could have me right now," the intern responded.
At least one reporter speculated that Diehl would spend the night in his office rather than show his face to the scrum.
But around 11 p.m., after hours holed up in his office, he came out.
"It was very regrettable," he told reporters. "It was a stupid thing to do, and I'm sorry."
Reporters wanted answers. How long had this been going on? Did Diehl send those texts? Why did he deny that he did write them when reporters starting asking questions weeks earlier?
He said a statement he issued earlier that day spoke for itself. It didn't.
Diehl, flustered, made his way down a Capitol staircase, with seemingly every journalist in Jefferson City following along. Someone picked Diehl up in the Capitol garage, driving him off into the night.
By the end of the week, Diehl had resigned, his political career in tatters.
In the months after Diehl's resignation, two other lawmakers resigned under clouds of sexually charged controversy. Sen. Paul LeVota, D-Independence, resigned in July that year following sexual harassment allegations involving Capitol interns. State Rep. Don Gosen, R-Ballwin, resigned the following February amid revelations that he had an affair while in office.
The string of scandals placed the toxic work environment many women faced in the Capitol under a microscope. The House reviewed and toughened its policies on sexual harassment.
The information communicated within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
28 November 2017
AFRICAN POTASH LIMITED
("African Potash" or the "Company")
Blockchain Joint Venture Agreement and proposed Change of Name
Joint Venture
African Potash, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Joint Venture agreement with FinComEco Limited a subsidiary of GMEX Group Limited. The agreement is to jointly develop and operate a range of platforms/projects and initiatives in the agricultural commodity markets sector in sub-Saharan Africa. This will be underpinned by the deployment of a complete blockchain-based agricultural ecosystem solution. This supply-to-demand chain links together smallholder farmers, small-scale traders, brokers, storage, transportation, and commodity buyers. It will help enable smallholder farmers to raise productivity andpotentially obtain a better price for their produce. In the longer term, it may provide opportunities for further income growth as well as opening alternative added-value opportunities including broader e-commerce-enabled enterprises.
It is anticipated that demand will be driven by the provision of microloans by the Company direct to Small Scale farmers ("SSF"). The microloans are expected to bear interest at approximately 12% per annum, a rate which will be a significant disrupter in the countries of operation where farmers can pay well over double this rate. The portfolio of loans will be insured against non-performance. All supply chain financing and transaction logging will be by blockchain. This will offer a much more secure and cheaper alternative to present systems where they exist. Dealing direct with the farmer will limit government interference and cut out "the middlemen" and thereby potentially lower costs further.
FinComEco, backed by GMEX, will ensure the purchase of agricultural commodities grown by the SSF through the deployment of existing warehouse receipt systems and commodity exchanges with secure payment of profit to the farmer after the repayment of the loan and interest to the Company.
Shareholders will benefit both from the revenue from the sale of fertiliser and other inputs direct to SSFs, as well as the sale of outputs and from interest on the loans.
Change of Name
This joint venture with FinComEco to deploy an integrated microloan financed, token-based, input and output trading ecosystem is a significant step forward in our strategy to build a vertically integrated fertiliser business from initial resource through to selling directly to the farmer. Furthermore, it demonstrates the advantages the role of blockchain technology-based solutions can bring to commodity trading. In light of this significant development of the Company's strategy, the Board is proposing changing the Company's name to reflect the technology that will be core to its envisaged growth. A resolution to change the name of the Company to Block Commodities Limited will be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, details of which will be sent to shareholders in due course. Rt. Hon. Mark Simmonds, non-executive director of African Potash, is also currently Chairman of FinComEco and was the former UK Foreign & Commonwealth office Minister with responsibilities for Africa, the Caribbean, UK Overseas Territories, International Energy and Conflict Prevention.
Hirander Misra, Founder and Deputy Chairman of FinComEco and CEO of GMEX Group, said "We are delighted to be working with AFPO to transform the lives of smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa. Our unique collaborative approach is delivering best-of-breed technology, standards and inputs (including seeds, fertilisers and pesticides) coupled with agricultural finance facilitation to link the supply to market side demand creating a holistic agricultural value chain."
Chris Cleverly, Executive Chairman, said, "By linking agriculture to blockchain technology, the joint venture will facilitate agricultural value-chain efficiencies through provision of strategic value-added services. Demand for agricultural inputs will be driven by the provision of low cost microloans direct to Small Scale Farmers ("SSF") for them to purchase inputs from our designated warehouses; with repayment in the form of warehouse receipts of SSF outputs. In addition, other value-added services such as the provision of market information, training and capacity building will be provided, working together with FinComEco and other appropriate partners. The blockchain system tokens are expected to generate other e-commerce opportunities as demand evolves. This agreement represents a further step in our strategy to build a vertically integrated fertiliser business from initial resource through to selling, using blockchain technology, direct to the farm. This strategy is reflected in the proposed change of name to Block Commodities limited".
The Company will make further updates in due course.
The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the content of this announcement.
**ENDS**
For further information visit www.africanpotash.com or contact the following:
For further information, please contact:
African Potash Limited Chris Cleverly +44 (0) 20 7408 9200 NEX Exchange Corporate Adviser: Alexander David Securities Limited David Scott - Corporate Finance +44 (0) 20 7448 9820 James Dewhurst - Corporate Broking +44 (0) 20 7448 9820
About African Potash (AFPO)
African Potash is an NEX Exchange-quoted company focussed on building a vertically integrated platform for the mining, production and distribution of fertiliser, primarily within Africa.
The Company operates the Lac Dinga Project in the Republic of Congo, which is prospective for potash, a key source of potassium fertiliser, and has a trading agreement to supply and deliver fertiliser primarily to the African continent.
For more information please visit http://www.africanpotash.com
About FinComEco
FinComEco, the financial and commodities ecosystem is fostering financial inclusion with social responsibility in collaboration with local stake-holders, development organisations, governments and the private sector with the aim of improving food security and economic diversity.
The new electronic commodities exchange solution is establishing and reinvigoRating local spot exchanges and enabling trade across multiple regions with a focus on the agricultural sector to create a holistic secure financial system.
It includes:
Price discovery and transparency
Electronic warehouse receipts
Trade finance and micro lending facilitation as a distribution hub
Risk management and hedging
Integrated Electronic banking and payments platform
Standards framework
Traceability and tracking enablement
Capacity building and education
Operational and technology consultancy
Working with trusted local partners
Operational objectives include:
Maximising the earnings potential for smallholder farmers
Supporting smallholder farmers to thrive enabled with best of breed-of-technology and inputs (including seeds, fertilisers and pesticides), coupled with a unique Agri-finance business model to solve credit and financing issues.
Leveraging as well as enhancing current logistics, warehousing and standards to establish a fully vitalised agricultural ecosystem efficiently linking supply to demand.
FinComEco has proven its concept in Malawi at the Agricultural Commodity Exchange for Africa (ACE) through GMEX Group and is establishing fully regulated market places in other African countries and South-East Asia.
Current shareholders include GMEX Group Limited, Saescada Limited and Houghton Street Capital Limited as well as individuals.
For more information visit www.FinComEco.com
About GMEX Group
GMEX Group is a set of companies that offer sustainable and innovative solutions for a new era of global financial markets. Providing business expertise, the latest technology, connectivity & operational excellence delivered through an aligned partnership driven approach. It uses its extensive market infrastructure experience and expertise to create an appropriate strategic master plan with exchanges, clearing houses, depositories, registries and warehouse receipt platforms.
The Group's key business solutions enable the creation and operation of cost effective electronic exchanges and post trade infrastructure in multiple asset classes including equities, debt, FX, derivatives and commodities. It operates in both developing and developed markets through the establishment of cohesive business and technology ecosystems. GMEX offers the added benefit of interconnection to multiple partner exchanges, to create global networks of liquidity.
Based on current copper resources, the PEA analyzes an initial, two-stage, modular, 12 million-tonne-per-annum operation supplied by two adjacent six million-tonne-per-annum mines and a direct-to-blister smelter yielding an after-tax NPV8% of US$7.2 billion and an IRR of 33% over a 44-year mine life
An initial six million-tonne-per-annum copper mine at Kakula can
be developed for an estimated US$1.2 billion; subsequent expansions
and smelter can be funded from cash flows or project finance
Combined production of 12 Mtpa would rank Kamoa-Kakula among
the worlds five largest copper mines, with projected annual production
of more than 500,000 tonnes of copper
Ivanhoe to explore acceleration options for building the first two mines
at Kamoa-Kakula concurrently, and the potential for expanding production
to 18 Mtpa and beyond
Development of Kakula being fast-tracked with twin declines now underway; pre-feasibility study in progress
Kakulas ultra-high copper grade expected to average 6.4%
over the first 10 years, with mine-site copper cash costs of US$0.51/lb
Ongoing drilling expanding and upgrading high-grade copper resources,
particularly at the Kakula West Discovery
KOLWEZI, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ivanhoe Mines (TSX:IVN) (OTCQX:IVPAF) Executive Chairman Robert Friedland and Chief Executive Officer Lars-Eric Johansson today welcomed the positive findings of an expanded, independent preliminary economic assessment (PEA) for the development of the Kakula Discovery at the Kamoa-Kakula Project on the Central African Copperbelt, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Given the dramatic expansion and upgrading of the copper resources delineated at Kamoa-Kakula during the past year, the new PEA incorporates potential increased mining rates that are 50% higher than the rates used in the December 2016 PEA.
The KamoaKakula Project a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group and the DRC government has been independently ranked as the worlds largest high-grade, major copper discovery by international mining consultant Wood Mackenzie.
The three potential development scenarios examined include:
Initial mine development scenario. The Kakula 2017 PEA evaluates the development of a six million-tonne-per-annum (Mtpa) underground mine and surface processing complex at the Kakula Deposit a discovery announced in early 2016 as the projects first phase of development.
Expanded, two-mine development scenario. The Kakula 2017 PEA also includes an option for an integrated, 12 Mtpa, two-stage development, beginning with initial production from the Kakula Mine, to be followed by a subsequent, separate underground mining operation at the nearby Kansoko Mine, along with the construction of a smelter.
Kamoa 2017 pre-feasibility study ( PFS ) . The Kamoa 2017 PFS evaluates the development of the Kansoko Mine as a stand-alone six Mtpa underground mine and surface processing complex that would be supplied with ore from the planned development of the Kansoko Sud and Kansoko Centrale areas of the Kamoa Deposit, which were discovered in 2008. The PFS refines the findings of the Kamoa March 2016 PFS, which envisaged a production rate of three Mtpa.
The Kakula 2017 PEA and Kamoa 2017 PFS were independently prepared by OreWin Pty. Ltd., Amec Foster Wheeler E&C Services Inc., SRK Consulting Inc., Stantec Consulting LLC, Golder Associates Ltd., KGHM Cuprum R&D Centre Ltd. and DRA Global.
The Kakula 2017 PEA is preliminary in nature and includes an economic analysis that is based, in part, on Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too speculative geologically for the application of economic considerations that would allow them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves and there is no certainty that the results will be realized. Mineral Resources do not have demonstrated economic viability and are not Mineral Reserves.
A NI 43-101 technical report will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com within 45 days of the issuance of this news release.
While not evaluated in the new PEA, Ivanhoe and Zijin also are exploring potential options to accelerate future production by building the Kakula and Kansoko mines concurrently as well as expansions to 18 Mtpa and beyond as exploration progresses at Kamoa-Kakula and on Ivanhoes 100%-owned exploration licences in the Western Forelands area to the west of Kamoa-Kakula, where drilling recently started.
Kamoa-Kakula is, without a shadow of a doubt, the most disruptive Tier One copper project in the world today, said Mr. Friedland.
The 12 million-tonne-per-annum development scenario clearly shows the economic potential for a phased development plan for Kamoa-Kakula to become one of the largest copper mines in existence. However, we are confident that there are more high-grade copper discoveries to be made in the area and the ultimate scale of operations at Kamoa-Kakula will be much larger.
The exceptionally high copper grades, thickness and continuity of the Kakula Discovery really distinguish this project from anything we have seen during our 35-plus years in the industry. These unique characteristics should allow us to build a world-scale copper mine with an initial capital cost expected to be far lower than other operations of this size.
Mr. Friedland noted that todays PEA announcement does not factor in the Kakula West Discovery, which is continuing to be expanded at a remarkable rate. The current study also does not factor in the ongoing drilling programs on new targets at Kamoa-Kakula or the companys 100%-owned Western Forelands exploration area. Additional exploration success could have a significant influence on the size, value and timing of the overall development plan; as such, the Kamoa-Kakula development plans will be reassessed and amended as the project moves forward to reflect ongoing exploration results.
We remain focused on unlocking the full potential of the Kamoa-Kakula copper district while expediting the development of the initial Kakula Mine.
The worlds current top copper mines are aging and their head grades are declining. Given the projected surge in demand for copper from the electric-vehicle revolution and renewable energy technologies, Kamoa-Kakula will be of significant strategic importance for auto makers and clean-energy companies looking to secure a long-term, reliable supply of high-quality copper, Mr. Friedland added.
Mr. Johansson said that implementation of community-support initiatives are central to mine-planning considerations. We will be working with our partners Zijin Mining and the DRC government in developing Kamoa-Kakula into the worlds next great copper mine, generating widely shared economic benefits that will help to uplift local communities, and providing skills training to help ensure that area residents can qualify for the thousands of meaningful direct and indirect jobs that will be created.
It is highly unusual by industry standards that, despite being in the early exploration and engineering phases of a project, Ivanhoe and Zijin are proud to be leading by example and have invested heavily in community development initiatives. Our joint efforts include the KNOW FOR SURE anti-malaria campaign utilizing revolutionary technology developed by Fio Corporation of Toronto, Canada. Other initiatives include fish and chicken farming, agricultural projects, and the construction of schools, roads and power infrastructure.
Everyone at Ivanhoe Mines looks forward to showcasing our three mine development projects Kamoa-Kakula, Kipushi and Platreef to investors from around the world as the official site visit of the 2018 Mining Indaba conference that will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, in early February 2018. Those interested in attending our site visit should apply to our investor relations department as soon as possible.
HIGHLIGHTS
Potential initial six Mtpa mine at Kakula
The PEA analyzes the potential development of an initial six Mtpa Kakula Mine at the Kakula Deposit in the southerly portion of the Kamoa-Kakula Projects discovery area. For this option, the PEA envisages an average annual production rate of 246,000 tonnes of copper at a mine site cash cost of US $0.45/lb copper and total cash cost of US $1.08/lb copper for the first five years of operations, and copper annual production of up to 385,000 tonnes by year four.
An initial capital cost of US $1.2 billion for this option would result in an after- tax net present value at an 8% discount rate (NPV8%) of US $4.2 billion . The internal rate of return of 36.2% and project payback period of 3.1 years confirm the compelling economics for Kamoa-Kakulas initial phase of production.
Kakula benefits from an ultra-high, average feed grade of 6.4% copper over the first 10 years of operations, and 5.5% copper on average over a 24-year mine life.
A six Mtpa Kakula PFS is underway, with completion targeted for the second half of 2018. Kakulas surface box cut was completed on October 26 this year. Development of twin underground declines, similar to those at the nearby Kansoko Mine, has begun and is expected to take about a year to complete. The first blast for the declines was completed on November 16.
Modular, integrated potential development of Kakula and Kamoa deposits,
mining a combined total of 12 Mtpa
The PEA also presents the development of a two-phase, sequential operation on Kamoa-Kakulas high-grade copper deposits.
Initial production would occur at a rate of six Mtpa from the Kakula Mine, before increasing to 12 Mtpa with ore from the Kansoko Mine. As resources at Kakula and Kansoko are mined, the PEA envisages that production would begin at Kamoa North to maintain 12 Mtpa throughput over a 44-year mine life.
For the two-phase sequential operation, the PEA envisages US $1.2 billion in initial capital costs. Future expansion at the Kansoko Mine and subsequent extensions could be funded by cash flows from the Kakula Mine, resulting in an after-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate ( NPV8% ) of US $7.2 billion and an internal rate of return of 33%.
Under this approach, the PEA also includes the construction of a direct-to-blister flash copper smelter with a capacity of 690,000 tonnes of copper concentrate per annum to be funded from internal cash flows. This would be completed in year five of operations, achieving significant savings in treatment charges and transportation costs.
The 12 Mtpa scenario delivers average annual production of 370,000 tonnes of copper at a total cash cost of US$1.02/lb copper during the first 10 years of operations and production of 542,000 tonnes by year nine. At this future production rate, Kamoa-Kakula would rank among the worlds five largest copper mines.
A pre-feasibility study for a six Mtpa mine at Kansoko also has been examined
In addition to the Kakula PEA , a PFS also has been completed for the development of a six Mtpa Kansoko Mine at the Kamoa Deposit, the projects original discovery area. For this option, the PFS envisages an average annual production rate of 178,000 tonnes of copper for the first 10 years of operations, and annual copper production of 245,000 tonnes by year seven.
The initial capital cost of US$1.0 billion to develop this mine would result in an after-tax NPV8% of US$2.1 billion an increase of 109% compared to the after-tax NPV8% of US$986 million that was projected in the March 2016 Kamoa PFS. The internal rate of return is 24%, with a project payback period of five years.
Potential phased mine developments to 18 Mtpa and beyond currently
under evaluation for Kamoa-Kakula
Ivanhoe is continuing to explore options to increase Kamoa-Kakula production to 18 Mtpa and beyond. In light of the successful step-out drilling at Kakula West, as well as the potential to find additional resources in high-priority targets located in the untested parts of the Kamoa-Kakula Project, development plans will be reassessed and amended as the project moves forward.
Figure 1 describes the potential development scenarios and Figure 2 shows an overview of deposits included within Kakula 2017 PEA (six Mtpa and 12 Mtpa case) and Kamoa 2017 PFS (six Mtpa).
Figure 1. Kamoa-Kakula PEA long-term development plan.
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/be51513a-e945-4b1d-a6d4-c7539ba5269c
Figure 2. Overview of deposits included within Kakula 2017 PEA (six Mtpa and 12 Mtpa case) and Kamoa 2017 PFS (six Mtpa).
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f1ce9220-bf22-4b73-b6c6-adcb286a9ecc
Summary of the PEAs key results for an initial Kakula Mine
Very-high-grade initial phase of production is projected to have a grade of 7.3% copper in year four and an average grade of 6.4% copper over the initial 10 years of operations, resulting in estimated average annual copper production of 284,000 tonnes.
Annual copper production is estimated at 385,000 tonnes in year four.
Initial capital cost, including contingency, is estimated at US$1.2 billion.
Average total cash cost of US$1.14/lb of copper during the first 10 years.
After-tax NPV, at an 8% discount rate, of US$4.2 billion.
After-tax internal rate of return (IRR) of 36.2%, and a payback period of 3.1 years.
Kakula is expected to produce a very-high-grade copper concentrate in excess of 50% copper, with extremely low arsenic levels.
Key initial projections from the Kakula 2017 PEA
The study assesses the potential development of the Kakula Deposit as a six Mtpa mining and processing complex. The Kakula mill would be constructed in two smaller phases of three Mtpa each as the mining operations ramp-up to full production of six Mtpa. The life-of-mine production scenario provides for 108.4 million tonnes to be mined at an average grade of 5.48% copper, producing 9.4 million tonnes of high-grade copper concentrate, containing approximately 11.4 billion pounds of copper.
The economic analysis uses a long-term price assumption of US$3.00/lb of copper and returns an after-tax NPV at an 8% discount rate of US$4.2 billion. It has an after-tax IRR of 36.2% and a payback period of 3.1 years.
The estimated initial capital cost, including contingency, is US$1.2 billion. The capital expenditure for off-site power, which is included in the initial capital cost, includes a US$71 million advance payment to the DRC state-owned electricity company, SNEL, to upgrade two hydropower plants (Koni and Mwadingusha) to provide the Kamoa-Kakula Project with access to clean electricity for its planned operations. Mwadingusha is being upgraded first. The work is being led by Stucky Ltd., of Switzerland; the advance payment will be recovered through a reduction in the power tariff.
The Kakula 2017 PEA is preliminary in nature and includes an economic analysis that is based, in part, on Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too speculative geologically for the application of economic considerations that would allow them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves and there is no certainty that the results will be realized. Mineral Resources do not have demonstrated economic viability and are not Mineral Reserves.
Key results of the Kakula 2017 PEA for a single six Mtpa mine are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1. Kakula Mine results summary for six Mtpa production.
Item Unit Total Total Processed Quantity Milled kt 108,422 Copper Feed Grade % 5.48 Total Concentrate Produced Copper Concentrate Produced kt (dry) 9,400 Copper Recovery % 86.86 Copper Concentrate Grade % 54.94 Contained Metal in Concentrate Mlb 11,385 Contained Metal in Concentrate kt 5,164 Peak Annual Recovered Metal Production kt 385 10-Year Average Copper Concentrate Produced kt (dry) 517 Contained Metal in Concentrate kt 284 Mine-Site Cash Cost US$/lb 0.51 Total Cash Cost US$/lb 1.14 5-Year Average Copper Concentrate Produced kt (dry) 448 Contained Metal in Concentrate kt 246 Mine-Site Cash Cost US$/lb 0.45 Total Cash Cost US$/lb 1.08 Key Financial Results Peak Funding US$M 1,135 Initial Capital Costs US$M 1,231 Expansion Capital Costs US$M 318 LOM Average Mine Site Cash Costs US$/lb Cu 0.60 LOM Average Total Cash Costs US$/lb Cu 1.23 Site Operating Costs US$/t Milled 61.49 After-Tax NPV8% US$M 4,243 After-Tax IRR % 36.2 Project Payback Period Years 3.1 Initial Project Life Years 24
Table 2 summarizes the financial results and Table 3 summarizes potential mine production and processing statistics.
Table 2. Kakula Mine financial results for six Mtpa production.
Net Present Value (US$M) Discount Rate Before Taxation After Taxation Undiscounted 16,607 11,700 4.0% 9,940 6,919 6.0% 7,816 5,398 8.0 % 6,200 4,243 10.0% 4,955 3,353 12.0% 3,984 2,660 Internal Rate of Return 43.0% 36.2% Project Payback Period (Years) 2.9 3.1
Table 3. Kakula Mine average estimated production and processing statistics for six Mtpa production.
Item Unit YEARS
1-5 YEARS
1-10 LOM
AVERAGE Total Processed Quantity Milled kt 4,135 5,073 4,518 Copper Feed Grade % 6.80 6.42 5.48 Annual Concentrate Produced Copper Concentrate Produced kt (dry) 448 517 392 Copper Recovery % 87.46 87.29 86.86 Copper Concentrate Grade % 54.94 54.94 54.94 Contained Metal in Concentrate Copper Mlb 543 627 474 Copper kt 246 284 215 Payable Metal Copper Mlb 530 612 463 Copper kt 240 277 210
The Kakula concentrator production is shown in Figure 3 and the concentrate and metal production is shown in Figure 4.
Figure 3. Kakula Mine estimated tonnes milled and head grade for the first 20 years.
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Figure 4. Kakula Mine estimated concentrate and metal production for the first 20 years.
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Table 4 summarizes unit operating costs. Table 5 provides a breakdown of revenue and operating costs. Capital costs for the project are detailed in Table 6.
Table 4. Kakula Mine unit operating costs for six Mtpa production.
US$/lb Payable Copper YEARS 1-5 YEARS 1-10 LOM
AVERAGE Mine Site 0.45 0.51 0.60 Transport 0.31 0.31 0.31 Treatment & Refining Charges 0.15 0.15 0.15 Royalties & Export Tax 0.17 0.17 0.17 Total Cash Costs 1.08 1.14 1.23
Figure 5. 2018 Mine-site cash costs (includes all operational costs at mine site).
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Figure 6. 2018 C1 pro-rata copper cash costs (includes mining, processing, transportation and offsite realization costs).
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Table 5. Kakula Mine estimated revenue and operating costs for six Mtpa production.
TOTAL
LOM YEARS
1-5 YEARS
1-10 LOM
AVERAGE US$M US$/t Milled Revenue Copper in Concentrate 33,346 384.31 361.76 307.56 Gross Sales Revenue 33,346 384.31 361.76 307.56 Less: Realization Costs Transport 3,418 39.93 37.21 31.52 Treatment & Refining 1,663 19.16 18.04 15.34 Royalties & Export Tax 1,935 22.29 20.99 17.85 Total Realization Costs 7,015 81.38 76.24 64.70 Net Sales Revenue 26,331 302.93 285.53 242.86 Site Operating Costs Underground Mining 4,679 39.94 44.65 43.16 Processing 1,308 12.00 12.14 12.06 Tailings 29 0.30 0.25 0.26 General & Administration 728 6.36 5.77 6.71 SNEL Discount -187 -2.12 -2.23 -1.67 Customs 104 0.91 0.99 0.96 Total 6,661 57.38 61.57 61.49 Net Operating Margin 19,670 245.55 223.96 181.37 Net Operating Margin 74.70 % 81.06 % 78.44 % 74.68 %
Table 6. Kakula Mine estimated capital investment summary for six Mtpa production.
Description Initial
Capital Expansion
Capital Sustaining
Capital Total US$M US$M US$M US$M MINING Underground Mining 403 1,045 1,447 Capitalized Pre-Production 36 36 Subtotal 438 1,045 1,483 POWER Power Supply Off Site 71 71 Capitalized Power Cost 4 4 Subtotal 75 75 CONCENTRATE & TAILINGS Process Plant 146 84 159 389 Tailings 27 74 101 Subtotal 173 158 159 489 INFRASTRUCTURE Mine Surface Infrastructure 35 24 59 General Infrastructure 110 76 187 Rail Link 48 48 Subtotal 145 48 100 293 INDIRECTS EPCM 78 31 109 Owners Cost 95 20 115 Closure 75 75 Subtotal 173 51 75 298 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE BEFORE CONTINGENCY 1,004 257 1,378 2,638 Contingency 227 62 65 354 CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AFTER CONTINGENCY 1,231 318 1,443 2,992
Figure 7. Capital intensity for large-scale copper projects.
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The after-tax NPV sensitivity to metal price variation is shown in Table 7 for copper prices from US$2.00/lb to US$4.00/lb. The annual and cumulative cash flows are shown in Figure 8.
Table 7. Kakula Mine copper price sensitivity.
After-Tax NPV (US$M) Copper Price - US$/lb Discount Rate 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 Undiscounted 4,135 7,921 11,700 15,478 19,253 4.0% 2,257 4,591 6,919 9,247 11,573 6.0% 1,654 3,529 5,398 7,267 9,135 8.0 % 1,195 2,722 4,243 5,764 7,282 10.0% 841 2,100 3,353 4,606 5,856 12.0% 567 1,617 2,660 3,703 4,744 IRR 18.9% 28.6% 36.2% 42.8% 48.6%
Figure 8. Kakula Mine projected cumulative cash flow.
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Expanded 12 Mtpa development scenario for the Kakula and Kamoa deposits
The Kakula 2017 PEA also assesses the potential development of the Kakula and Kamoa deposits as an integrated, 12 Mtpa mining and processing complex, built in two stages. This scenario envisages the construction and operation of two separate facilities: first, an initial mining operation would be established at the Kakula Mine on the Kakula Deposit; and then a subsequent, separate mining operation would begin at the Kansoko Mine on the Kansoko Sud and Kansoko Centrale areas of the Kamoa Deposit.
As this two-staged development scenario is based on currently delineated resources, it does not incorporate the mining of any resources that may be delineated at the Kakula West discovery or that may result from the ongoing drilling of high-priority targets located in the untested parts of the Kamoa-Kakula Project area. Each mining operation is expected to be a separate underground mine with a shared processing facility and surface infrastructure. Included in this scenario is the construction of a direct-to-blister flash copper smelter with a capacity of 690,000 tonnes of copper concentrate per annum.
As the resources at the Kakula and Kansoko Mines are mined out, production would begin at Kamoa North to maintain throughput of 12 Mtpa to the then existing concentrator and smelter complex.
The Kakula 2017 PEA is preliminary in nature and includes an economic analysis that is based, in part, on Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too speculative geologically for the application of economic considerations that would allow them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves and there is no certainty that the results will be realized. Mineral Resources do not have demonstrated economic viability and are not Mineral Reserves.
Summary of the PEAs key results for the 12 Mtpa development scenario
Very-high-grade initial phase projected to have a grade of 7.3% copper in year four and an average grade of 5.72% copper during the first 10 years of operations, resulting in estimated average annual copper production of 370,000 tonnes.
Annual copper production is estimated at 542,000 tonnes in year nine, ranking Kamoa-Kakula as one of the five largest copper mines in the world.
Initial capital cost, including contingency, is US$1.2 billion, with subsequent expansions from Kansoko and other mining areas, as well as the smelter, to be funded by cash flows from the Kakula Mine.
Average total cash costs of US$1.02/lb of copper during the first 10 years, including sulphuric acid credits.
After-tax NPV, at an 8% discount rate, of US$7.2 billion.
After-tax IRR of 33% and a payback period of 4.7 years.
Key results of this potential development scenario are summarized in tables 8, 9 & 10 and figures 9 & 10.
Table 8. 12 Mtpa Kamoa-Kakula PEA results summary.
Item Unit Total Total Processed Quantity Milled kt 444,276 Copper Feed Grade % 3.79 Total Concentrate Produced Copper Concentrate Produced kt (dry) 34,206 Copper Concentrate - External Smelter kt (dry) 9,744 Copper Concentrate - Internal Smelter kt (dry) 24,461 Copper Recovery % 85.97 Copper Concentrate Grade % 42.30 Cont. Metal in Conc. - External Smelter Mlb 10,627 Cont. Metal in Conc. - External Smelter kt 4,820 Cont. Metal in Blister - Internal Smelter Mlb 20,955 Cont. Metal in Blister - Internal Smelter kt 9,505 Peak Annual Recovered Metal Production kt 542 10 Year Average Copper Feed Grade % 5.72 Copper Concentrate Produced kt (dry) 758 Cont. Metal in Conc. - External Smelter kt 188 Cont. Metal in Blister - Internal Smelter kt 182 Mine Site Cash Cost (Including Smelter) US$/lb 0.63 Total Cash Cost (After Credits) US$/lb 1.02 Key Financial Results Peak Funding US$M 1,139 Initial Capital Costs US$M 1,235 Expansion Capital Costs US$M 3,647 LOM Avg. Mine Site Cash Cost US$/lb 0.91 LOM Avg. Total Cash Costs (After Credits) US$/lb 1.20 Site Operating Costs US$/t Milled 64.17 After-Tax NPV8% US$M 7,179 After-Tax IRR % 33.0 Project Payback Years 4.7 Initial Project Life Years 44
Table 9. 12 Mtpa Kamoa-Kakula PEA unit operating costs.
US$/lb Payable Copper YEARS 1-5 YEARS 1-10 LOM
AVERAGE Mine Site (ex-Smelter) 0.46 0.54 0.78 Smelter 0.05 0.09 0.13 Transport 0.27 0.23 0.21 Treatment & Refining Charges 0.12 0.10 0.09 Royalties & Export Tax 0.15 0.13 0.12 Total Cash Costs Before Credits 1.04 1.09 1.33 Sulphuric Acid Credits1 (0.03) (0.07) (0.13) Total Cash Costs After Credits 1.02 1.02 1.20 Assumes a sulphuric acid price of US$200 per tonne.
Table 10. 12 Mtpa Kamoa-Kakula PEA copper price sensitivity.
After-Tax NPV (US$M) Copper Price (US$/lb) Discount Rate 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 Undiscounted 10,638 21,313 31,970 42,598 53,213 4.0% 4,540 9,414 14,283 19,146 24,005 6.0% 2,969 6,492 10,008 13,522 17,033 8.0 % 1,913 4,549 7,179 9,808 12,435 10.0% 1,187 3,218 5,243 7,267 9,290 12.0% 679 2,282 3,879 5,475 7,069 IRR 16.6% 25.5% 33.0% 39.6% 45.5%
Figure 9. 12 Mtpa scenario mill feed and grade profile.
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Figure 10. 12 Mtpa scenario concentrate and metal production.
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Figure 11. Projected 12 Mtpa Kamoa-Kakula production (year-nine peak copper production shown) compared to the worlds projected top 20 producing mines in 2025 by paid copper production.
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Figure 12. Nominal production and head grade of the worlds top 10 largest new greenfield projects.
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Summary of the key results for the Kamoa 2017 PFS
In addition to the PEA, a pre-feasibility study (PFS) has been completed for the development of a six Mtpa Kansoko Mine at the Kamoa Deposit. This refines the findings of the Kamoa March 2016 PFS, which envisaged a production rate of three Mtpa. The PFS is based entirely on the Kamoa 2017 PFS Mineral Reserve, details of which are shown in Table 13.
The PFS re-assesses the development of the Kamoa Deposit as a stand-alone six Mtpa mining and processing complex. The life-of-mine production scenario schedules 125.2 million tonnes to be mined at an average grade of 3.81% copper, producing 11.4 million tonnes of high-grade copper concentrate, containing approximately 9.2 billion pounds of copper.
The economic analysis uses a long-term price assumption of US$3.00/lb of copper and returns an after-tax NPV at an 8% discount rate of US$2.1 billion, an increase of 110% compared to the after-tax NPV8% of US$986 million that was projected in the Kamoa 2016 PFS. It has an after-tax IRR of 24.2% and a payback period of 5.0 years. The estimated initial capital cost, including contingency, is US$1.0 billion.
Key results of the Kamoa 2017 PFS for a single six Mtpa mine are summarized
in Table 11.
Table 11. Kansoko Mine results summary for six Mtpa production.
Item Unit Total Total Processed Quantity Milled kt 125,182 Copper Feed Grade % 3.81 Total Concentrate Produced Copper Concentrate Produced kt (dry) 11,405 Copper Recovery % 87.52 Copper Concentrate Grade % 36.63 Contained Metal in Concentrate Mlb 9,211 Contained Metal in Concentrate kt 4,178 Peak Annual Recovered Metal Production kt 245 10 Year Average Copper Concentrate Produced kt (dry) 487 Contained Metal in Concentrate kt 178 Mine Site Cash Cost US$/lb 0.57 Total Cash Cost US$/lb 1.44 Key Financial Results Peak Funding US$M 1,070 Initial Capital Costs US$M 1,004 Expansion Capital Costs US$M 348 LOM Average Mine Site Cash Costs US$/lb Cu 0.64 LOM Average Total Cash Costs US$/lb Cu 1.51 Site Operating Costs US$/t Milled 45.21 After-Tax NPV8% US$M 2,063 After-Tax IRR % 24.2 Project Payback Period Years 5.0 Initial Project Life Years 26
The Kamoa-Kakula Project is a very large, stratiform copper deposit with adjacent prospective exploration areas within the Central African Copperbelt, located approximately 25 kilometres west of the town of Kolwezi and about 270 kilometres west of Lubumbashi. The Kamoa Copper Deposit was discovered by Ivanhoe Mines (then named Ivanhoe Nickel & Platinum) in 2008, followed by the discovery of the Kakula Deposit in early 2016.
In August 2012, the DRC government granted mining licences to Ivanhoe Mines for the Kamoa-Kakula Project that cover a total of 397 square kilometres. The licences are valid for 30 years and can be renewed at 15-year intervals. Mine development work at the project began in July 2014 with construction of a box cut for the decline ramps for the Kansoko Mine.
Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin Mining each hold an indirect 39.6% interest in the Kamoa-Kakula Project, Crystal River Global Limited holds an indirect 0.8% interest and the DRC government holds a direct 20% interest.
Kamoa-Kakula Project Mineral Resource estimate
The Mineral Resource for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Deposit has an effective date of November 27, 2017. The Kamoa and Kakula Mineral Resources are summarized in Table 12 and are reported on a 100% basis.
Table 12. Consolidated Mineral Resource Statement, Kamoa-Kakula Project November 27, 2017, 1% copper cut-off over minimum thickness of approximately 3 metres.
Deposit Category Tonnes
(millions) Area
(sq. km) Copper
Grade Vertical
Thickness
(metres) Contained
Copper
(kt) Contained
Copper
(billion lbs) Kamoa Indicated 759 50.7 2.57 % 5.5m 19,515 43.0 Inferred 202 19.4 1.85 % 3.8m 3,739 8.2 Kakula Indicated 349 9.8 3.23 % 12.6m 11,281 24.9 Inferred 59 3.0 2.26 % 7.0m 1,338 3.0 Total
Kamoa-Kakula
Copper Project Indicated 1108 60.5 2.78 % 6.6m 30,796 67.9 Inferred 261 22.4 1.94 % 4.2m 5,078 11.2
Notes to accompany Kamoa-Kakula Project Mineral Resource table.
Ivanhoes Mineral Resources Manager, George Gilchrist, Professional Natural Scientist (Pr. Sci. Nat) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), estimated the Mineral Resources under the supervision of Dr. Harry Parker and Gordon Seibel, both RM of Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), who are the Qualified Persons for the Mineral Resource estimate. The effective date of the estimate is November 27, 2017, and the cut-off date for the drill data is May 16, 2017. Mineral Resources are estimated using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources at Kamoa are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. No Mineral Reserves are currently reported at Kakula.
Mineral Resources are estimated assuming underground mining methods, a copper price of US$3.00/lb (Kamoa) and US$3.00/lb (Kakula), a cut-off of 1% total copper, an approximate minimum thickness of 3 metres, and that concentrates will be produced and sent to a smelter.
Tonnage and contained-copper tonnes are reported in metric units, contained-copper pounds are reported in imperial units and grades are reported as percentages.
Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade and contained metal content.
A new, expanded mineral resource estimate for Kamoa-Kakula, based on drill holes completed to the end of December 2017, is expected to be issued in January 2018. The new estimate will include initial resources for the Kakula West Discovery and the saddle area between the existing Kakula Mineral Resource area and the Kakula West Discovery.
Kamoa 2017 PFS Mineral Reserve
The Kamoa 2017 PFS Mineral Reserve has been estimated by Qualified Person Jon Treen, Senior Vice President, Stantec Consulting LLC, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves to conform to the Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The total Mineral Reserve for the Kamoa Project is shown in Table 13. The Mineral Reserve is based on the May 2014 Mineral Resource. The Mineral Reserve is entirely a Probable Mineral Reserve that was converted from Indicated Mineral Resources. The effective date of the Mineral Reserve statement is November 28, 2017.
Table 13. Kamoa 2017 PFS Mineral Reserve Statement.
Tonnage
(Mt) Copper
(%) Copper
(Recovered Mlb) Copper
(Recovered kt) Proven Mineral Reserve - - - - Probable Mineral Reserve 125.1 3.81 8,884 4,030 Mineral Reserve 125.1 3.81 8,884 4,030
Notes to accompany Kamoa 2017 PFS Mineral Reserve table
The copper price used for calculating the financial analysis is long-term copper at US$3.00/lb. The analysis has been calculated with assumptions for smelter refining and treatment charges, deductions and payment terms, concentrate transport, metallurgical recoveries and royalties. For mine planning, the copper price used to calculate block model Net Smelter Returns was US$3.00/lb. An elevated cut-off of US$100.00/t NSR was used to define the stoping blocks. A cut-off of US$80.00/t NSR was used to define ore and waste for the mine plan. Indicated Mineral Resources were used to report Probable Mineral Reserves. The Mineral Reserves reported above are not additive to the Mineral Resources.
The Kamoa 2017 PFS Mineral Reserve ranges between depths of 60 metres and 1,300 metres below surface and the average dip is approximately 17 degrees. Given the favourable mining characteristics of the Kamoa Mineral Resource, it is considered amenable to large-scale, mechanized, room-and-pillar mining or control convergence room-and-pillar (CCRP) mining. The arrangement of the declines at Kansoko Sud and the Mineral Reserve mining areas are shown in Figure 2.
Combination of mining methods selected
Mining methods in the Kakula 2017 PEA are assumed to be a combination of controlled-convergence room-and-pillar (CCRP) and drift-and-fill. For the Kakula Mine, drift-and-fill mining utilizing paste backfill was selected as the mining method for the thick high grade areas. This method was selected to maximize the extraction of the Mineral Resource where the selected mining height is greater than six metres and multiple mining lifts are required to achieve maximum extraction. The Mineral Resource that is between three metres and six metres will be mined using the CCRP mining method.
At the planned Kansoko Mine, in the Kansoko Sud and Centrale areas the CCRP mining method was selected for ore zone depths of below 150 metres and mining heights of six metres or less. The design for the Kansoko Sud and Centrale mining areas is based on the Kamoa 2016 PFS mine design, which includes a service decline and a conveyor decline. The production rate envisaged in the Kamoa 2017 PFS is to six Mtpa compared to four Mtpa outlined in the 2016 Kamoa PFS. At Kakula, the deposit is planned to be similarly accessed by twin declines with a productive mining rate of six Mtpa.
CCRP mining method is a form of room-and-pillar that includes a second phase of pillar reduction after the cut line has advanced. The in-panel pillars are designed in post destructive state allowing most of the pillars to be trimmed by mechanical means ensuring controlled excavation and monitoring of the convergence process. This method is productive and provides very good extraction rates at relatively low costs. The CCRP mining method has been successfully implemented by KGHM at its copper-mining operations in Poland for the past 20 years. Ivanhoe Mines engaged KGHM Cuprum R&D Centre Ltd. to study the applicability of this method to Kamoa. The results of the study indicate that the Kamoa Deposit is suited to the application of the CCRP mining method.
Metallurgical test work and concentrator design
Between 2010 and 2015, a series of metallurgical test work programs were completed on drill-core samples of known Kamoa copper mineralization. These investigations focused on metallurgical characterization and flow-sheet development for the processing of hypogene and supergene copper mineralization.
In 2016, further bench-scale metallurgical flotation test work was carried out at XPS Consulting and Testwork Services laboratories in Falconbridge, Ontario, Canada. This test work was conducted on composite samples of drill core from the Kansoko Sud and Kansoko Centrale areas in the southern part of the Kamoa Mineral Resource area. The flowsheet developed was suited for the fined grained nature of the material and yielded positive results. Test work on a composite grading 3.61% copper produced a copper recovery of 85.4% at a concentrate grade of 37.0% copper. The second composite, grading 3.20% copper, produced a copper recovery of 89.2% at a concentrate grade of 35.0% copper using the same flowsheet.
Additional bench-scale metallurgical flotation test work was carried out in 2016 on two chalcocite-rich composites from the Kakula Deposit at a Zijin Mining laboratory in Xiamen, China, and by XPS Consulting and Testwork Services. The initial composite, grading 4.1% copper, produced a copper recovery of 86% at a concentrate grade of 53% copper at the Zijin Mining laboratory in July 2016. The second composite, grading 8.1% copper, produced a recovery of 87% at an extremely high concentrate grade of 56% copper. The flotation tests were conducted using the circuit developed during the 2016 Kamoa pre-feasibility study.
Average arsenic levels in the concentrate were measured to be approximately 0.02%, which is significantly lower than the limit of 0.5% imposed by Chinese smelters. Extremely low arsenic levels in concentrate are expected to attract a premium from copper-concentrate traders.
The concentrator design incorporates a run-of-mine stockpile, followed by primary and secondary crushing on surface. The crushed material with a design-size distribution of 80% passing (or P80) nine millimetres (mm), is fed into a two-stage ball-milling circuit for further size reduction to a target grind size p80 of 53 micrometres (m). The milled slurry will be passed through a rougher and scavenger flotation. The high-grade, or fast-floating rougher concentrate, and medium-grade, or slow-floating scavenger concentrate, will be collected separately. The rougher concentrate is upgraded in two stages to produce a high-grade concentrate. The medium-grade scavenger concentrate and tailings from the two rougher cleaning stages, representing approximately 25% of the feed mass, will be combined and re-ground to a P80 of 10m before being cleaned in two stages. The cleaned scavenger concentrate then will be combined with the cleaned rougher concentrate to form the final concentrate. The final concentrate will be thickened before being pumped to the concentrate filter where the filter cake then will be bagged for shipment to market.
Direct-to-blister flash smelter
Under the 12 Mtpa scenario examined in the Kakula 2017 PEA, the construction of a direct-to-blister flash (DBF) smelter is envisaged, subject to further study on feasibility, scale and timing. Flash smelting is typically advantageous compared to other technologies as the energy costs are relatively low.
The smelter is designed with a capacity of 690,000 tonnes of concentrate, and would operate at full capacity fed by Kamoa-Kakula copper concentrates until the end of the mine life. Concentrate would be first dried and sent to the DBF where it is smelted in the reaction shaft with oxygen-enriched air to produce molten slag containing oxide minerals, blister copper and SO 2 -rich off-gas. The oxidation reactions provide sufficient heat required to melt the charge, although a small amount of external fuel is used for process control purposes. Molten slag and blister copper collect in the DBF furnace settler and are intermittently tapped via dedicated tapholes. The slag is reduced in two electric slag cleaning furnaces operating in series to recover copper in the form of blister and alloy, respectively. The SO 2 rich off-gas is de-dusted, dried and sent to a double-contact-double-adsorption acid plant for production of high strength sulphuric acid which is sold to the local market.
An on-site smelter offers numerous cost savings, including on treatment charges, certain royalties and transportation costs, particularly for the lower-grade copper concentrates from the Kansoko and Kamoa North mines. In addition, the sale of the sulphuric acid by-product would generate additional revenue. Sulphuric acid is in short supply in the DRC, and is imported for use in processing ore from oxide copper deposits.
Transportation routes to international markets
A phased logistics solution is proposed in the Kakula 2017 PEA. Initially, the corridor between southern DRC and Durban in South Africa is viewed as the most attractive and reliable export route. As soon as the railway between Kolwezi and Dilolo, a town near the DRC-Angolan border, is upgraded, the Kamoa-Kakula Projects production is expected to be transported by rail to the Atlantic port of Lobito in Angola. In addition, there is the potential to negotiate off-take arrangements with smelters in Zambia.
Qualified persons
The following companies have undertaken work in preparation of the Kakula 2017 PEA and Kamoa 2017 PFS:
OreWin Overall report preparation, mining, logistics, power and economic analysis. MDM/Amec Foster Wheeler Mineral Resource estimation, processing and infrastructure. SRK Consulting Mine geotechnical recommendations. Stantec Mining and Mineral Reserves. Golder Associates Environmental and hydrogeology.
The independent Qualified Persons responsible for preparing the Kakula 2017 PEA and Kamoa 2017 PFS, on which the technical report will be based, are Bernard Peters (OreWin); Dr. Harry Parker (Amec Foster Wheeler); Gordon Seibel (Amec Foster Wheeler); Dean David (MDM/Amec Foster Wheeler); William Joughin (SRK); and Jon Treen (Stantec). Each Qualified Person has reviewed and approved the information in this news release relevant to the portion of the Kakula 2017 PEA and Kamoa 2017 PFS for which they are responsible.
Other scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Stephen Torr, P.Geo., Ivanhoe Mines Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation, a Qualified Person under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Torr is not independent of Ivanhoe Mines. Mr. Torr has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.
Wood Mackenzie provided data based on public disclosure of comparable copper projects for the compilation of certain figures used in this release; however, Wood Mackenzie did not review the Kakula 2017 PEA.
Data verification and quality control and assurance
Amec Foster Wheeler reviewed the sample chain of custody, quality assurance and control procedures, and qualifications of analytical laboratories. Amec Foster Wheeler is of the opinion that the procedures and QA/QC control are acceptable to support Mineral Resource estimation. Amec Foster Wheeler also audited the assay database, core logging and geological interpretations on a number of occasions between 2009 and 2015 and has found no material issues with the data as a result of these audits.
In the opinion of the Amec Foster Wheeler Qualified Persons, the data verification programs undertaken on the data collected from the Kamoa-Kakula Project support the geological interpretations. The analytical and database quality and the data collected can support Mineral Resource estimation.
Ivanhoe Mines maintains a comprehensive chain of custody and QA/QC program on assays from its KamoaKakula Copper Project. Half-sawn core is processed at its on-site preparation laboratory in Kamoa, prepared samples then are shipped by secure courier to Bureau Veritas Minerals (BVM) Laboratories in Australia, an ISO17025 accredited facility. Copper assays are determined at BVM by mixed-acid digestion with ICP finish. Industry-standard certified reference materials and blanks are inserted into the sample stream prior to dispatch to BVM. For detailed information about assay methods and data verification measures used to support the scientific and technical information, please refer to the Kakula 2017 Resource Update, June 2017 technical report available on the SEDAR profile of Ivanhoe Mines at www.sedar.com or under technical reports on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com.
About Ivanhoe Mines
Ivanhoe Mines is advancing its three principal projects in Southern Africa: Mine development at the Platreef platinum-palladium-gold-nickel-copper discovery on the Northern Limb of South Africas Bushveld Complex; mine development and exploration at the Tier One Kamoa-Kakula copper discoveries on the Central African Copperbelt in the DRC; and upgrading at the historic, high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-lead-germanium mine, also on the DRCs Copperbelt. For details, visit www.ivanhoemines.com.
Information contacts
Investors Media Bill Trenaman +1.604.331.9834 North America: Bob Williamson +1.604.512.4856 South Africa: Jeremy Michaels +27.82.939.4812
Cautionary statement on forward-looking information
Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including without limitation: (i) the results of the preliminary economic assessment and the pre-feasibility study, including the future development of the Kamoa-Kakula Project as a six Mtpa underground Kakula Mine, integrated 12 Mtpa, two-stage development and a six Mtpa Kansoko Mine; (ii) the use of the controlled convergence room-and-pillar mining method; (iii) the expectation that concentrate with extremely low arsenic levels will attract a premium from traders; (iv) the expectation that the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Projects production is to be transported by rail to the port of Lobito once the the railroad between Kolwezi and Dilolo is rehabilitated; (v) the timing, results and completion of future studies; (vi) the expectation that the advance payment to SNEL will be recovered through a reduction in the power tariff; (vii) the expectation that the refurbished Koni and Mwadingusha hydroelectric plants will provide power to the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project; and (viii) the expectation that an updated Mineral Resource estimate for the Kakula deposit will be completed in January 2018. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Ivanhoe Mines, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as may, would, could, will, intend, expect, believe, plan, anticipate, estimate, scheduled, forecast, predict and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Ivanhoe Mines current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this news release.
As well, all of the results of the Kakula 2017 PEA and the Kamoa 2017 PFS constitute forward-looking information or statements, including estimates of internal rates of return (including an after-tax internal rate of return of 36.2% with a payback period of 3.1 years for the initial six Mtpa Kakula Mine option), net present value (including a project NPV of US$7.2 billion at an 8% discount rate in a two mine Kamoa and Kakula integrated development scenario and US$4.2 billion at an 8% discount rate for the initial six Mtpa Kakula Mine option), future production (including an average annual production rate of 284,000 tonnes of copper during the first 10 years of operations and production of 385,000 tonnes in year four for the initial six Mtpa Kakula Mine option), estimates of cash cost (including average total cash cost of US$1.14/lb during the first 10 years of operations for the initial six Mtpa Kakula Mine option), assumed long term price for copper of US$3.00 per pound, proposed mining plans and methods (including the potential to use the controlled convergence room-and-pillar mining method), mine life estimates, cash flow forecasts, metal recoveries, production of copper concentrate in excess of 50% copper with extremely low arsenic levels, and estimates of capital and operating costs (including initial capital costs of US$1.2 billion in either option considered in the Kakula 2017 PEA). Furthermore, with respect to this specific forward-looking information concerning the development of the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project, Ivanhoe Mines has based its assumptions and analysis on certain factors that are inherently uncertain. Uncertainties include among others: (i) the adequacy of infrastructure (including the rehabilitation of the Koni, Mwadingusha and Nzilo 1 hydroelectric power plants and accessibility and viability of rail links); (ii) unforeseen changes in geological characteristics; (iii) changes in the metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization; (iv) the ability to develop adequate processing capacity; (v) the price of copper; (vi) the availability of equipment and facilities necessary to complete development; (vii) the size of future processing plants and future mining rates; (viii) the cost of consumables and mining and processing equipment; (ix) unforeseen technological and engineering problems; (x) accidents or acts of sabotage or terrorism; (xi) currency fluctuations; (xii) changes in laws or regulations; (xiii) the availability and productivity of skilled labour; (xiv) the regulation of the mining industry by various governmental agencies; (xv) political factors, including political stability; and (xvi) the completion of the railway upgrade between Kolwezi and Dilolo.
This release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation (including estimated future production from the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project, the anticipated tonnages and grades that will be mined and the estimated level of recovery that will be realized), which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve estimates may have to be re-estimated based on: (i) fluctuations in copper price; (ii) results of drilling, (iii) metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licenses or changes to existing mining licences.
Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed here, as well as unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with Ivanhoe Mines and its subsidiaries to perform as agreed; social, political or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices (and copper in particular); limitations and availability of capital; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results (including the actual results of drilling and exploration activities), or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.
Although the forward-looking statements contained in this release are based upon what management of Ivanhoe Mines believes are reasonable assumptions, Ivanhoe Mines 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 release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, Ivanhoe Mines does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release.
Ivanhoe Mines actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors set forth in the Risk Factors section and elsewhere in the Ivanhoe Mines most recent Managements Discussion and Analysis report and Annual Information Form, available at www.sedar.com.
Bennet Carr, headmaster at King Edward VI School, demonstrated the hazard students face with the use of a manakin. Photo: Mark Williamson
Calls for vital road safety improvements outside a Stratford school have been rejected by Warwickshire County Council, a decision branded as disgraceful by the headmaster.
Bennet Carr, headmaster at King Edward VI School, has long called for urgent safety improvements on Chapel Lane, warning that pupils lives are being put at risk by large vehicles mounting the pavement, just inches from the school gate.
The matter was brought to a head earlier this year following a near miss in when a pupil was almost struck by a bus mounting the kerb.
The problem stems from a line of parking spaces on Chapel Lane which when full, narrow the carriageway, forcing the drivers of large vehicles to mount the kerb on the opposite side of the road, or risk hitting the wing mirrors of parked cars.
For Mr Carr the solution is to suspend six parking bays during school during school hours.
However the council appear to have poured cold water on this idea after a recent letter to a parent from Cllr Jeff Clarke, portfolio holder for portfolio holder for transport and the environment, explained the council has no intention of making such a change.
His letter reads: I understand that the parking situation in this location is of concern to the school and others locally. As a result of the concerns raised Warwickshire County Council have checked the geometry of Chapel Lane with comparison to vehicle dimensions as listed in the Metric Handbook, commissioned a risk assessment of the site and consulted with local representatives of the emergency services directly.
The conclusion of these investigations is that Chapel Lane is wide enough to accommodate large vehicles and any vehicles which do mount the kerb do so by choice and not by necessity. If vehicles are mounting the kerb then instances of this should be reported to the Police Authority who has full powers of enforcement to deal with such a dangerous practice. There is therefore no road safety imperative for WCC to remove the parking spaces you refer to and the public amenity they provide.
Confirming the councils stance last week a spokesperson told the Herald: The council has decided not to suspend the parking spaces on Chapel Lane, though this may be subject to review in the future.
The councils decision has been met with anger and dismay by the school, with Mr Carr branding it ridiculous.
Mr Carr said: They are saying that it is driver choice to mount the kerb because the carriageway is wide enough for large vehicles, but the truth is drivers have the choice of mounting the pavement or knocking off peoples wing mirrors. Given that choice drivers are forced to mount the pavement.
I would invite Cllr Clarke to come here and stand with me on the pavement for an afternoon because it would cause chaos, large vehicles simply wouldnt be able to pass.
I cannot believe the council want us to report every instance a large vehicle mounts the kerb, recent analysis of our CCTV system showed that this happened 84 times in one week.
The decision not to suspend the spaces during school hours is purely a financial decision and I think that is a disgrace. I know public finances are tight but where pupils safety is concerned, money should not be a consideration. Its just neglect on the part of the county council.
If the council wont suspend the spaces, I would call for them to install metal railings on the edge of the pavement, but they wont because they know large vehicles would not be able to pass. As long as the safety of our students is being put at risk I will continue calling for these changes
The has been some cause for optimism this week though after the Stratford Tourist Bus, which regularly mounts the pavement outside the school, was permanently rerouted temporarily to avoid Chapel Lane.
There are plans to permanently reroute the bus, but a final decision was differed on Friday.
The move is something both KES and the bus company have been pushing for, though in his letter to the school parent, Cllr Clarke said this change has been proposed following a request by the bus company, not because of any safety concerns regarding its use of Chapel Lane.
Mr Carr added: I applaud the council for rerouting the tourist bus, but that surely shows that they are aware there is a problem with large vehicles coming down Chapel Lane.
Gisela Klein and John Profumo.
FORMER Stratford-on-Avon MP John Profumo had a close relationship with a suspected Nazi spy, previously classified documents suggest.
The National Archives has today, Tuesday, published 64 previously top secret files from the UK Security Service, MI5, covering a range of subjects and span the Second World War and post-war era up to the mid-1960s.
Among them is a file on German model Gisela Hendrina Klein, who before arriving in the UK had been jailed in France on suspicion of espionage.
It contains a briefing note from the Home Office which says Winegard met Profumo during a five- year stay in Oxford, between 1933 and 1938, while he was an undergraduate at Oxford University's Brasenose College and remained in 'close contact with him ever since'.
Klein went to Paris in 1939 during German occupation and became the mistress of a Baron, with who she had a child, and was offered a job running a secret information service under the cover of a commercial information bureau.
The document added that she was jailed in 1944 along with other German agents and collaborators when the Allies arrived in France, but an American army officer by the name of Edward Winegard, whom Klein had previously met, secured her release and later married her in Hamburg.
The couple moved around Europe and in 1947/48 'were in trouble with the American Intelligence Service for having harboured the chief of a German spy ring'.
Klein was later sacked from her job as a filing clerk in the Naval Department in Tangier, Morocco, when it was discovered that she had worked for the Germans during the war and was '100 per cent pro-German', the document said.
It goes on to say that in 1949 she left her husband because he could 'no longer accept responsibility for her debts', but a year later admitted that his wife had left him after he discovered that she had been 'receiving endearing letters' from Mr Profumo that were written on House of Commons notepaper.
The documents also show that the UK suspected her of trying to re-enter the country for 'blackmailing activities' and that she was refused a UK visa several times.
Profumo told MI5 himself in 1945, while MP for Kettering in Northamptonshire, that he had 'got to know her well', described her as 'exceedingly clever' and that she had 'always claimed to be anti-Nazi'.
In the early 1960s Mr Profumo, then the Conservative secretary of state for war and now Stratford-on-Avon MP, had a two-year affair with model Christine Keeler, who was also having a relationship with Russian military attache Yevgeny Ivanov.
In March 1963 he told the House of Commons there was no "impropriety" in their relationship after being asked about it by opposition MPs who said they were concerned about the national security implications.
However, more newspaper stories emerged and Profumo eventually admitted lying to the House, resigning from the cabinet and the Commons, and devoting the rest of his life to charity work.
His fall from grace is often considered a contributory factor to the fall of the Harold Macmillan government. Labour would win under Harold Wilson's leadership in 1964.
Personal files released by the National Archives today also include Second World War German intelligence agents and suspected agents, double agent operations, Soviet intelligence agents and suspected agents, Right-wing extremists, Communists, and suspected communist and Russian sympathisers.
RENO, Nev., Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NuLegacy Gold Corporation reports that Mr. Charles G. Weakly has joined our geo-technical and exploration team as District Geologist. His addition will help accelerate our time table for achieving our goal of establishing a multi-million-ounce resource at our Red Hill property in Nevada.
Known in Nevada as the gold finder, Mr. Weakly, BSc, Geo-Eng, has contributed significantly to the discovery of over ten million ounces of gold for Barrick Gold Corporation in several of their deposits in the Goldstrike district (19 years) and the Cortez district (3 years). The Cortez district has three established multi-million-ounce deposits immediately to the north-west of NuLegacys Red Hill gold property.
Mr. Weakly expects to help NuLegacy achieve its stated objective of establishing a multi-million-ounce gold resource on the Red Hill property. His enrollment is part of the ongoing expansion/acceleration of our geo-technical teams capacity to follow up on the several discoveries made during the summer 2017 exploration program. We will likely add one, possibly two more geo-technical personnel during the winter to handle a much expanded 2018 drilling program.
Im very pleased that Charles has joined us, said Albert Matter, NuLegacys Chairman. It furthers our mission of expanding our world class exploration team to meet our exploration and corporate objectives.
Link to summers success: http://nulegacygold.com/i/pdf/2017-10-11_NR_NUG.pdf
About NuLegacy Gold Corporation: NuLegacy is a Nevada exploration company focused on discovering additional Carlin-style gold deposits on its premier district scale 98-sq. km (38 sq. mile) Red Hill Project in the prolific Cortez gold trend of Nevada.
To date NuLegacy has discovered the Icebergi Carlin-style gold deposits and has identified several more highly prospective exploration targets that are being drilled this year.
NuLegacys Red Hill Project is located on trend and adjacentii to three multi-million ounce Carlin-type gold deposits (the Pipeline, Cortez Hills and Goldrush deposits) that are amongst Barrick Golds largest, lowest cost and politically safest gold minesiii.
i An established exploration target of 90-110 million tonnes of 0.9 to 1.1 grams of gold per tonne. These figures are conceptual in nature and derived from a compilation of 149 historic and 111 NuLegacy drill holes. To date, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.
ii The similarity and proximity of these deposits in the Cortez Trend is not necessarily indicative of the gold mineralization in NuLegacys Red Hill Project. To date, there are no known resources or reserves on the Red Hill Property.
iii As extracted from Barricks Q4-2013 and Q1-2014 reports.
On Behalf Of NuLegacy Gold Corporation
James E Anderson, Chief Executive Officer
For further information, please phone 604-639-3640 or contact James Anderson (CEO) at james@nuggold.com, Albert Matter (Chairman) at albert@nuggold.com or Roger Steininger, (CGO) at roger@nuggold.com, or Frank Lagiglia (ICM) at frank@nuggold.com or visit www.nulegacygold.com.
Dr. Roger Steininger, NuLegacys Chief Geoscience Officer is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG 7417) and the qualified person as defined by NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects responsible for preparing and reviewing the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of gold, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, availability of financing and other risks in the mining industry. There are no known resources or reserves in the Red Hill Project and the proposed exploration programs are exploratory searches for commercial bodies of ore. In addition, the presence of gold deposits on properties adjacent or near the Red Hill Project is not necessarily indicative of the gold mineralization on the Red Hill Project. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com including our annual managements discussion and analysis dated July 25, 2017 for the year ended March 31, 2017. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required under applicable securities legislation.
TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goliath Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:GOT) (the Company or Goliath) is pleased to report initial channel, chip, and outcrop grab sample results from its Golddigger project. Goliath has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Golddigger property. The property covers 14,220 hectares and is located on tide water south east of Stewart, British Columbia in the Golden Triangle.
The property is situated within two kilometres of the unconformity between Lower Hazelton and Stuhini rocks, also known as the Red Line boundary where the vast majority of major deposits have been found within the Golden Triangle.
Highlights include:
Bulk sample recommended for the Anaconda Vein system to determine its economics
Presence of gold mineralization over a strike length of 2.3 kilometers and 600 meters of exposed vertical extent at the Anaconda Vein system
Anaconda Vein channel cut assayed 22.83 gpt Au eq over 2 metres incl. 5.81 gpt Au and 1,280 gpt Ag
Anaconda Vein channel cut assayed 19.08 gpt Au eq over 1.7 metres incl. 5.57 gpt Au, 1,016 gpt Ag and 0.3% Pb
Geological mapping, prospecting and channel sampling is recommended to outline the full geometry of the Gold Swarm zone in preparation for drilling
Gold Swarm zone grab samples assayed up to 21.1 gpt Au, 214 gpt Ag, 3.23% Pb and 0.26% Cu in different samples
Golddigger West
Anaconda Vein
The Anaconda vein system is a 110 metre-wide quartz vein with the confirmed presence of localized gold mineralization over a known strike length of 2.3 kilometres, and is exposed in vertical extent for 600 metres. The vein remains open along strike and to depth. Rope access teams collected 61.72 metres of chip and channel samples from the vertical face of the vein that ranged from 0.5 to 4 metres in length (link to maps & photos).
Highlights included a channel sample grading 22.83 grams per tonne gold equivalent over 2 meters (including 5.81 grams per tonne gold, and 1,280 grams per tonne silver). An additional channel contained 19.08 grams per tonne gold equivalent over 1.7 metres (including 5.57 grams per tonne gold, 1,016 grams per tonne silver, and 0.3 percent lead) (see Table 1 below for highlights).
Collectively, 159 chip and outcrop grab samples were taken from the vein and the surrounding rocks (see Table 1 below for highlights). Assays ranged from below the detection limit to 3.9 grams per tonne gold, 1,435 grams per tonne silver, and 0.15 percent lead in different samples.
Highlights include a 0.6 metre chip sample containing 23.05 grams per tonne gold equivalent (including 3.9 grams per tonne gold, 1,435 grams per tonne silver, and 0.15 percent lead). An additional 0.5 metre chip contained 18.23 grams per tonne gold equivalent (including 3.29 grams per tonne gold, 1,120 grams per tonne silver, and 0.11 percent lead). Chip samples collected by rope-access teams were taken parallel to the dip-slope of the vein and thus do not represent the true width of the mineralized zone.
Based on these highly mineralized results, the technical team has recommended a bulk sample be taken as the next step to determine the economics of Anaconda vein system.
Golddigger East
Gold Swarm
Exploration in 2017 resulted in the discovery of the Gold Swarm zone with mineralization extending over an area of 115 by 95 metres. The zone remains open in all directions. The Gold Swarm zone is characterized by quartz veins, stockwork and breccia zones that are variably mineralized with pyrite, chalcopyrite, bornite and galena (link to maps & photos). Initial assays from outcrop grabs have returned grades up to 21.1 grams per tonne gold, 214 grams per tonne silver, 3.23 percent lead and 0.26 percent copper from different samples (see Table 1 below). Based on these very encouraging initial results, an extensive program including geological mapping, prospecting, channel sampling, soil and silt sampling has been recommended for the 2018 exploration season to outline the full geometry of the zone in preparation for drilling.
The Gold Swarm zone and eastern side of the Golddigger property is underlain by inter-fingered bimodal volcanic rocks similar to the Iskut River Formation. The Iskut River Formation of the Hazleton Volcanic Group hosts the high-grade Eskay Creek deposit.
The geologic setting in this under explored area has excellent discovery potential due to its location within Hazelton Group rocks, the same stratigraphic unit that hosts Auryn Resources Inc.s Homestake Ridge deposit and Pretium Resources Inc.s Brucejack deposit. The property is also situated within two kilometres of the unconformity between Lower Hazelton and Stuhini rocks, also known as the Red Line boundary where the vast majority of major deposits have been found within the Golden Triangle.
Table 1: Golddigger Property Assay Highlights
Sample Channel/Chip/Grab Zone Length
(metres) Gold Eq
(gpt)1 Gold
(gpt) Silver
(gpt) Copper
% Zinc
% Lead
% W495063 -
W495086 Channel Anaconda 1.70 19.08 5.57 1,016.00 0.30 W495052 Channel Anaconda 2.00 22.83 5.81 1,280.00 0.09 W495420 Chip Anaconda 0.60 23.05 3.90 1,435.00 0.15 W495424 Chip Anaconda 0.50 18.23 3.29 1,120.00 0.11 W495396 Chip Anaconda 0.45 10.85 3.12 575.00 0.15 W495426 Chip Anaconda 1.00 9.50 2.45 531.00 W495387 Chip Anaconda 1.40 3.63 1.47 146.00 0.38 W495425 Outcrop grab Anaconda 27.67 2.04 1,925.00 0.10 W495318 Outcrop grab Goldswarm 21.24 21.10 10.80 W495319 Outcrop grab Goldswarm 8.54 4.42 214.00 0.26 1.44 W495320 Outcrop grab Goldswarm 8.16 3.77 168.00 0.15 3.23 W495397 Outcrop grab Anaconda 5.69 1.96 281.00 W495384 Outcrop grab Anaconda 5.75 1.28 211.00 0.67 0.21 0.61 W495478 Outcrop grab Anaconda 4.78 1.10 277.00 W495830 Outcrop grab NE Gossan 3.08 2.20 34.50 0.54 W495829 Outcrop grab Metalbank 2.88 0.20 26.70 2.24 0.99 W495652 Outcrop grab Newgold 1.63 1.59 2.80 W495330 Outcrop grab Newgold 1.40 1.21 14.40 1AuEq based on metal prices (USD) on Nov 21, 2017: Au $1280.4 oz; Cu $3.0905 lb; Pb $1.1018 lb; Zn $1.45504 lb; Ag $17 oz
Statements
Mr. Roger Rosmus, CEO states:
The Golddigger property is located close to tidewater access and in a geologic terrane that is host to multiple world class mineral deposits. We look forward to bulk sampling the Anaconda Vein and further developing the Gold Swarm zone as they both have the potential to become company makers.
Dr. Stefan Kruse, Chief Consulting Geologist stated:
We are extremely encouraged by the discovery of extensive gold mineralized zones in bedrock at Golddigger. The new Gold Swarm bedrock discovery zone at Golddigger, provides excellent potential to evolve into a very significant standalone discovery with multiple drill targets. We look forward to expanding on these exciting new discoveries with the planned upcoming 2018 exploration program.
Other
Stefan Kruse, Ph.D., P. Geo., Chief Consulting Geologist, is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, for Goliath Resources Limited exploration projects, and supervised the preparation of, and has reviewed and approved, the technical information in this release.
All rock, channel and talus fine samples were crushed and pulverized at ALS Canada Ltd.s lab in Terrace, BC or in Reno, Nevada. ALS is either Certified to ISO 9001:2008 or Accredited to ISO 17025:2005 in all of its locations. The resulting sample pulps were analyzed for gold by fire assay and using multi-element aqua regia digestion. The coarse reject portions of the rock, channel and talus fine samples, as well as the pulps, were shipped to Goliaths storage facility in Terrace, BC. All samples were analyzed using ALS Canada Ltd.s assay procedure ME-ICP41, a 1:1:1 aqua regia digestion with inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) or inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) finish for 35 elements as well as the Au-AA24 lead-collection fire assay fusion procedure with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish. Any results greater than 100 ppm for silver or 10,000 ppm copper, lead and zinc were additionally assayed using ALSs OG46 method particular to each element. This method used an HNO 3 -HCl digestion followed by ICP-AES (or titrimetric and gravimetric analysis). Gold values of greater than 10 ppm Au were assayed by the Au-GRA22 method which includes a fire-assay fusion procedure with a gravimetric finish. Blank and duplicates QA/QC samples were inserted into channels sample laboratory batches. Additionally, and 10% sub-sample of pulp and reject material was sent to Activation Laboratories in Ancaster, Ontario, for check-analysis.
The reader is cautioned that grab samples are spot samples which are typically, but not exclusively, constrained to mineralization. Grab samples are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of mineralization and are not intended to be representative of the material sampled. In addition, the reader is cautioned that mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability and that proximity to known mineralization does not guarantee similar mineralization will exist on the properties.
Gold equivalent assays are based on metal prices (USD) on Nov. 21, 2017: Au $1,280.4 oz; Cu $3.0905 lb; Pb $1.1018 lb; Zn $1.45504 lb; Ag $17 oz and are based on an assumption of 100% recovery.
Further information regarding Goliath Resources Limited can be found at www.goliathresourcesltd.com.
Contact Information:
Roger Rosmus
Chief Executive Officer
roger@goliathresources.com
+1-416-488-2887 x222
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SAN MATEO, Calif., Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alluxio, formerly Tachyon, developer of the worlds first software system that unifies disparate storage systems at memory speed, today announced that Huatai Securities, the leading integrated securities group in China, has selected Alluxio Enterprise as the storage layer to power Huatais big data analytics. Alluxio enables Huatai to provide real-time risk analysis, investment recommendations, and innovative new products like data replay services. Huatai, founded in 1991, has more than 7,000 employees providing a wide range of financial services to its clients in China, from investment banking to private equity and wealth management as well as being Chinas largest firm in trading securities and bonds.
Financial organization are increasingly leveraging big data to provide key insights and value to their customers, said Haoyuan Li, CEO of Alluxio Inc. Alluxio Enterprises memory-centric architecture and enterprise-grade security help Huatai meet its growing need for speed and stability while adhering to regulations and security and governance practices.
Huatai deploys Alluxio Enterprise as the storage layer that unifies data from disparate sources at memory speed, providing high performance and a predictable SLA for leveraging even petabytes of data. Alluxio gives customers an easy-to-install integrated package, with an administrative interface as well as mission-critical features such as enterprise security, data replication and enterprise-grade support and professional services.
Analyzing and modeling market data to power advanced products that enable financial services as well as consumer customers to make critical investment decisions is our core business, said Dr. Fan, Director of Platform Architecture at Huatai. With the introduction of Alluxio Enterprise, Huatai has successfully built a performant and scalable big data infrastructure to meet the performance and stability requirements across our business.
With Alluxio Enterprise, Huatai transforms massive amounts of market data consumed daily into valuable insights to analyze market risk and provide investment recommendations. Now Huatai can access, store, and manage data across disparate storage systems on premise and in the cloud at memory speed.
About Alluxio
Alluxio is the world's first system that unifies data at memory speed. By allowing applications to access data stored in disparate storage systems at memory speed, Alluxio enables enterprises to manage data efficiently, accelerate business analytics, and ease the adoption of hybrid clouds. Venture-backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Alluxio, Inc. Alluxio was founded out of UC Berkeley AMPLab by the creators of the Alluxio open source project. For more information, contact info@alluxio.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
Editorial Contacts
Joe Eckert for Alluxio
+1.203.300.2649
jeckertflak@gmail.com
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- URZ Energy Corp. (TSX-V:URZ) (OTCQB:URZZF) (URZ or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has commenced in-situ recovery (ISR) specific studies (including hydrogeology) on its Gas Hills, Wyoming uranium project. URZ has engaged external geological services and is performing an in-depth review of its large historic project data base, including electric logs, reports, cross sections, and maps. The review will be focused on the likely viability of the Gas Hills project containing uranium resources that are extractable by the ISR mining method. This mining method, where applicable, is typically more economic with less environmental impacts as compared to conventional open-pit or underground mining. Previous studies at Gas Hills have focused on open-pit operations.
Gas Hills is the largest historic uranium mining district in Wyoming with approximately 130 million pounds of yellowcake production in the period from the early 1960s to the late 1980s.
Based on a preliminary evaluation of the data base including a review of the 2017 Gas Hills NI 43-101 report prepared for URZ by BRS Inc.1, it has become apparent that the project possesses characteristics conducive to ISR mining.
I am very pleased with the results of this preliminary evaluation of the comprehensive data base covering the Gas Hills properties, stated Glenn Catchpole, CEO of URZ Energy Corp. We now have additional confidence that some of the deposits in the Gas Hills uranium district have the potential for developing into producing in-situ recovery uranium deposits.
Specifically, three of the Companys uranium deposits in the Gas Hills project area; Day Loma, George Ver and Loco-Lee are potentially suitable for ISR mining in terms of their grade, depth and hydrogeology. The table below presents the indicated resources for the three URZ properties in the Gas Hills taken from the Gas Hills NI 43-101 report.
PROPERTY TONS
(x 1,000) GRADE
(% e U 3 O 8 ) Pounds
(eU 3 O 8 ) Day Loma 1,342 0.110 2,948,000 George Ver 623 0.082 1,027,000 Loco-Lee 442 0.085 755,000 TOTAL 4,730,000
The Company, with the aid of consultant services, is currently preparing a development plan for the Day Loma, George Ver and Loco-Lee properties that will include further exploration and delineation drilling, core drilling, hydrogeologic studies, and detailed review of the data base acquired from Energy Fuels Inc. The drilling is expected to expand the total number of uranium resource pounds on these properties and could also move a portion of the uranium resources into a higher NI43-101 category. The core drilling will confirm the density of the sandstone in the zones of the uranium deposits and will determine the leachability of the uranium mineralization through laboratory testing. The hydrogeology studies will establish the injection and recovery flow rates of the aquifer where the uranium mineral is located and determine if there is adequate vertical hydrologic confinement in the mineralized zone aquifers.
The other two deposits at Gas Hills, Rock Hill and Bull Rush, are most suited to conventional open pit mining due to their shallow depth and water table level. The Company believes that higher uranium prices will be required to pursue production of these projects.
Financing
The Company also wishes to announce a private placement of up to 2,225,000 units (Units) at a price of Cdn$0.45 per Unit for gross proceeds of approximately Cdn$1,000,000. Each Unit will be comprised of one common share and one-half of one non-transferable common share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the subscriber to purchase an additional common share for 18 months from the closing at a price of Cdn$0.75 per share, provided that in the event that the closing price of the common shares is CAD$1.10 or greater per share during a 10 consecutive trading day period at any time after the closing date, the warrants will expire 30 days after the date on which the Company provides notice of such fact to the holders thereof. Finders fees of up to 7% may be payable in cash or Units of the private placement.
About URZ Energy Corp. URZ is a uranium exploration and development company that is primarily engaged in the evaluation, acquisition and development of prospective ISR uranium properties in the United States. The Company is led by an experienced management team including Glenn Catchpole as CEO. Mr. Catchpole is a licensed engineer with 39 years of uranium experience, including extensive work with Cameco Corporation on its Inkai Project in Kazakhstan. Additionally, Mr. Catchpole was the former CEO of Uranerz Energy Corporation (Uranerz) prior to its US$175 million acquisition by Energy Fuels Inc. in 2015. During his tenure, Uranerz successfully explored, permitted, built, and operated its Nichols Ranch ISR uranium project in Wyoming.
The Company owns the Gas Hills, Juniper Ridge, and Shirley Basin properties in Wyoming as well as properties in Utah and Colorado.
Contact Information - For more information, please contact:
Glenn Catchpole, CEO and Director
Tel: 1-307-421-7344
Email: gcatchpole@urzenergy.com
Website: www.urzenergy.com
Glenn Catchpole, Professional Engineer, a Qualified Person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) has reviewed and approved of the disclosure of the scientific and technical information in this news release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.
ForwardLooking Statements
This news release contains forwardlooking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forwardlooking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forwardlooking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Additional information on these and other factors that could affect the Companys operations and financial results are included in reports on file with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and may be accessed through the SEDAR website (www.sedar.com).
__________________________________________
1See Amended and Restated Gas Hills Uranium Project Mineral Resources and Exploration Target, NI 43-101 Technical Report Prepared for URZ Energy Corp. by Douglas L. Beahm of BRS Inc. effective June 9, 2017
Young Tauranga filmmaker Tina Jeong has been crowned best of the best after winning First Place and Best Director in the 2017 International Youth Silent Film Festival New Zealand Regional Awards Final.
The 18-year-old and her silent film Tonight were both celebrated at the red-carpet event held at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre last week.
Along with receiving high praise for her film from 2017 celebrity judges, renowned actor and screenwriter Tim Balme and Bay of Plenty Film CEO Anton Steel, Tina also won a total of $2250 in prize money, which includes the $2000 first place prize sponsored by The New Zealand Broadcasting School.
This means a lot to me as a student whos just finished school and doesnt have any money, says Tina.
I would like to thank my teachers Mrs Beaufoy and Mrs Johnston for all their support and endless love, my friends who helped me make this movie by coming to film at a dark carpark in the middle of the night, and thank you to my parents I love you guys.
It is the second year in a row the Year 13 Tauranga Girls College student has won a top honour in the annual silent filmmaking competition after she placed second in the 2016 IYSFF New Zealand Regional.
Also joining Tina in collecting an award on the night was Gabriella Eaton, who won Best Actor for her work on Tonight.
Metro Marketings Felcity Salter with celebrity judges Tim Balme and Anton Steel presenting Tina Jeong with her Best Director award.
The other big winners on the night were Mosgiel brothers and second place getters Benaiah and Toby Dunn whose silent film The Chase won four awards and a total of $2250 in prize money, including the $1500 second place prize sponsored by The University of Waikato. Along with securing second place, The Chase also picked up three Best Of awards for Cinematography, Production Design, and Shot.
And rounding out this years top three were Tauranga filmmakers Rose McMahon and Samuel Edwards with their silent film The Smile Shop. The duo not only won $1000 in prize money sponsored by Priority One, they each received a famed copy of a poster they designed for The Smile Shop as part of a Poster Competition introduced to the IYSFF New Zealand Regional for the first time this year.
All of the top three filmmakers have been invited to the week-long International Youth Silent Film Festival Final and have their silent films screened during the IYSFF Global Awards Show, which will be taking place in Portland, Oregon, in June 2018.
All of this years top 12 silent films were screened during the ceremony, with each featuring live musical accompaniment from award-winning organist and IYSFF composer Nathan Avakian who travelled especially from the United States to perform on Baycourts mighty Wurlitzer Organ.
Baycourt Manager Megan Peacock Coyle thanks everyone involved in delivering this years competition, especially all of the young filmmakers who submitted entries into the 2017 IYSFF NZ Regional.
Congratulations to this years award winners, all of your films were simply outstanding and I am amazed by what you have all created.
I am really excited, we are in our second year of the IYSFF NZ Regionals and the bar has certainly been lifted in 2017. So thank you for putting your work out there, it is a very brave thing to do, and good luck for the future to all of our top 12 filmmakers I look forward to seeing all your names in lights in the future.
Baycourt is very proud to present this event and we see it has an exciting way to showcase the wonderful and Mighty Wurlitzer, so I would also like to thank Nathan Avakian for coming all this way, it is a real honour and pleasure to see such a master on our Wurlitzer.
And thank you to all the very generous sponsors, it warms my heart to see such an investment in the youth of our country.
Its a wonderful blast of art deco, a stop-and-ogle landmark down Mainstreet Te Puke. Its the multi-screen movie complex, the historic Capitol Cinema. And its up for sale.
Architecture aside, the building also boasts a large door to one side of the main screen which would give elephants from travelling circuses access to the main stage.
The live circus shows of the 1930s and 40s were very popular.
Brendon Bradley, of Bayleys Tauranga, says the Capitol has always kept abreast of cinematographic evolutions and leading movie-goer viewing habits.
Its enabled the Capitol to remain profitable when similar operations in the big cities have wavered.
He says the Capitol has the largest mega screen movie complex in the Bay of Plenty, as well as both digital and 3D technology.
When the Capitol screened its first talkie movie, also in the 1930s, the cinema had what was believed to be the tallest movie screen in the Southern Hemisphere.
It hasnt been all movies and elephants.
In 1931, when the earthquake devastated Napier - also renowned for its concentration of art deco architecture - a monster earthquake relief concert raised money for Hawkes Bay residents.
In 1945, a Victory Ball for VJ Day was held at the Capitol. Scores of soldiers from the Eastern Bay of Plenty were officially welcomed home by the community.
Two years later, more than 800 people packed the Capitol to present tokens of appreciation to 174 returned servicemen and women. Each token was an envelope containing 17.
The Capitol Cinema was a hub for the town they boxed there, the debutantes came out there, and there were balls, fundraising dances and musical concerts.
In 1954 the Capitol was the first New Zealand cinema to be adapted to cinemascope widescreen movies.
In 2003 it was among the first cinemas in the world to screen Lord of the Rings The Return of the King, when it rolled the film at one minute after midnight.
Two years later the Capitol was among the first venues on the planet to screen Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith, which was again screened at one minute after midnight.
In 2009, the installation of a 3D system at the Capitol Cinema meant the theatre was the only one of its kind outside of Auckland to have such cutting-edge technology.
Today, the cinemas four theatres range from a boutique 20-seater venue to the block-buster 200-seater playhouse in all a combined capacity of 413 seats.
Now the freehold land, buildings and going concern Capitol Cinema business at 127-133 Jellicoe Street is for sale with offers closing on November 30.
TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nutritional High International Inc. (the "Company" or "Nutritional High") (CSE:EAT) (OTCQB:SPLIF) (FRANKFURT:2NU) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Chris Ryan as VP, Marketing and Sales. The Company also wishes to provide an update on the acquisition of Calyx Brands Inc. ("Calyx") and on its strategy in the State of Nevada.
Appointment of Chris Ryan as VP, Acquisitions, Brand Development
Chris Ryan is a results-driven entrepreneur with 25 years diverse experience in hospitality, consumable goods manufacturing, tourism and education. Mr. Ryan began his career in sales and marketing at Molson Ontario Breweries and later went on to create, develop and operate seven hospitality establishments in Southwestern Ontario. He served as head of hospitality, procurement for the Canadian leg of the Red Bull Air Races.
Mr. Ryan has recently served as Director, Entrepreneurship and Innovation at St Clair College as well as fulfilling the role of Chief Operating Officer for startup craft brewer, Walkerville Brewery and Chief Operating Officer for newly formed regional destination marketing organization, Windsor Essex Pelee Island.
Jim Frazier, CEO of Nutritional High commented: "We're pleased to welcome Mr. Ryan to the Nutritional High family and look forward to his contribution to our sales and marketing efforts. Integrating marketing and distribution is key in penetrating the legal cannabis markets and achieving new milestones as we continue to grow sales and expand our branded footprint. Mr. Ryan also brings valuable experience that he acquired during his time in the hospitality and alcohol industries that will be important in staying competitive as the cannabis industry landscape continues to evolve."
Update on Calyx Acquisition
Since entering into the letter of intent ("LOI") with Calyx, the Company has been conducting due diligence on Calyx, which is progressing well. The Company wishes to provide further information on the terms of the acquisition. Consideration for the transaction will be US$1,850,000 of which US$400,000 will be payable in the form of common shares ("Common Shares"), US$500,000 will be in the form of cash, and US$950,000 will be payable six months after closing ("Post-Closing Consideration") in the form of cash or common shares, at the discretion of Calyx. Nutritional High will also pay to the Calyx vendors up to US$600,000 as a performance earn-out over two years based on meeting certain predetermined revenue targets. The Common Shares issued to the Calyx vendors at closing will be issued at a price that is lower of: (i) CAD$0.255; or (ii) the price at which the Nutritional High shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange on the day that is three trading days prior to the Closing Date.
If, prior to the closing date the Sellers elect to receive Post-Closing Consideration in Common Shares, the Common Shares shall be issued at a price of CAD$0.255, and if the Sellers elect to receive Post-Closing Consideration in shares after the Closing Date the Common Shares shall be issued at the price at which the Shares close on the Canadian Securities Exchange on the day that is three days prior to the Post-Closing Consideration payment date.
Termination of Agreement to Purchase Licenses in Nevada, Capital to be Redeployed to California
The Company has terminated its agreement to purchase the provisional producer and processor licenses (the "Licenses") in Henderson, Nevada and a real estate property (the "Property") to which the Licenses are attached (please see press release dated January 25, 2017). Given opportunities developing in California for the Company to acquire existing and cash-flowing brands, management has decided to redeploy the significant resources earmarked to acquire and build the Henderson, Nevada, facility to other more imminent opportunities. The Company continues to explore efforts to enter the Nevada market on a "capital-light" brand licensing or contract manufacturing basis. In that regard, the Company is currently engaged in discussions with potential licensed operators with a view towards structuring a partnership in due course.
The Company's management believes that re-deploying the funds into opportunities that are currently generating cash, as a part of the roll-up strategy, will result in a more immediate impact to creating shareholder value.
Jim Frazier, CEO of Nutritional High comments: "Nevada is certainly still on our radar as a high- growth market. We will, in due course, enter the market with our premium brands of extract and infused products. We believe that seeking out less capital-intensive alternatives to penetrate the market offers the Company a superior path forward to create value for shareholders."
About Nutritional High International Inc.
Nutritional High is focused on developing, manufacturing and distributing premium and consistently dosed products in the cannabis-infused products industry, including edibles and oil extracts for nutritional, medical and adult recreational use. The Company works exclusively through licensed facilities in jurisdictions where such activity is permitted and regulated by state law.
For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please follow Nutritional High on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ or visit www.nutritionalhigh.com.
For further information, please contact:
David Posner, Chairman of the Board
Nutritional High International Inc.
647-985-6727
Email: dposner@nutritionalhigh.com
NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Such statements include submission of the relevant documentation within the required timeframe and to the satisfaction of the relevant regulators, completing the acquisition of the applicable real estate and raising sufficient financing to complete the Company's business strategy. There is no certainty that any of these events will occur. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances.
Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.
The great and the good of the gastronomy world united on Monday night for the presentation of the second edition of SUR's 'Who's Who gastronomy guide' at the Puente Romano Hotel in Marbella.
The guide, available with SUR on Wednesday.
This bilingual guide will help the many thousands of visitors to Malaga province each year take advantage of the different cuisines that the Costa del Sol and inland areas offer. A gastronomy that is a landmark in Andalucia and much of Spain, on a level playing field with legendary Basque cuisine, according to Enrique Bellver, food critic for SUR.
It is more than just a directory of good restaurants -the guide reviews nearly two hundred businesses on the Costa del Sol and inland, listing their address, telephone number, opening hours, average prices and a brief description about the type of food you can expect to receive there. It includes interviews with some of the chefs and also wine and gourmet product recommendations.
The full-colour guide has sections for creative (restaurants whose menu continually evolves), classic, seafood and Asian cuisine, hotel restaurants, tapas bars and steakhouses.
You can get your hands on a copy of the guide on Wednesday, free with every copy of the Spanish daily newspaper, SUR.
The nose cone, or radome, of an F-14 Tomcat built in Marion decades ago is back home getting refurbished before heading to a museum in Georgia.
Marion resident Harold Slemp heard that his nephew Peter OHare of Chattanooga, Tennessee, was passing through on his way from Richmond to Georgia with parts of a decommissioned F-14 Tomcat airplane and offered him a place to stop for the night.
Slemp said he wondered if the nose cone of this plane had possibly been built in Marion at Brunswick, where many such military aircraft radomes got their start back in the 1960s and 70s.
Turns out, it was.
Slemps neighbor Art Thompson worked at Brunswick Corporation for 42 years. He has experience with the construction of those types of aircraft radomes. They enjoyed talking with OHare about the plans to move the Tomcat from where it has been on display at an airport in Richmond to the Museum of Flight in Rome, Georgia.
The airplane, one of the last surviving Tomcats, was going to be shredded, OHare said. Richmond didnt want it anymore. When museum director Christine Lewis heard about it, she wanted the plane, so a fundraising effort has been established to pay for the estimated $40,000 move.
OHare, a retired Marine officer and Warbird pilot who is now a commercial pilot for Delta, is a volunteer at the museum. He offered to go to Richmond to begin hauling sections of the plane to the museum.
When it was discovered that the radome had been made in Marion at Brunswick, OHare wanted to stop and see the site that is now occupied by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. When they heard the story, General Dynamics offered to restore the radome. It is expected to be completed by the middle of December, but the public might get a look at it a bit sooner.
If arrangements can be made, the radome may make an appearance in next Fridays Marion Holiday Kaleidoscope Parade. Slemp said VFW Post 4667 is excited about the possibility of including it in the parade and is working with him on how to make that happen.
According to the General Dynamics website, The basic purpose of a radome is to protect antennae systems from the environment with minimal impact to electronic performance. Radome requirements typically include aerodynamic contour, structural and environmental reliability, and electromagnetic functionality.
Many of the aircraft at the Museum of Flight in Georgia can fly, said OHare, but this F-14 Tomcat is not airworthy. It will be for display only.
The museums airplane collection currently includes a T-28 Trojan Alpha Model, a T-28 Trojan Bravo Model, a 1946 Taylorcraft and a Beechcraft C-45. Vehicles include a tug and a M38A-1 Jeep.
It is a very exciting prospect to host and display Georgias only Tomcat, a living relic that tells the story of brave men and women who have flown them in defense of our great nation, the museums website states. The Museum of Flight has been given the extremely unique opportunity by the National Naval Aviation Museum to bring one of the last surviving Tomcats to our museum.
OHare said he believes some of the airplanes history includes being flown in Desert Storm I and II and at the end of Vietnam though it saw no combat then. It was shot down in Iraq I and was flown in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global Terrorism War. It was also on the USS Teddy Roosevelt when George W. Bush made his famous Mission Accomplished speech and was seen in the movie Final Countdown with Kirk Douglas. OHare also met the pilot who flew the plane on its first mission.
According to its website, The Museum of Flight (established in 2010) is dedicated to raising awareness of aviation and the important role it has played in shaping our nation's history. Not only do we provide displays, a vast collection of historic flight and military memorabilia and maintain these planes[but can also] be found promoting aviation with flyovers and static displays at various events and air shows around the southeastern United States.
The cost to move the aircraft is nearly prohibitive so museum personnel have set up a GoFundMe site to collect donations for the move.
Lewis contacted the F-14 Tomcat Association, which offered to publish the GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/museum-of-flight-f14-tomcat) in its newsletter and website and on its Facebook page. The group also offered their expertise and to help guide museum personnel along the way.
To learn more about the museum and this project, go online to mofts.org.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A man choked the mother of his child twice inside a Syracuse apartment, police said.
And when he was taken into custody minutes later, the man spit at the officer who arrested him, police said.
Jamaal L. Jack, 24, of Syracuse, was arrested Nov. 16 by the Syracuse Police Department. He was arrested after a domestic violence incident in an apartment in the Valley.
The assault happened around 11:11 p.m. at 142 Orlando Ave., police said in a felony complaint filed in Syracuse City Court. Jack assaulted a 21-year-old woman who he has a child with, said Sgt. Rick Helterline, a police spokesman.
The attack started in a back bedroom in the woman's apartment, police said in a felony complaint.
Jack put his hands around the woman's neck and pushed her down behind her bed, police said. He attacked the woman again by the apartment's front door -- putting his hands around her neck, forcing to her to the floor and choking her, police said.
The woman could not breathe during the attack, police said.
The woman was transported to Upstate University Hospital for treatment. She had a scrape on the front of her neck and struggled to swallow, police said.
Officers arrested Jack at 11:30 p.m. He was wanted at the time on an outstanding warrant for an unrelated charge, police said.
After his arrest, Jack refused to get in the back of a marked police vehicle, police said.
The officer leaned into the car to pull Jack into the back of the vehicle, police said. That's when Jack turned his head toward the officer and spit, police said.
The spit did not hit the officer, police said.
For the domestic violence incident, Jack was charged with second-degree strangulation, a felony, and third-degree assault, a misdemeanor. For the incident involving an officer, he was charged with second-degree harassment, a violation.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Jack remained in the Onondaga County Justice Center.
Joe Washington, left, and Miequin Cheese, right.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse police arrested two men they say took part in an exchange of gunfire last month that damaged two homes and injured a 79-year-old man.
Court papers filed in Syracuse City Court say the victim was shot in the head, however, police have said a bullet pierced the windshield of the victim's car and grazed the top of his head.
Police charged Miequin O. Cheese, 26, and Joe L. Washington Jr., 23, with second-degree assault and first-degree reckless endangerment, both felonies.
Cheese also was charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and a parole violation, for which he remains at the Onondaga County Justice Center without bail, according to the county website.
There is no record of Washington at the county jail currently.
State prison records show Cheese served a 3 1/2-year sentence, starting in December 2012, for a felony criminal possession of a weapon conviction from Onondaga County. He was released from Willard, a drug treatment campus operated by the state Department of Correctional Services, in August 2016. He was scheduled to be released from parole Nov. 22, 2018, records show.
Police say Cheese was a passenger in a 2005 Mazda Tribute that Washington was driving when they "acted in concert" and "recklessly engaged in conduct which created a grave risk of death to another person" at 11:56 p.m. Oct. 18 in the 200 block of Furman St., court records say.
Court records allege Cheese fired a loaded firearm at another person, in the exchange of gunfire.
Investigators have said they do not believe the 79-year-old man was the shooter's intended target.
After the man was shot, he drove himself down the street to the Furman & Salina Auto parking lot and asked for help.
When officers arrived, the victim was conscious and able to speak, police have said. The man was then taken to Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse for treatment.
This wasn't the first time Cheese was involved in a shooting, records show.
In 2008, Cheese, then 17, was the victim of a drive-by shooting on Syracuse's South Side. In that shooting, Cheese suffered a gunshot wound to his left arm, and the projectile traveled through his shoulder and lodged in the base of his skull, according to a police report.
DEWITT, N.Y. -- Deputies are investigating the "suspicious" death of a woman whose body was found early Tuesday morning in the parking lot of a DeWitt motel.
A Motel 6 employee called 911 around 1 a.m. after finding a woman on the ground in the parking lot, said Sgt. Jon Seeber, an Onondaga County Sheriff's Office spokesman. The motel is off of Carrier Circle at 6577 Baptist Way.
When deputies arrived at the motel minutes later, they discovered the woman was dead.
"Detectives are treating the death as suspicious and are actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident," Seeber said.
Deputies asked anyone with information about the woman's death to call (315) 435-3081.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Peregrine Diamonds Ltd. (TSX:PGD) (Peregrine or the Company) is pleased to report microdiamond results from the CH-6 kimberlite at its 100% owned Chidliak diamond project (Chidliak) in Nunavut, Canada. The 2017 resource expansion drill program at the CH-6 kimberlite has confirmed that the high-grade CH-6 kimberlite extends from surface to 540 metres below surface (mbs), an additional 280 metres below the 260-metre depth of the current CH-6 Inferred Resource announced on April 7, 2017. The CH-6 kimberlite remains open below 540 mbs, the current limit of drilling.
Caustic fusion microdiamond results released today from the 2017 drill program match well with pre-2017 microdiamond results for the KIM-L High Grade (KIM-L.HG, estimated at 4.16 carats per tonne (cpt) in the Inferred Resource) and the KIM-L Normal Grade (KIM-L.NG, estimated at 2.12 cpt in the Inferred Resource) kimberlite units. The 2017 diamond sample data below 260 metres have a very similar grade and size frequency distribution as the kimberlite contained in the Inferred Resource. The results of the 2017 program will form the basis of a revised CH-6 resource estimate, with the expectation of extending the categorized resource base from a depth of 260 mbs to 540 mbs.
Tom Peregoodoff, Peregrines President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: The results we are releasing today confirm that the high-grade CH-6 kimberlite extends well below the current resource base of 260 metres. The microdiamond data from this years drilling clearly demonstrates that not only is the grade of this newly-defined extension of the CH-6 kimberlite very similar to that which we have previously defined, but also that we can expect the same macro diamond size distribution, which has important implications for future diamond valuations.
The Peregrine team is now using this information as the basis for a new resource statement due in mid-February, in which we expect to add significantly to the overall diamond content of the CH-6 kimberlite, especially given the apparent increase in the KIM-L.HG unit which has an estimated Inferred Resource grade of 4.16 cpt. In addition, the presence of a very rare green diamond bodes well for the presence of other rare, coloured diamonds that could have a significant impact on the overall average prices eventually received for diamonds recovered from the Chidliak project.
DIAMONDS RECOVERED FROM CH-6 BY CAUSTIC FUSION
As reported on September 21, 2017, 10 core holes drilled in the 2017 summer season intersected a total of 2,450 metres of CH-6 kimberlite. Microdiamond assay results for all 10 core holes of CH-6 kimberlite are presented in Table 1, and represent all the kimberlite drilled in the 2017 season. Assay results for prior years are presented in Table 2, for comparative purposes. All assays were completed by caustic fusion at the Saskatchewan Research Council Geoanalytical Laboratories (SRC).
The 2017 caustic fusion results support a coarse stone size distribution for all material sampled and reproduce diamond recovery rates for the previously defined KIM-L.HG, KIM-L.NG, and KIM-C units at the CH-6 kimberlite (Tables 1 and 2). The Company reported +1.18 millimetres estimated resource grades of 4.16 cpt for KIM-L.HG and 2.12 cpt for KIM-L.NG on April 7, 2016. KIM-L.HG contains approximately double the amount of diamonds in each sieve class than occur in KIM-L.NG. The SRC recovered 213 diamonds weighing 9.32 carats in commercial diamond sizes at +0.85 millimetres from the 1,936 kilograms of sample submitted in 2017, with KIM-L.HG reporting 2.1 times higher +0.85 millimetre diamond content than KIM-L.NG (Table 1). Grade-size plots of 2017 and prior years caustic fusion results can be viewed here: https://www.pdiam.com/assets/docs/2017-11-chidliak-2017-microdiamond-results.pdf
TABLE 1: 2017 CH-6 CAUSTIC FUSION RESULTS
Unit* Sample Weight (dry kg)* Numbers of Diamonds According to Sieve Size Fraction (mm) Total Diamonds Carats
(+0.85
mm) +0.106
-0.150 +0.150
-0.212 +0.212
-0.300 +0.300
-0.425 +0.425
-0.600 +0.60
-0.85 +0.85
-1.18 +1.18
-1.70 +1.70
-2.36 +2.36
-3.35 +3.35
-4.75 KIM-L.HG 867.45 1401 907 577 359 283 165 71 50 19 4 2 3838 5.892 KIM-L.NG 996.25 887 569 334 211 126 71 33 19 8 1 2 2261 3.283 KIM-C 72.75 54 40 25 14 6 1 2 1 1 0 0 144 0.145 Totals 1936.45 2342 1516 936 584 415 237 106 70 28 5 4 6243 9.32
* Sample aggregation by unit based on Figure 14.6 of NI 43-101 Report dated August 19, 2016.
TABLE 2: PRE-2017 CH-6 CAUSTIC FUSION RESULTS
Unit Sample Weight (dry kg) Numbers of Diamonds According to Sieve Size Fraction (mm) Total Diamonds Carats
(+0.85
mm) +0.106
-0.150 +0.150
-0.212 +0.212
-0.300 +0.300
-0.425 +0.425
-0.600 +0.60
-0.85 +0.85
-1.18 +1.18
-1.70 +1.70
-2.36 +2.36
-3.35 +3.35
-4.75 KIM-L.HG 1239.9 2685 1562 995 685 381 262 142 73 29 7 2 6823 9.441 KIM-L.NG 2813.63 2698 1750 1109 706 416 259 119 71 15 9 4 7156 8.740 KIM-C 309.3 347 252 118 69 25 17 10 1 1 1 0 841 0.439 Totals 4362.83 5730 3564 2222 1460 822 538 271 145 45 17 6 14820 18.62
Colours reported by the SRC for diamonds larger than the 0.85 millimetre sieve size are given in Table 3. The CH-6 diamonds recovered in 2017 are dominated by white and off-white colours with very minor grey or brown colours, as was the case in previous years. Yellow colours are more prominent in the 2017 batch, which also included four fragments of a unique green diamond recovered from one 8-kilogram sample. Reconstruction of the fragments produced a whole stone with dimensions of 2.4 x 1.7 x 0.8 millimetres. Green diamonds are rare, and those with saturated green body colours are exceptionally rare. Photos of the green diamond can be viewed here: https://www.pdiam.com/assets/docs/2017-11-chidliak-2017-microdiamond-results.pdf
TABLE 3: COLOURS OF +0.85 MM CH-6 DIAMONDS RECOVERED BY CAUSTIC FUSION
Colour (+0.85 mm) Pre-2017 2017 Stones described (n=) 512 213 % White/Colourless 39 41 % Off White 45 32 % Yellow 14 25 % Grey and Brown 3 <1 % Green 0 <1
DISTRIBUTION OF KIM-L.HG AND OTHER UNITS
On September 21, 2017, the Company reported that two near-vertical core holes encountered typical CH-6 kimberlite to 532 mbs and 540 mbs respectively, beyond which the CH-6 pipe remains open at depth. The caustic fusion results reported in Table 1 permit fresh mapping of the distribution of the KIM-L.HG and KIM-L.NG units in core holes transecting the existing CH-6 resource (to 260 mbs), and extending to depths of 540 mbs. At depths shallower than 260 mbs, the 2017 results demonstrate that the KIM-L.HG unit extends beyond the volume represented in the existing resource model for KIM-L.HG. At depths beyond 260 mbs, KIM-L.HG is now recognized to 470 mbs and KIM-L.NG to 540 mbs, the latter representing the full depth range of kimberlite intersected to date at CH-6. The minor kimberlite unit KIM-C is recognized to 294 mbs in only one intersect drilled in 2017, and its distribution is consistent with the existing geological model for KIM-C. Currently all of unit KIM-C at CH-6 is defined as Target for Further Exploration (TFFE).
The Company expects that a forthcoming updated mineral resource for CH-6 will support an expanded distribution for the high-grade KIM-L.HG unit. The volume occupied by the KIM-L.NG unit will also expand, specifically at depths beyond 260 mbs. The Company expects to complete the upgraded resource calculation by mid-February 2018.
ON-SITE DENSE MEDIA SEPARATION PLANT
Planning for the construction of an on-site Dense Media Separation (DMS) plant has commenced. An on-site DMS plant would allow for the processing and recovery of diamonds at Chidliak, thus expediting the advancement of CH-6, CH-7, and other kimberlites to feasibility. The initial review is focusing on site selection for a 10 tonne per hour installation leading to final plant design and permitting.
Mr. Peregoodoff added: The installation of an on-site DMS plant is the next step in our evolution towards a commercial diamond mine at Chidliak. An on-site plant will enable the Company to effectively and efficiently take the existing diamond resources at CH-6 and CH-7 through feasibility and allow us to add to this growing resource base through the bulk sampling of additional kimberlites, including CH-1, CH-44, and the 4 hectare, CH-31 kimberlite, which existing size frequency distribution data indicate have coarse diamond size distributions and could form the basis of a Phase II diamond development at Chidliak.
More information regarding the DMS will be made available as plans progress.
QUALIFIED PERSONS
Dr. Herman Grutter, Peregrines Vice President, Technical Services, is a Qualified Person and is responsible for the design of the Diamond Resource Development Program at Chidliak. Mr. Alan O'Connor, Peregrine's Program Manager, Chidliak Resource Evaluation, is a Qualified Person and is responsible for the design and conduct of field programs at Chidliak. Dr. Jennifer Pell, Peregrine's Chief Geologist, is a Qualified Person and is responsible for geological characterization and microdiamond sampling of core drilled at Chidliak.
Dr. Grutter, Mr. OConnor, and Dr. Pell have reviewed this release and approve of its contents.
ABOUT PEREGRINE DIAMONDS
Peregrine Diamonds is a TSX-listed diamond exploration and development company with assets located in northern Canada and Botswana.
Peregrines core asset is its 100-percent-owned, 277,997-hectare Chidliak Project, located 120 kilometres from Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, where 71 kimberlites have been discovered to date, with eight being potentially economic. A Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) of a Phase 1 Diamond Development (CP1D) has been completed. The PEA highlights that the CP1D represents a robust, high-margin, ten-year, open-pit mining project with very attractive economics, including after tax NPV of C$471 million, IRR of 29.8% and a two-year payback. An Inferred Mineral Resource of 11.39 million carats in 4.64 million tonnes of kimberlite at an average grade of 2.45 carats per tonne has been defined for a portion of the CH-6 kimberlite. An independent diamond valuation by WWW International Diamond Consultants, of a 1,013 carat parcel of diamonds from CH-6, returned an average market price of US$213 per carat and modeled prices that range from a minimum of US$162 per carat to a high of US$236 per carat, with a base model price of US$188 per carat (all using the February 24, 2014 price book). In addition, a Target for Further Exploration (TFFE) of 2.34 to 3.75 million tonnes of kimberlite to a depth of 380 metres below surface has been identified at CH-6. An Inferred Mineral Resource of 4.23 million carats in 4.99 million tonnes of kimberlite at an average grade of 0.85 carats per tonne has been defined for a portion of the CH-7 kimberlite. An independent diamond valuation by WWW International Diamond Consultants of a 735.75 carat parcel of diamonds from CH-7, returned an average market price of US$100 per carat and modelled prices that ranged from a minimum of US$94 per carat to a high of US$155 per carat, with a base model price of US$114 per carat (all using the February 1, 2016 price book). In addition, TFFE of 0.90 to 2.36 million tonnes for a depth range of 240 to 320 metres has been estimated for the CH-7 kimberlite. A TFFE of 1.27 to 3.19 million tonnes to 250 metres depth has been estimated for the CH-44 kimberlite pipe.
Additional details of the Chidliak 2016 PEA are available in a National Instrument (NI) 43-101 technical report titled Preliminary Economic Assessment Technical Report on the Chidliak Project, Nunavut, Canada and dated effective July 7, 2016, available on SEDAR and the Companys website.
The Chidliak 2016 PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that the PEA will be realized.
For information on data verification, exploration information, and resource estimation procedures, see the NI 43-101 technical reports entitled Mineral Resource Estimate for the Chidliak Project, Baffin Island, Nunavut and dated effective June 3, 2016 and Peregrine Diamonds Limited DO-27 Diamond Project Northwest Territories, Canada NI 43-101 Technical Report dated August 7, 2008, which are available on SEDAR and the Companys website.
The potential quantify and grade of TFFEs identified above are conceptual in nature as there has been insufficient exploration to define a Mineral Resource. It is uncertain whether further exploration will result in any of these tonnages being delineated as Mineral Resources.
Peregrine also controls the 8,494-hectare Lac de Gras Project in the Northwest Territories, located approximately 27 kilometres from the Diavik Diamond Mine. The nine-hectare, 72.1%-owned DO-27 kimberlite located at Lac de Gras hosts an Indicated Mineral Resource of 18.2 million carats of diamonds in 19.5 million tonnes of kimberlite at a grade of 0.94 carats per tonne, and it is open at depth.
For further information, please visit www.pdiam.com or contact Mr. Eric Friedland, Executive Chairman; Mr. Tom Peregoodoff, President and CEO; Dr. Herman Grutter, Vice President, Technical Services; or Peregrine Diamonds Investor Relations at 604-408-8880 or at investorrelations@pdiam.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events, or developments that the Company believes, expects, or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, without limitation,proposed exploration and development programs, funding availability, anticipated exploration results, grade of diamonds and tonnage of material, resource estimates, anticipated diamond valuations, and future exploration and operating plans are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company.
Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions by the Company and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performances, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performances, or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of diamonds, anticipated costs, and ability to achieve goals. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performances, or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: receipt of regulatory approvals; anticipated timelines for community consultations and the impact of those consultations on the regulatory approval process; market prices for rough diamonds and the potential impact on the Chidliak Project; and future exploration plans and objectives.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: availability and cost of funds; timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities; interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; risks relating to variations in the diamond grade and kimberlite lithologies; variations in rates of recovery and breakage; variations in diamond valuations and future diamond prices; the state of world diamond markets; reliability of mineral property titles; changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required project approvals; operational and infrastructure risk; and other risks involved in the diamond exploration and development business. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such statements, due to their inherent uncertainty.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The vacant building next to the Palace Theatre in Eastwood will remain standing... for now.
The Syracuse Planning Commission denied a request from Bank of America to tear down the building it owns at 2366-2374 James St.
In its 4-0 decision, the commission cited the city's land use policy and Eastwood's overlay guidelines, which are intended to preserve the neighborhood.
The vote came at the end of a three-hour hearing at City Hall Monday evening, during which 19 Eastwood residents warned of the gaping hole the demolition would leave in a rebounding business corridor.
The building in question is situated between the Palace Theatre and Bank of America's Eastwood branch on the corner of James Street and Hickock Avenue.
Many speakers characterized Bank of America as an absentee landlord and a bad neighbor. Most said they were worried about Bank of America owning a vacant lot in the heart of Eastwood because they've seen how little the bank cares about the community and its existing property.
Kathy Martin, who lives two doors down from the bank on Hickock Avenue, said she walks to the corner on a regular basis to pick trash off the bank's lawn and sidewalk. She's often pulled weeds from their overgrown landscaping along her street, she said.
"The bank is not really a good neighbor," she said. "...And I own stock in the company. They just don't feel a part of the neighborhood."
Bank of America has owned the building at 2366-2374 James St. since at least the early 1990s. The space has held offices, a deli and other businesses, but has been vacant for years. In that time, it's fallen into severe disrepair.
Neighbors said the bank has made no effort to sell or maintain the building, and has even ignored one community leader's interest in purchasing it. Rather, the bank just wants the 12 parking spaces behind the building for its customers and employees.
"They warehoused that building for that little bit of parking that's behind it," said Mike Behnke.
Eastwood residents line up to voice opposition to Bank of America's plan to demolish a building it owns on James Street, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017.
No one associated with the bank's ownership attended the meeting.
Scott Shearing, of Bohler Engineering, attended and explained why the building needs to come down. Shearing could not answer for the bank's role as a neighbor -- he is simply the contractor hired for the demolition.
The building is infested with animals and has water damage, Shearing said. It's become a liability to the bank and to its neighbors.
"The useful life of the building itself is over," he said.
Shearing said preparation for demolition began three weeks ago, including removal of hazardous materials. When asked, he was not sure if any permits had been secured for that work, which included removing the siding. Shearing said that siding contained asbestos.
City Zoning Administrator Heather Lamendola said, to her knowledge, no permits were given. However, no one present was sure if a permit was required.
The planning commissioners agreed that city staff should look into the permits immediately to see if work had begun improperly.
The end result of the demolition, Shearing said, would be a vacant lot. It could eventually be turned into a parking lot, which would require commission approval. For now, it would be an empty grass lot.
Most neighbors weren't concerned about the building's value as a historic relic. Rather, they didn't want a "missing tooth" on the James Street business corridor in Eastwood. Tearing down the building would leave a gap on the street, they said, and none were confident in the bank's commitment to maintaining an empty patch of grass.
Minch Lewis, the former city auditor who lives in Eastwood, said demolition should be used only as a last resort. The bank should first make every effort to find a buyer who would take the building and rehab it.
Many neighbors agreed with Lewis. And nearly all of them pointed to a potential buyer: Stephen Skinner, owner of the Palace Theatre.
Skinner said he was approached by a local broker more than a year ago to discuss buying the building. He hadn't been inside. The broker told him it was appraised for $450,000.
Skinner was interested. He kept in contact with the local broker and another in New Jersey. He had some concerns about the building, and didn't want to overpay. But talks were happening.
Then, last fall, the communication stopped. Skinner said he was told the bank was "going in a different direction." He didn't hear anything more about it, despite attempts to contact the building's owners. Last week, he got a postcard in the mail saying the building was under consideration for demolition.
Skinner said he would still be interested in buying the building. It's not about him, though. He said he wants someone who cares about the community to own it. At the very least, he'd like the building's owners to listen to the concerns of the neighborhood and open a dialog.
The planning commission denied the request "without prejudice," which means Bank of America can try again. But commissioners stressed that their concerns mirrored neighbors' concerns and would need to be addressed. Primarily, what will be done with the property once the building comes down?
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he looks forward to working with Ben Walsh, Syracuse's incoming mayor, to get things done in the city.
Cuomo said he believes the independent candidate won because Syracusans "... made a decision on the person and their qualifications and their vision as opposed to just their party label."
Cuomo spoke with reporters this morning at LeMoyne Elementary School in Syracuse after announcing the state will provide $1.9 million to fund after school programs in Central New York.
The governor does not get along with outgoing Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, an outspoken critic of Cuomo who has said she may run against him next year.
Despite their frosty relationship, Cuomo gave a shout-out during his speech to Miner, who attended the event. He thanked her for her service to the city.
Cuomo said he's talked to Ben Walsh on the phone.
Cuomo said when he was secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development he had a good relationship with Walsh's father, former U.S. Rep. James Walsh.
"We worked together and did a lot of good things for Syracuse," Cuomo said. "He was a Republican and I was a Democrat and that came second to the fact that we were both New Yorkers. That's how his father operated and I believe that's how his son is going to operate."
He said people in Syracuse are frustrated because they don't see enough progress.
Syracusans don't want to hear "political baloney" and "he said, she said," but want to see elected officials fix the roads and make other improvements, Cuomo said.
"That's how I want to work with the incoming mayor," he said.
Here are other issues he discussed:
Bashes tax reform proposal. Cuomo reiterated his opposition to tax reform plans being pushed by President Trump and Republicans in Congress. The proposal to eliminate the deductibility of state and local taxes will be "a crusher" for New York, he said. Cuomo said Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, and other Republican members of the House from New York who voted for the tax plan should win the Benedict Arnold award. "It's treasonous to vote for a plan that's bad for New York," he said.
Katko has said he supported the plan because most of his constituents would get a tax cut under the proposal.
Running for president? Cuomo did not give a direct answer when asked if he will run for president. Her said he's running for re-election as governor next year. He said his administration has focused on revitalizing Upstate New York. "I want to finish what we started," he said.
Why after school programs matter. After school programs are important because they keep kids off the street and enhance their education, he said. The Syracuse City School District will get more than $1.4 million to fund after school programs. Cuomo told LeMoyne Elementary School students participating in after school programs is "a lot more beneficial than going home to watch TV."
COVINGTON, KY, November 28, 2017 - Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ASH) (the "company") today announced its intention to nominate Jerome A. Peribere as a new independent director for election at the company's upcoming 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "2018 Annual Meeting"). If elected, it is also intended that Peribere will serve as a member of the compensation committee.
Consistent with the company's mandatory retirement policy set forth in its Corporate Governance Guidelines, George A. Schaefer Jr. will not be nominated for re-election to the board at the 2018 annual meeting. Ashland intends to nominate all other existing directors for re-election and expects the board will remain 11 directors.
Peribere has served as the president and chief executive officer of Sealed Air Corporation since March 2013 and previously worked for 35 years at The Dow Chemical Company, where he held a variety of leadership roles throughout the world. He previously served as president and chief executive officer of Dow Advanced Materials, where he led the integration of the Rohm and Haas acquisition and delivered significant growth and cost synergies. Prior to that, he spent the majority of his career in Dow AgroSciences.
"Jerome's extensive leadership and proven track record in the chemicals industry would make him a valuable addition to the Ashland board," said William A. Wulfsohn, Ashland chairman and chief executive officer. "With the addition of Jerome, six of the company's directors will have joined our board within the past three years, four of whom will have joined in the past year alone. These new directors underscore Ashland's commitment to regularly refreshing and strengthening the composition of our board. Our objective is to continue executing and delivering on our strategic plan to drive shareholder value and build momentum on our path to become the premier specialty chemicals company. We would also like to thank Cruiser Capital Advisors for their assistance in recommending Jerome to Ashland. We are confident that Jerome's industry experience, coupled with his deep understanding of global operations, strategy and integration, will benefit the Ashland board and all the company's stakeholders."
"I am honored to join Ashland's board of directors and look forward to working with the board and management team as Ashland continues to position itself as a leading global specialty chemicals company," said Peribere.
Charles J. Rose of Cruiser Capital Advisors said, "We believe that Ashland is a unique franchise with tremendous potential. Today's announcement gives us the utmost confidence that Ashland is committed and well positioned to deliver value to its shareholders. Jerome is a proven, effective leader, and we believe that adding his capabilities and experience to the Ashland board will further drive strong financial results."
About Jerome Peribere
Jerome Peribere is the current CEO of Sealed Air Corporation, a packaging company. He is retiring from Sealed Air at the end of December of 2017. Peribere joined Sealed Air as president and chief operating officer in September of 2012 and became chief executive officer effective March 1, 2013. Peribere is a 35-year veteran of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow) and has worked throughout the world in a variety of leadership roles.
Previously, Peribere was the president and chief executive officer of Dow Advanced Materials, a $12 billion revenue unit of Dow serving customers in more than 130 countries. In this role, he led the integration of the Rohm and Haas acquisition and delivered significant growth and cost synergies. Previously, Peribere spent most of his career in Dow AgroSciences. Peribere is a director of Xylem, Inc.
About Ashland
Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a premier global specialty chemicals company serving customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including adhesives, architectural coatings, automotive, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical. At Ashland, we are approximately 6,500 passionate, tenacious solvers - from renowned scientists and research chemists to talented engineers and plant operators - who thrive on developing practical, innovative and elegant solutions to complex problems for customers in more than 100 countries. Visit ashland.com to learn more.
C-ASH
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Ashland has identified some of these forward-looking statements with words such as "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "estimates," "is likely," "predicts," "projects," "forecasts," "objectives," "may," "will," "should," "plans" and "intends" and the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. Ashland may from time to time make forward-looking statements in its annual reports, quarterly reports and other filings with the SEC, news releases and other written and oral communications. These forward-looking statements are based on Ashland's expectations and assumptions, as of the date such statements are made, regarding Ashland's future operating performance and financial condition, as well as the economy and other future events or circumstances. Ashland's expectations and assumptions include, without limitation, internal forecasts and analyses of current and future market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, operating efficiencies and economic conditions (such as prices, supply and demand, cost of raw materials, and the ability to recover raw-material cost increases through price increases), and risks and uncertainties associated with the following: the impact of acquisitions and/or divestitures Ashland has made or may make, including the acquisition of Pharmachem (including the possibility that Ashland may not realize the anticipated benefits from such transactions); Ashland's substantial indebtedness (including the possibility that such indebtedness and related restrictive covenants may adversely affect Ashland's future cash flows, results of operations, financial condition and its ability to repay debt); the potential that Ashland does not realize all of the expected benefits of the separation of its Valvoline business; and severe weather, natural disasters, cyber events and legal proceedings and claims (including product recalls, environmental and asbestos matters). Various risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, projected or implied by any forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties affecting Ashland that are described in Ashland's most recent Form 10-K (including Item 1A Risk Factors) filed with the SEC, which is available on Ashland's website at http://investor.ashland.com or on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. Ashland believes its expectations and assumptions are reasonable, but there can be no assurance that the expectations reflected herein will be achieved. Unless legally required, Ashland undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information on Ashland's website is not incorporated into or a part of this news release.
(TM) Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Investor Relations:
Seth A. Mrozek
+1 (859) 815-3527
samrozek@ashland.com
Media Relations:
Gary Rhodes
+1 (859) 815-3047
glrhodes@ashland.com
BOISE, Idaho, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Washington State Health Care Authority announced the certification of Healthwise decision aids as part of an effort in Washington to put evidence-based information into the hands of its residents. Certifications were awarded to two decision aidsKnee Osteoarthritis: Is It Time to Think About Surgery? and Hip Osteoarthritis: Is It Time to Think About Surgery?that join two previously certified Healthwise decision aids about pregnancy.
Knee and hip replacement surgeries, procedures considered by millions of people every year, are the most common inpatient surgeries and often require lengthy recovery and rehabilitation periods. By 2030, the number of knee replacements is projected to grow by 673%, and hip replacement surgeries are expected to triple.
Healthwise decision aids present options in an unbiased manner, explain the risks and benefits of each option, and capture peoples values and priorities in a summary that can support a shared decision making conversation between patients and the care team. To receive certification, both decision aids met strict criteria, including steps taken to ensure zero conflicts of interest, a review of the content and cited clinical evidence, documentation of user testing, readability, and health literacy. The two certified decision aids about considering joint replacement surgery for osteoarthritis are part of a comprehensive Healthwise Shared Decision Making Program for Orthopedics.
Its amazing how well health care works when people truly understand their health condition, their choices for treatment, and their own preferences for care. When this happens, people can work with their doctor to make the best health decisionone consistent with the medical facts and with their feelings and motivations, says Adam Husney, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Healthwise. Washington States innovative program helps make this shared decision approach a reality that will improve the care experience for patients and providers alike.
Washington State recognizes the importance and positive impact of these tools and is certifying decision aids to promote patient and family engagement. Physicians in the state who use the certified aids as part of a shared decision making conversation stand to improve patient satisfaction by engaging patients in their own care and to receive higher protection against malpractice lawsuits.
About Healthwise
Healthwise is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help people make better health decisions. People have turned to Healthwise information more than 2 billion times to learn how to do more for themselves, ask for the care they need, and say no to the care they dont need. Healthwise partners with hospitals, electronic medical record (EMR) providers, health plans, care management companies, and health websites to provide up-to-date, evidence-based information to the people they serve. www.healthwise.org. 1.800.706.9646
Media Contact:
Sonja Deines, Healthwise
sdeines@healthwise.org | 208-489-8481
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SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ToolGen, Inc. (KONEX, 199800), a biotechnology company specializing in genome editing, today announced a poster presentation on its CRISPR technology at the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, being held December 9-12 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The poster presentation entitled CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Diacylglycerol Kinase Knockout Potentiates Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Human Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells will cover a study that explored a potential solution to tumors evading immune surveillance by deactivating T cells. Researchers strengthened T cell function by deleting Diacylglycerol kinase (DGKs) using CRISPR/Cas9. The study found that the observed biological effects may also yield new strategies for improving the efficacy of T-cell therapy in combination with signal 2 checkpoint inhibitors in clinical applications.
Details of the presentation are below:
Poster : 3182 - CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Diacylglycerol Kinase Knockout
Potentiates Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Human Chimeric Antigen Receptor
T-Cells Lead Author : In-Young Jung, MS Poster Session : 703: Adoptive Immunotherapy: Poster II Date : Sunday, December 10, 2017 Time : 6:00 - 8:00pm CT Location : Georgia World Congress Center
Building A, Level 1, Hall A2
About ToolGen, Inc.
ToolGen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the development and application of genome editing technologies. It creates and holds intellectual property rights for essential tools and technologies for editing the genetic information in microbial, plant, animal, and human cells. ToolGens mission is to translate the potential of its innovative platform technology into transformative products for biomedicine and agriculture. For more information, please visit www.toolgen.com.
Contacts
Company Seokjoong Kim +82-2-873-8168
Media Kirsten Thomas (508) 280-6592
Investors Tram Bui (646) 536-7035
Scientists from The University of New South Wales Canberra in Australia are taking the lead in the country's push to enter the space race. They launched the university's first miniature cube satellite into space last week and recently, opened up the nation's first space mission design facility.
The Buccaneer Cube Satellite
UNSW Canberra scientists had developed a miniature cube satellite called the Buccaneer alongside the Defence Science and Technology Group. They launched the Buccaneer on NASA's Delta 2 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The satellite, which is as small as a shoe box, is expected to perform several operations over the next weeks and months. These will include testing and commissioning its systems before it will undergo other experiments early next year.
Minister for Defence Marise Payne said the satellite will help scientists understand more about the outer atmosphere, specifically the ionosphere, as it plays a major role in the nation's over-the-horizon radar.
"Being able to avoid collisions in space is essential if we are to safeguard the space-based technologies upon which society depends," said Professor Russell Boyce, Space director of UNSW Canberra. "Our cubesats will play an important role in gathering data for this research, among other outcomes such as demonstrating space-based capability ranging from remote sensing to ultra-secure quantum communications."
The Buccaneer is currently in stable orbit and scientists were able to establish communications.
In addition to this satellite, the university also has another contract with the Royal Australian Air Force to develop three more spacecraft and accomplish two space missions within the next two years. These satellites are expected to be used for maritime surveillance, with the first launch in early 2018.
Australia's First National Space Mission Design Facility
UNSW Canberra officially opened the nation's first space mission design facility on Nov. 27. The facility is jointly funded by the university and the ACT Government. The French Space Agency, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, is the one responsible for supporting and providing the software and training.
Boyce said the Australian National Concurrent Design Facility (ANCDF) complements the test facilities at the Australian National University. It also places Canberra in a very good position, where it is now able to carry out future space missions from beginning to end. He added that Australia now has a facility that will allow scientists and engineers to develop and work out the technical and economic viability of future space missions.
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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OK2 Minerals Ltd .(TSX-V:OK) (the Company or OK2) is pleased to provide updates on its Kinskuch Lake project in the southern Golden Triangle and the Pyramid Project, located north of Dease Lake B.C at the northern edge of the Golden Triangle.
The Kinskuch Lake project is a copper-gold porphyry project located in an emerging precious metals district. The tenure is surrounded by Hecla Mining, and neighbouring projects include the Dolly Varden Silver camp and the Homestake Ridge Au project. The geological model on Kinskuch is analogous to the world class Mitchell deposit at the KSM project (Seabridge Resources).
Late season work at Kinskuch Lake identified a new zone of mineralization with an additional 14 grab samples grading from background values up to 7.2% Cu, 4.2 g/t Au and 21.6 g/t Ag in high-level porphyry mineralization. The new area is located approximately 750m south of the main trend of mineralization and is described as quartz sericite pyrite (QSP) altered diorite with high level stockwork veining, epithermal veining and skarn mineralization.
The Kinskuch Lake project has seen a rapid evolution of the geologic model, where past operators targeting a vertical system, did not outline the horizontal setting of the porphyry mineralization. Work by the British Columbia Geological Survey, UBC Department of Geology and OK2 in the summer of 2017 determined that deeper core zone alteration and mineralization, which is typically tested with deep drilling is now present at surface. New sampling in these regions of interest have returned very promising results over 2.25km of trend with 42 rock samples returning an average of 0.57% Cu and 0.35 g/t Au (see news release dated Sept 12, 2017). These rock samples come from areas with limited or no historic sampling and some are from areas of recent glacial retreat.
At the Eastern margin of this trend is a 200m deep drill hole, drilled by Canadian Empire Mining in 2003, which returned values of 0.86% Cu and 0.64g/t Au over 25m and bottomed in 50m of 0.33% Cu and 0.21 g/t Au (see news release dated Aug 17, 2016). Additional diamond drill holes on the property reported in the historic BC government assessment files include intervals of 1.22% Cu over 16.2m and 0.23% Cu over 43.7m from holes completed by Forest Kerr Mines in 1965.
OK2 Minerals has received the data from its Airborne ZTEM survey flown in conjunction with Dolly Varden Silver and Hecla Mining Company on the Kinskuch Lake project. The company is awaiting the final technical report from our geophysical consultant that will incorporate the data from the airborne survey with the Companys recent mapping and rock sampling results.
The 2017 exploration program on the Companys Pyramid project consisted of 11 RC drill holes (see news release dated Aug 14, 2017) and three diamond drill holes totalling 1,366 metres. The diamond drilling produced visually encouraging results, with mineralization encountered in the West Zone in two drill holes, spaced roughly 800m apart. All the drill core samples are currently being analysed at the SGS Canada laboratory in Burnaby BC and the company is awaiting the results. Follow up drilling in 2018 will include additional testing of the West Zone and new drilling in the East Zone.
ABOUT OK2 Minerals Ltd.
OK2 Minerals Ltd. is a Canadian-based junior exploration company comprised of highly qualified mining professionals with two very prospective copper-gold exploration projects, the Pyramid Project and the Kinskuch Project, both located in northwestern British Columbia on or within the Golden Triangle.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF
OK2 MINERALS LTD.
Per: Minaz Devji Minaz Devji,
CEO and Director
OK2 Minerals
Mike Devji
(604) 258-8666
mike.devji@ok2minerals.com
Investor Relations
Kin Communications
1-866-684-6730 (toll-free)
ok@kincommunications.com
This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. George Cavey P.Geo, Director, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators and has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this release.
The RC rock chip samples were prepared at the ISO certified SGS Canada Minerals in Burnaby, B.C. and analyzed at the SGS Canada Minerals facilities in Burnaby using a GE-IC14A procedure. IC14A is an Aqua Regia Digestion with an ICP-MS finish. The company routinely inserted known commercially prepared standards every 10th sample and did not detect any QC/QA concerns from the analytical results.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SARASOTA, Fla., Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HC Government Realty Trust, Inc. (HCGRT or the Company), today announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in San Antonio, Texas.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91b88031-9ed7-4589-8461-23276f10a483
The San Antonio facility is a 38,756-square foot, single-tenant office building which was completely redeveloped expressly to meet the requirements of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The property is located at 1015 Jackson Keller Road, San Antonio, Texas and is 100% leased to the United States of America under a 10-year commitment ending in April 2027. The aggregate purchase price of the property was approximately $8.4 million and the selling broker was Cushman & Wakefield. The lease is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America.
The Companys strategy is to acquire and operate built-to-suit properties leased to the United States of America that fulfill mission-critical or direct citizen service functions primarily located across secondary or smaller markets. HCGRT has identified more than 1,300 potential acquisition targets which fall within size ranges of 5,000-50,000 rentable square feet, and are in their first lease term after construction or retrofit to post-9/11 standards. The Companys real estate portfolio currently includes 13 properties representing approximately 269,000 RSF and houses tenants including the CIS, FBI, Social Security Administration, and Customs and Border Protection, among others.
About HC Government Realty Trust, Inc.
HC Government Realty Trust, Inc. was formed in 2016 for the purpose of acquiring and operating federally-leased properties, the leases for which are full-faith and credit obligations of the United States. Federally-leased real estate asset classes typically possess a highly stable tenant base, long-term lease structures and low risk of tenant turnover. The Companys portfolio of leased facilities is occupied by U.S. Government agencies, including a number of the largest and most essential agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Transportation. For more information, please visit our corporate website at www.hcgovtrust.com.
About this Press Release
This press release is neither an offer to sell, nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities of the Company, including without limitation the common stock. Any such offer is made exclusively through the Companys final offering circular dated November 7, 2016, as the same may be amended or supplemented (the Final Offering Circular). The Final Offering Circular, as supplemented, is available at: https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?company=hc+gove&match=contains&action=getcompany.
Forward-Looking Statements
We make statements in this press release that are considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), which are usually identified by the use of words such as anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, intends, may, plans, projects, seeks, should, will, and variations of such words or similar expressions. We intend for these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are including this statement in this press release for purposes of complying with those safe harbor provisions. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views about our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects, which are based on the information currently available to us and on assumptions we have made. Although we believe that our plans, intentions, expectations, strategies and prospects as reflected in or suggested by those forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that the plans, intentions, expectations or strategies will be attained or achieved. Furthermore, actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements and will be affected by a variety of risks and factors that are beyond our control. For further discussion of the factors that could affect outcomes, please refer to the risk factors set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Final Offering Circular. We assume no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Media and Investor Relations Contact:
Glenn Wiener / Michael Glickman
Tel: 212-786-6011 / 917-397-2272
Email: gwiener@GWCco.com / mglickman@GWCco.com
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kenadyr Mining (Holdings) Corp. (TSX-V:KEN) (the Corporation or Kenadyr) is pleased to announce that it has entered into option agreements (the Option Agreements) with Realgold Resources Corp. (the Optionor) for the acquisition of 9 mineral exploration licenses (the Licenses) covering approximately 1,200 square kilometers of the most prospective gold ground within the Middle Tien Shan carbonaceous shale belt of the Kyrgyz Republic. The licenses cover most of the highly prospective rocks (Riphean carbonaceous shales) and occur within a strike length of 800 km from west to east. These licenses contain approximately 80% of the exposed Upper Proterozoic black shales found in Kyrgyz Republic, that are not within a protected area (i.e. National Park).
Under the terms of the Option Agreements, Kenadyr, through its Kyrgyz subsidiaries, is required to advance as secured loans an aggregate of US$552,669.75 to certain subsidiaries of the Optionor. Upon completion of the advances and subject to compliance with all applicable laws of the Kyrgyz Republic, Kenadyr will be eligible to exercise its option to acquire the Licenses. During the period of the option, Realgolds subsidiaries will use the funds advanced under the Option Agreements to conduct exploration activities on the Licenses and to maintain the Licenses in good standing under Kenadyrs oversight.
Alexander Becker, the CEO and a director of Kenadyr is an officer of a material subsidiary of Realgold and accordingly has abstained from voting in connection with the approval of the Option Agreements by the Kenadyr Board of Directors. Kevin Ma, the CFO of Kenadyr, is also the CFO of Realgold. The transactions contemplated by the Option Agreements are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
A map accompanying this release is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7e7b804a-c7d3-4dd8-ae68-f41d22c3cc1e
Table of licenses:
# Project Area
(hectares) Location License ID 1 Arpatektyr 10,978 East of Kumtor 5135 2 Taldysu-Sarlytash 10,177 East of Kumtor 5317 3 Kyilu-Irtash 12,026 East of Kumtor 5147 4 Akbelsuu 12,875 West of Kumtor 5132 5 Kashkasu-Sandalash 12,681 NE Chaarat 5137 6 Kokuibel 15,067 NE Chaarat 5133 7 Chiimtash 3,634 East of Chaarat 5144 8 Kokiirim-Bardambot 34,251 Central black shale segment 5149 9 Usta-Sai 10,220 Central black shale segment 5131
Kenadyr is in possession of a complete data set, compiled during the Soviet era, for all license areas. This dataset includes all data from thorough regional, with follow up local, exploration programs. The dataset includes all geological and geochemical maps, maps of soil sediment geochemistry, stream sediment and pan concentrate geochemistry, airborne and ground geophysical surveys, compiled geologic reports and maps of all rock chip and channel sample locations and results as well as all known mineral occurrences.
Area East of Kumtor During the 2017 field season, the three licenses east of Kumtor were examined by an academic reconnaisance team:
Dr. Anatoly Gibsher, from the Novosibirsk Institute of Geology and Geophysics, and a well-known expert on gold deposits within the Asian and Siberian Upper Proterozoic carbonaceous shale formations, was the leader of the geological reconnaissance team. He stated: The geological setting is very similar to that at Kumtor. Within the licenses, and extending for many tens of kilometers are intensively altered and pyritized carbonaceous shales which belong to the same formation that hosts the Kumtor deposit.
Area west of Kumtor The Akbelsuu License covers all the outcropping favorable black shale units to the west of Kumtor. The area has seen very little exploration work.
North western (Chaarat) Areas In the north west of Kyrgyzstan, Kenadyr has acquired the option to the licenses surrounding both the Chaarat gold deposit and the Kuru-Tegerek gold deposit (operated by China Gold). The licenses also cover the outcropping carbonaceous shales which occur on strike to the east of the Chaarat Gold deposit.
Central Kyrgyz licenses: Ustasai and Kokirim-Bardambot The Ustasai license covers a large pull-apart (rotated and extended) segment of the Talas Fergana Fault, arguably the dominant structural feature of Tien Shan Mountains, with a dextral strike-slip fault displacement of 240km. In this pull-apart segment covered by the license, the rocks are intensely altered and bleached with alteration thicknesses of more than 500m. A strong airborne potassium anomalies occurs over the alteration zone.
The Kokirim-Bardambot license The license covers an area of 342 sq.km of highly prospective ground where carbonaceous shales outcrop in multiple erosion windows. The rocks in the erosion windows are highly altered and pyritized yet they were never assayed for gold during the Soviet expeditions.
Kenadyr Summary and Strategy Statement
Kenadyr Mining is focused on creating shareholder value, both through project acquisition and exploration towards resource definition, within the Kyrgyz Republic. Kenadyr achieves a balance of risk with a blended portfolio.
The company owns the Borubai Project which hosts both the South Zone and East Zone (currently being drilled). Previous drilling included hole EZ-1-17 (50 meters at 8.15 g/t Au) from the East Zone and 40m @ 6.17 g/t Au in drill hole SZ-1-17, from the South Zone (see Kenadyrs news release dated November 14, 2017). These Zones are directly adjacent to the TBL Mine operated by Zijin.
Complementing this, the company holds an unrivaled ground position covering the bulk of the prospective Black Shale Hosted Gold ground in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Brian Lueck, P. Geo, a director of the Kenadyr and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release.
On behalf of the Kenadyr Mining (Holdings) Corp.
Alexander Becker
Dr. Alexander Becker
Chief Executive Officer and Director
For more information, visit www.kenadyr.com or contact Kevin Ma, CFO at info@kenadyr.com or (604) 687-7130.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the success for failure of the Company's proposed exploration activities on the Bourabi Project or its resource potential relative to the TBL Mine and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations.
The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law.
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
The Louisiana Board of Regents plans to hire a new commissioner of higher education in early April 2018, officials said Tuesday.
The panel hopes to have final interviews with the candidates on or close to April 4, said Robert Levy, chairman of the six-member search panel.
Louisiana on the hunt for new higher education commissioner Louisiana could have a new higher education leader selected by December, as Commissioner Joe Rallo prepares to retire in June.
Higher Education Commissioner Joe Rallo announced in August that he is retiring.
Rallo, who has held the job since January 2015, tentatively plans to remain in the post through June.
The commissioner oversees the state's 38 colleges and universities, which includes about 217,000 students.
The system includes governing boards for LSU, Southern, the Louisiana Community and Technical College system and the University of Louisiana System.
The fact that higher education in Louisiana often speaks with multiple voices, and oftentimes conflicting views, is something the next commissioner should know, regents said.
The current search, like the one that resulted in Rallo's hiring, is being assisted by AGB Search of Washington, D.C.
The firm is to be paid $110,000 for services and up to $15,000 for expenses.
Three officials of the company met for about 90 minutes Tuesday with the search committee, which held its first gathering.
Janice Fitzgerald, one of the consultants, said advertisements for the job will begin appearing on Dec. 18 and that it will be a national search.
Fitzgerald said on Feb. 13 officials will sift through the initial list of those expressing interest in the post.
Around mid-March another list will be compiled of those recommended for interviews with state officials.
A mix of traditional and non-traditional candidates is expected.
Jim McCormick, another AGB consultant, said there is a recent trend of physicians and attorneys expressing interest in top higher education jobs.
Uma Subramanian, deputy commissioner for legal and external affairs, told the regents that the names of the initial wave of possible applicants do not have to be made public.
Subramanian said that, when both the candidate and state officials show interest in a possible hiring, the name is subject to public disclosure.
The key word is applicant, she said.
Whoever succeeds Rallo will assume the job at a time when state aid for higher education has plummeted amid recurring budget problems.
That annual aid has been cut from about $1.5 billion in 2008 to just over $800 million this year.
The 2018 regular legislative session begins on March 12, just a few weeks ahead of an expected decision on the next commissioner.
Rallo is paid $364,000 per year.
U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) didn't pull any punches when asked Monday afternoon about the recent raft of sexual harassment allegations across the nation, including those against prominent lawmakers like Sen. Al Franken and Alabama candidate Roy Moore.
Kennedy said he'd like to see the facts presented by an ethics investigation before deciding whether to call for Franken's resignation, or Moore's if he were to win his race. Moore has been accused of pursuing relationships with teenagers as well as assault, while Franken (D-Minn.) has been accused of groping women.
"But I don't have sympathy for people who act like pigs," he said Monday when approached by reporters. "I don't. It's wrong."
Kennedy said he'd expect a similar investigation into Moore's actions if he is indeed elected in Alabama.
"I don't even know when they have time to make movies in Hollywood because it looks like they're all busy molesting each other," he said. "But now we know it's on Capitol Hill, we know it's in the business community.
"I guess I'm just naive. But I had no idea there were this many pigs in the world. And to all of them, I would say we're all human and all that, and I'm not saying we shouldn't extend them grace, but extending grace to people doesn't mean you don't have to face the consequences. And there is no excuse for this. None, zero, nada. You can pretty it up all you want to, it's still a pig."
WASHINGTON A Louisianan nominated by President Donald Trump for a seat on the federal Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will get a hearing before the Senate's Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, amid a lobbying campaign by pro-life and conservative groups for Sen. John Kennedy's support.
Kyle Duncan, a 45-year-old Baton Rouge native and LSU law school graduate who's built a national profile as a D.C.-based legal warrior on conservative social issues, is up for a lifetime appointment on the appeals court.
Wednesday's hearing will offer committee members including Kennedy, R-Louisiana a chance to grill Duncan over his record, experience, judicial philosophy and political views.
Kennedy has remained tight-lipped on how he might vote on Duncan, telling The Advocate in recent weeks that he's still studying the attorney's credentials and wasn't ready to announce a position on his nomination.
A spokeswoman for Kennedy, Michelle Millhollon, said Monday the senator is impressed with Duncan's "pro-life and pro-religious liberty" record. But Millhollon said the senator hoped to learn more about Duncan's expertise in other areas of the law at Wednesday's hearing.
Kennedy "wants the benefit of a hearing before making a decision," Millhollon said. "The Senator does not know Mr. Duncan, and he wants to make an informed decision."
Kennedy's public indecision has attracted attention from at least three national conservative groups who've enthusiastically backed the White House's decision to tap Duncan for the Fifth Circuit seat.
The groups Americans United for Life, the Judicial Crisis Network and the National Right to Life Committee each launched campaigns in Louisiana urging the Senate to confirm Duncan.
Dan Fagan: Is John Kennedy actually pro-life? We'll get a real answer this week If youre like me and believe the safest place in the world for a baby should be in a mother
Duncan is one of two nominees with Louisiana ties for vacancies on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt, the chief judge of the New Orleans-based U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, was also nominated by the White House.
A hearing for Engelhardt before the Judiciary Committee hasn't yet been scheduled.
Wednesday's hearing for Duncan comes after the Judiciary Committee chairman, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, announced he'd move forward on the nominations despite a lack of a positive "blue slip" from Kennedy.
The blue-slip courtesy has traditionally allowed senators to wield considerable influence in federal judicial nominations in their states. Though the courtesy has been applied differently over the past century, committee chairs have generally waited for positive endorsements before moving ahead with a hearing.
Grassley said Kennedy had no objection to holding a hearing for Duncan when he announced the move. Another Trump appeals court nominee David Stras of Minnesota will be considered on Wednesday despite objections from Sen. Al Franken, D-Minnesota.
Liberal groups have raised objections to Duncan's nomination pointing to a long record of legal advocacy against gay, transgender and abortion rights and Senate Democrats are expected to oppose him.
Because of the committee's narrow partisan split, Kennedy could cast a key vote. If Democrats all vote against Duncan, a "no" from Kennedy would scuttle his nomination, while Kennedy's support would likely clear him out of committee and send the nomination to the full Senate for confirmation.
Senator Cassidy is working with President Trump to see good federal judges nominated in Louisiana, and will continue pushing the Senate to confirm them in a timely manner, Matt Wolking, communications director for Cassidy, said in a written statement Monday.
The Wednesday hearing represents the latest step toward filling a number of vacant positions in Louisiana's federal courts.
On Thursday, the committee will vote on whether to send a nominee for a Monroe-based judgeship in the federal Western District of Louisiana to the full Senate for a confirmation vote. Terry Doughty, currently a state judge in Franklin, Richland and West Carroll parishes, has already appeared before the committee to answer questions.
If approved by the committee, Doughty would join a second Western District judicial nominee Lafayette attorney Michael Juneau in waiting for a confirmation vote from the full Senate. Trump has not yet named nominees for two other vacant judgeships in the 42-parish Western District, which includes courthouses in Monroe, Shreveport, Alexandria, Lafayette and Lake Charles.
Trump has also nominated Barry Ashe, a partner in the New Orleans office of Stone Pigman Walther Wittmann, for a federal judgeship in the New Orleans-based Eastern District. But no hearing before the Senates Judiciary Committee a key hurdle for nominees has yet been scheduled for Ashe.
Officials in the Trump administration have placed a great deal of importance on federal judgeships and GOP leaders in the Senate have made confirming nominees a top priority. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, changed Senate rules to diffuse a potential Democratic filibuster of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch and has threatened to toss out other rules to speed along nominees if Democrats continued deploying a range of procedural obstacles to slow down the process.
The Advocate has previously reported that Trump intends to nominate Wendy Vitter, currently the general counsel for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the wife of former U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-Louisiana, to a second vacant seat on the Eastern District. Vitters nomination hasnt been announced, however, and Sen. Bill Cassidy whose office vetted potential candidates for the seat also forwarded two other names along with Vitters to the White House.
If Engelhardt is confirmed for a seat on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, itd also open up his former U.S. District Court position.
The other key presidentially appointed positions in Louisianas federal court system the states three U.S. Attorney jobs have not yet been filled. Trump has nominated Brandon Fremin, currently the head of the criminal division in Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landrys office, for the Baton Rouge job.
No hearings have been scheduled yet for Fremin and the White House hasnt yet named nominees for the other two jobs, although sources told The Advocate that Chaffe McCall law firm partner Peter Strasser is expected to get the nod in New Orleans.
Unlike federal judgeships, U.S. attorneys served at the pleasure of the president and are usually replaced when a new administration takes office. Its not clear how quickly Senate leaders will move U.S. attorney nominees through the Senate. McConnell and Grassley have both said theyre placing a higher priority on confirming conservative judges than federal prosecutors.
Editor's note: This story was updated after publication to correct the name of one of the groups participating in campaigns for Duncan.
PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PDX Partners, Inc. ("PDXP") (OTC:PDXP), a telecom company, announces that the company will be utilizing its net loss carry forward of over eleven million dollars ($11,000,000) USD to substantially impact shareholder value for the company.
With a previous net operating losses in the millions in the telecom sector, we will have a very small tax bill the first eleven million dollars or so we make in the space, said Patrick Johnson, CEO. The more money we have in the bank at the end of the year the more valuable our stock will be which benefits everyone, he said.
In 2016 the New York Times published fragments of now President Donald Trump's 1995 state tax returns showing a $916 million tax loss -- a loss that he likely carried forward to wipe out most or all of his tax liability for years. I was able to use the tax laws in this country and my business acumen to dig out of the real estate mess, Mr. Trump said on a campaign appearance in Colorado in 2016. Few others were able to do what I did.
PDX Partners, Inc. was formed in 1997 and formerly called. My Social Income. The company offered several valuable communication products and services that created Value Networks for its customers which were extended to large groups of members, sales affiliates or other interested parties. The value of the network was its furnishing of free, unlimited, in-network services to all network members; low-cost local and long distance calling; access to numbers outside the network for all members; high-value customer calling services to all members including voice messaging, email services, conferencing services, fax via email, automated attendant and advanced call processing to all members. The company has recently entered into the iOS app market with plans to roll out new products as well as market existing iOS applications moving forward.
"We are excited about what this means for our shareholders in the long term as we continue to find creative ways to positively impact our business and strengthen our balance sheet, said Johnson.
About PDX Partners
PDX Partners, Inc. (OTC PINK:PDXP) is a telecom company dedicated to creating revenue and shareholder value by marketing telecom products and acquiring other long term growth assets. The company was founded in 1997.
For more information go to: www.pdxpartners.net.
Safe Harbor Statement
This release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E and/or 27E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including statements as to the future performance of the company and the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in reports filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, the company's ability to raise necessary financing, retention of key personnel, timely delivery of inventory from the company's suppliers, timely product development, product acceptance, and the impact of competitive services and products, in addition to general economic risks and uncertainties.
For more information please contact:
PDX Partners, Inc.
Patrick J. Johnson
Chief Executive Officer
(971) 258-8003
patrick@pdxpartners.net
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/janetnovack/2016/10/12/windfall-the-best-explanation-of-donald-trumps-916-million-tax-loss/#6cd3eb3165f5
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/04/us/politics/donald-trump-taxes.html
The annual Archbishop Hannan Community Appeal End of Campaign Reception of Catholic Charities took place at Cafe Reconcile. Catholic Charities, April 19, 2017 -- Michael Read, Shannon and Byron Adams
Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office leaders face a reckoning at a hearing before U.S. District Judge Lance Africk on Jan. 29, when they may be for
Domestic Animal Services will be able to destroy dogs they believe pose an unacceptable risk to public safety, under dangerous dog reforms that are expected to pass the ACT's parliament on Wednesday.
The Barr government will beef up a bill introduced by the Canberra Liberals to address dangerous dogs, after a series of attacks culminating in the death of a woman last month.
A series of high profile dog attacks in Canberra exposed the need for reform of the ACT's dangerous dog laws.
The laws were championed by the late Liberal MLA Steve Doszpot but are likely to be rubber stamped by all three parties after weeks of backroom negotiations.
The bill will increase declared dangerous dog licence application fees and renewals from $186.50 to $750 and make it mandatory to declare a dog dangerous if it attacks and kills or causes serious injury to a person.
Entries are open for the 2018 ABR Calibre Essay Prize: original, unpublished non-fiction essays of any subject between 3000 and 6000 words, written in English. The judges are Andrea Goldsmith, Phillipa McGuinness, and Peter Rose. Entry fees are $15 for ABR subscribers or $25 for non-subscribers (the latter includes a free four-month subscription to ABR Online). Entries close January 15, 2018. First prize $5000, second prize $2500. See: australianbookreview.com.au
The Tough Guy Book Club holds Canberra meetings at the Old Canberra Inn, 195 Mouat Street, Lyneham. The book to read for the month is announced at each meeting. It's a modern meeting place for men to discuss not just the works of literary greats, but issues that men tackle on a daily basis. It's free. Upcoming meetings are on December 6, 2017 and February 7, 2018, all at 7pm. For more information visit facebook.com/ToughGuyBookClub.
What's on
December 2: At Paperchain Manuka at 11am, "Meet the Pawthor" and "Book Pawing" of Pikelet, author of The Extraordinary Life of Pikelet: Memoirs of a Rescue Pup Called Pikelet Butterwiggle Stoll. Typed by Calley Gibson (Pikelet's Ma).
December 3: In the foyer of the National Library of Australia, join author and illustrator Rhonda Garward for a reading of Tilly's Reed Adventure followed by craft activities, where children can create their own underwater world. Suitable for ages four to seven. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 11am, free.
December 4: At Smith's Alternative at 7pm, performances by poets Miranda Lello and Sarah Rice. $5 on the door - includes open mic
December 7: Have you heard about the sunken continent of Zealandia? Learn what Australian scientists have discovered about Earth's history and dynamics through the International Ocean Discovery Program, a marine research collaboration involving 23 countries. Professor Neville Exon explores how, through drilling and coring technology, scientists have been able to investigate cores of sediment and rock up to 3km under the seabed, revealing secrets hidden in the earth going back 200 million years. In association with ANU Press. National Library of Australia, 6-8pm.
NEW YORK, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- James Wright, an expert in customer experience, joins Bain & Company as Executive Vice President, Experience Innovation. In this role, Wright will work with Bains clients to drive engagement, increase brand loyalty, and generate value-creating growth across a holistic customer experience ecosystem. He is based in the firms New York office.
Complex shopper behavior has created new challenges for many B2C and B2B companies. Yet, these same challenges also open new routes to profitable growth. Wright will work closely with Bains Customer Strategy & Marketing, Retail, and Digital practices to help clients build innovative customer and employee experiences. His work has included redesigning the customer experience for a number of retailers, developing new concepts for major restaurant chains, and improving the performance of consumer product brands.
Technology is rapidly and radically changing customer expectations, said Gerard du Toit, who leads Bains global Customer Experience capability. The companies that want to win in this environment must deeply understand customer needs and wants, meet them in new and innovative ways, and connect with them on an emotional level in a manner that resonates with their brand. I am confident that James deep understanding of consumer behavior and the possibilities of digital will be a terrific asset to our clients looking to differentiate in customer experience and build leading brands.
Wright has more than 20 years of experience working with the senior leadership of Fortune 500 B2B and B2C companies to navigate shifting consumer dynamics and uncover innovation opportunities beyond the current business. He brings a design thinking approach grounded in the principles of behavioral science, and deep knowledge of graphic, architectural and user experience design.
Im excited to join Bain and work with an esteemed group of industry experts, who understand the importance of customer experience and the role design plays in creating business impact, said Wright. Together, well help clients own a greater share of the market, command price premiums, and increase their promoter base through deeper, more meaningful relationships with customers.
Prior to joining Bain, Wright was a senior partner at Lippincott, a creative consultancy with services in brand strategy, design, innovation and culture change.
He holds a B.A. in industrial design from Carnegie Mellon University.
Editor's Note: To arrange an interview, contact Dan Pinkney at dan.pinkney@bain.com or +1 646 562 8102
About Bain & Company
Bain & Company is the management consulting firm that the world's business leaders come to when they want results. Bain advises clients on strategy, operations, information technology, organization, private equity, digital transformation and strategy, and mergers and acquisition, developing practical insights that clients act on and transferring skills that make change stick. The firm aligns its incentives with clients by linking its fees to their results. Bain clients have outperformed the stock market 4 to 1. Founded in 1973, Bain has 55 offices in 36 countries, and its deep expertise and client roster cross every industry and economic sector. For more information visit: www.bain.com. Follow us on Twitter @BainAlerts.
Media Contact:
Dan Pinkney
Bain & Company
Tel: +1 646 562 8102
dan.pinkney@bain.com
Developers will be able to try out new models of housing that don't fit with the ACT's current planning rules in a series of new demonstration housing precincts across Canberra.
The government will start accepting pitches early next year from organisations and people who wanted to build sustainable and affordable housing, planning minister Mick Gentleman announced in the ACT Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
Housing construction in Gungahln in 2003. The ACT government will accept pitches for demonstration housing precincts to try out new models of housing that aren't allowed in the territory plan. Credit:Alan Porritt
Mr Gentleman said the government was looking at using the precincts to measure the impacts of possible changes to the territory plan.
"Canberra's architecture and construction industries have delivered many award-winning examples of housing projects that showcase environmental performance. However Canberra's overall low density presents many transport, environment, social and economic challenges for our city both now and into the future," Mr Gentleman said.
Family, friends and colleagues of former Canberra Liberals MLA Steve Doszpot will celebrate his contribution to the ACT at a state funeral this Friday.
During a tearful condolence motion remembering the prominent local politician, Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced Mr Doszpot would be given the state funeral.
Former ACT Liberal parliamentarian Steve Doszpot with his wife Maureen. Mr Doszpot will be remembered with a state funeral this Friday. Credit:Jamila Toderas
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Mr Doszpot's long-term parliamentary colleagues on both sides of the aisle gave heartfelt speeches in his memory as his wife Maureen and family and friends watched on from the Legislative Assembly public gallery on Tuesday morning.
The number of University of Canberra students who finish their degrees within six years has reached a record low, new figures show, as the federal Education Minister warns institutions to keep a "laser focus" on their students' outcomes.
Fewer than 60 per cent of UC's domestic undergraduates who started their degree in 2010 had finished by 2015. The figure was below the national average of 65.8 per cent and well below the 68.8 per cent UC recorded when data was first collected in 2005, representing one of Australia's worst drop-offs.
The number of University of Canberra students completing their degrees within six years has reached a record low. Credit:Ryan Osland
The University of Canberra's four-year completion rates were worse. Just 37.2 per cent of students who started studying in 2012 had finished by 2015 - a dramatic reduction on the 52.2 four-year completion rate recorded by the 2005 cohort.
In contrast, the Australian National University was one of nine universities to record its highest six-year completion rate, with 81.1 per cent of domestic undergraduate students in the 2010 cohort finishing their degrees by 2015.
ANZ Bank has sacked a "small" group of its bankers for taking illegal drugs at a work-related event and recently let another staff member go for sexually harassing a woman from a rival banking organisation at a separate outing.
ANZ revealed the sackings in an all staff email sent on Monday by the bank's group executive talent and culture Kathryn van der Merwe that also detailed a massive surge in whistleblower cases at the bank.
Ms van der Merwe described the behaviour in her email to staff as "unacceptable".
"Earlier this year Shayne (Elliott, chief executive of ANZ) shared with line managers a true story where a small number of ANZ people used illegal drugs at an out-of-hours work-related event," Ms van der Merwe wrote.
The world's biggest miner, BHP, is planning to deliver a total of $US1.6 billion ($2.2 billion) in productivity gains across its Australian mining operations over the next two years.
But while BHP expects to lower unit costs by 10 per cent over the medium term, it is also hoping to lift its Australian iron ore production "run rate" to 290 million tonnes a year by the end of fiscal 2019.
BHP said it would continue to find savings by bringing in expertise from other industries and better leveraging technology. Credit:AP
Speaking to analysts and investors on Tuesday, BHP Minerals Australia president Mike Henry said he wanted the company to lift iron ore production to that run rate "as soon as possible".
Mr Henry said BHP was working with government and local communities to increase its export licence.
A faded Northcote shopping centre has sold for $34 million on a staggeringly-sharp yield of 3.47 per cent.
A local private investor beat stiff competition to snap up Northcote Central, a 6657 square metre shopping centre on the corner of High and Separation streets.
Northcote Central, on the corner of High and Separation streets, has sold for $34 million.
CBRE agents Mark Wizel and Justin Dowers said 16 offers were made for the centre, which sold quickly after a second round of expressions of interest.
They declined to identify the buyer, understood to be a local, whose plans for the centre are unknown. A residential developer was widely anticipated to buy the ageing centre which is on a large 9205 square metre site.
The prenuptial agreement governing the marriage of the nation's militant construction and maritime unions will preclude the sharing of legacy multimillion dollar legal fines that may eventuate from the building union's court battles.
Members of the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) have voted in favour of amalgamating into a new super union with 144,000.
CFMEU national secretary Michael O'Connor and MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin whose two unions intend to merge. Credit:Nick Moir
Like any "marriage", MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin said the unions would share resources, but he expected the CFMEU to take responsibility for its own legal fines and costs.
"No one is picking up other people's financial responsibilities, that's not the basis of the marriage, that's a basis for divorce," he said.
It's hard to grasp why Communications Minister, Mitch Fifield, felt the need to wade into JJJ's decision to switch the date of its Hottest 100 from January 26 to January 27.
Just as it is not the business of a radio station, particularly one funded by the tax payer, to play politics by pressuring the Government to change the date of the national day, it is equally unseemly for the government to intervene in the station's programming decisions.
If, as some of JJJ's defenders have claimed, the shift that will now see the top songs go to air on Saturday, January 27, next year was a simple scheduling issue everything be fine.
All media organisations tweak their product to suit their consumers' lifestyles and preferences all the time.
Melbourne's growing pains have become acute. For many thousands of people, this is undermining the liveability of the serial winner of the world's most liveable city accolade.
The most pressing problem is a lack of transport infrastructure, which is why the state government has unleashed a frenzy of investment on roads and rail, following the failure of successive governments to anticipate the effects of rapid population growth.
Credit:Paul Heyes
And now it emerges that the growth is outstripping the capacity of Melbourne's schools. A stark illustration of this is the anxiety felt by parents seeking a place for their children at the new South Melbourne Primary, Victoria's first vertical state school. It's not yet open, but is already obliged to send rejection letters to aspiring families.
Population growth is necessary and desirable. It drives economic growth by boosting demand and employment.
English Lithuanian
Vilnius, Lithuania, 2017-11-28 15:25 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
On the initiative and decision of the Company's Management Board the Ordinary General Shareholders Meeting of Vilniaus baldai AB (identification code 121922783, address Savanoriu ave. 178B, Vilnius, LT-03154) is to be held on 20 December, 2017 at 10:00 a. m. in Savanoriu ave. 178B, Vilnius.
Registration of the shareholders will start at 9:30 a. m. Only the persons who are the shareholders of the Company at the end of the accounting day of the Ordinary General Shareholders Meeting (13 December, 2017) are entitled to participate and to vote at the General Shareholders meeting. Shareholders rights accounting day 08 January, 2018.
Agenda includes:
1. Consolidated annual report.
2. Companys Auditors report.
3. Approval of the Consolidated and Company's financial statements for the year 2017 ended 31 August, 2017
4. Distribution of Company's profit.
The Management Board of Vilniaus baldai AB approved the Companys draft resolutions of the Annual General Shareholders meeting that will take place on the 20th of December 2017:
1. Consolidated annual report.
Shareholders of the public joint-stock company Vilniaus baldai AB are presented with the consolidated annual report of Vilniaus baldai for 2017 (There is no voting on this issue of agenda).
2. Independent auditor's report.
Shareholders of the public joint-stock company Vilniaus baldai AB are presented with the independent auditor's report on the financial statements of Vilniaus baldai for 2017 (There is no voting on this issue of agenda).
3. Approval of the Consolidated and Company's financial statements for the year 2017 ended 31 August 2017.
To approve Consolidated and Company's financial statements for the year 2017 ended 31 August 2017.
4. Approval of the Companys profit distribution for the year 2017 ended 31 August 2017:
To approve Companys profit distribution:
Undistributed retained earnings, brought forward 5 233 266 EUR Net result for the current year 4 422 779 EUR Profit (loss) not recognized in the income statement of the reporting financial year (21 479) EUR Distributable result 9 634 566 EUR Transfers to the obligatory reserves - Transfers to other reserves - To be paid as dividends* 1 049 292 EUR To be paid as annual payments (bonus) to the Board members - Undistributed retained earnings, carried forward 8 585 274 EUR
* 0.27 EUR of dividends per one ordinary share.
The documents related to the agenda, draft resolutions on every item of agenda, documents what have to be submitted to the General Shareholders Meeting and other information related to realization of shareholders rights are available at the office of Vilniaus baldai (Savanoriu ave 178 B, Vilnius) during working hours.
The shareholders are entitled: (i) to propose to supplement the agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting submitting draft resolution on every additional item of agenda or, than there is no need to make a decision - explanation of the shareholder (this right is granted to shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes). Proposal to supplement the agenda is submitted in writing by registered mail or delivered in person against signature. The agenda is supplemented if the proposal is received no later than 14 before the General Shareholders Meeting; (ii) to propose draft resolutions on the issues already included or to be included in the agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting at any time prior to the date of the General Shareholders meeting (in writing, by registered mail or delivered in person against signature) or in writing during the General Shareholders Meeting (this right is granted to shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes); (iii) to submit questions to the Company related to the issues of agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting in advance but no later than 3 business days prior to the General Shareholders Meeting in writing by registered mail or delivered in person against signature.
Shareholder participating at the General Shareholders Meeting and having the right to vote must submit documents confirming personal identity. Each shareholder may authorize either a natural or a legal person to participate and to vote on the shareholder's behalf at the General Shareholders Meeting. The representative has the same rights as his represented shareholder at the General Shareholders Meeting. The authorized persons must have documents confirming their personal identity and power of attorney approved in the manner specified by law which must be submitted to the Company no later than before the commencement of registration for the General Shareholders Meeting.
Shareholder is entitled to issue power of attorney by means of electronic communications for legal or natural persons to participate and to vote on its behalf at the General Shareholders Meeting. The shareholders must inform the Company about power of attorney issued by means of electronic communications no later than before the commencement of registration for the General Shareholders Meeting. The shareholders must inform the Company about power of attorney issued by means of electronic communications no later than before the commencement of registration for the General Shareholders Meeting. The power of attorney issued by means of electronic communications and notice about it must be written and submitted to the Company by means of electronic communications.
Shareholder or its representative may vote in writing by filling general voting bulletin, in such a case the requirement to deliver a personal identity document does not apply. The form of general voting bulletin is presented at the Companys webpage. If shareholder requests, the Company shall send the general voting bulletin to the requesting shareholder by registered mail or shall deliver it in person against signature no later than 10 days prior to the General Shareholders Meeting free of charge. The filled general voting bulletin must be signed by the shareholder or its authorized representative. Document confirming the right to vote must be added to the general voting bulletin if authorized person is voting. The filled general voting bulletin must be delivered to Vilniaus baldai, AB by registered mail (address Savanoriu ave. 178B, LT 03154 Vilnius, Lithuania) or in person against signature no later than before the day of the General Shareholders Meeting.
Information related with the convened General Shareholders Meeting (notice on convocation of General Shareholders Meeting, information about Companys shares, draft resolution, etc.) are available at Vilniaus baldai AB webpage http://www.vilniausbaldai.lt. For further information please contact + 370 5 2525700.
In the middle of her campaign to promote her latest movie, Rebel Wilson has placed a blanket ban on Fairfax Media.
The Australian actor, 37, who is in her home town of Sydney ahead of the premiere of Pitch Perfect 3 on Wednesday night, refused a sit-down interview with the publication, banned it from attending the red carpet and cancelled staff invitations to the premiere.
Wilson and Universal Pictures did not respond to numerous requests for a reason behind the censorship.
However, it is believed that the Bridesmaids star is unhappy that a request she made to Fairfax Media chief executive Greg Hywood in 2015 was revealed during her defamation trial against Bauer Media in May.
Former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce claims he is being stalked but won't deny flicking a man's hat off during a heated encounter in a New England pub.
Fairfax Media can reveal the Nationals candidate was confronted in the Graman Hotel near Inverell on Monday night and questioned about family matters.
When questioned by Fairfax Media on Tuesday morning, Mr Joyce won't deny he flicked the man's hat off his head during the confrontation, but said his "private life is private".
"We've had death threats and now we've got stalkers," Mr Joyce said.
Huang Xiangmo's Mosman mansion on Sydney's north shore. Credit:HuwLambert.com "This comes at a time when members and senators are under intense scrutiny over whether they hold dual citizenship. Of the 226 Australians elected at the 2016 federal election, the person whose allegiance to Australia is most in question is Sam Dastyari," Mr Brandis said. The Mosman meeting occurred more than a month after media reports in early September last year that ASIO's top spy, Duncan Lewis, had warned Labor "that some of their donors had strong links to the Chinese Government". Political donor Huang Xiangmo. Credit:Ryan Stuart Those same media reports also detailed dealings between Mr Dastyari and Mr Huang. Among them were that Mr Huang had paid a $5000 legal bill for Mr Dastyari, and that Mr Huang had told a Chinese Communist Party newspaper that "political demands and political donations" should be linked.
Also among the revelations that damaged Mr Dastyari were comments he reportedly made at a press conference with Mr Huang that contradicted Labor policy on the South China Sea, and echoed Beijing's policy position. Mr Huang's Mosman house, scene of his October meeting with Senator Dastyari. Credit:HuwLambert.com These events led to Mr Dastyari's resignation from the Labor frontbench on September 7 last year. Two Labor sources have also confirmed that, shortly after these events, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten warned Mr Dastyari through a "back channel" that ASIO had concerns about Mr Huang. Mr Shorten's office declined to answer questions about if or when this occurred, although a source with first-hand knowledge of the ASIO warning relayed to Mr Dastyari said it was generic and did not contain any classified information known to Mr Shorten. Huang Xiangmo with Opposition Leader Bill Shorten in 2013. Credit:James Brickwood
On Monday, Fairfax Media asked Mr Dastyari why he had told Mr Huang his phone was tapped, and why he advised him to move outside his house and not to speak near his phone. Mr Dastyari responded: "I reject any assertion that I did anything other than put to Mr Huang gossip being spread by journalists." Huang Xiangmo with former prime minister Kevin Rudd. Fairfax Media also asked Mr Dastyari why he met Mr Huang in person, rather than calling him, and why he thought a face-to-face meeting was appropriate weeks after the extensive public reporting about ASIO's concerns regarding Chinese Communist Party-connected donors. Mr Dastyari said: "After the events of last year, I spoke to Mr Huang to tell him that I did not think it was appropriate that we have future contact. I thought it was a matter of common courtesy to say this face to face."
Huang Xiangmo and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Mr Dastyari has since begun his public rehabilitation, and was promoted to deputy senate whip in February. Mr Dastyari said on Monday: "I have never received a security agency briefing, or received any classified information about any matter, ever. I've never passed on any protected information I've never been in possession of any." Huang Xiangmo with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. His statement did not address what fellow Labor officials had told him about Mr Huang.
Mr Huang, a billionaire property developer, has close ties to the Chinese consulate in Sydney and, until the weekend, headed a Sydney organisation aligned with the Chinese Communist Party's political lobbying and propaganda agency, the United Front Work Department. On Saturday, Mr Huang stepped down as chairman of the Australian Council for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China (ACPPRC), and was lauded as a "banner" and likened to a patriotic flag who had made "heroic achievements" in the past year. On September 14, 2016, weeks prior to the Mosman meeting, US ambassador John Berry said the US was concerned about Chinese government involvement in Australian politics, in remarks reported in connection to Mr Dastyari's dealings with Mr Huang. On September 28, also prior to the meeting, Mr Huang dispatched members of the ACPPRC for a meeting in Beijing with a senior Chinese government official, who directed the members to "make allies to obtain international support" and contribute to the "great revitalisation of the Chinese nation". ASIO began an assessment of Mr Huang's citizenship application in early 2016. The application remains blocked by ASIO and, earlier this year, national security officials interviewed Mr Huang at a secure Sydney CBD location.
The legalisation of same-sex marriage has moved a step closer after the Senate effectively passed a same-sex marriage bill for the first time in Australian history on Tuesday.
The bill breezed through its second-reading stage, and every amendment from Coalition senators was defeated in a debate that lasted late into the night.
A proposal allowing civil celebrants to refuse to perform gay weddings - backed by Attorney-General George Brandis and Resources Minister Matt Canavan - was rejected 25 to 38 just after 11pm.
Labor had earlier in the day announced it would vote as a bloc against all amendments, including those from the Greens, One Nation and David Leyonhjelm to be debated on Wednesday.
The Coalition government should shed more public servants after cutting 3600 jobs last year, leading conservative backbencher Eric Abetz says.
Senator Abetz, who was responsible for the bureaucracy under former prime minister Tony Abbott, said no "noticeable" impact on the government's service delivery had followed its cuts since in 2013.
Senator Eric Abetz said the government should focus on downsizing the public service further. Credit:Fairfax Media
After a public service commission report released on Monday showed the government had slashed its headcount to 152,095, the Coalition senator said the changes would save about $1 billion per year and help reduce the budget deficit.
Senator Abetz, who oversaw the loss of about 15,000 Australian Public Service jobs, urged more cuts to agency staff and said the public would welcome the latest drop in APS employment.
She does not wear make-up or perfume and dresses in second-hand clothes.
When household items such as a bed or refrigerator need to be replaced, she has looked to street kerbs and online trading websites for other people's cast-offs.
Tamara spends "almost half" of her income on renting a two-bedroom apartment in Marrickville. Credit:Katherine Griffiths
But Tamara (who asked for her surname not to be published) still struggles to make ends meet in Sydney's overheated property market.
Tamara pays $480 a week in rent "almost half" of her $50,000 income for a two-bedroom apartment above a shop on a busy road in Marrickville in Sydney's inner west.
But Ryan warns that focusing on women's choices places the onus of gender equality on women. Professor Michelle Ryan says leaning alone is not enough. Credit:Les O'Rourke "It's a little bit of blaming the victim," she says. "If you blame women for workplace inequality, the solution is to fix women." A barrage of women's leadership programs and negotiation academies have sprung up and are aimed at changing women and they way they approach their careers. Professor Michelle Ryan says there has been a massive stagnation in gender equality. Credit:Les O'Rourke
"What they don't do is address structural barriers," says Ryan. "What it really does is leave the status quo untouched. We should be looking at how context and our norms actually might shape and constrain women's choices. Our ambition and motivation and willingness to sacrifice do not occur within a social vacuum. They are shaped and constrained by organisational and social context." Ambition Ryan has been conducting research into ambition and says, while there is a stereotype that women are less ambitious than men, when you look at the data, it is much more complicated. Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg encourages women to lean in. Credit:AP In studies of undergraduate women doing police training and women doing doing surgical training, Ryan has found women are equally ambitious at the start but become less ambitious over time.
"What's consistent is the fact these women have spent a fairly significant amount of time in a pretty male-dominated environment," Ryan says. "For women when they look up it's harder to project yourself forward. Being in a male-dominated environment may affect your ability to project yourself forward and express ambition." Ryan has found businesses and organisations can change feelings of fitting and belonging so, if people feel like they fit in, they will be more ambitious and committed. "Organisations need to provide a culture and context that fuel women's ambition and motivation rather than stymie it," she says. Work-life balance Another area of research for Ryan is work-life balance.
"The best predictor of work-life balance was fitting in, feeling like you belong, feeling like people like you have made it," she says. But Ryan says most interventions on work-life balance are about time, such as offering part-time work and time for caring, such as maternity leave. "At worse they could exacerbate issues of fit and work-life balance," she says. "Who at the top works part-time?". Risk and sacrifice In a study this year of 870 middle managers at an international accounting firm, Ryan found "almost zero differences" between men and women in terms of their ambition and desire for work-life balance.
But where they did differ was in women's willingness to sacrifice and take risks. Ryan says this is perhaps unsurprising as the benefits of making sacrifices and taking risks is not the same for women. "Just look at the gender pay gap, there is less benefit to taking risk," she says. "There are also potentially larger sacrifices to make in terms of norms that society has in terms of who looks after children, who is the primary bread winner. The take-home message here is women take a clear cost-benefit analysis when evaluating risk and sacrifice." Ryan says businesses need to provide women with something to lean towards. "Women's choices are important to look at, but we shouldn't necessarily take them on face value. We need to understand how they are constrained by context."
A last-ditch attempt will be launched in parliament this week to stop the Victorian government handing the state's pokies venues a long-term jackpot worth up to $70 billion.
Legislation for 20-year licences to operate gambling venues and relax ownership limits on the addictive poker machines was expected to be rubber-stamped this week by the state's upper house.
The rules, which would replace the current 10-year licensing regime, were supported by both Labor and the Liberals in the lower house, despite frantic lobbying by anti-gambling campaigners.
The Alliance for Gambling Reform says super-rich pokies operators such as Woolworths would be able to rip out up to $70 billion in gambling losses from the state's punters during the 20-year terms of the licences and that the parliament should pause before rushing through the legislation.
MCLEAN, Va., Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) and PROCESS EXPO have been recognized by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) as part of their Art of the Show Competition for the PROCESS EXPO website designed by CSG Creative, a full service strategic marketing agency helping associations, trade show organizers, corporations and event promoters build brands, grow audiences and get results. Myprocessexpo.com and CSG Creative won best Show Promotion Website in the 201,000+ net square feet category.
It is a pleasure to work with the team at CSG and being recognized for their work is truly the icing on the cake of their marketing efforts for our 2017 event, which reported growth in all categories, said David Seckman, FPSA President & CEO. Every two years we bring together the food and beverage processing and packaging industry to our biennial event. The new and improved website included valuable industry and show resources and improved navigation allowing the PROCESS EXPO audience to stay up to date on show info, while supplying them with timely, relevant content. Congratulations to CSG for a job well done and an honor well deserved.
CSG Creative was responsible for several new features to the website that expanded the PROCESS EXPO attendees and exhibitors experience. Some of the numerous additions to the site include an interactive floor map displaying all the new activities and programs on the show floor through video, animations, and more. An expanded newsroom, a downloadable custom justification letter, an expansive exhibitor toolkit with custom banners and videos, email and social media sample copy, logos, and more. Industry sector pages that include benefits of the show, exhibitor categories, education sessions, and articles all specific to each sector. In addition, the site was set up to be reviewed and optimized for search engine rankings by an expert which boosted visibility of the show.
One of the greatest tools an event has is the website and creating an engaging web experience takes expertise, creativity, planning, and strategic thought, says Paige Cardwell, President, CSG Creative. Its essential for a site to be both practical and well-designed while acting as an essential resource for attendees and exhibitors alike. The new myprocessexpo.com is a great example of an online destination that effectively conveys the onsite event experience.
The 2019 PROCESS EXPO is scheduled for October 8-11, 2019 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, IL. For additional information, visit www.myprocessexpo.com.
The Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) is a global trade association serving suppliers in the food and beverage industries. The Association's programs and services support member's success by providing assistance in marketing their products and services, overall improvement in key business practices and many opportunities to network among industry colleagues. Programs and services to achieve these objectives include PROCESS EXPO (industry leading trade show), electronic media marketing, education, market intelligence, research, and advocation of critical industry issues such as food safety, sanitary design of equipment, and global trade.
FPSA members are organized in vertical industry councils which focus on specific needs and concerns that are unique to each industry sector. FPSA councils currently represent the Bakery, Beverage, Dairy, Prepared Foods and Meat sectors.
For further information, Contact:
Amy Riemer, Media Relations
978-475-4441 (office) or 978-502-4895 (cell)
amy@riemercommunications.com
Melbourne Express, Wednesday, November 29, 2017
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Victoria has the best and worst university completion rates in Australia, according to new Education Department data.
The figures also reveal that national completion rates have dropped to their lowest ever levels, with just 66 per cent of Australian students who started their degree in 2010 completing it within six years.
Credit:Louie Douvis
Federation University recorded the lowest completion rates for a mainstream university, with 36.4 per cent of students who started a course in 2010 finishing within six years.
But deputy vice-chancellor Professor Andy Smith said the university had under-reported its completion rates, and the figures were higher. He said the university had introduced a new program to boost retention rates and also provided mentoring, tutoring and counselling services.
It hasn't opened yet but the new South Melbourne Primary is already sending out rejection letters.
Demand for the inner-city school is intense, with 105 students enrolled in its inaugural prep class.
Christian Martin is excited about starting prep at the new South Melbourne Primary School next year. Credit:Joe Armao
The Ferrars Street school, which will open next year, has space for 525 students.
But if this scramble for places continues, Victoria's first vertical state school will soon be over its capacity by more than 200 students.
A truck driver charged over the road death of an off-duty policewoman told another motorist in the minutes after the fatal crash that he knew his brakes weren't right, a court has heard.
Samandeep Singh, 27, is charged with culpable driving and dangerous driving causing death over a collision that knocked First Constable D'Arne De Leo from her motorcycle on January 12 in Wantirna.
Truck driver Samandeep Singh arrives at Melbourne Magistrates Court. Credit:David Crosling
First Constable De Leo was on her way to work when she was hit at the intersection that connects Boronia Road to the EastLink freeway about 9am, and dragged under the truck.
Motorists on Boronia Road that day told Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday that they heard Mr Singh sound his horn several times as he approached the intersection, and then saw the truck drive through the red light and collide with the policewoman's motorcycle before the truck stopped.
London: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will get married at Windsor Castle in May, in the same chapel where Prince Charles and Camilla exchanged vows.
In the meantime, Harry and his bride-to-be will tour the UK together so she can get to know the country and its people, beginning with a visit to Nottingham on Friday, a spokesman for Kensington Palace said at a media briefing on Tuesday afternoon.
In a nod to the legacy of Harry's mother, Princess Diana, the Nottingham visit is in support of HIV/AIDS charities.
The palace also dropped another hint that one of the couple's first overseas trips together will be to the Invictus Games in Sydney in October, though official plans have yet to be announced.
VALENCIA, Calif., Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PDC Healthcare, a global leader of innovative identification and patient safety solutions, announced today the launch of DuraProtect, its newest line of laser patient identification wristbands. The new line of laser printable wristbands combines a protective laminate shield and advanced synthetic material to deliver optimized print and barcode scanning performance, improved protection and reliability, and ease of use for hospital clinicians.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f38fe13-3153-4072-ba1d-e6a3ff6ea6dc
Other shield-style laser wristbands may contain paper in the construction that can absorb moisture and make the patient ID unreadable if the laminate shield is compromised. DuraProtect features an advanced synthetic material that is moisture-resistant, and durable, providing dual-layer protection of patient identification information.
DuraProtect provides cost savings for hospitals and is on most national group purchasing organization (GPO) contracts, helping hospitals and health systems increase contract compliance. Ninety percent of U.S. hospitals use one or more PDC Healthcare products, offering the opportunity for hospitals to standardize and consolidate product purchases to a single supplier for all identification wristbands and labels.
DuraProtect is available in multiple formats and convenient drop-in replacements, enabling hospitals to easily upgrade their patient ID wristband system with minimal IT support required. Engineered through intelligent design and material science, DuraProtect resists fading, rubbing, moisture, alcohol, and hand sanitizer, along with other common hospital solvents.
Hospital clinicians approached PDC Healthcare seeking a laminated style wristband that performed better than their current solution, said Owen Rooney, Patient ID Marketing Manager for PDC Healthcare. By investing in material science and intelligent design, we now have a superior laser wristband that minimizes patient ID errors and increases safety to meet hospitals needs.
Made of a smooth comfortable material, DuraProtect features an adhesive closure that is tamper-evident and easy to apply. DuraProtect is compatible with leading laser printers, increasing convenience for hospital IT, clinicians, and admitting personnel. The laser-printable sheets are compatible with all laser printers. DuraProtect adult styles come in packs of 1000 sheets and the Mother/Father/Baby style comes in a pack of 500 sheets.
About PDC Healthcare
With over 60 years of experience, PDC Healthcare connects people, products, and technology worldwide through innovative identification systems for the safe and efficient management of patients and procedures. PDC Healthcare is the result of the merger between two industry leaders and pioneers in healthcare: Precision Dynamics Corporation (PDC) and The St. John Companies Inc.
PDC Healthcare is a global leader and pacesetter in the development of wristband, label, medical records, and imaging systems. An originator of innovative technologies, the company introduced the first single-piece patient wristband, first bar code wristband system, first thermal printer wristband, first Smart Band RFID wristband system, and the award-winning PDC Smart Kiosk, among many other innovations.
PDC Healthcare products are used by over 90% of U.S. hospitals and comprise a comprehensive range of solutions that provide positive ID and positive clinical outcomes, while meeting important guidelines of The Joint Commission, World Healthcare Organization, FDA, AHA, and HIPAA. Complying with ISO 9001 standards, PDC Healthcare follows a systematic, world-standard approach to ensure superior product design, manufacturing, and customer support services. For more information, visit www.pdchealthcare.com
On Dec. 28, 2012, PDC Healthcare was acquired by Brady Corporation, (NYSE:BRC) a world leader in identification solutions for premises, products, and people.
Media Contact:
Leona Chavez
PDC Healthcare
661.257.0233 x1351
leonac@pdcorp.com
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods joined forces with Harris Teeter to donate more than 25,000 pounds of protein to Second Harvest Foodbank of Southeastern North Carolina (SHFB). The donation was part of Smithfields Helping Hungry Homes initiative, a program focused on alleviating hunger and helping Americans become more food secure. Smithfields contribution, equivalent to more than 100,000 servings, will help those fighting hunger in communities across North Carolina, where one in six individuals are food insecure.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6496c894-76ea-40a4-a796-0e9a3b6bdd1a
With the holidays upon us, we are incredibly thankful for this donation from Smithfield and Harris Teeter, which will deliver the gift of a complete meal to those we serve this season, said Ron Pringle, director of SHFB. This donation is extremely significant as it provides protein, an always in-demand item, to many who may not have been able to acquire this nutrient-rich resource otherwise.
Smithfield and Harris Teeter representatives presented the donation to SHFB at an event that raised awareness of hungers impact in the local community. Members from all three organizations discussed the significance of protein donations in helping the more than 20 percent of individuals, including more than 27 percent of children, who face hunger each day in the food banks seven-county service area.
"Harris Teeter is proud to stand with both Smithfield and SHFB in the fight against hunger to provide hunger-relief to our neighbors in need, said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter. "Were thrilled to see our continued partnership with Smithfield benefit the communities we call home through donations of much-needed, wholesome protein.
Throughout its 2017 Helping Hungry Homes tour, Smithfield will make large-scale protein donations to more than 60 food banks across the country. Since 2011, Smithfield has provided more than 80 million servings of protein to hunger relief organizations through this initiative.
At Smithfield, were proud to partner with Harris Teeter to present this donation of protein to SHFB, said Dennis Pittman, senior director of hunger relief for Smithfield Foods. As a global food company, its our privilege to provide food assistance to those in need and bring America one donation closer to ending hunger.
For more information about Smithfield Foods Helping Hungry Homes initiative and a list of upcoming donation events, visit helpinghungryhomes.com.
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods is a $15 billion global food company and the world's largest pork processor and hog producer. In the United States, the company is also the leader in numerous packaged meats categories with popular brands including Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan's Famous, Farmland, Armour, John Morrell, Cook's, Kretschmar, Gwaltney, Curly's, Margherita, Carando, Healthy Ones, Krakus, Morliny and Berlinki. Smithfield Foods is committed to providing good food in a responsible way and maintains robust animal care, community involvement, employee safety, environmental and food safety and quality programs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.
About Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina
Since 1982, Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina (SHFB) has partnered with more than 250 member agencies, including churches, charities, and schools. In 2014, SHFB distributed approximately 10.4 million pounds, which equates to about 8.7 million meals. SHFB takes a strategic, multifaceted approach that provides assistance to those in need in its seven-county service area; Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Robeson and Sampson County. When the Map the Gap report from Feeding America came out in 2015, it showed that nearly 1 in 6 North Carolinians depend on the food bank for food and other resources. Be part of the change and join us in the fight against hunger. For more information about Action Pathways programs and services, visit www.actionpathways.ngo or call (910) 485-6131.
About Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter, with headquarters in Matthews, N.C., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. The regional grocery chain employs approximately 30,000 associates and operates stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida and the District of Columbia.
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THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW
PRESS RELEASE : REGULATED INFORMATION - INSIDE INFORMATION
28 November 2017, 16:30h CET
BIOCARTIS LAUNCHES EQUITY PLACEMENT
Mechelen, Belgium, 28 November 2017 - Biocartis Group NV (the "Company" or "Biocartis"), an innovative molecular diagnostics company (Euronext Brussels: BCART), announces today the launch of an equity offering to raise an amount of approximately EUR 60 million by means of a private placement via an accelerated bookbuild offering (the "Offering"), with the possibility to increase the size of the Offering to up to 8,933,950 new shares in total (representing up to approximately 20% of the Company's issued share capital).
Biocartis currently envisages using the net proceeds to fund the expansion of the Idylla(TM) test menu and applications, its sales and marketing activities, the ongoing increase of its cartridge manufacturing capacity, and working capital and other general corporate purposes.
The bookbuilding procedure will commence immediately. The Company will announce the results of the placement as soon as possible after closing of the bookbuilding in a subsequent press release.
Trading in Biocartis shares on Euronext Brussels will be suspended during the bookbuilding period. Trading in the stock is expected to resume following the publication of the results of the Offering.
J.P. Morgan, Degroof Petercam, KBC Securities and Kempen are acting as Joint Bookrunners in the Offering.
As a strategic investment in connection with the recent collaboration announced between Genomic Health, Inc. ("Genomic Health") and Biocartis, Genomic Health intends to submit an order to the Joint Bookrunners for an amount of EUR 4 million. The Offering is open to institutional investors and such other investors as permitted under applicable private placement exceptions. Any final allocation to Genomic Health and participating investors, as the case may be, will be made based on customary, objective and pre-identified criteria. No guarantee has been given as to the final allocation to Genomic Health, or that any allocation will be made to them, or as to the size of any such allocation.
In relation to the Offering, the Company has agreed with the Joint Bookrunners to a market customary 180 days standstill period on future share issuances, waivable by the Joint Bookrunners.
--- END ---
More information:
Renate Degrave
Manager Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
e-mail rdegrave@biocartis.com
tel +32 15 631 729
mobile +32 471 53 60 64
About Biocartis
Biocartis (Euronext Brussels: BCART) is an innovative molecular diagnostics (MDx) company providing next generation diagnostic solutions aimed at improving clinical practice for the benefit of patients, clinicians, payers and industry. Biocartis' proprietary MDx Idylla(TM) platform is a fully automated sample-to-result, real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) system that offers accurate, highly reliable molecular information from virtually any biological sample in virtually any setting. Biocartis launched the Idylla(TM) platform in 2014. Biocartis is developing and marketing a rapidly expanding test menu addressing key unmet clinical needs in oncology and infectious diseases. These areas represent respectively the fastest growing and largest segments of the MDx market worldwide. Today, Biocartis has twelve oncology tests and two infectious disease tests in its product menu. More information: www.biocartis.com. Press Photo Library available here. Follow us on Twitter: @Biocartis_.
Important information:
This communication is not a prospectus for the purposes of the Prospectus Directive (Directive 2003/71/EC and amendments thereto, including Directive 2010/73/EU, to the extent implemented in the relevant Member State of the EEA (as defined below)) and any implementing measure in each relevant Member State of the EEA (the "Prospectus Directive"). This communication cannot be used as basis for any investment agreement or decision. Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing the entire amount invested. Persons considering making such investments should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on such investments. This announcement does not constitute a recommendation concerning the securities referred to herein.
The information contained in this announcement is for general information only and does not purport to be full or complete. This announcement does not constitute, or form part of, an offer to sell or issue, or any solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for shares, and any purchase of, subscription for or application for, shares. This announcement and the information contained herein are not for publication, distribution or release in, or into, the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa or any other jurisdiction where to do so would be prohibited by applicable law. Any persons reading this announcement should inform themselves of and observe any such restrictions.
This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. It does not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States. The securities mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Company and its affiliates have not registered, and do not intend to register, any portion of the offering of the securities concerned in the United States, and do not intend to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States.
An offer of securities to which this announcement relates is only addressed to and directed at persons in member states of the European Economic Area ("EEA") who are 'qualified investors' within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive ("Qualified Investors"), or such other investors as shall not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of Article 3.2 of the Prospectus Directive. In addition, any offer of securities to which this announcement relates is in the United Kingdom being distributed only to, and is directed only at, (i) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order"), (ii) high net worth entities etc. falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, and (iii) any other person to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as 'relevant persons'). The offering of securities to which this announcement relates will only be available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe for, purchase, or otherwise acquire securities will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents.
No announcement or information regarding the offering, listing or securities of the Company referred to above may be disseminated to the public in jurisdictions where a prior registration or approval is required for such purpose. No steps have been taken, or will be taken, for the offering or listing of securities of the Company in any jurisdiction where such steps would be required, except for the admission of the new shares on Euronext Brussels. The issue, exercise, or sale of, and the subscription for or purchase of, securities of the Company are subject to special legal or statutory restrictions in certain jurisdictions. The Company is not liable if the aforementioned restrictions are not complied with by any person.
Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this announcement are forward-looking, which reflect the Company's or, as appropriate, the Company directors' or managements' current expectations and projections concerning future events such as the Company's results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, performance, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which the Company operates. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement regarding past trends or activities are not guarantees of future performance and should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. In addition, even if actual results or developments are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in future periods. No representations and warranties are made as to the accuracy or fairness of such forward-looking statements. As a result, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this announcement as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither the Company nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such person's officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this announcement.
Hawkshead Brewery to build 3M new brewery
Lake District brewery Hawkshead has agreed a deal with German manufacturer Krones to build a new brewery in part of a 3 million two-site expansion scheme.
Krones will install a turn-key 40 Barrel (6,500 litre) rapid-batch brewhouse, capable of multiple brews per day, on a site in South Cumbria, near the existing brewery.
Hawksheads existing brewery at Staveley will continue in production, concentrating on small batch specialist and limited edition beers. It currently produces 7,000 barrels (11,500 Hectolitres) per year.
Head brewer Matt Clarke says: Our current 20 Brl plant is the perfect size for innovation and experimentation. But we also need more volume. By adding the new Krones-Steinecker brew house, the best in the business, we will free up space at Staveley for more small-batch projects, including our barrel ageing programme. For the first time, we will have space, space to breathe and to grow.
The new brewery will be built on a site owned by Hawksheads parent company, Halewood International, whose CEO Stewart Hainsworth, says: Hawkshead make great beers and cannot keep up with demand. We are investing both in a new brewery and in the existing one to grow Hawkshead but also to protect and develop its wide portfolio of innovative limited edition beers. Hawkshead is the real thing - an authentic modern craft brewery. We want to keep it that way, as it expands.
Hawksheads founder and managing director, Alex Brodie says: The brewery is 15 years old and it has been straining at the leash for years. Halewoods backing allows us go to the next level.
Hawkshead is known for its commitment to cask ale, which is 65% of current output, says Brodie. We will be expanding production of keg, can and bottle, but we will also grow cask. Cask ale is Britains craft. We believe in it and, more to the point, so do most beer lovers, especially here in the North.
Mark Heath, sales director of Krones UK, says: This is an important and innovative project for us. Its our first 40 Barrel MicroCube system in the UK. It will be a showcase for us, demonstrating how rapid-batch brewing can future-proof a modern small brewery, giving it volume without the need to install a huge brew-house. We are delighted to have won the contract to help grow Hawksheads impressive range of flavoursome beers.
28 November 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor
The Texas A&M University chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Society will host visiting professor of English Ayanna Thompson from George Washington University this week for a lecture titled "Shakespeare, Race, and Performance: What We Still Don't Know."
Thompson is the author of several works -- including Teaching Shakespeare with Purpose: A Student-Centered Approach, Passing Strange: Shakespeare, Race, and Contemporary America, and Performing Race and Torture on the Early Modern Stage -- editor of Weyward Macbeth: Intersections of Race and Performance and Colorblind Shakespeare: New Perspectives on Race and Performance and a member of the editorial boards of the Shakespeare Quarterly, Renaissance Drama and Shakespeare Bulletin.
Maria Guerrero's four children receive a variety of services from the Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center -- counseling for obsessive compulsive disorder and adolescence issues for her teens, plus occupational, physical and speech therapies to help her 6-year old diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. But they may soon lose their health insurance, putting a financial burden on a family that has come to rely on the coverage.
Speaking through a translator, Guerrero said all four of her children have health insurance through the Children's Health Insurance Program, or CHIP. Congress missed a Sept. 30 deadline to extend CHIP, putting health coverage at risk for almost 9 million children and 370,000 pregnant women nationwide who receive insurance through the 20-year-old program.
According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, there are 2,133 children covered by CHIP in Brazos County, 181 in Burleson County, 331 in Grimes County and 372 in Milam County.
Anne Dunkelberg, associate director at the Center for Public Policy Priorities, said the key date is Dec. 9: Congress either needs to pass a bill renewing the funding, or state officials need to know if the federal Medicaid program will give Texas at least $90 million in redistribution funds, which Dunkelberg said "just buys us a little time" and extends the coverage through February. If neither of those happen, state officials will send out letters on Dec. 14 telling parents that their children's coverage will be gone in February.
"Basically, you're looking at kids either going without insurance or having to try to get on a parent's plan at work or trying to get coverage through the marketplace," she said, referring to the Affordable Care Act's healthcare.gov website.
Children who enroll in CHIP coverage are from families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid but too little to purchase private insurance. The insurance helps families pay for immunizations, doctor's visits, eye and dental exams and therapy services.
"There's a lot going on in Washington, but we shouldn't let an important discussion like a tax reform bill make us forget about the well-being of Texas children," Dunkelberg said.
Alina Fifer, chief executive of the Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center, estimated that four families who receive services from BVRC have CHIP coverage. She said her staff is identifying other coverage options for those families, taking an individualized approach to working around the potential CHIP expiration. They also are seeing if those families qualify for a Medicaid buy-in program or can access health care through the ACA exchange, and, as a last resort because of limited funding, providing financial assistance.
"The minute you initiate this dialogue, they're taken aback. They're just outraged when they hear that," Fifer said of the reaction from families unaware their children could be uninsured in February. "No family is ready to shell out $12,000, $15,000 every year, and that's just for the premiums."
Guerrero's husband works six or seven days per week as a welder; she said his employer offers health insurance, but it is too costly for all six family members. CHIP has helped the Guerrero children -- ages 3 to 17 -- get counseling and therapy services, as well as medications and office visits for minor illnesses and viruses. The family is working with a social worker at BVRC to identify other options.
Bruce Van Alstyne said he was "at wits' end" at the prospect of losing coverage for the speech and occupational therapies his 10-year-old son, Kristopher, has been receiving at BVRC since his autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
Van Alstyne said he received a letter around Nov. 17 informing him his son's CHIP coverage would be dropped at the end of January. Though he said the insurance is being taken away because his wife made more money than expected from her private violin lessons -- a financially inconsistent line of work where pay varies monthly, he said -- the Van Alstynes' coverage will end in February regardless, along with the nearly 400,000 children across Texas if Congress doesn't act soon.
"I'm not saying I want a handout or a freebie or anything, but we're not making the kind of money ... where we can just shell out this money for this," Van Alstyne said.
Partly in response to the unstable politics of health care coverage, Van Alstyne researches ways to help his son and family without having to rely on modern medicine and health insurance. He talks about the potential benefits of hemp and cannabis oils on those living with autism and the importance of eating food untouched by chemicals.
"I'm doing my own research because I have to. I've been forced to do that," he said.
Guerrero asked that congressional representatives think through legislative solutions and how they would impact others' lives. What Congress passes, she said, affects taxpayers' money. The whole possibility of CHIP being taken away, she said, makes families like hers feel hopeless.
In a statement to The Eagle, U.S. Rep. Bill Flores said CHIP "provides Texas children with the health care they need to flourish and grow."
Flores said CHIP's reauthorization "was held up by House and Senate Democrats throughout the summer and into the fall," leading Republicans to pass the CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act on Nov. 3. The bill, which would reauthorize funding for CHIP and extend community health center funding, passed the House with 15 Democrats voting in favor. The bill would cut $6.3 billion from the Prevention and Public Health Fund, created by the Affordable Care Act, while funding CHIP for five years.
"With many states facing funding shortfalls in the coming months, it is crucial that the Senate act on legislation that President Trump can sign into law to provide certainty for children and the families that rely on CHIP," Flores said in the statement.
A 45-year-old College Station woman died Monday morning after a single-vehicle accident on Texas 6 near Rock Prairie Road.
The accident happened around 7:30 a.m., snarling the northbound morning commute for about three hours before emergency crews cleared the scene.
College Station police said Lori Hailey Marberry's sedan struck a concrete pillar at the Rock Prairie Road overpass. Marberry was pronounced dead at the scene.
It's unclear what caused the accident. Officials said Marberry's vehicle entered the northbound lanes of the freeway near Rock Prairie Road, then veered left, striking a concrete median before crossing the road and hitting the pillar under the overpass.
Marberry's Facebook profile says she attended A&M Consolidated High School and Sam Houston State University and worked at Brazos Paving Inc. No one was available at the Bryan business Monday afternoon to confirm Marberry's employment.
Northbound Texas 6 traffic was reduced to a single lane around the accident scene until about 10:30 a.m.
Police were continuing to investigate, and anyone with information was asked to call 764-3600.
Nexenta Continues to Disrupt Hardware-Only Legacy Storage Market via Complete Software-Only Enterprise Storage Solutions, Services and Support
Nexenta Extends its Capabilities for Any Hybrid or Multi-Cloud Deployment, on Any Hardware Infrastructure, Supporting Any Enterprise Application via Any Edge, Private or Public Cloud Data Center
TOKYO and SANTA CLARA, Calif., Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nexenta (@Nexenta), the global leader in Open Source-driven Software-Defined Storage (OpenSDS), today announced it is raising $20 million to accelerate its global market growth and solidify its innovation and market leadership. SoftBank Corp. is leading the financing round along with a Strategic Distribution and Go-To-Market agreement. The round also attracts leading strategic and financial investors, including: Javelin Venture Partners, SV Booth Investments, SAB Capital, Lake Trail Capital, TRB Equity, and Tarkan Maner, CEO at Nexenta.
Nexenta is continuing its massive market disruption where legacy hardware storage companies had dominated the industry for the past 30+ years. We are delighted with our solid market growth via our tight customer and partner relations, deep IP innovation and unmatched operational excellence. We believe with this strategic financing round supported by SoftBank and some of the leading global strategic and financial investors, Nexenta will extend its market and innovation leadership into new geographic, vertical and differentiated IP markets from IoT to Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and Big Data supporting any type of computing from the Edge to Core and Cloud Data Center Computing on any type of hardware or compute platform, via any protocol, for any app on any hybrid or multi-cloud deployment, said Tarkan Maner, CEO at Nexenta.
SoftBank and Nexenta entered a strategic agreement that involves commercial dimensions around SoftBanks distribution and usage of Nexenta portfolio, and collaborative integrated OpenSDS systems development with SoftBank and its preferred hardware partners.
SoftBank is focused on partnering with market-leading technology companies around the world. Nexenta is an innovator and disruptor with its deep IP portfolio, strong OEM relationships, and proven management team. We are excited to partner with Nexenta and realize the advantage of software defined storage at SoftBank and our eco-system partners, said Ken Miyauchi, President & CEO of SoftBank Corp.
SoftBank and Nexenta will announce the details of the strategic investment and commercial agreement in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday, November 28th at SoftBank HQs with a Signing Ceremony with an audience of joint customers, partners and press.
About Nexenta
Nexenta is the inventor and market leader in Open Software-Defined Storage (OpenSDS) with nearly 6,000 customers, 300 partners, 50 patents, and more than 1,800 petabytes of storage under management; disrupting one of the largest IT market segments nearing $100B in size by 2020. Nexenta uniquely integrates software-only open source collaboration with one of the most active communities with 45,000+ members, and a comprehensive vision around commodity hardware-centric OpenSDS innovation enabling any app, any cloud platform and any protocol to power the largest and most performant data centers globally in the most cost effective way. Nexenta OpenSDS solution portfolio is 100% Software-based. Nexenta provides organizations with Total Freedom protecting them against punitive legacy hardware vendor gimmicks via vendor-lock-in, vendor-bait-n-switch, and vendor-rip-n-replace. Nexenta also provides comprehensive enterprise-class support and services with All Love. Nexenta leads organizations with the "true" benefits of true Software-Defined Everything-centric cloud computing deployments. Nexenta enables everyday apps from rich media-driven social living to mobility; from the internet of things to big data; from legacy enterprise app deployments to do-it-yourself and web-scale cloud app deployments on all types of clouds private, public, and/or hybrid. Founded on an "open core platform Nexenta disrupts the legacy storage industry with its end-to-end scale-up and scale-out storage management software via integrated and advanced predictive management capabilities. Nexenta delivers its award- and patent-winning software-only unified storage management solutions along with enterprise-scale 24x7 global service and support with a market-leading global partner network, including Canonical, Cisco, Citrix, Dell, Docker, Google, HPE, IBM, Intel, Lenovo, Micron, Microsoft, Quanta, Samsung, Seagate, SoftBank, Supermicro, VMware, Western Digital, Wipro, and many others. Nexenta: 100% Software. Total Freedom. All Love.
For more information, download the Nexenta Overview and visit www.nexenta.com, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Nexenta, NexentaStor, NexentaConnect, NexentaEdge and NexentaFusion are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nexenta Systems Inc., in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks, service marks and company names mentioned in this document are properties of their respective owners.
Contact:
Press Relations at Nexenta; pr@nexenta.com
Making a return to our two favourite summer locations, Mount Maunganui and Nelson in early January 2023, we've got whiff of the first release lineup and me oh my, yes boy
Lakewood, Colorado, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FirstBank, Colorados second largest bank and one of the nations largest privately held banks, pumped free fuel for more than 500 unexpected commuters across Colorado in hopes they would Give It Forward to a charity of their choice on Colorado Gives Day (Dec. 5, 2017).
The bank partnered with six gas stations in the greater Denver, Boulder, Summit County, Greeley/Evans and Colorado Springs areas to promote philanthropic giving on Colorado Gives Day, a 24-hour online fundraising program for state nonprofits. In total, they covered over $16,000 worth of gas bills at the pump.
FirstBank is a big contributor of Colorado Gives Day and our nonprofit community, but we cant make an impact by ourselves, said Emily Robinson, COO of FirstBank. We need as many people as possible to support charitable organizations, and this Give It Forward campaign enables us to focus on a pretty important aspect of Colorado Gives Day the donors. Our hope is that this act of kindness inspires more Coloradans to give back to causes in their communities.
This is the fourth year FirstBank has done its Give It Forward campaign (formerly known as Pay It Forward) to encourage donations for Colorado Gives Day. Last year, FirstBank executives and officers disguised themselves as grocery store baggers and surprised more than 100 unsuspecting shoppers with free groceries.
Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Colorado through online giving. In partnership with Community First Foundation, the donations support over 2,000 local nonprofits. Since its inception in 2010, they have raised more than $145 million for charitable organizations. FirstBank has been a primary corporate sponsor of Colorado Gives Day for the last eight years, and is recognized as one of the most philanthropic companies in the state.
For more information about Colorado Gives Day or to preschedule your donation, please visit www.coloradogives.org. For more information about FirstBank, go to www.efirstbank.com.
About FirstBank
FirstBank operates more than 115 locations in Colorado, Arizona and California. FirstBank is the largest locally owned banking organization in Colorado, serving more than 750,000 customers. Since 2000, FirstBank has contributed more than $57 million and thousands of volunteer hours to charitable organizations. FirstBank is unique in that a majority of its stock is owned by management and employees. For more information, go to www.efirstbank.com.
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WESTON Aspetuck Land Trust has completed the purchase of 38 acres of forest in Weston off of Wampum Hill Road, expanding its existing 86-acre Honey Hill Preserve that extends into Wilton.
The $367,000 acquisition is part of a much larger project to preserve 410 acres in one of the last undeveloped interior forest blocks in Weston and Wilton, Aspetuck Land Trust Executive Director David Brant said.
Since its founding in 1966, the trust has protected 149 properties with more than 1,800 acres in Easton, Fairfield, Westport and Weston.
Where the property lies is part of the last frontier of open space in our area, Brant said. There just arent that many big pieces of land available anymore. Theyve all been developed. So were really fortunate to be able to preserve it.
Originally granted to the Sturges family by the English monarchy in the Colonial era, the 38-acre property was later purchased in 1927 by Chauncey Belknap, an attorney who led one of the largest firms in New York City.
Aspetuck Land Trust used its own funds to buy the land from the Belknap family, in addition to a $200,000 grant from Audubon Connecticut and $50,000 from the William C. Bullitt Foundation. The trust also has a pending grant request that might cover up to 60 percent of the propertys value, with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program.
However, under the states recently approved budget, Connecticuts open space grant program faces cuts in 2018 and 2019. In the next two years, $10 million will be swept into the general state fund from the Community Investment Act account, which provides increased funding for open space, farmland preservation, historic preservation and affordable housing.
The reality is that in the present political environment, financial resources for land conservation from both state and federal government sources are getting extremely tight, newly elected Aspetuck Land Trust President Don Hyman said in a statement. ALT and its 1,000-plus members, plus new supporters we hope to find in business and industry, will need to step up if we are to be able to save the diminishing open space beauty of Connecticut.
This was a point Yale University environmental law and policy professor Dan Esty emphasized in a recent lecture sponsored by the land trust.
In the past, land trusts might not have been in the front seat but theres no one there driving this effort now. It is up to land trusts like Aspetuck to drive the bus and get where we need to go, said Esty, who was commissioner of the Connecticut DEEP from 2011
to 2014.
Aspetuck Land Trust maintains 45 trailed nature preserves and other conservation-only properties that provide passive recreation and educational opportunities for the public, while also preserving the plant and animal life of local communities.
skim@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2568; @stephaniehnkim
It's easy to laugh at the companies of days gone by -- makers of buggy whips or VCRs, or even Blockbuster. The leaders in those industries didn't see the demise of their industries coming. But with automation on the horizon, countless more industries could soon find themselves on the chopping block, too, if they are not prepared.
Researchers working with support from the Engineering Sciences Department at Oxford University determined that about half of todays jobs could be long-gone in a few years, succumbing to new inventions. The smartphone you use to make deals and the social networks you rely upon to distribute top-quality content have the power to destroy your livelihood.
Related: There's a Lot More to AI Than Just Chatbots
Worried? Dont be. Like fire, technology can be both friend and foe. Make sure its the former, and youll be fine; look the other way, and you could fade into obscurity.
Get the upper hand by leaning in.
You dont want to sidestep technology in favor of the good old days. At the same time, you shouldnt feel like youre at its mercy.
The trick is to lean into technology rather than become consumed with fear, like forward-minded entrepreneurs in specific industries who love, not loathe, technological advances. Consider real estate. Millennials are snatching up homes, comprising more than a third of buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors. But millennials go about home searches differently than past generations.
Most millennials, as well as Gen Xers, use agents, but they supplement the agent experience with internet-based perusing and remote visiting. Instead of heading to afternoon open houses, millennials tour homes from the comfort of their devices. Is it any wonder that Oxford Universitys finest believe artificial intelligence will replace 97 percent of in-person buyer-broker realtor experiences?
Yet smart property managers and residential construction companies arent wringing their hands; theyre partnering with brokerage firms such as Marketplace Homes that offer high-tech solutions. Consequently, we arent reading those firms obits; were hearing about their buyer-friendly offerings that make discovering the perfect house a breeze.
Related: Here's Is a Strategy For Making Yourself Irreplaceable Before Artificial Intelligence Learns to do Your Job
Set yourself up for fabulous reviews, not a sorry epitaph.
Ready to ditch the panic and shift to a tech future? Whether you represent real estate, transportation, retail or manufacturing, you can use four strategies to stay relevant:
1. Get knee-deep in demographics. It's time for you to get down and dirty and really investigate the demographics of your target audiences. Find out what they want, what they need, where theyre getting assistance and how you can help them.
By creating a psychographic chart for each of your prospective consumers, you can get a truer view of their personalities, attitudes, lifestyles, interests and so much more. Then, you can use this outline to make wiser predictions about their buying behaviors.
Companies such as TeleTech are innovators that connect companies with tools focused on technology-enhanced customer engagement. The more streamlined your process is, the less likely it is that a closed for business sign will be inevitable.
2. Offset everyday reality with virtual reality. In an era when behemoths such as Amazon, Kelly Services and American Express offer employees telecommuting options, location matters less and less. Although some types of businesses need brick-and-mortar spaces, work can often take place entirely in cyberspace.
Could certain jobs in your company be handled remotely, maybe on a part-time or as-needed basis? Could you use this type of improved mobility to woo top talent and build stronger relationships between your company and customers? Look at what your biggest competitors are already doing in these arenas, and contemplate following suit.
3. Be ready to adapt if a robot takes your place. Let's be honest. Is it inevitable that your role will be replaced by technology at some point? As a business owner, you must accept that more jobs are being taken over by machines. Just check out the kiosks in McDonalds that accept orders; you can conveniently order a Big Mac without interfacing with humans. And Uber? Its testing driverless vehicles, disrupting transportation and shipping.
Think you know that tools out there may one day replace you or the people you employ? Improve and enhance your skill set, as well as those of your key workers. Then, you can make the transition to a different role without feeling like youve been upended.
4. Push aside the fears and don your Holmesian cap. Dont allow yourself to focus on the question Why me? when Why not? is staring you in the face. Rather than see emerging technology as a fierce opponent, look at it as the beginning of a great problem-solving opportunity.
Related: Artificial Intelligence May Reflect the Unfair World We Live in
For example, customers in your field might be madder than heck because they arent getting the service they deserve. Could you utilize gadgets, software, data or other tech solutions to turn your business into the superhero everyone wishes would save them? When many airlines were involved in nightmares, Southwest Airlines used the crisis to promote itself as the friendly skies oasis. It worked, and it gained share and accolades.
Machinery. Automation. Tech. Call it what you will, but advancements have always edged out antiquated ways of doing things. The more optimistic you are in the face of big changes, the more apt youll be to ride into the future securely, no buggy whip necessary.
Related:
Everything We Know About the iPhone X
Why It Doesn't Pay for Companies to Break Promises After Completing an ICO
How the Token Economy Helps Scale Influencer Marketing
Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
This article originally appeared on entrepreneur.com
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As you check off your holiday meal to-do list, did you remember to get yourself that chef's kitchen you've always wanted? No?
Well, we have the right ingredients with the following seven homes currently on the marketall with the most tempting luxury kitchens.
With these gorgeous rooms, you'll lack for nothing. Perfect appliances abound, and help will be at the ready because these roomy spaces easily accommodate extra sous-chefs ready to help prep, chop, and saute.
And while turnkey cook spaces dont come cheap, these examples may whet your appetite for what youd like to see in your kitchen now, or in the future. Bon appetit!
Price: $2,799,000
Delicious details: This Colonial-style home looks quaint but offers every modern amenity, along with gorgeous high-end finishes. The kitchen doesnt disappoint; it's finished with exposed wood beams and a dramatic cathedral ceiling for a two-story, light-filled space. Also included are a custom La Cornue range, two sinks, two refrigerators, and a huge island with seating. The space opens to a casual dining area with fireplace and family room, along with a solarium.
New Canaan, CT
realtor.com
The post Eat In! 7 Knockout Homes With Delectable Kitchens appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
Price: $2,275,000
Delicious details: The iconic residence from 1898 takes up three city lots and has gone through a total era-specific remodel. Behold an expanded state-of-the-art, eat-in kitchen that features a pass-through to the great room bar. With the kitchen sitting adjacent to the formal dining room, all festive meals will be a breeze to set up. And whipping up meals will be a joy with a huge center island, Wolf appliances, and threeyes three!ovens.
Missoula, MT
realtor.com
Price: $6,488,888
Delicious details: If youre going for wow factor, welcome to this Saddle River estate. Located on a double cul-de-sac, the massive property offers an equally astoundingand award-winningkitchen design, complete with butlers pantry, two islands, two ovens, two sinks, a pot filler, and an embossed ceiling decor. The breakfast nook comes with a hand-painted dome ceiling. Eat it up!
Saddle River, NJ
realtor.com
Price: $2,100,000
Delicious details: The sea-green kitchen of this Cape Codder reflects the ocean water just outside this beach retreat. The home has private beach access and is an easy walk to town to pick up groceries. It's also undergone a major renovation, showcased by the eye-catching kitchen. Described as professionally designed and award-winning, the cooking area comes with a center island with bar seating. Other key features include an electric cooktop, double oven, farm-style sink, and massive fridge.
Harwich, MA
realtor.com
Price: $1,275,000
Delicious details: Welcome to your brand-new, award-winning kitchen. It features recessed lighting, hardwood floor, 9-foot-high ceiling, large island with quartz counter, wine fridge, and stainless-steel appliances.
Alexandria, VA
realtor.com
Price: $4,750,000
Delicious details: This vacation home allows you to fully focus on the food. Along with a glorious infinity pool and 139 feet of lake frontage, this log cabinstyle home comes with a dreamy kitchen. The deluxe features include copper countertops, a La Cornue Chateau stove, granite island, and breakfast bar.
Lake Geneva, WI
realtor.com
Price: $3,995,000
Delicious details: This brand-new contemporary has thrown everything into this kitchenincluding a glorious sink. The fully loaded designer space comes with four ovens (La Cornue Chateau and Viking), Sub-Zero refrigerators and freezers, Viking microwaves, Asko and Fischer & Paykel dishwashers, Scotsman ice makers, and a Wolf warming drawer. But there's so much more: A private bakery with all the bells and whistles is just off the kitchen, in addition to an oversize bar and wine cabinet.
Scottsdale, AZ
realtor.com
SYRACUSE, N.Y., Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- If home ownership is one quintessential American dream, owning your own business is another. While a higher percentage of veterans are self-employed compared to non-veterans, the rate of veteran entrepreneurship has seen a significant decline. Forty-nine percent of veterans returning from service in World War II started businesses. Today the rate of post 9-11 veterans doing the same has fallen to 5.6 percent (from 12.3 percent in 1996).
The question now becomes why are we losing a potential class of business owners who come out of the military well equipped with important skills and attributes for success as entrepreneurs? A new study of veteran business owners, conducted by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF) in collaboration with Bunker Labs, takes an in-depth look into factors that account for the motivation, success, failure or survival in veteran entrepreneurship. The report, Bridging the Gap, Motivations, Challenges, and Successes of Veteran Entrepreneurs, sees veteran business owners cite difficulty accessing capital as one of three core impediments to starting or expanding their businesses. Limited or no opportunities to network and difficulty developing mentorships were the other top blockers.
The means by which veterans finance their business has wide-reaching impacts. For one, the average age of a veteran entrepreneur. Forty eight percent are 65 years old or older vs. 15.6 percent for all business owners. This in large part a consequence of their access to capital. As empty nesters, this group is through their most pressing financial responsibilities: raising children and paying off mortgages. Some also leverage their military retirement and healthcare to provide stability to a business.
More veteran business owners59.4 percentuse personal and family savings for their businesses versus their non-veteran counterparts. Thats not true with business loans. A higher percentage of non-veteran entrepreneurs use bank loans. The challenge of accessing capital is, for some, due to regulatory restrictions on lending to their sector. A few also expressed experiencing predatory lending when seeking out bank loans. Speed to capital is a real challenge and predatory lenders are using that as a capture point, says Walter Allen, Founder, Acumen. Allen served in the Army.
The continued loss of veteran-owned businesses that lack cash or financing will have an impact on our economy as veteran-owned businesses employ over 5 million U.S. workers and cover a payroll nearing $200 billion. This number could continue to go down as would the incomes for households of veteran entrepreneurs who have higher incomes and greater wealth.
We cannot continue to watch as veterans become a smaller and smaller part of the U.S. entrepreneurial population, says Dr. Mike Haynie, IVMF Executive Director and Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Innovation at Syracuse University. Veterans and entrepreneurship are a natural fit given their ability to take risks, be determined, think on their feet and survive challenges. We must continue to encourage them to pursue this path, and support them every step of the way.
We know the who and the what when it comes to veteran entrepreneurshipbut weve never looked at the why and the how, and this study does just that, says Misty Stutsman, IVMF Director of Entrepreneurship and Small Business. The results provide a roadmap for those looking to support veteran-owned businesses and those businesses on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Bridging the Gap, Motivations, Challenges, and Successes of Veteran Entrepreneurs includes a list of resources and a recommendations checklist to aid the prospective and current veteran entrepreneurs as well as veteran service organizations, financial advisors, institutions, leaders, and others helping the self-employed veteran. It is part of Operation Vetrepreneurship, a research project aimed at better understanding the needs of veteran and military-connected entrepreneurs. This is the first from that series of papers dedicated to the veteran business owner. Information from these reports hopes to further inform veteran and entrepreneurship service organizations on factors most influencing veteran entrepreneurs today, and encourage and support successful veteran entrepreneurship for decades to come. For more information please visit IVMF Research & Evaluation.
Media Contact:
Stephanie Salanger
Director, Communications & Media
Office of Veteran and Military Affairs
Institute for Veterans and Military Families
Mobile: 315.378.8171; Email: ssalange@syr.edu
About the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University
The Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) is the first interdisciplinary national institute in higher education focused on the social, economic, education, and policy issues impacting veterans and their families. Through its professional staff and experts, the IVMF delivers leading programs in career, vocational, and entrepreneurship education and training, while also conducting actionable research, policy analysis, and program evaluations. The IVMF also supports communities through collective impact efforts that enhance delivery and access to services and care. The Institute, supported by a distinguished advisory board, along with public and private partners, is committed to advancing the lives of those who have served in Americas armed forces and their families. For more information, visit ivmf.syracuse.edu and follow the IVMF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
President and CEO of the Edwardsville YMCA Gary Niebur is retiring early next year.
After serving as the mayor of Edwardsville for 20 years (1993 2013) and starting out as the YMCAs executive director in 1982, Niebur is stepping down with a record of success.
His last day on the job will be Wednesday, Feb. 28 of 2018.
YMCA Board President Mark Motley said Niebur will be missed, as he was and is a valuable asset to the YMCA facilities in the area.
Gary has been instrumental in growing our Edwardsville YMCA to what it is today, which is one of the premiere Ys in the region. Hes had the vision and the drive to not only run an excellent facility several facilities for the community, but hes been able to get the community behind it as well and make it a place where kids and families feel welcome and have lots of great programs and activities they can participate in, Motley said.
During Nieburs time as CEO, the YMCA raised over $10 million in donations, which prompted growth from one 15,000 square-foot facility to three facilities (The ESIC Center, the Allison Cassens Early Childhood Development Center and the Meyer Center) totaling over 140,000 square feet. Memberships at the facilities also grew exponentially from less than 1,000 memberships with 2,700 members to 6,600 memberships with 19,200 members.
This in turn led to the YMCAs budget to increase from $163,000 annually to over $6 million in 2016.
Motley said Niebur stood out above the rest when he was brought on as executive director and has made quite the impact during his time at the YMCA.
I cant really speak to the group that hired him, but from what Ive been told, Gary just had a passion and a commitment to the community that was obvious and got people excited. So I think its clear he showed a real tenacity over the years in developing it and adding programs, Motley said.
Thanks to Nieburs contribution as YMCAs CEO, in 2007, the Edwardsville YMCA was also awarded the Excellence in Facilities Award, by the YMCA of the USA, which designated the facility as one of the most successful in the country.
With Nieburs retirement date coming up, the search committee has been in the process of selecting a new candidate for the CEO position. Niebur is also a part of the process and will work closely with the YMCA staff to select the designated candidate.
Motley said so far, the search for a new CEO is going well.
(The new candidate) is still to be announced. Were in the middle of the process right now. Its been a good process. Weve had a lot of good candidates to consider and we should have an announcement soon, Motley said.
Going forward, Motley said the YMCA wishes Gary the best in his future endeavors and hopes to see the YMCA continue Garys legacy.
I think we all hope for Gary that he gets well-deserved retirement where he gets to spend more time with his family, Motley said. For the Y, I think everybody is really excited where were at and excited about the future. I think we want to see the next leader build on Garys legacy and continue to do what it takes to serve the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon community.
Date: 28 November 17
Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.
CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V.
Post-stabilisation Period Announcement
NO STABILISATION CARRIED OUT
Further to the pre-stabilisation period announcement dated 28 November, 2017 BNP Paribas, contact: Rupert Lewis telephone: 020 7595 8222 hereby gives notice that no stabilisation (within the meaning of Article 3.2(d) of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU/596/2014) or the rules of the Financial Conduct Authority) was undertaken by the Stabilisation Manager(s) named below in relation to the offer of the following securities.
Issuer: CEMEX, S.A.B. de C.V. Guarantor (if any): CEMEX Mexico, S.A. de C.V., CEMEX Concretos, S.A. de C.V., Empresas Tolteca de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., New Sunward Holding B.V., CEMEX Espana, S.A., Cemex Asia B.V., CEMEX Corp., CEMEX Finance LLC, Cemex Egyptian Investments B.V., CEMEX France Gestion (S.A.S.), Cemex Research Group AG and CEMEX UK Aggregate nominal amount: EUR 650,000,000 Description: 2.75% Notes due 5th Dec 2024 Stabilisation Manager(s): Active Books: BNP PARIBAS (B&D), HSBC, J.P. Morgan
Passive Books: Banca IMI, BBVA, ING Offer price: 100.00
This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.
This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities referred to above have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. There has not been and will not be a public offer of the securities in the United States.
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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 08:00 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b0996b 4 Editorial #Editorial,hate-speech,#HateSpeech,hoax,#Hoax,social-media,#SocialMedia Free
Different countries respond differently to hoaxes, fake news and hate speech. In Germany, the government enforces a law that imposes heavy fines on social media companies who fail to delete hate speech or fake news legislation that was effective in staving off possible meddling in the countrys general election last September.
The United States stands in the opposite extreme to Germany. In the US, freedom of speech is a sacrosant principle eventhough it allows the vilest expressions toward minority groups and ethnicities. So, even when neo-Nazis spewed hatred and bigotry on the streets of Virginia in August this year, some were arrested only for disrupting public order and other minor offenses.
Indonesia sits somewhere in the middle. We have the laws and regulations, but their enforcement has not been successful. The countrys criminal code (KUHP) has at least five articles that make it a crime for individuals to express animosity toward others.
The types of hateful expressions defined by these five articles range from slander and insults, to filing a false written or oral report to authorities that could harm the reputation of others. Each carries a maximum prison term of four years.
The Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law has also made it difficult for individuals to express their hate and prejudices online and on social media. But the problem with the ITE Law is that it was implemented to only target critics of the government, including President Joko Jokowi Widodo.
For example, police in Central Java arrested last year Bambang Tri Mulyono for writing the book Jokowi Undercover, which presented dubious facts about Jokowi and his family.
The law has also been used to crack down on offenses that have little to do with hate speech. In September, police used the ITE Law to arrest an individual responsible for creating the website nikahsirri.com, alleging that the controversial matchmaking site had offered prostitution services. Even when law enforcement agencies arrested those guilty of legitimately making hateful statements, it is sometimes difficult to persuade the court to deliver a punishment.
Early in September, police arrested for the second time Alfian Tanjung, a firebrand cleric affiliated with the Jakarta-based Muhammadiyah University of Prof. Dr. Hamka (UHAMKA), after a court acquitted him of separate hate speech charges due to legal technicalities.
The police themselves have been reluctant to pursue hate speech cases, especially if the suspects have a large following and are politically wired, like cleric Rizieq Shihab. It was against this context that the cleric of Indonesias largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), recommended that hate speech be considered a disgraceful act that must be deemed haram under all circumstances.
According to the cleric, law enforcement against hate speech would provide a deterrent. With this statement, and as Indonesia braces for two successive election years in 2018 and 2019, the fight against hate speech just got a big political boost. Its time to get serious.
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Linkedin M. Evan Fabio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 12:24 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b1a950 3 Opinion workforce,#workers,#workplace,work,human-resources,employment,company Free
The traditional method for hiring and establishing employer-employee relationships is rapidly transforming itself to seize the opportunity that digitization has delivered at everyones front door.
The recent business climate has convinced me that the case for devoting half of our lives to one company is vaporizing at an unprecedented rate. The term gig economy describes a situation where temporary and flexible jobs are becoming ubiquitous while employers prefer to hire independent contractors or freelancers instead of full-time employees.
The gig economy is a side effect of the enormous digitization wave across every industry, which enables workers to do their jobs from home or somewhere else.
The trend is a cheaper alternative than traditional hiring practices.
Hiring full-time employees is costly, as the company needs a larger budget to build a program and system designed for a long term purpose. Full-time workers have minimum wage, paid sick days, pension funds, or even maximum work hours. Employees in temporary contract, however, have none of these luxuries and choose to settle for the condition.
Prime examples of such business entities are Uber and Airbnb. Uber is the biggest taxi company in the hemisphere and it doesnt even own a vehicle as its asset. Airbnb revolutionizes the way we book a room for stay-in and they do not own a single property.
These two companies are the best showcases of how the gig economy changes the economic landscape as an intermediary between resource and opportunity. Private individuals and freelancers across the world provide unlimited array of skills or services but more often than not, they are struggling to keep pace to find the right opportunity.
Uber, Go-Jek, and Grab survive against traditional taxi companies because they dont need to pay expenses which are considered unnecessary, and therefore can hire more drivers. What they are doing is not exactly earth-shattering, they just acknowledged how to utilize those idle resources earlier than anyone else on the market and they did it in a fashion that could attract every stakeholder.
However, supply is only as useful as a rock without demand and fortunately this is not the case for the gig economy. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, independent workers make up 20-30 percent of the total working age population (162 million people) in Indonesia and at least 70 percent of them do it because they actually prefer it. Only 30 percent become one because out of necessity to make a living.
Thus the current workforce possesses an entirely different perspective on the generally accepted way to make a living, which is especially apparent among millennials.
The reason more people choose to embrace this career to fulfil the dream of having a good work-life balance. The gig economy improves companies profitability and makes it possible for casual worker to have a good work-life balance.
However, what may seems like a great and innovative discovery perhaps just have its weakness immensely overshadowed by its strength.
Uber was banned from London, to which it appealed, because of the companys failure to maintain its corporate responsibility. Several companies with identical business models also received similar backlash from the public because they ran their employees to the ground. The lack of details established in the contract and the vague boundaries on the responsibilities and rewards for workers and the company tend to cause more damage, especially to the workers.
Therefore the gig economy is becoming more vulnerable than earlier perceived.
Another major problem is that in the true nature of the gig economy social interaction will be an exclusive item. Being a part-time employee makes it harder for an employee to inherit a companys vision and cultural values, which can dilute a company characteristic in a customers perspective. Working separately at a fast pace also means building team chemistry is an inevitable struggle.
The gig economy also affects full-time employees. Temporary workers are more attractive cost-wise, making it harder for full-time employees to get promotion or a raise. In turn, the room for loyalty when deciding ones future becomes scarce. If not managed carefully, the gig economy could prove to be costly for business.
Major savings for companies also mean that workers who join the gig economy wave may not get paid well. Besides having more flexibility than their counterparts, their rewards are inconsistent and will be affected greatly by what kind of work they do, the risks, and the results. Having no protection towards outside threat and secured benefits also need to be taken into the equation when we are measuring if the decision to jump into the bandwagon is really worth the risk.
As for millennials and fresh graduates, the best attempt to control the wave is to stand out and try to add as much value as possible to the marketplace.
Before we even jump into the party, we cant afford to walk into the building without acknowledging what we are good at and what we are bad at. What we should be doing is to find the frequency that fits our skills -- because dancing to the drumbeat of the industry could only mean one thing: losing.
***
The writer is a blogger who writes regularly about business and economy on evanfabio.com.
---------------
We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to academia@jakpost.com.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 11:53 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b19b6b 4 Business Airlines,Mount-Agung,eruption,cancellation Free
Many airlines have decided to cancel their flights to Bali for several days since Monday's temporary closure of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport due to the eruption of Mount Agung on the resort island, kompas.com reported on Tuesday.
The airport authority closed the airport at 7:15 a.m. on Monday for 24 hours and then extended the airport closure for another 24 hours at 7 a.m. on Tuesday.
"It was decided to keep the airport closed until 7 a.m. [Wednesday], as the airport's airspace is still covered by volcanic ash," communications and legal division head Arie Ahsanurrohim at state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I (AP I) said on Tuesday.
On Monday, Singapore Airlines canceled Bali-bound flights SQ938, SQ939, SQ942, SQ943, SQ946, SQ947, SQ948, SQ949, MI176 and MI175.
The airline announced that passengers who had bought tickets before Monday for its Bali flights flying between Nov. 27 to Dec. 4 could reschedule their flights or get a refund.
Malaysia Airlines has canceled all its Bali flights since Monday, saying that it would recommence flights on the Bali route when it was possible.
Thai Airways has canceled all Bali flights from Monday to Saturday. The airline is allowing ticket holders of flights from Nov. 26 to Dec. 10 to reschedule their flights.
Meanwhile, AirAsia canceled all its Bali flights from Nov. 25, with current ticket holders permitted to reschedule their flights within 30 days at no additional cost.
Other airlines that have canceled their Bali flights include EVA Air, Cathay Pacific, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia. (bbn)
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Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar Tue, November 28, 2017 10:52 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b1813e 1 Business Bali-airport-closure,extension,Mount-Agung,eruption Free
The closure of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali has been extended by another 24 hours amid the ongoing eruption of Mount Agung.
The resumption of operations at the airport is now scheduled for 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
State-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I (AP I) communications and legal division head Arie Ahsanurrohim said the decision was made during a meeting to evaluate the impact of the eruption on the airport.
"It has been decided to keep the airport closed until 7 a.m. tomorrow, as the airspace of the airport is still covered by volcanic ash," Arie said on Tuesday.
Arie explained that the decision was based on meteorological observation.
"Volcanic ash from Mount Agung has spread to a height of 30,000 feet, and [the wind] is blowing in a south and south-westerly direction at a speed of about 5 to 10 knots, heading to I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport," Arie said.
The international airport has been closed since 7:15 a.m. on Monday due to volcanic ash from Mount Agung, which erupted on Saturday. The closure affected 445 flights and saw at least 59,000 passengers stranded on Monday. Indonesia's Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center has upgraded the alert status to the highest level. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (AFP) Paris, France Tue, November 28, 2017 07:44 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b0816b 2 National Mount-Agung,bali,Volcano,volcanic-activity,eruption Free
Indonesian authorities have raised a maximum alert as Mount Agung on Bali -- an island that attracted nearly five million tourists last year -- threatens to erupt.
Here's what experts say:
- Already erupting? -
Short answer: 'Yes' -- but things could get much worse.
"What we are seeing at the moment are small explosions, throwing out hot gases and fragments of molten rock, or ash," explained David Pyle, a volcano expert at the University of Oxford in Britain.
"The Agung volcano commenced a sustained ash eruption on Saturday, with plumes reaching 3,000 metres (nearly two miles) high," explained Mark Tingay, a geologist at the University of Adelaide in Australia.
"The eruption has now moved on to the next, more severe phase, where viscous lava can trap gasses under pressure, potentially leading to an explosion."
- Major eruption? -
Several scientists remarked that Agung's recent behaviour matches the buildup to the devastating 1963 blast that left 1,600 people dead and ejected enough debris -- about a billion metric tonnes -- to lower global average temperatures a notch (0.2 - 0.3 degrees Celsius) for about a year.
"Based on what we saw in 1963, the present activity is quite similar to the start of that eruption," said Pyle.
"The probability of a large eruption is high, but this may take some days or weeks to unfold."
David Rothery, a professor at The Open University in Britain, also sees a step-change on the horizon.
"The volcano might at last be delivering the large eruption that has been feared for several weeks," he said.
Jacques-Marie Bardintzeff, a volcanologist at Paris-Sud University, said that "all the warning lights are red."
"My Indonesian colleagues and I think that Agung will erupt," he told AFP.
Other scientists were more cautious.
"We are still far from being able to forecast how eruptions are going to develop," said Carmen Solana, a volcanologist at the University of Portsmouth in England. "It could rapidly increase in activity and produce a vast eruption, or it could die down."
- Worst case? -
"The worst case scenario would be a repeat of the 1963 eruption, perhaps a little be larger," Pyle told AFP.
"The main areas that will need to be evacuated are 10-12 kilometres (6-7.5 miles) from the volcano," he said. "There won't be a need for the whole island to be evacuated."
Bali -- home to more than four million people and tens of thousands of tourists at any given time -- is four times the area of Greater London.
Were Agung to blow its top, impacts would range from sulphur ash and potentially deadly lava flows to loss of tourism, the island's top source of revenue.
"Air-fall ash is a respiratory hazard, kills crops, makes roofs collapse and can turn into devastating mudflows -- known as lahars -- as soon as it rains," said Rothery.
While not toxic, ash is also a serious hazard to aircraft, and the reason all fights have been grounded at Bali's international airport.
On runways, ash can make a plane slide out of control during takeoff and landing.
"But the main risk is to the engines," said Guy Gratton, a visiting professor at britain's Cranfield University. It can solidify onto an engine's turbine blades, "reducing the efficiency, and potentially stopping it."
A big blast would also produce "hot rock avalanches" down the flanks of the volcano, said Mike Burton, a professor at the University of Manchester in England.
As the region enters its rainy season, the risk of mud-and-ash flows increases too.
"They are extremely hazardous as they can flow quickly for long distances, scouring the land and damaging infrastructure, as well as posing a threat to life," said Burton.
The impact on Bali's multi-billion dollar tourism industry would depend on how much of the island is blanketed in ash, along with the force and persistence of a major eruption. (**)
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Linkedin Lachlan Carmichael (AFP) Brussels, Belgium Tue, November 28, 2017 09:14 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b0ddb0 2 World EU,Germany,GermanyChancellorAngelaMerkel,health-concerns,weedkiller,weedkiller-glyphosate Free
EU countries broke months of deadlock on Monday when they voted to renew the licence for the controversial weedkiller glyphosate for five years after heavyweight Germany surprisingly voted in favour despite health concerns.
With the bloc's largest population, Germany's change of heart was instrumental in ending the stalemate within the 28-nation union over the fate of the pesticide, which some critics fear causes cancer.
But its U-turn appeared also to reveal extraordinary tensions in Chancellor Angela Merkel's efforts to form a new governing coalition, after a minister in Berlin said German officials in Brussels had disobeyed direct orders to abstain on the vote.
Glyphosate was introduced in 1974 by US agro-giant Monsanto under the brand-name Roundup. A WHO study found it was "probably carcinogenic" but later studies have disagreed.
Eighteen of the 28 EU states voted in favour of the European Commission's proposal for a five-year renewal, with nine including France voting against, and one abstaining.
"Today's vote shows that when we all want to, we are able to share and accept our collective responsibility in decision making," EU Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis said in a statement.
- Europeans 'betrayed' -
Divisions over the weedkiller within the EU have dragged on since June 2016, when its previous 15-year licence expired and an 18-month extension was granted.
Environmental campaigners condemned Monday's decision.
"Today's approval, even if only for five years, is a missed opportunity to get rid of this risky weedkiller and start to get farmers off the chemical treadmill," said Adrian Bebb of Friends of the Earth Europe.
Greenpeace's Franziska Achterberg said: "The people who are supposed to protect us from dangerous pesticides have failed to do their jobs and betrayed the trust Europeans place in them."
Monsanto's rival, the German chemical giant Bayer, also said it regretted the decision, voicing support for a 15-year extension of the licence for glyphosate.
"Regulators and scientific bodies across the world, including in Europe... have carefully evaluated the component and decided that glyphosate is safe," it said in a statement.
Two weeks ago the European Commission, the EU executive, fell short of the majority needed to renew the licence when it expires on December 15, as only half of the 28 member states voted for its proposal.
Germany abstained from the last vote, but on Monday Berlin changed its mind after receiving assurances on animal welfare and private use of the weedkiller, a European source said.
However, German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks, of the Social Democrats who had initially refused to consider renewing their coalition with Merkel, said Agricultural Minister Christian Schmidt of the Merkel-allied CSU party had gone against her orders.
"Exactly two hours before the beginning of the meeting... I declared clearly to colleague (Christian) Schmidt that I do not agree with an extension of the renewal of glyphosate," she said.
But she said he had voted to renew the licence instead of abstaining as planned.
The previous abstention was a compromise between opposition to glyphosate in the environmental ministry and support for it in the agriculture ministry.
Merkel said Monday her party was ready to hold serious talks with the Social Democrats to form a government, warning that time is pressing as Europe faces a slew of challenges.
But Social Democrat Bundestag representative Andrea Nahles said Monday's vote in Brussels represented "an obvious violation of trust on the part of the CSU".
The decision marks a disappointment for the French government, which pushed unsuccessfully for only a three-year licence following widespread concern in the country over the chemical's health impact.
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that he has asked the French government to look for alternative pesticides and ban glyphosate in France within three years.
Paris will also lobby for the EU to change the way it determines the safety of chemical products, the prime minister's office told AFP.
- Three million sign petition -
Environmental campaigners like Greenpeace have been calling for an outright ban in Europe for glyphosate. Last month they handed the EU a petition signed by more than 1.3 million people backing such a move.
Activists point to a 2015 study by the World Health Organisations (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer that concluded it was "probably carcinogenic".
But the European Food Safety Authority and the European Chemicals Agency both say glyphosate is unlikely to cause cancer in humans, in line with a 2016 review carried out by WHO experts and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.
Monsanto insists glyphosate meets the standards required to renew its European licence. (**)
LEHI, Utah and SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ancestry, the global leader in family history and consumer genomics, today announced record sales for AncestryDNA kits during the four day Black Friday to Cyber Monday holiday weekend. The company more than tripled the number of kits sold during the same period in 2016, its prior record sales period. In the coming weeks, millions of people around the world will open their gifts and receive the best consumer DNA experience available. AncestryDNA is:
The Best DNA Testing Service, according to review site, The Wirecutter
The best selling consumer DNA product in the world, providing the most opportunities for customers to make new discoveries and connect with new family
The most comprehensive look at a persons ethinc background, with 5x the number of ethnic regions of the nearest competing product
The only service where more than 10 million new family connections are made every day
The only DNA experience that enables customers to connect to the worlds largest collection of historical documents and family trees, providing an even greater chance to learn about ones family history and stories
We are relentlessly focused on creating products and experiences that exceed the expectations of every Ancestry customer. We have doubled down on providing a richer, more detailed ethinicity experience and consumers are clearly responding, said Howard Hochhauser, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Ancestry. DNA testing is no longer a niche interest, its a mass consumer market, with millions of people wanting to experience the emotionally powerful, life-affirming discoveries that can come from simply spitting in a tube. Our customers own stories, and how they have taken what theyve learned and changed how they approach the future, are the strongest testaments to the positive impact we deliver.
The company also announced that, for the first time in its history, the total number of AncestryDNA kits sold in single year has exceeded the total number of subscribers to the companys family history services. In October, the total number of customer samples in Ancestrys DNA database, the worlds largest consumer DNA database, exceeded six million.
Contiuing sales strength, and Ancestrys second record-breaking holiday sales period in a row, further solidify the companys leadership in the consumer genomic market. More importantly for both existing and new AncestryDNA customers, the more people in the DNA database, the better the potential results for everyone. As more people take their test, Ancestry is able to continue to refine its ethinicty estimates, provide new ethnic regions, and expand the number of potential familial matches for customers.
We are excited to welcome so many new customers to the Ancestry family, said Hochhauser. 2018 will bring a regular drumbeat of new experiences and enhancements across both DNA and Family History, as we continue to improve how we help you discover more about your past and inspire your future.
About Ancestry
Ancestry, the global leader in family history and consumer genomics, harnesses the information found in family trees, historical records, and DNA to help people gain a new level of understanding about their lives. Ancestry has more than 2.7 million paying subscribers across its core Ancestry websites and more than 6 million people in the AncestryDNA network. Since 1996, more than 10 billion records have been added to Ancestry's databases, and users have created more than 90 million family trees on the Ancestry flagship site and its affiliated international websites. Ancestry offers a suite of family history products and services including AncestryDNA, Archives, AncestryProGenealogists, Newspapers.com and Fold3. AncestryDNA is owned and operated by Ancestry.com DNA, LLC, a subsidiary of Ancestry.com, LLC.
Media contact:
Brandon Borrman
415.795.6786
bborrman@ancestry.com
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 18:38 1814 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b2e84e 1 City sexual-harrasment,West-Jakarta Free
Kebon Jeruk Police are investigating a sexual abuse case in which a father has been accused of molesting his two daughters in Kedoya, West Jakarta.
Police said the daughters, age 14 and 16, reported the alleged sexual abuse to their mother on Sunday night.
The older daughter said she had been abused by her father since she was in junior high school, while her younger sister claimed the abuse began this year.
The eldest daughter also claimed her father had filmed her while she was using the restroom. She said the video footage was on her fathers phone.
Both alleged victims said they had been afraid to report the alleged abuse. Their mother accompanied them to the police on Sunday night to file a report. The police have declared the father a suspect.
The police have questioned the mother as a witness, while the alleged victims have undergone examinations at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Central Jakarta. (rdi)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28 2017
Governor Anies Baswedan has refused to respond to the planned reunion of a protest, also known as the 212 rally, by conservative Muslims at Monas in Central Jakarta on Saturday.
This is the same group who demanded the prosecution of his predecessor, Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama.
Thats none of my business, Anies said at City Hall when asked for a response on Monday.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 18:16 1814 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b2bf9f 4 Business incentives,manufacturing-industry,Trade-Ministry,vocational-programs,labor-intensive-program,innovation Free
The Industry Ministry will provide the manufacturing industry a main contributor to gross domestic product (GDP) with three tax incentives to try to boost the countrys economy, which has seen slow growth in recent years.
The government will offer a 200-percent tax allowance for the manufacturing industry, which wants to invest in vocation programs to improve training and skills for their workers.
[For example], if a company invests Rp 500 million (US$37,023), the government will provide Rp 1 billion in tax allowance, he said, as reported by kontan.co.id on Tuesday.
He added that such a scheme had been successfully implemented in Thailand.
The second incentive is for those who invest in innovative products, for which the government would offer 300 percent in tax incentives from the value of the investment, Airlangga added.
The third is incentives for labor-intensive industries that focus on exports, of which the incentive would depend on the number of workers employed in the industry, the minister said.
Airlangga said he had discussed the incentives with President Joko Jokowi Widodo and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati.
He hoped the scheme will be ready by the end of 2017.
Sri Mulyani said she had not yet received the proposal, but she agreed that the government could give such incentives. The President has talked about the importance of investment in vocation to improve the skills and training of workers, she added. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 13:30 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b1e8c1 1 Politics setya,setya-novanto,graft-suspect,KPK,corruption,pretrial,pretrial-motion Free
The South Jakarta District Court has appointed Kusno as the sole judge to handle the pretrial hearing requested by House of Representatives Speaker and graft suspect Setya Novanto.
Kusno serves as the courts deputy head.
Yes, we have appointed judge Kusno, Made Sutisna, the courts spokesperson, said as quoted kompas.com in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Setyas pretrial hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Judge Kusno previously handled a pretrial motion requested by Irfan Kurnia Saleh, the director of military equipment supplier Diratama Jaya Mandiri. Irfan had filed a pretrial motion against being named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in a case related to the purchase of an AgustaWestland helicopter. In the hearing, Kusno rejected the pretrial motion filed by the plaintiff.
Kusno reportedly stated in a hearing he presided that it did not matter whether investigators named someone a suspect at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of their investigation.
Unlike Kusno, Cepi Iskandar, who led the pretrial hearing requested by Setya in September, was of the opinion that investigators should have named the Golkar Party chairman a graft suspect at the end of their investigation rather than at the beginning.
Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) said the KPK had to be careful in responding to the pretrial motion filed by Setya. The corruption watchdog expressed concern about the track record of Kusno. His siding with [efforts to] eradicate corruption is minimal, said ICW activist Lalola Ester. (ebf)
Solar power cells are seen on a bamboo fishing deck on the waters of Jor Bay, Jerowaru, East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), last week. Local fishermen use the solar panels, which were initiated under a program by a group of academics and environmentalists called the Blue Carbon Consortium to power their fishing-light lures.(JP/Tarko Sudiarno)(NTB), last week. Local fishermen use the solar panels, which were initiated under a program by a group of academics and environmentalists called the Blue Carbon Consortium to power their fishing-light lures.(JP/Tarko Sudiarno)
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 15:02 1814 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b21d93 1 Business Inalum,holding-company,Rini-Soemarno Free
State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Rini Soemarno has signed on Tuesday a document officiating the establishment of state-owned aluminum producer PT Indonesia Asahan Alumninium (Inalum) as the holding company of state mining companies.
"The process of establishing the holding company started in 2015, when the SOE Ministry presented its SOEs development roadmap to the House of Representatives," Rini said on Tuesday, after signing the shares transfer document at her office in Jakarta.
Under the document, Inalum will own 65 percent shares in PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), 65.02 percent shares in PT Bukit Asam, 65 percent shares in PT Timah and 9.36 percent shares in PT Freeport Indonesia.
An extraordinary shareholders' meeting will be held jointly among Antam, Bukit Asam and Timah to officiate the shares transfer to Inalum, which is 100 percent owned by the government, Rini said, adding that the meeting would be held on Nov. 29 in Jakarta.
She stressed that the government and the House would still retain control over the companies under Inalum, as before the shares transfer.
Despite removing Persero [state-owned company] from their names, the companies will still be under the government's control and will still adhere to their public service obligations," she said. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 15:47 1814 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b23af7 1 City Constitutional-Court,eviction,ruling Free
The Constitutional Court (MK) has rejected on Tuesday a petition for a judicial review of a 1960 law that is frequently used by the city administration to facilitate evictions.
The court said it could not find any legal basis for approving the petition, which was submitted by several evicted Jakarta residents.
The petition was submitted in September 2016 by Rojiyanto, a former resident of Papanggo, North Jakarta, along with Mansur Daud and Rando Tanadi, former residents of Duri Kepa in West Jakarta.
Rojiyanto was evicted by the city administration to construct the BMW park in North Jakarta, while Mansur and Rando said they were evicted in the interests of a private estate and not the public interest.
Justice Maria Farida Indrati said the city administration's action was based on Article 33 of the Constitution, which mandates that the nations land, natural resources and water are controlled by the state and should be utilized in the interest of public welfare.
The plaintiffs' evictions do not necessarily show that Law No. 51/1960 contradict the articles of the 1945 Constitution, because the government, in this case the local government, was repossessing land occupied by people who did not possess rightful ownership, Maria said in Tuesday's hearing led by Justice Anwar Usman.
Jakarta Legal Aid Institution (LBH Jakarta) advocate Alldo Fellix Januardy said the law was drawn up in the 1960s, when citizens could occupy land freely. (dis)
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Linkedin Marchio Irfan Gorbiano (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 18:54 1814 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b2fbae 2 Business OJK,fintech,regulation,P2P-lending Free
The Financial Services Authority (OJK) aims to issue a regulation on financial technology (fintech) businesses by March next year amid robust development of the industry, OJK deputy commissioner Nurhaida said Tuesday.
We expect to have the draft [of the regulation] by the end of this year, she said. However, if there are some issues that need to be addressed in depth, the [issuance] target might be moved to the end of March 2018.
The OJK has so far passed a regulation on peer-to-peer (P2P) lending, a service provided by fintech players affecting 24 fintech firms under its auspice.
Nurhaida underlined that the authority would seek a balance between regulating the industry for the sake of consumer protection and security and encouraging fintech businesses to further grow while monitoring dynamism in the fintech industry.
If the fintech [industry] was getting bigger in terms of values, there might be stricter regulations compared to when it was still small, Nurhaida said, noting that the development of the industry was extraordinary. (lnd)
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Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Melbourne, Australia Tue, November 28, 2017 10:43 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b11f0a 2 World Australia,terror-attack,New-Year Free
An Islamic State sympathiser planned to buy a gun and kill as many revellers as possible on New Year's Eve in Melbourne's popular Federation Square, police alleged Tuesday after foiling the plot.
The 20-year-old, born in Australia to Somali parents, was detained in a raid on a house in the Melbourne suburb of Werribee on Monday. He is expected to be charged over the coming days.
Police claim he accessed a guide book online produced by Al-Qaeda on how to commit terror acts and use firearms, but was arrested before he could purchase an automatic rifle.
"What we will be alleging is that he was intending to use a firearm to shoot and kill as many people as he could in the Federation Square area on New Year's Eve," said Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton.
"It is a tremendous concern to us that (during) the festive season, when people are out enjoying themselves, that there is a potential plot to commit a terrorist act. That is a huge issue for us but that is why we put the resources in."
He said the arrest meant the threat "has been removed".
Federation Square is in the heart of the city, opposite busy Flinders Street train station and St Paul's Cathedral. It is one of the most popular places to see in the new year and would be packed on December 31.
The foiled plot comes a year after police prevented another attack in the same area on Christmas Day, arresting several men who planned to use explosives, knives and guns to target the location.
Patton said the man, who lived with his parents, had been on their radar since the beginning of the year, part of a small community of extremists that police have been monitoring.
His behaviour had gradually escalated over time, but police believe he was acting alone.
"The potential of the attack was catastrophic," said Patton, adding that the man was an "Islamic State sympathiser".
Asked if he had been inspired by last year's Christmas Day plot, Patton said detectives were still investigating how he became radicalised.
"We will be exploring where this person of interest got the idea from," he said.
"Certainly, he becomes particularly energised when he sees other activities in the terrorist arena occurring."
The man worked part-time at a computer repair business, with police raiding the facility.
A person who knows the suspect told the Melbourne Herald Sun: "He is a very quiet guy. This is an absolute shock."
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Linkedin (AFP) Melbourne Tue, November 28, 2017 07:38 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b077bd 2 World Melbourne,terror-plot,Islamic-State Free
An Islamic State sympathiser planned to buy a gun and kill as many revellers as possible on New Year's Eve in Melbourne's popular Federation Square, police alleged Tuesday after foiling the plot.
The 20-year-old, born in Australia to Somali parents, was detained in a raid on a house in the Melbourne suburb of Werribee on Monday. He is expected to be charged later Tuesday.
Police claim he accessed a guide book online produced by Al-Qaeda on how to commit terror acts and use firearms, but was arrested before he could purchase an automatic rifle.
"What we will be alleging is that he was intending to use a firearm to shoot and kill as many people as he could in the Federation Square area on New Year's Eve," said Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton.
"It is a tremendous concern to us that (during) the festive season, when people are out enjoying themselves, that there is a potential plot to commit a terrorist act. That is a huge issue for us but that is why we put the resources in."
He said the arrest meant the threat "has been removed".
Federation Square is in the heart of the city, opposite busy Flinders Street train station and St Paul's Cathedral. It is one of the most popular places to see in the new year and would be packed on December 31.
The foiled plot comes a year after police prevented another attack in the same area on Christmas Day, arresting several men who planned to use explosives, knives and guns to target the location.
Patton said the man, who lived with his parents, had been on their radar since the beginning of the year, part of a small community of extremists that police have been monitoring.
His behaviour had gradually escalated over time, but police believe he was acting alone.
"The potential of the attack was catastrophic," said Patton, adding that the man was an "Islamic State sympathiser".
Asked if he had been inspired by last year's Christmas Day plot, Patton said how he became radicalised was still being investigated.
"We will be exploring where this person of interest got the idea from," he said.
"Certainly, he becomes particularly energised when he sees other activities in the terrorist arena occurring."
Australian officials have grown increasingly concerned over the threat of extremist attacks, raising the national terror alert level to "probable" in September 2014.
Since then, 74 people have been arrested in 347 counter-terror investigations.
Authorities say 13 attacks have been prevented in the past few years, including an IS-directed attempt to bring down a plane using poisonous gas or a crude bomb disguised as a meat mincer.
Despite this, several attacks have taken place, including a cafe siege in Sydney in 2014 where two hostages were killed.
TORONTO and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alectra Energy Services Inc. wanted to provide more timely and detailed water consumption information to their customers than their conventional drive-by/manual read data collection system could deliver. Utilizing LoRaWAN technology, QMC delivered a fixed-network solution with seamless integration from the existing water meters to LoRaWAN gateway provided by network operator, eleven-x. All hourly meter data is provided through QMCs cloud-based MeterConnex Service. This commercialized Internet of Things (IoT) wireless water meter project using LoRa technology is the first of its kind in Canada.
QMC has partnered with Alectra Energy Services Inc. (formerly PowerStream Energy Services Inc.) to upgrade their existing stock of commercial and residential water meters to a wireless fixed network. The solution provides savings on operating expenses, improves asset management and customer-related business process such as billing. The project is geographically located in various cities from Vancouver to Toronto.
QMC partnered with eleven-X to provide the design expertise and LoRaWAN Network. QMC and eleven-X jointly developed an encoded Meter Interface Unit (MIU) which is able to read Alectra Energy Services existing stock of Sensus water meters. Being able to utilize the existing meter hardware saved considerable cost and time on the project and avoided inconvenient shut-offs and disruptions to the tenants, according to James Easton, President & CEO of QMC. We now provide Alectra Energy Services with hourly interval data for all the water meters at the site.
Were very excited to have partnered with QMC on this metering project that has been qualified for a much broader deployment across Canada. Its the first such LoRa-metering implementation in Canada and were pleased eleven-X has led the way with a terrific partner in QMC, said Dan Mathers, President and CEO of eleven-X. We look forward to the future metering buildout by QMC, while providing our expert networking and technical support.
For Alectra Energy Services, fixed network wireless meter reading will eliminate expensive drive by/walk by meter reading and will enhance the billing and reporting experience for their customers. QMC provided us with the ideal solution for us to collect our water meter billing data wirelessly, explained Daniel Miller, Director Metering Services for Alectra Energy Services. It has enabled us to operate our business more efficiently in several areas.
About Alectra Energy Services Inc.
Alectra Energy Services is a subsidiary of Alectra Inc., a municipally-owned energy company with major offices in Hamilton, Mississauga and Vaughan, Ontario. Established in 2013, Alectra Energy Services provides submetering services in condominiums and commercial properties throughout Canada.
About QMC
QMC is an industry leading systems integrator and provider of integrated metering solutions to utilities, commercial, residential and institutional property managers and developers. Our vision of Sustainability Through Accountability empowers customers and end users to save water, energy and money. QMC has over 50 employees across offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto Ottawa and Montreal, and is a proud member of the LoRa Alliance
www.qmeters.com
About eleven-X Inc.
eleven-X, a Contributing Member of the LoRa Alliance, is a next-generation network operator enabling the Internet of Things [IoT]. Our purpose-built Low Power Wide Area Network [LPWAN] is Canadas first and only coast-to-coast LoRaWAN network providing connectivity for low-cost sensors and devices for a variety of IoT applications. Our carrier-grade network enables customers in the private and public sectors to efficiently and cost-effectively manage assets, create and maintain Smart Cities, and realize environmental sustainability.
Visit eleven-x.com for more information.
For more information:
QMC: James Easton, QMC Submetering Solutions, james@qmeters.com, 1-877-358-5155
Alectra Energy Service: Daniel Miller, daniel.miller@powerstreamenergy.com, 1-855-952-5280
eleven-X: Dan Mathers, dan.mathers@eleven-x.com, 1-266-887-001
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 18:09 1814 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b2bee6 1 City Cibubur,assault-case,police Free
A member of the National Polices Mobile Brigade (Brimob) was allegedly assaulted and had his firearm stolen by unidentified men in Cibubur, Ciracas district, East Jakarta.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon at Cibubur Junction Mall when the police officer, identified as Brig. Lalu Agus Salim, reportedly met with a person identified as Mulyadi, a friend of a man who accused the alleged victim of being involved in a counterfeit money scam.
After meeting at a coffee shop, the alleged victim was reportedly asked to follow Mulyadi to the parking lot in the basement of the mall, where five men allegedly attacked the victim, Ciracas Police chief Comr. Agus Widar said on Tuesday as quoted by tribunnews.com
The victim was assaulted right in front of a musholla [prayer room] in the basement, Agus said.
The officer was reportedly attacked again when running to his car to retrieve his firearm. One of the perpetrators reportedly grabbed the firearm.
A witness said the alleged perpetrator tried to pawn the firearm at a shop, but store workers rejected his offer.
East Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Andry Wibowo said all alleged perpetrators had surrendered to the police. (yon)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 14:37 1814 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b21a29 1 Politics Prabowo-Subianto,Gerindra-Party,Central-Java,2018-regional-election,Anies-Baswedan-Sandiaga-Uno,Jakarta-gubernatorial-election,PDI-P Free
The Gerindra Party says its chairman, Prabowo Subianto, is ready to participate personally in campaign activities in Central Javas gubernatorial election next year.
Just like in the Jakarta gubernatorial election, Pak Prabowo is ready to join activities in the field, reaching out to voters down to the neighbourhood unit [RT] level. This is the strategy for our candidates to win, said the partys Central Java executive board (DPD) chairman, Abdul Wachid, as quoted by kompas.com on Monday.
Pointing to the partys victory in the Jakarta election, Wachid said Gerindra was optimistic it could defeat the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggles (PDI-P) candidate pair in the province.
Wachid said elements of Gerindras winning strategy in Jakarta, which saw Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno elected as governor and deputy governor, respectively, would be replicated in Central Java.
Those strategies yielded extraordinary success in the Jakarta election. We won it with the efficient use of resources. Those strategies were attractive for the voters -- strategies to win peoples hearts.
Wachid said Prabowo was looking for candidates untainted by graft for the 2018 election in Central Java.
Pak Prabowos message to all candidates is: Stay away from corruption, and please fight for the people, Wachid said. (ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 18:28 1814 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b2d84d 2 Business semi-processed-rattan,raw-materials,production,Regulations,exports Free
Producers of semi-processed rattan continue to suspend production as they await for the issuance of a new regulation on rattan exports.
Many of them halted operations as rattan farmers were reluctant to harvest the tropical palms with the absence of the new regulation, Indonesian Rattan Producers Association (APRI) deputy chairman Julius Hoesan said on Tuesday.
The drop in rattan supply has also jacked up the price of the raw material, he added.
[Relevant] ministers have agreed to allow rattan exports, but the regulation has yet to be announced, he said as quoted by kontan.co.id.
Read also: New rattan regulation benefits exporters, furniture makers: Trade minister
Since 2011, the government has banned rattan exports to help spur the domestic processing industry, particularly furniture.
Julius further explained that the industry could absorb only 30 percent of the rattan supplied by local farmers, and therefore, business players sought to ship semi-processed rattan overseas.
He added that the government could offer temporary permits as it provides training for producers to make use of various types of rattan. (lnd)
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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 06:46 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b06b4b 1 National retailer,association,maritime-highway Free
Retailers have pushed for access to maritime highway facilities to send their goods from western to eastern regions within the country.
The maritime highway program focused on transporting basic needs such as sugar, rice, cooking oil, meat and construction material, said Indonesian Retailers Association (Aprindo) chairman Roy Nicholas Mandey in Jakarta on Monday.
He said the association would discuss the request with the government. "We had no idea how to use the maritime highway," he said at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog).
Under the program, one of President Joko Jokowi Widodos priority programs, the government prepares cargo ships to travel east from the western part of the country.
The ships stop at a number of ports to drop off goods and load different goods to be transported to other ports.
According to the Transportation Ministry, there are 13 routes operating under the program.
Roy said that if retailers accessed the maritime highway's facilities, logistic costs to eastern Indonesia could be reduced by 15 to 20 percent. (bbn)
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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang, Central Java Tue, November 28, 2017 19:21 1814 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b307c4 1 National Klaten,Klaten-regent,bribery,bribery-case,KPK Free
Sri Mulyani has been inaugurated Klaten regent, replacing her predecessor, Sri Hartini, who was been sentenced to 11 years in prison for bribery.
The Semarang Corruption Court handed down in September a verdict in Haritinis case. Hartini was found guilty of accepting Rp 2 billion (US$ 148,104.40) in bribes while serving as Klaten regent in December 2016.
While inaugurating the new regent in Semarang on Monday, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo asked Mulyani not to follow the misdeeds of the previous regent, who was found guilty in a case to the related to the rotation of officials in the regency administrations working units.
Lets support bureaucratic reform. This is how we build integrity and improve management. Bu Mulyani must lay a strong foundation for good governance, said Ganjar.
He also asked Mulyani to involve the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in efforts to prevent corruption.
Responding to the governor, Mulyani vowed to better manage the administration.
Mulyani said she would let the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) and the NasDem Party, the two parties that support her, to appoint her deputy. (hol/ebf)
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Linkedin Carole Landry (AFP) United Nations, United States Tue, November 28, 2017 08:59 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b0bc80 2 World Syria,SyrianPresidentBasharAssad,UN,United-Nations,peace-talks,Geneva Free
Syrian peace talks set to open in Geneva this week hit a roadblock when President Bashar al-Assad's government refused to confirm it was attending and instead told the United Nations that no delegation would be arriving on Monday.
The eighth round of UN-led talks, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, was seen as an opportunity to achieve progress toward ending the devastating six-year war after the opposition sent a united delegation to Geneva.
UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, however, told the Security Council that during weekend talks with his deputy, "the government did not yet confirm its participation in Geneva but indicated that we would be hearing from them soon."
"Last night, we received a message that the government would not travel to Geneva today," De Mistura said via videoconference from the Swiss city.
Assad said last week, after a meeting in Russia with President Vladimir Putin, that he was ready for talks.
"Naturally we know, and indeed expect, that the government will be on its way shortly," De Mistura said, "particularly in light of President Assad's commitment to President Putin when they met in Sochi."
Amid the uncertainty over the Geneva talks, Russia has proposed holding a "congress" to bring together the government and opposition in Sochi, the Russian resort city on the Black Sea. But so far it has set no date for that gathering.
Moscow is seeking UN support for the Sochi meeting, but De Mistura told the council that it was "premature" for him to declare his backing for the initiative.
- US, France back Geneva talks -
Western powers are concerned that Russia, which has sought a leading role in the peace process, will carve out a settlement that will largely favor its ally, Assad.
US President Donald Trump said following a phone conversation with French leader Emmanuel Macron that the two agreed the Geneva talks were the "only legitimate forum for achieving a political solution in Syria."
Turning to Syria's second key ally, Iran, Trump and Macron "also stressed the need to confront and reverse Iran's destabilizing activities in Syria," a White House statement said, without elaborating.
The rocky start to the talks came as the Syrian army pounded Eastern Ghouta, outside Damascus, killing 18 people, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
The regime's bombardment of Eastern Ghouta, one of the last remaining opposition strongholds, has killed more than 100 people in the past two weeks, according to the Observatory.
After meeting in Riyadh last week, Syria's disparate opposition groups agreed to send a united delegation to Geneva, a move that was seen as a boost to prospects for a breakthrough.
Despite the united front, Assad's delegation would, if it decides to attend, come to the negotiating table with the upper hand, since government forces have made gains in offensives backed by Russian military might.
Around two-thirds of Syrians now live in regime-held areas that make up 55 percent of the country.
- Potential for real talks -
Following a closed-door session, Italian Ambassador Sebastiano Cardi, who holds the council presidency, told reporters that there was strong backing for the UN-led negotiations.
"There is no military solution," said Cardi. "The meeting will start tomorrow so we really hope that all parties, including the Syrian government, will be present."
The Geneva talks are to focus on holding UN-supervised elections and drafting a new constitution. Opposition demands for Assad to step down appear to have dropped off the agenda.
"We will not accept any preconditions from either party," said De Mistura.
"This crisis -- one of the worst in the history of the UN -- now has the potential, the real potential to move toward a genuine political process," he said.
De Mistura will be meeting with the ambassadors from the council's five permanent members -- Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States -- in Geneva on Tuesday to discuss the upcoming talks.
More than 340,000 people have died in the six-year war, half of the population has been displaced and the country lies in ruin after years of bombing campaigns and fierce ground assaults.
Syria's reconstruction is expected to cost $250 billion, said the UN envoy. (**)
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Linkedin (AFP) Washington Tue, November 28, 2017 06:36 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b0603a 2 World Washington-Post-Express,media,allegation Free
The Washington Post said Monday it was the target of an apparent "sting" operation that sought to plant a false story to discredit the newspaper's investigation of sexual misconduct allegations against Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore.
The Post reported that a woman shared a dramatic story -- which could not be substantiated -- that Moore impregnated her when she was a teenager in 1992 and that she later had an abortion.
But it said the woman, who was interviewed several times over two weeks, was seen entering the New York offices of Project Veritas, an organization which targets mainstream media organizations.
Moore's alleged misconduct came to light after an investigation by the Washington Post, which recounted stories of women who claimed Moore molested or harassed girls as young as 14.
Moore has denied the allegations and has rejected pressure from fellow Republicans to drop out of the special election to be held in December.
On Monday, the Post said it did not publish an article based on the woman's allegations, noting inconsistencies in her story and an online post which cast doubts on her motivations.
The newspaper did publish a nine-minute interview with the woman, identified as Jaime Philips, with a Post reporter.
The Post said she denied working with any organization but that reporters witnessed her entering Project Veritas, which uses secret recordings intended to expose media bias.
Project Veritas did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.
The Moore allegations have touched off a political firestorm, with his backers claiming he has been the target of political opponents even as his poll numbers fall.
The Post said it decided to release the woman's comments despite an earlier agreement to be "off the record."
"We always honor 'off-the-record' agreements when they're entered into in good faith," executive editor Martin Baron was quoted as saying.
"But this so-called off-the-record conversation was the essence of a scheme to deceive and embarrass us. The intent by Project Veritas clearly was to publicize the conversation if we fell for the trap. Because of our customary journalistic rigor, we weren't fooled, and we can't honor an 'off-the-record' agreement that was solicited in maliciously bad faith."
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 10:32 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b11dad 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Banten,Indonesian-culinary Free
The performance of Wayang Ajen marked the end of 30 Archipelago Culinary Icons Exhibition that was held at West Plaza of Serang City on Nov. 25.
Wayang Ajen performed at 08:00 p.m. and attended by thousands of visitors. Prior to that, there was a learning session for children about wayang, where they were taught about the philosophy and even how to play it. By doing this, children are hoped to love the wayang tradition.
For one full day, the Plaza was flocked with people who came to explore and try on traditional dishes such as Satai Maranggi, Satai Ayam Madura, Rendang Padang, Nasi Tumpeng, Es Bir Pletok and Kunyit Asam Solo.
Two famous chefs, Sisca Soewitomo and Marco Lim also attended the event.
According to Tourism Ministry's culinary and shopping tourism acceleration team head Vita Datau, the event aimed to promote According to the data, culinary tourism is the biggest GDP contributor to the creative economy industry. This means that 30 percent of the tourists spending is for food, said Vita.
She also added that a dish can be developed and promoted widely if it has these three elements: Taste, look and easy to make. (asw)
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 17:35 1814 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b289e8 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,East-Nusa-Tenggara Free
East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is going to hold Tour di Timor (TdT) 2017 on Dec. 9 12. The first TdT event will have a total route of 386 kilometers, divided into four laps.
The Betun Public Field will be made into the starting point for the cyclists and they will discover plenty of tourist attractions throughout their journey from Malaka to Kupang, said NTT tourism department head Dr. Marius A. Jelamu.
From the starting point, we will take participants to Motadikin Beach, he added.
In Motadikin participants can enjoy the 10-kilometer coastline and see the life of fishermen.
The first lap will be 70.8 kilometers long before reaching Atambua. These participants will stay overnight in Atambua, told Marius.
The second lap of the event will tackle the 28.3 kilometers-route from Atambua to Kefamenanu North Central Timor (TTU). Cyclists will make a few stops at several tourist attractions like Motaain border, Gapura Adipura, Taman Makam Seroja, Kolam Susuk, Tanjung Bastian and Atapupu Wini Beach.
After finishing the second lap, they will stay overnight in TTU before entering the third lap on the next day.
The third lap will be 86.2 kilometers long with the finish line is at Soe South Central Timor (TTS).
The fourth lap will be the longest lap with 110 kilometers, here participants will travel past Soe and the finish line will be in Kupang. Before arriving in Kupang, they will get to see tourist attractions such as Madu Polen, Camplong Swimming Pool, Mount Fatulue and the office of Kupang Regent.
In every stop, they have to take pictures and post it on social media such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other platforms. The best photo will win an exciting prize, said Marius.
So far there are already 600 people who have signed up for the event, 241 of them are from Timor Leste.
Our target is 600 cyclists from Timor Leste, said Marius. (asw)
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 12:35 1815 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b1b1f0 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Bali-tourism,Mount-Agung,#MtAgungVolcano Free
Indonesian Tourism Industry Association (GIPI) Bali is offering free accommodation for stranded tourists at the Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali that has been closed since Nov. 27 due to volcanic ash from Mount Agung.
Not a single tourist should stay overnight at the airport, GIPI Bali together with Badung regional administration is providing free accommodation for tonight and tomorrow, if the airport remains closed, said GIPI Bali head, Gus Agung.
Weve set aside two billion rupiahs for two nights, one room is allocated for two guests, Gus added.
The accommodation also includes breakfast.
In the era of social media, Gus Agung mentioned, unsatisfied tourists are free to express their frustrations. "But if they are served well with respect, they will also post their happiness amid the panicky situation," he added.
Tourism minister Arief Yahya praised GIPI Bali for its initiative, "What is being done by the Badung regency and GIPI Bali is very good. This is what we call a long-term investment," he said.
The two billion rupiahs is relatively small compared to Badungs average Locally-generated Income (PAD) in a year that is at seven trillion rupiahs. (asw)
New York, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AlphaPoint, a leading provider of blockchain technology, announced plans today at the Consensus: Invest conference for the AlphaPoint Public Network (APN), the worlds first public blockchain engineered from the ground up on Intel SGX technology. Users will be able to securely digitize real-world assets across both public and private blockchains, and monetize them across new markets. To fund development of the network, AlphaPoint announced plans for a pre-functional token sale to accredited investors, expected to launch in early 2018.
Tokenization is the process of transforming any asset into fractional shares on a blockchain, providing breakthroughs in fungibility, time-to-liquidity, participant discovery, and ease of transfer. AlphaPoint foresees explosive growth in bringing historically-illiquid assets to market through the token model - including real estate, exclusive goods, debt, and commodities.
With global financial assets amounting to over $225 trillion1 and the world becoming wealthier at an average rate of 5%2 per year, investors are searching for alternative diversification opportunities, evidenced by the record $954 billion3 parked in traditional private buyout funds to date. Shared blockchain infrastructure can create vibrant secondary markets for many of these assets, providing diversification opportunities to investors and alleviating the 20-30%4 illiquidity discount incurred by asset holders.
The AlphaPoint Public Network (APN) has been architected as the most confidential, high-performance public blockchain for users to tokenize real-world assets and to develop and run decentralized applications. Unique differentiators include:
Hardware-enforced confidentiality of asset data and smart contracts (via Intel SGX technology and AlphaPoint TrustedVM)
Every asset tokenized on APN may be migrated across supported public and private blockchains (via AlphaPoints Chainbridge interoperability tool)
Simplified blockchain development, utilizing mature programming languages such as JavaScript and TypeScript
The primary mission of AlphaPoint is to enable our customers to digitize real-world assets and launch new markets. The proceeds from the planned sale to accredited investors will allow AlphaPoint to build a new public blockchain network that delivers on this mission at a new scale, said Salil Donde, CEO of AlphaPoint.
An initial sale to accredited investors is expected to commence early in 2018. Participants in the sale will receive IOUs for future utility tokens to power services on the future open network. Proceeds from the sale will be used to build and operate the AlphaPoint Public Network. Please visit apn.alphapoint.com and sign up to receive updates.
-Ends-
About AlphaPoint
AlphaPoint is a financial technology company helping make illiquid assets liquid. It provides institutions enterprise-grade blockchain technology enabling customers to digitize assets, launch markets, and manage assets. AlphaPoint is led by a seasoned team with over 400 years in capital markets and FinTech, with offices in New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. For more information, please visit www.alphapoint.com.
1 Mckinsey & Co.s Global Institute Analysis: Financial Globalization
2 Credit Suisse: 2017 Global Wealth Report
3 Wall Street Journals: Small IPOs are Dying and Thats Good
4 Professor Damodarans (NYU Stern) The Cost of Illiquidity presentation: 20-30% is the rule of thumb for illiquidity discount
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Linkedin (Pesona Indonesia) Jakarta Tue, November 28, 2017 14:35 1814 1f87594453bb792833e1ece3a2b20366 2 News Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia,Sulawesi Free
The Sulawesi Regional Tourism Coordination Meeting (Rakor) was held in Gorontalo and attended by six provinces, on Nov. 26.
The Sulawesi Regional Tourism Coordination Meeting has pledged the support for [Tourism Ministrys] target of achieving 20 million international tourists. We are also supporting the target of 270 million local tourists traveling in Indonesia in 2019, said Central Sulawesi Governor Longki Janggola.
The growth of tourism in Sulawesi is still hampered by the lack of access between regions hence we are focusing on this issue, Longki added.
The Trans-Sulawesi railroad is going to be built as well as ports, facilities and transportation system that will connect different tourist attractions in Sulawesi.
In the future, these six provinces will be connected with each other.
It also includes a sub-regional partnership that covers Tomini Bay in the northern side and Bone Bay in the southern side along with speeding up the Sulawesi Cruise Line project, Longki said.
Another point made during the meeting was about unifying the visions and missions of both provincial and regional/city administrations and to create a tourism brand identity for Sulawesi. (asw)
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PUNE, India, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Agriculture and farm machinery comprise machinery and tools required by farmers to increase agricultural productivity and can be used in agricultural farmlands. Agriculture and farm machinery products include harvesting machinery, tractors, cultivators and ploughers which are deployed for several purposes such as tilling, plowing, disking and harvesting among others. The increased mechanization of technologies in agriculture has resolved a lot of problems regarding farming such as wastage of energy and time as well as scarcity of labor. Increasing technological advancements in the design of agricultural machinery has improved the overall output efficiency of farmers and is a key aspect fuelling the demand for farm machinery. Various advancements in the manufacturing of tractors such as incorporation of telemetry and GPS devices for tracking the location of tractors is another key trend being followed in the global agricultural and farm machinery market.
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Increase in demand for harvesting machinery and farm tractors is projected to fuel the overall market to grow since the aforementioned machinery are used for several purposes such as plowing, harrowing, planting and tilling. Rising awareness towards the use of high-end technology in agriculture to maximize the output is helping in increasing profit margins for farmers. Moreover, increasing population across the globe is, in turn, increasing the consumption of food which is posing heightened pressure to increase the food production. Since agriculture and farm machinery boosts the efficacy of food production. Increasing depreciation in agricultural land and modernization are some other factors accelerating the growth of global agriculture and farm machinery market. In addition, the incorporation of self-driven mechanisms, GPS systems, and monitoring systems aids in allowing the efficient and precise use of material and enhance the fuel economy.
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Various multinational players are showing interests in investing huge funds especially in the emerging economies to expand their facilities worldwide. The governments of developing countries like India, China, Indonesia, Germany and Brazil are focusing on escalating the introduction of subsidies on farm machinery to promote mechanization in farming and agriculture. Furthermore, other companies are manufacturing low power tractors at affordable prices for small-scale consumers. In 2013, a tractor multinational company, John Deere launched the 5E and 4M tractors series to facilitate the needs of the small-scale farmers.
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Some major factors driving the growth of global agriculture and farm machinery market include innovations in technology, growing demand for advanced agricultural and farm machinery, mechanization in farming techniques, etc. Rise in per capita disposable income is another major element projected to propel the growth of global agriculture and farm machinery market.
The global agriculture and farm machinery market is anticipated to witness highest growth in the Asia-Pacific region due to increasing investments by governments of various economies in the region followed by North America. Europe is anticipated to register the third highest growth due to rising advancements in new technologies in the agriculture and farm machinery products. Middle East & Africa and Latin America are also anticipated to witness significant growth in the global agriculture and farm machinery market over the forecast period.
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The global agriculture and farm machinery market can be segmented by product type and region. By product type, the global market is segmented into harvesting machinery, farm tractors, planting and fertilizing machinery, parts and attachments, plowing and cultivation machinery, haying machinery and other agricultural machinery. On the basis of region, the global agriculture and farm machinery market can be segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East & Africa and Asia-Pacific. Some of the major players in the global agriculture and farm machinery market are Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, Deere and Company, CNH Global NV, AGCO Corporation, Iseki & Co., Ltd., CLAAS KGaA mbH, Alamo Group, Inc., J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB), Same Deutz-Fahr, and Yamabiko Corporation among others.
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CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd. ("West High Yield" or the "Company") (TSXV:WHY) announces that it is proposing to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to $850,000 of units ("Units"). Each Unit shall be issued at a price of $0.35 and shall consist of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one-third of one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one additional Common Share at an exercise price of $0.55 for a period of one year from the date of issuance of the Warrant. The proposed private placement is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.
The net proceeds of the private placement will be used for the continuation of the environmental base line study, environmental assessment study and mine plan and permit application and Industrial Quarry Permit application for its Record Ridge deposit near Rossland, British Columbia and general corporate purposes. The Industrial Quarry Permit sought under the Mines Act (British Columbia) will allow for the extraction and sale of up to 249,999 tonnes per annum of industrial rock. The Company is also in the process of developing potential customers with processing facilities and the ability to process the industrial rock. It is anticipated that industrial rock sales will provide cash flows from operations while continued mine plan and permit application efforts are being made.
The Company also announces the release of its financial results and Management Discussion and Analysis for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 which have been filed with Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
About West High Yield
West High Yield is a publicly traded junior mining exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource properties in Canada with a primary objective to locate and develop economic gold, nickel and magnesium properties.
For further information please contact:
Frank Marasco
President and Chief Executive Officer
West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd.
Telephone: (403) 660-3488
Facsimile: (403) 206-7159
Email: frank@whyresources.com
Dwayne Vinck
Chief Financial Officer
West High Yield (W.H.Y.) Resources Ltd.
Telephone: (403) 257-2637
Facsimile: (403) 206-7159
Email: vinck@shaw.ca
Reader Advisory
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking statements and information concerning the terms of the proposed non-brokered private placement of Units, the proposed use of proceeds and the anticipated sales of industrial rock. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, skilled personnel and supplies; changes in tax laws; and the other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward-looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
Tegucigalpa, HONDURAS, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Corporacion Dinant today announced that it has repaid fully the US$15 million loan it received from the IFC division of the World Bank in 2009, positioning the company to continue its growth throughout Central America, the Caribbean and beyond.
Furthermore, the IFC has confirmed that Dinant has successfully completed all requirements listed in the IFCs Enhanced Action Plan, which accompanied the US$15 million loan, and the company is fully compliant with the World Banks Performance Standard 4 on community health, safety and security. In addition, Dinant is implementing the Voluntary Principles for Security and Human Rights (the first company in Honduras to do so) and has removed all firearms from the security guards at its plantations, extraction mills and manufacturing plants.
Company Spokesman, Roger Pineda, commented, The IFC's loan to Dinant was granted to help us increase production capacity, upgrade our distribution network, enhance the surrounding natural environment, and expand economic opportunities for local communities, particularly in rural areas like the Aguan. Of course, we must continue to improve but, by all these measures and more, the IFCs loan to Dinant has been a tremendous success. Dinant is now widely recognized as an international benchmark in how to operate a successful business transparently and honestly in one of the most challenging regions in the world.
Dinant has gained enormously from the expertise of the IFC, enabling the company to pass real benefits directly to neighboring communities throughout Honduras. Dinant employs 7,200 people, sources from hundreds of independent farmers, generates many millions of dollars in exports for Honduras, and contributes significantly to all economies in which it operates.
Mr. Pineda continued, Crucially, Dinant is enhancing the lives of many people in regions of high levels of poverty and insecurity by creating thousands of sustainable jobs with company pensions and compensation levels above the national minimum wage, and by significantly improving the skills, education and health of local people. However, the repayment of the IFC loan is by no means the end of our investment in community engagement, the natural environment and modernized security; we shall continue to work hard to improve our operations further and maintain our position as a leader in these fields.
About Corporacion Dinant
Dinant is a family-owned consumer products manufacturer founded in Honduras in 1960. Its products are sold across Central America and the Dominican Republic, and exported to global markets. Dinant is fully implementing the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, an internationally accepted benchmark that strictly governs how it vets, recruits and trains its security men and women. The company removed all firearms from the security guards at its plantations, extraction mills and manufacturing plants in 2014. Dinant rigorously benchmarks its African Palm oil business against stringent international standards on economic, environmental and social impact.
This material is distributed by Tricuro LLC on behalf of Corporacion Dinant. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2a54b222-8232-42cc-b182-764d423a906a
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b7950a7-33b4-411b-a11f-1c7992d66221
CHICAGO, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Narrative Science, the leader in advanced natural language generation (Advanced NLG) for enterprises, announced today that it has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Machine Learning (ML) Competency status. This designation recognizes Narrative Sciences ability to deliver innovative and secure artificial intelligence solutions to enterprises that use AWS cloud computing services.
Achieving the AWS ML Competency differentiates Narrative Science as an AWS Partner Network (APN) member that has built solutions that help organizations solve their data challenges and that offers SaaS/API based capabilities that enhance end applications with artificial intelligence. Attaining the AWS ML Competency demonstrates to its customers that Narrative Science has validated ML expertise on AWS.
AWS is enabling scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions from startups to global enterprises. To support the seamless integration and deployment of these solutions, AWS established the AWS Partner Competency Program to help customers identify Consulting and Technology APN Partners with deep industry experience and expertise.
Narrative Sciences relationship with AWS goes back to 2010, when Narrative Science chose to run its Advanced NLG platform, Quill, on AWS. Quill, which automatically transforms data into human-sounding narratives, relies on AWS and AWS Lambda to achieve scalability, reliability and run-time efficiency for its enterprise applications.
Narrative Science is an industry leader in Advanced NLG technology and has been a trusted APN Partner for many years, said Joseph Spisak, Global Lead for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Partnerships, Amazon Web Services, Inc. We see many benefits for our customers that deploy Advanced NLG applications running on AWS and with Narrative Science in the AWS Competency Program, customers will be able to glean more insight into their data with greater scalability and agility.
Narrative Science is honored to be one of the first companies to achieve AWS ML Competency status, said Stuart Frankel, CEO of Narrative Science. This is a key milestone in our relationship with AWS and was achieved through an in-depth technical evaluation of our platform and compliance with AWSs rigorous processes. Our team is dedicated to helping customers achieve their business goals by leveraging the agility of AWS.
AWS is enabling scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions from startups to global enterprises. To support the seamless integration and deployment of these solutions, AWS established the AWS Partner Competency Program to help customers identify Consulting and Technology APN Partners with deep industry experience and expertise.
To learn more about how your organization could benefit from Advanced NLG, visit: https://www.narrativescience.com/solutions.
About Narrative Science
Narrative Science is the leader in advanced natural language generation (Advanced NLG) for the enterprise. Quill, its Advanced NLG platform, learns and writes like a person, automatically transforming data into Intelligent Narrativesinsightful, conversational communications full of audience-relevant information that provide complete transparency into how analytic decisions are made. Customers, including Credit Suisse, Deloitte, MasterCard, USAA and members of the U.S. intelligence community, use Intelligent Narratives to make better business decisions, focus talent on higher-value opportunities and improve communications with their customers.
Connect with Narrative Science
Read our blog: http://www.narrativescience.com/blog/
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Marketing Associate
+1-312-219-8111
awatts@narrativescience.com
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Paxata, a pioneer and leader in empowering all analysts to intelligently transform raw data into ready information instantaneously, announced today that it has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Machine Learning (ML) Competency status, in connection with its Adaptive Information Platform for AWS.
Paxata is one of the first AWS Partner Network (APN) Partners to achieve the newly launched AWS ML Competency. Paxatas solution helps organizations solve their data challenges and enable ML and data science workflows that enhance applications with machine intelligence. Paxata achieved the AWS ML Competency by passing a rigorous security audit and demonstrating technical proficiency, proven customer success, and validated ML expertise on AWS.
The success highlights the value of Paxatas native scale-out, elastic architecture, which enables customers to truly leverage the cost-effective power of AWS services, like Amazon EMR, Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3), and Amazon Redshift. Paxatas data preparation solution helps data scientists and ML practitioners rapidly prepare and annotate their enterprise data for training of predictive models, which extends the value of Paxata and AWS across the enterprise for analytic workloads.
Since our founding, Paxata has been helping analysts accelerate analytics and cloud data lake initiatives through interactive data preparation capabilities on a cloud-native architecture by helping to remove the primary bottleneck for any data project, said Chris Maddox, Co-Founder and VP Global Head of Business Development at Paxata. We are honored to be recognized as an Advanced Technology Partner in the AWS Partner Network (APN) and to have achieved the AWS ML Competency to help data scientists and ML practitioners innovate much faster with our scalable and flexible Adaptive Information Platform on AWS.
Clean and annotated training data is the foundation of modern machine learning, said Joseph Spisak, Global Lead for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Partnerships, Amazon Web Services, Inc. It fuels state of the art algorithms in computer vision and natural language understanding; however, acquiring it takes time and resources. We are very excited to have Paxata join the AWS Machine Learning Competency Program to help our customers spend less time preparing their data and more time creating intelligence.
AWS is enabling scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions from startups to global enterprises. To support the seamless integration and deployment of these solutions, AWS established the AWS Competency Program to help customers identify Consulting and Technology Partners in the APN with deep industry experience and expertise.
Resources
About Paxata
Paxata is a pioneer in empowering business consumers to intelligently transform raw data into ready information, instantly with an enterprise-grade, self-service, scalable, intelligent platform. Our Adaptive Information Platform weaves data into an information fabric from any source, any cloud, or any enterprise to create trusted information. With Paxata, business consumers use clicks, not code to achieve results in minutes, not months. Companies around the globe rely on Paxata to get smart about information at the speed of thought. Be an Information Inspired Business.
Paxata is headquartered in Redwood City, California with offices in New York, Ohio, Washington DC, and Singapore. Visit paxata.com or engage with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or YouTube.
Paxata Media Contacts:
McCoin & Smith Communications Inc.
chris@mccoinsmith.com
rick@mccoinsmith.com
508-429-5988
978-433-3304
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NGINX, Inc., the engine delivering sites and applications for the modern web, today announced it has achieved AWS Networking Competency status. The company has also achieved Advanced Partner Status in the AWS Partner Network (APN). The Networking Competency status is awarded to APN Advanced Partners with proven technical capabilities and demonstrated customer success on AWS in aiding companies in adopting, developing and deploying networks in AWS.
The Networking Competency demonstrates that NGINXs solution, NGINX Plus, a high performance load balancer, content cache, and web server, has been through thorough architectural and security reviews to conform to AWS best practices. Additionally, NGINX Plus can scale across multiple IPs and AWS Availability Zones, ensuring the health and availability of sites and applications worldwide. Customers can leverage AWS services such as AWS Cloudwatch, AWS Route 53 and AWS Auto Scaling, with NGINX Plus, ensuring a highly scalable and manageable solution that can be integrated into their cloud infrastructure.
As a leading provider of tools that help companies adopt modern computing architectures, NGINX Plus is a natural solution for AWS users, said Paul Oh, Head of Business Development for NGINX. Were proud to achieve AWS Networking Competency status, building on our proven track record of accelerating many of the worlds largest sites and applications along with our award-winning software and support.
NGINX recently announced the NGINX Application Platform as part of its commitment to helping customers implement faster and more robust application delivery strategies. Comprised of NGINX Plus for load balancing and application delivery, the NGINX WAF for security, and NGINX Unit to run the application code, all monitored and managed by the NGINX Controller. The NGINX Application Platform enables a more agile and rapid approach that embraces cloud development.
To learn more about NGINX Plus for AWS, please visit www.nginx.com/partners/amazon-web-services. You can also visit NGINX at AWS re:Invent 2017 in Las Vegas in The Venetian, Booth #1800.
To learn more about NGINX, please visit www.nginx.com, and join the conversation by following @nginx on Twitter.
About NGINX, Inc.
NGINX is the heart of the modern web -- helping the world's most innovative companies deliver their sites and applications with performance, reliability, security, and scale. The company offers an award-winning, comprehensive application delivery platform in use on more than 300 million sites worldwide. Companies around the world rely on NGINX to ensure flawless digital experiences through features such as advanced load balancing, web and mobile acceleration, security controls, application monitoring, and management. More than half of the Internet's busiest websites rely on NGINX, including Airbnb, Box, Instagram, Netflix, Pinterest, SoundCloud, and Zappos. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, with its EMEA headquarters in Cork, Ireland and APAC headquarters in Singapore. Learn more at https://www.nginx.com/
Contact:
Press@NGINX.com
Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Head lice infamously cause stress, disgust and embarrassment for millions of parents whose kids get infested each year. Hawaiis decision to end its no nit lice policy and allow students with head lice to remain in school while being treated is causing more families to seek a fast, safe, effective solution.
Hawaii may be paradise but it has one problem common to most U.S. stateshead lice. Called ukus in Hawaiian, lice infestations are on the rise due to the decline in effectiveness of over-the-counter lice products. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that 98 percent of head lice in 48 states (including Hawaii) are now resistant to the active ingredients in drugstore lice products.
Lice Clinics of America - Hawaii, (http://www.liceclinicshawaii.com) has been providing Maui residents with screening, diagnosis and treatment options for ukus for more than a year. All clinics are staffed by certified operators of the AirAlle device, an FDA-cleared medical device clinically proven to kill live lice and more than 99 percent of eggs (nits) using controlled heated air in about an hour.
Clinic owner Barrie Desmond learned about the challenge of dealing ukus the way most parents do, when her daughter came home from summer camp with head lice. When my daughter came home with lice at summer camp, it was a nightmare, Barrie said. I knew there had to be a better way - and that is when I discovered Lice Clinics of America. We have been in business on Maui for one year - and are so excited to open our second location on Oahu.
There has been a lot of media attention due to the state Department of Education changing its policy to allow children with lice to stay in school, Barrie said. Many parents are unhappy with the decision. But now they have a fast, safe, guaranteed solution available on Maui and Oahu.
The Oahu clinic is located 250 Ward Avenue Suite 209 in Honolulu, and is open seven days per week by appointment. AirAlle treatments take about an hour, and come with a 30-day guarantee when all family members are treated or screened for head lice.
With more than 300 clinics in 34 countries, Lice Clinics of America (www.LiceClinicsOfAmerica.com) is the largest network of professional head-lice-treatment centers in the world. Lice Clinics of America and AirAlle (www.airalle.com) are brands owned by Larada Sciences, Inc., which is headquartered in Murray, Utah.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/df50d55e-ca80-46c7-b538-8418cab8fb67
"I stand up and announce that his best mate's got to sit down and shut up or bugger off.
Syosset, New York, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Head lice infamously cause stress, disgust and embarrassment for millions of parents whose kids get infested each year. Parents in the Syosset area of Long Island no longer have to worry about treating the bugs themselves thanks to the opening of a new clinic, Lice Clinics of America.
Lice Clinics of America Long Island (http://www.liceclinicslongisland.com) provides screening, diagnosis and treatment options for people infested with head lice. The clinic is staffed by certified operators of the AirAlle device, an FDA-cleared medical device that kills head lice and lice eggs using just heated air.
Treatment using the AirAlle takes about an hour and has proven more than 99 percent effective in more than 300,000 treatments.
The Syosset clinic is the second to open on Long Island, joining a clinic that opened in Lynbrook earlier this summer. Manager Jesse Curatolo is excited about the opportunity to help parents and children through a stressful time. I joined the Lice Clinics of America Long Island team because I see it as an opportunity to provide a service that families urgently need when they have lice, Jesse said. It feels great to be able to offer an immediate, affordable and guaranteed effective solution to people who are desperate for help.
Lice Clinics of America Long Island is located at 47 Jackson Avenue in Syosset. The clinic is open seven days per week by appointment. The AirAlle and comes with a 30-day guarantee when all family members are treated or screened for head lice.
The new clinic is one of more than 250 U.S. clinics in the Lice Clinics of America network.
With clinics in more than 33 countries, Lice Clinics of America (www.LiceClinicsOfAmerica.com) is the largest network of professional head-lice-treatment centers in the world. Lice Clinics of America and AirAlle (www.airalle.com) are brands owned by Larada Sciences, Inc.
Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/93f2261d-dad6-4d40-bd17-ec9b0e98fe59
The British niche motorcycle maker Triumph, which has forged global partnership with Bajaj Auto to co-develop bikes, now said it is looking to sell around 1,300 units of its brand of motorcycles this year.
The Pune-based auto maker Bajaj and Triumph Motorcycles had in August this year announced a non-equity global partnership for design, development and distribution of mid-range motorcycles, and the first co-developed bike is expected to be rolled out in 2021.
Triumph Motorcycle is targeting to sell 1,300 units of its bikes during the current year in India with 10-15 percent growth, Managing Director Vimal Sumbly told PTI on the eve of the India Bike Week-2017.
Triumph launched its brand of motorcycles in India in 2013, but started selling them only from 2014. The company has sold some 4,500 bikes in the Indian markets since its launch, Sumbly said.
Triumphs portfolio includes high-powered bikes, such as the Rocket III, Daytona 200, SuperSports Daytona 675R, Tiger 800 and the iconic Triumph Bonneville family, among others.
Sumbly also said that with the tie-up, the company expects to break into a new segment of riders through their 250-700 cc premium bikes. The tie-up will make premium motorcycles available at an affordable price for the bike enthusiasts, he said.
Sumbly said that the to-be-launched bikes would be in mid-segment ones with 250-700 cc capacity which would be branded as Triumph though Bajaj Auto is collaborating to manufacture them.
There is lot of collaboration between Triumph and Bajaj Auto and there is lot of synergy between two brands and thereby you will have a new set of customers in India with new set of bikes, Sumbly added.
The association between the two bike manufacturers is expected to make the prices of bikes in this segment more affordable, he said.
Title: The Universe Next Door; Author: New Scientist; Publisher: John Murray; Pages: 256; Price: Rs 499
Are the principles explaining the cosmic homes creation and functioning vital for our continued existence? How would our planet be sans its lunar satellite, if the dinosaurs continued to roam around, or humans didnt exist or did without bodies or suddenly get wiped out? Can we control climate, time, genetics or replicate matter? And what will eventually happen to us?
These questions and many others like them across various spheres of science, and even history, as collected in this book may seem an exercise in imagination, but, as we learn, it has great relevance.
For in trying to find their answers or visualise such scenarios, we come across explanations for several mysteries of life and its plane of existence. We may find how we have got to our present state, and what our future human and cosmic may hold.
Introducing this collection of 55 parallel worlds and possible futures, Sumit Paul-Choudhury, Editor-in-Chief of popular science magazine New Scientist, admits that these imaginary universes, separated from our own by accidents of fate, gulfs of time, or chasms of quantum weirdness may seem the stuff of daydreams. He, however, notes that thinking about them can amount to more than amusing speculation.
These kinds of questions are valuable because they force us to abandon basic assumptions about how the universe works. That helps us to separate accidents of fate from deep truths and can lead to answers far more intriguing than our intuition would lead us to expect, he says.
And a galaxy of New Scientist writers, contributors as well as leading scientists, academicians and science communicators go on to dwell on a whole host of these matters, both universal and human.
The issues can range from those overarching and immutable for instance the four fundamental forces of nature and what happens if we tinker with them (if we could, that is) to the course our history would have taken had it been subverted say, Nazis winning World War II or if Newton didnt exist or Einstein was ignored.
Others relate to us on a more socially collective basis, concerning our present choices and future prospects whether all of us going vegetarian would be helpful (the findings may come as an eye-opener to both sides of thought), to more individual in nature, in both abstract (trying to figure out the basis of consciousness is it a state of matter?) to corporeal (can/will we exist without our bodies).
But though the issues are complex and serious, the treatment is extremely lucid, accessible and vivid even witty where possible without trivialising the matter, to underline what a strange existence we are in or could be in.
Take one striking example. Physics theory postulates a multiverse, where every possible world exists and there are infinite versions of all of us. Elaborating on the possibility, one of the contributors says in this many-world interpretation, every decision he (or we) may take in this world, creates new universes: one for each and every choice I could possibly make. He goes on to quip there may be one where Ive just written a paragraph which explains that more clearly.
On the other hand, more stunning are the explorations about a world where humans are non-existent or where they suddenly get wiped out, and a world where all life humans, animals, plants, and microscopic organisms disappears.
Then a view of what evidence of our life we may leave for our distant descendants is compellingly thought-provoking.
While Indians with an interest in science rather than the spurious old glories and other obscurantist stuff that is being peddled at present will find this an absorbing read, others should also read it to understand how inconsequential the issues they go virulent about films, historical injustices and so on are in the greater scheme of things.
As demand for the yellow metal continues to decline, the Indian jewellery sector has knocked on the doors of government to provide them some relief from higher import duty. The gems and jewellery industry has asked the government to pare import duties on gold from the current 10 per cent to 4-5 per cent.
The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has already made its representation to the Finance Ministry and the Commerce Ministry and is hopeful of favourable action on the import duty front before the Union Budget for 2018-19.
Praveen Shankar Pandya, chairman of GJEPC said on Monday, India needs to reduce import tax on gold to 4-5 per cent from current 10 per cent, higher tax is hurting local jewellery sector.
He expects exports to stagnate at $43 billion this year because of the existing high customs duty on gold, the implementation of the Goods & Services Tax, low global demand situation and the value added tax to be introduced by Dubai in January. Exports can increase only if the government brings down import duty and gives the industry an incentives package, Pandya added.
J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday urged the Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba to ensure safety of Kashmiri separatists lodged in Delhis Tihar jail.
She is reported to have raised question mark on the safety of Kashmiri prisoners inside the jail.
Her telephonic talk with Gauba came after the pro-Pakistan separatist leader Syed AlishahGeelani in Srinagar on Monday evening released to media nine pictures of thrashed jail inmates. These pictures also became viral on the social media.
Another separatist leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooqon Tuesday on his tweeter account condemned the thrashing incident.
However, authenticity of these pictures was yet to be confirmed as shooting such photos inside or out of the jail was a matter of investigation.
Separatist leaders claimed that the prisoners were beaten up inside the Tihar jail.
All Parties Hurriyat conference (APHC), has expressed deepconcern over miserable condition of Kashmiri detainees lodged in Tihar jail and urged international human rights groups to take serious note of it.
BharatiyaJanata Party (BJP) on Tuesday urged the Election Commission of India to return guns of farmers which were submitted before the assembly elections, to enable them to protect their crops from wild animals.
State convener of BJPs Election Cell, H N Kashyap said more than 70 percent population of Himachal Pradesh is dependent on production of agriculture and horticulture.
But the farmers in lower areas of the state arent able to protect their crops which are almost ready for harvest, from the wild animals as they had deposited their weapons with concerned police stations for the safe conduct of assembly polls, he said.
Kashyap said the assembly polls have been conducted peacefully in the state on 9 November and the farmers weapons should now be returned to them.
BJP urges the EC to return their arms so as to enable them in protecting their crops from wild animals menace, he said.
TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Talmora Diamond Inc. (CSE:TAI) announces that it has granted a total of 3,071,000 incentive stock options to the directors, officers and consultants of the company exercisable at a price of $0.05 per share expiring five years from the date of the grant.
Project Summary
Talmora holds 81 mineral claims (40,428 acres) straddling the 68th parallel on the east side of the Lena West diamond region of the Northwest Territories. Most of the claims are in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region with the remainder in the Sahtu Settlement Region.
The Talmora property lies on the same favourable structure: Zone of Anomalous Mantle or Diamond Corridor(1) as the diamondiferous kimberlites at Darnley Bay and the significant diamondiferous Dharma kimberlite in the northeast corner of Great Bear Lake (13 diamonds >0.85mm weighing 0.9 carats recovered from 1457.37 kg of core by caustic fusion)(2). All three areas are located outside and east of the Cretaceous basin. The Zone of Anomalous Mantle corresponds with a left lateral displacement of the mantle in the area of Great Bear Lake, implying a northern extension of the "Slave Diamond Corridor through Lena West (3).
Over $75 million has been spent in the Lena West region by other companies(4) on exploration which included the recovery of widespread KIMs with good diamond association chemistry including 18 diamonds in field samples(5). Canterra (previously Diamondex) presented evidence(6) that many of the KIMs recovered on the western side of Lena West are derived from secondary concentrations at the base of the Cretaceous sediments with a likely primary source to the east, probably outside the Cretaceous basin on the diamond corridor. KIMs within the Cretaceous basin and outside the basin have been exposed to glacial redistribution processes(7).
The Lena West KIMs differ from those recovered at Darnley Bay but are similar to those from Dharma. The two Dharma kimberlites are small and have a limited range of KIM compositions so cannot be the source of all the Lena West KIMs. Multivariate cluster analysis confirms that the KIMs in the Talmora area have compositions that cover the full range of those found across Lena West and show marked differences to those KIMs recovered at Darnley Bay and Dharma(8, 9)..
Ferricrete cobbles occur in tills on the Talmora property (especially down-ice of magnetic targets) and appear to be of local origin. Ferricrete ("laterite") provides evidence of a humid and tropical climate in the Talmora area that may have been the Eocene Thermal Maximum (55Ma) and indicates that the bedrock surface has not been deeply scoured by glaciation(9,10). Evidence of surficial weathered bedrock covering parts of the property has been corroborated by a recent GSC publication(11).
Talmora sampling shows a strong correlation between KIMs in till samples and over forty magnetic anomalies with characteristics of kimberlite pipes. These targets have relatively low magnetic magnitude corresponding with a geological model of fresh kimberlite and an overlying thick layer of saprolitic weathered kimberlite intruding dolomite country rock and all covered by glacial overburden(8).
The 2012 field program included the use of a small Packsack drill which penetrated the glacial till in 3 holes and ended in clay with characteristics of weathered kimberlite. Clay penetration was limited to ~1.2m with only one 25mm section of clay and drill cuttings recovered. Thirteen chromites, one picroilmenite, and fourteen altered and five fresh Mn-ilmenites were recovered in cuttings from one drill hole. Chromite compositions lie on a very narrow Fe/Mg crystallization trend line indicating a single population and nearby source. Six of the Mn-Ilmenites had diamond inclusion chemistry(7).
There is scientific evidence pointing to Talmora being the source area of the Lena West KIMs and diamonds. Talmora is currently seeking financing to test targets on the property with a larger conventional drill with the objective of recovering fresh kimberlite for microdiamond analysis.
References
Davies, R. and Davies, A. W. (2013): Zone of Anomalous Mantle, Proceedings Volume of the 10th International Kimberlite Conference; Journal of the Geological Society of India, Springer, 14 p. www.SEDAR.ca postings: Sanatana Diamonds Inc. Dec 20, 2007 and Jul 16, 2008 Davies A.W. and Davies, R. (2016) "Seismic Velocity Model of Great Bear Fault Zone, NWT, Canada and its implications for diamond exploration; 35th International Geological Congress August 27th to September 4th, 2016 Cape Town, RSA www.SEDAR.ca postings: Sanatana Resources Inc Jul 10, 2012; Canterra Minerals Corporation Apr 19, 2010; Darnley Bay Resources Limited May 2, 2005, Apr 13, 2007 and May 1, 2009; Burnstone Ventures Inc. Jan 15, 2007; and Diadem Resources Ltd. Apr 27, 2012. www.SEDAR.ca postings: Canterra Minerals Corporation Jun 5, 2007 and Darnley Bay Resources Limited Jul 4, 2001. Agashev, A.M. , Kuligin, S.S., Orihashi, Y., Pokhilenko, N.P., Vavilov, M.A. & Clarke, D. (2008): The ages of zircons from the Jurassic sediments of Bluefish River slope, NWT Canada and the age of kimberlite activity Lena West. 9th International Kimberlite Conference, Extended Abstract No. 9IKC-A00170, 3 p. Davies, R. and Davies, A. W. (2013): Cluster Analysis of Chromites, Lena West Diamond Region, NWT, Canada; 35th International Geological Congress; August 27 - September 4, 2016 Cape Town, South Africa Davies, A.W. and Davies, R (2016); Talmora Diamond Inc. - Horton River Project Update; 44rd Annual Geoscience Forum, November 15-17, 2016, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada Davies, R. and Davies, A. W. (2016): Tropical Weathering in Area of Melville Hills, Northwest Territories; 44rd Annual Geoscience Forum, November 15-17, 2016, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada Davies, R. and Davies, A. W. (2017): Where Have All the Garnets Gone Lena West Paleo-Climate; 8th Oppenheimer De Beers Group Research Conference 17th & 18th October 2017 Viellette, J.J., St-Onge, D.A. and Kerr, D.E. (2013) Canadian Geoscience Map 111, Erly Lake, Surficial geology, Erly Lake, Northwest Territories-Nunavut,NTS 97-A: Geological Survey of Canada
The scientific and technical portions of this news release were compiled, reviewed and approved by Alan W. Davies, P.Eng., P.G., who is the Vice-President of Exploration for Talmora Diamond Inc., a "qualified person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
For further information please contact:
Raymond Davies, President & CEO Talmora Diamond Inc. Email: rayal.davies@sympatico.ca Telephone 416-491-6771
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This News Release includes certain forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Talmora, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Talmoras expectations are exploration risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Talmora with securities regulators.
The Tripura and West Bengal governments on Tuesday offered government jobs, educational help and financial aid to the kin of a slain Tripura journalist, who was gunned down by a security personnel last week.
Journalist Sudip Datta Bhowmik, 50, was shot by a Tripura State Rifle (TSR) rifleman in Radha Kishore Nagar, 25 km from Agartala, on 212 November.
The Council of Ministers in a weekly meeting today (Tuesday) has decided to give Rs 10 lakh to Bhowmiks family. The cost of his teenaged daughters education would be borne by the state government, Tripura Information and Finance Minister Bhanulal Saha told the media.
Chief Minister Manik Sarkar presided over the cabinet meeting.
On the other hand, Trinamool Congress (TMC)s West Bengal Assembly member Sabyasachi Dutta accompanied by state party leaders on Tuesday visited the home of the slain journalist.
Datta later told the media that TMC supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee talked to Bhowmiks mother Putul Rani Datta Bhowmik over the phone and assured her that the Bengal government would provide a government job to the deceaseds son Samik, who is now studying engineering in an Odisha institute.
Mamata Banerjee also assured to take the educational responsibility (by her government) of Bhowmiks daughter Samridhi (who is studying in Class VIII in a Tripura school), said Sabyasachi Dutta, who is also the Mayor of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation.
According to police, TSR second battalion rifleman Nandu Kumar Reang, following an altercation, shot dead Sudip Datta Bhowmik at the battalion headquarters in Radha Kishore Nagar.
Reang was the bodyguard of battalion Commandant Tapan Debbarma, who is a senior Tripura Police Service (TPS) officer (1998 batch) and waiting for IPS nomination. The slain journalist had gone to meet Debbarma at the battalion headquarters.
To probe the sensational killing, the state government earlier constituted a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by Deputy Inspector General of police Arindam Nath.
The SIT has so far arrested four TSR personnel, including Debbarma, and his bodyguard.
More TSR officials are likely to be arrested in connection with the journalists killing, an SIT member said.
The Press Council of India (PCI) has taken suo motu cognizance of the killing and sought a report from the Tripura government.
Demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the incident, several journalist organisations under a newly-formed platform Forum for Protection of Journalists (FFPJ) are continuing their agitation.
FFPJ Convener Pranab Sarkar said a memorandum would be sent to President Ram Nath Kovind demanding a CBI probe into the killing of the journalist and protection to media persons.
Bhowmik, who was a reporter with Syandan Patrika and local cable television channel Vanguarda, is survived by his wife, a government teacher, and two children.
Earlier, 28-year-old TV reporter Santanu Bhowmik was hacked to death while covering an event of a tribal party in Mandai in western Tripura on September 20.
The Congress has demanded a high-level inquiry into the murder. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded a CBI probe and resignation of Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, who also holds the Home portfolio. Both parties observed a state-wide shutdown last week (on Thursday) to protest the killing.
The ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has criticised the BJP for politicising the journalists killing.
State government is on the right track in probing the unfortunate killing, CPI-M central committee member Gautam Das told the media.
Several educationists, including members of the Sikh community, on Monday opposed the proposal to change the name of Dyal Singh College to Vande Mataram Mahavidyalaya.
At a meeting chaired by veteran journalist Kuldip Nayar and attended by BJP legislator Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the group passed a resolution to seek the Centres intervention to keep the college name unchanged after the 19th century social activist Dyal Singh Majithia.
ALSO READ: DUs Dyal Singh College (Evening) is now Vande Mataram Mahavidyalaya
We are not talking about the trust or its ownership. We are neither trustees nor do we claim to be his (Dyal Singhs) heir, Sirsa told reporters here.
Its the matter of national pride. Dyal Singh College, Punjab National Bank, Tribune newspaper are the legacy of Dayal Singhji The name of the college cannot be changed at any cost. There is no reason to change the name.
He said another meeting will be called soon to decide the next course of action. He added that they will make sure the issue was not given communal colour.
Nayar said the move to change the name to Vande Mataram was not without a design and that it was a very serious matter. He, however, advised the attendees to explore all options of dialogue rather than resorting to rash talk or action.
READ MORE: DUs Dyal Singh College body warns of case against Akalis
The governing body of the college had announced on November 18 that Dyal Singh College (Evening) will be called Vande Mataram Mahavidyalaya.
The decision entailed having two morning colleges as there is already a Dyal Singh College (Morning) in operation.
The President of the Dyal Singh College Teachers Association opposed the decision of morning college as well, saying the premises were too cramped to house two colleges.
Originally the building was supposed to support only 1,000 students but now there are 6,000. Now with the Evening college turning into Morning, this will go up to 12,000 The decision is going to affect us all, said Professor P.K. Parihar.
Built on the estate of Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, the college was first started in Lahore in 1910 and is called after its founder. The one in Delhi was built in 1959.
A royal announcement on Monday (November 27) confirmed Britains Prince Harrys will marry his American actress girlfriend Meghan Markle next year.
The announcement by Clarence House said the the prince, fifth in line to the throne, will marry Markle next spring and will live at Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace in London, reports the BBC.
The couple, who have been dating since July 2016, got engaged in November.
In a statement, Prince Harry said he was delighted to announce the engagement and had received the blessing of Markles parents.
Prince Harry and Markle made their first public appearance as a couple in September.
After a prolonged gap, Australia has unveiled its foreign policy White Paper which calls for strong economic ties with both India and China but emphasises that closer engagement with Beijing would be accompanied by frictions arising from different interests, values and political and legal systems of the two countries.
India now sits in the front rank of Australias international partnerships. We are seeking much closer economic ties. Beyond an increasingly important economic relationship, our security interests are congruent, particularly in relation to the stability and openness of the Indian Ocean, said the White Paper released by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbul.
The White Paper has been unveiled days after Australia, India, Japan and the United States held their first quadrilateral meeting in the Philippines on the margins of the ASEAN Summit, in an obvious attempt to counter Chinas hegemonistic designs in the region.
The lengthy document has a clear message for US President Donald Trump and for American policy-makers. Australia recognised there was a great deal of uncertainty in the US about the costs and benefits of its leaderships in parts of the international system. But Australia believed that the US engagement to support a rules-based order was in its own interests and in the interests of wider international stability, the paper said.
The document observed that India and Australia have common interests in upholding international law, especially in relation to freedom of navigation and maritime security. We are both pluralist democracies. Our education links and Australias large and rapidly growing Indian diaspora add depth to these common interests.
It added that India would remain the pre-eminent maritime power among Indian Ocean countries. Australia wanted to work with India as both countries invest in enhanced naval capabilities. We already conduct joint naval exercises and we are deepening our broader defence cooperation and expanding our information sharing.
It went on to say, With India and others, we seek to strengthen regional architecture in the Indian Ocean ~ including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) ~ and encourage more coordinated responses to developments affecting security in the Indian Ocean region.
The White Paper said Australia strongly encouraged Indias strategic engagement with East Asia and the US. We will work with India in the East Asia Summit (EAS) and build on the growing strategic collaboration between Australia, India and Japan. Indo-Pacific democracies of Japan, Indonesia, India and South Korea were of first order importance to Australia, both as major bilateral partners in their own right and as countries that would influence the shape of the regional order, it added.
At the same time, Australia would strengthen relations with China, now a major geopolitical player with the capacity to influence virtually all of Australias international interests.
Arunachal Pradesh Governor B.D. Mishra has urged Army chief General Bipin Rawat to lower the height criteria for youths from the state, saying this was coming in the way of their joining the military.
Mishra, a retired Brigadier, also requested Gen Rawat to increase the number of recruitment rallies in the state which borders China.
The height consideration is a natural handicap for the youths to join the Army, he said.
The Governor said youths of the state had aspirations but due to the remoteness of their living areas and lack of pre-recruitment training, many aspirants have missed the recruitment opportunity in the past.
The Congress on Monday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to give a lesson on terrorism to a party whose history was full of lives lost in fighting terrorism.
Accusing the BJP of trying to politicise the issue of terrorism, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also questioned Modi over his silence on the issue of corruption.
Surjewala targeted Modi for saying at a poll rally in Gujarat today that the Congress had applauded the release of a terrorist in Pakistan and party vice president Rahul Gandhi hugged the Chinese ambassador during the Dokalam standoff.
At least dont give lessons to a party whose history is replete with sacrifices while fighting terrorists, he told the BJP.
The Congress spokesperson, while talking to reporters here, hurled several charges and questions at the BJP.
Wasnt the ISI, which is behind terrorist activities in India, brought to Pathankot and Uri by the Modi government after terror incidents there, Surjewala asked.
Havent terror incidents increased during the (rule of) the Modi government? Hasnt the PDP-BJP government in J&K (Jammu and Kashmir) made separatist and terror sympathiser Asiya Andrabi a poster girl? Wasnt a BJP official found to be an ISI agent, he asked.
He said the entire country was united in its fight against terrorism.
The BJP might see politics in terrorism, but I would like to tell my BJP friends and PM Modi that the history of the Congress is full of martyrdom in fighting terrorism and thousands and lakhs of Congressmen have sacrificed their lives for India, he said.
Surjewala also attacked Modi over corruption in the case of BJP President Amit Shahs son Jay and national security advisor Ajit Dovals son Shaurya, among others.
The prime minister did not fulfil promises made to the people of Kutch in 2013 on providing water to their land, he said, responding to Modis remark that the Congress had stalled water supply to the region.
Why did Narmada water not reach the land of Kutch? Has he (Modi) forgotten that he said in 2013 all dams and canals will be made in 16 months, he asked.
Surjewala believed Modi looked worried while addressing the people of Gujarat.
Modiji was looking worried and agitated. Dont be frightened. Just tell us what happened in 22 years in Gujarat? What happened to Gujarat businesses (after note ban and GST)? Why are traders in Surat and Rajkot, farmers of Kutch- Saurashtra feeling cheated? Just answer these questions, he said.
In the milieu of forming alliances and gathering support from communities for Gujarat Assembly elections, it seems women have yet received the short-end of the bargain, with the focus mainly on votes division between Patidars, OBCs, Tribals, SC/STs, Thakors, and Rajputs.
Gujarat elections 2017 are scheduled for 9 and 14 December.
The ground reality suggests that Gujarat election has the least representation of women, who comprise nearly half the electorate. The political relevance, it seems is more on the caste and all political parties seem to give priority to communities and social segments, who have electoral relevance and can ensure winnability for party candidates.
Women, who constitute nearly half the electorate for the coming elections, are given a shorthand by both the parties and given only 12 seats by the BJP and 10 seats by Congress.
Here is arithmetic breakdown:
The political arithmetic being minutely calculated by the Congress and BJP is to tap the politically relevant Patidar vote bank and BJP has fielded members of the community on 52 seats, whereas the Congress with a tie-up with Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leader Hardik Patel has given tickets to 42 Patidars.
In all, the BJP has given tickets to 182 candidates for all the Assembly seats in Gujarat Election 2017. The Congress, on the other hand, has fielded its candidates on 176 seats leaving five seats for PAAS members and one seat for Jignesh Mevani.
Patidars are spread all across Gujarat and the areas where they hold a marginally higher sway include, Ahmedabad, North Gujarat, Saurashtra, Charotar and Surat in South Gujarat. The community is considered a mainstay of Gujarat politics with about 50 seats being influenced by the Patidar community vote.
So strong and relevant is the Patidar influence that for the first time both major parties have fielded Patidar candidates against each other on about 30 seats.
Historically the way to Gandhinagar, the seat of power in Gujarat, depends on how the Patidars vote and their influence is clearly seen in the composition of the state cabinet, with 30 per cent of cabinet ministers from the community.
BJP may be against Hardik Patel led PAAS, yet the party has given 32 per cent tickets to Patidars, to achieve its mission of achieving 150 seats. The Congress is also not behind and has given a total of 23 percent seats to Patidars along with OBCs, Tribals, and Dalits.
BJP has always given tickets to new faces and has continued with the trend by declining tickets to 34 sitting MLAs, whereas Congress has declined tickets to only three MLAs and has repeated 40 last time MLAs as the party had earlier committed after the Rajya Sabha elections.
BJP has also given tickets to 7 of the 12 Congress-defectors, who had joined the party at the time of Rajya Sabha elections. The five seats where the party has not offered tickets to Congress rebels include Prahlad Patel of Vijapur, Bhosle Gohil of Jasdan, Chana Choudhary of Vansda, and the other two being Shankarsinh Vaghelas son and son-in-law.
The Congress and BJP have refrained from giving any representation to the young leaders even though both talk of bringing in new blood and ideas. The parties have also altered set parameters for age and the Congress has named 78- year-old Mohan Singh Rathwa from Jetpur-Pavi, this being the tenth time that he has filed his nomination form. Meanwhile, BJP has nominated 79-year-old Narayan Bhai Patel from Unjha for a record eighth time.
The other important vote bank of the OBCs comprising of about 146 castes and sub-castes including communities of Thakor, Koli, Anjana Chaudhary, Rabari, Ahir, Mare, Dalwadi, Satwara, Panchal, Kadia, Prajapati have been given substantial weightage by both the parties.
With BJP giving 58 seats and Congress 62 seats to members from the OBC community. The community has sway over 74 seats across Gujarat and of these, on 46 seats, the candidates from the same community are pitted against each other.
The overall caste-based arithmetic by BJP comprises of Patidar 52, OBC 58, ST 28, SC 13, Brahmin 10, Jain 04, Kshatriya 12, Muslim 00, and others 05. For the Congress, the seat formula involves Patidar 42, OBC 62, ST 25, SC 14, Brahmin 06, Jain 02, Kshatriya 10, Muslim 06, and others 09.
The Centre has withdrawn Lalu Prasad Yadavs Z plus VIP security cover of NSG commandos, evoking angry reactions from the RJD supremo and his two sons, who cried conspiracy, with one even threatening to skin Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Lalu Prasad accused the Narendra Modi government of hatching a conspiracy to frighten him so that he gives up his relentless fight for preserving communal harmony and social justice.
The RJD chief, addressing a press conference in Patna, said, Lalu is not someone who can be frightened into submission. The public of Bihar will protect me. But if anything happens to me, the Nitish Kumar government in the state and the Modi government at the Centre shall be jointly responsible.
His two sons Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav reacted angrily to the governments decision.
Tej Pratap, the elder son of the RJD boss, went ballistic, threatening to get Modi skinned.
They are hatching a murder conspiracy against him (Lalu)If something happens to him, we will get the prime minister skinned (khal utarwa lenge), an angry Tej Pratap Yadav told reporters outside the state Assembly.
If my father is killed who will take responsibility for this? asked Tej Pratap, a former minister and sitting MLA.
When reporters said he was making derogatory remarks against the prime minister, he defended his comments and told the media persons to go and tell him (PM).
Asked about Tej Prataps remarks, Lalu Prasad disapproved of the kind of language he used against Modi but noted the blood of anybody will boil if he finds his father at the receiving end of such a conspiracy.
Tejashwi Yadav, the former deputy chief minister and the younger son of the RJD supremo, also attacked the Centre for downgrading Lalu Prasads security.
By downgrading his security, the Centre is trying to frighten Lalu, who is working towards opposition unity. This is very mean-minded politics on the part of the BJP-led NDA government, Tejashwi Yadav told reporters.
He also expressed apprehension that with a less strong security cover, the RJD chief had become vulnerable and now the Centre shall be held solely responsible if anything happens to Lalu.
The former Bihar chief minister will now be given Z category security and be guarded by an armed commando squad of the Central Reserve Police Force, in accordance with the protocol of the scaled down cover, official sources said in New Delhi.
Yadav will not have National Security Guard black cat commandos guarding him any more as they were withdrawn yesterday. The NSG only provides Z+ security cover.
The decision was taken after the Union home ministry recently reviewed the threat levels of various VIP protectees, the sources said.
Hitting out at the central government, Lalu Prasad said, We are the most vocal opponents of the Modi government which is driving the country towards dictatorship. Democracy is under threat.
We have been fighting them resolutely. That is why my family and I have been implicated in so many false casesso that we get scared of the possibility of going to jail and give up our fight, he said.
Lalu Prasad claimed that the decision to downgrade his security cover, which was provided to him under the UPA government, was another conspiracy by the Modi government to silence him.
What else explains the move. They have not run short of security personnel. Every two-bit BJP leader enjoys Z plus security, the RJD chief alleged.
I am travelling far and wide as part of my BJP bhagao, desh bachao campaign. This has rattled the party which thinks that by making me worry about my own safety it will be able to contain me, he said, adding that he would not give up his fight.
Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Sushil Modi scoffed at the remonstrations over the scaling down of Lalu Prasads security, saying, Lalu se log darte hainLalu ko kisse dar lagta hai (People are scared of Lalu. Who does he fear?)'.
On Sushil Modis jibe, Lalu retorted, BJP leaders are always darpok (cowards).
Besides Lalu Prasad, the Centre also decided to withdraw Z+ CRPF VIP security cover of former Bihar chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi.
The Hindustani Awam Morcha president Manjhi told reporters, I do not know on the basis of whose report the Centre has taken such a decision. I still face threat to my life.
Manjhis Hindustani Awam Morcha is a part of the National Democratic Alliance in Bihar.
Lalu Prasad also questioned the withdrawal of security cover of Manjhi, saying, It is well-known that he faces threat to his life from naxals.
Tej Prataps remarks against the prime minister come days after he made objectionable comments against Sushil Modi, threatening to disrupt the marriage ceremony of his son on December 3.
Citing security reasons, Sushil Modi changed the venue of his sons wedding to Veterinary College ground from Shakha field in Rajendra Nagar in the state capital.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday took the custody of a Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist who was arrested along the Line of Control (LoC) in Handwara area of North Kashmir recently, officials here said.
The terrorist, identified as Mohammed Amir Awan, was arrested by the Army on November 24 during an intensive search launched after an encounter in the area on November 21 that left three Lashkar militants dead.
One soldier was also killed during the encounter.
The matter was transferred to the NIA which registered a case yesterday and took the custody of the terrorist.
During initial interrogation, the terrorist identified himself as Mohammed Amir Awan whose code in the Lashkar terror group was Abu Haamaz, the officials said.
The terrorist told his interrogators that he hailed from Bardiya town of the port-city Karachi in Pakistan and was recruited and trained by the terror group.
He was pushed into the Kashmir valley from Pakistan- occupied-Kashmir (PoK) for carrying out attacks on various important installations in the Valley, the officials said.
The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday dismissed a fresh plea seeking to stall the release of the film Padmavati outside India.
As per reports, the apex court noted that statements by persons holding high office is tantamount to pre-judging the movie as it turned down the plea against the films release.
A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud said: We are governed by the rule of law.
When the matter is pending before the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for grant of certificate, nobody holding a responsible position should comment as it would amount to violation of the principle of the rule of law.
Even though, the British Board Of Film Classification (BBFC) has cleared Padmavati for release in the UK on December 1, sources close to the filmmakers have said that there are no plans to release the film abroad.
Back home in India, the filmmakers have already deferred the release.
Starring Ranveer Singh (as Sultan Alauddin Khilji), Deepika Padukone (as Rani Padmavati, in the lead) and Shahid Kapoor (as Maharawal Ratan Singh), Padmavati is being distributed internationally by Paramount Pictures.
The magnum opus sets out to tell the tale of Rani Padmavati the legendary Mewar queen known as much for her beauty and intelligence as she was for her courage, her husband Maharawal Ratan Singh a glorious Rajput ruler and a warrior king who fought till his last breath to defend his kingdom and his wifes honour and Sultan Alauddin Khilji an ambitious and obsessive invader.
In India, Padmavati is in the eye of a storm following protests from conservative groups over alleged tampering with historical facts. Bhansali has been denying the contention.
The release of the film, which was earlier slated for December 1 in India, has been deferred as the filmmakers are yet to secure a censor certificate.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prairie Provident Resources Inc. ("Prairie Provident" or the "Company") announces that the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") has accepted for filing the Company's notice of intention to make a normal course issuer bid ("NCIB").
Pursuant to the NCIB, Prairie Provident may repurchase from time to time up to a maximum of 4,900,000 common shares, at such times and in such quantities as the Company may determine, subject to applicable regulatory restrictions. Purchases under the NCIB may be made through open market transactions on the TSX and any alternative Canadian trading platforms on which the common shares are traded, based on the prevailing market price. Any common shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled.
Transactions under the NCIB will depend on future market conditions. Prairie Provident retains discretion whether to make purchases under the NCIB, and to determine the timing, amount and acceptable price of any such purchases, subject at all times to applicable TSX and other regulatory requirements.
The period during which Prairie Provident is authorized to make purchases under the NCIB commences on December 1, 2017 and ends on November 30, 2018 or such earlier date as the NCIB is completed or is terminated at the Company's election.
Under TSX rules, not more than 21,517 common shares (being 25% of the average daily trading volume on the TSX of 86,069 common shares for the six months ended October 2017) can be purchased on the TSX on any single trading day under the NCIB, except that one block purchase in excess of the daily maximum is permitted per calendar week.
The NCIB provides the Company with an additional capital allocation alternative with a view to long-term shareholder value. In circumstances where the prevailing market price of the common shares does not reflect what Prairie Provident believes to be the underlying value of its business and assets, a purchase of common shares for cancellation under the NCIB may provide an opportunity to enhance shareholder value by increasing the proportionate equity interest of remaining shareholders at an attractive valuation and improving per share metrics on an accretive basis.
The Company has appointed AltaCorp Capital Inc. as its broker to make any NCIB purchases on its behalf.
As of November 22, 2017, there are 115,887,699 common shares outstanding, of which 49,806,386 common shares are considered to be in the public float as not held by directors, officers or principal shareholders of the Company. Accordingly, the maximum number of common shares that may be repurchased under the NCIB represents approximately 4.3% of the number of common shares currently outstanding, and approximately 9.8% of the public float.
ABOUT PRAIRIE PROVIDENT:
Prairie Provident is a Calgary-based company engaged in the exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties in Alberta. The Company's strategy is to grow organically in combination with accretive acquisitions of conventional oil prospects, which can be efficiently developed. Prairie Provident's operations are primarily focused at Wheatland and Princess in Southern Alberta targeting the Ellerslie and the Lithic Glauc formations, along with an early stage waterflood project at Evi in the Peace River Arch. Prairie Provident protects its balance sheet through an active hedging program and manages risk by allocating capital to opportunities offering maximum shareholder returns.
For further information, please contact:
Prairie Provident Resources Inc.
Tim Granger
President and Chief Executive Officer
Tel: (403) 292-8110
Email: tgranger@ppr.ca
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release contains certain statements that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which include statements regarding the Company's intentions or expectations with respect to the NCIB and any common share repurchases thereunder and its general strategy and areas of operational focus. Statements involving forward-looking information relate to future performance, events or circumstances, and are based upon internal assumptions, plans, intentions, expectations and beliefs. All statements other than statements of current or historical fact constitute forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions, plans, intentions, expectations and beliefs upon which the forward-looking information is based, and the other material factors reflected therein, are reasonable, no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. In particular, there can be no assurance that Prairie Provident will make purchases under the NCIB, or that any purchases made will benefit remaining shareholders. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information, which is inherently uncertain and subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, both general and specific, many of which are beyond the Prairie Provident's control, that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated or suggested in the forward-looking information. Certain such risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting Prairie Provident and its business are discussed in more detail in the Company's current annual information form and other documents filed by it from time to time with securities regulatory authorities in Canada, copies of which are available electronically under Prairie Provident's issuer profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.ppr.ca. Statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and Prairie Provident assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise them to reflect new information or future events or circumstances, or otherwise, except as may be required pursuant to applicable securities laws.
Former media baron Peter Mukerjea, an accused in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case, on Monday told the court that his wife and key accused, Indrani Mukherjea, was trying to mislead the court and creating adverse publicity.
Peter, through his lawyer Shrikant Shivde, was arguing on an application moved by Indrani, accusing Peter of playing a role in Sheenas disappearance.
Shivde told the court that the application did not connect with the prayer of Indrani who had sought call data records (CDR) of Peter.
She is using the media and misleading the court, Shivde told the court, adding that she was creating media publicity for creating a wrong perception by portraying herself as a victim.
Shivde argued that if Indrani had a strong reason to believe it (that Peter has any role in Sheenas disappearance), she should have said it to the police during investigation.
Peters lawyer argued that there was no basis for these allegations other than getting media publicity. He added that there was a systematic attempt to create prejudice.
Indrani is creating an atmosphere which will prejudice the trial by making allegations against witness (Indranis former driver Shyam Rai who turned approver) and accused (Peter). It is contradictory to the prosecutions case, we will prove that during the trial, Shivde said.
She is drawing a further strategy to distort the trial, he said and added that the application moved by Indrani was exculpatory i.e. evidence favourable to the defendant in a criminal trial that exonerates or tends to exonerate the defendant of guilt.
Shivde argued that the court may reject Indranis application and ask her lawyers to file a proper application by providing the ground.
Special CBi judge J C Jagdale will hear the arguments of Indrani and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) tomorrow.
On November 15, Indrani had filed a plea in the court, saying her husband Peter Mukherjea might have caused her daughters disappearance out of greed and ill-will.
Though she did not expressly accuse Peter of killing Sheena, Indrani said he and their former driver Shyamwar Rai could be behind her daughters abduction, making her untraceable and destroying evidence.
She had said that she believed Peter and others might have manipulated the circumstances to frame her, and influence witnesses, situations and information that led to her arrest for the heinous crime that they may have committed, aided and abetted.
She had prayed for the CDR of Peter for the period between January, 2012 and December, 2012, and from January, 2015 to December, 2015.
While Peter had told the court that the application filed by Indrani was with an ulterior motive, the CBI also admitted that she filed the application with malafide intention.
The alleged murder of Sheena Bora came to light in August, 2015 after Rai, arrested in another case, spilled the beans. Mumbai Police arrested Indrani, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and Rai in the case.
Later, Peter was also arrested. The victim was Indranis daughter from an earlier relationship. Sheena was in a relationship with Peters son.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday met Ivanka Trump, daughter and Advisor to US President Donald Trump, ahead of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 here.
READ MORE: Ivanka Trump to visit Golconda Fort, not Charminar
Hand in hand. EAM @SushmaSwaraj met @IvankaTrump, Advisor to the US President and Leader of the US delegation at #GES2017 in Hyderabad; had a productive discussion on women entrepreneurship and empowerment, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted along with a picture of the two holding hands.
Hand in hand. EAM @SushmaSwaraj met @IvankaTrump, Advisor to the US President and Leader of the US delegation at #GES2017 in Hyderabad; had a productive discussion on women entrepreneurship and empowerment. pic.twitter.com/cbdGhhyn3G Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) November 28, 2017
Ivanka will be attending the inaugural session of the GES on Tuesday evening along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
READ MORE: Ivanka Trump arrives in Hyderabad to attend GES
The three-day event, being co-hosted by the US and India, will be attended by 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors and eco-system supporters from 159 countries.
Pushing the BJPs campaign in Gujarat into high gear, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked the Congress and said he is ready to sell tea but will never sell the country, and asked Rahul Gandhi why he had applauded the release of LeT chief Hafiz Saeed.
Modi, who started his high voltage campaign with rallies in Bhuj in Kutch district, Jasdan in Rajkot, Chalala in Amreli and Kadodara near Surat, took on the opposition party on issues related to China, Lashkar-e-Taibas Hafiz Saeed, the surgical strike as well as corruption.
He accused the Congress vice president of applauding the release of a terrorist in Pakistan and asked why he hugged the Chinese ambassador during the Dokalam standoff.
You are happy to hug the Chinese ambassador, you are clapping at the release of Hafiz Saeed, you cannot respect Indian Armys surgical strike But why did you speak about it? You could have just remained silent, he said in Bhuj, not specifying how and where Gandhi had hailed Saeeds release.
Gandhi had recently tweeted: Narendrabhai, baat nahi bani. Terror mastermind is free. President Trump just delinked Pak military funding from LeT. Hugplomacy fail. More hugs urgently needed.
The tweet had come after the release of LeT founder and 26/11 mastermind Saeed by a Pakistan court.
Hitting out at the Congress over a recent meme targeting his chaiwala past, the prime minister said in Jasdan that he is being targeted by the main opposition party because of his humble background and for being born to a poor mother.
They are feeling uneasy because a chaiwala became the PM. We used to read in books how the downtrodden get harassed by those in higher strata. But I never imagined they would stoop so low, Modi said in his speech in Gujarati at Jasdan ahead of the first round of polling on December 9.
He said he gets messages from people threatening him that they would once again turn him into a tea-seller.
I want to tell them that I am Modi, who is ready to sell tea but will never commit the sin of selling the entire country, he said, in an apparent reference to scams during the Congress-led UPA rule.
Why are you mocking poverty? Why are you insulting a poor mother? he asked.
In an apparent bid to woo the influential Patidars, who seem to be drifting towards the opposition party, Modi said the Congress harassed four former chief ministers of the community because of a grudge against Gujarat.
Babubhai Jashbhai Patel, Chimanbhai Patel, Keshubhai Patel and Anandiben Patel belonged to the Patidar community.
Without directly accusing the Congress of fanning the protests, Modi said the opposition had done everything to disturb the BJPs Anandiben Patel-led government.
They fanned violence to disturb her. This Congress party harassed four Patidar CMs just because the people of Gujarat never accepted the party.
At the Bhuj rally, Modi pitched the election as a fight between trust on development and dynastic politics.
He asked the people of Gujarat not to forgive Congress leaders as they had levelled baseless allegations on the son of Gujarat who has a stainless public life.
During his campaign in the state in the last few days, Gandhi had trained his guns at the Modi-led government over the Rafale fighter aircraft deal.
He also alleged during his campaign that Modi is not a chowkidar (watchman) but a bhagidar (partner) in corrupt practices in BJP president Amit Shahs son Jay Shahs company.
Modi said he had written a poem, saying that Gujarat is his atma (soul), while Bharat is his parmatma (God), that Gujarat is his mother and he her son.
I have grown up on this soil, you Gujaratis know my plus and minus points, what was good in me has evolved due to this `mitti (soil) due to my mother (Gujarat), he said, seeking to emotionally connect with voters.
The prime minister said Gujaratis will not forgive those attacking its child.
Recalling Sardar Patel, he said the Congress should understand that Gujarat tolerated insults when atrocities were committed against him but the times had changed and they would not do so again.
Narendra Modi said many people have come here for election campaigning and sprayed muck.
Farmers prepare their land before the start of the monsoon season. In the same way, much muck has been sprayed here. It is good as it will help the lotus (BJPs election symbol) bloom.
Modi referred to the 26/11 terror strike and the attack in Uri and asked what the difference was between one government and another, one leader and another.
They killed our soldiers in Uri, our soldiers went inside their territory, conducted a surgical strike and came back. The next day a newspaper said they (in Pakistan) carried bodies in trucks, he said.
Modi alleged that the Congress raised questions on the surgical strike in September 2016.
They could not respect Indian Army, they asked questions like none of our soldiers was injured? None of them died? Have you any photo or video evidence? Had they gone to shoot a movie in Pakistan? he said.
The second phase of elections to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly will be held on December 14. The votes will be counted on December 18.
Has the Congress shot itself in the foot this time with the chaiwala jibe like it did in the 2007 polls when Sonia Gandhi called Narendra Modi maut ka saudagar? Ten years ago, the BJP turned the assembly election on that one salvo fired by Sonia and whipped up a sympathy wave that swept Modi back to power for a second term.
This time, the BJP is hoping for a repeat performance with the chaiwala meme that Youth Congress posted on social media to mock Modi. The PM has made chaiwala the central theme of his campaign and is projecting the jibe as a personal insult and an insult to Gujarat and Gujaratis.
Smriti Irani started the drumbeat almost as soon as the meme was posted. She said the barb only reflected Rahul Gandhis anti-Gujarat mindset.
The Congress must have relived the 2007 fiasco because the high command ordered its youth wing to pull down the meme immediately. But it was too late.
The BJP has been so much on the defensive in the ongoing assembly election because of local anger against demonetisation and GST that Modi hasnt been able to get going with his trademark personalised and emotional campaign. The chaiwala mishap by the Youth Congress may have given him the opening hes been looking for to hit the road.
Theres only one hitch. He milked the same theme successfully in the 2014 Lok Sabha campaign. Then, it was Mani Shankar Aiyar who coined the unfortunate jibe and Modi shrewdly exploited the term as an elitist insult to a man from a poor family. Can the same trick work a second time?
Pillar to post
The Congress went from pillar to post in an effort to seek permission to host a photo exhibition on Indira Gandhi at a proper venue. The government blocked its efforts at every point, denying permission even for the use of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts. The exhibition was supposed to mark the late prime ministers birth centenary.
Finally, the Congress had no option but to scale down its plans and compress the exhibition into the grounds of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Museum on 1 Safdarjung Road. Its a spacious enough venue but nothing as grand as the IGNCA. Since the bungalow is allotted to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, governments permission was not needed. The governments negative attitude turned out to be a blessing in disguise because the function that was held was small but intimate and warm. The Gandhi family was present in full force, including Priyanka who has been out of sight for a long time.
All three mingled freely with the guests who had gathered and smilingly posed for selfies. Of course, the invitees were all Congress leaders and family friends. No-one from the government or the BJP or any other party was invited, underlining the deepening divide in the political class over what should be a collective national historical legacy.
The exhibition displayed photographs of Indira Gandhi from childhood till the day she died.
Outsider woes
All roads lead to Gujarat in the ongoing election. BJP leaders, workers, campaigners and even hangers-on from every state have descended on Gujarat in a desperate bid to be part of the action and impress Amit Shah.
Unfortunately, according to BJP circles in Gujarat, the presence of so many outsiders has introduced tensions because of socio-cultural differences in the style of functioning. BJP workers in Gujarat are very business-like and practical and hate to waste time hanging around in party offices.
Most of them run businesses and shops and have to juggle their economic pursuits with their political work. For the last many elections, the tradition has been that they take time off from work for two months and devote themselves to campaigning for the party. And they work in a functional organised manner.
This time, the influx from other states, particularly from north India, has upset this well-oiled machine. North Indian BJP workers bring a completely different style of electioneering which involves long hours of idle chatter over endless cups of tea.
It has become a headache for local leaders who are spending more time than necessary trying to patch up mounting tensions between fellow Gujarati workers and outsiders. BJP circles say they are missing the authority and command of Narendra Modi. Although he is very much in charge, he is not the chief minister. He is now the prime minister and therefore a step removed.
Gujarat gamble
Congress circles say it is a strategic decision to anoint Rahul Gandhi Congress president in the midst of the battle for Gujarat. The move has been on the cards for some months now but was delayed because the party was waiting for two developments which were crafted to enhance Rahuls profile and image.
One was the carefully planned trip to the US which included the successful talk show at Stanford University. The other was the meticulously planned campaign in Gujarat in which Rahul has focused in a single-minded manner on economic issues rather than confusing matters by bringing in secularism, communalism and the 2002 violence.
Rahul won praise for his US trip. And in Gujarat, he seems to have struck a chord with his focused campaign. Congress elders led by Sonia Gandhi feel their patience has paid off and the time is now right for Rahul to take over the reins of the party.
They also feel that the position of party president will give him added heft in Gujarat to take on Modi and Amit Shah.
The question is whether Rahul can bring in the votes. If he pulls off a surprise victory, his image will soar. If Gujarat brings another loss for Rahul and the Congress, demoralisation will only deepen.
Pope Francis on Tuesday delivered a keynote speech in Myanmar after meeting the countrys de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, demanding respect for each ethnic group but without referring to the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority by name.
Standing alongside Suu Kyi, the Pope spoke mostly in general terms. His highly-anticipated remarks may draw condemnation from human rights activists who blame the Myanmar Army for driving out hundreds of thousands of Rohingyas from the country.
Although the Pope made no direct reference to Rohingyas, his speech was a strong defence of ethnic rights, the BBC reported.
He said: The future of Myanmar must be peace, a peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good.
The Pope said Myanmars greatest treasure was its people and that they had suffered greatly and continue to suffer, from civil conflict and hostilities that have lasted all too long and created deep divisions.
As the nation now works to restore peace, the healing of those wounds must be a paramount political and spiritual priority.
He added: Religious differences need not be a source of division and distrust, but rather a force for unity, forgiveness, tolerance and wise nation-building.
In her speech, Suu Kyi also made no direct reference to the Rohingya Muslims. However, she accepted the situation in Rakhine state had most strongly captured the attention of the world.
She said that social, economic and political issues had eroded trust and understanding, harmony and co-operation between different communities in Rakhine.
Suu Kyi has been criticized for her lack of action over the issue. She was stripped of the Freedom of the City of Oxford on Monday, with British councillors saying they no longer wished to honour those who turned a blind eye to violence.
Myanmar denied UN accusations that the treatment of the Muslim community amounted to ethnic cleansing. It said the crackdown in Rakhine state, which began in late August, was to root out violent insurgents.
The Pope is on the second day of a four-day visit to the country. In an earlier 40-minute meeting in Yangon with leaders of the Buddhist, Islamic, Hindu, Jewish and Christian faiths, he also made no direct reference to the Rohingyas, according to Vatican officials.
He also met Buddhist leader Sitagu Sayadaw separately to discuss peaceful coexistence among communities in the country. On Wednesday, the Pope will celebrate a huge Mass in Yangon, Efe news reported.
After Myanmar, he will move on to Bangladesh to meet a small group of Rohingya refugees in a symbolic gesture.
The pontiff will become the first Catholic leader to visit Dhaka since 1986.
An Israeli court on Monday banned the international ride-sharing service Uber from operating in Israel because the company uses drivers reportedly lacking proper licenses and insurances.
The Tel Aviv District Court said the US-based company could not be allowed to operate as the company is given 48 hours to halt its Uber Day and Uber Night services, which offer low fare rides through a car-pooling app, Xinhua news agency reported.
The court order will become effective on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
The verdict halted a pilot programme that Uber has been running in Tel Aviv over the past months through which the company hopes it could expand service to the rest of the country.
The court ruling came after objections by Israels Ministry of Transportation, the Taxi Driver Union and GetTexi, a rival app-based company over Ubers use of non-professional drivers who lack business licenses and insurances.
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DENVER, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RLH Corporation (NYSE:RLH) today strengthened its brand marketing team with the addition of Yvonne Choi as Chief Brand Officer Hotel RL.
Choi will be directly overseeing the development, branding and marketing of the Hotel RL brand. Hotel RL, the companys upscale boutique brand, is focused on providing authentic and creative experiences. At the heart of each property is The Living Stage, a platform for local musicians, poets, authors, artists, community leaders and activists to share their message live and up close.
Choi joins RLH Corporation from Cachet Hospitality Group, where she was Chief Marketing Officer for the past four years. Part of Cachets founding team in 2013, Choi led all marketing and branding strategies, including launching and establishing the Cachet corporate brand, building its luxury brands internationally, and managing key relations with owners and developers. Choi also was responsible for closing Cachets early deals, including Cachet Hotel Chengdu and Cachet Beach Cabo. Prior to Cachet, Choi held sales and marketing positions at SBE International and at the Corcoran Group, New York Citys premier real estate marketing company.
The Hotel RL brand plays a key role in the companys development plans. Hotel RL provides something unique in the space, from The Living Stage to unparalleled technology offerings to its individualized philanthropic initiative, Project Wake Up Call the brand is designed for the modern traveler. Yvonne brings a wealth of experience developing award-winning brands and hotels. We are excited to have her on the team and know she will continue to bring innovation and unique ideas that Hotel RL is known for, said RLH Corporation President & CEO Greg Mount.
To learn more about franchising with RLH Corporation, visit franchise.rlhco.com.
About RLH Corporation
Red Lion Hotels Corporation is an innovative hotel company doing business as RLH Corporation and focuses on the franchising, management and ownership of upscale, midscale and economy hotels. The company focuses on maximizing return on invested capital for hotel owners across North America through relevant brands, industry-leading technology and forward-thinking services. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.rlhco.com.
Social Media:
www.Facebook.com/rlhcorp
www.Twitter.com/rlhco
www.Instagram.com/rlhco
www.Linkedin.com/company/rlhco
Investor Relations Contact:
Amy Koch
O: 509-777-6417
C: 917-579-5012
Investor.Relations@rlhco.com
Media Contact:
Dan Schacter
Director, Social Engagement and Public Relations
847-877-9420
dan.schacter@rlhco.com
Organisation: The European
Unions Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Department (ECHO)
Duty Station: Kampala,
Uganda
Reports to: Technical
Assistant
About US:
The Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian
Aid Operations (ECHO), formerly known as the European Community Humanitarian
Aid Office, is the European Commissions department for overseas humanitarian
aid and for civil protection. The European Union has been the second largest
donor of humanitarian assistance since 2000. For humanitarian aid, the
Commission works with about 200 operational partners, including United Nations
agencies, the Red Cross/ Crescent movement and non-governmental organizations
(NGOs). Humanitarian Aid is channeled impartially, straight to victims,
regardless of their race, ethnic group, religion, gender, age, nationality or
political affiliation.
Job Summary: The
ECHO-Program Assistant will conduct activities to contribute to the delivery of
an effective humanitarian response. The incumbent will actively contribute to
assessments, monitoring and evaluations of projects, as well as to the analysis
of the humanitarian context in the area of coverage.
Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities:
Responsible for situation assessments;
Tasked with the analysis of ECHO partners
proposals;
In charge of monitoring, evaluation and
coordination of projects;
Responsible for reporting and programme
administration;
Work closely with partners in an advisory
capacity.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience: Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal applicant for the ECHO Programme
Assistant (PA) job opportunity should possessa first level university degree;
At least five years of relevant working
experience in the development and/or; humanitarian aid sector / INGOs / NGOs.
If the candidate does not have a relevant university degree, ten years work
experience in the humanitarian sector will be required;
Extensive knowledge of the Logical Framework
Approach and Project Cycle Management.
Personal initiative; ability to work both
independently and in a team, with ability to set priorities, and to work to
tight deadlines;
Show commitment, determination, reliability, a
high degree of personal integrity and discretion;
Ability to analyse and process complex
information; ability to clearly and concisely convey information to others
Fluent written and spoken English and Luganda
are required with Excellent drafting skills;
How to Apply:
residents holding a valid working permit or able to obtain such working permit
before the foreseen recruitment date should send their applications including a
cover letter, a detailed CV, academic and employment certificates should be
sent by e-mail to All suitably qualified and interested Ugandan nationals and otherresidents holding a valid working permit or able to obtain such working permitbefore the foreseen recruitment date should send their applications including acover letter, a detailed CV, academic and employment certificates should besent by e-mail to application@ppg.co.ug
th
December 2017 Deadline: 8December 2017
For
more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com
or find us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
Organization: Self Help
Africa
Duty Station: Uganda
Reports to: Head of
Programmes (Uganda)
About US:
Self Help Africa (SHA) is an International NonGovernmental
Organisation implementing rural development, sustainable food and livelihoods
security programmes in nine countries in Africa. SHAs vision is an
economically thriving and resilient rural Africa with a mission to support
sustainable livelihoods for Ugandas smallholder farmers.
About Project:
Improving Nutrition in Refugee Settlements in Adjumani District project
is a pilot initiative of SHA Uganda that will start in 2018 in the South
Sudanese Refugee settlement areas in Adjumani District. The project will
specifically promote a range of Climate Smart Agriculture technologies to
enable refugees to sustainably produce diverse high value nutritious foods.
Job Summary: The Project
Manager will provide leadership in the overall planning and implementation of
the project. He/she is responsible for promoting a range of Climate Smart
Agriculture technologies for the sustainable production of high value
nutritious foods in refugee settlement areas, ensuring effective financial and
budgetary control and taking a lead in processes to identify alternative
funding opportunities for the continuation of these activities.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Management & Administration
Manage and oversee technical, budget management,
monitoring and reporting activities throughout the relevant project cycles to
ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with SHA programme
quality principles and standards, donor requirements and good practises
Provide technical leadership in the development
and implementation of strategies, standards, project plans, tools and best
practises in nutrition that are aligned to the Government of Uganda
requirements and effectively engage partners, donors and governments
Proactively anticipate, identify and provide
innovative solutions to project challenges and obstacles on a timely manner.
Help identify, assess and strengthen
partnerships, applying appropriate partnership concepts, tools and approaches
Maintain clear, regular and effective lines of
communication with all nutrition implementing partners to ensure effective
project implementation and program impact
Coordinate and monitor financial, material and
human resources relevant to project needs. Through planning and oversight
ensure project resources are available and used efficiently.
Act as a contact person and represent the
organisation with donors, INGO working groups, local partners and relevant
local government and community actors. Participate in relevant forums and
knowledge networks to collect and share promising practises in the area of
nutrition
Promote Self Help Africa work in Uganda and
contribute to the Self Help Africa learning agenda
Partnerships management and visibility
Establish and develop effective working relationships
with key stakeholders in the food security, nutrition and livelihoods response
clusters.
Active participate and represent SHAs strategic
interestsin inter-agency planning and steering committee meetings for the
District nutrition cluster
Maintain close collaboration with the District
Health Officer, Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and District Production
office to ensure that SHAs approaches are visible and recognised.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
In collaboration with the PMEL Coordinator, plan
and coordinate the development of project Monitoring and evaluation plans and
collect data including baseline, process monitoring, midterm review and final
evaluation data.
Plan and conduct project steering committee
meetings and routine project performance
reviews
Coordinate internal and external monitoring and
evaluation systems and reviews of the Project in line with SHA guidelines for
community-led evaluations and quantitative data collection
Contribute to collection, documentation and
dissemination of good practice and learning from SHAs work in the country.
Advocacy Programme Development
Identify, analyse and champion critical advocacy
issues in the food security and nutrition sector for smooth implementation of
the project.
Ensure coordination with other advocacy actors
in the District and promote forms of synergy and cooperation
Other functions: Undertake any other duties as assigned by the
Head of Programmes
Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience:
The prospective employee must hold a University
degree in Agriculture, Nutrition, Public Health, Community Development or
relevant Food Security related degree
At least three years of relevant work experience
in Program management positions related to Nutrition and Food Security,
preferably with an international NGO
Strong reporting skills. Competence in MS Office
(MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power point)
Fluency in English, Luo, Madi or Swahili will be
an added advantage
How to Apply:
a filled application form,
indicating 3 referees, two of whom should have been direct supervisors to
uganda@selfhelpafrica.net including your name and the job being applied for in
the Subject Line. All suitably qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to senda filled application form, download here , with a cover letterindicating 3 referees, two of whom should have been direct supervisors touganda@selfhelpafrica.net including your name and the job being applied for inthe Subject Line.
Deadline: 8th December 2017
find us on our facebook page
For more of the latest jobs, please visit https://www.theugandanjobline.com orfind us on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UgandanJobline
But the tribe has a long way to go
Ivanka Trump, daughter and adviser to US President Donald Trump, said India has a true friend in the White House. Addressing the audience at the inaugural session of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, she said India is one of the fastest growing economies and has embraced entrepreneurship in its truest sense.
"Here in India, I want to applaud Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his firm belief that the progress of humanity is incomplete without the empowerment of women," Ivanka said.
Emphasising on the summit theme 'Women First, Prosperity for All', Ivanka noted that when women work, it creates a unique multiplier effect. "Women are more likely than men to hire other women, and to give them access to capital, mentorship and networks. Women are also more likely to reinvest their income back in their families & communities."
Here are the significant excerpts from her inaugural speech:
"We must ensure women entrepreneurs have access to capital, access to networks and mentors, and access to equitable laws. Fueling the growth of women-led businesses isnt simply good for our societyits good for our economy. One study estimates that closing the gender entrepreneurship gap world-wide could grow our global GDP by as much as two per cent.
In the last decade, women have made remarkable strides in starting new businesses... Today, more than 11 million women in the United States own businesses. They employ nearly 9 million workers, and generate over $1 trillion in revenue.
Entrepreneurs are revolutionizing our economies, and improving our societies
Only when women are empowered to thrive; will our families, our economies, and our societies reach their fullest potential.
This years summit is focused on a theme that is key to our future: Women First, Prosperity for All. I am proud that for the first time ever, women make up the majority of the 1,500 entrepreneurs selected to attend.
Some may have tried to convince you that the risk is too greatand the reward too small. But you are here today because you are not afraid to fail. You want to own your future... I want to congratulate you on all you have already accomplished.
Today, we come together to celebrate what is happening here in #India, what is happening in the United Statesand all over the world: Entrepreneurs are revolutionising our economies, and improving our societies. You are rewriting the rules.
This is the first time India has hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. It is a symbol of the strengthened friendship between our two peoples, and the growing economic and security partnership between our two nations.
Through your own enterprise, entrepreneurship, and hard work, the people of India have lifted more than 130 million citizens out of povertya remarkable improvement, and one I know will continue to grow under the leadership of Prime Minister NarendraModi."
US President Donald Trump's daughter and adviser Ivanka Trump arrived in India early on Tuesday to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), beginning here later in the day.
US Ambassador to India Kenneth Juster, India's Ambassador to the US Navteej Sarna and senior officials of the central and Telangana governments welcomed her at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad around 3 am.
"Warm welcome to a special guest. Advisor to the President of USA@IvankaTrump arrives in Hyderabad," tweeted Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.
She later drove to Trident Hotel in Hitec City, about two km from Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC), the venue of GES.
State government officials had earlier said that she will stay in Westin Hotel in the same area.
Ivanka, who is leading the US delegation, will be attending the inaugural session in the evening along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The three-day event being co-hosted by the US and India will be attended by 1,500 entrepreneurs, investors and eco-system supporters from 159 countries.
Ivanka Trump in her address today is likely to stress on fuelling the growth of women-led businesses, saying closing the gender entrepreneurship gap world-wide could grow global GDP by as much as 2 per cent.
In her key note address to the eighth annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit later in the day, she is likely to stress on ensuring women entrepreneurs have access to capital, access to networks and mentors, and access to equitable laws.
According to excerpts of her speech, she would state that despite the soaring rate of female entrepreneurs, women still face steep obstacles to starting, owning, and growing their businesses.
"Fuelling the growth of women-led businesses isn't simply good for our society, it's good for our economy. One study estimates that closing the gender entrepreneurship gap world-wide could grow our global GDP by as much as 2 per cent," she would state.
Ivanka, who is a successful businesswoman, fashion designer and adviser to the US President, was invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the White House in June to speak at the summit. She is leading the US contingent at the summit themed 'Women First, Prosperity for All'.
She would open her speech by stressing how all over the world entrepreneurs are revolutionising our economies, and improving our societies.
"You are rewriting the rules," she would state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the tone for the BJPs campaign for the Gujarat Assembly polls as he addressed four rallies in a day in different parts of the state. He made Gujarati Asmita (Gujarati pride) as the central theme of his messaging for the state electorate, which is also being strongly wooed by the Congress with its new caste-based combination.
The BJP has been looking at the Modi magic to tide over any negative sentiment arising out of the note ban, implementation of the GST and the angst of caste groups like the Patidars and dalits.
Modi, in four speeches on Monday, gave ample indication of the saffron partys strategy to counter the Congress, which for the first time in the last two decades was in contention. Addressing the electorate mostly in Gujarati, the prime minister targeted the Congress and Rahul Gandhi by invoking incidents from the distant past to recent times. He is scheduled to address another set of four rallies on Wednesday.
Drawing examples from the Congress treatment of another PM from Gujarat, Morarji Desai, to Uttar Pradeshs election campaign where even donkeys from Gujarat had become a talking point, Modis attack on the Congress and Rahul was strident.
The Congress always defamed and disliked Gujarat. People of the state were well aware how the Congress had treated Sardar Patel and Morarji Desai, Modi said.
Referring to an earlier event, Modi said to a largely enthusiastic crowd, Indiraji removed Morarji Bhai from the Cabinet. She nationalised the banks but did not open the doors of the bank for the poor. When we got the opportunity to serve, the first thing we did was to start the Jan Dhan Yojana and focus on financial inclusion.
Morarji Bhai Desai was a successful finance minister and a believer in Gandhiji. The Congress mistreated him and even when he became PM, they troubled him, Modi said in Kadodara, a township on the outskirts of Surat.
The rally was earlier slated to be held in nearby Kamrej but had to be shifted to Kadodara owing to chances of protests by Patidar groups.
The prime minister also reminded the audience of his governments surgical strike on terrorists in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. He took a jibe at Rahul Gandhi for meeting Chinese diplomats when the Indian Army was involved in a face-off with the Chinese at Doklam. They rejoiced when Hafiz Saeed was released, Modi said with his trademark flourish.
In the rallies, Modi repeatedly hit out at the Congress for promoting casteism and dynastic rule. The Congress dislikes me because of my poor origins. Can a party stoop so low? Yes, a person belonging to a poor family has become PM. They do not fail to hide their contempt for this fact. Yes, I sold tea but I did not sell the nation, Modi said to loud cheers from the crowd.
Modi had started his election campaign by visiting the Ashapura Mata temple in Bhuj.
The BJP had already deployed its central ministers, chief ministers and senior leaders to handle the campaign and travel all over the state to engage with voters. Yogi Adityanath, Devendra Fadnavis and Raman Singh have already been in Gujarat.
As Gujarats election campaign picks up, the shrillness of attacks from rivals sides is only expected to go up.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday took up the attack on Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin's son Syed Shahid Yousuf in Tihar jail with Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba.
Mehboob's call to Gauba came after Hurriyat Conference warned the government of dire consequences for assault on Shahid and other Kashmiri prisoners lodged in jails outside.
The chief minister was concerned over reports of harassment and manhandling of some inmates from the state in Tihar jail in New Delhi, a government spokesman said in a statement.
Taking a serious note of these reports, the chief minister spoke to the Union home secretary and requested him to intervene in the matter, the spokesman said.
He said Guba assured her that the matter would be looked into and those found guilty of violating the rules will be dealt sternly.
Shahid,42, was arrested by National Investigation Agency (NIA) on October 24 on charges of receiving secret funds for creating unrest in Kashmir.
NIA has said Shahid has been arrested for receiving secret funds by transfer of money from a Hizbul operative Ajaz Ahmed Bhat alias Ajaz Maqbool Bhat from Saudi Arabia.
The separatists have condemned the attack on Shahid and warned the government of consequences in case any harm comes to him and other prisoners from Kashmir.
Shahid Yousuf, son of Syed Salahuddin, was beaten in Tihar jail due to which he suffered injuries in his arm and head,'' said a spokesman of Hurriyat Conference led by Ali Shah Geelani. ''The prisoners face life threats because they have been lodged with criminals.''
Joint Resistance Leadership of separatists comprising Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik also condemned the attack on Shahid.
The detainees are being treated by the champions of democracy in total violation of basic norms of humanity,'' the JRL said in a statement. They even ignore the Supreme Court ruling with regard to the prisoners.
The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi may not be providing the exact cost of the Rafale fighter jet deal because it would raise security concerns about revealing the aircraft's classified capabilities, according to a top government official. The Indian Air Force had asked for at least 13 'India-specific' enhancements in the warplanes, which are not existing in any Rafale jet being operated by other countries including the French Air Force itself. Dassault Aviation, the aircraft's manufacturer, had recently delivered 11 Rafale jets to Egypt.
And due to this customisation of specific capabilities, the ministry of defence would not like to divulge the cost details of the jets.
In response to Congress allegations about the price of the Rafale deal, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman distanced herself from disclosing figures by citing security issues. However, the Congress was expected to raise the Rafale deal in the upcoming winter session of Parliament, where the main opposition party would stress upon the need to reveal the exact cost of the deal to justify the price negotiations.
"Customisation of aircraft capabilities is being done as it was an emergency procurement. Over a dozen India-specific enhancement accessories are being fitted into the aircraft, which are out to do certain purposes," a senior MoD official told THE WEEK.
Retired air vice marshal Manmohan Bahadur believed revealing the cost and other specifics would certainly compromise security. "First of all, there is a confidentiality clause in the agreement and secondly, we cannot disclose the specifics which IAF is targeting in the fighter jets," AVM Bahadur told THE WEEK.
Without giving out specifics, an official disclosed that besides radar enhancements that will provide better long-range capability, the IAF also sought a significant capability enhancement in the ability to start and operate from 'high-altitude airfields,' like Leh or from parts of the Northeast. Another specific capability, which the IAF is looking at equipping these jets with the is a helmet-mounted display (HMD) through which pilots would be able counter many threats simultaneously.
According to an IAF official, the customised Rafale jets for India will have a weapon suite much superior to the ones proposed in the earlier proposed deal for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft that was negotiated by the Congress-led UPA government. The Rafales will include air-to-air weapons such as the Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles with ranges more than 150km, MICA-RF beyond-visual-range missiles with a range of more than 80km and the MICA-IR close-combat missiles with ranges of more than 60km. The air-to-ground weapons include the SCALP missiles with a range in excess of 300km. The induction of the Meteor and SCALP missiles will provide a significant capability edge to the IAF over Indias adversaries on both the eastern and western fronts.
The delivery schedule of the 36 Dassault Rafales is 67 months and the first aircraft will reach the IAF by mid-2019 and the rest over the next 30 months.
After hard negotiations lasting nearly 18 months, the IAF signed a euro 7.87 billion (approx Rs 59,000 crore) deal with the French government under a government-to-government agreement for purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets in September 2016 from Dassault Aviation.
During the negotiations, four factors were considered before inking the deal: basic cost of an aircraft, infrastructure and training, India-specific enhancement accessories and performance-based logistics.
Apart from basic cost and expenditure on infrastructure and training, the IAF is closely eyeing performance-based logistics. As per the performance-based logistics agreement, the aircraft manufacturer would ensure that a minimum of 75 per cent of the fleet would always be available for operations.
The country's front-line Sukhoi-30 has only 56 per cent fleet availability. Moreover, the Rafale has lesser turnaround time compared with other fighter jets in the IAF's inventory and can also can do five sorties in a day as compared with other two-engine fighter aircraft available, which have a sortie generation rate of three sorties per day.
A day after the Supreme Court allowed Hadiya alias Akhila, a Muslim converted Kerala woman, to continue her study, the principal of her college at Salem said her husband would not be allowed to meet her. Earlier, while hearing the sensational 'Love Jihad' case on Monday, the top court had directed the institute to allow Hadiya to meet anybody as per the hostel rule.
"I won't allow Hadiya's husband to meet her. Her parents admitted her here; only they can meet her," G. Kannan, principal of Shivraj Homoeopathic Medical College was quoted as saying by reports.
Kannan also said that Hadiya cannot go anywhere alone and can do nothing without his prior permission. He, however, added that completion of her course was his priority.
Hadiya, a 24-year-old woman, is embroiled in a religious conversion row after she converted from Hinduism to Islam and married Shafin Jahan, who, according to the National Investigation Agency, is a radicalised youth and an agent of Islamic State.
Also Read: Hadiya returns to Salem college, vows to meet husband
The principal's comment came even as Jahan said on Tuesday that he would meet his wife as the Supreme Court had not barred him from doing so.
I don't need to approach the court seeking any clarification. The SC has not made any adverse remarks against me, Jahan said in Malappuram.
The Supreme Court on Monday released Hadiya from the custody of her parents and allowed her to return to her college and appointed the dean of the homoeopathic college as her guardian. The top court also directed Tamil Nadu government to provide security for Hadiya for next 11 months.
The NIA which probed the case had submitted that the woman was indoctrinated and that she may be incapable of giving free consent to marriage.
It had also said there was a well-oiled machinery working in Kerala that was indoctrinating and radicalising society in the state.
Jahan had moved the Supreme Court after the Kerala high court annulled their marriage, saying it was an insult to the independence of women in the country.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VANC Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VANC or the Company) (TSX-V:VANC) (OTCQB:NUVPF) announces today that as per the news release dated October 23, 2017 it has closed an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement for a total of 4,850,000 units (the Units) of the Company at a price of $0.15 per Unit for gross proceeds of approximately CDN$727,500.00.
Its been a transitional year for VANC. Exceeding our goal on this private placement confirms that we have strong support for the new vision of the Company, commented Bob Rai, CEO of VANC. We can now look forward to completing the HealthTab acquisition and delivering on our commitment to support the evolving role of community pharmacists with innovative new products and technology.
Each Unit consists of one (1) common share (the Common Share) and one (1) transferrable share purchase warrant (the Warrant). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one (1) additional common share on or before November 27, 2022 at a price of CDN$0.20 per Common Share.
The warrants are subject to an accelerated exercise provision whereby in the event the closing price of the Companys common shares trades at $0.25 or higher for a period of 10 consecutive trading days, then the Company may, within five days of such event, provide notice by way of news release that the warrants shall expire on the date that is 30 days from the date notice is given. The securities issued are subject to a 4 month hold period that expires on March 28, 2018.
The Company paid a finders fee of $3,300.00 (6% on $55,000.05) and 22,000 finders warrants (6% on 366,667 Units). Each finders warrant entitles the finder to purchase one (1) common share of the Company on or before November 27, 2022 at a price of $0.10 per common share.
The proceeds will be used to complete technology acquisitions and toward ongoing operational and corporate expenses.
About VANC Pharmaceuticals Inc.
VANC Pharmaceuticals aims to become the partner of choice for forward-thinking pharmacies across Canada. With an established sales force, distribution network, and team of highly experienced professionals in pharmacy, point-of-care testing and health technology, VANC is growing beyond generics to provide pharmacists with innovative, value-added products and services to support their evolving business models and expanding role as front-line healthcare providers.
For more information visit www.vancpharm.com
On behalf of:
VANC Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Bob Rai
Director and CEO
Phone: 604-687-2038
Fax: 604-687-3141
Email: info@vancpharm.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves VANCs expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. VANC generally uses words such as outlook, will, could, would, might, remains, to be, plans, believes, may, expects, intends, anticipates, estimate, future, plan, positioned, potential, project, remain, scheduled, set to, subject to, upcoming, and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements include our expectation to complete the financing on the terms and in the amounts contemplated, insider participation in the financing, the use of proceeds, that our distribution channels will continue to expand, that the financing will be sufficient to allow the Company to obtain operational profitability, or that the Company will reach operational profitability and the Company's plans for technology acquisitions. Forward-looking statements reflect the then-current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts of our management. Because forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which are difficult to predict, our actual results, performance or achievements or the actual results or performance of the industries and markets in which we operate and intend to operate may be materially different from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve significant uncertainties and risks, should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be an accurate indication of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in our forward-looking statements, including the ability to obtain all necessary stock exchange and board approvals, our ability to negotiate and execute definitive documentation with subscribers and any finders and to fulfill any conditions precedent contained therein, the general level of interest to participate in the private placements and such other matters described in our public filings available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers should exercise caution in relying upon our forward-looking statements and we undertake no obligation to publicly revise such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that terms is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has never wasted an opportunity to talk of his veneration for India's original 'Iron Man' and the country's first home minister, Vallabhbhai Patel. He did the same as he arrived in Hyderabad on Tuesday amid tight security to attend two high-profile events.
The PM, who landed at the Begumpet Airport on Tuesday afternoon, was received by Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana E.S.L. Narasimhan and cabinet ministers and senior officials. Before proceeding to inaugurate the Hyderabad Metro Rail, he spoke to around 4,000 BJP workers at a function organised by the party, just outside the airport premises.
He greeted the gathering of BJP workers in Telugu. I am very happy to be here. Hyderabad reminds me of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He helped Hyderabad state merge with India and I salute him.
In his five-minute speech, he also spoke about the sacrifices of the martyrs of the struggle for statehood for Telangana.
Calling Hyderabad a marvellous city, he said the BJP was committed to developing Telangana state. The BJP does not discriminate against state governments based on politics. We support competitive corporate federalism and intend to help every state irrespective of who is in power.
He also congratulated the BJP workers and their families for their contribution to the partys growth and declared that the BJP was the largest political party in the world.
The PM was then flown in an Indian Air Force helicopter to Miyapur in Cyberabad. He unveiled a pylon at the Miyapur Metro Station, thus officially launching the metro services. Seated between Governor Narasimhan and Telangana IT Minister K.T. Rama Rao, Modi took a ride from Miyapur Station to Kukatpally. The train was driven by a female locomotive pilot.
The PMs convoy then moved toward Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) for the inauguration of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in HITEC City.
Gujarat will see more of Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi in the coming days.
The Gandhi scion, who is all set to be elevated as the party president, will visit the poll-bound state for two days beginning Wednesday.
This will be Gandhi's sixth visit to the state in the last couple of months.
On Wednesday, he will arrive at the Diu air strip and from there he will head to Somnath temple to have darshan.
He is slated to have a corner meeting in the afternoon at Visavadar, the place from where former BJP chief Keshubhai Patel hails from. He will also have a corner meeting at Savarkundla of Amreli district.
After addressing a public meeting, he will have a night halt at Amreli.
The second day's programme has not been approved as yet. However, if Gujarat Congress sources are to be believed, Gandhi, apart from having corner meetings, will address a public meeting in Bhavnagar from where state BJP president Jitubhai Vaghani is contesting.
This is for the second time that Gandhi is covering Saurashtra region. The party expects that it can improve its tally in the region comparing to 2012 elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, is in Saurashtra region on Wednesday. He is slated to address public meetings in Morbi, Prachi, Palitana and late in the afternoon in Navsari, South Gujarat.
Meanwhile, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti leader Hardik Patel will have a road show in Morbi almost at the same time when Modi will be addressing a public meeting. In the evening, Patel will address a public meeting in Rajkot from where chief minister Vijay Rupani is contesting.
Patel has claimed that there would be a huge turnout at his meeting.
Despite an endorsement from the World Health Organization, the Union government is not likely to go ahead with a key provision in the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2014. The proposed amendment expands the definition of legal abortion providersto include nurses, auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and doctors practising Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani and Siddhato perform non-surgical abortions in case of pregnancies up to nine weeks.
The decision to expand the ambit of abortion providers was part of a slew of changes proposed to amend the law on abortion. Though the union ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) is going ahead with most of the other changes, there was no clarity on when the bill would come up in Parliament, said Vandana Gurnani, joint secretary, MoHFW.
Activists said the amendment to allow Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy (AYUSH) doctors and nurses to carry out abortion procedures was the most 'crucial one.' The other changes that the ministry was going ahead with include allowing a woman to seek the opinion of only one doctor before seeking an abortion in the second trimester (instead of two doctors), increasing the gestation limit for legal abortions from 20 to 24 weeks for women with vulnerabilities (rape survivors, women with disabilities), and allowing a woman to abort at anytime during the pregnancy if a fetal abnormality is detected.
But experts working on the issue argued that expanding the base for trained abortion providersbeyond trained MBBS doctorswas the only way to increase access to safe abortions. Many countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal and South Africa allow other healthcare providers to perform non-surgical abortions, and India should follow suit, the experts said.
This was the most important amendment to the MTP Act and would have helped poor women access safe abortion services. There's a huge shortage of doctors in the country, and this change would have helped plug that gap, said Vinoj Manning, director, Ipas Development Foundation, an NGO that works for safe abortions.
According to various estimates, around 13 million abortions take place in India every year. Government data suggests that 8 per cent of maternal mortality was due to unsafe abortionsthis was the third leading cause of maternal deaths in India.
Due to a shortage of trained doctors, many women end up going to untrained, illegal providers, said activists. The need for trained manpower was being seen as a 'crucial' need to reduce unsafe abortions. However, unfounded concerns around sex selection were dissuading policy makers from allowing other healthcare professionals to perform non-surgical abortions.
Doctors countered these fears by reiterating that since sex determination is not possible in the first trimester, the government's concerns around sex-selective abortions in this case did not stand on a firm footing. According to the United Nations Population Fund and Ipas Development Foundation, 80-90 per cent of reported abortions took place in the first trimester (when the sex of the foetus cannot be determined).
Though we are still awaiting the latest data on abortions, we know that there's a huge need. As of now, only gynaecologists and trained MBBS doctors can provide abortion services. And most trained doctors are concentrated in the cities. Mid-level providers such as doctors practising alternative medicine can easily be trained to diagnose pregnancies and provide medical abortion. Issues around safety and training can easily be taken care of in these trainings, Mumbai-based obstetrician Dr Nozer Sheriar said.
However, Dr Hrishkesh Pai, secretary general, Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies of India, countered, There's no shortage of doctors in the country. The government only needs to ensure that doctors are able to reach rural areas by fixing the logistical gaps. We need to utilise the existing cadre of doctors better before we consider training other professionals.
According to V.S. Chandrashekhar, CEO, Foundation for Reproductive Health Services India, in at least 13 states in the country, AYUSH doctors were allowed to administer some form of allopathic treatment. Besides, if skilled birth attendants facilitate normal deliveries, are trained to do per vaginal examination, and insert and remove the intra-uterine contraceptive device, why is there a hesitation to allow them to administer medical abortion? he questioned.
Around 10 women in India die every day due to unsafe abortions, and these deaths, say experts, are 'entirely preventable.' Poor infrastructure in rural areas, lack of trained providers and mandatory consent of two doctors are being seen as some of the barriers in access to safe abortions.
The defence minister of Singapore Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday flew a sortie in the light combat aircraft at the Indian Air Force base at Kalaikunda in West Bengal. The minister is on a days visit to Kalaikunda. He was received by Air Marshal, the air officer commanding-in-chief of the eastern air command, Anil Khosla. He was flown in Tejas, the first indigenous aircraft of Indian Air Force.
Interestingly, the project director for flight testing at the aeronautical development agency, Air vice marshal A.P. Singh was the pilot who flew the visiting dignitary in the light combat aircraft.
The minister also met and interacted with the detachment commander and other officers and men of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, who had already been at Kalaikunda to receive the minister. The Singapore force is stationed in Kalaikunda air base to receive training from their Indian counterparts. They would also impart their specialised training to Indian force.
The joint military training is scheduled to start next week where Singapore Air Force would fly their F-16s and Indian air force would fly Su-30.
Hen praised the professionalism of the Indian Air Force and expressed hope that military cooperation between two countries would continue.
Air Marshal Khosla said, The joint military training provides a unique platform for mutual learning and exchange of ideas between the two professional air forces.
For 45 minutes, I placed my life in the hands of Air Vice Marshall A.P. Singh as we flew 20,000 ft above the skies in the IAFs new fighter plane - Tejas. I have never met him before but my own air force, in Singapore who have been trained regularly with Indian air force pilots, say he is among the best, said Hen.
So, as suggested by my air force, I decided to fly and it was easy for me. The plane ride was so smooth that despite the G-turns and manoevers, I managed to take a few selfies, said the minister with a grin.
Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, who is also the mastermind behind the Mumbai 26/11 attacks, filed a petition to the United Nations to have his name removed from the list of terrorists. The petition was filed filed through the Lahore-based law firm Mirza and Mirza.
Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, was placed under house arrest from January by the provincial government as per anti-terrorism laws.
He was release on November 24 and ever since has been rallying for a free Kashmir and against ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Read more: Freed, Hafiz Saeed vows to fight for Kashmir
In May 2008, US had named him a specially designated global terrorist. Soon after the November 2008 teror attack on Mumbai, he was designated a terrorist by the UN under UNSCR 1267 (UN Security Council Resolution) in December 2008.
The US had also announced a bounty of $10 million post the 26/11 attack. Post being freed from house arrest, US asked Pakistan to re-arrest Saeed and warned Pakistan of repercussions for failing to do so.
Saeed was released from house arrest after a judicial body cited there was 'insufficient evidence' to detain him.
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has said that he will resign if the Hezbollah resistance movement refuses to remain neutral in the country.
Hariri, in remarks to the media, said on November 27 that he would continue as Prime Minister "if Hezbollah accepted to stick by the state policy of staying out of regional conflicts from Syria to Iraq and Yemen".
"They know we have to remain neutral in the region," Hariri was quoted as saying by the media.
Hezbollah is an opponent of Hariri's Saudi Arabia-backed Future Movement though it is also a member of Hariri's coalition government.
Hariri announced his resignation on November 4 in Saudi Arabia, shocking Lebanon and plunging it into political uncertainty. He accused Iran and Hezbollah of sowing strife in the Arab world, an allegation rejected by both sides.
Shortly afterwards, Lebanese President Michel Aoun accused Riyadh of kidnapping Hariri. The European Union, France and Germany also called on the Saudis for his return.
Hariri then travelled back to Lebanon and put his resignation on hold at Aoun's request in favour of a national dialogue.
According to reports, Hariri had been forced to step down by the Kingdom over his failing to "confront" Hezbollah.
"Lebanon cannot resolve a question like Hezbollah which is in Syria, Iraq, everywhere because of Iran. It is a regional political solution that needs to be done," Hariri said on Monday.
He also rejected claims that he had forcibly resigned. He said he had written his resignation statement himself, countering allegations that it has been handed to him.
The Prime Minister said he would keep to himself what happened in Saudi Arabia, implying that he did not feel free to expose what had actually transpired in the Kingdom.
Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Frances Fitzgerald has resisted calls to resign as more evidence has emerged about her level of knowledge surrounding a plan to discredit an Irish police whistleblower.
On November 27, documents revealed Frances Fitzgerald had received a letter discussing the action from an official, the media reported.
At the time she was the Irish minster for justice. She faces a vote of no confidence in the Dail (Irish parliament) on November 28.
A government spokesperson said it retained full confidence in Fitzgerald. The dispute has created a political crisis.
In 2015, the O'Higgins Commission was established by the government to look examine malpractice allegations in the Garda's (Irish police) Cavan-Monaghan division.
On the evening of November 27, it was revealed that the now tanaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) was personally sent a letter from one of her officials in July 2015, which discussed the "aggressive stance towards Sgt. Maurice McCabe at the commission".
The letter is one of a number of documents published by the department of justice from a record trawl requested by Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Leo Varadkar.
In a series of tweets on the evening of November 27, Fitzgerald wrote: "As Justice Minister I could not interfere with the O'Higgins Commission. This is confirmed twice in today's docs & has been confirmed by the Attorney General."
A judge-led tribunal is also being held to establish whether senior Garda officers were involved in an alleged smear campaign against whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe.
Fitzgerald also wrote: "The Tribunal will objectively judge the appropriateness of my conduct. I look forward to giving my evidence to the Tribunal early in January."
Last week Fitzgerald faced questions in the Dail (Irish parliament) over an email she was sent by former Garda Commissioner, Noirin O'Sullivan, which outlined the legal strategy to be pursued against Sgt Maurice McCabe.
Fitzgerald said she could not remember reading it.
However she recently admitted she was made aware a year earlier than she had previously stated, that lawyers for the Garda were going to attempt to discredit Sgt. McCabe.
Kenyan security forces fired teargas to control crowds trying to force their way into a stadium for President Uhuru Kenyattas inauguration on November 28, as riot police sealed off an area where the opposition planned to hold a rival rally.
Kenyatta won a second five-year term on October 26 in a repeat presidential election boycotted by opposition leader Raila Odinga, who said it would not be free and fair.
The Supreme Court nullified the first presidential election, in August, over irregularities.
The extended election season has divided Kenya, a Western ally in a volatile region, and blunted growth in East Africas richest economy.
Supporters of Kenyatta who won with 98 percent of the vote after Odingas boycott are urging the opposition to engage in talks and move on.
Our responsibility after the political competition is to come together and work to build the nation, Kenyatta said.
Hours before the inauguration was due to start, 60,000 Kenyatta supporters, many clad in the red and yellow Jubilee party colours and carrying Kenyan flags, filled the stadium where the ceremony will take place.
Read more: Kenyatta to be sworn in as president post re-election in Kenya
Others, chafing at being kept outside, overwhelmed police and streamed in. Officers then fired teargas in a bid to control them.
Im sure Uhuru will be able to bring people together and unite them so we can all work for the country, said Eunice Jerobon, a trader who travelled overnight from the Rift Valley town of Kapsabet for the inauguration, before the disturbance.
But Odinga supporters say such talk of unity is tantamount to surrender. They accuse the ruling party of stealing the election, rampant corruption, directing abuse by the security forces and neglecting vast swathes of the country, including Odingas heartland in the west.
A return to the political backwardness of our past is more than unacceptable. It is intolerable ... This divide cannot be bridged by dialogue and compromise, Odingas National Super Alliance opposition alliance said in a statement.
The opposition planned to hold a prayer meeting in the capital on November 28, saying it wanted to commemorate the lives of Odinga supporters killed during confrontations with the security forces over the election period.
More than 70 people have been killed in political violence this election season, mostly by the police.
The scene of the planned rally had been sealed off by seven truck loads of police. Two water cannons were standing by.
Police began firing teargas in nearby residential areas two hours before the rally was due to start, apparently attempting to prevent opposition supporters from gathering.
Reuters
Pope Francis headed to Myanmar's capital city of Nay Pyi Taw on November 28, where heads of the government will officially welcome him on the second day of his visit to the country.
In the capital, the pontiff will be received by President Htin Kyaw and will also meet de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, reports the media.
He will then also have a meeting with the diplomatic corps accredited in the country, before returning in the afternoon to Yangon where he had arrived on November 27.
Pope Francis began his visit to Myanmar on November 27 with a meeting with Army Chief General Min Aung Hlaing, architect of the military operations that caused hundreds of deaths and forced more than 620,000 members of the Rohingya Muslim minority to flee to Bangladesh.
During the meeting, the pontiff expressed the need for the authorities to assume their responsibility during this period of ongoing political transition in the country, according to Vatican sources.
General Hlaing in a statement said that in Myanmar "there is no religious discrimination" because "the country ensures religious freedom", and that the armed forces were "making efforts to restore and to ensure peace in the nation. Myanmar has no discrimination among the ethnics".
The pope is also scheduled to attend a major Mass on November 29, after which he will hold a meeting with the Supreme Council of Myanmar's Buddhist monks and another meeting with bishops.
The humanitarian crisis of the Rohingya plays a crucial role in Pope Francis' visit to Myanmar.
On November 30 he will head to neighbouring Bangladesh in an attempt to mediate the crisis, which the UN has dubbed a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing".
The pontiff will become the first Catholic leader to visit Dhaka since 1986.
In Bangladesh, Francis is scheduled to meet a small group of Rohingya refugees in a symbolic gesture.
FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KMG (NYSE:KMG), a global provider of specialty chemicals and performance materials, today announced the Company will provide fiscal first quarter financial results on Monday, December 11, 2017 after the close of the market. At 5:00 p.m. ET that same day, KMG management will host a conference call to review the companys financial results. Listeners may access the conference call live via a dial-in number or audio webcast.
Monday, December 11, 2017
5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Dial-in Numbers:
Domestic: (844) 316-8066; International: (703) 736-7353
Conference ID: 5178707
The conference call will be webcast live via the Investors section of the Companys website at http://kmgchemicals.com.
The conference call transcript will be archived on the KMG website. A replay of the teleconference will also be available for one week, starting at 8:00 p.m. ET on December 11, 2017. To access the replay, call (855) 859-2056 (domestic) or (404) 537-3406 (international) using conference ID 5178707.
About KMG
KMG Chemicals, Inc., through its subsidiaries, produces and distributes specialty chemicals and performance materials for the semiconductor, industrial wood preservation, and pipeline and energy markets. For more information, visit the Company's website at http://kmgchemicals.com.
During the course of the conference call, KMG may make certain forward-looking statements that are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including statements as to the future performance of the company. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations or any of its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause results to differ include, but are not limited to, successful performance of internal plans, product development acceptance, the impact of competitive services and pricing and general economic risks and uncertainties.
KMG Investor Relations
Eric Glover, 817-761-6006
Rahul Gandhi visited more than a dozen temples in the past two months in Gujaratmore than what Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a hindutva icon, did. It rings a bell.
It is a change of strategy by the Congress. With demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax hitting the Gujarat traders hard, and the caste sentiments on the boil, Rahul has tweaked the partys game plan. As a result, there has been no reference of Muslims, or the 2002 communal riots.
Am I not allowed to visit temples? asked the Congress vice president, responding to the criticism that followed his visits to major temples in the poll-bound state. I am a devotee of Lord Shiva. Let them say whatever they want to say. My truth is with me, he said.
It was a rare declaration of faith from Rahul, though it was not his first high-profile temple visit. With his vermilion-smeared-forehead flashed everywhere, he aims to put to rest any whisper campaign over his Hinduness. His mother, Sonia, was often attacked over her foreign origin and faith.
The change of strategy became visible when Rahul kickstarted the Gujarat campaign with a visit to the Dwarkadhish Temple on September 25. The priests showed him the entries of the visits of his father and grandmother, and recorded his visit by emphasising his Brahmin credentials. Indira Gandhi last visited the temple on May 18, 1980, and Rajiv on February 10, 1990.
Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah had made temple visits central to their political strategy. Elaborate rituals during such visits had endeared them to the Hindu electorate. The Congress has to change the narrative of the campaign. If they go by traditional style, it will be very difficult for them to match the might of the BJP, said Prof Sanjay Kumar, director of Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, Delhi. Now, there is a conscious effort on the part of the Congress leadership to change the nature of the campaign by reaching out to those people and symbols, which they have not consciously done in the past.
Rahuls temple run has not gone unnoticed. The BJP, especially, seems alarmed. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mocked Rahul saying he did not even know how to sit in the Kashi temple. BJP general secretary Bhupender Yadav, who is in charge of party affairs in Gujarat, called it an election stunt. Visiting temples is part of Indian culture. But this must come naturally and not just during elections, he said. BJP vice president Vinay Sahasrabuddhe said the Congress leadership remembered God and the people only when they faced challenges.
Congress MP Sushmita Dev, however, did not find anything unusual in Rahuls temple visits. Gujarat is a highly religious state. Requests had come from various communities asking Rahul to visit their local deities. Based on requests he can visit even a church and a mosque, she said.
Though Rahuls temple visits did not help the Congress in the assembly elections in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, he appears more surefooted this time around. I thank the BJP as the defeat in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections was the best thing to happen to me. The BJP had beaten me and abused me so much that it opened up my eyes, he said in a rare admission of his political journey during an interaction in Vadodara on October 9.
There has been an effort by the Congress not to ignore Hindu sentiments ever since the Mathura chintan shivir in 2015. In 2014, the Congresss defeat was because of various factors, said Sanjay Kumar. One of them was large sections of voters seeing the Congress as a party engaging in appeasement of Muslims at the cost of neglecting the Hindus. In states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Assam where the Congress is in direct contest with the BJP, the party expects to get the Muslim votes by default. Hence, what they are trying to do is to reach out to Hindus and give a message that they care for the majority community.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leaders of Bermudas global business sector highlighted the breadth, advantages and significant economic impact of the islands financial market during an awareness-raising cross-industry forum held in London today by the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA).
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2bcaa95b-e3ca-44c9-899a-cb70eeb4cf10
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7bdeef31-44cc-4e6d-9984-f08a6cd6bfe7
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Premier the Hon David Burt officially opened the day-long forum after meeting with Britains Prime Minister Theresa May. The Premier is in the city for the BDA event as well as annual Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) meetings and various Parliamentary events, followed by planned visits to Paris and Berlin later in the week.
Our government supports events like this BDA forum, because its important to engage people from around the world to help accomplish our goals growing Bermudas economy, said the Premier. Bermuda has a very powerful story to tell as a well-regarded international financial centre known for robust regulation and leadership on transparency and compliance. We believe this is an excellent platform to talk about Bermudas role in supporting global economies. Its important, because we trade on that reputation.
The forum attracted close to 250 delegates, encompassing a wide range of industries, to ME London Hotel in the citys West End. Featuring top regulatory and industry representatives in discussion panels, the agenda covered hot-button topics such as Brexit and the recent theft of Paradise Papers law-firm data, while emphasising the many elements that differentiate Bermudafrom the islands world-respected regulator and access to capital to its deep pool of valuable industry expertise. Speakers also examined the varied sectors that make Bermuda a centre of excellence, including re/insurance, captive insurance and insurance-linked securities, to asset management, family offices, and trust and private-client business.
The forum has provided us with an opportunity to tell the Bermuda story at a critical juncture when the European spotlight is on international financial centres, said BDA CEO Ross Webber. Our jurisdiction has a compelling message, and people are beginning to understand that Bermuda really is different.
Forum panels in the morning covered risk-industry topicsfrom insurance trends and the outlook for 2018 to why Bermuda remains the Worlds Risk Capital. Afternoon sessions focused on the rapidly-growing convergence of re/insurance and asset management, then moved to examine high-net-worth services, family governance and charitable trust structuring.
The days line-up featured 25 Bermuda executives, including Bermuda Monetary Authority CEO Jeremy Cox; Bermuda Stock Exchange CEO Greg Wojciechowski; Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers President Brad Kading; Grainne Richmond, President of the Bermuda Insurance Management Association (BIMA); and Keith Robinson, Chairman of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP) Bermuda.
Keynote speaker, Deputy Chair of Lloyds and Hiscox Chair Robert Childs, described Bermudas speed to market and detailed the many advantages Bermuda had lent to Hiscox.
The forum gathered government, industry and regulatory experience to give attendees an opportunity to be exposed to the Bermuda market, said BMA CEO Jeremy Cox. That kind of collaboration is part of what has made Bermuda successful. Certainly, given the times were in, thats importantbecause theres been a lot of misinformation in the media about our jurisdiction. This has given us an opportunity to set the record straight.
Other Bermuda-based executive participants included Mark Allitt of KPMG Bermuda; Sarah Demerling of Estera; BDA former chair and Hiscox Director Caroline Foulger; David Gibbons of PwC Bermuda; Ed Granski for Meritus Trust; Randall Krebs of Harbour International Trust Company; BDA Board member Jessel Mendes, of EY Bermuda; Michael Neff of Butterfield Bank; Michael Parrish of Marsh Bermuda; Peter Pearman of Conyers Dill & Pearman; Brian Quinn of Granite Management; Fozeia Rana-Fahy of MJM; Aon CEO Joe Rego; Andrew Smith of Qatar Re; Ariane West of Taylors in association with Walkers; Arthur Wightman of PwC Bermuda; Kim Willey of ASW Law; and Akilah Wilson of the BMA.
We were very impressed by the support not just from Bermuda industry but from friends of Bermuda here in the UK, Webber added. We had over 20 different companies represented at our forum; thats a marvellous endorsement of the work of the BDA, and a great reflection of the collaboration of the Bermuda market. Its very rewarding to see Bermuda so well represented and supported.
Overseas presenters included Richard Hay of Stikeman Elliott, London; Sian Hill of KPMG UK; and Samantha Morgan of RMW Law.
Its about working relationships with the right people were not just marketing the jurisdiction, said Jessel Mendes, a BDA Board member and Partner at EY Bermuda. Were really selling, and I think thats critical. Its about working the relationships with the right people to bring business back to Bermuda. Today, the focus is on the relationship, on business development, and on sales. Thats a new mindshift and I believe credit for it goes to the BDA.
Tomorrow, a second industry eventBeyond Convergencewill also take place at the hotel, focusing solely on insurance-linked securities. Organised by ILS Bermuda to dovetail with todays forum, it will provide a more detailed look at Bermudas success in attracting capital, expertise and clients to the sphere of alternative reinsurance. Featured speakers will include some of the same industry executives, including the BSXs Wojciechowski, the BMAs Cox, ABIRs Kading, and BDAs Webber.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rosemary Jones
Head of Communications & Marketing
rosemary@bda.bm
441 278-6558
441 337-4696
CONNECTING BUSINESS
The BDA encourages direct investment and helps companies start up, re-locate or expand their operations in our premier jurisdiction. An independent, public-private partnership, we connect you to industry professionals, regulatory officials, and key contacts in the Bermuda government to assist domicile decisions. Our goal? To make doing business in Bermuda smooth and beneficial.
The man who sold Britains biggest technology company to the Japanese and two other firms to foreign vultures is sitting on the UKs takeover watchdog.
Stuart Chambers, who was chairman of ARM Holdings when they were bought by Japanese Softbank, plays a key role in deciding whether takeovers should go ahead.
Chambers was also chief executive of Pilkington glass when that was sold to Japanese investors, and later chairman of packaging company Rexam when that was bought by Americans. His appointment to the panel was branded a disgrace by a City investor.
Philip Hammod greets Stuart Chambers outside 11 Downing Street
James Anderson, who runs Scottish Mortgage, said Chambers failed to do his job properly when he recommended the takeover of ARM by Softbank to shareholders. He said: Its a disgrace that this man is on the Takeover Panel.
Anderson claimed Masayoshi Son, chief executive of Softbank, was now boasting ARM can be bigger under his ownership than Google.
Chambers, 61, justified the take-over by arguing it was supported by shareholders who were focused on short term gains.
Yesterday he rejected Andersons criticisms, adding: I share his frustration but bluntly he was in a tiny minority. The capital markets are not prepared to take that long term a view. I do not understand the view that the chairman of a plc can advise a board to fly in the face of the wishes of 90pc of the shareholders. Thats an abrogation of fiduciary responsibility.
Decisions of this nature are very difficult for both boards and shareholders alike.
His row with Anderson erupted as both the Takeover Panel and the Government are reviewing their approach to foreign deals.
There is growing concern that scrutiny of deals is too lax, with the weak pound making British firms more vulnerable to overseas buyers.
A spokesman for the panel declined to comment last night.
Barclay's high-end bank is eyeing a return to Asia and the Middle East less than two years after it sold out of the region.
The lender sold its Asian private bank which targets wealthy customers to Singapores Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation in 2016 as part of chief executive Jes Staleys plan to focus on the US and UK.
But with the geographical market worth an estimated 3.7 trillion thanks to a surge in the newly-enriched middle classes, senior figures are reportedly plotting to return.
Barclay is expected to capitalise on 3.7 trillion market in Asia
European and US lenders are rushing to grab a share of the increasingly affluent market in Asia, with Credit Suisse, UBS and Citigroup all vying for clients.
A couple who fell ill on holiday were billed 4,250 for backing out of a sickness compensation claim.
In September 2016, Jackie and Steve Reeves were contacted by a cold-caller who asked whether they had fallen ill abroad.
These types of calls are being made every day and have resulted in claims for holiday sickness soaring by 500 per cent since 2013 to 35,000 a year currently.
Jackie, 71, and Steve, 62, had been laid low with a stomach bug on an all-inclusive Thomas Cook trip to Cuba in April 2016.
The idea of claiming compensation hadnt crossed either of their minds. They had caught the virus half-way through their trip and spent several days confined to their hotel room, suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea.
Targeted: In September 2016, Jackie and Steve Reeves were left with a 4,250 bill after being encouraged to make a holiday illness insurance claim
At the time, they put the illness down to foreign food. But the caller claimed they were among hundreds of people who had suffered at the resort in Holguin, in eastern Cuba.
Jackie, a GP receptionist, remembers him saying poor hygiene standards had put customers in danger.
Jackie says she remembers birds flying into the hotel restaurant and pecking at the uncovered buffet, and that cats had also roamed through the dining and kitchen areas.
The caller said he would get a law firm to sue Thomas Cook for compensation.
In November 2016, the couple received a 34-page contract from Liverpool-based High Street Solicitors.
The law firm which would not have been responsible for the cold-calling, done by a separate business said it would represent the couple on a no win, no fee basis. There is no suggestion the firm has been involved in any wrongdoing.
The couple recall that the agreement they had signed and returned had stated fraudulent claimants would not be tolerated and the couple would be charged for all legal fees incurred if they had presented a false case.
Jackie and Steve Reeves were contacted by a cold-caller
It set out charges of 220 an hour for work done by a solicitor and 150 an hour for paralegals.
Jackie doesnt remember reading about costs incurred if a client withdrew a claim.
I knew we were telling the truth, so wasnt concerned, she says.
She remembers that the firm rang to tell her how the case would progress. They said Thomas Cook would be very reluctant to take the case to court and would almost certainly settle and pay us compensation, she says.
They said they were very confident that we would receive a payout.
She was given a list of questions to answer in writing about how and when they fell ill.
Jackie cannot recall hearing from the firm again, until she received a letter in April 2017.
The letter said the couples claim couldnt be settled without obtaining medical records to prove that you do not have any allergies or any other symptoms that could have made you sick abroad.
Jackie and Steve say they gave consent for the firm to look through their medical records.
Jackie says the holiday cost 1,800, but she wasnt sure how much compensation they would get.
In May, the couple each received a phone call from a private GP, who asked questions about their medical history. Then, in August this year, the couple received the news that Thomas Cook had rejected a settlement offer.
An email to the couple from the solicitors said: Please do not see this as a negative . . . The longer they take to settle your claim, the more expensive it will be for them [Thomas Cook].
The law firm said that if it did not hear anything from Thomas Cook, it would instigate whichever court proceedings are most suitable to progress your claim.
Jackie, 71, and Steve, 62, had been laid low with a stomach bug on an all-inclusive Thomas Cook trip to Cuba in April 2016
Jackie says: All of a sudden, I thought: This is getting out of hand. The issue had snowballed and had become far too much for me to take on. Going to court would be my worst nightmare.
Then, on a holiday to Cyprus in August, the couple fell ill again. They concluded, rightly or wrongly, that they were susceptible to stomach bugs in foreign countries.
We couldnt in all good conscience continue with the claim, Jackie says. We only claimed because the cold-caller was so persuasive.
On their return to the UK, Jackie cancelled the claim and was told to expect a bill. She asked what she owed and why, and says she could have been knocked down with a feather when told they were liable for 5,400 in legal fees.
The invoice they received said they must contact the office within seven days to discuss payment, or the matter would be passed to an enforcement team.
Potential fees for backing out of the agreement had been mentioned on what appeared to be page 26 of Jackie and Steves legal contract. Money Mail has seen this and has tried to establish to what extent the clauses are commonplace for such claims.
It stated that they could terminate at any time, but that the firm could require the client to pay the solicitors basic charges for the work done up to the date of termination and any counsels fees, insurance premiums and disbursements incurred up to that date.
The couple ended up paying a discounted amount of 4,250.
It was far more than we can afford, but I felt I had no other choice, says Jackie.
A spokesman from High Street Solicitors says it is unable to comment on the specific case due to client confidentiality obligations.
Money Mail is happy to make it clear that there is no suggestion that the firm has acted in breach of professional guidance or regulations.
s.smyth@dailymail.co.uk
When it comes to the real world of business, the Governments new Industrial Strategy has more holes than a colander.
The principal criticism is the lack of financial heft. The same Government that is prepared to invest 56 billion on HS2, 40bn on extricating Britain from the EU and up to 32 billion on Crossrail 2 is proposing to spend a relative pittance on making Britain the most innovative economy in the world.
It is committing an extra 2.3 billion to Research & Development in 2020-21. Why so little and why the wait for two fiscal years when we need to make the investment now if we are really going to be fit for Brexit?
The British Government has been unsuccessful in its attempts to encourage investment into the motor industry
Even when spending is ratcheted up to 2.4 per cent of total wealth by 2027, it will only then be equal to the OECD average which with the best intentions isnt going to turn the UK into a world-beater.
But it is the massaging of the facts which enfeebles the strategy.
There is a declaration that the UK rebuilt its motor industry by deliberately attracting investment from overseas.
This is rewriting history. Much of the inward investment by BMW at Mini, for instance, arose out of desperation. In the case of Honda at Swindon, far from being encouraged by the British authorities they were cut loose. More recently Business Secretary Greg Clarks acceptance at face value of the preservation of jobs and investment by Peugeot, after buying Vauxhall, doesnt look worth the paper it was printed on after 400 jobs were summarily axed at Ellesmere Port.
Among the four grand challenges outlined in the strategy is to maximise the advantages to UK industry from the global shift to clean growth. The Green Investment Bank (GIB) provided ministers with the ideal vehicle to drive an environmental agenda. Instead it sold the GIB and its key investments to the vampire kangaroo Macquarie for 2.3 billion.
This in spite of the Aussie firms disastrous record at Thames Water where it shifted fund-raising and income offshore to the Cayman Islands, paid billions in dividends to overseas investors and dumped large amounts of raw sewage into the upper reaches of the Thames not far from Theresa Mays Maidenhead constituency. This does not suggests great environmental awareness in Whitehall.
Business Secretary: Greg Clark
A grand omission from the document is any reference to foreign takeovers.
Britain will never be a technological leader in anything if it allows our best high tech and software enterprises to fall to the highest bidder. Softbank may have paid a handsome price for Cambridge-based ARM, pioneer of the internet of things, but the UKs ability to protect patents, intellectual property and people from fleeing overseas is limited.
Softbanks ownership already has been weakened by selling a quarter of the company to investors in Saudi Arabia who may or may not be under luxury hotel arrest at the Ritz Carlton in Riyadh.
This is hardly safe ownership for one of Britains great tech innovators with its brave ambitions, for instance, to deliver the nations first smart cities.
One suspect the cities will be in Japan or Southern California before they reach Huddersfield, Burnley or Cheltenham. Similarly we can have no confidence that the small amounts of cash devoted to driving ultra-fast broadband will make a blind bit of difference. Over the last weekend, parts of Surreys suburbs were without broadband and service because Virgin Media was out of action.
Many of our readers will have experienced the frustration of BTs second rate broadband services.
More reliable and faster internet could have a direct impact on suppressed productivity. The pitiful assistance offered by government, together with rotten service levels by suppliers, are roadblocks to improved output that need urgent removal.
It is good that the May government finally has discovered a vision for a post-Brexit Britain. But the resources, energy and ambition behind it do not cut the mustard.
Selling Us Short Stuart Chambers is inheritor of the title of the person who sold Britain from previous incumbent Sir Nigel Rudd. Among the national treasures Chambers surrendered are glass maker Pilkington, global packaging champion Rexam and most significantly ARM. Now Chambers sits on the Takeover Panel, the enforcer of pledges made by overseas buyers when taking over British companies. Poacher turned gamekeeper or patsy? You pays your money and take your choice.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GFM Resources Limited (the Corporation) (TSX-V:GFM.H) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an exploration and evaluation agreement with Minera Auricup, S. de R.L. (Auricup) for exclusive access to conduct exploration and evaluation of the merits of a mineral concession (the Evaluation Agreement) of Auricups Baviacora concession (the Concession), located in the state of Sonora, Mexico.
Under the terms of the Evaluation Agreement, the Corporation will pay for outstanding mineral rights of the Concession, will have exclusive access rights for a period of six months, and will obtain a minimum 15% ownership stake in the Concession. The starting of the six-month initial evaluation and exploration term is subject to Auricup negotiating the land access rights with the local communal land administration. If, for any reason, such access rights are not successfully negotiated within 120 days of the date of Evaluation Agreement, the Corporation has the option of demanding full repayment, or to obtain a similar stake in a different but equivalent mineral concession owned by Auricup.
Should the initial exploration and evaluation under the present agreement be successful, the Corporation, at its sole option, has the exclusive right to negotiate an agreement to acquire a further interest in the Concession.
The Corporation has paid the outstanding Concessions maintenance fees of MXN $1,431,671 (approximately CAD $95,000) as consideration for the evaluation rights. The Corporation drew down on its facility with Metallorum Holding, S.A.P.I de C.V., the Corporations majority shareholder, for this payment.
The Evaluation Agreement is subject to the approval of the NEX Board of the TSX Venture Exchange.
For additional information, please contact:
Salvador Miranda, Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (+1) 604 925 2839
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
GFM RESOURCES LIMITED
Suite 2000 - 1066 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6E 2X2
Tel: (+1) 604 925 2839
TRANSFER PROBE
The boss of Standard Chartered, Bill Winters, is helping Singapore investigate a dubious 1.1 billion cash transfer.
Bill Winters: Is assisting Singapore authorities over financial transactions
LENDER BOOST
Online firm Lendable, which lends money from big investors, has been given 300 million from Castle Trust.
CAPITAL IDEA
Start-up investor Balderton Capital has raised a 281 million fund for entrepreneurs.
RICK PICKINGS
Boris Collardi, the boss of Swiss bank Julius Baer, has defected to rival Pictet.
BANKING BILL
Banks spent 10.2 billion on consultants in 2016, Source Global Research said.
STORE START-UPS
To bring in new ideas, John Lewis is investing 100,000 in the dining app WeFiFo and the delivery service Exaactly.
NUMBER CRUNCHING
British tech firm Wandisco has joined Amazon on a cloud computing service to improve data transfer.
MERGER NEWS
Bosses at Worldpay expect its 9.3 billion merger with Vantiv to complete in January as it reported a 3.5 per cent rise in third-quarter profits to 62.5 million.
SCRAP VALUE
Steel firm GFG Alliance has pledged to recycle more of the 7.2 million tonnes of scrap exported every year in the UK.
GENERATION GAIN
Onshore wind farms Zephyr and Infinis Wind have merged to form Ventient Energy, now the UKs No3.
NOBEL PRIZE
The maker of Dulux, Akzo Nobel, is buying Thai powder coater V.Powder-tech.
ENERGY SAPPING
Non-executive directors Dr Yousef AlAwadi and Mohamed Yusof Rafie have resigned from Kuwait Energy.
TOTAL SELL-OUT
Oil firm Total is selling two Norwegian oil fields to rival Statoil for 1.08 billion.
GAS GAIN
AIM-listed explorer Prospex Oil & Gas has found gas at its 50 per cent-owned Romanian well.
IN CREDIT
The credit rating of miner Petropavlovsk has been raised from B minus to B by S&P.
STORE BOSS
Family-owned department store Fenwick has hired former Argos executive Robbie Feather as chief executive.
BIGGER DIGGER
Construction rental firm Plant Hire UK has bought 450 JCBs for 25million.
Being able to afford a home in London is now so far out of reach for the average worker in the capital that a house or flat now costs 14.5 times the typical income, a new study reveals.
The gap between earnings and house prices has nearly doubled in the past 15 years in the capital, the latest Hometrack UK Cities House Price index shows.
However, while houses in London are still growing ever-more unaffordable, they are being outpaced by homes in Manchester and Birmingham.
Affordability: House prices in London have reached a record 14.5 times average earnings
The average price in Manchester rose by another 6.7 per cent in the year to October to 158,800, while the average price in Birmingham increased by 6.2 per cent to 155,600.
Separate data published by Barclays Mortgages today also revealed that cities like Birmingham have seen house price hikes outstrip those seen in London.
Within Birmingham, property prices in postcode B16 (Ladywood), have risen to an average of 171,121 in the past year, marking a 17 per cent increase, Barclays Mortgages said.
Following a decade of sizable property price growth in London, the average increase in the capital was just 2 per cent in the last year.
London's trendy Clapton area saw the biggest increase in property prices within the capital, but even here prices only rose 5 per cent.
Even so, the UK housing market continues to show a big North-South divide as southern big cities are reaching record levels of unaffordability while some northern metropolis are actually more affordable than they were over the past decade.
As well as London, other cities in the South such as Cambridge, Oxford and Bournemouth have also recorded double digit price to earnings ratios.
In contrast, outside of the south of England affordability has remained pretty much unchanged, with the exception of Glasgow, Liverpool and Newcastle, where the current house price to earnings ratio is actually lower than the average over the past 15 years.
It comes as prices across the UKs biggest cities accelerated to 6.1 per cent to 254,700 in the year to October, the highest rate of growth since September last year and above the UKs average growth rate of 4.7 per cent.
Despite the recent price rises, homes in Manchester and Birmingham remained some of the most affordable in UK cities, with earnings ratio between 5 per cent and 13 per cent higher than the 15 year average.
In regional cities outside of the south east house price growth remains robust as affordability is still attractive and unemployment continues to fall, said Richard Donnell, Research and Insight Director at Hometrack.
This can be seen in cities such as Manchester and Birmingham where the current house price to earnings ratio is only slightly higher than it has been on average over the last 15 years,' he added.
'As long as mortgage rates remain relatively low and the economy continues to improve, there is a strong feasibility that house prices will rise steadily in regional cities over the next two to three years.
All mortgage lenders put a cap on the amount an aspiring homeowner can borrower as a multiple of their income.
London and Cambridge have become increasingly unaffordable over the past 15 years
They are only permitted to offer 15 per cent of borrowers a multiple higher than 4.5 times earnings, so this tends to the the maximum level to which a household can borrow.
Lenders tend to take into account the incomes of all of those looking to take out a mortgage. Nonetheless, even if a couple were both working full time in London on average salaries, they would still be way off the income required to buy an average home.
Prices in London rose by another three per cent over the past year, although this was mostly being driven by commuter areas, with prices in central London actually flat or slightly falling.
Hometrack expects this will continue over the next two to three years as house prices adjust to the levels that home buyers are prepared to pay.
Prices in London and Cambridge are up 60 per cent in one decade alone. In contrast, prices in Glasgow and Liverpool are lower.
House price to earning ratio in London and Cambridge is well above the average over the past 15 years
House prices are in the process of adjusting to what buyers are willing or able to pay. Tax changes for investors and low yields have already reduced investor demand in London, Hometrack said.
Mortgaged first-time buyer numbers are also down 15 per cent over the last three years. We expect Budget stamp duty changes to have limited impact in London as the greatest barrier remains the high level of income required to pass mortgage affordability stress tests, it added.
Cambridge followed London, with the average home 14.3 times the average earnings in the city, while rising prices pushed the price to earnings ratio to 12.6 in Oxford, 10.1 in Bournemouth and 9.7 in Bristol.
These cities have affordability ratios that are 20 per cent to 40 per cent higher than the long run average, Hometrack said.
New proposal could prevent customers having access to all their funds
A safety net that protects the publics cash during bank failures is under threat from European Union bureaucrats.
The first 100,000 of a customers savings are protected under EU law when a lender goes bust meaning there is no risk the cash will be lost.
But officials have backed a shake-up of the rules which could prevent customers withdrawing their money for months. At present, they are entitled to all their money in seven working days.
It could affect thousands of British savers who put money in to some of the best-paying High Street accounts as they are offered by banks which hold a European licence rather than a UK one. Consumer groups warned it was an alarming step.
Justin Modray of financial advisor Candid Money said: This smacks of dictatorship and would be incredibly worrying if it were to see the light of day. Most think that if they put money into an account, they can get it back whenever they want to. If that were to change it would cause a lot of unrest.
Those affected would potentially be given a small amount of their cash to cover living expenses instead of being given their savings back as a lump sum if a bank goes bust. The authorities would decide how much this should be and could leave savers waiting for up to five days before they can get it.
The plans were sneaked out in an opinion paper from the European Central Bank, produced at the request of Brussels politicians.
Most banks that operate in the UK are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which guarantees deposits up to 85,000. This rate is set alongside the 100,000 ECB limit.
British banks will not be affected because it is likely to take place after Brexit. However, the ECBs protection applies to some foreign lenders which offer accounts in Britain and rely on deposit protection schemes in their home countries, which are drawn up in line with rules set by the ECB.
Any change to the rules would need to be signed off in Brussels a process which could take years but the paper suggests the ECB is willing to consider drastic changes which might leave failed banks customers unable to immediately get their money.
The paper says that countries could choose to only let customers withdraw a limited amount of deposits on a daily basis. Those affected should have access to an appropriate amount of their covered deposits to cover the cost of living within five working days of a request.
ECB sources insisted there are no plans to make the 100,000 euro protection less safe. They said the aim is to allow pay-outs to be temporarily suspended if a lender gets into crisis, preventing a bank run and a total collapse.
The paper adds that the ECB expects the powers to be exercised only in extreme circumstances, if at all. Eurosceptics warned it suggests eurocrats may have grave doubts about the stability of their banking system.
Pro-Brexit Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg said: It raises the question of what financial catastrophe the ECB is getting ready for.
CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Global Investments Capital Corp. (Global Investments or the Corporation) (TSXV:GLIN.P) is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed its initial public offering of 3,000,000 common shares of the Corporation (Common Shares) at a price of $0.10 per Common Share for gross proceeds of $300,000 (the Offering). After completion of the Offering, the Corporation now has 9,000,000 Common Shares issued and outstanding.
Canaccord Genuity Corp. (the Agent) acted as the agent for the Offering and in connection therewith, the Corporation granted the Agent warrants (the Agents Warrants) which entitle the Agent to purchase up to 300,000 Common Shares at an exercise price $0.10 per Common Share. The Agents Warrants will expire 24 months from the date the Common Shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange), which was November 28, 2017. The Agent also received a cash commission equal to 10% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, a corporate finance fee of $12,500 and was reimbursed for its legal fees and reasonable expenses.
Concurrent with the closing of the Offering, the Corporation also granted options to acquire an aggregate of 900,000 Common Shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per Common Share to the directors and officers of the Corporation, which options expire five years from the date of grant.
The Corporation is a capital pool company and intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to identify and evaluate assets or businesses for acquisition with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction under the policies of the Exchange. On November 28, 2017 the Exchange issued a bulletin approving the listing of the Common Shares (the Exchange Bulletin). As per the Exchange Bulletin the Common Shares commenced trading on the Exchange on November 28, 2017 and were immediately halted on pending the Exchanges receipt and review of the final Offering documentation. It is expected that the Common Shares will resume trading under the trading symbol GLIN.P on November 30, 2017.
Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative.
For further information, please contact:
Global Investments Capital Corp.
Trevor Peters - Director, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary
Phone: (403) 669-4848
Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or the Corporations future performance. The use of any of the words could, expect, believe, will, projected, estimated and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Corporations current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, the Corporations stated use of proceeds and its expectation as to the resumption of trading of the Common Shares on the Exchange is forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by this forward-looking information. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.
NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.
MBABANE People of Mobeni Flats in Matsapha are reliving what Mbabane folk experienced during the water rationing days.
Armed with plastic containers, the tenants form a long queue towards two water tanks which have been placed near the area to supply them with water. The tenants are among those who experienced water shortages after the storm which wreaked havoc in the area on Friday.
Swaziland Water Services Corporation (SWSC) services were cut just after the storm. Areas such as Logoba, Ndlunganye and Eteni did not have a drop of water from the taps and as a result, residents were forced to make means of securing water to sustain them until everything returned back to normal.
When the Times visited the flats, people were found queuing with the aim of getting water. The same was experienced in Mbabane during the El Nino season when water levels from the Hawane Dam dropped significantly, causing SWSC to effect water rationing.
When sought for comment on Sunday, SWSC Public Affairs Manager Nomahlubi Matiwane said the company had received a lot of reports on the shortage of water.
She said places like Manzini, Nhlambeni and Matsapha, where water to these other areas is sourced, were affected. Since electricity was also affected, it took a while before water could be pumped into the reservoirs.
However, she said the company was working around the clock to address the situation. The storm affected water supply and reservoirs were drained empty. Filling them back up would take a while since it needs all taps to be closed so as to speed up the process, she said.
Nonetheless, Matiwane said even though people continue to use water while pumping was ongoing, it was anticipated that overnight, more water would have been collected.
Meanwhile, the flats that had their rooftops blown off during the storm have not yet been fixed with the debris still scattered all over the place.
KABHUDLA The spate of robberies seem to continue unabated as a female nurse (59) was attacked by unknown people while in her house.
The robbers tied her up and stole her valuable items, including a vehicle and cellphones yesterday morning.
The incident happened at KaBhudla near the clinic during the early hours of yesterday.
Information gathered is that the nurse, whose full name could not be ascertained, was asleep in her house when the unknown people pounced on her.
She is said to have woken up and went to the bathroom, only to come across one of the men, who threatened her with a bush knife and had her mouth stuffed with pieces of clothing.
The nurses hands were also tied at the back, while the robbers demanded money and other valuable items.
Her vehicle, a black VW Polo registered ND 318 587, which had been parked outside, was used by the robbers as a getaway car.
They had earlier demanded her bank cards and cellphone.
They later left her tied and drove off in her car, which was eventually found yesterday at about 3pm abandoned at a place called Emaphopheni. It is suspected that the robbers abandoned the vehicle after it ran out of petrol. Information gathered from neighbours was that the nurse rarely drove the vehicle and mostly used public transport when commuting to her workplace.
The nurse was rescued by some of her relatives after they realised that she was not reachable on her cellphone and her vehicle was no longer parked at her home.
She was untied and the police were called to record statements on the incident. Upon arrival at her workplace yesterday, at New Thulwane Clinic, her colleagues said they did not want to comment on the incident as they feared the thugs would come after them.
MPAKENI A female teacher tragically met her death after she threw herself in the way of her runaway car, in a bid to stop it physically on Sunday morning.
The shocking incident occurred at the 59-year-old womans parental homestead, which is situated at Mpakeni, outside Hluti, where she had paid a visit over the weekend.
Information gathered was that the teacher had already bid her brothers farewell, in preparation for her journey back to her marital homestead at Ntshanini when the incident happened, shortly after 9 am.
Reports are that the victim put the car, an Isuzu LDV, on idling mode, but quickly realised that she had forgotten something inside the house while preparing to drive away.
Witnesses said she then left the vehicle with its engine running and went back inside the house to collect whatever she had left behind.
However, while she was still inside the house, she overhead screams of children, who were busy with other errands in the family yard when she left the vehicle, shouting that the car was moving.
Apparently, the children were notifying her that her vehicle was moving, albeit without a driver to control it.
The woman immediately left the house in haste to get control of her car.
Indeed, she discovered that the car was moving and in a bid to stop the vehicle or prevent it from crashing on anything, she was prompted to make the decision to throw herself in the way of the moving automobile, trying to stop it physically with her own hands.
DAVENPORT, Iowa, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lee Enterprises, Incorporated (NYSE:LEE), a major provider of local news, information and advertising in 50 markets, has scheduled an audio webcast and conference call for Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at 9 a.m. Central Time. Lee plans to issue a news release before market open that day with preliminary results for its fourth fiscal quarter and fiscal year ended September 24, 2017.
The live webcast will be accessible at lee.net and will be available for replay 24 hours later. Several analysts have been invited to ask questions on the call. Questions from other participants may be submitted by participating in the webcast. The call also may be monitored on a listen-only conference line by dialing (toll free) 866-564-7431 and entering a conference pass code of 340951 at least five minutes before the scheduled start. Participants on the listen-only line will not have the opportunity to ask questions.
WEBCAST LINK: REGISTER HERE TO ACCESS AUDIO WEBCAST AND REPLAY
ABOUT LEE
Lee Enterprises is a leading provider of local news and information, and a major platform for advertising, with daily newspapers, rapidly growing digital products and nearly 300 weekly and specialty publications serving 50 markets in 22 states. Year to date, Lee's newspapers have average circulation of 0.9 million daily and 1.2 million Sunday, and estimated to reach almost three million readers in print alone. Lee's markets include St. Louis, MO; Lincoln, NE; Madison, WI; Davenport, IA; Billings, MT; Bloomington, IL; and Tucson, AZ. Lee Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LEE. For more information about Lee, please visit www.lee.net .
Contact:
Charles Arms
Director of Corporate Communications
IR@lee.net
(563) 383-2100
The United Nations wants Libya\s internationally-backed government to agree to shut down 30 detention centers holding 15,000 migrants, most of whom will be sent back to their countries, the head of the IOM said Tuesday.
The detention of the migrants, most of whom are fleeing poverty, has become a pressing issue after video footage showing African men sold in Libyan slave auctions sparked global outrage.
At a Security Council meeting called by France, the head of the International Organization for Migration said he was working with the UN refugee agency on a plan "to try to empty the detention centers."
"We need from the Libyans the agreement that we can empty these centers and I think they will agree to that," said William Lacy Swing by videoconference.
Libya has become an enormous transit hub for sub-Saharan Africans seeking to reach Europe since the fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.
Italy and the European Union have been providing financing, training and other aid to Libya to stop smugglers from taking migrants in flimsy boats across the Mediterranean, keeping them instead in detention centers.
UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said that many more migrants are being held by smugglers and traffickers in Libya, under the protection of "well-known militias."
France requested the urgent meeting to push for a tough response by the top UN body after the footage aired by CNN showed migrants sold for as little as $400.
French Ambassador Francois Delattre said he will propose names of migrant traffickers to be added to a UN sanctions blacklist that provides for a global travel ban and assets freeze.
Libya rejected the report of the slave auctions as a campaign to portray the country as racist and accused African governments of failing to take responsibility for the well-being of their citizens.
"Libya is the victim of a large-scale false media campaign of defamation to portray it as a racist country," said Libyan acting Ambassador Elmahdi Elmajerbi.
The Libyan envoy said authorities are investigating the slave auctions but that the international community must adopt an approach that tackles "the root causes" of illegal migration.
Any sanctions that target smugglers must also hit those traffickers operating outside Libya, he said.
Ethiopia said the images of the slave auctions had sent shockwaves across Africa and beyond.
"There is a need for urgent action to dismantle the slavery camps and destroy the criminal networks involved in this inhuman practice," said Ethiopia\s Ambassador Tekeda Alemu.
"All necessary measures must also be taken to identify all those responsible for this unspeakable and barbaric crime and bring them to justice," he said.
The reported slave auctions have raised questions about EU migration deals which UN officials have said have turned human traffickers into slave traders.
Migration will dominate an EU summit with the African Union in Ivory Coast this week. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will attend.
SOURCE: AFP
North Korea fired a ballistic missile early Wednesday, South Korean military officials said, the first such launch in two months and just a week after the US slapped fresh sanctions on the hermit state and declared it a state sponsor of terrorism.
The North has stoked international alarm over its banned nuclear missile programme but before Wednesday had not staged a missile test since September 15, raising hopes that ramped-up sanctions were having an impact.
The missile flew east from South Pyongan Province, the military Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.
The US Pentagon said it had detected a "probable missile launch" from North Korea.
South Korea\s military staged a "precision strike" missile exercise in response, Yonhap news agency said, also quoting the JCS.
Seoul\s unification minister had on Tuesday said signs of unusual activity had been detected in North Korea, hinting at a possible missile test.
The US last week unveiled new sanctions targeting North Korean shipping, raising pressure on Pyongyang to abandon it\s atomic weapons programme.
Pyongyang condemned the move as a "serious provocation" and warned that sanctions would never succeed.
In September the North conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test and staged an intermediate-range missile launch over Japan.
SOURCE: AFP
The importance of any speech is tricky to gauge. Occasionally, they can have great significance, like when Secretary of State Dean Acheson left South Korea out of the U.S. security umbrella in a speech to the National Press Club in 1950, an omission that, in a way, helped start the Korean War . But mostly they reside in the garbage bin of history. Theres a wide gulf between rhetoric and reality, and what is said for political purposes often has little to do with the impersonal forces that shape action. I remember watching then-Secretary of State John Kerry thunder away at a State Department briefing about Syrias use of chemical weapons in August 2013, thinking to myself that surely a U.S. military strike on Syria was imminent. (I even went on television and said as much. Thankfully, the internet saves all things, so I can always look back and relive my mistake.) At the time, I couldnt see how else Kerrys severe language could be explained. But of course, the U.S. decided not to strike, despite then-President Barack Obamas red line and despite Kerrys fiery speech.
On Nov. 8, U.S. President Donald Trump gave us a new speech to consider. Addressed to South Koreas National Assembly, it had three main objectives. First, to convey to South Korea the gravity of the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the depth of the United States commitment to preventing North Korea from acquiring nukes that threaten American soil . Second, to begin building a case to the American people for the U.S. to fight again on the Korean Peninsula. And third, to scare Kim Jong Un, and any country that may support his regime, into capitulating before a war starts. The odds of Trump achieving the third objective are slim at best, which means he will soon face a grave decision. What he decides will define his presidency and shape the balance of power in East Asia for years to come.
Peace Through Strength Trumps remarks to the National Assembly were effusive and complimentary, but the content of the message was no different from his prior comments about South Korea. In September, he took to Twitter to criticize Seoul for what he called appeasement of the North Koreans. Many feared at the time that Trumps comments may poison relations between Seoul and Washington. The tweets, however, were only an expression of frictions that already existed. The problem in the relationship started May 9 with the election of President Moon Jae-in, whose administration opposes a pre-emptive U.S. strike on North Korea . U.S. President Donald Trump (R) addresses the National Assembly in Seoul on Nov. 8, 2017. JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images This threw a wrench in U.S. plans. From an operational perspective, attacking North Korea without South Koreas help makes an already difficult operation close to impossible. There had been several signs in the first half of the year that the U.S. was preparing for military action against North Korea. In fact, at one point in May, three U.S. aircraft carriers had converged on the Western Pacific, and the U.S. seemed poised to strike. But Moons election forced the U.S. to slow its preparations and devote additional time to diplomacy. From a political perspective, Seouls defiance of Washington suggested weakness. Pyongyang intuited that there may be a split in U.S.-South Korean relations that it could exploit to bring about one of its long-cherished goals: the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Korean Peninsula.
Despite Trumps lofty rhetoric in Seoul, little has changed since the September tweets. South Korea and the U.S. still dont see eye to eye on what should be done about North Korea. As long as that is the case, the U.S. will find it difficult to convince the North that it should fear American threats. So although Trump was far more gracious speaking to the South Korean National Assembly than he was on Twitter, his message was the same: Peace in our time can be achieved only through strength. Trumps entire visit to Asia is symbolic, an attempt to shore up U.S. relations with key allies in the Pacific. But no ally is more important and more skeptical right now than South Korea, and no speech is going to allay South Koreas concerns.
The Other Audiences Other parts of Trumps speech focused on the nature of North Koreas dictatorship. These remarks were directed not at South Korean lawmakers they are plenty familiar with their neighbors woeful economic situation and strict societal controls but at the American public. That Trumps speech was delivered at 11 a.m. Seoul time meant that it aired during prime-time hours in the United States. Trump laid out the reasons it is important for the United States to ensure that North Korea does not acquire nuclear capabilities. He made his argument from a security standpoint, an ethical standpoint and even a religious standpoint.
But the two men Trump was speaking to most forcefully were Kim Jong Un and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trumps words for Kim have been consistently bellicose, and that trend continued in Seoul. But Trump also went out of his way to criticize China in the speech. At one point, he told a story about a baby born in North Korea whose father was Chinese. The baby, according to Trump, was killed and taken away in a bucket, deemed undeserving of life because of its ethnic impurity. He finished the story with a rhetorical question: So why would China feel an obligation to help North Korea?
Trump is now in China, meeting with Xi. Publicly he has said nice things about the Chinese leader that he has been very helpful on the North Korea issue and that there are many areas where the U.S. and China will be able to cooperate, such as the much-ballyhooed but insignificant business deals that will be signed during the trip. But make no mistake the main topic of conversation between Trump and Xi is North Korea, and here, Trump has very little to be happy about. The U.S. president will demand to know why China has been selective in its enforcement of sanctions against North Korea, and why China is trading more with North Korea in 2017 than it was in 2016, even if it has abided by restrictions on importing North Korean coal. Xi will continue his charade of looking helpful on North Korea without actually helping.
The obstacles that have blocked an attack so far are still in place. South Korea, the critical ally, remains unconvinced that the U.S. can protect Seoul from North Koreas artillery . The U.S. electorate favors an attack right now, according to recent polls, but once the fighting starts, support in the U.S. would decline faster than North Koreas resolve. And U.S. diplomatic efforts to denuclearize the peninsula are being stymied by China and Russia, both of which have an interest in seeing the U.S. bogged down and distracted with what is, from their perspectives, a side issue. It wouldnt take much to watch Trumps speech and come away thinking the U.S. is readying for an imminent attack on North Korea. (After 2013, I should know.) But it is more likely that this is a continuation of the U.S. attempt to cow North Korea into submission, not a cry to let slip the dogs of war.
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ALBANY A city water department employee accused of murdering two women allegedly boasted to a date he could easily get rid of people, court papers revealed.
Edward Ted Mero, 30, also made allegedly incriminating statements about the deaths of the women while speaking to Albany police and inmates in the Albany County jail, according to the documents.
The case goes to trial Wednesday.
The 6-foot-8-inch, 400-pound Mero is charged with the Jan. 27, 2013, murder of his former roommate Megan Cunningham, in a fire and the Dec. 3, 2014, murder of Shelby Countermine, whose body was found months later dumped in a shallow grave in Coeymans.
Four days before the alleged killing of Countermine, 23, Mero and a woman he met online went out on a date. The woman, a firefighter, told Mero she would like to put all of her ex-boyfriends on a ship and send them off to sea, court documents said.
Well, you are a firefighter you could easily get rid of people, Mero allegedly told the woman. Us water guys, we can too.
A fire destroyed Cunninghams body in the 12 Arcadia Ave. home she shared with Mero in Albany. Countermines remains were discovered by a jogger near Tracey Road in Coeymans, a parcel of woods located near a city water department right of way. Countermine had been killed by blunt force trauma.
In September, Judge Peter Lynch ruled Meros statements to police would be allowed at the trial.
On May 21, 2015, Mero told an Albany investigator that he and Countermine had a sexual relationship. He said he last saw her at his home on Dec. 3, 2014, the day prosecutors say he killed her.
While speaking to the investigator, Mero expressed his concern that he had worried about the victims discovery the entire weekend prior to the interview.
But at that point, the judge noted, no such discovery had been made.
The tone of the interview abruptly changed when the investigator advised defendant that (police) had not released the victims identity until Tuesday, two days before the interview, Lynch stated.
Mero indicated to the investigator that Countermine had been at his home and somehow fell.
I dont think I killed her, Mero allegedly said. When the investigator asked him what that meant, Mero said: I dont know. I dont know. As far as when she was leaving, I dont know what happened. I dont know if she fell down when she was leaving the house, and I dont know. Like did she fall when she got down the street. I dont know what happened. I have no idea. I dont think I did anything to where ... she got hurt. You know, she fell and left the house.
Moments later, Mero said, I dont think I did anything wrong to her. I just kicked her out. ... Im kind of blaming myself that she went missing because I should have seen her back home.
Mero also blamed himself during the interview for the death of 23-year-old Cunningham, documents said.
Mero, who was indicted in February, made further potentially damning statements to police and to inmates at the Albany County jail, where he is being held, court papers show.
In late February, one inmate said Mero discussed the killings of both Cunningham and Countermine interchangeably. A second inmate alleged that Mero admitted only to the murder of Countermine, prosecutors said.
I did the second one, but not the first one, Mero said, according to the documents.
Cheryl Coleman, the defense attorney for Mero, questioned the use of inmates as prosecution witnesses.
Its the exact type of case that they use jailhouse rats for, she said. That should tell you everything you need to know about this trial.
In February, police officials announced Meros arrest in a news conference at State Police Troop G headquarters in Latham. At the time, a source close to the investigation told the Times Union police began to suspect Mero in Countermines death after they found a text message from him in a cell phone Countermine used the day she vanished.
When police looked into Meros background, they discovered he had lived with a woman who died in a fire that had not been deemed suspicious.
The judges ruling in September noted that when police responded to the scene of the blaze on Jan. 27, 2013, Mero spoke to a detective. Mero said Cunningham had been high on alcohol and marijuana and that he put her to bed about 2:30 a.m., left the home, drove around to clear his head and slept in his vehicle in his parents driveway.
Mero faces 50 years to life in prison if convicted of second-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence.
The trial will begin with three days of jury selection. Opening statements are set for Monday.
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Watervliet
The Army is pushing to end its relationship with the Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership, the economic development nonprofit that was created nearly 20 years ago to entice private sector companies to lease unused space at the Watervliet Arsenal, the U.S. military's main cannon manufacturer.
The group is being told it must leave by Dec. 19.
The Army informed members of New York's congressional delegation of its plans not to renew its contract with the Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership in a Nov. 2 letter.
But Peter Gannon, the president of the Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership, says he was not informed until Nov. 14 that the contract with the Army, which expires Dec. 19, would not be renewed.
Gannon said that while he and his five employees will have to leave the arsenal property at that time, he was told that the 15 tenants that the partnership oversees will not immediately have to go. He said, however, that it appears their leases will not be renewed.
"There are some tenants that are relatively portable, but it's still a major disruption," Gannon said Tuesday.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York's senior senator, as well as Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Paul Tonko, whose district includes Watervliet, wrote the Army back on Nov. 17 asking it to reconsider the decision, which would likely impact the jobs of staff at the Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership as well as the dozen or so companies that lease space at the arsenal.
"We strongly urge you to reconsider the strategic benefits of this partnership as well as its meaningful role in fostering economic development in New York's Capital Region since 1999," the letter from Schumer, Gillibrand and Tonko states. "We respectfully request a delay in the termination until alternative arrangements are assessed."
The letter was written to Major General Clark LeMasters Jr., the commanding general of the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Warren, Mich. TACOM as it is known, oversees the Watervliet Arsenal along with other depots and Army manufacturing sites across the country.
A spokesman for LeMasters did not immediately have a comment on the letter when asked about it on Monday. But he agreed to try and respond as quickly as possible to several questions about the Army's intentions.
A spokesman for the Watervliet Arsenal, which is overseen by Commander Col. Joseph Morrow, referred questions to LeMasters.
The Nov. 17 letter to LeMasters does allude to the idea that the Army needs the partnership and its tenants to leave to make space for a significant expansion of the arsenal's manufacturing capacity that could bring 200 jobs to the facility. The Army uses civilian workers and on-site subcontractors to make cannons and other weapon systems and parts.
The Watervliet Arsenal recently revealed a $40 million expansion that will double its manufacturing capacity after winning several new contracts with the Army and military orders from other countries as well for cannon, howitzer and mortar parts.
"With a need now to double our manufacturing capacity in the next four years to meet rising soldier readiness requirements, simply adding new machines is not enough," Morrow said in a Nov. 7 feature story published on the arsenal's web site. "We also need to increase our workforce size, but do so with skilled, capable people."
The Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership's creation nearly 20 years ago came during a period of the 1990s when the Department of Defense was drastically cutting back the arsenal's budget and workload. The cuts led to repeated layoffs.
Former U.S. Rep. Mike McNulty, D-Green Island, was one of the major forces behind the creation of the partnership.
The partnership won a management contract in 2002 to market and lease unused space at the arsenal's 143-acre site, an agreement that was last extended five years ago. The latest agreement runs through this year.
The partnership is credited with helping the arsenal survive the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission, or BRAC, military base closure process overseen by the Department of Defense in 2005.
Today, there are about 15 private sector tenants that lease space managed by the partnership. Those companies have a total of about 150 employees, Gannon said. The partnership, which also provides veterans services, has an annual budget of $2.8 million and gets its funding through rents and a variety of government grants and other fundraising, although its federal funding has decreased in recent years.
"Our track record and history speaks for itself," Gannon said. "We've had a very successful program. When there were lean years (for the arsenal), the partnership was a real bright spot."
Contacted Tuesday about the Army's plans, Tonko said that he like others though the Army was being shortsighted in valuing the partnership's role in job creation at the arsenal.
"This is disappointing news," Tonko said in a statement. "The Army, Watervliet businesses, workers, and the entire community have all benefited greatly during the nearly two decades that Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership has managed underutilized space at the Arsenal."
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Albany
A new low-power radio station run by advocates for environmental and progressive causes will be taking to the airwaves in Albany in January.
The broadcast tower for WOOA-FM went up last week atop the roof of the Social Justice Center on Central Avenue in Albany, said Mark Dunlea, chairman of the not-for-profit Green Education and Legal Fund, which holds the station's federal broadcast license.
Broadcasting at 106.9 FM, the 100-watt station should have a broadcast radius of about 10 miles, meaning it could cover about 300 square miles or so around the city, depending on topography. (Albany County contains about 530 square miles.)
Dunlea said the station will be run by volunteers who will help local content, and will air nationally produced shows like Amy Goodman's "Democracy Now." The new station is racing to meet a Jan. 12 deadline to start broadcasting according to the terms of its license approval by the Federal Communications Commission.
A longtime advocate for alternative energy, Dunlea is a member of People of Albany United for Safe Energy, 350 NYC and the People's Climate Movement New York. He was co-founder of the state and national Public Interest Research Group operations; the state Green Party; the Capital District Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild; the Social Justice Center; and the Hudson-Mohawk Independent Media Center. He is married to Judith Enck, the former regional administrator the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
During the past 15 years, Dunlea has hosted public affairs radio shows on WRPI in Troy and WBAI in New York City.
Initial funds to support the new station came from the Troy-based, not-for-profit Sanctuary for Independent Media, which this summer began broadcasting its own low-power station in that city at WOOC (105.3 FM).
Dunlea said WOOA is now raising funds to repay the sanctuary for its financial support, which paid for the Central Avenue tower and other broadcast equipment. He said the goal is $25,000, and that donation are tax-deductible.
More information can be found online.
Some of the funds that are raised, he said, will also support the opening of WOOS in Schenectady, another planned low-power station that is part of the sanctuary's network.
The three stations will promote "social and environmental justice and freedom of expression," Dunlea said, with "commercial-free, hyper-local news and public affairs, plus shows highlighting local arts and culture."
WOOA's programming will include news coverage of politics at the state Capitol, he added.
Albany
An Adirondack conservation group is urging billionaire investor Warren Buffett to remove obsolete oil tankers now being stored indefinitely on a rail line in the Adirondacks.
Adirondack Council Executive Director William Janeway wrote last week to the Nebraska-based investor asking that rail cars owned by subsidiaries of Buffett's sprawling Berkshire Hathaway company be removed from the line.
Owned by Union Tank Car Co. and North American Tank Co., the graffiti-scarred cars are being stored in Warren and Essex counties on a line owned by a Chicago-based company.
"Not only is the storage of these cars in this location wrong and (we believe) illegal, their presence is starting to generate negative coverage in the New York Times and other media," Janeway wrote in a Nov. 22 letter to Buffett sent to his Omaha headquarters.
"These junked oil tankers are not only unsightly, they also threaten the waters and lands of the surrounding area, and the success of the Adirondack Park as a tourist destination," wrote Janeway. "Rust and residual petroleum products from these tankers could potentially be released into the soil and adjacent waters. In addition, no one wants to paddle or hike along miles of junk tanker cars."
No comment on the letter was immediately available from officials of Marmon Holdings, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary that owns the two tank car companies, or from Union Tank Car Co., which a Marmon spokesman had referred earlier Times Union inquires to.
Janeway called Buffett a "very smart and generous man. Maybe he doesn't know that his companies are dumping their junked oil tankers in the world's greatest park. We want to make sure he does know."
The Saratoga & North Creek rail line ends between the Hudson and Opalescent rivers at the former Tahawus mine, on the edge of the park's famous High Peaks Wilderness Area.
Ed Ellis, president of Chicago-based Iowa Pacific Holdings, which owns the rail line, has said the company could store up to 2,500 cleaned oil tanker cars on the railroad. That could occupy more than 25 miles.
Most of the several hundred tankers now being stored there are DOT-111 models, which have been been pulled almost entirely from the national rail fleet that hauls crude oil because of safety concerns and stricter federal laws.
The nationwide demise of the DOT-111, a workhorse for decades, has been driven by two forces: a glut of hydrofracked oil that has reduced overall rail shipments from the Bakken fields of North Dakota, and new federal safety laws adopted in late 2015 that require newer tanker designs for shipment of crude oil, ethanol and other explosive liquids.
Shaped like a long black cylinder and able to carry 30,000 gallons or more of crude oil, the DOT-111 became infamous in the summer of 2013 when several of the tankers derailed and exploded in the small Canadian city of Lac-Megantic in Quebec, causing a firestorm that killed 47 people.
That year, the model made up more than half of the U.S. rail fleet hauling crude oil, according to figures from the Association of American Railroads. A spate of other derailments and explosions involving DOT-111s followed the Lac-Megantic disaster, causing critics to call out the relative fragility of the DOT-111.
Its presence in the crude fleet began to decline, falling to 32 percent in 2014. By the time Congress passed new laws in 2015 requiring the DOT-111 to be phased out for crude oil shipments by January 2018, the older tankers accounted for just 15 percent of the fleet hauling crude. That fell to just 4 percent in 2016, according to the Association of American Railroad.
Those figures are mirrored in a recent federal Transportation Department report that found DOT-111s carried about half of all crude shipments in 2013, 32 percent in 2014, 16 percent in 2015 and just 2 percent in 2016.
There were more than 58,000 of the cars in active service in 2013, hauling crude oil, the biofuel ethanol and other explosive liquids, according to the DOT report. By the end of 2016, that had fallen to fewer than 48,000 tankers. It is not immediately clear where those 10,000 cars went.
DOT-111s can still be used to haul ethanol for another five years (until May 2023) and for other, less flammable liquids through May 2029. But when cars like DOT-111s go out of service and into long-term storage such as what is being done in the Adirondacks, owners don't have to report it to federal railroad regulators.
THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL
Amazon
New series! Amy Sherman-Palladino ("Gilmore Girls") writes and directs this period comedy, which stars Rachel Brosnahan ("House of Cards") as Miriam "Midge" Maisel, a 1958 New York City woman who has everything she's ever wanted the perfect husband, two kids and an elegant Upper West Side apartment perfect for hosting Yom Kippur dinner. But her perfect life suddenly takes an unexpected turn when Midge discovers a previously unknown talent and leaves her comfortable, predictable (and boring) life on Riverside Drive to take the standup comedy world by storm.
CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER
NBC, 8 p.m.
There's no doubt it will be festive! Gwen Stefani, Pentatonix and others perform as the massive Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center gets appropriately lit. Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker host.
VIKINGS
History, 9 p.m.
Season premiere! Jonathan Rhys Meyers joins the series in Season 5, which kicks off with a two-hour premiere. Meyers plays Heahmund, one of the "warrior bishops" of old who, while devout, also fought on the battlefield. The new season begins with Ivar the Boneless (Alex Hogh Andersen) asserting his leadership over the Great Heathen Army, while Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) reigns as Queen of Kattegat. Ivar's murder of his brother Sigurd sets the stage for vicious battles to come as Ragnar's sons plot their next moves after avenging their father's death.
LITTLE WOMEN: DALLAS: "GIRLS' TRIP"
Lifetime, 9 p.m.
Season finale! The Wild West meets a wild bunch when the ladies head to a dude ranch. This will hopefully give them all a reprieve from the baby and romantic dramas that they've been dealing with at home.
AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE: "GALA AUCTION"
ABC, 9:30 p.m.
After failing to get donations on her own terms, Katie (Katy Mixon) gives in to the dark side and teams up with Oliver (Daniel DiMaggio) to bribe rich Westport families to donate big-ticket items for the spring gala. Greg (Diedrich Bader) decides to take Taylor (Meg Donnelly) and Anna-Kat (Julia Butters) to a Revolutionary War re-enactment, which Taylor finds lame until she starts a revolution of her own.
DESIGNATED SURVIVOR: "HOME"
ABC, 10 p.m.
While on a secret mission to Afghanistan, President Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland) meets with two infamous warlords and must determine whom he can trust to hand over territories to the United States. Seth (Kal Penn) has a run-in with Washington D.C. police that jeopardizes his job, reputation and future in the White House.
BRUNO MARS: 24K MAGIC LIVE AT THE APOLLO
CBS, 10 p.m.
Electric performer Bruno Mars gets his first primetime television special when he takes over the legendary Apollo Theater for an unforgettable musical spectacular.The hourlong event will include never-before-seen performances, and, to kick it off, Mars will present an epic musical number atop the Apollo's landmark marquee.
Brought to you by the publishers of TV Guide. TV Guide 2017
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Albany
Scott Gilligan was sentenced to prison and taken away in handcuffs Monday morning, despite a late appeal from Mike McNulty, the retired congressman.
"Scott is diligently addressing his addiction and has been sober for the better part of two years," McNulty wrote in a letter sent last week to Albany County Court. "Scott realizes that he committed a serious crime."
Gilligan, as I've noted in prior columns, is a military veteran from Cohoes who committed a burglary while addicted to drugs and suffering from untreated post-traumatic stress disorder. The 48-year-old father has spent the months since his 2016 arrest addressing his addiction and trying to help other struggling veterans.
More Information Contact columnist Chris Churchill at 518-454-5442 or email cchurchill@timesunion.com See More Collapse
"I'm going to continue my sobriety and continue helping vets for the rest of my life," Gilligan said in court Monday.
Gilligan's determination and attitude led advocates, including the New York State Council of Veterans Organization, a coalition of 32 groups, to ask District Attorney David Soares to punish Gilligan without sending him to prison.
"Here's a kid who did something wrong," retired Marine Bob Becker, 78, the council's legislative director, told me earlier this month. "But he's put himself back together, and he deserves a second chance."
Gilligan admitted his guilt within hours of the burglary and subsequently accepted the only plea deal the district attorney offered to him: 2 to 7 years in prison, but with eligibility for Shock Incarceration, a grueling boot-camp program that could shorten his sentence to six months.
Advocates say the sentence is too harsh, and I agree. What's the point of jailing Gilligan? What good does it do?
I asked those questions in prior columns. I'm still waiting for good answers.
Meanwhile, I heard from people helped by Gilligan, including a man who knows him from one of the many Alcoholics Anonymous meetings Gilligan has been attending weekly. "I find his message to be a very powerful one," the man said.
With no prior criminal record, Gilligan was an ideal candidate for a diversion program that would keep him out of prison while allowing him to continue treatment under probation and supervision. That includes Vet Track, the underutilized Albany County program created to acknowledge that veterans have special needs and deserve leniency for the costs of their service.
But Soares refused to consider Vet Track or other diversion programs for Gilligan. All the pleas fell on deaf ears.
Even the judge overseeing the case, William Carter, publicly said Gilligan should not be sent to prison an opinion he repeated in court Monday.
"I would sentence you to probation if I could, but I can't," Carter said, adding that McNulty's advocacy "speaks volumes" about Gilligan. "I'm just sorry it wasn't enough," Carter said.
McNulty, a Democrat from Green Island, retired in 2009 after 20 years in the House. He has long been a champion of veterans, and in court on Monday he sat near the crowd of 15 or so people who came to support Gilligan.
Not all the testimony they heard was sympathetic. Mark Hennessey, owner of the Cohoes home burglarized by Gilligan, said the veteran robbed him of his sense of home as a safe place. Gilligan stole a TV, two iPads and a laptop.
"I am the victim, not the defendant, as a certain local media outlet would lead you to believe," Hennessey said.
My words in support of Gilligan were not meant to slight Hennessey or his experience, and I'm sorry if he feels otherwise. My intended point was that we can respect victims while also believing the special circumstances of some crimes demand nontraditional punishment.
Why fill our prisons with the addicted when what they really need is treatment? Why claim that we respect veterans, only to send them to prison when they struggle after their service?
Gilligan's attorney, Michael Feit, on Monday made an impassioned plea on his client's behalf, saying that the case has affected him deeply and noting that a then-addicted Gilligan committed the burglary on a drug dealer's demand.
"Scott Gilligan had no choice," Feit said. "He was going to be a dead man if he didn't do this."
Feit said, as did Carter, that Shock Incarceration is designed for 20-somethings and will be difficult for a 48-year-old to complete. The attorney accused Soares' office of turning its back "not just on Scott Gilligan, but on all veterans."
Assistant District Attorney Benjamin Mastaitis did not directly respond, but said the plea offer was fair for a serious crime. Soares did not attend the sentencing.
Gilligan, meanwhile, apologized to Hennessey when he spoke just minutes before being handcuffed and led past his tearful supporters. The veteran said he will not forgive or make excuses for what he did.
"I committed this crime, 100 percent," Gilligan said. "I've got to face the music."
cchurchill@timesunion.com 518-454-5442 @chris_churchill
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Schenectady
So far this year, there has only been a single gun-related fatality in Schenectady. In 2016, that number was four.
While there might be many reasons for the drop, Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney points to what he described as focused deterrence programs that over the past few years have put ex-cons and their associates on notice about the dire consequences if they don't put down the guns.
The 4-year-old Schenectady STRONG (Support The Right chOice, No Gun-violence) is one strand of GIVE (Gun Involved Violence Elimination), a collaboration between the district attorney's office, Sheriff's Department, Schenectady Police Department and the Schenectady County Probation Department.
GIVE, which incorporates clergy as well as community and neighborhood associations, was formerly known as Operation Impact, a program aimed at combating violence in high-crime areas.
"We're telling them what will happen if a member of your group commits a gun crime, that we will come after the entire group for everything we can get," Carney said during a recent interview along with Jennifer Assini, bureau chief for intelligence and investigations. "We will target you because you are wreaking havoc on the community and we're not going to tolerate it."
The hope is that these former felons and their friends will take that sobering message back to their buddies.
At the same time, parolees, those on probation and their circle of friends are offered a variety of social services and resources ranging from resume writing and educational opportunities to help them stay out of trouble through the Center for Community Justice in Schenectady.
The county and city have received an $800,000 grant from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services of which the DA's office and Police Department got $270,393 and $351,334, respectively, with sheriff's office and probation receiving lesser amounts. In Schenectady County, the funding is used to pay either all or some of the salary and benefits of police detectives, prosecutors and a crime analyst who focus on gun violence and a probation officer.
"So it's been a pretty good year, and hopefully one of the reasons for that is the focused deterrence that we did and the actions that we took against Ku Gang getting those messages out," Carney said. "I think it's consistent with the message we gave them that we're going to come down hard on you."
The DA is referring to a once notoriously violent gang in Schenectady that his office prosecuted for gun crimes, including a deadly shooting by one of their members in January 2016 over drug turf after they failed to heed warnings to stop the shootings.
Several Ku Gang members are currently serving prison time for crimes.
The Schenectady STRONG program focuses on groups and "takes a lot more preparation" beyond just obtaining a list of recently released parolees, Carney said.
Several other Capital counties dealing with urban gun violence, including Albany and Rensselaer Counties, also participate in GIVE.
"We'll look at their criminal history and see if they should go to this program," Carney added. "The idea is that you have to spend a lot of time analyzing your crime problem, amassing your intelligence about what groups are out there committing crimes organized groups, less organized groups, groups of friends, cliques."
He said the intelligence includes a thorough analysis of police reports and arrests, gang tattoos, surveillance videos, and the institutional knowledge of some veteran cops. "Once all this intelligence is collected and the groups are identified, we then break it down further to identify who in each of those groups is under supervision mandate either parole or probation and we say, 'you must come and attend this meeting,' " Carney explained.
That first such meeting was held in April 2016 at Schenectady County Community College. A second one was hosted by Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church in Schenectady in November 2016 after what Assini described as a "trigger event" that occurred following a gun-violence incident.
Attendees heard from Carney, Police Chief Eric Clifford, the family member of a gun violence victim, a clergy person, a past offender, and a federal prosecutor.
Carney acknowledged that his and the police chief's message usually doesn't go over as well as those from others like the relative of a shooting victim or a reformed thug.
Clifford said they don't accuse anyone of being violent, but that the people at the gathering are usually part of a group that has engaged in criminal behavior.
"Some people might perceive it as a threat but for the most part it's reality," Clifford said. "We aim to empower them to become good productive citizens and we offer help should they need that." He thanked the commissioners at the state Division of Criminal Justice Services for all their support.
Assini said that the participants normally fall into two groups: those who are most likely to instigate and perpetuate violence or are a potential target or victim because of who they hang around.
Schenectady STRONG also includes a component called custom notification where a team of police detectives and parole and probation officials visit the home of the parolee's close family, friends and associates in hopes of getting them to exert some positive influence on that person.
"The reception has been good," added Assini of that aspect of the program. "The other advantage of that is you don't have to have the person mandated to attend, they are not necessarily under supervision, and there's enough street intelligence, so you can get to a broader group."
Carney said his office has heard from people who get the message.
"The whole idea is to try to change behavior by giving people information that might be helpful to them," said Carney.
pnelson@timesunion.com 518-454-5347 @apaulnelson
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REDDING Oliver, a three-year old black horse, stood in the middle of his stable recently, adorned in a red blanket and a Santa hat with antlers.
Oliver was rescued in September from a kill pen in Oklahoma. After spending seven weeks in quarantine to treat a respiratory problem, he arrived at Moonlight Farm about two weeks ago, making him the fourth horse saved this year by the new Rising Starr Horse Rescue.
Right now, hes Oliver the Other Reindeer, said Kelly Stackpole, owner of Moonlight Farm and founder of Rising Starr. She and some Rising Starr volunteers are slowly introducing him to the outfit he will wear in the upcoming Georgetown Christmas Parade on Dec. 10.
When Oliver short for Oliver Twist arrived at the farm, he was unbroken and could not be groomed. But slowly, volunteers have gotten him used to wearing a blanket and letting them take care of him.
Stackpole said it will still be another month before she lets someone ride him, and probably wont actively start looking for a permanent home until the spring, after hes better trained.
This guy is really relaxed, she said. The more we work with him, the friendlier he gets.
Oliver has scars all over his body, which Stackpole suspects were formed when his previous owners left him untended in a pasture.
We had to teach him it was OK for us to touch him, she said. Hes starting to enjoy grooming.
She said she dont know much else about his past but believes he is nearly four years old and a quarterhorse.
Stacey Young, who helped Stackpole found Rising Starr, said shes pleasantly surprised by the new rescue organizations success so far.
I didnt expect us to do four by now, she said. Theyve all ended up with really good homes.
Rising Starr was incorporated in 2015. It began fundraising and was able to take in its first horse, Griffin, in September 2016.
Last August, Griffin was adopted by a family in Salisbury after they saw him at the Hampton Classic one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the country.
Hes doing so well, Stackpole said. It was a match made in heaven.
She and some Rising Starr volunteers visit Griffin and will continue to check up on him, and on any other horses that are adopted, for two years. Rising Starr will also have to approve the new owner if he is adopted again.
The organization rescued Rory, a thoroughbred cross, in June and found him a new home in October. They also rescued Colley, a white pony, who was adopted by a veterinarian in Westport. Both were set to go to a kill auction.
It feels good, but even if we could save 400 horses, we couldnt put a dent in the number slaughtered every year, Stackpole said. The only way we can make a dent is to teach our volunteers the reality and responsibility of what goes into taking care of these guys.
She said its important to educate people about the slaughter of former racehorses, which are often brought to kill pens because their owners have no further use for them. The animals suffer while theyre in the kill pens, often without food or water, waiting to be shipped in cattle cars to Mexico or Canada for slaughter.
A lot of people dont realize this is going on and that theyre young and healthy when they go into the kill pen, Stackpole said.
Spreading this awareness will be easier when Rising Starr is able to buy a trailer to take rescued horses to schools and nursing homes to share their stories. The group is halfway to its $5,000 fundraising goal.
The trailer will also help them pick up other rescued horses. Stackpole said the group spent $3,400 in the last year on shipping horses.
To volunteer or donate, email RisingStarr100@gmail.com or call 203-257-8345.
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ALBANY Are the state Senate's warring Democrats headed back to the altar?
The potential repair of the longstanding rift between the chamber's mainline Democratic Conference and the eight-member Independent Democratic Conference seemed closer to realization Tuesday after almost seven years apart.
Despite and you probably saw this coming a few hurdles.
On Tuesday evening, a day after the state Democratic party issued a set of ultimatums designed to bring the two conferences back into alignment, IDC leader Jeff Klein appeared to agree to the reunification terms. In a statement, Klein said the party's "assurance that our progressive legislative agenda will be advanced is a victory for the people of New York."
Because Andrea Stewart-Cousins, leader of the mainline Democrats, had already agreed to the terms of the state party blueprint when it was rolled out Monday evening, Klein's statement seemed to clear the way for a shift in power in the last remaining bastion of Republican power in state government.
Democrats in the Senate are currently split up as follows: There are 23 members of the mainline conference, eight members of the IDC, plus the wild card of Democrat Simcha Felder, A Democrat who since arriving in the chamber has caucused with the Republicans but has expressed a willingness to return to the Democratic fold if conditions change.
Here are the steps on the path to Democratic control of the Senate, with potential obstacles included:
If Democrats win special elections to fill two Senate vacancies that will be created in January, there will be 32 Democrats in the Senate enough to control the majority.
But those special elections likely won't take place until after the state budget negotiation is slated to conclude at the end of March, which means the current Republican-IDC partnership could remain in force through at least half of the 2018 legislative session.
The plan would have a Democratic majority coalition share certain leadership responsibilities and have the unusual power of approving each other's deputy conference leaders.
The plan came with ultimatums: If the IDC doesn't go along, the state party would support primaries against its senators. If the mainline conference doesn't go along, the state party would support a change in its leadership. The plan is not explicit about what to do with Felder.
Why does all of this matter? Since the formation of the IDC in 2011, mainline Democrats have howled that the IDC's partnership with the GOP has blocked consideration of key progressive agenda items such as the development of a single-payer health care system, campaign finance reforms, abortion protections and more.
The IDC has countered that their coalition agreement helps get bills to the floor that otherwise wouldn't make it bearing in mind that, with Felder, the Republicans currently have the 32 votes needed to control the chamber.
After the reunification proposal was released publicly Monday evening, Klein repeated his complaint that the mainline Democrats aren't all supportive of certain progressive causes.
While calling the proposal "very exciting," he called for both conferences to agree to a legislative agenda that includes codifying the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision on abortion into state law and enacting a single-payer health care system.
Klein also said the letter outlining the plan was heavy on politics but light on policy "merely a political document that's not something myself or the members of the Independent Democratic Conference can accept," he told the Buffalo News. (Klein did not respond to the Times Union's interview request.)
But as the sun set, the logjam broke.
In addition to Klein's statement, state party Chairman Byron Brown said in a statement that after "discussion and clarification," Klein and the IDC had accepted the terms of the unity plan, the same as the mainline Democrats and their leader Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins did Monday evening.
"To further our unity solution for the New York State Senate and define each other's position, there is no doubt all Democrats agree that a united Democratic delegation will take up a progressive agenda," sad Brown, the mayor of Buffalo. "It is also clear that there can be no progressive advancement while some Democrats are sitting with Republican conservatives. The entire point of this unification effort is to advance the Democrat's substantive progressive agenda."
Republicans said they fully expect to grow their majority in 2018. "In the meantime, we are hopeful that everyone involved will continue to work together to move this state forward because it is the best interest of the people of New York," Senate GOP spokesman Scott Reif said in a statement.
It's unlikely that the pressure on the IDC will let up any time soon. Some on the party's left flank expressed dismay that the status quo would be preserved through passage of the state budget.
Zephyr Teachout, Cuomo's 2014 gubernatorial primary challenger, tweeted that "Cuomo and Klein are still playing reindeer games with the IDC" as Republicans make a mess of federal policy.
After it was announced that the IDC had accepted the reunification plan, Teachout remained unmoved.
"Klein flipped again and now is a yes," she tweeted. "But I say hell no, and will (be) out in force supporting every primary challenger 2 the IDC. Since this is deal not to do anything except delay special elections and allow a Republican budget, we have to double and triple the heat!"
mhamilton@timesunion.com 518-454-5449 @matt_hamilton10
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ALBANY The former Army sergeant and Purple Heart recipient who shot a fellow soldier in the neck for no apparent reason has been booted out of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Thomas Prasenski who has been showing up as an honoree to various Purple Heart ceremonies in the Capital Region was stripped of his membership and rank as commander with the Albany chapter 446 of the order.
"When he joined the order, he had an honorable discharge," said John Bircher III, the order's national public relations director. "Then he got recalled to duty and committed the crime."
But Prasenski, who shot Dwayne Cole leaving him paralyzed from the chest down, kept that information from the order. Bircher said they didn't know he had a bad conduct discharge until members read a story about the February 2007 incident in the Times Union in September.
"You have to be of good moral character to be in the order," Bircher said. "We did our own investigation into it and found out it was true. Obviously shooting someone and then doing time for it is not honorable."
More for you Thomas Prasenski has a Purple Heart and a dark past
Cole is pleased that Prasenski was booted out to the order.
"That's good," said Cole who won't reveal where he lives for fear Prasenski will come after him again. "That was the right decision to make. To do what he did to another service members, someone on his own team is a disgrace."
Prasenski, who did not return a call Tuesday about the matter, received a Purple Heart for an injury he suffered in Iraq in June 2006. When he was sent back to Iraq in December of that year, he was not issued a firearm and was ordered to remain on base. The night of the shooting, he grabbed his commander's 9mm to shoot Cole. At the time of the shooting, Prasenski said to Cole, "since you can dodge IEDs, let me see if you dodge this bullet."
Prasenski was convicted at a military court-martial June 6, 2008, and sentenced to 54 months on Feb. 17, 2011. He was also demoted to private and received a bad conduct discharge, one step above dishonorable, Army files indicate.
When he got out, he returned to upstate New York where he is originally from and began to work with the Albany chapter of the order. Bircher said that when Prasenski showed up to various events in Schenectady, Malta and Halfmoon where he was photographed with U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, state Senator James Tedisco and Assemblymembers Carrie Woerner and Angelo Santabarbara, he was not dishonoring veterans.
"But he was misrepresenting himself," Bircher said. "There is a fine line to draw between misrepresenting yourself and dishonoring veterans."
Cole said the whole thing "still leaves a bad taste in my mouth."
"He took away my abilities and he ended my military career," Cole said. "I wish he could know what it feels like."
State Police and forest rangers were searching for an injured hunter or hiker Monday night in Greene County.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation is also involved in the search around the area of Lake Hathorne in the town of Greenville, located on the northern border of the county.
The Christmas season is officially upon us, and with it comes the tradition of purchasing a fresh-cut tree to bring home for the holiday.
Those who have already done their tree shopping may have experienced sticker shock when picking up their tree at the local lot, however: The country is in the midst of what tree growers are calling a shortage with prices increasing at many places.
The recession is largely being blamed as the reason we're experiencing higher prices at lots. Christmas trees take about 10 years to grow for retail, according to National Christmas Tree Association spokesman Doug Hundley, which is why consumers are mostly seeing the slowdown in selection and the increase in prices now.
"In 2007, we were at the beginning of our recession and tree sales were down, prices were down, farmers didn't have the space in their fields to replant because they weren't harvesting as many," Hundley said.
Now Playing: Bill Norquist explains why his family operates a small Christmas tree farm off of Black Rd., outside of Los Gatos. Video: Bill Disbrow
"There was a slowdown in planting 10 years ago, and that's what's leading to this: it's not the fires, it's not the weather, it's just the planting rhythm of this crop is very long and we can't grow them fast."
And while that may be true, some family tree farmers in the Santa Cruz Mountains say the California drought did prevent many new plantings from taking root and surviving, potentially further limiting the local supply.
Ken Orsow, manager and former owner of Christmas Tree Jamboree in the Bayview district of San Francisco, noticed the increase in prices. Orsow noted that prices jumped "dramatically" in the last three years, saying he's looking at $5 to $10 more per tree than last Christmas.
"This is the most expensive I've seen the trees hit in my lifetime," Orsow said. "Some of the trees are costing as much as $70 just for the wholesale of the tree. That's a lot of money."
Orsow's worked with Christmas trees for about 50 years by his estimate, and he's guessing that there may be another year of raised pricing before the market slows down.
"It's a commodity: Prices go way up, (then) it goes way down," Orsow said of the trees. "I've always tried to stay even on the pricing, but when it goes up this far, there's no way that you can not raise the price of your trees. You have to at least match what you've been raised.
"This is a community lot for the people down in the Bayview and Hunter's Point area, and I've always tried to keep the prices way, way down," he added. "If I go up $5 or $7 wholesale, that's what they go up on my retail."
The majority of Christmas trees are grown in North Carolina and Oregon, and this is the first time in years that both states are in short supply, according to Hundley. Oregon largely supplies the West Coast with its trees and its shortage will largely affect California pricing.
Noble firs in Oregon are particularly experiencing growing issues, beyond the pullback from growers over the recession. Willamette Valley experienced a "practically nonexistent" crop of Nobles for about 15 years, before finally reaping a good crop in 2016. That tree species is expected to continue commanding a much higher pricing.
"There is a shortage of Noble trees grown in the Northwest and it is expected to last eight years or more, so prices for Nobles will definitely rise probably from 5 to 10 percent this year," according to Sam Minturn executive director of the California Christmas Tree Association.
The national group is predicting a 5 to 10 percent increase across the country for all trees, saying higher prices are also expected to happen with East Coast tree lots purchasing from North Carolina suppliers as well, according to Hundley. The hope is that the market will return to normal before 2020.
"It'll take some patience, the Christmas tree growers since 2010 have been planting heavily, and we think this undersupply or tight market will pass in just a couple more years," Hundley said.
One suggestion to avoid a limited selection of trees is to head to local farms that allow customers to choose and cut down their own tree. Places such as the Little Hills Christmas Tree Farm in Petaluma grow their own trees and reported that they're not experiencing the shortages and raised prices that lots featuring trees from commercial growers are seeing.
"This is a good time to visit a local tree farm as they nearly all grow more than one species of tree," Minturn said. "We haven't heard of any shortages with them unless they were affected by the forest fires such as the one in the Santa Rosa area."
Now, the shortage doesn't mean that Christmas tree lots are empty of trees, but it will become difficult for procrastinators to pick up a last-minute tree. Retailers and experts are suggesting customers pick up their trees earlier this year in order to avoid slim pickings later in December.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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GALLATIN State Environmental Conservation Officer James Davey and his partner were investigating a complaint of trespassing and shots fires in rural Columbia County on Nov. 29, 2016, when Davey was accidentally shot by a poacher.
On Monday, nearly one year later, he returned to work.
"While the story could have been much worse, (Officer) Davey is once again on duty enforcing New York state's laws against poachers and polluters thanks to the quick action of his partner, Lt. Liza Bobseine, and an unwavering dedication to recovering from his injuries," said Paul Larrabee, a spokesman for the PBA of New York State, which represents the officers.
Previous: DEC officer shot while investigating illegal hunting
When Davey and Bobseine arrived on the scene that night, they found what appeared to be fresh vehicle tracks leading into a cut cornfield. As the officers walked into the darkened field, Alan Blanchard illegally fired his high-powered rifle and struck Davey's thigh.
Bobseine administered first aid until an ambulance arrived to take the officer to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. A year of recovery lay ahead.
Blanchard was charged with felony assault, to which he later pleaded guilty. He was sentenced to six months in county jail, 100 hours of community service and five years probation. The hunter also was ordered to pay Davey $20,000 in restitution.
Previous: DEC calls for hunting safety after 4 deaths, 3 injuries
In the wake of Davey's injuries and recovery, the PBA of New York State is calling for state lawmakers to pass legislation that ensures all state law enforcement officers have three-quarter disability benefits when they are injured in the line of duty,
"The FBI reports that game wardens are nine times more likely to be assaulted in the line of duty than other police officers," Larrabee said in a statement Monday. The spokesman said Davey does not have access to this type of disability benefit and cannot retire early.
"It is simply wrong, after his sacrifice, that the option of a viable disability benefit is not available, and he is forced back into the field," PBA director Jason DeAngelis said in a Monday statement.
A bill that would offer disability retirement benefits to state environmental conservation officers, state forest rangers, state university police officers and regional state park police all of whom are represented by the PBA of New York State was passed in the state senate in June but foundered in an assembly committee.
The legislation is sponsored by state Sen. Martin Golden, R-Brooklyn, and state Assemblyman Peter Abbate, D-Brooklyn.
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Joel O'Keefe, the notorious Washington County felon whose escape from State Police custody in Ballston in 1994 prompted a two-week manhunt, remains in a maximum security prison because he has not found a suitable place to live, according to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
O'Keefe was eligible to leave Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus on Saturday but remained in custody Tuesday, agency spokesman Pat Bailey said.
O'Keefe has yet to find adequate housing, Bailey said. The onus to find outside housing that meets state requirements is on the prisoner, Bailey said.
Traditionally, prisoners or those connected with them on the outside find housing before they are released from prison.
O'Keefe, 57, was serving 14 to 29 years at the maximum-security prison in the Finger Lakes and was approved for conditional release to Washington County, officials said.
On Sept. 23, 1994, O'Keefe, a native of Easton, was being transported from the Washington County jail to the Saratoga County jail when he took off from the back of a State Police car as it was stopped at a traffic light at Routes 50 and 67.
More than 200 troopers, correction officers, deputies and environmental conservation officers used police dogs, infrared equipment and heat-seeking helicopters to scour Saratoga County for O'Keefe, who had stolen a car in Saratoga Springs.
O'Keefe drove to Salem in Washington County and then to Bennington, Vt., where police captured him at a Subway shop two weeks after his escape.
O'Keefe pleaded guilty to the June 27, 1994, first-degree burglary of a home in Round Lake where police said he sodomized a woman at knifepoint after locking her daughter in a closet. He had been charged with first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse and first-degree unlawful imprisonment.
The guilty plea to burglary resolved the case. O'Keefe was also serving time for several attempted escapes while in prison.
The troopers transporting O'Keefe in 1994 were disciplined for handcuffing him in front and not behind his back after he complained that it was painful.
ALBANY - A man stole a tip jar from a Central Avenue pizza parlor and then stabbed a restaurant worker who chased him to get the jar back, police said.
Elijah Vonwergers, 22, was arrested shortly after police were called to the New York Pizzeria, 328 Central Ave., at 12:10 a.m.
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ALBANY A federal judge sentenced a former accounting manager for Cargill at the Port of Albany to five years in prison Tuesday for ripping off at least $3.5 million from the global agricultural giant over a decade.
"You really did become greedy and piggish," Judge Mae D'Agostino told the defendant, Diane L. Backis of Athens, at the sentencing in U.S. District Court. She described the crime in which Backis charged customers below cost, made false accounting records and meddled with payment procedures to enrich herself as "insidious."
Backis, 52, sat beside her attorney, Scott Iseman, as the judge told her she did not buy the defense argument that Backis stole money to help relatives and friends in need.
"There has never been any proof of that for me," the judge said, noting the thefts benefited the defendant. "I really don't believe that you were being a female version of Robin Hood."
Backis must pay $3.6 million in restitution, which includes $139,000 to the Internal Revenue Service. The judge imposed two years of supervised release when Backis leaves prison. D'Agostino rejected a request from Backis' attorney to recommend she be placed in a federal prison in Danbury, Conn. The judge said she would leave that up to the federal Bureau of Prisons.
When given a chance to speak, Backis, speaking rapidly, said: "I know that what I did was wrong and after my sentence I will continue to work to repay everyone."
Cargill, based in Minnetonka, Minn., is the largest privately held corporation in the United States. It employs 120 people in Albany, where it receives, stores and sells grain products.
Backis, who spent three decades working for the company, had a reserved parking space where she parked her BMW. Among other duties, she sold grain to customers in the Capital Region and was responsible for accounting of those sales, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Myers.
"The defendant was trusted by Cargill to negotiate prices for grain worth millions of dollars," the prosecutor noted in a pre-sentencing memo to the judge. "She betrayed that trust by selling grain at prices dramatically below Cargill's cost."
The prosecutor said Backis made false entries in Cargill's accounting software to conceal the crime, then deleted the entries.
"By reversing the false entries, inventory at the Port of Albany was booked as depleted, but the commensurate revenue was no longer booked as a receivable," Myers informed the judge. "The defendant, therefore, was able to receive incoming payments from customers for delivered products 'off the radar' and without Cargill's accounting team anticipating prompt receipt of those payments."
Payments from Cargill's customers were required to go to a lockbox controlled by a third party. The invoices automatically generated by the company's software instructed customers to send their payment to the third party. Instead, Backis created hundreds of fraudulent invoices in Microsoft Word instructing customers to send payment to her at the Port of Albany.
Between December 2006 and June 2016, Backis deposited at least $3,115,610 into her personal accounts, she admitted. The final total was more than $3.5 million.
In a victim impact statement, Claude J. Nebel, a vice president and director of global security for Cargill, said in addition to losses for the company estimated from $25 million to $50 million, the crime cost Cargill hours for manpower, attorneys and auditors. He said the company has been forced to look over its operations globally to "ensure this type of thing doesn't happen again."
In an email, Cargill spokeswoman April Nelson told the Times Union the company fired Backis in 2016.
"Cargill customers were not adversely affected by the fraudulent activity," the spokeswoman said. "We conducted a thorough investigation of Cargill's controls and trading systems and are confident this was an isolated incident. We are satisfied that the criminal justice process has now come to an end."
Not everyone is satisfied.
Jim Czub, a cash grain, corn and soybean farmer from Schaghticoke who attended the sentencing, told the Times Union outside court that Backis' theft forced him and other local farmers to lower their prices. Otherwise, he said, they would be continue to be undersold by the low prices at Cargill due to Backis' fraud.
Asked what he thought of the sentencing, he said: "Light."
U.S Navy FILE(WASHINGTON) -- A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane had an unsafe interaction with a Russian SU-30 fighter jet this Saturday that used its afterburners as it flew in front of the American plane over the Black Sea, according to a U.S. official. It was the first unsafe encounter for a U.S. military aircraft in months.
According to the U.S. official, the Navy plane was flying over the Black Sea when it was intercepted by a Russian SU-30 "Flanker" fighter.
At its closest point, the Russian fighter came as close as 50 feet to the Navy aircraft, but it was a maneuver flying in front of the American plane that has led to the U.S. labeling the encounter as unsafe.
Moving from right to left, the Russian fighter then activated its afterburners as it flew in front of the American plane.
The official said the Russian fighter's move caused a turbulence wake in front of the American plane that led it to roll as it flew through it.
The Pentagon has deemed the Russian aircraft's maneuver as an "unsafe interaction."
This weekend's unsafe interaction is the first unsafe encounter in months involving a Russian aircraft.
The U.S. military uses various criteria aside from distance to determine whether an encounter with a foreign military vessel or aircraft should be classified as unsafe.
For example, the speed of an aircraft and rate of closure can factor more than a close distance in an air encounter.
Such was the case in May over the Black Sea when a Russian fighter's coming within 20 feet of a P-8 aircraft was deemed "safe and professional."
At the time, a U.S. official said that was the case because both aircraft visually identified each other and the Russian aircraft approached the American plane in a professional manner.
Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
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If you returned to social media after a holiday weekend break, your feed was likely filled with mentions of a controversial New York Times profile of a Nazi sympathizer living in Ohio.
Many criticized the article for being "too soft" on its subject, 29-year-old Tony Hovater. Some even called the story a "puff piece."
The article, which was published online Saturday and appeared in the Times' Sunday paper, follows Hovater as he goes about his daily life, eating at Applebee's with his fiancee and boiling pasta in his kitchen, all the while explaining his white nationalist political views to Times reporter Richard Fausset.
In the first several paragraphs of the profile Fausset describes Hovater as "the Nazi sympathizer next door, polite and low-key" with innocent, apolitical tattoos.
More for you New York Times faces backlash over half-baked profile of white...
Following the article's publication, New York Times readers, political activists and celebrities took to Twitter to skewer the piece. A common criticism was that the newspaper's portrayal of Hovater served to "normalize" his extreme beliefs.
The Atlantic parodied the Times article with a satirical piece headlined "Nazis are just like you and me, except they're Nazis."
Click through the slideshow above to see some of the most retweeted responses to the New York Times' article "A voice of hate in America's heartland."
Others pointed out that the Times linked to a website that sells swastika armbands when referencing the white nationalist group that sells the product (a group that Hovater helped establish). The New York Times removed the link in response to readers' criticism, the paper's national editor Marc Lacey said.
In an online response to the outpouring of criticism, Lacey wrote, "Our reporter and his editors agonized over the tone and content of the article. The point of the story was not to normalize anything but to describe the degree to which hate and extremism have become far more normal in American life than many of us want to think."
"We understand that some readers wanted more pushback, and we hear that loud and clear."
Fausset also published a separate article online Saturday that didn't directly address readers' criticism, but acknowledged his reporting's shortcomings.
"There is a hole at the heart of my story about Tony Hovater," Fausset writes, explaining he wasn't able to fully understand what had radicalized his subject.
Read Alix Martichoux's latest stories and send her news tips at amartichoux@sfchronicle.com.
State Police in Plattsburgh are asking for the publics help in solving a 20-year-old homicide in Peru.
One of the last times Walter C. Fedorwich, 88, was seen, he was speaking with two white men dressed in biker apparel at the end of his driveway on State Route 22. They appeared to be operating a dark-colored vehicle.
2017 marks the 40th anniversary of hospice care at Milford Care Centre in Limerick, pioneered by the Little Company of Mary (LCM) Order, which celebrates its 140th anniversary this year, and both milestones are recorded in a newly published book.
The book, entitled A Journey of Hope, written by Sister Brigid Finucane, LCM, one of the three pioneering Sisters who worked in the original hospice in Milford, chronicles the history of the Order, including Mary Potters radical social and caring work in difficult economic circumstances in 19th century Victorian Britain. It also records the Orders arrival in Ireland to St Johns Hospital, Limerick in 1888.
Its publication was partly prompted by the many enquiries received from the public over the years about the history and heritage of Milford House, author Sister Brigid explained.
Founded by the Venerable Mary Potter in a disused stocking factory in Hyson Green, Nottingham, England in 1877, the LCM Order first provided hospice care for people with life-limiting conditions in the Mid-West Region in 1977.
The book records how, in 1923, the Sisters purchased the Georgian Milford House at Castletroy near Limerick and established a Novitiate there. Space was allocated in the building for nursing home beds five years later.
Responding to the changing care needs of the wider community, LCM Sisters set aside nine beds at Milford House specifically for hospice care in 1977 in what was a highly progressive move in Irish healthcare at the time.
As the book explains, Milford Hospice has undertaken a number of expansions since then, with the provision of a range of inpatient and day care services at standalone premises at Milford. Extensive Hospice-at-Home and other community palliative care services throughout the Mid-West were also added by Milford Care Centre (MCC) as well as expanded nursing home facilities in Milford.
A Journey of Hope also highlights how, coinciding with Milford Hospices 40th anniversary, a major development project is now at an advanced stage, involving the provision of a new purpose-built 34-bed hospice to serve Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary and the expansion of the existing Nursing Home from 47 beds to a 68-bed nursing home.
Both of these facilities, on completion, will feature enhanced facilities for patients, relatives and staff, including all single occupancy rooms for both patients and residents. This Project remains on target to start accommodating palliative care patients and their families in early 2018, while it is expected that remedial works to the Nursing Home will be completed in the last quarter of 2018.
The publication also sets out to acknowledge the selfless contribution made by the many LCM Sisters and Milford Care Centre personnel, led by chief executive Pat Quinlan, down through the decades. It is also a tribute to the patients and residents of Milford and their families, and the many volunteers, fundraisers, benefactors, and associates.
Special guest speaker at the launch was RTE Religious and Social Affairs Correspondent, Joe Little and other speakers were Pat Gilmartin, Chairperson of MCC Board of Directors, Sister Brigid Finucane, author of the book and Pat Quinlan, Chief Executive, Milford Care Centre.
A Journey of Hope' will be available at Milford Care Centre and in the Hospice Shop in Thomas Street, Limerick. All proceeds generated will form part of the fundraising income to support the work of Milford Hospice in 2018.
Moyne Drama Group will take to the stage of Moyne Community Centre on Thursday 30th November with the Richard Harris comedy Stepping Out.
The play will run for four nights, commencing at 8.15 pm sharp each night, closing on Sunday 3rd December.
"Stepping Out", set in an English country village, charts the lives of eight women and one man (and the pianist) who each week attend a local tap dance class held in their church hall. Over the course of several months we meet the group and all have a story to tell.
Initially all thumbs and left feet the group are just getting to grips with the basics when they are invited to perform at a Charity Gala.
Can they "Tap Their Troubles Away" before the big night? The group, directed this year by Susan Troy, are very excited to be doing this play fresh from the West End and are proud to be the first group in Ireland to perform it.
We have a strong talented cast on stage with Esther Hogan, Helena Bermingham and our 2016 Director Joanne Bannon, joined by Maria McElgunn and Rosalie Butler, our Choreographer, both members of Thurles Musical Society.
Maureen Claffey, Geraldine Delaney, Edel Delaney, Michelle Maher and Johnny Fogarty were all part of the 'Sive' cast to reach the All Ireland Confined Drama Festival in Rossmore, Co. Cork in 2013 which was also directed by Susan.
All of the cast have tread the boards down through the years and are no strangers to Moyne Community Centre. Set design and construction has been under the watchful eye of Jason Moore, Ger OKeeffe & Tadhg Ryan and ably assisted by PJ Claffey, Ailbhe Hayden and Liam Troy.
Music is a hugely important part of this play and audiences can enjoy tapping their toes to some beautiful numbers such as I Got Rhythm and Tea For Two along with some other old favourites.
As always, we advise patrons to get in early as pre-booking is not available and you can only get your tickets on the door.
Baltimore 911 Call Center Struggles With Dropped Calls, High Wait Times
In the
case of an emergency, we have been taught to immediately call 911 three digits that can save a life. Unfortunately, callers in crisis are not getting the immediate responses that they need nor deserve, especially in Baltimore City, Maryland. Residents are not only placed on hold but are experienced dropped calls, forcing the City Council to investigate and rectify the mess.
According to the Baltimore City Fire Department, Baltimores 911 call center is the busiest in the state. The question that is being raised is whether there are enough agents and operators to keep the call center running smoothly and efficiently. This means answering every call and not allowing any to be discarded, which can put immense pressure on the operators just trying to assist those in need.
We just dont have the staffing we need, Councilman Brandon Scott said. Our citizens are getting the running message that at peak times, we have more calls coming in than people to take them.
Prior to 2009, Baltimore had approximately 35 operators every shift versus 12 to 18 operators in 2017, according to the Fire Department. It is not just Baltimore that is suffering from dropped 911 calls, either. Earlier this year, the FCC began researching abandoned calls out of Dallas, Texas.
Originally thought to be ghost calls, where a phone dials a number repeatedly without the phone owner knowing, it was soon discovered that the calls were actually abandoned calls. This means the caller hangs up before the dispatcher can answer the call. Typically, the emergency callers number will come up and the operator is responsible for making sure that the caller is safe; that was not happening, as resident Bridget Alex shared.
I don't care what they call it, Alex said after her six-month-old boy, Brandon, died after calls to 911 went unanswered. Had they did something, my son would probably be still here in my arms, and I wouldnt be pleading with them. So explain to me, how did I lose my son that day?"
In Baltimore, the wait times are approximately six seconds, but can be longer with a multitude of emergencies coming in at once. In both Baltimore and Dallas, the common solution appears to be more staffing for higher efficiency. Without that, callers will continue to be disgruntled, leading to call center employees being subject to discipline and feeling helpless when, in reality, call center scheduling and staffing are at fault.
How long is too long to wait for a 911 call to be answered?
Edited by Erik Linask
[November 27, 2017] AHF Marks World AIDS Day with Concerts and Events in over 30 Countries: 'KEEPING THE PROMISE-AHF 30 YEARS'
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, will host a series of concerts and events across the world during the week leading up to the Dec. 1 commemoration of World AIDS Day. All activities will share a common theme - "Keep the Promise on HIV/AIDS!" - a call to action and a reminder to world leaders that with 1 million people still dying of AIDS every year, the epidemic is far from over. This year's tribute will coincide with activities marking AHF's 30-year anniversary, a historic milestone for an organization that began as a small community hospice and rose to become the largest NGO provider of lifesaving HIV treatment and services with over 830,000 clients in care. World AIDS Day activities will include a wide variety of events, such as free concerts featuring top celebrity performers in Haiti, Mexico City and the United States. Screenings of the AHF documentary "Keeping The Promise: AHF 30 Years" will run in multiple locations. AHF will also provide free HIV testing services, distribute condoms and hold interactive awareness-raising events throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and the U.S. In Las Vegas, AHF will host a small reception and screening of the new one-hour documentary, 'Keeping the Promise-AHF 30 Years' at The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas. Through interviews with key AHF stakeholders from over the years coupled with archival video footage culled from AHF's 30 years of advocacy, care and activism, 'Keeping the Promise-AHF 30 Years' was made by Foxhound Productions and tells a compelling story of AHF's history while offering a glimpse of, and road map to its future.
WHAT: AHF COMMEMORATES WORLD AIDS DAY and 30-YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the ORGANIZATION WHEN: Friday, DECEMBER 1st, 2017 7:00pm Small Reception
8:00pm Private Film Screening WHERE: The Mob Museum 300 Steward Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89101 WHO: AHF staff and Community Partners VISUALS: There will be a registration desk at the museum lobby to direct guests.
"This event will enable not only AHF staff but also our community partners to see the extent of AHF's work and impact around the globe," said Patricia Bermudez, Director of Business and Program Development. "It is important to highlight our various programs and advocacy efforts because they ultimately are centered around the most important part of our work, which is our clients." "This year's World AIDS Day is particularly meaningful for AHF because it marks several historic milestones for us, including AHF having over 830,000 patients in our care around the world as we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year," said AHF President Michael Weinstein. "When AHF began as the AIDS Hospice Foundation in 1987, we were facing dire circumstances and a lot of uncertainty at the beginning of the epidemic. Each day we were fighting just to keep AIDS patients from having to die in the streets or overcrowded hospitals. Today, even though millions of people with HIV worldwide are thankfully living longer, healthier lives due to access to better medical treatments, the urgency of winning the war against AIDS here in the U.S. and around the globe has diminished. Our hope is that our big-concert events will help keep the spotlight on the need for nations to keep their promise to do all they can to stop HIV/AIDS from claiming additional lives." According to UNAIDS, over 36 million people are living with HIV/AIDS around the world. Each year nearly 2 million people become infected with the virus and 1 million die of AIDS-related causes. While millions of people today are accessing lifesaving antiretroviral therapy, millions more still desperately need it. The end of the epidemic is only possible if governments and world leaders Keep the Promise on AIDS. About AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) In 1987, a group of activists founded AIDS Hospice Foundation in Los Angeles to provide a final resting place for terminally ill AIDS patients. Three years later, as lifesaving antiretroviral medical therapy was introduced, AIDS Hospice Foundation changed its name to AIDS Healthcare Foundation in 1990 to signify its new focus on being a medical provider to people living with HIV/AIDS. AHF funds its mission to rid the world of AIDS through a network of pharmacies, thrift stores, healthcare contracts and other strategic partnerships. Today, as the largest global AIDS organization, AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to over 830,000 individuals in 39 countries, including in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook (News - Alert): www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us @aidshealthcare. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171127005923/en/
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[November 27, 2017] AHF Marks World AIDS Day with Concerts and Events in over 30 Countries: "Keeping the Promise: AHF 30 Years"
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, will host a series of concerts and events across the world during the week leading up to the Dec. 1 commemoration of World AIDS Day. All activities will share a common theme - "Keep the Promise on HIV/AIDS!" - a call to action and a reminder to world leaders that with 1 million people still dying of AIDS every year, the epidemic is far from over. This year's tribute will coincide with activities marking AHF's 30-year anniversary, a historic milestone for an organization that began as a small community hospice and rose to become the largest NGO provider of lifesaving HIV treatment and services with over 830,000 clients in care. World AIDS Day activities will include a wide variety of events, such as free concerts featuring top celebrity performers in Haiti, Mexico City and the United States. Screenings of the AHF documentary "Keeping the Promise: AHF 30 Years" will run in multiple locations. AHF will also provide free HIV testing services, distribute condoms and hold interactive awareness-raising events throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Europe and the U.S. In San Diego, AHF will host a screening of the new one-hour documentary, "Keeping the Promise: AHF 30 Years" at Landmark Theaters - Hillcrest Cinemas in San Diego. Through interviews with key AHF stakeholders from over the years coupled with archival video footage culled from AHF's 30 years of advocacy, care and activism, "Keeping the Promise: AHF 30 Years" was made by Foxhound Productions and tells a compelling story of AHF's history while offering a glimpse of, and road map to, its future.
WHAT: AHF COMMEMORATES WORLD AIDS DAY and 30-YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the ORGANIZATION WHEN: Tuesday, NOVEMBER 28th, 2017 6:30 p.m. Private Film Screening WHERE: Hillcrest Cinemas 3965 Fifth Avenue Suite 220 San Diego, CA (News - Alert) 92103 WHO: AHF staff and Community Partners VISUALS: There will be theater personnel available to direct guests.
"This event will enable not only AHF staff but also our community partners to see the extent of AHF's work and impact around the globe," said Patricia Bermudez, Director of Business and Program Development. "It is important to highlight our various programs and advocacy efforts because they ultimately are centered around the most important part of our work, which is our clients." "This year's World AIDS Day is particularly meaningful for AHF because it marks several historic milestones for us, including AHF having over 830,000 patients in our care around the world as we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year," said AHF President Michael Weinstein. "When AHF began as the AIDS Hospice Foundation in 1987, we were facing dire circumstances and a lot of uncertainty at the beginning of the epidemic. Each day we were fighting just to keep AIDS patients from having to die in the streets or overcrowded hospitals. Today, even though millions of people with HIV worldwide are thankfully living longer, healthier lives due to access to better medical treatments, the urgency of winning the war against AIDS here in the U.S. and around the globe has diminished. Our hope is that our big-concert events will help keep the spotlight on the need for nations to keep their promise to do all they can to stop HIV/AIDS from claiming additional lives." According to UNAIDS, over 36 million people are living with HIV/AIDS around the world. Each year nearly 2 million people become infected with the virus and 1 million die of AIDS-related causes. While millions of people today are accessing lifesaving antiretroviral therapy, millions more still desperately need it. The end of the epidemic is only possible if governments and world leaders Keep the Promise on AIDS. About AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) In 1987, a group of activists founded AIDS Hospice Foundation in Los Angeles to provide a final resting place for terminally ill AIDS patients. Three years later, as lifesaving antiretroviral medical therapy was introduced, AIDS Hospice Foundation changed its name to AIDS Healthcare Foundation in 1990 to signify its new focus on being a medical provider to people living with HIV/AIDS. AHF funds its mission to rid the world of AIDS through a network of pharmacies, thrift stores, healthcare contracts and other strategic partnerships. Today, as the largest global AIDS organization, AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to over 830,000 individuals in 39 countries, including in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook (News - Alert): www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us @aidshealthcare. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171127005926/en/
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[November 27, 2017] Republic Airline and Lewis University Sign College's First Pilot Partnership Agreement
Republic Airline has signed a partnership agreement with Lewis University for pilot development and career progression, the college aviation program's first agreement with an airline. With the addition of this aviation program, Republic now works with 23 schools across the United States to help students fast-track their careers as commercial airline pilots. "Pilot development opportunities continue to be a primary focus at Republic. We're thrilled that Lewis University is joining our cadre of flight program partners," said Tonya Gilbert, Republic Airline Managing Director of Talent Acquisition and Associate Experience. "Our increased engagement and support on campus allows students - and their parents and guardians - to see the future they can have in the airlines, hopefully attracting more students to the college programs and the career." The partnership enables flight students at collegiate aviation programs to interview with the airline as early as their sophomore year. Students meeting Republic's qualifications will receive a conditional offer of employment, transitional support to Republic's commercial training program, and be eligible to receive a signing bonus of as much as $15,000. Republic pilots train to fly the Embraer E170 and E175 aircraft, the most advanced commercial aircraft in our industry. "This partnership formalizes our Republic Airline relationship, which our students already have benefited from in recent years on an informal basis," said Dr. Ryan Phillips, co-chair of Aviation Transportation Studies at Lewis University. "This agreement serves as a launch pad for many more opportunities for our students in the future." For more on the Republic Airline Pilot Cadet Program, please visit http://www.rjet.com/en/Cadet.aspx.
About Republic Airline: Republic Airline, based in Indianapolis, operates a fleet of approximately 190 Embraer 170/175 aircraft and offers scheduled passenger service with 950 daily flights to 100 cities in 35 U.S. states, Canada, the Caribbean and Central America. The airline provides fixed-fee flights operated under its major airline partner brands of American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express. The airline employs about 5,500 aviation professionals. Visit www.rjet.com for more information, follow the company on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, and connect on Facebook or LinkedIn. About Lewis University: Lewis University is an innovative and entrepreneurial Catholic university offering market-relevant undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,500 students. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis University is nationally recognized for preparing intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected and socially responsible graduates. Visit http://www.lewisu.edu for further information.
Note to editors: For more information, please contact Scott Thien, Republic Airline Corporate Communications, at (317) 471-2540 or [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171127006058/en/
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INVESTOR ALERT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP Reminds Investors of an Investigation Involving Possible Securities Fraud Violations Relating to Tezos' ICO
Levi & Korsinsky announces it has commenced an investigation into Tezos concerning possible violations of federal securities laws in relation to Tezos' Initial Coin Offering (ICO).
On October 18, 2017, Reuters (News - Alert) published a report alleging that Tezos is "in danger of falling apart" due to an "acrimonious dispute" between its founders, Arthur and Kathleen and Breitman, and Johann Gevers, president of the Tezos Foundation. According to Reuters, Swiss law dictates that the Foundation remain independent, however, the Breitmans are seeking to oust Gevers and restrict the Foundation's responsibilities. Kathleen Breitman has suggested that participants in the Tezos fundraiser contributed "donations" with no expectation of a return on their investment.
Following thi news, the value of Tezos Tokens futures contracts dropped as much as 60%, according to the futures/derivatives markets which track their value. To obtain additional information, go to:
http://www.zlk.com/pslra-sbm-cc/tezos
or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500, toll-free: (877) 363-5972.
Levi & Korsinsky is a national firm with offices in New York, California, Connecticut and Washington D.C. The firm's attorneys have extensive expertise in prosecuting securities litigation involving financial fraud, representing investors throughout the nation in securities and shareholder lawsuits. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171127006064/en/
[November 28, 2017] Adoreboad's Emotion AI The Future Of CX Measurement
BELFAST, Northern Ireland, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Adoreboard, a leading Emotion AI software solution, has been named for using, "common sense reasoning with affective computing," for Customer Experience improvements, according to the October 2017 Forrester report, The Future of CX Measurement . Adoreboard is cited in a section of the report entitled, "Upgrade to Analytics That Drive Action". Adoreboard's Emotion AI solution, Emotics, produces what is known as Decision Ready Insights, enabling executives to use Artificial Intelligence to make CX-impacting decisions in a more informed and responsive way. The Forrester report, written by Principal Analyst, Maxie Schmidt-Subramanian, explained, "Emotion analysis vendor Adoreboard uses common sense reasoning with affective computing, an AI technology to create an index for each primary emotion in Plutchik's wheel." Yannis Kotziagkiaouridis, Global Chief Analytics Officer of Wunderman, who have been successfully applying Adoreboard's Emotics solution worldwide, says it provides a disruptive technology-led approach by revealing previously unattainable insights on customer emotion. "When it comes to harnessing emotion to improve customer experience, Adoreboard is a true innovator. We believe data should lead to deeper understading of consumer emotion and motivation. The decision-ready insights Adoreboard provides are a great complement to our work in delivering experiences for consumers in the moments that matter most to them."
Adoreboard's Emotics solution can understand how emotions are expressed in any text contained in product reviews, surveys, social media posts or online comments by customers. This opens up new possibilities for CX professionals to improve the customer journey by making changes that can be prioritized by strength of emotional response. Research by Adoreboard shows that the customer's voice has a new champion sitting at the highest levels of power in businesses with the mandate to improve customer experience. The number of Fortune 100 companies with the role of Chief Customer Officer has increased by 20 per cent in the last three years.
"With mass-market products and services becoming increasingly commoditized, Customer Experience is the new competitive battleground for brands and enterprises," said Michael Crossey, Board Member and Director at Adoreboard. "Working with some of the world's leading brands and agencies, we have seen first-hand the impact that the deep, granular insights provided by our Emotics solution can have on improving Customer Experience. Adoreboard reveals highly detailed, often previously unknown issues that impact customer experience, allowing executives to take immediate action to fix current problems, and prioritise CX investments for maximum business impact over the medium to long term." Adoreboard, which began six years ago as a Queen's University Belfast spin-out, has been adopted by agencies across the top five largest ad networks globally, including Wunderman, Havas, McCann, along with major brands such as Unilever, Three and Telstra Wholesale. Notes to the editor About Adoreboard Established in 2011, Adoreboard is a leading Emotion AI software solution providing decision ready insights to world leading brands like Unilever and Three. It's Emotion AI can measure how the world feels about brands online. Adoreboard's mission is to place customer emotion at the heart of every customer experience decision and create 1 million customer centric brands as a result. Originally a spin out of one of the UK's leading research universities Queen's University Belfast, Adoreboard was named the 'Best Tech' company by the ITLG Silicon Valley Global Technology Summit chaired by former Chairman and CEO of Intel Corporation Dr Craig Barrett. Link: http://www.adoreboard.com/
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[November 28, 2017] NEXT Biometrics and Tactilis Demonstrate First-Ever Biometric Smart Card Using Flexible Sensor Compliant with International Standards
CANNES, France, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NEXT Biometrics (Oslo Bors:NEXT) and Tactilis today demonstrated the first smart card using flexible fingerprint sensor technology compliant with international standards. Tactilis has integrated NEXTs advanced large area flexible sensor technology into its biometric-system-on-card (BSoC) to deliver a higher level of security and outstanding user experience for financial, governmental and access control mass markets. The demonstration is taking place here this week at TRUSTECH 2017.
NEXTs advanced large-area flexible sensor delivers the security and reliability that will help move the use of biometric smart card technology into widespread adoption by the industry, said Ritu Favre, CEO of NEXT Biometrics. Working together with Tactilis we are able to deliver a product that can be manufactured in volume and which meets the stringent standards requirements demanded in real life implementation.
The NEXT NB610 flexible fingerprint sensor has been incorporated into smart cards developed and manufactured by Tactilis that are compliant with the ISO 17839 standard defining the implementation of biometric system-on-a-card devices. This is the first ISO 17839 compliant smart card with flexible fingerprint sensor technology. Tactilis has already integrated NEXTs non-flexible sensor, the NB 5510 (announced in 2016), into smart cards that are currently shipping to customers.
We strongly believe large and flexible sensors are absolutely necessary to rovide fast one-touch verification and exceptional user experience, while simultaneously providing the highest level of security for the card issuer and the card user, said Michael Gardiner, CEO of Tactilis. Ease of enrollment and the ability to work with existing installed infrastructure will also allow for rapid low-cost adoption. We partnered with NEXT because their sensor technology and long-term strategy help us deliver products that meet the new BSoC industry standards and user preferences necessary for mass market adoption.
NEXT Biometrics and Tactilis are demonstrating the new smart card during TRUSTECH Nov. 28-30 in Booth LER C019 at the Palais des Festivals.
About NEXT Biometrics
Enabled by its patented NEXT Active Thermal principle, NEXT Biometrics (www.nextbiometrics.com) offers large high-quality area fingerprint sensors in both rigid and flexible formats. The sensors can be implemented in a wide range of product formats, including smart cards, notebooks, time and attendance, USB-sensors, smart card readers, secure tokens and access control systems, and many more.
NEXT Biometrics Group ASA is a publicly-listed company headquartered in Oslo, Norway and with sales, support and development subsidiaries in Seattle, Silicon Valley, Taipei, Prague and Shanghai.
About Tactilis
Tactilis (www.tactilisltd.com) provides a biometric smart card that has the convenience and capability to replace all current forms of card identification and completes the chain of trust in identity and information security. The powerful biometric system-on-card utilizes a live fingerprint scanner to securely verify the cards rightful users identity and authorize transactions with a single touch of a finger. Multiple applications can be implemented within one card successfully.
Tactilis is headquartered in Singapore, having operations and development in Malaysia and Portugal and with sales in Hong Kong. For additional information, please contact:
Investor Relations:
Ritu Favre (CEO), [email protected]
Knut Stalen (CFO), [email protected] Media:
Tom Beermann, [email protected] 408-807-9475
Brian Dobson, [email protected] 203-613-2222
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[November 28, 2017] MRF Tyres Onboards 42Gears Mobility Management Suite
BANGALORE, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 42Gears Mobility Systems, a leading provider of digital workspace technologies, announces that MRF Tyres has selected 42Gears EMM Solution to provide secure access to MRF product application on the tablets in the exclusive stores. 42Gears solution allows MRF to remotely manage the MRF application and push app updates. Further, the digital signage solution enhances customer engagement by turning the Lenovo tabs into kiosks during idle time. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/517153/42Gears_Mobility_Systems_Logo.jpg )
MRF has provided Lenovo Android tablets in more than 400 exclusive stores across India, with a pre-installed product presentation application to its in-store sales representatives for product demonstration and customer feedback. When not in use, these tablets are also used as kiosks to display product videos. However, these open devices were prone to misuse and also it was difficult to provide secure access to product application for improving customer experience. With the help of 42Gears EMM Solution, MRF wa able to secure the tablets and prevent device misuse within the dealer stores. It also made device management and support very easy for MRF.42Gears not only secured access to the product application but also ensured a high customer engagement through its efficient digital signage solution.
Abhay Koranne, Senior Vice President, 42Gears Mobility Systems, said, "MRF required a simple and easy to use solution which would enable them to solve their mobility challenges. They found our EMM solution to be an exact fit for their specific requirement. Not only did our products match their price preference, we were also able to successfully deliver mobility solutions that worked in tandem with their current workflow." About 42Gears
42Gears Mobility Systems provides SaaS and On-premise UEM solutions. It offers enterprise-ready products to help companies secure, monitor and manage enterprise mobile devices, desktops, IoT and more. More than 7,000 customers across 106 countries use 42Gears for managing BYOD and Company Owned Device devices deployment scenarios. 42Gears products are used in verticals like healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, education and retail. For more information, please visit http://www.42gears.com. About MRF Tyres MRF Tyres, the largest manufacturer of tyres in India, is headquartered in Chennai, India. In early 1960s, the company started exporting tyres to U.S. and Beirut. Today, it has a global presence across 65 different countries with tyres rolling out of 6 interdependent facilities built across 450 acres, 3,000 strong dealer networks and 180 different offices. For more information, please visit https://www.mrftyres.com/. Media Contact:
Manisha Singh
[email protected]
+91-9886603629
Marketing Head
42Gears Mobility Systems
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[November 28, 2017] Cytovance Biologics, Inc. announces Bexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. has chosen Cytovance to manufacture the protein component and active ingredient of Bexion's first clinical compound, BXQ-350
OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cytovance Biologics, Inc. (Cytovance), a leading full-service contract development and manufacturer of mammalian and microbial biologics, today announced that it has been chosen by Bexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Bexion) to manufacture the protein component and active ingredient of Bexions first clinical compound, BXQ-350. An ongoing supply of this protein will support Bexions continued drug development efforts, including planned Phase II clinical trials.
BXQ-350 is a unique formulation of the human lysosomal protein, Saposin C (sphingolipid activator protein, or SapC), and the phospholipid dioleoylphosphatidylserine (DOPS). Cytovance and Bexion are working on the scale-up process in anticipation of increased drug requirements. As Bexions need for BXQ-350 has continued to increase, Cytovance has been very responsive to our requests, stated Dr. Ray Takigik, Founder and CEO of Bexion. From scheduling multiple protein runs to improving our process, their team has provided welcomed expertise.
Bexion recently completed a successful First-in-Human Phase 1a dose ranging study in adult patients with advanced solid tumors, where BXQ-350 was shown to be well tolerated at all five doses with no dose limiting toxicities observed and with no serious adverse events attributed to the therapy. Phase 1b is now underway. Cytovance is very excited to be a part of such an innovative project with Bexion, says Mike OMara, VP of Manufacturing at Cytovance Biologics. We are delighted to support Bexion by ongoing manufacturing of BXQ-350 in our cGMP state-of-the-art facilities.
About Cytovance
Cytovance Biologics, Inc. is a full service CDMO and was founded in 2003. At Cytovance, we provide unparalleled support to biopharmaceutical companies to move new, safe medicines from the lab bench to those who need them most. Were committed to a healthier world. Cytovance offers a comprehensive range of development and cGMP manufacturing services. For more information, visit www.cytovance.com Media Contact: Cheryl Tuck | [email protected] About Bexion
Bexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a privately-held biotech company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative cures for cancer. Bexions first-in-class biologic, BXQ-350, has demonstrated selective tumor targeting with the potential for clinical efficacy in a broad range of cancers. In 2013 the NCI awarded Bexion a prestigious Bridge Award of $3MM to support testing of BXQ-350 in the clinic. In February 2015, the FDA granted Bexion Orphan Drug status for Saposin C, the active ingredient in its proprietary drug BXQ-350, for the potential treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a type of brain cancer. In June 2015, Bexion won a Tibbetts Award by the Small Business Administration for exemplifying the very best in innovation. For more information, visit www.bexionpharma.com Media Contact: Margaret van Gilse | 859.757.1652 | [email protected]
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[November 28, 2017]
Enghouse Systems Acquires XConnect GmbH
Acquisition Establishes Enghouse Networks Presence In Germany
MARKHAM, ON and DUREN, Germany, Nov. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Enghouse Systems Limited (TSX:ENGH) announced today it has acquired XConnect GmbH, from XConnect Global Networks Ltd.
Headquartered in Duren (outside of Cologne), XConnect GmbH provides carrier change processes and number portability services to telecommunication providers in Germany. Its software enables the movement of telephone numbers and voice data services among operators and carriers.
"With over 70 customers, XConnect GmbH establishes EnghouseNetworks in Germany and provides a base to sell XConnect as well as Enghouse products," said Sunil Diaz, General Manager, Enghouse Networks. "We are very pleased to welcome XConnect GmbH's customers and employees to the Enghouse Networks organization."
About Enghouse Systems Limited
Enghouse Systems Limited is a leading global provider of enterprise software solutions serving a variety of vertical markets. Its strategy is to build a more diverse enterprise software company through strategic acquisitions and managed growth within its business sectors: Contact Center, Networks (OSS/BSS) and Transportation/Public Safety. Enghouse shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:ENGH). Further information about Enghouse is available at www.enghouse.com.
About XConnect GmbH & XConnect Global Networks Ltd.
XConnect GmbH is a specialist in Germany in the area of phone number porting, phone number allocation and porting data. The ICCS Professional (Inter Carrier Communication System) product offers one of the latest software solutions for telephone providers for phone number administration and porting in this area.
XConnect Global Networks Ltd. will continue to operate on a global basis its number information and interconnect services for telecom operators, A2P messaging providers and CPaaS players.
SOURCE Enghouse Systems Limited
[November 28, 2017] Kyowa Hakko Kirin Announces FDA Acceptance for Filing and Priority Review Designation of Mogamulizumab's Biologics License Application
Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:4151) (President and CEO: Nobuo Hanai, "Kyowa Hakko Kirin") today announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review the Biologics License Application (BLA) for mogamulizumab to treat Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL) in patients who have received at least one prior systemic therapy, and has granted Priority Review status. This BLA is supported by the data from the MAVORIC (Mogamulizumab anti-CCR4 Antibody Versus ComparatOR In CTCL) study, the largest global randomized clinical trial of systemic therapy in CTCL. The FDA has granted mogamulizumab Priority Review status, which is available to drugs that would be significant improvements in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of serious conditions when compared to standard applications. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date for the BLA is June 4, 2018. "I am delighted that the FDA accepted the BLA for mogamulizumab with Priority Review and this is another significant achievement for our subsidiary, Kyowa Kirin Pharmaceutical Development," sad Mitsuo Satoh, Ph.D., Executive Officer, Vice President Head of R&D Division of Kyowa Hakko Kirin. "We will keep working with Regulatory Authorities such as FDA to make it available to patients with CTCL in the US as soon as possible."
Mogamulizumab was first approved in Japan in 2012 for other hematological malignancies and in 2014 for use in CTCL. FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation status to mogamulizumab for the treatment of Mycosis Fungoides (MF) and Sezary Syndrome (SS), in patients who have received at least one prior systemic therapy. MF and SS are the most common subtypes of CTCL. The Kyowa Hakko Kirin Group companies strive to contribute to the health and well-being of people around the world by creating new value through the pursuit of advances in life sciences and technologies.
About Mogamulizumab Mogamulizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), which is frequently expressed on leukemic cells of certain hematologic malignancies including CTCL. Mogamulizumab was produced using Kyowa Hakko Kirin's proprietary POTELLIGENT platform, which is associated with enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). About MAVORIC MAVORIC is a Phase 3 open-label, multi-center, randomized study of mogamulizumab versus active comparator in patients with MF and SS who have failed at least one prior systemic treatment. The study was conducted in the US, Europe, Japan and Australia, and randomized 372 patients. About CTCL (Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma) CTCL is a rare type of non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoma. The two most common types of CTCL are MF and SS, and depending on the stage, the disease may involve skin, blood, lymph nodes, and viscera. In advanced stage CTCL is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005661/en/
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[November 28, 2017] RSi Chosen to Share Best Practices at Europe's Largest Customer Success Event
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- RSi (Retail Solutions, Inc.), the global leader in retail execution and data management, has been invited to participate in Gainsight's Customer Success Event in Europe. This event is the main customer success event in Europe and is taking place in London on November 28th through 29th. Stuart Careford, Vice President of Worldwide Customer Success, and Ryan McCarthy, Senior Director of Global Customer Success Operations, will share RSi's best practices created for customers with the launch of Gainsight. "We are honored to be invited to speak at Pulse Europe," commented McCarthy. "At RSi we are committed to being at the forefront of Customer Success Management and Gainsight is certainly helping us deliver on that promise," added McCarthy. Careford and McCarthy will be speaking on Tuesday, November 28th from 2:05 PM - 2:45 PM in the Success Showcase track. They will offer an executive briefing surrounding RSi's successful implementation of Gainsight which supports RSi's new multi-dimensional customer success management practice. With customer experience being a top priority, RSi is transforming the way they manage customer success with four cornerstones of focus: (i) account management, (ii) centralizing all customer data points, (ii) using that data to generate prescriptive actions, and (iv)establishing automated business rules to streamline customer management workflows. RSi's evolution of customer success management has taken shape over a three year journey including the implementation of Gainsight.
"At RSi, we are continually looking for the best way to support our customers and serve them before needs arise," said Careford. "We have a dedicated team led by Ryan that has made tremendous gains using the robust platform offered by Gainsight," continued Careford. With over 1200 CPG customer accounts globally, RSi has over 100 people in various customer success roles (support, account management, managers, training, etc.) working around the clock that are devoted to customer success management. Powered by Gainsight, RSi aims to deliver exceptional account management, with well documented business plans and objectives for each account. This will ensure sufficient resources are allocated to the appropriate customer teams, provide clear follow up on actions after all meetings, accelerate resolution of any potential production issues, and improve the communications surrounding introductions of new features or products.
About Retail Solutions, Inc. (RSi) RSi transforms data into value -- in the store, on the shelf and with shoppers worldwide. To achieve operational clarity and measure performance daily, the world's leading companies turn to RSi to transform their data into actionable insights. As the leader in data management and retail execution, our goal is to bring operational clarity to our customers so they can operate their business more successfully. From solving out-of-stocks to driving inventory down, from optimizing sales strategies to determining marketing ROI, RSi helps to cut costs and improve sales. For over thirteen years we have been a trusted, massive data and analytics partner to more than 225 retailers and over 500 CPG companies, including such household names as Colgate-Palmolive, Nestle, the Procter & Gamble Company and Unilever. RSi is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Walmart Stores, Inc. To learn more about the company, visit: www.retailsolutions.com Media Relations: Jessica Tobey | Industry Relations
RSi - Retail Solutions, Inc.
201 Ravendale Drive
Mountain View, CA 94043
[email protected] View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rsi-chosen-to-share-best-practices-at-europes-largest-customer-success-event-300562346.html SOURCE Retail Solutions, Inc.
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[November 28, 2017] Mogo Launches MogoProtect to Help Protect Canadians Against Identity Fraud
Product addresses growing incidence of identify fraud from data breaches Subscription-based offering represents Mogo's fifth product and highlights power of the company's digital platform Opens up significant new revenue opportunity for Mogo VANCOUVER, Nov. 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Mogo Finance Technology Inc. (TSX: MOGO; OTCQX: MOGOF) ("Mogo" or the "Company"), one of Canada's leading financial technology companies, today announced it has launched MogoProtect, a new digital solution to help consumers protect themselves against identify fraud. "With data breaches happening almost daily, most people don't realize they've been compromised until the damage is already done. The potential effects of identify fraud financial losses, reduced creditworthiness can be devastating, making it more important than ever for everyone to watch for signs of suspicious activity and unexpected inquiries into their credit file," said David Feller, Founder and CEO of Mogo. "With MogoProtect, we are introducing a highly convenient and affordable mobile first solution to help Canadians detect potential fraud and stop it before it becomes a real issue. At $8.99 per month, it's roughly half the price of comparable solutions in the market, and we believe MogoProtect offers an unmatched, mobile-first user experience." In a recent Gallup poll, Americans ranked identity theft as their single greatest worry1, in part because of the potential impact on their financial life. Take the recent story of a Canadian woman whose identity was stolen, allowing thieves to get two mortgages in her name that totaled CDN$500,000. After she investigated her own case, she found out that the thieves had tried to borrow money at 12 or more financial companies. Nobody can prevent identity theft but a solution like MogoProtect would have alerted her when any of those lenders did an inquiry into her Equifax credit bureau, which would have given her a chance to help stop the fraud before it happened. "There are approximately 26 million Canadians with a credit score and, increasingly, we believe every Canadian will need a solution like this because the consequences of identity fraud can be so severe," added Greg Feller, President & CFO of Mogo. "Not only does this product represent a significant new evenue opportunity for Mogo, it highlights the power and value of our technology platform, as this product was conceived, built and launched within three months a tremendous achievement by our team. This subscription revenue stream aligns with our strategic focus on growing the other product revenue and fees segment of our business, and we will continue to introduce new fee-based products in the coming quarters, including our new cryptocurrency account in the first quarter of 2018. These innovative products will help us achieve our target of 800,000 to 1,000,000 members by the end of 2018."
MogoProtect monitors your Equifax credit bureau and notifies you by push notification and email whenever a company makes an inquiry, which happens when you consent to a credit check while opening a new bank account or completing an application for credit. If you notice a suspicious inquiry, MogoProtect will guide you through the next steps to help prevent the fraud. "Our mission is to empower Canadians to manage their financial health in the most convenient way possible, and we plan to eventually offer all the solutions that someone needs to manage their financial health, all from one convenient digital account," continued David Feller. "We chose MogoProtect as our fifth product, because we truly believe that identity fraud is one of the greatest risks to consumers' financial health. In studying the market, we also noticed a big gap in both a mobile-first solution and an affordable one. MogoProtect is meant to solve this gap."
MogoProtect is seamlessly integrated into the MogoAcccount and can be accessed through the Mogo app (iOS and Android versions). Mogo's multi-product platform includes: Canada's first free credit score monitoring solution
first free credit score monitoring solution MogoProtect: A simple and affordable mobile solution to help protect against identity fraud
MogoMortgage: Digitally led mortgage experience which was recently awarded Best Use of Mobile Technology by the Canadian Mortgage Association
MogoCard: Canada's first digital spending account accessible through the Mogo Platinum Prepaid Visa
first digital spending account accessible through the Mogo Platinum Prepaid Visa MogoMoney: Canada's first full-spectrum consumer loan solution with a "Level-up" program that rewards consumers for consistent payments with lower rates or higher loan amounts
first full-spectrum consumer loan solution with a "Level-up" program that rewards consumers for consistent payments with lower rates or higher loan amounts Upcoming MogoCrypto: A trusted way to buy & sell Bitcoin, launching in Q1 2018 1 http://news.gallup.com/poll/221270/cybercrime-tops-americans-crime-worries.aspx About Mogo
Mogo (TSX: MOGO; OTCQX: MOGOF) a Vancouver-based financial technology company is focused on building the best digital financial services experience for the next generation of Canadians. Mogo's platform currently delivers five innovative products designed to help consumers get in control of their financial health. Built mobile first, users can sign up for a free MogoAccount in only three minutes and get access to free credit score monitoring, identity fraud protection, the Mogo Platinum Prepaid Visa Card, mortgages and personal loans. The platform was engineered to deliver multiple financial products at scale and enable the launch of additional new innovative products, including the Company's recently announced MogoCrypto account which is expected to launch early in 2018. With more than 500,000 members and growing, Mogo continues to execute on its vision of becoming the financial brand for the next generation of Canadians. To learn more, please visit mogo.ca or download the mobile app (iOS or Android). Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Mogo's member growth, platform, brand, current products and plans to launch new products including the recently announced MogoCrypto account. Forward-looking statements 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. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual financial results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements and the forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Mogo's growth and its ability to expand into new products and markets are subject to a number of conditions, many of which are outside of Mogo's control. For a description of the risks associated with Mogo's business please refer to the "Risk Factors" section of Mogo's annual information form dated March 7, 2017, which is available at www.sedar.com. Except as required by law, Mogo disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise. SOURCE Mogo Finance Technology Inc
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[November 28, 2017]
ToolGen, Inc. Announces Poster Presentation on CRISPR Technology at 2017 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting
SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ToolGen, Inc. (KONEX, 199800), a biotechnology company specializing in genome editing, today announced a poster presentation on its CRISPR technology at the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, being held December 9-12 in Atlanta, Georgia.
The poster presentation entitled CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Diacylglycerol Kinase Knockout Potentiates Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Human Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cells will cover a study that explored a potential solution to tumors evading immune surveillance by deactivating T cells. Researchers strengthened T cell function by deleting Diacylglycerol kinase (DGKs) using CRISPR/Cas9. The study found that the observed biological effects may also yield new strategies for improving the efficacy of T-cell therapy in combination with signal 2 checkpoint inhibitors in clinical applications.
Poster : 3182 - CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Diacylglycerol Kinase Knockout
Potentiates Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Human Chimeric Antigen Receptor
T-Cells Lead Author : In-Young Jung, MS Poster Session : 703: Adoptive Immunotherapy: Poster II Date : Sunday, December 10, 2017 Time : 6:00 - 8:00pm CT Location : Georgia World Congress Center
Building A, Level 1, Hall A2
About ToolGen, Inc.
ToolGen, Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on the development and application of genome editing technologies. It creates and holds intellectual property rights for essential tools and technologies for editing the genetic information in microbial, plant, animal, and human cells. ToolGens mission is to translate the potential of its innovative platform technology into transformative products for biomedicine and agriculture. For more information, please visit www.toolgen.com.
Contacts
Company Seokjoong Kim +82-2-873-8168
Media Kirsten Thomas (508) 280-6592
Investors Tram Bui (646) 536-7035
[November 28, 2017] Healthcare Industry Players Can Leverage Patient Engagement Analytics to Enhance Their Patient Monitoring Process - Quantzig
Quantzig, a global analytics solutions provider, has announced the completion of their latest patient engagement study on the healthcare industry. The client, a renowned healthcare services provider, wanted to better understand the role of the patients regarding the health behavior and the interaction with the health care system. The main objective of the client was to gain insights related to disease management. Also, the client wanted to improve patient satisfaction levels and offer efficient healthcare delivery. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005638/en/ Patient Engagement Analysis Assists a Client to Enhance Their Patient Monitoring Process. (Graphic: Business Wire) According to the patient engagement analysis experts at Quantzig, "The healthcare industry is shifting toward a value-based model. And to deliver the most affordable healthcareto patients, major organizations in the healthcare industry are adopting patient engagement analysis."
The old healthcare model of treating critical illnesses is slowly evolving into a model with increasing focus on the disease prevention, patient, and the ongoing management of chronic diseases. Today's healthcare industry allows consumers to take charge of their health in a new way. Additionally, with the increasing patient awareness, renowned players in the healthcare services space are relying on patient engagement analysis to go on par with the consumer's preferences. Request a free demo to see how Quantzig's solutions can help you.
The solution offered by Quantzig helped the client to better manage chronic diseases and improve the quality of healthcare services. The client was able to deliver cost-effective medical assistance to the patients while promising better health care quality. Also, the client was able to improve the process of care and ultimately patient satisfaction. This patient engagement analysis solution provided benefits that helped the client to: Improve the overall health outcome and increase patient engagement
Understand the health conditions and proactively make better-informed decisions
To know more, request a free proposal This patient engagement analysis solution offered predictive insights on: Educating patients about their responsibility and improving quality and safety
Enhancing financial and operations efficiency
To know more, request a free proposal View the complete patient engagement analysis study here: https://www.quantzig.com/content/health-care-services-patient-engagement About Quantzig Quantzig is a global analytics and advisory firm with offices in the US, UK, Canada, China, and India. For more than 12 years, we have assisted our clients across the globe with end-to-end data modeling capabilities to leverage analytics for prudent decision making. Today, our firm consists of 120+ clients, including 45 Fortune 500 companies. For more information on all of Quantzig's services and the solutions they have provided to Fortune 500 clients across all industries, please contact us. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005638/en/
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[November 28, 2017] Myomo, Inc. to Present at the 10th Annual LD Micro Main Event
Myomo, Inc. (NYSE American: MYO) ("Myomo" or the "Company"), a commercial stage medical robotics company, today announced that it will be presenting at the 10th annual LD Micro Main Event on Tuesday, December 5th at 9:30 AM PST / 12:30 PM EST at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel in Los Angeles, CA (News - Alert). Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Paul R. Gudonis will be presenting, as well as meeting with investors. A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available online at the Investor Relations page of the Company's website. An archive of the event will also be available for those unable to listen live. The LD Micro Main Event is the largest independent conference for small/micro-cap companies and will feature 250 names presenting to an audience of over 1,000 attendees. In addition, there will be a variety of speakers/panelists discussing topics of interest to investors and issuers, along with coordinate evening events. About Myomo
Myomo, Inc. is a commercial stage medical robotics company that offers expanded mobility for those suffering from neurological disorders and upper limb paralysis. Myomo develops and markets the MyoPro product line. MyoPro is a powered upper limb orthosis designed to restore function to the weakened or paralyzed arms of patients suffering from CVA stroke, brachial plexus injury, traumatic brain or spinal cord injury, ALS or other neurouscular disease or injury. It is currently the only marketed device that, sensing a patient's own EMG signals through non-invasive sensors on the arm, can restore an individual's ability to perform activities of daily living, including feeding themselves, carrying objects and doing household tasks. Many are able to return to work, live independently and reduce their cost of care. Myomo is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with sales and clinical professionals across the U.S. For more information, please visit www.myomo.com.
About LD Micro
LD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space. What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into several influential conferences annually. In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector.
For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at [email protected] or visit www.ldmicro.com/events for more information. Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company's future business expectations, including the therapeutic benefit of the Company's products, which are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward looking statements for many reasons, including, without limitation, risks related to regulatory approval and market acceptance of our products, and the other risk factors contained in our filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. More information about factors that potentially could affect Myomo's financial results is included in Myomo's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005786/en/
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[November 28, 2017] Tavisca Solutions Wins TravelMole - ITB Asia Pacific Award Again
PUNE, India, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tavisca Solutions, a leading travel technology products and solutions provider, has continued its winning streak and been conferred with the prestigious TravelMole - ITB Asia Pacific Award again this year. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150604/748192 )
Tavisca's efforts towards transforming travel brands into technology-centric market leaders were recognized by industry enthusiasts, who voted them as winners in the category of 'Best Travel Technology Provider' for the 10th TravelMole - ITB Asia Pacific Awards 2017. This accomplishment reflects their partner satisfaction and industry recognition. The winners were selected from a shortlisted list, deliberated by an expert panel of judges who determined the best nominations from all applications received in August. The TravelMole Asia Pacific Award is bestowed upon pioneer travel businesses and destinations that innovatively utilize different realms of digital technologies for enhancing visitor experiences or solidifying their online presence. Bein at the forefront within the industry is a matter of great pride for Tavisca.
Mahendra Yadav, CEO, Tavisca Solutions, said, "Winning this award again has been a huge honor and we would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support and truly respect their faith in our technical excellence within the travel industry." TravelMole's 65,000 travel trade Asia Pacific newswire subscribers were asked to place their nominations in August. A expert panel of judges determined a shortlist for each category in September. Voting by TravelMole's 65,000 subscribers from the travel trade in Australia/NZ and Asia Pacific markets took place over few weeks after the nomination.
In association with ITB Asia 2017, the TravelMole Asia Pacific Awards 2017 celebrates its 10th year anniversary, recognizing excellence of travel industry vendors, destinations, resellers, technology and payment solution providers, whose websites, e-commerce, social media, mobile and IT deployment represent the best of the best. About Tavisca Solutions Tavisca Solutions powered more than 2.5 million travel bookings (2016) for leading B2C, membership-based travel and B2B travel companies globally. Tavisca Solutions helped travel brands transform themselves into technology-centric market leaders in travel, empower their vision and scale their business. They recently launched OneConnect - The only travel supplier integration you will ever need. Established in 2008, Tavisca has emerged into a team of travel technology specialists with over 300 dedicated personnel and a state-of-the-art development center in India, and the sales and marketing office in the U.S.
For Products and Demo Queries Contact:
[email protected] Press and Media Contact:
[email protected]
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[November 28, 2017] Innovid Releases Insights from Survey of Brand Marketers on Video Marketing Strategies and Expectations for 2018
NEW YORK, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Innovid, the worlds leading video marketing platform, today announced the release of a report titled, Where are Brand Marketers Taking Their Video Strategy in 2018? The report presents the results of a survey completed by 140 marketing decision-makers at top brands, conducted this summer by Brand Innovators in partnership with Innovid. The survey queried brand marketers on how they perceive their brands' adoption of the latest video advertising strategies, their beliefs about integrating data, their adoption of KPIs to determine success, and what their plans and expectations are for 2018 regarding their use of video to better connect with consumers. The survey results showed that marketers grade themselves quite harshly when asked about their video advertising usage. Very few companies currently report themselves as leading-edge when asked about innovation in their video marketing strategies and tactics to appeal to today's consumers, with only six percent characterizing their brands as innovators in video. However, marketers do have a video vision for 2018, and almost 80 percent of respondents stated that they will increase their video advertising in 2018 to build stronger relationships with viewers. Moreover, they show widespread optimism about how they envision the coming year. Innovid partnered with Brand Innovators to conduct this survey hoping get honest feedback from leading companies about their video marketing efforts and expectations for the future, said Beth-Ann Eason, president, Innovid. Many marketers seem to be coming down hard on their own video marketing efforts, but it is also clear that there is so much untapped potential and optimism about video marketing and its impact on consumers to be harnessed in the year to come. Innovids expertise in partnering with brands to develop ideo marketing strategies enables them to solve real business problems through data-driven creative campaigns with concrete measurement and results.
Additional key highlights from the survey include: Marketers are being held back by three key hurdles: budget, lack of in-house expertise and prioritization.
Funding is the gating factor in video advertising volume for the vast majority of marketers, though 79 percent of companies will be increasing their video advertising efforts in 2018.
of companies will be increasing their video advertising efforts in 2018. Marketers are uninformed about the costs associated with deploying customized video ads. 45 percent of respondents dont believe that creative can be customized into hundreds of variants for less than $20,000.
of respondents dont believe that creative can be customized into hundreds of variants for less than $20,000. Interactive TV ads are currently underutilized because there is a general lack of knowledge about the capabilities that current video advertising technologies provide.
Quite a few companies (35 percent) rely completely on agencies to deploy their video assets, showing a lack of adequate in-house video marketing expertise.
rely completely on agencies to deploy their video assets, showing a lack of adequate in-house video marketing expertise. Facebook and YouTube currently dominate the overall video ad spend, while mobile, which currently accounts for a quarter of ad spend, is still somewhat of an afterthought. OTT video platforms currently account for 9 percent of video ad spend and are expected to rise significantly.
of video ad spend and are expected to rise significantly. Most marketers (90 percent of respondents) understand the value of using digital key performance indicators (KPIs) in measuring the effectiveness of an online ad campaign, as opposed to using more traditional KPIs. We were pleased to work with Innovid to conduct this survey as it generated critical industry insights about the current and future state of video marketing, said Marc Sternberg, Co-Founder, Brand Innovators. The results show the lack of widespread understanding of the current state of video, budgetary barriers, and the unmet potential that video advertising has to connect with consumers on a one-to-one basis. The results also demonstrate the optimism of marketers and the huge potential that video marketing has to really explode in the next couple years.
The white paper is available for download at http://www.innovid.com/bi-whitepaper. For more information about Innovid, please visit www.innovid.com or follow us on Twitter @Innovid. Press Contact for Innovid: Rachel Conforti
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (212) 966-7555 (ext. 242) About Innovid
Innovid is the worlds #1 online video marketing platform, delivering more video than any company across PCs, tablets, mobile phones, smart TVs and streaming devices. Innovid helps leading advertisers and agencies leverage the power of data to create interactive and personalized video that delivers 80 percent higher performance than traditional pre-roll. Most recently, Innovid was featured in Business Insiders 19 Most Interesting Ad-Tech Startups of 2017. Please visit www.innovid.com for more information. About Brand Innovators
Founded in 2011, Brand Innovators is the largest professional organization of brand marketers, with a community of over 7,000 marketing professionals from Fortune 500 and other leading brands throughout the United States and the UK. The Brand Innovators Advisory Board includes some of the most innovative brand marketers and change agents in the marketing and media industries. For more information, visit www.brand-innovators.com.
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[November 28, 2017] Canada's Combat Ship Team: BAE Systems, CAE, Lockheed Martin Canada, L3 Technologies, MDA and Ultra Electronics Join Forces to Deliver Canadian Surface Combatant Proposal
OTTAWA, Ontario, Nov. 28, 2017 /CNW/ -- Two days prior to the procurement closure date, Lockheed Martin Canada (NYSE: LMT) has confirmed delivery of the proposal for the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) program signifying that the acquisition has moved to the next critical phase. BAE Systems, CAE, Lockheed Martin Canada, L3 Technologies, MDA and Ultra Electronics are partnering as Canada's Combat Ship Team for the Royal Canadian Navy's future fleet of surface combatants. Canada's Combat Ship Team is offering the most advanced and modern warship design, the Type 26 Global Combat Ship (GCS), with high-tech platform innovations from prominent Canadian companies. The solution includes the internationally renowned Canadian-developed combat management system, CMS 330. Canada's Combat Ship Team's approach to the CSC project exclusively parallels the Canadian Government's Defence Policy, which is the foundation for the offering: Strong, Secure and Engaged. STRONG. Canada's Combat Ship Team's approach to the strategic objective STRONG is to provide the right ship for the Royal Canadian Navy that surpasses baseline requirements with minimal change. This solution represents the lowest development risk and is underpinned by Canadian doctrine; interoperability with five-eyes nations and other NATO allies; ability to achieve safety certification and security accreditation; ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment; and ease of upgradeability to address future capabilities. SECURE. Under the pillar of SECURE, Canada's Combat Ship Team's offering focuses on ensuring successful program execution by bringing together a pan-Canadian team who have proven, demonstrated and current pedigree in performing complex defence contracts in Canada; who have well-established infrastructure, employees, security clearances and facilities in place today; who have demonstrated their commitment and reliability to successfully execute the project by their substantial investments in CSC and in meeting all procurement deadlines; and therefore who are poised to perform the CSC program, Ready on Day One . ENGAGED. Embodied throughout Canada's Combat Ship Team's offering is our multifaceted approach to achieving the strategic pillar ENGAGED. The underlying principles implemented focus on partnership with all stakeholders and, equally important, maintaining sovereignty of the CSC solution in Canada, which can only be achieved by having the solution and capability developed "at home" by Canadians. Canada's Combat Ship Team is living proof that capability investments made in Canada result in sustained jobs not only through long term sustainment of its system and products, but also extend to exports which leverage Canada's investments to other nations adding more jobs to Canadian industry. This team recognizes the significant benefits that Canada will receive with the implementation of Canada's Combat Ship Team's strategic objective to bring the jobs "home" to Canada and therefore collectively become the Home Team . Quotes "The Type 26 Global Combat Ship is a flexible, next generation warship design which offers a low risk and affordable solution for the Canadian Surface Combatant program. With the UK Type 26 program running ahead of CSC, our Canadian ship will benefit from lessons learnt on the UK program. This schedule also allows Type 26 the opportunity to be the most advanced Canadian Surface Combatant. Canadian companies such as W.R. Davis Engineering in Ottawa, Rolls-Royce in Peterborough and L3 MAPPS in Montreal have already begun work on delivering high-technology systems for the UK's Type 26, demonstrating the skills and capability available from the Canadian supply chain." Anne Healey, Country Director, Canada, BAE Systems "Building on our proud Canadian history of more than 70 years, we are honoured to join forces with this pan-Canadian team that has been assembled for CSC. CAE welcomes the opportunity to leverage the strengths of ourcombined organizations to support the Government of Canada and Irving Shipbuilding to deliver a modern, capable warship with an integrated training system that aligns with the Future Naval Training Strategy. CAE is dedicated to offering customers the most innovative training solutions to achieve the highest levels of operational readiness and performance." Joe Armstrong, Vice President and General Manager - Canada, CAE
"The Defence Policy released earlier this year announced the Government's new vision for the Canadian Armed Forces, and as a Pan-Canadian team, our approach to CSC implements these Defence Policy pillars where we are offering the right ship for the Navy to enable them to be STRONG; we are offering proven, Canadian pedigree of companies to ensure successful program execution is SECURE; and we are offering a solution that ensures sovereignty is maintained by bringing the direct jobs on CSC home to Canada so that we are ENGAGED and able to sustain the CSC ships throughout their lifespan. Lockheed Martin Canada has been Canada's trusted Combat System Integrator for more than three decades, and our team can be counted on to deliver affordable solutions, sustained job creation, and technology development in Canada for export potential. We'll employ our proven collaborative partnership model to successfully manage the highly complex systems integration process including integrating our CMS 330 Combat Management System with the Type 26 Global Combat Ship and leverage the innovation and talent here at home which will ultimately result in unprecedented economic outcome for Canada." Rosemary Chapdelaine, Vice President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin Canada Rotary and Mission Systems
"We are proud to be a member of Canada's Combat Ship Team. With a strong Canadian footprint, we are in a unique position to leverage our established Canadian companies to deliver Canadian marine technologies, systems integration support, and through life in service support to the team in a number of areas including integrated communications, electro optic and infrared sensors, torpedo handling systems, and integrated platform management systems." Mike Greenley, President, L3 WESCAM "As one of Canada's leading space and defence companies, MDA's participation in this team is very strategic. For MDA, in addition to providing world-class operational CSC capability to the Canadian Forces, this project will be a major enabler in achieving significant future MDA exports from Canada and the resulting growth in jobs and business in Canada a continuous corporate strategy for MDA since 1969." Dave Hargreaves, Vice President Aerospace and Defence, Surveillance and Intelligence, MDA "As a long-time participant in Canada's defence community, Ultra Electronics is delighted to be a member of Canada's Combat Ship Team. It is truly a privilege to be able to provide our world-leading Canadian designed and developed underwater warfare products to this uniquely assembled team to deliver Canada's future surface combatant." Ken Walker, President, Ultra Electronics Canada Quick Facts In June 2016 , following Industry engagement, the Government of Canada announced that it would proceed with a procurement package based on a Total Ship Reference Point. For industry, this meant combining the efforts of a warship designer and combat systems integrator into a consolidated proposal.
, following Industry engagement, the Government of announced that it would proceed with a procurement package based on a Total Ship Reference Point. For industry, this meant combining the efforts of a warship designer and combat systems integrator into a consolidated proposal. BAE's Type 26 has been selected by the Royal Navy and steel has been cut on the first of a planned eight ships. Due to its current stage in the lifecycle, there is no obsolescence in the design and it therefore offers the lowest risk to build in Canada .
. The Type 26 Global Combat Ship can undertake a wide range of roles from high intensity conflict to humanitarian assistance, including anti-submarine warfare and air defence. It is flexible, versatile and highly survivable with an extremely low acoustic signature.
Built for the Royal Canadian Navy's doctrine, tactics and operations, Lockheed Martin Canada's innovative Combat Management System CMS 330 was developed in Canada as a result of 34 years' experience and knowledge of Canadian and NATO naval operations.
as a result of 34 years' experience and knowledge of Canadian and NATO naval operations. Members of Canada's Combat Ship Team are currently delivering on the final stages of Canada's HALIFAX-class Modernization Project.
Combat Ship Team are currently delivering on the final stages of HALIFAX-class Modernization Project. Collectively, our team employs more than 9,000 Canadians in over 40 facilities across the country with an established presence on both coasts. Our collective Canadian supply chain consists of approximately 4,000 contracts Canada -wide. About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a world leading shipbuilding, support and maintenance company with the skills and expertise to design, build, integrate, test, commission and support complex warships. BAE Systems has a strong track record of collaboration with customers and industrial partners worldwide to share technology and skills - helping countries grow their naval and industrial capabilities. Canadian industry is already integral to the Type 26 Global Combat Ship program. About CAE
As a globally-recognized training systems integrator, CAE is committed to providing defence and security forces world-class training centres, training services, and a comprehensive portfolio of training solutions. CAE is headquartered in Canada and has employees in 15 locations across the country. About Lockheed Martin Canada
Lockheed Martin Canada has a proud legacy of providing innovative naval systems and sustainment solutions for Canada and abroad. For more than three decades, Lockheed Martin Canada has demonstrated its capability and commitment to the Royal Canadian Navy as the Prime Contractor and Combat System Integrator for the HALIFAX Class Frigates. About L3 Technologies
A leading provider of communication, electronic and sensor systems used on military, homeland security and commercial platforms, L3 Technologies is also a prime contractor in aerospace systems, security and detection systems, and pilot training. With over 50 years of business operations in Canada, L3 has a strong Canadian presence with L3 MAPPS, L3 MAS, L3 Communication Systems Canada and L3 WESCAM that each have experience working on technologies and projects for the Royal Canadian Navy. About MDA
MDA's business provides technology solutions to commercial and government organizations worldwide. The Company's established global customer base is served by more than 6,500 employees operating from 21 locations in Canada, the United States and internationally. MDA focusses primarily in the Communications and the Surveillance and Intelligence sectors, and has supported the Royal Canadian Navy for over two decades. About Ultra Electronics
Based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Ultra Electronics is a part of the Ultra Electronics Group, an international electronics company. Ultra Electronics has been delivering sophisticated, cost-effective, and innovative solutions to the defence market for 70 years. Ultra Electronics has been extremely successful in transforming its research investment into the technologically advanced underwater battlespace sensor systems that it delivers to both Royal Canadian Navy and internationally. Today, Ultra Electronics is recognized worldwide for its expertise in hull mounted sonar, towed active and passive arrays, sonar sensors, and underwater acoustics. For more information about our team, visit our website: www.canadascombatshipteam.com or follow us on Twitter @CSCHomeTeam. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canadas-combat-ship-team-bae-systems-cae-lockheed-martin-canada-l3-technologies-mda-and-ultra-electronics-join-forces-to-deliver-canadian-surface-combatant-proposal-300562323.html SOURCE Lockheed Martin
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[November 28, 2017] IGEL Teams with Imprivata to Improve Productivity for Healthcare Organizations
IGEL, a world leader in endpoint management software for the secure enterprise, today announced that it is teaming with Imprivata, the healthcare IT security company, to improve the productivity and efficiency of healthcare professionals. By combining the power of the IGEL OS with the features and functionality available through Imprivata OneSign SSO, the two companies are providing doctors, nurses and clinicians with secure, quick and easy access to clinical applications and critical patient information through their IGEL OS-powered endpoints. "Today's hospitals and healthcare organizations are under tremendous pressure to reduce costs and improve the productivity of their increasingly mobile workforces, while at the same time ensuring compliance with security and privacy mandates," said Simon Clephan, vice president, Business Development and Strategic Alliances, IGEL. "IGEL's collaboration with Imprivata is all about helping healthcare organizations achieve these objectives. By simplifying access to patient data through the integration of Imprivata OneSign into IGEL OS-powered endpoints, doctors, nurses and clinicians can gain rapid access to patient records, regardless of where they are working within the organization." Security, Ease of Management and Improved Access with IGEL and Imprivata IGEL OS 10.04 is the latest 64-bit Linux-based solution that is built for today's mobile enterprises. With IGEL OS, organizations can convert any x86 device into an IGEL-powered endpoint, and control every desktop from one, easy-to-manage platform - the IGEL UMS. Organizations of all sizes and across all vertical markets can also easily implement the highly manageable IGEL OS on existing, even aging, devices. This allows them to capitalize on the full benefits of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and Windows 10 without high desktop refresh costs. Adding to these benefits, are the additional security layers offered by the IGEL OS. As a Linux-based system, it is nearly immune to ransomware and cyberattacks, allowing the use of Windows-based applications without the risk. Imprivata OneSign Single Sign-On takes the security of patient data one step further by addressing the access challenges faced by doctors, nurses and clinicians. Significantly reducing clicks and eliminating the need to remember or enter application usernames and passwords, Imprivata OneSign has been proven across thousands of healthcare environments around the world. The solution can be used with all types of applications, saving healthcare providers as much as 45 minutes every shift, improving satisfaction levels, and driving EMR adoption. Colorado Hospital Drives End-User Satisfaction with IGEL and Imprivata Parkview Medical CenterSpadafy, which recommended the IGEL Universal DesktopTM thin clients, along with the IGEL Universal Management SuiteTM (UMS) and Imprivata OneSign.
Sam Potter, applications analyst for Parkview Medical Center said, "We tested IGEL alongside several other thin client solutions. What won us over was the ease of use and management capabilities available through the IGEL UMS. The IGEL solution, combined with Imprivata OneSign is now becoming a favorite among our doctors and clinical staff at our residency clinic. Since the upgrade, in fact, many have asked us to extend the IGEL and Imprivata deployment to all of our exam rooms." "We've been a partner of IGEL's for many years now and we are pleased to be teaming with them again to provide our mutual customers, like Parkview Medical Center, with access to all of the features and functionality available now through Imprivata OneSign," said Stephen Furstenau, Director of Business Development, Imprivata. "Together, we are making it possible for healthcare organizations to provide their workers with quick and easy access to Citrix (News - Alert), VMware or Microsoft-powered virtual desktops, and eliminating repetitive, manual log-ins with automated processes that enable providers to obtain information more efficiently, so that they can spend more time with their patients."
To experience the capabilities of the IGEL OS, Universal Desktop ConverterTM (UDC) and UMS, download here, or request free evaluation hardware. About Imprivata Imprivata, the healthcare IT security company, provides healthcare organizations globally with a security and identity platform that delivers authentication management, fast access to patient information, secure communications, and positive patient identification. Imprivata enables care providers to securely and efficiently access, communicate, and transact patient health information to address critical compliance and security challenges while improving productivity and the patient experience. For more information, please visit www.imprivata.com. IGEL on Social Media Twitter: www.twitter.com/IGEL_Technology
Facebook (News - Alert): www.facebook.com/igel.technology
Google (News - Alert)+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/101270758605662221044
LinkedIn (News - Alert): www.linkedin.com/company/igel-technology
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/IGELTechnologyTV About IGEL IGEL delivers powerful unified endpoint management software that is revolutionary in its simplicity and purpose-built for the enterprise. The company's world-leading software products include the IGEL OS, Universal Desktop Converter (UDC), IGEL Cloud Gateway (ICG), IGEL UD Pocket (UDP (News - Alert)) and Universal Management Suite (UMS). These solutions enable a more secure, manageable and cost-effective endpoint management platform across nearly any x86 device. Additionally, IGEL's German engineered and manufactured thin, zero and all-in-one client solutions deliver the industry's best warranty (5 years), support (3 years after end of life) and management functionality. IGEL enables enterprises to precisely control all devices running IGEL OS as well as Windows OS from a single dashboard interface. IGEL has offices worldwide and is represented by partners in over 50 countries. For more information on IGEL, visit www.igel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128005225/en/
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[November 28, 2017] Tarsus Group's Cloud-based Consolidation Solution to be Showcased in CCH Tagetik Webinar
STAMFORD, Connecticut and LUCCA, Italy, November 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CCH Tagetik, part of Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting and a leader in global performance management software solutions, today announced that it will host the live webinar, "Modernize Your Consolidation Today!," from 3:00 to 3:45 p.m. GMT/10:00 to 10:45 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, December 5. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/492891/Tagetik_Logo.jpg ) During the webinar, Mark Pennington, group controller for Tarsus Group, will discuss the company's transition from Oracle Hyperion Enterprise to CCH Tagetik's cloud-based CPM solution. Tarsus Group is an international business-to-business media company with interests in exhibitions, conferences, education, publishing, and online media. The company has 80 legal entities operating in multiple currencies. "Our business had long outgrown the Hyperion system," said Pennington. "We specifically decided to focus our search for a replacement solution on cloud solutions for several reasons. We wanted a solution that could be easily used by our local teams and easily maintained without IT support. We also wanted to avoid performance lags, particularly in remote locations. "In addition to modernizing our consolidation function, CCH Tagetik has dramatically reduced manual processing, allows for easy integration with our ERP systems, and automates the modeling of foreign exchange rate fluctuations," continued Pennington. "With CCH Tagetik's Collaborative Office, we also now have the ability to perform accurate, comparative reporting for events - a critical requirement since these events are our core revenue. CCH Tagetik's multidimensional capabilities lets us report on events by product group, industry, egion, or other critical criteria." The CCH Tagetik solution has now been live at Tarsus Group for more than a year.
"Tarsus Group's experience demonstrates that a move to the cloud is a practical option for any company, no matter its complexity or unique requirements," said Nick Nesbitt, general manager for CCH Tagetik UK and Ireland. "Our UK team worked with Tarsus to implement the solution in 75 working days, and today, a self-sufficient Tarsus system administrator provides the minimal support required." The webinar will feature a live demonstration of CCH Tagetik's consolidation functionality, including:
The benefits of unifying consolidation, budgeting, forecasting, disclosure reporting, and analysis on a unified platform.
Features that foster collaboration among business stakeholders.
How audit trails, diagnostic checks, and automated validation ensure data accuracy from source to final reporting.
Workflow management functionality that allows activities to be performed simultaneously, distributing accountability and expediting processes. For more information and to register for the complementary webinar, click here. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer (AEX: WKL) is a global leader in professional information services and solutions for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2016 annual revenues of 4.3 billion. The company, headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries and employs 19,000 people worldwide. Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting is a leading provider of software solutions and local expertise that helps tax, accounting and audit professionals research and navigate complex regulations, comply with legislation, manage their businesses and advise clients with speed, accuracy and efficiency. CCH Tagetik, a part of the Tax and Accounting division, provides solutions to CFOs for Corporate Performance Management. For more information about our solutions and organization, visit www.wolterskluwer.com and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Media Contacts:
Greta Bartoli
CCH Tagetik
+39-058-396-811 office
[email protected]
Linda Galloway
insidHR Communications
+1-303-863-8620 office
+1-203-733-7446 mobile
[email protected]
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[November 28, 2017] Federal Heath Awarded Digital Signage Services for Beaumont Independent School District
EULESS, Texas, Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Federal Heath has been awarded the digital signage services contract with Beaumont Independent School District. The award is to convert their current exterior signs with color electronic messaging centers for 20 schools and two administrative offices. The electronic message centers will allow Beaumont to easily update messaging from a central location to one or more of the signs, especially in emergency situations like amber alerts. In addition, the new LED technology will help to communicate messages to students, parents, and the community, quickly and effectively. "The town of Beaumont was hit hard by the effects of Hurricane Harvey," said Account Executive Jeff Lee. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected and for a quick rebuilding process. Federal Heath is proud to be involved in helping Beaumont replace and modernize their signage." The cloud-based software controlling the electronic message centers allows Beaumont to inform their sins anytime, anywhere, from any device. The product warranty is for seven years on both parts and labor. Also included is training, technical support, and content creation.
About Beaumont Independent School District Based in Beaumont, Texas, with more than 19,000 students and encompassing more than 153 square miles in Jefferson County in Southeast Texas, Beaumont Independent School District was established in 1983. The district has approximately 29 K-12 schools and two administrative offices focused on preparing the next generation for lifelong success. For more information, visit https://www.bmtisd.com
About Federal Heath Federal Heath, a leader in the visual communications industry, offers innovative, comprehensive and consistent solutions using Lean manufacturing and skilled account management teams to exceed customer requirements and satisfaction. From nationwide conversions and custom signs to maintenance programs, construction re-imaging, high-impact digital printing and on-premise engagement, Federal Heath is currently one of the few signage providers providing its global customers complete turnkey solutions. Federal Heath has more than twenty offices nationwide, including five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. For more information about Federal Heath, please visit us at www.federalheath.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/federal-heath-awarded-digital-signage-services-for-beaumont-independent-school-district-300560619.html SOURCE Federal Heath Sign Company, LLC
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[November 28, 2017] CEO Laila Danielsen of Elliptic Labs a Winner in 14th Annual Stevie Awards for Women Business Leaders
Elliptic Labs CEO Laila Danielsen was honored with third place for "Female Entrepreneur or the Year" as part of the prestigious Stevie Awards. These awards are the world's top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives and the organizations they run. The 2017 awards received entries from 25 nations and territories, some 1,500 nominations in all. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128006025/en/ Elliptic Labs CEO Laila Danielsen is honored with third place for "Female Entrepreneur or the Year" as part of the prestigious Stevie Awards. (Photo: Business Wire) Announced in New York City on November 17, the 14th Annual Stevie Award winners were chosen by more than170 professionals around the world, with the competition held by the creators of the notable International Business Awards and American Business Awards. Danielsen won in the consumer products category.
Helping Danielsen step ahead of other finalists were her achievements during four years of running Elliptic Labs, where she has guided the company from a small startup into the leader in ultrasound virtual sensors. Under her direction, the company's technology has been turned into groundbreaking products now incorporated into devices. One of those products is INNER BEAUTY, ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor technology that is behind the world's first bezel-less smartphone, the Mi MIX, from Xiaomi, which has been called "the Apple (News - Alert) of China." The first model was released in 2016 and INNER BEAUTY was also inside the latest iteration, now in mass production. Not only is the Mi MIX the fastest-selling smartphone in China but has helped kick off an entire movement for bezel-less phones worldwide.
Another innovative product created during Danielsen's tenure is INNER PEACE, a technology advance that takes presence detection to new levels and is aimed at the fast-multiplying market for intelligent personal assistants and similar devices. While reinventing products and strategies at Elliptic Labs, Danielsen has built up her international team, opened offices in San Francisco and China (Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen), and brokered successful deals with top-tier companies including Qualcomm (News - Alert), Xiaomi, Samsung, Cirrus, Murata and Knowles Electronics. "We play in a hugely competitive market but despite the challenges, we never forget that success comes if you offer products that have a dramatic impact on phone design and that also help users interact more naturally with their devices," said Danielsen. INNER BEAUTY and INNER PEACE are trademarks of Elliptic Labs. All other trademarks or service markets are the responsibility of their respective organizations. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128006025/en/
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[November 28, 2017] City of San Diego Defeats Monsanto's Motion to Dismiss PCB Contamination Lawsuit
On Wednesday, November 22, the City of San Diego defeated Monsanto's motion to dismiss the City's lawsuit alleging PCB contamination of the City's stormwater system. The case, San Diego Unified Port District and City of San Diego v. Monsanto Company, et al., Case No. 3:2015cv00578, was originally filed on March 13, 2015. The City filed a separate, amended complaint on August 3, 2015, and filed a second amended complaint on November 28, 2016. The Court's ruling defeats Monsanto's motion to dismiss the City's second amended complaint. Judge William Q. Hayes in the Southern District of California ruled that the City provided sufficient facts to support its allegations that the City's stormwater system was affected by the presence of PCBs produced by Monsanto. The motion to dismiss also noted that the City has alleged sufficient facts to support its claim that the PCB contamination has created a public nuisance, and that the filing was not impacted by any applicable statutes of limitations. "We are incredibly pleased with this ruling which clearly and definitively states that the City of San Diego is moving towards trial to hold Monsanto responsible for polluting the City's stormwater system," said John Fiske
In its lawsuit, the City of San Diego alleges PCBs manufactured by Monsanto have contaminated the City's stormwater system, causing a public nuisance to the stormwater system and the dry-weather runoff management system, as well as to San Diego Bay. Due to the extent of Monsanto's PCB contamination, the City of San Diego will spend millions of dollars to retrofit its stormwater and dry-weather runoff management systems to reduce, remove, and manage PCB contamination. Monsanto was the sole U.S. manufacturer of PCBs from the 1930s to the 1970s when Congress banned the manufacture of PCB-containing products. Monsanto's PCBs are toxic, cannot be contained to their original application, and remain in the environment. The chemicals are carcinogenic and can contaminate food supplies, including fish in San Diego Bay. In 2013, The State of California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment issued a consumption advisory for San Diego Bay, recommending that residents avoid eating shiner perch and topsmelt caught in the Bay, and that children and women of childbearing age should also avoid eating any barred sand bass, spotted sand bass, yellowfin croaker, leopard shark, and gray smoothhound shark caught from the Bay.
The City is represented by Baron & Budd, P.C., a national law firm, and by Gomez Trial Attorneys, of San Diego, Calif. In addition to San Diego, the firms also represent the State of Washington, the Port of Portland, and the Cities of Long Beach, San Jose, Berkeley, Oakland, Portland, Seattle, and Spokane in litigation against Monsanto arising from PCB contamination of water supplies. ABOUT BARON & BUDD, P.C. The law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C., with offices in Dallas, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Austin, Los Angeles, and San Diego, is a nationally recognized law firm with a nearly 40-year history of "Protecting What's Right" for people, communities and businesses harmed by negligence. Baron & Budd's size and resources enable the firm to take on large and complex cases. The firm represents individuals and government and business entities in areas as diverse as dangerous pharmaceuticals and medical devices, environmental contamination, the Gulf oil spill, financial fraud, overtime violations, deceptive advertising, automotive defects, trucking accidents, nursing home abuse, and asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171128006217/en/
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[November 28, 2017] Rice U.'s Jones Graduate School of Business now accepting applications for new online MBA program
HOUSTON, Nov. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The top-ranked Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University is now accepting applications for [email protected], a new online Master of Business Administration degree for professionals across the country. Rice Business is ranked among the best business schools in the nation. The school placed 10th among the 2017 Best Business Schools, according to Bloomberg Businessweek. Rice Business has also earned notable rankings from Financial Times, U.S. News & World Report and the Princeton Review. [email protected] will match the rigor and world-class reputation of the school's on-campus offerings, empowering future business leaders to pursue innovation and nourish bold ideas that challenge typical conventions and adapt to an evolving business landscape. "The launch of our online program marks a significant milestone for our school as we prepare to welcome a new group of business leaders to our family," said Peter Rodriguez, dean of Rice Business. "[email protected] will make our outstanding programs accessible to working professionals who don't live in Houston. Their contributions will, in turn, strengthen our existing programs, allowing students and faculty to draw new inspiration from diverse experiences and industries across the U.S." The new online program consists of 54 credit hours that can be completed in as little as two years. Students complete two Residential Intensive Learning Experiences, which will allow for collaboration among classmates and professors in business settings at the Rice campus in Houston and abroad. Powered by 2U, Inc., the online platform features weekly live class sessions, a highly interactive mobile app and engaging asynchronous course content. The first application deadline is May , and the first cohort of students will begin classes in July. Visit onlinebusiness.rice.edu for additional curriculum information and application requirements or contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
The online MBA program is currently pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. About the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University
The Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University is consistently recognized by rankings publications for its top-tier programs, which include the Rice MBA, Executive MBA and MBA for Professionals. The school is internationally known for the research and thought leadership of its faculty. For more information on Rice MBA programs, visit business.rice.edu.
Courses are taught by a dedicated, nationally recognized team of professors who integrate insights from their own research and business experience into the classroom and help students understand both core business fundamentals and specialized, applied topics in the context of the rapidly evolving business landscape. Degree programs include the full-time MBA, MBA for Professionals, Executive MBA, the new [email protected], coordinated MBAs in engineering or professional science, a dual MD/MBA with Baylor College of Medicine, Ph.D., Master of Accounting and undergraduate business minor. The business school also offers a full schedule of executive education open enrollment and customized courses for business and industry, along with certificates in finance and accounting, health care and leadership. For more information about and insights from Rice Business faculty research, visit the school's Rice Business Wisdom website, ricebusinesswisdom.com. Follow the Jones Graduate School of Business via Twitter @Rice_Biz. Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews. About 2U, Inc.
2U partners with great colleges and universities to build what we believe is the world's best digital education. Our platform provides a comprehensive fusion of technology, services and data architecture to transform high-quality and rigorous campus-based universities into the best digital versions of themselves. 2U's No Back Row approach allows qualified students and working professionals around the world to experience a first-rate university education and successful outcomes. To learn more, visit 2U.com. Media contact: Jemila Woodson, Senior Manager, Program Public Relations, 2U, Office: 301-892-4419 View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rice-us-jones-graduate-school-of-business-now-accepting-applications-for-new-online-mba-program-300562891.html SOURCE 2U, Inc.; Rice School of Business
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[November 28, 2017] UPDATE: AncestryDNA Breaks Holiday Sales Record for Black Friday to Cyber Monday;More Than Triples Kits Sold Versus 2016
LEHI, Utah and SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ancestry, the global leader in family history and consumer genomics, today announced record sales for AncestryDNA kits during the four day Black Friday to Cyber Monday holiday weekend. The company more than tripled the number of kits sold during the same period in 2016, its prior record sales period. In the coming weeks, millions of people around the world will open their gifts and receive the best consumer DNA experience available. AncestryDNA is:
The Best DNA Testing Service, according to review site, The Wirecutter
The best-selling consumer DNA product in the world, providing the most opportunities for customers to make new discoveries and connect with new family
The most comprehensive look at a persons ethnic background, with 5x the number of ethnic regions of the next leading competitor
The only service where more than 10 million new family connections are made every day
The only DNA experience that enables customers to connect to the worlds largest collection of historical documents and family trees, providing an even greater chance to learn about ones family history and stories We are relentlessly focused on creating products and experiences that exceed the expectations of every Ancestry customer. We have doubled down on providing a richer, more detailed ethnicity experience and consumers are clearly responding, sad Howard Hochhauser, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Ancestry. DNA testing is no longer a niche interest, its a mass consumer market, with millions of people wanting to experience the emotionally powerful, life-affirming discoveries that can come from simply spitting in a tube. Our customers' own stories, and how they have taken what theyve learned and changed how they approach the future, are the strongest testaments to the positive impact we deliver.
The company also announced that, for the first time in its history, the total number of AncestryDNA kits sold in a single year has exceeded the total number of subscribers to the companys family history services. In October, the total number of customer samples in Ancestrys DNA database, the worlds largest consumer DNA database, exceeded six million. Continuing sales strength, and Ancestrys second record-breaking holiday sales period in a row, further solidify the companys leadership in the consumer genomics market. More importantly for both existing and new AncestryDNA customers, the more people in the DNA database, the better the potential results for everyone. As more people take their test, Ancestry is able to continue to refine its ethnicity estimates, provide new ethnic regions, and expand the number of potential familial matches for customers.
We are excited to welcome so many new customers to the Ancestry family, said Hochhauser. 2018 will bring a regular drumbeat of new experiences and enhancements across both DNA and Family History, as we continue to improve how we help you discover more about your past and inspire your future. About Ancestry Ancestry, the global leader in family history and consumer genomics, harnesses the information found in family trees, historical records, and DNA to help people gain a new level of understanding about their lives. Ancestry has more than 2.7 million paying subscribers across its core Ancestry websites and more than 6 million people in the AncestryDNA network. Since 1996, more than 10 billion records have been added to Ancestry's databases, and users have created more than 90 million family trees on the Ancestry flagship site and its affiliated international websites. Ancestry offers a suite of family history products and services including AncestryDNA, Archives, AncestryProGenealogists, Newspapers.com and Fold3. AncestryDNA is owned and operated by Ancestry.com DNA, LLC, a subsidiary of Ancestry.com, LLC. Media contact: Brandon Borrman
415.795.6786
[email protected]
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By Azernews
By Kamila Aliyeva
Russia believes that the Iranian nuclear deal is under threat of collapse.
This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at a meeting of the Russian International Affairs Council: RIAC, RIA Novosti reported.
Major agreements that we consider to be an example of constructive multilateral cooperation, in particular, the situation around the Iranian nuclear program, are under threat of scrapping, he said.
The Iran nuclear deal was negotiated in July 2015 between Iran, the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - the U.S., France, Britain, Russia and China as well as Germany. By ratifying the plan, Iran agreed to scale down its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.
The nuclear deal has become a hot topic for discussion since U.S. President Donald Trump, who constantly voices anti-Iranian rhetoric, took the office.
Despite eight reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) which confirm Tehrans compliance, on October 13, Trump, long been known as the main critic of the landmark deal, declared his view of the JCPOA, which was reached under his predecessor - Barack Obama.
Trump announced that he would not certify Irans compliance with the deal. At the same time he did not challenge the compliance of Iran at the international level. The move paves the way for Congress to put new restrictions on Iran. It now has less than 60 days to decide whether to reimpose economic sanctions on Tehran which were lifted under the nuclear accord in 2016.
The other parties to the agreement - Britain, Germany, France, Russia, China and the European Union - have all reaffirmed their commitment to it and called on the U.S. not to step out.
However, it is believed that Trump would not recommend the Congress to re-impose sanctions in order to reach a compromise with many congressional leaders who stand for keeping the deal at least with some changes.
In case sanctions are applied, the U.S. would find itself in breach of its commitments. This means a unilateral withdrawal from the agreement, which will damage the reputation of the U.S. in the eyes of world community.
IN HIS RESPONSE TO PROSECUTOR MEAN JEAN: EXEC FRANK WHITE PUSHES BACK AGAINST ALLEGED CRIMINAL JUSTICE DISPARITY!!!
Jackson County Executive responds to Prosecutors decision to quit Jail Task Force
KANSAS CITY, Mo. Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement after receiving a letter late this afternoon from Prosecuting Attorney Jean Peters Baker that she is quitting the Jail Task Force.
While I am disappointed that the County Prosecutor chose to quit the Jail Task Force, I want to make sure that everyone knows that I remain committed to involving the community in this process. I firmly believe that the people of Jackson County deserve, and we need, their input as we move forward.
The work of this task force goes well beyond the specifics of any one incident in our jail, or quite frankly, whether a new jail is ultimately needed. This task force has been asked to look at our criminal justice system and engage in an open and honest discussion about:
Who should be in the jail? Who is there now? Why are they there? Finally, are all defendants treated equally and fairly?
As I told the Prosecutor when she originally accepted my appointment, I was grateful and honored that she would be willing to serve. I am hopeful that she will change her mind and once again, agrees to participate in this very important community discussion.
###
The war of words is ramping up the the Courthouse and the latest update offers broader implications for residents throughout the metro.To wit . . .Herearned a quick response and possibly a hint at how this crisis is going to play out . . .TKC faith interlude . . . Whoever came up with this cynical strategy might not realize that straining Democratic allegiances before we go into midterm 2018 elections is a move that will get push back from higher up the Democratic Party ladder and threatens to blow this dispute up even further if we're all going to play the race card.Nevertheless, take a look at a message that deserves it's own post . . .Developing . . .
Man charged with killing young KCK mom heads to trial for the third time KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- A man accused of killing a young mother is expected in court Monday. This will be the third time Antoine Fielder has been tried in the murder of Kelsey Ewonus. Police found Ewonus's body inside a parked car in Kansas City, Kan., in June of 2015.
Like it or not, the appeal writes itself despite some horrific deets involved in this troubling case. Here's a comprehensive follow-up on a horrific story that so many news outlets have forgotten . . .
Early police report says man shot by off-duty officer in Costco entered store yelling, pointing gun LENEXA, Kan. - A preliminary police report is shedding some light on what may have led up to a shooting in a Lenexa Costco on Sunday. According to the report, a 58-year-old suspect came into the store yelling and pointing a handgun at people inside, threatening them.
According to witnesses at the scene and a great deal of social media chatter . . .. . . The po-po and media are working to keep this angle quiet and seem to, justifiably, want to focus on the heroic acts of a 22-year-police veteran. Read more:
Investors in the warehousing property market are starting to be more active in certain locations in Greece
The sale of two major Greek ports Piraeus and Thessaloniki to international investors is getting analysts optimistic about the countrys prospects.
The warehousing property market is largely dependant on the economy and the purchasing power of the population. Until recently, Greeces economic performance has left much to be desired:
According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT), between 2007 and 2016, the countrys GDP fell from 250 billion to 184 billion, or 26.5%.
According to Trading Economics, Greeces national debt increased from 103% of GDP volume in 2006 to 179% in 2016.
According to Eurostat, between 2008 and 2014, production was fell annually by an average of 5%.
According to the IMF, the unemployment rate grew from 7.8% in 2008 to 27.5% in 2013.
According to a study by diaNEOsis, Greek nationals living below the poverty line grew from 2.2% in 2009 to 17.1% in 2013.
All of this has had a negative effect on the Greece real estate market, including its warehousing property segment. As a result of the 2008 financial crisis, investors and tenants pulled out of the market. The demand for land to build warehouses faded and rental rates started to decline.
However, the market has stabilised since 2016, and Greeces economic performance has started to improve:
The IMF anticipates 2.8% economic growth for 2017. The EU expects Greeces GDP to grow by about 2.2% annually between 2017 and 2019, while Trading Economics predicts a 1.2% growth by 2020.
In summer 2017, Fitch upgraded its credit rating outlook for Greece from CCC to B- (Positive), while Moodys upgraded it from Caa3 (Stable) to Caa2 (Positive);
According to EU estimates, its national debt will fall from 180.8% of GDP in 2016 to 170.1% in 2019.
In 2015, overall industrial production grew by 1% in 2015, and by 2.4% in 2016.
The unemployment rate has fallen by 6 percentage points since 2013. The IMF predicts its further decline to 18.8% over the next three years, while Trading Economics expects it to decrease to 16.5%.
In view of this optimism, investors in the warehousing property market are starting to be more active in certain locations in Greece.
Major markets
The main advantages of the Greek warehousing property market are its location and transport infrastructure. Located in Southeast Europe the country is the gateway between Africa and Asia. Greece has 46 airports, over 100 seaports and a vast network of motorways and railroads. Some experts believe the country may become a major node in Europes transport network in the future.
Greeces major warehousing property markets Athens and the outskirts of Thessaloniki are located near the countrys two largest ports.
The majority of Athens property in the industrial warehousing segment is concentrated in the citys northern, eastern and western suburbs (Aspropyrgos, Lykovrisi, Metamorfosi, etc.), as well as near the port of Piraeus and south of the capital. The largest numbers of warehouses are located in the northern and western suburbs (over 2 million m in total). According to the Urban Land Institute, less than 5% of warehouses above 5,000 m are vacant there.
On the outskirts of Thessaloniki, most warehouses are located in the industrial park of Sindos, near the port and European highways E75 and E79.
Major transactions
Major foreign players have been entering Greeces logistics market over the last couple of years:
In 2016, Chinese shipping company COSCO acquired 51% of the Piraeus Port Authority for 280.5 million, with an option to increase its ownership share to 67% over the next five years.
Italian rail operator Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane bought 100% of the Greeces TrainOSE for 45 million in 2016.
In 2017, the Fraport Greece joint venture (73.4% of which is owned by the German Fraport AG and 26.6% by the Greek Copelouzos Group) took over 14 Greek airports (including one of the largest of them, Thessaloniki International Airport "Macedonia").
The Thessaloniki port is undergoing privatisation. In June 2016, Thessaloniki Port Authority named the consortium of Deutsche Invest Equity Partners, Belterra Investments and Terminal Link as the preferred bidder for the acquisition of 67% of the port operator for 232 million.
Analysts are observing an increase in market activity. Consulting company Danos reported a quicker conclusion of transactions in Q2 2017, while Cushman & Wakefield noted a significant increase in the demand, especially from retail and e-commerce companies, as well as 3PL providers.
One of the biggest transactions so far in 2017 was Motor Oil Hellas purchase of 15 million of warehousing facilities near the city of Kavala. According to Cushman & Wakefield, in 2017, Greek supermarket AV Vassilopoulos invested 40 million in the construction of warehouses in the town of Mandra, while Papastratos, a Philip Morris affiliate, declared its readiness to put 300 million into building three warehouses in Aspropyrgos.
Rental and yield rates
Rental rates in Greeces warehousing property market segment have been growing in sync with the countrys GDP, falling during the recession. According to NAI Hellas, the rental rate for warehousing facilities in the Greek prime property market segment grew from 4/m2 per month in 2004 to 6/m2 per month in 2008. In 2009, due to the economic crisis, the demand fell drastically and in some instances the rental rate declined by 1/m at once. According to Cushman & Wakefield, the rental rate for warehouses in Athens has been pegged at 4/m for the past five years.
According to JLL estimates, warehouses in Greece are rented out at roughly the same rate as Bucharest, Warsaw, Lisbon, Prague and Rome. At the same time, warehouses in Greece have a yield that is almost double Europes average. They bring 11% per annum in Athens versus 4.5% in London, 4.9% in Frankfurt, 5.2% in Paris, 5.75% in Barcelona and 6.75% in Warsaw.
However, the average warehousing property yield in Athens is declining. According to Cushman & Wakefield, it fell from 13% in 2013 to 11% in June 2017.
As the rental rate is not changing, a decline in the yield indicates that warehouses are getting more expensive and the industrial segment of the Athens property market is becoming less risky.
George Kachmazov, managing partner at Tranio
The location of the property is critical, as always. If the warehouse has been constructed using modern technologies, is in a good location and has reliable tenants, the investment is good, considering the situation in Greece today. Firstly, the property has high yields, and secondly, warehouses are the retail of the future. Undoubtedly, warehouses will become more popular in Greece, and will appreciate like they have in Germany and other more developed markets.
Buying warehouses in this country for major players who have experience investing in Greece and want to diversify their portfolios with high-yield and high-risk assets. For others, we recommend investing in tourist property.
Yulia Kozhevnikova, real estate expert at Tranio.com
Tranio.com is an international overseas property broker with a network of 700 partners worldwide and a catalogue of more than 110,000 listings in 65 countries. The company publishes daily news, high quality analysis on foreign realty, expert advice, and notes on laws and procedures related to buying and leasing properties abroad so that readers can make their property decisions with confidence.
The return of the Parthenon Sculptures to Greece will be rightfully hailed by the whole Greek nation as well as its thriving tourism industry
The Premier of the Australian state of Victoria called for the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece during the unveiling of a replica of the famous frieze on Sunday.
We demand and continue to demand the restoration of the injustice done by Lord Elgin two centuries earlier. This is not just my personal opinion but a standing demand of the Victoria government and all the parties that are part of it and will not change until this injustice has been restored, Victoria State premier Daniel Andrews noted.
The Andrews government has voiced their support for the restitution of the famous Greek artefacts and have been joined by other politicians including the head of the Victoria state opposition Matthew Guy and the Assistant Minister to the Treasurer Michael Sukkar.
The unveiling of the replica Parthenon frieze was set up by Melbournes Greek community and will adorn the Greek Centre in Melbourne.
Present also at the event was popular Greek Australian entertainer Mary Coustas, as her alter ego Effy.
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: Bryan Ledgard License: CC-BY-SA
Source: greekcitytimes.com
Extroversion plays a key role in the recovery of its Greece's stricken economy and further promotion of its booming tourist industry
Enterprise Greece is expanding actions aiming to enhance the extroversion of Greek enterprises in 2018, in cooperation with the countrys institutional agencies.
The organisation plans and implements a comprehensive and representative programme each year, which aims to promote extroversion of Greek companies and strengthen Greek exports. Christos Staikos, president of Enterprise Greece said: The increase of exports is a very positive message for the export potential of Greek economy. We will assist export activities by Greek enterprises and we think that cooperation with institutional agencies and sectors of the economy is essential to boost their extroversion, which is the main strategic goal of Enterprise Greece.
In this framework, the organisation focuses on boosting a cooperative ecosystem with chambers, local authorities, universities, research agencies and local cooperative enterprises.
Enterprise Greece's goal is to promote the countrys regions as incubators of business activity with a series of actions, such as: specialised marketing actions, partenariat, inviting buyers from other countries, networking meetings, foreign diplomatic mission visits and information seminars.
It organised 30 seminars in the January-November period this year in cooperation with local chambers and unions in several cities around the country. The organisation plans to further enrich its action programme in 2018.
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: banksnews.gr
Masdar, Abu Dhabi future energy company, has signed a project development agreement (PDA) for the worlds largest floating 200-MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant with Indonesian power company PT Pembangkitan Jawa-Bali.
Masdar, Abu Dhabi future energy company, has signed a project development agreement (PDA) for the worlds largest floating 200MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant with Indonesian power company PT Pembangkitan Jawa-Bali (PT PJB), a subsidiary of the state electricity company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN).
The plant will cover an area of 225 hectares atop the Cirata Reservoir in the West Java province of Indonesia. The 6,000-hectare Cirata Reservoir already powers a 1GW hydroelectric power station.
The agreement was signed in Jakarta by Iwan Agung Firstantara, president director of PLN, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer of Masdar. Also present at the signing were Arcandra Tahar, Deputy Minister of Indonesias Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources, Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ghafli, Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of Indonesia and representatives from the Indonesian investment agency Badan Koordinasi Penanaman Modal (BKPM).
PJB is excited and looking forward to working with Masdar, said Firstantara. We believe this project development agreement is a milestone in the development of other floating PV solar power plants; this 200MW project will be the largest project of its kind in Indonesia and PJB-Masdar will be a pioneer of floating PV technology. Inshallah, developing this project will be a great success and a proud achievement for Indonesia.
Todays signing marks the entry of Masdar into South East Asia and our first project in floating solar power, said Al Ramahi. The agreement with PT PJB for the worlds largest floating solar power plant demonstrates Masdars ambition as a global renewable energy leader and the strength of our industry partnerships.
One of the advantages of floating solar power in tropical countries like Indonesia is that it enables renewable energy development in forested regions generally unsuitable for conventional solar power. The successful deployment of the Cirata project paves the way for the installation of floating solar power on another 60 reservoirs across Indonesia.
The planned 200MW floating PV project will be mounted on 700,000 floats moored to the bed of the Cirata reservoir and connected by electrical cables to an onshore high-voltage substation. Besides producing clean power, the facility will provide shading against the sun, reducing evaporation from the reservoir and limiting the growth of algae.
The PDA signing follows the agreement of an MoU between PT PJB and Masdar in July this year to collaborate on finding sustainable solutions to Indonesias rapidly growing energy demand, with a focus on projects in the Java-Bali and Sumatra regions.
With a population of more than 250 million, Indonesia is the largest country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Indonesia has set a renewable energy target of 31% by 2050. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country has the potential to produce more than 700 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy, including 532.6 gigawatts of solar power.
Since 2006, Masdar has invested in renewable energy projects with a combined value of US$8.5 billion; the companys share of this investment is US$2.7 billion. Masdar commercialises advanced technologies by deploying them at scale. Examples include Hywind Scotland, the worlds first utility-scale offshore wind farm; Gemasolar in Spain, the first solar thermal power plant producing electricity 24 hours a day; and London Array, currently the worlds largest offshore wind farm in operation.
Last year, a Masdar-led consortium was appointed to build the 800MW third phase of the Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in Dubai, quoting a record low price for solar power generation. Masdar will be showcasing its global renewable energy project portfolio at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, taking place from January 13-20. TradeArabia News Service
Iran has invested about $1 billion on developing the first phase of Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar, according to a senior official from the port.
Chabahar Port enjoys a high geopolitical status in transit and transshipment to Central Asian states and Afghanistan at the lowest price, Behrouz Baqaei, general manager of Sistan-Baluchestan Ports and Maritime Department, was quoted as saying in an Iran Daily News report, citing IRNA.
With the launching of the first phase of Shahid Beheshti Port, he noted, 100,000-tonne ship will be able to call at the port.
Baqaei stated that the development project of the port is in its final stages and President Hassan Rouhani will visit Chabahar to inaugurate it in the near future.
India has committed $500 million to Chabahar Port to open a trade and transport route to landlocked Afghanistan, as well as the resource-rich countries of Central Asia.
New Delhi plans to send seven shipments of wheat to Afghanistan via Chabahar until the end of January.
Chabahar Port, located in the Sistan-Baluchestan Province, lies outside the Gulf and can be easily accessed from India's western coast, added the report.
The Omani promoter of a stalled open ocean fish farm venture hopes to realunch the project off Al Khabourah on the sultanates North Al Batinah coast.
The proposed Al Sahwa mariculture project centres on the cultivation of amberjack fish, a high-value sashimi-grade product coveted in Japan and the Far East, a report in the Oman Daily Observer said.
Warith al Kharousi, CEO of Al Safwa Group & Partners, said the company is hopeful of kickstarting the process of getting the relevant approvals early next year, under the relicensing procedures introduced during the recent Tanfeedh Labs for the fisheries sector, the report said.
He added that if that happens, they are confident of commencing production of amberjack by the 2019-2020 timeframe, with output ramped up to 8,000 10,000 tonnes per annum by 2023.
The ambitious project, first unveiled about five years ago, has been allocated a 150-hectare offshore site some 15 km off the Al Khabourah shoreline.
The rising global demand for petrochemicals reinforces the fact that the sector is key for regional countries to grow and increase their gross domestic product (GDP), said an industry expert.
Participating in the ongoing 12th annual Gulf Petrochemicals & Chemicals Association (GPCA) Forum in Dubai, Equates president and CEO, Dr Ramesh Ramachandran, said: During 2016, the Gulfs combined petrochemical and chemical capacities exceeded 142 million tonnes with sales surpassing $76 billion and exporting more than 70 million tonnes.
Clearly, these figures show the regions impact on the global industrial sector with petrochemicals being the Arabian Gulfs second main source of income, he said.
Kuwait-based Equate Group, a global producer of petrochemicals, is a key sponsor of the forum to support the pioneering role of the Gulfs industrial sector.
The event which kicked off yesterday (November 27) will conclude tomorrow (November 29).
The forum gathers over 2,000 top executives from petrochemical and chemical companies as well as government bodies and other entities from around the globe to discuss various topics, said a statement.
Every key component of GDP growth such as foods, clothing, packaging and transportation is served and supported by our industry. On the other hand, there are also headwinds for the Gulf. The regions producers clearly see the challenges posed by protectionism as well as new capacities resulting from shale gas, he added.
Our growth strategy has enabled us to overcome this challenge and be the first Middle East-based petrochemical producer to build a world class facility in the US Gulf Coast. Diversifying our asset base is an important component for us to sustain our growth, he said.
Overall, we have to maintain our progress to serve our customers who are also growing. Naturally, markets influence strategy and supply should follow the markets, he stated.
As a global enterprise, Equate launched its 2025 Sustainability Strategy that is linked to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). We firmly believe that sustainability is a key component for growth through creating added value by focusing on the key pillars of education, community, economy, environment, health and safety, Ramachandran concluded.
As part of its participation in the event for the 12th consecutive year, Equate sponsored a professor and students from the College of Engineering & Petroleum at Kuwait University to attend the forum and interact with other delegates, it said.
The initiative is part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the university aimed at partnership and collaboration in industrial and academic fields, it added. TradeArabia News Service
ON THE MOVE: Mizuho Gets New FI Head, Macquarie Snags Credit Suisse Trio
Mizuho International has named a new head of fixed income who joins the bank after 24 years with Credit Suisse. Zahra Peerbhoy onboarded the Asian bank and will be responsible for Mizuhos international fixed income sales and trading, structured solutions and derivatives. Peerbhoy worked most recently as a managing director within the Credit Suisse's global markets business.
If you have a new job or promotion to report, let me know at jdantona@marketsmedia.com
Integral, a financial technology partner to foreign exchange participants, said it appointed Vikas Srivastava as Chief Revenue Officer with responsibility for growing company revenues across all client segments including banks, brokers, and asset managers. In this newly created role, Srivastava, who has over 30 years of experience in trading and sales, will manage sales, business development and solutions to ensure that Integral continues its singular focus of helping its customers outperform their competition in foreign exchange markets. Prior to joining Integral, Srivastava was founder and CEO of Cogence Capital, a quantitative trading company. For more than a decade before that he held numerous senior management positions at Citigroup in New York, leaving as its global head of e-commerce for the fixed income division. Vikas began his career at Barclays Global Investors in San Francisco where he became the Head of Currency Trading and Risk Management.
Agency brokerage BTIG continued its recent hiring spree and landed David Hobert for the firms Foreign Exchange (FX) team. Based in New York, Hobert will help to expand BTIGs global FX sales presence, and will focus on developing new business.. Joining as a Managing Director, he spent several years in a senior Business Development role at Autonomy Capital. Previously, he held management and sales roles in New York and London including Head of Emerging Market Sales at UBS and RBC, and Head of Local Market Sales at Lehman Brothers. He will report to Alan Circle and Martin Ferraro, Managing Directors and Co-Heads of Foreign Exchange Trading at BTIG
RBC Capital Markets has just hired Morgan Stanleys head of fixed income modelling, Vasily Strela, as global head of FICC quantitative strategies. Strela joined Morgan Stanley in 2009 from J.P. Morgan, where he was an executive director in quantitative research. Before this, he was head of emerging market quants in at Bear Stearns, having had the misfortune to join in June 2007, less than a year before its collapse in March 2008. Before this, he was head of emerging markets quants at Morgan Stanley.
Michael Bailleux left TradingScreen after ten years in total to move to Trafix in its institutional Sales department.
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Citymax Hotels made its debut in the historic city of Aswan in Egypt with the soft opening of Citymax Hotel
(TRAVPR.COM) UAE - November 28th, 2017 - Citymax Hotels made its debut in the historic city of Aswan in Egypt with the soft opening of Citymax Hotel Aswan last week. Owned by Egypt Holland for Touristic Investments, this 4-star hotel is superbly located in Kornish Al Nile in close proximity to Aswans key tourist attractions. The hotel features 79 rooms equipped with all modern comforts and amenities.
Russel Sharpe, COO, Citymax Hotels, stated, It is exciting to open our first hotel outside the UAE and underpins our commitment to grow our portfolio in the region. Aswan is a prominent city in Egypt and has tremendous potential for growth. We are delighted to enter the destination at this strategic time. Citymax Hotel Aswan is a beautiful property, conveniently located for both business and leisure travellers. Designed for todays travellers, it offers its guests a comfortable and affordable stay with all the little extras that make a difference be it the free connectivity, extra value or space. At Citymax Hotels we go beyond service to create memorable experiences.
Citymax Hotel Aswan boasts outstanding leisure facilities including an outdoor swimming pool and cafe, sauna, jacuzzi and an all-day-dining restaurant. Decorated in contemporary style, some rooms offer beautiful Nile river views while others overlook the city landscape.
Aswan is Egypts third largest city and an important administrative, commercial and touristic centre situated at the foot of the Nile Valley. Home to many granite quarries, it was the ancient Egyptians gateway to Africa. While there is a lot to see here, it a place where one can truly relax. The river flows gently down from Lake Nasser around dramatic black-granite boulders and palm-studded islands. Colourful Nubian villages run down to the water and stand out against the backdrop of the west banks desert. Egypt Air runs daily flights from Cairo to Awan and back. It is also well connected by train, road and sea.
Notes to editors
About Citymax Hotels
Citymax Hotels is part of the hospitality division of Landmark Group and has been developed as an affordable lifestyle hotel brand with a vision to lead the mid-market hospitality sector offering unique guest experiences at extraordinary value. With a superb portfolio of both owned and managed hotels strategically located in prime business and leisure hubs, the company is expanding rapidly in the UAE as well as other key markets in the Middle East. Citymax Hotels differentiates itself in the mid-market sector with outstanding dining and recreational venues, welcoming people to enjoy lifes little extras by transforming faceless hospitality with vibrant simplicity. The experience is further enhanced by exclusive tie-up with Shukran, the regions largest loyalty programme offering members fabulous benefits each time they stay or dine at Citymax Hotels.
Follow @citymaxhotels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tag photos with #CitymaxHotels
For more information please visit: www.citymaxhotels.com
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Vice President
MPJ (Marketing Pro-Junction)
Mob: +971 50 697 5146
Email: h.bakht@mpj-pr.com
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Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 28
A 10-year-old class-IV student of Sharda Sarvhitkari Senior Secondary School, Sector 40, was injured as he was allegedly thrashed by his classmates in front of the school gate today.
The victim has been identified as Piyush Puri, a resident of Maloya.
The victims father Amit Puri stated that his son had a minor fight with his classmates during school hours. He added that his son was leaving for home after the school closed in the afternoon when he was beaten up.
Although there were no external injuries, my son was having breathing problem when he was brought home. He had received injuries on chest and head. His classmates tried to strangulate him, the victims father said.
The boy was taken to the PGIMER where he was admitted. His condition is stated to be stable. He has been kept under observation, said Puri.
He added, The school management took no action. I called one of the schoolteachers, but she didnt provide me the number of the Principal. The lone teacher who came to the PGIMER left without meeting us.
On the other hand, school director BS Kanwar refuted the allegations. The boy had been beaten up by his classmates but there was no major injury. He was provided first aid at the school. I am at Delhi but have checked facts with the school, he added.
The police were informed about the incident following which a daily diary report (DDR) was lodged at the Sector 39 police station.
The victims kin are yet to provide the names of the four students who attacked the boy.
Hasan Suroor
Hasan Suroor
OVER the past 25 years there have been so many twists in the Ayodhya/Babri Masjid dispute that they could well fill a whole quiz show. Yet, in fact, nothing has changed on the ground, as is evident from RSS leader Mohan Bhagwats typically shrill threat to build a Ram Mandir exactly at the same spot where Babri Masjid stood. And lest anyone missed it, he repeated it in slow motion: This is not a populist announcement. This is a firm fact and is not going to change. What Bhagwat, in effect, was saying was that the ongoing judicial process is meaningless. Because irrespective of the judicial verdict Ram Mandir alone will be built (on the disputed site), nothing else will be built. His remarks were clearly intended to put pressure on the Supreme Court which is due to start final hearings in the Ram janambhoomi case next week, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
Similarly, hardline Muslims insisting on rebuilding the mosque at the site are unlikely to accept any verdict not favourable to them, according to those familiar with the Muslim mood. Right now they are saying they will abide by any Supreme Court verdict but thats because theres an expectation that they will win the case, said Prof Tahir Mahmood, former chair, National Minorities Commission. So, for all the toing and froing over the past quarter century, the rival positions remain as polarised as they were on December 6, 1992, when an RSS-BJP inspired maurading mob pulled down the mosque. Bhagwats remarks reflect the same disregard and contempt for judicial processes that the Sangh Parivar demonstrated when it destroyed the mosque after giving a solemn undertaking to the highest court in the land that no harm would come to it.
Meanwhile, the SCs suggestion for a settlement through mutual negotiations has come as a godsend to the RSS allowing it and its fraternal groups to divide the Muslim community by pitting Shias and Sunnis against each other. Its trying to co-opt a section of Shias to do its bidding by promising them patronage and legitimacy in return. And the strategy is working: a full-blown row has erupted between UPs Shias and Sunnis, with the two sides now engaged in a slanging match among themselves as though the mandir-masjid dispute is between them rather than a clash over majoritarian bullying.
This follows UP Shia Waqf Board chairman Syed Waseem Rizvis dramatic announcement at a press conference flanked by Mahant Narendra Giri, chairman of the All India Akhara Parishad an organisation of Hindu saints and sadhus that the board has submitted a draft proposal to the Supreme Court offering to give up the Muslim claim on the disputed site and requesting that a one-acre land be granted in Lucknows Hussainabad area for Muslims to build a masjid-e-aman (mosque of peace). It says it has reached a long-term settlement with the concerned Hindu brothers and stakeholders, and cites instances in Muslim countries where mosques built by unjust people were removed to other sites.
What the board is disingenuously touting as its own creative solution has the Parivars fingerprints all over it, regurgitating its well-known line that Ram janambhoomi is the exclusive preserve of Hindus and Muslims have no business there: mandir wahin banega, it insists, but as a gesture Muslims may be given land elsewhere to build a grand mosque. Im struggling to spot the difference between this and the boards proposal, which further claims that Shias are the sole legitimate stakeholders, dismissing Sunnis as interlopers and fanatics who do not want an amicable settlement with Hindus. This has infuriated Sunni groups. Generally, I dont have a lot of time for groups like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and the Babri Masjid Action Committee both regressive organisations which have done more harm than good to Muslim interests. But, in this instance, they are right to question the Waqf boards claims.
It must explain the basis of its claim that its acting on behalf of the entire Muslim community, and that its proposal enjoys the support of all stakeholders. On whose behalf has he brought this draft proposal? He (Rizvi) does not enjoy the confidence or recognition of either the Sunni or the Shia sect, retorted AIMPLBs counsel in the case and its senior member Zafaryab Jilani. And its a question that Sunnis and Shias alike are asking. Leading Shia organisations and scholars have been quick to dissociate themselves from Rizvis move. Indeed, the All India Shia Personal Board has publicly slammed it, with its spokesman Maulana Yasoob Abbas making clear that it is certainly not ready to give up the mosque landand does not agree to what Rizvi or the Shia Waqf Board has claimed. Its important to remember that despite their differences, Shias and Sunnis have consistently taken a common stand on the Ayodhya issue which is diametrically opposite of the Rizvi-BJP compact.
Readers might be curious whos Rizvi and what is he doing in BJPs company. A look at his revolving-door politics explains everything: he began his career with the Samajwadi Party (SP), defected to the BSP, returned to the SP and was expelled over allegations of corruption. Thats when he landed up in the BJP. Conspiracy theories abound about his real motives, but we shall let that pass. The real question is: why was the BJP so keen to embrace him despite being aware of his reputation considering that some of the cases of alleged forgery were, in fact, reportedly registered under BJP rule. The answer is simple: for years, the BJP has been wooing UPs, and especially Lucknows Shias because of their dominant social position as heirs to the erstwhile ruling elite. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the only Cabinet minister in the Modi government, is a Shia; so is the only minister in the Yogi Adityanaths government. And it was the BJPs Kalyan Singh government which lifted a historic ban on taking out large Muharram processions in Lucknow to woo Shias.
Thus, over the years, the BJP has built a small Shia constituency in UP but it is playing a dangerous game by preying on the Shia-Sunni divide. The tactic might help it in the short-term, but a fragmented and weakened community of 180 million people will only further fuel sectarianism at a time when the country is already being torn apart by sectional polarisation. In the pursuit of its short-term gains, has the BJP ever pondered the long-term national security implications of what it is up to?
The writer is a London-based commentator
Faizan Mustafa
Faizan Mustafa
VC, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad
Individualism is the central theme of civil liberties under our Constitution. Individual autonomy in terms of choices of food, dress, religion etc has now been upheld by the apex court in the nine-judge Bench privacy judgment. Conversion to another religion as well as the option of marrying a person of one's own choice are an integral part of individualism with which the state and others should have no concern. Thus, courts cannot probe the validity of marriage if the two adults have married under applicable personal law.
In fact, if two adults are living together without marriage, the court is similarly powerless and cannot pass a moral judgment on their living together without lawful marriage. Even in cases of adultery, when a husband is not faithful to his wife and has sexual relations with another woman, it is only his wife who can file a criminal complaint. Criminal law is not supposed to enter our bedrooms.
The debate on love jihad is politically motivated and has ulterior motives. Love jihad is a bogey. In a country of our size, assuming, though not accepting even if a few hundred such cases are there, this cannot be termed as love jihad or an organised effort by some Muslim radicals to convert Hindu girls. A number of Muslim kings did marry Rajput girls and did not force them to convert. They rather enthusiastically celebrated Hindu festivals with them. Leading politicians of all parties, including the BJP, do have Muslim wives. No one ever called their marriages as love jihad.
It is a sad commentary of our judicial system that first the Kerala High Court declared Hadiyas marriage as illegal and now in spite of two hours hearing in an open court and her bold and courageous testimony that she had converted to Islam on her own and wants to live with her husband, the Supreme Court has not granted her permission to live with her husband. Hadiya who is 26 years of age will now stay in a hostel. The only redeeming feature of the order is that she has now been taken out of her father's custody.
On the contrary, the Rajasthan High Court recently permitted a similarly situated girl converted Hindu girl to go with her husband. Hadiya is 26 years of age and should be allowed to make her personal decisions as a matter of right rather than some privilege granted to her by the court. Hats off to this brave girl who withstood all family, police and media pressures. Her husband is lucky to have such a wife.
The Indian law, in fact promotes, so called love-jihad by permitting marriages between persons belonging to different faiths. The Special Marriage Act governs inter-religious marriages. It is strange that the Kerala High Court which itself was convinced due to the girl and boys testimony in this case that it is not a case of undue influence on the girl suddenly made a u-turn when it was informed of marriage between the two. Media debates on love jihad should not influence the independent judicial mind. Here, marriage happened after a matrimonial advertisement was given by the girl and, therefore, it is not a case of love jihad. In a similar matter, another Bench of same High Court recently took another approach and refused to intervene. Thus, there is no consistency in the judicial response.
Parental custody ends on the child attaining maturity. In this case, the girl attained maturity eight years ago, yet her custody was given to her father by the High Court. Her individual autonomy to take her own decisions had been seriously undermined. No father can impose his decisions on his adult children.
The Kerala High Court judgment reflects patriarchy as it considers women vulnerable. Moreover, the validity of a marriage cannot be decided by any high court if the parties are adult. Moreover, power can never be exercised in a writ jurisdiction. No right of the father has been violated just because his adult daughter married a man of different religion.
Unfortunately, the apex courts order of November 27, 2017, has yet again enforced patriarchy. It has not unequivocally accepted complete autonomy of the adult Hadiya to choose her spouse. Religious laws give undue importance to guardianship. In the Manusmriti, we are told that a woman is never independent in childhood she is dependent on her father, in adulthood on her husband and in old age on her son. A country which wants a uniform civil code cannot make a fathers consent to the marriage of an adult daughter mandatory.
Today, the rights revolution, which our Constitution ushered in, is under serious threat. Freedom of speech is being curtailed in the name of sedition even in violation of the Supreme Court's order that mere words do not amount to sedition; books are banned and films are censored because we do not trust individual judgments anymore; rightist governments are more interested in protecting the reputation of imaginary characters such as Rani Padmavati; right to privacy is being curtailed in the name of the Aadhaar card and now even freedom to marry a person of one's choice is under threat and may be termed as terrorist activity.
Authoritarian governments world over do not believe in the rights discourse. They talk in terms of larger 'public interest' and their jurisprudence is generally dutycentric. Unfortunately, lately it seems that even our judges who jealously guard their own rights do not demonstrate similar enthusiasm in protecting citizen's liberties. The Indian Supreme Court has yet another occasion like the privacy case to demonstrate its unflinching commitment to individualism and freedom of choice.
Criminal law cannot enter the bedroom
Houston, November 28
The foster mother of a three-year-old Indian girl, who was found dead in a culvert in the US state of Texas last month, has managed to get her bail bond reduced to US$ 100,000 from US$ 250,000 but she would remain under house arrest and wear an ankle monitor.
Sini Ann Mathews, 35, was arrested last week after investigators said she and her husband, Wesley Mathews, left their adopted daughter Sherin Matthews at home, without adult supervision for about 90 minutes, while they went out for dinner with their biological daughter on October 6.
Sherin was found dead in a culvert about 1 km from her home in suburban Dallas on October 22.
Wesley was arrested and charged with felony injury to a child, which carries a sentence of up to life in prison. He is still in the Dallas County jail on a US$ 1 million bond.
During yesterday's hearing, Dallas County Criminal District Court Judge Stephanie Fargo reduced Sini's bond from US$ 250,000 to US$ 100,000. But ruled that she would remain under house arrest and wear an ankle monitor.
Richardson police argued Mathews was a flight risk and said before she was arrested she asked her pediatrician for shot records so that her 3-year-old biological daughter could "go to India".
The judge also asked Mathews to surrender her passport. The department received information that Sini requested her biological daughter's shot records last month and they believe she may have planned to flee to India, possibly with a fake passport, Richardson police Detective Jules Farmer said.
Sini's defence attorneys were calling for her bond to be reduced to the typical amount for a child endangerment charge (US$ 500), which Sini faces after it was discovered she and her husband left Sherin home alone in the hours before her disappearance.
They argued there were no indications Sini planned to flee or produce a fake passport and if she requested shot records for her daughter, it was so the girl could be taken to stay with family in India but Sini would not follow.
The girl is currently staying with family in the Houston area.
Before the judge made her decision, the prosecution did not mince words in closing arguments.
"This woman is wicked enough to leave a 3-year-old in her house while she and her husband goes to dinner," said First Assistant Mike Snipes with the Dallas District Attorney Office. "That shows a level of depravity in this woman's heart in and of itself".
Sherin was adopted by Wesley and Sini, a couple from Kerala, two years ago. As an infant she had been found abandoned in Gaya in Bihar and later put up for adoption.
Born Saraswathi, the tragic end of this child's life is being mourned by thousands across the world.
"The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office is continuing to work on determining the cause of death. Those results will be made available when complete," Richardson Police said in a Facebook post.
Sherin's death prompted External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to ask the Indian Embassy in the US to be actively involved in the case and keep her informed. She also sought a probe into the adoption process of Sherin. PTI
Vishal Joshi
Tribune News Service
Kurukshetra, November 28
Sonu Malik, a resident of Sarsa village in the district, on Tuesday gave his consent in the court to undergo a polygraph test in the murder case of his three children.
Investigating officer (IO) Prateek Kumar said the scientific examination would be helpful in solving the crime in which Sonus name had cropped up.
He said Sonu agreed before the judicial magistrate at Pehowa subdivisional court to undergo the examination.
The IO said an appointment with experts at Forensic Science Laboratory at Madhuban would soon be sought for the polygraph test of the suspect.
Sonus cousin Jagdeep Malik has been arrested for allegedly murdering Sameer (11), Simran (8) and Samar (3). In his initial police statement, Jagdeep had alleged that he killed the kids at the behest of Sonu as the latter allegedly had an extramarital affair.
Though Jagdeep later retracted and claimed he committed the crime to grab Sonus agriculture land, we are looking for supportive scientific pieces of evidence, said Prateek, the SHO of Pehowa.
Meanwhile, police remand of Jagdeep was extended by four days today.
Besides Jagdeep, the police have arrested three others for supplying an illicit weapon and bullets allegedly used in the crime.
The three siblings disappeared from their village on November 19.
On November 21, their bodies were retrieved by the Kurukshetra police from a forest area in Morni hills in Panchkula. The remains were traced on the information given by Jagdeep.
Pratibha Chauhan
Tribune News Service
Shimla, November 28
Even as party leaders made claims of repeating Congress government in the state, more than 15 party candidates demanded expulsion of senior leaders, including former ministers and MLAs, for working against the official Congress nominee in the recently concluded Assembly elections.
The State Executive of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), which met here today to discuss the poll prospects of the party, saw candidates give vent to their anger against some established leaders, especially former ministers and MLAs for working against them to ensure their defeat. Besides the district and Block Congress Committee presidents, a large number of candidates were also present at the meeting.
It is reliably learnt that HPCC president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has received more than 150 complaints for expulsion of party leaders and workers on disciplinary grounds. The Congress has already expelled 47 leaders, including former MLAs, Shimla MC councillors and leaders who were chairmen and vice chairmen in the Congress Government.
Sukhu is learnt to have advised the candidates to have a rethink on their demand for expulsion of leaders, at least till counting on December 18. I have asked them to send their complaints through the BCC and the DCC and also a request from the candidate so that the GHPCC can take a final call on expelling those who worked against Congress interest, said Sukhu.
Some of the candidate like Pawan Thakur from Sarkaghat accused former minister Rangila Ram Rao of working against him. Congress candidate Lakhwinder Rana from Nalagarh pointed out that party rebel Hardeep Bawa, who had been expelled from the party for contesting as an Independent, continued to be the state INTUC president. He demanded that since he was no longer even a primary member of the party, he must be removed as INTUC president. There were demands to expel more party leaders from Dharamsala even though eight have been shown the door.
Similar complaints of party leaders working against Congress nominee were received from Nachan, Nahan, Baijnath, Dharamsala, Palampur, Jwalamukhi, Darang, Indora, Badsar, Bhoranj, Nalagarh, Jhandutta, Shimla, Sarkaghat and Anni.
Some of the candidates, while appreciating ticket distribution in which many leaders having organisational background were given a chance, rued that lack of election funds and publicity material proved to be a major handicap.
Those who attended the meeting included minister Dhani Ram Shandil, Prakash Chaudhary, Chief Parliamentary Secretaries - Nand Lal, Rohit Thakur and Inderdutt Lakhanpal, MLAs Kishori Lal, Ajay Mahajan, Mohan Lal Brakta and senior office-bearers, including Ram Lal Thakur, Chander Kumar, Harshwardhan Singh, Harbhajan Singh Bhajji and Rangila Ram Rao.
Resolution supporting Rahul as AICC chief passed
The HPCC passed a resolution backing the nomination of Rahul Gandhi as AICC president. Sukhu said Gandhi had worked to strengthen the party with a renewed zeal. He said AICC president Sonia Gandhi would continue to remain the inspiration and guiding force for the Congress party. She has very ably guided and strengthened Congress party over the last 19 years and we will continue to look up to her for guidance and leadership, said Sukhu.
150 complaints received
Ravinder Sood
Palampur, November 28
To get a high security registration number plates (HSRPs) for commercial and non-commercial vehicles in Palampur has become a difficult task, as the company, which has been assigned the job, has failed to deliver the number plates in the past two months despite collecting money and documents from owners of the vehicles.
It is also alleged that the high security number plates being supplied by the company are of inferior quality. However, the district administration is unconcerned with the situation and no steps have been initiated to streamline the system and ensure better quality plates.
However, Balwan Chand, SDM, Palampur, said the contract for the manufacturing and installation of the high security number plates had been assigned to a private company by the Director, Transport, Shimla, therefore, he was helpless to initiate action. He said people should approach the authorities at Shimla.
Information gathered by The Tribune revealed the Director, Transport, had assigned the job to a private company of Delhi to issue HSRPs. The company neither had any machines at Palampur to print the number plates nor manpower to deliver it on time. Before awarding the contract, the Director failed to verify the credentials of the company and awarded the contract. It is evident from the fact that so far, the company had deputed only one person in Palampur to collect the money and documents. However, no machines have been installed so far.
In the absence of adequate manpower and equipment, the residents have to wait for months and visit the SDM office time and again to collect the number plates. Over 500 vehicles are registered every month with the licensing authority at Palampur.
Raj Kumar, a senior citizen outside the office of SDM, told The Tribune that he had deposited the fee and documents two months ago and despite repeated visit to the SDM office he had not received the number plates so far. There were hundreds of vehicle owners in the town who had been waiting for the number plates for the past three months despite paying the fee on time.
Majid Jahangir
Tribune News Service
Srinagar, November 28
Even as the J&K Police continues its investigation into the killing of Territorial Army jawan Irfan Dar, 23, in Shopian, the Army suspects that Territorial Army deserter Zahoor Thokar may have been part of the group that killed him.
Army officials said initial investigations point out that Zahoor was part of the three-member militant squad that shot dead Dar in an apple orchard at Sazan in Shopian on Saturday.
We have certain reasons to believe that Zahoor was involved in the killing of the TA soldier. But confirmation is still awaited, an Army officer privy to the investigations said. He said three militants had intercepted his car and shot him dead.
Dar, who was on leave, was not abducted as the initial report stated. We also came to know through our sources that Zahoor was spotted around the area after the killing of Dar, another Army officer said.
Zahoor of Sirnoo, Pulwama, had deserted his unit in north Kashmirs Baramulla in July along with a rifle and three magazines and later joined militant group Hizbul Mujahideen. It was for the first time that a Kashmiri soldier had deserted the Army and joined militant ranks. There have been instances in J&K when policemen have joined militant outfits.
The officer said the motive behind the killing of Dar was not yet known and investigation was underway.
Police sources said Zahoor and Dar were course mates in the Territorial Army and knew each other well. They had also joined the Army the same year.
Superintendent of Police, Shopian, Ambarkar Shriram Dinkar, said: Dar was fired with an AK-47 rifle. We are following the investigations. His close contacts and friends are being questioned. We are close to identifying the militants involved in the killing.
Dar is survived by his father, mother and three younger siblings.
3 off-duty security men killed this year
This year three off-duty security personnel have been killed by militants in Kashmir. In May, militants had abducted and killed Lt Ummer Fayaz of Kulgam. The officer had gone to Shopian to attend his cousins wedding. In September, militants shot dead BSF constable Mohammad Ramzan Parray at Hajin in Bandipora
Jammu, November 28
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today spoke to Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and expressed concern over the alleged manhandling and harassment of inmates from J&K at Tihar Jail in New Delhi.
An official spokesperson said the Chief Minister took a serious view of the reports and spoke to the Union Home Secretary, asking him to intervene in the matter.
The Union Home Secretary has assured the Chief Minister of a thorough probe into the incident and punishment to the culprits for violating the jail manual, the spokesperson said.
The Delhi High Court has reportedly ordered an inquiry into the incident and termed as very disturbing the alleged attack on inmates of a high-risk ward in Tihar Jail on November 21 night.
The High Court observed this while hearing a public interest litigation by advocate Chinmay Kanojia, who had alleged that his client Shahid Yousuf, currently being investigated by the National Investigation Agency and undergoing trial, was beaten up without any reason by Tihar Jail employees.
Shahid Yousuf is the son of Syed Salahuddin, the head of the United Jihad Council.
On Monday, the Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Geelani had expressed concern over the alleged miserable condition of Kashmiri detainees in Tihar Jail and accused the jail authorities of harassing the Kashmiri prisoners.
In a recent incident, Shahid Yousuf, son of Syed Salahuddin, was severely beaten up, and received injuries on the head and arm, a Hurriyat spokesperson had said. TNS
Tribune News Service
Jammu, November 28
Living away from their homeland for the past 27 years, displaced Kashmiri Pandits are demanding panchayats-in-exile in Jammu, which will allow them to vote in the panchayat elections, which are expected to be held in the coming months in the state.
Displaced community members, whose original constituencies are in Kashmir, cannot take part in the panchayat and municipal elections in Jammu, thus depriving them of their democratic rights.
The BJP (Displaced Cell) is demanding that the migrant camps at Jagti, Muthi, Nagrota and Purkhoo be declared panchayat blocks to ensure flow of developmental funds.
The funds will allow development of locals, including areas inhabited by Pandits. Due to the migration of the community from the Valley in 1990, people have been deprived of their rights to participate in the municipal and panchayat elections, said GL Raina, BJP MLC.
The BJP Kashmir Displaced District, a party unit established to coordinate with Pandit voters, has urged the Election Commission to abolish the M-Form, which the displaced Pandits have to fill ahead of every Assembly and parliamentary election.
M-Form is a major stumbling block for voters belonging to the displaced community as they have to go through a complex procedure to prove that they are migrants. This harassment should end, said Chand Bhat, president of the BJP (Displaced Cell).
The form was introduced by the Election Commission after the exodus of 3.50 lakh Pandits from the Valley in 1989-90. It has restricted their participation in the democratic process, depriving them of fundamental rights.
Demand right to vote
The panchayats-in-exile will allow the displaced Pandits in Jammu to vote in the panchayat elections, which are expected to be held in the coming months in the state
Vikas Sharma
Tribune News Service
Jammu, November 28
Though the state government has ordered the Chief Education Officers to carry out the safety audit of government schools, there is no separate provision of providing financial grant to carry out even the necessary repair/maintenance of the buildings that are in a dilapidated condition.
The schools have been utilising the improvement fund, which is collected from the students at the time of admission, for the repair/maintenance work.
There are a total of 12,419 government schools in Jammu division, including 7,219 primary schools, 3,764 middle schools, 923 high schools, 306 higher secondary schools, 34 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and 173 mobile schools. Total 7,00,096 students are enrolled in government schools, including 3,59,607 boys and 3,40,489 girls.
The sorry state of affairs can be gauged from the fact that not even a single penny has been released as the annual grant under the state plan. The government schools are receiving grants only under the flagship schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA).
There is no annual maintenance grant for high schools and higher secondary schools, but the primary and middle schools are also getting meagre funds. Primary schools get an annual grant of Rs 5,000 to carry out maintenance, which means Rs 416 per month. Similarly, middle schools get an annual grant of Rs 12,000 i.e. Rs 1,000 per month.
Under the RMSA, high schools and higher secondary schools are entitled to an annual grant of Rs 50,000, but there is no separate grant for repairs. Of 50,000, Rs 25,000 is to be utilised for science i.e. for purchase of chemicals and upgrading laboratories, etc, Rs 10,000 is for purchasing books while the remaining 15,000 is to pay electricity and water bills, telephone charges, etc, principal of a higher secondary school claimed.
Ever since the state government has announced fee waiver for girl students, there is poor collection of improvement fund in co-education schools while girls schools have no funds at all, he said.
According to official figures, more than 1,000 government schools in Jammu division are still running from rented accommodations. A majority of such government schools are in far-flung districts. In Jammu district, nine schools do not have a building, informed JK Sudan, Chief Education Officer, Jammu.
No aid for high schools
Under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, high schools and higher secondary schools are entitled to an annual grant of Rs 50,000, but there is no separate grant for repairs. Moreover, ever since the state government has announced fee waiver for girl students, there is poor collection of improvement fund in co-education schools. Principal of a higher secondary school
Jammu, November 28
Pakistani troops opened fire at Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district in violation of the ceasefire, police said.
"Pakistani troops resorted to firing in Jhangar forward area from 1845 hours to 1900 hours," a senior police officer said yesterday, adding that further details were awaited.
Last night's violation of the ceasefire came after a lull of over a week in firing by Pakistani troops at Indian posts.
Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire for three consecutive days between November 15 and November 17 in Jammu and Poonch districts. An Army jawan was injured in the exchange of fire in Poonch.
On November 2, a BSF jawan was killed when Pakistan Rangers attacked a patrol party along the International Border in Samba district.
A girl was injured when Pakistani troops opened fire from small arms along the LoC in Karmara belt of Poonch district on October 31.
On October 18, eight civilians, including a two-year-old child, were injured in heavy Pakistani shelling in Poonch. PTI
Suhail A Shah
Anantnag, November 28
The Central governments special representative for Jammu and Kashmir, Dineshwar Sharma, today told students in south Kashmirs Anantnag town that gun was never going to be a solution to anything.
Gun is never a solution to anything. It is my personal belief and I am telling you this because some among you sometimes think that it is a solution. It is not, a student quoted Sharma as saying after meeting him.
As per reports, locals, a majority of them students, met the interlocutor at Dak Bungalow in Anantnag today. This was Sharmas second visit to restive south Kashmir.
He visited Pulwama on Sunday and met over a dozen delegations there.
Sharma, as per reports, met around 30 delegations in Anantnag today. Of them, nine delegations comprised students from various colleges and schools of Anantnag district.
Rest of the delegations comprised mainstream political workers, including Congress and the BJP leaders, civil society members and minority Sikhs and Kashmiri Pandits.
Sharma reached Anantnag around 10 am and spent more than eight hours meeting the delegations.
Although the media was not allowed inside the venue, students who met Sharma talked to mediapersons after they left the venue.
Students said they raised some important issues with Sharma, including resolution of the Kashmir issue and amnesty to students booked for stone-throwing.
We told him that there has been a lack of sincerity in the Centres approach. On the one hand, they call us their own and on the other, we get shot at with pellets, which in other parts of the world are used on animals, a student who met Sharma said.
Students said they talked about the student protests that had rocked the Valley earlier this year and asked Sharma to take back a detailed analysis of why the protests had taken place.
I told him that the education sector will continue to suffer unless sincerity is shown in bringing peace to the Valley, a girl student said.
Students said Sharma assured them that he would take back an honest report from the ground.
He also told the students that gun was in no way a solution and youngsters should desist from thinking that it (picking up arms) could bring about anything positive.
The other delegations, which met Sharma, also sought a sincere approach towards the resolution of the Kashmir issue.
The Congress delegation led by Shangus MLA Gulzar Ahmad said it had sought engagement of the Hurriyat Conference in the dialogue process.
We have sought engagement of every stakeholder, including the Hurriyat Conference, Gulzar told mediapersons.
The Pandit delegation, among other issues, sought the Centres help in a proper rehabilitation process.tion sector will continue to suffer unless sincerity is not shown in bringing peace to the Valley, a girl student said.
Students said Sharma assured them that he would take back an honest report from the ground.
He also told the students that gun was in no way a solution and youngsters should desist from thinking that it (picking up arms) can bring about anything positive.
Pankaj Vasudeva
From understanding the intricacies of nanotechnology to exploring a career in real estate, Canadian universities have a wide spectrum of specialised programmes for undergraduates, graduates and researchers. These inter-disciplinary programmes provide an additional skill-set to students to take up challenges in the respective industry.
NanoFAB
The Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Facility at University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering has a one-of-its-kind NanoFAB (Fabrication & Characterisation) Centre. This open-access facility provides equipment, infrastructure and expertise to students and researchers from different faculties. Companies engaged in R&D also utilise equipment and infrastructure worth $110 million at the facility.
The university and National Research Council of Canada (NRC) have partnered to launch UAlberta/NRC Nanotechnology Initiative for research, discovery and innovation in the field.
The centre focuses on training and helping students in their undergraduate, Master's and PhD programmes by providing them with crucial data.
Streams to choose from:
Undergrad nano specialisation programme (one-year): Computer Engineering: Nanoscale System Design; Electrical Engineering: Nanoengineering; Engineering Physics: Nanoengineering.
Eligibility: Five high school subjects English, Maths, Maths (Calculus), Chemistry, Physics. All students study common courses in the first year. Admission to second-year specialisation and degree routes is determined through preference, grade point average (GPA), and course load, calculated at the end of first year.
Forestry
Given Canada's rich biodiversity, its universities lay special emphasis on the management and conservation of natural recourses, especially forests. Jorma Neuvonen, Director, Special Projects, says, finding ways to convert trees and biomass into materials that can be used in everyday life is essential to reduce carbon footprint.
"Research is on to explore the utility of nanocellulose (wood extract at nano scale) especially in the construction industry given that it is stronger than steel," he says.
As part of the initiative, the University of British Columbia runs five undergraduate programmes ranging from forest conservation to wood products processing. University's Advanced Wood Processing Centre gives students a hands-on experience in processing wood and creating things of different shapes and sizes.
Courses on offer:
Undergraduate: BSc in Natural Resources Conservation, BSc in Forestry, BSc in Forest Sciences, BSc in Wood Products Processing and latest inclusion Bachelor of Urban Forestry
Graduate: Research-intensive degrees: PhD; Master of Science in Forestry; Master of Applied Science in Forestry
Professional programmes: Master of International Forestry; Master of Sustainable Forest Management; Master of Forestry.
Eligibility: Undergraduate: Class XII in science stream; Graduate: Four-year bachelor's degree in engineering, forestry or medicine; PhD: Bachelor's degree plus Master's degree or MPhil degree.
Real Estate
Despite an industry with burgeoning demand for trained professionals, only a handful of country's management institutes offer courses to cater to the needs of real estate. Canadian universities have taken the lead in starting real estate programmes both at undergraduate and graduate levels. Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies at the Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary, is one such inter-disciplinary initiative where students can take up real estate studies as BCom concentration or MBA specialisation.
Options at hand
The undergraduate programme is a capstone course involving real estate finance, planning and development, finance, legal, marketing, etc. BCom students can study real estate concentration in the third and fourth years, while MBA students can choose their specialisation in the second year.
A peek into some specialised programmes offered by Canadian varsities
NAIT Simulation Centre
Manpriya Singh
A voracious reader, an accidental author, a passionate photographer, a corporate honcho, a historian Im not a historian, Ive become one, Amardeep Singh will cut you there and especially in context of the series of his two books starting with Lost Heritage: The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan and moving on to his latest, The Quest Continues: The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan.
Before he even gets talking about his unparalleled and unique journeys all through the 126 cities and villages in Pakistan, there are a couple of things he wants to clarify and never be misquoted on. This book is not about Sikhism, this book is about heritage and legacy. How the legacy is beyond Nankana Sahib and Panja Sahib (the only places that this generation popularly knows and attributes to Pakistan) and how that legacy is also being kept alive. Moving on, This is not a book, its an experience. Which he shares exhaustively in the book, both visually and through words! These are visual travelogues talking about all things of historical value, both tangible and intangible, which I am trying to put forward for the generations to come.
Change of track
A corporate executive for 25 years (his last job before his first visit to Pakistan was a large portfolio as a regional head with American Express). After I joined the corporate world back there, I became as good as someone who is a photographer and has played with words, he laughs, highlighting the myopic financial mindset of the companies.
Anyway, the journey started after the decision to visit Pakistan comes up one fine day and finally, I wanted to visit the place of mother and father. That was the truth, but as an Indian when you apply for a visa you cite religious reasons for the visit. As an Indian born, I was denied the visa to Muzaffarabad. However, the visa officer spoke in Punjabi and was from the place where my mother belonged to. He adds, I became dead honest with him, spoke in Punjabi and he issued me a 30-day visa.
While in Pakistan
That was it. Pakistan was waiting to happen. The way people connected. Its not as bad as we think. They are also humans and they are also Punjabis. But, unfortunately, we only know of them as terrorists.
After the first book came out, a call from the embassy of Pakistan followed. Fortunately, they recognised my work and how it was an objective, balanced approach to shared history of both countries. Thats when the second book materialised. The research, documentation, the journey, has all been put together in the format of two books, in less than three years. The pace at which I travelled was insanely rapid. For the first book, it was 36 cities in 30 days and for the second, it was 90 cities and villages in 40 days.
There are references to Bulle Shah, Prahlad, the frescoes, where they come from, the monuments, the language! Do you know Maharaja Ranjit Singhs was such a glorious empire and it was him who actually captured Kashmir? Do you also know that Hari Singhs Nalwas forces made 27 kilas? he asks.
Awaiting re-discovery
While on his travels, there are no history lessons, but just about enough information, followed by visuals to get anyone interested in the legacy and heritage. Both lost and one that is still surviving! Do you know there are people there who are not Kaurs or Singhs or dont have beards and turbans, but are actually sustaining the principles and practices of Baba Nanak, he shares, while flipping through a photograph where you can actually see a Muslim cleric serving langar.
Or a Muslim sitting outside a mosque and saying Sat Sri Akal to him. Its not just about hordes of Baba Nanak followers in that region, he clarifies, Its not just Sikhism, there is a whole lot of Jain legacy waiting to be explored as also Muslim legacy in East Punjab. So do we expect yet another sequel soon? Well, both my previous books were unplanned. How can I plan this one? We just hope it happens soon!
manpriya@tribunemail.com
Rachna Khaira
Tribune News Service
Jalandhar, November 28
A 21-year-old youth from Jalandhar was shot dead in front of his house in Jackson city of Mississippi, US, on Monday.
Sandeep Singh had migrated three years ago. His father Balwinder Singh, a Punjab Police head constable, said he was working at a relatives store.
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He along with two friends closed the store at 8 pm, but his car developed a snag. The owner asked them to stay back. At 11 pm, Sandeep tried to restart the car and was successful. The three drove to their apartment but as soon as they stepped out of their vehicle, three armed assailants robbed them of cash and valuables, his father said.
Just as the assailants were to leave, Sandeep moved towards the car to park it in the garage. One of the assailants, fearing Sandeep was about to pull out a weapon, opened fire, killing him on the spot,
Sandeeps body is expected to arrive home by Saturday. A police probe is on and CCTV footage procured.
Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 28
The Aam Aadmi Party today sought to make the alleged audio-tape scandal the focus of the days business in the Punjab Assembly by insisting on a commitment from the government for a CBI inquiry into the matter.
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While the Capt Amarinder Singh government brushed aside the issue saying it was a judicial matter, the AAP and alliance partner Lok Insaaf Party (LIP) later in the day took up the matter with the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, submitting a written complaint during a nearly half-an-hour meeting with Chief Justice SJ Vazifdar, who was accompanied by two senior judges.
Leader of Opposition Sukhpal Khaira and LIP MLA Simarjit Singh Bains represented their parties.
Bains had yesterday released an audio-tape allegedly featuring a conversation between a former Deputy Advocate General, Amit Chaudhary, and an ex-PCS officer, TK Goel, in which Amit claims that Rs 35 lakh was paid to a judge for rejecting a review petition filed by Khaira on quashing his summoning by a Fazilka court over his alleged links with drug smugglers.
The parties first tried to raise the matter during the Question Hour but were not allowed to do so. Later, at the outset of the Zero Hour, Khaira demanded a CBI inquiry. Demanding a discussion, he even named a senior Akali and Congress leader behind the conspiracy against him.
However, Speaker Rana KP Singh said it was a judicial matter. CM Capt Amarinder remained silent on the issue. AAP MLA Kanwar Sandhu backed the arguments of Khaira, saying the scandal was an expose and not a judicial issue. The demands by both the MLAs drew an angry response from the Akali Dal MLAs, who raised slogans against AAP MLAs and their suspicious links.
Meanwhile, Sandhu demanded tabling of the report of a Special Investigation Team into the role of links of politicians with drug smugglers.
Azhar Qadri
Tribune News Service
Darchik/Matayan (Kargil), Nov 28
Before the harsh winter comes, Khalida Bano has to cross the pass of blizzards Zojila and retreat to a different life.
It is a hard choice for Bano and her family. They have to migrate before a snow wall of 40-60 feet blocks Zojila and the freezing temperature makes it unbearable to live in Matayan, Banos village.
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Matayan is located in frontier Kargil districts Drass sub-sector, which has a forbidding introduction the second coldest inhabited place in the world.
Dont ask about the winter here, Bano, 30, said. If you come here in winter, you will not be able to see this house. It will all be under snow, she said of her two-storeyed mud and rock house located at the foot on a barren mountain.
The primitiveness of life in Kargil the site of the last war between India and Pakistan and a region of rugged and hostile landscape varies from village to village.
Kargil, located along the Line of Control which is manned round the year by soldiers who nestle on mountaintop posts in freezing conditions, is one of the most backward districts of Jammu and Kashmir and has a population of 1.4 lakh. More than half of Kargils residents are officially categorised as living below the poverty line.
The district also houses poor infrastructure facilities with its 192 medical institutions one district hospital and 102 medical aid centres having a bed capacity of 170.
Matayan is the first habitation beyond Zojila and it has basic facilities a middle school and a medical aid centre. Even though it is only 120 kilometres from Srinagar, the village and its residents are caught in a time warp.
During the six months of extreme winter, the frontier district remains cut off from the rest of the world. Its only road link which snakes through the mountains and the high-altitude Zojila pass is usually closed by November 15, but is opened for a few days thereafter, weather conditions permitting. This village gets divided. Some go to the other side of Zojila and some to Drass and Kargil to live with relatives or on rent, Bano said.
Kangan, a township on the other side of Zojila pass in Kashmir valley, is Banos winter home.
The family then waits for the winter to end before returning to Matayan in early summer to continue farming.
Winter temperatures can plummet to minus 40 degrees Celsius. There is no arrangement here for winter. There are no doctors and no firewood, Bano said.
For centuries, the Matayan villagers had no idea of a world beyond the pass.
When the snow melted in the summer of 1999 and opened the road to Kargil, it also unfolded a war as the Pakistani army had taken over mountain peaks overlooking the highway and shelled the incoming convoys. The villagers of Matayan were asked to move and, for many, it was the first time they made an arduous journey across the pass.
We travelled by foot to Sonmarg and Kangan, Khadija, a wrinkle-faced mother of four, recalled. Sonmarg, a meadow resort, and Kangan, a township, lie on the other side of Zojila pass.
Matayan is not an exception in Kargil, one of the two districts that form Ladakh region. In the shepherd village of Hondurman, the residents whose major income is generated by working as porters to mountaintop Army posts migrate from their summer huts to winter huts, located on opposite ridges.
November is a busy month in Kargil. Hundreds of trucks make the hard journey to the district with stocks of rice, flour, firewood and everything that is essential to survive a winter in isolation. The stocks are stored before the winters first snow.
Many shops, groceries and motels are run by ethnic Kashmiris, who are readying to resign to their homes in Kashmir before the winter comes, leaving the main market half-deserted.
Life in Darchik
In the terraced village of Darchik, home to goat herders who have lived in isolation for centuries, Tashi Dawa prepares for the 70th winter of his life.
I have spent my entire life in this village, Dawa said, uncomplaining about the lack of facilities. We dont have enough money to migrate anywhere, he said.
Darchik is nearly 300 km from Srinagar and is a remote village in Kargils Batalik sector. The villagers, who believe they are of Aryan descent, live a self-reliant life by herding goats and farming. A bus travels twice a week to this village of 80 families. The government doesnt really care for us, he said. Whether we die or live, it doesnt matter.
New Delhi, November 28
As Indonesia raised Bali volcano alert to the highest level, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said she was monitoring the situation closely and that the Indian Mission there would provide assistance to Indians requiring help.
The Indian Consulate in Bali has opened a help desk at the city airport to provide any assistance to the Indians stuck there.
"Indians in Bali - Pls do not worry. Pradeep Rawat Indian Ambassador in Jakarta @IndianEmbJkt and Sunil Babu Consul General @cgibali are on the job and I am monitoring this personally(sic)," she said on Twitter yesterday.
Massive columns of thick grey smoke that have been belching from Mount Agung since last week have now begun shooting more than three kilometres (two miles) into the sky, forcing flights to be grounded.
The airport in Bali's capital Denpasar, a top holiday destination that attracts millions of foreign tourists every year, has been closed for the second day today. PTI
New Delhi, November 28
A cab driver was arrested for allegedly trying to abduct a woman judge, police said on Tuesday.
The judge, in her complaint, told the police that instead of taking her to the Karkardooma Court, the driver started driving towards Hapur on the NH-24 yesterday, they added.
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She informed the police and also alerted her colleague, the police said.
After driving for some distance, the driver took a U-turn towards Delhi, they said, adding he was intercepted at the Ghazipur toll plaza and arrested.
The driver is associated with a private company that is being probed, the police said. PTI
New Delhi, November 28
The body of an Indian recovered after a merchant ship sank off the coast of Japan in October has been exhumed and brought to Manila. The DNA sample was sent to Chennai, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Tuesday.
"This is an update on my tweets dated 18th November," Sushma Swaraj said.
"All islands in the region are alerted by Philippine Coast Guard. The mortal remains of one person have been exhumed and brought to Manila. The DNA sample is being taken to Chennai," she said.
On November 18, External Affairs Minister said that after the MV Emerald Star with 26 Indians on board sank on October 13, 16 persons were rescued, while the remaining 10 could not be found.
Stating that there was extensive search by Japan and the Philippines which was joined by the Indian Navy, she said that Philippine Coast Guard reported that a decomposed body with a life jacket marking Emerald Star was found on October 28 on the island city of Banua and was buried there.
The External Affairs Minister said she has asked Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Jaideep Mazumdar to have the body exhumed and brought to Manila for identification by DNA.
Those missing after the ship capsised, included Captain Rajesh Ramachandran Nair, Second Officer Rahul Kumar, Third Officer Giridhar Kumar Subramaniam, Chief Engineer Shyam Singh Rajput, Fourth Engineer Suresh Kumar Subbiah, Junior Engineer Ashok Kumar Chauhan, Gurumurthy Perumalsamy, Silambarasan Malavaranan, Gowtham Murugan and Bevin Thomas.
Japan's 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters based in Naha, Okinawa, on October 13 said it had received an emergency call from the 33,205-tonne ship around 2 a.m.
The Japan Coast Guard said it had dispatched patrol boats and aircraft to rescue the missing crew, but the operations were hampered by a raging typhoon.
Following this, the External Affairs Ministry said that 11 crew members were rescued by the ship Densa Cobra, registered in Xiamen, China, and five more by Samarinda, registered in the Philippines.
IANS
Prateek Chauhan
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, November 28
A woman passenger and an Air India duty manager slapped each other at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday morning after she was denied boarding for reporting late, police said.
The incident took place after the Ahmedabad-bound woman passenger, a resident of Panchkula in Haryana, had an argument with the official.
A woman passenger was told by a counter staff that she would not be able to check in because she was late for the flight. This led to an argument and the staff directed her to the woman duty manager and there was an argument and an altercation, an Air India spokesperson said.
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Sources in the airline said the passenger allegedly slapped the duty manager. The duty manager also hit back, DCP, Airport, Sanjay Bhatia, said.
Arguments started between the passenger and Air India woman staff and the passenger slapped her. The woman staff in retaliation also slapped her, Bhatia said.
The passenger later called the police and went to the police station.
Both the passenger and the Air India staff later apologised to each other and the issue was amicably resolved, the spokesperson added. With PTI
Hyderabad, November 28
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held separate meetings with US President Donald Trump's advisor Ivanka Trump who heads a US delegation at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit on Tuesday.
The ministry said in a statement that the two had productive discussion on women entrepreneurship and empowerment.
Ivanka, who is an advisor to US President Donald Trump, is here to attend the three-day summit in Hyderabad.
#WATCH Ivanka Trump arrived in Hyderabad, late last night; will be attending Global Entrepreneurship Summit #GES2017 pic.twitter.com/3FozL12bF4 ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2017
Ivanka Donald Trump's daughter is heading a delegation of senior Trump administration officials and entrepreneurs at the summit, which she will later inaugugurate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
US is co-hosting the summit, which is expected to host more than 1,200 young entrepreneurs majority of whom women from 127 countries.
In addition some 300 investors and ecosystem supporters are also attending the mega event.
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The world's largest gathering of young entrepreneurs is being co-hosted by India and the United States.
It is "a testament to the strong friendship between our two people and the growing economic and security partnership between our two nations," Ivanka told reporters during a preview of her India visit.
Ivanka, 36, has travelled to India before, but this is her maiden trip to the country as a senior presidential advisor.
Accompanied by several top administrations official, a large number of Indian-Americans are part of her delegation, which numbers 350 from 38 states.
Prime Minister Modi had personally invited Ivanka to participate in the GES, which is being held in India for the first time, when he travelled to the US in June.
This year's summit theme, 'Women First, Prosperity for All', demonstrates the Trump administration's commitment to the principle that when women are economically empowered, their communities and countries thrive, she told reporters last week.
Five per cent of entrepreneurs at GES are 30 years or younger. The youngest entrepreneur is 13 and the oldest entrepreneur is 84.
Ivanka said she aims for this summit to serve as an open and collaborative environment for the exchange of ideas, to broaden networks, and to empower entrepreneurs to take their ideas and passion to the next level.
"The US and India will continue to work together to increase economic opportunities and inclusive growth. I very much look forward to my visit and to seeing Prime Minister Modi and Foreign Minister Swaraj once again," she said.
The summit would also be the first major engagement of the new American Ambassador to India, Ken Juster.
"Amazing first week in India! Thanks so much for the warm welcome. Looking forward to exploring this fascinating country. Excited to begin my journey in Hyderabad at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit!" he tweeted last week. PTI/Agencies
Hyderabad, November 28
Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trumps daughter, on Tuesday said reducing gender gap in the labour force by half can help boost Indian economy by over USD 150 billion in the next three years and reiterated her fathers words that India has a true friend in the White House.
In her keynote address at the 8th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), she showered lavish praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is going to build India as a thriving economya beacon of democracyand a symbol of hope to the world.
What you are achieving is truly extraordinary... from your childhood selling tea to election as Indias Prime Minister, she said.
Through your own enterprise, entrepreneurship and hard work, the people of India have lifted more than 130 million citizens out of povertya remarkable improvement and one I know will continue to grow under the leadership of the prime minister, she added.
Ivanka, who is the adviser to the White House, said, Here in India, I want to applaud Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his firm belief that the progress of humanity is incomplete without the empowerment of women, she stressed.
India, she said, is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has a true friend in the White House.
President Trump earlier this year said India has a true friend in the White House, Ivanka recalled.
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Fuelling the growth of women-led businesses isnt simply good for our societyits good for our economy. One study estimates that closing the gender entrepreneurship gap worldwide could grow our global GDP by as much as 2 per cent, she said.
Ivanka, 36, a businesswoman, fashion designer and the eldest daughter of the US President, was invited by Modi during his visit to the White House in June to speak at the Summit.
She is leading the US contingent at the Summit themed Women First, Prosperity for All.
She opened her speech by stressing how all over the world entrepreneurs are revolutionising our economies, and improving our societies.
You are rewriting the rules, she said and went on to talk about this years GES theme.
This years Summit is focussed on a theme that is key to our future: Women First, Prosperity for All. I am proud that for the first time ever, women make up the majority of the 1,500 entrepreneurs selected to attend.
Women, according to Ivanka, can help lead the way in closing this gap and ushering in a new age of greater prosperity.
We must ensure women entrepreneurs have access to capital, access to networks and mentors, and access to equitable laws, she added.
While her trip to India has been hogging media limelight, questions have been raised about whether her message of empowering poor women matches her actions.
Critics have faulted her for failing to use her leadership role to call out labour and human rights abuses and her refusal to take a public stand on alleged abuses in her brands own supply chain. PTI
New Delhi, November 28
Singapore may not possibly be keen to buy any make in India military equipment, but its Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen made a sortie in the trainer version of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas at the Air Force base at Kalaikunda in West Bengal today.
The Project Director for Flight Testing at the Aeronautical Development Agency, Air Vice Marshal AP Singh, flew the visiting dignitary. I am not a pilot, said Dr Ng, when asked if Singapore plans to buy the Tejas. But I can say it felt like I was riding in a car, it was really smooth... and it is very impressive.
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This is a shot in the arm for the Tejas programme, which has been criticised for delays.
The Singaporean air force is in India with six US-made F-16s for annual joint exercises. For a month now, about 100 personnel have been stationed at Kalaikunda.
Singapore has very little airspace and has been leasing out the Kalaikunda base for its drills since 2004. TNS
Hyderabad, November 28
Hard selling his government's reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday invited global entrepreneurs to come to India saying that it provides an investment friendly environment where restrictions have been removed and archaic laws abolished.
Speaking at Global Entrepreneur Summit 2017, he said over 1,200 outdated laws have been scrapped, 87 rules for foreign investment eased in 21 sectors and several government processes have been taken online.
"To my entrepreneur friends from across the globe, I would like to say, 'Come, Make in India, Invest in India', for India and for the world," he said. "I invite each one of you to become a partner in India's growth story. And once again assure you of our wholehearted support."
Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's daughter and adviser to the White House, is leading a US delegation to the summit and gave the keynote address.
Stating that an investment-friendly environment needs to be stable from the macro-economic perspective, Modi said his government has succeeded in containing the fiscal and current account deficits as well as curbing inflation.
"Our foreign reserves have crossed $400 billion, and we continue to attract large foreign capital flows," he said.
To young entrepreneur friends from India, he said: "Each of you has something valuable to contribute towards creating a New India by 2022. You are vehicles of change and instruments of India's transformation".
Listing out business friendly measures the government has undertaken, Modi said loans worth Rs 4.28 trillion (Rs 4.28 lakh crore) have been sanctioned under the entrepreneurship loan scheme, MUDRA.
Under the 'Atal Innovation Mission', Tinkering Labs are being opened in more than 900 schools to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among children, he said.
After taking electricity to almost all villages, a new scheme, 'Saubhagya' will provide electricity connection to all the unelectrified families by December 2018, he said, adding that a programme to provide high-speed broadband Internet to all rural areas by March 2019 has also been launched.
"We are working on developing a national gas grid. A comprehensive national agency policy is also in the pipeline," he said.
The Prime Minister said the taxation system has been overhauled with the launch of GST, while the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code has been introduced to ensure timely resolution for stressed ventures.
"We have recently strengthened this further, preventing wilful defaulters from bidding for stressed assets," he said.
"Tough measures have been adopted to tackle the parallel economy, check tax evasion and control black money."
The government, he said, understood that an environment of transparent policies and a rule of law providing a level playing field are necessary for entrepreneurship to flourish.
Modi said Aadhaar, the world's largest biometric based digital database, covers over 1.15 billion people and digitally authenticates over 40 million transactions daily.
"We now digitally provide monetary benefits of various government schemes to the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer using Aadhaar," he added.
On financial inclusion, he said almost 300 million bank accounts with deposits of over Rs 685 billion have been opened through the Jan Dhan Yojna. "These brings previously un-banked sections of society into the formal financial system. Of these, 53 per cent accounts are women. We are steadily working towards a less cash economy and have launched a Unified Payment Interface App called BHIM. In less than a year, this platform is facilitating almost 280,000 transactions daily," he said.
Modi said India has been an incubator for innovations and entrepreneurship over the ages.
Stating that the government's Start-Up India programme is a comprehensive action plan to foster entrepreneurship and promote innovation, he said the scheme aims to minimise the regulatory burden and provide support to startups. PTI
Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 27
Legislator Simarjit Singh Bains of the Lok Insaaf Party, an AAP ally, today released an audio-tape to prove a plot against Punjabs Leader of Opposition (LoP) and AAP MLA Sukhpal Khaira, who has been summoned by a Fazilka court for questioning on his alleged links with drug smugglers.
Bains and his brother Balwinder Singh released a 17-minute recording in which former Deputy Advocate General Amit Chaudhary puportedly tells former PCS officer TK Goel that Rs 35 lakh had been paid to a judge to ensure that Khairas review petition in the High Court, that the charges against him be quashed, was dismissed.
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Chaudhary, claiming he had received the text of the court order a day before it was pronounced, is heard saying it had been pre-decided that non-bailable warrants against Khaira would be cancelled but his review petition in the High Court dismissed.
Chaudhary, who was DAG during the SAD-BJP tenure, told The Tribune that the audio-tape had been manipulated. He said he had met Goel, one of his clients, a number of times but no such conversation took place. Goel, a former PCS officer, was recently dismissed from service on corruption charges. He could not be contacted.
Bains said he would submit a video-recording of the Chaudhary-Goel meeting and reveal the date, time, place of the conversation either to the CBI or the High Court.
Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh refused to be drawn into the controversy. Asked if he would order a CBI inquiry as sought, he replied: Let courts decide the matter.
Later in the day, Bains and Khaira submitted a memorandum to Governor VP Singh Badnore to press for the demand. Urging the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court to take suo motu action, Khaira said it was his suspicion that SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, Congress minister Rana Gurjit Singh and SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia had connived against him.
An FIR was registered under the NDPS Act against Khairas aide Gurdev Singh and eight others on March 5, 2015, in Jalalabad, alleging links with drug smugglers in Pakistan. It was alleged that Khaira and the smugglers had been in touch on the phone. But Khaira was not questioned by the police.
On October 31 this year, a Fazilka court sentenced the nine to 20 years jail. Acting on a public prosecutor's application, describing Khaira and staff as the kingpins of an international drug racket, the court summoned Khaira, personal security officer Joga Singh, PA Manish and two more Charanjit Kaur and Major Singh Bajwa and issued non-bailable warrants. Khaira then moved the HC, which dismissed his petition while cancelling the warrants.
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 28
The Shiromani Akali Dal has condemned the action of the Congress of rejecting the motion presented by it on the renaming of Dyal Singh College in Delhi and said its action once again proved that it had anti-Punjabi and anti-Sikh mindset.
In a statement released here today, party spokesman Manjinder Singh Sirsa said it was most unfortunate that while rejecting the motion presented by the Akali Dal, the Congress forgot the contribution of Dyal Singh Majithia in establishing the countrys first bank, which was Punjab National Bank, The Tribune newspaper and host of educational institutes besides a social organisation for the better future of the people of the country.
Sirsa said not only Dyal Singh Majithia made a great contribution, but also his father Lehna Singh Majithia, who was a great general of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who thrice conquered Afghanistan. Lehna Singh Majithias elder son General Ranjodh Singh was also a great fighter. He said even historians had acknowledged their contribution.
He said that it was most disgusting that the Congress had failed to recognise their services.
A federal jury on Monday struck down a civil lawsuit filed by a Montana state inmate claiming his civil rights were violated while he was incarcerated in the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center.
Duane Belanus, 40, filed the lawsuit in 2012, alleging his rights to be free from cruel and unusual punishment were violated by county employees who allowed him to be beaten by other inmates in 2009, according to court documents. He alleged that the assault left him with with permanent facial disfigurements, severe migraines, chipped teeth, ringing in the ears, a popping jaw, nightmares, anxiety, a broken nose and a broken jaw.
Belanus is currently incarcerated on two separate life sentences in connection with the kidnapping and rape of a woman with whom he once had a relationship.
He alleged in his handwritten complaint that those accused of sex crimes and other offenses disliked by other inmates were kept away from the general population prior to July 11, 2009, and that he was "seriously assaulted" after being moved to the general population despite voicing concerns to jail staff.
"I, and others, were housed in segregated housing due to our crimes," the complaint says. "The over-crowding of the jail forced the supervisors of The Detention Center to make an executive decision to place us into General Population."
The complaint alleges that a staff member told other inmates about the charges against Belanus, which led to the "hate crime" against him, and that staff members should have been trained to not disclose information about inmates. It also says officers failed to act on Belanus' concerns even after witnessing other inmates calling him names and making threats, and that he suffered in pain for several hours before being transported to the hospital after the attack.
Belanus sought to have Sheriff Leo Dutton suspended and fined, and other officers suspended, fined and/or fired.
He also wrote that the state is responsible for all medical bills he acquired while in jail, and that his constitutional rights were violated when he was sentenced to pay for his own medical costs as restitution.
The jury decided that none of the three officers on duty violated Belanus constitutional rights and awarded him no damages.
Independent Record editor Jesse Chaney contributed to this report.
Sanjeev Singh Bariana
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 28
The Question Hour today witnessed sloganeering by AAP and SAD-BJP MLAs over the issues of drugs and farm debt waiver, respectively.
During the half-an-hour session, ministers replied to at least five questions from Congress MLAs. The Congress camp led by the CM chose to ignore the din, even as the AAP and SAD MLAs came face-to-face in the well of the House, following which Speaker Rana KP Singh adjourned the House for half an hour.
The AAP-LIP MLAs sought a CBI inquiry into the judicial bribery audio tape. The SAD-BJP wanted to know why the farm loan waiver had not been implemented.
When the session began, former Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa stood up and demanded an adjournment. They wanted a discussion on loan waiver.
Former Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia led the slogan-shouting brigade, saying, Kisani karza maaf karo (give loan waiver to farmers) and Lara lappa lai rakhdi, kisani karze chadai rakhdi (making empty promises to farmers and giving no relief).
Meanwhile, MLAs of the AAP-LIP alliance entered the Well of the House and alleged that Leader of the Opposition Sukhpal Khaira was being framed in a drug case. They were holding photos of Majithia with Bittu Aulakh, a drug case accused. Shortly, the SAD-BJP camp came up with pictures of Khaira with Dara and Gurdev Singh, both allegedly involved in the drug racket.
Among the Congress MLAs who asked questions, Gurkirat Singh sought details of the number of unclaimed vehicles in various police stations. The CM replied that the police stations had 21,134 two-wheelers and 10,792 four-wheelers. The DGP had initiated the process for their disposal at the earliest, he said.
In reply to a question by Navtej Singh Cheema regarding the non-receipt of degrees by students of Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Health Minister Brahm Mohindra said these would be handed over within three months.
Dharambir Agnihotri asked about the teacher policy for border districts. Education Minister Aruna Chaudhary replied that a policy was being framed, with emphasis on special recruitment for the area.
Kuljit Singh Nagra flagged the unavailability of doctors in his constituency (Fatehgarh Sahib) and the need for more schools.
Tarsem Singh wanted to know if the Local Government Department would ensure that the women elected on 50 per cent reserved seats. Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu assured him that the matter would be addressed.
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 28
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Tuesday said they had moved an adjournment motion on the debt waiver.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the second day of the Assembly session, Sukhbir said the government had announced the waiver but had failed to implement it. Farmers have become defaulters as they did not pay their bank loans, waiting for the waiver. This is a big dhokha with the farmers. The credibility of the government is zero. The foremost duty of the government is to save farmers, but farmers are committing suicide and holding the CM responsible for that."
Regarding the short Assembly session, the SAD chief said the government should just call obituary reference session. There is no discussion on important issues, he added.
The Congress and AAP are in cahoots. Thats why Sunil Jakhar and Navjot Singh Sidhu raised the drug issue against Bikram Majithia, who has been absolved by the courts. But they did not raise the issue against Khaira, he said.
They are attacking us, but no issues confronting the state are being addressed. As many as 289 farmers who committed suicide were paid homage on Monday, but they are not doing anything for the farmers. Even SAP of sugarcane was raised by just Rs 10 per quintal against the Rs 30 raised by Haryana, he said, adding that there was conflict of interest as the government wanted to favour politician-owned private sugar mills, including that of a favourite minister of the CM.
Sukhbir claimed that Khaira had concocted the audio clip scandal to deflect attention from the drug case in Fazilka.
Tribune News Service
Dehradun, November 28
The issuance of notices to the industry by the Biodiversity Board and faulty rice policy were some of the issues brought forth by businessmen during a state level meeting of the Udyog Mitra Samiti. The meeting was held in the presence of Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh here today.
Members of the PHD Chambers of Commerce listed number of problems during the meeting. Anil Taneja, Regional Director, PHD Chambers of Commerce, said, Around 850 notices regarding payment of five per cent cess were issued by the state Biodiversity Board without fulfilling the formalities. Their interpretation of the exemption clause in the Act is at variance with that of the industry.
He claimed that the industry was suffering huge losses due to bottlenecks in faulty rice policy.
The issue of the defunct ESI facilities for the industry workers was also raised at the meeting. Rajiv Ghai, co-chairman of the chapter, drew attention towards the poor infrastructure on the NH-74 connecting Haridwar, Kashipur and Rudrapur. The bridges that connect industrial estates are in bad shape and need urgent repair, he said.
Later, the Chief Secretary advised the Biodiversity Board not to issue notices casually and said that work on the Haridwar-Dehradun highway would be started soon. He said the Centre would release Rs 80 crore for the fourlaning work.
Tribune News Service
Dehradun, November 28
The three-day International Conference on Himalayan Environment and Development will start here tomorrow.
Addressing a press conference here today, Shridev Suman Universitys Vice- Chancellor Dr US Rawat said that the conference would deliberate on every aspect of Himalayan environment and development. He said the main focus of the conference would be to bring together both academicians and social scientists to address the concerns of the Himalayan region.
Dr Rawat said the issues of climate change particularly the rising temperature was a matter of urgent concern. Rapid melting of glaciers in the Himalayas is directly affecting the livelihood of the inhabitants in the region, Dr Rawat pointed out.
Convenor of the conference Prof Harsh Dobhal said that as many as 11 sessions would be held during the conference and a total of 300 research papers would be presented. Academicians and intellectuals from India and abroad will attend the conference.
The conference is being organised by Doon University and Sridev Suman University. HNB Garhwal Universitys Dr SP Sati was also present at the news conference.
Nairobi, November 28
Kenyan police fired tear gas and clashed with both ruling party and opposition supporters on Tuesday ahead of the swearing-in as president of Uhuru Kenyatta after two disputed polls that have left the nation deeply divided.
As foreign and local dignitaries poured into the 60,000- seat Kasarani stadium in Nairobi for the ceremony, the opposition attempted to gather for a memorial rally honouring the more than 50 people killed, mostly by police, in four months of political upheaval.
However, police fired volleys of tear gas and beat opposition supporters, prompting running battles in the area, an AFP reporter said.
Chaos also erupted at the Kasarani stadium as a crowd of Kenyatta supporters attempted to force their way into the venue, prompting police to fire tear gas.
I just want to see President Uhuru Kenyatta because I voted for him, why are we being beaten like NASA (the opposition coalition), said Janet Wambua, who was among the angry crowd.
Joseph Irungu of the interior ministry planning committee had said there was space for 40,000 people who did not get in to watch the event on big screens outside the stadium. However no such screens were provided, further angering the crowd.
Around 13 mostly African heads of state are expected to attend the ceremony where Kenyatta, 56, will be sworn in for his second and final five-year term.
These include the presidents of South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and Somaliaamong others.
Prime ministers, foreign ministers and special envoys will represent other African nations, as well as Qatar, Serbia, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also attending.
Kenyattas inauguration comes after the Supreme Court validated his victory in last months rerun poll.
However, the swearing-in may not draw a line under the countrys political crisis with his defeated rival Raila Odinga vowing to fight on.
The NASA coalition has described Tuesdays inauguration as a despotic coronation.
The electoral strife goes back to an August 8 poll that was annulled in September by the Supreme Court, citing irregularities and illegalities.
The court ordered a rerun in October that was boycotted by the opposition, handing Kenyatta a landslide of 98 percent of votes cast by just 39 percent of the electorate.
The disputed election season has split the country along ethnic and regional lines, although political violence has not reached the scale of that which followed a 2007 poll when 1,100 were killed.
Odinga, denied the presidency for a fourth time this year, believes that he was cheated and the 72-year-old has refused to recognise the result.
He has promised to find a third republicfollowing independence from Britain in 1963 and a new constitution adopted in 2010 as well as to continue a programme of protests and economic boycotts aimed at undermining Kenyattas dictatorship. AFP
Berlin, November 28
The mayor of a small town in western Germany known for pursuing liberal migrant policies was stabbed in the neck at a kebab shop on Monday evening and seriously hurt in an attack that officials suspected was politically motivated.
The conservative mayor of Altena, Andreas Hollstein, appeared at a news conference on Tuesday to describe the attack which left him with a 15 cm long cut on his neck, covered in a white plaster.
I feared for my life, said the mayor who has received a German integration prize from Chancellor Angela Merkel. He said the attack took place in an atmosphere of growing social tension.
The attacker asked him if he was the mayor, before saying: You let me die of thirst and let 200 refugees into Altena, Hollstein recalled. Then the man plunged a 30 cm long kitchen knife into him.
Police said the suspect, identified only as Werner S., had been arrested. They believed his motives were xenophobic and political, although they took it to be a spontaneous attack, adding he had alcohol in his system. The attack comes as Germany struggles to deal with an increasingly fractured society. Many voters are still angry about the influx of more than 1.6 million people seeking asylum in the two years.
In a September poll, some 13% of Germans voted for the far-right Alternative for Germany which campaigned hard against Merkels open-door migrant policy.
It brings us no further forward if we transmit political views with hate, Hollstein said. He said his wife had warned him about possible attacks due to his policies but he was determined to continue his work. I will push for refugees and for other people in a weaker social situation, he vowed, thanking the owner of the shop and his son for saving his life. Reuters
Naypyitaw, November 28
Pope Francis on Tuesday urged the leaders of majority-Buddhist Myanmar, mired in a crisis over the fate of Muslim Rohingya people, to commit themselves to justice, human rights and respect for each ethnic group and its identity.
The Pope avoided a diplomatic backlash by not using the highly charged term Rohingya in his addresses to officials, including leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
However, his words were applicable to members of the beleaguered minority, who Myanmar does not recognise as citizens or as members of a distinct ethnic group.
Francis made his comments in Naypyitaw, the countrys capital, where he was received by Suu Kyi, the Nobel peace laureate and champion of democracy who has faced international criticism for expressing doubts about the reports of rights abuses against the Rohingya and failing to condemn the military.
The future of Myanmar must be peace, a peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law, and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group - none excluded - to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good, he said.
Myanmar rejects the term Rohingya and its use, with most people instead referring to the Muslim minority in Rakhine state as illegal migrants from neighbouring Bangladesh. The Pope had used the word Rohingya in two appeals from the Vatican this year.
But before the diplomatically risky trip, the Popes own advisers recommended that he not use it in Myanmar, lest he set off a diplomatic incident that could turn the countrys military and government against minority Christians.
Human rights groups such as Amnesty International, which has accused the army of crimes against humanity, had urged him to utter it.
A hardline group of Buddhist monks warned on Monday, without elaborating, that there would be a response if he spoke openly about the Rohingya.
Richard Horsey, a former UN official and analyst based in Yangon, said the Popes speech was very cautiously worded and crafted to avoid antagonising local audiences. Reuters
Naypyidaw, November 28
Pope Francis called for respect for rights and justice in a keenly-watched address in Myanmar on Tuesday, but refrained from any mention of the Rohingya, or allegations of ethnic cleansing that has driven huge numbers of the Muslim minority from the country.
Sharing a stage with Myanmars leader Aung San Suu Kyi in the capital Naypyidaw, he did not address the Rohingya crisis head-on, instead tip-toeing around the unfolding humanitarian emergency.
Peace can only be achieved through justice and a respect for human rights, he said in a broadly-framed speech that also called for respect for each ethnic group and its identity.
The word Rohingya, an incendiary term in a mainly Buddhist country where the Muslim minority are denied citizenship and branded illegal Bengali immigrants, was entirely absent from his speech.
Francis has repeatedly defended the group, some 6,20,000 of whom have fled to Bangladesh since August. Rights groups had urged him to tackle Myanmar on its treatment of the minority during his four-day visit.
Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been ostracised by a global rights community that once adored her but is now outraged at her tepid response to the plight of the Rohingya.
She spoke of the challenges her country faces as it creeps out of the shadow of five decades of military rule, but also did not reference the Rohingya.
Myanmars government aimed to build the nation by protecting rights, fostering tolerance, ensuring security for all, she said in a short speech, that gave a nod to global concern over the situation in the Rakhine.
The popes peace mission is studded with pitfalls in Myanmar, where a monk-led Buddhist nationalist movement has fostered widespread loathing for the Rohingya.
Late on Monday the 80-year-old pontiff received a courtesy visit from Myanmars powerful army chiefwhose troops, according to the UN and US, have waged a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Rohingya in Rakhine state.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has firmly denied allegations of widespread brutality by his forces, despite the flight of hundreds of thousands of people who have recounted widespread cases of rape, murder and arson.
His office said he told the pope there was no discrimination in Myanmar, and feted his military for maintaining the peace and stability of the country.
Early yesterday the pontiff met leaders from Buddhist, Muslim, Baptist and Jewish faiths in Yangon.
The conversation centred around themes of unity and diversity, with the pope sharing a prayer and giving a very, very beautiful speech, according to Sammy Samuels, a representative from the small Jewish community.
The Lady, as she is fondly known in Myanmar, finally came to power after elections in 2015 but has fallen from grace internationally for not doing more to stand up to the army in defence of the Rohingya - whose name she will not publicly utter.
Rights groups have clamoured for Suu Kyi to be stripped of her peace prize. Oxford, the English city she once called home, on Monday removed her Freedom of the City award for her inaction in the face of oppression of the Rohingya.
Just days before the papal visit, Myanmar and Bangladesh signed a deal to start repatriating Rohingya refugees within two months.
But details of the agreement including the use of temporary shelters for returnees, many of whose homes have been burned to the ground raise questions for Rohingya fearful of returning without guarantees of basic rights.
Francis will travel on to Bangladesh on Thursday.
So far, the pontiff has received a warm welcome in Myanmar, whose Catholic community numbers just over one per cent of the countrys 51 million people.
But some 2,00,000 Catholics are pouring into the commercial capital Yangon from all corners of the country ahead of a huge, open-air mass tomorrow morning.
Zaw Sai, 52, from Kachin state, found space for himself and his family to camp out in a churchyard.
We feel very pleased because we are from different ethnicities but are one in our religion, he told AFP. AFP
No injuries were reported after a Helena school bus was hit by a pickup truck and tipped onto its side Monday morning.
The school district's Superintendent Jack Copps said two students and an attendant were on a special education bus traveling to Four Georgians Elementary School when it was hit by a truck pulling a trailer at the intersection of John G. Mine Road and Green Meadow Drive about 7:15 a.m.
Montana Highway Patrol Trooper David Gleich said the bus driver was attempting to cross the intersection when the "angled collision" occurred, causing the bus to go 15 feet off the road, hit a power box and roll one-quarter turn.
The bus driver, John Bagley, was cited for failing to yield, Gleich said. Two adults and two juveniles were in the bus, and two people were in the pickup, he added.
Copps said the driver, who has years of driving experience, is on administrative leave until the district receives a full incident report. A safety officer from First Student, the company that provides the school district's bus service, will come and investigate what happened.
Copps said a video feed from inside the bus is typically recorded to observe students. He said he didn't know whether there is any video evidence that can be used to determine if the driver was distracted.
Once a full report can be reviewed, Copps said First Student will make a recommendation on whether to keep the driver, but school district officials can reject a recommendation if they have safety concerns.
Both students on the bus were wearing seat belts.
"I think the belts probably prevented injury," Copps said.
Although not required by law, Copps said all of the school district's buses have seat belts.
"We were fortunate that one of the first individuals on the scene was a school nurse," he said.
After the students were examined by the nurse, they were released to their parents.
There will be no mistaking an Anthem when you see one coming down the road. Mack has dumped the conservative Pinnacle set-back axle model in favor of this show-stopper. Photos: Jim Park
Macks new Anthem tractor took me completely by surprise. I wasnt expecting it to look the way it does. Mack has traditionally been pretty conservative with its styling, but the Anthem puts boots to that notion.
Not since Navistar tapped into the retro vein with its LoneStar back in 2008 has a truck maker put forward such a highly styled and striking truck. Mack says its hoping to regain a larger share of the highway market, lost because of its aging Pinnacle model. Comparatively speaking, the Pinnacle is vanilla pudding compared to the Anthems New York Italian-style cheesecake.
With many of todays highway tractors taking on a similar and familiar shape, albeit with styling cues unique to each OEM, Macks Anthem stands out from the crowd. With its bright metal accents around the headlights and the grille, the large squared-off fenders and the iconic bulldog hood ornament, it goes unabashedly against the jelly-bean grain. Im sure when Macks designers conducted their driver interviews they must have heard time and time again that customers wanted a truck that looks like a truck. Mack has delivered big-time on that wish.
We are definitely an American brand. We were born here, we were raised here, and we literally helped build this country, said John Walsh, vice president of marketing and global brand for Mack Trucks. We wanted to make sure that the truck we rolled out is unmistakably Mack, unmistakably American. The name Anthem speaks to that American spirit, and I think we have captured that very well.
Drivers will take to this truck because of its looks, but once they are in the door, so to speak, theyll find that the interior has been totally revamped as well, with a new dash layout, new trim options, a few new control interfaces and equally bold styling. The sleepers are all new, too, and Mack for the first time offers a stand-up area within the dimensions of the cab. Drivers no longer need to duck when sliding out of the drivers seat and heading for the bunk.
Despite its decidedly non-aerodynamic appearance, Mack says the Anthem is actually 3% more aerodynamically efficient than the Pinnacle model it replaces. Mack says the improved aerodynamics coupled with new downsped powertrain packages and turbo compounding provide up to 11.8% better fuel efficiency compared to baseline Mack models with previous-generation GHG 14 engines.
The Anthem features the latest 2017 engine innovations, including the wave piston, common-rail fuel injection, and turbo compounding on some models. Engine ratings go from 325-425 hp and 1,260-1,560 lb-ft on the MP7, while the MP8 ratings go from 415-505 hp with 1,460-1,860 lb-ft. Ratings for the MP8-TC are 385-445 hp and 1,460-1,860 lb-ft. All engines are available with Macks Maxidyne, Maxicruise, Econodyne and SuperEconodyne power profiles.
The updated mDrive automated transmissions offered with the Anthem include the optional 13- and 14-speed variations which add one or two low-ratio creeper gears for heavier hauling as well as the reinforced and ruggedized HD version, which is designed to handle the more frequent shifts that come with heavy loads.
The Anthem comes three years into Macks extensive rebranding crusade. While the Granite model remains the top-selling conventional straight truck in the U.S., Mack says, it admits its long-haul market share has been hurting. Roy Horton, director of product strategy, says the focus over the past three years has been to deliver products that bring value to customers top concerns, including fuel economy, driver recruitment and retention, uptime, and total cost of ownership.
Anthem addresses those design imperatives with flashy styling that will certainly appeal to a good chunk of the driver population, along with an efficient powertrain, significant gains in aerodynamic efficiency, and new connectivity packages intended to improve fleet uptime and lower operating costs. Mack stayed with a tried-and-true chassis and driveline for the Anthem, and the basic cab structure and doors havent changed. What has changed is blindingly obvious, and it will certainly help put Mack back on the long-haul radar screen.
The dash panel is decked out with big, firm and very tactile rocker switches, a 7-inch touchscreen display (optional) and new home for the mDrive shifter pad. Its available in three trim levels, Standard, with gunmetal trim, Premium (shown) with aluminum trim, and Ultra with woodgrain trim.
New inside and out
The five-year design project that became the Anthem began with the premise that the truck had to look like a Mack and it had to be aerodynamic. You can see hints of the CH model in the frontal shape, some RD and maybe a little SuperLiner, too, says Macks highway product manager, Stu Russoli.
There are lots of vertical and horizontal lines, he says. Its very structural, very strong looking. Very Mack.
Well have to take Macks word on the aero efficiency improvement number, but 3% is pretty significant these days. If you look closely, you can see where some of those gains might come from. The big square fenders are swept back at the front. The headlights nestle into a roughly 45-degree cut, and they are swept back quite far, allowing for a smoother transition between the front and the sides of the truck. The hood contour is more steeply sloped than the Pinnacles, and the top rear edge has a flair on it to help sweep the air up the windshield and around onto the doors. The bumper includes covered tow-hook ports, a lower air dam, and a close-out flange between it and the hood for better air flow. An optional sun visor is aerodynamically neutral, and the tall roof on the 70-inch sleeper model is smooth and includes a tab at the back to help guide the airflow over the front edge of the trailer.
Its all pretty subtle, aerodynamically speaking, but Mack says it works. Theres little else you can call subtle about the Anthem.
The hood and bumper are each three-piece designs for ease of repair, and the hood and side mirrors are both breakaway-style. The placement of the optional hood mirrors seems a bit odd when youre standing outside looking at them, but they are in just the right place when viewed from the drivers seat. Mack says they are designed like that to help with the airflow around the main mirrors.
Mack has fitted some nice textured grab handles on the transition panel between the cab and the sleeper. They are solid as a rock, and just where I like them. You can grab hold of the bar before you even lift a foot off the ground.
The Anthem comes with two styling choices: lots of chrome and bright trim around the grille, fenders and headlights, or none at all. I like the black trim, as, to my eye anyway, it makes the truck look sleeker. Theres even a trim option available called Black Dog that features a black paint scheme, black wheels, half-fenders for the drive wheels and black MACK across the front of the grille. That particular truck seemed to be the most popular with the folks who stopped to look at the trucks while we were journeying between Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the North American Commercial Vehicle Show in Atlanta on a two-day, 800-mile test drive.
The dash A-panel from the drivers perspective. Mack offers the industrys only flat-bottomed steering wheel, which provides a little more belly or thigh room.
The interior has been vastly modernized, and like the outside, very boldly styled. Among the changes from the old Pinnacle dash is a repositioned mDrive selector. Its now much closer to the driver and lower on the dash. There are DIN-ports in the dash for various bits of equipment like the 7-inch infotainment touchscreen display, an ELD, or storage slots. Atop the dash is a clever smartphone holder that keeps the phone in place on a horizontal axis, with a neat little cable trough and a nearby USB power port so you wont have wires dangling all over the dash. There are about half a dozen USB ports around the truck, so finding a power outlet should be much less of a problem than with earlier models.
The A-panel is all-new too. While quite striking, its functional and very easy to look at. It features large tach and speedo displays with crisp white lettering and LED back light for a sharp white appearance. The six standard gauges, oil and water temp, fuel and DEF levels and primary and secondary air pressure gauges, have a distinctly automotive look to them. Between the tach and the speedo is nestled the 5-inch Mack Co-Pilot display. Its home to dozens of driver-programmable screens with everything the driver needs to know about the truck, the trip and maybe even the price of tomatoes.
There are two sleeper options for the Anthem: 42-inch flat-top and a 70-inch stand-up model with optional upper bunk for team operations. The interior height directly behind the drivers seat is just shy of 7 feet. The stand-up model is one of the nicest sleepers Mack has ever offered, with tons of storage, up to 27 cubic feet in the premium model. There are cupboards, cubby holes, cabinets and shelves everywhere you look, from right above the drivers head and all the way across the back wall of the sleeper. And theres still room for a fridge, a desk, a flat-screen TV mount, a 52-quart capacity fridge with a slide-out drawer, and a microwave oven cabinet.
The sleeper interior is a roomy and airy space thats not the slightest bit claustrophobic. A pair of side windows helps with that, along with some tasteful accent lighting and reading lamps.
The Mack Anthem daycab. I drove this truck about 500 miles on the first day of the trip. Its a 6x2 with a liftable pusher axle. We were loaded to 79,000 pounds GVW and we kept up with the pack with our 11L 425-hp, MP7 engine.
The drive
In whats becoming a bit of a rarity these days, a group of trucking journalists had two full days in the truck. We covered 800-some miles from Allentown to the Nextran Mack dealership in Duluth, Georgia. There were 10 trucks in the convoy and only seven reporters, so we did a fair bit of slip-seating to get a taste of all Mack had to offer.
I spent the majority of the time in a pair of day cabs, first the premium-spec 6x2 model with an MP7-425e 425 hp, 1,560/1360 lb-ft engine pulling a tank loaded to very close or even a little over 79,000 pounds. The other was the economy model, with the lower-end interior, likely destined for work in a city P&D or local operation. It had the same engine, but taller gears and a much lighter load.
The 425-hp MP7 did a yeomans job on the steep and longer grades on the Virginia I-81 section of the route. The mDrive had the Economy/Performance option, and it did a better job on the hills in P mode than in E, but not that much better.
When you can spend 500 miles in a day cab a still feel like you want more, the truck maker did something right. Its spectacularly quiet inside, for one thing, and the new premium seating Mack is using is butt-huggingly comfortable. The standard-level seating in the other day cab was very nice as well. Certainly a huge step up from what drivers used to find in their city trucks.
I found the new dash layout functional and easy to navigate, with all the stuff I needed within easy reach. It was nearly dark by the time we pulled into Greensboro at the end of the first leg of the trip, so I got to see the dash in night-lighting trim, and I got to see how good the new LED headlights are. Winners, both.
To the left and right of the steering column are two controllers, this one for the turn signals and wipers.
Theres a new hood latch to mention; its under the grille at the center of the hood. Its a bit tricky to find at first, but one yank and the hood all but pops up by itself. Its on a counter spring to help with the lifting. Because there are cables and latches involved, one hopes they will last the life of the truck. Under the hood, the driver checkpoints are all pretty easy to get at, and the splash guards dont get in the way at all.
Since many of the changes to the Anthem are cosmetic, its hard to say that they impacted the ride and handling of the truck, which was up to Macks previous high standards.
I think Mack has produced a truck that will have broad driver and fleet appeal. The styling is certainly a departure for Mack. Judging by the crowds that gathered each time the convoy pulled into a truck stop or rest area, Id say Mack has tapped nicely into the American drivers sense of style. I think its fair to say that Mack will soon see its long-haul market share start to grow.
Collinsville is bringing back its popular Hometown Christmas Variety Show for a second year this December.
There will be three performances this year, running nightly at 7 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 7-9, with all of them taking place at Herrons Crown Opry Theater on Main Street.
This two-hour Dickensian-themed variety show will feature around 80 performers singing and dancing to both traditional and contemporary holiday music, along with vintage carolers to welcome visitors.
Rachel Chronister, event organizer, said shes looking forward to the second installment of the show, especially since its keeping the festivities local for residents to enjoy.
Im just excited to bring it to the Owasso and Collinsville community, she said. Its a real vintage experience; its a great thing to do for families, dress up, its just a beautiful atmosphere to sit and relax.
The performance will support three of the nonprofit missions in Collinsville Dividing Bread, Main Street Ministries and Arubah Community Clinic with all of the tickets sales going to them.
The sponsors are American Bank of Oklahoma, Hometown Insurance Agency, Collinsville Kids Academy, T&S Plumbing, Collinsville Collision Center, Collinsville Family Pharmacy, City of Collinsville, Collinsville Chamber of Commerce and Collinsville Downtown, Inc.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online anytime by visiting the Hometown Christmas Facebook page or in person Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, call the Collinsville Chamber of Commerce at 918-371-4703 or Collinsville Downtown, Inc. at 918-371-5530.
The Tulsa Police Department continues to search for a man who officers said shot his girlfriend inside a north Tulsa apartment Monday afternoon.
Tulsa Public Schools spokeswoman Emma Garrett Nelson said three north Tulsa schools were locked down for about an hour Monday while police responded to the shooting at the Comanche Park Apartments, near 36th Street North and Peoria Avenue.
Police said Monday night that the woman reported being shot by her boyfriend in the couple's living room during an argument.
A dispatcher said the woman was alert when she was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital and is expected to recover.
Officers said they saw the shooter leave the apartment through the back door and run north into a wooded area.
Police had not reported finding the man as of Monday night.
Alex Torres has his good days and his bad days.
On his good days, he can drive and get around the house with a cane and rates the pain in his lower back about 8 on a scale of 1 to 10.
On his bad days, he cant get out of bed, said Torres, who is featured in the Tulsa World Neediest Families series this Christmas season.
Torres, 40, began to suffer deterioration of his spine in his early 30s. From his mid-30s he has had unrelenting pain and has undergone a series of treatments.
Sixteen months ago, his doctors told him he needed immediate major back surgery.
At the time, Torres was on vacation from his job as a travel agent and customer service representative at Trase Miller Technologies. While he was on medical leave, the company dissolved following a corporate merger.
Doctors removed 4 inches of his lower spine, replacing it with cadaver bone. They had to open him up from the abdomen and from the back to put in metal plates and screws to hold the new bone in place, he said.
Torres hasnt been able to work since.
After a yearlong recovery process, he underwent another surgery in September to remove the metal plates and screws and to sculpt the cadaver bone, which had fused with his own spine but not properly, he said.
Medical expenses and other bills piled up.
Before his travel agent job, Torres worked for 15 years in security/law enforcement and as an English-Spanish translator.
He is a graduate of Central High School and has 34 hours of college credit in graphic design and criminal justice.
A single father, Torres lives with his two oldest daughters, Alajandra, 13, and Isabella, 16.
For years they had been in Union Public Schools, but on Monday they started at McLain High in Tulsa Public Schools because Torres 2005 Chevrolet Malibu broke down, and he could no longer drive them to school.
They were devastated, he said. They were very much settled at Union. Their friends were all there.
During the times when he has been bedridden, he said, his daughters have stepped up, doing the cooking, the cleaning, the laundry, whatever they could do. They never shrank back from the challenge.
Not having a working car also has limited Torres time with his youngest daughter, who lives with her mother, he said.
Torres said he is thankful for all the assistance the family has received from The Salvation Army and other agencies and from family and friends.
And he is looking forward to getting back on his feet and pursuing a new career in graphic arts.
Tulsa police arrested a man Monday after a 13-year-old girl alleged that the man abused her weekly for three years.
The girl disclosed to her mother, and subsequently police, that Roberto Valentino Mendez-Galindo, 51, allegedly sexually assaulted her multiple times during a three-year period, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Police arrested Mendez-Galindo on Monday on four complaints of child sexual abuse and two complaints of first-degree rape, according to jail records. He is being held without bond.
The 13-year-old girl told police the abuse began in 2014. Police state in the affidavit that the girl would stay at Mendez-Galindo's residence every Friday. They also state in the affidavit that Mendez-Galindo, who is known to the girl, allegedly abused her every Friday.
Mendez-Galindo allegedly told the girl that "if he ever saw her with a boyfriend he would kill her and the boy," police state in the affidavit.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and Walker County, Texas authorities also requested jail authorities to hold Mendez-Galindo. He has an oustanding warrant in the Texas county for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, according to court records.
Montana U.S. Sen. Steve Daines is balking at his partys tax reform bill, saying Republicans arent doing enough for "main street" businesses.
Daines said in a press release Monday that he wouldnt vote for the tax bill unless it did more for main street businesses, a term his staff later said referred to pass-through businesses.
Pass-through businesses are usually small enough that individual owners report business income on their personal tax returns. However, they're not all main street businesses. People with passive investments report capital gains as pass through-income. Businesses with up to $10 million are considered small by federal definition.
Two-thirds of our job creation comes from main street businesses, and Im doing what I can to make sure all of America is stronger and more competitive, Daines said in the press release. Before I can support this bill, this improvement needs to be made. I remain optimistic and will continue working with my colleagues to find a solution.
Daines tweeted Monday that he spoke with President Donald Trump about the tax plan over the weekend. The Senate is expected to vote on the Republican tax bill this week. The bill currently offers a 43 percent tax cut to corporations and temporary cuts for individuals.
Montanas Democratic Sen. Jon Tester said he also couldnt support the tax bill as is, because it passes a $1.5 trillion debt to future generations.
The Senate bill as currently drafted saddles our kids and grandkids with more crushing debt by adding nearly $1.5 trillion to the deficit, Tester said in an email. And it raises taxes on Montana families, forces cuts to Medicare, and benefits wealthy out-of-staters at the expense of hard-working Montanans.
There are other Montana-specific concerns with the tax bill, like Montana losing its share of federal oil gas and coal royalty payments. The federal government splits those revenues with states where the leases are located.
Montanas share of royalty payments last fiscal year was $23 million, according to the state Department or Revenue. Those payments would end under congressional pay-as-you-go rules intended to prevent lawmakers from cutting taxes without also cutting spending. The Office of Management and Budget identified the elimination of the royalty payments, which were tabulated for each state by the left-leaning Center for American Progress. Current tax cuts leave a $1.4 trillion hole in the budget over the next decade.
The deficit isnt lost on social services advocates like Heather OLoughlin, co-director of the Montana Budget and Policy Center. Medicaid and Medicare are slated for shrinkage. Tax benefits for the poorest Americans taper off early as benefits for wealthy Americans continue.
This bill actually results in higher taxes for lower-income families over time. In fact, those with incomes below $30,000 would experience, on average, reduced after-tax income by 2025, OLoughlin said.
One the reasons poor people lose benefits early stems from changes to the Affordable Care Act, namely the elimination of the mandate that individuals have health insurance or pay a fine. The Congressional Budget Office estimated two weeks ago that 13 million fewer people would have health insurance with the mandate gone. OLoughlin said people exiting the market would result in higher insurance costs for people who stayed.
Daines supports eliminating the individual mandate, which he calls a tax on poor people. In 2015, slightly more than 30,000 Montanans paid fines totaling $14 million.
Montanas labor unions criticized Daines concerns about breaks for pass-through businesses, saying that pass-through companies would become a tool used by rich people to avoid taxes.
His demands will result in the richest Americans setting up more pass-through businesses, robbing billions of dollars from Social Security and Medicare and potentially adding even more to the deficit, said Al Ekblad, Montana AFL-CIO executive secretary, in a press release.
OKLAHOMA CITY Gov. Mary Fallin has yet to set a date for a statewide vote on medical marijuana, and some groups are now pushing for the measure to be placed on the June 2018 primary ballot.
The state could vote on State Question 788 in either the June primary or the November general election.
The confusion over the date of the vote has been exacerbated by a leadership dispute at Oklahomans for Health, once the lead proponent behind SQ 788.
Chelsea Marlett Kennedy, a member of the pro-medical marijuana groups Patients and Activists for 788 and the Oklahoma Initiative, said many people are now urging Fallin to put the measure on the statewide gubernatorial primary ballot in June.
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UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, Ms Ahunna Eziakonwo-Onochie, during CRRF Launch UNHCR/Diana Diaz
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - The Government of Ethiopia today formally launched the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), effectively paving the way for the implementation of the nine pledges it made at the Leaders Summit on Refugees in September 2016 in New York.
Through the pledges, which serve as a vehicle for implementing the CRRF in the country, Ethiopia seeks to promote refugees self-reliance through an improved and sustainable response that combines wider support to host communities, furthering peaceful coexistence and inclusion of refugees into national development plans.
Ato Solomon Tesfaye, State Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) reconfirmed the governments commitment to a significant shift in the way it responds to the needs of refugees, including a gradual transition from a camp-based protection model to supporting refugee directly within host-communities.
The Government of Ethiopia, while maintaining its doors open to refugees, envisages to gradually put an end to the encampment policy in the next ten years and progressively advance the out of camp and local integration options, he said, calling up on the international community for its renewed firm commitment to maximize its support for the realization of the nine Pledges.
Ethiopia is one of the 193 UN Member States that adopted the New York Declaration in September 2016 and pledged to undertake a number of policy measures to transform the lives of refugees including though the expansion of its Out of Camp Policy, issuing work permits and other vital documents to refugees and allowing them to engage in gainful employment, including through job creation in its industrial parks.
Mr. Daniel Endres, UNHCRs Director of the CRRF Task Team, said CRRF has already started transforming the lives of refugees in Ethiopia as witnessed by the increase in the overall school enrolment rate of refugees and the issuance of vital documents, including birth certificates to refugee children. The pledges Ethiopia made and the actions its taking today are exemplary and inspire many African States, he said and added that the country needs to be supported to realize its ambitious objectives.
Representing the donor community, H.E. Mr. Michael Raynor, the US Ambassador to Ethiopia, described the launch of the CRRF as a significant milestone and pledged on behalf of the US government and the donor community to support the government and UNHCR in their effort to implement the pledges.
The launch event at the Hilton Hotel in Addis Ababa was attended by representatives of a wide range of stakeholders, including refugees, government line ministries, diplomatic missions, humanitarian and development organizations as well as UN agencies who all voiced support to the initiative and expressed readiness to help Ethiopia and UNHCR and its partners successfully implement the nine pledges.
Ms Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie, the UN Resident Coordinator in Ethiopia, congratulated the Government and UNHCR for successfully launching the CRRF which serves as a vehicle for implementing the governments pledges. Ethiopias practical pledges are proof of the fact that generosity has little to do with wealth but it only needs a big heart. She also pledged support and commitment on behalf of the UN in Ethiopia.
Working under the overall supervision of the Office of the Prime Minister, the government has developed a road map to guide the implementation of the pledges and a Steering Committee set up to oversee the process. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs co-chair the Steering Committee together with UNHCR. The Pledges are in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Ethiopias second Growth and Transformation Plan (GTPII).
The CRRF was adopted within the framework of the New York Declaration, where endorsing States reaffirm their commitment to the rights and obligations of refugees under international law. Currently, Ethiopia hosts some 890,000 refugees, mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan.
For more information, please contact:
In Ethiopia, Kisut Gebreegziabher, [email protected], +251 911208901
ASSOMET and AMAFOND of Italy to invest in Aluminium Park in Odisha
Bhubaneswar, Nov 28 (UNI) Aluminium Association of India (AAI) and leading aluminium association ASSOMET & AMAFOND of Italy will soon sign a MoU for investing in joint venture in the upcoming Aluminium Park at Angul in Odisha.
The Aluminium Park is being developed by leading Navratna central public sector National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) and Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO).
The Consul General of Italy Damiano Francovigh along with other officials today met NACLO Chairman cum Managing Director Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD and the Chairman of AAI here and held discussion for Industrial cooperation and collaboration between Aluminium Industries of India and Italy.
During the discussion Chand proposed the Italian Industry delegation led by Consul General and Ambassador of Italy to visit NALCO and other Industries in Odisha to which the Consul General agreed.
With large bauxite reserves and presence of major aluminum players like NALCO, Hindalco and Vedanta, Odisha is considered to be the aluminium capital of India,the NALCO CMD said adding that the global firms should come forward for investing in joint ventures with up-stream and down-stream units
NALCO sources said the MoU is scheduled to be signed during the next visit of the Italian Industry delegation in January 2018.
UNI DP KK
At least 17 killed in gold mine dispute on Mali-Guinea border
CONAKRY, Nov 28 (Reuters) A two-day skirmish between Guinean and Malian villagers over control of a gold mine that straddles the countries' joint border killed at least 17 people, a government official in Guinea said on Tuesday.
Villagers in both countries lay claim to the zone's rich underground deposits, which have lured thousands of people to work in unregulated small-scale mines along the border.
Artisanal gold mining, conducted with rudimentary tools, is a key source of income in both Mali and Guinea, but poses numerous safety risks, including frequent mine collapses.
US Senate advances same-sex marriage bill 17 Nov 2022 | 10:50 AM Washington, Nov 17 (UNI) The US Senate voted on Wednesday to proceed to debate on legislation that would codify same-sex marriage protections in the country. see more..
Chile announces first monkeypox death 17 Nov 2022 | 10:46 AM Santiago, Nov 17 (UNI) Chile recorded its first monkeypox death of an elderly man with underlying pathologies, who was diagnosed on September 29, the Ministry of Health announced. see more..
Tycoon launches $25bn fund for Ukraine reboot 17 Nov 2022 | 10:42 AM Canberra, Nov 17 (UNI) Australian mining billionaire Andrew Forrest has launched a fund that is expected to raise $25 billion initially to help rebuild war-torn Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move. see more..
North fired SRBM into East Sea: SKorea 17 Nov 2022 | 10:33 AM Seoul, Nov 17 (UNI) North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) into the East Sea on Thursday, its first missile provocation in a little over a week, according to the South Korean military. see more..
China sentences Taiwanese activist to five years in jail for subversion
BEIJING, Nov 28 (Reuters) A Chinese court on Tuesday sentenced Taiwanese rights activist Li Ming-che to five years in prison for subverting state power, according to the court's official social media account.
Li, a community college lecturer and an activist at a human rights non-governmental organisation in Taiwan, went missing while on a trip to China in March. Chinese authorities later charged him with subverting state power.
In the first hearing of Li's case in September, he confessed to subversion, according to videos of the hearing, though his wife refused to recognise the court's authority.
Election avoided if deputy PM resignation confirmed - Irish opposition
DUBLIN, Nov 28 (Reuters) The opposition party propping up the government of Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Tuesday said it expected that a snap election would be avoided if the reported resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Frances Fitzgerald is confirmed.
Irish state broadcaster RTE on Tuesday reported that Fitzgerald had agreed to resign in a move that would defuse a crisis that threatened to have a negative impact on Britain's Brexit negotiations. The government declined to comment.
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin "has put huge personal effort into resolving this issue and averting a general election - and it looks like that may well have been achieved," Fianna Fail finance spokesman Michael McGrath told RTE radio, citing "unconfirmed reports" of her resignation.
Grenade thrown at French troops in Burkina Faso wounds three before Macron's arrival
PARIS, Nov 28 (Reuters) A grenade thrown at French soldiers wounded three civilians in the Burkina Faso capital of Ouagadougou shortly before the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron, Radio France International reported on Tuesday.
The grenade was thrown late on Monday, just hours before Macron was due to speak before a university audience at Ouagadougou, the radio station, citing security sources, said.
Two hooded individuals threw the grenade from a motorbike before fleeing the scene, the radio said. There was no immediate comment of the incident at Macron's office.
Infosys enters into partnership with State of Rhode Island
Mumbai, Nov 28 (UNI) IT Major, Infosys has entered into a multi-year partnership with the State of Rhode Island to establish an Infosys Design and Innovation Hub.
The company will also hire 500 American workers in Rhode Island over the next five years,company said in a filing with BSE.
The Design and Innovation Hub, which intends to apply for Qualified Jobs and Rebuild Rhode Island incentives, will help close the gap for design and human-centric skills in technology fields.
''partnership with Rhode Island marks another important step forward for Infosys in the United States.The states educational institutions, design-rich environment, and economic development tools,positioned Rhode Island competitively for this type of specialist partnership,'' said Ravi Kumar,President, Infosys
''This will enhance our ability to provide design- driven, digital technologies across the country and enable breakthrough innovations at the intersection of industry and design for our clients'' Mr Kumar added.
UNI JS AW1349
SAN DIEGO There is a debate raging within the media over our favorite subject: the media.
Someone told me recently that Americans are information rich and knowledge poor. One reason for this is that journalism is broken. We just can't agree on how to fix it.
Consider the contrasting views of former New York Times reporter Linda Greenhouse and Emmy Award-winning former CBS reporter Sharyl Attkisson. Each has written a book detailing her experience as a journalist and offering thoughts on where the profession is headed.
In Greenhouse's book, "Just A Journalist: On the Press, Life and the Spaces Between," she writes: "The opposite of objectivity isn't partisanship, or needn't be. Rather, it is judgment, the hard work of sorting out the false claims from the true and discarding or at least labeling the false." As Greenhouse sees it, a journalist doesn't just have the right to express opinions but the obligation to do so if it is in the pursuit of truth. And, she insists, journalists have every right to be voters and activists because they don't stop being citizens when they enter the profession. She also thinks the job's standards can be too rigid.
Attkisson sees things differently. As she spells out in "The Smear: How Shady Political Operatives and Fake News Control What You See, What You Think, and How You Vote," she thinks the media is in a mess of its own making. The public doesn't trust the media anymore, she says, because journalists have violated their own standards. As Attkisson said in a recent video for the digital media organization PragerU: "We in the business of journalism have exempted ourselves from the normal rules that used to govern us, and so the most egregious kinds of reporting errors are becoming more common." She added that most Americans "want their news straight up," and they're not getting it that way.
The secret is out. Organizations used to ask me to speak about stories that the media covers. These days, they ask me to talk about the media itself -- and its propensity toward "fake news." How did the Fourth Estate get this far off course?
Here are 10 mistakes that my colleagues and I have made in just the last year that hurt our credibility:
We've broken our own rules. Reporters are supposed to keep their opinions to themselves. Anchors are supposed to tell you the news, not tell you what to think.
We've divided up into teams. In the age of Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites that encourage direct interaction, journalists who work for different companies are free to snipe at one another.
We're surrounded by the likeminded. The industry is not diverse. Many journalists are white, come from the same socioeconomic backgrounds, went to the same schools, and live in cities.
We take criticism personally. Despite belonging to a profession that thrives on criticizing others especially elected officials many journalists have thin skin.
We've become too comfortable with hypocrisy. The recent wave of sexual harassment scandals involving media figures Charlie Rose, formerly of PBS and CBS News; Mark Halperin, formerly of ABC News and NBC News; and Michael Oreskes, formerly of NPR and The New York Times, etc. shows that journalists don't do a good enough job of policing their own backyard.
We try to be social workers and social engineers. Our job is to constantly try to tell better stories. That's it. Instead, we've gotten sidetracked into the totally different mission of making better people and building a better society.
We take our cues from Washington and New York. These big cities have been given free rein in shaping the national discussion, while paying too little attention to what matters in small towns and rural areas.
We let our bias show. Many of us are anti-Trump and pro-Democrat. We don't even bother to hide it anymore. In fact, many of us seem proud of our activism and partisanship.
We tell ourselves that the ends justify the means. This is especially true in our battles against "deplorables," including the one in the White House.
We haven't done a good job of telling our own story. Readers don't know the difference between editorials, columns and news articles. Television viewers confuse reporters, anchors and commentators. We've mixed it all together.
So how does the media get back on track and rebuild the public's trust? We have to stop being defensive, be more introspective, and admit we have a problem. We need to look in the mirror and confront what we've done wrong. Then, every day, on the job, we have to make it our mission to improve our craft and win back our audience.
Ours is a remarkable country. We need a media worthy of it.
Ruben Navarrette is a columnist for The Washington Post.
Kenyan president to be sworn-in as opposition prepares rival rally
By Duncan Miriri and George Obulutsa
NAIROBI, Nov 28 (Reuters) African heads of state arrived for President Uhuru Kenyatta's inauguration on Tuesday as riot police sealed off an area where the opposition planned a rival gathering and teargassed people trying to approach it.
Kenyatta won a second five-year term on Oct. 26 in a repeat presidential election boycotted by opposition leader Raila Odinga, who said it would not be free and fair.
Kenyan president to be sworn-in as opposition prepares to hold rival rally
By Duncan Miriri and George Obulutsa
NAIROBI, Nov 28 (Reuters)Kenyan security forces fired teargas to control crowds trying to force their way into a stadium for President Uhuru Kenyatta's inauguration today, as riot police sealed off an area where the opposition planned to hold a rival rally.
Kenyatta won a second five-year term on Oct. 26 in a repeat presidential election boycotted by opposition leader Raila Odinga, who said it would not be free and fair.
Libya pressing group to restore water supply to capital
TRIPOLI, Nov 28 (Reuters) Libyan authorities are attempting to negotiate with a group that has cut water supplies to the Libyan capital for the second time in two months to press for the release of a jailed ally, an official said on Tuesday.
The group shut down pipes pumping water to Tripoli and other coastal towns at the al-Hasawna well system south of the capital, said Tawfiq Shwehaidi, a manager at the Great Man Made River in the eastern city of Benghazi.
"Today is the fifth day in a row that the water has stopped and we are trying to negotiate with them," he said.
Madras HC sets aside conviction of US ship crew, frees 35 crew"
Madurai, Nov 27 (UNI) Madras High Court Madurai Bench today set aside the conviction of 35 crew members of the United States-based anti-piracy vessel MV Seaman Guard Ohio by a lower court here for unlawfully straying into Indian territorial waters without valid documents and acquitted them from all the charges.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) detained MV Seaman Guard Ohio, a Sierra Leone-flagged vessel of AdvanFort, the U.S based company that provides maritime security for cargo and merchant ships from Somalian pirates for violating the International Maritime Border rules and straying into Indian waters off Kanyakumari coast on October 12, 2013.
Tamil Nadu Q branch police officials subsequently arrested all the 35 crew members, including 23 foreign nationals under various sections of Arms Act 1959 and the Essential Commodities Act and seized 35 firearms, 5682 ammunitions, 102 magazines, travel documents, logbook and impounded the vessel on October 18, the same year.
Man beaten to death after tiff over jacket
New Delhi, Nov 27 (UNI) A 29-year old man died after he was allegedly by his friend following a tiff over jacket in East Delhi's Anand Vihar area on Monday.
According to police, the victim Balbir was accompanied by his friend Shankar to Anand Vihar from where he had to board a bus to his native place in Uttar Pradesh but soon an altercation ensued between the two over a jacket that escalated to a fight and Balbir was hit with a stick that led to his death on the spot.
Police added that the duo were in inebriated state when the incident took place. Further interrogation is on.
Roadside bomb kills eight in Afghanistan - local official
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Nov 28 (Reuters) A roadside bomb planted by the Taliban killed at least eight civilians including three women and a child in Afghanistan's Kandahar province on Tuesday, a local official said.
The victims of the blast in Kandahar's Maroof district "were going from Maroof district center to their village when a newly planted Taliban bomb hit their car," said Zia Durani, a spokesman for Kandahar police. The southern province of Kandahar has long been a Taliban stronghold.
Durani provided no evidence to support the assertion of Taliban responsibility. The group has not claimed the attack.
Saudi Arabia's advisory council studying proposals to protect whistleblowers
RIYADH, Nov 28 (Reuters) Saudi Arabia's Shura Council, a top advisory council to the government, is studying proposals for protection of people who report financial crime, local media reported, following the government's anti-corruption crackdown.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has launched an inquiry into graft that has resulted in the detention of a dozens of princes, senior officials and businessmen.
The Shura Council does not have legislative powers, but it can propose laws to the king and the cabinet.
Thai police arrest 16 protesting against coal-fired power plant
BANGKOK, Nov 28 (Reuters) Thai authorities have arrested 16 people who were protesting against the construction of a coal-fired power plant, drawing criticism of the military government from rights activists and environmentalists.
The planned power plant in the southern province of Songkhla will consist of two 1,000-megawatt units, and is part of a power development plan to 2036, but activists object to its expected environmental and health impact on communities in the area.
The 16 protesters were arrested on Monday as they travelled from Thepa district, the site of the plant, to the provincial capital to present a petition to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who was due in the city on Tuesday for a meeting.
In 2015, a large, multi-state corporation reported Montana sales of more than $1 billion. It paid $50 in tax. In fact, it paid only $50 in tax for five years in a row, 2011 to 2015.
It had company, so to speak; 81 other multi-state firms out of the top 500 companies, based on Montana sales, paid the minimum tax of $50 in 2015. Their Montana sales ranged from $8.6 million to $1.009 billion. Thirty-two of them also paid the minimum tax for five years in a row. (In addition, 156 firms out of the top 500 paid less than $500 in tax in 2015.)
Now sales do not equal profit, on which corporations are taxed, but if youre not making a profit on a billion bucks' worth of sales, youve got a problem. Or, maybe youve just got a crackerjack tax lawyer, which makes more sense.
I raise this point in light of the impending vote on the Senate tax package which cuts the corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent. I fully expect that U.S. Sen. Steve Daines will vote for it, but I would hope that this, and one more example, might at least give him pause.
Montana corporate tax uses as its starting point the taxable income that is reported on the federal form, but you cannot extrapolate the amount of federal taxes paid from the amount of Montana taxes paid. Nonetheless, there is a significant relationship between them, so its very possible those same companies paid very little in federal tax as well. Based on that, it seems that there are corporations that already do pretty well in lowering their federal tax liability without any more help from Congress.
Because of the secrecy of corporate tax information (it was public information when President Taft championed it in 1909), it is difficult for legislators or members of Congress or the Senate to fully understand the effects of tax legislation on corporations other than relying on the truthfulness of the corporations themselves. It is not easy to make an informed decision if you cant get information, leaving gut feeling and lobbying as the major influences on a senators vote.
The second example speaks to the belief religion, almost that corporate tax cuts increase jobs and will spur a corporate relocation to America, thus repatriating taxes.
In 2013, the Boeing Aircraft Corporation, which has done business in Washington state for over 100 years, informed Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee that unless Boeing got considerable tax and labor concessions, they would be building their facility to produce the Boeing 777X elsewhere. In a seeming panic, Inslee called a special session of the legislature, although it would be only two months before their regular session. Within three days Boeing was granted the largest tax cut every granted by a state: $8.7 billion. The Machinists Union also granted concessions.
The result? In the next four years Boeing cut 12,655 jobs in Washington state. (Los Angeles Times, May 2.)
If Boeing feels no loyalty to the state in which they thrived for 100 years, what loyalty do American corporations that have moved overseas have to America? Corporate patriotism is notable for its absence.
On at least two levels the Senate tax bill is bad for the nation; it wont work and will increase the deficit. I hope Senator Daines cares enough about that to vote against the bill.
(Montana tax data supplied by the Tax Policy and Research Bureau, Montana Department of Revenue.)
October 18 2017
Photography by Ross Fraser McLean
Japanese architect Kengo Kuma has toured Dundees dramatic V&A Museum as the finishing touches are made to the ambitious build ahead of its grand unveil next year.Seeing the finished exterior of his 80.1m creation for the first time Kuma praised progress made thus far which sees the cliff-like cast stone panels of the V&As norther outpost reach out into the River Tay.Kuma said: The realisation of the strong facade is great. We were able to express the dynamic scale of the interior, too - just as we had planned.In the past I visited Scotland many times, this very beautiful country, and I'm truly in love with the Scottish landscape and nature."I really hope, once finished, this project will attract many people from the UK, and around the world, to the city and the museum."I hope as well that people from Dundee will use it as an everyday part of their city; that they will go there to enjoy the building with its surrounding public space and find a harmonious relationship between the museum, the riverside, the city and themselves.Construction began on the build back in March 2015 with practical completion expected by December, ahead of its public opening in the summer.
(Nov. 28, 2017) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is kicking off the holiday season with Toys for Tickets. In partnership with the UTSA Student Government Association and the Elf Louise Christmas Project, Campus Services is hosting the donation drive as part of its Citation Donation Days. Now through Tuesday, Dec. 5, customers can receive 50 percent off one outstanding parking citation with the donation of a childrens toy. Toys must be new, non-violent and a minimum $5 value.
To participate in the campaign, bring the donated toy to Campus Services in the Multidisciplinary Studies Building (MS 1.01.52) on the Main Campus or in the Frio Street Building (FS 1.506) on the Downtown Campus. Campus Services also welcomes donations without citations.
Similar to the Peanut Butter Parking Campaign at the beginning of the fall semester, Campus Services uses Citation Donation Days as an educational initiative and opportunity for the university to serve the local and campus communities. After the weeklong Toys for Tickets event concludes, Campus Services will deliver the donations to Elf Louise for distribution to children and families in need in the San Antonio community.
UW President Grants Release Time to Attend Holiday Market
University of Wyoming President Laurie Nichols will allow two hours of release time for employees to attend the UW Holiday Market Friday, Dec. 1.
Staff Senate sponsors the market, which runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts.
The scheduling of release time should be a collaborative discussion between employee and supervisor to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the unit.
More than 50 vendors will offer for sale a wide assortment of products. The market also will feature door prizes and refreshments.
For more information about the Holiday Market, click here.
UW Professor Listed Among Most Highly Cited Researchers for Fourth Consecutive Year
Xiaohong Liu, a professor in UWs Department of Atmospheric Science and the Wyoming Excellence Chair in Climate Science, was listed in Clarivate Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters) Highly Cited Researchers 2017 for the field of geosciences. This is the fourth consecutive year he has been recognized. (UW Photo)
For the fourth consecutive year, Xiaohong Liu has made Clarivate Analytics (formerly Thomas Reuters) list as one of the worlds most highly cited researchers in the field of geosciences.
Liu, a UW professor in the Department of Atmospheric Science and the Wyoming Excellence Chair in Climate Science, was listed in the prestigious Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researchers 2017.
Highly Cited Researchers 2017 represents some of the worlds most influential scientific minds from 21 scientific fields. More than 3,300 researchers earned this distinction by writing the greatest number of reports officially designated by Essential Science Indicators as Highly Cited Papers -- ranking among the top 1 percent most cited for their subject field and year of publication (2005-2015). Only articles and reviews in science and social sciences journals indexed in the Web of Science were considered.
I am thrilled to be named to the list again this year, Liu says. This shows continuous impacts of the work done by my group on the scientific advancement in the fields of aerosols, clouds, climate and their interactions.
Liu has received numerous awards and honors, including Pacific Northwest National Laboratorys Exceptional Contribution Program Award and Outstanding Performance Award; the World Meteorological Societys Young Scientist Award and its Mariolopoulos-Kanaginis Award (honorable mention) for papers in atmospheric environmental research; the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellow at Fraunhofer Institute for Atmospheric Environmental Research, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany; and was elected into the 100 Talent Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Liu also heads up a research project where he uses the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)-Wyoming Supercomputing Center (NWSC) in Cheyenne. His project goal is to better understand the role of black carbon emitted by wildfires and mineral dust lofted into the atmosphere from arid regions on precipitation, snowpack and climate variation in the Rocky Mountains. This will ultimately lead to better climate prediction capabilities. Liu also is a major developer of aerosol and aerosol-cloud interaction schemes in NCARs Earth System Model.
He edits the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, and the Journal of Meteorological Research. He has served as a guest professor at the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China, and Nanjing University in China, where he advises doctoral students.
For more information about Liu, go here.
AkzoNobel will finalise the acquisition of V.Powdertech in the coming weeks
The acquisition of V.Powdertech will bring new technologies and services to complement AkzoNobels global technology portfolio and business in various market segments, such as architectural and automotive coatings.
The transaction includes all relevant technologies, patents, and trademarks, as well as a manufacturing plant in Samutsakhon, Thailand. In addition, the employees of V.Powdertech will be joining AkzoNobel, bringing with them product and market expertise to serve an expanded customer base in the region.
We are pleased to welcome our new colleagues to AkzoNobel. This business is an excellent strategic fit and will further strengthen our leading market position in powder coatings in Southeast Asia. With V. Powdertechs strong brand, we will be able to offer a broader range of products and services to more customers and target new growth segments, said Ruud Joosten, AkzoNobels COO of Paints and Coatings.
Completing this acquisition will secure AkzoNobels position as one of the largest powder coatings players in Southeast Asia. The valuable addition of V. Powdertechs state-of-the-art manufacturing plant further strengthens AkzoNobels manufacturing footprint in fast growing markets in the region, providing a solid foundation to accelerate profitable growth.
The transaction is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make peoples lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, AkzoNobel supplies essential ingredients, essential protection, and essential colour to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, the companys innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier.
Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, it employs approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, while the company portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon, and Eka. Consistently ranking as a leader in sustainability, it is dedicated to energising cities and communities while creating a protected, colourful world where life is improved by what it does.
Dulux Professional sponsors Vietnam Property Award 2018 Dulux Professional, a consolidated paints and coatings solution for professional customers by leading global paints and coating company AkzoNobel, officially became the Silver Sponsor of Vietnam Property Awards 2018.
AkzoNobel brings colour to Vietnamese schools AkzoNobel, a leading global paints and coatings company and manufacturer of the Dulux and Maxilite brands, is implementing the AkzoNobel Accompanies You to School project with the commitment of recoating numerous schools in Vietnam to help pupils to greet the new school year.
The dish was imported to Hoi An from Fujian Province in China when Chinese traders came to this city long time ago. For a dessert thats so elegant, black sesame soup is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients such as black sesame, coconut, rice flour, sugar, sinh a (Radix Rehmanniae) and thuc a (Rehmannia glutinosa).
The dish is cooked in a metal pot and is usually sold by street vendors. This sweet soup is the tastiest when it is served hot.
The dish is served hot in small portion; very mild, not too sweet and is claimed to be very good for health.
Joyous: Local children play in a sea of buckwheat flowers. - VNS Photo Truong Vi
The one-month event includes a variety of activities, such as photo exhibitions, buckwheat flower arrangement displays, an exhibition of products from buckwheat flowers, musical performances and recreations of some ethnic peoples festivals.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Tran uc Quy, vice chairman of Ha Giang Provinces People Committee and also head of the management board, said that the festival is one of the provinces activities aimed at promoting tourism.
Ha Giang has been endowed with many magnificent unspoiled landscapes. With the aim of turning our difficulties into momentum for development, the local authorities and ethnic people have constantly made great efforts and worked together to reduce poverty, Quy said. Together with strengthening agricultural production, the province has chosen tourism as one of the key industries.
Beautiful fields of buckwheat flowers, framed by magnificent limestone mountains, have become a highlight attraction for tourists to Ha Giang Province in recent years. The province hopes to draw more tourists by showcasing its natural attractions.
First held in 2015, the festival aims to promote and popularise the image of Ha Giang Province among both domestic and international tourists.
While promoting tourism in the region, the festival is also expected to improve the livelihoods of the local ethnic people.
Thousands of tourists are expected to attend the event, which will run until the end of this year.
Buckwheat is cultivated for its grain-like seeds, which are used to make specialty foods by ethnic minorities in the mountainous region. The crop is often planted around September. From late October to early November carpets of buckwheat flowers are in full bloom, making for a spectacular sight. The hills and mountains are covered by the white and pink of the flowers.
The flower symbolises love and happiness, so many couples shoot their wedding photos in these fields.
SPRINGFIELD A Clinton woman who has pleaded guilty in federal court to embezzling more than $406,000 from a Clinton physician has asked for time to hire a medical expert for an opinion on whether her opioid use contributed to her criminal behavior.
A hearing set for Tuesday to review a mental health evaluation for Veronica Luster was canceled after her attorney asked instead for time to retain an expert on opioids.
Luster, 48, who pleaded guilty in March to mail and wire fraud, was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond last week that requires her to remain at home except for medical and legal appointments. She was taken into custody Sept. 1 for a mental health evaluation.
The defense raised the issue of Lusters mental fitness as she was scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 1 in U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois on the charges that could send her to federal prison for 20 years on each count. She also must pay $370,000 restitution under the terms of the plea agreement.
Lusters 10-year use of prescription opioids was disclosed by defense lawyer Lee Smith in the motion requesting additional time to explore how the drugs Luster was given for chronic pain may have impacted her behavior.
What the defense characterized as Lusters use of substantial amounts of opioids for pain management occurred during the decade she committed the alleged theft from Dr. Farrukh Kureishy, former president of Clinton Internal Medicine.
Lusters abstinence from the painkillers over her 2 months in federal custody has had a profound and positive impact on her cognitive thinking, Smith argued in his motion. The defense lawyer also noted that he has witnessed differences in Lusters perception and communication following her return from custody.
Recently the new guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discourage the use of opioids for treatment of long-term chronic pain, Smith said.
Smith previously told Judge Sue E. Myerscough that his client suffers from chronic back pain and glaucoma and several other medical conditions.
The experts report on Lusters opioid use could be presented as a mitigating factor at Lusters sentencing hearing that is now set for Feb. 2.
Lusters evaluation by doctors at a federal facility in Fort Worth, Texas, followed her claim that she may suffer from kleptomania, a disorder marked by the inability to refrain from stealing.
In the governments motion in opposition to Lusters recent release, Assistant U.S. Attorney Victor Yanz argued that Lusters pending retail theft case in McLean County makes her a danger to the safety of the community.
Video surveillance of a July 21 shopping trip to Von Maur in Bloomington shows Luster taking seven items valued at $448.90, including clothing, toys and a $250 Waterford Crystal vase, and placing them in a bag before leaving the store without paying, according to the federal court filing.
In a victim impact statement provided to Myerscough in September, Kureishy, who employed Luster as an office manager, said he was forced to close his practice because of the theft losses.
The doctor returned to a medical practice at Warner Hospital and Health Services in Clinton where he had worked before opening his office in 2004.
The first container block train connecting Vietnam with China
Earlier on November 25, VNR and China Railway (CR) jointly held a ceremony to welcome the container block train at Dong Dang Station in Vietnam's northern province of Lang Son.
The train departed from Huanggang Station in Nanchang city, Jiangxi province, China, on November 22 and arrived at the Yen Vien Station in Hanoi on November 25.
The train includes 33 containers of 40 feet in length, carrying Chinese goods exported to Vietnam such as office furniture, food and car spare parts, among others.
After arriving Vietnam, the train will travel back to China carrying Vietnamese goods exported to China, such as agricultural products, minerals, and electronic products, among others.
The transportation using the container block train has brought about considerable benefits to customers, as it has helped to shorten the transport time to only four days instead of 15 days by sea. It has also halved the freight rate in comparison to the freight via road transport.
It is scheduled that, the VNR and CR will operate one route per week before increasing it to three routes per week.
According to the VNR, the two sides are working to operate more train routes from other Chinese provinces to Vietnam and are attempting to transport goods from Europe, Russia and Middle-Asian countries through China to Vietnam.
Exports to Indonesia recorded the highest growth, at 53%, followed by Singapore (45%), Hungary (34%), India (33.7%) and Poland (33%).
The Vietnam Leather, Footwear and Handbag Association predicted that the footwear sectors production will enjoy a growth rate of 5% this year compared to last year, while the export value of footwear and handbags will reach nearly US$18 billion, or a 10% rise a year-on-year.
Vietnam is aiming for US$24-26 billion in leather, footwear and handbag exports by 2020, US$35-38 billion by 2025 and US$50-60 billion by 2035.
Industry 4.0 is impacting Vietnam's workforce. Do you think that Industry 4.0 is causing increasing unemployment threats to Vietnamese workers?
According to the ManpowerGroup report A skills revolution, manufacturing has seen the greatest technological disruption. As the so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution takes hold, total employment has declined while output has skyrocketed. Between 1990 and 2014, manufacturings share of total employment fell across almost all advanced economies including Japan (-34 per cent), France (-33 per cent), the US (-31 per cent), and Germany (-25 per cent).
Digitalisation is by no means reserved for manufacturing, and white-collar work is being transformed as well. There are more monthly visits to virtual health advisors on the WebMD network than there are to doctors across the US. In the legal world, 60 million disagreements among eBay traders are handled using online dispute resolution rather than lawyers and judges three times the number of lawsuits filed each year in the entire US court system.
Finance is bracing itself for disruption, from clerks and client-facing employees to market analysts. Up to 54 per cent of finance jobs are at risk, more than any other skilled industry in the US, after investments in financial technology tripled between 2013 and 2014 to reach $12.2 billion. Add retail into the mix, where 47 per cent of day-to-day activities performed by salespeople could be automated with current technology, and that soars to 86 per cent for the sectors accountants, bookkeepers, and other data-processing workers.
Vietnam is no exception, and the roadmap is similar to those in more developed nations. The Vietnamese government has recently applied new technology to replace family record books with ID cards for demographics management. This is a good example of how digitalisation will replace office workers. That also means white-collar workers have to learn new skills to become employable in the age of Industry 4.0.
The future workplace need not be embattled between humans and robots. Vietnam still has time to equip its workforce with updated skills to stay competitive in the digital era.
Automation can only go so far, replacing simple and repetitive tasks. I would like to emphasise that creativity, emotional intelligence, and cognitive flexibility are skills that will tap human potential and allow people to augment robots, rather than be replaced by them.
Vietnamese companies are taking steps to increase their workforce quality in response to Industry 4.0. Do you think that their preparations are enough to keep up with the developments?
Our latest survey shows that choosing to offer training and development to existing staff to address a severe talent shortage could be considered the most effective solution in most sectors. More businesses are choosing to develop their workforce by collaborating with universities and vocational training institutions. However, this relationship is not strong enough. For example, businesses have not yet participated in or contributed ideas to the detailed development of training programmes.
In addition to a qualified and suitable workforce, technology is the golden key to businesses success in the age of Industry 4.0. Therefore, Vietnamese businesses need to invest in technology to increase their efficiency and competitiveness. However, about 99 per cent of Vietnamese enterprises are considered small- or medium-sized. They lack capital, technology investment, and manufacturing management experience. That is the reason why they face, and will continue to face, many difficulties.
Businesses need support from the government so that they can quickly innovate, improve their competitiveness, and keep up with Industry 4.0 to maximise their opportunities.
Businesses in Vietnam should prepare employees better in terms of skills and up-to-date technology. Companies need to change the way they recruit talent, applying digital applications in their recruitment and training.
How have foreign investors in Vietnam prepared for Industry 4.0 in terms of workforce quality?
The need for continuous learning is imperative, as it is a required ability for the local workforce to stay competitive and employable in this changing world of work. Intel Products Vietnam has decided to invest $20 million to send students abroad for training, before returning to work for the firm. Italian companies in Vietnam offer training to existing or new recruits to build a talent pipeline for themselves. They are also preparing a close relationship with schools for practical training programmes.
Since 2012, Samsung has invested more than VND38 trillion ($1.73 billion) through its co-operation with universities to develop high-quality human resources in Vietnam.
Indonesian authorities have now raised the highest alert warning for Bali's Mount Agung volcano. (Photo: AFP/Sonny Tumbelaka)
About 40,000 people have already left communities near Mount Agung but that figure is set to more than double, the Disaster Mitigation Agency said, as massive columns of thick grey smoke spew from the volcano.
An eruption could be imminent officials warned, as they raised the alert to the highest level and expanded the exclusion zone to 10km.
A spokesman of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, Sutopo Purwo Nogoho, said there are still people within the zone who have declined to evacuate.
"They say there is no danger as their area was not affected by the 1963 eruption," the spokesman tweeted.
Massive columns of thick grey smoke have been pouring out of Mount Agung since last week and they shot more than 3km into the sky early on Monday, prompting the island's international airport to be closed, leaving thousands of tourists stranded.
Debate erupted over the inclusion of the private sector in the Law on Anti-Corruption, Photo: Le Toan
The legislature is scrutinising the draft amendments to the existing Law on Anti-Corruption. One of the new points in the draft is that the law, which is now applied to state-run agencies and firms, is also to cover non-state firms, including publicly-held companies, credit organisations, and investment funds as pilot non-state entities.
The drafts Article 106 states that publicly-held companies, credit organisations, and investment funds have to issue regulations on transparency in their organisational structure and operation, and on responsibility of their heads, including chairmen, CEOs, general directors, directors, and chief accountants.
Meanwhile, Article 107 of the draft also states that these companies, organisations, and funds are required to maintain transparency and control over their heads assets. This is aimed at protecting the interest of stakeholders and depositors.
They also have to issue regulations on the declaration of their heads assets and income, and be subject to inspections from the governments, ministries, cities, and provinces.
Under the existing Law on Anti-Corruption, only state-run agencies and firms are subject to these regulations. However, according to drafters, these regulations must be applied to non-state enterprises because they will help enhance enterprises role in anti-corruption, and the development of corruption-free and healthy business culture plays a very important role in both state and non-state sectors.
However, these new provisions have gotten poor reviews from both experts and firms.
While the proposed changes to the law can appear justifiable in the abstract, given the Criminal Law provisions that are already in existence, there is a danger that the changes could have a chilling effect on legitimate business while adding little in the way of deterrence to the illegitimate, Tony Foster, managing partner of law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Vietnam, told VIR.
Nguyen Quang Vu, a business lawyer from Venture North Law Limited, told VIR that the provisions are irrational. Moreover, private firms have their own regulations about asset transparency and control and supervision over all activities of their heads. Thus the state should not interfere in their activities. Private firms often have many stakeholders, whose interests are protected by the law and the firms regulations. The stakeholders are responsible for their assets, not the state, Vu said.
Despite this disagreement, many National Assembly members are putting their weight behind the new provisions.
Deputy Nguyen Quang Dung of the central province of Quang Nam said it would be necessary for the new law to cover non-state firms and those working for these firms, because this will be in line with the existing Criminal Law, which also covers these entities with specific punishments.
Like many deputies, Tran Tat The, representing the northern province of Ha Nam, also said that corruption in the non-state sector has been growing rampantly and with complexity, especially in the areas of loaning, bidding, contracting, and in unofficial costs like gifts, tours, or job generation.
Finally, all the costs of this type of corruption are paid by consumers who have to buy products at high prices, The said. The fact that the new law covers the non-state sector is in line with the United Nations Convention against Corruption in which Vietnam is a signatory.
According to deputies Do Van Binh from the northern port city of Haiphong and Nguyen Van Khanh from the southern province of Binh Duong, one of the biggest challenges is found in the complicated connections between state-owned agencies and firms with non-state enterprises in trading materials and goods.
The most corruption can be seen in public services and projects in administration, construction, road projects, education, and healthcare, Khanh said.
If we focus the fight against corruption only in the state sector, without the non-state sector, the desired result cannot be gained, Binh said.
But lawyer Vu argued, If the state-run agencies operations are made transparent, no private firm would dare to bribe them. [Without corruption,] this is the thing that a private firm never wants to do.
Nguyen Manh Tien, senior sales manager of CBRE Vietnam, said Ho Chi Minh City was suffering an oversupply of high-end apartments and sales was slow although developers were directly offering customers incredible preferential support.
Hanois apartment market have also started performing signs similar to Ho Chi Minh Citys as supply has been fast increasing while the secondary market is becoming dormant and several high-end apartment projects are offering promotions.
A CBRE report released last week revealed that the new apartment supply in the second quarter was 4,587 units and in the latter half of the year, there would be around 10,000 new units launched, pushing the 2010 total new supply in Hanoi close to 20,000 units.
Several high-end projects such as Richland Southern, Mulberry Lane and Tricon Towers have started to offer discounts, bank financing support and favourable payment terms to quicken sales. However, Tien said Hanois property market had its own features and it was not likely to suffer an oversupply like Ho Chi Minh City.
Tien said many developers in Ho Chi Minh City were financially strong companies that led to the rapid construction of housing projects and the oversupply. However, the story is different in Hanoi. The present new supply in the capital can be large in comparison with the new supply of previous years but is still much smaller than Ho Chi Minh Citys. And it takes a long time for Hanoi to have the plentiful pipeline supply as in Ho Chi Minh City.
Besides that, customers in Ho Chi Minh City often borrow money from banks or mortgage property to invest into apartment market. Whenever the market has the fever, they pour all of money into, but ready to sell at lower prices to cut loses when the market has trouble, said Tien.
Hanoi-based customers with large available savings can contend much longer and not accept to sell their property at low prices, added Tien. The evidence can be shown by successful launching of apartment projects in the first half of 2010 in the primary market such Dang Xa new urban area in Gia Lam district, Ecopark in Van Giang district, Hung Yen province, The Pride in Ha Dong district.
The developers got good turnover as 99 units of Dang Xa new urban area was sold out within two days of launch, 90 per cent of nearly 600 units at Ecopark within one week and 50 per cent of total units in the first launch of The Pride was purchased.
By Thanh Thuy
Polish President Andrzej Duda came to visit Vietnam after State President Tran Dai Quang's invitation
The Polish economy ranks 23rd over the world and 6th in the European Union (EU). It is also the largest economy in Central Europe with a GDP of $510 billion. Poland has become one of the largest exporters over the world, with a total export turnover of $204 billion in 2016.
This economy was unique in the EU as it avoided the 2007-2008 economic depression. It has been steadily growing for the past 26 years with a record high growth in EU. In September 2017, FTSE Russell, a reputable international index company announced raising Polands status from emerging market to developing market.
In order to further strengthen the close and friendly relations between the two countries, the meeting between Polish President Andrzej Duda and his spouse with the Vietnamese alumni of Polish universities on November 27, 2017 was the first meeting during their official state visit to Vietnam this week.
President Duda highly appreciated the contributions of the Vietnamese alumni of Polish universities in promoting bilateral relations. When you studied overseas in Poland, you were considered as representatives of Vietnam in Poland, when you returned to your hometown to work, you were representatives of Poland in Vietnam. Thank you for your very important role in developing bilateral relations, stated the president.
Polish President Andrzej Duda and his spouse with the Vietnamese alumni
Currently, there are approximately 30,000 Vietnamese people living in Poland, including 300 students. The Vietnamese community in Poland ranks fifth in Europe, behind France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic.
We hope that this figure will rise in the future. Education for Vietnamese students is an important task because they have become key people in the governance and management system of your country, as well as good friends of Poland to introduce and advertise Poland to Vietnamese people, said the president.
Pham Khoi Nguyen
Pham Khoi Nguyen, chairman of the Vietnam-Poland Friendship Association (VPFA) and former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, confirmed that the Vietnamese alumni from Polish universities have been solid in their professional and management capacities, with respectable work ethics.
Despite the geographic distance, we usually follow Polands development. We are delighted and proud of Polands socioeconomic achievements in recent years. Poland is a modern country, plays an active role in the EU, and peoples lives have steadily improved, said Nguyen.
On this occasion, the Polish president awarded medals to Vietnamese individuals and a Polish flag to VPFA to recognise their contributions to spurring and developing the solidarity, friendship, and co-operation between the two countries.
The Vietnamese alumni of Polish universities consider Poland their second home
Poland is now the first-ranking partner of Vietnam in East-Central Europe, while Vietnam is Polands seventh-ranking partner outside the EU. Two-way trade turnover has been increasing fast, and Vietnam retains a trade surplus towards Poland. In 2016, two-way trade turnover hit $790 million (Vietnamese export exports were $598 million and imports $192 million). Particularly in the first nine months 2017, this figure was $730 million.
Due to political stability, its central position in the EU, and high-quality human resources, Poland is also an attractive investment destination. The state visit of the Polish president to Vietnam also facilitate the businesses of the two countries to explore and promote co-operation opportunities of trade and investment.
Viettel made hefty profit by selling apartments to its staff
Previously, according to the Conclusion No.1203/KL-TTCP published on May 16, 2017 by the Government Inspectorate of Vietnam, Viettel suffered a loss of VND40.63 billion ($1.79 million) after investing and then divesting from the project. The Government Inspectorate of Vietnam proposed the Ministry of National Defence to ask Viettel to review its after-tax profit from selling apartments at the CT2 project.
According to a representative of Viettel, in early October, Viettel conducted the review of financial data from the 2011-2014 period, and confirmed that the after-tax profit of VND49.48 billion ($2.18 million) came from selling apartments at CT2 Building at the Trung Van project to its staff. Simultaneously, Viettel has enough data to prove the above profit figure and is willing to take responsibility for the legality of the above-mentioned data.
Viettel added that it recovered the total proceeds of VND154.84 billion ($6.8 million) after divesting from the project, VND12.44 billion ($547,606) higher than the initial investment capital, ensuring the safety of the investment capital according to the investment planning approved by the Ministry of National Defence.
Viettel is currently the No.1 Vietnamese brand in technology and telecommunications, and has valiantly fought its way to the Top 100 most valued telecom companies around the world. It has made large contributions to national production and facilitated national defence as well as co-operated with other factories and agencies to invest in qualified projects.
Viettel Global to list 2.24 million shares on UpCOM Viettel Global JSC (a subsidiary of Viettel Group), plans to list 2.24 million shares on the Unlisted Public Company Market (UpCOM), according to newswire Vnexpress.
Viettel construction subsidiary to list on UpCOM Viettel Construction JSC, a subsidiary of Viettel Group, received permission to list 47.1 million shares on the Unlisted Public Company Market (UpCOM), according to newswire Cafef.
Viettels Peru branch makes $45-million 4G investment Bitel, a mobile telecommunications brand from Peru owned by Vietnamese military-run Viettel Group, has poured an additional $45 million to expand its 4G network in 2017, making Bitel the telecommunications service provider with the largest 4G network in Peru, according to newswire ITCnews.
Three telecom giants test mobile number portability Thee major telecom network providers - Viettel, VinaPhone and MobiFone - started testing mobile number portability (MNP) on Thursday, which allows subscribers to keep existing mobile number when switching networks.
DECATUR The Old King's Orchard Community Center will host an information session on Job Corps, a federal worker training program run by the US Department of Labor for young people between the ages of 16 and 24.
The session is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the community center, 815 N. Church St.
Job Corps offers paid-for training programs in Chicago and Joliet, and pays for housing costs as well, according to the Central Illinois Outreach Coordinator Madison King. The areas of training are certified nurse's assistant, pharmacy tech, building construction technician, culinary arts, cement and masonry, security, tile setting, carpentry, painting, material handling and distribution, computer technician, and office administration.
After completion of training, Job Corps also offers job placement services.
King said the Chicago training site, called the Paul Simon Center, is accepting applications for mainly young people who do not currently have jobs.
"They might have to be on a wait list, but it isn't more than a few months," King said.
According to figures from the Labor Department, Job Corps serves about 60,000 young people nationally at any given time. For those who have not yet completed high school, the program also assists participants in getting their diploma first before moving on to job training in the trades.
For questions or more information, contact Madison King, Job Corps' outreach coordinator for the Central Illinois region, at: 309-422-7521, or king.madison@jobcorps.gov.
The Ministry for Heritage has announced that three new interpretation panels have been placed within our Old Town in order to provide information on our Medieval History, namely our Islamic and Spanish Periods.
Royal Engagement
On behalf of Her Majestys Government of Gibraltar and of all the Queens loyal subjects on the Rock, the Chief Minister has sent his congratulations and best wishes to Prince Harry and to Ms Meghan Markle on the occasion of their engagement.
In his letter, Mr Picardo also offered the couple a standing invitation to visit the Rock.
Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images
In his latest head-scratcher, Donald Trump suggested that the Access Hollywood tape in which he discussed grabbing and kissing women without their consent is not real. (Although he already apologized for what he said on it.) To avoid any confusion, Access Hollywood host Natalie Morales reminded viewers of Monday nights episode that the tape they have of the president is very real.
We wanted to clear something up that has been reported across the media landscape. Let us make this perfectly clear: The tape is very real, Morales said. Remember his excuse at the time was locker-room talk. He said every one of those words.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders wasnt as clear when asked about the tape during a press briefing on Monday.
Look, Sanders said. I said that [Trump] already addressed it, and that we didnt have any updates on that. I said what he didnt like and what he found troubling were the accounts that are being reported now.
Photo: Alexander Koerner/Getty Images
In the weeks since the New York Times first published its bombshell expose on Harvey Weinstein, the former Hollywood power player continues to feel the professional repercussions of dozens of women stepping forward to reveal decades of alleged sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape at his hands. In addition to losing his position at the Weinstein Company, the disgraced producer has lost his standing within the industry, earning a lifelong ban from the Producers Guild of America and Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, as well as expulsion from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Now, more than a month after launching an investigation into the former studio head, the Directors Guild of America has reportedly ousted Weinstein from its ranks as well.
According to Variety, Weinstein has reportedly resigned and the DGA scrubbed his name from its website. (On IMDB, Weinstein is listed as co-director of 1986s Playing for Keeps and director of 1987s The Gnomes Great Adventure, featuring the animated character David the Gnome. ) Its unclear, though, whether Weinstein opted to resign of his own volition or as was reportedly the case with the PGA stepped away before a more permanent ban could be imposed. A guild representative told Variety on Monday, We have no further comment. However, the DGA did comment on October 21 to confirm that it had begun internal disciplinary proceedings. As the Directors Guild of America explained at the time, The DGA has a long-standing practice of not commenting on internal union matters, but has decided to make an exception in this case to acknowledge the filing of charges. However, because of due process concerns that are a part of federal requirements for labor unions, the DGA cannot comment further.
Photo: Lifetime
Depending on whom you ask, the Hallmark Channel and its saccharine slate of movies were either sent by God himself or orchestrated as a torture device for Dantes fifth circle of hell. For Meghan Markle the newest addition of Britains royal family, thanks to her engagement to noted ginger hunk Prince Harry it meant employment opportunities! During her tenure on Suits, Markle acted in two quintessentially soapy Hallmark films, both of which featured her as a lovestruck heroine who just doesnt know what her heart wants anymore. (Guy A, Guy B, ugh! Too many options!) I think Hallmark is such an amazing network to work for, she once said. Its really heartwarming and affirming and validating. Especially in this day and age, its so nice for families to be able to all watch programming together. With stories like this, it keeps it really light and easy. And it makes everybody feel good. At the end of a long day, thats what I want to watch! Lets take a trip down memory lane and revisit Markles Hallmark movie duo, a.k.a. what youll be watching this holiday season.
Daters Handbook (2016)
Markle portrays Cassandra, a successful businesswoman who just cant decide who she wants to fall in love with. So, she throws out her standard dating dos and donts and lets a popular book dictate all of her decisions. It starts off well, but when she begins falling in love with two very different guys, she doesnt know whom to choose. (Or if the books checklist is actually a good thing, for that matter.) You have to follow your heart to find your true love, Markle said while promoting the movie. At the end of the day, when it comes down to finding the person that youre right for, thats not the person youre going to play games with. I think following her heart has really ended up proving to work out well for Cass, and I think for a lot of women watching this, I would give them that same advice. Ah, if she only knew her future.
When Sparks Fly (2014)
Rounding out Hallmarks iconic Fourth of July film slate, Markle portrays a Chicago journalist named Amy who briefly returns to her hometown for a holiday assignment. And in an unsurprising twist, matters of the heart follow: She begins to reignite romantic feelings for her high-school boyfriend who conveniently never left town, while still latching onto her hotshot older boyfriend who frequently leaves her to travel to exotic European destinations for work. (Played by Bettys dad from Riverdale!) We wonder whom shell choose.
Photo: Justina Mintz/A24
The Disaster Artist, James Francos telling of the making of Tommy Wiseaus The Room, is a lot of things. Its a big, loopy comedy about a strange movie that shouldnt have existed, let alone found love. Its the best thing our ever-restless boy Franco has ever made. Its the first time Franco has acted alongside his brother Dave, the adorable baby Franco. And in part, The Disaster Artist can be read as a spinoff of the real, public relationship of James, the oddball, and Dave, the cheery all-American.
On the press tour for the movie, Dave has explained why he staged a moratorium from working with his brother for the decade or so hes been acting professionally. Understandably enough, he never wanted anyone to think he was riding coattails. But, after a while, hes said, it felt like the right time. The right time, certainly: Dave has indeed managed to establish his own name. And maybe, also, the right project one that centers on a much-exaggerated, fun-house-mirror version of the Francos own bond.
The facts of The Room are remarkable enough: Very much despite itself, it would make Wiseau a cracked auteur and deathless dreamer famous. But what really animates The Disaster Artist is the beautiful union between Wiseau and his lead actor, a Neutrogena-clean California kid named Greg Sestero. And thats where the real-life Francos come in: To portray this kind of twisted bond, maybe you needed brothers. Maybe you needed these brothers.
The Disaster Artist is adapted from Sesteros memoir of the same name (subtitle: My Life Inside The Room, The Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made). The book was written with the great nonfiction practitioner Tom Bissell, one of the millions sickly enchanted by the cockamamie charms of The Room. (In 2010 in Harpers, Bissell wrote the definitive piece on The Room, charting how it went from a deeply failed dramatist masterpiece to a midnight-movie phenomenon.) When Sestero approached Bissell to write the memoir, Bissell demurred, assuming at first it was to cover fairly standard on-set travails. It turned out, however, that Sestero and Wiseau had a bizarrely compelling, totally unlikely friendship behind them.
As the book recounts, Sestero met Wiseau when he was 19 or 20, in an acting class. Sestero was an unthreatening handsome young white man in the heady days of One Tree Hill, and so situated for success. Wiseau was, and is, a strange man of indeterminable age and vague Eastern European descent, obsessed with Hollywood dreams that would look, to anyone but him, preposterously out of his reach. The two would end up living together in L.A. and falling into the kind of mutually beneficial, mutually destructive intimacy rarely seen out of, say, long-term wedlock. Sestero would briefly enjoy the inklings of a career: For one, he had the starring role in Retro Puppet Master. But when both of their careers stalled, theyd collaborate on The Room, a movie in which everyone involved was sure it would end in ignominious obscurity.
Casting himself as Wiseau, surely, was a no-brainer for James. The role allows him to play big, trotting out a caricature of an accent, a look, an identity. (All three are actually faithful to the real Wiseau.) Which is perfect, because ever since pivoting from would-be star into the multi-hyphenate whatever the hell he is today, James has more or less been playing an outsize character. Its unclear what exactly the character is, even to James himself. Fundamentally, though, hes a happy-go-lucky experimentalist weirdo. How could James not love Tommy Wiseau? Hes a maniac who rejects a polite society he barely understands; he has no discernible skill, no particular artistic bent. Its unclear if hes ever even seen a movie. He is redeemed, however, by his unquenchable desire to make one. Early in Jamess career, we saw him as the kind of guy to get plugged, willy-nilly, without much choice, into this or that Hollywood franchise. The whole time, though, what James saw was someone with his own volition. Someone a lot more akin to Wiseau: a man who is an artist, if only because he says so.
And so casting Dave as Sestero, too, must have made perfect sense. All these years, through talk-show appearances and magazine interviews, Dave has basically been playing the straight man to James. Over and over, with a big grin and oodles of reserves of love and pure good will, Dave has deflected questions about Jamess various personal and creative dalliances. For Dave, the story of Sestero has parallels, too. Early in his career, Dave paid rent with small bits on Greek and 7th Heaven, the exact stuff Sestero was aiming for. Dave would go on to prove he had a scrappy, subtly dark screen presence all his own. But every working actor knows the sting of casting-room rejection. And every working actor imagines the version of their lives in which the rejections just kept coming, steadily, forever. There but for the grace of God go I, starring in Retro Puppet Master, and then never working again.
When siblings make movies together, they almost always work behind the scenes. The practice goes back decades and spans genres, from David and Jerry Zuckers slapstick to the tragic city stories of Albert and Allen Hughes to the blockbustering of Lana and Lilly Wachowski. A look at the contemporary landscape produces all varieties of examples, too. Like Jay and Mark Duplass, the once and future kings of mumblecore. Or Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the Rodarte designers behind the Kirsten Dunst mindfuck Woodshock. Or Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, the Belgian brothers who make critics swoon.
Any given creative duo has a past; a sibling duo has one that goes all the way to birth. Josh and Benny Safdie, who made this years kaleidoscopic crime movie Good Time, split their childhood between a responsible mother in Manhattan and a manic father in Queens who introduced them to stuff like A Clockwork Orange way too young and purposefully blurred the line between reality and fiction after viewings of Kramer vs. Kramer. Hed say, Im Dustin Hoffman, shes Meryl Streep, Benny told me, when I interviewed them for the Fader. Were 7 and 9 or whatever it is. Were going back to our mom like, Youre selfish and you just wanna live your life and you dont wanna be our mom
What makes a collaboration between siblings so compelling is exactly that kind of shared history. It forever defines aesthetics, ambitions, influences, dynamics. For the most part its implied, informing the work quietly. Its rare for siblings to direct each other, as James does with Dave here, and also to co-star alongside one another. But its what makes the Franco x Franco collab work. The particular thing that The Disaster Artist is adding to the annals of sib flicks is a winking riff thats palpable.
While theyve never officially worked together, James and Dave have appeared together onscreen before, at least once. It was back in 2008. James was still doing the Tobey Maguireera Spider Mans. Daves IMDb was a bare cupboard. The bit was a short video series for Funny or Die called Acting With James Franco. In the garishly lit living room of an abandoned McMansion ready for squatters, James stands cocky, with wild hair and a leather jacket. Dave, giddy next to him, wears a polo, a shaggy haircut, and what might be bootcut jeans.
For a few gleeful minutes, James hectors his little brother to dredge up emotion by recalling the death of a pet cat Dave apparently never really knew. Then they start recalling the time Dave walked in on James pleasuring himself. Winningly, Dave never breaks character. Hes the sane man in an insane world. Even in this short, dumb video there is a beautiful bit of connectivity. You can see it, there: Daves been preparing to be the Greg Sestero to Jamess Tommy Wiseau for years.
The Disaster Artist is the story of a movie called The Room and the legacy it somehow won. Its the story of Sestero and Wiseau and how sometimes the hardest friendships are the ones that mean the most (Honestly: when the title card came up saying Greg and Tommy still talk every day, I damn near cried). Somewhere, a few layers underneath all that, maybe, a little bit, its the story of the brothers Franco as well.
DECATUR Developers targeting the corner of U.S. Business 51 and West Ash Avenue declined to say Monday what businesses they hope to bring to the site, despite heated questioning from neighbors concerned about traffic and property values.
Representatives of Northbrook-based GMX Real Estate Group, LLC, which is seeking to rezone 1.6 acres near the high-traffic intersection, were vague when asked about potential retail tenants during and after an informal meeting they hosted at the Decatur Public Library.
Recent projects by the company include a Portillos restaurant in Homewood, McDonalds in Danville and Downers Grove, and shopping centers in Homewood and Palatine.
GMXs co-manager Andrew Goodman said after the meeting they have been speaking with several family-friendly, quick-service restaurants that want to be part of the proposed project, a 10,400-square-foot shopping center.
We have some potential users that directed us to this location and said this would be a terrific location for them to locate their businesses, Goodman said, adding they would be sprinkled into the development with family-friendly, non-gambling retail businesses. But until we have firm commitments with binding leases, our edict is to not divulge too early who our clients may be.
The Decatur City Council ultimately must approve rezoning that would allow the development, and a vote has not yet been scheduled. The project is hotly opposed by dozens of concerned residents, who spent more than an hour Monday night peppering the developers with questions about the project and how it will impact the surrounding neighborhood.
The sometimes-emotional rhetoric was similar to the last time a developer attempted to bring a commercial property to the area in the northern part of Decatur. In 2015, representatives from the Aldi grocery store chain looked to open a new location at the site. But after months of public hearings and petitions to stop the project, the council voted in October 2015 to reject the rezoning of the area for Aldi.
The corner is desirable to developers because of its high traffic count and location near other retail. Walgreens, Panera, Walmart and other businesses are across the highway.
But on the west side of U.S. Business 51 are well-established neighborhoods, many with residents who have lived there for decades and say they do not want the area disrupted by more retail, and the traffic it brings.
For some of them, the past few weeks have felt like deja vu.
Its like the same thing over again, said Pam Ambeau, who has lived at her home since 1977 and would live right next to the proposed development. "I just don't understand ... I guess it's suppose to help the Decatur economy, but to me it doesn't seem like much help when you're starting to go into the neighborhoods to have something built."
GMX sent letters, dated Nov. 9, to most of those who live in the area, informing them of the possible development and inviting them to Monday nights meeting to learn more.
Even before the meeting, Julie Bresnan said she did not see much difference between this project and the failed Aldi one, which she also adamantly opposed. The concerns she had with Aldi, from increased traffic and negative impact on the property value of surrounding homes, were the same she said she had with the new project.
Youre just adding more traffic to our street, and its already crazy enough, in my opinion, said Bresnan, who has lived in her home, directly across the street from the planned development, since 1993.
The site of the total 1.6 acres planned for development includes four homes and an empty lot. If built, the shopping center would have space for two restaurants, two retailers and 82 parking spots.
Many residents questioned why GMX couldnt choose another area for the project, pointing to areas such as the fields on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive behind Walmart, or empty storefronts in Brettwood Village or on Pershing Road.
Why tear down a perfectly good neighborhood for this? said Bob Hohlbauch after the meeting. Hohlbauch, along with his wife Judy, have lived in the neighborhood for 46 years and would live across from the facilitys dumpster as currently planned.
Nothing has changed for the better, and there are several other places they can build this place.
When asked after the meeting about considering other locations, Goodman said there likely is a reason the empty strip malls and undeveloped land in Decatur have stayed that way: their locations are no longer appealing for potential businesses. If the current plan is rejected, Goodman said his clients might walk away rather than look for another Decatur location.
For some prospective businesses, this is a bullseye intersection, if you will, he said.
GMX has already submitted a petition to rezone for planned development, said Deputy City Manager Billy Tyus. The item is expected to come before the city's Plan Commission at its Dec. 7 meeting. The commission will make a recommendation to the council, which will consider the matter at an unspecified time.
"We're in the process, and part of that process is working with and informing the public, hearing from the public, and going through the steps necessary to make a decision on it," Tyus said.
GMX representatives hoped to have final approval by the end of the year, though Goodman said after Mondays meeting that they may push it back in order to address several of the issues brought up by residents.
Some changes could include enhanced landscaping and buffers between the businesses and surrounding residences and items such as barriers to better direct the flow of vehicles in and out of the parking lot.
As for how the possible development came about, Tyus said there has continued to be "significant interest" from developers for the site since the council voted down the Aldi project just over two years ago.
The council voted that plan down by a 4-3 vote, with former Councilman Chris Funk joining Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe and Councilwoman Dana Ray in support of the plan. Former Councilman Jerry Dawson joined current council members Pat McDaniel, Bill Faber and Lisa Gregory in voting the measure down.
Moore Wolfe, McDaniel and council members Chuck Kuhle and David Horn were present at Mondays meeting.
Kuhle and Horn, who were not on the council when the Aldi project came for a vote, said after the meeting that they would keep an open mind about the project. Horn said that he hoped the developers would address some of the residents concerns before bringing the project up for a council vote.
Kuhle said council was in a tough situation, saying he would have to try and balance the citys need for new revenue with the residents concerns about how the project could affect them.
It definitely is an inconvenience for these residents, Kuhle said. But on the other hand, were trying to grow Decatur, and to turn business away is a tough call.
LINCOLN As mayor of Lincoln, Seth Goodman is interested in an outside visitors first impression of the town.
Any concerns for those traveling by train should be eliminated following the 10 a.m. Dec. 5 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official reopening of the renovated historic $4.1 million Lincoln Station in downtown Lincoln.
Its a great addition for Lincoln, Goodman said, and its also a great addition for those coming though by train because it will be the first thing they see when they stop.
The Lincoln Station High Speed Rail Project is a multiyear undertaking that involved site acquisition, site preparation and construction. The original depot, constructed in 1911, has been fully renovated and retains much of its historic character and details, according to site plans. The north freight building has been renovated as the new passenger rail station for use by Amtrak patrons.
In addition to the renovation on the freight building, everything else is new, including the parking lots, sidewalks, lighting and landscaping. The shelter sits on a platform near where Abraham Lincoln christened the city in 1853.
Most of the building, 101 N. Chicago St., was closed to the public in 1972, but was sold and renovated in 1977 and named the Depot Restaurant. The restaurant and catering hall was last known as McCartys at the Depot, but it closed in 2013.
Two old Illinois Central Railroad passenger cars and two cabooses were removed from the property in 2015.
Most of the funding for the project came from a federal High Speed Rail Initiative grant administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation to introduce better performance and higher speeds on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks between Chicago and St. Louis.
Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn said the state has been working with city officials for years on the project.
With the modernization, customers will have smoother rides, upgraded stations, crossing and signal improvements for safety and guarantees of better on-time performance," he said.
For Lincoln, the completion of the 3,700-square-foot project means much more, Goodman said.
We are really excited to find ways that our local residents can also utilize the depot, he said. Its huge and has the potential to add a business or two, if that is what the city council wanted to do. Additionally, they are through with all of the work, and the streets that we had to close during some of the renovation project will never have to close again.
An estimated 450,000 people travel through Lincoln each year on the train. Beginning next year, trains will be able to travel more than 100 mph on portions of the route from Chicago to St. Louis.
A former Waco school district substitute teacher was sentenced to 15 years in prison Monday for the long-term sexual abuse of a boy beginning when the boy was 12.
Judge Ralph Strother of Wacos 19th State District Court sentenced Jacoby Jerome Aclese to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of probation.
Aclese, 30, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual assault of a child and four counts of indecency with a child. Aclese entered his guilty plea without the benefit of a plea bargain from prosecutors.
The judge sentenced Aclese to prison on the first count and placed him on probation for 10 years on the remaining counts. However, he stacked one probation term onto the prison sentence, meaning Aclese will serve a 10-year term of probation after he completes his prison sentence.
The Bellmead man must serve at least 71/2 years in prison before he can seek parole.
Jacoby obviously is disappointed at having the judge sentence him to prison and probation, said Acleses attorney, Jason P. Darling. However, he is ready to get this behind him and is remorseful for what he put the victim through.
A 19-year-old Bellmead man reported in March 2016 that Aclese, a family friend, had been sexually abusing him for seven years.
Aclese was a substitute teacher for Waco schools from August 2010 to June 2011 and again from February 2012 to February 2013, according to WISD spokesman Kyle Debeer. Aclese was terminated in March 2013 for improper conduct and is not eligible for rehire, Debeer said.
Aclese was fired after a junior high student alleged Aclese exposed himself to the boy during a tutoring session, Darling said. Aclese denied the allegations, but Waco school officials fired him and red flagged his file, preventing him from getting another substitute teaching job, Darling said.
Darling said no charges were filed from the boys outcry and Aclese was able to get the red flag removed from his file after an administrative law hearing.
The incidents involving the 19-year-old family friend, for which Aclese is going to prison, were not reported until about three years after the students allegations, Darling said.
Staff writer Shelly Conlon contributed to this report.
Held on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday follows the traditional retail holidays of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
It was founded by New York's 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation. The idea is to follow all that frenzied commercialism with a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations and services.
Here are 5 things you need to know about observing Giving Tuesday, or #GivingTuesday for social media purposes:
Illinois has its own campaign.
Called #IlGive, the campaign is organized by Forefront, a statewide membership association for nonprofits and public agencies. It helps participating nonprofits share their message and collect donations online. Forefront collects an administration fee of somewhere between 5.7 and 6.7 percent from all donations, although donors can opt to cover that themselves. Last year, the #IlGive campaign (pronounced "I'll give") raised $11.3 million for various social service agencies and organizations across the state, according to its website.
You can shop in person for organizations to help in Decatur.
For the third year, First United Methodist Church will host many local nonprofit organizations in one spot, so potential donors can find out about the services each provides, ask questions and make informed choices about where their money is going. The event is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. at the church, 201 W. North St.
Cant make it? Most organizations, in Macon County and elsewhere, advertise donation opportunities on their websites and Facebook pages. Many, such as the Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Decatur Family YMCA, are also hosting special donation events at their facilities today (Tuesday).
Facebook fights (indirectly) led to the creation of Decaturs event.
Jennifer Horton-Motter, director of children and family ministries for the church, said she came up with the idea for the event in 2015 while staying up late with her newborn baby. As she scrolled through Facebook, she was inundated with arguments about whether stores should be open on Thanksgiving and posts about Black Friday shopping. Then she saw an ad for Giving Tuesday, which was the first time she had heard of it.
My brain in the middle of the night put those concepts together, that we could better be spending our energy in our community, she said. I thought, Wouldnt it be nice if there was a place where you could shop to give away your money, to help someone else? Thats how it formed in my head.
The communitys generosity grows every year.
The first event was organized in about four weeks. It featured 16 nonprofit organizations that raised roughly $13,000 between them. Last years event had more than two dozen participating organizations, which collected a total of $18,000.
This years event will be the largest with 28 organizations, but Horton-Motter said she hasnt set a fundraising goal. I want people to give freely from their heart, she said.
Its not all about money.
Giving Tuesday also offers a chance to find volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and lifestyle, or simply to learn about resources that are available in the community so that you can spread the word. There are no hard sells or guilt trips, Horton-Motter said.
She brings her children to the event and encourages others to do so, allowing them to learn how to research and decide how to spend their resources. Her 10-year-old son was so impressed last year by his conversation with a representative from Relay for Life of Macon County that he saved money all year to donate today (Tuesday).
All I have seen is just pure friendliness and pure joy, that people come to learn what it is that someone else does, Horton-Motter said. The people that work for these agencies and organizations are very passionate about what they do and getting the word out about what they do.
But when it comes to taking out a mortgage on our family homes, the startling fact is that four in five Australians opt to borrow from one of the big four banks. The global financial crisis, which crippled banks elsewhere, only increased the major four's stranglehold over the Aussie market. Amid stability concerns, regulators green-lighted the takeover of Bankwest by Commonwealth Bank. Westpac devoured St George, in what former competition tsar Allan Fels has since labelled "a mistake". "In a few short months, we saw the biggest reversal of banking competition since the Depression," Fels has said. The Rudd government's bank funding guarantee only compounded the big four's advantage, with smaller banks charged a higher premium to reflect their higher risk.
Today, Australia's big four hold 81 per cent of the total value of all outstanding mortgages on owner occupied property, up from 75 per cent pre crisis, according to data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. In this post-GFC era, the banks laud their roles as pillars of stability. In the banker's mind, maintaining their record-busting profits is good for all Australians. No profit level is too much. In a recently launched campaign titled "Australian Banks belong to you", the Australian Bankers' Association stressed that 80 per cent of bank profits are returned to shareholders, who comprise mostly Australians through their superannuation. What is not mentioned is that excessive bank profitability also comes at a cost to Australians. Indeed, for most, the savings from a more competitive banking sector shaving a few extra basis points off their mortgage rate would far outweigh the benefit in retirement of a slightly bigger nest egg from outsized bank share gains.
As for stability, it's true that banks occupy a systemically important role in the Australian economy. Indeed, banks are as core a part of our financial plumbing as the sewerage pipes running under your house. Only, instead of earning a return on equity (shareholder funds invested) similar to a utility company like AGL of 7 per cent, Australia's big four banks enjoy returns of around 15 per cent. Compare that to Bank of America, which returns just 7 per cent. High returns on equity are usually an indicator of high risk. Investors must be rewarded for their gamble. Medical device company Cochlear, for example, delivers a return on its equity of 45 per cent. But how risky is an investment in a company that can't fail, by government decree?
In reality, the high returns on equity enjoyed by Australian banks owe in large part to the higher leverage they hold. Australian banks are some of the most heavily exposed to household sector debt in the world. Aussies would rather sell their kids than miss a home loan repayment. But our high household debt remains a key vulnerability, not just for banks, but the economy as a whole. Even more important, then, that the issuers of that debt be held to high account for their behaviour. That behaviour has fallen well short of acceptable standards in recent times. Time and time again, bank chiefs have been embarrassed by systemic failures within their organisations. Their financial planners have dudded customers. Their insurance arms have denied funds to the dying. Their ATMs have been unwittingly used by criminals for money laundering. Their employees have manipulated key money markets. What confidence can the public have that such failures are the exception, not the rule?
Banks have long fought the idea of a public inquiry. Instead, the Turnbull government has thrown at them a new bank levy, penalties on executives and now a victims compensation fund. Bank chiefs are hauled to Canberra twice a year to be grilled by parliamentarians. As they should be. These are not the titans of free enterprise, but the heads of key institutions in Australian society. It was the economist John Kenneth Galbraith who formulated the idea of "countervailing power". In a free market, the price of goods and services would be determined by free bargaining. In reality, markets are dogged by imbalances, such as the power imbalance between employers and employees. Some "countervailing" powers, like trade unions or consumer groups, are needed to even the field to produce efficient outcomes. And so it is with the massive power wielded by Australia's banking sector. A public inquiry would act as an important countervailing force against the banks. It would also serve to remind politicians and policy makers - who increasingly find comfortable jobs in the banking sector after departing public office - of their important role in checking the power of banks.
Hugh White, a provocateur among his academic colleagues, publishes a Quarterly Essay this week that reads like a Tom Clancy novel a version, perhaps, of Red Storm Rising.
In this case White is not describing the possibility of war between NATO and the Warsaw Pact, but conflict between the US and China over the latter's encroachments in the South China Sea.
According to this scenario Washington and Beijing venture to the brink of nuclear conflict, before a US president unnamed pulls back with the words in a tense White House situation room: "I'm not willing to risk a major war."
Leaving aside White's version of superpower conflict that might be retitled "Red Star Rising", no one could reasonably say in 2017 that a confrontation between a rising power and a status quo power in our neighbourhood is out of the question.
Following the worldwide excitement surrounding the royal engagement of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, there is one (probably quite) sad man sitting in Los Angeles: Markle's ex-husband Trevor Engelson.
When reading through the films that Trevor Engelson has produced, it's difficult to avoid the suspicion that he might be slightly bitter about Markle's new engagement. With titles like License to Wed and Remember Me, one can only imagine a single tear rolling down this man's left cheek this morning.
Trevor Engelson & Meghan Markle in 2011. Credit:Newscom / Alamy Stock Photo
But who really is Trevor Engelson?
About him
In what was surely icing on the cake for retailers marking Cyber Monday, one of the biggest online shopping days on the calendar, Meghan Markle's engagement announcement outfit has caused websites to crash and the pieces to sell out worldwide.
For the official announcement of her engagement to Prince Harry on Monday, the Suits actress wore a white wrap coat by Canadian label LINE, a celebrity favourite.
The images that went around the world immediately sent the LINE website into meltdown, with the label telling USA Today the coat, which originally sold for $CAD700 ($823), had sold out.
"We are incredibly honoured that Meghan chose to wear a LINE coat to mark this very special occasion," LINE president and co-founder John Muscat reportedly told USA Today.
It's built a reputation for romantic lace dresses but the honeymoon is over for Australian label Lover.
The brand, which launched in 2001, went into voluntary administration over the weekend, with administrators Ferrier Hodgson hoping a buyer will rescue the brand.
Lover founders Nic Briand and Susien Chong with model Phillpa Gleeson outside their shop at The Strand arcade. The brand has entered voluntary administration. Credit:Lee Besford
"Lover is a renowned independent Australian fashion brand and retailer. The company employs approximately 25 employees operating from its stores in Bondi Junction, Sydney CBD (the Strand Arcade) and through its online site as well as wholesale distribution channels," a statement on Ferrier Hodgson's website said.
Ryan Eagle, who is jointly overseeing the process with Morgan Kelly, told Fairfax Media on Monday night it was not yet known what debts the company had.
The Pap smear as we know it is disappearing from our lives.
We'll get to that. But first, I need to get something off my chest.
Paps - no longer two years apart. Credit:Stocksy
See, whenever the topic of Pap smears is raised, as it occasionally is between women who are dreading an upcoming appointment, my most embarrassing smear test moment comes to mind.
I was laying down in my GP's office, ready for the uncomfortable moment. I'd had to bring along my then one-year-old daughter, who was on the floor playing with a tub of toys the doctor had placed there for just such occasions. So far, so good.
The teenager who was knocked unconscious and left "bleeding from his ears" after what police describe as a "coward punch" in the middle of the schoolies precinct at the Gold Coast, has spoken about the alleged attack.
Taliesin Tardrew-O'Meara, 19, said he has very vague memories of the alleged assault but was sure that it had changed his life.
Taliesin Tardrew-O'Meara, the 19-year-old East Lismore man who police will allege was 'coward punched'. Credit:Nine News Gold Coast
You hear so many stories of it happening to people and it changes our lives completely, he told Nine News Gold Coast.
My next memory (after the assault) was being in the ambulance, but my memory is really foggy, I dont remember much at all.
Hundreds of the world's top websites routinely track a user's every keystroke, mouse movement and input into a web form even before it's submitted or later abandoned according to the results of a study from researchers at Princeton University.
And there's a nasty side-effect: personal identifiable data, such as medical information, passwords and credit card details, could be revealed when user's surf the web, without them knowing that companies are monitoring their browsing behaviour.
A yet to be fully-caffeinated person browses the web.
The Princeton researchers found it was difficult to redact personally identifiable information from browsing behaviour records. Even, in some instances, when users have switched on privacy settings such as Do Not Track.
The research found that third party tracking services are used by hundreds of businesses to monitor how users navigate their websites. This is proving to be increasingly challenging as more and more companies beef-up security and shift their sites over to encrypted HTTPS pages.
On Tuesday morning, Ali's father spoke briefly to media from the front yard of his brick veneer home. The 20-year-old Werribee man is taken into custody. Credit:Victoria Police He denied his son would have harmed anyone, and then quickly went back inside, where police are still searching. "He's very innocent," the man's father said. Police at the accused man's family home in Werribee on Tuesday. Credit:Jason South
Sheikh Isse Musse from Werribee Mosque said he knew Ali's father well, seeing him at the mosque several times a week. He saw his children less often. His father had worked exceptionally hard as a taxi driver to provide for his children, and his wife took care of the home. The suspect was allegedly planning to shoot and kill as many people as he could in Federation Square. Credit:Victoria Police "He's a very hardworking man, always on the road," Sheikh Musse said. Police seized several bags of evidence from the family's home, including a large framed picture.
Victoria Police deputy commissioner Shane Patton (left) and AFP assistant commissioner Ian McCartney. Credit:Justin McManus The couple had moved to the home because they did not feel safe in the government housing they had been provided after arriving from Somalia more than a decade ago. They were worried about drugs in the area, particularly. Fireworks over Melbourne CBD on New Years Eve. Credit:Melbourne City Council "They wanted the children away from that area," Sheikh Musse said.
The couple had toiled to ensure their children could go to the private Al-Taqwa College, an Islamic school in Truganina The college declined to comment on Tuesday. A neighbour said the "beautiful family" had lived in the house for at least a decade. "They're just lovely, everyday, people," she said. The man's father had apologised to her on Tuesday morning for the hassle regarding the arrest.
"I believe he didn't know anything," the neighbour said. "I just felt like he was more heartbroken." The neighbour arrived home on Monday afternoon after picking up her daughter from school to find eight to 10 police cars lining the street. "It was quite frightening." The 20-year-old man was arrested on the corner of Synnot and Bridge streets in Werribee, which is a shopping area one street behind the suburb's main retail strip, just after 3pm on Monday. 'A very, very quiet boy'
Warsame Hassan, the owner of Wix Computers in Footscray where the accused man worked, said 10 to 12 police officers stormed the store on Monday and took a computer, a hard drive and CCTV footage from the shop. Mr Hassan described the man as a quiet boy who did work experience at the store for about two to three hours at a time, sometimes one or twice a week, sometimes less. "He was a very, very quiet boy. He never spoke much. It was a shock," Mr Hassan said. He said he had met the young man's father at the Virgin Mary mosque in Werribee. His father wanted him to do work experience so he could go to university next year and eventually get a job in the computer industry.
Al-Qaeda guidebook and other extremists The young man was in possession of an al-Qaeda guidebook on how to carry out terrorist attacks and is an Islamic State sympathiser, police allege. "He has accessed documents produced by al-Qaeda Arabian Peninsula ... a guidebook in respect to how to commit a terrorist act and also how to use firearms, guns and handguns and rifles," Mr Patton said. "He is associated with other persons in the Victorian extremists community ... it is a very small community of extremists. "This is a person who would become particularly energised when overseas events occurred. He expressed a great amount of interest in committing an attack himself."
Mr Patton reassured the community the man was acting alone and no threats were ongoing. "We are not looking for any other suspects," he said. Authorities are still investigating how the young Werribee man became radicalised, Mr Patton said. Police do not believe he is linked to any mosques in Melbourne. They would not reveal if his family or friends knew of his intentions.
This is his first time in custody. He is expected to be charged later on Tuesday with engaging in acts in preparation for a terrorist offence and collecting documents to facilitate a terrorist act. Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police and ASIO were involved in the investigation that resulted in the young man's arrest. No ongoing risk Police Minister Lisa Neville said police were continuing their investigation, but had foiled another threat.
"Absolutely police were aware of this very early and had been monitoring," she said. "There was never any point in which there was a significant risk. I can absolutely assure Victorians that this has eliminated the risk." Ms Neville said Victorians should be confident to make plans for New Year's Eve. "There is no ongoing risk to the Victorian community." An estimated 450,000 people flock to Melbourne's CBD to ring in the new year in the city.
Security has been ramped up in recent years, particularly last year after police foiled a Christmas Day terror plot. Hundreds of uniformed police swarmed the city last New Year's Eve, particularly near St Paul's Cathedral and Flinders Street Station which were both targets of the Christmas terror plot. Specialised squads including water police, mounted branch, operations response unit and air wing were deployed across the state.
The normally bustling airport on the Indonesian resort island of Bali is a near- ghost town, dotted by anxious Australian tourists desperate to get home.
The Mount Agung volcano lies a fair distance - about 70 kilomteres away - but the threat it poses is very real, and visible.
A group of surfers from Sydney wait for updates on their cancelled flight. Credit:AAP
Activity at the mountain has ramped up in recent weeks culminating with the cancellation of flights in and out of Bali this week due to a large ash cloud thrown up by the volcano.
Indonesia has raised its alert for Mount Agung to the highest level, warning of the risk of a lava eruption is "imminent".
A new online program aims to teach anxious children targeted by bullies how to be more confident in social situations and arm them with skills to help them cope.
The Cool Kids Taking Control anti-bullying program is designed for children who are highly victimised and experiencing high levels of anxiety and researchers at Macquarie University looking for children across Australia who fit this criteria to take part.
Anxious children are more likely to be targeted by bullies. Credit:SHIZUO KAMBAYASHI
Dr Sally Fitzpatrick, project manager for PAVe, Preventing anxiety and victimisation through education, in the Department of Psychology, said a parent and their child would work through the course together and have weekly access to a psychologist.
"We know that kids who are bullied tend to be more anxious," Dr Fitzpatrick said.
Anonymous West Australians are reporting crucial information to Crime Stoppers more than ever before, with over 54,000 contacts made to the organisation last financial year.
In an interview with WAtoday Crime Stoppers WA chief executive Vince Hughes revealed the Crime Stoppers WA website would soon feature a multilingual capability to provide better access for people whose first language might not be English, but who wish to report crime and suspicious activity.
Almost 70 per cent of Crime Stoppers' online traffic is derived from mobiles phones. Credit:Glenn Hunt
Establishing a bigger footprint in regional WA communities, particularly in Indigenous areas, is also high on the agenda for next year, Dr Hughes said.
While phone calls are still the preferred method for people to reach out to the agency, online reporting has skyrocketed in the past 12 months by more than 60 per cent.
Washington: President Donald Trump said there was a "Pocahontas" in the US Congress on Monday during a meeting with Native American World War Two veterans in an apparent derogatory reference to Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.
After listening to one veteran speak at length about his experience as a "Navajo code talker" during the war, Trump heaped praise on the veterans and said he would not give prepared remarks himself.
"You were here long before any of us were here," Trump said. "Although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas."
Trump repeatedly referred to Warren as "Pocahontas," the name of a famous 17th-century Native American, during his presidential campaign in a mocking reference to Warren's having said in the past that she had Native American ancestry.
CHICAGO Two wealthy businessmen seeking the Democratic nomination for Illinois governor have released partial tax returns on the same day they filed candidate petitions for the 2018 primary.
J.B. Pritzker is an heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune. He released three years of state and federal returns Monday.
He and his wife reported about $16 million in total income last year, paying roughly $4.6 million in state and federal taxes. Pritzker's campaign said trusts benefiting Pritzker paid $154 million in state and federal taxes from 2014 to 2016.
Chris Kennedy, nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, released partial 2016 returns showing $1.3 million in total income for him and his wife. They paid about $216,000 in state and federal taxes.
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, a former businessman, earned $90 million last year, paying about $23 million in taxes.
New Braunfels, TX (78130)
Today
Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. High around 60F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph..
Tonight
Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 44F. Winds light and variable.
Rebecca Kocsis and Trey Toland are two out of 14 students who were recently nominated by Congressman David McKinley to attend U.S. Service Academies.
"My dad called me. He brought me out into the yard because he was working on the farm and he showed me that I got a nomination and it was really exciting and it meant a lot. For someone to think that highly of me and to nominate me to an academy something so prestigious means so much to me," said Kocsis.
"It's a great honor. It feels amazing to be able to give back to my country in this amazing way," said Toland.
Both Rebecca and Trey's desire to serve started at a young age.
"I knew that I wanted to do something in the military on the front lines and my parents told me that I had to go to college, so around 8th grade I started doing research on colleges and the military and I stumbled across the Naval Academy. By the time that I am a freshman there is a summer STEM program that the Navy puts on so I applied to it and got in and ever since I just feel in love with it," said Toland.
The application process wasn't easy.
"You have to write essays. You have to fill out little parts of an application. It's basically like a college application and you have to wait and then you have to interview," said Kocsis.
But they are hoping their hard work will pay off and lead to an acceptance.
"Hopefully I get into the Naval Academy and then I would like to be an officer in Marine infantry," said Toland.
"The Naval Academy is absolutely my top one and West Point is my second one, but I am willing to go wherever because I just want to give back to my country. I would like to be one of the firsts in my close family to serve," said Kocsis.
To learn more about the other nominations, click on the Related Links tab to your right.
Fort Polk, LA (71446)
Today
Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High around 55F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..
Tonight
Clear skies. Low 31F. Winds light and variable.
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Christmas comes to the Homeplace 1850s Saturday after Thanksgiving
By The Associated Press Nov. 28, 2017 | 11:23 AM | FLAGSTAFF, AZ
Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona is tweeting that President Donald Trump's "politicizing" of a ceremony honoring Native American veterans was "an insult to their sacrifice."
McCain doesn't cite the president by name in his tweet Tuesday. He says the nation owes a debt of gratitude to the Navajo Code Talkers for helping secure victory over tyranny and oppression during World War II.
He then adds: "Politicizing these genuine American heroes is an insult to their sacrifice."
During a White House event Monday, Trump revived past mocking comments he's made about Sen. Elizabeth Warren for claims she made about being part Native American.
Trump said: "We have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas. But you know what, I like you."
IT WAS A BUSY & SUCCESSFUL THANKSGIVING FOR NC HIGHWAY PATROL IN WNC
THE 2017 I-40 CHALLENGE
s this years Thanksgiving Holiday season came to an end, troopers were out in full force to monitor traffic violations in hopes of reducing motor vehicle collisions. In support of this effort, the State Highway Patrol partnered with eight other states across the nation, participating in the 2017 I-40 Challenge.
This initiative placed troopers every 20 miles along the major interstate during the most heavily traveled periods throughout the holiday. The operation was held from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22 and from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 26. The campaign focused on the reduction of fatal collisions along the I-40 corridor, which coincides with the Vision Zero initiative.
Troopers not assigned to work the I-40 campaign monitored other major interstates and secondary roadways. While the I-40 Challenge initiative focused on crash reduction two days throughout the holiday period, the Vision Zero initiative will continue throughout the rest of the year.
Statewide Statistics/All Roadways
Total Fatal Collisions - 16
DWI Arrest - 445
Seatbelt Violations - 2547
Speeding Violations - 10,518
Move Over Violations - 50
Total Citations Issued - 24,614
I-40 Challenge Statewide Statistics/ I-40 Corridor
Total Fatal Collisions - 0
DWI Arrest - 5
Seatbelt Violations - 107
Moving Violations - 762
Non-Moving Violations - 329
Total Citations Issued - 1,163
Request for specific county statistics should be referred to the respective countys local State Highway Patrol office.
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A report recently released by Armenias National Academy of Sciences Food Risk Assessment Center shows that residents in Yerevan, the country's capital, are equally at risk from consuming dangerous levels of chemicals through their fruits and vegetables than residents of Syunik, a southern province where mining is widespread.
Davit Pipoyan, who heads the Center and is a PhD in nutritional science, told Hetq that they measured the trace amounts of copper, nickel, lead, arsenic and cadmium in all types of fruits and vegetables.
Their findings show that the risk factor in Yerevan is 3.67, much greater than the accepted level of one. (Samples were taken from tomatoes, apples, peppers, lettuce and carrots).
While Pipoyan says that the produce tested didnt show high concentrations of chemicals, due to the amounts consumed, the risk factor increases to unacceptable levels.
The Center found that, on average, Yerevan residents consume 480 grams of fruits and vegetables per day. This amount rises to one kilogram per day during the summer, resulting in a higher risk of ingesting harmful levels of chemicals.
Pipoyan told Hetq that while conducting research in Syunik, they found basil samples to have the highest level of chemical concentrations. Luckily, basil isnt consumed in great quantities.
When asked if the government is aware of the issue, Pipoyan noted that due to the close connection between business and government, the state apparatus isnt all that concerned with consumer safety.
I raised this issue in this very office with our three ministers agriculture, environment and health. All three, it seemed, seriously listened to what I said. It was Minister of Agriculture Ignaty Arakelyan who only promised to do something. But hes carried out none of his promises. This inaction is bad for him and the country, said Pipoyan.
The scientist says that the government must draft a comprehensive plan of action that includes the input of all the three ministries mentioned.
Pipoyan says that the government asked the Center to come up with a plan, replete with proposals, and it did so. It has never been implemented, he says.
The scientist laments the fact that Armenia lacks an effective agrarian policy and that the government lacks the wherewithal to regulate the market and farming processes to the benefit of consumers.
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Armenian military officials, with the intercession of the International Red Cross, today returned the body of an Azerbaijani soldier to Azerbaijani officials along the Yeraskh-Sadarak stretch of the border
Armenian soldiers had found the body of the Azerbaijani army captain on November 23 near a military position along the southwestern border with Azerbaijan.
The site was described as a strip of no man's land straddling the border.
Armenias defense ministry claims the dead man had committed crimes at the base he was serving at and had taken flight.
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan today received visiting Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif in Yerevan.
Noting the recent increase in visits by top officials between Yerevan and Tehran, President Sargsyan said they allowed for greater care to be used when furthering relations between the two nations that share centuries of friendship.
The Armenian president said that in the 25 years after establishing diplomatic relations, the two countries have built bridges of mutual respect, understanding and friendship.
Thanking Sargsyan for his warm reception, Minister Zarif conveyed the greetings of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and his thanks to the Armenian president for sending a letter of condolence regarding the recent earthquake in Iran.
Minister Zarif said enhancing relations with all its neighbors was a priority for Iran and the Armenia has always been regarded as a very good neighbor.
Sargsyan and Zarif talked about the need to strengthen economic ties and cooperation in several mutually beneficial sectors.
Alexandre Varbedian, banned from entering Armenia since 2002, has taken his case to the courts in Armenia, seeking to get his name removed from a list of undesirable foreigners compiled by the countrys National Security Service (NSS).
Varbedian, a genealogist by profession, had moved from France to Soviet Armenia at the age of five and received his education in Yerevan. He moved back to his birthplace, Marseille, in 1975. Although he acquired French citizenship, he also kept his Soviet passport with him. After Armenia's independence, that transformed to Armenian citizenship at his own request.
However, a law abolishing dual citizenship was passed in 1994 and Varbedian was deprived of his Armenian citizenship three years later. However, in the period from 1998 to 1999 and then from 1999 to 2002, Varbedian lived in Armenia thanks to residence permits he acquired through the Armenian Ministry of Education and Science as well as the Ministry of Culture. In 2002, his permit was not extended, and no reason was cited for the rejection.
Nevertheless, in 2002, the A1+ news site wrote The deadline on the Armenian residence permit of the President of the Essence Union, French citizen Alexandre Varbedian, has expired. Alexandre Varbedian has been told that he will no longer be given permission to reside in Armenia because he belonged to a sect. The Essence Union is ready to collaborate with the Armenian Apostolic Church, Varbedian assured, but such proposals have not been met with a reply. The Union has proposed a program called Nation and New Millennium. According to Union members, this is a curative program that has been planned for years, tasked with keeping society from foolishness and sin.
Hetq spoke to Varbedians attorney Ani Chatinyan regarding the legal suit, who said that her client contacted the Helsinki Citizens Assembly (Vanadzor) for assistance in 2016.
Chatinyan says that the Assembly contacted the NSS for clarification and was told that Varbedian was being banned because there is credible evidence that he is a member of an organization whose aim is to endanger the security of the Republic of Armenia.
The attorney labels the allegation as absurd and unfounded.
Submit an event for Around Town by emailing calendar information to bnr-news@wiscnews.com at least three business days before the event date. For a complete listing of calendar events for the next week, visit baraboonewsrepublic.com.
Today
Support group: 3-4:30 p.m., Maplewood Sauk Prairie, 245 Sycamore St., Sauk City. Alzheimer Dementia Support group offers free meetings the fourth Tuesday of each month. Reservations not required. For more information, call Theresa Grimes at 643-3383.
Pizza fundraiser: 4:30-8 p.m., People Helping People, Pizza Ranch, 916 Gateway Drive, Baraboo. Community Impact Night. Ten percent of the evening sales and all donations raised will help feed those in need for Christmas.
Public hearing: 7 p.m., Baraboo Municipal Building, 135 Fourth St., Baraboo. Public hearing on the Preliminary Resolution and the Assessment Report. All interested persons or their agents or attorneys may appear and be heard concerning the matters contained in the report. For more information, visit cityofbaraboo.com.
Wednesday
, Nov. 29
CPR class: 5-9 p.m., Reedsburg Area Medical Center, lower level conference room, 2000 North Dewey Ave., Reedsburg. This Heartsaver AED course includes adult and pediatric CPR, foreign body airway obstruction and the use of a defibrillator. Cost is $50 and includes the instruction book and two-year certification card. For more information or to check availability, call 768-6240. Class size is limited.
Thursday
, Nov. 30
Hospice training: 4-8 p.m., Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care, 1670 South Blvd., Baraboo. Volunteers are needed to visit and provide companionship to local hospice patients. For more information, an application and to schedule orientation, call 608-327-7163.
Gift wrap workshop: 6:30-8 p.m., Rock Springs Public Library, 101 First St., Rock Springs. During this free gift wrap workshop participants will learn simple ways to create wrapping paper and will make some to take home. Space is limited; to register, call 608-522-5050 or email rockspringslibrary.com" target="_blank">director@rockspringslibrary.com. For more information on library programs, visit rockspringslibrary.com.
Play: 7 p.m., University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County, R.G. Brown Theatre, 1006 Connie Road, Baraboo. Story Theatre a compilation of Aesops fables and Grimms fairy tales will be performed. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 10 younger and UW-Baraboo/Sauk County students. For more information, call 608-355-5238, or visit baraboo.uwc.edu/campus/arts/theatre.
Friday
, Dec. 1
Bazaar: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Maplewood of Sauk Prairie, activities room, 245 Sycamore St., Sauk City. Maplewoods Bazaar will offer home-baked cookies, bars, bread, pies and craft items made by the residents. Proceeds go to the Resident Council for the residents use.
Book sale: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friends of the Baraboo Public Library, Baraboo Public Library, 230 Fourth Ave., Baraboo. Book prices start at $1. For more information, call 608-356-6166 or visit baraboopubliclibrary.org.
Holiday parade: 6-7 p.m., Downtown Spring Green. Holiday Light Parade. For more information, visit springgreen.com.
Dinner theater: 6:30 p.m., Walnut Hill Bible Church, Expeditions, E11844 Highway DL, Baraboo. Dinner theater production of The Buzz in Bethlehem will offer a unique approach to theater in which attendees play a role as travelers to Bethlehem for the census. Appetizers and dinner will be provided. Tickets are $16 each or $14 for a group of eight or more. Tickets are available online at buzzinbethlehem.com.
Live theater: 7 p.m., Sauk Prairie Theatre Guild, River Arts Center, 105 Ninth St., Prairie du Sac. A Christmas Carol will be performed. Tickets available online at sptheatreguild.org, at River Arts on Water Gallery, 590 Water St., Prairie du Sac, call 643-5215 or at the door.
Play: 7 p.m., University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County, R.G. Brown Theatre, 1006 Connie Road, Baraboo. Story Theatre a compilation of Aesops fables and Grimms fairy tales will be performed. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 10 younger and UW-Baraboo/Sauk County students. For more information, call 608-355-5238, or visit baraboo.uwc.edu/campus/arts/theatre.
Concert: 7:30 p.m., The Village Booksmith, 526 Oak St., Baraboo. Joelle Austin will perform. For more information, call 608-355-1001 or visit villagebooksmith.com.
Saturday
, Dec. 2
Santa breakfast: 8-11 a.m., Spring Green Fire Station, 327 S. Winsted St., Spring Green. Free annual breakfast with Santa Claus. For more information, visit springgreen.com.
Bazaar: 8 a.m. to noon, Maplewood of Sauk Prairie, activities room, 245 Sycamore St., Sauk City. Maplewoods Bazaar will offer home-baked cookies, bars, bread, pies and craft items made by the residents. Proceeds go to the Resident Council for the residents use.
Blood drive: 8 a.m. to noon, American Red Cross, Hillpoint VFW Hall, S6088 Highway 154, Hillpoint. To make an appointment or for more information, call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org.
Book sale: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friends of the Baraboo Public Library, Baraboo Public Library, 230 Fourth Ave., Baraboo. Book prices start at $1. For more information, call 608-356-6166 or visit baraboopubliclibrary.org.
Open house: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., River Arts on Water Gallery, 590 Water St., Prairie du Sac. Holiday open house with gift items, local artists, giveaways, door prizes, workshops, classes and more. Guest Artist Holiday Trunk Show from 1-4 p.m. This event is free to attend and open to the public.
Organization program: 10 a.m., La Valle Public Library, 101 W. Main St., La Valle. Organizing expert Penny Johnson at 10 a.m. Dec. 2 for a program on organizing photographs. Johnson will share how to store, arrange, file and enjoy digital and paper photos and slides while learning to set up a personal Photo Action Plan to keep the collection safe and accessible today, tomorrow and forever. For more information, call 608-985-7323.
Live theater: 2 and 7 p.m., Sauk Prairie Theatre Guild, River Arts Center, 105 Ninth St., Prairie du Sac. A Christmas Carol will be performed. Tickets available online at sptheatreguild.org, at River Arts on Water Gallery, 590 Water St., Prairie du Sac, call 643-5215 or at the door.
Dinner theater: 6:30 p.m., Walnut Hill Bible Church, Expeditions, E11844 Highway DL, Baraboo. Dinner theater production of The Buzz in Bethlehem will offer a unique approach to theater in which attendees play a role as travelers to Bethlehem for the census. Appetizers and dinner will be provided. Tickets are $16 each or $14 for a group of eight or more. Tickets are available online at buzzinbethlehem.com.
Full moon hike: 7-8:30 p.m., Devils Lake State Park. Guided two mile walk/snowshoe hike along trails by the light of the full moon. Wear proper footwear and clothing for winter weather. Meet at the Steinke Basin parking lot. For more information, call 608-356-8301.
Play: 7 p.m., University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County, R.G. Brown Theatre, 1006 Connie Road, Baraboo. Story Theatre a compilation of Aesops fables and Grimms fairy tales will be performed. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 10 younger and UW-Baraboo/Sauk County students. For more information, call 608-355-5238, or visit baraboo.uwc.edu/campus/arts/theatre.
Holiday concert: 7:30 p.m., First United Church of Christ, 504 Washington Ave., Sauk City. Christmas With The Niskas, the vocal threesome presents a concert of traditional and pop holiday selections in a variety of musical genres. Tickets are $23 at the door and available online at theniskas.com.
Sunday
, Dec. 3
Santa: 8 a.m. to noon, St. Aloysius School, gym, 608 Oak St., Sauk City. Breakfast with Santa serving an all-you-can-eat breakfast of baked eggs, pancakes, and more. Also Sinsinawa bread, cookie walk, raffle tickets, chance raffle prizes and a Scholastic Book Fair. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for kids and free for younger than 3; available at the door.
Open house: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., River Arts on Water Gallery, 590 Water St., Prairie du Sac. Holiday open house with gift items, local artists, giveaways, door prizes, workshops, classes and more. Fingerprint Painted Ornaments Workshop from 10 a.m. to noon for kids ages 5-10, with a parent or guardian present. For more information and to register, visit riverartsinc.org/workshop-fingerprint-ornaments. Cost is $40 per artist team of one adult and one child. From 1-4 p.m. a Book Signing is scheduled for seven local authors. This event is free to attend and open to the public.
Dinner theater: 1 p.m., Walnut Hill Bible Church, Expeditions, E11844 Highway DL, Baraboo. Dinner theater production of The Buzz in Bethlehem will offer a unique approach to theater in which attendees play a role as travelers to Bethlehem for the census. Appetizers and dinner will be provided. Tickets are $16 each or $14 for a group of eight or more. Tickets are available online at buzzinbethlehem.com.
Play: 1 p.m., University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County, R.G. Brown Theatre, 1006 Connie Road, Baraboo. Story Theatre a compilation of Aesops fables and Grimms fairy tales will be performed. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $5 for children 10 younger and UW-Baraboo/Sauk County students. For more information, call 608-355-5238, email tom.mcevilly@uwc.edu or visit baraboo.uwc.edu/campus/arts/theatre.
Live theater: 2 p.m., Sauk Prairie Theatre Guild, River Arts Center, 105 Ninth St., Prairie du Sac. A Christmas Carol will be performed. Tickets available online at sptheatreguild.org, at River Arts on Water Gallery, 590 Water St., Prairie du Sac, call 643-5215 or at the door.
Gamblers meeting: 6-7 p.m., Sauk County Gamblers Anonymous, SSM Health St. Clare Hospital, Crane Room A, 707 14th St., Baraboo. Ongoing meeting meets every Wednesday and Sunday.
Full moon hike: 7 p.m., Ice Age Trail Alliance, Lodi High School, pool parking area, 1100 Sauk St., Lodi. Wear appropriate clothing, shoes and bring a flashlight if possible; walking stick recommended. Children and leashed dogs are welcome. Hot chocolate and cookies served. For more information, Bill at 608-843-3926.
Advent festival: 7 p.m., St. Joseph Church, 304 East St., Baraboo. Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, an evening of scripture, music and prayer.
Monday
, Dec. 4
Career workshop: 10-11:30 a.m., Madison Area Technical College, 300 Alexander Ave., Reedsburg. Free career counseling for displaced workers, recent high school graduates or individuals who want to make a career change. For more information, visit madisoncollege.edu/career-employment-events. To schedule an appointment with Paul Anderson of the Counseling & College Success Department for one-on-one counseling, email panderson5@madisoncollege.edu or call 608-524-7753.
Tree lighting: 5:45 p.m., Friends of Sauk Prairie Healthcare, Sauk Prairie Hospital Conference Center, 260 26th St., Prairie du Sac. Love Lights Tree Lighting Ceremony. For more information, call 643-7257.
A man arrested after a drunken brawl allegedly told officers he would use his knowledge of chemistry to carry out a revenge bombing.
Police say 31-year-old Milwaukee resident Dustin B. Colvin made the threat Oct. 21 as officers were investigating a fight at the Great Wolf Lodge in the village of Lake Delton.
In the early morning, two Lake Delton Police Department officers and one sergeant responded to the hotel for a report of a physical disturbance in progress, according to a criminal complaint.
Officers reportedly located a room where noises had been heard, and knocked on the door. A bloodied man, with an eye wound swollen to the size of a grapefruit, opened the door, and officers reported seeing blood and hair on the floor and walls.
The man told officers he was roommates with Colvin and that they both attended Milwaukee Area Technical College. They had been at a conference hours earlier, the man said, and went out drinking after.
The two men allegedly began to fight after a drunken argument over rent money.
An officer who interviewed Colvin reported that he gave untruthful answers and made comments that he was going to hurt the other man when they got back to Milwaukee. When confronted about his statements, Colvin allegedly admitted to lying because he didnt want to get kicked out of school.
Dustin stated he was a chemist and would make a bomb to get revenge on officers who unjustifiably arrested him, the officer reported. Dustin added he was going to bring a Vegas situation to the Wisconsin Dells area for getting him kicked out of college.
After he was transported to the jail for booking, prosecutors said Colvin was uncooperative and that five deputies had to restrain him.
The Sauk County District Attorneys Office has charged Colvin with threatening an officer, battery, disorderly conduct and resisting an officer.
Editor's note: This article was updated Nov. 30 to correct the name of the college the two men attended.
U-Haul has purchased a West Baraboo shopping center, setting up a showroom in a long-dormant Maurices clothing store, and will use a shuttered Sears store for storage space rental.
The national moving company closed on its purchase of WestDayl Plaza at the end of October, and opened its showroom Nov. 6.
We wanted to get a showroom up and be a part of the community, said Adam Sonnleitner, president of U-Haul in southwestern Wisconsin.
In recent years, U-Haul has served Baraboo-area customers through four local dealers. The company will continue to work with those dealers, Sonnleitner said, while also offering truck rentals, storage, moving supplies and trailer rentals at its new West Baraboo retail location.
Sonnleitner said U-Haul was drawn to the location because it offered expansive, available retail space and ready access to the new, four-lane U.S. Highway 12 route. Renovating existing stores, rather than building new, avoided the need for an estimated 1,400 tons of metal and 6,500 tons of concrete. Sonnleitner said 8,000 tons of construction debris was kept out of landfills.
We do like to repurpose old buildings, he said.
Covering 16 acres, WestDayl was once a retail hub, featuring a grocery store, Walgreens pharmacy, Cost Cutters hair salon and JCPenney store, in addition to Sears and Maurices. Walgreens, Maurices and Cost Cutters moved in recent years, and JCPenney closed. That left the grocery as the shopping centers only operating business. Festival Foods will remain, renting its space from U-Haul.
Baraboo Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bobbie Boettcher said she hopes the new owner will reinvigorate the shopping center.
U-Haul is a respected brand. Were lucky to have them, she said. Its great to see fresh activity at WestDayl.
U-Haul hopes traffic pouring off Highway 12 at the Highway 136 exit will bring customers to U-Haul and other businesses that may rent space at WestDayl.
We can pull them right off the highway, Sonnleitner said. It comes down to location.
He said the company hasnt determined how much space it will use, or how much it might rent or lease to other businesses. After renovations are complete, climate-controlled storage will be available next year.
Were kind of in the very, very early stages of it, he said. We havent decided exactly what were going to do with it.
On-site manager Ray Pooler will lead a staff of at least five employees. U-Haul is open six days a week.
Baraboo School Board members on Monday questioned the efficacy of the states school report cards.
The Baraboo School District passed the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction assessment with an overall score of 69 out of 100 points, earning a three-star rating of meets expectations.
Several schools within the district also received individual report cards. Al Berhman, Gordon L. Willson and North Freedom Elementary schools earned four-star overall grades of exceeds expectations, while East Elementary and Jack Young Middle schools received three-star scores of meets expectations. Baraboo High School came in below with a two-star grade of meets few expectations.
District leaders questioned what comparisons can be made between schools and what specific information can be gleaned from the overall score.
Sometimes when you get a government using a weighting system like this, it becomes very difficult for us to say where our goals are and what are we trying to achieve, said board member Doug Mering. We cant be driven entirely by a test score or by a report card.
The report cards underwent significant changes as part of Wisconsin Act 55 beginning in the 2015-2016 school year. The changes included the addition of variable weighting to address the impacts of poverty on student achievement, a new model for measuring student growth and a legislative requirement to drop the Badger Exam in favor of the Forward Exam.
The changes marked the third time standardized state testing was altered in three years. The 2016-2017 report cards comprise multiple years of data, despite the different tests. The scores are derived from one year of the Badger and two years of the Forward exams for grades three through eight, and the ACT Plus Writing in grade 11.
For the second year, the report cards used a five-star rating system. The stars corresponded to one of five categories: fails to meet expectations, meets few expectations, meets expectations, exceeds expectations and significantly exceeds expectations.
During a presentation to the board, Director of Teaching and Learning Nicholas Karls explained that each schools individual score is calculated differently based on its percentage of economically disadvantaged students. Economic disadvantage percentage is determined by the number of students who receive free and reduced-price lunches.
Take a look at Al Behrman Elementary, where they sit somewhere close to 70 percent (economically disadvantaged), Karls said. Only five percent of the report card is weighted on student achievement, and 45 percent is weighted on growth.
By contrast, North Freedom Elementary Schools economically disadvantaged population is about 39 percent. Its student achievement score is weighted about 22 percent toward its overall score and growth is around 28 percent, he said.
District Administrator Lori Muller said the variable weighting makes it difficult to compare report cards between schools and across districts.
Youre really not comparing apples to apples, she said.
Districts and schools within the state receive a score from zero to 100 on the report cards based on student test scores in English language arts and mathematics, as well as student growth, closing gaps between student subgroups, and measures of readiness for graduation and post-secondary success.
Student subgroups are groups of 20 or more students who share similar characteristics, such as socioeconomic status, language abilities or physical and learning disabilities.
To improve Baraboo High Schools score which missed a three-star meets expectations grade by roughly one point Karls said administrators and faculty will work to close gaps between subgroups by providing additional support to students who have disabilities, and students who are economically disadvantaged.
Our next steps will be to further dive into the data and develop an action plan with our staff, he said. In addition, student interviews are going to be conducted to see if any trends emerge related to barriers students might experience.
Mueller added that several positive data points for the high school were not included in this years assessment and could become positive factors moving forward.
We know next school year the report cards will include data that wont be weighted, but will include data to show advanced placement coursework and workforce certification, she said. Then in the 2019-2020 school year, theyre saying they will start to factor that into the overall calculation of the report card for the high schools.
Sometimes when you get a government using a weighting system like this, it becomes very difficult for us to say where our goals are and what are we trying to achieve. Doug Mering, Baraboo School Board member
NAAE Convention, Dec. 4-9: I will be attending the National Association of Agricultural Educators Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. I serve on the NAAE Executive Board and I am running for President-elect. The election will take place Dec. 9. If I am elected, I will serve one year as the president-elect and then serve the following year as the president of the NAAE.
Dec. 6, Late Start and Parent/Teacher Conferences: I will not be here for parent/teacher conferences, but if you have any questions or concerns you may call or email me.
Dec. 11, State FFA Officer Visit: Sam Jesse, the State FFA Sentinel, will be visiting Columbus and presenting to all of the Agriscience classes.
Dec. 18, FFA Meeting: 7 p.m., middle school meeting, 7:30 p.m., chapter meeting. The meeting will be held in the high school ag room 107.
Dec. 14-16, NICC Foundation Gift Wrapping: The FFA will be helping one of these nights. We will select a date soon and share in the next email.
Agricultural Food Science: The students focused on the chemical basis of food and organic compounds in food this week. They completed a lab on refrigeration and freezing, analyzing the use-by dates and what would happen to the food product if it was not kept frozen or cold. The students finished up the week with a food science lab. The students wore their lab coats, goggles, and food safety gloves to prepare a tasty chemical mixture. All of the ingredients were labeled with their chemical names. The students had to follow the lab procedure to figure out what they were making. In the end they all enjoyed some peanut brittle.
Agricultural Careers and Leadership: The students spent the week creating an E-portfolio using Google sites. They completed a resume and cover letter and then posted these items along with six artifacts, proving the skills and knowledge they have developed. The students will be sharing their E-portfolios on Monday. Last week the students also had an etiquette lesson on how to do a proper handshake and greeting. They also learned how to properly sit in a chair for a job interview.
Food, Forests and Wildlife: The students learned about Wisconsins Fun Faces of Agriculture and looked up Wisconsin Agricultural products from A to Z. They were to take note of the Wisconsin agricultural products they ate during Thanksgiving dinner.
Animals, Plants and Food Science: The students finished up their project creating an agricultural exchange box for a school in Vale, Oregon. The students each typed a couple of sentences about themselves in a letter to the students in Oregon. They all created one slide in a slideshow that Mrs. Crook will share with the Vale teacher and they sent a box of Wisconsin agricultural products and information about Columbus to Oregon. They started their food science unit last week, brainstorming food preservation methods.
After nearly a year of threats, the Trump administration made its most aggressive move to date against a familiar target of its ire: California and its immigration policies.
Late Tuesday evening the department filed a federal lawsuit against the state and its top officials to stop a cluster of so-called "sanctuary state" bills -- a move that puts the administration on offense but is nonetheless likely to generate heated litigation over the boundaries of immigration authority.
The lawsuit is the latest broadside from the Trump administration against so-called "sanctuary cities" -- a broad term referring to localities that abide by some measure of non-cooperation with federal law enforcement -- and amid an already heightened level of tension with California.
Trump administration officials have repeatedly attacked sanctuary jurisdictions and local officials as harboring dangerous criminals.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is expected to announce the case on Wednesday in California's capital, Sacramento, during an event with a state law enforcement association.
"The Department of Justice and the Trump administration are going to fight these unjust, unfair, and unconstitutional policies that have been imposed on you," Sessions will tell law enforcement officers at the California Peace Officers Association gathering on Wednesday, according to a copy of his prepared remarks. "We are fighting to make your jobs safer and to help you reduce crime in America. And I believe that we are going to win."
California Governor Edmund G. Brown and Attorney General Xavier Becerra, both named defendants in the lawsuit, sharply condemned it as a meritless.
"At a time of unprecedented political turmoil, Jeff Sessions has come to California to further divide and polarize America," Brown said in a statement. "Jeff, these political stunts may be the norm in Washington, but they don't work here. SAD!!!"
"No matter what happens in Washington, #California will stay the course and enforce all our laws and protect all our people," Becerra tweeted.
The California laws at issue limit state and local police cooperation with federal immigration authorities in a variety of ways. One prohibits private employers from voluntarily cooperating with federal immigration law enforcement and requires that employers give workers a heads up about potential worksite inspections, a second restricts local law enforcement from sharing information about the release of criminal immigrants to federal agents and prohibits their transfer to federal custody, and a third allows the state to inspect federal and Department of Homeland Security documents, which DOJ considers off limits to local authorities.
"The provisions of state law at issue have the purpose and effect of making it more difficult for federal immigration officers to carry out their responsibilities in California," Justice Department lawyers argue in the suit, further calling the laws an "obstacle to the United States' enforcement of the immigration laws and discriminating against federal immigration enforcement."
California passed the laws last year in what officials hailed as a rebuke of President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement agenda.
Test for states
The suit will test how much leeway states have to shield immigrants from detection.
The Justice Department says that the federal power to determine immigration policy is well settled and California's laws conflict with those federal prerogatives in novel ways.
But the legal thrust of the case also puts the Trump administration in the delicate position of relying on a 2012 Supreme Court decision that effectively blocked some of Arizona's sweeping attempts aimed at lessening the number of undocumented immigrants on the grounds that the state could not pursue policies that undermined federal law -- known as "preemption."
The justices delivered a split decision, however, and declined to block the most hotly debated provision, requiring state police officers to demand the papers of anyone suspected of being in the country illegally.
In addition to the ongoing litigation over sanctuary cities, the mayor of Oakland, California, recently drew sharp rebuke from federal officials when she announced in advance that Immigration and Customs Enforcement were preparing to hold enforcement operations in her city, which officials said allowed some priority targets to evade capture.
"We will continue to exercise our legal right to exist as a sanctuary city," Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said in a statement on Tuesday's lawsuit. "We will continue to inform all residents about their Constitutional rights, and we will continue to support California's sanctuary status."
States and cities say their policies are protecting the best interest of their citizens. States say they should not have to spend their limited resources on a federal responsibility and a perception the local law enforcement works with immigration officials hurts community relations.
The Justice Department has struggled in federal courts to pressure localities on sanctuary policies. Federal courts have blocked the Trump administration from taking away funds on grounds that jurisdictions don't cooperate on immigration enforcement, aside from a small piece of federal law that requires local authorities to share information on an individual's citizenship and nationality "status."
President Donald Trump, during an event at the White House honoring Navajo code talkers Monday, referenced his nickname for Sen. Elizabeth Warren, "Pocahontas," a label he has long used about the Massachusetts Democrat.
"I just want to thank you because you are very, very special people. You were here long before any of us were here," Trump said. "Although, we have a representative in Congress who has been here a long time ... longer than you -- they call her Pochahontas!"
He then turned to one of the code talkers behind him, put his left hand on the man's shoulder and said: "But you know what, I like you. You are special people."
Trump did not name Warren.
The comment, met with silence from event attendees, revives an insult the President has long thrust upon Warren but restated a high-profile meeting with the Native American war heroes.
"It is deeply unfortunate that the President of the United States cannot even make it through a ceremony honoring these heroes without having to throw out a racial slur. Donald Trump does this over and over thinking somehow he is going to shut me up with it. It hasn't worked out in the past, it isn't going to work out in the future," Warren told MSNBC shortly after Trump's remark.
Conservatives have previously criticized Warren for claiming that she is part Native American, and the senator's heritage became an issue during her Senate campaigns.
Trump has seized on the attacks and has regularly called Warren "Pocahontas." The attack dates back to his 2016 campaign.
"Pocahontas is at it again," he tweeted in June 2016. "Goofy Elizabeth Warren, one of the least productive U.S. Senators, has a nasty mouth. Hope she is V.P. choice."
He added, "Crooked Hillary is wheeling out one of the least productive senators in the U.S. Senate, goofy Elizabeth Warren, who lied on heritage."
And earlier this month, he added, "Pocahontas just stated that the Democrats, lead by the legendary Crooked Hillary Clinton, rigged the Primaries! Lets go FBI & Justice Dept."
He has also made used the nickname privately.
Sources told CNN earlier this year that during a meeting with senators at the White House, Trump taunted Democrats by saying "Pocahontas is now the face of your party."
Trump has routinely given his political opponents nicknames, but the slight against Warren is one of his most culturally insensitive.
Warren says she is, in fact, part Native American, citing "family stories" passed down through generations of her family.
"I am very proud of my heritage," Warren told NPR in 2012. "These are my family stories. This is what my brothers and I were told by my mom and my dad, my mammaw and my pappaw. This is our lives. And I'm very proud of it."
The legitimacy of Warren's heritage has been widely debated and Scott Brown, her 2012 Senate campaign opponent, has even suggested Warren take a DNA test to prove her heritage.
Harvard Law School in the 1990s touted Warren, then a professor in Cambridge, as being "Native American." They singled her out, Warren later acknowledged, because she had listed herself as a minority in an Association of American Law Schools directory.
Critics seized on the listing, saying that she received preferential treatment for questionable Native American heritage. Warren contends that her career was never furthered because of her Native American genealogy.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has called a mandatory meeting with Assembly staff this week to address ways workers can report sexual harassment.
Its the first action to address sexual harassment taken by state legislative leaders in the wake of an avalanche of allegations against prominent lawmakers, entertainers and journalists. None have involved people in Wisconsin.
The Assembly takes reports of sexual harassment very seriously and we want to make sure all staff are comfortable and familiar with how to make a report and explain the process that occurs if one is made, Vos, R-Rochester, wrote in an email to staff last week.
The meeting comes at a time when Congress and state legislatures are grappling with allegations of sexual harassment and assault. Allegations have been leveled against U.S. Sen. Al Franken, D-Minnesota, U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Michigan, several state lawmakers and Republican Senate-hopeful Roy Moore of Alabama.
The claims of sexual misconduct and harassment made against lawmakers followed a cascade of similar allegations against movie producer Harvey Weinstein, comedian Louis C.K. and high-profile media figures such as Roger Ailes and Bill OReilly of Fox News and Charlie Rose of CBS and PBS.
Also last week, Department of Administration Secretary Scott Neitzel asked heads of state agencies to review with their staff members the states policies related to sexual harassment.
In the email, Neitzel emphasized that state law allows employees to be fired instead of disciplined for harassing a person while on duty.
While most harassment claims may not be as obvious a violation as some we have recently seen in the media, all allegations need to be taken seriously and appropriately reviewed, he wrote.
Vos wrote in his email to staff that the Legislatures human resources director will be at the Tuesday meeting in the Assembly chamber to discuss the Assemblys procedures on reporting sexual harassment.
Lawmakers are not required to attend the meeting, but Vos said in the email that legislators are encouraged to attend.
A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said the office would discuss whether to hold a similar meeting.
Zero tolerance
According to Assembly Chief Clerk Patrick Fuller, the Assemblys policies prohibit discrimination of any kind and ban sexual harassment. According to the official policy manual all staff receive and must sign a document stating the Assembly will not tolerate discrimination or harassment, and is committed to preventing or stopping it whenever it may occur.
Complaints of harassment should be made to the Legislatures human resources office, according to the policy, though the policy does not specifically address sexual harassment.
Staff are also given a pamphlet including the Department of Workforce Developments complaint process for staff who feel they have experienced discrimination, which outlines the best methods for managers to handle allegations of harassment, Fuller said.
The pamphlet also defines sexual harassment emphasizing sexual harassment can occur when there is a disparity of power, not just when men and women work together and that harassers can be supervisors, co-workers and also people who dont work for the Assembly but communicate and work with Assembly staff.
In the Senate, harassment and discrimination also are prohibited and staff are given policies regarding sexual harassment that specifically outline how to file complaints. According to Senate Chief Clerk Jeff Renk, staff making a complaint can file one through an informal process to resolve the unwanted situation or through a formal complaint that aims to ensure that appropriate action can be taken right away.
It defines sexual harassment as verbal, visual, or physical.
It can be overt, as in the suggestion that a person could get a raise in salary or promotion by submitting to sexual advances, according to the policy. Sexual harassment can also consist of persistent, unwelcome attempts to change a professional relationship to a personal one.
The informal process allows staff to complain verbally or in writing, and provides more confidentiality, while the formal process requires a detailed complaint be filed in writing, according to the Senates policy.
The Senate also prohibits retaliation against employees and establishes timelines within which supervisors and human resources staff must resolve complaints.
Records denied
Fuller and Renk last week denied a request made by the Wisconsin State Journal under the states open records law for complaints of sexual harassment filed with their offices over the last 10 years.
To the extent we have any records, release of any records responsive to your request would have a negative/chilling impact upon employees informing the Legislature of their concerns via the internal complaint process and the ability of the Legislature to be appropriately informed of and to timely respond to and resolve such concerns/complaints, they wrote in each of their letters of denial. The purpose of an employer internal complaint process is to instill employee confidence in his/her employer in resolving such concerns in an appropriate, timely and as confidential as possible manner (without having to file a formal, costly and public lawsuit).
Fuller and Renk said releasing the records related to complaints and investigations compromises the privacy rights of victims, witnesses, and others.
The increased level of embarrassment would have a chilling effect on future witnesses or victims coming forward, contrary to public policy, they wrote.
Vivid, dark red splotches of blood show where people were shot and killed by the hundreds inside Egypt's al Rawda Mosque during midday prayer last Friday.
A 17-year-old boy, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, recalled the scene outside the Sufi mosque as the massacre began. "I saw a man in army uniform," he said. "He opened fire on us. The bullets were ricocheting off the walls, hitting people in the legs and back."
When the attackers left, he went inside to search for his father among the dead. "He was on his side. It looked like he was shot up close in the head when he was already down," he said.
He and others who spoke to CNN said the entire incident lasted roughly an hour.
Mohamed, another eyewitness who asked CNN to refer to him only by his first name for his safety, was at another mosque down the street when he saw several four-wheel vehicles driving up to the al Rawda Mosque. "I heard shooting and screaming and shouting, so I ran toward the mosque. I saw four people I know who work for the army, and they were firing at the attackers, but they ran out of ammunition. One of them, Ahmed, was killed after he finished his ammunition."
According to the official narrative, the death toll from the attack, the bloodiest in modern Egyptian history, stands at 305, including 27 children.
These accounts, as well as the video and still photographs in this report, were provided by CNN's Sinai stringer, Mona El Zamlout. For several years, Egyptian authorities have barred CNN and all other international news organizations, as well as most Egyptian news media, from entering the northern Sinai peninsula.
On Saturday, Egypt's Public Prosecutor issued a statement saying that the attackers arrived at the al Rawda mosque in five SUVs, some wearing combat fatigues, some masked, heavily armed, and bearing the black banner of ISIS.
"The ones who were masked spoke like Bedouin," eyewitness Mohamed recalled. "The ones with their faces exposed, however, spoke with Cairo accents, they were big, and had long hair."
ISIS's affiliate here, known as Wilayat Sinai or Sinai Province, has yet to claim responsibility for the massacre, and may never do so, says H.A. Hellyer, senior nonresident fellow at the Atlantic Council and Royal United Services Institute. "The chatter that you've seen online, even from people that support ISIS, was quite a lot of shock and horror at what happened on Friday," Hellyer says.
Friday's attack was the first time Wilayat Sinai targeted a Muslim house of worship. In the past, their violence was focused on army and police checkpoints and positions in the northeastern Sinai. In the past year, they've attacked a Coptic cathedral in Cairo, a church each in the Nile Delta city of Tanta and the Mediterranean port of Alexandria. In October 2015, the group claimed responsibility for the downing of Metrojet flight 9268, killing all 224 passengers and crew on board.
"With the Christian attacks," says Hellyer, "it seemed aimed at creating some sort of divide within Egyptian society the radical groups could then take advantage of. They failed. Now they're going after anybody that doesn't support what they want to do."
It's possible that they specifically targeted the al Rawda mosque because it is affiliated with a local Sufi order, the Jaririya. Sufis are Islamic mystics and have traditionally shunned violence. ISIS considers Sufis to be heretics, and in Syria and Iraq, they have destroyed Sufi shrines and bulldozed or dynamited the tombs of Sufi saints.
In November 2016, Wilayat Sinai kidnapped and beheaded Sulaiman Abu Haraz, a widely respected 100-year-old Sufi sheikh. According to one resident of the town, the militants threatened the mosque five separate times, ordering those responsible to stop holding Sufi gatherings. They refused.
Another theory is that the attack was in revenge for local residents' cooperation with Egyptian security forces.
Whatever the motive, the result is a town that's been shattered by mass murder. Some estimates place a quarter of the community's men dead. Until now, the town of al Rawda had largely been spared the violence that has plagued this part of the Sinai.
Six of 40-year-old Salama's relatives were killed in the attack. He and his extended family had fled to al Rawda from the fighting in his hometown of Shaikh Zawaid, near the border with Gaza. "We came here two years ago because al Rawda was the safest and most peaceful town, but by God we aren't going to stay here."
New Energy Leadership Centre another first for Africa
Wits Business School has launched a new African Energy Leadership Centre (ELC), a first for South Africa and the continent.
The ELC will be a hub of teaching and research aimed at addressing the issues of energy shortages in Africa as well as the skills deficit in an industry which is of vital importance to economic growth on the continent.
Africa has vast untapped energy potential and will be one of the fastest growing regions for power demand in the next decade. And yet the regions development is hampered by energy shortages, said Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Affairs at Wits University, in his opening address at the launch of the ELC at the Wits Business School (WBS).
Among those attending the launch was Maurice Radebe, Deputy Vice President: Energy and Sustainability at Sasol and Norman Ndaba, Partner: Africa Power & Utilities Sector Lead: Advisory Services at EY, both of whom were key drivers of the initiative from an industry perspective.
There is a scarce skills crisis in the energy sector which must be addressed. The energy workforce is aging, and fewer young skilled workers are entering the industry as access to energy training and education is limited. In fact, many have to go overseas to receive training which is very costly, said Dr Rod Crompton, newly-appointed Director of the ELC.
Energy in Africa is increasingly being provided by the private sector and we need to equip future leaders to manage the challenges of this burgeoning sector, an environment which is becoming increasingly interconnected and interdependent, he said.
Crompton explained that the ELC will offer both a Postgraduate Diploma and a Masters degree in Energy Leadership, as well as executive education short courses and seminars, and that the Centre will engage with historically disadvantaged research universities across Africa.
I am honoured to be the first director of the first African Energy Leadership Centre and thank all those who have worked hard to get to this day, including the Wits Business School for having the vision, and to our funding partners, the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) who have generously given R5 million towards the Centre," he said.
Raakshani Sing, Executive Manager at CHIETA said, We are very excited to embark on this partnership with WBS which is in line with our mandate to provide world class education and training in the energy and chemicals sectors. We hope for a long and mutually beneficial partnership towards the growth of the African energy value chain through innovation, transformation and research.
Professor Imraan Valodia, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management at Wits said he was thrilled to witness the first step in an ambitious and exciting plan. I thank Mr Radebe and Mr Ndaba for their commitment to WBS and for freely offering their time and expertise, our partners, CHIETA and to Rod Crompton for accepting the challenge of leading the ELC into the future. He has the drive, knowledge and intellectual gravitas to ensure that the Centre plays a critical role in African energy research and thought leadership.
Each year, public school districts in Wisconsin are required to share their restraint and seclusion statistics with their local school boards.
Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less.
Spencer Johnson cuts Jeremiah Edwards' hair at JP Hair Design in Madison, near the entrance of the Men's Health and Education Center, which opened inside the barbershop in October. The health center aims to improve the health status of black men, said Aaron Perry, who runs it.
Toshiba completes Mangiarotti sale
28 November 2017
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The sale of Toshiba Corporation's 70% holding in Italian heavy equipment manufacturer Mangiarotti SpA to Westinghouse UK Holdings Ltd has been completed after receiving approval by the US Bankruptcy Court of New York. Toshiba has written off EUR110 million ($128 million) of debts owed to it by Mangiarotti as part of the transfer.
Westinghouse Electric Company in September 2014 acquired Mangiarotti, which manufactures components for the energy and process industries, including nuclear island equipment, pressurisers, steam generators and heat exchangers. Westinghouse's parent company, Toshiba, in June 2015 acquired 70% of Mangiarotti, the remaining 30% being retained by Westinghouse.
Toshiba on 31 October announced it had agreed to sell its stake in Mangiarotti to Westinghouse UK Holdings for EUR1.00 ($1.16), with Mangiarotti to be deconsolidated from Toshiba Group after the transfer. As a result, Toshiba said it would incur non-operating losses including a JPY2.9 billion ($26 million) loss before income taxes for the third quarter of FY2017, ending 31 March 2018; an expected impact of the equivalent amount in its October 2017 business results forecast; and a write-off of JPY14.6 billion in the third quarter of FY2017. The company said it had made provision for these amounts and the impact on Toshiba's non-consolidated business results for FY2017 would therefore be limited.
A transaction whereby Toshiba agreed to acquire Westinghouse UK Holding's 52% stake in Japan's Nuclear Fuel Industries for $1.00, also announced on 31 October, is still being executed, Toshiba said.
Westinghouse Electric Company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with US courts in March and is undertaking strategic restructuring, as a result of "financial and construction challenges" in its two US projects to construct AP1000 power plants.
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by World Nuclear News
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EU's Energy Union becoming a reality, says Commission
28 November 2017
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The European Commission has published its third report on progress made in delivering and implementing the Energy Union. European trade body Foratom has again highlighted the importance of nuclear energy in achieving the project's objectives.
The Energy Union, launched in February 2015, is a flagship project of European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker, whose vice president Maros Sefcovic is in charge of achieving the Energy Union goals. The first report on the State of the Energy Union was published in November 2015, with the second following in February 2017.
The European Commission published its Third Report on the State of the Energy Union on 23 November. According to the report, "Thanks to progress in 2017, the EU is on track to implement the Energy Union project and deliver jobs, growth and investments."
"The energy transition should be socially fair, lead to innovation and be based on a future-proof infrastructure, while enhancing security of supply," the Commission said. "The European Union's investment instruments and its foreign and development policies underpin Europe's energy transition. In all these areas, considerable progress was made in 2017."
The report said it is important to "continue rapidly delivering a number of enabling measures, to ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy fully contributes to the modernisation of Europe's economy". This will help member states to comply with the jointly agreed 2020 and 2030 energy and climate targets and with the wider Energy Union objectives, it said.
"Now is the time to mobilise all of society - citizens, cities, rural areas, companies, academia, social partners - to take full ownership of the Energy Union, take it forward and engage in developing the solutions of the future," it says.
The Commission said the EU must "accelerate our cooperative efforts and deliver on our commitment to complete the Energy Union by the end of the current Commission mandate". It added, "By 2019, the Energy Union must no longer be a policy. It must be a reality."
"Like the past year, 2018 too should bring important deliverables," the report states. "There has to be real progress in adopting the legislative framework, implementing the enabling framework and securing the involvement of all parts of society."
Foratom, the European nuclear trade body, welcomed the publication of the European Commission's report. It said it believes that Europe "must continue to focus on achieving its ultimate goal of cutting CO2 emissions and transitioning to a low-carbon economy whilst at the same time ensuring security of energy supply and jobs in Europe. To do this, the EU must continue to make use of all the best tools available, especially nuclear energy."
Foratom director general Yves Desbazeille said: "The Energy Union should ensure that all low-carbon technologies can compete on a level playing field. Accelerating the decarbonisation of Europe, in line with the Commission's goals, has to include nuclear energy, which contributes to all the European Union's key energy objectives: security of supply, competitiveness and environmental sustainability."
He noted, "Not only is nuclear a low-carbon energy source, it also ensures that people and businesses have an integral part of a socially-fair energy transition."
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Russian and Brazilian firms to cooperate in nuclear power
28 November 2017
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Russia's Rosatom has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Brazilian companies Centrais Eletricas Brasileiras (Eletrobras) and Eletrobras Termonuclear SA (Eletronuclear) to promote cooperation in nuclear power. It includes the possible construction of a new nuclear power plant in Brazil, Rosatom said.
The MoU also covers services, including operation, maintenance and decommissioning work; nuclear fuel management; the life extension of existing nuclear power plants in Brazil; education and training of nuclear power personnel; and developing public awareness of Brazil's nuclear power programme.
The document was signed yesterday by Kirill Kopmarov, Rosatom's first deputy director general for corporate development and international business, Wilson Ferreira Junior, Eletrobras president, and Leonam dos Santos Guimaraes, Eletronuclear acting president.
Komarov said the MoU has "laid a foundation" for bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
"Cooperation between Russia and Brazil has seen renewed life in recent years," Komarov said. "We are implementing projects in the framework of the nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear medicine. The signing of this MoU marks a new phase in our partnership. Brazil has substantial experience in using nuclear technologies and has big plans for the development of its national nuclear sector," he added.
A Russian-Brazilian joint working group will define the framework of cooperation for implementation of the programme.
The two countries signed an inter-governmental agreement on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in September 1994.
Brazil has two nuclear reactors, Angra 1 and 2, which generate 3% of its electricity, and a third under construction. Its first commercial nuclear power reactor began operating in 1982. Four more large reactors are proposed to come on line in the 2020s.
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Associate Editor John Nichols has been with The Capital Times since 1993 and has become one of Wisconsin's best-known progressive voices. He is the author of seven books on politics and the media and he also writes about electoral politics and public policy for The Nation magazine.
UK, South Korea to extend nuclear cooperation
28 November 2017
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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in nuclear energy was signed yesterday between the UK and South Korea. The agreement calls for greater collaboration in the construction of new nuclear power plants and the decommissioning of old ones.
Clark (left) and Un-gyu sign the MoU (Image: Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)
The MoU was signed in London by South Korean minister of trade, industry and energy, Paik Un-gyu, and UK secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy, Greg Clark. The signing followed discussions on the expansion of nuclear cooperation between the two countries, including the construction and dismantling of nuclear power plants.
Un-gyu noted that South Korea has over 40 years' of reactor operating experience, as well as experience in the development of nuclear technology.
In a statement, the Korean energy ministry said Clark vowed the UK government has a "clear commitment to support" foreign investment in UK nuclear new build projects.
State-run utility Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) has previously said it is considering taking a stake in NuGeneration, the Toshiba-led joint venture planning to construct the Moorside nuclear power plant in Cumbria, England. The plant was originally planned to feature Westinghouse AP1000 reactors, but with Korea's involvement there have been suggestions the reactor design could be changed to Kepco's APR1400.
Kepco nuclear operator subsidiary Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) confirmed in July it is in talks about "cooperation" with Horizon Nuclear Power, which is planning to build two large Advanced Boiling Water Reactors at Wylfa Newydd, in Wales. At that time, KHNP said Hitachi Japan had proposed cooperation with Horizon, its fully-owned UK project company, and that "KHNP is in the early stages of examining various aspects of cooperation from a practical point of view".
South Korea could benefit from the UK's experience in decommissioning nuclear power plants. Kori unit 1, which was permanently shut down in June, is the first South Korean reactor to enter decommissioning.
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European nations have some of the highest average life expectancies in the world. However, most countries in Eastern Europe have lower life expectancies than those in the western part of the continent. It is generally believed that higher income leads to a better access to good health and nutrition. Most Eastern European countries were part of the former Soviet Union, and did not become independent nations until after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The economies of these nations are still recovering from the past damages, and this could be one of the reasons for the discrepancy in average life expectancy between Western and Eastern European countries.
In all of the nations listed below, the average life expectancies of females are greater than that of males. In some of the Eastern European nations, the gender gaps in life expectancies are some of the highest in the world.
The European nations with the lowest life expectancies are listed below:
Three Countries with the Lowest Life Expectancy in Europe
Moldova, Russia, and Ukraine have the lowest life expectancies in Europe. The life expectancy at birth in these countries is 71 years.
Moldova
The infant and maternal mortality rates in Moldova are 12.59 and 41 deaths per 1000 live births, respectively. The average life expectancy of males is 66.55 years and 74.54 years for females. Only 4.2% of the country's GDP is dedicated to public expenditures on health. The country has only 264 doctors for every 100,000 people. The country struggles to combat a high incidence rate of MDR tuberculosis, one of the highest in the globe.
Russia
Russia has the largest gender gap in terms of life expectancy in the world. The life expectancies of males and females in Russia are 64.3 years and 76.1 years, respectively. Thus, women in Russia live nearly a decade longer than the men. Possible explanations for this shocking difference in life expectancy between the two genders include political, economic, and lifestyle factors. Alcoholism is also considered a significant factors that is killing Russian men earlier than the women. However, there is little conclusive evidence to identify the exact reasons responsible for the gender gap. In 2012, cardiovascular disease was the single biggest cause of death in the country, accounting for 55% of all deaths in Russia.
Ukraine
Ukraine is one of the few countries in the world in which the population is rapidly decreasing. In fact, the death rate in Ukraine (16.3 deaths per 1,000) exceeds the birth rate (11 births per 1,000). Lifestyle choices, like heavy alcohol consumptions or smoking, are considered significant contributing factors to the comparatively low life expectancy in Ukraine. The average life expectancy for males and females in Ukraine are 66.34 and 76.22 years, respectively.
Three Countries with the Second Lowest Life Expectancy in Europe
Belarus, Bulgaria, and Latvia have the second lowest life expectancies in Europe. The life expectancy at birth in these countries is 74 years.
Belarus
Belarus also suffers a similar fate as Ukraine and has a rapidly depleting population. During the Second World War, the country experienced a massive decrease in population, from 9 million to 7.7 million between 1940 and 1951, respectively. Following a period of steady growth until 1999, the nations population started to decrease again. The life expectancy for males and females in Belarus is 66.53 and 787.1 years, respectively.
Bulgaria
The average life expectancy of males and females in Bulgaria is 70.62 years and 77.55 years, respectively. The country has one of the highest death rates on the continent. Cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and respiratory illnesses are the three biggest causes of death in the country. However, HIV rates in Bulgaria are one of the lowest in the world.
Latvia
Latvia also has one of the lowest life expectancy rates in Europe. The country has a relatively high mortality rate of 704 per 100,000, which is the fourth highest in Europe. Smoking-related diseases are common causes of death given the high rates of smoking in Bulgaria. The death rate from injury in Latvia is the second highest in Europe.
Future Trends
With rapidly improving economies and advances in healthcare facilities, the average life expectancy is expected to increase in all parts of Europe. This increase is expected to be more pronounced in countries with low life expectancies than those with already high average life expectancies.
The scientific name for taro is Colocasia esculenta. The plant belongs to the Araceae family, and it is widely cultivated for its leaves, corms, and petioles which are consumed as vegetables. Taro is native to Southeast Asia and Southern India, but it is widely neutralized as it spread by cultivation to other parts of the world. It grows in paddy fields with abundant water or upland areas with sufficient rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Flooded cultivation of the crop yields a higher harvest as compared to dry-land farming. In the year 2014, the top five taro producing countries from across the world produced about 10.2 million metric tons of taro corms.
The Top 5 Taro Producing Countries In The World
1. Nigeria
Nigeria is the number one producer of taro in the world. The crop is also known as old cocoyam in the country, and locals from the Igbo community call it ede. It is a staple food in the state, and its methods of preparation include frying, boiling, or roasting. According to FAOSTAT, Nigeria accounts for approximately 32% of the world share in taro production. The country produced 3,273,000 metric tons of old cocoyam corms in 2014 from a cultivated area of 639,980 hectares.
2. China
Taro features widely in Chinese cuisine. When steamed, stir-fried, or boiled, the vegetable is taken as a main dish. Taro cake, a savory pastry dish whose main ingredients are taro and rice flour is traditionally eaten during celebrations of the Chinese New Year. China ranks second in taro production globally, according to FAOSTAT. In 2014, for example, the country produced 1,884,987 tons of taro corms, which comprised 18.6% of the world share. The total land area under cultivation was about 97,601 hectares.
3. Cameroon
The crop is also called macabo or cocoyam in Cameroon where it is a staple food. The country is the third top producer of taro worldwide. In 2014, Cameroons production was 1,672,731 metric tonnes, constituting 16.5% of the total yield from around the world. The harvested area was around 172,324 hectares. Although the plant is cultivated throughout the country, it does better in areas with higher precipitation, especially in forest zones.
4. Ghana
Taro is a staple crop in Ghana and natives of the country call it cocoyam. They use cocoyam leaves to make popular local sauces like egusi and palaver sauce. It is also used to make cocoyam chips, baby food, and fufu as a substitute for plantains when they are out of season. According to FAOSTATs statistics, Ghana is the fourth highest producer of taro corms in the world. The country produced 1,299,000 metric tons of cocoyam in 2014 from a cultivated area of 200,000 hectares.
5. Papua New Guinea
Taro is the fourth root crop in terms of production in Papua New Guinea after sweet potato, cassava, and yam. It ranks second as a staple root crop in the country after sweet potato. Taro farming in the country is mainly subsistence. The country produced 274,620 tons of taro corms in 2014, contributing 2.7% to the total production around the world. The yield was from a cultivated area of approximately 36,620 hectares. Papua New Guinea is the fifth top taro producing country.
Venezuela is located on South Americas northern coast, and the country shares its land borders with Brazil, Guyana, and Colombia. The nation is roughly triangular in shape and has an extensive northern coastline of 2,800 km. Venezuela encompasses a total area of 916,445 square km and has an estimated population of 31,568,179. The country has incredible biodiversity and a wide range of habitats, which range from the eastern Andes to the western Amazon Basin.
What Is the Capital of Venezuela and Where Is it Located?
The capital city of Venezuela is Caracas. Like most of the world's national capitals, Caracas is also the most populous city in the nation. The city is located along the Guaire River in Venezuelas northern part, where it is separated from Caribbean Sea coast by the Cerro El Avila mountains. The city has an area of 777.1 square km and a population of 1,943,901 people. The city's average elevation is 3,000 ft above sea level and its highest point of elevation is 4,600 ft. Caracas experiences a tropical savanna climate.
History of the Capital City of Venezuela
Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in Caracas, the area was inhabited by the indigenous people of the region. The first attempt by the Spanish to establish a plantation in the region in 1562 failed. However, in July 1567, the Spanish overcame the resistance of the natives people and laid the foundations of modern-day Caracas. Diego de Losada is credited as founder of the city. A decade later, the city became the capital of Venezuela Province, which was a Spanish colony. In the 18th century, the struggle for independence from colonial rule began in Venezuela. Caracas experienced several rebellions during this independence movement. After many unsuccessful uprisings, two decisive battles, the Battle of Carabobo and the Battle of Lake Maracaibo, finally resulted in Venezuelas independence from colonial rule. Caracas was named capital of the sovereign nation.
Current Role of the Capital of Venezuela
As the seat of Venezuala's national government, Caracas is home to the nation's important government buildings. These include the President of Venezuelas official residence, which is named the Palacio de Miraflores, and the Federal Legislative Palace, which serves as the meeting place of the National Assembly. Other federal government buildings, ministries, and departments, and the foreign embassies are also based in Caracas. Shopping centers, banks, and service companies make up the service sector of the citys economy. Textiles, chemicals, iron products, and leather are some of the important industries based in Caracas.
In addition to the political capital, Caracas is also the cultural capital of Venezuela. The city has numerous attractions like theaters and museums. However, Caracas is also known for its high crime rate, and in 2015 was named the city with the highest per capital murder rate in the world. This high crime rate is one of the biggest deterrents to the development of a successful tourism industry in the nation. Another factor is poor transport infrastructure. However, the Venezuelan government is making several attempts to upgrade the tourist facilities in Caracas and the rest of the country to encourage more visitors to the naturally beautiful country.
Haiti is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. The Spanish were the first Europeans to settle on Hispaniola, led by Christopher Columbus in December 1492. The Spanish settled on the eastern side of the island, which is currently the Dominican Republic. French explorers arrived shortly thereafter, and settled on the western part of the island that is now Haiti.
Historically, the indigenous population of Haiti were the Taino people. However, the spread of European diseases killed most of the Taino population, and the few who escaped disease became slaves of the early French settlers. Given the harsh living and working conditions, the Taino people were wiped out completely within a generation or two.
Since the French did not have enough labor to work the sugar plantations, they imported slaves from Africa. Eventually, the African population became large and fought for their independence. Under the leadership of Toussaint LOuverture, Africans gained independence, and most of the European population either died or were evicted. Therefore, the majority of Haiti's population are of African ancestry.
Today, over 90% of the Haitians are of Sub-Saharan African origin. According to the World Bank, Haitis population was approximately 10.85 million in 2016. There are two major languages spoken in Haiti: Creole and French. French is the official language, however most Haitians speak Creole.
Ethnic Composition of Haiti
Most of the Haitian population is made up of black Africans. However, many other ethnic groups have inhabited the land and continue to impact its growth. These ethnic groups include Poles, Jews, Italians, Arabs, Chinese, Indians, French, Spanish, and Germans. Most of these groups have intermarried with the blacks, leading to another group known as the mulattoes. Although Haitis official language is French, the country is not considered a Francophone nation, since most of the population speaks Creole, rather than French. Africans in Haiti make of 95% of the population, while the other ethnic groups constitute of only 5%.
African Ethnic Groups in Haiti
A large percentage of Haitians are of African descent. Sadly, colonial slave masters did not keep proper records regarding the origins of African slaves. However, through genetic testing, most Haitians can trace their ancestry to three West Coast African Nations: Benin, Congo, and Nigeria. Thus, slavery played a significant role in the ethnic composition of the Haiti nation. As part of the Americas, it is unlikely for anyone to guess that Haiti has such a large African population. However, a good understanding of the country's history helps explain its ethnic composition.
Pictures: Work on Ty Pawb remains on track for spring 2018 opening
This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Nov 28th, 2017
Work converting one of Wrexhams former indoor markets into a multi-million pound facility remains on schedule for its grand opening in spring 2018.
Contractors have been on site at Ty Pawb (Everybodys House) in the ex-Peoples Market since the start of the year; converting the former market hall into a mixed-use markets and arts space.
Funding for the development has been well documented, despite the frequent confusion / comments online over who funded what and what it could be spent on. As reported previously there has been 700k Vibrant and Viable Places funding from Welsh Government, the Arts Council Wales contributing 2.3 million and Wrexham Council funding 1.5million of the build.
Now new images released by Wrexham Council of the 4.5 million* arts, market and community space, show that individual stall holder areas have been built and partitioned, along with open areas and the main gallery.
Work also progresses on a two-story window and entryway, which will allow access and light into the building from Market Street.
Painting has also started on the exterior of the building, with further renovation work due to start this week.
Once complete the facility will become home to 20 market stalls and three food outlets with open seating into the market space.
The art element of the building will be made up of two gallery spaces, one of which will be climate controlled to allow for a wider variety of exhibitions to be brought to Wrexham. A performance room, flexi/community art space and studio space.
In October 2017 the first batch of events and exhibitions were confirmed:
Wal Pawb: a large-scale arts installation by artist Katie Cuddon
Dydd Llun Pawb itself, and a follow-up exhibition showing its success
Is This Planet Earth?: a group exhibition looking at the future of our planet from an environmental viewpoint, brought together by independent curator Angela Kingston
The return of the Wrexham Open: submissions of artworks are welcomed from anybody, regardless of age or background
Shiftwork: an exhibition of work by artists from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community
Three touring exhibitions: including high profile displays from the Craft Council and Arts Council Collection. The famous and popular figures featuring in these exhibitions will be announced very soon
Weaving Communities (working title): a living display in the lead up to and during the Craft Council exhibition
The gallery will also be open to exhibition spaces known as baggy spaces during the times between fixed displays and exhibitions, parts of the gallery will be open to community groups or stakeholders to display their own work.
Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: We know that work at Ty Pawb will be very much of interest of the general public, and that people are keen to know whats going on inside the building while work takes place.
Im very pleased to report that work progresses on schedule, and we remain on target for our official opening on Dydd Llun Pawb.
Last week also saw the official launch of the Ty Pawb logo, which has been designed by Cardiff-based branding experts, Elfen.
*The figure quoted throughout the process has been 4.5 million, however recent Wrexham Council releases have listed the figure at 4.2 million. We have queried to see if there has been any changes or mistakes with the funding and will update as and when we know!
New U.S. citizens take the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony in a hearing room at the Wisconsin state Capitol in Madison, Sept. 19, 2017.
The UK Electoral Commission is investigating whether the Vote Leave campaign in the 2016 referendum on British membership of the European Union (EU) breached its 7 million spending limit.
Vote Leave was the officially designated representative of those advocating exit from the EU. It was fronted by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Environment Secretary Michael Govestill figureheads of the strident pro-Brexit wing of the Conservative government.
The commissionwhich regulates electoral spendingis also investigating fashion design student Darren Grimes and his social media campaign BeLeave, which received 625,000 from Vote Leave.
While it was permissible for Grimes, a registered independent leave campaigner, to spend up to 700,000 in the referendum campaign, it is alleged that the funds he received were paid directly to Canadian-based data analysts AggregateIQthe social media analyst firm employed by Vote Leave.
Veterans for Britain is also under investigation for the 100,000 it received from Vote Leave, which it also spent on AggregateIQ's services.
Under election funding guidelines, campaigns must declare if they are working with others. All the campaigns deny any wrongdoing.
The Commissions announcement came as the Good Law Project threatened a legal challenge over an earlier decision to drop an investigation into the spending of Vote Leave and others. Good Law's website, which states its objective as using the law to deliver a progressive society, describes Brexit as a terrible idea. And if the people agree we think they should be able to stop it.
The Commission denied its reopening of the investigation was in response to the legal threat. A review of information submitted previously had given reasonable grounds to suspect an offence may have been committed, it said. It will investigate if Veterans for Britain, Grimes and Vote Leave delivered incorrect spending returns and whether Vote Leave exceeded its spending limit in the referendum.
If proven, relatively paltry fines of up to 20,000 can be levied for each offence. The Commission has warned, however, that if further potential contraventions and/or offences were identified they would be referred to the police.
The traducing of democratic norms by a handful of billionaires is a matter of serious concern. But this is not the real target of the Commission, or the political agenda from which it is working.
The EU referendum was the most expensive in British political history. Some 32 million was officially spent on the campaign, with Leave receiving 16.4 million in donations to Remain's 15.1 million.
The ties between Vote Leave and numerous other Brexit groups with the right-wing of the Tory Party and the UK Independence Party are well known.
Although a minority position in ruling circles, Brexit was favoured by a number of oligarchs and hedge-fund operators. Their opposition to the EU has nothing to do with its anti-democratic and pro-austerity policies, but aims to dismantle all remaining impediments to their untrammeled enrichment by eradicating even minimal regulations on workers' rights and health and environmental standards.
The Remain campaign has even more friends in high places, however, whose interests are just as reactionary as their opponents. Supported by the majority of the political establishment along with NATO, the EU and significant sections of the City of London, Remain reflected the strategic concerns of British imperialismnot just for preserving European trade but also its role as a central linchpin of the US-led global military-intelligence apparatus, which depends on its role as Washington's key ally in Europe.
Official government policy was in favour of Remain, which distributed propaganda to this end from Downing Street. Then US President Barack Obama appeared in Britain to call directly for a Remain vote.
If one were to try to quantify the monetary value of such publicity it would vastly surpass any official spending limits. None of those leading the complaints over potential spending breaches in the referendum are concerned with this, however, because it cuts across their self-serving agenda. Their objection is not to the influence of a super-rich cabal over political life per se, but that their faction of the ruling elite lost.
The referendum delivered a shock vote narrowly in favour of Leave, by 51 percent to 49 percent, opening an existential crisis for the British bourgeoisie. This reflects a global shift in the tectonic plates of geopolitical relations, at the centre of which is the historic decline of the United States, and which is the motive force behind an ever more hysterical campaign targeting Russia and China for military action.
Two further investigations are underway by the commission over the allegedly undeclared services provided by Cambridge Analyticaa US-owned firm based in London, to the unofficial campaign, Leave.EU. This was bankrolled by the multi-billionaire insurance tycoon, Arron Banks, who also funded the UK Independence Party, formerly led by Nigel Farage.
The commission is investigating whether Banks is the true source of non-commercial loans totaling 6 million made to Leave.EU and whether Better For The Country Limitedof which he is a directoracted as an agent for other parties in donating 2.3 million to five registered campaigners.
Outside the commission, the other parties is defined more explicitly as dark Russian money.
The Observer alleged that AggregateIQ and Cambridge Analytica are connected through an intellectual property license, which created a binding 'exclusive' 'worldwide' agreement 'in perpetuity' [for] all of AggregateIQ's intellectual property to be used by SCL Elections (a British firm that created Cambridge Analytica with [Robert] Mercer).
Mercer is a hedge fund billionaire with close ties to former Trump adviser and fascist Steven Bannon and Farage and Banks in Britain.
An article by Carole Cadwalladr in the Observer earlier this year placed Cambridge Analytica at the centre of an Alt-right network that played a role in both Trump and Brexit campaigns.
Cadwalladr expressed concerns at the ability of billionaires to lay the basis for an authoritarian state, utilising the type of psychological operations employed by the military to effect mass sentiment change.
Her material on the common political and economic agenda of such firms with billionaire fascists and sections of the military establishment is important. But it was employed to give the existing political set-up a clean bill of health. Claiming that the strategic objective of such operations is to smash the mainstream media and replace it with fake history and alternative facts, Cadwalladr asserts that, in contrast, government in the US, like Britain, is bound by strict laws about what data it can collect on individuals. But, for private companies anything goes.
This whitewashes the massive illegal Prism surveillance network and other covert programmes, operated through the US National Security Agency and GCHQ in Britain. The exposure of this and other criminal activities led to the hounding of Julian Assange and Edward Snowden and the imprisonment of Chelsea Manning.
For the Observer and its sister newspaper, the Guardian, social discontent is the result of psychological manipulation by the Alt-right or foreign actors. This is used to justify state censorship of social media and anti-Russian warmongering.
Cadwalladr's article began with warnings by MI6 and security analysts of the role of hostile states in subverting the democratic process, before asserting that the transatlantic links that bind Britain and America, Brexit and Trump, so tightly also wrapped Russia in its tight embrace.
No evidence is presented to back up this assertion, other than a map shown to the Observer indicating that SCL and Cambridge Analytica have worked in Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine, Iran and Moldova and some employees had travelled to Russia.
Such allegations are viewed by a section of the ruling elite as a means of overturning the Brexit result.
Once again, the so-called liberals lead the way. Guardian journalist George Monbiot previously cited questions over the funding of the referendum as a means of annulling the result. Brexit should be halted until the means by which the result was obtained have been thoroughly investigated, he wrote. A public inquiry into potential serious breaches of electoral law should be convened, he argued, which could result in the referendum being annulled and repeated.
The Electoral Commission investigation could yet lead in this direction.
In what can only be described as a stage-managed publicity stunt, the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Board, Democrat Richard Cordray, resigned abruptly on Friday after promoting his chief of staff, Leandra English, to the long-vacant position of deputy director.
English then declared herself to be Cordrays successor and acting director, under the provisions of the Dodd-Frank bill, which established the CFPB in 2010 to act as an extremely limited, essentially toothless consumer watchdog on the depredations of US financial institutions.
The Trump White House, momentarily confused by the maneuver since Cordray had been expected to resign a week later, hastily named Budget Director Mick Mulvaney the acting director of the CFPB, and instructed English to report to Mulvaney as his deputy.
On Sunday night, English filed a civil lawsuit with the US District Court for Washington DC, seeking a declaratory judgment that she was the rightful CFPB director. However, the CFPBs own general counsel, Mary McLeod, issued a memorandum to the agencys employees instructing them that Mulvaney, as the nominee of the president, had the legal authority to direct the agency.
On Monday, Mulvaney visited the CFPB and took possession of the directors office, announcing that he was halting all new hiring and regulatory actions for 30 days, pending a review of the agencys operations.
While the 1,600 employees of the agency are concerned about an imminent threat to their jobs and livelihoodMulvaney is an open enemy who, while in Congress, described the CFPB as a sick joke and advocated its abolitionthe actions of Cordray, English and their Democratic congressional supporters are purely a political stunt.
There is little doubt that Trump has the authority, as president and head of the executive branch, to name interim replacements for vacancies at any executive agency. This authority is further codified in legislation enacted as recently as 1998.
The CFPB has been the subject of political posturing by both Republicans and Democrats since it was established six years ago in the wake of the 2008 Wall Street Crash. The Dodd-Frank bill, which created it, was an effort by the Obama administration and the Democrats, who then controlled Congress, to pretend to crack down on Wall Street while actually doing very little.
The Republicans, for their part, treated the CFPB as the second coming of the Bolsheviks, claiming that the tiny agency, with little enforcement power, was a threat to US financial markets and to the capitalist system itself.
Each capitalist party has used the agency for its own political purposes, while the CFPB itself has been nothing more than a minor annoyance to Wall Street. In six years of operation, it has been responsible for fines and restitution to consumers totaling $12 billion, or $2 billion a year. This amounts to barely one percent of the net profits of the US financial industry ($173 billion in 2016), and less than one half of one percent of bank revenues alone (over $400 billion and rising every year since the 2008 crash).
Cordrays own role personifies the uses of the CFPB as a political cover. He was named to head the agency after Obama caved in to Republican opposition to Elizabeth Warren, his initial choice. Warren parlayed her undeserved reputation as a scourge of the bankers, and victim of the Republicans, into a successful campaign for a US Senate seat from Massachusetts.
Cordrays fixed five-year term runs until July 1, 2018, so he was practically the sole Obama appointee to continue serving in the Trump administration. But he decided to abandon the post eight months earlyand thus cede control of the CFPB to Trumpin order to seek the Democratic nomination for governor of Ohio. He then engineered the handover of authority to English, setting off the subsequent media firestorm, to jet-propel his own political campaign.
More broadly, the obvious determination of the Trump administration to stamp out even a fig leaf of accountability for the big banks allows the Democratic Party as a whole to adopt the stance of opposition to Wall Street.
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer met with Leandra English and Elizabeth Warren Monday afternoon, and then denounced Trump for putting the fox in charge of the henhouse. So says the paid agent of the foxes, who has received more campaign contributions from Wall Street than anyone else in Congress.
Schumers deputy, Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois, hailed the CFPB, declaring, Wall Street hates it like the devil hates holy waterperhaps uttering an inadvertent truth, since the CFPB is precisely as useless as holy water in fighting the domination of Wall Street over the US economy.
All over the world, governments are slashing health care spending in the name of promoting efficiency and cost savings, on the grounds that there is no money. The reality, however, is that these cuts have as their direct outcome the early deaths of masses of peoplecollateral damage for the further enrichment of the financial oligarchy.
A study of the terrible impact of spending cuts of more than 100 billion in the UK alone, with the loss of more than 1 million jobs, provides an indication of the worldwide impact of the ongoing destruction of health care and essential services.
A joint report by Oxford and Cambridge Universities and the University of London (UCL) finds that savage cuts to the UK National Health Service (NHS) and Social Care provision could result in nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020 in England.
The effects of health and social care spending constraints on mortality in England: a time trend analysis, published in the British Medical Journal, BMJOpen, estimates 45,000 extra deaths have occurred between 2009 and 2014 and predicts a further 152,141 deaths from 2015 to 2020a staggering 100 a day.
The research links increasing mortality rates to the cuts to health and social care spending, first begun under a Labour government, then continued by successive Conservative governments to pay for the 1 trillion bailout of the banks after the 2008 global financial collapse.
From 2001 to 2010, it states, the absolute number of deaths in England decreased by an average of 0.77% per year. From 2011 to 2014, the number of deaths increased by an average of 0.87% per year.
Older people account for most additional deaths. Though the overall number of deaths in hospital fell in the period studied, this masks the fact that the elderly and frail are being pushed out of hospital and are dying needlessly in their own homes or in care homes. A combination of factors is responsible, including cuts to spending on social care, and a shortage of hospital and community nurses.
Total local authority spending on social care for older people decreased by 1.57 billion in just six years to 2016, leading to the closure of 95 care homes. The study associated each per capita 10 decrease in social care spending with five extra care home deaths per 100,000 of the population.
Spending on social care in England fell by 1.19 percent a year between 2010-2014, despite the projected increase in the number of 85-year-olds in the populationtestimony to the historical legacy of the NHS, which for decades has been free at the point of need.
Patients are being discharged from hospital before they have properly recovered because of the pressure to free up beds. Elderly people with multiple health problems are callously referred to as bed blockers. The report notes, Emergency medicine departments (A&E) saw 900,000 (4.6%) more attendances in 2015/2016 compared with the previous year, and 4% more emergency hospital admissions. Over the past two years, the number of elderly patients waiting over 12 hours in A&E [Accident and Emergency] has trebled, and there has been a 31% increase in delayed hospital discharges.
Between 2010 and 2012 nurse numbers dropped by approximately 6,000, which... translates to approximately 10% of expected deaths for that period. There are currently 24,000 nursing vacancies due to years of pay restraint and cuts to training places. Since the abolition of bursaries, nursing applications are down by 20 percent. Britains planned exit from the European Union will make things even worse as a third of nursing applicants have come from the EU.
To close the mortality gap, the report concludes that the NHS budget would need to be increased by 6.3 billion each year to 2021, a total of 25.2 billion. Instead, in last weeks budget, Chancellor Phillip Hammond announced a derisory extra 2.8 billion for the NHS. In its post budget analysis, the Institute for Fiscal Studies forecasts declining productivity, growth and earnings every year until 2022. It says that the NHS is facing the tightest funding constraints since the 1980s. With annual spending growth of 4 percent before the financial crisis falling to the present 1 percent, and an aging population, the NHS is stretched to breaking point.
The BMJOpen report does not consider different mortality rates in reference to regional or class differences. However, it points out that social care is means tested and privately delivered; factors that may influence access and quality.
Since 2010, the NHS has been deliberately run down, with the 20 billion of cuts planned by the Labour government under Gordon Brown imposed by the incoming Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition. A further 26 billion in efficiency savings is to be imposed by 2021, with the British Red Cross warning of a humanitarian crisis.
Labour and its allies in the trade union bureaucracy continue to collude in the destruction of health and social care in local authorities throughout the UK. Just weeks after the election of Jeremy Corbyn as party leader in 2015, he and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell instructed Labour councils to continue to impose austerity and refrain from setting illegal budgets.
One of the BMJOpen studys co-authors, Professor Lawrence King of the Applied Health Research Unit at Cambridge University, said, It is now very clear that austerity does not promote growth or reduce deficitsit is bad economics, but good class politics. This study shows it is also a public health disaster. It is not an exaggeration to call it economic murder.
The term echoes what Friedrich Engels, the co-founder of scientific socialism, described in his 1845 work, The Condition of the Working Class in England, condemning the British ruling class for social murder due to the fetid water supplies, cramped housing and disease that afflicted working-class districts.
Faced with the damning study by reputable academics from some of the UKs top universities, the government issued the usual counter of political biasthe same response made to an earlier Oxford University research report published by the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine showing that there were 30,000 excess deaths in 2015 compared to the previous yearthe biggest leap in more than 70 years.
On Tuesday, November 21, the Flint City Council passed a motion to sign a 30-year contract with the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), the regional entity that took over the Detroit public water system in January 2016, for the provision of wholesale water services to Flint.
The city, still suffering from the lead poisoning crisis prompted by its switch to the Flint River as a source of drinking water in 2014, has been receiving water via a temporary arrangement with the Detroit-based water system, its former supplier, since state officials approved reverting to this source in late 2015. The move occurred a full year and a half after residents began protests over tainted, odorous and discolored water, which later proved to be poisonous owing to lead levels far exceeding that allowed by federal standards.
Since 2015, the city government has been engaged in a series of temporary patchwork measures. To begin receiving water from the GLWA, it was compelled to negotiate a leasing arrangement with its intended alternative water supplier, the Karegnondi Water Authority (KWA). As part of its previous deal to receive water from the KWA in the future, the city had sold to the KWA a six-mile section of pipeline connecting itself to the GLWA system. To revert to the GLWA, the city needed access to the very asset it had just sold.
Financially speaking, however, far more significant was the prospect of Flint paying for its ongoing water supply from GLWA while still bearing its assigned portion of debt issued by the KWA to build a separate, redundant pipeline. The supply agreement the city originally signed with the KWA while under the rule of the state-dictated emergency management law, required Flint to pay approximately $7 million per year in debt servicing.
Notwithstanding the disaster that ensued following Flints termination of its previous agreement with GLWA forerunner Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), Flint remains compelled to make the KWA-related payments. Effectively, Flint faced the prospect of seeing water payments go from $13 million per year to more than $20 million.
As matters stand, a 2016 study of 500 large water systems across the US found that Flint had the most expensive rates, nearly triple the average for public systems in the US Midwest. The burden is compounded by the low earnings of many area workers following decades of deindustrialization. As a result, the average Flint home is paying 7% of its income for water, far more than the 3% ceiling recommended by the UN.
The temporary arrangement with the Detroit system existed for more than one year when, in June 2017, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) sued the city in federal court to compel it to make longer-term arrangements. The GLWA had proposed the 30-year agreement, which it said would result in annual water rate increases of from two to four percent. The agreement also included the GLWA crediting Flint for bond payments made by the city to the KWA, thereby holding its water bill roughly constant, at least initially.
In its legal action, the MDEQ argued that the failure of the City of Flint to have in place a long-term agreement with a water supplier meant that public health would be threatened. Flint residents were, as would be expected, skeptical of the newfound interest in their health taken by a state agency that for eighteen months rejected their evidence of being harmed by the water provided to them and today insists that the water is safe to drink, based on US Environmental Protection Agency regulations publicly acknowledged as outmoded, and even though more than 15,000 homes in Flint have yet to have their lead service lines replaced. (See: Banks, bondholders driving the legal conflict over Flints water supply ).
In the MDEQ lawsuit, issues of federal and local authority were invoked not in accordance with the facts of the case, but with a predetermined end in mind. In his initial ruling, Judge David Lawson held for the MDEQ and insisted upon the courts jurisdiction by arguing that the Citys failure to sign a long-term supply agreement threatened the city with bankruptcy (because it would be overpaying for its ad hoc arrangements) and any such insolvency would threaten its ability to provide clean water, thereby threatening public health, which was intended to be protected under the federal Clean Water Act. Through this tortured logic, the judge aimed to compel the agreement with the GLWA. The only alternative, Lawson argued, was the signing of a similar deal with the KWA, an arrangement made unaffordable by the requirement that the city water treatment plant would need expensive upgrades to handle Karegnondis water supply, which, unlike GLWA, is untreated.
The key unanswered question is what drove the urgency of the case. Local, state and federal officials were in no hurry when in 2014-15 the city residents were being poisoned. Only after attempting to blackguard those like Virginia Tech Professor Marc Edwards and Flint pediatrician Dr. Mona Attisha who brought forward incontrovertible evidence of the damage to residents health, and failing at that, did the bureaucracies chart a new course. A deal with the GLWA had to be signed, they insisted.
Residents naturally suspected the motives of all involved. The mayor, Karen Weaver, while fighting a recall effort on the November 7 ballot, advocated signing the GLWA deal as early as April. The City Council, deeply implicated in all that has previously transpired, and led by Scott Kincaid, a challenger to the mayor in the recall, had temporized and sought a second opinion, contracting an independent auditor to examine the GLWA deal. The KWA kept itself largely in the background.
All factions of the political establishment, from the Republican Snyder administration to the Democrats in the mayors office and on the city council, are beholden to the banks and bondholders responsible for this crisis, and are deeply discredited. Last month, Weaver survived a recall election with 7,709 votes, fewer than the 9,000 voters who signed petitions to remove her. With no faction of the Democratic Party providing any alternative, however, 81 percent of registered voters stayed away from the polls.
In the event last Tuesday, the council reversed its opposition to the deal that it had maintained since Weavers announcement in April supporting it. The matter was decided with a 5-4 majority and only following the seating of five new members of the council who had been elected two weeks earlier.
Voting in favor were Eric Mays, Maurice Davis, Santino Guerra, Herbert Winfrey and Jerri Winfrey-Carter. Voting against were Kate Fields, Monica Galloway, Louis Griggs and Eva Worthing. Davis, Guerra, Winfrey-Carter, Griggs, and Worthing are all new to the Council. The 3-2 split among this group, in favor of the deal, provided the majority.
As the state strong-armed the council to sign with the GLWA in 2017, Michigan governor Rick Snyders administration charged a series of state officials with crimes in an attempt to shield the governor from responsibility for the disaster in Flint.
If any more proof were needed of the state administrations callous disregard not only for Flints public health, but even public opinion, Snyder recently appointed Eden Wells, a top state official criminally charged in the Flint water crisis investigation, to head a new council tasked with improving Michigans response to emerging public health threats.
Preliminary hearings are now being held for Wells, Michigans chief medical executive, on charges of obstruction of justice, lying to an officer, and involuntary manslaughter in connection to the Flint water crisis. Wells allegedly interfered with efforts by independent researchers studying a deadly Legionnaires disease outbreak in Genesee County. The researchers linked the switch to the Flint River to the disease, which resulted in 12 deaths and 89 illnesses
The Flint-GLWA-KWA deal contains no guarantee of water provision to residents. In Flint, as elsewhere, water is not a right, but solely a commodity, and one increasingly unaffordable. As if to prove the point, the GLWA recently announced price increases of 4.2% for Detroit suburbs. And in its agreement with Flint, there is no cap specified on what the GLWA may charge the city. The relevant section of the contract (Section 7) begins, Customer [Flint] agrees to pay for all water supplied by GLWA from the GLWA System at such charges as GLWA may establish. The only restriction is that charges must comply with Michigan law and be reasonable in relation to GLWAs costs. A single official from Flint will sit on the GLWA board that approves rate increases.
Throughout the past year, many residents voiced opposition to not having any part in the choice of the water source, but the reality is that the choice on offer was an illusion. Never did an official present an alternative based on social need.
In fact, it was noteworthy during MDEQ legal action that Judge Lawson insisted, in an October 23 ruling, that the only alternative to bankruptcy for Flint involved increasing revenue for the city water system. As with other officials, he foresaw both higher rates and more punitive measures for those who still refuse to pay for water they argue to be unsafe. In this, he is in good company: The entire corporate and financial elite and both corporate-controlled parties reject the principle that water should be a social right and they insist that the working class be made to pay more for thisand every othernecessity, and pay dearly.
What is required is the guarantee of safe drinking water to all Flint residents, the replacement of all lead water mains and supply lines, cancellation of the KWA debt, the indexing of water bills to workers incomes, and a permanent ban on both water shutoffs to residents and any privatization of water supply. Medical and educational services should be extended free of charge to all those in Flint whose health has been damaged by the poisoned water, and those who have been forced to relocate must be compensated for any damage to the value of their homes by the water catastrophe. Records of all discussions between officials from the City of Flint, Genesee County, the State of Michigan and federal government regarding the new water contract must be made public.
As recent studies have demonstrated, lead poisoning is widespread throughout US cities and rural areas and is particularly concentrated in working-class and poor neighborhoods. To oppose this, the battle in Flint must be broadened into a powerful struggle by the entire working class against capitalism, a system that subordinates every aspect of life, and life itself, to the insatiable appetites of the financial overlords.
Following the failure of Jamaica coalition talks, the Greens are emphasising their readiness to function as a party upholding the interests of the state, even if they end up serving in opposition.
A federal party congress held by the environmentalists in Berlin on Saturday agreed to remain open in the future to participating in government. We Greens continue to be prepared to assume responsibility, and remain ready for talks, states the main motion, which was adopted by approximately 850 delegates. This also applies to participation in a minority government.
The congress had originally been intended to pave the way for the Greens joining a federal government together with the conservative Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the Free Democrats (FDP). But after the collapse of exploratory talks and the change of course by the SPD, which is now orienting towards a continuation of the grand coalition with the CDU/CSU, the Greens are no longer needed as a governing partner. This has only encouraged the environmental party to stress its role in securing order and stability.
The congress frenetically applauded the 14-member negotiating team, which went beyond our pain barriers in search of compromise, as the congresss main motion put it, and adopted the CSUs and FDPs right-wing positions on refugee and tax policies in particular. We thank the negotiating group for their efforts, stated the congress motion.
Parliamentary leader Anton Hofreiter, who participated in the negotiations as a representative of the partys left wing, declared to the assembled delegates, We were convinced that we could have achieved something good for our country if the FDP had not evaded its responsibility.
Several other speakers accused the FDP and its leader, Christian Lindner, of an irresponsible approach to state affairs. With his decision to break off the exploratory talks, Lindner cost the Greens a role in government they thought was secure. Green Party leader Cem Ozdemir accused Lindner of lacking the necessary humility for tasks that are sometimes bigger than oneself. For the Greens, by contrast, the slogan that appeals is the country comes first, the party second.
Jurgen Trittin, who bore joint responsibility for the Agenda 2010 as Environment Minister in Gerhard Schroders government, described the FDP as a chauvinist welfare party and a right-wing bourgeois protest party.
However, the Greens saved their praise for the CDU and even the CSU. Die Welt cited public remarks made by Ozdemir, who said that what was at stake was the stability of the Federal Republic of Germany, the assumption of responsibility for our entire republic and patriotism. The newspaper commented cynically that this sounded like hackneyed black-red and gold ideas from a policy paper authored by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Even the friendly you offered by the CSUs Alexander Dobrindt was accepted by Ozdemir, even though the CSU politician previously described the Green leader as the political arm of rioters, stone throwers and arsonists, Die Welt noted. The union parties, including the CSU, have never been so close. The Greens are now presenting themselves as the guarantor of a Germany they would not have accepted for years after their founding in the late 1970s.
On the issue of strengthening the domestic state apparatus in particular, the Greens and Bavarian law-and-order party are fully united. Michael Kellner, the federal head of business operations for the Greens, stated that with the failure of Jamaica, the chance had been lost to establish a new balance between security and constitutionality.
In the Jamaica talks, a programme for the rule of law was within reach, said Kellner. We all wanted to increase the numbers of police, we wanted to invest in the justice apparatus, we had found money to expand the state prosecutors at the state level, who are really working to the limit of their abilities.
The speakers at the Green Party congress all stressed that the Greens are ready to do anything to prevent social and political upheavals, and new elections in particular. We are ready to talk with all democratic parties and to compromise so as to bring Europe and Germany further ahead, stated Ozdemir.
At the same time, the Green leader appealed to the FDPs voters to support his party. The Greens would stand on the side of start-up entrepreneurs, businessmen and artisans still wondering why the FDP left the talks, he said. The Greens are seeking to win FDP supporters who are not anti-European and who dont want to roll back the state. I would like to make an offer to this section and say, the liberal party in Germany is Bundnis 90/the Greens, asserted Ozdemir.
Parliamentary leader Katrin Goring-Eckhardt, who together with Ozdemir led the Greens negotiating team, offered a Green tinge to this appeal to FDP voters. In the next four years, we want every bee, every butterfly and every bird in this country to know: we will continue to work for them, she proclaimed.
Like the CDU and SPD, the Greens want to avoid new elections at all costs, and resolve the government crisis with a conspiracy among the establishment parties. They fear that an open political conflict will enable workers to intervene into political events, bring their interests to bear and find an audience for a socialist programme.
The Greens readiness to support a CDU/CSU minority government or serve as a loyal opposition to the grand coalition will only strengthen the right wing in the AfD. The AfD became the third largest party at the election, because the anger at the grand coalitions anti-social policies was suppressed and found no progressive, socialist outlet.
Bitter negotiations over post-Brexit arrangements with the European Union threaten to destabilise governments in the UK, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Britain is due to exit the European Union in March 2019, raising the possibility that the border between the north and south and the Irish Sea will become an external customs and tariff barrier to Fortress Europe. The issue has therefore pitched a divided British government against the EUs 27 member states, including the Republic.
The EU has made a resolution of the border issue one of the three preconditions for moving forward onto talks with the British government on Brexit trade terms. Brussels is placing maximum pressure on the Conservative government of Prime Minister Theresa May to agree to pay a 40-50 billion divorce settlement that is meant to be agreed in one weeks time. The Irish government has made clear it will veto any border solutionand therefore any Brexit dealof which it does not approve.
This has potentially catastrophic consequences for cross-border trade and for the economies of both parts of the island. Politically, it threatens the survival of Mays government but, more fundamentally, calls into question both future Anglo-Irish relations along with the power-sharing arrangements between the nationalist Sinn Fein and the pro-British Unionist parties. Inaugurated by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the arrangements ended the 30-year armed conflict known as The Troubles.
Britains Tory government depends on the vote of ten Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MPs in a confidence and supply arrangement made necessary by the disastrous election result in June. This means that the DUP can veto any Westminster policy it doesnt agree with.
Northern Ireland has not had a functioning government since early this yearwhen the Northern Ireland Executive was collapsed by Sinn Fein seizing on a long running scandal over the misallocation of British government funds. Two subsequent elections, one in Northern Ireland and one in Westminster and months of desultory talks failed to revive the power-sharing government between Sinn Fein and the DUP.
Despite the collapse of the Stormont Assembly, the DUPs stranglehold on Mays weak and divided government has been strengthenedalong with her reliance on the hard-Brexit wing of her own party. In the 2016 Brexit referendum, Northern Ireland voted by a clear majority, 56 to 44 percent, to remain in the EU. However, the DUP are fervent Brexiteers with intimate connections to the Tory right.
Earlier this month the British government, egged on by the DUP, took the first steps towards re-imposing direct rule over Northern Ireland from Westminster. A budget to allow public services to continue to function in the absence of regional government was pushed through by Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire.
Last week, the situation became yet more fraught when the Republic of Ireland was also pitched into an electoral crisis.
A long running scandal around the state framing of whistle blower, Maurice McCabe, who exposed fraudulent and corrupt police practices and was falsely accused of being a paedophile, has led to successive police and government resignations.
The main opposition party, Fianna Fail, and Sinn Fein, which operates on both sides of the Irish border, are calling for the resignation of Tanaiste (deputy prime minister) Frances Fitzgerald of Fine Gael over her role in the affair. Recently appointed Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar has refused.
Fianna Fail, which props up the minority Fine Gael government, responded by threatening to pull out of a confidence and supply deal. That would precipitate a snap general election just days after the crucial December 14 summit between the EU and the British government.
Both sides are in talks seeking to avoid such an outcome. Fianna Fail are also under pressure from Sinn Fein who recently dropped opposition to entering a coalition agreement as a minority party.
Gerry Adams retirement announcement last weekend would facilitate such a governmental role by removing the leader most associated politically with the Irish Republican Armys campaign against British rule in the North. Adams departure brings nearer the prospect of Sinn Fein simultaneously being in government in Northern Ireland and acting as king makers in the Republic.
Brexit has proved to be an unmitigated economic and political disaster for Irish capitalism, north and south. Until Brexit, the Irish Republic, for all the nationalist posturing of its leading parties, broadly shadowed the trajectory of its former imperial master and leading market. Ireland even joined the EUs forerunner, the European Economic Community, on the same day as Britain, in 1973, at a time when Northern Ireland was occupied by tens of thousands of British troops.
As a member of the European trade bloc, the once impoverished republic attracted vast amounts of US and EU investment aimed at exploiting cheap English-speaking labour with access to European markets. Indeed the peace process in the North was underpinned by the fact that both Britain and Ireland were in the EU. The US, Britain and the EU worked to create the conditions for the island to be economically integrated, and investment to be directed towards the increasingly isolated north.
As a result, over the past 19 years, the economically irrational 300-mile border that was once scarred by hundreds of checkpoints, fortresses and patrolled by the British Army effectively ceased to exist. Tens of thousands of goods vehicles, commuters and bargain seekers cross it every day. A recent EU paper reported 142 areas, including the environment, health, agriculture, transport, education, tourism, energy, telecommunications, broadcasting, inland fisheries, justice and security, and sport in which current cross border activity was underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement and EU law.
Brexit poses other problems for the republic. Statistics vary, but 2014 figures suggest that Irish trade with the EU, at 109 billion, is more than double its 52 billion trade with Britain. However, external trade, even if ultimately destined for Europe, still passes through Britain. A recent Financial Times article quoted the Irish Exporters Association stating that two thirds of Irish goods directed towards European and even global markets currently cross the Irish Sea to use the British motorway infrastructure and access to the Channel Tunnel.
All parties and governments, including the DUP, therefore agree that there should be no return to a hard border. But there is no unity on how this can be done, or where the line marking the EUs boundary should fall.
The DUP and the British government have ruled out any special status, or bespoke solution for Northern Ireland that would allow the rules of the EU single market and customs union to continue to be mirrored in the North. They have also ruled out checks at British and Northern Irish ports, claiming this would undermine Northern Irelands status as part of the UK.
The Irish governments European Commissioner, Philip Hogan, warned that Ireland would continue to play tough to the end. He did so knowing that he has EU backing, with chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier recently Tweeting, Strong solidarity with Ireland...Irish issues are EU issues.
There is a strong element of political brinksmanship, but all sides are behaving with extraordinary recklessness over the future of an island whose most recent civil war only ended two decades ago.
For the working class, the situation is fraught with the danger of heightened sectarian conflict amid a continued descent into austerity. Only through a united struggle for the abolition of all national borders and the founding of a United Socialist States of Europe can workers advance their interests.
Los Angeles is great for kids! The Getty Museum has a fun area for younger children, a beautiful garden and scenery and so many outdoor sculptures. Ours loved
riding the white train all the way to the top. The Natural History Museum is so amazing! There are so many interactive exhibits, and depending on the season, they may have a visiting butterfly or spider enclosure set up. Its adjacent to the Rose Garden at USCs campus.
Police in Hyderabad, the state capital of Telengana in southern India, have rounded up and removed hundreds of beggars from the city ahead of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) on November 2830. The GES is hosted by NITI Aayog, a leading Indian think tank, in partnership with the US government, and will be attended by 1,500 entrepreneurs from 170 countries.
The event will be addressed by Ivanka Trump, the US presidents daughter and one of his advisors. She leads the US delegation and was invited by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his US visit in June. Modi will also address the summit.
Expulsion of the poor from the city began on November 7, after Hyderabad Police Commissioner M. Mahender Reddy issued a prohibition notice under Section 144 of criminal procedure code 1973. It will ban begging on city streets till January 7. Police immediately began rounding up hundreds of beggars from bus terminals, railway stations and other public places, transporting them to shelters or so-called rehabilitation centres.
According to the Associated Press (AP), an estimated 6,000 beggars would be shifted to these centres for fingerprinting and told they could face jail if they are found begging again. A homeless shelter spokesperson told AP that Hyderabad had about 13,000 beggars.
The Indian Express reported that the Telengana state government wanted the city presented as a global capital which meant ensuring that no beggars are seen around. In other words, the visible presence of the poor would discourage entrepreneurs from attending the GES and undermine the efforts of Indias central and state governments to attract investment.
According one estimate, there are over 400,000 beggars in India, a figure that underscores the disastrous situation facing millions of workers and the poor. Unable to find any progressive solution, the Indian ruling elite is desperately trying to hide the social catastrophe.
According to the GES website, the summit will highlight Indias enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship, including actions by the government to increase the ease of doing business, eliminating unnecessary regulations, and supporting startups.
Not surprisingly, Hyderabad Police Commissioner Reddy attempted to cover up the fact that the expulsion of beggars was directly related to preparations for the GES. Announcing the ban, he claimed that the poor were begging in an indecent manner and that children and handicapped people were blocking road junction traffic. This was dangerous to the safety of the vehicular traffic and the public in general, he declared.
Hyderabad director general of prisons V.K. Singh, however, made clear that the police operation was a permanent drive against beggars and that the state government had been trying to figure out what to do about them for the past 30 years. He noted that begging has been a criminal act in Andhra Pradesh since 1977.
Singh even claimed the anti-begging measures were about fighting crime. There is a mafia or a network behind this who force people to beg or kidnap some children and force them into begging, he declared.
The theme of the Hyderabad summit is Women First, Prosperity for All, which, according to the event website, places special emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs and the role they play in making communities more prosperous and secure through enterprise.
The enormous social gap between Ivanka Trump, as well as the scores of government officials and other business delegates, and the vast majority of Hyderabad city dwellers is reflected in the high security preparations for her GES visit.
On November 21, the Times Now news channel reported that the Hyderabad police have stepped up security measures throughout the city. Times Now noted that Washington has told local authorities not to disclose even the smallest details relating to Ivanka Trumps schedule because the threat perception to her is very high.
Deputy Commissioner of Police of South zone Hyderabad, V. Satyanarayana, told the ANI news agency that there is the five-tier security system. The inner cordon will be looked after by US Secret Service and SPG [Special Protection Group, which provides security to the Indian Prime Minister], followed by Telengana intelligence wing, while the outer cordon will be looked after by law and order police.
Local police have reportedly conducted a cordon and search operation against residents living in and around the Falaknuma Palace where Trumps daughter is expected to have dinner with international delegates. Police have ordered nearly 3,500 residents in the area not to allow strangers or their relatives and friends to come to their homes during the summit.
These measures are not new. Hyderabad police conducted a similar operation in 2000, when then US President Bill Clinton visited the city. Prior to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, slums were demolished and thousands of beggars pushed to the outskirts of the metropolis.
Some sections of the Indian media have raised concerns about the extent of the latest police operation.
A November 12 editorial in the Hindustan Times entitled Concealing Hyderabads beggars during Ivanka Trumps visit is insensitive, meaningless, made the obvious point that forcing beggars from streets would not address urban poverty.
These measures are not even a temporary solution, the editorial declared, but insults human dignity and tries to mask the real reasons why people are on the streets. It concluded by calling on the government to address the root cause of the problem by giving people alternative forms of work so that they will not have to demean themselves by asking others for sustenance.
Such measures will never be implemented by the Indian capitalist class and its political elite, which, after more than seven decades of national bourgeois rule and nearly three-decades of pro-market reforms, has produced staggering social inequality and pushed millions into extreme poverty.
A recent report by French economists Lucas Chancel and Thomas Piketty entitled Indian income inequality, 1922-2014: From British Raj to Billionaire Raj? has revealed that the top 1 percent of income-earners in India capture 23 percent of all income while the top 10 percent garner 55 percent of all income. At the other end of the scale the poorest 50 percent of Indians receive just 15 percent, with an average annual income of just $US705.
Latin America
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Peruvian and Chilean copper miners take strike action
Workers at Southern Copper walked out November 22 in an indefinite strike over economic issues. The action involves over 3,000 workers at the companys Cuajone and Toquepala mines and Ilo refinery in southern Peru. The two largest unions at the mines are involved, although several smaller unions did not join the walkout.
Workers protested on the train tracks leading from the mines to the refinery. Police arrested 24 workers and injured three others while dispersing the protest with tear gas and rubber bullets. Management claims its operations were not affected by the action. It is the second strike at Southern Copper this year, after a walkout in April that lasted two weeks.
Meanwhile, workers at the Escondida copper mine, the worlds largest, in Chiles northern Antofagasta region downed their tools on November 23. The workers Union No. 1 called the limited action following the firms announcement of layoffs of about 120 operators. The strike involved some 2,500 miners.
Minera Escondida, owned by BHP Billiton, was the scene of a 43-day work stoppage (http://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2017/03/28/wkrs-m28.html) last February and March. The union called off the strike without achieving any gains.
The layoffs represent about three percent of the Escondida workforce. Management claims that the adjustments are needed to streamline the production process. The union disputes that statement, saying that the growth of productionand of production targetsis inconsistent with a reduction in personnel or operations.
The union cited high participation in the walkout and said that it would call another limited action this week if Escondida did not rescind the layoffs.
Mexican hospital workers strike over lack of supplies, poor working conditions
Doctors and nurses at the Aurelio Valdivieso Civil hospital in Oaxaca City, in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, began an indefinite strike on November 22. The medical workers, members of the National Health Workers Syndicate (SNTSA), took the action to press their demands for supplies and medications, demands that the Health Secretariat had promised to meet.
The immediate catalyst for the walkout was the failure of the Health Secretary to provide uniforms for this year; the striking workers are now demanding cash for the clothing. However, shortages of supplies and equipment are severe. Doctors claim that the hospital has less than half of needed medications and that X-ray and PET scan devices often do not work.
Representatives of SNTSA subsection 07, which has about 1,800 members, met with the Health Secretary, but had not reached an agreement as of November 24.
Meanwhile, in the northern city of Juarez, Chihuahua, interns and resident doctors at the Juarez General Hospital stopped work November 23 to demand better security measures when working in high-risk zones. The strikers are demanding a signed protocol to be followed in instances of high risk in insecurity zones. Representatives of the striking workers and trainees began meetings with authorities from the State Fiscal Board, the Autonomous University of Juarez and the Security Board on November 24.
Argentine health professionals to strike over firings
The Syndical Health Professionals Federation of Argentina (Fesprosa) called a one-day strike to protest firings at the Posadas Hospital in El Palomar, a town in the Greater Buenos Aires urban agglomeration. The walkout, scheduled for December 1, will be a protest against the sackings of four employees, two pharmaceutical workers and two technicians.
Fesprosa claims that the firings were in retaliation against the union for a recent court ruling in its favor regarding extension of the night shift from 10 to 12 hours. Union head Jorge Yabkowski accused the administration of drawing up a blacklist for firings, and warned that there were more planned in the near future.
Fesprosa called an assembly for November 28, and a mobilization and march to the Health Ministry on the day of the strike.
The United States
As UPS aircraft mechanics confront demands for massive cuts to benefits, union warns of possible strike
The union for aircraft maintenance workers at United Parcel Service in the US said that massive cutbacks in health benefits demanded by management might provoke a strike over the busy holiday period. The 1,300 workers, members of Teamsters Local 2727, are facing demands for increases in health care costs per family of as much as 430 percent.
Any strike would likely be illegal under reactionary provisions of US labor law that severely restrict the right to strike on the part of air transport employees. Airline contracts never expire, they only become subject to amendment. To be in a legal position to strike, the mechanics would have to be released from negotiations by the National Mediation Board, something the government has refused to do despite repeated requests on the part of the union. Mechanics voted for strike authorization last year, but talks have dragged on.
UPS mechanics are stationed at more than 90 airports around the country. UPS exceeded its earnings estimate in the third quarter of 2017, taking in over $1.2 billion in net income.
New York hospital workers authorize strike action by large margin
Technical workers at Nyack Hospital in Nyack, New York voted by a 93 percent margin November 22 to authorize strike action after working four months without a contract. The vote came after a rally by the 130 members of the Communications Workers of America Local 1103 the previous Saturday that failed to move the hospitals Board of Directors.
The workers, who include surgical technicians, respiratory therapists, and CAT scan and radiology technicians are seeking higher wages to bring them to parity with other hospitals, and improved health care coverage. The last wage increase under the old five-year contract was two percent.
Contract talks began six months ago and have gone nowhere since last September. Nyack Hospital, which joined the Montefiore Health System in 2014, began a $22.2 million construction project in December of 2016 to add an addition to house its emergency department and outpatient facility. Management has declared that the current negotiations must conform to the long term viability of Nyack Hospital.
Canada
Quebec aluminum workers set for strike or lockout
Over 1,000 workers employed at the ABI smelter in Becancour, Quebec, northeast of Montreal, could be on strike or locked out this week after a near-unanimous vote last week to reject the companys latest contract offer.
The ABI smelter is the second largest in North America and is jointly owned by Alcoa and Rio Tinto Alcan, who have been in contract talks with the United Steelworkers/Syndicat des Metallos (USW) since early September. The main issues in dispute are a proposed two-tier pension plan by ABI that would disadvantage younger workers, and provisions for seniority rights in cases where workers are being transferred between jobs.
Workers have been involved in job slowdowns in the days leading up to the vote and last Monday a group of 70 or more retired ABI workers briefly blocked entry to the plant in protest.
CEZinc refinery workers end 9-month walkout
Following the ratification of a new agreement, 371 workers at the CEZinc refinery in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec will be returning to work December 3. The walkout continued for nine and one-half months as the United Steelworkers isolated the refinery workers determined struggle. The facility is the second largest zinc processing plant in North America and is co-owned by Noranda Income Fund and Glencore Canada Corp.
One of the main issues in the dispute was pensions. The company demanded cuts to pensions despite the pension plan being overfunded. In announcing the settlement, the United Steelworkers said that the workers had successfully resisted demands for pension cuts. The union said it had agreed, however, to the elimination of the holiday premium.
Toronto parking attendants set to strike
Workers employed by the Toronto Parking Authority (TPA) in Green P parking lots voted almost unanimously in favor of strike action last week after working for months without a contract.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) called for a strike vote after abruptly halting negotiations earlier this month in the face of employer demands for a four-year wage freeze and deep concessions in benefits and job security. Although talks resumed late last week, the union claims it will not be intimidated into a contract that degrades the quality of jobs.
Toronto youth shelter workers looking to strike
Workers employed by Turning Point Youth Services in Toronto are set to go on strike December 2 if agreement on a new contract isnt reached before then.
The workers, who provide youth counseling services, shelter and residential care, are members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and have been without a contract for almost four years. Union leaders say it is surprising that talks are not progressing but that the strike date could be extended if there is movement in negotiations. The employer says they have already made contingency plans for a strike, although services will be suspended. Contract talks resumed this week and are reportedly ongoing.
SUWANNEE COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - UPDATE: The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed that a Florida A&M University student has died after a crash in Suwannee County Sunday.
FHP responded to the crash in Suwannee County Sunday, where 19-year-old Emojah Mullings was ejected from the car.
The crash happened on I-10 westbound on Sunday, November 27 at 4:02 p.m.
Troopers say a Toyota Camry with 4 occupants traveled off of the roadway and onto the north shoulder where it overturned, struck several stumps, and a wire fence before coming to rest in a field on the north side of Interstate 10.
Mullings was ejected from the car during the overturn and was in critical condition at Shands UF in Gainsville. Troopers say she was pronounced dead on Monday at 2:49 p.m.
FHP reports that Mullings was not wearing a seat beat.
Three of the four occupants were students at FAMU. Mullings was a sophomore broadcast journalism student from Central Florida according to the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.
Ms. Mullings was a very engaged student and very full of life. She was active in the student body in several organizations and displayed promise for success in the journalism industry, said Dhyana Ziegler, Ph.D., interim dean of the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication.
This week, the University says it will offer grief counseling to students and FAMU faculty and staff who knew Mullings.
Students are planning a vigil to honor Mullings life and contributions to the campus community.
This crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call Cpl. Gabriel Keyes at 386-515-5003.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - An 86-year-old woman has been arrested after police say she robbed a bank at gunpoint in University City on Tuesday afternoon.
University of Pennsylvania police responded to a robbery call at the TD Bank at 3735 Walnut St. around 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
The staff at the bank told officers the woman, identified as 86-year-old Emily Coakley, demanded $400 while displaying a gun.
Police arrested Coakley without incident and recovered a revolver.
Coakley has been charged with aggravated assault, robbery, and other related offenses.
Copyright 2017 CBS. All rights reserved.
CHAUTAUQUA, NY (RNN) - A New York woman was walking her dogs when she was fatally shot by a hunter who mistook her for a deer, according to the New York Post.
Rosemary Bilquist, 43, was out walking Wednesday evening when she was shot. After being transported to an Erie hospital, she died from her wound.
Bilquist's husband wrote on Facebook that, "I will miss you and love you forever and I know you dancing in heaven with your Momma and all of our friends and family that we have lost."
Authorities said 34-year-old Thomas Jadlowski said he believed he saw a deer in a field nearly 200 yards away when he fired on Bilquist. After firing, there was a scream.
Realizing his mistake, he rushed over to her, applied pressure to the wound and called 911.
No charges have been filed against Jadlowski, but an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Copyright 2017 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved.
After a three-year search, the owners of Tipsy Cow just off the Capitol Square are opening a second location, this one in Sun Prairie.
"It has been a long road to get here, but we are really excited," said Michael Banas, who owns the 7-year-old bar and restaurant with Patrick O'Halloran and Sue Kirton. The three are all partners in the new venture.
Banas and O'Halloran also co-own Lombardino's on the Near West Side and are currently in Italy to gain inspiration for that restaurant.
The Sun Prairie Tipsy Cow will be the first tenant in a new building at the Shoppes at Prairie Lakes, a giant retail and office development that includes Costco, Cabela's, Target, and a Marcus Palace Cinema. It will be in building G, Unit 107. The new restaurant is expected to be open by next summer, Banas said.
Tipsy Cow Downtown is in a historical flatiron building, and the unique space is sometimes inefficient with its basement kitchen, Banas said.
"With new construction, we are able to design it to capture the timeless bar feel, but have the efficiencies needed for todays restaurant requirements," he said in an email. "We are very much trying to keep it simple and comfortable which is what I think the current Tipsy Cow does as well."
The new restaurant will expand on the offerings of the current Tipsy Cow because it will have a larger kitchen with more equipment.
"Madison has really embraced Tipsy Cow and were so proud of what it has become," Banas said. "We know we have more we can do under the concept, but are very limited with the kitchen size Downtown."
They liked the Prairie Lakes development because it's close to downtown Sun Prairie and also accessible from the East Side of Madison, Banas said. They expect to draw customers from the nearby Palace Cinema and a new hotel going up across from Cabela's.
Also, Sun Prairie itself is growing. It was one of four Dane County communities Madison, Fitchburg and Verona were the others among the top 10 to gain population in Wisconsin from 2015 to 2016, according to census estimates.
Before Tipsy Cow, the partners opened King & Mane, a restaurant offering an American spin on Mexican and Spanish cuisine, in the same location at 102 King St. It didnt make it, and now two new taco places on and near the Square are thriving.
"It has been great to see. We love Mexican food," Banas said of the trend.
Tipsy Cow kept many dishes from King & Manes menu and they've been well-received. The PBR-battered fish taco started at King & Mane continues to be Tipsy Cow's "most sought-after special," he said.
Banas said he and his partners took their time deciding where to put their second location. A couple other spaces they looked at fell through, including a spot in Monona. He's not ready to say if they will continue to grow beyond Sun Prairie.
"We are taking it one step at a time," Banas said. "This new location will be larger than Tipsy Cow Downtown and we just want to concentrate on making it the best that it can be."
Tipsy Cow has been successful because of its great employees and quality food, he said. "We love cooking up Knoches beef, topping it with Wisconsin cheese and Nueskes smoked bacon and serving it on a buttery bakery bun.
"Taking the familiar and exceeding your expectations. That is our goal every day."
China's BAIC to export cars from Mexico to U.S., Canada in 2018 Chinese car-maker BAIC, which assembles cars in the Mexican state of Veracruz, said on Friday that it plans to export cars from Mexico to the United States and Canada starting in 2018.
Chinese private airline orders Boeing's Dreamliners to expand long-haul services Boeing and Okay Airways, one of China's 1st privately-owned airlines, said that they finalized an order for five Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners on Wednesday, with which Okay Airways will expand its long-haul services.
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YORK Damien Hartman, 24, of York, was sentenced to probation on Monday for not complying with the Nebraska Sex Offender Registry requirements.
In April, 2013, he was sentenced to a term of 2-5 years in prison after being convicted of third degree sexual assault of a 3-year-old child. He was released from prison in the spring of 2016.
According to court documents, the York Police Department received reports that Hartman was living in a short-term apartment/motel facility in York. They began to look for him after finding he had not registered his address as required and that he had told people he was planning to move to Florida.
They found Hartman was staying at the local mission and he was arrested for non-compliance.
In December of 2016, Judge James Stecker sentenced Hartman to three years of traditional probation.
But this fall, he was back in District Court, facing allegations that he had violated the terms of that probation.
You were charged with making terroristic threats and domestic assault (for which he was then convicted), you havent been employed, you are not in treatment, you failed to show up for testing four times and you admitted to using marijuana six times, Judge Stecker said to Hartman during earlier court proceedings.
Hartman admitted to all the violations.
During earlier factual basis proceedings, York County Attorney Christopher Johnson reiterated the details about Hartmans law violations in June. He did not have a job as required, he didnt participate in programming and during all home visits (by probation) he was sleeping. He failed to show up for testing and admitted to using marijuana.
On Monday, during District Court proceedings, Johnson said the pre-sentence report prepared by probation officers presents a conundrum because they were recommending probation based on Hartmans future participation in programming, if he would comply with terms of his probation. But he was also convicted of a crime while he was on probation. He continued to use marijuana, up until as recent as a month ago. He is suitable for a straight sentence.
Hartmans attorney, York County Public Defender Nancy Waldron told Judge Stecker that her client has been attending employment classes and he had a sex offender evaluation last week but the findings werent yet available to be presented to the court.
We are asking that probation be continued, Waldron said.
I saw you a week ago in Seward County and I continued your probation in that case, Judge Stecker said to Hartman. I will do the same here, the same probation order. You are showing some progress. You need to stay on that path.
Gov. Scott Walkers program to boost early literacy has stalled with state funding depleted, no effort to solicit private donations and the oversight council unable to convene enough members to conduct business, according to a legislative audit released Tuesday.
The fifth Legislative Audit Bureau review of the program could also be its last. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee has introduced legislation that would eliminate the statutorily required annual review.
The Read to Lead Development Fund was created in 2012 and has received nearly $500,000 in taxpayer funding since then, with almost all of it being expended on school districts, nonprofits groups and reading programs.
The Read to Lead Development Council solicited no grant applications last year and as of June 30 only had $2,219 available to distribute, according to the audit.
The fund was designed as a public-private effort it continues to receive about $23,000 a year in state funding but so far the council has not sought any private funding, the audit found. Officials from the Department of Children and Families, which administers the program, told auditors they couldnt solicit private funding because of state ethics and lobbying laws, though a 2013 opinion from the Government Accountability Board said the council could solicit funds if it followed certain guidelines, the audit said.
Under the law creating the program, the 22-member reading council has the sole authority under the law to solicit private funding, but it hasnt had a quorum at any of its three meetings from the past year, according to the audit.
The audit recommends a change in state law that would require the council to solicit private funds.
In 2013, a legislative audit found Walker had yet to appoint members to the council and its initial $400,000 from the taxpayers had not been spent. The next year the fund awarded about $205,000 in grants to seven out of 214 applicants, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel previously reported.
In the 2015-17 budget, Walker transferred oversight of the council from his office and the Department of Administration to the Department of Children and Families with the Department of Public Instruction providing support for grant administration. DCF has since taken sole responsibility for the program.
DCF spokesman Joe Scialfa said the agency is implementing audit recommendations. He said the agency has developed a process for filling the councils 12 vacancies and has identified several qualified applicants.
Links on the DCF website to records of many of the councils previous meetings were not working Tuesday. Scialfa said those links were being fixed.
Walker, who announced the program alongside state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers, has touted the Read to Lead initiative along with the importance of reading for student success.
In Walkers 2010 campaign he laid out a goal of ensuring all children can read by third grade, and in the months leading up to the 2012 recall election he announced the creation of the council as part of a schools package.
Last year on Read Across America Day, he issued a statement saying we continue to invest in initiatives like Read to Lead, which improve literacy in Wisconsin through early screenings, teacher development, and investments in effective programs to help make sure every student in our state is able to build a successful future from a great education.
In response to the audit, Walker spokesman Tom Evenson didnt address the audit findings.
But he said Walkers latest state budget increases K-12 funding by $636 million to an all-time high in dollars not adjusted for inflation.
Governor Walker is strongly committed to student success, Evenson said.
News
Washington, DC - Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, met with Secretary General Galvao to address common interests in our bilateral relationship and the region.
The Under Secretary reaffirmed the close partnership between the United States and Brazil and our shared commitment to increasing economic growth, investment, and job creation in both countries. The two leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation on security issues, including the challenges in Venezuela.
Health News
Rochester, Minnesota - When we say Let's talk turkey, it isnt about how to prepare the meat, but rather, how to use the holidays as a time to start talking to your provider and family members about your end-of-life wishes.
Talk turkey is a challenge to share what matters most to you about how you want to be cared for. Making a point to set aside the precious time to speak honestly and openly about your end-of-life wishes can be a special gift to those that you love.
Its also a reminder to talk to your provider when you are in for routine checkups. If you were very ill, your doctors would respect your wishes as much as possible. But, we can't honor your choices if we don't know what they are.
Thats why those 18 and older are encouraged to complete an advance directive. An advance directive is anything that tells your doctors what kind care you want if you are too ill to express yourself. A Power of Attorney for Health Care (POA HC) designates a person to make decisions for you if you are unable to speak for yourself. You also may clarify what care you prefer and if you have any limits.
Depressing, some people groan. Ill make those big decisions when the time comes.
Its human to want to put off thoughts of death and dying. Unfortunately, a health care crisis can happen at any time, at any age. I have witnessed, firsthand, when a patient is faced with a debilitating illness or a devastating accident and families who havent had these discussions often are left agonizing over What would my loved one want?
Personal care preferences are put in motion when doctors believe a person isnt able to make his/her own decisions. In Wisconsin, a Power of Attorney for Health Care form gives a designated decision maker the right to make decisions. Without the form, even a spouse may need to attain legal guardianship to make health care decisions for a loved one. Going through the legal system adds time and money to an already stressful situation.
So, after the turkey meal and before turning on the TV, give yourself and your loved ones the gift of preparation:
Talk about your wishes with those close to you.
Seek guidance, if desired, from your provider and/or religious leader.
Fill out an advance directive to make your wishes known.
Where do I find a Power of Attorney for Health Care form?
The form is free, and you dont need an attorney to fill it out. Its readily available at:
Honoring Choices Wisconsin
Honoring Choices Minnesota
Mayo Clinic Health System
Your local library
How do I fill out the form?
If you dont know where to get started, dont worry. There are plenty of resources to help you. If you find the language intimidating, dont be afraid to ask for help from:
Your provider
Your local hospital Spiritual care, palliative care, social services and hospice workers all can help you.
Your countys Aging and Disability Resource Center
Its uncomfortable, but tell your family, I know this is hard to discuss. Emphasize why its important by saying, I want to make it easier on you during a medical crisis.
What better time to have the conversation than during the holidays, when family members are gathered together? Talking about whats important at the end of life is one of the most meaningful gifts we can give each other.
Yuma News
Yuma, Arizona - Join the Arizona Western College Music Department for its Formal Student Recital at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 3, at the AWC Main Campus Theater, 2020 S. Ave. 8E.
The recital will celebrate the progress of music students who participate in private studies at AWC, displaying a variety of instrumental and vocal solo performances during the event.
This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Professor Deltrina Grimes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (928) 344-7574.
Yuma News
Yuma, Arizona - November is National Native American Heritage Month and this year the International Team, in partnership with Northern Arizona University-Yuma Social Work students, will be holding a celebration in that honor at Arizona Western College.
First celebrated in 1990, Native American Heritage Month was established to recognize the significant contribution the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S.
In an effort to grow awareness about local Native American heritage and culture, AWC and NAU-Yuma students have invited members of the Cocopah Indian Tribe and the Quechan Indian Tribe to celebrate the influence of the tribes on the AWC community. Tribal members will be performing traditional song and dance while also displaying pieces of art.
The celebration will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 29, in the 3C Breezeway on the Yuma Main Campus, 2020 S. Ave. 8E, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Community, students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend this free event.
The International Team, an AWC Student Organization, is comprised of those enrolled as international students as well as students interested in broadening their understanding of the world.
For more information, email Aybuke Keehn at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call at (928) 344-7699.
Yuma News
Yuma, Arizona - On Friday, September 15, 2017 the Yuma Police Department was informed of the arrest of one of our police officers, while off duty, in San Diego, California.
On Friday, September 15, 2017 at 4:23 a.m., San Diego Police Officers responded to a sexual assault call. 33 year old Jared Elkins was taken into custody and later booked into San Diego County Jail on sexual assault charges.
Jared Elkins has been a police officer with the Yuma Police Department for 7 years. The Department is in the process of placing him on administrative paid leave until further notice.
On Wednesday, November 15, 2017 a criminal complaint was filed by the San Diego County District Attorneys Office against Jared Elkins for multiple felony offenses. Jared Elkins was scheduled to be arraigned in San Diego Superior Court on November 27th at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Jared Elkins remains on administrative paid leave until further notice.
Yuma News
Yuma, Arizona - A state-mandated recount of Yumas close election for City Council confirms that Karen Watts has been elected to the third and final seat, the City learned Tuesday.
The City is now accepting applications for the 2018 Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA). Applications are available here or on the neighborhood involvement page of the Citys website, www.yumaaz.gov, (click on Departments, then Community Development and look for Neighborhood Involvement, or simply search for Neighborhood Leadership from the home page).
There is no fee to apply or attend. The first deadline for applications is Dec. 16; however, class size is limited, so prospective applicants are encouraged to apply early.
Academy participants will meet this year for three-hour sessions on Thursday evenings every week from Jan. 4 through April 18, culminating with a graduation event April 26. A maximum number of 25 Yuma residents are selected for a single academy from the group of applicants.
The NLA is an effort to ensure that the goals of the City are shared at the neighborhood level and neighborhood issues are at the forefront of policy decisions considered by the City Council. The NLA supports the formation of neighborhood associations and empowers residents in a neighborhood to seek a better quality of life that is citizen-driven and focused.
In a creative learning environment, the NLA brings together some of the City of Yumas leading representatives to equip participants with valuable insight and direction about understanding the City Charter, roles and responsibilities of City Council and City administration, an understanding of how City government works and its role in community affairs.
Graduates from the Neighborhood Leadership Academy are prepared for appointments to official City boards and commissions and are ready to serve if asked to work with City staff and Council on ad-hoc committees focusing on special issues and topics, and on community events.
Past graduates have reported that they leave better informed and prepared to participate in community boards and commissions and neighborhood associations.
NLA also prepares individuals to serve in elected City offices. Current Deputy Mayor Edward Thomas and Councilmember-elect Jacob Miller, for examples, are NLA graduate
For additional information on the Neighborhood Leadership Academy or questions regarding the application, call City of Yuma Neighborhood Services at 928-373-5187.
Paris: Three civilians were wounded in Burkina Faso on Monday after a grenade was thrown at French troops, shortly before President Emmanuel Macron touched down in the country, a security source said.
"Two hooded individuals on a motorcycle threw a grenade towards a French army vehicle" as it made its way to a barracks in the capital Ougadougou housing French special forces, a security source said on condition of anonymity.
Three residents were wounded, one seriously, in the attack which took place at 0800 GMT, the source added.
Ahmedabad: Taking a dig at the opposition Congress ahead of Gujarat polls, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday told Zee News that neither Rahul Gandhi nor the person writing his speech do their background research.
Rahul doesn't do his homework, neither the person writing his speech. The world is pointing at the success of GST, but he is calling it Gabbar Singh Tax.
Calling Congress a party with the political dynasty, the minister said, BJP is not a family-oriented party. It is under no pressure. We all work hard towards the welfare of the party. Anyone can climb on the top. But look at Congress? Who's there apart from Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul campaigned in Manipur, Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Assam, Manipur everywhere. What happened? The result is for all to see. In this country, 13 Chief Ministers are from BJP. Prime Minister and President are also from BJP. And this is not because of the family dynasty but because of the hard efforts put in by leaders like Modi, Amit Shah and many others, added Prasad.
How can Gujarat succeed with Rahul, who's only been mocking the state. I am proud of Gujaratis. They are hard working people. In 22 years of BJP rule, businessman and industrialists have understood how this BJP was beneficial for them, he said while referring to GST.
Under Modi's rule, not a single corruption has taken place, said the minister.
Reflecting on Gujarat and BJP's development model in the state, the minister said that investment has become an important part of every state. But it was first started by Modi here.
On state Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, the minister it's unfair to compare a chief minister to a Prime Minister.
The minister also spoke on Hafiz Saeed and terrorism.
Earlier, Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) Hardik Patel also spoke at the event.
Mexico City: At least 18 people have been killed after a truck overturned in the Mexican state of Puebla, the police said.
The accident occurred along a mountain road in the municipality of Tepango de Rodriguez, according to an official report released by Puebla`s public security authorities on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.
Nine men and nine women were killed, most of whom were travelling in the cargo section of the truck.
A preliminary police report found that the vehicle seemed to have a brake failure, which caused it to crash and roll over, adding that the death toll could rise to 19 as one victim was in critical condition in hospital.
Prosecutors have opened an inquiry into the cause of the accident.
HENAGAR: Embattled Republican U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore said on Monday the allegations of sexual misconduct against him were evidence of the moral failings of leaders in Washington and meant to distract attention from the real issues.
Hitting the campaign trail for the first time in more than two weeks, when the charges first disrupted the race, Moore said the allegations were false and malicious and politicians in both parties were desperate to see him fail.
"This is simply dirty politics. It`s a sign of the immorality of our times," Moore told about 125 supporters who jammed a rural community center in northeast Alabama, speaking just over two weeks before a Dec. 12 special election to fill the Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions when he was appointed U.S. attorney general earlier this year.
Republican lawmakers in Washington, including Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, have rushed to distance themselves from Moore and called for him to step down from the race after he was accused by several women of sexual assault and misconduct when they were teenagers and he was in his early 30s. Reuters has not been able to independently verify those allegations.
Moore said the allegations were designed to distract from "the true issues" facing people and that Senate leaders understood he was difficult to manage and did not want to deal with him.
"Politicians will stop at nothing to win an election," said Moore, who has accused the media of joining in the effort to malign him.
Outside the rally, a man wearing a Moore sticker pushed away a cameraman as he attempted to film Moore`s arrival, local media reported. A reporter for the Birmingham News, in a tweet, identified the man as Tony Goolsby, the DeKalb County chairman for the Moore campaign.
President Donald Trump defended Moore last week, but a White House official said Trump would not campaign for Moore before the Dec. 12 special election.
Trump has repeatedly slammed Moore`s Democratic opponent, Doug Jones, a former U.S. attorney, calling him a liberal and saying that Jones would not vote for a tax overhaul plan now being debated in Congress.
Republicans hold a slim 52-48 majority in the Senate and are eager to maintain their advantage to pass Trump`s legislative agenda on taxes, healthcare and other priorities.
But Republican Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama told reporters on Monday he had not voted for Moore, writing in a candidate instead. He did not say whom he wrote in.
Moore had largely stayed off the campaign trail and avoided questions since the allegations first surfaced in the Washington Post. The Jones campaign has taken notice and begun criticizing his absence.
Before the rally, a Moore representative warned the crowd against any "outbursts" and said Moore would not be taking questions.
Washington: The hackers' targets: The former head of cybersecurity for the US Air Force. An ex-director at the National Security Council. A former head of the Defense Intelligence Agency.
All were caught up in a Russian government-aligned cyberespionage campaign. None was warned by the FBI, despite an agency policy that calls for notification.
The bureau repeatedly failed to alert targets of the Russian hacking group known as Fancy Bear despite knowing for more than a year that their personal emails were in the Kremlin's sights, an Associated Press investigation has found.
"No one's ever said to me, 'Hey Joe, you've been targeted by this Russian group,'" said former Navy intelligence officer Joe Mazzafro, whose inbox the hackers tried to compromise in 2015.
"That our own security services have not gone out and alerted me, that's what I find the most disconcerting as a national security professional."
FBI policy calls for notifying victims, whether individuals or groups, to help thwart both ongoing and future hacking attempts.
The policy, which was released in a lawsuit filed earlier this year against the FBI by the non-profit Electronic Privacy Information Center, says that notification should be considered "even when it may interfere with another investigation or (intelligence) operation."
The FBI did not immediately respond to requests on the details of its notification policy. Late last week, it declined to discuss its investigation into Fancy Bear's spying campaign, but did provide a statement that said in part: "The FBI routinely notifies individuals and organizations of potential threat information."
Three people familiar with the matter including a current and a former government official said the FBI has known the details of Fancy Bear's attempts to break into Gmail inboxes for more than a year.
A senior FBI official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the hacking operation because of its sensitivity, said the bureau had been overwhelmed by an "almost insurmountable problem."
The AP conducted its own investigation into Fancy Bear, dedicating two months and a small team of reporters to go through a list of 19,000 phishing links provided by the cyber-security firm Secureworks.
The list showed how Fancy Bear worked in close alignment with Kremlin interests to steal tens of thousands of emails from the Democratic Party , the AP reported this month.
But it wasn't just Democrats the hackers were after.
The AP identified more than 500 US-based targets in the data, reached out to more than 190 of them and interviewed nearly 80 people, including current or former military personnel, Democratic operatives, diplomats or ex-intelligence workers such as Mazzafro.
Many were long-retired, but about one-third were still in government or held security clearances at the time of the hacking attempts. Only two told the AP they learned of the hacking attempts from the FBI.
A few more were contacted by the FBI after their emails were published in the torrent of leaks that coursed through last year's electoral contest. To this day, some leak victims have not heard from the bureau.
One was retired Maj James Phillips, who was one of the first people exposed by the website DCLeaks in mid-2016. A year later, Philips has yet to hear anything from the FBI. In fact he didn't learn his emails were "flapping in the breeze" until two months after the fact, when a journalist called him to ask for comment.
United Nations: The UN Security Council has urged all Syrian parties to actively participate in the Geneva political process without preconditions and to support efforts to ensure its success.
Sebastiano Cardi, President of the Security Council, told reporters on Monday after closed-door consultations on Syria that the council reiterated a political solution must be forged through the Geneva process, Xinhua reported.
The council members also stressed respect for Syria's sovereignty, unity, independence and territorial integrity, Cardi said.
Although the Syrian opposition has formed a unified group for Geneva talks following negotiations among them in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian government has not confirmed its attendance at the new round of Geneva talks.
"The meeting will start tomorrow and we really hope that all parties, including the Syrian government, will be present," Cardi said.
Briefing Monday's Security Council open meeting, UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said the "moment of truth" has arrived for the Syria talks.
"The meeting will start tomorrow and we really hope that all parties, including the Syrian government, will be present," he added.
Initially, he said, the participants should focus on a work plan, particularly on principles as well as the constitutional and election "baskets." All other initiatives should support the UN mediation process, he said.
Asked by reporters to comment on the Syrian government's failure to confirm its presence at the Geneva talks, chief UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, "participation of the Syrian government is very important."
Several diplomats at the UN also expressed their hope that the Geneva talks will be able to produce positive outcomes given the fact that the Syrian opposition has formed a unified negotiating committee.
French ambassador to the United Nations, Francois Delattre, saw a better chance for the Geneva talks as the Syrian opposition has reached a deal at the auspices of Saudi Arabia.
"We very much welcome the great progress achieved in Riyadh by the Syrian opposition to establish a unified, credible and pragmatic group that will be able to negotiate in Geneva," he told reporters before walking into the Security Council chamber for the Syria meeting.
The important outcome in Riyadh helps reinforce the importance of the Geneva process and brings about a new chance and new opportunities, said Delattre.
He stressed that any political initiative must be compatible with the Geneva process in order to succeed.
PATNA: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is the latest among the state Chief Ministers to join the 'ban Padmavati' chorus.
Nitish has reportedly said that Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama 'Padmavati' will not be released in Bihar till the producers and director of the film make necessary changes in the film.
His statement on Padmavati comes hours after the Supreme Court dismissed a fresh petition seeking to stall the release of movie Padmavati outside India.
The top court further directed officials holding responsible positions to avoid commenting on the film, since it amounts to pre-judging it.
Such kind of statements are violative of the principle of Rule of Law as Censor Board is yet to certify the movie," said the apex court.
The SC was listening to a plea filed by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma, seeking direction to delete certain objectionable scenes from the movie. The petition also sought prosecution of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
Recently, the government in poll-bound Gujarat announced a ban on the movie saying Padmavati will not be screened in the state till the assembly elections are over.
Gujarat goes to poll on December 9 and 14, and the counting is to take place on December 18.
In a press conference on November 22, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that apart from the Kshatriya Samaaj, other communities also expressed apprehension about the release of the film.
"Till the issues are resolved, Padmavati will not be screened in Gujarat," said Rupani.
He also tweeted, "The Government of Gujarat will not allow #Padmavati - a movie hurting sentiments of Rajputs - to get released in the State. We can't allow our history to be distorted. We believe in freedom of speech & expression but any foul play with our great culture is not tolerated. (sic)"
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's controversial period drama, Padmavati, has been in dire straits for a while now.
Several right-wing groups have been vehemently opposing the film on the grounds that it supposedly degrades the honour of the Rajput queen, Rani Padmini and shows her in a bad light.
Bhansali`s magnum-opus, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, and Shahid Kapoor, has been mired in a slew of controversies for allegedly tampering with historical facts.
Patna: Acrimonious exchanges were on Tuesday witnessed inside the Bihar Legislative Assembly between Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi and leader of the opposition Tejashwi Yadav over the issues of corruption under the present regime and benami property allegedly amassed by the latter.
As soon as Speaker Vijay Kumar Choudhary rejected a notice for adjournment motion on various scams served by opposition members, Yadav stood up and said, "This is a very important matter. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was earlier known for good governance, is now regarded as 'Bhishm Pitamah' of corruption".
"Not a day passes when people in Bihar do not open newspapers or switch on TV expecting news of a new scam", Yadav, younger son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, alleged.
Sushil Modi reacted angrily to this, saying Yadav "should tell the house about benami property worth about Rs 1,000 crore amassed by him into which CBI was inquiring. At the age of 28, he has become owner of so many properties".
Yadav retorted, "at times I am told that I am a child (a reference to a recent remark by the CM) and at the same time I am also accused of corrupt deals".
"I was the Deputy CM for a considerable period of time. I want to know whether I was guilty of any corrupt deal during the period. On the other hand, the name of the CM has figured in a murder case and even a fine has been slapped on him by a court in that connection", Yadav alleged.
Sushil Modi sarcastically replied "had he explained his position earlier, he would have been sitting even now on the Deputy CM's chair".
The senior BJP leader was referring to collapse of Grand Alliance comprising JD(U), RJD and Congress over the issue of graft charge on Yadav.
Earlier, proceedings of the House commenced in a surcharged atmosphere with some CPI(ML) MLAs carrying placards and shouting slogans demanding a stop on violence against dalits. This evoked angry outbursts from the ruling side.
Later, RJD member Abdul Bari Siddiqui told the Chair "members of the ruling side are behaving in a manner in which the opposition has been known to behave".
State Minister Nand Kishore Yadav reacted angrily saying the ruling side "will not allow the opposition to manipulate the proceedings in an arbitrary manner".
Later, as members were dispersing after the Speaker announcment adjournment of the House before lunch, Bhai Virendra of the RJD and Virendra Singh of the JD(U) nearly came to blows inside the house over allegations and counter allegations in the trade of sand and stone chips.
Bhai Virendra was heard remarking "I only said that people from the ruling side are known to have mafia-like interest in sand and stone chips trade, but to this Virendra Singh reacted in an abusive manner".
As angry exchanges continued between them, some members tried to pacify the two MLAs.
Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav later told reporters "our party has lodged a complaint against the use of abusive language by the JD(U) MLA and the Speaker has promised that he will look into it".
He also alleged "Sushil Modi has tutored his MLAs to provoke us to resort to violence so that they could later defame us before the media".
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday took exception to people holding official positions making adverse comments about the Hindi film Padmavati, saying these breached the principle of rule of law.
The court also said people in position of responsibility should not comment on the film as it may prejudice the censor board.
A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said: "We are governed by the rule of law.
"When the matter is pending before the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for grant of certificate, nobody holding a responsible position should comment as it would amount to violation of the principle of the rule of law."
The court also junked a petition by lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma objecting to the offshore release of the film Padmavati.
Taking exception to Sharma's plea, the court said it was unwarranted.
New Delhi: Ali Abbas Zafar's big release 'Tiger Zinda Hai' (TZH) is all geared up to hit the screens on December 22 this year and the excitement is only palpable. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif are coming back to sizzle the silver screens after a hiatus of five long years.
The trailer and first song of TZH titled 'Swag Se Swagat' not only hit the right chords amongst the audiences but also made several records. Now, after the 'Swagilicious' success of the first song, the makers teased the first look of the next one titled 'Dil Diyan Gallan'.
This romantic number will reportedly be launched in a big way. There are a reports that it will be launched at Salman Khan's 'Bigg Boss 11' platform. Pinkvilla.com quoted a source as saying, A song like this needs a huge launch. This is their most passionate, romantic track ever and the makers have decided that the two should perform together to launch the song. People just cant get enough of Salman and Katrina and they are sizzling together in the song. Them performing together will only heighten the anticipation of seeing them on screen when Tiger releases in the theatres.
Adding, the source said, Salman will woo Katrina on Bigg Boss by doing the Waltz with her just like in Dil Diyan Gallansvideo. Watch out for their breath-taking chemistry.
TZH is a sequel to 2012 blockbuster 'Ek Tha Tiger' and was helmed by Kabir Khan.
New Delhi: In the wake of the Supreme Court directing Hadiya to be taken to college for her studies, her father KM Ashokan on Tuesday expressed happiness, adding he had always wanted her to study.
The apex court, during a hearing on the Kerala `love jihad` case yesterday, said the college should allow the hostel facility to Hadiya and also ordered her college dean to be her guardian after she requested for it.
"We never abused her. I am happy with the Supreme Court. I was worried about her education and wanted her to study. Now I am happy," Ashokan told the media.
This decision was taken after the court questioned Hadiya in the case, where she told the apex court that she wanted to be with her husband.
The 24-year-old has been in the headlines after she became a Muslim following her marriage to Jahan.
Hadiya said she had married Jahan out of her own will and not forcibly. The top court will now hear the matter next in the third week of January.
Earlier, the NIA had submitted a status report in a sealed cover to the top court in connection with the case.
The apex court has been hearing Hadiya`s case after Jahan approached the top court following the Kerala High Court annulling his marriage with Hadiya.
While Hadiya`s parents have been alleging that her marriage was a case of `love jihad` and that she was converted to Islam forcibly, Hadiya has refuted these claims so far.
New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday urged Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to move the court against the increase in Delhi Metro fare hike.
"The Delhi government should approach the court against the (decision) to increase Metro fares," Delhi Congress unit chief Ajay Maken told reporters here.
He said the Congress will move the court if the Aam Aadmi Party government failed to do so.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corp (DMRC) hiked the fares from October 10, the second this year after the May hike, despite opposition from the Delhi government and other quarters.
Taking a dig at Kejriwal, Maken said: "Kejriwal has enough money to pay lawyers and on advertisements but why can`t he spend some money for the benefit of Metro commuters?"
The Congress leader suggested subsidy by the Delhi government to DMRC to maintain fares within the reach of the common man.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi while delivering a speech at the inauguration of 3-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad on Tuesday said that his government created Aadhaar- the worlds largest biometric based digital database.
He further said, "The worlds largest biometric based digital database currently covers over 1.15 billion people and digitally authenticates over 40 million transactions daily. We now digitally provide monetary benefits of various government schemes to the beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer using Aadhaar."
PM Modi added that the government is steadily working towards a less cash economy and has launched a Unified Payment Interface App called BHIM. In less than a year, this platform is facilitating almost 280 thousand transactions daily.
"To my entrepreneur friends across the world, I would like to say come make in India, invest in India, for India and for the world," Modi said.
To entrepreneurs here from all over the world, I assure you Indias whole-hearted support and urge you to come Make in India and Invest in India. For India and the World: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/RDxcPZU6s0 NITI Aayog (@NITIAayog) November 28, 2017
He further added that a historic overhaul of the taxation system has been recently undertaken, bringing in the GST across the country.
"My govt has launched the Atal Innovation Mission and are opening Tinkering Labs in more than 900 schools to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among children," Modi said.
Prime Minister also said that his government has taken several steps to improve business environment. The jump in ease of doing business is a result of this initiative.
"His government has taken several steps to improve the business environment. The jump in India's ranking in the World Bank's ease of doing business report, from 142 to 100, in three years, is a result of this. We have improved on indicators like dealing with construction permits, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency," PM said.
Overhauling the taxation system. pic.twitter.com/CPMvC75bfb PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 28, 2017
The inaugural session of the summit was also addressed by, Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and Ivanka Trump.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Ivanka Trump, daughter and adviser to US President Donald Trump, on the sidelines of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.
Trump, who is also a fashion designer and a businesswoman, was invited by Modi during his visit to the White House in June to speak at the Summit.
She is leading the US contingent at the Summit, which has 'Women First, Prosperity for All' as its theme. Modi will host dinner for her at the famous Falaknuma Palace Hotel this evening.
About 1,500 delegates from 150 countries and territories are taking part in the three-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit.
Dublin: Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister Frances Fitzgerald has resisted calls to resign as more evidence has emerged about her level of knowledge surrounding a plan to discredit an Irish police whistleblower.
On Monday, documents revealed Frances Fitzgerald had received a letter discussing the action from an official, BBC reported.
At the time she was the Irish minster for justice. She faces a vote of no confidence in the Dail (Irish parliament) on Tuesday.
A government spokesperson said it retained full confidence in Fitzgerald. The dispute has created a political crisis.
In 2015, the O'Higgins Commission was established by the government to look examine malpractice allegations in the Garda's (Irish police) Cavan-Monaghan division.
On Monday evening, it was revealed that the now tanaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) was personally sent a letter from one of her officials in July 2015, which discussed the "aggressive stance towards Sgt. Maurice McCabe at the commission".
The letter is one of a number of documents published by the department of justice from a record trawl requested by Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Leo Varadkar.
In a series of tweets on Monday evening, Fitzgerald wrote: "As Justice Minister, I could not interfere with the O'Higgins Commission. This is confirmed twice in today's docs & has been confirmed by the Attorney General."
A judge-led tribunal is also being held to establish whether senior Garda officers were involved in an alleged smear campaign against whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe.
Fitzgerald also wrote: "The Tribunal will objectively judge the appropriateness of my conduct. I look forward to giving my evidence to the Tribunal early in January."
Last week, Fitzgerald faced questions in the Dail (Irish parliament) over an email she was sent by former Garda Commissioner, Noirin O'Sullivan, which outlined the legal strategy to be pursued against Sgt Maurice McCabe.
Fitzgerald said she could not remember reading it.
However, she recently admitted she was made aware a year earlier than she had previously stated that lawyers for the Garda were going to attempt to discredit Sgt. McCabe.
London: Six Britons who were among 35 crew on a US-operated anti-piracy ship serving jail terms for illegal possession of weapons were released from an Indian prison on Tuesday after their court acquittal.
The six were collected from prison by British embassy officials and were seen being driven away.
"Officials from the UK embassy came and took them after completing their paperwork," Murugesan, deputy inspector general of prisons in the southeastern city of Chennai, told AFP.
A high court on Monday overturned five-year jail terms passed on the six Britons, three Ukrainians, 14 Estonians and 12 Indians in January 2016.
New Delhi: The Income Tax (I-T) department on Tuesday conducted searches at over 25 locations in Delhi and the National Capital Region in connection with its tax evasion probe into the Panama Papers leak cases, official sources said.
The I-T teams swooped down on three business groups, which had interests in metals and food processing, financial services and tyres, they added.
The department had recovered about Rs 4 crore cash and jewellery during the ongoing searches in Delhi, Ghaziabad and Faridabad till now, the sources said, adding that a number of documents, computer hard discs and CDs were seized.
The names and links of the business groups had featured in the Panama Papers and it was detected that these entities were "highly suppressing" their actual turnover and income, they said.
At least 25 locations in Delhi-NCR were covered during today's search-and-survey operations, the sources added.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which frames the policies of the IT department, had recently said that the probe into the Panama Papers leak cases had led to the detection of undisclosed wealth of Rs 792 crore and that the probe was on in "full swing".
Over a year after the Washington-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) made the documents public, the CBDT had said it had found 147 of a total of 426 cases "actionable".
"The Income Tax department conducted inquiries in all the 426 cases, inter alia, by making 395 references to 28 foreign jurisdictions.
"Based on an analysis of the information obtained and the investigation conducted, the outcome so far indicates 147 actionable cases and 279 non-actionable cases (non-residents or no irregularities)," it had said earlier this month.
The Panama Papers contained brief particulars of 426 Indians or Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
The Centre had constituted a multi-agency group (MAG) of investigating agencies in April last year to probe these instances.
The MAG has so far submitted seven reports to the Centre.
Ghaziabad: Armed robbers who initially pretended to be patients in need of urgent medical help barged into a doctor`s house here on Tuesday and fled with cash, jewellery and other valueables worth lakhs of rupees, police said.
The incident occurred at the Vasundhara residential locality when four men reached the residence-cum-clinic of neurologist Neeraj Agrawal and told the receptionist that they needed to see him.
As the receptionist asked them to wait, they quickly scaled the staircase and barged into the first floor residence where the doctor, his wife and mother live.
They overpowered the doctor, put a pistol at his head and told his wife to surrender all the valuables -- which she did.
Within 15 minutes, they fled after bolting the house from outside. The frightened receptionist then phoned the police.
"Raids are being conducted to nab the criminals," said inspector Sushil Kumar Dubey.
Lucknow: After contesting the Uttar Pradesh civic polls separately, BJP's alliance partner, the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), is now planning to put up its candidates for 12 seats in three districts of Gujarat for the Assembly polls there.
"Our alliance with BJP is not at the national level. We also want to contest assembly polls for some seats in Gujarat with BJP. A message was sent to BJP president Amit Shah a fortnight back but we did not get any reply. Our party will contest on 12 seats in Vadodara, Vapi and Surat," SBSP chief Om Prakash Rajbhar told PTI.
He said that in these 12 constituencies, there are people from eastern UP.
If Amit Shah gives us some seats we will agree otherwise we will contest, Rajbhar, a cabinet minister in the Yogi Adityanath government in UP, said.
"We are following the alliance in UP but in the civic polls, as there was no agreement, both of us are contesting," he said.
Rajbhar had on November 6 announced contesting civic polls stating that as his party did not get a "positive response" from the BJP, he had to take the decision to go alone.
He had said that "time will tell" whether contesting the urban local body polls separately will affect his party's ties with the BJP.
Rajbhar has also said that his party may contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections separately "if the BJP persists with such an attitude".
The SBSP has four MLAs in Uttar Pradesh.
In the 2017 UP Assembly election, the BJP along with its allies -- Apna Dal(S) and SBSP -- bagged an overwhelming 325 seats in the 403-member Legislative Assembly.
The BJP had won 312 Assembly seats (out of 384 it contested), while Apna Dal(S) won nine seats out of 11 it had contested. The SBSP grabbed four seats out of eight it contested.
Ahmedabad: Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday accused the Congress of misguiding the Patidar community over the issue of reservation and asked the party to reveal the roadmap under which it has promised a quota to them over and above the 50 per cent cap set by the Supreme Court.
Prasad, while referring to seven different Supreme Court judgements, including a landmark judgement in 1992, alleged that the Congress' reservation talk is "height of political opportunism" aimed only at getting Patidar votes during the next month's Gujarat Assembly polls.
"Congress is now talking about reservation to Patidars. This is height of political opportunism. I want Congress to reveal their roadmap as to how they would breach the 50 per cent cap set by the SC," the law minister said.
"Is it a mere eyewash or cheating? If it is being done for getting votes, then it must stop," Prasad told reporters here.
"There are seven different judgements about reservation, including the 1992 Indra Sawhney judgement, which clearly says that we can't cross the 50 per cent cap," the minister said.
The Supreme Court had also made it clear that any law about reservation does not become immune to judicial review just by putting it into the 9th schedule of the Constitution, he said.
Last week, Patidar leader Hardik Patel announced his support to the Congress for the upcoming Gujarat polls, stating that the party has promised to give reservation under Article 31(C) of the Constitution, if voted to power.
Hardik had said that reservation formula given by the Congress for his community will be over and above the present 50 per cent quota and opined that the 50 per cent cap set by the Supreme Court was just a "suggestion" and can be breached if the sate government wants.
On this, Prasad said Article 31(C) was introduced in 1971, while all the reservation-related judgements were delivered only after that.
"Now, Congress is trying to open the doors through Article 31(C), which was introduced in 1971. Since all the judgements came after that, it is clear that the SC must have considered all the provisions of 31(C) while giving verdicts. I request the Congress not to cheat Patidars for getting their votes," he said.
Chandigarh: Haryana Police on Tuesday filed a chargesheet against Honeypreet, the closest aide of the rapist sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, and other accused in connection with the August 25 violence in Panchkula and other places in Haryana following conviction of the sect chief.
The 979-page chargesheet was filed by the special investigation team (SIT) of the Haryana Police before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate in Panchkula, adjoining Chandigarh.
Honeypreet and several other sect functionaries and followers were booked by police on charges of sedition, inciting violence and criminal conspiracy.
Honeypreet, whose real name is Priyanka Taneja, was arrested on October 3 after remaining fugitive for 38 days after the August 25 violence.
She has been lodged in the Central Jail, Ambala, 45 km from here, since October 23. The SIT took Honeypreet to various locations in Haryana to establish evidence of her involvement in the violence.
A court in Panchkula had in September issued arrest warrants against top Dera functionaries -- Honeypreet, Aditya Insan and Pawan Insan. All three were booked by the Haryana Police on charges of sedition, inciting violence and being involved in a conspiracy to help the Dera chief escape after his conviction by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on August 25 on two counts of rape of female disciples in 1999.
Ram Rahim has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of over Rs 30 lakh.
His rape conviction led to violence in Panchkula and Sirsa in Haryana, leaving 41 people dead and over 260 injured. Isolated incidents of violence were also reported from Delhi and several places in Punjab.The Haryana Police had sounded an international alert against all three.
Honeypreet`s ex-husband Vishwas Gupta had alleged illicit relations between her and the sect chief.The woman -- who has been claiming to be Ram Rahim`s "adopted daughter" -- starred as the lead heroine in five films he directed, produced and acted in over a period of three years.
Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday raised question on the welcome given to US President Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump, who joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad.
Taking to Twitter, the Samajwadi Party leader, who is the son of former chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, said that those who protest against dynasty politics are today busy welcoming a foreign dynast.
! . . Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 28, 2017
This came on a day when Ivanka Trump met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the global summit in Hyderabad on Tuesday. The Prime Minister presented her a wooden box of Sadeli craft.
This craft technique of fabricating geometric patterns in wood is native to Surat. It involves fabricating geometric patterns in wood.
The box was traditionally used for decorating doors, windows and furniture. Now, it is also used for embellishing jewellery boxes, containers and photo frames.
Addressing the summit later on Tuesday, Ivanka lauded Modi saying his rise from being a tea seller to the Prime Minister of the country showed that transformational change was possible. She said that Modis achievements were extraordinary.
With PM Modi on the dais, she congratulated Indians on celebrating 70 years of Independence. "You are celebrating it as the world's largest democracy, and one of the fastest growing economies on the earth," she added.
Ivanka also showered lavish praise on PM Modi who is "doing well to build India as a thriving economy - a beacon of democracy - and a symbol of hope to the world. What you are achieving is truly extraordinary".
Later, Ivanka attended a gala dinner with PM Modi at the Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad.
Famous for its huge Nizam-era table which can seat 101 guests at a time, the palace-turned-plush hotel is one the key landmarks of the city.
The dinner was hosted by the Union government. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao was among those present for the dinner.
New Delhi: The government has said the expenditure incurred on the entire negotiation process under the ambitious Naga Framework Agreement cannot be made public as it will be prejudicial to national security interests.
"It is intimated that the information sought on the expenditure of Naga Framework Agreement are highly sensitive in nature and sharing the details will be prejudicial to the national security interests," the Home Ministry said in an RTI reply to IANS.
The information was exempted from disclosure under Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act, 2005, the reply added.
Clause 8(1)(a) bars making public information, disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the state, relation with foreign state or lead to incitement of an offence.
The Home Ministry also declined to give information on the cost incurred on keeping the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Issak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) leaders in Delhi ever since the signing of the Naga Framework Agreement on August 3, 2015.
The Agreement was signed between the Centre and the NSCN-IM after nearly two decades of negotiations.
Many expect a final solution to the six decades of Naga conflict by the end of this year.
Nagaland may get some political autonomy as part of the overall solution.
New Delhi: Predicting a record 150 seats for BJP in the upcoming assembly elections, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said the party's leadership, its policies and intention will help it win by a record margin.
Speaking at Zee News' Game of Gujarat Conclave, Rupani hailed PM Narendra Modi's past achievements in the state and his leadership at the Centre. "There is no comparison between the kind of leaders we have and those in the Congress camp. Can you really compare PM Modi with anyone in Congress?" he said. "Our visionary leadership - combined with our strong policies and clean and defined intentions will ensure BJP gets more than 150 seats in a never-seen-before result."
Highlighting that the elections - scheduled for December 9 and 14 - are a golden opportunity for people in the state, Rupani said Congress' current state means Gujaratis will reject the party completely. "BJP has formed governments in 18 states. This not only shows how much faith people have in our party but also shows where Congress is at. It saddens me to see what state Congress has deteriorated to."
New Delhi: Having been accused of featuring in a secretly-filmed sex CD, a fiery Hardik Patel on Tuesday lashed out on questions being raised on his personal life.
Expressing his shock at accusations made against him, Hardik said that there were more pressing matters at hand rather than to establish if it is indeed him in the sex CD. "It is not of anyone's concern if it is me in the CD. Why should I answer questions about my personal life? The CD is completely false, you give me Rs 2 crore and I can put (Vijay) Rupani's face in the video," he said at Zee News' Game of Gujarat Conclave.
Once again accusing BJP of using 'dirty tactics', Hardik said the CD was a ploy to deviate focus from the real issues that face people of Gujarat. He did admit though - on a lighter note - that he should be more cautious. "From now on, I will keep windows shut even when I take a bath."
(Also read: Game of Gujarat Conclave - CM Rupani predicts record win for BJP)
The purported sex clip of Hardik went viral on social media following which the Patidar quota stir leader claimed the CD was morphed and circulated at the behest of the BJP. The video appears to have been shot in a hotel on May 16, 2017. The authenticity of the CD cannot be independently verified.
The Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener had previously tweeted that "Gujarat wants to see the CD of development in the state not of a 22-year-old boy."
Nitin Patel, 61, is the incumbent Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat. He is looking to retain his seat in the Mehsana Constituency.
Patel was among the favourites to take over as Chief Minister after the resignation of Anandiben Patel in 2016 in the wake of the Patidar reservation agitation. He took charge as the Deputy Chief Minister to Vijay Rupani.
Patel was first elected to the Gujarat Assembly election in 1990 from the Kadi constituency. He was reelected from the same constituency in 1995 and 1998, before losing in the 2002 election by a slender margin. He won in Kadi again in 2007. He moved to the Mahesana constituency and won in the 2012 election.
Nitin Patel became a minister in the Gujarat cabinet in 1995, with charge of the Health Department. In 1999, he was appointed the minister for Small and Medium Irrigation; and Roads and Buildings Department. He was given charge of the key Finance portfolio in 2001 and was shifted to the Revenue portfolio un 2002.
From 2007, he was minister for Irrigation, Water Supply, Urban Development Housing. His profile saw significant expansion when he was minister for Finance, Health, Medical Education, Family Welfare and Transport from 2012. He retained a high profile in the government till his appointment as Deputy Chief Minister in 2016.
Patel was born in Visnagar. He dropped out in the second year of college had worked in the cotton and oil businesses before his entry into politics.
New Delhi: A herd of donkeys in Uttar Pradesh's Jalaun district were recently put behind bars for allegedly committing the 'crime' of feasting on expensive plants outside Ural jail here. After being kept in detention for four days, they were let loose on Monday. There is no word on whether they learnt their lesson.
In what can only be termed as an extremely bizarre case of official high-handedness, the donkeys were accused of destroying the plants outside the jail despite their owners reportedly being repeatedly warned to not let the animals wander. The plants apparently cost several lakhs. "These donkeys had destroyed some very expensive plants which our senior officer had arranged for planting inside jail and despite warnings, the owner let loose his animals here. So we detained the donkeys," head constable RK Mishra told ANI.
In a state where the police machinery was previously put into action to locate a minister's missing buffalos, the donkeys failed to get any political backing for four days before a local politician came to the rescue and posted the bail amount.
Interestingly, UP - notorious for its high crime rate - has begun cracking down on criminal activities in recent weeks. Putting animals in the lockup though would hardly be much to bray about for the police force here.
NEW DELHI: Mumbai attacks mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed has filed a petition in the United Nations, asking his name to be struck off from the list of global list of designated terrorists.
Saeed, who is also the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), filed the UN petition through a Lahore-based law firm while he was still under house arrest.
Saeed was designated as a global terrorist by the UN under the Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008, following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in which 164 people, including six Americans, were killed. He carried a bounty of $10 million on his head for terror activities.
Last week, he was freed by Pakistan after being under house arrest for 297 days.
His release was met with global outcry.
Expressing outrage on his release, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "India, as indeed the entire International community, is outraged that a self-confessed and a UN proscribed terrorist is being allowed to walk free and continue with his evil agenda."
The White House too condemned his release, calling for his immediate re-arrest and prosecution. The US further said there will be repercussions for US-Pakistan relations unless Islamabad took action to detain and charge Saeed.
"(Hafiz) Saeeds release, after Pakistans failure to prosecute or charge him, sends a deeply troubling message about Pakistans commitment to (combating) international terrorism and belies Pakistani claims that it will not provide sanctuary for terrorists on its soil," said the White House in a statement.
With Agency Inputs
Hyderabad: Ivanka Trump on Tuesday hailed Narendra Modi's journey from being a tea-seller to the Prime Minister of India, and also congratulated citizens of the country for inspiring people all around the world.
In Hyderabad to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, Ivanka - daughter of US President Donald Trump, said PM Modi is a symbol of democracy and his journey has been incredible. " I would like to thank Mr Narendra Modi for having me here. His journey from being a tea-seller to the Prime Minister of India is great. What you are achieving here is incredible," she said. "I would also like to congratulate Indians for being an inspiration to people all around the world. You have shown you are not afraid to fail and are going beyond the ordinary. You have the grit, the perseverance and a will to succeed."
Ivanka also hailed Indo-US friendship and said ties between the two countries will only grow closer in the times to come. "We are committed to even better relations between our two great nations," she said.
A vocal supporter of women empowerment, Ivanka also spoke highly of women entrepreneurs in India. "I especially want to congratulate the women entrepreneurs here today," she said. "Many women become entrepreneurs out of necessity. Fueling the growth of women-led businesses is not only good for the society but for the nation. Here in India, I want to applaud PM Modi for his firm belief that the progress of a community is incomplete without empowering women."
SALEM: Kerala woman Hadiya, the alleged love jihad victim, on Tuesday reached here to complete her studies at a Salem homeopathy college.
College principal G Kannan said she would continue her course under her Hindu name Akhila Ashokan.
The Supreme Court on Monday set Hadiya free from the custody of her parents and directed that she be allowed to complete her studies at a Salem homeopathy college.
The 25-year old will be undergoing a 11-month internship at the institution as directed by the apex court.
Wearing a yellow scarf, she was whisked away to the Managing Director's office soon after arrival at the college campus in Salem, a town in Western Tamil Nadu.
Later, emerging from the office after about half-an-hour later, Hadiya said she has sought permission to meet her husband.
"I think they will allow," she told reporters.
Replying to a question, she said security was not necessary for her. But at least for two days security will be there, she added.
Later, she was taken in a police vehicle to the college hostel, located about five km away from here.
Can't have 'terrorist' in the family: Hadiya's father
The father of the Kerala woman on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court decision allowing her to continue her studies.
Asked about his stance on inter-religious marriages, Hadiya's father K M Ashokan said he believed in one religion and one god but could not have a terrorist in the family.
"Hadiya does not have any idea about Syria, where she wanted to go after converting to Islam," Ashokan said.
"I cannot have a terrorist in the family," he added.
Hindu woman from Kerala who converted to Islam, told the Supreme Court that she wants "freedom and release". The SC directed that she be allowed to complete her studies at a Salem homeopathy college in Tamil Nadu.
After a prolonged proceedings in the open courtroom, the top court did not accede to Hadiya's plea that she should be allowed to go with her husband. She also told the court she wanted "freedom" to live and profess Islamic faith.
The bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, which interacted with Hadiya for nearly half-an-hour in the courtroom against the wishes of her father who had sought an in-camera interaction, directed the Kerala police to provide her security and ensure that she travelled at the earliest to Salem in Tamil Nadu to pursue homeopathy studies at Sivaraj Medical College there.
She expressed her desire to complete her house surgeon internship and pursue her career as a homeopathic doctor.
"Freedom, release", Hadiya said in response to a question from Justice Chandrachud "What is your dream for the future?"
She was in the custody of her parents for last eight months.
Hadiya was in the custody of her parents for almost six months, after the Kerala High Court had on May 29 anulled her 'nikah' with Shafin Jahan. Hadiya, a Hindu by birth, had converted to Islam several months before her marriage.
The court fixed the plea of Jahan, challenging Kerala High Court's order annulling his marriage with Hadiya, for hearing in the third week of January next year.
Kerala HC had termed it a love jihad case
Earlier, a bench of former CJI Jagdish Singh Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud had ordered the premier probe agency to launch a probe into the conversion and marriage of the Kerala Hindu girl, who was known as Akhila but allegedly converted to Islam and changed her name to Hadiya, to a Muslim man, Shafin Jahan. The marriage had taken place in 2016.
Shafin on September 16 filed a plea requesting the top court to call off the NIA probe, alleging that the investigation agency "is not being fair".
Justice RV Ravindran, a retired judge of the apex court, is supervising the investigation.
The Kerala HC on May 25 had declared as "null and void" the marriage of 24-year-old Hadiya. It had described the case as an instance of 'love jihad' and ordered the state police to conduct probe into such cases.
Shafin Jahan filed another plea in SC challenging the HC order saying it was an "an insult to the independence of woman in India".
Jahan has claimed Hadiya, a homeopathy student in Kerala, converted to Islam of her own volition two years prior to their marriage and sought direction to Hadiya's father to present her in court.
However, Hadiya's father maintained that his daughter was a "helpless victim" trapped by a "well-oiled racket" which used "psychological measures" to indoctrinate people and convert them to Islam.
Hadiya's father plea says Jahan is a criminal and his daughter was trapped by a network with connections to Popular Front of India and even the Islamic State.
It was alleged that the woman was recruited by Islamic State's mission in Syria and Jahan was only a stooge.
Hadiya was a homeopathy student in Kerala when she converted to Islam and changed her name. Jahan had met her with his family in August 2016 in response to her posting on a marriage website and they got married in December 2016.
But in August 2016 itself, her father had approached high court with a habeas corpus petition, alleging his daughter had been radicalised by some organisations and they had also influenced her to marry a Muslim man so that she is out of the parents' custody forever.
He had also apprehended that there could be a plan to send her to Syria to work with extremist organisations such as IS since the man she married had been working in the Gulf.
New Delhi: Maharashtra minister and BJP leader Girish Mahajan has courted controversy after a video emerged in which he is seen with a hunting party in pursuit of a Leopard which has reportedly killed five villagers in Jalgaon district.
Mahajan, who was previously seen with a revolver at a function for specially-abled children, was once again seen with the revolver as he joined the search party for the animal which has, according to local media reports, been terrorizing villages in the district. With him were DM, DFO, Additional SP and several villagers.
After the video emerged, however, the minister clarified that he had taken out his revolver in self-defence rather with the sole intent of hunting the animal. "The leopard has killed five people in the district in the past one-and-a-half months. On Monday, I visited the families of the people killed by the leopard. On my way, the forest officials sighted the leopard and so we decided to chase it down," he told mediapersons. "Being a legislator and guardian minister of the district, I wanted to participate in the operation, instead of sitting safely in my car."
New Delhi: Security agencies have arrested an alleged Lashker-e-Toiba operative and said that he was carrying out reconnaissance of vital installations.
Officials were quoted by PTI as saying that the accused, identified as Abdul Naeem Sheikh, a resident of Aurangabad in Maharashtra, was arrested from Varanasi recently after being tailed by security agencies for a few months.
It is alleged that Sheikh had visited Kashmir where he had carried out a recce mission involving some vital installations, including Army camps and power projects.
The officials claimed that he had also visited some places in Himachal Pradesh, especially Kasol.
The security agencies have claimed that Sheikh had been roped in on the same lines as David Headley, a Pakistan- American, who is at present serving a prison sentence of 35 years in a US jail for his involvement in terror activities and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008.
Headley is said to have made periodic trips to Pakistan for LeT training and performed five spying missions in Mumbai to scout targets for the attacks in 2008.
He was arrested at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago while on his way to Pakistan in October 2009.
(With PTI inputs)
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday heaped praise on President Ram Nath Kovind for maintaining a low profile while serving in the highest office in the country, saying that the post is above all politics.
"The President's post is the highest post in the country. It is above all politics. Everyone in the country respects this position. And our President is such a person who always maintains a low profile," she said during a civic reception here on occasion of Kovind's maiden visit to the state after taking over as President.
"I did not know earlier that he has served as a member of Rajya Sabha for a long time. When I worked as a Lok Sabha member, he used work as a Rajya Sabha Member. We did not realise that we have worked together because he always maintained such a low profile," Banerjee said.
Today, Government of West #Bengal gave a civic reception to Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji, Honble President of India, at Netaji Indoor Stadium. This is the first visit to #Kolkata by the Honble President after assuming the office of the President. My FB post: https://t.co/vuGyxpqDmv pic.twitter.com/XzzOBVV4Cu November 28, 2017
The Honble Governor of West Bengal, distinguished personalities, representatives from the world of industry, academics, culture and sports felicitated the Honble President. Some pictures of todays occasion are uploaded here for all of you. pic.twitter.com/BGzyYjTwpo Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 28, 2017
During the event, Kovind also expressed his gratitude to Bengal for the "warm welcome" and thanked the Chief Minister for gifting him one of her own paintings.
Congratulating Kovind for his ascendancy to the "number one position in the country", the Trinamool Congress supremo appealed to the President to stay the way he is, so that his cordial relationship with the commoners remains the same.
"Sir, I wish you stay this simple, I wish you keep maintaining such low profile while working in the number one position in the country. I hope you stay like this so that your relation with the commoners stay the same and brings you success," Banerjee added.
NEW DELHI: Days ahead of Gujarat polls, former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party or BJP for their Modi-centered election campaigns.
In a series of tweets posted on Tuesday, the Congress leader wrote, Mr Modi's campaign is about himself, his past and the alleged disdain of Gujarat and Gujaratis. Has he forgotten he is Prime Minister of India?
The Gujarat election is not about Mr Modi, the individual. It is about the promised achhe din that has not come in 42 months, he added.
Lashing out the BJP's Gujarat developmental model, Chidambaram wrote, Why does PM not talk about joblessness, lack of investment, collapse of SMEs, stagnant exports and price rise? Because he has no answers to the hard reality.
The Congress leader further wrote, Mr Modi has forgotten that Gandhiji was an Indian and son of Gujarat; Gandhiji was, and is, revered as Father of the Nation; and Gandhiji's chosen instrument to lead the freedom struggle was the Congress party.
PM and BJP may now desperately embrace Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, but the redoubtable Sardar had rejected the BJP's parent RSS and its divisive ideology.
The Prime Minister on Monday addressed several rallies in Gujarat, including Bhuj and Rajkot, where he asked the Congress to not mock his poor origins.
Hitting back at the Congress over chai wala jibe, saying, PM Modi said, I sold tea but I did not sell the nation.
The battle for Gujarat has intensified with both Congress and BJP launching scathing attacks at each other.
The Gujarat elections will be held on December 9 and 14, with counting on December 18.
Jaipur: Shri Rajput Karni Sena, which is leading the protest against noted film director Sanjay Leela Bhansali's upcoming movie Padmavati, has now called for a CBI probe into the Nahargarh Fort incident where a dead body was recently found hanging.
Calling it a conspiracy to instigate communal tension, Shri Rajput Karni Sena chief Lokendra Singh Kalvi demanded that a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter be ordered.
On November 24, a body was found hanging on the ramparts of Jaipur's Nahargarh Fort with a threat note engraved on the rocks against the protester of the movie 'Padmavati'.
Kalvi said the message engraved on the stone seems to be a threat for the Karni Sena.
"The Nahargarh incident was just to rake communal tension in the country. The threat has been issued to us. I want CBI to probe the case. CBI should probe whether Sanjay Leela Bhansali's people are involved in this matter," he said.
The death was initially speculated to be a suicide case, but when the police reached the spot they found a message written on the rocks stating - "We do not hang effigies only, in protest of Padmavati".
The brother of the deceased has also demanded an investigation into his death and alleged it to be a case of murder.
Padmavati has landed in troubled waters over what the protesters call ''blatant distortion of historical facts'' by its makers. The film was expected to be released on December 1 but it has now been deferred.
Actress Deepika Padukone plays the titular role of Rajput Queen Padmavati in the controversial film. The film also stars Shahid Kapoor and Ranvir Singh in the lead roles.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court will on Tuesday pass an order on the plea filed by senior advocate Prashant Bhushan seeking quashing of the appointment of Gujarat cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rakesh Asthana as Special Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Bhushan had earlier dubbed Asthana`s new posting as `illegal`.
He further said that Asthana`s name figures in the diary of Sterling Biotech, against which the CBI itself has registered an FIR.Earlier in August, the CBI`s Delhi unit had registered an FIR against three senior Income Tax Commissioners for accepting bribes from the Gujarat-based Sterling Biotech and Sandesara Group of Companies.
The FIR said that a "Diary 2011" existed which was found during raids on a company.
According to reports, the diary also contained Asthana`s name. Bhushan, on behalf of NGO Common Cause, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the apex court seeking to quash Asthana`s appointment in accordance with the Vineet Narain case.
The Common Cause in their petition said that the government did not follow rules and regulations while the appointment of the CBI Director.
The petitioner alleged that the government wanted to appoint its own choice as interim CBI Director "even if it meant bypassing the statutory law, the norms of propriety, and the directions contained in the Vineet Narain`s judgement".
"The judgment in Vineet Narain`s case had clearly held that the tenure of CBI Director would be two years. This was to ensure that there is no ad-hocism in the appointment and functioning of the CBI Director," the petition states."
Therefore, the petitioner submits that the government must be directed to comply with the mandate of the law and call for the meeting of the selection committee as per the DSPE Act, 1946 as amended by Lokpal Act, 2013," the petition adds.
Asthana was earlier an IPS officer in Gujarat and has played important roles in his career and has been given important posts like the Special Investigation Team, which probed the Godhra Train Massacre in the year 2002.
He has also served as the commissioner of the Police in Vadodra and Surat.In his earlier stint, he also accused the Chief Minister of Bihar in the infamous fodder scam.
Asthana had also examined the case of Asaram Bapu and his son Narayan Sai.
The absconding Narayan Sai was caught on the Haryana-Delhi border.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by Prashant Bhushan challenging the appointment of Rakesh Asthana as special director of Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI).
Bhushan had earlier dubbed Asthana's new posting as 'illegal.'
He further said that Asthana's name figures in the diary of Sterling Biotech, against which the CBI itself has registered an FIR. Earlier in August, the CBI's Delhi unit had registered an FIR against three senior Income Tax Commissioners for accepting bribes from the Gujarat-based Sterling Biotech and Sandesara Group of Companies.
Bhushan had also alleged that the government wanted to appoint its own choice as interim CBI Director "even if it meant bypassing the statutory law, the norms of propriety, and the directions contained in the Vineet Narain`s judgement".
(With ANI inputs)
Singapore: Oil prices slipped in Asian trade on Tuesday amid uncertainty over a possible extension of output cuts by major crude producers and expectations of higher supply as the Keystone pipeline restarts.
Brent futures had fallen to $63.72 a barrel by 0753 GMT, down 12 cents, or 0.2 percent, from their previous close.
US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures were down 29 cents, or 0.5 percent, at $57.82 a barrel, after falling 1.4 percent in the last session.
US crude touched $59.05 a barrel on Friday, the highest level since mid-2015, fuelled by the outage of the Keystone pipeline, one of Canada`s main crude export routes to the United States.
But TransCanada Corp this week said it would restart the 590,000 barrel-per-day pipeline at reduced pressure later on Tuesday after getting approval from U.S. regulators.
Uncertainty over Russia`s determination to join with other major oil producers in extending crude production curbs beyond next March has weighed on oil markets.
Members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other key producers, including Russia, will meet on Nov. 30 to discuss whether to continue with the cuts after they agreed last January to withhold 1.8 million bpd of output.
United Arab Emirates energy minister Suhail bin Mohammed al-Mazroui said on Tuesday that while the meeting would not be easy, he was personally optimistic producers would reach an agreement that served the market.
Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih said the oil market should wait for the outcome of this week`s OPEC meeting when asked on Tuesday in Dubai about how long producers might extend their cuts.
Russia`s economy was negatively affected in October by the ongoing curbs, which saw Moscow agree to cut output by 300,000 bpd, Economy Minister Maxim Oreshkin said on Nov. 23.
Goldman Sachs said the outcome of the meeting was "much more uncertain than usual", adding that the market faced downside risks.
"We view risks to oil prices as skewed to downside this week as we believe current prices, timespreads and positioning already reflect a high probability of a nine-month extension," the bank said.
Consultancy Wood Mackenzie said it looked as if producers had nearly concluded an agreement to extend cuts until the end of next year.
"(But) if the production cut agreement ends in March 2018, our forecast shows there would be a projected 2.4 million bpd year-on-year increase in world oil supply for 2018," Ann-Louise Hittle, vice president, macro oils, said in a note on Monday.
Some traders are starting to consider the possibility that while producers will agree to extend the curbs, the scale of the output cuts will be reduced from the current 1.8 million bpd, said Ric Spooner at Sydney`s CMC Markets.
"It would provide continued certainty for the market, avoiding the sharp sell-off that could accompany a cold turkey exit ... (and) mitigate the risk to OPEC and Russia of precipitating further loss of market share by encouraging competitors with higher prices," Spooner said.
San Francisco: Japan`s SoftBank Group Corp is offering to purchase shares of Uber Technologies Inc at a valuation of $48 billion, a 30 percent discount to its most recent valuation of $68.5 billion, a person familiar with the matter said on Monday.
The investment, which was approved by the Uber board in October, would also trigger a string of governance changes at Uber that would limit some early shareholders` voting power, expand the board from 11 to 17 directors and cut the influence of former Chief Executive Travis Kalanick.
The investment and board moves are supported by new Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi and come at the end of a year of scandals and change for Uber, including the announcement last week that executives covered up a major hack in 2016.
The consortium of investors led by SoftBank and Dragoneer Investment Group plan to take a stake of at least 14 percent in the ride-services company. The tender offer will launch on Tuesday, sources told Reuters, and investors have nearly a month to respond.
The SoftBank-led investor group will acquire two of the new board seats, with the remaining four going to independent directors.
If there are not enough interested sellers, SoftBank can still walk away from the deal. SoftBank is also expected to make a separate $1 billion investment in the company at the $68.5 billion valuation.
Another person familiar with the deal said the offer price was in line with what investors had been expecting. SoftBank`s offer is close to what Uber was worth in 2015, when shares were priced a little less than $40 apiece for a $51 billion valuation, according to data from PitchBook Inc.
Even at the discounted price, Uber is the world`s second-highest valued private venture-backed company, after China`s ride-service company Didi Chuxing, and the offer is a chance for early investors to lock in substantial profits and for employees to cash in shares that have to date only had value on paper. Shareholders, including employees, with at least 10,000 shares are eligible to sell.
Nearly all secondary transactions, when a new investor purchases from existing shareholders, come at a discount to the company`s valuation.
However, the 30 percent discount is steep given Uber`s plan to launch an initial public offering in 2019, said Phil Haslett, co-founder and head of investments at secondary marketplace EquityZen. Usually valuation cuts of this size happen when a company is at risk of being sold at a heavy discount, which Uber is not.
"It really comes down to a re-pricing of Uber`s value," Haslett said.
Since it was valued at $68.5 billion more than a year ago, the company has been hit by scandals, including accusations of sexual harassment. It has also weathered federal criminal probes into software Uber used to deceive regulators and allegations of paying bribes to authorities in Asia, and a lawsuit by Alphabet Inc`s self-driving unit Waymo, accusing Uber of stealing trade secrets.
Most recently, Uber revealed that the data of 57 million Uber customers and 600,000 drivers had been stolen in a breach more than a year ago, and that the company had paid two hackers $100,000 to cover it up. Since then, governments across the globe have launched investigations into the incident. The scandal raised questions about whether SoftBank would try to renegotiate the deal for better terms.
But Uber said on Friday it had informed SoftBank about the data breach prior to informing the public. However, our information at the time was preliminary and incomplete, a spokesman said.
A person familiar with the matter said SoftBank would have already factored any negative impact from the breach into its negotiations with Uber.
Bloomberg reported the offer price earlier on Monday.
JAIPUR: The Vasundhara Raje-led Rajasthan government has a new rule in place to invoke nationalism among students. Nearly 40,000 residents of approximately 800 hostels have been asked to sing the national anthem at 7 am daily.
The notice was issued by the state department for Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE). The national anthem is to be sung along with daily morning prayers. The directive reportedly came into effect on Sunday, 26 November.
Department director Dr Samit Sharma claimed that several residential schools are already following this practice.
In October, the Jaipur Municipal Corporation made it compulsory for all its employees to sing the national anthem in the morning and Vande Mataram in the evening. City mayor Ashok Lahoty further added that 'those who don't want to sing can go to Pakistan'.
Last year, the state education department had made 'surya namaskar' compulsory in schools. It was later made optional.
Srinagar: A BSF jawan was allegedly shot dead by his colleague inside a camp in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said today.
Constable Chanderbhan, a resident of Haryana, was shot at and killed allegedly by his colleague Ravinder Singh late last night inside the BSF camp at Madar in Bandipora district, a police official said.
He said Singh has been taken into custody while Chanderbhan's body has been sent for post-mortem.
Police have registered a case under Section 302 of the RPC and started an investigation, the official said.
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the alleged harassment and physical torture of Kashmiri prisoners at the Tihar Central Jail in New Delhi.
Official sources said the Chief Minister spoke to Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba on the telephone.
"The Chief Minister sought the Home Secretary`s intervention into the alleged harassment and manhandling of Kashmiris in Tihar Jail.
"The Home Secretary promised a thorough probe into the alleged incidents and punishment to those found guilty," an official said.
Among those allegedly tortured inside the Tihar Jail on November 21 was Shahid Yusuf, son of Muzaffarabad-based Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin.
New Delhi: A Delhi court on Tuesday granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody of an alleged Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) operative who was arrested by the army near the Line of Control (LoC) in Handwara area in Jammu and Kashmir last week.
A day after taking custody of the LeT operative, identified as Mohammed Amir Awan, the NIA on Tuesday produced him before District Judge Poonam Bamba in Delhi's Patiala House court that sent him to the anti-terror agency's custody for 10 days.
Awan was arrested by Indian Army personnel on November 24 from Handwara area of north Kashmir and later handed over to the NIA to file a case against him and start a probe.
The NIA registered a FIR on November 26 and then took Awan in its custody.
Awan hails from Bardiya town near the port city of Karachi in Pakistan, according to the NIA investigators. He was called by a particular code name after joining the LeT.
The terrorist had been asked by his Pakistan-based handlers to carry out attacks on various important installations in Jammu and Kashmir, the NIA added.
A man dressed as an armyman was on Tuesday arrested in a hotel in Kanpur. According to The Times of India, the police arrested the man following a tip-off about him being present at a hotel close to the Kanpur Central railway station.
Report said that information regarding the suspect came from Army intelligence sources. He was later identified as Vivek, hailing from Bihar.
Following the arrest, he was interrogated by senior police officials.
Army uniforms and some documents were recovered from his possession by the police.
He was arrested from Hotel Ganges, which falls under the Collectorganj police station area.
Bengaluru: Incessant rains in Karnataka in the last few months that damaged several crops have led to soaring vegetable prices across the state, state-run horticulture committees and private grocers said.
"Due to heavy rains across the state, several crops have been damaged. There has been very less availability of everyday vegetables like onions, tomatoes and potatos, leading to rising prices," Gopal Gowda, Marketing Manager of Horticultural Producers` Cooperative Marketing and Processing Society (HOPCOMS), said.
As listed by HOPCOMS, an organisation under the state`s Department of Horticulture, on Monday, onions were priced at Rs 67 per kilo and tomatoes at Rs 42 a kilo as against their earlier prices which ranged between Rs 30-35 per kilo.
The prices of the politically sensitive vegetable, the onion, are likely to come down after the central government last week imposed a minimum export price of $850 per tonne (approximately Rs 54.8 per kilo) to increase domestic supplies, Gowda added.
The central government moved after vegetable prices shot up across the country.
"We are expecting the prices of onions to come down within another 15-20 days with the new harvest expected to hit the market," Gowda added.
"Unprecedented rains have caused the aberrations in food industry as there has been a delay in sowing the crops, which in turn delayed the crop cycle," Vipul Mittal, the National Head for Fruits and Vegetables for online grocer Big Basket, told IANS over the phone.
The prices of onions and tomatoes should have ideally been low during the winter with the harvest of their crops, Mittal added.
Over the past six months, the prices of onions per kilo swung between Rs 14 and Rs 47 on the grocery e-tailer`s website, while the average prices of tomatoes per kilo varied between Rs 27 and Rs 72.
In June, the average price of a kilo of onions on Big Basket was Rs 14, while it rose to Rs 16 in July, then nearly doubled to Rs 31 in August. For the months of September and October, the average price of onions remained nearly the same as it was in August, then shot up to Rs 47 in November.
With many of the private grocery retailers sourcing vegetables and fruits directly from the farmers, they could manage to keep the prices slightly lower than that of the market, said M. Venkateshwar Kumar, the Chief Executive Officer, South of Future Retail.
"We have improved our way of sourcing our fruits and vegetables phenomenally over the last few months and have a way of procuring directly from the farmers. That helps in competitive pricing," Kumar told IANS.
Karnataka is one of the country`s major onion producing states, with Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat being the other leading producers.
M.B. Raje Gowda, a professor at the University of Agricultural Sciences, estimated that the productivity of onions could go down by at least 70 per cent in the state owing to the heavy rains.
"During June and July, the sowing months, the state had no rainfall at all, which affected the farmers who took to onion sowing. Then there were excessive rains which caused water-logging in farms across the state during August and September, destroying the crops," Gowda said.
"Sowing area for onions on the whole in the state was less than 50 per cent of the area that is usually sown, out of which several crops were destroyed due to the rains. One can expect the output of onions to be affected by at least 70 per cent in Karnataka," he added.
Mumbai: Reliance Communications Ltd`s shares fell sharply on Tuesday after media reports of creditor China Development Bank pursuing insolvency proceedings against the Indian telecoms firm, raising concerns about its ongoing debt overhaul plan.
China Development Bank (CDB) filed an insolvency petition against Reliance Communications (RCom) at India`s National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to recover about 114.6 billion rupees ($1.8 billion), reports from ET Now and other media said late on Monday.
A source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday that CDB had initiated the insolvency proceedings on Friday and that RCom owes the bank upwards of $1.5 billion.
CDB declined immediate comment on the matter. RCom and NCLT could not be reached immediately.
RCom had said in a statement after market hours on Monday that it had not yet been served with any notice of the application from CDB. RCom also said it remains engaged with all lenders including CDB and was confident and committed to a debt restructuring plan with the support of all its lenders.
A case by CDB could complicate RCom`s debt restructuring process as other lenders may take similar steps.
Shares in RCom were trading down 4.5 percent in mid-morning trade after having fallen as much as 9.4 percent earlier.
With a net of debt of 443 billion rupees as of end-March, RCom is the most leveraged listed Indian telecoms company, and along with its rivals has been hit badly by a price war with upstart rival Reliance Jio, which is controlled by India`s richest man, Mukesh Ambani.
RCom, controlled by Ambani`s younger brother, Anil, is attempting to convert roughly 70 billion rupees of its debt to equity via a strategic debt restructuring plan.
As part of the plan, the company is under a debt standstill and hence there are no payments of interest or principal being made to RCom lenders or bondholders.
The local arm of Sweden`s Ericsson is already trying to drag RCom to bankruptcy court and is seeking a total of 11.55 billion rupees from the Indian company and two of its subsidiaries. The Ericsson lawsuit, however, has yet to be admitted by the court.
MUMBAI: Following a scuffle between Maharashtra Navnirman Sena workers and hawkers in Vikhroli, a suburb of Mumbai, party chief Raj Thackeray called a meeting of senior party leaders at his residence to review the situation.
As per a report, Thackeray questioned his leaders why his partymen were beaten at the hands of hawkers.
During the meeting, Thackeray asked his party workers to be more assertive and informed them that if any of his party workers gets beaten by an outsider, he would be shown the doors.
"I want workers who will beat up others," Thackeray told his men at the meeting.
The meeting took place at Thackeray's residence 'Krishnakunj' over Sunday's assault on the party's Vikhroli division head Vishwajit Dolam and two others.
On Sunday, at around 8.30 pm, at least three MNS party workers arrived at Vikhroli and asked shopkeepers to change the nameplates of the establishments to Marathi.
While doing so, a scuffle broke out between a hawker and the MNS workers following which the partymen were roughed up by a group of hawkers present at the spot.
On October 28, another MNS worker, Sushant Malvade, suffered a fractured skull after being thrashed by hawkers in Malad.
Following the assaults on his party workers, Thackeray called an impromptu meeting at his house, thus indirectly provoking his leaders to take revenge on the politics of Marathi signboards in the city.
Soon, a large group of MNS workers reached the spot and attacked the hawkers.
The Vikhroli police rushed at the spot and shifted the injured to a local hospital.
Mumbai Congress president Sanjay Nirupam warned Raj to stop 'goondagardi' or else his men will frequently get beaten up.
"The Vikhroli incident is humiliating. I don't want a repeat. If we can't protect ourselves, how will we pick up people's cause?" Raj is said to have asked his men during a closed-door meeting. His son Amit is said to have visited the injured party men at a hospital.
New Delhi: After making India proud at a global platform, Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar returned to Mumbai amid much fanfare and aplomb. The 'beauty with brains' received a warm reception at the airport and later went to seek blessings of Lord Ganpati at the famous Siddhivinayak Temple.
In India, Manushi held her first press conference and during the interaction session, the gorgeous beauty revealed about her Bollywood favourites.
BollywoodLife.com quoted her as saying, All the actors are very beautiful & talented but I would like to work with Aamir Khan. I think he has really challenging roles to give & his movies give a message and connect with the society. My personal favourite actress is Priyanka Chopra.
It took 17 years for India to win back the Miss World title, which was last bagged by Priyanka Chopra in 2000. Manushi was crowned Miss World 2017 on November 18, 2017, by outgoing titleholder Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle from Puerto Rico. The young and gorgeous Manushi is the sixth Indian woman to win the crown.
New Delhi: 20s is a fun period and anyone would love to return to their youth! However, along with all the fun and games, there are things that happen once you enter your 20s. These become priceless life lessons.
Life spares none, and well, when your 20, everything ain't fun!
1. First Heartbreak? Don't worry, we've all been there
Well the moment you enter your 20s, if you are still in a relationship with your high school sweetheart, chances are that this is the time it's going to end. No, we don't mean to demean high- school relationships. It is great if your worked out just fine! But in the kind of world that we live in today, heartbreak has become a way of life and the first one usually comes up in your early 20s.
So hang in there, you're not alone. Heartbreak teaches you how to live life, independently, on your own terms.
2. It is not just about fun
20s is a fun age, sure! But it isn't always like that. Your notion of being in 20s might be seriously flawed as a teenager but once you enter the real world, you realise there's more to life than having fun.
As Monica Geller says, 'Welcome to the real world! It sucks, you're gonna love it!'
3. You don't need people to stay happy
Well, when you're a teenager all you need are your friends to have fun and stay happy! But in your 20s, you explore a lot of new places, change jobs, work with different people, hence you never really get settled to one set of friends. Guess what? You don't need them as much as you think you do! Taking a solo trip is one of the best things you could do. So stop convincing your co-workers for that trip you want to take, pack your bags and go, alone!
4. There is no end to learning
Thought you would be done with studying after school/college? Sadly, No. You forgot that precious masters degree, darling!
5. You will never have it all sorted out, and that's okay
It is okay to not know what career path to take! It's okay to not be a pro at handling relationships and it is okay to have time to time issues with your inner self. You're just in your 20s, it's okay!
New Delhi: During a spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) under the Russian program, Russian cosmonauts took samples with cotton swabs from the stations external surface, probing places where the accumulation of fuel wastes were discharged during the engines operation or at places where the stations surface is more obscure.
These samples were sent back to Earth for examination.
Now, Russian cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov has revealed that somehow, the samples contain living bacteria. While they are being studied on Earth, they don't pose any sort of danger, Shkaplerov told Russian news agency TASS.
It turns out that somehow these swabs reveal bacteria that were absent during the launch of the ISS module. That is, they have come from outer space and settled along the external surface. They are being studied so far and it seems that they pose no danger, the Russian astronaut said.
Some terrestrial bacteria also survived on the space stations external surface, though they had remained within a space vacuum for three years. In addition to that, they underwent sharp swings in temperature from minus 150 to plus 150 degrees Celsius, he noted.
The bacteria entered the space station through tablet Pcs and various other materials that are placed aboard the ISS for long periods to study their behavior in outer space.
Shkaplerov will be the head of the next space station crew, which is set to take off to the worlds sole orbiter on December 17.
Chennai: The District Education Officer (DEO) in Tiruvallur district near here has completed his inquiry into the alleged incident of girl students of a government school being asked to wash toilets, said an official on Tuesday.
"We have completed the inquiry into the incident and the report has been sent to the Director - Education. Now it is for the Director to decide on the report," an official of the Education Department in Tiruvallur told IANS over phone.
According to him, some girl students were asked to clean the school toilets, failing which, they were threatened they would be sent out of the school.
The official said as per the inquiry report, the alleged incident had been proved to have happened.
He said the school teachers said on the day when the alleged incident happened, the regular scavengers were on leave and hence the students were asked to clean the toilets.
It is not known when the school teachers asked the students to wash the toilets.
An official in the Tiruvallur District Collectorate told IANS that the District Collector had ordered strict action against the school officials who had ordered the girls to clean the toilets.
New Delhi: Search engine giant Google has released the final preview build of Android 8.1, a small update to Android Oreo, which is due next month for official launch to consumers.
However, this will be a big update for the owners of Pixel 2 as it supports the phone`s `Visual Core`, an imaging chip Google included but wasn`t ready to activate at the launch of the phone.
This preview update includes near-final Android 8.1 system images for Pixel and Nexus devices, with official APIs (API level 27), the latest optimizations and bug fixes, and the November 2017 security patch updates. You can use the images for compatibility testing or to develop using new Android 8.1 features like the Neural Networks API and others, an Android Developers Blog wrote.
The Neural Networks API provides accelerated computation and inference for on-device machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow Lite -- Google's cross-platform ML library for mobile -- as well as Caffe2 and others. TensorFlow Lite is now available to developers, so visit the TensorFlow Lite open source repo for downloads and docs. TensorFlow Lite works with the Neural Networks API to run models like MobileNets, Inception v3, and Smart Reply efficiently on your mobile device, it added.
Also, for Pixel 2 users, the Android 8.1 update on these devices enables Pixel Visual Core -- Google's first custom-designed co-processor for image processing and ML -- through a new developer option. Once enabled, apps using Android Camera API can capture HDR+ shots through Pixel Visual Core, the blog said.
New Delhi: Telecom regulator Trai on Tuesday issueed recommendations on Net neutrality, saying that service providers should not enter into pacts which discriminate on content.
Trai in its recommendation has favoured tweaking of licencing norms of players to ensure restriction on discrimination in Internet access based on content.
Supporters of Net neutrality back the principle that the entire Internet traffic should be available to everyone on equal terms without any discrimination based on business considerations of service providers.
The Trai's recommendations comes at a time when there is a debate raging over Net neutrality globally.
The US regulator, Federal Communications Commission, has said recently that it plans to roll back the "Net neutrality" rules the were adopted in America in 2015.
Kolkata: Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday flew a sortie in the trainer version of the Light Combat Aircraft at the Indian Air Force base at Kalaikunda in West Bengal, and called it a "very good plane".
"Privileged to be flown on the Tejas, India`s own designed and manufactured fighter aircraft. A very good plane," the Singapore minister said in a tweet.
Hen, on a day`s visit to Kalaikunda, was received at the air base by Eastern Air Command chief, Air Marshal Anil Khosla.
The Project Director for Flight Testing at the Aeronautical Development Agency, Air Vice Marshal A.P. Singh was the pilot who flew the visiting dignitary in the LCA, a Defence Ministry spokesman said.A
Hen also met and interacted with the Detachment Commander and other officers and men of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), who are presently at Kalaikunda undergoing their routine annual training.
The Joint Military Training is scheduled to start in a few days at Kalaikunda wherein the RSAF pilots would fly their F-16s and their IAF counterparts, the Su-30.
Speaking to the media, Hen praised the professionalism of the IAF and expressed satisfaction with the military cooperation between the two countries.
Khosla said Joint Military Training provided a unique platform for mutual learning and exchange of ideas between two professional Air Forces.
Hen will arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday to hold second Singapore-India Defence Ministers` Dialogue with his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman.
London: Myanmar`s de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been stripped of the honour granting her the Freedom of the City of Oxford over her response to the repression of her countrys Rohingya Muslims.
The Oxford city council voted unanimously to permanently remove the honour given to Suu Kyi in 1997 and said it did not want to celebrate "those who turn a blind eye to violence".
Oxford councillors had previously voted to support a cross-party motion to remove the award and made the decision official in a vote on Monday evening, the Guardian reported.
The vote comes as Myanmar`s powerful Army Chief told visiting Pope Francis there is "no religious discrimination" in Myanmar.
Councillor Mary Clarkson, who proposed the motion, said: "When Aung San Suu Kyi was given the Freedom of the City in 1997 it was because she reflected Oxford`s tolerance and internationalism.
"We celebrated her for her opposition to oppression and military rule in Myanmar. Today we have taken the unprecedented step of stripping her of the city`s highest honour because of her inaction in the face of oppression of the minority Rohingya population."
She added that the reputation of the city was being "tarnished" by "honouring those who turn a blind eye to violence".
In 2012, Suu Kyi was celebrated with an honorary doctorate from Oxford and held her 67th birthday party at St. Hugh`s college, where she studied politics, philosophy and economics between 1964 and 1967.
But in recent months the Nobel Peace laureate has attracted growing criticism for her response to the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
In September, the governing body of St. Hugh`s decided to remove a painting of her from its main entrance, days before the start of the university term and the arrival of new students.
In October, undergraduates at St. Hugh`s voted to remove the Myanmar leader`s name from the title of their junior common room.
So far, Oxford has decided not to reconsider Suu Kyi`s honorary degree. But the university has expressed its "profound concern" over the Rohingya crisis.
Beijing: In Xinjiancun, a ramshackle village of migrant workers on the far southern fringe of Beijing, demolition machinery tears into buildings as residents drag out the last of their belongings under the gaze of police and security staff.
A citywide fire safety blitz prompted by a deadly blaze this month is forcing thousands of migrant workers out of their homes and businesses, igniting unusually direct criticism of city government measures seen by some people as unfairly targeting the vulnerable underclass.
Beijing`s municipal government launched the 40-day "special operation" targeting fire code and building safety violations after a Nov. 18 apartment fire in Xinjiancun killed 19, almost all of them migrants.
The Beijing government said it had acted on more than 25,000 violations in the operation`s first week, which is described as purely "for the lives and safety of the people". Tens of thousands of people are believed to be affected, activists said.
While restaurants and shops not up to code in more affluent areas have not been immune, the safety blitz has mostly targeted outlying parts of Beijing where enforcement of construction codes has tended to be lax, and where migrant workers congregate due to cheaper rent.
"To say that this special operation is to drive out the `low-end population` is irresponsible and baseless," the Beijing government said in a statement carried by state media on Sunday.
"Some of the migrant population choose these places to work and live in, but they don`t understand the danger they`re in."
One resident said her family of six, including her nine-month old grandson, had been suddenly rendered homeless, spending the previous night huddled in the back of their minivan in sub-freezing temperatures.
"We are also Chinese people. Why are we being treated this way?" said the woman, from central China`s Hubei province.
"What are we to do, where can we go to raise grievances? No one dares to," she said, asking not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.
INTIMIDATING TACTICS
Local authorities attributed the Nov. 18 blaze to faulty electrical wiring in an illegally modified two-storey property housing shops and a cold storage facility in the basement, with the top floor subdivided into small, crowded living quarters.
More than a dozen residents of Xinjiancun said at least 50 uniformed security guards and "chengguan" - an urban management force which assists police - had smashed their stores` signage and issued threats to ensure compliance.
The Beijing city government and the Daxing district government, which covers the southern part of the city, did not respond to requests for comment.
Xia Xiaocong, a 44-year-old supermarket owner, said he was told to move everything out and leave within 48 hours, after security guards cut his electricity and trashed the front of his shop.
"I told them I have all the legal documents, and they said you have to close and get lost," he told Reuters inside the damaged store, its shelves emptied. Residents and supermarket staff confirmed details of Xia`s account.
In Dingfuzhuang, a logistics hub in Beijing`s east, residents on Saturday said authorities had cut off electricity and running water to force them out.
"In 2008, it was `Beijing Welcomes You`," said Liang Yinghui, from northern Hebei province, referring to the slogan of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. "Now, in 2017, Beijing loathes you, and wants to throw you out."
CRITICISM AND CENSORSHIP
An open letter to the Chinese government from more than 100 prominent academics, lawyers and intellectuals said the measures against Beijing`s migrant population were "illegal, unconstitutional and seriously trampled on human rights".
Such open criticism of government is increasingly rare as officials have clamped down on various aspects of civil society under President Xi Jinping.
Some non-profit groups that sought to offer assistance said they have been obstructed by police, with their online advertisements blocked by censors.
Tongzhou Jiayuan, a private community service centre in Beijing`s Tongzhou district, said it was shut by police soon after posting a notice on social media welcoming struggling migrant workers to come and stay.
On Monday, Beijing party secretary Cai Qi said authorities should have given more time for residents to relocate and called for the operation to be carried out in a more orderly fashion, according to the official Beijing Daily.
Some 8.23 million Beijing residents came from outside the capital, almost 40 percent of its population of nearly 22 million, according to a 2016 report by the state-run Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
While the city says the clean-up is for safety, it is also consistent with policies to control growth. In September, the central government approved Beijing`s plan to cap its population at 23 million in 2020.
Ma Zhitao, 32, who arrived in Beijing at the start of the year to work as a labourer in the hope of providing a better life for his 10-year-old son back home in rural Shaanxi province, said he was now forced to return home.
"I thought it would be different," said Ma, whose power and water had been cut off at his home in Dingfuzhuang.
"It`s the capital after all."
Beijing: A Chinese court sentenced Taiwanese democracy activist Lee Ming-cheh to five years in prison on Tuesday on charges of attempting to subvert state power, further souring cross-strait ties.
Lee sat nervously as the three-judge panel read the sentence at the Yueyang intermediate people`s court in central Hunan province following a trial denounced by human rights groups as "unfair".
The court also deprived him of his political rights for two years.
A Chinese co-defendant named Peng Yuhua was sentenced to seven years in prison and he also lost his political rights for two years.
The court said both men stated that they would not appeal their sentences.
Lee had confessed to the charges during his trial in September, stating that he had written and distributed online articles that criticised China`s ruling Communist Party and promoted democracy among other topics.
"This is an absolutely outrageous sentence that was handed out today, following on from an unfair trial," said Amnesty International China researcher William Nee.
"Lee Ming-cheh should not have to spend a day in jail, since everything he did - peacefully discuss current events and historical issues on social media - is expressly protected under international law," Nee told AFP.
Taiwan`s presidential office and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party called the verdict "unacceptable".
"We urged the Beijing authorities to release Lee and allow him to return to Taiwan soon. We regret that Lee`s case seriously damaged cross-strait relations," the presidential office said in a statement.
China sees self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory waiting to be reunified.
Beijing: Senior Chinese military official Zhang Yang committed suicide at home on Nov. 23 after authorities launched an investigation against him, state media said on Tuesday.
Zhang, a member of the powerful Central Military Commission, was being investigated over links to fallen military officials Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou, the official Xinhua news agency said.
Islamabad: Newly-appointed Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing said the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a source of prosperity for Pakistan and the rest of the region.
He stated this at the third CPEC media forum jointly organised by the Chinese Embassy here and the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), according to a statement by PCI.
Yao said CPEC was a major priority for the Chinese leadership, and he would put in his best efforts to get it implemented in a letter and spirit.
The envoy expressed pleasure that CPEC's implementation was being fast-tracked and said he was confident that the people of Pakistan would be the major beneficiary of this initiative.
"It is also a source of prosperity and peace for the entire region, CPEC's ownership goes to the people of Pakistan and its other stakeholders," he said.
Yao spoke about the important role of the media, noting that Pakistani media has always been positive towards China.
He proposed that the media representatives should be invited to visit CPEC projects, enabling them to see themselves its implementation process and socio-economic impact on the local people.
He assured that he would have regular interaction with the media to seek support in carrying forward their collaborative socio-economic partnership.
The embassy of China, he added, will keep facilitating the media in promoting Sino-Pak friendship.
During his long diplomatic career, Yao said Pakistan has always been most important for him, and he will fulfil his new responsibility for the country's well-being with devotion and commitment.
He said he was looking forward to contribute in making the CPEC a symbol of Sino-Pak cooperative partnership.
PCI said that Yao was delivering his first speech at any public forum after his appointment as new envoy to Pakistan.
After presenting his credentials to Pakistan's president in a few days, Yao said he would start his official engagements and wished to maintain close interaction with the media friends, seeking their support to take full advantage of the CPEC's opportunity and keep the people aware of its enormous benefits.
Chief Executive of China Economic Net website Wang Xudong in his keynote address hoped that the forum will provide them a good opportunity for promoting media-to-media relationship.
CPEC is drawing the world's attention and getting popular among Chinese people, he added.
State of New York: US President Donald Trump is "actively considering" moving the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, his vice president said on Tuesday, evoking a campaign promise that the administration had sidelined.
Mike Pence made the remarks in a keynote address at an event in New York commemorating the 70th anniversary of the UN vote for partition of Palestine, which led to the creation of the state of Israel.
"President Donald Trump is actively considering when and how to move the American embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem," Pence told the gathering of UN ambassadors, diplomats and Jewish leaders.
On June 1, Trump decided against any immediate move, shying away from what was a major campaign promise by signing a legal waiver that keeps the embassy in Tel Aviv.
"It`s a question of when, not if," a US official said at the time. "He doesn`t think the timing is right, right now."
During his campaign for the White House, Trump expressed support for moving the embassy but did not renew the call -- which would anger Palestinians and Arab states -- when he visited Jerusalem this year.
Congress passed a law in 1995 making it US policy to move the embassy to Jerusalem, symbolically endorsing Israel`s claim on the city as its capital.
But the law contained a clause that has allowed each president since to issue and renew a six-month waiver on carrying out the move.
Pence, who is to visit Israel next month, on Tuesday attended a symbolic re-enactment of the November 29, 1947 UN General Assembly vote, on the eve of its 70th anniversary.
The event was held at the Queens Museum, where the General Assembly partition vote took place. The main building of the museum served as the temporary home of the UN shortly after its founding, from 1946 to 1950.
Cairo: Egyptian security forces killed 11 suspected "terrorist elements" during a raid on a hideout for militants providing support for jihadists in the northern Sinai, the interior ministry said on Tuesday.
A ministry statement said police were still identifying the suspected militants killed in the raid in Ismailiya province after they opened fire on security forces approaching the hideout.
Militants carried out a bomb and gun assault on a mosque in Rawda village in North Sinai province on Friday, killing 305 people -- the deadliest in Egypt`s recent history -- in an attack thought to have been carried out by the Islamic State group.
It is widely believed in Egypt that the massacre took place at the mosque because Sufi Muslims worshipped there.
The raid on the hideout was part of a security campaign in the province of Ismailiya around the Suez Canal separating the Sinai Peninsula from the rest of the country, and in the Nile Delta province of Sharqiya.
Police were pursuing leaders of "terrorist groups in North Sinai that aimed to carry out a series of hostile operations targeting important and vital buildings and Christian churches," the statement said.
Security forces were able to identify "a group of these elements and the hideouts they were using to hide, train, and store means of logistic support ahead of smuggling them to terrorist groups in North Sinai".
The statement said police also arrested six suspected militants and three people thought to have smuggled communications equipment to them.
It said weapons, ammunition and communication devices were recovered.
Tel Aviv: Hamas is due to end its decade-long dominance of Gaza by Friday in its biggest step yet towards Palestinian unity, but hopes raised by a reconciliation deal have already given way to doubts.
The Palestinian Authority is supposed to take control of the strip by December 1 under a landmark unity deal signed in October, but its power is likely to be limited to civilian affairs for now -- and perhaps only partially.
Hamas`s armed wing, which includes some 25,000 militants, remains a major force in the Gaza Strip and has no plans to relinquish its weapons despite calls for it to do so.
Officials from Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas`s Fatah have also criticised what they call the slow progress so far in transferring control -- civilian or otherwise -- to the PA.
Still, any handover is likely to be heralded by Palestinian leaders as a major breakthrough in their efforts to end the 10-year split between Islamist movement Hamas and Fatah, based in the occupied West Bank.
Gazans hope it will help alleviate suffering in the blockaded enclave of two million people, where basic infrastructure such as electricity and clean water are severely lacking.
"All we want is to improve the economic situation and open the borders," said Abu Abed Abu Sultan, 53, formerly a tailor in a company that exported to Israel before the blockade began and now a coffee seller.
"We don`t ask for a lot -- we just want to live like the rest of the world. I am afraid reconciliation will fail like the last times."
Gazans have reason to be doubtful considering previous reconciliation attempts have failed, but few initially thought the latest accord, mediated by Egypt, would have even made it this far.
Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip in 2007 in a near civil war with Fatah after a dispute over elections won by the Islamists.
Since then, Israel and militants in Gaza have fought three wars, the latest a devastating 2014 conflict.
Israel has kept the strip under a blockade for more than a decade, while Gaza`s border with Egypt has also remained largely closed in recent years.
Beyond that, Abbas issued a series of punitive measures against the Gaza Strip earlier this year to pressure Hamas, including cutting electricity payments, further worsening an already severe power crisis.
Faced with deteriorating conditions, Hamas turned to Egypt for help and in turn came under pressure to reconcile with Abbas`s Fatah.
A deal was signed on October 12 in Cairo setting out parameters for reconciliation.
The first major deadline was kept, with Hamas handing over the Gaza Strip`s borders to the Palestinian Authority on November 1.
It was a precursor to the December 1 deadline for Hamas to give up control of the strip.
But in recent weeks, PA officials have signalled that true reconciliation will not be possible unless Hamas hands over security control.
In a reference to Hamas`s armed wing, Abbas has spoken of wanting to avoid a situation akin to Hezbollah in Lebanon, where the Shiite movement`s militia wields major power.
Hamas officials have signalled a compromise is possible concerning police, but they flatly refuse to disarm its armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.
"With all the difficulties inherent in the Egyptian-led process and concerns about the timing and modalities of the Palestinian Authority`s assumption of full civilian and security control of Gaza, the process must not be allowed to fail," UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process Nickolay Mladenov has said.
"If it does, it will most likely result in another devastating conflict."Other major stumbling blocks lie ahead.
Hamas is labelled a terrorist group by the United States, the European Union and Israel.
It has faced pressure to disarm and recognise Israel, but Hamas officials say both are out of the question for now.
A technocratic unity government could be formed to avoid potential issues internationally with Hamas`s participation, or the Palestinians could agree to stick with their existing government for now.
Some analysts say progress in the reconciliation effort may be difficult to judge.
"Maybe this reconciliation process will take just too much time or a long time, so we won`t know whether it`s going to succeed or not in the foreseeable future," said Mkhaimar Abusada, political science professor at Al-Azhar University in Gaza.
"And we will just see some kind of gradual steps by Hamas and Fatah to try to tell the Palestinians that the process is moving -- it`s moving very slowly, but at least it`s moving forward."
Tel Aviv: A large explosion and fire have rocked an area of Tel Aviv resulting in casualties, though it appeared the incident was accidental, Israeli media reported early Tuesday.
The explosion and fire occurred at a hardware store in the Jaffa area, reports said.
There were conflicting reports on casualties, with Haaretz newspaper saying three people were killed, while other news media reported several others were seriously wounded.
Police could not immediately be reached for comment.
Haaretz reported that the incident was likely not criminal, though an investigation was ongoing.
SINGAPORE: Indonesian business tycoon Hary Tanoesoedibjo said on Tuesday he did not plan to stand in the country`s 2019 presidential election, and would support current President Joko Widodo if he chose to run.
"Looking at the constellation today, I think President Jokowi will run again and I am in the position to support him," he told Reuters at the Asia TV Forum in Singapore, making use of an informal name by which Indonesians refer to Widodo.
Asked if he would stand, he replied: "No, I don`t think so."
DUBLIN: Ireland`s scandal-hit deputy prime minister resigned on Tuesday, averting a government collapse and potential snap election that had threatened to complicate Brexit talks next month between Britain and the European Union.
Opposition parties had demanded Frances Fitzgerald step down after the release of fresh documents about her disputed handling of a police whistleblower who alleged corruption in the force.
Fianna Fail, the main opposition party, which props up Fine Gael Prime Minister Leo Varadkar`s minority government, said her resignation meant a December election would be avoided. It had warned it might force a snap poll if Fitzgerald refused to quit.
"Today I made the decision to tender my resignation to the Taoiseach (prime minister), stepping down with immediate effect," Fitzgerald said in a statement.
"I have decided on this occasion to put the national interest ahead of my own personal reputation. I believe it is necessary to take this decision to avoid an unwelcome and potentially destabilising general election at this historically critical time."
Ireland`s political crisis exploded in the run-up to a key Brexit summit next month at which Varadkar is set to play a major role. He must tell fellow EU leaders whether he believes sufficient progress has been made on the future of the border between Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.
The border -- the only land frontier between Britain and the EU -- is one of three issues Brussels wants broadly resolved before it decides whether to move talks on Britain`s divorce from the EU onto a second phase about trade, as Britain wants.
While Varadkar has likely avoided the prospect of having to travel to Brussels in a caretaker capacity, his handling of the crisis has badly damaged him, his governing Fine Gael party and relations with its Fianna Fail opponents.
While Fitzgerald`s ministerial colleagues continued to back her in public ahead of the cabinet meeting at which she stood down, Tuesday`s newspaper front pages were full of quotes from unnamed Fine Gael lawmakers and ministers saying she had to go.
Some Fine Gael members who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said they were furious with Varadkar and Fitzgerald`s handling of the crisis, having been forced to spend four days strongly defending the deputy prime minister since it broke.
Members of the opposition Labour and Sinn Fein parties and political analysts said as Fitzgerald resigned that an election was still likely to follow in the next three or four months.
"Whatever happens today, the timeline of this administration is very much foreshortened by the events of the last two weeks," Labour leader Brendan Howlin told national broadcaster RTE.
"I think right now he (Varadkar) has probably lost the dressing room, you can see that in today`s newspapers, and he`s done some damage to himself and the stability of the government too," added Howlin, a former cabinet colleague of Varadkar.
The crisis was the first major test of the 38-year-old prime minister who succeeded Enda Kenny in June. With a reputation as a straight-talker, he has been likened to French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by colleagues excited at the prospect of a generational shift.
While an opinion poll on Saturday gave Fine Gael a one-point lead over Fianna Fail, bookmaker Paddy Power said on Tuesday that it made Fianna Fail slight favourites to win the most seats at the next election.
The two centre-right parties are fierce rivals but disagree little on policy. A three-year confidence and supply agreement between them is due to run until this time next year.
"I think there is damage (but) nobody is enhanced by this debacle. I don`t think either party comes out of it particularly well," said Theresa Reidy, a politics lecturer at University College Cork, referring to Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.
"But Fine Gael are in government so they are more damaged by it."
Kabul: An Afghan official says an intense gun battle has erupted between Taliban and Islamic State affiliate insurgents in eastern Nangarhar province.
Attahullah Khogyani, provincial governor's spokesman, said Tuesday that hundreds of families are displaced from villages in Khogyani and Sherzad districts.
Khogyani said an operation involving air and ground forces was begun to eliminate both insurgent groups from the area.
Six civilians were wounded and there are reports of dozens of casualties among the insurgents, he said.
Sherzad, Khogyani and Hasarak districts in Nangarhar are strategic because they link with neighboring Logar province as well as the capital Kabul.
In April, the US military used the Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, or MOAB, against an Islamic State group tunnel complex carved in the mountains in Nangarhar province.
Nay Pyi Taw: Pope Francis headed to Myanmar's capital city of Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday, where heads of the government will officially welcome him on the second day of his visit to the country.
In the capital, the pontiff will be received by President Htin Kyaw and will also meet de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, reports Efe news.
He will then also have a meeting with the diplomatic corps accredited in the country, before returning in the afternoon to Yangon where he had arrived on Monday.
Pope Francis began his visit to Myanmar on Monday with a meeting with Army Chief General Min Aung Hlaing, architect of the military operations that caused hundreds of deaths and forced more than 620,000 members of the Rohingya Muslim minority to flee to Bangladesh.
During the meeting, the pontiff expressed the need for the authorities to assume their responsibility during this period of ongoing political transition in the country, according to Vatican sources.
General Hlaing in a statement said that in Myanmar "there is no religious discrimination" because "the country ensures religious freedom", and that the armed forces were "making efforts to restore and to ensure peace in the nation. Myanmar has no discrimination among the ethnics".
The pope is also scheduled to attend a major Mass on Wednesday, after which he will hold a meeting with the Supreme Council of Myanmar's Buddhist monks and another meeting with bishops.
The humanitarian crisis of the Rohingya plays a crucial role in Pope Francis' visit to Myanmar.
On Thursday he will head to neighbouring Bangladesh in an attempt to mediate the crisis, which the UN has dubbed a "textbook example of ethnic cleansing".
The pontiff will become the first Catholic leader to visit Dhaka since 1986.
In Bangladesh, Francis is scheduled to meet a small group of Rohingya refugees in a symbolic gesture.
Beirut: Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has said that he will resign if the Hezbollah resistance movement refuses to remain neutral in the country.
Hariri, in remarks to French broadcaster CNews, said on Monday that he would continue as Prime Minister "if Hezbollah accepted to stick by the state policy of staying out of regional conflicts from Syria to Iraq and Yemen".
"They know we have to remain neutral in the region," Hariri was quoted as saying by Press TV.
Hezbollah is an opponent of Hariri`s Saudi Arabia-backed Future Movement though it is also a member of Hariri`s coalition government.
Hariri announced his resignation on November 4 in Saudi Arabia, shocking Lebanon and plunging it into political uncertainty. He accused Iran and Hezbollah of sowing strife in the Arab world, an allegation rejected by both sides.
Shortly afterwards, Lebanese President Michel Aoun accused Riyadh of kidnapping Hariri. The European Union, France and Germany also called on the Saudis for his return.
Hariri then travelled back to Lebanon and put his resignation on hold at Aoun`s request in favour of a national dialogue.
According to reports, Hariri had been forced to step down by the Kingdom over his failing to "confront" Hezbollah.
"Lebanon cannot resolve a question like Hezbollah which is in Syria, Iraq, everywhere because of Iran. It is a regional political solution that needs to be done," Hariri said on Monday.
He also rejected claims that he had forcibly resigned. He said he had written his resignation statement himself, countering allegations that it has been handed to him.
The Prime Minister said he would keep to himself what happened in Saudi Arabia, implying that he did not feel free to expose what had actually transpired in the Kingdom.
IANS
Seoul: The trial of disgraced former South Korean president Park Geun-Hye will proceed without her, a court said today, following a hiatus of more than 40 days as she boycotted proceedings.
Park, who was ousted earlier this year over a sprawling corruption scandal, has refused to appear for her trial, angry at the court's decision last month to extend her detention by six months.
The ex-president's legal team quit last month over the decision, accusing the court of bias. Park has since refused to cooperate with a team of state-sponsored defence lawyers appointed by the court, and failed to appear for her trial on Monday and Tuesday.
"We have a lot of things to do, including the questioning of many witnesses. Taking into account the limited time... We cannot delay the trial any longer," presiding judge Kim Se- Yoon said Tuesday.
The court-appointed defence lawyers repeatedly sought to interview Park at the detention centre where she is being held, but she refused to see them, the Yonhap news agency said.
Park, 65, submitted a letter to the detention centre on Monday, saying she cannot appear at her trial because of her health problems.
The centre reported to the court that Park has been taking painkillers for back pain and a swollen knee, and has made clear her intention to not appear at the trial.
Authorities at the detention centre said they were unable to force Park out because of her status as a former president of South Korea.
Park, South Korea's first woman president, was impeached by parliament in December after months of mass protests over accusations of graft and influence-peddling.
South Korea's constitutional court upheld the decision in March, removing her from office. Her trial started in May.
Talks aimed at ending the war in Syria restarted Tuesday with the Damascus regime enforcing its will, warning the United Nations it would not tolerate any discussion of President Bashar al-Assad`s ouster from power.
Assad`s negotiators did not travel to Geneva for the opening of the UN-backed talks, delivering another blow to the negotiations that have achieved little through seven previous rounds.
Opposition representatives, united in one delegation for the first time, were scheduled to meet UN mediator Staffan de Mistura on Tuesday.
After arriving in Geneva late Monday, rebel delegation chief Nasr al-Hariri told reporters that his camp was still insisting on Assad`s removal as part of any peace deal, defying calls for moderation.
Damascus had initially refused to confirm it would attend the talks with the opposition maintaining its hardline stance on the president, but the UN and Syria`s official Sana news agency have announced that government representatives will arrive on Wednesday.
But before agreeing to come, Assad`s envoys secured key concessions from de Mistura.
"During intense discussions over the last two days, de Mistura pledged to the government delegation that there would not be any... discussion of the Riyadh statement", an opposition text that references Assad`s ouster, a source close to the government told AFP.
Keeping the Assad issue off the table may also suit de Mistura, who has said he wants this round to focus on a new constitution for Syria and UN-supervised elections.The UN envoy had voiced hope the coming round would mark the first "real negotiation" on a possible deal to end the six-year war which has claimed more than 340,000 lives and left Syria in ruin.
Well ahead of the talks, de Mistura had warned the opposition that intransigence on the Assad issue might no longer be tenable.
In September, he said the opposition needed to be "realistic" and accept that "they didn`t win the war", a statement supported by facts on the ground.
Backed by Russia`s decisive military support, Assad`s government has regained control of 55 percent of the country, including major cities including Damascus, Aleppo, Homs and Hama.
The rest is carved up between rebel factions, jihadists and Kurdish forces.
The decision last week by Syrian opposition groups to send a single delegation to Geneva raised hopes of a possible breakthrough.
The new rebel negotiating team includes members of the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee (HNC), which insists on Assad`s departure, as well as representatives of groups based in Moscow and Cairo that have a more moderate stance on the president.
But without a formal notification from the rebel side that its position had softened, the talks may remain deadlocked. That could spell more trouble for the UN`s peace push, which has been overshadowed by negotiations spearheaded by Moscow.
Russia and its fellow regime ally Iran, along with rebel-backer Turkey, have hosted negotiations in the Kazakh capital of Astana that led to the creation of four "de-escalation zones" which produced a drop in violence, though deadly air strikes and battles continue in some areas.
Western powers are concerned that Russia is seeking to take a leading role in the peace process and will carve out a settlement that will largely favour Assad.
US President Donald Trump said Monday following a phone conversation with French leader Emmanuel Macron that the two men agreed the Geneva talks were the "only legitimate forum for achieving a political solution in Syria."
De Mistura was also scheduled to meet the ambassadors from Security Council permanent representatives -- Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States -- in Geneva on Tuesday to discuss the talks.
Geneva: Syria`s government has confirmed that it will take part in peace talks in Geneva this week, the UN said on Tuesday, after an announcement that it may not show up had delivered a blow to the negotiations.
"The government delegation has not yet arrived but (UN envoy Staffan de Mistura) has received the message that they are planning to arrive tomorrow," UN spokeswoman Alessandra Vellucci told reporters.
The eighth round of talks is seen as a chance for the UN to revitalise its push to end the six-year war, which has killed more than 340,000 people and left Syria in ruin.
De Mistura has stressed the urgent need for progress towards a political solution and had been bolstered by the fractured opposition`s decision to form a unified negotiation team for the first time.
London: Turkey's Prime Minister said Tuesday that the "Astana process" to revive the Syrian peace process, led by Russia, Turkey and Iran, is working alongside the UN's long-running Geneva discussions rather than competing with them.
"This process is not competing with the Geneva process," Binali Yildirim said during an address at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London.
"Astana peace talks, trilateral meetings, (are) not an alternative to Geneva, what we try to do is prepare infrastructure for solution(s)... In Geneva," he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, alongside Iran and Turkey, has stepped up diplomatic and military initiatives focused on Syria in recent months, including holding seven meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan.
He also hosted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last week for three hours of talks aimed at laying the groundwork for progress in the long-dormant peace process.
The flurry of activity has resulted in the establishment of four "de-escalation" zones inside Syria.
This small measure of success contrasts with THE stalled efforts at ending the war in Geneva.
The UN said the Syrian government had not yet confirmed that it would attend talks with the opposition due to restart there on today.
"We have achieved certain progress in terms of de- escalation and reducing the tensions in the country and moving toward a cease fire," Yildirim added at his IISS talk.
But the Turkish prime minister reiterated his country's determination to see Bashar al-Assad leave power.
"Look how things evolved in Syria, who caused Syria to be in the situation that it is today -- it all happened because of the regime, because of Assad," he said.
He added in the long-term, "Assad cannot possibly survive in Syria, we have to accept this".
Yildrim also took the opportunity to reaffirm Turkey's commitment to NATO, but noted the tensions over American alliances in the fight against Islamic State (IS).
He reiterated that Ankara views the Kurdish PYD group, and its armed wing the YPG -- part of the US-led coalition fighting IS -- as "terrorist organisations".
BANGKOK: Thai authorities have arrested 16 people who were protesting against the construction of a coal-fired power plant, drawing criticism of the military government from rights activists and environmentalists.
The planned power plant in the southern province of Songkhla will consist of two 1,000-megawatt units and is part of a power development plan to 2036, but activists object to its expected environmental and health impact on communities in the area.
The 16 protesters were arrested on Monday as they travelled from Thepa district, the site of the plant, to the provincial capital to present a petition to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who was due in the city on Tuesday for a meeting.
"This incident shows the true face of Thailand`s military dictators, who have committed a long list of abuses and repressions since the May 2014 coup," Sunai Phasuk, Thailand researcher for U.S.-based group Human Rights Watch, told Reuters.
Six protesters were injured in a scuffle with police, said anti-coal activist Supat Hasuwannakit.
"The use of force was uncalled for," Supat told Reuters.
A few police officers were injured, police said, adding that the 16 had been charged with blocking traffic, assaulting authorities, and resisting arrest. Police have requested that a court detains them.
Tara Buakamsri, country director for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, said in a statement the action against the protesters reflected a "complete failure" by the government to promote a peaceful and inclusive society.
"The Thepa power plant has no legitimacy to be built," the group said.
The first unit of the power plant is due to begin operating in 2021.
Its environmental health impact assessment was completed in August and is pending approval by the National Environment Board.
Geneva: A United Nations women`s rights panel called on Myanmar on Tuesday to provide "an exceptional report" within six months on rapes and sexual violence against Rohingya women and girls by its security forces in northern Rakhine state.
In a rare request, only its fourth ever since 1982, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women asked the Myanmar government to provide details on women and girls killed since the army crackdown began in late August, which drove more than 600,000 people to flee to Bangladesh.
The watchdog panel said it had also "requested information on investigations, arrests, prosecutions, convictions and sentences or disciplinary measures imposed on perpetrators, including members of the armed forces, found guilty of such crimes".
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. The 7th meeting of the member states of the 1999 2nd Protocol of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict began on November 27 in the UNESCO HQ in Paris.
Elections of members of the committee on Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict was held on the sidelines of the meeting, the foreign ministry told ARMENPRESS.
10 countries nominated their candidacies for 6 vacant positions. The following countries were elected Italy, 48 votes, Armenia 44 votes, Cambodia, 43 votes, Japan, 42 voted, El Salvador, 39 votes, Egypt 32 votes. Armenia was re-elected for 2017-2021.
Armenia was first elected as member of the committee in 2013.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. Vice Speaker of the Parliament Arpine Hovhannisyan on November 28 had a meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Armenia Bernhard Matthias Kiesler, press service of the Parliament told Armenpress.
The sides highly appreciated the current level of Armenian-German relations and attached importance to the further development of bilateral ties, as well as deepening of inter-parliamentary relations.
During the meeting a number of issues relating to the development of inter-parliamentary ties and cooperation in different international platforms were discussed.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. The Development Foundation of Armenia (DFA) has received concepts for Noah Ethnographic District from four leading companies and presents them to experts for opinions. The electronic versions of all 4 projects, as well as the questioner for opinions are available here: http://bit.ly/2AacYFw . The opinions of ethnographers, architects, tourism specialists and the larger public will be gathered and presented to the investors, after which the winning company will be selected, the DFA told Armenpress.
The American AECOM (http://www.aecom.com/about-aecom/), the British ARUP (https://www.arup.com/), the Lebanese ERGA (https://www.erga.com/) and the American SWA (http://www.swagroup.com/) companies, which have 30-60 years of successful experience in tourism destination development all over the world, have submitted their proposals.
The DFA has requested the participants to create concepts which will represent the best of architecture, customs and traditions, cuisine and handicraft of different regions of Armenia.
The CEO of the DFA Armen Avak Avakian noted: The district that will be constructed in Yerevan within the scope of this investment project will increase Armenias tourism diversity and attractiveness. As per business logic of the project, after getting acquainted with the culture and architecture of Gyumri or Lori, for instance, the tourists will become more eager to visit the regions and explore more.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the DFA Karen Karapetyan announced about the construction of the district which, based on preliminary calculations, will bring around 150mln USD investment to Armenia.
After the selection of the best project, the winner will develop the master plan of the district by February. The construction is expected to start in spring.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. The body of an Azerbaijani soldier which was discovered outside a military position in the south-eastern section of the Armenian border will be transferred to the Azerbaijani side on November 28, Armenian defense ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisyan said.
Earlier on November 23 the defense ministry of Armenia said a body of an Azerbaijani serviceman was found outside a military position on the Armenian state border.
According to intelligence info, the deceased soldier was a company commander, who had fled a base after a criminal incident. Armenia had said it is willing to hand over the body to Azerbaijan with mediation of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. Armenian foreign minister Edward Nalbandian held a meeting on November 28 with Irans foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in Yerevan.
During the meeting Nalbandian welcomed Mr. Zarif and mentioned that friendly, multifaceted and mutually beneficial relations exist between Armenia and Iran, which are based on the centuries of friendship between the two peoples.
Thanking for the invitation and warm reception, the Iranian FM said that his country attaches special significance to comprehensive partnership with Armenia, and expressed certainty that high-level mutual visits enable to strengthen and enhance those relations.
The Iranian minister expressed gratitude for the condolences and solidarity from Armenia for the deadly recent earthquake in Iran.
Both sides mentioned that during the 25th year of establishing diplomatic ties, the Armenian-Iranian relations have dynamically developed, by including new fields.
The sides noted that tourism volumes have greatly increased since the visa waiver of last year.
The ministers discussed issues related to boosting bilateral commercial cooperation, and exchanged ideas over the upcoming 15th session of the intergovernmental committee in Yerevan next year.
Mr. Zarif mentioned that a large group of businessmen are included in his delegation to take part in the Armenian-Iranian business forum.
Nalbandian and Zarif touched upon the establishment of the EEU-Iran cooperation.
The sides also discussed the implementation of the agreement over the Iran Nuclear Deal, which Armenia supports.
Minister Nalbandian briefed his Iranian counterpart on the joint efforts of Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairing countries for the exclusively peaceful settlement of the NK conflict by appreciating Irans balanced and principled stance on the matter, based on international rights.
Nalbandian and Zarif participated in the opening of the Armenian-Iranian business forum later in the day.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has created favorable conditions which enable to make beneficial investments and do business successfully, foreign minister Edward Nalbandian said at the opening ceremony of Armenian-Iranian business forum in Yerevan, reports Armenpress.
Such forums are an important platform for the representatives of public and business circles of the two countries to discuss the existing opportunities and problems in the bilateral trade-economic field, to determinate the future steps aimed at boosting the cooperation between our countries. I hope this forum will contribute to further use of Armenias investment opportunities by Iranian businessmen. The reforms in Armenia plan to establish more favorable regimes, clarify the guarantees given to foreign investors, enable the businessmen to use the current and expected additional privileges in Armenia, the contemporary mechanisms of solving the investment disputes, consistently cut and simplify a number of procedures, the Armenian FM said.
According to him, among the advantages of making investments in Armenia is that the country has a privileged trade regime with numerous countries. The FM stated that new opportunities have been created by Armenias membership to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The goods produced in Armenia with zero customs fees and without administrative barriers can freely enter the 180 million consumer market of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. Moreover, our country has a free trade agreements with almost all countries, the FM said.
He noted that Armenia, the only country among the EAEU states with a land border with Iran, can act as a gateway for entering the CIS, EAEU states, as well as the EU. In this sense we attach importance to the North-South road corridor which is at construction stage as the shortest transit route connecting the ports of the Persian Gulf with the Black Sea ports. Armenia is also actively supporting the agreement on free trade zone between the EAEU and Iran, the FM said, adding that the FEZ to be created in Syunik will contribute to strengthening the economic ties with Iran and more effective utilization of Armenias economic potential.
The respective agencies of the two countries have signed a memorandum of understanding which aims at outlining the main cooperation directions in the field of free economic zones between Armenia and Iran, FM Nalbandian said.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. Under the mediation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) Armenia Office the body of soldier has been transferred to the Azerbaijani side, Zara Amatuni, communications officer at the ICRC Armenia, told Armenpress. By the mediation of the Red Cross the body of the soldier has been handed over to the Azerbaijani side, she said.
On November 23 the Armenian defense ministry released a statement according to which the Armenian military discovered the body of an Azerbaijani soldier in the morning of November 23 outside a military position stationed in the south-eastern section of the Armenian state border. The body was found in the neutral zone. According to intelligence, the dead soldier is a captain, company commander of the Azerbaijani military, who escaped a military base after a crime. The Armenian defense ministry expressed readiness to hand over the body of the soldier to Azerbaijan with mediation of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. From the proclamation of Armenias independence up to today the relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran have recorded a dynamic growth, and as two neighbors there is no obstacle for the development of relations between the two countries, Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said at the opening ceremony of the Armenian-Iranian business forum in Yerevan, reports Armenpress.
I am very happy to have this opportunity to meet with the business representatives of Armenia and Iran. I want to state that the relations between Armenia and Iran have a centuries-old history, and we are happy that Armenians have also selected Iran as their country and today they are our very warm and good citizens. We didnt spare any efforts in the defense field and even during the Iran-Iraqi war people were killed. Armenians are also leading citizens in the economic field, the FM said.
According to him, the governments of the two countries should create favorable conditions for the development of relations between the two peoples, scientists and businessmen. We have worked on creating political and legal infrastructures for the cooperation, and the documents, which should have been signed between the two states aimed at facilitating investments, trade turnover, are already signed, the Iranian minister said, adding that the key goal is the development of economic relations, and the private sector plays vital role here.
I am happy that the two countries have potential for the cooperation. Iran recorded a key progress in science and innovative technologies: it is among the worlds leading countries in this field, he said, adding that the two countries can really have a mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy field. He also emphasized the fields of agriculture and livestock.
The Iranian FM also touched upon the creation of joint factories, assuring that the Iranian side can provide the raw material, and the final stage of the process, meaning, the production part can be provided by Armenia, and then the products can be exported to other countries. In order to implement this project we should be able to use the opportunities of the free economic zone, he said, adding that Iran is holding talks with the EAEU.
YEREVAN, 28 NOVEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 28 November, USD exchange rate up by 0.04 drams to 484.21 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.84 drams to 575.77 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.02 drams to 8.30 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.28 drams to 644.14 drams.
The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.
Gold price up by 70.16 drams to 20158.63 drams. Silver price up by 0.80 drams to 266.21 drams. Platinum price up by 203.58 drams to 14758.19 drams.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan received on November 28 the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif.
As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Government of Armenia, greeting the guest the Premier noted that Armenia-Iran relations are on a high level, and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two states is marked this year. According to the Head of the Executive, despite the fact that a lot has been done, there are a lot of joint achievements, there is still much to be done. Karen Karapetyan particularly noted that being neighboring friendly countries, Armenia and Iran have great potential to develop trade and economic partnership and despite this years increase in export-import, the current indicators do not reflect the real potential for the development of bilateral economic relations. I am very happy Armenian-Iranian business forum opened in Yerevan today, while the session of the Armenian-Iranian intergovernmental joint commission is scheduled in December. In October I had a rather promising visit to Iran and we reached agreements over developing partnership in various fields. The Government of Armenia is extremely interested and is ready to raise trade turnover to a new level, Karen Karapetyan said.
Conveying the warm greetings of First Vice President of Iran Eshaq Jahangiri to the Armenian Premier, FM Zarif noted, Your visit to Iran was very important and was a success. We perceive Armenia as a good neighbor. Our relations have a much longer history than 25 years, and those relations are a valuable capital for the two states, from which we should be able to derive benefits. Mohammad Javad Zarif shared the opinion with the Armenian Premier that the current situation of the bilateral economic relations does not correspond to the high level of Armenian-Iranian political dialogue and Iran is also interested in activation of economic relations with friendly Armenia.
The Armenian Premier and the Iranian FM discussed issues related to the cooperation in the sidelines of the free trade zone to be opened in Meghri in December. Karen Karapetyan noted that considering the tax privileges granted to business and those special regimes that Armenia possesses with different institutions and countries, the free trade zone will be a good platform for businessmen from Armenia, Iran and the third countries. Mohammad Javad Zarif noted that the Iranian side is interested in the soon opening of Meghri free trade zone and is ready for cooperation in that format.
The sides also exchanged views on cooperation in energy sphere, both in bilateral and multilateral formats.
Premier Karapetyan thanked the Iranian authorities for the careful attitude towards Armenian monuments in Iran and conveyed his warm greetings to First Vice President of Iran Eshaq Jahangiri.
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. The delegation led by Minister of Economic Development and Investments of Armenia Suren Karayan visited Meghri free trade zone. ARMENPRESS reports the Minister toured around accompanied by Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister of Armenia Gagik Martirosyan, architectures and constructors.
Suren Karayan got acquainted with the construction works of the first stage of Meghri free trade zone and the existing problems, giving adequate instructions on site. The works are in the completion phase. The opening of the first stage of Meghris free trade zone is scheduled on December 15.
LOS ANGELESWhile it's been clear for quite some time that many of the politicians and bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., have little understanding of the U.S. Constitution, and most particularly the First Amendment that was added to it, without which many of the Founders would have refused to sign the document, that same ignorance has apparently now taken over at least a couple of members of the Los Angeles City Council.
The issue is software filters to screen out "objectionable content" on computers at the city's public library, and Councilman David Ryu and Councilwoman Nury Martinez are all for it.
"Libraries are places of learning; they are a place for communities to connect, for individuals to empower themselves with information, and for children to grow and explore. They are not a place for lewd content or behavior," Ryu told CBS-LA last week. "Reports of individuals using illegal drugs and viewing online pornography are wholly unacceptable. Our families and children deserve better."
Trouble is, although the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in the Children's Internet Protection Act case in 2004 that Congress could withhold funds from public libraries that failed to take steps to block access to the allegedly "objectionable" material, the result has been a hodgepodge of responses across the country, with some libraries installing software filters on all computers, or just ones that could be accessed by children, while others opted for hardware solutions: Placing opaque barriers around the computer screens and relocating some of them to areas where there would be minimal pedestrian traffic.
Until now, L.A. has chosen the latter approach, but depending on how the Council votes when the Ryu/Martinez bill hits the floor, that could change ... and one organization that opposes that change is the adult industry trade organization Free Speech Coalition.
"Librarians and patrons should not have to tolerate lewd behavior or drug use in public," Free Speech Executive Director Eric Paul Leue agreed in an email to LA Weekly's Dennis Romero, "but limiting what people access online is anathema to free speech, and antithetical to the free flow of ideas. Filtering software sounds like an easy solution, but we know that such software often casts an egregiously wide net, blocking not only sexually explicit content but also sexual health information, LGBTQ sites and sites like ours, which contains no sexual imagery whatsoever but discusses issues relevant to the adult industry."
Indeed; according to the American Library Association's Deborah Caldwell-Stone, "According to legal complaints, some libraries are denying users access to websites that discuss Wicca and Native American spirituality; blacklisting websites that affirm the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities while whitelisting sites that advocate against gay rights and promote 'ex-gay' ministries; and refusing to unblock webpages that deal with youth tobacco use, art galleries, blogs, and firearms. School librarians, teachers, and even Department of Education officials are openly complaining that the overzealous blocking of online information in schools is impairing the educational process." Also subject to blocking: information on sexual health, self-examinations of breasts to detect cancer, and even circumcision and labiaplasty.
But while Ryu has stated that "Libraries are supposed to be for learning, not lewdness. No parent should ever have to worry that their child will be exposed to sexually explicit images and videos," Leue voiced concern about the extent of the filtering being proposed.
"The councilmembers' motion wrongly suggests that 'pornography' is easily identifiable and clearly defined, rather than a shifting concept that depends on views of those policing it," he stated. "In the past year alone, we've seen magazines like Cosmopolitan attacked as pornography in conservative districts, just as we've seen crackdowns on LGBTQ content and imagery, and mere nudity elsewhere. No one should be comfortable with state-funded employees determining what is or isn't acceptable for adults to read or research, or what ideas are or aren't detrimental to public health."
That's hardly a new idea. For instance, back in 2005, The New York Times' "Ethicist" Randy Cohen made the case for library freedom: "Libraries should provide for the free exchange of ideasnot just ideas you or I find palatable, not just ideas suitable for 5-year-olds. And librarians should not be forced to censor patrons' reading, let alone eject them for looking at disturbing images." And just last year, the American Library Association noted that, "The lack of access to certain content poses a big obstacle for individuals who do not have home Internet access. Their research can be viewed as 'incomplete' simply because much of their access is denied, and these individuals rely on public computers for much or all of their school work in this digital age."
"Artists like Mapplethorpe, Larry Sultan and Jeff Koons certainly grace public library shelves, though they deal with the same explicit themes in the same manner," Leue added. "Censoring adult content may seem simple in practice, but history of libraries is crowded with literature, from Fanny Hall to the Kinsey Report to Heather Has Two Mommies, that was not long ago deemed obscene or harmful by censors."
No date has yet been announced for when the Council will take up the Ryu/Martinez proposal.
LOS ANGELESJessica Drake, Wicked Pictures contract star, has signed on to produce The Cowgirls The Guide to Ride.
The feature-length instructional movie will showcase the versatile premium sex machine in various scenes of solo and partnered play.
For this project, Im aiming to produce a pieceand several mini piecesthat will showcase The Cowgirl, familiarize folks with its features and uses, and also show demos of different people with it in action, Drake said. I'd like for this to be a springboard for those who watch it, to encourage them to try it out whether solo or partnered, and to also give them ideas for other uses.
Drake is widely recognized for her ongoing work spreading the message of sexual health and wellness through personal appearances, her own writings, media articles and interviews. Drake has been a vocal advocate for sex education through her award-winning instructional series Jessica Drakes Guide to Wicked Sex, which she hosts, writes, directs and produces.
For The Cowgirls Guide to Ride video, Drake says her vision is for the video to inspire people to get creative in the bedroom.
Id love to remind people that sex can be creative and experimental and fun, Drake said. Often, I get a sense that couples get too serious and try too hard when they want to improve their sex lives. The Cowgirl is fun and adventurous. I can't wait to show it off!
The Cowgirls partnership with the award-winning superstar comes on the heels of the company joining forces with celebrity photographer Deborah Anderson.
At COTR, we are greatly inspired by the work of all of the women that use their platform to promote sex-positivity, said Alicia Sinclair, founder and CEO of COTR, the parent company behind The Cowgirl brand. Were extremely proud to offer a premium female-made product, supported by promo material and education that are also produced by women.
I am a huge fan of Alicia and all of her brands the way pleasure is meshed with sexual heath is exactly what I get passionate about, and my passion is what motivates me, Drake said. All of her products are things I would and DO use, and often incorporate into seminars and workshops.
The Cowgirl is a premium riding sex machine offering over 1,200 RPM of ultra-powerful vibrations with easy-to-operate vibration and rotation control. It comes with a global adaptor, making it safe for use anywhere in the world, and can be operated remotely via a smartphone app.
For more information about The Cowgirl, contact alicia@cotrinc.com or visit RideTheCowgirl.com.
French artisan bakery Paul is to open a new site in Hammersmith Broadway, West London next month, taking its number of UK shops to 36.
The 693sq ft bakery, set to open on Monday 4 December, is located in The Broadway Shopping Centre, directly opposite the tube entrance.
It will serve up Pauls signature range of breads and handcrafted patisserie, Viennoiserie, salads and sandwiches, alongside coffee and hot seasonal products such as soup, croques and quiches.
Hammersmith Broadway is one of West Londons major transport hubs, said Jean-Michel Orieux, chief executive of Paul UK. We feel that the addition of Paul Bakery to the centre, with its exclusive range of traditional French handcrafted bakery and fine patisserie, will be well received by commuters and tourists alike and we look forward to welcoming them through our doors soon.
The majority of Paul UKs other locations are in London, with stores in Marble Arch, Notting Hill Gate and Marylebone, and a couple outside the capital in Newbury and Oxford.
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.
Trump could end illegal subsidy Obama gave Congress and staff, forcing legislators to live under ACA guidelines
Health policy experts say President Donald Trump could rekindle Obamacare repeal efforts by killing the handouts insulating Congress from the program's costs.said Katherine Restrepo, health care policy analyst at the John Locke Foundation.Critics say an executive action by former President Barack Obama is the issue. He directed the Office of Personnel Management to declare Congress a small business, letting Congress and its 13,000 employees skirt the law forcing members and workers to buy policies on Obamacare's individual health insurance exchange.Instead, they participate in the small business exchange intended only for companies with 50 or fewer employees. Members of Congress and their staffs receive subsidies covering up to three-fourths of their premium costs. Those subsidies aren't available on the individual exchange.The Obama administration's action was illegal, said Naomi Lopez Bauman, director of health care policy at the Arizona-based Goldwater Institute. But he did it to entice Congress to keep the law in place. Trump could push Congress to act if he directed OPM to move the elected officials into the same exchanges their constituents must maneuver, she said.Congress and its employees receiveLopez Bauman said.Officials at 40 organizations signed a letter sent to Trump dated July 21 demanding he end theThomas Miller, a resident fellow at the Washington, D.C-based American Enterprise Institute, is skeptical. Miller, who teaches a class at Duke University School of Law, said if Trump took that action Congress simply would figure out another way to maintain the benefit.Miller said.It might be reprehensible, but Congress breaks the laws it passes all the time and gets away with it, Miller said.Miller said. If voters are angry, then they should elect new representatives to create a better health care system.Carolina Journal queried the 13 members of North Carolina's congressional delegation and both U.S. senators for their positions on the congressional subsidies. Only three responded.U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-5th District, said asserting that Congress receives a special subsidy to purchase Obamacare plans "is frankly absurd."Members of Congress and their staffs receive the same employer premium contributions that other federal employees receive, and that mirrors what most private-sector workers enjoy through employment-based health benefits, Foxx said.to ensure they received no special treatment, Foxx said.Acknowledging frustrations over "the seemingly glacial pace" of repeal and replacement, Foxx said she voted more than 70 times to partially or fully repeal Obamacare.said U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger, R-9th District.He co-sponsored the No Obamacare Subsidies for Congress Act that year. This year he helped to introduce and pass a bill to close a loophole that inadvertently gave members special consideration on health care.Pittenger said the SenateU.S. Rep. Mark Walker, R-6th District, chairman of the influential Republican Study Committee, this year co-sponsored the American Health Care Act. It would have removed the congressional exemption from Obamacare.On Nov. 14 Walker introduced an amendment to the House tax reform bill to eliminate the individual mandate. The mandate levies a financial penalty on those who don't buy insurance. Spokesman Jack Minor said Walker hopes that amendment sparks renewed repeal efforts.Minor said. Though unsure of the legal aspects of Trump rescinding the congressional exemption, he said Walker supports any measures that lead to repeal.Skyrocketing Obamacare premiums, high co-pays and deductibles areMinor said. Terminating the individual mandate would give swift relief to those who can't afford either Obamacare policies or the fine.to repeal Obamacare, Minor said.
Postmodern academia no longer searches for truth. Except in the physical sciences, objectivity is too often replaced with moral relativism, "critical theory," and the "lived experience" of individual scholars. But none of this is new. It is an outgrowth of the cultural problems C.S. Lewis observed 75 years ago in one of his shortest and densest works: Abolition of Man. Contemporary Perspectives on C.S. Lewis' 'The Abolition of Man': History, Philosophy, Education, and Science , published by Bloomsbury, revisits this work to honor its 75th anniversary. Its point is to help digest Lewis' heady work and remark on its enduring cultural relevance.Contemporary Perspectives is divided into nine chapters, each written by a different C.S. Lewis enthusiast in a related field. These chapters cover philosophy, natural law, education, teaching English, political inclination, theology, science, techno-futurism, and how That Hideous Strength relates to Abolition of Man. The result is inconsistent but ultimately worth the read. Of particular significance are Lewis' ideas about education.In Abolition of Man, Lewis takes the pseudonymous The Green Book to task for dangerous ideas which he believes will have a catastrophic cultural impact, and which will create "men without chests." The Green Book is a primary school textbook that teaches subjectivism. Lewis' chief concern is that children will be taught to use their heads, but not have the character to make good choices as a result of the teaching its authors put forth. In this, Lewis was on point. In fact, Lewis' cautions are even more needed today, as his warnings 75 years ago went largely unheeded. Now we find ourselves in the situation Lewis foresaw-men afraid of making moral judgments; people who will sayWhen objective truth is rejected, all foundation for virtue disappears.Nowhere is this problem more obvious than in higher education. Allen Bloom decried universities 30 years ago for behaving asSince then, universities have continued in the same direction. As David Clemens explained here It is this attitude that allowed UNC-Chapel Hill to offer fake classes to student-athletes and then describe the outcome as "fair" when there was no punishment.Mark Pike of the University of Leeds explains Lewis' insight into this type of problem in the education chapter of Contemporary Perspectives. He does an excellent job of fleshing out Lewis' ideas presented in Abolition of Man and making them easy to understand. He breaks down Lewis' concerns, explains the difference between classical and modern values, and the way in which moral relativism devalues education.This chapter also helps clarify what Lewis meant by "Tao" or "natural law." Pike explains that although Lewis is well known as a Christian apologist, he does not argue for theism in Abolition of Man. Instead, he uses sources from different ancient and religious sources to make a case for humans being born with certain knowledge of right and wrong-of this natural law, this objective value being part of what makes us human and distinct from the animals. It is this concern-that modern education is ripping out this heart of man by teaching subjective truth-that Lewis, standing firmly in the tradition of Aristotle, finds so alarming, and which Pike highlights in this section on education.Another aspect Pike tackles is the difference between inappropriate behavior and wrong character, an important distinction for Lewis and something that modern education often ignores. As professor Richard Cocks wrote last year for the Martin Center,Educating towards "tolerance" for immoral behavior is another concern for Lewis, and rightly so-a different professor notes Overall, Contemporary Perspectives provides a modern, relevant look at a 75-year-old academic work-but only an overview. Almost every chapter feels like an introduction to something that needs to be fleshed out, but this book does not allow for that. Sadly, some chapters, such as the one on philosophy, read as a rehash of Lewis' ideas without additional illumination. Other chapters, including the one on science, neatly apply Lewis' timeless observations to modern problems.For Lewis devotees, the book complements Lewis' ideas in Abolition of Man. Some chapters feel like repeats, but others genuinely add a different dimension to Lewis' arguments. At its best, the book showcases Lewis' almost prophetic voice on the issue of subjective vs. objective truth, drawing from his different works to help flesh out important points.In order to understand Contemporary Perspectives, reading Abolition of Man first is essential. Being familiar with Lewis' other works before picking up the book would be an asset, but isn't strictly necessary. The Ransom Trilogy by Lewis, particularly That Hideous Strength, would be the most relevant of Lewis' other works to have read.The biggest downfall of this collection is the inconsistency in layout and flow of the chapters. And, as in any compilation, the reader is often left wanting more. For those wanting a soft read on Lewis, this is not the book for you.For those wanting academic essays on Lewis, this is a fitting tribute to the 75th anniversary of a great work. The book recognizes Lewis' impressive foresight and reminds us of the continuing need to hear Lewis' message. It would certainly be a worthwhile investment for contemporary academics and educators to read these Contemporary Perspectives on C.S. Lewis' 'Abolition of Man'. It is a valuable reminder that even after 75 years, Lewis' observations on education are as relevant as ever.
The First Family will celebrate their first Christmas in the White House with a nod to tradition. This year's theme, "Time-Honored Traditions" was designed by First Lady Melania Trump to pay respect to 200 years of holiday traditions at the White House.In the East Wing, visitors find a tribute to our service members and their families with the Gold Star Family Tree, which has been decorated with gold stars and patriotic ribbon. Visitors are encouraged to write a message to their loved ones who are on duty or abroad on the digital tablets provided.After passing through the East colonnade, visitors will see the China Room, which honors the holiday traditions of dining and hospitality. The room is set up for a family Christmas dinner, with the table displaying the china from President Ronald Reagan. Then, visitors will see the Library, which features President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1866 edition of "A Christmas Carol," as they recall the time-honored custom of reading Christmas stories to loved ones.On the State Floor of the White House, the Grand Foyer and Cross Hall celebrate the first themed White House Christmas, which was the "Nutcracker Suite" in 1961. The Green Room honors the festivities of crafts, paper, and classic design. The Blue Room holds the official White House Christmas tree, which is decorated with glass ornaments depicting the seal of each State and territory. The Red Room hosts delightful holiday treats, and has been decorated with peppermints, candy, and cookies. The State Dining Room holds a traditional gingerbread house, which depicts the South facade of the White House and features Mrs. Trump's signature Christmas wreaths."The President, Barron, and I are very excited for our first Christmas in the White House," said First Lady Melania Trump. "As with many families across the country, holiday traditions are very important to us. I hope when visiting the People's House this year, visitors will get a sense of being home for the holidays. On behalf of my husband and Barron, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and joyous holiday season."Throughout the month of December, the White House will host more than 100 open houses and many receptions. More than 25,000 visitors will walk the halls taking part in public tours.White House
The Casa Jasmina project (previously) is an automated smart house designed to be made of open source hardware, with the needs of the people who live there not the corporations who extract rent from them in mind.
It was built by Jasmina Tesanovic playwright, musician, war-crimes journalist, Boing Boing contributor and Bruce Sterling science fiction writer, digital art curator, design theorist in Turin, Italy, the home of Arduino, and with the help of local makerspaces and Arduino itself.
In this 30-minute video ("The Closing Act of IAM Weekend 17 celebrated in Barcelona, on April 27-30, 2017"), Tesanovic and Sterling (a married couple) lay out the history, design philosophy, technical realities, and aftermath of the project. You couldn't ask for a better half hour of advanced, entertaining material on how the Internet of Things could be made to help people, rather than control them.
(via Beyond the Beyond)
Wells Fargo didn't limit its fraud to robbing 2,000,000 ordinary depositors, struggling mortgage borrowers, 800,000 car loan borrowers, mom and pop businesses, and home owners the bank's top foreign-exchange desk bankers robbed hundreds of the company's large business customers, in a move that inflated the Fargo execs' annual bonuses.
The forex bankers charged commissions of 1% to 4% (the industry standard is 0.15% to 0.5%) but they also lied to their customers about this commission, promising lower rates, then creaming off massive commissions and hoping their customers would never check their math.
When they got caught, they blamed the discrepancies on "time fluctuations."
Foreign-exchange bankers received bonuses that were only based on the amount of money they brought into the bank, a marked difference from how other financial institutions calculate them. Wells Fargo told The Wall Street Journal that it changed the compensation make-up earlier this year.
Wells Fargo overcharged hundreds of customers in pursuit of bonuses: report
[Jacqueline Thomsen/The Hill]
(via Naked Capitalism)
(Image: epSos.de, CC-BY)
James O'Keefe, a right-wing troll with a criminal record, tried to trick the Washington Post by directing a female associate to falsely tell a reporter from the newspaper that Alabama Republican U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore raped her when she was 15 then forced her to get an abortion. O'Keefe's organization secretly recorded the woman telling the lie to a Washington Post reporter, most likely because O'Keefe was hoping the reporter would say that the paper would use this information to prevent Moore from being elected. The Washington Post didn't fall for it.
Via CBS News:
The woman, Jaime T. Phillips, appears to work with Project Veritas, an organization that attempts to secretly record deceptive conversations with journalists in an effort to discredit mainstream news outlets and expose what they claim to be media bias.
The Post interviewed her over the course of two weeks, identifying falsehoods and inconsistencies in her story along the way. In her unsubstantiated story, she claimed to have a sexual relationship with Moore as a 15-year-old, which she claimed led to an abortion.
In the interviews, Phillips would ask reporters for their opinions on how her false story, if made public, could affect the Moore campaign.
Ultimately, The Post did not publish her story, and Phillips insists that she is not connected to any larger organization. One reporter confronted her on the alleged deception, also noting a suspicious internet post made by Phillips.
Monday morning, Post reporters saw Phillips walk into the offices of Project Veritas. The organization's founder James O'Keefe declined to answer any of The Post's questions about the encounter with Phillips or her employment at Project Veritas when confronted outside of the organization's office.
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Do you dream of becoming a digital nomad? Ever since our shift to remote and hybrid work models, many folks have transitioned or are considering careers that allow them to work from READ THE REST
FILE PHOTO: Visitors cheer with beer during the opening day of the 184th Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, September 16, 2017. REUTERS/Michaela Rehle/File Photo
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If you're planning a trip to Prague, you're in luck the city has some of the cheapest prices for beer around the world.
Deutsche Bank analysts collected data on how much it costs to get a half liter beer in a neighborhood pub in the expat area of a major cities around the world. Prices are current as of 2017.
Beers are the cheapest in Prague, Czech Republic at $1.30. Johannesburg, South Africa is close behind, where buying a beer will set you back about $1.70. In Lisbon, Portugal, it will cost you about $2.00.
On the flip side, you're going to have to shell out more for the same sized beer in cities like Oslo, Norway ($9.90), Singapore ($9.00), and Hong Kong ($7.70).
Prices for beers in major American cities tend to be on the higher end compared to cities around the world. New York City saw the most expensive prices stateside at $7.40 a beer, but Boston isn't far behind at $7.20.
Check out the full list of beer prices in major cities below.
cost of beer1024
Andy Kiersz/Business Insider
NOW WATCH: A 'beer sommelier' explains how pouring a beer the wrong way can give you a stomach ache
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SEE ALSO: 27 cities around the world where expats are happy, rents are affordable, and jobs are plentiful
A former New Democrat MP will attempt to convince the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court this week to include Canada in her investigation into possible war crimes in Afghanistan, CBC News has learned.
Craig Scott, an Osgoode Hall law professor who was defeated in the 2015 election, will hand deliver a 90-page brief to the court in the Hague, arguing that successive federal governments "abdicated" their responsibility to investigate reports of torture.
He is urging Fatou Bensouda, who has been the ICC's chief prosecutor since 2012, to make key Canadian politicians and military officers "central to any investigation."
The filing, a copy of which was obtained by CBC News, says the current Liberal government and the former Conservative administration had many opportunities to investigate claims that suspected Taliban militants, captured by Canadians but handed over to Afghanistan's notorious intelligence agency, had been tortured.
"Canada cannot now be trusted with second chances," Scott wrote.
Last week, Bensouda announced that an investigation into possible war crimes in Afghanistan would take place and confirmed for the first time the United States would be implicated in the probe.
The probe would involve alleged crimes by U.S. armed forces and the Central Intelligence Agency, she said in a statement, adding that "there is a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity have been committed" in Afghanistan.
Call for 'credible investigative process'
Afghan National Security Forces, the Taliban, and its offshoot Haqqani network are also on the list to be investigated.
Where the allegations of war crimes came from is unclear.
But Scott, in his brief implicating Canada, said he believes that in this country there is "considerable evidence that has not yet come to light" and claims there are people within the system who are ready to speak up.
Story continues
"We are quite confident there are multiple persons across various departments in the Canadian federal civil service who know much, but who are wary of coming forward, until there is a credible investigative process that stands a chance of not being stymied in the way of every other process in Canada regarding detainees to date," Scott wrote.
"There is a proactive duty on the relevant state policing authorities to investigate war crimes when information about the possibility of such crimes comes to the attention of the authorities."
Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who did three tours in Afghanistan as a reservist and intelligence officer, has in the past said Canadian troops served with "absolute credibility and honour" and abided by the Geneva Conventions on the treatment of prisoners.
His office, however, declined to comment over the weekend on the latest development and referred questions to Global Affairs Canada.
A spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada is a stronger supporter of the ICC.
"Torture is abhorrent and illegal. Torture and other forms of cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment or punishment are contrary to Canadian and international law and are against Canadian values," said Alex Lawrence in an email.
"Canada is a signatory to all Geneva Conventions and Protocols. Canadian Armed Forces personnel deployed on operations respect the CAF Code of Conduct, and all applicable Canadian domestic and international law, including the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention Against Torture. The CAF takes any allegations of torture and other cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment very seriously."
Long-running battle
In 2006, at the beginning of the combat mission in Kandahar, the Liberal government under Paul Martin signed an agreement with Kabul that required prisoners to be transferred into Afghan custody.
Unlike Britain and the Netherlands at the time, Canada had no right to check on their condition afterward.
The Conservative government of former prime minister Stephen Harper moved to fix the flaw after published reports revealed abuse may have taken place.
It also eventually installed a rigorous system of monitoring that lasted well after the combat mission ended in 2011.
Any state that knowingly hands over a prisoner to torture is guilty of a war crime under international law.
In its statement last week, the ICC took note of Canada's actions, but offered no hint about whether it believed this country had done anything wrong.
The issue became a political powder keg in 2009 for the Conservatives when diplomat Richard Colvin testified before a Commons committee that he had repeatedly warned the military and the government about conditions of torture in Afghan jails.
The Conservatives fought a series of legal battles with Amnesty International Canada and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, which tried to have the system of transfers halted.
It also faced a public hearing into the conduct of military police, who were in charge of the transfer system.
The refusal by the Harper government to hand over related documentation almost cost the Conservatives power in 2009 when the Liberals were prepared to move a motion of contempt.
Scott tried unsuccessfully to force the current Liberal government, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, to conduct a full inquiry into the handling of prisoners.
Legal warning
Responding to a written question in the House of Commons, posed by the NDP, the government recently said there has been no investigation conducted by either civilian or military law enforcement into possible war crimes.
The brief argues that the Canadian government and military has had 10 years of reports about possible violations, and has failed to look into it.
"There is a proactive duty on the relevant state policing authorities to investigate war crimes when information about the possibility of such crimes comes to the attention of the authorities."
A Federal Court judge, in one of the legal battles involving Amnesty International, warned that even though he was upholding the Conservative government's arguments there was the possibility the issue could end up before the ICC.
"Canada was given fair warning by its own judiciary almost a decade ago," Scott wrote. "It's now time that for the world to learn that the ICC is indeed not a 'legal 'no-man's land.'"
By Marine Pennetier OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) - France's President Emmanuel Macron told African youths on Tuesday that he belonged to a new generation of French leaders who would build partnerships with the continent rather than tell it what to do. But a youth protest against him, stones pelting one of his delegation's vehicles and a botched grenade attack on French troops hours before his arrival in Burkina Faso's capital Ouagadougou showed the hostility that still lingers after decades of an often tense France-Africa relationship. Macron was also subjected to rowdy student questions at the university after his speech in Ouagadougou, and was sometimes left fruitlessly hushing as he struggled to get his answers heard above the crowd. In his speech, peppered with references to African nationalists such as Nelson Mandela and Burkina's revolutionary leader Thomas Sankara, Macron promised a break with a past in which France often seemed to call the shots to former colonies. "I am from a generation that doesn't come to tell Africans what to do," Macron said, prompting applause. "I am from a generation for whom Nelson Mandela's victory is one of the best political memories." The 39-year-old is on a three-day visit to Burkina Faso, Ghana and Ivory Coast aimed at boosting cooperation in education, the digital economy and migration. "I will be alongside those who believe that Africa is neither a lost continent or one that needs to be saved," he said. The grenade attack missed the French soldiers but wounded three civilians hours before Macron arrived. No group claimed responsibility. Stones were thrown at a delegation convoy, however Macron was far away from it at a meeting with his Burkina counterpart, Roch Marc Kabore in the presidential palace. Dozens of local youths clashed with security forces in the center of the capital throwing stones. Police responded with teargas. Protesters burnt T-shirts with images of Macron and carried slogans including "Down with new-colonialism" and "French military out of Burkina". BREAK WITH PAST? It was not the first time a French president has promised to break with past French politics on the continent. Macron's predecessor Francois Hollande declared while visiting Senegal in 2012 that "the time of La Francafrique is over", referring to a shadowy network of diplomats, soldiers and businessmen who manipulated African leaders for decades after independence. But it comes at a tense time, when French troops are being sucked deeper into a years-long battle to quell Islamist militancy in the Sahel region. France has 4,000 troops deployed there, and there are mixed feelings about their presence - highlighted in a bitter row between France and Mali over the deaths of 11 Malian troops being held captive by Islamist militants in a French air strike. The French are pinning their hopes on the so-called G5 Sahel force being set up by regional country's with French and American backing. It launched a campaign on Oct. 28 amid growing unrest in the desert reaches of the region, where jihadists allied to al Qaeda or inspired by Islamic State roam undetected. Macron earlier told journalists G5 had been too slow to get established. He said he would call for greater co-operation between Europe and Africa to tackle human trafficking and he touted a European initiative to rescue African migrants from being enslaved in Libya. The exchange with heckling students was typical Macron, who during his presidential campaign often managed to turn initially hostile crowds in his favor by answering questions head on. "You speak to me like I'm a colonial power, but I don't want to look after electricity in Burkina Faso. That's the work of your president," he retorted to one hostile questioner. (Refiles to remove extraneous repeated references to capital) (Additional reporting by John Irish, Richard Lough and Michel Rose in Paris; Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Alison Williams)
Two Manitobans travelled to Mexico recently to study one of the most endangered sea mammals in the world and document a last-ditch effort to save them from extinction.
There are fewer than 30 vaquita porpoises left in the world, and they live in the Gulf of California between the Baja California Peninsula and the western coast of Mexico. Fishing in the gulf, also called the Sea of Cortez, has been banned in an effort to protect the vaquita, but their population continues to rapidly decline.
Kristin Westdal, known as the Beluga Queen in Churchill, is a marine biologist and is consulting with international marine scientists. Her husband, Winnipeg filmmaker Chris Paetkau, filmed the plight of the vaquitas for the Discovery Network.
Paetkau says illegal fishing threatens the vaquita because fishers set illegal nets in an effort to catch a fish called totoaba, whose bladders sell for thousands of dollars in China.
"That's where the conflict comes in, is that this is a fishing village and people need to make money and they need to eat," Paetkau said in an interview with CBC's Up to Speed.
Paetkau followed the efforts of a group called Vaquita CPR, which was attempting to live capture, and possibly breed, one of the rare porpoises. Due to their small dorsal fins, they can be hard to spot, Paetkau said.
"You need basically flat, calm seas, and that's hard to get sometimes in the Sea of Cortez," he said.
The group managed to capture two porpoises a young calf and an mature female, which died after being captured.
"Live capture had never been done before so there was no way of knowing what was going to happen on the CPR side. This was a shot in the dark, a last ditch effort, a Hail Mary," Paetkau said.
Illegal fishing
The Discovery Channel piece also follows a crew from the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a non-profit marine conservation group, aboard a ship tracking illegal fishers for the Mexican government.
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Paetkau says some of the illegal totoaba fishing is tied to criminal cartels, and fishers go out at night to lay the illegal nets.
Under the cover of darkness, the Sea Shepherd crew follows fishing boats using radar, and once they come within about a kilometre of the boats, they send out a drone equipped with infrared cameras to take pictures of the fishers setting the nets.
The crew also pulls up and destroys so-called ghost nets, which have been set and forgotten.
"They're there to basically fill the gap between what the government is supposed to do and their capacity or incapacity to do it," Paetkau said.
The population of vaquita porpoises has dropped by half every year for about the last five years, and experts believe there could be as few as 15 left, Paetkau said.
Paetkau has spent much time studying Manitoba's marine life along the coast of Hudson Bay and says there are lessons we can learn from the plight of the vaquitas.
"Marine issues are interconnected all throughout the world and it's not unusual to hear of issues in one place that are similar to another place," he said.
"So what I would like ultimately is that for us in Manitoba, for sure, is that we recognize the true treasure that we have and to make sure that that stays the way it is."
Top stories of the hour include the ones related to Shraddha murder case updates and Delhi civic poll. Police are likely to look into the increase in the water bill for the flat that was rented out to Shraddha murder case prime accused Aaftab Ameen Poonawala in the Chhatarpur area of Delhi, which is suggestive of the fact that thousands of litres of water was used to remove blood stains after the crime. The BJP has released 'Dilli ke thugs' posters, slamming Aam Aadmi Party leaders over corruption ahead of the MCD poll.
Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.
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Elder of Ziyon..27 November '17..I just came across a tweet by Andrew Bennett about the notorious historian and ardent Israel-hater Ilan Pappe, who claims that a shadowy Jewish elite deceives the world with a false peace process to mask its true intent: the imprisonment of Palestinians. Indicating his disdain for Pappes views, Bennett added a quote from the Nazi publication: This is the freedom they promise us/The freedom we see where Judah rules/Behind prison walls and bars/Within a dark prison sits/A humanity that longs for true freedom/And longs for rescue and release.I found the quote striking because of the line where Judah rules. Of course, the Nazis imagined the oppressive rule of Judah everywhere; but all too obviously, todays anti-Israel activists remain indebted to the Nazi idea that Jewish rule is intolerable, even if it extends only over a tiny sliver of the Middle East.When I looked up the quote, I found that it had appeared in the issue of 17 June 1943 of
Open Educational Resources
OER Textbooks Join Day-One Access Programs in Campus Bookstores
Rice University's OpenStax textbooks are now being made available through digital access programs from VitalSource and RedShelf at bookstores run by Follett and Barnes & Noble Education. These mainstay digital textbook providers allow colleges and universities to operate inclusive access programs in which students are billed for all their digital textbooks and resources at registration. Now these same institutions will be able to include OpenStax content for free or for a "marginal platform fee."
The open educational resources textbook provider also recently announced a relationship with a company that will help the organization develop additional OER content.
The model of inclusive access is also known as "all students acquire," "day-one access," "includED," "digital discount," "digital direct access," "enterprise solutions" and "first day." Students don't have to hunt for their own textbooks; they're charged for course materials at the start of the semester or term to gain access to the content even before classes begin.
RedShelf and VitalSource distribute digital materials to the majority of campus bookstores in the U.S., including independent stores and stores operated by Barnes & Noble Education and Follett. By including the OpenStax books in their catalogs, the materials will be more "discoverable" and easy to access as any other publisher content on the digital platforms.
"OpenStax is committed to providing our free textbooks to all students," said Richard Baraniuk, founder and director of OpenStax and a Rice professor of engineering, in a press release. The partnerships, he noted, would enable the organization to "meet faculty and students where they are by providing our content in the delivery methods that work for them and alongside the value-added services they prefer."
Jennifer Kneafsey, a biology instructor at Tulsa Community College, said she anticipates that the arrangement will bring the open textbook model to more schools, faculty and students. "In a way, OpenStax is the original 'inclusive access' their books have always been available on day one because they are freely available online," she said. "I'm glad that OpenStax is making sure that free, peer-reviewed, openly licensed options are still available to students in this new model."
OpenStax will also be tapping the talents of military spouses in a new work arrangement with Freedom Learning Group, a company that develops digital courseware. FLG employs remote workers, many of whom are stationed overseas.
The subject matter expert teams "consist of PhDs, attorneys, scientists, college professors and a variety of other exceptional fields," explained Stacey Ecelbarger, FLG vice president and co-founder. "Military spouses are an underemployed American resource, and OER is an underutilized education resource. We're excited to be a catalyst for the success of both.''
OpenStax is a nonprofit initiative of Rice, supported by multiple philanthropic partners, including the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, the Arthur & Carlyse Ciocca Charitable Foundation and Ann and John Doerr.
Before we go any further, let's first define net neutrality. It sounds like something too nebulous and theoretical to be at the center of the potential demise of the internet as we know it. But the concept is not out-there at all.
"Broadly, I would say, [net neutrality] is the freedom to go wherever you want on the internet, use whatever service you want, and the internet service provider can't interfere with that," says Ernesto Falcon, a legislative council at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit that is dedicated to defending digital civil liberties. One of Falcon's focuses is on open internet issues.
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"As a legal matter, the ISP industry are considered 'common carriers,'" Falcon explains. "What that means is, they're required by law to operate in a non-discriminatory way in providing their communication platform. They can't block a website, they can't throttle or slow down access to websites in order to extract extra rent and they are not allowed to engage in any sort of exclusive deals with other internet companies to prioritize one set of traffic over another."
The proponents of net neutrality fear that, without the current laws, that's exactly what the big ISPs will be able to do: control the flow of content. And that could have all sorts of consequences, including limiting competition and the flow of free speech.
"As an economist, I know that when you have less competition, you see less innovation to benefit consumers and you also see higher costs for consumers," says Roberto Angulo, CEO and co-founder of AfterCollege.com, a career network for college students and recent graduates. AfterCollege was one of hundreds of smaller companies that sent a letter to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai in April urging him to keep the regulations governing net neutrality.
Instead, earlier in November, Pai a Trump appointee declared his intention to strike down the existing Obama-era rules ensuring net neutrality in a statement he called the "Restoring Internet Freedom Order." Pai says the current rules "depressed investment in building and expanding broadband networks and deterred innovation."
His statement didn't even make it out of the FCC offices before it was blasted. FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, that same day, called Pai's order a "plan to roll back internet rights," and said in a statement, "This is ridiculous and offensive to the millions of Americans who use the Internet every day."
More from Rosenworcel: "Our internet economy is the envy of the world because it is open to all. This proposal tears at the foundation of that openness. It hands broadband providers the power to decide what voices to amplify, which sites we can visit, what connections we can make and what communities we create. It throttles access, stalls opportunity and censors content. It would be a big blunder for a slim majority of the FCC to approve these rules and saddle every internet user with the cruel consequences."
TUESDAY, Nov. 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) -- More than 60 percent of opioid overdose deaths involve people who suffer from chronic pain, a new analysis reveals.
Many of them also struggled with depression or anxiety, the investigators found.
The findings stem from a study that examined the medical backgrounds of more than 13,000 men and women who died from an opioid overdose between 2001 and 2007.
"The frequent occurrence of treated chronic pain and mental health conditions among overdose decedents underscores the importance of offering substance use treatment services in clinics that treat patients with chronic pain and mental health problems," said lead investigator Dr. Mark Olfson, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center.
"Such a strategy," he said in a center news release, "might increase early clinical intervention in patients who are at high risk for fatal opioid overdose."
The number of Americans who died from an opioid overdose quadrupled from 1999 to 2015, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To explore the role that chronic pain plays in opioid abuse and deaths, the researchers focused on Medicaid enrollees who had died after an overdose. More than half of the 13,000 included in the analysis had been diagnosed with chronic pain in the year before they died. Roughly a third had been diagnosed with a drug use disorder in that year.
In addition, more than half had filled prescriptions for either opioids or benzodiazepines (sedatives or depressants), with many having sought out both drugs. Combining the two is very risky, as it can lead to a life-threatening case of extremely shallow breathing known as "respiratory depression," the researchers said.
Still, fewer than 1 in 20 of people included in the analysis had specifically been diagnosed as having had an opioid use disorder during their last month of life. This "suggests that dropout from drug treatment is common before fatal opioid overdose," Olfson said.
"Improving treatment retention, with contingency management or other effective behavioral interventions, might help lower the risk of fatal overdose in these patients," he said.
The current findings were published online Nov. 28 in the American Journal of Psychiatry.
More information
The U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse has more on the opioid abuse crisis.
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New York, November 27, 2017 The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Pakistani security forces to immediately release journalist Khalil Afridi, who police are holding without charge in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Authorities detained the correspondent for the Khyber News TV channel on November 24 after an explosive device was found under a car he had rented, according to news reports.
Pakistani authorities should immediately release Khalil Afridi and conduct an efficient and thorough investigation into who planted a bomb under his car, said Steven Butler, CPJs Asia Program Coordinator from Washington D.C. It is outrageous that Pakistani forces should detain and question the victim of an attack on press freedom, rather than focusing on the hunt for the attackers.
Afridi had rented a car in the town of Jamroud and was traveling to the Khyber tribal region with four other journalists when the bomb was discovered, according to Iqbal Khattak, director of local press freedom group Freedom Network Pakistan, and an article from the U.S. Congress-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, whose correspondent, Farhad Shinwari, was in the car. The group was covering a vintage car rally in the Khyber region.
People in the next vehicle saw the explosives hanging underneath the journalists car and alerted them at a checkpoint near the town of Landi Kotal, according to RFE/RL. A Pakistani bomb-disposal unit then defused 2 kilograms of explosives from the bomb, the radio station reported.
Police detained Afridi and Shinwari as well as journalists Mehrab Afridi, Umar Khan, and Imran Khattak, in addition to the man who spotted the bomb, Mian Sajid, according to news website Dawn.
Police also took Hussain Ali, an employee of the Landi Kotal Press Club, into custody after they learned he had helped fix a punctured tire on the rental car, according to Dawn and the news site Pakistan Today.
Following a 12-hour interrogation, police released everyone except Afridi and Ali, according to RFE/RL.
The released reporters did not provide information about their detention, but Sajid suffered severe mental stress, according to Dawn.
Separately, Pakistans media regulator ordered a media blackout on November 25 following the deployment of troops in the capital Islamabad to quell two weeks of violent protests that have left more than 250 people injured, according to news reports. The protesters are calling for the law ministers resignation over allegations of blasphemy, according to the reports.
Pakistani authorities took all private television channels off the air and social media sites including Twitter and Facebook were blocked for approximately 28 hours, according to the press freedom group director Khattak and media reports.
In another separate incident, a Peshawar court ordered an inquiry into a police officers accusations that journalist Umar Cheema defamed him in an article published in 2010. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Deputy Inspector General Fasihuddin had previously filed a damages suit against Cheema for the same story.
Last year, authorities ordered Cheema to pay 1 million rupees (US$9,500), according to Dawn. Cheema, a CPJ 2011 International Press Freedom Awardee, has frequently faced harassment and threats for his coverage of politics, national security, and corruption, CPJ has documented.
These incidents continue a trend in press freedom violations in Pakistan, including arrests and violence, CPJ research shows.
48th International Film Festival of India held in Goa
Published: November 28, 2017
The 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held in Panaji in Goa. The closing ceremony was held at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Bambolim.
Legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with the Indian film personality of 2017 award. Acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan was honoured with the lifetime achievement award.
Other Category Awards
Best film award: 120 Beats Per Minute (French movie) directed by Robin Campullo.
Best director award: Vivian Qu for Angels Wear White (China).
Special Jury Award: Take-off (Malayalam film-India).
Best Actor (Female) award: Parvathy.
Best Actor (Male) award: Nahuel Perez Biscayart for his performance in 120 Beats Per Minute.
Best Debut Feature Film Director award: Kiro Russo for film Dark Skull (Spanish).
ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal: Kshitij-A Horizon (Marathi movie) directed by Manouj Kadamh.
Film Beyond the Clouds directed by Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi was opening film this year, while Pablo Cesar-directed Indo-Argentine film Thinking of Him was the closing film. Around 200 films from 82 countries were screened during nine-day event.
International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
IFFI is biggest state-backed film festival and conducted jointly by Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Directorate of Film Festivals and Government of Goa. It was founded in 1952 and since then held annually in Goa.
IFFI aims at providing common platform for cinemas of world to project the excellence of the film art. It also seeks to contribute to create awareness for understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in context of their social and cultural ethos and promote friendship and cooperation among people of the world.
Month: Current Affairs - November, 2017
Topics: Amitabh Bachchan Atom Egoyan Entertainment Entertainmetn Film Festivals IFFI 2017 International Film Festival of India National
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India, Greece sign Air Services Agreement
Published: November 27, 2017
India and Greece have signed Air Services Agreement (ASA) and MoU on Cooperation (MoC) in field of New and Renewable Energy.
The agreements were signed after bilateral talks between External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj and her visiting counterpart Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece Nikos Kotzias in New Delhi.
The two ministers held detailed discussion on all aspects of bilateral relationship. They also re-affirmed commitment to further expand cooperation in mutually beneficial spheres.
Air Services Agreement (ASA)
ASA is signed between countries to decide on number of flights that airlines can fly into each others countries. Under it, there is no restriction on flights or seats. The ASA between India and Greece will allow airlines from Greece to operate unlimited flights to six Indian metropolitan airports and Indian carriers can fly to Greece without any such restriction. It makes Greece first country with which India has open sky arrangement under our new civil aviation policy 2016.
Month: Current Affairs - November, 2017
Topics: Air Services Agreement India-Greece National Renewable energy
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: MLA , 41
By PTI: Poonch
Jammu, Nov 27 (PTI) For the first time after resumption of the cross-LoC bus service on the Poonch-Rawalakot route this month, 21 residents of Jammu and Kashmir today travelled across the border to meet their relatives, officials said.
As many as 51 Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) residents also arrived here, while four PoK residents returned by the bus, they said.
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The weekly bus service, popularly known as paigam-e- amun or message of peace, resumed on November 6 after remaining suspended for nearly four months owing to heavy Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.
While 126 residents of PoK came to this side since the resumption of the service, nobody travelled from here apparently due to apprehension of ceasefire violation and subsequent suspension of the service, the officials said.
Of the 126 PoK residents, 14 returned last week.
With the arrival of a fresh batch of 51 PoK residents today, a total of 177 passengers have arrived here from across the border.
Billed as the biggest confidence building measure, the bus service was started on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad route in the Kashmir Valley in April 2005 and the Poonch-Rawalakot route in the Jammu region on June 20, 2006 to facilitate easier trade and travel between the divided families of Jammu and Kashmir and PoK.
The trade between the two parts of Kashmir started in October 2008 on barter system. PTI TAS ABA GVS
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Through the month of November, we remember and honor the millions of Ukrainians who were starved to death in the early 1930s as a result of the brutal Soviet-era policies under Stalin. The barbaric seizure of Ukrainian land and crops leading to the Holodomor, or death by hunger, was one of the most atrocious acts of the twentieth century and turned Europes breadbasket into a land of immense human suffering.
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, the Soviet regime consolidated its grip on the former Russian empire. In Ukraine, the Soviet Unions main food-producing region, the Soviet regime instituted a highly unpopular policy of forced collectivization, confiscating private land, equipment and livestock, and forcing farmers to work as day-laborers on state-owned, factory-like collective farms. The regimes merciless policies produced an artificial famine that killed more than three million people.
In a written statement, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said, Commemorating the Holodomor is a solemn occasion, but we also celebrate the resilience of Holodomor survivors, who carry with them the memory of loved ones lost during this horrific man-made famine. Ultimately, the Soviet regime failed to destroy the identity and independence of the Ukrainian people.
The United States stands with the people of Ukraine as we commemorate this Soviet-manufactured tragedy and condemn efforts to deny it as a historical fact, Nauert continued. We also reaffirm our commitment to a secure and prosperous Ukraine, free from external aggression and occupation, and able to choose its own future.
The United States condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack at a mosque in Egypts North Sinai province. In a tweet shortly after the attack President Donald Trump said, Horrible and cowardly terrorist attack on innocent and defenseless worshipers in Egypt. The world cannot tolerate terrorism. We must defeat them militarily and discredit the extremist ideology that forms the basis of their existence!
The massacre at the mosque that left 305 dead is the deadliest terrorist attack in modern Egyptian history. No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing and assault, but Egyptian law enforcement officials have said they believe the Islamic State-Sinai Province, a 6-year-old terror cell that swore allegiance to the Islamic State, was responsible.
In response, the Egyptian military carried out airstrikes against hideouts used by terrorists believed to be behind the attack, the military said in a statement. The airstrikes destroyed hideouts containing weapons, ammunition and explosive material.
In a statement, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said "there can be no tolerance for barbaric groups that claim to act in the name of a faith but attack houses of worship and murder the innocent and defenseless while at prayer. The international community must continue to strengthen its efforts to defeat terrorist groups that threaten the United States and our partners and we must collectively discredit the extremist ideology that forms the basis of their existence."
During a phone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, President Trump offered condolences to the people of Egypt. He condemned the attack and reiterated that the United States will continue to stand with Egypt in the face of terrorism. The international community, he added, cannot tolerate barbaric terrorist groups and must strengthen its efforts to defeat terrorism and extremism in all its forms.
The United States and Tunisia have a strong partnership that is based upon mutual interests and shared values. The bilateral relationship with Tunisia extends more than 200 years, when Tunisia became one of the first countries in the world to recognize the newly formed United States. Similarly, in 1956, following Tunisias independence, the United States was the first major power to recognize Tunisian sovereignty and establish diplomatic relations.
Since that time, said Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, "our partnership has continued to grow, thanks to the efforts of the Tunisian citizens who in 2011 took courageous steps to embrace democracy, human rights, and freedom as a means to achieve equality and social dignity."
The United States is proud to support Tunisia's efforts to improve security, develop democratic institutions and practices, and foster economic growth. In 2017, the United States increased its development and military assistance to Tunisia by more than 30 percent over 2016 levels to $205.4 million.
Deputy Secretary Sullivan and his Tunisian counterparts discussed the critical economic reforms and anti-corruption measures the Tunisian government is working to put into action. These reforms will bring about increased economic growth and prosperity, trade relations, foreign investment in Tunisia, and access to markets for Tunisian products. The U.S. supports Tunisias continued efforts to encourage inclusive economic growth and improve its business climate.
Discussions also focused on the importance of mutual security. "We must consolidate gains against ISIS and deny safe havens to those terrorist groups who continue to probe for opportunities to regroup in North Africa and threaten the United States and our partners, including Tunisia. The recent terrorist attacks that occurred both here in Tunisia and in New York underscore the importance of our continued collaboration to ensure mutual security, which is more critical now than ever before," said Deputy Secretary Sullivan.
The United States looks forward to a growing relationship with Tunisia based of economic growth, security, and shared democratic values.
EU Financial Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici. Thierry Monasse
On December 6, Brussels will propose turning the EUs bailout mechanism into the European version of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The proposal, to which EL PAIS has had access, scales back initial ambitions because of Germanys reticence to support bolder plans.
With initial firepower of 500 billion, which could be boosted up to a further 20%, the new European Monetary Fund will bail out member states in exchange for reforms, as the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) has done in the past with Greece, Ireland and Portugal. The ESM also issued a loan to Spain in 2012 to recapitalize its banking sector.
All the most relevant decisions, such as raising capital or bailing out a member, will require a unanimous vote
The new agency will also handle a future anti-crisis budget for the euro zone and have the ability to borrow from the markets.
Its been nearly 16 years since the first euro bills and coins entered the daily lives of Europeans, begins the draft proposal to create the EMF.
The 47-page document represents a small revolution for the euro zone. Brussels is aware that the euro is a young currency with flaws that are difficult to fix due to the North-South divide and the irreconcilable differences between the various economic policy cultures.
The euro has survived the EUs great crisis, but it is caught in a low-intensity warfare between creditors and debtors. Faced with the danger of disintegration, European institutions are launching a reform based on three pillars: the European fund (which might end up being called the European Stability Mechanism), a eurozone budget to deal with financial crises, and a super-minister to oversee the EU economy [see box below].
The economic union is more solid than it was before the crisis, but it is still incomplete, reads the document.
The new EMF would be like a bridge linking the minimum goals sought by Paris and Brussels with the maximum concessions that Berlin is willing to make. Germany has pushed to ensure that the new mechanism takes charge of overseeing fiscal policy but avoids creating a EU budget. But French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker have been actively pursuing a more ambitious reform.
The economic union is more solid than it was before the crisis, but it is still incomplete
According to the draft document, the current ESM will morph into the EMF, which will come to the rescue when a member state has trouble borrowing from the markets. The loan program will include requirements for adjustment and reforms.
The new agency will have a board of governors (the EUs finance ministers) and a board of directors chaired by Germanys Klaus Regling, current managing director of the ESM. All the most relevant decisions, such as raising capital or bailing out a member, will require a unanimous vote. Bailout amounts will require a qualified majority of 85% of votes, compared with 80% now. This automatically awards veto power to Germany, France and Italy. Spain, representing 12%, will still lack this veto power in the new EMF.
A super-minister Besides creating a European version of the IMF and an anti-crisis budget, Brussels is planning to appoint a new super-minister to deal with the EUs economic and financial affairs, according to a draft proposal to be presented on December 6. This new appointee will also be vice-president of the European Commission and head of the Eurogroup, which regularly brings together finance ministers at informal meetings. The super-minister will also represent Europe at world forums such as the G20 or IMF. This post is the next natural step toward completing monetary union and streamlining a complex organizational chart. The ministers main task would be to coordinate economic policies.
English version by Susana Urra.
Two of the men accused of raping an 18-year-old in Pamplona in 2016. Julian Rojas (EL PAIS)
An 18-year-old woman who has never had group sex before who has never performed the sort of sexual practices described in the prosecutor's report decides to quickly find a place where she can have an orgy with a group of men she met in the street seven minutes ago, and about whom she knows nothing: not even their names or even how many of them there are. She then has sexual relations with all five of them, saying next to nothing at all, and all of this without the use of a condom.
On the morning after the alleged rape, the woman grabbed a female police officer by the arm and said: Dont leave me alone, please
This is the version of events of the defense lawyers for the accused, public prosecutor Elena Sarasate explained in a packed court on Monday as she presented her offices report during the final phase of a trial into the alleged rape of a young woman by five men during the Running of the Bulls festival in Pamplona in 2016 a case that has attracted widespread attention in Spain and beyond.
Sarasate spoke slowly as she explained that the five defendants all in their 20s, one of whom is a civil guard and another a member of the military had admitted to previously having had unprotected group sex and filming the act. In other words, they knew exactly what they were doing.
That is why, on that night in July 2016, when the young woman was taken to a doorway of a building in Pamplona, she found that she was surrounded, the prosecutor continued.
Public prosecutors call for lengthy jail terms Public prosecutors have called for the five men accused of raping an 18-year-old during the 2016 Running of the Bulls in the northern Spanish city of Pamplona to spend 22 years and 10 months behind bars. The prosecutor has also called for the young woman to be paid 100,000 in damages for the alleged attack, which was filmed by the defendants. During the trial, the young woman admitted that the five defendants did not use force to take her into the doorway where they then allegedly raped her. Instead, two of them took her by the hand. It is this detail that prosecutors believe lends credibility to her story. She could have invented threats and didnt do so, the office said in its report. Prosecutors also noted the woman did not know the five men accused of rape before the alleged attack and there were no spurious reasons for her to report them to the police. But the office noted the declarations of the accused in court contained serious contradictions and that the men knew what was going on and knew it well, adding that the men had admitted in court to having taken part in unprotected group sex before, and to having filmed those acts. The prosecutors office said the attitude of the victim was passive during the rape. The five defendants restrained her, not with force, but they restrained her and that one of the men opened her mouth with his fingers and put his penis inside. Crimes related to sexual aggression, privacy offenses and the robbery of a cellphone had all been clearly demonstrated, said the office. Why would they have stolen her phone if the sex was consensual? the prosecutor asked. The logical thing would have been to swap numbers, not steal the phone.
In a state of shock, the young woman closed her eyes and submitted to what was happening, hoping it would be over as soon as possible. Not even in her worst nightmares could she have imagined something like this, Sarasate said of the case, which has been become known as La Manada (The Pack) in Spain due to the name of the WhatsApp group used by the defendants.
The events of the attack were carried out using violence and intimidation and the evidence is completely convincing, said the prosecutor on Monday. What didnt take place was any form of consent, she noted, referring to video footage of the incident taken by two of the defendants which shows the young woman surrounded by the five men with their trousers pulled down.
Does anyone think that in that moment if she says I dont want to do this or I dont like this they would let her just walk away? the prosecutor asked rhetorically.
The account offered by Sarasate attempted to demonstrate that the 96 seconds of video footage of the alleged rape of the young woman key evidence in the trial shows someone in a state of panic who is moaning with pain rather than pleasure.
The prosecutor also attacked the version of events given by the defendants with a series of questions. If the woman had, as they argued, said she could have sex with two or with five, why had she originally told police, while still in shock, that there had been four men? And if the accused men said they had all been together talking about having sex, why did the images show a spread-out group with the young woman only walking with one of the men? Why did she say she had kissed one of the men before the alleged rape if this could damage her credibility later?
The prosecutor also asked why the woman, after meeting the men, had called a friend to try and meet up if the intention of the six people was to have sex.
Crucially, Sarasate also questioned why the young woman appeared in the video footage of the alleged rape with her eyes closed, not saying a word and not moving despite the assertion of the accused that she had participated in the sexual acts that took place.
Why would a group of men who had had consensual sex with a woman leave her half naked while one of the defendants, the civil guard, stole her cellphone only to throw away the SIM card and the case after leaving the scene?
The prosecutor also expressed outrage at the defense teams argument that it could not have been rape as the woman did not try and defend herself by biting their penises.
The account of the victim is objectively believable, said Sarasate, noting the young womans testimony had been consistent and adding: The victim is not exaggerating
They knew exactly what they were doing Public prosecutor Elena Sarasate
The prosecutor also drew attention to police and psychologist reports that noted the woman had been found crying with such bitterness and was so disconsolate that she caught the attention of a couple on a night during a festival where nearly everything goes and where almost nothing catches anyones attention.
The prosecutor explained that the young woman didnt hesitate when the couple said she should call the police and she later struggled to explain to officers what had happened. A year-and-a-half later she is still in treatment. On that morning in July 2016, she grabbed one of the female police officers by the arm and said: Dont leave me alone, please.
English version by George Mills.
The Madrid pavilion at the Guadalajara International Book Fair. Hector Guerrero
Madrid has taken center stage, showcasing the best of its literature and culture at its newly-opened exhibition pavilion at the Guadalajara International Book Fair the most important gathering of publishers in the Spanish-speaking world.
Madrid is the capital of Ibero-American culture; the vanguard of the book world Raul Padilla, head of the Guadalajara International Book Festival
The Spanish capital, which is the city of honor at this years festival, opened the spectacular pavilion on Saturday.
Speaking at the launch, the mayor of Madrid, Manuela Carmena, described the exhibition space as a place of light.
I want others to fall in love with Madrid just as I have, she added.
The pavilion was designed by Madrid-based architect Alberto Campo Baeza and is made up of a soaring black cylinder, which is brightly illuminated inside.
Inside, the space features books from the Spanish capitals most notable authors, such as philosopher and writer Fernando Savater and novelist and former war correspondent Arturo Perez-Reverte.
I want others to fall in love with Madrid just as I have Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena
As well as panel discussions and talks from emerging and established writers, organizers have also planned a series of music concerts, theater performances, cinema screenings and visual art exhibitions.
Spanish music groups including Vetusta Morla, Xoel Lopez and Leon Benavente are set to perform, and playwright Juan Mayorga will also present his work The Cartographer.
Madrid has been described by Raul Padilla, head of the Guadalajara International Book Festival, as the capital of Ibero-American culture; the vanguard of the book world.
English version by Melissa Kitson.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Ivanka Trump to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) during his visit to the US in June.
Ivanka Trump is leading the US delegation at the GES 2017 in Hyderabad. Photo: Reuters.
By India Today Web Desk: India has rolled out the red carpet for Ivanka Trump, US president Donald Trump's daughter, who will lead the US delegation at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) 2017 in Hyderabad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Ivanka Trump, who is the adviser to the US president, for the GES in India during his US visit in June.
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Accepting the Prime Minister's invite, Ivanka had tweeted, "Thank you, Prime Minister Modi, for inviting me to lead the U.S. delegation to the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India this fall".
Delighted to have met you at the White House. Look forward to welcoming you in India for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit later this year. https://t.co/QhQUoDdFtL- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 27, 2017
LEADING A LARGE US DELEGATION
This is the first time that GES is being hosted in South Asia since its inception in 2010. Of the 1,500 participants at this year's GES in Hyderabad, about one-third entrepreneurs are from the US, another one-third from India and rest from across the globe.
With a large US delegation arriving in India for the GES 2017, it is fitting to have someone from the Trump administration leading them when Narendra Modi is himself leading the Indian delegation of investors at the event.
IT IS ABOUT WOMEN THIS YEAR
The focus at this year's GES is supporting women entrepreneurs. The summit's theme is 'Women First, Prosperity for All' and women from nearly 127 countries are set to participate in this three-day event.
Having a woman entrepreneur--Ivanka has a successful clothing brand--leading the US delegation in India is likely to send a strong and positive message to women investors and entrepreneurs participating in the GES 2017.
Thank you for the warm welcome. Im excited to be in Hyderabad, India for #GES2017. https://t.co/1U08h5L9Rm- Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) November 28, 2017
GIVING A BOOST TO INDO-US TIES
The GES, although a global event, is largely billed as an India-US initiative this year aimed at strengthening the ties between the two countries and the Modi-Trump administration.
In that perspective, getting one of the most powerful people in the United States to lead the delegation is a perfect coup for the Modi regime.
Narendra Modi perhaps had all these factors in mind while inviting Ivanka Trump for the GES 2017 in Hyderabad.
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Catalan ex-deputy premier Oriol Junqueras. CARLES RIBAS
Former Catalan government officials being held in pre-trial detention have sent the Spanish Supreme Court a document requesting their release on the grounds that they respect the effects of an emergency constitutional provision that had them removed from office.
Ousted deputy premier Oriol Junqueras and seven other ex-regional ministers have been in jail since November 2
Ousted deputy premier Oriol Junqueras and seven other ex-regional ministers have been in custody since November 2 after appearing before a judge at the Audiencia Nacional, Spains High Court, to answer charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds over the illegal independence drive.
Since then, the case has been taken over by the Supreme Court, which was already handling a similar case involving the speaker of the Catalan parliament. Unlike Junqueras and his aides, speaker Carme Forcadell was not placed in custody after she pledged to respect Article 155 of the Constitution at her court hearing.
Former Catalan officials at the High Court in Madrid. LUIS SEVILLANO
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy invoked Article 155 for the first time in Spains modern democratic history after separatist deputies in the Catalan parliament voted in favor of a unilateral declaration of independence in late October.
Under these emergency powers, the entire Catalan government was removed and early elections called in the region for December 21. The premier, Carles Puigdemont, fled to Belgium to avoid action by the Spanish courts, which had summoned him to answer similar charges as other government officials. He has since begun campaigning for the December election with a new political platform called Junts per Catalunya.
Carles Puigdemont fled to Belgium to avoid action by the Spanish courts
The High Courts decision to send Junqueras and his aides to preventive prison stands in contrast with the Supreme Courts different line of action with Forcadell, who was released after posting bail of 150,000. Four other members of the Catalan parliament speakers committee who faced similar charges were released and told to pay 25,000 within a week, while a fifth was released without bail.
Now, the jailed ex-officials are hoping to receive similar treatment from the Supreme Court, which has taken up their case as well.
In their petition for release, they inform Justice Pablo Llarena that they will abide by the effects of Article 155, even if they are not giving up on their political beliefs, which they will defend using the channels of dialogue and negotiation.
Junqueras and his aides will challenge Article 155 using the relevant legal channels
According to the document, the petitioners consider that this article in no way allows for the cessation of the members of the [Catalan] government, or the appropriation of the roles of the presidency, or blocking the parliaments activities, but they have decided to abide by its application and challenge it using the relevant legal channels.
The defense notes that they are not giving up on defending their political convictions through strictly peaceful and democratic channels, and will work toward the goal of reaching a deal that will put the decision about the political future of Catalonia in the hands of citizens.
Economic impact The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is the latest agency to warn about the potential effects of the Catalan crisis on the economy. "The persistence of tensions in Catalonia could reduce consumer and business confidence, slowing domestic demand more than projected," the OECD says in an analysis about Spain published on Tuesday. The conclusions are very similar to those reached previously by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Bank of Spain. The OECDs growth forecast for the Spanish economy in 2018 is 2.3%, the same as the Spanish government predicted in the forecast it sent to Brussels. Madrid has warned that the Catalan crisis could cost the economy three-tenths of a point, or around 3 billion. Political tensions in Catalonia have increased uncertainty, reads the OECD report, which nevertheless states that growth in Spain is projected to moderate but remain robust in 2018 and 2019.
English version by Susana Urra.
Iran's judiciary has once more drawn attention to itself for issuing astonishing verdicts.
In one instance, it convicted Saeed Mortazavi, Tehrans prosecutor-general at the time of the 2009 upheavals, to two years in prison for being accessory to murder in the death of a detained protester in prison.
In another second instance, Mostafa Hamedani a lawyer representing a group of workers in different case against Mortazavi, has received 10 months in prison and 40 lashes simply being accused of defaming the same Mortazavi.
He has received this harsh verdict simply for talking about Moratazavi's conviction, nothing else.
In December 2013, the Iranian parliament published an investigative report accusing Mortazavi of financial corruption during his time (2012-2013) as the head of the countrys Social Security Organization.
The parliaments investigation had concluded that Mortazavi had bribed some members of parliament, cabinet ministers of President Ahmadinejad, and the presidents deputy with hefty gifts.
He had also illegally transferred 138 companies, including Iran Air and two major steel factories owned by the Social Security Organization to Irans tycoon Babak Zanjani, who was later sentenced to death for stealing $2.7 billion from oil sales on behalf of the Ahmadinejad government.
Following these revelations, Hamedani, on behalf of his clients who were beneficiaries of the Social Security Organization, sued Mortazavi for illegal use of financial assets and embezzlement of hundreds of million dollars.
After almost two years, the court of first instance convicted Mortazavi in November 2016, but gave him a mild sentence.
Hamedani gave an interview to Iranian journalists announcing that he will appeal the verdict.
According to the lawyer, the same interview has been the basis for his conviction.
He has told the News Agency ILNA that he has been convicted just for revealing the conviction of Mortazavi by the court of first instance, something that should have been public information to start with.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
Ivanka Trump, senior advisor to President Trump and the Presidents representative at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in India, recognized the achievements of 15-year old Reyhan Camalova from Azerbaijan.
In her remarks, Ms. Trump said: Also here today with us is Reyhan Camalova from Azerbaijan. Reyhan is 15 years old. But that hasnt stopped her from founding a company that harvests energy from rainwater. Reyhan has a powerful motto Light up one house at a time. Reyhan, each home you light up is illuminating the world. We are all inspired by your brilliance and hard work. Thank you. Please stand.
The Global Entrepreneurship Summit is the preeminent annual entrepreneurship gathering that convenes emerging entrepreneurs, investors and supporters from around the world. GES 2017 will create an environment that empowers innovators, particularly women, to take their ideas to the next level. Through two and a half days of networking, mentoring, and workshops, GES empowers entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, build partnerships, secure funding, innovate, and find their target customers -- creating new goods and services that will transform societies.
Reyhans travel to and participation in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, as well as the travel of her mentor, Leyla Taghizade, was fully sponsored by the United States Department of State.
The United States Embassy provides major support to entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan through cultural & professional exchanges, as well as through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). When women and girls have the necessary skills and access to opportunities, they gain financial freedom and confidence in themselves. The U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan is pleased to have been a part of supporting Reyhans success and highlighting her exceptional achievements.
On Reyhans project:
Research shows that the billions of gallons of water which fall in rain all over the world have the potential to be used as energy if harnessed correctly. To solve this problem, Reyhan, in cooperation with her school friends and physicists created the Rainergy device, which produces electricity from falling rain. It consists of four main parts: a rain collector, water tank, electricity generator and battery. The rain collector fills the water tank with rain water ,which then goes through an electricity generator at high speed, creating electricity. The energy is then stored in the battery, helping relieve pressure on power grids, and allowing yet another option for access to power for underserved communities.
Details added (first version posted on 12:43)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:
The Armenian government is a threat to the whole world, US political analyst Peter Tase said.
Tase made the remarks at an international conference entitled "Azerbaijans multiculturalism model: ethno-cultural diversity" in Baku Nov. 28.
The Azerbaijani people suffered a lot due to Armenias actions, Tase said, adding that Armenia destroyed Azerbaijans ethnocultural heritage and caused great harm to the country's environment.
Unfortunately, Azerbaijan is neighbors with Armenia, which has a terrorist government, he said.
Proceeding from my investigation, I can say that the Armenian government is a threat to Europe, the whole world," Tase said.
Unfortunately, the EU, the US, the world main forces remain silent at the violence against humanity committed by Armenia against the Azerbaijani people, he said. I call on the world community to pay attention to the crimes committed against humanity by the Armenian fascist regime.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
The OSCE monitoring held on the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia near Azerbaijans Qazakh district on Nov. 28 passed without incidents, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said Nov. 28.
The monitoring was held under the mandate of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative, said the ministry.
On the Azerbaijani side, the monitoring was held by Simon Tiller and Mikhail Olaru, who are field assistants of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative.
On the Armenian side, the monitoring was held by field assistants of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative, Ghenadie Petrica, Ognjen Jovic and Martin Schuster.
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. 28
Trend:
One of the two Armenian saboteurs Arsen Bagdasaryan, detained by Azerbaijan, is still in detention, Eldar Samadov, deputy head of work group of Azerbaijans State Commission for Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons, told reporters in Baku Nov. 28.
He was answering the question about Bagdasaryan's whereabouts.
He was arrested for committing a crime on the contact line, Samadov said.
The official went on to say that Bagdasaryan is not a prisoner of war, because he was arrested under a court decision.
Bagdasaryan, a professional military man and a member of the intelligence-provocation group of the Armenian armed forces, crossed the line of contact of Azerbaijani and Armenian troops in the direction of Aghdam district on Dec. 26, 2014.
He was detained by servicemen of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and handed over to the law enforcement agencies. Following that, a criminal case was initiated at the Azerbaijani Military Prosecutors Office.
Bagdasaryan was charged under articles 218.2, 29,120.2.1, 29,120.2.7, 29,120.2.12, 29,282.2 of the Criminal Code and the criminal case was sent to the court in order to complete the investigation.
Crimes committed by Bagdasaryan were fully proved during the trial and he was sentenced to a worthy and fair punishment.
Samadov further said that certain work is being carried out together with international organizations with regard to the other detainee, Zaver Karapetyan.
He is still detained in Azerbaijan, said Samadov adding that detention conditions comply with all international norms and standards.
International organizations can visit him at any time in line with humanitarian law, he noted.
Headline changed, details added (first version posted on 141:53)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Samir Ali Trend:
Thanks to necessary measures taken with the mediation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the body of Azerbaijani serviceman, Bahruz Jalilbayli, was handed over to Azerbaijan on Nov. 28, a representative of the ICRC, Ilaha Huseynova, told Trend.
Earlier, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry said in a message that the body of Bahruz Jalilbayli was found on the contact line at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border in the direction of the Ordubad District of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, near the positions of the Armenian armed forces on Nov. 23.
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. 28
Trend:
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.
On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania Independence Day, said President Aliyev in his letter.
I believe that Azerbaijan-Mauritania relations will always develop on the basis of friendship and cooperation, noted the head of state.
On this remarkable day, I wish you robust health, success in your activities, and the friendly people of Mauritania peace and prosperity, added the Azerbaijani president.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of a new building of Tartar Museum of History and Local Lore.
The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the museum.
The president was informed that construction of the new building of the museum started last year. The two-storey museum houses two exhibition halls.
The museum features a total of 2,000 exhibits highlighting Azerbaijans rich history, traditions and culture.
There is also a photo section here depicting national leader Heydar Aliyevs visits to Tartar district. The museum also has a 40-seat conference hall.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
An international conference entitled Azerbaijans model of multiculturalism: ethno-cultural diversity kicked off in Baku Nov. 28.
The event is organized by the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons in partnership with Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC), and institutions of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS).
Officials of the Department on Inter-Ethnic Relations, Multiculturalism and Religious Affairs of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan (SAM), Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku International Multiculturalism Center, MPs, representative of government bodies, heads of youth organizations that are members of the National Assembly of Youth Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (NAYORA), leading research fellows of ANAS Institute of the Caucasus Studies, Law and Human Rights, political analysts, journalists and researchers from Israel, the United States and the UK attended the conference.
Representative of the board of the Azerbaijani-Armenian Civil Peace Platform, Armenian scientist, historian Arthur Agajanov and public activist Rima Sarkisova, members of the Albanian-Udi Christian community, local and foreign media representatives also took part in the event.
The main goal of the conference is to maintain tolerance and ethno-cultural diversity which is a vital part of President Ilham Aliyev`s well-thought-out and successful policy, increase the role of intercultural dialogue, and promote Azerbaijans exemplary model of multiculturalism.
Addressing the conference, secretary of the State Commission, head of the working group Ismayil Akhundov highlighted the purpose of the event and gave detailed information on the issues to be discussed.
The conference participants familiarized themselves with the publications presented by the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and Baku International Multiculturalism Center.
By PTI: poll duties
New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) About 32,000 personnel of the central armed forces such as the CRPF and the BSF along with nearly 60,000 from the state police are likely to be deployed for the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections, officials said today.
Around 320 companies of central armed police forces are being made available to the Election Commission for deployment in election duties in Gujarat.
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The security personnel will reach Gujarat in batches and all will be deployed as per the recommendations of the poll panel, a home ministry official said on condition of anonymity.
A company of central armed police comprises 100 personnel.
In addition to the central police personnel, nearly 60,000 state police personnel are also expected to be deployed in Gujarat.
Elections to the 182-member Gujarat Assembly will be held on December 9 and 14. PTI ACB ASK ASK
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the Tartar-Seydimli-Garadaghli-Sarov highway Nov. 28.
Chairman of Azeravtoyol OJSC Saleh Mammadov informed the president of the technical indicators of the highway.
The two-lane Tartar-Seydimli-Garadaghli-Sarov highway is 29.5km in length and 8m in width. Light poles, traffic signs, and informative boards were installed along the highway.
A bridge measuring 34.8m in length and 10.5m in width was constructed on the Incachay River over the road.
The president cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the newly constructed highway.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Elchin Mehdiyev Trend:
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan proved by his deeds that he is the successor of fascist Garegin Nzhdeh, Arye Gut, head of the Israel branch of the Baku International Center for Multiculturalism, said.
He was speaking Nov. 28 in Baku at an international conference on the theme Model of Azerbaijani Multiculturalism: Ethnic and Cultural Diversity.
Gut noted that Azerbaijan is one of the few countries where different nations live peacefully. Traditions of multiculturalism in Azerbaijan can become an example for other countries, he noted.
Azerbaijan will contribute to further spreading of tolerance in the world, he added.
Gut stressed that Armenia occupied Azerbaijans lands, there are over one million refugees and IDPs in the country, but despite this, anti-Semitism has never been observed in Azerbaijan, and this is something to be proud of.
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. 28
Trend:
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has viewed conditions created at a newly built residential complex for 1,170 IDP families in Tartar district.
President Ilham Aliyev visited IDP Pakiza Mammadovas house.
Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister, hair of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs Ali Hasanov informed the President that 1,170 apartments occupy a total area of 88,000 square meters.
The four-story buildings have 120 one-room, 504 two-room, 472 three-room and 80 four-room apartments.
The new residential complex features all necessary infrastructure facilities, including a school, a kindergarten, a music school, an administrative building, a community club, and medical centers.
The head of state viewed the 1,200-seat school at the complex. The school also features information about the Maragha-150 monument which exposes the territorial claims of the Armenians against Azerbaijan.
After familiarizing himself with the canteen and library of the school, President Aliyev met with representatives of the district's general public and IDPs, and posed for photographs together with them.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of Flag Museum in Aghjabadi.
The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the museum, and then viewed it.
The museum`s collection features the map of the khanate period in Azerbaijan, medieval warriors` clothing, flags of different states that existed in the territory of Azerbaijan, coats of arms of Azerbaijani cities dating back to the 19th century, ancient coins, documents relating to Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, constitutions of Azerbaijan SSR and independent Republic of Azerbaijan, state attributes, photos of President Ilham Aliyev`s inauguration, as well as different postage stamps, orders and medals.
The museum has an auditorium, several conference halls, electronic library and other administrative rooms.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of Museum of History and Local Lore in Aghjabadi after renovation.
President Ilham Aliyev viewed conditions created in the museum.
The museum was built in 1980. The renovated two-storey building houses administrative rooms, a 60-seat conference hall, and exhibition halls.
There are photo sections here depicting national leader Heydar Aliyev`s, and President Ilham Aliyev's visits to Aghjabadi district.
The museum features a total of 4,782 exhibits, 360 of which are being displayed at the exhibition hall.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev viewed conditions created at military unit in Tartar district Nov. 28.
Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov reported to President, Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev.
The military unit, which occupies a total area of six hectares, features headquarters, three barracks, a 360-seat canteen, different purpose warehouses, and a 100-car parking lot.
Hasanov informed President Aliyev of the operational conditions on the frontline.
Details added (first version posted on 12:19)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
An international conference entitled Azerbaijans model of multiculturalism: ethno-cultural diversity kicked off in Baku Nov. 28.
The event is organized by the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons in partnership with Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC), and institutions of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS).
Officials of the Department on Inter-Ethnic Relations, Multiculturalism and Religious Affairs of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, Center for Strategic Studies under the President of Azerbaijan (SAM), Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku International Multiculturalism Center, MPs, representative of government bodies, heads of youth organizations that are members of the National Assembly of Youth Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (NAYORA), leading research fellows of ANAS Institute of the Caucasus Studies, Law and Human Rights, political analysts, journalists and researchers from Israel, the United States and the UK attended the conference.
Representative of the board of the Azerbaijani-Armenian Civil Peace Platform, Armenian scientist, historian Arthur Agajanov and public activist Rima Sarkisova, members of the Albanian-Udi Christian community, local and foreign media representatives also took part in the event.
The main goal of the conference is to maintain tolerance and ethno-cultural diversity which is a vital part of President Ilham Aliyev`s well-thought-out and successful policy, increase the role of intercultural dialogue, and promote Azerbaijans exemplary model of multiculturalism.
Addressing the conference, secretary of the State Commission, head of the working group Ismayil Akhundov highlighted the purpose of the event and gave detailed information on the issues to be discussed.
The conference participants familiarized themselves with the publications presented by the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons and Baku International Multiculturalism Center.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
As part of his visit to Aghjabadi district, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev has viewed the conditions created at a military unit of the Ministry of Defense.
Minister of Defense Zakir Hasanov reported to Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev.
The headquarters, military hostels, a canteen, medical point and other necessary buildings were built in the military unit. The headquarters has service rooms and a conference hall. All conditions have been created here.
President, Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev visited the military hostels and viewed the social and living conditions created for the personnel.
President Ilham Aliyev was also informed about an interactive training and practice system.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today attended the inauguration of a bread and flour plant in Aghjabadi district.
Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev informed the head of state that there are more than 160 bread plants in Azerbaijan with 2,200 tons of daily production capacity.
The bread and flour plant in Aghjabadi district covers a total area of six hectares. The facility consists of two production areas.
The National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support under the Ministry of Economy allocated a 1.4 million manats preferential loan for the construction of the plant with a total cost of four million manats.
The daily production capacity of the plant is 20 tons. The plant manufactures seven types of bread and 20 types of flour products.
President Aliyev launched the facility, watched the production process and viewed the finished products.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend:
The first meeting of ombudsmen of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Northern Cyprus will be held in Ankara, Turkish media reported Nov.28.
The meeting will be held on Dec. 14-15.It is expected that Tajikistan will also be represented at this meeting.
At the meeting, after consultations with the Ombudsman's Office of Azerbaijan, a decision may be made to establish an association of ombudsmen of Turkic-speaking countries.
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Six men died of alleged suffocation in the Cantonment area here after they slept in a huge container, which also had a lit tandoor inside, to keep themselves warm, police said.
The men committed a fatal error of judgement when they failed to put out the tandoor and closed the container lid before going to sleep late last night, they said.
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According to the police, the victims worked with a caterer and had come to the Cantonment area for preparing food at a wedding function.
After they finished work last night, they went to sleep in the container in which they had brought the utensils. They also kept the tandoor inside the container to keep themselves warm, police said.
Nirmal Singh, their supervisor, woke up late night and tried to wake them up. When they did not respond, he informed the police.
The deceased have been identified as Rudrapur residents --Amit, Pankaj, Anil, Nepal resident Kamal-- and Gorakhpur residents --Avadhlal and Deep Chand, a police officer said.
The men were rushed to the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital where Amit, Pankaj, Anil and Kamal were declared brought dead. Avadhlal and Deep Chand died this evening during treatment.
The police said the deaths might have happened due to absence of ventilation.
"Carbon monoxide was formed inside the container. It is suspected that the victims died of suffocation," the officer said.
Police have registered a case and have sent the bodies for postmortem to ascertain the cause of the deaths. PTI SLB SRY
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of Flag Museum in Sabirabad district, where he arrived from Aghjabadi.
The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the museum.
The construction of the Flag Museum started in February and ended this September. The building of the museum features two exhibition halls and a number of other rooms.
The museum`s collection features the map and flags of the khanate period in Azerbaijan, medieval warriors` clothing, coats of arms of the Azerbaijani cities dating back to the 19th century, ancient coins, constitutions, emblems, flags, postage stamps, orders and medals relating to Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Azerbaijan SSR and independent Republic of Azerbaijan.
The area of the square of the Flag Museum has recently been expanded to two hectares. Landscaping work was carried out, green areas were laid out, new lightning system was installed here.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Sabirabad Industrial Hub.
Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev informed the head of state about the work done to create industrial hubs in Azerbaijan. The first industrial hub in Azerbaijan was established in Neftchala by the relevant order of President Ilham Aliyev. There are nine plants and a small workshop in Neftchala Industrial Hub, which was inaugurated with the participation of the head of state this September. Neftchala Industrial Hub created 474 jobs.
Another industrial hub will be established in Masalli in accordance with the order of the Azerbaijani president dated June 13, 2016.
The head of state was informed that Masalli Industrial Hub will occupy a total area of 10 hectares. The construction of the facility started this July and will end in April 2018. Masalli Industrial Hub will create 600 jobs.
President Ilham Aliyev was also informed of Hajigabul Industrial Hub, construction of which is to begin January 2018.
Sabirabad Industrial Hub will cover an area of 20 hectares.
President Ilham Aliyev laid a foundation stone for Sabirabad Industrial Hub.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
As part of his visit to Sabirabad district, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of a 205-bed district central hospital.
The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the hospital.
Minister of Health Ogtay Shiraliyev informed the head of state that the hospital was built in the 1970s. The hospital occupies a total area of 4.77 hectares. A hospital complex consisting of three four-story buildings was built on a 1.2 hectare area. The construction of the hospital's new building started in 2012 and ended in October 2017.
The hospital will employ 553 medical workers, including 70 doctors. The hospital was supplied with the state-of-the-art medical equipment and devices.
President Ilham Aliyev then met with representatives of the district's general public and the hospital staff.
Doctor Elmira Zeynalova and farmer Fatma Huseynova thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his attention and care.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of the Galaghayin-Osmanli-Chol Beshdali-Zalgaraghaj-Chol Aghamammadli-Azadkand-Mughan Ganjali highway in Sabirabad district after major overhaul.
The head of state was informed that the two-lane highway is 6 meters in width.
Road safety poles, traffic signs, and informative boards were installed along the highway.
President Ilham Aliyev cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the newly reconstructed highway.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has visited a poultry farm of Sabirabad Gushchulug Ltd. in Nizami village in Sabirabad district.
Minister of Economy Shahin Mustafayev informed the head of state that over the past years the National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support under the Ministry allocated 133.4 million manats in preferential loans to 40 poultry farms. The farms were supplied with the state-of-the-art equipment made by the leading companies of developed countries.
The poultry farm in Sabirabad is an affiliate of Hajigabul Gushchulug Ltd. Founded in 1978, Hajigabul Gushchulug Ltd. is the first privatized poultry farm in the country. The facility currently produces one million eggs per day. The farm exported 5.5 million eggs to Iraq and Afghanistan this year. It is planned to increase the volume of export to 10 million eggs by the end of the year. The farm plans to export 4.5 million eggs to the United Arab Emirates, Russia and Belarus.
The National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support under the Ministry of Economy allocated one million manats in preferential loans for the construction of the poultry farm in Sabirabad. The farm plans to produce 109 million eggs, 1,400 tons of poultry and 750,000 heads of hens. The facility will create 150 permanent jobs.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
As part of his visit to Sabirabad, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the inauguration of the newly renovated Sugovushan-Garalar-Gafarli-Ahmadabad-Narimankand-Hashimkhanli highway.
Chairman of Azeravtoyol OJSC Saleh Mammadov informed the head of state that the two-lane highway is 43 km in length and 6 m in width.
Road safety poles, traffic signs, and informative boards were installed along the highway.
President Ilham Aliyev cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the newly renovated highway.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Leman Zeynalova Trend:
The Azerbaijan-Romania intergovernmental commission will hold a meeting in January 2018, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Khalaf Khalafov said Nov. 28 at an event dedicated to the Great Union Day of Romania in Baku.
He noted that the meeting will give impetus to further development of relations in economy and will help define new goals of economic cooperation.
Details added (first version posted on 20:03)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Leman Zeynalova Trend:
The Azerbaijan-Romania intergovernmental commission will hold a meeting in January 2018, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Khalaf Khalafov said Nov. 28 at an event dedicated to the Great Union Day of Romania in Baku.
He noted that the meeting will give impetus to further development of relations in economy and will help define new goals of economic cooperation.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
The adoption of the final declaration, which once again confirms and supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Eastern Partnership member countries, at the Eastern Partnership Summit of the European Union is a great diplomatic achievement of Azerbaijan.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made the remark at a meeting with representatives of the Tartar community and internally displaced persons after familiarizing with the conditions created in the new residential complex built for 1,170 families of IDPs in Tartar.
Therefore, according to the head of state, ways to resolve the conflict should be based on this historical truth, justice and international law.
"I am sure that it will be this way, Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity. We can not allow the establishment of a second Armenian state on our land. All authoritative international organizations recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an integral part of Azerbaijan and made many decisions, adopted resolutions proving this. We provide the world with information about the historical past of Nagorno-Karabakh," President Aliyev said.
President Aliyev said that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is recognized, supported by the whole world, and all international organizations have their say in this regard.
"The most authoritative among them is the UN. The UN Security Council adopted four resolutions calling for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the occupied lands. That is, the international community has said its word on this issue," the head of state said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
A documentary "Light behind window" has been presented at "October" cinema in Moscow.
Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, author and executive producer of the film Leyla Aliyeva attended the ceremony.
The film's production was carried out with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Baku Media Center.
Prior to the screening of the film, Leyla Aliyeva, the film's screenwriter and director Oleg Schommer, and Alexandra Abidennova who played one of the main parts in the documentary, took the stage.
Oleg Schommer highlighted the plot of the documentary. He thanked the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, vice-president of the Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Baku Media Center for their contribution to the film.
Leyla Aliyeva thanked the audience for their interest in the documentary. She also thanked director Oleg Schommer.
"This film is about good and evil. With this film we want to say that we are bound to each other, and we are all part of a whole. When we treat others kindly, we are kind to ourselves, and when we hurt someone, we do hurt ourselves as well. The main thing is that our hearts are in love, and love is the greatest force in the world," Leyla Aliyeva said.
The ceremony was attended by Russia's well-known cultural and public figures, students, and actors from the film itself.
By Siraj Qureshi: A five-year-old child died after he was pushed into a drain by a nine-year-old boy in Agra. The shocking murder only came to light after the deceased child's body was found floating in the drain ten days later. The accused has been apprehended by police.
Usha Devi, the mother of deceased Ayush, told India Today that her son, a kindergarten student of St Francis Convent, had disappeared from home 10 days ago when neither parents were there. They found out he went missing on their return.
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Neighbours told them Ayush had gone out with nine-year-old kid Ajay (name changed) who claimed he had left Ayush at a shop in a nearby locality. However Ayush couldn't be found at the shop either.
Fearing the worst, Pappu informed the police who interrogated Ajay. But he could not give a clear answer so the police filed a case of kidnapping against Ajay. On November 27, a factory worker spotted a kid's body floating in a nearby drain - it was identified as Ayush.
Additional Superintendent of Police Shlok Kumar told India Today Ajay and his parents were brought to the police station for interrogation and prima facie, it was established that Ayush and Ajay had a fight near the drain and Ajay kicked Ayush, causing him to fall in the drain and drown.
Senior physician Dr SK Kalra said if a kid aged between 7 and 12 years has committed an act that is against the law, then it does not entail a criminal offence until the intention behind the offence is established. Contrary to the Pradyuman murder case in Gurgaon where the intention for the murder has been established by the CBI, this case appears to be that of accidental death and the kid is subject to juvenile justice laws in such case as the mental development of kids aged between 7 and 12 years is considered to be incomplete and they cannot be tried under the Indian Penal Code.
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Details added, title changed (first version posted on 12:07)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Azad Hasanli - Trend:
The national observatory will be established in Azerbaijan to monitor labor market until 2020, Azerbaijani Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population Salim Muslimov told reporters in Baku Nov. 28.
The minister said that this issue will be discussed today with international organizations, including the World Bank (WB), the European Union (EU), the European Training Foundation and others.
Muslimov added that the EU will help Azerbaijan to create the observatory.
Speaking about the importance of creating the observatory, the minister stressed that today the ministry is unable to assess the labor market alone, therefore, the creation of the observatory is a very important step.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
Trend:
Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) student, future engineer, who scored 700 entrance points Gabil Aliyev said in an interview that he is in the right place and in right hands.
Gabil, who is Gabil Aliyev who scored 700 entrance points during the admission examination for the higher schools?
I was born in Baku in 2000 and finished with distinction Turkish Deyanet Vagfi Baku Turkish Lyceum. My family is composed of 5 persons. My father is chemical engineer, my mother is philologist, my brother is a schoolboy and my elder sister is a higher school student. Two years ago, my sister having scored high admission points, 662, was admitted to faculty of law.
Could you please elaborate on your successes and which of them are you mostly proud of?
Still at school, I always had distinctive grades. For instance, when I was 11 year student I became bronze medal winner during the Republican Chemistry Competition. I finished the secondary school with gold medal. For that period, they were the successes I was mostly proud of. As for this period I am most of all proud of collecting 700 points which made my family happy and winning the Presidential scholarship which I regard the greatest achievements.
Gabil, knowing that with 700 points you opened the doors of all higher schools, why did you select Baku Higher Oil School?
Frankly, I did not do this choice by chance. After long search me and my family preferred BHOS. Along with offering high quality education BHOS is involved in training specialists, providing diverse conditions for students social development and their future career opportunities.
Our readers are curious about what a student should do to achieve his/her goals?
In my opinion, the most important is discipline. It is absurd to learn the materials meant for 11 years within one year. The learning process should be systematic starting from early school years in order to be able to comprehend and master the program of senior years. In addition, you should work hard to achieve your goals, as behind every success there stands hard work. However, one should find the time for rest as tiredness might cause attention distraction during examinations.
What motivates you in life most of all?
Trust of my family, my friends their encouragement turned to be motivation for me during the period for preparation for examinations. Because of distraction of attention during the first entrance examination I collected 680 points, during second examination I gathered 700 points and made my family be proud of me forcing me to continue my work for even greater achievements. This fact does motivate me.
Gabil, what would you advise to the future students who are reading your interview?
I would advise them to learn more about the specialties and the higher schools they are interested in. They should learn the opinions of senior year students and graduates. In addition, they should not leave the choice to be made by others, their choice should be made in favor of the higher school which is involved with multifaceted training of specialists having specialization you are interested in. Sometimes higher schools fail to justify hopes students and their parents. From this point of view, I am happy to tell that I am in the right place and in right hands.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Nigar Guliyeva Trend:
Uzbek pawnshops and microcredit organizations will be able to raise more funds.
The Central Bank of Uzbekistan amended the Rules for the conduct of financial transactions by microcredit organizations and the Rules for activity and operations of pawnshops, according to which prices and tariffs for services provided by microcredit organizations and pawnshops are determined only in national currency.
Furthermore, the types of means attracted by pawnshops and microcredit organizations are specified: loans from legal entities and physicals; funds from commercial banks.
The aggregate volume (balance) of attracted funds should not exceed their actually formed charter capital.
Previously, the volume of raised funds could not exceed 50 percent of the actually formed authorized capital of the pawnshop or microcredit organization.
The total assets of non-banking credit organizations of Uzbekistan as of Oct.1 2017 amounted to about 200 billion soums, the balance of credit investments - 178.4 billion soums, total capital - 153.4 billion soums.
Currently, 76 non-bank microcredit organizations operate in Uzbekistan, of which 30 are microcredit organizations and 46 are pawnshops.
According to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, since Oct.1, 2017 the minimum level of the statutory fund of newly created microcredit organizations should be 2 billion soums and pawnshops - 500 million soums.
The operating microcredit organizations and pawnshops should bring the statutory funds up to the established minimum requirements before Jan. 1, 2019.
The official exchange rate for Nov.28 is 8095.88 UZS / USD.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Nigar Guliyeva Trend:
Uzbekistan will soon establish air communication with Afghanistan.
The first flight from Kabul to Tashkent will be carried out Nov. 29, Uzbek media reported.
Reportedly, the Afghan airline Kam Air will operate code-sharing flights. Uzbekistan Airways is a partner in this direction with the right to sell tickets for the flight under its own code.
The air communication between the two countries opens on the eve of the visit of the President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani to Uzbekistan, scheduled for early December.
In early 2017, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan signed in Kabul a "road map" to increase trade between countries up to $1.5 billion.
Furthermore, the parties reached an agreement on organizing long-term supplies from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan.
The supplies will cover up to 300,000 tons of mineral fertilizers, 2,000 units of agricultural machinery, up to 250,000 tons of wheat and other products in demand in Afghanistan annually.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Nov. 28
By Diana Aliyeva Trend:
The National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of Uzbekistan offers loans of the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank) for the purchase of goods, equipment and services from South Korea, said the Uzbek bank in a message.
The period of loans is up to 7 years.
Additional information can be obtained in branches of the Uzbek national bank.
The National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of Uzbekistan was established by a presidential decree in September 1991 and is the major bank representing the countrys banking system on international financial markets.
The bank has 90 branches and offices in all economically important regions of Uzbekistan, and a subsidiary Asia-Invest Bank in Moscow.
The national bank accounts for more than 70 percent of the total foreign trade turnover of Uzbekistan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Azad Hasanli - Trend:
The average salary of top bank managers in Azerbaijan is 8,000-10,000 manats, Zakir Nuriyev, chairman of the Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA), said at the presentation of the platform for the UNEC2B labor market in Baku Nov. 28.
Such data has been obtained through the poll conducted by the ABA in the countrys banking market, he said. "This salary is quite competitive from the point of view of the international banking market."
Today, about 16,000 people work in Azerbaijan's banking sector, he said. Despite that the number of employees in this sector has decreased over the last two years, banks have been strengthening their human resources since the second half of the year, he said.
Nuriyev added that banks are still experiencing serious shortage in accountants, IT specialists and representatives of other professions.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend:
The first train will be sent today from Turkey to Azerbaijan via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, the Turkish media reported Nov. 28.
Reportedly, the train will arrive in Baku within 96 hours.
The first freight train was sent via the new BTK railway from Kazakhstans Kokshetau on October 24. The train consisted of 32 containers loaded with grain.
The BTK railway was constructed on the basis a Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement.
The railways peak capacity will be 17 million tons of cargo per year.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Anvar Mammadov - Trend:
Baku will host Azerbaijan-Belarus business meeting within the framework of the visit of a Byelorussian delegation to Azerbaijan on Dec.7, the Azerbaijani Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO) reported.
The Belarusian delegation headed by the Mayor of Grodno city Mieczyslaw Goy will include representatives of seven Belarusian companies operating in various fields.
The meeting was organized by AZPROMO with the support of the Economy Ministry of Azerbaijan.
Trade with Belarus during 10 months of 2017 amounted to $113.15 million, which is 42.7 percent higher than the same period last year, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend:
The first Turkish economic summit will be held in the countrys Sanliurfa province, Turkeys Economy Ministry told Trend.
The summit will be held Dec. 22-23 this year, according to the ministry.
The summit will be held with the participation of economy ministers of a number of countries, the ministry said.
Such countries as Azerbaijan, Iran, Qatar, Greece, Japan will take part in the summit, the topic of which will be the discussion of economic issues.
As part of the first economic summit, Turkey will have an opportunity to acquaint participants with the plans for the development of the Turkish economy Vision 2023 and Vision 2071.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend:
Turkey has sent its first train via the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway to Azerbaijan, the Turkish State Railways (TCDD) said in a message.
The train consisting of 32 containers and carrying 650 tons of cargo left the Turkish province of Mersin for Azerbaijan.
The train is expected to arrive in Baku in 96 hours.
The first freight train was sent via the new BTK railway from Kazakhstans Kokshetau on October 24. The train consisted of 32 containers loaded with grain.
The BTK railway was constructed on the basis a Georgian-Azerbaijani-Turkish intergovernmental agreement.
The railways peak capacity will be 17 million tons of cargo per year.
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Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 28 (PTI) Global automation firms ABB and Kawasaki today came together to share knowledge and promote benefits of collaborative robots, particularly those with dual arm designs.
"ABB and Kawasaki Heavy Industries will join forces to share knowledge and promote the benefits of collaborative robots, in particular those with dual arm designs," a joint statement, issued in Zurich in Switzerland today, said.
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According to the statement, the global cooperation will become effective immediately.
Under the new framework, which is the worlds first to focus on cobots -- short for collaborative robots -- both companies will independently continue manufacturing and marketing their own offerings while working together on joint technical and awareness opportunities, it said.
This includes educating policymakers, NGOs and the public about the benefits of collaborative automation, and creating common industry approaches to safety, programming and communications, it added.
Collaboration between people and robots, machines and processes is getting increasingly important as production in many industries has shifted from larger lots with little variation to low volumes with a high mix. This means more variability and more human intervention.
Collaborative automation allows people and robots to each contribute their unique strengths ? people offer process knowledge, insight and improvisation for change while robots offer tireless endurance for repetitive tasks.
The cooperation also represents collaboration across borders, with ABB as Europes largest robot supplier and Kawasaki one of Asias industrial giants.
"The scale and pace of change in the robotics industry today is unimaginable," said Per Vegard Nerseth, Managing Director of ABBs Robotics business, in the statement.
Nerseth said, "Beyond the technologies behind collaborative automation, there is also a need for innovative new ways of working together and creating common industry approaches to safety, programming and communications."
"Collaborative robots, especially those with two arms capable of human interactions, can greatly contribute to society and help the world cope with labour shortages and an ageing workforce. We see high potential in expanding collaborative applications and processes where people and technology work together to create solutions," said Yasuhiko Hashimoto, Managing Executive Officer and General Manager, Kawasaki Robot Division. PTI KKS ARD
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Anvar Mammadov Trend:
Rufat Mammadov, head of Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO), has been re-elected as vice president of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), Azerbaijans Economy Ministry said Nov. 28.
This decision was made in a meeting of WAIPA General Assembly and the 22nd Annual WAIPA World Investment Conference, held Nov. 27-28 in Dubai.
WAIPA is a non-governmental organization founded in 1995 in Geneva under Swiss law. The number of its members is constantly growing and it currently includes 170 agencies from 130 countries.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Ali Mustafayev Trend
The Kazakh Government has submitted a strategic plan for development of Kazakhstan until 2025. The plan describes how the life of citizens of the country is expected to change in the next 7 years. The project was presented by Minister of National Economy Timur Suleimenov and published by the Ministry of Economy of Kazakhstan.
Under the strategic plan, the GDP per capita should grow to $46,000, life expectancy should increase from 72 to 75 years, and the GRP (Gross Regional Product) gap between the regions will decrease from 3.2 times to 2.7 times.
By 2025, the exports of non-primary goods and services should increase from 44.6 percent to 50 percent, and the share of small and medium businesses in GDP should grow from 26.8 percent to 35 percent.
It is planned to ensure the growth of the national currency loan portfolio from 18 percent to 50 percent of GDP.
It is also expected that government agencies will be more client-oriented, the banking sector more stable, and the judicial sector less corrupted. The state's share in the economy will decrease, the barriers for small and medium businesses will decline and the use of new technologies will increase.
Tehran, Iran, November 26
By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:
Gas power plants are going to be promising sites for investment in Iran, since the country is rich in gas reserves and its gas output is on the rise.
In July, Amir Hossein Zamaninia, Irans deputy oil minister for trade and international affairs, said Irans gas production would rise to 1 billion cubic meters a day by the end of the year from that times 800 million cubic metres (mcm) per day.
In the seventh month of the current fiscal year (September 23-October 21), gas power plants in Iran received a daily average of 196 mcm of gas.
Iran's power plants generated over 222.185 TWh (terawatt-hours) of electricity since the beginning of the current Iranian fiscal year (March 21) till Nov. 17, according to the latest weekly statistics, published by Iran's Energy Ministry. The figure indicates a rise by 7 percent compared to the same period of the preceding year.
The Iranian government prefers exporting gas-generated electricity rather than directly exporting gas, citing added value. Irans electricity export increased by 14 percent up to 5.647 TWh from the beginning of the current fiscal year to Nov. 17.
The capacity of gas-fired power plants in this period grew by 1.1 percent to reach 27,258 MW, accounting for a share of 35.1 percent of the countrys total power generation
In the meantime, the nominal capacity of Iranian power plants has increased by 1.3 percent to stand at 77,446 megawatts (MW).
Combined-cycle power plants added 1.6 percent to their capacity to stand at 19,790 MW, taking a share of 25.6 percent of the countrys power generation.
The capacity of distributed power generation (DG) as well as combined heat and power (CHP) systems increased by 12.1 percent to reach 1,027 MW. Some 1.3 percent of the countrys total generation capacity went to the DG and CHP systems.
The capacity of thermal power plants stood at 15,829 MW and did not demonstrate any changes compared to the preceding year. The share of thermal power plants was 20.4 percent.
Iran has launched 37 projects to increase its capacity for producing power from solar energy by 400.27 MW. The country has also four projects under construction for producing 198.2 MW from wind.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 28
By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend
The 28th meeting of the Energy Charter Conference, an inter-governmental organization, kicked off in Ashgabat Nov. 28 and will run until November 29.
The heads and representatives of the energy ministries of the organizations member-states and observer countries, a number of international and regional organizations will participate in the meeting, Energy Charter Conference said in a message.
The work of the Energy Charter Conference will consist of two parts: statutory and ministerial.
The agenda of the event includes the results of the activity of the Energy Charter Conference in 2017, as well as a wide range of issues related to the further improvement of its work and promotion of cooperation to ensure sustainable energy in the future.
An energy exhibition will be held as part of the event. The adoption of the final document is expected to be adopted following the event.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Leman Zeynalova Trend:
Growth of global oil demand will slow down significantly by 2030, George Kobulia, senior partner at McKinsey & Company, global management consulting company, said at the fourth international conference entitled Oil refining and petrochemistry of the Caspian Sea and Central Asia in Baku on Nov. 28.
He said that the slowdown in GDP growth and reduction in the worldwide oil intensity will limit the growth in demand for oil in the long term.
Despite the slowdown in oil consumption growth, increase in processing capacities continues at accelerating rates, the expert added.
Kobulia noted that the growth of primary processing capacities will be concentrated in Asia and the Middle East.
A significant portion of Middle Eastern oil products will be exported to South Asia, further increasing the glut of the market in this region, Kobulia said.
According to forecasts, by 2025, the net increase in imports of light oil products in Southeast Asia will be 628,000 barrels per day by limiting the maximum load of Asian energy hubs at 78 percent.
Despite the fact that global production of fuel oil with sulfur of less than 0.5 percent can satisfy all demand for bunker fuel, it will be impossible to mobilize all these volumes, he noted.
In the baseline scenario, global refining volumes increase by 2.5 million barrels per day, added Kobulia.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Huseyn Valiyev - Trend:
Azerbaijan's State Committee for Standardization, Metrology and Patents is ready to provide necessary support to start-ups operating in the business incubation center of High Technologies Park of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies in registration of patents, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee Niyazi Rahimov told Trend.
Rahimov said that the activity of the State Committee is linked with the registration of rights, and the activity of start-ups is linked with the encouragement of innovative entrepreneurship, which is closely interrelated.
"We are working closely with the High Technologies Park and when receiving applications for the registration of patents, we immediately respond to them. Since the beginning of the year, the State Committee for Standardization, Metrology and Patents of Azerbaijan issued about 50 patents," Rahimov said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Nigar Guliyeva Trend:
The Asian Development Banks (ADB) Board of Directors has approved a $45 million loan to help improve the quality of rural primary healthcare services in Uzbekistan.
The Bank reported that the project will help expand the scope of service delivery and bring those new services closer to the people.
There is a pressing need to improve the quality of healthcare, especially in underserved areas of the country, said Megan Counahan, Health Specialist at ADBs Central and West Asia Department.
ADB will work closely with the Government of Uzbekistan to improve services by providing modern equipment and health workforce development," Counahan added.
The Primary Health Care Improvement Project, the first ADB health project in Uzbekistan since 2004, will strengthen primary health care services in rural areas by providing modern equipment to each of the 793 newly established family polyclinics. The equipment will increase the chances of overcoming Uzbekistans key health challenges, particularly those relating to heart disease, antenatal care, and chronic disease prevention.
The project will further enhance the skills of the health staff in those clinics by training almost 3,000 health technology operators, doctors, and nurses. It will also institutionalize key monitoring tools including pilot testing a digital health management information system, starting with the rural region of Sirdarya, and lead the way for the Ministry of Health to use those results to improve access, coverage, health, and well-being across the country.
ADB, based in Manila, is owned by 67 members48 from the region. In 2016, ADB assistance totaled $31.7 billion, including $14 billion in cofinancing.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Ali Mustafayev Trend:
Kazakhstan intends to enter the white list of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and subsequently conclude agreements with the Caspian states on recognition of professional proficiency certificates, the Ministry of investments and development of Kazakhstan said in a statement.
Presently the countrys ship registries include about 300 vessels. The working personnel of the mentioned ships include more than 1,500 people. At the same time, the share of Kazakh citizens in the crews is slightly more than half (52 percent). Kazakh citizens in the command staff accounts only for 25 percent from the whole staff on all the mentioned ships.
The maritime administrations of the Caspian countries will conduct an audit to study the compliance of Kazakh sailors training system with international standards to conclude agreements on the recognition of professional proficiency certificates of Kazakhstan.
In this regard, the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping is currently inspecting the educational institutions and training centers of the country. To date, Kazakh sailors and students of the Kazakhstan Maritime Academy are being trained in the training centers of Russia and Azerbaijan.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 28
By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:
Director of Turkmenistans State Service for Combating Economic Crimes Mammetkhan Chakyev presented his report at a session of the Cabinet of Ministers in the countrys eastern Lebap province, the Turkmen government said in a message Nov. 28.
The inspections in the province revealed facts of abuse of authority, bribery and corruption by the heads of Serdarabat, Dovletli and Galkynysh districts, as well as by the director of the Galkynysh cotton ginning enterprise of the Lebap provinces agricultural production association.
Such negative phenomena as bribery and corruption in our country must be completely eradicated, said Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, according to the message.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the activities of leaders of the province, who admitted numerous violations when carrying out government instructions.
Heads of three districts and several other officials have been dismissed.
Charygeldi Charlyev, head of the Lebap province, has also been dismissed form his position. Tanryguly Atakhallyev, who headed the countrys central region Ahal province, will replace him.
Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Nov. 28
By Huseyn Hasanov Trend:
The Turkmen Foreign Ministry has hosted a meeting with Alfredo Nieves Portuondo, new ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Cuba to Turkmenistan (with residence in Baku), the ministry said in a message.
The diplomat presented copies of his credentials. The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to render all kinds of assistance and support to the ambassadors activity in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The sides noted the intention to build up comprehensive cooperation and readiness for joint work on its further activation, said the message.
During the meeting, the parties noted the importance of expanding the legal framework between the two countries and intensifying contacts between the business structures of the two countries.
The sides also expressed interest in the development of relations in the fields of culture and sports, healthcare sphere.
By Indrajit Kundu: Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday filed a criminal defamation suit against his former party colleague Mukul Roy.
The move comes just a day after a local court in Alipurduar district issued a show cause notice to the newly inducted BJP leader for allegedly violating an order passed by it.
"Today I have filed a defamation case. The matter is sub-judice. Please wait for the verdict. I have full faith in the judiciary. People of Bengal have already given them a befitting reply in the ballot box, now wait for the court to do the same," Banerjee said.
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Earlier, a district court in Alipurduar had passed an injunction prohibiting Roy from making any public statement against Banerjee after the later moved a petition.
However, despite the court order, Roy while addressing a press conference in Kolkata had levelled fresh charges against chief minister Mamata's Banerjee's nephew last week.
Roy had alleged that Abhishek had applied for ownership of the "Biswa Bangla" trademark with the approval of his aunt, and party supremo Mamata Banerjee.
"The accusations against me are totally false and baseless. They are all motivated," Banerjee said, while personally appearing before the court on Tuesday.
"If Mukul Roy can prove allegations against me, I will quit politics. Otherwise he will have to leave Bengal," he challenged.
Banerjee's lawyer said that a criminal defamation suit has been filed against the BJP leader under section 202 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Last week, Mukul Roy too had filed a criminal defamation case against the Trinamool Congress MP at New Delhi's Patiala House Court alleging that the legal notice sent to him was defamatory. The case will come up for hearing on December 1.
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Khalid Kazimov Trend:
Iran has attracted about $800 million in investment to develop its free economic zones over the last four years.
In the meantime, the officials are in talks to conclude worth of $4.5 billion of investment agreements to develop the countrys free economic zones, Tasnim news agency reported.
According to the report, the news was disclosed during a conference on the economic and investment opportunities in Iran.
Iran currently has seven free economic zones.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Fatih Karimov Trend:
Iran's exports of food and agricultural products to Azerbaijan witnessed a fall by 18 percent in terms of value during the first half of the current fiscal year (March 20-Sept. 22).
The Islamic Republic exported $17 million worth of agricultural and food products to the neighboring country, which makes 1 percent of Irans overall exports in the sector.
A report released by the Federation of Iranian Food Industries Association reveals that Azerbaijan was 18th destination of the Iranian agricultural and food products in the six-month period.
Iraq was main importer of agricultural and food products from the Islamic Republic. Tehran sold $1,028.2 million worth of food and agricultural products to the country, which was equal to 45 percent of the Islamic Republics overall food and agricultural exports. However, Irans agricultural and food exports to Iraq registered a decline by 6 percent in terms of value year-on-year.
After Iraq, Afghanistan ($285.5 million), the UAE ($115.7 million), Pakistan ($106.8 million), Germany ($79.5 million), Turkey ($89.8 million), Russia ($52.4 million) and Hong Kong ($50.5 million) were among other top destinations for Irans food and agricultural exports.
Irans food exports to Qatar registered a huge rise by 288 percent to $33.5 million in the period.
The Islamic Republic's exports to Turkey also registered a significant rise by 69 percent. The highest negative growth belongs to Vietnam, where Tehran exported $19.6 million worth of agricultural and food products, 71 percent less year-on-year.
Iran exported $2,274.1 million worth of agricultural and food products in the first half of the current fiscal year, 3 percent less year-on-year.
North Korea could complete its nuclear weapons program, including a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States mainland, next year, authorities in South Korea said Tuesday, USA TODAY reports.
"North Korea has been developing its nuclear weapons at a faster-than-expected pace," Cho Myoung Gyon, South Korea's unification minister, told reporters in Seoul. The unification ministry is an executive department that promotes Korean reunification.
Cho said 2018 will be a key year for North Korea as its marks the 70th anniversary of its establishment. His remarks were published by South Korea's Yonhap news agency.
North Korea conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test in September. Defense experts disagree over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile capabilities, although recent test launches over Japan suggest it is making advancements. There is also disagreement over how the West should deal with the threat of a nuclear armed North Korea.
President Trump has consistently said that years of American-led diplomatic efforts and money have produced few results, and threatened war. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said that Washington would be willing to sit down with Pyongyang for talks.
Last week, the White House placed additional sanctions on North Korea and re-listed it as a state sponsor of terrorism, a largely symbolic move.
Kenya's security forces on Monday destroyed six Al-Shabaab training camps in an ongoing operation to flush out militants from the vast Boni forest in the coastal town of Lamu, Xinxua reported.
Director of Operation Linda Boni Joseph Kanyiri said weapons including AK-47 rifles, bomb-making materials, food and medicine were recovered during the operation in the forest that lies along the border with Somalia.
"We have destroyed six Al-Shabaab camps inside Boni Forest. The temporary camps were used as hideouts for the terrorists to conduct attacks in various parts of Lamu," said Kanyiri.
He said "many" Al-Shabaab militants were killed and others injured during the operation.
"We have killed many Al-Shabaab terrorists and many others fled with gunshot wounds. We are in hot pursuit," he Kanyiri.
Kanyiri urged Al-Shabaab returnees who have secretly slipped back into Kenya to voluntarily avail themselves for rehabilitation so they are not treated as suspects.
A good number of Al-Shabaab militants have been killed by Kenyan security forces since the start of Operation Linda Boni in 2015.
Most of the militants who had infiltrated the forest have abandoned the camps and fled to Somalia, according to military and police sources.
Militants of the 300-man Jeysh Ayman, an Al-Shabaab cell, used the vast Boni forest as an operational base for recruiting and waging terror attacks in the Coast region.
A number of people, including security officers, have been killed in attacks by militants who often use improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
North Korea fired what the US Pentagon said appeared to be an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that landed close to Japan on Wednesday, Pyongyangs first test launch since sending a missile over its neighbor in mid-September, Reuters reported.
North Korea fired the missile a week after US President Donald Trump put North Korea back on a US list of countries that Washington says support terrorism. The designation allows the United States to impose more sanctions, although some experts said it risked inflaming tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Trump said of North Koreas latest test missile: It is a situation that we will handle.
Trump said the launch did not change his administrations approach to North Korea, which has included new curbs to hurt trade between China and North Korea, which it sees as important to deterring Pyongyang from its ambition to develop a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the United States.
Pentagon spokesman Col. Robert Manning said the Pentagons initial assessment was that an ICBM was launched from Sain Ni in North Korea and traveled about 1,000 km before splashing down in the Sea of Japan. The missile did not pose a threat to the United States its territories or allies, the Pentagon said.
US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the ICBM went higher than any shot Pyongyang has taken.
Japans government estimated that the missile flew for about 50 minutes and landed in the sea in Japans exclusive economic zone, Japanese broadcaster NHK said. A North Korean missile on Aug. 29 was airborne for 14 minutes over Japan.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tokyo was requesting an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
We can never accept this violence and have strongly protested to North Korea, Abe told reporters. He called on all countries to strictly implement sanctions against Pyongyang.
South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said Wednesdays missile was fired from Pyongsong, a city in South Pyongan Province, at around 1817 GMT over the sea between South Korea and Japan. The South Korean military said the missile had an altitude of around 4,500 km and flew 960 km.
Minutes after the North fired the missile, South Koreas military conducted a missile-firing test in response, the South Korean military said.
Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said the missile reached an estimated altitude of 4,000 kilometres and broke up before landing in Japans exclusive economic zone. He said it was judged to be ICBM class given the missiles lofted trajectory.
Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported three projectiles were fired, the nearest landing 210 kilometres west of Japans northern mainland, suggesting the missile broke into pieces.
Japans Kyodo news agency, quoting the defense ministry, said there were no reports of any damage.
US stocks briefly pared gains on the news but the S&P 500 index was up almost one percent at the close.
A US intelligence official said the initial indication was that the engine was not significantly more powerful than the Hwasong 14 which Pyongyang tested in July.
A 2,800-mile altitude, a 600-mile range, and a splash-down in the sea initially indicates that this was another test of the re-entry vehicle more than one of the missile, its engine, or its guidance system, said the official, who was studying incoming data on the launch.
Two US government sources said earlier that US government experts believed North Korea could conduct a new missile test within days.
After firing missiles at a rate of about two or three a month since April, North Korea paused its missile launches in September, after it fired a missile that passed over Japans northern Hokkaido island on Sept. 15.
The US officials who spoke earlier declined to say what type of missile they thought North Korea might test.
Last week, North Korea denounced Trumps decision to relist it as a state sponsor of terrorism, calling it a serious provocation and violent infringement.
Trump has traded insults and threats with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and warned in his maiden speech to the United Nations in September that the United States would have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea if forced to defend itself or its allies.
Washington has said repeatedly that all options are on the table in dealing with North Korea, including military ones, but that it prefers a peaceful solution by Pyongyang agreeing to give up its nuclear and missile programs.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend:
The Turkish Air Force attacked the positions of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorists in northern Iraq, the Turkish General Staff said in a message Nov. 28.
According to the message, air operations are held in Asos region in northern Iraq.
Over 40 PKK strongholds were destroyed during the operations.
The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for more than 30 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives.
The UN and the European Union list the PKK as a terrorist organization.
Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 28
By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend:
Some 98 drug dealers were detained in Ankara, Turkey as a result of a special operation, Ankaras police said in a message.
According to the message, all detainees are Turkish citizens.
Operations against drug dealers will continue throughout the day.
The minimum age of Turkish citizens who started using drugs is 13 years old, the average age 36 years old, the maximum age - 65 years old.
Thus, 2.9 percent of the country's population account for drug addicts aged 15-24, 2.8 percent - those aged 25-44, 2.3 percent - drug addicts aged 45-64.
Some 18 percent of the total number of people arrested in the country in 2016 accounted for drug dealers.
More than 300,000 people have been detained in Istanbul for using and selling drugs over the past four years.
Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu
KYODO NEWS - Nov 28, 2017 - 21:22 | World, All
Pope Francis met with Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss the plight of the country's persecuted Rohingya Muslims, among other issues, and appealed for greater tolerance and respect for minority ethnic and religious groups.
In a speech in the capital Naypyitaw, the pope called for "peace based on respect for the dignity and rights of each member of society, respect for each ethnic group and its identity, respect for the rule of law and respect for a democratic order that enables each individual and every group -- none excluded -- to offer its legitimate contribution to the common good."
Without referring specifically to the Rohingya, the pope said Myanmar's different religions, "by drawing on deeply held values...can help us to uproot the causes of conflict, build bridges of dialogue, seek justice and be a prophetic voice for all who suffer."
"Religious differences need not be a source of division or distrust, but rather a force for unity, forgiveness, tolerance and nation building," he said at the gathering of authorities, representatives of civil society and the diplomatic corps.
Pope Francis did directly mention the situation in Myanmar's westernmost Rakhine State, from which over 620,000 Rohingya have fled across the border to Bangladesh since late August to escape violence.
Suu Kyi, in a speech at the same gathering, said her government wants to make Myanmar's ethnic diversity a source of its strength "by protecting rights, fostering tolerance and ensuring security for all."
"It is incumbent on us to continue the task of building a nation founded on law and institutions that will guarantee each and everyone in our land justice, freedom and security," she said, also without mentioning the Rohingya.
The pope's historic four-day visit to Myanmar is the first ever by the head of the Roman Catholic Church to the country, which counts over 670,000 Catholics among population of 51 million people.
It comes amid mounting international pressure on its government over the dire situation in Rakhine, which has been described by the United Nations as ethnic cleansing.
Suu Kyi said she is aware that the Rakhine crisis has captured the world's attention.
"As we address longstanding issues -- social, economic and political -- that have eroded trust and understanding, harmony and cooperation between different communities in Rakhine, the support of our people and of good friends who only wish to see us succeed in our endeavors has been invaluable," she said.
The first papal trip to Myanmar comes after the Vatican formally established diplomatic ties with it in May, during Suu Kyi's visit to the Holy See.
Pope Francis met with her on the second day of his visit.
He plans to hold a mass prayer in Yangon on Wednesday, after which he will visit Bangladesh where more than 800,000 Rohingya languish in squalid refugee camps along the two countries' border.
During a meeting Monday evening with military chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the pope stressed the importance of religious freedom and said peace and prosperity can be achieved through mutual respect.
The commander-in-chief told him that Myanmar is "practicing freedom of religion" and that there is no "religious discrimination" in the country, and no discrimination against ethnic minorities, the military later said in a statement.
The military denies reports of atrocities committed by security forces in Rakhine, including gang rape, execution-style killings and the razing of entire villages, and insists its operations there have merely been to restore stability and eliminate the threat of terrorism.
The situation evolved into a crisis on Aug. 25 when Rohingya militants carried out coordinated strikes on police posts, prompting a harsh crackdown in which atrocities were allegedly committed by the security forces and Buddhist extremists targeting the Rohingya community as a whole.
While not mentioning the Rohingya by name in his speech Tuesday, apparently out of consideration for his hosts, Pope Francis is on record as lamenting "the persecution of our Rohingya brothers and sisters" and calling for them to be given "their full rights," in public remarks he made in late August.
Catholics in Myanmar fear reprisals by nationalist groups if the Pope's visit is seen to focus even more international attention on the Rohingya issue.
Many Buddhists in the country view the Rohingya as illegal migrants from Bangladesh -- a view shared by the government -- even though some have been living in the country for generations. A deep-seated fear of Islam displacing Buddhism in the country is also being exploited by rightwing Buddhists.
KYODO NEWS - Nov 27, 2017 - 13:58 | All, Feature
Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko held a welcome ceremony for Luxembourg's Grand Duke Henri at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Monday, as the two countries mark the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
During their 15-minute meeting, the 83-year-old emperor asked Luxembourg's head of state, who has visited Japan more than 10 times, about his predecessor and father Jean, according to the Imperial Household Agency.
Grand Duchess Maria Teresa was initially scheduled to accompany the 62-year-old grand duke, but she gave up the plan for health reasons. Instead, Princess Alexandra joined her father.
During his stay in Japan as a state guest through Thursday, Grand Duke Henri is scheduled to visit a facility of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in Tsukuba, northeast of Tokyo, and hold talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
A team of astronomers used data from both the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and ESA's Gaia satellite to directly measure the 3D motions of individual stars in a nearby galaxy. The achieved accuracy is better than anything previously measured for a galaxy beyond the Milky Way. The motions provide a field test of the currently-accepted cosmological model and also measure the trajectory of the galaxy through space. The results are published in Nature Astronomy.
Astronomers from the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute and Leiden Observatory, both in the Netherlands, used data from the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and ESA's Gaia space observatory to measure the motions of stars in the Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy. The Sculptor Dwarf is a satellite galaxy orbiting the Milky Way, 300 000 light-years away from Earth.
Only by combining the datasets from these two successful ESA missions -- produced more than 12 years apart -- could the scientists directly measure the exact 3D motions of stars within the Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy [1]. The is the first time this has been achieved with such accuracy for a galaxy other than the Milky Way [2].
Davide Massari, lead author of the study, describes the precision of the research: "With the precision achieved we can measure the yearly motion of a star on the sky which corresponds to less than the size of a pinhead on the Moon as seen from Earth." This kind of precision was only possible due to the extraordinary resolution and accuracy of both instruments. Also the study would not have been possible without the large interval of time between the two datasets which makes it easier to determine the movement of the stars.
The Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy is a dwarf spheroidal galaxy, which are among the most dark matter dominated objects in the Universe. This makes them ideal targets for investigating the properties of dark matter. In particular, understanding how dark matter is distributed in these dwarf galaxies allows astronomers to test the validity of the currently-accepted cosmological model. However, dark matter cannot be studied directly.
"One of the best ways to infer the presence of dark matter is to examine how objects move within it," explains Amina Helmi, co-author of the paper. "In the case of dwarf spheroidals, these objects are stars."
The information gathered about the 3D motion of stars in the Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy can be translated directly into knowledge of how its total mass -- including dark matter -- is distributed. The new results show that stars in the Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy move preferentially on elongated radial orbits. This indicates that the density of dark matter increases towards the centre instead of flattening out. These findings are in agreement with the established cosmological model and our current understanding of dark matter, taking into account the complexity of Sculptor's stellar populations.
As a side effect of the study, the team also presented a more accurate trajectory of the Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy as a whole as it orbits the Milky Way. Their results show that it is moving around the Milky Way in a high-inclination elongated orbit that takes it much further away than previously thought. Currently, it is nearly at its closest point to the Milky Way, but its orbit can take it as far as 725 000 light-years away.
"With these pioneering measurements, we enter an era where measuring 3D motions of stars in other galaxies will become routine and will be possible for larger star samples. This will mostly be thanks to ESA's Gaia mission," concludes Massari.
###
Notes
[1] The team measured the proper motions of roughly a hundred stars in the Sculptor Dwarf Galaxy. For a smaller subset of ten stars, chosen among those with the smallest errors, the astronomers could also retrieve from the literature an estimate of the radial velocity, which quantifies the stellar motion along the line of sight. Using the proper motion and radial velocity measurements, they were able to reconstruct how these stars move in three dimensions.
[2] The data used contain images taken with Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys in 2002. Newer positions of individual stars were taken from the Gaia, which was observed between 2014 and 2015.
More information
The Hubble Space Telescope is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA.
Gaia is an ESA mission to survey one billion stars in our Galaxy and local galactic neighbourhood in order to build the most precise 3D map of the Milky Way and answer questions about its structure, origin and evolution. A large pan-European team of expert scientists and software developers, the Data Processing and Analysis Consortium (DPAC), located in and funded by many ESA member states, is responsible for the processing and validation of Gaia's data, with the final objective of producing the Gaia Catalogue.
The international team of astronomers in this study consists of D. Massari (University of Groningen, The Netherlands), M. A. Breddels (University of Groningen, The Netherlands), A. Helmi (University of Groningen, The Netherlands), L. Posti (University of Groningen, The Netherlands), A. G. A. Brown (Leiden University, The Netherlands) and E. Tolstoy (University of Groningen, The Netherlands).
Image credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, ESA/ATG medialab, Digitized Sky Survey 2
Links
Images of Hubble - http://www.spacetelescope.org/images/archive/category/spacecraft/
Gaia webpage - http://sci.esa.int/gaia/
ESA Gaia release - http://sci.esa.int/gaia/59806
Science paper - http://www.spacetelescope.org/static/archives/releases/science_papers/heic1719/heic1719a.pdf
Contacts
Davide Massari
Kapteyn Astronomical Institute
Groningen, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 50363 4094
Email: massari@astro.rug.nl
Amina Helmi
Kapteyn Astronomical Institute
Groningen, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 50363 4045
Email: ahelmi@astro.rug.nl
Mathias Jager
ESA/Hubble, Public Information Officer
Garching bei Munchen, Germany
Cell: +49 176 62397500
Email: mjaeger@partner.eso.org
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and American President Donald Trump's daughter (cum advisor) Ivanka Trump inaugurated the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2017 being organised in Hyderabad today. But what is the summit all about?
By India Today Web Desk: Hyderabad is hosting the first south-Asian edition of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) as we speak. And as all know, United States' First Daughter Ivanka Trump is one of the many high-profile guests attending it, heading the United States delegation to the Summit.WHAT IS GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT?
The Global Entrepreneurship Summit is an annual event that gathers emerging entrepreneurs, investors and supporters from around the world. The summit holds different workshops, panels, ignite talks, pitch competitions, mentoring, networking sessions, etc., as described in their website.
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This year, the Global Entrepreneurship Summit is being organised by the NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the government of the United States, and its theme is "Women First, Prosperity for All," focusing on supporting women entrepreneurs.
#GES2017 is focused on a theme that is key to our future: Women First, Prosperity for all first, Prosperity for all. I am proud that for the first time ever, women make up the majority of the 1500 entrepreneurs selected to attend.?? @IvankaTrump #WomenAtWork pic.twitter.com/r1YFoAAybd- U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) November 28, 2017
WHERE IS IT BEING HELD?
The GES 2017 is being held in Hyderabad at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre.
The GES has previously been held in Washington DC, Istanbul, Dubai, Marrakech, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, and Silicon Valley.
WHEN IS IT BEING HELD?
The GES 2017 kickstarted today (November 28), with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ivanka Trump stealing the show by inaugurating India-made bot, Mitra. The summit will go on till November 30.
WHO ALL ARE ATTENDING IT?
As mentioned earlier, the summit will see many high-profile guests, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Minister Sushma Swaraj and Ivanka Trump.
Some of the many speakers at the GES 2017 will be chef and entrepreneur Vikas Khanna, ICICI Bank Managing Director and CEO Chanda Kochhar, Dell CCO Karen Hughes Quintos, BankBazaar.com CEO and Co-Founder Adhil Shetty, etc.
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Anthony Scaramucci, incoming White House communications director, speaks to the media during the daily press briefing at the White House, Friday, July 21, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Officials at Tufts University in Massachusetts have postponed an event with Anthony Scaramucci after the former White House communications director threatened a lawsuit over an opinion piece published in the student newspaper.
The Boston Globe reports Scaramucci was scheduled to speak at the Medford university's Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy on Monday.
Earlier this month, 26-year-old Camilo Caballero wrote a piece in The Tufts Daily newspaper criticizing Scaramucci's position on a Fletcher advisory board.
Scaramucci's lawyer said Nov. 21 they would take legal action unless the graduate student and newspaper retracted "false and defamatory allegations of fact."
Caballero says Scaramucci is trying to prevent him from using his First Amendment rights.
Scaramucci said Sunday he's not limiting free speech, but he wants to defend himself against "factually inaccurate" attacks. He took to Twitter to explain further asking for an apology.
This is not the first time the former financier has stirred the pot. After inking a deal to sell his firm SkyBridge Capital to Chinese conglomerate HNA last year, a deal which is still pending, Scaramucci laid in wait for a position in the Trump administration. That was slow to materialize, partly due to infighting among Trumps former lieutenants Steve Bannon and Reince Priebus, as reported by FOX Business. Scaramucci eventually was appointed to White House communications director, only to flame out in days due to a rant that was deemed inappropriate and offensive, giving him the title of the shortest person to hold that role in history.
Before his White House stint, Scaramucci was a contributor to FOX Business and FOX News.
He earned a B.A. in economics at Tufts University and went onto to earn a J.D. at Harvard Law School.
Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.bostonglobe.com
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Amazon (AMZN) may be known for bargains, but the price of a single share of the e-commerce behemoth could be too expensive for many retail investors. After a blockbuster holiday shopping weekend, it hit a record high of $1205 per share on Cyber Monday, representing 58% year-to-date growth.
But buying Amazons pricey stock isnt the only way to get exposure to the e-commerce giant, analysts from BMO Capital Markets argued in a recent research note.
There are alternative ways to make money off Amazon, they say. One option is owning the companies that power Amazons booming e-commerce business. Alternatively, you could take the opposite approach by investing in anti-Amazon companies.
Own the logistics of Amazon
Amazons so-called logistics include not only the packing, shipping and transportation industry, but also infrastructure providers like telecom and tech giants.
From day to day, you still need the companies to turn on Amazon, Brian Belski, Chief Investment Strategist at BMO Capital Markets, tells Yahoo Finance.
He named a few companies on the logistics chain for Amazon: AT&T (T) and Yahoo parent company Verizon (VZ) offer internet infrastructure to make shopping online possible; meanwhile, International Paper (IP) supplies almost half of the cardboard boxes used by Amazon.
If you only own Amazon (stock), its not a diversified way to own Amazon, Belski says.
He says investing in Amazons business across industries can reduce the idiosyncratic risk of owning a single stock. This resembles a pick-and-shovel strategy in investment, which means putting money in providers of necessary equipment for a company, rather than its end product.
Employees sort packages at the Amazon distribution center warehouse in Saran, near Orleans, France. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer
While most of the aforementioned companies dont entirely rely on Amazon to generate revenue, some have reported attractive returns in the online retail revolution. Big-name investor Louis Navellier recommended Packaging Corp. of America (PKG), a major producer of containerboard for Amazon, during an interview with CNBC.
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They are benefiting immensely from online sales, Navellier says. The stock of the Illinois-based manufacturer has gone up by 31% since the beginning of this year.
Own anti-Amazon companies
In their research note, the analysts at BMO Capital Markets note that at some point the party will be over for Amazon if its actually valued on earnings. To hedge against that risk, it suggests investing in a few anti-Amazon companies: Competitors with comparative advantages and big players in capital-intensive areas.
Despite challenges faced by brick-and-mortar stores, BMO analysts see wholesalers like Costco (COST) and discount retailers like Walmart (WMT) still being able to compete against Amazon. In September, Home Depot (HD), the largest US home improvement chain, got a bullish call from BMO which named it among 14 stocks that can be the most insulated from Amazons disruption with enough unique product and service attributes.
Even if youre not interested in investing in the retail industry at all, BMO says you can still own the anti-Amazon theme by looking into areas where the tech giant hasnt set foot in, including hospitality, waste management and the energy sector.
Krystal Hu covers e-commerce for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter.
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"Poor me," wrote journalist Amit Malaviya in a Facebook post, lamenting about how he has been mistaken in news articles for BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya for years now.
By India Today Web Desk: Spelling. If you think it doesn't matter, you better wake yourself up from the utopic dream and deal with the reality. Spellings matter, for proper nouns as well.
One person who will vouch for this from rooftops must be Gurgaon-based journalist Amit Malaviya. And he had to, after a long time enduring the damage, speak up about what happened to him on Facebook and Twitter.
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Does his name ring a bell?
If you're not social media-savvy, chances are bleak.
For those of you who don't know, BJP's national IT head is a man named Amit Malviya, and he is often in the news for, well, not exactly good reasons.
In the day and age of social media and digital journalism, we often pick up pictures from peoples' social media profiles and tag individuals related to a news piece on Twitter, Facebook and like platforms.
Here is where the golden rules of spellings and double-checking come into play.
Taking to Facebook and Twitter, "poor" common man Amit Malaviya lamented about how he is repeatedly mistaken for Amit Malviya. Most recently, a news article published in a Malayalam opinion website on the BJP IT cell head used Malaviya's picture.
When Malaviya's friend came across it, she/he shared it with him and told him that he is in "deep, deep trouble".
Malaviya, then, shared screenshots of the article on Twitter, and tagged the real Amit Malviya, virtually shaking his head at "the standard of journalism these days,".
Hey @malviyamit, felt like sharing this with you as the level of misunderstanding has reached a new level now. Don't know if this is +ve or -ve, but a friend warned me I'm in deep trouble. Lol! Also shows the standard of #journalism these days. Can anyone translate? pic.twitter.com/tVXFHbWnwx- Amit Malaviya (@amitmalaviya) November 25, 2017
On Facebook, Malaviya complained about "Google journalism". "No need to check, no need to verify. Download and use," he ranted.
Here is his full Facebook post:
"A story of mistaken identity
I am getting unwanted attention these days. Thanks to Amit Malviya, the IT cell head of BJP. I still remember when an ace TV anchor told me 5-6 years ago that he followed my namesake on Twitter thinking it was me. Don't know how many times such a mistake happened.
Over the years, Modi wave and Amit Malviya's role in it changed things a lot and I was often dragged into controversial tweets by being mis-tagged. That continues, rather intensifying.
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The latest is, an ex-colleague from my previous job in Bengaluru today shared this news clip with me and warned me that I'm in 'deep deep trouble'. Not that I got scared. But I pity this Google journalism. No need to check, no need to verify. Download and use.
Poor me. Now I don't know if I have been painted black or portrayed a hero in this news piece. Given the controversies Malviya's tweet on Nehru-Hardik linkage has led to, it's an easy guess."
For future reference, this is BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya, who goes by the Twitter handle @malviyamit :
Amit Malviya. Source: Twitter
...and this is common man Amit Malaviya. We think he would like to be left alone now.
Amit Malaviya. Source: Twitter
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It has been more than a month since the last earnings report for D/B/A Chubb Limited New CB. Shares have lost about 3.5% in that time frame, underperforming the market.
Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to the stock's next earnings release, or is it due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.
Chubb Limited Q3 Loss Narrower Than Expected, Down Y/Y
Chubb Limited reported third-quarter 2017 operating loss of 13 cents per share, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 26 cents. Loss compared unfavorably with earnings of $2.88 in the year-ago quarter.
The quarter largely suffered due to three consecutive hurricanes and two successive earthquakes, having induced the company to incur loss. Catastrophe losses were $1.5 billion or $3.27 per share in the quarter.
Including one-time integration and merger-related expenses of 8 cents, amortization of fair value adjustment of acquired invested assets of 11 cents and net realized gains of 17 cents, net loss of 15 cents per share compared unfavorably with $2.88 per share earned in the year-ago quarter.
Quarter in Detail
Net premiums written improved 4.3% year over year to about $7.9 million in the quarter. Net premiums earned increased 1.3% to $7.8 million. Premiums benefited from one-time unearned premium reserve (UPR) transfer in 2016 were partially offset by merger-related underwriting actions.
Net investment income was $893 million, up 7.5% from a year ago.
Property and casualty underwriting loss was $784 million compared with underwriting income of $1 billion in the year-ago quarter. This loss is attributable to huge catastrophe loss incurred in the quarter. Combined ratio deteriorated 2480 basis points (bps) to 110.8%.
Segment Update
North America Commercial P&C Insurance: Net premiums written declined 0.7% year over year to $3.1 billion. Combined ratio deteriorated 2340 bps to 109.6%.
North America Personal P&C Insurance: Net premiums written increased 18.1% year over year to $1.2 billion. Combined ratio deteriorated 3640 bps to 120.8%.
Overseas General Insurance: Net premiums written increased 1.2% year over year to $2 billion. Combined ratio deteriorated 2040 bps to 101.6%.
North America Agricultural Insurance: Net premiums written increased 9.1% year over year to $926 million. Combined ratio deteriorated 150 bps to 90.4%.
Global Reinsurance: Net premiums written surged 45.8% year over year to $191 million. Combined ratio of 187.4% deteriorated from 66.3% in the year-ago quarter.
Life Insurance: Net premiums written increased 1.3% year over year to $539 million.
Financial Update
Cash balance was $1.1 billion as of Sep 30 2017, up approximately 13.6% from the end of 2016. Total shareholders equity grew about 4.6% to $50.4 million as of Sep 30, 2017.
Book value per share was $108.74 as of Sep 30, 2017, up nearly 5% from year-end 2016.
Operating cash flow was $1.8 billion in the quarter.
Share Repurchase Update
Chubb spent $232 million to buy back 1.6 million shares in the quarter.
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How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
Following the release, investors have witnessed a downward trend in fresh estimates. There has been one revision higher for the current quarter compared to three lower.
D/B/A Chubb Limited New Price and Consensus
D/B/A Chubb Limited New Price and Consensus | D/B/A Chubb Limited New Quote
VGM Scores
At this time,Chubb Limited's stock has a poor Growth Score of F, a grade with the same score on the momentum front. However, the stock was allocated a grade of B on the value side, putting it in the top 40% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
The company's stock is suitable solely for value based on our styles scores.
Outlook
Estimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock. The magnitude of these revisions also indicates a downward shift. Interestingly, the stock has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We are looking for an inline return from the stock in the next few months.
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D/B/A Chubb Limited New (CB) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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WASHINGTON FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said his family has been harassed at his home following his proposal to repeal many of the agencys net neutrality rules.
Internet regulation activists have crossed the line by threatening and harassing my family. They should leave my family out of this and focus on debating the merits of the issue, Pai said in a statement.
Pai told Fox & Friends on Monday that the harassment crosses a line. One sign, shown on the show, read, They will come to know the truth. Dad murdered democracy in cold blood. The signs were placed outside his neighbors house by an unidentified person.
Pai told the show that the sign was a little nerve-racking, especially for my wife whos not involved in this space.
The FCC will vote on Dec. 12 whether to roll back 2015 rules that prohibit internet service providers from blocking or throttling content, or from selling fast lanes so major companies can get speedier access to consumers. Net neutrality activists say such rules are necessary to prevent the internet from being walled off, where access is restricted by ISPs or where certain sites have an unfair advantage over others.
But in the interview, Pai argued that light-touch regulations served the internet well before the rules were put in place.
All we are simply doing is putting engineers and entrepreneurs, instead of bureaucrats and lawyers, in charge of the internet, Pai told Fox & Friends last week, adding that they wanted to return to the free market consensus that started during the Clinton years that served the internet economy in America very well for many years.
Pais chief of staff, Matthew Berry, has also posted some of the racist and threatening tweets sent to Pai. His wife has received threatening messages at her workplace, according to an FCC source.
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Public internet advocates who oppose the FCCs pending action condemned the harassing messages.
Jessica Rosenworcel, an FCC commissioner who favors the current rules and opposes Pais proposal, said on Twitter that the harassment was unacceptable. Under any circumstances.
Former FCC Commissioner Michael Copps, who is critical of Pais proposal, wrote on Twitter that anyone who uses hate speech against him is no ally of mine. Racism and xenophobia are never in the public interest. Net neutrality means inclusion and bringing everyone regardless or tradition, creed, or station in life to the table.
Then-FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler also faced protests outside his home in 2014, as the agency was devising its latest version of net neutrality rules. Wheeler eventually backed a robust approach in which internet service was reclassified as a common carrier. That allowed the FCC a legal foundation to establish stronger rules. Pai is also proposing to roll back that common carrier designation and to classify the internet as an information service.
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The Federal Communications Commission is unfazed by reports that many of the comments against net neutrality posted on its website may be fake. Reports emerged last week that of the 22 million responses received on the subject, over a million individual comments individual comments individual comments may have come from spam campaigns that support FCC chairman Ajit Pais repeal of the Obama-era consumer protections. That hasnt stopped the commission from pushing ahead with its vote on the matter on December 14.
Data scientist Jeff Kao shared his own analysis in this Medium post last week, which showed at least 1.3 million anti-neutrality comments came from a single spam campaign disguised as a grassroots movement.
Hes not the first person to sound the alarm New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman cited a Gravwell study that showed just 17 percent of submitted comments were actually unique, with that fraction overwhelmingly pro-neutrality. But Kaos analysis went further, claiming that only around four percent could be considered truly unique, and its likely that over 99 percent of those were pro-neutrality.
Kao used this image to illustrate his research into bots posting fake comments on the FCC website in support of killing net neutrality. His caption: "Spot the fake comment. Surprise theyre all fake."
I worked on this alone over the span of two weeks during the times I was not in class and was able to reach a conclusion on the organic, non-campaign comments, Kao tells Inverse. Many other data scientists have offered similar analyses.
The FCC is more concerned about the pro-neutrality side. Brian Hart, director of the office of media relations for the FCC, tells Inverse the most suspicious activity came from those in favor of net neutrality. More than 7.5 million comments consisting of the same letter coming from around 45,000 e-mail addresses. Hart also claimed that a single e-mail address in Russia was responsible for over 400,000 pro-neutrality comments.
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We do not purge form letters, such as these, from the record as we err on the side of keeping the public record open and do not have the resources to investigate every comment that is filed, Hart tells Inverse.
Kao disputes the notion that the FCC does not have the resources, though.
Most commercial internet platforms will take measures to filter out spam and PR hacking attempts, either on the front-end or the back-end this is standard practice, Kao says. The proceeding has been taking comments for months with all the resources at the FCC chairs disposal, it feels to me more a problem of resource allocation.
Questions linger over the commissions handling of the consultation, which was by far the largest in its history.
It feels disingenuous for them to cite a swirled public record, fail to allocate resources to it, and then say that its impossible to sort out, Kao says.
Meanwhile, there are several net neutrality protests planned for the the coming weeks, and heres exactly what AT&T, Verizon, Charter, and Comcast say about net neutrality.
Photos via Jeff Kao, Getty Images / Ethan Miller
Photos via Jeff Kao, Getty Images / Ethan Miller
Written by Mike Brown
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Tehran (AFP) - Iran and Turkey signed a deal Sunday with Qatar aimed at boosting commercial ties with the Gulf state which is under blockade by its Arab neighbours, Iranian state television said.
The broadcaster's website said the agreement provides for the creation of a "joint working group to facilitate the transit of goods between the three countries".
It also said the three nations aimed to tackle "obstacles to sending goods from Iran and Turkey to Qatar".
Qatar's relationship with Shiite-dominated Iran, seen as the major rival to Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia in the Middle East, is one of the major factors underpinning the crisis between Qatar and its former allies.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt all cut ties with Qatar in June, accusing Doha of backing extremism and fostering ties with Iran, charges that Qatar denies.
Since the crisis erupted, Iran and Turkey -- whose relations have warmed considerably in recent months -- have sought to help break Qatar's isolation, including by increasing food exports to the emirate.
Motley Fool
Carnival says it will use the proceeds from this debt offering to pay off principal on existing debt (i.e., roll over the old debt), as well as for general corporate purposes. In theory, this should mean that Carnival will be paying off notes that carry higher interest rates, with money from new notes that cost it less in interest. Logically, when we consider that interest rates have been trending higher as the Fed continues to hike its targeted federal funds rate, it seems more likely that Carnival would end up paying more on any new debt it issues, than what it pays on the debt it's replacing.
Several major advertisers have said they will suspend advertising campaigns on YouTube after their ads were found displayed with videos that had racked up millions of views by depicting children in threatening or compromising situations. Many of those viewing and commenting on the videos have been described as pedophiles.
Advertisers suspending their YouTube advertising including Mars Inc., Adidas and Diageo, maker of spirits including Tanqueray and Captain Morgan, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The videos were highlighted early last week in a BuzzFeed report which described a vast, disturbing, and wildly popular universe of videos that included live-action footage of children depicted in threatening situations or in bedclothes. YouTube responded by taking down many videos and announcing that it would enforce community guidelines more strictly.
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Then on Thursday, the Times of London reported that major brand advertisements were showing alongside similar videos, and that they had attracted comments from hundreds of paedophiles, explicitly linking advertisers to perhaps the most reviled behavior on Earth.
The implication that YouTube has been abetting pedophiles follows a string of revelations of disturbing content hiding in plain site on the Google-owned platform. Google has recently been pushed to remove content promoting extremist views and terrorism, after leaving such content unmonitored for years. YouTube was also recently pressured to remove disturbing content from its YouTube Kids platform, including cartoons of popular kids heroes engaged in bizarre and violent activities.
The situation reflects a larger challenge facing social media platforms including Facebook and Twitter. While the companies grew thanks in part to strong stances in favor of freedom of speech, the same policies attracted harassment, trolling and fringe content. Those behaviors have proven hard to stop using algorithms, suggesting that effectively policing these now-massive systems will require human labor on a large scale.
BAMAKO, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Industrial gold production in Mali, Africa's third biggest producer, is on track to exceed earlier forecasts for this year, a government official said on Friday.
Mali's industrial miners produced 46.9 tonnes of gold last year, but the government said in May that production in 2017 would slip to about 45 tonnes as the country waited for new mines to come online next year.
Mamadou Sidibe, deputy director of the government's Cell for Planning and Statistics, did not give an updated forecast for 2017 production. But output for the first nine months hit 35.2 tonnes, five percent higher than projected, he told Reuters.
Major investors in Mali's gold sector include Anglo Gold Ashanti and Randgold Resources. Sidibe said 2017 output would be boosted by last month's start of production at B2Gold's giant Fekola project.
Fekola and Hummingbird Resources' new Yanfolila mine are expected to hit full production next year.
The government, meanwhile, said earlier this year that it expects informal artisinal miners to produce 50 tonnes of gold this year, more than double last year's haul of 20.1 tonnes.
If so, total production from industrial and informal mines could top 95 tonnes, a more than 40 percent rise on last year.
The gold industry contributes around a quarter of the West African government's revenues and exports last year were valued at $2.2 billion. (Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Aaron Ross; Editing by Edward McAllister and Alexander Smith)
MEXICO CITY, Nov 23 (Reuters) - Monsanto Co said on Thursday that Mexico's agriculture sanitation authority SENASICA had revoked its permit to commercialize genetically modified soy in seven states, criticizing the decision as unjustified.
Monsanto said in a statement that the permit had been withdrawn on unwarranted legal and technical grounds. The company said it would take the necessary steps to safeguard its rights and those of farmers using the technology, but did not elaborate.
SENASICA officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Mexican newspaper Reforma cited a document saying the permit had been withdrawn due to the detection of transgenic Monsanto soya in areas where it was not authorized.
Monsanto rejected that argument, saying in its statement that authorities had not done an analysis of how the soy on which their decision was based was sown.
The revocation applies to the states of Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, Veracruz, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatan and Quintana Roo and follows a 2016 legal suspension of the permit. (Reporting by Dave Graham and Noe Torres; editing by Richard Pullin)
By PTI: Washington, Nov 28 (PTI) Amputees can learn to control a robotic arm with their mind even several years after an amputation, through electrodes implanted in the brain, according to a study led by an Indian-origin scientist.
Researchers at the University of Chicago in the US showed that the areas of the brain used to control the amputated limb and the remaining, intact limb can create new connections to learn how to control the device.
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"That is the novel aspect to this study, seeing that chronic, long-term amputees can learn to control a robotic limb," said Nicho Hatsopoulos, professor at University of Chicago.
"But what was also interesting was the brains plasticity over long-term exposure, and seeing what happened to the connectivity of the network as they learned to control the device," said Hatsopoulos, senior author of the study published in the journal Nature Communications.
Previous experiments have shown how paralysed human patients can move robotic limbs through a brain machine interface.
The study is one of the first to test the viability of these devices in amputees as well.
Researchers worked with three rhesus monkeys who suffered injuries at a young age and had to have an arm amputated to rescue them four, nine and 10 years ago respectively.
In two of the animals, they implanted electrode arrays in the side of the brain opposite, or contralateral, to the amputated limb. This is the side that used to control the amputated limb.
In the third animal, the electrodes were implanted on the same side, or ipsilateral, to the amputated limb. This is the side that still controlled the intact limb.
The monkeys were then trained to move a robotic arm and grasp a ball using only their thoughts.
The scientists recorded the activity of neurons where the electrodes were placed, and used a statistical model to calculate how the neurons were connected to each other before the experiments, during training and once the monkeys mastered the activity.
The connections between neurons on the contralateral side - the side that had been controlling the amputated arm - were sparse before the training, most likely because they had not been used for that function in a long time.
However, as training progressed, these connections became more robust and dense in areas used for both reaching and grasping.
Researchers found that first the connections were pruned and the networks thinned, before rebuilding into a new, dense network.
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"That means connections were shedding off as the animal was trying to learn a new task, because there is already a network controlling some other behavior," said Karthikeyan Balasubramanian, a postdoctoral researcher who led the study.
"But after a few days it started rebuilding into a new network that can control both the intact limb and the neuroprosthetic," said Balasubramanian. PTI MHN SAR MHN
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FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2017 file photo, Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney departs after a television interview at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) director Mick Mulvaney said on Monday that he would not decimate the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) during his tenure as acting director, despite his history as a harsh critic of the watchdog agency.
When asked by reporters whether he would effectively destroy the CFPB, Mulvaney replied, no, we are going to follow the law.
Mulvaney is currently at the center of a battle for the acting director position, after CFPB deputy director Leandra English filed a lawsuit on Sunday night to bar him from assuming the role. As stipulated under Dodd-Frank, English would be next in line to serve as interim head of the agency until a permanent director is nominated and approved. However, on Friday, President Donald Trump appointed Mulvaney to the slot, citing the ability to do so under the Federal Vacancies Act of 1988.
In a letter to employees on Monday, Mulvaney instructed CFPB staff to disregard any instructions you receive from Ms. English in her presumed capacity as Acting Director. Afterward, he told reporters, we want to make it clear to the folks who are working here that we didnt consider her to be the acting director.
Still, Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have scheduled a meeting Monday afternoon with English.
Despite the lawsuit and confusion, Mulvaney said he had a really smooth morning.
Mulvaney previously called the CFPB a sick, sad joke, but he joins a host of Republicans who would like to see the bureaus power tempered. U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told FOX Business in June that its improper for the CFPB to be funded out of the Fed rather than Congress and to have a director who cannot be fired at will by the president.
This agency should be subject to proper review and not subject to one person acting on their own, he said.
Regardless of whether Mulvaney maintains power over the near-term in the bureau, Trump is likely to nominate a Republican that will pare down some of the CFPBs independent authority.
Story continues
[Over] the long-term it shouldnt make a difference since the position will ultimately be filled by a Trump nominee, Thaya Knight, associate director of financial regulation studies at the Cato Institute, told FOX Business. That nominee, if the names current circulating are any indication, will likely favor a different approach to policy than that pursued by [former CFPB director] Richard Cordray since many of them have been critical of the agency.
Knight noted that those who have condemned the CFPB over the power wielded by the director, should consider whether the problem is actually the structure of the agency and not the individual in charge.
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By Devika Krishna Kumar
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices eased on Tuesday, weighed down by uncertainty over the outcome of an OPEC meeting this week at which an extension to its price-supporting oil output cuts will be discussed.
Prices also briefly came under pressure after a fire broke out at Exxon Mobil Corp's Feeling under the weather? Try the rom-com remedy three in five Americans say its their go-to movie genre when down for the count. Thats according to a new poll of 2,000 millennial parents of kids ages 4-12, where theyre also watching action and adventure movies (37%) and series like Harry Potter or the Hunger Games (36%). When sickness strikes, more than four in five (82%) spend most of their time in their bedroom, with 42% staying put on the couch in their living room. This may contribute to the fact that the average parent watches five hours of TV or movies each sick day. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Delsym, results showed how respondents are optimizing comfort with their favorite things. Results revealed that respondents get sick about three times per year. Respondents were more likely to prefer old favorites than to wrap their heads around new content when feeling ill. (23% vs 15%). When parents are sick with their children, the most popular movies to watch are the Harry Potter series (32%) and the Toy Story series (32%). They also watch movies like Frozen (30%), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (28%) and Moana (25%). More than half (56%) of respondents have a go-to or favorite feel-better comfort movie, with the average person saying they can watch it four times in a row without getting sick of it In fact, 45% of those admit they can watch it more than four times and one in 10 of those (11%) even say they can watch it an infinite amount of times. In total, respondents have watched their feel-better movie about 34 different times. This movie has been respondents favorite for about six years, perhaps because it reminds them of good times (61%) and makes them laugh (53%). Parents report feeling relaxed (54%), happy (48%) and calm (40%) after watching their favorite movie. Almost two-thirds (63%) of parents agree that theyve passed their love of their favorite movie along to their child. Nothing brings a family together quite like movie night, and nothing makes movie night better than a feel-good flick that fills you with warm, fuzzy feelings especially when youre sick. We understand that feeling better means more than just relieving your cough symptoms its about cozying up on the couch as you and your family work to feel better together, said Albert So, Marketing Director, Upper Respiratory Brands at Reckitt, including Delsym. The survey also delved into how respondents are remedying their ailments by caring for their five senses. In order to alleviate their symptoms, parents tend to want to taste soup (42%) and hot beverages like tea or coffee (26%). They also want to touch things like their favorite blanket (40%), their significant other (19%) and their pet (14%). When it comes to smell, respondents like to breathe in something clean like fresh linens (42%), medicine (36%) and something cooking in the kitchen (26%). And while trying to feel better, respondents like to listen to music (58%) and their friends and family talking (29%). When a family member is under the weather, the entire household is caught in the storm and that daily routine can be thrown off course, bringing with it discomfort and chaos. Families not only need fast-acting relief, but they need comforting remedies to help them navigate that storm, said So. Whether its moms chicken soup, your go-to feel better movie or cozying up with your kids, whatever it is that makes you feel better can go a long way. Survey methodology: This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 millennial parents of kids aged 4-12 was commissioned by Delsym between October 6 and October 10, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR). Red-faced council chiefs have been forced to send back Britain's saddest Christmas tree after locals were left so shocked they thought it was a joke. The partially brown 16ft spruce, which seemed to be missing several branches, was erected in the centre of St. Helens, Merseyside, earlier this week. But locals were left fuming at the sub-standard conifer, with one claiming that theyd been given the worst tree in England for two years in a row. Residents also joked that it might be a re-potted version of last years festive failure, which was so bare the only light on the tree was the sun shining on it. Meanwhile, others branded the fir disgusting and called for more spending on Yuletide celebrations. The tree has been branded a 'laughing stock' after it was put up in Church Square earlier this week, with one resident saying he thought it was a prank. Embarrassed officials from St Helens Borough Council later accepted that the spruce did not meet our standards and agreed to replace it within 24 hours. One wrote: If it hadnt have been so poor last year, Id have agreed it was a mistake this time around. I think the council chanced their arm on a cheap tree again. Surely someone saw it and picked it out? And surely it would have some resemblance when unpacked? The Norwegians manage to get a decent one all the way to Trafalger Square every year without incident! It isnt important per se, but things like this are a visual representation of the town at large. Last years was uninspired, lacking effort and depressing. I think we all deserve better. Another angry resident added: Disgusting. Typical St. Helens council trying to line there own pockets as per usual instead of spending money on the town or the towns people. Im not surprised the council are a laughing stock and no one trusts them anymore. A further local said: The poor tree looks like its been dug up years ago ..might even be last years tree that had tried to be replanted and sadly failed to thrive for this year ...if they fork out on LOADS of lights it will shine I'm sure ..... While another resident added: Two years in a row we have probably the worst in England. This years ill-fated tree follows controversy over St Helens previous Christmas fir, which had no lights after the council decided to forgo illuminations for it all together. At the time, Resident Paul Whittaker, who took a picture of the sun peeking through the spruces leaves, joked that it was the only light that would featured on the sad tree. But it seems local organisers were quick to take note of the criticism this time around after they hastily released a statement saying the tree would be replaced. A spokesperson said: Hello everyone, just to let you know we're not happy with this tree either. When the tree is unwrapped it is our first chance to look at it too and this does not meet our standards. We can assure everyone that this tree will be replaced with a new one in the next 24 hours! Rainford's Christmas Trees, who supplied the local fir, added that large spruces dont always come through the transportation process well and were finding a replacement. A spokesperson for the business said: "We installed this tree, when its in the forest trees look great, when you take them from their natural surroundings, cut them down bale them up, transport them then put them up again, big trees dont always come through the process that well. We recognised this after it was erected and was allowed to open out and immediately organised a replacement.